Topic: BW - NSW - 3NSWIB
3rd NSWIB
3rd New South Wales Imperial Bushmen
Outline
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.
Murray, P. L., Official Records of the Australian Military Contingents to the War in South Africa, p. 144.
Third New South Wales Imperial Bushmen - Record of Regiment.
The Third New South Wales Imperial Bushmen was a regiment formed at Klerksdorp, Transvaal, on 4th May, 1901, from drafts consisting of 230 officers, NCO's and men intended for the New South Wales Imperial Bushmen and the Citizens' Bushmen; but owing to these two regiments being under orders for home, the men were formed into a separate regiment under the command of Major Hon. Rupert Carrington.
This regiment was attached to Lieut: Colonel EO Williams DSO's Column, and took part in all the engagements of that Column (with the exception of Karanafontein), and during the year marched over 4,000 miles.
During the months of May, June, July, August, September, and part of October, they operated in the Western Transvaal, where numerous captures of prisoners, wagons, and stock were made. On 24th October, the Column left Klerksdorp and went to Eastern Transvaal, where they took part in General Bruce Hamilton's operations, resulting in heavy loss to the enemy.
In January, 1902, another squadron was formed from Australians, recruited in Cape Town, and in February another was formed, bringing the strength of the regiment up to over 500 men.
On 4th May, 1902, some of the time-expired men of the regiment proceeded home in the transport "Drisonia"; but many of the men and nearly all the officers volunteered for further service.
A draft of 200 Riverina bushmen, raised by Mr. J. S. Horsfall, of Widgewa, New South Wales, and the volunteers for further service, joined the regiment at Klerksdorp, Transvaal, and were attached to Colonel Williams' Column, who again was operating in the Western Transvaal, and served until peace was declared in June, 1902. The regiment sailed from Durban, Natal, under the command of Lieut.-Colonel Hon. Rupert Carrington, in the transport “Drayton Grange”, 12th July, for Sydney, calling en route at Albany and Melbourne, and arriving 11th August.
Further Reading:
3rd New South Wales Imperial Bushmen
3rd New South Wales Imperial Bushmen, Roll of Honour
Battles where Australians fought, 1899-1920
Citation: 3rd New South Wales Imperial Bushmen, Outline
