Division, and was present at the battle of Khartoum,
being mentioned in despatches and promoted maj.-gen.
for distinguished service in the field, and received the
thanks of both Houses of Parliament, and the British
OFFICERS IV HO FELL IN SOUTH AFRICA. 409
medal and Khedive's medal with clasp. Gen. Wauchope
had only joined the Kimberley Relief Force, under
Lieut.-Gen. Lord Methuen, a few days before the battle
of Magersfontein : at this action he was in command of
the Highland Brigade, which in the early dawn was
suddenly exposed to a terrific infantry fire at close range.
" The Times History of the War " thus describes what
took place : " At the first burst of fire Gen. Wauchope,
at once realising the cause of the disaster, walked for-
ward in front of the leading companies to ascertain, if
possible, how far the advanced trenches extended. A
glance at the line of flashes was enough. He imme-
diately sent back his cousin to tell the Black Watch to
reinforce on the right as quickly as they could. Young
Wauchope ran back along the lines of prostrate men,
gave the order to Col. Coode and to all the officers he
could see, and then hurried forward again to the spot
where he had left the general alone. But before he
returned Wauchope had fallen, and a moment later his
devoted A.D.C. fell wounded too." [Capt. Wauchope
survived his wounds.] " Coode gallantly led his men
forward, but was killed almost immediately. Next day
all three were found close together within 200 yards of
the trenches.'' Describing this battle, Sir A. Conan
Doyle states he has been assured by a Boer who was
present that " it was the sound of the tins attached to
the alarm wires which disturbed" the enemy; and that
" in an instant there crashed out of the darkness a roar
of point blank fire." The storm of lead burst upon the
column '•' which broke to pieces under the murderous
volley." ' ; Wauchope was shot, struggled up, and fell
once more for ever." Major-Gen. Wauchope is buried at
Magersfontein, close to, and in front of the graves of the
fallen of his devoted Highland brigade. He was always
known by his intimate friends as M Andy " Wauchope, and
was universally popular and beloved.
410
THE "LAST POST":
Waudby. — Lieut. William Waudby, Leinster Regt.,
died at Netley Hospital of enteric, April 3rd, 1901. He
was the son of the late Major Sidney James Waudby, was
born on March 9th, 1876, and educated at Rossall. He
entered the Leinster Regt. from the 4th Batt. Border
Regt. in May, 1898, and was promoted lieut. Nov., 1900.
He accompanied his battalion to South Africa in April,
1900, and served with it until invalided home. He was
mentioned in despatches, L.G., Sept. 10th 1901.
Way.— Lieut. Arthur Strachan Way, D.S.O., 2nd Batt.
Durham Light Infantry, was killed in action at Tabaks-
berg, south of Welcome, Jan. 29th, 1901, in the fighting
with De Wet. He was the fourth son of the Rev. W. H.
Bromley Way, late Rector of Warboys, Hants, was born
in March, 1876, and educated at Marlborough. He
was a keen sportsman and a good Rugby forward. He
entered the Durham Light Infantry from the Royal
Military College in Feb., 1896, being promoted lieut.
July, 1897. He saw much service during the cam-
paign and at Sanna's Post, and when surrounding
Prinsloo, behaved with conspicuous bravery. Lieut.
Way was awarded the D.S.O., Sept, 28th, 1901, and
the medal with five clasps for Paardeberg, Wittebergen,
Johannesburg, Diamond Hill, and Driefontein. He was
mentioned in dispatches, L.G., Sept. 10th, 1901. The
following is an extract from the orders of his battalion
(then stationed in Burmah), of Feb. 4th, 1901 : "The
Commanding Officer announces with great regret the
death, in South Africa, of Lieut. A. S. Way, who was
killed in action Jan. 29th. Lieut. Way was a most
promising and zealous officer, and his death is a great loss
to the battalion, where he was known and liked by all
ranks as a good all round sportsman." His battalion has
put up a marble cross in his memory at Welcome, and his
name is inscribed on a tablet placed in Marlborough
OFFICERS WHO FELL IN SOUTH AFRICA. 411
College Chapel in memory of all Marlburians who fell in
the war.
Webster.— Capt. Godfrey Vassall George Frederick
Charles Webster, Bethune's M.I., was killed in an accident
on the railway at Bethulie on Feb. 1st, 1901. He was the
son of the late Sir Augustus Frederick Webster, Bart.,
by his marriage with Amelia Sophia, 2nd daughter of the
late Charles Frederick Augustus Prosser-Hastings, Esq.,
Taunton, Somerset. Capt. Webster was born in 1872,
and was educated at Eton (Mr. Hales').
Webster. — Lieut. Leveret Beverley Webster, 1st Batt.
King's Own (Royal Lancaster Regt.), died in London,
March 22nd, 1902. He was the only son of Barclay
Webster, Esq., of Kentville, Nova Scotia, Canada, and
was born in Sept., 1878. He entered the Royal Lancaster
Regt. from the Local Militia Forces of Canada in April,
1900, being promoted lieut. Feb., 1901. He served with
his battalion in South Africa for about eighteen months, in
the operations in northern Natal, and the fighting around
Dundee and Vryheid, and was invalided to England. He
then entered one of Lady Dudley's nursing homes in
Dec, 1901, but never recovered his strength. His body
was conveyed to Canada for interment.
Wedd. — Lieut. Lawrence Dunkin Wedd, D.S.O., 2nd
Batt. The Queen's Royal West Surrey Regt., died of
enteric at Kroonstad, July 7th, 1902. He was born in
Jan., 1878, entered the Royal West Surrey Regt, Feb.,
1898, and was promoted lieut. April, 1900. He embarked
with his battalion for South Africa in Oct., 1899, served
with the Natal Field Force, and was present at the battle
of Colenso and the operations on the Tugela, the action
at Pieter's Hill, and the relief of Ladysmith. He was
twice mentioned in despatches, L.G., Feb. 8th and Sept.
10th, 1901, for his services, and was awarded the D.S.O.
412 THE "LAST POST":
Welch. — Brevet-Major Norman Charles Welch, 2nd
Batt. Hampshire Regt., died Nov. ioth, 1900, of
wounds received in action near Bothaville four days
previously. He was the youngest son of the late John
D. Welch, Esq., of Heme Hill, Surrey, was born in July,
1865, and educated at Charterhouse. He entered the
Hampshire Regt. from the 3rd Batt. The Queen's in
Nov., 1886, being promoted capt. July, 1893, and
brevet-major July, 1899. He served with the Burmese
Expedition in 1887, and received the medal with clasp.
He also served in the operations on the Niger, 1897-98,
being mentioned in despatches, L.G., March 7th, 1899,
and receiving the brevet of major for his services. He
was employed with the West African Frontier Force from
Feb., 1898, to Sept., 1899. Major Welch proceeded to
South Africa in Jan., 1900, and served in Cape and Orange
River Colonies. The author of ''The Great Boer War,"
in writing of the action at Bothaville, states that four
officers were killed, among them " Major Welch, a soldier
of great promise, much beloved by his men." His name
is inscribed on the tablet in the War Memorial Cloister
erected at Charterhouse.
Weldon. — Capt. George Anthony Weldon, 2nd Batt.
Royal Dublin Fusiliers, was killed in action at the battle
of Talana Hill, Oct. 20th, 1899, while endeavouring to
carry a wounded soldier to a place of safety. Capt.
Weldon was the son of Col. Thomas Weldon, CLE., and
grandson of the late Sir Anthony Weldon, Bart. His
mother, Helen Rachel Louisa, was a daughter of General
George William Young Simpson, R.A. Capt. Weldon
was born in Feb., 1866, and educated at Cheltenham
College. He entered the Royal Dublin Fusiliers from
the Militia in Dec, 1886, and was promoted capt. Jan.,
1896. He served in the Burmese Expedition, 1887-89,
and received the medal with clasp. On the outbreak of
OFFICERS WHO FELL IN SOUTH AFRICA. 413
the war he was serving at Maritzburg with his battalion,
which was at once pushed on to Dundee. At the battle
of Talana Hill, the first action of the war, E Company,
commanded by Capt. Weldon. was lining the edge of a
wood at the side nearest to the enemy, Capt. Weldon's
sen-ant, Private Crotty, was seen to fall a few yards in
advance, and Capt. Weldon at once dashed forward to
endeavour to carry him under cover, but was killed in the
attempt. Thus master and man fell together. Three
men of his company, under Corporal Foley, went out
early next morning to bury Capt. Weldon, but could not
find his body. After some further search, they heard his
faithful terrier, " Rose," howling piteously. She was
lying on his body, which she had apparently never left.
At first,
•• Their search seemed all in vain,
Till suddenly they heard a dog's heart break
In a long low wail of pain.''
They buried Capt. Weldon in the cemetery at Dundee,
just below Talana Hill, and " Rose" was taken back to
E Company. Capt. Weldon was the first officer killed in
the South African War. He was mentioned in despatches
by Lieut.-Gen. Sir George White, Dec. 2nd, 1899, L.G.,
Feb. Sth, 1901. Memorials to Capt. Weldon have been
erected at St. James's Church, Dundee, Natal, and at St.
George's Church, Pietermaritzburg ; also at St. Mary's
Church, Blythe, at Athy, co. Kildare, and at Naas, the
depot of the Royal Dublin Fusiliers. On the memorial
at Blythe are inscribed the words : —
;; He hath well done, and so made good hys name.''
Capt. Weldon's name is also recorded on the Eleanor
Cross War Memorial at Cheltenham College.
Weliford— Capt. Francis Weilford, M.B., 7th Batt.
I.Y., died June 1st, 1901, of wounds received in action
414 THE "LAST POST":
at Vlakfontein two days previously. He was the son of
the Rev. John Francis Wellford, of Oakland, Sidmouth,
and was born at Clevedon in April, 1863. He was
educated privately and at Trinity College, Cambridge.
From Jan., 1887, to Nov., 1892, he was at Guy's Hospital.
He then went to New South Wales, and practised at
Sydney, and was medical officer of the Winton District
Hospital, Queensland, from 1893 to 1895. From the
latter date to 1899 he was in the Straits Settlements, but
in Dec, 1899, he volunteered for active service, and in
Feb., 1900, joined the I.Y. as a medical officer with the
rank of capt. He was mentioned by F.-M. Earl Roberts
in his despatch of Sept. 4th, 1901, L.G., Sept. 10th, 1901.
Capt. Wellford was a fellow of the Royal Colonial
Institute, and his name is inscribed on a memorial tablet
in the hall of the building in Northumberland Avenue,
S.W.
Wellby. — Capt. Montagu Sinclair Well by, 18th Hussars,
died at Paardekop, Aug. 5th, 1900, of wounds received
in action at Mertzicht. July 30th. He was the fourth
son of John Henry Wellby, Esq., of 1, Sussex Place,
Regent's Park, N.W., was born in Oct., 1866, and
educated at University College School and at Rugby.
He entered the 18th Hussars in Aug., 1886, being
promoted capt. 1894, and was adjutant of his regiment
from Feb., 1897, to Aug. 1898. He was a well-known
traveller and explorer. He served with the Tochi Field
Force in the operations on the North-West Frontier of
India in 1897, receiving the medal with clasp. Capt.
Wellby had served in South Africa from the commence-
ment of the war in the operations in Natal, and the
defence of Ladysmith. He is buried at Zandspruit.
West. — 2nd Lieut. Archibald Vivian West, 2nd Batt.
Royal Berkshire Regt., was killed in action at Rensburg,
OFFICERS WHO FELL IN SOUTH AFRICA. 415
Jan. 1st, igoo. He was the only son of Lieut.-Col.
Frederick West, and grandson of Admiral Sir John West,
G.C.B. He was born in June, 1876, and educated at
Allhallowes School, Honiton. He served in the ranks for
over four years, and was granted a commission in the
Royal Berkshire Regt. in Aug., 1898. 2nd Lieut. West
was with his battalion in South Africa when war was
declared, and served in the north of Cape Colony until his
death.
Whitaker. — Capt. Frederick Shewell Whitaker, Roberts'
Horse, died June 24th, 1900, at Heidelberg, of wounds
received in action the previous day. He had seen much
service in South Africa previous to 1899, having been
through the Galeka and Gaika Wars, the Bechuanaland
Expedition, and the Matabele Campaign. He offered his
services at the outbreak of the war, and was first given
command of a squadron in the South African Light
Horse, and afterwards in Roberts' Horse. Capt.
Whitaker was a Fellow of the Royal Colonial Institute,
and his name is inscribed on a memorial tablet in the
hall of the building in Northumberland Avenue, S.W.
White.— Lieut. Cecil Arbuthnot White, 1st Batt.
Suffolk Regt., was killed in action near Rensburg, Jan.
6th, 1900. He was the youngest son of Robert Holmes
White, Esq., of 10, Devonshire Place, W., and Boulge
Hall, Woodbridge. He was born Aug., 1874, educated
at Eton (Mr. Durnford's), and entered the Suffolk Regt.
from the 3rd Batt. Derbyshire Regt. in May, 1897, being
promoted lieut. March, 1899. Lieut. White accompanied
his battalion to South Africa in Nov., 1899, and served
with it in the north of Cape Colony until killed.
White.— Lieut. R. J. L. White, New South Wales
4 i6 THE "LAST POST":
Bushmen, was killed in action at Wonderfontein on Sept.
12th, 1900.
White. — Lieut. William Michael Joseph White, 2nd
Batt. Cameronians (Scottish Rifles), was killed in action
near Smithfield March 12th, 1901. He was the
voungest son of the late J. White, Esq., D.L., of
Nantenan, co. Limerick, was born in Sept., 1S76, and
educated at Stonyhurst, where he was in the cricket and
football teams. He entered the Scottish Rifles, May,
1897, from the Royal Military College, and was promoted
lieut. Jan.. 1899. At the commencement of the war in
Oct., 1899, he- went out on special sen-ice with M.I., and
saw much fighting. He is reported to have been seldom
out of action for nearly eighteen months. He was
present at Paardeberg, and took part in the advance on
Bloemfontein and Pretoria. On many occasions his
bravery is stated to have been very conspicuous. Shortly
before his death he was sent as adjutant to some
Yeomanry who had just arrived from England. While
in action and carrying a message to one of the companies
in heavy rain, Lieut. White is believed to have ridden by
mistake into a party of Boers, and nothing was heard of
him until the enemy reported him as killed in action. He
was mentioned in despatches, L.G., Sept. 10th, 1901.
Whitehead. — Lieut. James Allan Whitehead, 5th Batt.
Manchester Regt., attached 28th Co. Army Service Corps,
died of enteric at Heilbron, May 2Sth, 1902. He was the
son of Mr. Whitehead, of Ewood Hall, Todmorden, and
was eighteen years of age. He entered the Manchester
Regt. Jan., 1901, and was promoted lieut. the following
May, and accompanied the 5th battalion to South Africa
in June, 1901, and served as senior transport officer to the
columns commanded by Colonels Dawkins and Nixon.
He was wounded on three occasions, and was awarded
the medal and five clasps.
OFFICERS WHO FELL IN SOUTH AFRICA. 417
Whitehead. — Major Randolph Edward Whitehead,
1st Batt. Royal Monster Fusiliers, was killed in action at
Doornfontein, near Griquatown, on Jan. 13th, 1902. He
was the youngest son of the late Rev. Thomas White-
head, vicar of Shustoke, Warwickshire, was born in June,
1861, and educated at Winchester. He entered the 101st
Foot from the Royal Military College in August, 1880,
being promoted lieut. July, 1S81, capt. Sept., 1889, and
major March, 1901. He was adjutant of his battalion
from May, 1887, to July 1891, and of the 1st Wiltshire
Rifle Volunteers from Nov., 1891 to Nov., 1895. Major
Whitehead had served in South Africa since June, 1900,
and had been present with his battalion in many engage-
ments. The day he was killed he had joined Col.
Sitwell's Column at Doornfontein. He fell while leading
his company, only eighty strong, to attack a ridge held
by four hundred Boers, under De Villiers. The ridge
was carried by a bayonet charge, but Major Whitehead
fell within about fifty yards of the Boer entrenchments
and died immediately. Those who saw this attack of
Major Whitehead's company state that it was most
gallantly carried out, the enemy being driven out of
their position.
Wickham. — Capt. Edward David Provis Wickham,
84th Co., 22nd Batt. I.Y., was killed in action at
Doom River, O.R.C., Oct. 16th, 1901. He was the
eldest son of the late Lieut. -Col. Thomas Wickham,
of Fronwnion, North Wales, J. P., and D.L. for Mon-
mouthshire, who served formerly in the 33rd Foot, and
who died at Cheltenham on April 3rd, 1903. Capt.
Wickham was born in 1857, and educated at Chel-
tenham College. He first served in the ranks of the
I.Y., and gaining the rank of sergt. was, on the 8th
March, 1901, granted a commission as 2nd lieut. On
the 27th of the same month he was promoted capt. into
D D
418 THE "LAST POST":
the 22nd Batt., with which he served till killed. His
name is inscribed on the Eleanor Cross War Memorial
erected at Cheltenham College.
Wilde. — 2nd Lieut. Brenchley Wilde, 2nd Batt. East
Yorkshire Regt., died of enteric at Harrismith on Feb.
26th, 1902. He was born in Jan., 1882, and entered the
East Yorkshire Regt. from the Royal Military College,
May, 1901. He is buried in Harrismith military ceme-
tery.
Wilford. — Col. Edmund Percival Wilford, 1st Batt.
Gloucestershire Regt., was killed in action in the engage-
ment at Rietfontein, near Ladysmith, Oct. 24th, 1899.
He was born in May, 1846, joined the 8th Foot July,
1865, and was transferred to the 28th Foot in August of
the same year. He was promoted lieut. June, 1868, capt.
Sept., 1879, major July, 1882, lieut.-col. May, 1894, and
col. July, 1899. He was adjutant of Auxiliary Forces
from July, 1880, to July, 1885. Col. Wilford was serving
in command of his battalion in Natal at the commence-
ment of the war and fell while leading it. It had to
advance down a ridge, and was suddenly exposed to a
cross musketry fire. Col. Wilford and six men were
killed and forty wounded.
Wilfred. — Lieut. Wilfred, Rhodesia Regt., was killed
at Mafeking on May 16th, 1900.
Wilkins. — Capt. Francis Alfred Pressland Wilkins,
Suffolk Regt., was killed in action near Rensburg, Jan.
6th, 1900. He was the only son of Alfred Wilkins, Esq.,
of 43, Earl's Court Square, S.W., and was born in
April, 1871. He was educated at Westminster School,
OFFICERS WHO FELL IN SOUTH AFRICA. 419
and at Paris, and passed into the Royal Military College
at the head of the list. When leaving Sandhurst he
passed out with Honours, and entered the Suffolk Regt.
in May, 1892, being promoted lieut. June, 1895, and capt.
August, 1S99. He had been adjutant of his battalion
since Jan., 1899, and was qualified as an interpreter in
French, German, and Italian. Capt. Wilkins embarked
for South Africa with his battalion in Nov., 1S99,
and served with it in the north of Cape Colony until
killed.
Williams. — 2nd Lieut. Arthur Cole Williams, Notting-
hamshire (Sherwood Rangers) Yeomanry Cavalry, was
killed in action at Boshof, April 5th, 1900, a victim
to the abuse of the white flag by the Boers. He was
educated at Wellington, where he was in Saunders
House, 1887-91. He was for a time in the Surrey
Militia ; he then became a brewer. The loss of this
officer is referred to u with regret " by Lieut.-Gen. Lord
Methuen in his despatch of April 6th, 1900, L.G., Feb.
8th, 1901, who reports that " Lieut. Williams was killed
deliberately after the white flag was held up." The Boer
who killed Lieut. Williams was at once shot. 2nd Lieut.
Williams had only entered the Nottinghamshire Yeo-
manry Cavalry in Feb., 1900, proceeding immediately
after to South Africa.
Williams. — Capt. Edward Arthur Williams, 1st Dra-
goon Guards, was killed in action at Orebyfontein,
O.R.C., Nov. 9th, 1901. He was born in June, 1869,
and entered the iSth Hussars from the Lancashire
Artillery (Southern Division, R.A.), in June, 1892, being
promoted lieut. Nov., 1S94, and capt. into the 1st
Dragoon Guards in July, 1900. He had served in South
Africa from the commencement of the war, and was
employed with Bethune's Mounted Infantry.
4 2o THE "LAST POST":
Williams. — Major George Albanus Williams, ist Batt.
South Staffordshire Regt., was killed in action at Twee-
fontein, in De Wet's attack on Christmas morning, 1901.
He was the third son of Gen. J. W. C. Williams, K.C.B.,
of Morelands, Purbrook, Hants, and was born in Sept.,
i860. He entered the 80th Foot in Jan., 1879, was
promoted lieut. Feb., 1881, capt. Aug., 1887, and major
Nov., 1896. He was adjutant of his battalion from
Aug., 1887 to April, 1891, and afterwards adjutant of
a provisional battalion from May, 1891, to Nov., 1895.
He served in South Africa in 1879, in the Zulu Campaign,
and in the subsequent operations against Sekukuni, re-
ceiving the medal with clasp. He also took part in the
Nile Expedition of 1884-85, and was present at the action
of Kirbekan, and received the medal with clasp and the
Khedive's star. He went on special service to Ashanti,
with the Expedition under Sir Francis Scott, in 1895-96,
being mentioned in despatches and receiving the star
awarded. Major Williams was A.D.C. in India from
Sept., 1897, to Dec, 1899, and was afterwards A.D.C.
to the General Officer Commanding a Division in South
Africa, from Jan. 2nd, 1900. At the time of his death,
he was second in command of the ist Batt. South
Staffordshire Regt. At Tweefontein the Boers attacked
the British force by moonlight about two o'clock in the
morning. The enemy crept up without their boots on,
and in the confusion which ensued some of our men
killed each other. Two Boers who put on our helmets
were shot by their own men. Major Williams was killed
while rallying those under his command. He is buried
at Tweefontein, and his name is inscribed on an obelisk
which has been erected there in memory of all who fell in
this action.
Williams. — 2nd Lieut. John Conde Williams, 3rd Batt.
Durham Light Infantry, died of enteric at Kroonstad
OFFICERS WHO FELL IN SOUTH AFRICA. 421
Jan. 15th, 1901. He was born in June, 1881, educated at
the South Eastern College, Ramsgate, and entered the
Durham Light Infantry Dec., 1899, and joined the 3rd
Batt., which was then embodied. He accompanied it to
South Africa in Jan., 1900, and served in the Cape and
Orange River Colonies up to the time of his death.
Williams. — 2nd Lieut. Raymond Henry Williams, 2nd
Batt. Somersetshire Light Infantry, was wounded by the
accidental discharge of his revolver while on outpost
duty on Sept. 6th, 1901, and died the same day at Nigel.
He was born in June, 18S2, educated at Wellington, and
entered the 4th Batt., Somersetshire Light Infantry in
Oct., 1899. His battalion was embodied in Dec, 1899, an ^
proceeded to South Africa in Feb., 1900. 2nd Lieut.
Williams served with it for over a year and was then
granted a commission in the Dorsetshire Regt. in Jan.,
1901, being transferred to the 2nd Batt. Somersetshire
Lighc Infantry in the following May and joined it in
South Africa. He had thus served throughout the war
from Feb., 1900.
Williams. — Lieut. William Arthur Glanmor Williams,
D.S.O., 2nd Batt. South Wales Borderers, was killed in
action near Bothaville Nov. 6th, 1900. He was the
second son of the late Hugh Williams, Esq., of Ferry
Side, Carmarthenshire, was born in Sept., 1873, and
educated at Clifton College. He was fond of games and
a good cricketer. He entered the South Wales Borderers
in May, 1893, being promoted lieut. Oct., 1895. He
served in the operations in the Niger Territories in 1898,
including the Benin Hinterland and Siama Expeditions
(wounded), being mentioned in despatches and receiving
the medal with clasp and the D.S.O. For his services
in the South African War he was mentioned in des-
patches, L.G., Sept. 10th, 1901. In the despatch of
422 THE "LAST POST":
Gen. Lord Kitchener of May 8th, 1901, the death of
Lieut. Williams is mentioned.
Williams-Ellis. — 2nd Lieut. John Roger Williams-
Ellis, 1st Batt. Royal Welsh Fusiliers, was killed in
action at Dwarsvlei, Oct. 9th, 1900. He was the
third son of the Rev. J. C. Williams-Ellis, of Glasfryn,
Carnarvonshire, sometime Fellow and Tutor of Sidney
Sussex College, Cambridge. 2nd Lieut. Williams-Ellis
was born in Dec, 1880, and was educated privately and
at Rossall. He entered the Royal Welsh Fusiliers from
the Royal Military College in Dec, 1899, and embarked
immediately for Natal, joining the battalion soon after
the relief of Ladysmith. He then served with Major-
Gen. Barton's Brigade for the relief of Mafeking, and
was present at the action of Rindam and the march