West Australian Award Recipients
Awards | 1st WAMI | 2nd WAMI | 3rd WAMI | 4th WAMI | 5th WAMI | 6th WAMI | TOTAL |
VC | – | – | – | – | – | 1 | 1 |
CB | – | 1 | 1 | – | – | – | 2 |
DSO | 3 | 2 | 1 | – | 1 | 2 | 9 |
DCM | 5 | – | 2 | – | 1 | 1 | 9 |
MID | 6 | 4 | 4 | – | 3 | 18 | |
CO Despatches | 9 | 3 | 11 | – | 3 | 8 | 34 |
Total | 3 Orders, 5 Medals, 15 Despatches | 3 Orders, 7 Despatches | 2 Orders, 2 Medals, 15 Despatches | 1 Order, 1 Medal, 4 Despatches | 1 Victoria Cross, 2 Orders, 1 Medal, 11 Despatches | 1 Victoria Cross, 11 Orders, 9 Medals, 52 Despatches |
AWARDS EXPLAINED
VICTORIA CROSS
The Victoria Cross is awarded for “most conspicuous bravery, or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice, or extreme devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy.” It was and is the highest award for gallantry in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Since its creation in 1856 it has been awarded only 1,358 times and only 120 times to Australians (101 in the ADF, 19 in the Imperial Forces).
During the 2nd Boer War, 6 Victoria Crosses were awarded to Australians of which Lieutenant Frederick Bell of the 6th WAMI was the first West Australian to receive one and the only West Australian to receive it in the 2nd Boer War.
Companion Of the Order Of The Bath
The Order of the Bath is the 4th most senior of the Imperial Chivalry awards and was usually awarded to senior military officers among others. 2 West Australian Officers were awarded the lowest grade of the Order, Companion.
Distinguished Service Order
The Distinguished Service Order is awarded for “meritorious or distinguished service by officers of the armed forces during wartime, typically in actual combat.” It was the highest non royal award for leadership in combat. Since its creation in 1883 it has been awarded 16,567 times and during the 2nd Boer War was awarded to West Australian Officers 9 times.
Distinguished Conduct Medal
The Distinguished Conduct Medal is awarded for “Gallantry in the field second only to the Victoria Cross”. Since its creation in 1854 it has been awarded over 30,200 times and during the 2nd Boer War was awarded to West Australian Soldiers 9 times.
MENTIONED IN DESPATCHES
The Mentioned in Despatches was an award for gallantry, leadership or great service that mentioned the recipient in the London Gazette.
Commanding Officer Despatches
For those who were not officially mentioned in the London Gazette the Commanding Officer of each unit would hand out their own despatches and commendations. Obviously, this varied quite a bit as can be seen with 11 C.O. Despatches in the 3rd WAMI and 3 in the 2nd WAMI or they could be as unlucky as the 4th WAMI which did not receive any awards due to no one ever being recommended despite the unit seeing as much action as the 3rd WAMI.
AWARDS RECIPIENTS
VICTORIA CROSS
Lieutenant Frederick Bell VC MID
Awarded the Victoria Cross for the following citation “On 16 May 1901 at Brakpan, Transvaal, South Africa, when retiring through a heavy fire after holding the right flank, Lieutenant Bell noticed a man dismounted and returned and took him up behind him. The horse not being equal to the weight fell with them, Lieutenant Bell then remained behind and covered the man’s retirement till he was out of danger.”
COMPANION OF THE ORDER OF THE BATH
2nd West Australian Mounted Infantry Contingent
Lieutenant Colonel H L Pilkington C.B. MID
Awarded the Companion of The Bath for actions as a Squadron Commander of the 2nd WAMI and for leading Australian Troops in general throughout the war.
3rd West Australian Imperial Bushmen Contingent
Lieutenant Colonel H G Vialls C.B. MID
Awarded the Companion of The Bath for actions as a Squadron Commander of the 3rd WAMI and for leading Australian Troops of the 3rd Bushmen Regiment throughout the war.
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER
1st West Australian Mounted Rifles Contingent
Captain F M W Parker DSO MID
Awarded the Distinguished Service Order for actions as a Troop Commander in the 1st WAMI from Nov 1899 – Jul 1900 and as Squadron commander in the 1st WAMI from Jul 1900 – Dec 1900. He continued to serve in South Africa until 1902 even after the 1st WAMI had left.
Captain H F Darling DSO MID
Awarded the Distinguished Service Order for actions as a Troop Commander in the 1st WAMI from Nov 1899 – Dec 1900 before becoming a Squadron Commander in the 5th WAMI from Dec 1900 – Apr 1902.
Captain A J B Brown DSO MID
Awarded the Distinguished Service Order for actions as a Troop Commander in the 1st WAMI from Apr 1900 – Dec 1900 before becoming the adjutant for the 5th & 6th WAMI throughout 1901 and 1902.
2nd West Australian Mounted Infantry Contingent
Lieutenant S A Oliver DSO MID
Awarded the Distinguished Service Order for actions as a Troop Commander in the 2nd WAMI from Jan 1900 – Feb 1901.
Lieutenant J De Castilla DSO MID
Awarded the Distinguished Service Order for actions as a Troop Commander in the 2nd WAMI from Jan 1900 – Feb 1901.
3rd West Australian Imperial Bushmen Contingent
Lieutenant R R C Vernon
Awarded the Distinguished Service Order for actions as a Troop Commander in the 3rd WAMI from Feb 1900 – May 1901.
5th West Australian Mounted Infantry Contingent
Lieutenant G S Clifford DSO MID
Awarded the Distinguished Service Order for actions as a Troop Commander in the 5th WAMI from Feb 1901 – Apr 1902.
6th West Australian Mounted Infantry Contingent
Lieutenant H B McCormack
Awarded the Distinguished Service Order for actions as a Troop Commander in the 6th WAMI from Feb 1901 – Apr 1902.
Lieutenant P J Daley
Awarded the Distinguished Service Order for actions as a Troop Commander in the 6th WAMI from Feb 1901 – Apr 1902.
1st West Australian Mounted Rifles Contingent
Captain F M W Parker DSO MID
Awarded the Distinguished Service Order for actions as a Troop Commander in the 1st WAMI from Nov 1899 – Jul 1900 and as Squadron commander in the 1st WAMI from Jul 1900 – Dec 1900. He continued to serve in South Africa until 1902 even after the 1st WAMI had left.
Captain H F Darling DSO MID
Awarded the Distinguished Service Order for actions as a Troop Commander in the 1st WAMI from Nov 1899 – Dec 1900 before becoming a Squadron Commander in the 5th WAMI from Dec 1900 – Apr 1902.
Captain A J B Brown DSO MID
Awarded the Distinguished Service Order for actions as a Troop Commander in the 1st WAMI from Apr 1900 – Dec 1900 before becoming the adjutant for the 5th & 6th WAMI throughout 1901 and 1902.
2nd West Australian Mounted Infantry Contingent
Lieutenant S A Oliver DSO MID
Awarded the Distinguished Service Order for actions as a Troop Commander in the 2nd WAMI from Jan 1900 – Feb 1901.
Lieutenant J De Castilla DSO MID
Awarded the Distinguished Service Order for actions as a Troop Commander in the 2nd WAMI from Jan 1900 – Feb 1901.
3rd West Australian Imperial Bushmen Contingent
Lieutenant R R C Vernon
Awarded the Distinguished Service Order for actions as a Troop Commander in the 3rd WAMI from Feb 1900 – May 1901.
5th West Australian Mounted Infantry Contingent
Lieutenant G S Clifford DSO MID
Awarded the Distinguished Service Order for actions as a Troop Commander in the 5th WAMI from Feb 1901 – Apr 1902.
6th West Australian Mounted Infantry Contingent
Lieutenant H B McCormack
Awarded the Distinguished Service Order for actions as a Troop Commander in the 6th WAMI from Feb 1901 – Apr 1902.
Lieutenant P J Daley
Awarded the Distinguished Service Order for actions as a Troop Commander in the 6th WAMI from Feb 1901 – Apr 1902.
DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDAL
1st West Australian Mounted Rifles Contingent
Sergeant Major P M Edwards DCM
Awarded on the 27th September 1901 for actions that took place on the 30th May 1900 around the Central Deep Mine in Johannesburg.
Sergeant Major P M Edwards was ordered to climb the dump of the central deep mine to see if all was clear which he duly reported. He then climbed further and was instrumental in warning the rest of the contingent that there was an enemy Company of Boers supported by 2 Guns. When a scouting party under the command of Lieutenant Brown was ambushed and fired upon, Edwards immediately rushed to their aid and forced the Boers to retreat, the West Australians then continued to chase the Boers for 8 Miles to Roodevort where they could no longer advance due to the town being full of Boers. It was for this action that he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal.
Sergeant J Barry DCM
Awarded on the 27th September 1901 for actions that took place on the 30th May 1900 around the Central Deep Mine in Johannesburg.
Sergeant J Barry was ordered to climb the dump of the central deep mine to see if all was clear which he duly reported. He then climbed further and was instrumental in warning the rest of the contingent that there was an enemy Company of Boers supported by 2 Guns. When a scouting party under the command of Lieutenant Brown was ambushed and fired upon, Barry immediately rushed to their aid and forced the Boers to retreat, the West Australian continued to chase the Boers for 8 Miles to Roodevort whey could no longer advance due to the town being full of Boers. Barry was then ordered to enter the town so that he could halt the advance of the scout group which did not know of the enemy Boers.
Two West Australians were found engaged with some snipers and Barry ordered his men to fix bayonets on horseback and charged the snipers taking some prisoners including an Irish foreign fighter using explosive bullets. In trying to pick up stragglers Barry found himself solus at the railway station and could see a train coming 2 miles off. Barry could see none of his men but 2 Tommies were not far off and he called them in to help him catch the train. Barry sent one of them ahead to stop the train while he and the other Tommy remained in reserve to shoot the driver if he refused to stop.
The train driver stopped and the captors ran up and down the train yelling and hollering till the passengers thought they were surrounded by a Regiment at least. Out came 5 Rifles and bandoliers and the train was taken with 30 Men aboard and some hospital nurses. Seeing the capture of the train some other Boers rode up and surrendered. It was for this action that he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal.
Lance Corporal J E Burley DCM
Awarded on the 27th September 1901 for actions taken throughout the tour.
Lance Corporal J E Burley was instrumental in the Supply, Rationing and foraging duties of the contingent. It was for this service that he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal.
Private R Corkill DCM
Awarded for actions in the Battle of Diamond hill on the 11th-12th July 1900.
The Company of West Australians, at the engagement at Diamond Hill, had advanced from cover into the open for a space of fully one hundred yards, whence enemy suddenly opened fire from behind the rocks, and the bullets fell like hail among the little band. “Back to cover,” came the order, but not before Lance-Corporal Messer bad been brought to earth by a bullet, which went clean through his stomach, entering the body at one side and passing out at the other. The others got safely back behind cover, but the wounded man lay exposed on the open veldt. When, in his pain he moved, the bullets would raise little splutterings of dust all around him as they spat on the ground.
Seeing the danger of his comrade, Private Corkhill, the smallest man in the company, forsook his cover and dashed across the intervening space of 100 yards, making a running target for hundreds of Boer marksmen. He reached Messer safely, and, finding that he was able to move, commenced to crawl back through the grass with him on his back. Ping! Ping! came dozens of bullets, finding a lodgement in the ground on every side. Finding the process too slow, and seeing that it meant certain death to expose themselves too long, Corkhill manfully lifted Messer up, got him across his shoulder, and, half running, half staggering, moved back towards cover. Meanwhile the bullets whistled around the gallant fellow and his burden, sometimes within inches of them.
Half the distance had been successfully covered when the others, who had been breathlessly watching the heroic fellow, saw that he was collapsing. Sergeant Lessey dashed out and met him, and the two brave fellows got over the other fifty yards to cover without injury. Messer recovered, and has come home. Corkhill is still fighting with the West Australians out on the kopjes and the veldt, and Lessey is back after sacrificing one of his legs in his country’s cause. Mr. Messer speaks enthusiastically of Corkhill’s action, which has been commented upon by many journals.
Private H Force (DOW) DCM
Awarded posthumously on the 19th April 1901 for actions on the 3rd September 1900 in the battle of Wanterval Order.
He was recommended personally by General Pole-Carew to Field Marshal Lord Roberts for his Gallant action on September 3rd in the battle of Wanterval Order on the Delagoa Railway.
When Private H Force saw that Lieutenant Darling was in a trap, he rode under heavy fire to inform Lieutenant Oliver (2nd WAMI) he then rode out to aid Lieutenant Darling and continued to fight with him and save other soldiers before being heavily wounded and dying 2 Weeks Later. It was for this action that he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal.
3rd West Australian Imperial Bushmen Contingent
Sergeant W A George DCM
Awarded on the 23rd April 1901 for actions in Early 1901 in the battle of De Burg Pass.
Sergeant W A George was in charge of an advanced scout party when he came under attack from a platoon of Boers, he held his ground until reinforcements by Captain Hurst arrived and they drove the Boers out of the pass. It was for this action that he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal.
Additionally, George had earlier captured a Boer Laager of 12 Wagons, 1500 Cattle and 8 Boer Prisoners. George was noted for the fact that he shot an enemy Boer on a horse fleeing full gallop at a range of 1,000 Yards.
Private T H Angel (DOD) DCM
Awarded posthumously on the 23rd April 1901 for actions in Early 1901 in the battle of De Burg pass.
Private T H Angel served under Sergeant George in the battle of De Burg Pass showing great gallantry and later died of wounds.
5th West Australian Mounted Infantry Contingent
Sergeant J G Dale
It is currently unknown why Sergeant J G Dale was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal.
6th West Australian Mounted Infantry Contingent
Private A P Abbott
It is currently unknown why Private A P Abbott was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal.
MENTIONED IN DESPATCHES
Captain F M W Parker (1st WAMI)
Captain H F Darling (Twice) (1st WAMI)
Captain A J B Brown (Twice) (1st WAMI)
Company Sergeant Major P M Edwards (1st WAMI)
Lieutenant Colonel H L Pilkington (2nd WAMI)
Captain S Harris (2nd WAMI)
Lieutenant J De Castilla (2nd WAMI)
Lieutenant S A Oliver (2nd WAMI)
Lieutenant Colonel H G Vialls (3rd WAMI)
Major F J Ingoldby (3rd WAMI)
Lieutenant R R C Vernon (3rd WAMI)
Lieutenant Ord (3rd WAMI)
Private C C Forrest (5th WAMI)
Lieutenant F W Bell (6th WAMI)
Lieutenant H B McCormack (6th WAMI)
Lieutenant P J Daley (6th WAMI)
C.O. DESPATCHES
Lieutenant J Campbell (1st WAMI)
Lieutenant G G W Hensman (1st WAMI)
Sergeant Major (Warrant Officer) J A Fraser (1st WAMI)
Sergeant B S Lessey (Twice) (1st WAMI)
Corporal J E Tratham (1st WAMI)
Lance Corporal G S Bayley (1st WAMI)
Private A Krygger (Twice) (1st WAMI)
Company Sergeant Major E H Draper (2nd WAMI)
Sergeant H W Clarkson (2nd WAMI)
Private A E Speers (2nd WAMI)
Captain H E Hurst (3rd WAMI)
Company Sergeant Major E Nairn (3rd WAMI)
Sergeant M J Shea (3rd WAMI)
Corporal A Black (3rd WAMI)
Lance Corporal J A N McLeod (3rd WAMI)
Private G A Glen (3rd WAMI)
Private E W Gilliland (3rd WAMI)
Private E J Hardy (3rd WAMI)
Private E Keenan (3rd WAMI)
Private H McPhee (3rd WAMI)
Private T Stirling (3rd WAMI)
Lieutenant J L Ochiltree (5th WAMI)
Lieutenant A A Forrest (5th WAMI)
Lieutenant G S Clifford (5th WAMI)
Captain F B Reid (6th WAMI)
Lieutenant A E Maley (6th WAMI)
Lieutenant S S Reid (6th WAMI)
Lieutenant R Clifton (6th WAMI)
Company Sergeant Major (6th WAMI)
Sergeant J C Gast (6th WAMI)
Private E Eldridge (6th WAMI)
Private C Robinson (6th WAMI)