This Rock Memorial honours those who served in the Boer War and other defences in Canada .
Canada’s Contribution to the South African War (1899–1902).
The South African War—commonly called the Boer War—was Canada’s first overseas military campaign. Fought between the British Empire and the Boer republics of Transvaal and the Orange Free State, it began in October 1899. Though controversial at the time, Canada responded to Britain's call, and more than 7,300 Canadians volunteered for service, including members of local militia units that would later form The Elgin Regiment.
Among those who served with courage and distinction were men from St. Thomas and Elgin County. These early volunteers laid the foundation of a proud regimental legacy. They served in units such as the 2nd (Special Service) Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment of Infantry (2nd SS RCR), the Canadian Mounted Rifles (CMR), the Royal Canadian Field Artillery (RCFA), the South African Constabulary (SAC), and South African Light Horse.
Though Canada's military role in the war was modest in numbers, it was meaningful in impact. The South African War marked the beginning of Canada's journey toward military maturity and national distinction. For Elgin County, it was the start of a service tradition that would later be carried with honour by The Elgin Regiment in two World Wars and beyond.
Elgin County in the Boer War
We remember the following men from Elgin County who served in the South African War
- Pte. A.H. Anderson – 2nd RCR
- G.A. Barrett – D Battery, RCFA
- Dr. H. Couse – D Battery, RCFA
- Pte. C.P. Ermatinger – CMR
- Pte. W.J. Green – 2nd SS RCR
- Pte. F.G. Stanbury – 2nd SS RCR
- Pte. W.H. Westaway – 2nd SS RCR
- Pte. P.H. Stacey – 2nd SS RCR
- Pte. J. Sutherland – 2nd SS RCR
- Pte. H.B. Travers – 2nd SS RCR
- Pte. J.E. Farley – 2nd SS RCR
- S.Tpr. H.R. McKenzie – SAC
- Tpr. W. Stokes – 2nd CMR
- Tpr. F. Little – 2nd CMR
- Tpr. A.E. Berry – 2nd CMR
- Tpr. E. Stacey – 2nd CMR
- Tpr. A. Monteith – 2nd CMR
- Tpr. R. Palmerston – SA Light Horse
- Pte. J. Monteith – 2nd SS RCR
These names, drawn from local records, represent not only those who served, but the deep sense of duty and patriotism that ran through Elgin County at the turn of the 20th century.