Andrew Thomas Woodman (1870 - 1900)

Born 1870 in Bairnsdale, Victoria, Australia

Ancestors

Died 20 Aug 1900 at about age 30 in Ottoshoop, Transvaal, South Africa

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Biography

Andrew Thomas Woodman was born at Bainsdale, Victoria, Australia in 1870, mother Ann PHILLIPS, father Matthew.^[1]

Andrew Woodman is an Anzac who served in the Boer War.

Trooper Woodman of A Squadron Victorian Imperial Bushmen (Australian Imperial Regiment) sailed from Melbourne on the “Victorian” as the fourth Victorian Contingent to the Boer War and served in South Africa from May 1900. Killed in action at Ottoshoop, Cape Colony, South Africa.^[2]

• Weekly Times Sat 1 Sep 1900

PRIVATE A. T. WOODMAN.

Private Woodman, of the Australian Imperial Regiment, who was killed on the 20th of August, at Ottoshoof, was a son of Mr Matthew Woodman, of Forge Creek. His father and mother and several brothers and sisters, and other relatives, are living in the district, where they are widely known and respected. Andrew Thomas, the second son, was born at Forge Creek, in 1871 (writes the "Bairnsdale Courier") and after reaching manhood, had travelled in other parts of the colony, being employed at Orbost when he decided to offer himself for the Bushmen's contingent. He was a fine manly fellow, an expert bushman and rider, and a fairly good shot. He was also well-known as a cricketer, and was well steemed by all who knew him. When about to leave to join his company, he informed a friend that he was going for the Victoria Cross if there was any chance to get it. He has not had the chance as far as we know, but has attained a perhaps no less honorable goal, "a soldier's grave." Possibly in trying for the one, he found the other. He landed with Carrington's Bushmen at Beira, and lost his life at Ottoshoof on the 20th. inst. On the 23rd his father received a cable from the General conveying the melancholy intelligence, and one from the Victorian Secretary for Defence conveying the' sympathy of the Minister. He also received, the following letter from Major Holden, which will be read with much interest by many friends:—

"Hawthorn, 23rd August, 1900.

Mr Matthew Woodman. — Dear Mr Woodman. — I am so grieved to see by tonight's "Herald" that your son, Private A. T. Woodman, has been killed in action — the first man of the Australian Imperial Regiment from Victoria to die for Queen and Empire. I knew him well and respected him highly,- and greatly regret that he has fallen. That he fought well and bravely I have no doubt whatever. Please let me assure you of my sincere sympathy with you in your bereavement, and of my earnest prayers that God, who is "our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble," may be your stay and comfort in this bereavement. He was a fine fellow, and was much liked by all his comrades, and I know that their regret at his loss will be great. I last saw him at Beira on the 10th of June, the day I left. He was well and cheery, and was among the first 50 of the Victorians who started that day for the interior, reaching Marandellas at the beginning of July. They have evidently got into action and he has fallen. May God comfort you and yours is my earnest prayer.

—I am, very sincerely yours, A. T. HOLDEN, late chaplain to the Australian Imperial Regiment."

Mr and Mrs Woodman received several letters from their son since his departure from the colony. The latest is dated 28th June, from Umtali, and is as follows:—

"Dear Mother,— We started on Sunday evening with 120 Imperial Yeomanry, 50 Victorian men, and 100 horses, for Maraindeilas; went a mile out, and camped. Started on Monday at 4 in the morning, and travelled until 9; had breakfast, and stayed until 4; travelled until 6; camped without tents; the country is very rough. :Tuesday.— Up at 4 o'clock, travelled on until 10, had breakfast; nothing further happened that day; country very hilly, and no good. We passed hundreds of melons growing? wild by the roadside. All kinds of fruits are very dear here, about six. times as dear as in Australia. The Yeomanry lost some of their horses, and we had to send some of our men to find them. They lost them in the long grass but we captured them all right. The grass here is 12 feet high. The same day we saw some South African sheep; they are black and white, with big tails, and worth 30s a head. We travelled on, and saw a leopard, but he did not appear to be very frightened, as he did not bother his head very much to get out of the way. Travelled a' bit farther, and picketed the horses for the evening, and had tea. Wednesday. — Up at 4 o'clock and on the march until 10, and had breakfast; one horse died to-day. Bought a pumpkin for 6d, the cheapest thing we ever bought in South Africa. 'Started again, and travelled about a dozen miles, and had tea. Started again the following morning, and the bullock teams got bogged twice in nine miles. We saw some maize, which is grown by the .Kaffirs; very poor stuff, too. Same day and following night went 19 hours without any breakfast. Went into camp at .10, and did not shift until the next morning. Next day travelled three miles, and had breakfast and dinner. We have travelled through what is known as the "death trap" of South Africa, but we are all well. We reached Rusapi that evening, which is a small railway town in Mashonaland; nice level country around there. Picketed the horses out for the evening. The horses got a start that evening, and pulled, up every peg on the line, but did not further damage. They tried to get away the second time, but we had them secure next time. Left Rusapi at 10 o'clock. Had not gone 100 yards when one of the men got thrown, but was not hurt. Travelled ! on, and camped out. At 10 o'clock ; started again; camped at 6. Up at 6 ' next day, Sunday; travelled until 9; had breakfast, also went to church. Stopped by the side of a Boer farm. Things very dear; butter, 4s a pound; milk, Is a pint. We had to march 14 miles Sunday afternoon, and had to carry water with us. Arrived at the place all right; camped out. Up early the next morning, and travelled until 8 that day, and had breakfast. Put that day In all right. Up next morning, and went 18 hours without breakfast. Camped until 4, and had breakfast and dinner together. Travelled on and camped 2 miles from Marandellas, and then came into the garrison that morning. About 5000 troops here at present. I believe ! we are to be marched 250 miles. We start next week, I believe, for Victoria. The Imperial Yeomanry are very nice men: nice, obliging fellows, too. And with nothing . further, I remain, your loving son, A. T. WOODMAN

Sources

1. ↑ Birth: Victorian Births Deaths and Marriages Register 13072 / 1870
2. ↑ https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/R1713526

• Victorian Pioneer Index 1836-1888