The Relief of Mafeking celebrations in the Shires of Berwick and Cranbourne

The siege and battle for the town of  Mafeking in South Africa is one of the most well known events in the South African or Boer War. The siege lasted  217 days from October 13, 1899 to May 17, 1900. When the British (which included Australian forces) 'won' the battle and the town of Mafeking was 'relieved' there was wide-spread celebrations throughout the British Empire including Australia. 

These are some accounts of local celebrations, but before we look at them, this is an account of the Siege from South African History on-line, see it here.
The Siege of Mafeking (now known as Mafikeng) was an important battle in the South African War (Second Anglo-Boer War). The war began in late 1899; President Kruger (1) issued an ultimatum, instructing the British to withdraw their soldiers from the border of the Transvaal. When the British failed to heed the instruction, Kruger's government declared war. In 1900 Afrikaans Commandant Eloff was sent to put the town of Mafikeng under siege. Eloff (2) instructed General Piet Cronje (3) to lead approximately 5000 Afrikaner soldiers (numbers vary) to Mafikeng. For almost seven months fighting ensued; with the Afrikaner soldiers burning the Barolong huts and the defences that the British lieutenant-general, Robert Baden-Powell (4), had set up. A turning point occurred on 17 May 1900, when British forces, led by Colonel Mahon (5) and Lord Roberts (6) fought their way into the city and lifted the siege. The British forces were dubbed "defenders of Mafeking". The relief is said to have sparked so much jubilation in London that a new word was coined in English, (to "maffick" came to mean "to revel inordinately). Although the war was fought primarily between the British and the Afrikaner soldiers, the battle of Mafeking claimed the lives of 400 Barolong, who fought alongside the British. The British lost were 212 soldiers and over 1000 Afrikaner lives were lost. (7) 

There was wide-spread joy at the end of the Mafeking Siege, which can be summed up by this report of a Berwick Shire Council meeting in August 1900, where the suggestion was made that a street in Pakenham be renamed Mafeking.  A letter had been received from Mrs. Flower, Pakenham, requesting inter alia  that the name of the street be changed from King to Mafeking street. Cr. D. Bourke moved that the change of name be made as desired, this was seconded by Cr. A'Beckett and carried (8).  

The name was changed, it was still called that in 1918 but I don't know how long it lasted, because it is not called that now.

Nurse Lowen of Mafeking Street, Pakenham East

Pakenham Gazette April 26, 1918 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article92152200

What follows are the accounts of  Relief of Mafeking celebrations from the Shire of Berwick and Shire of Cranbourne. These reports were written 125 years ago and  attitudes and language have changed  since then.

Berwick
The enthusiasm here was intense on Wednesday. An immense bonfire was lit on the highest part of the township, and a splendid display of fireworks was shown, lasting for two hours. The school children were assembled at the post-office, where patriotic songs were sung. They were then marched to the scene of the bonfire, and cheers were given for the Queen, Major-General Baden-Powell and his garrison, and Lord Roberts. (The Argus, May 25, 1900, see here.)  

Berwick
The rejoicings over the relief of Mafeking are past, and Berwick turned out right loyally on Wednesday to participate in the general festivities. We had a grand display of fireworks and a large bonfire, in the evening, and it was a pretty sight to see the rockets and other fireworks ascending.
(South Bourke & Mornington Journal, May 30, 1900, see here.) 

Cranbourne

On the welcome news of the relief of Mafeking, it is the intention of Constable Dwyer (9) to fire 12 rifle shots in front of the shire-hall. The residents of the town will hoist flags, and the Church of England bell will be rung.

(The Argus, May 19, 1900, see here)

Cranbourne
To say that Cranbourne looked gay on Saturday last would be putting it very mildly indeed. News of the relief of Mafeking caused residents to make a bold display in honor of the event, and the amount of enthusiasm shewn by the townspeople was very great. 

(South Bourke and Mornington Journal, May 23, 1900, see here) 

Cranbourne
Our quiet little township made a great demonstration on Wednesday last in honor of the relief of Mafeking. People from Cranbourne and district gathered in large numbers at the Shire Hall in the evening, when speeches of a patriotic nature by Mr. Downward, M.L.A. (10), President Le Roux (11), and Mr. J. W. C. McLellan (12), and other gentlemen were given. Appropriate songs were rendered by Mrs. Wiltshire (13) and Miss Allan, each number being illustrated by the Rev. E. Robertson on a screen with the aid of a magic lantern. The assemblage sang "Rule Britannia" and "God Save the Queen," whilst hearty cheers were given for Her Majesty, Major-General Baden-Powell, Lord Roberts, and General White (14). At the close of the proceedings the Rev. A. A. Wiltshire (15) thanked those who had assisted in the evening's entertainment, and expressed the hope that the war would soon be over. The band played a number of selections, and a collection taken up to defray expenses resulted in over £2 being gathered. The hosts of our respective hotels laid themselves open for the occasion, and their respective houses were gaily dressed in bunting, whilst a line of streamers floated bravely over the main street. Truly "there was a sound of revelry by night," and-an-array of defunct "Sandersons" (16) in a certain pub next morning testified to the fact that both the "spirit" and the flesh were willing.  

(South Bourke & Mornington Journal, May 30, 1900, see here.)

Relief of Mafeking Celebration in Pakenham

Image: North of the Line: a pictorial record (Berwick Pakenham Historical Society 1996)

Pakenham
Our friend Host Hogan (17), of the Gembrook Hotel, was so delighted at the relief of Mafeking that he held open house for the night, and the rejoicings were carried out in a very enthusiastic manner, singing and dancing (for joy) being vigorously carried on till further orders. There in no doubt about Mr. Hogan being a Britisher, and he very fitly hoisted the Union Jack and Stars and Stripes interwoven at the salute on Monday. Never, before, and probably never again, in the lives of the present residents, will there be occasion to celebrate such a memorable and soul stirring event as the relief of Mafeking. For seven months, against overwhelming odds, "stormed at by shot and shell" daily, and the last month literally starving, this garrison of solid heroes knew not defeat, but actually, almost on the last days of the siege, rushed out of the beleaguered town and inflicted a severe defeat upon the enemy.

Little wonder that the whole civilised world is to-day looking with awe and reverent respect on the nation that can produce men capable of such a feat of endurance and such unsurpassed bravery and heroism; and it is good, that even in a little township like ours, that on such an occasion as this we should rejoice and be thankful that we belong to the empire that claims these heroes of Mafeking as her sons and daughters. On Saturday night, there was indeed "a sound of revelry" in the township, and every patriotic song known was sung and received with deafening cheers, the assemblage letting their long pent-up feelings loose with a vengeance. A tall pole was set up in the township and a large new Union Jack hoisted, whilst at Webster and James' and Paternoster's store, the empire's flags were very conspicuous.

On Monday the flag was hauled down until 2.30 p.m., when the local detachment of Mounted Rifles with their captain preparatory to their drill drew, up in front of the pole, and hoisted the Union Jack with which was interwoven the Stars and Stripes of America, amid the cheers of the people present, and fired a Royal salute to the flag, of 21 guns. The National Anthem was then sung and cheers given Baden-Powell and "Our Bobs," and with the consent of the captain, three more cheers for the American flag. The assemblage then dispersed, to meet again on Wednesday (to-day) to further celebrate this gallant and glorious defence and relief.
(South Bourke and Mornington Journal, May 23, 1900, see here.)

Pakenham
The relief of Mafeking was celebrated in a right royal manner here, and our usually staid township fairly eclipsed itself in the effort to do honor to the gallant defender and his band of heroes. The children attending the three local schools marched in procession from the Toomuc Creek bridge through Old Pakenham, along the Main road to the Mechanics' Institute in the new township singing patriotic songs and waving Union Jack flags to the strains of music provided by Mr. C. Battersby, who headed the procession in a buggy. They were halted under a line of flags across the Main street, including the Union Jack, Royal Standard, Stars and Stripes, and others, when they sang the National Anthem. They then adjourned to the Hall, where tea and edibles were served to young and old. Patriotic songs were then sung by Mr. W. Close amidst ringing cheers, the singing being taking up by the audience must enthusiastically. Loud cheers were given for The Queen, Baden-Powell, Lord Roberts, and the Union Jack. The children were marched under the leadership of our worthy Racing Club secretary, Mr. R. C. Clements, who was assisted by the teachers of the respective schools, and every praise is due to them for the efficiency of the arrangements. 

A special word of praise is due to the members of the Rifle Club, as it was they who very fitly mooted the idea and to two of their members - Messrs. W. H. Bloomfield and H. Hogan who collected the amount due to defray the cost of the treat - but they must have felt well repaid for any trouble taken in the matter to hear the happy expressions of approval given sound to by the juveniles and seconded by their seniors. A souvenir handkerchief was presented to every child marching, which they will no doubt treasure in remembrance and honor of the brave souls who so gallantly defended Mafeking. A matter spoken of during the proceedings was the formation of a local band, and, as there is plenty of material here, the matter is well worthy of the residents' consideration, and it is hoped someone will take this matter, up at once.
(South Bourke and Mornington Journal, May 30, 1900 see here.)  

Trove List - I have created a list of articles on Trove about any local connections to the Boer War and any articles on the Relief of Mafeking Celebrations, access it here.

Footnotes
(1) President Kruger - Stephanus Johannes Paulus Kruger (1925 - 1904). He was president of the Transvaal, or South African Republic, from 1883 until his flight to Europe in 1900, after the outbreak of the South African (Boer) War. 

Source: Encyclopedia Britannica https://www.britannica.com/biography/Paul-Kruger
(2) Eloff - Sarel Eloff, described as a 'dashing young officer', grandson of President Kruger. You can see a photograph of him, here. He was taken Prisoner of War at Mafeking and sent to St Helena along with Piet Cronje and others.

Source: https://www.angloboerwar.com/forum/pow-e/26076-eloff-sarel-johannes-comdt
(3) Piet Cronje - Pieter Arnoldus Cronjé (1836 - 1911), was a Boer General. 

Source: Encyclopedia Britannica https://www.britannica.com/biography/Pieter-Arnoldus-Cronje
(4) Robert Baden-Powell - Robert Baden-Powell (1857-1941) 1st Baron Baden-Powell of Gilwell, established the Boy Scout movement in 1908.
Source: Encyclopedia Britannica https://www.britannica.com/biography/Robert-Stephenson-Smyth-Baden-Powell-1st-Baron-Baden-Powell
(5) Colonel Mahon - General Sir Bryan Mahon (1862-1930), British General and later an Irish Senator. See his obituary in the Brisbane Courier, September 25, 1930, here. 

 (6) Lord Roberts - Lord Roberts (1832 - 1914) was Frederick Sleigh Roberts, 1st Earl Roberts, a British Field Marshal.
Source: Encyclopedia Britannica https://www.britannica.com/biography/Frederick-Sleigh-Roberts-1st-Earl-Roberts
(7) South African History - https://www.sahistory.org.za/dated-event/south-african-war-lifting-siege-mafeking
(8) South Bourke and Mornington Journal, August 15, 1900, see here.

(9) Constable Dwyer left Cranbourne for Footscray in 1902 - South Bourke & Mornington Journal, July 2, 1902, see here.  
(10) Mr Downward, M.L.A - Alfred Downward (1847 - 1930). Member for the Legislative Assembly seat of Mornington from 1894 until 1929. See his obituary on The Argus, June 28, 1930, see here.
(11) President Le Roux - Prosper Henry Victor Le Roux, Cranbourne Shire Councillor 1896 until 1905. Shire President 1899-1900. Source: The Good Country: Cranbourne Shire by Niel Gunson (Shire of Cranbourne, 1968)
(12) Mr. J. W. C. McLellan - John William Charles McLellan - Cranbourne land owner and Councillor 1903 - 1905. Source: The Good Country: Cranbourne Shire by Niel Gunson (Shire of Cranbourne, 1968)
(13) Reverend A.A. Wiltshire and Mrs Wiltshire - Albert Arthur Wiltshire. The Reverend Wiltshire was the Anglican Minister, President of the Cranbourne Brass Band established in May 1899, and a member of the Cranbourne Rifle Club formed in March 1900.  Mrs Wiltshire was born Sara Hodgson and they married in 1890. Rev Wiltshire died in an accident in 1908 at the age of 42, you can read his obituary in the South Bourke and Mornington Journal, October 14, 1908, see here. The other information comes from The Good Country: Cranbourne Shire by Niel Gunson. 

(14) General White - Field Marshal Sir George Stuart White (1835 - 1912). Awarded the Victoria Cross in the Afghan War in 1879. 

Source: the British Empire website, see here. https://www.britishempire.co.uk/forces/armycampaigns/africancampaigns/boerwar/stuartwhite.htm
(15) See footnote 13. 
(15) Sandersons - was a brand of Scotch Whiskey.
(17) Host Hogan of the Gembrook Hotel - Charles F. Hogan was the licensee of the Hotel from at least 1894. The Gembrook Hotel is the hotel in Main Street in Pakenham near the Railway Station (now called the Railway Hotel)

A version of this post, which I wrote and researched, appears on my work blog, Casey Cardinia Commemorates: Our War Years blog

Spion Kop, Domain Gardens, Melbourne

In February 1900, the Ovens and Murray Advertiser published the following paragraph about recruitment of Victorians to fight in the Second Boer War in South Africa -
The work of selecting the 300 men required for the Bushmen's Corps is being steadily proceeded with. On Thursday, fifty recruits were chosen after very severe riding and firing tests, and have been sent into camp at Langwarrin. The task of selection has been no easy one, 1500 men having presented themselves. The hill in the Government House domain, where the rough riding tests have been conducted, has been named "Spion Kop," so numerous have been the recruits who have come to grief. The firing has been done at Williamstown - 20 points at 400 yards with a magazine rifle being the regulation requirement. (1)

Spion Kop, was the location of a disastrous battle for the British during the Boer War, which led to a large loss of life. Richard Rhys Jones has written an account of the battle, which you can read in full on the Historic UK website here. 

On 24th January 1900 during the Second Boer War, in an area about the size of London’s Trafalgar Square, the flat top of a South African mountain became the killing field for hundreds of infantrymen from three Lancashire regiments. The carnage on the peak known as Spion Kop (spelt Spioenkop in Afrikaans, meaning Spy Hill) caused newspaper correspondents to describe it ”An Acre of Massacre.” 

After receiving reinforcements until his army in Natal comprised 19,000 infantry, 3,000 cavalry and 60 heavy guns, General Sir Redvers Buller abandoned his plan to lift the siege of Ladysmith by fording the Tugela River at Colenso and instead moved 25 miles upstream to cross the river using pontoon bridges. Once they were over the Tugela river, the cavalry galloped forward to turn the Boer right flank while 16,000 British troops camped under the steep slopes of Spion Kop.

Winston Churchill, reporting for “The Morning Post,” believed that if the cavalry continued their attack they could have broken through the Boer lines and been followed by the main force over flat farmland to relieve Ladysmith 17 miles away. But Buller was reluctant to do so because he feared losing communications over a 30-mile front stretching from the cavalry on the left to the infantry at the base of Spion Kop on the right. Also, at any moment, mounted Boers could break through the extended Khaki Line and attack them from the rear. So, rather than use his cavalry in a wide turning movement, he decided to shorten the route to Ladysmith by pivoting on Spion Kop.

General Buller's decision led to a tragic loss of life - British losses on Spion Kop included 322 killed or died of wounds, 563 wounded and 300 taken prisoner, while the Boers counted 95 killed and 140 wounded. (2)

South slope of Spion Kop, the bloodiest batteground of the war, South Africa, c. 1901.

State Library of Victoria image H2006.149/13 - see full image here  http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/331875

It is interesting that less than a month after the Battle of Spion Kop, the hill in the Domain Gardens (3) was colloquially named after the battle. The Ovens & Murray Advertiser wasn't the only report of this hill we could find, but it was the first and the only one from 1900.  A year later in January 1901,  the Ballarat Star referred to it -

The Fifth Contingent. The Riding Test. 

Melbourne, Tuesday. (From Our Correspondent.) The military authorities were very busy to-day examining candidates for the fifth contingent. The riding tests at what is locally known as Spion Kop, in the Government Domain, attracted a large gathering of spectators as usual. The horses used were chiefly belonging to the police force, and they were not very good animals, some of them being pig headed, awkward brutes, and many of the riders had considerable difficulty with them, the falls brings rather numerous. Between ninety and a hundred candidates were tried and nearly 20 per cent were rejected as hardly being up to the standard. The shooting tests will be entered upon without delay. (4)

There were several other references to Spion Kop in January 1901 - 
The Herald  - The main interest, from a spectacular point of view, was centred in the riding test, which was being carried out in the Domain, on that hill familiar to the public when the Bushmen's Contingent were being got ready at Spion Kop. (5)
Bendigo Independent - The military authorities were very busy to-day examining candidates for the fifth contingent. The riding at what is locally known as Spion Kop in the Government domain attracted a large gathering of spectators as usual. (6)
The Herald -  For instance, a man who has passed the doctor and the shooting, but has failed in riding, may be given another chance to pilot a horse over the sticks and round the course on our own Spion Kop. (7)

Where was the exact location of Spion Kop in the Domain Gardens?  A report in April 1901 regarding a fireworks display noted that The site selected for the fireworks display in the Domain is the point of the hill about midway between St Kilda road and the Botanic-gardens. This is the highest spot in the vicinity. (8). I assume this was Spion Kop, but I still can't place the location on any map.

Government House and Domain Gardens, 1873.

Map designed by Joseph Sayce and lithographed by Joseph Bonney. 

Public Records Office of Victoria VPRS 8168/P0002 https://prov.vic.gov.au/archive/83D433BB-F843-11E9-AE98-DFE0CCA56094?image=1

In May 1901, Spion Kop was the site of refreshments for the visitors after the opening of  Alexandra Avenue on May 17 by the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall (the future King George V and Queen Mary). They were in Victoria to open the first Commonwealth Parliament, which took place on May 9 at the Royal Exhibition Buildings. Alexandra Avenue, was named for the Duke's mother, Queen Alexandra and it was designed by Carlo Catani (see here). The Argus reported -
This completed the ceremony, and, while invited guests continued to arrive, the Duke and Duchess drove on along the avenue towards the east, and, turning into Anderson-street southward, re-entered the Domain and drove back to Government house along the newly made roadways within the Domain. All the guests present and still arriving at the fountain then, at the invitation of Mr M'Culloch, ascended the hill known as Spion Kop, above the avenue, to a marquee when refreshments were provided. Many members of the state Commonwealth Parliaments were among the company, who numbered quite 200. (9)

This was the last reference to Spion Kop in 1901, however in 1910 The Australasian in their 'Notes & Answers' columns published the following, in answer to a query from a reader with the pen-name Spion Kop
"Spion Kop."-1. The first Victorian Contingent were in training at the Flemington Show-grounds. 
They were not tested in the Domain, but at the Police Depot, behind the Victoria Barracks. 2.The First Contingent was composed of one company infantry, one company mounted rifles; the infantry were trained in the Victoria Barrack square. All subsequent contingents, second, third, fourth, and fifth, were tested in the Domain before leaving for South Africa. (10). Surely, the pen-name is a reference to the Domain Gardens hill, known for a time as Spion Kop.

Other places named Spion Kop or Spion Kopje

There is a mountain, in the Bogong High Plains, named Spion Kopje, north of Falls Creek; it is 5,950 feet high. (11).  There is another one in the Baw Baws, out of Noojee, which is 3,000 feet high. (12) They are both taller than the South African Spion Kop, which is only 1,400 feet high. (13)

Another interesting location with the name was noted in The Age in February 1926 -  the report starts - Amongst railway men the hill between the Melbourne yards and Newmarket is known as 'Spion Kop,' and it has a sinister reputation for shunting accidents. (14)

Acknowledgment - It was my research colleague, Isaac Hermann, who altered me to the article on the opening of  Alexandra Avenue by the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall, and the refreshments on Spion Kop; and that led to this further research.

Footnotes

(1) Ovens and Murray Advertiser, February 17, 1900, see here.

(2) Battle of Spion Kop by Richard Rhys Jones - 

https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofBritain/Battle-Of-Spion-Kop/

(3) Domain Gardens - Alexandra Gardens and Alexandra Park, Queen Victoria Gardens, Linlithgow Reserve, the Shrine of Remembrance Reserve, the Myer Music Bowl Reserve and the King's Domain. It is this aggregation of public parkland traditionally referred to as the Domain -  Swanson, Rex Melbourne's Historic Public Gardens: a management and conservation guide (City of Melbourne, 1984), p. 81.

(4) Ballarat Star, January 9, 1901, see here. 

(5) The Herald, January 8, 1901, see here.  

(6) Bendigo Independent, January 9, 1901, see here; same report in the Geelong Advertiser, January 9, 1901, see here. 

(7) The Herald, January 22, 1901, see here. 

(8) The Argus, April 6, 1901, see here.

(9) The Argus, May 18, 1901, see here. 

(10) The Australasian, August 6, 1910, see here

(11) Brunswick and Coburg Gazette, October 17, 1930, see here.

(12) The Argus, December 1, 1923, see here; there was also a timber mill at Millswyn, out of Noojee destroyed by fire in January 1939, The Age, January 12, 1939, see here.

(13) See Footnote 2.

(14) The Age, February 5, 1926, see here. Other mentions of the Spion Kop railway hill - The Argus, November 24, 1914, see here; The Herald, December 28, 1932, see here; The Herald, December 19, 1933, see here.

Alfred Hillman - first man to enlist from Pakenham for War Service

The Coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth took place on May 12, 1937. This was celebrated all over the Commonwealth including in Pakenham where more than 1000 people competed in or witnessed a procession or gymkhana which had been arranged to mark the occasion. The streets were gay with bunting, and a spirit of carnival prevailed.  The report in the Pakenham Gazette continued with a list of the activities from the day including the best decorated vehicle competition, a colourful display by the men of the 52nd Battalion, foot races and, in the evening, a Ball which was held at the Pakenham Theatre (1).

Mr Hillman attended the Coronation celebrations on Pakenham, transcribed below.

Pakenham Gazette May 21, 1937, p. 3

The next week on May 21, 1937 the Pakenham Gazette had the following report  - Amongst the hundreds of interested  spectators who saw the Coronation procession at Pakenham last week was  Mr A. E. Hillman, of Pakenham, a member of the Australian Contingent which went to England in 1902 for the coronation of King Edward VII. Mr Hillman was in the Garrison Artillery and served in the Boer War from 1899 to 1901 under Major (afterwards General) Monash and was awarded the South African medal with six clasps. The Australian Coronation Contingent in 1902 comprised 150 officers and men, 42 of whom were selected from Victoria. The troops were away from Australia for about six months, and in addition to taking part on the Coronation festivities in London toured England and Scotland. Mr Hillman recalls many pleasant memories associated with the trip (2). As we can see from the short article, Alfred Ernest Hillman, not only witnessed the coronation of Edward VII but also served in the Boer War (also known as the South African War). 

Alfred was born in Drysdale in 1869 and had come to Pakenham with his parents, Edward and Eliza (nee Hopkins) Hillman in 1885 (3). His obituary in the Pakenham Gazette said that he had the distinction of being the first man to enlist from Pakenham for war service (4). 

Alfred enlisted in the 2nd Victorian Mounted Rifles (5).  He was awarded the South Africa medal with six clasps. This medal was officially called the Queen's South Africa medal and was awarded to all those who served. You can see the clasps on the photograph, at left. Each clasp represented a location (presumably where a battle took place?) such as Transvaal, Modder River, Johannesburg. The Defence Department, where this photograph comes from, has an explanation and description of the badge as well as a list of the twenty six clasps, here. 

The other interesting thing the Pakenham Gazette article notes was that Alfred served in the Boer War from 1899 to 1901 under Major (afterwards General) Monash. This is, of course, Sir John Monash, World War One General and later the General Manager of the State Electricity Commission. However, Monash's Australian Dictionary of Biography entry (see here) written by Geoffrey Searle, said that although Monash was a member of the  North Melbourne Battery of the Metropolitan Brigade of the Garrison Artillery, he did not volunteer for and was not invited to take part in the South African War.  Possibly, Alfred may have served under Monash in the Garrison Artillery before he went to South Africa. 

William came home from South Africa on the Tongariro; he and his fellow Victorians disembarked in Sydney and arrived by train at Spencer Street Station on May 2, 1901 (6). Alfred's obituary notes that after his War service, he resided in Melbourne, then he came back to this district [Pakenham], remaining here ever since (7).  On June 29, 1904, Alfred married Eva Murcutt at St Ignatius' Church in Richmond. They had two daughters, Eva Florence, born in 1905 and Winifred Mary, born in 1906, both in Richmond (8).

Marriage notice of Alfred Hillman to Eva Murcutt

The Age, July 30 1904 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article201650108

In the Boer War nominal rolls (9) Alfred is listed with the service number of 252 the man with the service number of 253 is Joseph Murcutt, Eva's brother (10). Did Alfred and Joseph know each other before they enlisted or did they met in the recruiting office, become friends and then Joseph later introduced Alfred to his sister? Joseph also arrived home on the Tongariro, so perhaps Eva was part of the large crowd that met the returning soldiers at Spencer Street, and that is how Alfred and Eva first met. (11).

Alfred Hillman and his future brother-in-law, Joseph Murcutt.

Boer War Nominal Rolls for the 2nd Victorian Mounted Rifles.

https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/R1447479

Sadly, Alfred and Eva's marriage was short-lived as Eva died on July 25, 1906 at only 24 years of age. 

Death notice of Eva Hillman

The Age July 26, 1906 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article189365335

In 1909, Alfred married Cecilia Elizabeth Smith (12). They had one son Alfred George, known as Fred, born in Pakenham in 1912 (13).  Alfred was very community minded and actively associated himself with many organisations in Pakenham - the Horticultural Society, where he was a foundation member; the Mechanics' Hall, Recreation Reserve, Cemetery Trust, St James Church, Racing Club and the Farmers' Union and the Country Party (14). Alfred was a farmer and in the last twenty three years of his life, his obituary noted that he operated a poultry farm in Main Street, near the railway station (15).

Alfred Hillman's Poultry farm at Pakenham

Dandenong Journal May 31, 1939 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/201306382

Alfred died on October 15, 1947, aged 78. He was  survived by his wife Cecilia; daughter Eva; daughter and son-in-law, Winnie and Ted Law and their daughter Enid; and son Fred. Cecilia died on November 5, 1978. Alfred and Cecilia were cremated and they are interred at the Springvale Botanical Cemetery (16).

Death notices for Alfred

The Argus, October 16 1947 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/1707759

Footnotes:
(1) Pakenham Gazette, May 14 1937, p. 3
(2) Alfred's obituary in the Pakenham Gazette, October 17, 1947, p. 6 lists his place of birth and date of arrival in Pakenham. Edward Hillman and Eliza Hopkins had the following children, the first two were born in England and the rest on the Bellarine Peninsula (information from the Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages).
Albert Edward (1861-1907)
Francis John (1863 - 1949)
Adeline Mary (1865 - 1956, married William Ferguson in 1898)
Julia Anne (1867 - 1934, married Martin John Hitchins in 1892)
Alfred Ernest (1869 - 1947)
Edward Hopkins (1871 - 1931)
Florence Emily (1871 - 1954, married Robert Francis Lovibond in 1906)
Edith Augusta (1876 - 1876)
Maud Alice (1877 - 1947, married John Charles Whitmore in 1908)
Ida May (1882 - 1909, married James Luke Rees in 1908)
Edward died March 21, 1920, aged 86; Eliza died in 1930, aged 93. They are buried at Pakenham Cemetery.

(3) Pakenham Gazette, October 17, 1947. p. 6. Obituary transcription - 

Pakenham Mourns Death of Mr. A. E. Hillman

With feelings of the deepest regret we record the fact that Mr Alfred Ernest Hillman passed away at his residence, Main Street, Pakenham East, shortly before midnight last Tuesday, at the age of 78 years. Mr Hillman had not enjoyed particularly good health for some years, but carried on his business as a poultry farmer as formerly, and on the day of his death appeared to be in his usual state of health. However, he became seriously ill late in the evening and passed away shortly afterwards.
By his death Pakenham has lost one of its oldest and most highly esteemed residents.
He was born at Drysdale, and coming to Pakenham with his parents 62 years ago, he spent the greater part of his life in this district and won the high regard of all who knew him.
He had the distinction of being the first man to enlist from Pakenham for war service. He served with the Australian contingent in the South African War at the beginning of this century, and shortly afterwards was selected as one of the soldiers to represent Australia at the Coronation celebrations in London.
For some time after his return from England he resided in Melbourne, then he came back to this district, remaining here ever since.
Although in recent years Mr Hillman has confined his public activities mainly to various producers’ organisations, in his younger days he actively associated himself with practically every public body in Pakenham. With his death Pakenham loses one o f the few surviving members of the Horticultural Society’s first committee. The Mechanics’ Institute, Recreation Reserve, Cemetery Trust, St. James’ Church of England, and the Racing Club were other bodies which had claimed his keen interest and help, and he was also prominently connected with the Farmers’ Union and the Country Party.
For the past 23 years he had engaged very successfully in poultry farming.
Kindly and helpful by nature, Mr Hillman had a host of friends throughout the district, and the news of his death was received with widespread and deep regret.
The sympathy of the whole community goes out to his wife, son and two daughters in the great loss they have sustained.
The funeral, which was largely attended, took place at Springvale yesterday, Rev. W.P. Daunt officiating at the Crematorium Chapel. Messrs W.J. Garnar and Son had charge of the funeral arrangements.

(4) Pakenham Gazette, October 17, 1947. p. 6

(5) Boer War Nominal Rolls, available on the Australian War Memorial website, see here.

(6) Tongariro Contingent in The Argus, May 3, 1901- Back from the War, here; List of Returned Soldiers, here.

(7) Pakenham Gazette, October 17, 1947. p. 6.
(8) Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages.
(9) Boer War Nominal Rolls, see here.
(10) Eva was the daughter of William John and Eva Susannah (nee Ratcliffe) Murcutt. They had thirteen children between 1881 and 1908 - Joseph who enlisted with Alfred was the first child, born in 1881 and Eva was the second oldest, born in 1882 (information from the Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages)

(11) As per Footnote 6.
(12) Cecilia (1887 - 1978) was born in Pakenham, the daughter of Oscar and Elizabeth (nee Flower) Smith. Oscar was a blacksmith in Pakenham, he died in 1935 aged 77, you can read his obituary in the Dandenong Journal of October 10, 1935, here. Elizabeth died in 1955, aged 91 and is buried at Pakenham Cemetery with her husband.

(13) Alfred's children - Eva Florence (1905 - 1999, married William Thomas Tonkin in 1954); Winifred Mary (1906 - 1983, married Edward Leslie Law in 1930); Alfred George 'Fred' (1912 - 1986).  (information from the Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages)
(14) Obituary - Pakenham Gazette, October 17, 1947, p. 6
(15) Obituary - Pakenham Gazette, October 17, 1947, p. 6; There was also a short obituary in the Dandenong Journal of October 29, 1947, see here.

(16) Death notice - The Argus, October 16 1947, see here.

A version of this post, which I wrote and researched, appears on my work blog, Casey Cardinia Commemorates: Our War Years blog

Boer War soldiers connected to the Shires of Berwick, Cranbourne and Dandenong

The Boer War was fought between British forces against the Boers, or Dutch-Afrikaner settlers in South Africa from 1899 until 1902. The War was also called the South African War and referred to as the Second Boer War. The First Boer War, fought between the Boers and the British, took place in 1880-1881, but no Australian troops were officially involved.

Australians who served  in the War were all volunteers. The Australian War Memorial website explains - Australians served in contingents raised by the six colonies or, from 1901, by the new Australian Commonwealth. For a variety of reasons many Australians also joined British or South African colonial units in South Africa: some were already in South Africa when the war broke out; others either made their own way or joined local units after their enlistment in an Australian contingent ended. Recruiting was also done in Australia for units which already existed in South Africa, such as the Scottish Horse. You can read more about Boer War on the Australian War Memorial website   https://www.awm.gov.au/articles/atwar/boer

This post looks at some of the local men from the Shires of Berwick, Cranbourne and Dandenong who served in the South Africa War. This is a work in progress, I am sure there are many others, so if I have missed any please let  me know. 

The Australian War Memorial has digitised the Official Records of Australian Contingents to the War in South Africa, 1899-1902, compiled by Lieutenant-Colonel P.L.Murray and published in 1911. This acts as the Nominal Roll and can be found and searched  here, on the Australian War Memorial website; you can also browse page-by-page, here. The Nominal Rolls contain very basic information - name, rank, service number and sometime there is a line about some aspect of their service. I have referred to it as the Boer War Nominal Roll. The National Archives of Australia also has a series of digitised Boer War Attestation papers, called Boer War Dossiers, Series B4418. Only John Crisop Morris, James William Shreeve and Arthur Edward Towt, in this list, have one of these. The Australians in the Boer War website is also a good source of information, see here.

Victorian Mounted Rifles leaving for the Boer War. Photo taken in 

Market Street in Melbourne. Photographer: Lewis F. East. 

State Library of Victoria Image H28378

Some of the following information comes from the Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com; Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages; the books Early Days of Berwick (1) and In the Wake of the Pack Tracks (2) and newspaper articles see my Trove list of newspaper articles, see here.  SN stands for Service Number.

Bain, Donald Stuart. Not listed in the Boer War Nominal Roll. 
Donald, born in 1880, was the eleventh and last child of Robert and Susan (nee Stuart) Bain of the Berwick Inn (Border Hotel), established by Robert in Berwick in 1857. He enlisted in either Robert's Light Horse or Kitchener's Fighting Scouts or the Kaffarian Rifles according to various reports (3). When Donald returned he became a Stock & Station Agent, and then he enlisted in the A.I.F in August 1914, with the rank of Captain.  Donald was discharged in medical grounds - neurasthenia and shell shock - two years later. Donald died in 1937, aged 56. See  his First World War Personnel Dossier, here. 

Donald Bain of Berwick, promoted to Lieutenant

South Bourke & Mornington Journal November 6, 1901 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article70047917

Barnes, John Christopher.   Boer War Nominal Roll, here, (SN 346).

Enlisted in the 2nd Victorian Mounted Rifles. There was a report in the South Bourke & Mornington Journal of June 5, 1901 (see here), about the Dandenong meeting of the Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows where Br. Chris Barnes was welcomed on his safe return from South Africa and at the event he gave a few of his experiences at the Front. I am assuming that Br Chris Barnes and John Christopher Barnes are the same man and I have no other information about him.  As  a matter of interest, he enlisted the same time as Alfred Hillman, below, who is SN 352.

Chambers, Michael James. Boer War Nominal Roll, here, (SN 1085).
Enlisted in the 5th Victorian Mounted Rifles, where he attained the rank of Lance-Corporal. Michael  also enlisted in the First World War on March 6, 1918 at the age of 38 ( SN 64173). He lived in Modella with his wife, Labela and three children. Their son, Ronald, was the Shire of Berwick Engineer from 1948 until 1973, and then the Shire of Pakenham Engineer until 1977. The family are the source of the name Chambers Road, Modella. The R.J. Chambers Reserve in Pakenham Upper is named for Ronald. Michael died in 1961 aged 85. See his First World War Personnel Dossier, here.

Procession of the Victorian Contingent of armed forces to the South African War, along Spring Street, Melbourne, 28 October 1899.  Photographer: E.J. Frazer 

State Library of Victoria Image H36420/42

Davies, Arnold Mercer.  Boer War Nominal Roll, here, (SN 454).
Enlisted in the Victorian [Citizen] Bushmen.  Arnold was the son of Sir Matthew Davies - the first Australian born Speaker of the Victorian Parliament (4). Arnold had a letter about his experience of fighting in South Africa, published in The Argus on September 14, 1900 (see here) - this is the start of his letter-

We are camped now - that is 20 of our division - on a large kopje, about a mile from our old camp, on the Water Hill Fort, and it looks as if we were going to have fairly easy times for a day or two, and I think we could all do with a rest. I suppose you have heard by now that we had a go with the Boers last Sunday, and I think even the most sanguinary amongst us had enough fighting then to do them for a day or two. The wonder is that any of us came through alive; as it is, there are four killed and 21 wounded and missing.

 I am not actually sure how he is connected to this region, however Arnold and Alfred Robinson were welcomed home at a function at the Narre Warren North Mechanics' Institute on Friday, February 22, 1901, so I presume he was farming in the area. There was a report of the welcome home in the  South Bourke & Mornington Journal of  February 27, 1901 (see here) -

It is hardly possible that at any country town within the colony such a handsome welcome home was extended to our returned soldiers as that which took place at the Mechanics Institute, Narre Warren North, Friday night last.

The assemblage comprised visitors from Dandenong, Berwick and the surrounding district well as a strong force of the local residents and numbered about two hundred and fifty, possibly a record attendance at any similar gathering at Narre Warren. The idea of inviting ladies was a great success, nearly half the audience being composed of members of the fair sex. Arnold and Alfred were each  presented with a handsome gold medal, suitably inscribed to the effect that they were given by residents as a token of esteem.  

After his return Arnold was farming for a time at Doodakine in Western Australia according to the 1909 Electoral Rolls.  Doodakine is 230 kms east of Perth. He returned to Victoria and enlisted in the A.I.F in November 1914 at the age  of 38 (SN 139) and in the Second World War, where he stated his age as 55 and his birth year as 1887, he was actually born 1876. See his Personnel Dossiers, here. 

Elmes, John Turner. Boer War Nominal Roll, here, listed as Elms. (SN 51).

John served with the 1st Victorian Mounted Rifles, where he attained the rank of Lance-Corporal. John was the son of the late Dr Elmes of Berwick who had served the Berwick community from around 1870 until his death in 1893, at the age of 54. Early Days of Berwick says that Dr Elmes also treated cases at Brandy Creek [Warragul] thirty five miles away, being their nearest Doctor.  When John returned from South Africa, he managed various farms in the Western District, including Terang where he died in 1945, aged 69. John's brothers, Frederick and Herbert served in World War One; Herbert was Killed in Action in France on November 5, 1916.

Welcome home for John Elms and Arthur Ogilvy.

The Age, January 1, 1901 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/196064873?

Esler, Hugh James. Boer War Nominal Roll, here and here. 

Served as a Sergeant with the Victorian Imperial Bushman (SN 5) and served as a Lieutenant with the 5th Victorian Mounted Rifles from June 22, 1901 until March 27, 1902.  Hugh was born at Pyalong in 1880, the son of Hugh and Ellen (nee Wilson) Esler. Hugh and Ellen are listed in the 1903 and 1906 Electoral Rolls at Lang Lang - he is a farmer. Hugh junior is also in Lang Lang in 1903, also a farmer, but he then joined the Police Forces and then moved around Victoria. A welcome home social was tendered to Lieutenant to Esler at the Mechanics' Hall, Lang Lang on October 3, 1902. 

Welcome home to Hugh Esler

Lang Lang Guardian October 11, 1902, p. 2

Gamble, William.  Boer War Nominal Roll, here, (SN 35). 
Served with the 1st Victorian Mounted Rifles. Note in the nominal roll - Invalided Australia, arrived 24.5.00, Awarded pension (temporary).  After the War, William became the Principal of the Dookie Agricultural College. He and his wife Barbara moved to Berwick in 1922 and farmed at Burnbank, in partnership with Edwin Flack, Australia's first Olympian. Barbara, was the first President of the Berwick Country Women's Association and died in 1944 at the age of 66 (5). William died in 1960 aged 91. They are both buried at Berwick Cemetery.  

Gardiner, John James.  Boer War Nominal Roll, here, (SN 136). 
Served with the 2nd Tasmanian Imperial Bushmen, attained the rank of Sergeant and was Mentioned in Commander-in-Chief's Despatches on April 2, 1901. John and three of his brothers, as well as their two nephews, Frederick and Edward Sibert, all served the First World War (6). John was a Civil Engineer and was employed as a Shire Engineer in councils in New South Wales and Queensland, before he retired in 1935 and returned to live in Berwick. He was also a councillor for the Shire of Berwick. 

The Herald 'World of Sport' column of July 20, 1900 (see here) published a letter from Charles Searle (listed below) about life in South Africa and he mentioned John Gardiner -

Though they have to take their share of shot and shell the boys in South Africa manage to find time for football. A Berwick boy with the Tasmanian contingent has sent an account of a match to Mr. Searle of Berwick, and Mr Searle has very kindly forwarded It to me. It is as follows:— "A most interesting and exciting combat took place to-day between the Tasmanian and South Australian Bushmen Contingents on the eve of the departure of the Tassies for Bulawayo, resulting in a win for the Tassies by 6 points, Stanworth (capt.) and Sergeant Gardner of Berwick, both Victorians, being conspicuous for Tasmania, and Wilson, Roberts and Kerr for South Australia."

Hillman, Alfred Ernest.  Boer War Nominal Roll, here, (SN 352)
Enlisted in the 2nd Victorian Mounted Rifles. He was awarded the South Africa medal with six clasps. This medal was officially called the Queen's South Africa medal and was awarded to all those who served. Each clasp represented a location (presumably where a battle took place) such as Transvaal, Modder River, Johannesburg. Alfred, born in Drysdale in 1869 and had come to Pakenham with his parents, Edward and Eliza (nee Hopkins) Hillman in 1885. 

The Pakenham Gazette on May 21, 1937 reported on the procession held in Pakenham for the Coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, which took place on May 12, 1937 -
Amongst the hundreds of interested spectators who saw the Coronation procession at Pakenham last week was Mr A. E. Hillman, of Pakenham, a member of the Australian Contingent which went to England in 1902 for the coronation of King Edward VII. Mr Hillman was in the Garrison Artillery and served in the Boer War from 1899 to 1901 under Major (afterwards General) Monash (7) and was awarded the South African medal with six clasps. The Australian Coronation Contingent in 1902 comprised 150 officers and men, 42 of whom were selected from Victoria. The troops were away from Australia for about six months, and in addition to taking part on the Coronation festivities in London toured England and Scotland. Mr Hillman recalls many pleasant memories associated with the trip.

Boer War Nominal Roll entry.

As a matter of interest in 1904 Alfred married Eva Murcutt in 1904. In the Boer War nominal rolls, see here,  Alfred is listed with the service number of 252 the man with the service number of 253 is Joseph Murcutt, Eva's brother. Did they know each other before they enlisted or did they met in the recruiting office, become friends and then Joseph later introduced Alfred to his sister? Sadly, Eva died in 1906 at the age of 24, and in 1909 Alfred married Cecelia Elizabeth Smith. 

Alfred spent most of his life in Pakenham, involved in many community groups and his obituary in the Pakenham Gazette (8) said that he had the distinction of being the first man to enlist from Pakenham for war service 

  

Leggett, Sid. Not listed in the Boer War Nominal Roll. 

Sid joined Robert's Light Horse in South Africa with Donald Bain. The boys were both from Berwick, and I have no other information about him.

Report of Don Bain and Sid Leggatt from South Africa

South Bourke and Mornington Journal July 18, 1900 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article70046016

McSwain, Malcolm Munro. Boer War Nominal Roll, here, (SN 47)
Enlisted in the 1st Western Australia Mounted Infantry.  Malcolm was the son on Norman and Margaret McSwain.  An article in the Dandenong Journal of May 25, 1949 (see here) noted that Norman and Margaret operated  a dairy farm and carrying business at Cranbourne and later Eumemmerring and their five sons went to W. A. when the depression hit Victoria in the nineties. One of them went to the Boer War and afterwards to the First World War. Malcolm did indeed serve WW1 he enlisted in March 1916 at the age of 39 (SN 2926). His occupation was a miner and his address was Marble Bar, in Western Australia. See his First World War Personnel Dossier, here. 

Report of a letter Malcolm sent to his parents.

The Age January 26, 1900 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/196023965

Morris, John Crisop  Boer War Nominal Roll, here, (SN 208) and here (SN 40, incorrectly listed as John James Morris). 
John was born in Townsville, Queensland and enlisted at the age of 25 in the 1st Queensland Mounted Infantry where he had the role of Bugler, and the 7th Battalion, Australian Commonwealth Horse. He reached the rank of Squadron Sergeant Major in the 7th Battalion. His Attestation paper for the 7th Battalion has been digitised, see it here. John Morris also enlisted in the First World War on September 24, 1914 at the age of 38, with the rank of Lieutenant.  He had the unusual occupation of actor and he enlisted in Melbourne and his mother, who his next of kin, was also from Townsville. He Returned to Australia December 16, 1917 suffering from 'cardiac arythmia'. You can read his First World War Personnel Dossier, here. Morris is listed in the Electoral Rolls at Pakenham Upper in 1919, his occupation is orchardist. In 1922 he was granted a Soldier Settlement farm at Yarram, you can read his file, here. He died in 1925, I believe, I don't have an exact date (9). 

John Crisop Morris

State Library of Queensland https://collections.slq.qld.gov.au/viewer/IE2814853 

 originally published in The Queenslander, 31 May 1902

Ogilvy, Arthur James. Boer War Nominal Roll, here, (SN 143).
Served with the 2nd Victorian Mounted Rifles, and the 2nd Scottish Horse. Arthur was the son of James W. Ogilvy, of Buchanan Road, in Berwick. Early Days of Berwick said that James was the son of one of Melbourne's earliest solicitors, was one of he first pupils at Scotch College and had witnessed the departure of the Burke & Wills Expedition in 1860. Interesting connections to Melbourne's early history. Arthur was 'welcomed home' with Jack Elms at the smoke night held at the Rechabite Hall in Berwick (see Elmes listing, above).  He also served in the First World War in the 2nd Light Horse, enlisting at the age of 40, where he held the rank of Captain. At the time of his enlistment he was farming in Kyogle, New South Wales. Captain Ogilvy was Mentioned in Despatches, and Returned to Australia May 1919. See his  First World War Personnel Dossier, here.

Captain Ogilvy pays a visit to Berwick, after he returned home from World War One

South Bourke & Mornington Journal May 29, 1919. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article66196124

Ordish, Harold    Boer War Nominal Roll, here (SN 104) and here, (SN 250)
Served with the 1st Victorian Mounted Rifles, where he attained the rank of Lance-Corporal, Lance Sergeant and then Acting C.S.M; he was also a Regimental Sergeant Major in the 6th Battalion, Australian Commonwealth Horse. Harold also served in the First World War, he enlisted in the A.I.F., on February 23, 1916. His occupation was a soldier and he was 42 years old. Harold was awarded the Distinguished Service Order and remained overseas until January 1920, when he Returned to Australia, where he remained in the Army becoming a Lieutenant-Colonel.  See his World War One Personnel Dossier, here. Harold, was born in Dandenong in 1873 to Thomas and Mary Elizabeth (nee Ward) Ordish. His brother William Ordish established the Ordish Brick Co., in 1894 (10). 

Corporal Jago at Harold Ordish's send-off. 

Corporal Jago had served in the Crimean War, see here.

South Bourke & Mornington Journal October 25, 1899 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/70022299

News about Harold Ordish

The Age September 4 1900 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/188648916

Osborne, Henry Houston. Boer War Nominal Roll, here.

Served with the 5th Victorian Mounted Rifles with the rank of  Lieutenant. Henry is listed in the Electoral Rolls at Clyde from 1912 to 1926. His occupation was farm manager. Henry died 1944 aged 84 and was the son of James and Esther (nee Houston) Osborne. Henry married Leila Caroline Kennedy in 1895 in a fashionable wedding at All Saints Church in St Kilda in January 1895, you can read about it here. 

Pritchard, George.  Boer War Nominal Roll, here, (SN 305)

Served with the Victorian Imperial Bushmen. Note in the Nominal Roll - Returned Victoria 5/1/01; reported fit; Returned to South Africa and rejoined 4/4/01. George and his wife, Janet, are listed in the Electoral Roll from 1908 at Lang Lang East, until around 1919 when they moved to Neerim. George also served in World War One (SN 433). He enlisted on September 11, 1915 at the age of 47, his address was Yannathan, which is just east of Lang Lang. See his World War One Personnel Dossier, here.

Robinson, Alfred James. Boer War Nominal Roll, here, (SN 105).
Served with the 1st Victorian Mounted Infantry Company. Alfred, born 1877, was the son of George Washington and Eliza Robinson of Hillsley, Narre Warren North. George was the Shire of Berwick Engineer and Shire Secretary for Ferntree Gully. Alfred's mother, Eliza was the daughter of Thomas and Eliza Walton, of Holly Green, Narre Warren. This was the property acquired by Sidney Webb and is now the site of Fountain Gate Shopping Centre. Alfred married Jessie Lyon of Harkaway on February 22, 1910. 

Alfred Robinson, 'invalided home'

The Argus April 25, 1900 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article9057466

Searle, Charles John.  Boer War Nominal Roll, here, (SN 390)
Served in the Victorian Imperial Bushmen. Note in the nominal roll - Discharged in South Africa, 5.8.02.  Charles was the son of Henry Searle, of Berwick. Henry was a Blacksmith and operated from the corner of High Street and Wheeler Street from around 1860. Charles Searle had a long letter he wrote to his parents from South Africa published in the South Bourke & Mornington Journal, on August 22 and August 29, 1900 (see here and here). This is the first paragraph - 

It is a long time since I last wrote, but you will understand that it is a bit hard to get a letter written out here. We got into harbor at Beira on the 23rd of May, but we were not allowed to land until the 2nd of June. We saw a great number of flying fish the day before we got in, and it was a pretty sight. We were met out side by the man-of-war "Partridge," and conducted into the bay in great style. The water is very shallow and dirty; and everything is very dear at Beira, cocoa nuts 9d, bananas 1s, jam 1/6 half-lb. tin, bread 6d small loaf. A number of the men got fever and dysentry whilst there, but none of the cases were very severe, and all recovered in a few days. I have kept in grand health throughout, and not at all afraid of catching fever as I am not fat. 

Early Days of Berwick, noted that Charles remained to reside in South Africa at the conclusion of hostilities. 

Shreeve, James William. Boer War Nominal Roll, here, (SN 663)

Served in the 2nd Battalion, Australian Commonwealth Horse.  His Attestation paper for service in South Africa, has been digitised, see it here. It lists his address as Oakhill farm, Garfield.  James was a professional soldier and also served in the First World War; enlisting in the A.I.F., at the age of 36, with the rank of Lieutenant.  His parents were William and Emma (nee Daniels) Shreeve, of Mount Marshall, Garfield. See his World War One Personnel Dossier, here.

Towt, Arthur Edward. Boer War Nominal Roll, here, (SN 2387)

Served in the 4th Battalion, Australian Commonwealth Horse. His Attestation paper for service in South Africa, has been digitised, see it here. It tells us that he was born in Broadford, enlisted on February 11, 1902 at the age of 20, that he was a station hand and his next of kin was his mother, S. Towt, of 23 Liddiard Street, Glenferrie. In the 1962 'Back to Garfield' souvenir booklet,  local historian, Bill Parish, has a history of the town, decade by decade. In the 1901-10 decade he notes Several Boer War veterans took up properties including Mr A. Towt, at Garfield North (11). Arthur established an orchard on his property, there was an interesting article about this orchard in the Weekly Times in 1939, read  it here. later carries on by his sons. Arthur married had Margaret Brew in 1908,  they had seven children and he died on August 3, 1954. 

Trove list - I have created a list of articles on Trove on the Boer War / South African War with a connection to the old Shires of Berwickm Cranbourne and Dandenong, access it here.

Footnotes

(1) Early Days of Berwick and its surrounding districts, compiled by Norman E. Beaumont, James F. Curran and R.H. Hughes (3rd edition published by Rotary, 1979). The book was originally published in 1948.
(2) In the Wake of the Pack Tracks: a history of the Shire of Berwick (Berwick Pakenham Historical Society, 1982)

(3) Donald Bain's Boer War service - South Bourke and Mornington Journal July 18, 1900 says he enlisted in the Robert's Light Horse, see here;  South Bourke & Mornington Journal November 6, 1901 says he joined Kitchener's Fighting Scouts, see here;  his World War One Personnel Dossier says he also served in the Kaffarian Rifles, see here. 
(4) Matthew Davies - see his Australian Dictionary of Biography entry, here.

(5) This information is from Mrs Gamble's short obituary was in the Dandenong Journal, January 12, 1944, see here. 
(6) Gardiner Family -  the sons of James and Mary (nee Church) Gardiner, who had married in 1870. They lived in Brisbane Street, Berwick. 
Gardiner, John James (SN 1651) John enlisted at the age of 44 on May 11, 1916. His occupation was Civil Engineer and Surveyor and his next of kin was his wife, Mary Ann, of Berwick. Mary is called Matilda and Moya in some sources. John Returned to Australia August 24, 1918. John had also served in the Boer War, he was part of the 2nd Tasmanian Imperial Bushmen and was Mentioned in Commander-in-Chief's Despatches on April 2, 1901. John was a Shire Engineer in New South Wales and Queensland and after his retirement in 1935 he returned to Berwick and was elected as a Shire of Berwick Councillor. You can read his obituary in the Dandenong Journal of January 9, 1946, here.
Gardiner, George Peter (SN 4401) George enlisted on January 5, 1916. He was 37 years old, his occupation was Slaughterman and his address was Cockatoo Creek, a previous name for Cockatoo. George's next of kin was his father, James, and he Returned to Australia April 10, 1919.
Gardiner, Ernest Edward (SN 48) Ernest enlisted on August 22, 1914 at the age of 27. He was a farmer and he enlisted in New South Wales. He was reported as being 'dangerously ill' and invalided to Australia July 31, 1915 and medically discharged June 6, 1916. Ernest is incorrectly listed on the Embarkation Roll as Gardener.
Gardiner, Clarence Eustace (SN 4707) Clarence enlisted on August 7, 1915. He was a 23 year old fireman, working for the Victorian Railways. His father was his next of kin. Clarence was Wounded in Action - gun shot wound left ankle and compound fracture right thigh. Clarence was discharged on medical grounds on April 9, 1918.
Sadly, for James and Mary Gardiner, even though their four sons survived, two of their grandsons did not, Frederick and Edward, who were the sons of Amelia Gardiner and her husband, Justin Sibert, did not return.
Sibert, Frederick John (SN 3482) Frederick was born in Berwick and living in Blackbutt in Queensland when he enlisted at the age of 22 on October 18, 1916. He was a timber-getter. His next of kin was his mother, Amelia, of Yarloop in Western Australia. Frederick Died of Wounds received whilst fighting in France, on October 10, 1917.
Sibert, Edward Justin (SN 4551, listed in NAA as 4557) Edward was born in Collie in Western Australia and was 18 when he enlisted on March 1, 1916. His mother was his next of kin. Edward was Killed in Action, sometime between November 3 and November 6, 1916

(7) Sir General John Monash's Australian Dictionary of Biography entry (see here) written by Geoffrey Searle, said that although Monash was a member of the North Melbourne Battery of the Metropolitan Brigade of the Garrison Artillery, he did not volunteer for and was not invited to take part in the South African War. Possibly, Alfred may have served under Monash in the Garrison Artillery before he went to South Africa.

(8) Pakenham Gazette, October 17, 1947.

(9) Probate notice for John Crisop Morris, which gives us some idea of his death date.

The Argus July 8 1925 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2136584

(10) Brennan, Niall Chronicles of Dandenong (Hawthorn Press, 1973), p. 125.

(11) Parish, Bill Back to Garfield, 1887-1962 souvenir booklet (Back to Garfield Committee, 1962), p. 9.