Great Britain once boasted that the sun never sets on the British Empire, in it’s hey day from the 18th to the 20th centuries it is estimated that Great Britain controlled approximately 25 percent of the earths land mass.
The first European settlement in southern Africa was established in 1652 by the Dutch East India Company. The Dutch Afrikaner settlers, were known as the Boers.
Great Britain was wanting to expand it’s Empire, and arrived in 1820. The relationship between the British and the Boers was an uneasy one.
The first Boer war broke out on the 16th of December 1880, and ended on the 23rd of March 1881. The Boer’s proved to be a skilled enemy and were victorious.
The discovery of gold and diamonds in the Boer republics further intensified the rivalry, particularly as British subjects flooded into the Boer territories in search of wealth. The rights of British subjects in Boer territory, British Imperial ambition, and the Boer desire to stay outside the British Empire all caused more friction.
The second Boer war started on the 11th of October 1899, and ended on the 31st of May 1902. This time the British were victorious, but the tactics used by Lord Kitchener to win a victory over the Boers, some historians may consider Kitchener a war criminal.
For the second time the British government asked Australia to help with soldiers . The first time was on the 3rd of March 1885, when 758 soldiers were sent from New South Wales to the Sudan conflict.
Great Britain would use the slogan. Remember Men it is for God, Queen and Country.
Four men from Beaufort heard the call and volunteered to be sent to South Africa.
James Kilbeg, born in Beaufort 15th / June 1867.
Previous service, Lance Corporal, D Company, Victorian Rangers Beaufort , (Militia)
Rank Private.
Embarked at Melbourne on the SS Medic, 1st Contingent 28th / October 1899.
Retuned to Australia with a broken arm on the 4th / December 1900.
Discharged on the 12th of December 1900.
Re-enlisted for service in South Africa , on the 31st / January 1901.
Promoted to the rank of Sergeant, Victorian Mounted Rifles.
Embarked at Melbourne with 5th Continent on the 15th / February 1901.
Returned to Melbourne, 26th /April 1902.
Mentioned in Dispatches, London Gazette, 29th / July 1902.
William Thomas Buchanan, born in Beaufort 7th / June /1877.
Pervious service, D Company, Victorian Rangers Beaufort, (Militia)
Rank Farrier, before enlisting William worked at Buchanan’s Blacksmith shop approximately were the Mobile service station is now located.
Embarked at Melbourne on the SS Medic, 1st Contingent, 28th / October 1899.
Returned to Melbourne on the 4th / December 1900.
Unfortunately William did not keep good health after returning from South Africa, and died on the 9th of May 1905 aged 27.
This is a small part of an article from the Riponshire Advocate dated, Friday the 7th December 1900. A meeting of the reception committee connected with the welcome home to the local soldiers, James Kilberg and William Buchanan, returning from South Africa was held in the Mechanics Institute.
The chairman read a telegram advising the committee that Kilbeg and Buchanan would arrive at Beaufort by the Adelaide express on Thursday evening.
Never before in the history of Beaufort, has so large and enthusiastic crowd of people assembled at the local railway station as on Thursday night. When fully 1000 people gathered in the station yard and welcomed home James Kilberg and William Buchanan.
As the express approached a volley was fired by the local riflemen, fireworks were discharged and the Brass Band played, Home sweet home. Some of the Rangers hoisted the returned soldiers on their shoulders, and the Band played Soldiers of the Queen. The crowd of people cheered and cordially welcomed home Privates Kilberg and Buchanan..
Henry Alexander Wilson, born in Beaufort 1868.
Previous service, D Company, Victorian Rangers Beaufort, (Militia)
Rank Private.
Embarked at Melbourne on the Euryalus, 2nd Contingent on the 13th / January 1901.
Promoted to Corporal, by Commander in Chief for bravery.
Remained in South Africa and enlisted with the field Intelligence Department.
No other details known.
Mentioned in Despatches, London Gazette 20th / August 1901.
George Albert Eddy and the Beaufort connection.
Eddy came to Beaufort early 1880’s, he was employed by the Education Department, during his time at Beaufort he was the head teacher at the Main Lead state school.
After about eight years living in Beaufort and being part of the Victorian Rangers, (Militia), he resigned from the Education Department in 1890, and became a full-time professional soldier based in Melbourne.
George Albert Eddy. Born in Castlemaine 11th / May 1860.
Previous service, Lieutenant, 3rd Infantry Battalion, Ballarat 31/ July 1885.
Captain, 3rd Infantry Battalion, 25/ November / 1887.
Captain, permanent appointment Victorian Rangers, 1/ November 1890.
Permanent Adjutant, Victorian Rangers, 1/ November / 1890 till 29 / April 1897
Selected to be sent to England by the Defence department in1896, for a course of instructions, and was attached to the 2nd Battalion Devonshire Regiment.
Captain Eddy passed all the courses he studies for.
He was described as man of great Military capacity and was undoubtedly one of the smartest officers in Australia, and every inch a soldier.
Major and second in command, Victorian Rangers 30/ April / 1897.
Embarked at Melbourne on the SS Medic, 1st Contingent 28th / October 1899.
Mentioned in Despatches, London Gazette, 16 / April 1901.
On the 12th / February 1900 a force of Victorians, South Australians and 100 British soldiers all under the command of Major Eddy, came under attack at Pink Hill Rensburg.
Eddy remained on the hill covering and directing the retirement and organising cover. He was instrumental in saving the lives of many men. He waited until all men near him were ready to get away, he then got to his feet to cover them . As he did so he was shot in the head and died instantaneously.
On receiving the news of Major Eddy, Beaufort and other towns that held some claim to him flew their flags at half-mast in his honour.
During Major Eddy’s residence of about eight years in Beaufort, he gained the esteem and resect of all coming in contact with him.
Three items of historical significance were dedicated to Major Eddy by the people of Beaufort and district.
A large brass plaque paid for by public denotations, the plaque is very impressive all hand engraved.
Some of the engraving was filled with, what l thought was black and red enamel, a lot has fallen out. l found the makers name on it and did a search on the internet and the firm that was started in Melbourne in 1869 is still in business
I contacted the owner Gary Tregoning, who is a descendant of the founder, and described the plaque to him. Gary told me that the engraving was filled in with Rosite a process that the founder had developed, he ask if l could sent a photo of the plaque with the measurements so a quote could be given.
Grants are available if you meet the criteria, l handed the information l researched, to the grants officer at the Beaufort Historical Society who has applied for a grant. Hopefully the grant will be approved and the plaque can be restored to it’s former glory.
Major Eddy was a member of the Fiery Creek Masonic Lodge, the brethren of the lodge donated a studio portrait of the Major in his uniform. The surrounds are quite elaborate, in the top left and right corner is the Masonic symbols of the compass and square and the all seeing eye.
The plaque was unveiled by Lieutenant Colonel Williams of the 3rd Battalion of Ballarat on the 29th April 1901. The portrait of the Major hung above the plaque.
The plaque and photo both were displayed in the original Shire of Ripon town hall opposite were the current town hall is now.
The Major was a member of the church of England congregation and there is a brass cross dedicated to him that was paid for by the parishioners.
Major Eddy’s widow received a letter from Sir Ponsonby, private secretary to the Queen, stating that her Majesty would like to posses a photograph of Major Eddy, and asking Mrs Eddy to forward one for Her Majesty’s acceptance. The letter continues, the Queen deplores the death of so brave an officer and desires me to convey to you the expression of Her Majesty’s deep sympathy with you in the irreparable loss you have suffered by his death.
Kilberg, Wilson and Eddy were mentioned in dispatches.
To be mentioned in despatches describes a member of the armed forces whose name appears in an official report written by a superior officer and sent to the high command, in which their gallant or meritorious action in the face of the enemy is described.
Six Australians were awarded the Victorian Cross during the 2nd Boer War, 1899-1902.
Information for this article has come from the Australian War Memorial Canberra, The Riponshire Advocates. I would like to thank the passed secretary of the Beaufort Historical Society, Pam Weller for researching and recording various information on the 2nd Boer War held at the society.
Written and Researched by Colin Lofts
Contact MHHV Friend about this article.
