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John Ridge attested with the 9th Lancers on the 8th September 1890 and was’nt present at the early engagements leading to the Relief of Kimberley. Once in South Africa he participated in the operations at Johannesburg (29 May 1900), Diamond Hill (11 to 12 June 1900) and Wittebergen (1 to 29 July 1900).

Ospoort, 27 May 1901



In the last week of May 1901, the 9th Lancers were operating in a sweep south-east of Edenburg and were ambushed on the 27th May 1901.



“A” and “D” Squadrons were farm clearing, and as “A” would eventually have to get over the neck in the hills overlooking Ospoort, the emergency squadron (“C”) was sent to support them. While the clearing was going on Lieut Stirling was sent with his troop to occupy the neck, covered by the pom-pom.

The three advanced points were allowed to go right through the neck and the remainder of the troop to get right underneath the kopjes, some already having dismounted, when there was a shout of “Hands up!” followed by heavy firing, as Stirling shouted “Files about!”.

The men all took what little cover they could find, while reinforcements were sent up on both flanks. The pom-pom getting to work effectually cleared the kopjes, and Lieut Kincaid-Smith, who had been sent up to the right, saw some 200 Boers going away north, besides a certain number leaving the different parts of the kopjes.

The casualties all belonged to “C” Squadron: 1 man was killed, 4 were wounded and subsequently died of wounds and 3 were wounded[1].

[1] “Diary of the 9th Lancers”, p215.

Pte John Ridge died of his wounds the following day and is buried in the Edenburg Cemetery.

A large portion of the casualties to the 9th Lancers occurred on that day; 5 killed and 3 wounded.

One of the wounded Lancers was discharged medically unfit due to a gun shot wound to his head. The Lancers must have been subject to a hail of fire in the ambush given the high, and severe, casualty rate.

Military Section of Edenburg Cemetery



Grave of John Ridge – Edenburg Cemetery



9th (The Queen’s Royal) Lancers Boer War memorial plaque
All Saints Royal Garrison Church, Aldershot, Hampshire