Camden Remembers

CAMDEN DISTRICT ROLL OF HONOUR

CAMDEN REMEMBERS PRE 1914

Click on the links below to view a Memorial Scroll for each person. Names will be added as they become available.
Conflicts occuring before 1914 in which Australians were involved include:

New Zealand, 1860-1861

Sudan, 1885-1885

Australia's involvement in the Sudan conflict was short lived. By the time the New South Wales Sudan Contingent landed at Suakin, Sudan's port in the Red Sea on 29 March 1885 the war was almost over.

In the early 1880s the British backed Egyptian regime in the Sudan was threatened by an indigenous rebellion under the leadership of Muhammed Ahmed, known to his followers as the Mahdi.

With news of the death in late January 1885 of the heroic English General Charles Gordon whose exploits were well known throughout the British Empire, the NSW government cabled London with an offer of troops which London accepted but stipulated that the contingent would be under British command.
The British government's acceptance of the contingent was received with enthusiasm by the NSW government and members of the armed forces, it was seen as a historic occasion, marking the first time that soldiers in the pay of a self governing Australian colony were to fight in an imperial war.

Volunteers for the NSW Infantry Contingent at Victoria Barracks, Sydney, shortly before the contingent's departure on 3 March 1885. NSW Infantry Sudan Contingent

The contingent, an infantry battalion of 522 men and 24 officers and an artillery battery of 212 men set sail from Sydney on 3 March 1885 amid much public fanfare, generated in part by the holiday declared to farewell the troops; the send-off was described as the most festive occasion in the colony's history.

The Australian troops saw very little action in the seven weeks before the British government decided to abandon the campaign and left only a garrison in Suakin. The troops sailed for home on 17 May and arrived in Sydney on 19 June 1885.

It was generally agreed at the time that, no matter how small the military significance of the Australian contribution to the adventure, it marked an important stage in the development of colonial self-confidence and was proof of the enduring link with Britain.

This summary referenced from and photo courtesy of the Australian War Memorial whose Roll of Honour lists nine casualties from the conflict.

The following three soldiers who served were from the Camden area. Information from the Australian War Memorial Nominal Roll.

CORNWALL John (Gunner 941) FIDDEN Charles W (Private 330) HILDER Henry (Bombardier 898)

South Africa, Boer War, 1899-1902

China, Boxer Rebellion, 1900-1901