Brig. Gen. Francis George ALSTON [4107]

  General Notes:

Francis had a distinguished Army career.

Alston.
Capt Francis George. 6th son of Sir F.B.A., KCMG., of the Toft, Sharnbrooke, Beds: 1892 (3) - 1896 (3); formerly Lieut., 4th Bn., Beds. Regt., (Militia); ent. Scots Gds. 1900, Lieut. 1902, Capt., since 1905; served in South African War 1899-1902; m Harriete Antoinette, d of John Tarn of 24 Hyde Park St., W. c/o Cox & Co. , 16 Charing Cross, S.W.
Ref: Eton School Lists. NZSOG.

Second Lieutenant Francis.G. Alston, 2nd Battalion Scots Guards, who was severely wounded in the action at Slapkramz on July 28th, is the youngest son of Sir Francis Alston, K.C.M.G., late of the Foreign Office, and brother of the late Lieutenant Edward-G. Alston, Coldstream Guards, who-distinguished himself in British Central Africa 1895-1897. He was born on July 19th, 1878, and educated at Eton.
Daily Graphic, August 8 1900. Reproduction of a Photo accompanies above.
Alstoniana Pg 397

In 1952 when Francis was living at Sandacre, Sandling, Hythe, Kent; telephone number Hythe 6211 he wrote to Lord Luke at Odell Castle enquiring about the Alston hatchments in Odell church. There followed a correspondance between the second Lord Luke (Mr Ian Lawson-Johnson), Rev F J Barwood Vicar of Odell and Francis concerning the hatchments.
Images on pictures file.

The Times 11 March 1961 pg 12 col G.
BRIG-GEN. F G ALSTON.
Brigadier General Francis George Alston CMG DSO., who died yesterday at his home in Sandling, near Hythe, was 82. He was Col commanding Scots Guards from 1927 to 1931 and AQMG Western Command from 1932 to 1935.
The son of Sir Francis Alston KCMG., he received his schooling at Eton and abroad, he was commissioned in the Scots Guards in 1900 and then went out to serve in the war in South Africa. He was on the London District Staff from 1911 to 1940 and also at the end of the First World War in which he won a DSO and a Croix de Guerre, was appointed CMG., and ordered the brevet of Lieutenant Colonel. In 1927 and again in 1939 to 1941 he was Assistant Adjutant General War Office.
He married Antoinette Tarn, by whom he had one son and two daughters.

ALSTON, Brigadier-General Francis (George) (1878-1961) [Who Was Who May 2003]
Categories: Biography
Summary: Details: ALSTON, Brigadier-General Francis (George), CMG 1919; DSO 1916; born 19 July 1878; son of late Sir Francis Alston, KCMG, of the Foreign Office; married Antoinette Tarn; one son two daughters. Education: Eton; abroad. Work: 2nd Lieut Scots Guards, 1900; Capt. 1906; Major, 1915; Lt-Col 1921; Col 1922; served S. Africa, 1900-1902 (Queen's medal 3 clasps, King's medal 2 clasps); European War, 1914-1918 (despatches, CMG, DSO, Bt Lt-Col, Croix de Guerre, Order of Leopold); on London District Staff, 1911-1914 and December 1918-June 1920; Instructor Senior Officers School, 1925-1927; Assistant Adjutant-General, War Office, 1927 and 1939-1941; Colonel commanding Scots Guards, 1927-1931; AQMG Western Command, 1932-1935; retired pay, 1935. Address: Sandacre, Sandling, near Hythe, Kent. Clubs: Guards. Died: 10 March 1961
Ref: Know UK CD - Colin Fenn.

Alston Francis George CMG DSO of Sandacre Sandling Hythe Kent died 10 March 1961. Probate London 28 April 1961 to Paul Francis Alston educationalist.
Effects £24,412 13s 5d.
National Probate Calendar.

  Research Notes:

Image by Vandyk NPG 98166

  Other Records

1. Census: England, 3 Apr 1881, 69 Eccleston Sq MDX. Francis is recorded as a son aged 2 born St George Hanover Sq

2. Census: England, 5 Apr 1891, 69 Eccleston Sq St George Hanover Sq LND. Francis is recorded as a son single aged 12 a scholar born St George Hanover Sq LND

3. Letters Concerning Alston Hatchments in Odell Church: Lawson-Johnston & Rev F J Barwood, 14 May -15 May - 21 May - 27 May 1952. 14 May 1952.
The Rev F J Barwood,
Odell Rectory,
Odell,
Bedfordshire.
Dear Mr Barwood,
The enclosed letter from Brigadier General Francis Alston whose family lived for many years at Odell, has been passed on to me and I would like to be able to reply as soon as possible. Any information however that I could give him would be very scanty, and I am wondering if there is any information down at Odell which you could let me have concerning the hatchments. As far as I know all the hatchments in Odell Church are those of the Alston family except the one modern one which is my mothers.
It was so nice to see you and Mrs Barwood the other evening. I did appreciate your coming up for the meeting. I thought it really quite successful, though I do wish we could fill the hall.
Yours sincerely,
HAL

ack. 16.5.52
Odell Rectory,
Bedford.
15^th May 1952.
Dear Mr Lawson Johnston,
Thank you for your letter of the 14^th inst, regarding the hatchments in Odell Church.
I fear there is little I can add at the moment to the knowledge you already have. The three Alston hatchments were removed from the West wall of the church to their present position by Mr Johnson two adorn the north wall of the nave and one on the south wall.
I also saw the notice issued by the Bath Heraldic Society, and I myself wrote several weeks ago to the secretary to inform him of the three Alston hatchments and also of the modern one which is your mothers.
We found the USCL Meeting last week very inspiring, but we too were sorry that more people were not present.
The Bedford folk are responding slowly and each week I secure further opportunities for addressing gatherings. It will be some time before we can plan anything on a large scale, for USCL is not known even by the clergy! I have been to St Mary's, All Saints and Elstow in the last few days, and I am going to St Peter's and Goldington Church in the near future.
By the kindness of your uncle the choir will appear in robes for the first time next Sunday, Rogation Sunday. If the weather is suitable, we hope to hold a short service in the fields at 6 PM.
Yours sincerely.
FJ Barwood.

21 May 1952
The Rev F J Barwood,
Odell Rectory,
Bedfordshire.
Dear Mr Barwood,
I have had another letter from General Francis Alston with regard to the hatchments in Odell Church.
He says that if the Alston arms (the stars) occupy only half the shield and if there is a surcharge smaller shield in the centre, one should be able to identify them.
I wonder if you could kindly give me a description or perhaps a drawing of the three shields which I could pass on to General Alston. If he can identify their date and origin, it would I think be useful to have a note of them to keep in Odell Church.
Yours sincerely
HAL

Odell Rectory,
Bedford.
Phone
Harrold 234
27 May 1952.
Dear Mr Lawson Johnston,
Thank you for your letter of the 21st inst regarding the Alston hatchments in Odell church.
I am enclosing rough sketches of the present hatchments (not very good ones I fear) which I hope may be of use to General Francis Alston.
Perhaps he will kindly send us particulars of dates and origin for record purposes at this end.
Yours sincerely
FJ Barwood.

4. Census: England, 2 Apr 1911, 4 Chelsea Plc Hyde Park Sq Paddington LND. Francis is recorded as head of a 16 room house married aged 32 a Captain in the Scots Guards born St George Hanover Sq LND

5. Letters Concerning Alston Hatchments in Odell Church: Frances Alston to Lord Luke, 11 May 1952.
Sandacre, Sandling, Hythe, Kent
Telephone: Hythe 6211. Station: Sandling Junction.
May 11
Dear Lord Luke
Please forgive me for taking up your time. "Country Life" of 11 April last published a letter from the Bath Heraldic Society asking people to inform them of the existence and particulars of hatchments hanging in churches.
They are compiling a list
Page 2.
Of them all over the country.
Up to a short time ago, there was 2 or 3 of these of my family (Alston) in Odell Church.
Can you tell me whether they are still in existence and still hang in their original places at the West End as I recollect them.
They are historical instances
Page 3.
of the past and should of course be preserved.
I should be most grateful if you can tell me anything about them, so that I may inform the Bath Heraldic Society accordingly.
Funnily enough I have lately been in touch with the Royal Commission for historical monuments about
Page 4
a hatchment rescued by the Royal Commission from a bombed church.
It refers to a member of my Mother's family and is to be set up again near here, where my great great uncle was born and where the family then lived.
Again apologising
Yours Sincerely
Francis Alston
PS
I enclose an addressed envelope to facilitate my identification.

6. Letters Concerning Alston Hatchments in Odell Church: Lawson-Johnston Francis Alston, 16 May 1952.
16 May 1952.
Brigadier General Francis Alston CMG DSO.
Sandacre,
Sandling,
near Hythe,
Kent.
Dear Gen Alston,
My brother Lord Luke, is away in Argentina, so I am replying to your letter to him of 11^th of May regarding the hatchments at Odell Church in connection with the letter in "Country Life" of 11^th April.
The three Alston hatchments are certainly still in Odell church, though they have been moved from what I gather with their original positions. Two of them are now I gather on the north wall of the nave and one of them on the south wall.
I have written to Mr Barwood, who has recently become Rector of Odell, but he has been unable to find out any further information about them. Actually, he tells me he did write to the Bath Heraldic Society to report the existence of those three hatchments. I wonder if there is anyone who would have a record of the dates when these hatchments were executed and the Alston's to whom they refer, because, if so, a record should be kept really in Odell church for the benefit of future generations.
Yours sincerely,
Signed (Lawson-Johnston)

Sandacre, Sandling, Hythe, Kent
Telephone: Hythe 6211. Station: Sandling Junction.
May 18
Dear Lawson Johnston
It is good of you to reply so promptly about the 3 Hatchments. I am very glad that they exist, as such things will never be repeated.
I remember seeing them on houses in London when I was young, and they were afterwards removed to a church.
I last searched in "Stemmata Alstoniana", a weird book
Page 2
published privately many years ago, few copies exist, and although the memorials and slabs in Odell Church are given in detail, there is no mention of the Hatchments. But if the Alston arm's (ten stars) occupy one half the shield and if there is a surcharge smaller shield in the centre, one should be able to identify them.
I saw them so many years ago that I have forgotten the detail, but I remember the old Odell Castle Box where anyone could go to sleep during the sermon!
Page 3
as I am the last of the generation, who knew the place in the old days, I am so glad that they are in good hands.
If the description of the shields could be sent me by Rev Barwood, I could perhaps trace them ? I quite agree such a record should be kept if possible.
Many thanks for the trouble you have taken.
Yours sincerely
Fran Alston Gen

7. Letters Concerning Alston Hatchments in Odell Church: Lawson-Johnston - Francis Alston. Images of Hatchments, 28 May 1952.
28 May 1952
Brigadier General Francis Alston CMG, DSO.
Sandacre,
Sandling,
Nr. Hythe,
Kent.
Dear General Alston,
I now enclose rough sketches which Mr Barwood has sent me of the Alston Hatchments in Odell church.
May be you will be able to glean some information from these, and I should be grateful if we could have any such information for record purposes at Odell.
Yours sincerely,
HAL

Extract from the letter from R P Graham-Vivian M.C. Windsor Herald.
July 24, 1952.
Arms with the 3 Rams heads, "I have come to the conclusion that they are definitely intended to be for DURNFORD, but I am sorry to say that no Durnford at any time has established a right to Arms".
Papworths Ordinary, a printed work, gives 3 Rams heads to Dunford, "it indicates that the Durnford may possibly have originated as Dunford and adopted the Arms in later days".
"You may agree with me from all this that the Coat is probably intended for Durnford, but the fact remains that no such Coat has never been satisfactorily established to the family, no Durnford has entered any pedigree or had a grant of arms from the College".
The above means the No 1 Coat on north wall Alston (10 Estoiles and Bloody Hand of Ulster) and Durnford/3 Rams Heads) "RESURGAM" represents Lady Alston nee Gertrude Durnford, widow of Sir Rowland Alston Bart 6th and last Baronet.

No 2 on North wall represents Thomas Alston of Odell. The Coat shews Alston (10 Estoiles) & Raynesford (Argent a Cross Sable,i.e. a Black Cross on a White Field. "In Coelo Quies".

Page 2
No 3 on South wall represents Sir Rowland Alston 6^th and last Baronet of Odell. Captain and Lieutenant-Colonel First Guards Coat Alston (10 Estoiles & Bloody Hand) and Durnford (3 Rams Heads).

8. Letters Concerning Alston Hatchments in Odell Church: Lawson-Johnston Francis Alston, 29 May - 24 Jul - 20 Oct 1952.
Sandacre, Sandling, Hythe, Kent
Telephone: Hythe 6211. Station: Sandling Junction.
May 29.
Dear Lawson-Johnston
Very many thanks for your letter and enclosure. Rev Barwood has made a very good job of his drawings.
I will now endeavour to trace the personages, the number 1 is of course one of the Baronets as it has the Bloody Hand of Ulster on the top left, as born by all baronets on their shield.
When I can get more details, I will let you know for purposes of record.
Again thanking you.
Yours sincerely.
Francis Alston.

Sandacre, Sandling, Hythe, Kent
Telephone: Hythe 6211. Station: Sandling Junction.
Oct 20 1952.
Dear Lawson-Johnston
Hatchments at Odell Church.
I should have written before, but seasonal activity in the garden and latterly lack of House Staff! have cut down my letter writing.
As however you will have taken an interest for record purposes in the hatchments I am passing on to you
Page 2
the result of my enquiries at the College of arms, the answer is not entirely satisfactory, but nevertheless I think pretty conclusive.
Thank you very much for taking so much interest.
Yours sincerely.
Francis Alston. (By his name, in pencil, Brig Gen Francis Alston CHG DSO)
Notes in pencil at the top of the letter:
Write and thank? Dates Copies to Rev Barwood Records.

Brig General F Alston.
Extract from the letter from R P Graham-Vivian M.C. Windsor Herald.
July 24, 1952.
Arms with the 3 Rams heads, "I have come to the conclusion that they are definitely intended to be for DURNFORD, but I am sorry to say that no Durnford at any time has established a right to Arms".
Papworths Ordinary, a printed work, gives 3 Rams heads to Dunford, "it indicates that the Durnford may possibly have originated as Dunford and adopted the Arms
Page 2
in later days".
"You may agree with me from all this that the Coat is probably intended for Durnford, but the fact remains that no such Coat has never been satisfactorily established to the family, no Durnford has entered any pedigree or had a grant of arms from the College".
The above means the No 1 Coat on North wall Alston (10 Estoiles and Bloody Hand of Ulster) and Durnford/3 Rams Heads) "RESURGAM" represents Lady Alston nee Gertrude
Page 3.
Durnford, widow of Sir Rowland Alston Bart 6th and last Baronet.

No 2 on North wall represents Thomas Alston of Odell. The Coat shews Alston (10 Estoiles) & Raynesford (Argent a Cross Sable,i.e. a Black Cross on a White Field. "In Coelo Quies"

No 3 on South wall represents Sir Rowland Alston 6^th and last Bart of Odell. Captain and Lieutenant-Colonel First Guards Coat Alston (10 Estoiles & Bloody Hand)
Page 4
and Durnford (3 Rams Heads).

9. Letters Concerning Alston Hatchments in Odell Church: Lawson-Johnston, Francis Alston, Rev Barwood, 24 Oct 1952.
24 October 1952.
Dear General Alston,
Thank you very much for your letter of October 20 enclosing details of the Hatchments at Odell. I am giving a copy of your notes to my brother and also to the Rector of Odell and one for the records there, as I think they will be of interest to future generations. I am glad you have managed to find out so much about them.
There is one fact that seems to be missing and that is any mention of dates. I wonder whether you have any dates available which could be attributed to the Hatchments?
Yours sincerely,
HAL
Brigadier General Francis Alston CMG DSO
Sandacre,
Sandling,
Hythe,
Kent.

24 October 1952.
The Rev F J Barwood,
Odell Rectory,
Odell,
Bedfordshire.
Dear Mr Barwood,
I have the enclosed notes from Brigadier General Alston with regard to the Hatchments at Odell. I am sending you two copies, one for your information, and I thought the main copy for the records at Odell where ever they may be kept.
I have asked General Alston whether he knows any dates which could be added to these details, so I hope he will be able to provide these.
Yours sincerely,
HAL

28 October 1952.
The Rev FJ Barwood,
Odell Rectory,
Bedfordshire.
Dear Mr Barwood,
I have had a further letter from General Alston, (the writing is not too clear, but I think it is substantially correct). I also enclose his further notes regarding the Hatchments in Odell Church which gives the dates.
With regard to the letter, perhaps you would let me know if Odell Church still possesses the chalice and either of the patens mentioned.
Yours sincerely,
HAL

10. Letters Concerning Alston Hatchments in Odell Church: Francis Alston, Lawson-Johnston, Rev Barwood, 26 Oct - 28 Oct - 31 Oct - 17 Nov - 20 Nov 1952.
Sandacre, Sandling, Hythe, Kent
Telephone: Hythe 6211. Station: Sandling Junction.
October 26th
Dear Lawson Johnston
Many thanks for your letter of 24 October. After posting my letter, I too remembered the dates! Rollo Alston told me once that the Registers had been destroyed by fire!. "Stemmata Alstoniana" published many years ago by a man called Cresswell prints a good many extracts.
I can only give you the dates as I have found that both in that publication and in "The History And Antiquities of the Hundred of Willey in the County of Bedford" By W H Harvey Esq F.R. Historical Society printed in London 1872 - 78.
The latter actually gives the existence of the Hatchments and Achievements on page 370.
Numbers 1 and 2
"Alston impaling Sable 3 Rams Heads Cabossed argent armed or Durnford"
Number 3
Alston impaling argent and cross sable Raynsford".

I do not know why I did not refer sooner this book, which is very bulky and is quite rare. Only 100 copies were published. It also refers to the Chalice and Paten silver gilt from William Alston
"Ex dono Guiliemi Alston
Deo et Ecclesiae Odelis in
com Bedfordiae 1637".
A second paten was given by Dame Temperance Wolstenholme 1728, (Lady Alston by her first marriage to Sir Rowland Alston 2^nd Baronet, she was the Honourable Temperance second daughter of Thomas 2^nd Lord Crew of Stene).
Do they still exist?
Yours sincerely
Francis Alston.

Sir Rowland Alston 6^th and last Bart High Sheriff of Bedfordshire 1759 Captain and Lieutenant-Colonel First Guards 1745 - 62 Died 29 June 1790 aged 64

Dame Gertrude Alston (need Durnford) died 14 March 1807 aged 75 (Her portrait full-length, by T Gainsborough is now in the Louvre)

Thomas Alston (natural son of Sir Thomas 5^th Bart) High Sheriff of Bedfordshire 1809, died 26 July 1815.

Then typed copy of above dated 26 Oct 1952.

28 October 1952.
The Rev FJ Barwood,
Odell Rectory,
Bedfordshire.
Dear Mr Barwood,
I have had a further letter from General Alston, (the writing is not too clear, but I think it is substantially correct). I also enclose his further notes regarding the Hatchments in Odell Church which gives the dates.
With regard to the letter, perhaps you would let me know if Odell Church still possesses the chalice and either of the patens mentioned.
Yours sincerely,
HAL

Odell Rectory
Bedford
Phone
Harrold 234.
31 October 1952.
Dear Mr Lawson Johnston
Thank you for your letters and the notes regarding the Alston Hatchments etc. I will file these papers in the Church Safe. The Chalice and paten of silver gilt, as also the paten given by Dame Temperance Wolstenholme in 1728 are still here in the safe. They are fine specimens. Do have a look at them with me when next you come to Odell
Yours very sincerely.
F J Barwood

17 November 1952.
Dear General Alston,
I have delayed answering your letter of October 26 until I have had a weekend at Odell. I was most interested with all the dates you gave me and I have added these additional facts to the records which I have given the Rector at Odell.
The chalice and paten of silver gilt given by William Alston in 1637 are indeed still there. They are kept in the safe and brought out at Christmas time and I had a look at them on Sunday and they are very fine pieces. The second paten given by Dame Temperance Wolstenholme in 1728 is also there together with 2 or 3 others, all, I should say, of a similar period which are not inscribed.
Thank you for drawing my attention to these.
Yours sincerely,
HAL.

Sandacre, Sandling, Hythe, Kent
Telephone: Hythe 6211. Station: Sandling Junction.
November 20th
Dear Lawson-Johnston
I am glad to hear that the Communion plate is all true. Talking about them is really another form of checking their existence, otherwise things sometimes disappear in the course of time if no one takes any interest in such things.
Yours sincerely
Francis Alston

Francis married Harriet Antoinette (Toinette) TARN [7577] [MRIN: 2535], daughter of John TARN [18021] and Mary GILLETT [25971], on 1 Jun 1907 in Royal Chapel Wellington Barracks Westminster. (Harriet Antoinette (Toinette) TARN [7577] was born on 26 May 1881 in St Germain Paris France and died 1 Qtr 1972 in Reg Newbury BRK.)