TOPIC:

Situated in tranquil surrounds near the community centre of the Northern Sydney suburb of Beecroft, is the memorial to Pte. David John Willis, NSWMR - who was Killed in Action at Elands Kop, 1st October, 1900.



A resident of Beecroft, Pte. Willis, D enlisted as No.116 in the Company-strength Infantry Contingent sent from NSW to SA on the transport Aberdeen on 03111899. Upon arrival, the Coy. joined the "Australian Regiment" and was engaged on LofC duties until 1/1900; when it was converted to Mounted Rifles - subsequently becoming E Sqn., 1st NSWMR.

Pte. David Willis earned the clasps CC/DH/JOH/Witte on his QSA medal (roll signed at Sydney, 23/7/1901. Chamberlain and Droogleever - writing in "The War with Johhn Boer" (ISBN 1-8676439-02-5) - record that E Sqn., NSWMR had engaged with the Colonial Division in an early morning surrounding of Eland's Kop on 1st October; at which location a Boer commando was reported as being camped. E Sqn NSWMR ran into an outpost of between 4-5 Boers and lost two men; Pte.Halley who died instantaneously and Pte. Willis mortally wounded. Pte. Willis succumbed to his wound some five or six hours later. E Sqn. accounted for all five Boers - killing two and capturing the others. The reports of an encamped commando present at the Kop were incorrect and their comrades "buried the two young fellows sis by side that evening at the foot of the Kop".



The illustrated Memorial was first erected on the Beecroft Village Green and unveiled by the Parliamentary Member for Ryde on 24111901. It was later removed to it's current location and during repairs the date of Wilis' death was incorrectly recorded as 10101900. In March, 2014, the NSW Government granted the sum of $A10,000 to assist in restoring the Memorial. As can be seen, the detail of the sabre, LM Carbine and MI bandolier is rapidly eroding. Hopefully, this restoration will take place soon.
IL.

Hugely impressive memorial for just one man. It must have been a really strong community for them to have wanted to commemorate his death in such a way.

Ian,

Thanks for posting this one.
I echo Berenice's comments that it is an impressive memorial.

Regards
Paul

LinneyI wrote: Situated in tranquil surrounds near the community centre of the Northern Sydney suburb of Beecroft, is the memorial to Pte. David John Willis, NSWMR - who was Killed in Action at Elands Kop, 1st October, 1900.

A resident of Beecroft, Pte. Willis, D enlisted as No.116 in the Company-strength Infantry Contingent sent from NSW to SA on the transport Aberdeen on 03111899. Upon arrival, the Coy. joined the "Australian Regiment" and was engaged on LofC duties until 1/1900; when it was converted to Mounted Rifles - subsequently becoming E Sqn., 1st NSWMR.

Pte. David Willis earned the clasps CC/DH/JOH/Witte on his QSA medal (roll signed at Sydney, 23/7/1901. Chamberlain and Droogleever - writing in "The War with Johhn Boer" (ISBN 1-8676439-02-5) - record that E Sqn., NSWMR had engaged with the Colonial Division in an early morning surrounding of Eland's Kop on 1st October; at which location a Boer commando was reported as being camped. E Sqn NSWMR ran into an outpost of between 4-5 Boers and lost two men; Pte.Halley who died instantaneously and Pte. Willis mortally wounded. Pte. Willis succumbed to his wound some five or six hours later. E Sqn. accounted for all five Boers - killing two and capturing the others. The reports of an encamped commando present at the Kop were incorrect and their comrades "buried the two young fellows sis by side that evening at the foot of the Kop".

The illustrated Memorial was first erected on the Beecroft Village Green and unveiled by the Parliamentary Member for Ryde on 24111901. It was later removed to it's current location and during repairs the date of Wilis' death was incorrectly recorded as 10101900. In March, 2014, the NSW Government granted the sum of $A10,000 to assist in restoring the Memorial. As can be seen, the detail of the sabre, LM Carbine and MI bandolier is rapidly eroding. Hopefully, this restoration will take place soon.
IL.

With all the recent posts on memorials, it is both refreshing and reassuring to see one that has not been subject to the attention of half wits.

Mr FK, Sir...

Must protest at misuse of King's/Queen's English - U really should know better.! Surely not "half wits"? "No-brainers"?? Definitely YES!!
LOL
Amb