W. J. Lambie facts for kids

William John Lambie (born around 1860 – died February 9, 1900) was an Australian journalist. He was known as a war correspondent, meaning he reported from battle zones. Sadly, he was one of the first people to die while covering the Boer War.

Early Life and Career

William John Lambie was born in Scotland around 1860. His father was a minister. When William was about five years old, his family moved to Australia. They settled in an area now known as the City of Wyndham, near the Werribee River.

William became a war correspondent, reporting from battle zones. He worked alongside another famous correspondent named Joe Melvin. During a conflict called the Sudan campaign, William was shot in the leg. He recovered from this injury.

Reporting on the Boer War

In October 1899, William traveled to South Africa by ship. He was there to report on the Boer War for several Australian newspapers. These included the South Australian Register, the Sydney Daily Telegraph, and the Melbourne Age.

In February 1900, William and another correspondent, A. Hales from Western Australia, were following a group of soldiers. They were near the towns of Rensburg and Colesberg. Suddenly, they were surprised by a group of Boer soldiers. The Boers told them to give up, but William and Hales refused. They quickly rode away on their horses. During their escape, William was hit by a shot to the head and died. A. Hales managed to get away safely.

Family Life

William John Lambie married Clara Ada "Dolly" Church in Geelong, Victoria, on January 15, 1892. They did not have any children.