About This Unit
SECOND BATTALION AUSTRALIAN COMMONWEALTH HORSE. SOUTH AUSTRALIAN UNIT.
'' SQUADRON was authorized on 6th January, 1902, and formed in Adelaide.
For pay, equipment, establishment, organization, etc., vide 2nd Battalion, Australian Commonwealth Horse, Victoria. By notification in the public press, returned South African soldiers, single, and of good character, were invited to join. All the officers, and many of the sergeants and rank and file had served in previous Contingents, or in local South African corps. One officer was promoted
from the ranks, vide nominal roll; as also for promotions of N.C.O.'s and men.
There were no casualties.
Service.
The squadron left Port Adelaide on 20th February, 1902, by the transport Manchester Merchant, comprising—5 officers and 116 other ranks, with 121 horses.
Disembarked at Durban on 14th March, and proceeded by rail to Newcastle.
Took part in operations round Newcastle and Botha's Post until 8th April; then marched to Volksrust, and entrained to Klerksdorp. Participated in operations from Klerksdorp to Devondale Siding as part of De Lisle's Australian Brigade (which was portion of Lieutenant-General Sir Ian Hamilton's Mobile Force), in the last great drive of the war. Marched back to Klerksdorp, and were included
with the 2nd Battalion in the complimentary General Order issued by the Commander-in-Chief, and also in the Orders by General Ian Hamilton, and Brigadier- General Thornycroft. Marched to Elandsfontein and handed over horses, saddlery, Ac.; entrained to Newcastle, and thence to Durban. Embarked in the transport Norfolk, 5th July; called at Albany, and disembarked at Largs Bay, South Australia, 31st July. Disbanded, 14th August, 1902.
War Services and Honours.
See First, Second, and Fourth Contingents for previous service of officers.
That with the squadron was as already detailed. An additional clasp for the medal was granted, for " South Africa, 1902."
Extract from Official Records of the Australian Military Contingents to the War in South Africa, compiled and edited in 1911 by Lieutenant-Colonel P.L. Murray, R.A.A. (Ret.). p, 379