TOPIC:

I must admit that I had visions of fleeing bandsmen when I saw that casualty list. But it has happened in South African military history. The Pipe Band of the Transvaal Scottish was amongst those of the regiment caught in the ambush as they de-trained at Dunswart outside Benoni on 10 March 1922. Several members of the band were amongst the 12 killed and 26 wounded.

GRAY David Moreland, Trooper 347.
Killed at Hlangwane Hill on 15 December 1899. Served 29/9/1899 to 15/12/1899. Buried alongside the railway line near the spot where Churchill was captured. Gray died in the arms of his cousin, William Park Gray. Only son of David Gray of Gourton

Hi Rory

My Name is Howard Park Gray . My Great grandfather was Colonel William Park Gray cousin of the David Who died in his Arms. I see you mentione you had some of his medals. I have the whole collection of family War Medals for William Park gray, Owen Park Gray and Mervyn Owen Gray . I would really be keen to meet up and see your medals and show you mine if you have them or would be interested. Please contact me or call me . my number is 0792139841

Kind Regards

Howard

This is a very interesting post.

Firstly, Rory if you require any copies of pages of the casualty lists I have the printed publications of the "Casualties of the South African Field Force" and the "Casualties of the Natal Field Force"

Secondly, I was at the point and took photo's where Churchill was captured and did not see any graves. Was Gray re buried else where at a later date?

Adrian

Hi Adrian

The Churchill capture site relates to the armoured train ambush and not the Battle of Colenso, which took place further north.

The Colenso casualties were re-interred at Clouston in July 1964. This is where memorials from Colenso were consolidated for reasons of security and convenience.

Regards
Brett

izabel wrote: GRAY David Moreland, Trooper 347.
Killed at Hlangwane Hill on 15 December 1899. Served 29/9/1899 to 15/12/1899.Buried alongside the railway line near the spot where Churchill was captured.Gray died in the arms of his cousin, William Park Gray. Only son of David Gray of Gourton

Hello Brett,

Thanks for the reply, it was the quote above that threw me out.

Cheers

Adrian