Imperial Light Horse

The Imperial Light Horse was raised in 1899 in Pietermaritzburg by Dr Starr Jameson, Karrie Davies, Percy Fitzpatrick, Will Samson, John Willoughby and Frank Rhodes, all of Jameson Raid fame. The initial strength was about 1000 volunteers from the privileged classes, mainly refugees, from Johannesburg. They fought with both the besieged and relieving forces.

The men who fought with the besieged force arrived in Ladysmith on the 17th October 1899. They were commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Scott-Chisholme and, when he died, by Major Dawkins. They comprised 28 officers, 416 men, 416 horses, 136 mules and 33 attendants and fought at Dundee and Elandslaggte.  

Casualties at the end of the siege were listed as 25 killed, 59 wounded, 1 missing, 9 died of wounds and 8 died of disease. 

The ILH with the relieving forces fought at Willow Grange, Colenso and the Breakthrough and their total casualties were 35 killed and 95 wounded.

The regiment was disbanded after the war. 

See Angloboerwar site for an in depth look at the regiment