Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

SUDDEN DEATH IN SYDNEY
OF MR. C. R. A. CHALMERS
A FORMER Hobart man and Boer War veteran, Mr. Cyril Roderick Alleyne Chalmers, died suddenly at his home in Sydney last week. He was 75. Mr. Chalmers was at one time manager of the Hobart office of the English meat firm of James Ruddin Ltd. He later became manager of the firm's head office in Sydney. Mr. Chalmers was a member of the Volunteer Rifle Regiment in the days when Col. Wallack was commandant at Anglesea Barracks. On the outbreak of the Boer War in 1899, Mr. Chalmers was colour-sergeant with the regiment and was one of the first Tasmanians to volunteer for service.  He was a member of the first contingent of 80 Tasmanians, under the command of Col. Cameron, which sailed from Launceston in January, 1899. These men, with those of the second contingent, were mounted and trained on the South African veldt and saw most of the early fighting.
Returning to Tasmania on leave, Mr. Chalmers volunteered for further service. He was commissioned and was lieutenant adjutant with a contingent which left Hobart under the command of Major Morrisby. After the war he declined an offer to train for commissioned rank in the British Army and entered commercial life in Tasmania and later in Sydney.
He was an active member of the Church of England in Hobart and later in Sydney, where he was for many years treasurer-warden of St. Stephen's, Willoughby. Mr. Chalmers married Violet Holmwood, fourth daughter of the late Alfred and Annie Holmwood, who migrated to Tasmania from Kent, England. He is survived by three daughters, Aileen (Mrs. John Kershaw ), Margaret ( Mrs. Clunies Ross jun.), and Miss Beth Chalmers.