The Scottish Military Research Group - Commemorations Project

robert smith · Joined: 29 Nov 2009 Posts: 16

I wonder if anyone could take a photo of a brass plaque, to the above officer, in the Parish Church (St Clement's) Dingwall. I believe that it is situated in the main body of the church. It reads:

"In Memory of a Dear Friend and Brave Comrade, Colin Eccles Dick, Major 2nd Batt'n Royal Irish Fusiliers, who died of wounds 29th Sept'r 1901, received at Blood Poort River, South Africa, 17th Sept'r 1901. Aged 36 years. Erected by his comrades in Gough's M.I. with whom he was serving."

Many thanks.

Robert

Adam Brown · Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2012 8:16 pm Post subject:

From http://www.ebooksread.com/authors-eng/mildred-g-dooner/the-last-post--a-roll-of-all-officers-naval-military-or-colonial-who-gave--hci/page-8-the-last-post--a-roll-of-all-officers-naval-military-or-colonial-who-gave--hci.shtml

Dick. — Capt. and Brevet-Major Colin Eccles Dick, Royal Irish Fusiliers, died Sept. 29th, 1901, of wounds received in action at Vryheid. He was born Dec, 1864, and after a little over seven years in the ranks, was given a commission in the Royal Irish Fusiliers, Feb. 1893, being promoted lieut. April, 1897, and capt. Feb., 1900. He served with the Natal Field Force for the relief of Ladysmith, being mentioned in despatches, L.G., Feb. 8th, 1901, and received the brevet of major from Nov. 29, 1900, in the Gazette of Aug. 27th, 1901. He was also mentioned in the despatch of Gen. Lord Kitchener, Oct. 8th, 1901, for " consistent gallantry and good leading, especially on Aug. 28th," the day he was mortally wounded. Major Dick is buried at Vryheid.

robert smith · Joined: 29 Nov 2009 Posts: 16

Thanks Adam.

Major Colin Dick was actually MID x 3 times.

1) Roberts: L.G. 8/2/01 page 945
2) Roberts: L.G. 10/9/01 page 5950
3) Kitchener: L.G. 3/12/01 page 8546

and received the Brevet of Major, L.G. 27/9/01 page 6319.

He must have been quite a man and I suspect that he would have received a DSO, had he survived a little longer!!

Robert

Adam Brown · Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2012 9:46 am Post subject:

He had served several years in 4th Hussars before gaining his commission. Quite something in those days but it would have come in very handy in a Mounted Infantry unit.

Thanks

Adam

robert smith · Joined: 29 Nov 2009 Posts: 16

It is quite unusual for him to have served in the ranks at that time because he appears to have come from quite a privileged background. His father Colin Mackenzie Dick had been a business man in San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago during the 1860's and 1870's, and was a son of Archiblad Dick and of Isabella Dick, a daughter of Colin Mackenzie of Mountgerald, Dingwall. Isabella's grandfather was a son of the VI Laird of Gairloch.
Although Major Colin Eccles Dick had probably never lived in Scotland it may well have been a family wish that the plaque in his memory be placed in St.Clement's, Dingwall as this was the family Kirk of Clan Mackenzie.

Robert

Adam Brown · Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2012 1:02 pm Post subject:

Robert

I was wondering what the Dingwall connection was. From what you posted above the plaque was donated by his unit rather than the family.

Thanks

Adam

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2012 1:38 pm Post subject:

A photo of his gravestone, and those of his comrades who fell, is at
http://www.eggsa.org/library/main.php?g2_itemId=1408625
_________________
Ken

robert smith · Joined: 29 Nov 2009 Posts: 16

Adam,

Yes, it would appear that Col.Gough and his fellow officers decided to have the plaque made and hence would have asked the NOK where they would like it to be displayed. I suppose that St Clements was the obvious choice--family connections and all that! A fitting touch really.

There is a memorial to him at Vryheid in South Africa where he is buried.
This reads:
"In Loving Memory of Colin Eccles Dick, Captain and Brevet Major, 2nd Battn Princess Victoria's Royal Irish Fusiliers, who died at Vryheid 29th September, 1901 of wounds received in action at Blood River Poort, 17th September, 1901.
"Those that die for England sleep with God"
Erected by Colonel Hugh Gough's Mounted Infantry and his relatives.

Robert

robert smith · Joined: 29 Nov 2009 Posts: 16

Thanks Ken for posting this, I was composing my reply when you very kindly posted yours.

Robert