TOPIC:

Firstly let me introduce myself. I am a Village recorder for the Suffolk Local History Council. I have been interested in family and village research for over 10 years. I write 4x A4 illustrated articles in our village magazine most months. I use the Great War Forum quite regularly. I have recently been asked to research and produce a local family's tree. In doing this I have come across Herbert George Dennis who was married to Annie Balls, from Pakenham in Suffolk. In Annie's sisters memoirs there is the following short passage:- 'My earliest memory of Annie is of mother being called for to go to London when Annie’s baby was due. Her husband was serving in South Africa with the Royal Artillery, where he remained for four years, during which time his son lived for two years only. Bert never saw his first-born son'. The son was born in London in 1900 and survived till about 1902.
I know that Herbert George Dennis was born in Islington on 9 Jan 1872 to Richard Brutus Dennis and Susannah, nee Terry. I can find info on 2 H G Dennis characters and one was in the RFA. His number is 78253. This soldier appears to have several campaign clasps awarded to him. I am by no means an expert in any matters relating to the conflict in South Africa at that time, but I am hoping that someone may be able to help in this matter. Many thanks in anticipation.

Seems he served in the 81st Battery, R.F.A. here is some information...… Mike

Royal Field Artillery - 76th Battery

Along with the 81st and 82nd arrived at the Cape on 21st January 1900 and went up to Modder River. Formed a brigade division for Kelly-Kenny's Vlth Division, and took part in the pursuit of Cronje, the action at Paardeberg, and the other two battles on the road to Bloemfontein. Two officers and 1 gunner of the 76th were mentioned in Lord Roberts' despatch of 31st March 1900 for gallant work up to that time. These three batteries and the 74th accompanied Ian Hamilton on the march to Pretoria, taking part in his numerous actions (see Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry). The 76th and 82nd did very excellent work at Diamond Hill, 11th and 12th June, when the 82nd was specially mentioned. In the operations against Prinsloo the 76th did well on 24th July, in supporting the Seaforths near Retiefs Nek. In August, September, and October 1900 the 76th was in a column under Bruce Hamilton based on Kroonstad (Lord Roberts' despatch of 10th October 1900, para 39). In 1901 four guns were in a column under Colonel Thorneycroft which operated mainly in the Orange River Colony, and very frequently had fighting (Lord Kitchener's despatch of 8th July 1901).

Royal Field Artillery - 81st Battery

(See notes under 76th Battery).

One officer of the 81st was mentioned in the despatch of 31st March 1900 for gallant work on the way to Bloemfontein.  In June 1900 had a good deal of fighting in the north of the Orange River Colony with the Boers who were then raiding the line (see Cameron Highlanders).  Took part in the operations for surrounding Prinsloo.  The work of the 81st Battery was frequently mentioned by General Hunter, particularly their services on 23rd July.  In 1901 two guns were with Benson in the Eastern Transvaal.  Two guns were for a time with Barton and other commanders in the Western Transvaal (despatch of 8th July and Cameron Highlanders).  Two guns were in August and thereafter with General F W Kitchener north of the Delagoa line (see despatch of 8th September 1901).

Hookleg
First, welcome to the Forum. And thanks to Mike for finding Herbert George Dennis of the RFA - when my trawl turned up nothing. I was about to ask you for any further details. Anyway, H.G.Dennis of 81st RFA earned clasps Relief of Kimberley, Paardeburg, Dreifontein, Johannesburg, and Wittebergen on his QSA. A fair bit of action, indeed.
Best regards
IL.

Welcome to the Forum, Hookleg.

78253 Driver H G Dennis served in the 81st RFA as Mike and IL have said.

Service papers for him have survived. These will give approximately 4 pages of information about him and his service. The papers are available for free at the National Archives or at a cost at FindMyPast.

Kind regards
David