Boer War descendants to march in Anzac parade

[kiwi]

Boer War descendants to march in Anzac parade

10th April 2008, 11:15 WST

Boer War soldiers will be remembered at Anzac Day parades around Victoria this year.

It?s the first time in 30 years a Boer War delegation will be included in Anzac parades.

The Boer War, from 1899 to 1902, was Australia?s first major campaign and ranks only behind World War I and World War II in terms of Australia?s war contribution.

Boer War March Committee spokesman Bill Woolmore told AAP all descendants were invited to join the march.

?Obviously, those who fought in the war are no longer with us,? Mr Woolmore said.

?But there are thousands of descendants of Boer War soldiers out there and we are trying to contact as many as possible.?

Descendants have been invited to wear their family member?s medals, on the right side of their chest.

Only people who were awarded the medals for their own combat are permitted to wear medals on the left side of their chest.

Two new banners will be paraded - one a copy of the original banner of the South African Returned Services Association and the other a brand new design.

Mr Woolmore said the decision to re-instate a Boer War section in the parade was made after a national committee was formed to fight for a memorial in Canberra.

?This war is such an important part of our history and we want to make sure people are aware of that.?

He said the RSL had approved the decision and members were fully behind the Boer War?s inclusion in the parade.

He said he hoped the Boer War part of the parade would become a permanent part of Anzac Day celebrations.

Mr Woolmore said about 25,000 Australians fought in the war, some as part of South African and New Zealand contingents.

Boer War descendants will march directly behind the frontline police in this year?s parades.

AAP

[Observer_1938]

My grandfather served with the British Army in the South African War.  He was in the 20th Hussars--Cavalry of the Line--He was in from 1899 to 1911.  He served in South Africa,Egypt and India.He was also a member if the Regimental Band. For service he was awarded the Queens South Africa Medal,with clasps for South Africa 1901/1902,Orange Free State and Transvaal.

[kiwi]

Ob's honey why is his hat on the side?

BTW great photo.

[Observer_1938]

Ob's honey why is his hat on the side?

BTW great photo.

Don't know the reason for that--It may have been a regimental requirement at the time.

[sniper]

If you look hard you will see that the buckle on the chin strap is in alignment with his left sidelever.

On a slouch hat the chinstrap buckle is in line with the mouth.

Just Regimental quirks