PENZANCE
BOER WAR MEMORIAL
Compiled
and copyright © Martin Edwards 2003
additional information Major Robert Harrison
The memorial
is situated in the Morrab Gardens close to the Morrab Library. The
statue of a soldier with his rifle reversed is lifesize and stands
5’ 10’’. It is of Sicilian marble and the pedestal
is of dressed and polished granite supplied by Messrs Pascoe of 65
Causewayhead, Penzance. The statue was unveiled on the 5th November
1904 by the Mayoress of Penzance, Mrs Banfield, in front of a large
crowd. On parade was the 7th Company of the 1st Duke of Cornwall’s
Royal Garrison Artillery and their band together with A Company of
the 1st Volunteer Brigade Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry
with their band and bugles. The Freedom of the Borough, plus a silver
casket, was given to those from the town who had volunteered for active
service.
In September
1996 the statue was re-erected following serious damage by vandals.
However the enfield rifle could not be saved and is new.
The biographical
details for the Penzance area covering from the Second Boer War to
the present day have been researched and all less about 15 have been
identified and are held by Major Robert Harrison.
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From
an old postcard |
Photograph
Copyright © Bob Harrison 2006 |
THIS
MEMORIAL
WAS ERECTED BY THE INHABITANTS
OF PENZANCE
TO THE MEMORY OF THE
PENZANCE MEN WHOSE NAMES
WHO APPEAR BELOW WHO LOST THEIR LIVES
DURING THE SOUTH AFRICAN WAR
1899-1902
DUNN |
Joseph
Smith |
Lieutenant,
2nd Regiment, Scottish Light Horse, died of abscess of the liver
and fever, at Pretoria, January 13th, 1902. At the time of his
death he was senior lieutenant of his Regiment, and served in
the war during 1901. He acted as war correspondent for the Central
News, London.
Came to Penzance
around 1879 with his parents and resided at Alma Terrace. Started
work as a junior reporter with The Cornishman. Went to South Africa
and was employed as a special correspondent for the Central News
of London. Twice captured by the Boers but escaped. Served in
Ladysmith during the siege. Accepted commission in the Scottish
Light Horse. Married with four children. Of a delicate disposition
he died at Pretoria on 13th January 1902 from an abscess of the
liver brought on by exposure, hard work and fatigue.
Source:
The "Last Post": Roll of Officers Who Fell in South
Africa 1899-1902 by Mildred G Dooner reprinted by Naval &
Military Press and local Newpspaer Reports compiled by Bob Harrison.
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SIMONS |
Cecil |
|
EDWARDS |
Jack |
Trooper,
93rd Company (3rd Sharpshooters) 23rd Battalion, Imperial Yeomanry.
Died of enteric fever at Charlestown, Natal on 15th June 1902 just
short of his 21st birthday. Completed an apprenticeship as an outfitter
with Messrs Simpson and Company of Penzance. Then moved to London
where 18 months later he volunteered for active service being associated
with a troop raised by the Earl of Dunraven. Listed on a marble
plaque in High Street Methodist Church, Penzance and on parents
headstone in Penzance Cemetery (Plot 12, Row 5, Grave 22). See also
Truro Cathedral Boer War Memorial |
PAYNTER |
George |
|
ROGERS |
Robert
John |
Private
13736, Royal Army Medical Corps. Died of Enteric Fever at Pretoria
on 14th December 1900, aged 23. Eldest son of Mr W. L. Rogers, Trinity
House Inspector, and Mrs Rogers of 39 Chapel Street, Penzance. Served
a four year apprenticeship with Mr Bob Stakerley, Chemist of Penzance.
Moved to London where he became compounder at the Army and Navy
Stores. Joined the RAMC in February 1900 and signed for 12 months
at the front. Was taken ill while on duty at the Model School Hospital,
Pretoria and died within a few days. Former member of St Mary’s
Church Choir, Penzance. Also commemorated on RAMC
Memorial, Gun Hill, Aldershot and Truro
Cathedral Boer War |
EDE |
Walter |
|
CHAMPION |
William
Lewis |
Trooper
9472, Kitchener's Horse (Imperial Light Horse). Missing in action
at Nooitgedacht 13th December 1900, Church of England confirmed
he was killed in action. Aged 32. Son of John and Charlotte Champion
of Penzance. Listed on parents headstone in Penzance Cemetery (Plot
14). See also Truro Cathedral
Boer War Memorial |
McDONALD |
M |
Lance
Corporal 5041, 2nd Battalion, Devonshire Regiment. Killed in action
at Chieveley 15th December 1899 whilst gallantly advancing to the
attack with his company. Son of Mr and Mrs James McDonald of Penzance.
See also Truro Cathedral Boer
War Memorial |
Last updated
19 June, 2021
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