The Millie Monument is dedicated to James Daniel Duff who was killed in the Boer War on August 4, 1900
Friday, August 4 marked the 117th anniversary since James Daniel Duff, whose memory is honoured by the Millie Monument, was killed in the Boer War.
James Daniel Duff, son of James and Catherine Duff, was born on October 3, 1875. His father was a well-known resident of Millie, having spent 40 years in the rural district, roughly 50km south-west of Moree.
The Millie Monument is dedicated to James Daniel Duff who was killed in the Boer War on August 4, 1900
James and his brother Edward enlisted in the NSW Citizen’s Bushman and on March 3, 1900, sailed on the SS Atlantian.
They landed at Beira in Portugese East Africa and travelled firstly by train to Marendellas, then the 300 miles to Bulawayo by foot, in 17 days.
Andrew Thompson of Merah North, said that they had “had bad luck with their horses, having lost 300 of them” to blue tongue (Namoi Echo 21 July, 1900). They arrived too late to take part in the Relief of Mafeking.
Andy was also at Elands River, and “right beside” his friend “poor old Jim Duff” when Jim was killed at the Siege of Elands River Post in South Africa on August 4, 1900.
‘Poor Jim Has Died’ was written by Helen Haynes and published in 2001. Copies are available at Moree Visitor Information Centre.
‘Poor Jim Has Died’ was written by Helen Haynes and published in 2001. Copies are available at Moree Visitor Information Centre.
The monument at Millie was unveiled on January 19, 1901, after it was decided to go ahead with its construction rather than donating the money raised for a new wing on the Narrabri Hospital.
In 2001 the monument was rededicated after the restoration of the gold lettering (a Grant from the Commonwealth Department of Veterans’ Affairs) and the repainting of the fence (by family and friends).
Later, a new stone and plaque was placed nearby to remember all those from the Moree, Narrabri and Wee Waa districts who served in the Anglo Boer War 1899-1902.
http://www.moreechampion.com.au/story/4834615/anniversary-of-james-daniel-duffs-death/
In memory of
JAMES DANIEL DUFF
Trooper, Australian Bushmen’s Contingent
Killed in action at Elands River,
South Africa, 4th August 1900
Aged 25 years
‘ The Lord knoweth them that are His’
This monument has been erected by the residents of
Millie and district, in grateful recognition
of valuable service rendered to Queen
and country
The Late James Duff Sydney Mail 2 Feb 1901, p288
Duff Memorial Unveiled at Millie
Duff and Walker’s present graves at Elands River
James Daniel Duff, son of James and Catherine Duff, was born on 3 October 1875 at Tringha, NSW.1 His father was a well-known resident having spent forty years in the rural district of Millie, some 60 kilometres north-west of Narrabri. James and his brother, Eric, enlisted with the NSW Bushmen’s Contingent and prior to their departure from home, were given a banquet by the residents of Millie. On that occasion each of them was presented with a gold medal and a purse of sovereigns.2 The Duff brothers sailed with the contingent on 28 February 1900, arrived in Capetown on 2 April and then proceeded via Marandelles to Bulawayo, Rhodesia (Zimbabwe).
‘A’ Squadron served under General Plummer in the engagements at Mafeking and Rustenburg. Then the squadron, assisted by about 50 men of other details, defended Eland’s River for 13 days refusing to surrender on any terms, against the Boer commander De la Rey with 1,000 men and guns. They were eventually relieved by Lord Kitchener’s force on 15th August, and Lord Methuen’s column which arrived from the north on 18th August, 19003 However, James Duff, considered to be one of the most accomplished horsemen in the contingent, was killed on 4 August 1900 by a shell wound to the chest during the battle at Elands River.