Ministry of Defence
Ministry of Defence

Lest We Forget
British Legion
The Royal British Legion

MAGERSFONTEIN BOER WAR MEMORIALS, MAGERSFONTEIN, SOUTH AFRICA

Boer War - Detailed information
Compiled and Copyright © Colyn Brookes 2008

There are several Magersfontein Boer War Memorials to the battle that took place there 11th December 1899 which are to be found at the battle site. Listed here is the memorial to the Black Watch and also to other Regiments (on three memorials) who also lost their lives.

Photographs Copyright © Colyn Brookes 2008

BLACK WATCH MEMORIAL
11TH DECEMBER 1899

ADAMS James
Private, 4948, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
AMES James
Private, 7210, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
ANDERSON James
Private, 3650, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
ARMIT George
Private, 6811, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
ARMSTRONG John
Corporal, 6318, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
ARMSTRONG John
Private, 3583, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
BALFOUR George
Corporal, 6238, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
BARR Alexander
Private, 6707, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
BERTHON Herbert Cecil Willoughby

Lieutenant, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Died of wounds, received on 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein, 15 December 1899. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial and on Clevedon Peace Memorial

Extract from The Last Post - Roll of Officers who fell in South Africa 1899-1902 by Mildred G Dooner, published by Naval and Military Press

BERTHON - Lieut. Herbert Cecil Willoughby Berthon, of Cleeve Court, Somersetshire, 2nd Batt. Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) died on Dec. 15th, 1899, at, 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.

BETT Andrew M
Private, 3842, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
BLACK Alexander
Private, 3623, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
BOND Frank
Private, 4294, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
BROWN Robert
Private, 6908, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
BROWNING J
Lance Corporal, 4477, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
CALDWELL Kenneth
Lance Corporal, 5902, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
CAMERON John
Private, 6575, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
CONNELLY Henry
Private, 4509, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
COODE John Henry Collier
Lieutenant Colonel, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Aged 43. Son of General J.P. Coode (Madras Army). Married Nellie daughter of Captain C. J. Harford. 73rd Foot 1875 Black Watch 1882 Lieutenant Colonel 1898 in command of the Regiment in South Africa 1899 Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial and Haileybury School, Hertfordshire

Extract from The Last Post - Roll of Officers who fell in South Africa 1899-1902 by Mildred G Dooner, published by Naval and Military Press

Coode.—Lieut.-Col. John Henry Collier Coode, 2nd Batt. Black Watch, was killed in action at Magersfontein on Dec.11th, 1899. He was a son of Gen. J. P. Coode, Madras Army, and was born June, 1856. He joined the 73rd Foot, Sept., 1875, being promoted capt. April, 1882, major Aug., 189o, and lieut.-col. July, 1898. He served as adjutant to the Auxiliary Forces from May, 1884-89. He married in Dec., 1884, Nellie, fourth daughter of Capt. C. J. Harford, formerly of the nth Lancers and r5th Hussars. Lieut.-Col. Coode went to South Africa in Oct., 1899, in command of his battalion, which then joined the Kimberley Relief Force shortly before the action at Magersfontein.

COWAN George
Private, 5697, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
CUMMING-BRUCE James Frederick Thurlow (The Honourable)

Captain, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Died of wounds 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Aged 32. Son of Lord Thurlow. Husband of Cecily Clifton. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial

Extract from The Last Post - Roll of Officers who fell in South Africa 1899-1902 by Mildred G Dooner, published by Naval and Military Press

Cumming-Bruce. - Capt. the Hon. James Frederick Thurlow Cumming-Bruce, p.s.c., 2nd Batt. Royal Highlanders, died of wounds received in action at Magers­fontein, Dec. 11th, 1899. He was the eldest son of Lord and Lady Thurlow, and, on his mother’s side, grandson of the late Earl of Elgin. He was born in 1867, educated at Eton (Dr. Warre’s), whence he passed direct into the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, and joined the Royal Highianders, Sept., 1885, being promoted capt. Feb., 1893. He embarked for South Africa in Oct., 1899, with his battalion which, on arrival, joined the Kimberley Relief Force. After he was wounded at Magersfontein he was removed to the hospital at Wynberg, where he died a few days after the battle in which his battalion suffered so severely. Capt. Cumming-Bruce married in 1891, Cecily, daughter of the late T. H. Clifton, Esq., Lytham Hall, Lancashire.

CUMMINGS George
Private, 6380, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
CUTHBERT William
Private, 6852, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
DOUGLAS Robert
Private, 4280, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
DRYSDALE William
Private, 6751, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
EDMONDS Nicholas Gifford
Lieutenant, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Aged 27. Born December 1872. Son of W. Edmonds, of Colyton. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial

Extract from The Last Post - Roll of Officers who fell in South Africa 1899-1902 by Mildred G Dooner, published by Naval and Military Press

Edmonds.—Lieut. Nicholas Gifford Edmonds, 2nd Batt. Royal Highlanders, was killed in action at Magersfontein, Dec. 11th, 1899. He was the son of W. Edmonds, Esq., of Wiscome Park, Colyton, was born Dec., 1872, and educated at Wellington, where he was in Saunders' House, 1887-90. He joined the Royal Highlanders, from the Royal Military College, Oct., 1893, being promoted lieut. May, 1898. He embarked for South Africa with his battalion in Oct., 1899.

ELTON Erle Godfrey
Captain, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Aged 30. Born June 1869. Son of Colonel F.C. Elton (Royal Artillery). Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial and Dover Borough Memorial

Extract from The Last Post - Roll of Officers who fell in South Africa 1899-1902 by Mildred G Dooner, published by Naval and Military Press

Elton.—Capt. Erle Godfrey Elton, 2nd Batt. Royal Highlanders, was killed in action at Magersfontein Dec. 11th, 1899. He was a son of Col. F. C. Elton, R.A. Capt. Elton was born June, 1869, and educated at Wellington, where he was in the "Hill" 1882-86. He entered the R.M.C., Sandhurst, in the latter year, and joined his Regiment in Aug., 1888, was promoted lieut. Aug., 1890, and capt. July, 1898. He embarked with his battalion for South Africa in Oct., 1899.

FOX Charles
Private, 4377, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial and Hereford Cathedral Boer War
FOX John
Private, 6888, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Wopunded 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein, died of wounds 10 January 1900 at Colesberg. Reported in News of the World 14 January 1900. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
FRASER Alexander
Lance Corporal, 6628, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
GARDINER William
Private, 4209, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
GIBBS Joseph F
Private, 4267, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
GIBSON John D
Private, 6816, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
GODFREY Thomas
Sergeant, 4385, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
GOWRIE Thomas
Private, 3604, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
GRANT James
Private, 4031, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
GRAY Robert
Private, 3557, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
HARDIE John
Private, 3969, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
HARRIS James
Private, 6928, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
HENDERSON Robert
Private, 4484, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
HIGH David
Private, 7084, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
HILL David
Private, 5277, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
HOLDEN Henry
Private, 6652, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
HUNTINGTON George
Private, 1157, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
JAMES Charles
Lance Corporal, 4043, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
JESS Alexander
Corporal, 6116, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
KEDIE William
Private, 6793, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Aged 19. Born Melgund Place, Hawick. Resident Thirlstane. Nephew of Mr Kedie, Blacksmith, of Drumlanrig Square, Hawick. Moved to Dundee when he was aged 7. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
KENNY Joseph Henry
Corporal, 5913, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
KIRKWOOD John
Private, 3981, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
LAIRD James
Private, 3891, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
McFARLANE William

[Listed as MacFARLANE on memorial] Captain/Adjutant, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Aged 32. Born December 1867. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial

Extract from The Last Post - Roll of Officers who fell in South Africa 1899-1902 by Mildred G Dooner, published by Naval and Military Press

MacFarlan. - Capt. William MacFarlan, adjutant 2nd Batt. Royal Highianders, was killed in action at the engagement at Magersfontein, Dec. 11th, 1899. He was born Dec., 1867, educated at Loretto School, Musselburgh, where he played in the cricket XL, and entered the Royal Highlanders Feb., 1888, being promoted lìeut. May, 1890, and capt. May, 1898. He was adjutant of his battalion from May, 1897. At Magersfontein, Capt. MacFarlan, with a small party of twenty to thirty men, rushed up the south-eastern corner of the hill, but the converging fire of our infantry and artillery forced them back, and he afterwards fell mortally wounded.

MacLAINE William
Private, 4337, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
MANN James
Private, 6925, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
MASSIE James
Private, 6783, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. [Spelt MASSEY on his grave] Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
MASTERSON

Adam

[Listed as MNASTERTON on Edinburgh memorial] Private, 4137, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
MAXWELL Hugh
Private, 4810, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
McCOLL John
Private, 4415, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
McDONALD J
Lance Corporal, 4221, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
McDONALD W
Private, 6097, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein.
McGREGOR John
Private, 4114, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
McHARDY James
Private, 3737, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
McMILLAN John
Colour Sergeant, 2713, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
McMILLAN John
Private, 4096, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
MORRIS James
Private, 7080, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
OGG John
Private, 4662, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
PATTERSON James
[Listed as PATERSON on memorial] Private, 7119, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
PATERSON Joseph
[Listed as PATERSON on memorial] Colour Sergeant, 2240, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
PERT John
Private, 7199, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
POWRIE John

Private, 6442, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Interred in Kimberley,West End Cemetery. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial

Extract from People's Journal, 23 December 1899, Dundee.

Private John Powrie who first reported wounded after the battle of Magersfontein, has since been included among the slain. His parents live in Hawkhill, the father being employed in a local factory. John joined the Black Watch at Dundee three and a half years ago, and was stationed with his regiment first at York, and then at Aldershot. (Aldershot, Hampshire/Hants.) When the war broke out he left with his comrades for the front. Enlisting while very young, Powrie was not yet of age, and his parents are naturally keenly grieved over his loss. Only several days ago they received a letter from him couched in very enduring terms. It was posted at Naauwpoort. (Juntion).

John came from Benvie Road, Dundee and was an NCO during that war. (sent by Ian Edwards, off the Angus Rootsweb list) Another book states "Powrie, John, Benvie Road, Dundee; Private, 11th Hussars" [468] (muster picture enclosed) was sent by another kind soul, Peter Freshwater. He joined the 11th Hussars and then the 2nd Battalion, Blackwatch.

RAMSAY Nigel Neiss
Lieutenant, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial

Extract from The Last Post - Roll of Officers who fell in South Africa 1899-1902 by Mildred G Dooner, published by Naval and Military Press

Ramsay.—Lieut. Nigel Neis Ramsay, 2nd Batt. Royal Highlanders, was killed in action at Magersfontein Dec. 11th, 1899. He was born in 1876, educated at Winchester, and joined the Royal Highlanders in Sept., 1896, being promoted lieut. Aug., 1898. Lieut. Ramsay sailed with his battalion for South Africa in Nov. 1899, and joined the Kimberley Relief Force under Lieut.-Gen. Lord Methuen just before the battle of Magersfontein, in which he fell.

ROBERTSON George
Private, 7000, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
ROBINS Ernest G
Private, 4508, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
ROOT Charles P
[Also spelt ROOTE in some documents] Lance Corporal, 6854, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
ROSS Angus M
Private, 5886, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
SCOTT W A
Private, 4519, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
SCULLIN Ambrose
Private, 3764, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
SHARP James
Private, 6735, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
SHARP Charles
Lance Sergeant, 5437, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
SINCLAIR James
Lance Corporal, 6708, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
SMITH Thomas
Private, 3909, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
SMITH James
Drummer, 6772, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
SOPER E A
[Listed as G A SOPER on memorial] Lance Corporal, 6878, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
SPICER E A
Private, 4139, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein.
STEVENSON M
Private, 3889, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
STEWART David
Private, 3878, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
TAIT Maitland
Private, 5741, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
TAYLOR Robert
Private, 6700, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
THOMPSON Joseph
Private, 4076, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
WATERMAN James T
Private, 4170, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
WAUCHOPE, CB, CMG Andrew Gilbert
Major General, 1st Battalion attached 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Aged 53. Born July 1846. Son of Andrew Wauchope, of Niddrie Marischal, Midlothian. Joined the 42nd Foot in 1865. Served in Ashanti 1873 (medal and clasp, MID, wounded twice), Egypt 1882 (medal and clasp, Khedives star), Sudan 1884 (2 bars), Nile expedition 1884-5 (2 bars, wounded), Sudan 1898 (medal, Khedives medal and clasp). Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial

Extract from The Last Post - Roll of Officers who fell in South Africa 1899-1902 by Mildred G Dooner, published by Naval and Military Press

Wauchope. — Maj.-Gen. Andrew Gilbert Wauchope, C.B., C.M.G., was killed in action at Magersfontein Dec. 1 ith, 1899. He was the only surviving son of the late Andrew Wauchope, Esq., D.L., J.P., of Niddrie Marischal, Midlothian, and was born in July, 1846. He joined the 42nd Foot in Nov., 1865, was promoted lieut. June, 1867, capt, Sept., 1878, major March, 1884, brevet-. lieut.-col. May, 1884, lieut.-col. Aug., 1894, col. May, 1898, and maj.-gen. in Nov., 1898. He served in the Ashantee War from the 30th Nov., 1873, and commanded the Winnebah Company of Russell's Regiment as far as the Adansi Hills. He was then appointed staff officer to Sir J. M'Leod, commanding the advanced guard of F.-M. Lord Wolseley's force, and was present at the capture and destruction of Adubiassie, capture of Bor-borassie, battle of Amoaful, capture and destruction of Becquah, the advanced guard engagement of Jarbinbah (wounded slightly), skirmishes and ambuscade affairs between Adwabin and the river Ordah, the battle of Ordahsu (severely wounded), and capture of Kumassi, being mentioned in despatches and receiving the medal with clasp. He served with the 1st Batt. Black Watch in the Egyptian War of 1882, and was present at the battle of Tel-el-Kebir, receiving the medal with clasp and Khedive's star. He took part in the Soudan Expedition under Sir Gerald Graham in 1884, as D.A.A. and Q.M.G., and was present in the engagement at El Teb (severely wounded), being mentioned in despatches and receiving the brevet of lieut.-col. and two clasps. He also served in the Nile expedition, 1884-85, with the 1st Batt. of the Black Watch, and was with the river column under Maj.-Gen. Earle, and was present in the engagement at Kirbekan, being very severely wounded (two clasps). His next war experience was in the campaign in the Soudan under Lord (then Sir Herbert) Kitchener in 1898, when he was in command of the 1st Brigade British Division, and was present at the battle of Khartoum, being mentioned in despatches and promoted maj.-gen. for distinguished service in the field, and received the thanks of both Houses of Parliament, and the British medal and Khedive's medal with clasp. Gen. Wauchope had only joined the Kimberley Relief Force, under Lieut.-Gen. Lord Methuen, a few days before the battle of Magersfontein; at this action he was in command of the Highland Brigade, which in the early dawn was suddenly exposed to a terrific infantry fire at close range. "The Times History of the War" thus describes what took place : " At the first burst of fire Gen. Wauchope, at once realising the cause of the disaster, walked forward in front of the leading companies to ascertain, if possible, how far the advanced trenches extended. A glance at the line of flashes was enough. He immediately sent back his cousin to tell the Black Watch to reinforce on the right as quickly as they could. Young Wauchope ran back along the lines of prostrate men, gave the order to Col. Coode and to all the officers he could see, and then hurried forward again to the spot where he had left the general alone. But before he returned Wauchope had fallen, and a moment later his devoted A.D.C. fell wounded too." [Capt. Wauchope survived his wounds.] " Coode gallantly led his men forward, but was killed almost immediately. Next day all three were found close together within 200 yards of the trenches." Describing this battle, Sir A. Conan Doyle states he has been assured by a Boer who was present that " it was the sound of the tins attached to the alarm wires which disturbed" the enemy ; and that " in an instant there crashed out of the darkness a roar of point blank fire." The storm of lead burst upon the column "which broke to pieces under the murderous volley." "Wauchope was shot, struggled up, and fell once more for ever." Major-Gen. Wauchope is buried at Magersfontein, close to, and in front of the graves of the fallen of his devoted Highland brigade. He was always known by his intimate friends as "Andy" Wauchope, and was universally popular and beloved.

WHITEHEAD Andrew
Private, 4488, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
WILLIAMS Charles
Private, 5723, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
WILSON John
Private, 7089, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
WILSON Robert
Private, 5323, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
YOUNG John
Private, 6763, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch). Killed in action 11 December 1899 at the Battle of Magersfontein. Also listed on Edinburgh, Black Watch, Boer War Memorial
IN MEMORY OF THE
FOLLOWING OFFICERS AND
UNKNOWN MEN WHO WERE
KILLED NEAR THIS SPOT
DURING THE BATTLE OF
MAGERSFONTEIN 11TH DECEMBER
1899 WHO WERE ORGINALLY
INTERRED HERE AND NOW LIE
BURIED IN THE GARDEN OF
REMEMBRANCE, WEST END
CEMETERY, KIMBERLEY.

LAMBTON

Alexander Frederick

Captain, 1st Battalion, Highland Light Infantry. Killed in action 11 December 1899 at Magersfontein. Aged 30. Born January 1869. Son of Lieutenant-Colonel Francis William Lambton (Scots Guards), of Brownslade, Pembrokshire. Brother of Ronald Robert Lambton also killed in the same war. Also listed on the Haverfordwest Boer Memorial

Extract from The Last Post: Roll of Officers Who Fell in South Africa 1899-1902 by Mildred G Dooner reprinted by Naval & Military Press

Lambton. - Alexander Frederick Lambton, 1st Batt. Highland Light Infantry, was killed in action at Magersfontein Dec. 11th, 1899. He was the second son of Lieut.-Col. Francis William Lambton, of Brownslade, Pembrokeshire, late Scots Guards, by his marriage with Lady Victoria Alexandrina Elizabeth, eldest daughter of John Frederick, second Earl of Cawdor. He was also grandson of William Henry Lambton, Esq., of Biddick Hall, Durham, brother of the first Earl of Durham. Capt. Lambton was born in Jan. 1869, and educated at Wellington, where he was in the Orange 1880-85, and during the latter year was a Prefect. He joined the Highland Light Infantry from the Royal Military College Aug., 1888, being promoted lieut. May, 1890, and capt. May, 1896. He took part in the occupation of Crete in 1898, including the affair of Sept. 6th, being mentioned in despatches, London Gazette, Jan. 24th, 1899. He embarked for South Africa in Oct. 1899, with his battalion, and joined the Kimberley Relief Force under Lieut.-Gen. Lord Methuen shortly before the battle of Magersfontein. His brother Lieut. Ronald Robert Lambton was killed with the 1st. Batt. Durham Light Infantry.

MacKENZIE

Kenneth Ross

Major, 2nd Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders. Killed in action 11 December 1899 at Magersfontein. Aged 44. Born May 1855. Served Afghanistan 1879 (medal), Hazara 1888 and 1891 (medal & 2 clasps), Chitral 1895 (medal & clasp).

RUTHERFORD-CLARK

J

Captain, Seaforth Highlanders. Killed in action 11 December 1899 at Magersfontein.

COWIE

William Russell

Lieutenant, Seaforth Highlanders. Killed in action 11 December 1899 at Magersfontein. Aged 21. Born February 1878.

S.A. WAR GRAVES BOARD
1963

IN MEMORY OF THE
FOLLOWING OFFICERS AND MEN,
WHO WERE KILLED NEAR THIS
SPOT DURING THE BATTLE OF
MAGERSFONTEIN, 11TH DECEMBER
1899, WHO WERE ORGINALLY
INTERRED HERE AND NOW LIE
BURIED IN THE GARDEN OF
REMEMBRANCE, WEST END
CEMETERY, KIMBERLEY.

KING

Walter Buchannan

Second Lieutenant, Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders. Found dead from wounds 1 January 1900; died 11 December 1899 at Magersfontein. Aged 21. Born May 1878. See also Stirling Castle Memorial

News of the World 7th January 1900 and extract from The Last Post - Roll of Officers who fell in South Africa 1899-1902 by Mildred G Dooner, published by Naval and Military Press

King. - 2nd Lieut. Walter Buchanan King, 1st Batt. Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, was killed in action at Magersfontein, Dec. 11th, 1899. He was born in May, 1878, and joined the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, May, 1898. This officer was first reported missing, but was afterwards found to have been killed as stated. He embarked for South Africa in Oct., 1899, and joining the Kimberley Relief Force was present at the battle of Modder River.

CARLEY or CAILEY

P

Private 6841, Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders. Killed in action 11 December 1899.

CARLYLE

A

Private 6550. Killed in action 11th December 1899 at Frere Camp, Magersfontein. Commemorated on 1899-1902 Memorial, Kimberley West End Cemetery and buried there. [Also listed as dying 1st January 1900 in News of the World 7th January 1900.] See also Stirling Castle Memorial

EVANS

E

Private 3537, Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders. Killed in action 11 December 1899. See also Stirling Castle Memorial

McWHIRTER

C

Private 3863, 1st Battalion, Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders. See also Stirling Castle Memorial

SCOTT

J

Private 3844, 1st Battalion, Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders. See also Stirling Castle Memorial

RAY

George Lake Sidney

Major, 1st Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers. Killed in action 11 December 1899. Aged 30. Son of Surgeon-Colonel Sidney Ray, of Kent.

extract from The Last Post - Roll of Officers who fell in South Africa 1899-1902 by Mildred G Dooner, published by Naval and Military Press

Ray.—Major George Lake Sidney Ray, 1st Batt. Northumberland Fusiliers, was killed in action at Magers-fontein, Dec. 11th, 1899, while endeavouring to save a wounded comrade. He was a son of Surgeon-Col. Sidney Ray, of Milton-next-Sittingbourne, Kent. He was born May, 1868, and educated at Wellington, where he was in the Hardinge, 1880-85, and in the latter year a Prefect. He was an excellent racquet player, and joined the Northumberland Fusiliers from the Royal Military College in Sept., 1887, being promoted lieut. Oct., 189o, capt. Dec., 1895, and brevet-major Nov., 1898. He had been adjutant of his battalion from 1895. He served in the campaign in the Soudan under Lord (then Sir Herbert) Kitchener in 1898, and as adjutant to the 1st Batt. Northumberland Fusiliers, was present at the battle of Khartoum, being mentioned in despatches and receiving the brevet of major, the British medal and Khedive's medal with clasp. He also served in the occupation of Crete in 1898. While in South Africa Major Ray acted as assistant correspondent to The Times with Lieut.-Gen. Lord Methuen's column. When he fell he was with some M.I. on the right flank endeavouring to prevent a threatening movement of the enemy. This movement, Sir A. Conan Doyle writes, " would have put the Highlanders in an impossible position had it succeeded," and it was in this long and successful struggle to cover the flank of the 3rd Brigade that Major Milton, Major Ray, and many another brave man met his end."

COODE

J H C

Lieutenant-Colonel, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch) - see above

McFARLANE

W

Captain, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch) - see above

EDMONDS

N G

Lieutenant, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch) - see above

S.A. WAR GRAVES BOARD
1963

SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF

COODE

J H

Lieutenant-Colonel, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (BlackWatch) - see above

McFARLANE

W

Captain & Adjutant, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch) - see above

EDMONDS

N G

Lieutenant, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch) - see above

KING

W B

Second Lieutenant, 1st Battalion, Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders - see above

RAY

G L S

Major, 1st Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers - see above

AND 35 N.C.O.s AND MEN
WHO FELL IN ACTION IN FRONT
OF THE BOER TRENCHES AT MAAGERSFONTEIN
DECEMBER 11th 1899

Last updated 2 November, 2020

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