Following information concerning the last resting place of 2/Lt Pilkington, who was killed at the Battle of Silkaatsnek on 11 July 1900, the National Monuments Council, British War Graves Division, decided to include a small memorial tablet to complete the record of soldiers killed in the area.

Owing to the absence of any monument in South Africa, an erroneous entry in the Official Casualty Roll, removal of the cemetery at Silkaatsnek to Rietfontein West, absence of any record of transfer, his whereabouts were unknown. The fact that the Military History Journal is read overseas (Dr Paul Dunn of Malvern), led to confirmation that Pilkington was buried in the Brompton Cemetery, London, in December 1900.

A small informal Memorial Ceremony was held on Sunday, 5 February 1995 in the Garden of Remembrance at the Rietfontein West British Military Cemetery, Ifafa, Hartbeespoort. Father William Rapp, Church of England padre attached to AFB Swartkop, officiated. In attendance were representatives from the SA National Monuments Council, Miss Jean Beater and Major Blake. The Mayor of Hartbeespoort, Dr W du Preez and Mrs du Preez represented the Town Council, responsible for the care of the cemetery. The Military History Society was represented by Prof C J Barnard, Prof and Mrs I B Copley, and Mr M Gough-Palmer. The Hartbees Heritage Association was represented by Mr Manie Brynard. The wreath was laid by Mr David Panagos and the last post was sounded by Mr Martin Bakkes from SANDF Medical Services Band, Voortrekkerhoogte.

I B COPLEY