"At a mile distant their thousand hooves were stuttering thunder, coming at a rate that frightened a man - they were an awe inspiring sight, galloping through the red haze - knee to knee and horse to horse - the dying sun glinting on bayonet points..." Trooper Ion Idriess
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Monday, 17 February 2003
Boer War, 1899 - 1902, Australian Forces, 1st Tasmanian Mounted Infantry, Roll of Honour Topic: BW - Tas - 1TMI
Boer War, 1899 - 1902
Australian Forces
Roll of Honour
1st Tasmanian Mounted Infantry
Poppies on the Roll of Honour, Australian War Memorial, Canberra
The Roll of Honour contains the names of all the men known to have served at one time with the 1st Tasmanian Mounted Infantry and gave their lives in service of Australia, whether as part of the 1st Tasmanian Mounted Infantry or another unit during the Boer War.
Men of the 1st Tasmanian Contingent receive the bugle and colours from Mrs Dodds.
The following is a transcription of an article that appeared in The Hobart Mercury, Friday 27 October 1899, at page 3.
AUSTRALIAN CONTINGENT FOR SOUTH AFRICA.
INSPECTION OF THE TROOPS.
ADDRESS BY THE ADMINISTRATOR.
RECEPTION AND BANQUET.
DEPARTURE OF THE CONTINGENT.
Shortly after 6 o'clock this morning the members of the Tasmanian contingent will leave Hobart, en route to South Africa. The event is certainly a unique one in the history of the colony, and for that reason, as well as for the stirring sentiment that surrounds the mission upon which the troops are engaged, the public have been aroused to an unusually high pitch of enthusiasm. A parade of troops is always an impressive scene. The memories and traditions which are inseparably associated with military life naturally stir public feeling; and such feeling becomes intensified when a parade of troops is a movement preparatory to the departure of soldiers for the scene of active warfare.
The knowledge that a contingent of men have during the past week been drilled seven hours daily to render them efficient for duty on a field of battle has certainly excited the sentimental feelings of the people of Hobart.
The men were busy at the barracks yesterday in completing all detailed arrangements connected with their equipment. A certain amount of drill was done, and the men have creditably mastered the difficulties of the various movements.
Colonel Legge speaks very highly of the marked improvement in the appearance of the troops, who have been most attentive to their instructors.
The men, headed by the Headquarters Band, marched to Franklin-square at 5 o'clock yesterday afternoon, and were inspected by His Excellency the Administrator. Possibly, on no previous occasion was the square a scene of greater interest. As early as 4 o'clock people secured prominent positions, which they retained until the contingent arrived. All who could possibly get positions in the square did so, and Macquarie-street was also crowded with spectators. Every available window that afforded a sight of the square was likewise occupied, and waving handkerchiefs and encouraging cheers could he seen and heard in all directions.
Among others present on the steps of the Law Department were the members of the Ministry, various Members of Parliament, Colonel Legge, and staff officers.
The contingent was drawn up in front of the entrance to the Law Department, and as his Excellency the Administrator, accompanied by Mrs. Dodds and Mr. Warren Dodds (Private Secretary) arrived the Royal salute was given, and the Headquarters Band played the National Anthem.
His Excellency then inspected the men, after which he delivered the following address:-
Officers and Men of the Contingent, I congratulate you upon your smart and soldierly appearance, and I notice with great satisfaction the improvement which a week's training has made in you. As Her Majesty's representative in this colony I wish to thank you for this proof of your devotion to your Queen and your loyalty to the British Empire. Each one of you is leaving his home to bear the privations of a soldier's life, not so much because his help is needed, but because he wishes to show England that her sons are ever ready to help her cause. The rising in South Africa is not one that threatens in the least degree the stability of the Empire, and a comparatively small number of British soldiers probably would be quite adequate to assert British rights and protect British interests. Already a handful of British troops at Glencoe have balanced the account of Majuba Hill, and have shown what valour can accomplish against heavy odds. But you, as British subjects, feel that you would like to share in your nation's work in the cause of right, and be more than silent spectators of her victories. And England has accepted your services, not because she needs them, but much as a loving parent accepts with proud feelings a service of affection and devotion from an offspring. But you have done rightly in offering your help, if only in grateful appreciation of the protection you receive, and. the privileges you enjoy under the great Empire to which you belong. You have done more than this; you have given an object lesson to the whole world of the homogeneousness of our Empire, and you have encouraged the hopes of
"All the loyal hearts who long To keep our English Empire whole."
You may rest assured that wherever the English flag waves the action of these colonies in sending men for service in South Africa will be viewed with national pride. You have touched the chord of national sentiment, and it will reverberate throughout the world. I will not presume to attempt to instinct you as to your duties. The Commandant, Colonel Legge, has already given you sound advice as to what is necessary to make a good soldier, but this much I may say without presumption, willing obedience to orders, and strict attention to every duty, form the groundwork of success. Each man must perform his allotted task thoroughly, oven in matters of the smallest detail, and leave the rest in charge of a stronger hand. To the men of the contingent I think that I can confidently say, you are commanded by a soldier whose fitness for the position is undoubted, whose personal courage is beyond question. In Captain Cameron you have a tried soldier, who has seen active Service under one of England's greatest Generals, Field-Marshal Lord Roberts of Kandahar. It is more than probable that you will be the only company of all the Australian forces enjoying the proud distinction of being led by a man who, with his regiment, went to the relief of Kandahar in that memorable and historic march from Cabul. Your captain will no doubt require from you strict attention to discipline, because he knows how much depends upon it, but he will, in return, see that you are well cared for, and that others do their duty by you, and there will be no danger, no privation to which you are exposed that he will not share with you. Exemplifying the motto on his crest – Pro Rege et Patria - he has, like you, offered his services for patriotic reasons, and if I freely translate that motto as meaning on this occasion "for my Queen and my Country," I shall rightly express the sentiment which moves every man of this contingent, a sentiment which throughout our history has produced the most splendid deeds of heroic bravery and unselfish devotion. Your other officers and non commissioned officers have been specially selected on account of their qualifications for their duties, and I think that, long before the campaign is over, officers and men »ill mutually respect and feel confidence in each other. I dare not trust m\self to speak of the inhuman conduct of our enemies, lest I should express myself in terms unsuited to this occasion, but I glory in the knowledge that whatever others may do, helpless women and children wounded and defenceless men, are, to British troops, objects of compassionate care and protection rather than victims of racial hatred and barbaric cruelty We have been forced into this quarrel for, true to her traditional policy, England has shown the must patient forbearance in her endeavours to preserve peace. The issue is not doubtful, for this is no Titanic struggle. The time is not yet when even the most powerful enemy can with impunity insult the British nation, or when the insignificant authors of a turbulent rising can without chastisement, yelp at the British flag. The braggarts who talked at chasing Englishmen into the sea will understand the fatuity of then boasting, and feel then utter helplessness when confronted with British guns. The rights of our countrymen will be maintained and their liberties assured. And if, perchance, sacrifices have to be made, the punishment meted out to the wrongdoer will be correspondingly severe. Ere long the English flag will again float peacefully and triumphantly over British possessions in South Africa, and order will be restored. All questions of racial supremacy will be settled, and when peace and prosperity again rest upon the land, they will make their abiding home under the protecting influences of a mighty Empire, whose beneficent rule has always made for peace and civilisation, and the happiness of the world. I wish you "Godspeed." Yon leave us .Filled with admiration at your noble example. You remind us how the manhood of a country should uphold the national honour, and we know that the fair fame of Tasmania is safe in your keeping. We recognise in your action the patriotism of kinship with all its passionate affection, and all its generous sacrifice. We shall watch with the keenest interest your every movement, and we shall pray for your safe return; and when the time comes we shall receive you back with full hearts. And now it only remains forme to give you the crowning honour of this occasion, a message from your Queen. Her Majesty commands me to deliver to you this message: - “Her Majesty the Queen desires to thank the people of Tasmania for their striking manifestation of loyalty and patriotism in their voluntary offer to send troops to co-operate with Her Majesty's Imperial Forces in maintaining her position and the rights of British subjects in South Africa. She wishes the troops God-speed and a safe return." The contingent gave a second Royal salute at the conclusion of His Excellency's address as a special mark of their respect.
Mrs. Dodds then presented a silver bugle to Captain Cameron for the bugler of the contingent. She said:
“It gives me great pleasure to present to you this bugle. May it always call you to a service of honour and devotion, such as that you now undertake I feel proud of you, my fellow countrymen, who are setting such a noble example, and I wish you God-speed."
The bungle was the gift of Mr. H. E. Smith, late lieutenant and adjutant of tho Buckingham Rifles, who, in the course of a letter to the Minister of Defence, asked permission to present the bugle to the contingent.
After the bugle had been presented loud cheers were given for the members of the contingent.
The members of the contingent were then marched to the Temperance-hall to the reception given by the Mayoress.
Map illustrating the activities of the 1st Tasmanian Imperial Bushmen in South Africa, 1900.
[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, pp. 555 - 558.
Third (First Tasmanian Imperial) Contingent.
Paid by the Imperial Government; the Tasmanian Government acting as agents. This was a corps, consisting of one Squadron of Imperial Bushmen, of the same character as those already specified. For pay, equipment, qualification for enrolment, etc., see New South Wales Imperial Bushmen. The engagement was for twelve months or the duration of the war. This Contingent gained the unique distinction of having won two Victoria Crosses.
Establishment was:-
1 Captain,
4 Subalterns,
1 Sergeant-Major,
1 Quartermaster Sergeant,
5 Sergeants,
1 Farrier-Sergeant,
2 Buglers,
107 rank and file.
Departure and Return
The Contingent left on 26th April, 1900, consisting of - 5 officers, 117 others, with 133 horses. Two officers, 4 others, died or were killed; 2 officers, 20 others were struck off in South Africa; 1 officer, 1 N.C.O. were commissioned in the Imperial Army; 4 officers were promoted from the ranks; 4 officers, 88 others returned.
Promotions, etc.
Lieutenant A. A. Sale, to Captain, February, 1901.
Lieutenant G. G. E. Wylly, VC, received an Imperial Commission.
Lance-Corporal G. A. Douglas received an Imperial Commission.
Trooper J. P. Egan was commissioned in South African Field Force.
Corporal L. S. E. Page, promoted Lieutenant, 6th December, 1900.
Corporal R. L. Williams, promoted Lieutenant, 8th February, 1901.
Sergeant A. Stocker, promoted Lieutenant, 10th April, 1901.
Sergeant H. R. Reynolds, promoted Lieutenant, 12th April, 1901.
Sergeant G. Shaw, promoted Lieutenant in 2nd Tasmanian Imperial Bushmen's Contingent.
Trooper L. H. Laughton, promoted Lieutenant in 2nd Tasmanian Imperial Bushmen's Contingent.
Trooper W. K. Barwise, promoted Lieutenant, "E" Company, 1st Australian Commonwealth Horse.
Sergeant E. W. Stephens, Promoted Lieutenant, "C" Squadron, 8th Australian Commonwealth Horse.
For promotions of N.C.O.'s and men, vide nominal roll.
Service.
Embarked at Hobart on the troopship Manhattan on 26th April, 1900; arrived at Beira on 28th May, and proceeded to Durban, arriving on 3rd June. From thence the troops, which included the 4th South Australians and the 4th Western Australians, were sent to Port Elisabeth, where they disembarked on 19th June. These three Contingents formed together the corps known as the 4th Imperial Bushmen, under Lieut: Colonel J. Rowell, of South Australia.
About the middle of June, operations were commenced encircling the Boers who were in the Wittebergen or Brandwater Basin; a mountain stronghold in the North-East Orange River Colony. Rundle, with the VIII. Division, and Brabant, with the South African Colonial Division, were holding the line from the Senekal eastwards to the Basutoland border. Clement. and Paget, on the middle frontier west, were about Lindley, the south-west point of the Boor strong hold. These masses of men either could not live, or were not allowed to live, in the country; hence huge convoys of supplies wets required to be sent from the railway.
On 23rd June a very large convoy left Kroonstadt for General Paget's Force at Lindley. The escort was commanded by Colonel Brookfield, 14th Imperial Yeomanry, and consisted of 200 of that corps, 114 other Yeomanry, 900 Imperial Bushmen (namely, two Squadrons South Australians, one Squadron Western Australian, and one Squadron Tasmanians), 27 of Rimington's Guides, 98 Prince Alfred's Guards, 2 guns 17th Royal Field Artillery, 4 guns City Imperial Volunteer Battery, half-battalion of Yorkshire Light Infantry, and the 3rd East Kent (Buffs) Militia. The Australians were considered as one Regiment, under Colonel Rowell.
On the morning of the 26th June, Theron's scouts suddenly attacked the convoy near Eland's Spruit, but they were driven off. In the afternoon, near Swartz Farm, Piet De Wet attacked. The Australians were ordered to dismount, and advancing with great dash, the enemy was again driven off. On the 27th, the convoy marched 18 miles; the assort being engaged practically all day. Near Lindley, the traction engines stuck in the spruit. The 4th were the rearguard, and were hotly preened by the enemy who endeavoured to cut o$ the Tasmanians forming the rear screen, but the City Imperial Volunteer Battery did good work; and Colonel Brookfield, having sent fresh Squadrons to Colonel Rowan's assistance, he was able to keep the Boots of the convoy.
Next day Lindley was reached. In a despatch to General Kelly-Kenny, commanding in the Orange River Colony, the Chief of the Staff said that Lord Roberts was of opinion that the convoy had been conducted with skill and foresight, that no precautions were neglected, and that the behaviour of the troops was creditable to all ranks. "His Lordship is glad to observe that, besides the regular troops employed, the Militia Battalion, the Corps of Imperial Bushmen, the Imperial Yeomanry and the City Imperial Volunteers, distinguished themselves on this occasion."
Colonel Brookfield and most of his troops now joined General Paget's command. After doing some work about the Bethlehem-Winburg district, they formed part of the escort which took the Boer prisoners from Wittebergen to the railway. On the 14th august, the Contingent entrained for Pretoria; and, on the 18th, they marched past Lord Roberts, who was very complimentary. On the same day they marched out to join General Paget, under whom they were during the next three months, to see hard marching and still fighting. "We were constantly under the fire of the enemy; pretty well every day brought its contribution of experience in the shape of small engagements." (On the Veldt, by Captain R. C. Lewis, Hobart, 1902).
On 20th August, the Contingent was put into the Mounted Brigade of Colonel Hickman, under whom they acted, until he left the Column in December. He almost invariably asked them to act as his advanced guard when he expected to fight the enemy. On the 1st September, 20 men of the Squadron, under Lieutenant G. G. E. Wylly, went out after cattle; they were surrounded and retired with difficulty. Trooper Brown was killed, and Lieutenant Wylly and four others were wounded.
It was on this day that Lieutenant Wylly and Trooper J. H. Bisdee both earned the Victoria Cross. Lieutenant Wylly's conduct was thus officially recorded: "Although wounded, this officer, seeing that one of his men was badly wounded in the leg and that his horse was shot went back to the man's assistance, made him take his (Wylly's) horse, and opened fire from behind a rock to cover the retreat of the others, at the imminent risk of being cut off himself."- (London Gazette, 13th November 1900). Colonel T. E. Hickman. D.S.O., considered that "the gallant conduct of Lieutenant Wylly saved Corporal Brown from being killed or captured; and that his subsequent firing to cover the retreat, was instruments in saving the other men from death or capture." Lieutenant Wylly subsequently obtained a commission in the South Lancashire Regiment, and was wounded on the night of the 7th January, 1901, when the Boers fiercely attacked the posts on the railway about Belfast. He was appointed an aide-de-camp to Lord Kitchener. Bisdee's achievement is recorded as follows:- "On the 1st September, Private Bisdee was one of an advanced scouting party, passing through a rocky defile near Warmbad, Transvaal. The enemy, who were in ambuscade, opened a sudden fire at close range; and six out of the party of eight were hit, including two officers. The home of one of the wounded officers broke away and bolted. Private Bisdee gave the officer his stirrup-leather to help him out of action; but finding that the officer was too badly wounded to go on, he dismounted, placed him on his horse, mounted behind him, and conveyed him out of range. This act was performed under a very hot fire and in a very exposed place." – (London Gazette, 13th November, 1900.)
On 4th November, the South Australians and Western Australians joined Colonel Hickman, and the Regiment was together again. At Rhenoster Kop, 29th, the Tasmanians were escort to the guns. In December, Captain Lewis was invalided with enteric, and the command devolved upon Lieutenant Sale, under whom the Squadron, much reduced in numbers, took a prominent part in the pursuit of De Wet, through and out of Cape Colony. Captain Lewis rejoined before the march to Pietersburg took place. After the town was occupied (8th April, 1901), the Tasmanian being the first to enter, Captain Bale, with a small troop galloped to a ridge beyond ; he was shot by a Boer concealed in the long grass, a few paces to the left; and Lieutenant Walter, going to his assistance was mortally wounded.
On 25th April, Sergeant Stocker gained great distinction for his share in the capture of 35 prisoners. In May, the Squadron operated under General Plumer, through the Eastern Transvaal to Bethel and Piet Retief.
Operations, and Corps or Columns served with, may be summarised thus: Operations Eastern Orange Free State, including actions at Lindley,
Bethlehem, Twin Hills, and Slabbert's Nek, under General Paget.
Present at capture of Prinsloo's laager.
Operations in North-East Transvaal, around Sybrant's Kraal, Warmbad,
Nylstroom, Rhenoster Kop (29th November, 1900), under General Paget. Operations in Western Transvaal, Rustenburg, Scion's River.
Operations in Cape Colony, commencing February, 1901, to check De Wet's raid, under General Plumer.
With General Plumer to Pietersburg, April, 1901.
The Squadron embarked in the transport Britannic at But London on 7th July, 1901, and arrived in Tasmania on 5th August ; having visited on rouse Albany, Adelaide, and Melbourne. Disbanded 14th August.
War Service and Honours.
Lewis, Captain R. C. - Operation east of Orange River Colony North-East Transvaal, Western Transvaal, and Cape Colony, between June, 1900, and June, 1901, including actions at Lindley, Bethlehem, Twin Hills, Slabbert's Nek, Wittebergen, Sybrant's Kraal, Warmbad, Nylstroom, and Rhenoster Kop. Despatches, London Gazette, 16th April, 1901. D.S.O. Queen's Medal with three clasps. Perkins, Lieutenant R.-Operations and actions as stated. Despatches, London Gazette, 16th April, 1901. D.S.O. Queen's Medal with three clasps.
Wylly, Lieutenant G. G. E.-Operation and actions as stated. Despatches, London Gazette, 13th November, 1900. VA. Queen's Medal with three clasps
Safe, Captain A. A.-Operation and actions as stated. Mentioned in Commander-in-Chiefe's Despatches, 8th March, 1901. Killed in action at Pietersburg, 9th April, 1901.
Walter, Lieutenant C. H. - Operation and actions se stated. Killed in action at Pietersburg, 9th April, 1901.
Page, L. S. E., Williams, R. L., Sleeker, A., and Reynolds, H. R. (Lieutenants.) Operations and actions generally as stated. Queen's Medal with three clasps.
Lieuts. Page and Williams returned to South Africa in October, 1901, and were commissioned in the Cape Colony Field Force.
1st Tasmanian Imperial Bushmen, Nominal Roll Topic: BW - Tas - 1TIB
1st TIB
1st Tasmanian Imperial Bushmen
Nominal Roll
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, pp. 558 - 560.
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