TOPIC:

Thomas Burn was born in the parish of Hornsea, near Hull and enlisted at the age of 26 years in the 109th Company 3rd Imperial Yeomanry at Doncaster on the 7th February 1901. He had previously served in the 1st East Yorkshire Vol. Artillery for 4 years and his trade as a butcher.

Mentioned in Lord Kitcheners Despatche’s June 23rd awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal, L.G. 29th July 1902, Lord Kitcheners Despatches, recommendation reads: general efficiency and ‘Gallantry in action at Wagonners Kraal’ It is very rare to find a recommendation for Gallantry as most Honours and Awards Boer War are for consistent good work and general efficiency.
Thomas served 1 year 207 days in the Yeomanry including 1 year, 154 days in South Africa. He is mentioned in Birkins book in a chapter dealing with the 109th Company and states. " On February 2nd 1902 ---- Captain Charlton detailed Corporal Burns and two men to scout a large Kopje in front and they there discovered Boers covering the retreat of the Commando which was at a farm behind the Kopje away. On Captain Charlton coming up with his men he was met with a withering fire from the enemy. Captain Charlton and Corporal Smith being wounded whilst the farmers’ horse was shot in five places. The 109th were supported by the Tasmanians and drove the Boers off."

The 3rd Bn were awarded seven D.CMs for the Boer War and the Yorkshire Hussars only one.

An excellent group! Thank you for sharing it with us.

Regards
Brett

Hi
I echo Brett's comment.
I have never seen a copy of Birkin's History of the 3rd Btn IY : it would seem you have one. Are there a lot of troopers mentioned by name in the index?

Henk

I've got an original Birkin's and it list 99% of all the men in the 3rd Bn. It's a hard book to find and essential if your interested in the 3rd Bn. Imp. Yeo.

A super group.

There is a discrepancy in the casualty date with the Official Casualty roll - Cpt Charlton and Cpl Smith were wounded on the 18th, and a Pte Rowley posted as missing too.

Not surprisingly the location is also at odds with Birkin - "Waggoner's Kraal". No doubt a misunderstanding/mispronunciation of an Afrikaans word.

Regards
Meurig