W. ROGERS
Died: 10th March 1901; died as a Prisoner of War of Enteric Fever at Middelburg, Mpumalanga, South Africa.
Was taken PoW at Colesberg – 6th January 1900.
Rank: Private; Service Number: 4908.
Regiment: Suffolk Regiment, 1st Battalion, South Africa Field Force.
Clasps Awarded: Cape Colony, Orange Free State & Transvaal.
Soldiers’ Effects to George Rogers – 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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