Somerset Light Infantry

The Somerset Light Infantry has its roots in the regiment raised by Theophilus, Earl of Huntingdon in 1685 at the request of James 2nd and first saw action at Killiekrankie in 1689. The regiment saw service in Ireland at the battle of the Boyne in 1690, the War of the Spanish Succession in 1702-13, under the Duke of Marlborough in Flanders and received their battle honours at the siege of Gibralter in 1704. They took part in the battle of Culloden in 1746 and in 1756 became the 13th Regiment of Foot and in 1782 became the 1st Somersetshire Regiment.

The 2nd Battalion arrived at Estcourt arriving on 8^th December 1899. The strength of the Battalion was 28 Regimental Officers, 1 Medical Officer, 1 Warrant Officer, 43 Staff Sergeants and Sergeants, 47 Corporals, 14 Buglers and 770 Privates. The Commanding Officer was Lieutenant Colonel E.J. Gallway with Major R.B. Williams second in command assisted by Major C.B. Little. Other Officers were: Captains F.M. Peacock, L.L.V. Crealock, L.G.T. Chandler, E.G. Elger, W.P. Braithwaite, A.B. Whatman and W.J. Bowker DSO. Lieutenants V.T.A. Keith-Falconer, J.B.C. thomson, C.B. Prowse, R.M. Wardlow, A.E. Gatman, T.B. maddock and R.H. Miers. 2nd Lieutenants A.W.L. Paterson, H.G.R. Burges-Short, H.I.R. Alfrey, J.C. Parr, C.H. Little, W.H.M. Freestun, A.R.L. Lale-Hill, E.W. Worrall and G.B. Harrison. The Adjutant was Captain E.H. Swayne, Quartermaster Lieutenant P. Moran and Medical Officer R.E.H.E. Holt.

They served with the relief force and fought at the battles of Colenso, Spioenkop, Vaalkranz, Breakthrough.

Up to the relief of Ladysmith their casualties were listed as 10 killed, 72 wounded, 3 died of wounds and 1 missing.

See Angloboerwarfor an in depth look at the regiment site