Topic: BW - WA - 8ACH
8th ACH (WA)
8th Australian Commonwealth Horse, West Australia
Outline
Map illustrating the activities of the Australian Commonwealth Horse in South Africa, 1902.
[From: Chamberlain, M., The Australians in the South African War 1899-1902, Canberra, 1999.]
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. 437.
Eighth Battalion Australian Commonwealth Horse
Western Australian Unit.
This was "D" Squadron of the 8th Battalion, Australian Commonwealth Horse, which comprised two South Australian squadrons, one Western Australian, and one Tasmanian.
For particulars of pay, clothing, equipment, conditions of enrolment, organization, etc., vide 5th Battalion, Australian Commonwealth Horse, New South Wales, page 184.
No. 1 Troop comprised 29 N.C.O.'s and men, who were enrolled at Military Head-Quarters, Perth; No. 2 Troop of similar strength, enrolled at Geraldton (6), Bunbury (14), Northam (8), and Albany (3); Nos. 3 and 4 Troops, each of strength stated, at the Eastern Goldfields; enrolling centre, Kalgoorlie. Preference was given to men belonging to existing military units, to those who had served in South Africa, and to civilians that possessed most military qualities.
Horses fit for service were selected by local committees, at prices not exceeding £20; Preference Wing given to horses brought by the man enrolled. Height, 15 to 15.3 hands; age, 5 to 12 years.
For service, vide 8th Battalion, Australian Commonwealth Horse, South Australia. There were not any casualties. Promotions as per nominal roll.
Departure and Return
The Squadron embarked on the transport St. Andrew (which had on board the battalion staff and the other Squadrons), at Fremantle, and June, 1902, and arrived at Durban on the 19th. Strength:- 4 officers, 116 others, with 120 horses. Forty seven N.C.O.'s sad men were struck off in South Africa; 4 officers, 69 others returned to Australia.
Further Reading:
8th Australian Commonwealth Horse, West Australia
Battles where Australians fought, 1899-1920
Citation: 8th Australian Commonwealth Horse, West Australia, Outline
