Extracts and Comments
(from Sources as shown) | |
Murray: killed in action at Onverwacht 4.1.1902.
Source:# 512 Clarencetown NSW.
B5172: next of kin from Clarence River NSW.
Source:# 737 Dungog RSL Honour Board.
URL5: collection for a memorial to late Tpr. EAGLETON of Clarencetown.
URL7: In the presence of a large gathering of people at Clarence Town NSW on Monday 7.12.1902, Mr. W Bennett, Honorary Minister, officially opened a pair of iron gates erected to the memory of the late Trooper EAGLETON, who was killed in South Africa. The gates have been erected at the entrance to the park.
URL8: DUNGOG, Wednesday [4.6.1902] in connection with the movement at Clarence Town to erect a memorial to the late Trooper Alex EAGLETON, over £1O has been collected. The memorial will be erected in the park at that town.
URL9: DUNGOG, Monday [3.4.1902]. Deep regret is felt in Dungog and Clarence Town at the death of Trooper Alex EAGLETON of the Queensland Fifth Contingent, who was killed in an engagement in South Africa. Deceased was aged 22 years, and was a native of the district.
URL10: Clarence Town. — Like many of our small country
towns, Clarence Town was ably represented in the South African war by one of her noblest sons. Alex. W. EAGLETON, aged 22 years, son of Mr. Henry EAGLETON, of this town, volunteered and went out with the Queensland 5th Contingent, and very proud we all were to hear from time to time of the brave deeds that he performed in the several battles in which he was engaged. We were all looking forward with great pleasure to the time when he would join us again, and were keenly anticipating the glowing and interesting stories he would have to tell us of his many adventures. But, alas, at the eleventh hour of his service this clean, fresh young life was taken. In the engagement at Onverwacht, near Ameerspoort, on the 4th January last [1902], this noble boy fought his last battle. The sad news filtered through slowly. First an account of the engagement in the Mercury, then a letter from a comrade who saw him fall, and lastly an official notification from the Queensland Government. I could fill columns dilating on the many good and sterling qualities possessed by this
dutiful and manly son, but I think I cannot do better than give my readers a copy of a letter received from poor Alick's captain, which tells how he was honoured and beloved by his commander and all his comrades - 'Charlestown, Natal SA, 31.1.1902. Mr. H EAGLETON, Clarence Town, NSW. Dear Sir, — It is with the greatest regret that I have to communicate with you on a sad subject. No doubt by now you have been advised officially. I must apologise for not writing earlier, but have been in hospital since beginning of month; hence my delay.
Your son, No. 165 Private AW EAGLETON, was amongst a party of our men who met their deaths so nobly fighting for King and country, against over powering numbers of the enemy. Although not present myself, I am informed, that our men made a most noble defence, but at last had to surrender, after several brave fellows had done, their best. Your son has been in my squadron since I took
charge of same, and has always proved himself a thorough man and a fearless soldier. He was beloved by all his comrades and officers for his sterling qualities as a man. He is a loss I regret very much. I have on several occasions entrusted him with small commands, and sent him on important messages, and he has always executed same satisfactorily. I sincerely trust the Almighty will be with you in your sad bereavement, and bear with you through your afliction. His death has cast quite a gloom throughout his troop. We
know it is what we may all expect, and at any moment, yet it is hard that so promising a young life should be cut off in its prime. Hoping that our great Master will help you in your sad affliction, I remain, yours sorrowing, Chas. G. GEHRMANN, Capt. QIB. PS. — I have just been informed that the spot (where he and his brave comrades who fell with him are buried) will be marked, and the Ladies Guild of South Africa purpose erecting a fitting memento, to
their memory. CGG'
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