MILITARY (Contd.)
98
it also shows the ceremonial uniform worn out here in those days.
On June 16, 1900, three companies went up to Tientsin from Hong Kong, to take part in suppressing the Boxer trouble, returning on November 3; and four further companies left here for the north on March 14, 1901. The battalion took a conspicuous part in the relief of Peking and Tientsin, and on their return to the Colony were given a great welcome, of which more will be said in a subsequent article.
The 2nd. Bn. Royal Welch Fusiliers were also prime movers in getting the military section of the Protestant cemetery at Happy Valley reserved for soldiers' graves, also subscribing largely towards the cost of the Soldiers' Monument erected there and dedicated by H. E. Major General Sir W. J. Gascoigne on July 24, 1902 (see 24-10-34).
It was on June 2, 1900, while the battalion was out here that authority was given for all ranks to wear the "flash" on the back of the collar (previously worn only by officers, warrant officers and staff sergeants). This flash is a relic of the days of wigs, and represents the ribbon which was tied to the end of the queue.
The 2nd. Battalion embarked for India on November 10, 1902, going to Meerut, and leaving behind them in Hong Kong a memory of a truly fine body of men. It is intended to give fuller references to incidents of their sojourn here in my next article.
(To be Continued)
Reference was made in yesterday's article to the connection of the Royal Welch Fusiliers with Hong Kong in 1899-1902. We have seen that a portion of the 2nd. Battalion was sent up to Tientsin and Peking in 1900 to take part in the operations against the Boxers, and there they distinguished themselves. They left Hong Kong on June 16 that year, aboard H.M.S. Terrible and a further company, under Lt. Col. the Hon. R. H. Bertie, went up to Taku the following month, leaving Hong Kong on July 11 by the S.S. Taisang.
They returned the following November, being given a great reception here. Their regimental record shows that on arrival at Hong Kong on the afternoon of November 3 the men were landed in launches at Murray Pier, and marched along the Praya headed by the Royal Welch band, and drums and fifes, to a position close to Queen Victoria's statue. The men were in command of Colonel the Hon. R. H. Bertie, and the other officers on parade were Captains Gwynne, Cadogan, Hay, Richards, Major and Adjutant Dobell, Quartermaster Cleeve, Lieutenants Flower, Walwyn, Vyvyan, Johnson, Owen, and Grant Smith.
The last-named officer was a son of Mr. John Grant Smith of Hong Kong, and as a Tientsin Volunteer was attached to the regiment for service.
Three companies of the regiment came direct from Peking previous to embarkation, leaving five men behind on the sick list.
The remainder of the battalion were awaiting their arrival here on board the steamer.
About half past four in the afternoon Major General Gascoigne, C.M.G. accompanied by Colonel The O'Gorman, D.A.A.G. Major Morris, and Captain the Hon. H.W. Trefusis, A.D.C. arrived in Statue Square and was received with a general salute. The General walked down the Lines and then addressed a few words of welcome to the men. He said:
"Colonel Bertie, officers and men of the 2nd. Battalion Royal Welch Fusiliers and the detachment of the Royal Engineers I am very glad indeed to welcome you back into my command. We who have had to stay behind you other half battalion, myself and the staff should like to have gone forward, but some must
675
MILITARY (Contd.)
98
it also shows the ceremonial uniform worn out here in those days.
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*
*
*
*
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*
*
On June 16, 1900, three companies went up to Tientsin from Hong Kong, to take part in suppressin the Boxer trouble, returning on November 3; and four further companies left here for the north on March 14, 1901. The battalion took a conspicuous part in the relief of Peking and Tientsin, and on their return to the Colony were given a great welcome, of which more will be said in a subsequent article.
i
The 2nd. Bn. Royal Welch Fusiliers were also prime movers in getting the military section of the Protestant cemetery at Happy Valley reserved for soldiers' graves, also subscribing largely towards the cost of the Soldiers' Monument erected there and dedicated by H. E. Major General Sir W. J. Gascoigne on July 24, 1902 (see 24-10-34).
.
It was on June 2, 1900, while the battalion was out here that authority was given for all ranks to wear the "flash" on the back of the collar (previously worn only by officers, warrant officers and staff sergeants). This flash is a relic of the days of wigs, and represents the ribbon which was tied to the end of the queue.
The 2nd. Battalion embarked for India on November 10, 1902, going to Meerut, and leaving behing them in Hong Kong a memory of a truly fine body of men. It is intended to give fuller references to incidents of their sojourn here in my next article.
(To be Continued)
Reference was made in yesterday's article to the connection of the Royal Welch Fusiliers with Hong Kong in 1899-1902. We have seen that a protion of the 2nd. Battalion was sent up to Tientsin and Peking in 1900 to take part in the operations against the Boxers, and there they distinguished themselves. They left Hong Kong on June 16 that year, aboard H.M.S. Terrible and a further company, under Lt. Col. the Hon. R. H. Bertie, went up yo Taku the following month, leaving Hong Kong on July 11 by the 9.8. Taisang.
They returned the following November, being given a great reception here. Their regimental record shows that an arrival at Hong Kong on the afternoon of November 3 the men were landed in launches at Murray Pier, and marched along the Praya headed by the Royal Welch band, and drums and fifes, to a position close to Queen Victoria's`statue. The men were in command of Colonel the Hon. R. H. Bertie, and the other officers on parade were Captains Gwynne, Cadogan, Hay, Richards, Major and Adjutant Dobell, Quartermaster Cleeve, Lieutenants Flower, Walwyn, Vyvyan, Johnson, Owen, and Grant Smith.
The last-named officer was a son of Mr. John Grant Smith of Hong kong, and as a Tientsin Volunteer was attached to the regiment for service.
Three companies of the regiment came direct from Peking previous to embarkation, leaving five men behind on the sick list.
The remainder of the battalion were awaiting their arrival here on board the steamer.
About half past four in the afternoon Major General Gascoigne, C.M.G. accompanied by Colonel The O'Gorman, D.A.A.G. Major Morris, and Captain the Hon. H.W. Trefusis, A.D.C. arrived in Statue Square and was received with a general salute. The General walked down the Lines and then addressed a few words of welcome to the men. He said:
"Colonel Bertied, officers and men of the 2nd. Battalion Royal Welch Fusiliers and the detachment of the Royal Engineers I am very glad indeed to welcome you back into my command. Ne who have had to stay behind you other half battalion, myself and the staff should like to have gone forward, but some must
!
675
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