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Searched for: talana
10 Mar 2024 20:32
  • djb
  • djb's Avatar

Picture courtesy of Noonan's

QSA (5) Talana, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (4032 Pte. W. Frazer, Rl. Irish Fus:) surname partially officially corrected (‘s’ corrected to ‘z’)

1st Battalion | QSA (3) Tal OFS Tr, KSA (2) | E Company. Taken prisoner at Nicholson's Nek, 30 Oct 99. Surname Fraser on Casualty Roll | Ref: QSA: WO100/205p21 KSA: WO100/345p29
Category: Medals and awards
08 Mar 2024 11:32
  • Rob D
  • Rob D's Avatar
Dear Forummers,
next year is the 125th anniversary of Spion Kop, and I wanted to enquire whether a small group of forummers would like to do a tour of the battlefields? If so, I'd be pleased to help organise things to optimise the experience whilst keeping costs as low as feasible. The obvious "loop" would be in Natal and Zululand: Spion Kop/Tabanyama; Colenso; Winston Churchill capture site; siege of Ladysmith; Talana; Rorke's Drift; Isandhlwana. Whilst in SA, many visitors also go on safari, which fits easily into the above "loop".
Anyone interested? Please reply here.
Rob
Category: On this day
02 Mar 2024 12:39
  • Rob D
  • Rob D's Avatar
Pam McFadden, of the Talana Museum in Dundee, South Africa, has the following books for sale. Condition of the books is said to be very good or "as new". Prices in Rands. If interested, contact [email protected]

ANGLO BOER WAR
Gen JCG Kemp en die Epiese Woestyntog MCE van Schoor 300.00
Rebelle van die Stormberge AV Oosthuizen 180.00
Die Verhaal van Johanna Brandt BEP du Toit 120.00
Vegter en Balling Chris Schoeman 150.00
Vuur! Lindique de beer 80.00
Broedertwis Albert Blake 220.00
Tydskrif vir Geewtesweteeenskappe: Jaargang 39 no.3 50.00
Veg en Vlug Saamgestel deur JC Steyn 80.00
Innocent Blood: Executions during the A-B War Graham Jooste, Roger Webster 350.00
South Africa & the Transvaal War Vols 1 -7 Louis Creswick 1,400.00
The Dynamics of Treason Albert Grundlingh 150.00
The Settlement After the War in SA (2 copies) M J Farrelly 180.00
The Legend of Breaker Morant is Dead & Buried Charles Leach 230.00
Beyond The Reach of Empire Col. Mike Snook 200.00
The Anglo-Boer Wars Michael BartHorp 100.00
Filming the Boer War John Barnes 150.00
The Great Boer War Byron Farwell 140.00
Brothers In Arms Chris Schoeman 160.00
Botha's Second Natal Expedition D M Moore 200.00
Geskiedenis van Suid-Afrika Frans Johans Pretorius 180.00
One Thousand Miles with the C.I.V J Barclay Lloyd 290.00
David & Goliath: The 1st War of Independence Geo. R Duxbury 175.00
The Brave Boer Boy: Cape Commando Series No 4 130.00
The Rooinek and other Boer War stories Herman Charles Bosman 250.00
..of a Lion and an Eagle: Story of Const. Charles William Eagle Charles Leach 150.00
British Supremacy in SA 1899 - 1907 G H Le May 250.00
The Bloemfontein Diary of Lieut WJ.St John 1852-1853 Edited: Karel Schoeman 300.00
Majuba 1881: Campaign Series 45 120.00
A Gazetter of the Second A-B War HUW Jones and Meurig GM Jones 200.00
A Guide to the A-B W Sites of KwaZulu Natal Gilbert Torlage & Steve Watt 80.00
The Pseudo-Siege of Schweizer-Reneke Harry Birkenhead & Joh Groenewald 100.00
The Wherewithall of Wolmaransstad Harry Birkenhead & Joh Groenewald 100.00
The A-B War F Pretorius: Heritage Series 140.00
Into the Millenium: A Boer Centenary Diary Compiled by Maureen Richards 90.00
A Warrior's Gateway: Durban & the A-B W Johan Wasserman & Brian Kearney 220.00
Black and White Budget 2 Volumes 550.00
In the Ranks of the CIV 100.00
ashes and blood'The British Army in SA 1795- 1914 Peter Boyden, Alan J Guy & Marion Harding 450.00
The Boer War 1899-1902 Hamlyn History 180.00
Scorched Earth Fransjohan Pretorius 250.00
Gold and Workers 1886- 1924 Luli Callinincos 180.00
The Jameson Raid Brenthurst Press 700.00
Ladysmith and Mafeking Brenthurst Press 700.00
The German official Account of the War in SA (plus maps) Waters & du Crane 950.00
The Boer Fight For Freedom Michael Davitt 250.00
The Memoirs of Paul Kruger; Vol 1 & 2 Scripta Africana 800.00
A Narrative of the Boer War Carter Scripta Africana 450.00
Cammillo Riccardi: Italian Boer War Hero Mario Lupini Scripta Africana 400.00
War & Peace in SA Paul H Butterfield Scripta Africana 1,000.00
Battlefields of SA Nicki Von der heyde 200.00
Steinaecker's Horsemen Bill Woolmore 600.00
Breaker Morant Critical Arts Monograph 100.00
Closed File Kit Denton 300.00
Shoot Straight, You Bastards Nick Blezyinski 120.00
A Narrative of the Boer War T.F Carter 480.00
Bushveldt Carbineers & the Pietersburg Light Horse Bill Woolmore 350.00
breaker Morant & the Bushveldt Carbineers VRS VRV 350.00
The Anglo Boer War Anniversary Spink London 120.00
The Forgotten War Field 380.00
Our Little Army in the Field Brian A Reid 150.00
Boer War Memorabilia The Collector's Guide 200.00
Teddy Luther's 's War McCracken 200.00
SA Odyssey: The Autobiography of Bertha Goudvis 200.00
Roberts and Kitchener in SA 1900 - 1902 Rodney Atwood 180.00
Anglo Boer War: A Tourists Guide Tony Westly-Nunn 140.00
De La Rey: Lion of the West Johannes Meintjies 400.00
Music of the Guns Henry John May 180.00
Smith-Dorrien: Isandhlwhana to the Great War Horace Smith-Dorrien 260.00
Loius Botha Richard Steyn 180.00
Buller: A Scapegoat Geoffrey Powell 100.00
In Memorium Steve Watt 450.00
Recollections of a Boer Prisoner of war In Ceylon JN Brink 390.00
Colenso 1899 Campaign Series 100.00
The Battle Book Series: 9 volumes Various authors 600.00
Talana; Elandslaagte; Siege of Kimberley &
Magersfontein Thukela Heights; Siege of Ladysmith;
Colenso; Vaalkrans; Spionkop
While They Kept the Flag Flying Ken Gillings 80.00
Commandant Johannes Lotter Cape Commando Series Vol1 100.00
Commandant Gideon Scheepers: The Search for his Grave 100.00
Victoria Colonial Warfare - Africa Donald Featherstone 100.00
Ladysmith's 20 VC's Charles Aikenhead 100.00
Pretoria at War 1899 - 1900 Bridget Theron 240.00
The A_B war: A Chronology Peter G Cloete 160.00
The Transvaal war Saturday Feb 1881 The Illustrated London News: 120.00
Die Anglo-Boeroorlog in Namakwaland 120.00
: 29 Nov 1900 Roberts Field-Marshall Special Army Order 100.00
Rough Riders at War: History of New Zealand's involvement in the A-B War Richard Stowers 140.00
The Illustrated London News Record of the Transvaal War - Complete with 650.00
Special "Transvaal War"Supplement
*The History of the Medical and Hospital Services of the A-B War Peter Prime 300.00
Nederland Transvaal Gedenkboek Published Rotterdam 140.00
The War Reporter: The A-B War Through the Eyes of the Burghers JEH Grobler 100.00
Battlefields of SA: Paintings by Gail van LIngen 420.00
The A-B War: A Pictorial History Johannes Meintjies 180.00
Report on the Concentration Camps in SA Committee of Ladies 2,500.00
Summer of 1899: The Siege of Kimberkey Steve Lunderstedt 140.00
Anglo-B War: A Collection of Contemporary documents Compiled by David Johnson: Jackdaw 68 140.00
Rights and Wrongs of the Transvaal War E T Cook 120.00
Jews in the Boer Armed Forces David Saks 180.00
But We Got the Gun Robin Smith 140.00
The Story of the Imperial Light Horse G F Gibson 275.00
The origins of the S A War Iain R Smith 195.00
My Reminiscences of the A-B War Gen. Ben Viljoen 400.00
One Flag, One Queen, One Tongue JOHN Crawford & Ian McGibson 180.00
The Complete Victoria Cross Kevin Brazier 220.00
Painting the Map Red Carman Miller 200.00
What Happened to a VC Patricia D'Arcy 100.00
Writing a Wider War Cuthbertson, Grundlingh and Suthie 250.00
Managing the SA War Keith Surridge 500.00
Adrift on the Open Veld The Denys Reitz Trilogy 150.00
Commando: Denys Reitz 200.00
Boer War Memorabilia: The Collector's Guide 200.00
The SA War: The A-B War Peter Warwick 250.00
Drummer Hodge Van Wyk Smith 150.00
Kruger, Kommandos and Kak Chris Ash 220.00
Christiaan de Wet - Annale: Vols 1 -8 240.00
Victoria Crosses Heroes Michael Ashcroft 100.00
For Valour: The History of the Southern African VC Heroes Ian S Uys 180.00
The War Correspondents: The Boer War Raymons Sibbald 150.00
Halt! Action Front! With Col Long @ Collenso Darrell Hall 220.00
The Hall Handbook of the A-B War Darrell Hall 180.00
The Boer War Tabiatha jackson 110.00
The Boer War in Post Cards Ian McDonald 150.00
The Boer War Generals Peter Trew 140.00
Paper Currency in the A-B War John Inenson 100.00
Thank God We Kept the Flag Flying Kenneth Griffith 150.00
The Innniskilling Diaries: 1899-1903 Martin Cassidy 350.00
The Colonials of Talana Pat Rundgren 400.00
Guide to the Boer War in the Eastern Transvaal: In English and Afrikaans Gert & Erika van der Westhuizen 400.00
The South-African War Bill Nasson 160.00
The National Army Museum Book of the Boer War Field Marshall Lord Carver 120.00
The War Memoirs of Commandant Ludwig Krause: 1899 - 1900 190.00
Days of Horror: During the Siege of Mafeking Carl Meyer 280.00
The Five Swimmers: Escape of Boer War Prisoners from Ceylon CJ Barnard 120.00
With the Inniskilling Dragoons J Watkins Yardley 280.00
The War Diary: Burgher Jack Lane: 1899 -1900 150.00
Black people in the SA War Peter Warwick 280.00
Anecdotes of the A-B War Milne 120.00
Stormberg Johannes Meintjies 300.00
Sword in the Sand Johannes Meintjies 350.00
Preller Kaptein Hindon 550.00
Scapegoats of the Empire: Lieut George Witton 170.00
From the Front. AB (Banjo) Patterson Robin Droogleever 150.00
Rights and Wrongs of the Tvl War: ET Cook 210.00
Shall I Slay my Brother Broer William T Stead 100.00
The Milner Papers Vol 1 & 2 350.00
The War Services of Military Officers & CC Savannah & Co 180.00
Boer War Operations in SA SLH Slocum & Carl Reichmann Scripta Africana 550.00
With the Boer Forces HC Hillegas Scripta Africana 450.00
The Rebel Record: SA War : Cape Commando Series A-H; H-S; S-Z Taffy & David Shearing 300.00
The Boer War Eversly Belfield 150.00
Fight to the Bitter End Ian Uys 220.00
Op Kommando onder Kommandant Buys JG van Den Heever 120.00
The Siege of O'Okiep Peter Burke 480.00
The Men Who Would Not March David Thomas 200.00
Small Arms of the A_B War Ron Bester 400.00
Yeomen of the Karroo: Story of the Imperial Yeomanry Hospital Rose Wallis, Arnold van Dyk 140.00
From Dolly Gray to Sarie Marais Michael Rice 250.00
The Rand at War Diana Cammack 200.00
Bombardment of ladysmith Anticipated Alan Chalmers 125.00
Angels of Mercy Chris Schoeman 180.00
The Boer Whore Nico Moolman 120.00
Healer, Helpers and Hospitals Vol 1 & 2 600.00
Guerrillastryd Tian Schutte 300.00
Monuments & Battlefields of the Tvl War 1881 &SA War JL Smail 250.00
The Work of War Artists in SA: Pub 1900 ACR Carter 400.00
Artists & Illustrators of the A-B War Reyno Greenwall 450.00
Through Desert, Veld and Mud HR Paterson & M Levin 250.00
The War At Home Bill Nasson & A Grundlingh 250.00
S African War Books: An Illustrated Biography RG Hackett 250.00
With The Flag to Pretoria: 1899- 199 Vol 1 & 2 HW Wilson 600.00
With The Flag to Pretoria: After pretoria: The Guerilla War; Vol iii & iv 600.00
Boer War Tribute Medals MG Hibbarad 420.00
Black and White Budget Vols: I - III 900.00
The battlefields of Natal re-Visited John Singleton 450.00
Breaker Morant and the Bushveldt Carbineers Arthur Davey 400.00
Ladysmith Walk About Drive About 20.00
Diary of the Siege of Ladysmith No 6 50.00
So wat et die Brite by die Oranjerivier gedoen? R Wild & C Kruger 50.00
Die slag van Bothas Pas 8 Junie 1900 P Coetzer 50.00
Vanaf Val tot by Villiers Ludwig Ankiewiez 60.00
Die Boonste Rooienkoppen Ludwig Ankiewiez 60.00
Van Suikerbosrante tot by die Vaal rivier Ludwig Ankiewiez 60.00
Die kronkelroete tussen die N3 en Vaaldam Ludwig Ankiewiez 60.00
Boer war Hamlyn David Smurthwaite 150.00
Silence of the guns Louis Changuion 400.00
Boer Wars(2) 1898-1902 Ian Knight Gerry Embleton 130.00
The incredible Saga of the Boks burg commando Geoge Mills 120.00
Brothers in Arms Chris Schoeman 140.00
The Lady who fought Sarah Raal 140.00
Absent Minded Beggars Bennett 150.00
The Great Escape of the Scarlet Pimpernel Christiaan de Wet Frans Johan Pretorius 150.00
Generaal de Wet in die Vredefortkoepel V E d'Assenville 150.00
Mounted Infantry at war Stratford St Leger 160.00
To the bitter end Emanoel Lee 140.00
Shoot straight you bastards. The truth behgind the killing of Breaker Morant Nick Bleszynski 160.00
Canadian Mounted Rifleman at War. Reminiscences of A H Hilder A G Morris 190.00
Field Gun Jack versus the Boers Royal Navy in SA 1899-1900 Tony Brigland 120.00
Three Years War Gen de Wet 230.00
Johannes Strydsman: Legendary Boer Scout and Cape Rebel J W van der Walt 240.00
The Legend of Breaker Morant is dead and buried Charles Leach 200.00
Ladysmith Ruari Chisholm 300.00
Die verhaal van Johanna Brandt BEP du Toit 140.00
Rebelle van die Stormberge A V Oosthuizen 160.00
Africana Journal ABW Centenary Issue 60.00
Met Ryperd en Mauser Johannes Petrus Botha 100.00
Opsaal W H Ackermann 380.00
The Dukes History if the Guke of Edinburg's Rifles 1855-1956 Angus G McKenzie 200.00
Vuur Verhale van die Vryheidsoorlog 1899-1902 Lindeque de Beer 260.00
Vegter en Balling Chris Schoeman 160.00
One Flag, One Queen, One Tongue JOHN Crawford & Ian McGibson 170.00
The Great Boer War Byron Farwell 270.00
The Post Office Militant 1899-1902 A G M Batten 230.00
Khaki Cameos Pam McFadden 50.00
Reflections on a Boer Prisoner of War at Ceylon J N Brink 600.00
Breaker Morant Critical Monograph 150.00
Logan of Majtiesfontein 120.00
Concentration camps in SA Napier Davitt 800.00
Boer Boy Chris Schoeman 200.00
Boerejode David Saks 280.00
Kiplings South Africa Renee Durbach 200.00
Fire in the Sky Destruction of the Orange Free State 1899-1902 Own Coetzer 100.00
Heidelbergers of the Boer War Ian Uys 300.00
Methods of Barabrism S B Spies 350.00
Commandoes Courageous R W Schikkerling 150.00
Abraham Esau's War Bill Nasson 180.00
1899 The Long March Home Elsabe Brink 130.00
The Russians and the Boer War Davidson Irina Filatova 250.00
Boereoorlogstories 34 Jeanette Ferreira 150.00
Boereveraaier Albert Blake 220.00
Boerekryger Albert Blake 220.00
Die Kappiekommando Johanna Brandt 350.00
Boeretwis Albert Blake 220.00
n Oorlog om by stil te staan Tydskrif van Wetenskappe No 3 & 4 Sept \Dec 1999 100.00

BIOGRAPHICAL
Douglas Haig: Diaries & Letters 1861-1914 Douglas Scott 120.00
The Good Soldier: Biography of Douglas Haig Gary Mead 290.00
Churchill's SA: Travels during the A-B War Chris Schoeman 180.00
Martin leake: Double VC Ann Clayton 300.00
Smith-Dorrien Isandlwana to the Great War Horace Smith-Dorrien 150.00
Melton Prior Jane Carruthers 600.00
Boer war Tribute Medals M G Hibbard 380.00
Baden Powell Tim Jeal 120.00
A Soldiers Life Gen Sir Ian Hamilton John Lee 155.00

RHODESIANA
The 96 Rebellion: The British SA Co. Reports: Vol 2 Rhodesiana Reprint Series 250.00
Nada: Vol X The Rhodesioan Ministry and Internal Affairs 30.00
Nada: VolX1: The Matabele Journals of Roberet Moffat 30.00
Nada: Vol 1X 30.00
Stories of the Rhodesian Police Outpost: 200.00
The Guardians Joy Maclean 300.00

PHILATELY
* The Censor Seals of the Anglo-Boer War Published by A-B War Philatelic Society
*Ceylon: Their Postal History Richard Stroud 150.00
*The A-B War Philatelic Society: Pts A & B
*St Helena: The Philately in the Camps for the Boer POW's BJ Mabbet 260.00
A history of the British Army Postal service 1882-1902 Edward B Proud 280.00

GENERAL
The Frontier War Journal of Maj John Crealock 1878 280.00
1922 : The Revolt on the Rand Norman Herd 350.00
Memories of a Game Ranger: Harry Wolhuter 300.00
The First S African: Life and Times of Sir Percy Fitz Patrick AP Cartwright 150.00
Interfering in Politics: A Biography of Sir Percy Fitz Patrick Andrew Duminy and Bill Guest 260.00
The Scramble For Africa Thomas Pakenham 180.00
The Confidence of the Whole Country Economic Conditions in S-Africa 1865-1902 200.00
An Uneasy Anger: De La Rey and the Foster Gang Michael Brien 140.00
The Rand Revolt Jeremy Krikler 200.00
The Lion and the Springbok R Hyam & P Henshaw 400.00
The Heretic: Life of John William Colenso Jeff Guy 300.00
The Cradle Days of Natal 1497- 1845 Graham Mackurtan 450.00
Gold and workers Luli Callincos 260.00

ANGLO ZULU WAR
Zulu Ian Knight 250.00
Field Guide to the War in Zululand Laband & Thompson 180.00
The Zulus Elite Series 21 100.00
Rorke's Drift 1879 Campaign Series 41 120.00
Zulu War 1879 Campaign Series 14 120.00
Rorke's Drift James W Bancroft 150.00
The Anglo-Zulu War: The War Correspondents Prof Laband & Ian Knight 160.00
Discovering the Battlefields of the Anglo-Zulu War Ken Gillings 300.00
The Zulu War: Then & Now Brereton 280.00
Guidebook to the Anglo-Zulu War Battlefields David Rattray 200.00
Sister Janet Brian Best & Katie Stossel 190.00
Major CG Dennison: Zulu Frontiersman R Lock & P Quantrill 250.00
The Road to Isandlwana Philip Gon 190.00
The washing of the Spears Donald R Morris 15.00
Blood on the Painted Mountain: Hlobane and Kambula 1879 Ron Locke 200.00
Zulu Victory R Lock & P Quantrill 280.00
Dead Was Everything Keith Smith 300.00
20 Significant Battles of Kwa-Zulu-Natal Ken Gillings 160.00
Military History Jouranl:Zulu War Centenary Issue jan 1979 120.00
The Road to Infany Owen Coetzer 280.00
Send Carrington Philip Gon 150.00

WW1
Delville Wood Ian Uys 280.00
Gentlemen we will stand and fight Le Cateau 1914 Antony Bird 280.00
Category: Miscellany
23 Feb 2024 19:39
  • Rory
  • Rory's Avatar
Robert Rogers

Prisoner of War – Nicholson’s Nek – 30 October 1899
Wounded in Action – Gun Shot Wound, Right Elbow - WWI


Private, Royal Irish Fusiliers


- Queens South Africa Medal (C.C./TALANA/O.F.S./TVL) to 5504 PTE R. ROGERS. RL. IRISH FUS:

Robert Rogers was born in the Parish of St. Thomas in Dublin, Ireland in 1873. The first time his name was brought to the attention of the reading public was in a report in The Freeman’s Journal, dated 13 April 1891, where he was a witness in “The Brutal Assault on a Policeman”: -

“Three men named Christopher Dwyer, John Byrne and Jas Whelan were charged with having at Elliot Place on the 3rd April assaulted Constable McIvor (57C). It appeared according to the evidence of a Constable that the prisoner Dwyer was guilty of disorderly conduct and he arrested him. Dwyer resisted arrest struck at the Constable, knocked him down, and while on the ground Byrne struck him and knocked off his helmet, and Whelan kicked him on the head, on the hand, and on the body.

Constable McIvor was taken to hospital, and he was still under treatment for the injuries received. A young man named Robert Rogers gave evidence that he saw Whelan and Byrne kick the Constable while he was on the ground. He ran and brought Constable 123C to the assistance of his comrade. He had been a van driver for the Aerated Bread Company.

Mr Keogh, for the defence – and they aerated you?

Mr Dodd – no they aerated themselves (laughter)

The Witness (Rogers) – They were compulsorily wound up and I was wound up too(laughter)

Dwyer, Byrne and Whelan were sent down for varying periods of time.”

Rogers would have his own day in court – on this occasion as the accused – when he was sentenced to 6 weeks Hard Labour in the Kilmainham Gaol for, “Larceny, a pair of boots value 4/-.” on 25 November 1892.

Not very long afterwards, on 20 January 1893, he attested for Militia service at Dublin with the 5th Battalion, Royal Dublin Fusiliers. Confirming his age as 20 years 5 months he was living at 21 James Street in the city. He was single and a Van Driver by occupation in the employ a Mr Hicks. He had already spent time behind bars himself for assault (separate to the Larceny conviction). Physically he was 5 feet 5 inches in height and had a fair complexion, blue eyes and red hair. A member of the Church of Ireland, he had no distinguishing marks about his person.

Assigned no. 2802 and the rank of Private he set about the drill and camp routine required of him from 30 January 1893. Possibly because of his work and where it took him, Rogers often appeared to be in the “right place at the right time” – the Evening Herald of Friday, 29 March 1895 reporting under the banner, “The Charge Against 150C – The Recorder and The Police”, quoted him as a witness in yet another court case, on this occasion where a policeman was on trial. Briefly, a Metropolitan police constable, Nathaniel Thackaberry had been charged with assaulting three Jewish gentlemen, Berman, Weinrock and Weiner, in the charge office of the police station.

“Robert Rogers stated that he was a Van Driver in the employ of Mr Hicks of Fairview. He saw Thackaberry and Berman in Gloucester Street. There was a crowd around them, and a stone was thrown which struck Berman on the left side of the head, causing it to bleed. Berman threw himself down and resisted arrest. The constable got Berman up who tried to strike him in the face. The constable then struck Berman a blow on the head with a stick. Afterwards when in Store street station witness saw Weiner try to prevent Thackaberry putting Weinrock in a cell by catching him on the arm.

Cross-examined, the Witness (Rogers) stated: “I am in the Militia. I was examined for Constable 57C in a case. He had three persons charged for assaulting him.”

The Recorder – “Do you think that it is a right thing that a constable, after a man is knocked down by a stone and is still bleeding, should strike him over the head? If he were an Irishman and not a Jew, do you think that would be right?”

The Witness – “I think it would.”

The Recorder – “Even if you yourself was the victim?”

The Witness – “Perhaps it might be in that case (laughter)

A Juror (to Rogers) – “What made you take such an interest in the case that you followed the man to the police station first, then to the hospital, and afterwards to Store Street Station?”

Rogers – “I was going along to see that the constable was not interfered with.”

The Recorder – “This is the new function of the Dublin Militia (laughter). When the Dublin police are unable to protect themselves they come to their assistance (laughter).”

Later that year, on 12 December 1895, Rogers attested for Short Service (5 Years with the Colours and 7 Years with the Reserve). Now 22 years old he was still living in the family home and employed as a Van Driver. Having been found fit by the Doctor he was assigned no. 5504 and the rank of Private with the Royal Irish Fusiliers. Initially posted to the Depot, he was transferred to the 2nd Battalion on 1 February 1896. After almost a year at home the battalion was sent to Egypt on 26 October 1898. After eleven months there they were posted to South Africa in anticipation of the outbreak of war between the two Boer Republics of the Transvaal and Orange Free State and Great Britain.

Sailing from Alexandria, Egypt, on 24th September 1899, they arrived at Durban on 12th October from where they were at once taken up country, unfortunately without their baggage and much of their equipment, which was to follow, but never reached, the battalion.

On 13th October the 1st battalion arrived at Ladysmith, where they took outpost duty the same evening. On the 15th October at 11.20 pm they entrained for Dundee, taking supplies for the force at Dundee, and 400 rounds per rifle. On the evening of the 19th news came that the railway had been cut. On the 20th the infantry paraded at 5 am and were dismissed at 5.20 am, but were standing about when a gun was heard and a shell fell between the town and the camp.

The battle of Talana had begun!



Map of operations on Talana

Orders came to the battalion that Talana Hill was to be attacked, one company of the Fusiliers to be left in camp. The 1st Battalion Leicester Regiment was also left in or near the camp. The 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers were to direct in the centre, the 1st King's Royal Rifles on the left, and the 2nd Dublin Fusiliers on the right. When the battalions advanced the King's Royal Rifles seem to have inclined to the centre, and the 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers accordingly, to clear them, inclined to the left. All the battalions did a bit of racing. Before the wood at Smith's farm was reached orders came that the attack on Talana Hill was to be by the Dublin Fusiliers first line, King's Royal Rifles second line, Royal Irish Fusiliers in reserve. The maxims of the three battalions took up a position near the north-west corner of the wood at Smith's farm, and did excellent service. The wood was 1200 yards from Sand Spruit,—a watercourse between the town and the hill,—where the battalion had halted for a time. The ground between the spruit and the wood was open and devoid of cover. The leading battalions got into the wood and halted there. The wood was, roughly, 500 yards square, but parts of it were sparse. The two leading battalions advanced from the wood, some up either side of a 3-foot wall running perpendicularly up the hillside. They reached another wall running across the hill at right angles, but could not get farther. The Royal Irish Fusiliers were ordered to reinforce at the cross wall, and did so; then all three battalions jumped the wall and climbed the last and steepest part of the hill. Just below the crest the leading men had to halt and lie down, but were able to hold their own, when, to the horror of all, the British artillery burst shrapnel among them, and drove the whole down again to the wall. Colonel Yule seems to have hesitated about another assault, but risked it. The wall was jumped again, many of the Royal Irish Fusiliers being in the front line, and when the top was reached a second time the Boers had almost all fled, and the day was won, but at heavy cost.


Storming Talana Hill

The battalion went into action 640 strong. They lost Captain Connor and Lieutenant Hill and 15 men killed, and 5 officers and 37 men wounded. The newspapers spoke of 4000 British infantry being in the attacking force, but as the Leicestershire Regiment was left in camp, and none of the other battalions were stronger than the Royal Irish Fusiliers, 1900 was about the number of infantry engaged. It was said the Boers numbered about 4000 with four guns.

At 9.30 pm on the 22nd the retreat from Dundee commenced, and the Royal Irish Fusiliers had reason to feel the hardships of that awful march more than any of the other battalions, as they had no transport, and had to carry all ammunition, coats, etc. They had no kettles, and had to borrow these from the other troops at a halt. At 2 pm on the 26th they reached their camping-ground at Ladysmith physically done up. The last twenty-five miles had been done under fearful conditions; rain had fallen very heavily, and the road, so called, was a sea of mud, often knee-deep.

On the 29th the battalion was ordered to provide six companies as part of a column under Lieutenant Colonel Carleton, consisting of these companies, about six companies of the 1st Gloucestershire Regiment, and the 10th Mountain Battery; the force to take 300 rounds per rifle, two days' cooked rations, no water; no wheeled vehicles to be allowed. At 11.15 pm the column marched out towards Nicholson's Nek, which it was intended they should hold. The Irish Fusiliers led, followed by 45 mules with ammunition, etc, then the mountain battery with 135 mules, then 59 animals belonging to the Gloucesters, who brought up the rear.

"When the head of the column was two-thirds up the hill called Cainguba the battalion mules took fright, bolted down on the battery and the Gloucester mules, and the whole 240 animals swept through or over the Gloucester detachment. The Fusiliers pressed on and occupied Cainguba; 11 mules were recovered". At dawn the Fusiliers were moved back a little to a hill called Hogsback Hill. The Gloucesters now came up, and they occupied the left front somewhat in advance of the Fusiliers. The latter were placed along the right front, the right, and the right rear. There were no intrenching tools, and the men had to do what they could to make sangars with the very few loose stones available.

At daylight the Boers opened fire from Surprise Hill, 800 yards to the left front. At 7 am Boers were seen advancing from other hills on the right and right rear. At 8 am a company of Gloucesters was advanced 600 yards from the Hogsback to command the valley between it and Surprise Hill. At 9.30 am it was noticed that the main action was not progressing well; Sir George White's right column was seen to be losing ground, and the centre column could be seen to be stationary. At this time Boers came riding over from Pepworth Hill in large numbers. To meet these developments, pointing to an attack from the north, the position of some companies of the Fusiliers was changed. About 11 am Boers were seen to be occupying a knoll 1000 yards to the front. The advanced company of the Gloucesters was reinforced by a half company, but the whole of that advanced party were driven back, losing heavily. At 11.45 am many Boers appeared on the right front, and "a part of E company of the Fusiliers retired without orders from the lower ground on the front of the right of Hogsback".



Map of operations at Nicholson’s Nek

This party fell in with others on the right and rear faces, and lay down in the firing line. About 11.45 am Captain Silver of the Fusiliers bravely took a half of his company under a very heavy fire to the left brow to replace a company of the Gloucester Regiment. The officer commanding G company of the Fusiliers unfortunately took this movement to be a retirement, and moved back three of his sections. In going back to his other half-company Captain Silver was severely wounded. At noon the officers could see a heliograph on Limit Hill signalling "Retire on Ladysmith as opportunity offers". To attempt that was out of the question.

The attack had slackened a little, and to economise ammunition and to induce the Boers to come to closer quarters, the Fusiliers were told to fix bayonets and somewhat save their fire. "Presently the 'cease fire' was sounded on the left front, but no attention was paid to it, as it was thought to be a ruse by the enemy". Some little time afterwards the Boers were seen to be disarming the Gloucester detachments on the left, and the officers of the Fusiliers now received orders to the effect that the whole force was to surrender. "The whole affair was sprung on us as a complete surprise, and the Fusiliers had so little idea of surrendering that it was some time before the men could be got to cease fire". The casualties of the Fusiliers were 10 men killed, and 3 officers and 54 men wounded.

The Gloucestershire companies lost three times the above number killed, and probably they had the most indefensible position to hold. The white flag was raised by a wounded officer of that regiment who had found himself almost alone in an advanced sangar on the left front. The officer stated "he made this surrender solely with reference to his own small party", but the Boers walked into the position with rifles at the trail, and Colonel Carleton felt himself bound by the white flag.

Rogers was one of those who now found himself to be a Prisoner of War. Initially housed at Waterval on the outskirts of Pretoria. When the Boers evacuated Pretoria they managed to carry off some 900 of their prisoners with them. Rogers was one of these who were taken to Nooitgedacht, in the Eland's Valley, where in the summer months malarial fever was especially prevalent. Life was, however, not all that trying as the following extract from a letter to his mother, by Norman Holden, Irish Yeomanry, written at Nooitgedacht Camp, on July 12th 1900, amply illustrates: -

"We are here in a little valley amongst high hills, and our settlement is surrounded by barbed wire. We are divided up into "messes" of different sizes, mostly formed of fellows who were together most in the campaign, though that was short enough. Our mess is eleven strong, two of whom are colonial scouts, and they do most of the cooking; for the rations are served out uncooked, and you have got to get them cooked some way yourselves. Don't imagine that we are in our mess at any rate, are starving. I will give you to-day's menu so far: - Breakfast: porridge, kippered herrings (tinned), scones, butter and coffee. Lunch: kedgeree, scones, butter and tea. Dinner: that has not come off yet. We do not indulge in afternoon teas."

The Haslingden Guardian, 25.8.1900



Nooitgedacht POW camp

Most prisoners housed at Waterval were liberated soon after Lord Robert’s entered Pretoria. Those at Nooitgedacht had to bide their time a while longer. The Irish Times gave a breakdown of the men of the RIF who were released in September 1900:

A Company 75 men
B Company 78 men
C Company 35 men
D Company 23 men
E Company 74 men
F Company 69 men
G Company 59 men
H Company 62 men

On 21 October 1900 Rogers was invalided home to England, possibly as a result of his ordeal as a Prisoner of War. He returned to South Africa on 16 December 1901 but not before he had blotted his copybook in England. On 7 June 1901 he was sentenced to 14 days Imprisonment with Hard Labour for being absent without leave from 20 May until 7 June 1901. He was released from prison to resume duty on 20 June. He followed this up by being sentenced, on 7 August 1901, to 21 days Imprisonment with Hard Labour, forfeiting 31 days pay in the process, for being absent without leave from 29 June 1901 until 30 July 1901. He was guilty of a third count of AWOL, absenting himself on 13 November until rejoining on the 19th of that month at which time he was transferred to the 2nd Battalion where, as the war drew to a close from January 1902 onwards, they escorted convoys to Bethel and Ermelo, and then sat down in the Ermelo-Carolina blockhouse line until the proclamation of peace on 31 May 1902.

Rogers was one of the very few who were awarded a single-bar (South Africa 1902) to his Kings South Africa Medal – this was as a result of not having been in any theatre of war in 1901.

On 17 October 1902 he returned to the United Kingdom where, on 21 December he was transferred to the Reserve.

Out of uniform Rogers married at some point in time. He returned to live in Dublin and wasn’t far from the action as it were. The Dublin Evening Telegraph of 20 August 1906 carried the sad news of a case in which he, once more, was called to the stand as a witness. William Jennings, an army pensioner, stood accused of murdering his wife after kicking her in the stomach for not having his dinner ready: -

“A terrible tragedy occurred in No. 17 Glorney’s Buildings, of Lower Gloucester Street, on Saturday night. The top front room of the house was occupied by William Jennings, 39, his wife Mary 31, and their four children. About 5 minutes past three yesterday morning, Robert Rogers, who resides in 13 Glorney’s Buildings, reported to the Sergeant on duty at Summerhill Police Station that “something wrong” had happened in the Jennings’ apartment.”



Lower Gloucester Street, Dublin

The Daily Express of July 23, 1908 carried a story which was rather closer to home for Rogers and one which covered a distressing situation. Under “Inquests at the Morgue” the article read: -

“The second case was concerned with the death of an infant named Mary Rogers at Glorney’s Buildings. Robert Rogers, 18 Glorney’s Buildings, father of the child, stated that, with his wife, the deceased, and two other children, he went to bed last night at 10.30.

The Coroner – Five of you in one bed?

The Witness – Yes.

The Witness, continuing, said that early in the morning his wife found the child dead.

The Coroner – Five people are too many in one bed. The Doctor’s evidence will show that the child was smothered. I must say that people who do this kind of thing take a great risk. Dr Maughan, who made the post-mortem examination, stated that death was due to Asphyxia, the result of having been overlain.

The Coroner then called Mrs Rogers and told her that there were too many of them in the bed and advised her to be more careful in the future. A verdict of accidental death was returned.”

Rogers and his wife weathered this particular storm although it is not known if they were able to improve their living conditions.

World War I broke out on 4 August 1914 and, within a matter of days, Rogers had completed attestation papers for 4 Years Service (Special Reservists) with the Army Reserve. Now 40 years and 270 days old he was still a Van Driver by occupation. He confirmed his prior service with the Royal Irish Fusiliers which had terminated on 11 December 1911. Assigned to the 4th Royal Dublin Fusiliers with no. 9355 and the rank of Private, it wasn’t long before he was up to his old tricks – being charged with Desertion on 24 January 1915. He was taken into civil custody on 13 February 1915 and awarded 30 days detention on 24 February. Thereafter he was posted to the British Expeditionary Force in France on 2 May 1915.

Having returned to the United Kingdom he was charged with “When on active service, deserting His Majesty’s Service in that he, at Mullingar, on 7 August 1916, absented himself without leave from the 4th Royal Dublin Fusiliers, till surrendering himself at the Garrison Office, Dublin, on 26 September 1916.”

At some point he was transferred to the 2nd Battalion, Royal Irish Regiment with whom he sustained a Gun Shot Wound to the right elbow. This was to garner him a 40% disability pension. He then moved on to the Labour Corps before being discharged on 12 April 1919. He earned the normal trio of medals for his service.

But tragedy continued to dog Rogers and may have accounted, at least partially, for his penchant for desertion. On 12 December 1917 his 7 month old daughter, Elizbeth, died from Debility (she was one of a pair of twins). This was followed by the death of his son, Thomas, on 19 May 1918. Also aged 7 months, he had passed away from Chronic Bronchitis.

It is not known when this interesting man passed away – suffice it to say, he had, like many, endured much hardship in his life.






Category: Medals and awards
06 Feb 2024 08:44
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Picture courtesy of Noonan's

QSA (6) Talana, Defence of Ladysmith, Orange Free State, Transvaal, Laing’s Nek, South Africa 1901 (92848 Bomb: Cr:-Mr: W. Shields 69th Bty: R.F.A.);
Army LS&GC Ed VII (92848 Sd. Q.M. Sjt: W. Shields. R.F.A.)

Clasps confirmed on WO100/142p211 and WO100/142p220.
Category: Medals and awards
03 Feb 2024 14:26
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Picture courtesy of C&T Auctions

QSA (2) Talana, Defence of Ladysmith (4468 PTE G CUNNINGTON 1: LEIC R.)

Georg [sic] Cunnington, a Farm Labourer from Kings Cliffe, Stamford, Lincolnshire, attested for service in the Leicestershire Regiment at Leicester on 27th September 1895. He spent 7 years with the colours and 5 years in the Army Reserve, promoted Corporal on 3rd March 1902 he was discharged on 26th September 1911. He served in South Africa from 24th September 1897 until 16th December 1900.

He was invalided.
Category: Medals and awards
03 Feb 2024 13:56
  • djb
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Picture courtesy of Noonan's

QSA (5) Talana, Defence of Ladysmith, Orange Free State, Transvaal, Laing’s Nek (16126 Gnr: T. Frost, 69: B. R.F.A.)

Gunner Frost died of disease at Vryheid on 27 September 1900.
Category: Medals and awards
31 Jan 2024 06:45
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Making a stark comparison with the price of the similar QSA offered by the LMC, the QSA to Private Malone sold for a hammer price of GBP 380. Totals: GBP 471. R 10,890. AUD 880. NZD 950. CAD 780. USD 580. EUR 530
Category: Medals and awards
28 Jan 2024 18:01
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Picture courtesy of Spink

QSA (4) Talana, Defence of Ladysmith, Orange Free State, Transvaal (3866 Pte M. Malone, Rl. Irish Fus:), pawnbroker's mark to obverse;
[ KSA (2) ]

Michael Malone was born at Kilmanon, Armagh, Ireland in 1874 and worked as a Tin Smith prior to enlisting on 30 April 1891 when he was still only 17. Upon achieving his majority he was posted to the 2nd Battalion where he served until being transferred to 1st Battalion in the East Indies on 3 September 1894. He remained there until 1897 when the Battalion moved to Egypt where they remained until 1899.

At this stage tensions between the British and the Boer Republics led to a build up in Imperial troops in Natal. The Royal Irish Fusiliers found themselves joining this force in September 1899, being stationed with General Penn Symons Army at Talana.

They were present for the Battle fought there on 20 October 1899 forming the centre of the British line as it advanced up the hill. Despite heavy fire and being targeted by their own artillery they managed to force the Boers from the hill. After the pyrrhic victory the British withdrew, the bulk of the Royal Irish Fusiliers moved south of Ladysmith and only two companies remained with the Garrison.

Malone was with one of these companies which garrisoned 'Red Hill' and 'Range Post' during the Siege. Upon relief they joined the British columns hunting the Boer Commandos and garrisoning strategic areas. Returning to Britain on 17 October 1902 Malone served for another year before being discharged on 16 October 1903.

QSA Liverpool Medals, June 1983 £90
Category: Medals and awards
28 Jan 2024 17:28
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Picture courtesy of the London Medal Company

QSA (2) Talana, Defence of Ladysmith; (4100 PTE. M. REILLY. RL. IRISH. FUS.)

Michael Reilly was born in Clones, County Monaghan and attested at Caran on 23rd February 1892 and attested to the 2nd Battalion, Royal Irish Fusiliers, serving as a Private throughout his military career he would transfer to the 1st Battalion 20th February 1898 and would see service with them in South Africa during the Boer War where he would be present in action at the Battle of Talana on 20th October 1899, before being present during the Defence of Ladysmith between 3rd November 1899 and 28th February 1900.

He would return to the UK on 30th December 1900 and would be posted to the Provisional Battalion. On 17th October 1902 he would be posted back to the 1st Battalion, Royal Irish Fusiliers before being discharged on the termination of his first period of engagement on 22nd February 1904.

£650. DNW December 2003 £260. Dixon May 2004 £365.
Category: Medals and awards
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