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Boer War Volunteers
 
2nd Service Company, Gordon Highlanders
 

 

 

 

Lt Alexander Walker Robertson
3rd VBGH
Peterhead

  Lt William A Duguid
5th VBGH
Ballater

Lt A M Robertson
6th VBGH
Aberchirder

 
 
Volunteer Service Companies
 

Following the great losses to the Regular Army in "Black Week" 9th - 15th December 1899, the Government moved quickly to accept offers of help from the Volunteer battalions.
 
It was decided to raise one additional company for each Line battalion which was serving in, or about to depart for, South Africa. Each company would consist 116 men made up of one captain, three subalterns one sergeant instructor, four sergeants, two buglers, five corporals ninety-nine privates and two stretcher bearers. The volunteer company would be attached to the line battalion and placed under the overall command of the officers of that battalion. Each man would receive a gratuity of £5 at the termination of his service.
 
The new companies were titled Service Companies.

To overcome the technicality that prohibited Volunteers from serving as a unit outside of the UK, the men were enlisted into the regular Army for a period of one year or the duration.
 
Upon attestation the Volunteers were renumbered. In the case of the Aberdeenshire contingent an 8 was added to their existing number in accordance with the Army Order that stated: "The regimental numbers given to the members of the Volunteer companies will form a portion of the regimental series, but, in order to avoid the confusion which would result from the assignment of numbers to Volunteers and ordinary recruits indiscriminately ... the Volunteer numbering should run consecutively, with an interval of a clear thousand between the last number received by an ordinary recruit". (Army Order 29)  The service records of the Volunteers show in some cases a three digit number preceeded by a "V" for Volunteer, and in later enlistments both the "V" number and the 8000 number - for example Sgt Rossof the5th VBGH, who enlisted in January 1900 has the number V.113 on his attestation record.  Sgt Noble of the 3rd VBGH who enlisted later has both V239 and 8239.(WO97) For an example of an Attestation form click here.  Medal Rolls show the 8000 number only.  Men with previous service in the Gordon Highlanders, such as Colour Sergeant Reynolds, used their original Regular Army number .

Every Volunteer had to be between the age of 20 and 35 years, be a first-class shot under Volunteer rules,  efficient for the last two years, be of good character and meet the standards of physical fitness required in the Recruiting Regulations. Preference was given to unmarried men or childless widowers.
 
The Gordon Highlanders had two battalions serving in South Africa and so raised two extra companies.  The 1st Service Company Gordon Highlanders consisted of men drawn from the 1st (HQ Aberdeen). 2nd (HQ Oldmeldrum) and 4th (Donside) Volunteer Battalions Gordon Highlanders [VBGH]. It left Aberdeen on February 16th 1900 and sailed from Southampton for the Cape Colony aboard "RMS Guelph" on 17th February, arriving in Cape Town on March 15. The company eventually joined the 1st Gordon Highlanders, serving as "M" Company . After compltion of its tour of service, the Company departed Cape Town aboard the "Templemore" on 13th April 1901 and arrived back in Aberdeen on 3rd May.
 
The 2nd Service Company was composed of members of the 5th (HQ Banchory)  and 6th (HQ Keith) Battalions  (see below) as well as members of the London Scottish (not listed here). It left Aberdeen one week after the first Company, departing from Southampton on 24th February aboard the "RMS Mexican", arriving in Cape Town on 23rd March.  The company eventually joined the 2nd Battalion Gordon Highlanders. The Company left the Cape on 10th April 1901 aboard "RMS Tagus", arriving in Aberdeen on 30th April.
 
Each Service Company also had relief drafts that left Aberdeen in May.  The relief draft for the 2nd Company consisted of men from the 3rd (HQ Peterhead) Battalion (see below), under the command of Lt A W Robertson. The draft joined the 2nd Company at Fort Macready in Natal on 17th July.  The 2nd Service Company departed the Colony a few days before its sister unit, arriving in Aberdeen on 30th April 1900.
 
Bibliography:
The National Archives Series WO97 (Service Records)
Donald Sinclair The History of the Aberdeen Volunteers, Aberdeen 1907.
James Grierson Records of the Scottish volunteer force, 1859-1908. 1909.
Hugh Cunningham Volunteer Force : a social and political history 1859-1908, Croom Helm, 1975.
Ian F W Beckett Riflemen Form : the Raising of the Rifle Volunteer Movement 1859-1908,  Midas Books, 1982.
 
 
Battalion Number  Rank  Name                     Location  Notes
 5thVBGH   Lt  Duguid, W A  Ballater   
  8113 Sgt  Ross, James M  Banchory  Born about 1867 in Banchory. Occupation tailor.Attested  18/1/1900.  Next of kin: father George Ross, Tillybrake Cottage, Banchory.Discharged at own request on return from South Africa 17/10/1900 
  8114  Sgt  Scott, George  Glenmuick  Born about 1871 at Glenmuick, Aberdeenshire. Occupation tailor. Next of kin: brother, Joseph Scott c/- Mr D Wilkie, Ballater. Enlisted 18/1/1900. Discharged 30/4/01 disembodiment of unit. 
  8117  Cpl  Merson, Joseph S  Banchory  Born about 1872 in Banchory. Occupation joiner.  Nest of kin: father George, Kinneskie Rd, Banchory.Enlisted 18/1/1900. Discharged 30/4/01 disembodiment of unit. 
  8119  L.Cpl  Blacklaws, Edward  St Cyrus  Born about 1880, St Cyrus Montrose. Occupation mechanical engineer. Next of kin: mother Mary, Forebank, Marykirk.  Enlisted 18/1/1900. Discharged 30/4/01 disembodiment of unit. 
  8139 L.Cpl  Shaw, George Beattie  Banchory  Born about 1874 St Nicholas, Aberdeen. Occupation mason. Next of kin: cousin Marjory Pirie or Laing 157 West 108 St New York and Mrs Ross Tillybreak Cottage, Banchory.Attested 18/1/1900. Discharged 14/01/01. Transferred to Imperial Military Railway. 
  8140  L.Cpl  Hay, John Tarland  Born about 1873 in Cromer, Tarland. Occupation watchmaker. Next of kin: father Duncan Hay, The Village, Tarland. Attested 18/1/1900. Discharged 30/4/01 disembodiment of unit. 
  8224  L.Cpl  Adams, A P  Stonehaven   
  8115  Pte  Leggatt, J  Banchory   Occupation, stone-driller
  8116  Pte    McGillivray, Peter  Banchory   Occupation, farmer
  8118  Pte  Lindsay, Andrew  Laurencekirk  Born about 1875, Tannadice, Forfar. Occupation farmer. Next of kin: father, Archibald, Arnbarrow, Ferrercairn. Attested 18/1/1900. Discharged 30/4/01 disembodiment of unit.   
  8120  Pte  Morrison, James  Portlethen  Born about 1876, Fordyce, Banff.  Occupation miller.  Next of kin: sister, Mary Mckenzie, Fordyce.  Attested 18/1/1900. Discharged 10/1/01 to enlist in Scottish Horse. 
  8121  Pte  Cowie, George   Portlethen    Born about 1879 at Old Machar, Aberdeen.  Occupation gardener. Next of kin: father George Cowie, Stonehouse, Pitmuxton, Aberdeen.  Attested 18/1/1900. Discharged 18/10/1900 at own request on returning from South Africa. Woundedin the left hand at Rooikopje 24th July 1900. 
  8122  Pte  Silver, James  Skene Born about 1871, Banchory. Occupation farm servant. Next of kin: father, William, Damhead, Skene. Attested 18/1/1900. Discharged 10/1/01 to join Scottish Horse.
  8123  Pte  Ogg, William  Skene Born about 1878, Dundee. Occupation driller. Next of kin: father, William, 34 Watson St, Dundee. Attested 18/1/1900. Discharged 10/1/01 to transfer to Imperial Military Railways. 
  8124  Pte  Jamieson, John  Skene Born about 1876, Dyce, Aberdeen. Occupation quarry dresser. Next of kin: father James, Bogenjoss, Dyce. Attested 18/1/1900. Discharged 10/1/01 to enlist in Scottish Horse 
  8125  Pte  Illingworth, John C  Tarland  Born about 1879 at Cromer, Tarland. Occupation wool miller. Next of kin: father Alexander, Newmills, Tarland.Attested 18/1/1900. Discharged 30/4/01 disembodiment of unit. 
  8126  Pte  Fyfe, George  Tarland  Born about 1876 at Coldstone, Tarland.  Occupation tailor. Next of kin: mother Mrs Fyfe, Mill Cottage, Aboyne.Attested 18/1/1900. Discharged 10/1/01 to enlist in Scottish Horse. 
  8127  Pte  McHardy, George  Ballater   Born about 1879, Belhelvie, Aberdeen. Occupation labourer. Next of kin: father John, Morven Lodge, Ballater. Attested 18/1/1900. Discharged 30/4/01 disembodiment of unit. 
  8128  Pte  Duguid, Frank  Ballater  Born about 1877, Glenmuick, Aberdeen. Occupation joiner. Next of kin: father Francis Duguid, Church Square, Ballater. Attested 18/1/1900. Discharged 30/4/01 disembodiment of unit. Slightly wounded at Rooikopje 24th July 1900 
  8129  Pte  Milne, Robert  Ballater  Born about 1879, Glenmuick, Aberdeenshire. Occupation baker. Next of kin: father, Robert, Church Square, Ballater.  Attested 18/1/1900. Discharged 30/4/01 disembodiment of unit. 
  8130  Pte    Kilgour, John  Ballater  Born about 1878, Glenmuick, Aberdeenshire. Occupation farm servant.  Next of kin: mother, Kantore, Crathie. Attested 18/1/1900. Discharged 10/1/1901 to enlist in Scottish Horse. 
  8131  Pte  Stewart, Alexander  Ballater  Born about 1875, Strathdon, Aberdeenshire. Occupation quarrier. Next of kin: father, Scott Stewart, Strathdon. Attested 18/1/1900. Discharged 14/1/01 to transfer to Imperial Military Railways. 
  8132  Pte  Mercer, Walter  Ballater  Born about 1880, Glenmuick, Aberdeenshire. Occupation spinner. Next of kin: father, Thomas, Gairncliff, Ballater. Attested 18/1/1900. Discharged 30/4/01 disembodiment of unit. 
  8133  Pte  Allan, William  Stonehaven   Born about 1880 at Aberdeen. Occupation mason.  Next of kin: mother May Allan, 20 Arduthie St, Stonehaven. Attested 18/1/1900. Discharged 30/4/01 disembodiment of unit. 
  8134  Pte  Ainslie, James  Stonehaven  Born about 1873 at Melrose. Occupation  baker. Next of kin: father James Ainslie, 103 Union Grove Aberdeen. Attested 18/1/1900. Discharged 31/12/1900. Transferred to the 2nd Bn Railway Pioneer Regiment.  No. (1542 - discharged 10/1/1902)
  8135  Pte  Gibb, William  Stonehaven  Born about 1880 at Fetteresso, Stonehaven. Occupation tailor. Next of kin: mother, 11 David St, Stonehaven. Attested 18/1/1900. Discharged 12/4/01 . 
  8136  Pte  McGregor, John  Stonehaven  Born about 1880, Cowie, Stonehaven. Occupation mason.Next of kin: father, George,  Cowie Mills, Stonehaven. Attested 18/1/1900. Discharged14/01/01 to transfer to Imperial Military Railways. 
  8137  Pte  Stuart, Peter  Stonehaven  Born about 1880, Fetteresso, Kincardineshire. Son of George and Jessie Stuart. Killed at Lydenburg 8th Sep 1900  (Commemorated on GH Memorial Edinburgh)
  8138  Pte  Smith, John  Stonehaven   Born about 1880, Maryculter. Occupation mason. Next of kin: father Francis, Bridge of Cowie, Stonehaven. Attested 18/1/1900. Discharged 14/1/01 to transfer to Imperial Military Railways. 
  8166  Pte  Coutts, George  Crathes  Born about 1880 at Crathie. Occupation market gardener. Next of kin: father George Goutts, Lorn House, Bridge of Dee. Attested 27/1/1900. Discharged 10/1/01 to enlist in Scottish Horse. 
  8167  Pte    Thomson, Alexander C  Nigg  Born about 1879, Nigg, Kincardineshire. Occupation plasterer. Next of kin: father, William Thomson, 1 Lorn House, Bridge of Dee.   Attested 18/1/1900. Discharged 30/4/01 disembodiment of unit. 
6th VBGH   - -   - -   -
  -  Lt  Robertson, A M   Aberchirder   
  1520  Col-Sgt Instructor  Reynolds, Ernest James  Dufftown  Born abt 1865 in Aldershot. Enlisted in Army in 1879 aged 14. Served in 1st and 2nd Gorgon Highlanders.Transferred to permanent staff 6th VBGH abt 1894. Discharged 1906. Served as Quartermaster and Hon Captain in 6th (Banff and Donside) Bn GH in 1908. In the Territorial Reserves until recalled in 1914 as Captain and Adjutant 1/6th GH. Went to France 10/11/1914. Discharged 14/11/1917 and subsequently employed with the Ministry of National Service in 1918.  Died in Dundee in 1942. (Information from g.grandson Stuart Reynolds.)
  8141  L.Sgt  Margach, James  Dufftown  Born about 1880, Dandaleith, Rothes, Morayshire. Occupation mason. Next of kin: father, John, 14 Fife St, Dufftown.  Attested 19/1/1900. Discharged 10/1/1901 to enlist in Scottish Horse (37180 discharged 17/6/1902). 
  8147  Cpl  Cumming, Harry  Aberlour  Born about 1875, Aberlour, Banffshire. Occupation law clerk.  Next of kin: father James Smith Cumming, Post Office, Craigellachie.  Attested 19/1/1900. Discharged 30/4/01 disembodiment of unit. 
  8150  L.Cpl  McRae, John Fowlie  Aberlour   Enlisted for war service 19th January 1900.  Aged 27. Occupation: joiner.  Father: William McRae, 54 Charlotte Street Fraserburgh. In South Africa from 23rd Feb 1900. Wounded at Lydenburg 8th Sept 1900. Transferred to Railway Pioneer Regiment 31st Dec 1900.
  8142  Pte  Thomson, James  Keith  Born about 1880, Aberlour. Occupation, draper.Next of kin (guardians)  J.J. Gray & Co. 174 Mid St, Keith.   Attested 19/1/1900.  Discharged 12/12/1900 (no reason given) 
  8143  Pte  Rhind, James  Keith  Enlisted for war service 19th January 1900. Aged 20. Occupation: butcher. Father : Gordon McRae 159 Mid Street Keith. Served South Africa 23rd Feb1900 to 22nd July 1900. Home: 23rd July 1900 to 5th Oct 1900 - discharged at own request - services no longer required.
  8144  Pte  Stott, George  Banff  Born about 1880, Woodside, Aberdeenshire. Occupation rope and sail maker. Next of kin: brother, John Stott, Cloger Park, Cloger,  Tyrone. Attested 19/1/1900. Discharged 23/1/01 having completed one year's service. Severely wounded both legs. (Times casualty list 31 August 1900) 
  8145  Pte  Geddes, Allan  Banff  Born about 1877, Braemar. Occupation, railway porter. Next of kin: father, Alexander, Logienewton, Auchterless. Attested 19/1/1900. Discharged 10/1/01. Transferred to Scottish Horse. (25939 discharged 26/7/1901)  
  8146  Pte  Trail, John  Banff  Born about 1879, Old Deer. Occupation, railway porter. Next of kin: father, Simon Trail, Pickerstone, Fraserburgh. Attested 19/1/1900. Discharged 10/1/1901 to join Scottish Horse. 
  8148  Pte  Urquhart, Patrick  Aberlour  Born about 1879, Aberlour. Occupation, student.  Next of kin: mother, Mrs J Fraser, Rock View, Craigellachie.  Attested 19/1/1900. Discharged 31/10/1900 at own request on return from South Africa. 
  8149  Pte  MacDonald, Alexander  Aberlour  Born about 1874, Ballindallock, Aberlour.  Occupation labourer.  Next of kin: mother, Janet McDonald, 47 High St, Aberlour. Attested 19/1/1900. Discharged 30/4/01 disembodiment of unit. 
  8151  Pte  Tough, Gordon  Glenrinnes  Born about 1880, Mortlach, Dufftown. Occupation, farm servant. Next of kin: father Forbes Tough,  Viewfield, Glenrinnes. Attested 19/1/1900. Discharged 10/1/1901 to join Scottish Horse. (25943   discharged 3/1/02) 
  8152  Pte  McKay, George  Aberlour  Occupation, labourer. B Company. 
  8153  Pte  Stuart, Donald B Dufftown  Occupation, painter. Slightly wounded at Rooikopjes 24 July 1900. Killed at Lydenburg 8th Sept 1900 
  8154  Pte  Cowie, William Alexander  Dufftown  Born about 1878, Mortlach, Dufftown. Occupation, slater. Next of kin: father, 221 Mid St, Buckie. Attested 19/1/1900. Discharged 30/4/01 disembodiment of unit. 
  8155  Pte  McKenzie, John Alexander  Dufftown  Born about 1879, Mortlach, Dufftown.  Occupation, fireman. Next of kin: mother, Mrs Forbes, 43 Balvenie St, Dufftown. Attested 19/1/1900. Discharged 5/10/1900 at own request on return from South Africa. 
  8156  Pte  Taylor, John  Buckie   
  8157  Pte  Bowie, John  Buckie  Born about 1878, Rathven, Buckie, Banffshire. Occupation blacksmith. Next of kin: father, 1 Low St, Buchie. Attested 20/1/1900. Discharged 30/4/01 disembodiment of unit.. Scotsman 10th May 1901 - Two Buchie men arrive home to hero's welcome. 
  8158  Pte  Grant, Robert Aberlour  Born about 1880, Duffus, Elgin, Morayshire. Occupation, postman. Next of kin: father James Grant, Balldornie, Carron, Strathspey. Attested 20/1/1900. Discharged 30/4/01 disembodiment of unit. 
  8159  Pte  Campbell, John  Buckie  Scotsman 10th May 1901 - Two Buchie men arrive home to hero's welcome. 
  8160  Pte  Brown, William  Aberlour  Born about 1880, Lavoch, Ellon. Occupation, tailor. Next of kin: father, William Brown, East Aquahadlie. Attested 22/1/1900. Discharged 10/1/1901. Transferred to Scottish Horse. Re- enlisted Johannesburg 11/7/1901. Discharged, time expired 17/1/1902. (Two numbers given - No.339 and No.  25936)
  8161  Pte  Smith, Alexander  Aberchirder   
  8162  Pte  Neish, Robert  Aberlour  Born about 1878, Grange, Keith. Occupation, maltman.  Next of kin: father, Robert Neith, Cardow Distillery, Dalbellie. Attested 23/1/1900. Discharged 31/12/1900 to join Railway Pioneer Regiment (No. 1539, discharged 10/1/1902) 
  8163  Pte  Pedder, Colin  Ccornhill  Born  about 1880, Ordquill, Portsoy. Occupation, farm servant.  Next of kin: father, William Pedder, Gordon Arms Hotel, Cornhill. Attested 23/1/1900. Discharged 30/4/01 disembodiment of unit. 
  8164  Pte   Wilson, William Rennie  Banff  Born about 1880, Banff. Occupation, baker. Next of kin: father, William Wilson, Queensland, Australia and grandmother, Mrs Smith, 25 Gallowhill St, Banff. Attested 23/1/1900. Discharged 10/1/1901 to join Scottish Horse. 
3rd VBGH  -  -  -  -  - 
Relief Draft  -  Lt  Robertson, Alexander Walker  Peterhead  Son of Lt Col R. Robertson ; born Peterhead, 1875.  In December 1915 Robertson enlisted in the 2nd Berkshire Regiment and served as a Lance-Corporal with that Regiment in France from April 1916 until his death on 1st July 1916. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial
  8239  Sgt  Noble, Andrew  Fraserburgh  Born abt  1866 in Fraserburgh. Occupation -cooper. Next of kin: wife Mary Jane, 75 Shore St Fraserburgh.  Discharged 30/4/01 - disembodiment of unit. 
  8244  Pte  Noble, Joseph  Fraserburgh  Born about 1880 in Fraserburgh.Occupation cooper. Next of kin: father Joseph, 38 Castle St Fraserburgh. Discharged 30/4/01 - disembodiment of unit 
  8252  Pte    Burr, Alexander  Fraserburgh   Born about 1877 in  Strichen. Occupation labourer. Next of kin:  mother, Maggie - North St Strichen.  Discharged 30/4/01 - disembodiment of unit.  
  8253  Pte  Burr, Charles   Strichen   Born about 1879 in Strichen. Occupation labourer. Next of kin: mother, Maggie - North St Strichen. Wounded Lydenburg 8th Sept 1900.  Discharged 30/4/01 - disembodiment of unit.  
  8240  Pte  Birnie, George  Fraserburgh    Born about 1880 in Old Pitsligo. Occupation-joiner. Addres: 16 Charlotte St Fraserburgh. 
  8241  Pte  Milne, James  Fraserburgh  Born about 1880 in Fraserburgh. Occupation  cooper. Next of kin: father Alexander, 37 Braehead St Fraserburgh. Discharged 30/4/01 - disembodiment of unit. 
  8242  Pte  Walker, James  Fraserburgh  Born about 1878 in Fraserburgh.  Occupation cooper. Next of kin: father Alex. 5 Commerce St, Fraserburgh. Discharged 30/4/01 - disembodiment of unit. 
  8243  Pte  Burns, Alexander  Fraserburgh  Born about 1879 in Aberdeen. Occupation - cooper. Discharged 30/4/01 - disembodiment of unit. Next of kin:  brother James 3rd GH. Wounded at Rooikopjes 24th July 1900 
  8245  Pte  Waterson, Robert  Fraserburgh  Born about 1881 in Lowestoft, Suffolk. Occupation tin plate worker. Next of kin: father Carling Place Fraserburgh. Slightly wounded at Rooikopjes. Discharged medically unfit 9/1/1901.
  8246  Pte  Morrison, Thomas Roger  Fraserburgh  Born about 1880 in Fraserburgh. Occupation plumber. Next of kin: father Robert, 39 Manse St Fraserburgh. Discharged 7/2/01 at own request on return from South Africa. 
  8247  Pte   Burnett, Andrew  Fraserburgh    Enlisted for war service 18th April 1900. Aged 21. Occupation: joiner. Father's address: 15 Charlotte Street, Fraserburgh.  Served in South Africa from 19th May1900. Transferred to Railway Pioneer Regiment 31/12/1900.
  8248  Pte  Macintosh, James  Fraserburgh  Born about 1880 in Fraserburgh. Occupation saddler. Next of kin: Father- Noah - 43 Walker St Torry. 
  8251  Pte  Shand, Alexander  Strichen  Born about 1880 in Strichen. Occupation labourer. Next of kin: mother Ellen, Water St Strichen. Wounded Lydenburg 8th Sept 1900.  Discharged 30/4/01 - disembodiment of unit.
  8254  Pte  Gauld, Frank  Peterhead  Born about 1872 in Gardenstown Banff. Occupation: commission agent. Next of kin:  wife Maggie, 55 Marischal St Peterhead.  Discharged unfit 2/7/01. Wounded Lydenburg 8th Sept 1900 
  8256  Pte  Mitchell, John George  Longside  Born about 1871 in Aberdeen. Occupation farmer. Next of kin: mother Barbara,  Mains of Kinmundie, Longside. Discharged 30/4/01 - disembodiment of unit. 
  8257  Pte  Wilson, Alexander  Peterhead  Born aout 1874. Occupation boat builder. Next of kin: father Robertson,  10 Charlotte St Peterhead.  Discharged 30/4/01 - disembodiment of unit. 
  8258  Pte  McMichael, Wilfred  L   Peterhead  Enlisted for war service 25th April 1900. Aged 20. Occupation: cabinet maker. Born: Edinburgh. Mother's address: 53 Marischal Street, Peterhead. Served in South Aftrica from 19th May 1900. Transferred to Railway Pioneer Regiment 31st Dec 1900. 
  8237  Pte  Mitchell, George H  Mintlaw  Born about 1879 at Longside. Occupation farmer. Discharged 30/4/01 - disembodiment of unit. 
  8269  Pte  Purdie, Alexander  Fraserburgh  Born about 1880 in Fraserburgh. Occupation: tailor. Next of kin: father John 50 High St Fraserburgh, and brother James 46 Castle St.  Discharged 30/4/01 - disembodiment of unit. 
           
 
 
Actions that resulted in casualties:
 
Rooikopjes, Transvaal, 24th July 1900: From a report by Colonel W A Scott, 2nd Gordon Highlanders - "I am sure it will please the volunteer battalions of the regiment to know that the volunteer company attached to my battalion, under Captain Rogers, London Scottish, and Lt A W Robinson, 3rd VBGH, received their baptism of fire on Tuesday, 24th July, at the attack on Rooikopjes.  I placed them in the firing line, and they behaved magnificently, showing the greatest dash and coolness under fire.  They carried out my orders perfectly and the only fault I had to find was that they were so keen they pressed on rather too quickly.  I am sorry to say one of them was killed and the Captain and four others wounded." [Pte E Murray, London Scottish, dangerously wounded, later died.]
 
Lydenburg, 8th September 1900 : During an action around Lydenburg and Spits Kop the Company was hit by shell fire. From the Scotsman "General Buller had 13 men killed and 25 wounded. Fully one half of these were accounted for by a shrapnel shell which exploded above the Volunteer Company of the Gordon Highlanders. Nineteen of the company came within the zone of destruction and three were killed outright. [D.B Stuart, Dufftown, 6th VBGH, P. Stuart, Stonehaven 5th VBGH and Sgt W.F. Budgett, London Scottish.]  The company continued to advance as steadily as if nothing had happened."
A member of the Company wrote, "We saw the puff as the gun was fired, then about thirty seconds later heard the shell hissing through the air, then it burst and nineteen of the Company were lying on the ground, two killed."
 
An example of the Attestation form completed by Volunteers can be found in Miscellaneous items here
 
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Carolyn Morrisey