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Now the design has been approved the Boer War Day posters for 2012 have a new look. Use the links below to download a poster for your comemoration.
A Commemoration Ceremony was held at Sherwood QLD Cemetery on the 4 February 2012, commencing at 10:00am. This ceremony commemorated the 110th anniversary of the last major battle of the conflict at Onverwacht Hills. The ceremony was conducted by Sherwood Indooroopilly RSL with the support of the 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment.
The 110th Anniversary of the Boer War is the theme for Reserve Forces Day 2012. Reserve Forces Day is held near 1 July every year to commemorate the service and sacrifice of those who serve part-time in Australia's armed forces. The Boer War was for the most part fought by Australian soldiers who fall into this category. Reserve Forces Day 2012 was launched in Parliament House, Sydney on Saturday 26 November 2011. Colonel John Haynes OAM, Ret'd President of the National Boer War Memorial Association Inc was invited to address the launch function. Activate the controls below to see and hear what was said. Other speeches made at the Reserve Forces Day launch, and the parade featuring Boer War Soldier's descendants can be accessed on the Reserve Forces Day Website CLICK_HERE.
A Commemoration Ceremony was held at Sherwood QLD Cemetery on the 4 February 2011, commencing at 10:00am. This ceremony commemorates the last major battle of the conflict at Onverwacht Hills. The ceremony was conducted by Sherwood Indooroopilly RSL with the support of the 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment. The day was a great success but the floods still left a cloud over the function. The Queensland BWM Banner was proudly shown on the day.
The Boer War Day commemorates the first war in which Australia fought as a nation. In 1899 NSW troops were the first to join in this war followed by all of the other colonies and after Federation in 1901 Australian units took part. The Boer War was also the first war in which Australians fought alongside New Zealanders. The 31st May is the anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Vereeniging that ended the South African War in 1902. Boer War Day itself is held on the Sunday before 31st May (ie 27th May 2012)to enable working people to attend. Throughout NSW there are some 145 memorials that were erected during and soon after the Boer War. Boer War Day is celebrated where there are Boer War memorials or where there are groups of descendants and friends. Some cities and towns may choose celebrate Boer War Day on another day near 31st May to suit their circumstances. Boer War Day Posters These posters are available for your use:
CLICK HERE to download printable .pdf of poster without border. CLICK HERE to download printable .pdf of poster with border. Use a .pdf Text edititor to over-write "Our Town" with the town/city name.
Inaugural meeting of the National Boer War Memorial Association Inc, 6 Feb 2011, Victoria Barracks, Paddington 2021 Standing, from left: Ross Brown (Treasurer), Chris Dawson (Media Secretary), Miles Farmer (Qld Rep), Bob Guest (Funding), Michael Beinke (Political and ADF), Tony Larnach-Jones (Public Officer), Les Perrett (NSW C'tee), Owen Graham (NSW C'tee), Paul Lenehan (NSW C'tee), Ian Spence (CDF's Rep), Ken Griffin (NSW C'tee), Chris Jocelyn (Sth Australian Rep) Kneeling from left: John Haynes (Chairman), John Howells (Webmaster), John Neenan (States & Territories Coordinator). Keith Smith (NSW C'tee) was also at the meeting, but is not in the photo.
The name of Nurse Mary Julia Anderson was unveiled in a brief ceremony at St Vincent’s Public Hospital on Monday 9 August 2010 before an appreciative gathering of 38. Nurse Anderson trained at St Vincent’s before moving to Melbourne where she joined the 3rd Imperial Bushmen bound for South Africa. The dedication was organised by staff member Maj Bernadette Mottram, who is also a member of the NSW Committee of the National Boer War Memorial Association. A strong showing of serving Navy nursing staff from the RAN’s hospital within St Vincent’s lent special poignancy to the occasion. Hosting the ceremony, the hospital’s CEO, Mr Steven Rubic, noted the long history of St Vincent’s involvement with the armed services and thanked his staff for their work in first discovering Mary Julia Anderson’s story, making it known and now memorialised. Chairman of the NSW BWM Committee, Lt Col Tony Larnach-Jones, briefly outlined Australia’s participation in the Boer War and especially the service of the 60 nurses from all states who, working in primitive conditions by modern standards, contributed to the highest survival rate of wounded and sick soldiers of any war to that time. Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP, Member for Wentworth, noted the long history of St Vincent’s in war and peace and congratulated the Boer War Memorial Association in working towards erecting a national BW memorial in Canberra. He offered his support in the project. He paid special tribute to Nurse Mary Julia Anderson whose name is now added to the St Vincent’s Role of Honour Board, as a courageous woman who answered the call in 1900 to serve in South Africa. Fr Laurie Christi gave the prayer of dedication. Guests viewed the Honour Board and chatted over a delightful morning tea.
Please mouse-over pictures for captions. Beecroft At Beecroft NSW At 1400hrs over 120 people were present to pay their respects together with Epping RSL sub Branch President John Curdie AM, Hornsby Shire Council Mayor Nick Berman, local MP Greg Smirh SC MP, Felicity Findlay ( deputy for Federal MP Hon P Ruddock) and the two special relations, of Pte D. Willis and Major General C F Cox. A Cataflaque party from 22 Cadet Sqn RAAF was in attendance while Bugler Jeanie Hope played last Post and Rouse. Council also assisted in closing the traffic for the duration of the Ceremony. Council Mayor welcomed members and guests which was followed by a prologue by RSL President John Curdie. Remembrance prayers were offered by Beecroft Rev Geoff Collison. After floral tributes were made, the National Anthem concluded the Ceremony. As a fitting tribute to this unique Service, "Soldiers of the Qieen" was played, with a vote of thanks made by Committee member Adrian Mitchell, for those that contributed to this Unique Ceremony. Afternoon tea was served in the adjacent Beecroft Community centre.
At Brisbane QLD A really great family day at Fort Lytton near Brisbane.
And MORE - the National Boer War Memorial Association ceremony in Brisbane on 31 May assisted by the 2nd/14th Light Horse (Queensland Mounted Infantry).
Photos: Colleen O'Leary At Hobart TAS The Annual Boer War Memorial Service was held at the Boer War Memorial, Queen's Domain, Hobart on Sunday 6th June. This is the 8th year on which the service has been held. It is not arranged by the State Committee, but privately by Historian Reg Watson. A service will be held in Launceston next Sunday. Approximately 70 persons attended the service including direct relatives of Boer War veterans. Among those present were the Acting Lord Mayor of Hobart, the Deputy Mayor of Clarence Municipality, the Mayor of the Southern Midlands, whose grandfather, Tpr Bisdee won the VC, President of the Naval, Military and Air Force Club of Tasmania, Chris Oakes Deputy State President of the RSL, who kindly took the pictures. A mounted horse guard in authentic uniform was accompanied by a small foot guard in similar dress, both supplied by the Historical Arms and Memorabilia Society of Tasmania. The Clarence City Council Band attended together with a piper from the Tasmanian Police Pipe Band. The memorial itself is one of eight Boer War Memorials spread throughout Tasmania.
Report: Peter Patmore; Photos: Chris Oakes At Melbourne VIC There was a most impressive Boer War Day ceremony at the Melbourne Shrine of Remembrance on 30 May.
Report courtesy Bill Woolmore At Molong NSW Molong's Boer War Day Ceremony was held at the RSL CLub Auditorium at 12 noon on Sunday, 30 May, and was conducted by Mr Bob Adams, Molong RSL Sub-Branch Chairman. Mrs Anne Marie Ingham spoke about Peter Cameron, from Euchareena, who served in the Boer War & also World War One. Peter's portrait was the first she painted for the Molong & Distraict Servicemen & Servicewomen's Portrait Gallery for which she has now completed fifty portraits. Mr Robert Ellis then spoke about those who served in the Boer War from Molong, soldiers & one nurse. Helen Haynes At Nowra NSW Boer War Day was marked at Nowra with a service at the memorial in Rauch Park, Junction Street. Nowra-Greenwell Point RSL Sub-branch president, Fred Dawson said that it was the first time in living memory that a service had been held locally to honour that conflict. However he said it had not been forgotten, for RSL member Ted Regan, OAM had made a point of laying a wreath there each Anzac Day. Mr Dawson said it was appropriate that Major Gary Craig should assist in the service for the Salvation Army had supported the soldiers in the Boer War. The representative gathering at the service included members of the RSL sub-branches between Gerringong and Sussex Inlet. After the laying of wreaths by civic and returned service representatives, Peter Williams played the Last Post on his bugle that dates back to the Boer War.
Courtesy South Coast Register At Orange NSW The ceremony at Orange was on as bleak a day as only orange can produce. Twenty five souls braved the conditions. Our photos show those who were there and Councillor Reg Kidd - Orange City Council and Les McGaw - Orange RSL laying a wreath in remembrance.
At Parramatta NSW Visitors to the New South Wales Lancer's Museum, Parramatta NSW had a great day on 30 May 2010. 150 adult visitors and 200 cubs were able to check out the magnificent display, and use the available resources to research the history of their family's involvement in the war.
At Perth WA There was great weather for the 2010 Boer War Day celebrations in Perth WA. It took place at the Kings Park Boer War Memorial, officially called "The South African War Memorial". It was so named by King George V when as HRH Duke of Cornwall and York he laid the foundation stone of this memorial during the actual conflict in July 1901.
Photos - Howard Angel Western Australia's Boer War Day event organising committee (Kevin Bovill, Maurice Kissane, John Sweetman):
At Quirindi NSW A great ceremony at their memorial, with two new names added; followed by an excellent lunch, at which Dorothy Durrant’s new book was launched. Book Launch guest speaker, Len Rowarth, was one of the seven out of Tpr Farquhar George Williamson’s 26 descendants who attended the Boer War Day ceremony at Quirindi’s magnificent memorial clock tower. Photos courtesy The Quirindi Advocate 2 June 2010.
At StMarys NSW The St Marys RSL put on a great show to commemorate Boer War Day 2010
Photos - Tony Fryer At Sydney NSW A solemn and moving ceremony of remembrance for the commemoration of Boer War Day in Sydney, including coverage by the Army Newspaper. .
Photos - Keith Smith At Windsor NSW A little damp, though nonetheless a great Boer War Day celebration at Windsor NSW.
At Wollongong NSW Wollongong RSL celebrated Boer War Day by a wreath laying at the TPR Frank Andrews memorial, McCabe Park Wollongong. The sub-branch is organising for lettering on the memorial to be re-furbished.
Photos: Mark Edwell
The National Boer War Memorial Design Competition was successfully launched at the Royal Military College Duntroon Officers' Mess by Lieutenant General David Hurley AO DSC, Vice Chief of the Defence Force soon after 10:00h on Wednesday 7 April 2010. The competition will be open for interested parties to register until 11 May 2010, with entries to be submitted by 11:00h on 18 May 2010.
On 26 October 2009, a petition for a Pardon for Lieutenants Morant, Handcock and Witton raised by Commander James Unkles (Legal Officer RANR) of Chirnside Park VIC was tabled in the Australian House of Representatives. CLICK HERE for Details.
Following a successful dedication of the National Boer War Memorial site in Canberra on 31 May 2008; in 2009 the 107th Anniversary of the treaty of Vereeniging in 1902 was celebrated by the re-dedication of the memorial to Lieutenant Gideon Grieve at Watson’s Bay near Sydney on Sunday 31 May.
Lieutenant Grieve was killed on 18 February 1900 at Paardeberg South Africa attempting to save the life of one of his soldiers when as a New South Wales Military Forces Special Service Officer he was in command of H Company 2nd Battalion the Black Watch. Lieutenant Grieve, aged 36 left a wife and two orphan children in Sydney. On 22 December 1900 his comrades from the NSW Scottish Rifles dedicated a memorial to the late Lieutenant. It was marvellous, a marble sheathed plinth surmounted with a stone domed drinking fountain, topped with a bronze statue of Lieutenant Grieve in the uniform of the NSW Scottish Rifles. Sadly the statue was removed and destroyed by local hooligans within a few months of the dedication, and a few years after that the drinking fountain ceased to function. The current monument is thus but a vestige of the original. Well maintained by Woollahra Council, however, it still impresses as it stands sentinel near the heads through which many Australians have passed on their way to battle. On a bleak, cold and windy day, Lieutenant Grieve’s relatives, other descendants of those who served, members of the National and New South Wales Boer War Memorial committees, and their supporters braved the elements to witness the re-dedication. All present were welcomed by Lieutenant Colonel Tony Lanarch-Jones (Retired) chairman of the NSW Committee. Councillor Andrew Petrie, Mayor of Woollahra spoke of the significance of this memorial to the citizens of Woollahra and offered the Council’s support for the construction of a memorial to those who served in the Boer War at ANZAC Parade Canberra. Colonel Donald Ramsey OAM told of Gideon Grieve’s life from his birth in Scotland, his service with the New South Wales Scottish Rifles, his leadership, bravery, and finally his gallant death in South Africa. Colonel Ramsey also emphasised Mr Grieve’s legacy, his family, the Scott’s College Cadets he helped form, and the example he set to be followed by so many Australians in conflicts from Gallipoli to the present day in Afghanistan.
Former Mayor of Woollahra, Lieutenant Chris Dawson (Retired) gave a brief summary of the war in South Africa; followed by details of the National Boer Memorial project from Tony Lanarch-Jones. A brief rededication service was then conducted by the Reverend Cliff Parish. Brian Walters, Secretary of the Royal New South Wales Lancers Association read the ode, followed by the Last Post, silence and Rouse (courtesy Musician Chris Graham). After this the Grieve family (Flight Lieutenant Hamish Grieve, Josephine Grieve, and Luna Rodrigues-Grieve) spoke of what their ancestor’s service meant to the family. Nicola Grieve acknowledged the original owners of the land. The ceremony concluded with the National Anthem played by WO1 Bill Campbell OAM (Piper) and Drummer Arthur Robinson. After the ceremony refreshments were served at St Peters Church Hall nearby.
Our Master of Ceremonies was Lieutenant Ken Griffin (Retd). Please activate the button below for a short video of the highlights of the ceremony.
National Boer War Memorial Site Dedication
At 11:00 am on Saturday 31 May 2008, the anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Vereeniging that ended the South African war in 1902, the site for the Australian National Boer War Memorial was dedicated. It commemorates the 23,000 Australians who fought. The allocated area is on the western side of the ceremonial avenue between the existing New Zealand and Australian Light Horse memorials. The ceremony was simple blessing and dedicating the site, Major Robert Morrison was Master of Ceremonies The Hon Bob McMullen MP representing the Prime Minister officially launched the National Boer War Memorial project. Speeches were given by members of the National Boer War Memorial committee who covered in detail what our countrymen did in South Africa. Ground was held by two light horse re-enactors from the Australian Light horse Association and a catafalque party from the Federation Guard. The ceremony lasted 30 minutes.
589 of our countrymen lost their lives – the greatest number of Australian dead after the thousands lost in two World Wars. Five hundred members of the Queensland Mounted Infantry and the NSW Lancers took part in the forced march to relieve Kimberley. The memorial will ensure that those who fought in South Africa are commemorated in a way, which will preserve this aspect of our heritage and military history for the education and benefit of future generations of Australians. The Boer War was the first full commitment of troops by all the Australian Colonies to a foreign war and with the formation of the Australian Commonwealth on 1 January 1901 it became our country’s first military involvement as a nation. This war and deeds of those Australian volunteers is the only major war not to be commemorated in Anzac Parade, Canberra. More Australians were lost than in Vietnam, making the Boer War the third most devastating war after the two world wars. It has taken too long for Australia to recognise these sacrifices. The memorial will be a long overdue national commemoration to honour our Boer War servicemen and nurses. It is an investment in our history and culture.
Ceremony honours 40 who died in "forgotten" war ONE hundred and five years ago this month a war thousands of kilometres away came to an end. The Boer War claimed the lives of 40 Tasmanians and those deaths were honoured in an inaugural commemorative day in Launceston yesterday. About 20 people attended the ceremony at the Boer War memorial in City Park, led by military historian Reg Watson. Mr Watson said 900 Tasmanians volunteered to fight in support of the British Empire in South Africa during 1899-1902 and 40 were killed. The war had a big impact on the then colony of Tasmania. "This is why we are here to pay homage, to show our respect and honour their bravery, " he said. "And even after 105 years, to show them our love and in that, we have not forgotten them." The service was supported by Youngtown Army Cadets Drum Cpl Sam Chynoweth, piper Lt Fraser Murray, Lt Carrie Stevens and cenotaph guards Cpl Nathan Alexander and Cadet Raymond Russell. Mr Watson said his grandfather served with the 2nd Tasmanian Imperial Bushmen or TIBs. "It's been my object I guess for 25 to 30 years, to have Tasmanians remember our participation in that war," he said. "It's been caled the forgotten war for good reason - because it's been overshadowed by World War I." Mr Watson said he would like the service to become an annual event in Launceston. - Michael Lowe
THE new generation of Tasmanians should be taught about the sacrifices their ancestors made during the often-forgotten Boer War, the organiser of yesterday's commemorative service says. Almost 900 Tasmanians were sent to fight in the Anglo-Boer War in South Africa between 1899 and June 1, 1902. Nearly 40 of them never made it home, dying in action or from disease, and are buried in South Africa. The man behind Hobart's fifth annual Boer War Commemorative Day, local war historian Reg Watson, said young Tasmanians should take an interest in the event, the way they have in ANZAC Day. "The ANZAC parades right around Australia are growing in interest with the younger people," he said. "One of the main messages I'd like to get out to Tasmanians is that you probably have an ancestor who fought in the Boer War. There'd be thousands and thousands of Tasmanians in that category. "We need to attract the younger generation and it's probably just (a matter of raising) awareness that their families have been involved in the Boer War." Mr Watson said the Boer conflict did not deserve to be the "forgotten war". "Even though there is some criticism -- 'Tasmanians shouldn't have been there, what the heck were we in South Africa for?' -- the fact is that it's a major part of our history," he said. "But it was overshadowed by World War I and quickly forgotten." A commemorative service will be held in Launceston for the first time this year. It will be at the Boer War memorial in Launceston's City Park from noon on Sunday.
Photos Chad Sutton
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Those present included: Mrs Valerie Howse OAM - a great lady 90 years young, her three sons and families all descendents of Captain Neville Howse VC (later Maj Gen Howse VC , KCMG,KCB, K StJ, doctor, mayor of Orange, politician and Minister for Defence) the first Australian to be awarded the Victoria Cross; Mrs Gwen Dempsey whose husband was related to Lieutenant Peter Handcock; and Mrs Lyn Hammett, related to SSM Hammett Bushveldt Carbineers and 9th Lancers.
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