Hewitt , Arthur James (A J)

Particulars regarding the late Sergeant Alexander Cheyne, Royal Warwickshire, Acting Quarter Master Sergeant of the Ceylon Contingent who died at Kroonstadt on the 1st June 1900. Enlisted in the Gordon Highlanders on the 26th April 1886. Posted to the Permanent Staff, Ceylon Volunteers with the rank of Colour Sergeant on 1st August 1892 and transferred the same year from the Gordon Highlanders to the Royal Warwickshire Regiment then serving in Ceylon (authority ? War Office letter No. 115/75/176 dated 7th October 1892). From January 1898 until his departure for South Africa on 1st February 1900, this Non-Commissioned Officer acted as Sergeant Instructor of Musketry, and Instructor in Army Signalling to the Volunteers ? He also in his spare time, assisted the present Quarter Master Sergeant, with a view to succeeding him next year when he will be discharged on completing 21 years service. Sergeant Cheyne when he died, had 14 years, 1 month and 4 days service. He leaves a widow and one child, a boy about 7 years old. During the four years he served under me, I found him to be a thoroughly reliable Non-Commissioned Officer. All his documents ? with the exception of a copy of his attestation, which I retained, were forwarded to South Africa. (Sgd) A. C. F. Vincent Lieutenant Colonel 24th June 1900. From the Commandant Ceylon Volunteer Force. To the Hon?ble the Colonial Secretary. Colombo 12 June 1900.