Soft cover 16 pages with copies of photos of the First Victorian Contingent to the Transvaal / Boer War.

This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1942 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. The Transvaal From Within A Private Record of Public Affairs Author: J P Fitzpatrick Publisher: William Heinemann Date: 1900 Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 968.04 FIT Pastedown front end page has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Servicewarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, pattison collection, warrnambool library, ralph eric pattison, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, the transvaal from within, j p fitzpatrick

Neil Grant was from BallaratTwelve page cream, stapled booklet with information and excellent images of the Victorian men killed in the Boer War before 1901. The men include Charles E. Umphelby, George Albert Eddy, Robert Westrup Salmon, William Fleming Hopkins, James Charles Roberts, W.J. Lambie, Neil Grant, Alexander Ross, Arthur Edwin Coulson, Thomas Stock, Charles Edwin Williams and Albert Herbert Willson.c e umphelby, g a eddy, w f hopkins, j c roberts, w j lambie, neil grant, alex ross, a e coulson, t stock, c e williams, r w salmon, a h willson, charles e umphelby, george albert eddy, robert westrup salmon, william fleming hopkins, james charles roberts, alexander ross, arthur edwin coulson, thomas stock, charles edwin williams, albert herbert, willson, boer war, south african war

Hardcover w/dust jacketwalsh st library

Letter from Douglas Scott to the Ballarat School of Mines concerning safe delivery of certificates. Correspondence on New Rietfontontein Estate Gold Mines Limited letterhead to the Ballarat School of Mines.new rietfontontein estate gold mines limited, letterhead, douglas scott, frederick martell, the rand, alumni, transvaal, south africa, rietfontein

Coin commemorating Transvaal War 1900 for The First Australian Imperial Contingent.Small metal Commemorative coin, brown in colour, with a small hole drilled at the top to allow hanging.Side 1 - Impressed with "British Transvaal War" & Queen Victoria Profile. Side 2 - Impressed with "Success to 1st Aust Imperial Contingent" & picture of mounted soldier.transvaal war, boer war

Lord Robert's victorious British armies raise the Union Jack flag at the Transvaal Republic Parliament building after the occupation of Pretoria on June 6th 1900 during the second Anglo Boer War.boer war, anglo boer war, transvaal, pretoria, south africa,

Souvenir token issued to acknowledge the return of Australian troops from the South African (Boer) War in December 1900.Two sided circular copper coloured disc struck as a souvenir to welcome home troops from the South African War. The device has a profile of a woman's head surrounded by flags & a crown. Under the head are words: British Transvaal 1899-1900. The reverse has two hands joined. Surrounded by words. A hole has been drilled in the top to take a chain.Obverse side: “British Transvaal 1899-1900” Reverse side: “Return of troops from South Africa Dec 1900. Welcome home Australians”numismatics - medals - commemorative, metalcraft - copperware, souvenir, boer war

Charles Umphelby began his military career at Warrnambool Garrison in 1884. In 1885 he was appointed Lieutenant in the Victorian Permanent Artillery. He succeeded Major Daniel in command of Queenscliff Fort in 1890. He went to England in 1889 and was attached to the staff of Major-General Clarke. Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Umphelby was a Special Service Officer attached to the Censor's Department in Cape Town. He then went to the Howitzer Division of Lord Methuen's force at Modder River. Charles was wounded during the fight at Driefontein, 10 March and died 12 March 1900. He was married to the daughter of Thomas Austin, owner of Barwon Park near Geelong. They had two daughters.Digital portrait from "In Memory of the Gallant Officers and Men of Victoria in Transvaal War, 1899-1900".charles umphelby, warrnambool garrison, victorian permanent artillery, major daniel, queenscliff fort, major-general clarke, cape town, howitzer division, lord methuen, modder river, dreifontein, thomas austin, barwon park

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

William Fleming Hopkins was born in the Maryborough District in 1864. He graduated from Adelaide University, B.A.. Returning to Victoria he did three years of teaching at Portland and Scotch College. Admitted to Melbourne University, graduating M.B. and B.S. in 1891 and secured the appointment of Medical Officer and Manager of the Stawell Hospital. Doctor Hopkins joined the Victorian Rangers Medical Staff in 1892 with the rank of Captain. He served with them until his appointment as Medical Officer to the First Victorian Contingent under the command of Captain McLeish. Captain Hopkins exhibited courage and coolness under heavy fire attending to the wounded at Rensburg. He died of enteric fever (typhoid) at Naauwpoort, in the Orange Free state, 27 March 1900 Digital portrait from "In Memory of the Gallant Officers and Men of Victoria in Transvaal War, 1899-1900".william fleming hopkins, maryborough district, portland, scotch college, melbourne university, medical officer, stawell hospital, victorian rangers medical staff, first victorian contingent, renburg, enteris fever, naauwpoort, orange free state

Robert Westrup Salmon was born at Daisy Hill, Victoria in 1862. He joined the ranks of the Mounted Rifles in 1883 and obtained a commission as Lieutenant in 1892. He became Captain of the first contingent to South Africa. At the Battle of Jasfontein he had command of a division of Mounted Infantry and was highly complimented for the skilful manner in which he handled his men. His position in the camp at the time of his death was Staff-Captain. He died of enteric fever (typhoid) at Naauwpoort in the Orange Free State, on 16 March 1900.Digital portrait from "In Memory of the Gallant Officers and Men of Victoria in Transvaal War, 1899-1900".robert salmon, daisy hill, mounted rifles, lieutenant, first contingent, south africa, jasfontein, naauwpoort, orange free state

James Roberts was born at Rushworth, Victoria, in 1872. He matriculated and graduated from Melbourne University in Civil Engineering. He had recently re-entered university to study medicine. While in university he was a lieutenant of the University Corps of Officer and then obtained a commission in the Victorian Mounted Rifles. At the outbreak of war, Roberts immediately volunteered for service in South Africa. He was in the first contingent - mounted infantry unit. He was mentioned in dispatches. Lieutenant Roberts was killed at Rensburg on 12 February 1900.Digital portrait from "In Memory of the Gallant Officers and Men of Victoria in Transvaal War, 1899-1900".james roberts, rushworth, melbourne university, civil engineering, medicine, university corps of officers, victorian mounted rifles, south africa, rensburg, first contingent, mounted infantry unit

William Lambie was one of two war correspondents riding behind the Australians patrol when they left Rensburg Base. The objective was to determine the strength of the Boers south of Rensburg Siding. The group split in two. The group the journalists were with went on ahead. They were ambushed and surrounded by Boer horsemen and told to surrender. They ignored this and made a dash for the safety of the British lines. Lambie was shot in the head and died instantly. The other journalist was wounded and taken to the Boer's camp and tended, then later sent to hospital. Lambie was buried by the Boers on the farm Jasfontein owned by Hendrik Kotze.Digital portrait from "In Memory of the Gallant Officers and Men of Victoria in Transvaal War, 1899-1900".war correspondent, rensburg base, rensburg siding, boer, horsemen, jasfontein, hendrik kotze, william lambie

Sergeant Neil Grant died from bullet wounds in the chest during the battle in Rensburg on 10 February 1900. Private Willson, quick to go to his aid, was killed instantly as he bent over the wounded man. He was well known in Ballarat for his military career and also as an auctioneer. He was 45 years of age, married and father of eight children. Other soldiers from Ballarat who were killed are Corporal Ross, Private Duncan Stock and Private Thomas Stock.Digital portrait from "In Memory of the Gallant Officers and Men of Victoria in Transvaal War, 1899-1900".sergeant neil grant, rensburg, private willson, ballarat, corporal ross, private duncan stock, private thomas stock

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

Arthur Coulson had served two years with the Victorian Mounted Rifles when he volunteered for active service. He was in the First Contingent, Mounted Infantry Unit sent to South Africa. He was engaged in scouting duties. Private Coulson contracted enteric fever (typhoid) and died in hospital. His death was the first from disease in the Regiment. He was given a military funeral.Digital portrait from "In Memory of the Gallant Officers and Men of Victoria in Transvaal War, 1899-1900".arthur coulson, victorian mounted rifles, first contingent, scouting, enteric fever, military funeral

Private Stock was a member of the Casterton Detachment, Victorian Mounted Rifles.Thomas and his brother both volunteered for active service in South Africa at the outbreak of war. Thomas was an expert horseman and very patriotic. He fought and fell for the Empire at Rensburg.Digital portrait from "In Memory of the Gallant Officers and Men of Victoria in Transvaal War, 1899-1900".private, thomas stock, casterton, victorian mounted rifles, duncan stock, rensburg, empire

Private Charles Williams was born in Nalinga and at the age of 16 joined the Victorian Mounted Rifles. He was one of the first from his district to offer his services at the outbreak of war. It was noted that Williams conducted himself with the greatest bravery and died facing his foe.Digital portrait from "In Memory of the Gallant Officers and Men of Victoria in Transvaal War, 1899-1900".private, charles williams, nalinga, victorian mounted rifles

Private Willson was part of the First Contingent - Mounted Infantry Unit sent to South Africa. He joined the Victorian Mounted Rifles only a few weeks prior to this. During an attack in force by the Boers, at Hobkirk's Farm near Rensburg, he was struck by a ball in the eye and died instantly. He was known to be a brave man and good soldier. He was 23 years old. The back cover of the booklet shows a reduced facsimile of the Queen's Chocolate Box received by the late Private A H Willson.Digital portrait from "In Memory of the Gallant Officers and Men of Victoria in Transvaal War, 1899-1900".albert herbert willson, private, first contingent, mounted infantry, victorian mounted rifles, rensburg, south africa, hobkirk's farm, boers

William Harris No 476 enlisted in the 3rd Victorian Bushmans Contingent. He was severely WIA at Koster River on 21.7.1900, invalided back to Australia arriving on 8.11.1900.Medal, court mounted, (1) re W Harris. 1. Boer War medal with 2 clasps "Transvaal & Rhodesia""476 Tpr W. Harris Victorian BSHMN"medals, military, history

Front - Good luck to the Australian Bushmans Contingent 1900. Rear - To aid the NS Patriotic Fund Transvaal War Souveneirephemera, boer war-home, army

The 1st Contingent departed Fremantle on 7 November 1899 and returned on 29 December 1900. The 2nd Contingent departed 3 February 1900 and returned 8 December 1900. Due to the shortage of khaki material, the 1st Contingent uniforms wore their blue militia tunics, blue puttees and a dark blue puggaree on departure. An Anglo Boer War Service of Reconciliation is held annually on the first Sunday in June at the "Fallen Soldiers" (Boer War) Memorial in Kings Park attended by descendants and representative of all combatant nations. The date selected is the closest Sunday to the date of signing of the Treaty or Peace of Vereeniging (31 May 1902). The culmination of the service is the laying of the Emily Hobhouse wreath.Unique series of stereoscopic images showing both the 1st and 2nd West Australian Mounted Infantry Contingents to the Anglo Boer War. Images contain details of uniforms, accoutrements, camp life, civic honours and departure.WA Transvaal Contingent in Camp at Karrakatta. Published in Australian Stereoscopic Views, WA Series, Photographed and published by Craig and Solin, Fremantle and KalgoorliePhotographed and published by Craig and Solin, Fremantle and Kalgoorliestereoscope, boer war, south africa, capetown

The 1st Contingent departed Fremantle on 7 November 1899 and returned on 29 December 1900. The 2nd Contingent departed 3 February 1900 and returned 8 December 1900. Due to the shortage of khaki material, the 1st Contingent uniforms wore their blue militia tunics, blue puttees and a dark blue puggaree on departure. An Anglo Boer War Service of Reconciliation is held annually on the first Sunday in June at the "Fallen Soldiers" (Boer War) Memorial in Kings Park attended by descendants and representative of all combatant nations. The date selected is the closest Sunday to the date of signing of the Treaty or Peace of Vereeniging (31 May 1902). The culmination of the service is the laying of the Emily Hobhouse wreath.Unique series of stereoscopic images showing both the 1st and 2nd West Australian Mounted Infantry Contingents to the Anglo Boer War. Images contain details of uniforms, accoutrements, camp life, civic honours and departure.A Camp Wash Karrakatta. WA Transvaal Contingent. Published in Australian Stereoscopic Views, WA Series, Photographed and published by Craig and Solin, Fremantle and KalgoorliePhotographed and published by Craig and Solin, Fremantle and Kalgoorliestereoscope, boer war, south africa, capetown

Alfred Milner, 1st Viscount Milner was a British statesman and colonial administrator. He played an influential role in the formulation of foreign and domestic policy from mid 1890s to early 1920s. In 1897he became High Commissioner for South Africa and Governor of Cape Colony. He pushed the Transvaal Republic to war, oversaw the war and organised the reconstruction after the war. Milner left South Africa in 1905 after being involved in many of the changes that took place while he was there. Honours Awarded: Companion of the Order of the Bath (1894); Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (1895); Knight GrandCross of the Order of St Michael and St George (1897); Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath (1901); Knight of the Order of the Garter (1921). Individual image from photographed poster of tobacco and cigarette cardsalfred milner, 1st viscount milner, statesman, colonial administrator, high commissioner, governor of cape colony, transvaal, south africa, companion of the order of the bath, knight grand cross of the order of the bath, knight grand cross of the order of st michael and st george, knight of the order of the garter

Awarded to Colonel Otter.4 round, silver Military Medals attached to striped ribbon Bars:- 1. Silver Medal with image of young Queen Victoria, & Britannia on the reverse. 2. Silver Medal with image of Queen Victoria, & Lion & Bushes on the reverse. 3. 1 large Silver Medal with image of Queen Victoria, & Britannia on the reverse. 1 smaller replica Medal of the larger Medal.1. Baltic 1854-1855 2. South Africa 1877-1878 3. South Africa 1901 Transvaal, Orange Free State, and Cape Colonymilitary medals

Former Ballarat School of Mines mining student Alfred Johnston was the son of Charles Johnston of Cork, Ireland, and Elizabeth Jameson, the family owning a large furniture store in Fitzroy. Alfred joined the Fifth Victorian (Mounted Riffles) contingent at the Melbourne suburb of Hawthorn. The October 1901 Ballarat School of Mines (SMB) Students Magazine reported 'Alf. Johnston's gone. The news came as a shock to all of us at the school. He who was with us a few short months ago, in all strength of sturdy manhood, has met a soldier's death in South Africa, and we sincerely mourn his loss…. His heart was in the school, and he did his best to further its interests … His last act on leaving Australian shores was to send a telegram from Albany to Prof. Mica Smith, to whom he was warmly attached, wishing the School and all connected with it "Good-bye". In his short, all to short, life of 29 years, he had more adventure than falls the lot of most men, and possibly the spirit of adventure, and also, of duty, prompted him to throw in his lot with the "colors," and leave for the front. The news of his death comes to us with added weight of sadness when we remember that he was one of the organisers of the School entertainment last year to help swell the fund for the erection of a statue to fallen Victorian soldiers.' The SMB Annual Report of 1901 recognised the loss of one of their students: 'Mr Johnston was, until the date of his leaving for active military service in South Africa, one of our students. While here besides being regarded as a general favourite for his urbanity and manliness, he was noted as a faithful, diligent, and most successful student. The news of Lieutenant Johnston's death cast quite a gloom over the school and it was early decided that in addition to a letter of condolence sent to his parents a bronze tablet, suitably inscribed, be erected to his memory in some prominent part of the school. On the 4th November last the ceremony of unveiling the memorial tablet was performed by Professor A. Mica Smith in the presence of several members of the late Lieutenant A.G. Johnston's family, the President and Members of Council, the Staff and Students of the School, and a number of prominent citizens. Lieut. Alfred Johnston was killed on 7 May 1901 at Rhenosterkop, Middleburg district, Transvaal. When the news reached Ballarat the students wrote 'Alfred Gresham Johnston has passed away, and his passing has left many a sorrowing heart amongst his troop of friends everywhere. Outside of his home circle, none will miss him more than his old friends - Professors and students alike - of the Ballarat School of Mines. Farewell, Alf., a long farewell.' Alfred Johnston is buried in an unlocated grave. His SMB friends decided to erect a tablet at the school to the late Lieutenant Johnston. An appeals for donations was made, the SMB students magazine reporting that it had 'met with a handsome response from past and present students.' The SMB Council augmented the fund, and the memorial was dedicated with great reverence. (See http://guerin.ballarat.edu.au/aasp/is/library/collections/art_history/honour-roll/honourroll_Johnston,%20Alfred.shtml) Black and white image of a Boer War Memorial to Alfred G Johnston. The memorial includes a marble and brass plaque, flag and flower. boer war, alfred johnston, ballarat school of mines and industries, rhenoster kop, transvaal

When war broke out in 1899, and early target for the Boers was the diamond-mining centre of Kimberley. This was located near the point where the Transvaal, Orange Free State and Cape Colony met. General Sir Redvers Buller detached the 1st Division under Lieutenant General Lord Methuen to relieve the Siege of Kimberley. This decision was made partly for reasons of prestige. To capture Kimberley (which contained the famous imperialist and former Prime Minister of Cape Colony, Cecil Rhodes) would be a major propaganda victory for the British. Methuen's force advanced north and won two engagements against the Boers of the Orange Free State. Reinforcements from Transvaal under General Koos de la Rey arrived and he convinced the Boers to follow his plans for attacking the British. Instead of relying on the hills for protection and missing their targets, de la Rey proposed they make use of the flat veld and introduced them to the Mauser rifle with its flat trajectory. Trenches were built in the banks of the Modder River from which they could sweep the veld for a great distance. The trenches were built on the south side of the river and on the smaller Riet River where they meet at Modder River Station. Methuen's force began advancing towards the Modder planning to cross the river. The Boers opened fire and the British troops were unable to find cover on the veld. They had to lay flat so as not to be seen or hit. The British guns pounded the buildings near Modder River Station and the north bank of the river, missing the trenches on the south bank. The battle became a stalemate. The British found an opening on the Boer's right flank at Rosmead ford downstream and drove the Boers out of Rosmead. De la Rey drove them back into a small insecure bridgehead. The Boers feared they were vulnerable and withdrew during the night. Methuen reported that the battle had been "one of the hardest and most trying fights in the annals of the British army". Individual image from photographed poster of tobacco and cigarette cards.boers, diamind-mining, kimberley, transvaal, orange free state, cape colony, sir rdvers buller, lieutenant general lord methuen, siege of kimberley, cecil rhodes, general koos dde la rey, mauser rifle, veld, modder river, modder river station, trenches, riet river, rosmead

Edwin Alderson was born in 1859 and served in several campaigns of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. He saw service in the First Boer War in 1881 in the Transvaal. In 1896 he was sent to Mashonaland as a commander of a regiment of local troops during the Second Matabele War. In 1900 shortly after the outbreak of the Second Boer War he returned to South Africa to command the Mounted Infantry against the Boer forces. Alderson also served in the 1882 Anglo-Egyptian War, Mounted Camel Regiment during the failed expedition to relieve Khartoum and rescue General Gordon. At the outbreak of the First World War, Alderson was in charge of the 1st Mounted Division. He retired from active service in 1920 aged 61. In 1901, as a result of Alderson's contribution to many campaigns he was rewarded with confirmation as a Brigadier General, appointment as a Companion of the Order of Bath and to receive the ceremonial post of Aide-de-Camp to Queen Victoria, who died the same year. He also received the Queen's South Africa Medal. He died in 1927 aged 68. Individual image from photographed poster of tobacco and cigarette cards. alderson, campaigns, first boer war, transvaal, mashonaland, south africa, second boer war, first world war, anglo-egyptian war, mounted camel regiment, second matabele war, general gordon, brigadier-general, companion of the order of bath, aide-de-camp, queen victoria, queen's south africa medal

William Penn Symons' first combat experience was in South Africa during the Ninth Xhosa War, 1877-78. In 1879 he took part in the Zulu war. He then served during the Burma Expedition (1885-89). In 1889 he received the Companion of the Order of the Bath. In 1898, following other campaigns, he was awarded the Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath. In 1899, Symons was given the staff rank of brigadier general and was to be General Officer Commanding of Natal. He was asked by the War Office to advise on the number of troops required to safely garrison the Natal from the threat of invasion from the Boer Republics of the Transvaal and Orange Free states. Cabinet decided to send ten thousand extra troop abut they also appointed Lieutenant General Sir George White to supersede Symons as Generat Officer Commanding in Natal. Penn Symons, on his own authority deployed one of his brigades to Dundee, a town north of Ladysmith. The position of Ladysmith anad Dundee was precarious as they stand in a triangle of Natal, Orange Free State and Transvaal. White wanted to recall the Dundee garrison to Ladysmith but because of political pressure from Sit Walter Hely-Harrison, the Governor of Natal, he agreed to leave them there. The Boers declared war on 11 October and began crossing the Natal borders the following day. On 20 October 1899 Boer troops on the nearby Talana Hill proceeded to open fire on the town. The British guns moved to return fire as the general surveyed the Boer positions and gave orders to his commanding officers. Symons believed in old fashioned military tactics of close order but these formations were not designed to be used against lonf range bolt action rifles and Symons' brigades would be the first of manyin this war to pay the heavy cost ofthe mistake, as many generals would repeat it. The infantry battalions set off from the east of the town. The first part of the advance went well and they reached a small wood at the foot of the hill where they found shelter. Beyond the wood was a wall and then open ground. Symons rode up to the wood to find out why the attack had halted. He ordered the men to proceed, rode through the wood then walked through the gap in the wall. After a few moments he returned and was helped to remount his horse. He rode back from the front lines until he was out of sight of his troops before he asked for assistance from the Indian stretcher bearers. He had been shot in the stomach. Symons was taken to the field hospital at Dundee. After a few wasted days Symons' replacement, Brigadier General Yule, decided to abandon the town and the worst-wounded to the Boers and steal away at night to Ladysmith. Symons became a prisoner of war along with many others. He felt betrayed by Yule and just before he died he implored the medical officer, Major Donegal, to "tell everyone I died facing the enemy". Individual image from photographed poster of tobacco and cigarette cards.william penn symons, south africa, ninth xhosa war, companion of the order of the bath, knigt commander of the order of the bath, general officer commanding in natal, dundee, ladysmith, orange free state, transvaal, sir walter hely-harrison, governor of natal, boers, brigadier general yule