The City Imperial Volunteers originated in conversations in 1899 between the Lord Mayor of London and Lord Garnet Wolseley, a senior Army officer, as to the possibility of raising a force of volunteers for the war in South Africa. Having received authorisation from the War Office and having been assured of financial support by the masters of the City Livery Companies, bankers and merchants, a fund for that purpose was opened by a donation of £25,000 voted by the Common Council on 20 December 1899.
On 1 January 1900 the first volunteers were sworn in at Guildhall by the Lord Mayor, five aldermen and the sheriffs. On 12 January volunteers received the Freedom of the City of London and the following day the first detachment embarked on the troopship BRITON at Southampton. The C.I.V.s served in South Africa until October 1900. On 29 October they landed in England and marched through the City of London to be welcomed by the Corporation. On 31 October 1900 the Force was disbanded.
A C.I.V. Old Comrades Association was formed in 1902, its last reunion appears to have been held in 1964.
Scroll down for a transcription of the memorial.
1st ESSEX VOLUNTEER ARTILLERY
PRO
PATRIA
In January 1900 during the BOER WAR
the following Non-Comd OFFICERS & MEN of the 1st ESSEX Vol ARTILLERY
were selected from the 240 who volunteered for active service abroad.
On them was conferred the honour of serving their Queen & Country
and of representing their Corps in the CITY IMPERIAL VOLUNTEERS
raised by the LORD MAYOR of LONDON.
Sergt W.H.BUCKINGHAM.
Sergt W.A.BODGER.
Sergt S.G.MANNELL.
Sergt S.J.PYE.
Sergt P.J.CARR.
Corporal E.STEPHENS.
Gunner A.BIDDELL.
Gunner A.J.COATES.
Gunner E.J.DOWSETT.
Gunner H.F.FLOWER.
Gunner T.GOODMAN.
Gunner C.P.HOLLAND.
Gunner H.KIRBY.
Gunner H.PILGRIM.
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After taking an honourable part in the campaign, they all
with one exception returned to their homes & civic duties.
Sergeant PERCY JAMES CARR, aged 28 years,
the only Son of a Widowed Mother,
DIED at SPRINGFONTEIN on MAY 25th 1900.
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This tablet is placed here to honour the Memory of the DEAD
and to perpetuate the remembrance of the eager readiness
of the CORPS to engage in active service in the hour of
NATIONAL DANGER.
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VAIN, MIGHTEST FLEETS OF IRON FRAMED,
VAIN, THOSE ALL SHATTERING GUNS,
UNLESS PROUD ENGLAND KEEP, UNTAMED
THE STRONG HEART OF HER SONS.
