Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Death of S.A. Contingent
Boer War Veteran.
Mount Gambier, February 28.
The death, occurred at Mount Gambler, at the age of 69, of Mr. Neil Alexander Macintosh, a Boer War veteran and a member of the South Australian contingent of 25 to Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee celebrations in London. The late Mr. Macintosh was born on the Island of Benbecula in the Outer Hebrides, off the west coast of Scotland, in the year 1859. He came to Australia with his parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. Donald Macintosh, in the sailing ship "North," at the age of nine. The family settled at Square Mile, and later took up land at Glenburnie. The late Mr. Macintosh and his brother received their early education in Australia at a school conducted by Miss McKay. When they first attended they could speak only Gaelic and as there were two other boys who could speak no thing but German, the teacher had many troubles and the scholars much amusement. After the death of his parents deceased worked for some years in Melbourne and Queensland. Soon, after his return to Mount Gambier he was selected among the 25 to represent South Australia, at Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee celebrations at London in 1897, of which troops from all over the world participated. Before returning to Australia he visited his old home, and also had the opportunity of visiting Gibraltar and Italy. Two years later the Boer War broke out, and Mr. Mac intosh was among the first to enlist for service in South Africa. He was decorated with medals and bars by the late King Edward VII. and George V. He attained the rank Lieutenant. As a young man he was a keen athlete and for three years held the local record for a high jump (5ft. 91 inches). He also had to his credit some good performances in running and hurdling. Deceased took a keen interest in public affairs. He was a member of the Board of Management of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, and a Director and ardent supporter of the Mount Gambier Caledonian Society. Other bodies he was connected with included the A. and H. Society and Oddfellows' Lodge, in which he was provincial grand master. Many other bodies had his practical support. In 1904 Mr. Macintosh was married to Miss Mary Mabel Kiteley, who survives him. He also leaves a family of three sons and two daughters-Messrs. Donald A., Neil A, and Ronald K.  Macintosh, Mrs. T. A. Prescott, of Portland (Vic.), and Miss Marjorie E. Macintosh, Mount Gambier. Mr. Ronald Macintosh, of Yelverton (W.A.) is a brother.

Previously served three years 2nd Battalion Adelaide Rifles, Mount Gambier Company.

Married:  Mary Mabel MacIntosh (nee KITELEY)

Children: 
Son:  SX16543 Neil Alexander MacIntosh
         b. 16/5/1909 in Mt Gambier, SA        
         WWII - Acting Corporal in 2/43rd Australian Infantry Battalion
         married:  Ruby Vera Clarke
         19/2/1944  died of illness, Colonel Light Gardens, SA
         buried in:  Centennial Park Cemetery, Pasadena, SA
                         Commonwealth War Graves, Path 9, Grave 7

Son-in-law: SX4924 Leslie William Clarke
                  WWII - Private in 2/27th Battalion
                  KIA 11/6/1941 in Syria