Edward Edwin Absalom (1875 - 1927)

Born 30 Aug 1875 in Mortlake, Victoria, Australia

Ancestors

Husband of Emily Esther (Hill) Absalom — married 1905 in Victoria, Australia

Died 18 Jan 1927 at age 51 in Coleraine, Victoria, Australia

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Biography

Ted Absalom is Notable.

Ted Absalom was born in the Colony of Victoria (1851-1900)

Played 11 Games with Collingwood in 1900 before serving with Kitchener's Fighting Scouts and the 2nd Australian Commonwealth Horse (Vic), in the Boer war.

Edward was born in Mortlake, Victoria, in 1875.^[1]

Played 11 games for Collingwood in 1900^[2]

Ted's last game with Collingwood was 8 Sep 1900, the last game before the finals which Collingwood did not qualify for.The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957) Mon 10 Sep 1900 Page 9 FOOTBALL.^[3]

It is assumed that between 8 Sep 1900 and 18 Dec 1900, Ted has somehow managed to end up in Salisbury, Rhodesia to then sign up for Kitchener Fighting Scouts. It is possible that he applied in Victoria, Australia but was not selected and then jumped on one of the boats heading for South Africa, perhaps tending to the horses being shipped over.

18 Dec 1900, Enlisted Salisbury, Reg No. 2. Served in 1st Kitchener Fighting Scouts (Boer war) to 15 May 1901. Medically unfit Bulawayo.
AngloBoerWar.com kitchener's Fighting Scouts - Nominal Roll images - 1st Battalion ^[4]

Kitchener's Fighting Scouts was raised in December 1900, being recruited in Cape Colony and Natal. As soon as they could be mounted they were sent into the field, and it is to the credit of the force and its leaders that they made no mistake. In his telegram of 3rd February 1901 Lord Kitchener said: "The commandos in Cape Colony are being hustled. Kitchener's Fighting Scouts attacked one hundred Boers at Doornbridge. In the despatch of 8th March 1901 Lord Kitchener dealt with the efforts made to clear the Colony in the preceding December, January, and February. Lieutenant Colonel Colenbrander's newly formed regiment of Kitchener's Fighting Scouts were railed to Matjesfontein, whence they moved out to hold the passes leading south from Sutherland. My object was to keep the enemy north of the Roggeveld Mountains, and to prevent any junction between Hertzog and Kritzinger in the Prince Albert or Worcester districts. This being achieved, it appeared to me useless to follow out into the far west an enemy at all times disinclined to fight and ever ready to scatter". On the 9th January Hertzog's commando withdrew north towards Calvinia. "A general advance northwards was commenced by the columns under Lieutenant Colonels De Lisle, Scobell (Scots Greys), and Colenbrander (commanding Kitchener's Fighting Scouts). These quite succeeded in driving the enemy out of Calvinia and Van Rhyrisdorp, and pursued him as far north as Carnarvon". The regiment was taken to the central district of Cape Colony, where they had a very hard time. The pursuit of the enemy was not a task free from danger, and KFS had one strong patrol captured near Richmond on 27th February 1901. Lieutenant A E Benson and 6 men were killed, Lieutenant Naughton and 12 men wounded, and some taken prisoners, "after a prolonged fight", the official telegram said. On 8th March Captain John Boyd was killed.

The corps had been fortunate in getting in Colonel Colenbrander a leader widely known and thoroughly respected as a fighting man in South Africa, and among the other officers were some who had already distinguished themselves by good work in other corps: it was thus soon possible to have a second regiment. In the despatch of 8th July 1901, appendix, both regiments are referred to. It is there stated that Lieutenant Colonel Wilson's regiment in May was 417 strong, and Lieutenant Colonel Grenfell's 364, and both were then employed in the Pietersburg district, far north of Pretoria. In the despatch of 8th May 1901 Lord Kitchener, after detailing General Plumer's operations in that district, said that a commando had been reported at Klipdam, 15 miles north of Pietersburg, which was said to be under General Beyers.

"Lieutenant Colonel Grenfell, whose regiment, KFS, had been sent by rail to Pietersburg, was, therefore, directed to clear up the situation. Starting on the night of the 26th April, Lieutenant Colonel Grenfell discovered the enemy's laager at Klipdam, and attacked it at dawn on the 27th with complete success, with the loss of only one man wounded. Seven Boers were killed, 41 were captured, besides which he obtained possession of the enemy's camp with 26 horses, 10 mules, many waggons and carts, and 76,000 rounds of ammunition. Information having been obtained that the enemy's last Long Tom was at Berg Plaats, about 20 miles east of Pietersburg, on the road to Haenertsburg, I desired Colonel Grenfell to make every effort to capture the gun. He moved at once, and at daylight on the 30th occupied Doornhoek, thence pushing on to Berg Plaats. On his approach the enemy opened fire at over 10,000 yards' range, but after 16 rounds they blew up the gun, while Colonel Grenfell's men were still about 3000 yards distant, and retreated in a north east direction. Colonel Grenfell captured 10 prisoners and 35 rounds of Long Tom ammunition, our only casualties being two men wounded. As the result of a careful search on the farm, Berg Vlei, adjoining Berg Plaats, 100,000 rounds of Martini-Henry ammunition were discovered and destroyed. With Berg Vlei as a centre Colonel Grenfell continued to operate for several days with success, and a detachment of the 12th Battalion MI, under Major Thomson, was able, under cover of a thick fog, to effect the capture of Commandant Marais and 40 of his men. Other prisoners were brought in by Lieutenant Colonels Colenbrander and Wilson of KFS, and on his return to Pietersburg, on the 6th May, Colonel Grenfell reported that altogether he had accounted for 7 Boers killed, 129 prisoners, and 50 voluntary surrenders: 240,000 rounds of ammunition were destroyed".
https://www.angloboerwar.com/unit-information/south-african-units/350-kitcheners-fighting-scouts]^[5]

A RETURNED SOLDIER.
Collingwood provided three representatives in the various Victorian contingents-Robson. Ab- salom, and Arnott-and all three have returned.
The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957) Mon 15 Jul 1901 Page 9 A RETURNED SOLDIER.^[6]

MORTLAKE - A smoke night social was tendered to Troopers J. Geddes and E. Absalom on Wednesday night. There was a thoroughly representative attendance, and the returned soldiers were presented with a soldier's companion and pipe respectively. Trooper A. Patterson, who was absent, is also to receive a present.
The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957) Mon 5 Aug 1901 Page 5 HOME FROM THE WAR.^[7]

Gold medals were presented by the Collingwood Club to three of their men recently returned from the South African war— Messrs Arnott. Absalom and Robson.
Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic. : 1869 - 1954) Sat 31 Aug 1901 Page 17 FOOTBALL.^[8]

Rejoined 14 Jan 1902 at Langwarrin, Victoria. reg No 562. 2nd Australian Commonwealth Horse (Vic). Discharged 2 Aug 1902.
[2nd Australian Commonwealth Horse National Archives Australia - Name Search B4418, ABSALOM EDWARD]^[9]
Nominal Roll: ^[10]

The Commonwealth Contingent.
Complete The List
Names Of Those Accepted.
The Langwarrin camp, under the com- mand of Major Irving, was further strengthened yesterday by the arrival of 79 more men, making the total now under canvas about 180 men. While the camp is settling down to military order, the work of enrolment is proceeding at the barracks under Captain Bruche, and 33 men were ac- cepted yesterday, the riding tests being conducted by Lieutenant Mailer. The majority of the accepted men were vete- rans, but two, who claimed to have seen service at the war, were discovered to be personating others by means of their dis- charges. Unfortunately for their scheme they happened to come before officers who had been with the contingent they pre- tended to have belonged to, and, suspicion being aroused, it required but little ques- tioning before they were floundering for a means of escape. The men were dis- missed with a warning, and the discharges were impounded, one of the genuine owners turning up later on to report that he had lost it. Of the 348 rank and file required for the Victorian section of the contingent, 333 have already been passed, and with a view to closing the list, Captain Bruche has notified 30 members of the Defence Force to be present to-day. Though with- out active service records, these men are all trained soldiers, and are volunteers whose names have been registered during the past few days. It was desired to obtain as many veterans as possible, but as vacan- cies still remain, it has now been decided to give these men a chance before their more experienced but more tardy brothers in arms. The efforts that were made by a large number of the Victorian military officers in favour of Major McLeish's appointment as commander of the Victorian section are being renewed with the object of his re- ceiving the position of commander of the Southern Battalion. Though holding the lower rank, Major McLeish has been strongly recommended for promotion, and although the matter finally rests with the Prime Minister, there is a strong proba- bility that this distinguished officer will obtain the coveted position. The precedent established by the granting of a commis- sion to Sergeant-Major Sandford, formerly a Permanent Artilleryman, may possibly be followed by a similar compliment to Sergeant-Major Fawns, who did excellent service with the second contingent, and who has for many years been a member of the V.R.A.A.A. at Queenscliff. Sergeant- Major Fawns holds recommendations for a lieutenantcy from prominent officers in the permanent forces, and if an opportunity of appointing another subaltern should occur it is extremely probable he will be chosen to fill the vacancy. The list of the accepted men appended is not complete. There are of course, a num- ber of names still to be added, and, in addi- tion, some of those whose names appear volunteered conditionally upon being given certain rank. The non-commissioned officers are not yet chosen, and as the company commanders desire to confer with the camp commandant before such appointments are made, some days must elapse before the ranks are finally determined. The comple- tion of this work also may leave some men disappointed at not having been obtained the ranks they sought, and it is likely that there will be some defections through this cause. The following is the list to date :— ... Troopers.
... E. ABSOLOM, Mortlake, K.F.S. ... IN CAMP AT LANGWARRIN. LANGWARRIN, Wednesday. This has been a busy day, the surround- ings at present being different from other camps, as there is an absence at present of the usual drills and the familiar bugle calls. A post and telegraph tent has been erected, so that from to-day all postal business may be conducted direct with the camp. Dur- ing the day fodder has been received in readiness for the horses, the first consign- ment of which are expected to arrive to- morrow. A fresh scale of rations has been issued to the men, and in addition to the usual course there will be issued twice weekly jam, pickles, rice, and curry. The total number of men now in camp is 189, including 8 officers. In the course of the afternoon and evening Captains Pendlebury and Kirby, and Lieutenants Garland and Lockett arrived, the veterinary surgeon, Lieutenant Loel, being also in attendance. The Rev. Major Holden, who did duty for the Bushmen's and Australian Imperial contingents, has been appointed chaplain in the camp. ...
The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957) Thu 9 Jan 1902 Page 6 THE COMMONWEALTH CONTINGENT.^[11]

The Second battalion Australian Commonwealth Horse – Victorian Units, was raised after Federation to represent Australian Troops. It consisted of three Victorian units (or companies), one from South Australia, and one (half-company) from Western Australia. Preference was given to men who had had experience in the war, and as such almost the whole of the staff, the company officers, and the N.C.O.'s and men had served in previous Contingents. As a private he was paid 5s per diem. The staff and three Victorian companies embarked on 12th February, 1902, on the transport St. Andrew, and arrived at Durban on 10th March. On the following day they entrained for Newcastle, arriving on the 13th ; and on the 18th they were joined by the South Australian and Western Australian units, " D " and " E." On the 22nd March, the battalion was inspected by General Lyttelton, General Officer Commanding, Natal ; and General Burn-Murdoch, Officer Commanding Newcastle sub-district, visited the camp and inspected the horses. On the 6th April, the battalion started for Klerksdorp, and arrived on the 10th. There they were brigaded under Lieut.-Colonel De Lisle, who commanded portion of Colonel Thorneycroft's force. The 1st Battalion Australian Commonwealth Horse also was under Colonel De Lisle, his brigade being styled " De Lisle's Australian Brigade," altered afterwards to " De Lisle's Column," as Thorneycroft's Mounted Infantry, and two guns R.F.A. and a pom-pom (37mm machine gun) were added. Colonel Thorneycroft had likewise the New Zealand Brigade with which were the New South Wales Bushmen, and Hasler's Scouts, a South African corps. On the 22nd April, Lord Kitchener inspected the battalion and expressed his satisfaction. The whole of the troops were under General Sir Ian Hamilton. On the 23rd April, a general move took place. The trek passed through Paardeplaats, Hartbeestfontein, Palmfontein, and Boschpoort. On 7th May, a " drive " was commenced, starting from Noitverwacht, to the Hartz River. The 2nd Commonwealth Horse occupied about 1 1/2 miles of the driving line, distributed thus :-" C " squadron, under Captain Kirby, on the right, Captain De Passev's " D " squadron and one pom-pom in the centre ; " A " squadron ; under Lieutenant Day, in rear of centre in reserve ; Captain Pendlebury's " B " squadron on the left. When the line halted for the night, the various portions camped where they halted ; squadron wagons and watercarts being sent to them from regimental transport. The advance was through Joubert's Rust (8th) and Rapoli, Boesman's Pan (9th), and Bodenstein, Wonderfontein, and Kaal Platts (10th), on which date the line taken up was on the border of British Bechuanaland and the Transvaal. Considerable numbers of Boers were seen in front of the driving line ; but no fighting took place. On the night of the 10th, they made a determined attempt to break through, but without success. On the 11th, Bazendekout's commando announced their surrender by a flag of truce ; and Captain Roberts, Adjutant of the 2nd, was sent to bring them in. There were 191 prisoners, and over 200 horses. Shortly afterwards 52 others surrendered to Captain Kirby. The drive terminated about 3 p.m. on the 11th, arriving at the railway line Kimberley to Mafeking, Vryburg being near the centre of the line. After examining the ground thoroughly, the battalion rejoined the main body, encamped at Leeuwspruit, about 4 miles from Devondale Siding. On the 12th, Colonel De Lisle said farewell, as he was going to England on sick leave ; and Lieutenant-Colonel Williams took over the brigade. The general result of operations, as officially announced, was:-Killed, 1 ; prisoners, 326; mules, 95; donkeys, 20; wagons, 175; Cape carts, 61; sheep, 300; small arm ammunition, 6,340 rounds ; oxen, 106. Amongst the prisoners was Jan De La Rey, brother of the general. Lord Kitchener telegraphed to General Hamilton : "Capital result. Tell troops I highly appreciate their exertions and consider result very satisfactory." This, it was explained , was to be considered a high compliment, as the G.O. Commanding-in-Chief was not in the habit of bestowing indiscriminate praise. The Contingent returned to Klerksdorp, arriving on 21st May, and remained there after peace was concluded, until 20th June, when they marched to Elandsfontein, arriving on 25th. There, the horses, equipment, saddlery, rifles, &c., and all transport were handed over. On 29th, entrained for Newcastle, arriving next day. On 5th July, entrained for Durban, and on the 6th, the battalion embarked on the transport Norfolk. Left on the 8th ; arrived at Albany on the 25th, Adelaide on the 30th, and Melbourne on 2nd August. Paid off and discharged the same day.
Official Records of the Australian Military Contingents to the War in South Africa 1899-1902, BY LIEUT.-COLONEL P. L. MURRAY, R.A.A. ^[12]

Virtual War Memorial: Edward Absalom

Edward married Emily Esther Hill in Victoria, in 1905.^[13]

Edward passed away in Coleraine, Victoria, in 1927 aged 51 years.^[14]

Deaths.
ABSALOM. —On the 18th January (suddenly), at Konong Wootong, Coleraine, Edward, dearly loved husband of Emily and loving father of Eddie, Pearl, and Phyllis.
At rest.
The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957) Wed 26 Jan 1927 Page 1 Family Notices^[15]

Edward and Emily are interred in Coleraine Cemetery, Coleraine, Southern Grampians Shire, Victoria, Australia. Anglican, Section 27 North, Plot 2.^[16]

In Memoriam
Absalom.- In loving memory of my dear husband and our dear father, who died suddenly on the 18th January, 1927, at Konongvvootong, Coleraine. Fought In the Boer war with Kitchener s Fighting Scouts, also with 2nd Battalion, Australian Commonwealth Horse.
Remembrance.
- (Inserted by his wife and family.)
The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957) Wed 18 Jan 1928 Page 1 Family Notices^[17]

Sources

1. ↑ Birth record: Reg. number 24708/1875. Births Deaths and Marriages Victoria - Family History Search (https://www.bdm.vic.gov.au/research-and-family-history/search-your-family-history)
   (Family name: ABSALOM); (Given Names: Edward); (Mother's names: Mary Ann); (Mother's family name at birth: ROSE); (Father's names: William); (Place of birth: MORT); (Reg year: 1875)
2. ↑ Collingwood Football Club: https://forever.collingwoodfc.com.au/players/ted-absalom/
3. ↑ https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/9555277?searchTerm=collingwood%20absalom
4. ↑ Enlisted Boer War: https://www.angloboerwar.com/images/multithumb_thumbs/dfa1d1e828851f7bcfeb01194ad2441e.JPG
5. ↑ Kitcheners Fighting Scouts: https://www.angloboerwar.com/unit-information/south-african-units/350-kitcheners-fighting-scouts
6. ↑ Returned Soldier - Collingwood Football Club: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/10561219?searchTerm=absalom
7. ↑ Returned Soldiers - Mortlake: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/10564919?searchTerm=absalom%20smoke%20night
8. ↑ Gold Medal - Collingwood Football Club: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/222780702?searchTerm=absalom%20return%20to%20training
9. ↑ 2nd Enlistment - Boer War: https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=677554
10. ↑ Nominal Roll: https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/awm-media/collection/RCDIG1069346/large/5520147.JPG
11. ↑ Langwarrin camp: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/9623424
12. ↑ Official Records of the Australian Military Contingents to the War in South Africa 1899-1902, ISBN: 978 1 921175 26 8, BY LIEUT.-COLONEL P. L. MURRAY, R.A.A.
13. ↑ Marriage record: Reg. number 4594/1905. Births Deaths and Marriages Victoria - Family History Search (https://www.bdm.vic.gov.au/research-and-family-history/search-your-family-history)
    (Surname: ABSALOM); (Given Names: Edw); (Spouse: HILL, Emily Esther)
14. ↑ Death record: Reg. number 1228/1927. Births Deaths and Marriages Victoria - Family History Search (https://www.bdm.vic.gov.au/research-and-family-history/search-your-family-history)
    (Surname: ABSALOM); (Given Names: Edward); (Mother's names: Mary Ann); (Mother's family name at birth: ROSE); (Father's names: ABSALOM William); (Birth location: MORTLAKE); (Death location: COLERAINE); (Age at death: 51)
15. ↑ Death Notice: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/3834254?searchTerm=absalom
16. ↑ Interred: Find A Grave: Memorial #215006767 Edward Edwin “Ted” Absalom Accessed 11 Nov 2022
17. ↑ In Memoriam: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/3904400