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….We deeply regret that at the battle of Magersfontein, fought by Lord Methuen's column on Wednesday last, Private Robert Rae, No. 4,285, of the 9th Lancers, was killed whilst in action.
….Private Rae, who was 23 years of age, joined the 9th Lancers some three years ago. He is the son of ex-Police-Sergt. Rae, of Wheatholme Cottages, Cloughfold. Private Rae was well-known in Rawtenstall, where he served for three years with Mr. James Entwistle, Bank-street, as a butcher.
….Much sympathy is felt for Mr. Rae and his family in their trying bereavement. The intimation of his death will be felt all the more keenly in the home on account of the severe illness of his mother, to whom the sad news has come with an awful shock. Private Rae was formerly a scholar in the Haslingden-road School, and on Sunday morning the "Dead March" was played on the organ in the Chapel at the conclusion of the morning service by Mr. Ernest Horne, L.R.A.M., the congregation reverently standing. At the service in the school in the afternoon, reference was made by the Superintendent to the death of this scholar, and on the motion of Mr. Joseph Stott, and seconded by Mr. E. J. Mould, a vote of condolence was passed with the family.


The Bacup Times, Saturday 23rd December 1899

Those Delhi Spearmen again!

Private Rae was subsequently buried in Kimberley after exhumation from his original grave at Doorns on that wretched muddy river, an awful long way from home.