“Stirling and Anning were both favourites and very popular among our chaps, and we felt their loss very keenly.”— Trooper Urquhart
“Casualties Among Queenslanders. Two Toowoomba Lads Shot Dead.”
This was the headline that screamed out on the pages of the Toowoomba Chronicle and Darling Downs General Advertiser on Thursday, 15 August 1901.
With ANZAC Day just last Friday, this week we continue to honour many of our Old Boys who gave the ultimate sacrifice including Private Colin Stirling, a TGS Old Boy (1899-1900) and our first former student lost in the Boer War.
The story began with:
“News was received on Tuesday afternoon that in an engagement at Kopjesfontein, on the 6th instant, the following casualties occurred among members of the Fifth Queensland Contingent – Private Colin Stirling (No. 110), son of Mr James Stirling, of Rome Street Toowoomba, was killed.”
Private Stirling was the first Toowoomba Grammar School Old Boy to be killed in the line of duty in any war. Records show he was the youngest member of the Australian Contingents to be deployed to the Second Boer War in South Africa, 1899-1902.
The eldest son of the Stirling family, Colin left TGS in Year 11 in 1900 and was working at the Queensland National Bank in Toowoomba when he enlisted. Management asked him to reconsider and remain working with the bank; however, Colin declined, determined to try his luck on the battlefront.
He joined the 5th Queensland Imperial Bushmen. According to Naval and Military Press records 2007, the Contingent left Australia on 6 and 10 March 1901, comprising 23 officers, 506 soldiers and 476 horses.
Known affectionately as the “Fighting Fifth”, Private Stirling’s troop was highly regarded and reports showed they “encountered more hot work than perhaps any of the colonial contingents in South Africa at that time.” (Toowoomba Chronicle, 24 December 1901)
On 6 August 1901 the Fifth was ordered to march to Kopperfontein. As they were heading to their destination a herd of cattle was seen on the hills and the troop was ordered to round them up. As they were heading towards the steers they were suddenly fired upon by a body of Boers who had stealthily camouflaged on the ridge with Private Striling and Corporal Anning shot dead.
“We lay there alone owing to the fact that the firing was too hot for them to reach us,” stated Trooper Don Urquhart in the Chronicle report.
“The Boers stripped the dead bodies of Anning and Stirling, captured one of our horses and took off my jacket and shirt while I was lying unconscious,” said Trooper Urquhart.
It was six hours before allies could reach the battalion, but the remaining troops somehow managed to survive the intense fire. The Boers remained on the ridge until dawn when most of them were captured by another troop. The bodies of Private Stirling and Captain Anning were returned to the camp and buried.
Naval and Military Press records show a total of two officers and 33 soldiers from the contingent were killed or died in South Africa.
TGS Old Boy (1899-1900) Private Colin Stirling was just 16 years old. He is now forever remembered on our Honour Board in Old Hall, along with on Toowoomba’s Roll of Honour Boer War monument at Mother’s Memorial.
There has been 1,864 other TGS Old Boys who have fought in various wars from the Sudan War in 1885 to Vietnam 1959-63 with 193 tragically paying the ultimate sacrifice, according to our current School Museum records which are being diligently updated by volunteers, Mrs Ann Hallam and Mrs Sue Palmer.
It is with honour and pride that TGS commemorates these Old Boys, and all the brave servicemen and women at our ANZAC Day Service on Old Boys’ Memorial Oval each year.
Lest We Forget.
TGS Old Boys’ Service
The Sudan War 1885 - three enlisted
The Boxer Rebellion 1900-1901 - eight enlisted
Boer War 1899-1902- 65 enlisted - two Killed In Action (KIA)
WWI 1914-18 - 388 enlisted - 41 KIA/ eight died of disease/ 16 died of wounds/ one in an aircraft accident - total 66
WWII 1939-45 - 1364 enlisted -17 KIA/ 48 in flying battles/ 25 flying accidents / three ground accidents/ 19 died of disease/ one murdered/ three sea battles/ five died of wounds/ one electrocuted – total 122
Korean War 1950-53 - 32 enlisted - one KIA
Vietnam War 1959-63 - four enlisted - one KIA
Peacekeeping - unknown enlisted - one KIA
Latest Blog
Innovation at TGS: Preparing Boys for a Future of Possibilities
This commitment is reflected in how, for generations, our Old Boys have maintained strong connections with the School and their region, demonstrating a dedication to making a meaningful difference in the world. Having students who are able to think critically and evolve with technology will prepare them better for the workforce. Honouring the Past, Preparing for the Future The Grammar 150 celebrations this year offer a special opportunity to reflect on the significant contributions of our…
75 Years of Rivalry and Respect
This year’s match holds special meaning, as it marks 75 years since the very first O’Callaghan Cup clash in 1950. Among those who remember the early days is Malcolm Powell, a proud TGS Old Boy (1948-52) who played fullback for the First XV in 1951. Malcolm, now in his nineties, still vividly recalls the thrill of those early games. “I watched the first Cup from the sidelines, I was in the Thirds that year,” Malcolm recalls. The fiercest of rivals but the greatest of friends “Downlands won that…
Our Sesquicentenary
The day was filled with reflection, celebration and a deep sense of connection to the generations who have shaped the School’s legacy. From the opening of a time capsule sealed in 1975, to a Sesquicentenary Assembly that honoured our roots and looked to the future, the occasion was a powerful reminder of what it means to be part of the TGS community. And of course there was cake! A Message Across Time: Opening the 1975 Time Capsule
Better Together - 2025 IBSC Conference
With its global network of over 300 member schools spanning more than 20 countries, the IBSC advocates for educational opportunities that focus on the holistic development of young men. This year, the IBSC Annual Conference was hosted by Belmont Hill School in Boston, United States, where teachers, school leaders and experts in boys' education gathered under the inspiring theme of "Better Together". Toowoomba Grammar School was proudly represented by Mr Luke Rawle, Ms Abby Varley and Mr Henry…
Reliving the Past, Shaping the Future
Mr Nicholas Hess has been a coach for both rugby and tennis and a boarding supervisor after he finished Year 12 His connection to the School runs deep, from the friendships he formed as a student to his dedication now as a Boarding House Assistant and long-standing member of the Old Boys’ Association (OBA). TGS has had a lasting impact on his life, and he has been only too willing to give back to the place that he loves so much. “There’s something special about being part of the Blue and Gold,”…
Never Give Up
Six years ago, after experiencing ongoing muscle weakness, he was given a life-changing diagnosis - Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy 2i (LGMD2i). Basically, Matt’s body doesn’t produce the chemical substance, Ribitol which is crucial for muscle function. He was told there is no treatment or cure, that he would be wheelchair bound in five to ten years and require oxygen, with the likelihood of an early death. But Matt would not accept that fate. Instead, he took up the fight – not just for…
A Magical Collaboration - “Midnight: The Cinderella Musical”
A co-production between Toowoomba Grammar School and Fairholme College, this enchanting musical captivated audiences at the Empire Theatre for two nights in early June, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended. A Story Brought to Life “Midnight” is a fresh take on the Cinderella story, featuring music and lyrics by John Foreman and Anthony Costanzo, with orchestrations by Anthony Barnhill and additional contributions from Kate Miller-Heidke. The book, written by Dean Murphy and Pip…
Pioneering Excellence: Launching TGS's Athletic Development Program
Our Athletic Development Program represents a paradigm shift in how schools nurture sporting talent—combining cutting-edge technology, evidence-based practices and a whole-person philosophy that prepares young men for success beyond the scoreboard.
Reflecting on the Past, Walking Forward Together
This week is an important time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to reflect on how we can each contribute to achieving reconciliation. The theme for NRW 2025, 'Bridging Now to Next,' calls on us to honour the past, acknowledge the present and actively build a better future. It reminds us that reconciliation is not a destination, it is a journey guided by reflection, respect and a shared commitment to walking together. As we look back on the…