AH

Australian Horse

Boer War Service, 1899-1900

 Hearth and Home

 South Africa 1899 - 1902

Allied with: King Edward's Horse (The King's Overseas Dominions Regiment).

Murray's account of the 1st Australian Light Horse Boer War Service

In 1911, Lieutenant-Colonel P. L. Murray, produced a marvellous Boer War reference detailing all the contingents sent from Australia to South Africa, giving a brief history of the formation and finally, listing all the soldiers who saw service in South Africa with that unit. The book was called, Official Records of the Australian Military Contingents to the War in South Africa. It is now the standard reference and starting place for any person interested in pursuing information about Australian involvement in the Boer War.

[From: Sydney Mail, 18 November 1899, p. 1233.]

P. L. Murray, Official Records of the Australian Military Contingents to the War in South Africa, pp. 41 - 47A:

THE FIRST AUSTRALIAN HORSE.

THE "First Australian Horse" should not be confounded with the "Australian Commonwealth Horse," which consisted of service battalions of Mounted Rifles, raised after the establishment of the Commonwealth, and despatched successively to the seat of war; the squadrons being from the different States. The First Australian Horse was Bush Cavalry upon the Volunteer system originally; but subsequently converted to the partial-payment, class; and raised in 1895, chiefly by the exertions of Colonel JHK Mackay, their first commanding officer, for service in the remote country districts of New South Wales. The movement became very popular; and several excellent squadrons were enrolled, of a superior class of men, who were admirably mounted. They wore a distinctive and somewhat remarkable uniform of dark green with black embroidery, of the hussar pattern; with handsome belts and accoutrements, including sabretaches. For irregular cavalry they attained a high standards of proficiency; and when the war broke out they were not behind their comrades of the other arms in seeking service, or obtaining honour.

The First Australian Horse despatched two Contingents; the first of which departed on the 14th November, 1899, taking their own horses with them. It consisted of 2 officers and 32 sergeants and rank and file, with 36 horses. Of these, 1 died, 1 officer and 2 others returned to Australia, 28 were transferred to the second Contingent, and 1 officer and 1 trooper were commissioned in the Imperial Army.

The second Contingent or service squadron left on the 17th January, 1900. It comprised 5 officers and 102 others, with 28 that joined subsequently from the first Contingent, and 112 horses. One man joined in Western Australia and one in South Africa. Of these, 3 officers and 8 others were killed or died; 1 officer suit 121 others returned to Australia; 1 officer and 1 other quitted the corps in South Africa; and 1 officer and 2 others were commissioned in the Imperial Army. The squadron arrived in Sydney on 2nd May, 1901.

For the detachment the conditions were:- Men to be good shots and proficient swordsman, of superior physique, not under 5 ft. 6 in. or 34 in. chest; good riders and bushmen, accustomed to find their way about in strange country. Horses to be up to 16 or 17 stone, and fit to carry that weight day after day.

Clothing, etc.

Uniform consisted of brown F.S. jacket and pants, with puttees and hat. Vide clothing issued to 1st Mounted Rifles, see Murray page 57.

Arms and equipment:- M.E. Carbines, swords, cartridge-belts with supporting braces. Fully horned and provided with saddles.

Also provided with Regimental transport.

Record of Service.

The first, Contingent of this regiment, comprising 2 officers and 32 non-commissioned officers and men, with Lieutenant Willoughby Dowling in command, left Newcastle, New South Wales, in SS Langton Grange on 14th November, and arrived at Cape Town on 13th December, 1899.

On arrival they were attached to the Royal Scots Greys serving in General French's cavalry division. Present at battle of Slingersfontain on 16th January, in which they were sharply handled; Lieutenant Dowling being severely wounded and captured, Sergeant Major Griffin killed, and Corporal Kirkpatrick severely wounded, afterwards dying of his wounds. Sergeant Major Griffin was the first Australian soldier who fell in the war. Present at various actions in Cape Colony during February.

Early in March the Service Squadron, which recently arrived from Australia, joined.

The Service Squadron, 1st Australian Horse, embarked at Sydney, on transport Surrey, on 17th January, and arrived at Cape Town on 23rd February, 1900.

Ordered to Modder River, arriving there on 3rd March; proceeded to Ossfontein and joined the Royal Scots Grays on 6th. Took part in the battle of Poplar Grove on the 7th March. Present at Dreifontein, 10th March, and occupation of Bloemfontein, 11th March. Formed portion of escort to Thabu 'Nehu under Major Allenby, Inniskilling Dragoons.

Present at Karee Siding, 29th March, under very heavy fire for some time. Present at Sannas Post and at affair at Evans’ Farm.

Joined advance to Pretoria, 6th May. Took part in battle of Zand River, 10th May, when the squadron formed part of an attacking force ordered to take some kopjes which were found to be so strongly occupied that the attacking force, after suffering heavy loss, was compelled to retire. In this affair Lieutenant Wilkinson and two men were taken prisoners and two men were killed. Present at capture of Kroonstadt, 12th May. Continued with advance to Pretoria, taking part in various actions en route. Present at the surrender of Pretoria, 5th June; release of prisoners at Waterval on 6th; and battle of Diamond Hill on the 9th.

Lieutenant Wilkinson assumed command on 2nd July. On 8th, the squadron moved to Crocodile River and took part in a smart engagement at Zilicats Nek on the 11th inst.; also in affair at Kameel Drift on 16th., and various minor affairs during the remainder of this month.

On 10th August, Lieutenant Vaughn was ordered into hospital at Pretoria, Lieutenant Wilkinson being the only officer left with the squadron.

Present at battle of Belfast on 27th; the splendid scouting of the Australian Horse enabling General French to turn the Boer right flank, and compel them to retire.

The squadron was engaged almost daily during the month of September, including the occupation of Barberton. Took part in operations round Ermelo and Bethel, where some heavy fighting took place; in fact the squadron was engaged almost every day during October.

Returned to Pretoria for a much needed rest on 29th October, and remained until 12th December, on which date it was ordered to Machadodorp, joining some Queenslanders and Sough Australians, and employed patrolling railway line. Ordered to Belfast rot 10th February, where remounts ware obtained; and, on 14th, took part in sharp action near Belfast, the Australian Home being complimented by General Kitchener on their gallant conduct.

On 25th February the squadron entrained at Middelberg for Pretoria, en route for Australia, and on 31st March embarked on SS Tongariro at Cape Town, and arrived at Sydney on 2nd May, 1901.

Engagements

First Contingent

13th January, 1900 Arundel and Colesberg Districts.
12th February, 1900 Reit River.
13th February, 1900 Klip Drift, Modder River.
15th February, 1900 Relief of Kimberley.
16th February, 1900 Donrfieid.
18th February, 1900 Paardeberg.

Both Contingents.

8th March, 1900 Poplar Grove.
10th March, 1900 Abraham's Krall and Dreifontein.
13th March, 1900 Surrender of Bloemfontein.
29th March, 1900 The Glen or Brandfort.
31st March, 1900 Koorn Sprint. or Sannas Post.
10th May, 1900 Zand River (Ventersburg-road).
12th May, 1900 Kroonstadt.
26th May, 1900 Hartebeesfontein.
27th May, 1900 Hartebeesfontein.
28th May, 1900 Oliphant's Nek.
30th May, 1900 Doornkop.
2nd June, 1900 Johannesburg.
3rd June, 1900 Fall of Pretoria.
6th June, 1900 Waterval - Release of prisoners.
11th June, 1900 Diamond Hill.
11th July, 1900 Zilicat's or Nitrel's Nek.
16th July, 1900 Kameel Drift.
20th July, 1900 Olifantsfontein.
23rd July, 1900 Olifant’s River.
24th July, 1900 Kromdraai.
27th July, 1900 Near Middleberg.
31st July, 1900 Wonderfontein.
24th August,1900 Geluk's Farm, near Belfast.
25th August,1900 Geluk's Farm, near Belfast.
26th August,1900 Geluk's Farm, near Belfast.
27th August,1900 Belfast.
29th August,1900 Helvetia.
31st August,1900 Waterval Onder.
4th September, 1900 Bonnefoot.
5th September, 1900 Carolina.

Extracts from Report of Captain R. R. Thompson.

At 2 a.m. on 8th March, the squadron marched with the 1st Brigade of the Cavalry Division and took part in the engagement at Poplar Grove. The first shot was fired by our artillery at 5.20 a.m., the Boers replying with shell and rifle fire.

In the afternoon Trooper Palmer was shot in the head (our first casualty).

This trooper behaved very pluckily when wounded; he bandaged his own head and rejoined the ranks, until compelled to retire through loss of blood. He has since been in hospital and is now invalided to England.

No further casualties occurred amongst the men, but several horses were lost through exhaustion during the rapid advance.

The advance was continued next day; the squadron being detailed to furnish scouts, and when extended, covered in front and flanks about 5 miles of country.

10th March - Battle of Dreifontein.-The squadron moved off with the Royal Scots Greys at daybreak, and occupied two kopjes in succession and used volley firing at long ranges, which had the effect of stopping the independent firing and causing the Boers to open fire with artillery. In advancing across some open country, mounted, some Vickers-Maxim shells (pom-pomp) dropped between the 2nd and 3rd troops. One horse was killed, and Trooper Owen Taylor wounded in the shoulder. Trooper Parry, whose horse was killed, had his log broken.

This was a general engagement; 380 casualties - about 200 killed.

On Wednesday, 14th March, I heard certain British prisoners were in Bloemfontein Free State Hospital, and visited it in the hope of finding some of the Australian Horse prisoners who had been captured at Rensburg. I found Lieutenant W. V. Dowling, who had been seriously wounded, now fairly convalescent. He had lost the sight of one eye, his right thumb, and had been wounded in the thigh, but was otherwise in good health. Although he desired to continue serving throughout the campaign, the Medical Board decided that he should return to Australia.

The camp remained at "The Willows" until the 18th, when the brigade moved 4 miles further west to " Wessels Farm"; still without tents.

The Nominal Roll

Lieutenant-Colonel P. L. Murray, Official Records of the Australian Military Contingents to the War in South Africa, p. 45.

1st Australian Horse Contingent, Murray, page 45

Page 45

Vet. Lieutenant H BOWKER; Listed in Murray at p. 42; Murray states he took the 'Surrey' to Cape Town in medical charge of horses and returned by the next steamer.

947 Trooper John Henry APPLEBY; Listed in Murray at p. 45.

916 Shoeing Smith Alfred William ARMSTRONG; Listed in Murray at p. 45; Murray states invalided to Australia and arrived on 17 August 1900.

Squadron Sergeant Major Herbert ARNOLD; Listed in Murray at p. 45. Awarded the Queen’s South African Medal with 5 bars (Cape Colony, Driefontein, ?, Diamond Hill, & Belfast), and DCM.

245 Sergeant Sydney Charles BARNES; Listed in Murray at p. 45; Murray states Squadron Sergeant Major 17 February 1900. Awarded the Queen’s South African Medal with 8 bars (Driefontein, Paardeberg, Cape Colony, Diamond Hill, Johannesburg, Belfast, South Africa 1901 and South Africa 1902).

Lieutenant Willoughby Vincent DOWLING; Listed in Murray at p. 45; Murray states promoted to Captain 1 January 1901, dangerously wounded at Slingersfontein where he lost an eye, captured as Prisoner of War. Released at Bloemfontein, March 1900. Invalided to Australia. Awarded the Queen’s South African Medal with 5 bars. Lived at Bringelly, NSW died 1914.

Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant Lancelot Arthur DOWSON; Listed in Murray at p. 45; Invalided to Australia and arrived on 6 August 1900.

38 Sergeant Herbert Frederick DOYLE; Listed in Murray at p. 45; Murray states invalided to Australia and arrived on 21 October 1900.

Lieutenant Alfred EBSWORTH; Listed in Murray at p. 45; Murray states killed Bronkhurstspruit 24 July 1900 - shot through forehead from long range. He was an international cricketer and 'liked by all'.

1107 Farrier Sergeant William GRAY; Listed in Murray at p. 45.

367 Trumpeter Sergeant Major George Allman GRIFFEN; Listed in Murray at p. 45; Murray states GRIFFIN killed in action at Slingersfontein, 16 Janaury 1900. Listed as the first man killed from NSW. Memorialised on a plaque in the Sydney Town Hall.

224 Farrier Sergeant George HANSON; Listed in Murray at p. 45.

582 Sergeant Charles HARGRAVE; Listed in Murray at p. 45; Murray states promoted to Squadron Quartermaster Sergeant, 6 February 1900. Mentioned in Lord Roberts Final Despatch, 12 September 1901.

623 Corporal James Michael JULEFF; Listed in Murray at p. 45; Murray states promoted to Sergeant 1 December 1901.

Lieutenant Keith Kinnaird MACKELLAR; Listed in Murray at p. 45; Murray states killed in action at Deedeport 11 July 1900. Previous service as Second Lieutenant with the 7th Dragoon Guards. He was the son of Sir Charles MACKELLAR.

137 Corporal Herbert Alfred MILLS; Listed in Murray at p. 45; Murray states he was promoted to Sergeant 17 February 1900; invalided to Australia and arrived on 17 August 1900. Went back to farming at farmer Braidwood, NSW.

275 Corporal Harold O'BRIEN; Listed in Murray at p. 45; Murray states he was promoted to Sergeant, 23 April 1900 and Squadron Quartermaster Sergeant, 14 December 1900.

Lieutenant James Bunbury Nott OSBORNE; Listed in Murray at p. 45; Awarded the Queen’s South African Medal with 5 bars; Commissioned in 16th Lancers, 6 March 1900. Originally from Gundaroo, NSW.

901 Trooper Sidney Carew McDonald PARRY; Listed in Murray at p. 45; Murray states his leg was broken when his horse fell in anteater hole at Driefontein, 10 March 1900; wounded near Johannesburg; invalided to Australia and arrived on 28 May 1900.

968 Corporal William Ernest PEARD; Listed in Murray at p. 45; Murray states invalided to Australia and arrived on 6 August 1900.

1056 Sergeant Francis Arthur SAYER; Listed in Murray at p. 45.

811 Trooper Owen Albert TAYLOR; Listed in Murray at p. 45; Murray states wounded in shoulder Driefontein, 10 March 1900.

1055 Sergeant Gilbert Arding THOMAS; Listed in Murray at p. 45; Murray states commissioned in Imperial service as Lieutenant, Captain and Adjutant of the 2nd Scottish Horse. Awarded the Queen’s South African Medal with 5 bars and the Kings South African Medal with 2 bars.

Captain Robert Roland THOMPSON; Listed in Murray at p. 45; Murray states he was the Commanding Officer. Awarded the Queen’s South African Medal with 4 bars.

393 Sergeant David Douglas VAUGHAN; Listed in Murray at p. 45. Originally from Braidwood, NSW. At the conclusion of his service, he enlisted in the Orange River Colony Police.

Second Lieutenant Percy William VAUGHAN; Listed in Murray at p. 45; Murray states hospitalised Pretoria 10 August 1900 . Awarded the Queen’s South African Medal with 5 bars. Promoted to Captain and Mentioned in Despatches. Originally the Manager of City Bank, Braidwood, NSW.

Lieutenant John Frederick Moore WILKINSON; Listed in Murray at p. 45; Murray states he was promoted to Captain, 1 January 1901. Captured and a Prisoner of War at Zand River, 11 May 1900. Officer Commanding 2 July 1900. Awarded the Queen’s South African Medal with 4 bars. Returned to Sydney, 1 May 1901.

1057 Trumpeter Sergeant Alfred WILLIAMS; Listed in Murray at p. 45.

323 Corporal Rufus Roland WILSON; Listed in Murray at p. 45. Captured at Slingersfontein. An original 1897 member of the Australian Horse.

1058 Corporal Harris Dunmore Lang WOODS; Listed in Murray at p. 45; Murray states he was promoted to Sergeant, 6 February 1900; invalided to Australia and arrived on 13 April 1901.

Lieutenant-Colonel P. L. Murray, Official Records of the Australian Military Contingents to the War in South Africa, p. 46.

1st Australian Horse Contingent, Murray, page 46

1062 Trooper John Henry Macartney ABBOTT; Listed in Murray at p. 46; Murray he was promoted to Corporal; invalided to Australia and arrived on 21 October 1900. Later on, commissioned in Imperial Service, Son of Sir. Joseph ABBOTT.

1063 Trooper John ALICK; Listed in Murray at p. 46, known as 'Jack' from Braidwood, NSW; invalided to Australia and arrived on 1 May 1901.

1064 Trooper John Alexander Stewart ANDREW; Listed in Murray at p. 46; Murray states that he died at Cape Town, 5 March 1900.

984 Trooper Wallace Dalton BALL; Listed in Murray at p. 46; Murray states invalided to Australia and arrived on 17 August 1900 and received a NSW Government pension to 12 January 1904.

5 Trooper Thomas W BARNES; Listed in Murray at p. 46; after Rebsburg action Murray states he was invalided to Australia and arrived on 30 July 1900. Originally from Murrumburrah, NSW.

1065 Trooper Frederick Frank BASHFORD; Listed in Murray at p. 46.

1066 Trooper Walter Montgomery BELL; Listed in Murray at p. 46; Murray states invalided to Australia and arrived on 19 November 1900. Also known as Henry BELL.

845 Trooper Alexander BISHOP; Listed in Murray at p. 46.

1067 Trooper Leslie Stuart BISLEY; Listed in Murray at p. 46.

157 Trooper William Henderson BLACK; Listed in Murray at p. 46. Invalided to Australian, and arrived at Cunningar, NSW, 7 July 1900. Originally from Murrumburrah, NSW.

747 Trooper John BONNER; Listed in Murray at p. 46; hit by shell at and killed outright at The Glen. Murray states Killed in Action at Glen Siding, 28 March 1900. Originally a stockman from Rylstone, NSW. Brother to 912 Trooper William Thomas BONNER.

912 Trooper William Thomas BONNER; Listed in Murray at p. 46. Originally a stockman from Rylstone, NSW. Brother to 747 Trooper John BONNER.

1061 Corporal Trumpeter David Henry Trayer BOOTH; Listed in Murray at p. 46; Murray states invalided to Australia and arrived on 13 November 1900. Originally from Murrumburrah, NSW.

641 Trooper William BORELAND; Listed in Murray at p. 46; Murray states invalided to Australia and arrived on 9 December 1900 and received a NSW Government pension to 12 January 1904. Originally from Murrumburrah, NSW.

748 Trooper Charles Clifton BOSSLEY; Listed in Murray at p. 46; Murray states he reenlisted with the 5th Australian Commonwealth Horse 5ACH(NSW) being allotted to “C” Squadron as 301 Sergeant Charles Clifton BOSSLEY; Listed in Murray at p. 190.

990 Trooper Herbert Throsby BRIDGES; Listed in Murray at p. 46; Murray states he reenlisted with the 5th Australian Commonwealth Horse 5ACH(NSW) being allotted to “D” Squadron as 377 Trooper Herbert BRIDGES; Listed in Murray at p. 193.

1068 Trooper Henry Joseph BROSI; Listed in Murray at p. 46. Noted to have been a horse-holder at Vredens Verdrag, 10 May 1900.

1108 Trooper Peter BROWN; Listed in Murray at p. 46.

1069 Trooper Donald Charles CAMERON; Listed in Murray at p. 46; captured at Kaalong, 10 May 1900. Murray states he re-enlisted as a Lieutenant with the 3rd New South Wales Imperial Bushmen 3NSWIB. Service in the AIF as Major allotted to “C” Squadron, 12 Light Horse Regiment. Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and Commanding Officer of 12th Light Horse Regiment and led that Regiment during the Charge at Beersheba. Cousin of 1070 Trooper William CAMERON.

1070 Trooper William CAMERON; Listed in Murray at p. 46; Murray states he embarked as a Lance Corporal. He was promoted to Corporal, 1 December 1900. Took part in the NSW Coronation Contingent for Edward VII, 1902. Became a NSW MLA and died 1931. Cousin of 1069 Trooper Donald Charles CAMERON.

1070 Trooper William Valentine COOPER; Listed in Murray at p. 46.

956 Trooper Reginald Belmore COX; Listed in Murray at p. 46; Murray states he died at Adelaide, 24 January 1900.

994 Trooper James CROWLEY; Listed in Murray at p. 46; re-enlisted as 39690 Trooper James CROWLEY, 2nd Scottish Horse. Promoted to Saddler. Awarded the Queen’s South African Medal with 4 bars and Kings South African Medal with 2 bars.

996 Trooper Duncan CUMMING; Listed in Murray at p. 46; Murray states he was promoted to Lance Corporal. Invalided to Australia and arrived on 30 August 1900.

391 Trooper Michael Joseph CUMMINS; Listed in Murray at p. 46; Murray states died from enteric fever at Bloemfontein, 27 June 1900. He was born 1873 and was a farmer at Michelago, NSW.

1071 Trooper William Joseph CURRIE; Listed in Murray at p. 46.

1072 Trooper Arthur Ernest D'ARCEY; Listed in Murray at p. 46; Murray states wounded badly at Vredens Verdrag near Kroonstadt, 10 May 1900.

17 Trumpeter Ernest Anthony DOBSON; Listed in Murray at p. 46.

1073 Trooper Frederick William DOLMAN; Listed in Murray at p. 46; Murray states he was invalided to Australia and arrived on 17 September 1900. Originally from Braidwood, NSW.

974 Trooper Samuel John DUNN; Listed in Murray at p. 46; re-enlisted as 33410 Trooper Samuel G DUNN, 2nd Scottish Horse. Awarded the Queen’s South African Medal with 5 bars. Originally from Braidwood, NSW.

812 Trooper William EAMES; Listed in Murray at p. 46. Believed to have been captured at Slingersfontein but escaped to Mafeking although another report states that he was one of 14 Prisoners of War released from Pretoria. Murray states he was invalided to Australia and arrived on 30 August 1900.

999 Trooper William John ELLIS; Listed in Murray at p. 46; Murray states invalided to Australia and arrived on 17 August 1900.

1060 Corporal Alexander Robert Leslie FERGUSON; Listed in Murray at p. 46; Murray states invalided to Australia and arrived on 16 November 1900. Originally from Goulburn, NSW.

737 Lance Corporal George James FIRMAN; Listed in Murray at p. 46; Murray states he was promoted to Corporal on 17 February 1902? – possibly 1900; he was invalided to Australia and arrived on 15 September 1900.

301 Trooper Thomas FOGARTY; Listed in Murray at p. 46; Murray states invalided to Australia and arrived on 6 August 1900.

892 Shoeing Smith Michael John FORD; Listed in Murray at p. 46; Murray states wounded in the leg by shell splinter near the rail line in the Colesburg District. He was invalided to Australia and arrived on 17 August 1900. Originally a policeman from Mudgee, NSW.

431 Trooper Samuel Charles FULLER; Listed in Murray at p. 46; Murray states he was promoted to Corporal. He was invalided to Australia and arrived on 17 August 1900.

893 Trumpeter Charles Anthony GILCHRIST; Listed in Murray at p. 46. He died enteric fever while at Kimberley, 13 March 1900. Originally from Gundagai, NSW.

1007 Trooper Horace William GILCHRIST; Listed in Murray at p. 46; Murray states he died enteric fever while at Bloemfontein, 13 March 1900. However, despite being an entry on the Roll of Honour, it is suspected that this is a confusion with 893 Trumpeter Charles Anthony GILCHRIST who died of the same illness, at the same place on the same date. It is believed that 1007 Trooper Horace William GILCHRIST was appointed Lieutenant in the 3rd Australian Commonwealth Horse 3ACH(NSW). In 1914, he was appointed a Lieutenant in the AIF 7th Light Horse Regiment and died on a hospital ship of wounds sustained at Gallipoli 29 June 1915. He was born at Willoughby, NSW; and the son of Willoughby Mayor.

1074 Trooper Richard Henry GOWLAND; Listed in Murray at p. 46; Murray states he was invalided to Australia and arrived on 13 November 1900.

1075 Trooper Cecil Horace GRANVILLE; Listed in Murray at p. 46; Murray states invalided to Australia and arrived on 17 August 1900. Enlisted in 1914 with the AIF, 1st Light Horse Regiment and rose to Lieutenant Colonel, Commanding Officer of 1st LHR. Awarded the DSO.

181 Trooper Wengel GRENENGER; Listed in Murray at p. 46. He returned to Australia on 8 January 1901. Awarded the Queen’s South African Medal with 3 bars (including Paardeberg, Driefontein and Relief of Kimberley). Originally from Braidwood, NSW.

1009 Trooper Ebenezer HALL; Listed in Murray at p. 46; Murray states he was invalided to Australia and arrived on 8 January 1901.

689 Trooper John Alfred HARMER; Listed in Murray at p. 46.

1011 Trooper Harold Laurence HARNETT; Listed in Murray at p. 46.

1013 Trooper James Patrick HARTNEY; Listed in Murray at p. 46. He took part in the action at Vredens Verdrag, 10 May 1900. Originally from Belltrees, NSW.

334 Trooper John William HAYDON; Listed in Murray at p. 46.

Private John Henry HEAZLETT; Listed in Murray at p. 46. Promoted to Shoeing Smith. Originally from Braidwood, NSW.

1062 Shoeing Smith John Henry HEZLETT; Listed in Murray at p. 46.

585 Trooper Alexander HILL; Listed in Murray at p. 46; Murray states he was promoted to Lance Corporal, 17 February 1900. He was invalided to Australia and arrived on 6 August 1900. Possibly he reenlisted as 382 Sergeant Alexander HILL with the 5th Australian Commonwealth Horse 5ACH(NSW) being allotted to “D” Squadron; Listed in Murray at p. 192.

1059 Corporal Hubert Stanley PULSFORD; Listed in Murray at p. 46; Murray states he was promoted to Sergeant. He was invalided to Australia and arrived on 21 October 1900.

504 Lance Corporal Sydney John STRIKE; Listed in Murray at p. 46; Murray states he was promoted to Corporal, 17 February 1900.

931 Saddler Arthur Edward THRIFT; Listed in Murray at p. 46.

Lieutenant-Colonel P. L. Murray, Official Records of the Australian Military Contingents to the War in South Africa, p. 47.

1st Australian Horse Contingent, Murray, page 47

1012 Trooper Geoffrey Hamlyn HARRIS; Listed in Murray at p. 47. Originally from Tumut, NSW, and at just 19, thought to be the youngest Australian to go to Boer War. [See: Enlistment ages for the Boer War - A Case Study] Enlisted in the AIF and served with the 1st Light Horse Regiment' at Gallipoli, Sinai and in Palestine. Finished the war as a Major. Awarded a Military Cross and Mentioned in Despatches.

1109 Trooper Alexander HEANEY; Listed in Murray at p. 47. Originally from  Murrumburra, NSW.

1076 Trooper Charles Edward HOCKLEY; Listed in Murray at p. 47.

1077 Trooper Reginald Arthur HOPKINS; Listed in Murray at p. 47.

1015 Trooper Arthur Ernest HUXLEY; Listed in Murray at p. 47; Murray states he was invalided to Aust arriving on 16 November 1900.

1078 Trooper Walter Joseph JAMES; Listed in Murray at p. 47; Murray states that he died at Bloemfontein, 4 May 1900.

81 Trooper James Allen JONES; Listed in Murray at p. 47; Murray states he was wounded in action at Colesburg District. He was invalided to Australia and arrived on 28 May 1900. He received a NSW Government pension to 3 June 1903.

1079 Trooper Hedley John KIRKPATRICK; Listed in Murray at p. 47; Murray states he was promoted to Corporal. Commissioned in the Imperial Service. Invalided to Australia and arrived on 30 August 1900. Originally from Bourke, NSW.

1017 Trooper William Henry LANGSFORD; Listed in Murray at p. 47. Invalided to Australia and arrived on 30 August 1900.

965 Trooper Walter Givenap LEGGE; Listed in Murray at p. 47; Murray states he was promoted to Lance Corporal and then to Corporal, 23 April 1900. Enlisted in Kitchener’s Horse after completing service.

191 Trooper Joseph LOUIS; Listed in Murray at p. 47. Originally from Braidwood, NSW.

376 Trooper William LUFF; Listed in Murray at p. 47; Murray states he was invalided to Australia and arrived on 30 July 1900. Originally from Gundagai, NSW.

680 Trooper Richard John LYNN; Listed in Murray at p. 47. Captured as a Prisoner of War at Slingersfontein and was released 6 January 1900. Murray states he reenlisted with the 5th Australian Commonwealth Horse 5ACH(NSW) being allotted to “D” Squadron as 384 Trooper Richard John LYNN; Listed in Murray at p. 194. Originally from Braidwood, NSW.

902 Trooper Richard MACDONALD; Listed in Murray at p. 47; Murray states he was invalided to Australia and arrived on 22 March 1901.

1109 Trooper James Peter MAHER; Listed in Murray at p. 47.

1080 Trooper Armand Claude MALARTIC; Listed in Murray at p. 47.

1026 Trooper James Bernard MARSHALL; Listed in Murray at p. 47. Enlisted as 33541 Trooper, then Sergeant James Bernard MARSHALL 2nd Scottish Horse. Awarded the Queen’s South African Medal with 3 bars.

454 Trooper Herbert R MARTIN; Listed in Murray at p. 47; Murray states severely wounded by shell fire at Glen Siding. He was invalided to Australia and arrived on 6 August 1900.

894 Trooper Curtis MASTERS; Listed in Murray at p. 47; Murray states inv. Aust arr. 16 November 1900.  Originally from Braidwood, NSW.

1084 Trooper William Vincent MCJANNETT

 

1084 Trooper William Vincent MCJANNETT; Listed in Murray at p. 47.

1085 Trooper David MCMINN; Listed in Murray at p. 47; Murray states he was invalided to Australia and arrived on 6 August 1900. Originally from Braidwood, NSW.

1025 Trooper Crawford MCWILLIAMS; Listed in Murray at p. 47. Enlisted in the 1st Scottish Horse under the service numbers of 35412 and 30811. Awarded the Queen’s South African Medal with 5 bars. He was the brother of 1825 Trooper Thomas MCWILLIAM, 3rd New South Wales Mounted Rifles (3NSWMR) Listed in Murray at p. 129.

1081 Trooper John Walter MECHAM

 

1081 Trooper John Walter MECHAM; Listed in Murray at p. 47; Murray states he was wounded at Vredes Verdrag near Zand River, 10 May 1900. He was invalided to Australia and arrived on 13 September 1900.

1027 Trooper Maunsel Richard MECHAM; Listed in Murray at p. 47; Murray states he was wounded at Vredes Verdrag near Zand River, 10 May 1900. He was invalided to Australia and arrived on 17 August 1900.

1082 Trooper William Patrick MEEHAN; Listed in Murray at p. 47; Murray states that he died Adelaide 24 January 1900.

883 Trooper Albert Abraham METTAM; Listed in Murray at p. 47.

686 Trooper Thomas John MINCH; Listed in Murray at p. 47.

1083 Trooper Edgar Lionel MOODY; Listed in Murray at p. 47. Received a NSW Government pension to his death on 28 October 1903 then it was paid to his widow, Mrs. Eva Adelaide MOODY nee Hadwen until her death, 1932.

538 Trooper George Campbell NORTH; Listed in Murray at p. 47; Murray states wounded by being shot through neck with the exit out of the jaw, which occurred near Johannesburg. Originally from Musswelbrook, NSW.

804 Trooper Thomas Edward OVEREND; Listed in Murray at p. 47. Murray states he reenlisted with the 5th Australian Commonwealth Horse 5ACH(NSW) being allotted to “D” Squadron as 387 Corporal Thomas Edward OVEREND; Listed in Murray at p. 193.

1086 Trooper Lawrence Alfred PALMER; Listed in Murray at p. 47; Murray states he was severely wounded by being hit in forehead by spent bullet while at Poplar Grove. He was invalided to Australia and arrived on 24 November 1900. He received a NSW Government pension. Originally from Jerebombra, NSW.

1087 Trooper Richard Hawke PEARD; Listed in Murray at p. 47.

837 Trooper Robert Chaffey POLE; Listed in Murray at p. 47.

891 Trooper Norman C PRIDDLE; Listed in Murray at p. 47; Murray states that he was promoted to Lance Corporal on 17 February 1900. He was wounded above eye from close shell burst near the Colesburg railway line. Originally from Gundagai, NSW.

1088 Trooper Ernest Arthur PRIOR; Listed in Murray at p. 47.

1089 Trooper William RENEHAN; Listed in Murray at p. 47.

809 Trooper Richard NJ RESCH; Listed in Murray at p. 47.

1054 Trooper Richard James ROE; Listed in Murray at p. 47.

1090 Trooper Harry David SEE; Listed in Murray at p. 47. Murray states he reenlisted with the 1st Australian Commonwealth Horse 1ACH(NSW) being allotted to “B” Squadron as 201 Trooper Harry David SEE; Listed in Murray at p. 172.

1097 Trooper Louis SEIFFERT; Listed in Murray at p. 47. Originally from Goulburn, NSW.

1518 Trooper Charles Frederick SMITH; Listed in Murray at p. 47. Originally joined the 1st Australian Horse in 1897.

1092 Trooper Samuel SPITTLE; Listed in Murray at p. 47.

961 Trooper David Hugh SPRING; Listed in Murray at p. 47; Murray states that he was invalided to Australia and arrived on 30 July 1900.

1094 Trooper Guildford William Jack STACKPOOLE; Listed in Murray at p. 47; Murray states that he was promoted to Corporal on 6 February 1900 and Sergeant on 1 May 1901.

1095 Trooper Samuel Thomas STAFFORD; Listed in Murray at p. 47.

1108 Trooper John STEWART; Listed in Murray at p. 47. Originally from Murrumburra, NSW.

1039 Trooper Benjamin David SWEETLAND; Listed in Murray at p. 47; Wounded at Vredes Verdrag. Murray states that he was invalided to Australia and arrived on 13 September 1900.

1096 Trooper Frederick John TAYLOR; Listed in Murray at p. 47.

1097 Trooper William Herbert THACKER; Listed in Murray at p. 47.

1099 Trooper John WELLS; Listed in Murray at p. 47.

1101 Trooper Percy Gordon WILLIAMSON; Listed in Murray at p. 47; Murray states that he was invalided to Australia and arrived on 17 August 1900.
 

Lieutenant-Colonel P. L. Murray, Official Records of the Australian Military Contingents to the War in South Africa, p. 47A.

Page 47A

208 Trooper James BUCHOLTZ; Listed in Murray at p. 47A.

Regimental Sergeant Major George Charles DUNCAN; Listed in Murray at p. 47A.

775 Trooper Edward THOMAS; Listed in Murray at p. 47A.

1098 Trooper Neville James USSHER

 

1098 Trooper Neville James USSHER; Listed in Murray at p. 47A; Murray states he reenlisted with the 5th Australian Commonwealth Horse 5ACH(NSW) being allotted to “D” Squadron as Second Lieutenant Neville James USSHER; Listed in Murray at p. 192. Originally from Gundagai, NSW.

1044 Trooper Thomas WALKER; Listed in Murray at p. 47A. Returned to Australia, 16 January 1901. Murray states he reenlisted with the 5th Australian Commonwealth Horse 5ACH(NSW) being allotted to “D” Squadron as 403 Trooper Thomas WALKER; Listed in Murray at p. 194. Originally from Murrumburra, NSW.

1100 Trooper Theodore Vehlmes WESSELL; Listed in Murray at p. 47A; Murray states that he was promoted to Lance Corporal. Murray states severely wounded by shell fire at Glen Siding. Murray states that he was invalided to Australia and arrived on 12 November 1900.

1102 Trooper Robert Frank WILSON

 

1102 Trooper Robert Frank WILSON; Listed in Murray at p. 47A; Murray states that he died at Bloemfontein, 16 May 1900. Originally from Goulburn, NSW.

1049 Trooper Eli Alexander WINDSOR; Listed in Murray at p. 47A; Murray states that he was invalided to Australia and arrived on 30 July 1900.

1103 Trooper Frederick Harold WINDSOR; Listed in Murray at p. 47A.

1104 Trooper Joseph James WINTER; Listed in Murray at p. 47A.

1106 Trooper Selwyn Herbert YARRINGTON; Listed in Murray at p. 47A; Murray states that he was invalided to Australia and arrived on 13 September 1900. Originally from Wingham and Upper Manning District, NSW.

The last word on the participation of the 1st Australia Horse is summed up by 1062 Corporal John Henry Macartney ABBOTT, the son of Sir Joseph ABBOTT and was later on, commissioned in Imperial Service. 

Why did we ever come? This isn't charging into battle. This isn't racing through flying foe. This isn't getting the Victoria Cross. Where is all the 'pomp and circumstance of war?  Where's anything but dirt, and discomfort, and starvation, and nigger-driving? Who wants to participate in a shabby war like this?

Regardless of these sentiments, the 1st Australian Horse members conducted themselves in a manner that impressed all who saw them, especially the men from the Scottish Greys with whom they were attached.

[Note: All photographs of individual members from the Australian Horse are extracted from a group photograph published in the Sydney Mail, 20 January 1900, p. 148.]

Further Reading:

3rd/11th/7th Australian Light Horse

Militia Light Horse, New South Wales

Australian Militia Light Horse

Posted by Project Leader at 12:01 AM EAST

Updated: Friday, 2 July 2010 9:48 PM EADT

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