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THE COLONIALS IN SOUTH AFKICA
THE COLONIALS IN
SOUTH AFKICA
1899-1902

THEIR RECORD, BASED ON THE DESPATCHES

JOHN STIRLING
CAPTAIN, 7th volunteer BATTALION, THE KOYAL SCOTS

WILLIAM BLACKWOOD AND SONS

EDINBURGH AND LONDON .

MCMVII -^h'

q. M^<1 1^

"^

All Rights reserved

 CONTENTS.

INTEODUCTION IX

CORPS RAISED IN SOUTH AFRICA 1

THE CANADIAN CONTINGENTS 298

....
.

LUMSDEN'S HORSE 332

CEYLON MOUNTED INFANTRY 335

.NEW ZEALAND CONTINGENTS 337

NEW SOUTH WALES CONTINGENTS 372

VICTORIAN CONTINGENTS . 413

QUEENSLAND CONTINGENTS 435

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN CONTINGENTS 451

THE WEST AUSTRALIAN CONTINGENTS 465

TASMANIAN CONTINGENTS . 480

THE 4th REGIMENT IMPERIAL BUSHMEN 490
DOYLE'S SCOUTS .... 492

COMMONWEALTH TROOPS . 493

INTELLIGENCE DEPARTMENT 494

INDEX 495
 INTRODUCTION.

When the Author published his Our Regiments in '

South Africa, 1899-1902,' which gave a brief account

of the work, in the war, of each regular battalion
of infantry, regiment of cavalry, and battery of
artillery, he remarked in the Preface that " Some
account of the doings of the Colonials should, and
may yet, be put together." Some reviewers, especially
those interested in the Colonies, encouraged him to
carry out the idea thus hinted at, and the present
volume is the result of that encouragement.
No attempt has been made to write a detailed
account of the work of each corps, but it has been
the Author's aim to give a fair idea of the value
of the services of each. Where it has been possible
to find or get the views of a British regular officer
on the worth of such services these views are given,
for two reasons — (1) A Colonial corps must realise
that such opinions carry infinitely more weight than
anything said about them by themselves or by cor-
respondents who were specially interested in their
doings ; (2) Some regular officers, chiefly among those
who did not take part in the campaign, have written
and spoken in a way which shows clearly that they
X Introduction

have failed to appreciate the importance of the part

played by the irregulars. It is well to answer these
officers from the mouths of their brethren in the
profession of arms.
The book may help to remind some people at
home how much we were indebted to the Colonies,
including South Africa, for the assistance which they
gave. It is proverbially easy to remember what we
have given and to forget what we have received.
It would be foolish to blink the fact that without
the irregulars the war would never have been ended
when it was. The mounted troops of the regular
army were a mere fraction of what it was found
to be necessary to employ. Civilian Britain supplied
the Yeomanry, the Colonials provided the remainder
of the mounted irregulars.
Colonel Adye, in his evidence before the War
Commission, said that the total of the South African
irregulars ^ — infantry, mounted, and artillery — was
between
men, say
50,000
.....and 60,000,

The contributions from over-sea Colonies were

excluding re-engaged
50,000

Australia . . . . 16,415
New Zealand . . . 6,513
Canada, approximately . . 6,500
India and Ceylon, approximately . 500
79,928

Thus we had in the field about 80,000 men furnished

by the Colonies and Dependencies of Britain.
1 Lord Eoberts, in a speech in the
House of Lords, said, " No less than
46,858 South African Colonials took part in the war." Of these, 3080 were
killed or died of wounds or disease, and 3333 were wounded.
 Introduction xi

That these great numbers of irregulars were neces-

sary to bring the war to a successful conclusion, and
that this class of troops did fine w^ork, even when
making attacks as at Elandslaagte or about Dor-
drecht, or repelling them as at Wagon Hill, Spion
Kop, or Eland's River, are facts beyond any possi-
bility of doubt and one would imagine that with
;

such facts staring him in the face, any Minister

responsible for the defence of the Empire would
hesitate embarking on a policy which would
before
diminish numbers of the auxiliary forces at
the
home but since the war closed we have seen such
;

a policy seriously adumbrated. South Africa and

Manchuria have both taught that numbers are in-
dispensable, and if Britain is ever engaged in a war
with an opponent of anything like equal strength,
her generals will, as the War Commission pointed
out, require numbers far in excess of the regular
army and its proper reserve, and they will find that
the men who, for some years before such a war, shall
have learned to shoot and to drill, — in other words,

such men as our average volunteer in his third year,

will be of very slightly less value than those reservists
who, it may be, have been civilians for several years.

Many officers, who have not commanded anything but

regular troops, reiterate the opinion that discipline

will be lacking ; but those who have been associated

with organised volunteers, or irregulars raised for a
special campaign, have generally found that discipline
—that is, the state of being earnestly anxious to
learn and obey — is the quality in which such troops
excel.
xii Introduction

In compiling the records in this volume, use has

been made of the despatches and of what proved
to be reliable published accounts ; but there were
many phases of the campaign with which the gen-
erals, historians, or correspondents have barely dealt
at all. For information as to these, private accounts
furnished by officers in the districts have been relied
on. The Author has received help from many
quarters, but he is specially indebted to Major
Silburn, D.S.O., of the Natal Staff, for much in-

formation, some of which has not been published

before, to Major
regarding events in that Colony ;

A. and Sutherland High-

Aytoun, D.S.O., Argyll
landers, at one time on the Queensland Staff, who
commanded a Queensland contingent to Lieut. ;

Colonel Montagu Oradock, C.B., for assisting with

the accounts of the New Zealanders ; to Major John
Birkbeck, 4th Scottish Rifles, for many bits of in-
formation as to events in the extreme west of Cape
Colony ; to Major Greenhill-Gardyne, the Gordon High-
landers, for the same as to events in the north and east
of the Transvaal ; and to many officers of the Australian
Contingents, without whose aid it would have been
wellnigh impossible to unravel the history of the
" Bushmen." Several General officers have kindly fur-
nished notes regarding the component parts of their
respective columns, and many officers have checked or
revised the accounts of their own
To all these,
corps.
as to the authors and publishers who have given per-
mission to quote, the Author acknowledges his great
indebtedness.
 The Colonials in South Africa,

1899-1902.

Corps raised in South Africa.

THE IMPERIAL LIGHT HORSE.

Apart from the question of seniority, —that is, the

relative dates of birth of the various corps, — it is un-
likely that any one will be found to deny the outstand-
ing claims of the I.L.H. to the first chapter in a record
such as this claims to be. No other corps can point
to a prouder history so far as the South African War
isconcerned and where many regiments or contingents
;

did splendidly, no other had quite the same opportuni-

ties,and none used their chances to finer purpose.
The inception of the I.L.H. took place at Pieter-
maritzburg in September 1899, when war was a
practical certainty. The word "Uitlander" has well-
nigh been forgotten, but between 1895 and 1899 it
was in every man's mouth. In September and October
of the latter year men who had been resident in the
Transvaal, but who had retained their allegiance to
Britain, were ordered, with their families and depen-
2 The Colonials in South Africa

dents, to leave the country. The scenes on the down-

journey need not be recalled. Let us hope both sides
will forget them. In Natal many of the Uitlanders
had congregated, a workless crew, but keen to be of
use to their old flag.
In his evidence before the War Commission, Sir
Archibald Hunter, after speaking of the Natal Volun-
teers, said " Then the other force was the Imperial
:

Light Horse; they were the picked 1200 men out of

about 12,000 refugees from Johannesburg; all the
British refugees from Johannesburg were well-to-do
men they were all men getting big wages they
; ;

were either mine owners or mine managers, or electri-

cal engineers, experts of one sort or another many of;

them were men on the Stock Exchange, lawyers,

doctors, solicitors, and very few of them were engaged
in trade —
shopkeepers and suchlike and they were all
;

men who either in prospecting, or as contractors, or as

wood-merchants, or in one form or another, had done
a lot of transport-riding to and fro they were the
;

pick and the cream of the intelligent men who were

going out to South Africa, and, naturally, physically
they were very fine. The first time I ever saw them
was on the first day I arrived at Pietermaritzburg. It
was the first day they had ever been on parade as a
regiment up to that time they had only paraded as
;

squadrons under their squadron leaders it was the

;

firstday that Colonel Chisholme had ever had them

under his command. Sir Walter Hely Hutchinson
drove up on to the ground, as he wanted to see them,
and he asked me to go round and look at them. I
had not long come from a tour abroad, where I had
seen nothing but the picked guards of Sweden, Den-
mark, Russia, Prussia, and Saxony, and there was
 The Imperial Light Horse 3

nothing I saw on the Continent then, and nothing

I have ever seen here, except the Irish Constabulary,
that could put a patch on them. You can tell men '
'

when you look at them. Every man was a picture of

manhood he was beaming with intelligence.
; They . . .

were a great success, a most undoubted success. They

were the finest corps I have ever seen anywhere in
my life."

Sir Archibald overstates the strength of the corps.

Doubtless he saw 1200 men, but part of these did not
belong to the I.L.H. The strength of the first regi-
ment was 502.
From the appendices to the War Commission Report
—
we learn that on 13th October 1899 that is, the day
after the declaration of war —the I.L.H., there stated to
number about 350, but actually rather stronger, were
stationed at Maritzburg ; they were, however, taken to
the front within the next few days, and were at once
put to a severe The Boers had not declared war
test.
were concentrated for the invasion of
until their forces
Natal, and before many days they had crossed the
passes, and had begun to overrun the northern and
western parts of the colony.
The first reference in despatches to the work of the
I.L.H. occurs in Sir George White's despatch of 2nd
November 1899, describing the battle of Elandslaagte,
which was fought on 21st October. The General states
that he ordered Major-General French to move out
from Ladysmith at 4 a.m. with five squadrons of the
I.L.H. and the Natal Field Battery, followed at 6 a.m.
by a half-battalion 1st Manchester Begiment and tele-
graph companies by rail. The enemy were found, and
one squadron of the I.L.H., under Major Woolls-
Sampson, moved to the north of them, and the battery
4 The Colonials in SotdJi Africa

opened fire,but the enemy replied with artillery and

disclosed his position, which was found too strong.
Keinforcements were wired for, and arrived in the
early afternoon. General White says (para. 17), "As
the reinforcements gradually reached him, Major-
General French pushed forward again, throwing out
one squadron 5th Lancers and four squadrons I.L.H.,
under Colonel Chisholme, to the right, to clear a ridge
of high ground parallel to the enemy's position, from
which he considered that an attack could best be
developed. This movement was well carried out, the
enemy's advance troops being driven back and the
ridge gained." After describing the attack by the
infantry — the 1st Manchesters, 1st Devons, and 2nd
Gordon Highlanders —
General White, at para. 23,
said " that the Manchesters and Gordons, with the
I.L.H. on their right, continued to press forward,
losing but few men, until a point was reached about
1200 yards from the enemy's camp." Here the ridge
became bare of cover, but the men, well led, crossed
the neck in brilliant style, although the losses were
heavy. After the enemy's guns were reached a white
flag was shown, but when the British stood up the
enemy's fire broke out again, and the attack had to be
renewed. The Boers now fled in confusion. "The
I.L.H. and the 2nd Gordon Highlanders, who en-
countered the severest resistance during the progress
of the attack, suffered the most severely." The losses
of the regiment were 1 officer, Colonel Scott-Chisholme,
Squadron Sergeant-Major Cuthbert, and 9 men killed,
and 9 officers, namely. Major A. Woolls-Sampson, Capts!
John E. Orr and C. H. Mullins, Lieuts. M. W. Currie,
A. D. Shore, R. W. R. Barnes, W. Lachlan Forbes,'
Douglas Campbell, and P. H. Normand, and 34 men
 The Imperial Light Horse 5

wounded. Col. Scott - Chisholme was a Roxburgh-

shire man who, as a captain in the 9th Lancers, had
gone through the Afghan War, 1879-80, and had then
been twice wounded.
It was no small compliment to the I.L.H. that they
had been chosen as the reconnoitring force at this
the first engagement of Sir George White and General
French. Their conduct showed that the confidence
reposed in them was not misplaced. The material
value of the work which they did could not be more
satisfactorily proved than by the wording of the
Gazette which conferred the Victoria Cross on Capt.
C. H. Mullins and Capt. R. Johnstone, both of the
I.L.H. "On 21st October 1899, at Elandslaagte, at
a most critical moment, the advance being momentarily
checked, these two officers very gallantly rushed for-
ward under this heavy fire and rallied the men, thus
enabling the flanking movement, which decided the
fate of the day, to be carried out." On this occasion
Capt. Mullins was wounded.
On 24th October Sir George White fought at Riet-
fontein in order to occupy the attention of the enemy
and so prevent them falling on General Yule, who had
on the death of General Penn-Symons succeeded to the
command of the troops in the north of the colony, and
finding that after the battle of Talana Hill there was
danger of being cut off from Ladysmith, had decided to
retreat to that town. The engagement at Rietfontein
was successful in obtaining for Yule's force a retreat
unharassed by the enemy. The I.L.H., along with
the 5th Lancers, did good service in the action in
seizing the ridges south of the Modder Spruit, and
they thus protected Sir George's right flank. ^
1 Sir George White's despatch of 2nd December 1899.
6 The Colonials in South Africa

At Lombard's Kop, on the 30th, the regiment was

again engaged, this time chiefly in the centre under
Colonel Ian Hamilton, whose troops had little to do
except to cover the retirement of Grimwood's Brigade
on the right.^ In this action Sir G. White found that
he was not strong enough to drive back the enemy,
and the result was that his troops were surrounded
in Ladysmith.
During the siege of Ladysmith the regiment had
very frequently a prominent part to play. Sir George
White's despatch of 23rd March 1900 states that on
3rd November Major Karri-Davies, reconnoitring with
four squadrons, found a body of the enemy with one
gun on Lancer's Hill, and asked for reinforcements to
drive them ofl". Three cavalry regiments and the 21st
Battery were sent to his assistance. The battery
quickly silenced the gun. " Believing the enemy were
evacuating the hill, the two squadrons of the I.L.H.
who were facing Lancer's Hill made a gallant but
somewhat ill-advised attempt to occupy it, but though
they seized and occupied a portion of the hill the
enemy was in too great strength for further progress."
The enemy being now strongly reinforced our troops
withdrew.
On 7th November Caesar's Camp was subjected to
heavy artillery and long - range rifle fire, and the
regiment with the 42nd Battery were sent to reinforce
the point attacked.
On the 14th the regiment with the Natal Mounted
Volunteers, two cavalry regiments, and two batteries,
were sent across the Klip River to work round Rifle-
man's Ridge. The regiment and the Natal Volunteers
seized Star Hill, but General Brocklehurst decided that
^ Sir George White's despatch of 2nd December 1899.
 The Impej'ial Light Horse 7

the enemy's position was too strong, and retired his

force.
On the night of 7th December Major-General Sir A.
Hunter, with 500 Natal Volunteers, which included 100
Border Mounted Eifles under Colonel Eoyston, and 100
I.L.H. under Lieut. -Colonel A. H. M. Edwards, with
a few guides, engineers, and artillerymen, made his
famous sortie to capture and destroy the enemy's
artillery on Gun Hill. "Sir A. Hunter's arrangements
were excellent throughout, and he was gallantly sup-
ported by his small force. Gun Hill was taken, a
6 -inch creusot and a 4'7 howitzer were destroyed,
and a maxim captured and brought into camp." Sir
A. Hunter was most highly praised by Sir G. White,
and Colonel Eoyston, Lieut. - Colonel Edwards, and
Major Karri-Davies were specially mentioned in the
body of the despatch.
Before dawn on 6th January 1900 the Boers com-
menced their very determined, but fortunately unsuc-
cessful, attempt to carry Ladysmith by storm. The
attack was mainly developed on the southern defences,
at Caesar's Camp and Wagon Hill. The usual garrison
of Wagon was composed of three companies 1st
Hill
King's Eoyal Eifles and a squadron of the I.L.H. On
the evening of the 5th a detachment of the Natal
Naval Volunteers, with a 3-pounder Hotchkiss gun, had
been sent to Wagon Hill. Two naval guns had also
been taken to the foot of the hill, and some sailors,
Eoyal Engineers, and men of the 2nd Gordons had
accompanied the latter guns. The attack commenced
at 2.30 A.M. "It fell directly on the squadron of
I.L.H., under Lieut. G. M. Mathias, and the Volunteer
Hotchkiss detachment, under Lieut. E. N. W. Walker,
who clung most gallantly to their positions and did
8 The Colonials in South Africa

invaluable service in holding in checktill daylight the

Boers who had gained a footing on the hill, within a

few yards of them. The extreme south-west point of
the hill was similarly held by a small mixed party of
bluejackets, Royal Engineers, Gordon Highlanders, and
Imperial Light Horse, under Lieut. Digby- Jones, R.E.
The remainder of the hill was defended by the com-
panies of 1st Bn. King's Boyal Bifles." An officer on
the Natal Volunteer staff has informed the writer that
at one time the Hotchkiss detachment was driven from
their gun. Lieutenant Mathias gallantly ran forward
and with the assistance of two of his men pulled the
gun under cover. It was probably for this act that
Lieutenant Mathias was awarded the D.S.O. long
afterwards.
The first Wagon Hill were
reinforcements ordered to
the remainder of the I.L.H. These reached the hill
at 5.10 A.M., "and were at once pushed into action.
They pressed forward up to and over the western
edge of the flat crest of the hill, to within a few
yards of the enemy, who held the opposite edge of
the crest. They thus afforded a most welcome relief
to the small garrison of the hill, but they themselves
suffered very severely in occupying and maintaining
their position." Other troops arrived, and several
attempts were made to clear the hill, but these failed.
Never during the whole war did the Boers show finer
courage. About mid-day the fighting slackened, but
at 1 P.M. "a fresh assault was made with great sudden-
ness on the extreme south-west of the hill, our men
giving way for a moment before the sudden outburst
of fire and retiring down the opposite slope. Fortun-
ately the Boers did not immediately occupy the crest,
 The Imperial Light Horse 9

and this gave time for Major Miller- Wallnutt of the

Gordons, Lieut. Digby- Jones, R.E., Lieut. Fitzgerald,
I.L.H., Gunner Sims, Royal Navy, and several N.CO.'s
of the LL.H., to rally the men. The top was reoccupied
just as the three foremost Boers reached it the leader —
being shot by Lieut. Digby-Jones, and the two others
by No. 459, Trooper H. Albrecht, LL.H. Had they
survived I should have great pleasure in recommending
both Lieut. Digby-Jones and Trooper Albrecht for the
V.C. say that both were killed before the
I regret to
conclusion At 4.45 p.m., during a
of the action."^
storm of wind and rain, our troops were again driven
from the south-west point of the hill, but they were
again rallied and reoccupied it. At 5 p.m. Lieut.
Colonel Park, with three companies of the 1st Battalion
Devonshire Regiment, finally cleared the hill by a
magnificent bayonet-charge. Sir George White added :

" I desire to draw special attention to the gallantry

displayed by all ranks of the LL.H., some of whom
were within 100 yards of the enemy for 15 hours,
exposed to a deadly fire. Their losses were terribly
heavy, but never for one moment did any of them
waver or cease to show a fine example of courage
and determination to all who came in contact with
them." Towards the close of his despatch Sir George,
again, said "Of the Imperial Light Horse, specially
:

raised in Natal at the commencement of the war, I

have already expressed my opinion. No praise can
be too great for the gallantry and determination which
all ranks of this corps have invariably displayed in

action." The accounts given by 'The Times' historian

1 The Victoria Cross was delivered to the representatives of the deceased
officer and trooper.
lO The Colonials in South Africa

and other writers regarding the attack of 6th January-

bear out all that Sir George White said as to the
unsurpassable conduct of the corps.
The losses of the regiment on 6th January were
Lieutenants W. F. Adams and J. E. Pakeman, and
23 non - commissioned officers and men killed and
;

Lieut. -Colonel A. H. M. Edwards, Majors Karri-Davies

and D. E, Doveton, Captain Codrington, Lieutenants
Richardson, P. H. Normand, and D. Campbell, and
27 men wounded. Major Doveton died of his wounds.
Down to the close of the siege the regiment bore its
share of the work and the hardships, now, after 6th
January, daily increasing.
Five squadrons of the regiment were under Sir
George White in the actions before referred to, and in
the defence of Ladysmith. One squadron, " A," raised
simultaneously with the others, had been ordered to
Estcourt, and was on duty there when the others were
sent forward to Ladysmith. "A" Squadron took part
in General Hildyard's action at Willow Grange on the
night of 22nd November 1899. Along with the other
mounted troops, the squadron is said in the official
account to have behaved " with much coolness and
gallantry" when covering a retirement. They lost
1 killed and 3 wounded. Although no great loss was
inflicted on the enemy, the action undoubtedly induced
him to give up all thought of invading Lower Natal.
The squadron was present in all Sir Redvers Puller's
operations for the relief of Ladysmith. At Colenso,
15th December 1899, they were hotly engaged on the
and lost 4 killed and 7 wounded. In the turning
right,
movement, via Spion Kop, "A" Squadron was in a com-
company of
posite regiment consisting of themselves, a
King's Eoyal Rifles Mounted Lifantry, and a squadron
 The Imperial Light Horse 1

of Natal Carbineers. It was this regiment which

captured a party of about forty Boers at Acton Homes
on 18th January 1900. On the 19th Lieut. A. D.
Shore of the I.L.H. was dangerously wounded. He
had been wounded at Elandslaagte. The squadron
had one trooper wounded. Up to the relief of Lady-
smith (see South African Light Horse), this composite
regiment, under Major Herbert Gough, did very fine
work.
About the middle of April 1900 Sir Archibald Hunter
with the Fusilier Brigade, the Irish Brigade, and the
I.L.H. were brought round by sea from Natal to Cape
Colony, and these troops concentrated near Kimberley.
The I.L.H., Lieut. -Colonel A. H. M. Edwards com-
manding, were chosen to accompany Colonel Mahon on
his hazardous march to the relief of Mafeking, the
other troops of his column being " M" Battery R.H.A.,
4 guns, the Kimberley Mounted Corps, and a composite
company of infantry made up of four sections of twenty-
five selected men each, from each of the regiments in
Barton's Fusilier Brigade. The column assembled at
Barkly West on 2nd and 3rd May, and set ofi" on its
perilous march on the 4th, On the 5th Sir Archibald
Hunter attacked the Boers at Booidam with the object
of allowing the column a free road so far, which object
was attained Vryburg was reached on the 9th. Few
;

Boers were seen till the 13th. Colonel Mahon having

learned that the enemy was at Koodoesrand Ridge to
block his path, moved oflP to his own left. In the
afternoon the Boers, realising what he had done, came
up with the right flank near Maritzani and attacked
that flank and at the head of the column. The enemy's
attack was favoured by the bush but the troops did
;

well, and the attackers withdrew with a loss of about

12 The Colonials in South Africa

20 killed. Colonel Mahon estimated that the enemy

numbered 900, with 4 ^uns. The British loss was
approximately 7 killed and 20 wounded, of whom the
I.L.H. lost 6 men killed. Major 0. H. Mullins and
14 non-commissioned officers and men wounded. Before
dawn on the 14th the column again set off, and reached
the Molopo, about eighteen miles east of Mafeking, at
5.30 A.M. on the 15th. At daylight touch was gained
with Plumer's column, which had come from the north ;

Mahon crossed the Molopo, and both forces were now

combined under him. At 7.30 A.M. on the 16th the
column set its face eastwards, towards the little town
whose fate had for seven months engrossed the most
anxious attention of the empire. At 1.45 p.m. the
I.L.H. on the left front became engaged, and it was
seen that the enemy were to oppose the relievers. A
fiercely - fought action followed, in which the Boers
threatened both flanks and rear and heavily shelled the
convoy but again all behaved splendidly, and about
;

four o'clock the enemy began to give way. This

corps had Lieutenant Campbell Boss and two men
wounded.
Major A. W. A. Pollock, who accompanied the force,
in his With Seven Generals in the Boer War,' says, at
'

page 252, " Ground was now being gained continuously

by the left wing under the clever leadership of Lieut.
Colonel Edwards, whose own corps, the Imperial Light
Horse, led the advance with the skill and courage that
they have so consistently displayed throughout the
war." After describing the general advance, in which
the enemy's centre was pierced and his right driven off
the ground before darkness set in. Major Pollock says :

" Then the Brigadier wisely decided to halt until the

moon had risen, and meanwhile sent forward Major
 The Imperial Light Hoj^se 13

Karri -Davies with six volunteers of the I.L.H. to

announce the victory to Baden -Powell, and report that
the relief column would enter Mafeking during the
night." The troops entered the town at 3.30 a.m. on
the 17th. In his report, dated 23rd May 1900, printed
among the despatches. Colonel Mahon praised all the
troops, but selected the Royal Horse Artillery and
Imperial Light Horse for special mention.
The forces of Mahon and Plumer remained at Ma-
feking until the 28th, when an order was received that
Mahon's force was to join General Hunter at Maribogo.
At 3 P.M. the column started, and marching south-east
joined Sir Archibald Hunter, and afterwards marched
via Lichtenburg and Potchefstroom to the Central
Transvaal, arriving at Krugersdorp on 18th June. At
Lichtenburg Colonel Woolls-Sampson had joined the
regiment with a welcome draft. Mahon was now
ordered to take his column, including the I.L.H., to
Irene, east of Pretoria.^ In his telegram of 5th July
Lord Roberts said, " I have recently inspected Mahon's
small force, which did such excellent work in the relief
of the Mafeking garrison. The Imperial Light Horse,
which I purposely brought from Natal to take part in
the expedition, are a most soldierly and workmanlike
body of men."
In July Mahon's force was, with others, employed
in driving back the Boers who were hanging about
the country east of Pretoria, and he was afterwards
ordered north of the capital for a similar object. On
6th and 7th July there was severe fighting at Witklip,
in the Bronkhorst Spruit district, when the I.L.H. lost
Captain Curry and Lieutenant Kirk and 7 men killed,
and 8 non-commissioned officers and men wounded. In
1 Lord Roberts' despatch of 10th October 1900, para. 12.
14 The Colonials in South Africa

his telegram of 18th July Lord Roberts said: "One

squadron of this distinguished corps pressed [by?] a
very superior force of the enemy in a gallant attempt
to carry off a wounded comrade, to which is attribut-
able the heavy losses it sustained."
About the middle of July Lord Roberts commenced
a further advance eastwards from Pretoria. Mahon's
troops, which included the I.L.H., were put under
General Ian Hamilton, who commanded a strong force,
which, starting on 17th July, mxarched eastwards on the
north of the Delagoa Railway. On the 25th Hamilton
occupied Balmoral. On the 27th he started to return
to Pretoria to operate against a concentration of Boers
in the Rustenburg district. Pretoria was left again
on 1st August, and the column throughout the month
did much heavy marching and some stiff fighting as at
Zilikat's Nek, where the Berkshire Regiment distin-
guished themselves, and bore heavy losses. After
taking part in a pursuit of De Wet, then in progress,
Hamilton's force returned to Pretoria, which w^as
reached on 28th August. During the four weeks
400 miles had been covered on low rations.
In August Lord Roberts renewed his advance east-
ward to join General Buller and the Natal Army about
Belfast, and on the 30th Mahon left Pretoria for that
district. His force now was "M" Battery Royal
Horse Artillery, 3rd Corps of Regular Mounted In-
fantry, Queensland Mounted Infantry, New Zealand
Mounted Rifles, 79th Company Imperial Yeomanry,
Imperial Light Horse, and Lumsden's Horse.
On 27th August Buller had thoroughly defeated the
Boers at Bergendal, near Belfast, and General French
had been ordered to seize Barberton, marching via
1 Despatch of 10th October 1900, para. 33.
 The Imperial Light Horse 1

Carolina. On 3rd September, when Mahon arrived

at Belfast, he was ordered to join French at Carolina.
This he did on the 5th. French now advanced through
most difficult country very high mountains had to be
;

crossed, several times in face of opposition^ but a general

who made no mistakes was in command, and Barberton
was taken on the 13th. The official despatches do not
do sufficient justice to the splendid daring of General
French, and the marvellously fine work of the troops
on this fighting march but Mr Goldmann, in his most
;

valuable book, With General French and the Cav-

'

alry' (Macmillan, 1902), gives a fine account of the

fighting, and of the wonderful marches by which the
troops and their guns and baggage crossed stupendous
mountains by mere tracks. The strength of the regi-
ment with Mahon at this time is put down at 26
officers, 367 men, with 444 horses, and Mr Goldmann

frequently refers to their outstanding work. After a

very short rest in Barberton the mounted troops pushed
towards the north-east, and, as mentioned by Lord
Roberts, a detachment of the I.L.H. captured, near
French Bob on the 21st, 20 prisoners, 200 rifles, and
a quantity of ammunition. On 29th September the
regiment left General Mahon's force, marched to the
railway, and were shortly afterwards entrained for
Pretoria.
In his- despatch of 15th November 1900, para. 12,
Lord Roberts said " On 18th October Colonel Woolls-
:

Sampson with the Imperial Light Horse joined Barton

at Frederickstad, and on the 20th the camp was at-
tacked, and an engagement ensued. The 2nd Royal
Scots Fusiliers had one officer and one man killed, and
the Imperial Light Horse 12 men wounded." Barton's
force had further heavy fighting on the 23rd, 24th, and
i6 The Colonials in South Africa

25th, which resulted in the thorough defeat of the

Boers, who were driven across the Vaal River. The
actual losses of the regiment at Frederickstad were
2 men killed and 8 wounded. The regiment remained
for the following eight months in the south and south-
west of the Transvaal.
Towards the close of 1900 a second regiment of
I.L.H. was raised, and it at once took the field in the
Eastern Transvaal. The command of the 2nd Eegi-
ment was given to Major D. M'Kenzie, and the
" second in command " to Major J. Royston, bothK
officers of the Natal Volunteers who had greatly dis-
tinguished themselves during the siege of Ladysmith
and elsewhere.
In December 1900 and January 1901 the 1st Eegi-
ment was operating south of the MegaHesberg under
Babington. On 31st December Lieutenant D. Maxwell
and 1 trooper were wounded at Haartebeest, and on
6th January there was severe fighting at Naauwpoort,
in which the regiment lost Captain T. Yockney and
Lieutenant A. Ormond and 20 non-commissioned officers
and men killed, and Captain and Adjutant B. M.
Glossop (5th Dragoon Guards) and 27 men wounded.
On 7th January 1901 Major C. J. Briggs, King's
Dragoon Guards, assumed command of the 1st Regi-
—
ment a command which he retained until the close
of hostilities. Throughout January and February the
regiment was constantly in touch with the enemy, and
frequently suffered some losses. In March there was
some very heavy fighting.
In his despatch of 8 th May 1901, para. 11, Lord
Kitchener said " On the 22nd March a strong patrol
:

of the 1st I.L.H. consisting of 200 men and a pom-pom,

,

was attacked near Geduld by General Delarey with

 The ImpeiHal Light Horse 1

500 men and 2 guns. The enemy, of whom 11 were

killed and 13 wounded, were completely defeated.
Commandant Venter was found among the dead,
and Field - Cornet Wolmarans, who was severely
wounded, fell into our hands." The patrol was com-
manded by Major Briggs. The I.L.H. lost 6 killed,
including Lieutenants J. Ralston and A. R. Hailing,
and Regimental Sergeant - Major Hurst, and 18
wounded, including Captain J. Donaldson, and Lieu-
tenants J. R. Stone and J. H. Dryden.
On the 23rd and 24th General Babington followed
up this action and inflicted a severe defeat on the
enemy, capturing 140 prisoners, 3 guns, 6 maxims,
many waggons, &c. 22 dead and 32 wounded Boers
;

were found on the field. Our losses were 2 killed and

7 wounded. Of these the I.L.H. had 4 wounded. In
both these affairs the regiment did splendidly, and
many mentions were gained. Other Colonials, notably
the New Zealanders, also did work which was highly
praised.
The 1st Regiment continued to do much trekking and
skirmishing in the Western Transvaal under General
Babington and other commanders (see despatch of 8th
July 1901 and Appendix). On 17th July a strong
force of the enemy, well posted, were attacked, 1
officer and 5 men gaining mention on this occasion for
great dash and courage. On the 31st of that month
Lieutenant L. S. Sanders and 1 man were killed near
Lichtenburg.
In the third quarter of 1901 many troops were
taken from the Western Transvaal to other districts,
a movement which doubtless had an important bear-
ing on the disaster suffered by Lord Methuen's slender
resources in February and March 1902. The 1st
B
1 The Colonials in South Africa

Imperial Light Horse were taken to the north-east of

the Orange River Colony.
Since taking the field the 2nd I.L.H. had been almost
wholly employed in the Eastern Transvaal, where they
had done good work under Major -General Smith-
Dorrien, Major- General F. W. Kitchener, and other
leaders while Colonel Woolls-Sampson, acting as In-
;

telligence Officer to Colonel Benson, had gained the

praises of the Commander-in-Chief
The 2nd Regiment had fighting on many occasions
and sometimes losses. On 25th January 1901, at
Twyfelaar, Major Maude and Lieutenant Briscoe were
wounded. On
6th February, when Smith-Dorrien's
force was attacked by Botha at Bothwell,
fiercely
Lake Chrissie, the regiment had 2 killed and 4
wounded. The attack was driven off, the enemy
leaving 25 dead. During February and March Smith-
Dorrien's column was one of those acting under General
French when he swept the Eastern Transvaal, driving
the enemy to the borders of Zululand, and capturing
all his artillery and many prisoners.
In January 1901 many troops were sent from the
Transvaal to Cape Colony in consequence of the re-
invasion of the Colony by De Wet's men. About the
end of January a portion of the 2nd Regiment I.L.H.
was railed from the Eastern Transvaal to the south,
and in the beginning of February detachments of
I.L.H., South African Light Horse, and Nesbitt's
Horse came in contact with the enemy about Coles-
berg. Between 3rd and 23rd February there was
almost constant skirmishing, and many stiffly con-
tested rearguard actions. On the 10th Lieutenant
D. Farquharson and two men of the I.L.H. were
wounded one of the men died of his wounds. The
;
 The Imperial Light Horse 19

enemy was driven to the west of the railway on the

16th, and having Lower Orange he
failed to cross the
turned east again. On the 24th Lord Kitchener was
able to wire :
" Plumer reports Colonel Owen, with

detachments King's Dragoon Guards, Victorians, and

Luperial Light Horse, captured De Wet's 15-pr. and
pom-pom. Enemy in full retreat and dispersing. He
is being vigorously pursued. De Wet's attempt to
invade Cape Colony has evidently completely failed."
(See also 1st, 2nd, and 3rd New Zealand and 4th
Victorians.
In his despatch of 8th September 1901, para. 6,
Lord Kitchener said, " A third mobile column, which
will work from Bethlehem (Orange Eiver Colony) as
a centre, has just been organised at Harrismith it :

will be under the command of Brigadier-General Sir

John Dartnell, and will consist of the two regiments
of I.L.H. specially equipped with a view to securing
increased mobility." In September it became apparent
that Botha was about to attempt a reinvasion of
Natal and in the despatch of 8th October, para. 8,
;

after describing certain operations about the Brand-

water Basin, east of Bethlehem, in which the I.L.H.
took part. Lord Kitchener mentioned that Brigadier-
General Dartnell, with the 2nd I.L.H., was ordered
to Eshowe on the Zululand Border to assist in
keeping the enemy out of Natal. At para. 9 Lord
Kitchener said that the 1st I.L.H. remained to act
independently from Bethlehem. "This force which
was specially organised with a view to mobility has
already justified its existence, and some excellent
long-distance raids have been undertaken. The most
successful of these took place on the night of the
28th September, when after a circuitous march of
20 The Colonials in South Africa

38 miles from Bethlehem Lieut. -Colonel Briggs sur-

rounded the town of Eeitz at dawn on the 29th.
Here he captured 21 prisoners, &c. His return
march, however, was much opposed, and several un-
successful attempts were made at night by parties
of Boers, said to be under De Wet, to surround and
rush his force." In the despatch of 8th November,
para. 6, Lord Kitchener said, " From Bethlehem
Lieut. -Colonel Briggs with the 1st I.L.H. has carried
out several long - distance raids in all directions,
whereby the country round for a radius of 25 miles
has been completely cleared." He also mentioned
that the 2nd Regiment had by march-
returned
route from Zululand to Harrismith on 3rd November.
A great converging movement was also foreshadowed,
and among the troops to be employed the 1st Regi-
ment was to act from Bethlehem and the 2nd from
Harrismith. In the despatch of 8th December the
results of that movement are given, but the main
body of the enemy, which it was hoped to surround,
escaped. Lord Kitchener praised highly the way in
which the troops bore the very great strain. About
the middle of November both regiments were again
in a big operation, but few of the enemy were found.
On the 24th the 1st and 2nd Regiments "surprised
Laurens' commando between Eland's River Bridge and
Bethlehem, killing 2 Boers in their attack and captur-
ing 12 prisoners." This success was followed up on
the 27th by a combined force of the 1st and 2nd
I.L.H. under Lieut. - Colonel M'Kenzie and Lieut.-
Colonel Briggs, in which 24 prisoners, 150 horses,
and 800 cattle fell into our hands. The despatch
of 8th January 1902 describes further operations
under General Elliot, in some of which the I.L.H.
 The Imperial Light Horse 21

took part. When returning to Eland's River Bridge

General Dartnell was hotly attacked. " After leaving
Bethlehem on the morning of 18th December the
latter officer found himself opposed by a large force
of Boers under De Wet, who, occupying a position
along the Tyger Kloof Spruit, disputed his further
advance, whilst he vigorously assailed General Dart-
nell's flanks and rearguard sharp fighting was main-
;

tained throughout the day. Every successive attack

was gallantly repulsed by the two regiments of the
I.L.H. until the approach from Bethlehem of the
column under Major- General B. Campbell, who had
established signalling communication with General
Dartnell during the progress of the fight, finally
compelled the enemy, about 3 P.M., to beat a hurried
retreat " in the direction of the Langberg. In this
engagement Surgeon-Captain T. Crean, Captain G. T.
Brierley, Captain W. Jardine, Lieutenant J. O'Hara,
and 7 men were wounded. It was in this engagement
that Surgeon-Captain Crean gained the Victoria Cross.
A few days after this, before dawn on the morning
of the 25th December, the enemy surprised and
captured the camp of a battalion of Yeomanry at
Tweefontein, inflicting great loss. As soon as the
disaster was known the I.L.H. were ordered to the
spot, but the Boers, who had got a good start, were
not overtaken. It says a very great deal for the
watchfulness and care of the I.L.H. that they were
so long in this difficult country, surrounded by a
cunning enemy in great strength, but without giving
that enemy a chance of doing damage by surprise.
The despatch of 8th February 1902 detailed further
operations in the same district, which took place about
the end of January, in which substantial loss was in-
22 The Colonials in South Africa

flictedon the enemy. During these some great march-

ing was done ;the 2nd Battalion Mounted Infantry
(Regulars) covered 82 miles in thirty-four hours, the
I.L.H. and other troops performing similar feats of
endurance. Between 25th and 29th January 1902
there were some casualties about Newmarket, 3 men
being killed and Lieutenant Bamford and several men
wounded.
The despatches of 8th March and 8th April describe
the great combined drives in the north-east of the
Orange River Colony, in which a large number of
prisoners — —
over 1500 were captured. The work of
the I.L.H, was specially singled out in the account
of the Press Association correspondent. They stopped
one very determined rush, when the enemy tried, in
the darkness, to break through the line at their
part. The 1st lost 4 killed. In the drive from the
Vaal to Harrismith about 520 prisoners and 1400
horses fell into the hands of the 1st I.L.H.
In the despatch of 1st June 1902 Lord Kitchener
details the operations undertaken in the Western
Transvaal to clear that district after the disasters
suffered by Lord Methuen. Troops were taken from
other districts, and the I.L.H. recrossed the Vaal.
On 11th April Colonel Kekewich had heavy fighting.
Soon after starting in the morning the advance-
guard under Von Donop was attacked : the enemy
" advanced rapidly to close quarters in very compact
formation, the Boers riding knee to knee, and in many
places in two ranks, whilst their attack was supported
by a heavy fire from skirmishers on both flanks.
Many of the men of our advanced screen in forward
positions were ridden over by the enemy, who pressed
on rapidly to within 700 yards of the main body and
 The Imperial Light Horse 23

convoys, keeping up an incessant magazine -rifle fire

from their horses as they approached. Here, however,
they were checked by Lieut. -Colonel Greenfell's troops,
which were at the head of the main body, the Scottish
Horse, 5th I.Y., and South African Constabulary dis-
mounting and moving forward steadily on foot to
meet the coming charge. This was the crisis of the
fight, and it was one which terminated quickly with
the complete repulse of the Boers and the death of
their Commandant, Potgeiter, who was conspicuous
in leading the attack until he fell, only 90 yards in
front of our troops. So far, however, it was only a
repulse, but the arrival of Lieut. -Colonel Briggs with
the I.L.H., detached upon the enemy's right flank
from Sir H. Bawlinson's force, turned the repulse
into a rout." Colonel Briggs, hearing the heavy
firing, of his own initiative took the I.L.H. to the
scene of the action. Fifty-one dead and 40 wounded
Boers were found on the ground, and in the subse-
quent pursuit by the 1st I.L.H. and troops of Colonel
Kekewich two 15-pounder guns, one pom-pom, some
vehicles, ammunition, and 36 un wounded prisoners
were captured.
Further successful drives took place in the south-
west Transvaal in which the I.L.H. were engaged.
Thus from Elandslaagte to the very last stage of
the war did this splendid Volunteer Regiment keep
steadily at work. Throughout the whole war they
had done nobly no regular troops could have reached
;

a higher standard, and if they were largely men who

had a personal stake in the Transvaal, they did all
that men could to assist the mother country in the
struggle for the maintenance of British sovereignty
in South Africa.
24 The Colonials in Soitth Africa

Peace was declared on 1st June. On the 17th, both

regiments having been brought into Johannesburg
marched past Lord Kitchener, who complimented them
and some other distinguished Colonial corps also
present. The Commander-in-Chief expressed the hope
that he would be able to make arrangements for
keeping up the I.L.H. as a permanent volunteer
corps.
The foregoing account has been read over by Major
Sir W. Codrington and other officers of this dis-
tinguished regiment, and the casualties, &c., have
been duly checked.
The following are the Honours and Mentions gained
by the corps :

Capt. Mullins and Capt. Johnstone, both 1st Eegiment, won the Victoria
Cross at Elandslaagte under the circumstances set forth in the text, and as
mentioned in the text Trooper H. Albrecht (killed) gained the Cross at
Wagon Hill. Siu*geon-Captain T. J. Crean, 1st I.L.H., also got the Cross
for "during the action with De Wet at Tyger Kloof, December 18, 1901,
this officer continued to attend to the wounded in the firing line under a
heavy fire at only 150 yards range, after he had himself been wounded, and
only desisted when he was hit a second time, and, as it was at first thought,
mortally wounded."

Mentions in Despatches.

—
Sir George White's Despatches Ind December 1899. Col. J. J. Scott-
:

Chisholme (killed in action) Majors A. WooUs-Sampson and W. Karri-

;

Davies Capts. J. E. Orr, C. H. Mullins, J. C. Knapp (killed in action).

;

—
IZrd March 1900. Major D. E. Doveton, died of wounds Surgeon-Major
;

W. T. F. Davies Capt. C. H. Fowler Corporals C. Russell, W. Weir

; ;

Major (Local Lieut.-Col.) A. H. M. Edwards, 5th Dragoon Guards, com-

manding I.L.H., twice —
one time for gallant behaviour at Gun Hill;
Major Karri -Davies for same; Lt. P. D. Fitzgerald, 11th Hussars,
attached I.L.H.
—
General Buller's Despatch 30^/t March 1900. Lce.-Cpl. A. B. Duirs
:

on several occasions carried out dangerous reconnaissances Capt. H. ;

Bottomley Lt. G. T. M. Bridges, R.A., attached Cpls. E. W. Warby,

; ;

H. Savory Lce.-Cpl. W. H. Norton

; Tprs. H. London, W. Francis,
;

F. H. Metcalfe.
: —
Lord Roberts' Despatches ^nd April 1901. Col. F. Rhodes Lieut.- ;
 The Imperial Light Horse 25

Col. "WooUs- Sampson i Majors H. Bottomley,^ D. E. Doveton (died of

;

wounds), W. Karri-Davies, C. H. Mullins,^ Surgeon-Major Davies ^ Capts. ;

Curry (killed), C. H. Fowler 3 Lts. D. Huntly, Kirk (killed), P. H. Nor-

;

mand^; Cpls. C. H. Russell,'' H. Savory,* E. W. Warby,* W. A. Weir,"

W. H. Norton * Tprs. W. Francis,* James,* Latham,* London,* Metcalfe.*
;

Uh Sept. 1901.— Cpl. W. F. Loveland.

—
Lord Kitchener's Despatches 8^A May 1901. Major C. J. Briggs, 1st
:

King's Dragoon Guards, commanding I.L.H., exhibited marked ability and

coolness in the action of 23rd March, and handled his command well on the
two following days. Capt. P. H. Normand, D.S.O., Lts. Dryden and Hol-
brig, since dead, Capts. G. S. Brierley and Donaldson, for excellent services
rendered in capture of Delarey's guns and convoy on March 24th. Capt.
W. E. Codrington, 11th Hussars, attached, an officer of great promise, has
several times done good work when placed in command of detached parties.
Tpr. D. Brown, promoted Cpl., carried Sgt. Currie, whose horse had been
shot, out of close range under fire on 22nd March. Tpr. Despard, promoted
Cpl., although wounded in two places continued to fire until surrounded, same
date. Sgt. Osborne* went back under heavy fire and took out of action
Tpr. Law, who would otherwise have been captured.
Sth July 1901. —
Lt. D. L. Maxwell,^ on December 31, at Hartebeeste-
fontein, though wounded, remained with his patrol till he fainted through
loss of blood. Sgt. E. A. Belton, for good service in Eastern Transvaal
during General French's operations, February, March, and April 1901.
Sth August 1901. —
Lt. B. F. Webb, recommended for V.C, on July 17th,
at Bultfontein, charged Boer position with only twelve men and took it,
shooting two Boers himself with his pistol. Cpl. W. G. Hughes, promoted
Sgt., Tprs. T. Kelly, ]\I. Symonds, D. Johnston, promoted Cpls., the first
men up in charge on a position held by a strong force of the enemy at
Doornbult, Western Transvaal, July 17. Tpr. J. B. Rowell, promoted Cpl.,
in charge of pack-horse with ammunition, and accidentally left behind when
patrol retired ; though hotly pursued by enemy, who at one time got within
fifty yards of him, and heavily fired on, stuck to his pack-horse and brought

it out safely. Tpr. J. P. Smith, at Doornbult, Western Transvaal, July 17,

a party retiring and one man being dismounted, he, at great personal risk,
returned and took him out of action on his own horse, enemy at time
within 400 yards.
Bth October 1901.— Cpl. R. Waldeck, 2nd Regt., promoted Sgt., gallantry
in actionon Oliphant's River, July 30, when troop attacked by very superior
numbers.
8th December 1901. —
Capts. W. Jardine,^ J. Donaldson,^ on Sept. 27,
were conspicuous for their coolness and promptitude in fighting in Reitz
district. Tpr. R. E. Search, promoted Cpl., in action near Reitz, Sept. 28,
seeing enemy making for important position, galloped along across their

Awarded C.B. 2 Awarded C.M.G.

It D.S.O. * I' Distinguished Conduct Medal.
26 The Colonials in South Africa

front and occupied it against them till reinforced, and then continued
to fight though wounded. Cpl. E. F. Matheson, promoted Sgt., Tpr.
A. J. Phillips, promoted Cpl., for good capture of three armed Boers,
September 22.
%th March 1902.— Capts. G. T. Brierley and W. Jardine, both 1st I.L.H.,
for good work in holding their position at Langberg, December 18. Tpr.
H. D. Osmond, promoted Cpl., for single-handed capture of eight armed
Boers in the Langberg, January 11.
\st June 1902.— Lt. B. Nicholson,^ with Tprs. W. G. Forder, W. A. Allen,
E. Eldridge, promoted Cpls., captured eighteen Boers at Yser Spruit, April
15, after a long chase.
23r<i Jime. —
1st. Majors W. Karri-Davies, H. A. Rogers Lt. S. Tryon ; ;

Regimental Sgt.-Major Harrison,^ 19th Hussars Squadron Sgt.-Majors R.

;

Bombal, T. Sullivan Sgts. J. Cranna, T. Curry. 2nd. Lieut.-Col. D. Mac-

;

kenzie,^ C.M.G. Major D. W. Mackay Capt. J. C. Pollock Regimental

; ; ;

Sgt.-Major Sutherland ^ Sgt. H. Miller Ptes. C. K. Mackenzie, A. Mansen.

; ;

Lieut.-Col. J. R. Royston, who had served with the Natal Volunteers, had
commanded the 5th and 6th West Australians, and for a time the 2nd
LL.H., was awarded the D.S.O. Col. Woolls-Sampson, C.B., was gazetted
to have rank of colonel in the army. Local Lieut.-Col. C. J. Briggs, pro-
moted Brevet Lieut.-Col. Lt. G. M. Mathias, mentioned in the body of
Sir George White's despatch regarding the attack on Ladysmith on 6th
January 1900, was awarded the D.S.O.

NATAL VOLUNTEERS, POLICE, AND GUIDES.

The Natal Volunteers are not a creation of yester-

day. They were constituted under Ordinance as far
back as 1854. In 1873, 300 of the force took part
in the Langalibalele Expedition and suffered casualties.
The whole force was called out in 1879 to take part in
the Zulu War, and at Isandhlwana Lieutenant G.
Shepstone and 32 volunteers were killed. In 1896 a
new Volunteer Act was passed members became ;

partially paid and had to undergo ten days' continuous

1 Awarded D.S.O. ^ Awarded D.C.M. » Awarded C.B.
 Natal Volunteers, Police, and Guides 27

training. Colonel Royston was appointed

William
Commandant, and Bru-de-Wold Chief
Lieut. -Colonel
Staff Officer. Colonel Royston had taken part in the
war service above noted. He had passed through
the ranks and knew what his force should be able to
do and how they could be best taught. To the un-
wearied exertions of these two officers, and to the fact
that the material was good, must be given the credit
for the efficient state in which the force was found
—
when the war broke out, a state which enabled it to
do work which could not have been excelled by regulars.
On 28th September 1899 the whole of the volunteers
in the colony were ordered to mobilise, ostensibly for
ten days' training, and before the actual declaration of
war much good work had been done. In the beginning
of October the volunteers and police were distributed
as follows :
—
Corps and Strengtli-
Station.
Commanding Officer. all ranks

Natal Field Artillery 123 and six ) -. , ^. ,

(Captain Daniel Taylor) 2*5 guns j

^

Border Mounted Rifles "|

^^g. j Ladysmith and Acton
"^^^
(Major J. F. Rethman) j { Homes.
squad. Ladysmith.
Natal Carbineers 1 .^« f ?
(Lieut.-Col. E. M. Greene) | "^^ 1 ^°°P
1 troop J^^*^^^'
Colenso.
Natal Mounted Rifles )
220 Ladysmith.
(Major R. W. Evans) j

Umvoti Mounted Rifles ] on f Helpmakaar District.

(Major George Leuchars) / (1 troop southern border.
( Ladysmith, 1 R.M.L. 9-pr.,
Natal Naval Volunteers ,
^„ 2 Hotchkiss.
\ *" J
(Commander G. Tatum) J ^ Estcourt, 15 men, 1 gun.
\ Colenso, 30 men, 2 guns.

^ A|)pendices to War Commission Eeport, p. 104, and information supplied

by Major P. A. Silburn, D.S.O., Natal StafF.
28 The Colonials in So7dh Africa

Corps and Strength- station.

Commanding Officer. all ranks.

Durban Light Infantry \

416 Colenso.
(Lieut.-Col. T. M'Cubbin) j

Natal Eoyal Eifles ")

150 Estcourt.
(Captain A. Williamson) /
Natal Bridge Guards \
61 Various Stations.
(Raised for war) J
Natal Volunteer Medical ^
Corps \ 78 Chiefly Ladysmith.
(Major J. Hyslop) j
Natal Police . 317 Scattered.

A
Volunteer Veterinary Corps, under Major Wat-
kins-Pitchford, was raised from veterinary surgeons in
the Colony, strength 10, chiefly in Ladysmith. A
Hotchkiss gun detachment was in October raised on
very short notice at Pietermaritzburg for service in the
war, mobilised 21 strong, guns two 3 -pounder Hotchkiss
drawn by mules, sent to Ladysmith. There was also
organised a transport and commissariat corps. Captain
G. Geddie, 2 officers, 6 men, and 300 mules other ;

drivers were enlisted.

As was afterwards stated in despatches, one or other
of these bodies was represented in every action fought
in the Colony.
On 2nd October the Natal Carbineers were ordered
to patrol the Free State Border and observe the passes,
and within the next few days the cyclists of the
Durban Light Infantry were patrolling from Colenso
to Springfield, covering 80 miles on bad roads in twelve
hours. Along with the Natal Naval Volunteers the
Durban Pegiment was employed in building forts near
Colenso. The Umvoti Mounted Pifles were watch-
ing the drifts lower down the Tugela, — an invaluable
 Natal Volunteers^ Police^ and Guides 29

service, which they performed for many months ; other

bodies were on outpost duty.
On 12th October war was declared, the enemy en-
tered Natal, and their movements were reported by
the Carbineers. When Major Taunton reported the
enemy's movement, the Intelligence Department dis-
credited this, and he had to send a patrol to locate,
or rather look into, the hostile laager. On the 17th,
No. 1 squadron of the Border M.R., under Captain
Royston, was fired on at the foot of the Tintwa Pass
and on the same night Captain Wales, Volunteer Staff,
with a troop of Natal M.R., set out to patrol the
Waschbank Valley, passing through several parties of
Boers and covering 126 miles in forty-eight hours. On
the 18 th Sir George White asked the Natal M.R for
a bodyguard of 24 non-commissioned officers and men ;

Captain F. S. Tatham of the Carbineers was chosen as

commander. On this date the enemy advanced in
force, and the Border M.R from Acton Homes and the
Carbineers from Van Beenen's and other passes had,
according to the G.O.C.'s orders, to retire nearer to
Ladysmith. On the 20th the Umvoti men reported
heavy firing at Dundee. This was, of course, the
severe engagement fought by General Penn-Symons in
order to drive the enemy off Talana Hill, which com-
manded his camp. It will be remembered that the
general was mortally wounded. His successor, Briga-
dier-General Yule, finding that he was being threatened
by very superior forces, started at 9 p.m. on the 22nd
to withdraw his force to Ladysmith. Colonel Dartnell,
chief-commissioner of the Natal Police, was on the staff
of General Penn-Symons at Talana Hill, and was beside
the general when he fell. Two of the police acting as
30 The Colonials in South Africa

orderlies to Colonel Dartnell were wounded in the

engagement. On the 20th No. 4 squadron of the
Carbineers captured four Boer scouts.
On the 21st General French and Sir George White
fought the battle of Elandslaagte (see Imperial Light
Horse). In his despatch of 2nd November 1899, para.
14, Sir George mentioned that before that battle the
Natal Field Battery moved out with General French
at 4 A.M. some of the Natal M.B. and Carbineers
;

were also with him. When the enemy were found

near the station the battery opened fire, but the posi-
tion was strong, and the little guns were outranged
reinforcements had therefore to be got. Before the
main action commenced one squadron from each of the
5th Lancers, 5th Dragoon Guards, and Natal M.R.
were sent out to turn the enemy's right flank and
harass his rear. Two squadrons of the Natal M.R.
took part in the final pursuit.
On the night of the 21st Sergeant Schroeder and
Corporal Jones of the Umvoti M.B. bore the good news
of the Elandslaagte victory to General Yule to reach ;

him they had to pass through large bodies of the

enemy. On the 22nd Surgeon Hornabrook, medical
officer of the Natal M.B.,when seven miles out from
Ladysmith, met a Boer patrol of 25 men. Although
alone he shouted to the party to surrender, as the Boers
had been defeated and they were surrounded. The
demand was promptly obeyed, the party giving up
their rifles to three of their own number, and the
triumphant doctor led his 25 prisoners into Elands-
laagte Station. If this tale were not vouched for by
the Natal Staff" it would probably not be credited.
On the 23rd Colonel Eoyston got permission to send
out Captain Wales and 24 of the Carbineers (Dundee
 Natal Volunteers, Police, and Guides 3

troop),who had themselves arrived in Ladysmith from

Dundee on the 22nd. Captain Wales was to endeavour
to come into contact with Yule he found the column
;

at Van Tender's Pass, to which place it had been led by

Colonel Dartnell.
In his despatch of 2nd December 1899 Sir George
White mentions that the Natal Mounted Volunteers
were with him at Rietfontein on 24th October (see
Imperial Light Horse). After the engagement was
well developed " the Natal Mounted Volunteers, who
had been with the Cavalry, had been recalled, and
as the enemy showed some disposition to work round
my cut me off" from Ladysmith, I sent
left flank as if to
this force under Colonel Royston to w^ork round the
Boer right and cover my left flank, a movement which
was most successfully performed." In a report to the
Chief- of- Staff Colonel Royston drew attention to the
gallant manner in which Major Taunton, Natal
Carbineers, afterwards killed, and Major Sangmeister,
Border Mounted Rifles, seized a kopje under heavy fire,
and bringing a maxim gun into action speedily cleared
out the enemy. Also, on the same date, to the gallant
behaviour, and devotion to the wounded, under a heavy
fire, of Captains Piatt and Buntine of the Volunteer

Medical Staff. Colonel Royston also detailed gallant

acts on the part of Troopers Seed (Police) and C. E. J.
Miller, D. A. Shaw, and Rowland Watts (Carbineers).
The gun team alluded to lost 2 killed ; the other
casualties among the volunteers were —Border M.R. 9
wounded, Carbineers 2 killed, 10 wounded, and Natal
M.R. 3 wounded.
On the 25th Colonel Royston took out the whole of
the Mounted Volunteers to assist Yule, whose force
was found eighteen miles out. The roads were beyond
32 The Colonials in South Africa

description, and the rear of the column had to wade,

often beyond their knees, in hquid mud. On the 26th
Yule's column enteredLady smith. On the 27 th and
two following days most of the Mounted Volunteers
were out, and found the enemy gathering in great
strength beyond Lombard's Kop.
In describing the battle of Lombard's Kop, 30th
October 1899, Sir George said that 200 Natal Mounted
Volunteers were sent out on the evening of the 29th
to hold Lombard's Kop and Bulwana Mountain and ;

the remainder of the Mounted Volunteers, with the

5th Lancers and 19th Hussars, moved out with
General French at 3 a.m. on the 30th to endeavour
to cover the right flank in the main action. The Natal
Field Battery formed part of Grimwood's force on the
right of the infantry line. It will be remembered that
General French could not get much beyond the Pass
between Lombard's Kop and Bulwana while Grim- ;

wood's Brigade was heavily pressed on its right, and

the whole force had ultimately to retire on Ladysmith.
In the same despatch, speaking of Colonel W. Royston,
Sir George said
— " The services which Colonel Boyston
and the forces under his command have rendered to
the State and Colony have been of the very highest
value. In him I have found a bold and successful
leader, and an adviser whose experience of the Colony
and of the enemy has been of great value to me.
Employed on arduous duty from the commencement of
the campaign, in touch with the enemy, I have found
him prompt and ready for every emergency he and his;

force reflect the greatest credit on the colony of Natal."

On the 30th the Natal M.R. lost Lieutenant Clapham
killed and 3 men wounded.
In the despatch of 23rd March 1900, para. 4, Sir
 Natal Volunteers, Police, and Guides IZ

George stated that on 31st October he sent the 2nd

Royal Dublin Fusiliers and the Natal Field Battery to
Colenso to assist in defending the bridges on the
Tugela but they were soon forced to retire farther
;

south. When the siege commenced the following

were part of the garrison :

Natal Carbineers
Border Mounted Eifles
......
Volunteer Staff, including Medical and Veterinary 11
390
260
Natal Mounted Eifles
Natal Naval Volunteers
Hotchkiss Detachment
.....
.....
200
65
20
Natal Police 40

986

These formed the Volunteer Brigade under Colonel

Eoyston, with Lieut. -Colonel H. T. Bru-de-V\^old as
Chief Staff Officer. The Naval Volunteers were
generally split up throughout the siege, part being on
Csesar's Camp and part at Gordon Post. Between 1st
November and the end of February the Natal Mounted
Volunteers were frequently engaged. On 2nd Nov-
ember they were, with other troops, out reconnoitring
on the 3rd they were sent to cover the retirement of
another force. On this occasion the Carbineers had
Major Taunton and Sergeant Mapston killed, and
the Border M.B. lost Captain Arnott and 11 men
wounded.
Section D of the defences of Ladysmith was placed
under Colonel Royston. This included the thorn
country north of Caesar's Camp and the Klip River
Flats. Colonel Royston lost no time in building
sangars and digging trenches, and soon had his section
greatly strengthened. On 9th November the enemy
34 The Colonials in South Africa

attacked, firing 800 shells into the town ; but their

attack was driven off. On
the 14th the Volunteers
were out with Major-General Brocklehurst, and, along
with the Imperial Light Horse, seized Star Hill but ;

it was not held permanently. When Sir Archibald

Hunter made his deservedly famous sortie on 7th
December to destroy the Boer guns on Gun Hill, his
force consisted of 500 Natal Mounted Volunteers,
under Colonel Royston, 100 Light Horse
Imperial
(see that regiment), few Royal Engineers,
and a
artillerymen, and guides. The storming-parties were
100 Carbineers, Major Addison, and 100 I.L.H.,
Lieut. - Colonel Edwards. Two big guns were
destroyed and one maxim brought back. Colonel
Royston was among those specially mentioned in the
body of the despatch. Sir George White had the
LL.H. and Volunteers paraded on the following day,
and, addressing them, said " that he did not wish to
use inflated or exaggerated language, but the men of
Sir Archibald Hunter's party were a credit, not only
to the colon}^, but to the Empire. There was a lot
of severe fighting to do, but it was a gratification to
a General to have the help of such men."
Within the next few days Colonel Royston offered
to supply volunteers to blow up Waschbank Bridge,
but after the column had been paraded at night those
in authority resolved not to send it out. On other
occasions Colonel Royston made valuable suggestions,
which were acted on.
The town and camps were during the siege con-
stantly under shell-fire, and on 18th December one
6-inch shell bursting in the camp of the Carbineers
killed 4 men, wounded 6 men, and destroyed 10
horses. The times were trying, but hard digging,
 Natal Volunteers, Police, and Guides 35

sangar building, and brigade sports kept the men

fairly fit.

In the repulse of the great attack of 6th January

1900 the volunteers took a prominent part. The
following is the report furnished by Colonel Royston
to the Chief of the Staff:—
"I have to report that on Saturday, 6th inst., at
about 4.15 A.M., I received information by telephone
from headquarters that the enemy were making an
attack on Wagon Hill. I at once despatched 80 men
of the Natal M.E,., under Major Evans, to strengthen
the outposts on the Flats, then held by 1 officer and
40 men Natal Police, attached to Volunteers, and 1
officer and 20 men Natal Carbineers. The Town
Guard was also directed to stand fast at its post on the
left bank of the Klip River. As it had been intimated
that a battery of artillery would be placed at my
disposal, I directed two squadrons Border M.R., with
one maxim, to accompany the guns.
"Major Abadie, at about 5.40 a.m., reported his
guns in position near the point where the road to
Caesar's Camp crosses the town rifle-range. On my
arrival at the outpost line, at 5 a.m., the enemy were
occupying the extreme south-eastern point of Caesar's
Hill, well under cover amongst the rocks and bushes.
About 50 men were visible from the Flats, but more
appeared to be pushing on from the west in small
parties. These men were being fired on from the
thorn trees and from sangars below by my men as
soon as they appeared in sight. A few minutes after
my arrival the enemy advanced north along the top of
the hill, firing at a party of Gordons near a sangar
'
'

about 500 yards to their front. I requested the officer

commanding the battery to open fire, which he did
36 The Colonials in South Africa

with good effect, stopping the enemy's advance, and

driving them into the rocks. As there appeared to be
only a small party of the '
Gordons
opposed to the
'

enemy from below, I

at this spot, as far as I could see
directed a squadron of Border M.R,., under Lieutenant
Koyston, to climb the hill and go to their assistance
dismounted. This would be about 6 a.m. On my men
joining the Gordons the party advanced towards the
enemy in the rocks, but were at first driven back by
their heavy fire, and the enemy again advanced. The
battery again opened fire, and the Gordons and the
'
'

Border M.B. again advancing, drove the enemy over

the point of the hill, and they never again mounted to
the crest. At mid-day the enemy had retired about
half-way down the southern slope of the hill, but still
kept up a heavy fire. Unfortunately, it was impos-
sible to get at these with artillery fire from where the
battery was limbered, owing to the danger of hitting
our own people on the crest of the hill, and the officer
commanding the battery did not consider it advisable,
owing to the rough ground to cross, and to exposure to
Bulwana, to advance any of his guns as far as our out-
post line, from which point the enemy could be reached.
Bifle-fire was kept up until the enemy finally got into
the bed of the Fourie Spruit, where he could only be
reached from the top of Caesar's Hill. A heavy fire was
kept up until dark, when it gradually ceased, and the
enemy appeared to be retiring up the Fourie Spruit.
My casualties were 4 men killed and 2 officers and 10
men wounded.
"I wish to bring to notice the gallant manner in
which the battery of artillery, under Major Abadie,
stuck to its ground under the very heavy fire from
the 6 - inch gun and another long - range gun on
 Natal Volunteers, Police, a7id Guides 2>7

Umbulwana, and also the excellent practice made by

the battery.
"I also consider that Lt. Royston, Border M.K, did
good service with his men. The behaviour of Capt.
Piatt and Lt. Hornabrook, Vol. Med. Corps, in attend-
ing to the wounded throughout the day under heavy
fire, deserves special mention the last-named officer
;

was wounded, besides having his clothes pierced by

a bullet."
A detachment of the Natal Naval Volunteers, with
a 3-pounder Hotchkiss, were part of the garrison on
Caesar's Camp, and took part in the struggle. On
Wagon Hill the Hotchkiss gun, manned by Volun-
teers under Captain Walker, was very heavily at-
tacked. Case shot was used with some effect, but the
gun detachment, having lost 2 killed, were driven
back. Captain Walker succeeded in dismantling the
breech before leaving.
One of the outposts which were first attacked on
the Flats was held by Natal Police ; the officer com-
manding being absent, the senior non-commissioned
it

officer, Sergeant Woon, although severely wounded in

the neck, assumed command, and held the post until

reinforced by a squadron of the Natal Mounted Rifles.
Colonel Royston was again most highly praised by
Sir George White for his work on the 6th. The Naval
Volunteers had 2 killed and several wounded, the Car-
bineers 4 wounded, the Natal Mounted Rifles had Lieu-
tenant Richardson killed and several other casualties.
Captain Wales of the Volunteer staff was killed, and
the Police also had a few casualties.
On 18th January Lieut. -Colonel Bru-de-Wold was
severely wounded by shrapnel. On the 22nd Troopers
Inman and Agnew, Natal Mounted Rifles, volunteered
38 The Colonials in South Africa

to attempt to blow up railway bridges used by

the enemy. These two men made their way through
the investing lines, but found the bridges very
closely guarded eventually they succeeded in joining
;

the troops south of the Tugela. On 1st March, the

day after Dundonald rode into Ladysmith, Colonel
Koyston took out 150 Volunteers; he came in contact
with the enemy in this affair 1 officer and 2 men
;

of the Police were wounded.

At the close of his despatch regarding the siege,
Sir George White said " The Natal Volunteers have
:

performed invaluable service their knowledge of the ;

country has been of the very greatest use to me,

and in every action in which they have been en-
gaged they have shown themselves most forward and
daring. The Natal Naval Volunteers have proved
themselves worthy comrades of the land forces of the
colony."
As in the case of the Imperial Light Horse, one
portion of the Natal Volunteers took part in the relief
of Ladysmith, while another portion was shut up in
the town. As soon as the enemy had closed in on
Ladysmith, they turned their attention to the force
at Colenso Dublin Fusiliers, Durban Light Infantry,
:

some Natal Naval Volunteers, and the Natal Field

Battery. On 3rd November Colonel Cooper, who com-
manded this force, found it necessary to retire to
Estcourt.
Sixty men of the Durban Light Infantry formed part
of the personnel of the armoured train which at this
time patrolled daily from Estcourt to Colenso. On
15th November a rail was removed or twisted, and
the train was attacked ; 2 men of the Durban regiment
were killed, Captain J. Wyllie and 15 were wounded,
 Natal Volunteers, Police, and Guides 39

and 1 were taken prisoners, of whom 8 were wounded,

9
1 mortally. A squadron of Carbineers and one of
Imperial Light Horse came out to the help of the
armoured train. These reinforcements drove back the
enemy, killing 3. Some of the Durban Light Infantry,
Natal Koyal Rifles, a squadron of Carbineers, and
some of the Police were present in the action at
Willow Grange on 22nd and 23rd November under
Colonel Martyr (see General Hildyard's Eeport of 24th
November 1899). Four guns of the Natal Artillery
were out on reconnaissance work in the same district
about this time. On the 27th the Volunteers moved
forward to Frere, but when General Buller arrived he
sent most of them back to the lines of communication.
On 9th December a detachment of Naval Volunteers,
2 officers and 47 men, joined the Naval Brigade of
Captain Jones, R.N., and with him worked the big
guns throughout the relief operations. It was soon
found that the services of the mounted men would be
needed at the front, and a composite regiment was
made up, including 1 squadron Imperial Light Horse,
1 squadron Carbineers, some regular Mounted In-
fantry, and some of the Police. This regiment was,
on 15th December, in the battle of Colenso with Lord
Dundonald, on the right, at Hlangwane Mountain the ;

Volunteers were heavily engaged, losing 4 men killed,

2 officers. Lieutenants D. W. M'Kay and R. W.
Wilson of the Carbineers, and 6 men wounded.
The regiment accompanied Dundonald to Potgieter's
Drift, Trichard's Drift, and Acton Homes (see Imperial
Light Horse and South African Light Horse). The
regiment remained with Dundonald throughout the
great struggle to break through the chain of Boer
defences. Like the remainder of Dundonald's Brigade
40 The Colonials in South Africa

they did fine work at Acton Homes on 18th January

1900, where the Carbineer Scouts were the first to
discover the enemy ; also at the seizure of Cingolo,
Monte Cristo, and other important positions (14th to
27th February). In these operations the Volunteers
suffered a few casualties.
At the crossing of the Tugela on 17 th January
Troopers D. Sclanders and F. T. Woods of the Natal
Carbineers saved several men from drowning, and
Sclanders got the Koyal Humane Society's Silver
Medal.
When Dundonald rode into Ladysmith on the
evening of 28th February, he was accompanied by
some Carbineers, Natal Mounted Kifles, Border
Mounted Rifles, and Natal Police, the officers being
Major D. M'Kenzie, Lieutenants Silburn, M'Kay,
Verney, Richards, Ashburnham, and Abraham. None
of those present will ever forget this ride, probably
the most memorable occasion in the lives of any of
them.
To the regret of the whole Volunteer force Colonel
Royston was invalided on 16th March. The hardships
of the siege had weakened a tough constitution. He
was seized by enteric, and died on 6th April. The
following sentence extracted from the Record of the
'
'

Natal Volunteers was penned by one of the officers

who served under him " Called to the command when
:

the hand of a strong man was required to mould an

embryo defence force into an efficient fighting machine,
the achievements of the Volunteers, whether individu-
ally when detached for special duty, or collectively,
more than justified the predictions made when he
assumed the command, and had he been spared to
complete the work he was so peculiarly fitted for, it
cannot be denied that the Natal Volunteers would
 Natal Volunteers, Police, and Guides 41

have played an even more important part in the

concluding phases of the war than they did."
While General Buller was pounding away along the
Tugela some of the Natal Volunteers under Major G.
Leuchars were usefully employed about Greytown and
the Zululand border. The Umvoti Mounted Rifles,
about 80 strong, with 50 Police, were at Greytown
and Tugela Ferry from the beginning of the war,
and 2 guns of the Natal Field Artillery and 150
Natal Koyal E-ifles were after 10th January in the
Melmoth Field Force operating from Eshowe. The
Greytown force did most excellent work they were
;

practically isolated from 18th November to 13th Feb-

ruary, when they were joined by Bethune's Mounted
Infantry. During that period the posts and drifts held
by the Umvoti Mounted Rifles and Police were re-
peatedly attacked. On 23rd November a commando
400 strong attacked 100 men holding the drift, but
the enemy was driven off". The stubborn defence made
by Major Leuchars and his men prevented an invasion
from that quarter and had a great moral effect, as
was proved by the tenor of despatches from General
Burgher to General Joubert which were captured. In
this affair Sergeant - Major Ferguson was severely
wounded.
After the relief of Ladysmith the Volunteer Brigade
was allowed some time to recuperate, and was re-
organised. On 3rd April 1900 it consisted of the
Natal Carbineers, Natal Mounted Bifles, and Border
Mounted Rifles, temporarily under Lieut. -Colonel Bru-
de-Wold. On the 8 th Colonel Dartnell was appointed
to command the whole of the Natal Volunteers and
Police with the rank of Brigadier-General,
In General Buller's movement which commenced on
7th May for turning the Boers out of the Biggarsberg,
42 The Colonials in South Africa

and so clear Natal, the Volunteers were in the 3rd

Mounted Brigade (see South African Light Horse).
The Brigade was engaged almost daily between 10th
and 19th May. Colonel Bethune co-operated from
Grey town, and joined General Buller on 13th May
(see Bethune's Mounted Infantry). Bethune's force
was composed of 5 squadrons of his own regiment,
1 squadron Umvoti Mounted Eifles, two 12-pounder

guns worked by men of the Royal Garrison Artillery,

two 7-pounder guns, Natal Field Artillery, 2 Hotchkiss
manned by the same corps, and 6 companies of the Im-
perial Light Infantry, a corps which was raised in the
Colony. For seven months this force, or portions of
it, had done good work in protecting the north-east

of Natal from invasion or raids. On 19th May the

Durban Light Infantry and Natal Royal Rifles were
ordered to garrison Dundee. When Laing's Nek was
turned by General Buller (see South African Light
Horse), the Natal Mounted Volunteers were the
advanced-guard of General Clery's force, which crossed
the Nek itself on 12th June. Dundonald's Brigade
had been split up, and the South African Light Horse
were part of the turning force.
On 15th June General Buller issued an order record-
ing his high appreciation of the services rendered by
Brigadier-General Dartnell and the Natal Volunteers,
and he asked the brigadier to release those men who
required to go to their homes, and with the remainder
to protect Dundee and the eastern portion of the Natal
frontier. The duty involved much hard and
latter
responsible work. Captain Foxon and several men of
the Natal Carbineers were wounded on patrol duty
about the end of July 1900. During August, Septem-
ber, and October the Natal Mounted Volunteers were
employed on the Natal border and in the Vryheid
 Natal Vohmteers, Police, and Guides 43

district, and had frequently brushes with parties of the

enemy in a difficult piece of country. On 1st October
Lieutenant Bichardson and 3 men were wounded in a
convoy affair.
In his final despatch of 9th November 1900 General
Buller said :
" I cannot close this report without allud-
ing to the great assistance I have received throughout
the war from the colonists in Natal. Colonel (local
Brigadier -General) J. G. Dartnell, C.M.G., will no
doubt report through the proper channel upon the
Natal Volunteers. I can only say that their services
were invaluable to the Empire that they took part in
;

every engagement in Natal, and willingly remained in

the field, though at great inconvenience to themselves,
until they knew that their services could be spared."
On their return to Maritzburg and Durban the Volun-
teers got magnificent receptions.
On 21st September 1900 authority had been obtained
from Lord Boberts to raise among the Natal Volunteers
a composite regiment of 300 mounted men to take
over the duties hitherto performed by the Volunteer
Brigade, and thus facilitate the return of the remainder
of the Brigade to their daily avocations. The Volunteer
Composite Begiment was made up as follows :

Officers. Men.
Natal Carbineers 6 125
Natal Mounted Eifles 5 32
Umvoti Mounted Eifles 1 13
Border Mounted Eifles 3 48
Natal Field Artillery 19
Natal Eoyal Eifles . ... 8
Durban Light Infantry 39
Hotchkiss Gun Detachment 6
Volunteer Medical Corps 1 4

16 294
44 The Colonials in South Africa

The regiment, under Lieut. -Colonel Evans, Natal

M.R, did much hard and effective work down to the
close of the campaign.
In his telegraphic despatch of 15th December 1900
Lord Kitchener mentioned that Colonel Blomfield, be-
tween Blood River and Vryheid, had driven the enemy
in confusion from Scheeper's Nek, inflicting heavy loss,
and he said, " Colonel Blomfield praises the conduct of
the Natal Volunteers and Police." Two of the Volun-
teers were killed. The services of the regiment were
particularly valuable during the great operations,
February to April 1901, when seven columns under
General French swept the Eastern Transvaal and drove
the enemy into the south-eastern corner. On 24th
April 1901 a party of about 20 Natal Police and 26
Europeans, chiefly civilians, engaged a strong Boer
force near Mhalatini in Zululand, and drove them
back. There were sharp casualties on either side, the
Police losing 5 killed and several wounded. On 28th
July 1901, near N'qutu, the enemy made a determined
attack on a small column consisting chiefly of the
Volunteer Composite Regiment. Major Edwards and
several men were killed and several were wounded.
The enemy was driven off with much loss.
In September 1901, when Botha made an earnest
endeavour to reinvade Natal, the whole of the Natal
Volunteers were again called out and were hurried to
the front. Botha having been driven out of the south-
east of the Transvaal, the Volunteers were discharged
again on 14th October 1901, but the Composite Regi-
ment remained in the field.
On20th February 1902 a patrol of the regiment,
consisting of one squadron under Captain Adams, and
accompanied by Lieut. -Colonel Evans, officer command-
 Natal Volunteers, Police, and Guides 45

ing, and Major Blunt, the staff officer to General Blom-

field,made a night raid on a Boer farm near Hlobane,
Vryheid district. Only one man of the force was
wounded, but these two distinguished officers, who
were present practically as onlookers, were killed.
Colonel Evans was one of the best known and most
popular citizens of Durban.
In March the regiment, under Major Bede-Crompton,
was employed blocking the Drakensberg passes while
the great drives in the Orange River Colony were
going on. About the end of March Natal decided
to raise 400 more mounted infantry. This was com-
pleted on 17th April, the Durban Light Infantry con-
tributing a mounted contingent, and the new mounted
infantry were, along with the old Volunteer Composite
Begiment, put under Lieut. - Colonel Bru-de-Wold.
They operated about the Buffalo Biver and the south-
east of the Transvaal till peace was declared.
As will be seen from the mentions, General Buller
placed very high value on the services of the guides
provided to his army by the Natal colonists.

Murray's Horse and the Colonial Scouts.

Before Lady smith was invested, the Hon. T. K.
Murray, ex- Colonial Secretary, suggested that the
Bifle Associations of Natal, which were on a different
footing from the Volunteers, should be called out. The
authorities did not see their way to adopt this sugges-
tion, but General Wolfe-Murray, commanding the lines
of communication, asked Mr Murray to come to Mooi
Biver as soon as he could with the men he could gather.
Forty-eight hours afterwards Mr Murray was at the
46 The Colonials in South Africa

appointed place with 80 well-mounted men, each carry-

ing three days' rations. Within a few days the num-
bers had increased to 150, and during the first three
weeks of November — a most critical period, as the
Boers were pushing across the Tugela and the regulars
—
were only arriving Murray's Horse performed most
valuable service, patrolling a very wide district, and
probably leading the enemy to believe that lower Natal
was better protected than it really was. The regular
troops having arrived before the end of November,
Murray's Horse was disbanded. The Lieut. -General
Commanding in Natal issued the following order " The :

services of the Irregular Corps raised by the Honour-

able T. K. Murray, C.M.G., having been dispensed with
owing to the arrival of reinforcetnents from the Cape,
the Lieut. -General Commanding desires to place on
record his high admiration for the patriotic spirit with
which the men of this corps responded to the arms
call to

at a critical time, and the efficient manner in which they

performed the military duties required of them," &c.
In December 1899 another corps, known as the
Colonial Scouts, was raised by the Natal Government ;

strength five squadrons, commanded by Colonel F.

Addison, M.L.A. They were during part of 1900
chiefly employed in Zululand, and on the border of
that country and the Transvaal. The corps did not
see much fighting, but their presence in this district
was very valuable. The Scouts provided a bodyguard
of about 30 men to General Warren. The corps was
disbanded in April, but the majority of the volunteers
—
joined other irregular bodies for example, " G" squad-
ron practically became " F " squadron of Bethune's
Mounted Infantry under their old company commander
Major Menn^, who afterwards raised Mennd's Scouts.
 Natal Volunteers, Police, and Guides 47

Steinaecker's Horse was also at first recruited from

men of the Colonial Scouts, in which Steinaecker him-
selfhad been a non-commissioned officer.
The Mentions gained by the Natal Volunteers, Police,
and Guides were as follows :

In General Hildyard's report, dated 24th November 1899, as to action at

—
Willow Grange fought on 23rd " The services of Mr Chapman, who was
unfortunately killed, were of the greatest value his intimate knowledge of
;

the ground alone made it possible to carry out the operation."

Capt. Jonei report to Rear- Admiral Harris, of 2nd March 1900. Lt. —
N. W. Chiazzari, Natal Naval Vols., has been most useful, especially in
getting into working order and working the punts across the river, both at
Potgieter's and Colenso, by which all the troops crossed.
Sir R. Bidler's despatch of 30th March 1900 as to relief operations. — Lt.
N. Chiazzari, Natal Naval Vols., was in charge of a detachment who
were associated with the Naval Brigade, and took their full share of the
good work done by the brigade.
Sir G. White's Despatches —
2nd December 1899. Col. W. Royston,
:

commanding Natal Vol. force, in the terms already mentioned in the text.
Col. J. G. Dartnell, Chief Com. Natal Police, "rendered valuable service to
the late Lieut.-Gen. Sir W. Penn-Symons and to Brig.-Gen. Yule when the
Dundee column fell back on Ladysmith his advice and experience were of
;

the highest value, and I found him always ready and willing to help me
in any way in his power." Capt. F. S. Tatham, Mounted Rifles. Guides
A. B. Allison, T. Loxton, and P. Greathead. Major H. Bru-de-Wold, Senior
Stafl:' Officer, Vol. Force Capt. H. Piatt, Vol. Med. Staft". Civilian Nurses
;

B. Ludlow, S. Patterson, J. Charleson, J. Borlase, S. Lees, R. Shappere,

H. Ross, A, Keightly, M. Brice, E. Stowe, D. Belton, I. Stowe, K. Hill,
L. Yeatman, S. Otto, E. Early, M. Nicolson, C. Thompson, K. Driser,
K. Champion, M. Tentney, R. Davies, S. Ruiter, E. Bromilon. Mr A. Hen-
derson in charge of native guides.
—
I^rd March 1900. Col. W. Royston, commanding Natal Vol. Force, and
in charge of Section D of defences. I can only repeat the high praise which
I had the pleasure to bestow on him in my despatch of 2nd December. He
commanded Section D in an admirable manner, and with his force, though
much reduced in numbers by casualties and disease, continued to the end
to perform invaluable service. He is an officer exceptionally sviited to his
important position as commandant of the Natal Vol. Forces, and I trust
he may receive some suitable reward. Col. Royston's gallant behaviour at
Gun Hill, 1st December, was noticed in body of despatch. (To the regret
of the Colony, Col. Royston succumbed to illness after the relief.) Col.
Dartnell possessed an exceptional knowledge of the Colony and of native
character. I am greatly obliged to him for the advice and assistance which
he has always been ready to afford me, of which I have availed myself
48 The Colonials in South Africa

freely, and which I have found of the highest vakie. Capt. F. S. Tatham,
Mounted Rifles ; Lieut.-Col. E. M. Greene, Carbineers Majors R. W. ;

Evans, Natal M.R. F. J. ; Rethman, Border M.R. H. T. Bru-de-Wold,

;

C.S.O. J. Hyslop, P.M.O.

; ; Capt. H. T. Piatt, Medical Staff. Guides T.
Allison, L. Ashby, H. Thornhill. Condrs. Macfarlane, Bell, Inglethorpe.
Storeholder J. Keefe. Foreman Blake. J. Tay-
Vols, with Bearer Coy. —
lor, R. H. Coventon, W. Smythe.
Jackson, F. Ellis, P.

Sir C. Warren's Despatch \st February 1900. : Colonial Scouts —

Lieut. O. Schwikkard, "A" Squadron, was employed upon a variety of
duties his remarkable knowledge of the ways of the country, and extra-
;

ordinary power of resource, contributed in a great measure to expedite the

progress of the force on many occasions.
Sir R. Buller's Despatches ZOth March 1900. Carbineers. Tpr.
: — —
F. C. Farmer 1 rescued Lieut. Mackay, who was wounded, under very heavy
fire at Colenso. Major M'Kenzie, a Colonist of great experience and marked
ability as a leader of irregular horse, has rendered excellent service through-
out. —
Naval Vol. Ambulance Corps Ptes. J. Domingo, F. Clark, G. H.
—
Howard, G. Smith. Mounted Police Inspectors Fairlie and Abraham.
\%th June 1900— Mr (Hon. Major) 0. Schwikkard,^ Ass.-Dir. of Transport,
as guide, interpreter, and transport official, was indefatigable, and his services
were most useful. The General also expressed his indebtedness to the Hon.
T. K. Murray for forming a corps of guides, Mr D. Hunter, Manager of
Railways, and Mr W. G. Hamilton, Postmaster-General.
—
General Buller's Final Despatch. Col. T. M'Cubbin, as station com-
mandant at various places. Major Bousfield, Natal Vols., has devoted his
local knowledge, his professional skill, and his singular personal influence to
making the administration of martial law easy I owe him a deep debt of ;

gratitude. Capt. Cecil Yonge, Natal Vols., attached to Army Service Corps,
and did excellent work. was again mentioned as being un-
Col. Dartnell
wearying in his efforts, while Sir W. Hely Hutchison, G.C.M.G., Governor,
Sir A. Hime, Prime Minister, Mr Hunter, C.M.G., manager of the Natal
Railways, Mr Shaw, Chief Engineer, Mr Harrison, of the Public Works
department, and the Colonial Niirses, were all most highly praised for
assistance given. The General also said " Early in the war a corps of :

guides was formed in Natal from colonists with local knowledge of the
districts in which our forces were operating. These gentlemen rendered the
greatest possible assistance. Foremost in every fight, always ready to
undertake difficult or dangerous duties, they helped me equally in field
operations, with supply, with transport, and in dealing with the Dutch
inhabitants. To the Hon. T. K. Murray, C.M.G., at first, and latterly to Mr
F. Struben, who were in charge, my principal thanks are due but I am ;

equally indebted to many others, among whom I must mention Mr F.

Knight, the brothers Loxton, the brothers Alison, the brothers Whipp, the
brothers Robinson, Mr Foster, Mr Macfarlane, Mr Godson, and Mr Otto

1 Awarded D.C.M. « Awarded C.M.G.

 Natal Vohmteers, Police, and Gtddes 49

Schwikkard, whose wonderful energy and great knowledge of transport

details were invaluable.
The last sentence of General BuUer's final despatch is as follows " Col- :

onists, I cannot close this report without alluding to the great assistance I
have received throughout the war from the colonists of Natal. Col. (local
Brig.-Gen.) J. G. Dartnell, C.M.G., will no doubt report through the proper
channel upon the Natal Vols. I can only say that their services were in-
valuable to the Empire, that they took part in every engagement in Natal,
—
and willingly remained in the field though at great inconvenience to them-
selves —
until they knew that their services could be spared."
—
Lord Roberts' Despatches Ind April 1901. Col. Dartnell, as G.O.C.
:

Natal Colonists, has maintained the best traditions of the regular forces.
His name stands very high in the estimation of the colonists, and he
possesses the greatest influence over the natives. His advice was of mvich
assistance in the earliest actions of the war, afterwards during the siege of
Ladysmith, and finally in the general advance through the Biggarsberg to
Laing's Nek, when Natal was cleared of the enemies of the Queen. Col.
Dartnell was awarded the "K.C.B." Natal Carabineers— Major D. M'Ken-
zie.i —
Natal Vol. Med. Corps Ptes. E. Clark, J. Domingo, G. H. Howard,
G. G. Smith. Natal Vols.— Col. W. Royston (dead); Majors Bousfield,i
H. T. Bru-de-Wold,J J. Hyslop,^ P.M.O. Struben's Scouts— Lieut. R. H.
Struben. —
Umvoti Mounted Rifles Lieut. -Col. G. Leuchars.
Uh
September 1901.— Durban Light Infantry— Lieut. -Col. T. M'Cubbin.^
Murray's Guides— The Hon. T. K. Murray, C.M.G. Natal Guides—A. F.
Henderson,! W. Knight,i T. J. M. Macfarlane,i W. M. Struben,^ A, AUison,^
M. Allison,3 G. G. Godson,^ S. Loxton,^ T. Loxton,^ E. P. Robinson,^
A. Russell,^ C. S. Whipp,^ R. T. Whipp.3 Natal M.R.— Tpr. Redpath.s
—
Lord Kitchener's Despatches '^th August 1901. Natal Vol. Composite
:

—
Regiment Capt. A. W. Smallie and Lieut. Rundle, for marked good work
near Nondweni, Zululand, July 28. Tpr. Banwell for voluntarily taking
messages under fire, same occasion.
8th October 1901.— Zululand Police— Sgt. Gumbi, for gallantry and good
service in defence of Fort Prosjoect, September 26.
8th December 1901. —
Natal Police— Sgt. Lane, for excellent work in de-
fence of a convoy from Melmoth to Nkandhla, May 29. Sgt. A. J. Smith
of the Police, and Tpr. A. W. Evans of the M.R., got the D.C.M.
8th April 1902.—Natal Vols.— Capt. P. A. Silburn.2
1st Jzme 1902. — —
Naval Vol. Composite Regiment Sgt. Haine capture of ;

Gen. Emmett, March 15, chiefly due to him.

— —
23rd June 1902. Natal Police Field Force Sub-Insp. J. Hamilton ;

Sgts. Newson, Goode. Natal Vols.— Capt. E. K. Whitehead."^ Composite

Regiment— Lieut. -Cols. R. W. Evans (killed in^action), B. Crompton^; Capt.
F. 0. Stiebel Lieut. J. W. V. Montgomery
; ; Hospital Sgt.-Major A. C.
Wearner,^ Sgt. A. H. Bramwell.

1 Awarded C.M.G. 2 Awarded D.S.O. ^ Awarded D.C.M.

D
50 The Colonials in South Africa

SOUTH AFRICAN LIGHT HORSE.

The S.A.L.H. was raised in Cape Colony in November
1899/ and the command was given to Major (local
Lieut. -Colonel) the Hon. J. H. G. Byng (lOth Hussars).
No corps was more fortunate in its leader. Eight
complete squadrons were raised by an early date in
December. A portion was employed for a short time
on the De Aar line, but three squadrons of the regi-
ment were, on formation, taken round to Natal and,
with other mounted troops, were employed under Lord
Dundonald on the right flank at Colenso on 15th
December 1899.^ Three further squadrons were got
ready at Cape Town and sent to Natal, but the other
men who had been enrolled were retained in Cape
Colony and went to form the nucleus of Roberts' Horse
and Kitchener's Horse.
In the orders issued by General Buller on 14th
December it was stated, paragraph 7, "The Officer

Commanding mounted brigade will move at 4 a.m.

with a force of 1000 men and one battery of No. 1
Brigade Division in the direction of Hlangwane Hill ;

he will cover the right flank of the general movement,

and will endeavour to take up a position on Hlangwane
Hill, whence he will enfilade the kopje north of the
iron bridge.The Officer Commanding mounted troops
two forces of 300 men and 500 men
will also detail
to cover the right and left flanks respectively and
protect the baggage." Lord Dundonald and the
1 Colonel Adye's evidence before the War Commission.
2 General BuUer's despatch of 17th December 1899 and list of troops
annexed.
 South African Light Horse 51

mounted irregulars did attack Hlangwane and made

good progress towards its capture. If the General
had been able to send adequate infantry support the
capture would have been almost certainly assured and
the bloodshed of Spion Kop saved, but the entangle-
ment of the guns rendered such support impossible.^
In his despatch, General Buller said "I cannot speak
:

too highly of the manner in which the mounted Volun-

teers behaved." The S.A.L.H. lost 4 men killed, 2
officers—Lieutenants B. Barhurst and J. W. Cock
and 19 men wounded, while 2 officers and 11 men
were returned as missing.
When the move to turn the Boer right on the
Tugela was commenced, four squadrons of the regiment
accompanied Lord Dundonald, marching on the 11th
January via Springfield and Potgieter's, but a portion
remained at Chieveley with General Barton to watch
the Boer position at Colenso. In order to keep the
enemy engaged there, frequent reconnaissances and
demonstrations were made in which the detachment
several times had sharp casualties,^ Captain de Rouge-
mont being killed on 23rd January. On the 11th
Lord Dundonald seized the bridge at Springfield over
the Little Tugela, and pushing on had, before dusk,
secured heights on the right bank of the main river
which commanded Potgieter's Drift. Some volunteers
from the S.A.L.H. on the 11th swam the Tugela, got
into the ferry-boat, and brought it to the right bank.^
Mr Bennet Burleigh mentions that the party of volun-
teers were Lieutenant Carlisle, Sergeant Turner, Cor-
1 Evidence of General Buller and Major-General Barton before War
Commission.
2 Reports by General Barton in White Book " Spion Kop desj)atches."

3 See'
London to Ladysmitb,' by W. S. Churchill, and The Natal Cam-
'

paign,' by Bennet Burleigh, and Times History,' vol. iii.

'
52 The Colonials in South Africa

porals Cox and Barkley, and Troopers Howell, Godden,

and Collingwood. For five days the mounted troops
did reconnoitring and outpost work. On the 16th
they were ordered to march that night to Trichard's
Drift. On the 17th they and Warren's troops crossed
the river, and on the 18 th Lord Dundonald was sent
off to the left flank. The Composite Regiment, 1
squadron Imperial Light Horse, 1 company of Mounted
Infantry, regulars, and 1 squadron Natal Carbineers,
managed to cut off about 40 Boers near Acton Homes,
and before dusk these surrendered after the S.A.L.H.
had come up in support. On the 20th Lord Dundonald
ordered Colonel Byng to seize Bastion Hill. Two
squadrons of the regiment were dismounted and
ascended the steep ascent, the two others supporting.
The Boers fled from the crest, and it was taken with
little loss, but the hill, like Spion Kop, was exposed
to the enemy's fire, and Major Childe was killed by
a shell fragment after the crest had been occupied,
and 4 men were wounded. Corporal Tobin was first
man up he stood on the top and waved his hat to
;

let the troops see the hill-top was free of Boers. Next
day he was killed. At nightfall 2 companies of the
Queen's relieved the regiment. During the following
days, until the evacuation of Spion Kop, the regiment
held posts on the British line. BetM^een the 19th and
27th the regiment had about 60 casualties.
The Times historians have expressed the opinion
'
'

that if the successes of Lord Dundonald's Irregfulars

on the 18th, 19th, and 20th had been followed up
with energy by the Divisional Commanders, the turning
movement via Trichard's Drift would have relieved
Ladysmith.
During the Vaal Krantz combat, 5th to 8th
 South African Light Horse 53

February, the mounted troops were mainly on the

flanks but in the earlier part of the fighting which
;

took place between 13th and 27th February, the

mounted irregulars, including the S.A.L.H,, which had
been strengthened by further squadrons from Cape
Colony, the whole brigade being under Lord Dun-
donald, took a most important share of the work.
The regular cavalry had now been put into a separate
brigade under Colonel Burn-Murdoch, and were left
in the Springfield neighbourhood to secure General
Buller's left rear. Between 9th and 11th February
the army marched back to Chieveley, Lord Dun-
donald covering the left flank. On the 12th, with the
South African Light Horse, the Composite Eegiment,
Thorneycroft's Mounted Infantry, and the Boyal Welsh
Fusiliers, he thoroughly reconnoitred and examined
Hussar Hill with the view to its being used as a
stepping-stone in an attack on the Boer left. The
force was ordered to retire in the afternoon, and had
a few casualties in the retirement. Lieutenant John
Churchill and 7 men of the S.A.L.H. were wounded.
On the 14th General Buller decided to occupy Hussar
Hill, and the regiment, being the advanced screen,
successfully seized the Hill with but slight loss. On
the 15th and 16th the fighting was chiefly confined
to the artillery. On the I7th the attack on Mount
Cingolo was developed. Dundonald's Brigade struck
away through very broken and wooded
to the east,
country, ascending an almost precipitous face
and
seized the summit, the 2nd Infantry Brigade assisting
on their inner flank. The work of the S.A.L.H. was
specially commended by some of the correspondents
present. The casualties were not serious considering
the formidable nature of the task. On the 18 th the
 54 The Colonials in South Africa

2nd Infantry Brigade attacked the summit of Monte

Cristo, making a fine advance along the Nek between
that mountain and Cingolo. Dundonald's men were
again out on the right, and worried the enemy by a
flanking fire at long ranges, " The steep crags of

Monte Cristo were brilliantly carried after consider-

able resistance by the West Yorkshire and Queen's
Eegiments." ^ On the same day the Fusilier Brigade
carried another hill. On the 19th heavy guns were
got into position on Monte Cristo, and on the 20th
it was found that the enemy had left all their posi-

tions on the south side of the Tugela. Thorneycroft's

Mounted Infantry swam the river, but were driven
back. From the 21st to the 27th, when the very
strongly fortified positions on Pieter's Hill, Railway
Hill, and Terrace Hill were carried, the fighting
was mainly done by the infantry and guns. On the
28th Lord Dundonald's Brigade had the honour of
being chosen for the direct advance on Ladysmith,
and in the evening he galloped into the town with
a squadron of the Imperial Light Horse, and one of
the Natal Carbineers, and some representatives of
his other irregulars.^
After the relief, the Natal Field Force had a com-
paratively easy time until General Buller started on
his next great movement with the object of clearing
Natal, —a movement admirably conceived, and carried
out in a way deserving of the highest praise. On
the 2nd of May General Buller received Lord Roberts'
instructions to occupy the enemy's attention on the Big-
garsberg. On the 7th he set out first towards Elands-

1 Despatch of 14th March 1900.

2 The doingsof Dundonald's Brigade between 12th and 28th February
1900 are admirably described in Mr Churchill's London to Ladysmith.'
'
 South African Light Horse 55

laagte to deceive the enemy as to his real direction.

General Buller then swept away to the south-east.
Lord Dundonald's Brigade, now called the 3rd Mounted
Brigade, was chosen to accompany the turning force.
On the 13th General Buller arrived at the Helpmakaar
road at a point near Uithoek on the left flank of the
enemy's position. Here he joined hands with Colonel
Bethune, who had been occupying Greytown. The
mounted men seized the hill commanding the Pass,
and the enemy retired. From this point to New-
castle it was an almost ceaseless pursuit in which the
mounted irregulars did splendid work, for which
General Buller warmly praised them. The Boers lit
grass fires, but Dundonald's men dashed through the
smoke, and at times over the burning vegetation, and
unweariedly drove the enemy before them. On the
15th the whole force was at Dundee, on the 18th
at Newcastle, and the enemy had been driven from
his carefully entrenched position on the Biggarsberg
at a cost of 7 wounded.
After the occupation of Newcastle General Buller
sent a portion of his troops to the Utrecht district,
where there was some skirmishing towards the end of
May, in which the S.A.L.H. had Lieutenant T. H.
Thompson and several men wounded.
The railway having been repaired and supplies got
up. General Buller prepared to turn Laing's Nek, and
on the 6th June the S.A.L.H. and other troops seized
and occupied Van Wyk Mountain. The regiment lost
6 killed and 4 wounded. General Buller said " the
occupation was well carried out," although a resolute
attack was made on the force under cover of a grass
fire. On the 7th an advance was made on Yellowboom.
On the 8th the regiment occupied another hill, Spitz
56 The Colonials in South Af^'ica

Kop, near Botha's Pass. On the same day the Pass

was carried. "The S.A.L.H. got up the Berg to the
left of Botha's Pass and pursued for some miles, though
they were not able to come up with, a party of the
enemy who retired to the westward."^ On the 10th
the advance continued. The regiment was in front and
" cleared the enemy off a mountain without difficulty."
They found the enemy moving in strength from east to
north, and the regiment pushed forward two miles to
some kopjes. Three squadrons were closely engaged
with the enemy until dusk. Our casualties were 6 killed
and 7 wounded, all of the S.A.L.H. Twenty-two of
the enemy were found killed. On the 11th the enemy
made a stand in a very strong position at Alleman's
Nek, but after severe fighting was driven out by the
2nd and 10th Infantry Brigades, Lord Dundonald's
men ably assisting against the enemy's left flank.
In his despatch General Buller said "the S.A.L.H.
acted as an independent unit, and performed its duties
exceedingly well throughout. Lieut. - Colonel Byng
proved himself as usual a valuable commander."
During the remainder of June and the month of
July the Natal Army was employed in occupying and
fortifying posts on the Pretoria-Natal railway and the
south-east portion of the Transvaal. In his telegram
of 13th July, Lord Roberts mentions that on the night
of the 11th the S.A.L.H. by good scouting had pre-
vented the Boers from destroying the railway near
Vlaklaagte, and that Lord Dundonald had captured a
Boer camp. On 7th August General Buller commenced
his advance from the railway to meet Lord Roberts'
army near Belfast. On several occasions there was
sharp fighting, in which the S.A.L.H. had a most
' Despatch of 19th June.
 South African Light Horse 57

prominent share. On the 23rd August Captain Savory-

was killed. On the 27th General Buller attacked the
immensely strong position held by the Boers stretch-
ing across the Delagoa Railway. Bergendal was the
point selected for the chief attack, and the 2nd Rifle
Brigade deservedly earned the highest praise for their
advance and final assault under a very heavy fire.
The enemy was thoroughly defeated. On the 29th
the S.A.L.H. drove the enemy out of Water val Boven ^
and captured five waggons. Buller's force now moved
north of the railway and after some fighting occupied
Lydenburg. Frequently the S.A.L.H. did particularly
good service, as near Lydenburg on the 8th and 9th
September, and they were often mentioned in the
telegrams, as in Lord Roberts' telegram of 3rd October,
when he said "On the 28th Colonel Byng, by a well-
:

managed night-march up the Groodenonein Berg, seized

the top of Pilgrim's Hill with the S.A.L.H., forcing the
enemy to retire hurriedly." The corps had 3 killed and
6 wounded.
In his final despatch of 9th November 1900, General
Buller said in his "Mentions": " Lieut. -ColonelJ. H. G.
Byng, 10th Hussars, has commanded the S.A.L.H.
from its formation in November last. A cavalry ofiicer
of the highest qualifications, he has shown singular
ability in the command of irregulars. His regiment has
done splendid service, and I attribute this in a great
measure to Colonel Byng's personal influence. I
strongly recommend him for reward and advancement."
Many other officers were mentioned. In October the
S.A.L.H. were taken to Pretoria, and on the 15th were
there inspected and complimented by Lord Roberts.
In the second phase of the war the regiment was
1 Lord Roberts' telegram of 29th August.
58 The Colonials in South Africa

mainly employed in the Orange River Colony. In his

despatch of 8th March 1901, Lord Kitchener said
that in the beginning of December 1900 Thorneycroft's
Mounted Infantry and the S.A.L.H. were railed from
Standerton and Volksrust respectively to Bloemfontein,
and were sent to occupy a line of posts between
Thabanchu and Ladybrand, east of the capital. De
Wet was then trying to get into Cape Colony, but
was headed by Charles Knox and driven north again.
The bulk of the Boers broke through the line above-
mentioned and got away to the Senekal district, but in
his telegram of 15th December Lord Kitchener was
able to say that the S.A.L.H. and Thorneycroft's
Mounted Infantry captured one 15 -pounder taken at
Dewetsdorp, one pom-pom, several waggons of ammuni-
tion, 22 prisoners, and some horses and mules. Soon
after this the S.A.L.H. and Thorneycroft's Mounted
Infantry were, with other troops, railed to Cape Colony
to operate against Kritzinger and other leaders. Both
regiments took part in many a memorable pursuit. In
January 1901 the S.A.L.H. was constantly in touch
with the enemy, and on the 16th, in the Murraysburg
district of Cape Colony, a detachment acting as advance
guard became engaged with a strong force of the enemy.
Captain Fitzherbert and 5 men were killed, and Lieut-
enants H. C. Fleming and Venables and 13 men were
wounded. In February De Wet himself with a con-
siderable force got into Cape Colony, but being hotly
and constantly pressed by numerous columns, including
Thorneycroft's Mounted Infantry and the S.A.L.H., he
was driven out again on the 28th February minus 200
prisoners, all his guns, waggons, and ammunition.
The S.A.L.H. remained in Cape Colony during March
and April and did much hard work. Lieutenant E. H.
 South African Light Horse 59

Barker was killed at Kaliesfontein on 6th March.

Both regiments were brought back to the Orange
Eiver Colony, and in May four squadrons of the Light
Horse, under Major Gogarty, captured 31 armed
burghers with their horses at LuckhofF. On the 21st
Lieutenant J. Alexander and 2 men were killed. In his
despatch of 8th October Lord Kitchener said that the
column of Colonel Byng was brought from the south
to the north of the Orange River Colony, and in the
Vredefort Koad, Beitzburg district, his column and
that of Colonel Dawkins captured 81 prisoners in the
last fortnight of September 1901. After three days'
rest Colonel Byng and his men left Kroonstad on 6th
October, and in the next three weeks took other 50
prisoners on the west of the railway. He then moved
to the Heilbron district to take part in the great
combined movements and drives in the north-east of
the Orange River Colony, and until the close of the
war the S.A.L.H. and their leader were constantly
at the very hardest of work, often trekking for thirty-
six hours with scarcely a break.
On 14th November 1901 Byng and Wilson were
nearing Heilbron when they were suddenly attacked.
The despatch of 8th December says " The attack,
:

delivered in a resolute manner, was, after two hours'

hard fighting, successfully repulsed on all sides by
Lieut. -Colonel Byng's rear-guard, which was well and
skilfully handled by Lieut. -Colonel Wilson of Kitch-
ener's Fighting Scouts [see that corps]. The enemy
retired, leaving 8 dead on the field."
In the despatch of 8th February 1902 Lord Kitchener
gives details of certain driving operations, and says :

*'
On the night of 2nd February Colonel Byng, who had
remained on Liebenberg's Vlei, to the west of Reitz,
6o The Colonials in South Africa

learned that a Boer force was rapidly marching north

and at no great distance from him. He promptly
started in pursuit, and fifteen miles to the east came
upon a convoy which was guarded, but not strongly, by
a portion of De Wet's commando. The New Zealanders
and Queensland Imperial Bushmen at once charged the
enemy's rear-guard with the greatest dash and gal-
lantry, whilst the South African Light Horse, rushing
the centre with equal bravery, got well home and com-
pleted a very gratifying success. The enemy fled in a
westerly direction, leaving in our hands one 15-pr. gun,
two pom-poms, three waggon-loads of ammunition, 26
prisoners," &c.
Down to the close of the campaign the regiment
continued to show the splendid spirit which it had
exhibited at Colenso and other hard-fought actions
in Natal and when peace came, the S.A.L.H left
;

the with a reputation second to that of no corps,

field
regular or irregular, in South Africa.
The Mentions gained by the corps were as follows :

Sir C. Warren's Despatch \st February 1900.

: —
S.A.L.H.— On 20th
January a detachment under Major Childe (since killed) did gallant service
in capture of Sugar- Loaf Hill. Cpl. Tobin was first man up and was subse-
quently killed by a shell.
Sir R. Buller's Despatches 30^7; March 1900.
: —
Recommends Cpl.
Tobin for D.C.M. Major (local Lieut.-Col.) Hon. J. Byng, 10th Hussars,
has commanded S.A.L.H. with marked ability and success and done very
good service with them. Capt. H. K. Stewart Lieuts. E. Marshall, W. F.
;

Barker, C. Walker-Leigh, R. S. Thorold, G. Marsden, W. P. Pearse, T. H.

Carlisle Sgt.-Major Mudford (got D.C.M.), East Kent Yeomanry (attached)
;
;

Sgt. R. Turner Cpls. W. Cox, G. Barkley

; Tprs. J. Collingwood, C. Godden
;

(since dead), R. Howell.

19^A Jtine 1900. — Lieut.-Col. Byng. The regiment acted as an independ-
ent unit and performed its duties exceedingly well throughout. Lieut.-Col.
Byng proved himself as usual a valuable commander. Capt. R. Brooke, 7th
Hussars, specially recommended for manner in which he commanded left of
line on June 6,

IZth September 1900. — Major (local Lieut.-Col.) Hon. J. Byng, 10th

 Sotith African Light Horse 6i

Hussars, in the terms already mentioned in the text. Capt. W. H. L. Allgood,

King's Eoyal Eifles, an admirable squadron commander. Capt. A. Solly
Flood, South Lancashire Regiment, has rendered excellent service, and been
of great value as adjutant. Capt. (local Major) R. G. Brooke, 7th Hussars,
has proved himself an excellent second in command. Of the Colonial officers,
Capts. S. Tucker, S. Chapin, Grant-Thorold, and Lieut. G. Marsden have
done invaluable service throughout the campaign. Non-commissioned
officers and men who have rendered continuous good and valuable service :

Lce.-Sgt. J. Bm-rows, A.S.C. Trumpet-Major Cpl. F. Filling, 5th Dragoon ;

Guards (acting Sgt.-Major, Colt Gun detachment) Lce.-Cpl. P. Melia, Royal ;

Dublin Fusiliers ; Sgt.-Major C. T. Mudford, East Kent Yeomanry

Sq,
(attached) ; Sq. Sgt. -Majors J. Hopper, G. Mitchell Sgts. F. Battershill, A. ;

Sanson, J. Liddell ; Ptes. D. Cochrane, T. Dow.

list is added of those A
officers and men who, during the twelve months' work, have performed
special acts of bravery, or have been selected for, and successfully carried
out, arduous reconnaissances or dangerous duties : Lieuts. R. Turner, W. F.
Barker, P. H. Goodair, J. S. Churchill, W. L. Edmunds, J. M. O'Brien,
R. Johnstone, T. S. Wickham, C. M. Dansey, E. (Colt Gun De- M. Garrard
tachment) Sgts. J. M'Sorley, H. H. Clarke, D. Bennet, C. Green, J. C.
;

White, E. Prowse, C. O. Taylor, C. Baker, W. H. Wesley, H. Tobin, R. C.

Alexander, W. J. Cox, T. Marriott, R. Holroyd, J. W. Weekes, J. Dudgeon ;

Cpls. F. P. Erdmer, W. M'Arthiu-, C. H. Wallis, H. Moore, R. Gifford, C. H.

Cotterill, J. M'Ewen, J. R. Arrowsmith, W. Hudson Lee. -Cpls. F. Miu-ray, ;

J. Kelleher, H. Crane, D. Stewart, J. Howard, T. Braund, E. Constable,

C. FUck, J. Banks, G. Earle, W. Desfountain, H. Campbell, F. Stringer,
W. Bruyn, V. O'Connor, W. H. Slidolph Ptes. F. Crowle, R. Dobson, ;

P. Siegfield, J. Turner, A. Galloway, W. Haylett, W. Heeley, D. M'Coll,

C. Van Schade, G. Warren, B. Binks, H. Bickley, D. Blurton, G. Dumsden,
W. Gibbon, A. Grant, F. Holmes, T. Kidd, J. Morrison, G. Murgatroyd,
P. Murgatroyd, W. Collins, G. Lively, J. Pinch, J. Purkiss, J. M. Brown,
E. Brophy, W. Meadows, A. Pirie, W. Thomas, H. T. Smith, S. M. Barnes,
H. H. Carroll, 0. F. Fielding, J. Gibson, T. V. Hansen, E. H. Campbell,
R. M. Smith, R. St John, F, Vallecarde, R. Cook (Bethune's Mounted
Infantry, attached with Colt Gun Detachment).
Lord Roberts' Despatches Ind April 1901. Major Childe Capts. S,
: — ;

Chapin,! g. n. Tucker i Lieuts. W. F. Barker,i G. Marsden,i R. Tumer,i

;

T. S. Wickham 1; Sq. Sgt.-Major Hopper 2; Sgts. F. L. Battershill,2

J. Dudgeon,* H. Tobin 2 (killed) ; Cpls. F. H. Vallecarde
Detach- 2 (Colt Gun
ment), F. P. Erdmer 2; Lce.-Cpls. A. J. Miller,2 F. J. Murray 2 Ptes. D. ;

Cochrane,2 T, Dow.2
Ath September 1901.— Capt. Allgood (K.R.R.), Capt. H. R. Stewart (late
Gordon Highlanders), Cpl. Melia (Dublin Fusiliers).
Lord Kitchener's Despatches 8th Jxdy 1901. Capt. T. S. Wickham,: —
D.S.O., good leading in night surj^rise, Metz Farm, Orange River Colony,

1 Awarded D.S.O. 2 Awarded D.C.M.

62 The Colonials in South Africa

May 14. Sgt. C. M'Millan, great gallantry, same occasion, reformingand

leading men into buildings after officer fell. Cpl. F. H. Secombe (wounded,
promoted Sgt.), first man in. Sgt. A. J. Miller,^ Bastard's Drift, Orange
River Colony, April 15, in command
of patrol, coolness in presence of
superior forces and skill in extricating men, reported as " constantly brought

to my notice for gallantry in action." Mentioned in Army Orders : Tpr. T.

Dow, Cpl. W. Kendall, at Winter's Kraal, Cape Colony, April 22, under heavy
J.

fire at 600 yards, went back to assist a wounded man and brought him out.

^th March 1902.— Capt. and Adjutant W. F. Barker, D.S.O., and Lieut. J.
Steele,^ good service in Col. Byng's capture of laager at Fanny's Home, 2nd
February. Tpr. F. Stringer,^ single-handed capture of a Boer under circum-
stances of gallantry, 5th February.
'iZrd June 1902. —Capt. J. M'Sorley ; Lieuts. C. Green, C. M. F. Lilly ;

Sq. Sgt.-Majors Holroyd,i G. Carpenter, E. H. Tompkins Qrmr.-Sgt.

;

H. G. Gilding ; Sgt. M. Farrell ; Cpl. W. Dye ; Ptes. H. H. Bowers, A. Van

Schalwyk.

BETHUNE'S MOUNTED INFANTRY.

This corps was raised at Durban in October 1899 by-

Major E. C. Bethune, 16th Lancers, an officer who
was to do well throughout the whole war, like several
others who undertook the raising and command of
irregular corps before the value of these was fully
appreciated at home. The regiment was present at
General Hildyard's action at Willow Grange on the
night of 22nd November 1899, and did good service
(see the General's report, dated 24th November). At
Colenso, 15th December 1899, the regiment, 500
strong, was present (see General Buller's despatch of
17th December and list of troops appended), but was
detailed as portion of the baggage-guard.
When General Buller commenced the movement by
which he attempted to turn the right of the Boer
1 Awarded D.C.M. ? Awarded D.S.O.
 Bethunes Mounted Infa7itry 63

positions between himself and Ladjsmith (see South

African Light Horse), Bethune's M.I. was split up, a
squadron being left under General Barton at Frere
and Chieveley, in which district they were constantly
employed on reconnaissance duties, and had some
sharp casualties. The remainder of the corps accom-
panied their commander to Potgieter's Drift, where
they were attached to General Lytteltons Brigade,
and had skirmishing on various occasions. On the
24th January, when the awful combat was going on
upon the summit of Spion Kop, General Lyttelton
sent the 2nd Scottish Bifles, the 3rd King's Boyal
Bifles, and Colonel Bethune, with two of his squad-
rons, to assist. The 3rd King's Boyal Bifles seized
the Twin Peaks, north-east of the Spion the Scottish ;

Bifles ascended the latter mountain and were put into

the firing-line on the summit, where they did very fine
work, but although Colonel Bethune offered to lead his
men on to the plateau,^ they were kept in reserve by
General Talbot Coke, probably because the role of lining
the trenches was rather that of the infantry present.
During the Vaal Krantz operations the corps con-
tinued to do patrol work, chiefly on General Buller's
right and rear. On 11th February Colonel Bethune
was ordered to take his men to Greytown,^ in order
to watch the Boers near the Zululand border, and
also with the view of ultimately co - operating from
Greytown in any movement towards Dundee. The
regiment thus missed the fierce fighting which took
place near Colenso between 13th and 27th February^
In his despatch of 30th March, General BuUer, in

1 Lieut. Blake Knox's '

Bioller's Campaign,' p. 82 ; also the Spion Kop
Despatches.
Lieut. Blake Knox's 'Buller's Campaign,' p. 133.
64 The Colonials in South Africa

mentioning Colonel Bethune, said " He proved him-

:

self to be an excellent commander of irregular horse.

He has acted with great skill and judgment when in
command of a detached force."
It will be remembered that the Natal Army lay
chiefly to the north of Ladysmith during March and
April. On 7th May General Buller commenced his
movement to turn the Boer position on the Biggars-
berg (see South African Light Horse). In his de-
spatch of 24th May 1900, para. 10, General Buller
said :
" While we were at Ladysmith a force under

Colonel Bethune had been holding Greytown and the

line of the Tugela, that force being five squadrons
Bethune's M.L, one squadron Urnvoti Mounted Rifles,
two 12-pounders, B.G.A., two 7-pounders, Natal Field
Artillery, two Hotchkiss, Natal Field Artillery, six
companies Imperial Light Infantry. This force I had
directed to advance concurrently with our advance on
Vermaak's Kraal, and we established connection with
it at eleven o'clock (on the 13th). Colonel Bethune's
arrangements had been very good. He had seized
during the night, with his left, the hills which com-
manded the southern sides of the pass up which we
had to approach. At 11.20 we advanced up the pass."
The enemy made a poor defence and fled, pursued by
the Colonial mounted troops. Natal was, almost
without loss, cleared of the enemy, and Laing's Nek
was turned by the battle of Alleman's Nek on 11th
June (see South African Light Horse).
Lieutenant J. M. Dalrymple was severely wounded
in a skirmish on 10th May near Helpmakaar.
Before Laing's Nek was turned Bethune's M.L were
to sufier a grievous mishap. In his telegram of 21st
Mav 1900 General Buller said that he had detached
 Bethunes Mounted Infantry 65

Colonel Bethune with about 500 men from Dundee

on the 19th, to march to N'qutu, and to rejoin at
Newcastle. On the 20th one squadron was ambushed
about six miles south of Yryheid, very few escaping.
Captain Goff, 3rd Dragoon Guards, Lieutenants Lanham
and M'Lachlan, and about 26 non-commissioned officers
and men, w^ere killed. Captain Lord de la Warr, Lieu-
tenant De Lasalle, Sergeant-Major Hadler, and about
30 non-commissioned officers and men, were wounded.
Bethune's M.L was, during the remainder of 1900,
mainly employed on patrol work in the south of the
Transvaal and in the Utrecht district, with the view
of protecting our posts and the railway line, and
frequently they had some skirmishing and much very
dangerous work. When Vryheid was occupied by
General Hildyard on 19th September the strong posi-
tion of the enemy was turned by the skilful work of
Cough's and Bethune's M.I.^
Li his final despatch of 9th November 1900, General
BuUer complimented the troops left to protect his rear :

"In the area commanded by General Hildyard the

mounted work of guarding the communications was
performed by Bethune's M.L and the composite regi-
ment of M.L;" and he made numerous mentions. Of
Colonel Bethune he said " Raised this regiment and
:

commanded it most efficiently throughout the cam-

paign. I strongly recommend him to your favourable
consideration."
About the end of November 1900 Colonel Bethune
left the regiment, having been given a command in
the Clanwilliam district of Cape Colony, from which, in
a few weeks, he was promoted to the command of
a cavalry brigade —
a compliment to the high order of
1 Lord Roberts' despatch of 21st September 1900.
E
66 The Colonials in South Africa

the work done in the first stage of the war by himself

and his corps.
The corps was, in December 1900, taken to the
Lindley district of the Orange River Colony,^ and
Lieutenant-Colonel S. C. H. Monro was appointed to
succeed Colonel Bethune. Captain L. M. Boddam and
5 men were wounded on 31st December near Lindley.
The regiment was frequently engaged in that district,
and in other parts of the Orange Biver Colony.
Captain G. 0. Webster was killed in a railway acci-
dent at Bethulie on 1st February, and on the 6th
1 man was killed and several wounded. In Lord
Kitchener's despatch of 8 th May 1901, para. 5, it is
mentioned that on 9th April at Dewetsdorp, in the
south-east of the Orange Biver Colony, Lieutenant-
Colonel Monro, with a detachment of 150 mounted
men and a pom-pom, after two hours' fighting cleverly
effected thecapture of a Boer convoy and 83 pris-
oners, includingCommandant Bresler and Lieutenant
Lindique of the Staats Artillery. Colonel Monro's
casualties were 1 man and 4 wounded. Private
killed
G. E. Duffey was killed Sergeant-Major Goulding and
;

Private Bosevean died of wounds.

Colonel Monro's column, consisting of Bethune's
M.L, about 275 strong, and the 56th, 57th, 58th, and
59th Companies Imperial Yeomanry, with 2 guns of
the 39th Battery Boyal Field Artillery, was, on 19th
May 1901, taken to Cape Colony (see despatch of 8th
July), where, down to the close of the war, they were
everlastingly pursuing commandos under Kritzinger,
Myburg, and other leaders. On 12th September the
force was heavily engaged with Commandant Smuts at
Stavelberg, in the eastern part of Cape Colony, and
1 Despatch of 8th March 1901.
 BetJmne's Mo^mted Infantry 67

lost 7 killed and 6 wounded, the latter including Lieu-

tenant Pollard. On 27th March 1902 Captain Collopy
and 4 men were wounded at Mointje's Nek, and a few
days later there were further casualties at Maraisburg,
Cape Colony.
Like the other troops in Cape Colony, Bethune's M.I.
had few opportunities of gaining distinction in the
latter phases of the war, but the work of Colonel
Monro's column was very often referred to in terms
of approval by Lord Kitchener.
The Mentions gained by the corps are as follows :

Sir R. Buller's Despatches 30^;^ March 1900. Major (local Lieut.-

: —
Col.) E. C.Bethune, 16th Lancers Capts. W. E. D. GofF (3rd Dragoon ;

Guards), W. C. C. Erskine Lieuts. C. J. Collopy, L. Lanham

; Cpls. F. ;

Howroyd, H. Schott Ptes. P. KilcuUen, A. E. Partridge, E. G. Brown, H.

;

Edwards, A. M'Neilage.
Wi Nommher 1900. — Lieut.-Col. Bethune (raised and commanded regi-
ment most efficiently) ; Capts. C. J. Collopy, A. E. Capell, Lieuts. Norman
Packer and M. Prior have distinguished themselves on more than one occa-
sion ;Capts. F. M. Ford, J. H. A. Annesley (3rd Dragoon Guards), Lieuts.
A. A. Slatter and G. Webster performed continuous good work throughout,
as also have Regl. Sgt.-Major G. W. Mortiboyi (18th Hussars); Sq. Sgt.-
Majors J. H. Macbeth,i H. E. Saunders Sgts. A. G. Nichol, A. H. Ball, ;

H. Shackle, F. Howroyd Ptes. A. S. Reeves, A. S. Partridge,i P. Kilcullen

; ;

Lce.-Cpl. Farquhar.
Lord Roberts' Despatches Ind April 1901. Capts. A. E. Capell,^
: —
Collopy,2 W. C. C. Erskine, F. C. M. Ford 2; Lieuts. Lanham i and Prior ''';

Sgt. F. Howroyd ; Cpl. H. Schott ; Lce.-Cpl. Glassborough ; Tpr. Allen ;

Pte. A. S. Partridge ^
; Sq. Sgt.-Major Murrow.^
Ath September 1901. — Capt. G. Osborne.
Lord Kitchener's Despatches Sth April 1902. Lieut. H. H. Shott.^
: —
237-0? June 1902.— Lieuts. W. A. Pollard,^ D. Crawford, R. N. B. Needham ;

Regl. Sgt.-Major Mortiboyi (18th Hussars); Trumpet- Major D. E. Dens-

ham ; Cpl. F. S. Stallard. Colonel Bethune was awarded the C.B.

1 Awarded D.C.M. 2 Awarded D.S.O.

68 The Colonials in South Africa

THORNEYCROFT'S MOUNTED INFANTRY.

This corps, to become famous in the course of the

war, was raised at Pietermaritzburg by Major A. W.
Thorneycroft of the Royal Scots Fusiliers. Prior to
the battle of Colenso, 15th December 1899, they did
a good deal of patrol work, and thus had some oppor-
tunities of getting into shape. From the start they
were, apart from a splendid leader, well supplied with
good officers. By the middle of November the corps
had reached a strength of 500. Their first engagement
was outside Mooi River on 22nd November, under
Major-General Barton, when he was endeavouring to
clear the enemy from the country between himself and
Major-General Hildyard, who, for four days in Nov-
ember 1899, was practically shut up in Estcourt. The
corps had two wounded. At Colenso the regiment was
heavily engaged, like the rest of Lord Dundonald's
Brigade of Irregulars (see South African Light Horse).
The regiment was on the extreme right of the British
line,and made a fine effort to capture Hlangwane
indeed some of those who were present expressed the
opinion that if any substantial support had been sent
them, they would have succeeded in their attempt.
General Barton explained to the War Commission that,
to his regret, this support could not be afforded (see
South African Light Horse). The regiment lost 1
Lieutenant C. M. Jenkins, and 4 men killed,
officer.

and 3 Lieutenants W. Otto, Ponsonby, and

officers,

Holford (19th Hussars, attached), and 27 men

wounded.
In the movement by which General Buller attempted
 Thorneycroff s Mounted Infantry 69

to turn the Boer right Thorney croft's M.I. were again

with Lord Dundonald. On the 18th and 20th of
January 1900 the regiment had not so conspicuous a
place as the composite regiment of Mounted Infantry
or the South African Light Horse (which see). When
Bastion Hill was seized the regiment was on Lord
Dundonald's right, keeping in touch with the left of
Hildyard's infantry. On the 22nd it was determined
that Spion Kop, the great hill, at the angle where the
Boer line turned back from the river, must be taken.
To allow of the ground being examined the operation
was put off till the evening of the 23rd. At first it
was arranged to ascend by the south-east face, next
Trichard's Drift but, near dusk on the 23rd, General
;

Woodgate, who was in command of the assaulting

force, decided to go by the south-west face. In the
brief twilight Colonel Thorneycroft made a hasty
reconnaissance, and sketched the outstanding features,
trees, kraals, &c. The force employed w^as the 2nd
Battalion Royal Lancaster Regiment, the 2nd Battalion
Lancashire Fusiliers, two companies of the 1st Battalion
South Lancashire Regiment, and Thorney croft's M.I.,
whose strength was 18 officers and 180 men, all dis-
mounted for the task in hand. About 11 p.m. on
the 23rd the force moved off, and after the first half-
mile Thorneycroft and his men headed the column, the
Colonel himself, with Lieutenants Farquhar and Gordon
Forbes and Privates Shaw and Macadam, acting as
guides. The most perfect silence was maintained.
Halts were frequently made in the ascent, which was
so difficult that at times the hands had to be used.
During the ascent the column opened out into lines,
the order being — Thorneycroft's M.I., Lancashire
Fusiliers, Royal Lancaster Regiment, and two com-
JO The Colonials in South Africa

pauies South Lancashire Regiment. At 4 a.m. the

last slope was breasted, a Boer sentry challenged, and
instantly the picket fired. The leading lines lay down
until it was thought the magazines were emptied, then
rushed forward with the bayonet but the picket fled,
;

and the summit was occupied. Steps w^ere immedi-

ately taken to make defensive works. In his report,
dated 26th January 1900, Spion Kop Despatches,
p. 28, Colonel Thorneycroft said " There was a mist
:

on the hill, and in the darkness and mist it was diffi-

cult to get the exact crest line for a good field of fire,
and the boulders made it difficult to dig, but we made
a rough trench and 'breastwork.' About 4.30 some
—
Boers opened fire; our men replied then the firing
died out for a time. It was found that the trench
did not command the ascent, and men were pushed
forward to line the crest. The enemy recommenced
firing now more heavily. Defensive works were about
to be commenced on the crest, about 180 yards in
front of the trench, when the mist lifted —
this was
between 7.30 and 8. The Boers' rifle-fire now became
extremely severe, while 3 guns and a Maxim-Norden-
feldt pitched shells on to the plateau with great ac-
curacy from a range of 3000 yards. It was also now
discovered that the trench which had been cut was
enfiladed at easy range by trenches or natural caves
occupied by the enemy. Most of the advanced parties,
being also enfiladed, were completely wiped out, but
these were constantly reinforced or replaced. Thorney-
croft 's M.I. had been placed at the left of the trench
with parties in advance. When visiting this position
about 8 A.M. General Woodgate was mortally wounded.
Colonel Blomfield of the Lancashire Fusiliers took com-
mand, but he too was wounded. Early in the fore-
 Thorneycrofl s Mounted Infantry 7

noon, probably about 10 a.m., Colonel Thorneycroft

received a messaofe that he was in command of the hill.
The messenger was killed as he delivered the order.
Over and over again the advance parties were en-
tirely destroyed. No help could be sent to the
wounded. Officers and men who were
not killed
outright kept on firing as long as they could hold a
rifle. In his report Colonel Thorneycroft says " The :

Boers closed in on the right and centre. Some men

of mixed regiments at right end of trench got up
and put up their hands three or four Boers came
;

out and signalled their comrades to advance. I was

the only officer in the trench on the left, and I got
up and shouted to the leader of the Boers that I
was the commandant and that there was no sur-
render. In order not to get mixed up in any dis-
men to follow me, and retired
cussion I called on all
to some rocks farther back. The Boers opened a
heavy fire on us. On reaching the rocks I saw a
company Middlesex Regiment advancing. I
of the
collected to the rocks, and ordered all to
them up
advance again. This the men did, and we reoccupied
the trench and crestline in front. As the companies
of the Middlesex arrived I pushed them on to rein-
force, and was able to hold the whole line again.
The men on the left of our defence, who were de-
tached at some distance from the trench, had held
their ground. The Imperial Light Infantry rein-
forced this part. The Boers then made a desperate
endeavour to shell us out of the position, and the
fire caused many casualties. The Scottish Rifles

came up, pushed them up to the right and

and I
left flanks as they arrived."
After speaking of the difficulties arising from the
72 The Colonials in South Africa

uncertainty as to who was in command on the hill,

Colonel Thorney croft goes on to say The heavy :

"

fire continued, and the Boers brought a gun and

Maxim- Nordenfeldt to bear on us from the east, thus
sweeping the plateau from the east, north, and north-
west, and enfilading our trenches. The men held on
all along the line, notwithstanding the terrific fire
which was brought to bear on them as the enemy's
guns (which now numbered 5 and 2 Nordenfeldts)
were absolutely unmolested. When night began to
close in I determined to take some steps, and a con-
sultation was held. The ofiicer commanding Scottish
Rifles and Colonel Crofton were both of opinion that
the hill was untenable. I entirely agreed with their
view, and so I gave the order for the troops to with-
draw on to the neck and ridge where the hospital
was. It was now quite dark, and we went out to
warn all to come in. The enemy still kept up a
dropping fire. The regiments formed up near the
neck and marched off in formation, the Scottish Rifles
forming the rear- guard. ^ I was obliged, owing to
want of bearers, to leave a large number of wounded
on the field. In forming my decision as to retire-
ment I was influenced by the following — 1. The
superiority of the Boer artillery, inasmuch as their
guns were placed in such positions as to prevent our
artillery-fire being brought to bear on them from the
lower slopes near camp, or indeed from any other place.
" 2. By my not knowing what steps were being
taken to supply me in the morning with guns other
than the mountain - battery, which, in my opinion,
could not have lived under the long-range fire of the
Boer artillery and their close-range rifle-fire.

^ See also account given under Imperial Light Infantry.

 Thorneycroffs Mounted Infantry jt^

" 3. By the total absence of water and provisions.

" 4. By the difficulty of entrenching on the top
of the hill, to make trench in any way cover from
infantry fire with the few spades at my disposal,
the ground being so full of rocks.
" 5. Finally, I did not see how the hill could be
held unless the Boer artillery was silenced, and this
was impossible. Lieutenant Winston Churchill ar-
rived when the troops had been marched off."

It may
be noted that the shells which did greatest
damage to the troops on Spion Kop were those fired
from the 1 5 - pounders captured by the Boers at
Colenso and we had thus convincing proof of the
;

efficiency of our own " time shrapnel."

It is impossible to do justice to the scene on the
hill throughout the day, or to the splendid behaviour
of the great mass of the troops. There have been
several detailed accounts of the heroic combat pub-
lished, but none is more realistic than that of Lieu-
tenant L. Oppenheim, of Thorneycroffs Mounted
Infantry, published in the Nineteenth Century of '
'

1901.^ Mr Oppenheim has there given a contrib-

ution to the history of the war which is invaluable.
Colonel Thorneycroft says little about his own doings,
so a quotation from Mr Oppenheim is not out of place.
" It was one o'clock. A soldier near to Colonel
Thorneycroft in the angle of the entrenchment drew
his attention to some movement which was going on
on the right of the entrenchment, some fifty yards
away. The stretch of wall in between was unoccupied.
The soldier said, '
By God, they're surrendering,' and
this was what was happening : About forty men of

^ These quotations are given with the kind permission of 'The Nine-
teenth Century and After.'
74 The Colonials in South Africa

mixed regiments (amongst whom was no man of the

Mounted Infantry) were standing up in the entrench-
ment with their empty arms raised. Their rifles lay
at their feet, and their hands were in the air, while
coming up the slope towards them were three Boers.
Other Boers were following these behind. The three
in front turned and beckoned to their comrades to
come on, and all were waving small pocket-handker-
chiefs. The leader of the Boers was only about thirty
yards away from Colonel Thorneycroft. He was a
Transvaaler, by name De Kock, and I continue the
story of what then happened as he himself described
it to a British officer in the Biggarsberg laager in
April. '
We
had got up, and we should have had
the whole hill,' he said the English were about to
;
'

surrender, and we were all coming up, when a great

big, angry, red-faced soldier ran out of the trench
on our right and screamed out, "I'm the commandant
here ;take your men back to hell, sir there's no ;

"
surrender !
and then there was ten minutes melee.
'

It was just such a trick as the Boers love. Profiting

by the shattered morale of a small body of men who
had lost their officers, the Boers were hoping to start
a discussion and gain time for more and more men to
creep up into the dead ground behind them.
'
' The
'
great big soldier was Colonel Thorneycroft, who,
'

grasping the situation, ran forward to the Boer and

then back to his men. Towards sundown the
. . .

men of the old force were completely exhausted.

Since six on the night of the 23rd they had been
continuously under arms they had had absolutely no
;

water and no food. Many of them had been served

out with six-pound tins of beef the day before, which
they could not carry up the hill, and had, with an
 Thorneycrofl s Motmted Infantry 75

improvidence frequently seen, thrown away. Of the

lack of water General Woodgate had spoken as early
as ten o'clock a few tins of water had since then
;

been brought up on the backs of mules. Of these

more than half had been spilt, for the mules had
fallen down the hillside, and the rest was inadequate
for the hospital. The intolerable strain of the shell-
fire and rifle-fire had told on the stoutest. Amongst
the prisoners taken by the Boers from the right of
the entrenchment on Spion Kop was an ofiicer. When
he arrived in Pretoria on the following day his fellow-
captives went out to meet him, anxious to get the
news. One asked, How's my brother 1
'
His answer '

was Dead.' Another asked, How is my brother ?

' '

His answer was Dead, dead everybody's dead the

'
; ;

British army is all dead.' And for a month no

other answer to every question put to him could an
averagely sane and healthy and strong and brave
young English officer give to all who spoke to him.
Such had been the strain of the 24th of January."
The casualties of the corps, according to the lists
published at the time, were killed, 6 officers
:

Captains the Hon. W. H. Petre and C. S. Knox-Gore,

Lieutenants C. G. Greenfell, P. F. Newnham, H. S.
M'Corquodale, and the Hon. N. W. Hill -Trevor—
and 20 non-commissioned officers and men wounded, ;

4 officers —
Captain R. A. Bettington, Lieutenants A.
W. J. Forster, J. W. B. Baldwin, and N. Howard
and 41 non-commissioned officers and men; missing,
1 officer and 12 non-commissioned officers and men.

Nearly all the latter were afterwards returned as

killed. This was practically fifty per cent of the
strength.
In his despatch of 30th January 1900, para. 6, General
 76 The Colonials in South Africa

BuUer said " I have not thought it necessary to order

:

any investigation. If at sundown the defence of the

summit had been taken regularly in hand, entrench-
ments laid out, gun emplacements prepared, the dead
removed, the wounded collected, and, in fact, the whole
place brought under regular military command, and
careful arrangements made for the supply of water and
food to the scattered fighting line, the hills would have
been held, I am sure. (7) But no arrangements were
made. General Coke appears to have been ordered
away just as he would have been useful, and no one
succeeded him those on the top were ignorant of the
;

fact that guns were coming up, and generally there

was a want of organisation and system that acted most
unfavourably on the defence. It is admitted by all
that Colonel Thorneycroffc acted with the greatest
gallantry throughout the day, and really saved the
situation. Preparations for the second day's defence
should have been organised during the day and have
been commenced at nightfall. As this was not done, I
think Colonel Thorneycroft exercised a wise discretion.
. . I cannot close these remarks without bearing
.

testimony to the gallant and admirable behaviour of

the troops the endurance shown by the Lancashire
;

Fusiliers, the Middlesex Eegiment, and Thorneycroft's

Mounted Infantry was admirable, while the efforts of
the 2nd Bn. Scottish Eifles and 3rd Bn. King's Royal
Rifles were equally good, and the Royal Lancasters
fought gallantly."
It will be remembered that in his covering despatch
of 13th February 1900, para. 7, Lord Roberts, in for-
warding the despatches as to Spion Kop, said " The :

attempt to relieve Ladysmith, described in these des-

patches, was well devised, and I agree with Sir Redvers
 Thorneycroff s Mounted Infantry 77

Buller in thinking that it ought to have succeeded.

That it failed may some measure be due to the

in
difficulties of the ground and the commanding positions
held by the —
enemy probably also to errors of judg-
ment and want of administrative capacity on the part
of Sir Charles Warren. But whatever faults Sir C.
Warren may have committed, the failure must also be
ascribed to the disinclination of the officer in supreme
command to assert his authority and see that what he
thought best was done, and also to the unwarrantable
and needless assumption of responsibility by a subord-
inate officer." The historian, writing, say, a generation
after the war closed, will probably say that the sting
in the last sentence lacked the generosity which one
likes to associate with the character of a great leader,
and it is pardonable to say now that in penning the
lines Lord Roberts did injustice to himself The des-
patch was dated 13th February 1900, when the Com-
mander-in-Chief was immersed in the great movements
for relieving Kimberley, and the day was one of dis-
appointment to himself, as on it he lost the convoy at
the Riet river, a loss which was to have no slight effect
on his campaign.
The remnant of Thorney croft's M.I. was with Lord
Dundonald protecting the right and rear at Vaal
Krantz, and took part in the operations which com-
menced on 12th February and lasted till the 27th,
when Ladysmith was relieved (see South African
Light Horse). Thorneycroft's men were the first troops
to cross the Tugela on the 20th, and did most valuable
scouting work on the 21st.^ Unfortunately the infor-
mation which they obtained was not fully utilised.
In his despatch of 30th March 1900, after the relief
^ '
Times History,
' vol. iii.
78 The Colonials in South Africa

of Ladysmith was General Buller, in mention-

effected,
ing Colonel Thorneycroft, said " Raised and commanded
:

Thorneycroft's Mounted Infantry, for which he possessed

in a marked degree the necessary qualifications. I have
already brought to notice the gallantry and ability he
displayed at Spion Kop, 24th January."
Thorneycroft's Mounted Infantry took part in the
movement for turning the Boer position on the Biggars-
berg and that at Laing's Nek. They suffered slight
casualties on various occasions during these operations.
In the despatch of 19th June 1900 Colonel Thorney-
croft was again mentioned, as was also Captain Mann,
killed in action on the 10th. General Buller stated that
on the 13th of June he sent back the Telegraph detach-
ment under an escort of 150 men of Thorneycroft's
Mounted Infantry under Captain C. F. Minchin.
" They were attacked by superior forces south of

Gans Vlei, whom they drove off, and the waggons

were brought safely back via Botha's Pass with the
loss of only about seven miles of their line, which they
were unable to pick up. I consider that Captain
Minchin's dispositions were good." One officer and 2
men gained mention on this occasion.
When General Buller moved north towards Belfast
and Lydenburg, the regiment remained with General
Clery in the vicinity of the Natal-Pretoria Railway,
and had arduous patrol work and often severe fighting,
as on 6th September, when 4 men were killed and
Captain Molyneux and several men were wounded.
General Buller spoke of the great value of their work
in his final despatch. In again mentioning the Colonel,
General Buller said " This officer merits the highest
:

commendation I can bestow. His talents both as an

organiser and a leader of men are of the highest order."
 Tkorneycroffs Motcnted Iiifa^itry 79

General Buller's " tenacity " has often been referred to.
Here he certainly stuck to his man, and Lord Roberts
was to come romid so far. In his final despatch of '2nd
April 1901, his lordship, referring to Colonel Thorney-
croft, said :
" Since coming under my immediate com-
mand he has gained my confidence as a most gallant
and capable leader."
In December 1900 the corps was railed from Stander-
ton to Bloemfontein to strengthen the Thabanchu-Lady-
brand line, and if possible to bar De Wet's retreat before
the columns of General Charles Knox. De Wet broke
through, but lost two guns and some waggons of am-
munition ^ (see South African Light Horse). On
16th December Kritzinger and Hertzog, with about
2000 men, entered Cape Colony, and among other
troops Colonel Thorneycroft's men were railed to the
Colony, where they took part in endless skirmishes and
pursuits. On 25th December Lord Kitchener wired
that the corps had occupied Britstovvn unopposed. The
Boers retired in the direction of Pries ka, and a few
days later the corps was reported by the Commander-
in-Chief to be pursuing a body of the enemy in the
Carnarvon district. In February De Wet himself
entered the Colony, but by the splendid exertions of
the numerous columns was soon driven out again,
having left behind him all his guns and practically all
his waggons. The corps took a prominent part in
the pursuit between 14th and 24th February, and had
casualties on several occasions. During March and
April 1901 Thorneycroft's M.I. were operating in the
east of the Orange Biver Colony, at first south of
Bloemfontein and afterwards about Brandfort, " sur-
prising and capturing on their farms by night many
^ Lord Kitchener's despatch of 8th March 1901.
8o The Colonials in South Africa

armed Burghers who, having been disbanded from De

Wet's commandos, were living at their homes." In
April Thorneycroft dispersed a " minor gathering
about Winburg.^ Thorney croft's column consisted at
this time of the 21st and 22nd squadrons and the 18th
Battalion Imperial Yeomanry, 740 men his own corps, ;

160; Burmah M.L, 165; 4 guns of the 76th Battery,

and 1 pom-pom.
In May and June Thorneycroft's column was em-
ployed in the Brandfort-Senekal-Hoopstad district, and
made useful captures. On 1st July they were ordered
to march to the Basutoland border, and thereafter from
Ladybrand through the south-east of the Orange Biver
Colony to Aliwal in Cape Colony, where they arrived
about 28th July. They now moved back across the
Orange towards Jagersfontein, arriving there about
6th August. On this last march Thorneycroft took
28 prisoners, 1000 horses, and much stock.
In the middle of August it was apparent that there
was to be a gathering of Boers in the south-east of
the Orange Biver Colon}^ a district the regiment had
just passed through, so Thorneycroft's column and other
troops crossed the railway into the Smithfield-Bouxville
district, but " in spite of the close proximity of Colonel
Thorneycroft's troops east of Bouxville," Smuts' com-
mando Orange into Cape Colony on
slipped across the
4th September.^ Throughout September the force re-
mained in the same district, and at Florence had sharp
fighting, when 3 officers and 5 non - commissioned
ofiicers and men of this corps gained mention. Cap-
tain Barrett M^as killed and 3 men wounded at
Florence on the 21st.
1 Despatch of 8th May 1901. 2 Despatches of 8th July and 8th August.

3 Despatch of 8th September.

 Thorneycroft' s Mounted Infant7'y 8

The corps continued to operate in the Orange River

Colony till the conclusion of hostilities, but only on
a few occasions were they seriously engaged. In the
beginning of April 1902 a portion of the regiment
were with Colonel Ternan in the Boshof-Bultfontein
district, and a party were in a very mixed patrol
under Major Luard, which " was suddenly attacked by
a large party of Boers under Commandant Badenhorst,
and after an engagement which reflected very little
credit upon many of our men the majority of the
patrol were captured by the enemy." ^ The party from
the corps lost 1 killed and 8 wounded, a larger pro-
portion than the other troops with whom they were
associated. It was an unfortunate incident in an other-
wise spotless career.
The Mentions gained by the corps were as follows :

General Buller's Despatches : Z^th March 1900. — Lieut.-Col. Thorney-

croft in the terms already noted ; Capt. (local Major) G. St Aubyn, K.R.R.C.,
was conspicuous both at Colenso and Spion Kop for great gallantry, has been
an excellent second in command. Capts. Hon. J. Petre, Suffolk Hussars
(killed), C. H. Knox Gore (killed), E. Molyneux, R. A. Bettington Lieuts. ;

P. Newnham, I.S.C, H. Sargent, I.S.C, J. H. Baldwin, A. Bensusan, M. G.

Farquhar Colour-Sgt. P. Myall (killed)
;
Cpls. P. Hetherington (killed),
;

E. C. Lithie (killed) Ptes. A. Withers, T. Dolan, J. E. Macadam.

; Sgt.
J. H. Jetfries,^ conspicuous gallantry on 15th December 1899 at Colenso,
and on January 24th at Spion Kop. Sgt. J. Mason,^ conspicuous gallantry
at Spion Kop. Ptes. G. E. Ackland,^ J. B. Fischer,* on February 21st,
crossing Tugela River under heavy fire to see if there were barbed wire in
the drift.

\%th June 1900.— Col. Thorneycroft ; Capts. H. Mann (killed), Minchin,^

I.S.C. ; Lieut. Green ; Cpl. Teadall ; Pte. Macgregor.
%th November. — Col. Thorneycroft in terms already mentioned. Capt. St
Aubyn (second in command) is a leader of high ability and courage, much
above the average of his rank, and has shown great tact in dealing with
Colonial troops. Capt. M. G. Farquhar,^ who has performed exceptionally
good service throughout, only joined for the war, and I recommend him for
special consideration. Capt. E. M. J. Molyneux,^ 12th Bengal Lancers, a

1 Lord Kitchener's despatch of 1st June 1902.

2 Awarded D.C.M. ^ Awarded D.S.O.
82 The Colonials in South Africa

dashing and capable leader of men, has distinguished himself on several

occasions. Capt. E. M. Morris, Devon Regiment, has acted as Adjutant
throughout the whole twelve months, and has been distinguished for his
l^ower of organisation, his tact and management of men in camp, and his
ability and courage in the field. Capt. A. D. Green, Worcestershire Regiment,
an excellent oflficer, has shown great ability as a scout, and has dash, pluck,
and good judgment. Capt. C. Minchin, 1st Punjaub Cavalry, an officer of
many acquirements, has done specially good service throughout. Lieut. R.
Villiers,! who joined the regiment as a private, having been in the Ceylon
Mounted Infantry, specially good work throughout. Major W. Peyton,
15th Hussars, succeeded Capt. St Aubyn as second in command on July
23rd, when that officer was invalided with a quick grasp of the situation,
;

he is a leader of high ability, and is also a valuable officer in matters of in-

terior economy. Ptes. A. Neilson * and W. Strong are brought specially to
notice for gallant conduct.
Lord Roberts' Despatch Ind April 1901.— Col. Thorneycroft, in
:

terms already mentioned Capts. Farquhar,i C. Hamilton ^ Lieuts. T. W.

; ;

Howard,! q_ §_ q. Forbes,i W. R. Ponsonby,i T. Thompson,i R. N. Villiers i

Colour-Sgt. Makfeeler2; Sgts. J. Mayne,^ H. Sperling,^ W. M. Strong 2;
Ptes. F. Glover,2 W. Lyons,* J. M'Kechnie2; Saddler W, Fox 2; Pte. A.
Neilson.2
Lord Kitchener's Despatches ^th May 1901. Pte. G. B. Bromley,
: —
near l^akfontein, Orange River Colony, March 13, on patrol, he in company
with Lieut. Rose dismounted and gave his horse to a dismounted man, and
covered retirement on foot.
SCA Octoher 1901.— Lieut.-Col. C. F. Minchin, D.S.O. Capts. R. T. ;

Barrett and T. Thompson, D.S.O., for conspicuous gallantry in

(killed),
attack on Wessel's Commando in September in charging a donga from which
enemy was firing heavily Sgts. H. P. Wheatley, T. P. Jones Cpl. L.
; ;

Alderson joromoted Sgt. Ptes. A. H. Horwood and R. J. Dowling pro-

;

moted Cpls. for marked gallantry in action at Florence, Orange River

Colony, in September.
IZrd Jtme 1902.— Capts. T. Bruce Steer,i W. K. Prettejohn, J. Hendry ;

Sgt.-Major A. Chadburn,2 10th Hussars ; Sgts. H. P. Wheatley, L. Aider-

son, J. P. Jones, F. Hill.

Awarded D.S.O. 2 Awarded D.C.M.

 Imperial Light Infantry 83

IMPERIAL LIGHT INFANTRY.

This corps was raised in Natal and was largely re-

cruited from those who had lost their employment
through the outbreak of hostilities. The command
was given to Lieut. -Colonel Nash (Border Regiment).
By the end of December 1899 the regiment was ready
for active service, and it was inspected by General
Sir 0. Warren on 2nd January 1900. When the
move by Potgieter's and Trichard's Drifts was pro-
jected, this regiment and the Somersetshire Light
Infantry were put into General Coke's 10th Brigade,
taking the place of the 1st Yorkshire Regiment and
the 2nd Warwickshire, both of which had been dropped
at Cape Town. The Imperial Light Infantry saw
comparatively little training and no fighting until
they were thrown into the awful combat on Spion
Kop on 24th January 1900 (see Thorney croft's
Mounted Infantry). The Imperial Light Infantry,
about 1000 strong, was paraded at 10 p.m. on 23rd
January, and, as ordered, they took up positions from
which they could reinforce General Woodgate, who
commanded the force detailed to capture the hill. Sir
C. Warren visited the regiment early on the morning
of the 24th, and asked the officers if they had seen
anything of a mountain-battery which he was expect-
ing. They had not. He requested that 2 companies
be sent forward to a specified point to be ready to
escort the battery to the summit. He appeared
anxious as to its non-appearance. The companies of
Captains Champney and Smith moved out at 6 a.m.
and waited as ordered for the battery, but about 9
84 The Colonials in South Africa

A.M. a staff-officer toldthem to reinforce immediately

on the summit. The 2 companies advanced and
reached the top shortly after 10 a.m. ^ At this hour
the enemy's fire was appalling, the hail of bullets and
shells being ceaseless, but these untried volunteers
are said to have pushed up to the shallow trench
and the firing-line beyond it without flinching. They
at once commenced to suffer very severe losses. These
2 companies were the first reinforcements to enter the
firing-line, and their arrival proved most opportune,
some Lancashire companies being very hard pressed
at this time and at this part of the position.
About mid-day Colonel Nash was ordered to rein-
force on the summit with "every available man."
About 2 P.M. he reached the top with his remaining
companies, who at once bolted out from the rocks at
the head of the ascent and fed the firing-line, pushing
forward fearlessly across the open.
Throughout the afternoon and evening the firing
was unceasing, and often at very close quarters after ;

dark it had died away. A field-officer of the Imperial

Light Infantry, formerly a regular officer, who was
present, has stated to the writer that about 8 p.m. it
was whispered a retirement was contemplated, and
that about 9 o'clock Colonel Nash intimated that he
had got a message to get ready to move off the hill.
These hours are uncertain, and might be put some-
what later. The regiment having been collected, fell
in and marched off. They had barely gone 200 yards,
however, when an officer said to Colonel Nash, " Where
are you going ? " The latter replied that he had been
ordered to take down the regiment. The other officer

1 Lieutenant Blake Knox's '

BuUer's Campaign,' and an account furnished
to the writer by an officer of the Imperial Light Infantry.
 Imperial Light Infantry 85

then said, " I am Colonel Hill of the Middlesex ; not

a man or reg-iment is to leave the hill." The officers
of the Imperial Light Infantry then said to their
men that a mistake had been made, and the column
" about turned," marched back to the place they had
come from, put out pickets, and lay down among the
dead and wounded. The worst feature of this very
trying experience was the ceaseless crying of the
wounded for water there was none on the hill.
:

During the night a staff-officer informed Colonel Nash

that he had better bring down his men before dawn
if no fresh troops or orders came up. Between 3 a.m.
and 4 a.m. the regiment was again collected and finally
left the hill. No Boers had ventured on to the hill
up to that time.
From the reports of Colonel Thorneycroft and General
Talbot Coke one would gather that all the troops left
the hill together, the Scottish Eifles bringing up the
rear, but in the darkness the absence of the Imperial
Light Infantry from the main body might escape
notice. The account given above is confirmed by the
terms of a message published in the Spion Kop de-
spatches, p. 32, as follows :
" Officer commanding
Imperial Light Infantry. Withdraw and at once.
2 A.M. W. J. Bonus, Brigade-Major." No explana-
tion of any kind is given as to this message, although
it is appended to a report by General Talbot Coke

the text of which gives the impression that the troops

were all down the hill before midnight.
The losses of the Imperial Light Infantry, as pub-
lished at the time, were killed 2 officers, Lieutenants
: —
Eudall and Kynoch-Shand, and 29 non-commissioned
officers and men —
wounded 3 officers, Captain Cole-
;

man, Lieutenants H. B. Brown and Richards, and 110

86 The Colonials in SotUk Africa

—
non-commissioned officers and men; missing 19 men.
Most of the latter were afterwards found to have been
killed or wounded.
After the army had recrossed the Tugela, General
Warren visited the camp of the Imperial Light Infantry
and congratulated them on the splendid fight they had
made. He specially mentioned by name several men
who had distinguished themselves, among them being
Private T. Hughes, who, in a duel with some Boers
among rocks not 50 yards away, was hit five times.
Coke's Brigade was not engaged at Vaal Krantz
in the beginning of February. When General BuUer
gave up his efforts against the enemy's right and
took back his army to the position opposite Colenso,
the Imperial Light Infantry were left, with Colonel
Burn-Murdoch's cavalry, to protect the left rear of the
Natal army, but, before the close of the fourteen days'
fighting, all available troops were needed about Col-
enso. The regiment marched to Chieveley, arriving
there on the 22nd at noon. Four companies, under
Major Hay, were now ordered to Colenso, where they
were to report to General Hart. It was thought that
their duties would be the off-loading stores at the
railway bridge which was broken. As soon as they
had dinners the 4 companies entrained for Colenso,
but on arrival there found the army was across the
river, very heavy firing going on upon the north side.
They crossed in a pont, this operation taking two hours.
Major Hay endeavoured to find General Hart's where-
abouts while there was still some light a staff-officer
;

pointed to some hills. After a short sleep and a

fatiguing and anxious march, for the enemy's lines
were close at hand and the ground broken. Hart's
 Imperial Light Infantiy 87

Brigade was found as reveille was sounding on the

23rd. The 4 companies were put into the Irish
Brigade, their companions being the Boyal Innis-
killing Fusiliers, Connaught Bangers, and Boyal Dublin
Fusiliers. On the afternoon of the 23rd the Brigade
assaulted Hart's Hill, one of the strongest of the many
immensely strong positions north of the Tugela. The
Imperial Light Infantry were directed by General Hart
to move down the river to the right they then moved
;

up a ravine, turned to the left and assaulted the left

of the Boer position on that hill, but a very heavy
fire struck them from trenches on the east or opposite

side of the ravine,which trenches seemed to be re-

ceiving no attention from any one. Major Hay, who
was said to have behaved with great gallantry at
Spion Kop and on this occasion, fell badly wounded.
His men never reached the top of the hill. The Irish
regiments in the frontal attack also failed to reach
the top. General Buller said the troops failed to
carry the top of the hill, but they established them-
selves in the lower sangars and other positions, " which
ensured our ultimate success."^ The casualties of the
brigade were very heavy. There was some confusion
about the losses of the Imperial Light Infantry. Lieu-
tenant Blake Knox of the B.A.M.C., who made up
the return, says " The Imperial Light Infantry had
:

Major Hay wounded, and among the men 19 were

killed, 105 wounded, and 8 missing some of these —
casualties occurring on the 24th," but an officer of
the corps says the losses were not so great, and that
these figures must have included some men not belong-
ing to them. The 4 companies took part in the
' Despatch of 30th March 1900.
88 The Colonials in South Africa

further operations which on the 27th were crowned

with success, the whole Boer position being captured
and the road to Ladysmith opened.
In mentioning Lieut. -Colonel Nash in the despatch
of 30th March General Buller said " Commanded :

the Imperial Light Infantry. The extremely good work

done by the Battalion is due to the excellent manner
in which it was commanded by Lt.-Col. Nash." Of
course the material must have been very good, other-
wise the best of regimental officers could not have
got a hastily raised body of untrained men to do
this good work with the very limited preparation
possible. Seven non-commissioned officers and men
were mentioned in the same despatch, 4 of whom got
the D.C.M.
After the relief of Ladysmith the regiment was
mainly employed in the Greytown district under
Colonel Bethune^ (see Bethune's Mounted Infantry).
They performed valuable service until General Buller
moved forward to clear the Biggarsberg in May. Col.
Bethune's force co-operated with General Buller, and
joined him near Helpmakaar about the 14th. From
June to October the regiment did garrison duty about
Newcastle and Volksrust. In his final despatch
General Buller, in referring to the regiment, said :

" This battalion, which was raised at a time Natal

was short of troops, has done good service. It has

latterly been well commanded by Major (local Lieut.
Col.) M. C. Curry, Devonshire Regiment."
During 1901 the Imperial Light Infantry garri-
soned various forts and posts on the borders of Natal,
and in the south-east corner of the Transvaal. They
were disbanded in June, as by that time mounted
1 General Buller's despatch of 24th May 1900.
 Cape Police 89

troops were what was needed. Many of the men

joined mounted corps.
The Mentions gained were as follows :

Sir C. Warren's Despatch \st February 1900, for Spion Kop.—

:

Lieut.-Col. Nash, commanding I.L.I., reports that Cpl. Pack Weldoni re-
fused to surrender until compelled to do so he was killed outside the ;

trenches. Pte. Chambers showed conspicuous bravery under fire when

leading men in firing-line ; he was killed. Pte. Hughes,^ wounded five
times, wished to return to firing-line, but was prevented by those dressing
his wounds.
General Buller's Despatches: SO^fA March 1900. Again mentions —
Pack Weldon and Hughes, and states that after being wounded Hughes
returned to the firing-line and was wounded on right shoulder, then, firing
from left shoulder, he was successively wounded in left arm, throat, wrist,
hand, and chest. Pte. R. Hunter,^ on February 24th in action near Pieter's
Hill, whilst under a heavy fire, twice built walls round wounded comrades.
Pte. G. Reed in same action, while under heavy fire, carried a wounded man
of the Connaught Rangers to shelter of a kraal, and remained with him
after other men had retired. Major (local Lieut.-Col.) Nash in terms al-
ready given ; Qrmr.-Sgt. Hillstead ; Pay-Sgt. G. Pirie, R. C. Geddes.
Wi November 1900.— Major Curry Capt. C. C. Maynard, 2nd Devons
;
;

2nd Lt. (local Capt.) G. H. Jackson, 1st Border Regiment Capt. and ;

Adjutant H. Bousfield 2nd Lt. Gregorie.

;

Lord Roberts' Despatch Ind April 1901.— Capt. Bousfield 2nd Lt.
:
;

Gregorie Cpl. P. M. Weldon i (killed) Ptes. Chambers (killed), T. Hughes,i

; ;

Hunter,^ G. Reed.^

CAPE POLICE.
This force was so ubiquitous, and its services through-
out the whole war were so varied, that to give a con-
nected account of its work is impossible. It must
suffice to mention the districts and occasions when
these services were of outstanding value. At the
commencement of the war the force was distributed
1 Awarded D.C.M.
90 The Colonials in South Africa

as follows 1; Kimberley district 226, Mafeking 103,

scattered over Colony 430.
All through October, November, and December de-
tachments of the Police were doing all the work of
regular mounted infantry, and much besides, as when
they provided the crews of armoured trains. Towards
the end of December there were sundry operations
about Dordrecht, in which mixed forces of Cape
Mounted Rifles, Police, and Brabant's Horse were
employed, and frequently there was sharp fighting (see
Cape Mounted Rifles). On the 30th Lieutenant Warren
of the Cape Police was killed in one of these actions.
On 3rd January 1900 "the Police Camp north of
Cyphergat and overlooking Molteno" was attacked in
force,and was, indeed, for a time quite isolated. The
garrison seems to have been about 140 Police under
Inspector Neylan, and 58 Kafi'rarian Rifles under
Captain R. Maclean. The attack commenced in the
early morning, but the defenders held out splendidly
tillnearly three o'clock in the afternoon, when the
Berkshire Mounted Infantry and the 79th Battery
R.F.A. drove ofl" the enemy. Major Pollock, in his
account of this engagement, notes that Inspector
Neylan and Captain Maclean, who came to his assist-
ance, were both satisfied that the site of the camp
was badly chosen. "The two put their heads together,
and the result was that the camp was left to take
care of and the men were judiciously disposed
itself,

amongst the adjacent rocks, or anywhere that good

cover could be found, and a command retained over
the approaches to the position. Consequently, al-
though the Boers kept pounding the camp hour after
hour with artillery and musketry fire, the very fact
1 Appendix, War Commission Report.
 Cape Police 9

that their fire was so well directed prevented any

mischief being done to the defenders for the simple —
reason that not a single man was in the entrench-
ments Thus when the enemy, very naturally assum-
!

ing that their fire had been effectual, advanced to

the attack, they were driven back with loss by men
who, thanks to smokeless powder, were concealed from
their view, and who, having suffered no losses, had
not become dismayed by the fire that had been
directed upon their supposed position."
Apart from their duties in regular warfare the
Police had throughout the campaign to look after
the numerous rebels and suspects, very many of
whom they captured and brought in during January
and February 1900.
When General French was skilfully holding back
the Boers about Colesberg in January and February
1900, he had with him 25 Cape Police, with two
9 -pounder muzzle -loading guns. As in other dis-
tricts, their local knowledge was valuable.
When, towards the end of February, General Bra-
bant cleared the north-eastern portion of Cape Colony,
some of the Police were with him, and took part in
many engagements; while Major Neylan and another
detachment were in the advance-guard of Gatacre's
force which moved on Bethulie Bridgfes from Storm-
berg. The Boers destroyed the railway bridge, but
after dark on the 9th Neylan's Cape Police came up,
and next morning they and M'Neill's Scouts seized a
position commanding the road bridge and held on
under very heavy shell and rifle fire until noon,
when more troops came up.^ The little party had
prevented the enemy setting off the mines, and on the
1 '
Times History,
'
vol. iii. p. 592.
92 The Colonials in South Africa

night of the 10th Lieutenant Popham of the Derby-

shires and four men removed the mines, and Captain
Grant, R.E., cut the wire. Within the next few
days Captains Hennessey of the PoHce and Turner of
the Scouts rode to Springfontein on a trolley, sur-
prised and disarmed eight Boers, and next day brought
back to BethuHe two engines and forty trucks, a prize
of the greatest value.
Before Kimberley was invested several detachments
of Cape Police, who had been holding posts on the
railway, retired into the town, thus adding about 350
to the strength of the defenders, an addition which was
to prove very important. must suffice here to refer
It
to the sketch of the garrison's work given under the
Kimberley Troops, and to the Mentions reprinted at
the end of this article from the despatch of Colonel
Kekewich.
At Mafeking, also, the Cape Police contributed a
very valuable section of the defenders. In his despatch
Colonel Baden-Powell stated the total drilled force at
—
38 officers and 679 men, of whom there were of Cape
Police, Division I., Inspector Marsh, 2 officers and 45
men; Division II., Inspector Brown, 2 officers and 54
men. The defence of Mafeking is dealt with under
the Bechuanaland Protectorate Begiment. In the
numerous actions and skirmishes, as well as in holding
the trenches, the Cape Police with their maxim did
excellent work, which was several times mentioned by
Colonel Baden-Powell. He also spoke very highly of
the individual effiarts of several officers and men. In
the telegraphic despatch of 13th April 1900 Colonel
Baden-Powell, speaking of an attack on the 11th, said :

" A small attacking force advanced against Fort

Abrams. The garrison under Corporal Webb, Cape

 Cape Police 93

Police, reserved their fire until they were within

effective range, and, with assistance from Fort Cronje,
repulsed the attack. The enemy left five dead."
From the commencement of the war, or at least the
lastweek of October 1899 to 1st January 1900, a small
body of Cape Police under Captain Bates, assisted by
Captain Dennison, afterwards of Dennison's Scouts, held
the village of Kuruman, situated about 100 miles to
the west of the Kimberley-Vryburg railway. The total
number of men available to bear arms was 63, and this
included half-castes and blacks. The numbers of the
assailants varied, running from 300 to over 1000. From
12th to 17th November the place was bombarded, but
the enemy failed to effect a lodgment. Frequently the
Boers got very close to the trenches and walls of the
little forts, but were always driven off with loss up to

1st January, when they brought a second and heavier

gun, whose shells smashed the defences and made a
surrender inevitable.^ But too little justice has been
done to the defenders of Kuruman their endurance, :

watchfulness, and pluck could not have been excelled.

They had no artillery, and by rifle fire alone they held
the place and kept a considerable body of the enemy
employed for two months. They were also a means of
getting news to and from Mafeking. About one-half
of the force were hit during the siege.
While Lord Koberts was fighting his way to Pre-
toria, and afterwards to Komati Poort, the Police were
struggling with rebels in different parts of Cape Colony.
In May and June one detachment, 30 strong, were said
to be doing " most excellent work " with Sir C. Warren
in West Griqualand (see Duke of Edinburgh's Rifles).

1 Account in 'A Fight to a Finish.' Longmans, 1904. By Major C. G.

Dennison, D.S.O.
94 The Colonials in SotUk Africa

In October, November, and December 1900 a body of

the Police were in the column of General Settle, which
had an immense deal of marching and some very tough
Orange River Colony. Near Hoopstad,
fighting in the
on 23rd October, there was a very severe engagement
(see Cape Mounted Rifles), when the Police had 4 killed
and 22 wounded. The detachment was complimented
by General Settle.
On 14th November Lord Roberts telegraphed " A :

Police post near Vryburg, which was attacked on

November 10th, succeeded in killing several Boers and
capturing 2 wounded prisoners, one of whom is Field-
Cornet Du Plessis." The Police had 1 killed and 2
wounded.
—
In the second phase of the war that is, after Lord
Roberts had handed over his command to Lord Kit-
chener, November 1900 —
the Cape Police were still
employed in many different districts and from the
;

date when was seen the enemy desired to re-invade

it

—
Cape Colony that is, early in December 1900 their —
functions became as important as in the last three
months of the previous year. Whenever the invasion
became a realised fact, bodies of Cape Police were
attached to various columns, and their local knowledge
was again of very great value. In January, February,
and March 1901 they assisted in the expulsion of De
Wet, and did excellent work under Major Berrange and
other leaders. " D " and " I " troops were with Colonel
Doran, who was in February endeavouring to keep the
Calvinia roads open for convoys on the 5th and 6th of
:

that month his column had severe fighting. In July

and August the Police assisted to keep the native
territories on the eastern border of the Colony clear of
the enemy. A strong detachment operated during a
 Cape Police 95

great part of 1901 in a column under Colonel Gorringe,

R.E., and afterwards under other leaders. The despatch
of 8th July 1901 shows Gorringe's column to have con-
sisted, in —
May, of Cape Defence Force, 263 Cape ;

Police, 212 Tasmanian Imperial Bushmen, 92 5th

; ;

Battery, B.F.A., 2 guns, 1 pom-pom. The column did

endless skirmishing and very hard marching in pursuit
of sundry commandos, chiefly in Central Cape Colony.
In August Kritzinger was being driven northwards.
"About fifteen miles north-west of Steynsburg he was
joined by bands under Erasmus, Wessels, and Pypers.
This body was attacked on the 13th near Rooitfontein,
twenty miles north-east of Steynsburg, by Lieut. -Colonel
Gorringe, who drove the enemy past Yenterstad into
Orange River Colony."^ In this fighting the Police
had Lieut. - Colonel Neylan, Major Marsh, Captain
Wood, and several men wounded.
In the latter part of September the column was
engaged in the pursuit of Smuts, who, after his en-
counter with the 17th Lancers at Tarkastad, made for
the south of the Colony. Lord Kitchener said that
" the troops under Lieutenant - Colonels Gorringe,
Doran, and Scobell responded cheerfully to the great
exertions demanded of them." In the Zuurberg
Gorringe engaged the enemy, and succeeded in divid-
ing them up. On 3rd October he again attacked them
ten miles south of Darlington, when the enemy lost
3 killed and 5 wounded, and were driven north.
During May and following months of 1901 a body of
Police were doing column work in the extreme west of
Cape Colony, and some were present in a successful
engagement against Conroy on 25th June. The de-
tachment with Colonel Doran got credit for a smart
1 Despatch of 8th September 1901.
96 The Colonials in South Africa

piece of work in the west of the Colony on 9th January

1902. At Windhoek, near Van E-hynsdorp, Western
Cape Colony, on 26th February, a detachment had
severe fighting, in which they lost 2 killed and Captain
A. C. Wilson and 5 men wounded.
While these operations were in progress in the south,
some of the Police were employed in the Kimberley
district and in the Western Transvaal. They had
casualties on various occasions. At Zoutlief on 16th
September 1901 Lieutenant Moberly was wounded. A
body of the Police were in the ill-fated force which ac-
companied Lord Methuen in the beginning of March
1902, when he was severely defeated by Delarey. In
February Major Berrange with a detachment had been
to clear the road to Kuruman, 100 miles west of the
Vryburg railway. In the beginning of March Berrange
and Major Paris joined Lord Methuen's column. Lord
Methuen's force was wretchedly heterogeneous he :

had 900 mounted men from nine different units, 300

infantry from two regiments, and six guns from three
batteries and the force was utterly unworthy, either
;

in composition or numbers, of the leadership of a Lieut.

General. was quite unfit to move through the heart
It
of a district where the enemy was known to be in very
strong force and flushed with the confidence begotten
of a recent success, for they had captured a convoy and
destroyed a force of about 450 men a fortnight before.
The Police, including " Special Police," numbered 233
under Major Berrange, and were in that part of the
force starting from Vryburg under Major Paris on 2nd
March. Lord Methuen in his report said on 6th
March " there had been some sniping at the rear-
guard by about 100 of Van Zyl's commando, and seeing
some confusion I went back myself, sending at same
 Cape Police 97

time for the section of the 38 th Battery. I found the

men forming the rear screen, which consisted of the
86th Company I.Y., very much out of hand, and lacking
both fire-disciphne and knowledge how to act. There
seemed to be a want of instructed officers and non-
commissioned officers." The enemy being accurately
shelled, retired and took up a position at Tweebosch in
the bed of the Klein Harts River. " Major Berrange
with the Police, the section 4th Battery and the pom-pom,
were ordered to move straight on Tweebosch, while
Dennison's Scouts, supported by Cullinan's Horse, were
to move round the enemy's left flank. The commando
retired rapidly, the Police under Major Berrange work-
ing with the greatest quickness. Much praise is due
to Major Berrange for the way in which he handled
his men." Shortly after moving off on the morning of
the 7th, the rear-guard, consisting of Diamond Fields
Horse and Dennison's Scouts, was most fiercely at-
tacked. They were reinforced by other troops, but
eventually the screen was broken, and after several
hours' hard fighting the enemy captured the infantry
and guns. Most of the mounted men took the Boer
method of seeking safety in flight and reached the
railway. During the fight, and after the screen was
broken, Major Paris and Major Berrange were ordered
to occupy a kraal. This they did with some 40 men,
and they held out under heavy shell fire and " against
repeated attacks " till the main body surrendered. In
his telegram of 16th March Lord Kitchener said that
in addition to the party of Cape Police in the kraal,
" other small parties of Police continued to resist after

the panic which had swept the bulk of mounted

troops off the ground."
Many of the corps from which Lord Methuen's
G
98 The Colonials in South Africa

column was made up had, previous to this, done lots

of hard fighting, and had always done it well. Which
corps set the stampede agoing it is impossible to say,
but the affair is not a bright spot in the history of the
campaign. The infantry and artillery did all that
—
men could do " held out in a most splendid manner,"
the despatch said. The Police apparently could not
have done more than they did do. Their losses were
very heavy, about 60 killed and wounded. General
Brabant, in an article contributed to the Nineteenth '

Century' of February 1904, praised Major Berrange

most highly, and said " if his warning and advice had
been acted on. Lord Methuen's disaster might not have
taken place. Every man of his stood till killed or
wounded. He himself had a marvellous escape, his
clothes being penetrated by seven bullets."
Down to the end of the war detachments of the Cape
Police continued to do most useful service in various
localities.

The Honours and Mentions gained by the Cape

Police and Cape Special Police during the war were
as follows :

Sgt. -Major A. Young gained the Victoria Cross at Euiter's Kraal, Cape
Colony, on 13th August 1901. "With a handful of men he rushed some
kopjes which were held by Commandant Erasmus and 20 Boers, who
galloped back to other kopjes held by Boers. Sgt.-Major Young galloped
on ahead of his party, and closing with enemy shot one and captured
Erasmus, the latter firing three times at point-blank range before being
taken prisoner."
In Colonel Kekewich's despatch of 15th February 1900, as to defence of
Kimberley, the following were highly praised Commissioner (local Lieut.
:

Col.) M. B. Robinson ; Inspectors (local Majors) F. H. Elliot, W. E. Ayliff

(wounded 3rd Nov.), S. Lorimer Sub- Inspectors (local Captains) J. W. Colvin,
;

M. Z. Crozier, S. White (wounded 9th Dec), Cummings Cpl. F. R. Castens

; ;

Ptes. J. Maloney, A. Carr, G. R. Mathieson, S. Brown.

Colonel Baden-Powell's Despatch \^th May 1900,
: as to Mafeking.
InspectorBrown commanded detachment of Division II. He and the
 Cape Police 99
splendid lot of men under his command did excellent work throughout,
especially in occupation of trenches in the brick-field, where, for over a
month, they were within close range of the enemy's fire Inspector Marsh ;

commanded detachment of Division I. throughout and carried out his duties

most efficiently and zealously. Tpr. (local Sgt.-Major) Hodgson acted as
Sgt.-Major to Army Service Corps and was of greatest help to Capt. Ryan.
Tprs. George Collins and W. F. Green, bringing in wounded man under
heavy fire in action of 25th Oct. 1899. Colonel Baden-Powell remarked
that " Sgt. Page, champion bait thrower of Port Elizabeth, by using a whip-
stick and short line, was able to throw dynamite bombs, made up in potted-
meat tins, with accuracy over 100 yards." This is perliaps the first instance
of angling qualifications being utilised in war.
—
Lord Roberts' Despatches. Major Berrange, got C.M.G., Major J. W.
Neylan i Capts. A. Bates, Halse, Pope Hennessy ^ Lt. Warren Inspectors
; ; ;

AyliflP, Brown, F. H. Elliot Sub-Inspectors Crozier, Cummings Sgt.-Major

; ;

Fuller ; Sgts. Abrams,2 Jenkins Cpls. R. B. Christie, H. M. B. Currie 2

;

(local Lt.) ; Tpr. Lloyd ; Pte. Richards ; Lieut. -Colonel Robinson, got
C.M.G. ; Capt. W. M. Schenk
Tpr. A. H. Blake.2 ;

Lord Kitchener's Despatches 8M March 1901. Cpl. J. Mulligan. : —

%tli July 1901. —
Pte. StouiFer, gallant conduct near Kenhardt, C.C, 17th
May.
^thDec. 1901.— Major C. M. Marsh, Capts. E. Woon, F. Harvey, Lt. W. P.
Harley, conspicuous gallantry with Gorringe's column. Lt. G. B. Gash,
bringing in man from exposed position, 200 yards from enemy's trenches,
Vryburg, 16th Sept. Sgt.-Major R. G. Stirling,^ Ptes. G. De B. Lewis, J.
A. Ives, helping Lt. Gash Lce.-Cpl. Schley, Pte. Clarkson, gallantry
;

Gorringe's column C. Vanderwest Huizen, accurately locating enemy at

;

great personal risk. Pte. J. Growden, galloped 600 yards under heavy fire
to warn officer he was mistaking enemy for own men.
%th April 1902.— Lieut.-Colonel R. Macleod.
i;
23rc? June 1902.— Lieut.-Colonel Neylan, D.S.O.; Major J. N. Brown
Capts. J. F. White, W. Crawford Lt. Davidson Sgt. Carson Cpl. Van der
; ; ;

Merwe Lce.-Cpl. A. C. Weirich. Sgt. J. H. Evans (District Police) got the

;

D.C.M.

1 Awarded D.S.O. ^ Awarded D.C.M.

I oo The Colonials in South Africa

CAPE MOUNTED RIFLES.

(CAPE PERMANENT FOECES.)

This fine corps is the regular military force of Cape

Colony. They were at one time in the pay of the
Imperial Government, but since 1870 the Colony has
borne the expense. The men engage for five years,
and are regular soldiers.^ On 13th October 1899 the
corps numbered 924, all ranks, with a full supply of
horses and eight guns they saw service in many
;

districts, but it was perhaps in the Queenstown-Dor-

drecht country, in December 1899 and January 1900,
that their services to the Empire were of greatest,
nay, inestimable value.
Major Pollock, in his With Seven Generals in the
'

Boer War,' mentions that on his arrival at Queenstown,

about 6th November 1899, the garrison was a Naval
Brigade with two 12-pounders, four companies of the
Berkshire Regiment and their mounted infantry com-
pany, sundry detachments of Cape Mounted Rifles,
Cape Police, and Volunteers. The C.M.R. had also
their battery of six 7-pounder muzzle-loading screw
guns as well as a battery of maxims. " A couple

of days after my arrival it was my good fortune to

witness the detraining of a detachment of the C.M.R.,
who formed a most valuable addition to our little force.
I never saw a more workmanlike body of men. Smart,
active fellows, in the prime of life and evidently in a
1 General Sir E. Y. Brabant, in an article in the 'Monthly Review,'
sketched the history of the Cape Mounted Rifles. In another article
in the 'Nineteenth Centiiry' he used the exj)ression, "They are grandly
trained soldiers."
 Cape Mounted Rifles i oi

most satisfactory military condition. The discipline

seemed to be excellent, and the men the most willing
workers that it is possible to imagine. The Cape
. . .

Mounted Rifleman is a first-rate fighting man and a

downright good soldier all round. The corps has but
one fault, so far as I could judge, and this is that the
officers are in many cases far too old." The history of
the corps throughout the proved that Major
war
Pollock's praise was well bestowed. The British
regular officer has a weakness for young officers, but
in a campaign with an enemy so wily as the South
African Dutchman it was fortunate that a corps should
have a large proportion of officers who had lived long-
enough to acquire a little of the serpent's wisdom.
More than one British officer has remarked to the writer
that for all the qualities which make for the most per-
fect efficiency in a fighting unit, discipline, intelligence,
endurance, pluck, and skill in all the tasks of a soldier,
they had never seen anything to beat the C.M.R.
Early in November the corps watched the passes
about Barkly East. On 22nd November the C.M.R.
and their guns and maxims went to Putter's Kraal,
In a few days General Gatacre sent some of the
C.M.R. and Brabant's Horse to Penhoek, east of the
Queenstown-Stormberg railway. Neither of these corps
was in the actual engagement at Stormberg on 10th
December. It will be remembered that in General
Gatacre's despatch of 19th January 1900, regarding
his defeat, he said "160 Brabant's Horse and 235
:

C.M.R. with four 2-5-inch guns should have started

from Penhoek, but did not arrive at Molteno owing
to the failure of the telegraph clerk to transmit the
message handed to him at midnight on the 8th."
The presenceof the Penhoek force would have been
I02 The Colonials in South Africa

very valuable, particularly if they had attacked from

the east or Boer rear. Brabant's Horse, 160, arrived
near Molteno on the afternoon of the 10th and scouted
back some distance towards Stormberg on the line of
the British retreat. The C.M.R., having their guns,
could not travel so fast.

After Stormberg there was no big engagement in the

eastern portion of Cape Colony, but the mounted troops
in that district had many skirmishes and some hard-
fought little actions. On 24th December the C.M.B.
occupied Dordrecht, and there was frequently fighting
in that neighbourhood, as on the 30th when a party
under Lieutenant Milford of the Frontier Mounted
Bifles were cut off and had their horses all shot.
The detachment held their ground splendidly, inflict-

ing considerable loss on the enemy, until they were

rescued next morning by Captain de Montmorency,
V.C, with some of his own scouts and Brabant's Horse
and 115 men of the C.M.B. On 31st December
Dordrecht was evacuated, the C.M.B. falling back
on a position at Bird Biver.
In Lord Boberts' first despatch, that of 6th February
1900, he said " A subject which from the first attracted
:

my special attention was the development and organis-

ation of the Colonial forces, of which I was inclined to
think that sufficient use had not been made. I, there-

fore, arranged for one mounted corps to be raised by

Colonel Brabant, to whom, with the approval of the
High Commissioner, the rank of Brigadier - General
has been given. Inclusive of this corps it is intended
to place a body of Colonial mounted troops, about
3000 strong, under Brigr.-Genl. Brabant's command,
on Lieut. -Genl. Gatacre's right flank for the purpose
of guarding the eastern portion of the colony and
 Cape Mounted Rifles 1
03

pushing back the enemy from the neighbourhood of

Stormberg. The headquarters of this Colonial force
will be at Dordrecht, where it will be in readiness
to operate northward towards Jamestown."
On 7th February there was some fighting in which
Brabant's Horse drove back the Boers, suffering a few
casualties. In the despatch of 28th February 1900
Lord Roberts said " On the eastern frontier Brigr.-
:

Genl. Brabant moved forward on the evening of the

16th February, and after continuous fighting on the
17th stormed the Boer position near Dordrecht."
Brabant's force included the 79th Battery B.F.A.,
Cape Mounted Rifles, Brabant's Horse, Kaffrarian
Rifles, Queenstown Volunteers, and a portion of the
1st Royal Scots. Brabant lost little time and kept
the enemy moving, and while Lord Roberts was driv-
ing the force in front of him across the Orange Free
State, Brabant pushed his opponents northwards
through Labuschagne's Nek to Jamestown, and there-
after cleared them out of all the positions in the
Aliwal North district of the Colony, but not without
some determined fighting, as on 5th March when
the C.M.R. had 7 killed and 9 wounded, and on
the 11th when 2 men were killed and Lieutenant
Taplin and 9 men were wounded. On 2nd April
Colonel Dalgety left that town to occupy Wepener
and to command Jammersberg Drift and bridge over
the Caledon River. Colonel Dalgety arrived at
Wepener on the night of the 4th, and on the 5th
the troops under his command were one company
Royal Scots Mounted Infantry C.M.R., 427
; 1st ;

and 2nd Brabant's Horse, 804 the Kaffrarian Rifles,

;

393 Driscoll's Scouts, 58 with a few Royal Engineers

; ;

and the Artillery Detachment 93 — —

of the C.M.R.,
I04 The Colonials in South Africa

with two 15-pounders, two naval guns, two 2 '5 guns,

and one Hotchkiss. A position, about six miles in
circumference, was taken up. On the 6th it was
seen Wepener was to be isolated, and defensive works
were pushed on. On the morning of the 9th the
enemy opened with artillery. In his report Colonel
Dalgety said " The weakest part of the position
:

was on the extreme left rear, which was held by

the Cape Mounted Kifles, and it was here that the
heaviest casualties took place, the C.M.R. losing 21
killed and 75 wounded, out of a total of 33 killed
and 133 wounded." Colonel Dalgety gives an account
in his report of the fierce attacks made by the enemy,
especially on the position occupied by the C.M.K He
said that " it was found to be impossible to contract
our lines or to give up any portion of the position
held, so that I had no reserve available for relief,
and consequently for sixteen days and nights the
whole force was constantly in the trenches, and in
the case of the Hoyal Scots, C.M.R., and Scouts,
they had nothing but cold food and water during
the whole sixteen days, while for three days the
trenches were flooded by rain. I cannot speak too
highly of the behaviour of the whole force during
all this time all did their work cheerfully and well,
;

although the continued strain was telling on all ranks."

He brought forward the names of a number of officers,
non - commissioned officers, and men of this corps.
Wepener was relieved on the 24th April. During
the siege Major Springer, Lieutenant Taplin, and
Sergeant-Major Court, and about 20 non-commissioned
officers and men were killed 7 officers and about 70
;

non-commissioned officers and men wounded.

" Report of Colonel Dalgety, dated 29th April 1900.
 Cape Motmted Rifles 105

There are few more gallant pieces of work recorded

in the history of the war than the splendid defence of
Wepener, and the Cape Colony soldiers and volunteers
will always be able to point to these as gold-letter
days in their records.
Brabant's Colonial Division moved north from the
Wepener district in May and operated at first on the
extreme right flank of the British advance, being out on
the right of General Bundle after Thabanchu was passed.
The division was afterwards split up, and a portion
came to the west or Senekal part of Bundle's line.
They frequently had most onerous work and stiff
fighting, but the despatches barely do justice either
to their operations or to those of the Vlllth Division.
All through June and July there was constant skir-
mishing and some very severe marching, with the
view of containing the Boers until Sir Archibald
Hunter got Prinsloo and about 4000 of his men sur-
rounded in the Brandwater Basin, where they sur-
rendered on 30th July. When Sir Archibald Hunter
entered Fouriesburg on 26th July he found to his sur-
prise that Driscoll's Scouts of the Colonial Division
were there before him " after a forced march from
Commando Nek of 25 miles."
On 16th July De Wet with about 1600 men broke
out of the Brandwater Basin, and Broadwood with
the 2nd Cavalry Brigade went in pursuit. Other
troops joined him, and De Wet then made for the Beitz-
burg Hills, south of the Vaal, where he remained for
about three weeks. On the 27th July the Colonial
Division was taken from Bundle's district and marched
via Kroonstad to the Bhenoster Biver to watch the
drifts there. On the night of the 6th August De Wet
with his force crossed the Vaal, and the Colonial
io6 The Colo7iials in South Africa

Division followed, and joining Lord Methuen, who

had been posted on the north of the river, they
accompanied that General in the chase to the Megalies-
berg, where De Wet escaped through Olifant's Nek,
from which, by some mistake, the blocking force had
just been removed. The Colonial Division now accom-
panied Lord Methuen to Zeerust, in the north-west of
the Transvaal.^ On the 25th August the division
along with the 3rd Cavalry Brigade started on their
return journey to the Orange River Colony, Colonel
Dalgety of the C.M.E. being in command of the
force. They met with much opposition between
Zeerust and Krugersdorp. The losses of the division
on this march were 10 men killed and 5 officers and
20 men wounded. About the middle of September
the division was concentrated at Ehenoster, in the
Orange Biver Colony.
In October part of the Cape Police and Cape
Mounted were in a column under Major- General
Rifles
Settle operating about Hoopstad, and on the 7th Lieut-
enant Orley Humphry and one man were wounded
at Rhenoster. On the 19th the C.M.R. had Sergeant-
Majors Pearce and Kennedy wounded. On the 23rd
Settle was closely engaged by a Boer force of about
650 strong. "The Cape Police and Cape Mounted
Rifles bore the brunt of the fighting, covering the
baggage of the column, 73 waggons, and were heavily
engaged for two hours before the Boers were driven
ofl*. The Cape Police were forced to abandon their
two maxims, having first rendered them useless, owing
to the horses being shot and darkness setting in. Our
casualties were 7 men killed, 12 wounded, and 17
1 Lord Robert's despatch of 10th October 1900, para. 28.
 Cape Mounted Rifles 107

missing." ^ Of these the Police had 4 killed and

8 wounded, and the C.M.E. Lieutenant W.
3 killed.
Rolfe of the Rifles died at Kimberley on 13th Nov-
ember of wounds received. Settle's column arrived
at Boshof on 30th October, then moved south and
crossed the Orange River Colony to the Bloemfontein
Railway in November. On the way his mounted men
assisted Sir C. Parsons to relieve Koffyfontein, which
had been invested.
A portion of the Cape Police and Cape Mounted
Rifles were taken to Cape Colony to pursue Kritz-
inger and other leaders who had managed to cross
the river.
Stories of ammunition about to be landed at
Lambert's Bay, and the very apparent resolution of
commandos to push into the extreme south-west of
Cape Colony, caused Lord Kitchener to send various
columns to that district, among whom went the
C.M.R. Some fighting was seen, and on 1st March
1901 Captain J. F. Purcell of the C.M.R, and Lieut-
enant Grant of Brabant's Horse, were mentioned for
coolness and skill displayed in handling their men in
action near Lambert's Bay. In April a portion of the
C.M.R. were engaged near Philippolis, when Lieuten-
ant D. A. H. Bowers gained mention for presence of
mind and boldness in carrying out the relief of some
troops who were hardly pressed.
The next notice of the work of the corps to be found
in despatches is in the despatch of 8th July 1901,
where it is stated that on 20th May Lieutenant-
Colonel Scobell, whose column consisted of one squad-
ron 9th Lancers, 200 men of the C.M.R., and 3 guns
1 Despatch of 15th November, para. 10.
io8 The Colonials in South Africa

belonging to the corps, surprised Malan's commando

west of* Cradock, killing 4 men and capturing 40
horses and many saddles and rifles. Scobell and other
leaders now went in pursuit of some commandos in
the Zuurberg, but although some losses were inflicted
the main bodies generally escaped, sometimes to do
damage, as when on 2nd June they captured James-
town after a defence by the Town Guard which was
the reverse of heroic. Colonel Scobell was more suc-
cessful than any other leader in Cape Colony, but few
ofiicers have the gifts of resourcefulness and lightning-
like decision which he proved himself to have while
still a Major in the Scots Greys. " On the 6th of
June Colonel Scobell's column caught a commando
asleep at 3 a.m. Lieutenant-Colonel Lukin with a
squadron of C.M.R. rushed the laager in the dark,
killing 6 Boers and capturing 25 prisoners and all the
saddles of the commando." Lieutenant-Colonel Lukin
was mentioned for his gallant leading.
The despatch of 8th August detailed another success
by Scobell. The columns had been driving the enemy
north of Richmond, and his force surprised Lategan's
laager, taking 10 prisoners and 105 horses and saddles.
On the 22nd July at Tweefontein the Rifles had about
6 wounded, and on 8th August Captain J. F. Purcell
was wounded. In his next despatch of 8th September
Lord Kitchener again expressed himself as greatly
pleased with the column. " On 5th September Lieut-
enant-Colonel Scobell was able to achieve a brilliant
success near Petersburg, miles west of Cradock,
40
where he surrounded captured the whole of
and
Lotter's commando and a party of Boers under Breedt.
14 of the enemy were killed and 105 captured (4G of
whom were wounded). The prisoners included Com-
 Cape Mounted Rifles 1
09

mandant Lotter and Field -Cornets J. Kruger, W.

Kruger, and Schoeman, and amongst the dead were two
notorious rebels named Voster. 200 horses and 29,000
rounds of ammunition and all the vehicles and supplies
of the enemy fell into our hands. Colonel Scobell, who
deserves the greatest credit in connection with this
affair, had brought to my notice the exceptional gal-
lantry displayed during the engagement by Captain
Lord Douglas Compton, 2nd Lieutenants Wynn and
Neilson, all of the 9th Lancers, and Captain Purcell
and Lieutenant Bowers, Cape Mounted Rifles, Our
casualties were ten men killed and 8 wounded, the
latter including Lieutenant Burgess, Cape Mounted
Bifles." The Bifles had 2 men killed and 3 wounded.
In September and ensuing months the pursuit of
small bodies of the enemy was carried on with untiring
energy, and Lord Kitchener praised Colonel Scobell's
column along with three others for responding cheer-
fully to every call. In the despatch of 8th November
it is stated that Lieutenant- Colonel Lukin surprised
a laager six miles south-west ofNew Bethesda at dawn
on 21st October, killing 1 and taking 14 prisoners.
Down to the close of the campaign the C.M.B.
continued to operate in Cape Colony, for a time in
the extreme west, always doing conscientious work of
the highest order. No corps, whether regular or
volunteer, could point to a better record. The num-
ber of Mentions gained was not very large, because
the commanders had an extremely high standard of
what was needed to get that honour.
The following extract from General Colvile's work
of the IXth Division is given, not so much to show
what Sergeant Bettington did, but as an example of
the dangerous work constantly undertaken by men of
 I lo The Colonials in South Africa

the Colonial corps. At the tmie he speaks of General

Colvile was fighting his way from Lindley to Heilbron,
and was cut off from the main army. " As we had
been less pressed on our left flank than on any other
side, I thought the best chance of getting this through
was to send
it to the railway, and told Gleichen to

give it to one of his men but the natives all said that
;

we were too closely surrounded, and were afraid to go

alone. Sergeant Bettington, however, of the Cape
Mounted Rifles, who was attached to the Intelligence
Department, volunteered to take it, and started off
with a Kaffir who pretended to know the road. We
learnt afterwards that, having passed safely through
the Boer lines, he bolted with his escort's horse and
rifles, and left Sergeant Bettington to make his way

for twenty-eight miles on foot as best he might. For

the sake of those readers who do not know Sergeant
Bettington, I may say that the message was safely
delivered those who do know him will never have
;

had any doubt about it. He had first turned up at

—
Modder River Camp how or why I do not know
and varied the monotony of those dull days by his
habit of appearing unexpectedly outside our outpost
line after a stroll through the Boer lines. After a time
our sentries got accustomed to him, and did not shoot
at him any more. When the reports that a man in '

the uniform of the Cape Mounted Rifles was dis-

covered,' &c., ceased tocome in, I am ashamed to say
that I forgot about him till, on the morning we
all

attacked Cronje's laager at Paardeberg, a figure which

I recognised ran past me at early dawn. It happened
that we were then in doubt as to whether a certain
trench on the river bank was held by the Boers or not,
and on seeing him I at once said, Why, here is the
'
 Cape Mounted Rifles 1 1

very man to find out,' and calling him back asked if

he would do so. All right, sir,' said Bettington, with
'

the cheerful smile which any chance of extra danger

always brought on to his face, and started off at the
double. My was with me at the
Intelligence Officer
time, and said nothing
but the next time I saw
;

Sergeant Bettington he was in charge of Gleichen's '

Horse.'" The other messengers sent out by General

Colvile failed to get through. To carry out success-
fully tasks such as those Sergeant Bettington under-
took required a combination of qualities that one could
scarcely expect to find in the British regular. To the
fearlessness, and physical fitness which the
coolness,
regular generally has, there had to be added a profound
knowledge of the Boer and the Black, and of the country
they lived in and, above all, the ever-ranging eye, a
;

product of the veldt, bred or educated up to distances

at which the home-trained vision is useless.
The Mentions gained by the C.M.R. are as follows :

Lieut.-Col. Dalgety's Report as to Wepener, 2Qth April 1900.— Capt.

Lukin commanded artillery and did most excellent work, putting one of
enemy's guns out of action. Capt. Cantwell, after Major Sprenger was
killed and Major Waring wounded, on the 9th and 11th respectively, com-
manded in advanced schanzen. Capt. and Quartermaster Phillips, when
2 officers were killed and 5 wounded, took command of 50 men, and held a
most important position. Capt. Grant, Field -Adjutant, did the work of
half a dozen men. Sgt. Roberts, Ptes. RawHngs and Robarts, and Trumpeter
Washington brought in wounded comrades under heavy fire.
Lord Roberts' Despatches: ^nd April 1901. —
Lieut.-Col. E. H.
Dalgety Major C. F. Sprenger (killed) Capts. Cantwell, C. L. J. Golds-
; ;

worthy, Grant,! Lukin i

Lieut. Roy ^
; Sgt.-Major Robson 2 Sgt. Roberts ^
; ;

Cpl. Bettington 2 ; Ptes. Rawlings, Robarts, Washington.^

Ath September 1901. — Sgt.-Major G. P. Roberts.^ Artillery Troop —Gunner
Anderson.2
Lord Kitchener's Despatches : Sth May 1901. —Capt. J. F. PurcelV
coolness and skill at Lambert's Bay.

Awarded D.S.O. 2 Awarded D.C.M.

1 1 The Colonials in South Africa

%th July 1901.— Lieut. D. A. H. Bowers, boldness in relief of troops near

Philippolis Lieut.-Col. Lukin,i gallant leading in night-attack on laager ;
;

Pte. White,2 on 9th May, Molteno district, signaller with a patrol engaged
with superior numbers, caught and took back a horse to one man, and took
up another on his own —both acts under fire.

Sth October 1901.— Capt. J. F. Purcell ; Lieut. Bowers, marked gallantry,

capture of Lotter's commando ; Pte. Haines,^ conspicuous gallantry, same

occasion.
Sth December 1901.— Sgt. A. Allen A. C. Archibald (Archdeacon) ; Cpl.
;

W. Eeder, coolness, courage, and gallantry while with Col. Scobell.

23rrf June 1902.— Major Hook Sgt. G. H. Randolph
;
Cpl. R. Stopford.
;

Colonel Dalgety got the C.B. ; Surgeon Lieut.-Col. Hartley, V.C. ; and
Lieut.-Col. Lukin the C.M.G.

KAFFRARIAN RIFLES.
(CAPE COLONY VOLUNTEERS.)

In the reports by General Forestier- Walker of 18th

October 1899 and subsequent dates, given in the
Appendices to the War Commission Report, the Kaf-
frarian Rifles, strength 385, were stated to be em-
bodied at that date, and to be the garrison of East
London. They were soon taken farther north, and
when active operations under General Gatacre com-
menced the corps was given a post of honour. The
ofiicer commanding the corps was Major H. W. Cuming.
On 21st November General Gatacre visited Sterk-
stroom, where the bulk of the Kaffrarian Rifles were
stationed, also Bushman's Hoek, where a mounted com-
pany was posted, both these places being considered
important points. Major Pollock, in his With Seven '

Generals,' says :
"
The General paid some well-deserved
compliments to that excellent corps, and thereby pleased
» Awarded D.S.O. '^
Awarded D.C.M.
 Kaffrarian Rifles \ 1

them greatly. Really, the Kaftrarians had done plenty

of hard work during the past three weeks, and they
had, moreover, been exposed to no mconsiderable
danger, holding the post of honour at the head of the
Division, and, until Thursday, being wholly unsupported
by any other troops nearer than Queenstown." The
Kaffrarian Rifles did not take part in the Stormberg
expedition. All through December and January they
continued to hold Bushman's Hoek and other posts,
—
and to patrol their district work which they did so
well that the wily enemy never caught them napping.
Fighting frequently took place in the neighbourhood,
and when the enemy in great force, probably 2000 to
3000, attacked the camp of the Cape Police on 3rd
January 1900, a mounted company, about 60 of the
Kaffrarian Rifles under Captain Maclean, reinforced
the Police in time to take part in the very excellent
defence (see Cape Police).
The corps, now 600 strong, were in the Colonial
Division, under Brigadier-General Brabant, and took
part in his rapid and very successful operations in
February, which regained possession of the Dordrecht-
Jamestown and Aliwal North districts and drove the
enemy out of many strong positions in the north-east
of Cape Colony (see Cape Mounted Rifles). On 5th
March, at Dordrecht, this corps lost 1 killed and 7
wounded, and on the 11th, at Aliwal North, they had
1 man killed and Captain E. MuUer severely wounded.

A portion of the Kaffrarian Rifles, about four squadrons,

took part, under Colonel Dalgety, in the splendid de-
fence of Wepener in April, and one squadron was in
the relieving force under Brabant. During the siege
they had 1 man killed and Lieutenant Lister and
about 12 men wounded. The corps afterwards took
H
1 1
The Colonials in Sotith Africa

part in the otherwork of the Colonial Division, which

has been already briefly sketched under the Cape
Mounted Eifles. They were several times sharply
engaged in the Orange River Colony and Transvaal
in 1900, particularly on the march from Zeerust to
Krugersdorp in the latter half of August 1900. At
Quaggafontein, on 31st August, the KaiFrarian Eifles
lost 6 non-commissioned officers and men killed, and
Capts. P. Farrar, Rose-Innes, J. M. Fairweather, J.
Donovan, and R. H. Price, Lieutenant Beswick, and
about 18 non-commissioned officers and men wounded.
Before Lord Roberts left South Africa the Colonial
Division was broken up, and in October 1900 many
members of the corps were allowed to return to their
homes. On their arrival at East London, on 3rd
November, the Kaffrarian Rifles got a magnificent
reception. To their credit an immense proportion
expressed a desire to take the field again immediately
after 1st January 1901. The corps was soon well
filled up, and going north again joined a column
under the command of Colonel Crewe of the Border
Horse. This column took part in General C. Knox's
operations in the Orange River Colony against De Wet
in January 1901. In his despatch of 8 th March 1901,
paragraph 9, Lord Kitchener mentioned that the Boer
leaders were, towards the end of January, concentrat-
ing in the Doornberg, north-east of Winburg. Knox
and Bruce Hamilton were ordered against this body,
but De Wet on 27th January broke up his laager
and marched south with great rapidity. Knox fol-
lowed, and the columns of Pilcher and Crewe fought a
very hotly contested action with De Wet's rear-guard
at the Tabaksberg on the 29th. In this action the
Kaflrarian Rifles bore the bulk of the casualties, their
 Kaffrarian Rifles 1
1

and about 20 wounded, including

losses being 5 killed
Lieutenant Weber. The troops of Knox and Bruce
Hamilton were entrained for Bethulie and then moved
rapidly west to Philippolis, but they were unable to
prevent the enemy's force from crossing the Orange.
Knox and Bruce Hamilton crossed at Sand Drift, —
most difficultundertaking, as the river was in flood.
They now joined in the pursuit, in which the corps
suffered a few casualties. De Wet having been driven
out of Cape Colony, Crewe's column moved from
Orange River Bridge on 4th March 1901, and crossed
to Bloemfontein vid KofPyfontein and Petrusburg.
Near the latter place they had an engagement with
Brand's commando. On this march the column took
5 prisoners, 21 waggons with teams, and 2000 horses.
After this the column was again taken to Cape Colony
and commenced a series of pursuits and skirmishes
which was to go on for another fifteen months. The
despatch of 8th July 1901, appendix, shows that
Colonel Crewe's column at that time consisted of the
Kaffrarian Bifles, strength 301, with 374 horses and
two machine-guns the Queenstown Volunteer Rifles,
;

78 men and 137 horses; 44th Battery B.F.A., two

guns, one pom-pom. Casualties were suffered on various
occasions, as on December 15, near Jamestown, when
Captain Fairweather and a party of his men surprised
a laager. In rushing the Boers Captain Fairweather
was wounded for the third time in the campaign. A
Dundee man, located when the war began at Port
Elizabeth, he put ofl" his civilian's clothes and took
to fighting as the proverbial duck takes to water.
Sandhurst could not have turned out a better adjutant.
The corps continued to operate in the east of Cape
Colony until peace was declared.
 1 1 The Colonials in South Africa

The Mentions gained by the corps were :

In Colonel Dalgety's Report as to Wegener, 29th April 1900. Capt. Farrar —

was invaluable in obtaining supplies from Wepener on 6th, 7th, and 8th.
: —
Lord Roberts' Despatch ^nd April 1901. Lieut.-Col. H. D. Cuming ;

Major R. H. Price Capts. G. Farrar,' J. P. Farrar,^ E. H. MuUer Sgt.-

; ;

Major R. Anderson Signalling-Sgt. C. W. Jones ^ Tprs. J. D. R. Macfar-

; ;

lane (dead), J. Rupert (killed).

Lord Kitchener's Despatches Sth March 1901. Major R. H. Price
: — ;

Capt. and Adjutant J. Fairweather, D.S.O. Sgt. S. R. Hains, promoted 2nd

;

Lieut.
Sth March 1902. —
Capt. and Adjutant Fairweather, for very good service
at Patriot's Klip,Cape Colony, 15th December 1901.
Col. Cuming got C.B. Major Price got C.M.G. Major Price (now
; Lieut.-
Col.) was again mentioned in Lord Kitchener's final despatch.

BRABANT'S HORSE.

This corps was raised and took the field in the

Queenstown-Dordrecht district. Major Pollock in his
volume frequently refers to them in appreciative terms.
On 28th November he visited their camp and saw them
at drill and musketry. " The progress already made

quite astonished me. Poor De Montmorency ^ was

. . .

then adjutant, and judging by the results, both he and

his predecessor, Collins of the Berkshire, had a great
deal to be proud of The shooting on the range was
very good." These facts are noted to show how
quickly the volunteer and irregular troops got into
fighting trim. The regiment was very soon sent to hold
various posts, and when General Gatacre went out to
1 Got D.S.O. 2 Got D.C.M.

3 The Captain the Hon. Raymond H. L. J. de Montmorency, V.C,

late
21st Lancers, born February 1867, killed at Schoeman's Kop, near Storm-
berg, February 1900.
 Brabanfs Horse 117

attack Stormberg, on the night of 9th December, 160

of Brabant's were intended to join the attacking force
from Penhoek, but it will be remembered the telegram
was not delivered (see Cape Mounted Ptifles). The de-
tachment under De Montmorency did arrive at Molteno
on the afternoon of the 10th, and scouted back on the
line of the British retreat.
On 22nd and 23rd December De Montmorency and
his men had skirmishes near Dordrecht, in which they
got the better of the enemy, who had the stronger force.
About this time Captain De Montmorency raised his
body of scouts, all picked men, who did some very fine
work. On the 28th, with some of his own scouts and
some of Brabant's Horse, he was out near Dordrecht,
but little was to be seen of the enemy. On the 30th,
however, there was quite a stiff little fight, in which a
party of the Frontier Mounted Rifles was cut off and
only rescued the following day (see Cape Mounted
Pifles). Captain Flanagan's company of Brabant's was
said to have done very well. The corps did an immense
amount of patrol work throughout January, and Cap-
tain Flanagan's company were the first troops in the
Queenstown district to gain touch with the Vlth
Division, then approaching the Stormberg country from
Cape Town via Thebus.
As already stated (see Cape Mounted Pifles), Lord
Poberts had in January announced the appointment
of Brigadier-General Brabant as Commander of the
Colonial Division, which included the two regiments
of this corps, and under that general they did excellent
work in the clearing of the north-east of Cape Colony.
In the fighting about Dordrecht, in the second half of
February 1900, the corps took a very prominent part
and were several times very heavily engaged. In Lord
ii8 The Colonials in South Africa

Roberts' telegram of 18th February he mentioned that

Brabant "had attacked Boer position on 16th. He
gradually closed in on laager during the day. Fight-
ing lasted from 9 a.m. till dusk. At midnight Capt.
Flanagan, 1st Brabant's Horse, attacked and took
laager at the point of the bayonet, capturing the
stores." Captain Crallen and Lieutenant Chandler
and 4 non-commissioned officers and men were killed,
and 5 non-commissioned officers and men wounded.
On March there was again severe fighting near
5th
Dordrecht, in which the Cape Mounted Eifles bore
the heaviest share of the losses. At Aliwal North,
on the 11th, Brabant's Horse had 3 killed and 6
wounded.
A second regiment having been raised in December,
Lieut. -ColonelH. M. Grenfell, 1st Life Guards, was
appointed to command it, and when Colonel Dalgety
was besieged in Wepener (see Cape Mounted Rifles),
the first and a portion of the second regiment were
with him, their strength being respectively 345 and
459. One squadron of Brabant's Horse took part in
the relief of Wepener. During the siege Lieutenant
Thurston and 4 men were killed, and 5 officers
Surgeon-Captain Perkins, Lieutenants W. E. Holford,
Turner, and Duncan, and Quartermaster Williams
and about 30 men were wounded.
In the advance northwards, and in the operations
preparatory to the surrounding of Prinsloo, the corps
was very frequently engaged. In the Hammonia
district they had an immense amount of difficult
scouting, and several times, in the latter half of May
and in June, they had encounters with superior forces
and rather heavy losses. On 29th June Lieutenant
J. S. Orr was severely wounded, and other casualties
 Brabant's Horse 1
1

were suffered in an action in which the enemy had to

be driven across the Zand River. On 3rd July Lieut-
enant and Adjutant A. F. C. Wilhams was shot through
the lung. On the 6th to 8th July at the capture of
Bethlehem, on the 16th near Witnek, and on the 23rd,
24th at Slabbert's Nek, Brabant's Horse were in the
forefront and gained distinction, but, as a matter of
course, had to pay the price. '
The Times historian
'

points out thatit was some "adventurous scouts"

of Brabant's Horse who, by discovering on the night

of the 23rd a commanding summit to be unoccupied,
—
enabled Clements to seize the ridge at daybreak the
corps being entrusted with this task.
The 1st Regiment of the corps, now commanded by
Major Henderson, 8th Hussars, accompanied Dalgety
to the Reitzburg district, and thence in August across
the Vaal in the pursuit of De Wet (see Cape Mounted
Rifles). In his despatch of 1st September 1900 Lord
Roberts said that " the enemy managed to derail an-
other supply train south of Klip River (Johannesburg
district) early this morning. Two men were killed, 1
wounded, and 35 taken prisoners. The engine was
blown up, and thirteen trucks were burned. A party
of Brabant's Horse on duty at Klip River Bridge
followed the enemy as soon as the report of the acci-
dent reached them, drove them into the neighbouring
hills,and recovered all the prisoners."
The 2nd Regiment was ordered to the eastern Trans-
vaal in August, to take part under General Hutton in
the movement from Belfast to the Portuguese border,
crossing some of the most diflScult country in South
Africa. In November they were operating about
Frederickstad in the Central Transvaal with General
Barton. They had skirmishing very frequently, and
I20 The Colonials in South Africa,

on 11th December had 1 man killed and 3 wounded.

A detachment of Brabant's Horse remained in the
Orange River Colony in August. On the 27th of that
month Sergeant-Major Rutters of the 2nd Regiment
was killed, and Corporal Abernethy was wounded at
Winburg. During the last quarter of 1900 a portion
of the corps was with Bruce Hamilton in the Orange
River Colony. In the despatch of 8th March 1901,
dealing with the events for the preceding four months,
Lord Kitchener said that when, in November, it became
apparent that De Wet was to attempt to invade Cape
Colony, he (Lord Kitchener) railed certain forces from
the Transvaal to the south of the Orange River Colony ;

these included the 2nd Regiment of Brabant's Horse.

In his telegraphic despatch of 15th December 1900
Lord Kitchener said, " During the recent operations
in the Zastron district, a party of Brabant's Horse
became detached, and being surrounded in a defile had
to surrender." The casualty list showed 3 men killed,
11 wounded, and 106 missing. The mishap was un-
fortunate, coming after so much good sound work but
;

at that time numerous small columns and patrols were

then pursuing the enemy, who was in great strength in
the south-east of the Orange River Colony, while to
keep touch with him forces had to be greatly scattered,
and there was always a chance of any little detachment
being cut off. About 18th to 24th December the 2nd
Brabant's had much fighting about Steynsburg, Cape
—
Colony the object being to prevent the Boers working
south. On 28th December the 2nd Regiment had
Captain Cholmondley and 5 men wounded. When it
was seen that Kritzinger and Smuts, about 16th De-
cember, had effected an entrance into Cape Colony
with about 2000 men, more troops were railed from
 Brabanfs Horse 1 2

the Transvaal to Naauwpoort, and in this second batch

were the 1st Brabant's Horse.
In February 1901 a portion of Brabant's Horse
was operating in the south-west of Cape Colony, and
Lieutenant J. M. Grant gained mention near Lambert's
Bay on 1st March. Near Jansenville on 20th March
2 men were killed and 6 wounded in an action when
Colonel Scobell and Colonel Colenbrander inflicted a
severe defeat on Scheepers and Malan. About this
time there was fighting daily, and casualties came
often. The despatch of 8th July 1901 shows that two
squadrons of Brabant's Horse were in May and June,
along with a squadron of the 9th Lancers and three
companies of Imperial Yeomanry, operating in the
Cradock and Richmond districts, chiefly against
Malan's commando. On 28th June the 1st corps
were heavily engaged near Bichmond, and had 2
officers, Captain M. Bowker and Lieutenant J. B.

Thompson, and 6 men wounded. On 18th July Captain

W. J. S. Bundle and several men were wounded.
During the remainder of the war Brabant's Horse were
employed in Cape Colony, traversing almost every part
of it. On 5th February 1902 they were in the sharp
fight at Uitspanfontein near Beaufort West, when they
had about half a dozen casualties. During the last year
the work was harder than ever, and there was seldom
the satisfaction of a fight, except when the enemy was
confident that he had a successful trap laid.
The Mentions gained by the corps were as follows :

In his despatch of 2nd April 1901 Lord Roberts referred to Brigadier-

General Brabant, and said, " Has been in chief command of the Colonial
troops from the Cape Colony, which, amongst other distinguished actions,

Despatch of 8th March 1901, para. 3.

122 The Colonials m South Africa

furnished the contingent which, under Lieut.-Col. Dalgety, so gallantly-

defended Wepener. Colonel Brabant is a fine leader of men he represents ;

the true Imperial feeling in the Cape and, aided Ijy his fellow-colonists,
;

has furnished an object-lesson in loyalty and devotion to the Crown."

In Colonel Dalgety's Eeport as to Wepener, 29th April 1900, " Lieut.-
Col. Grenfell, commanding 2nd Brabant's Horse, my second-in-command,
rendered most valuable assistance. Pte. Anderson, ^ assisted in bringing in
wounded comrades under heavy fire."
—
Lord Roberts' Despatch %nd April'\%<d\. Lieut.-Col. H. M. Grenfell
:

(1st Life Guards), Capts. H. R. Cholmondley,- J. S. G. Douglas,^ Hon.

L. Ogilvie,^ Surg.-Capt. R. C. Perkins,^ Lts. E. S. Stephenson
^ (appointed to

Gloucestershire Regiment), A. F. C. Williams (Adjutant),^ Sgt. Campbell,

Cpl. Dutton,! Tpr. P. E. J. Kornell.i
Lord Kitchener's Despatch : %th May 1901. — Lieut. J. M. Grant, for
coolness and skill handling men in action near Lambert's Bay.

THE BOEDER HOESE.

The Border Horse was raised in the Eastern portion
of Cape Colony February 1900, their commander
in
being Colonel Crewe, and when General Brabant was
driving the Boers from about Dordrecht, 200 of the
corps joined Major Maxwell at Labuschagne's Nek on
5th March. On the 4th Maxwell's Colonials had estab-
lished themselves on a mountain 1500 feet high on the
east of the Nek, but the troops in front of the position
had been held up, and indeed withdrawn. The '

Times' History, vol. iii. p. 491, mentions that the two

squadrons of the Border Horse, when they arrived on
the 5th, " proceeded to storm the Boer schanzes. By
noon the whole Boer force was in full retreat towards
Aliwal North," to which place Brabant and Maxwell
followed. On the 5th the Border Horse lost 2 killed
1 Awarded D.C.M. 2 Awarded D.S.O.
 The Border Horse 123

and several wounded. Their casualties were not so

severe as the Cape Mounted Eifles or Frontier Mounted
Eifles.
The Border Horse were stationed at Aliwal North
in April 1900, and were reviewed there by General
Brabant, under whom they were to act in the opera-
tions for the relief of Wepener (see Cape Mounted
Eifles). In the advance to Wepener they were in the
forefront, and several times had sharp fighting with
casualties. Their work was highly spoken of by those
who witnessed it.
After Wepener was relieved the Border Horse was a
component part of the Colonial Division under General
Brabant (see Cape Mounted Eifles), and in the advance
to the Brandwater Basin the whole of the Division
often had fighting. The scouting and patrol work was
constant, hard, and, from the nature of the country,
very dangerous, and casualties were frequent. Of the
work and the losses the Border Horse had their full
share, but they had the satisfaction of helping to hem
in Prinsloo and his 4000 men. Lieutenant L. G. Long-
more was severely wounded near Hammonia towards
the end of May, and on same occasion 3 men were
killed and several wounded.
At Doornhoek, on 26th August 1900, the corps was
heavily engaged, and had Major M. W. Eobertson severely
wounded and about 20 other casualties. Towards the
close of 1900 the Border Horse were with Colonel
Crewe in the Winburg district (see Kaffi-arian Eifles),
and at Tabaksberg, on 29th January 1901, they had 10
casualties, including Captain Cameron wounded. They
took part in further fighting about Winburg towards
the end of February. Under Colonel Crewe a portion
of the corps were engaged in the pursuit of De Wet in
124 ^^^^ Colonials in South Africa

Cape Colony, and the very arduous work by which he

was driven back across the river and through the
central district of the Orange Eiver Colony in February
and March 1901. Sergeant-Major Cruden and 1 man
were wounded at Petrusburg in that district on 9th
March. Throughout the remainder of the year the
Border Horse operated chiefly in Cape Colony under
various column commanders, and saw much fighting.
The Mentions gained by the corps were as follows :

—
Lord Roberts' Despatches Ind Api-il 1901. Majors C. P. Crewe,
:

M. W. Robertson, Regl. Sgt.-Major E. Burgess,^ Tpr. H. E. Rutherford.

—
Lord Kitchener's Despatches 8^A March 1901. Lt. M. 6. (or J.)
:

Foxcroft, Coy. Sgt.-Major Johnston i^romoted 2nd Lt., Lce.-Cpl. A. J.

Shout promoted Sgt.
8</i July 1901.— Cpl. J. Stevens,' iDromoted Sgt., in Cape Colony, April

23rd, held a kraal alone and covered retirement of party in every engage-
;

ment has behaved most gallantly.

Colonel Crewe got the C.B. and Major Robertson C.M.G. Pte. G. Doyle

the D.C.M. in April 1901.

MONTMORENCY'S SCOUTS.
This corps, strength 100, by Captain the Hon.
was raised
E. De Montmorency, December
V.C., 21st Lancers, in
1899. Their work during the next three months was
constantly referred to in terms of praise by Major
Pollock and other writers on the operations in Central
Cape Colony. In the last fortnight of December and
in January they did particularly well.
The corps lost their gallant leader in a skirmish near
Stormberg on 23rd February 1900. It is said that he
1 Awarded D.C.M.
 Montmorency s Scouts 1 25

fired eleven shots after being mortally wounded. On

the same Lieutenant - Colonel Hoskier, a
occasion
Middlesex artillery volunteer officer, was killed, and
several men were killed and wounded. Captain M'Neill,
of the Seaforth Highlanders, who had been aide-de-
camp to General Gatacre, succeeded to the command of
the scouts on Montmorency's death. After the British
had crossed the Orange River in March, Captain Turner
along with Captain Hennessy of the Police carried out
a most gallant and fruitful piece of work (see Cape
Police).
When the Boers had been driven from the neighbour-
hood of the Orange, the corps took part in the operations
for the relief of Wepener. They were in the advance
to the Transvaal, and were among the fi.rst troops to
gallop into Pretoria. After Pretoria was occupied, Mont-
morency's Scouts were split up. In July a detachment
served in the column of Lieutenant - General Ian
Hamilton, which did much hard work marching and
fighting, both east and west of Pretoria, during July,
August, and September 1900.^
The Mentions gained were :

Lord Egberts' Despatch : 'ind April 1901. — Capts. A. M'Neill, H. G.

Turner,2 Cpl. C. Roberts,^ Scout J. Murray.^

1 K.O.S.B. in South Africa, p. 106.

2 Awarded D.S.O. s
Awarded D.C.M.
126 The Colonials in Soiith Africa

FEONTIER MOUNTED RIFLES.

(CAPE COLONY VOLUNTEERS.)

The reports by General Forestier Walker showed

that in October 1899 this corps, strength 229, was
embodied and was stationed at Barkly East, Cathcart,
Molteno, and Indwe. When General Gatacre arrived
they gave him great assistance, their local knowledge
being invaluable. For some months their work was
much akin to that of the Cape Mounted Eifles, the
KafFrarian Rifles, and Brabant's Horse. In several of
the actions in the Dordrecht district the Frontier
Mounted Rifles took a prominent share, and always
did well. At Dordrecht, on 5th March, there was a
severe engagement in which this regiment had 3 killed
and 7 wounded.
When the Colony was invaded for a second time in
November and December 1900, the Frontier Mounted
Rifles again got opportunities of being of great use,
and for the remainder of the campaign did much hard
and valuable service.
The Mentions gained by the corps were as follows :

Lord Roberts' Despatch : 'i.nd April 1901. — Lts. De Cergat, Gordon-

Turner, A. Milford,! H. Whittaker.

1 Awarded D.S.O.
 DriscoWs Scouts 127

DRISCOLL'S SCOUTS.

This corps was raised, on a modest basis as regards

numbers, about the time Lord Roberts landed at Cape
Town. Their leader. Captain Driscoll, was a British
resident in Burma, who made his way to the front, and
whether his motives were love to do something for the
mother country, ambition, or mere love of adventure,
he most certainly did work of the highest value through-
out more than two years' hard campaigning.
The corps took part in General Brabant's operations
in February and March 1900 for clearing the north-
eastern portion of Cape Colony (see Cape Mounted
Rifles); and when Colonel Dalgety occupied and de-
fended Wepener, 3 officers and 52 men of Driscoll's
Scouts were with him. During the siege Lieutenant
Weiner and about a dozen non-commissioned officers
and men were wounded. After Wepener was relieved
the corps was attached to the Colonial Division under
General Brabant, and were in the advance through the
east of the Orange River Colony to the line Senekal to
Hammonia the right or eastern end of that line being
;

largely left to the keeping of the Colonial Division

during June and July 1900, when the operations
for surrounding the enemy were in progress. The
corps were present at the severe engagement fought
by General Rundle at Biddulphsberg on 29th May.
They had several casualties in this action and in the
fighting during June and July before Prinsloo's force
was surrounded.
'
In a telegram dated 12th July the Daily Telegraph
'

correspondent said " Captain Driscoll, leader of the

:
128 The Colonials in So7ith Africa

Scouts bearing his name, captured four armed Boers

single-handed and brought them prisoners into camp.
This was a splendidly plucky feat. Driscoll's Scouts
are rendering General Rundle most valuable service."
Another correspondent mentioned that at the time
Captain Driscoll was quite alone. He had been taking
coffee at the door of a store, when he saw four armed
Boers go round the house. In a second he had
"covered" them, and they agreed to hand over their
arms. He then marched them to his men some miles
away.
Sir Archibald Hunter, in his despatch of 4th August
1900 regarding the surrender of Prinsloo, said, para. 26 :

" The following day, the 26th, I entered Fouriesburg

with my mounted troops, and found that the town
had already been occupied by a portion of Sir Leslie
Bundle's Division, headed by Driscoll's Scouts, after a
forced march from Commando Nek of twenty-five miles."
The corps were very highly thought of by Sir Leslie
Bundle, and he kept them as scouts for his division
when the bulk of the Colonials were taken north to
the Transvaal on the trail of De Wet.
The corps were for a time under Major- General
Hector MacDonald in the Bethlehem district, and in
October they were attached to a column based on
Harrismith under Brigadier- General Campbell. Under
these leaders they did a great deal of marching and
skirmishing.^ Li November and December they were
with Bruce Hamilton, under whom they had constant
hard work, which they performed to the general's satis-
faction. He frequently complimented them.
In the second phase of the war the corps was greatly
augmented in numbers having done well and made a
;

^ Despatch of Lord Roberts of 10th October 1900.

 DriscoWs Scouts 129

name, it got recruits. The despatch of 8th July 1901

shows that the strength in May was 422 men and 489
horses. At that time, and for some months previous,
they had been operating in the Orange River Colony
both east and west of the railway, along the Vaal river,
and in the south of the Transvaal. Early in February
they were engaged near Lady brand, and had some
casualties. On the 24th they lost 2 killed and 6
wounded, and on the 26th had further losses in the
Winburg district. On 4th March Lieutenant Moss was
severelywounded near Jagersfontein in the south of the
Orange River Colony. On the 2nd a party of 50 had
been sent to join a column. They were surrounded by
300 Boers, but about 35 got into a kraal, which they
held for twenty-four hours until relieved. On 16th
March Lieutenant MacMinn and several men were
wounded. Driscoll's Scouts were for a considerable
time in the column of Colonel Western, who was fre-
quently credited in the despatches with useful captures
made chiefly in the neighbourhood of the Vaal. Near
Parys, on 19th April 1901, Lieutenant Norman Breslin
was severely wounded. In August Western's column
was taken to Cape Colony, and operated for a short
time against Myburg about Jamestown. In September
the corps was taken to the south-east of the Orange
Kiver Colony, where for about four months they
operated under General Knox, Colonel Rochfort, and
Colonel Western. In the despatch of 8th January
1902 Lord Kitchener remarked that Colonel Rochfort's
troops, under Lieut. -Colonel Western and De Moulin
and Major Driscoll, were moved to the west of the rail-
way in pursuit of straggling bands of the enemy.
In the despatch of 8th February 1902 Lord Kitchener
said : " On the 26th January Major Driscoll, whose
I
1 30 The Colonials in South Africa

column had called at Petrusburg to obtain supplies

there, learned that on the previous evening Nieuw-
houdt's commando had been seen in the vicinity of
Makaw's Drift on the Modder. He at once started
in pursuit, and crossing at the drift, came up with the
Boer force, which was in movement on the Boshof road
about eight miles to the north of the river. A short
engagement ensued, in which Major Driscoll was suc-
cessful in capturing 17 prisoners, including 2 field-
cornets, 12 waggons, 69 riding-horses." Driscoll was
then sent to the extreme south-west of the Orange
River Colony. The despatch of 8th March 1902 men-
tions that in February Western and Driscoll's troops
moved north towards Boshof; Driscoll's Scouts had an
engagement on the way at Simon's Vallei, capturing
6 prisoners, 180 horses, mules, some cattle, waggons,
and ammunition.
The enemy having been very aggressive in the south-
west of the Transvaal in February and the first half of
March, Driscoll's Scouts, acting as one of Colonel Boch-
fort's columns, were taken to the valley of the Vaal.
About 11th April they crossed the river, and paid some
surprise visits to various likely resorts of the enemy.
A forced march on the 15th resulted in a successful
surprise near Schweizer Beneke, when 57 prisoners
were taken, including two of De Wet's staff. Other
efforts also met with success. After this Driscoll's
Scouts took part in the final great drives in the
Western Transvaal under General Ian Hamilton, which
Lord Kitchener said were extremely successful.
The following Mentions were gained by the corps :

—
Lord Roberts' Despatch Ind April 1901. Capt. D. P. Driscoll.
:

—
Lord Kitchener's Despatches Sth May 1901. Lieut. Breslin, in com-
:

mand of a post near Kroonstad, attacked by Boers on 27th February 1901,

 Cape Tozvn Highlanders 131

held out from morning till midnight. Sgt. Pogson for assisting on same
occasion.
Sth August 1901. — Qrmr. R. J. M'Kinnery, at Maatjesspruit, July 7th,
rallieda troop without an officer ; materially checked enemy, who were
pressing rear-guard.
Lord Kitchener's Final Despatch. —
Major D. P. Uriscoll,i Capt. C. F.
Smith,! Lieut. K. Sartorius, Regl. Sgt.-Major F. J. Kirkwell,2 Sq. Sgt.-
Majors J. Ellis, W. Morgan, J. Hunt, and Sgt. S. P, Pontas.

CAPE TOWN HIGHLANDERS.

(CAPE COLONY VOLUNTEERS.)

The reports of General Forestier Walker in October

1899 show that this corps, strength 458, was then
under arms and forming part of the garrison of Cape
Town. Throughout the campaign they did much use-
ful service, but were employed chiefly in garrison duty
and in guarding the Cape to Kimberley railway. It
has to be borne in mind that at the commencement
of the campaign neither the Cape Government nor the
British generals encouraged the idea of employing the
Cape Colony Volunteers at the front. The view taken
was to keep them on the railways or about their own
towns some corps, indeed, do not seem to have been
;

even embodied. The consequence of this discouraging

policy was, as has been pointed out in The Times '

History, that an immense number of the best men in

the Colony Volunteer forces joined the South African
Light Horse, Roberts' Horse, Kitchener's Horse, and
other irregular regiments. For example, the Army List
of December 1900 showed that 4 officers from the
Cape Town Highlanders, 5 from the Duke of Edin-
1 Awarded D.S.O. 2 Awarded D.C.M.
132 The Colonials in South Africa

burgh's Volunteers, and 1 from the Cape Garrison

Artillery, were serving in Kitchener's Horse alone.
As a corps the most prominent appearance of the
Cape Town Highlanders in despatches was in con-
nection with a mishap for which, however, they were
in no way to blame. It will be remembered that in
October 1900 the enemy, having been beaten in the
Transvaal, made a great effort all over the Orange
Biver Colony, attacking or sneaking into various towns.
In Lord Roberts' despatch of 15th November 1900,
after referring to the attempts on Jagersfontein, Faure-
smith, and Philippolis, he said " Again at Jacobsdal
:

on 25th October the treacherous part played by some

of the inhabitants in admitting the Boers into their
houses during the night led to the temporary occu-
pation of that town. The Boers opened fire at day-
break on the garrison, and 14 men were killed and
13 wounded, nearly all belonging to the Cape Town
Highlanders and Cape Artillery. On the news reach-
ing the Modder Biver Post, troops were at once
detached to Jacobsdal and drove the Boers off. The
houses of the treacherous inhabitants were destroyed
in three of them were found large stores of soft-nosed
bullets. In this engagement the Boer commandant,
Boshman, was killed." Many of the defenders were
shot at close range in their tents or as they were
rushing out. Unfortunately the tents were on the
market square, practically surrounded by houses to
which the enemy had got access and from which they
were able to fire in comparative safety. As the attack
commenced at 4.30 a.m. and continued till 2.30 p.m.,
it was most creditable to the garrison, numbering
in all under 60, that they did not surrender. Eight
dead Boers were found. The relieving force was a
 Cape Town Highlanders 133

very small party of Cape Police, Cape Town High-

landers,and Cape Garrison Artillery, about 50 in all.
As the Boers were nearly 300 strong, they evidently
took the relieving party for the advanced guard of a
stronger body.
Throughout 1901 detachments of the Cape Town
Highlanders were garrisoning Ookiep and other places
in Namaqualand, and although the enemy made sundry
attempts none of these places fell into his hands. In
his telegram of 21st April 1902 Lord Kitchener said :

" In west bulk of enemy's force is round Ookiep, which

has been attacked unsuccessfully. Reinforcements have

arrived now." The defenders of Ookiep were after-
wards congratulated on what was a most creditable
stand. They held out against repeated attacks from
3rd April to 4th May. Lord Kitchener said in his
despatch of 1st June, " No details of the defence of
the town have as yet been received, but General
French is of opinion that Colonel Shelton and his
men offered a gallant and determined resistance to the
many unsuccessful attempts made to capture the posi-
tion." The garrison consisted chiefly of the Namaqua-
land Town Guard, small detachments of the 5th Boyal
Warwickshire Militia Regiment, of the Cape Garrison
Namaqualand Border Scouts, and a few
Artillery, the
Volunteers.
The Mentions gained by the corps were as follows :

Lord Roberts' Despatches Vist March 1900.— Capt. H. Watermeyer,

:

who acted as aide-de-camp to Lord Eoberts.

'ind April 190L —
Capt. Watermeyer/ for performing various duties loyally
and well. Pte. T. Moore,^ since killed.
Lord Kitchener's Despatch: 2Zrd June 1902.— Lieut.-Col. W. Stand-
ford1 Capts. W. A. Hare, J. D. Dell
; Qrmr.-Sgt. W. Clark 2 Company
;
;

Sgt.-Major P. Hardy Sgt. C. Penthill.

;

1 Awarded D.S.O. 2 Awarded D.C.M.

134 ^/^^ Colonials in South Africa

CAPE GARRISON ARTILLERY.

This corps was embodied in October 1899, the strength
then being 373. Throughout the war they did much
good work. During 1900 they were chiefly employed
on the western railway and west of the line. A section
was for some months operating under Sir C. Warren
and other leaders against the Griqualand rebels. The
corps assisted in garrisoning various important posts.
Some were in Jacobsdal when that town was attacked
on 25th October 1900 (see Cape Town Highlanders),
and some were in the relieving force. In his tele-
gram of 31st August 1900 Lord Roberts deals with
an attack on Kraaipan station, in which he remarks :

" Sergt. Southrood, Cape Garrison Artillery, behaved

with great gallantry."
In 1901 detachments of this corps garrisoned, along
with the Cape Town Highlanders and various locally
raised troops, the towns in the extreme west of Cape
Colony and sundry posts right up to the border of
German South-West Africa, which were successfully
held against repeated attacks.
A detachment was part of the little garrison of
Ookiep.
Lieutenant J. C. Campbell of the C.G.A. was, when
serving with an armoured train, unfortunately killed
in an accident north of Pretoria on 8th May 1902.
The Mentions gained by the corps were
—
Lord Roberts' Despatch 2«rf A'pril 1901. Driver Rodger.^
:

Lord Kitchener's Despatch : 23/-c? June 1902. —Lieut.-Col. T. E.

Lawton2; Capt. J. Sampson; Company Sgt.-Major W. G. Duncan; Sgts.
W. Lewis, R.G.A., F. C. Honey, W. Carruthers,i W. Vye.i

1 Awarded D.C.M. 2 Awarded D.S.O.

 Duke of Edinburgh' s Own Volunteer Rifles

DUKE OF EDINBURGH'S OWN

VOLUNTEER RIFLES.

(CAPE COLONY VOLUNTEERS.)

In October 1899 the corps was embodied, and, accord-

ing to General Forestier Walker's Distribution State
of the 26th, 498 were in Cape Town and 98 were at
Fraserburg guarding the railway. Later on the corps,
recruited up to 1000 strong, was on the line between
Cape Town and De Aar. Afterwards it got an oppor-
tunity of moving to the front, where it did excellent
work. As has already been stated under the Cape
Town Highlanders, a great many officers and men from
all the Cape Colony Volunteer battalions joined the

different irregular regiments, becauseit was seen that

this was the surest method of getting quickly to the

front. In November 1900 five officers of the Duke of
Edinburgh's Volunteers were serving with Kitchener's
Horse.
Early in 1900 a detachment of the Duke of Edin-
burgh's Volunteers were taken by sea to Walfish Bay
in consequence of its having been reported that a force
of Boers were working through the sparsely inhabited
parts of German South-West Africa to attack the British
port. The projected attack did not come offi All
through the campaign much unostentatious but respons-
ible work of this kind was cheerfully undertaken by the
Cape Colony Volunteer battalions. When Sir Charles
Warren was appointed Military Governor of Cape
Colony, north of the Orange River, on 26th April
1900, that district was in a most disturbed state, the
136 The Colonials in South Africa

rebel Dutch aided by some Boers having the ascendancy.

Sir CharlesWarren had consequently to undertake
numerous operations in order to regain control over
this very wide district. This was absolutely necessary
if the safety of the Kimberley line was to be main-

tained. In his despatch of 29th June 1900 Sir Charles

stated that on 21st May he occupied Douglas, and that
his next objectives were Campbell and Griquatown.
He began to concentrate at Faber's Put on 27th May,
but his advance was delayed by his having to wait
for a convoy, which came in on the night of the 29th.
His force then consisted of four and a half companies
Duke of Edinburgh's Volunteers, the 23rd and 24th
companies Imperial Yeomanry, a small detachment of
Paget's Horse, four guns "E" battery Royal Canadian
Artillery, and a small body called Warren's Scouts.
Before dawn on the 30th the camp was attacked by
the enemy from three sides. Creeping up through
bush, they occupied some gardens and other positions
in the darkness, from which they stampeded the horses
by fire at close range, and also poured a very heavy
fire into the camp. Fortunately the troops were astir
when broke out. It was after reveille, but
this fire
daylight did not come till after six o'clock. The
advanced pickets held their ground well indeed, the ;

whole of the troops behaved splendidly. Two com-

panies of the Volunteers moved out on the eastern
side and drove back the enemy another company in
;

reserve acted, in the words of Sir Charles Warren,

" with all the. steadiness of seasoned troops." After
about an hour of fighting the attack was repulsed, the
enemy having lost heavily ; indeed, their loss was so
severe that the rebellion suddenly collapsed. The
losses of the Duke of Edinburgh's Volunteers were Col-
 Duke of Edinburgli s Own Volu?iteer Rifles ii,y

onel Spence, Sergeant Orchard, and Private Cheverly

killed, and four men wounded. Colonel Spence was
killed while sitting up to direct the fire of his men.
As to him Sir Charles said, " I regret very much the
loss of Colonel Spence, a most gallant and efficient
commanding officer." Sir Charles also mentioned Major
Lewis, Captains G. Twycross and W. Simpkins, Lieut-
enants W. Prince and B. J. Thorne, and Sergeant-
Major Pearson in charge of the maxim.
In 1901, and until the close of the war, the regiment
was chiefly employed in the west of Cape Colony,
about Griquatown and Daniel's Kuil and although
;

very frequently engaged and suffering some losses, they

seem always to have done well, often in difficult cir-
cumstances, as when they had to take convoys or to
guard posts very far from the railway and the main
force of the army. While in Griqualand, throughout
part of 1901 and 1902, the corps had to observe great
watchfulness, and be ever ready for surprises. The
—
enemy did not leave the posts such as Griquatown
—
and Daniel's Kuil unworried, and casualties were fre-
quent. A portion of the regiment was in the Port
Nolloth-Ookiep district in 1902 when the enemy de-
veloped considerable activity in that neighbourhood.
One detachment of twenty, which held a kopje near
Arrenons, made an excellent defence when attacked on
15th April by a strong force.
In addition to the names already given as in Sir C.
Warren's despatch, the regiment gained the following
Mentions :

—
Lord Roberts' Despatch 2nd April 1901. Major J. Lewis, awarded
:

C.M.G. Capt. W. V. Simkins Capt. Prince.

;

—
Lord Kitchener's Despatches 8th March 1901. Lieut. Cullum.^
:

Awarded D.S.O.
138 The Colonials in South Africa

^th July 1901.— Lieut. G. C. Cullum, for his defence of Daniel's Kuil in
January 1901, when by his forethought and organisation he kept ofif very
superior numbers.
^th August 1901.— Capt. G. S. Pearson, for prompt action and enterprise
in capture of Boer laager in Griqualand West, 2nd August.
2Srd June 1902.— Capt. W. F. Gregory, Lieut. Charrington, Qrmr.-Sgt.
T. H. Bassett,! Coy. Sgt.-Major W. Cotton, Sgt. H. H. Saby, Lce.-Cpl. A.
N.
M'Leod. Major Lewis was awarded the CM.G.

CAPE MEDICAL STAFF CORPS.

This corps was mobilised in October 1899, and per-

formed most valuable work throughout the campaign.
In November 1899 "A" Company of the Cape M.S.C.
acted as Bearer Company to Lord Methuen at Belmont,
Graspan, Modder Eiver, and in December at Magers-
fontein. It will be remembered that the Boyal Army
Medical Corps were scarcely able to meet the great
pressure on their department, particularly after Lord
Roberts commenced his advance into the Orange River
Colony. In these circumstances, the Cape Medical
Staff had full opportunity of proving the worth of their
previous training, and exhibited a very high ideal of
what the services of such a corps should be. In Sir C.
Warren's engagement at Faber's Put on 30th May
1900, the corps had Sergeants Blizzard and Rosscan
wounded.
The Mentions gained were :

Lord Methuen's Despatch as to Magersfontein.— Cape Med. Corps—

Pte. A. Bettington, C.M.E., attached, helped to remove a wounded High-
lander from the front under a heavy fire.

1
Awarded D.C.M.
 Prince Alfred's Volimteer Gtiard 139

Lord Roberts' Despatch, Paardeberg Operations. —Capt. J. J. Brown-

lee/ Sgt. A. Bettington.
General Warren's Despatch as to action at Faber's Put SOM May :

1900. —
Major Cox, commanding Cape Field Hospital.
Lord Roberts' Despatch 'ind April 1901.— Surg. Lieut.-Col. C. B.
:

Hartley, V.C, awarded C.M.G. Staff-Sgt. Wunschow

; Ptes. M. Cheese,^ ;

S. Natlian.2
Lord Kitchener's Despatch : 23rc7 June 1902. — Qrmr. and Hon. Major
W. Dawson.

PRINCE ALFRED'S VOLUNTEER GUARD.

(CAPE COLONY VOLUNTEERS.)

The reports of General Forestier Walker in October

1899 show that this corps was embodied at that time,
and had a battery of artillery, strength 116, and a
battalion of infantry, 339, afterwards increased to 500,
The battery remained for a considerable time about
Cape Town and the line between that and the Orange
River, the infantry at the same time being the gar-
rison of Port Elizabeth, and afterwards guarding the
railway. The greater portion of the corps were
mounted in January, when it was seen that mounted
men were required. In the latter half of February
1900 the mounted squadrons of the corps were em-
ployed, under Major-General Clements, about Arundel,
and did good work, particularly on the 20th, when
they assisted to repel an attack in force, and on the
24th. On the latter date the two squadrons were
sent out to reconnoitre towards Kuilfontein a position —
which the enemy had been occupying in great strength.
Suddenly they were fired on from both flanks and
front, and had to take refuge in a gully which they
1 Awarded D.S.O. 2 Awarded D.C.M.
140 The Colonials in South Afj'ica

held for three hours, but from which they had eventu-
ally to retireowing to the enemy placing a gun so that
it The officer in command, Cap-
enfiladed the shelter.
tain Lascelles of the Australian Regiment, ordered a
retirement, which was well carried out with a loss of
2 men mortally wounded and 6 taken prisoners. Gen-
eral Clements issued an order as follows " The G.O.C. :

noticed with much satisfaction yesterday the courage-

ous manner in which the Cape Colony Mounted Vol-
unteers held the enemy in front of Kuilfontein farm,
and retired under a very heavy fire in good order,
covering the retreat of their comrades who were with-
out horses." ^ On the 27th it was found that the Boers
had retired, and General Clements' force, including
Prince Alfred's Guards, moved forward.
In April a portion of the corps were employed about
Bethulie, and on 25th April Private King was killed
on patrol duty. A mounted detachment of the corps
joined the main army at Brandfort about 4th May,
and then took part in the advance towards Pretoria,
generally acting as part of General Tucker's mounted
screen. On 15th May Lord Roberts telegraphed as
follows from Kroonstad " Two officers and 6 men of
:

Prince Alfi-ed's Guards were out foraging yesterday a

few miles from Kroonstad. They had visited a farm
flying the white flag, the owner of which surrendered
himself, his arms, and his ammunition. They then
approached another farm from which was also flying
the white flag. When within 40 yards of the en-
closure they were fired upon by 15 or 16 Boers con-
cealed behind the farm wall. Pte. A. E. Goldsmidt
and Pte, James Coltherd were killed. Lieut. E. B.
Walton received a slight flesh wound in the thigh,
1 Major Reay's With the Australian Regiments.'
'
 Prince Alfred's Vohmteer Giia7'd 141

and Lieut. W. B. Everton, Cpl. W. B. Sagar, and

Lance-Cpl. E, George were taken prisoner. The owner
of the farm states that the Boers threatened to shoot
him when he protested against their making improper
use of the white flag."
A detachment of Prince Alfred's Guards also took
part in the operations for surrounding Prinsloo, and a
detachment 93 strong formed part of the escort to a
large convoy which, under the command of Colonel
Brookfield, was, on 25th June 1900, sent out from
Kroonstad to General Paget, who was near Lindley.
The convoy was fiercely attacked, but got through
after heavy fighting. This squadron was also engaged
on 3rd July 1900 in General Paget's sharp action
at Baken Kop or Leeuw Kop, an account of which
will be found in The Honourable Artillery Company
'

in South Africa,' page 65 (see 4th South Australians).

They were also in the pursuit of the Boers who crossed
to the north of the Vaal. In August and September
1900 a portion of Prince Alfred's Guards were em-
ployed in the Johannesburg and Krugersdorp districts.
In Lord Boberts' telegram of 20th October he spoke of
an attack on some Boers near the railway, and said
" Much credit is due to Lieut. Walton and Prince

Alfred's Own Volunteer Guards for their steadiness,

14 of them keeping ofi" 100 Boers. Colonel Bullock,
who was in command, specially mentions also Sergeant
Holmes, who brought up his party from Honing Spruit,
placing the Boers between the cross fire."
In the second phase of the war the corps was chiefly
employed in Cape Colony, but one detachment long
remained in the Kroonstad district. About the last
days of December 1900 a party of about 60 of the
corps were in a train which was derailed in Cape
142 The Colonials in South Africa

Colony. They promptly got out, and fired till their

ammunition was exhausted 2 were killed and about
;

5 wounded. On 17th March 1901, near Strydenburg,

2 men were killed, and Lieutenant E. V. Morgan
wounded. In May and June a detachment of the
mounted infantry was about Kopjes Station, in the
Orange River Colony, where Captain Leeds and 2 men
were wounded on 20th May 1901. Lord Kitchener's
despatch of 8th July 1901 shows that 200 of the corps
were, in May and onwards, in the column of Colonel
Crabbe, which did an immense amount of work in the
operations for clearing Cape Colony (see Marshall's
Horse). Both they and Marshall's Horse had casu-
alties on many occasions. Captain Walton and several
men were wounded about 17th to 21st July. In
August this body assisted to drive Kritzinger out of
Cape Colony and in September, while still under
;

Colonel Crabbe, they did good work at the defeat of

Van der Merwe on 9th September. A few days later
they had further fighting, when Captain E. B. Walton
was again, for the third time, wounded. On the 27th
Captain A. J. Annison and 1 man were killed and
several wounded.
The battery of the corps continued to do useful
work throughout the campaign, and in 1901 was at
Kimberley, Warrenton, Koffyfontein, and other places
in the Orange Biver Colony and Cape Colony. They
returned to Cape Town in January 1902.
The Mentions gained were
As already noted, Lieut., afterwards Capt., Walton was specially men-
tioned in Lord Roberts' telegram of 20th October 1900.
Lord Roberts' Despatch: Ind April 190L —
Capt. F. W. Leeds and
Lieut. E. C. Olerenshaw.
Lord Kitchener's Despatch 2Zrd June 1902.
: — Battery Sgt.-Major
M. MuUins, Artillery (awarded D.C.M.)
 City of Grahamstowfi Volunteers, &€. 14^

CITY OF GEAHAMSTOWN VOLUNTEEES, UITEN-

HAGE VOLUNTEEES, AND MAESHALL'S HOESE
(CAPE COLONY VOLUNTEEES).

Marshall's Horse was mainly composed of the mounted

portions of thetwo corps first mentioned. In the des-
patches and in unofiicial accounts the corps are mixed
up, and sometimes are called Grahamstown Volunteers,
sometimes Marshall's Horse.
In October 1899 the City Volunteers, strength 244,
were the garrison of Grahamstown, and after doing
useful work there and on the railway, they were taken
to the scene of more active operations. Their numbers
were shortly increased to 500. In pursuance of his
declared policy to make use of the volunteers of the
Colony at the front, Lord Roberts had a proportion of
these corps mounted, and they were to do much most
excellent work throughout the campaign. These
mounted squadrons formed part of his army which, in
February and March 1900, advanced from Modder
E-iver to Bloemfontein, and on the way they saw a
great deal of fighting. In the despatch of 15th March
1900 Lord Roberts said that during the advance on
—
Bloemfontein that is, after the surrender of Cronje at
—
Paardeberg he had reorganised the mounted infantry,
and the 1st City of Grahamstown Volunteers were said
to have been put into the 4th Brigade of Mounted
Infantry, commanded by Colonel C. P. Ridley. On
7th March the battle of Poplar's Grove was fought.
The cavalry and mounted infantry did most of the
work on that occasion, and suffered practically all the
casualties these included Lieutenant Frieslich of this
;
144 ^^^^ Colonials in Sotith Africa

corps, killed. The strength of the corps when it

arrived at Bloemfontein was 12 officers, 245 men,
and 231 horses.
Prior to Lord Roberts commencing his advance on
Pretoria it was necessary to clear the enemy from their
stronghold at Thabanchu, and a powerful force was
put under General Ian Hamilton for the purpose of
carrying out this object. It included Colonel Ridley's
Brigade of Mounted Infantry, which again embraced
the 5th Corps of Mounted Infantry, under Colonel
Dawson, made up of the 5th Battalion Regular
Mounted Infantry, Roberts' Horse, Marshall's Horse,
the Ceylon Mounted Infantry, and a pom-pom. An
excellent account of thework of Ian Hamilton's army
is furnished by Mr Winston Churchill in his Ian
'

Hamilton's March.'
On 25th April the enemy had to be cleared out of
a very strong position at Israel's Poort. The frontal
attack was entrusted to the Canadian Regiment of
Infantry and Marshall's Horse, who had to lie for
over four hours at about 800 yards from the enemy
while the remainder of the mounted infantry were
working round on the left. After heavy fighting the
position was carried. In his telegram of the 27th
April Lord Roberts said that among the casualties
were no less than 7 officers of the Grahamstown
Volunteers. Captain Gethin was killed, and Major
Marshall, Lieutenants Murray, Winnery, Rawal, Barry,
Hull, and 4 non-commissioned officers and men were
wounded. In his telegraphic despatch of 27th April
Lord Roberts said that the Royal Canadian Regiment
and Marshall's Horse did particularly well.
All through May, during the advance to Pretoria,
Ian Hamilton's force, which was first the army of the
 City of Graha7nstowiL Volunteers, &c. 145

right flank and afterwards crossed the centre and

became the army of the left flank, was constantly
and most obstinately opposed, but every one, from
the General downwards, did unsurpassably well. For
the army of the centre it was practically a walk-over,
the fighting being almost wholly on the flanks.
Marshall's Horse frequently took a prominent share
of the work. On 5th June at Schippen's Farm, for
example, they had 1 killed and 5 wounded. They
were engaged at Doornkop, south-west of Johannes-
burg, on 29th May, and in the battle of Diamond
Hill, east of Pretoria, on 11th, 12th, and 13th June,
and had slight casualties in both actions.
After Diamond Hill a large force was put under
Sir A. Hunter to clear the north-east of the Orange
River Colony (see also Roberts' Horse). Ridley's
Mounted Infantry was part of the force, and Marshall's
Horse were engaged at Heidelberg on 23rd June and
were left there as part of the garrison. In his tele-
gram of 22nd July Lord Roberts mentioned that a
post on the railway east of Heidelberg had been
attacked, and that General Hart had started from
Heidelberg to succour the defenders. Part of Hart's
force was 140 of Marshall's Horse. The attack was
driven ofl" before Hart arrived.
When De Wet broke out of the Brandwater Basin
on 15th- 16th July, Broadwood's Cavalry and Ridley's
Mounted Infantry dashed off in pursuit, and Marshall's
Horse and other troops under Hart were brought down
the railway to co-operate. About Rhenoster Marshall's
Horse had sharp fighting and some casualties.
For a time De Wet skulked in the Reitzburg Hills,
but on the night of 6th August broke out across the
Vaal. Ridley's force took part in the pursuit, and
146 The Colonials in South Africa

Marshall's Horse was at timesengaged with De Wet's

rear-guard, De Wet escaped through Olifant's Nek
to the north of the Megaliesberg about 15th August.
At the request of Lord Koberts, Lord Kitchener with
the bulk of Ridley's Mounted Infantry and other
troops pressed on to the relief of Hore at Eland's
River (see Rhodesian Regiment). In the latter part
of August and during September Marshall's Horse was
employed about Krugersdorp and in the Gatsrand, and
frequently had fighting and rather heavy casualties.
In October, November, and December they were with
Barton in the Frederickstad district, and on 18th
October a foraging party got into a nasty place -when
Marshall's Horse lost 2 killed and 4 wounded. The
corps took part in the very severe fighting which
Barton's force had between 20th and 25th October,
which resulted in the total defeat of the force opposed
to him. Marshall's Horse had Lieutenant Mullins and
2 men wounded.
When at the end of 1900 and beginning of 1901
the enemy reinvaded Cape Colony, the greater part
of Marshall's Horse, like most of the Cape raised
corps, were brought south to protect their own colony
and for long did good service in the columns of Colonel
Crabbe and other leaders. They were constantly in
action and often had casualties. Lieutenant Cliff
Turpin was killed and 6 men were wounded on 24th
March 1901 in the Zuurberg Mountains when on patrol
duty. In July and August they assisted to drive
Kritzinger from the Colony. On 9th September
Colonel Crabbe completely defeated the commando of
Vandermerwe, that leader being killed and 37 of his
men captured. Marshall's Horse, under Major Corbett,
and Prince Alfred's Guards did a great part of the
 City of Grahamstown Volunteei's, &c. 147

fighting, and did it well. Marshall's Horse had 3

men killedand Lieutenant Tyler and 1 man wounded.
Part of the corps remained throughout most of 1901
in the Transvaal about 30 were in the column of
;

Brigadier -General Cunningham, afterwards of Brig-

adier-General Dixon, which operated about the Gats-
rand and Megaliesberg (see war record of 1st Battalion
Derbyshire Begiment). This detachment had 1 man
killed and 1 man wounded at Modderfontein on 31st
January, and 1 man killed and 1 wounded at Band-
fontein on 8th February, and had other casualties.
A portion of the corps were also in the Kroonstad
district in April, May, and June 1901.
In 1902 the corps was in the west of Cape Colony,
where fighting was continuous and the marching very
severe. On 24th March at Bhenoster Valley a de-
tachment of Marshall's Horse was badly cut up, losing
7 men killed and 1 officer, Lieutenant A. P. L. Gabbatt,
and 7 men wounded.
The Mentions gained by the corps, which were un-
accountably few considering the acknowledged value
of their work, were as follows :

Lord Roberts' Despatch : April 1901. — Major G. Marshall, awarded

C.M.G.
Lord Kitchener's Despatch Ist June 1902.
: —
Tpr. A. Lloyd, promoted
Cpl., in Cradock Cape Colony, March 24th, when advanced scout
district,
with one other man who was dangerously wounded, picked him up and
carried him into cover, though himself wounded in the side and twice
again wounded whilst carrying him in.
148 The Colofiials in South Africa

QUEENSTOWN EIFLE VOLUNTEERS.

(CAPE COLONY VOLUNTEERS.)

In the reports by General Sir Forestier Walker, dated

17th and 26th October 1899, the Queenstown Rifle
Volunteers, strength 245, were stated to be part of
the garrison of that town, and they were then mobilised
and under arms. After General Gatacre arrived the
corps, slightly increased in strength, were under his
command and did useful service, freeing the regular
troops for action at the front.By-and-by the authori-
ties came more highly of the various Colony
to think
Volunteer Battalions, and when Brabant was clearing
the Dordrecht - Jamestown district in February and
March 1900 (see Cape Mounted Rifles), the Queens-
town Volunteers formed part of his force. They were
not with Colonel Dalgety in Wepener in April, but
under General Brabant took part in the operations
for the relief of the brave garrison thereafter they
:

formed part of the Colonial Division in the advance

northwards (see Cape Mounted Rifles and Brabant's
Horse). The corps seems to have always done well.
After Prinsloo had surrendered, the Queenstown
Volunteers continued to operate in the Orange River
Colony, and in August General Kelly-Kenny issued
the following Order, which speaks for itself: "The
Lieutenant - General commanding the Line of Com-
munications wishes the following incident to be made
known throughout his command. Colonel Ridley,
Imperial Yeomanry, with about 240 men mostly
 Queenstown Rifle Volunteers 149

Colonial Troops — —
Queenstown Volunteers while en-
gaged in a reconnaissance north-east of Winburg on
August 23rd was cut off and surrounded by 1500 of
the enemy with three guns. Eidley and his little
force, notwithstanding two days' shelling and rifle fire,
and three nights' sniping, held their position until
relieved. The enemy twice demanded his surrender
without avail. His loss was 30 killed and wounded.
The Lieutenant-General brings this gallant defence to
the notice of his command with the view of showing
how a few determined men, skilfully commanded, can
hold their own even in an unprepared position, much
more so in positions carefully entrenched such as ours."
Lord Eoberts in his telegram of 26th August also
referred to the engagement with satisfaction, and
praised the defence. Three of the Queenstown Rifle
Volunteers were killed and 14 wounded, including
Lieutenant C. Smith. In his despatch of 10th October
1900, paragraph 43, Lord Roberts mentioned that
"on the 27th August a Boer force, 1400 strong, under
Olivier, attacked Winburg. They were repulsed by
Bruce Hamilton, 29 prisoners being taken, including
Olivier and his three sons, who were captured by a
small detachment of the Queenstown Rifle Volunteers."
Nothing could be more creditable than these two
references.
Towards the close of 1900 and in 1901 a company,
mounted, of the Queenstown Rifle Volunteers was in
Colonel Crewe's column which operated in the Orange
River Colony and afterwards in Cape Colony. The
company were present in the severe fighting about
Tabaksberg towards the end of January 1901 (see
Kaflrarian Rifles). They then took part in the weary
pursuit of De Wet, and the endless chasing and fight-
1 50 The Colonials in SotUh Africa

ing which resulted in his being driven from Cape

Colony,
The Mentions gained by the corps were as follows :

Lord Egberts' Despatch : 'ind April 1901. — Majors

and J. W. Bell ^

H. L. Haliwell,! Capt. H. G. Bell, Lts. Collins and Eobins (killed), Sgts.

Ai-nott 2 and Temlett,^ Cpls. F. Hayes and W. W. Richards, Ptes. H. N. B.
'-^

Helms,2 w. M. Sladdin,2 p_ q Stillwell,^ T. N. Niland,^ C. Currie,^ D.

Barton,^ G. Bourchier.^

RIMINGTON'S GUIDES AND DAMANT'S

HORSE.

Rimington's Guides were raised in South Africa at

the outbreak of the war by Major M. F. Rimington,
6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons, who had been on special
service in South Africa prior to the commencement of
hostilities. As far as numbers go they were not strong,
but for quality, officers and men could not be surpassed.
The corps was fortunate in that it produced its own
—
author one can scarely say historian, for Mr March- —
Phillipps gives in his With Rimington not so much a
'
'

formal record of work as an exquisite series of pictures,

showing in every line insight into men in all fields
— —
warlike or peaceful great power of observation, and
a graphic force and directness that are a treasure.
His first letter is dated 18th November 1899, from
Orange River Camp, just before Lord Methuen set out
from that starting-point. In it he says " It is lucky :

for our corps that ithas in its leader a man after its
own heart ; a man who, though an imperial officer, cares
1 Awarded C.M.G. ^ Awarded D.C.M.
 Rimingtons Guides and Damanfs Horse 1 5

very little for discipline or etiquette for their own

sakes, who does not automatically assert the authority
of his office, but talks face to face with his men, and
asserts rather the authority of his own will and force of
character. They are much more ready to knock under
to the man than they would be to the mere officer. In
his case they feel that the leader by office and the
leader by nature are united, and that is just what they
want."
At that time the corps numbered about 150, but as
even thenmany were detached to act as guides with
different units, only about 100 remained with their
leader.
In November 1899 the corps showed their grit and
confidence by undertaking an expedition to Prieska,
which had the effect of temporarily stiffing the re-
bellious spirit in that district.^ Prior to the battle of
Belmont, 23rd November, much patrol and reconnais-
sance work was done. The corps were present at that
battle on the extreme right at Enslin or Graspan on
;

the 25th, again on the right at Modder River on the

;

28th, on the left, being among the first troops to cross

the river; at Magersfontein on the 10th and 11th Dec-
ember, again on the left. All of these were mainly
infantry battles, but the few mounted men at Lord
Methuen's disposal had very hard w^ork scouting before
each engagement and watching the flanks and other-
wise helping during the fighting.
After Magersfontein the main body of the Guides,
about 175 strong, with their leader was taken south
to the Colesberg district to assist General French, a
section under Lieutenant Chester-Master being left at
Modder River Camp to act as eyes to Lord Methuen.
^ 'The Times' History, vol. iii. p. 115.
152 The Colonials in South Africa

General French was not long in discovering the

worth of Major E,imington and his detachment. On
1st January 1900 the Berkshire Regiment attacked

—
and captured a hill part of the Colesberg defences a ;

—
body of the enemy about 1000 strong in the after- —
noon made a counter-attack on the British right at
Jasfontein, attempting also to outflank it, but this was
frustrated by the Carbineers and Major E-imington's
men.^ Rimington with his detachment, a squadron of
cavalry and a company of New Zealand M.R., was
afterwards sent to Kleinfontein, an isolated position,
in touch with the enemy, which they held successfully.
General French mentioned Major Rimington in his
despatch as to the Colesberg operations.
Rimington and his men were brought up to Modder
River early in February 1900 to assist in Lord Roberts'
big movements. The corps was distributed among the
various columns. The company which had been at
Colesberg and their leader accompanied General French
in the cavalry rush to Kimberley some of the Guides
;

claim they were the first men in. Chester-Master's

section did not start with French, but made up to him
at the drift on the Modder however, they were left
;

behind to guide the Mounted Infantry and 6th Division.

Fortunately they used their eyes as soldiers should,
and discovered a train of waggons trekking eastwards
— Cronje bolting from Magersfontein, —
and Chester-
Master lost not a moment in sending to hurry up the
Mounted Infantry, and in reporting to Lord Kitchener,
who sent him through to Kimberley with orders for
General French (see Roberts' Horse).
On the march to Bloemfontein and at the fighting
at Paardeberg, Poplar Grove, and Driefontein, the
^ General French's despatch of 2nd February 1900.
 Rimington s Guides mid Daman fs Horse 153

corps was able to be of good service, as will be seen

from the mentions gained. Among many other pieces
of fine work accomplished, Rimington and about 60
of his men, pushing to the very front as usual, were
able to afford assistance to Major Scobell of the Greys
when the latter with a weak squadron seized a hill
commanding Bloemfontein on the night of 12th March.
A portion of the corps was in Broadwood's mishap
at Sannah's Post, and lost several killed and wounded
(see E-oberts' Horse). The Guides were on the right
rear, and assisted to keep back Piet de Wet's attack
from the north. Had they been in advance of the
convoy, no doubt the disaster would never have taken
place. As it was, their services were valuable.
The corps was in the advance to Pretoria. At the
capture of Brandfort (see 1st New Zealand Mounted
Kifles) and on other occasions their services were very
valuable. At Kroonstad they were attached to Ian
Hamilton (acting as his bodyguard). They were
present at the battle of Doornkop (29th May), in
which the 1st Gordons did so splendidly. Mr March-
Phillipp's account of that battle is a most valuable
contribution to the history of the war.
After the occupation of Pretoria the corps was sent
east,and was present at Diamond Hill, 11th and 12th
June 1900 (see also Canadian Mounted Rifles, p. 309).
When the operations to clear the north-east of the
Orange River Colony were begun, the greater part of
the corps was part of Sir Archibald Hunter's force
and when De Wet and about 1500 men broke out of
the Brandwater Basin on the night of 15th July, Sir
Archibald Hunter sent Broadwood with the 2nd
Cavalry Brigade and some Imperial Yeomanry in pur-
suit, so that Rimington's Guides and Lovat's Scouts
154 The Colonials in South Africa

had now to do an immense deal of scouting, and the

work of both corps was fi-equently praised. In closing
his despatch as to the surrounding and capture of
Prinsloo's force, Sii' Archibald Hunter said " Riming- :

ton's Guides. —Major Rimingtou has gathered a body

of men whose vii-tues are like his own. They can ride,
see, fight, and shoot straight. They are in the fore-
front where there is danger. They have never dis-
appointed me, let alone failed me."
A detachment, 27 stronor was with Colonel Brook-
field when on 25th June 1900 he left Kroonstad with a
\>vy convov for General Pao-et. The convoy was heavilv
attacked (see 4th South Australians), but got through
successfully.
A portion of the corps remained in the Transvaal
durinor Julv,and had fio^htino^ and casualties east of
Pretoria. During the latter half of 1900 the bulk of
Rimington's Guides were in the Orange River Colony
doing hard work under Generals Hunter and Bruce
Hamilton, and other leaders. During November their
daring and skill were constantly referred to by corres-
pondents.
On 16th January 1901 Major Rimington left the
Guides to take another command. On taking leave of
the corps Major Rimington gave them every praise for
good work and bravery. You are absolutely the
''

finest class of men I could have had under me. I

could not have wished for better, and every general
under whom you have served has the highest opinion
of you." By his men the commander had been always
implicitly trusted, generally beloved, and sometimes
feared. Of no leader in the campaign has a finer word-
portrait been painted than that of " Mike " Rimington
by Mr March-Phillipps.
 Rimi7igt07is Guides and Da7nanfs Horse 155

Pvimington's Guides seem to have been paid off in

January 1901, but they were resuscitated as Damant's
Horse under one of their old leaders, Major Damant.
In February 1901 the corps, still called officially
E-imington's Guides, were along with General Bruce
Hamilton's 21st Brigade in Cape Colony, helping to
drive out De Wet. On 24th February they had
several casualties at Strydenburg, including Captain T.
Harvey, mortally wounded. Soon after this Major
Damant was put in command of a small column, in-
cluding his own corps, which took part in the opera-
tions of Charles Knox and Bruce Hamilton between
April and September 1901. In the despatch of 8th
October Major Damant "of Bimington's Guides" was
mentioned " for very able command of a column in
south of Orange Biver Colony, a most gallant and
exceptionally good officer."
In September the column was taken to Heilbron.
"On the 13th October Major Damant engaged 300
Boers near Naude's Drift, on the Wilge Biver, and
two days later encountered a commando 500 strong,
under Commandants Boss and Hattingh, which he
drove towards the Bothasberg. Among the prisoners
taken on this occasion was Adjutant Theron. On the
25th Major Damant returned to Frankfort, bringing in
with him 19 prisoners" and much stock. At another
place Lord Kitchener said, " Some minor night raids
by Major Damant's corps have resulted in the capture
of 12 other prisoners." In these affairs they escaped
with comparatively few casualties, because their work
was most skilfuUv carried throuo;h.
The despatch of 8th December 1901 contains the
work of both
following passage, very flattering to the
the leaders mentioned " Since the fifteenth of Nov-
:
 156 The Colonials in South Africa

ember successful operations have been carried out by

Colonel Rimington and Major Damant, operating from
Frankfort, along the valley of the Vaal. Frequent
captures have been made by these officers, who have
exhibited marked ability in adapting themselves to the
peculiar methods of Boer warfare. It would be
tedious, indeed, give in detail the many minor
to
successes which
have rewarded their energy and
ingenuity. The most important capture effected by
Colonel Rimington was that of Commandant Buys,
who fell into his hands after being wounded in a
skirmish with a detachment of the Railway Pioneer
Regiment, to whose assistance Colonel Rimington had
gone."
In the despatch of 8th January 1902, after referring
to De Wet's successful rushing of the camp of a
Yeomanry battalion at Tweefontein, in the Harrismith
district, in the early morning of 25th December 1901,
Lord Kitchener said " Another very determined at-
:

tack was also made upon Lieutenant-Colonel Damant's

column in the vicinity of Tafel Kop, between Frankfort
and Vrede. On the evening of the 19th December,
this column, together with Colonel Rimington's troops,
who had also moved from Heilbron to Frankfort,
marched from the latter town towards Tafel Kop to
cover the extension of the blockhouse line in that
direction. They moved throughout the night by two
parallel roads, some three miles apart, and to the
north of the proposed line of blockhouses, and, after
circling round Tafel Kop, were at daybreak in the
vicinity of Bacchante Farm. Here a resolute attack
was suddenly made by some 800 Boers, under General
Wessels, upon Colonel Damant's advanced guard, who
were deceived by the khaki disguise of the enemy,
 Rimington s Guides and Damanfs Horse 1 57

and their clever imitation of the formation usual with

regular mounted troops. To complete the deception
the enemy even fired volleys, as they approached
Colonel Damant's men, in the general direction of some
Boers who were escaping across the front of the two
forces. This clever ruse enabled them to get suffici-
ently close to Colonel Damant's troops to anticipate
them by a few yards in the occupation of the crest
of a kopje which commanded the whole field, including
the guns and the main body of our troops. Lieutenant-
Colonel Damant's men displayed the utmost gallantry,
holding on to their inferior position so as to save the
two guns which accompanied the advanced guard, and
every officer and man, except four, of the leading
troops was shot down before reinforcements, which
were pushed forw^ard from the main body and from
Colonel Rimington's column directly firing commenced,
could arrive upon the scene. The appearance of these
reinforcements compelled the Boers to relinquish their
attack, and they fled over the Wilge Biver, pursued
for some miles by Colonel Bimington's troops. Since
the date of this affair the troops of Colonels Bimington
and Damant have continued to operate in the neigh-
bourhood of Tafel Kop, where I am reinforcing them
by two of the newly formed battalions of Boyal
Artillery Mounted Bifles, and by the Canadian Scouts
under Major Boss." In his telegram of the 21st
December Lord Kitchener said that the losses of the
column were 2 officers and 20 men killed, and 3
officers and 17 men wounded. These turned out to be
—
rather greater the 39th Battery one section
; had 6—
killed and 8 wounded. The losses of Damant's Horse
were severe, but nothing like those of the 91st
Company Imperial Yeomanry, which had 32 hit out of
158 The Colonials in South Africa

40, and, in the words of Lord Kitchener, " sacrificed

itself almost to a man to save Damant's guns." Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Damant was wounded in four places,
Lieutenant Shand (Cameron Highlanders, attached
Damant's Horse) was killed. Lieutenant C. H. A.
Wilson was wounded, 5 men were killed and 10
wounded.
In the despatch of 8th February 1902 it was stated
that " in the north of the Orange River Colony
columns under Lieut. - Colonels Keir and Wilson,
together with Damant's Horse, have acted vigorously
wherever opportunity offered against the enemy's
bands." The corps took part in many driving opera-
tions in this district,and when it was seen, after Lord
Methuen's defeat, that the Western Transvaal was
insufficiently supplied with troops, the columns of
Keir, Wilson, and Damant marched through Vrede to
Volksrust to entrain for Klerksdorp. They were at
once again put into the field, and took part in the
last big operations under General Ian Hamilton, which
destroyed the power of Delarey in the Western Trans-
vaal. In the drive of 23rd and 24th March 80 miles
were covered in twenty-four hours. In this operation
the corps had 2 killed. On the 31st March the Boers
made a most determined attack on the column of
Colonel Cookson near Boschbult, and a fight as fierce
as, and on a bigger scale than, that at Tafel Kop took
place. Damant's Horse again did well, as will be seen
from the Mentions. Their losses were Lieutenant J. J.
Roach and 4 men killed and Lieutenant Harold Creed
and 17 men wounded.
It may be thought that too much space has been
given to these two corps, but their services were of out-
standing value during more than two years' fighting.
 Rimingtoiis Guides and Damanfs Horse 1 59

The Honours and Mentions gained were :

Cpl. J. J. Clements, Rimington's Guides, gained the Victoria Cross " on

24th February 1900, near Strijdenburg when dangerously wounded ;

through the lungs and called upon to surrender, he threw himself into the
midst of a party of five Boers, shooting three of them with his revolver,
and thereby causing the whole party to surrender to himself and two un-
wounded men of Rimington's Guides."

The Mentions gained by Rimington's Guides were :

General French's Despatch 2nd February 1900. Major M. F. : —

Rimington, employed in command of a corps of Guides, has rendered me
much assistance since he has been attached to this command.
Lord Roberts' Despatches Zlst March 1900.: Major Rimington — ;

Lieuts. R. Chester-Master (King's Royal Rifle Corps), and W. F. Murray ^ ;

Cpl. Kirton ^ Guides E. Christian and H. E. Jackson.

;

—
2nd April 1901. Lieut.-Col. Rimington, 6th Dragoons, "has rendered
very exceptional service with a specially raised corps of scouts. He had an
intimate knowledge of the whole of the Orange River Colony, and no hard-
ship was too severe or peril too serious to deter him from pushing his
reconnaissances far to the front or flanks of the force to which he was
attached " (awarded C.B.) Captain Brown; Lieut. W. F. Murray,^ Sgt. ;

A. O. Vaughan,2 Cpi -^y. Kirton,^ Tprs. Hardnek, Mm-chie,^ Nelson,

Patten Guide
; H. E. Jackson.^
4:th September 1901. —
Capt. C. H. Rankin,^ 7th Hussars Cpl. J. Spence. ;

Lord Kitchener's Despatches : ?>th March 1901.— Lieut. Harvey ; Cpl.

Clements, Pte. Wilson (promoted Cpl.)
Sth October 1901. —
Major J. H. Damant,i for very able command of a
column in south of Orange River Colony, a most gallant and exceptionally
good ofiicer. Cpl. J. Spence, of the Guides, also got the D.C.M.

With Damant's Horse.

Lord Kitchener's Despatches : Sth March 1902. — Lieut. Clive Wilson,i
marked gallantry ; Tpr. J. E. Spreckley, good service ; Sgt. Carson,
gallantry — all in December 1901. " The following are some
action of 20th
of the men who charged with Major Webb, took the ridge and held it,
thereby, in a great measure, saving the guns : Sgt. J. Carson, Cpl. T. Duft'
(killed), Tprs. A. Forsyth (killed), R. Dunham."
1st June 1902. —Capt. Williams Scott i; Sgt.-Major J. Byrne; Sgts. W.
Roberts, A. R. Lake, H. E. G. Noble, J. C. Cullinan, for good service at
Boschbult, 31st March Tpr. R. Morrisy (promoted Cpl.), for gallantry,
;

same action.
iZrd June 1902. — Brevet-Col. M. F. Rimington, C.B., 6th Dragoons, is a

Awarded D.S.O. 2 Awarded D.C.M.

i6o The Colonials in South Africa

leader of mounted troops who is particularly well qualified for the conduct
of specialand independent raids or enterprises his knowledge of the theatre
;

of operations, his energy and his soldierly instincts, have enabled him to
render exceptional services Reg. Sgt.-Major A. Jenkins
; Qrmr.-Sgt. De ;

Landre; Squad. Sgt.-Major Roberts i; Sgt. E. H. G. Noble; Cpl. A. R.

Lake. Col. Damant was awarded the C.B. as well as the D.S.O.

EGBERTS' HORSE.

In the despatch of 6th February 1900 Lord Roberts, after

referring to the organisation of the Colonial Division
under Brigadier-General Brabant (see Cape Mounted
Rifles), said :
" Two other regiments, designated, at
the particular request of the members, Roberts' Horse
and Kitchener's Horse, have also been formed, chiefly
from men who have found their way to South Africa
from various parts of the world." These corps were at
first intended to be called " The second and third regi-

ments of the South African Light Horse," but the

names were changed as a compliment to the new
Commander-in-Chief and his chief of the staff.
Appended to the despatch of 16th February, written
after Lord Roberts had commenced his great movement
for the relief of Kimberley and the advance on Bloem-
fontein, there is a list of the troops taking part in the
movement, and among these is Roberts' Horse, set
down at a strength of 550. Before this the corps had
been doing some work on the western railway, and a
detachment had taken part in an expedition to Prieska,
but the regiment was attached to General French's
1 Awarded D.C.M.
 Roberts Horse i6i

Cavalry Division before it set out for Kimberley. They

joined General French at E,amdam before midnight on
11th February, and at 2 a.m. on the 12th started off
with the cavalry division to seize the fords on the
E,iet. French did not carry the whole of his mounted
infantry with him in his rush to Kimberley he had to
:

leave strong bodies on the 13th and 14th to keep touch

with the infantry divisions who were following. On
the 15th part of Eoberts' Horse was in the Mounted
Infantry Brigade under Colonel Hannay when Cronje
was discovered to have left Magersfontein and to be
trekking through the gap which, on 15th February,
existed between the cavalry heading for Kimberley
and the main army. As it was, the gallant Hannay's
Mounted Infantry, although but very recently raised
and mounted, did splendid work from the time Cronje
was discovered until he was surrounded at Paardeberg.
Mr Goldmann, in his With General French and the
'

Cavalry,' gives a fine description of the rush to Kim-

berley, the heading of Cronje, and the many engage-
ments on the way to Bloemfontein. At page 11,
speaking of the seizing of the drifts on the Riet, he
tells how General French manoeuvred so as to deceive
the enemy as to the point of crossing " Finding that
:

his bait had taken. General French at once made

for Dekiel's Drift with the first Brigade, the mounted
infantry, and Roberts' Horse. The banks of the river
were very steep and difiicult, but by following the
track a fordable place was discovered. Some Boers,
seeing the cavalry make a dash for the ford, also had
a race for it, and attempted to dispute the passage, but,
out-manoeuvred by a boldly handled party of Roberts'
Horse, came up too late to offer more than a show of
resistance. Captain Majendie of the Rifle Brigade,
L
1 62 The Colonials in South Africa

attached to Roberts' Horse, was the only man killed,

and but two were hit." ^ One man of Roberts' Horse
was killed. On the 15th Lieutenant Gray was
wounded near Kimberley. On the 16th some of the
corps were in the fighting round Kimberley. On the
18th a portion of the corps were assisting Brigadier-
General Gordon to the north of Paardeberg. Gordon
had left Kimberley that morning about twenty-four
hours after Broadwood's Brigade, which, it may be
remembered, headed Cronje on the 17th. On the
19 th Roberts' Horse did good work in seizing Koe-
doesrand Drift and the hills south of it, and part of
them were at the taking of Kitchener's Hill next
day. This was an important position two miles south
of the Boer laager, which, if held by the enemy,
made it possible them
send help to Cronje.
for to
The regiment had between the
casualties several times
15th and 28th February, including Lieutenant Grant
wounded. This officer died in Kimberley shortly after-
wards. During that period they had suffered severe
hardships the work had been incessant, and the
:

rations for officers, men, and horses most scanty.

In the despatch of 15th March it was noted that
Roberts' Horse had, about 2nd March, been put into
the brigade of mounted infantry under Lieut. -Colonel
Alderson, along with the first and second regiments of
regular mounted infantry, the New Zealand Mounted
Rifles, and Rimington's Guides. At the seizing of the
positions commanding Bloemfontein on the evening of
12th March Roberts' Horse had again a prominent
place. On their arrival at Bloemfontein the strength
of the regiment was 35 officers, 358 men, and 387
horses.
^ See also '
The War Record of the Inniskilling Dragoons,' p. 39.
 Roberts Horse 163

After the occupation of the capital Alderson's

Mounted Infantry, including Roberts' Horse, accom-
panied Major-General Broad wood on an expedition to
Ladybrand. Broadwood, thinking the enemy was in
too great force beyond Thabanchu to allow of his
small body remaining long so far from a base, decided
to retire on Sannah's Post. On 30th March he fought
a rear-guard action. On the 31st his camp was shelled
from the east or rear at daybreak, and he decided to
push on to the west. In his report he said " Roberts' :

Horse and U' Battery moved off on opposite sides of the

'

baggage column, which was clearing rapidly out of the

shell-fire, and before they had cleared the column came
to a deep spruit about 2000 yards west of the bivouac.
This spruit was occupied by about 600 of the enemy,
who seized five guns of the battery and the convoy, and
opened a heavy fire on Roberts' Horse and the main
body of the cavalry which was following these retired
:

out of fire." " Q " Battery wheeled into action about 1200
yards from the spruit, and the Durham Mounted In-
fantry formed up on its flank. This checked any inten-
tion of the enemy to come out of the spruit. General
Broadwood ordered the Household Cavalry and 10th
Hussars to move to the south, crossing Koorn Spruit
above the Boers, and to press down the gully on their
right flank. The cavalry got across, but do not seem
to have made any determined attempt to press or en-
filade the Boers. To Alderson's Mounted Infantry,
including Roberts' Horse, was allotted the post of
— —
honour that of rear-guard and to the splendid stand
which they made was due the fact that any of the guns
were saved. When Alderson was finally ordered to
retire he was holding his position with comparatively
little difficulty. A regular officer who saw their work
 164 The Colonials in South Africa

that day has told the \yriter that nothing could have
been finer than the conduct of Roberts' Horee throuo-h-
out the trying hours after the first outburst of fire
from the spruit. ''Q" Battery had to leave two guns,
for which no horses were available; indeed the guns
saved were only got out by hand and with the greatest
difliculty. Lieutenant Maxwell, D.S.O., 18th Bengal
Lancers Sergeant J. C. Collins Troopers T. Murphy
; :

and T. D. Todd, all of Roberts' Horse, were mentioned

by Brigadier-General Broadwood. Lieutenant Maxwell
got the Victoria Cross for heroic efibrts made in the
saving of the guns, and the others got the D.C.M.
In his telegi-aphic despatches of 1st and 2nd April
Lord Roberts mentions that Roberts" Horse and some
regular mounted infantry covered the retirement of
the guns, first from the proximity of the spruit and
again from the position taken up by " Q Batterv.'"

The approximate losses of the regiment were Lieut-

enant Crowler and about 30 men killed. Major A. W.
Pack Beresford, Captain H, C. Smith, Captain P. D.
Bray, Lieutenant Darley, Lieutenant Kirkwood, and
Lieutenant and Quartermaster Hawkins, and about
50 men wounded. About ~0 were made prisoners.
Notwithstanding the losses at Sannah's Post the
corps was soon in action again, taking part in the
operations under Generals French and Bundle for
clearing the south-east of the Orange River Colony
and eftecting the rehef of Wepener. On 2ord April,
at Kariefontein near Leeuwkop, they were sharply
engaged and had some casualties. Several corre-
spondents spoke of the regiment as doing their work
exceedingly well and taking a prominent share in the
attack on a strong position. On 1st May Lord Roberts
 Roberts Horse 165

inspected the corps and complimented them on the

good work which they had done.
Roberts' Horse were with Ridley and Ian Hamilton
in the next advance from Bloemfontein to Pretoria.
The regiment was now in the 5th Mounted Infantry
Corps under Lieut. -Colonel Dawson, along with the
5th Mounted Infantry Regulars and Marshall's Horse.
Frequently during the advance Roberts' Horse was
heavily engaged and suffered sharp losses. The
regiment was in action to the south of Pretoria before
the occupation at Diamond Hill, llth-12th June; and
;

in other fighting immediately after that battle. They

took part in the initial operations for the surrounding
of Prinsloo, and again had sharp fighting near Heidel-
berg on the north side of the Vaal on 23rd June. The
day was a disastrous one for the oflficers of the corps.
Captain Whitaker was mortally wounded, Captain M.
Browne and Lieutenants C. L. Learmonth and Rix
King were wounded, while there were about 20
casualties in other ranks. Broadwood's Cavalry
Brigade and Ridley's Mounted Infantry were detached
by Sir Archibald Hunter to pursue De Wet when he
broke out of the Brand water Basin, and between 16th
and 20th July Roberts' Horse were frequently engaged
with the Boer rear-guard, having Lieutenant J. C.
Collins wounded, and about half-a-dozen other casu-
alties. On the 24th, at Stinkhoutboom, 150 of the
corps boldly pursued and captured some waggons, but
the detachment was in turn attacked, and only man-
aged to withdraw their booty by the prompt assistance
of Kitchener's Horse. They took part in the pursuit
after De Wet and his men had broken across the Vaal
on the night of 6th August, and thereafter they oper-
1 66 The Colonials in South Africa

ated in the Krugersdorp district under Ridley and

Clements. The regiment was present in Pretoria
as representing the South African forces at the
ceremony of proclaiming the annexation on 25th
October 1900.
In November the regiment was with Hart in the
Gatsrand, and frequently had fighting, as on 23rd and
24th November, when they had one killed and two
wounded. Their good work at this period was referred
to by the General. After Clements' mishap at Nooit-
gedacht, 13th December 1900, a large force was em-
ployed to clear the country west of Krugersdorp.
Roberts' Horse took part in these operations under
Brigadier-General Cunningham, and was engaged at
Olifant's Nek on 22nd January and in the
1901,
action at Middelfontein, 23rd January. During Feb-
ruary and March they were often in action, and on
17th March Lieutenant F. C. Montgomery was killed
near Lichtenburg, in the Western Transvaal. On the
18th, Lieutenant A. F. Todd and some men were
wounded.
—
In the second phase of the war that is, after Lord
Roberts had handed over his command to Lord Kit-
—
chener the regiment had one signal opportunity of
gaining distinction. In the despatch of 8 th May 1901,
Lord Kitchener, dealing with operations in the Western
Transvaal, said " A night march across the hills south
:

of Kaifir's Kraal resulted in the surprise of the Boer

camp at dawn of the 14th April, the laager being
rushed by the men of Roberts' and Kitchener's Horse
under Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Henry Rawlinson. The
enemy, numbering some five or six hundred, fled in
haste, pursued by our troops. The enemy's losses in-
cluded 6 killed, 10 wounded, 23 prisoners, 1 12-pounder
 Roberts Horse 167

gun, 1 pom - pom, 2 ammunition waggons," and an

immense amount of ammunition. " Our casualties were
3 men wounded." To have accomplished so telling a
victory with such a light casualty list reflected the
greatest credit on Sir Henry E,awlinson and the officers

and men of the two regiments.

Boberts' Horse continued to do good work in the
Western Transvaal under Sir Henry Eawlinson and
other leaders. For a time they were in the column of
Colonel Hickie (see despatch of 8th July 1901). On
8th and 9th July, Roberts' Horse had 6 wounded, and
Kitchener's Horse 3 wounded. They were afterwards
employed in the Eastern Transvaal under General Bruce
Hamilton, and took part in some of his very successful
movements by which large numbers of prisoners were
taken. To the close of the war they maintained the
splendid reputation which they had gained in the first
six weeks of their service.
The Honours and Mentions gained by the regiment
were as follows :

"Lieut. F. A. Maxwell, 18tli Bengal Lancers, attached Roberts' Horse,

gained the Victoria Cross. Lieut. Maxwell was one of three officers not
belonging to 'Q' Battery, R.H.A., specially mentioned by Lord Roberts as
having shown greatest gallantry and disregard of danger in carrying out the
self-imposed duty of saving the guns of that battery during the affair at
Koorn Spruit (Sannah's Post), March 31, 1900. This officer went out on five
different occasionsand assisted to bring in two guns and three limbers, one
of which he, Capt. Humphreys, and some gunners dragged in by hand.
He also went out with Capt. Humphreys and Lieut. Stirling to try to get
the last gun in, and remained there till the attempt was abandoned. Dur-
— —
ing a previous campaign Chitral Expedition, 1895 Lieut. Maxwell dis-
played gallantry in the removal of the body of Lieut. -Col. F. D. Battye,
Corps of Guides, under fii-e, for which, although recommended, he received
no reward."

Mentions were gained as follows :

Lord Roberts' Despatch 31s< March 1900, for advance to Bloemfon-

:

tein. —Col. H. L. Dawson, 9th Bengal Lancers, attached, awarded C.B. ;

1 68 The Colonials in South Africa

Capt. A. W. Pack Beresford, Royal Artillery Tprs. L. Chad wick ^ and C.

;

H. Worrod. For Sannah's Post, the names already quoted.

—
Lord Roberts' Final Despatches. Capts. E. R. King,^ F. C. Vig-
noUes, and J. S. J. Baumgartner Sgt.-Major (Lieut.) Montgomery ^ Lieuts.
; ;

R. Singer, C. Ross "^

Doctor Leslie ^
; Farrier-Sgt. Robinaus
; Cpls. A. ;

Hayne, R. Thurston,^ E. D. Patterson i Tprs. L. H. T. Apel, J. M'K.

;

Chadwick,! G. Cullen,i P. Fitzherbert, T. Jones, H. Hilton, T. Murphy,^

V. D. Todd.i
Lord Kitchener's Despatch 8th March 1902. Brevet-Major H. C.
: —
Smith, Royal Dublin Fusrs., for conspicuous good service in General Bruce
Hamilton's operations in Ermelo district, December 1901 and January 1902.
Sgt. Brown, for great dash and energy on occasion of captm-e of Boers,
Ermelo, December 11 and 13. Sgt. J. C. Collins and Trumpr. O'Hara got
the D.C.M. Tpr. Chadwick got one of the four scarves knitted by Queen
Victoria, he having been selected as the South African representative.
Gallant conduct in the field was the primary consideration in the awarding
ofi

KITCHENEE'S HORSE.

This corps was raised at the same time as Roberts'

Horse, to which reference is made. Both regiments
were employed in the operations undertaken by Lord
Roberts in February 1900 for the relief of Kimberley
and in his advance to Bloemfontein but one squadron ;

of Kitchener's Horse was left on the lines of communi-

cation, and was utilised as part of the force with which
Lord Kitchener and General Settle put down the
rebellion in the Prieska district, March and April (see
Orpen's Horse).
On 9th February the Mounted Infantry Division,
under Colonel Hannay, Argyll and Sutherland High-
landers, left Orange River station. After some fight-
1 Awarded D.C.M. 2 Awarded D.S.O.
 Kitcheners Horse 169

ing, the Division on the 12th reached Ramdam, where

Lord Roberts was concentrating his army but the ;

bulk of Kitchener's Horse had preceded the rest of the

Mounted Infantry, and had joined General French
before midnight on the 11th. At 2 a.m. on the 12th
they set out with French for Dekiel's Drift, on the
Kiet. On the 13th, General French, who had crossed
the E-iet River on the 12th, left a squadron of Kit-
chener's Horse at Blaauwbosch Pan, about eight miles
north-east of Dekiel's Drift, on the Riet, in order to
protect the wells until the infantry, who were follow-
ing, should arrive. Unfortunately the infantry took a
different course, and instead of them a large force of
Boers turned up, who attacked the squadron and com-
pelled their surrender after they had made a very
creditable defence in a farmhouse for two days. Lieut-
enants Carstens and Buchanan were killed in action
about this time. Another squadron was part of the
slender escort of the convoy which was lost on the
Riet on the 13th. The convoy is said to have been
seven miles long, and the escort, left to see it over a
most difficult drift with Boers all round, was 300
strong. The escort was not captured. Notwithstand-
ing this bad luck, the corps did excellent work before
Bloemfontein was reached. About one half of the
regiment was with Colonel Hannay when Cronje was
discovered to be trekking across the front of the Vlth
Division on 15th February, and they took part in the
pursuit and the other operations which led to his
capture. On 7th March they were engaged at Poplar
Grove. Five officers and five non-commissioned officers
and men gained mention in the despatch of 31st March
for good work on the way to Bloemfontein. According
to the official statement, the strength of the corps when
170 The Colonials in Sotith Africa

itentered Bloemfontein on 13th March was 26 officers,

402 men, 270 horses, and 2 maxims.
About the beginning of March Kitchener's Horse
had been, along with the 6th and 8th Regiments of
Eegular Mounted Infantry, the City Imperial Volun-
teersMounted Infantry, Nesbitt's Horse, and the New
South Wales Mounted Infantry, put into the 2nd
Brigade of Mounted Infantry under Colonel P. W, J.
Le Gallais, 8th Hussars, —a splendid officer, who led
his brigade to victory on many occasions, but who
afterwards fell at Bothaville, 6th November 1900, in
the moment of success. The regiment fought with
Le Gallais and General Tucker at the battle of Karee
Siding on 29th March 1900, and they were attached
to Ian Hamilton's force, which, towards the end of
April, set out first to clear Thabanchu and thereafter
take part in the northern advance, during which the
regiment, along with the 2nd Mounted Infantry Regu-
lars and Lovat's Scouts, was in the 6th corps under
Colonel Legge, who was afterwards killed at Nooit-
gedacht.
Mr Churchill, in his '
Ian Hamilton's March,' relates
that on 26th April Kitchener's Horse and a company
of regular mounted infantry were told to hold a kopje
near Thabanchu for the night, but about dusk they
were ordered to retire. This the Boers endeavoured
to prevent, attacking the force with great determina-
tion : however, the attack was driven off, and the
little body got into camp during the night. Captain
F. J. Warren was severely wounded, 1 man killed,
and several wounded. On the 30th, at the battle of
Houtnek, the regiment, with great boldness and skill,
seized Thoba Mountain, and it was during the enemy's
attempt to regain this commanding position that a
 Kitchener s Horse 171

party of about 12 Gordon Highlanders and 13 of

Kitchener's Horse under Captain Towse of the Gordons
made the famous stand and bayonet charge. The in-
cident is admirably Hamilton's
described in '
Ian
March by Mr Churchill, who was a spectator. Captain
'

Towse, blinded, alas by a bullet in the hour of triumph,

!

got the V.C. Lieutenants Parker and Munro and 5

men of Kitchener's Horse were killed, and Captains
Ritchie and Cheyne and 8 men were wounded at Hout-
nek. In his telegram of 2nd May Lord Roberts re-
marked " Kitchener's Horse is spoken of in terms of
:

praise." On 4th May Ian Hamilton was again engaged,

" and succeeded in preventing a junction of two Boer

forces by a well-executed movement of some of the

Household Cavalry, 12 th Lancers, and Kitchener's
Horse, who charged a body of the enemy and in-
flicted serious loss. They fled leaving their dead on
the and their wounded to be attended by our
field,

doctors " (see Lord Roberts' telegram of 2nd May). In

this affair Lieutenant Patrick Cameron was mortally
wounded. The Standard correspondent drew atten-
'
'

tion to the good work of the regiment at the crossing

of the Zand River on 10th May.
The regiment was present at Ian Hamilton's other
actions on the way to Pretoria and at Diamond Hill
(11th and 12th June). They started as a portion of
Hunter's force designed to surround Prinsloo, but like
Roberts' Horse were detached to pursue De Wet.
On 24th July the regiment lost 9 men wounded at
Stinkhoutboom, but about the same date they captured
5 of De Wet's waggons. ^ When De Wet left the
Reitzburg Hills Kitchener's Horse again crossed to
the north of the Vaal and operated under Ridley,
^ '
War Record of Cameron Highlanders,' p. 85.
172 The Colonials in South Africa

Hart, Clements, and other commanders in the district

west of Johannesburg and Pretoria. In the despatch
of 10th October 1900 Lord Roberts mentioned that
" De Lisle's corps of mounted infantry was withdrawn
from Clements' column and moved by rail on 17th
September to Rhenoster, where it was joined by 250
men of Kitchener's Horse from Kroonstad." The work
of De Lisle's men is briefly sketched under the 1st
and 2nd New South Wales Mounted Infantry. This
portion of Kitchener's Horse took part in the pursuit
of De Wet on the south side of the Vaal and other
operations under General C. Knox in the Kroonstad
district during September, October, and November,
and were present on 27th October when 2 guns
were captured at Rensburg, and in the very suc-
cessful action of Bothaville on 6th November when
6 guns, a pom-pom, a maxim, and 130 prisoners were
taken.
Another portion of the corps was employed in the
Eastern Transvaal, and frequently had odd casualties
about Brugspruit in September and the first half of
October. They took part in French's march from the
Delagoa Railway to Heidelberg in October 1900, —
march which only a great leader could have brought
off successfully, having regard to the strength of the
enemy in the district at the time. The fighting was
continuous and the strain on all most severe. In
Lieut. - Colonel Watkin - Yardley's '
With the Innis-
killing Dragoons,'page 217, speaking of the arrival of
the force at Heidelberg, he says " Lieut. Elphick,
:

with his troop of Kitchener's Horse, which had re-

quested to be attached to the Inniskillings at Machado-
dorp, and fought gallantly with us throughout the
march, also left the column." On this march the
 Kitchener s Horse 173

troop lost Sergeant Hunter killed, 2 wounded, and

2 missing.
A detachment which had remained in the Gatsrand
and Krugersdorp district on the north side of the
Vaal operated throughout September with Clements
and Ridley, and had sharp fighting under General
Hart on 23rd and 24th November 1900, when they
lost 2 men killed.
This portion of the regiment was with General
Clements when he was attacked and met with disaster
at Nooitgedacht in the Megaliesberg on 13th December
1900. It will be remembered that a high hill com-
manding the camp, and which was garrisoned by 4
companies of the 2nd Battalion Northumberland Fusi-
liers, was assaulted by the enemy in great force and

was captured. Kitchener's Horse and the 2nd Battal-

ion Mounted Infantry were on the west or left front
of the camp the enemy attacked upon this side in
;

the most determined manner, and although some

pickets were captured or wiped out entirely, the
attack on the west was driven off, the enemy losing
very heavily in his endeavour to push into the camp
from that direction. When, however, it was seen that
the high hill commanding the camp had been captured
by the enemy, the General decided to retire. With diffi-
culty General Clements got away his guns and most
of his ammunition, but the camp was left standing
and some stores were lost. The losses of Kitchener's
Horse were severe Lieutenant Skene and 8 men were
:

killed, and Captain Stevenson and about 12 men

wounded and about 40 taken prisoners. Some of
the latter were wounded. Several mentions were
gained by the corps on this occasion, and those who
were present praised very highly the conduct of
174 ^^^^ Colonials m South Africa

Kitchener's Horse and their old comrades the 2nd

Battalion Eegular also the 2nd
Mounted Infantry,
Battalion King's Own
Yorkshire Light Infantry.
The regiment, sadly reduced in numbers, operated
in the second phase of the war chiefly in the Western
Transvaal, and had a few casualties on various occasions.
A reference in the despatch of 8th May 1901 to a
very valuable bit of work by men of Roberts' Horse
and Kitchener's Horse has already been quoted under
the former corps. Both regiments were for a time
in a column under Colonel Hickie (despatch of 8th
July 1901), and continued to do good work in the
Transvaal. On 8th and 9th July both Roberts' and
Kitchener's Horse were sharply engaged and suflered
casualties. They were, during the next few months,
constantly in touch with the enemy, and often suffered
losses,as on 4th November 1901, when Kitchener's
Horse had 5 men wounded at Yaalbank.
The Mentions gained by the corps were as follows :

Lord Roberts' Despatch March 1900. Major N. Legge, D.S.O.

: 31s< —
(20th Hussars); Capts. W. N.
Congreve, V.C. (Rifle Brigade), H. J.
MacAndrew 1 (5th Bengal Lancers); Capt. and Adj. G. H. M. Richeyi;
Lieut. J. E. Jackson 1 Squadron Qrmr.-Sgt. D. P. Bree ; Tprs. T. Maldrett,
;

T. Huckle, A. Miller, A. Lewis.

Final Despatches. — Major F. J. Warren ; Capts. G. H. M. Richey,i
W. Vaughan ; Skene Squadron Qrmr.-
Lieuts. Clayton, J. E. Jackson,^ ;

Sgt. Bree 2 Sgts. Drannette, Brunette, Coopers,^ G. Dawes,2 W. White, W.

;

0'Shaughnessy,2 G. Hoitzel Cpl. G. Hill 2 Tprs. 0. S, Purchase,^ Suckle.

; ;

Lord Kitchener's Despatches 8^/i March 1901. Lieuts. L. A. Myburg

: —
and G. Dobree ^ Cpl. G. Pitt Tprs. H. Anderson, C. Brown.
; ;

^th July 1901. —

Pte. G. Davidson, promoted Cpl. as a scout he has ;

shown exceptional skill and nerve. With Private Wilson, Victorian Rifles,
and alone, voluntarily took most important messages through Boer lines.
8i;/i December 1901. —
Lieuts. M. Chinnery and J. Monro, gallant leading
under heavy fire and capturing prisoners. Tprs. G. H. Brown and G.
Swift, for gallantly sticking to retreating enemy, Barnard's Kop, 14th
October 1901.

1 Awarded D.S.O. 2 Awarded D.C.M.

 Nesbitfs Horse 175

NESBITT'S HOESE.

This corps, about 300 strong, was raised in the eastern

portion of Cape Colony in December 1899 by Colonel
Nesbitt, " a veteran South African campaigner." ^ As
in the case of many other Colonial bodies, the strength
varied greatly in the course of the campaign, being
at one time about 5 squadrons, but probably not
much more than a squadron was in the field when
peace came.
Part of the corps accompanied Lord Roberts in the
great fighting march from Modder River to Bloem-
fontein, being in the2nd Brigade of Mounted Infantry,
at first under Ridley, afterwards underLe Gallais (see
Kitchener's Horse), and they were generally attached
to the Vllth Division under General Tucker. On
arriving atBloemfontein the strength of the corps
was stated at 8 officers, 119 men, and 136
officially
horses. Very few corps were so well supplied with
horses, a fact which tends to prove the good master-
ship of the South African Colonials. Nesbitt's Horse
were with Le Gallais and Tucker in the stiffly con-
tested battle at Karee Siding on 29th March, Le
Gallais' men taking a very important share in the
work. The Boers were driven from their position, and
the road towards Brandfort was opened.
When Lord Roberts moved north from Bloem-
fontein, Nesbitt's Horse were with the City Imperial
Volunteers Mounted Infantry and Lumsden's Horse in
the mounted infantry corps which did the scouting
work on the front and flanks of the central divisions
1 '
The Times History,
' vol. iii. p. 94.
1 76 The Colonials in South Africa

of the army, being more particularly attached to

Tucker's Vllth Division. During the whole advance
from Bloemfontein to Pretoria they had work which
was hard, continuous, and most responsible, and several
times had sharp fighting, as at the Vet River on 3rd
May, when they suffered some casualties. After
Johannesburg was reached the mounted infantry of
the Vllth Division were split up neither that Divi-
:

sion nor Nesbitt's Horse were present at the battle

of Diamond Hill.
It will be remembered that when Lord Boberts
was advancing to Bloemfontein disaffection broke out
to the west of the De Aar line (see Orpen's Horse).
Among other troops employed on the Lower Orange
and about Prieska was one squadron of Nesbitt's
Horse which did much hard patrol work. They oper-
ated during part of March and April 1900 under Lord
Kitchener and General Settle, and were present with
Colonel Adye in a sharp fight in the Kheis district,
Griqualand West, on 28th May 1900, when Lieuten-
ant Venables and 1 man were wounded. The total
British losses in Adye's action were about 7 killed
and 20 wounded, and that of the enemy was heavier,
20 of them being taken prisoners. This squadron of
Nesbitt's remained in the Prieska district for over
one year.
After Pretoria was occupied, the detachment which
had accompanied Lord Boberts northwards was taken
south of the Vaal in consequence of De Wet having
attacked the railway, and they afterwards did duty
in the in Cape Colony.
Orange Biver Colony and In
his despatch of 15th November 1900, Lord Boberts
mentioned that when the enemy moved south in force
in October, Philippolis in the south of the Orange
 Nesbitfs Horse 177

River Colony, was attacked almost daily between 18th

and 24th October, The Magistrate with 1 1 police
and 18 British residents skilfully entrenched a kopje
having a water-supply, and held out till relieved on
the 24th. The enemy at first numbered about 100,
but other commandos coming up, their force was in-
creased to 600. On hearing of the investment of the
place, thecommandant at Colesberg sent on the 20th
October Lieutenant Hannah and 34 of Nesbitt's Horse
to relieve or assist the a danger-
garrison, — surely
ously small force for the object. Lieutenant Hannah
approached Philippolis on the 21st and posted pickets.
These were heavily attacked early on the 22nd and
were practically annihilated, but he and 6 men suc-
ceeded in joining the garrison. The party of Nesbitt's
Horse lost 9 men killed and 12 wounded.
During the second phase of the war Nesbitt's Horse
was employed in Cape Colony. They were frequently
engaged, and took part in many pursuits. On 14tb
December a small post near Colesberg, garrisoned b}>
14 of the corps, was attacked. Lieutenant Kelyl and
several men were severely wounded. Lieutenant
Hannah was severely wounded on 12th May, and
on 9 th August Captain Noel Nesbitt was severely
wounded at Maraisburg. For a great part of 1901 a
portion of the corps was in the western district doing
column work under Colonel Capper and Major Jeud-
wine, and their fine scouting often prevented loss ^
(see Border Scouts). Another portion worked in the
central district of the colony. The corps remained
in the field to the very end, and when Commandant
Malan was defeated in Central Cape Colony three
1 '
A Militia Unit in the Field,' War Record of 6tli Battalion Lancashire
Fusiliers.

M
1 78 The Colonials in South Africa

days before j^eace was declared, he himself being

wounded and captured, the successful British force
was composed of the Jansenville district mounted
troops, Nesbitt's Horse, and some other local troops,
Lovat's Scouts helping indirectly.
The Mentions gained by the corps were :

—
Lord Egberts' Despatch 31s/; March 1900. Major W. L. Currie.
:

Lord Egberts' Final Despatches.— Lieut.-Col. E. A. Nesbitt, Major

Currie, Capt. C. W. Nesbitt,! Tprs. F. Hill, Hiscock,2 and L. F. Brown.
Col. Nesbitt got tbe C.B.,Major Currie the C.M.G.
Lord Kitchener's Despatch :^th December 1901 —
Lieut. S. A. Cal-
laghan, by coolness and good dispositions rei^ulsed enemy's attack at Ganna
Hoek, Cape Colony, 21st September. Tpr. E. Nel, in same action by cool-
ness and courage under close fire rendered most valuable service wounded
;

in three places but continued to fight.

Lieut. Harvey was on 25th October 1900, at Pretoria, presented by Lord
Eoberts with the Eoyal Humane Society award for gallantry in saving a
man from drowning.

EASTERN PROVINCE HORSE.

During February 1900 which was raised
this corps,
in the eastern portion of Cape Colony, did very good
work in the Colesberg district as part of the mounted
troops under Colonel Page Henderson, particularly
between the 20th and the 24th when Clements' force
had much fighting round Arundel. On the 24th he
endeavoured to push back the Boers who were threat-
ening to cut him off from Naauwpoort. Little pro-
gress was made, but on the 27th the enemy was found
to have retired. The plight of Cronje was having
effect on the Boers under Delarey and Grobler in the

1 Awarded D.S.O. 2 Awarded D.C.M.

 Eastern Province Horse 179

colony. On the 24th the Eastern Province Horse had

3 killed and several wounded. On the 28th Clements'
force commenced their advance first on Colesberg and
thereafter into the Orange E-iver Colony. The corps
was taken north to Bloemfontein, and when Sir H. E.
Colvile was about to set out with the Highland Brig-
ade from Bloemfontein towards Winburg and Heilbron,
the Eastern Province Horse, one squadron, under
Captain Higson, was sent to Colvile as his comple-
ment of mounted troops. Sir Henry has been blamed
for not recovering Broadwood's guns at Sannah's Post,
and for not rescuing the Irish Yeomanry at Lindley
at the end of May, — in the first case, without a shadow
of justification, the writer thinks in the second, with
;

perhaps a very little. But General Colvile's critics and

judges never seemed to take into account how the
difficulties of the task set to him had been incalcul-
ably increased by the non - provision of a reasonable
mounted force. A week after the Eastern Province
Horse joined Colvile they were taken away again to
escort a convoy to the Xlth Division, of which Col-
vile's Brigade formed no part. After that they were
employed on cattle gathering, and when they got
back to Colvile their horses were utterly unfit to do
the scouting necessary for an infantry brigade in most
difficult country, and with the enemy in strong force
all round. On 2nd May, when the advance had barely
commenced, Colvile wrote to the Chief of the Stafi":
"About 50 of the E.P.H. are dismounted owing to
their last week's work with the Xlth Division. Their
blankets and kit have not yet arrived."
About 15th May Lieutenant Bowker and 12 men of
the E.P.H. were sent on a mission some distance from
the brigade and were captured. Some drafts, however,
1 80 The Colonials in South Africa

shortly arrived, making up the corps to 107 mounted

men, but these were still utterly inadequate to scout in
front of and on the flanks of a column which was
always, at least, three and a quarter miles long. About
the 24th 1 man was killed and Lieutenant Bertram and
3 men were wounded in endeavouring to ascertain the
strength of the enemy who were then opposing the ad-
vance. On the 26th, in the action at Blaauwberg, the
corps was heavily pressed at different times. Speaking
of this. General Colvile said " The Eastern Province
:

Horse, whose scouting was very bold, suflered much

more heavily in proportion, losing 4 men killed and
8 wounded and 6 horses, nearly all in the first fusil-
lade " ^ and again, " This movement was greatly helped
;

by Lieutenant Kirkwood and the remainder of the

E.P.H., who made a wide sweep round the hill."
When the Boers retreated their string of waggons
could be seen filing out of their laager two and a
half miles away, but Generals Colvile and MacDonald
could do nothing, owing to the want of mounted
men and horse artillery. "The E.P.H. horses
were by this time reduced to 80 of these 55 were ;

on the flanks."
At Roodepoort, on 28 th May, there was again heavy
fighting. At page 197 of his work General Colvile
says: "The day had been a trying one, and with less
trustworthy troops might have ended badly for us,
but the Highlanders, who had always been ready to
go ahead against any odds, had by this time picked up
a good many wrinkles from their enemies, and were as
clever as the Boers in making the best use of ground.
The excellent practice of the two batteries had enabled
us to clear Roodepoort with hardly any loss, and later
1 'The Work of IXth Division,' Arnold, London, p. 169.
 Eastern Province Hors i8i

the naval guns had kept those of the enemy at a

distance, while the Field Battery had removed the
pressure on the Seaforth and materially helped the
Argyll and Sutherland to hold their own. The Eastern
Province Horse, by this time reduced to 35 mounted
men, had enabled us to seize the advanced position."
At Roodepoort the tiny mounted force had Sergeant
Deynedale and Troopers Lee, Corbett, and Wright
killed, and 3 corporals and 3 troopers wounded. On
29th May, the day on which Colvile had been ordered
by Lord Roberts to be at Heilbron, he occupied that
town.
After General Colvile left the force the Eastern
Province Horse remained with the Highland Brigade
under General MacDonald at Heilbron till July, and
then assisted in the operations for surrounding Prinsloo
in the Brandwater Basin.^ When De Wet broke across
the Vaal in August, the Eastern Province Horse fol-
lowed to the north side of the river and were employed
in the Krugersdorp district during September and
October. On several occasions they had severe fight-
ing. On 18th September 1 corporal and 2 men were
killed, and shortly before that three others of the little
band had been wounded.
The corps remained in the field throughout 1901, but
got no opportunities of gaining distinction such as fell
to them in May 1900.
The Mentions gained by the corps were :

Lord Roberts' Despatches: 'ind April 1901. — Lieut. E. H. Higson,

Lce.-Cpl. Abrahamson, Tprs. Collett and Ruddlesdin, Sgt. P. T. Sherriff
(17th Lancers).
Uh September 1901.— Tpr. T. Adams (afterwards Rand Rifles) and Tpr.
Honman.

^ Lord Roberts' despatch of 10th October 1900, para. 6.

1 82 The Colonials in South Africa

WARWICK'S SCOUTS.
This was a small body raised by Captain J. A.
Warwick early in 1900, primarily for the class of
work indicated by their name. They saw service in
many parts of the seat of war. After the relief of
Kimberley they operated with Lord Methuen in the
Boshof and Warrenton districts of the Orange River
Colony. They accompanied that General eastwards
towards Lindley, and saw some fighting there at the
end of May and in June. Along with the remainder
of Lord Methuen's column they were railed from Kroon-
stad to Krugersdorp in the Transvaal on 12th July, and
advanced with him in a pursuit of De Wet northwards
to Olifant's Nek, where there was some fighting in
which Warwick's Scouts had two casualties. After
this the corps saw endless marching and skirmishing
in the Western Transvaal. On 16th February 1901,
when operating with Lord Methuen, Captain Warwick
was seriously wounded in the severe engagement at
Hartebeestfontein.
The Mentions gained by the corps were as follows :

Lord Roberts' Despatch : 2mo? April 1901.— Capt. J. A. Warwick,!

Lt.H. Macandrew,! Tprs. Bentley, W. G. Froude, Irving. (Froude and Irving
were subsequently designated as Imperial Yeomanry Scouts.)

Awarded D.S.O.
 Frenclis Scouts 183

FRENCH'S SCOUTS.

This corps was formed towards the close of 1899.

Its greatest strengthwas about three squadrons, but it
afterwards fell much in numbers. The corps was com-
manded by Captain Bettelheim, and was composed of
men selected for knowledge of the country and its
ways.
French's Scouts did fine work throughout two years'
campaigning, generally in the districts in which the
great cavalry leader after whom they were called was
operating, but the whole of the corps were not always
with General French as, for example, while he was
;

relieving Kimberley part of the Scouts went with him,

but another portion was left in the Colesberg district
with General Clements, under whom they fought and
suffered some losses in February 1900.
When the advance from Bloemfontein to Pretoria
was undertaken French's Scouts accompanied the
cavalry, operating on the left flank. They were pre-
sent at Diamond Hill, 11th to 13th June, where they
had several casualties. After that they undertook
many very daring reconnaissances north and east of
Pretoria. In July 1900 the corps was in the forefront
of the advance along the Delagoa line, and afterwards
in the movements to Barberton in September (see
Imperial Light Horse) and to Heidelberg in October.
Having operated for a time in the central district, they
took part in the great sweeping movement in the first
quarter of 1901 to the eastern border of the Transvaal.
During all these months of constant fighting their
losses had been wonderfully few when the extremely
1
84 The Colonials in Sotith Africa

dangerous nature of their tasks is borne in mind, but

the evil day was to come. The corps had been taken
back to Cape Colony, and near Bethesda, on 12th
August 1901, they lost Sergeant Stacey killed, and the
commander, Captain Bettelheim, Lieutenant C. de V.
Duff, Sergeant - Major Chiazzari, and several men
wounded.
The Mentions gained by the corps were :

Lord Roberts' Despatches 2>\&t March

: Kimberley
1900, for relief of
—
and advance to Bloemfontein. Sgt. A. K. Green ^ and Pte. W. S, Penny.^
—
Ind April 1901. Capt. Bettelheim; Sgt. (now Lieut.) A. K. Green i;
Pte. W. S. Penny.i
Lord Kitchener's Despatch : Sth July 1901. — Lieut. F. Maxwell, for
coolness and coiirage with which he extricated a patrol on 16th June. Sgt.-
Major Chiazzari, at Kalabashfontein, 10th June, rendered most valuable
service by holding a ridge with a small party mentioned in Army Orders.
;

LOCH'S HORSE.

This corps was raised by Lord Loch in February 1900.

It might be said that having been largely recruited in
England it was not a Colonial force, but in the official
army lists Loch's Horse was always included among
the South African Irregulars.
After the occupation of Bloemfontein Loch's Horse,
strength about 220, was stationed in the line of
outposts beyond Glen Siding. They shared in the
advance from Bloemfontein to the Transvaal as part
of the 8th Corps of Mounted Infantry commanded by
Colonel Boss of the Durham Light Infantry, the
Brigadier being Colonel Henry. The 8th Corps were
1 Awarded D.C.M.
 LocJis Horse 185

part of the advance guard or screen to the centre of

Lord Roberts' army, and had a lot of scouting and
skirmishing in the northward march. Colonel Henry's
men, including the 1st and 2nd Victorian Mounted
Bifles, South Australians, Tasmanians, Lumsden's
Horse, Loch's Horse, and the 4th Mounted Infantry
Regulars, were among the first to cross the Vaal,
and had very stiff fighting before the infantry got up,
particularly at the mines in the neighbourhood of
Vereeniging, about Elandsfontein, and outside Pre-
toria. Their work was highly praised by the Generals
and by the correspondents. A good account of the
work of Colonel Ross's corps is to be found in the
'
Oxfordshire Light Infantry in South Africa,' Eyre
k Spottiswoode, 1901.
After the occupation of Pretoria Loch's Horse were
chiefly employed about Springs and Irene, and in the
neighbourhood of the Vaal later they were moved
;

a little farther and the remainder of their

south,
campaigning was chiefly done between Kroonstad and
the Vaal, but in December 1900 they joined the
column of Colonel De Lisle, and with him went to
the extreme south-west of Cape Colony. De Lisle's
column gained much credit for their work in the
Piquetberg-Calvinia district in January and February
1901, when Hertzog was driven out of the district.
The Mentions gained by the corps were :

Lord Roberts' Despatch : Ind April 1901. —Capt. J. H. Hodgson

(Lieut.-Col. retired) ; Lieut. S. E. Craig ;
^ Cpl. Picton ; Tpr. Blades.^

Awarded D.S.O. ^ Awarded D.C.M.

1 86 The Colonials in Sotith Africa

THE KIMBERLEY TROOPS.

At the commencement of the war there were in exist-

ence and stationed at Kimberley the following vol-
unteers ^ :

Diamond Fields Horse, strength 178

Diamond Fields Artillery, „ 97 and 6 guns
Kimberley Kegiment, ,,
352
Kimberley Town Guard, ,, 1303

These were afterwards increased in numbers, and

the Kimberley Light Horse and Kimberley Mounted
Corps were organised.
These various corps were so constantly mixed up,
and partook so largely of the same work, that it will
be well to deal with them under one heading. The
first and greatest debt under which they laid the

Empire was their share in the defence of Kimberley.

The town was one of the three which the Boers had
shown themselves very desirous of occupying its name ;

was familiar all over the world as the place where

the great diamond mines were located. Mr Rhodes
had gone to his residence there before the war broke
out, and it was, for South Africa, a large town. From
a census taken during the siege the population was
roughly 48,000 —
18,000 of whom were Europeans, the
remainder blacks. The above total includes 22,000
women and children.
When the siege commenced there was in the gar-
1
See Appendix to War Commission Report.
 The Kiviberley Troops 187

rison half a battalion, 444 all ranks, of the 1st Bat-

talionLoyal North Lancashire Regiment. The only-
other regular troops in the garrison were the 23rd
Company, 93 all ranks, Royal Garrison Artillery, with

six 7-pounder R.M.L. guns 1 section, 1 officer, and

;

50 men of the 7th Field Company Royal Engineers

5 non - commissioned officers and men of the Army
Service Corps ; and 1 officer and 5 non-commissioned
officers and men of the Royal Army Medical Corps.
In his report, dated 15th February 1900, Colonel
Kekewich said :
" Every effi^rt was made to increase
the numbers of this volunteer force, and to provide
horses for the mounted portion thereof The . . .

Right Honourable C. Rhodes, and also the De

J.
Beers Consolidated Mines, Limited, came most gener-
ously to my assistance in the matter of providing
horses and mules." By 26th November the strength
of the Town Guard, which was to perform valuable
service, had been increased to 130 officers and 2520
non-commissioned officers and men.
Hostilities commenced near Kraaipan on 12th October
when the armoured train was taken. By the evening
of 22nd October the various detachments of the Cape
Police, who had been stationed along the railway from
Vryburg southwards, had retired on Kimberley. In
his evidence before the War Commission Colonel Keke-
wich referred in somewhat ungenerous terms to the
retirement of these detachments, but there seems to
be no doubt whatever that the Police did the right
thing. Had they endeavoured to hold the posts at,
say, Vryburg or Fourteen Streams, each lot in turn
would have been cut off and captured, and Colonel
Kekewich would have had 350 fewer fighting-men in
1 88 The Colonials in South Africa

Kimberley.i On
19th October Major H. S. Turner of
the Black Watch, who was a son-m-law of one of the
directors of De Beers, was appointed to command the
mounted troops, and with splendid energy he set to
raising and training the Kimberley Light Horse, which,
by 26th November, numbered 360. On 24th October
there was a fight at Macfarlane's Siding in which con-
siderable loss was inflicted on the enemy.
On 3rd November the Boers made an attempt to
drive off the cattle, but were themselves repulsed, and
on the same day the Kimberley Light Horse and Police
had an engagement on the west of the town in which
the enemy were again driven back. On the 4th the
surrender of Kimberley was demanded and refused.
On the 16th Major Scott Turner took out detachments
of Diamond Fields Horse, Light Horse, and Police, and
drove the enemy back towards Alexandersfontein. In
this affair Captain Bodley of the Diamond Fields Horse
was wounded. After this there were very many skir-
mishes and sorties in which the mounted men did most
of the fighting; while the infantry, including the Town
Guard, held the trenches and defensive works. In the
making of these works coloured labour, largely pro-
vided by the De Beers Company, was mainly employed.
Very soon the defences were so strong that the Boers
were afraid to face an assault. Indeed, all through
the siege the defenders did most of the active or
attacking work, the enem}^ relying mainly on artillery
and long-range rifle-fire. Of course the little guns
in the town were hopelessly outranged, and it was not
^ Since the above was written the author has seen an article by General
E. Y. Brabant in the '
Nineteenth Century for February 1904 on the War
'

Commission Report. General Brabant has no doubt whatever that in re-

tiring on Kimberley the Police did rightly, and differs very strongly from
the opinions expressed by Colonel Kekewich.
 The Kimberley T^^oops 189

until the De Beers workshops had, on 19th January

1900, turned out " Long under the superintend-
Cecil,"
ence of the gifted Mr Labram, that the British had a
gun worthy of modern warfare. "Long Cecil" was a
weapon, and threw a 30-pound shell.
4"1 breech-loading
The manufacture of this powerful gun was commenced
about Christmas, and it was completed in a marvel-
lously short time.^
On 25th November Major Scott Turner with the
mounted troops made a reconnaissance, and succeeded
in surprising the enemy at Schmidt's Drift Boad. He
inflicted some loss and captured 29 prisoners, his own
casualties being —
Cape Police 2 killed. Captain Bush
and 6 men wounded Kimberley Light Horse 3 killed.
;

Captain Bowen and 1 3 men wounded Diamond Fields ;

Artillery, Captain Hickson and 2 men wounded. Major

Scott Turner's horse was killed, and he was slightly
hit on the shoulder.
Onthe 28th a demonstration was made towards
" Wimbledon Bifle Bange," " Major Scott Turner,
with mounted troops, attacked enemy's right flank,
capturing laager and three works enemy in fourth
;

work offered stubborn resistance, when Turner was

killed we captured many shells and destroyed other
;

stores." 2 Our other casualties on this occasion in-

—
cluded Cape Police, 2 men killed, 8 wounded; D.F.H.,
3 men killed, Captain S. P. Waldeck and 8 wounded ;

^ In the article already referred to General Brabant has pointed out that
it was extraordinary that Colonel Kekewich, when questioned about his

artillery, took no notice of this great feat performed by the servants of the
De Beers Company. It has also to be borne in mind that when, soon after
the commencement of the siege, it was seen there was no adequate supply
of shells for even the smaller guns, the De Beers Company set to work, and
by 21st November were tm-ning out shells with fuses complete at the rate
of about 50 per diem.
2 Colonel Kekewich's telegram.
190 772^ Colonials in South Africa

Kimberley Light Horse, about 13 killed and the same

number wounded, including Lieutenant H. S. Watson.
Major Scott Turner was an officer of outstanding
ability, and worthy of the very distinguished regi-
ment to which he belonged. Although an infantry
officer, he had proved himself unsurpassable in the

raising, training, and leading of mounted men. On

the 29th Colonel Kekewich issued an order in which he
praised most highly the services of the deceased officer.

Major Peakman, a colonial officer, was appointed to

succeed Major Scott Turner in the command of the
Kimberley Light Horse. Major Peakman had been
slightly wounded early in November.
In his report, para. 34, Colonel Kekewich said " My
:

general plan for the defence of Kimberley was based

on the principle of always keeping the enemy on the
move and constantly in fear of attack from an un-
expected quarter. ...
It will be observed that
portions of the mounted corps were employed on
every occasion. The work which fell on the detach-
ment (mounted) of the Loyal North Lancashire Regi-
ment, Cape Police, Diamond Fields Horse, and Kimber-
ley Light Horse, and the Diamond Fields Artillery was
in consequence very arduous not only did the corps
:

mentioned respond cheerfully, but nothing can exceed

the bravery and dash with which these troops at-
tacked the enemy on several occasions in his entrenched
positions."
Down to the day of the relief the tension remained
very high, and the Kimberley troops had to be ever
on the alert and always ready for fighting. They had
many little engagements not mentioned in the report
of Colonel Kekewich indeed one feels that that report
;

was scarcely worthy of the occasion.

 The Kijnherley T7^oops 191

According to the casualty list "during the siege,"

published on 24th April 1900, the colonial forces had
the following losses but this list is clearly supple-
;

mentary to the losses already noted on the occasion

of the sorties in November :

Diamond Fields Artillery — Sergt.-Major Moss killed and 11

men wounded.
Diamond Fields Horse — 14 killed; Capts. Bodley and Wal-
deck, Lieut. Smith, Sergt.-Major Macdonald, and 10
non-commissioned officers and men wounded.
Cape Police —
12 killed; Major Ayliff and Capts. White
and Eush, and 27 non-commissioned officers and men
wounded.

The historian of the defence of Kimberley will require

to deal with the disagreeable subject of the alleged
friction between Cecil Rhodes and Colonel Kekewich.
From the evidence of the latter before the War Com-
mission it is clear that friction did exist. Men of very
different minds have sometimes had difficulty in ap-
preciating one another. Than Rhodes no man of the
day was more highly endowed with the gift of being
able to stir others to almost any degree of effort. He
has been called the Napoleon of South Africa, Flatter-
ing, in a sense, that characterisation may be, but it was
inadequate. His energy, the grandeur and wealth of
his conceptions, were worthy of the great Emperor
but he had qualities the latter had not, chief of
which was the ever-present desire, not, we believe, the
outcome of ambition alone, to treat with friendly con-
sideration, with far more than the stinted measure of
conventional justice, those of a subject or of a veiledly
hostile race. The measure of Rhodes' greatness will
never be correctly taken if we overlook his ascendancy
over the despised black man or the respect in which he
192 The Colonials in South Africa

was held by great numbers of the non-British colonials.

Colonel Kekewich is of a very different stamp. He
does not appear to be greatly endowed with the gift
of inspiring enthusiasm, although his other military
Referring to Rhodes
qualities are of a very high order.
in a report regarding the defence, Colonel Kekewich
said " Took a special interest in the raising of the
:

Kimberley Light Horse, and worked most zealously in

providing horses for all the mounted troops in Kim-
berley. To him, therefore, is in a large measure due
the credit for the rapidity with which the mobility of
my mounted corps was obtained." And it is due to
Colonel Kekewich to say that he has been just enough
to deny the allegation that he had ever said or hinted
that Rhodes threatened to bring about surrender if
relief did not come quickly. Lord Roberts had ap-
parently gathered that this threat had been uttered.
It is possible that Colonel Kekewich carried to excess

some of the theories held as gospel truths by many

regular officers. One would gather this from what he
told the War Commission. In face of the splendid
work which he himself saw done by the commanders
of the Imperial Light Horse, Kimberley and other
Colonialmounted troops, and what he knew to have
been done by men like Brabant, Dalgety, Colenbrander,
Woolls- Sampson, Spreckley, Peakman, and others, he
said in his written memorandum " I think that to get
:

the best value out of all irregular corps it is very im-

portant that regular officers should command, and that
the staff and at least one non-commissioned officer per
squadron should be regulars."
As Sir Edward Brabant has pointed out, it is per-
haps unfortunate that there was no South African or
Australian Colonial on the Commission, who could by a
 The Kimberley Ti'oops 193

little cross-questioning have brought out points which,

in justice to the Colonials, the Commissioners should
have had before them.
After the relief of the town the Kimberley and
Diamond Fields mounted troops were amalgamated
under the title " Kimberley Mounted Corps." Accord-
ing to the despatch of 21st May 1900, para. 24 and
note, the K.M.C. were at this time 600 strong.
The corps, under Lieut. -Colonel Peakman, who had
commanded the mounted troops since Major Scott
Turner's death, operated with Lord Methuen in the
Boshof district. On 5th April Lord Methuen was suc-
cessful in surrounding a detachment under Villebois de
Marueil. The kopje on which the enemy had taken up
a position was, after shell and rifle fire, assaulted with
the bayonet. The enemy lost 7 killed, 11 wounded,
and 51 unwounded prisoners. In his report of 6th
April Lord Methuen spoke in terms of praise of the
way the troops worked, and mentioned Lieut. -Colonel
Peakman.
The corps continued with Lord Methuen chiefly about
Boshof during April, and frequently had skirmishing.
At the end of that month they moved west to join
Colonel Mahon's column, which was to start from
Barkly West on 4th May for the relief of Mafeking.
The work of Mahon's column has already been touched
on under the Imperial Light Horse. In Major Pollock's
account of the relief, he said " Finally, just to give
:

one more instance of the fine spirit that animated this

gallant little force, it should be mentioned that Lieu-
tenant Watson of the Kimberley Mounted Corps, who
was on sick leave at Cape Town, heard of the march
to Mafeking, hurried back to the front, and having
ridden absolutely alone all the way from Barkly West,
N
194 ^^^^ Colonials in South Africa

joined the column on Sunday, just in time for the fight

(near Kraaipan), having covered 220 miles in five days.
With such officers and men a commander may safely
face pretty long odds." In that fight Captain Maxwell
of the K.M.C. and 4 men were wounded.
On the 16th May was fought the stiff engagement
outside Mafeking. The Boers attacked Mahon's flanks
and rear. Speaking of the latter attack, Major Pollock
said :
" But the brigadier had complete confidence in
Lieut. -Colonel Peakman, who had command of the rear-
guard, and right well did this gallant officer fulfil the
trust committed to him. A considerable number of
mounted Boers galloping down by the village of Saani
gained the bed of the Molopo river, and from there
sought to assail the rear-guard, but so accurate was the
fire of the party of Kimberley Mounted Corps that the

enemy was not only checked, but was also unable to

retire" until after nightfall. Lieut. -Colonel Peakman
was praised by Major Pollock for the cleverness with
which he chose the ground, " yet the trial, in spite of
the excellent cover, was no light one," the Boer shells
pitching all over Peakman's position. Captain C. P.
Fisher and several men of the corps were wounded.
Mahon's column marched from Mafeking to Potchef-
stroom, and there most of the K.M.C. left the column,
which continued its march to Krugersdorp. A portion
of the K.M.C. operated for a time with Baden-Powell
in the Mafeking-Zeerust district (see Lord Roberts'
despatch of 14th August 1900, para. 33).
In his brief despatch regarding the relief of Mafeking,
dated 23rd May 1900, Colonel Mahon mentioned that
on 5th May, the day after leaving Barkly West, he
detached Captain Hickman with one squadron of the
K.M.C. to join Sir Archibald Hunter, who was then
 The Kimberley Ti'oops 195

driving the enemy from the border near Warrenton,

and whose force marched into the Transvaal and was
joined by Mahon at Lichtenburg on 6th June.
In July and onwards part of the K.M.C were em-
ployed in the Krugersdorp-Potchefstroom district. On
the occasion of a train being derailed near Bank
Station about 20 non-commissioned officers and men
were captured, and about the same time one man was
killed and Lieutenants Drew and Watson and some
men were wounded. On 25th July Klerksdorp, where
a squadron was stationed, seems to have been surren-
dered by Captain Lambart without any serious defence
being made (see 'The Times' History, vol. iv. p. 362).
On 7th August and for some days thereafter a portion
of the corps was in contact with De Wet's forces
when these broke across the Vaal. At this time a
portion of the corps was employed about the Kim-
berley - Mafeking line, and a squadron was with
Lord Erroll in the Western Transvaal in August and
September.
In October, November, and December 1900 the
Diamond Fields Horse was in the column of Major-
General Settle which assisted to clear the western
portion of the Orange Hiver Colony (see Cape Police).
On 28th November the D.F.H. were in a sharp
skirmish near Luckhoff.
When it was seen that Hertzog and other leaders
were penetrating to the south-west of Cape Colony
the corps was put into Colonel Bethune's column,
which, in January and February 1901, assisted to
drive these commandos out of Cape Colony. In March,
April, and May the D.F.H. were in central Cape
Colony, where they were frequently in action under
Major Berrange and other commanders. On 1st May
196 The Colonials in South Africa

Lieutenant Matthews was severely wounded near

Cradock.
From May 1900 to May 1901 a section of the
Diamond Fields Artillery was in the garrison of Boshof
which successfully held that town and repelled many
attacks. The main portion of the garrison was the
4th Scottish Rifles (Militia), and a good account of
theirwork is to be found in Colonel Courtenay's record
of that battalion.
Captain Eobertson of the Kimberley Light Horse
was appointed Assistant Resident Magistrate at Ko%-
fontein, a small mining town in the south-west of the
Orange River Colony. In the beginning of October
1900 there was a recrudescence of Boer activity in
the district. Robertson found himself the only mili-
tary man in the town, but he armed some fifty miners.
On 12th October Commandant Yiser demanded the
surrender of the place, which was refused. On the
16th Robertson withdrew from the town and occupied
a position at the mines which he entrenched. On the
21st the enemy attacked but did not press home. On
the 23rd Robertson raided a farm-house occupied by
the enemy, and a fierce hand-to-hand struggle took
place. One man on each side was killed and two Boers
were captured. On the 25th Hertzog demanded sur-
render and next day attacked fiercely, but the enemy
was driven off. On 3rd November the gallant garrison
was relieved by Sir C. Parsons. Lord Roberts com-
plimented Captain Robertson and his men.
Among the numerous columns at work during the
second phase of the war was one known as the Kim-
berley Column, which for some months was composed
as follows: 74th Squadron Imperial Yeomanry, 125;
Kimberley Light Horse, 94; Dennison's Scouts, 81;
 The Kimberley Troops 197

Eoyal Welsh Fusiliers, 20 Volunteer Company of the

;

Northumberland Fusiliers, 102 3rd Leinsters, 100

;

2nd Royal Scots Fusiliers, 38 2 guns of the 38th

;

Battery KF.A. and 13 men of the Diamond Fields

;

Artillery with a maxim. During 1901 this column

under Major Paris long operated in the west of the
Orange River Colony, and was also at work in the
south-west of the Transvaal. On 2nd August 1901
Captain G. C. Cory Smith, of the K.L.H., was wounded
at Zwartputs, and there were several other casualties
on this occasion.
In 1902 the Diamond Fields Horse and Artillery
still kept the field and were in many engagements.

Major Paris's column was part of Lord Methuen's force

in his disastrous engagement of 7th March 1902 (see
Cape Police). In his report Lord Methuen said that
the column before being reinforced at Vryburg con-
sisted of the 86th Imperial Yeomanry, 110 men ;

Diamond Fields Horse,

Dennison's Scouts, 58
92 ;
;

Ashburner's Light Horse, 126; 2 guns 38th Battery;

1 pom-pom of the Diamond Fields Artillery. In the
fighting on the 7th the Kimberley troops suffered very
severely, the Diamond Fields Horse having about 20
casualties and the Artillery detachment had several
killed and wounded.
In May some of the Kimberley troops were oper-
ating in the Douglas district, west of the railway. On
the 21st Lieutenant R. J. Stone and one man of the
Light Horse were wounded.
The Mentions gained by the Kimberley troops were
as follows :

Colonial Ordnance Department.

Capt. C. L. Ricketts,! proved himself most valuable officer.

1 Awarded D.S.O.
198 The Colonials in South Africa

Diamond Fields Abtillery.

Colonel Kekewich's Eeport \htk February 1900. Capt. (local Major)
: —
May, invariably handled his guns with much coolness under fire, is a most
deserving and efiicient officer. Surgeon -Lieut. A. J. Ortlepp, attached,
rendered considerable assistance to woimded in the field.
Lord Eoberts' Despatch '±nd April 1901. Major T.
: — J. May, who
afterwards got the C.M.G., Surgeon-Lieut. Ortlepp, Gunner F. D. Payne.
Lord Kitchener's Despatches ^th October 1901. Lieut. A. Kidd, for
: —
excellentwork in difficvilt situation near Griquatown, 24th Avigust.
2Zrd June 1902. Capt.— C. C. Sheckleton.

Diamond Fields Horse.

—
Colonel Kekewich's Report. Major T. H. Rodger, is a resourceful and
and cool under fire Sgt. A. B. Nicholetts, on
excellent officer, always ready ;

several occasions imdertook duties which involved great personal risk ;

he
carried despatches to our troops engaged on 28th November.
Lord Roberts' Despatch : ind April. — Major Rodger,^ and Sgt. Nicho-

letts.
Lord Kitchener's Despatch 9>th October 1901.— Tpr. J. Evans,* on 12th
:

February a cattle guard of four men being suq^rised by enemy kept them
off" single-handed, sent off remaining man and saved whole herd and killed

two Boers.
KiMBERLEY REGIMENT.
Colonel Kekewich's Report. — Lieut.-Col. R. A. Finlayson, commanded
his regiment and a section of defence with marked success Major A. 0. ;

Black, commanded a section of defence and rendered good service Capt. ;

and Adj. E. T. Humphrys, performed his duties with great zeal and tact.
Surgeon-Major J. A. J. Smith,^ attached, rendered most valuable assistance
to wounded in the field. Sgt. S. H. MacCuUum, is deserving of mention for
good work.
Lord Roberts' Despatches 2nc? April 1901. : — Lieut.-Col. Finlayson,
awarded C.M.G. Sgt. MacCullum.2
;

Ath September 1901. — Capt. Humphrys.

Lord Kitchener's Despatch July 1901.— Lce.-Cpl. G. R. Mason, in
: 8^;/;.

man being wounded in an exposed

action at Koflryfontein, on 3rd June, a
position Mason went to his help and remained with him under fire until an
ambulance fetched him.
Lord Kitchener's Final Despatch. Major A. 0. Black, Capt. Sheckle-—
ton, Sgt.-Instructor D. K. Macfarlane.

Kimberley Light Horse and Mounted Corps.

Colonel Kekewich's Report.— Major (local Lieut.-Col.) T. C. Peak-
man was associated in early days of siege with organisation of Town Guard ;

his experience and local knowledge were of great assistance to me subse- ;

1 Awarded D.S.O. '^

Awarded D.C.M.
 The Kimberley Troops 199

quently he commanded a squadron of Light Horse, and on death of Lieut.-

Col. Turner was selected by me for command of all mounted corps he ;

has shown much courage under fire, and is a most deserving and excellent
ofl&cer wounded November 18th.
; Major R. G. Scott, V.C., is an officer of
tried experience and gallantry, has on all occasions exhibited the best
qualities of an officer. Capt. H. T. Ap-Bowen, commanded a squadron with
much success, and has on several occasions shown great gallantry in action ;

very severely wounded, November 25th. Capt. H. Mahoney, performed

distinguished service ; wounded November 25th. Capt. J. A. Smith, as
Quartermaster, performed much hard work in connection with equipping
irregular forces under great difficulties. Capt. J. W. Robertson, performed
the duties of Paymaster and also acted as galloper to Lieut. -Col. Turner
in a most efficient manner. Capt. "VV. E. Rickman, handled his men with
great coolness ; his conduct on many occasions has been most distinguished.
Capt. G. E. Heberden,! medical officer, frequently accompanied mounted
troops in sorties and reconnaissances, and rendered most valuable service in
attending to wounded. Hawker, performed excellent service
Lieut. C. A. ;

wounded November 22nd. Lieut. W.

Newdigate, did much good work with
his squadron has also executed valuable survey work in connection with
;

defence. Lieut. D. B. Fenn, proved himself an invaluable officer he sup- ;

plied much valuable information before the outbreak of the war, and has
done real good work with the mounted troops from the first day Imperial
troops arrived in Kimberley. Lieut. G. Harris, Kimberley Light Horse,
good service and conspicuous gallantry. Lieut. R. Chatfield, an excellent
officer, has shown conspicuous gallantry. Sgt. -Major W. H. Oatley, Cpl.
H. Harris, Tpr. A. H. Armstrong, are deserving of mention for good work.
Lord Roberts' Despatches "ind April 1901. Majors Peakman, who
: —
got the C.M.G., R. G. Scott, V.C.,i Capt. W. E. Rickman,^ Sgt. - Major
Oatley,2 Cpl. H. Harris, Tpr. A. H. Armstrong.
Uh September 1901. Capt. Ap-Bowen.^—
1st March 1902.— Capt. F, J. Frost, Troop Sgt.-Major C. J. Greetham
(Lieut. Johannesburg Mounted Rifles).
Lord Kitchener's Despatch 23ro? J^ine 1902. Capt. H. P. Browne,
: —
Tpr. J. T. Halkett.

Kimberley and Beaconsfield Town Guards.

Major J. R. Eraser, late Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, retired, at
first as Staff-officer and CO., did excellent work, and has shown
later as
great energy and resource. much good work in
Capt. C. A. Blackbeard did
connection with interior economy of the Guard and keeping order in
Beaconsfield. Capt. W. Nelson, valuable services in collection of information
and procuring enemy's cattle for food of garrison. Lieut. -Col. D. Harris,
V.D., arrived when Town Guard was being raised, threw himself most
heartily into work, and was of greatest assistance ; much praise is due to

1 Awarded D.S.O. 2 Awarded D.C.M.

200 The Colonials in South Africa

him for his good work in looking after comforts and interests of Town
Guard in works and redoubts, which entailed much hard work and fatigue.
Capt. S. Richards, good work as StaflP-officer. Cajat. B. E. A. O'Meara per-
formed duties of garrison-adjutant and quartermaster with much zeal and
energy rendered valuable services. Capt. T. Tyson performed duties of
;

my complete satisfaction. Capt. W. Pickering,

assistant military censor to
rendering much valuable assistance from date of my arrival, and during a
portion of siege commanded a section of defence with success. Capt. T. L.
Angel did good work in command of Cyclist Corps. Lieut. E. F. Paynham,
assistant to the Intelligence Officer, rendered very great assistance in dealing
with correspondence of a confidential nature. The following officers also
did good work : — Capts. F. Grimmer, W. S. Elkin, H. Pim,
Mandy, J.'^R.
J. Adams, C. E. Hertog, J. Morton, C. Tabuteau, E. H. Moseley, G. White,
W. H. Faulkner, A. Blum, H. Rugg, J. Armstrong Lieuts. C. D. Lucas, ;

H. Tabuteau, J. J. Coghlan, T. Callen, W. G. Wright, J. A. Carr, J. Brander-

Dunbar, S. O'. Molony. Sgt.-Major J. P. Russell, late R.E., as warrant
oificer, did much valuable work in connection with superintendence of native

labour employed on construction of defence works. Sgt. J. Russell, Cyclist

Corps, is deserving of mention for good work.
Lord Roberts' Despatches ^nd April 1901.— Lieut.-Col. D. Harris,
:

V.D., who got the C.M.G., Capts. T. L. Angel,i F. Mandy, B. E. A. 0'Meara,i

W. Pickering,! S. Richards ^ Lieuts. C. D. Lucas,' E. F. Paynham,i
;

Sgt.-Major J. P. Russell,^ Sgt. J. Russell.

Ath September 1901.— Major J. R. Eraser, Capt. W. Nelson, Capt. L. R.
Grimmer, Lieut. J. Brander- Dunbar (Captain, 3rd Cameron Highlanders).

WiNDsoRTON Town Guard.

Lieut. W. A. Williams.

THE EHODESIAN REGIMENT AND

RHODESIAN VOLUNTEERS.
In July 1899 Colonel Baden-Powell was sent out to
Rhodesia to raise two regiments, in order to protect
the borders of that country and of the Bechuanaland
Protectorate in the event of war. Recruiting began on
1 Awarded D.S.O. ^ Awarded D.C.M.
 Rhodesian Regiment and RJiodestan Volunteers 201

10th August, and the two regiments, namely, the

Rhodesian, under Colonel Plumer, and the Protec-
torate, Colonel Hore, were raised, trained, and
equipped before war broke out. Colonel Baden-Powell
had about twenty regular officers to assist him in his
task. In September Baden - Powell took down to
Mafeking the Bechuanaland Begiment. He left
Colonel Plumer with the Bhodesian Regiment, and
some of the British South Africa Police, &c., to watch
the northern and north-western borders of the Trans-
vaal, and if possible to keep the railway from Bulawayo
to Mafeking open. Colonel Plumer and his regiment
went to Tuli, where about 100 British South Africa
Police were already posted. Between 11th October
and 25th November the Tuli force was very frequently
engaged, a Boer force of about 1700 being opposed to
them. On 22nd October there was sharp fighting at
the drifts on the Crocodile Biver, in which Captain
Blackburn was mortally wounded, Sergeant - Major
Young and 3 men were killed, and several were
wounded. About the middle of December it was
ascertained that the Boer force had retired towards
the south, and Colonel Plumer then moved west to-
wards the railway, which had been broken by the
enemy. Colonel Nicholson, of the British South
Africa Police, with 350 men of the Police and
Bhodesian Volunteers, had taken up positions on the
railway, the most southern being Palapye, about 200
miles from Mafeking. On 14th January 1900 Colonel
Plumer got to Gaberones, 100 miles farther down the
line. Ten miles south of that place the Boers held a
strong position, and Plumer's men did a lot of fighting
before the enemy cleared out of their position on 25th
February 1900. On 12th February Captain French
202 The Colonials in South Africa

and 6 men were killed, and Major Straker and Lieu-

tenant-Colonel H. F. White and about 20 men were
wounded. On 6th March Lobatsi, 60 miles from
Mafeking, was reached by Plumer. On 15th March
the Boers attacked Plumer's force. Lieutenant Tyler
was killed and several men were wounded. Lieutenant
Chapman, whose horse fell close to the enemy, was
captured. After more fighting Sefetili, 30 miles north-
west of Mafeking, was reached, and a message sent into
Baden-Powell was duly replied to. Colonel Plumer
and his little force had done, and continued to do, all
that men could do to keep the enemy off the town. On
26th March they made an incursion into the Trans-
vaal to within twelve miles of Zeerust, and on the 31st
they reconnoitred to within six miles of Mafeking.
On this date the enemy was found in strength, and the
British mounted troops lost heavily. Colonel Plumer
was wounded on the arm. The Rhodesian Eegiment
had Captain F. Crewe and Lieutenant Milligan and 6
men killed, and Major Weston Jarvis, Captain Mac-
laren, and Captain Holt, and 30 men wounded. Lieu-
tenant F. Smitheman, who had distinguished himself
as a scout in Matabeleland, penetrated the lines of the
investing force, got into Mafeking on 4th April, and
rejoined Plumer on the 8th. "By his influence he
induced " ^ many natives to break out, and between
and the relief 1200 natives came out, and so
his visit
saved the garrison's food - supplies. On 1st May 100
men of the British South Africa Police from Mashona-
land joined Plumer. On the 12th he received a
message that Colonel Mahon would be on the Molopo
on 15th May, and on the 14th he was joined by a
most welcome reinforcement of over 100 Queensland
Mounted Infantry, dismounted, and a Canadian battery
1
Colonel Plumer's evidence before War Commission.
 Rhodesian Regiment and Rhodesian Volunteers 203

of 4 guns. On the same day Plumer, with about

800 men and 8 guns, set out, and succeeded in joining
hands with Mahon on the Molopo on the 15th. On
the 16th was fought the engagement already touched
upon under the Imperial Light Horse, and Mafeking
was entered on the 17th before dawn.^ Lieutenants
Harland and Lloyd and several men of the regiment
were killed, and Major Bird and Lieutenant A. J.
Forbes and 20 men were wounded in the fighting
outside Mafeking. Out of thirteen Imperial officers
serving with the regiment four had been killed,
five wounded, and one captured, up to 18th May;
while one volunteer officer had been killed and two
wounded.
On the 17th the Boers were driven from the confines
of the town, and on the 20th Plumer occupied Zeerust,
and afterwards Ottoshoop and Polfontein.^ Baden-
Powell and Plumer now moved farther east, and
Kustenburg was occupied on 10th June.
After the relief of Mafeking the Rhodesian Begiment
was much split up the greater portion accompanied
:

General Plumer to the Bustenburg district, but detach-

ments were left at different posts. In Lord Boberts'
telegram of 8th August 1900 he said that he feared
that Colonel Hore's force at Eland's Biver (between
Bustenburg and Zeerust) had been captured. He also
said that the garrison consisted of about 140 Australian
Bushmen, 80 of the Bhodesian Begiment, and 80 Bho-
desian Volunteers. Mr Green, in his Story of the '

Australian Bushmen,' Sydney, 1903, gives what ap-

pears to be the best account yet published of the
Eland's Biver defence. He arrived there on 16th
1 These dates, &c., are taken from Colonel Plinuer's evidence before the
War Commission.
2 Lord Roberts' despatch of 14th August 1900.
204 The Colonials in SotUk Africa

July. Even then the Boers were in strong force in the

neighbourhood, and Colonel Hore kept his men busy
on entrenchments, but the garrison could scarcely be
got to believe that this was necessary work. On the
19th Major Tunbridge and a squadron of the 3rd
Queensland Mounted Infantry brought in a convoy.
The intention was that he should go on with it to
Rustenburg, but Hore deemed this inadvisable. Pat-
rolswere kept moving out, and there was often fight-
ing, ason the 21st and 23rd. On the 22nd there was
a severe eno^ag-ement at Roster's River, between
Eland's River and Rustenburg (see 1st New South
Wales Bushmen). On 3rd August Hore learned that
there was a concentration of Boers, over 2000, in his
immediate neighbourhood. On the 4th the enemy
commenced the attack by opening a heavy fire on
parties who were taking the horses to water. Mr
Green states that the garrison was now as follows :

Queensland Mounted Infantry, Major Tunbridge . 140

New South Wales Bushmen, Captain Thomas . 100
Rhodesian Eegiment and Volunteers, Protectorate
Regiment, Captain Butters and Lieutenant
Myburg 150
Victorian Bushmen, Captain Ham (8rd Contingent) 50
A few British South Africa Police were also
present. Total about 500.

The garrison possessed one 7 -pounder gun and two

maxims the enemy had nine modern guns.
;

On the 4th no less than 1500 shells fell within the

perimeter of the defence, and the casualties were 32, of
whom 5 were killed. On the night of the 4th and
every night afterwards the men worked hard at the
trenches, deepening those already made, and providing
head cover from waggons which had been smashed.
 Rhodesian Regiment and Rhodesian Volimteers 205

No part of the camp was secure from shell-fire, and

the hospital was several times struck. On the 5th
Carrington's force approached so near that they could
be plainly seen, but his effort to break through seems
to have been almost contemptible, and Mr Green states
that he actually retreated seventeen miles that night,
to the amazement of his own officers and men. On
the 6th an attempted relief was commenced by Baden-
Powell he got within twenty miles but turned, be-
:

cause he had heard the garrison had surrendered.

According to Mr Green's account, and his version is

well supported, there was bungling all round, and

Lord Koberts was anything but satisfied with his
lieutenants. After the 6th shell and rifle fire con-
tinued, but were not so heavy as on the 4th. Some
incidents of how snipers stalked snipers were almost
amusing. One Boer, who had done much firing but
could not for some time be located, was at last found
in a tree and duly brought to the ground. About
the 8th Delarey sent in what was a very gentlemanly
letter, asking surrender he said he had driven back
:

Carrington, which was true. Hore declined to sur-

render, and asked his opponent to keep his shells off
the hospital, a request which was attended to. Fight-
ing continued till the 15th. On that morning there
was no reply to the defender's fire. A force could
that day be seen in the distance, but could not be
identified as friend or enemy. On the 16th, at 3 a.m.,
some West Australians, the advance scouts of Lord
Kitchener's Division, rode in. Lord Kitchener came
in at 7 a.m. He remarked " You have had a hot
:

time, but have made a wonderful defence." The

fire may be guessed from the fact that
severity of the
out of 1540 animals in camp, 1379 were lost. Owing
2o6 The Colonials in South Africa

to the good trenches, the casualties among the troops

were slight in comparison. About 10 men were killed
and 43 wounded, of whom 8 died. The Ehodesian
Eegiment lost 4 killed and 2 wounded, the Volunteers
2 killed and 2 wounded, and the British South Africa
Police 2 killed and 2 wounded. Lord Roberts said :

" The gallant defence of this post was most creditable

to Colonel Hore and the troops under his command."

Lieutenant Sandilands, of the Cameron Highlanders,
who was with his own mounted infantry in the reliev-
ing force, wrote in the War Record of the 79 th
'
"To
' :

my mind the defence of the garrison at Eland's River

was quite one of the finest things in the whole war,"
and he goes on to give some details, and says every one
will agree that it was a defence of which the Colonies
" may
well be proud."
After the relief Lord Kitchener split up his force,
sending part of it on to Mafeking with Lord Methuen,
who took the garrison with him.
In regard to the attempts at relief, Major-General
Carrington, who had landed at Beira to command the
brigade of Australian Bushmen which disembarked
there, had crossed Rhodesia and entered the Transvaal
from the north-west border. General Carrington had
been compelled to split up the Rhodesian Field Force,
and to despatch portions of it across the north-west
of the Transvaal to reinfore Generals Baden -Powell
and Plumer, He had thus had to weaken the portion
at his own disposal in August, but he was still in com-
—
mand of a fairly strong force about 1000 men and a
15 -pounder battery manned by New Zealanders, and —
no one seemed to have any doubt that he would be
able to push through to Rustenburg if necessary. He
had left Zeerust on 3rd August to go to Eland's
 Rhodesian Regiment and Rhodesian Volunteers 207

River, and it is said that on the way he received a

message from Hore that the enemy were very threat-

ening. But Carrington did not push through, as he
was expected to do, at all costs. After an engage-
ment which cannot be described as severe, and
after reconnoitring to within a few miles of Hore's
camp, he retired, not only to Zeerust, but actually
to Mafeking.^
Perhaps General Carrington's information was that
the enemy's strength in the district was overwhelming,
and certainly two correspondents who were with him
did wire that his force was too weak. But that does
not seem to have been the opinion of Lord Boberts,
who on 14th August, after he had learned of Carring-
wired " Carrington has been ordered to
ton's retreat, :

proceed at once to Zeerust."

On 6th August Baden-Powell approached Eland's
River from Rustenburg, "but," in the words of the
despatch, "though firing was going on, its sound be-
came more distant and concluding that Lieutenant-
;

Colonel Hore's force had either been captured by the

enemy or relieved by Carrington, he retired to Rusten-
burg." ^ Want of supplies prevented another attempt
being made from the Rustenburg direction.^ Between
7th and 14th August Lord Kitchener, with several
columns, was pursuing De Wet from the Vaal towards
the Megaliesberg. On the 13th August a messenger
reached Mafeking he had been sent on the 10th by
:

Hore with a request for assistance. Lord Roberts at

once directed Lord Kitchener to press on to Hore's

1 Press Association telegram, and Lord Roberts' despatch of 10th Octo-

ber, para. 26. The despatch does not even mention that Carrington was

2 Lord Roberts' despatch of 10th October 1900, para. 26.

2o8 The Colonials in South Africa

relief; and, as already stated, this was effected on 16th

August.
The Eland's River garrison having, as already stated,
marched to Mafeking with Lord Methuen, was, after
some weeks' rest there, railed via De Aar and Bloem-
fontein to Pretoria, where it was inspected and con-
gratulated by Lord Roberts on 1st October.
The bulk of the Rhodesian Regiment was, during
July, August, and September, operating to the east of
Rustenburg and to the north of Pretoria. In Lord
Roberts' telegram of 22nd August, he said that Paget
reported from Haman's Kraal that Baden-Powell was
engaged with Commandant Grobler's rear-guard all the
previous day. Grobler was driven back on the east of
the Pienaar's River. During the fight, Baden-Powell's
and the enemy's advance guards galloped into each
other. The Rhodesians suffered severely, Lieutenant-
Colonel Spreckley, commanding Rhodesian Volunteers,
and 4 men being killed, and Lieutenant Irvine and
6 men wounded. In the despatch it was stated that,
as a result of this fighting, 100 British prisoners were
rescued and 25 Boers captured. Colonel Spreckley
was a splendid type of the colonial officer, and had
done grand work in the Matabele Wars.
Soon after this, about the end of September, the
year for which the Rhodesian men were engaged ex-
pired, and they were disbanded.^ Neither the regiment
nor the Rhodesian Volunteers seem to have suffered
any casualties in action after 22nd August 1900.
In his evidence, already quoted. General Plumer
remarked "In connection with engineer services I
:

should like to record the excellent work done by the

engineer troop of the South Rhodesian Volunteers who
^ Evidence of Colonel Plumer before War Commission, p. 339.
 The BecJmanalajid Protectorate Regiment 209

came and repaired the railway. They were all railway

employees, and it was owing to their work that the
railway from Bulawayo, on which so much depended,
was so rapidly repaired," They also manned the
armoured trains.
The Mentions gained were as follows :

—
Lord Roberts' Final Despatches. Col. Beale (B.S.A. Company) Col. ;

Spreckley (killed) Major A. Weston Jarvis (got C.M.G.) Capta. G. Glyn,i

; ;

F. Smithermann ^ Lieut. A. Myburgh, Rhodesian Regiment

; ; Capt. G.
Hooki; Sgt. -Major J. Lough,^ South Rhodesian Volunteers; Tprs. C.
Bentley,* G. F. Burton or Parton,^ Rhodesian Regiment ; Tpr. C. Duner 2
Sgt.-Major Webb,^ South Rhodesian Volunteers ; Lieut. Duly,^ Rhodesian
Volunteers, commanding cyclists.
—
Lord Kitchener's Despatch ^ih May 1901. Capt. and Local Lieut.-
:

Col. Grey's fine leading has much contributed to the success of the opera-
tions (March 1901) he at all times displays marked ability as a leader of
;

men. At the time to which this entry refers, Lieut. -Col. Grey was com-
manding some New Zealand troops in the Western Transvaal he had at ;

one time been an officer in the Inniskilling Dragoons, and his old regiment
were very proud of his success on 23rd March (see War Record of the
Inniskillings).

THE BECHUANALAND PROTECTORATE

REGIMENT.
The raising of the Rhodesian Regiment and of the
Bechuanaland Protectorate Regiment has already been
touched upon under the first-named corps. When in
September 1899 Colonel Baden-Powell determined to
himself command the garrison of Mafeking, he took
with him the Protectorate Regiment, which was then
about a month old. According to his report on the
siege, the garrison of the town was composed of the
regiment under Colonel Hore, total strength 469 ;

1 Awarded D.S.O. 2 Awarded D.C.M.

2IO The Colonials in South Africa

British South Africa PoHce (Colonel Walford), 91 ;

Cape Police (Inspectors Marsh and Browne), 103

Bechuanaland Bifles (Volunteers), 81 ;Town Guard,
untrained, 296— total, 44 officers, 975 men. The total
white population of the place was about 1000, and the
natives usually resident numbered 6000 but before
;

hostilities commenced, about 1000 more came in, and

had to be fed. On the other hand, before the siege
ended, about 1500 natives had been persuaded to
break through with the view of economising food.
Some natives were enrolled to assist in protecting their
own stadt, as cattle-guards, &c., and they were largely
employed on the construction of defensive works. The
town was 1000 yards square, and its best features,
from the defenders' point of view, were that it w^as
not commanded by hills, that the trenches had a good
field for fire, and the ground outside of these being
for a long distance very flat, full advantage could be
taken of the low trajectory of the Lee-Metford rifle.
" The perimeter of the works at first was approxi-
mately seven miles latterly it extended to a little
;

over ten miles." It is difficult to understand how such

a small force could hold such an immense area. The
artillery of the garrison was commanded by Major
Panzera of the B.S.A. Police, and was worked by men
of that force and of the Cape Police. They had four
7-pounder muzzle-loading guns, one 1 -pounder Hotch-
kiss, one 2-inch Nordenfeldt, seven '303 maxims ; and
there were added during the siege an old ship's gun,
found about the place, and a 16-pounder muzzle-loading
howitzer, which was made in the railway workshop.
The powder, shells, and fuses used by the garrison
were also manufactured in that workshop. Opposed
to this slender and poorly equipped garrison, the enemy
 The Bechuanaland Pi'otectorate Regiment 2 1

had at first 8000 men, with ten guns, under Cronje.

After he had become tired or disheartened, he went
south towards Kimberley and Magersfontein, leaving
Snyman with about 3500 men and six guns, one of
which was a new 94-pounder Creusot. The latter gun
fired 1497 rounds between 13th October 1899 and
17th May 1900.
The principal engagements during the siege, as
mentioned in the report of 18th May 1900, were as
follows :

Action of lUh October, before the investment was

complete, fought about six miles north of town.
Patrols having found the enemy advancing along the
railway, an armoured train with a Hotchkiss, a maxim,
and 15 of the B.S.A. Police, were sent out. It became
heavily engaged with Boers who had 2 guns. Captain
FitzOlarence, with a squadron of the Protectorate
Regiment, attacked, the train being on his left. An-
other troop under Lord C
Bentinck, with a 7-pounder,
reinforced, and after four hours' fighting the enemy
was driven ofi; The armoured train put one of the
Boer guns out of action before it had fired a shot, and
drove the other gun from the field. When Captain Fitz-
Clarence withdrew the enemy made no attempt to
follow him. The Boers lost 53 killed, including 4
field-cornets, and many wounded. The British loss
was 3 men killed,(Lieutenant Lord C. C.
2 officers
Bentinck, 9th Lancers, attached, and Lieutenant
Brady) and 13 men wounded, all of Protectorate
Begiment, and 1 cyclist taken prisoner. Colonel
Baden-Powell said : "In this, their first engagement,
the Protectorate Regiment showed a spirit and dash
worthy of highly trained troops, and were most ably
led by Captain FitzClarence and Lord C. Bentinck.
2 1 The Colonials in South Africa

This smartly fought little engagement had a great

and lasting moral effect on the enemy."
Enemy's attack on the stadt, 25th October 1899.
The Boers commenced shelling from east and south
with seven guns at 6.30 a.m., and continued till noon.
At noon about 3000 advanced to attack, firing heavily
from long range inwards. The garrison reserved their
fire till the attackers were close, then opened with

maxims and rifles. This, and a flanking fire from

natives in the stadt, was enough, and the attempted
assault spluttered out. The Boer loss was not known,
but their ambulances were seen picking up a number
of casualties. There was only one of the garrison
wounded.
Night attack on Boer trenches, 27th October 1899.
The attacking force was Captain FitzClarence's
squadron, supported by a party of Cape Police. At
9.30 P.M. the attackers moved out in silence. "The
night was dark but still. The squadron attained its
position on the left rear of the enemy's trench without
being challenged or fired at. Captain FitzClarence
then wheeled up his men, and, with a cheer, charged
into the main and subsidiary trenches and cleared both
with the bayonet. The enemy's rearward trenches
opened a heavy fire, to which the Cape Police replied
from a flank in order to draw the fire on to themselves,
and so allow Captain FitzClarence's squadron to return
unmolested. The whole operations were carried out
exactly in accordance with instructions, and were a
complete success." Parties of the enemy in the dark-
ness and confusion fired into one another. Their losses
were stated at 100 killed and wounded. The British
loss was 6 killed, 9 wounded, including Captain Fitz-
Clarence and Lieutenant Swinburne, and 2 captured.
 The Beclmanala7id Protectorate Regiment 2 1

Action at Cannon Koiye, 31st October 1899. The

enemy commenced the engagement with a heavy con-
centrated fire on the kopje, one of the enemy's guns
taking the work in reverse. No reply could be made
by artillery or maxims, which had to be stowed under-
ground for protection. After half- an - hour's shelling
the enemy advanced to the attack. Our people then
manned their parapets and got the maxims up. A
7-pounder was " run out under cover of houses, near
south corner of town." Under Lieutenant Murchison
this gun opened fire on the enemy's flank, and their
advance was stopped. The garrison lost Captain the
Hon. Douglas Marsham, Captain Charles A. K. Pechell,
and 6 non-commissioned officers and men killed, and
3 wounded The casualties among the rank and
file fell chiefly on Colonel Walford's B.S.A. Police,
by whom the work was defended. The defenders
were congratulated by Colonel Baden-Powell. The
enemy were said to have lost heavily. In a
skirmish on the 3rd November Captain Goodyear
was wounded.
Surprise attack on enemy s ivestern laager, 7th
November 1899. At 2.30 A.M. Major Godley paraded
his force. Two 7-pounders, one Hotchkiss, one squadron
Protectorate Regiment (dismounted), 60, under Captain
Vernon, one troop, 30, Bechuanaland Eifles, Captain
Cowan. Captain Vernon's squadron led the attack.
At 4.15 A.M. the guns opened on laager at 1800 yards.
The surprisewas complete, and the enemy bolted in
all directions,but were soon strongly reinforced, and
Major Godley had to withdraw. This he did success-
fully under very heavy fire. The Hotchkiss upset and
broke limber - hook, but Gunners Cowan and Gordon
" very pluckily stood up and repaired damage " under
214 '^^^ Colonials in South Africa

heavy artillery and rifle fire. Major Godley and 4 men

were wounded. Again the Boers lost heavily.
Action at Game Tree Hill, 26th December 1899.
" Two squadrons Protectorate Eegiment, supported by
armoured train and Bechuanaland Rifles, were ordered
to attack enemy's works from left flank under Major
Godley, while three guns and a maxim prepared the
way from the right front of the work. On pressing
home the attack a heavy fire killed or wounded most
of the ofiicers and leading troops. These succeeded in
gaining the parapet, but the work was found to have
been strongly roofed in and so closed as to be impreg-
nable." The British losses were this time very serious.
Captain B. J. Vernon, Captain H. C. Sandford, Lieu-
tenant H. P. Paton, and 21 non-commissioned ofi&cers
and men were killed, Captain FitzClarence and 22
men wounded, and 3 missing. Colonel Baden-Powell
said
— " If blame for this reverse falls on any one it
should fall on myself, as everybody concerned did their
part of the work thoroughly well and exactly in ac-
cordance with the orders I had issued. Both ofiicers
and men worked with splendid courage and spirit."
During February 1900 there was fighting on various
occasions, and on the 12th of that month Captain
Girdwood was mortally wounded.
Boers' attack, 12th May 1900. The enemy evidently
determined to make a final attempt to capture the
town before the relief column could come up. At " 4
A.M. on the 12th they opened a very heavy long-range
musketry fire on the town from the east, north-east,
and south-east. ... I therefore wired to the south-
west outposts to be on the outlook." The Colonel's
judgment was, as usual, correct. "At about 4.30
300 Boers made a rush through the western out-
 The Bechttanaland Protectorate Regiment 2 1

posts and got into the stadt ; this they then set fire
to. I ordered thewestern defenders to close in so as to
prevent any supports coming in after the leading body,
and sent the reserve squadron there to assist. They
succeeded in driving off an attack of about 500 without
difficulty." The upshot was that those who got in got
divided into three parties. " The first surrendered, the
second was driven out with loss by three squadrons
Protectorate Regiment under Major Godley, and the
third, in the B.S.A. Police fort, after a vainattempt to
break out in the evening, surrendered. We captured
this day 108 prisoners, among whom was Commandant
Eloff, Kruger's grandson. We also found 10 killed and
19 wounded Boers, and their ambulance picked up 30
men killed and wounded. Our losses were 4 killed, 10
wounded," including Captain Singleton and Lieutenant
Bridges. " Our men, although weak with want of food

and exercise, worked with splendid pluck and energy

for the fourteen hours of fighting, and instances of
gallantry in action were very numerous."
During the action between the relief column and the
enemy on the 16th, part of the garrison demonstrated
in the enemy's rear. On the morning of the 17th,
after the head of the relief column was in. Colonel
Walford was sent out against the laager on the east.
Some Boers were killed, and they were prevented
removing a gun, many waggons, camp equipment, &c.
Thus to the very last the little garrison behaved with
that splendid courage, energy, and fighting skill which
they had exhibited from their first encounters onwards.
The Empire may hold together many decades without
any body of her sons doing for her a finer piece of work
than " the defence of Mafeking." It has become the
custom to smile, if not to sneer, at the Mafeking cele-
2 1 The Colonials in South Africa

brations. Seldom has the Empire had greater cause for

joy, and not a cap too many was thrown in the air or
a shout too many or too loud given. When we fail to
rise to enthusiasm on such an occasion we shall have
become unable to do the deeds that can arouse it.
The Protectorate Regiment saw some lighting in the
Transvaal, but anything they did is pale in colour after
" the defence." They were disbanded before the close
of 1900.
The Regiment gained the following Honours and
Mentions :

Capt. FitzClarence (Eoyal Fusiliers), twice wounded, gained the V.C. for
great courage and fearlessness on 14tli and 27th October and 26th December
1899. On
27th October Capt. FitzClarence was the first man into the
trenches, and accounted for four of the enemy with his sword. Sgt. H. E.
Martineau gained the Cross on 26th December 1899. He picked up Cpl.
Le Camp and took him back 150 yards under very heavy fire. In doing
this he was wounded, but continued to assist his comrade, and received
two additional wounds. Tpr. H. E. Eamsden, on 26th December 1899,
also gained the Cross. He picked up his brother and carried him 700 yards
under heavy fire.
—
Colonel Baden-Powell's Despatch. Lieut.-Col. Hore, Staffordshire
Eegiment Major Godley, Dublin Fusiliers
; Capt. Marsh, Eoyal West
;

Kent; Capt. Vernon, K.E.E.C.; Capt. FitzClarence, Lieut. C. Bentinck, 9th

Lancers Lieuts. Holden,i Greenfield, and Feltham.
;

—
Lord Egberts' Despatch. Lieuts. G. Bridges,^ J. A. P. Feltham, ^
Greenfield, Mossum or Moorsom, Waller; Sgt. J. W. S. Lowe,^ Cpl. Met-
calfe
'^
Tprs. Bryant, Calderwood, Johnson,^ Parsons, Stevens ^
; Gunner ;

Mulholland.2 Sgt. Lowe and Gunner MulhoUand actually belonged to the

Mafeking Eailway Volunteer Corps.

1 Awarded D.S.O. 2 Awarded D.C.M.

J
 Bechuanaland Rifle Volunteers 2 1

BECHUANALAND RIFLE VOLUNTEERS.

This corps was, at the beginning of the war, stationed
about Mafeking. A company, 8 1 strong, under Captain
Cowan, formed a valuable part of the garrison.
In the actions of 7th November and 26th December
(see Bechuanaland Protectorate Regiment) the Rifles
took a prominent part, and their work was several
times highly praised by Colonel Baden-Powell. In his
despatch Captain Cowan was mentioned. He had his
corps in such a " condition of efficiency as enabled me
to employ them in all respects as regular troops. He
was at all times ready, and zealous in the performance
of any duty assigned to him."
After the relief of Mafeking the corps was employed,
not only in Bechuanaland, but also in Cape Colony and
all over the Western Transvaal. In 1901 a squadron
was in Lord Methuen's column, which did much good
work in the south-west of the Transvaal {see despatches
of 8th July 1901 and other dates). They took a
prominent part in many engagements down to the close
of the campaign, and frequently had a share of the
casualties. At Zandfontein, 2nd- 3rd September 1901,
1 man was killed and Lieutenant T. E. P. More and

1 man were wounded. On 4th October 4 men were

killed near Zeerust,and on the 18th 2 men were killed
at Rhenosterfontein. Captain Cooke was severely
wounded on 2nd January 1902, and the corps had
casualties at Trenafontein on the 21st. The corps
gained distinction at Rhenosterfontein on 5th Sep-
tember 1901, and at Kleinfontein, near Zeerust, on
24th October 1901, In each of these engagements
2 1 The Colonials in South Africa

the enemy exhibited very great determination and

boldness, and only with difficulty were they driven
off. On the latter date they left over 40 dead on the
ground.
In January, February, and March 1902 the Bechu-
analand Rifle Volunteers were generally with or under
Lord Methuen. A detachment was in the force which
escorted the convoy captured near Klerksdorp on 25th
February 1902. On this occasion the Eifles had 5
killed and about the same number wounded.
It will be remembered that the Western Transvaal
had been dangerously denuded of troops while the
great driving operations were in progress in the eastern
part of that country and in the Orange River Colony,
hence Lord Methuen was unable to cope with Delarey
and other leaders, strengthened as they were by com-
mandos driven from elsewhere. (See Cape Police.)
When the forces in the Western Transvaal had been
strengthened, the Bechuanaland Rifles took part in the
last great drives which, under the direction of General
Ian Hamilton, finally broke Delarey's power. At
Rooival on 11th April there was a well-fought engage-
ment, when the Rifles had about 9 casualties. Thus,
from the commencement of the war to its close. Major
Cowan's little body did work of outstanding value, and
all through the two years and nine months maintained

the splendid degree of efficiency which they had shown

when the siege of Mafeking commenced.
The Mentions gained by the corps were as follows :

Colonel Baden-Powell's Despatch.— Capt. Cowan (see above) ; Sgt.

Lionel Cook,i for clever and plucky scouting and gallantry in action.
—
Lord Roberts' Despatch. Capt. Cowan and Sgt. Rowlands.^
Lord Kitchener's Despatches: 8<A October 1901.— Capt. Cowan 2;

Awarded D.C.M. ""

Awarded D.S.O.
 British South Africa Police 2 1

Sgt.-Major Watts ; Sgt. Shipman ; Tpr. Austin (promoted Cpl.), gallantry

at Khenosterfontein, 5tli September 1901 ; Lee. -Cpl. Sutherland (promoted
same action retained two prisoners under fire of 30 Boers.
Cpl.), in
^th A^ovember.— Sgt. Rowlands, for marked gallantry in collecting men
and carrying messages under heavy fire. Col. Von Donop's action at Klein-
fontein, 24th October 1901 (twice previously mentioned).
8th March 1902. — Lieut. Shipman, at Jackalsfontein, 8th February,
attacked a laager with his troop and held them till reinforcements
arrived.
23rd June 1902.— Major B. W. Cowan i; Lieuts. T. Christie, S. Hall;
Sgts. A.W. Shipman,^ E. Galbraith, G. Gordon Cpls. B. Roy, and H. B.
;

Wall.

BEITISH SOUTH AFRICA POLICE.

In the earlier stages of the war this fine force did

particularly valuable work. When war was declared
their strength was 1106 of most usefulall ranks, —a
body of trained horsemen, good shots, and wily to
the last degree. The bulk of the regiment was em-
ployed on the Rhodesian border and in the relief of
Mafeking, while a detachment, 10 officers and 81 men,
were in the town when the investment commenced,
and formed an important part of the garrison. When
Colonel Plumer with the Rhodesian Regiment reached
Tuli, near the northern border of the Transvaal, on
11th October, 100 men of the B.S.A. Police were
already there with 3 guns and 2 "450 maxims
another detachment being on the railway north of
Gaberones under Colonel Nicholson, the Commandant
of the Police. Both these bodies took part in endless
skirmishes and had to watch a very extended front.
In the Boer attack on Plumer at Lobatsi, 14th March,
1 Awarded D.S.O. - Awarded D.C.M.
2 20 The Colonials in South Africa

Captain Mowbray and 1 man of the Police were

wounded. The work of Colonel Plumer's force gener-
ally is dealt with under the Rhodesian Regiment, and
that of the Mafeking garrison under the Protectorate
Regiment. In his evidence before the War Com-
mission Colonel Plumer said that it was largely due

to the initiativeand energy of Colonel Nicholson that

such an ample supply of stores had been accumulated
in Rhodesia before the war broke out and the southern
line was cut. He also referred to the work of the
Police, and said their shooting was better than that
of any other troops he had commanded.
Thanks to the daring of a native runner, Renter was
able to send off a telegram from Magalapye on 19th
November which said " Our third engagement of im-
:

portance, which will rank perhaps among the most

gallant and brilliant of the engagements of this war,
was the defence of Cannon Kopje on Tuesday, 31st
October, by the officers and men of the B.S.A. Police
under Colonel Walford. Upon this isolated position
the 96-pr. and 4 field-guns were brought to bear,
and under cover of their fire the enemy made a most
determined attempt to carry the fort by storm. The
B.S.A. Police lost 2 officers, 2 N.C.O.'s, and 4 men
killed, and about 6 wounded."
In Colonel Baden-Powell's despatch on the defence
of Mafeking, dated 18th May 1900, he referred at
length to the action at Cannon Kopje, mentioning the
names of the killed and wounded. The officers killed
were Captain the Hon. Douglas Henry Marsham and
Captain C. A. Kerr Pechell. The casualties were not
altogether among the Police some of the Protectorate
;

Regiment were killed and wounded. In his mention

of Colonel Walford, B.S.A. Police, at the close of
 British South Africa Police 22

the report, Colonel Baden-Powell said " Commanded

:

the southern defences with his detachment of B.S.A.

Police throughout the siege with conspicuous success.
Always and quick to see what was wanted, his
cool
services were most valuable."
Regarding Major Panzera of the B.S.A. Police
Colonel Baden-Powell said " As commanding artillery,
:

showed himself a smart and practical gunner, endowed

with the greatest zeal, coupled with personal gallantry
in action. The great success gained by our little guns,
even when opposed to the modern armament of the
enemy, was largely due to Panzera's handling of
them."
When the Australian Bushmen landed at Beira, on
Portuguese territory, in May and June 1900, they
were met at the Bhodesian border by detachments
of B.S.A. Police, some of whom, often mounted on
tricycles, accompanied each body of Australians across
Bhodesia.
In 1901 and 1902, down to the close of the war,
the B.S.A. Police did good work on the Rhodesian
border and in the western and northern districts of
the Transvaal, and their services were of great value
when some native chiefs took their followers into the
field. The lesson which the Police gave put an end
to all further thoughts of interference on the part of
the coloured man. The corps had casualties on many
occasions during 1901 and 1902, as at Trenafontein
on 21st January 1902, when they had 2 killed and 5
wounded. A detachment were with the escort to a
convoy which was captured near Klerksdorp on 25th
February 1902. At that time another body under
Colonel Walford was employed in keeping open the
road to Kuruman, 100 miles west of the Vryburg
222 The Colonials in South Africa

railway. This detachment, or part of it, was with

Lord Methuen when he was defeated by Delarey on
7th March. The B.S.A. Police had several casualties
in that action. (See Cape Police.)
In addition to those already given the Mentions
gained by the corps were :

Col. Baden-Powell. — Capts. A. Williams and Scholfield Lieut. Daniells. ;

Lord Roberts' Despatches. — Col. Walford Lieut.-Cols. W. Bodle, got

^ ;

C.M.G., and H. White i

; Capts. F. L. Bowden,i Greener,i Hoel Llewellyn,i
P. W. Williams,! W. Ashbyi Surg. -Major Holmdeni
; ; Sgts. G. 0. Delegh,
R. C. Murray ; Cpls. J. H. Houite, H. Gearey.^
Lord Kitchener's Despatches %tli May 1901. From Col. Manners
: —
Wood's despatch on native attack on patrol from Fort Darwin, Rhodesia,
Lieut. -Col. Flint desires to bring to notice the gallant conduct of Capt. C. H.
Gibson,! who commanded, and to whom every credit is due for the defeat
inflictedon Mapendera's Impis. Sgt. T. Barclay,- during native rising near
Fort Darwin, and force obliged to withdraw, was the last to retire, and by
his coolness and good shooting kept the natives off. Capt. Gibson says he
cannot speak too highly of him, both on this occasion and during rising in
1896.
23r<i June 1902.— Major Everett ; Capts. S. W. J. Scholfield, Drury ; Sgt.
C. L. St Hill ; Farrier-Sgt. Scholes. Sgt, French and Cpl. P. Darnley also
got the D.C.M.

DENNISON'S SCOUTS.

This corps was raised at Yryburg by Captain, after-

wards Major, G. C. Dennison, D.S.O., in September
1900.
The despatch of 8th July 1901 shows that prior
to that date the corps, about 80 strong, was part
of the column working from Kimberley, chiefly in
the west of the Orange Eiver Colony. In the first
months of 1901 they saw a good deal of fighting
1 Awarded D.S.O. 2 Awarded D.C.M.
 Dennisons Scouts 223

about Koffyfontein. In the despatch of 8th August

1901 Lord Kitchener said: "Major Paris, RM.A.,
with the Kimberley column, left Warrenton on 19th
July, and after an engagement with 150 of the
enemy, who were gallantly driven from a strong
position by Dennison's Scouts, effected a junction
on the 24th with Colonel Henry near Aaronslaagte.
Operating from Palmietpan on the 25th July with 230
mounted men, 2 guns, and a pom-pom and 30 infantry,
carried in carts. Major Paris again found the enemy
in some strength at Wolvepan under Commandants
Badenhorst and Erasmus and Field - Cornet van
Aswezan. He attacked on 3 sides, maintained a
running fight, in which the 74th Squadron Imperial
Yeomanry, the Kimberley Light Horse, and Dennison's
Scouts seem to have been well handled, and finally
forced the enemy to beat a very hasty retreat. Seven
dead burghers were left upon the field" and Van
Aswezan was captured, Major Paris's casualties being
1 man killed and 2 wounded. After this Major Paris
returned to Warrenton and was employed in the South-
West Transvaal and Griqualand. In January he was
frequently engaged, and on the 5th he effected the
capture of a convoy of 40 waggons and much stock.
Dennison's Scouts were still with Major Paris when
he joined Lord Methuen in the beginning of March,
and were in the column when it was defeated on 7th
March (see Cape Police). Dennison Scouts, commanded
at the time by Captain Brown, were part of the rear
screen, and held on till ridden down. They suffered
severely, losing 6 killed out of a strength of 58.
In his 'A Fight to a Finish,' Longmans, 1904, the
commander of Dennison's Scouts describes what he
saw of the campaign, including his experiences as a
2 24 The Colonials in South Africa

—he was captured at Kuruman (see Cape Police),

prisoner
— but the value of the book greatly affected by the
is

entire absence of dates.

The Mentions gained by the corps were :

Lord Kitchener's Despatches : Sth March 1901.— Capt. G. C. Dennison.i

mrd June 1902.— Sgt.-Major W. J. Hagan.

ASHBURNER'S LIGHT HORSE AND

CULLINAN'S HORSE.

These corps were employed in the Warrenton-

Vry burg- Kuruman district, and in the south-west of
the Transvaal during the last sixteen months of the
war, and both saw much hard work and a lot of fight-
ing. Both corps suffered casualties on many occasions.
They had the ill-fortune to be part of the column of
Major Paris, and under Lord Methuen, when that
General was defeated by Delarey on 7th March 1902
(see Cape Police and Kimberley troops). The approxi-
—
mate losses were Ashburner's Horse, 12 killed and
over that number wounded out of a strength of 126 ;

Cullinan's Horse, 4 killed and 4 wounded out of a

strength of 64. In Lord Kitchener's despatch of 23rd
June 1902, the latter corps got two Mentions, Lieu- —
tenant J. Macbeth, Sergeant A. J. Marshall.
1 Awarded D.S.O.
 The Commander-in-Chief ' s Bodygua7'd 225

THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEFS BODYGUARD.

About 15th January 1900 Lord Roberts announced
the intention to form a bodyguard from picked
Colonials, to be commanded by Major Laing, an officer
who had served in and 93rd regiments
the 91st
(Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders), and had settled
in South Africa. In the Matabele Rebellion he had
again taken to soldiering, and had done work of a
very high order.
In his telegraphic despatch as to his entry into
Kroonstad on 12th May 1900, Lord Roberts said,
" The procession entering the town was headed by my
bodyguard, all of them Colonials."
In November 1900 Lord Roberts issued an order
empowering Major Laing to raise a fighting regiment,
570 strong, with 2 guns, 2 pom-poms, and 2 machine-
guns, to be called " The Bodyguard." So great was
Laing's popularity that he almost at once got over 1000
recruits. The corps took the field in the Orange River
Colony. Unfortunately, the first reference to them in
a despatch was in connection with a grievous mishap
which took place on 3rd January 1901. In his tele-
gram of 6th January Lord Kitchener said " From :

reports of some wounded who have arrived at Heilbron,

it appears that a detachment of Bodyguard 120 strong,

belonmno; to General Charles Knox's force, came in

contact with a superior number of the enemy near
Lindley. I regret to say that Lt. -Colonel Laing, 2
and 15 men were killed, 2 officers and 20 men
officers,
wounded. No details have been received from General
Knox of this action." The other officers killed were
P
2 26 The Colonials in South Africa

Lieutenants King and F. C. Vonschade. Captain A.

Butters died of his wounds. Lieutenants F. H. Skyes,
J. Simpson, S. Lewis, W. G. Perrin, and D. W. Robert-
son were wounded. The fighting was of the most
severe character, and the casualties in the rank and file

turned out even larger than the numbers stated by-

Lord Kitchener.
Li February and March the corps were several times
engaged in the Orange River Colony, Lieutenant L. H.
Harding being mortally wounded.
In April, May, and June, the Bodyguard, 1000
strong, under Colonel Chesney, was in a column which
operated in the Eastern Transvaal under Brigadier-
General Bullock, and in July under Brigadier- General
Spens. An account of the work of the column is given
in Lieutenant Moeller's Two Years at the Front.' They
'

had no very serious fighting while the Bodyguard was

in the column, but towards the end of July they had
skirmishes in which Captain O'Flaherty and 1 man were
killed and several wounded. Not long after this the
corps was disbanded, many of the officers and men
joining other regiments.

THE RAILWAY PIONEER REGIMENT.

About 18th December 1899 recruiting for this corps

was opened at Cape Town and before Lord Roberts
;

commenced his advance from Bloemfontein to Pretoria

the first regiment was organised, its work being to
 The Railway Pioneer Regiment 227

assist in protecting the railways and to repair

bridges, culverts, and lines when broken. Without
outside assistance the corps of Royal Engineers could
not have faced the enormous amount of work naturally
falling to their department.From the Railway Pioneer
Regiment they received very valuable help. On the
other hand, the Railway Pioneers were leavened by
officers and non - commissioned officers of the Royal
Engineers, who are always so efficient that they can
infect all those who serve with them with esprit de
corps in a marvellous^ short space of time. Of such
value was the work of the Railway Pioneer Regiment
that before the close of the war a fourth battalion had
been organised. The battalions were employed chiefly
on the Cape-Pretoria railway, but they were also on the
Krugersdorp line, and sometimes operated as a fighting
force a considerable distance from railways. The regi-
ment also did admirable service on the armoured trains
which did so much to make railway traffic possible
during the guerilla stages.
In his evidence before the War Commission, vol. i.
p. 445, Lord Roberts said: "An enormous amount of
reconstruction was carried out by the Railway Pioneer
Regiment and the Railway Companies Royal Engineers.
The Pioneer Regiment consisted almost entirely of
civilian refugees, mostly mechanics from Johannesburg,
and it rendered excellent service. To its aid and that
of the Royal Engineer officers and men we were in-
debted for the fact that the railways very seldom lost
touch with the fighting portion of the army, and that
we were able to seize Johannesburg and Pretoria,
distant about 1000 miles from our base upon the coast,
and 260 miles from Bloemfontein, our advanced depot,
with such rapidity that the enemy were unable to con-
 2 28 The Colonials in South Afi'ica

centrate their resources and offer a strongly organised

resistance."
When the 4th Derbyshire Regiment was attacked at
Roodewal, Kroonstad district, on 7th June 1900, a
detachment about 70 strong of the Railway Pioneer
Regiment was present and in the fighting, which ended
in the capture of the post. They lost Captain Gale and
4 men killed and about 16 wounded.
In the published despatches there is one from Major-
General Charles E. Knox to Lieutenant-General Kelly-
Kenny forwarding a report by Lieutenant - Colonel
Capper, R.E., commanding Railway Pioneers at
Virginia, Kroonstad district, Orange River Colony,
as to an attack delivered by the commandos of Muller
and Boerman at daybreak on 14th June 1900. The
enemy was " said to be about 800 strong, with one or
two pom-poms, a maxim, and, I think, one field-gun, but
this is uncertain. We had to hold rather an extended
position, our left being in trenches on very broken
ground and in thick scrub which there was no time to
clear. The enemy got into this scrub and gave some
trouble by sniping. The garrison consisted of four
companies 3rd Battalion Royal Lancasters under
Colonel North, about 250 fit for duty, and four com-
panies Railway Pioneer Regiment under Major
Seymour, about 300 fit for duty, together with 25
men Royal Irish (Rifles) Mounted Infantry under
Lieut. Davenport, 16 fit for duty. The attack was
most pressed on our left, and was held most steadily
by No. 3 company Railway Pioneer Regiment, under
Lieut. Mitchell of that regiment fighting was con-
:

tinued on all sides until about 11 a.m., when it quieted

down, and the enemy had practically retired by the
time a body of 170 Yeomanry, under Lt. Crane, arrived
 The Railway Pioneer Regiment 229

from the south at about noon. The troops behaved

. , .

very well and steadily. The Kailway Pioneer E-egi-

ment in the advanced trenches, on the left especially,
were most cool and collected, engaging the enemy at
very close quarters. They were for part of the morning
surrounded by the enemy in the scrub, but never lost
their heads, and the enemy were ultimately driven out
of the scrub by the advance through it of a line of
reserve Railway Pioneer Regiment aided by half a
company of militia." The losses of the regiment were
Major Seymour and Lieutenant Clements and 5 non-
commissioned officers and men killed Lieutenant
;

Mitchell and 2 non - commissioned officers and men

wounded. Colonel Capper added that he could not
" speak too highly of Lieut. Mitchell, a young officer
who was wounded in both thighs about 6 a.m. in going
from one trench to another to encourac^e the men, and
remaining throughout the day in the most exposed
trench, keeping his men, 22 in number, scattered in
several small trenches, calm, ordering them not to
waste ammunition, &c. I attribute to his example,
and the very steady conduct of the men of his company
in the advanced trenches, who suffered severely one —
holding three men had one killed, and one holding five
—
men had two killed, the fact that our losses were so
comparatively small. I especially deplore the loss of
Major Seymour, whose loss will not only be felt by us
as a regiment but by the whole of South Africa. He
was killed while advancing with the extended line
through the bush to clear out the snipers." Six dead
Boers were found, four of them within 40 yards of
Mitchell's trenches.
The regiment continued to do most excellent work,
chiefly on the lines of communication between Bloemfon-
230 The Colonials in South Africa

teinand Pretoria, and their posts had constantly to be

on the alert. In his telegram of 26th November 1900
Lord Roberts said " Barton reports that Brakpan was
:

attacked at 3 a.m. on the 24th, and was defended

against a fierce attack by 7 of the Railway Pioneer
Regiment and 10 mounted infantry. Our men be-
haved splendidly, and drove off the enemy, who left
3 dead. A Transvaal flag was captured."
On 27th March 1901 the 1st Battalion had 1 man
killed and Captain Mitchell, mentioned above, severely
wounded near Boksburg.
In a telegraphic despatch of 21st November 1901
Lord Kitchener stated that Commandant Buys had
been captured, after attacking a patrol of about 100
of the Railway Pioneer Regiment on the Vaal near
Villiersdorp and in the telegram of 23rd November he
;

stated " Further report of Major Fisher's engagement

:

near Villiersdorp, 20th November, shows that during

the night of 19th patrols sent from his post at Riet-
fontein, slightly in advance of South African Con-
stabulary, on Kalkspruit, to seize ridge overlooking
Landsdrift, enemy in possession.
found At dawn
Major Fisher moved forward towards ridge, and was
attacked both from north and south, but gradually
took up a position giving good cover to his small force.
At 9 A.M. his horses near south end of position stam-
peded, and in confusion enemy effected a lodgment.
Major Fisher and Captain Langmore were both danger-
ously wounded, and the small parties taken in detail
by the enemy, about 300 strong, were all forced to
surrender by 10 a.m. Colonel Rimington's column
came up about 11 a.m., but enemy, except small rear-
guard, had gone ofl", releasing prisoners. Rimington's
 The Railway Pioneer Regiment 23

men captured Commandant Buys, who was wounded."

The Railway Pioneer Regiment were
casualties of the
about 6 killed and 6 wounded. Captain A. B. Inglis
was returned as severely wounded in addition to the
officers named above. The regiment continued its good
work, chiefly on the railways, down to the close of
the war. Captain H. C. Thorold (Leicester Regiment,
attached) was killed at Rietfontein on 18th February
1902.
The Mentions gained were as follows :

—
Lieut.-General Kelly- Kenny's Despatch. Lieut. Mitchell deserves
special recognition. Previous to the attack on post, during the action, and
since, Lieut.-Col. Capper has been vmtiring in his duties.
—
Lord Roberts' Despatches 2/ic^ April 1901. Majors G. H. Goodwin,
;

awarded C.M.G., N. Wilson,^ Capt. W. E. 0. Mitchell,i Qrmr.-Sgt. W. Cart-

ledge, Co. Sgt. -Major S. Beaton,^ Sgt. (now Capt.) C. E. Marchant,^ Cpls.
T. M'Meekan,-' G. M. Smythe,^ Ptes. S. Stafford,^ W. Ure.^
Mh September 1901.— Cpls. W. J. Thomas,^ R. Mackie, S. Richards, J. R.
Shipley, J. W. Roach, Lce.-Cpl. C. Goulding, Ptes. J. Holmes, W. Doons,
G. Kramert.^
Lord Kitchener's Despatches %th March 1901.
: —
Lieut. Evans.
Sth July 1901. — Sgt.A. Anderson with 3 men, on railway patrol, sur-
J.

prised 50 Boers at Doornkop, killed 2, wounded several, and took 5 horses.

Sgt. Grainger, with 5 men, kept off a strong party of Boers all night. Sgt.-
Major M. C. Jameson, surprised by enemy, behaved with great steadiness,
and extricated his patrol mentioned in A.O. Cpl. J. R. Shipley, in com-
;

mand of 7 men, was heavily attacked by enemy, repulsed them, and, though
severely wounded, remained in charge.
Sth Aug^ist 1901. —
Capt. A. W. Stockett, 1st Bn., for continuous good
work in command of armoured train, and before that of corps of cyclists,
and especially at Baatman's Siding, when he was largely instrumental in
capture of De Wet's convoy.
8th March — 1st Bn. — Pte. Creak, promoted corporal distinguished
1902. ;

conduct defence of post at Brakpan, 5th February 1902, when 5 men repulsed
49 Boers. 3rd Bn. — Lieut. W. D. Oswald,^ for rescue of native scout, January
31, enemy being close tohim and pursuing for some miles. Cpl. E. C. Baker,
promoted Sgt., Ptes. Muq^hy, J. M'Arthy, J. M'Knight, on 30th January,
formed a lying- out post between two blockhouses in Vereeniging attacked

Awarded D.S.O. 2 Awarded D.C.M.

232 The Colonials in SotUh Africa

by 50 Boers, 2 wounded, refused to surrender, and eventually drove enemy

off. 4th Bn. — Pte. W. Lowes, at Schoeman's 'December 30, returned
Drift,
under close fire to rescue a wounded comrade. Army promotion To be
:

Hon. Capt., Qrmr. and Hon, Lieut. G. Taylor, K.E., Adjutant Railway
Pioneer Regiment.
IZrd June 1902. —
Capts. W. Roe, A. E. Page, Lieut. J. C. Rouse, Regtl.
Sgt.-Major Reid, R.E.; Regtl. Qrmr.-Sgt. D. R. Stuart,^ Sgt. E. P. Simmons,
H. A. Lawrence, Sgt. G. Salter, R.E. Pte. H. A. Lawrence.
;

SCOTT'S RAILWAY GUARDS.

(CAPE COLONY IRREGULAR CORPS.)

This corps, strength about 500, under Lieut. -Colonel

R. G. Scott, V.C, D.S.O., did work on the Orange
River -Kimberley line not unlike what the Railway
Pioneer Regiment did on the Central Railway. Al-
though the Kimberley railway was not in the centre
of the theatre of operations, still the west of the Orange
River Colony, and that portion of Cape Colony border-
ing on it, was infested by roving bands bent on de-
struction and Scott's Railway Guards had often
;

skirmishes involving losses, and had much dangerous

patrol work to undertake. On 15th June 1901 the
corps engaged the enemy at Hartebeestfontein, in the
Western Transvaal, and captured some prisoners, stock,
and ammunition. On 20th August Lieutenant A. V.
Harvey and 1 man were killed and several wounded at
Devondale. At Lillifontein on 19th October they had
again several casualties, and at the various posts where
1 Awarded D.C.M.
 Prince of Wales s Light Horse 233

the corps were stationed — Devondale, Brussels, Con-

tent, &c. — they often had a few losses.
The Mentions gained were as follows :

—
Lord Kitchener's Despatch IZrd June 1902. Capts. R. Brand and
:

M. W. M'Loughlin,! Qrmr.-Sgt. Worrall, Tpr. Van Der Merwe.^

PRINCE OF WALES'S LIGHT HORSE.

In the despatch of 8th March 1901 Lord Kitchener
dealt with the entry of De Wet into Cape Colony
in the beginning of February, the pursuit by British
columns, and his subsequent expulsion. Lord Kitchener
mentioned that the 1st King's Dragoon Guards, newly
arrived from England, the Prince of Wales's Light
Horse, then recently raised at Cape Town, and "G"
Battery R.H.A., had been put under Colonel Bethune,
and had assembled at Naauwpoort. The Prince of
Wales's Light Horse was engaged near Colesberg about
12th February. The 3rd Dragoon Guards afterwards
joined the column.
When De Wet moved west from the Colesberg dis-
trict,Bethune's force also crossed the De Aar line,
and the pursuit was continued through Britstown, and
afterwards in a northerly direction to the Hopetown
district. In this pursuit all De Wet's waggons, his
guns, and most of his ammunition were taken. The
hard riding involved a terrible strain on the pursuing
columns, horses falling daily by the score. The newly
1 Awarded D.S.O. 2 Awarded D.C.IM.
234 T^^^^ Colonials in Sotith Africa

raised and newly arrived troops naturally felt the strain

very severely, but all stuck to their work well.
The despatch of 8 th May mentioned that Colonel
Bethune's brigade " left Orange River on 1st March,
and two days later attacked and dispersed a body of
about 1000 Boers at Open Baar. The brigade moved
north-east, and reached the Modder Biver, near Abra-
ham's Kraal, on the 8th. On this date the Boers
attacked an empty convoy returning from Colonel
Bethune's column to Bloemfontein. The escort held
its own, and being reinforced by a detachment of the

Prince of Wales's Light Horse, drove off the enemy."

Colonel Bethune's Brigade now moved to the north-
east of the Orange Biver Colony, where, under the
general direction of Major-General Elliot, they and
numerous other columns took part in many operations
(see despatches of 8th July and subsequent dates).
During March and April the corps suffered casualties
on several occasions. On 31st March Lieut. C. F.
Berry was killed. The despatch of 8th July shows
the Prince of Wales's Light Horse to have been 500
strong shortly before that date. The corps was after-
wards taken to Cape Colony, where they had a good
deal of skirmishing, and on 14th November suffered
casualties near Brande Kraal and Yogelfontein, in-
cluding Captain E. T. Chittinden wounded.
Captain F. B. Hughes was mentioned in the des-
patch of 8th December 1901 for dash and gallantry.
 Midland Mounted Rifles 235

MIDLAND MOUNTED RIFLES.

(CAPE COLONY IRREGULAR CORPS.)

This regiment came into being in the second phase of

the war for the purpose of assisting to expel the in-
vaders from the Colony. In April and May 1901 they
were often in action, and were said to have done very
well on two occasions in the latter month, particularly
at Zwagershoek. At Doornhoek, on the 13th, they
had Lieutenant P. E. H. Coombs and several men
wounded.
The first reference in despatches to the corps by
name was unfortunately associated with a mishap. In
the despatch of 8 th July 1901, dealing with the opera-
tions against Kritzinger's, Lotter's, and other com-
mandos, Lord Kitchener said: "On the 21st of June
—
a party of 60 Midland Mounted Rifles a local corps
was surrounded and captured by Kritzinger between
Cradock and Graaf Reinet 9 men were killed and 2
;

officers and 10 men wounded." According to the pub-

lished casualty lists the number of killed and wounded
was slightly larger. Captain H. J. Spandow died of
his wounds ; Lieutenant A. P. Robertson was severely
wounded. It is satisfactory that the detachment made
a very good fight, and that there was no surrender
until the losses became out of all proportion to the
end to be gained in holding out.
The Midland Mounted Rifles were to get their chance
in due time. The despatch of 8th September 1901
deals with the capture of Lotter's commando by Colonel
Scobell on 5th September (see Cape Mounted Rifles).
236 The Colonials in South Africa

In the despatch Lord Kitchener said "It must also :

be mentioned that three days previously Lotter's

commando had been checked by a party of Midland
Mounted Rifles, who killed seven and wounded six of
their number, and prevented the Boers escaping by a
pass which the patrol was then holding."
The corps continued to do much useful work in the
central districts of Cape Colony.
The Mentions gained were
Lord Kitchener's Despatches : ^th October 1901. —Lce.-Cpl. R.
M'Knight Pte. H. E. Spiers, for good work in capturing 16 armed Boers,
;

24th September.
Bth December 1901.— Lieut. F. B. Doe, gallant defence, September 2nd,
which prevented Lotter breaking south.
This last occasion seemed to be worthy of a larger number of Mentions.

FRONTIER LIGHT HORSE.

(CAPE COLONY IRREGULAR CORPS.)

This corps, called at first District Mounted Rifles,

3 squadrons strong, were commanded by Lieutenant-
Colonel E. 0. Hutchinson. They operated in CajDe
Colony during the second phase of the war, and were in
numerous little engagements and many pursuits, and
frequently suffered casualties, as in the Maraisburg
district in August and September 1901, at Wilgekloof
in February 1902 —
Lieutenant F. Legard being wounded
—
on the 1st of that month, and about Somerset East
and Jamestown districts in March and April.
 Colonial L ight Horse 237

The Mentions gained were-

LoRD Kitchener's Despatch : —
June 1902. Lieuts. G. Brabant 1 and
\st
L. Francis, "on March 11th, at Cape Colony, led a small body
Libertas,
of men in rear of a position held by 250 of enemy, and getting close up
unperceived killed Commandant Odendaal and two Boers, wounded two
others, and forced enemy to retire with loss of 21 horses." Qrmr.-Sgt.
J. Welch 2 Sgts. G. Metcalfe and C. R. Roberts for gallantry on same
;

occasion.
IZrd June 1902.— Lieut.-Col. E. O. Hutchinson.

COLONIAL LIGHT HOUSE.

(CAPE COLONY IRREGULAR CORPS.)

This regiment, about 4 squadrons strong, was organ-

ised in 1901, the command being given to Major A. B.
Baker, D.S.O. The regiment saw a good deal of
service in Cape Colony at a time when glory was
very hard to harvest, but they did useful work in
worrying and running down small commandos, and
they seem to have kept out of serious mishaps. They
were still engaged with scattered bodies of the enemy
when peace was declared, and had sharp fighting
thirty-six miles east of Fraserburg on 3rd June 1902,
actually four days after the declaration. The com-
mandos had apparently not taken the news seriously,
ifthese had reached the neighbourhood. On this last
occasion Squadron Sergeant-Major Carter and 3 men
were killed, and Lieutenant F. L. Whalley and 1 man
were wounded,
1 Awarded D.S.O. ^ Awarded D.C.M.
238 The Colonials in South Africa

WAEHEN'S MOUNTED INFANTRY.

This corps, about 3 squadrons strong, was raised in
December 1900, and was commanded by Lieutenant-
Colonel F. J. Warren, who had already seen service
in other Colonial regiments.
Warren's M.I. were in the western district of Cape
Colony in April 1901, and the despatch of 8th July
1901 shows that in May and following months 2
squadrons were attached to the column commanded
by Colonel Henniker, afterwards by Colonel Doran,
the principal work of which was to pursue scattered
commandos. Sometimes a few prisoners were taken,
but the corps do not seem to have been in any satis-
factory stand-up fight.
Captain Bates was wounded at Oorlogspruit on 8th
June, Lieutenant J. T. Jansen and Sergeant Pearson
were killed at Piatt Drift on 15th June, and there
were some other slight casualties at different times.
The whole of the war service of the corps was in
Cape Colony.

CAPE COLONY CYCLIST CORPS.

This corps was raised at the end of December 1900,
and in the first week of January 1901, when the enemy
were penetrating to within easy distance of Cape
Town, they were sent to occupy Pickaneer's Kloof.
They just managed to arrive in time. Although
 Cape Colony Cyclist Corps 239

fiercely attacked on the 28th, and losing 4 killed and

23 wounded, including Captain Rose, they held on to
the positions commanding the pass. This was a most
promising beginning, and during the next seven months
the corps did much excellent work. By the middle ol
February the corps was 500 strong, their commander
being Major Owen Lewis. They were much split up,
sections being attached to many columns, both in Cape
Colony and the Orange River Colony. The fine work
of those with De Lisle and Bethune, when they were in
Western Cape Colony and afterwards in the north-east
of the Orange River Colony, was several times spoken
of In a telegram from Calvinia, dated 8th February
1901, the Press Association correspondent who was
accompanying Colonel De Lisle said " Very valuable
:

assistance was given to our force by a section of the

Cape Town Cyclist Corps under Captain Rose last
week. We were cut ofl" from all telegraphic communi-
cation, and Colonel De Lisle relied on them exclusively
for the purpose of despatch -riding, a duty which they
performed admirably." And again on the 24th he said :

" The comprehensive manner in which the country has

been scouted by Colonel De Lisle is largely due to the
mobility and enterprise of the Cyclist Corps, who have
done excellent work as scouts and despatch-riders."
The corps had casualties at various times. In July
1901, near Beaufort Station, 1 man was killed and
Lieutenant Brunton and 1 man were wounded.
Major Owen Lewis was mentioned in Lord Kit-
chener's despatch of 23rd June 1902, and got the
D.S.O.
240 The Colonials in SotUh Africa

COLONIAL DEFENCE FOECE, AND OTHER

LOCALLY RAISED TROOPS.

—
During the second phase that is, after Lord Roberts
had given over the command to Lord Kitchener, and
while the enemy were reinvading Cape Colony and
were making serious efforts to get at the lines of com-
munication passing through the Colony an immense —
number of small forces were formed, some to protect
a district from invasion, others to guard towns and
villages. Although these troops were most inade-
quately trained and had few officers of any experience,
the most of them behaved well when the enemy ap-
peared, and many did really excellent service. Within
the limits of this volume it would be impossible, as
it would be fruitless, to recount the numberless skir-

mishes in which one or other of those locally raised

bodies took part ;suffice it to say that they had at
times to bear sharp casualties, as for example in March
1901, near Tarkastad, where the Colonial Defence
Force had Captain John Rennie and 1 man killed and
Lieutenants A. Troppell and A. W. Pringle and 8 men
wounded. The New England Mounted Rifles suffered
on many occasions during 1901 in their endeavour to
keep their district clear and on 23rd September, near
;

Laurieston, 1 man was killed and Lieutenant J. Geddes

and 4 men were wounded. On 21st November 1901 a
body coming under the generic title, South African
Irregular Forces, when clearing the enemy from the
native districts about Tembuland, lost Captain Drum-
mond Elliot killed, Captain H. P. Everett and Lieu-
 Colonial Defence Force and other Local Troops 241

tenants A. Baxter and A. Burmister wounded. The

Sutherland district troops were often engaged, and
suffered casualties on many occasions. On 29th May
1902, almost the last day of the war, the Jansenville
District Mounted Troops were fortunate enough to
capture Malan, one of the enterprising commando
leaders who for a long time caused no little concern
to Cape Colony.
Some of the Mentions gained by the Defence Forces
were as follows :

Lord Roberts' Despatches: 2nd April 1901. — Tembuland Mounted

Rifle Corps, Capt. G. F. Smith Transkei Territories, Sir H. E. Elliot,
;

awarded C.B. Lieut.-Cols. J. G. Leary, W. E. Stamford, awarded C.B.

;
;

Capts. 0. M. Blakeway, E. J. Hargreaves, W. W. Smith East Griqualand ;

Mounted Rifle Volunteers, Lieut.-Col. F. W. Armstrong ; Capts. E. E.

Dower, A. S. Leary, J. S. King Transkei ]\Iounted Rifles, Major
; S. J.
Henley, Surg.-Capt. C. P. B. Wall.
'^th September 1901. —
Knysna Rangers, Major W. Scott.
Lord Kitchener's Despatch Sth July 1901.
: —
Koftyfontein (Orange
River Colony) Defence Force, Cpl. H. J. Jellard, promoted Sgt. on October
11th, 1900, for exposing himself to heavy fire at sixty yards' range when
getting on to a debris heap to connect a wire from a battery to a mine, and
also for holding an advanced position with one native.
Sth December 1901. —Adelaide District Mounted Troops, Capt. Welsh, for
coolness and good leading, operations in Cape Colony, September. Bedford
District Mounted Troops, Capt. E. J. T. Pringle for same. Colonial Defence
Force, Capt. H. S. S. Harden for his defence of Sutherland, September 7th.
Sutherland District Mounted Troops, Cpl. Sales, promoted Sgt., and Lce.-Cpl.
Jouste, promoted Cpl., on September 7th, on patrol, on meeting enemy ad-
vancing to attack village, by their coolness alarmed the garrison, and got all
their men to safety. Tarkastad Mounted Troops, Major H. T. Nickalls,
17th Lancers, attached, good service near Vaal Vlei, October 8th.
Sth March 1902. — Piquetberg District Mounted Troops, Cpl. F. James,
promoted Sgt., in defence of Piquetberg, November 7th, volunteered to carry
ammunition to blockhouses at great personal risk from both sides. South
African Mounted Irregular Forces, Capt. Ross for good services in operations
north of Middelburg, Transvaal, in February.
23r(i June 1902. —South African Mounted Irregular Forces, Major C. A.
Tremeer,^ Capts. C. Parker, P. T. Blakemore Cape Colony Defence Force,
;

1 Awarded D.S.O.
Q
242 The Colonials in South Africa
Major Nourse, Capt. Nettleton "Warrington Town Guard, M. Van der
;

Hooven Willowmore Town Guard, Lieut. H. Rees Barkly West Town

; ;

Guard, Sgt. E. ]\Iansfield Prince Albert's District Mounted Troops, L. B.

;

Liddell ;Fraserburg District Mounted Troops, Sgt. W. Evans. Lieut.-Col.

Southey, described as Cape Local Forces, got the C.B. Lieut. M. C.
Foxcroft,! described as of the South African Mounted Irregular Forces,
got the D.S.O. and Sgts. C. Muller and J. Steevens,^ and Cpls. C. Davies
;

and G. Davidson,^ similarly described, were awarded the D.C.M.

OEPEN'S HORSE.

This 300 strong, was raised by Major Orpen

corps,
early 1900 in the Hopetown neighbourhood for
in
service on the Lower Orange Biver and in the extreme
west of Cape Colony. They were of great use, when
the enemy was making serious efforts to stir up re-
bellion in that outlying district, as a protection to the
loyal inhabitants while as assisting to restrain the
;

waverers from joining the rebels, the presence of the

corps was invaluable.
A glance at any map of South Africa shows that the
railway from Cape Town to Kimberley runs roughly
in a north-easterly direction, and that the British
possessions were, before the annexation of the Trans-
vaal and the Orange Free State, much greater in
area on the north-west than on the south-east of the
line. When the Orange Free State, finding Britain
unprepared, attempted an invasion of Cape Colony in
October and November 1899, it was only natural that
they should should choose to cross the Orange on the
east of the railway. By doing so the}^ struck more
directly towards Cape Town and the other ports, and
1 Awarded D.S.O. 2 Awarded D.C.M-
 Orperis Horse 243

they entered a district where the provisioning of their

army was possible. Sympathisers they had in all dis-
tricts, and in the first months of 1900 unrest and incip-
ient rebellion showed themselves in the region west of
Victoria West, De Aar, and Orange River Station.
When Lord Roberts was launching his movement
to relieve Kimberley he had to take measures against
the rebels. In the despatch of 15th March 1900, he
said that in the " Prieska-Britstown and Carnarvon
districts of Cape Colony, west of the railway, between
De Aar and Orange River, I regret to report that
signs of organised disaffectionhave been apparent
during the past fortnight." Two columns were got
ready, one including three companies of mounted
infantry and 400 of the City Imperial Volunteers
another under Major-General Settle, which assembled
at Hopetown, embraced about 80 of Orpen's Horse,
one company of mounted infantry, a field battery, and
half a battalion of infantry. Lord Kitchener was sent
down from Paardeberg to direct the operations. After
a little fighting these were successful, and the district,
for a time, was fairly quiet and clear of the enemy, but
disafiection soon broke out again. The enemy's bands
scattered in one neighbourhood to reappear in another.
A portion of Orpen's Horse were engaged about 11th
March 1900 and inflicted some loss on the enemy.
The corps had one casualty.
Orpen's Horse remained at Upington as garrison of
that place, and as the balance of the regiment came
up from Hopetown they, along with the Cheshire
Yeomanry and the Royal Australian Battery, held
Kenhardt, Draghoender, and Dopas Poort. In his
telegram of 17th April 1900 Lord Roberts said:
*'
Settle reports from Kenhardt on 14th that 200
244 '^^^ Colonials in South Africa

Transvaalers made determined attack on Dopas Poort,

held by a party of Orpen's Horse our loss 2 killed
;

and 9 wounded. Enemy's must have been heavy, as

they applied for doctors and ambulance." Two other
deaths from wounds on this occasion were afterwards
reported. This was the regiment's first serious fight.
General Settle complimented the corps on the way in
which the detachment of about 40 had driven off an
attack by very superior numbers. These were estim-
ated at between 300 and 400. Near Kheis, 160 miles
west of De Aar, Colonel Adye on 28 th May inflicted
some punishment on the enemy while in Griqua-
;

land, north of the river, Sir Charles Warren beat his

opponents in several stiff fights (see Duke of Edin-
burgh's Volunteers). For some months after May
sympathy with the Boers was less active, but when
the enemy reinvaded the north-east of Cape Colony
in December 1900 every effort was made to relight
the flame of rebellion west of the railway. Com-
mandos under Hertzog and others penetrated to Cal-
vinia, Clanwilliam, and Piquetberg. In January 1901
several columns were employed to drive these forces
north, but the task was difficult in the extreme. The
region is of vast extent, much of it the reverse of
fertile, and although sparsely populated, very many

of the farmers were anxious to assist the enemy with

food, forage, or information. Roads were few, and
for regular troops moving with the usual convoy,
the district was one in which they could do little
harm to mobile bands. In the despatch of 8th May
1901 Lord Kitchener remarked that unrest was show-
ing in the extreme north-west, close to the frontier
of German Namaqualand. In May 1902 the enemy
were still moving about immediately to the north of
 Border Scotits 245

Calvinia, and were actually besieging the town of

Ookiep close to the German frontier.
From the beginning of 1901 to the close of the war
the local forces did much good work indeed to them
;

belongs the credit of preventing the enemy gaining

complete control of this wide area.
The men of Orpen's Horse were only enlisted for
six months, but they cheerfully served twelve. At
the end of the year 200 took their discharge, and
Major Orpen with the remainder joined the column of
Major Jeudwine at Van Wyk's Vlei. Orpen's men
were in action on various occasions, and were, along
with the other mounted troops of the column, Nesbitt's
Horse, and some Border Scouts, successful in capturing
prisoners at various places. At Ganabosch in the
Calvinia district, on 25th June 1901, a detachment
was ambushed, when 3 men were killed and several
wounded. On the same day Conroy was severely
defeated (see Border Scouts, under whose heading
some further particulars are given of the work of
troops in this difficult country).
Major Orpen w^as mentioned by Lord Roberts and
got the C.M.G.

BORDER SCOUTS.
The Border Scouts were raised at Upington in May
1900 as a local defence force, and in September all
the white troops in the district were withdrawn to
Prieska. The men were all half-castes, chiefly descend-
246 The Colonials in South Africa

ants of Boer farmers and native women ; many of them

were well-to-do farmers having large herds, others were
hunters in the Kalahari Desert. All could ride and
shoot. Their knowledge of the country and excellent
eyesight made them invaluable as scouts. In Novem-
ber 1900 the regiment was increased to 300 in Janu-;

ary 1901 to 500 and shortly afterwards to 8 squadrons

;

— total, all ranks, 786. The north-western district of

Cape Colony, which the regiment patrolled, extended
from Oomdries Vlei on the south to Rietfontein on the
north, a distance of 400 miles and from Prieska on the
;

east to Ookiep on the west, about 350 miles. Ken-

hardt and Upington, two towns about the centre of
this vast area, were garrisoned and entrenched. These
towns are seventy-two miles apart over heavy sandy
roads, and on one occasion in June 1901, when a Boer
force threatened Upington, 2 squadrons of the regi-
ment covered the distance in sixteen and a half hours,
and after a short halt moved out on the 25th to meet
the enemy, 250 strong, under Conroy, who, after a
fight lasting all day, was completely defeated. The
Border Scouts captured all Conroy's waggons, spare
horses, ammunition, and some prisoners. Lieutenant
Beresford of the regiment was killed, and 2 men
wounded 3 Boers were buried in the morning. On
;

8th July there was further fighting, when the Scouts

lost 3 men killed, and Captain C. Tabuteau and 3
men wounded. The enemy now fled into Griqualand
West, and the north-west district remained quiet for
many months. A troop of the Border Scouts were
long stationed at Prieska for scouting and despatch
riding.
The distance between Upington and De Aar is just
over 300 miles, from which railway junction all sup-
 Border Scouts 247

plies had to be drawn — a big undertaking when the

convoy required an escort of 300 or 400 men to bring
it safely through ; and the convoy was of little use
when it arrived, as the escort had consumed half the
stuff on the road out, and wellnigh the other half
was required by the escort when taking back the
empty waggons. The officer commanding the Border
Scouts frequently requested to be permitted to live
on the country, in the same way as the Boers did,
and thus do away with convoys and transport, but
this was not allowed.
In April 1901, 300 of the regiment were ordered
to join Major Jeudwine's column at Van Wyk's Vlei.
These 3 squadrons remained on column for seven
months, for the last three of which they were under
Colonel Capper. During the whole time they did
most of the scouting for the main body, and a day
seldom passed without the advance or flanking scouts
being fired on by the enemy, who, however, fled as
the column advanced. Some very hard and trying
marching was done, but the rebels generally kept a
day or two's march in advance, and owing to its
transport the column could not move as fast as the
enemy. The 6th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers was
in this column, and in their war record it is noted,
to illustrate the difficult nature of the country, that
on 28th May only six miles were covered in nine
hours' marching. Occasionally the waggons were left
behind, and the mounted men — 1 squadron of Orpen's

—
Horse, 1 of Nesbitt's, and 3 of the Scouts would, by
a long night - march, try to surround the enemy.
Twice Maritz was all but surrounded in very hilly
country, but on each occasion he and his men escaped
with the loss of a few men and all his spare horses.
248 The Colonia/s in S021th Africa

At Ganabosch the column fought the combined com-

mandos of Maritz and Louw the enemy held some
;

high ridges until dark, and then fled. In November

1901 the Border Scouts were ordered to return to
the north-western district, as several commandos had
moved north. On this trek they had a running
fight with Van Reenan's commando, but owing to
the horses being in a miserable condition only two
prisoners were captured. They arrived in Upington
in December, after having been as far south as Piquet-
berg Koad Station. On one occasion they had been
snowed up for three days in the hills near Suther-
land.
The regiment received no pay during the time it
was on column, and Major Birkbeck (4th Scottish
Bifles), the commander, found on his return to Uping-
ton that all communication between that place and
De Aar had been cut for several months. The wire
was down for miles, and post -carts had been cap-
tured by the enemy, while there was hardly enough
food for the garrison for one month, apart from the
civilian population ; lastly, there were not twenty
pounds of money in the town. Meat rations became
the order of the day, and remained so until the corn
ripened at Keimeos, on the banks of the Orange, thirty
miles from Upington. At this time there were about
600 rebels under arms in the district, while several
commandos were being pushed into it by the columns
in the south. On
one occasion at this time 60 Border
Scouts, under Captain Bracy Bamsbotham, D.S.O.,
did a good piece of work. They had gone out to get
sheep, and, hearing of the enemy, they succeeded in
ambushing a party of 80 Boers under Conroy. The
enemy fled, almost after the first volley, being com-
 Border Scouts 249

pletely surprised. They left 15 dead and 8 severely

wounded.
The regiment not having drawn any pay for many
months, and the authorities stating it was impossible
to get money safely through, Major Birkbeck decided
to make his own money. A block stamp was cut out
of wood to represent a jackal, as that animal's skin
was worn on the men's hats. Underneath was written,
" Issued by Paymaster Border Scouts, pay to Bearer"
;

then signature, John Birkbeck, Major, O.C.B.S. The

notes were issued for £5, £2, 10s., and 2s. on cloth,
and as few of the men could read, ink of a different
colour was used for each value. Cloth, like everything
else, began to run out, so that in the end blinds, bed-
sheets, and table-cloths were commandeered and torn
up to make into money. £45,000 worth was issued
and in circulation. It was the current coin of the
district, the Post Office and Savings' Bank accepting
it. The Civil Commissioner used it, while the traders
took it or gave it as change. The notes were not
redeemed until after peace was declared. Many were
cashed far from the district for example, the Standard
;

Bank alone cashed many hundreds at Cape Town, and

a few were presented even in Natal.
In January 1902 General Smuts came into the dis-
trict to organise the Boer forces he had the com-
:

mandos of Maritz, Latagan, Conroy, and Louw. The

Border Scouts were now divided as follows 350 at De
:

Aar for convoy duty, 50 at Prieska, 150 at Kenhardt,

and a like number at Upington. The only other
troops at these last two towns were Native Town
Guards, each 100 strong, armed with very old rifles,
mostly useless. Conroy seized this opportunity to
reap the harvest at Keimeos, for the ripening of which
250 The Colonials in South Africa

Upington had been wearying. News came that he was

cutting the wheat and building trenches on the kopjes.
He had with him about 100 men. The same evening
Major Birkbeck marched for Keimeos with 100 of the
Scouts mounted on half-starved horses. He arrived at
Keimeos while it was still dark dividing his force, he
;

crept up the kopjes occupied by the enemy. At the

first sign of dawn Captain Tabuteau shot a Boer who

stood up within a yard of where he himself was hiding,

and in a few seconds it was found that Boers and
Border Scouts were lying mixed up amongst the rocks.
No one could move an inch. Unable to move, both
parties lay still all day, and when it was dusk orders
were shouted to the Scouts to fix bayonets and be
ready to charge a previous signal had been arranged
:

and a place to reassemble fixed. The latter signal

having been given after dark, and the Scouts having
reassembled, some men were sent into the village of
Keimeos they found that the Boers had fled. Cap-
:

tain Tabuteau remained out with 50 men, the others

returning to Upington ; 3 Boers were buried on the
following morning. The Border Scouts lost 2 mortally
wounded, and 20 others slightly wounded. The regi-
ment now brought in and stored at Upington 1500
—
sacks of grain a task which could not have been
accomplished but for the marvellous scouting which
prevented all interference with the working-parties or
enabled them to beat off the attacks. Much has been
heard lately of the qualities needed in scouts. A
British ofiicer who served with this regiment says that
the men could always tell whether distant dust was
made by ostriches, springbok, locusts, or mounted men,
and never made a mistake in their judgment. If a
party of horsemen had passed over the road they could
 Border Scouts 251

roughly estimate the number, and could tell how many

horses were ridden and how many led. They travelled
by night as easily as by day, always going straight
across country and never on the track. Not a waggon
of any sort accompanied the regiment, the blanket
being under the saddle and an overcoat strapped in
front. They carried no cooking-pots nor food, as when
on trek they only used meat. Spare ammunition was
carried on horses.
The regiment's record is one of which they had every
reason to be proud. They lost 1 officer killed and 1
wounded, 19 non-commissioned officers and men killed
and over 100 wounded, but not a single man ever sur-
rendered, although many times an unwounded man
lay by a wounded comrade till dark. Not a single
despatch rider was caught, although several got in
only on wounded horses or on foot. These despatch
riders had to cross from Kenhardt to Upington and
Prieska once or twice a-week, often on starved horses.
Curiously enough, no man of the regiment died of
disease.
The Mentions gained were
—
Lord Kitchener's Despatches Sth July 1901. Capt. J. B. Rams-
:

botham 1 and Lieut. Beresford behaved gallantly in repulse of Boer attack

on patrol near Kenhardt, Cape Colony, May 17, 1901. Capt. J. B. Rams-
botham and Lieut. H. H. Hodges, near Kenhardt, Cape Colony, June 25,
for good leading in attack on Boer position. Sgt. -Major Bowers, Sgts.
Whitfield and Adamson, gallant conduct at Naroegas, Kenhardt, May 17 ;

mentioned in Army Orders.

&th Aug^ist 1901.— Cpl. Carl Barries,^ promoted Sgt, On July 8, a small
party of scouts being engaged with very superior foi'ce of the enemy, by his
coolness and good shooting prevented the party from being surrounded, and
saved the life of his officer by killing two Boers who were shooting at him
at close range.
23ro? June 1902.— Capts. E. F. M'Sheehy, C. Tabuteau ; Sgt.-Major G.
Panizza^; Sgts. ]\Iuller,2 R. van der ColfF.

Awarded D.S.O. 2 Awarded D.C.M.

252 The Colonials in Soicth Africa

WESTERN PROVINCE MOUNTED RIFLES.

(CAPE COLONY lEREGULAR CORPS.)

When the second invasion of Cape Colony took place

in December 1900 several new bodies of volunteers or
irregulars were raised at Cape Town, among others
this corps. They reached a strength of over 500.
As soon was ready it took the field,
as a squadron
because the enemy in the first week of January 1901
had reached within a day's ride of Cape Town. Dur-
ing January and February the corps was constantly in
action. In a telegram from Clanwilliam, dated 31st
January, the Press Association correspondent remarked
that a detachment under Lieut. Hellawell had driven
150 Boers from the Pakhuis Pass.
Throughout 1901 and 1902 the corps did an immense
amount of arduous work in the extreme south-west of
the Colony. They were often far from support and in
a district much favoured by the enemy, and one almost
impossible for regular troops. The corps had endless
little engagements, frequently involving sharp casual-
ties, and if they had a good many patrols captured

this may be attributed to their being more than usually

split up into little detachments at the request of the
officer who commanded the district. A part of the
corps were for a time in Colonel Capper's column. A
patrol on 4th August 1901 made a smart capture of
7 prisoners, 70 horses, and 1000 rounds of ammunition.
The corps were for a time commanded by Major
R. C. Master of the King's Royal Rifle Corps, and
afterwards by Captain C. H. Rankin, 7th Hussars.
 Namaqualand Border Scouts 253

One of the most notable things done in the western

district was the successful defence of Tontelbosch Kolk,
the Boer force in the neighbourhood being stated by
Lord Kitchener to be about 1000 strong. The garri-
son, which was partly composed of men of this corps,
made use of their cover most expertly, and during the
siege the W.P.M.R. only lost 2 killed and 3 wounded.
The Mentions gained were
—
Despatch of 8th Inarch 1902. Capt. R. M. Bertram, for his very gallant
defence of Tontelbosch Kolk, Cape Colony, from November 25 to December
3. Sgt. W. G. Somerset, Lce.-Cpl. S. van Breda (killed), Sgt. T. Bromley,
particularly distinguished themselves in same defence. Cpl. W. Baton,
promoted Sgt., in defence of Biquetberg, Nov. 7, commanded an exposed
blockhouse and held it for twenty-foiu- hours under continuous heavy fire ;

of his 7 men 3 were wounded.

—
Despatch of 2^rdJmie 1902. Capt. C. Kirkwood.

NAMAQUALAND BORDER SCOUTS.

(CABE COLONY IRREGULAR CORBS.)

This corps, about 360 strong, was almost wholly re-

cruited from half-castes. In the words of a British
officer who, although not belonging to them, saw much
of their work, " they were an excellent force, which
did a great deal of hard patrol work under Colonel
White, and had several stiff brushes with the enemy.
They were conspicuous for consistently refusing to sur-
render when surrounded, as patrols were at times.
They would keep up a fight till dark, and although
half of them were killed the survivors of the party
would escape. They made wonderful marches without
254 1^^^ Colonials in South Africa

water in their desert country." The work of the regi-

ment was very similar to that of the Border Scouts.
The corps was employed in their own district in 1901
and 1902, and had the good fortune to be part of
the garrison of Ookiep when that town was besieged
in April 1902. The force which held the town made
a most excellent defence, and were complimented by
Lord Kitchener. Lieut. Watkinson was wounded at
Ookiep on 13th April.
In March 1902 a detachment at Garies had fight-
ing on various occasions. Lieut. Darter was killed on
the 18th and Squadron-Quartermaster Bidmead on the
following day.
The Mentions gained were as follows :

Lord Kitchener's Despatch : ^Zrd June 1902.— Capt. H. G. Maddison ;

Lieut. Eich ; Sgt. G. Muller ;

Qrmr.-Sgt. L. S. Panizza ; Pte. B. Links.

BUSHMANLAND BORDERERS.
This was, when first raised in 1901, a small corps
about 100 strong, nearly all half-castes, who proved
themselves excellent scouts and plucky fighters. They
were stationed at Tontelbosch Kolk, and were the
main part of the garrison when that place was
attacked in November and December 1901. The
enemy was strong and vigorous, and pressed their
attack hard because they wanted the arms and
ammunition in the place, but the spirit of the
defence was all that could be desired, and the post
was held until reinforcements approached.
 Kitchener' s Fighting Scoiits 255

In 1902 the corps was raised to 600 strong, and

Lieut. Soames got the rank of Major. Their work
all through was very much akin to that of the
Border Scouts, to which reference is made.
The Mentions gained were
—
Lord Kitchener's Despatches ^th March 1902. Lieuts. E. N. Woolf,
:

A. Soames,! T. W. K. Stephens, for good service in defence of Tontelbosch

Kolk, November 25 to December 3. Cpl. Cloete particularly distinguished
himself in same defence.
Is^ June 1902. — Tpr. Jan Scheepers,^ promoted Cpl., for gallantry in
Calvinia district, 5th February ; when called on to surrender at close range
he opened fire, killing 2 Boers and wounding 1, thereby enabling his
dismounted comrade to escape on foot.
2ZrdJune 1902.— Lieut. H. E. Langfield Sgt. W. Shawe.
;

KITCHENERS FIGHTING SCOUTS.

The was raised in December 1900, being re-
corps
cruited in Cape Colony and Natal. As soon as they
could be mounted they were sent into the field, and it
is to the credit of the force and its leaders that they

made no mistake.
It be remembered that Hertzog and other
will
leaders had penetrated to the south-west of Cape
Colony. In his telegram of 3rd February 1901
Lord Kitchener said " The commandos in Cape
:

Colony are being hustled. Kitchener's Fighting-

Scouts attacked one hundred Boers at Doornbridge.
Boers retired, leaving one killed. Horses, carts, am-
munition, and tools were taken. We had two men
1 Awarded D.S.O. 2 Awarded D.C.M.
256 The Colonials in South Africa

wounded." In the despatch of 8th March 1901 Lord

Kitchener dealt with the efforts made to clear the
Colony in the preceding December, January, and
February. Speaking of events in the western parts
of the Colony, his Lordship said " While the pursuit
:

from De Aar and Britstown was maintained by columns

under Lieut. -Colonels Bethune (16th Lancers), Thorney-
croft, and De Lisle, troops of local levies were hurried
up to occupy centres of disaffection in the Ceres,
Worcester, and Piquetberg district at the same time
;

Lieut. -Colonel Colenbrander's newly formed regiment

of Kitchener's Fighting Scouts were railed to Matjes-
fontein, whence they moved out to hold the passes
leading south from Sutherland. My object was to
keep the enemy north of the Eoggeveld Mountains,
and to prevent any junction between Hertzog and
Kritzinofer in the Prince Albert or Worcester districts.
This being achieved, it appeared to me useless to follow
out into the far west an enemy at all times disinclined
to fight and ever ready to scatter." On the 9th
January Hertzog's commando withdrew north towards
Calvinia. " A general advance northwards was com-

menced by the columns under Lieut. -Colonels De Lisle,

Scobell (Scots Greys), and Colenbrander (commanding
Kitchener's Fighting Scouts). These quite succeeded
in driving the enemy out of Calvinia and Van Khyns-
dorp, and pursued him as far north as Carnarvon." The
regiment was taken to the central district of Cape
Colony, where they had a very hard time. The pursuit
of the enemy was not a task free from danger, and
K.F.S. had one strong patrol captured near Richmond
on 27th February 1901. Lieutenant A. E. Benson
and 6 men were killed, Lieutenant Naughton and 12
men wounded, and some taken prisoners, " after a pro-
 Kitchener s Fighting Scouts 257

longed fight," the official telegram said. On 8th March

Captain John Boyd was killed.
The corps had been fortunate in getting in Colonel
Colenbrander a leader widely known and thoroughly
respected as a fighting man in South Africa, and among
the other officers were some who had already dis-
tinguished themselves by good work in other corps it :

was thus soon possible to have a second regiment.

In the despatch of 8th July 1901, appendix, both
regiments are referred to. It is there stated that Lieut.
Colonel Wilson's regiment in May was 417 strong, and
Lieut. - Colonel Grenfell's 364, and both were then
employed in the Pietersburg district, far north of
Pretoria. In the despatch of 8th May 1901 Lord
Kitchener, after detailing General Plumer's operations
in that district, said that a commando had been re-
ported at Klipdam, 15 miles north of Pietersburg,
which was said to be under General Beyers. " Lieut.
Colonel Grenfell, whose regiment, K.F.S., had been
sent by rail to Pietersburg, was, therefore, directed
to clearup the situation. Starting on the night of
the 26th April, Lieut. -Colonel Grenfell discovered the
enemy's laager at Klipdam, and attacked it at dawn
on the 27th with complete success, with the loss of only
one man wounded. Seven Boers were killed, 41 were
captured, besides which he obtained possession of the
enemy's camp with 26 horses, 10 mules, many waggons
and carts, and 76,000 rounds of ammunition. Infor-
mation having been obtained that the enemy's last
Long Tom was at Berg Plaats, about 20 miles east of
Pietersburg, on the road to Haenertsburg, I desired
Colonel Grenfell to make every effort to capture the
gun. He moved at once, and at daylight on the 30th
occupied Doornhoek, thence pushing on to Berg Plaats,
R
258 The Colonials in South Africa

On approach the enemy opened fire at over 10,000

his
yards' range, but after 16 rounds they blew up the
gun, while Colonel Grenfell's men were still about
3000 yards distant, and retreated in a north - east
direction. Colonel Grenfell captured 10 prisoners and
35 rounds of Long Tom ammunition, our only casualties
being two men wounded. As the result of a careful
search on the farm. Berg Vlei, adjoining Berg Plaats,
100,000 rounds of Martini - Henry ammunition were
discovered and destroyed. With Berg Vlei as a centre
Colonel Grenfell continued to operate for several days
with success, and a detachment of the 12th Bn. M.I.,
under Major Thomson, was able, under cover of a thick
fog, to effect the capture of Commandant Marais and
40 of his men. Other prisoners were brought in by
Lieut. -Colonels Colenbrander and Wilson of K.F.S.,
and on his return to Pietersburg, on the 6th May,
Colonel Grenfell reported that altogether he had ac-
counted for 7 Boers killed, 129 prisoners, and 50
voluntary surrenders 240,000 rounds of ammunition
:

were destroyed."
In May Grenfell commanded an expedition to Louis
Trichard, 100 miles north-east of Pietersburg. His
force was 600 men of K.F.S., the 12th M.L Regulars,
2 guns, and four companies of the Wiltshire Regiment.
The column left Pietersburg, and two days later
Colenbrander with the advanced force occupied Louis
Trichard. About the 20th Colenbrander, " by a well-
planned night march, surprised a laager on the Klip
Spruit. Field-Cornet Venter with 72 Burghers, 68
rifles, 18 waggons," and a large amount of ammunition

and many cattle, were captured. On the 25th May

Grenfell received the surrender of Commandant Van
Rensburg and about 150 men. Shortly after this
 Kitchener s Fighting Scouts 259

Colenbrander, in the Buffels district, had some skir-

mishes, " killing seven and capturing a maxim. A
detachment under Major Knott overtook a commando
under Barend Yiljoen and captured 79 prisoners."
Lord Kitchener said, in his despatch of 8th July 1901,
that this expedition did much to secure the pacifica-
tion of the Northern Transvaal. While Grenfell was
on this expedition, Wilson, with a wing of the K.F.S.,
two guns, and two companies 2nd Gordon Highlanders,
was, in conjunction with Major M'Micking's column,
doing most excellent work in the Nylstroom district.
On 19th May 79 Burghers and 100 rifles, 33,000
rounds, 66 waggons, some dynamite, &c., were taken.
On the 21st Wilson attacked another position and took
18 prisoners, 48 rifles, &c. On 2nd June a detached
force drove the enemy on Wilson, who, after a stubborn
fight, took 40 prisoners, 70 rifles, 8000 cattle, besides
ammunition and dynamite (see despatch of 8th July).
Of course all this could not be accomplished without
loss. On and 2nd June the regiment had
1st 7
killed and 20 wounded.
On 1st July, at Hopewell, Grenfell surprised an-
other laager, killing 1 and capturing 93 prisoners,
100 horses, much stock, ammunition, &c.
During August and September 1901 many other
expeditions were undertaken by the corps, but the
results of these were meagre compared to the splendid
successes previously obtained, and to those obtained
in October, November, and December. In the de-
spatch of 8th November Lord Kitchener said "In :

the Northern Transvaal Colonel Colenbrander, K.F.S.,

has traversed the Water Berg between Warmbaths
and Magalapye on the Rhodesian Railway, a district
hitherto unvisited by our troops." Leaving Warm-
26o The Colonials in South Africa

baths on 6th October, Colenbrander visited many

" Boer supply depots, carefully located beforehand,
and during the march captured 45 prisoners of war,
^1 rifles, nearly 4000 rounds of ammunition, and a very
large number of waggons and cattle." In the same
month the column of Colonel Dawkins, formerly Gren-
fell's, did excellent work, capturing 97 prisoners.

In the despatch of 8th December 1901 Lord Kitchener

said that Colenbrander, on his return march to Warm-
baths, captured 54 prisoners and much stock. About
the end of November Colenbrander and Dawkins were
out again. On the 27th 200 of K.F.S. pushed out
through the Zand River Poort. The enemy retreated ;

for two days " the pursuit was not relaxed, and on the
29th Colonel Colenbrander, with half of K.F.S., pressed
on ahead of the remainder of the column upon Baden-
horst's traces, and following them closely till the morn-
ing of 3rd December, Colonel Colenbrander, after a
long and exhausting chase through an almost waterless
region, came suddenly upon the enemy and captured
15 prisoners, with all the waggons of the commando."
The remainder of the Scouts were successful " in killing
3 and capturing 17 Burghers, while 60 stragglers, driven
into the hills near Sterkfontein, were cleverly secured
by the 12th Mounted Infantry of Colonel Dawkins'
column. The total results of these well-planned and
carefully executed operations were 104 prisoners," many
waggons, cattle, &c.
The two columns did good work all through De-
cember. On the 13th Colenbrander drove Badenhorst
and 22 of his Burghers into the arms of Dawkins, and
ten days later K.F.S. captured 60 prisoners at Jericho
on the Crocodile. Again it may be remarked that all
these splendid results could not be achieved without
 Kitchener s Fighting Scottts 261

some but these were marvellously small. On

losses,
the 20th December 3 men were killed and Lieutenant
J. Sampson and 6 men were wounded at Zoutpans
Drift. On the 26th Colenbrander set out for Busten-
burg, arriving there on 1st January 1902. "A skilful
march through Magato Nek on the night of 4th January
enabled him to capture a laager and 29 prisoners after
an engagement at dawn, in which 5 of the enemy were
killed." In his telegram regarding this affair, Lord
Kitchener said " This surprise was highly creditable
:

to Colonel Colenbrander, who with a very small force

effected it within a few miles of a superior force of
the enemy." On this occasion there was one casualty.
Lord Kitchener also mentioned in his despatch of 8th
January 1902 that Colenbrander on 9th January came
upon the native chief Linchwe and 2000 of his people
searching for stock stolen by the Boer leader General
Kemp. " Colenbrander directed the chief to return to

the Pilandsberg, which order he obeyed forthwith, much

to the relief of the families scattered throughout the
district." Colenbrander, with the 1st K.F.S., continued
to operate in the Western Transvaal during January,
February, and part of March 1902. In the despatch
of 8th February 1902 Lord Kitchener remarked that
" in the Northern Transvaal operations at any distance
from the railway have necessarily been temporarily sus-
pended by the season of horse-sickness. The departure
of Colonel Colenbrander s column for the south for this
reason appears to have given General Beyers breathing-
time, and sufficient leisure for the initiation of a plan
which aimed at an attack on Pietersburg in conjunction
with the simultaneous removal of a number of Burghers
who had been residing voluntarily and as neutrals in
the refugee camp at that place." The removal of some
262 The Colonials m Sotitk Afine a
of the latter was effected, but otherwise the attack was
repulsed, the Town Guard
supporting the troops with
great steadiness. In the despatch of 8th April it is
stated that Beyers moved from Malips Poort, south-
east of Pietersburg, about 13th March, and invested
Fort Edward, a small fortified post near Louis Trichard.
A column of 200 mounted men and 300 of the North-
ampton Kegiment moved out to relieve the place, but
was opposed, and on 24th March fell back. Colen-
brander's column, 1st K.F.S., was therefore brought up
from Krugersdorp. On the 27th he moved out from
Pietersburg. On the 28th "he undertook a long night
march from Dwars River, which terminated at day-
break on the 29 th in the complete surprise of the
enemy, who fled in an easterly direction, with the loss of
3 killed and 4 captured." This is a notable instance of
irregulars succeeding brilliantly where regulars failed.
A portion of the 1st K.F.S. were with Colonel Keir's
column, which, along with Colonel Cookson's column,
was heavily attacked at Boschbult, 31st March 1902
(see 2nd Eegiment Canadian Mounted Eifles). The
detachment of K.F.S. had 1 man killed and 8 wounded.
In his final despatch, that of 1st June 1902, para. 3,
Lord Kitchener said that "in the Northern Transvaal
Lieut. -Colonel Colenbrander has carried out some suc-
cessful operations against General Beyers, who, on 5th
April, was in camp on the southern slopes of the hills
close to Malips Poort." Colenbrander, who had re-
turned from the relief of Fort Edward on the 5th,
aimed at the surrounding of the enemy. " Two parties
of 400 men each were sent out on the 6th under General
Celliers, National Scouts, and Captain M'Queen, Stein-
aecker's Horse, to block the two roads open to the
Boers to the south-east and south-west. A third party
 Kitchener s Fighting Scouts 263

under Captain Lyle, 1st K.F.S., moved on the night of

the 6th along the top of the hills to the west of the
Poort to block all possible exits in that direction
whilst Colonel Colenbrander himself, with the 2nd Bn.
Inniskilling Fusiliers and the remainder of his mounted
men, left Pietersburg on the night of the 7th to make
a direct attack on the Poort itself The attack was
delivered on the morning of the 8th, and after severe
fighting extending over two days, in which, I regret
to say, Lieut. -Colonel A. J. Murray, commanding 2nd
Inniskilling Fusiliers, was dangerously wounded, re-
sulted in the flight of the Boers in a south-easterly
direction." Unfortunately Captain M'Queen had failed
" to reach the exact position assigned to him, and this
enabled General Beyers and the majority of his fol-
lowers to make good their escape towards Haenerts-
burg," but the Boers left their laager, waggons, and
camp equipment. Nine were killed, 11 wounded, and
108 unwounded prisoners were taken. " Colenbrander's
subsequent pursuit of General Beyers in the direction
of Oud Agatha after this highly successful engage-
ment was unfortunately marred by a mishap to a small
mounted force under Captain Blaine, 1st K.F.S., who,
pushing on too eagerly into most difficult country, fell
into a cleverly arranged ambuscade from which he only
extricated his men with a loss of 6 killed, 1 officer and
11 men wounded, and 30 taken prisoners."
Operations were suspended for a time during a stage
of the peace negotiations, but between 5th and 10th
May Colenbrander's force was able to account for 1
Boer wounded, and 101 armed prisoners. On
killed, 21
10th May hostilities in the district practically ceased.
In August 1901 Colonel Wilson, with the 2nd K.F.S.,
was railed to the Orange Biver Colony, and in the de-
264 The Colonials in South Africa

spatches of October, November, and December 1901

there are frequent references to the work of Wilson's
column. In their new sphere they had endless march-
ing and constant fighting, and always made good use
of their opportunities. The column had the good
fortune to be working under and often with Colonel
Rimington (see despatch of 8th October 1901, para. 7).
On 4th October Wilson, marching from Kroonstad to
Heilbron, was attacked near the Rhenoster River, but
drove off the enemy. The regiment lost 4 killed and
6 wounded, including Lieutenants F. G. Schnadhorst
and E. E. Jones, both severely wounded. Lieutenant
Schnadhorst died of his wounds three weeks later.
On 14th November the columns of Colonel Byng,
South African Light Horse, and Wilson, 2nd K.F.S.,
were very resolutely attacked. After two hours' fight-
ing the attack was successfully repulsed by " Byng's
rear-guard, which was well and skilfully handled by
Lieut. -Colonel Wilson of K.F.S., and the enemy retired,
leaving 8 dead on the field." The telegraphic despatch
stated that the rear-guard was composed of K.F.S.,
who had all the losses, namely, 3 killed, including
Lieutenant Hughes, and 8 wounded, including Lieu-
tenants Prince Radziwill, A. E. Smith, and C. C. All-
sopp. Captain J. B. Gedge was dangerously wounded
about this time.
During December 1901 and January and February
1902 the 2nd K.F.S. took part in many big driving
movements in the north of the Orange River Colony.
In his telegram of 27th January 1902 Lord Kitchener
said " Colonel Wilson, K.F.S., moved out on Thursday
:

night from Frankfort and surrounded a small laager

at Damplatz, capturing 20 prisoners, including Field-
Cornet Strydom. During the return march he was
 Kitchener s Fighting Scouts 265

attacked by a superior force under Alberts, who was

driven off after severe fighting, leaving 5 dead. All
Wilson's prisoners, except three, escaped." Kitchener's
Fighting Scouts lost 8 killed and 7 wounded. In the
despatch of 8th February, dealing with events in that
district, Lord Kitchener said that the columns of Keir
and Wilson and Damant's Horse " have acted vigor-
ously whenever opportunity offered against the enemy's
bands under Commandants Alberts and Ross, which
continued to frequent the valley of the Yaal to the
north of Frankfort." In the beginning of March
Wilson's column was, with other troops, taken to the
Western Transvaal, where, it will be remembered. Lord
Methuen had met with disaster. The 2nd K.F.S.
were placed under General Walter Kitchener, and
were present at the fiercely fought action of Boschbult
on 31st March 1902, when they lost 1 killed and 7
wounded. They took part in the final great drives,
under General Ian Hamilton, towards the Mafeking
railway and back to Klerksdorp.
Kitchener's Fighting Scouts took the field when the
war was far advanced, but during the whole of the
second phase of the campaign they did splendid work.
Judged by the losses inflicted on the enemy, no corps
could point to a finer record, and they are an out-
standing example of what can be made in a very short
time of Colonial material, provided that officers suit-
able for irregulars are found. A regular regiment can
pull through a campaign although it has in its com-
missioned ranks a fair proportion of those not unknown
—
types the inconsiderate scolder and the finicking old
maid whose idea of taking responsibility stops short
at the enforcement among- the rank and file of well-
shaved chins and very clean equipment. In an irreg-
266 The Colonials in South Africa

ular corps there is no place for such people, and

their presence is a sure source of trouble and failure.
Officers must be had with great tact and common-
sense, not unduly magnifying their position, and fear-
less of allconsequences when they act conscientiously
on their own initiative.
Having been taken to Pretoria after the declaration
of peace. Kitchener's Fighting Scouts had, along with
the Imperial Light Horse, Johannesburg Mounted
Rifles, and Scottish Horse, the honour of marching
past Lord Kitchener, who spoke highly of the work
which had been done.
The Mentions gained by Kitchener's Fighting Scouts
were as follows :

Despatch of 8th December 1901.— Capt. E. St M. Hutchinson, Lt. L. S. C.

Lister, Lt. L. C.Hughes (killed), for conspicuous gallantry in action near
Heilbron, 14th November. Sgt. W. Marsburg,i 1st K.F.S., for continual
good work with scouts of Col. Colenbrander's column.
8th March 1902. —
Capt. W. Hurrell, 1st K.F.S., at Zoutpans Drift,
December 21st, with 30 men charged an equal number of enemy in a
difficult position and captured 22, including Commandant Nagal. Lt. J.
Sampson, Sgt. G. Pirrie (died of wounds), for very valuable service in hold-
ing a ridge against much superior force of the enemy for over half an hour
at Zoutpans Drift, December 30th. Cpl. E. P. Berlyn, promoted Sgt., at
same place bandaged an officer under very heavy fire and then carried him
under cover, being twice wounded in doing so, last time severely, and
then continued to give directions as to other wounded men. Sgt. W.
Marsburg,! 1st K.F.S., at Jericho, December 28th, when only accompanied
by native scouts, rushed 7 Boers and captured them, thereby preventing
them from giving the alarm to main body, which was subsequently taken.
Sgt.-Majors R. B. Sheridon, Johnson-Scott, Sgt. C. Peters, for good service
in north-western Transvaal, November and December 1901.
8i!/t ^^0/^71902.— Lt.-Col. A. E. AVilson^; Lt.-Col. J. W. Colenbrander,
got the C.B.
\st June 1902. —
1st K.F.S.- Capt. H. C. Lyle^ and Armourer - Sgt.
A. P. Pillan, good service in operations east of Pietersburg, 25th March
to 21st April 1902. 2nd K.F.S. —
Lt. J."; S. Kelly, Sgt. - Major D. R.
Bettington, Farrier -Sgt. W. Welsh, Sgt. E. Hanson, Tpr. De Wet, for
good service in action at Boschbult, 31st March 1902.

1 Awarded D.C.M. ^ Awarded D.S.O.

 yokannesdurg Motmted Rifles 267

23r(^ June 1902. — 1st —

Capt. D. E. Henderson
Regiment Lt. E. Arm- ;

strong ; Eegl. H. Zeederi; Qrmr.-Sgt. W. M. Croft; Pte.

Sgt.-Major J.
D. C. Scott. 2nd Regiment— Capts. J. B. Gedye,^ 0. W. Staten Lt. J. N. ;

Brown Eegl. Sgt.-Major D. Gormley Squad. Sgt.-Major R. E. James

; ;
;

Tprs. C. Olsson,! R. De Vere.

JOHANNESBURG MOUNTED RIFLES.

This corps was founded on 12th December 1900, and

soon two battalions were recruited. They had the
good luck to get as commanding officer Lieut. -Colonel
H, K. Stewart, Reserve of Officers, and under him
did much valuable service. The greater portion of the
corps was in the early part of 1901 stationed in the
Springs district, where they always had the enemy
near them and used worthily the opportunities they
got. They had casualties at Springs on 6th January
1901 and on several other occasions during the three
following months. In March and April two com-
panies were in Colonel Colville's column, based on
the Standerton line, and were said to have done
good work particularly in an affair at Roberts' Drift.
Both battalions afterwards did much column work.
Early in 1901 part of the corps was sent to the
Zululand border, a district in which they saw much
arduous service. Towards the end of April 600 were
with Colonel Stewart in a column working from about
Yolksrust. Colonel Stewart had also under him
Cough's Mounted Infantry, 600 the Commander-in- ;

Chief's Bodyguard, 1000 the 74th Battery Royal ;

1 Awarded D.C.M. 2 Awarded D.S.O.

268 The Colonials in Sotith Africa

Field Artillery, and a pom-pom. In July 1901 the

two battalions were put together, and under Colonel
Stewart operated as a column, which did much trek-
king and skirmishing generally in the east of the
Transvaal and about the Zululand border. A Stand-
erton telegram of 5 th August mentioned that by a
night raid on Amersfoort the J.M.E. had captured a
laager and 20 prisoners.
Much of the work of the corps and of the columns
which worked in conjunction with Colonel Stewart's
is described in Two Years at the Front with the
'

Mounted Infantry,' being the diary of Lieutenant B.

Moeller, who had gone out with the City Imperial
Volunteers, and who was afterwards mortally wounded
at Holland, in the Eastern Transvaal, on 18th Dec-
ember 1901.
In September 1901 Colonel Stewart, with his own
corps and Gough's Mounted Infantry, was operating
to the north of the Natal Border. Gough, who, as
stated in Lord Kitchener's despatch of 8 th October
1901, was in advance, decided on 17th September to
push on towards the Blood River in order to gain
touch with the enemy about Scheeper's Nek. Gough,
thinking he had about 300 of the enemy in front of
him, galloped his force to seize a commanding ridge,
but the enemy were at least 1000 strong, and the three
companies of Mounted Infantry and two guns of the
69th Battery Royal Field Artillery were surrounded,
and after a fierce fight, in which Gough's force suffered
very severe casualties, were forced to surrender.
Colonel Stewart, having to protect the baggage of
both bodies, fell back on De Jager's Drift, thus at
same time covering Dundee. In his despatch Lord
 Johannesburg Mounted Rifles 269

Kitchener said " Lieutenant- Colonel Stewart, in fall-

:

ing back when he did, showed great judgment and

a sound appreciation of the situation in a position
of considerable difficulty." The Boers had collected
in the Vryheid district in great strength to attempt
a re-invasion of Natal, and on 26th September made
most determined attacks on Forts Itala and Prospect,
which were repulsed. Major Gough had on many
occasions proved himself a fine soldier and most capable
leader ofmounted infantry.
Towards the close of 1901 and during the first
quarter of 1902 the Johannesburg Mounted Rifles
were chiefly employed in the Ermelo district of the
Transvaal. In May 1902 they crossed the Vaal and
had some skirmishes in the Frankfort district of the
Orange Biver Colony. Down to the close of the
campaign they did service which proved them a most
useful and well-led body.
On 17th June, after peace had been declared, the
Johannesburg Mounted Rifles, Imperial Light Horse,
Kitchener's Fighting Scouts, and the Scottish Horse
had the honour of marching past and being inspected
by the Commander-in-Chief in Johannesburg. Lord
Kitchener referred to the fine service of these splendid
irregular regiments, and indicated that there was a
prospect of permanent volunteer regiments being
formed which would be successors to the work, tradi-
tions, and organisation of each of them.
The Mentions gained by the corps were :

Lord Kitchener's Despatches : ^tli July 1901. —

Lieut. S. A. Anderson
and Capt. D. W. Talbot, for good ambushing some Boers near
service in
Springs, 17th January. Lieut. C. G. Greetham, at Edenkop, Eastern Trans-
vaal, 30th June, twice went out under heavy fire to bring in his brother,
270 The Colonials in South Africa

who was stunned by fall of his horse Lieut. Greetham had gained mention
;

by Lord Roberts while serving as troop sergeant-major of the Kimberley

Mounted Corps.
^th October 190L— Lieuts. NicoP and C. Wells, for dash and judgment in
attack on position at Waterval, 10th September.
^th April 1902.— Capt. J. Mossop.i
2Zrd June 1902.— Capts. R. Wishart,i J. Laing,i F. C. Beaumann ; Cpl.

A. Matthews ; Pte. G. Smith.^ Col. Stewart, the commander, was awarded

the C.M.G.

THE RAND RIFLES.

This corps was raised towards the close of 1900, and

was generally employed on the defences of Johannes-
burg and of posts in the surrounding district. They
saw some skirmishing and some sharp atta.cks on posts,
but they were not in any big engagement, and had
few opportunities of gaining distinction. The corps
remained on service till the end of the war.
The following Mention was gained :

Lord Kitchener's Despatch ^th March 1902.— Pte. P. N. Maskell,

:

promoted Cpl. by Commander-in-Chief for distinguished conduct in defence

of post at Brakpan, February 5, when 5 men repulsed 49 Boers.

JOHANNESBURG POLICE.

This body was generally stationed in and on the

outskirts of the town, but as the enemy frequently
visited the neighbourhood, the Police had, as will be
1 Awarded D.S.O. ' Awarded D.C.M.
 Steinaecker s Horse 27

seen from the Mentions, occasions on which they proved

their value as soldiers.
The Mentions gained were :

Lord Kitchener's Despatch: Hh August 1901. — Capt.

H. Samson,
during attack on Florida, July 5, was conspicuous for his conduct of the
defence. First-class Sgt. W. Parke, in command of 33 Police at Eoode-
poort when that place was attacked, July 5, after repulsing attack, led
volunteers, who cleared village, and was severely wounded in doing so.
Tpr. E. Hampton, sentry at entrance to village of Florida, when, on same
date, 25 Boers galloped at him, held his position, and by his steady fire
checked enemy till support arrived, when he had only three rounds left
his defence saved post.

STEINAECKEH'S HORSE.

This corps was raised in June 1900 by Major F. Von

Steinaecker to operate in Zululand and on the Swazi-
land border of the Transvaal. Their leader had served
as a lieutenant in the Prussian Army, but had subse-
quently been, for nearly twenty years, in South and
South- West Africa. Before raising his " Horse " he
had done one of the most daring exploits performed in
the course of the war.
In November 1899 Steinaecker had enlisted as a
private in the Colonial Scouts, a Natal-raised corps. He
was soon promoted squadron quartermaster-sergeant,
but in December he left the Scouts to command a
small party serving under the Intelligence Depart-
ment. The Colonial Scouts were disbanded in March
1900, and in that month Steinaecker, now a lieutenant,^
selected six men, of whom Scouts Duncan, Lawson,
Gray, and Carmichael served with him for many
^ Natal Volunteer Record, Durban, 1900, and private sources.
272 The Colonials in South Africa

months, Lawson finishing as a captain, and being pre-

sent at the disbandment of the corps in February 1903.
With this small party Steinaecker left Eshowe on 3rd
April 1900, and rode or walked through Zululand and
Swaziland, a distance of 500 miles. Their horses hav-
ing died of horse-sickness, the party were on foot when
the Transvaal border was reached. On their journey
they had picked up a British settler, Holgate, after-
wards a captain in this corps. He knew the country
thoroughly, and as a guide in the last stages was
invaluable. The party intended to attempt the blow-
ing up of the great bridge at Komati Poort, but found
it too strongly guarded. Steinaecker and three men
now struck through the bush, swam the Komati river
" when the crocodiles were off their feed," travelled all

the night of 16th June, and on the 17th, after dark,

placed nearly 100 lb. of dynamite between the masonry
and girders of a bridge at Malelane, forty miles up
the line, and destroyed it. The fact that the Boers
afterwards restored the bridge does not detract from
the credit due to Steinaecker and his gallant men for
their splendid piece of daring, which, strangely enough,
was never recognised in despatches.
Havinp- returned to Natal, Lieutenant Steinaecker
now recruited for his " Horse " and after having them
;

equipped, he and his corps embarked on a warship

and were landed through the surf at Kosi Bay, in the
north corner of Zululand, not, however, without the
loss of a boatload of arms and saddlery, the boat
upsetting on the dangerous bar. Steinaecker's force
now made their way to the Transvaal border, south of
the Delagoa Eailway. On 20th July 1900 he and a
party of his men were successful in capturing Com-
mandant Van Dam and another leader.
 Steinaecker s Horse 273

When the armies of Lord Roberts and General

Buller reached the eastern confines of the Transvaal,
Steinaecker's Horse, now recruited up to 450 men,
moved farther out into the very wild and unhealthy
country which lies west the Portuguese border.
of
From Komati as a centre they gradually extended
their raids to the north and south for great distances,
thereby denying to the enemy the use of the eastern
lowlands for rest and recuperation. They also guarded
closely the long eastern border against Boer despatch
riders and ammunition runners. In time the corps
completely occupied and pacified the whole low veldt
to the Olifant's river, holding over a dozen permanent
posts scattered over a large province.
The corps had now become one of the most complete
and self-contained units in the country. They had
their own intelligence, transport, workshojDS, &c., and
were able for over a year to work the Selati railway
with their own men.
In their eminently unhealthy district, Steinaecker's
men had much most arduous and very dangerous
guerilla campaigning but being a corps specially re-
;

cruited for such tasks, and having an admirable leader,

they escaped serious casualties for a long time.
In Lord Roberts' telegram of 14th November 1900
he said " On the 8th inst. a party of Steinaecker's
:

Horse, raised for service in the Komati Poort district,

captured 16 Boers trying to cross from Portuguese
territory at Nomahash, a place by which the Boers
have been trying to get ammunition brought into the
Transvaal." A day or two later 5 more were taken.
At this time there were several encounters with
despatch riders, which almost uniformly ended in
favour of the patrols of the corps.
s
2 74 '^^^ Colonials in South Africa

In July 1901 the corps met their first piece of bad

luck. On the 22nd a party of about 100, many of
whom were without horses, returned from a successful
foray, bringing in some prisoners, stock, and a party of
surrendered Burghers to Bremersdorp in Swaziland, a
post which had been held by the corps for six months.
They were followed by a force of Boers under Generals
Oppermann, Smuts, and Grobelaar which many times
outnumbered them. The detachment evacuated the
town, hoping to get clear away but on the 23rd they
;

were caught up by the enemy, and after a running

fight, in which they lost 4 killed and a greater number
wounded and captured, were forced to abandon their
baggage.^ Captain Greenhill-Gardyne was said to have
conducted the retirement most ably. A party of the
Yorkshire Begiment (Green Howards) made a very fine
march from Komati Poort to assist, but did not arrive
in time.
Shortly after this Major Steinaecker surprised a
laager and took 18 prisoners, and from this time
onwards the corps had on many occasions severe fight-
ing in localities where help was very far distant. On
7th August 1901 a post of 25 men on the Sabie river
was attacked by a strong force of Boers. The post
had been newly established, and the fortifications were
not complete. The enemy, who numbered about 300,
attacked vigorously and lost heavily. Commandant or
General Moll was wounded in the attack, and was
afterwards captured by a patrol of the corps. The
defenders had Captain H, Farmer Francis killed, several
wounded, and the remainder captured. Captain Francis
had served with the Imperial Light Horse throughout
the siege of Ladysmith, and thereafter in the relief of
1 See Lord Kitchener's telegram of 26th July 1901.
 Steinaecker s Horse 275

Mafeking. His brother, also in the I.L.H., was killed

outside Mafeking.
At the end of August Captain Gardyne, in command
of a small party, captured 1 1 some waggons, and
Boers,
much stock, 150 miles north of Komati Poort.
In February 1902 Captain Holgate, the scout of
the bridge destruction party, with 16 men, surprised
and captured 18 of the enemy on the Swaziland border.
Early in 1902 an extra squadron of Steinaecker's
Horse was raised for service in the Pietersburg low
veldt, in which district they did a lot of fighting under
Colonel Colenbrander (see Kitchener's Fighting Scouts).
On 16th April this squadron were heavily engaged,
and lost 5 men killed and Lieutenant Kobertson and
11 men wounded.
Lieutenant and Paymaster J. Hartley, who had been
attached to Lord Methuen's column in the Western
Transvaal, was killed in the disaster to that General's
column on 7th March 1902 (see Cape Police).
After the conclusion of the war Steinaecker's Horse,
in somewhat reduced strength, remained in occupation
of the eastern border until February 1903, when the
South African Constabulary took over a number of the
officers and men, and the others were disbanded.
In 'Temple Bar' for July and August 1901 there
are two admirably written articles, headed " A Bye way
of the Boer War," by an officer of the 1st Gordon
— —
Highlanders " A.D.G.G." who was long attached to
Steinaecker's, which give an excellent picture of the
—
hard but most exciting and to any lover of adventures
most interesting —life led by Steinaecker's Horse.
Their district was one in which few white men could
live, as is proved by the fact that every regular regi-

ment which had the misfortune to be stationed near

276 The Colonials in South Africa

Komati Poort lost more than 50 per cent of its strength

through fever. The regulars were generally accommo-
dated in tents or huts, but Steinaecker's men had often
to lie out for weeks at a time in districts so wild that
lions were a most real danger, —
as in the Sabie river
valley, —
and more than one poor fellow was seized and
carried off almost from the camp fire, while one was
taken by crocodiles. Many of the corps did not see
the railway for months on end, while some of the
wounded had actually to be carried over 150 miles
before reachingany sort of hospital.
The Mentions gained by Steinaecker's Horse were
as follows :

—
Lord Kitchener's Despatches 8^/i August 1901. Lieut. J. A. Baillie,i
:

on July 4th, having heard that two despatch riders had crossed the Portu-
guese Border into Swaziland, followed them with one man by moonlight, and
after a hand-to-hand fight killed them both and took despatches. Lce.-
Cpl. W. S. Hains ^ (Harris in Gazette), who accompanied Lieut. Baillie, was
also mentioned, and was promoted Sgt. by the Commander-in-Chief.
?>th March 1902. —Tprs. D. E. Wilson and F. Hennessy, for most plucky
rescue of the body of a comrade which had been carried ofi" by a crocodile
whilst bathing in Usutu Kiver, 30th November.
^th April 1902.— Major F. V. Steinaecker.i
\st June 1902. —
Lieut. W. P. Robertson for good service east of Pieters-
burg, 25th March to 21st April 1902. Tpr. W. W. Grifl&n, killed whilst
trying to take a wounded comrade to cover.
23rc? June 1902. —
Capt. H. F. Francis (killed in action) Lieuts. J. M.
;

Dallamore, D. Buchanan. Capt. A. Greenhill-Gardyne, Gordon Highland-

ers, Adjutant attached (got Brevet-Major).
Major von Steinaecker commenced the war as a private. His steps
—
are worth noting Squadron Quartermaster-Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain,
Major, D.S.O., Hon. Lieut.-Col. in army.

Awarded D.S.O. 2 Awarded D.C.M.

 Mennes Scouts —Morleys Scouts 277

MENNE'S SCOUTS— MORLEY'S SCOUTS.

These corps did excellent and often very daring work

in the Transvaal, chiefly in the neighbourhood of the
Natal and Delagoa Railways during the second phase
of the war. Night expeditions were numerous, and
as the force employed was generally very slender, the
true qualities of scouts had to be exhibited each of
:

these corps proved worthy of the appellation. " Lines-

man," in his now famous Words by an Eyewitness

'

(Blackwood: 1901), gives a very graphic picture of a

night expedition and fight in the darkness, the actors
in which on the British side were Menne's Scouts.
They were raised and commanded by Major T. Menne,
who had seen service in the first six months of the
war with the Natal Colonial Scouts in Zululand, and
afterwards with Bethune's Mounted Infantry, and
thus had gained great experience in the field. The
nucleus of the corps was his own — —
"G" squadron of
the Colonial Scouts. Menne's Scouts did much to
protect the all-important railway communication be-
tween Natal and Pretoria, as well as to keep the
Commander-in-Chief informed of the movements and
strength of the enemy in the south and south-east of
the Transvaal. The special work of the corps was
sometimes particularly dangerous. In the beginning
of May 1901 they lost Lieutenant Hemmingway and
2 men killed and several wounded. On 13th Sept-
ember at Platrand they had 2 men killed and Lieut-
enant H. B. Bradford and 1 man wounded. In Nov-
ember Menne's Scouts did the mounted work for the
Leicestershire Regiment while the latter built the
278 The Colonials in South Africa

Ermelo - Standerton blockhouse line. The corps was

disbanded at Pietermaritzburg on 1st January 1902.
Morley's Scouts worked in the Eastern Transvaal,
and, as will be seen from the following quotation, they
had at least one very exciting experience. Lord
Kitchener in his despatch of 8th September 1901,
para. 13, dealing with operations in the Eastern Trans-
vaal, said: "On 17th August a force of the South
African Constabulary and Morley's Scouts which had
been patrolling under Captain Wood, S.A.C., in front
of the Constabulary posts to the south of Bronkhorst
Spruit Station, unexpectedly came upon and attacked
a greatly superior Boer force which was halted at
Middelburg, 23 miles south of the railway. The
enemy, who were subsequently reported to have num-
bered 800, were completely surprised by the sudden
rush of our men. Twenty-three Boers were killed, 11
were taken prisoners, a large number were wounded,
and all their horses stampeded. Our success, how-
ever, was rather short-lived. Discovering that the
force by which they had been attacked was a small
one, the enemy rallied, assumed the offensive, and
drove our men back after a hand-to-hand fight in the
direction of Bronkhorst Spruit. In the retirement
the Boers were able to recover the 11 prisoners who
had been taken from them and to capture 14 of our
men, including Captain Morley of Morley's Scouts, who
was dangerously wounded. Our other casualties were
1 man killed and 5 men wounded."

Menne's Scouts won the following Mentions by Lord

Kitchener :

Despatch of 8th Augvst 1901. — Capt. F. C. Barker, for a successful raid

at Joubert's Nek, July 29th, resulting in capture of laager and 7 men killed
and 25 wounded Boers. Lieut. A. B. Lubbock, at Joubert's Nek, July
 The Heidelbei'g Volunteer's mid Scouts 2 79

15th, assisted Sgt. Cima to save a native scout whose horse had been
Boers at time being within 150 yards and firing
killed, heavily. Sgt. J. C.
Cima, at Joubert's Nek, 15th July, in retirement of a patrol, native scout
having been dismounted, rode back under heavy fire, leading Boer being
within 70 yards, and brought native away with him, thereby saving his
life.

%th October 1901.— Tprs. Peterkin and Glasborrow (killed). At Platrand,

September 13th, Glasborrow went back to assist a dismounted comrade,
and was mortally wounded. Peterkin then returned under heavy fire and
attended to him.

THE HEIDELBERG VOLUNTEERS AND

SCOUTS.

This corps, which was largely composed of surrendered

Boers, was employed on the Standerton line, their
duties being chiefly to protect the line and the pos-
sessions of surrendered Burghers in the neighbourhood.
But they did more active work, and on 24th May 1901
were credited with a smart capture of a laager, when
they secured 9 armed prisoners and much stock.
Major Yallentin was wounded on this occasion. On
24th July a party of the scouts fell into an ambush,
and 4 were killed.
The following Mention was gained :

Lord Kitchener's Despatch ^th August 1901. Guide Gorman, near

: —
Heidelberg, July 24th, remained behind with Major Vallentin to cover the
retirement of 4 dismounted men of Burgher Corj^js who would have been
shot had they fallen into enemy's hands.
28o The Colonials in Sotith Africa

BUSH VELDT CARBINEERS.

This corps did useful work in the difficult country
north of Pietersburg in 1901, and saw a lot of fighting,
but it gained an unfortunate notoriety by the convic-
tion of some of its members on charges that they had
committed acts not in accordance with the rules of
civilised warfare. Undoubtedly a corps such as this,
acting beyond the immediate control of higher author-
ities and far from support, was placed in a very unen-

viable position. The enemies they had to deal with

were not always members of regular commandos, but
often leaderless gangs of ruffians not unacquainted
with nefarious practices and incapable of appreciating
anything but the most arbitrary justice. Mr Green,
who was chaplain to the Australian Bushmen, a corps
that operated much in the Pietersburg district, speaks
in terms of praise of the Bush Veldt Carbineers. He
says that they were chiefly English refugees of that
district. They acted as scouts for General Plumer,
and did well. On one occasion they captured the con-
voy of a train-wrecking gang and 1 1 prisoners. These
latter would not disclose where their mines were laid,
so they were promptly put on a trolley an explosion ;

did take place, but none were killed. The corps had
casualties on various occasions. Captain P. F. Hunt
and Sergeant F. Elands were killed on 6th August
1901, and 1 man on the 10th.
The one Mention gained by the corps shows ex-
cellently the class of work they had :

—
Despatch of 8th August 1901. Sgt. Forbes, on own initiative, on hearing
of presence of Boersmarched 80 miles, surprised and captured the party.

^ '
Story of the Australian Bushmen.' Sydney, 1903.
 Beddy's Scouts

PIETERSBUEG LIGHT HORSE.

Like the preceding, this corps was employed in the
extreme north of the Transvaal officially designated —
as "the wildest part" of that country. They had
sharp fighting at Spelonkin on 23rd March 1902, when
Sergeant-Major Evans was killed.
The Mentions gained were :

Lord Kitchener's Despatches :June 1902.— Capt. S. Midgely i for

1st
good service in operations east of Pietersburg, 25th March to 21st April
1902.
^Zrd June 1902.— Sgt. J. R. Gray,^ Cpl. J. Ballen.

BEDDY'S SCOUTS.

This corps was raised for service in the extreme north

same wild district in which the
of the Transvaal, the
Bush Veldt Carbineers had worked until disbanded.
Beddy's Scouts made sundry small captures of prisoners
during the period January to April 1902. At Spelonkin
on 23rd March 1902 their post was attacked, but held
out Captain Beddy and several men were wounded.
;

On 16th April they had fighting at Haenertsburg, and

suffered some losses. Captain W. Beddy was mentioned
in Lord Kitchener's final despatch, under the heading,
" Intelligence Department."
1 Awarded D.S.O. ^ Awarded D.C.M.
282 The Colonials in South Africa

THE SCOTTISH HOUSE.

Major the Marquis of Tullibardine, M.V.O., D.S.O.,
in the written statement furnishedby him to the War
Commission and in his evidence ^ gives an admirably
clear yet modest account of the organisation, composi-
tion, and work of the two regiments of the Scottish
Horse, each of which earned great distinction by excep-
tionally fine work.
In November 1900 Lord Kitchener sanctioned the
raising of a regiment to be known as the Scottish
Horse. Lord Tullibardine soon started recruiting from
Scotsmen, or men of Scottish descent, in South Africa,
chiefly in Natal; and on 4th February 1901 he took
the field with three squadrons. To these other squad-
rons were soon added. The Volunteer Service Com-
panies of Scottish regiments furnished no less than 200
men. To these their leader gave the highest possible
praise. " One hundred of them were the best body of
men in every way that I saw in South Africa. This
particular squadron had a reputation which extended
far beyond the column with which it was trekking."
Hecruiting was not confined to South Africa. Great
Britain and the other Colonies were appealed to, and
the Caledonian Societies in London and over the seas
did grand work. The Highland Society of London
sent out 386 officers and men, who sailed in February
and March 1901 and the Marquis's father, the Duke
;

of Atholl, personally raised 831 men before the war was

over. The Society in Melbourne took up the matter
with enthusiasm, and " about 300 men joined me on
1 Minutes of Evidence, vol. ii. p. 446.
 The Scottish Horse 283

8th March. These were a splendid draft, very fine

riders, and all Later on more men joined
Victorians."
from Australia, recruiting having been attended with
success. The first regiment was soon six squadrons
strong, and a second of five squadrons also took the
field. In no way did Lord Tullibardine show his organ-
ising power to greater advantage than in the setting
up of depots for his force for both men and horses. A
central headquarters depot for both regiments, with
a convalescent camp for sick men and overworked
horses, was at Johannesburg, and there were advance
depots for each regiment near the railway in the dis-
trict in which each might be trekking. At these
advance depots were remount establishments. Thus
sick men could go to the regimental camp, and so not
get lost in the great army hospitals. Horses needing
a rest could be sent in to the rest-camp at the depot,
and come out as well as ever. In selecting his officers
his lordship showed the same wisdom, and in that all-
important respect no corps was more fortunately situ-
ated. The commander, second in command, and ad-
jutant of each regiment were all regulars of experience.
" From first to last I had 157 officers 14 were killed:

or died 7 were invalided

;
1 1 were removed or resigned
;

at my request 107 served to the end of the war, and

;

the remainder resigned for private reasons. The officers

—
were Supplied from regular army, 22 appointed in ;

South Africa outside the regiment, 78 through the ;

ranks of the regiment, 46; and at home, 11." At

'' Some of the
another part Lord Tullibardine said :

most reliable officers I had were appointed through the

ranks. all classes, and were promoted
They were of
principally on their merits." This coming from an
officer of the Royal Horse Guards who had seen much
284 The Colonials in South Africa

active service, apart from South Africa, is surely a

sufficient reply to the old-fashioned people who insist
with tiresome reiteration that an officer must be
selected for his pedigree.
Only a very brief account of the services of the
corps can be given here. What follows is almost
entirely taken from Lord Tullibardine's evidence and
the official despatches.

1st Eegiment.

This regiment was commanded at first by Lord Tulli-

bardine, then by Major Blair, King's Own Scottish
Borderers, after him by Lieut. -Colonel C. E. Duff", 8th
Hussars, and finally by Lieut. -Colonel H. P. Leader,
6th Dragoon Guards. It served in the Western Trans-
vaal in a column commanded (l) by Colonel Flint, (2)
by Colonel Shekleton, (3) by Brigadier-General Cun-
ningham, (4) by Brigadier-General Dixon, and (5) by
Colonel Kekewich. They had a few casualties, but saw
no very serious fighting till the action at Vlakfontein
on 29th May 1901. When the fight commenced the
Scottish Horse were detached, but they rejoined
Brigadier Dixon in time to assist the infantry in
driving ofli" one of the fiercest attacks made during the
war. The charge successfully made by a portion of the
Sherwood Foresters in order to recapture the guns was
a piece of work certainly unsurpassable in gallantry
and dash. Brigadier- General Dixon having been ap-
pointed to another command. Colonel Kekewich took
over the column. " Under this officer's magnificent
leading the column then became one of the most useful
in the country, being only equalled by Colonel Benson's
for numbers of prisoners taken. The regiment improved
rapidly. The next serious fight was when Delarey
 The Scottish Horse 285

surprised the camp at Moedwill on September 30th

1901. The Scottish Horse casualties were 3 officers
and 17 men killed, 12 officers and 41 men wounded.
The regiment, owing to the greater part being away
on command, were very weak that night, and behaved
splendidly." No fewer than 7 officers and 3 non-com-
missioned officers and men of the regiment gained men-
tion on this occasion.At Moedwill the officers' casualties
were — Captain H. A. F. Watson, Lieutenant T. J.
Irvine (killed), Lieutenant H. N. C. Erskine-Flower
(died of wounds on 22nd November), Lieut. -Colonel C.
E. Duff, Major A. Blair, Captains P. M. Kattray and
P. N. Field, Surgeon-Captain W. S. Kidd Lieutenants
;

N. C. G. Cameron, W. Loring, J. Stuart Wortley, W.

Jardine, Edwards, Prior, D. Rattray.
"Soon after this [Moedwill action] Lieut.-Colonel
Leader, 6th Dragoon Guards (Carbineers), took over the
command from Lieut.-Colonel Duff, who took over the
command of his own regiment, the 8th Hussars. To
Colonel Leader due the high state of efficiency of the
is

regiment at the end of the war." The regiment con-

tinued its good work in the Western Transvaal.
Between May and September the regiment had been
almost constantly in contact with the enemy. They
had 1 man killed and Lieutenant Duncan Stewart and
1 man wounded on 6th July. On 8th August, at
Elandsdrift, 1 man was killed and Surgeon J. M.
Bernstein and several men were wounded. At Wit-
poort on 13th December, Captain H. G. Field was
severely wounded, and on this occasion 5 men were
wounded. Among the next losses the regiment had to
mourn was the death of Captain P. N. Field, who was
killed at Doornlaagte on 2nd March 1902. This splendid
officer had in September 1899 enlisted in the Natal
286 The Colonials in Sotith Africa

Mounted Rifles, had gone through the siege of Lady-

smith, joinedthe Scottish Horse as a heutenant in
December 1900, been twice wounded, once captured,
mentioned in despatches, invaUded home in December
1901 after Moedwill, insisted on embarking again in
February, and was killed as soon as he got to the
front. His record is one of which not only his corps
but every Volunteer or irregular must be proud.
In the early months of 1902 the regiment was con-
stantly on the trek and fighting. At Gruisfontein,
on February 5th, 1902, the whole of Sarel Albert's
commando was captured. As to this action, Lord
Kitchener, in despatch of 8th February, said
his
" During Major Leader's advance he came upon and
captured a Boer picket, from which he ascertained
that General Delarey had already moved his camp,
but that Commandant Sarel Albert's laager was for
that night at Gruisfontein, which he reached just be-
fore daybreak. Our men charged the enemy's laager
with great dash, the Scottish Horse taking the main
share of the attack, and as most of the Boer horses had
been stampeded by the fire of Major Leader's pom-
pom, the gallantry of the attacking force was rewarded
by an unusually large measure of success 7 Boers ;

were killed, 132 prisoners taken, 11 of whom were

wounded, together with 130 rifles, 2800 rounds of
ammunition, and a large number of horses, mules,
cattle,and waggons were taken. Our casualties were
2 officers (Captain Ian R. M'Kenzie and Lieutenant
W. Tanner) and 6 men wounded, all belonging to the
Scottish Horse." In his telegram of 5th February
Lord Kitchener said " Leader reports that the Scottish
:

Horse behaved with great gallantry."

 The Scottish Horse 287

The regiment was in the column of Colonel Keke-

wich and the brigade of General Walter Kitchener in
the last great drives in the Western Transvaal. In the
drive which started from the Klerksdorp blockhouse
line on 23rd March, and came back to that line on the
24th, the troops covered 80 miles in twenty-four hours.
To the 1st Scottish Horse chiefly belonged the credit
for the capture of three 1 5 - pounder guns and two
pom-poms.
The regiment bore an honourable part in another big
fight at Rooival on 11th April 1902. It is described
in Lord Kitchener's despatch of 1st June 1902, a
quotation from which has been given under the
Imperial Light Horse, who were present in the latter
part of the action. Lord Tullibardine claimed for the
Scottish Horse, apparently with good ground, the
capture of some guns in the pursuit after a gallop of
20 miles. The official telegram certainly said that
Kekewich had captured 2 guns, 1 pom-pom, 1 ammuni-
tion-cart, and 10 waggons. The regiment had 1 killed
and 8 wounded in this engagement.

2nd Regiment.
" The second regiment started in Colonel Benson's

column in the Eastern Transvaal, under Major Murray,

Black Watch, and, thanks to Colonel Benson's good
guidance, speedily became one of the best corps in
the country, and never degenerated, even after his
death. Their first serious skirmish was at Roode-
krantz, on April 30th, 1901, when one man was killed,
4 officers and one man wounded. Their next (on 3rd
July 1901) at Eland's Hoek [Kloof in the despatches.
288 The Colonials in South Africa

see Mentions], when three men were killed and nine

wounded."^ The officers wounded at Roodekrantz
were Captains M. W. H. Linday and A. M. Creagh,
and Lieutenants Oscar Hamilton and C. S. Long-
Innes.
The despatches report Colonel Benson's operations
in some detail, and the Scottish Horse are invariably
mentioned in terms of credit. On 9th and 10th July
1901, near Dullstroom, north of the Delagoa Bay
Railway, they are said to have pursued the enemy in
a northerly direction, and to have captured some
waggons. On the 11th the regiment was detached
on a wide detour, during which they successfully
located and captured 6 prisoners, 40 horses, and 24
vehicles belonging to Yiljoen's commando, which were
hidden in a kloof in the Tautesberg.^ On 15th July,
at Wagen Drift, Lieutenants 0. W. Kelly and
M'Letchie and 4 men were wounded. In August,
September, and October Benson operated south of the
Delagoa Railway, and was most successful in rushing
laagers after long night marches, taking a large
number of armed Boers and immense quantities of
cattle and transport. For their fine work Lord
Kitchener bestowed on the column and its gifted
leader the highest praise. But to few soldiers is it
given to know nothing but unqualified success.
remembered that at the end of September
It will be
1901 a great concentration of Boers was reported in
the Vryheid district. After making most determined
but unsuccessful* attacks on Forts Itala and Prospect,
the enemy was driven from the south-east corner of the
Transvaal. General Botha knew that Benson's column,
1 Lord Tullibardine's statement.
2 Despatch of 8th August 1901.
 The Scottish Horse 289

which had become a standing cause of terror to his

subordinates,was operating alone in the Bethel district.
Into that district the Boer commandant moved, de-
termined to concentrate and strike hard. On the 30th
October, at 4.30 a.m., Colonel Benson moved from
Quaggalaagte northwards towards Brugspruit. He
was soon opposed on his front and flanks and rear, but
the attacks on front and flanks were not so serious as
those on rear. At the crossing of a drift the enemy
had a good opportunity of doing serious damage, but
did not press home the guns and waggons were
;

got over, and the trek was continued in a torrent

of rain. The soft ground caused serious trouble,
and two waggons, which were bogged, had to be left.
The accounts of what followed vary considerably. The
despatch ^ states that
"At about 9 A.M. the advance guard, on approaching
the farm Bakenlaagte [more usually spelt Braken-
laagte], where Colonel Benson intended to halt, found
the ground was held by the enemy, who after a short
resistance was dislodged, and the column moved
gradually into camp covered by the rear - guard,
composed of two companies of mounted infantry, two
squadrons 2nd Scottish Horse, two guns 84th Field
Battery Boyal Artillery, a pom-pom, and one com-
pany of the 2nd Battalion the Buffs [see p. 293], the
whole under the command of Major Anley, 3rd Mounted
Infantry.
" The guns, with the company of the Buffs and 50

mounted infantry, took up a position on an irregular

ridge running generally east and west some 2500 yards
south of the camp. Small posts of mounted infantry
were well out on either flank, and the remainder, with
1 Lord Kitchener's despatch of 8th Xovember 1901.
T
290 The Colonials in South Africa

the Scottish Horse, occupying some hillocks another

1000 yards to the south of the ridge, where the guns
were in position, formed a screen to the whole. As
the front of the column was cleared, the numbers of
the enemy hovering round the flanks and the rear-
guard increased. It was now past noon, the rain
continued, and a strong wind was blowing from the
south-west. The country was open, an expanse of
vast rolling downs without any very marked features,
giving a far-reaching command of view, while the deep
hollows afforded cover for the approach of an enemy
who knew the ground and avoided heights.
" As soon as the column and baggage had been

brought into camp, and all arrangements made for the

defence, Colonel Benson ordered the screen of Mounted
Infantry and Scottish Horse to fall back on the
remainder of the rear-guard at Gun Hill. When about
to carry this out between 12 and 1 p.m., Major Anley,
who was in command, reported that the enemy was
advancing in greatly increasing numbers, and was
already close to his position, which he could no longer
hold. He at once retired on Gun Hill, sending a
company of Mounted Infantry to some small kopjes
well to the left. The movement had hardly com-
menced when a strong Boer force appeared over the
rise,immediately to the left of the position just
vacated by the screen, and, wheeling sharp to its left,
pushed in the Scottish Horse and Mounted Infantry.
Our men passed over the ridge to the northern slope,
while the Boers formed up in a large area of dead
ground, which lay immediately under and in front of
its western extremity : here they dismounted and
rapidly worked their way into a good position within
close range of the guns on the crest. The company
 The Scottish Ho7^se 291

of the Buffs, which formed the original escort, posted

well to the front of the guns on the south side of
the ridge, was captured by the enemy as he rode
practically into our position almost in touch with our
men. [See p. 293.]
" In spite of the gallant efforts of the Mounted
Infantry Company of the Yorkshire Light Infantry
and a squadron of the Scottish Horse, which promptly
formed up on the flanks of the guns, our troops were
unable to offer any serious resistance, and the ridge,
with the exception of the extreme western end, which
was held by a party of the Mounted Infantry until
dark, gradually fell into the enemy's hands.
" As soon as Colonel Benson had become aware of
the nature of the attack he had ordered up two more
companies of the Buffs to reinforce the rear-guard on
the ridge, but these did not succeed in reaching any
position whence their fire could be effectually brought
to bear. [See p. 293.]
" It is now known that the sudden change in the

enemy's tactics was brought about by the arrival of

a reinforcement of 600 or 800 men under Commandant
General Louis Botha, which came on the field from
the direction of Ermelo shortly before noon. Their
subsequent attack, which was delivered simultaneously
both on the camp and rear-guard, was greatly aided by
the heavy rain and mist which concealed the enemy's
movements, as the storm burst in the faces of our
troops. The attack on the camp was easily driven
off, but no further reinforcements could be sent to

the ridge, nor were the guns in camp able to materi-

ally assist the defence of those with the rear-guard.
" Both Colonel Benson and Colonel Guinness fell
by the guns on the ridge, the former being wounded
292 The Colonials in South Africa

in three places. The fight was continued until dusk,

and when our ambulance moved out after dark to
collect the wounded, the guns were removed by the
enemy."
In his statement before referred to Lord Tullibar-
dine said " The next fight was the big one at Braken-
:

laagte, when Colonel Benson and Major Murray were

both killed. The men did magnificently trying to
save the guns. Only 96 [actually fewer] were en-
gaged at this point, and they stuck it out until only
6 were left unhit. Their casualties were 5 officers
and 28 men killed, and 4 officers and 36 men wounded
total, 73 killed and wounded out of 96 engaged, all
the officers engaged being hit. I do not think I
ever heard of better or more determined fighting, and
although we lost the guns the camp was saved by the
delay, and the men really did cover themselves with
glory." Major F. D. Murray and Captains M. W.
H. Lindsay and A. Inglis, Lieutenants C. Woodman
and J. B. Kelly were killed. Captain A. C. Murray
and Lieutenants W. Campbell, T. Firns, A. T. War-
drop were wounded. Subsequently Lord Tullibardine
informed the writer that the actual total of the officers
and men of the corps engaged was 93. One officer and
13 men formed the covering troop when the rear-guard
retired to Gun Hill. That troop was cut ofi". Seventy-
three reached Gun Hill of these only 6 were unhit at
;

the close of the day, and many were hit several times.
Naturally every corps thinks well of its doings,
and officers and men of the Scottish Horse have
spoken proudly of what the regiment did. It is a
satisfaction to them to know that officers of other
corps have spoken and written in a similar strain.
If more is needed, the Casualty List, which, after all,
 The Scottish Horse 293

is the best test, proves that the mounted infantry,

notably that of the Yorkshire Light Infantry and

the King's Royal Rifle Corps, along with the Scottish
Horse, particularly "L" Squadron, did all that men
could do to hold the ridges and save the guns at
Brakenlaagte.
Nominor engagement of the war has engrossed
greater attention than Brakenlaagte, and about no
other has there been more written. The death of
Colonel Benson, whose work as a column commander
was unsurpassed by that of any other leader, gave
it a tragic interest, but other causes contributed,
and among these a degree of uncertainty as to the
conduct of the troops. The infantry of a mounted
or mobile column in South Africa was the part of
the force which had little to do, when night attacks
on the enemy's outposts or laagers were made,
beyond marching to the point ordered but if the
;

column were seriously attacked, it behoved the in-

fantry to hold their ground to the last man, " cost
what it may," in the words of the red book. When
the present writer published his Our Regiments in
'

South Africa, 1900-1902,' he was taken to task for

stating, as his opinion, that the conduct of the in-
fantry at Brakenlaagte did seem to have fallen short
of the heroic. Since then he has been able to obtain
information which has satisfied him that the despatch,
on which his previous account and criticism were based,
is misleading on some points. From the despatch one
would infer that there were two parties of Bufts con-
cerned in the rear-guard action. There were actually
three. These were
1. The rear-guard company, actually 50 strong.
They do not seem to have been on the ridge, but
2 94 ^-^^^ Colonials in South Africa

to have been cut off and captured some 2500 yards

south of the ridge. This company was supporting
the mounted screen, which, forced to retire, galloped
through the company, thus masking any fire of which
the company w^as capable ; for it had little ammuni-
tion Close behind the mounted screen came the
left.

enemy, smothering the company by sheer weight of

numbers, and making resistance an impossibility. The
casualties of the company were few.
2. A party of 30 men, belonging to the left flank

guard of the convoy, who had been temporarily de-

tained with Colonel Guinness' guns. The guns galloped
back to the ridge or hill half a mile off, leaving this
small party of infantry to follow. The detachment,
while still moving back, was caught in the Boer
charge, but made what stand they could, losing 19
killed and wounded.
3. Two companies. The despatch speaks of Colonel
Benson ordering up two more companies of the Buffs
to reinforce on the ridge. These had been escorting
the convoy. The officer commanding them, hearing
heavy firing in rear, had halted them near the ridge
on his own initiative, but had been ordered by Colonel
Benson to rejoin the convoy. Just as these companies
were nearing camp, where the waggons had already
arrived, they received a message to go back to the
ridge. They at once turned about and advanced to
the ridge. When they reached it the fighting was
practically over but they maintained the struggle for
;

a time, and endeavoured to remove the guns. The

Boers are said to have admitted that this advance, in
which the companies lost 25 per cent of their strength,
put an end to their aggressive movement. The distance
from the ridge to the camp was 2000 yards.
 The Scottish Horse 295

After October the 2nd Scottish Horse continued

to operate in the Eastern Transvaal in the column
of Colonel Mackenzie. There was often severe fight-
ing, and on 20th December 1901 Major Jennings
Bramley (19th Hussars), who had succeeded Major
Murray in the command of the 2nd Scottish Horse,
and Lieutenant John Dow were killed at Lake Ban-
agher. In February the regiment made some smart
captures of influential Boers about Carolina.
Having been brought to Pretoria after the declar-
ation of peace, the Scottish Horse, along with the
Imperial Light Horse, Johannesburg Mounted Rifles,
and Kitchener's Fighting Scouts, marched past Lord
Kitchener on 17th June, and the Commander-in-Chief
intimated that arrangements might be made under
which these corps would be placed on a permanent
basis.
The Honours and Mentions gained by the corps
are noted below. An attempt has been made to dis-
tinguish the regiments (1st and 2nd).

Lt. W. J. English, 2nd Regiment, was awarded the Victoria Cross.

" This officer, with five men, was holding the right of a position at Vlak-
fontein [referred to already as Elandshoek] on July 3, 1901, dming an
attack by the Boers. Two of his men were killed and two wounded, hut the
position was still held, largely owing to Lt. English's personal pluck. When
the ammunition ran short he went over to the next party and obtained
more. To do this he had to cross some 15 yards of open ground under a
—
heavy fire at a range of from 20 to 30 yards." (Gazette, 4th October 1901.)
—
Despatch of ^th July 1901. Capt. P. N. Field, 1st, for conspicuous
gallantry on several occasions, and notably on 29th May 1901 at Vlak-
fontein, when he went back at considerable personal risk to extricate two
men who could not retire owing to fire. Sgt. J. C. Gange, 2nd, on Hout-
bosch Kop on 13th June 1901, a party of the regiment being under fire of
Boers and of our men, voluntarily crossed a most difficult kloof under heavy
fire from both sides to stop the firing of our own men, thereby saving many
lives ;also on June 15 crossed the Crocodile River under fire and burnt
some Boer waggons and stores on opposite bank. Sgt. D. M'llwraith, 1st,
on 4th April 1901, when scouts and cyclists were hard pressed, he, with
296 The Colonials in So7itli Africa

one other man, covered the retirement of the whole party, and by his
behaviour prevented the whole party from being rushed. Tprs. Gibbons,
Ruddy, M. Shadwell, L. N. Smith, all 1st, as scouts have several times
passed with messages through the Boer lines, and through country filled
with the enemy.
8^/i Aiigust. —
Lt. 0. W. Kelly,i 2nd, shot through stomach at Laatse
(Wagen) Drift, 15th July 1901, when with advanced patrol, but, having
located some of the enemy, crawled back under heavy fire to inform the
officer commanding. Staff Sgt. -Major J. Sharpe, 2nd, for his coolness and
good command when opposed to very superior force of enemy at Mauchberg,
14th July 1901, and Elandshoek, 3rd July. Lce.-Cpl. A. Redpath, 2nd,
on same occasion, called on to surrender and refused and tried to get away,
wounded and again summoned to surrender, but continued to retire, and
again wounded, still persisted, and got into camp with his rifle and bandolier ;

promoted Cpl. by the Commander-in-Chief. Sgt. W. L. Whiteman, Sgt. R.

Fraser, Tpr. T. Fraser (promoted Cpl. by Commander-in-Chief), Sgt. T.
Firns, all 2nd, at Elandskloof, 3rd July 1901, for gallantry and good con-
duct in an attack by 60 Boers on an extended position held by 26 men, of
whom 3 were killed and 9 wounded. The attack was repulsed. Cpl. F. T.
Kecrouse, 2nd, at Laatse Drift, 15th July 1901, galloped out under fire to
fetch in a man whose horse had fallen and dragged him, and succeeded.
Pte. F. W. Wilkinson, on same occasion, for gallantry in action and good
example.
8^;^ October 1901. — Capts. P. N. Field and Ian R. Mackenzie 1 and
Lieut. W. Jardine, all 1st, for work done by them in clearing kloofs in
Megaliesberg in September Lt. Jardine, also for gallantry at Moedwill.
;

Capts. R. H. Dick-Cunyngham (Lieut. 21st Lancers), P. M. Rattray,^ Lieuts.

J. H. Symonds, A. Rattray, N. C. G. Cameron (wounded), W. Loring, J.
Stuart Wortley (wounded), all 1st, for gallantry, Moedwill, 30th September
1901. Surgeon-Capt. W. S. Kidd, wounded early in same action but con-
tinued at his duties many hours. Tpr. Richardson (promoted Cpl. by
Commander-in-Chief), Sgt. Mainwaring, both 1st, for specially good service
in the dangerous and difi&cult work of searching kloofs in the Megaliesberg,
5th September 1901. The three following gained mention for work at
Moedwill Farrier-Sgt. Kirkpatrick, 1st, conspicuous by leading and rallying
:

the men at Moedwill Tpr. G. Webster (promoted Cpl. by Commander-in-

;

Chief), advanced with three comrades and when all were wounded continued
alone, called on to surrender, refused, and continued to fight till reinforced,
when he advanced again Sgt. C. E. L' Anson, for continuing to serve and
;

carry up ammunition though himself wounded.

?>tk December 1901. —
Lieuts. C. E. Rice and W. A. King, 1st, for good
service in capture of a laager at Beeste Kraal, 30th October 1901.
Lieut. D. Robertson, 2nd, for distinguished good service in Colonel Benson's
action at Brakenlaagte, 30th October 1901. Tpr. N. Grierson, 2nd (severely

^ D.S.O.
 The Scottish Horse 297

wounded, promoted Cpl. by Commander-in-Chief), for gallantry, same

occasion, crawling up to guns and oftiering to carry messages to the camp.
Sgt.-Major Sharpe, 2nd, good service, same occasion.
%th March 1902.— The following are all of the 1st Battalion. Major H. P.
Leader (Carbineers), for his capture of Sarel Alberts and his laager at
Gruisfontein, 5th February 1902. Lieuts. W. Lawless, H. Selby, J. C.
Wallace, for gallantry and good behaviour on same occasion. Staff Sgt.-
Major J. Sharpe,^ coolness aiid gallantry in directing the men under him in
hand-to-hand fighting, same occasion. Tprs. J. S. Robb and M'Callum,
promoted Cpls. (M'Callum was a son of the Governor of Natal), Tpr. C.
Barclay, Staff Sgt.-Major F. Neal and Sgt. G. Gunning, all for gallantry,
same occasion.
\st June 1902. —
Capt. C. E. Rice, 1st, gallantry in action against Delarey,
24th March 1902. Major A. Blair, D.S.O., and Cpl. W. Parker (promoted
Sgt.), 1st, good service at Brakspruit, 11th April 1902. Sgt. A. Martin,
conspicuous good service, same occasion.
Final Despatch.— The Marquis of TuUibardine. 1st Regiment, Lieuts.
W, F. Fison, S. H. Lewis, Squad. Sgt.-Major G. H. Manley, 13th Hussars,
Squad. Qrmr.-Sgt., afterwards Lieut., E. A. Legge,i 18th Hussars, Farrier
Qrmr.-Sgt. W. Eraser, Royal Horse Guards, Sgt.-Major M'llwraith, Farrier-
Sgt. R. H. Tellam, Scout T. Tooms. 2nd Regiment, Lieuts. J. M. Baker,
J. L. Jack, 2nd V.B. Argjdl and Sutherland Highlanders, Qrmr. and Hon.
Lieut. Murray, 3rd Dragoon Guards, Regimental Sgt. - Majors H. E.
Varley,! 6th Dragoon Guards, W. G. Austin, 19th Hussars, Squad. Sgt.-
Major E. Luther, Cpl. F. Helmkemp.

Awarded D.C.M.
 298

The Canadian Contingents.

THE EOYAL CANADIAN EEGIMENT OF INFANTRY.

On 3rd October 1899it was announced in Canada that

in the event of a war between Great Britain and the

Boer States the Canadian Government would offer a
contingent. On the same date Mr Chamberlain tele-
graphed to the Dominion Government that the Imperial
Government accepted the offer. He stated that the
[force should be in units or companies of 125, the senior
officer to be of a rank not higher than Major, and that
infantry would be preferred. The two conditions
mentioned were purpose of allowing the com-
for the
panies to be attached to battalions of the regular army.
Before the campaign commenced and for some time
afterwards the War Office had a j^rejudice, quite un-
founded as it turned out, against allowing volunteers
or irregulars to be embodied or mobilised as distinct
j
battalions or regiments, on the ground, doubtless, that
they imagined that only regular troops under regular
officers could stand on their own legs. The history of
the war proves how very far from the truth this view
was. The two obnoxious conditions were withdrawn,
at the request of the Canadian Government, and steps
were at once taken to raise a regiment of infantry. Its
title was the 2nd (Special Service) Battalion of the
 The Royal Canadian Regiment of Infantry 299

Royal Canadian Regiment of Infantry. The 2nd was

to distinguish it from, and yet connect it with, the

battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment of Infantry

which formed part of the permanent military force of
the Dominion. On 30th October 1899 the battalion,
1039 strong, under Colonel W. D. Otter, sailed from
Quebec on the Sardinian, and on the 29th November
the ship arrived at Cape Town. On 1st December the
regiment entrained for De Aar, where for a few days
they formed part of the garrison along with the 2nd
Battalion Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry. The
battalion soon again got a move nearer the enemy, first
to Orange River, and on the 9th and 10th December to
—
Belmont the locality of Lord Methuen's first battle.
The next two months were mainly spent on the lines
of communication between Orange River Bridge and
Modder River. The w^ork was of the kind usual to
such service making defence posts more perfect, re-
:

pairing the lines, making and enlarging sidings, as well

as outpost and patrol work. On 31st December 1899
"C" Company was chosen to be part of a force under
Colonel Pilcher, consisting of about two companies
Queensland Mounted Infantry, a section of Royal Horse
Artillery, about 50 men of the Munster Fusilier
Mounted Infantry, two companies of the Cornwall
Light Infantry, and the company of the Royal
Canadians, under Lieutenant Barker. The object of
the expedition was to capture or break up a rebel
laager near Douglas. For a great part of the way
the Cornwalls and Canadians rode in waggons, the
remainder of the force being mounted. About
9.45 A.M. on the 1st of January 1900 the enemy
were found. The Canadians were on the right flank
of the attack, and, like all the troops engaged, did
300 The Colonials in SotUk Africa

excellently. Forty -two prisoners and the whole of

the camp and its supplies were captured.
The two months spent on the lines were of the
greatest value to the regiment. They were beside
regular soldiers, they had military work, and the
diiferent ranks got to know one another. Without
such knowledge esprit de corj^s cannot exist. When
Lord Roberts was ready to start from the Modder
he formed the 19th Brigade from the 2nd
Battalion Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry and the
2nd Battalion Shropshire Light Infantry, the 1st
Battalion Gordon Highlanders, and the Ptoyal
Canadians. The first two named, like the last, had
been on the lines. The Gordons had already fought
at Magersfontein with Lord Methuen. The brigadier
was Major-General Smith-Dorrien. The brigade formed
part of the IXth Division under Major-General H. E.
Colvile,the other brigade of the division being the
Highland, so that the Canadians were in the best of
company.
On the 13th a march of 15 miles from Gras Pan
to Bamdam was done; on the 14th one of 12 to
Waterval Drift on the Biet Biver. The Canadians
gave valuable assistance in hauling the naval guns
across the drift. Here the battalion was inspected
and complimented by Lord Boberts. On the 14th
and 15th the division moved north-east, Lord Boberts'
intention being, apparently, to move it on Kimberley,
skirting the left flank of Cronje's position at Magers-
fontein, as French with the cavalry had done. But
on the 16th it was known that Cronje had left his
fortress and was marching rapidly to the east. A
force of mounted infantry, Kelly-Kenny's Vlth Divi-
 The Royal Canadian Regiment of Infantry 301

sion and IXth Division, were at once hurried

Colvile's
in pursuit,and French was ordered to leave Kimberley
and head Cronje. The cavalry leader had been fight-
ing all the 16th, but starting with Broadwood's Bri-
gade on the 17th he was able to head the Boer
waggons at Koedoesrand Drift on the Modder about
mid-day, "G" and "P" batteries dropping some shells
into the Boer column. French had, of course, to con-
ceal the smallness of his force, and fortunately the
enemy were too exhausted to make any great effort
to ascertain or test his strength. That night Cronje
might possibly have moved away, but he did not :

next morning the Vlth and IXth Divisions were ready

to close with him. The Boer laager was on the north
bank French was on the same bank, but farther east
;

the British infantry were on the south bank. The

river was flooded on the morning of the 18th and ,

it was 9 o'clock before General Col vile could get the

19th Brigade across the river to attack from the west

and north-west. Kelly-Kenny's men were attacking
from the south and south-east, Hannay's Mounted In-
fantry from the east, while the Highland Brigade,
under General Hector MacDonald, were doing all that
men could do to push in from the south-west. After
crossing the Canadians were next the river, the Shrop-
shire Light Infantry on their left, with the Gordons
still farther to their The Corn walls were in re-
left.

serve. The Canadians were opposed by a force of

Boers hidden and entrenched in the scrub by the river.
Colonel Otter extended his regiment for the attack, I
''A" and "C" companies being the first firing line,
but soon all the supports were pushed in. Major
Buchan commanded the firingline. Nothing could
 302 The Colonials in South Africa

have exceeded the gallantry of officers or men, and

by all accounts all possible skill was exhibited, but
the Boer fire was too powerful. Individuals got within
400 yards, but the line as a whole stuck outside that
distance. During the forenoon some companies of the
Black Watch and Seaforths also crossed the river and
fought alongside the Canadians, but at no point of
the huge crescent which the British formed could the
troops get actually into the trenches. In the afternoon
Lord Kitchener, who, according to various accounts, in-
cluding that of the German staff, was somewhat im-
petuous and ill-timed in his orders, asked Colvile to
make a more determined assault. The only troops
available were the Cornwalls. Under Colonel Aid-
worth they, assisted by the other regiments, again
charged the scrub, but without success. Colonel Ald-
I worth was killed, and the battalion lost severely. On
the 19th it was found the enemy had diminished his
perimeter, withdrawing from the scrub he had held
so tenaciously all the 18th. On the 16th to 18th
the Canadians lost Captain H. M. Arnold (died of
wounds), about 20 men killed, and Lieuts. J. C. Mason
and Armstrong and about 70 men wounded.
Lord Boberts arrived on the 19th, and with that
\unfailing good judgment which he showed on every
occasion decided that further assault was uncalled for.
He ordered his force to sit down and bombard the
enemy, advancing by spade work. On the night of
the 21st the Shropshires made what General Colvile
calls a fine advance, establishing themselves within 550
yards of the enemy, but further progress was found
impossible without starting a new set of trenches.^

1 'The Work of the IXth Division,' by Sir H. E. Colvile. Arnold,

London 1901.
:
 The Royal Canadian Regiment of Infantry 303

On the 22nd Lord Roberts wired to Lord Minto :

" The Canadian Kegiment has done admirable service

since its arrival in South Africa. I deeply regret the
heavy loss it suffered on the 18th, and beg that you
will assure the people of Canada how much we all

here admire the conspicuous gallantry displayed by

our Canadian comrades on that occasion."
On the 26th General Colvile got Lord Eoberts'
sanction to try a fresh advance that night, and as it

was the turn of the Canadians to occupy the trench

it was theirs to do the rest. "A." Company was sent
across the river to hold a post on the right of the
advance. " B " Company was to hold the original or

then existing trench. The remaining 6 companies

under Lieut. -Colonel Buchan, at one pace interval be-
tween men, were to advance in two lines at 15 paces
distance between the lines. When discovered the
front rank was to lie down and fire, while a half
company of the Boyal Engineers and the rear rank
dug. A party of Gordons with fixed bayonets were
to support if necessary, but not to fire. The Shrop-
shires, 2500 yards to the left, were to fire on the
Boer trenches when the advance was discovered. The
line, moving with wonderful silence, had got about
65 to 80 yards from the enemy's trenches when they
were discovered, and the Boer fire broke out. The
front rank lay down and returned the fire so well
that the enemy shot wildly. The spademen worked
like heroes, and when daylight came the Boers found
a new trench practically commanding their own at 80
yards. Lord Roberts in his telegraphic despatch said :

" At 3 A.M. to-day a most dashing advance was made

by the Canadian Regiment and some Engineers, sup-

ported by the 1st Gordon Highlanders and 2nd Shrop-
304 The Colonials in South Africa

shire, resulting in our gaining a point some 600 yards

nearer to the enemy, and within about 80 yards of
his trenches, where our men entrenched themselves and
—
maintained their positions till morning, a gallant deed
worthy of our Colonial comrades, and which I am glad
to say was attended with comparatively small loss.
This apparently clinched matters, for at daylight
to-day a letter signed by General Cronje, in which
he stated that he surrendered unconditionally, was
brought to the outposts under a flag of truce." V/ith-
out indulging in comparisons it seems to be admitted
that the work of "G" and "H" Companies under
Captains Macdonell and Stairs was superlatively fine
although it may be, as General Colvile points out,
that the ground favoured these two companies.
This very telling incident put beyond all question
the splendid military value of the Canadian Con-
tingent. Their losses on the morning of the 27th
were 8 non-commissioned officers and men killed, 1
officer, Major Pelletier, and 29 non-commissioned officers

and men wounded.

During the remainder of the advance to Bloem-
fontein the IXth Division had comparatively little
fighting to do.
When Lord Roberts commenced his northern ad-
vance the Division was broken up and the 19th Brigade
was put under General Sir Ian Hamilton, as part of
his army of the right flank.
At Yster Nek or Israel's Poort on the 25th April
the enemy were found occupying a strong position.
The Canadians and Grahamstown Volunteers (Marshall's
Horse) advanced to about 800 yards, lay down under
a heavy fire, and held the enemy in front while other
troops worked round the flank. In the evening the
 The Royal Canadian Regiment of Infantry 305

Boers The Canadians and Marshall's Horse were

fled.

praisedby Major-General Smith-Dorrien and by Lord

Roberts in his telegram of 27th April. The losses
of the Canadians were few in number, but unfortun-
ately Colonel Otter was wounded in the throat while
steadying the fire-line at a critical point.
The regiment was present in the numerous other
engagements which fell to the lot of Ian Hamilton's
army on the way to Heilbron, and after he had
crossed the front of Lord Roberts' army. At Doorn-
kop or Florida, on 29th May, when the 1st Gordons
added to their glorious reputation, the Canadians were
in support and had some losses.
After Pretoria was occupied the regiment did not
see a great deal of fighting. For a time they were
garrison at Springs. In his telegram of 29th June
Lord Roberts said that Springs was attacked on the
morning of the 28th, and that the Canadian Regiment,
which garrisoned the place, beat off" the enemy. After
De Wet broke out of the Wittebergen or Brandwater
Basin, about 16th July, they were moved down the
line to take part in an attempt to surround De Wet.
Thereafter in August under General Hart they took
part in the pursuit of that ever elusive foe, and did
some very trying marches on the north side of the
Vaal.
The brigade having been broken up at Krugersdorp,
the Canadian regiment was taken back to the east of
Pretoria. On 26th September Lord Roberts tele-
graphed, "17 officers and 319 men of the Royal
Canadian Regiment left Pretoria this morning en
route to Canada." But in his telegram of 25th
October in regard to the ceremony of proclaiming the
annexation of the Transvaal, Lord Roberts was able
3o6 The Colonials in South Africa

to say, " The Colonies were represented by the Hoyal

Canadian Regiment, the New Zealand Mounted In-
fantry, the Bodyguard, Eoberts' Horse, and various
details." It was satisfactory that a substantial portion
of the regiment were still in South Africa when the
interesting ceremony took place.

CANADIAN MOUNTED EIFLES AND

ROYAL CANADIAN DRAGOONS.
On 7th November 1899 the Dominion offered a
second contingent, but the War Office did not accept
this olfer until after the defeats of Magersfontein and
Colenso. Preparations, however, had been going on,
and when the acceptance arrived, the Canadian
Government announced that its second contribution
would be two battalions of Mounted Rifles,^ 2
squadrons each, and three batteries field artillery, 6
guns each. The 1st Battalion M.R. was mainly
officered from the permanent cavalry, and the second
from the North - West Mounted Police. Of the
artillery the officers, to the extent of a half, came
from the permanent artillery. These troops sailed
in three different vessels, and arrived at South Africa
in February and March 1900.
Early in March the 2nd M.R. and "D" and "E"
The title of the 1st Battalion M.E. was on 27th August 1900 changed
1

to Royal Canadian Dragoons, and the 2nd M.R. became the Canadian
Mounted Rifles, 1st Regiment.
 Canadian Mounted Rifles, &c. 307

Batteries became a portion of the Carnarvon Field

Force under Sir C. Parsons which undertook an expedi-
tion into the Carnarvon-Douglas district, where rebels
were giving much trouble. This service did not in-
volve severe fighting, but the force covered 700 miles
under conditions more severe than any subsequently
met with.^ The rebellion was for the time put down
and the force came into De Aar in April, and the same
month the two battalions of M.R. were ordered to
Bloemfontein, where they joined the main army and
formed part of Major-General Hutton's force of Colonial
Mounted Infantry, which, under the direction of
General French, swung out far on the left in the
advance to Pretoria. Before that advance commenced
the 1st C.M.B. had been engaged on 22nd, 23rd, and
24th April 1900 at Leeuwkop, south-east of Bloem-
fontein, and were said to have done well. The 2nd
Battalion got back to De Aar on 14th April, and
reached Bloemfontein on the 29th, just in time to
take part in the advance to Pretoria.
In Lord Boberts' despatch of 21st May 1900 an
account is given of the operations between his leaving
Bloemfontein, 3rd May, and taking Kroonstad, 12th
May. At para, 15, referring to the crossing of the
Vet River, which was held by the enemy in force, his
lordship says " Just before dark the mounted in-
:

fantry executed a turning movement, crossing the

river six miles west of the railway bridge, which, like
other bridges over the river along our line of advance,
had been previously destroyed by the enemy. In this
affair the Canadian, New South Wales, and New
Zealand Mounted Infantry, and the Queensland
1 Sessional paper 35th Department of Militia of Dominion, containing
reports by commanders of Mounted Rifles and Artillery.
3o8 The Colonials in South Africa

Mounted Rifles, vied with each other in their efforts

to with the enemy.
close We captured one maxim
gun and twenty-six prisoners, our losses being slight."
In these operations two companies of the Canadian
M.R. under Lieutenants Borden and Turner crossed
the river at a part where there was no ford, and
established themselves on the north bank. The New
South Wales men, supported by New Zealanders and
Queenslanders, seized and crossed the main drift, and
drove back the Boer rear-guard by a vigorous attack.
After dark Captain Macdonald and one squadron
C.M.R. rode through the Boer outpost lines and cut
a telegraph wire to the north.
The crossing of the Zand was also opposed, and
Hutton's 1st Mounted Infantry Brigade again had
hard riding to do a wide turning movement.
In his telegram of 18 th May Lord Roberts said :

" Hutton's Mounted Infantry yesterday surprised and

captured, about 30 miles north-west of Kroonstad,
Commandant Botha and 23 Boers. No casualties on
our side." There were other frequent references to the
very fine work of Major - General Hutton and his
Colonial Mounted Infantry,
The Yaal was crossed with little opposition, but the
enemy took up a series of very strong positions to
oppose the left flank of the British. French and
Hutton had hard fighting 26th to 30th May, and the
infantry had to be called upon to clear the kopjes at
Doornkop. The Canadian M.B. had slight casualties
on various occasions between 27th and 30th May.
After Pretoria was occupied Hutton's men were
chiefly posted north and east of the capital and fre-
quently had fighting. They were heavily engaged on
the British left at Diamond Hill, 11th and 12th June.
 Canadian Mounted Rifles, &c. 309

The casualty list showed that Captain A. C. Macdonald

and 3 men of the 2nd C.M.K. were wounded.
On 18th June Lieutenant Young of the 1st Battalion
M.K, with 12 Canadians and 3 Eimington's Guides, was
sent out to reconnoitre. The small party took 40
prisoners, and having noticed marks of gun wheels,
they boldly followed these up. The two guns were
found ; some oxen were captured and yoked to the
guns, and although fired upon, the party were suc-
cessful in returning tocamp with their prisoners, the
guns, and oxen. The small detachment received great
credit, and Lieutenant Young and Sergeants Purdon
and Ryan were specially mentioned by Lord Roberts.
From 15th June to 15th July the 2nd C.M.R. were
employed, and saw some fighting, in the Orange River
Colony, where, with other troops, they shared the all-
important task of guarding the line, chiefly between
Vereeniging and Kroonstad, at a time when the enemy
was making great efforts to hamper Lord Roberts by
cutting the communications. On 15th June Lieutenant
L. Blanchard died at Kroonstad of wounds received.
On the 22nd Lieutenant W. M. Ingles was wounded,
and 2 men killed and 3 wounded, in an attack on a
post at Honingspruit. Other posts were attacked on
the same day, and at Katabosch 2 men were killed and
several wounded. The defenders of these posts behaved
with the greatest gallantry, and their conduct was
praised by Lord Roberts in a telegram to Lord Minto.
On 15th July the 2nd C.M.R. rejoined Button's Brig-
ade and with him took part in the eastern advance.
On 6th and 7th July Colonel Mahon was attacked
south-east of Irene, and Major-General Hutton had to
reinforce him. The enemy, about 3000 strong with six
guns, fought with determination, but were driven off".
3IO The Colonials in South Africa

Between the 6th and 11th part of Hutton's line was

" practically surrounded and worried by enemy for six

days."^ In these engagements the 1st C.M.R. had

Adjutant Nelles and 6 men wounded. Within a day
or two Hutton was again attacked, and again repulsed
the enemy. On this occasion Lieutenant Young, who
had so distinguished himself three weeks before, was
wounded. On the 11th Hutton made a "successful
advance."
In Lord Eoberts' telegram of 17th July he said
" Yesterday the enemy made a determined attack on
the left of Pole Carew's position and along our left
flank commanded by Hutton. The posts held by the
Eoyal Irish Fusiliers under Major Munn, New Zealand
Mounted Infantry under Captain Yaughan, and Can-
adian M.K. under Colonel Alderson were most gallantly
defended." Among the casualties were —
"1st Canadian
M.K, Lieutenants H. Borden and J. Burch, killed."
In his telegram of the 18th Lord Roberts said, "The
two young Canadian officers mentioned in my telegram
of yesterday were killed while gallantly leading their
men in a counter-attack on the enemy's flank at a
critical juncture of their assault on our position. Lieut-
enant Borden, only son of the Minister of Militia of
Canada, had been twice before brought to my notice
in despatches for gallant and intrepid conduct." The
news of Lieutenant Borden's death caused a widespread
feeling of sorrow in the Dominion. Both the 1st and
2nd Battalions were with Hutton in the fighting of
16th July.
On 17th July Colonel Beeves, commanding 2nd
Boyal Irish Fusiliers, wrote most highly complimenting
the 1st C.M.B. for their gallantry " in going so nobly
^ Reports by commanders already referred to.
 Canadian Mounted Rifles, &c. 3 1

and fearlessly to the succour of our beleaguered detach-

ment at Witpoort yesterday."
On 24th July Lord Eoberts' army took another step
farther east, reaching Bronkhorst Spruit. Alderson's
Brigade, including the Canadians, were far out on the
right, and were in contact with the retiring enemy all
day. The pursuit was continued on the 25th, the
night of which was memorable for its wildness. So
terrible was the driving rain and cold wind that very
many transport animals died. Middelburg was occu-
pied on the 27th. In August the advance was re-
sumed, and the Canadian M.K. again had important
duties. On 5th September a detachment of 105 men
of the 2nd M.R was guarding the line between Pan
and Wonderfontein. They were attacked -by the
enemy with two guns and a pom-pom. Before the
arrival of assistance, the party had succeeded in driv-
ing off the Boers. Major Sanders, Lieutenant Moodie,
and 2 men were wounded, and 6 men taken prisoners.
Lord Roberts, in his telegram of 5th September, char-
acterised the repulse of the attack as a very creditable
performance.
General Button's Brigade having been broken up, he
issued a farewell order which was most flattering to
the regulars and to all the Colonials who had served
under him. He spoke of their "steadiness under fire,
gallantry in the field, and uniform good conduct in

camp." General Hutton also wrote to Colonel Lessard

as to the finework of the regiment, and added " No- :

thing can be more certain than the impossibility of

raising militia cavalry to the standard of regular
cavalry ;but it has been demonstrated and clearly
proved that, organised as mounted rifles, our Colonies
can put into the field a force of the utmost value. I
3 1 The Colonials in South Africa

devoutly hope that this fact will be brought home, not

only to every man in the Dominion Militia Cavalry,
but also to the Canadian people and Canadian public
opinion. ... It has been a constant pleasure to me
to note how excellently your regiment has profited by
its opportunities, and what real good service it has

performed."
In October and November 1900 Colonel Lessard,
with both battalions of the M.R. and two guns "D"
Battery Canadian Artillery, were in a force operating
under Major-General Smith-Dorrien from Belfast. On
2nd November the General moved out in two columns
to attack a Boer encampment near Van Wyk's Vlei
but on account of a very severe rainstorm the attack
had to be abandoned, and on the way back to Belfast
the enemy assumed the offensive with the greatest
vigour, coming up to within fifty yards of the flank
and rear-guards. The Canadians particularly distin-
guished themselves. In his telegram of 5th November
Lord Boberts said " Smith-Dorrien reports that Major
:

Sanders and Captain Chalmers of the Canadian M.R.

behaved with great gallantry in the rear-guard action
on November 2. The former rode under heavy and
close fire to bring in a sergeant who had lost his
horse. As the two were riding back together on
Sanders' horse it was killed. Sanders was wounded.
Chalmers went to his assistance. Sanders implored
him to leave him. This Chalmers would not do, and
the gallant fellow was, I grieve to say, killed."
On 6th November at 3.30 A.M. Smith-Dorrien again
set out. fighting commenced
About 8 o'clock the ;

enemy were driven back, but took up a very strong

position on the Komati Biver. " Here they made a

determined stand, and it was not till 4 p.m. that a

 Canadian Motmted Rifles, <2fc. 3 1

wide turning movement brought the 1st Battalion

Suffolk Regiment and the Koyal Canadian Dragoons
(1st C.M.R.) on the Boers' flank, and forced them to
withdraw across the river towards Carolina. . On
. .

the following day Smith-Dorrien started to march in

an easterly direction. Observing this, several hundred
Boers at once galloped back to seize their position of
the previous day, but were forestalled by Lieutenant-
Colonel Evans and the Boyal Canadian Dragoons and
a section of the 84th Battery R.F.A., who, by going at
full speed for two miles, succeeded in seizing the key

of the position and in holding about 300 of the enemy

in the bed of the river, while the 5 -in. guns did good
execution among masses of the Boers in the open. As
it now became evident that the enemy had received

large reinforcements after the engagement of the pre-

vious day, Smith-Dorrien directed Lieutenant-Colonel
Spens, commanding the advance-guard, to secure the
high ground near Van Wyk's Vlei, which was done by
the 5th Lancers. Colonel Lessard, with the Royal
Canadian Artillery under Lieutenant Morrison, with
great gallantry covered the rear of the force against
the enemy's close attack. About 2 p.m. some 200 Boers
suddenly charged our rear-guard, and without dismount-
ing fired wildly, coming to within seventy yards of
the dismounted Dragoons. Not succeeding in this
attempt on our rear-guard, the Boers then threatened
us on both flanks in large numbers. Our guns were,
however, so ably handled that they prevented them
coming to close quarters and caused them to retire.
Our casualties were 2 killed and 12 wounded, including
Lieutenants Elmsley, Turner, and Cockburn, all of the
Canadians. The Boers suffered very heavy losses.
Amongst the killed were Commandant H. Prinsloo and
 314 The Colonials in South Africa

General Fourie, and amongst the wounded General

John Grobelaar." ^ In his telegram of 8 th November
as to this affair, Lord Roberts most highly praised the
conduct of the Canadians. Sergeant D. Builder, re-
turned as wounded, died of his wounds within a few
days. Lieutenant H. C. Z. Cockburn, Lieutenant E..
E. W. Turner, and Sergeant E. Holland, all Canadians,
were each awarded the Victoria Cross, Lieutenant
Cockburn, at a critical moment, with a handful of men
held off the Boers to allow the guns to get away. To
do so he had to sacrifice himself and his party, all of
whom were killed, wounded, or taken prisoners. Later
in the day, when the Boers again threatened seriously
to capture the guns. Lieutenant Turner, although twice
previously wounded, dismounted and deployed his men
at close quarters, and drove off the Boers, thus saving
the guns. Sergeant Holland did splendid work with
his Colt gun, and kept the Boers off the 12-pounders
by its fire at close range. When he saw that the
enemy were too near to allow him to escape with the
carriage,he calmly lifted the gun off and galloped
away with it under his arm.

That one small corps gained three Victoria Crosses

in one engagement is a most worthy cause for pride,
and the announcement did send a thrill through the
Dominion.
On 20th November 1900 General Smith - Dorrien
j
issued a complimentary order on the occasion of the
lEoyal Canadian Dragoons and C.M.B. leaving his
iforce. He used these words " He can merely say he
:

Iwould choose no other mounted troops in the world if

lie had his choice." Brigadier-General Alderson also
wrote in a letter to Colonel Lessard " The more I get
:

^
Lord Eoberts' despatch of 15th November 1900.
 Canadian Scouts 315

to know the 1st C.M.R. (I must call them by the name

I know them best by) the better I like them. We . . .

in the regular army are brought up with cut-and-dried

ideas and red tape, and I should like to say how much
I appreciate the ready way in which those of your
people who have not been so brought up have fallen
in with my ways."
The regiment had marched more than 1700 miles and
had fought on 44 days.

CANADIAN SCOUTS.
Towards the close of 1900 and throughout 1901
Canada was represented by a corps known
at the front
as the Canadian Scouts, commanded by Major Howard.
In December 1900 they were with General Alderson
west of Pretoria, and immediately gained the confi-
dence of their leaders, and were given the difficult
In January,
task of scouting in front of the brigade.
February, and March 1901 they trekked with General
Alderson through the Eastern Transvaal, his column
being one of those which General French led to the
Swazi border in a great sweeping movement, when
practically all the enemy's artillery was captured. In
Lieutenant Moeller's Two Years at the Front,' page
'

153, he says: "26th January 1901 —

Object of trek.
We formed part of a big movement south to Ermelo to
drive Boers east. We
are one of six columns. Our
force consists of the 14th Mounted Infantry (regulars),
400 men, Major Heigham 13th Mounted Infantry
;
3i6 The Colonials in Sotith Africa

(regulars), 300 men, Major Pratt; Canadian Scouts, 50

men, Major Howard Canadian pom-pom, Lieutenant
;

Hilton; Colonel Jenner, D.S.O., Colt guns, 6; ^J'

Battery, 6 guns G Battery, 2 guns, Captain Sykes
;
' '
;

battalion King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, 800

all under General Alderson." As appears from Lieu-
tenant Moeller's Diary, the Canadian Scouts were con-
stantly in the very front, and of course they had to
pay the price indeed on the following day, 27th
;

January, he records that 2 scouts were killed. These

were Sergeant-Major D. J. M'Gregor and Sergeant D. B.
Hammond. Sergeant W. S. Gordon was wounded. All
three had served with C Battery Canadian Artillery.
'
'

On the 28th Lieutenant Moeller remarks " The Can- :

adian Scouts are first-rate, and my men are doing well.

—
29th A somewhat exciting incident occurred. David-
son, one of the Canadians, about 2500 yards ahead, was
suddenly confronted with four Boers, one of whom de-
manded his surrender. He replied by shooting the
man and killing him on the spot the other three ;

legged it." Under the 31st he says " My skipper, :

King, captain in Canadian Dragoons, and a colonel, is

a sterling good fellow and a first-rate soldier all the ;

Colonials indeed are splendid and real good fighters

most interesting too. Major Gat-Howard, who is in
command of them, is a Yankee, and wentall through

the American War. He has seen much service with

Red Indians, and is a typical scout leader." On 4th
February Sergeant-Major J. A. Patterson was killed,
and Sergeants H. Bredin, A. B. Cradock, and E. W.
Muncey were wounded. The first two had served with
the Mounted Rifles and Muncey with the Canadian
Artillery. Under February 5th Moeller says " To-day :

I got the billet I like, support to the Canadian Scouts.

 Canadian Scotits 317

February 8th —
met Callaghan/ officer, Canadian
I
Scouts ; Canadian Scout, and really a Red
Davis,
Indian and another, who rode forty miles through
;

the Boers with despatches from Kitchener, vid French

and Alderson, to Smith-Dorrien. They had a mar-
vellous ride one had to bury the despatches and dodge
;

the Boers. Davis, the Redskin, was taken prisoner,

but escaped by shooting several Boers with his re-
volver. At night Callaghan dug up the despatches
and got them in safe. It reads like Fenimore Cooper.' '

I have no time to write details, but it was a wonder-

fully exciting ride. February 17th, Derby Stood to —
arms at 3 a.m.; orders to go out at 6 a.m. east, then
proceed south-east towards Swaziland border to round
up 200 or 300 Boers shut up in the hills with their
waggons. The force consisted of 14th Mounted In-
fantry (Captain Brass), 13th Mounted Infantry (Major
Pratt), 4 guns J Battery (Captain Sykes), 2 Colt
'
'

guns, Canadian Scouts (Captain Ross) all under Major —

Gat-Howard, Royal Canadians. Singular that a British
force should be commanded by a semi- American officer.
There is a cold drizzling rain, and it is very misty.
We started at 8.30 a.m. I was support to scouts and
advanced guard. Trekked eight miles east and south-
east, and halted in the hills owing to the rain and thick
white mist. Dick's force is also moving, as well as
Campbell and Smith-Dorrien. Objective of all, to
round up these Boers and waggons. Waited till 3
P.M. Still misty. Suddenly the scouts moved forward
at a trot, and I followed on their heels. It is an
extraordinarily difficult country, with its hills, valleys,

^ Mr Callaghan's thirst for adventure and dangerous enterprise was not

satiated in South Africa. In the Russo-Japanese war he obtained employ-
ment with the Japs as an officer in command of a body of scouts.
 3i8 The Colonials in South Africa

and deep gorges. Heard rifle-fire and Mausers going

ofi", so pushed forward, dismounted my men and again

pushed forward found Canadians holding a rocky

;

ridge immediately in front of a huge kopje, which was

steep and covered with bush. In the valley were four
Boer waggons pushed on and joined them.
;
I am
sorry to say Major Howard and his orderly were found
killed, and a native scout shot. Poor Major Howard
I no doubt met his death by going too far ahead alone.
He spotted the waggons, went to them, and got shot.
A little later I heard that he actually surrendered and
the Boers shot him afterwards. He was hit in three
places — —
arm, jaw, and stomach all expanding cart-
ridges. His orderly had a terrible wound through the
back and stomach. Well, we burnt all the waggons,
put the two dead men in sheets, and sent for an ambul-
ance. I only saw the major in the morning, and he
gave me all instructions about following his scouts
up. He was fifty-five yesterday a splendid scout and
;

soldier, his one and only fault being his daring, if it can
be called a fault. Beattie, the General's A.D.C., was
the first to find them. He had his horse shot, and had
a narrow escape as well, as they were potting at him
at 200 and 300 yards. Major Pratt took the command,
and sent back word that we were to retire as soon as
we could, as it was getting dark, besides being more
misty. The fact is that Major Howard and his orderly
were foully murdered after surrendering and laying
down their arms." ^ On 16th February the Scouts
had Sergeant F. C. A. Douglas mortally wounded, and
Sergeant G. L. Abbott and Sergeant Carter wounded
on the 18th Major Howard and Sergeant Northway,
^ Of course this was only a hastily formed opinion. If Lieut. Moeller had
lived to revise his proofs he might have modified it.
 Canadian Scouts 319

who had served with the Mounted Rifles, killed. As

will have been seen, the casualties among the senior
non-commissioned officers on this trek were most severe,
and out of all proportion to the losses of the column,
which were otherwise almost none. The fact was
that the Canadian Scouts had undertaken extremely-
dangerous work, and had done it so thoroughly that
their self-sacrifice saved all their comrades.
Major Ross got the command of the Scouts on Major
Howard's death, and they continued to do splendidly
under their new leader.
The extracts given above are the words, not written
for publication, of a British officer of great insight and
intelligence, and no better proof could be wanted of the
value of the Canadian Scouts. Lieutenant Moeller was
himself to fall in the same Eastern Transvaal on 18th
December 1901. His Diary is one of the most valuable
war books yet published.
The Canadian Scouts were with Colonel Hackett-
Thompson's column in the Megaliesberg for part of
the year 1901. In July they joined a column then
being organised at Heilbron under Colonel Rimington,
and in the war record of that leader's regiment, the
Inniskilling Dragoons, there are many references to
the fine work of the Canadian Scouts. The column
did an immense lot of driving work in the north-east
of the Orange River Colony. Under the 3rd New
South Wales Mounted Rifles some extracts from
the Inniskillings' record are given. These show
the nature and great value of the work done by
Rimington's force. In February 1902 the Scouts
suffered casualties in the Orange River Colony
on various occasions; 5 were wounded on the 9th.
In April they were taken to the Transvaal and did
320 The Colonials in South Africa

more heavy work there. On 3rd May 1 was killed

and Lieutenant J. M'Dougall and 3 men were wounded
in the Balmoral district. In Lord Kitchener's despatch
of 8th April 1902 he referred to the great drives in
which Rimington's column took a most prominent
share. After mentioning the captures, Lord Kitchener
said :
" In addition to this Major Ross of the Canadian
Scouts, belonging to Rimington's column, had discovered
in a cave near Tafel Kop a large Boer depot containing
300,000 rounds of small - arm ammunition, mostly
Martini-Henry, also 10,000 Lee-Metford, some Krupp
and 15-pounder shells and fuzes, 600 pom-pom shells,
200 lb, of powder, one maxim gun complete," &c.

2nd regiment CANADIAN MOUNTED RIFLES.

On 25th November 1901 was announced that the

it

Imperial Government had accepted the offer, made by

Canada, of a force of 600 mounted men. Recruiting

at once commenced, and on 14th January 1902 470
men sailed on the Manhattan, the remainder embarking
on the Victorian about the 28th, making a contingent
of six squadrons. A field hospital accompanied the
contingent. The was nearly 900.
total strength sent
On South Africa the regiment, which was
arrival in
commanded by Colonel Evans, was taken to the Western
Transvaal, where Lord Methuen had met with serious
reverses shortly before, and they were employed under
Major -General Walter Kitchener and Lieut. -General
Ian Hamilton. On 31st March 1902 Major- General
 2nd Regiment Canadian Mounted Rifles 321

Kitchener had sent forward two columns, those of

Colonel Keir and Colonel Cookson, with the latter of
whom were the newly arrived Canadian M.H., Damant's
Horse, and two squadrons of Yeomanry. At Brakspruit
Colonel Cookson, after being engaged with the enemy,
decided to halt, entrench, and close up his baggage.
In his despatch of 8th April 1902 Lord Kitchener
said: "At 1.20 p.m. the enemy opened fire with three
guns and a pom-pom, and then under cover of their
artillery attempted to rush the eastern side of the
camp." After very heavy fighting the enemy with-
drew. Lord Kitchener adds " The heaviest loss in
:

this engagement fell upon the Canadian Mounted Rifles,

who, in this, their first fight of importance since land-
ing, displayed the utmost bravery and determination.
Lieutenant Bruce Carruthers of the regiment especially
distinguished himself Being in command of a detach-
ment of the rear-guard, when coming into camp he
remained out in a position of observation, in which he
eventually found himself isolated and surrounded by a
large body of the enemy. Rejecting all idea of sur-
render, however, his small patrol of 21 men fought
stubbornly on to the end, no less than six of their
number, including Lieutenant Carruthers, being killed
and 12 wounded. There have been few finer instances
of heroism in the whole course of the campaign. The
Boers who took part in this unsuccessful attack upon
Colonel Cookson's camp were estimated to have num-
bered 1800 men, and were under the command of
Generals Delarey and Kemp." In this action, generally
referred to in the despatches and elsewhere as that of
Boschbult, the Canadians lost Lieutenant Carruthers
and 11 men killed, and Captain F. S. M. Howard and
Lieutenants R. H. Ryan, G. B. Mackay, R. F. Markham,
322 The Colonials in South Africa

and A. T. London, and 42 men wounded. Major Evans

wired to the Minister of Militia of Canada :
" The

regiment and field hospital have undergone severe

test, and have acquitted themselves most creditably.
I regret the heavy losses." Lord Roberts telegraphed
his congratulations to the Governor - General as well
as to South Africa.
The regiment took part in the last great drives
between the Klerksdorp blockhouse line and the rail-
way running from Kimberley and Yryburg to Mafeking.
In these drives many prisoners were taken.

In addition to the contingents already mentioned, it

should be borne in mind that Canada sent, in March
and April 1901, 1238 officers and men to South Africa
for the South African Constabulary (see evidence of
Major- General O'Grady-Haly before the War Com-
mission). Many of these had belonged to the Royal
Canadian Regiment of Infantry or to the first con-
tingent of mounted men. Further, on 18th March,
Mr Chamberlain having intimated that assistance to
the extent of 2000 men would be accepted, Canada
in response despatched, in the beginning of May 1902,
—
another immense force namely, the 3rd, 4th, 5th, and
6th regiments of Mounted Rifies, each 509 strong.
These arrived in South Africa just after peace was
declared. Probably the fact that they were on the
sea did help towards the attainment of the desired
end.
 Canadian Artillery 323

CANADIAN ABTILLEEY.
Canada furnished three batteries of artillery, " C,"
"D," and " E," of six guns each.^
"C" Cape about the end of March
arrived at the
1900, and, while encamped at Stellenbosch, on
still

14th April they received orders to march back to Cape

Town. Starting in the evening, the 33 miles were
covered in a night, and by 12 noon on the 15th they
had re-embarked on the Columbian, en route for Mafe-
king via Beira and Bulawayo. After a week at sea
the battery landed at Beira, and there entrained for
Marandellas. Thence to Bulawayo the personnel
travelled on coaches, and the guns were hauled by
mules, changed at posting depots, between 60 and
100 miles being covered each day. From Bulawayo
to Ootsi the journey was accomplished by train, the
latter town being reached on the 12th May, in seven
days from Marandellas. By forced marches the battery
covered the remaining 70 miles and joined Colonel
Plumer on the 15th. On that date Plumer, from the
north, and Mahon, from the south, joined hands, and
on the 16th (see Imperial Light Horse) the combined
force fought the stiffly contested action west of Mafe-
king which opened the gates of the town and raised
a siege which had engrossed the attention of the
British Empire for seven months. The officers of
"C" Battery were Major Hudson, Captain Panet, and
Lieutenants King and Leslie.
Colonel Mahon in his report said that the battery,

1 See p. 351 of 'War Commission,' Major- General O'Grady - Haly's

evidence.
324 The Colonials in South Africa

by a series of forced marches, reached him on the

morning of the fighting, and rendered very valuable
assistance and Colonel Baden-Powell, speaking of this,
;

said they had joined "with incredible rapidity." To

the Canadian Government the latter officer sent a
telegram " Mafeking relieved to-day, and most grate-
:

ful for invaluable assistance of Canadian Artillery,

which made record march from Beira to help us." ^
The battery operated with Colonel Plumer after the
relief while he was looking after the repair of the
railway from the north, and towards the end of May
was part of the force which he led to Zeerust, and
thence farther east. They were in action on the
following occasions: Olifant's Nek, 19th-25th July;
Haman's Kraal, 20th August; Pienaar's Eiver, 21st;
Warmbad, 22nd Nylstroom, 24th Warmbad, 3rd-
; ;

10th September Jericho, 24th October Twee River,

; ;

1st November and at three places in the Zeerust

;

district on the 4th, 6th, and 8th of that month.

" D" and " E" Batteries arrived at Cape Town on

the Laurentian on I7th February 1900, and in the
beginning of March were sent north to form part of a
column which Lord Boberts arranged should operate
from Victoria West under Colonel Sir C. Parsons.
The district M^est of the railway was at the time very
seriously disaffected, and quite unsafe for loyal farmers.
It was therefore necessary to overawe the rebels. The
column, which included the 2nd Canadian M.B., some
West Australian and New Zealand M.B., and some
Imperial Yeomanry, marched through the Kenhardt
district, doing about 700 miles in six weeks. There
was practically no fighting, but much hardship. It
1 'The Canadian Contingents,' by W. S. Evans, 1901.
 Canadian Artillery 325

was expected that a want of water would be a serious

trouble, but forweeks the rain poured heavily, often
making the rivers barely passable. About the middle
of April the column was back on the railway near De
Aar. The training during these six weeks of actual
war service, although without serious fighting, was
invaluable to every unit in the column.
In May Sir Charles Warren was again operating
west of the railway against rebels, the area of his
work being north of that gone over by Sir C. Parsons.
On the night of 29th May Sir C. Warren's force, which
included "E" Battery, was most fiercely attacked at
Faber's Put near Campbell (see Duke of Edinburgh's
Volunteers). After a trying fight the enemy were
driven off. Sir C. Warren praised his troops very
highly, and among those specially mentioned in his
despatch of 29th June 1900 were the names of Major
Ogilvie and Captain Mackie of "E" Battery. The
battery had 1 killed and 8 wounded. After the
engagement Warren operated northwards, and came
into the line at Kimberley towards the end of June
1900. " E " Battery was then split up into sections to
defend or work from posts on the Kimberley-Mafeking
Bailway.
"D" Battery remained on the Kimberley-De Aar
line till July 1900, when they were entrained for
Bloemfontein, and after a short time in that neighbour-
hood were railed to Pretoria. Here they joined Hick-
man's mounted column, which, with the infantry
brigade of General Cunningham, was to operate under
Ian Hamilton. The battery saw much hard marching
and fighting in the Transvaal. ^ For example, in the
march to Lydenburg " D " Battery had six days'
1 Lord Roberts' despatch of 10th October 1900, para. 33.
326 The Colonials in Sotith Africa

fighting, and in October and November they were in

action on twenty - two days, chiefly under General
Smith-Dorrien.^ As has already been mentioned under
the Mounted Rifles, " D " Battery had two guns in the
force of Brigadier-General Smith-Dorrien in the very
severe fighting on 2nd and 6th November 1900.
About 80 of \}i\Q, Canadian Artillery
'personnel of the
remained in South Africa until June 1901, serving
eighteen months.
Apart from the V.C.'s already noted, the Mentions
gained by the Canadian contingents, exclusive of Lord
Strathcona's Corps, were as follows :

Lord Roberts' Despatches Sis;; March 1900. Major S. Dennison,^

: —
Royal Canadian Regiment, aide-de-camp Lieut.-Col. W. D. Otter,'' Major
;

L. Buclian,"^ Major 0. C. C. Pelletier Capt. H. B. Stairs Capt. and Adjt.

; ;

A. H. Macdonell Sgt. Utton

; Ptes. J. Kennedy, H. Andrews, J. H.
;

Dickson, C. W. Duncafe, F. C. Page.

Ind April 1901. —
Royal Canadian Dragoons — Lieut.-Cols. T. D. B.
Evans,3F. L. Lessard'^; Lieut. R. E. W. Tm-ner*; Ptes. W. A. Knisley,^
L. W. R. Molloy.6 Artillery— Col. C. W. Drury^; Majors Houdin,'- G.
Ogilvie; Surgeon-Major A. N. Worthington Capt. H. A. Panet'*; Lieut.
;

L. E. W. Irving* Battery Sgt.-Major W. H. Grimlett^ Gunner Laidlaw.^

; ;

Royal Canadian Regiment— Col. W. D. Otter ^ Lieut.-Col. L. Buchan^;

;

Major Dennison^; Captain A. H. Macdonell*; Lieut. J. H. J. Ogilvie,*

adjt. Ptes. J, Kennedy,^ J. Landen,^ Crooke, R. R. Thomson.
;
Mounted
Infantry— Tpr. Waite.^ Mounted Rifles— Capt. A. C. Macdonald* Lieuts. ;

H. Davidson, A. L. Howard, W. M. Inglis, F. Young.; Regl. Sgt.-Major

Church; Sgt. R. H. Ryan; Cpls. T. Callaghan,' T. R. Miles,^ F. W.
Whitlow Tpr. Crawley ^ Ptes. T. Kerr (killed), S. E. Morrison, Hammond,
; ;

Miles.
In Lord Roberts' supplementary despatch of 1st March 1902 he announced
that one of the four scarves worked by her late Majesty for presentation to
private soldiers of the Colonies had been allotted to Private (since pro-
moted lieutenant) Richard Roland Thompson, Royal Canadian Regiment.
Sir C. Warren's Despatch: 20th May 1900.— Col. Hughes, Major
Ogilvie, Surgeon -Major Worthington. In this despatch Capt. Mackie,

1 Sessional Papers, Department of Militia and Defence of Canada.

^ Awarded C.B.
2 Awarded C.M.G.
* Awarded D.S.O. ^ Awarded D.C.M.
 Canadian Artillery 327

Royal Canadian Artillery, was also mentioned under the heading "Warren's
Scouts," a small body which Capt. Mackie at that time commanded.
—
Lord Egberts' Despatch A.th September 1901. Royal Canadian Regi-
:

ment —
Major R. Cartwright,^ Capt. Stairs, Lt. J. G. Mason.^ Royal
—
Canadian Dragoons Majors Williams and Forester. Mounted Rifles
Major G. E. Sanders,^ Lt. H. L. Borden (killed). Artillery— Lt. E. W. B.
Morrison.2
Lord Kitchener's Despatches 8<A May 1901.
: —
Lts. Borden and
Chalmers (both killed), brought to notice for gallantry in action and
stubborn fighting. Major A. L. Howard,^ Scouts, repeatedly brought to
notice for gallantry. —
Mounted Rifles Cpl. Morden, killed on outpost duty
whilst with five men holding off a large body of enemy. Sgt. Builder,
killed whilst bringing in guns near Belfast.
Sth December 1901. — —
Scouts Tpr. George, at Zusterhoek, 21st October,
returned for wounded man under close fire and brought him out to safety ;

second time brought to notice within three months. Sgt.-Major Wilkins,

same action, excellent work with pom-poms under heavy fire previously ;

mentioned. Sgt.-Major Forrest, for good work with Colt Gun Section
under heavy fire, same action.
Sth March 1902. — —
Scouts Pte. D. Maclntyre, promoted Cpl., conspicu-
ous dash on several occasions. Capt. T. H. A. Williams, conspicuous good
service, December and January.
—
Lord Roberts' Despatch Is^ March 1902. Moimted Rifles Tpr. E. F.
: —
—
Waldie. Canadian Regiment Surgeon Lieut.-Col. Fiset,^ M.D., Capt. H.
E. Burstall.
Lord Kitchener's Despatches : 1st June 1902. — Scouts — Cpl. E. C,
Pearce, promoted Sgt., for gallantry, 4th April. Mounted Rifles — Surgeon-
Major J. A. Devine,^ for good service at Boschbult, 31st March
1902. Lt.
Bruce Carruthers, in command of a detached party, fought till all were
either killed or wounded. Cpl. J. A. Wilkinson, promoted Sgt., Lee. -Cpl.
J. C. Bond, Pte. G. Beth, promoted Cpls., part of above party specially
noticeable in rallying the troop. Pte. P. H. Kelly, promoted Cpl., for
specially good work as hospital orderly under heavy fire. Sgt. J. C. Perry
(killed), good service at Boschbult. Pte. C. N. Evans (killed), after being
mortally wounded fired two bandoliers of ammunition and then broke his
rifle to prevent it falling into enemy's hands. Sgt. H. A. Lee, twice tried
to carry despatch through enemy's lines under heavy and close fire.
2ZrdJune.—UevLi.-Qo\. T. D. B. Evans, C.B., Capt. T. H. Callaghan,
Lts. R. H. Ryan, F. Church, Adjt., Squadron Sgt.-Major Docherty, Stafi-
Sgt. D. Forster-Bliss,3 R. G. Dale.^ —
Scouts Major Ross, D.S.O., Capts.
Macmillan,^ Williams, Sgt.-Major Stall wood,^ Regimental Qrmr. -Sgt.
Sanders, Pte. A. Chesworth. Sister Miss G. Pope, the Royal Red Cross,

1 Awarded C.M.G. ^ Awarded D.S.O. ^ Awarded D.C.M.

328 The Colonials in South Africa

LOKD STEATHCONA'S COEPS.

On 11th January 1900 Lord Strathcona offered "to
equip and land at Cape Town, at his own expense, 500
Eough-riders from the Canadian North - West, as a
special service corps of Mounted Eifles. Two days
later his offer was accepted by the Secretary of State
for War."i
On 16th March the force embarked 28 officers, 512
of other ranks, with 599 horses, 3 maxims, pom-pom, 1

500 rounds per rifle and 50,000 rounds for each maxim.
A more munificent offer has seldom been made by a
subject to his country.
The regiment landed at Cape Town on 10th April.
Unfortunately nearly 200 horses had been lost at sea,
an unusaally large proportion. After about five weeks
impatiently spent near Cape Town, the force again re-
embarked for Natal two squadrons were put off at
;

Durban and one, " B," was taken to Kosi Bay as part
of an expedition into Swaziland, but this did not come
off; perhaps the enemy was found to have heard of it.
*'B" squadron came back to Durban. In June the
corps was taken by rail to Newcastle and joined
General Buller's army, being put into the 3rd Mounted
Brigade under Lord Dundonald, and attached for the
time to General Clery's Division. On 1st July they
had, near Waterval on the Natal-Pretoria Eailway, the
first of many skirmishes, and suffered their first losses
in action. That week they were engaged on several
occasions, having altogether about 15 casualties. In
one of these little actions Sergeant A. H. L. Eichardson
* Evans' 'Canadian Contingents,' p. 153.
 Lo7'd Strathcond! s Corps 329

gained the Victoria Cross. " On 5th July at Wolve

Spruit, about 15 miles north of Standerton, a party of

Lord Strathcona's Corps, only 38 in number, came into
contact, and was engaged at close quarters, with a force
of 80 of the enemy. When the order to retire had been
given Sgt. Richardson rode back under a very heavy
cross-fire and picked up a trooper whose horse had
been shot and who was wounded in two places, and
rode with him out of fire. At the time when this act
of gallantry was performed Sgt. Richardson was within
300 yards of the enemy, and was himself riding a
wounded horse."
General Buller did the regiment honour by asking
them to provide 150 men as escort to himself to
Heidelberg, on his way to Pretoria to meet Lord
Roberts.
As a result of the conference between these leaders
General Buller shortly commenced preparations for
moving northwards across the Eastern Transvaal, so
as to meet and co-operate with Lord Roberts' army
in the neighbourhood of Belfast. Lord Dundonald's
Brigade, the South African Light Horse, and Strath-
cona's Corps, were part of the force taken by General
Buller, and right well did both regiments serve their
General all through the advance to Belfast and Bergen-

dal, and afterwards into the mountains of the Lyden-

burg district (see South African Light Horse).
Having returned to the Delagoa Railway line about
the 7th October, the regiment were here told to make
over their horses, and they entrained for Pretoria.
The regiment parted regretfully from General Buller,
a leader in whom they had learned to repose every
trust, and who was ever ready to appreciate the good
services they heartily gave. When he bade them fare-
 330 The Colonials m South Africa

well General Buller said that, having served in the

north-west of Canada, he looked upon the corps as old
friends,and he gave them and the South African Light
Horse the highest praise. In his final despatch General
Buller said " Lord Strathcona's Corps joined the force
:

in June, and from the moment of their arrival they

served with marked success. I can hardly speak too
highly of the value Strathcona's Horse have been to
the Natal Field Force." As to Colonel Steele, he said :

" Has great influence with all ranks in his regiment

having a thorough knowledge of frontier work, his
services have been most valuable."
On 20th October horses were again served out to the
regiment, and they were sent to reinforce General
Barton near Frederickstad. On 10th November when
acting as advance-guard they earned the commendation
of that excellent leader. In a letter to Colonel Steele
General Barton said " I cannot speak too highly of
:

the practical and effective manner in which the duty

assigned to your splendid corps was carried out by
yourself and all under your command yesterday. I
have specially mentioned this in my report." The
regiment had, among other good deeds, effected the
capture of 600 cattle and 1200 sheep.
In his despatch of 8th March 1901 Lord Kitchener
mentioned that when, in November 1900, he learned
Ithat De Wet was to attempt to invade Cape Colony,
\a big lot of troops was railed from the Transvaal to the
south of Bloemfontein, and among these he included
Strathcona's Corps. They were put under General C.
Knox, and took part in the hard and exciting work
which a " pursuit of De Wet " always entailed. This
work lasted throughout December. On 20th January
1901 the regiment re-embarked for Canada, via Eng-
 Lord Strathconas Corps 331

land ; and on 15th February they had the great honour

to receive a Colour from King Edward, who also pre-
sented them with their medals.
The Honours and Mentions gained by the corps were
as follows :

Sgt. A. H. L. Richardson gained the Victoria Cross in the circumstances

before mentioned.
General Buller's Despatch ^th Novemher\^()^. Lieut.-Col. Steele, in
: —
terms already given Major A. M. Jarvis, Major R. Belcher, Capt. and Adjt.
;

E. F. Mackie and Lt. R. H. B. Magee have done excellent service throughout,

and proved themselves most useful soldiers in every duty they were called
upon to perform. The following have been brought to my notice as having
specially distinguished themselves Regl. Sgt.-Major J. Hynes, Sgt. H. W.
:

Nelles, Armr.-Sgt. J. R. Brigham, Cpl. A. K. M'Lellan, Ptes. C. W. Rooke,

G. Gamsby, W. F. Graham, A. C. Garner. The following is a list of those
who have performed special acts of bravery, or have been selected for and
successfully carried out arduous reconnaissances or dangerous duties :

Major A. E. Snyder, Capts. G. W. Cameron, F. L. Cartwright, Lts. F.

Harper, J. A. Benyon, P. Fall, J. F. Macdonald, J. E. Leckie, T. E.
Pooley, A. E. Christie, Surg.-Lt. C. B. Keenan, Lt. W. Parker (Qrmr.),
Lt. I. R. Snider (Transport Officer), Lt. E. J. Steele (Paymaster), Lt. A.
M'Millan (Veterinary Officer), Lt. A. H. L. Kyle (attached), Civil Surgeon
A. E. Houseman, Squad. Sgt.-Major Richards, Sgt.-Trumpeter J. Farmer,
Sgt. R. H. Moir, Farrier-Sgt. A. Gillies,^ Sgts. J. S. Lambert, G. Clarke,
C. A. W. Whitehead, S. A. Kelly,i P. G. Routh,i Cpls. E. H. Clarke, Alex.
Norquay, W. M. LafFerty, F. Mulligan, C. R. M'Donald, R. Js. Crogan, Read,
Ptes. J. E. V. Carpenter, C. E. Kindrew, R. Hammond, H. D. Saxby, A. W.
Stewart, J. T. Waite, J. Devine, S. A. White, R. Bearing, T. M. L. Pym.
Lord Roberts' Despatch Ind April 1901. Lieut.-Col. S. B. Steele,^
: —
Majors A, Belcher,^ A. M. Jarvis,^ Capts. G. W. Cameron,* F. L. Cartwright,*
E. F. Mackie* (Adjt.), Lts. A. E. Christie,* J. E. Leckie,* Sm-g.-Lt. C. B.
Keenan,* M.D., Regl. Sgt.-Major J. Hynes,i Squad. Sgt.-Major J. Richards,^
Sgts. W. H. Nelles,! j_ -^^ ^ Skirving.
Lord Kitchener's Despatch ^th March 1901. Lt. I. R. Snider.
: —
—
Lord Roberts' Despatch Is^ March 1902. Tpr,, afterwards Lt., S. T.
:

St G. Carey.

1 Awarded D.C.M. 2 Awarded C.B. 3 Awarded C.M.G. * Awarded D.S.O.

332 The Colonials in South Africa

LUMSDEN'S HOUSE.

This corps, consisting of two squadrons and a maxim

gun detachment, represented Britain's great Depend-
ency in the South African War. It was commanded
by Lieutenant-Colonel D. M. Lumsden, of the Assam
Valley Volunteers while Lieutenant-Colonel Eden C.
;

Showers, Commandant of the Surma Valley Light

Horse, went as second in command with the rank of
Major. " A" Company from Calcutta on 26th
sailed
February 1900, and "B" Company on 3rd March.
" A " Company landed at Cape Town and " B " at East
London, and both joined the army of Lord Roberts at
Bloemfontein in April. On the 21st Lumsden's Horse
marched out of camp to join General Tucker's Division,
which had been holding the hills won at the battle of
Karee Siding, 29th March. They were attached to a
mounted infantry corps commanded by Colonel Boss,
which consisted of Lumsden's Horse 240, Loch's Horse
220, West Biding and Oxford Light Infantry M.I.
220, and the 8th Battalion Begular M.I. 420.
On 29th April Boss received orders to make a
demonstration against the Boer right, to draw them
out, if possible, and allow Maxwell's Brigade to seize
their position. Henry's Mounted Infantry were to
co-operate. Lumsden's Horse occupied various spurs
about 1500 yards from the Boer position; but the
enemy moved out and took the offensive with vigour.
Major Showers, who was exposing himself with rash
bravery, was killed early in the action. So strong and
determined was the enemy that Lumsden's men were
ordered to retire. Lieutenant Crane, who with his
 Ltimsden s Horse ^t^2>

section had been detached from Lieutenant-Colonel

Lumsden's command, did not receive this order. He
and his men held on to the position which they were
holding, and were cut off and captured. The casualties
of the two squadrons in this their first engagement
were most severe. Major Showers and 5 men were
killed, and Lieutenant Crane and 5 non-commissioned
officers and men were wounded. After the engage-
ment, General Tucker complimented Lumsden's Horse,
but " rebuked " them for an exhibition of bravery
which, he thought, bordered on rashness and the un-
necessary courting of danger.
On 3rd May Lord
Koberts commenced his advance
to Pretoria. this movement Lumsden's Horse
During
scouted and skirmished in front of the right centre of
the great army. At the Zand River on the 10th, at
Viljoen's Drift on the Vaal on the 26th, and near
Elandsfontein on the 29th, Boss's Mounted Lifantry,
including Lumsden's, did well, and their work was
much praised by various correspondents. During the
advance, and particularly after the Vaal was crossed,
Lumsden's men had several casualties.
After the occupation of Pretoria, Lumsden's Horse
were employed about Irene and at Springs, where they
had the usual hard outpost work and some skirmishing.
On 22nd July they marched into Pretoria and joined
a force under Colonel Hickman, with whom they did
some patrol work. About this time Lumsden's Horse
left Colonel Poss, who issued an order in which he
bestowed on them the highest possible compliments.
About the beginning of August the corps, now under
Brigadier-General Mahon and General Ian Hamilton,
started on a march to Pustenburg, thence to the
country north of Pretoria, and back to the capital.
334 '^^'^^ Colonials in South Africa

which was reached about the end of August. At

ZiHkat's Nek there was stiff fighting, in which the
Berkshire Regiment did very well.
Mahon was now ordered to make a forced march to
Carolina. He arrived there on 6th September in order
to co-operate with French in the march to Barberton
a splendid effort on the part of all ranks. It has been
already touched on under the Imperial Light Horse.
Lumsden's Horse next took part in the march from
Machododorp to Heidelberg along with the other troops
of Generals French and Mahon. After some very
severe fighting Heidelberg was reached on 26th Octo-
ber, and the corps then marched to Pretoria.
On 23rd November Lumsden's Horse left Pretoria for
India. Lord Roberts telegraphed to the Viceroy express-
ing his " appreciation of their excellent services," and
said " It has been a pride and a pleasure to me to have
:

under my command a volunteer contingent which has

so well upheld the honour of the Indian Empire."
In the compilation of the foregoing notes, use has
been made of The History of Lumsden's Horse,' Long-
'

mans, Green, & Co., 1903.

The Mentions gained by the corps were as follows :

Lord Roberts' Despatches Ind Api'il 1901. Col. D. M. Lumsden

: —
(awarded C.B.) Major H. Chamney (awarded C.M.G.) Capt. J. B. Ruther-
; ;

ford 1; Lieut. H. 0. Pugh.i

^th September 1901.— Capts. J. H. B. Beresford (Indian Staff Corps), L. H,
Noblett (Royal Irish Rifles), F. Cliftbrd, B. W. Holmes, C. L. Sidey Lieut. ;

C. E. Crane ; Surg. -Capt. S. A. Powell, M.D. Coy. Sgt.-Major C. M. G.

;

Marsham^; Sgts. E. R. Dale, G. E. R. Llewellyn; Cpls. P. Jones,2 G.

Peddie, C. E. Turner Tprs.
; J. A. Graham,^ P. C. Preston,2 H. N. Betts,2
W. E. Dexter,2 J. Graves, D. S. Eraser, H. R. Parkes.
\st March 1902.— Capt. N. C. Taylor, Indian Staff Corps.
Lord Kitchener's Despatch : %th March 1901. — Tprs. Kelly, Granville,
P. Jones. Capts. N. C. Taylor, Beresford, and Noblett got Brevet Majority.

Awarded D.S.O. 2 Awarded D.C.M.

 Ceylon Mounted Infantry 335

CEYLON MOUNTED INFANTRY.

Early in January 1900 the Legislative Council of
Ceylon unanimously agreed to send a contingent of
125 mounted infantry raised from white men in the
Colony. This offer was accepted, and the squadron
sailed on 2nd February, having been equipped with
the greatest possible despatch.
The Ceylon M.I. joined Lord Roberts while he was
advancing on Bloemfontein, in time to be present at
the engagement of Poplar Grove. On 6th March
Lord Roberts wired to Ceylon "I have just ridden
:

out to meet Ceylon Mounted Infantry and welcome

them to this force. They look most workmanlike, and
are a valuable addition to Her Majesty the Queen's
Army in South Africa." In the despatch of 15th
March 1900 Lord Roberts noted that, along with the
5th and 7th Regiments of Regular Mounted Infantry
and the 1st City of Grahamstown Volunteers, they
formed the 4th Brigade of Mounted Infantry under
Colonel Ridley.
The squadron was one of those praised by Lord
Roberts in the despatch of 31st March 1900 for good
work on the way to Bloemfontein. With Ian Hamilton
and Ridley the corps took part in the advance to
Pretoria, and was present at the battle of Diamond
Hill, 11th and 12th June. Thereafter they were in
the movement on Heidelberg under Ian Hamilton,
crossed to the south of the Vaal with Hunter and
Ridley, and under the latter took part in the first
pursuit of De Wet to the Reitzburg Hills and into
the Transvaal.
336 The Colonials in Sotith Africa

The squadron was afterwards operating in the

Orange River Colony. Having been taken back to
the Transvaal, they were present with General
Clements in the action of Nooitgedacht, 13th
December 1900, when his force suffered very severe
loss. The Ceylon M.I. had 1 killed and 3 wounded.
They sailed for home after about a year's service.
A second contingent, 103 strong, sailed from Ceylon
on 23rd April 1902, but peace was declared before
they took the field.
The Mentions gained were :

—
Lord Roberts' Despatch %id April 1901. Major Murray Menzies,
:

Lieut. Thomas (killed). Major IMenzies was subsequently granted the

honorary rank of Lieut-Col. in the Army.
Sir R. Buller's Despatch \%th June 1900.
: — Under Thorneycroft's M.I.
occurs the sentence, " Lieut. R. Villiers, who joined the regiment as a
private, having been in the Ceylon M.I., has done specially good work
throughout."
 2>2>7

New Zealand Contingents.

The contingents furnished by New Zealand, accord-

ing to the evidence of Sir A. Percy Douglas, Bart.,^
and Lieut. - Col. A. P. Penton, P.A.,"^ given before
the War Commission, were as follows :

Strength.
Description. Horses. Date of sailing.
All Ranks.

1. Two Companies Mounted Rifles 215 250 21st Oct. 1899.

2. Two do. do. 215 300 20th Jan. 1900.
One Hotchkiss Gun detachment 39 ... do.
3. Two ComjDanies Mounted Rifles 273 277 17th Feb. 1900.
4. Battalion do. 500 660 24/31 Mar. 1900.
5.

6.
Do.
Also Reserves ....
Battalion jMounted Rifles
do.

.
523
70
578
523
...

580
31st Mar. 1900.

30th Jan. 1901.

'
26th Mar. 1901
7. Do. do. 597 650^ (actually sailed 10
, days later).
8. Two Battalions Mounted Rifles j
2268 2251 end of 1901 and be-
9. Do. do. J
ginning of 1902.
10. Do. do. 1100 1000

The total of the oflScers, men, and horses sent from

the Colony is stated in the official publication, Aus-

tralia and New Zealand,^ as 342 officers, 6171 men,

and 6662 horses.
As in the case of the contributionsfrom Australia,
each New Zealand contingent, except those numbered
8, 9, and 10 above, were in the field for more than
1 Minutes of Evidence, vol. i. p. 424. 2 ibid., vol. i. p. 359.
3 Sydney, 1904, p. 440.

Y
338 The Colonials in South Africa

a year. Some officers and men remained in South

Africa after their respective corps had left, and
joined the succeeding contingents.

The 1st, 2nd, and 3kd KZ. CONTmGENTS.

On landing at Cape Town the first two companies,

under Major Robin, were entrained for De Aar, and
thence they moved to the Arundel district, where, on
2nd December, they joined General French, who was
then endeavouring to stem the Boer invasion in the
central or Colesberg district. In the official telegram
of 8th December it was noted that on the 7th the
New Zealanders had occupied a ridge at Arundel,
and covered the detrainment of other troops. Thus
they were at the earliest moment placed in a posi-
tion of responsibility, and they were soon to dis-
tinguish themselves. In the official telegram of 19th
December it was stated that during a retirement the
New Zealanders " were most steady under hot fire
at short range."
In his despatch of 2nd February 1900, General
French describes the efforts he made in December
and January to drive or worry the enemy out of
the very strong positions the latter had taken up
about Arundel and Colesberg, and he used the
—
words " I wish particularly to bring to notice the
excellent conduct and bearing of the New Zealand
M.H., commanded by Major A. W. Kobin, on one of
these occasions. On 18th December I took them
out with a battery of Horse Artillery to reconnoitre
round the enemy's left flank, and determined to dis-
lodge him from a farm called Jasfontein, lying on
 The \st, 2nd, and T,rd N.Z. Contingents 339

his left rear. The guns shelled the farm, and the
New Zealand M.B. then gained possession of it.
But the enemy very suddenly brought up strong
reinforcements and pressed on us with his artillery.
Our artillery had been left some way behind to
avoid this latter fire, and I had to send back some
distance for its support, during which time we were
exposed to a heavy musketry fire from the sur-
rounding hills. The conduct of the New Zealanders
was admirable in thus maintaining a difficult posi-
tion till the artillery caused the enemy to retire."
Begular troops with years of training could not
have gained a more appreciative and complimentary
reference, and coming as it did from General French,
the most incorrigible detractor of irregulars or volun-
teers will not venture to say it was idle praise,
such as is every day lavished by inspecting officers
in peace time.
On the night of 31st December and on 1st Janu-
ary 1900 the New Zealand Mounted Kifles were again
hotly engaged. General French had arranged that
the Berkshire Begiment should assault a hill known
as M'Oracken's Hill. At 3.45 a.m. the assault was
successfullymade and a strong position captured.
Colonel Porter of the 6th Dragoon Guards was,
before daybreak, to move out from E-ensburg, his
force being two guns B.H.A., two squadrons 6th
Dragoon Guards, and one company New Zealand
Mounted Bifles. Porter was to move to Porter's Hill,
which was garrisoned by one squadron 6th Dragoon
Guards and one company New Zealand Mounted
Bifles,and from that point he was to co-operate.
The words of the despatch are " This he did at
:

daybreak, with great effect at Porter's Hill and along

340 The Colonials m South Africa

the southern face of the position. The New Zealand

M.R. made a most gallant attempt to effect a footing
in the south-western corner, but were obliged to re-
tire before greatly superior numbers."
General French described operations on 9 th and
11th January 1900 in which the New Zealanders
were engaged, and he gave an account as follows of
a very severe fight on 15th January: "On the loth
January an attack was made by the enemy on my
advanced post at Slinger's Farm. This is a high and
rather steep hill, surrounded by a good deal of dead
ground. The first was held by one company York-
shire Regiment, and one company New Zealand
Mounted Rifles, and was in charge of Captain Orr,
Yorkshire Regiment. For some time during the
morning of the 15th the enemy engaged in heavy
and continuous firing at long ranges from the whole
of his position opposite this post. At about 10 a.m.
a movement was developed, which appeared to indicate
an attack on the east side of the hill, where there was
some cover, and the ground favoured it. Whilst this
threat was in progress the firing from the enemy's
main position was continued with great vigour. When
the attention of our troops was chiefly engaged in
watching for this attack on the east, it was suddenly re-
ported that a large body of the enemy had established
themselves at the foot of the western slope, which was
very steep, and were creeping up the hill, taking all ad-
vantage of cover from rocks, &c. When the Boers found
that their real attack was thus apparent, they opened
a hot fire from their position on the western slope.
Captain Orr at once fell badly wounded, and the
Sergt.-Major was killed. The enemy came on briskly,
and the moment was critical. Capt. Madocks, Royal
 The \st, 2nd, and 'i^rd N.Z. Contingents 341

Artillery, attached to the New Zealand M.K, saw the

critical situation of the Yorkshires, and that they were
practically without a leader with the greatest prompt-
:

itude he took a few of his men

to the west side of the
hill, and rallied the troops holding it. He caused them
to line their entrenchments and stem the enemy's
advance, which had now become very bold, several of
our men having fallen from their fire. Captain
Madocks then jumped up, gave the order to fix
bayonets, and charged down the hill, upon which the
leading Boers immediately turned and ran down the
hill, followed by many others, who had been under

cover of rocks, &c., unseen. Our troops poured many

well-directed volleys on the retreating enemy, who
left 21 men dead at the foot of one hill, and it is
estimated that their loss in wounded could not be less
than 50. The greatest credit is due to Captain
Madocks and his New Zealanders for their prompt
action."
'The Times' History, vol. iii. p. 140, gives a very
and bestows the highest
detailed account of this action,
praise on Captain Madocks and on those who, facing
the very heavy fire on the crest, took part in the
final charge on the enemy, who, according to The '

Times' account, had established themselves in a

'

sangar of the Yorkshires. The names of those who

leapt the wall first, as mentioned by the historian,
are Sergeant Gourlay, Madocks, Trooper Connell, and
Lieutenant Hughes. The number of dead Boers found
is stated at 29.
The foregoing extracts prove that the New Zealand
Mounted Eifles had done splendidly about Colesberg,
and Major Eobin and his men were chosen to accom-
pany General French and the Eegular Cavalry to
342 The Colonials in SotUh Africa

Modder River, where, in the beginning of February

1900, Lord Roberts was concentrating a great force
— first, and second, to march on
to relieve Kimberley,
Bloemfontein. The contingent was spht up at Kim-
berley. One squadron was present at the battles of
Paardeberg, Poplar Grove, and Driefontein. After
Paardeberg they formed part of the 1st Brigade of
Mounted Infantry under Brigadier- General Alderson,
the other units being the 1st and 3rd regiments of
Regular Mounted Infantry, Roberts' Horse, and
Rimington's Guides.^
When the New Zealanders marched into Bloemfon-
tein on 13th March, their strength was officially stated
at 5 officers, 60 men, and 72 horses. The remainder of
the contingent came in later.
Major A. W. Robin was mentioned in Lord Roberts'
despatch of 31st March for his good work since 11th
February, the date when the movement on Kimberley
commenced.
Alderson's Brigade was present at Sannah's Post,
March when Broadwood's
east of Bloemfontein, on 31st
force was ambushed The New
(see Roberts' Horse).
Zealanders formed part of the little body of Mounted
"
Infantry which did so much to assist in bringing " Q
Battery into shelter. The detachment was the portion
of the rear-guard to hold on upon the east side of the
Koorn Spruit, and were the last to cross after having
nobly covered the retirement. The New Zealanders
lost about 17, taken prisoners.
—
About 20th December 1899 that is, a few days
after the defeat at Colenso —
it was announced that

the Australian Colonies and New Zealand were to send

further contingents —
that from New Zealand being two
1 Despatch of 15th March.
 The ist, 2nd, and p^d N.Z. Contingents 343

squadrons of Mounted Rifles, which sailed on 20th

January 1900 on the Wahvera, and landed at Cape
Town on 25th February. This 2nd contingent, under
Major Montagu Cradock, entrained at Cape Town for
the north on February 27. They were detrained at
Victoria West, and, together with the 2nd Canadian
Mounted Rifles and a Canadian battery of field
artillery, formed the advanced guard, under Major
Cradock, of the Carnarvon Field Force, under Colonel
Parsons, which was one of the three columns Lord
Roberts mentioned in his despatch of 15 th March
1900 as taking part in the expedition to put down the
organised disaffection in the Prieska-Carnarvon district.
As already stated (see p. 307), the troops of the
Carnarvon Field Force endured much hardship. On
one occasion Major Cradock's men did 50 miles in
twenty - four hours, but after all failed to get into
contact with the enemy. Two New Zealand troopers,
T. G. Anderson and T. Hemp ton, died of enteric during
this expedition and Lieutenant John Findlay and
;

Corporal J. F. Neal, both of the 2nd New Zealand

Mounted Rifles, had a narrow escape from drowning,
but were gallantly rescued by Sergeant G. H. Street
and Private W. Cassidy of the New Zealand Mounted
Rifles and a trooper of the Canadians. Cassidy was
for his fearlessness presented with the Royal Humane
Society Medal. He received the award from the
hands of Lord Roberts at Pretoria on 25th October,
the day the annexation of the Transvaal was pro-
claimed. The advanced guard reached Kenhardt on
1st April and occupied it without opposition, being
then 100 miles ahead of the main body. They captured
a few rebels, many rifles, and 1900 rounds of ammu-
nition. After three days' occupation they were re-
344 '^^^^ Colonials in South Africa

lieved by a column under Major Burke, being part

of a force under General Settle, and were
parallel
then marched back to Victoria West with all speed,
and were there entrained to Norvals Pont. The con-
tingent marched from Norvals Pont, and arrived at
Bloemfontein on 29th April.
The Colonial Mounted Infantry under Hutton took
a very prominent part in the advance from Bloem-
fontein (see Canadian Mounted Bifles). At the en-
gagement of Brandfort, 3rd May, the 2nd New Zealand
Mounted Bifles were directed to attack the town, and
they captured it simultaneously with a successful attack
by some of Bimington's Guides on the heights near
it. Towards the end of April the 1st contingent had
been operating east and south - east of Bloemfontein
with General French on 4th May they joined
;

Hutton's force, and were put into the 3rd corps of

Mounted Infantry under Colonel Pilcher, which was
composed as follows 1st and 2nd New Zealand
:

Mounted Bifles, 1st and 2nd Queensland Mounted

— Colonel Bicardo 3rd
Infantry ; Battalion Begular
Mounted Infantry — Major Anley. This 3rd corps of
Mounted Infantry took part in every engagement
fought by French and Hutton on the way to
Pretoria, often in the advanced guard. At Kroonstad,
on 15th May, Pilcher was sent on a very lengthy
circular march in the Bothaville direction. His
column covered 200 miles they captured 30 prisoners
;

on the 19th.
The 3rd contingent, two squadrons of Mounted
Bifles — frequently New Zealand Bough-
called the
riders — commanded by Major Jowsey, sailed on 17th
February 1900, and were landed at East London. It
had been intended that they should go to Beira, but
 The ist, 2nd, and 2,'J^d N.Z. Contingents 345

apparently their services were required in the Orange

Free State in consequence of the activity of the
'

Boer leaders in the south and east of that country.

The contingent was engaged in the operations for
the relief of Wepener and the clearing of the country
east of the railway. Major Jowsey and his men
joined Colonel Pilcher at Kroonstad on 20th May.
After the Vaal was crossed there was heavy fighting
on the left flank, in which the troops distinguished
themselves. On 26th May the New Zealanders, under
Kobins and Cradock, dashed forM^ard during an en-
gagement, and, passing through some other troops,
attacked a ridge and routed a Boer force, killing
5 and taking 7 prisoners. They suffered some
casualties.
Before the surrender of Pretoria, French with the
1st and 4th Cavalry Brigades and Hutton with his
Mounted Infantry were sent to the north of the
capital, and at Waterval released over 3000 prisoners
on 6th June Lord Boberts had entered Pretoria on
:

the 5th. After the enemy had evacuated Pretoria

and had retired to the east, French and Hutton worked
towards the north-east of the enemy's position, the
centre of which, at Pienaars Poort, was of great natural
strength. It was necessary to drive back the Boers,
and with that object Lord Roberts fought the battle
of Diamond Hill, 11th and 12th June 1900. French's
cavalry and Button's Mounted Infantry which still —
included the Canadians, New Zealanders, and Queens-
land men —
were on the British left, and had very
heavy fighting in most difficult country. The attempted
turning movements were unsuccessful but by very ;

good work on the part of the infantry and artillery,

notably the Sussex Regiment and the 82nd Battery,
34^ The Colonials in South Africa

the enemy's centre was pierced on the 12th and a

stiff battle was won.
On the 13th French and Hutton moved east to
Doornkraal, but no enemy being found they returned
to Kameelfontein, 12 miles north-east of Pretoria.
During the next four weeks Button's troops, includ-
ing the New Zealanders, were mainly employed holding
posts to the east and south-east of Pretoria — work
which entailed great watchfulness, because the enemy
was at this time most enterprising. In the despatch
of 10th October 1900, para. 24, Lord Roberts said :

" Hutton, whose outposts were holding the Tiger-

poort, Witpoort ridge, east of Irene, was attacked by
2000 Boers with 8 guns at daybreak on 16th July.
On this occasion the detachment at Witpoort under
Major Munn, 2nd Bn. Royal Irish Fusiliers, consist-
ing of three companies of that regiment and 60 men
of the New Zealand M.R. with two pom-poms, greatly
distinguished themselves. By 3 p.m. the enemy fell

back, and at dusk they were in full retreat eastward."

The detachment of New Zealanders here mentioned
belonged to the 2nd contingent. Lieutenant J. Findlay
of that corps being severely wounded. On the same
day a post held by a party of the 3rd New Zealanders
was overwhelmed and captured, Captain J. Bourne
and Lieutenant J. Cameron being taken prisoners.
At this time Lord Roberts was commencing his move
from the confines of Pretoria to the eastern boundary
of the Transvaal. Button's Mounted Infantry Division
was split up. He himself, with Alderson's Brigade,
which included the Canadians, moved eastward on the
south of the Delagoa Railway, while Pilcher's Brigade
or corps, which still included the New Zealanders,
was put under the command of Mahon and General
 The ist, 2nd, and ;^rd N.Z. Contingents 347

Ian Hamilton, who with a strong force marched to

the north-east of Pretoria, and thence eastward on
the north of the railway. On the 25 th July French
and Hutton crossed the Wilge River, and Ian Hamilton
occupied Balmoral. The enemy retreated in disorder
through Middelburg, and Hutton occupied that place
on the 27th. During this period the troops had to
endure great hardships, the weather being very severe.
The New Zealanders had a few casualties.
On 28th July Ian Hamilton, with Mahon's and
had
Pilch er's troops, returned to Pretoria, as operations
to be undertaken west of the capital. AugustOn 1st
Hamilton led a fine force towards Kustenburg. The
mounted troops, commanded by Mahon, included the
Fife Light Horse, Dorset, Devon, and Sussex Yeomanry,
Imperial Yeomanry Roughriders, 3rd Regular Mounted
Infantry, and the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd New Zealanders.
The latter were frequently engaged on this march, and
on the 19th lost Lieutenant H
Bradburn of the 3rd and
one trooper killed, and Captain Hutson of the 2nd and
another trooper wounded. After relieving, or at least
assisting, Baden - Powell at Rustenburg, Hamilton's
force took part in a pursuit of De Wet, which was
then in progress, into the Warmbaths district, whence
they were recalled to Pretoria, which was reached on
28th August. During the four weeks 400 miles had
been covered, and rations for man and horse had been
far from plentiful. Colonel Pilcher now left the 3rd
Mounted Infantry Brigade for a command in the
Orange River Colony.
In August great events had been proceeding in the
Eastern Transvaal. On the 15th General Buller, with
part of the Natal army, had established touch with
French. On the 27th the very strong Boer position at
348 The Colonials m South Africa

Bergendal had been assaulted, successfully, by Buller's

men, and the enemy had been driven to the Lydenburg
hills and the Komati Poort district.
As ordered by Lord Roberts, Mahon marched from
Pretoria eastwards towards the Belfast district. His
force included "M" Battery B.H.A., the 3rd Mounted
Infantry Regulars, some Queensland Mounted Infantry,
and Queensland Bushmen, temporarily commanded by
Colonel Cradock of the 2nd New Zealand the 1st, 2nd,
;

and 3rd New Zealanders, whose strength had fallen to

16 officers and 226 men, under Major Robin the 79th
;

Yeomanry, Imperial Light Horse, and Lumsden's Horse.

After a forced march Mahon joined French at Carolina,
south of the railway, to take part in the movement on
Barberton (see Imperial Light Horse). Barberton was
occupied on the 13th, after some wonderful marching
and hill-climbing and no little stiff fighting, A part
of the New Zealanders remained for some weeks at
Barberton under General Spens the remainder, under
;

Colonel Cradock, returned to Pretoria, where, on 25th

October, the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd contingents were present
at the ceremony of proclaiming the annexation of the
Transvaal. On the same evening some of the 1st
contingent left Pretoria for Cape Town, and by the
end of November practically all the 1st contingent had
sailed for home.
On 26th October the New Zealanders, along with
500 other Colonials and four guns R.H.A., the whole
under Colonel Cradock, took part in an expedition
into the Schurveberg district, and, after returning to
Pretoria, were again sent to the Rustenburg neighbour-
hood to endeavour to capture Steyn, who, it was
thought, was thereabouts. On 20th November the
column came back to Pretoria, and on the 22nd marched
 The ist, 2nd, and '^rd N.Z. Coiitingents

north-east to join General Paget, who on the 29th

fought the very severely contested engagement known
as Rhenoster Kop.
On the 28th the enemy had been attacked by
General Plumer, and on the morning of the 29th
General Paget found a strong force, said to number
4000 men, under General Viljoen, occupying a fine
defensive position on a line of kopjes nearly seven
miles long. The enemy was well supplied with pom-
poms and machine-guns. Paget, who was expecting
that a force under Colonel Campbell would co-operate
from Balmoral, decided to attack without delay.
Plumer's two mounted columns were ordered to attack
the left of the enemy's positions, Colonel Lloyd with
infantry, chiefly West Riding Regiment and Munster
Fusiliers, attacking the centre and right. Cradock's
column on the extreme left were the first to come
into action, and for the next fourteen hours they were
under very heavy fire. The West Australians, under
Vialls, made a most determined advance over open
ground to turn the enemy's right, but eventually
they were prevented by the severity of the fire from
either advancing or retiring. During the time Vialls
was advancing, the 2nd and 3rd New Zealanders, under
Captain Crawshaw, were fighting their way, under a
terrible fire and over open ground, towards cover that
was evidently very strongly held by the enemy. By
sheer pluck and determination the New Zealanders
managed to get within 300 yards of the position there :

they were stopped, and only held their ground by a

ceaseless and most accurate fire from a section of the
38 th Battery R.F.A. under Lieutenant Craven. The
fact that four guns of this battery fired during the
day 866 rounds at fairly close range proves the
350 The Colonials in South Africa

severity of the fighting at Ehenoster Kop. Plumer's

other column, under Hickman (see 4th Queensland
Mounted Infantry), and Colonel Lloyd's infantry also
got to positions almost as near the enemy as the
New Zealanders, but nowhere was it found possible
to get closer during daylight. By dusk Paget's force
had about 100 casualties, including Colonel Lloyd of
the West Riding Regiment and 13 men killed, and
10 officers and over 60 non-commissioned officers and
men wounded. During the early part of the night
desultory fire was kept up on both sides, and all the
force, both officers and men, spent the night in digging
trenches to make good the ground they had gained :

however, in the darkness the Boers silently and quietly

melted away. As soon as it was light enough to see,
their position was found to be vacated. Signs were
neither limited nor indistinct to show that the enemy
had lost many killed.
In his telegram of 1st December 1900 Lord Kitchener
remarked, " The troops behaved with great gallantry,
especially the New Zealand Mounted Rifles, who
showed exceptional bravery throughout the day." Out
of a total of 6 officers they had 5 wounded namely. —
Captain Crawshaw, 2nd contingent Lieutenants Mont-
;

gomerie and Somerville, 2nd Tucker, 3rd

; and ;

Surgeon - Captain Godfrey, 3rd. Four non - commis-

sioned officers and men of the New Zealanders were
killed and 17 wounded.
Paget's force continued in this neighbourhood
throughout December, making almost daily reconnais-
sances, and being constantly in touch with the enemy.
Casualties were frequent. Two Queenslanders were
killed one day, and Spencer of the 3rd New Zealand
contingent was wounded on the 25th. On the 28th
Paofet set out on a march towards the north of Rusten-
 The ist, ind, and yd N.Z. Contingents 351

burg, 140 miles away, to operate against Beyers. That

district was reached on 3rd January 1901, and Paget
continued to pursue Beyers' commandos till the 14th,
when his force was This had
recalled to Pretoria.
been a very arduous three weeks, and sickness was rife.
After a day or two at Pretoria the force marched to
Balmoral, in which neighbourhood the 2nd and 3rd
New Zealanders had a good deal of fighting, as on the
23rd, when a patrol of 120 New Zealand and Queens-
land men under Major Tunbridge was attacked by 400
Boers. The patrol made a fine stand, and drove off
the enemy. Captain Crawshaw was again severely
wounded, 2 men were killed and 5 wounded. In the
despatch of 8th March 1901 Lord Kitchener spoke of
the good work done by Paget and Plumer in this
district, which tended to facilitate French's great sweep
through the Eastern Transvaal.
About 7th February the troops under Paget and
Plumer were called off from participation in French's
eastern movement, and were railed to Naauwpoort, in
Cape Colony, to take part in the operations against
De Wet, who was threatening to invade that territory.
They left Naauwpoort on the 10th, and were marched
up north to intercept De Wet as he crossed the Orange
Biver.
Paget entrusted Plumer with this expedition. His
force consisted of the King's Dragoon Guards (who had
just arrived from England) and one squadron of the
Carbineers —
about 500 men in all; Jeffreys' Corps
(late Hickman's), mostly Colonials —
some 750 men,
with 4 guns and a pom-pom; Cradock's Corps also —
about 750 strong. The latter included the New Zea-
landers. De Wet, with some 3000 men, crossed the
river on night of 11th and morning of 12th, and Plumer
was in grips with him by noon of the 12th. De Wet's
352 The Colonials in South Africa

men were in tremendous heart, and quite confident

they had nothing to stop them marching straight to
the Cape, looting every fat farm they came across on
the way. However, from the time Plumer came in
contact with them on the 12th he never left them alone
for one moment until the 24th, when he —
having en-
gaged them almost every day, and having captured all

their convoy, their ammunition, and their guns, to say

nothing of well on to 200 prisoners —
gave over the
pursuit of their then disorganised crowd at Hopetown
to others. Casualties on Plumer's side were, consider-
ing the fighting, very moderate, his chief loss being 24
casualties (including 2New Zealanders, Heywood and
Goldstone) on the day he turned the Boers out of the
strong Wolvekuilen position. The Boers suffered much
more heavily, and probably had 400 casualties between
the 12th and 24th. (See also 4th Victorians.)
Plumer was entrained at Hopetown on the 26th for
Springfontein, where he again took up the pursuit of
De Wet, whose scattered forces had managed to recross
the river back into the Orange Colony but he never
;

succeeded in inducing them to fight an engagement,

and by the time he reached Brandfort they had split
up and dwindled away to nothing. Plumer halted at
Brandfort a day or two and then marched on to Win-
burg. After a stay of a day or two at this place,
Plumer's forces were railed up to Pretoria, and from
there commenced the advance on Pietersburg.
The 2nd and 3rd New Zealanders, about 300 war-
worn veterans, returned home to New Zealand, under
the command of Lieut. -Colonel Robin, from the halt at
Winburg, sailing on 31st March, and Colonel Cradock
was invalided home to England a few weeks later.
 The \th and ^tJi N.Z. Contingents 353

The 4th and 5th KZ. CONTIXGENTS.

In the beginning of February 1900 it was announced

that NewZealand would send a fourth contingent, ap-

proximately three squadrons, but so great was the en-
thusiasm and so plentiful the supply of candidates that
the contribution was increased to two full battalions of
Mounted Eifles,known as the 4th and 5th New Zealand
Contingents. They sailed at the end of March, and
disembarked at Beira at the end of April. These two
corps were, along with the 6th New South Wales Im-
perial Bushmen, intended to form the 2nd Brigade of
the Rhodesian Field Force, which crossed Rhodesia and,
under the leadership of General Carrington, entered
the Transvaal from the north-west but before Mafeking
;

was reached the brigade was split up. The two New
Zealand contingents took part in the attempt to re-
lieve Colonel Hore at Elands River. (See Rhodesian
Regiment.
In Lord Roberts' telegram of 18th August he spoke
of an engagement at Buffelshoek, in which Carrington
and Lord Erroll drove back the enemy in the vicinity of
Elands River on 16th August, the day on which Hore
was relieved by Lord Kitchener from the south. Lord
Roberts remarked, " The New Zealanders particularly
distinguished themselves. Our casualties : killed, New
Zealand M.I., Capt. Harvey and 2 men; wounded, 9
men." Captain J. A. Harvey was a squadron com-
mander in the 4th contingent. Captain Fulton, Indian
Staff Corps attached, and Lieutenant Collins, both of
the 4th contingent, were wounded.
General Carrington left the seat of war about the
end of August. After that both contingents saw much
z
354 ^'^^ Colonials in South Africa

fighting under Lord Methuen, General Douglas, and

other leaders in the Western Transvaal. Between 9th
and 12th September both had casualties near Ottos-
hoop, in an engagement in which General Douglas took
40 prisoners. In Lord Eoberts' telegram of 22nd
October 1900, he said: " Lord Erroll occupied BufFels-
hoek from Ottoshoop on the 19th, without any casu-
alties, owing to the good work done by the New
Zealanders under Capt. Poison of the 5th Regiment
Imperial Bushmen, New Zealand Contingent." In his
telegram of 12th November 1900, speaking of Douglas's
march from Zeerust district to Ventersdorp, the Com-
mander-in-Chief said " Douglas reports that the New
:

South Wales Imperial Bushmen and New Zealanders

did excellent work on the march." After this both
battalions were operating in the Western Transvaal,
chiefly about Ventersdorp and west of Krugersdorp,
and they often saw fighting. The 4th had several
casualties about 25 th December, and Lieutenant Keddle
of that corps was severely wounded on 12th January
1901 at Ventersdorp, The 5th was split up. During
the first half of 1901 the greater portion of the regi-
ment did column work under Brigadier-General Cun-
ningham, and afterwards under his successor, Brigadier-
General Dixon. In the War Record of the 1st Battalion
Derbyshire Regiment occurs this sentence: "On 16th
May 1901, to our great regret, we bade good-bye to the
5th New Zealand Contingent, as fine-looking and as
useful a body of men as any in the field." Major
Dennison, in his A Fight to a Finish,' mentions that
'

a squadron of the 5th contingent was in a column

based on the Kimberley-Vryburg railway, which oper-
ated in the south-west of the Transvaal and in the
Orange River Colony towards the close of 1900 and in
 The AftJi and ^th N.Z. Contmgents 355

1901. They had casualties on various occasions during

the three months of 1901.
first Major Dennison has
nothing but praise for the New Zealanders. During
part of 1900 and of 1901 Captain Poison's squadron of
the 5th contingent was a component part of a " Com-
posite Bushmen Eegiment " which operated in various
parts of the Transvaal under Colonel Von Donop, Koyal
Artillery.
In 1901 the 4th contingent did splendid work under
various leaders, butit was while under General Babing-

ton that they got, and used to the full, more than one
fine opportunity. In his telegram of 18th January
1901 Lord Kitchener said: "Colonel Grey, with New
Zealanders and Bushmen, vigorously attacked the
enemy 8 miles west of Ventersdorp, completely rout-
ing about 800 Boers. Four dead, 2 wounded, and 1
prisoner taken, many horses riderless, some rifles, &c.
Our casualties, 1 man dangerously wounded." In
Lord Kitchener's despatch of 8th May 1901, dealing
with events in the Western Transvaal, he said
" Advancing northward from about Hartebeestfontein,
early on 23rd March, General Babington pressed back
the enemy and drove the main body north Colonel ;

Shekleton meanwhile operating against the enemy's

right flank. Following up this success with mounted
troops and guns only, General Babington, on the 24th,
pushed on after the Boers, whose rear-guard was over-
taken and driven in at Zwartlaagte. The enemy at-
tempted to take up a second position a few miles
farther north, to cover the withdrawal of the convoy,
but Lieut. -Colonel Grey's New Zealanders and Bush-
men overcoming all opposition, closed rapidly in on the
convoy from both flanks. The enemy then abandoned
guns and waggons and fled in confusion, pursued by
356 The Colonials in South Africa

General Babington's troops. The captures included

140 prisoners, 2 15 -pounder guns, 1 pom-pom, 6
maxims, 160 rifles," much ammunition, and many carts.
" Twenty-two dead and 32 wounded Boers were found
on the field. Our losses were 2 killed and 7 wounded."
This action was by far the most successful engagement
taking place in the Western Transvaal it had a most
:

disheartening effect on the enemy, and it was only

when they found that the district was being denuded
of troops to strengthen the driving columns in other
parts that the Boers again commenced to show enter-
prise in a piece of country which was very favourable
to their methods. Nothing could have been better
than the conduct of the 4th New Zealand and the 6th
(New South Wales) Imperial Bushmen in the action of
23rd-24th March, and both corps gained many men-
tions for exceptionally fine work on the part of in-
dividuals, as will be seen from the list of mentions.
The Appendix to the despatch of 8th July 1901
shows that in May the strength of the 4th New
Zealand Mounted Rifles still in South Africa and on
column work was 216 ofiicers and men, with 280
horses.
When giving evidence before the War Commission
Colonel Kekewich, the defender of Kimberley, was
asked his opinion of the over-sea Colonials. He said :

" I saw a good deal of the 6th Imperial Bushmen and

the 4th and 5th New Zealanders, and these were all
good fighting men who knew their job well."
At the end of May and beginning of June 1901 the
4th and 5th contingents sailed for home, and in recog-
nition of their splendid work were allowed to take
with them a captured gun and pom-pom.
 The 6th N.Z. Contingent 357

The 6th N.Z. CONTINGENT.

The 6th contingent sailed from New Zealand on 30th

January 1901. Throughout their war service they and
the 5th Queensland Bushmen operated under General
Plumer in almost every part of the seat of war, and the
column distinguished itself by consistently good work.
They could not have been more fortunate in their
column commander. In the despatch of 8th May
1901 Lord Kitchener narrated the work of numerous
columns in the North-eastern Transvaal in April, and
said that he brought Plumer's troops from the Orange
River Colony to Pretoria, and directed him to occupy
Pietersburg in the north of the Transvaal, a district
which, up to that time, had not been visited by British
troops. General Plumer left Pretoria on 26th March
and occupied Pietersburg on the morning of 8th
April. During the advance 48 Boers were captured
or surrendered. In Pietersburg other 46 Burghers
surrendered and the force took 1 gun and an immense
;

quantity of ammunition. Between 14th and 28th

April the results included 91 prisoners, 20 surrenders,
1 maxim, and more ammunition. On 24th April
Captain Markham of the 6th was able to assist
Lieutenant Reid of the 4th Imperial Bushmen in
bringing off a fine capture. Correspondents about
this time frequently referred to Captain Markham's
good work. Plumer was now directed to march south
to Eerste Fabriken, and he arrived there on 4th May.
On the 14th the column again set out as one of several
instructed to co-operate in clearing the country between
the Delagoa and Natal railways. At Kromdrai, on
358 The Colonials in South Africa

16th May, there was some stiff fighting, and on the

25th May a convoy was most severely attacked near
Bethel, when some Colonials greatly distinguished
themselves. Plumer arrived at Standerton at the end
of May, and on 1st June started on another trek, this
time to the extreme east of the Transvaal, making his
w^ay into the wild country, mountains, and almost im-
penetrable bush on the boundaries of Zululand and
Swaziland. On this expedition many prisoners and
horses were taken, but not without losses on the British
side. Lieutenant F. J. Byan was killed on 6th June,
and there were other casualties in both corps about this
time. On 28th June Plumer left Utrecht and marched
north to Lake Chrissie, where he arrived on 7th July.
Li the despatch of 8th August, para. 5, Lord Kitchener
noted that Plumer's column was in the second week of
July taken by rail to Bloemfontein, whence on the 23rd
they marched west to Modder R-iver, almost on the
tracks of Lord Roberts' army when he first invaded
the Orange Free State, the direction being reversed.
On this march some prisoners and stock were captured.
On 4th August Plumer's men again moved out to take
part in driving operations in the south-west of the
Orange River Colony. On the 11th he returned with
32 prisoners and many cattle, and between the 15th
and 30th he operated between the Modder and Orange
Rivers, making more captures. He reached the Bloem-
fontein railway on 30th August and moved into the
south-east of the Colony here some very hard fighting
:

and no little pursuing was done, the enemy being fre-

quently found in strength. On 22nd September 1901
"a party of New Zealanders under Major Tucker
(of the 6th contingent), belonging to Lt.-Col. Col-
vin's column (one of those under Plumer's direction),
 The 6th N.Z. Contingent 359

was engaged on the Elandsberg with 150 Boers under

Field-Cornets Hugo and Bothma, both of whom, with
several other prisoners, were captured." On 27th
September there was stiff fighting at a drift on the
Caledon, in which the Queenslanders suffered most of
the casualties. The despatch of 8th October further
narrated that in conjunction with operations south of
Thabanchu " General Plumer despatched 200 New
Zealanders under Major Andrew (of the Indian Staff
Corps, attached 6th contingent) from Wepener to hold
Mokari Drift on the Caledon. This party reached the
drift on the 27th September, just in time to anticipate
some 300 to 400 Boers who were about to cross the
river to the south-east. In some sharp fighting which
followed, the enemy, who were driven westward, left
6 dead and 7 wounded on the field."
In consequence of the enemy's activity in the south
of the Transvaal, and the threatened reinvasion of
Natal, Plumer's troops were, early in October 1901,
railed to Yolksrust, on the northern border of Natal.
They marched from that station towards Wakker-
stroom, and in that district they operated for several
months.
In the despatch of 8th January 1902 Lord Kitchener
dealt with the work of General Plumer's troops in the
Eastern Transvaal, and said that " while watching the
hilly district to the north of Wakkerstroom on 3rd
January, a party of General Plumer's New Zealanders
became hotly engaged with the enemy in the vicinity
of Twyfelaar, when, despite the loss of the officer
in command, who was wounded, and 20 (?) of their
numbers, they effected the capture of 300 cattle and a
waggon-load of ammunition," The casualties reported
on the 3rd were Sergeant -Major Smith killed, Lieu-
360 The Colonials in Sonth Africa

tenant Mitchell and Sergeant-Major Lewin and two

men wounded.
" Another severe encounter between the Boers and
General Plumer's troops took place on the following
day (at Onverwachte), when about 50 of our mounted
troops, under Major Vallentin, who were following up
the commando which had been engaged with the New-
Zealanders, were suddenly attacked by several hun-
dreds of the enemy. The Boers advanced at a gallop,
with about 100 men in first line, and about 50 thrown
back on each flank. The whole movement was covered
by heavy fire from several hundred dismounted rifle-
men in the background; severe hand-to-hand fighting
ensued, in which, I regret to say, Major Vallentin
and 18 of his men were killed, and 5 officers and 28
men wounded, before the arrival of reinforcements,
under Colonel Pultney, compelled the enemy to retire.
The Boers, who were led on this occasion by General
C. Botha on the one flank, and General J. D. Opper-
man on the other, fell back northwards, leaving 9
dead and 3 wounded in our hands. Amongst the
former was General Opperman, who held chief com-
mand over a group of commandos, as well as the
personal leadership of the Swaziland Commando."
Onverwachte was one of the most severely fought
engagements of the second phase of the war. The
writer has been told by a member of the 19th com-
pany Imperial Yeomanry, who was present, that they
had been following up Boers all forenoon, and had
halted, dismounted, and were at their midday meal,
when they were surprised by the enemy, who had
gathered behind a rise not far away. The chief losers
were the Hampshire Mounted Infantry, 7 killed and
:

5 wounded ; 19th company Imperial Yeomanry, 1 officer

 The Jtk N.Z. Contingent 361

and 1 man killed, 8 wounded 5th Queensland Bush-

;

men, 12 men killed, 2 officers and 20 men wounded.

The column continued for some time to work in the
Eastern Transvaal, and on several occasions made
substantial captures.

The 7th KZ. CONTINGENT.

The 7th New Zealand Mounted Eifles, along with

the 6th Queensland Contingent, were, shortly after
their arrival, put into the
column of Lieutenant-Colonel
Grey, afterwards of Colonel Garratt, which operated in
the Eastern Transvaal, and also in the north-east of the
Orange River Colony. In May 1901 the strength of
the 7th was 489 officers and men, 504 horses, and 1
machine-gun. During May the column, then under
Colonel Grey, worked in the Standerton district, "cap-
turing many armed Burghers." During June there
was constant skirmishing, and both corps suffered
casualties on many occasions. At Blesbokspruit, on
the 6th, the 7th lost 3 killed and 1 wounded. On
11th June Colonel Grey's troops had a sharp brush
near Kaffir's Spruit, in the Ermelo district, in which
they killed and took 13 of the enemy (see despatch
1

of 8th July). About the end of June Colonel Garratt

took over the column, which moved to Springs, east
of Johannesburg. From Springs Garratt advanced
towards the south-east, and on 13th July surprised
and captured a laager at Kopjiesfontein, on the right
of the Vaal. On the 21st two Boer convoys were
sighted, one on each side of the river ; both were
362 The Colonials in South Africa

ridden down and captured: "11 Boers were killed or

wounded, 25 prisoners; 34 waggons, 31 carts, and
1240 cattle were captured." After a fight near
Lindique Drift on the 22nd, Garratt's force co-operated
in some driving operations under General Elliot, in the
north-east of the Orange River Colony (see despatch
of 8 th August). About this time casualties were fre-
quently suffered. Lieutenant Trotter and several men
were wounded between 13th and 24th July.
In August Garratt's column made substantial cap-
tures at Bultfontein on the 12th, and on the 18th he
detached 330 mounted troops under Lieutenant-Colonel
the Hon. H. White, who at dawn on the 19th com-
pletely surprised Spannerberg's Laager, taking 25
prisoners, including Mr Steyn, Landdrost of Yredefort,
31 rifles, and much transport. Lord Kitchener noted
that White's covered 56 miles in 36 hours. At
men
daylight on the 24th 3 Boers were killed, 8 taken
prisoners, and again many waggons and Cape carts
were captured. The enemy, numbering about 300,
made a determined attempt to retake their convoy,
but after five hours' fighting they were driven ofl". In
this affair the 7th lost Lieutenant Leece and Sergeant-
Major Love killed, and Lieutenant Whiteley and Ser-
geant-Major Lockett and one man wounded. On the
28th another night march was undertaken, and a
laager attacked, when 13 prisoners, including General
Delarey's nephew, Piet, were taken, besides rifles,
ammunition, and horses. Garratt, on 5th September,
entrained at Yereeniging en route for the Wakker-
stroom district, in the extreme east of the Transvaal.
His column continued to work in that district during
the latter part of September, and throughout October
and November. Casualties were not infrequent at this
 The jtk N.Z. Contingent 363

time. Between 17th and 21st October both corps had

losses, Captain Henry of the 7th New
including
Zealand,wounded on the 21st. In the beginning of
December Garratt marched to Newcastle, up Botha's
Pass, and through the Drakensberg, in order to cover
the making of block-houses in that corner of the Orange
Biver Colony. This task having been completed, the
column was, with that of Colonel Dunlop, put under
the command of Colonel the Hon J. H. G. Byng, who
with his own troops, chiefly the South African Light
Horse, had been doing very fine work. On 2nd
February 1902 Byng heard of a Boer convoy, and at
once pursued (see South African Light Horse). "The
New Zealanders and Queensland Imperial Bushmen
at once charged the enemy's rearguard with the
greatest dash and gallantry, while the S.A.L.H.
rushed the centre with equal bravery." Three guns,
26 prisoners, including two captains and a field-cornet,
150 horses and mules, and 750 cattle were taken 5 :

Boers were killed and 8 were wounded in this engage-

ment. After this all the columns in the district made
a big drive towards the railway, which ended on 8th
February, when it was found that 300 prisoners had
been taken. (See despatch of 8th February.)
In a few days another great concerted movement
was undertaken. This time the column moved east-
wards towards the Drakensberg. The troops, widely
extended, swept forward during the day, searching all
hiding-places ;at night the vast length of line was
entrenched. It was during this drive that the New
Zealanders were to gain great glory, and, as a matter
of course, pay the heavy price. The words in Lord
Kitchener's despatch of 8th March 1902 are " On the
:

night of the 23rd a most determined and partially

364 The Colonials in South Africa

successful attempt to break out to the northwas made

by De Wet, Steyn, and some 700 of their followers,
who had been driven east by Major-General Elliot's
advance to the Wilge River into the net of our ap-
proaching columns. The attack was delivered under
cover of darkness at Langverwacht, 18 miles south
of Vrede, the point where, at the moment, the right of
Colonel Byng's column was in touch with Colonel
Rimington's left. Here again, as on the occasion of
his previous escape, De Wet adopted the plan of
advancing under cover of a large mob of cattle, which
were rapidly driven up by natives to the point where
the rush through was to be attempted. This exped-
ient met, it is true, with a part of the desired success,
for there is little doubt that De Wet, Ex-President
Steyn, and a number of their men thus managed to
break out of the toils. As a whole, however, the Boer
force was very severely punished by the New Zea-
landers of Lieutenant-Colonel Garratt's column, who
displayed great gallantry and resolution at a critical
moment in resisting and in part repelling the attack.
The conduct of the New Zealanders upon this occasion
reflects the highest credit upon all ranks of the con-
tingent, and upon the Colony to which it belongs.
Nothing could have been finer than the behaviour of
the men. The whole of the Boer cattle and vehicles
were captured, and 31 of the enemy, together with
over 160 horses, were killed at the point where the
attempt to penetrate our line was made. Our own
casualties were also severe, 2 officers and 18 men being
killed, and 5 officers and 33 men wounded, the large
majority ofwhom belonged to the New Zealand Con-
tingent." In each of his telegrams of 25th and 28th
February, Lord Kitchener referred to the very great
 The Jtk N.Z. Co7itingent 365

gallantry of the 7th New Zealanders. In his wire of

1st March Lord Kitchener added, " All men worked
day and night continuously, and, although tired, are
in the best of spirits at satisfactory results obtained."
The officers killed were Lieutenants Harold, L.
Dickinson, and William George Forsythe, and those
wounded. Lieutenants James A. Colledge, Stapleton
Cotton Gaulton, Charles 0. Phair, W. H. Wilson, and
Dennis A. Hickie, all of the 7th contingent. Twenty-
two non-commissioned officers and men were killed and
about 36 wounded. This loss it must be remembered
fell almost entirely on the men in the outpost line,

about 80.
The drive, which was the most fruitful of the many
operations of that nature, resulted 778 prisoners
in
of war, 25,000 cattle, 2000 horses, 200 waggons, and
50,000 rounds of ammunition, and about 50 Boers killed.
During March 1902 Garratt's men took part in
further drives in the Orange River Colony, and in
April in a concerted movement of many columns from
the Standerton line to the Delagoa railway and back.
The latter, however, were not fruitful, few of the
enemy being seen. On 22nd May the corps, reduced
by a year's service from 650 to 370, sailed from Durban
for home. On the journey to the coast they had the
gratification of being addressed at Newcastle by their
own Premier, Mr Seddon, whose effi^rts to assist the
Empire had not been excelled by those of any other
—
Briton home or colonial.
366 The Colonials in South Africa

The 8th, 9th, and 10th KZ. CONTINGENTS.

In December 1901 the Government of New Zealand

an offer which was at once
offered further assistance,
accepted, and no time was lost in getting ready a very
large contingent, nearly 1000 strong. It is worth
noting that the Colonial Executive expressed the very
reasonable desire that these battalions should not be
split up and separated as some of the earlier ones
had been.
The 8th contingent sailed in two portions : that
from the north island on 29th January 1902, and that
from the south island on 8th February, so that they
saw comparatively short war service. The 9th con-
tingent sailed on 12th March, two days after Lord
Methuen's disaster had been announced. On the
15th the New Zealand Cabinet set an example to
the British Empire by deciding to send a 10th con-
tingent in April. It' sailed on the 19th of that month,

arriving on 27th May, four days before peace w^as

declared.
The 8th had a cruel misfortune on 12th April 1902 :

through a railway accident at Machavie they lost 14

killed and slightly over that number injured.
The following quotation from the despatch of 1st
June 1902 shows how hard service in the last days
of the war was, especially for mounted men who had
been for some weeks on the sea. It bears ample
testimony to the good work of the newly arrived
Australians and New Zealanders. Lord Kitchener, in
referring to a great drive under General Sir Ian
Hamilton, from about Klerksdorp to the Kimberley-
Mafeking railway, said " On 11th May the whole force
:
 The 2>tk, <^th, and lot/i N.Z. Contingents 367

closed in on the Vryburg railway, when it was found

our captures included 367 prisoners of war, 326 horses,
95 mules, 175 waggons, 66 Cape carts, 3620 cattle,
106 trek oxen, and 7000 rounds of ammunition, this —
loss to the enemy constituting a blow to his resources
such as he had not previously experienced in the
Western Transvaal. Most of the prisoners fell into
the hands of Lieut. -Colonel De Lisle, who, with the
1st and 2nd Bus. of the Commonwealth Regiment,
formed part of Colonel Thorneycroft's column. In
reporting upon this extremely successful operation,
General Sir Ian Hamilton desires to draw my atten-
tion to the enthusiasm and energy with which the
troops met the exceptional hardships and work in-
volved by lining out and entrenching themselves on
four successive nights after long marches in a prac-
tically waterless country. On each of these nights
every officer and man, after marching some 20 miles,
had to spend the hours usually devoted to rest in
entrenching, watching, and occasionally fighting. In
this connection he draws special attention to the spade
work done by the Commonwealth regiments 3rd New —
South Wales Bushmen, and the 8th New Zealand
Regiment. Every night while the sweep was in
progress these troops dug one redoubt to hold 20 men
every 100 yards of their front of six miles. The
redoubts were so solidly constructed that they would
have afforded perfect cover from artillery fire, and the
intervals between them were closed by waggons linked
together with barbed wire. The commander of each
group of columns had his own particular system, and
it may be interesting to note that General Walter

Kitchener's force held the line assigned to it by similar

works, constructed to hold seven men each, and placed
368 The Colonials in South Africa

at intervals of 50 yards apart. The work done by the

troops under Colonels Sir Henry Rawlinson, Kekewich,
and Rochefort was equally satisfactory, barbed wire
and obstacles being freely made use of to close the
points at which the enemy would be most likely to
break through."
On 4th June, four days after peace was concluded,
the 9th contingent had the misfortune to lose Lieu-
tenant Robert M'Keigh, killed, and Lieutenant Henry
Kayne, wounded, near Vereeniging. Firing had been
started under some misconception.
The 8th, 9th, and 10th contingents sailed for home
in July 1902.

NEW ZEALAND BATTEEY,

The 'personnel of one of General Carrington's batteries

was composed of New Zealanders under Major Powell.
They formed part of the force which landed at Beira
about the end of April 1900, crossed Rhodesia, and
entered the Transvaal from Mafeking. As mentioned
in Lord Roberts' telegram of Gth August, the battery
was part of Carrington's force which made an endeavour
to relieve Hore's garrison at Elands River (see 1st New
South Wales Bushmen). Subsequently they did valu-
able service under General Carrington, Lord Methuen,
and other leaders, chiefly at Zeerust and other posts in
the Western Transvaal.Some of the personnel of the
when it was most fiercely
battery were in Lichtenburg
attacked by Delarey on 3rd March 1901 2 men :

were wounded during the attack. The guns of the

battery were six 15-pounder Armstrong field-guns.
 Mentions gained by New Zealandei'S 369

The Honours and Mentions gained by the New

Zealanders were as follows :

Farrier- Major W. J. Hardman, 4th New Zealand Contingent, gained the

Victoria Cross on 28th January 1901 near Naauwpoort. This non-commis-
sioned officer was with a section which was extended, and hotly engaged
with a party of about 20 Boers. Just before the force commenced to retire
Tpr. M'Crae was wounded and his horse killed Farrier-Sergeant Hardman ;

at once went, under a hea^y fire, to his assistance, dismounted, and placed
him on his own horse, and ran alongside until he had guided him to a place
of safety.
General French's Despatch 'i.nd February 1900. N.Z.M.I. Major
: — :

A. W. Robin, commanding, deserves special mention for the frequent occa-

sions on which he and his men have performed signal service during these
operations. Capt. Madocks and his company mentioned in body of despatch
for work on 15th January.
Lord Roberts' Despatches: 31s^ J/arcA 1900.— KZ.M.I., with Cavalry
Division for Relief of Kimberley, and advance to Bloemfontein, Major A. W.
Robin.
%id April 1901.— Lt. Seddon, Roughriders, one of Lord Roberts' Colonial
A.D.C.'s, "i^erformed duties loyally and well"; Lt.-Col. S. Newall ^ (5th
Contingent) ;Majors M. Cradock ^ (2nd), A. W. Robin ^ (1st) Lts. ;

J. G. Hughes 2 (1st), T. J. M. Todd 2 (2nd); Majors R. H. Daviesi (4th),

T. Jowsey3 (3rd); Capts. C. T. Major 2 (4th), D. Poison 2 (5th); Lts. A.
Bauchop (4th), S. R. Bradburne (3rd), G. H. R. RoUeston (4th) Sgt.- ;

Majors W. J. Burn,* W. H. Fletcher^ (5th) Sgt.-Major Harpur Sgts. W.

; ;

Cassidy* (2nd), E. Hazlett, Luck; Pioneer-Sgt. Harris; Cpls, Harler,

Hogg Tprs. Gallaway, Holroyd Pte. W. B. Wade.*
; ;

Ath September 1901. —

Sgts. Bennett, Ebbs Gunner Kelly, 1-pr. battery.
;

Nursing Sister J. M. N. WiUiamson, who got the Royal Red Cross.

Lord Roberts, in despatch of 1st March 1902, announced that Pte. H. D.
Coutts, N.Z.M.R., had been awarded one of the four woollen scarves knitted
by Queen Victoria for distribution to the four most distinguished private
soldiers in the forces of Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
Lord Kitchener's Despatches: Sth March 1901.— N.Z.M.R. Lt.-Col. :

Cradock (2nd) Capts. G. Crawshaw (2nd), E. W. C. Chaytor (3rd) Surgeon-

; ;

Capt. S. C. Godfray (3rd) Lt. C. L. Somerville (2nd)

; Qrmr.-Sgt. Stephen- ;

son Sgt. P. Tudor Tprs. E. Hille, H. Harper, J. Stevens, H. AVindgate.

; ;

d,th May 1901, from General Babington's despatch as to capture of

guns and convoy in Western Transvaal, 24th March.— 4th New Zealand
Capts. G. H. Walker, D.S.O., and B. Arthur, for excellent services Cpl. ;

O'Dowd, promoted Sgt. Ptes. Rumble and Drinan, promoted Cpls. Pte.
;

1 Awarded C.B. ^ Awarded D.S.O.

3 Awarded C.M.G. * Awarded D.C.M.
2 A
370 The Colonials in South Africa

Rumble charged a gun, closely followed by Drinan and O'Dowd. They were
met by a heavy fire from the gunners, Rumble's coat being shot through,
and Drinan's hat. They took the gun. Pte. Thurlow (promoted Cpl.), con-
spicuous for his energy in turning round waggons of convoy under fire, and
sending them to the rear. Pte. Wylie (promoted Cpl.) charged a gun by
himself it was defended by four of enemy, two of whom he killed and
;

then captured the gun. Pte. D. Langham,i conduct in capture of guns.

5th N.Z. Lce.-Cpl. TurnbuU (promoted Cpl.), near Dwarsvlei, Krugers-
:

dorp, 23rd April, went with Major Brown, Border Regiment, into a dark
cave and succeeded in getting out six armed Boers.
General Plumer's Despatches : %th April. — 6th N.Z. M.I. : Farrier-
Sgt. G. Rouse and Pte. A. Free i (promoted Cpl), on April 5, near Piet-
1

potgeitersrust, captured 12 armed Boers and 2 waggons with arms and

ammunition.
^th July 1901.— N.Z.M.R. :Surgeon-Capt. E. J. O'Neill (6th), on June 16,
under heavy fire, went three times to the wounded and succeeded in getting
Lt. Ryan and three men. 4th. Capt. A. Bauchop, at Spitz Kop, Feb. 11,
:

for plucky action in rescuing a wounded man. Farrier-Major W. J. Hard-

man, near Cypherfontein, June 21, brought a wounded man out of fire on
his horse, himself running beside him (mentioned in Army Orders).
Farrier - Major Hardman got the Victoria Cross for another act of
gallantry
—
Wi August 1901. 7th N.Z. Regt. Lt, E. Hecklar, at Witkop, Transvaal,
:

July 22, with two men, brought two dismounted men out of action under
heavy fire, Sgt. -Major Callaway and Lce.-Cpl. Vicoe assisting in this.
^th October 1901.— Yth N.Z. Regt. Capt. C. Simpson greatly distin-
:

guished himself in night capture of Spannerberg's laager near Honing-

spruit, August 16. 6th N.Z.M.R. Lt. P. L. Tudor, with only 12 men,
:

crossed the Caledon on 16th Sept., and kept touch with 200 Boers for three
days, and displayed great gallantry on 27th, holding position for three
hours against 50 Boers. Major A. W. Andrew, Indian Staff" Corps, in
command during action at Mokari Drift, Caledon River, Sept. 27, and
handled his troops very well. Capt. J. Findlay, East Kent, attached, and
Capt. L. C. E. Knight, for excellent service in command of detached troops
in Orange River Colony in September. Pte. J. E. Baigent,i one of a party
which volunteered to carry despatches, ambushed and fired on at very close
range, and the corporal's horse being shot, waited under heavy fire for him,
and brought him away safely, Bastard's Drift, Orange River Colony, 27th
September. 7th N.Z. Sgt.-Major E. Lockett,i for most gallant rescue of
:

a prisoner in the Hosberg, August 23. He was severely wounded, and lost
an arm in consequence.
8</i December 1901. —
4th M.R. Sgt. J. Walker, for capture, single-handed,
:

of three armed Boers, in a farm near Standerton. 7th Lt. J. D. G. Shera,

:

for gallantry in attack on laager in Pongola Bosch, October 23. Sgt. J.

Awarded D.C.M.
 Mentions gained by New Zealanders 37

Davidson, Lce.-Cpl. W. Rutherford, for gallantry in bringing wounded men

out of action under close fire, October 5.
%th March 1902.— 7th Major A. Bauchope;^ Lts. P. T. Emerson, P.
:

Overton, for good service in Colonel Byng's capture of laager at Fanny

Home, February 2. Lt. D. A. Hickie,^ for marked good service in action at
Witkoppies on night of December 27. Farrier-Sgt. Quinn, for recovering
stampeded horses which had gone through enemy's lines, under a hot and
close fire, and closely pursued, December 27. Sgt. W. Kent,^ at Holnek,
December 21, when with 20 men, was charged by 50 Boers, dismounted his
men and repulsed enemy by volleys.
8^/i April 1902.— N.Z.M.R. Lt.-Col. T. W. Porter.
:

\st Jtme 1902. —7th Lce.-Cpl. Gregory, promoted corporal, for coolness
:

and grasp of situation which enabled officer commanding regiment to make

eflfective dispositions to repulse attack, 24th February 1902.
—
iZrd June 1902. New Zealand Forces Nursing Sister D. Peiper Col,
: ;

R. H. Davies, C.B. Majors F. W. Abbott,2 E. Bartlett2 ; Capts. R. Steven-

;

H. R. Potter, G. R. Johnstone Lt. AV. C. Morrison

son,2 C. L. Somerville, ;

Regl. Sgt.-Major G. C. Black S; Sgt.-Majors Pickett.^ H. White S; Qrmr.-

Sgt. G. Mitchell ; Sgt. D. Smythe Cpls. Cato, Burns, Beck
; ; Lce.-Cpl. W
Thorp ; Pte. J. Cassidy. Qrmr.-Sgt. Travers got the D.C.M.

1 Awarded C.M.G. 2 Awarded D.S.O. s

Awarded D.C.M.
 372

New South Wales Contingents.

NEW SOUTH WALES LANCERS.

In his evidence before the War Commission General

Sir G. A. French said that the total contribution of
this colony to the fighting strength in South Africa
was 6945 officers and men and 6104 horses, with six
15-pounder guns. He also stated that the contingent
of the N.S.W. Lancers, 70 all ranks, who had been at
Aldershot for training, were the first over-sea Colonials
to land in South Africa. They had sailed from Britain
on 10th October 1899, actually before war was declared.
They arrived on 2nd November. A draft of 5 officers,
1 warrant officer, 32 men, and 130 horses, sailed from

New South Wales on 28 th October to make up a

complete squadron.
The Lancers, after their arrival at Cape Town, were
—
sent to De Aar, but were shortly split up one body,
about 40, under Captain Cox, going to Colesberg, and
another, about 30, under Lieutenant Osborne, to
Orange River. The latter formed part of Lord
Methuen's force when he advanced north from
Orange River. This detachment was engaged at
Belmont, 23rd November 1899; at Enslin on the
25th at Modder River on the 28 th and at Magers-
; ;

fontein on 11th December.

 New South Wales Lancers -^^"i,

In the last week of December Lieutenant Osborne

and his detachment were taken from Lord Methuen
and sent to join the remainder of the squadron, who
had been doing good work under General Sir J. P. D.
French in the Colesberg district. In a telegram of
19th January Lord Roberts said: "A patrol of the
N.S.W. Lancers, halting at a drift for water, was
taken by surprise. Two killed and fourteen missing."
The incident happened on the 16th. Lieutenant
Dowling of the 1st Australian Horse was in com-
mand he was wounded. Corporal Kilpatrick of the
;

Lancers was killed. The patrol made a very gallant

fight, and six actually broke through, although the
enemy were said to be 100 strong.
In his despatch of 2nd February 1900 General
French mentions the squadron of Lancers as part of
his force. They were put into a brigade consisting
of the 6th Dragoon Guards, New Zealand M.R, and
some Regular Mounted Infantry. The detachment
with General French was the advance-guard of a force
which reconnoitred towards Colesberg on 21st Novem-
ber, and were said to have behaved with steadiness.
Thereafter they took their share in the very arduous
work which fell to General French's force in the Coles-

berg district during December 1899 and January and

February 1900.
When Lord Roberts was about to undertake the
relief of Kimberley and the advance on Bloemfontein,
the squadron of N.S.W. Lancers was taken to Mod-
der River and put into the 1st Cavalry Brigade
under Brigadier- General Porter. Lord Roberts' army
commenced its advance on 11th February, and General
French entered Kimberley with his cavalry and some
mounted infantry on the 15 th. An excellent account
374 The Colonials in Sottth Africa

of the work of the 1st Brigade is to be found in the

'War Record of the Inniskilling Dragoons,' by Lieut.
Colonel Watkins-Yardley (Longmans, 1904), who at
p. 43, speaking of the last halt to re-form and water
before entering Kimberley, says " There was but little
:

subsequent resistance, but the march was long and

thirsty, and the horses were badly done up. For
instance, '
A squadron Inniskilling Dragoons could
'

only muster 42 horses on its arrival at Kimberley.

There the N.S.W. Lancers under Major Lee were
attached to it under Major Allenby, making the squad-
ron up to 120 horses, and thereafter they remained
with the regiment, rendering yeoman service until
their return to New South Wales." From Modder
Biver to Bloemfontein Major Allenby's men were con-
stantly in the thickest, and always did well. Few
cavalry leaders came out of the campaign with a
better reputation than he did. On 12th March he
led the advance - guard of the 1st Cavalry Brigade,
and after a long march seized some hills a few miles
south of Bloemfontein, which practically commanded
the town. On the 13th the capital surrendered. The
strength of the N.S.W. Lancers when they marched
into Bloemfontein was 6 officers, 89 men, and 90
horses. On the 15th Major Allenby's men and some
others escorted a convoy to Thabanchu via Sannah's
Post, the scene of Broad wood's mishap on the 31st
(see Roberts' Horse). The regiment now had much
reconnoitring work to do, and on several occasions the
Lancers had casualties. On the 29th March the 1st
Cavalry Brigade, including the Australian Horse and
the N.S.W. Lancers under Captain Cox, were engaged
in the battle of Karee Siding, and their fine conduct
was specially mentioned by various British correspond-
 Nezv South Wales Lancers 375

ents who were present. On the 31st, the day of

Sannah's Post, the brigade was sent out to help Broad-
wood, but was too late to be of any assistance in
the way of recovering the lost guns or waggons
however, they were able to bring in the British
wounded, who had been left in some buildings.
While the army was at Bloemfontein the Lancers
received a reinforcing draft of nearly half a squadron,
which had sailed about 16th February. The work
of the cavalry had been such that, on 3rd April, the
1st Brigade had only 120 fit horses, "A" squadron of
the Inniskillings only mustering 17. Throughout April
many of the infantry battalions were able to get some
rest, but the mounted men had to undertake long
reconnoitring patrols and constant outpost work. Lord
Roberts had, however, been reorganising his army,
getting up stores and horses, and on 1st May he was
ready to move again. Under that date Lieut. -Colonel
Watkins - Yardley says (p. 57) " The New South :

Wales Lancers under Major Lee, who had hitherto

been attached to A squadron, were formed into a
'
'

distinct squadron of the 6th Inniskilling Dragoons.

They were proud to be considered a part of the Begi-
ment all officers will testify to their usefulness, the
:

fine scouting and efficient work they rendered. Under

splendid officers their coolness, self-reliance, and dash
brought them out of difficulties where other troops
might have suffered severely. The Australian
. . .

Horse were similarly attached to the Scots Greys."

It is impossible to embody here all the other
references to the New South Wales Lancers but ;

up to the entry into Pretoria they did work of a

very high order. On the 28th May they cleared the
enemy from a farm at Olifant's Vlei. On 3rd June
2,'j6 The Colonials in South Africa

there was very severe fighting at Kalkheuvels Pass,

wheu the squadron and " " A
squadron of the
InniskiUings what might very easily have
averted
developed into a panic, by rapidly dismounting and
pouring in a heavy and well - directed fire on the
enemy, who, posted in a strong position, had suddenly
attacked the troops in front when passing through a
difficult gorge. On 6th June, when the British
prisoners were released, the enemy heavily attacked
the relieving force when they had commenced to re-
turn, Allenby's men covered the retirement, and
again did splendidly.
At Diamond Hill on 11th and 12th June the whole
of the 1st Cavalry Brigade was very heavily engaged
on the left, and only maintained their ground by ex-
hibiting great determination. It will be remembered
that the cavalry and mounted infantry on the right
also found it difficult to make progress, and that the
infantry had to attack and pierce the enemy's centre.
From this time till the middle of July the squadron
was much on outpost duty and in constant touch
with the enemy. On 15 th July two posts were at-
tacked at dawn, and were only saved by the timely
arrival of the Lancers and " B " squadron of the
InniskiUings, who together drove back the enemy.
During the advance to Belfast, from there to
Carolina, and thence to Barberton and Avoca, the
InniskiUings and their Colonial comrades rendered
splendid service, and Colonel Yardley makes many
very flattering references to their work. As showing
the complete confidence the leaders had in the
squadron, it may be noted that when it became
known that fifty - two locomotives were standing at
Avoca, the men sent down to capture and guard this
 New SotUk Wales Lancers 377

extremely valuable prize was a troop of N.S.W.

Lancers under Lieutenant Nicholson. Colonel Yardley
mentions his meeting, a few days later, with this
officer, and relates how cleverly Nicholson had cap-

tured three prisoners " Noticing small details is one

:

of the arts of scouting, and in it our Colonial brothers

excel. Lieut. Nicholson himself was a fine specimen.
Though getting on in life, he was capable and worthy
of a much higher command but on the war break-
;

ing out he cheerfully undertook the duties of a

subaltern." It was frequently remarked by regular
officersthat some of their brethren of the Colonial
regiments were too old but age alone brings caution
;

and the '"cuteness" necessary to outwit a Boer: and

to the mature years of a large proportion of their
officers the immunity from mishaps and the general
success of many Colonial contingents were undoubtedly
due. Apart from this is the fact that volunteer corps,
with many men of good position in the ranks, do not
relish being "bossed" by very young officers.
The Lancers had some casualties about Carolina
on 10th October 1900. They took part in General
French's march from Machododorp to Heidelberg, 13th
to 25th October 1900, and had a full share of the
almost continuous fighting which took place through-
out the fortnight. Speaking of 19th October, Colonel
Yardley says " Major Allen by, with the Inniskilling
:

Dragoons, 2 guns and a pom-pom, fought a fine rear-

guard action, the Begiment bearing the brunt of the
fighting. Capt. Stevenson Hamilton's squadron did
good work, also the N.S.W. Lancers. The latter,
which worked as a squadron of the Regiment, con-
sistently rendered excellent service. They were a
fine lot of men, and their officers — especially Major
2,yS The Colonials in South Africa

Lee, Captain Cox, and Lt. Heron — were hard to beat

anywhere."
The following extract is gratifying as showing that
many of our late enemies were people of fine feeling :

"October 15. A N.S.W. Lancer whom we left badly

wounded at Carolina on our last occupation died a
few days ago the inhabitants reported that the enemy
:

had buried him most reverently, numbers attending

the funeral in tall hats and frock-coats. We found
his grave beautifully decorated with flowers."
On 29th October Colonel Yardley says " Major :

Lee with his squadron now left us on their return

to New South Wales, greatly to our regret. Captain
Cox, Second - in - Command, afterwards returned as
Lieutenant- Colonel of the New South Wales Mounted
Rifles, and rendered admirable service for twelve
months under Colonel Rimington."

THE 1st AUSTEALIAN HOESE (NEW SOUTH WALES).

This corps was a portion of the second contingent

of the Colony of New South Wales, the remainder
of the contingent being Mounted Infantry.
The 1st Australian Horse sailed from Newcastle
and Port Jackson on 14th November 1899 and 17th
January 1900, both detachments being taken to Cape
Colony.^ On their arrival the first detachment was
sent to General Sir J. P. D. French, who was then
operating in the Colesberg district, and during part
1 New South Wales Contingents to South Africa, Sydney, 1900.
 The \st Australian Horse 379

of December 1899 and January 1900 the corps did

much good work, and constantly saw hard fighting.
On 16th January a patrol, made up of New South
Wales Lancers and a few Australian Horse, was cut
off, and in the endeavour to break through, Lieutenant

W. y. Dowling of this corps was wounded and cap-

tured, and Sergeant-Major Griffin, also of this corps,
and Corporal Kilpatrick of the Lancers, were killed.
Lieutenant Dowling was found by Lord Eoberts'
troops in Bloemfontein when they entered that town
on 13th March.
The squadron, as part of Colonel Porter's Brigade,
accompanied General French to Modder River, and
took part in the operations for the relief of Kim-
berley and in the advance of Lord Roberts' army
to Bloemfontein. (See New South Wales Lancers.)
The squadron had casualties at Poplar Grove and
Driefontein.
When the 1st Australian Horse marched into
Bloemfontein on 13th March their strength was 5
officers, 112 men, and 101 horses. They were now
sent to the Glen position north of the town, where
much heavy patrol work fell to them. On the 20th
they lost 1 man killed and 8 wounded.
In March 1900 the squadron was attached per-
manently to the Royal Scots Greys,^ and with that
distinguished regiment fought at the battle of Karee
Siding, 29th March in several engagements south-
;

east of Bloemfontein in April in the advance to

;

Pretoria, 3rd May to 6th June; and east of Pretoria

in June, July, August, and September.
On 10th May, the day on which Lord Roberts
crossed the Zand River, Lieutenant Wilkinson was,
^ War Eecord of the Inniskilling Dragoons (6th), p. 57.
380 The Colonials in South Africa

with some of the 6th Dragoons and Royal Scots

Greys, fired on when approaching a kraal where a
white flag was flying. The ofiicer in command, Cap-
tain El worthy, and several men were killed and
others wounded, and Lieutenant Wilkinson and
several men were taken prisoners. On this same
day the squadron and two squadrons of the Greys
had very heavy fighting. They had been pushed
forward to seize a hill, and the enemy being in
great force all round, they were wellnigh cut ofl*.
The hill had temporarily to be vacated, but on re-
inforcements and guns coming up the Boers retired.^
Throughout the advance to Pretoria, particularly in
the last days of May, after the Vaal was crossed.
Porter's Brigade had frequently very heavy fighting,
and progress was only made by all ranks showing
great determination.
Along with the New South Wales Lancers the
corps had the good fortune to be part of the force
which released the prisoners at Waterval, north of
Pretoria, on 6th June. This was not eff'ected with-
out difiiculty. A strong force of Boers appeared as
our troops were retiring indeed the bulk of the
;

brigade were far on their way, and the rearguard,

about 400 strong, were pressed by 2000 of the
enemy with artillery. Lieut. -Colonel Yardley of the
Inniskillings in their War Record, p. 101, praised
the men of his own regiment, the New South Wales
Lancers, the Scots Greys, and 1st Australian Horse.
He said : "I was much indebted to a small party
of the Horse who, at my request, re-
Australian
mained to help hold an advanced post which, save
^ Mr Goldmann's With French and
'
the Cavalry,' p. 225.
 The \st Australian Horse 381

for the shelter of a stone wall would not have been

possible."
Along with the New South Wales Lancers the
1st Australian Horse were present under General
French, in Porter's Brigade, on the extreme left, at
Diamond on 11th and 12th June 1900.
Hill, The
brigade was strongly opposed in difficult country,
and was unable to carry out a turning movement.
So great had been the loss of horses that the squadron
had only 2 officers and 8 men mounted in this
battle. 1
The corps took part in the advance from Pretoria
to the Portuguese border. On
24th July Captain
Ebsworth was killed — strangely enough, almost the
only casualty in the army that day. " While stand-
ing by his horse and spying the enemy through his
glass, a chance bullet, fired 2000 yards off,
quite
struck the glass and penetrated his brain." General
French's further operations have been touched upon
under the Imperial Light Horse and under the New
South Wales Lancers. Part of the corps sailed for
home in November 1900 the remainder continued to
;

do good work down to March 1901. On the 31st

of that month Captain Wilkinson and 32, all ranks,
the remnant of the corps, sailed for home.

1 Mr Paterson's account, printed in the War Record of the Inniskilling

Dragoons, p. 116.
382 The Colonials in South Africa

THE 1st new south WALES MOUNTED EIFLES

AND MOUNTED INFANTEY.
One squadron of Mounted Rifles sailed from New
South Wales in November 1899, and three squadrons
of Mounted Infantry on 17th January 1900. Another
squadron of Mounted Infantry was formed from the
infantry unit, 125 men, which sailed on 3rd November
1899. It has to be kept in view that the 1st con-
tingent from New South Wales, as from several other
colonies, would have been much larger, more had —
—
been offered, but over-wise directors of militar}^ affairs
at home wired on 3rd October 1899 desiring two units,
about 125 men each, from each of the larger colonies,
and one unit from each of the smaller. It has become
the fashion to blame the civilians in the Cabinet or
War Office for undue preparation and the studied
discouragement of Colonial or Volunteer assistance
generally. The blame, if any, seems to rest on one
man alone, the Commander-in-Chief in 1899 that is, —
on the assumption that his title or office meant
anything and if it did not, he should not have held
;

it a day.
The squadron of Mounted Kifles, commanded by
Captain J. M. Antill, was, on arrival upon 6th
December 1899, taken to Orange Kiver, and during
December and January did useful work in that
neighbourhood, being sent to garrison Prieska for a
time when there was good reason to believe many of
the inhabitants in that district were disloyal. The
squadron of infantry which was converted into
mounted infantry was, during December and January,
its period of foot service, working in the Enslin
is^ TV.S. W. Mounted Rifles and Motmted Infantry 383

neighbourhood along with the other units which

composed the Australian Regiment of Infantry.
Along with these other units it was taken to Naauw-
poort, Central Cape Colony, in the end of January
1900, and was there served out with horses. Under
Captain Legge, this squadron did good service in
General Clements' operations, both in the retirement
from the positions round Colesberg, in the fighting
round Arundel, in the advance from Arundel to Coles-
berg and Norvals Pont, and on the march through the
Orange Free State. (See 1st Victoria Mounted Rifles.)
Lieutenant F. A. Dove was wounded on 26th February,
and the squadron had losses on various occasions in
this district.
The three squadrons of Mounted Infantry arrived in
South Africa in time to take part, along with Antill's
squadron of Mounted Rifles, in Lord Roberts' big
operations for the relief of Kimberley and the capture
of Bloemfontein. They were part of the brigade under
Colonel Hannay which started from Orange River,
marched to Ramdam, and following on the heels of
General French's cavalry division, were the advance-
guard of the great army after General French had
branched off to Kimberley. When Cronje vacated his
positions at Magersfontein and was discovered trekking
eastward through the gap between General French's
force and the main army. Colonel Hannay's Mounted
Infantry was the first mounted force available for the
pursuit. Colonel Hannay's men made every effort to
drive in the Boer rear-guard, but as usual the latter
was very skilfully commanded, successive positions
being taken up and held to enable Cronje's convoy
to get away. However, a good many waggons were
either abandoned by the enemy through the animals
384 The Colonials in South Africa

being unable to proceed or were cut off by the Mounted

Infantry. When the laager was discovered on the
morning of the 18th Hannay's men again did excellent
service, although both horses and men were utterly
exhausted with the unceasing work of the previous
seven days, during three of which they had had
constant fighting. It will be remembered that
General French had blocked Cronje's exits on the
north and north-east. The infantry of the Ylth and
IXth Divisions were on the west and southern sides
of the laager, while Hannay was ordered by Lord
Kitchener to take his men past the laager and attack
from the east. After several assaults had been driven
back by the terrible fire from the Boers in the hollows
about the river-bed, Hannay was ordered to make one
more desperate attempt to get in from the east side.
That such an effort could succeed could scarcely have
occurred to any one who had seen the deadly accuracy
of the Boer fire when they were attacked across level
ground suitable for the low trajectory of the modern
rifle. However, Hannay obeyed the command, and
was killed in this last desperate charge undertaken at
the imperious desire of Lord Kitchener.
After the surrender of Cronje the N.S.W. Mounted
Infantry were in the 2nd Mounted Infantry Brigade
commanded by Colonel P. W. J. Le Gallais, under
whom they did most excellent work in the battles of
Poplar Grove and Driefontein on the way to Bloem-
fontein. On 6th March, near Osfontein, the Mounted
Infantry had Lieutenant Holborrow and 3 men wounded.
At Driefontein the squadron of Mounted Rifles had 1
killed and 4 wounded. Captain J. M. Antill gained
mention in the despatch of 31st March. The
strength of the N.S.W. Mounted Infantry, including
 V

1st N.S. W. Mounted Rifles and Mounted Infantry 385

Antill's when they marched into Bloem-

squadron,
fontein on 13th March 1900, was officially stated at
22 officers, 408 men, and 345 horses.
The regiment, under the command of Colonel G. C.
Knight, was said to have done good work at the battle
of Karee Siding on 29th March, when General Tucker's
and Le Gallais' brigade of
infantry, French's cavalry,
mounted infantry cleared the hills north of Bloem-
fontein and opened the road to Brandfort. In April
the regiment was in some of the engagements south-
east of Bloemfontein.
For the advance to Pretoria the regiment was put
into the 2nd Mounted Infantry corps under De Lisle,
part of Ian Hamilton's army, but in the earlier stages,
on account of the cavalry having been unable to take
their appointed place on the left flank until after the
army had started north, the N.S.W. Mounted Infantry
were detached from Hamilton and operated, under
Hutton, with the other over-sea Colonials (see Canadian
Mounted Ilifles). After Kroonstad was left behind,
De Lisle's corps, now including the N.S.W. Mounted
Infantry, took a very prominent part in the operations
which culminated in the surrender of Pretoria. In the
despatch of 14th August, para. 22, Lord Roberts spoke
of the Boers pressing the left flank and threatening the
rear of his centre column, so he ordered Ian Hamilton,
out on the left, to close in. " As soon as Ian Hamilton's
troops came up and De Lisle's mounted infantry pushed
well round the enemy's right flank, they fell back on
Pretoria. . . . Shortly before dusk Lt.-Col. De Lisle,
whose mounted infantry had followed up the enemy to
within 2000 yards of Pretoria, sent an officer under a
flag of truce to demand in my name the surrender of the
town." The officer referred to was Lieutenant Watson
2 B
 386 The Colonials in South Africa

of the N.S.W. Mounted Infantry. The town was sur-

rendered on the following day.
The reguTient frequently had casualties throughout
May, as at the crossing of the Zand, where they lost 8
men. On the 21st Lieutenant A. J. M. Onslow was
wounded.
The regiment was present, under De Lisle and Ian
Hamilton, on the right, at the battle of Diamond Hill,
11th and 12th June 1900. Mr Paterson's excellent
account of their very gallant work, reprinted in the
War Kecord of the Inniskilling Dragoons, says " Our:

mounted infantry, under Antill and Holmes, were

ordered to advance over a lot of open country, and got
possession of some kopjes outlying from the main hills.
They made the advance in fine style, and got the hills
on the first day without much trouble, although they
were shelled as they went over." Next day they were
ordered to drive the Boers off a steep rocky kopje on
the extreme right. On the top of the hill Lieutenant
Dragge was killed and Lieutenant W. R. Harrison
mortally wounded. Captain Holmes and Sergeant-
Majors Baker and Baring were wounded. In Lord
Boberts' telegram of 15th June he referred to the good
work done by De Lisle's men, and in that of the 16th
he said that Botha's army had "retired, and that the
rear-guard was surprised and thoroughly routed by Ian
Hamilton's mounted infantry, chiefly West Australians
and 6th Battalion " [regulars].
Towards the end of June Colonel De Lisle's mounted
infantry were a part of the force which moved on
Heidelberg, where the New South Wales men were
engaged : thereafter part of the force re-crossed the
Vaal, under Sir A. Hunter, to endeavour to close in
on the Boers in the Brandwater Basin. De Wet having
I si N.S. W. Mounted Rifles and Mounted Infant 7y 387

broken through on 15th July, Broadwood's cavalry and

Ridley's mounted infantry, of which Colonel De Lisle's
corps was part, were detached by Sir A. Hunter in
pursuit (see Roberts' Horse). On the 19th there
was a sharp fight at Palmietfontein, in which the
N.S.W. Mounted Infantry lost 3 men killed and Lieu-
tenant Lucas Tooth and several men wounded. De
Wet took refuge in the Reitzburg Hills, but broke
across the Vaal on 6th - 7th August. De Lisle's
mounted infantry and other troops followed, and
continued the pursuit to the Megaliesberg, the New
South Wales men suffering a few casualties on the
way. After De Wet had got clear they assisted to
relieve their fellow- Colonials under Hore at Elands
River in August (see Rhodesian Regiment), one of
the few casualties in the relieving force being Lieut.
Colonel De Lisle wounded. In the latter part of
August and first half of September De Lisle's mounted
infantry were operating under Clements in the Gats-
rand and generally west of Pretoria. On 17th Sep-
tember they were railed to Rhenoster in the Orange
River Colony, where they did a great deal of chasing
and fighting. In an attempt to surround a Boer force
at Elands Kop on 1st October, the contingent lost 2
men killed. They assisted to drive De Wet from the
Reitzburg Hills to the north of the Vaal on 8th-9th
October, and when he had re-crossed to the south they
had an honourable share in the very successful actions
at Rensburg and Parys Drifts, 27th October 1900, and
Bothaville, 6th November 1900.
In his despatch of 15th November 1900, para. 14,
when dealing with the Bothaville action. Lord Roberts
said " On the 3rd November Le Gallais was again in
:

touch with De Wet's scouts east of Bothaville, and on

388 The Colonials in Sotitk Africa

the night of the 5th surprised the Boer force three miles
south of that place, and was heavily engaged for five
hours, when he was reinforced by Charles Knox with
De Lisle's mounted infantry. This was a most success-
ful engagement, reflecting great credit on Major-General
Charles Knox and all serving with him, especially on the
Australian and other mounted troops under Colonel Le
Gallais and Lt.-Col, De Lisle, who must have felt them-
selves amply rewarded for the perseverance and energy
they had displayed during the preceding weeks, which
had been most harassing to all concerned." Lord
Roberts then went on to detail the fruits of the
victory: these included 6 field-guns, 1 pom-pom, 1

maxim, all the enemy's ammunition and waggons, and

100 prisoners 25 dead and 30 wounded Boers were
;

left on the field.

In his telegram of 3rd November 1900 Lord Roberts
said " One of the two guns taken from De Wet on
:

the 27th October was a Krupp. It was captured by

the New South Wales Mounted Infantry."
On 16th November 3 men of the Mounted Infantry
were wounded at Rhenoster.
In Lord Roberts' telegram of 26th November 1900,
he said " De Lisle from Kroonstad reports that Colonel
:

Fanshawe had a rear-guard action with about 60 Boers

near Duinsfontein. One man of the N.S.W. Mounted
Rifles was killed. Fanshawe reports that Capt. Watson
performed a gallant act. Seeing Private Robinson,
N.S.W. Mounted Rifles, fall, he turned back and carried
him out on his own horse under a hot fire." Captain
Watson was an officer of the N.S.W. Mounted In-
fantry. Most of the Mounted Rifles left South Africa
before the end of 1900.
In Jan. and Feb. 1901 De Lisle, with some of the
1st N.S. W. Mounted Rifles and Mounted Infantry 389

N.S.W. Mounted Infantry and their old comrades the

6th Battalion Mounted Infantry (regulars), was doing
very fine work in the Piquetberg-Clanwilliam district
of Cape Colony, —
work which greatly contributed to
persuade the enemy of the hopelessness of any attempt
to reach Cape Town or to get arms or ammunition from
the sea-coast. The work of the N.S.W. men was over
and over again most highly praised by the Press Asso-
ciation correspondent who accompanied the column
on its march through very difficult country about the
Roggeveld mountains. In order to turn a pass Captain
Bennett led his men during darkness over a high moun-
tain, climbing a very steep face for nearly 2000 feet.
On another occasion the column did 72 miles in forty-
eight hours in a district almost waterless. Writing on
25th January 1901, the Press Association correspondent
remarked that the Intelligence officer of the column
was Captain Legge, Colonel De Lisle's galloper was
Captain Watson, while the Supply officer w^as Lieu-
—
tenant Osborne all N.S.W. officers. He said the work
of all three was excellent, and the column the best fed
he had been with. This latter fact may account for
some of the praise. On the 19th February, the anni-
versary of the landing of the 2nd contingent. Colonel
De Lisle addressed them. He could not have spoken
in more them and their comrades
flattering terms of
the 1st Contingent N.S.W. Mounted Infantry.
On 31st March 1901 the last of the 1st and 2nd
Contingents of N.S.W. Mounted Infantry sailed for
home.
390 The Colonials in South Africa

THE 1st new south WALES BUSHMEN

(3rd CONTINGENT).

In January 1900 it was announced that the Imperial

Government had accepted the offer of a corps, to be

known as the Australian Bushmen, which would be
furnished by the Australian colonies. This regiment,
which was the quota of New South Wales, was about
530 strong, under the command of Lieut. -Colonel Airey,
D.S.O. Four companies sailed on the Atlantian and
one on the Maplemore on 1st March 1900, On arriv-
ing in South Africa the regiment was despatched by
sea to Beira, and landed there on 14th April 1900.
This was sometimes designed as the " Citizen's Bush-
men Contingent," as contrasted with the " Imperial
Bushmen Contingent," a later contribution.
The "Bushmen" who landed at Beira included the
4th and 5 th New Zealanders, Colonel Airey's Regiment
from New South Wales, and contingents from the other
Australian colonies. Mr Green, chaplain of the regi-
ment, in his 'Story of the Bushmen,' Sydney, 1903,
says that it was announced that, apart from the New
Zealanders, the other contingents would be divided as
follows 1st Regiment, New South Wales, Colonel
:

Airey ; 2nd Regiment, Victorians and West Aus-

tralians, Major Vialls 3rd Regiment, Queenslanders,
;

Major Tunbridge. But the Victorian and West

Australian Regiment was more generally designated
the 3rd Bushmen. The different corps were very much
split up and mixed up before they had gone far into
the Transvaal while a composite regiment was formed
;

of one squadron from each of the 5th New Zealand, 3rd

 The ist New S021th Wales Bushmen 391

South Australians, 3rd Tasmanians, and " D " squadron

of the 1st N.S.W. Bushmen. This composite regi-
ment did excellent work under Lord Erroll and Lord
Methuen. (See 3rd South Australians.)
To get to the Transvaal the Bushmen contingents
had to cross a strip of Portuguese territory and the
whole of Ehodesia. At Marandellas a camp was
established in which the units could be collected and
equipped, but the climate was unfavourable for horses,
and many died. Their owners had to perform the long
journey to Bulawayo on foot. In accomplishing as
they did 300 miles in twenty days, these "foot-sloggers"
did well. From Bulawayo to Mafeking the railway
was used.
Having entered the Transvaal from the north-
west corner, the N.S.W. Bushmen, apart from "D"
squadron, in various detachments, crossed, via Zeerust,
to the district about Rustenburg and then to that
north of Pretoria, where for some months they did
good service under Major-General Baden-Powell and
Major - General Plumer. About 4th July Hanbury-
Tracy was holding Bustenburg with a mixed force of
120 men. In his telegraphic despatch of 8th July
1900 Lord Roberts spoke of an attempt made on
Bustenburg by Boers under Lemmer, " who were
eventually driven off with the assistance of Colonel
Holdsworth, 7th Hussars (attached to the British
South Africa Police), who made a rapid march of 48
miles from the neighbourhood of Zeerust with Bushmen
under Colonel Airey on hearing that Bustenburg was
likely to be threatened." The enemy suffered heavy
loss, and 5 prisoners were captured. Our casualties
—
were Bushmen, 2 killed. Captain Machattie and 3
men wounded." Three hundred of the Australian
392 The Colonials iyi South Africa

Bushmen accompanied Holdsworth, and "C" squadron,

Machattie's, did most of the fighting. At this time
there was fighting daily in the north - west of the
Transvaal. On 9th July Lieutenant Gells with "B"
squadron of the N.S.W. Bushmen was engaged
at Megato Pass. In his telegram of 16th July
Lord Roberts said: " Baden -Powell reports that a
patrol Bushmen encountered a party
of Australian
of Boers on the 13th and drove them back with loss.
Sergeant Eyan (Ryrie ?) wounded on shoulder." And
on the 22nd July, at Roster's River between the
Megato Pass and Elands River, there was very heavy
fighting. In Lord Roberts' telegram of 24th July
he said: "Baden-Powell reports from the Megato Pass
on the 22nd that Colonels Airey and Lushington, with
only 400 men, drove 1000 Boers from a strong position
and scattered them with considerable loss." Mr Green,
in The Story of the Bushmen,' gives some interesting
'

details :he says that Baden-Powell had ordered Col-

onel Airey to go back to Elands River on the 22nd for
a convoy. Airey's force was about 300 strong, made
up in equal proportions of men from the New South
Wales, Queensland, Victorian, and West Australian
Bushmen. The Boers lay low while the advance-
guard passed and then opened a heavy fire on the
main body. The men instantly opened out a little
and lay down in the grass, where they held on for
eight hours. Captain C. W. Robertson was shot in
the head while directing "B" squadron, N.S.W. Bush-
men, and Lieutenant Eckford, who succeeded him, was
wounded. Surgeon Lieut. -Colonel Ingoldsby and 2
officers of the Queenslanders were also wounded. Two
English ladies resident in the neighbourhood. Miss
Bach and Miss Macdonald, boldly entered the firing
 The \st New South Wales Bushmen 393

line and dressed wounds. Airey sent back for rein-

forcements, but the message was wrongly delivered
or misunderstood. Miss Bach rode in as a second
messenger, and 200 Australians under Colonel Lushing-
ton and Captain Fitzclarence, V.C. (Bechuanaland
Protectorate Kegiment), came out, and the enemy were
driven off.

As Mr Green remarks, there are some " white

flag " stories connected with this action. According
to him a small party, an officer and 10 men, occupied
an isolated position and could not leave it. As they
were suffering casualties, apparently for no object,
the officer put up a white flag. Colonel Airey hear-
ing of this seemed to think his force were bound by
this white flag. Major Yialls of the West Australians
(who was already proving his splendid worth, and had
earned his nickname, " Old Biltong "), and his men
protested, " stamped and swore," and as the enemy
evidently did not take the incident seriously and
continued to fire, any idea of the force surrendering
was soon abandoned. The losses of Airey's force were
6 killed and 22 wounded. Captain Robertson was an
officer of the Boyal Marine Light Infantry, who was
on the Australian station when war broke out. Having
volunteered for service with the New South Wales
men, he was accepted, and proved himself a most gallant
leader of mounted infantry.
About 100 men of the 1st N.S.W. Bushmen, chiefly
from "A" squadron, under Captain Thomas and Lieu-
tenants Zouch, Cope, Cornwall, and Bronowski, were in
the garrison of Elands Biver, which made a splendid
defence under Colonel Hore, 4th to 16th August (see
Bhodesian Begiment). The detachment had about a
dozen casualties, including Sergt. -Major J. A. Mitchell
394 ^^^^ Colonials in South Africa

killed. After the relief of Colonel Hore s force the

garrison were taken to Mafeking to refit. Thence
they were railed vid De Aar and the Orange River
Colony to Pretoria, where Lord Eoberts inspected and
congratulated them on 1st October.
In October 1900 the 1st N.S.W. Bushmen, minus
"D" squadron, were about Pienaars River, in which
district they saw a good deal of skirmishing. One
squadron, " A," was present at the battle of Phenoster
Kop, 29th November (see New Zealand 1st, 2nd, and
3rd Contingents). The detachment with Plumer saw
December and
further fighting in this district during
January as on 13th January, when the enemy attacked
;

a convoy. In this affair Sergt.- Major Weir and one

man were severely wounded. A
part of the regiment,
including "A"
squadron, accompanied General Plumer
to Cape Colony, and took part in the pursuit of De Wet
in February 1901. They saw a great deal of fighting
(see 4th Victorian Contingent), and had casualties on
various occasions. While Plumer was in the south
the other portion of the regiment did outpost work
about Pienaars Piver and generally north - east of
Pretoria.
In March it was announced that Plumer would lead
an expedition to the Pietersburg district in the north
of the Transvaal. The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd regiments of
Australian Bushmen accompanied Plumer, excepting
" D " squadron of the 1st, which was still in the Western

Transvaal. The expedition was most ably managed,

and was very successful, much loss being inflicted on
the enemy at slight cost.
The doings of " D " squadron were much akin to those
of the 6th Imperial Bushmen, to which reference is
made (see also 3rd South Australians). The composite
 6tk Imperial Bitskmen 395

regiment did much good work. D squadron had losses

" "

on various occasions. They had several men wounded

between Ottoshoop and Elands Hiver on 5th and 6th
August 1900, when Carrington attempted to relieve
Hore, and were after that in very many actions in the
Western Transvaal. In the first quarter of 1901 they
had casualties on various occasions.
On 13th April it was announced that the Australian
Bushmen would now return, their year of service being
complete, and shortly afterwards they entrained for
Cape Town.

6th imperial BUSHMEN (4th NEW SOUTH WALES

CONTINGENT).

The statement supplied by the Premier of New South

Wales to the War Commission, Appendices to Evidence,
p. 177, shows that the 6th Imperial Bushmen, which
was raised in New South Wales, had a strength of 757
with 800 horses. It was under the command of Colonel
the Hon. J. A. Kennett Mackay. They sailed from
New South Wales on the Armenimi on 23rd April
1900.
The corps landed at Beira, crossed Bhodesia, and
operated in the north-west of the Transvaal. Under
General Carrington they advanced to the relief of their
noble Colonial brothers at Elands River and, having
seen theenemy, took part in the very inglorious
retreat. Whenthe Elands River garrison, having
been relieved, was marching to Mafeking, they found
the 6th Imperial Bushmen at Zeerust, and the latter
396 The Colonials in South Africa

are said to have expressed themselves very freely at

the humiliating role they had been forced to play.
They had suffered some very trifling losses, but would
gladly have borne much to have had the credit of
relieving Hore. The Eev. J. Green, who was at
Elands River (see Rhodesian Regiment), said the 6th
were very sick at being in the " inglorious attempt to
pull us out of the fire. ... No one felt the humiliation
like Lord Cecil and again, the evacuation of Zeerust
" ;

was " Cecil broke down and wept like a

inexplicable.
child." The son of Britain's great Prime Minister had
been one of the noble band who had held Mafeking for
seven long months. He doubtless felt what a falling
off in spirit was now come. Throughout August the
regiment saw a good deal of skirmishing. On the 27th
they had several casualties, including Sergeant-Major
Messenger wounded. After General Carrington had
gone home the regiment did excellent service under
Lord Methuen and other leaders in the Western Trans-
vaal, and their good work was frequently recognised.
On 9th September the 6th had half a dozen men
wounded. In Lord Roberts' telegram of 12th Sep-
tember, he said " Methuen reports that Douglas was
:

attacked yesterday morning when marching on the

road from Ottoshoop to Lichtenburg. After some
hours' fighting Douglas drove the enemy off and
captured a quantity of grain and other stores. His
casualties were —
wounded, Capt. Bryce, Australian
Bushmen, severely in shoulder, 2 men severely, 2
slightly"; and on 18th September he wired, "Methuen
reports, Douglas came across a body of the enemy
on the 12 th near Lichtenburg. He captured 39
prisoners, 10 waggons, and some sheep and oxen.
 6t/i Imperial Bus hme7t 397

—
His casualties were Lt. K. J. White, 6th Imperial
Bushmen, severely wounded and taken prisoner a:

man of the regiment has died of wounds received on

same occasion." At Lichtenburg on 28th September
the regiment had 7 men wounded, 3 of whom died of
their wounds. In Lord Roberts' telegram of 12th
November 1900 he spoke of the "excellent work"
of both the N.S.W. Bushmen and New Zealanders,
then under General Douglas. The corps had several
casualties about the 25th and 26th December, includ-
ing Lieutenant D. F. Miller wounded.
During the first four months of 1901 the 6th
Imperial Bushmen, or the greater portion of them,
were with Lord Methuen and General Babington in
the Western Transvaal (see 4th New Zealand con-
tingent), and their work was most highly spoken of
in despatches and by the correspondents. During
February the corps was frequently engaged, and did
many trying marches.
Major W. E. O'Brien, Lieutenants Thomson and
Doyle, and many non-commissioned officers and men,
gained mention on the 23rd and 24th March 1901,
when General Babington and Colonel Grey had a most
successful action with Delarey, in which they took
3 guns, 6 maxims, and many prisoners. It was very
fortunate that the regiment got, and made such a fine
use of, this grand opportunity, before their term of
service came to an end. Some of the regiment were
still in the field in June, and on the 4th of that month

Lieutenant A. E. G. King was severely wounded in the

north-west of the Transvaal. The appendix to the
despatch of 8th July 1901 puts the strength of the
6th Imperial Bushmen with General Babington, in
39^ The Cohnials m Sozcth Africa

May, at 193 : detachments were employed at other

parts of the Transvaal at that time
Colonel Mackay and his contingent sailed for home
on 26th June 1901.

2nd new south wales MOUNTED EIFLES and

3rd new south wales BUSHMEN.

The strength of the 2nd N.S.W. Mounted Eifles,

Lieutenant-Colonel Lassetter commanding, was, on sail-
ing, 709 all ranks.i They arrived in South Africa
at the end of March 1901. The 2nd and 3rd N.S.W.
Mounted E-ifles formed the fifth contingent or con-
tribution of the colony.
The 3rd N.S.W. Bushmen, Major the Hon. E.
Carington commanding, was about 4 squadrons
strong they were split up after arrival.
:

Lord Kitchener in his despatch, 8th May 1901,

para. 11, remarks that a fresh column of mounted
Australian troops was, in April, organised at Klerks-
dorp in the Transvaal, under Lieutenant-Colonel E. C.
Williams, to reinforce General Babington. The ap-
pendix to the despatch of 8th July 1901 shows that
the column was, in May, composed of 2nd N.S.W.
Mounted Eifles, 526 ; 3rd N.S.W. Bushmen, 229 ;

21st Battahon Mounted Infantry, 432; 78th Battery

Eoyal Field Artillery, 2 guns Elswick Battery, 1 ;

gun " A " Battery Eoyal Australian Artillery, 2

;

guns; 2 sections of pom-poms; 192 men of the 2nd

^ Statement at p. 177, Appendix to War Commission Eeport.
 2nd N.S. WM.R. and 2>rd JV.S. TV. Bushmen 399

Cheshire Regiment ; Australian Medical Corps ; and

7th company Royal Engineers.
Colonel Williams' column, in the beginning of May,
took part in operations in the south-west of the Trans-
vaal,and on the 10th had sharp fighting, when Lieu-
tenant E. Lamb and 4 men were killed and 7 wounded.
On the 15th Captain M'Lean, of the 2nd Mounted
Rifles, was severely wounded at Koranafontein. " On
the 24th, on the right bank of the Vaal, near Klerks-
dorp, this force had a successful action with Van
Rensburg's Commando, in the course of which 24
prisoners, 6200 rounds of ammunition, and 30 ox-
waggons were taken." ^ Thirty-five Burghers sur-
rendered on the march back. Throughout June and
July the column was in the Western Transvaal. In
the end of June and first half of July, along with
three other columns, all under General Fetherstonhaugh,
Williams marched through the Megaliesberg to Zeerust
and back to Klerksdorp. There were many sharp
skirmishes, and a fair number of prisoners were taken,
Another long march to the western railway and back
was next undertaken. On 19th August Williams,
hearing that a Boer convoy was to the north of him,
sent his waggons in another direction to deceive the
enemy " then with his Australians, New South Wales
;

M.R., and Bushmen, made a rapid night march"

towards the Boers. "After a gallop of 12 miles he
was able to ride down and capture the whole convoy,
with 18 prisoners, 65 waggons,"^ and much stock.
On this occasion the column covered 60 miles in
twenty- seven hours. In September and October the
1 Despatch of 8th July 1901, para. 7.
^ Despatch of 8th August, para. 8.
3 Despatch of 8th September, para. 11.
400 The Colonials in Sottth Africa

—
same kind of thing went on the column always doing
well and keeping out of mishaps. On 20th October
1901 Williams and his " 600 Australians " (the Mounted
Infantry and Cheshires had left the column) were
railed from Klerksdorp to the Eastern Transvaal, and
on the 26th drove in a Boer picket and took 50
prisoners and much stock. The next day the very
difficult Wit nek defile was forced. " The enemy held

the pass in some strength, and brought a pom-pom

into action. The energetic advance of our troops,
however, eventually forced him to abandon his strong
position, and he finally fled, leaving 5 dead on the
ground." ^ In the pass, which is 6 miles long, a few
prisoners were taken. Williams was now brought to
the east of Pretoria, and moved first to Leeuwkop
and then to Pienaars River Station. In November
and December he was working south of Wonder-
fontein on the Delagoa line, and took part in the
very successful operations of General Bruce Hamilton.
On the 6th December Williams had stiff fighting
at Weltevreden, killing 5 and capturing 12 of the
enemy. Throughout December and four following
months many night marches were undertaken, often
with luck. On one occasion the force fought a suc-
cessful and marched 60 miles within forty-
action
eight hours. ^ During these last months of the war
the mobile columns had terribly hard work, and few
of them came out better than that of Colonel E. C.
Williams. On the whole, it escaped with wonder-
fullyfew casualties.
About the end of April 1902, immediately after a
very successful movement, "the column was broken
^ Despatch of 8th November, para. 2.

2 Despatch of 8th January 1902.

 p'd Neiu South Wales Mounted Rifles 401

up, the Over-Sea Colonials of whom it was composed

having completed their period of service in South
Africa." ^ In Lord Kitchener's despatch of 1st June
1902 (see 8th New Zealand Contingent), a corps, there
designated 3rd New South Wales Bushmen, is men-
tioned, but doubtless the General meant to refer to
one of the New South Wales battalions of Common-
wealth Horse.
The bulk of the 2nd N.S.W. Mounted Rifles, under
Lieut. - Colonel Lassetter, arrived at Sydney on 5th
June while the Peace celebrations were in progress,
and got a magnificent reception.

3rd new south wales MOUNTED RIFLES.

This contingent arrived in South Africa in April 1901.

Their strength on sailing was 1086 all ranks. They
were commanded by Lieut. -Colonel C. W. Cox, who
had served with the N.S.W. Lancers.
The 3rd N.S.W. Mounted Rifles joined the column
of Colonel Rimington in May 1901. This was one
of several columns which worked almost incessantly
during the last thirteen months of the war in the
north - east of the Orange River Colony, and by
the splendid way in which they carried out their task
under the faultless leadership of Rimington the
column did a great deal towards bringing the war to
an end. The district allotted to them was the strong-
hold of the Free Staters, and was well adapted to
1 Despatch of 1st June 1902.
2 C
402 The Colonials in South Africa

their style of warfare. Bundle's Vlllth Division had

marched about in it since May 1900, and Sir Archibald
Hunter had there taken 4000 prisoners in July of
that year but it was not until the mobile mounted
;

columns were organised that any impression could

be made on the enemy's vigour in this quarter.
On
21st July 1901 the column was at Heilbron it :

then numbered a little over 2000, of which the N.S.W.

Mounted Rifles contributed 800 and the 6th Innis-
killing Dragoons 466. A history of the column's
work given in the War Record of the latter
is

regiment, already quoted from under the N.S.AV.

Lancers. It would be quite impossible to detail here
the numberless engagements, marches, and the enor-
mous captures of prisoners, rifles, ammunition, and
transport by which the column so ably contributed
to wear out the enemy. A few examples from the
Inniskillino-'s
o record to show what the work was
must suffice.

It having been decided to attempt to surprise a

laager with which it was reported De Wet then
was,
"At 7 P.M. on 14th September 1901 the surprise
force, consisting, as usual, of the Inniskillings, N.S.W.
Mounted Canadian Scouts, and section R.H.A.,
Rifles,
under Colonel Rimington, started on a night march.
After crossing the Klip River near Parys about 2
A.M., the column was obliged to halt on account of
the intense darkness. The moon had gone down and
heavy rain set in. The troops lay by their horses
in bitter cold and rain until dawn, and then pushed
on fast and rounded up Brakoog. Ten Boers escaped.
Pushing on to Anderkant and towards Sodas, a few
Boers were caught, and our convoy was rejoined in
 ^i^rd New South Wales Mounted Rifles 403

the valley below Kat Kop.

The night had been
against the About 46 miles had been
enterprise.
covered and De Wet had not been taken, but the
capture included 6 Boers, 6 300 rounds of S.A.
rifles,

ammunition, 6 waggons, 9 Cape

350 cattle, 11
carts,
mules, and 6 riding-horses." On 24th-25th Septem-
ber 60 miles were covered in thirty hours in a similar
operation. —
These marches generally starting at dusk
— went on continuously, and, of course, the strain on
all was very great. "On 10th October, in passing the
eastern spurs of Leeuwkop, a N.S.W. Mounted E-ifles
sergeant-major was mortally wounded and 2 horses
of the Inniskillings killed by snipers. The sergeant-
major was buried next day under the Sugar Loaf
Kopje on the march to Langspruit." About the
middle of October an attempt was made to capture
General Louis Botha, then living near Amsterdam, in
the east of the Transvaal. Rimington's men were
chosen to go, and, leaving the Standerton Railway
with sixteen days' rations, they set out on their long
march. They reached the farm at dawn on the 24th.
The morning was misty, but cleared at 7 a.m. and re-
vealed the column to some Boers, about one hundred.
These opened fire and Botha galloped ofl". His papers
were taken, and doubtless were of use to Lord
Kitchener. To be selected for this enterprise was
the highest compliment the Commander-in-Chief could
have paid Kimington's column. On 2nd November
they were back to Standerton, from which they
worked south.
In December 1901 and the first four months of
1902 the N.S.W. Mounted PJfles took part in
the great drives which it had been decided, on the
suggestion of Colonel Bimington, was the only
404 The Colonials in South Africa

method by which the war could be ended. Dur-

ing these drives the amount of work done by
men and horses was incredible. Lieut.-Colonel Wat-
kins -Yardley notes that, on the occasion of a drive
in February, the troops were on outpost for eleven
consecutive nights. It is generally recognised that
outpost duty for three consecutive nights is a most
severe strain on all ranks.
On the occasion of the most important of these
drives the enemy, on the night of 23rd February
1902, made a desperate and partially successful at-
tempt to break the line in the Vrede district held
by Colonel Garratt (see 7th New Zealand Conting-
ent). In his telegram of 1st March 1902 Lord
Kitchener said "On that occasion, besides the New
:

Zealanders, already mentioned, the 3rd New South

Wales Mounted Rifles, under Colonel Cox, behaved
extremely well, bringing heavy fire on the enemy.
The cattle that fell into our hands showed the effect-
ive nature of that fire, a large proportion being
wounded."
During these operations the contingent had never
very serious casualties but as a matter of course
;

there were some losses, as on 28th January 1902

when Surgeon Seddon and one man were wounded.
On 28th April 1902 "The New South Wales
Mounted Eifles, under Lieut.-Colonel Cox, entrained
this day for Cape Town for embarkation back to
Australia. They had put in a most valuable year's
service with Colonel Rimington's column. Lieut.-
Colonel Cox himself and many of the men had
rendered conspicuous service in the earlier stages of
the war with the New South Wales Lancers, when
they were attached to and formed a squadron of the
 Neiv South Wales Artillery 405

InniskillingDragoons. The following extract from

Force Orders by Colonel M. F. Rimington, C.B., was
truly merited :

" '
Kraal, Monday^ April 28, 1902.

" The Brigadier in saying good-bye to the Officers,

'

N.C.O.'s, and men of 3rd New South Wales Mounted

Rifles, desires to thank all ranks for their good work
during the year they have served under his com-
mand. They have shown by their dash in attack,
steadiness in action, and alert behaviour on outpost
duties that they are thorough good soldiers, of whom
the Empire may well be proud. Their cheerful con-
duct under privations and exposure is above praise.
He wishes them God-speed, and good luck wherever
they go. (Sgd.) G. K. Ansell, Major, C.S.O.' " ^

New South Wales furnished several reinforcing drafts

to the contingents already mentioned, as well as three
battalions of Mounted Rifles as the Colony's contribu-
tion to the Commonwealth troops. (See that heading.)

NEW SOUTH WALES ARTILLERY.

On 11th October 1899 New South Wales offered to

send, as part of the first contingent, a fully-equipped
battery of six guns, but the War Office was foolish
enough to refuse the offer. After Magersfontein the
offer was renewed, and this time it was accepted.^ No
time was lost, and "A" Battery, Royal Australian
1 Inniskilling Dragoons War Record, p. 328.
* '
Times History, vol. iii. p. 34.
'
4o6 The Colonials in South Africa

Artillery — strength, under the com-

all ranks, 179 —
mand of Colonel U. Smith, sailed on the
S. C.
Warrigal from Port Jackson on 30th December
1899, and landed in South Africa on 6th February
1900. On their arrival they were inspected by Lord
Roberts, who expressed himself as most highly pleased
with both men and horses.
During the greater portion of Lord Roberts' tenure
of the command in South Africa, the battery operated
in the western portion of Cape Colony, chiefly in the
Prieska district, being part of the force which it was
necessary to maintain there in order to overawe that
section of the inhabitants who were in active sympathy
with the enemy, and to prevent incursions from the
Transvaal or Free State. The battery was mentioned
in the despatch of 28th February 1900 as a portion of
the force at the disposal of Lord Methuen for the
protection of Kimberley and the Western Railway.
Later in 1900 the battery, having been split up, was
much scattered. One gun, under Captain Antill, did
particularly valuable service in a column which operated
in September 1900 and following months in the west
of the Transvaal and Orange River Colony and in
Griqualand.^
Colonel Smith was for a time commandant of the
north-west portion of Cape Colony.
When Cape Colony was invaded, January and Feb-
ruary 1901, a portion of the battery was acting under
Colonel Crabbe, and took part in the arduous pursuit
of De Wet. Lieutenant E. Christian's section was said
by Colonel Crabbe to have been admirably handled,
" He is a very good gunner and horsemaster " (see Lord
Kitchener's despatch of 8th May 1901).
^ See 'A Fight to a Finish,' by Major Dennison, D.S.O. London, 1904.
 New South Wales Medical Staff 407

During a great portion of 1901 four guns were with

Colonel Rimington's column, which did splendid work
in the north-east of the Orange Eiver Colony (see 3rd
New South Wales Mounted Rifles) and two guns ;

were in the column of Colonel E. Williams, which also

distinguished itself (see 2nd New South Wales Mounted
Eifles).
In May
1901 part of the personnel of the battery's
first home but it was not till
contingent started for ;

16th September, after nearly two years' absence, that

the main portion of the battery reached Sydney. They
received a magnificent reception.
In his telegram of 25th August 1901 Lord Kitchener
said that it had been brought to his notice that on

6th June, near Reitz, in the Orange River Colony,

Lieutenant Mair, of N.S.W. Artillery, and Privates
Harvey and Blunt were shot down after they had sur-
rendered. Fortunately such occurrences were uncom-
mon. Our late enemies had not imbibed the brutal
doctrines of the German Staff that the shooting of
prisoners is, or at times may be, justifiable.

NEW SOUTH WALES MEDICAL STAFF.

The splendid field hospital and bearer company fur-

nished by New South Wales were organised and com-
manded by Colonel, now Surgeon- General, W. D. C.
Williams, of that Colony. They arrived in South
Africa in two portions 50 beds and half a
: the first,

bearer company —
91 all ranks —
was accepted about
11th October 1899, and sailed on the 28th; and the
4o8 The Colonials in South Africa

remainder was accepted in December of the same

year, and January 1900.
sailed in
The corps saw an immense deal of service. On
arrival in South Africa, the first detachment went to
the De Aar-Modder River line. Under Surgeon-Major
Dodds they served with Colonel Pilcher in the exped-
ition to Sunnyside about 1st January 1900 (see 1st
Queensland Contingent), and in other operations in
that neighbourhood and they took part in the advance
;

from Modder Eiver to Bloemfontein. The second

portion was in the operations for relieving Wepener,
the cool work of Major Eames and Captain Green under
shell-fire being much praised.
On the way to Pretoria the N.S.W. Field Hospital
was attached to the army of General Ian Hamilton,
who, it will be remembered, had constant fighting
between 3rd May 1900 and 5th June. In July the
hospital was with Hutton east of Pretoria, but a
detachment was in the Orange Piver Colony for
a time ; and Captain H. K
Howse, of the Medical
Staff Corps, won the Victoria Cross at Vredefort on
24th July. Captain Howse went out under a heavy
cross-fire, picked up a wounded man, and carried him
to a place of shelter.
After advancing from Pretoria to Belfast in July
and August, one portion of the hospital and bearer
company accompanied General Hutton in his memor-
able march over the Kaapsche Hoop Mountains in the
Eastern Transvaal (see 1st Victoria Contingent) ;

another portion accompanied General French in the

equally arduous march to Barberton (see Imperial
Light Horse).
In a telegram dated 20th September 1900 Lord
Poberts mentioned that Captain Perkins, of the
 New South Wales Medical Staff 409

N.S.W. Medical Staff, and some non-commissioned

officers and men had been taken prisoners near Rusten-
burg, but they were soon afterwards released. The
Boers, however, did not return the ambulances at the
time, as they said they found in them some rifles.
Probably these were curios which the men had been
intending to take home. In December a detachment
was with General Clements when he met with his
reverse at Nooitgedacht on the 13th. 'The Standard'
correspondent, in a letter describing this action, said
that the Red Cross brought no protection, owing
flag
and he mentioned that Cap-
to the terrible cross-fire ;

tain Green and his bearers attended to the wounded

in a hail of bullets which actually splintered some of
the stretchers.
In the second phase of the war a detachment was
1901 with Colonel Williams,
for a considerable part of
who commanded a column composed of Australian
troops (see 2nd New South Wales Mounted Rifles). A
— —
detachment 3 officers and 27 men sailed for home
on 31st March 1901.
During a great part of 1901 Colonel R. V. Kelly
commanded a N.S.W. Hospital in the field, and when
the Commonwealth troops were sent in 1902, New
South Wales contributed to the Army Medical Corps
a detachment of about 40, all ranks.
In the despatch of 31st March 1900, mentioning
those who had distinguished themselves at Paarde-
berg, Poplar Grove, and Driefontein, Lord Roberts,
in mentioning Major J. H. Fiaschi, N.S.W. Medical
Staff Corps, said, " Is deserving of special mention on
account of the assistance which he rendered to the sick
and wounded, as well as on the efficient condition in
which he has kept the ambulance under his command,
4IO The Colonials in Sotith Africa

the services of which, ever since its arrival, have been

most valuable."

The Honours and Mentions gained were as follows :

Captain H. R. Howse, of the New South Wales Medical Staff Coqjs, won
the Victoria Cross on 24th July 1900, in the circumstances already
mentioned.
Lord Roberts' Despatches: Z\st March 1900. — Mounted Infantry:
Capt. J. M. Antilli; Cpl. English. Royal Australian Artillery: Lt.-Col.
C. Umphelby, killed. Lt.-Col. J. J. Byron, Aide-de-camp to Lord Roberts.^
;

%nd April 1901.— Mounted Rifles Major J. M. Antill, M.I. Lt.-Col. H.

:
;

P. Airey,2 D.S.O. Capts. A. J. Bennett,^ M. A. Hilliard,^ W. Holmes,^ A.

;

A. M'Lean 3 Lts. F. A. Dove,^ F. C. Learmonth,^ C. G. S. Lydiard, D. K.

;

Tooth, W. W. R. Watson Sgt.-Majors R. C. Holman,* F. Ligguns, Pallack,

;

J. Wasson*; Lce.-Sgt. S. R. Antill; Pts. L. Hay ward,* J. M'Cracken,

W. Neeld, F. Rudd.-^ Imperial Bushmen Col. Hon. J. A. Mackay i (6th) :

Capt. A. B. Baker 3 (1st); Lts. W. Butler, H. B. Christie 3 (1st), S. C.

Cape 3 (1st), R. D. Doyle 3 (1st), T. M. Moore 3 (1st), R. E. Zouch (1st).
Army Medical Corps Col. W. D. C. Williams ^ Major Fiaschi.' Bearer
: ;

Company : Capts. T. A. Green,3 R. E. Roth,3 A. E. Perkins 3 ; Sgts. G.

Dart, T. Hender," G. Rose ; Helmes," P. Murphy.*
Cpl. C. Linfield ;
* Pts. G.
Lt. G. J. Grieve, killed (at Paardeberg, when attached to the Black Watch :

General Macdonald wrote that Lt. Grieve's name would find honourable
mention and abiding record in the history of that famous Regiment).
Australian Horse Sgt.-Major H. Arnold.
:

Uh Sept. 1901.— Mounted Infantry Lt.-Col. J. W. M. Onslow. Medical

:

Corps Majors W. L. Eames,i Hon. A. MacCormisk Lts. Newmarsh, Dick,

: ;

Horsfall.3 New South Wales Lancers: Major Lee; 3 Squa.dron Sgt.-Major

G. E. Morris * Sgt. Houston.* Bushmen's Contingent Capts. K. Wray,3
; :

H. H. Browne; 3 Lt. P. W. Vaughan (1st Australian Horse); Sgt.-Major

Hargreaves (1st Australian Horse); Pte., afterwards Lt., D. Drummond;*
Nursing Sister E. Nixon, who got the Royal Red Cross.
Lord Kitchener's Despatches Sth March 1901.— New South Wales
:

Medical Corps Capt. T. A. Green.

:

Sth May 1901.— 6th Imperial Bushmen Major W. E. 0'Brien,3 handled:

his men well in action of 23rd, and in pursuit of 24th Lts. E. H. Thomas ;

and R. Doyle,3 and Corporal Moy,* for excellent services in capture of

Delarey's guns on 24th March 1900 Cpl. W. Fyfe (promoted Sgt.), opera-
;

tions near Potchefstroom, as my head conductor, has done excellent work

throughout, and on March 24th, when convoy was attacked, was of greatest
assistance (from Col. Benson's Despatch). Sgt. Thomson (promoted 2nd

1 Awarded C.B. ^ Awarded C.M.G.

3 Awarded D.S.O. * Awarded D.C.M.
 Mentions gained by N.S. W. Contingents 41

Lt), seeing 80 of enemy about

to occupy a wood, took 15 men and galloped
to anticipate them, which he did. Had this wood been occupied, advance
would have been impeded and checked for a time. Lce.-Cpl. M'Clymont
(promoted Cpl.), noticing a Boer shooting at Lt. Hungerford from the
pass, at close range charged and shot him. Cpl. Newlands (promoted Sgt.),
seeing some Boers trying to get a gun limber away, charged them by
himself, and engaged them till supported by more men, when limber was
taken. Pte. Rhodenback (promoted Cpl.) was a scout on the extreme
right of advance, and found 50 Boers in a gully he opened iire and kept on
:

firing till Boers retired. Pte. Fewkes (promoted Cpl.) charged a kopje
under heavy fire, firing himself from his horse rest of troop followed and ;

enemy fled. Pte. H. Selby took a man's horse to him under close fire, and
remained with him whilst he resaddled his horse, in Gatsrand, April. 1st
Australian Bushmen, from General Plumer's Despatch of March 23 Sgt. :

Davenport,! during Boer attack on convoy near Rhenoster Kop, May 23,
was twice severely wounded while fetching ammunition also did excellent ;

service at Elands River Sgt.-Major Weir, on same occasion, dressed Sgt.

;

Davenport's wounds under fire, and did good service generally.

^th July 1901.— 6th Imperial Bushmen Tpr. H. Ruddle (promoted Cpl.),
:

on May 23, when convoy to Ventersdorp was attacked, volunteered to carry

a message through enemy's lines from Ventersdorp to oiRcer commanding
convoy, and succeeded.
^th October 1901. — Bushmen : Lt. Quintal, greatly distinguished himself
in night capture of Spannerbergs Laager, near Honingspruit, August 16.
3rd Mounted Infantry : Lt. W. Mofiitt, gallant conduct on Vaal River,
September 23.
^th December 1901. — 3rd Bushmen : Major H. Hamilton Browne, D.S.O.,
for several instances of marked good service with 6th Regiment Imperial
Bushmen.
%th March 1902.— Mounted Rifles : Capt. F. Lydiard, Lt. :E. F. Airey
(2nd) ; Lt. Fortescue (3rd), for conspicuous good service in December and
January Sgt.-Major J. Wasson (2nd), in Ermelo district, December 1901,
;

for dash and for holding a kopje with only four men, to cover the re-
tirement of some wounded men.
Lord Roberts' Final Despatch \st March 1902. Medical Corps: — :

Lt.-Col. R. V. Kelly.2 Bushmen: Tprs. W. F. Hunt^ (now Sgt.), T.

Borlase,! J. Waddell (killed). Pte. Duflyer, Mounted Rifles, got one of the
four scarves worked by her late Majesty for distribution among men of
Colonial Contingent.
Lord Kitchener's Despatches ^th April 1902. Mounted Rifles Lt.-
: — :

Col. C. W. Cox.2
1st June 1902.— 3rd Movmted Rifles Warrant-Officer M'Coll, for prompt
:

initiative and good work in action of 24th February 1902. Australian

Awarded D.C.M. * Awarded C.B.

412 The Colofiials in South Africa

Bushmen Sgt. -Major Harden, conspicuous good service at Brakspruit,

:

nth April 1902; Cpl. H. B. Wall, same action (promoted Sgt.)

—
23rdJune 1902. Nursing Sister A. B. Pocock Lt.-Col. H. B. Lassetteri; ;

Majors C. G. S. Lydiard, A. J. Bennett, Hon. R. Carrington,'^ V. H.

Edwards ; Capts. Soame, R. C. Holman,^ T. M'Donald,^ R. H. Herron, C. E.
Middleton ; Lt. J. Dickson ; Regtl. Sgt.-Majors J. Wasson, J. W. Porter^
Warrant-Officer J. M'CoU ; Sgt.-Majors P. J. Moy,
Squadron Sgt.- J. Hardy ;

Majors H. Pearce, C. T. Murphy, Webster, A. E. Digby Sgts. W. ;

Maxwell,^ J. D. Sutton, J. Macdonald, D. Felts Cpl. E. A. Evans Pte. ; ;

G. L. Hobson.'

1 Awarded C.B. 2 Awarded D.S.O. » Awarded D.C.M.

 413

Victorian Contingents.

1st and 2nd VICTOEIA MOUNTED EIFLES, AND

MOUNTED INFANTRY.

Sir G. a. French informed the War Commission ^ that

the total of the various contributions from Victoria was
3757, all ranks.
The contingent sailed on the Medic on 20th
1st
October 1899. By desire of the War Office it was
limited to one company of mounted rifles and one
company of infantry the latter was mounted in
:

January 1900.
On Cape Town the 1st contingent was
arrival at
sent to De About the beginning of January the
Aar.
mounted squadron was with General Babington, assist-
ing to protect the communications of Lord Methuen.
On 8th January Babington, with the 9th and 12th
Lancers, Victoria M.R., and G " Battery, made a re-
*'

connaissance to Ramdam in the Orange River Colony

but although they took part in various expeditions of
this kind, both to the east and west of the railway, the
Victorians did little real fighting in this neighbourhood.
The infantry unit, under Captain M'Inerney, formed
part of the Australian Regiment, and during December
1 Appendices, p. 174.
414 The Colonials in South Africa

and January was stationed about Enslin and Belmont,

and other points on the Hne between Orange and Modder
Eivers. Towards the close of January it was decided
to mount the whole regiment. They were taken to
Naauwpoort, Central Cape Colony, and there received
horses. The original mounted squadron, under Captain
M'Leish, entrained at Belmont on 31st January, and
also came on to Naauwpoort. In this district both
squadrons did fine work under General Clements, at a
time when good work was greatly needed. About 3rd
February they were ordered to hold positions beyond
Maeder's Farm, near Colesberg, on the extreme left of
the line which the British were holding, and which was
at that time nearly twenty-five miles long. A
detach-
ment was part of the garrison of " The Windmill Posts
of Hobkirk's Farm and Bastard's Nek, two most risky
posts." After General French and his cavalry had
left the Colesberg district to undertake the relief of
Kimberley the Boers became very aggressive, and on
10th February they fiercely attacked the positions held
by the Victoria Mounted Bifles, who were driven from
part of the ridges, losing 3 killed and several wounded.
On the 12th the fighting in this neighbourhood was
most severe, especially on the right flank, where the
Worcestershire Begiment and Tasmanians held the
position, and on the where the Victorians, South
left,

Australians, and Dragoons were posted.

Inniskilling
These troops were hardly pressed, and lost heavily.
Speaking of the attack on Pink Hill on the British
left,The Times' historian, vol. iii. p. 466, says "The
' :

position was now held by a company of Wiltshires

and some 80 to 100 Victorians and South Austrahans,
under Major Eddy, Victoria M.R., some 200 men in
all. So rapid was the Boer advance that it threatened
 is( and 2nd Victoria M.R, and M.I. 415

not only to annihilate the detachment on Pink Hill,

but also to rush Windmill Camp and endanger the
Coleskop and Kloof positions. But the force on Pink
Hill made so determined a stand that it was not till
3 P.M. that the Boers secured the hill, too late in the
day and too exhausted themselves to follow up their
success. The main credit of the defence of Pink Hill
belongs to the Australians, who, inspired by the
splendid gallantry of their commander, hung on to the
very most heroically covering the withdrawal of
last,
the infantry from Pink Hill and Windmill Camp. Their
losses amounted to nearly 40 per cent of their strength.
Of their officers, Eddy and two others were killed, the
remaining two severely wounded. As an exhibition of
resolute courage on the part of comparatively untrained
troops, this performance of the Australians is well
worthy of mention."
The account of this engagement given by Major Peay
in With the Australian Regiment is in terms practi-
'
'

cally similar to the foregoing. He states the garrison

of the hill as 50 Victoria M.I., 25 Victoria M.R, 20 South
Australians, 50 Inniskillings, 50 of the Wiltshires, while
close at hand were 2 guns, 75 of the Victoria M.P., 80
of the Bedfordshire Regiment, and about 40 N.S.W.
Mounted Infantry, Major Eddy of the Victorians being
in chief command. Up to the moment of his death he
was, quite regardless of the very heavy lire, moving about,
placing and encouraging his men. General Clements
highly praised the fine stand made by the Victorians and
Wilts, the troops who were most heavily engaged, and
issued a complimentary order placing " on record his
appreciation of the and determination of the
spirit
troops in the operations 9th to 14th February. The
powers and endurance of the troops were fully taxed.
41 The Colonials hi South Africa

and they well sustained the strain." The stand which

was made at Pink Hill enabled the artillery to get
down their guns from the lofty Coles Kop.
In addition to their leader the Victorians lost Lieu-
tenant Roberts, died of wounds, 6 non-commissioned
officers and men killed, Captain M'Inerney, wounded
and taken prisoner, Lieutenant Tremearne and about
20 men wounded. Many acts of gallantry on the part
of individuals are mentioned in Major Reay's account
of the fighting.
On the 13th the Boers did not renew the attack,
but the numbers of the enemy in the Colesberg district
were seen to be so overwhelmingly superior that Gen-
eral Clements decided on a midnight retirement from
the positions in front of Rensburg to Arundel. During
this movement, which commenced shortly before mid-
night on the 13th, the Victoria M.R. protected the
right flank and formed the advance guard Captain
;

Moor's West Australians were the left flank guard ;

Inniskillings and South Australians the rear-guard. A

company of New South Wales Mounted Infantry were
escort to the ammunition column. For two days and
two nights the fighting had been almost incessant, and
the men had got practically no rest or sleep, but when
on arrival at Arundel it was found that two com-
panies of the Wiltshire Regiment had been left behind,
many of the Australians volunteered to go back and
assist the unfortunate infantrymen. Captain Las-
celles, South Australians, took back a party, and
assisted a detachment of the Bedfordshire Regiment
to gain the camp but the two companies of the Wilt-
;

shires had been cut off" and surrounded by a large body

of Boers, and after holding out for some time they
were forced to surrender.
 is^ and 2nd Victoria M.R. and M.I. 417

The 2nd contingent, strength 262, all ranks, under

Colonel Price, sailed on the Euryalus on 13th January,
and having arrived at Cape Town on 6th February,
was on the 12th entrained, with the object of joining
General Clements, but Colonel Price received a mess-
age to get out and hold Hanover Eoad, between
De Aar and Naauwpoort, as the Boers were swarm-
ing down into the country behind Clements' left rear.
With great smartness positions were selected, and
put into a defensive state.
Lord Roberts commenced his advance from Modder
River on 11th February, but it was quite fourteen
days before that movement had any apparent effect
on the vigour of the enemy in Central Cape Colony.
On the 20th the Boers again attacked from all sides,
Clements' position being almost surrounded, but the
attacks were driven off and the whole of the ground
held. On the 20th Clements brought up the 2nd
Victorian contingent from Hanover Road, and he also
got some additional artillery, notably two 5 -inch guns,
with which he was able to cope with the long-range
cannon of the Boers. The 2nd Victorians were in-
structed to hold a position at Elandsfontein, ten miles
west of Arundel. Clements now took the initiative,
and made an endeavour to regain some of the ground
he had lost. On the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th there was
a great deal of fighting, but the British failed to drive
the enemy from any of his main positions. Both con-
tingents of the Victorians were engaged on these days.
The plight of Cronje at Paardeberg, and the need of
concentrating their troops to protect Bloemfontein,
were at last influencing the Boer leaders in Cape
Colony, and on the 27th a reconnaissance proved
that the enemy were weakening their hold on the
2 D
41 The Colonials in South Africa

Rensburg position, and on that day they were driven

from the town. On the 28th Colesberg was occupied
by the Austrahans. In the latter town the officers
of the 1st and 2nd contingents of the Victorians had
their first opportunity of meeting the stress of affairs
:

during the previous fortnight, with the incessant hard

work and fighting, had prevented any communication
between the two detachments. During the first days
of March there was much skirmishing and scouting in
all directions. The advance guard between 1st and
15th March was generally 4 guns, 4th Battery K.F.A.,
1 squadron Inniskilling Dragoons, 100 Victoria M.R.,

Captain M'Leish, a squadron West Australians, and a

company of Regular Mounted Infantry. On 3rd March
a fine bit of reconnaissance and some bold fighting was
done by 20 Victoria M.K., Lieutenant Thorne, and 30
Inniskillings, Lieutenant Paterson. On the 4th the
1st Victorian contingent and the West Australians had
a sharp fight in which they drove ofi* the enemy,
whose losses were heavy 8 were buried.
: On the
5th the 2nd contingent moved out to Reitfontein
and there joined the Tasmanians. Clements now
moved forward his troops towards Norvals Pont,
where the railway bridge crosses the Orange River.
On the 7th a party of officers and some men, includ-
ing Captain M'Leish of the Victoria M.R., rode down to
the south bank of the river, and were fired at by the
enemy on the opposite side. By the 12th the artil-
lery had been got into position, and the ground held
by the Boers on the north bank was carefully searched.
If the Boers had stood it would have been very dif-
ficult, if not impossible, for a force such as General

Clements had to have fought their way across the

river. Preparations were, however, made for the
 1st and 2nd Victoria M.R. and M.I. 419

formation of a pontoon bridge : the railway bridge

had been blown up. Before daylight on the 15th
some companies of infantry from the Worcestershire,
Bedfordshire, and Berkshire Regiments were ferried
across the river : the enemy did not seek
to prevent
their landing on the opposite bank. By
twelve o'clock
in the day the pontoon bridge was completed, and the
Inniskilling Dragoons, followed by M'Leish's company
of the Victoria M.B. and Legge's compan}^ of the New
South Wales Mounted Infantry, crossed. On the 16th
General Clements continued his advance northwards.
For the march to Bloemfontein he divided his force
into three columns: the 2nd Victorians, "under the
personal command of Colonel Price, had the honour
of forming themounted portion of the advance guard
to the main column, and therefore led the way." ^
The Westralians and South Australians were in the
right column, under Major Dauncey, and the re-
mainder of the Australian Kegiment, including the
1st Victorians, were in the left column, under Major
Slee. The columns marched via Philippolis, Jagers-
fontein, Fauresmith, and Petrusburg to Bloemfontein,
which was entered by General Clements' troops on
4th April.
Before advancing from Bloemfontein Lord Roberts
reorganised the Mounted Infantry or Mounted Rifles as
they were very often called and the Victorians were
;

put into Colonel Henry's Mounted Infantry, the Fourth

corps, which worked as screen and scouts to the centre
of Lord Roberts' great force in the advance to Pretoria.
The Victorians took their share of the work. On 30th
April, when Lord Roberts was clearing the ground for
his advance northwards, Lieut, and Adjutant Lilley of
1 Major Reay's 'With the Australian Regiment.'
420 The Colonials in South Africa

the Victorians was severely wounded and taken prisoner,

and they suffered other casualties. Lieut. Lilley was
found in Brandfort when the troops entered the town
four days later. Henry's men had much fighting on
this march, particularly at and immediately after the
crossing of the Yaal, and outside Pretoria. Their good
work was referred to by Lord Roberts, and was most
highly praised by various correspondents who were
present.
After Pretoria was occupied the Victoria M.R. were
employed on the outpost line to the east and north-east
of the capital. They were present at the battle of
Diamond Hill, 11th - 12th June. On 20th June it w^as
announced that Captain M'Inerney had been appointed
Her Majesty's Advocate in the New High Court at
Pretoria : an honour to his corps as to himself.
During the first half of July the contingents were
often engaged and several times suffered loss. Henry's
Mounted Infantry, including the Victoria M.R., South
Australians, and Tasmanians, were in Lord Roberts'
advance along the Delagoa Railway, first to Middel-
burg, which was occupied on 27th July, and starting
thence on 21st August to the Portuguese border.
They had fighting several times during the long march,
particularly near Balmoral and in the neighbourhood of
Belfast. All through this eastern advance the troops
of Hutton and Henry did remarkably fine work.
General French with his regular cavalry and some
Colonials having been directed to move on Carolina and
Barberton far south of the direct line to Komati Poort,
Hutton's Colonials, now including Brabant's Horse,
Alderson's Canadians, and Henry's men were the only
mounted troops in the last stage of the great eastern
—
movement that is, between 9th September and the
 ist and 2nd Victoria M.R. and M.I. 42

24th, the day on which Henry's men, including the

Victoria M.R., entered Komati Poort. There immense
quantities of rolHng-stock, provisions, and war stores
were found. The Victoria M.B. were present at the
big review by General Pole-Carew at that place on 28th
September. In October they were brought away from
that unhealthy neighbourhood, and later to Pretoria,
where, on the 15th of that month, Lord Roberts in-
spected and congratulated on their work the 1st con-
tingents of the Victorians, South and West Australians,
and Tasmanians. Before the end of November most of
the men of the 1st contingents had entrained for Cape
Town en route for home.
In Lord Kitchener's telegram of 6th December 1900
he mentioned that 28 men of the Victoria M.K. were
part of the escort of a convoy which was attacked on the
Rustenburg road on 3rd December " The escort took
:

up a position on some kopjes, and fought with great

gallantry." The Boers succeeded in setting fire to one
half of the waggons, but the other half was saved. So
determined were the enemy, that some were killed by
case-shot within fifty yards of the guns.
About the middle of January 1901 a party of this
contingent, the 2nd, under Captain Umphelby, made
a good capture of cattle from the enemy near Rusten-
burg. A detachment was present under Brigadier-
General Cunningham in a severe engagement at Middel-
fontein on 24th January. They continued for some
time to work in the district west of Pretoria.
On 31st March 1901 Captain Kirkby, with what
remained of the 2nd contingent, sailed for home.
422 The Colonials in South Africa

THE 3kd VICTOKIAN CONTINGENT.

The 3rd contingent consisted of two squadrons of

Mounted Infantry commanded by Major Dobbin. They
were very frequently designated Victorian Bushmen,
sometimes Australian Bushmen. The contingent arrived
at Beira on the Euryalus on 12th April 1900, and
formed part of the force which, under General Carring-
ton, crossed Bhodesia and entered the Transvaal from
Mafeking. A party of Victorian nursing sisters landed
at Beira with the troops and accompanied them on the
long journey to Mafeking.
The 3rd Victorians were associated with the 3rd
West Australians, the two forming the 3rd, but some-
times called the 2nd, Regiment of Australian Bushmen.
The 3rd Victorian contingent was split up, but the
larger portion moved eastward from Mafeking and
Zeerust with Plumer, under whom they acted, and did
fine work during their term in the field.
A detachment of about 50, under Captain Ham, was
dropped at Elands Eiver, east of Zeerust, and formed
a portion of the garrison which, under Colonel Hore,
made a splendid defence from 4th to 16th August
(see Rhodesian Regiment). About 60 of the contingent
were in the force of Colonel Airey, one of those which
attempted, but unsuccessfully, to push through to
Hore. In Airey's engagement at Kosters River, 22nd
July (see 1st New South Wales Bushmen), the Vic-
torian detachment had 4 killed and 7 wounded. Ham's
detachment was in September brought by rail from
Mafeking to Pretoria and joined Plumer north of that
town.
 The yd Victorian Contingent 423

In Lord Roberts' telegram of 2nd November he

mentioned that Paget and Plumer had had an en-
gagement on the 1st to the south-west of the Megato
Pass in the Megaliesberg. He said Plumer's mounted
troops drove the Boers " from two strong positions over
difficult country. The Yorkshire and Warwickshire
Yeomanry, under Colonel Howard, carried one position
by assault. The 3rd Imperial Bushmen, under Major
Vialls, turned another position which caused the enemy
to retreat precipitately." Major Vialls was an officer
of the West Australians, but commanded the 3rd
Bushmen. This detachment of Victorians saw an
immense deal of hard fighting service under Generals
Paget and Plumer. In August, September, and
October they were constantly in touch with the enemy
in the district north of Pretoria, and afterwards
worked both north-west and north-east of the capital.
They were in the hardly contested battle at Bhenoster
Kop, 29th November 1900 (see 1st, 2nd, and 3rd New
Zealand Contingents), in other engagements about
Balmoral, and afterwards, in February 1901, in the
pursuit of De Wet in Cape Colony, where they had
various casualties (see 4th Victorian contingent) and ;

again, after the middle of March, in the district north

of Pretoria.
In his despatch of 8th May 1901 Lord Kitchener,
dealing with General Plumer's operations in the
Eastern Transvaal in April, said " a party of the enemy
driven westward by General Beatson was pursued and
overtaken by a detachment from General Plumer's force
under Major Vialls, 3rd Victorian Bushmen." Twenty-
seven prisoners and 1000 head of cattle were taken on
this occasion. As has already been stated, Major
Vialls had the 3rd Victorians under his command.
424 The Colonials in Soitth Africa

A small detachment of the 3rd were in the Western

Transvaal along with the 4th from August 1900 onwards.
Practically all the 3rd Australian contingents sailed
for home in May 1901.
Lieutenant J. M'L. Cameron, of the 3rd contingent,
organised and commanded a body of specially picked and
trained scouts whose good work was on several occasions
referred to by correspondents and other writers.

THE 4th VICTORIAN CONTINGENT.

This corps, consisting of a battalion — five companies

— of mounted rifles, commanded by Lieut. -Colonel N.
W. Kelly, was a portion of the second "Imperial"
or
Bushmen forcewhich was contributed by all the
to
Australian colonies. This Victorian Contingent w^as
often officially referred to as the Victorian Imperial
Regiment, and sometimes as the Victorian Imperial
Bushmen.
The regiment sailed from Melbourne on the Victorian
upon 1st May 1900 and landed at Beira. For a time
their work was much akin to that of the 6th New
South Wales Imperial Bushmen, to which reference
is made.

The 4th Victorians were split up at an early stage of

their fighting career. Colonel Kelly, with one portion,
long fought with Lord Methuen and other leaders in
the Western Transvaal, where they took a prominent
part in many actions. In his telegraphic despatch of
24th August 1900 Lord Roberts said that General
Carrington had been engaged at Ottoshoop on the
 The /]^tk Victorian Contingent 425

22nd, when Lieutenant A. G. Gilpin and one man of

the 4th Victorians were killed. From this time
onwards they were constantly engaged, but for long
escaped serious casualties. They served with columns
based on Mafekinef and Zeerust, and did an immense
amount of arduous trekking. In an expedition through
Griqualand West, in January and February 1901, there
was some fighting, most of which fell to the New South
Wales and Victorian Bushmen.
In his telegram of 21st February 1901 Lord Kit-
chener mentioned that Lord Methuen had marched
into Klerksdorp, in the south-west of the Transvaal,
and he said that '' At Hartebeestfontein he was
opposed by a force of 1400 Boers under Generals De
Villiers and Lichtenburg. The Boers held a strong
position obstinately, but were turned out after severe
fighting, in which the 10th Yeomanry, Victorian Bush-
men, and the Loyal North Lancashire Begiment dis-
tinguished themselves." The Victorians lost 3 killed,
and 3 officers of the 4th contingent — Lieut. -Colonel
Kelly and Lieutenants Parkin and Mann — and 8men
wounded.
The other portion of the 4th Victorians operated
with General Plumer, and under him gained great dis-
tinction. Along with the greater part of Plumer's
mounted troops they were taken to Cape Colony to
assist in the endeavour to expel De Wet (see 1st, 2nd,
and 3rd New Zealand). During the pursuit of his
forces, and also after he and the greater portion of
his men had been driven back across the Orange, the
contingent saw a great deal of hard service in Cape
Colony, and Major Clarke, D.S.O., who commanded
this portion of the 4th, was selected for very high
praise.
426 The Colonials in South Africa

In Lord Kitchener's despatch of 8th March 1901 he

dealt with the invasion ofCape Colony, and said " On :

the 12th February a party of about 300 Boers ap-

proached PhilipstoMai, but were completely baffled and
driven off by the energetic defence made by detach-
ments of Imperial Yeomanry and the Victorian Imperial
Regiment, who were reinforced on the 13th by the
arrival of Colonel Henniker's column from De Aar and
mounted infantry from Hanover Road. Moving as fast
as the bad state of the roads and the exhausted condi-
tion of their transport animals would allow, the main
body of the enemy made for the De Aar-Orange River
line. On the 14th De Wet was severely handled by
Plumer at Wolvekuilen, being forced to abandon many
of his waggons, and at daybreak on the 15th he crossed
the railway about four miles north of Houtkraal, where
he was engaged by Colonel Crabbe's column and the
armoured train under Captain Nanton, R.E. The
enemy made but little resistance, and pushed on to-

wards the north-west. Large numbers of waggons and

much ammunition now fell into our hands, the Boers
being unable to urge their weary transport animals
along at a sufficiently rapid pace owing to the sodden
state of the ground." On the 13th Lieutenants F. W.
Mason and F. G. Code, both of the 4th, and several
men were wounded. On the 14th the Victorians had
Lieutenants Frew and Gartside,both of the 3rd
contingent, and about 17 men wounded. The West
Australian Bushmen and New Zealand Mounted
Infantry had also casualties in this action.
After the 15th the pursuit of De Wet continued
with very great vigour and in his telegram of 24th
;

February Lord Kitchener was able to say, " Plumer

reports Colonel Owen, with detachments of King's
Dragoon Guards, Victorian Imperial Regiment, and
 The \th VictoTian Contingent 427

Imperial Light Horse, captured De Wet's 15-pounder

and pom-pom 011 the 23rd. The enemy is in full
retreat and dispersing he is being vigorously pursued.
:

De Wet's attempt to invade Cape Colony has evidently

completely failed. Plumer took 50 prisoners and
. . .

some carts of ammunition with the 15-pounder." The

Victorians alluded to in this telegram are evidently the
4th contingent, but, as will be seen from the casualties,
the 3rd were with Plumer, as were also some New
South Wales, New Zealand, and Queensland men.
South and West Australians, and other Colonials. By
general consensus of opinion among all correspondents
then present in Cape Colony, it was to Plumer and his
Colonials that the greatest share of credit must be
given for the eventual expulsion of De Wet from
the colony. The cleverness and energy of the leader
were splendidly backed up by all ranks under him.
No better example of this fine spirit could be found
than in an incident referred to in the following words
of Lord Kitchener's telegram of 4th March 1901 :

" Captain Dallimore (4th contingent) and 16 Victorian

Pifles captured 33 Boers and 50 horses on Seacow
Piver," in the Colesberg district. Captain Dallimore
and his 16 men had been detached to reconnoitre. He
located a party of Boers, but kept out of sight. After
dark he drove off their horses, and at dawn he fired
some The enemy, finding their horses gone,
volleys.
complied with a demand to surrender. Telegraphing
on the 4th of March as to the capture of the guns, &c.,
on 23d February, the Press Association correspondent
said " Perhaps General Plumer distinguished himself
:

more than the rest of the commanders in the recent

operations. During the whole of that fatiguing
. . .

day the Victorians did splendid work. Captain Tivey

(4th contingent) especially distinguished himself by his
428 The Colonials in South Africa

magnificent persistence and clever handling of his men."

The correspondent of The Daily Mail/ Mr Edgar
'

Wallace, who had nothing to gain by disparaging the

work of the regulars, wrote "So De Wet struck east-
:

ward, leaving the Victorians gloating over the two

guns they captured, and the colonel of the King's
Dragoon Guards wondering how in the world he got
the credit for capturing them. I would like to say a
word about the Victorians. Victoria is a colony which
has produced some splendid soldiers, but no better nor
finer troops have ever been put in the field than those
men who form part of Colonel Henniker's column."
This body of Victorians did not go back to the north
of the Transvaal with Plumer. They remained in Cape
Colony, during March, April, and May were
and
engaged hunting down scattered bands under
in
Kritzinger, Scheepers, and Malan, and the despatch
of 8th July 1901 shows that up to the end of May
they were operating with Colonel Henniker in the
central district of the colony.
As will be seen from the list of Mentions, the
Victorian Imperial Regiment or Imperial Bushmen
gained honour on many Cape Colony.
occasions in
The lack of really distinctive names, and the fact
that the different contingents were so much split up
and mixed up, makes any endeavour to trace the
doings of any of the Australian contingents very
difficulteven the official designation of a corps
:

seems to have changed at times in an aimless fashion.

The record of the Victorians sufi'ers in this way perhaps
more than that of any of the other Colonials.
The bulk of the 4th contingent, with some of the
3rd —together about 460, — sailed for home on the 26th
June 1901.
 The ^t/i Victorian Mounted Rifles 429

THE OTH VICTORIAN MOUNTED RIFLES.

This contingent, 1000 strong, sailed on 15th February

1901, and on the same day there embarked at Mel-
bourne 250 Victorians as volunteers for the Scottish
Horse (see that corps). Soon after landing the 5th
contingent were taken to the Transvaal.
In May and June 1901 the 5th Victorian M.R were
operating in the Eastern Transvaal under General Beat-
son. On 7th May they had sharp fighting at Rhenoster
Kop, when Captain John Kelly and Lieutenant John-
ston and 1 man were killed and 3 men wounded. On
the 25th they had Lieutenant W. S. Wedd and several
men wounded. On 12th June the corps met with a
—
mishap one of the very few incidents of that nature,
we might say the only one, happening in connection
with any of the oversea Colonials. The words of Lord
Kitchener's despatch of 8th July relating to this affair
are as follows:
" On 6th June General Beatson again
moved out to the junction of the Olifant's Biver and
Steenkool Spruit to operate round that locality on his
way to Bethel. While encamped at Van Dyck's Drift
on the 10th, he detached a force of four companies
Victorian Mounted Bifles, with two pom-poms, under
Major Morris, to act against a small force of the enemy
reported at Boschmanfontein. The detachment reached
its destination and found the laager evacuated. On
the 12th General Beatson sent instructions to Major
Morris to combine with him at dawn on the 13th in
an attack on another body of the enemy reported to
be at Elandsfontein. The detachment bivouacked on
the evening of the 12th at Wilmansrust. At about
430 The Colonials in South Africa

7.30 P.M. a body of the enemy which, m the darkness,

had evaded the outposts, crept up close to the bivouac,
opened a heavy fire, stampeded the horses, and after
a few minutes rushed the camp. The pom-poms were
captured and removed. Two officers and 16 men were
killed and 4 officers and 38 men wounded : a number
of the men were made prisoners, but shortly afterwards
released. General Beatson received information of
this at 1.30 a.m. on the 13th: leaving his
reverse
baggage under the guard of his infantry, he set out
at once with all available mounted men and arrived
at Wilmansrust shortly after daybreak. The Boers,
however, had moved off again immediately after the
action and were out of reach. General Beatson there-
fore concentrated his force at Koornfontein. The
column then moved east and came in touch with
General Blood's troops at Hartebeestspruit, north of
Ermelo, on the 19th. General Beatson's force pro-
ceeded to Middelburg, a few days later, to refit. The
results of his operations from the 6th to 19th June
were as follows: Boers killed and wounded 16,
prisoners 23, rifles 160, ammunition 10,850 rounds,
58 waggons and carts, besides some stock."
It may be noted that the detached force, although
consisting almost entirely of Victorians, was put by
General Beatson under the command of Major Morris,
an artillery officer. Captain Watson of the 7 th
Battery Eoyal Field Artillery, and Surgeon-Lieutenant
Palmer of the Victorians, were the officers killed, and
Captains Bighetti and J. H. Patterson, and Lieu-
tenants Dallimore and Henwood, were those wounded.
It was subsequently intimated that Lieutenant S.
Sherlock was also wounded.
The appendix to this despatch shows that Beatson's
 The ^th Victorian Mottnted Rifles 431

column was composed of 5th Victorian M.K, 740 9th ;

Battery Eoyal Field Artillery, 4 guns 2nd Duke of

;

Cornwall's Light Infantry, 366 ;2nd Seaforth High-

landers, 178 ; 26th company Royal Engineers, 20th
Field Hospital, 26 and the 84th company Army
;

Service Corps, 18.

It was reported that General Beatson said some un-
generous things about the Victorian M.B. It serves no
purpose to rake up these disagreeable matters. Words
which should never have been uttered may have been
spoken in haste, but at all events the subsequent ser-
vice of the corps showed that they were capable of,
and did carry out, very fine work.
The despatch of 8th September mentions that, in
consequence of a reported concentration of the enemy
in the south-east of the Transvaal, several columns
were, in August, thrown into that district, —
among
others that of Colonel Pulteney. The latter consisted
of the Victorian M.B. brought round from Brugspruit,
on the Delagoa line, a squadron of the 8th Hussars,
the Dublin Fusiliers M.I., and 2 guns. On 8th
August there was fighting, in which Lieutenant S.
Selman and some men of the Victorians were wounded ;

and Lord Kitchener mentioned in his despatch that

" on the 23rd August Lt.-Col. Pulteney had a sharp
engagement with the enemy on the west side of the
Schurveberg, in which the Victorian M.B. had 2 men
killed and 5 wounded." Near Vryheid, on the 27th,
Lieutenant S. B. Coulter was killed and 3 men were
wounded.
The Victorian M.B. continued almost till the close
of thewar to march and fight in Pulteney 's column in
the south-east of the Transvaal and alonp- the Zulu-
land border. The corps suffered casualties on several
432 The Colonials in South Africa

occasions during that period, as on 5th November

1901, when Lieutenant H. Chrisp and 2 men were
killed and 5 wounded. On this occasion Major Fraser
had taken out 150 Victorian M.R. to surround a farm.
The enemy was in strength, but 2 were killed and 12
captured 70 horses were also secured. The conduct
:

of this detachment was much praised. Lieutenant

G. J. Bell and some men were wounded on 4th January
1902, and Lieutenant O'Eeilly on 5th March. Speak-
ing of the work of the troops in this district. Lord
Kitchener expressed appreciation of the cheerful manner
in which they underwent the hardships of incessant
marching by day and night in extremely wet weather,
and in perhaps the most difficult piece of country in
South Africa. The columns did not see a tent on
many occasions for seven and eight weeks at a time.
Pulteney's column had endless skirmishing, and always
came out of all difficulties with distinction. They did
not get the opportunities of making large captures
which fell to some other forces, but they contributed
to the defeat of all Botha's attempts to reinvade Natal.
On 3rd April 1902 the corps embarked at Durban
for home.

The first Victorian quota of the Commonwealth

Horse, numbering 360 officers and men, sailed on the
St Andrew on 12th February 1902. On arrival they
were present at some of the closing scenes in the
Western Transvaal. The colony's section of the second
Commonwealth contingent sailed on the Templemore
on 27th March, and that of the third Commonwealth
Horse, over 400, on 19th May. Victoria contributed
about 300 recruits to the Scottish Horse (see that
regiment).
 Mentions gained by Victorian Contingents 433

The following Honours and Mentions were gained

by the Victorian Contingents :

Lt. Maygar, 5th V.M.R., gained the Victoria Cross under the
L. C.
following circumstances " At Geelhoutboom, November 23rd 1901, Lieut.
:

Maygar galloped out and ordered the men of a detached post, which was
being outflanked, to retire. The horse of one of them being shot under him
when the enemy were within 200 yards, Lieut. Maygar dismounted and
lifted him on to his own horse, which bolted into boggy ground, causing
both of them to dismount. On extricating the horse, and finding that it
could not carry them both, Lieut. Maygar again put him on its back and
told him to gallop to cover at once, he himself proceeding on foot. All this
took place under a very heavy fire."
Lord Roberts' Despatch '2nd April 1901. Mounted Rifles Col. T.
: — :

Price i Majors Eddy (killed), D. M'Leish 2 Lts. M. T. Kirby,^ J. L. Lilley ^

; ; ;

Adjt. T. S. Staughton ^ Sgts. H. H. Bell, P. J. Dalimore

; Ptes. H. J. ;

Cooke,* R. J. Gardiner,* E. Starkey.* Mounted Infantry Col. J. C. Hoad.2 :

Impl. Bushmen Lieut.-Col. N. W. Kelly.i

:

Lord Kitchener's Despatches 8^A March 1901. Impl. Bushmen, 4th

: —
contingent Lieut.-Col. N. W. Kelly
: Capts. E, Tivey, J. Dallimore ^ (con-
;

tingent not stated) Lce.-Cpl. R. M'Rae

; Ptes. W. Sheehan, J. Clay,
;

J. Green, P. O'Brien (promoted corporals) Cpl. Elliot Ptes. A. M. Burke,

; ;

D. E. Wallace.
—
^th May 1901. Victorian Imperial Regiment (4th contingent) Capt. :

A. H. Sturdee, medical officer at Middelwater, Cape Colony, on April 22nd

rode half a mile under fire to a donga near enemy's position, in which were
some wounded men who needed medical aid, Lce.-Cpl. J. W. Willing assist- —
ing on same occasion. 5th V.M.R. Lt. and Adjt. H. A. Andersoia has shown
:

a fine dash on several occasions under fire, and by his coolness and deter-
mination extricated a patrol from a very difficult situation near Rhenoster
Kojj on May 7th 1901. Lt. J. H. Paterson, medical officer, on same occa-
sion proceeded, under fire, to within 70 yards of enemy in order to assist
wounded, and remained under close fire for over two hours and though ;

constantly shot at, continued to attend wounded, and remained behind

with them when the patrol withdrew, though he was without Red Cross
brassard.
From Colonel Henniker's Despatch on operations in Zuurberg, C.C., in
March 1901. —
Victorian Imperial Bushmen, 4th contingent I cannot speak :

too highly of the excellent way in which Major Clarke^ has always carried
out his orders, and the manner in which his officers and men back him
up. In the announcement of the award of D.S.O. to Major Clarke, it was
said to be " for ablecommand of operations against De Wet."

1 Awarded C.B. 2 Awarded C.M.G.

3 Awarded D.S.O. " Awarded D.C.M.
2 E
 1^^^ Colonials in South Africa
434
From Lord Methuen's Despatch of 16th March as to attack on Wolmaran-
stad, 6th March. —Victorian Imj^erial Bushmen : Lce.-Cpl. A. N. Gregg,
promoted Sgt., rode twice across open and bullet-swept ground to look for
missing man, found him, and brought him back safely. Seems specially
deserving of praise. Cpl. Walker, StafF-Sgt. A. S. Mackenzie, Tprs. J. J.
Butler, Jamieson, and Duncan took back spare horses to bring out men
whose horses had bolted.
From Colonel Henniker's Special Despatch of April 1st. —V.I.B. : Sgt.
D. Sandford, Lce.-Cpl. Legerwood, Tpr. Browning, at Zuurberg, C.C.,
J.
March 31, in returning from reconnoitring, and pressed by enemy, a man's
horse fell and pinned him to the ground these three men went back under
;

fire, released him, and brought him in.

^th July 1901. — Vet.-Lt. S. Sherlock, on June 7th, at Wilmansrust, when

doctor was killed, took charge of 40 wounded, and by his skill and attention
much alleviated suffering and danger an excellent officer in his own depart-
;

ment. Vict. Imperial Eegiment Cpl. Hewitt (promoted Sgt.), under a heavy
:

fire, in response to a call for volunteers, with Q.M.-Sgt. Johnstone, entered

a farm and brought out four armed Boers. May 13th, in Cape Colony,
Tpr. Hipland (promoted Cpl.), on same occasion, though wounded, rode
back to cover retreat of another man, Q.M.-Sgt. Johnstone,^ same occasion,
twice brought to notice, mentioned in Army Orders. V.M.R. Pte. H. A. :

Wilson (promoted Cpl.), along with Private G. Davidson, Kitchener's Horse,

as a scout has on many occasions showi:i exceptional skill and nerve. At
time Delarey and Beyers were in Megaliesberg, voluntarily and alone on
several occasions took most important messages through Boer lines.
%ih August 1901. —
V.I. Regt. Cpl. Pike, jjromoted Sgt. at Grootreitvlei,
:

C.C, May 13, same occasion as Q.M.-Sgt. Johnstone (see above).

Isi! June 1902.— 5th V.M.R. : Sgt.-Major Keeble, for gallant ca^ature of
Boers single-handed at Rhenoster Kop in May 1901.
26^/i June 1902.— Nursing Sisters M. Rawson (got Royal Red Cross) and

Isobel Ivey. Major M. O'Farrell 2 Capts. G. G. F. Chomley, A. J. Christie

;
;

Lts. G. J. Bell,2 T. S. L. O'Reilly, H. Kessell Regl. Sgt.-Major R. S. Goode

;

(1st Dragoon Guards) ;i Coy. Sgt.-Major J. W. Keeble ;i Sgts. J. Kilbeg,

A. Watt Lee. -Cpl. W. Hutchins Pte. J. Birch.
; ;

Awarded D.C.M. 2 Awarded D.S.O.

 435

Queensland Contingents.

1st and 2nd contingents.

To Queensland belongs the credit of being the first

colony tomake an offer of assistance to the mother
country in connection with the South African War.
On 11th July 1899, three months before the Boer
ultimatum was sent, the Queensland Government
despatched to Mr Chamberlain an offer of 250 mounted
men, with machine-guns. The credit for this foresight
belongs to Lieut. -Colonel J. Sanderson -Lyster, late
71st, Highland Light Infantry, who, as chief staff-
ofBcer in Queensland, made the suggestion to the com-
mandant, Major-General H. Guuter. The latter inter-
viewed the Premier, the Hon. J. R. Dickson, since
deceased, and he at once acted on the suggestion.
The total contribution from the colony was 143
officers, 2756 men, and 3085 horses.^ The first con-
tingent was two companies of mounted infantry, 262
strong, all ranks, and was mainly composed of men of
the Queensland Militia Regiment of Mounted Infantry.
They were commanded by Lieut.-Colonel P. R. Ricardo.
The contingent sailed on the Cornivall on 1st Novem-
ber 1899, and were, on arrival upon 11th December,
1 '
Australia and New Zealand,' Sydney, 1904.
43^ The Colo7iials in South Africa

sent to the De Aar-Modder River line in order to

protect the communications of Lord Methuen. They
remained in this district until Lord Roberts commenced
his advance into the Free State on 11th February
1900.
On 1st January 1900, 200 Queenslanders, under
Lieut. -Colonel Ricardo and Captains Chauvel and
Pinnock, v^^ere part of a force which Colonel Pilcher
led out from Belmont towards Douglas, —
an expedition
which was entirely successful. Colonel Pilcher took
extraordinary care to prevent any news of his march
leaking out, and owing to this care he was able to
surprise the enemy, capturing their laager and 40
prisoners. The work of the Queenslanders was greatly
praised. They had a difficult task to perform, and the
most highly-trained troops could not have done it more
satisfactorily. When it was known that the column
was in the vicinity of the laager, Colonel Pilcher's main
endeavour was to throw some of his troops round the
enemy's flanks. The Queenslanders got round on one
flank unseen, and before they were discovered had
gained a position which put the Boers at disad-
vantage. Privates M'Leod and Jones were killed,
the first Australian soldiers to die by Boer bullets.
Lieutenant Aidie and Private Rose were dangerously
wounded. There were a few other casualties. Rose
was said to have been struck while returning to help
Lieutenant Aidie.
In the beginning of February preparations were
being made for the relief of Kimberley and the advance
on Bloemfonteiu, and the Queensland Mounted Infantry
were destined to take part in these stirring operations.
In the appendix to his despatch of 16th February, Lord
Roberts gives a statement of the troops available. He
 The \st and 2nd Queensland Contingents 437

puts the Queensland Mounted Infantry as two hundred

and seventy-five strong.
In the rush to Kimberley and during the fighting on
the north side of the town on 16th February 1900, the
Queenslanders were under Pilcher, along with the 3rd
Mounted Infantry (Eegulars) and a squadron of New
Zealanders. They succeeded in capturing a part of the
Boer position, and were left out on outpost at Mac-
farlane's Siding during the night of the 16th, but before
morning the enemy had decamped, getting away their
convoy and guns. When French got the message
announcing that Cronje had left Magersfontein he
pushed on, first, Broadwood's Cavalry and then his
other troops to Koedoesrand and Paardeberg drifts on
the Modder to endeavour to head-off Cronje and in ;

this he was successful (see Canadian Begiment).

The 2nd contingent, about 162 all ranks, com-
manded by Lieut. -Colonel K. Hutchison, left Brisbane
on 13th January 1900, and arrived at Cape Town in
February. They were at once hurried to the front, and
a portion were able to take part in the advance after
Cronje's surrender. After Paardeberg the Queenslanders
(called in the despatch the 1st and 2nd Queensland
Mounted Infantry) were put into the 3rd Brigade
of Mounted Infantry, the commander of the brigade
being Lieut. -Colonel C. G. Martyr. The remainder of
the brigade were regulars. The brigade had several
times very stiff work on the way to Bloemfontein, and
bore its share of the fighting with credit. In the
despatch of 31st March 1900, giving the names of
those who had distinguished themselves in the ad-
vance. Captains Beid and Browne of the Queensland
1st Contingent were mentioned. The strength of the
Queenslanders who marched into Bloemfontein on 13th
43 The Colonials in South Africa

March 1900 was officially stated at 16 officers, 312

men, and 369 horses.
At Sannahs Post, 31st March 1900, when Broad-
wood's force was ambushed (see Roberts' Horse), the
troops of Colonel Martyr were about Boesman's Kop, on
the west side of the spruit, and they fought hard to
relieve the pressure on Broadwood. The Queens-
landers, who were under Colonel Bicardo, lost 2 killed,
3 wounded, and 5 taken prisoners.
In the advance to Pretoria the Queenslanders, now
about 400 strong, were in the 3rd Mounted Infantry
Corps under Pilcher, the other regiments in Pilcher's
corps being the 3rd Mounted Infantry (Begulars) and
the 1st and 2nd New Zealand Mounted Rifles. Pilcher's
corps were part of the Mounted Infantry Brigade which
distinguished itself during the next few months under
General Hutton and other leaders. They operated on
the left in the advance from Bloemfontein northwards,
and frequently earned praise from the Commander-in-
Chief (see Canadian Mounted Rifles and New Zealand
Mounted Rifles). At the crossing of the Vet the
Queenslanders had several casualties, and again, after
the Yaal was crossed, they had some sharp brushes
with the enemy and suffered some losses. In Lord
Roberts' telegram of 2nd June 1900 he remarked
" Very few guns were left in the Johannesburg forts,
only one 6 '3 muzzle-loading howitzer, made at Wool-
wich in 1878, and two 65 mm. Krupps. On May 30
the Queenslanders captured a Creusot gun and waggon,
11 waggons of military stores and ammunition."
After the occupation of Pretoria the Queensland
Mounted Infantry, along with the other Mounted
Colonials, under Hutton, operated to the east of the
capital. They were present at the battle of Diamond
 The 1st and 2nd Queensland Continge7its 439

Hill, 11th to 13th June, and afterwards had much out-

post work, generally in that direction.
In the beginning of August 1900 Colonel B. Mahon
left Pretoria with a column containing the Imperial
Light Horse, Lumsden's Horse, New Zealanders, 1st
and 2nd Queensland Mounted Infantry, and the 4th
Queensland Imperial Bushmen, which had landed at
Cape Town in June, and some Yeomanry. The column
operated towards Kustenburg in conjunction with Ian
Hamilton, then by the north of Pretoria back to the
capital. Lieutenant G. Newton of the 4th Queensland
Imperial Bushmen was wounded on 12th August.
Mahon left Pretoria again on 30th August and made
a forced march to Wonderfbntein, and after assisting a
post, held by 125 Canadians, who had been pressed,
Mahon struck south and joined General French at
Carolina (see Imperial Light Horse). After a wonder-
ful march through most rugged country, and after no
which the Colonials did well. Barber-
little fighting, in

ton was captured on 13th September. Mr Goldmann,

in his With General French and the Cavalry,' gives a
'

good account of the fine work accomplished by Generals

French and Mahon and their troops.
When Mahon left Pretoria on 30th Ausjust the
Queensland Mounted Infantry, now much reduced in
numbers, and one squadron of the 4th Queensland
Imperial Bushmen, commanded by Captain F. L. Jones,
accompanied him. The remainder of the 4th joined
General Bidley's mounted column. The Queenslanders
who had been with Mahon returned to Pretoria in
October.
In the beginning of November the Press Association
correspondent at Pretoria wired "A portion of the
:

Queensland Mounted Infantry left here this morning

440 The Colonials in South Africa

en route for Australia. Like the rest of their fellow-

Australians, they have done magnificent work during
the campaign, and their skill and daring have been
generally admired in the army."
The 2nd contingent were now employed in the
central portion of the Transvaal, chiefly north of Pre-
toria and on the Delagoa Railway. A portion of the
2nd contingent was in the Belfast district, on that
line, in January and February 1901 and at Schwartz
;

Kopjes on 13th February they were in a stiff brush,

and suffered several casualties.
On 31st March 1901 Captains Harris and Thompson,
with 3 other officers and 1^ men of the 2nd con-
tingent, sailed for home. Some time previous to that
the remnant of the 1st contingent had been released
from further service.
Captain Robert Gordon, D.S.O., of the 1st Queens-
land Mounted Infantry, who as a colonial officer had
been attached to the 1st Battalion Gordon Highlanders
in India, and with that battalion had served in the
Tirah campaign, was, after the battle of Magersfontein,
again attached to the 1st Gordons, and with them
fought at Paardeberg. He was then appointed to
command the M.I. company of the 1st Gordons, a
portion of the famous 6th Mounted Infantry which,
under De Lisle, was in many a hard-fought action.
This command he retained until 18th January 1901,
when he was wounded at Doom River, Western Cape
Colony. On this occasion the Gordons had Lieutenant
Clowes and some men killed. As to De Lisle's work,
see 1st and 2nd N.S.W. Mounted Infantry.
 The 2i^d Queensland Co7ttingent 441

3rd QUEENSLAND CONTINGENT (3rd QUEENSLAND

BUSHMEN).

This contingent, 320 mounted infantry, commanded

by Major W. H. Tunbridge, sailed on the Buke of
Portland upon 1st March 1900 arrived at the Cape
;

on 3rd April, and was sent to Beira, where it arrived

before the middle of April. The contingent was a
portion of the Australian Bushmen Corps which in
January 1900 it had been arranged to send to South
Africa.
In his evidence before the War Commission General
Plumer mentioned " that before the relief of Mafeking
was effected in May 1900, he was joined by a Canadian
battery and by some Queenslanders, part of the force
which was landed at Beira." These Queenslanders
were " D " Squadron of the 3rd contingent. Captain
Kellie and Lieutenants Fowles, Harris, and Annat
being among the officers. General Plumer spoke very
highly of these troops, as of all the Australians and
New Zealanders who served under him, and he had
the most ample opportunities, throughout two years'
campaigning, of putting the qualities of his men to
all manner of severe tests.
After Mafeking was relieved, Captain Kellie's men
moved eastward with Generals Baden - Powell and
Plumer, via Ottoshoop and Zeerust to the Bustenburg
district, where they were employed during July and
August. In the fighting at Kosters Biver, 22nd July
(see 1st New South Wales Bushmen), the Queensland
detachment had Lieutenants Walsh and Leask and 6
men wounded. Lieutenant Leask died of his w^ounds
at Pretoria on 20th August.
442 The Colonials in South Africa

Captain H. C. W. Hamilton, who had been left sick

in hospital at Marandellas, died there on 12th July
1900.
The larger portion of the 3rd contingent, under
Major Tunbridge, also crossed Ehodesia and entered
the Transvaal from about Mafeking, but they were not
to see Kellie's squadron for a long time. The con-
tingent, like other regiments of the Ehodesian Field
Force, was thus much split up.
MrGreen, who was at Elands River during the
investment, says in his Story of the Australian Bush-
'

men' that on 19th July Major Tunbridge, with a

detachment of his Queenslanders, brought a convoy
into camp. It had been intended that Tunbridge and
his men should join Baden-Powell about the Megato
Pass ; view of the great strength of the enemy
but in
in the neighbourhood, that was found to be impractic-
able. As things turned out, it was most fortunate that
this squadron remained at Elands Biver, as Tunbridge
and his men were a very valuable part of the garrison
when the post was attacked on 5th August, and
throughout the investment, 4th to 16th (see Bhodesian
Regiment). During that period the Queenslanders lost
Lieutenant Annat, killed —
he had been previously
—
wounded and they had about 12 other casualties. The
subsequent history of the 3rd Queensland Bushmen is
very much akin to that of the 4th Queensland Con-
tingent. Having been railed to Pretoria, where they
were inspected and congratulated by Lord Roberts, the
Elands River squadron joined the rest of the contingent,
the column commander being Colonel Hickman, whose
troops acted with General Plumer in numerous engage-
ments in the country north and north-east of Pretoria,
including the battle at Rhenoster Kop on 29th Novem-
 The dfth Queensland Contingent 443

ber. In December Colonel Jeffreys took over Hick-

man's column, A detachment under Major Tunbridge
had a sharp fight on 23rd January 1901 near
Balmoral (see New Zealand Mounted Rifles). On
3rd February Plumer's troops were railed to Cape
Colony to endeavour to expel De Wet, who had crossed
to the south of the Orange with a strong force. The
work in the pursuit was most arduous, and, as will be
seen from the Mentions, this contingent saw sharp
fighting. Major Tunbridge distinguished himself in
the action of 12th February 1901 (see 4th Victorian
Imperial Bushmen and 3rd New Zealand).
The contingent accompanied Plumer in his chase
after De Wet's commandos through the Orange Biver
Colony to the Brandfort district, whence they were
railed to the north of Pretoria. They then took part
in the expedition to Pietersburg, and in May were
relieved from further service in South Africa.

4th QUEENSLAND CONTINGENT (4th QUEENSLAND

IMPEEIAL BUSHMEN).

The 4th contingent, 392 strong, all ranks, under the

command of Lieut. - Colonel A. Aytoun,
Captain in
the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, sailed from
Brisbane upon 18th May 1900, on the Manchester Port.
The ship touched at Beira and also at Port Elizabeth,
but the contingent landed at Cape Town, and was
taken to the north of the Orange Biver Colony.
There they joined the mounted column of Colonel
Hickman, which, after assisting to keep De Wet off
444 ^-^^ Colonials in South Africa

the railway, was ordered to Pretoria, where it joined

General Ian Hamilton's Division, and took part in the
march to and occupation of Balmoral on the Delagoa
railway. During this march the 4th Q.I.B. was trans-
ferred to Colonel Pilcher's mounted corps, Mahon being
in command of all Ian Hamilton's mounted men.
During the month of August Ian Hamilton's force
marched to Bustenburg and back to Pretoria. On
31st August Captain Jones' company started with
Mahon for the Eastern Transvaal, and with that
leader took part in General French's memorable
march to Barberton (see Imperial Light Horse). The
headquarters of the 4th Q.I.B. joined Brigadier-Gen-
eral Bidley's mounted column, which, in conjunction
with a force under General Clements, operated in the
Central Transvaal. On 15th October the regiment
moved into Pretoria, and on the 18th left to reinforce
General Plumer, who was working to the north of the
capital. They were now again in the corps of Colonel
Hickman.
In his telegram of 22nd October 1900 Lord Eoberts
said :
" Paget reports a successful surprise made by
a small force under Lt. - Col. Lloyd, West Biding
Begiment, and another by the Queensland Imperial
Bushmen, under Lt.-Col. Aytoun (Argyll and Suther-
land Highlanders), west of the Pienaars Biver. We
had one casualty, Tr. Brickwood, Queensland M.I.,
severely wounded. Eighteen Boers were captured,
and large numbers of sheep and cattle were taken."
And in his telegram of 24th October Lord Boberts
said " On the 24th Colonel Aytoun, Queensland M.I.,
:

with a small force, captured two field cornets, Doonsen

and De Beer, and 5 waggons. One man of Colonel
Aytoun's was wounded." Again, on 12th November,
 The /[th Queensland Contingent 445

Lord Roberts wired " Paget reports that a patrol of

:

Queensland Bushmen, under Lts. Bell and Kemp,

captured six of the enemy near Pienaars Pviver
yesterday, — two of the six are badly wounded."
Apart from these instances in which the Queens-
landers w^ere specially mentioned, the various Bush-
men contingents under Baden - Powell, Paget, and
Plumer had endless fighting during August, Sept-
ember, October, and November, and w^ere very suc-
cessful in making large captures from the enemy in
the district north of Pretoria. While in this district
the 4th had 4 men killed, and Lieutenant J. Higson
(who afterwards died of his wounds) and 3 men
wounded.
On 29th November Paget and Plumer fought a
stiffly contested battle at E-henoster Kop, north of

the Delagoa Railway. The enemy were in great force,

and strongly posted. The engagement has been re-
ferred to under the New^ Zealand Mounted Rifles.
The 4th Queenslanders were said to have done well.
They suffered several casualties. Lieut. -Colonel Aytoun
having been sent to hospital on 20th November, Major
W. Deacon took over the command.
The regiment, along with the greater part of
Plumer's mounted men, was, in the beginning of
February 1901, railed from the Transvaal to Naauw-
poort in Cape Colony, and took part in the arduous
but most exciting work which the pursuit of De Wet
through and out of that colony entailed (see 3rd Con-
tingent and 4th Victorians). Lieutenant Kellaway
was wounded at Grasfontein on 2nd February, and the
corps had several other casualties. Plumer's men got
much credit for the fine Avay they held on to their
elusive opponent. The regiment was afterwards with
446 The Colonials in South Africa

General Plumer in the north of the Transvaal, and in

the great sweep to the Piet Retief district.
The bulk of the contingent under Major Deacon
sailed for home on 7th July 1901.

5th QUEENSLAND CONTINGENT.

This contingent, 500 strong, with a cyclist section,

was commanded by Lieut. - Colonel J. F. Flewell-
Smith. They sailed on the Templemore on 6th March
1901, and arrived in South Africa in the beginning of
April. They at once took the field.
The appendix to the despatch of 8th July 1901
shows that the 5th Q.I.B. (strength in May about 340,
with 361 horses) took the place of the 4th in the
—
column of General Plumer a body which did very fine
The
service in practically all parts of the seat of war.
work of Plumer's column during the time the 5th
Queensland were w^ith him has already been briefly
sketched under the 6th New Zealand Contingent.
The 5th Queensland took their full share of that
work, and quite their full share of the captures. On
15th June Lieutenant Halse was severely wounded in
the difficult country about Piet Retief. On 15th
August 2 men were killed and several wounded at
Kopjesfontein, in the Orange River Colony. In Sept-
ember the column was doing good work in the south-
east of that country, and was constantly in touch with
the enemy. At a drift on the Caledon Piver on 27th
September there was a sharp fight, in which this con-
tingent had Lieutenants A. E. Pooley and L. E.
 The 6tk Queensland Contingent 447

Caskey and 2 men killed, and several wounded.

Lieutenant Pooley had served as a sergeant with the
4th contingent.
The corps was present at the hard-fought engage-
ment known as Onverwachte, in the south-east of the
Transvaal, on 4th January 1902, when they suffered
—
very severely, about 12 being killed and 20 wounded,
the latter including Captain H. K Carter and Lieu-
tenant Higginson, both severely wounded.
According to the Press Association correspondent
with General Plumer, Lieutenant Joss of the 5th
Queensland (Cyclist Corps) did a smart piece of
work in the Warmbaths district soon after the corps
took the field. When riding with despatches, and
accompanied by only 10 men, he captured 9 Boers
with 3 waggons.
Some details of the regiment were with a convoy
which was fiercely attacked on the Bethel Boad on
25th May 1901. The detachment lost 1 killed and
5 wounded.

6th QUEENSLAND CONTINGENT.

Before the 5th contingent had embarked Queensland

again gave proof of her splendid spirit by offering
another regiment of mounted infantry. The offer was
at once accepted,and the 6th contingent sailed on the
Victorian on 5th April 1901, their strength being 4
squadrons. They were under the command of Lieut.
Colonel 0. A. Tunbridge. In June the corps, so far as
on column duty, numbered 307, all ranks, with about
300 horses.
44^ The Colonials in South Africa

The contingent was, along with the 7th New

Zealand, throughout the greater part of 1901 and the
first three months of 1902, in a column which was
commanded by Lieut. -Colonel Grey, and afterwards by
Lieut. -Colonel Garratt. A short account of the very
excellent and telling work of that column has already
been given under the 7th New Zealand Contingent.
The 6th Queensland bore their share of the work
and of the casualties, but on the whole were, as regards
losses, more lucky than their New Zealand comrades.
Colonel Tunbridge was slightly wounded on 23rd July
1901 near Vereeniging. Lieutenant S. B. Boland and
1 man were wounded at Tabankulu on 1st December;

and on the 6th of that month, near Wakkerstroom, 2

men were killed and Lieutenant J. Loynes and 8 men
were wounded. In the very severe fighting on the
night of 23rd February 1902, near Yrede, in the north-
east of the Orange E-iver Colony, when the New
Zealanders suffered so severely, this contingent escaped
with almost no loss. They sailed for home in June.

7th and 8th QUEENSLAND CONTINGENTS.

These were two strong battalions of mounted

infantry which formed part of the Commonwealth
Horse (see that corps). The 7th contingent was
commanded by Sanderson -Lyster,
Lieut. - Colonel J.

formerly of the 71st Highland Light Lifantry. They

arrived in time to take part in the closing scenes in the
Western Transvaal. The 8 th, commanded by Lieut.
Colonel H. Chauvel, who had served with distinction
 Mentions gained by Queensland Contingents 449

as Adjutant of the 1st contingent, arrived in South

Africa too late to see fighting.

The following Mentions were gained by members

of the Queensland contingents :

Lord Roberts' Despatches Z\st March 1900. Q.M.I. Capts. D. Reid'

:
— :

and R. Browne.^
=lnd April 1901.— Q.M.I. Lt.-Col. P. R. Ricardo/ Major W. T. Deacon,^
:

R. S. Browne, H. G. Chauvel,^ V. C. M. Selheim,i W. H. Tunbridge i ;

Capts. A. T. Duka (medical officer, 3rd Q.M.I.),^ R. Gordon,3 D. E. Reid ^ ;

Lt. T. W. Glasgow,^ Sgt.-Major Cooney,* Cpl. Harris,* Lce.-Cpl. Trickett.*

4tli Imperial Bushmen Sgt.-Major J. Loynes, Qmr.-Sgt. W. F. L. Wright,*
:

Coy. Sgt.-Major J. F. Gill, Cpl. Davidson,* Pte. Keogh,* Trumpeter A. E.

Forbes * Ptes. C. G. Barnes, A. Clark, R. E. Hutchinson, F. W. Lucas.
;

\th Sept. 1901.— Lt.-Col. A. Aytoun, 4th Q.I.B. (Captain A. and S. High-
landers),' Coy. Sgt.-Major J. J. Walker,* Sgts. J. B. Ryan and G. Tancred,
Brosman, Pte. W. J. Stevens— all of the Q.M.I.
Cpl. J. C.
Lord Kitchener's Despatches Sth March 1901.— 4th Q.I.B.
: : Major
W. T. Deacon.i
Sth May 1901. —
3rd Q.I.B. Major W. H. Tunbridge, very good
: service
engagement of 12th February 1901. Actg. Sgt. E. C. Shadforth, 4th Q.I.B.
(promoted Sgt.) on patrol near Boschkop, Cape Colony, Feb. 12, 1901,
:

brought Pte. Sutter, whose horse had been shot, out of action under heavy
fire. Pte. G. Alford, 4th Q.I.B. (promoted Cpl.) at Driekuilen, C.C, Feb.
:

15, single-handed, took prisoners 3 armed and mounted Boers and a Kaffir.
Pte. E. Culliford, 4th Q.I.B. (promoted Cpl.) same place and date took
:

prisoners 4 armed Boers. Pte. G. Holland, 4th Q.I.B. (promoted Cpl.) :

same date and place took prisoners 3 armed men and 2 Kaffirs.
Sth July 1901.— 5th Q.I.B. Lt. C. G. B. Reese and Sgt. H. Smith, special
:

good service during Boer attack on convoy near Mooifontein, south of

Bethel, 25th May 1901. Cpl. F. C. V. King and Pte. J. Marmont came from
good cover and carried a wounded comrade to dressing station 700 yards
under fire, June 16. Pte. G. J. Kells (promoted Cpl.) on same occasion
crossed open ground three times under fire to carry messages. 6th Q.I.B.
Lt. D. C. Cameron, at Leeuwspruit, 16th June, seeing a trooper fall, went
under heavy fire and brought him in. Sgt. T. Doyle, same action, seeing a
man fall, returned and brought him in.
^th March 1901.— 5th Q.I.B. Lt. L. J. Caskey (killed) and Pte. G. H.
:

White (killed), great gallantry at Caledon River, Orange River Colony,

27th Sept. 1901.

1 Awarded C.B. 2 Awarded C.M.G.

3 Awarded D.S.O. * Awarded D.C.M.
2 F
450 The Colonials in South Africa

%th December 1901.— 6th Q.I.B. Lt. D. St G. Rich, gallantry in attack

:

on Pongola Bosch (Eastern Transvaal), 2nd Oct. 1901.

laager,
%th March 1902.— 5th Q.I.B. Major F. W. Toll, for resolute and capable
:

way in which he led his regiment on four separate occasions in Nov.,

Dec, and Jan. 6th Q.I.B. Lt. C. R. G. Vaughan, for good service in
:

Col. Byng's capture of laager, Fanny's Home, Orange River Colony, 2nd
Feb. 1902. 5th Q.I.B. Lt. C. G. B. Rees, for good service and gallantry
:

in action at Onverwachte on 4th Jan. 1902 Coy. Sgt.-Major F. Knyvett,

;

Sgt. J. Power (killed), gallantry, same action.

Sth April 1902.— Lt.-Col. 0. A. Tunbridge, 6th contingent, got C.M.G.
23rc? Jime 1902.— Queensland Contingent Surg.-Capt. H. J. Hutchins.i
:

4th Q.LB. Capts. F. L. Jones, T. H. Dodds,i J. K. Berry.

: 4th Q.I.B. :

Lts. S. B. Boland,! D. St G. Reg. Sgt.-Majors J. G. Price, F. H.

Rich ;

Trask ; 2 Qmr.-Sgt. T. H. Doyle, Coy. Sgt.-Major Knyvett,^ Bugler W. N.

Busby ; Ptes. F. Heurickson, H. E. Watt. Major J. J. Byron, a special
service ofl&cer, got the C.M.G. Pte. E. Sweeney, 5th contingent, was
awarded the D.C.M.

1 Awarded D.S.O. ^ Awarded D.C.M.

 451

South Australian Contingents.

1st and 2nd contingents.

According to the official publication '

Australia and
New Zealand,' Sydney, 1904, p. 440, the contribution
of the colony to the army in South Africa was 78
officers, 1450 men, and 1524 horses.
The 1st contingent, which, by the desire of the War
Office,was limited to one infantry unit, 127 all ranks,
sailed on the Medic on 31st October 1899, and arrived
at the Cape on 26th November. Captain F. H.
Howland was commander, and Captain G, B. Lascelles,
Royal Fusiliers, was adjutant. The contingent was on
arrival sent to the De Aar-Modder River line of rail-
way, and was employed occupying posts, first at
Belmont, and after 10th December at Enslin, to
protect the line. At the end of January the South
Australians were, along with the remainder of the
Australian regiment, converted into mounted infantry
and taken to Naauwpoort, where they received horses
and joined the force of General Clements, who was
holding a long line opposite the Boers' positions at
Colesberg. The contingent took a prominent part in
the severe fighting which occurred in this district
during the last three weeks of February 1900 (see
452 The Colonials in South Africa

Victorian Mounted Lieutenant J. Powell was

Rifles).
killed on the 12th, the day on which the Boers, in very
strong force, attacked the whole of Clements' extended
line. Fortunately, the Worcestershire Regiment, on
the extreme right, and the Victorians and other troops
on the left, held the ground with admirable determina-
tion, although at both flanks the losses were heavy.
Twenty of the South Australians, under Powell, were
in the garrison of Pinkhill, the attack on which was
most fierce and persistent.
The result of the action on the 12thwas to convince
General Clements that he must retire to Arundel.
During the movement, which commenced at midnight,
13th and 14th, the South Australians formed the rear-
guard, a position of honour and great responsibility,
seeing that General Clements' men had been without
rest or sleep for nearly forty -eight hours. Notwith-
standing these great exertions, Captain Lascelles, of
the South Australians, on arriving in the neighbour-
hood of Arundel, went back with a mixed body of
volunteers, mostly Australians, to endeavour to bring
in or assist some infantry who had been left behind
(see 1st and 2nd Victoria Mounted Rifles). Com-
petent judges have said that the withdrawal of the
force to Arundel was one of the best-managed opera-
tions undertaken during the campaign. On the 20th
the Boers again attacked Clements, but were driven
back. During the next eight days there was constant
fighting, in which the South Australians took their
share. On the 21st Trooper W. E. Smith was killed.
On the 24th Captain Lascelles took out two squadrons
of Prince Alfred's Guards (Cape Colonials) in order to
ascertain whether the enemy was still holding his
positions in strength. The little force got into a place
 The \st and 2nd South Australian Contingents 453

where they were subjected to an extremely heavy fire

for three hours. Ultimately they withdrew with the
loss of a few wounded and taken prisoners. Captain
Lascelles and his men were complimented by General
Clements. In the advance from Arundel on the 28th
the South Australians again formed the rear-guard.
When Clements was preparing to cross the Orange
River the South Australians were sent forward on 8th
March to the front at Norvals Pont, where they were
in contact with the enemy until the 15th, when the
force crossed. During the march through the Orange
Free State the squadron was in the right column under
Major Dauncey of the Inniskillings.
The 2nd contingent, 8 ofiicers and 113 other ranks,
commanded by Captain C. J. Reade, embarked on the
Surrey on 26th January 1900, arrived at the Cape on
25th February, and at De Aar on 6th March. Here
they at once marched off as a portion of a column
designed to put down the rebellion about Prieska (see
Orpen's Horse). Some very hard riding was done, but
the squadron managed to bring back their horses in fair
condition to De Aar. Here they entrained for Norvals
Pont and marched thence to Bloemfontein, where they
joined the 1st contingent and the main army. A party
of Nursing Sisters from the colony also joined the
army at this time.
In the advance from Bloemfontein to Pretoria, which
commenced on 3rd May, the South Australians, com-
manded by Captain Peade, along with the Victorian
M.P., Tasmanians, and a battalion of regular mounted
infantry, formed the 4th Corps of Mounted Infantry
under Colonel St G. C. Henry, which acted as the
screen and scouts of the centre of Lord Roberts' army.
Their task entailed much hard riding, and they had
454 '^^'^^ Colonials in South Africa

fighting on many occasions, particularly between the

Vaal and Pretoria. The work of Henry's corps in these
engagements was much praised. At Johannesburg the
South Australians were first into the fort. Henry's
corps was engaged at Diamond Hill llth-13th June,
and thereafter held posts east of Pretoria. On 21st
July the South Australians had a rather warm skirmish.
On the 28th they set off in the eastern advance, still as
part of Colonel Henry's corps. The South Australians
had severe fighting and some casualties about Belfast
on 7th September thereafter they marched to Komati
;

Poort. Near that place they discovered some of the

enemy's abandoned guns. They were in the big review
at the Poort on 28th September. On 9th October the
two contingents entrained for Pretoria. Soon after this
the 1st contingent and 25 of the 2nd entrained for
Cape Town, and arrived at Adelaide on 30th November.
The remainder of the 2nd were attached to Alderson's
column, which was one of those employed in February
and March 1901 in a big sweep through the Eastern
Transvaal. On 29th March they sailed for home.

THE 3rd south AUSTEALIAN (BUSHMEN)

CONTINGENT.

The 3rd contingent, 100 strong, commanded by Captain

S. Gran Hubbe, sailed on the Maplemore from Adelaide
upon 7th March 1900, and landed at Beira on 11th
April. They formed part of General Carrington's force
which crossed Rhodesia and entered the Transvaal from
about Mafeking.
The '^rd South Atisiralian [Bzishmen) Contingent 455

It was intended that the 2nd Regiment of the

Khodesian Field Force should consist of the 3rd South
Australians, 3rd Tasmanians, and the 3rd Queenslanders;
but before Mafeking was reached, on 24th June, the
regiment was split up and was never brought together.
Between 4th July and 9th August the squadron was
patrolling the Marico and working towards Elands
River district (see Rhodesian Regiment). On 6th
August Lieutenant Collins was wounded. On the 9th
the squadron retired to Mafeking with Carrington. On
13th August they had a skirmish. Next day they
were in a sharp fight at Buffelshoek. On the 15th the
squadron was put into a Composite Bushmen Regiment,
along with " D " Squadron of the 1st New South Wales
Bushmen, Captain Poison's squadron of the 5 th New
Zealand, and the 3rd Tasmanians. For a long time the
regiment did excellent work in the Western Transvaal
as part of Lord Methuen's force. At Buffelshoek on
the 21st of that month the South Australians had sharp
fighting and suffered casualties. For a second time
they were in action at Ottoshoop, on 12th September,
when Captain Gran Hubbe was killed, and the squadron
suffered other losses. At Lichtenburg on the 26th of
the same month they again had casualties. Lieutenant
Collins having recovered, he was appointed to com-
mand the contingent with the rank of Captain.
Throughout the latter part of 1900 and the first
quarter of 1901 the Composite Bushmen Regiment was
in many engagements, chiefly in the Western Transvaal,
but also in the north of the Orange River Colony. In
several of these the enemy fought with considerable
determination, and as a matter of course losses were
frequent. For many months the Western Transvaal
was dangerously denuded of troops, and consequently
45^ T^^^ Colonials in Soiith Africa

the strain on those who were there was severe. The

most constant watchfulness was necessary, for the
enemy was ever alert and was ably led. At Uitvalskop,
on 3rd February 1901, the squadron lost 1 man killed
and Lieutenant J. T. Dempsey and 5 men wounded ;

and in the very severely contested action near Harte-

beestfontein, on 16th February, Captain Collins, for the
second time, and 1 man were wounded. Altogether
the squadron had 4 killed and 20 wounded.
In April the squadron left Lord Methuen's force for
home, and he wrote to the Secretary of the South
Australian Bushmen's Committee a letter, in which he
" tendered his tribute of praise " for the splendid work
—
performed by the squadron, their cheerfulness in hard-
ship, and good discipline. Among other things, his
Lordship said, " I cannot conceive any body of men of
whom a commander has greater reason to be proud."

THE 4th south AUSTEALTAN (IMPERIAL BUSH-

MEN) CONTINGENT.

This corps, strength 230 all ranks, under the com-

mand of Lieut. -Colonel J. Rowell, C.B., sailed on the
Manhattan on 1st May 1900, touched at Beira, were
sent on to Durban, and landed at Port Elizabeth, Cape
Colony, on 19th June 1900. They were very soon to
see brisk fighting and to gain distinction.
About the middle June Lord Roberts commenced
of
operations to encircle who were in the
the Boers
Wittebergen or Brandwater Basin, a mountain strong-
hold in the north-east of the Orange River Colony.
 The d^th Sotith Aust7'alians [Imperial Bus kjiien) 457

Kundle, with the Vlllth Division, and Brabant, with

the South African Colonial Division, were holding the
line from Senekal eastward to the Basutoland border.
Clements and Paget, a little farther west, were about
Lindley, the south-west point of the Boer stronghold.
These masses of men either could not or were not
allowed to live on the country, hence huge convoys
of supplies had to be sent from the railway. On
23rd June a very large convoy left Kroonstad for
General Paget's force at Lindley. The escort was
commanded by Colonel Brookfield, 14th Imperial
Yeomanry, and consisted of 200 of that corps, 114
other Yeomanry, 400 Imperial Bushmen namely, two —
squadrons 4th South Australians, Colonel Powell one ;

squadron 4th West Australians, Major Pose one ;

squadron 4th Tasmanians, Captain P. C. Lewis 27 ;

Pimington's Guides 93 Prince Alfred's Guards 2 guns

; ;

17th Poyal Field Artillery 4 guns CIV. Battery; half

;

battalion Yorkshire Light Infantry and the 3rd East

;

Kent (Buffs) Militia. The whole of the Australians

were treated as one regiment under Colonel Powell.
To Colonel Brookfield the writer is indebted for many
of the particulars now given.
On the morning of the 26th Theron's Scouts sud-
denly attacked the convoy near Elands Spruit, but
they were driven off. In the afternoon, near Swartz
Farm, Piet de Wet attacked. Colonel Powell's men
were ordered to dismount, and advancing with " great
go," the enemy was again driven off. On the 27th
the convoy marched sixteen miles, the escort being
engaged practically all the day. Near Lindley the
traction engines stuck in a spruit. Colonel Powell's
men were rear-guard, and were heavily pressed by the
enemy, who endeavoured to cut off the Tasmanians
45 T^^ Colonials in South Africa

who were rear-screen but the City Imperial Volunteer

;

Battery did good work, and Colonel Brookfield having

sent a fresh squadron to Rowell's assistance, he was
able to keep the Boers off the convoy. Next day
Lindley was reached. The 4th South Australians had
several casualties on the 26th and 27th.
It was only to be expected that the Yorkshire Light
Infantry, who had done very fine work in Lord
Methuen's earlier battles, would do all that soldiers
could do but Colonel Brookfield could not have been
;

so confident about the Militia and Yeomanry and his

absolutely untried Bushmen, who had not, before this,
fired a shot in earnest.In a despatch to General Kelly-
Kenny, commanding in the Orange Biver Colony, the
chief of the staff said that Lord Boberts was of opinion
that the march of the convoy had been " conducted
with skill and foresight, that no precautions were
neglected, and that the behaviour of the troops was
creditable to all ranks. His Lordship is glad to ob-
serve that besides the regular employed, a
troops
Militia Battalion (3rd Buffs), the corps
of Imperial
Bushmen, the Imperial Yeomanry, and the City Im-
perial Volunteer Artillery, distinguished themselves on
this occasion."
Colonel Brookfield and most of his troops now joined
General Paget's command. On 3rd July Paget had
a very stiff engagement with a strong force of the
enemy. The action has been called " Barkin Kop,"
" Baken Kop," and " Leeuw Kop," and phases of it
are well described by the authors of 'The H.A.C.
(Honourable Company) in South Africa.'
Artillery
(Smith, Elder, & London, 1903.) In the course
Co. :

of the fighting the guns had been taken to a ridge,

and during a pause in the action the escort had
 The 6,th South Australians (Imperial Bushme?i) 459

been removed to the rear. The Boers, with great

skill and secrecy, delivered a sudden and fierce
counter-attack, in which they gained temporary pos-
session of the guns. The authors of 'The H.A.C.
in South Africasay " Captain Bud worth managed
' :

to reach his pony, and galloped back at once to

call upon the Australians to return. That he suc-
ceeded in bringing them back, and promptly too,
reflects the highest credit on him, and also, be it
added, on the men he had to deal with. Who ordered
their retirement it is impossible to ascertain ; but it is

just to say that when upon to come back again

called
they did so willingly and it is common knowledge
:

that it requires more courage, both moral and physical,

for troops in retreat to rally and face fire than to sit
tight and suffer it from the first." For some time
there was great cause for anxiety, but "the period of
imminent danger did not last long. It was over from
the moment that, owing to the Australian fire, the
Boers left the disabled guns and retreated."
Colonel Bowell having got a broken rib through his
horse falling, he was unable to be present on the 3rd.
Major Rose, of the West Australians, commanded the
Bushmen, and he was wounded. The Tasmanian
squadron having been kept on other duty near Lindley,
only joined their comrades as the Boers were driven off.
The South Australians had on the 3rd about a dozen
casualties.
After further heavy fighting, Bethlehem was taken
on 7th July. In his account of the taking of Beth-
lehem, the Press Association correspondent said :

" Three hundred Bushmen, mostly South and West

Australians, joined in the attack and behaved most
gallantly." When De Wet broke through the cordon,
460 The Colonials in South Africa

16th July, the contingent took part in his pursuit to

the Reitzburg Hills. At Palmietfontein on the 19th
there was a sharp engagement, and on the 24th at
Stinkhoutboom the South Australians lost 3 killed and
several wounded. On
the 18th the 4th Tasmanians
were detached from the regiment.
De Wet having crossed to the north of the Yaal,
the 4th South Australians were taken to the Trans-
vaal. In November they joined General Plumer (see
1st, 2nd, and 3rd New Zealand and 4th Queensland).
The 4th Imperial Bushmen were now together again,
and under that heading are given some features of the
work they did when referred to in despatches by that
name. The regiment was again commanded by Colonel
Rowell. In February the South Australians had sev-
eral Cape Colony during the pursuit of
casualties in
De Wet.
In March, April, and May 1901 the 4th South
Australians distinguished themselves in the operations
between Pretoria and Pietersburg and when General
;

Plumer, after the occupation of the latter town, was

moving southwards. Captain F. W. Hurcombe gained
notice for hisand successful leading. Unfor-
bold
tunately, on an occasion
when he was far in advance
with only a few men, he fell among a party of the
enemy concealed in a mealie field. It was said that
before he would surrender Captain Hurcombe had to
be knocked down by a clubbed rifle. During May the
4th South Australians had casualties on various occa-
sions in the Eastern Transvaal. The contingent, still
under Colonel Rowell, sailed for home on 7th July
1901.
 The '^th and 6th Sotith Australian Contingents 461

THE 5th and 6th SOUTH AUSTEALIAN

CONTINGENTS.

The 5th contingent, 24 officers and 300 other ranks,

landed at Port Elizabeth on 23rd March 1901 and ;

the 6th, 11 officers and 127 other ranks, landed at

Durban on 19th April. On arrival the 5th contingent
was taken to the Kroonstad district, where they joined
Colonel De Lisle. On 18th May the 6th joined the
column at Vrede, and afterwards the 5th and 6th
worked together as a regiment, Major Shea, Indian
Staff Corps, being in command, with Majors Wilson
and Hurcombe.
From May 1901 to March 1902 De Lisle's column
did outstanding work in the north-eastern quarter of
the Orange River Colony. On 6th June 1901 his
troops gained great distinction by the capture of a
large convoy, and by retaining practically all their
captures, although the small mounted body which had
effected them was most attacked by a strong
fiercely
force of Boers under De Wet and Delarey. Seldom in
the course of the campaign was the fighting of a more
determined character. The losses of the South Aus-
tralians were 10 killed and 6 wounded, the large pro-
portion of killed being accounted for by the fact that
much of the firing was at ranges of less than 100
yards. The corps on this occasion gained several
mentions.
The despatch of 8th August 1901 contains several
references to the fine work of the 5th and 6th South
Australians. In para. 4 Lord Kitchener mentions that
Broadwood, on 29th July, made a night march on
Bothaville, which resulted in his " driving a number of
462 The Colonials in South Africa

Boers into the arms of Lt.-Col. De Lisle's South Aus-

tralians, who captured 18 prisoners and 12 waggons" :

and on 2nd August " Major Shea, with 200 of Colonel

De Lisle's South Australians, made a gallant attack on
Smut's commando at Grootvallier Farm, near the Vet
River. Wire -fencing, unseen in the darkness, pre-
vented the complete success of the plan, and enabled
the Boers to escape, despite the fact that the South
Australians pressed forward on foot with fixed bay-
onets. Five Boers were left dead upon the ground,
and 11 were captured, including Field-Cornet Wol-
marans, of Potchefstroom. . .On the 6th and 7th
.

Colonel De Lisle was able to account for 40 prisoners,

147 waggons, 600 horses, and 2000 cattle."
In an order dated 2nd August 1901, Colonel De
Lisle congratulated the regiment on " their successful
night enterprises," and said that " the very dashing
night attack at Grootvallier was worthy of the best
traditions of the Australian troops in the war."
The South Australians who were with Colonel De
Lisle saw, as did other troops who happened to be
under any of the outstanding leaders, endless hard
work and much severe fighting but Colonel De Lisle
;

never made a mistake, and could do a great deal on

a comparatively small casualty list. Both contingents
took part in the driving operations in the north-east
of the Orange Biver Colony throughout January, Feb-
ruary, and March 1902, the success of which did much
to terminate hostilities. During these great drives the
outpost work was so arduous that the general ordered
the ojSicers to take their turn on sentry.
The fact that the regiment during its service caught
and broke in 867 veldt ponies proves the usefulness of
the " Bushman."
Mentio7ts gained by Sotitk Azcstraltan Co7itingents 463

The casualties of the regiment were 14 killed and 28

wounded. They trekked 3825 miles, and accounted for
nearly 300 of the enemy. They were never three con-
secutive days in one place. The regiment sailed for
home from Natal on 5th April 1902.

South Australia furnished her quota to the troops

sent by Federated Australia in 1902 (see Common-
wealth Horse). A squadron under Captain De Passey
sailed on 20th February, and having landed at Durban,
was employed near Laing's Nek, and thereafter was
railed to the Western Transvaal, where, as part of the
Australian Horse, it took part under De Lisle and
Thorneycroft in some great drives. The second con-
tribution was a squadron under Captain A. E. Collins,
which sailed on 1st April 1902; while the third was
two squadrons under Captain A. E. Cook, which sailed
on 26 th May.

The Mentions gained by the South Australian Con-

tingents are as follows :

Lord Egberts' Despatches : 'ind April 1901. — S.A. Bushmen : Col. J. M.

Gordon,! Lt.-Col. Eowell ^ (4tli contingent) Capts. A. E. Collins, Srd,^
J. ;

Gran Hubbe, 3rd, J. H. Stapleton, 1st ^ Lt. C. M. Ives, 3rd.2 Mounted

;

Rifles: Major C. J. Reade, 2nd!; (Japt. J. F. Humphris, 2nd 2; Sgts.

Ive, Knapman ; Cpls. Currie, Fornby, V. M. Newland^; Lce.-Cpl. H.
Balfour Ogilvy 3 Ptes. H. W. Brown,3 Cornish, Fetch.
;

Ath Siepteniher 1901. —

Sovith Australian Bushmen Capt. A. E. M. Norton,
:

4th ^; Lt. A. W. Leane, 4th Sgt. Spencer ^

; Cpls. Allnut,^ Catchlowe
;

(nowLt.); Tprs. Gardiner, Lennox, Mayfield, Stott, Thorne 3; Nursing Sister

M. S. Bidmead (got the Royal Red Cross).
Lord Kitchener's Despatches 8^A March 1901. S.A. Impl. Bushmen,
: —
4th contingent ,Capt. Wilson, 4th. Despatch of 8th May 1901. From
:

General Plumer's Special Despatch on Lt. Reid's capture of Commandant

1 Awarded C.B. * D.g.o. 3 d.C. Medal.

464 The Colonials in South Africa

Schroeder and his laager and 40 men, near Commissie Drift, April 25. S.A.
Impl. Bushmen Sgt. Ward.
:

%th July 1901.— S. A. Bushmen Capt. E. J. F. Langley, 5th contgt.,i

:

conspicuous gallantry in fight for convoy near Eeitz, June 6 (D.S.O. June
24); Sgt. L. Grewar, 5th, same occasion, by his courage and example
greatly contributed to defeat of desperate attack (mentioned in A.O.)
SthAtigust 1901.— S.A.M.I. (5th and 6th contgts.) Capt. J. Watt,i and
:

Lt. D. Macfarlane,! conspicuous for gallantry and fearless leading in night

attack on Smut's laager, August 1 ; Capt. J. S. Shea, 15th Bengal Lancers,
attached, also got D.S.O. for leading 200 S. Australians in night attack on
Smut's laager of over 300 men, and, after hand-to-hand fighting, killing 7
and capturing 1 1 Tpr. T. Kermode promoted Cpl. same occasion. He was
;

first man into the farm, and bayoneted the first man, and although wounded

in three places continued to fight Tpr. P. Brandt (promoted Cpl.) for

;

gallantrysame occasion.
23rd June 1902. —
S. Australians Lts. F. B. Muir, J. H. Shearer,
:

W. C. N. Waite Sgt. J. Bundle Lce.-Cpl. J. Berry 2 Cpl. R. Gully 2.

; ; ;

Awarded D.S.O. 2 p.c. Medal.

 465

The West Australian Contingents.

THE 1st and 2nd CONTINGENTS.

The contribution from Western Australia was

total
63 1160 men, and 1044 horses.^
officers,

The 1st contingent, 130 all ranks, with two maxims,

sailed on the Medic from Albany on 5th November
1899, and arrived at Cape Town on the 26th of the
same month. On their arrival in South Africa they
were, along with the remainder of the Australian Regi-
ment of infantry, employed on the lines of communica-
tion between De Aar and Modder E-iver (see 1st Vic-
torians). In January 1900 they were converted into
mounted infantry, and were about the beginning of
February sent to join the forces under General Clem-
ents in the Colesberg district and the good work which
;

they did there was frequently mentioned by corre-

spondents and other writers on the war. On 6th
February the West Australians were under fire for the
first time, and had their first casualty. A reconnais-
sance in difficult country being necessary, 80 Westral-
ians under Major Moor, an officer of the Royal Artillery,
commanding the contingent, and Lieutenant Parker,
formed part of a force sent out towards Potfontein.
1 Official publication, 'Australia and New Zealand,' Sydney, 1904, p. 440.
2 G
466 The Colonials in South Africa

Moor's men came under a very heavy fire, but only one
man was wounded. Major Moor himself narrowly
escaped capture. He had given his horse to a dis-
mounted Lancer, and was endeavouring to catch an-
other horse while doing so he was close to a party of
:

Boers ensconced among rocks which some Lancers had

just vacated. His subaltern noticed the peril of his
senior, and galloping up took him up behind, and both
got away. On the 9th Moor and 20 of his squadron were
ordered to hold a kopje, which was placed as inside the
heels of a horse-shoe. The Boers occupied the whole of
the hills forming the shoe itself, and brought a very
heavy fire to bear on Moor's position, but he held on
tillordered to retire. Sergeant Hensman was mortally
wounded, and Private Conway was killed while tend-
ing his non-commissioned officer. Six other men were
wounded. Major Beay, in his With the Australian
'

Begiment,' gives a detailed account of the engagement.

He mentions that Private Kruger built a sangar round
Hensman under a very heavy fire his helmet was:

pierced by one bullet, his bandolier torn by another,

while a third skinned his knuckles. Other non-com-
missioned officers and men distinguished themselves
by running with messages across a bullet -swept zone.
General Clements was very highly pleased with the con-
duct of the West Australians, and published the follow-
ing order :
" Operations at Slingersfontein, 9th Feb-

ruary 1900. —
The General Officer Commanding wishes
to place on record his high appreciation of the courage
and determination shown by a party of 20 men of the
West Australians under Captain Moor in the above
operations. By their determined stand against 300 or
400 men they entirely frustrated the enemy's attempt
to turn the flank of the position."
 The \st and 2nd West Australian Contingents 467

In the fighting between the 10th and 13th February

the West Australians were on the right of the line,
near the Worcestershire Regiment, along with whom
they took an honourable share in the very severe
engagement on the 12th, when the Boers attacked
Clements' positions, particularly on the two flanks (see
Victorian Mounted Rifles), with the very greatest
determination and in great strength. As has already
been stated under the Victorian Contingents, the Boers
did not renew their attack on the 13th, but General
Clements decided that, in view of the overwhelming
numbers of the enemy, it would be well to retire from
the positions in front of Bensburg to Arundel. During
this movement, which commenced about midnight
13th- 14th, Major Moor's West Australians formed the
left flank guard. During the next fortnight the out-
post duty was very severe the Boers being in great
:

strength, Clements had to exercise every possible pre-

caution. On the 20th the enemy renewed his attack,
but the British were able to hold all their positions till

fighting ceased. On this occasion the West Australians

had been holding advanced outposts during the preced-
ing night, and when the engagement commenced they
could neither be fed, relieved, nor reinforced. Their
position being well prepared they held it without loss,
and claimed to have inflicted many casualties on their
assailants. On the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th there was
more fighting — General Clements making a bold but
unsuccessful efibrt to drive back the enemy. A com-
posite company of West and South Australians, oflicered
by Major Moor, Lieutenants Darling and Campbell,
West Australians, and Stapleton, South Australians, did
good work, and got so far forward that they had diffi-
culty in getting back. On the 27th it was found that
468 The Colonials in South Africa

the Boer leaders were withdrawing towards the Orange

River. On the 28th Colesberg was occupied. On the
4th of March the West AustraUans, along with the 1st
Victorian Contingent, were in a sharp engagement, in
which they drove back the enemy, who left 8 dead.
Captain Forrest, in an excellent record of the work
done by the Mounted Infantry Company of his bat-
talion, published in the'
Oxfordshire Light Infantry in
South Africa,' says, under date 27th February, " The
company was attached to a force, under Major King-
"
King, ordered to guard the right flank of the advance
(from Colesberg to Norvals Pont on the Orange River).
" The force consisted, besides ourselves, of one section

'J' Battery, R.H.A., one company West Australians,

and two companies Prince Alfred's Guards. The West
Australians, under Major Moor, were a splendid body
of men. They compared more than favourably with
any other Colonials met with afterwards. When the
column arrived at the Orange River, it was found that
the three centre arches of the bridge had been destroyed
by dynamite. The Boer position on the north bank
having been shelled, volunteers who could row were
then asked for, and the West Australians were able to
send in, among others, the name of the champion sculler
of Australia."
In the advance to Bloemfontein the West Australians
were attached to the right column of General Clements'
force. This column consisted of a squadron Inniskilling
Dragoons, some guns R.F.A., the Mounted Infantry of
the Oxford Light Infantry and West Riding Regi-
ments, and the West Australians.
In Lord Roberts' despatch of 15th March 1900 he
mentioned that there was organised disaffection in the
Prieska district, and that various columns were dealing
 I si and 2nd West Atistralian Contingents 469

with therebels. Among the troops engaged was one

company of West Australian Mounted Infantry. This
was the 2nd contingent, commanded by Captain H. L.
Pilkington, which had sailed from Freemantle on 3rd
February. The rising was put down in March, but some
West Australians continued to operate in the district
during part of April. The 2nd contingent arrived at
Bloemfontein in time to take part in the advance to
Pretoria in May.
After their arrival at Bloemfontein the 1st West
Australians were put into a Mounted Infantry Corps,
commanded by Lieut. - Colonel De Lisle, and com-
posed of themselves, the 6th Battalion Mounted In-
fantry (Regulars), and the New South Wales Mounted
Infantry. This corps saw much fighting on the way
to Pretoria. had been announced that the 1st and
It
2nd West Australians would be put together, but
this was not carried out. On their arrival at Bloem-
fontein, the 2nd contingent was attached to General
Pole-Carew's Xlth Division, with which they served
from 1st May to the end of October 1900, with the
exception of a period of a few weeks about the end of
June and beginning of July, when they were detached
to assist on the lines of communication in the Orange
Biver Colony. The 2nd contingent were engaged at
Brandfort, 3rd May Vet River, 4th May Zand River,
; ;

9th and 10th May; at the Vaal, 26th May; outside

Johannesburg on the 28th, 29th, and 30th at Six-Mile ;

Spruit on 4th June Silverton, 8th June

; Diamond ;

Hill, nth and 12th June.

The despatches and unofficial accounts contained
many references to the work of the West Australians.
At the crossing of the Vet River about 30 of the 2nd
contingent seized a kopje of much importance, and,
470 The Colonials in South Africa

although far from support, held on till next morning.

Lord Roberts congratulated them on this piece of good
service. In his telegram of 7th May he gave the West
Australians the credit of discovering explosives on the
railway and thus saving accidents. Again, in his wire
of 28th Mayfrom Klip River, Lord Roberts said :

" The enemy had prepared several positions where they

intended to oppose us, but they abandoned one after
another as w^e neared them. We pressed them so hard
that they only just had time to get their five guns into
the train and leave this station as some of the West
Australian Mounted Infantry entered it." A party
were also said to have gained credit by holding a drift,

shortly before the surrender of Johannesburg, for eight

hours against a very superior force of the enemy. Lieu-
tenant L. D. H. Potter was wounded on 30th May.
Both contingents were heavily engaged at Diamond
Hill. They had some casualties. De Lisle's men were
saidby Lord Roberts to have done well. In his tele-
gram of the 16th Lord Roberts said: "Botha's army
has retired, believed to Middelburg. His rear-guard
was surprised and thoroughly routed by Ian Hamilton's
Mounted Infantry, chiefly West Australians and 6th
Battalion."
On16th July a detachment of the 2nd West Aus-
tralians at Pienaar's Poort,on the left of General Pole-
Carew's position, east of Pretoria, successfully repulsed
a Boer attack.
In his telegram of June 28th and despatch of Octo-
ber 10th, para. 15, Lord Roberts remarks " On the :

27th June the post on the railway near Roodeval

Station was attacked, but the enemy was repulsed by
a detachment of the Shropshire Light Infantry and the
West Australian Mounted Infantry, with the aid of a
 is^ and 2nd West Australian Contingents 471

15-pouDder gun on an armoured train." The party

here mentioned was the 1st contingent.
Ridley's Mounted Infantry Brigade, including the
1st West Australians, formed part of the force which
Sir Archibald Hunter led into the north-east of the
Orange River Colony with the view of surrounding,
if possible, the enemy under De Wet and Prinsloo in

the Wittebergen or Brandwater Basin, as the district

was more generally called. On the night of 15th July
De Wet, with about 1600 men and some guns, escaped
from Slabbert's Nek. Broadwood with the 2nd Cavalry
Brigade and Ridley's Mounted Infantry were sent in
pursuit. The Boers succeeded in reaching the railway
and cutting the line. On 22nd July General Knox at
Kroonstad wired to the General in Command at Cape
Town as follows " Following from General Broadwood,
:

commanding 2nd Cavalry Brigade, sent by despatch

rider to Honingspruit and wired from there to Kroon-
stad, begins —Have followed commando since July 16th,
had sharp on July 19th. Pre-
fight at Palmietfontein
vented from pursuing laager by darkness eight dead
:

Boers found. Our casualties killed, Major Moor, West

:

Australian M.I., and 4 men; wounded, Lt. Stanley,

10th Hussars; Lt. Tooth, Australian Contingent, and
14 men." Major Moor's death was a heavy loss to the
West Australians. His fine leadership had brought
his corps into great prominence, when their small
numbers are kept in mind. The West Australian
losses at Palmietfontein, as afterwards announced, were,
apart from Major Moor, 1 killed and 6 wounded. In
the fighting at Stinkhoutboom on 24th July, the West
Australians had 2 men killed and 3 severely wounded.
After this De Wet took refuge in the Reitzburg hills
on the south side of the Yaal, but about 7th Auo^ust
472 The Colonials in South Africa

he crossed the river, evaded Lord Methuen's forces on

the north bank, and made for the Northern Transvaal,
crossing the MegaUesberg mountains by a pass which
Lord Roberts had intended to have blocked, but
from which the troops had been removed by an error.
Lord Kitchener, with Broadwood's, Ridley's, and other
columns, took up the pursuit, crossed the Vaal with
all possible rapidity, and followed up at a great pace ;

but beyond releasing some 60 British prisoners and

taking some waggons and one gun, the pursuit failed.
Lord Kitchener was, however, able on 16th August to
Hore at Elands River (see Rhodesian
relieve Colonel
Regiment). Mr Green, in his Story of the Australian
'

Bushmen,' mentions that the first troops to ride into

Elands River and receive the heartfelt thanks of the
gallant garrison were De Lisle's West Australians,
who were scouting in front of Lord Kitchener's force,
—an honourable post, because six regiments of regular
cavalry were in that force. De Lisle's corps reached
Pretoria on 28th August, and was thereafter employed
in the Central Transvaal.
The 2nd contingent took part, under Pole- Care w,
in the advance from Pretoria to Komati Poort, starting
about 23rd July. They had fighting in the Belfast
district on 28th August and frequently thereafter. In
his telegram of 13th September Lord Roberts remarked
that the West Australians had been scouting in front
of Pole - Carew's Division. At Waterval Onder, on
3rd September, Lieutenant Darling and 8 men were
wounded. The West Australians were said to have
been the first to discover much railway material and
other valuable stores near the Poort. They were pres-
ent at the big review held there on 28 th September.
After their stay in that unhealthy neighbourhood, they
 The 3r^ West Australian iyBusIimen) Contingent 473

were employed about Machododorp, where they suffered

some casualties throughout October.
On 15th October the 1st contingent was inspected
by Lord Roberts in Pretoria, and were complimented
on their work. In November most of the 1st con-
tingent sailed for home.
In January and February 1901 the 2nd contingent
was employed in Cape Colony, and assisted to drive out
the invaders. At Klipplaat, on 5th February, Captain
Olliver and several men were wounded. Captain
Olliver had been sent in command of a small force,
12 men of the 7th Dragoon Guards, 12 West Aus-
tralians, and 3 Cape Police, carrying despatches from
Colonel Haig to another leader. The little body was
surrounded by several hundreds of the enemy. They
kept up a good fight from 11 a.m. till sundown, but
were eventually all overpowered. Four of the
Dragoons were killed and several were wounded.
On 31st March 1901 the last of the 2nd conting-
ent, under Lieutenant Duffy, sailed for Australia.

THE 3rd west AUSTEALIAN (BUSHMEN)

CONTINGENT.

This contingent, commanded by Major H. G. Vialls,

Captain in the Reserve of Officers, was taken to Beira,
where they landed in April 1900. They formed part
of the force of Bushmen which, under General Carring-
ton, crossed Rhodesia and entered the Transvaal from
Mafeking. The contingent, small as it was, was split
up, but they saw a great deal of fighting throughout
474 ^-^^^ Colonials in Sotitk Africa

July, August, and September 1900 in the district

between Mafeking on the west and Warmbad, north
of Pretoria, on the east. At Kosters Kiver, on 21st
and 22nd July (see 1st N.S.W. Bushmen), there was
a stiff engagement in which parties from the dif-
ferent Australian colonies bore the brunt. The West
Australians, strength about 70, had Surgeon-Captain
F. J. Ingoldsby and Lieutenant Davies and several
men wounded. A few West Australians, acting under
Captain Ham, 3rd Victorians, were in Colonel Hore's
garrison which made a very fine defence at Elands
River, 4th to 16th August (see Rhodesian Regiment).
Another small detachment were with Carrington when
he attempted to effect Hore's relief from the west
while the first troops to march into the place as the
advance scouts of Lord Kitchener's force, which re-
lieved the garrison from the south - east, were, as
already stated, men of the 1st West Australians.
During the last four months of 1901 and the first
few months of 1902, the 3rd contingent, as part of the
3rd Australian Bushmen, commanded by Major Yialls,
saw much fighting in many parts of the seat of war,
and under Yialls' fine leadership always did well. Some
of the work of the 3rd Australian Bushmen is sketched
under the 3rd Victorians, to which reference is made
(see also 1st, 2nd, and 3rd New Zealanders).
Captain Hurst of the 3rd contingent remained in
South Africa after his squadron had sailed. In the
spring of 1902, while attached to "G" Battery Royal
Horse Artillery, then converted into Mounted Rifles,
he was severely wounded in the action of Boschbult,
Western Transvaal, 31st March.
 \th, ^tk, and 6th West Australian Contingents 475

THE 4th west AUSTEALIAN CONTINGENT

(WEST AUSTKALIAN IMPERIAL BUSHMEN).

The 4th contingent, one squadron, commanded by

Major J. Hose, sailed on the Manhattan on 7th May 1900,
and after havinor touched at Beira and Durban, landed
at Port Elizabeth on 19 th June. They were at once
taken to the Kroonstad district of the Orange River
Colony, where, on 23rd June, they joined a force under
Colonel Brookfield which was to see some very severe
fighting in the ensuing three weeks. In the action of
Barkin or Baken Kop, 3rd July, Major Hose was
wounded. This action has already been referred to
under the 4th South Australians, with whom this con-
tingent did over a year's hard campaigning. These
two contingents, along with the 4th Tasmanians,
formed what was known as the 4th Imperial Bushmen,
and some notes of the very fine work of the regiment
are to be found under that heading. While the 4th
Imperial Bushmen operated with Plumer in Cape
Colony, and in the north of and east of the Transvaal,
this squadron had casualties on various occasions.

5th and 6th WEST AUSTRALIAN CONTINGENTS.

These contingents, approximately five squadrons

strong, sailed early in March 1901. Major J. B.
Hoyston, D.S.O., was appointed to command these con-
tingents. He had begun the war as a Lieutenant in
—
the Border Mounted Hifles a Natal volunteer corps,
476 The Colonials in South Africa

—and had gained distinction at the defence of Lady-

smith, As will be seen from the Mentions, Major —soon
Lieut. - Colonel — Royston added as commander of a
regiment to the fine reputation he had made as a
subaltern and captain.
The despatches of 1901 show that for a great part
of that year the 5th and 6th West Australian Mounted
Infantry —
combined strength in June about 355 men
and 380 horses— were in the column of Major-General
F. W. Kitchener, who long worked in the Lydenburg
district, and generally over the Eastern Transvaal.
In April 1901 General F. W. Kitchener's column,
working from Lydenburg, took part in the operations of
Sir Bindon Blood to the north of the Delagoa Railway
and in the Middelburg district.^ During April West
Australians were several times engaged, and made some
captures of prisoners and stock. On 13th May Major-
General Kitchener's column crossed to the south of the
railway and made for the Ermelo district, to take part
in another sweeping movement towards the east under
the direction of General Bindon Blood, and back to-
wards the Ermelo-Bethel district. On 15th May there
was severe fighting at Grobelaar Becht, in which the
5th had Lieutenant Forrest and Sergeant Ejards and
1 man killed and 5 men wounded, and the 6th 4 men

killed and Lieutenant S. S. Beid and 3 men wounded.

On the 16th there was again heavy fighting, in which
Lieutenant F. W. Bell distinguished himself so greatly
that he was recommended for and received the Victoria
Cross. The circumstances are detailed under the
Honours and Mentions gained. On 23rd June, at
Benshoogte, there was again fighting, when Lieutenant
S. S, Reid and 2 men were killed and 2 severely
1 Despatch of 8th May 1901.
 <^th and ^th West Australian Contingents 477

wounded. During these operations a fair number of

prisoners and some carts with ammunition were taken.
In July Kitchener's column was back at Middelburg,
and after refitting moved north of the railway and had
some encounters in which more prisoners were taken.
On 16th August 1 man of the 6th was killed, and
Lieutenant W. H. Young of that contingent and 1
man were wounded.
A portion of these contingents were from August to
October 1901 with Colonel Benson when he was doing
very fine work in the Eastern Transvaal. One of the
6th was wounded in his engagement at Bakenlaagte,
30th October, when Benson was killed (see Scottish
Horse).
Towards the close of 1901, and in the early months
of 1902, both contingents were acting under General
Bruce Hamilton in the Eastern Transvaal, and took
part in many of that fine leader's most successful enter-
prises. They had a few casualties on various occasions.
On 1st February 1902 the 5th had 2 men killed at
Waterval Biver, and the 6th had 1 man wounded in
the same action and on the following day Lieutenant
;

G. A. Morris was killed at Rolspruit. At Boodepoort,

on 26th February, Sergeant P. J. Daly was severely
wounded. While with Colonel Wing's column in Feb-
ruary and March 1902 the West Australians under-
took many arduous marches in the endeavour to get
into contact with the enemy, but he had been so often
worsted in the Eastern Transvaal, to keep out of sight
had become his one desire.

West Australia furnished contributions to the Com-

monwealth Troops (see that heading). Only the first
478 The Colonials in South Africa

squadron were in time to take part in the closing

drives.

The Honours and Mentions gained by the West

Australians were as follows :

Lieut. F. "W. Bell, West Australian M.T. (5tli and 6tli contingents). At
Brakpan, Eastern Transvaal, May 16, 1901, when
through a heavy-
retiring
fire after holding the right flank, Lieut. Bell noticed a man dismounted, and

returned and took him up behind him. The horse not being equal to the
weight, fell with them. Lieut. Bell then remained behind, and covered the
man's retirement till he was out of danger.
Lord Roberts' Despatches 'i.nd April 1901. W.A.M.I. Lieut.-Col.
: — :

W. L. Pilkington,^ 2nd contingent. Preserve of Officers Capts.f J. Harris, ;

F. M. Parker 2; Lts. H. F. Darling,'^ J. C. De Castilla,^ R. R. C. Vernon,^

S. A. OUiver^ Sgts. J. Barry, E. H. Draper, P. M. Edwards
; Cpl. W. H. ;

Clarkson, Lce.-Cpl. J. Burley Ptes. R. Corkhill, H. Force, M. A. Spiers.

;

Bushman's Corps Major H. G. Vialls.^

:

Ath September 1901.— Lieut. C. H. Ord.

1st March 1902. —
Major H. G. Moor, Royal Artillery, commanding 1st
contingent (killed in action). W.A. Medical Stafi": Surgeon Lieut.-Col,
F. J. Ingoldsby.
Lord Kitchener's Despatches 8th March 1901. Major Vialls.
: —
8th May 1901. —
From General Plumer's of 7th April. W.A. Bushmen — :

Sgt. W. George, D.C.M., on April 6th, near De Berg Pass, Pietesberg

(Pietersburg) district, when in advance with 8 scouts held his own on most
difficult ground against 40 Boers. He displayed conspicuous personal
bravery, as he has done to my personal knowledge on several previous
occasions. Pte. F. Angel, D.C.M. (since dead), one of scouts above-
mentioned, and was very severely wounded in going forward to assist
another wounded man.
8th July 1901. —
Lieut. F. W. Bell, awarded V.C. as before mentioned.
Capt. J. Campbell for assisting Lieut. Bell. Lieut. S. S. Reid at same
place and date remained with his men, though severely wounded early in
fight. and A. J. Brown, conspicuous gallantry
Lieut. A. A. Forrest (killed)
on same occasion. (All foregoing brought to notice of Australian Govern-
ment.) Surgeon-Capt. F. B. Reid showed absolute disregard of danger in
performing his duties on same occasion.
8th December 1901. —
W.A. 5th M.I. Major J. R. Royston, for single-
:

handed capture of 2 armed Boers, November 8, 1901, and for saving a

man's life on same occasion.
8th March 1902. —
W.A.M.I. Lieut. P. J. Daly,^ along with Lieut. Archer
:

Awarded C.B. 2 Awarded D.S.O.

Mentions gained by West Australian Contingents 479
Shee, 19th Hussars, gallantry in pursuit of a superior force of the enemy
near Kromdrai on 28th February ; both very seA'erely wounded, but cap-
tured 7 of the enemy. Cpl. P. J. Daly (promoted Sgt.), for gallant services
on three occasions with scouts when parties of Boers were taken. Lieut.
E. S. Clifford, D.S.O., for conspicuous service in December and January.
Lieut.-Col. J. R. Royston, D.S.O., Capt. A. J. B. Brown, 5th,i and Lieut.
R. Clifton, 6th, for conspicuous good services, General Bruce Hamilton's
operations in Eastern Transvaal, in December and January.
^Zrd June 1902— Capt. H. F. Darling, D.S.O., 5th Lts. J. L. Ochiltree,
;

5th ; A. E. Maley, 6th Sgt. J. G. Dale 2

; ; Ptes. Forrest, A. P. Abbot,^
G. Robinson.

1 Awarded D.S.O. 2 Awarded D.C.M.

 48o

Tasmanian Contingents.

FIEST, OR CAMERON'S, TASMANIAN CONTINGENT.

The small colony of Tasmania sent its quota of men

to South Africa.
According to the official publication, '
Australia and
New Zealand,' the total contribution from Tasmania
was 35 827 men, and 725 horses. The 1st
officers,

contingent, of 80 infantry, sailed on the

consisting
Medic on 28th October 1899, and landed at Cape
Town on 26th November. They were commanded by
Captain Cameron, who as an officer of the 9th Lancers
had taken part in Lord Roberts' great march across
Afghanistan he had therefore most ample experience
:

of war. The contingent were at first on the De

Aar-Modder line, where, along with the other units
composing the Australian Regiment, they garrisoned
Enslin and other posts protecting the railway. Towards
the close of January 1900 they were converted into
mounted infantry, and were sent to Naauwpoort, Cape
Colony, where they received horses and joined the
force of General Clements, then holding a long line
opposite the Boer position about Colesberg (see Vic-
toria M.R)
During the severe encounters, 9th to 13th February,
 1st, or Camero?is, Tasma7tia7i Contingent 481

the Tasmanians were on the British right. On the

9th the contingent saw serious fighting for the first
time. During the previous day or two it had become
evident that the enemy were making efforts to occupy
certain positions which would faciUtate the outflanking
of the British right, and General Clements had decided
that the strength of the enemy opposite Jasfontein,
where the Tasmanians were posted, should be ascer-
tained. Two small bodies went out, one under Captain
Salmon, Victoria M.B., and Lieutenant G. E. Beid of
the Tasmanians this detachment consisted of about
:

30 men of different Australian contingents. The other

body, under Captain Cameron, was composed of Tas-
manians only. Both detachments took up positions
some miles in front of Jasfontein, but the Boers, who
were in great strength, succeeded in wedging in be-
tween the detachments, and then proceeded to encircle
each. To avoid being totally surrounded it was decided
that it was necessary to retire. The men had to gallop
singly from the positions under a heavy fire at decis-
ive range, but camp was regained without loss. The
only casualty was a non-combatant. Mr Lambie, the
Australian correspondent, who had accompanied the
troops, was killed in the retirement, and Mr Hales
of the Daily News,' who stayed with his friend, was
'

taken prisoner he was afterwards released.

: Some
gallant pieces of work took place during the gallop
back Corporal Whitelaw returned for a dismounted
:

comrade and Private Pears, whose horse was killed,

;

made his way back on foot by a circuitous route, killing

three Boers who tried to take him. On the same day
a detached post of six Tasmanians was cut off, two
men, Gilham and Hutton, being killed.
The Tasmanians were in the hard -fought engage-
2 H
482 The Colonials in South Africa

merit of 12th February, and along with other troops

under General Clements retired on the 14th to Arundel.
On the 15th they were ordered to join the 2nd Vic-
torian Contingent on the left rear, which was being
seriously threatened ; and thereafter they generally
operated with that contingent in the movements and
fighting down to the time of crossing the Orange
Eiver. On the 22nd, when General Clements was
making a big effort to clear his left flank and front,
the Tasmanians had a foremost place, getting, if any-
thing, too far forward. Unfortunately their gallant
leader. Major Cameron, was wounded and taken pris-
oner. It was reported at the time that, seeing one
of his men without a horse, the Major ordered the
man to mount his own animal, he intending to retire
on foot but he was cut off, wounded, and captured.
;

Major E,eay, author of 'With the Australian Eegi-

ment,' was told that the Boers said of Cameron that
he was the bravest man they had come across. On
the 28th the Tasmanians and Victorians were among
the first troops to enter Colesberg, an objective which
for over three months the British had been struggling
hard to obtain. The Tasmanians, now under Lieuten-
ant W. Brown, were about the 29 th ordered to hold
an outpost at Eietfontein. On 15 th March they
crossed the Orange with the other troops.
A draft of 45 Tasmanians, sometimes called the 2nd
contingent, had landed at the Cape about the time
Colesberg was occupied, but they proceeded to Bloem-
fontein by rail, and joined the squadron there.
During General Clements' march from Norvals Pont,
on the Orange, to the capital of the Free State, the
Tasmanians were generally attached to the centre
 1st, or Cameron s, Tasmanian Contingent 483

column. There was no fighting on this march indeed :

so peaceful was the turn of affairs at the time, that

at Philippolis the squadron gave a concert. Small as
the contingent was, it was split up, and did not march
into Bloemfontein as one unit.
After their arrival at Bloemfontein about 4th April,
the Tasmanians, who had received a reinforcing draft
of 40 men, were, along with 1st and 2nd Victoria M.R.
and the South Australians, put under Colonel Henry,
whose mounted infantry were holding the outpost line
north of Glen Station. They took part in many recon-
noitring patrols before the advance to Pretoria began.
Major Cameron had been found in Bloemfontein, and
rejoined his corps before Lord Boberts' army started
for the north. During the march to Pretoria, which
commenced on 3rd May, Colonel Henry's men were
generally the screen in front of the centre and left
centre. They had very hard riding, often covering
from 40 to 50 miles a-day, and took a prominent part
in a number of skirmishes, and in some sharply-fought
actions, as near Hout Nek on 30th April, at the cross-
ing of the Vet on 6th May, at the crossing of the Zand
Biver on 10th May, when Major Cameron was again
wounded, and at the coal mines on the banks of the
Vaal, and in the fighting outside Pretoria. After the
occupation of Pretoria Colonel Henry's men were
mostly stationed on the eastern front.
Colonel Henry's corps of Mounted Infantry, including
the Victorian M.B., South Australians, and Tasmanians,
were at the battle of Diamond Hill and in the eastern
advance from Pretoria, and had fighting on occasions,
particularly about Balmoral at end of July, and near
Belfast on 7th September. After some very hard
484 The Colonials in South Africa

marching through the roughest of country, where scout-

ing was difficult, Komati Poort was entered on 24th
September. Henry's corps was present at the review
there on the 28th. In October they were taken to
Pretoria, where they were inspected by Lord Roberts,
and in November the men of the 1st contingent sailed
for home.

1st TASMANIAN BUSHMEN.

The 2nd contingent (3rd if the draft of 40 men

is counted as a contingent) sailed from Hobart on

the Atlantian upon 5th March 1900. This was half
a squadron, commanded by Captain E-iggall, and was
generally known as the 1st Bushmen Contingent.
Along with other Bushmen they landed at Beira in
April, and having crossed Bhodesia towards Mafeking,
took part in many operations in the Western Trans-
vaal under Carrington, Lord Erroll, and Lord Methuen.
They had several casualties near Ottoshoop on 6th
August, when Carrington was endeavouring to assist
Hore (see Rhodesian Begiment). This Tasmanian con-
tingent formed a composite Bushmen Regiment along
with "D" Squadron of the 1st New South Wales
Bushmen, 1 squadron of the 5th New Zealanders, and
the 3rd South Australians. The regiment saw much
fighting, and some of their engagements have already
been mentioned under these other squadrons.
 The \st Tasnianian Imperial Bushmen 485

THE 1st TASMANIA^ IMPERIAL BUSHMEN

(FOUETH CONTINGENT).

This contingent, 5 officers and 117 men, with 130

horses, sailed on the Manhattan from Hobart on 26th
April 1900. Captain R. C. Lewis commanded the
contingent. The Manhattan touched at Beira and at
Durban, but ultimately the troops on board, which
included the 4th South Australians and 4th West
Australians, were landed at Port Elizabeth on 19th
June. The three contingents formed what was known
as the 4th Imperial Bushmen —
Colonel Bowell of the
4th South Australians commanding. Under the latter
corps the work of the regiment up to 16th July has
already been described. On the 26th June the Tas-
manian squadron, acting as rear screen, was pressed
by the enemy, who had got into good cover within
300 yards. The squadron had Trooper Firth very
badly wounded, and about a dozen horses hit when
retiring. The men were said to have behaved ex-
tremely well.
Between 18th July and the middle of November
the Tasmanians were separated from the remainder of
the regiment. Captain Lewis and his men joined
General Paget, and after doing some work about the
Bethlehem- Winburg district, they formed part of the
escort which took the Boers prisoners from the Witte-
bergen to the railway. On 14th August the contingent
entrained for Pretoria, and on the 16th they marched
past Lord Roberts, who was very complimentary. On
the afternoon of the same day the corps moved out
to join General Paget, under whom they were, during
the next three months, to see endless hard marching
486 The Colonials in Sottth Africa

and some very As Captain Lewis says

stiff fighting.
in his excellent but very modest account/ " We were
constantly under the fire of the enemy pretty well :

every day brought its contribution of experience in

the shape of small engagements."
On the 20th August the contingent was put into
the mounted brigade of Colonel Hickman, under whom
they acted till he left the column in December, That
the squadron was most highly thought of by Colonel
Hickman is best proved by the fact that he almost
invariably asked them to act as advance-guard when
he expected to find the enemy.
On 1st September 20 men of the squadron, under
Lieutenant Guy Wylly, were out after cattle. They
were caught in very bad country, and got back with
great diflSculty. Trooper G. H. Brown was killed, and
5 others were wounded, including Wylly. It was on
this occasion that Lieutenant Wylly and Private Bisdee
gained the Y.C. (see Mentions). After this the services
of Lewis's squadron were much the same as those of
the 4th Queensland Imperial Bushmen, to w^iich, and
to the 4th Imperial Bushmen, reference is made.
In November the 4th South and 4th West Aus-
tralians joined Hickman, and the regiment were
together again.
At Pvhenoster Kop, 29th November (see 3rd New
Zealand), Lewis's men were escort to the guns.
In December Captain Lewis was invalided with
enteric, and Lieutenant Sale took command under :

him the squadron, much reduced in numbers, took a

prominent part in the pursuit of De W^et through
and out of Cape Colony. Lewis rejoined before the
march to Pietersburg took place. After the town was
1 '
On the Veldt.' Hobart, 1902.
 The 2nd Tasmanian Imperial Bushmen 487

occupied, 8th April 1901, the Tasmanians being the

first to enter the place. Captain Sale with a small
troop galloped to a ridge beyond.He was shot dead
by a Boer concealed in long grass a few paces from
him, and Lieutenant Walter, going to his assistance,
was mortally wounded. The day was a sad one for
the squadron.
On 25 th April Sergeant Stock er gained great dis-
tinction for his share in the capture of 35 prisoners
(see Mentions).
In May the squadron operated under Plumer through
the Eastern Transvaal to Bethel and Piet Retief On
7th July the contingent sailed for home.

5th tasmanian contingent (2nd TASMANIAN

IMPEEIAL BUSHMEN).

This contingent, 2 squadrons, 260 all ranks, was

commanded by Lieut. -Colonel Watchorn, Y.D., with

Captains T. A. Spencer and C. Henderson. They
sailedfrom Hobart on 27th March 1901, and landed
at Port Elizabeth on 21st April. Soon after landing
the corps was in a sharp fight with Scheepers at Ganna
Hoek, in Cape Colony, where Trooper Wharbeston, was
killed. Trooper Brownell distinguished himself in this
affair, and afterwards received a commission in the
regular army. On 19th May the corps joined Scobell's
column, one of the most successful. On 1st June
they were put under Colonel Gorringe, whose force
was formed into a " flying column " without wheeled
transport (see Cape Police). On 13th February 1902
488 The Colonials in Sotith Africa

Colonel Doran took over the column, and the con-

tingent served with him till 4th May. On 18th
February they suffered several casualties.
The strain on men and horses was very great but ;

the column did most excellent work, and was frequently

complimented by General French and Lord Kitchener.
The various leaders under whom they served com-
mended the contingent for their fearlessness, horse-
mastership, and cheerful endurance of the greatest
hardship. On 13th August 1901 Sergeant - Major
Young of the Cape Police, along with Quartermaster-
Sergeant Lyne, Sergeant Coombes, and 8 other
Tasmanians, charged a kopje where the enemy
were strongly entrenched and captured Commandant
Erasmus (see Mentions). Young got the V.C. for
this affair. The contingent were at various times
successful in capturing several influential Boer leaders.
For twelve months their work went on absolutely
without cessation, long marches often being under-
taken by night, followed by actions with the com-
mandos of Kritzinger, Scheepers, Myberg, and others.
The whole of the war service of the contingent was
done in Cape Colony. They sailed for home on 22nd
May 1901, and as they arrived at Hobart on 17th
June after peace had been declared, they landed
amidst the greatest enthusiasm.

Tasmania furnished quota to the Commonwealth

its
regiments. One detachment, 63 strong, sailed from
Hobart on 14th February 1902, and were in time to
do some good but trying work in the last great drives.
The next contribution, 121 strong, sailed at the end of
March, and another, 120 strong, about 22nd May.
 Mentions gained by Tasmanian Contingents 489

The Honours and Mentions gained by the Tasmanian

contingents were as follows :

Pte. J. H. Bisdee, Tasmanian Imperial Bushmen, won the Victoria Cross

in the following circumstances: On September 1, 1900, "Pte. Bisdee was
one of an advanced scouting party passing through a rocky defile near
Warm Bad, Transvaal. The enemy, who were in ambuscade, opened a
sudden fire at close range, and six out of the party of eight were hit, includ-
ing two oflficers. The horse of one of the wounded officers broke away and
bolted. Pte. Bisdee gave the officer his stirrup leather to help him out of
action, but finding that the ofiicer was too badly wounded to go on, he
dismounted, placed him on his horse, mounted behind him, and conveyed
him out of range. The act was performed under a very hot fire and in a
very exposed jilace." Pte. Bisdee was later on promoted lieutenant. Lieut.
Guy G. E. Wylly of the same corps also gained the Cross at the same
place. Although wounded, "this ofiicer, seeing that one of his men was
badly wounded in the leg and that his horse was shot, went back to the
man's assistance, made him take his (Lt. Wylly's) horse, and opened fire
from behind a rock, to cover the retreat of the others, at the imminent
risk of being cut off" himself Colonel T. E. Hickman, D.S.O., considered
that the gallant conduct of Lt. Wylly saved Corporal Brown from being
killed or captured, and that his subsequent action in firing to cover the
retreat was instrumental in saving others of his men from death or cap-
ture." Lieut. Wylly afterwards got a commission in the South Lancashire
Regiment, and was wounded on the night of 7th January 1901 when the
Boers fiercely attacked the posts on the railway about Belfast.
—
Lord Roberts' Despatch ^nd Ap7-il 1901. Tasmanian Imperial Bush-
:

men Col. E. T. Wallack Capts. R. 0. Lewis,^ A. H. Riggall 2 Lts. R.

:
; ;

Anderson, R. Perkins ^ Sgt. J. J. Gardiner

; Tprs. R. Chant, P. Clark,^
;

R. Douglas, F. A. Groom,^ A. G. Hillier, E. R. Jacson (killed). Mounted

Infantry: Major C. Cameron i; Sgt.-Major J. Costello.^
Lord Kitchener's Despatch ?>th March 1901. Tasmanian Imperial
: —
Bushmen Lieut. A. A. Sale Sgt. Kernsley. Mounted Infantry Lieut.
:
; :

F. B. Adams (2nd contingent).

Sth May 1901.— Extract from General Plumer's Special Despatch on Lieut.
Reid's capture of Commandant Schroeder and his laager and 40 men near
Commissie Drift, April 25 " Tasmanian Imperial Bushmen
: Sgt. Stocker ^
:

(promoted Lieutenant) succeeded in getting right behind the laager during

night, thereby enabling Lt. Reid to surround it and rush it from all sides
at once."
Sth July 1901.— Tasmanian Imperial Bushmen Tpr. E. L. D. Brownell
:

(promoted Cpl.), on May 9th at Ganna Hoek, Cape Colony, showed dis-
tinguished bravery in fighting with only one man (Pte. J. E. Wharbeston,

Awarded C.B. 2 Awarded D.S.O. ^ Awarded D.C.M.

490 The Colonials in South Africa

corps) 20 Boers, killing 2 Boers and 2 horses ; finding he could "not

escape,and his comrade being mortally wounded, shot both horses to pre-
vent them falling into the enemy's hands taken prisoner and stripped he
; ;

was released, when he walked into camp and at once took an ambulance,
remained out all night, and brought in Pte. Wharbeston.
8iA December 1901. — 2nd Tasmanians (evidently 5th contingent) :

Qrmr.-Sgt. D. N. Lyne, Sgt. A. Coombes followed Sgt.-Major Young of the

Cape Police on the occasion on which he captured Commandant Erasmus
at Ruiter's Kraal, August 13. Sgt.-Major Young got the V.C.
^th April 1902. —Tasmanian Imperial Bushmen Lieut. - Col. E. T.
:

Watchorn (5th).
23r<i J^ine 1902.— Capt. F. B. Adams (5th) ;Lieut. A. N. Boyes ; Lieut,
and Adjt. J. M'Cormick (5th) i Lieut. G. F. Richardson. Transport
; : Sgts.
A. Coombes, G. Murphy, G. Kemsley * ;Tpr. C. Cawthorn.

THE 4th regiment IMPERIAL BUSHMEN.

This was a composite corps containing
The 4th South Austrahan Contingent, Lieutenant-
Colonel Rowell commanding, (See that Corps.)
The 4th West Australian Contingent, Major J.
Rose.
The 4th Tasmanian Contingent, Captain R. C.
Lewis, D.S.O.
The regiment was long with General Plumer in
and did very good
different parts of the seat of war,
work, particularly in the operations north of Pretoria,
and in the Eastern Transvaal. As stated in the de-
spatch of 8th March 1901, when it was clear that
De Wet was to attempt a serious invasion of Cape
Colony, Lord Kitchener, about the end of January
1901, railed Plumer's troops from Brugspruit in the
Eastern Transvaal to Cape Colony and it was largely
;

1 Awarded D.S.O. 2 Awarded D.C.M.

 The /\.th Regiment Imperial Btishmen 49

due to them that De Wet was driven out of the

Colony (see 4th Victorian Both the
Contingent).
South and West Austrahans suffered some casualties
in the numerous rear - guardactions which the Boer
commandos fought. After pursuing the remnant of
these commandos northward, Plumer's men were again
entrained at Brandfort for the district north of Pre-
toria, to take part in the expedition to Pietersburg,
In Lord Kitchener's despatch of 8th May 1901 he
says " On the night of the 24th April a very gallant
:

act was performed by Lt. E-eid, Imperial Bushmen

Corps, who had been detached from General Plumer's
post at Commissie Drift, on the Olifants Biver,
Transvaal. This officer, when in charge of a patrol
of 20 Australians, located a Boer laager some 15 miles
S.E. of the drift, which he surrounded, and boldly
attacked at dawn. The enemy at once surrendered.
Commandant Schroeder and 41 other prisoners, with
a maxim, being taken." This is certainly one of the
very finest exploits undertaken by any small body
during the whole war, and shows a boldness and
initiative that was far too often absent from the
doings of the regulars. Lieutenant Beid ran the
great risk involved in his action, but his fearless-
ness was rewarded with success and further, he was
;

serving under a General who was most quick to recog-

nise pluck, skilfulness, and the all-important quality
of willingness to take risk. Lieutenant Beid belonged
to the South Australian Contingent.
On the Pietersburg trek, and after the occupation
of that place, the 4th Imperial Bushmen contributed
largely to the success of Major Vialls, who operated
generally in advance of General Plumer's force, and
took many prisoners and waggons, and one gun.
492 The Colonials in South Africa

Some of the 4th Imperial Bushmen were in the escort

to a convoy which " was heavily attacked by some 400
of the enemy on the Bethel Standerton Boad on 25th
May." The escort under Colonel Gallwey "fought
with great gallantry, and completely foiled the enemy's
repeated efforts to press into close quarters." Lord —
Kitchener's Despatch of 8th July 1900, para. 8.
The following Mentions were gained under the head-
ing 4th Imperial Bushmen :

%th May 1901. — Lieut.

H. A. Reid, for the exceedingly smart manner
in which he eftected the capture of a force double his number, together
with a maxim gun. Sgt. F. J. Williams and Pte. T. H. Porter (pro-
moted Cpl.) volunteered to carry despatches from General Plumer to
General Beatson, a distance of 60 miles through enemy's country; they
got there and returned safely, though fired on, burning a Boer field forge
en route.
Sth July 1901. —
Tjjr. G. De Rehyr, during attack on convoy near Bethel,
May 25, carried a man out of action on his own horse, thereby incurring
great risk. Sgt.-Major J. S. Brigman, Sgt. B. C. Philliphant, gallantry
same occasion.

DOYLE'S SCOUTS.
This was a corps of specially selected men, raised by
Captain B. D. Doyle, D.S.O., of the New South Wales
forces. He had served in the 6th Imperial Bushmen
and the 3rd Begiment of New South Wales Bushmen.
The officers and men were not, however, restricted to
those from New South Wales. The small corps did
most excellent work in the latter stages of the war,
and for its numbers gained a large proportion of
Mentions. These were :

Lord Kitchener's Despatch 22rd June 1902.

: Capt. R. D. Doyle,—
D.S.O. Lts. W. V. Townley, D. D. Byrne
; Sgt.-Major Lambert Qrmr.-
; ;

Sgt. Travers ; Sgt. A. A. Harris, Cpl. Waltisbuhl ; Tpr. Rush.

 Commonwealth Troops 493

COMMONWEALTH TEOOPS.
In December 1901 was arranged that Federated
it

Australia would send more men to South Africa, and on

the 30th Mr Barton announced that the 1st Federal
Contingent would consist of nine units, contributed as
follows New South Wales and Victoria three each,
:

Queensland one, West Australia one, South Australia

and Tasmania each one-half. But these arrangfements
were somewhat altered.
According to the evidence given before the War
Commission and the statements in the appendices. New
South Wales furnished three battalions of Common-
wealth Horse, there called the 1st, 2nd, and 5th
Battalions, amounting altogether to 1169 officers and
men, with 1300 horses.
The first lot of Commonwealth troops sailed in the
latter half of February 1902. Their war service was
thus short, and they had few opportunities of acquiring
distinction, but they took part in the last great drives
in the Western Transvaal under General Ian Hamilton,
and their good work was specially referred to by Lord
Kitchener in his despatch of 1st June 1902 (see 8th
New Zealand Contingent).
The second lot of Commonwealth troops sailed from
the various Australian ports between 1st and 10th
April 1902, and on the 5th of that month it was
announced that Australia would furnish a further con-
tribution of 2000 men, being four regiments of 500
each. These were at once recruited, and sailed about
the middle of May, but peace was declared before they
arrived in South Africa. Some notes as to the con-
tributions from the respective Colonies have been
already given.
494 The Colonials in South Africa

INTELLIGENCE DEPARTMENT.
The value of local guides and of information pro-
vided by those who had local knowledge was empha-
sised in many
of the despatches and under the Natal ;

Volunteers and Guides many names are given of

officers, men, and civilians who risked much for the

good of the army in Natal. Many names are also

given under the various corps of " Scouts " of those
who obtained Mention by Lord Koberts and Lord
Kitchener. In addition to these, the following were
commended under the headings given below :

Lord Egberts' Despatches : 31s^ March 1900. —Civil Guide : Mr Hogg.

2nc? Afril 1901.— Corps of Guides : Lieut. H. F. C. Eoss i
; Tpr. Newton.2
8^A March — Mr Carlyle
1901. Intelligence Department.
(Carlisle),
8</i — Mr Carlisle assisted Major Browne to get six armed
May 1901.
Boers out of a dark cave, 23rd April, near Krugersdorj).
December 1901. — Tprs. E. Maasdorp and E. Currie and Sgt. G.
'ith

Brotherton assisting to captureCommandant Erasmus.

Lord Kitchener's Despatch HZrd June 1902. Intelligence Depart-
: —
ment Capts. F. Smithermann, D.S 0.; A. N. Hughes,^ J. Quayle-Dickson,i
:

W. Beddy Lts. C. E. De la Porte, G. S. Doyle Messrs E. Haigh, F.

; ;

Webber, E. Mooney. Field Intelligence Department (Guides) W. Hanger,^ :

W. C. Carlisle,2 A. J. Hunter,^ J. C. Paton,^ J. W. S. Dimock,^ H. Loxton,2

E. E. Scliweizer,2 J. Duke,^ E. Thornliill,^ W. H. Howard,2 J. Agnew,
W. Forbes, E. L. Estmont,
J. J. Williams, G. L. Langridge, G. A. Cooper,
C. Ladsberg, M. Bergh, E. Wliipp, P. M'Master.
S. Capt. D. Forbes,
Field Intelligence, was awarded D.S.O.

Awarded D.S.O. ^ Awarded D.C.M.

 INDEX.

Adelaide District Troops, 240. Bush Veldt Carbineers, 280.

AUeman's Neh, 56.
Artillery Canadian Artillery, 323.
Australian, 405. Canadian Contingents, 298.
Canadian, 323. Canadian Dragoons, 306.
Cape Garrison, 134. Canadian 1st Bn. Mounted Rifles,
Natal 26 306.
New South Wales, 405. Canadian 2ud Bn. Mounted Rifles,
New Zealand, 368. 306.
Prince Alfred's Cape, 139. Canadian 2nd Regiment Mounted
Ashburner's Light Horse, 224. Rifles, 320.
Australian Artillery, 405. Canadian Royal Regiment of Infantry,
Australian Bushmen. See various 298.
Colonies. Canadian Scouts, 315.
Australian Horse, 378. Canadian Later Contingents, 322.
Cape Colony Cyclists, 238.
Bahenlaagte, 289. Cape Garrison Artillery, 134.
Barherton, 15. Cape Medical Staff' Corps, 138.
Barkly West Guard, 242. Cape Mounted Rifles, 100.
Beaconsfield Town Guard, 186. Cape Police, 89.
Bechuanaland Protectorate Regiment, Cape Town Highlanders, 131.
209. Ceylon Mounted Infantry, 335.
Bechuanaland Rifle Volunteers, 217. City of Grahamston Volunteers,
Beddy's Scouts, 281. 143.
Bedford Troops, 240. Colenso, 10, 33, 38, 50, 53, 86.
Bethune's Mounted Infantry, 62. Colesberg, 414.
Border Horse, 122. Colonial Defence Force, 240.
Border Mounted Rifles, 26. Colonial Light Horse, 237.
Border Scouts, 245. Colonial Scouts, 45.
Boschbult, 158. Commander - in - Chief's Bodyguard,
Botha's Pass, 56. 225.
Bothaville, 387. Commonwealth Troops, 493.
Brabant's Horse, 116. Cullinan's Horse, 224.
Bi'itish South Africa Police, 219.
Buff's, The (2nd Battalion), 293. Damant's Horse, 150.
Bushmanland Borderers, 254. Dennison's Scouts, 222.
Bushmen. Under various Australian Diamond Fields Artillery, 186.
Colonies. Diamond Fields Horse, 186.
496 Index

Diamond Hill, 376, 386. Loch's Horse, 184.

District Mounted Rifles, 236. Lombard's Kop, 6, 32,
Dordrecht, 102. Lumsden's Horse, 332.
Doyle's Scouts, 492. Lydenburg, 57.
Driscoll's Scouts, 127.
Duke of Edinburgh's Own Volunteers, Mafeking. Defence of, 209.
135. Mafeking. Relief of 11, 200.
,

Durban Light Infantry, 26. Marsliall's Horse, 143.

Menne's Scouts, 277.
East Griqualand Volunteers, 240. Midland Mounted Rifles, 235.
Eastern Province Horse, 178. Moedwill, 285.
Elandslaagte, 3, 30. Montmorency's Scouts, 124.
Eland's River, 203. Morley's Scouts, 277.
Murray's Horse, 45.
Fraserburg District Troops, 242.
Fredey-ickstad, 15. Namaqualand Border Scouts, 253.
French's Scouts, 183. Natal, Border Mounted Rifles, Bridge
Frontier Light Horse, 236. Guards, Carbineers, Medical CorpSj
Frontier Mounted Rifles, 126. Mounted Rifles, Police and Guides,
Naval Volunteers, Royal Rifles,
Harteheestfontein, 425. Umvoti Mounted Rifles, and Veteri-
Hart's Hill, 87. nary Corps, 26.
Heidelberg Volunteers, 279. Natal Colonial Scouts, 45.
Hold nek, 170. Natal Composite Regiment, 43.
Nesbitt's Horse, 175.
Imperial Bushmen, 4th, 490. New England Mounted Rifles, 240.
Imperial Bushmen, 6th, 395. See New South Wales Artillery, 405.
also under Australian Colonies. New South Wales 1st Australian
Imperial Light Horse, 1. Horse, 378.
Imperial Light Infantry, 83. New South Wales 1st Bushmen, 390.
India. See Lumaden's Horse, 332. New South Wales 3rd Bushmen,
Intelligence Department, 494. 398.
New South Wales 6th Imperial Bush-
Jansenville District Troops, 241. men, 395.
Johannesburg Mounted Rifles, 267. New South Wales Lancers, 372.
Johannesburg Police, 270. New South Wales Medical Staff Corps.
407.
Kaff"rarian Rifles, 112. New South Wales 1st Mounted Rifles
Karee Siding, 170. and Mounted Infantry, 382.
Kimherley, Defence of, 186. New South Whales 2nd Mounted Rifles,
Kimberley Troops — Light Horse, 398.
Mounted Corps, Regiment, Town New South Wales 3rd Mounted Rifles,
Guard, 186. 401. See also Commonwealth
Kitchener's Fighting Scouts, 255. Troops.
Kitchener's Horse, 168. New Zealand Artillery, 368.
Knysna Rangers, 240. New Zealand 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Con-
Kotfyfontein Defence Force, 241. tingents, 337.
Koffyfontein, Defence of, 196. New Zealand 4th and 5th Contingents,
Roster's River, 392. 353.
Kuruman, Defence q/", 93. New Zealand 6th Contingent, 357.
New Zealand 7th Contingent, 361.
Ladysmith, Defence of, 6, 32. New Zealand 8th, 9th, and 10th Con-
Langverwacht, 364. tingents, 366.
Lindley, 457. Nooitgedacht, 173.
 Index 497

Onvenvachte, 360, 447. Sutherland District Troops, 241.

Orpen's Horse, 242.
Tafelkop, 156.
Paardeberg, 162, 300, 384. Talana Hill, 29.
Pietersburg Light Horse, 281. Tarkastad Troops, 240.
Piquetberg District Troops, 241. Tasmania 1st and 2nd Contingents,
Prince Albert District Troops, 242. 480.
Prince Alfred's Own Cape Artillery, Tasmania 1st Bushmen, 484.
139. Tasmania 4th
Contingent, or 1st
Prince Alfred's Volunteer Guard, 139. Imperial Bushmen, 485.
Prince of Wales's Light Horse, 233. Tasmania 5th Contingent, or 2nd
Imperial Bushmen, 487.
Queensland 1st and 2nd Contingents, Tasmania 6th, 7th, and 8th Conting-
435. ents (Commonwealth Troops), 488.
Queensland 3rd Contingent, 441. Tembuland Volunteers, 240.
Queensland 4th Contingent, 443. Thorney croft's Mounted Infantry, 68.
Queensland 5th Contingent, 446. Transkei Territories Troops, 240.
Queensland 6th Contingent, 447.
Queensland 7th and 8th Contingents Uitenhage Volunteer Rifles, 143.
(Commonwealth Troops), 448. Umvoti Mounted Rifles, 26.
Queenstown Rifle Volunteers, 148.
Victoria 1st and 2nd Contingents, 413.
Railway Pioneer Regiment, 226. Victoria 3rd Contingent (Bushmen),
Rand Rifles, 270. 422.
Ehenoster Kop, 349. Victoria 4th Contingent (Imperial
Rhodesian Regiment and Volunteers, Bushmen), 424.
200. Victoria 5th Contingent (Mounted
Rietfontein, 5, 31. Rifles), 429.
Rimington's Guides, 150. Victoria 6th, 7th, and 8th Contingents
Roberts' Horse, 160, (Commonwealth Troops), 432.
Rooival, 22, 287. Vlakfontein, 284.

Sannah's Post, 163. Wagon Hill, 7, 35.

Scottish Horse, 282. Warren's Mounted Infantry, 238.
Scott's Railway Guards, 232. Warren's Scouts, 136.
South African Light Horse, 50. Warrington Town Guard, 240.
South African Irregular Forces, 240. Warwick's Scouts, 182.
South Australia 1st and 2nd Conting- Wepene?; 103.
ents, 451. West Australia 1st and 2nd Conting-
South Australia 3rd Contingent, 454. ents, 465.
South Australia 4th Contingent, 456. West Australia 3rd Contingent (Bush-
South Australia 5th and 6th Conting- men), 473.
ents, 461. West Australia 4th Contingent
South Australia 7th, 8th, and 9th Con- (Imperial Bushmen), 475.
tingents (Commonwealth Troops), West Australia 5th and 6th Conting-
463. ents (Imperial Bushmen), 475. See
Spion Kop, 69, 83. also Commonwealth Troops.
Steinaecker's Horse, 271. Western Province Mounted Rifles, 252.
Stormberg, 101. Willoiv Grange, 10, 39.
Strathcona's Corps, 328. Willowmore Guard, 242.

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