Anglo Boer War

Surname

Forename

Rank

Notes

Unit

Venning

G R T

Lieutenant

MID LG: 10 September 1901, page: 5932. Source: Field Marshal Roberts. 4 September 1901. Re: General mentions
This page contains all the London Gazette pages for the Boer War

Royal Artillery

Venning

Gordon Ralph

Second Lieutenant

VENNING, GORDON RALPH, Second Lieutenant, was born 3 June 1880, the eldest son of Alfred Reid Venning, of Straits Settlements, and 15 Springfield Place, Bath. He was gazetted to the Royal Artillery, as Second Lieutenant, 23 December 1898, and served in the South African War. He was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order 29 November 1900 [London Gazette, 27 September 1901]: "Gordon Ralph Venning, Second Lieutenant, Royal Horse and Royal Field Artillery. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". He was killed in action 7 March 1902, near Tweebosch, South Africa, on the occasion of Lord Methuen's capture by Delarey, aged 20. The rearguard of Methuen's force consisted of inexperienced irregular troopers, and these, when charged by a large body of Boers, took to flight. After this the handful of men who stood their ground were left in a hopeless position. The two guns of the 38th Battery were overwhelmed by the Boers, every man being killed or wounded, including Lieutenant Nesham, "who acted up to the highest traditions of his corps". The infantry, however, though few in number, were seasoned troops, and they fought for some hours against overwhelming odds. "Two hundred of the Northumberland Fusiliers" (wrote Sir A Conan Doyle) "lay round the wagons, and held the Boers off from their prey. With them were the two remaining guns, which were a mark for a thousand Boer riflemen. It was while encouraging by his presence and example the much-tried gunners of this section that the gallant Methuen was wounded by a bullet which broke the bone of his thigh. Lieutenant Venning and all the detachment fell with their General round the guns".
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book)

Royal Artillery

Venning

Gordon Ralph

Lieutenant

He was killed in action between Tweebosch and Pafmietkuil March 7th, 1902. He was the son of A R Venning, was born in June 1880, and educated at Bath College, where he is well remembered for his notable athletic record. He entered the Royal Artillery in December 1898, and was promoted Lieutenant February 1901. He was one of the youngest wearers of the decoration of the DSO. Lieutenant Venning accompanied his battery to South Africa in November 1899, and had served throughout the war. At Tweebosch he and all his men were either killed or wounded round their two guns. He was mentioned in despatches, LG, September 10th, 1901, and was awarded the DSO. He was also mentioned in the despatch of Lieutenant General Lord Methuen from Klerksdorp, March 13th, 1902, who called "attention to the gallant manner in which Lieutenant Venning stuck to his guns" at Tweebosch.
Source: Donner

4th Battery, RFA

Venning

H A

Source: QSA and KSA medal rolls

South African Constabulary

Venning

H C

Source: QSA and KSA rolls

DEOVR

Venning

36/422

Private