George Eddy was born in Castlemaine (1860) and joined the Third Battalion of Militia at Ballarat in 1885. In 1890 he gained a position on the permanent staff of the Victorian Rangers and promoted to Major in 1897. Eddy went to England (1898-9) and was attached to the Devonshire Regiment. Major Eddy was killed at Rensburg, Province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa in 1900. He was Senior Officer of the First Contingent, commanding the Infantry Unit. Colonel Carter wrote..." ....I brought the gallant conduct of your husband and his command under the notice of the General .....He was a genial comrade and a gallant soldier, and he is, I fear, an irreparable loss to the Australian Contingent." ('Argus' April 1900)Digital portrait from "In Memory of the Gallant Officers and Men of Victoria in Transvaal War, 1899-1900".george eddy, castlemaine, third battalion of militia ballarat, victorian rangers, devonshire regiment, major, rensburg, south africa

Alexander Ross was born in Castlemaine in 1879. He became a member of the 4th Battalion Infantry Brigade and was noted for his soldierly qualities. When volunteers were called for the First Contingent, Mounted Infantry Unit going to South Africa, he was one of the first to enlist. In the Battle at Rensburg he was shot through the chest and died shortly after. Major Eddy and Lieutenant Roberts also died in the same action. About a fortnight before he was killed Corporal Ross had mailed the Queen's Chocolate Box he had received, to his father. In it was a letter which included information "...I am quite well and have not seen action yet. I remain Your affectionate son Alexander Ross"Digital portrait from "In Memory of the Gallant Officers and Men of Victoria in Transvaal War, 1899-1900".alexander ross, corporal, castlemaine, 4th battalion infantry brigade, first contingent, mounted infantry unit, south africa, rensburg, major eddy, lieutenant roberts, queen's chocolate box