ARTHUR JAMES GILL
Born: 1879, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk.
Died: 11th May 1900; age: 20; Died at Bethany, Free State, from wounds received on the 5th May 1900, at Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa.
Residence: 17, Church Walks, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk.
Occupation: Labourer.
Enlistment Date: 29th June 1897.
Rank: Private; Service Number: 4643.
Regiment: 1st Mounted Infantry, Suffolk Regiment, 1st Battalion.
Clasps Awarded: Paardeberg, Dreifontein & Relief of Kimberley.
CENSUS
1881 3, High Baxter Street, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk.
Arthur was 2 years old and living with his parents & brothers.
Benjamin Gill, 38, a Carpenter, born Lawshall, Suffolk.
Susannah Gill (nee Moss0, 27, born Lawshall.
Benjamin Thomas Gill, 4, born Bury St. Edmunds.
William Gill, 3 months, born Bury St. Edmunds.
1891 28, College Street, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk.
Arthur was 12 years old and living with his parents & siblings.
Benjamin, 48, a Carpenter.
Susannah, 38.
Ada Gill, 16, a Dressmaker, born Lawshall.
Benjamin, 14, a Servant – Domestic.
William, 10.
Abraham Gill, 5, born Bury St. Edmunds.
Prudence Mary A. Gill, 3, born Bury St. Edmunds.
Agnes Gill, 11 months, born Bury St. Edmunds.
Soldiers’ Effects to Benjamin Gill – father.
One of the notable Battles with a large loss of Suffolk life was the “Battle of Suffolk hill” at Colesberg, Northern Cape 5th- 6th January 1900. The hill was originally called Red or Grassy Hill. The Suffolk regiment was ordered to make a night attack on a Boer position on the heights, four companies, 354 of all ranks, set out at midnight under the command of Col. Watson. The Suffolks were met by a storm of bullets. The Colonel was amongst the first to fall, and the party later retired with 11 officers and 150+ men killed, wounded or captured.
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