The South African, or ‘Boer’ War is the first battle honour of the Regiment and sits atop the cap badge:

The South African War saw the Regiment contribute to the City of London Imperial Volunteers.

Reginald Shipley then a Captain, later Colonel Commanding the Regiment at the outbreak of World War One, was first appointed to command the 250 officers and men of the CIV who embarked for South Africa on the Garth Castle, one of the ships transporting the formation South.

He was also in command of E Company, which included the Regimental Detachment, as can be seen on Page 2 of the Nominal Roll shown below (centre column, top) and a (somewhat blurred) photo of which survives and is reproduced at the bottom of this page:

Nominal Roll City of London Imperial Volunteers – South Africa 1900 (Page 2)

The Regimental Detachment saw service in the Orange Free State and in actions near Johannesburg and Diamond Hill, after its first official duty of mounting the Guard at Government House, which was a high honour, but perhaps somewhat frustrating for a company of men who had volunteered for active duty on the other side of the world. It was at Government House that they were inspected by Bro and Field Marshall Lord Roberts.

The Regiment also contributed No 1 Special Service Company to the 2nd, and later 3rd, Battalions, the King’s Royal Rifle Corps, with Robert fFinden Davies among them.

A Relief Contingent was also furnished by the Regiment.

In total 150 men of theRegiment served in South Africa, one was Killed in Action, and five Died on Active Service.


For more information about the Boer War and the units and men that fought it this website is an excellent resource (it is neither affiliated to the Lodge nor is it masonic in nature or content).