Australian Light Horse Studies Centre

South African (Second Boer) War, 1899 - 1902, Australian Forces, Roll of Honour

Citation: South African (Second Boer) War: 1899-1902, Embarkation Roll: GOO to GRE

Posted by Project Leader at 12:01 AM EAST

Updated: Friday, 30 April 2010 9:15 AM EADT

New South Wales Mounted Rifles, "A" Squadron

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"A" Squadron, NSW Mounted Rifles, Nominal Roll
Topic: BW - NSW - NSWMR_A

A Sqn NSWMR

"A" Squadron, NSW 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. 33 - 34.

"A" Squadron, NSW Mounted Rifles

15 Private William John ABRAHAMS, Killed in Action, Abraham's Kraal, 10 March 1900.
107 Private Herbert AGLAND.
116 Private George Edward ALEXANDER, Invalided to Australia, 2 June 1900.
10 Corporal Alfred Edward Elkington ALLEN, Wounded in Action, Spruitfontein, 6 April 1900 Died of Enteric fever at Pretoria, 18 October 1900.
Major John Macquarie ANTILL.
9 Corporal James APPS.
106 Private Reginald Thomas ARNOLD, Discharged in Cape Town, 30 November 1900.
85 Private Francis William AXAM.

69 Private Samuel BALL.
70 Private Thomas BALL, Wounded in Action, Klip Kraal, 17 February 1900, invalided to England. Returned to South Africa, August 1900.
5 Sergeant William Henry BARHAM.
82 Corporal Amos Albert BATEUP, Invalided to Australia, 3 July 1900 .
16 Private Reginald Richard BATTYE, Invalided to Australia, 7 July 1900.
17 Private William BENDER, Died of Enteric Fever, Bloemfontein, 4 April 1900.
18 Private Arthur Thomas BENNETT, Killed in Action, Palmietfontein, 19 July 1900 .
19 Private Thomas George BIRD, Invalided to Australia, 3 November 1900.
86 Private James BLACKWOOD.
78 Private Arthur BODE, Invalided to Australia, 3 November 1900 .
87 Lance Corporal Albert John BOLLARD.
20 Private William BOND, Wounded in Action, Paardeberg, 22 February 1900.
21 Private Ed. Counde BULL.
117 Private Walter BULL, Invalided to Australia, 2 August 1900 .
88 Private Michael Joseph BURKE, Invalided to Australia, 12 July 1900 .
89 Private Arthur Albert BUTLER.
108 Private Patrick James BYRNE, Attached to Royal engineers, 18 June 1900 .

113 Lance Corporal Hugh James CAMERON.
23 Private George CHESHER, Wounded in Action, Paardeberg, 19 February 1900 .
90 Private Ed. Thomas CLEARY, Invalided to Australia, 14 July 1900 .
91 Private George CLIFFORD, Invalided to Australia, 13 August 1900 .
77 Private Herbert CORBETT, Invalided to Australia, 2 June 1900 .
25 Private Austin Clarendon COX, Invalided to Australia, 23 October 1900 .
24 Private William Sydney CRIPPS.

37 Bugler Verdi Robert DALY, Died of Enteric Fever, Bloemfontein, 11 June 1900.
26 Private Charles John DARKEN, Invalided to Australia, 3 November 1900 .
27 Private Walter Henry DAWSON, Invalided to Australia, 12 July 1900 .
7 Farrier Sergeant J DENNY, Invalided to Australia, 14 July 1900 .
28 Corporal Dugald DRUMMOND.

102 Private John FIELD, Invalided to Australia, 3 July 1900 .
29 Private Clive FLINT, Wounded in Action, Klip Drift, 16 February 1900. Died of Enteric fever, Winburg, 24 June 1900.

30 Farrier Sergeant Hubert GARLICK.
122 Private Henry George GATES, Returned to Australia, 15 November 1900.
8 Lance Sergeant John Robert GILFILLAN, Invalided to England, 31 July 1900.
31 Private Charles GOSPER, Invalided to Australia, 15 May 1900.

32 Private Ernest James HACKETT.
33 Private Edwin George HAWES.
81 Sergeant John Martin HAWKEY.
120 Private Frederick St. Ledger HAYES, Invalided to Australia.
123 Private Michael Henry HEALEY, Invalided to Australia, 2 June 1900 .
Warrant Officer Richard Charles HOLMAN.
43 Private James HOPKINS.
103 Private John HUGHES, Invalided to Australia, 17 August 1900.

34 Private Arthur Herbert JAMES.
115 Private Herbert William JENKYNS.

126 Private Charles Richard KELAHER.
36 Private John KELLY.
35 Private Wilfred John KIRKLAND, Died of Enteric fever, Bloemfontein, 20 May 1900.

37 Corporal Charles Arthur LEE, Promoted to Lieutenant and transferred to Mounted Infantry.
38 Private Gifford Caleb LEETE.
39 Private Edward James LINDSAY.
104 Private William George LLOYD, Invalided to Australia, 13 August 1900.

45 Private Joseph Henry MAPLES, To hospital, 3 February 1900 and on discharge to General Hutton's Staff. Invalided to Australia, 3 November 1900.
114 Private Charles MARKS.
108 Private George MASON, Invalided to Australia, 23 October 1900.
74 Private George MAXTED, Invalided to England, 31 July 1900 .
119 Private Alfred MAXWELL, Wounded in Action, Thaba N’chu, 30 April 1900 Invalided to England, 27 November 1900.
92 Private John MAXWELL.
2 Squadron Sergeant Major Adam MCALLISTER, Wounded in Action, Zand River, 7 May 1900.
44 Corporal David MCALLISTER.
124 Private Alexander MCALPINE.
40 Private Alexander MCDONALD, Returned to Australia, 3 November 1900.
41 Private John MCDONALD.
42 Private Norman MCGREGOR.
43 Private Peter MCGREGOR, Returned to Australia, 3 November 1900.
Lieutenant Harold MCINTOSH.
Captain Archibald Alexander MCLEAN.
105 Private William MCLEOD, Invalided to Australia, 3 November 1900.
46 Corporal Charles Robert MILLAR, To Hospital, 8 May 1900. Pay Sergeant Colonial Forces, Cape Town. Regimental Sergeant Major Maitland Camp, 13 December 1900.
47 Private Christian MILLER, Invalided to Australia, 3 July 1900.
14 Trumpeter Charles George MILLS, Invalided to Australia, 26 June 1900.
93 Private Patrick Thomas MOORE.
49 Private Michael George MOSS.
50 Private James MULLAMPY, Returned to Australia, 3 November 1900.
51 Private George MURRAY, Wounded in Action, Diamond Hills, 12 June 1900.

94 Sergeant Robert John NETHERY.
Lieutenant Joseph NEWMAN.

Lieutenant Arthur John Macarthur ONSLOW, Wounded in Action, near Heilbron, 21 May 1900.
83 Corporal Edmund OSBORNE, Wounded in Action, Zand River, 7 May 1900.
12 Corporal Frank Patrick OWENS, Wounded in Action, Paardeberg, 19 February 1900.

101 Private Wellington Henry PEARCE, Invalided to Australia, 3 July 1900.
125 Private James PERRITT, Invalided to Australia, 14 July 1900.
76 Private Walter Frank PITT, Invalided to England, 19 July 1900.
53 Private Pembroke POTTS, Invalided to Australia, 5 May 1900.
54 Private William Cuff QUINN, To hospital, 30 April 1900, afterwards to Ceylon with Boer prisoners.
127 Private Frederick William RAFTER, Invalided to Australia, 14 July 1900.
128 Private Edwin Horace RANSLEY, Died Sterkstroom, 27 April 1900.
48 Private Alfred John REEVES, Attached to Royal Engineers from 18 June 1900. Enteric fever.
95 Private Phillip John REILLY, Died of Enteric Fever at Bloemfontein, 30 April 1900.
129 Private Samuel Geekie ROBINSON.
130 Private James ROSS.

79 Private Wilfred SAVAGE, Invalided to England, 31 July 1900.
96 Private Henry SHARPE, Invalided to Australia, 5 May 1900.
97 Private Robert SHARPE.
58 Private Albert Edward SMITH, Died of Enteric fever, Bloemfontein, 30 May 1900.
60 Corporal Rex SMITH.
98 Private Benjamin Charles SPEARING, Invalided to Australia, 2 June 1900.
110 Private Robert William STAINES.
109 Private Watson Augustus STEEL.
75 Private Graham STEWART, Invalided to Australia, 3 July 1900.
61 Private Harold Bruce SUTTOR, Invalided to Australia, 12 July 1900.
56 Private James Henry SWAN, Invalided to England, 21 October 1900.
57 Lance Corporal Richard SWAN.
62 Private Michael James SYMONDS, Invalided to Australia, 5 May 1900.

Lieutenant Douglas Keith Lucas TOOTH, Wounded in Action, Palmietfontein, 19 July 1900. Commissioned 9th Lancers. Left Squadron 13 December 1900 for England.
63 Private George Spurway TREVITT, Invalided to Australia, 3 July 1900.
99 Private William George TWEEDIE, Wounded in Action, at Klip Kraal, 17 February 1900. Wounded in Action, at Thaba N’chu, 30 April 1900.

72 Private George WAITE.
64 Private John WALKER, Deserted to Hammesberg, 29 May 1900. Sentenced by Court Martial to 2 years imprisonment for theft.
84 Squadron Quartermaster Sergeant John WARDROBE.
80 Sergeant Major John WASSON.
65 Private Lous Charles WATERSON, Invalided to Australia, 23 October 1900.
71 Sergeant Albert Ernest WEARNE, Invalided to Australia, 17 August 1900 .
104 Sergeant James WEBSTER.
11 Lance Sergeant Sydney WEEKES.
66 Private Leslie WEST.
458 Private John WILSON.
67 Private Richard Stephen WILSON.
121 Private Ernest WINDEYER.
100 Private William Edward WINTLE.

68 Private Horace YOUNG, Invalided to Australia, 3 November 1900.

111 Private Ernest ZGLINCKI, Invalided to Australia, 3 July 1900.

To access the full roll with all actions and medals listed, go to:

"A" Squadron, New South Wales Nominal Roll

Acknowledgement: Many thanks to Colin Renshaw who provided Medal Roll information and corrections to the drafts.

Further Reading:

New South Wales Mounted Rifles, "A" Squadron, Roll of Honour

Citation: "A" Squadron, NSW Mounted Rifles, Nominal Roll

Posted by Project Leader at 12:01 AM EAST

Updated: Wednesday, 13 April 2011 2:13 PM EADT

1st New South Wales Mounted Rifles

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1st New South Wales Mounted Rifles, Outline
Topic: BW - NSW - 1NSWMR

1st NSWMR

1st New South Wales Mounted Rifles

Outline

Lieutenant Colonel Knight, Commanding Officer, 1st NSW Mounted Rifles

[Picture: Town and Country Journal, 20 January 1900, p. 27.]

Murray, P. L., Official Records of the Australian Military Contingents to the War in South Africa, p. 57.

First New South Wales Mounted Rifles.

This was the first Contingent despatched from New South Wales which did not consist entirely of drafts from local regiments or of men recruited from different local infantry regiments. One squadron from the Mounted Rifle Regiment had already been sent, together with a company of infantry which as mounted in South Africa. It was now resolved that three squadrons of Mounted Rifles should be raised; to be "B," "C," and "D" squadrons of the 1st Regiment, and that the squadron and company at the seat of war should be "A" and "E" squadrons respectively. Men who were good shots and good riders were required, and preference was given to those serving, or who had carved, in the local forces, provided they fulfilled the necessary qualifications. Reservists and men of civilian rifle clubs were also eligible on the same terms.

The establishment authorized was:-

Staff:

1 major,
1 adjutant and quartermaster,
3 sergeants,
2 drivers,
3 batmen;

Total, 10, with 11 horses.

Details of a company (or squadron):

1 captain,
4 subalterns,
1 colour-sergeant,
4 sergeants,
1 farrier-sergeant,
4 shoeing-smiths,
2 buglers,
6 corporals, 9
2 privates (including batmen),
5 drivers;

Total, 120, with 130 horses.

Dismounted:

1 saddler,
5 batmen riding spare horses,
2 cooks,
2 wagon-men;

Total, 10.

New South Wales Mounted Rifles trooper in full kit.

[Picture: Town and Country Journal, 20 January 1900, p. 21.]

Clothing, etc.

Articles of uniform supplied as authorized by G.O. 146 (27th December, 1899) were as follows-

Two F.S. jackets, khaki tweed, without facings;
2 pairs Bedford chord pants;
1 large FS, hat;
1 F.S, cap;
2 pairs puttees;
2 pairs Cossack boots;
1 great coat.

Arms and equipment.

MLE rifles and sword-bayonet,
cartridge-belt with supporting-braces.
Fully horsed and provided with saddles.
Regimental transport was also provided.
Officers ware granted £25 towards outfit.

The Premier of New South Wales, WJ Lyne, addressing the 1st NSWMR as they were leaving for the ship Southern Cross.

[Picture: Town and Country Journal, 27 January 1900, p. 37.]

Embarkation and Return.

The three squadrons of the regiment, under the Command of Lieutenant Colonel Knight, embarked at Sydney on the transport Southern Cross on the 17th January, 1900, end arrived at Cape Town on 17th February, disembarking on the 19th. It comprised 20 officers, 385 sergeants and rank and file, with 404 horses and 17 carts. Of those, 3 Officers and 20 others ware killed or died, 3 officers and 4 others were transferred to 2nd and 3rd Mounted Rifles, 3 officers and 21 others were struck off the strength in South Africa, 1 officer and 4 others were commissioned in the Imperial Army; 11 officers and 336 others returned to Australia.

As thus reduced, the regiment again embarked at Cape Town on 30th March, 1901, and arrived at Sydney on 29th April, disembarking on the 1st May. The only port of call was Fremantle.

Further Reading:

1st New South Wales Mounted Rifles, Roll of Honour

Citation: 1st New South Wales Mounted Rifles, Outline

Posted by Project Leader at 12:01 AM EAST

Updated: Monday, 10 May 2010 10:22 AM EADT

New South Wales Mounted Rifles, "A" Squadron

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Sunday, 30 November 2003

"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

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".

Previous: New South Wales Mounted Rifles, "A" Squadron

Next: Antill Letter, 26 December 1899

War Diaries and Letters

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:

Australian Light Horse Studies Centre, War Diaries and Letters, Site Transcription Policy

Further Reading:

New South Wales Mounted Rifles, "A" Squadron, Roll of Honour

Citation: "A" Squadron, NSW Mounted Rifles, Antill Letter, 14 November 1899

Posted by Project Leader at 12:01 AM EAST

Updated: Tuesday, 3 May 2011 1:23 PM EADT

New South Wales Infantry Contingent

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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:

Australian Light Horse Studies Centre, AIF War Diaries of the Great War, Site Transcription Policy

Further Reading:

New South Wales Infantry Contingent, Roll of Honour

Citation: New South Wales Infantry Contingent, Legge Letter 6 December 1899

Posted by Project Leader at 12:01 AM EAST

Updated: Sunday, 10 April 2011 9:32 AM EADT