. ;

41

THE FIRST AUSTRALIAN HORSE.* THE " First Australian Horse " should not be confounded with the " Australian Commonwealth Horse," which consisted of service battalions of Mounted Rifles, raised after the establishment of the Commonwealth, and despatched successively different States. First to the seat of war ; the squadrons being from the The originally Australian Horse was Bush Cavalry upon the Volunteer system ; but raised chiefly subsequently converted to the partial-payment class ; and in 1895, by the exertions of Colonel J. H. K. Mackay, their first commanding officer, for service in the remote country districts of . The movement became very popular ; and several excellent squadrons were enrolled, of a superior class of men, who were admirably mounted. They wore a distinctive and somewhat remarkable uniform of dark green with black embroidery, of the hussar pattern with handsome belts and accoutrements, including sabretaches. For the irregular cavalry they attained a high standard of proficiency ; and when war broke out they were not behind their comrades of the other arms in seeking service, or obtaining honour.

The First Australian Horse despatched two Contingents ; the first of which departed on the 14th November, 1899, taking their own horses with them. It consisted of 2 officers and 32 sergeants and rank and file, with 36 horses. Of these, 1 died, 1 officer and 2 others returned to Australia, 28 were transferred to the second Contingent, and 1 officer and 1 trooper were commissioned in the Imperial Army.

The second Contingent or service squadron left on the 17th January, 1900. It comprised 5 officers and 102 others, with 28 that joined subsequently from the first Contingent, and 112 horses. One man joined in and one in officer and South Airica. Of these, 2 officers and 8 others were killed or died ; 1 in South 121 others returned to Australia ; 1 officer and 1 other quitted the corps in the Imperial Army. The Airica ; and 1 officer and 2 others were commissioned squadron arrived in Sydney on 2nd May, 1901.

References to Orders.

Formation .. .. G.O. (N.S.W.) 107/99 Pay „ „ 107/99,112/99 Embarkation .. .. „ „ 123/99,124/99 Officers .. .. Govt. Gazette 45 of 17.1.00

Detachment.

Formation G.O. (N.S.W.) 144/99 Conditions of enrolment „ 144/99 i/oo Establishment . „ Embarkation „ 8/00 Separation allowance „ 88/00

proficient For the detachment the conditions were :—Men to be good shots and in. in. chest good riders swordsmen, of superior physique, not under 5 ft. 6 or 34 ; and bushmen, accustomed to find their way about in strange country. Horses day. to be up to 16 or 17 stone, and fit to carry that weight day after " • Allied with " The King's Colonials Yeomanry. 42

Clothing, Etc. Uniform consisted of brown F.S. jacket and pants, with puttees and hat. Vide clothing issued to 1st M.R., pa^e 57. Arms and equipment : —M.E. carbines, swords, cartridge-belts with supporting braces. Fully horsed and provided with saddles. Also provided with Regimental transport.

Promotions, Etc. Lieutenant J. F. M. Wilkinson promoted Captain 1st January, 1901. Lieutenant W. V. Dowling promoted Captain 1st January, 1901. Lieutenant K. K. Mackellar was Commissioned in 6th D.G. Lieutenant J. B. N. Osborne was Commissioned in 16th Lancers 6th March, 1900. Sergeant G. A. Thomas was Commissioned in Imperial Service. Corporal J. H. M. Abbott was Commissioned in Imperial Service. Trooper H. J. Kirkpatrick was Commissioned in Imperial Service. For Promotions of N.C.O.'s and men vide Nominal Roll. War Services and Honours. Thompson, Captain R. R.—Operations in and Transvaal, February to November, 1900. Actions at Poplar Grove, Dreifontein, Karee Siding, and Belfast. Queen's Medal with four clasps. Wilkinson, Captain J. F. M.—Operations in Orange Free State and Transvaal, February to November, 1900. Actions at Poplar Grove, Dreifontein, Karee Siding, and Belfast. Queen's Medal with four clasps. Dowling, Captain W. V.—Relief of Kimberley. Operations in Orange Free State and Transvaal, January, 1900 to November, 1900. Actions at Reit River Klip Drift, Paardeberg, Poplar Grove, Dreifontein, Karee Siding, and Belfast Dangerously wounded at Slingersfontein. Queen's Medal with five clasps. Osborne, 2nd Lieutenant J. B. N.—Operations as above. Queen's Medal with five clasps. Vaughan, 2nd Lieutenant P. W.—Operations as above. Queen's Medal with five clasps. Mackellar, Lieutenant K. K. was killed at Deedepoort, 11th July, 1900; and Ebsworth, 2nd Lieutenant A., at Bronkhurst Spruit, 24th July, 1900. House, Lieutenant H. R., A.M.C., accompanied the service squadron

in the Surrey and served with it subsequently ; also with second and Commonwealth Contingents, Army Medical Corps (vide Army Medical Corps" record). Bowker, Lieutenant (Veterinary) H., proceeded to Cape Town in medical charge

of horses (Surrey) ; returned next steamer.

Record of Service.

The first Contingent of this regiment, comprising 2 officers and 32 non-com- missioned officers and men, with Lieutenant Willoughby Dowling in command, left Newcastle, New South Wales, in s.s. Langton Grange on 14th November, and arrived at Cape Town on 13th December, 1899.

On arrival they were attached to the serving in General French's cavalry division. Present at battle of Slingersfontein on 16th January,

in which they were sharply handled ; Lieutenant Dowling being severely wounded and captured, Sergeant-Major Griffin killed, and Corporal Kirkpatrick severely wounded, afterwards dying of his wounds. Sergeant-Major Griffin was the first Australian soldier who fell in the war. Present at various actions in Cape Colony during February. 43

Early in March the Service Squadron, which recently arrived from Australia, j oined.

The Service Squadron, 1st Australian Horse, embarked at Sydney, on transport Surrey, on 17th January, and arrived at Cape Town on 23rd February, 1900.

to Modder River, arriving there Ordered on 3rd March ; proceeded to Ossfontein and joined the Eoyal Scots Greys on 6th. Took part in the battle of Poplar Grove on the 7th March. Present at Dreifontein, 10th March, and occupation of Bloemfontein, 13th March. Formed portion of escort to Thaba 'Nchu under Major AUanby, Inniskilling Dragoons.

Present at Karee Siding, 29th March, under very heavy fire for some time. Present at Sannas Post and at affair at Evans' Farm.

Joined advance to Pretoria, 6th May. Took part in battle of Zand River, 10th May, when the squadron formed part of an attacking force ordered to take some kopjes which were found to be so strongly occupied that the attacking force, after suffering heavy loss, was compelled to retire. In this affair Lieutenant Wilkinson and two men were taken prisoners and two men were killed. Present at capture of Kroonstadt, 12th May. Continued with advance to Pretoria, taking part in various actions en route. Present at the surrender of Pretoria,

5th June ; release of prisoners at Waterval on 6th ; and battle of Diamond Hill on the 7th.

Lieutenant Wilkinson assumed command on 2nd July. On 8th, the squadron moved to Crocodile River and took part in a smart engagement at Zilicats Nek on the 11th inst. ; also in affair at Kameel Drift on 16th., and various minor affairs during the remainder of this month.

On 10th August, Lieutenant Vaughan was ordered into hospital at Pretoria, Lieutenant Wilkinson being the only officer left with the squadron.

Present at battle of Belfast on 27th ; the splendid scouting of the Australian Horse enabling General French to turn the Boer right flank, and compel them to retire.

The squadron was engaged almost daily during the month of September, including the occupation of Barberton. Took part in operations round Ermelo and Bethel, where some heavy fighting took place ; in fact, the squadron was engaged almost every day during October.

Returned to Pretoria for a much needed rest on 29th October, and remained until 12th December, on which date it was ordered to Machadodorp, joining some Queenslanders and South Australians, and employed patrolling railway line.

Ordered to Belfast on 10th February, where remounts were obtained ; and, on 14th, took part in sharp action near Belfast, the Australian Horse being complimented by General Kitchener on their gallant conduct.

On 25th February the squadron entrained at Middelbcrg for Pretoria, en route for Australia, and on 31st March embarked on e.a. Tongariro at Cape Town, and arrived at Sydney on 2nd May, 1901. .,..,.,

44

Engagements.

First Contingent.

13th January, 1900 . . Arundel and Colesberg Districts.

12th February, 1900 . • Reit River.

13th ,, ,, . Klip Drift, Modder River.

15th „ „ • Relief of Kimberley. 16th „ „ Dornfield.

18th „ ,, • Paardeberg.

Both Contingents.

8th March, 1900 . . Poplar Grove.

10th „ . . Abraham's Krall and Dreifontein

13th ,, ,, , Surrender of Bloemfontein. 29th „ The Glen or Brandfort.

olst ,, ,, . . . Koorn Spruit or Sannas Post.

10th May, 1900 •• . . Zand River (Ventersburg-road).

12th „ . . Kroonstadt, 26th „ Hartebeestfontein.

27th „ . . . Hartebeestfontein.

28th „ . . Oliphaut's Nek. 30th „ „ •• Doornkop.

2nd June, 1900 . . Johannesburg.

3rd „ „ . . Fall of Pretoria.

6th „ „ •• . . Waterval—Release of prisoners.

Hth „ . . Diamond Hill.

11th July, 1900 . . Zilicat's or Nitrel's Nek.

16th „ „ . . . Kameel Drift.

20th „ . Olifantsfontein.

23rd „ . . . Olifant's River.

24th „ . Kromdraai.

27th „ •• . . Near Middleberg.

31st ,, ,, Wbnderfontein.

24th August, 1900 . . . Geluk's Farm, near Belfast. 25th Geluk's Farm, near Belfast.

26th . Geluk's Farm, near Belfast.

27th. . . . Belfast.

29th . Helvetia.

31st . . . Waterval-Onder. 4th September, 190C Bonnefoot.

5th . . Carolina.

Extracts from Report op Captain R. R. Thompson.

At 2 a.m. on 8th March, the squadron marched with the 1st Brigade of the Cavalry Division and took part in the engagement at Poplar Grove. The first shot was fired by our artillery at 5.20 a.m., the Boers replying with shell and rifle fire.

In the afternoon Trooper Palmer was shot in the head (our first casualty).

This trooper behaved very pluckily when wounded ; he bandaged his own head and rejoined the ranks, until compelled to retire through loss of blood. He has since been in hospital, and is now invalided to England. No further casualties occurred amongst the men, but several horses were lost through exhaustion during the rapid advance. 0.4720. n . .

45

The advance was continued next day ; the squadron being detailed to furnish scouts, and when extended, covered in front and flanks about 5 miles of country. 10th March.—Battle of Dreifontein.—The squadron moved off with the Eoyal Scots Greys at daybreak, and occupied two kopjes in succession and used volley- firing at long ranges, which had the effect of stopping the independent firing and causing the Boers to open fire with artillery. In advancing across some open country, mounted, some Vickers-Maxim shells (pom-poms) dropped between the 2nd and 3rd troops. One horse was killed, and Trooper Owen Taylor wounded in the shoulder. Trooper Parry, whose horse was killed, had Ins leg broken.

This was a general engagement ; 380 casualties—about 200 killed. On Wednesday, 14th March, I heard certain British prisoners were in Bloem- fontein Free State Hospital, and visited it in the hope of finding some of the Aus- tralian Horse prisoners who had been captured at Rensburg. I found Lieutenant W. V. Dowling, who had been seriously wounded, now fairly convalescent. He had lost the sight of one eye, his right thumb, and had been wounded in the thigh, but was otherwise in good health. Although he desired to continue serving throughout the campaign, the Medical Board decided that he should return to Australia. The camp remained at " The Willows " until the 18th, when the brigade moved " " 4 miles further west to Wessels Farm ; still without tents.

Nominal Roll.

No. and Name. Remarks.

Thompson, Robert Roland Captain (Co Mackellar, Keith Kinnaird Lieutenant Killed, Deedeport, 11.7.00 Wilkinson, John Frederick Moore Dowling, Willoughby Vincent Dangerously wounded, Slingers- Osborne, James Bunbury Nott fontein

Ebsworth, Alfred 2nd Lieutenant . Killed, Bronkhurst Spruit, 24.7.00

Vaughan, Percy William > 9 Duncan, George Charles Regimental Sergt.. Major Dowson, Lancelot Arthur Regimental Invalided, Australia, arr. 0.8.00 Q.M.S. 367. Griffen, George Allman Troop Sergt- Killed, Slingersfontein, 16.1.00 Major Arnold, Herbert Squad. Sergt. Major 245. Barnes, Sydney Charles Sergeant Promoted S. Sergt.-Major, 17.2.00 582. Hargrave, Charles Promoted Sq. Q.M.S., 6.2.00 38. Doyle, Herbert Frederick Invalided, Australia, arr. 21.10.00 393. Vaughan, David Douglas " 1055. Thomas, Gilbert Arding Vide " Promotions 1056. Saver, Francis Arthur. 1057. Williams, Alfred Transport-Sergt. 224. Hanson, George Farrier-Sergeant 1107. Gray, William 323. Wilson, Rufus Roland Corporal Promoted Sergeant, 17.2.00. In- 137. Mills, Herbert Alfred . valided, Australia, arr. 17.8.00 275. O'Brien, Harold Sergeant. 23.4.00; Sq. Q.M.S., 14.12.00 968. Peard, William Krncst Invalided, Australia, arr. 6.8.00 Promoted Sergeant, 1.12.01 623. Juleff. James Michael . . 1058. Woods, Harris Dunmorc Lang Promoted Sergeant, 6.2.00. In- valided, Australia, arr. 13.4.01 ... —

46

Nominal Roll continued.

No. and Nams. Remarks.

1059. Pulsford, Hubert Stanley Corporal Sergeant ; Invalided, Australia, arr. 21.10.00 1060. Ferguson, Alexander Robert Invalided, Australia, arr. 10.11.00 Leslie

504. Strike, Sydney John . Lance-Corporal Promoted Corporal, 17.2.00

737. Firm in, George James Corporal, 17.2.02 ; invalided, Aus- tralia, arr. 15.9.00 1061. Booth, David Henry Trayer Corpl. -Trumpeter Invalided, Australia., arr. 13.11.00 17. Dobson, Ernest Aubrey Trumpeter

893. Gilchrist, Charles Anthony » 9

1062. Hezlett, John Henry . Shoeing-smith 916. Armstrong, Alfred William Invalided, Australia, ;>rr. 17.8.00

892. Ford, Michael John . Wounded, Cole.sherg District. In- valided, Australia, arr. 17.8.00 931. Thrift, Arthur Edward Saddler 5. Barnes, Thomas W. Trooper Invalided, Australia, arr. 30.7.00 641. Boreland, William Invalided, Australia, arr. 9.12.00 748. Bossley, Charles Clifton 208. Bucholtz, James 1062. Abbott, John Henry Macartney. Corporal. Vide" Promotions." In- 1063. Alick, John valided, Australia, arr. 21.10.00 1064. Andrew, John Alexander Stewart Died, Cape Town, 5.3.00 947. Appleby, John Henry

984. Ball, Wallace Dalton . Invalided, Australia, arr. 17.8.00 1065. Bashford, Frederick Frank 1066. Bell, Walter Montgomery (or Invalided, Australia, arr. 19.11.00 Henry) 845. Bishop, Alexander

1067. Bisley, Leslie Stuart . 157. Black, William Henderson 747. Bonner, John Killed, Glen Siding, 28.3.00 912. Bonner, William Thomas

1068. Brosi, Henry Joseph . 1108. Brown, Peter 990. Bridges, Herbert Throsby 1069. Cameron, Donald

1070. Cameron, William Promoted L. Corpl. ; Corpl. 1.12.00 956. Cox, Reginald Bel more Died, Adelaide, 24.1.00 1070. Cooper, William Valentine 994. Crowley, James 391. Cummins, Michael Joseph Died, Bloemfontein, 27.6.00 996. dimming, Duncan Lance-Corporal. Invalided, Aus- 1071. Currie, William Joseph tralia, arr. 30.8.00 1072. D'Arcey, Arthur Ernest Wounded, Kroonstad 1073. Dolman, Frederick William Invalided, Australia, arr. 15.9.00

974. Dunn, Samuel John . 812. Eames, William Invalided, Australia, arr. 30.8.00

999. Ellis, William John . Invalided, Australia, arr. 17.8.00 301. Fogarty, Thomas Invalided, Australia, arr. 6.8.00 431. Fuller, Samuel Charles Corporal. Invalided, Australia, 181. Grenenger, Wengel orr. 17.8.00 1007. Gilchrist, Horace William Died, Bloemfontein, 13.3.00 1074. Gowland, Richard Henry Invalided, Australia, arr. 13.11.00 1075. Granville, Cecil Horace Invalided, Australia, arr. 17.8.00 334. Haydon, John William 585. Hill, Alexander Promoted Lance-Corpl., 17.2.00. Invalided, Australia, arr. 6.8.00 1009. Hall, Ebenezer Invalided, Australia, arr. 8.1.01 1011. Harnett, Harold Laurence 1013. Hartney, James Patrick

689. Harmer, John Alfred .

D 2 .. —

47

Nominal Roll continued.

No. and Name. Ee marks.

1012. Harris, Geoffrey Hamlyn Trooper 1076. Hockley, Charle3 Edward 1077. Hopkins, Reginald Arthur 1015. Huxley, Arthur Ernest Invalided, Australia, arr. 16.11.00 1109. Heaney, Alexander 1078. James, Walter Joseph Died, Bloemfontein, 4.5.00 81. Jones, James Allen Wounded, Colesberg District. In- valided, Australia, arr. 28.5.00 " 1079. Kirkpatrick, Hedley John Vide Promotions." Invalided, Australia, arr. 28.4.01 1017. Lmgsford, William Henry Invalided, Australia, arr. 30.8.00 191. Louis, Joseph 965. Walter Givenap Promoted L.-Corpl.; Corporal, 23.4.00 376. Luff, William Invalided, Australia, arr. 30.7.00 680. Lynn, Richard John 454. Martin, Herbert R. Severely wounded, Glen Siding. Invalided, Australia, arr. 6.8.00 894. Masters, Curtis Invalided, Australia, arr. 16.11.00 1080. Malartic, Armand Claude 1026. Marshall, James Bernard 1081. Mecham, John Walter Wounded at Zand River. In- valided, Australia, arr. 13.9.00 1027. Mecham, Maunsel Richard Wounded at Zand River. In- valided, Australia, arr. 17.8.00 1082. Meehan, William Patrick Died, Adelaide, 24.1.00 883. Mettam, Albert Abraham

1083. Moody, Edgar Lionel .

902. Macdonald, Richard . Invalided, Australia, arr. 22.3.01 1084. McJannett, William Vincent 1085. McMinn, David Invalided, Australia, arr. 6.8.00

686. Minch, Thomas John . 1025. McWilliams, Crawford

1109. Maher, James Peter . 538. North, George Campbell Wounded near Johannesburg 804. Overend, Thomas Edward 1086. Palmer, Lawrence Alfred Sevrely wounded, Poplar Grove. Invalided, Australia, arr. 24.11.00 901. Parry, Sidney Carew McDonald Wounded near Johannesburg. In- valided, Australia, arr. 28.5.00 1087. Peard, Richard Hawke

1088. Prior, Ernest Arthur .

837. Pole, Robert Chaffey . 891. Priddle, Norman Promoted L.-Corporal, 17.2.00. 809. Resch, Richard N. J. Invalided, Australia, arr. 1089. Renehan, William 30.7.00

1054. Roe, Richard James . 1090. See, Harry David 1097. Reiffert, Louis 518. Smith, Charles Frederick 1092. Spittle, Samuel 961. Spring, David Hugh .. Invalided, Australin, arr. 30.7.00

1094. Stackpoole, Guilford William Ja< Promoted Corporal, 6.2.00 ; Ser- 1095. Stafford, Samuel Thomas geant, 1.4.01

1 108. Stewart, John 1039. Sweotland, Benjamin David Invalided, Australia, arr. 13.9.00 1096. Taylor, Frederick John 811. Taylor, Owen Albert .. Wounded, Dreifontein, 10.3.00 1097. Thacker, William Herbert —

47a

Nominal Roll continued.

No. and Name. Remarks.

775. Thomas, Edward 1098. Ussher, Neville James 1044. Walker, Thorn is 1099. Wells, John 1100. Wessell, Theodore Yehlmes Severely wounded, Glen Siding. L.-Corporal. Invalided, Aus- tralia, arr. 12.11.00 1101. Williamson, Percy Gordon Invalided, Australia, arr. 17.8.00 1102. Wilson, Robert Frank Died, Bloemfontein, 1G.5.00 1103. Windsor, Frederick Harold 104U. Windsor, Eli Alexander Invalided, Australia, arr. 30.7.00 1104. Winter, Joseph James 1106. Yarrington, Selwyn Herbert Invalided, Australia, arr. 13.9.00