(First and Second Sunday in June - Organiser: Reg. A. Watson)

PATRON: Mr Frank Hesman AM. JP.
Heralding remembrance of those Tasmanians who served in South Africa (1899-1902)
PO BOX 146 Lindisfarne. Tasmania. 7015.
62438597 – 0409 975 587

Boer War Memorial, Hobart.

THE BOER WAR COMMEMORATIVE DAY HAS NOW BECOME AN ANNUAL EVENT.

The War (1899-1901) has often been termed the ‘forgotten war”.  In an attempt to address this sad situation, Tasmanian historian and author, REG. A. WATSON, with help from enthusiasts, such as members of the T17 SSAA Militaria Collectors Tasmania, work to do so.

It should be remembered that nearly 900 Tasmanians (and their horses) served in the South African War, all volunteers, and that nearly 40 of our sons were either killed or died of disease.  All, except for two (Privates Cundy and Hodgman), are buried in that far off land.

It was also the war where our nurses served and that they made their way to South Africa and after their service, return to Tasmania at their own expense, without government financial help.

In relation to the number of Australians who served (up to 20,000) and those who died (600+) and the time length of the war, it equates to being the largest conflict Australians have served in, outside the two World Wars.

There are many memorials around the State erected to the memory of those who served.  Two impressive ones are situated on the Hobart Domain and in the Launceston City Park.

THE DAY

Ceremonies on the day usually commence the first Sunday in June at 12 noon at the beautiful Boer War Memorial on the Hobart Domain (as pictured) and the second Sunday in Launceston in the City Park. There is an opportunity for interested parties, family descendants and members of the public to place a wreath or flowers at the monument. In 2010 there will be two services, in Hobart ( Sunday 6th June) and Launceston ( Sunday 13th June).

The 2009 address presented by Reg Watson is available online in pdf format.

.

Come join us on the next occasion.
Inquire on the  numbers listed above.

For further reading on the Tasmanian participation in The|Anglo-Boer War see:

• “Heroes All – Tasmanian Casualties in the Anglo-Boer War” by Reg. A. Watson. (1995) ISBN 646 190033 4   check www.regwatson.com/taks
• “Tasmanians in the Transvaal War” by John Bufton. (1905) Long out of print but available at Reference Library, Hobart.
• "They Served with Distinction" - a compendium of Tasmanian Military History by Reg. A. Watson. (2009)

But one of the nearly 40 Tasmanian boys who did not return –
Private Ernest Evan (died – South Africa)