Mohali , Jacobus (J)

"Stephen Hilgen was killed at Houtnek on 30th April, 1900, his 18th birthday. His initial has been mistranscribed as 'G' on the SADF database, but he was the only Hilgen on the Nominal Roll of Kitchener's Horse. His burial place is unrecorded. This undated letter was received by his mother. Dear Mrs Hilgen, I have had no opportunity of writing to you since getting your letter. I was informed that you had been told of your son?s death while doing his duty to his country but regret that I did not send you any details. On March (sic) 30th two squadrons of Kitcheners Horse were told off to take a Kopje which the enemy were holding. The name of the place was Hout Nek. We got up to the top of the Hill and had to advance to the far side of it to complete our task. The Boers were firing heavily at us and I particularly noticed Lance Corporal Hilgen for the fearless way in which he was doing his duty and cautioned him to try and expose himself less. In advancing across the more or less flat top of the Hill we got to very close quarters with the enemy my party of seven (including myself) got taken in flank. Poor Hilgen was about the third man hit and was I am quite sure out of pain at once. When only two of us were left unwounded we had to surrender. I got away from the Boers two nights after but was sent down to Bloemfontein as I was wounded. Lieutenant Jackson who was Hilgen?s Troop Officer told me later that Hilgen was buried by our troops and he has told me of his intention of going to pay you a visit at the first opportunity as also I intend doing myself. I am sure you will very glad to hear that Lance Corporal Hilgen was a man I had marked out for promotion for his steadiness pluck and as being a good soldier with the requisite amount of influence over the others. My Squadron has expressed his (sic) intention of sending you a small expression of their regard for your son but this of course cannot be arranged until later on. I fear like all our own things Lance Corporal Hilgen?s clothes etc are so scattered over the country that there will be no opportunity of getting hold of them as at Hout Nek our transport was so limited that we only had with us one blanket and what we stood in. I wish in case I should be prevented from doing so later by word or (sic) mouth to express my deep sympathy with the loss you have sustained for I am quite sure from what I sa

"A great-uncle still remembered" Anne Chambers