Picture courtesy of Noonan's

QSA (6) Talana, Tugela Heights, Orange Free State, Relief of Ladysmith, Transvaal, Laing’s Nek (5984 Pte. M. Smith, Rl. Dublin Fus:) polished, contact marks;
[ KSA (2) ]

QSA and KSA verified. KSA listed on WO100/347p356.

Thomas Whitehead

Killed in Action - Observation Hill, Ladysmith, 21 February 1900

Private, 1st Battalion, Leicestershire Regiment – Anglo Boer War

- Queens South Africa Medal (2) Talana & Defence of Ladysmith to 4898 PTE T. WHITEHEAD, I: LEIC: REGT

When Tom Whitehead left England to fight in South Africa he would have had every expectation of returning to his family. Sadly he was never to see the green fields of home again.

Born in Leicester St. Mary in Leicester in 1879, he was the son of Thomas Whitehead, a Boot Maker and Shoe Finisher by trade, and his wife Sarah Ann. At the time of the 1881 England census the family lived at 46 Chestnut Street, Leicester St. Mary. Perhaps unusually for the times Sarah was also employed – as a Boot Machinist, thereby providing an additional income for the family which consisted of 2 year old Thomas and siblings Florence Ann (9) and Harry (7).

Ten years later, when the 1891 England census called round, the family had moved to Ruby Street, New Found Pool, Blaby, Leicester. There had been a change in the family arrangements with it being revealed for the first time that Florence and Harry were Thomas’ stepsister and stepsister – their surname being Bray as opposed to Whitehead. There had also being additions to the family in the forms of Arthur (10), Beatrice (7), Joseph (6), Archibald (4) and Amy (1). With all these new mouths to feed Mrs Whitehead had given up her employment and was at home to look after the children.

It was no wonder then that, at the age of 18, on 1 February 1897, Thomas completed the Attestation forms for enlistment with the Leicestershire Regiment at Leicester. Confirming that he was a Tip Hand by occupation, he was found to be 5 feet 3 ¾ inches in height with a fresh complexion, brown hair and brown eyes. He weighed a slender 115 lbs. and was of the Wesleyan persuasion. Having been found fit by the Doctor, he was assigned no. 4898 and the rank of Private. Initially posted to the Depot, he was transferred to the 2nd battalion on 28 May 1897 and to “A” Company, 1st battalion on 13 May 1899.

Although he wasn’t to know it, Whitehead and his battalion, posted to South Africa for service, were to be thrust into the boiling cauldron of war before the year was out - the long festering tensions between the two Boer Republics of the Transvaal and Orange Free State and Great Britain burst into a declaration of war on 11 October 1899 and the Leicester’s were one of the few regular army battalions in the country at the time.

The 1st Battalion was stationed at Glencoe, in the north of Natal, when the war broke out and the Boer Commandos, already massed on the Natal/Transvaal border, poured into Natal. It thus formed part of the brigade of General Penn Symons, the other battalions being the 1st King's Royal Rifles, 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers, and 2nd Dublin Fusiliers. There were also at Glencoe the 18th Hussars and the 13th, 67th, and 69th Batteries RFA. Penn Symons with about 4000 men under his command had been ordered by General Sir George White to fall back on Ladysmith but had, somehow, persuaded that gentleman that he could withstand any Boer onslaught in the Dundee area with the men at his disposal.

Actual fighting commenced at 3.20 am on the morning of 20th October, when a Mounted Infantry picquet of the Dublin Fusiliers was fired on and driven in. At 5.50 am the enemy occupied Talana Hill with artillery, and commenced shelling the camp. The troops were soon set in motion. To the Leicester’s and 67th Battery was assigned the duty of guarding the camp with its great quantities of stores. The general decided to attack with his other infantry and artillery. These moved away and were soon in extended order advancing to a wood, which the commander had decided to use as a breathing place. The wood was gained between 7 and 8 am, the 13th and 69th Batteries meanwhile keeping up a heavy and accurate fire on the enemy's positions. About 8.50 the infantry again advanced, and as they left the wood had to face a terrible rifle-fire both from their front and flank. Sir W Penn-Symons, who had been exposing himself with rash bravery, fell mortally wounded about 9.30; Brigadier General Yule, now in command, directed the infantry to move to a wall stretching some distance along the hillside, from which wall a very heavy fire was being kept up by the Boers.

The two batteries redoubled their efforts. The 1st King's Royal Rifles on the right first reached the wall, followed by some companies of the Irish Fusiliers; the Dublin Fusiliers also made their way up a little later. After another breathing space under cover of the wall the troops jumped the wall and scrambled up the steep face. At 1 pm the crest was gained and the enemy fled. Within easy range of the British artillery were to be seen "clumps of 50 and 100 men on which guns could have inflicted great loss. The enemy, however, displayed a white flag, although they do not appear to have had any intention of surrendering, and in consequence the officer commanding Royal Artillery refrained from firing". The Leicester’s lost 1 officer killed, 1 wounded, and 1 man wounded.

On the 21st General Yule moved his camp to a better position. On the 22nd he resolved to retire on Ladysmith. At nine at night in silence, without bands or pipers, the force set out by the east or Helpmakaar road, the dying general, the other wounded, and the doctors being left behind. A great mass of stores had also to be left to the enemy, as its destruction would have made him suspect the intended retreat; while, on the other hand, a twelve hours' start was absolutely necessary. To have fought their way to Ladysmith would have been an impossible task for Yule's column in that hilly country. As it was the elements were not favourable. The rain at times fell in torrents; roads knee-deep in mud and swollen spruits made marching very heavy work, while but little sleep was obtainable between the 21st and 26th.

On the 30th, in the battle of Ladysmith, the Leicester’s were with Colonel Grimwood on the right and had a very trying day. They had about 24 casualties before they, together with the remainder of Grimwood’s force retired on Ladysmith, having been ordered to retreat by General White.

The Leicester’s, according to the defensive plan put in place, were quartered in Section B, under Colonel (local Major-General) F. Howard. Section B. Boundaries were from Gordon Hill across the northern salient to the junction of the Klip river with the Flagstone Spruit, including Observation Hill, Cove Redoubt, Leicester Post, King's Post, Ration Post, and Rifleman's Post. This section, which formed the northern defences, was in the first instance garrisoned as under :— Six companies, 1st Leicestershire regiment, 2nd King's Royal Rifles, 2nd Rifle Brigade, and, until November 9th, the 1st King's Royal Rifles.


Map of Section B showing the Leicester positions

Ladysmith settled down to life under siege. There was always the hope, if not promise, that Buller would prevail on his march up from Colenso and that the encirclement would be of a temporary nature. As news of each setback experienced by Buller’s army filtered its way into the town despondency began to take hold. Food supplies were running low and severe rationing was introduced. The days were hot and dry, interspersed with torrential thunderstorms which churned the fine sand that adorned every nook and cranny into a muddy paste.

The Boers, well provisioned and with some of their wives visiting from upcountry, were in no rush to press the issue and contented themselves with a constant daily bombardment of the town, its buildings and its population from their Long Toms and other guns dotted on the hills around Ladysmith. Only on Sundays, a day of prayer rigidly observed by the Calvinistic Boers, was there a respite.


Leicester’s on parade in Ladysmith

The Leicester’s, situated on Observation Hill were, like the garrison everywhere, decimated by the effects of a starvation ration and poor diet – disease took everyone in its firm grasp - many joined the ranks of the sick and dying, transferred to the hospital at Intombi with some not making the return trip.

Eventually, after an internal revolt threatened, the Boer leadership determined on an all or nothing attack to break the stalemate, take the town and force a surrender. Plans were put in place for a multi-pronged assault on Wagon Hill and a few other points for the 6th January 1900. Although the Leicester’s weren’t present at the main event – that on Wagon Hill and nearby Caesar’s Camp – they were under attack on the day.

Maurice, in Vol 2 Ch 31 of his Official History relating that: -

Meanwhile day had broken, and every Boer gun about the town had opened on the various sections of the defences, most severely at first upon Observation Hill. There the first of the pre-arranged feints began with a skirmishing attack by the Pretoria commando upon the Leicester regiment, which, assisted by the shells of the 69th battery, repulsed this feint without loss. The Caesar's Camp plateau itself came under fire of heavy guns upon Umbulwana, Middle Hill, and Rifleman's Ridge, and these raked the defences at all angles. Nor could the Naval 12-pr. on the summit, which in reply opened at Middle Hill, or the 42nd battery succeed in silencing the enemy's artillery, though the shrapnel had a noticeable effect on the musketry on Mounted Infantry Hill. At 5.30 a.m. the 53rd battery (Major A. J. Abdy), and ten minutes later the 21st battery (Major W. E. Blewitt) trotted out of Ladysmith, the former towards the eastern, the latter towards the western end of the plateau. Marching unobserved by the Boer gunners past Range Post, the 21st battery, escorted by the 5th Dragoon Guards, came into action at a point upon Sign Post Ridge, whence it was possible to shell the whole of the ground below the western extremity of Wagon Hill, which was thus, during a critical time, secured from being turned from this direction. The 53rd battery unlimbered in the scrub in the flats behind Maiden Castle, and opened both at the shoulder of Caesar's Camp and into the bushy slopes and dongas which sheltered the Boer supports, which were massed in the wake of the attackers of the crest. The 94-pr. and a 15-pr. on Umbulwana assailed the battery at once, inflicting considerable losses. But the enemy's practice was much hampered by the accurate shooting of the 4.7-in. gun at Cove Redoubt, and Abdy's gunners, disregarding all.

In concluding his piece on the battle Maurice states that, "Only against Observation Hill was there anything like a serious attack. Here the enemy advanced boldly under cover of a sustained bombardment, pressing on to within a few yards of the trenches, only to be beaten back with considerable loss by the detachment of the 1st Devon regiment, supported by three companies 1st Leicester regiment, and the guns of the 69th battery. Nevertheless, a heavy shell fire fell into nearly every British position about the town, and all the troops were kept in their sangars throughout the day."

The Boer assault having been finally repulsed, both sides retreated to lick their wounds. The pace of life reverting to what it had been a few days before, the drudgery of life under siege interspersed with the odd game of inter-regimental cricket or tug-of-war. These activities were often rudely interrupted by Boer shell fire – almost as if the Boer gunners with a macabre sense of humour were specifically aiming for these activities.

Food became even scarcer and horse meat replaced the stringy beef on offer. Chevril, a nourishing gruel made from horses became a staple as casualties continued to mount – not only among those suffering from illness but also from the seemingly random shells hurled into the dusty streets.

It was one of these shells that occasioned the death of Tom Whitehead. The day was the 20th/21st February 1900. The siege had been ongoing for 80 days and word was starting to filter through to the disbelieving populace that Buller was making yet another, and hopefully final, attempt to relieve the town. Going about his business in Section B – the Leicester Post on Observation Hill – was Whitehead when the following happened, as described on page 124 of the Green Horse in Ladysmith: -

“The weather made an extraordinary change today, it was 30 degrees colder than yesterday. Surprise Hill howitzer fired two 40-pounders at Observation East in evening, no damage done but in the morning the Leicester’s had lost one man killed and two wounded at Observation West from this gun.”


Times article

There it was in a nutshell – Whitehead was the Leicester man Killed in Action by a shell from Surprise Hill which he, most likely, never saw incoming.

Newspaper reports over the next few days, as word reached England, confirmed that he was Killed. Today he is commemorated on various memorials – one in Leicester Cathedral and another in the centre of the city. His medal was sent, posthumously, to his father, off the medal roll dated 26 November 1901.

Requiesce in pace.

Willem Punt

Railway official at Elandslaagte - NZSAM (Nederlands-Zuid-Afrikaanse Spoorwegmaatschappij)
Staff for Engineer Services – Anglo Boer War

- Queens South Africa Medal (0) to W. PUNT

Willem Punt was one of those men, few in number, who worked for both sides of the great divide in the Boer War – as an official with the NZSAM for the first few months of the war, and for the Staff for Engineer Services, an Imperial outfit, for some of the remainder. His role is not to be confused with those who, armed and equipped, took to the field as part of a Commando and who, either on capture or surrender (or of their own volition) became a “Hands Upper” – a turncoat who took up arms for the British against his own people in return for clemency.

A Hollander by birth, Punt was resident in Paul Kruger’s Zuid Afrikaansche Republiek (Transvaal) when war broke out on 11 October 1899. When he commenced employment is unknown but, when the first shot was fired in anger, he was an official with the NZSAM – those unsung heroes who were required to convey, artillery, foodstuffs, and men to wherever they were needed, in support of the Boer cause, in order to wage war.

Officials of the NZSAM were regarded as non-combatants and as far as is known, were unarmed as they went about their duties.
With the commencement of the campaign, the Boer Commandos thrust into both the Cape Colony – heading for Mafeking and Kimberley which they laid siege to; and Natal, where the actions at Talana (Dundee) and Elandslaagte were fought before the British brigade fell back on Ladysmith which was also laid siege to by the Boers. The seminal battle of Elandslaagte was waged on 21 October 1899 and, despite driving the Boers from the field in a hard fought and costly conflict, the British abandoned the area soon after, leaving the station and few buildings which comprised the small siding, in the hands of the Boers as they retreated to Ladysmith.

The Boers, having entered Dundee after Talana pursued Yule’s men but not with the vigour required to rout them, taking possession of Elandslaagte once more as they moved on. It was at this point that the NZSAM returned to the area, both to convey men as well as supplies to the Boer forces in the area. Punt, as an official in their employ was “stationed” there to monitor and organise the train schedules. He was also to there to monitor and prevent the theft of supplies from sheds and trains bound for Elandslaagte which occurred on a large scale. So much so that, from the end of October 1899 onwards the secretary of the Head Committee repeatedly notified the directors of the NZASM of shortfalls in consignments to the front. ‘Expropriated items were mainly salt, coffee, sugar, flour, soap, matches, paraffin, oats and clothing'. (Plokhooy, 1903).


Elandslaagte Station as it appeared in 1886

Whilst all this was happening, a young member of the British aristocracy, Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill, was making his way through the Natal theatre of the war as a War Correspondent in the employ of the Morning Post whose readers were thirsty for news on the progress of the war and how their lads were faring under the African sun. It is not the purpose of this work to explore, in any detail, Churchill’s remarkable career whilst in South Africa – we will, however, concern ourselves with the Train Incident at Frere which took place there on 15 November 1899 and which triggered the unlikely meeting between Punt and Churchill, some 45 miles distant from each other.

According to The Durban Light Infantry 1854 – 1934 by Lt. Col. A.C. Martin (page 61):

It was decided to send out the Armoured Train on another sortie on the 15th (November 1899). Thus were sent a company of Dublin Fusiliers, Lt. Frankland and 72 men; 45 men of “C” Company of the Durban Light Infantry under Captain J.S. Wylie and Lieut. W. Alexander, and a detachment of 5 men of H.M.S. Tartar with a 7-pdr. under a petty officer. Capt. A. Haldane, D.S.O., of the Gordon Highlanders, recently recovered from wounds at Elandslaagte, was placed in command. Accompanying the train were some platelayers, telegraphists, and linesmen, and Mr. Winston Churchill, War Correspondent to the Morning Post.


The Armoured Train Incident at Frere

At the head of the train was an open flat truck carrying an antiquated 7-pdr. manned by men of H.M.S. Tartar. Then came an armoured truck in which were three sections of the Dublin Fusiliers, Captain Haldane, and Winston Churchill. This was followed by the engine and tender, two armoured trucks, and an open bogie. In the truck behind the engine and tender were the fourth section of Fusiliers, Capt. Wylie and half the men of the Durban Light Infantry. The following truck contained Lieut. Alexander, the remainder of the Durban Light Infantry, the telegraphists, platelayers, and the like. The bogie carried the stores thought necessary, and the guard.”

The Boers, as we know, ambushed the train and, in the aftermath of the short but sharp skirmish that took place, not only killed and wounded a number of the soldiers and Natal Government Railway men but also took 56 prisoners.

Dr. George Oliver Moorhead, who was serving with the Red Cross attached to the Middelburg Commando, then stationed at nearby Chieveley, said that some 50 (sic) British surrendered. He saw them soon afterwards, “trudging towards us in the rain and mud, a little compact body of men on foot surrounded by mounted burghers. As they came near us we distinguished the sodden soiled khaki uniforms; a few officers marched stolidly in front, a man in mufti with an injured hand among them". This was, of course, Winston Churchill who had injured his hand in the skirmish.

Churchill, in his London to Ladysmith via Pretoria, Chapter 9, recalled the events the day after the surrender: -

“In the morning, before the sun was up, the Commandant Davel came to rouse us. The prisoners were to march at once to Elandslaagte Station. 'How far?' we asked, anxiously, for all were very footsore. 'Only a very little way—five hours' slow walking.' We stood up—for we had slept in our clothes and cared nothing for washing—and said that we were ready. The Commandant then departed, to return in a few minutes bringing some tea and bully beef, which he presented to us with an apology for the plainness of the fare. He asked an English-speaking Boer to explain that they had nothing better themselves. After we had eaten and were about to set forth, Davel said, through his interpreter, that he would like to know from us that we were satisfied with the treatment we met with at his laager. We gladly gave him the assurance, and with much respect bade good-bye to this dignified and honourable enemy. Then we were marched away over the hills towards the north, skirting the picket line round Ladysmith to the left. Every half-mile or so the road led through or by some Boer laager, and the occupants—for it was a quiet day in the batteries—turned out in hundreds to look at us. I do not know how many men I saw, but certainly during this one march not less than 5,000.


Boers thronging the platform at Elandslaagte Station

It was about eleven o'clock when we reached Elandslaagte Station. A train awaited the prisoners. There were six or seven closed vans for the men and a first-class carriage for the officers. Into a compartment of this we were speedily bundled. Two Boers with rifles sat themselves between us, and the doors were locked. I was desperately hungry, and asked for both food and water. 'Plenty is coming,' they said, so we waited patiently, and sure enough, in a few minutes a railway official came along the platform, opened the door, and thrust before us in generous profusion two tins of preserved mutton, two tins of preserved fish, four or five loaves, half a dozen pots of jam, and a large can of tea. As far as I could see the soldiers fared no worse. The reader will believe that we did not stand on ceremony, but fell to at once and made the first satisfying meal for three days. While we ate a great crowd of Boers gathered around the train and peered curiously in at the windows. One of them was a doctor, who, noticing that my hand was bound up, inquired whether I were wounded. The cut caused by the splinter of bullet was insignificant, but since it was ragged and had received no attention for two days it had begun to fester. I therefore showed him my hand, and he immediately bustled off to get bandages and hot water and what not, with which, amid the approving grins of the rough fellows who thronged the platform, he soon bound me up very correctly .


Natal Govt. Railway map showing Frere and Elandslaagte

The train whereby we were to travel was required for other business besides; and I noticed about a hundred Boers embarking with their horses in a dozen large cattle trucks behind the engine. At or about noon we steamed off, moving slowly along the line, and Captain Haldane pointed out to me the ridge of Elandslaagte, and gave me some further account of that successful action and of the great skill with which Hamilton had directed the infantry attack. The two Boers who were guarding us listened with great interest, but the single observation they made was that we had only to fight Germans and Hollanders at Elandslaagte. 'If these had been veldt Boers in front of you——' My companion replied that even then the Gordon Highlanders might have made some progress. Whereat both Boers laughed softly and shook their heads with the air of a wiseacre, saying, 'You will know better when you're as old as me,' a remark I constantly endure from very worthy people.”

But who was this railway official referred to by Churchill? His granddaughter, Celia Sandys, in her “Churchill Wanted Dead or Alive” came out to South Africa to research her book. She met with the family of Willem Punt writing as follows: -

“The story of what befell Winston Churchill on his arrival at the (Elandslaagte) station has been handed down through the family and was told to me by his grandson, also Willem Punt.

‘It began to rain and when the prisoners were told to take shelter in the baggage room, Churchill was taken to one side and put under guard in the ticket office. But the fun started when they were all told to board the train. One or two officers who had joined the party objected to travelling with a newspaperman.’

“My grandfather,” Willem Punt continued, “told the officers that they would have to put up with the newspaper man. He was unaware of the newspaper man’s identity but I am sure that in any case he would have ignored the officer’s objections.”

So ended the chance encounter between Punt and Churchill – one that was long remembered, certainly by Punt who had been deployed there.

In a bizarre coincidence the man in charge of the NZSAM train which conveyed Churchill and his fellow POW’s from Newcastle to Elandsfontein (Germiston) was a Jac Punt, possibly a relative of Willem’s, also had a story to relate in respect of his famous passenger. It would seem that Churchill’s travel companions had still not got over the fact that he was “among them” – several officers complained to Jac Punt that Churchill was in their compartment and asked that they be treated according to their rank. Punt was obliged to transfer Churchill to another compartment to keep the peace.

Willem Punt’s career, meanwhile, after the Elandslaagte Station episode, followed the fortunes of the Boer forces as they retreated back towards the Transvaal. Driven back by Buller’s rapid advance after the lifting of the Ladysmith siege on 1 March 1900 the Boers fell back on first the Biggarsberg and then Laing’s Nek before re-entering their homeland. In June 1900 Pretoria fell and the rolling stock as well as the +/- 3000 NZSAM employees fell under British control. Possibly because he was a non-combatant, Punt was free to go about his business.

On 14 February 1901 he commenced service on the Staff for Engineer Services serving with them until taking his discharge on 3 August of that year whereafter he took no further part in the war. His no-clasp Queens Medal was issued off this roll on 21 August 1901, along with others who were mustered in the roles of Messenger’s, Store Keeper’s, and Sanitary Labourers.

7466 CORPORAL W.H. DENNIS, 1ST., BN., KING'S ROYAL RIFLE CORPS: A SURVIVOR OF THE WRECK OF THE 'WARREN HASTINGS'
India Medal 1895-1902, bar, 'Relief of Chitral 1895', correct style of running script engraved naming (7466 Pte. W.H. DENNIS, 1st. Bn.KR.Rifle Corps.)

Queen's South Africa Medal, bars, 'Talana', 'Defence of Ladysmith', 'Laing's Nek', 'Belfast'

King's South Africa Medal, bars, 'South Africa 1901', 'South Africa 1902', officially impressed naming on these (7466 Corpl. W. DENNIS, KRRC.)

WALTER HENRY DENNIS - Born around 1872 at Shoreditch, London, a carman at the time he attested for the King's Royal Rifle Corps at London on 2 June 1892 : He was initially posted to 3rd. Battalion but transferred to 1st. Battalion from 22 November 1894 and served in India : Between March and August 1895 the Battalion was present with the First Brigade of the Chitral Relief Force under the command of General Sir Robert Low : In December 1896 the Battalion proceeded to the port of Bombay en-route for South Africa and Mauritius and on 12 December 1896 embarked in the troopship RIMS. 'Warren Hastings' for Capetown : The ship left Capetown on 6 January 1897 en-route for Mauritius but at 02.20 hrs. on 14 January 1897, during a pitch black, rainy night and steaming at full speed it ran aground off the Island of Reunion in the Indian Ocean : The recipient survived the shipwreck and finally reached Mauritius on 18 January 1897 : He remained at Mauritius until 21 March 1899 when he was posted to South Africa for service in the Second Boer War : He Returned home on 16 July 1902 and was transferred to Army Reserve from 2 April 1903 : He was discharged 'Time Expired' on 1 June 1904.

7466 Lance Corperal W Dennis is listed in both the Ladysmith Siege Account & Medal Roll and the Talana Book

Hi all. I am resuurecting this topic as it has been so fascinating. Through this forum I have been able to identify that Richard McCormick was at Talana and Nicholsons Nek and thereafter spent 10 months in captivity. He was then released in September 1900 and I could find the actual Times newspaper scan thanks to the efforts of another user on this forum.

What now interests me in my research, is the gap from 1901-1902. Is there any way to find out what Pte. Richard McCormick (5410) of the 1st Battalion, Royal Irish Fusiliers did during that timeframe? Or shall it simply be too difficult to track and remain lost to time?

Many thanks for any recommendations if it is possible to find some more information.

Picture courtesy of Spink

Described as:

Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, 26 clasps, Cape Colony, Natal, Rhodesia, Defence of Kimberley, Elandslaagte, Defence of Mafeking, Talana, Defence of Ladysmith, Belmont, Modder River, Relief of Ladysmith, Tugela Heights, Relief of Kimberley, Paardeberg, Orange Free State, Driefontein, Wepener, Relief of Mafeking, Transvaal, Johannesburg, Laing's Nek, Diamond Hill, Wittebergen, Belfast, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902

James Hardy

Wounded in Action (Severely) at Amersfoort - 7 August 1900
Wounded in Action (Severely) at Tigers Kloof – 13 April 1902

Private, 1st & 4th Battalions, Kings Royal Rifle Corps

- Queens South Africa Medal (Defence of Ladysmith/Transvaal) to 8134 PTE. J. HARDY. K.R.R.C.

James Hardy was born on 13 September 1868 in Hunslet, part of Leeds industrial “inner city” in Yorkshire, the son of John Hardy, a Carman by occupation, and his wife Catherine – both his parents were born in Ireland.

He made his first appearance in official records in the 1871 England census where his family were living at 4 Ripon Street in Hunslet. The last-born at 2 years of age he had five older siblings in the forms of Thomas (10), Mary (10), Ellen (9), John (7) and Elizabeth (5).

Ten years later, at the time of the 1881 England census, the family had moved to 3 Hepworth Street in Hunslet. Mr Hardy was now a Carter by occupation – of his wife in this census there was no sign. Some of the older children had moved out of the house but others remained. Thomas and John were now both employed and able, no doubt, to ease their father’s financial burden. James was now 13 and still at school as were Elizabeth (15) and William (10).

With the dawn of the 1891 England census a 22 year old James was a Steam Engine Maker and Fitter by trade, an occupation he pursued with his 19 year old brother William. Mrs Hardy had made a return to the family fold, but not for long, she was to pass away in May 1891. The family were living at 22 Leathley Road in Hunslet.

Two years later, on 21 June 1893 Hardy, having decided on a change in direction, enlisted for service with the Kings Royal Rifle Corps at Leeds. Now 22 years and 8 months old, he described himself as a Fitter by trade who had never resided outside of his fathers house.

Physically a diminutive 5 feet 4 ½ inches in height, he weighed a slender 128 lbs and had a fresh complexion, grey eyes, and dark brown hair. A Roman Catholic by way of religious affiliation, he had no distinctive marks about his person. Having been passed as Fit by Dr Rowan for service he was assigned the rank of Private with no. 8134.

Initially attached to the Depot at Winchester, Hardy was posted to the 4th battalion, K.R.R.C. on 20 October 1893. This was followed by a posting to the 2nd battalion on 31 January 1895, the day before his battalion departed for the island of Malta for garrison duties. They were to remain there for 1 year 166 days before being posted to South Africa where they served for 2 years 264 days – from 16 July 1896 until 5 April 1899. It was on this last date that they set sail for India, probably blissfully unaware, as they waved Table Mountain goodbye, that they would be back in South Africa in a matter of months – fulfilling an entirely different and more active role.

South Africa, as the 19th century drew to an inevitable close, was a boiling cauldron with emotions and tempers at fever pitch. The two Boer Republics of the Orange Free State and the Transvaal, long at loggerheads with Imperial Britain, had taken the time, expense, and trouble to arm themselves in the wake of the disastrous Jameson Raid of 1896 where, it had been proven beyond doubt that the British authorities did not bode them well.

Matters came to a head on 11 October 1899 when an ultimatum to the British Government went, as expected, unanswered. Within hours war had been declared and Boer Commandos had crossed the common borders with the Transvaal and the O.F.S. into the Cape Colony and Natal. In the build-up to this troops had been readied, both at home and in India and elsewhere, to journey to the scene of the conflict. The Kings Royal Rifles were no exception sailing for the country and continent whose shores they had so recently departed.

The 2nd battalion, having arrived in South Africa on 18 September 1899, moved upcountry and were in Ladysmith when war broke out. Commandos from the two Boer Republics were fast converging on the town, the Headquarters of General Sir George White and, after the Dundee garrison had fallen back on Ladysmith after the battle of Talana near Dundee, the last bastion of any Imperial size in Natal.

Several engagements to prevent the encirclement of Ladysmith were undertaken by White – one of these, designed to draw attention away from Yules straggling hordes trudging in from Dundee, was on 24th October at Rietfontein, outside Ladysmith. The 2nd King's Royal Rifles were at first with the baggage, and afterwards half the battalion was in the reserve line. They had no losses.

At the battle of Ladysmith (also called Nicholson’s Neck) on 30th October the battalion was with Grimwood on the right and was hardly pressed all morning. Their losses were approximately 1 officer wounded, 8 men killed, 29 wounded, and some missing. After an uneasy Christmas laying siege to Ladysmith, the Boer leadership held a “Krygsraad” to discuss tactics and the way forward – if they were to bring the town to its knees an, thereby, enforce a surrender, they would need to go on the offensive, a strategy unpalatable to a number of Boer Commanders who felt that a leisurely blockade would have the desired effect on the beleaguered White and his 12 000 odd garrison which was being virtually starved in to submission.

Eventually the consensus reached was to attack which led to the great offensive of 6th January 1900. Four companies of the 2nd King's Royal Rifles were sent in the early morning as reinforcements to Waggon Hill, where they took part in the furious fighting. One company under Lieutenant Tod attempted to rush the eastern crest, then held by the Boers, but the attempt failed, Lieutenant Tod being killed. The battalion's losses that day were 4 officers and 7 men killed and about 35 wounded.

The Boers were finally repulsed and the drudgery of a stalemate now prevailed. During the siege, which was lifted on 28 February 1900, three officers and 6 non-commissioned officers and men were mentioned in Sir George White's despatch for excellent work. After a much needed few weeks of rest and recuperation (those of the Ladysmith garrison who had not succumbed to the ravages of Enteric Fever were emaciated beyond measure); the 2nd battalion marched north to the Transvaal-Natal border, and in July was ordered to sail for Colombo with prisoners.

It was at this juncture, on 1 July 1900, that Hardy transferred to the 1st battalion – this meant a continued presence in the fighting on South African soil as part of Sir Redvers Buller's northern movement to expel the Boers from Natal. Here the 1st King's Royal Rifles were in the IVth Division under Lieutenant General Lyttelton, and in the 8th Brigade under Major General Howard, — the other regiments of the brigade being the 1st Liverpool, 1st Leicestershire, and 1st Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. Near Amersfoort on 24th and 25th July 1900 there was stiff fighting, in referring to which Lord Roberts says, "On which occasion the 13th and 69th Batteries RFA, the 1st King's Royal Rifles, and the 2nd Gordon Highlanders distinguished themselves, especially the Volunteer company of the latter regiment".


Map detailing the vicinity where Hardy was first WIA

Again at Amersfoort on 7th August, and near Geluk between 21st and 24th August, there was fighting, but the Boers were always driven back till the great position at Bergendal was reached. Having escaped the Siege of Ladysmith without being wounded, Hardys luck ran out – an account in the South Wales Daily News of 10 August 1900, under the heading, “Boers attempt to rush our outposts” read thus: -
“Amersfoort, Wednesday

By a rapid march north from Paardekop, General Buller censured this position last evening after some smart fighting. Our advance was opposed by General Christiaan Botha’s commando of about 2000 burghers and 10 guns. Botha at the outset held a range of hills on each side of the main road, but as it turned out he was unable to induce his men to make a determined stand. He brought his guns into action but these were silenced by our superior artillery fire.

When our infantry pushed forward steadily in the face of the Boer fire, Botha thought it well to take his guns away. We pushed on and got into Amersfoort just before nightfall. This morning during a thick fog the Boers tried to rush our cavalry outposts, but were driven off. The troopers who were watering their horses when attacked narrowly escaped being captured. Our casualties from Paardekop to Amersfoort were only 2 officers and 23 men wounded. The Kings Royal Rifles had most of the casualties.”

According to Hardy’s service file, he was severely Wounded in Action at Amersfoort on 8 August (sic) “In the left arm and side.”

Returning to duty, he recommenced the march up the Transvaal, probably fighting in the Bergendal battle (named Dalmanutha by the Boers) outside Dullstroom (if his wounds had healed in the intervening three weeks – this was regarded as the last pitched battle of the war before the guerrilla phase was embarked on and the 1st K.R.R.C. wasn’t heavily engaged. After Bergendal the IVth Division went with General Buller to Lydenburg, in which neighbourhood other actions were fought.

The force then marched up and down the awful sides of the Mauchberg and other mountains, and afterwards back to the railway. In the operations about Badfontein en route for Lydenburg the Leicesters and 1st King's Royal Rifles were mentioned by Lord Roberts "as dragging the guns of a battery up a steep hill, whence a heavy fire was brought to bear on the Boers". On 9th September the 1st King's Royal Rifles dislodged the enemy from a position on the Mauchberg.

On 13 November 1900, after 1 year and 56 days under the African sun, Hardy was invalided home to England with a transfer to the 3rd battalion on 20 November. He was, however, destined to return to the fight, sailing with the 4th battalion (to which he had been transferred on – on 10 December 1901, after 1 year and 28 days, he took to the field once more. In the interim he had been posted to the 4th battalion with effect from 27 November 1901.

The 4th Battalion sailed from England on 9th December 1901, and after the disaster at Tweefontein, 25th December 1901, the battalion was sent to reinforce Rundle's command in the north-east of the Orange River Colony, being employed chiefly about Harrismith till the close of the war. During the period they were in this district several very fruitful drives were carried through, the excellent way in which the infantry held the blockhouse lines and posts contributing greatly to the successful results obtained.


The vicinity in the O.F.S. where Hardy was severely WIA (accident)

Misfortune struck Hardy again whilst on duty neat Tigers Kloof in the Orange Free State – according to the official casualty returns, he was severely wounded in an accident on 13 April 1902. A list of casualties which appeared in the Yorkshire Post dated 16 April 1902 revealed that 8134 J. Hardy was “accidentally severely wounded in the right thigh.” The circumstances were not divulged leaving the reader wondering whether or not this was self-inflicted or the result of friendly fire.

Hardy soldiered on and was returned to England on 10 August 1902, after an additional service period of 243 days, attached to the Depot. For his efforts he was awarded the Queens Medal with Defence of Ladysmith and Transvaal clasps – the Orange Free State and South Africa 1902 clasps were issued in April 1903 off a supplementary roll.

After a further 2 years and 296 days on the Army Reserve, he completed his 12 years of service and took his discharge, time expired, on 20 June 1905. According to the 1911 England census he had married Elizabeth Walker in 1908 and was resident with her in his widowed mother-in-law’s house, 41 Florist Street, off Bursley Road, Leeds. He was employed at a Forge as a Slater. His 42 year old wife was a Nail Cutter at a Nail Mill.

The 1921 England census advised that he was, at the age of 50, a Bricklayer’s labourer, employed by Marlo Builders in Sheffield. He was still resident at 41 Florist Street with his wife and mother-in-law. There had been no children of the marriage. The 1939 register revealed that he was a retired Bricklayer’s Assistant, living with his wife, Elizabeth, at 29 Broadlea Road, Leeds. He was 70 years of age. Not long after, on 25 November 1939, he passed away at the age of 71 and is buried in Beckett Street cemetery, Leeds.

Picture courtesy of Noonan's

QSA (5) Talana, Defence of Ladysmith, Orange Free State, Transvaal, Laing’s Nek (91477 Dvr: A. Turner, 67th Bty: R.F.A.)

He was invalided. This appears to be his sole Boer War entitlment.

This QSA sold for a hammer price of GBP 460. Totals: GBP 592. R 12,680. AUD 1,040. NZD 1,120. CAD 950. USD 690. EUR 650.

The group of 5 to Gunner Prior sold for a hammer price of GBP 380. Totals: GBP 489. R 10,480. AUD 860. NZD 920. CAD 780. USD 570. EUR 540.

This fellow was awarded a QSA with clasps Talana and DoL. I would like members assistance in determining how he was KIA on 21 February 1900 - I am unaware of any attack from within Ladysmith by Sir George White on that date, a mere 9 days before the siege was lifted.

Was Whitehead the victim of a Long Tom shell? How else could he have died in action?



Regards

Rory

Ladysmith Main Street - troops returning after the battle of Talana Hill.

Source: www.angloboerwar.com/forum/11-research/3...9-1900?start=0#88756