Gloucester regiment

 

Centenary commemoration Trenchgula.

See Angloboerwar site for an in depth look at the regiment

The 1st Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment, formerly the old 28th Regiment (North Gloucestershire) were serving in Allahabad, India in 1899, arriving in Durban on 13th October 1899 at the outbreak of hostilities. Raised in 1694, they had a long and highly distinguished history, with more battle honours to their credit than almost any other British Regiment. However they had last seen action in the Crimea and very few of their number had seen service of any sort. They habitually referred to themselves as the “28th“. 

They moved by rail and arrived in Ladysmith on the morning of 14th October, going into action for the first time at Rietfontein, where they advanced further than the Commander intended and found themselves pinned down by intense fire. They suffered 63 casualties including their commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel E.P. Wilford, who was shot dead whilst walking amongst his men. Major Humphery assumed command. 

Five days later with the Royal Irish Fusiliers, they were part of the Battle of Ladysmith, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Carleton of that regiment, accompanied by No.10 Mountain Battery Royal Garrison Artillery with mules carrying ammunition, water, Maxim guns and signalling equipment. Only four and a half companies of the 28th brought up the rear under Major Humphrey, but all available officers did not want to miss the action. The objective, to reach Nicholsons Nek but by 2 am, was not possible and the decision was taken to occupy Tchrengula Hill instead. Their position was not well chosen and at dawn, they immediately came under fire from the Boer riflemen. It became obvious that their situation was very serious. Heavy fighting lasted for six hours and the 28th and the ammunition was almost exhausted. After nine hours a bugle sounded “cease fire” and, bitterly disappointed the survivors surrendered. The 28th lost 33 men killed, 6 officers and about 75 men wounded, the rest were taken prisoner to Pretoria. 

The remaining three and a half companies under the command of Lieutenant Colonel E.P. Wilford, with Major Humphrey, Captain CJ Venables, Lieutenant CJ Hickie, 7 officers, 475 men, 6 horses, 159 mules and 40 attendants remained in Ladysmith with the Besieged force.  

Casualties to the end of the siege were 41, 8 killed, 9 wounded, 1 died of wounds and 23 died of disease. 

Following the relief of Ladysmith the companies were sent down to Durban to recuperate, eventually being joined by those who had been held prisoner in Pretoria.  

Between 21 – 24th August 1900 they were sent to Ceylon to guard the Boer prisoners.  They embarked on the Dilwara, Mongolian and Bavarian and landed between 5th and 12th Sep 1900.  On 12th Sep 1900, HQ and six Companies went to Echelon Barracks, Colombo and two Companies went to Mount Lavinia.

In Lord Roberts’ final despatch 11 officers and 16 non-commissioned officers and men were mentioned; these embraced both battalions, but those mentioned belonged chiefly to the 2nd Battalion. 

Despite their traumatic service in South Africa they fought with magnificent courage throughout the Great War in France and Belgium, winning 32 battle honours and adding fresh lustre to their history. 

Lieutenant A Radice was taken prisoner at Nicholson’s Nek and incarcerated in the Model School in Pretoria with Winston Churchill.