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6046 Private Thomas William Turkington, 2nd Black Watch (Royal Highlanders). Wounded at Magersfontein, on 11th December 1899, and at Koodoesberg, on 7th February 1900; died on 5th August 1900, and buried at Troqueer churchyard extension, Dumfries.





At the base of the stone is "Erected by his widow Mrs B Turkington" - presumably Thomas was Barbara McClure's first husband.

WOUNDED IN THE WAR. - In the list of casualties at Koodoosberg Drift on the 7th February, appears the name of Private T. W. Turkington of the 2nd Royal Highlanders, as being severely wounded. Private Turkington, although a native of Portsmouth, was brought up by his aunt in Galashiels - Mrs Imrie, Channel Street - and he was well known in the town. He is about twenty-one years of age, and a shoemaker to trade. He enlisted in the Black Watch about four years ago, and has seen considerable service in South Africa. He was in the battle of Magersfontein, and was wounded in that engagement in the left hand, but recovered, and was again sent to the front.

The Southern Reporter, Thursday 1st March 1900

RETURN OF ANOTHER WOUNDED SOLDIER . Thomas Turkington, of the 1st Royal Highlanders (Black Watch), arrived home from South Africa last week suffering from wounds in the left foot, and is staying with friends in the town. He was first wounded in the battle of Magersfontein, but recovered. He was again sent to the front, and was severely wounded in a later engagement.

The Southern Reporter, Thursday 31st May 1900

MILITARY FUNERAL . The remains of Private T. W. Turkington, of the Black Watch Regiment, of Galashiels, who was invalided home from South Africa, after having been twice wounded, were interred on Friday at Dumfries with military honours. The coffin was wrapped in the Union Jack, and was covered with a large number of wreaths. At the grave, after the coffin had been lowered, three volleys were fired, and the "Last post" was sounded.

The Southern Reporter, Thursday 16th August 1900

ANNUITY TO A SOLDIER'S WIDOW . - The widow of Private Thomas Turkington, 2nd Black Watch, who died from the effects of wounds received in South Africa, has been granted an annuity from the "Daily Telegraph" and "Scotsman" Widows and Orphans Fund.

The Southern Reporter, Thursday 18th October 1900

His birth was registered in the Portsea Island District. Oddly, I checked the three editions of the Dumfries paper after his death, and couldn't spot a mention of that or of the funeral.

In The Southern Reporter of 25.8.1892 was the death notice of a Mrs Turkington, widow of the late Thomas Turkington, sergeant, Royal Artillery, on 18. 8. 1892, home address being 85, High Buckholmside, Galashiels - presumably his parents.

Certainly a sad story, but, an all too familiar one as far as the Highland Brigade went.

Thomas is named on the Black Watch regimental memorial in Edinburgh, which seems to be unusual with ABW memorials. The vast majority tend to just remember those who actually died while in service in South Africa.

That is certainly true, although, the poor fellow lost his life relatively early on during the war, notwithstanding, whilst the enemies capitals had fallen, Vereeniging was nowhere in sight.

BereniceUK wrote: Thomas is named on the Black Watch regimental memorial in Edinburgh, which seems to be unusual with ABW memorials go. The vast majority tend to just remember those who actually died while in service in South Africa.

Good Morning Berenice...…

Can you tell me if the following man is on the BW memorial...…

7643 Lance-Corporal Robson, James

Thanks..... Mike

QSAMIKE wrote:

BereniceUK wrote: Thomas is named on the Black Watch regimental memorial in Edinburgh, which seems to be unusual with ABW memorials go. The vast majority tend to just remember those who actually died while in service in South Africa.

Good Morning Berenice...…

Can you tell me if the following man is on the BW memorial...…

7643 Lance-Corporal Robson, James

Thanks..... Mike

Mike, the only Robson on the memorial is Lance Corporal John Robson, died from disease. Could the memorial have an incorrect first name?