JOHNSTON (R.E.) &
[LUKIN (Major-General Sir Henry Timson)].
Ulundi to Delville Wood.
Born in Fulham, Lukin went out to South Africa to serve with Bengough’s Horse, Natal Native Contingent in the Zulu War. He was one of those who assisted in bringing in the Prince Imperial’s body, and was badly wounded at Ulundi. He saw no more action being invalided back to Britain, but returned to Africa and was gazetted to the CMR, serving with them in Basutoland in 1881 and as a Field Adjutant with the Bechuanaland Field Force through the Langeberg Operations 1896-7. During the Great War he first served in German South-West commanding a mixed force at the conclusion of the campaign organizing and commanding the 1st South African Infantry Brigade. He was in Egypt with this brigade and fought a brilliant desert campaign defeating Ja’far Pasha at Agagiya. The brigade then proceeded to France and took part, under Lukin’s command, in the battle of the Somme, capturing Delville Wood. Lukin took command of the 9th Division in December 1916, thus retaining the brigade he had raised and trained under his orders. He commanded them at Arras in April 1917 and at Third Yrpes. “After his retirement in 1919, Lukin returned to South Africa… Strong, independent, modest, and a born leader of men, he had become one of the most popular figures in the Union.” [DNB, SADNB].
