Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

George GANDER was born in Lucknow, New South Wales in 1877

His parents were Charles GANDER & Mary Ann McKAY who married in NSW in 1872 (registered in Orange)

George didn't actually serve in the Boer War but his friend Henry BEASLEY served under his name for some reason

Henry St-John Beasley was born Clunes, Victoria on the 1st of January 1878.

George Gander was born in 1877 at Lucknow NSW. His occupation was recorded as a labourer. George Gander initially sought to enlist and go to South Africa, however changed
his mind and changed identity with his good friend Henry Beasley who readily went in his place under the assumed identity.

Henry embarked as George Gander with the 3rd Mounted Rifles, D squadron from Sydney on the 15th of March 1901 as part of the 6th Contingent on board the troop ship ‘Maplemore’. The regiment saw active duty in Orange Free State and East Transvaal under British commander Michael Rimington. Henry contracted enteric fever and was first  hospitalised at Norval’s Port, before being transferred to Wynberg Hospital at Cape Town. Whilst awaiting a troop ship home to Australia, Henry was affected by dysentery and  again admitted to hospital.

Prior to his death he talked to the nursing siter and the chaplain telling them he was Henry St-John Beasley and not George Gander. Henry died on the 19th March 1902 at Wynberg Hospital. Following Henry’s death one of the nursing staff wrote to Mrs Beasley, explaining the circumstances of her son’s death and burial.

Also known as Henry Saint-John Beasley