BOER-WAR-L Archives

Archiver > BOER-WAR > 2004-08 > 1091989418


From: David Humphry <>
Subject: Re: [BOER-WAR] 18th Hussars
Date: Sun, 8 Aug 2004 19:23:40 +0100 (BST)
In-Reply-To: <20040807233330.M14532@nexnet.net.au>


Hi Mel,

No apology necessary. The 2nd Battalion Royal Dublin Fusiliers fought in the main infantry battle on Talana Hill but a minority served as Mounted Infantry and were captured with the squadron of the 18th Hussars at Adelaide Farm. The casualty roll confirms that Gage was taken POW there and the DCM roll confirms his award.

Unfortunately there were almost no citations for DCMs at that time - this being introduced in WW1 - and only a small percentage indicate the action where the decoration was gained. Gage's entry shows that the award was notified in the London Gazette (along with many other awards and mentions in depatches) on 27/9/1901 and was issued in accordance with Army Orders 15/02. This (02=1902) indicates it was awarded towards the end or even after the war although it's possible that it related to the action at Talana. Gage would have been a POW in Pretoria until early June 1900 when the British took the city.

I don't have much more to add on the Dublins' MI at Talana except that they were unfortunately caught up in the incompetence of Lt-Col Moller, CO of the 18th Hussars, who was to blame for the fiasco. Ironically, being taken POW may well have saved his life. Most of 2/Dublins went on to serve in the campaign to relieve Ladysmith and the battalion suffered many casualties at Colenso and other actions.

My best suggestion for further reading is a history of 2/Dublins in the Boer War which was reprinted a year or two ago by the Naval & Military Press. Gage is sure to get a mention. Unfortunately I can't remember the title but if you check out their website www.naval-military-press.com you will be able to find it.

Regards, David

"" <> wrote:
David

I apologise for intruding in this discussion. I however have a particlar
interset in the Talana action with the 18th Hussars. A distant relative, my
wifes great uncle was Colour Sergeant John Gage with the Mounted Company of
the Royal Dublin Fusiliers and was also captured with the Hussars squadron.
John Gage was later awarded the DCM for his actions during this engagement.
I believe the first DCM of the Boer War.

I would be grateful if you have any detail of the Talana action and in
particular why John Gage was awarded the DCM?

With thanks....Mel



---------------------------------
ALL-NEW Yahoo! Messenger - all new features - even more fun!

This thread: