Ancestor Details
Ancestor's Name: Henry (always used Harry) (called Alfred in Murray) George Armstrong
Ancestor's date of birth: 04/08/1889
Ancestor's date of death: 06/10/1962
Cause of Death: Old age complicated by gas exposure in World War one
Service and Life Before the Boer War: Born in Semaphore South Australia he was an engineer in Perth when he enlisted. His NOK was his brother in Kalgoorlie.
Service Number: 1136
Colony or State of enlistment: WA, Place of Enlistment: Perth
Unit: 'E' Squadron 2ACH (WA half squadron)
Rank attained in Boer War: TPR, Date Effective: 01/02/1902
Highest Rank attained (if served after war): LCPL, Date Effective: 01/01/1919
Murray Page: 432
Contingent: First Australian Commonwealth
Ship: Manchester Merchant, Date of Sailing: 26/02/1902
Memorial details: Detail not provided
Awards/Decorations/Commendations: Queen's South Africa Medal with Transvaal and South Africa 1902 clasps. British War Medal, Victory Medal.
Personal Characteristics: Height 177 cm, green eyes, dark complexion, dark hair
Reasons to go and fight: Detail not provided
Details of service in war: To compound confusion Murray's list refers to him as 'Alfred' however his attestation papers below show the correct information. He always referred to himself as a WA Bushman as the Sqn saw itself as the 7th WA Bushman contingent. The contingent had a mascot, a pet Fox Terrier called Minnie which went with them. The squadron with the rest of the unit were part of De Lisle's Australian Brigade which in turn was part of Sir Ian Hamilton's Mobile Force. Took part in the drive from Noitverwacht and the Kimberley-Mafeking railway 7th-11th May which is regarded as having put significant pressure on Boer negotiators. One Boer Commando (about 250 Boer soldiers) was forced to surrender. Kitchener telegraphed: Capital Result. Tell troops I highly appreciate their exertions and consider result very satisfactory.
Service and life after the Boer War: In World War One he enlisted as 4298 Pte in the 12th Reinforcements for the 2nd Pioneer Battalion on 25 June 1917 (He used the name Harry). Following the effects of gas he was hospitalised on several occasions. At the conclusion of the war he transferred to the Australian Graves Registration unit and was promoted Lance Corporal. He was discharged on return to Australia on 24 February 1920
Descendant Details
Name of Descendant: William Armstrong, Forrestfield WA
Relationship to Ancestor: Son
