Topic: Gen - Australia
Australian Society, 1899 - 1920
General Items
Dick Ponsonby from Tamworth
Dick Ponsonby and Captain Nankervis
[From: Sydeny Mail, 29 June 1901, p. 1632.]
While reading through the newspapers, various pictures of people and incidents occasionally appear that sparks curiosity.
For instance, it used to be the fashion to dress young lads up as soldiers - they hadn't heard of Spider Man at that time. Many of the time these young lads come onto the pages of the newspapers of the time. Looking at them leads a person to wonder whatever happened to the fellow.
One young boy featured in the Sydney Mail was Dick Ponsonby from Tamworth. Here is the standard comparative picture taken at the time. He was photographed standing next to Captain Nankervis of the 4th Infantry Regiment who is one of the tallest men around the area standing at about 2m in height.
Harold Richard Ponsonby was born at Tamworth in 1889. His parents were John and Helen Ponsonby. Dick Ponsoby's connection to the Boer War was by way of his uncle. nearby Tamworthat the town of Pillaga, William Richard Ponsonby, a policeman, enlisted as a Lieutenant with Thorneycroft's Mounted Infantry, and rode with "D" Squadron. At Colenso he was Mentioned in Despatches. This is around the time the picture was taken so one can only assume that this is Dick Ponsonby emulating his uncle's activity.
Harold Richard Ponsonby died in an accident in 1908, soon after he turned 19. The picture shows so much hope and ambition. A sad end to a promising life.
Further Reading:
Citation: Australian Society, 1899 - 1920, General Items, Dick Ponsonby from Tamworth
