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New Kid on the Block... errr... in the forum 3 years 3 months ago #73599

  • Gord Burt
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Appreciate the welcome

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New Kid on the Block... errr... in the forum 3 years 3 months ago #73600

  • LinneyI
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Gord
Welcome to the Forum. As a unit, the second contingent, 48th West Somerset Coy., 7th Bn., I.Y. had a very trying time during their tour in SA. Under Dixon, they were part of the screen at Vlakfontein (29/5/1901) and later under Kekewich, they were present during the very serious attack on the camp at Moedwil (30/9/1901).
Some time ago, I contributed a post on a senior NCO who served with 2nd contingent, 48thcoy/7th I.Y. and who was awarded a Distinguished Conduct medal for his bravery at Moedwil. Some of the background to the recruiting of their second contingent might interest you. To see that post, go to "search" function and enter "A Distinguished Conduct Medal for Moedwil" and scroll down.
At this remove, we can't be sure that your man was actually present at either action unless he was a casualty or was otherwise noted. However, there is a reasonable chance he was at one or both.
Good luck with your research.
Regards
IL.
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New Kid on the Block... errr... in the forum 3 years 3 months ago #73602

  • QSAMIKE
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Gord......

If you can find a copy of the book "ABSENT-MINDED BEGGARS" Yeomanry and Volunteers on the Boer War by Will Bennett you might find it interesting.....

Mike
Life Member
Past-President Calgary
Military Historical Society
O.M.R.S. 1591
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New Kid on the Block... errr... in the forum 3 years 3 months ago #73619

  • BereniceUK
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You may well already have all the following: -

Among the Imperial Yeomanry volunteers who left Bath on Friday morning, 8th February 1901, for Aldershot, was John Ernest Lewis Burt, commercial traveller, of Belgrave Terrace, Bath. Married; wife's name, Wilhelmina. [Bath Chronicle, 14.2.1901]


The 48th, including Trooper J. E. Burt, returned home on 10th August 1902.

"The majority of the men were with the first company, that sailed on the mail steamer Scot on February 9th, 1901, and joined the old North Somersets outside Johannesburg. Shortly after their arrival in the country the squadron was attached to General Dixon's command, and took part in the fight at Vlaakfontein, where they lost that gallant officer Lieut. Noke and eleven men killed and twelve wounded, among the latter being Harold Butler, of Bath. After this engagement the squadron trekked into the Magaliesburg Valley, and early in July were lying round the hills of Zeerust in company with five other columns, namely those under Lieut.-General Lord Methuen, and Colonels Featherstonhaugh, Huckley, Williams, and Rawlinson, which were resting after a two-months' drive. Coming down from Zeerust, the squadron lost another brave and efficient officer in the person of Lieut. Kimber, who lost his life at Wildfontein while trying to save one of his men. On their arrival at Krugersforp the column was handed over to the command of Colonel Kekewich, who, with his wonted dash and pertinacity, so harassed the Boers that it was not long before they attempted to break up the column by a determined and well-sustained attack in the early morning of September 30, 1901. It was on this occasion that the squadron so greatly distinguished itself, and where also Squadron Sergt.-Major Jordan, though twice wounded, continued to lead his men in gallant fashion, a feat for which he was mentioned in Lord Kitchener's dispatches. Although the squadron covered itself with glory, victory was dearly bought, and at the moment of victory two Bath men, W. R. Smith and G. Smith, lost their lives, two brave men dying for King and country. The total losses of the squadron in the fight were four killed and nine wounded. The Klerksdorp district was the next scene of the squadron's operations, where it assisted in small captures until April, when they assisted to recapture the guns taken from Col. Von Donop and Lord Methuen. Shortly after this they participated in the last fight of the war, at Rooivaal, when Col. Kekewich re-took the last of the Boer guns. They were in company with the column when it trekked to the Mafeking-Vryburg line, returning to Klerksdorp after peace was declared. The squadron figured very heavily in the casualty list, losing two officers and 15 non-commissioned officers and men killed, and 32 wounded. They were very fortunate in having for their leader that able and experienced soldier, Col. Thynne, who never left them till all was finished, when he sailed for home to represent the battalion at the Coronation."
Bath Chronicle, Thursday 14th August 1902


He was the prime mover behind a dinner for men of the 48th Company at a Bath restaurant, on Thursday evening, 21st August 1902. [Bath Chronicle, 28.8.1902]
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New Kid on the Block... errr... in the forum 3 years 3 months ago #73623

  • djb
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Dr David Biggins
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