Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

James Henry Babington was a blacksmith and volunteered to fight in the Boer War (1899-1902). He enlisted with the NSW Military Forces in the Imperial Bushman’s Regiment, Mounted Infantry in “F” Company as Private, Regimental Number 900.

His regiment was transported to South Africa on board SS Armenia in April 1900 and most returned to Australia on board the SS Orient, embarking at East London in June 1901, arriving in Sydney in July 1901.

He was promoted to 2nd Sergeant (Farrier) and was awarded the Queen’s South Africa medal with four clasps for action in Transvaal, Orange Free State, Rhodesia and Cape Colony. The medal was given to the Parkes RSL after his death by the Babington family. His mother, Henrietta Esmond Babington, was listed as his next of kin when he enlisted. 

After returning from South Africa, he married Mary Ann Ifield (1872-1959), a nurse, age 29 years (born at Goulburn NSW, 2 November 1872) at St Nicholas’ Church of England, North Goulburn, on 26 February 1902.

In 1903, they moved to Handley Street, Gundagai NSW. By the mid-late 1900s James Henry and Mary had moved to Temora NSW and had three children, the eldest of whom was James Henry Keith (1909 Temora-1980 Sydney).

Having served as a farrier (horse handler) in the Boer War, James Henry evidently developed skills in caring for horses and other animals. He set up as a veterinarian. The 1907-09 Sands Directory NSW listed him as a veterinary surgeon in Temora.

He and Mary moved from Temora to Parkes NSW in 1915 as shown by advertisements in the Sands Directory NSW as a veterinary surgeon in Parkes between 1915 and 1933. In 1922, they lived at Clarinda Street; in 1928, they lived at Currajong Street. James Henry and Mary Ann separated in 1932. 

In 1938, James Henry moved to 94 Clarinda Street. In 1965, he moved to 84 Mitchell Street, where he died on 2 June 1965. He practiced as a vet until his death.

He is buried at the Old Church of England Section of Parkes Cemetery. The monumental Transcription (double grave Z2 11,12) reads “In Loving Memory of James Henry Babington, Died 2nd June 1965, Aged 87 Years.” “And Granddaughter, Roma J Keegan, Died 23rd May 1925, Aged 10 Months.” Mary Ann died in Sydney on 6 April 1959.

Obituaries

Parkes Champion Post, 4 June 1965

Death of Old Bab: James Henry Babington

Death of Boer War Veteran

A well-known Parkes veterinarian, Mr. James Henry Babington, died on Wednesday morning. Mr Babington who was a widower, with three children, passed away at the age of 87 years. He died at the residence of Mr. and Mrs, B Bell, of Mitchell. Mr. Babington is survived by two sons, Jack and Keith, and one daughter, Doris (Mrs. Harry Keegan) all of Sydney.

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Parkes Champion Post, 11 June 1965

Served In Boer War

It is with deep regret we report the “Going West” of that old Boer War veteran Harry Babington, known affectionately as “OLD BAB”. He did a worthwhile job for many years, and often without pay. He loved animals and to save a life was something he delighted in. To his sorrowing family is expressed the deepest sympathy of all members of the Sub-branch and Ex-Service Club. Utah Lambert, Parkes Municipal Band Master sounded the Last Post at the graveside. He did this as Tommy Weaver is away at the moment.