Roll of Honour - Cornwall - Penzance Boer War Memorial

Ministry of Defence

Lest We Forget

The Royal British Legion

PENZANCE BOER WAR MEMORIAL

Compiled and copyright © Martin Edwards 2003
additional information Major Robert Harrison

The memorial is situated in the Morrab Gardens close to the Morrab Library. The statue of a soldier with his rifle reversed is lifesize and stands 5’ 10’’. It is of Sicilian marble and the pedestal is of dressed and polished granite supplied by Messrs Pascoe of 65 Causewayhead, Penzance. The statue was unveiled on the 5th November 1904 by the Mayoress of Penzance, Mrs Banfield, in front of a large crowd. On parade was the 7th Company of the 1st Duke of Cornwall’s Royal Garrison Artillery and their band together with A Company of the 1st Volunteer Brigade Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry with their band and bugles. The Freedom of the Borough, plus a silver casket, was given to those from the town who had volunteered for active service.

In September 1996 the statue was re-erected following serious damage by vandals. However the enfield rifle could not be saved and is new.

The biographical details for the Penzance area covering from the Second Boer War to the present day have been researched and all less about 15 have been identified and are held by Major Robert Harrison.


From an old postcard	Photograph Copyright © Bob Harrison 2006

THIS MEMORIAL
WAS ERECTED BY THE INHABITANTS
OF PENZANCE
TO THE MEMORY OF THE
PENZANCE MEN WHOSE NAMES
WHO APPEAR BELOW WHO LOST THEIR LIVES
DURING THE SOUTH AFRICAN WAR
1899-1902

DUNN	Joseph Smith	Lieutenant, 2nd Regiment, Scottish Light Horse, died of abscess of the liver and fever, at Pretoria, January 13th, 1902. At the time of his death he was senior lieutenant of his Regiment, and served in the war during 1901. He acted as war correspondent for the Central News, London. Came to Penzance around 1879 with his parents and resided at Alma Terrace. Started work as a junior reporter with The Cornishman. Went to South Africa and was employed as a special correspondent for the Central News of London. Twice captured by the Boers but escaped. Served in Ladysmith during the siege. Accepted commission in the Scottish Light Horse. Married with four children. Of a delicate disposition he died at Pretoria on 13th January 1902 from an abscess of the liver brought on by exposure, hard work and fatigue. Source: The "Last Post": Roll of Officers Who Fell in South Africa 1899-1902 by Mildred G Dooner reprinted by Naval & Military Press and local Newpspaer Reports compiled by Bob Harrison.
SIMONS	Cecil	Quartermaster Sergeant, 63rd Company (Wiltshire), 16th/1st Battalion, Imperial Yeomanry. See also Truro Cathedral Boer War Memorial
EDWARDS	Jack	Trooper, 93rd Company (3rd Sharpshooters) 23rd Battalion, Imperial Yeomanry. Died of enteric fever at Charlestown, Natal on 15th June 1902 just short of his 21st birthday. Completed an apprenticeship as an outfitter with Messrs Simpson and Company of Penzance. Then moved to London where 18 months later he volunteered for active service being associated with a troop raised by the Earl of Dunraven. Listed on a marble plaque in High Street Methodist Church, Penzance and on parents headstone in Penzance Cemetery (Plot 12, Row 5, Grave 22). See also Truro Cathedral Boer War Memorial
PAYNTER	George	[Spelt PAINTER on Truro memorial] Trooper, 93rd Company (3rd Sharpshooters), 23rd Battalion, Imperial Yeomanry. See also Truro Cathedral Boer War Memorial
ROGERS	Robert John	Private 13736, Royal Army Medical Corps. Died of Enteric Fever at Pretoria on 14th December 1900, aged 23. Eldest son of Mr W. L. Rogers, Trinity House Inspector, and Mrs Rogers of 39 Chapel Street, Penzance. Served a four year apprenticeship with Mr Bob Stakerley, Chemist of Penzance. Moved to London where he became compounder at the Army and Navy Stores. Joined the RAMC in February 1900 and signed for 12 months at the front. Was taken ill while on duty at the Model School Hospital, Pretoria and died within a few days. Former member of St Mary’s Church Choir, Penzance. Also commemorated on RAMC Memorial, Gun Hill, Aldershot and Truro Cathedral Boer War
EDE	Walter	Trooper, Kitchener's Fighting Scouts. Died of heart disease at Johannesburg 10th May 1902. See also Truro Cathedral Boer War Memorial
CHAMPION	William Lewis	Trooper 9472, Kitchener's Horse (Imperial Light Horse). Missing in action at Nooitgedacht 13th December 1900, Church of England confirmed he was killed in action. Aged 32. Son of John and Charlotte Champion of Penzance. Listed on parents headstone in Penzance Cemetery (Plot 14). See also Truro Cathedral Boer War Memorial
McDONALD	M	Lance Corporal 5041, 2nd Battalion, Devonshire Regiment. Killed in action at Chieveley 15th December 1899 whilst gallantly advancing to the attack with his company. Son of Mr and Mrs James McDonald of Penzance. See also Truro Cathedral Boer War Memorial

Last updated 19 June, 2021

War Memorials Trust