J. PEARSON

Died: 11th June 1900; Died of Disease at Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa.

Residence: Ely, Cambridgeshire.

Rank: Private; Service Number: 878.

Regiment: Suffolk Regiment, 1st Battalion, South Africa Field Force.

Clasps Awarded: Cape Colony & Orange Free State.

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.

The Boer War.

Suffolk Regiment