Officers who died in the Boer War 1899-1902

extracted from The "Last Post" being a roll of all officers (Naval, Military or Colonial) who gave their lives for Their Queen, King and Country, in the South African War, 1899-1902. by Mildred G. Dooner. J. B. Hayward & Son. 1980.

Queen's South Africa Medal (obv)

Clasps shown – Paardeberg, Driefontein, Relief of Kimberly

Barton. - Lieut.-Col. Crosbie-Barton, formerly of the Princess of Wales's Own Yorkshire Regt., and latterly of the 18th Batt. (Sharpshooters) I.Y., died March 25th, 1902, at the Lodge, Frampton-on-Severn, Gloucestershire. Lieut.-Col. Barton was the third son of the late S. W. Barton, Esq., of Rochestown, Cahir, co. Tipperary, and was born June, 1845. He entered the Army in 1863, was promoted lieut. 1868, capt. 1878, major 1881, being placed in the Reserve of Officers as hon. lieut.-col. Oct., 1886. In 1900-01, he served in South Africa as 2nd-in-command of the 18th Batt. I.Y., and was mentioned in despatches, London Gazette, Sept. 10th, 1900. Lieut.-Col. Barton's name is engraved on a Latten Brass placed in St. Paul's Cathedral in memory of all ranks belonging to the 18th, 21st and 23rd Batts. I.Y. who fell in the war.

Berney. - Capt. Thomas Hugh Berney, 2nd Batt. West Yorkshire Regt., was killed in action on Feb. 18th, 1900, at Monte Christo, during the advance to the relief of Ladysmith. He was the eldest son of Sir Henry H. Berney, of Barton Bendish, Norfolk, by his marriage with Jane Dorothy, daughter of the late Rev. Andrew Bloxam, rector of Harborough Magna, Rugby. Capt. Berney was born Oct., 1866, and educated at Hillside, Godalming, and the United Services College, Westward Ho, from 1880-85. He entered the West Yorkshire Regt. from the 3rd Batt. Royal Warwickshire Regt., in May, 1887, was promoted lieut. May, 1889, and capt. Sept. 1894. Capt. Berney served in the Ashanti Expedition of 1895-96, receiving the star awarded for that expedition. On Feb. 18th, 1900, he was the first man to reach the top at the storming of Monte Christo, where he was shot through the head. He was three times mentioned in despatches by Gen. SIr R. Buller, London Gazette, Feb. 8th, 1901, for his gallantry, as having led the assault on Monte Christo, and was "first man up." Capt. Berney left a widow and two sons. His name is inscribed on a tablet erected at the United Services College, Westward Ho, in memory of old pupils who fell in the war.

Berthon. - Lieut. Herbert Cecil Willoughby Berthon, of Cleeve Court, Somersetshire, 2nd Batt. Royal Highlanders (Black Watch), died on Dec. 15th, 1899, at Wynberg, Cape Colonly, of wounds received at Magersfontein. He was the son of the late Major-Gen. T.P. Berthon, of West Mount, Ryde, Isle of Wight, and was born June 10th, 1865. Lieut. Berthon served in the ranks nearly seven years and gained his commission as 2nd lieut. in the East Yorkshire Regt., Jan., 1894; promoted lieut. Oct., 1896, and transferred to the Royal Highlanders, Oct., 1897. He served with the Kimberley Relief Force under Lieut.-Gen. Lord Methuen previous to being wounded at Magersfontein.

Brass. - Capt. Ernest Henry Brass, East Yorkshire Regt., was drowned whilst attempting to swim the Wilge River, on Nov. 10th, 1901. He was the son of the Rev. H. Brass, formerly rector of St. Matthew's, Red Hill, was born in 1869, and educated at Uppingham, 1883-88, and Clare College, Cambridge (Johnson Exhibitioner). Capt. Brass entered the East Yorkshire Regt., in May, 1891, being promoted lieut. Oct., 1894, and capt. Oct., 1899. He was selected for special service in South Africa in Nov. 1899, and had acted for some time at the base at Cape Town as an Embarking Staff Officer, graded as D.A.A.G.

Brooke. - Lieut. Edward Vanreenen Ingham Brooke, 2nd Batt. Yorkshire Light Infantry, was killed in action near Brakenlaagte (20 miles north west of Bethel), Oct. 31st, 1901. He was the youngest son of Archdeacon Brooke, Vicar of Halifax, was born in Sept., 1877, and educated at Charterhouse and Magdalen College, Oxford, where he took his B.A. degree and honours in 1898. He entered the Yorkshire Light Infantry from the 3rd Batt. West Riding Regt., in May, 1899, being promoted lieut. Feb., 1900. Lieut. Brooke was a fine athlete, and the possessor of eleven silver cups, prizes for running and jumping. He was present at the battles of Belmont, Graspan, Modder River, and Magersfontein, and afterwards took part in the operations round Lindley and Bethlehem, being present at the surrender of Prinsloo. From Jan. to April, 1901, he served in the column under Maj.-Gen. Smith-Dorrien. When he fell he was with the 3rd Co. M.I., which suffered severely. The attack of the enemy was made in mist and heavy rain, and in overwhelming numbers by the Commandoes of Grobler, Oppermann, and Louis Botha. His name is inscribed on the tablet in the War Memorial Cloister erected at Charterhouse.

Cantor.- Lieut. Montagu Grant Cantor, 2nd Batt. Prince of Wales's Own (West Yorkshire Regt.), was killed Feb. 6th, 1901, at Bothwell, in the attack made by Botha on Major-Gen. Smith-Dorrien's force. Lieut. Cantor was born Sept., 1877, entered the West Yorkshire Regt. from the 4th Batt. Durham Light Infantry, in Jan., 1899, and was promoted lieut. the following Nov. He was mentioned in Gen. Lord Kitchener's despatch of July 28th, 1901, for having, during the attack on Bothwell, "headed a party sent to reinforce the trenches, and led most gallantly till killed."

Conway. - 2nd Lieut. Frank Conway, 2nd Batt. King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, died of enteric at Pretoria Jan. 23rd, 1901. He was the third son of Thomas Conway, Esq., Home View, Wimbledon, was born in 1870, and educated at Haileybury. This officer was formerly a corporal in the I.Y., and served in the war from early in 1900. He was specially recommended by F.-M. Earl Roberts for a commission, which was awarded him in Sept., 1900, in the Yorkshire Light Infantry. He then served with the second battalion and was present at the action of Nooitgedacht with Col. Clement's column.

Dorman. - Lieut. George Lockwood Dorman, 3rd Batt. the Princess of Wales's Own Yorkshire Regt. (5th West York Militia), died of enteric at Kroonstad March 30th, 1901. He was educated at Eton (Mr. Hare's), and entered his regiment Jan., 1900, being promoted lieut. the following Dec. His battalion proceeded to South Africa Feb., 1900, and Lieut. Dorman served with it in the Cape and Orange River Colonies.

Fisher.-Capt. Arthur Alexander Fisher (retired pay), late Prince of Wales's Own West Yorkshire Regt., died March 12th, 1902. He was the second son of Herbert W. Fisher, Esq., 19, Second Avenue, Hove; was born Aug., 1866, educated at Winchester, and entered the West Yorkshire Regt. Sept., 1887, was promoted lieut. 1889, capt. in 1895, and retired in Aug., 1901. Capt. Fisher served with the Dongola Expeditionary Force, under Lord (then Sir Herbert) Kitchener, 1896, receiving the Egyptian medal; also in Uganda 1898, receiving the medal with two clasps. From May, 1900, he served as a Special Service Officer with the Rhodesian Field Force in the South African Campaign, and was awarded the medal with two clasps.

Hanbury.-2nd Lieut. Edward Mansfield Hanbury, 2nd Batt. East Yorkshire Regt., was killed at Jagersfontein on Oct. 13th, 1900, while in command of the M.I. of the 3rd Batt. South Lancashire Regt. He was the son of the late Mr. Hanbury and Mrs. Hanbury, of Bishopstowe, Torquay, was born in August, 188o, and educated at Lambrook, Bracknell, and at Eton (Mr. Broadbent's). He entered the East Yorkshire Regt., in April, 1900, from the 3rd Batt. South Lancashire Regt. 2nd Lieut. Hanbury fell while on patrol duty; and Lieut.Gen. Sir T. Kelly-Kenny in announcing his death reported that Lieut. Hanbury was "a young officer of great promise." 2nd Lieut. Hanbury is buried in Trompsburg cemetery; a marble cross has been erected over his grave by his brother officers.

Hobbs.-Major Herbert Thomas de Carteret Hobbs, 1st Batt. West Yorkshire Regt., was killed at Honing Spruit, June 22nd, 1900, in the attack on the railway made by Gen. De Wet. He was the elder son of the late Col. T. F. Hobbs, 6th Regt., of Barnaboy, Frankford, Kings County. His Grandfather, Capt. Thomas Hobbs, when a lieut. in the 92nd Highlanders, was wounded at Quatre Bras. Major Hobbs was born in April, 1857, educated at Wellington where he was in the Orange, 1870-74, and as a Queen's cadet was appointed direct to the 62nd Foot, Feb., 1875, served in India, being promoted capt. Jan., 1882, and was transferred to the West Yorkshire Regt. as major, Feb., 1895. He was in the Army Pay Department from 1885-89, adjutant of his regiment from 189o-93, and adjutant of volunteers from 1893-98. Major Hobbs accompanied his battalion to South Africa as 2nd-in-command, but was taken prisoner in his first engagement at Willow Grange, on Nov. 23rd, 1899. He was mentioned in the despatch of Major-Gen. Hildyard of NOV. 24th as "having led the first line of the assault with judgment and good sense," but having remained to see that some wounded were attended to was unfortunately captured. On Earl Roberts' entry into Pretoria, in June, 1900, Major Hobbs was released and was then appointed 2nd-in-command of a composite battalion, which proceeded to Honing Spruit. He had been with it only a few days, when he was killed, and is buried in the military cemetery of Kroonstad.

Kent. - Capt. Frederic Sidney Kent, 2nd Batt. East Yorkshire Regt. died of pneumonia in Pretoria July 22nd, 1900. He was born Nov., 1871, educated at Highgate School, and entered the East Yorkshire Regt. June, 1894, being promoted lieut. Jan., 1897, and capt. March, 1900.

Key. - Lieut. John Reynard Key, 2nd Batt. East Yorkshire Regt., died at Thaba N'chu April 4th, 1901. He was born in Jan., 1878, and entered his regiment from the 3rd Batt. York and Lancaster Regt. Jan., 1899, being promoted lieut. Jan., 1900. Lieut. Key embarked with his battalion for South Africa in 1900, and was employed with the Mounted Infantry.

Long.-2nd Lieut. Lionel William Long, 2nd Batt. Yorkshire Light Infantry, was killed in action at the battle of Modder River Nov. 28th, 1899. He was the son of C. B. Long, Esq., of Southsea, was born March, 1879, and educated at Clifton. He was only appointed to his regiment in Aug., 1899. In the action at Modder River, the company on the left of the line of the Yorkshire Light Infantry suffered severely, all its officers being killed or wounded. While in this state, and with its senior noncommissioned officer uncertain what to do, a major of the battalion took command of it, saying, " Come along, my orphans," and the name stuck to it.

Luard. - Capt. Henry Arthur Luard, 2nd Batt. East Yorkshire Regt., died of enteric at Winburg, O.R.C., Feb. 5th, 1901, while serving on the Staff there. He was the only son of the late Capt. H. R. Luard, Royal Engineers, was born Dec., 1865, and educated at Wellington College, where he was in the Blucher, 1877-84. He entered the Northamptonshire Regt. from the Royal Military College in 1886, being promoted capt. in the 2nd Batt. East Yorkshire Regt. in Feb., 1898. Capt. Luard went to South Africa, Aug., 1900, and served in the Cape and Orange River Colonies up to the time of his death.

Marten. - 2nd Lieut. Leonard Humphrey Marten, 2nd Batt. King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, was severely wounded in the attack on Col. Benson's column at Brakenlagte (30 miles N.W. of Bethel), Oct. 30th, 1901, and died of his wounds at Elandsfontein on Nov. 5th. He was born Dec., 1878, and educated at Shrewsbury School, where he was in the rowing eight. He entered the Yorkshire Light Infantry, May, 1900. At Brackenlaagte, 2nd Lieut. Marten had his thigh broken by the enemy's fire. When lying wounded he is stated to have been cruelly illtreated by the Boers, in order to get his clothing, boots, &c.

MiIton.- Major Percy William Albert Alfred Milton, 1st Batt. Yorkshire Light Infantry, was killed in action at Magersfontein, Dec. 11th, 1899. He was born May,, 186o, and entered the 51st Foot from the R.M.C., May, 1878, being promoted lieut. Dec., 1878, capt. Jan., 1884, brevet-major Sept., 1891, and major in March, 1894. He held the appointment of Station Staff Officer 1st Class, Bombay, from 1892-96, served with his battalion in the Afghan War of 1879-8o, and was present in the engagement at Nargashai as orderly officer, being mentioned in despatches and receiving the medal. Major Milton served with the Burmese Expedition, 1886-87, with the 1st Batt. Yorkshire Light Infantry, during the latter part of the time in command of the M.I., being mentioned in despatches and receiving the medal with clasp. He also served with the ?.rid Batt. of his regiment in the Zhob Field Force in 189o under Gen. Sir George White during the Zhob and Kiderzai Expeditions and in the march to Vihowa, was again mentioned in despatches and given the brevet rank of major. In South Africa he was commanding the M.I. with the Kimberley Relief Force and was present at the actions at Belmont (mentioned in despatches), Graspan, and Modder River. Lieut.-Gen. Lord Methuen, in his despatch of Feb. 15th, 1900, concerning the battle of Magersfontein, reported that Major Milton in that action "behaved gallantly, and was shot three times before he died. He was making a successful effort to rally some men of the Highland Brigade."

Neave. - 2nd Lieut. Arthur Cormack Neave, 1st Batt. Princess of Wales's Own Yorkshire Regt., was killed in action near Paardeberg, Feb. 18th, 1900. He was born in June, 1877, and entered his regiment from the New Zealand Local Military Forces Nov., 1899. This officer's death is mentioned in the despatch of F.-M. Earl Roberts from Paardeberg, Feb. 28th, 1900. 2nd Lieut. Neave was also mentioned in despatches, London Gazette, Sept. 10th, 1900.

Powell. - Lieut. Charles Folliott Borrodaile Powell, Yorkshire Light Infantry (M.I.), was killed in action at Rietfontein, Transvaal, July 13th, 1901. He was born in Dec., 1879, educated at Rugby, and entered the Yorkshire Light Infantry in August, 1899, being promoted lieut. April, 1900. He was seconded for service with the Mounted Infantry in March, 1901, and embarked for South Africa on the 18th of that month. He is buried at Zand River Poort.

Power.- Major Alfred Richard Power, 2nd Batt. Yorkshire Light Infantry, died of dysentery at St. Michael's Home, Bloemfontein, June 8th, 1900. He was born in Oct., 1857, and entered the 22nd Foot June, 1879, and was transferred to the 51st Foot in the following July. He was promoted capt. Jan., 1886, and major July, 1898. Major Power served in the Afghan war, 1879-80, with the 51st Light Infantry, taking part in the action of Nargashai. He also served in the Burmese Expedition from 1886 to the end of 1887 with the 1st Batt. Yorkshire Light Infantry, receiving the medal with two clasps. He embarked for South Africa in April, 1900, and on arrival proceeded to Kimberley. He was then ordered to Kroonstad, and while on his way was taken ill at Bloemfontein.

Russell. - 2nd Lieut. Lionel Phillips Russell, 2nd Batt. West Yorkshire Regt., died Dec. 20th, 1901, of wounds received in action the previous day at Holland.

Ryall. - Capt. Charles Ryall, West Yorkshire Regt., was killed in action in the operations on the Upper Tugela, Jan. 21st, 1900. He was born in Jan., 1869, and entered the West Yorkshire Regt. May, 1890, being promoted lieut. Feb., 1892, and capt. Feb., 1899.

Shepherd. - Lieut. Richard Edmund Shepherd, Yorkshire Light Infantry, was killed in action near Brakenlaagte (20 miles north-west of Bethel), on Oct. 31st, 1901. He was the only son of Col. C. H. Shepherd, D.S.O., lately commanding the 9th Regimental District, Norwich, was born in May, 1875, and educated at Wellington College, where he was for two years in the cricket eleven. He obtained his first commission in the 4th Batt. Essex Regt., April, 1894, in which he was gazetted capt. in May, 1897. He had served in the British South African Police from June, 1898, and was granted a commission as 2nd lieut., Aug. 30th, 1899, in the Yorkshire Light Infantry, being promoted lieut. Aug., 1900. He served with the M.I. from the commencement of the war and was present at the actions of Belmont, Graspan, Magersfontein, relief of Kimberley, and the battles of Paardeberg, Driefontein and Diamond Hill. Lieut. Shepherd was mentioned in despatches and granted the medal with seven clasps.

Thorold. - Capt. Frederick Temple Thorold, Yorkshire Light Infantry, 3rd M.I. Company, was killed in action at Brakenlaagte (20 miles north-west of Bethel), Oct. 31st, 1901. He was born in March, 1873, and entered the Yorkshire Light Infantry Oct., 1893, was promoted lieut. Dec., 1895, and capt. April, 1900. He served with the 2nd battalion of his regiment in the operations on the NorthWest Frontier of India under the late Sir William Lockhart with the 4th brigade of the Tirah Expeditionary Force, and took part in the engagement at Shin Kamar, receiving the medal with two clasps. He accompanied his battalion to South Africa in Oct., :1899, and was present at many battles and actions during the war. He took part in the engagements at Belmont, Graspan, Modder River, and Magersfontein, and in the subsequent operations around Lindley in June, 1900, the capture of Bethlehem and Slabbert's Nek, and the surrender of Prinsloo.

Wallace. - 2nd Lieut. Aylmer Willoughby Wallace, 2nd Batt. King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, was invalided home suffering from a broken leg, the effects of an accident in South Africa. He, however, developed symptoms of enteric the day after he joined the S.S. "Dunera," and died Oct. 9th, 1901, from this disease. He was the son of Col. N. W. Wallace, J.P., late of the King's Royal Rifle Corps, and now commanding the 4th County of London (King's Colonials) Imperial Yeomanry 2nd Lieut. Wallace was born in Feb., 188o, and educated at Rugby. He first served in the Cape Mounted Rifles from the commencement of the war, and on the recommendation of the Field-Marshal commanding-in-chief, South Africa, he was granted a commission in the Yorkshire Light Infantry in May, 1900. He was then appointed to the Mounted Infantry of his battalion, and when invalided had taken part in some 30 engagements, among them the defence of Wepener during its siege by the Boers.

Wilde. - 2nd Lieut. Brenchley Wilde, 2nd Batt. East Yorkshire Regt., died of enteric at Harrismith on Feb. 16th, 1902. He was born in Jan., 1882, and entered the East Yorkshire Regt. from the Royal Military College, May, 1901. He is buried in Harrismith military cemetery.