King's Own Royal Regiment Museum

South African War (Boer War) 1899 - 1902

2nd Battalion Departs Lichfield for South Africa, Dec 1899

The 2nd Battalion of the King's Own Royal Lancaster Regiment, based at Whittington Barracks, Lichfield, were mobilised for service in the South African War as part of the Lancashire Brigade.  On 1st December 1899 the Mayor and Corporation of Lichfield presented an address, tobacco and cigarettes to the Battalion prior to their departure.  The 2nd Battalion sailed for South African on the SS Dilwara embarking at Southampton on 2nd December 1899.  The Battalion disembarked at Durban, Natal on 30th December 1899.

The Mayor of Lichfield presents an illuminated address to the 2nd Battalion.  Lieutenant Colonel Malby Crofton, Commanding the Battalion is mounted and the certificate is received by Lieutenant Davidson.
Accession Number: KO0507/15a

The 2nd Battalion, King's Own, is on parade at Whittington Barracks, Lichfield, on 1st December 1899 to receive the address, tobacco and cigarettes from the Mayor of Lichfield.  The officers on parade are Lieutenant Davidson, Lieutenant Colonel Malby Crofton (on horse), Lieutenant Morrison, Captain Mangles, 2nd Lieutenant Grover and Lieutenant Lysons (who is nearest to the camera on the right).
Accession Number: KO0507/15b


Officers and men of The King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment
On your departure for the seat of War the citizens of Lichfield, with the residents of the district, wish you God speed and a safe return.
They are grateful for the manliness of your Regiment and are confident that your service in South Africa will be worthy of your magnificent and patriotic record.
In your devotion to the Empire in the cause of Justice and Liberty they humbly commend you to the sure protection of Almighty God.
Arthur Eyles
Mayor of Lichfield
1st December 1899
Accession Number: 2839/06


The Civic Dignitaries and Mayor of Lichfield with soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, who had been presented with cigarettes and tobacco.
Accession Number: KO0507/16

Selective enlargement of the previous photograph: some of the soldiers with the tobacco and cigarettes.
Accession Number: KO0507/16 (part)
 

For more information we recommend The King's Own The Story of a Royal Regiment Volume 2 1814-1914 by Colonel Lionel I Cowper - the best history of the King's Own.  On a CD-rom, viewable through a computer.  Price including UK postage £12.75