Boer War Day 2012

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 31^st 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 to enable working people to attend.

Some cities and towns may choose celebrate Boer War Day on another day near 31^st May to suit their circumstances.

Click on the map below to find out the details in your location. If your town has a red square on the yellow tag, an activity is planned. If you are planning an activity and it is not yet on the list, get your posters here and email us with the details so they can be published.

Adelaide Sunday 27 May 2012

Trooper P W Meehan of 1^st Aust Horse died en route to South Africa in the Adelaide Hospital, suffering from typhoid. We have located his grave in Adelaide and it is in good condition. The funeral service and monument was funded by the South Australian Military Band.

The South Australian committee has arranged for a service for Trooper Meehan to be held on Friday 25 May 2012, prior to our Commemoration service.

The commemoration service will be held on Sunday 27 May 2012.

Venue: Boer war memorial Adelaide.
Time: 11.00 am
Format: as per 2011.
After service: We will reconvene at RSL Torrens Drill Hall for catered refreshments and fellowship Adelaide style!!

Brisbane Thursday 31 May 2012

Boer War Day 2012 in Brisbane will be commemorated on the day, Thursday 31^st May, from 1000hrs at Anzac Square, Adelaide Street, Brisbane CBD.

We have invited the Governor of Queensland, Ms Penelopy Wensley AC, as well as the Australian Army Band Brisbane. Members of the 2/14 Light Horse Regiment (QMI) will provide a catafalque party and the CO (LTCOL Mark Welburn) will be presented a replica of the Kings Banner South Africa that is being made for the BWM Assn Qld.

The original Kings Banner, which is on display in a glass case in the Regiment's museum at Enogera Barracks, was presented to the 14th QMI in 1904 in recognition of the Regiment's service in South Africa 1899-1902. The original was presented by the Governor General, His Excellency Lord Northcote, on behalf of King Edward VII. We hope the current Governor of Queensland will be available to present the replica banner at this year's ceremony.

St Marys Sunday 27 May 2012

For 27 May at St Marys, our Address will be given by the key researcher (Treasurer and former long-term President) from the St Marys Historical Society, Mrs Norma Thorburn – Topic: ‘St Marys in the Boer War’.

The Society have quite a good range of material in their premises covering the era. They have restored a British flag which had been ‘souvenired’ from the Boer War by a St Marys returnee – it hangs encased in place of honour over the Society’s mantelpiece. While we (unfortunately) can’t transport it to the Service, a photo of it will appear in the background of the Service Sheet middle pages. Also, no doubt, Norma will refer in her Address to the fact that Major Thomas (re Breaker Morant incident) was born in St Marys

The Service Sheet is currently being assembled and will appear on the web soon. While we don’t expect the same level of school involvement this year, at least 3 schools that will be well represented in the ‘crowd’. We’ll again use the SA pith helmet from the Lancers’ Museum at our memorial stone as the focal-point.