To the Glory of God and in loving memory of Robert Ernest READE D.S.O., Lieutenant 1st King's Royal Rifles. This window above is dedicated.
He served in the battle of Talana Hill, the retreat from Dundee and the siege of Ladysmith and received the Distinguished Service Order for conspicuous gallantry at the Battle of Wagon Hill. A year after the Relief of Ladysmith when in the N.E. Transvaal with a small column under Colonel Campbell A.D.C. commanding 1st Bat KRR he was mortally wounded in a encounter with the Boers and died two days later.
A monument marks the spot near Boshmann's Pan about 25 miles S.E. of Middelburg where he was laid by his comrades. Born 29th April 1789. Died 4th February 1901. Erected by his father T.H.Reade D.L. of Wilmont, Co Antrim.
His is commemorated on stained glass windows in Belfast Cathedral and St Patrick's Church, Drumbeg County Down.
Click on rereade in Tags box to see another connection.
http://www.natalia.org.za/Files/29/Natalia v29 article p16-22 C.pdf
Extract from The Military Archive
READE, ROBERT ERNEST, Lieut., was born 18 April, 1879, son of R H. S. Reade, Esq., J.P. He was gazetted to the King's Royal Rifle Corps 2 Aug. 1899; was promoted to Lieutenant, and served in the South African War. For his services in this campaign he was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 19 April, 1901] : " Robert Ernest Reade, Lieut., King's Royal Rifle Corps. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa." The Insignia, Warrant and Statutes were sent to his father, R H. . Reade, Esq.
View media item 113038