English: Possible grave of Angus Jenkins at Farm "Paardefontein" R547, near Val, Mpumalanga.

My grandfather told me the story of an incident during the Boer War: The Boers were guarding a drift in the Waterval River, while the British camp was about 5 km downstream. One day the Boers "got bored" with no action, and decided to create some. About 7 of them rode downstream, gave a few pot shots at the British camp, and rushed back. The British were under the impression that they had been attacked by a large commando and pursued their attackers, whereby they allowed themselves to be led into an ambush. One soldier was killed, but his comrades did not return to claim his body. He was buried in the nearby cattle kraal. After peace was declared, he was re-interred in the family graveyard. My grandfather pointed out the spot in the family graveyard where "die Engelsman" was buried. Many years later, research was done on the event, and the possible identity of the "previously unknown British Soldier" was revealed. In 2013 David Scholtz, member of the Military History Society, sponsored a monument to Trooper Angus Jenkins of Strathcona's Horse.

Diary of Trooper George Alexander Bowers of "C" Squadron in Lord Strathcona's Corps however records Jenkins's passing thus: July 1st, 1900 "Dominion Day" Marched at 9.30. Firing commenced on our right flank about noon. We ran up two guns and opened on the enemy who could be seen running in all directions when the shells burst near where they were lying. Trooper Angus Jenkins was killed and Captain Howard and Trooper Hudson were taken prisoners by the enemy at this fight. After firing had ceased we again moved forward and made camp at Washort Spruit about 4 miles further on. As we came into camp, there was some sharp firing on our left flank but no one was hurt. Had to go on outlying piquet tonight. Short of grub and very cold and tired. Buried Jenkins in garden here.[1]

Tony Maxwell, in Searching for the Queen's Cowboys: Travels in South Africa likewise records another grave in the Garden of Remembrance in Standerton. That head stone would read: In memory of Trooper Angus Jenkins, Strathcona's Horse, Killed at Watervaal (i.e. Waterval, or current Val) on Canada Day, July 1, 1900. The Regiment's first battle casualty. Maxwell records that Jenkins was from Red Deer, Alberta, and died in a skirmish at Smith's Store, Waterval.