2nd Essex Battalion - Boer War 1900-1901
Although the full battalion did not arrive in South Africa until Christmas 1901 one company was sent from Essex and other County Regiments in January 1900 for service with the Burma Mounted Infantry. Major D T Cruickshank of the
Essex Regiment commanded the new unit.
Other officers from Essex in this company were
Captain H C Copeman, Lieut C W Barlow and Lieut G H M
Stirling.
Lieutenant Stirling made
a gallant attempt to bring out an enemy gun for which he was
recommended a VC but actually awarded a DSO. Stirling was to
retire Lieut-Colonel Sir George Stirling and command the
Battalion.
In December 1901 the full Battalion arrived in Durban
where they marched to the Orange River Colony.
The Regiment was asked to improve defences by
construction of blockhouses under cover from cavalry units.
This was surprisingly dangerous work as the Boers
constantly harassed them with lightning raids and by driving
cattle and animals through the buildings.
Whilst collecting wood close to the post Privates Walsh
and Smith were killed and three others captured.
In February 1902 there were sustained attacks on the
blockhouses. At the centre of the attacks were those manned by
men under the control of Corporal Bowgett and Corporal
Bloomfield. Both out up spirited resistance and were commended
by General Hamilton on the following day.
In May 1902 command moved to Major W G Carter replacing
Lieut-Colonel Stock who returned to the UK to take up a new
post. Also leaving for the UK were Major Copeman, Lance Sergeant
Walsh, Corporal Bignell and Privates Banner, Flynn, Flitton,
Hayling, Sullivan, Stubbings, Groom and Green who had ben
selected to represent the Battalion at the Coronation of King
Edward VII.
