Dundee Involvement in the South African War (1899-1902)

The Unveiling of the South African War Memorial in the Parish Church of Dundee - St Mary's.

(extract from the Dundee Year Book of 1902)

On Sunday 21st June 1902 a dedication service was conducted in Dundee Parish Church on the occasion of the unveiling of the brass tablet in memory of the men of the 1st Volunteer Battalion (City of Dundee) the Black Watch (Royal Highlanders), who died in the South African Campaign.

The Regiment with Lieutenant-Colonel Howard Hill, V.D., commanding, assembled at the Drill Hall, there being a turnout of about 800 of all ranks. The Hon. Colonel, Lord Provost Barrie, was present on parade. Headed by the Regimental Band, the battalion marched to the Parish Church. In addition to the customary throng of church-goers, the fine weather brought out thousands to witness the procession, and the volunteers marched through large crowds lining the central thoroughfares. The battalion was halted in the Nethergate, and in single file the volunteers marched through the grounds into the church, the band being accommodated in the choir, and the remainder of the battalion being seated in and almost filling the central area. The senior officers of the battalion, along with whom were Colonel Grogan, C.B., commanding the 42nd Regimental District, by whom the memorial tablet was unveiled, and officers from the other local volunteer corps, occupied places around the pulpit and in the front portion of the church. The space reserved for the accommodation of the Magistrates and Town Council was occupied by a goodly representation of members of the Corporation.

The Service

The service was conducted by Rev. Dr Colin Campbell, V.D., the acting chaplain of the battalion, and the praise throughout was led by the regimental band, the lessons being read by Colonel Howard Hill. Prayer and praise were appropriate to the occasion. Rev Dr. Campbell delivered a short discourse from the text “Silver and gold have I none, but such as I have give I thee.” Dealing with the context, he showed that in the matter of giving there were far more precious things in the world than silver and gold. Proceeding, he went on to say that during the last three years they had been pathetically reminded of the truth of the text. Never before in their history had their young men given themselves so unreservedly to their country’s call. Money indeed was not lacking, but men, human lives, were required, and these were given unhesitatingly.

Again and again thousands left our shores prepared to die in their country’s service rather than see her honour insulted, he position impaired, her usefulness destroyed. They had no silver or gold, but gave what they had to give – themselves. The steady stream of company after company to the South to share in their country’s battles proved yet once more that theirs was a race of Imperial heroes formed for the good of the world, and in no instance had it come to light that a craven spirit was amongst these men, or that they failed in the day of danger and difficulty. When they worshipped with them and wished them God-speed they could forget that they realised that they were looking in the faces of some of them for the last time. And so it had proved. Here and there throughout the country the mourners still went about the streets mourning for their gallant dead lying on the South African veldt in God’s care after they had given themselves for their country.

Like others, they mourned that day for their brave comrades. They had no bitterness in their grief. They only lamented the loss of heroes, and it was well for them to keep their memory sweet. To the relatives and friends of their departed comrades whose names were inscribed on the memorial tablet about to be unveiled  they offered their affectionate sympathy, bidding them remember that in the spirit of Christianity and sacrifice they gave their lives. Having nothing more precious, they gave it freely and without a regret. Let their memory be an everlasting incentive to the youth of generations to follow to devote themselves to great and noble purposes in life, and to be inspired to emulate their example. Colonel Grogan unveiled the memorial tablet, which was shrouded with the Union Jack. A guard of honour, stretched across the church, came to the salute, and the “Last Post” was sounded on the bugle.
The national Anthem was sung and Dr Campbell, as minister of the Church, in name of the congregation and parishioners, dedicated the tablet to the memory of the departed. The benediction and the playing of a voluntary brought to a close a highly impressive service.

The tablet placed in the wall to the right of the pulpit, bears the following inscription: -

To the Glory of God
And in The Memory of

Who died in active service in the South African War
1899 – 1902
This Brass is dedicated
By their Comrades
The Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers, and Men
Of the
1st (City of Dundee) V.B. The Black Watch
(Royal Highlanders)

The War Memorial Plaque	St Mary's - The Parish Church of Dundee

transcribed by Iain D. McIntosh, 2020