Exhibition: Queenslanders on the Veldt
Contingent to the coronation of Edward VII
Contingent invited to the coronation of King Edward VII
Image no: 177825
On 18th March 1902, British authorities invited Australia to send a contingent of troops to the Coronation of King Edward VII in Westminster Abbey on 26th June 1902. The Australian Government agreed to send mounted troops chosen from those who had exceptional service in the war in South Africa or were still serving in South Africa.
The contingent comprised men from all states of the Commonwealth and departed from Sydney on the passenger ship Rome on 30th April, arriving in London on 17th June. Prime Minister Edmund Barton and his wife were also on board along with many other civilian passengers.
Those men still serving in South Africa were sent direct to England to participate with their colleagues.
The Commanding Officer was Lieutenant-Colonel Cyril St. Clair Cameron C.B. 1st Tasmanian Mounted Infantry. Official records of members of the contingent are incomplete, but it is known that in excess of 150 men were despatched.
King Edward suffered an attack of appendicitis on 25th June 1902, and the coronation was postponed. The Commonwealth contingent was invited to remain in England, but some Australians with other commitments had to return home. The ceremony eventually took place on 9th August 1902. The Australian contingent returned on the liner Arcadia, departing London on 21st August 1902.
Known Queensland members of the contingent were - Lieut. R. M. Stodart, RSM J. J. Walker, Sgt. F. J. Hockey, Sgt. L. Donkin, Farrier Sgt. C. Luxton, Sgt. A. A. Harris, Sgt. E. H. Shadforth, Corp. A. P. Deshon, Pte. H. H. Missing, Pte. G. L. Hutton, Pte. W. A Chamberlain, Pte. W. G. Strong, Pte. F. Schy, Pte. H. Barnes, Pte. G. French, Pte. C. E. Deacon, Pte. H. W. Lindley, Pte. H. Lake.
Copyright held by John Oxley Library. Copies of this photograph are available from the State Library of Queensland's photographic reproduction service.
Last updated: 2nd June 2011
Creatively engaging people with information, knowledge and community
