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2467 Private Joseph Henry James was killed in action at the battle of Paardeberg whilst serving with the 1st Battalion of the Welsh Regiment on 18th February 1900.
He perished with a number of comrades involved during the siege of the Boer General Piet Cronje at Paardeberg Drift. The Welsh attacked the Boers with bayonets fixed but were cut down by a murderous hail of Mauser bullets from more than one direction and also, I believe some artillery fire. They received great praise for their pluck from Major Kelly-Kenny.


From:" Cardiff Times and South Wales Weekly News", dated Saturday, March 3rd, 1900.
"SOUTH WALIANS KILLED AND WOUNDED.
Welsh Regiment's Heavy Losses.
The long delayed list of casualties of the Welsh Regiment at Paardeberg on February 18th were issued by the War Office late on Monday evening and were published on Tuesday morning. It is more than ten years since the Welsh had been under fire, the last occasion being at Gemaizah, in the Egyptian Campaign of 1888-1889. The list published two-day is a lengthy one, including as it does the names of nine killed, 45 wounded (one slightly), and eight missing. The list, with the regimental numbers, is as follows:-
KILLED.
Lieutenant Angell.
2467 Pt. J. H. James.
5326Pt. C. Lewis.
5596 Pt. T. Jones.
8503 Pt. W. Bishop.
5740 PT. P. Leek.
5584 Pt. W. O'Connor.
5851 PT. T. Rule.
5676 Pt. W. Hammond."

On Friday, March 2nd, 1900, "The Glamorgan Gazette" reported the following background information about Private James:


"DEATH OF A COWBRIDGE RESERVIST AT THE FRONT.
We regret to announce the death of Private J. H. James (2461), of the 1st Welsh Regiment, with Lord Roberts at Paardeberg. The sad event took place on Sunday, Feb. 18th, when fighting with Cronje's retreating army. Private James was full of dash and daring, and possibly this made him a conspicuous target for the enemy. Only a fortnight ago we published a letter from the deceased to Mr. Alfred James, who had taken a great interest in him and had sent out tobacco, pipes, etc. The letter acknowledged the receipt of the parcel, and expressed a hope that he would soon arrive home and thank the donor in person,-a wish alas! never to be fulfilled. In an explosion at one of the collieries in the Garw Valley last summer James had a narrow escape. He had just left the colliery, and the stall in which he had worked was blown to pieces. Private James's parents reside at COWBRIDGE, and a brother, Mr. Ivor James, keeps a shop in High-street. He had left the army some little time, and joined the depot in October last. He had spent some time in Malta and India, and while at home in COWBRIDGE had worked for Mr. Alfred James. For the family much sympathy is felt."

In the modern day, Cowbridge is one of the more affluent and desirable areas of Cardiff in which to set up home.

James has an entry in the "Record of Deceased Soldier's Effects"(87414). His credit of 2 shillings and 10 pence are claimed by his father William.


Queen's South Africa medal bearing clasps RELIEF OF KIMBERLEY and PAARDEBERG awarded posthumously to 2467 Private James. His sole medal for his military service.


Number and naming. 'J' rather than 'J. H.'


Regimental naming.


Private James is interred at Paardeberg, Vendusie Drift Cemetery where he is commemorated on Monument 9.

He is further remembered on the Welsh National South African War Memorial at Cathays Park, Cardiff.

A Private James of the 1st Battalion Welsh Regiment is listed on the Boer War memorial tablet in Llandaff Cathedral, Cardiff (please see below). No regimental number or initial is inscribed but most likely our man.

A fascinating and well-documented medal, Steve. Many thanks.