"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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Sunday, 30 November 2003
"A" Squadron, NSW Mounted Rifles, Antill Letter, 26 December 1899 Topic: BW - NSW - NSWMR_A
A Sqn NSWMR
"A" Squadron, NSW Mounted Rifles
Antill Letter, 26 December 1899
Antill Letter, 26 December 1899
The following transcript is of a letter written by Captain John Macquarie Antill, Officer Commanding the New South Wales Mounted Rifles contingent to South Africa to the New South Wales Chief Staff Officer and Assistant Adjutant General Colonel Henry Douglas Mackenzie.
From Captain JM Antill Commander of NSW Mounted Rifles
To the Chief Staff Officer Victoria Barracks Sydney NSW
Sir
I have to report that the Dayton Granger arrived at Cape Town on the 23rd inst, having lost 3 horses Mounted Rifles and 5 horses Imperial Government. Men all well. The Officer Commanding in Command Captain Birsh expressed himself highly satisfied with the manner in which all ranks carried out their difficult duties. On the 21st inst the unit, together with the Australian Horse left Cape Town the latter proceeding to Arundel to join the Lancers. It is expected that no move for the front is being made for two weeks or there abouts. The health of the men is good and all ranks have given satisfaction in the manner in which duties are carried out.
Lieutenant Tooth reported at Cape Town and by direction of the military Authorities then was taken on for duty. (As Transport Officer). All Regimental transport has been taken over and local wagons and mules with native drivers substituted. The rations and forage provided seems of good quality but as there is no canteen given us and such as are expensive and difficult to procure. All rank badges, swords and colours have been removed by men and officers are difficult to distinguish from rank men. The horses are generally suffering the West African Sickness, in hard cough which despite all precautions attacks all and sundry. The horses we brought over are greatly admired and in demand. I shall report my departure for the front in due course.
De Aar 26 December 1899 JM Antill, Captain Commanding New South Wales Mounted Rifles
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New South Wales Mounted Rifles, "A" Squadron, Roll of Honour Topic: BW - NSW - NSWMR_A
Boer War, 1899 - 1902
Australian Forces
Roll of Honour
New South Wales Mounted Rifles, "A" Squadron
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 New South Wales Mounted Rifles, "A" Squadron and gave their lives in service of Australia, whether as part of the New South Wales Mounted Rifles, "A" Squadron or another unit during the Boer War.
Roll of Honour
William John ABRAHAMS, Killed in Action Abraham's Kraal, 10 March 1900.
Alfred Edward Elkington ALLEN, Wounded in Action Spruitfontein, 6 April 1900; Died of Enteric fever at Pretoria, 18 October 1900.
William BENDER, Died of Enteric Fever, Bloemfonein, 4 April 1900.
Arthur Thomas BENNETT, Killed in Action Palmfontein, 19 July 1900.
Verdi Robert DALY, Died of Enteric Fever, Bloemfonein, 11 June 1900.
Clive FLINT, Wounded in Action Klip Drift, 16 February 1900. Died of Enteric fever, Winburg, 24 June 1900.
Wilfred John KIRKLAND, Died of Enteric fever, Bloemfontein, 20 May 1900.
Edwin Horace RANSLEY, Died Sterkstroom, 27 April 1900.
Phillip John REILLY, Died of Enteric fever, Bloemfontein, 30 April 1900.
Albert Edward SMITH, Died of Enteric fever, Bloemfontein, 31 May 1900.
"A" Squadron, NSW Mounted Rifles, Antill Letter, 14 November 1899 Topic: BW - NSW - NSWMR_A
A Sqn NSWMR
"A" Squadron, NSW Mounted Rifles
Antill Letter, 14 November 1899
Antill Letter, 14 November 1899
The following transcript is of a letter written by Captain John Macquarie Antill, Officer Commanding the New South Wales Mounted Rifles contingent to South Africa to the New South Wales Chief Staff Officer and Assistant Adjutant General Colonel Henry Douglas Mackenzie.
Albany, 14th November 1899
From: Officer Commanding The Troops, SS "Aberdeen" To: The Assistant Adjutant General
Sir
I beg to report, following one from Melbourne, that the SS "Aberdeen" arrived at this port at 10 am this day.
The passage from Melbourne has been very rough, a heavy sea the greater part of the way, finishing with a gale the last twenty-four hours.
No horses have been lost, although two got down yesterday morning, and were with difficulty recovered.
The health of the troops is very good, except a few colds. Private Nicholson (Forbes) Mounted Rifles developed Gonorrhoeal Rheumatism at Melbourne and has been in Hospital since. A Medical Board has reported that he is unlikely to be convalescent for some time, and that as his complaint necessitates isolation and is dangerous to men living in the same quarters I have after consultation with Captain Legge and on their strong recommendation decided to return him from Albany. He will return by the first available boat. I have directed him to report to you on arrival.
The spirits of the men are good, although up to date a number have suffered from sea-sickness.
When weather permits drill and exercise is carried on by both units.
I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servant JM Antill, Captain Commanding Troops per SS "Aberdeen".
All War Diaries and letters cited on this site should be read in conjunction with the Australian Light Horse Studies Centre, War Diaries and Letters, Site Transcription Policy which may be accessed at:
New South Wales Infantry Contingent, Legge Letter 6 December 1899 Topic: BW - NSW - NSW Inf
NSW Inf
New South Wales Infantry Contingent
Legge Letter 6 December 1899
Legge Letter 28 December 1899
After the arrival of Captain JW Legge in South Africa, he sent a series of letters to Sydney describing the activities of the New South Wales Infantry Contingent. They are a mixture of action and issues and so allow the reader to get to know this unit in an intimate manner. The personality of Legge comes through very clearly in his commentaries. The following is a transcript of his letter dated 28 December 1899.
Cape Town 6 December 1899
From the Officer Commanding NSW Infantry Unit To the CSO, Victoria Barracks
Sir
I have the honour to report that, since leaving Cape Town, the regular routine of drills has been carried out, except where interrupted by bad weather.
The health of the men has been good, except some cases of high favour resulting from vaccination, and that of No. 33 Pte Coxhead, who has been reported by the Medical Officer as suffering from rheumatic fever and unable to proceed on Active Service. If possible he will be sent back to Sydney.
There has been no crime to speak of, the few cases being rather the result of inexperience.
On arrival at Port Elizabeth the SS Aberdeen was ordered to Capetown, where we arrived this morning. There has been a great amount of routine to go through before advancing to the front.
I am under orders to start tonight or early tomorrow morning for De Aar, where the rest of the Australian Infantry with us will join one Battalion under Colonel Hoad with Major Eddy as Second in Command.
The whole of the transport and stores have to be left behind with the Mounted Rifles except personal equipment, tents, blankets, WP sheets, and cooking pots, also the Maxim Gun and 1 set of harness.
A buck wagon and Scotch cart, with mules is to be supplied at De Aar.
It is needless to say that we are all disappointed at this turn, as we are prevented from gaining experience through close association with an Imperial Battalion.
The question of pay is on that is full of difficulties. The local Paymaster states that no arrangement has been made at all by the NSW Government. This means that I cannot keep faith with those men who have signed to draw more than Imperial rates in South Africa. Further I am informed that I can only draw and must draw in full for any particular period.
The result is that I cannot draw as much, as they are entitled to, for some men, while for others I must draw more than they are entitled to receive here, on account of payment to their order at home. In the latter case I can hardly make the man sign for a larger amount and receive on a smaller.
I must respectfully ask therefore to be absolved from confusion of accounts, which has been put beyond my control.
The Company Officers and the men are taking 3 day's rations and an emergency ration, and full supplies of Ball Ammunition when leaving tonight, as the line is not in a safe condition on one flank.
Respecting the pay, I beg to point out that I have in hand some £260 undrawn by some of the men. This I propose to use if necessary, although representing savings, and I trust that I may be credited with the necessary remittance monthly. I have acquainted Lieutenant's Holmes and Logan with the contents of this letter, so as to provide for contingencies.
The men appear to be keen and confident, under the circumstances, and they are the only Australians who have had experience with the Martini Lee Enfield Rifle, they ought to do well. Some very fair collective ball firing was done on the voyage.
I have etc Signed JS Legge, Captain, Commanding NSW Infantry Unit.
Cape Town, 6 December 1899
Captain Antill desires me to state that he posted his report before leaving regarding the pay and that he fully concurs. It is hoped that the differences between Imperial rates and the portion of the NSW rate drawn here may be remitted as requested. There is further no pay available for the period December 1st to December 8th inclusive.
Signed JG Legge, Captain.
War Diaries
All War Diaries cited on this site should be read in conjunction with the Australian Light Horse Studies Centre, AIF War Diaries of the Great War, Site Transcription Policy which may be accessed at:
1st New South Wales Mounted Rifles, Nominal Roll Topic: BW - NSW - 1NSWMR
1st NSWMR
1st New South Wales Mounted Rifles
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. 61 - 69.
1st New South Wales Mounted Rifles
451 Private Archibald ABBOTT
520 Private Martin ABEL
3 Sergeant Ralph Rowland ALLEN
468 Private George Fraser ALLEY
349 Private Frederick Thomas ALLWOOD
Lieutenant Charles Godfrey ANDERSON
453 Corporal George ANDERSON
354 Private George William ANDERSON
16 Private Alexander ANDREWS
531 Private George Thomas ANDREWS
258 Private William Henry ANDREWS
14 Private William Arthur ANGELL
13 Private William Thomas ANNISON
425 Corporal Arthur Johnston ANTILL
Sergeant Stanley Ross ANTILL
15 Private Thomas Samuel APPLEBY
257 Private Richard APPLEYARD
360 Sergeant William John Robert APPS
358 Private Charles W ARGAET
447 Private Ernest E Allen ASHTON
126 Private Walter ASQUITH
17 Private Samuel Charles ATCHISON
359 Private Francis ATTWOOD
308 Corporal Henry Charles AVERN
191 Private Herbert O BAKER
128 Private Thomas William BALDWIN
467 Private Charles Hulme BARBER
432 Private Walter BARNES
469 Private James BARTLETT
Lieutenant Carl Oswald BASCHE
511 Private Louis Phillip BASSIERE
285 Private Alfred BATES
437 Corporal James BATES
519 Private Seymour BATHURST
125 Private Robert Moore BAXTER
442 Private Henry John BEATTY
454 Private William BECK
118 Private Thomas C BELLAMY
Captain Alfred Joshua BENNETT
364 Shoeing Smith James BENNETTS
497 Private Harold Edgar BENSON
365 Sergeant James BL BENT
344 Private Clarence WG BENTLEY
192 Private Frederick William BEST
231 Private John W BIDDLE
303 Trumpeter Christopher S BINNS
361 Private Sydney BIRD
219 Private William Harold BLACKMAN
25 Private George James BOULTON
190 Private Thomas Leslie BOWDEN
24 Private Walter Edward BOWDITCH
428 Lance Sergeant Ernest AH BOWLER
19 Private George Walter BOWLING
22 Private Henry Thomas BOWMAN
18 Private Frederick Charles BRACK
21 Private Herbert Henry BRADSTOCK
20 Private Sydney Edgar George BRADSTOCK
26 Private Charles Joseph BRADY
362 Private Thomas H BRATTEN
23 Private Benjamin Henry BRAUN
153 Sergeant Charles L BRAUN
551 Private Charles Arthur BREWER
291 Private Robert BRIEN
128 Private George Claude BRIGHT
218 Private Hill Roland BROADHURST
525 Private William John BROWE
129 Private Charles BROWN
448 Private Frank W BUCHANAN
28 Corporal Sidney Douglas BUCKLETON
193 Farrier Sergeant Ernest James BUCKLEY
27 Private Henry Martin BUDD
363 Private August H BURMEISTER
292 Private Edward BURNS
233 Private James BURNS
346 Private Walter James BUTTON
487 Private Clendon Clarence CALLAGHAN
296 Private Joseph H CALLAGHER
426 Private Allan CAMERON
35 Private Archibald Lochiel CAMERON
260 Private Patrick Ewen CAMERON
262 Private Dalgetty G CAMPBELL
297 Private Robert Bruce CAMPBELL
165 Corporal William CAMPBELL
298 Private James CARDELL
29 Private George Edward CARPENTER
232 Private Henry Stedman CARR
244 Private John Hugh CARTER
223 Quartermaster Sergeant William CARVER
235 Private Walter CAVANAGH
4 Corporal William CHANT
295 Acting Sergeant James CHRISTIE
294 Private John H CHRISTISON
370 Private Frank CLARK
36 Private Joseph David CLARKE
207 Private Thomas James CLEARY
261 Private Percy Gregory CLEMENTS
9 Sergeant James Howe COLES
368 Lance Corporal Mark Frederick COLLINS
220 Private Alexander CONSTANTINE
477 Private Edwin James CONYBEARE
194 Private Silas COOK
532 Private Charles Joseph COOMBES
32 Private Alexander CORNS
480 Trumpeter Sydney Thomas COTTER
366 Corporal Arthur COUCOM
461 Private Walter Arnold COULSON
31 Private James William Ralph COUPE
33 Private Albert David COXHEAD
34 Private Edward COYLE
205 Private Albert E CRADICK
369 Private William I CRANFIELD
166 Private William Alfred CRAPP
30 Private Albert CREECH
351 Private Charles G CRIPPS
343 Private John Clinch CRIPPS
243 Private Henry Garlick CRISP
236 Private WJ CUNNINGHAM
342 Private Ernest Joseph CURBY
222 Private Henry John DALE
249 Private William DALE
372 Private James R DALLEY
373 Private John EF D'APICE
245 Private Walter T DAVIDSON
37 Private Vincent DAVIS
39 Private John DAWES
38 Private Francis Scholefield DAWSON
521 Private Cumming AAB DEGNER
221 Private Thomas E DENNISON
130 Private William John DEVINE
475 Private William DIVALL
195 Sergeant William Maynard DOCKRELL
309 Private Patrick J DOHERTY
307 Sergeant Thomas William DONOVAN
310 Private Roland A DOUGLAS
Lieutenant Frederick Allan DOVE
300 Private Arthur T DOWSE
Lieutenant Percy William Chanter DRAGE
371 Private Patrick I DRUM
103 Private Alfred Henry DU FRAYER
513 Private Edwin H DUFFY
302 Private Oliver A DUFFY
179 Private Arthur Offord DUPREZ
215 Private James DWAN
180 Private John Francis EAGER
41 Private Bertram Kinmond EDGAR
7 Sergeant James Robertson EDNEY
206 Sergeant James HV EDWARDS
196 Private George Arthur ELLIS
317 Corporal Patrick Joseph ENGLISH
479 Private Sydney Lechmere EVANS
438 Private Leslie EZZY
Captain Patrick FAGAN
530 Private James FANTON
167 Private Albert E FERRIE
353 Private Hugo Charles John FERRIS
478 Lance Corporal Cuthbert FETHERSTONHAUGH
263 Private Walter Henry FINCH
490 Farrier Sergeant William Henry FINCH
374 Private William JW FISHER
197 Corporal George Henry FLEMING
516 Private John Joseph FLYNN
528 Private Rudolph W FOGG
127 Private Michael Joseph FOSTER
377 Private John William Edward FOULSTONE
46 Private Cyril FOWLER
312 Private Kirk Stanley FOX
375 Private Archibald FRASER
45 Private Donald FRASER
44 Private John Clarence FRASER
129 Private John Edward FRASER
506 Sergeant Major Robert Donald FRASER
43 Private William FRASER
106 Private George R FREEMAN
101 Corporal Samuel Frederick FREEMAN
311 Private William FREEMAN
287 Private Robert A FRY
208 Private George G FULLER
376 Private Thomas A FULTON
495 Private Harry LM GAGGIN
168 Private Henry George GAITES
471 Private Guy Spencer F GALLOWAY
133 Private John GANNON
Lieutenant James C GARVAN
49 Private Arthur Thomas GATES
169 Private Thomas GATES
52 Private William GILBERT
314 Private Ernest GILMOUR
216 Private Patrick J GILSHANEN
131 Private Thomas DY GLANHAM
48 Private Harold Thomas GLANVILLE
132 Private William H GLOVER
315 Private David GODSELL
51 Private Sidney Henry GOODSALL
12 Sergeant Harry George GRACE
181 Private Reginald GRACE
237 Private John Joseph GRAHAM
316 Private John William GRAY
486 Private Cecil Richard GREAME
238 Private Alfred Edward Raynes GREENOW
47 Private George Reginald GREY
Captain Andrew Pitt GRIBBEN
489 Farrier Sergeant Henry St.John GRIBBEN
264 Farrier Sergeant Sydney Alexander GRIBBEN
154 Private Joseph William GRIBBLE
155 Lance Corporal William GRIBBLE
50 Private John Daniel Revel GRIMMOND
198 Private Thomas GUNNING
55 Private Richard HALL
60 Private Belton Andrew HALLEY
224 Private Robert HALLIWELL
304 Trumpeter Joseph Alexander HAMILTON
488 Shoeing Smith Peter Joseph HANDCOCK
378 Private Charles Bent HANSON
286 Private Henry Syvert HANSON
54 Private Alexander Forrester HARDIE
504 Farrier Samuel Moss HARDWELL
Lieutenant William Rupert HARRIOTT
555 Private Samuel Ernest HARRISON
265 Private Alexander J HART
499 Private William John HART
492 Shoeing Smith George J HATTON
319 Private Francis Reginald HAYS
320 Private Lessian F HAYWARD
323 Private William HAZEL
59 Private Duncan Edward HEBBLEWHITE
379 Corporal Somerville HELSHAM
321 Private William Downer HENERY
156 Private John William HENRY
357 Private Henry HENSHAW
57 Private John Francis HICKEY
56 Private Leslie Charles HILL
Captain Maurice Alfred HILLIARD
121 Private Ellis Elijah HINES
266 Private Alfred John HODGES
53 Private Edward Martin HOFFMAN
Lieutenant Grantley AH HOLBORROW
246 Private Edward P HOLLAND
352 Private Louis Harry HOLM
Lieutenant William HOLMES
529 Private Leslie RA HOPKINSON
58 Private James Joseph HOWARD
135 Private Athol Norman HOWELL
157 Private Charles Alfred HUGHES
322 Private Thomas HUGHES
170 Sergeant Frederick James HUMPHRIES
134 Private Herbert HUNT
171 Private Arthur C IRELAND
136 Shoeing Smith William Edward IRELAND
517 Private Gerald IRVINE
326 Private Edward JAMES
324 Private Frederick William JAMIESON
182 Private Edmund JEFFREY
137 Sergeant Charles JOHNSON
248 Private Reginald JOHNSTON
422 Private Thomas JOHNSTON
62 Private Arthur Franics JONES
122 Private Charles William JONES
325 Private Collin JONES
247 Private Henry Harold JONES
356 Private John JONES
64 Private Charles Stanley JOYCE
330 Corporal William James Fraser KEAY
355 Private John Ross KELLY
Lieutenant Robert Hume Vandeleur KELLY
445 Private John Percival KELMAN
507 Sergeant Major Joseph KENDALL
327 Private Frederick Adolphus KENNEDY
444 Private John Rattray KESSELL
329 Private Charles KEY
65 Private Money Dyason KEY
66 Private Sidney Harrison KEY
470 Private Barnett KIDDLE
805 Trumpeter William Martin KIMBELL
199 Lance Sergeant Frederick KING
112 Private Joseph Robert KING
431 Private Charles Norman KITE
430 Private George Harold KITE
Lieutenant Colonel Guy Cunninghame KNIGHT
158 Private Arthur Henry KORTLANG
328 Private Edward Victor KREMER
524 Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant Henry Noel LACEY
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