The Colvin family had been involved for a long time in various capacities in the British East Indies, serving as soldiers and administrators.

[1] Their most notable cousin was the English writer and curator Sir Sidney Colvin,[2] known for his friendship with the young Robert Louis Stevenson.

[1][3] He served on the North West Frontier of India with the Malakand Field Force in 1897–1898, and took part in operations in Bajaur, and in the Mohmand country and in Buner.

[1] Colvin was 27 years old, and a lieutenant in the British Army Corps of Royal Engineers during the Mohmand campaign of 1897–98 in India when his actions resulted in him subsequently being awarded the Victoria Cross.

Colvin was in the Mohmand Valley, North West British India, with Lieutenant Thomas Colclough Watson on the night of 16/17 September 1897.

Although Watson had been incapacitated by his wounds, undeterred, Lieutenant Colvin made two additional attempts to clear enemy fighters from the village.

[1] Two others who served with Colvin were also awarded a Victoria Cross—Lieutenant Thomas Colclough Watson and Corporal James Smith, The Buffs ( East Kent Regiment ).

[9] Colvin married Katharine Way, youngest daughter of Colonel George Augustus Way, CB on 23 January 1904 in Simla India.