James Whamond Annat (1864 - 1900)

Born 18 Dec 1864 in Lintrathen, Angus, Scotland, United Kingdom

Husband of Isabella (Ferguson) Annat — married 30 Jun 1892 in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Descendants

Died 6 Aug 1900 at age 35 in Elands River, South Africa

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Biography

James Annat was killed in action at South Africa during the Second Boer War.

James was born as James Whamond, on December 18th 1864 in Lindthrathen, Scotland, illigitimate son of James Whamond and Helen Falconer^[1].

James Annat joined the Gordon Highlanders at the age of 16 and was wounded at Majuba Hill during the first Boer War in South Africa. He served with the A&S Highlanders during the Zulu war [1883-84]. He fought against Sitting Bull in Canada and was severely wounded at Pine Ridge in 1890.

He came to New South Wales and then Queensland. He was commissioned in 1895. He married Isabella Ferguson in Brisbane on 30 June 1892^[2]. He was posted to South africa during the 2nd Boer war and was killed by an enemy shell that landed at his feet during the siege of Elands River in August 1900. ^[3]

How Lt Annat was killed: Trooper David Bryce of the 3rd Queensland, contingent, writes a graphic account of the siege of Elands River in August 1990. The ferocity of the Boer attack may be gauged by the fact that the enemy's 9 guns [12lb and 15lb], 2 Maxims and 1700 rifles, poured lead into the British camp for 11 days, over 1600 shells being fired on the one day. Lieutenant Annat met his death at the end of the 3rd day, as related by Trooper David Bryce: "Poor Lieutenant Annat was smashed to pieces by a 12lb shell. He was going over to his men, and in crossing, the last shell that was fired that night, fell at his feet. He lived about 10 minutes writhing in agony. Everyone in the camp was sorry for him, as he was doing splendid work, and was unanimously voted one of the best officers on the ground. The Rhodesians used to swear by him." On the 12th day, the garrison was relieved by General Kitchener who had been chasing De Wet for the previous 8 days. The casualties of the garrison numbered 17 killed, 59 wounded and the horses reduced from 537 to 42.

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Sources

Australians in the Boer War - Oz-Boer Database Project

1. ↑ Scotland's People WHAMOND JAMES M 1864 Reference 302/ 27 Lintrathen
2. ↑ Queensland Government, Births, Deaths, Marriages. James Whamond commonly known as James Annal commonly known as Whamond & Isabella Ferguson. Marriage. Date: 30/06/1892. Registration number: 1892/B/15755
3. ↑ First-hand information as remembered by Don Reis, Tuesday, March 17, 2015. Replace this citation if there is another source.