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2nd West Australian Mounted Infantry, Outline Topic: BW - WA - 2WAMI
2nd WAMI
2nd West Australian Mounted Infantry
Outline
Map illustrating the activities of the 2nd Western Australian Mounted Infantry in South Africa, 1900 - 1901.
[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. 403 - 404.
Second Mounted Infantry Contingent.
On 20th December, 1899, the formation of a second Company of Mounted Infantry for service in the war, was sanctioned by the Western Australian Government. Period of engagement, one year, but subsequently extended (Western Australian Government Gazette, 8th March, 1901). Establishment -One captain, 3 subalterns, and 50 other ranks. Clothing, kit, etc.., as before, but adapted to mounted men ; also rates of pay, except that there was an addition of staff sergeants, 10s. per diem, and warrant officers, 11s. 6d. per diem. It was further notified that pensions to widows of officers and warrant officers, and compassionate allowance to their children, pensions for wounded, etc., would be such as might be considered and allowed by the Imperial Government from Imperial funds ; and that officers, warrant officers, N.C.O.'s, and privates had no claim on the Western Australian Government in such respect.
An increase in the establishment to 125 of all ranks was sanctioned on 8th January, 1900. Men between the ages of 20 and 34 were qualified for enlistment.
Departure and Return.
The Company departed on 3rd February, 1900, comprising - 8 officers and 97 others, with 125 horses, 1 spring cart, and 1 wagon. Five officers, 21 others, were struck off in South Africa; 5 officers, 72 others, returned to Australia. (Four officers promoted from ranks.)
Promotions, Etc
Captain H. L. Pilkington to Major, 21st December, 1899; to Lieut.-Colonel, (local in South Africa), 15th August, 1900.
Lieutenant R. T. McMasters, to Captain, 10th March, 1900.
Lieutenant S. Harris, to Captain (local in South Africa), lot March, 1900.
Lieutenant S. A. Oliver, to Lieutenant, lot March, 1900; to Captain, 25th. February, 1901. Joined South African Constabulary, 12th April, 1901.
Lieutenant L. D. P. Potter, Sergeant, ___; Lieutenant, 1st March, 1900. Joined South African Constabulary.
Sergeant A. H. Barclay, to Lieutenant, 29th May, 1900.
Sergeant J. S. Duffy, to Lieutenant, 25th March, 1901.
Corporal P. C. Collins obtained a Lieutenancy in South African Constabulary, 7th March, 1901. Corporal J. A. Bullock, promoted Lieutenant, Bush Veldt Carbineers, 7th March, 1901.
Private C. W. Williams, to Lieutenant, 11th December, 1900; served in 5th Contingent.
Private S. S. Reid, to Lieutenant, 8th March, 1901; served in 6th Contingent.
Quartermaster-Sergeant G. St. G. R. Beresford became Lieutenant, 8th Australian Commonwealth Horse, 5th May, 1902.
Private R. D. W. Esdaile became Lieutenant, 4th Australian Commonwealth Horse.
For promotions of N.C.O.'s and men, vide nominal roll.
Service.
This Contingent embarked in the transport Surrey on 3rd February, 1900, at Fremantle, and arrived at Cape Town on the 24th. They proceeded to the Prieska district in March, and were amongst the troops engaged in dealing with an organized disaffection. The rising having been put down, some of the Western Australian force continued to operate in that district during part of April.
The 2nd Western Australians were with General Pole-Carew's Column from the advance from Bloemfontein to the engagement at Belfast ; and with Colonel De Lisle's Column after engagement at Belfast during the remainder of their term. It is rather difficult in some respects to disassociate their service from that of the 1st.
The Company arrived at Bloemfontein in time to take part in the advance to Pretoria in May. At Bloemfontein they were attached to General Pole-Carew's 11th Division, in which they served from let May to the end of October, with the exception of a few weeks about the end of June and beginning of July, when they were detached to assist on the lines of communication in the Orange River Colony, The 2nd were in action at Brandfort, 3rd May ; Vet River, 4th; Zand River. 9th and 10th; Vaal, 26th; Johannesburg, 28th, 29th, 30th ; 6-Mile S raft, 4th June ; Silverton, 8th ; Diamond Bill, 11th and 12th June ; and Belt, 27th August.
The Westralians were heavily engaged at Diamond Hill. In his telegram of the 16th June, Lord Roberts said. said. --" Botha's army has retired, believed to MiddeIburg. His rearguard was surprised and thoroughly routed by Ian Hamilton's Mounted Infantry, chiefly Western Australians, and the 6th Battalion."
On the 16th July, a party of the 2nd Western Australians at Pienaar's Pont, on the left of General Pole-Carew's position east of Pretoria, successfully repelled a Boer attack.
The 2nd took part, under General Pole-Carew, in the advance from Pretoria to Komati Poort, starting about the 23rd July. They had fighting in the Belfast district on 27th August, and frequently thereafter. In his telegram of 13th September, Lord Roberts remarked that the Western Australian had been seeming in front of Pole-Carew's Division. They were said to have been the first to discover much railway material and other valuable stores near the Poort. They were present at a review on a large scale held there on 28th September. After their stay in that neighbourhood, they were employed about Machadodorp, where they suffered some casualties throughout October.
On the 7th November the Company left Cape Town in the transport Woolloomooloo, and arrived, on the 8th December, at Fremantle. Disbanded on 7th March, 1901.
Note:- Although the bulk of the Company left as stated, some remained and were employed in Cape Colony, assisting to drive out the invaders. At Klipplaat, on 5th February, 1901, Lieutenant Oliver had been sent in command of a small force of twelve of the 7th Dragoon Guards, twelve Western Australians, and three Cape police, to carry despatches from Colonel Haig to another leader. The little party was surprised by several hundred of the enemy. They kept up a steady fire, as occasion served, from 11 a.m. until sundown, but eventually were all overpowered. Four dragoons were killed, and Lieutenant Oliver and several others wounded.
The last of the Contingent appear to have steamed for Australia, under Lieutenant Duffy, on 31st March.
2nd West Australian Mounted Infantry, Nominal Roll Topic: BW - WA - 2WAMI
2nd WAMI
2nd West Australian Mounted Infantry
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. 405 - 407.
2nd West Australian Mounted Infantry
95 Lance Corporal Charles Edgar ABBOTT
61 Private Edward Rupertsberger ANDREWS
28 Private George ARTHUR
54 Lance Corporal William Webster AYRE
Sergeant Archibald Henry BARCLAY
14 Private Alan Haynes BARLEE
46 Lance Corporal George St. George Ross BERESFORD
82 Private Harold BIRCH
93 Farrier Sergeant Major Archibald BISHOP
79 Private Frederick William BRETAG
74 Private Maitland Howard BROWN
57 Private John Aiton BULLOCK
45 Private Bryce Victor Eric BUNNY
59 Private Ernest Archdall BUTTERMER
94 Quartermaster Sergeant Henry Alexander CAMPBELL
3rd West Australian Bushmen, Outline Topic: BW - WA - 3WAB
3rd WAB
3rd West Australian Bushmen
Outline
Map illustrating the activities of the 3rd West Australian Bushmen in South Africa, 1900-1901.
[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. 408 - 410.
Third (Bushmen’s) Contingent.
Western Australian Government Gazette, of 16th February, 1900, contained
a General Order to the effect that the Government had sanctioned a further increase in the establishment of the Mounted Infantry Corps by 125 of all ranks. Pay, clothing, equipment, &c., as for previous Contingents.
It was notified that members of the Bushmen's Company who might provide their own horses and saddles, if passed fit for service by the military authorities, would be granted a sum of £16 as compensation, and a refund of any rail freight that might have been paid in bringing such horses to Perth. At the termination of hostilities, if the horses were sold, any excess over £15 obtained by such sale, would be given to the owner.
The same announcement was made in regard to pensions, etc., as previously (aide tad contingent).
Each man enlisted was required to be in possession of a certificate from a Committee appointed by the government as expert judges of the qualifications of an Australian bushman.
Departure and Return
The Contingent left on 13th March, 1900, with 7 officers, 109 others, and 397 horses. Four died or ware killed ; 6 officers, 13 others, were struck off in South Africa ; 2 officers, 91 others returned to Australia (1 officer promoted from ranks); 2 man died after return) ; 2 officers appointed to Imperial service.
Promotions, Etc.
Captain H. G. Vialls, to Major, 13th February, 1900; to Lieut.-Colonel (local rank in South Africa).
Lieutenant A. F. Thunder, to Captain, 8th May, 1901; posted to 6th Contingent.
Captain (Medical Staff) F. J. Ingoldby, to Major, 12th December, 1900. Company Sergeant-Major S. J. Chipper, to Lieutenant and Quartermaster, 18th June, 1900.
Private B. H. Andrews became Lieutenant and Quartermaster, 2nd Australian Commonwealth Horse, 11th February, 1902.
Private P. P. Strickland, to Lieutenant, 4th Australian Commonwealth Horse, 27th March, 1902.
Lieutenant R, R. C. Vernon accepted commission in City of London Regiment, 19th May, 1900.
Lieutenant M. R, P. Gledhill was commissioned in Lancashire Fusiliers, 39th May, 1900.
For promotions of N.C.O.'s and men, vide nominal roll.
Service.
The 3rd Company of Western Australian Mounted Infantry for the war, left Fremantle on 13th March, I900, in the transport Maplemore, and arrived at Beira on the 18th April. The Contingents which landed at Beira were divided into regiments as follows:- 1st Regiment, New South Wales; 2nd Regiment, Victorians sad Western Australians; 3rd Regiment, Queenslanders. But the Victorian and Western Australian Regiment was more generally designated the “3rd Bushmen." The different corps were very much mixed up before they had gone far into the Transvaal.
The 3rd Western Australians formed part of the force-of Bushmen which, under General Carrington, crossed Rhodesia and entered the Transvaal from Mafeking. They wowed in the first instance with General Carrington's Column through Rhodesia, until after the relief of Eland's River; afterwards with lord Methuen's Column, and subsequently with General Plumer's Force,
The Contingent, small as it was, was split up; but saw a great deal of fighting throughout July, August, and September, 1900, in the district between Mafeking in the west, and Warmbad, north of Pretoria, in the east. At Kostsr's River (19th, 21st, 22nd July) there was a prolonged engagement in which parties from the different Australian Colonies took a large share. The 3rd Western Australians, with a strength of about 70, had Captain (Medical Staff) F. T. lngoldby, and several others wounded. They were associated with the 3rd Victorians ; and, as before stated, formed the 3rd (sometimes called the 2nd) Regiment of Australian Bushmen.
A few Western Australians, acting under Captain Ham, 3rd Victorians, were in the Australian garrison which made a stiff defence at Eland's River in the Rustenburg district, 4th to 16th August. (Vide Now South Wales Citizen’s Bushmen, p. 73, and 3rd Queensland Contingent.) Another small detachment were with General Carrington, when he attempted to effect Hore's relief from the west; while the first troops to march into the place as the advanced scouts of Lord Kitchener's force, which relieved the garrison from the south-east, were men of the 1st Western Australians.
During the last few months of 1900, and up to April, 1901, the 3rd, as part of the 3rd Australian Bushmen with General Plumer's Force, saw much fighting in many parts of the seat of war; and, under the fine leadership of Major Vialls, always did well.
Received from Lord Roberts, 3rd December, 1900:
“Lord Kitchener informs me that General Paget has brought to his notice the great gallantry of Major Vialls, 3rd Western Australians, and of the magnificent behaviour of that regiment in a recent engagement. I offer to their relations and to the colony generally, my most hearty congratulations."
Captain Hurst remained in South Africa after the return of his Contingent to Australia. While attached to “G" Battery Royal Horse Artillery, then converted into Mounted Rifles, he was severely wounded in action at Boochbult, Western Transvaal, Slat March, 1902.
The 3rd left Cape Town on 9th May, 1901, in the transport Morayshire, and arrived in Fremantle on the 28th,
Disbanded, 18th August, 1901.
War Services and Honours.
Vialls, Lieut.-Colonel HG.- Operations in Rhodesia, Transvaal, orange River Colony, and Cape Colony, between April, 1900, and April, 1901. Despatches, London Gazette, 19th April, 1901. C.B. Queen's Medal with four clasps.
Hurst, Captain H. R.-Operations as stated. Served until the end of war. Action at Rhenoster Kop, special mention in Commanding Officer's despatches, 19th November, 1900. Queen's Medal with four clasps, Kings Medal with two clasps.
Vernon, Lieutenant R. R. C.-Operations as stated. Despatches, London Gazette, 19th April, 1901. D.S.O. Queen's Medal with four clasps.
Chipper, Lieut.-Quartermaster S. J. - Was present during operations in Rhodesia, and renewed Queen's Medal with two clasps.
Ingoldby, Major (Medical Staff) F. J. - Operations in Rhodesia and Transvaal. Despatches, London Gazette, 17th June, 1902. Queen's Medal with two clasps.
Lieutenants C. H. Ord, A. F. Thunder, and M. R. P. W: Gledhill were present during all, or portions of, operations stated, and received Queen's Medal with clasps. Lieutenant Ord was mentioned in despatches, London Gazette 10th September,1901.
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