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Jack Caskey, of Spring Creek, a rural locality near the town of Allora, and just less than 100 miles south-west of Brisbane, was killed in action at Mokari Drift, Caledon River. This memorial is in Toowong Cemetery, Toowong, Brisbane, and two further memorials to his memory were created - a marble tablet in Leichhardt Street (Boys') State School (now Brisbane State School), and another marble tablet in Spring Creek (Clifton) State School, Spring Creek. The latter memorial was lost when Spring Creek School was destroyed by fire on Thursday, 1st February, 1912, probably caused by children burning rubbish. A replica of this tablet is now at Allora State School.
www.qldwarmemorials.com.au/memorial?id=392

My thanks to Trev for taking and forwarding the photos.









. The Week [supplement to The Queenslander], Friday 11th October 1901



....Sir,—Quite a gloom has been cast over this district since the receipt of the sad news from South Africa that gallant Lieutenant Caskey was numbered among the slain. May be, you will be kind enough to devote a little corner of your valuable paper for inserting therein a few words regarding the man who left Queensland last March to fight for his King and country. Brought up from the age of 5 by his widowed mother on her farm at Spring Creek, Clifton, young Jack Caskey (as he was here called) early experienced the chastening effect of sorrow, an effect time accentuated rather than obliterated. This moulded in him an intensely sympathetic disposition—his heart going out instantly to any in trouble, pain, sorrow, or poverty—an earnestness that rendered him impatient with cant under whatever disguise, and a touching tenderness (characteristic also of his brothers and sisters) towards his beloved mother that cast a sacred halo over the family life.
....After receiving a sound elementary education at the local State school, young Caskey went at the age of 15, as pupil teacher to Bulimba, and in due time became a qualified teacher of Class II., serving the department in various schools, but chiefly at Leichhardt-street, a school he dearly loved. In a sympathetic letter to Mrs. Caskey, which I have been privileged to see, Mr. J. E. Jones, the revered head teacher of Leichhardt-street Boys' School, writing of the late Lieutenant Caskey, says :—"He was an excellent teacher, a popular and considerate cadet officer, a courteous and obliging assistant. The cadets adored him for to know him was to love and respect him. . . . . I could and did place such implicit confidence in him."
....Though studious by temperament and from force of habit, Caskey yet took part in every manly game, and whether cricket, football, or tennis claimed his attention, he played as if everything depended upon his doing his part.
....Few Queensland officers had better qualifications for their commissions than Caskey, for I knew him to be a good horseman with or without saddle ; a good shot—each vacation saw him gun in hand scouring the plains for hares intended for his Brisbane friends; a sound judge of men and affairs through personal contact, much travelling, thorough book-lore ; a powerful personality, commanding obedience and respect by a complete forgetting of self, and by ever being in the van where hard work was to be done ; a brave fellow, knowing no fear.
....Wearing the King's uniform as officer commanding cadets of his school, he felt it not his part to consider whether the Boer war was a righteous war or otherwise, he simply thought that his services might be of use, and urged their acceptance with a persistency that could not be denied. Well I remember his unsuccessful attempts to get away when the "Buller reverses" were cabled—how every cable was but another call "to the front." Queensland need have little fear while she rears such sons within her borders, for of such stuff are heroes made ! From various sources I find that the Fifth Contingent had arduous work to perform from the start, that Lieutenant Caskey had repeated narrow escapes from Boer bullets, and, if a bit of difficult work was contemplated, he was certain to be one of the picked ones. Later advices will give full particulars of the engagement at Mokari Drift on the 27th September. Till then our people here will remain firm in the belief that Caskey fell at the age of 31 as became a brave soldier. The hearts of Queensland mothers will throb in deepest sympathy for her whose life was comforted and sustained by her son's letters, whose greatest joy was Jack's homecoming at the various vacations, whose greatest hope was centred in the welfare of the boy that most comforted her declining years.—I am, sir, &c., The Brisbane Courier, Saturday 12th October 1901


. ....This match was commenced at the Exhibition on Saturday on a good wicket. The Valley team wore mourning out of respect for their comrade, Lieutenant Caskey, recently killed in South Africa.
The Queenslander, Saturday 12th October 1901



....Writing to Major Halstead, Lieutenant T. H. Dods, of the Q.I.B., gives the following pathetic account of the death of Lieutenant Caskey, who was killed in action in September last :—
....I feel almost too cut up to write to you. Caskey's killed. Of course you have already heard the news by cable, and I therefore write this to give you a few particulars. Good, dear old Jack, my old pal of a dozen years—dead—"killed in action." I can hardly realise it even yet.
....We arrived at Wepener for the second time on Wednesday morning, 26th September, and there heard that the enemy, about 200 strong, had broken between our column and Colonel Cole (who had been operating on our left flank during Tuesday night. Accordingly a strong patrol left Wepener on Wednesday night (26th September), and started south again to hold a drift on the Caledon River, and over which it was expected the Boers would attempt to cross. The patrol consisted of fifty I.Y.'s, fifty Hampshire M.I., fifty N.Z.M.R., and fifty Q.I.B.'s, the whole under the command of Major Andrews, of the 6th N.Z.M.R. The Q.I.B. officers were Lieutenant Hunter (in command), Lieutenant Caskey, and Lieutenant Pooley. We left at 5 a.m. on 27th. After our midday outspan a "helio" message was received from Major Andrews as follows :—"Have been engaging 300 Boers for three hours. Send guns and ammunition." General Plumer at once sent off the remainder Q.I.B. with two guns and a pom-pom on a twelve-mile gallop. And such a gallop ! The General remained behind with the convoy and the remainder of the guns, and the N.Z. as escort. Colonel Jervis commanded our party. Our horses were pretty well done, but they kept going remarkably well, urged on by our men, who reckoned they were to have a decent scrap at last with 300 Boers. We reached the drift at about 6 o'clock with just light enough to get about a dozen shots in with the guns and a few with the pom-pom. "What news ?" I asked of a New Zealand officer on reaching the hills they occupied. "Pooley killed, Caskey a prisoner, and three of your men killed and ten captured," was his answer.
....While the guns were pounding away a note was received from our medical officer (who had crossed the drift to the Boer camp), reading as follows :—"Caskey and Pooley killed, White and Milner killed, and three men wounded." I could hardly believe my eyes. "Caskey killed." Caskey!—good old Jack !—killed ? By this time it was dark, and the Boers could just be discerned in the moonlight trekking away for all they were worth, and we—our horses after that mad gallop could not move beyond a walk to give chase, and so we had to let them go. Then our men who had been taken prisoners came back, one by one, naked, or covered only with an oats sack. "Is Caskey killed ?" was my first question of the first few to come back. "I believe he is," was the reply ; "but he got such a long way in front of us that we're not sure." And so it turned out. Jack led his men, and got further and nearer to the position than anyone else. It appears that while the Hants M.I. held two kopjes on the eastern side of the Caledon the Q.I.B. were to take a kopje on the western side. They crossed the drift, and after doing so saw six Boers gallop away from the bank of the river. The M.I. on the eastern side opened fire, and Jack with his men proceeded to gallop the Boers down. They raced for the same kopje which Jack was ordered to take, and on approaching it the whole kopje opened on them to the tune of 150 rifles. This kopje was to the right front after crossing the drift. On being fired at the direction was changed half-left towards another kopje, where they met with a similar reception, and again turned half-left, and were again received by a volley. By this time the Boers on the first named kopje had mounted their horses, and were galloping up behind them. Jack now remarked to the nearest man (Private Maloney), "They seem to be all around us ; hold my horse." And he dismounted and drew his revolver. Just as Maloney reached out to take the rein Jack fell back dead. The bullet entered his right breast just to the right of the nipple, and came up behind the left shoulder-blade. Poor Pooley was killed while taking aim at the Boer commandant. Most of the men had now either had their horses shot under them or had dismounted and were firing, and all had nearly expended their ammunition. At least 400 Boers were all round them, firing from their horses, so they threw up the sponge. These were stripped and sent back to us. The bodies of Pooley, White, and Milner were brought into camp that night, nearly naked ; but Jack's body could not be found. Pooley's, White's, and Milner's bodies were buried in a little farm garden at 8 next morning, the force chaplain officiating. Their names were chiselled into a stone by one of our men. Jack's body was found later in the day, and we had another funeral during the afternoon, and he was placed in a separate grave. Several of his own men made wreaths and crosses from wild flowers and placed them on the grave. Our carpenter made a substantial wooden cross, and Major Toll carved on it, "In memory Lt. L. J. Caskey, 5th Q.I.B. Killed in action 27th Sept., 1901." I may state that the body when found was covered only with his singlet. I was very anxious to obtain possession of his gold ring engraved "Jack," which was presented to him by some friends just before leaving Brisbane ; but even this had been taken. And so he is dead—good, brave old Jack. He would not surrender when called upon, and died fighting to the last. He was our best and most reliable officer. All his men loved and admired him for his pluck whenever they were in a scrap.
The Brisbane Courier, Wednesday 27th November 1901



....A tablet erected in the Leichhardt-street (Boys') State School to the memory of the late Lieutenant Caskey was yesterday unveiled by Mr. J. G. Anderson, Under Secretary for Public Instruction. Mr Anderson, who arrived about 3.30 p.m., was received by Messrs. C. Abraham (chairman), F. Adams (secretary), C. Just (treasurer), and Schick (members of the school Committee), and by a guard of honour formed from the Cadets, under the command of Lieutenant Moorhouse. The mother and two sisters of the deceased officer were also present. The boys, the teachers and the Cadets filled the room in which the tablet had been placed.
....Mr. J. E. Jones, the head teacher, in introducing Mr. Anderson, thanked him for paying the school the compliment of coming up, at considerable personal inconvenience, and uniting with them in doing honour to the memory of a very faithful and promising teacher, as well as a brave soldier. He also expressed his gratification at the presence of Mrs. Caskey and her daughters at the ceremony. They were thus able to witness the esteem and affection felt towards the late Lieutenant Caskey by the teachers and pupils of the school, past and present, as expressed by the tablet before them. He also said a few words to the boys, pointing out the qualities of fidelity to duty which characterised their late teacher, quite as much at school as on the battlefield. He then asked Mr. Anderson to be kind enough to unveil the tablet.
....Mr. Anderson stepped forward and drew back the Union Jack, and so exposed to view the tablet, and an excellent enlarged photo of Mr Caskey, taken in February last. Mr Schick then placed a handsome wreath of flowers on the photo. Mr. Anderson, addressing the children, spoke of Mr. Caskey as descended from a Scotch family, a race that had added according to its numbers perhaps, more names to the roll of those who had died for liberty and right than any other nation. He spoke of the very creditable career of Mr. Caskey as a teacher and of the bright future that had lain before him, yet, at the call of duty, he had left all to serve his country, and had sealed his devotion with his blood. He reminded the children that it was not necessary to go as far as South Africa to do their duty. Duty lay at our hand all the day long and the greatest heroes were some times those who bore unflinchingly and uncomplainingly the burdens of ordinary daily life. He expressed the deep sympathy he felt for Mrs. Caskey in her bereavement, and said that, though her son was dead, the good influence he had exerted on the boys under his charge would long remain.
....Mr. Just, on behalf of the committee thanked Mr. Anderson for his presence. He then asked Mr. Anderson to read a letter, conveying a resolution of the School Committee passed by them about a week ago, that as they were about to retire from their office by effluxion of time, they desired to place on record then high appreciation of Mr. Jones the head teacher personally, and to thank him for his regular attendance at their meetings and for the valuable assistance and advice he had often given them. They wished him a pleasant holiday, renewed strength, and a safe return to his duties as head teacher.
....Mr. Anderson read the letter which was signed by the members of the committee and handed it to Mr. Jones stating that he fully concurred in the sentiments expressed in the latter. Mr Jones, who is about taking an extended holiday for six months, suitably acknowledged the presentation.
....The tablet is of white marble on a black marble ground, and is fixed to the wall. It is the work of Mr Simmons, monumental sculptor, Ann-street. It bears the following inscription -"In memory of Lachlan John Caskey, assistant teacher at this school during the years 1892-1901, officer-commanding the School Cadets from Feb., 1898 to Feb., 1901, and lieutenant in the Fifth Queensland Imperial Bushmen; killed in action in the Boer war at Makari Drift, Caledon River South Africa, 27th September, 1901, aged 31 years. "
The Brisbane Courier, Friday 13th December 1901


....The monument to the memory of the late Lieutenant Caskey, of the fifth contingent, Q.I.B., which had been erected by the East Moreton Teachers' Association, the Valley Cricket Club, the Valley Presbyterian Lawn Tennis Club, and the Teachers' Corps and State School Cadets, was unveiled by the Minister for Public Instruction (the Hon. J. Murray) on Saturday afternoon last. Amongst those present were the Premier (the Hon. R. Philp), the Minister for Agriculture (the Hon. D. H. Dalrymple), a number of military officers (including Major C. A. H. Watson, of Ipswich), and others. The monument stands at the foot of the hill, on the right of the entrance-gates of the Toowong Cemetery, having a height of 17ft. The top column is of white Helidon freestone, with a square of Italian marble bearing the inscription, and with columns of brown Helidon freestone. A stone wall surrounds the main portion of the monument. Some ingenuity is displayed in the treatment of the memorial, as each phase of the deceased's life is made the subject of an emblem. Each branch of sport is represented, but more prominence is given to the military aspect of his career, and beneath, by means of a scroll and a quill pen, the scholastic side is represented. The work was carried out by Mr. William Busby, and the cost was about £70.
The Queensland Times, Tuesday 6th May 1902



....Hardly a more fitting occasion could have been selected for unveiling the memorial of the late Lieutenant Caskey than Saturday afternoon, for his comrades of the Fifth Contingent, Q.I.B., with which he was fighting when he fell, were making their last appearance in uniform before being disbanded. They showed their respect for a gallant and kind-hearted comrade by turning out in large numbers with all their officers, under Major Toll. The larger section—the public—and comrades of the late Lieutenant Caskey in the Education Department, in which he was a teacher, and in the Teachers Corps and the Cadet Corps, were also present in great numbers. A number of relatives of the deceased officer were also present.
....Major Halstead said he had been asked by the committee to request the Minister for Public Instruction to unveil the memorial. As head of the Education Department, the Minister was the most fitting person for the duty. Lieutenant Caskey was first and foremost a teacher. A Queenslander by birth, he spent all his life in the neighbourhood of Ipswich, Clifton, and Brisbane, and either as a scholar, a pupil teacher, or a classified teacher, he never ceased to be connected with the department. It might be mentioned that the Queensland Teachers had given of their very best to the cause of this great war. One of their number was amongst those who marched to the relief of Mafeking. Two were present at the remarkable but successful battle of Elands River, and another was wounded as badly as any one could be wounded and still live. To the Fifth Q.I.B. the teachers gave two of their officers. One, after serving through the whole campaign, including the desperate affray at Onverwacht, was spared to be with them that day. The other, Lieutenant Caskey, lay with his comrades in the lonely farmhouse enclosure on the Caledon River. The memory of Lieutenant Caskey would be dear to his fellow-teachers, his club mates, and his comrades of the Teachers' Corps and the Fifth Q.I.B. His kindly good nature and honest, manly character would never be forgotten by them.
....Mr. Murray then stepped forward, and drew the Union Jack from the monument. At the same time Major Toll placed a handsome floral wreath on it as from the officers of the Fifth Q.I.B., and Sergeant-major Price another from the non-commissioned officers.
The Queenslander Saturday 10th May 1902


....On Friday next the Minister for Public Instruction will unveil the memorial tablet erected in the Spring Creek (Clifton) State School to the memory of Lieut. Lachlan John Caskey, who, during the Boer war, was killed in action whilst bravely leading his men against overwhelming numbers at Mokari Drift on September 27, 1901. The inscription bears testimony to the fact that the deceased was "An endearing, upright lad; an eminent teacher; a gallant and brave officer, faithful and obedient unto death." The memorial, which has been erected by the late Mr. Caskey's school mates and admirers at Spring Creek, is the work of Mr. J. A. Bryant, monumental mason, of Warwick. It consists of a shield of white Italian marble inserted in a black marble ground. It is a splendid piece of skilled workmanship, and is a credit to Mr. Bryant.
The Warwick Examiner and Times, Wednesday 21st May 1902



....In the course of the annual picnic at Spring Creek on Victoria Day advantage was taken to unveil the memorial tablet erected to the memory of the late Lieutenant Caskey, a native of the district, who was killed at Mokari Drift on 27th September, 1901. The ceremony (says the "Allora Guardian" of Saturday last) was performed by the Minister shortly after 11.30 a.m., there being also present the Under Secretary for Education, Mr. F. Kates, M.L.A., and prominent citizens of Spring Creek and Allora. The relatives of the deceased officer were accommodated with seats close to the Parliamentary party. The memorial tablet was draped in the Union Jack. Mr. John Wilson, chairman of the school board, presided over the crowded meeting, which was held in the
schoolroom.
....Mr. Murray said he thanked the people of Spring Creek for their kindness in inviting him to be present to unveil the memorial to their departed comrade. He was pleased to see the large number of people who had assembled to do honour to their departed neighbour. Lieutenant Caskey had been a scholar in their midst, and had afterwards become a teacher in the department, where he had acted with the utmost credit to himself and advantage to the department. As time went on, war had broken out, and the honour of the British Empire was threatened. Lieutenant Caskey was among the first to offer his services in protection of the honour and integrity of the Empire. Lieutenant Caskey had set a grand example, and one which had been followed by many with beneficial results. While they deplored his death they had the consolation of knowing that he had died as a soldier should, and had left behind him a record and a name which could not fail to have a beneficial result. His school mates had erected a substantial tribute to his memory in the Toowong Cemetery, which he (the speaker) had had the honour of unveiling, and he was now asked to perform a similar ceremony at Spring Creek. The tablet they had erected would remain for ages, and all who came could read the story of Lieutenant Caskey, who lost his life in his country's defence. This could not but be beneficial to the boys of the future. The trouble he had been caused in visiting them had been a pleasure to him, and no sacrifice would have been too great to have the pleasure of being present. He had no idea he would see such an immense gathering of people at Spring Creek, and he trusted the period of depression under which they now laboured would soon pass away.
....Mr. J. G. Anderson, Under Secretary for Education, spoke of the memories awakened by his visit to Spring Creek, and alluded to the good qualities of the departed soldier.
....Mr. F. Kates, M.L.A., said that among the first settlers in the district had been the late Mr. Thomas Caskey, a stalwart and valuable settler, and he heartily sympathised with the widow and family of the late Mr. Caskey for the loss they had sustained in the death of their brave and valiant son.
....The Rev. J. Smiley said that John Caskey's name had been added to the roll of Queensland's heroes, and he deserved all the honour they could give him.
....The Rev. C. Kingsley Cole also spoke.
....Mr. C. Y. Gillam, on behalf of the deceased lieutenant's relatives, thanked those present most heartily for their kind sympathy so readily expressed. Above all he wished to thank those gentlemen who had come so far to perform the ceremony. It showed what these gentlemen were willing to do in such cases. He thanked all who had in any way assisted in forwarding the movement. The thing had been done very readily, end it was very comforting to the relatives to know that they had so many kind friends. Both at Spring Creek and in Brisbane the work had been done by Lieutenant Caskey's friends and mates without appeal to the public.
....The memorial, which is a handsome piece of work, is in the form of a shield-shaped piece of highly polished white marble mounted on a large slab of black marble. A photograph of the deceased lieutenant appears at the bottom of the tablet, which bears the following inscription :—"In loving memory of Lieutenant Lachlan John Caskey, who during the Boer War was killed in action while bravely leading his men against overwhelming numbers at Mokari Drift, South Africa, on the 27th September, 1901. An endearing upright lad, an eminent teacher, a gallant and brave officer, faithful and obedient unto death. Erected by his classmates and admirers at Spring Creek, on 24th May, 1902."
....The tablet, which is a really high-class piece of work, was designed and executed by Mr. J. A. Bryant, the well-known monumental sculptor of Warwick. The work is exquisitely and artistically finished, and reflects the greatest credit on Mr. Bryant's workmanship.
The Brisbane Courier, Wednesday 28th May 1902

Van Stadensrus Cemetery

Allora State School Memorial, Queensland

Hi Berenice,
I'm glad you received the images of the monument for Lt. Caskey. It was a shame to see that the elements have played their part and taken over, which has now obscured the carvings on the obelisk.

The base above the inscription shows a quill and paper which represents John Caskey's profession as a school teacher and above that on the obelisk is a sword and sheath as he was an Officer and an active member of the Queensland Teacher's Volunteer Corps. As a keen sportsman, the left side of the obelisk shows crossed cricket bats while on the left are crossed tennis racquets.
Trev.

An expert clean-up is needed.