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Thanks Dave! That’s most informative and helpful. Cheers, John

Here's an excerpt from the Boer War Diary of Trooper James John Clarke, 45th Co IY (Dublin company) that is definitive proof that de Robock was definitely left behind due to illness.

John – Afraid I could not resist a name like Smithwick!

9648 Trooper James Arnold Smithwick. Attested 4 January 1900 in Newbridge, Ireland. A 20 year old “Gentleman” born in Tipperary, 5 feet 11 inches in height. His service records confirm he was involved at Lindley but give no further details. He arrived back home on 14 March 1901. Returned to the fray as a Lieutenant in the 27th Battalion of the Imperial Yeomanry who set off for South Africa on 1 May 1902 and back home on 19 Setptember 1902. For this double service his QSA was adorned with 5 clasps – CC, OFS, Tr, SA1901 & SA1902.

He then went on to serve in the Great War:

Further information on de Robeck and the reason he didn't make it to Lindley - from an account by a man who had served in the 45th. This took place at Matjesfontein between 21 April and 13 May 1900:

""After this the horses were taken to water, four linked together and led by one man. The water-trough was beside the station and frequently a rumpus occurred if an engine happened to be about; one one day a hundred or so of the gees got out of hand and stampeded, several men in their plucky though vain endeavour to save the situation, were knocked down; and trooper Charlie de Robeck unhappily met with a serious accident resulting in concussion which necessitated his removal to hospital at Delfontein and subsequent return home as an invalid." (The Irish Field, 23 February 1901)

Thank you PJMac! This is most informative and explains it very well. Thank you very much for posting this!
All the best,
John