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| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 02:37:40 -0700 |
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diff --git a/28158-h/28158-h.htm b/28158-h/28158-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..037b8c4 --- /dev/null +++ b/28158-h/28158-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,35994 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> +<html lang="en"> + +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1"> +<title>The Project Gutenberg e-Book of History of the War in South Africa, Vol. 1 of 4; Author: Sir Frederick Maurice.</title> + + +<style type="text/css"> +<!-- + +body {font-size: 1em; text-align: justify; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + +h1 {font-size: 120%; text-align: center; margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 2em;} +h2 {font-size: 110%; text-align: center; margin-top: 4em; margin-bottom: 2em;} +h3 {font-size: 110%; text-align: center; margin-top: 4em; margin-bottom: 1em;} +h4 {text-align: center; margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 1em;} + +a:focus, a:active {outline:#ffee66 solid 2px; background-color:#ffee66;} +a:focus img, a:active img {outline: #ffee66 solid 2px; } + +hr {width: 20%; text-align: center;} + +ul {margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 10%;} +ul.none {list-style-type: none;} +ul.roman {list-style-type: upper-roman;} +ul.lower {list-style-type: lower-roman;} +li {line-height: 1.5em;} + +sup {line-height: 0em;} +sub {line-height: 0em;} + +table {border-collapse: collapse; table-layout: fixed; + width: 95%; margin-left: 3%; margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;} +table.appendix {border-collapse: collapse; table-layout: fixed; font-size: 80%; + width: 100%; margin-left: 0%; margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;} +table.list {border-collapse: collapse; table-layout: fixed; + margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; width: 80%;} + +table.appendix td {line-height: 1.4em; padding-top: 0.5em; padding-right: 3px;} + +p {text-indent: 1em;} + +.pagenum {visibility: hidden; + position: absolute; right:0; text-align: right; + font-size: 10px; + font-weight: normal; font-variant: normal; + font-style: normal; letter-spacing: normal; + color: #C0C0C0; background-color: inherit;} + +.smcap {font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 95%;} +.smaller {font-size: smaller;} +.small {font-size: 70%;} + +.p2 {margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 1em;} +.p4 {margin-top: 4em; margin-bottom: 1em;} + +.quote {margin-left: 5%; font-size: 95%;} +.title {text-indent: 0em; text-align: center; font-size: 104%; margin-bottom: 2em;} +.tn p {margin-left: 10%; width: 80%; font-size: 80%; text-indent: 0em;} +.index {margin-left: 10%; text-indent: 0em;} +.index p {text-indent: 0em;} + +.add05em {margin-left: 0.5em;} +.add1em {margin-left: 1em;} +.add2em {margin-left: 2em;} +.min05em {margin-left: -0.5em;} +.min2em {margin-left: -2em;} +.min25em {margin-left: -2.5em;} +.minlevel4 {margin-left: -2%;} +.minlevel3 {margin-left: -4%;} +.minlevel2 {margin-left: -6%;} +.minlevel1 {margin-left: -8%;} + +.spacing1em {word-spacing: 1em;} +.spacing2em {word-spacing: 2em;} + +.center {text-align: center; text-indent: 0em;} +.right {text-align: right;} +.left20 {margin-left: 20%;} +.ralign {position: absolute; right: 5%; top: auto;} + +span.sidenote {font-size: 75%; width: 15%; + margin-left: -8%; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 0.1em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; + clear: left; float: left; + text-indent: 0em; text-align: left; + padding: 0.20em 0.3em 0.20em 0.3em; + background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} +span.sidenote2 {font-size: 75%; width: 15%; + margin-left: -14%; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 0.1em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; + clear: left; float: left; + text-indent: 0em; text-align: left; + padding: 0.20em 0.3em 0.20em 0.3em; + background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} + +.figcenter {margin-top: 3em; text-align: center;} + +--> +</style> + +</head> + +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of History of the War in South Africa +1899-1902 v. 1 (of 4), by Frederick Maurice + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: History of the War in South Africa 1899-1902 v. 1 (of 4) + Compiled by Direction of His Majesty's Government + +Author: Frederick Maurice + +Release Date: February 23, 2009 [EBook #28158] +Last Updated: July 29, 2010 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WAR IN SOUTH AFRICA *** + + + + +Produced by Malcolm Farmer, Christine P. Travers and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + +</pre> + + +<div class="tn"> +<p>Transcriber's note: Obvious printer's errors have been corrected, all +other inconsistencies are as in the original. The author's spelling +has been maintained.</p> + +<p>The errors noted in the errata have been corrected in the text.</p> + +<p>The maps at the end of this file are not of the best quality, other maps are +currently not available; this file will be updated when the missing maps or +maps of better quality are found.</p></div> + +<h1>HISTORY<br> +<span class="smaller">OF THE</span><br> + WAR IN SOUTH AFRICA<br> + 1899-1902</h1> + +<a id="img001" name="img001"></a> +<div class="figcenter"> +<img src="images/img001.jpg" width="150" height="111" alt="Editor's logo." title=""> +</div> + + +<p class="center">COMPILED BY DIRECTION OF HIS MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT<br> +BY</p> + +<h2>MAJOR-GENERAL SIR FREDERICK MAURICE, K.C.B</h2> +<p class="center">WITH A STAFF OF OFFICERS</p> + +<p class="p4 center">VOLUME I</p> + +<p class="p4 center small">LONDON<br> + HURST AND BLACKETT LIMITED<br> + 1906</p> + +<p class="p2 center small"><i>All rights reserved</i></p> + +<a id="img002" name="img002"></a> +<div class="figcenter"> +<img src="images/img002.jpg" width="150" height="220" alt="Editor's logo." title=""> +</div> + +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="pagevi" name="pagevi"></a>[p. vi]</span> PREFACE.</h2> + + +<p>The decision of His Majesty's late Government, mentioned on the first +page of this history, was not finally given till November, 1905. It +was, therefore, not till December 12th, 1905, that I was able to +obtain approval for the form in which the political facts connected +with the war are mentioned in the first chapter. Since then the whole +volume has necessarily been recast, and it was not possible to go to +page proof till the first chapter had been approved. Hence the delay +in the appearance of the volume. I took over the work from Colonel +Henderson in July, 1903. He had not then written either narrative of, +or comments on, the military operations.</p> + +<p class="right smcap">F. Maurice.</p> + +<p><i>May 22nd, 1906, London.</i></p> + + +<h3><span class="pagenum"><a id="pagevii" name="pagevii"></a>[p. vii]</span> CONTENTS.</h3> + +<p class="center">VOLUME I.</p> + +<ul class="none"> +<li class="smcap">chap. <span class="ralign">page</span></li> +</ul> +<ul class="roman"> +<li><span class="smcap">Preparation for War</span> +<span class="ralign"><a href="#page001">1</a></span></li> + +<li><span class="smcap">The Outbreak of the War</span> +<span class="ralign"><a href="#page035">35</a></span></li> + +<li><span class="smcap">The Theatre of War</span> +<span class="ralign"><a href="#page054">54</a></span></li> + +<li><span class="smcap">The Boer Army</span> +<span class="ralign"><a href="#page068">68</a></span></li> + +<li><span class="smcap">The British Army</span> +<span class="ralign"><a href="#page087">87</a></span></li> + +<li><span class="smcap">The Navy in the Boer War</span> +<span class="ralign"><a href="#page096">96</a></span></li> + +<li><span class="smcap">Talana Hill</span> +<span class="ralign"><a href="#page123">123</a></span></li> + +<li><span class="smcap">The Retreat from Dundee, and the action of Rietfontein</span> +<span class="ralign"><a href="#page142">142</a></span></li> + +<li><span class="smcap">Elandslaagte</span> +<span class="ralign"><a href="#page157">157</a></span></li> + +<li><span class="smcap">Lombards Kop</span> +<span class="ralign"><a href="#page172">172</a></span></li> + +<li><span class="smcap">The Arrival of Sir Redvers Buller</span> +<span class="ralign"><a href="#page196">196</a></span></li> + +<li><span class="smcap">Advance from the Orange River</span> +<span class="ralign"><a href="#page211">211</a></span></li> + +<li><span class="smcap">Belmont</span> +<span class="ralign"><a href="#page218">218</a></span></li> + +<li><span class="smcap">Graspan</span> +<span class="ralign"><a href="#page229">229</a></span></li> + +<li><span class="smcap">The Battle of the Modder River</span> +<span class="ralign"><a href="#page243">243</a></span></li> + +<li><span class="smcap">The Raid on Southern Natal</span> +<span class="ralign"><a href="#page261">261</a></span></li> + +<li><span class="smcap">Operations round Colesberg up to the 16th December</span> +<span class="ralign"><a href="#page275">275</a></span></li> + +<li><span class="smcap">Stormberg</span> +<span class="ralign"><a href="#page285">285</a></span></li> + +<li><span class="smcap">Halt on the Modder River before Magersfontein</span> +<span class="ralign"><a href="#page304">304</a></span></li> + +<li><span class="smcap">The Battle of Magersfontein</span> +<span class="ralign"><a href="#page316">316</a></span></li> + +<li><span class="smcap">Sir Redvers Buller in Face of Colenso</span> +<span class="ralign"><a href="#page332">332</a></span></li> + +<li><span class="smcap">Colenso, December 15th, 1899</span> +<span class="ralign"><a href="#page351">351</a></span></li> + +<li><span class="smcap">Lord Roberts' Appointment to the Command in South Africa</span> +<span class="ralign"><a href="#page376">376</a></span></li> + +<li><span class="smcap">Operations Round Colesberg—December 16th, 1899, to February 6th, 1900</span> +<span class="ralign"><a href="#page389">389</a></span></li> + +<li><span class="smcap">Lord Roberts at Capetown; reorganises</span> +<span class="ralign"><a href="#page408">408</a></span></li> + +<li><span class="smcap">The Army Moves Forward</span> +<span class="ralign"><a href="#page428">428</a></span></li> +</ul> + +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="pageviii" name="pageviii"></a>[p. viii]</span> APPENDICES.</h2> + +<ul class="none"> +<li class="smcap">No. <span class="ralign">page</span></li> + +<li><span class="min2em smcap">1. Reinforcements sanctioned on 8th September, 1899</span> +<span class="ralign"><a href="#page453">453</a></span></li> + +<li><span class="min2em smcap">2. Distribution of British Forces on 11th October, 1899, + in Cape Colony</span> +<span class="ralign"><a href="#page455">455</a></span></li> + +<li><span class="min2em smcap">3. Distribution of British Forces on 11th October, 1899, + in Natal</span> +<span class="ralign"><a href="#page456">456</a></span></li> + +<li><span class="min2em smcap">4. Strengths of the Forces of the Transvaal and Orange Free State</span> +<span class="ralign"><a href="#page457">457</a></span></li> + +<li><span class="min2em smcap">5. List of H.M. Ships and Vessels serving on the Cape Station, + October 11th, 1899, to June 1st, 1902</span> +<span class="ralign"><a href="#page460">460</a></span></li> + +<li><span class="min2em smcap">6. Approximate Strength and Casualties at Various Engagements + described in Volume I</span> +<span class="ralign"><a href="#page462">462</a></span></li> + +<li><span class="min2em smcap">7. The Expeditionary Force as originally organised and + sent to South Africa</span> +<span class="ralign"><a href="#page471">471</a></span></li> + +<li><span class="min2em smcap">8. The Composition and Distribution of British Troops + in Southern Natal, 23rd November, 1899</span> +<span class="ralign"><a href="#page477">477</a></span></li> + +<li><span class="min2em smcap">9. Reinforcements Landed in South Africa up to the + 13th February, 1900, other than those given in + Appendices <a href="#appen1">1</a> and <a href="#appen7">7</a></span> +<span class="ralign"><a href="#page478">478</a></span></li> + +<li><span class="min2em smcap">10. Distribution of Troops in South Africa on 11th + February, 1900, when the March from Ramdam began</span> +<span class="ralign"><a href="#page485">485</a></span></li> + +<li><span class="min2em smcap">Glossary</span> +<span class="ralign"><a href="#page492">492</a></span></li> + +<li><span class="min2em smcap">Index</span> +<span class="ralign"><a href="#page497">497</a></span></li> +</ul> + + +<h3><span class="pagenum"><a id="pageix" name="pageix"></a>[p. ix]</span> LIST OF MAPS AND FREEHAND SKETCHES.</h3> + +<p class="title">(<i>In separate case.</i>)</p> + +<p class="center">MAPS.</p> + +<ul class="none"> +<li><span class="smcap">General Map:—South Africa.</span></li> + +<li><span class="smcap">Special Maps</span>:—</li> +</ul> + +<ul class="none"> +<li><a id="map1" name="map1"></a> +<span class="min2em">No. 1. <a href="#map_001"><span class="smcap">Index Map</span></a>.</span></li> + +<li><a id="map2" name="map2"></a><span class="min2em">No. 2. <a href="#map_002"><span class="smcap">Relief Map of South Africa</span></a>, to show Topographical + Features and Theatre of War.</span></li> + +<li><a id="map3" name="map3"></a><span class="min2em">No. 3. <a href="#map_003"><span class="smcap">Northern Natal</span></a>.</span></li> + +<li><a id="map4" name="map4"></a><span class="min2em">No. 4. <a href="#map_004"><span class="smcap">Southern Natal</span></a>.</span></li> + +<li><a id="map5" name="map5"></a><span class="min2em">No. 5. <a href="#map_005"><span class="smcap">Talana</span>. October 20th, 1899.</a></span></li> + +<li><a id="map6" name="map6"></a><span class="min2em">No. 6. <a href="#map_006"><span class="smcap">Elandslaagte</span></a>. October 21st, 1899.</span></li> + +<li><a id="map7" name="map7"></a><span class="min2em">No. 7. <a href="#map_007"><span class="smcap">Rietfontein</span></a>. October 24th, 1899.</span></li> + +<li><a id="map8" name="map8"></a><span class="min2em">No. 8. <a href="#map_008"><span class="smcap">Lombards Kop</span></a>. October 30th, 1899. <i>Situation before + 7 a.m.</i></span></li> + +<li><a id="map8a" name="map8a"></a><span class="min2em">No. 8 (<span class="smcap">A</span>). <a href="#map_008a"><span class="smcap">Lombards Kop</span></a>. October 30th, 1899. <i>Situation + from 7 a.m. to Close of Action.</i></span></li> + +<li><a id="map9" name="map9"></a><span class="min2em">No. 9. <a href="#map_009"><span class="smcap">North Cape Colony</span></a> and <span class="smcap">Part</span> of the <span class="smcap">Orange Free + State.</span></span></li> + +<li><a id="map10" name="map10"></a><span class="min2em">No. 10. <a href="#map_010"><span class="smcap">Belmont</span></a>. November 23rd, 1899. <i>Situation prior to + Capture of Gun Hill.</i></span></li> + +<li><a id="map10a" name="map10a"></a><span class="min2em">No. 10 (<span class="smcap">A</span>). <a href="#map_010a"><span class="smcap">Belmont</span></a>. November 23rd, 1899. <i>Situation prior + to Capture of Mont Blanc.</i></span></li> + +<li><a id="map11" name="map11"></a><span class="min2em">No. 11. <a href="#map_011"><span class="smcap">Graspan</span></a>. November 25th, 1899. <i>Situation at 9 a.m.</i></span></li> + +<li><a id="map12" name="map12"></a><span class="min2em">No. 12. <a href="#map_012"><span class="smcap">Modder River</span></a>. November 28th, 1899. <i>Situation at + about 3.30 p.m.</i></span></li> + +<li><a id="map13" name="map13"></a><span class="min2em">No. 13. <a href="#map_013"><span class="smcap">Magersfontein</span></a>. December 11th 1899. <i>Situation + at 4.30 a.m.</i></span></li> + +<li><a id="map13a" name="map13a"></a><span class="min2em">No. 13 (<span class="smcap">A</span>). <span class="smcap">Magersfontein</span>. December 11th 1899. <i>Situation + at 8 a.m.</i></span></li> + +<li><a id="map13b" name="map13b"></a><span class="min2em">No. 13 (<span class="smcap">B</span>). <span class="smcap">Magersfontein</span>. December 11th, 1899. <i>Situation + at 3.30 p.m.</i></span></li> + +<li><a id="map14" name="map14"></a><span class="min2em">No. 14. <span class="smcap">Stormberg</span>. December 10th, 1899.</span></li> + +<li><a id="map15" name="map15"></a><span class="min2em">No. 15. <span class="smcap">Colenso</span>. December 15th, 1899. <i>Situation at 8 a.m.</i></span></li> + +<li><a id="map15a" name="map15a"></a><span class="min2em">No. 15 (<span class="smcap">A</span>). <span class="smcap">Colenso</span>. December 15th, 1899. <i>Situation at + 11 a.m.</i></span></li> + +<li><a id="map16" name="map16"></a><span class="min2em">No. 16. <span class="smcap">Operations around Colesberg</span>.</span></li> + +<li><a id="map17" name="map17"></a><span class="min2em">No. 17. <span class="smcap">South Africa</span>. Map showing the approximate situation + on the 31st December, 1899.</span></li> +</ul> + +<h2>FREEHAND SKETCHES.</h2> + +<a id="sketch" name="sketch"></a> +<ul class="none center smcap"> +<li>Talana.</li> + +<li>Rietfontein.</li> + +<li>Modder River.</li> + +<li>Magersfontein.</li> + +<li>Stormberg.</li> + +<li>Colenso.</li> +</ul> + +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="pagexi" name="pagexi"></a>[p. xi]</span> LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS USED ON THE MAPS.</h2> + +<table class="list" border="0" cellpadding="1" summary="List of abbreviations used on the maps."> +<colgroup> + <col width="30%"> + <col width="70%"> +</colgroup> + +<tr> +<td>A. & S. Highrs.</td> +<td>Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Art.</td> +<td>Artillery.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Art. Pos.</td> +<td>Artillery position.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>B.M.I.</td> +<td>Bethune's Mounted Infantry.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Bn.</td> +<td>Battalion.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Border.</td> +<td>Border Regiment.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Br.</td> +<td>Brigade.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Car.</td> +<td>Carabineers.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Cav.</td> +<td>Cavalry.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Cold. Gds.</td> +<td>Coldstream Guards.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Co.</td> +<td>Company.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Devon.</td> +<td>Devonshire Regiment.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>D.G.</td> +<td>Dragoon Guards.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Dns.</td> +<td>Dragoons.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Durh. L.I.</td> +<td>Durham Light Infantry.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>E. Surr.</td> +<td>East Surrey Regiment.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Fus.</td> +<td>Fusiliers.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Glouc.</td> +<td>Gloucester Regiment.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Gordon., or Gordon Highrs.</td> +<td>Gordon Highlanders.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Gren. Gds.</td> +<td>Grenadier Guards.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Gds.</td> +<td>Guards.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Highrs.</td> +<td>Highlanders.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Hosp.</td> +<td>Hospital.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>How.</td> +<td>Howitzers.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Hrs.</td> +<td>Hussars.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>I.L.H.</td> +<td>Imperial Light Horse.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>King's</td> +<td>King's Liverpool Regiment.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>K.O.Y.L.I.</td> +<td>King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>K.R. Rif.</td> +<td>King's Royal Rifle Corps.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Lrs.</td> +<td>Lancers.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>L.I.</td> +<td>Light Infantry.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Liv'rp'ls</td> +<td>King's Liverpool Regiment.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Manch.</td> +<td>Manchester Regiment.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>M.B.</td> +<td>Mountain Battery.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>M.I.</td> +<td>Mounted Infantry.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>N. Car.</td> +<td>Natal Carabineers.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>N.F.A.</td> +<td>Natal Field Artillery.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>N.M.R.</td> +<td>Natal Mounted Rifles.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>North'd Fus.</td> +<td>Northumberland Fusiliers.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>North'n.</td> +<td>Northamptonshire Regiment.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>N. Lan.</td> +<td>Loyal North Lancashire Regiment.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Prs.</td> +<td>Pounders (<i>e.g.</i>, Naval 12-prs.).</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Queen's</td> +<td>Queen's Royal West Surrey Regiment.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>R.E.</td> +<td>Royal Engineers.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>R.F.A.</td> +<td>Royal Field Artillery.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>R.H.A.</td> +<td>Royal Horse Artillery.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Rif. Brig.</td> +<td>Rifle Brigade.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>R.I. Rif.</td> +<td>Royal Irish Rifles.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>R. Irish Fus.</td> +<td>Royal Irish Fusiliers.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>R. Innis. Fus.</td> +<td>Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>R. Fus.</td> +<td>Royal Fusiliers.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>R. Muns. Fus.</td> +<td>Royal Munster Fusiliers.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>R. Sc. Fus.</td> +<td>Royal Scots Fusiliers.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>R. Welsh Fus.</td> +<td>Royal Welsh Fusiliers.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>S.A.L.H.</td> +<td>South African Light Horse.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>S. Gds.</td> +<td>Scots Guards.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Sco. Rif.</td> +<td>Scottish Rifles.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>T.M.I.</td> +<td>Thorneycroft's Mounted Infantry.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>W. Yorks</td> +<td>Prince of Wales's Own West Yorkshire Regiment.</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="pagexiii" name="pagexiii"></a>[p. xiii]</span> MAPS TO VOLUME I.</h2> + +<p>Pains have been taken to embody in the maps all topographical +information existing up to date. A very considerable amount of +valuable triangulation has been executed over portions of South +Africa, but no systematic detailed survey has ever been made by any of +the South African colonies or states. Maps have, however, been +compiled by both Cape Colony and Natal. The former has prepared and +published a map extending north as far as Lat. 26° 30'; this includes +the Bechuanaland Protectorate and the Orange River Colony, but the +topographical detail shown over these two areas is exceedingly scanty. +The scale of the map is one inch to 12.62 miles.</p> + +<p>The Natal Government have a map similarly prepared and drawn in the +office of the Inspector of Schools, and published on a scale of one +inch to five miles. Both these maps are very fair general maps, and +show with rough accuracy the railways, main roads and large rivers, +but the delineation of hills is little more than suggestive.</p> + +<p>Of the Orange Free State and Transvaal the only general maps published +are based on the farm surveys. As these surveys show only those +topographical features which serve to fix the farm boundary, omitting +all other features, the map resulting from their compilation is not of +much use, especially for military purposes.</p> + +<p>Of the north of Natal there exists a series of one inch reconnaissance +surveys of the communications from Ladysmith to the Orange Free State +and Transvaal frontiers, with sketches of the whole of the Biggarsberg +and Laing's Nek positions, made in 1896 by Major S. C. N. Grant, Royal +Engineers, assisted by Captain W. S. Melville, Leicestershire +regiment, and Captain H. R. Gale, Royal Engineers.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="pagexiv" name="pagexiv"></a>[p. xiv]</span> It is from these sources, as modified here and there by +special surveys made during or since the war, that the general maps <a href="#map1">1</a>, +<a href="#map3">3</a>, <a href="#map4">4</a>, and <a href="#map9">9</a> have been compiled.</p> + +<p>Of the site of the battle of Talana no special survey has been made +since the war, and map <a href="#map5">5</a> is a reproduction of a portion of Major +Grant's reconnaissance sketch before referred to.</p> + +<p>Maps <a href="#map6">6</a>, <a href="#map7">7</a>, and <a href="#map8">8</a>, of the battles of Elandslaagte, Rietfontein and +Lombards Kop, are prepared from surveys made since the events +occurred, by No. 4 Survey section, Royal Engineers, working under +Captain H. W. Gordon, R.E., and maps <a href="#map14">14</a> and <a href="#map16">16</a>, of Stormberg and +Colesberg, have been prepared also from sketches made by the same +section.</p> + +<p>Maps <a href="#map10">10</a>, <a href="#map11">11</a>, <a href="#map12">12</a> and <a href="#map13">13</a>, of Belmont, Graspan, Modder River and +Magersfontein, are from sketches made by Nos. 2 and 3 Survey sections, +under Captain P. H. Casgrain, R.E. The two sections on map <a href="#map12">12</a> are from +drawings by Lieut. J. Cuthbert, Scots Guards.</p> + +<p>Map No. <a href="#map15">15</a>, of Colenso, is from a sketch made immediately after the +relief of Ladysmith by Major S. C. N. Grant, R.E., assisted by Captain +P. McClear, Royal Dublin Fusiliers, and Lieut. S. A. Wilkinson, The +King's (Liverpool) regiment, and the sections from a sketch by Lieut. +M. G. Pollock, R.E.</p> + +<p>In most instances the special survey of the site of the battle has had +to be extended by enlarging portions of the general maps on smaller +scales. This sometimes causes a difference in the amount of detail +shown in different areas of the same map, but this is unavoidable if +the map be made to illustrate, not only the action itself, but also +the preceding and subsequent movements.</p> + +<p>The six panoramic sketches embodied in this Volume are facsimile +reproductions of a selection made from a number executed by the late +Captain W. C. C. Erskine, Bethune's Mounted Infantry.</p> + +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="pagexv" name="pagexv"></a>[p. xv]</span> LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS IN THE TEXT</h2> + +<table class="list" border="0" cellpadding="1" summary="List of abbreviations in the text."> +<colgroup> + <col width="30%"> + <col width="70%"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td>A.A.G.</td> +<td>Assistant Adjutant-General.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>A.D.C.</td> +<td>Aide-de-Camp.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>A.S.C.</td> +<td>Army Service Corps.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>B.L.</td> +<td>Breech-loading.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Battn.</td> +<td>Battalion.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Brig. divn.</td> +<td>Brigade division=2 batteries of horse, or 3 of + field artillery, commanded by a Lieut.-Colonel. + (The term has since been changed to "brigade.")</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Captn.</td> +<td>Captain.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>C.B.</td> +<td>Companion of the Order of the Bath.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>C.I.F.</td> +<td>Cost, Insurance, Freight: <i>i.e.</i>, under the contract + so designated the price paid included the cost + of the article, its insurance while on the voyage, + and freight.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>C.M.G.</td> +<td>Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Col.</td> +<td>Colonel.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>C.O.</td> +<td>Commanding Officer.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Comder.</td> +<td>Commander.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Cos.</td> +<td>Companies.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Coy.</td> +<td>Company.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>C.R.A.</td> +<td>Commanding Royal Artillery.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>C.R.E.</td> +<td>Commanding Royal Engineers.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>C.S.O.</td> +<td>Chief Staff Officer.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Cwt.</td> +<td>Hundred-weight.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>D.A.A.G.</td> +<td>Deputy Assistant Adjutant-General.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>D.A.A.G.I.</td> +<td>Deputy Assistant Adjutant-General for Intelligence.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Det.</td> +<td>Detachment.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>D.C.L.I.</td> +<td>Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>D.G.O.</td> +<td>Director General of Ordnance.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>G.O.C.</td> +<td>General Officer Commanding.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Govt.</td> +<td>Government.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>H.L.I.</td> +<td>Highland Light Infantry.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>H.M.S.</td> +<td>His (or Her) Majesty's Ship.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>I.L.H.</td> +<td>Imperial Light Horse.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>in.</td> +<td>inch.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>I.S.C.</td> +<td>Indian Staff Corps.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>K.C.B.</td> +<td>Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>K.C.M.G.</td> +<td>Knight Commander of the Order of St. Michael and St. George.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>K.O.Y.L.I.</td> +<td>King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>K.R.R.</td> +<td>King's Royal Rifle Corps.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Lieut. or Lt.</td> +<td>Lieutenant.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Lt.-Col.</td> +<td>Lieutenant-Colonel.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>L. of C.</td> +<td>Lines of communication.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>L.I.</td> +<td>Light Infantry.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Maritzburg</td> +<td>Pietermaritzburg.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>M.B.</td> +<td>Mountain battery.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>m/m</td> +<td>millimetre.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>M.I.</td> +<td>Mounted Infantry.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>M.L.</td> +<td>Muzzle-loading.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>N.N.V.</td> +<td>Natal Naval Volunteers.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>N.S.W.</td> +<td>New South Wales.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>N.S.W.L.</td> +<td>New South Wales Lancers.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>N.Z.</td> +<td>New Zealand.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>N.C.O.</td> +<td>Non-commissioned officer.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>O.F.S.</td> +<td>Orange Free State.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>pr.</td> +<td>pounder.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>P.T.O.</td> +<td>Principal Transport Officer.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Q.F.</td> +<td>Quick-firing.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Q.M.G.</td> +<td>Quartermaster-general.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Regt.</td> +<td>Regiment.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>R.M.L.</td> +<td>Rifle-muzzle-loading.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>R.A.M.C.</td> +<td>Royal Army Medical Corps.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>R.A.</td> +<td class="spacing1em"><span class="add1em">"</span> Artillery.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>R.B.</td> +<td>Rifle Brigade.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Royal Commission.</td> +<td>Royal Commission on the War in South Africa (1903).</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>R.E.</td> +<td>Royal Engineers.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>R.F.A.</td> +<td><span class="add1em spacing1em">" Field</span> Artillery.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>R.G.A.</td> +<td><span class="add1em spacing1em">" Garrison "</span></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>R.H.A.</td> +<td><span class="add1em spacing1em">" Horse "</span></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>R.M.A.</td> +<td><span class="add1em spacing1em">" Marine "</span></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>R.M.L.I.</td> +<td><span class="add1em spacing1em">" " Light</span> Infantry.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>R.N.</td> +<td><span class="add1em spacing1em">" Navy.</span></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>R. S. Fusiliers</td> +<td>Royal Scots Fusiliers.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Sec.</td> +<td>Section.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>S.A.</td> +<td>South Africa.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>S.A.R.</td> +<td>South African Republic.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Scots Greys</td> +<td>2nd Dragoons.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Sqdn. or Squadn.</td> +<td>Squadron.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Tel.</td> +<td>Telegram.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>T.B.</td> +<td>Telegraph battalion.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>V.C.</td> +<td>Victoria Cross.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>W.O.</td> +<td>War Office.</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="pagexviii" name="pagexviii"></a>[p. xviii]</span> LIST OF ERRATA.</h2> + +<ul class="none"> +<li>Page 2, line 13 from top, omit "(Arabic)".</li> + +<li><span class="add1em">"</span> 14, line 2 from bottom, for "Sir H. Escombe" + read "the Right Hon. H. Escombe."</li> + +<li><span class="add1em">"</span> 78, first marginal note, for "of" read "in."</li> + +<li><span class="add1em">"</span> 128, second marginal note, for "comma" read + "full stop."</li> + +<li><span class="add1em">"</span> 144, line 3 from top, for "The troops a Ladysmith" + read "The troops at Ladysmith."</li> + +<li><span class="add1em">"</span> 144, last marginal note, omit "full stop" and + read on.</li> + +<li><span class="add1em">"</span> 160, bottom marginal note, for "full stop" + read "comma."</li> + +<li><span class="add1em">"</span> 256, line 6 from bottom, for "Major T. Irvine" + read "Captain T. Irvine."</li> + +<li><span class="add1em">"</span> 337, line 12 from bottom, for "semi-colon" + read "comma."</li> +</ul> + + +<h1><span class="pagenum"><a id="page001" name="page001"></a>[p. 001]</span> THE WAR IN SOUTH AFRICA.</h1> + +<a id="chap1" name="chap1"></a> +<h3>CHAPTER I.</h3> + +<p class="title">PREPARATION FOR WAR.</p> + + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Scope of history.</span> +The war in South Africa which began on October 9th, 1899, ended so far +happily on the 31st May, 1902, that, chiefly in consequence of the +tactful management of the negotiations with the leaders who then +guided them, those who had till then fought gallantly against the +British Empire agreed to enter it as subjects of King Edward. Under +the circumstances, His Majesty's late Government considered it +undesirable to discuss here any questions that had been at issue +between them and the rulers of the two republics, or any points that +had been in dispute at home, and to confine this history to the +military contest. The earlier period is mentioned only so far as it +concerns those incidents which affected the preparation for war on the +part of Great Britain, and the necessary modifications in the plan of +campaign which were influenced by the unwillingness of Her Majesty's +Government to believe in the necessity for war.</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Situation Oct. 9th, /99.</span> +When, on October 9th, 1899, Mr. Kruger's ultimatum was placed in the +hands of the British Agent at Pretoria the military situation was as +follows. It was known that the Boer Governments could summon to arms +over 50,000 burghers. British reinforcements of 2,000 men had been +sanctioned on the 2nd of August for a garrison, at that date not +exceeding 9,940 men; and on the 8th September the Viceroy of India had +been <span class="pagenum"><a id="page002" name="page002"></a>[p. 002]</span> instructed by telegram to embark with the least +possible delay for Durban a cavalry brigade, an infantry brigade, and +a brigade division of field artillery. Another brigade division and +the 1st Northumberland Fusiliers were also ordered out from home. The +1st battn. Border regiment was despatched from Malta, the 1st battn. +Royal Irish Fusiliers from Egypt, the 2nd battn. Rifle Brigade from +Crete, and a half-battn. 2nd King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry from +Mauritius. The total strength of these reinforcements, ordered on +September 8th, amounted to 10,662 men of all ranks. On the same day, +the 8th September, the General Officer Commanding in South Africa, Sir +F. Forestier-Walker, was directed by telegram to provide land +transport for these troops. For details see <a href="#appen1">Appendix I</a>.</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Total forces.</span> +The whole of these reinforcements, with the exceptions of the 9th +Lancers and two squadrons of the 5th Dragoon Guards, whose departure +from India was somewhat delayed by an attack of anthrax, a brigade +division of artillery, the 1st Border regiment and the 2nd battalion +Rifle Brigade, were landed in South Africa before the actual outbreak +of war. Including 2,781 local troops, the British force in Natal was +thus raised to 15,811 men of all ranks. In Cape Colony there were, +either under arms or immediately available at the outbreak of war, +5,221 regular and 4,574 colonial troops. In southern Rhodesia 1,448 +men, raised locally, had been organised under Colonel Baden-Powell, +who had been sent out on the 3rd July to provide for the defence of +that region. Thus the British total in South Africa, 27,054, was at +least 20,000 smaller than the number of the burghers whom the two +republics could place in the field, irrespective of any contingent +that they might obtain from the disaffected in the two colonies. Early +in June Sir Redvers Buller had been privately informed that, in the +event of its becoming necessary to despatch an army corps to South +Africa, he would be the officer to command it. On June 8th, the +Commander-in-Chief had recommended that as a precautionary measure an +army corps and cavalry division should be organised and concentrated +on Salisbury Plain. He had proposed that one complete army corps, one +cavalry division, one battalion of mounted <span class="pagenum"><a id="page003" name="page003"></a>[p. 003]</span> infantry, and +four infantry battalions to guard the lines of communication, should +be sent out to South Africa, and he was most anxious that the +expeditionary force should be assembled beforehand, so as to render it +more effective for war purposes. The course of the negotiations which +were then being carried on convinced Her Majesty's Government that any +such step would tend to precipitate war, and, the weakness of our +troops at the time in South Africa being such as it was, that it would +be impossible to reinforce them before serious attack might be made +upon them. Moreover, there was this further difficulty, that adequate +attention had not been directed publicly to the circumstances in South +Africa which caused anxiety to the Government.</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Causes of delay.</span> +It was always possible to think that the preparations for war on a +large scale, which were undoubtedly being made both by the Transvaal +and by the Orange Free State, were the result of the anxiety which had +been caused to the rulers of those republics by the circumstances of +the Jameson raid. Every attempt by any statesman at home to bring the +facts, as they presented themselves to those behind the scenes, before +the world, was open to the imputation of being deliberately designed +to lead up to a war which it was intended to bring about. Thus it was +the very weakness of our position at that time in South Africa which +made it difficult to relieve the military danger. Any premature effort +to place our power there in a condition of adequate security tended to +suggest to foreign states that the movements made were directed +against the independence of the two republics; tended to shake public +confidence at home, and even to excite jealousy in our own colonies. +All through the long negotiations which were carried on during the +summer and autumn months of 1899 it seemed better, therefore, to incur +even some serious risk of military disadvantage rather than to lose +that general support of the nation, whether at home or in the +colonies, which would be secured by a more cautious policy, and to +hope against hope that a peaceful solution might be reached.</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> "Adequate strength."</span> +In one respect there would appear to have been a misunderstanding +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page004" name="page004"></a>[p. 004]</span> between the Government and their military advisers as to the +sense in which the reinforcements sent to South Africa were sufficient +for the temporary protection of our interests on the sub-continent. It +is remarkable that in the evidence subsequently given by the soldiers, +not only do they admit that they anticipated beforehand that for this +purpose the strength would be adequate, but that they assume, at the +end of the war, that it had as a matter of fact proved so. This can +obviously only be understood in the sense that the numbers then in +South Africa were able to retard the Boer operations until a large +army was thrown into the country. On the other hand, Lord Lansdowne, +describing what was evidently the meaning in which this language was +understood by himself and his colleagues, says: "I am not a soldier, +but I never heard of sending out reinforcements to a country which +might become the theatre of war merely in order that the +reinforcements might successfully defend themselves against attack; +they are sent there, I imagine, for the purpose of securing something +or somebody." And again: "I should say not sufficient to prevent raids +and incursions, but sufficient to prevent the colonies from being +overrun." It appears necessary, under its historical aspect, to draw +attention to this discrepancy of view, because it is one that may be +liable to repeat itself.</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Plans delayed.</span> +Another point influenced by the unwillingness of Her Majesty's +Government to believe in the possibility of the Orange Free State, +with which we had had for many years relations of the greatest +friendliness, appearing in arms against us, was this: that it delayed +for a very considerable time the determination of the general plan of +campaign on which the war was to be carried on. Practically, supposing +it became necessary to conduct an offensive war against the Transvaal, +the choice of operations lay between a movement by way of Natal and +one by way of the Orange Free State. Any advance by Natal had these +serious disadvantages. In the first place, the mountain region through +which it would be necessary to penetrate was one that gave very great +advantages to the Boer riflemen. In the second place, it lay exposed, +as soon as Northern Natal was <span class="pagenum"><a id="page005" name="page005"></a>[p. 005]</span> entered, to attack throughout +its entire length from the Orange Free State. On the other hand, the +march by Bloemfontein opened up a country much more favourable for the +operations of a regular army, whether that march, as was originally +proposed, followed the direct line of railway through Bloemfontein, +or, as it did ultimately, the railway to Kimberley and thence struck +for Bloemfontein.<a id="footnotetag1" name="footnotetag1"></a><a href="#footnote1" title="Go to footnote 1"><span class="small">[1]</span></a> There remained, indeed, a third alternative, +which had at one time been proposed by Lord Roberts, of a movement +outside the Orange Free State through the north-western portion of +Cape Colony, but this had ceased to be applicable at the time when war +was declared. As a consequence of the uncertainties as to the ultimate +attitude of the Orange Free State, and the extreme hope that that +State would not prove hostile, it was not till the 3rd October that +Lord Lansdowne was in a position to say: "We have now definitely +decided to adopt the Cape Colony—Orange Free State route. It is +intended that a force of 10,000 men should remain in Natal, on which +side it will make a valuable diversion; that about 3,000 should be +detailed for service on the west side (Kimberley, etc.), and that the +main force should enter the Orange Free State from the south."</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Limit of force.</span> +In all schemes for possible offensive war by Great Britain, subsequent +to a memorandum by Mr. Stanhope, of 1st June, 1888,<a id="footnotetag2" name="footnotetag2"></a><a href="#footnote2" title="Go to footnote 2"><span class="small">[2]</span></a> it had been +contemplated that the utmost strength <span class="pagenum"><a id="page006" name="page006"></a>[p. 006]</span> which it would be +necessary for us to embark from our shores would be that of two army +corps with a cavalry division. Those army corps and the cavalry +division were, however, neither actually, nor were they supposed to +be, immediately ready to be sent out. To begin with, for their +despatch shipping must be available, and this, as will be shown more +in detail in a subsequent chapter, was a matter which would involve +considerable delay and much preparation. During the time that the +ships were being provided it would be essential that the successive +portions of the army for which shipping could be obtained should be +prepared for war by the return to the depōts of those soldiers who +were not immediately fit for service, and by their replacement by men +called in from the reserve to complete the ranks. None of these +preparations could be made without attracting public attention to what +was done. The reserves could not be summoned to the colours without an +announcement in Parliament, nor, therefore, without debates, which +must necessarily involve discussions which might be irritating to Boer +susceptibilities at the very time when it was most hoped that a +peaceful solution would be reached. It was not, therefore, till the +20th September that the details of the expeditionary force were +communicated to the Admiralty by the War Office, nor till the 30th +that the Admiralty was authorised to take up shipping. Meantime on +September 22nd, a grant of £645,000 was made for immediate +emergencies. On the 7th October the order for the mobilisation of the +cavalry division, one army corps, and eight battalions of lines of +communication troops was issued, and a Royal proclamation calling out +the army reserve was <span class="pagenum"><a id="page007" name="page007"></a>[p. 007]</span> published. Of the excellent +arrangements made by the Admiralty a full account will be found +hereafter.</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> The scheme of mobilisation.</span> +The scheme for mobilisation had been gradually developed during many +years. The earliest stage was the appearance in the Army List of an +organisation of the army in various army corps. This was chiefly +useful in showing the deficiencies which existed. It had been drawn up +by the late Colonel Home, R.E. In August, 1881, it was removed from +the Army List.</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Various stages of scheme.</span> +Practically no mobilisation scheme really took shape until 1886, when +Major-General H. Brackenbury,<a id="footnotetag3" name="footnotetag3"></a><a href="#footnote3" title="Go to footnote 3"><span class="small">[3]</span></a> on assuming office as head of the +Intelligence branch, turned his attention to the question. The +unorganised condition of our army and the deficiency of any system for +either home defence or action abroad formed the subjects of three +papers,<a id="footnotetag4" name="footnotetag4"></a><a href="#footnote4" title="Go to footnote 4"><span class="small">[4]</span></a> in which he showed that, at the time they were written, not +even one army corps with its proper proportion of the different +departmental branches, could have been placed in the field, either at +home or abroad, while for a second army corps there would have been +large deficiencies of artillery and engineers, and no departments. For +horses there was no approach to an adequate provision. The urgent +representations contained in these papers were strongly taken up by +Lord Wolseley, then Adjutant-General, and pressed by him on the +Secretary of State for War,<a id="footnotetag5" name="footnotetag5"></a><a href="#footnote5" title="Go to footnote 5"><span class="small">[5]</span></a> with the result that a committee of +two, Sir Ralph Thompson<a id="footnotetag6" name="footnotetag6"></a><a href="#footnote6" title="Go to footnote 6"><span class="small">[6]</span></a> and Major-General H. Brackenbury, was +appointed to investigate the matter.</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Sub-division to carry out.</span> +Their enquiry was entirely confined to the question of obtaining the +maximum development from the existing cadres. Their report was divided +under three headings, the first of which dealt with the "Field Army," +and laid down that two army corps and lines of communication troops +was the field army which the regular troops, as they then stood, were +capable of producing. The subjects of "Garrisons" and "Mobilisation +for Foreign <span class="pagenum"><a id="page008" name="page008"></a>[p. 008]</span> Service" were dealt with under the other two +headings. Ultimately a Mobilisation sub-division, which was +transferred from the Intelligence department to the Adjutant-General's +department in 1889 and to the Commander-in-Chief's office, in 1897, +was created.</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> 1890 to 1898.</span> +Working on the lines laid down, the mobilisation section first +produced a complete scheme in 1890. Mobilisation regulations were +issued in 1892. Further revised editions followed in 1894, and again +in 1898. All were worked out on the basis of using what was available, +and not what was needed.</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Scheme in 1899.</span> +In the spring of 1899, in anticipation of possible events, the +mobilisation section turned their attention to the requirements of a +force for South Africa. Seeing that the regulations of 1898 dealt +principally with the mobilisation of the field army for service at +home or in a temperate climate, considerable modifications, relating +to such points as regimental transport, clothing, equipment, and +regimental supplies, were necessary to meet the case of operations +carried on in South Africa. Special "Regulations for the Mobilisation +of a Field Force for Service in South Africa" were accordingly drawn +up, with the object, not of superseding the Mobilisation regulations +of 1898, but "in order to bring together, in a convenient form, the +modifications necessary in those regulations." These regulations were +completed, printed, and ready for issue in June, 1899. In their +general application they provided for the preparation in time of peace +of all that machinery which, on the advent of war, would be set in +motion by the issue of the one word—"Mobilise."</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Success in practice.</span> +The mobilisation, thus carefully prepared in all its details +beforehand, proved a complete success. Ninety-nine per cent. of the +reservists when called out presented themselves for service, and 91 +per cent, were found physically fit. The first units, twenty companies +of the Army Service Corps, were embarked on the 6th of October. The +embarkation of the remainder of the expeditionary force was begun on +the 20th of October, and, with the exception of one cavalry regiment, +delayed by horse-sickness, completed on the 17th November.</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Fresh units needed.</span> +At an early stage in the war it became very plain that mere <span class="pagenum"><a id="page009" name="page009"></a>[p. 009]</span> +drafts of details to replenish units would not suffice, but that +organised reinforcements would have to be sent. Even before the +embarkation of the field force was completed, orders were given for +reinforcements to be despatched; and within three months from that +time the mobilisation of four more divisions, fifteen extra batteries +of artillery and a fourth cavalry brigade, was ordered.<a id="footnotetag7" name="footnotetag7"></a><a href="#footnote7" title="Go to footnote 7"><span class="small">[7]</span></a></p> + +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page010" name="page010"></a>[p. 010]</span> +<p><span class="sidenote"> Smooth working.</span> +The machinery of the Mobilisation sub-division was equal to the task +and continued to work smoothly, while the Adjutant-General's +department was enabled, with little difficulty, to find men to +complete units on mobilisation.<a id="footnotetag8" name="footnotetag8"></a><a href="#footnote8" title="Go to footnote 8"><span class="small">[8]</span></a> All these units were brought up to +their establishment from their own regimental reserves. In order to +keep them up to their strength it was estimated that it would be +necessary to send out a series of drafts, calculated on a basis of 10 +per cent. for every three months.<a id="footnotetag9" name="footnotetag9"></a><a href="#footnote9" title="Go to footnote 9"><span class="small">[9]</span></a> This was the system which was put +into operation from the first, and subsequently adhered to as far as +possible, drafts being detailed from regimental reserves. It was, +however, soon found necessary to introduce modifications in accordance +with the wastage which varied in the different arms, as well as in the +different units.<a id="footnotetag10" name="footnotetag10"></a><a href="#footnote10" title="Go to footnote 10"><span class="small">[10]</span></a> In addition to the regular stream of drafts, +special drafts had occasionally to be sent out to make good instances +of abnormal loss. Especially was this the case with infantry +battalions.<a id="footnotetag11" name="footnotetag11"></a><a href="#footnote11" title="Go to footnote 11"><span class="small">[11]</span></a> <span class="sidenote"> Inadequate reserve.</span> +Consequently, the regimental reserves of some units +were exhausted before those of others, and it became necessary to draw +on the reserves of other corps which had more than they required, +their militia reserves being selected <span class="pagenum"><a id="page011" name="page011"></a>[p. 011]</span> for the purpose. By +the time the war had lasted a year the equivalents of five drafts on +the 10 per cent. basis had left England. But a limit had been reached. +"By the end of a year's campaigning our infantry reserves proper, +including the now non-existent militia reserve, were exhausted, a +point which was emphasised by Lord Lansdowne in the following words in +his minute of 2nd June, 1900....:</p> + +<p>"'Two points stand out clearly: (1) That in future campaigns we must +expect demands on a vast scale for infantry drafts; (2) that our +reserve is not large enough and must be increased.'"<a id="footnotetag12" name="footnotetag12"></a><a href="#footnote12" title="Go to footnote 12"><span class="small">[12]</span></a></p> + +<p>Short service had made it possible to build up a reserve substantial +enough to minister to the unprecedented requirements of the regular +army for a year. Without it, the end of our resources in trained men +would have been reached at a very early stage.</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Borrowing, with results.</span> +One difficulty arose. Staffs of many formations, such as those of +mounted infantry, ammunition columns and medical field units, did not +exist. The completion of these new creations for the original field +force necessitated the borrowing of officers and men from other +bodies, which, as was supposed at that time, would not be mobilised. +As the strain continually grew more severe it was found necessary to +mobilise successive divisions and additional batteries. Then, not only +had the loans to be made good to those depleted, but nearly the whole +of the personnel had to be found for the further number of fresh +organisms which were called into existence. This could only be done by +yet more borrowing. The difficulty, therefore, progressively +increased. More particularly was this the case with the ammunition +columns, the creation of which, together with the additional batteries +of artillery, caused a drain on artillery reservists, which resulted +in their being absorbed more quickly than those of the other branches +of the service.<a id="footnotetag13" name="footnotetag13"></a><a href="#footnote13" title="Go to footnote 13"><span class="small">[13]</span></a> All these <span class="pagenum"><a id="page012" name="page012"></a>[p. 012]</span> special bodies, though +essential for war, were outside the peace establishment of the army. +It became, therefore, necessary to call out "the whole of the +remainder of the Army Reserve, in order to be able to utilise the +services of reservists belonging to Section D., none of whom could, by +law, be called out until all the reservists of all arms, in Sections +A. B. and C. had been called up."<a id="footnotetag14" name="footnotetag14"></a><a href="#footnote14" title="Go to footnote 14"><span class="small">[14]</span></a> This was done by special Army +Order on December 20th, 1899.<a id="footnotetag15" name="footnotetag15"></a><a href="#footnote15" title="Go to footnote 15"><span class="small">[15]</span></a></p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Mr. Stanhope's two corps exceeded.</span> +There was little breathing time between the successive embarkations of +the mobilised divisions from the commencement on 20th October, 1899, +to the completion on 18th April, 1900, with the result that in the +space of six months more than the equivalent of the two army corps and +the cavalry division, laid down in Mr. Stanhope's memorandum as that +which we should be prepared to send abroad in case of necessity, had +left our shores. By the despatch of these troops, followed by later +demands for reinforcements, our organised field army was practically +exhausted, and home defence, "the primary duty" of the whole army, was +enfeebled to a dangerous degree. In place of the army corps, "partly +composed of regulars and partly of Militia," required by the +memorandum, there remained for home service a few regular troops, some +hastily formed "Reserve Battalions," and such of the embodied Militia, +the Yeomanry, and the Volunteers, as had not already gone abroad—all +being for the most part unorganised, partially trained, and not fully +equipped.</p> + +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page013" name="page013"></a>[p. 013]</span> +<p><span class="sidenote"> Demand exceeds supply of units.</span> +Mr. Stanhope's view of the "improbable probability"<a id="footnotetag16" name="footnotetag16"></a><a href="#footnote16" title="Go to footnote 16"><span class="small">[16]</span></a> of the +employment of "an army corps in the field in any European war"—and if +not in Europe, then where else?—certainly not in South Africa—had +had its effect. In respect of numbers, it imposed a limit on the +powers of preparation; and the condition of affairs was precisely +expressed by the following sentence: "The war conclusively proved, +therefore, that Mr. Stanhope's memorandum did not make sufficient +allowance for the general needs of the Empire."<a id="footnotetag17" name="footnotetag17"></a><a href="#footnote17" title="Go to footnote 17"><span class="small">[17]</span></a></p> + +<h4><i>Intelligence and Maps.</i></h4> + +<p>Whatever interpretation might be placed as between the Governments on +the accumulation of warlike stores in the Transvaal and Free State, it +had been obviously the duty of the Intelligence department of the War +Office to watch these as closely as the prevailing conditions +permitted. This had been done ever since 1896, when the +Commander-in-Chief had directed the department to undertake the +investigation. The material thus obtained was collated in June, 1898, +in the form of a handbook, entitled, "Military Notes on the Dutch +Republics of South Africa," which set forth in a concise form the +military strength, armament, organisation and tactics of the Boer +army. A revised edition of this book was issued in June, 1899. Other +handbooks, containing special reconnaissances executed in the more +important strategical localities of South Africa, and summaries of +information as to the various states and colonies, were also prepared +with a view to the possibility of active operations. The Royal +Commission on the South African War was able to pronounce in its +Report (paragraph 257) that the information contained in these +handbooks, as well as in a "valuable" series <span class="pagenum"><a id="page014" name="page014"></a>[p. 014]</span> of memoranda +extending over several years, was in many respects remarkably +accurate.</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Maps—Transvaal and Free State.</span> +Adequate military maps of the vast theatre over which the operations +of the 1899-1902 war subsequently spread could only have been produced +by the employment for many years of a large survey staff. The +production of correct maps of the Transvaal and Free State on a scale +of four miles to the inch would alone have taken five years to +complete, and would have cost £100,000. The state of tension existing +between Great Britain and the two republics in the years immediately +preceding the war rendered it impossible to undertake any serious work +of this description within those States.</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Maps—Cape and Natal.</span> +As regards the Cape Colony and Natal, the survey of all self-governing +colonies has been, and still is, regarded by the Imperial Government +as a matter for the Colonial Governments. The survey of Cape Colony +alone on a scale large enough for tactical purposes would have cost +£150,000, and it would have been perfectly useless to ask the Treasury +to sanction the provision of any such sum. A map, on a scale of twelve +and a half miles to an inch, had been produced by the Survey +department of the Cape Government, covering Cape Colony, Natal, Orange +Free State, and part of the Transvaal, and arrangements were made with +the Colonial Government for supplies of this for issue to the troops +on the outbreak of war. Of the northern parts of Natal two military +maps, produced during the previous wars on a scale of four miles and +one mile to an inch were available. But, though copies of one of these +maps were subsequently reproduced by the Boers and used by them in +their operations on the Tugela, it was well known that they were not +accurate and had not been corrected up to date. By arrangement, +therefore, with the Natal Government and at their expense, the +Director of Military Intelligence sent Major S. C. N. Grant, R.E., +from England, in 1896, to execute a more careful reconnaissance of the +portion of Natal north of Ladysmith. Recognising that the map thus +produced might prove insufficient, Sir J. Ardagh, in 1897, urged +personally on the Right Hon. H. Escombe, the Prime Minister of Natal, +the importance of continuing this <span class="pagenum"><a id="page015" name="page015"></a>[p. 015]</span> survey, and the latter +promised to endeavour to make such arrangements as he could, although +he stated that political considerations rendered it difficult for him +to ask the Natal Parliament to provide funds for a survey of the +colony avowedly for military purposes. Sir H. Escombe's Ministry +subsequently went out of office, and the only map of Natal existing at +the outbreak of war, besides those above referred to, was one on a +scale of five miles to an inch prepared locally for educational +purposes.</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Intelligence map and Jeppe's.</span> +For the Transvaal and Orange Free State the compilation, from all the +material available, of a map on a scale 1-250,000 was commenced in +January, 1899, by the Intelligence division; twelve sheets were +completed and issued before October, 1899, and the remainder shortly +afterwards. In the same year a map of the Transvaal, compiled by C. +Jeppe from farm surveys, was produced under the auspices of the +Government of that State. A limited number of copies of this map were +obtained by the Intelligence division and issued on the outbreak of +war to the higher staffs. Subsequently in January, 1900, Colonel G. F. +R. Henderson, Lord Roberts' Director of Military Intelligence, was +fortunate enough to seize at Capetown a thousand copies of this +survey, and maps were compiled from them by the Field Intelligence +department. These proved of great service in the advance northward.</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> A large question.</span> +The provision of maps for the many possible theatres of war in which +British troops may be employed is a difficult question. In the present +case the above statement will account for the fact that the maps +provided by the War Office at the outbreak of the South African war +were pronounced by the Royal Commission on that war to have been, +"with perhaps one exception, very incomplete and unreliable" +(paragraph 261).</p> + +<hr> + +<p>These matters preparatory to the war were not, in the ordinary work of +the departments, separated by any distinct break from the routine +necessary after hostilities had begun.</p> + +<p><i>The Distribution of responsibility</i> between the several offices in +regard to the despatch of an army to the field was as follows. +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page016" name="page016"></a>[p. 016]</span> The Adjutant-General's department was charged with all that +affected the actual personnel—the flesh and blood—in such matters as +the necessary qualifications of age or service, the completion of +cadres with specialists, and the maintenance of recruiting. It was the +province of the Military Secretary's department of the +Commander-in-Chief's office to select the staffs and allot the +commands. The provision of equipment, clothing, and ordnance supplies +was the duty of the Director-General of Ordnance; with the +Quartermaster-General rested the provision of animals to complete the +war establishment, supplies of food, and, in conjunction with the +Admiralty, arrangements for sea transport. The two departments of the +Director-General and Quartermaster-General, long before the final +sanction was given, had worked out on paper the details of future +requirements.</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Personal action at War Office.</span> +Apart from those proposals of the Commander-in-Chief to which it had +not been possible for Her Majesty's Government to accede, for the +reason already given, the several officers at Headquarters had done +what they could to make for possible future events such preparation as +did not involve expenditure. Sir Evelyn Wood, both as +Quartermaster-General and as Adjutant-General, carried on a vigorous +private correspondence with the several General Officers Commanding at +the Cape, and it was at his instance that as early as the autumn of +1896 contracts were made with Messrs. Weil, who had complete command +of the Cape market, for the supply of horses, mules, and wagons at +short notice when called for. He sent for one of the firm to come to +England, but a decision was given in the spring of 1897 against +immediate action. In April, 1898, he again asked that the whole +subject, both of transport and of the despatch of cavalry and +artillery to South Africa, should be taken up. Moreover, in 1897, he +had pressed for horse-fittings for shipping, fearing the trouble in +this matter, which subsequently actually occurred. On taking over the +duties of Adjutant-General on October 1st, 1897, he, in view of the +extensive territory lately acquired in Rhodesia, proposed the addition +of 9,000 infantry to the army. The Commander-in-Chief, in forwarding +this <span class="pagenum"><a id="page017" name="page017"></a>[p. 017]</span> memorandum, added to his request an additional 4,000 +men beyond what Sir E. Wood had recommended. As late as February, +1898, the transport, necessary to make the troops in South Africa fit +to take the field, was refused, though pressed for by the +Commander-in-Chief, in consequence of a private letter to Sir E. Wood, +which showed Sir A. Milner's anxiety on the subject. To suppress a +small rebel Basuto chief it would have required a month to get +transport ready. At a time when a man so intimate with South African +affairs as Mr. Rhodes was deriding all fears of Boer power, war was +not believed to be imminent, and the long habit of saving the public +purse during peace time was operative against expenditure, which would +not be needed if there were no war and no need for suppressing Basuto +rebels. The same cause had delayed till April, 1897, the necessary +supply of horses to infantry regiments, at which date £36,000 was +granted for this purpose. Both these horses and the training of +mounted infantry at home had been repeatedly asked for by Sir Evelyn +Wood as Quartermaster-General, by Sir Redvers Buller as +Adjutant-General, and by Lord Wolseley as Commander-in-Chief.</p> + + +<h4><i>Equipment and Transport.</i></h4> + +<p>From the great variety of countries and climates, in which it has been +the fate of the British army to be engaged for the last hundred years +or more, it has always been impossible to foresee what the particular +equipment required for any given expedition would be.<a id="footnotetag18" name="footnotetag18"></a><a href="#footnote18" title="Go to footnote 18"><span class="small">[18]</span></a> To keep up +permanently all the transport animals and the large reserves of food +supplies needed for both animals and men would have been wasteful +extravagance. In one campaign, only human porterage had been possible; +in another, only transport by river boats; in another, it had been +necessary to rely chiefly on camels; in another, on the development of +canal and railway communication. Therefore, much time is always needed +before it is possible so to prepare a British army that it is ready to +wage war. An army is as little able to <span class="pagenum"><a id="page018" name="page018"></a>[p. 018]</span> march till it is +supplied with the necessary transport as a man would be without proper +shoes, or a cavalryman without his horse. For such a war as was in +prospect in South Africa, ranging possibly over tens of thousands of +square miles, immense quantities, both of animals and vehicles, would +be needed. A considerable proportion of these could no doubt be +procured in the country itself, but from the numbers required it was +necessary to extend our purchases over almost all the civilised world. +This was another of the cases in which the necessity not to provoke +war tended to prevent preparations for war.</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Land transport S.A.</span> +The question of land transport, on which so much of the conduct of a +campaign must depend, was one of the highest importance. The nature of +the South African country, and the absence of roads, rendered it +necessary that transport vehicles, intended for horse-draught, should +be adapted for draught by animals suitable to the country and likely +to be obtainable—namely, oxen and mules. The form of the wagons in +use had been settled twenty years before on South African experience, +by a committee consisting of Sir Redvers Buller and Colonel H. S. E. +Reeves, but the South African brake, not being convenient for home +service, was no longer used, so that this had to be supplied. +Moreover, it was necessary to convert the carriages to pole draught +for mule traction. The Director-General of Ordnance<a id="footnotetag19" name="footnotetag19"></a><a href="#footnote19" title="Go to footnote 19"><span class="small">[19]</span></a> asked, on July +26th, 1899, for authority to carry out this change, involving an +outlay of £17,650, but at this time, for reasons already given, +sanction was refused to any expenditure on preparations for +despatching an army to South Africa.</p> + +<p>"On the 1st September the Director-General of Ordnance again asked for +authority. On the 5th September, in putting forward a schedule of +requirements, he pointed out that this service would take ten weeks, +and said the sanction of those items should be given at once, on +account of the time required to manufacture and obtain them, and that +if put off till the force <span class="pagenum"><a id="page019" name="page019"></a>[p. 019]</span> is ordered to mobilise it would be +impossible to guarantee their being ready in time."<a id="footnotetag20" name="footnotetag20"></a><a href="#footnote20" title="Go to footnote 20"><span class="small">[20]</span></a></p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Delay.</span> +In the still existing circumstances, neither the importance of the +demand, nor the smallness of the sum asked, saved the requisition from +sharing the fate of others, and authority for the expenditure was not +received until the partial grant of September 22nd.<a id="footnotetag21" name="footnotetag21"></a><a href="#footnote21" title="Go to footnote 21"><span class="small">[21]</span></a> Once begun, +the work was actually carried out in sixteen days less than the +estimated time, but the delay was sufficient to prevent sixteen or +more units from being accompanied by the vehicles of their regimental +transport.<a id="footnotetag22" name="footnotetag22"></a><a href="#footnote22" title="Go to footnote 22"><span class="small">[22]</span></a></p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Q.M.G. provides vehicles.</span> +Early in September an arrangement had been come to between the +Director-General of Ordnance (who, under normal conditions, was +responsible for the provision of all transport vehicles and harness) +and the Quartermaster-General, whereby the latter undertook the +furnishing of transport wagons and harness for supply trains and +parks. This in fact was carried out in South Africa.</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Q.M.G. and supplies.</span> +The Quartermaster-General, in response to demands from the General +Officer Commanding in South Africa, had sent two months' reserve +supplies from time to time since the beginning of June for the troops +already there. On receipt of the authority of September 22nd, one +month's reserves for 50,000 men, 12,000 horses and 15,000 mules were +ordered, and these were shipped by October 30th. Further expenditure +was sanctioned on September 29th. Another month's supplies for the +same numbers were therefore ordered to be despatched about November +18th. The provision of such quantities took time and, in consequence +of the delay in obtaining sanction for expenditure, the +Quartermaster-General was hard pressed in furnishing the supplies +early enough, but succeeded in doing so.</p> + + +<h4><i>Remount Department.</i></h4> + +<p>The provision of horses and mules to complete the war establishment +for mounted units was one function of the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page020" name="page020"></a>[p. 020]</span> +Quartermaster-General. The Inspector-General of Remounts was charged, +under him, with the detail work connected therewith. As far back as +1887 a system of registration of horses had been established in order +to form a reserve to meet a national emergency. With the aid of this +reserve, it was calculated that horses could be provided in sufficient +numbers to complete the mobilisation of the force laid down in Mr. +Stanhope's memorandum and to make good the wastage of the first six +months. The number estimated for these purposes was 25,000.<a id="footnotetag23" name="footnotetag23"></a><a href="#footnote23" title="Go to footnote 23"><span class="small">[23]</span></a> No +difficulty, it was thought, would be experienced in obtaining this +number and, with the supply for six months' wastage in hand, time +would be available to arrange for meeting further demands if they +arose.</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Purchase of mules and horses.</span> +Transport mules would in any case have to be purchased abroad and +records were preserved of the resources of different mule-producing +countries; but there had been no expectation of having to supplement, +to any extent, the home supply of horses. The Inspector-General of +Remounts had personal experience of horse purchase in Argentina, and +the success which had attended his transactions there, coupled with +his knowledge of the market, led him to believe that there would be no +difficulty in obtaining from that country a supply of good and +suitable horses, sufficient to meet any demand that might be +reasonably expected.<a id="footnotetag24" name="footnotetag24"></a><a href="#footnote24" title="Go to footnote 24"><span class="small">[24]</span></a> Information regarding the horse markets of +other countries did not go beyond such personal knowledge as a few +individuals in the department happened to possess. So enormous did +demands eventually become, that it is open to question whether, had +all possible information been at command, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page021" name="page021"></a>[p. 021]</span> there existed for +sale anywhere a sufficient number of horses of the right age and +stamp, trained to saddle and in condition, to furnish the numbers +required.<a id="footnotetag25" name="footnotetag25"></a><a href="#footnote25" title="Go to footnote 25"><span class="small">[25]</span></a> Purchases of horses were, indeed, made in South Africa +before the war, under the orders of the General Officer Commanding in +that country. This was done as a mere matter of local convenience, not +as a preparation for war. Furthermore, in the middle of September +financial approval was given for the purchase "of 260 Australian +horses to replace the next year's casualties."<a id="footnotetag26" name="footnotetag26"></a><a href="#footnote26" title="Go to footnote 26"><span class="small">[26]</span></a> Illusions as to the +sufficiency of the home supply were speedily dispelled by the +unforeseen conditions accompanying the transition from peace to war. +Not only was the Remount department required to provide horses and +mules for a far larger British army than had ever before taken the +field, but that army was operating at an immense distance from its +base over a larger extent of country than any over which a British +army had ever before been called upon to act. Besides this, no force +previously sent into the field by any nation has included in its +composition such a large proportion of mounted men. Consequently, the +demands on the Remount department were of unprecedented magnitude.<a id="footnotetag27" name="footnotetag27"></a><a href="#footnote27" title="Go to footnote 27"><span class="small">[27]</span></a></p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Absence of depōts.</span> +What contributed not a little to these demands was the absence of +preparation in South Africa in establishing beforehand depōts from +which a regular supply could be maintained, and in which imported +animals could rest after the voyage and become to a certain extent +acclimatised before they were used in the field.</p> + +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page022" name="page022"></a>[p. 022]</span> +<p><span class="sidenote"> Partial provision of depōts.</span> +In June, 1899, the Inspector-General had represented the necessity of +sending out a proper remount establishment to receive animals, and a +supervising staff. This proposal was only adopted to the extent that, +on June 22nd, sanction was given for an Assistant-Inspector of +Remounts, accompanied by a small staff, to go to South Africa. In +August, 1899, approval was given for the retention of the existing +depōt at Stellenbosch as a temporary measure, while on the Natal side +"the present depōt" was reported by the Officer Commanding troops as +being "sufficient for all that the War Office had sanctioned."<a id="footnotetag28" name="footnotetag28"></a><a href="#footnote28" title="Go to footnote 28"><span class="small">[28]</span></a></p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Mules and oxen.</span> +Estimates of the number of mules which would be required to be +purchased abroad for regimental transport had been worked out in June. +A limited number had already been obtained in South Africa, and before +the war broke out the General Officer Commanding there had entered +into contracts for the supply of 1,470 additional animals. This met +the immediate necessity, and the subsequent purchases from all parts +of the world enabled every unit landing in Cape Colony to be +completely equipped with regimental transport when it reached its +concentration station.<a id="footnotetag29" name="footnotetag29"></a><a href="#footnote29" title="Go to footnote 29"><span class="small">[29]</span></a> In Natal ox-transport was principally used +as being more suitable for the country.</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Animals from abroad.</span> +In order to supplement this supply and "with a view to possible +contingencies, about the middle of July, 1899, commissions of +officers, to make preliminary enquiries, were sent to the United +States of America, to Spain and to Italy."<a id="footnotetag30" name="footnotetag30"></a><a href="#footnote30" title="Go to footnote 30"><span class="small">[30]</span></a> In order that these +preparations, indispensable if war was declared, should not tend to +excite war, the Secretary of State had given instructions that these +officers should not attract attention to their mission. They were not +allowed to make any purchases until they received instructions. These +were telegraphed on 23rd September, 1899, authorising the buying of +1,000 in Spain, 3,000 in Italy, and 4,000 at New Orleans.</p> + +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page023" name="page023"></a>[p. 023]</span> +<p><span class="sidenote"> Ships for mules.</span> +The conveyance of mules (but not horses) from ports abroad was carried +out by the Admiralty, and some difficulty was experienced at first in +chartering ships suitable for the purpose. The first ship-load did not +arrive in South Africa until 8th November. Mules for troops from India +were shipped under arrangements made by the Indian Government in +conjunction with the Admiralty Transport Officer.</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Demands fully met.</span> +The department succeeded in furnishing, and even in exceeding, the +numbers demanded from time to time. It had undertaken the transport of +horses purchased abroad, an arrangement which, while relieving the +Admiralty, caused no competition, as a different class of ship was +required. Horses and mules purchased in various countries were poured +into South Africa. They were used up almost as soon as they arrived.</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Difficulties of Remount department.</span> +There was no arrangement made for easy and rapid expansion. "The +Inspector-General of Remounts could do no more with the organisation +with which he was furnished; his functions were strictly limited, and +his staff even more so. It was inevitable that when a department so +equipped, and with no provision for expansion, was called upon to +extend its operations largely, there must be some lack of system."<a id="footnotetag31" name="footnotetag31"></a><a href="#footnote31" title="Go to footnote 31"><span class="small">[31]</span></a> +In addition to these difficulties, the department had to face others. +It was from the first made the object of attacks in the Press and in +Parliament. It was scarcely possible that the circumstances as here +recorded should be understood. To the labours of the officials, +already worked to breaking strain, was added the duty of preparing +constant written explanations of their actions, and this to an extent +that seriously interfered with the despatch of their current business.</p> + + +<h4><i>Army Service Corps.</i></h4> + +<p>There was no difficulty in bringing the personnel of the transport +companies and supply detachments of the Army Service Corps up to the +war establishment laid down for them. Yet the total strength of the +corps, with its reserves called up, was far below what was required to +meet the calls which were eventually <span class="pagenum"><a id="page024" name="page024"></a>[p. 024]</span> made on it. "After +withdrawing nearly every officer of the corps from England and +stations abroad it was necessary to employ in South Africa 126 +additional officers of other corps up to June, 1900, which number was +increased to nearly 250 later on in the war. To replace officers in +England and stations abroad, 98 retired and reserve officers were +employed. The transport personnel (non-commissioned officers and +artificers) of the companies in South Africa, when they were +subsequently divided into two, was hardly sufficient to carry on the +work, but a large number of promotions were made to fill up the +deficiencies. With the supply branch in South Africa, 364 civilians +were engaged as clerks, bakers, and issuers, and civilians were +employed at every station at home to take the place of Army Service +Corps clerks."<a id="footnotetag32" name="footnotetag32"></a><a href="#footnote32" title="Go to footnote 32"><span class="small">[32]</span></a></p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Local Drivers relieve A.S.C.</span> +On the other hand, the nature of the transport in South Africa +rendered the employment of native mule and ox drivers almost +imperative. A surplus of Army Service Corps drivers was thus created +sufficient to enable 600 to be lent to the Royal artillery, leaving +enough to be retained for duty at home and abroad. The duties of four +remount depōts in Cape Colony and one in Natal were also carried out +by the Army Service Corps during the first part of the war until +relieved by remount depōts from England and India.</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Early despatch of A.S.C.</span> +A notable feature in connection with the Army Service Corps was its +employment, before the outbreak of hostilities, in a rōle that was +essentially preparatory. For the first time in the history of the +corps, transport companies and supply detachments were sent in advance +of the troops whom they were to serve, and prepared the way for them. +With the despatch of two companies in July to make good the transport +of the existing force in South Africa, five officers also proceeded to +South Africa to assist in organising the supply and transport duties +in the event of a large force being sent out.<a id="footnotetag33" name="footnotetag33"></a><a href="#footnote33" title="Go to footnote 33"><span class="small">[33]</span></a> Further embarkations +took place in September and October, and the remainder of the +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page025" name="page025"></a>[p. 025]</span> Army Service Corps units, detailed for duty with the army +corps, embarked before war had actually been declared, and before any +of the troops of the army corps had sailed. The advantages attending +these measures were that not only did all units on arriving at their +concentration stations in South Africa find their transport ready for +them, but the transport and supply services generally were organised +and in working order for their share of the operations.</p> + + +<h4><i>Royal Army Medical Corps.</i></h4> + +<p>In respect of preparations, even up to the two army corps standard, +the Royal Army Medical Corps was weak in numbers. Barely sufficient in +its personnel even for peace requirements, it possessed no +organisation for expansion in war. The establishment of officers was +designed to provide for the bearer companies and field hospitals of +two army corps and a cavalry division, with seven stationary and three +general hospitals on the lines of communication. This only allowed for +under 3 per cent. of the troops having beds in general and stationary +hospitals. Without withdrawing officers from the colonies,<a id="footnotetag34" name="footnotetag34"></a><a href="#footnote34" title="Go to footnote 34"><span class="small">[34]</span></a> the aid +of 99 civil surgeons would be required. These gentlemen were to be +selected when their services were needed, but as there was no +registered list, no claim on the service of anyone could be exacted. +When the field army was provided for, the home hospitals were entirely +denuded of personnel. The work was carried on by retired officers and +civil surgeons. The establishment of non-commissioned officers and men +was designed only for peace purposes, and beyond the reserve there was +no estimate for additions in case of war. A state of war was to be met +by civilian assistance, increased employment of women nurses, and +active recruiting. An increase of establishment which had been +proposed for the estimates of 1893-4 and successive years had +gradually obtained complete sanction by 1898.<a id="footnotetag35" name="footnotetag35"></a><a href="#footnote35" title="Go to footnote 35"><span class="small">[35]</span></a> The increase of the +army as a whole and the known <span class="pagenum"><a id="page026" name="page026"></a>[p. 026]</span> weakness in South Africa +caused demands for yet larger numbers in the estimates of 1899-1900. +The Army Board were not disposed to recommend more than a portion of +these additions.<a id="footnotetag36" name="footnotetag36"></a><a href="#footnote36" title="Go to footnote 36"><span class="small">[36]</span></a> The difficulty of obtaining sanction for +expenditure on measures of greater urgency required that that which +was considered of less importance should be dispensed with, so the +hospital orderly had to be rejected in favour of the soldier to fill +the ranks. To provide the general and stationary hospitals that +accompanied the First Army Corps with complete personnel, it became +necessary to denude the bearer companies and field hospitals of the +Second Army Corps. It is not surprising, therefore, that "war having +been declared, and practically the whole available personnel having +been swept off to South Africa with the first demands, it became +necessary to seek for other means of supply."<a id="footnotetag37" name="footnotetag37"></a><a href="#footnote37" title="Go to footnote 37"><span class="small">[37]</span></a> Hospital equipment +was dealt with by the Director-General of Ordnance, but with surgical +and medical stores the Army Medical Department was itself concerned. +Funds to replace the old-fashioned instruments then in use were asked +for in 1896, and between that date and the outbreak of war great +improvements had been made. The change, however, had not been +universally completed, and on the outbreak of war a few instruments of +comparatively antiquated type were still to be found in South Africa. +A similar argument to that which prevailed against the increase of +personnel met the several requests for storage room. It was +represented that the indifferent storage available deteriorated the +instruments and made the drugs worthless. On the other hand, the +perishable nature of drugs renders it inadvisable to keep a large +amount in store, besides which, ample supplies can always be purchased +in the market. The subsequent experience went to prove that there was +no difficulty in this matter. Throughout the war the department was +wonderfully well equipped as regards drugs and instruments, and no +branch was more successful than that concerned with medical supplies.</p> + + +<h4><span class="pagenum"><a id="page027" name="page027"></a>[p. 027]</span> <i>Army Veterinary Department.</i></h4> + +<p>On the outbreak of war the Director-General of the Army Veterinary +department was responsible to the Adjutant-General for the efficiency +of his department and the maintenance of veterinary supplies. The +superior control was subsequently transferred to the +Quartermaster-General. The proportion of the veterinary service which +should accompany a force on active service was not laid down. Not only +was there no organisation to admit of expansion but, owing to the +unattractive conditions attaching to service in the department, the +number of officers was actually below the authorised establishment. In +addition to the discharge of ordinary duty, heavy demands were made by +the Remount department for veterinary officers to assist in the +purchase and transport of horses and mules. It was necessary, +therefore, almost from the first, to engage civilian veterinary +surgeons.<a id="footnotetag38" name="footnotetag38"></a><a href="#footnote38" title="Go to footnote 38"><span class="small">[38]</span></a> The personnel of the department did not include any +subordinate staff. The Director-General<a id="footnotetag39" name="footnotetag39"></a><a href="#footnote39" title="Go to footnote 39"><span class="small">[39]</span></a> of the department was in +process of adopting, with improvements, the Indian system of +equipment, for which he had himself been responsible. The amount of +this equipment which it had been possible to prepare before the +outbreak of war was insufficient, but the deficiency was remedied by +indenting on India for four field veterinary hospitals and 100 field +chests, which enabled the supply to be kept up to the subsequent +demands.</p> + + +<h4><i>Inspector-General of Fortifications.</i></h4> + +<p>This officer was responsible for engineer stores. The nature of those +required depends largely on the country in which the campaign is to be +carried on; therefore, practically no reserve was maintained of such +ordinary items as can easily be bought in the market. Of manufactured +goods, such as railway plant, telegraph material and pontoons, which +require time for production, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page028" name="page028"></a>[p. 028]</span> there was an insufficient +reserve, notably of the last named. In order to send out a number +sufficient to meet the probable requirements in South Africa, all +reserve pontoons, including some of questionable value, were +collected, and the country was denuded. This deficiency had been +represented on different occasions, but for want of funds nothing +could be done towards the provision of new pontoons until October, +1899.</p> + + +<h4><i>Ordnance.</i></h4> + +<p>Of all the departments, this was subjected to the greatest strain and +was the least prepared to meet it. The reasons were as follows. For +some years previous to 1897 the system in force was that, although the +Director-General of Ordnance was charged with the supply of stores to +the army, the financial control and the entire direction of the +ordnance factories rested with the Financial Secretary to the War +Office, who belonged to the Ministry of the day. No supplies could be +obtained by the former unless with the permission and by the order of +the latter. The system conduced to a lack of sympathy of motive, which +caused a disinclination on the one part to ask for what on the other +there would be more than a disinclination to give. This tended to +crystallise the national proneness to defer until the emergency arose +the measures necessary to meet it. It followed, then, that while +attention was given to the needs of the moment, practically all +provision for the requirements of the future was relegated to the +background. A further defect in the system was that it resulted in +there being no proper understanding between those who had intimate +knowledge of what was required by the army and those who were +responsible for manufacture.</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Sir Henry Brackenbury's appointment.</span> +During the three years that Lieutenant-General Sir Henry Brackenbury +had been President of the Ordnance Committee at Woolwich he had been +impressed by the unsatisfactory working of the system and, on being +offered the appointment of Director-General of Ordnance, in November, +1898, he urged that the direction of the ordnance factories should be +transferred to the holder of that appointment. The matter was +discussed <span class="pagenum"><a id="page029" name="page029"></a>[p. 029]</span> by the Cabinet and, on its being decided to make +the transfer, Sir H. Brackenbury took up the appointment in February, +1899. The transfer was effected by the Order in Council of March 7th, +1899, which enumerated the duties with which the Director-General of +Ordnance was charged,<a id="footnotetag40" name="footnotetag40"></a><a href="#footnote40" title="Go to footnote 40"><span class="small">[40]</span></a> and included in them that of the direction +of the manufacturing departments of the army. The financial control of +the factories still remained with the Financial Secretary.</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> State of ordnance stores.</span> +The Secretary of State himself had felt some concern as to the +condition of affairs in the Ordnance department and it was on his +initiative that Sir Henry Brackenbury was selected to set matters +right. On taking up the duties of Director-General of Ordnance, the +new chief commenced an enquiry into the condition of the armament and +the state of reserves of all ordnance stores. In the early months of +the year the greater part of his time and attention was taken up by +the important question of replacing the obsolete armament of our sea +defences. From June onwards the whole energies of the department were +directed towards meeting the requirements of the force which might +possibly have to take the field. It was not until the despatch of this +force that the true barrenness of the land came to be revealed, and +melancholy was the outlook it presented.</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Warning to G.Os.C.</span> +Early in 1899 the Director-General of Ordnance issued confidential +instructions to General Officers Commanding districts regarding +special scales of clothing and equipment for the field force +contemplated for service in South Africa. These instructions enabled +demands to be prepared, so that they could be put forward without +delay on the order to mobilise.</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Method of keeping equipment.</span> +Wherever storage buildings were available the war equipment of units +was kept on their charge. In other cases it was apportioned to units +but held in store for them by the Ordnance department. When +mobilisation was ordered, there was war equipment practically complete +to enable two army corps, a cavalry division, and lines of +communication troops to take the field.</p> + +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page030" name="page030"></a>[p. 030]</span> +<p><span class="sidenote"> Clothing.</span> +The special clothing prescribed for South Africa entailed an entire +change of dress—helmet, body-clothing, and boots. Sanction had been +given in April, 1899, for the storage of a reserve of khaki drill +suits,<a id="footnotetag41" name="footnotetag41"></a><a href="#footnote41" title="Go to footnote 41"><span class="small">[41]</span></a> of which the amount authorised would have been +insufficient, but fortunately the Clothing department had a surplus +which enabled a complete issue to be made on mobilisation. It had been +represented from South Africa, with the support of the +Director-General of the Army Medical Service at home, that serge was +more appropriate to the climate than cotton drill, and the +substitution had been approved by the Commander-in-Chief on August +18th. No steps towards effecting the change could be taken until the +grant of September 22nd, and the first three divisions embarked with +cotton drill clothing.<a id="footnotetag42" name="footnotetag42"></a><a href="#footnote42" title="Go to footnote 42"><span class="small">[42]</span></a> It is probable, however, that even had the +money been forthcoming when the change was first approved, not more +than half the amount required could have been obtained in the time. +One difficulty experienced in connection with the issue of clothing +was that of providing each unit with the right number of suits of +particular sizes. Many of the reservists who presented themselves on +mobilisation were found to have increased considerably in figure, and +consequently much fitting and alteration was necessary. This caused +delay. At that time the boot for foreign service differed in pattern +from that for home service, and an issue of the former was made. The +supply on hand was only sufficient to allow a complete issue to men of +the mounted services, while dismounted soldiers had one pair of each +pattern, reservists having home service pattern entirely. The sudden +demand on the market for the materials necessary for these articles of +clothing entailed a considerable increase of cost, without, at the +outset at least, ensuring provision of the best quality.</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> War equipment.</span> +At the outbreak of war the authorised war equipment was practically +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page031" name="page031"></a>[p. 031]</span> complete, and there remained the equipment for a third army +corps, but suitable only for service at home. Beyond this, there was +no provision of special reserves to meet the continual drain by +service in the field abroad. Such reserve material as there was for +batteries of both horse and field artillery was speedily exhausted; +while to provide heavier ordnance it was necessary to draw upon the +movable armament for home defence. More speedy still was the +exhaustion of gun ammunition, and not even the suspension of Naval +orders in the factories, with loans from the Navy and from India, +could enable demands to be complied with quickly enough. Similarly, +the deficiencies in other stores, such as camp equipment, vehicles, +harness, saddlery and horse-shoes, made themselves apparent at a very +early date in the war.<a id="footnotetag43" name="footnotetag43"></a><a href="#footnote43" title="Go to footnote 43"><span class="small">[43]</span></a></p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Purchases abroad.</span> +Any idea that may have existed that the ordnance factories and the +trade would be able to meet all demands from week to week was quickly +dispelled. The supply could not keep pace with the need, and in some +cases the exhaustion of the home market necessitated large purchases +in Europe, Canada, and the United States. Of rifles and other weapons +at this time the store was ample, except in the case of sabres, of +which, owing to a contemplated change in pattern, the reserve had been +allowed to fall very low. There was a complete reserve of ball +ammunition of the kinds approved for use in the earlier part of 1899, +viz.: Mark II. and Mark IV., <span class="sidenote"> Mark IV.</span> +the latter having an expanding bullet. +During the summer of 1899 it was found that under certain conditions +the Mark IV. ammunition developed such serious defects that, apart +from the inexpediency of using a bullet which the signatories to the +Hague Convention<a id="footnotetag44" name="footnotetag44"></a><a href="#footnote44" title="Go to footnote 44"><span class="small">[44]</span></a> had condemned, it was deemed advisable to +withdraw this particular kind of ammunition as unsuitable for war +purposes. This meant that two-fifths of the reserve was unserviceable.</p> + +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page032" name="page032"></a>[p. 032]</span> +<p><span class="sidenote"> Alarming minute from D.G.O.</span> +On 15th December, 1899, as the result of his enquiry, Sir Henry +Brackenbury put forward his report to the Commander-in-Chief, in which +he enumerated in detail the various deficiencies of stores brought to +light by the war in South Africa. The condition of affairs was such as +to cause grave apprehension. To use his own words: "That war has now +disclosed a situation as regards armaments, and reserves of guns, +ammunition, stores and clothing, and as regards the power of output of +material of war in emergency which is, in my opinion, full of peril to +the Empire; and I, therefore, think it my duty, without waiting to +elaborate details, to lay before you at once the state of affairs, and +to make proposals, to which I invite, through you, the earnest and +immediate attention of the Secretary of State." These proposals dealt +with the provision of armaments, reserves of ammunition, stores and +clothing, and the improvement of factories and storage-buildings, with +the object of putting the country in a condition of safety and +preventing the possibility of the recurrence of the state of affairs +disclosed.<a id="footnotetag45" name="footnotetag45"></a><a href="#footnote45" title="Go to footnote 45"><span class="small">[45]</span></a></p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> A free hand.</span> +In his minute Sir Henry Brackenbury also insisted on the necessity of +a free hand being given in time of war to the Inspector-General of +Fortifications as regards works and buildings, and to the +Director-General of Ordnance as regards armaments, stores and +clothing. He had, through the Army Board, on the 22nd September, +brought to the notice of the Secretary of State the difficulties and +delays inseparable from the financial system which obtained in peace +time, and had been granted practically what he asked in his +expenditure for the supply of the army during the war. On this point +Sir Henry Brackenbury remarked in his report:—</p> + +<p>"It is only by such a free hand having been given to us since the +outbreak of war in October that it has been possible to supply the +army in the field, and even so, owing to the want of reserves, we have +been too late with many of the most important articles."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page033" name="page033"></a>[p. 033]</span> The tale of deficiencies was thus summed up by the Secretary +of State:—</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Lord Lansdowne's note.</span> +"It is, I think, abundantly clear from Sir H. Brackenbury's Report, +that we were not sufficiently prepared even for the equipment of the +comparatively small force which we had always contemplated might be +employed beyond the limits of this country in the initial stages of a +campaign. For the much larger force which we have actually found it +necessary to employ our resources were absolutely and miserably +inadequate. The result has been that the department, even by working +under conditions which have nearly led to a breakdown, has been barely +able to keep pace with the requirements of the army."<a id="footnotetag46" name="footnotetag46"></a><a href="#footnote46" title="Go to footnote 46"><span class="small">[46]</span></a></p> + + +<h4><i>Colonies.</i></h4> + +<p>Offers of assistance had poured in from Greater Britain from the +moment that the imminence of war in South Africa was realised. It was +not the first time that our kinsmen had sent their sons for the +general service of the Empire. In 1881, within twenty-four hours of +the receipt of the news of the action at Laing's Nek, two thousand men +of the Australian local forces had volunteered for employment in South +Africa, but were not accepted. Four years later, eight hundred +colonists from New South Wales were welcomed for service at Suakim, +while a special corps of Canadian voyageurs was enlisted for the +advance up the Nile. But on neither of these occasions was the tender +of patriotic help so welcome to the Mother Country as in the present +instance, for it was felt that the whole Empire was concerned in the +contest for the establishment in South Africa of equal rights for all +white men independent of race, and that it was, therefore, peculiarly +fitting that the younger States of the great Imperial Commonwealth +should make the quarrel their own. As early as July, 1899, Queensland, +Victoria, New South Wales, the Malay States and Lagos, had tendered +their services, and Her Majesty's Government, though not then able to +accept <span class="pagenum"><a id="page034" name="page034"></a>[p. 034]</span> the offers made, had gratefully acknowledged them. In +September, Queensland and Victoria renewed their proposals, and +further offers of assistance were received from Canada, New Zealand, +Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, and Hong Kong. The +majority of a squadron of the New South Wales Lancers, which had been +sent to England to undergo a special course of training at Aldershot, +also volunteered for South Africa. As regards Natal and Cape Colony, +it was assumed as a matter of course, both by the Colonial troops +themselves and by the Imperial and Colonial Governments, that they +would cheerfully do their duty if called out for local defence. The +whole of the Natal local forces were mobilised for active service on +29th September,<a id="footnotetag47" name="footnotetag47"></a><a href="#footnote47" title="Go to footnote 47"><span class="small">[47]</span></a> the day after President Kruger commandeered his +burghers. A portion of the Cape Volunteers were called out on 5th +October, and the remainder during the first month of the war.<a id="footnotetag48" name="footnotetag48"></a><a href="#footnote48" title="Go to footnote 48"><span class="small">[48]</span></a> On +the 3rd October the Secretary of State for the Colonies telegraphed to +various Colonial Governments a grateful acceptance by Her Majesty's +Government of the services of their contingents, indicating in each +case the units considered desirable. It was not found possible to take +advantage of the offers of some of the Crown Colonies, but from the +self-governing Colonies, troops numbering about 2,500 of all ranks +were accepted.<a id="footnotetag49" name="footnotetag49"></a><a href="#footnote49" title="Go to footnote 49"><span class="small">[49]</span></a> These proved but the advance guard to the total +force of nearly 30,000 men from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India +and Ceylon, who at various times represented Greater Britain in the +army of South Africa.</p> + +<a id="chap2" name="chap2"></a> +<h3><span class="pagenum"><a id="page035" name="page035"></a>[p. 035]</span> CHAPTER II.</h3> + +<p class="title">THE OUTBREAK OF THE WAR.<a id="footnotetag50" name="footnotetag50"></a><a href="#footnote50" title="Go to footnote 50"><span class="small">[50]</span></a></p> + + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Defence plans of local authorities.</span> +It has been convenient to carry the statement of the measures adopted +for preparation at home in certain matters beyond the actual date of +the declaration of war. It is now necessary to view the state of +affairs in South Africa at that time. Although British preparations +for war had been retarded by the hope of the Queen's Government that +the grave issues with the Dutch Republics might be determined by +diplomatic action, yet the weakness of our military position in South +Africa had long been felt as keenly by the local military authorities +as it had been by the Headquarter staff at the War Office. In schemes +for the defence of the British colonies, submitted in 1896 and 1897 by +<span class="sidenote"> Genl. Goodenough.</span> +Lieut.-General Sir W. H. Goodenough, who was then commanding in South +Africa, the extraordinary extent of the frontiers to be defended, the +disadvantages entailed by their shape, and the overwhelming numerical +superiority of the Boers over the handful of British troops then in +South Africa, made it necessary to base the protection even of the +most important strategical points on sheer audacity.</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> War Office to Gen. Butler Dec. /98.</span> +A letter addressed by the War Office to General Goodenough's +successor, Lieut.-General Sir W. Butler, on 21st December, 1898, had +requested him to reconsider his predecessor's proposals, and to report +at an early date the distribution of troops he would make in the event +of war with the two Dutch Republics. In a review of the strategical +situation, that despatch drew attention to the fact that the troops +then stationed in the command "would be inadequate for any other than +a defensive attitude, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page036" name="page036"></a>[p. 036]</span> pending the arrival of reinforcements +from England." In the same paper the effect of the frontiers on the +questions, both of defence in the earlier stages of the war, and of +the ultimate form of offence, is so fully treated that it will be +convenient to quote here the official statement of the case. It must +be premised that it is assumed in it, as in fact proved to be the +case, that both sides would tacitly agree, for the sake of not raising +the native difficulty, to treat Basuto territory as neutral. That +mountain region was therefore throughout considered as an impassable +obstacle:—</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Dec. /98, from W.O.</span> +"The frontiers of the Transvaal and the Free State are conterminous +with English territory for over 1,000 miles, but the defence of this +enormous frontier by Her Majesty's troops is impossible to +contemplate. Southern Rhodesia, although a possible objective for a +Boer raid, must rely entirely for its defence upon its own local +forces, and, although the line from Kimberley to Buluwayo is of some +strategic importance, yet its protection north of the Vaal river would +be altogether out of our power during the earlier stages of the war. +Basutoland may also be eliminated from defensive calculations, as its +invasion by the Boers would be improbable; moreover, the Basutos, if +invaded, would be able for some time to maintain an effective +resistance.</p> + +<p>"The frontier, therefore, the observation and defence of which appears +to need definite consideration, may be held to extend in Cape Colony +from Fourteen Streams bridge in the north to the south-west corner of +Basutoland, and to include in Natal the triangle, of which Charlestown +is the apex, and a line drawn from Mont Aux Sources to the +Intonganeni<a id="footnotetag51" name="footnotetag51"></a><a href="#footnote51" title="Go to footnote 51"><span class="small">[51]</span></a> district of Zululand the base.</p> + +<p>"The mountains and broken country of Basutoland and Griqualand East, +which lie between Natal and the Cape Colony, are unpierced by railways +and ill-supplied by roads. It must be accepted, therefore, that a +force acting on the defensive in Natal will be out of touch with a +force in Cape Colony, and the two can only operate from separate +bases.</p> + +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page037" name="page037"></a>[p. 037]</span> <span class="sidenote"> Dec. /98 from W.O.</span> + +<p>"As regards the Cape frontier, for the portion lying between +Basutoland and Hopetown railway bridge,<a id="footnotetag52" name="footnotetag52"></a><a href="#footnote52" title="Go to footnote 52"><span class="small">[52]</span></a> the Orange river forms a +military obstacle of some importance, impassable, as a rule, during +the first three months of the year, except at the bridges, and even at +other times difficult to cross, owing to its quicksands, and liability +to sudden flood. Between Hopetown railway bridge and the Vaal the +frontier is, however, protected by no physical features and lies open +to invasion.</p> + +<p>"As regards the Natal frontier its salient confers on the enemy +facilities for cutting our line of communications, and for outflanking +at pleasure the positions of Laing's Nek and the Biggarsberg. This +facility is accentuated by the influence of the Drakensberg, which +forms a screen, behind which an enemy can assemble unobserved and +debouch on our flanks through its numerous passes. These passes, +however, have been recently examined and found to be for the most part +but rough mountain tracks available for raids, but unsuitable for the +advance of any large force accompanied by transport. To this Van +Reenen's Pass, through which the railway and main road issue from +Natal into the Free State, and Laing's Nek (across and under which the +main road and railway pass into the Transvaal) are notable exceptions, +and the possession of these two passes necessarily carry with them +great strategical advantages.</p> + +<p>"An appreciation of the relative importance of the defence of the two +frontiers of Cape Colony and Natal would, no doubt, be assisted if the +line by which the main advance on the Transvaal will ultimately be +undertaken were determined; but I am to say that in the +Commander-in-Chief's opinion the plan for offensive operations must +depend upon the political and military situation of the moment, and +cannot now be definitely fixed. The fact, however, that an offensive +advance will ultimately be undertaken, as soon as sufficient forces +have arrived, must be especially borne in mind in considering +arrangements for the first or defensive stage of the campaign."</p> + +<p>The despatch then stated that the following should be taken as the +basis of Sir William Butler's arrangements for frontier <span class="pagenum"><a id="page038" name="page038"></a>[p. 038]</span> +defence: "The latest information in the possession of the War Office +as to the military strength of the two States will be found in the +recent pamphlet entitled 'Military Notes on the Dutch Republics of +South Africa,' copies of which are in your possession. You will +observe that in that publication it is estimated that the total forces +of the two republics amount to over 40,000 men, and that of these some +27,000<a id="footnotetag53" name="footnotetag53"></a><a href="#footnote53" title="Go to footnote 53"><span class="small">[53]</span></a> would be available for offensive operations beyond their +frontiers. It is known that projects for such offensive operations +have actually been under the consideration of the War department of +Pretoria, but although an attempt may be made on Kimberley and the +northern strip of Natal may be occupied by the Boers, yet it is +considered to be unlikely that any further serious advance into the +heart of either colony would be undertaken. Raids, however, of 2,000 +to 3,000 men may be expected, and it is against such raids that +careful preparation on your part is necessary."</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> June /99. Sir W. Butler's reply.</span> +Sir W. Butler, being occupied by other duties, did not reply to this +despatch until pressed by telegrams at the beginning of June of the +following year. He then reported by telegraph and in a letter to the +War Office, dated 12th June, 1899, that he intended, in the event of +war, to divide the troops in Natal into two; one part at +Dundee-Glencoe with orders to patrol to the Buffalo river on the east, +Ingagane on the north, and the Drakensberg Passes on the west, and the +other at Ladysmith, with instructions "to support Glencoe and maintain +the line of the Biggarsberg, or to operate against Van Reenen's Pass +should circumstances necessitate." In Cape Colony he proposed, with +the small number of troops then available (<i>i.e.</i>, three battalions, +six guns and a R.E. company), to hold the important railway <span class="pagenum"><a id="page039" name="page039"></a>[p. 039]</span> +stations of De Aar, Naauwpoort and Molteno (or Stormberg), with strong +detachments at Orange River station, and possibly Kimberley, and +outposts at Colesberg, Burghersdorp, and Philipstown. It will be seen, +therefore, that, while deprecating the actual occupation of the +Drakensberg Passes and of the Colesberg and Bethulie bridges over the +Orange river, which had been proposed by his predecessor and approved +by Lord Wolseley, Sir William Butler did not shrink from the forward +policy of endeavouring to bluff the enemy with weak detachments +stationed in close proximity to the frontier.</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Baden-Powell sent out.</span> +It was in conformity with this policy that, in July, 1899, the War +Office despatched Col. R. S. S. Baden-Powell, with a staff of special +service officers, to organise a force in southern Rhodesia. It was +hoped that, in the event of war, his column might detain a portion of +the Boer commandos in that quarter, since its position threatened the +northern Transvaal. To his task was subsequently added the +organisation of a mounted infantry corps which, based on Mafeking, +might similarly hold back the burghers of the western districts of the +South African Republic.</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Choice of Routes.</span> +The cloud of war rapidly spread over the whole of the South African +horizon, and the strategical situation became sharply defined. As +regards the determination of the plan of offence referred to in the +above War Office despatch, the difficulty was due to the hope +entertained by the Cabinet that, in the event of war between this +country and the Transvaal, the Orange Free State would remain neutral. +The choice in that case would have lain between an advance based on +Warrenton, <i>i.e.</i>, on the Kimberley-to-Mafeking railway, or a movement +parallel to the Natal-to-Johannesburg railway. By the middle of 1899, +however, the Headquarter staff at the War Office were convinced that, +if war should supervene, the two republics would make common cause. A +memorandum, entitled, "The Direction of a Line of Advance Against the +Transvaal," was prepared by the Intelligence division on that basis +and submitted on 3rd June, 1899. It was contended in this memorandum +that the lack of any railway between Fourteen Streams and the +Transvaal <span class="pagenum"><a id="page040" name="page040"></a>[p. 040]</span> capital eliminated that route from consideration, +and that the choice now lay between the line running up through the +centre of the Free State and the Natal route.</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> The better line.</span> +In comparing the relative merits of these two routes it was shown that +strategically the Natal line would, owing to the shape of the frontier +and the parallel screen of the Drakensberg, be constantly exposed to +dangerous flank attacks, while the flanks of the Free State route +would be comparatively safe. "The Basutos' sympathies will be entirely +with us, while on the west the garrison of Kimberley will hold the +approaches."</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Reasons.</span> +Tactically, it was pointed out, the Natal route traversed "an ideal +terrain for the Boers," and crossed the "immensely strong" position of +Laing's Nek. On the other hand, a force advancing by the Free State +route, once over the Orange river, would have only to deal with the +Bethulie position, and would then reach open plains, which "afford the +freest scope for the manœuvres of all three arms."</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Conclusion.</span> +Furthermore, the Free State route could be fed by three distinct lines +of railway from three ports, while the Natal route would be dependent +on a single line and one port. The memorandum, therefore, submitted +the conclusion that "the main line of advance against the Transvaal +should be based on the Cape Colony, and should follow generally the +line of railway through the Orange Free State to Johannesburg and +Pretoria."</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Natal threatened.</span> +In June it became evident that the vague designs of the Boer +Governments against Natal, of which the British Intelligence +department had had cognizance in the previous year, were taking +definite shape, and that, at any rate, so far as the Transvaal forces +were concerned, the eastern colony would probably become the main +object of their attack. The only British reinforcements immediately +available were therefore assigned to that colony. On the Cape side it +was manifest that the determining factor was the attitude of restless +elements within the colony itself. It was known that secret agents +from the Transvaal had, during the past two years, visited many parts +of the colony, and that arms had been distributed by those agents. The +investigations of the Intelligence <span class="pagenum"><a id="page041" name="page041"></a>[p. 041]</span> department had, however, +failed to discover proofs of the establishment of such organisations +as would enable any formidable rising in the colony to coincide with a +declaration of war by the republics. It was fully realised that it +could not but be the case that there would be among many of the Dutch +colonial farmers some natural sympathy with their kinsmen, and that a +certain number of the younger and wilder would possibly slip across +the border to join the enemy's forces; but it was believed that, +provided this class of the community was not encouraged by any sign of +weakness to enter into relations with the republics, they would be, as +a whole, loath to throw off their allegiance to a State to which they +and their forefathers had for many generations been loyal, and under +whose rule they had enjoyed equal liberties, self-government and much +prosperity.</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Protective Posts.</span> +If these conclusions were sound—and the course of events during the +first month of the war was to prove their general correctness—it was +highly desirable that detachments of British troops should remain in +the northern districts of the colony, and thus carry out the double +function of encouraging the loyal while checking lawless spirits, and +of retaining possession of those lines of railways, the use of which +would be a matter of vital importance to the field army in its +subsequent advance from the coast. It was obvious that these isolated +posts of a few hundred men would run serious risks. Thrust forward in +close proximity to the enemy's frontier, they were separated from +their base on the coast by some four to five hundred miles of country, +throughout which there might be possible enemies; thus their +communications might at any moment be cut. Furthermore, until troops +arrived from England or India, no reinforcements would be available +for their assistance. But the alternative of abandoning the whole of +the northern districts of Cape Colony to the enemy, and thus allowing +them to enforce recruitments from colonists who might otherwise live +in peaceful security under the British flag, involved dangers far +graver, and was, in fact, never contemplated by the military +authorities either in London or at the Cape, except in the remote +contingency <span class="pagenum"><a id="page042" name="page042"></a>[p. 042]</span> of war with some maritime Power coinciding with +the outbreak of hostilities with the Boer Republics. Moreover, by the +middle of September, 1899, the organisation and training of Colonel +Baden-Powell's two newly-raised corps, the one at Tuli and the other +near Mafeking, were already sufficiently advanced to afford good hope +of their being able to sustain effectively the rōle which had been +assigned to them, while arrangements were being taken in hand to +secure Kimberley from being captured by any <i>coup de main</i>.<a id="footnotetag54" name="footnotetag54"></a><a href="#footnote54" title="Go to footnote 54"><span class="small">[54]</span></a></p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Forestier-Walker adopts Butler's plan.</span> +Although, therefore, at that moment the only regular troops in Cape +Colony were three and a half battalions of infantry, two companies +Royal engineers, and two companies of Royal Garrison artillery, +General Sir F. Forestier-Walker, who, on September 6th, 1899, arrived +at Cape Town, replacing Sir William Butler, decided to adhere to his +forward defence policy, and to carry out unchanged the arrangements +contemplated by him. Thus, by the end of September, a series of +military posts had been formed encircling the western and southern +frontiers of the Free State at Kimberley, Orange River station, De +Aar, Naauwpoort, and Stormberg, each post including a half-battalion +of regular infantry, and a section of engineers. To Kimberley were +also sent six 7-pr. R.M.L. screw guns, and to Orange River station, +Naauwpoort and Stormberg, two 9-pr. R.M.L. guns each. Each of these +three-named had also a company of mounted infantry. The guns were +manned by garrison artillerymen from the naval base at Cape Town. By +arrangement with the Colonial authorities the Cape Police furnished +various posts of observation in advanced positions. Behind the weak +line thus boldly pushed out in the face of the enemy there were no +regular troops whatever in the Colony, except half a battalion and a +handful of garrison gunners in the Cape peninsula.</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Sir Redvers approves.</span> +Sir F. Forestier-Walker had, however, the satisfaction to find that +these dispositions, which he had carried out on his own initiative +after consulting the High Commissioner, fitted in well with the plans +of Sir Redvers Buller, and were acceptable to that <span class="pagenum"><a id="page043" name="page043"></a>[p. 043]</span> officer. +A telegram from Sir Redvers, dated London, 29th September, 1899, +informed Forestier-Walker that an expedition made up of an army corps, +a cavalry division, and seven battalions for the lines of +communication would be sent out to South Africa and would advance on +Pretoria through the Free State. That general was therefore directed +to make, so far as was compatible with secrecy, preliminary +arrangements for the disembarkation of this army at the three ports, +Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and East London. In acknowledging these +orders on the following day, Sir F. Forestier-Walker accordingly +reported by telegram that he would arrange for the disembarkation +bases and that he was establishing advanced depōts at De Aar, +Naauwpoort, and Stormberg;<a id="footnotetag55" name="footnotetag55"></a><a href="#footnote55" title="Go to footnote 55"><span class="small">[55]</span></a> Sir Redvers Buller, in a message +despatched from London on 2nd October, replied:—</p> + +<p class="quote"> + "Your proposals are just what I wish, but I feared suggesting + depōts at Naauwpoort and Stormberg, as I did not then know if you + had sufficient troops to guard them. It will not do to risk loss. + I leave this to your local knowledge."</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Further Steps of Defence.</span> +On the 7th of October, 1899, the 1st Northumberland Fusiliers landed +at Cape Town from England and were sent on the 10th to De Aar; a wing +of the 1st Royal Munster Fusiliers left Stellenbosch by train for the +same destination on the 9th. Stores were already accumulating at De +Aar but, having regard to Dutch restlessness in the vicinity of +Naauwpoort and Stormberg, Sir F. Forestier-Walker, after personal +inspection, considered it inadvisable to risk any large amount of +material at either until more troops could be spared to hold them. For +the moment it appeared to him desirable to concentrate all available +mobile troops at the Orange River station, where he retained command +of both banks of the river, and thus, as soon as adequate strength was +organised, could operate thence towards Kimberley or on some point in +the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page044" name="page044"></a>[p. 044]</span> Free State. The energy of Lieut.-Colonel R. G. Kekewich, +Loyal North Lancashire regiment, who had been despatched to Kimberley +to take command, assisted by Mr. Cecil Rhodes and the officials of the +De Beers Company, had placed that town in a fair state of defence. At +Mafeking it was realised that Colonel Baden-Powell's troops would be +unable to do more than protect the large quantities of stores +accumulated by merchants at that station against the formidable Boer +force which was concentrating for attack upon it. Nevertheless, by so +doing, Baden-Powell would fulfil the rōle assigned to him, since he +would prevent large numbers of the enemy from engaging in the serious +invasion of the exposed frontier territories of Cape Colony. The +actual distribution of troops in the Colony at the outbreak of war is +shown in <a href="#appen2">Appendix 2</a>.</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Natal defence—Generals Cox and Goodenough, 96/97.</span> +Reports on the frontier defence of Natal had been submitted during the +years 1896-7, by Major-General G. Cox, who was then holding the +sub-command of that colony, and by Lieut.-General Goodenough. After a +careful examination of the question whether the tunnel under Laing's +Nek, the Dundee coalfields to the south, and Van Reenen's Pass could +be protected with the troops available, General Goodenough decided +that none of these could be guarded. Having then only one regiment of +cavalry, one mountain battery, and one infantry battalion, he thought +it better to concentrate nearly all of them at Ladysmith, the point of +junction of the branch railway to Harrismith with the main line to the +Transvaal, sending only small detachments to Colenso and Estcourt. On +the despatch to Natal, in the second quarter of 1897, of +reinforcements, consisting of another cavalry regiment, a second +battalion of infantry, and a brigade division of artillery, temporary +quarters were erected at Ladysmith for this increase to the garrison +of the colony, and Sir William Goodenough informed the War Office that +in case of emergency he proposed to watch the whole frontier with the +Natal Police, to hold Newcastle with colonial troops and to despatch +most of the cavalry, one field battery, and half a battalion of +infantry to Glencoe to cover the Dundee coalfields. The remainder of +the regular troops, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page045" name="page045"></a>[p. 045]</span> consisting of a battalion and a half, a +few cavalry, and two batteries, would be placed at Ladysmith, where a +detachment of a battalion and the mountain battery would be kept ready +to occupy and entrench itself at Van Reenen's Pass. These proposals +were approved for execution on an emergency "so far as the exigencies +of the occasion may admit."<a id="footnotetag56" name="footnotetag56"></a><a href="#footnote56" title="Go to footnote 56"><span class="small">[56]</span></a></p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Natal defence—Sir W. Butler, /99.</span> +Sir W. Butler's report of 12th June, 1899, adopted practically the +same plan of defence. To a suggestion as to a possible occupation of +Laing's Nek,<a id="footnotetag57" name="footnotetag57"></a><a href="#footnote57" title="Go to footnote 57"><span class="small">[57]</span></a> General Butler had replied that he did not think the +immediate possession of that place of great importance and that its +occupation by a weak force would be a dangerous operation. The regular +troops in Natal had at this date been only reinforced by one more +battalion, and consisted of but two cavalry regiments, one brigade +division field artillery, one mountain battery, and three infantry +battalions. To these must be added the Natal Police, a corps about 400 +strong, admirably trained as mounted infantry, and nearly 2,000 +Colonial Volunteers of the best type.</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Protest of Natal Government, July /99.</span> +The communication of this scheme of defence to the Natal Ministry in +July, 1899, led them to prefer an urgent request that sufficient +reinforcements should be sent out to defend the whole colony. In the +long telegraphic despatch addressed on 6th September, 1899, by the +Governor, Sir Walter Hely-Hutchinson, to the Colonial Office, it was +urged that: "In the opinion of the Ministers, such a catastrophe as +the seizure of Laing's Nek, and the destruction of the northern +portion of the railway ... would have a most demoralising effect on +the natives and the loyal Europeans in the colony, and would afford +great encouragement to the Boers and their sympathisers." The +announcement from home of the early despatch of reinforcements from +India which was received by Sir W. Hely-Hutchinson in reply to this +telegram, did not, in the opinion of Sir F. Forestier-Walker, or of +Major-General Sir W. Penn Symons, who had succeeded General Cox in the +local command of Natal, justify a deviation from the scheme <span class="pagenum"><a id="page046" name="page046"></a>[p. 046]</span> +of defence put forward by their predecessors. Apart from the +difficulty of a water supply for a force occupying Laing's Nek, it was +felt that such a forward position would be strategically unsafe, and +would impose on the troops in Natal a task beyond their powers. On the +other hand, the decision to give the coalfields at Dundee the +protection contemplated by Sir W. Butler was adopted.</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Sept. 25th, /99. Glencoe held.</span> +By the 24th September the Governor told General Symons that the +gravity of the political situation was such that the dispositions of +the troops previously agreed on for the defence of the colony must at +once be carried out. The necessary permission to act having been +obtained by telegram from the General Officer Commanding South Africa, +the 1st Leicester and 2nd Royal Dublin Fusiliers, with a squadron of +the 18th Hussars were entrained at Ladysmith for Glencoe on the +morning of the 25th September, the remainder of the 18th Hussars, with +a mounted infantry company and two field batteries reaching Glencoe by +march route on the 26th. The gaps these changes made in the Ladysmith +garrison were filled up, the 5th Lancers, 1st King's Royal Rifles, and +1st Manchester being ordered to move to that place from Maritzburg.</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Sir George White, Oct. 7th, wishes to withdraw from +Glencoe.</span> +Sir George White had been despatched early in September from England +to command the troops in Natal. When, on October 7th, he arrived and +assumed command, he found that the forces at his disposal were divided +into two bodies, the one at Glencoe and the other at Ladysmith. On +leaving England he had been given no instructions on the subject, nor +had the previous correspondence with the local military authorities as +to the defence of Natal been seen by him, but he held that from a +military point of view the only sound policy was to concentrate the +whole of the British troops in such a position that he would be able +to strike with his full strength at the enemy the moment an +opportunity offered. He determined, therefore, to withdraw the Glencoe +detachment and assemble the whole at Ladysmith, the importance of +which was increased by the preliminary dispositions of the Boer +commandos, to be described later. The Governor, on being informed of +this <span class="pagenum"><a id="page047" name="page047"></a>[p. 047]</span> intention, remonstrated against the withdrawal from +Glencoe in terms which are thus recorded in his subsequent report of +the interview to the Secretary of State for the Colonies:—</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Protest by Governor.</span> + +<p class="quote"> + "Now that we were there, withdrawal would, in my opinion, involve + grave political results, loyalists would be disgusted and + discouraged; the results as regards the Dutch would be grave, + many, if not most, would very likely rise, believing us to be + afraid, and the evil might very likely spread to the Dutch in + Cape Colony; and the effect on our natives, of whom there were + 750,000 in Natal and Zululand, might be disastrous. They as yet + believe in our power—they look to us—but if we withdraw from + Glencoe they will look on it in the light of a defeat, and I + could not answer for what they, or at all events a large + proportion of them, might do."</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Sir G. White yields and retains Glencoe.</span> +Influenced by these strong representations and especially by the +suggestion that the evacuation of Glencoe might lead to a general +rising of the natives—a very grave consideration in the eyes of an +officer with long Indian experience—the British commander decided to +acquiesce for the moment in the separation of his troops which had +been arranged by Major-General Symons. Sir George conceived, however, +from the Intelligence reports before him that the bulk of the Boer +commandos were assembling behind the screen of the Drakensberg, and +that the northern portion of Natal would be their primary and +principal object. He retained his own belief that the safety of the +colony could only be fully secured by decisive strokes at the enemy's +columns as they emerged from the mountain passes and, in pursuance of +this policy, General White impressed on his staff the necessity for +making such preparations as would set free the maximum number of +troops for active operations in the field. Under these circumstances +Sir W. Penn Symons started for Dundee on October 10th and on October +11th Sir George White went by train from Maritzburg to Ladysmith. The +distribution of the forces in Natal on the outbreak of war will be +found in <a href="#appen3">Appendix 3</a>.</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Boer plans.</span> +The exertions of ten special service officers despatched <span class="pagenum"><a id="page048" name="page048"></a>[p. 048]</span> to +South Africa three months earlier had ensured the acquisition of +accurate information as to the enemy's mobilisation, strength, and +points of concentration. Sir George White's appreciation of the +situation was, therefore, in conformity with the actual facts. The +main strength of the enemy had been concentrated for an invasion of +Natal. The President hoped that it would sweep that colony clear of +British troops down to the sea, and would hoist the Vierkleur over the +port of Durban. Small detachments had been told off to guard the +Colesberg, Bethulie, and Aliwal North bridges and to watch Basutoland. +On the western frontiers of the Transvaal and the Free State strong +commandos were assembling for the destruction of Baden-Powell's +retaining force at Mafeking and for the capture of Kimberley. Both +Kruger and Steyn aimed at results other than those achieved by the +initiatory victories of 1880-1. They cherished the hope that the time +had come for the establishment of a Boer Republic reaching from the +Zambesi to Table Mountain; but, for the accomplishment of so great an +enterprise, external assistance was necessary, the aid of their +kinsmen in the south, and ultimately, as they hoped, an alliance with +other Powers across the seas. The authorities at Pretoria and +Bloemfontein realised fully that, though they might expect to have +sympathisers in the colonies, active co-operation on any large scale +was not to be counted on until successes in the field should persuade +the waverers that, in casting in their lot definitely with the +republican forces, they would be supporting the winning side. The +conquest of Natal and the capture of Kimberley would, it was thought, +suffice to convince the most doubtful and timid. As soon, therefore, +as the British troops in Natal had been overwhelmed and Kimberley +occupied, the Boer commandos in the western theatre of war were to +move south across the Cape frontier to excite a rising in that colony. +A situation would thus be created which, as they calculated, would +lead to the intervention of one or more European Powers, and terminate +in the permanent expulsion of all British authority from South Africa.</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Boer Distribution Oct. 11th, /99.</span> +It was with these designs and based on this far-reaching plan +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page049" name="page049"></a>[p. 049]</span> of campaign that the mobilisation of the burghers in both +the republics was ordered during the last week of September, and by +the 11th of October the following was approximately the constitution, +strength and distribution of the field forces.<a id="footnotetag58" name="footnotetag58"></a><a href="#footnote58" title="Go to footnote 58"><span class="small">[58]</span></a> The army for the +invasion of Natal was made up of three distinct bodies; the principal +and most important of these remained under the personal orders of +General P. Joubert, the Commandant-General of the Boer forces, and was +concentrated at Zandspruit and Wakkerstroom Nek, in immediate +proximity to the northern apex of Natal. It included the Krugersdorp, +Bethel, Heidelberg, Johannesburg, Boksburg and Germiston, Standerton, +Pretoria, Middelburg, and Ermelo commandos, the Transvaal Staats +Artillerie, and small Irish, Hollander and German corps of +adventurers; the total strength of this force was about 11,300 men. +Its armament included 16 field guns and three 6-inch Creusots. <span class="sidenote"> For Natal.</span> +On the +eastern border of Natal, facing the British force at Dundee, lay the +Utrecht, Vryheid, Piet Retief and Wakkerstroom commandos, under the +leadership of General Lukas Meyer; this detachment numbered about +2,870 men. Westward, a Free State contingent, amounting to some 9,500 +burghers, and consisting of the Vrede, Heilbron, Kroonstad, Winburg, +Bethlehem and Harrismith commandos, occupied Botha's, Bezuidenhout, +Tintwa, Van Reenen's, and Olivier's Hoek passes. The republican +forces, to whom the task of conquering Natal had been assigned, +amounted therefore at the outset of war to about 23,500 men.<a id="footnotetag59" name="footnotetag59"></a><a href="#footnote59" title="Go to footnote 59"><span class="small">[59]</span></a></p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> For Mafeking.</span> +For the attack on Colonel Baden-Powell's small garrison at Mafeking, a +body, in strength about 7,000, consisting of the Potchefstroom, +Lichtenburg, Marico, Wolmaranstad and Rustenburg <span class="pagenum"><a id="page050" name="page050"></a>[p. 050]</span> commandos, +with a company of Scandinavian adventurers, had been concentrated +close to the western border. General Piet Cronje was in supreme +command on this side, his two principal subordinates being Generals +Snyman and J. H. De la Rey.</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> For Kimberley.</span> +The capture of Kimberley and the duty of holding in check the British +troops at the Orange River station were assigned to Free State levies +composed of the Fauresmith, Jacobsdal, Bloemfontein, Ladybrand, Boshof +and Hoopstad commandos, the first two of these corps being assembled +at Boshof and the remainder at Jacobsdal. Their total strength was +probably about 7,500; a Transvaal detachment, about 1,700 strong, +composed of the Fordsburg and Bloemhof commandos, was concentrated at +Fourteen Streams, ready to join hands with the Free Staters.</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> For other points.</span> +The Philippolis, Bethulie, Rouxville, and Caledon commandos, under the +orders of Commandants Grobelaar, Olivier and Swanepoel, were +assembling at Donkerpoort, Bethulie, and a little to the north of +Aliwal North for the protection, or possibly destruction, of the +Norval's Pont, Bethulie, and Aliwal bridges. These four commandos had +an approximate strength of 2,500 burghers. Detachments, amounting in +all to about 1,000 men, were watching the Basuto border; on the +extreme north of the Transvaal about 2,000 Waterberg and Zoutpansberg +burghers were piqueting the drifts across the Limpopo river. A small +guard had been placed at Komati Poort to protect the vulnerable +portion of the railway to Delagoa Bay, while the Lydenburg and +Carolina commandos, about 1,600 strong, under Schalk Burger, watched +the native population of Swaziland. Thus, including the police and a +few other detachments left to guard Johannesburg, about 48,000 +burghers were under arms at the outbreak of war.</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Large influence of Baden-Powell on them.</span> +The most remarkable feature of the Boer dispositions is the influence +on them of Baden-Powell's contingent. His two little corps, each +numbering barely 500 men, had drawn away nearly 8,000 of the best +burghers. Mafeking was in itself a place of no strategic value, and, +had the enemy been content to watch, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page051" name="page051"></a>[p. 051]</span> and hold with equal +numbers, Lt.-Cols. H.C.O. Plumer's and C.O. Hore's regiments and the +police and volunteers assisting them, a contingent of 5,000 +Transvaalers might have been added to the army invading Natal, thus +adding greatly to the difficulties of Sir George White's defence. +Alternatively it might have ensured the capture of Kimberley, or might +have marched as a recruiting column from the Orange river through the +disaffected districts and have gradually occupied the whole of the +British lines of communication down to the coast.</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Anxiety of British Situation.</span> +The general distribution, therefore, of the Queen's troops in South +Africa at the outbreak of war appears, with the exception of the +division of the field force in Natal, to have been the best that could +have been devised, having due regard to the advantage of the +initiative possessed by the enemy, and to the supreme importance of +preventing, or at any rate retarding, any rising of the disloyal in +Cape Colony. Nevertheless, the situation was one of grave anxiety. The +reinforcements which would form the field army were not due for some +weeks. Meanwhile, in the eastern theatre of operations, the Boers +would have made their supreme effort with all the advantages of +superior numbers, greater mobility, and a <i>terrain</i> admirably suited +to their methods of fighting. A considerable portion of the British +troops under Sir G. White were, moreover, mere units, lacking war +organisation except on paper, unknown to their leaders and staff, +unacquainted with the country, and with both horses and men out of +condition after their sea voyage. In the western theatre, the safety +of Kimberley and Mafeking mainly depended on the untried fighting +qualities of recently enlisted colonial corps, volunteers, and hastily +organised town-guards; detachments of regular troops dotted along the +northern frontier of Cape Colony were without hope of support either +from the coast or each other, and would be cut off and crushed in +detail in the case of serious attack or of a rising in their rear. +Thus, the initiative lay absolutely with the enemy, and, so far as +could be foreseen, must remain in his hands until the British army +corps and cavalry division should be ready to take the field about the +middle of December.</p> + +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page052" name="page052"></a>[p. 052]</span> <span class="sidenote"> Actual movement of Boers begins.</span> + +<p>According to the terms of the ultimatum of October 9th, a state of war +ensued at 5 p.m. on the 11th. The advance of the Boer forces destined +for the attack of Mafeking and Kimberley began on the following day, +and by the 14th both places were cut off from Cape Colony. On the 17th +the enemy occupied Belmont railway station. To meet these movements +the 9th Lancers, the squadrons of which disembarked at Cape Town from +India on the 14th, 15th, and 18th, were sent up to Orange River +station immediately on their arrival. The 1st battalion Northumberland +Fusiliers were also moved by train on the 15th from De Aar to Orange +River, being replaced at the former station by a half-battalion of the +2nd battalion King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, which reached Cape +Town on the 14th, having been brought with extraordinary swiftness +from Mauritius by H.M.S. <i>Powerful</i>. The Orange River bridge garrison +was further strengthened by two 12-pr. B.L. guns manned by Prince +Alfred's Own Cape artillery. The first field artillery to land in Cape +Colony, the 62nd and half 75th batteries, were, on the evening of +their disembarkation, the 25th, entrained at once for Orange River. +The 1st Border regiment, which arrived from Malta on the 22nd, was +despatched immediately to De Aar, but subsequently, at the urgent +request of Sir George White, was sent by train to East London and +re-embarked for Natal. Steps were taken to make the Orange River +railway bridge passable by artillery and cavalry, by planking the +space between the rails. Meanwhile, on the advice of the local +magistrate, Colonel Money, who was in command at Orange River, +destroyed Hopetown road bridge, eleven miles to the westward, as it +was feared the enemy's guns might cross the river at that point. +Raiding parties of the Boers had overrun Bechuanaland and Griqualand +West and spread proclamations annexing the former district to the +Transvaal and the latter to the Free State. On the eastern side of the +colony the enemy made no move, but still hung back on the north bank +of the Orange River. The British garrison of Stormberg was reinforced +by two naval 12-pr. 8-cwt. guns, accompanied by 357 officers and men +of the Royal Navy and Marines, lent from Simon's <span class="pagenum"><a id="page053" name="page053"></a>[p. 053]</span> Town by the +Naval commander-in-chief. In the opinion of General Forestier-Walker, +this reinforcement made this important railway junction, for the +moment, reasonably secure. Three months' supplies had been stored at +all the advanced posts.</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Cape volunteers called out.</span> +Two thousand of the Cape volunteer forces<a id="footnotetag60" name="footnotetag60"></a><a href="#footnote60" title="Go to footnote 60"><span class="small">[60]</span></a> were called out by the +Governor on the 16th October and placed at the disposal of the General +Officer Commanding the regular troops, on the understanding that they +were to be paid and rationed from Imperial funds. These corps were at +first employed as garrisons for Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, East +London, Queenstown, and King William's Town; detachments of the +Kaffrarian Rifles being also stationed at Barkly East, Cathcart, +Molteno, and Indwe; but by the end of October the Colonial volunteers +were drawn upon to furnish military posts on the three lines of +railway from the coast, viz.: Touw's River, Fraserburg Road, and +Beaufort West, on the western system; at Cookhouse and Witmoss on the +central, and at Molteno and Sterkstroom, on the eastern. Arrangements +were made for patrolling the line between these posts by railway +employés. Having regard, however, to the great length of these lines, +it was obvious that protection of this description, although useful in +checking individual attempts to obstruct trains, or destroy bridges +and culverts, would be of no value against any armed bodies of the +enemy or of rebels.</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> General success of policy of bluff.</span> +Thus, in the western theatre of war, although the investment of +Kimberley, and, in a lesser degree, the attack on Mafeking, were +causes of grave alarm to the loyalists of Cape Colony, yet, from a +larger point of view, the forward policy of frontier defence +successfully tided over the dangerous weeks previous to the arrival of +the first units of the army corps from home.</p> + +<a id="chap3" name="chap3"></a> +<h3><span class="pagenum"><a id="page054" name="page054"></a>[p. 054]</span> CHAPTER III.</h3> + +<p class="title">THE THEATRE OF WAR.<a id="footnotetag61" name="footnotetag61"></a><a href="#footnote61" title="Go to footnote 61"><span class="small">[61]</span></a></p> + + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Three chapters dealing with the ground and the two armies +engaged.</span> +When the challenge to war, recorded in the first chapter, startled the +British people, it met with an immediate response alike in the home +islands, and in the Colonies, in India, or elsewhere, wherever they +happened to be. In order to understand the problems of no small +complexity confronting the statesmen at home and the generals who in +the field had to carry out the will of the nation by taking up the +gauntlet so thrown down, it is necessary, first, that the +characteristics of the vast area which was about to become the scene +of operations should be realised; secondly, that the strength of the +forces on which the challenger relied for making good his words should +be estimated; and, thirdly, that certain peculiarities in the +constitution of our own army, which materially affected the nature of +the task which lay before both Ministers and soldiers, whether in +London or in South Africa, should be recognised. The next three +chapters will deal in succession with each of these subjects. The +attempt which is here made to portray in a few pages the mountains, +the rolling prairies, and the rivers of the sub-continent must be +aided by an examination of the map which has been specially prepared +in order to make the description intelligible.</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> General aspect of area.</span> +The tableland of South Africa is some 1,360,000 square miles in +extent, and of a mean altitude of 3,000 to 5,000 feet above sea level. +To the Indian Ocean on the east it shows a face of scarped mountains. +Following the coast-line at a distance inland of <span class="pagenum"><a id="page055" name="page055"></a>[p. 055]</span> from 70 to +100 miles, these sweep round from north to south: then stretch +straight across the extreme south-west of the continent through Cape +Colony, dwindling as they once more turn northward into the sand-hills +of Namaqualand, and rising again to the eminences above Mossamedes in +Portuguese territory. The rampart, however, though continuous for a +distance of more than 1,200 miles, scarcely anywhere presents an +abrupt wall to the seaboard, but on the contrary descends to it in +some parts in one gigantic step, in others in a series of steps, or +terraces.</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Cape Colony: the Karroos.</span> +Of the States within it, Cape Colony first claims consideration. In +the central section the step or terrace formation is so marked, and +the flats, which intervene between the rises, are of such extent, and +of a nature so curious, that they form one of the most remarkable +features of South Africa. They are known as "the Karroos," vast plains +stretching northward, firstly as the Little Karroo from the lower +coast ranges to the more elevated Zwarte Bergen, thence as the Great +Karroo to the still loftier Nieuwveld Mountains. In the rainless +season they present an aspect indescribably desolate, and at the same +time a formidable military obstacle to any invasion of Cape Colony on +a large scale from the north. They are then mere wastes of sand and +dead scrub, lifeless and waterless. The first fall of rain produces a +transformation as rapid as any effected by nature. The vegetable life +of the Karroos, which has only been suspended, not extinguished, is +then released; the arid watercourses are filled in a few hours, and +the great desert tract becomes within that brief time a garden of +flowers. Even then, from the scarcity of buildings and inhabitants, +and hence of supplies, the Karroos still form a barrier not to be +lightly attempted, unless by an army fully equipped, and carrying its +own magazines; or, on the other hand, by a band of partisans so +insignificant as to be able to subsist on the scanty resources +available, and to disappear when these are exhausted, or the enemy +approaches in strength.</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Hills above Karroos.</span> +The first noticeable feature of the hill systems which bind these +steppes is their regularity of disposition, and the second, their +steadily increasing altitude northwards to that mountain <span class="pagenum"><a id="page056" name="page056"></a>[p. 056]</span> +group which, running roughly along the 32nd parallel of latitude, +culminates in the Sneeuw Bergen, where the Compass Peak (8,500 feet) +stands above the plains of Graaf Reinet. North of these heights, only +the low Karree Bergen, about 150 miles distant, and the slightly +higher Hartzogsrand, occur to break the monotonous fall of the ground +towards the bed of the Orange. All the geographical and strategical +interest lies to the north and east of the Compass Peak, where with +the Zuurbergen commences the great range, known to the natives as +Quathlamba,<a id="footnotetag62" name="footnotetag62"></a><a href="#footnote62" title="Go to footnote 62"><span class="small">[62]</span></a> but to the Voortrekkers, peopling its mysterious +fastnesses with monsters of their imagination, as the Drakensberg.<a id="footnotetag63" name="footnotetag63"></a><a href="#footnote63" title="Go to footnote 63"><span class="small">[63]</span></a> +Throwing out spurs over the length and breadth of Basutoland, this +granite series, here rising to lofty mountains, there dwindling to +rounded downs, runs northward to the Limpopo river, still clinging to +the coast, that is to say, for a distance of over 1,250 miles. The +Zuurbergen, the western extremity, are of no great elevation. They +form a downward step from the Compass and the Great Winterberg to the +Orange river, whose waters they part from those of the Great Fish and +Great Kei rivers. The Stormbergen, on the other hand, which sweep in a +bold curve round to the north-east until, on the borders of +Basutoland, they merge into the central mass, are high, rugged, and +pierced by exceedingly few roads, forming a strong line of defence.</p> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Passes.</span> +It may be said generally of the Cape highlands that the only passes +really practicable for armies are those through which, in 1899, the +railways wound upwards to the greater altitudes. These lines of +approach to the Free State frontier were as follows:—</p> + +<ul class="none"> +<li>1.—<span class="smcap">The Cape Colony—De Aar</span> line.</li> + +<li>2.—<span class="smcap">The Port Elizabeth—Norval's Pont</span> line.</li> + +<li>3.—<span class="smcap">The East London—Bethulie and Aliwal North</span> lines.</li> +</ul> + +<p>These were connected by two transverse branches; elsewhere throughout +their length they were not only almost completely isolated, but +divided by great tracts of pathless <span class="pagenum"><a id="page057" name="page057"></a>[p. 057]</span> mountains and barren +plains, rendering, except at the points mentioned, or by way of the +sea, the transfer of troops from one to the other a difficult process. +Therefore the branch lines (I. De Aar—Naauwpoort; 2. +Stormberg—Rosmead) had a significance hardly inferior to that of the +three ports, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, and East London. These varied +greatly in the facilities they afforded. Table Bay, with its docks, +wharves and store-houses, took rank among the great commercial +harbours of the world. Port Elizabeth, 430 miles eastward, had no true +harbour. Its open roadstead, although frequented by the mercantile +marine, was exposed to the dangerous south-east gales prevalent on +that coast. At East London, 140 miles yet further eastwards, there was +a small although excellent harbour. Its deep basin allowed ocean +steamers to moor alongside the railway wharf, but the water area was +limited and a sandbank at the mouth of the river Buffalo, which flows +in here, barred the approach of vessels exceeding 4,000 tons in +burden. On the east coast, Durban, at a distance of 300 miles from +East London and 830 miles from Cape Town, formed a satisfactory base. +The difficulties of a bar at the entrance to the harbour, similar to +that at East London, had been overcome by the energy and enterprise of +the colonial authorities. There was no direct communication by land +between these four ports, but this was of little consequence to a +power holding command at sea.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The northern Drakensberg.</span> + +<p>North of the Stormbergen the Drakensberg range maintains its +north-easterly trend continuously until it breaks up in the valley of +the Limpopo. Along the eastern Basuto border, from the Natal to the +Free State frontiers, its characteristics, which have been always +grand, become magnificent. Here it is joined by the Maluti Mountains, +a range which, bisecting the domains of the Basuto, and traversing +them with its great spurs, has earned for the little state the title +of the South African Switzerland. At the junction of the Basutoland, +Free State, and Natal frontiers stands Potong, an imposing +table-shaped mass, called by the French missionaries Mont Aux Sources, +from the fact that it forms the chief water parting between the +numerous streams flowing west and east. Further south tower <span class="pagenum"><a id="page058" name="page058"></a>[p. 058]</span> +Cathkin (or Champagne Castle), Giants Castle, and Mount Hamilton, the +latter within the Basuto border. All these and many lesser peaks are +joined by ridge after ridge of rugged grandeur.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Drakensberg passes.</span> + +<p>Between the Basuto border and Laing's Nek lies the chief strategic +interest of the Drakensberg. Of less elevation than the lofty giants +which lie behind it to the southward, this portion still preserves, +with a mean altitude of 8,000 feet, the peculiar scenic beauty of the +system. From the Basuto border northwards the mountains formed the +frontier between Natal and the Orange Free State. They are pierced by +a number of passes of which none are easy, with the exception of +Laing's Nek, leading into the Transvaal. The best known, starting from +the southern extremity of this frontier section, are Olivier's Hoek, +Bezuidenhout, and Tintwa Passes at the head-stream of the Tugela +river; Van Reenen's, a steep tortuous gap over which the railway from +Ladysmith to Harrismith, and a broad highway, wind upwards through a +strange profusion of sudden peaks and flat-topped heights; De Beers, +Cundycleugh, and Sunday's River Passes giving access by rough bridle +paths from the Free State into Natal, abreast of the Dundee +coalfields; Müller's and Botha's Passes debouching on Newcastle and +Ingogo; and finally Laing's Nek, the widest and most important of all, +by which a fair road over a rounded saddle crosses the Drakensberg, +the Transvaal frontier lying four miles to the north of its summit. +Some of the eastern spurs thrown off from this section of the +Drakensberg completely traverse, and form formidable barriers across, +Natal. Such are the Biggarsberg, a range of lofty downs running from +Cundycleugh Pass across the apex of Natal to Dundee, and pierced by +the railway from Waschbank to Glencoe. Further to the south, Mount +Tintwa throws south-eastward down to the river Tugela a long, +irregular spur, of which the chief features are the eminences of +Tabanyama and Spion Kop. This spur, indeed, after a brief subsidence +below the last-named Kop, continues to flank the whole of the northern +bank of the Tugela as far as the railway, culminating there in the +heights of Pieters, and the lofty <span class="pagenum"><a id="page059" name="page059"></a>[p. 059]</span> downs of Grobelaars Kloof, +both of which overhang the river. East of the railway another series +of heights prolongs the barrier, and joins hands with the lower slopes +of the Biggarsberg, which descends to the Tugela between Sunday's and +Buffalo rivers. Further south still, broad spurs from Cathkin and +Giants Castle strike out through Estcourt and Highlands, and connect +the Drakensberg with Zululand.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Spurs of Drakensberg.</span> + +<p>North of Basutoland, the western spurs of the Drakensberg, jutting out +on to the Orange Free State uplands, are far less numerous and +pronounced than those in Natal, where the mountains dip steeply down +towards the sea; but the Versamelberg, the Witteberg, and the +Koranaberg further south, although of no great height, are strategical +features of importance.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Drakensberg and Lobombo ranges.</span> + +<p>Beyond Laing's Nek, the Drakensberg, no longer a watershed, and losing +much both of its continuity and splendour, still preserves its +north-easterly trend, dropping still further to a mean altitude of +between 5,000 and 6,000 feet, and passing under many local +appellations, through the eastern Transvaal, until near Lydenburg, it +again rises in the Mauch Berg. Along its eastern edge the Drakensberg +here descends in the ruggedest slopes and precipices to the plains +which divide it from the Lobombo Mountains, a range which, commencing +at the Pongola river opposite Lake St. Lucia, runs parallel to the +Drakensberg, the two systems inclining inward to coalesce at the +Limpopo. South of that river the Lobombo formed throughout its length +the eastern frontier of the Transvaal State.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The rands.</span> + +<p>North of the Oliphant river, which pierces both the Drakensberg and +Lobombo, the character of the Drakensberg becomes still more +fragmentary. Here its most important features are the transverse +ridges, or <i>rands</i>, thrown off from it in a direction generally +south-westerly. Chief amongst these are the Murchison and Zoutpansberg +Mountains, which, covering more than 350 miles of the country, unite +in the Witfontein Berg in the Rustenburg district. These ridges, +though of an elevation of over 4,000 feet above the sea level, rise +nowhere more than, and seldom as much as, 1,500 feet above the +terrain, and do little to relieve the monotony of the great prairies +they <span class="pagenum"><a id="page060" name="page060"></a>[p. 060]</span> traverse and surround. The same type is preserved by +the various low ridges running parallel to and south of them towards +the Orange Free State border. One of these is the famous Witwaters +Rand, extending from Krugersdorp to Springs, and another the +Magaliesberg, a chain of more imposing character, connecting Pretoria +and Rustenburg to the north-east, and disappearing in the fertile +Marico valley. North of the Limpopo the Drakensberg, though becoming +more broken and complicated, still presents a bold front where the +great sub-continental plateau descends suddenly northwards to the +Zambesi, and eastwards to Portuguese territory, <i>i.e.</i>, on the +northern and eastern frontiers of Mashonaland. Almost at the junction +of these boundaries it is joined by the Matoppo Hills, which rise from +the north-eastern limits of Khama's Country, bisect obliquely the +region between the Zambesi and the Limpopo, and culminate in Mount +Hampden (5,000 feet), near Salisbury.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Rivers Limpopo and Orange.</span> + +<span class="sidenote"> The water-parting.</span> + +<p>Passing from the mountains to the great plateau they enclose, the +first point to be noted is that its surface is set at two opposite +"tilts," the portion north of the Witwaters Rand inclining downward to +the east, the other, south of that ridge, to the west. The drainage, +therefore, runs respectively east and west, and it is effected by the +two great streams of the Limpopo and the Orange, with their many +affluents. The general river system of the central plains is thus of +the simplest; the Indian Ocean receives their northern waters, the +Atlantic their southern; the remarkable factor of the arrangement +being that a physical feature so insignificant as the Witwaters Rand +should perform the function of water-parting for a region so +gigantic.<a id="footnotetag64" name="footnotetag64"></a><a href="#footnote64" title="Go to footnote 64"><span class="small">[64]</span></a></p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Course of Limpopo.</span> + +<p>The Limpopo, or Crocodile river, rises as a paltry stream in the +Witwaters Rand between Johannesburg and Pretoria, and flows into the +Indian Ocean, 80 miles north of Delagoa Bay, covering in its course +fully 1,350 miles.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Course of Orange.</span> + +<p>The Orange has three distinct sets of headstreams from <span class="pagenum"><a id="page061" name="page061"></a>[p. 061]</span> the +western flank of the Drakensberg, and a total length of 1,300 miles. +From the Basuto border to Ramah, on the Kimberley railway, about 220 +miles, it divided the Orange Free State from Cape Colony. The Orange +receives on its right bank its greatest affluent, the Vaal, which is +between 500 and 600 miles in length. Commercially, both the Orange and +the Vaal are as useless as their smallest tributary, being entirely +unnavigable at all times of the year. Raging floods in the wet season, +and mere driblets in the dry, they are at present denied to the most +powerful or shallowest of river steamboats. The prospects of the +Orange river as a potential waterway are in any case practically +destroyed by a great bar which blocks approach to the estuary from the +sea.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Military character of streams of S.A.</span> + +<p>The streams of the South African plateau, whether river, spruit, +sluit, or donga, have, in addition to their extreme variability, +another marked and almost universal peculiarity. Running in deep beds, +of which the banks are usually level with the surrounding country, and +the sides terraced from the highest to the lowest water-mark, they +constitute natural entrenchments which are generally invisible, except +where rarely defined by a line of bushes, and, owing to the dead +uniformity of the surrounding country, are almost impossible to +reconnoitre. Nor, in 1899, were their defensive capabilities lessened +by the dearth of bridges, by the dangers of the drifts, and by the +absence of defined approaches to all crossing-places away from the +main roads. The "drifts," or fords, especially rendered the laying out +of a line of operations in South Africa a complex problem. Their depth +varied with the weather of the day; they were known by many names even +to local residents, and were of many types; but all alike were so +liable to sudden change or even destruction, that any information +concerning them, except the most recent, was practically useless.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Effect of winds on climate.</span> + +<p>To comprehend broadly the salient physiological features of a region +so enormous as South Africa, the causes of the climatic influences +which affect them must be understood. These causes on are simplicity +itself. The warm winds blow from the east, and the cold from the west; +the former, from the warm Mozambique <span class="pagenum"><a id="page062" name="page062"></a>[p. 062]</span> current, skirting the +eastern seaboard, the latter, from the frigid Antarctic stream, +setting from south to north, and striking the western coast about Cape +St. Martin. It follows, therefore, that the climate and country become +more genial and fertile the further they are removed from the +desiccating influence emanating from the western seaboard. The +dreariness of the solitudes between Little Namaqualand and Griqualand +West, the latter slightly more smiling than the former, attests this +fact. But the comparative inhospitality of the Boer +States—comparative, that is, to what might be expected from their +proximity to the warm Indian Ocean—demands further explanation. From +the Atlantic to the eastern frontiers of these States no mountain +ranges of any elevation intervene to break the progress of the dry, +cold breezes; from the mouth of the Orange river to the Drakensberg +the country is subject almost uninterruptedly to their influence. But +it is not so with the milder winds from the east. The great screen of +the Drakensberg meets and turns them from end to end of South Africa; +no country west of this range profits by their moisture, whereas the +regions east of it receive it to the full. Hence the almost tropical +fertility of Natal and eastern Cape Colony, with their high rainfall, +their luxuriance of vegetation, indigo, figs, and coffee, and the +jungles of cactus and mimosa which choke their torrid kloofs. Hence, +equally, the more austere veld of the central tableland, the great +grass wildernesses, which are as characteristic of South Africa as the +prairies and the pampas of America, and, like them, became the home +and hunting-ground of a race of martial horsemen. Agriculture, +<span class="sidenote"> The velds.</span> +following nature, divides the veld into three parts, the "High," +"Bush," and "Low" Velds; but it is the first and greatest of these +which stamps the central tableland with its peculiar military +characteristics. Almost the whole of the Orange Free State, and the +Transvaal east of the Natal railway, are High Veld, which may be taken +to mean any grassland lying at an elevation of about 4,000 feet, upon +which all vegetation withers in the dry season, while in spring and +summer it is covered with nutritious herbage. The Low Veld lies +properly between longitude 31° and the tropical eastern <span class="pagenum"><a id="page063" name="page063"></a>[p. 063]</span> +coast; while the Bush Veld is usually understood to mean the country +lying between the Pretoria-Delagoa railway and the Limpopo river. The +terms, however, are very loosely used. The Low Veld differs widely +from the High Veld. Upon the former is rich—almost rank—vegetation +and pasture flourishing throughout the year. But the climate is hot, +moist, and unhealthy; and the Boer farmers, forced by the course of +the seasons to drive their flocks from the sparkling, invigorating air +of the uplands to the steamy lowlands, were wont to take the task in +turn amongst themselves, as an unpleasant one to be performed as +seldom as possible.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Transvaal High Veld.</span> + +<p>The High Veld of the Transvaal differs slightly from that of the Free +State in appearance. It is more broken and undulating; the range of +vision, at times apparently boundless in the southern state, is rarely +extensive, except from the summit of a kopje, being usually bounded by +the low ridge-lines of one of those great, gentle, almost +imperceptible, rolls of the ground which are a feature of the +Transvaal veld, and with its hidden watercourses, its peculiar +tactical danger. A mountain range is seldom out of sight; and, +speaking generally, the Transvaal may be said to be less sombre than +the southern or western districts of the great plateau.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The kopjes.</span> + +<p>If the veld can only be compared with the sea, the kopjes which +accentuate, rather than relieve, its monotony resemble in as marked a +degree the isolated islands which rise abruptly from the waters of +some tropic archipelago. Sometimes, indeed, the kopjes form a rough +series of broken knolls, extending over a space of several miles, as, +for instance, the ridges of Magersfontein and Spytfontein, between +Kimberley and the Modder; sometimes a group of three or four, disposed +irregularly in all directions, become a conspicuous landmark, as at +the positions of Belmont and Graspan; and it is not uncommon to find +larger masses, not less irregular, enclosing the river reaches which +their drainage has created, among which may be enumerated the heights +south-east of Jacobsdal, and by the river Riet, and those about +Koffyfontein and Jagersfontein on the same stream.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Better for view than defence.</span> + +<p>But, as a rule, the kopje of the veld is a lonely hill, a mass +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page064" name="page064"></a>[p. 064]</span> of igneous rock—flat-topped or sharp-pointed. From 200 to +800 feet in height, without spur or underfeature, accessible only by +winding paths among gigantic boulders, sheer of face and narrow of +crest, it is more useful as a post of observation than as a natural +fortress; for it can almost always be surrounded, and the line of +retreat, as a general rule, is naked to view and fire.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Boer States as defensive terrain.</span> + +<p>So far as tactical positions are concerned, any force on the defensive +upon the veld of the Boer States must be mainly dependent on the +rivers. Yet the spurs of the Drakensberg, blending in a range of +ridges, form a mountain stronghold admirably adapted for guerilla +warfare; and all along the Basuto border, at a distance of from 10 to +20 miles west of the Caledon, stands out a series of high, detached +hills, which form a covered way along the eastern boundary of the Free +State, crossing the Orange, and leading into the recesses of the +Stormberg Mountains.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Natal features.</span> + +<p>For every wavelet of land upon the surface of the Boer States, a +hundred great billows stand up in Natal. Kopje succeeds kopje, all +steep, and many precipitous, yet not the bare, stony cairns of the +transmontane regions, but moist green masses of verdure, seldom +parched even in the dry season, and in the wet, glistening with a +thousand cascades; not severely conical or rectangular, like the +bizarre eminences which cover Cape Colony with the models of a school +of geometry, but nobly outlined. Many of the foothills, it is true, +are mere heaps of rock and stone; but even these are rarely such naked +and uncompromising piles as are found on the higher levels. Even where +northern Natal occasionally widens and subsides to a savannah, as it +does below the Biggarsberg, and again south of Colenso, the expanse, +compared with the tremendous stretches of the Boer veld, is but a +meadow.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Healthy theatre sole favour for invader.</span> + +<p>As a theatre of war South Africa had one advantage, that it was for +the most part eminently healthy. Enteric fever, the scourge of armies, +was bound to be prevalent amongst thousands exposed to hardships in a +country where the water supply was indifferent, where sanitation was +usually primitive amongst the inhabitants, and impossible to improvise +hurriedly. But <span class="pagenum"><a id="page065" name="page065"></a>[p. 065]</span> the purity of the air, the geniality of the +temperature, the cool nights, the brilliant sunshine, and the hard dry +soil were palliatives of evils inseparable from all campaigning. +Otherwise, for regular armies of invasion, South Africa was +unfavourable. The railways were so few that the business of supply and +movement was always arduous; spaces so vast that large forces were +swallowed up; the enormous distances from one strategical point to +another, intensified, in difficulty by the almost entire absence of +good roads, the scarcity of substantial bridges, of well-built towns, +of commodious harbours, and of even such ordinary necessaries as flour +or fuel, all these complicated every military problem to a degree not +readily intelligible to the student of European warfare alone.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The central plateau.</span> + +<p>It is not easy to sum up briefly the typical qualities as a fighting +area of a region so vast and diversified as South Africa; but its +dominant feature is undoubtedly the great central plateau comprising +southern Rhodesia, all the Transvaal, except a narrow fringe on the +eastward, the Bechuanaland Protectorate, the Orange Free State, and +the northern and central portions of Cape Colony. Westward this +tableland slopes gradually and imperceptibly to sea level; to the +south it reaches the Atlantic in the series of terraces and +escarpments already described. Eastward it is shut in by the +Drakensberg, whose spurs, projecting to the Indian Ocean, traverse at +right angles Natal, Zululand, Swaziland, and Portuguese East Africa.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Effect on operations of plateau.</span> + +<p>Upon the central South African plateau tactical and strategical +success is dependent upon rapid manœuvring. Positions are so +readily turned that they can seldom be resolutely held. It is +difficult, therefore, to bring an evasive enemy to decisive action, +and the fruits of victory must chiefly be plucked by pursuit. The +horse is as important as the man, and the infantry arm is reduced to +the position of a first reserve, or to the <i>rōle</i> of piquets on the +lines of communication, which remain always open to attack. Superior +numbers and, above all, superior speed, are irresistible. There are no +first-class physical obstacles; the rivers, excepting only the Orange +and the Vaal, are, as a rule, fordable; the hill features for the most +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page066" name="page066"></a>[p. 066]</span> part insignificant or easy to mask. Mobility is thus at once +the chief enemy and aid to military success.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> and of lower spurs.</span> + +<p>But on the stairway descending from the south of this plateau, and on +the spurs reaching up from the coast on the east, all this is +reversed. The approach of an army acting on the offensive, uphill or +across the series of ridges, is commanded by so many points, that a +small number of defenders can readily arrest its advance. Position +leads but to position, and these, prolonged almost indefinitely on +either flank, are not readily turned, or, if turned, still offer +locally a strong frontal defence, should the enemy be sufficiently +mobile to reach them in time. Streamlets, which would be negligible on +the plateau, become formidable obstacles in their deep beds. The +horseman's occupation is greatly limited, for he can neither +reconnoitre nor gallop. Marches must, therefore, be made painfully in +battle formation, for every advance may entail an action. Thus +strategy is grievously cramped by the constant necessity for caution, +and still more by the tedious movements of the mass of transport, +without which no army can continue to operate in a country sparsely +inhabited, and as sparsely cultivated.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Variety of rainfall.</span> + +<p>In South Africa even the rainfall militates against concurrent +operations on a wide scale, for, at the same season of the year, the +conditions prevalent upon one side of the sub-continent are exactly +the opposite to those obtaining on the other. In the western +provinces, the rainy season occurs in the winter months +(May—October), in the eastern, including the Boer States, the rain +falls chiefly in the summer (October—March). Yet so capricious are +these phenomena that a commander, who counted absolutely upon them for +his schemes, might easily find them in abeyance, or even for a period +reversed.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Variety of S.A. climate.</span> + +<p>Beyond the broad facts stated above, the extent of South Africa +renders it as impossible to specify any typical climatic or scenic +peculiarities common to the whole of it, as to fix upon any +strategical or tactical character that is universal. Cape Colony alone +exhibits such antitheses of landscape as the moist verdure of the +Stormberg and the parched dreariness of Bushman and Little Namaqua +Lands, and a rainfall ranging from <span class="pagenum"><a id="page067" name="page067"></a>[p. 067]</span> two to seventy-two inches +per annum. The variations in other parts are little less striking. The +temperature of the High Veld, for instance, is wont to rise or fall no +less than sixty degrees in twelve hours, or less. Thus, whilst one +portion of an army on a wide front might be operating in the tropics, +another might be in the snows, whilst a third was sheltering from the +sun by day, from the frost by night, conditions which actually +obtained during the contest about to be described. What effect such +divergencies must exercise on plans of campaign, on supplies of +clothing, shelter, food, forage, and on military animals themselves, +may be readily imagined.</p> + +<a id="chap4" name="chap4"></a> +<h3><span class="pagenum"><a id="page068" name="page068"></a>[p. 068]</span> CHAPTER IV.</h3> + +<p class="title">THE BOER ARMY.</p> + + +<span class="sidenote"> Many previous cases compare with Boer resistance.</span> + +<p>Any force of irregulars which offers a prolonged resistance, not +unmarked by tactical successes, to a regular army of superior strength +is apt to be regarded as a phenomenon. Yet, from the earliest times, +history has shown how seasoned troops may be checked by an enemy who +is inferior in numbers, discipline and armament, but possessed of +certain counterbalancing resources, due either to the nature of his +country, to his own natural characteristics, or to a combination of +both.<a id="footnotetag65" name="footnotetag65"></a><a href="#footnote65" title="Go to footnote 65"><span class="small">[65]</span></a> Of such resources the Boers at the close of the nineteenth +century possessed, largely by inheritance, a full share. <span class="sidenote"> Inherited faculties.</span> +With their +forefathers, the early Afrikanders, loneliness had been a passion to +which their very presence north of the Orange river was due. Flying +from society, from burdens and responsibilities which they considered +intolerable, from pleasures which seemed to them godless, from a stir +which bewildered them, and from regularity which wearied them, they +had penetrated the wilds northward in bands as small as possible, each +man of which was wrapped in a dream of solitude, careless whither he +went so long as he went unseen. It troubled these pioneers little that +they were plunging into a sea of enemies. Society, with its +conventions and trammels, and most of all, perhaps, with its taxes, +was the only enemy whom they feared, the only one they could never +escape. But before it caught them up, their combats with corporeal +foes <span class="pagenum"><a id="page069" name="page069"></a>[p. 069]</span> were incessant and deadly. Wild beasts prowled round +their herds; savages swooped upon their homesteads; all animated +nature was in arms against them; every farmhouse was a fortress, +usually in a state of siege. In the great spaces of the wilderness the +cry for help was but seldom heard, or if heard, only by one who had +his own safety to look to. The Boer farmer of the forties, therefore, +had to work out his rescue, as he worked out every other problem of +his existence, for himself, acquiring thereby, a supreme individuality +and self-reliance in the presence of danger. He acquired also other +characteristics. The fighting men of his nation were few in number; +every mature life was little less valuable to the State than it was to +the homestead whose existence depended upon it. The burgher's hope of +injuring his enemy was therefore subordinated to solicitude for his +own preservation, and he studied only safe methods of being dangerous. +Even when in later days the Boer expeditionary bands, reclaiming to +the full from the blacks the toll of blood and cruelty which had been +levied on themselves, were more often the attackers than the attacked, +their aggression was always tempered by the caution of the individual +Boers, who would still forego a chance of striking a blow should it +contain an undue element of hazard. The republican warriors relied, +indeed, less on attack than on defence. They trusted yet more to that +weapon, perfected by many small races which have been compelled to +work out their own methods of warfare, the weapon of evasion. Nearly +always outnumbered, never sure of victory, the burghers always +provided, then kept their eyes continually upon, a loophole of escape, +for if that were closed they felt themselves to be lost. These +characteristics, with many more which will be noted, the early Boer +bequeathed to his sons and grandsons; a legacy so strangely composed +that many of the very qualities which brought temporary victory to the +campaigners of 1899 foredoomed them to ultimate defeat.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Value of these in present warfare.</span> + +<p>Self-reliance and individuality are factors of extraordinary military +importance under any conditions, but especially under circumstances +involving such dispersion of combatants, such distances between +commanders and commanded, as were brought <span class="pagenum"><a id="page070" name="page070"></a>[p. 070]</span> about by the +conjunction of long-range arms, an open terrain and the clearest +atmosphere in the world. South Africa was a country which gave the +freest play to the deadly properties of small-bore rifles. The new +weapons fitted into the Boer's inherited conceptions of warfare as if +they were a part for which his military organisers had long been +hoping and waiting. He had an antipathy to fighting at close quarters, +but he knew the value and necessity of striking; the Mauser enabled +him to strike at the extreme limit of vision, multiplying tenfold the +losses and difficulties of the enemy who attempted to close with him. +The portability of the ammunition, the accuracy of the sighting, the +absence of betraying smoke, all these increased the Boer's already +great trust in himself, and he took the field against the British +regular infantryman with more confidence than his sires had felt when +they held their laagers against the Zulu and the Matabele. The modern +rifle, moreover, still further increased his self-reliance by +rendering avoidance of close combat, which alone he feared, a much +simpler matter than hitherto. His father had escaped the bayonets of +the British at Boomplaats; he himself was no more willing or likely to +be caught by the steel fifty years later, when he could kill at two +thousand yards instead of two hundred, or failing to kill, had hours +instead of minutes in which to gain his pony and disappear. Yet the +long-range rifle had improved his weapon of retreat until it had +become a danger instead of an aid to his cause. Failing so completely +to understand the military value of self-sacrifice, that he actually +pitied, and slightly despised it, when he saw it resorted to by his +enemies, his refusal to risk his life often proved disastrous to his +side at times when more resolution might have turned the scale of +battle in his favour.</p> + +<p>There was much to be admired in the Boer defensive; up to a certain +point it was stubborn and dangerous. The musketry from a position, +poured upon zones of ground over which the British troops must pass +rather than upon the troops themselves, was heavy and effective, and +not easily quelled by bombardment. In battle, artillery may do its +work without causing a casualty; but so long as he had cover for his +body, the soul <span class="pagenum"><a id="page071" name="page071"></a>[p. 071]</span> of the Boer rifleman was little shaken by the +bursting of projectiles; fierce firing came often from portions of a +position which appeared to be smothered by shrapnel, and invisible in +the reek of exploding lyddite.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Special habits of fighting.</span> + +<p>Nor did the Boer armies, as regular armies have done, cling to strong +positions simply because they were strong. They considered a position +as a means to an end, and if it ceased to be the best, they discarded +it without hesitation, no matter with what toil it had been prepared. +Nevertheless, on ground of their own choosing, the abandonment without +a shot of strong, laboriously entrenched, positions by no means always +meant retirement. Much as they dreaded being enveloped, their flanks, +or what would have been the flanks of an European army, might be +threatened again and again only to be converted each time into new and +formidable fronts. The nature of the country, and the comparative +mobility of the opposing forces rendered these rapid changes of front +easy of execution, but they demanded promptness, and a genius for the +appreciation of the value of ground, not only on the part of the Boer +leaders, but also on that of the rank and file. In the ranks of the +commandos persuasion had to take the place of word of command; the +Boer soldier, before he quitted one position for another, had to be +convinced of the necessity for a repetition of the severe toil of +entrenching which had apparently been wasted. But his eye was as +quick, his tactical and topographical instinct as keen as those of his +commander, and if the new dispositions were not selected for him, he +often selected them himself.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Their defences: strong points.</span> + +<p>Once on the ground the burghers' first care was to conceal themselves +quickly and cunningly, cutting deep and narrow entrenchments, if +possible upon the rearward crest, leaving the forward crest, of which +they carefully took the range, to the outposts. Upon the naked slope +between, which was often obstructed with barbed wire, they relied to +deny approach to their schanzes. A not uncommon device was the placing +of the main trench, not at the top, but along the base of the +position. Here the riflemen, secure and invisible, lay while the +hostile artillery bombarded the untenanted ridge lines behind +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page072" name="page072"></a>[p. 072]</span> them. Such traps presented an enhanced danger from the fact +that the Boers would rarely open fire from them until the front of the +attack was well committed, though, on the other hand, they seldom had +nerve or patience to withhold their musketry until the moment when it +might be completely decisive. As regards the Boer artillery, its +concealment was usually perfect, its location original and +independent, its service accurate and intelligent. Dotted thinly over +a wide front, the few guns were nevertheless often turned upon a +common target, and were as difficult to detect from their +invisibility, as to silence from the strength of the defences, in the +case of the heavy ordnance, and in the case of the lighter pieces, +from their instant change of position when discovered.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> A weakness in defence.</span> + +<p>Nevertheless, with all these virtues, the Boer defensive, by reason of +the above-mentioned characteristics of the individual soldiers, was no +insurmountable barrier, but only an obstacle to a determined attack. +Many of the positions occupied by the Republicans during the campaigns +seemed impregnable. Prepared as skilfully as they had been selected, +in them some troops would have been unconquerable. But at the moment +when they must be lost without a serried front, the reverse slopes +would be covered with flying horsemen, whilst but a handful of the +defenders remained in the trenches. Nor, except on the feeblest and +most local scale, would the defenders at any time venture anything in +the nature of a counter stroke, though the attack staggered, or even +recoiled, upon the bullet-swept glacis, and victory trembled in the +balance.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> A weakness in attack.</span> + +<p>If the Boer defensive was force passive, their general attack became +force dissipated as soon as it entered the medium rifle zone. +Excessive individuality marked its every stage, the thought of victory +seldom held the first place. In the old days, when an assault had to +be attempted, as at Thaba Bosigo and Amajuba, it had been the custom +to call for volunteers. But when President Kruger pitted his burghers +against large armies, this expedient was no longer available; instead +of a few score such affairs required thousands, and they were not +forthcoming. The desire to close, the only spirit which can compel +decisive <span class="pagenum"><a id="page073" name="page073"></a>[p. 073]</span> victory, entered into the Boer fighting philosophy +even less than the desire to be closed with; the non-provision of +bayonets was no careless omission on the part of their War department. +During an assault the Commandants might set, as they often did, a +splendid example of courage, but they could never rely on being +followed to the end by more than a fraction of their men. The attack, +therefore, of the Boers differed from that of a force of regulars in +that it was never made in full strength, and was never pushed home; +and from that of the Afghans, Afridis or Soudanese in that there was +no strong body of spectators to rush forward and assure the victory +half won by the bolder spirits in front. Their attack was, in +consequence, little to be feared, so long as the defence was well +covered from the incessant rifle fire which supported and accompanied +it; for none but a few gallant individuals would ever venture to close +upon a trench or sangar whose defenders yet remained alive behind it. +Both in attack and defence, therefore, the Boer army lacked the last +essentials to victory.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> As partisans.</span> + +<p>It was in the warfare of the partisan that the Boer excelled, in the +raid on a post or convoy, the surprise and surrounding of a +detachment, the harassing of the flanks and the rear of a column, and +the dash upon a railway. Their scouting has not often been excelled; +their adversaries seldom pitched or struck a camp unwatched, or +marched undogged by distant horsemen. How little the Boer generals and +Intelligence department knew how to utilise the fruits of this +constant watchfulness will be fully shown elsewhere, but the lack of +deductive power on the part of the leaders detracts nothing from the +unwearied cunning of their men.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Use of ground.</span> + +<p>The combinations of scattered bands at a given rendezvous for a common +purpose were not seldom marvellous, effected as they often were by +rides of extraordinary speed and directness by night, when the men had +to feel with their hands for the goat and Kaffir tracks if astray, but +rarely astray, even in the most tangled maze of kopjes, or, still more +wonderful, on the broadest savannah of featureless grass. With the +Boer, direction had become a sense; not only were topographical +features, once <span class="pagenum"><a id="page074" name="page074"></a>[p. 074]</span> seen, engraved indelibly on his memory, but +many which would be utterly invisible to untrained eyes were often +detected at once by inference so unconscious as to verge on instinct. +He knew "ground" and its secrets as intimately as the seaman knows the +sea, and his memory for locality was that of the Red Indian scout.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Mixed qualities.</span> + +<p>Thus the Boer riflemen possessed many of the characteristics of the +same formidable type of irregular soldier as the backwoodsmen of +America or the picked warriors of the Hindustan border. Yet an exact +prototype of qualities so contradictory as those which composed this +military temperament is not to be recalled. No fighting men have been +more ready for war, yet so indifferent to military glory, more imbued +with patriotism, yet so prone to fight for themselves alone, more +courageous, yet so careful of their lives, more lethargic, or even +languid by nature, and yet so capable of the most strenuous activity. +Such were the Boers of the veld. In one particular they had never been +surpassed by any troops. No Boer but was a bold horseman and a skilled +horsemaster, who kept his mount ready at any moment for the longest +march or the swiftest gallop, in darkness, or over the roughest +ground. In camp the ponies grazed each one within reach of its master; +in action every burgher took care that his perfectly trained animal +stood, saddled and bridled, under cover within a short run to the +rear. In remote valleys great herds of ponies, some fresh, some +recouping their strength after the fatigues of a campaign, roamed at +pasture until they should be driven to the front as remounts.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Mobility.</span> + +<p>The unrivalled mobility of the Boer armies, therefore, and the +vastness of its theatre of action, gave to them strength out of all +proportion to their numbers. A muster roll is little indication of the +fighting power of a force which can march three or four times as fast +as its opponent, can anticipate him at every point, dictating the hour +and place of the conflict, can keep him under constant surveillance, +can leave its communications without misgivings, and finally, which +can dispense with reserves in action, so quickly can it reinforce from +the furthest portions <span class="pagenum"><a id="page075" name="page075"></a>[p. 075]</span> of its line of battle. Yet in this +particular again, the Boers' constitutional antipathy to the offensive +robbed them of half their power. They employed their mobility, their +peculiar strength, chiefly on the defensive and on tactics of evasion, +often, indeed, resigning it altogether, to undertake a prolonged and +half-hearted investment of some place of arms. Amongst their leaders +there appeared some who did all that was possible, and much more than +had seemed possible, with a few hundreds of devoted followers. But the +Republics possessed no Sheridan. Men who foresaw that in this mobility +might lie the making of a successful campaign, that the feats of the +raider might be achieved tenfold by large well-mounted armies, were +missing from their councils.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Organisation.</span> + +<p>The Boer forces which took the field in 1899 were composed of two +divisions:—</p> + +<ul class="none"> +<li> (I.) The Burgher Commandos.</li> +<li>(II.) The Regular Forces.</li> +</ul> + +<p>Of the former the whole male population, black and white, between the +ages of sixteen and sixty, formed the material,<a id="footnotetag66" name="footnotetag66"></a><a href="#footnote66" title="Go to footnote 66"><span class="small">[66]</span></a> the "Wyk" or Ward, +the lowest electoral unit, the recruiting basis. Upon the Field +Cornet, the chief officer of a Ward, elected by its votes for a term +of three years, devolved many responsibilities besides the civil +duties of collecting the taxes, administering the law, and maintaining +order in his small satrapy. He was also the sole representative of +Army Headquarters. One of the most important of his functions was that +of compiling the registers of burghers liable to war service.<a id="footnotetag67" name="footnotetag67"></a><a href="#footnote67" title="Go to footnote 67"><span class="small">[67]</span></a></p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Field cornet.</span> + +<p>It was his business, moreover, to see that each man of his levy took +the field with clothing, rifle, horse and ammunition in <span class="pagenum"><a id="page076" name="page076"></a>[p. 076]</span> good +and serviceable order; and if, as was rarely the case, means of +transport were insufficiently contributed by the burghers themselves, +to provide them by commandeering from the most convenient source. The +whole military responsibility, in short, of his Ward fell on him; and +though the men he inspected annually were rather his neighbours than +his subordinates, their habitual readiness for emergencies smoothed +what, in most other communities, would have been the thorniest of +official paths, and rendered seldom necessary even the mild law he +could invoke.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Ward levy.</span> + +<p>The first acts of the Ward levy at the rendezvous were to elect an +Assistant Field Cornet and two or more Corporals, the former to serve +their commander during the campaign, the latter to serve themselves by +distributing rations and ammunition, and supervising generally their +comfort in laager, by performing, in fact, all the duties performed by +a section commander in the British infantry except that of command.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The commando and commandant.</span> + +<p>The Field Cornet then rode with his burghers to the meeting-place of +the commando, usually the market town of the District. There a +Commandant, elected by the votes of the District, as the Field Cornet +had been by those of the Ward, assumed command of the levies of all +the Wards, and forthwith led them out to war, a Boer commando.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> A nation in arms.</span> + +<p>Thus, at the order to mobilise, the manhood of the Boer Republics +sprang to arms as quickly, as well prepared, and with incomparably +more zeal than the best trained conscripts of Europe. Not urged to the +front like slaves by the whips of innumerable penalties, their needs +not considered to the provision of a button, or a ration of salt, +shabby even to squalor in their appointments, they gathered in +response to a call which it was easy for the laggard to disobey, and +almost uncared for by the forethought of anyone but themselves.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Defects of system.</span> + +<p>In so far, therefore, as it applied to the actual enrolment and +mobilisation of the commandos, the military system of the Boer +Republics appeared well-nigh perfect. Yet it had radical and grievous +defects, and these, being in its most vital parts, robbed it of half +its efficiency. The election of military officers <span class="pagenum"><a id="page077" name="page077"></a>[p. 077]</span> by the +votes of the men they were destined to command would be a hazardous +expedient in the most Utopian of communities; <span class="sidenote"> In Boer army doubly dangerous.</span> +it was doubly dangerous +with a people trained in habits formed by the accustomed life of the +Boers in the nineteenth century. Its evil effects were felt throughout +their armies. Officers of all grades had been selected for any other +qualities than those purely military. Property, family interest, and +politics had often weighed more heavily in the balance than aptitude +for command. In the field the results were disastrous. Few of the +officers had sufficient strength of character to let it be seen that +they did not intend to remain subject to the favour which had created +them. The burghers were not slow to profit by the humility of their +superiors. Jealous of their democratic rights, conscious of their own +individual value in a community so small, the rank and file were too +ignorant of war to perceive the necessity of subordination. Especially +were these failings of leaders and led harmful in the Krijgsraads, or +Councils of War, which, attended by every officer from corporal +upwards, preceded any military movement of importance. Since most of +the members owed their presence to social and civic popularity, sound +military decisions were in any case not to be expected. Moreover, as +the majority of the officers truckled to the electorate which had +conferred upon them their rank, it followed that the decisions of a +Krijgsraad were often purely those of the Boer soldiers, who hung on +its outskirts, and did not scruple, when their predilections were in +danger of being disregarded, to buttonhole their representatives and +dictate their votes. Finally, there were not wanting instances of +unauthorised Krijgsraads being assembled at critical junctures, +avowedly in mutinous opposition to a lawful assembly, and actually +overriding the latter's decision.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Forms of discipline.</span> + +<p>There was, however, discipline of a theoretical kind in the commandos. +Two authorised forms of Courts-Martial existed to deal with offences +committed on active service. But Courts-Martial were an empty terror +to evil-doers. They were rarely convened, and when they were, the +burgher of the close of the nineteenth century knew as many methods of +evading the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page078" name="page078"></a>[p. 078]</span> stroke of justice as did his father of escaping +the stalk of a lion or the rush of a Zulu spearman.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Uncertain number in units.</span> + +<p>A serious defect inherent in this military system was the inequality +of the strength of the units created by it. A commando was a commando, +of whatever numbers it consisted; and these, contributed by districts +greatly varying in population, ranged from 300 to 3,000 men. Thus the +generals, placed in command of forces composed of many commandos of +which they knew nothing but the names, were ever in doubt as to the +numbers of men at their disposal, a difficulty increased tenfold by +the constantly shifting strength of the commandos themselves. +Straggling and absenteeism are evils incident to all irregular or +hastily enrolled armies, however drastic their codes of discipline, or +however fervent their enthusiasm; with the Boers these maladies were +prevalent to an incredible degree. Many and stringent circulars were +promulgated by the Boer Presidents to cope with this disastrous source +of weakness. But one and all failed in their object, from the +impotence of the officers whose duty it was to enforce them, and at +every stage of the campaign many more than the authorised 10 per cent. +of the fighting line were absent from their posts.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Untrained staff.</span> + +<p>If such were the faults of the machine, those of the motive power were +not less glaring. No provision had been made in peace for the training +of men for the duties of the Staff. At Pretoria, the +Commandant-General, forced to reign alone over the twin kingdoms of +administration and command, had not unnaturally failed to govern +either. The chain of authority between Commander-in-Chief and private +soldier, a chain whose every link must be tempered and tested in time +of peace, was with the Boers not forged until war was upon them, and +then so hurriedly that it could not bear the strain. When prompt +orders were most needed, there was often no one to issue them, no one +to carry them, or, even if issued and delivered, no one present who +could enforce them. Nor were the ramifications of departmental duty, +which, like arteries, should carry vitality to every portion of the +army, of any more tried material. In <span class="pagenum"><a id="page079" name="page079"></a>[p. 079]</span> most existing +departments there was chaos; many that are indispensable did not exist +at all.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Arms.</span> + +<p>The service arms of the burgher forces were the Mauser ·276 rifle and +carbine.</p> + +<p>The exact number of Mauser rifles brought into the Boer States is, and +will probably be always, uncertain. At least 53,375 can be accounted +for, of which 43,000 were imported by the Transvaal and the remainder +by the Orange Free State, the latter drawing a further 5,000 from the +stores of the sister Republic. These, with approximately 50,000 +Martini-Henry and other rifles known to have been in the arsenals and +in possession of the burghers before the commencement of hostilities, +made up over 100,000 serviceable weapons at the disposal of the two +countries.<a id="footnotetag68" name="footnotetag68"></a><a href="#footnote68" title="Go to footnote 68"><span class="small">[68]</span></a> Ammunition was ample, though, again, it is idle to +discuss actual figures. Neither the stock in the magazines, nor that +in the possession of the farmers, was for certain known to any man. +The most moderate of the Republican officials in a position to form a +credible estimate placed it at seventy millions of rounds; it was more +probably nearer one hundred millions. The Boer farmer, still uncertain +of security in the outlying solitudes of the veld, still unaccustomed +to it in the more frequented districts, never wasted ammunition even +though a use for it seemed remote. He hoarded it as other men hoard +gold; for deeply rooted in him was the thought, sown in the perilous +days of the past, that cartridges, with which to preserve the lives of +himself and his family, might at any moment become of more value than +gold pieces, which could only give to life the comfort he somewhat +despised. Thus <span class="pagenum"><a id="page080" name="page080"></a>[p. 080]</span> the arsenals of the larger towns were not the +only, or even the chief, repositories of small-arm ammunition. Every +farm was a magazine; lonely caves hid packets and boxes of cartridges; +they lay covered beneath the roots of many a solitary tree, beneath +conspicuous stones, often beneath the surface of the bare veld itself. +Whatever were the actual amounts of arms and ammunition at the +disposal of the Republican riflemen, it was plain they were not only +adequate but extravagant. There was significance in the excess. The +Boers possessed sufficient munitions of war to arm and equip 30,000 or +40,000 men over and above their own greatest available strength. It +will be seen in due course for whose hands this over-plus was +designed.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Rifle practice.</span> + +<p>The Republican Governments had not been satisfied with the mere issue +of arms. As early as 1892 in the Transvaal, and 1895 in the Orange +Free State, rifle practice, at the periodical inspections of arms and +equipment, called Wapenschouws, had been made compulsory for the +burghers. For these exercises ammunition was provided free, and money +appropriated from the State funds for prizes. Every effort, in short, +was made to preserve the old skill and interest in rifle-shooting, +which it was feared would vanish with the vanishing elands and +gemsbok. If the skill had diminished, the interest had not. A rifle +had at all times an irresistible fascination for a Boer. The Bedouin +Arab did not expend more care upon his steed of pure Kehailan blood, +nor the medieval British archer upon his bow, than did the veld farmer +upon his weapon. Even he who kept clean no other possession, allowed +no speck of dirt on barrel or stock. On the introduction of the new +rifles, not only had shooting clubs sprung up in all quarters, but, in +aiding them with funds, ammunition, and prizes, the Republican +authorities, before they disappeared, had given at least one lesson to +Governments, that of fostering to the utmost any national predilection +which may be of service to the State.</p> + + +<h4>THE REGULAR FORCE.</h4> + +<p>Regular forces of similar, if not identical, composition were +authorised by the constitutions of both Republics, consisting in +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page081" name="page081"></a>[p. 081]</span> the Transvaal of artillery and police, and in the Free State +of artillery only. These differed in no respects from similar units of +any European organisation, being raised, equipped, officered, +instructed, and paid in the ordinary manner, and quartered in barracks +or forts.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Regulars.</span> + +<p>The regular forces of the Transvaal consisted of:—</p> + +<ul class="none"> +<li>(a) The State Artillery.</li> +<li>(b) The South African Republic Police.</li> +<li>(c) The Swaziland Police.</li> +</ul> + +<span class="sidenote"> Artillery.</span> + +<p>The State Artillery of the South African Republic was as complete and +efficient a unit as any of its kind in existence. Originally +incorporated with the Police at the inception of both in 1881, it was +reorganised on a separate footing in 1894, in which year it also first +saw active service against Malaboch in the Blue Mountains. At this +time the strength of the Corps was but 100 gunners, 12 +non-commissioned officers and 7 officers. After the Jameson Raid, +however, the force was quadrupled and reorganised; the field and +fortress departments were differentiated, larger barracks built, and +steps taken generally to ensure the greatest possible efficiency and +readiness for instant service, the avowed object of the Government +being to make the Corps "the nucleus of the military forces of the +Republic."<a id="footnotetag69" name="footnotetag69"></a><a href="#footnote69" title="Go to footnote 69"><span class="small">[69]</span></a> The only qualifications necessary for the 300 +additional men required by the scheme were citizenship, either by +birth or naturalisation, age not to be less than 16, and the +possession of a certificate of good conduct from the Field Cornet. +Service was for three years, with the option of prolongation to six +years, after which followed a period of service in the reserve until +the age of 35 was reached.<a id="footnotetag70" name="footnotetag70"></a><a href="#footnote70" title="Go to footnote 70"><span class="small">[70]</span></a></p> + +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page082" name="page082"></a>[p. 082]</span> <span class="sidenote"> Military courts.</span> + +<p>For the maintenance of discipline the Corps had three Military Courts +of its own, whose powers extended from detention to death. They +differed in no way from similar tribunals in the British army save in +one respect, that convicted prisoners had a right of appeal from a +lower Court to that above it. Drill was on the German model, but the +language was Dutch. The Boer gunners were ready pupils, having much +the same natural aptitude for the handling of ordnance as is +observable in British recruits. Only 20 rounds per gun were allowed +for the yearly target practice.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Artillery divisions.</span> + +<p>The State Artillery was divided into the following principal +departments:—<a id="footnotetag71" name="footnotetag71"></a><a href="#footnote71" title="Go to footnote 71"><span class="small">[71]</span></a></p> + +<ul class="none"> +<li>(a) Field Artillery.</li> +<li>(b) Fortress Artillery.</li> +<li>(c) Field Telegraph.</li> +</ul> + +<span class="sidenote"> Artillery weapons.</span> + +<p>At the date of the outbreak of hostilities the modern armament of the +field artillery was as follows:—</p> + +<ul class="none"> +<li><span class="min2em">6 Creusot Q.F. 75 m/m</span> (about 3 inches), supplied with 11,009<a id="footnotetag72" name="footnotetag72"></a><a href="#footnote72" title="Go to footnote 72"><span class="small">[72]</span></a> rounds.</li> +<li><span class="min2em">4 Krupp Howitzers 120 m/m</span> (4·7-in.), supplied with 3,978 rounds.</li> +<li><span class="min2em">8 Krupp Guns Q.F. 75 m/m,</span> supplied with 5,600 rounds.</li> +<li><span class="min25em">21 Vickers-Maxim (pom-pom) 37·5 m/m</span> (about 1-½ inches), + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page083" name="page083"></a>[p. 083]</span> supplied with 72,000 rounds (14,000 pointed steel, 58,000 + common).</li> +<li><span class="min2em">4 Vickers Mountain Guns 75 m/m.</span> Ammunition not known.</li> +<li><span class="min2em">4 Nordenfeldts 75 m/m,</span> supplied with 2,483 rounds,</li> +<li><span class="min2em">1 Armstrong 15-pr.</span> Ammunition not known,</li> +<li><span class="min2em">1 Armstrong 12-pr.</span> Ammunition not known.</li> +</ul> + +<p>In addition to this the field artillery possessed 12 Maxims for ·303 +rifle ammunition, and 10 for the ·450 Martini-Henry. For the latter +1,871,176 rounds of nickel-covered ammunition were in store. The total +modern armament of the field artillery, therefore, capable of service +in the field, was—excluding the 22 Maxims—49 pieces. The following +more or less obsolete weapons were also in charge of the Corps:—</p> + +<ul class="none"> +<li>4 Krupp Mountain Guns, 65 m/m.</li> +<li>6 7-pr. Mountain Guns.</li> +<li>3 5-pr. Armstrong Guns.</li> +</ul> + +<span class="sidenote"> Manning of artillery.</span> + +<p>The personnel of the field artillery was, on a peace footing, 12 +officers and 394 N.C.O.s and men, but in the field this was found to +be very inadequate, and was eked out by the incorporation of +volunteers from the commandos.<a id="footnotetag73" name="footnotetag73"></a><a href="#footnote73" title="Go to footnote 73"><span class="small">[73]</span></a></p> + +<p>The fortress artillery had 9 officers and 151 N.C.O.s and men, but, +like the field artillery, drew many willing helpers from the burgher +ranks. Its armament consisted of:—</p> + +<ul class="none"> +<li>4 Creusot 155 m/m (about 6 inches),<a id="footnotetag74" name="footnotetag74"></a><a href="#footnote74" title="Go to footnote 74"><span class="small">[74]</span></a> supplied with 8,745 rounds.</li> +<li>6 Hotchkiss 37 m/m on parapet mounting, supplied with 3,663 rounds.</li> +<li>1 Mortar 150 m/m. Ammunition not known.</li> +<li>1 Howitzer 64-pr. Ammunition not known.</li> +</ul> + +<p>Besides these, a few guns of odd and mostly obsolete patterns, +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page084" name="page084"></a>[p. 084]</span> including three Krupp, were on the books of the Fortress +department.</p> + +<p>The third division of the State Artillery, the field telegraph +section, comprised 2 officers and 65 N.C.O.s and men.</p> + +<p>The State Artillery of the Transvaal, to sum up, was (excluding +Maxims) armed with 61 effective and about 20 semi-effective weapons, +manned by a personnel of about 800 men (including reservists).</p> + + +<h4>THE POLICE.</h4> + +<span class="sidenote"> The Police, Transvaal.</span> + +<p>The Transvaal Police consisted of two bodies:—</p> + +<ul class="none"> +<li>(a) The South African Republic Police.</li> +<li>(b) The Swaziland Police.</li> +</ul> + +<p>The former, whose <i>sobriquet</i> of "Zarps" war made more famous with the +British than peace had rendered it infamous, numbered some 1,200 +whites and 200 blacks under 13 officers and 64 non-commissioned +officers. In peace time they were stationed chiefly in Johannesburg, +with detachments at Pretoria, Krugersdorp, and a few outlying +stations. Qualifications for service were an age of 21 years, with +burgher rights by birth, and the term for three years, with subsequent +yearly renewals.</p> + +<p>The S.A.R. Police, who were a purely regular force, were divided into +foot and mounted organisations of about 800 and 500 respectively. They +were thoroughly drilled, their fire discipline being on the most +approved German model. Their rigid training, however, had apparently +robbed them of much of the individual initiative which safeguarded the +persons and lost the battles of their less educated compatriots in the +ranks of the commandos.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Police, Swaziland.</span> + +<p>The Swaziland Police were a small body of some 300 white and black +men, commanded by eight officers and 27 of non-commissioned rank. +Their formation was much more that of an ordinary commando than that +of the Europeanised "Zarps," and, in fact, from the commencement of +the war, they operated as a wing of the local commando.</p> + + +<h4><span class="pagenum"><a id="page085" name="page085"></a>[p. 085]</span> REGULAR FORCES OF THE FREE STATE.</h4> + +<span class="sidenote"> Free State Regulars.</span> + +<p>These consisted of artillery only, numbering some 375 men (including +200 reservists), and possessed of the following armament:—<a id="footnotetag75" name="footnotetag75"></a><a href="#footnote75" title="Go to footnote 75"><span class="small">[75]</span></a></p> + +<ul class="none"> +<li><span class="min05em">14 Krupp Guns 75 m/m,</span> with 9,008 rounds.</li> +<li>5 Armstrong Guns 9-pr., with 1,300 rounds,</li> +<li>1 Krupp Q.F. 37 m/m. Ammunition not known.</li> +<li>3 Armstrong Mountain Guns 3-pr., with 786 rounds.</li> +<li>3 Maxim Guns.</li> +</ul> + +<p>With all furniture and wagons complete.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Inferior organisation.</span> + +<p>The Corps was by no means so thoroughly organised as the artillery of +the Transvaal. There was no division into batteries, the guns being +entrusted to the care of any commando which "liked to have a gun with +it."<a id="footnotetag76" name="footnotetag76"></a><a href="#footnote76" title="Go to footnote 76"><span class="small">[76]</span></a> Yet there was considerable <i>esprit de corps</i> amongst the +gunners, who maintained their material, as well as their discipline, +in surprisingly good order considering the lack of officers, and the +general slovenliness of their surroundings. The conditions of service +for the men were the same as those which obtained in the Transvaal +Corps.</p> + +<p>The Corps also possessed a small but efficient telegraph section. The +barracks, at Bloemfontein, compared most unfavourably with the fine +buildings which housed the Transvaal artillery at Pretoria.</p> + + +<h4>NUMBERS OF THE BOER FORCES.</h4> + +<span class="sidenote"> Uncertainty of Boer figures.</span> + +<p>Figures of exact accuracy are, and must be for ever, unobtainable, for +none of the data from which they could be compiled were either +precisely recorded, or can be remembered. The Field Cornets' books, +and consequently the State lists, of those liable to service were all +alike full of errors and discrepancies. The statistical machinery of +the Republics, too primitively, and it may be added too loosely, +managed to be equal to the work of even a complete census in time of +peace, made no attempt to cope with the levy which crowded around the +Field Cornets <span class="pagenum"><a id="page086" name="page086"></a>[p. 086]</span> in every market place at the issue of the +Ultimatum in October, 1899. Muster rolls of even those actually and +officially present in the field do not exist. Only one leader in +either Republican army ventured to call a roll of his command, and the +loud discontent of the burghers, scandalised at the militarism of the +proceeding, did not encourage other officers to follow his example.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Total engaged.</span> + +<p>The estimate, however, of 87,365, has been arrived at after the +collation of so much independent testimony, that it may be taken as +fairly accurate.<a id="footnotetag77" name="footnotetag77"></a><a href="#footnote77" title="Go to footnote 77"><span class="small">[77]</span></a></p> + +<p>The grand total does not, of course, represent the number of men in +the field at any one time. It is an estimate of the numbers of all who +bore arms against the British troops at any time whatever during the +campaign. The Boer army numerically was the most unstable known to +history,<a id="footnotetag78" name="footnotetag78"></a><a href="#footnote78" title="Go to footnote 78"><span class="small">[78]</span></a> varying in strength as it varied in fortune in the field, +varying even with the weather, or with that mercurial mental condition +of which, in irregular forces, the numbers present at the front best +mark the barometer. Those numbers, even in the heroic stages of the +campaign, ranged from about 55,000 men to 15,000, with every +intermediate graduation. It is impossible to trace the vicissitudes of +an army which lost, regained, then lost again fifty per cent. of its +strength within a week. Nor is a periodic enumeration of vital +military interest. With the Boers the numbers actually present in the +fighting line were not, as with European troops, the measure of their +effective force. For the Boer, whether as absentee at his farm, or +wandering demoralised over the veld, was often little less a portion +of the strength of his side than his comrade who happened to be lying +alert in a shelter trench at the same moment. He intended to fight +again; and instances were not wanting of parties of burghers, thus +deserting their proper front, being attracted by the sound or the news +of fighting in a totally different direction, and riding thither to +form a reinforcement, as little expected upon the new battle ground by +their friends as by their enemies.</p> + + + +<a id="chap5" name="chap5"></a> +<h3><span class="pagenum"><a id="page087" name="page087"></a>[p. 087]</span> CHAPTER V.</h3> + +<p class="title">THE BRITISH ARMY.</p> + + +<span class="sidenote"> Various employments of British Army.</span> + +<p>Every army necessarily grows up according to the traditions of its +past history. Those of the Continent having only to cross a frontier, +marked by Royal, Imperial or Republican stones, have, in their rare +but terrible campaigns, to pursue definite objects that can be +anticipated in nearly all their details years beforehand. The British +army, on the contrary, throughout the nineteenth century, since the +great war came to an end in 1815, has had to carry out a series of +expeditions in every variety of climate, in all quarters of the globe, +amidst the deserts of North Africa, the hills, plains and tropical +forests of South Africa, the mountains of India, the swamps of Burma, +or the vast regions of Canada. Such expeditions have been more +numerous than the years of the century; each of them has differed from +the other in almost all its conditions. Amongst its employments this +army has had to face, also, the forces of a great Empire and troops +armed and trained by Britain herself. Accordingly, it has happened +that the experience of one campaign has almost invariably been +reversed in the next. To take only recent illustrations, the fighting +which was suitable for dealing with Zulu warriors, moving in compact +formations, heroic savages armed with spears or assegais, was not the +best for meeting a great body of skilled riflemen, mounted on +well-managed horses. Moreover, the necessary accessories of an army, +without which it cannot make war, such as its transport and its +equipment, have had to be changed with the circumstances of each +incident. Just as it has been impossible to <span class="pagenum"><a id="page088" name="page088"></a>[p. 088]</span> preserve +throughout all its parts one uniform pattern, such as is established +everywhere by the nations of the Continent, so it has not been +possible to have ready either the suitable clothing, the most +convenient equipment, or the transport best adapted for the particular +campaign which it happened to be at the moment necessary to undertake. +More serious than this, and more vital in its effect on the contest +about to be described, was the fact that the services thus required +continually of British troops prevented the formation of larger bodies +of definite organisation in which the whole staff, needed to give +vitality and unity to anything more than a battalion or a brigade, was +trained together. For such wars as those in Egypt, or for the earlier +wars in South Africa, in Canada, or in many other countries, it was +much more practical to select for each enterprise the men whose +experience suited them for the particular circumstances, and form +staffs as well as corps of the kind that were needed, both in strength +and composition, for that especial work. This was a very serious +disadvantage, when it came to be necessary to make up a great host, in +which not a certain number of battalions, batteries, and cavalry +regiments had to be employed, but in which ultimately a vast +organisation of 300,000 men, many of whom were entirely new to army +life, had to be brought into the field. It is one thing for the army +corps of a great Continental State, in which everyone has been +practising his own special part precisely as he will be engaged in +war, to march straight upon its enemy in its then existing formation, +and it is quite another to draw together a staff formed of men, each +of them experienced both in war and peace, none of whom have worked +together, while few have fulfilled the identical functions which they +have to discharge for the first time when bullets are flying and +shells are bursting. It will so often appear in the course of this +history that the operations seriously suffered, because the necessary +links between a general in command and the units which he has to +direct were inadequate, that it is only fair to the many officers of +excellent quality who were employed on the staff that the nature of +this comparison should be clearly appreciated. It was no fault of +theirs, but a <span class="pagenum"><a id="page089" name="page089"></a>[p. 089]</span> consequence of that past history which had +built up the British Empire, that they had neither previously worked +together, nor practised in peace time their special part in an +organisation which had, in fact, to be created anew for the immediate +task in hand.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The total forces of Empire.</span> + +<p>When the war began, and when there were in South Africa, as already +narrated, 27,054 troops,<a id="footnotetag79" name="footnotetag79"></a><a href="#footnote79" title="Go to footnote 79"><span class="small">[79]</span></a> there nominally stood behind them, if all +those who were armed and equipped throughout the British Empire be +included, more than a million men. These were of every religion, of +many colours, types and classes. On the 28th July, 1899, the Prime +Minister had made for the kingdom a self-denying declaration by which +one vast body of these forces was eliminated from the campaign. He +announced that none but white soldiers would be employed by us. Of +white men, 67,921 were in India, 3,699 in Egypt, 7,496 in Malta, 5,104 +in Gibraltar, 738 in Barbados, 570 in Jamaica, 1,599 in Canada, 1,896 +in Bermuda, 962 in Mauritius, 1,689 in China and Hong Kong, and 1,407 +in the Straits Settlements. Even these are only examples of the nature +of the duties on which the great mass of the British army was +employed. They are chiefly interesting, because the proportion between +the 67,921 men and the millions of the subject races of India, between +the 3,699 men and the vast regions throughout which they maintained +order under the sway of the Khedive, suggests to how fine a point had +been carried the doing of much with mere representatives bearing the +flag and little more. The extent of territory, the numbers of possible +enemies, the vastness of the interests which the 1,689 men in China +and the 1,407 men in the Straits Settlements had to watch, are +perhaps, to those who realise the geography, almost as significant. +Always it had been assumed that, if at any time some addition was +necessary to reinforce these far extended outposts of Empire, it was +to be provided from the regular army stationed at home. Up to the year +1888 no official declaration had ever been made of the purposes for +which the home army was to be used. In that year Mr. Stanhope issued +the necessarily often mentioned <span class="pagenum"><a id="page090" name="page090"></a>[p. 090]</span> memorandum, which declared +that, though it was highly improbable that so large a force would ever +be required, yet two army corps, with a cavalry division, or a total +of 81,952 men, were to be available for the purposes of action beyond +the seas. As will be seen from the chapter on the work of the Navy, it +was only in the year 1899 that the Admiralty, who necessarily would +have to transport whatever strength was thus employed, became aware +for the first time that the War Office would need shipping for more +than one army corps. The British army has had more, and more varied, +service during the nineteenth century than any other in the world. It +undoubtedly included more officers and men, who had experienced what +it meant to be under fire, than any other. But these experiences had +all been gained in comparatively small detachments, and each was so +unlike that of any other, that it was practically impossible that +those trainings by service, which are much more efficient in their +influence on the practical action of an army than any prescriptions, +should be uniform throughout it. At the same time, this had given both +to officers and men a habit of adapting themselves to unexpected +incidents which may perhaps, without national immodesty, be said to be +unique. <span class="sidenote"> Short service.</span> +In the year 1870 what is known as the short service system had +been introduced. Under that system there were, in 1899, in the British +Islands, 81,134 reservists available to be called up when required for +war, retained only by a small fee. The principle on which the scheme +was worked at the time was this: that as soon as the army was ordered +to be mobilised all those men who had not completed their training in +the ranks, or had not yet reached the age for service abroad, were +relegated to depōts; their places were taken by the trained men from +the reserve, and out of the excess numbers of the reservists and the +men who gradually each month in succession completed their training, a +supplementary reserve to maintain the cadres of the army in the field +was created. Inevitably, as the numbers ultimately employed in this +case far exceeded the two army corps for which alone provision had +been made, these supplies of men only lasted for the first twelve +months; but as long as they did so, the waste of <span class="pagenum"><a id="page091" name="page091"></a>[p. 091]</span> war was +compensated to an extent such as never has been known in our campaigns +before, and hardly in those of any other Power except Japan, who +appears to have borrowed our methods exactly for her great struggle +with Russia.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Regular White troops.</span> + +<p>At the time of Kruger's ultimatum of October 9, 1899, the British +regular army was composed as follows:—</p> + + +<table border="0" cellpadding="1" summary="Regular White troops."> +<colgroup> + <col width="60%"> + <col width="20%"> + <col width="20%"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">Officers.</td> +<td class="right">Warrant, Non-Commissioned Officers, and men.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="3"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td>Cavalry</td> +<td class="right">780</td> +<td class="right">18,853</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Royal Horse and Royal Field Artillery</td> +<td class="right">660</td> +<td class="right">18,855</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Royal Garrison Artillery<a id="footnotetag80" name="footnotetag80"></a><a href="#footnote80" title="Go to footnote 80"><span class="small">[80]</span></a></td> +<td class="right">775</td> +<td class="right">20,103</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Royal Engineers</td> +<td class="right">962</td> +<td class="right">7,323</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Infantry</td> +<td class="right">4,362</td> +<td class="right">144,103</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Army Service Corps</td> +<td class="right">240</td> +<td class="right">3,858</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Army Ordnance Department and Corps</td> +<td class="right">227</td> +<td class="right">1,433</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Royal Army Medical Corps</td> +<td class="right">831</td> +<td class="right">2,876</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Army Pay Department and Corps</td> +<td class="right">205</td> +<td class="right">582</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Army Veterinary Department</td> +<td class="right">131</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="3"> </tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">9,173</td> +<td class="right">217,986</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="3"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td class="center"><span class="smcap">Total</span>, all ranks</td> +<td class="center" colspan="2">227,159.</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Their dispersion.</span> +These were all white troops; but it is essential that their +distribution over the surface of the globe should be realised. The +remarks which have been made as to the special cases quoted could +easily, with slight modification, be shown to apply in practically +every instance.</p> + +<p>There were, including troops on the seas, on 1st October, 1899:—</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="1" summary="Distribution over the surface of the globe."> +<colgroup> + <col width="70%"> + <col width="20%"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td>Aden (Naval base)</td> +<td class="right">1,092</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>South Africa (Naval base at Simon's Bay)</td> +<td class="right">22,179</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>West Africa (Naval base at Sierra Leone)</td> +<td class="right">38</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Barbados</td> +<td class="right">738</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Bermuda (Naval base)</td> +<td class="right">1,896</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Canada (Naval bases at Esquimault and Halifax)</td> +<td class="right">1,599</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Ceylon (Naval base at Trincomalee)</td> +<td class="right">1,402</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>China (Naval base at Hong Kong)</td> +<td class="right">1,689</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Crete</td> +<td class="right">1,628</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Cyprus</td> +<td class="right">116</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><span class="pagenum"><a id="page092" name="page092"></a>[p. 092]</span> Egypt</td> +<td class="right">3,699</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Gibraltar (Naval base)</td> +<td class="right">5,104</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Jamaica</td> +<td class="right">570</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Malta<a id="footnotetag81" name="footnotetag81"></a><a href="#footnote81" title="Go to footnote 81"><span class="small">[81]</span></a> (Naval base)</td> +<td class="right">7,496</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Mauritius (Naval base)</td> +<td class="right">962</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>St. Helena (Coaling station)</td> +<td class="right">211</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Straits Settlements (Naval base at Singapore).</td> +<td class="right">1,407</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Particular Service</td> +<td class="right">47</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>India (less garrison of Aden)</td> +<td class="right">67,921</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>United Kingdom (exclusive of Reserves)</td> +<td class="right">108,098</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">—————</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">227,992</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> White Officers with natives.</span> +This total does not include the white officers employed with native +troops, who numbered in all 1,814. The functions of these, however, +will be best understood when the figures which follow have been +considered, and the yet greater area of the earth's surface covered by +those who served under the British flag has been taken into account. +They are not matters for an appendix, but for the close study with a +map of every adult and every child in the realm.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Total strength and dispersion.</span> + +<p>The effective strength of the armed land forces of the British Empire +(exclusive of the Royal Marines, but inclusive of local colonial naval +contingents for harbour defence), in September-October, 1899, was:—</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="1" summary="Effective strength of the armed land forces."> +<colgroup> + <col width="10%"> + <col width="23%"> + <col width="7%"> + <col width="15%"> + <col width="15%"> + <col width="15%"> + <col width="15%"> +</colgroup> + +<tr> +<td colspan="3"> </td> +<td class="right">Officers.</td> +<td class="right">Other ranks.</td> +<td class="right">All ranks.</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="7"><i>Regular Army (European) on Oct. 1st, 1899.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">With Colours</td> +<td class="right">9,173</td> +<td class="right">217,986</td> +<td class="right">227,159</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Reserves</td> +<td class="right">1,803</td> +<td class="right">81,134</td> +<td class="right">82,937</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Royal Malta Artillery</td> +<td class="right">31</td> +<td class="right">802</td> +<td class="right">833</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="7"><i>Regular Army</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">(Colonial Corps, European Officers, Native Troops)</td> +<td class="right">233</td> +<td class="right">7,798</td> +<td class="right">8,031</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="5"> </td> +<td class="right">————</td> +<td class="right">318,960</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="7"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="7"><i>Regular Army of India.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">With Colours (European Officers, Native Troops)</td> +<td class="right">1,460</td> +<td class="right">171,216</td> +<td class="right">172,676</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Reserves</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">18,644</td> +<td class="right">18,644</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="5"> </td> +<td class="right">————</td> +<td class="right">191,320</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="7"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="7"><i>Hyderabad Contingent.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">(Officered by Europeans)</td> +<td class="right">121</td> +<td class="right">7,386</td> +<td class="right">7,507</td> +<td class="right">7,507</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="7"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="7"><i>Imperial Service Troops.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">(A few European Officers)</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">18,289</td> +<td class="right">18,289</td> +<td class="right">18,289</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="7"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="7"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page093" name="page093"></a>[p. 093]</span> <i>Auxiliary Troops of the United Kingdom.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Militia</td> +<td class="right">3,036</td> +<td class="right">106,515</td> +<td class="right">109,551</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Yeomanry</td> +<td class="right">654</td> +<td class="right">9,460</td> +<td class="right">10,114</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Volunteers</td> +<td class="right">8,020</td> +<td class="right">215,901</td> +<td class="right">223,921</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Honourable Artillery Company</td> +<td class="right">39</td> +<td class="right">497</td> +<td class="right">536</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="5"> </td> +<td class="right">————</td> +<td class="right">344,122</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="7"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="3"><i>Indian Volunteers</i></td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">29,219</td> +<td class="right">29,219</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="3"><i>Indian Military Police</i></td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">30,284</td> +<td class="right">30,284</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="3"><i>Channel Isles Militia</i></td> +<td class="right">150</td> +<td class="right">3,278</td> +<td class="right">3,428</td> +<td class="right">3,428</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="3"><i>Malta Militia</i></td> +<td class="right">60</td> +<td class="right">1,755</td> +<td class="right">1,815</td> +<td class="right">1,815</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="3"><i>Cyprus Police</i></td> +<td class="right">26</td> +<td class="right">731</td> +<td class="right">757</td> +<td class="right">757</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="7"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="7"><i>Canada:</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Local regular troops</td> +<td class="right">91</td> +<td class="right">936</td> +<td class="right">1,027</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Militia</td> +<td class="right">2,398</td> +<td class="right">28,463</td> +<td class="right">30,861</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Police (including 92 Newfoundland)</td> +<td class="right">105</td> +<td class="right">1,191</td> +<td class="right">1,296</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Naval Forces</td> +<td class="right">50</td> +<td class="right">472</td> +<td class="right">522</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="5"> </td> +<td class="right">————</td> +<td class="right">33,706</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="7"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="7"><i>Australasia:<br> +<span class="add2em">New South Wales.</span></i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Local regular troops</td> +<td class="right">49</td> +<td class="right">876</td> +<td class="right">925</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Militia</td> +<td class="right">228</td> +<td class="right">3,815</td> +<td class="right">4,043</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Volunteers</td> +<td class="right">97</td> +<td class="right">2,724</td> +<td class="right">2,821</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Reserves</td> +<td class="right">111</td> +<td class="right">1,535</td> +<td class="right">1,646</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Police</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">1,977</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Naval Forces</td> +<td class="right">39</td> +<td class="right">576</td> +<td class="right">615</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="5"> </td> +<td class="right">————</td> +<td class="right">12,027</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="7"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="7"><i>Queensland.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Local regular troops</td> +<td class="right">22</td> +<td class="right">265</td> +<td class="right">287</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Militia</td> +<td class="right">198</td> +<td class="right">2,801</td> +<td class="right">2,999</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Volunteers</td> +<td class="right">50</td> +<td class="right">758</td> +<td class="right">808</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Cadets</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">875</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Police</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">869</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Rifle Clubs</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">2,520</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Naval Forces</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">584</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="5"> </td> +<td class="right">————</td> +<td class="right">8,942</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="7"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="7"><i>South Australia.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Local regular troops</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">31</td> +<td class="right">34</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Militia</td> +<td class="right">72</td> +<td class="right">625</td> +<td class="right">697</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Reserves</td> +<td class="right">40</td> +<td class="right">529</td> +<td class="right">569</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Police</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">349</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Rifle Clubs</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">1,003</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Naval Forces</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">120</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="5"> </td> +<td class="right">————</td> +<td class="right">2,772</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="7"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="7"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page094" name="page094"></a>[p. 094]</span> <i>Tasmania.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Local regular troops</td> +<td class="right">2</td> +<td class="right">20</td> +<td class="right">22</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Volunteers</td> +<td class="right">88</td> +<td class="right">1,696</td> +<td class="right">1,784</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Cadets</td> +<td class="right">8</td> +<td class="right">250</td> +<td class="right">258</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Police</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">60</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="5"> </td> +<td class="right">————</td> +<td class="right">2,124</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="7"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="7"><i>Victoria.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Local regular troops</td> +<td class="right">24</td> +<td class="right">349</td> +<td class="right">373</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Militia</td> +<td class="right">158</td> +<td class="right">2,867</td> +<td class="right">3,025</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Volunteers</td> +<td class="right">110</td> +<td class="right">1,598</td> +<td class="right">1,708</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Naval Forces</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">286</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="5"> </td> +<td class="right">————</td> +<td class="right">5,392</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="7"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="7"><i>West Australia.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Local regular troops</td> +<td class="right">15</td> +<td class="right">261</td> +<td class="right">276</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Volunteers</td> +<td class="right">46</td> +<td class="right">883</td> +<td class="right">929</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="5"> </td> +<td class="right">————</td> +<td class="right">1,205</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="7"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="7"><i>New Zealand.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Local regular troops</td> +<td class="right">11</td> +<td class="right">277</td> +<td class="right">288</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Volunteers</td> +<td class="right">330</td> +<td class="right">6,368</td> +<td class="right">6,698</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Naval Forces</td> +<td class="right">30</td> +<td class="right">682</td> +<td class="right">712</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="5"> </td> +<td class="right">————</td> +<td class="right">7,698</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="7"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="7"><i>Fiji.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Volunteers</td> +<td class="right">19</td> +<td class="right">189</td> +<td class="right">208</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Police</td> +<td class="right">16</td> +<td class="right">143</td> +<td class="right">159</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="5"> </td> +<td class="right">————</td> +<td class="right">367</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="7"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="7"><i>Cape Colony.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Local regular troops</td> +<td class="right">38</td> +<td class="right">1,028</td> +<td class="right">1,066</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Volunteers</td> +<td class="right">186</td> +<td class="right">3,486</td> +<td class="right">3,672</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Cadets</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">2,000</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Police</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">1,401</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Mounted Rifle Clubs</td> +<td class="right">64</td> +<td class="right">997</td> +<td class="right">1,061</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="5"> </td> +<td class="right">————</td> +<td class="right">9,200</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="7"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="7"><i>Natal.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Volunteers</td> +<td class="right">112</td> +<td class="right">1,489</td> +<td class="right">1,601</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Cadets</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">1,062</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Police</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">659</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Naval Forces</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="right">116</td> +<td class="right">122</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="5"> </td> +<td class="right">————</td> +<td class="right">3,444</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="7"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="7"><i>Rhodesia.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Protectorate Regt.</td> +<td rowspan="3">raised by Col. Baden-Powell</td> +<td class="right" rowspan="3">92</td> +<td class="right" rowspan="3">2,387</td> +<td class="right" rowspan="3">2,479</td> +<td class="right" rowspan="3">2,479</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Rhodesian Regt.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>British South Africa Police</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="7"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="7"><i>Zululand.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Police</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">500</td> +<td class="right">500</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="7"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="7"><i>Basutoland.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Police</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">260</td> +<td class="right">260</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="7"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="7"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page095" name="page095"></a>[p. 095]</span> <i>Bechuanaland Protectorate.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Police</td> +<td class="right">14</td> +<td class="right">190</td> +<td class="right">204</td> +<td class="right">204</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="7"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="7"><i>West Indies.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Militia</td> +<td class="right">23</td> +<td class="right">574</td> +<td class="right">597</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Volunteers</td> +<td class="right">122</td> +<td class="right">1,845</td> +<td class="right">1,967</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Police</td> +<td class="right">54</td> +<td class="right">2,924</td> +<td class="right">2,978</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="5"> </td> +<td class="right">————</td> +<td class="right">5,542</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="7"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="7"><i>Falkland Isles.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Volunteers</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">78</td> +<td class="right">81</td> +<td class="right">81</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="7"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="7"><i>Colonies in Asia.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Local regular troops (Malay State + Guides)</td> +<td class="right">9</td> +<td class="right">623</td> +<td class="right">632</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Volunteers</td> +<td class="right">93</td> +<td class="right">1,556</td> +<td class="right">1,649</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Police</td> +<td class="right">47</td> +<td class="right">2,881</td> +<td class="right">2,928</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="5"> </td> +<td class="right">————</td> +<td class="right">5,209</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="7"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="7"><i>St. Helena.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Volunteers</td> +<td class="right">4</td> +<td class="right">51</td> +<td class="right">55</td> +<td class="right">55</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="7"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="7"><i>West Africa.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Local regular troops</td> +<td class="right">219</td> +<td class="right">4,196</td> +<td class="right">4,415</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Volunteers</td> +<td class="right">11</td> +<td class="right">187</td> +<td class="right">198</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Police</td> +<td class="right">40</td> +<td class="right">2,202</td> +<td class="right">2,242</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2">Naval Forces</td> +<td class="right">15</td> +<td class="right">87</td> +<td class="right">102</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="5"> </td> +<td class="right">————</td> +<td class="right">6,957</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="7"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="3"> </td> +<td class="smcap" colspan="3">Grand Total</td> +<td class="right">1,053,865</td> +</tr> +</table> + + +<h4>EAST AND CENTRAL AFRICA.</h4> + +<p>The local troops serving in Uganda, British East Africa, British +Central Africa, and Somaliland, are not given. The aggregate area of +these Protectorates is nearly four times that of Great Britain. The +majority of their inhabitants were, and still are, but semi-civilised +or wholly savage, and internal order has often to be maintained by +serious fighting. In 1899 the force included three and a half +battalions, but as it was then in process of reorganisation into one +corps, the "King's African Rifles," its precise strength at that time +cannot now be ascertained.</p> + +<a id="chap6" name="chap6"></a> +<h3><span class="pagenum"><a id="page096" name="page096"></a>[p. 096]</span> CHAPTER VI.</h3> + +<p class="title">THE NAVY IN THE BOER WAR.<a id="footnotetag82" name="footnotetag82"></a><a href="#footnote82" title="Go to footnote 82"><span class="small">[82]</span></a></p> + + +<h4>SECTION I. THE GENERAL WORK OF THE NAVY.</h4> + +<p>The duty of the Navy in this, as in all war was:—</p> + +<ul class="none"> +<li>(1) To acquire and keep the command of the sea.</li> +<li>(2) To undertake, by full use of our great mercantile marine, all sea transport.</li> +<li>(3) To carry out the instructions of Government for stopping the enemy's supplies by sea.</li> +<li>(4) To render any local or temporary assistance to the Army that circumstances might require.</li> +</ul> + +<span class="sidenote"> Command of Sea.</span> + +<p>During the Boer War the command of the sea was never disputed, so that +it gave rise to no anxiety after the first few months. The second +duty, that of transport, <span class="sidenote"> Transport.</span> +at once assumed extreme importance owing to +the 6,000 miles distance of the base of operations (Cape Town) from +England, the large number of men and animals, and the great quantity +of stores to be dealt with. <span class="sidenote"> Stopping supplies.</span> +The third duty, involving the much +disputed matter of contraband, etc., was, and is always likely to be, +a difficult one, owing to the rather nebulous state of International +Law on questions which were likely to, and did arise, and to the many +interests, belligerent and neutral, which might be involved. It was +further complicated by the fact that the enemy possessed no seaport +and no carrying trade of his own, so that all goods for him from over +sea had to be landed either at a neutral port or in a British colonial +port. The fourth duty, that of local <span class="pagenum"><a id="page097" name="page097"></a>[p. 097]</span> assistance, was a +simpler matter. Owing to causes recorded elsewhere, the armed forces +of Great Britain in South Africa were not anything like adequate for +the task before them when the war broke out on October 9th, 1899. The +grave differences that existed between England and the Dutch +Republics, and the absolutely vital British interests involved, had, +as the year 1899 wore on, been realised not only by the Government, +but by all the world. It was inevitable that the delay in +strengthening the garrison, due to extreme unwillingness to present +even the appearance of forcing on the quarrel, should throw an +exceptional responsibility on the Navy. It became necessary to develop +to the utmost limit the strength that could be spared for work on +shore in order to gain time for the arrival of reinforcements. Happily +our public services, both civil and military, have grown up in the +traditions that each branch and department, while it has special +grooves in which its own particular duty runs, is at all times on the +look-out to help any other department. The Navy and Army are no +strangers to this practice of mutual aid. Their special duties have in +times past so often led to each helping the other in some way, that +perhaps there exists between them in a rather special degree that +feeling of comradeship which is engendered by sharing the same duties +and the same perils and hardships; just as boys who have gone through +the same mill at school, and got into and out of the same scrapes +together, are undoubtedly imbued with an <i>esprit de corps</i> which is +often a valuable possession in after-life.</p> + + +<h4>SECTION II. SEA TRANSPORT.</h4> + +<p>The Army Sea Transport work was carried out by the Admiralty through +its Transport department, with the following exceptions. Arrangements +for the Indian contingent, the Remounts, and all else sent from India, +were made by the Director of Indian Marine, for the outward voyage; by +the Admiralty for the return voyage. For the Colonial contingents, +passage was provided partly in freight ships locally engaged by the +Colonial Governments and partly in Admiralty transports sent from the +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page098" name="page098"></a>[p. 098]</span> Cape. The return voyage in all cases was regulated by the +Admiralty. Remounts (horses) from ports abroad were conveyed in +freight ships hired by the Remount department up to February, 1901; +after that date they were conveyed by the Admiralty. Stores from ports +abroad were delivered in South Africa by the contractors, from whom +the War Office obtained them at "C.I.F." rates; that is to say, that +the price which was paid for the stores included delivery. All other +sea transport for men, animals, and stores was organised by the +Admiralty. The services of the Admiralty shipping agents (Messrs. Hogg +and Robinson) were utilised as regards stores, but these agents worked +under the supervision of the Admiralty Transport department.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> "Freight" and "transport" ships.</span> + +<p>As the terms used above, "freight ships" and "transports," will +frequently recur in this chapter, it is necessary to give an +explanation of their meaning and of the distinction between them. +Troops are carried either in a transport or a freight ship. A +transport is a vessel wholly taken up by the Government on a time +charter. A freight ship is one in which the whole or a portion of the +accommodation is engaged at a rate per head, or for a lump sum for a +definite voyage. For a single voyage, freight, when obtainable, is +generally cheaper. But owners will not always divert their ships under +other than a time charter, and it is necessary that the bulk of the +engagements for the conveyance of troops should be on time charter in +order to secure control over the ships. Transports, when continuously +employed and utilised both ways, are cheaper than freight ships. Under +the transport charter the vessel, though engaged for a named period +certain, is at the disposal of the Admiralty so long as the Government +choose to retain her, except when it is expressly stipulated +otherwise.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Govt. sea transport.</span> + +<p>The method by which the Government carries out the sea transport of +the Army is as follows:</p> + +<p>The Board of Admiralty, as agents for, and on the requisition of, the +Secretary of State for War, undertakes all this work, except coastwise +conveyance in the United Kingdom.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Office method.</span> + +<p>Since 1st April, 1888, Army Sea Transport has been always <span class="pagenum"><a id="page099" name="page099"></a>[p. 099]</span> +charged to Army instead of to Navy Votes; but the control of the +Admiralty over the Transport service remains unimpaired. The Admiralty +has always held that the work can be efficiently and satisfactorily +carried out only by an Admiralty department, in connection with +similar work for the Navy. For convenience sake the Director of +Transports is placed in direct communication with the War Office as to +all ordinary matters. An officer of the Quartermaster-General's +department visits the Transport department frequently in peace time, +and in war time he is placed at the Admiralty to assist the Director +of Transports in military questions. All claims chargeable to Army +Votes, after examination in the Transport department, receive, before +they are passed to the War Office for payment, the concurrence of Army +examiners, who visit the Admiralty daily. The Director of Transports +is responsible for the whole work; administration, claims and +accounts, custody of Army Transport stores, such as troop-bedding, +horse-gear, etc., etc. The system by which one department does the +work, while another provides for the cost, seems somewhat anomalous. +But the experience of the Boer War, in which it was put to a test of +some magnitude, has conclusively proved that it works well. That +experience has, moreover, fully shown the necessity of the Sea +Transport service remaining as it always has been, under the control +of the Admiralty.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Transport department at work.</span> + +<p>Ever since 1876 the Transport department has been organised in such a +manner as to be ready to ship a considerable force overseas at short +notice. The office establishment, both clerical and professional, was +intended to be a sufficient nucleus to admit of rapid expansion in +time of war. Full particulars of all ships suitable for the conveyance +of men and animals were kept recorded in special books. A stock of +troop-bedding, horse fittings, etc., etc., was kept in the Government +depōts, and standing contracts for putting these fittings in place, +etc., were in existence. Arrangements had been made with the Director +of Victualling and the War Office respectively for the food supply of +the troops to be embarked, and for the forage of the horses. Stocks of +printed forms ready for issue to the transports <span class="pagenum"><a id="page100" name="page100"></a>[p. 100]</span> were also +kept in hand. All calculations were based on the understanding that +the Admiralty would not be called upon to convey much more than an +army corps without due warning. Bedding and horse fittings (of the old +kind) for 55,000 men and 10,000 horses were immediately available. +Moreover, a committee had recently met to provide for an increase of +the stocks in hand in consequence of information from the War Office +that two army corps could be ready to go abroad if required.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Time needed.</span> + +<p>In August, 1899, the Director of Transports was asked how long it +would take to despatch 49,000 men and 8,000 horses. His reply was that +in the then state of the labour market, four to five weeks would be +required. Tentative enquiries of this kind, and the evidently critical +state of affairs in South Africa, had led the Transport department, as +early as July, to make for eventualities every preparation that was +possible within the department—such as conferring with contractors, +marine shipping superintendents, etc., and having all troop-bedding +and hammocks washed and overhauled, so that on receipt of any definite +instructions work might be commenced within an hour.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> 23rd Sept./99 First grant.</span> + +<p>On the 23rd September, 1899, the Secretary of State for War authorised +the expenditure of £25,000. This included money for a new pattern of +horse fittings which had been approved. On the same date came a +requisition for the conveyance of 7,000 mules from various foreign +ports. On 20th September the Quartermaster-General had sent to the +department a list giving details of the force proposed to be embarked +if it should become necessary. This list showed ports of embarkation, +and on receipt of it the Admiralty, without waiting for formal +requisition, and on their own responsibility, decided to engage two +large vessels of the Union-Castle Steamship Company, and to hold them +in readiness, and this was done.<a id="footnotetag83" name="footnotetag83"></a><a href="#footnote83" title="Go to footnote 83"><span class="small">[83]</span></a> Also on their own initiative the +Admiralty issued that same evening confidential circulars to +thirty-five leading ship owners, asking what ships now ready, or to be +ready shortly, they were prepared to place at Government disposal for +use as troop-transports, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page101" name="page101"></a>[p. 101]</span> etc., for two months certain, +asking for a reply the following day.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Ships engaged Sept. 30/99.</span> + +<p>On 30th September there was a conference at the War Office, at which +the Admiralty was represented, and verbal authority was then given to +the Director of Transports to engage vessels for the conveyance of the +force. It was there stated by the Commander-in-Chief (Lord Wolseley) +that the troops would not be ready to begin embarking before the 21st +October. That same night, 30th September, twenty vessels were engaged +from those of which particulars were given in the replies already +received; and from that time the work of engaging and preparing the +vessels proceeded continuously. Immediately, additions were made to +the professional and clerical staff, and more office accommodation was +provided at the Admiralty. On the 9th October, 1899, an official +requisition was received for the conveyance of 46,000 men and 8,600 +horses, and a notice that 24,000 of the men and 4,000 horses would be +ready to embark between the 21st October and the 25th October. By the +middle of November this whole force was embarked.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Time for fitting up.</span> + +<p>A certain amount of time (ten to twelve days) and money (£2,000 to +£5,000, according to the kind of ship) is required to fit a vessel for +carrying either troops or animals after she is empty of cargo. The +vessel having been selected (sometimes even while she is still at +sea), has to be surveyed in order to decide details of the work +necessary, and also in order to obtain the Board of Trade's passenger +certificate if she is to carry men. Troops and horses cannot be +carried in ready-fitted accommodation. The space ordinarily devoted to +cargo or cattle is appropriated, and the requisite accommodation built +up. In the best cavalry ships, which are generally cattle ships +adapted, saloon and cabin accommodation has to be increased. This is +done at the owner's expense as part of the bargain. Height between +decks is an important factor. Even more height is required for horses +than for men. Ships otherwise good often have to be rejected for +failure in this respect. Mounted troops always travel men and horses +together. The men are for sanitary reasons placed on a deck below the +horses. In such cases the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page102" name="page102"></a>[p. 102]</span> horses are not, as a rule, carried +on exposed decks. This is both for the sake of the horses and because +the deck space is required for exercising the men. For remount and +mule freight-ships the exposed decks are utilised, unless the nature +of the voyage renders it undesirable.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Provision for horses.</span> + +<p>Horses must be carried either on wooden or wood-sheathed decks, or on +cemented decks, or on platforms over metal decks with the gangways +cemented. For men, in all cases, the decks must be wood or +wood-sheathed. As modern vessels, other than passenger ships, usually +have steel decks, this becomes a considerable item in the time and +cost of fitting. It is also frequently necessary to cut such extra +side-lights as are essential for carrying men or horses. Extra +lighting, ventilation and distilling apparatus, mess tables, stools, +and provision for men's hammocks must all be obtained. Latrines have +to be built, as well as a prison, a hospital, and the numerous +store-rooms and issue-rooms that are required. Horse stalls have to be +fitted, and sometimes even an extra deck has to be laid. A +considerable number of horse stalls are kept at the Government depōts, +and the contractors who work for the Government are bound to be ready +to fit up a certain number of transports at short notice. For this war +the stock of horse fittings in hand was only utilised to a small +extent, as it had been decided, a short time before the war broke out, +to adopt a longer stall (eight feet) without horse hammocks, instead +of the existing six feet six inches stall with hammock. There is no +doubt that the new fitting was a great improvement.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> "Transports." Mode of fitting up.</span> + +<p>Transports are always fitted at the expense of Government. The work is +done either by (a) contractors who hold a standing contract, (b) +special supplementary contractors, or (c) the owners on behalf of the +Government. <span class="sidenote"> "Freight" ships. Different method.</span> +Freight ships, on the contrary, are fitted by the +shipowners, the cost being covered by the rate per head, whether they +take troops or animals. Horses in freight ships were provided with the +long stall under a modified specification. The fittings on these ships +were often required for one voyage only, whereas in the transports +they <span class="pagenum"><a id="page103" name="page103"></a>[p. 103]</span> were used again and again. Mules were in all cases +placed in pens. These held, as a rule, five mules, and no detailed +specifications were necessary. Trade fittings were accepted if +satisfactory to the shipping officer. In all ships carrying animals, +whether transports or freight ships, spare stalls to the extent of +five per cent, were allowed to provide for sick animals and for +shifting the animals for cleaning purposes.</p> + +<p class="p2"><i>Hospital Ships.</i>—Eight transports in all were fitted up as hospital +ships. Two, the <i>Spartan</i> and <i>Trojan</i>, each of about 3,500 tons +gross, were prepared in England for local service at the Cape. The +other six, ranging from 4,000 to 6,000 tons gross, were infantry +transports converted at Durban, as they were required, for bringing +sick and wounded from the Cape to England. All were equipped in +concert with the Army Medical Officers, in accordance with plans which +had been found suitable on previous expeditions. All ordinary fittings +were cleared out, and the ship was arranged in "wards," with special +cots; operating rooms, laundries, ice room, special cooking +appliances, radiators for warming, punkahs and electric fans, cot +lifts, and everything else that medical science suggested, were added.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Special gifts to nation.</span> + +<p>These ships were not officially declared under the Geneva Convention +and did not fly the Red Cross flag, as they were occasionally employed +during the return voyage for the conveyance of combatants. Besides +these eight vessels there were available the <i>Maine</i>, lent by the +Atlantic Transport Company, and most generously and at great cost +fitted out and maintained by the American Ladies' Committee, who +spared no time, trouble, or expense in making her most efficient and +comfortable. Their kindly action will not soon be forgotten by the +officers and men who benefited by her, by their immediate friends, or +by the British nation. There was also the <i>Princess of Wales</i>, +similarly sent out by the Central Red Cross Society, to whom much +gratitude was naturally felt. H.M. Queen Alexandra, then H.R.H. the +Princess of Wales, took special interest in the equipment of this +vessel.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Not a ship available at once.</span> + +<p>It will be seen, therefore, that no ships exist which can be <span class="pagenum"><a id="page104" name="page104"></a>[p. 104]</span> +utilised for sea transport without extensive adaptation and +alteration. It is perhaps hardly realised generally how much work has +to be done both by Government and the shipowner before a transport can +be ready for sea. In addition to all that has been described the ship +must be docked and her bottom coated with anti-fouling composition, +and she must be ballasted as needed. Boats, awnings and crews, +efficient services of fresh and salt water, and provision against +fire, have to be secured, and before any of the work can be started +the ship herself must be definitely engaged.</p> + +<p class="p2"><i>Animals.</i>—The units to be employed in the war were not carried by +sea complete with their transport animals. The cavalry and artillery +were accompanied by their horses, but nearly all the transport animals +were taken direct to South Africa from ports abroad. Remounts and +mules from abroad were conveyed by freight ships at rates per animal, +which included forage, attendance, horse-gear and fittings, and all +expenses.</p> + +<p class="p2"><i>Stores.</i>—It was decided from the first not to utilise the spare +space in the transports for conveying stores, because on arrival it +might well be that the stores were urgently required at the first +port, while the troops were wanted elsewhere with equal urgency. This +would have led to delay and confusion. Moreover, if the cargo could +not be at once received, the transport would be hampered in her +movements and inconvenience and expense would follow. Stores from +England were therefore carried in freight ships, either in full cargo +ships engaged at a lump sum, with special terms for varying ports and +demurrage, or in the regular liners at rates per ton.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Infantry and mounted troops.</span> + +<p>For infantry, passenger ships or large fast cargo boats are selected. +The latter are preferred as the former require more extensive +alterations. Mounted troops are usually carried in ships specially +designed for the conveyance of live stock; remounts and mules in +similar vessels, or in specially roomy cargo ships. The vessels +employed for infantry and mounted troops <span class="pagenum"><a id="page105" name="page105"></a>[p. 105]</span> were, in fact, +running ships belonging to good lines, and they had to possess, or +take out, a Board of Trade passenger certificate. The owners naturally +do not keep such ships waiting on the off-chance of Government +employment. They are in full work and have to sacrifice their own +lucrative business to accept an Admiralty contract.</p> + +<p class="p2"><i>Coaling Arrangements.</i>—Whenever possible, space was appropriated in +the holds of the transports for additional coal bunkers, so that the +quantity of coal taken from England might be as great as possible. The +contractors at St. Vincent, Las Palmas and Teneriffe were also given +special instructions, and a constant stream of colliers was kept going +to the Cape. The transports were made to call at the three first-named +places in such rotation as should ensure there being no block at any +of them. A man-of-war was stationed at St. Vincent, one at Las Palmas, +and one at Teneriffe to supervise the arrangements and to make such +preparation and give such help as should preclude delay in dealing +with each of the ships as they arrived. This system proved to be a +good one. There was plenty of coal and no delay, but it was found that +the high-speed vessels, owing to their enormous coal consumption, were +not so suitable as others of more moderate speed. Eminently suited as +they were for the short run across the Atlantic, it was really hardly +worth while using them for the long voyage to the Cape.</p> + +<p class="p2"><i>Victualling.</i>—The first batch of troops sent out was victualled from +the Navy Yards, and this practice was partially continued till early +in 1900. But, owing to considerations of the reserve of stores, and to +the fact that the Navy salt meat ration was new to the troops and not +liked by them, this was then changed. The owners contracted to victual +the men at a rate per head per day, and this, though more expensive, +worked well. Moreover, it gave greater satisfaction to the men, as it +was more like what they were accustomed to on shore; and it was an +important point to land them in the best possible condition. +Volunteers and yeomanry when carried separate from <span class="pagenum"><a id="page106" name="page106"></a>[p. 106]</span> the +regulars were fed on a slightly better scale than the latter. If +carried in the same ship all were fed alike on the better scale.</p> + +<p class="p2"><i>Forage</i> in transports was in all cases supplied from the Government +stores. In freight ships it was supplied by the owners, and was +included in the rate per animal.</p> + +<p class="p2"><i>Troop-bedding and horse-gear</i> are supplied by Government in all +transports. Though a large stock is always kept on hand, special +purchases of both had also to be made from time to time as the war +went on to meet unexpectedly great demands.</p> + +<p class="p2"><i>Staff of the Transport Department.</i>—To meet the requirements of this +sudden expansion of work, Naval staffs were sent out to Cape Town, +Durban, Port Elizabeth and East London, under Captain Sir Edward +Chichester, R.N., and at home—to assist the normal peace +establishment (which consisted of the Director of Transports, +Rear-Admiral Bouverie F. Clark, Captain F. J. Pitt, R.N., the Naval +Assistant, and Mr. Stephen J. Graff, the Civil Assistant, with their +respective staffs)—the clerical establishment was enlarged and two +captains, four lieutenants, engineers, and paymasters, and the +requisite staff were appointed—some to each of the three districts, +the Thames, Liverpool, and Southampton. These three places are, by +reason of local considerations such as dock and repair accommodation, +railway service and tidal conditions, the most suitable for such work, +and with few exceptions the embarking was done in those districts.</p> + +<p class="p2"><i>General Remarks and Statistics.</i>—Tables are given on pages 108-9, +showing the number of vessels employed and of the troops, etc., +carried. The total number of voyages out and home with troops, animals +or stores was about 1,500, representing over 9,000,000 miles steaming, +exclusive of coast movements at the Cape, and in addition to about +1,000,000 miles of cross voyages by the transports to India, +Australia, Bermuda, etc. The ships selected for the conveyance of +troops were chosen as the best adapted for the special work they had +to perform, viz.: to deliver <span class="pagenum"><a id="page107" name="page107"></a>[p. 107]</span> them at their destination with +the least risk and in healthy condition, fit to take the field at +once. That the choice was not unsuccessful is evidenced by the fact +that throughout these vast operations not a single life was lost at +sea from causes due to the ship, and the only serious casualties were +the loss of one cavalry transport, the <i>Ismore</i>, with guns and 315 +horses; one mule freight ship, the <i>Carinthea</i>, with 400 mules; and +two store freight ships, the <i>Denton Grange</i> and the <i>Madura</i>, the +latter by fire. Looking to the mileage run, this is a wonderful +record, and one which reflects the highest credit on the mercantile +marine in general, and on the management of the shipping lines +concerned in particular.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The voyage to and fro.</span> + +<p>There was no delay in getting the troops off. From 20th October, 1899, +when the first units of the army corps were ready to embark, to the +30th November, 1899, no less than 58,000 men and 9,000 horses left +England, and a steady stream continued month after month, the largest +shipment in one month being February, 1900, when 33,500 men and 5,500 +horses left this country. The removal from South Africa was even more +speedy. From 1st June, 1902, to 31st July, 53,800 men embarked. By the +end of August the number was 94,000 men, and by the end of September, +133,000 men had left South Africa. The homeward move was simplified by +there being no horses, and by the Government being able to utilise to +their full extent the resources of the Union-Castle Company, whose +large fleet of vessels, specially suitable for carrying troops, had an +important share in the work.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Patriotism of shipowners.</span> + +<p>The shipowners, as a body, showed every desire throughout the war to +meet the wishes of the Admiralty, often (in the early days) placing +their ships at the disposal of the Government at great inconvenience +to their own trade, and making great personal exertions to expedite +the despatch of the troops and to ensure their comfort. In no case was +any vessel engaged, either for troops, animals, or stores, which was +not a registered British ship, and as far as possible the crews were +British subjects; practically the crews of all troop transports were +then exclusively so.</p> + +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page108" name="page108"></a>[p. 108]</span> <span class="sidenote"> Numbers conveyed.</span> + +<p>The following figures will convey an idea of the extent of the Sea +Transport work in connection with the war, from its commencement up to +the 31st December, 1902.</p> + +<p>The numbers conveyed were:</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="1" summary="Numbers conveyed."> +<colgroup> + <col width="10%"> + <col width="45%"> + <col width="15%"> + <col width="15%"> + <col width="15%"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>To South Africa.</td> +<td class="right">Personnel.</td> +<td class="right">Horses.</td> +<td class="right">Mules.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="5"> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="5"><i>From Home and Mediterranean:</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Troops, &c.</td> +<td class="right">338,547</td> +<td class="right">84,213</td> +<td class="right">249</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>South African Constabulary</td> +<td class="right">8,482</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>British South Africa Police</td> +<td class="right">353</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Imperial Military Railways</td> +<td class="right">320</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Colonial Office Details</td> +<td class="right">59</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Various</td> +<td class="right">89</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="5"> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="5"><i>From India:</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Troops, &c.</td> +<td class="right">19,438</td> +<td class="right">8,611</td> +<td class="right">1,117</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Natives</td> +<td class="right">10,528</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="5"> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="5"><i>From Ceylon, Mauritius, &c.:</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Troops, &c.</td> +<td class="right">690</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Natives</td> +<td class="right">26</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Various</td> +<td class="right">8</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="5"> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="5"><i>From Colonies:</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Contingents</td> +<td class="right">29,793</td> +<td class="right">27,465</td> +<td class="right">19</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>South African Constabulary</td> +<td class="right">1,249</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Remounts</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">36,660</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="5"> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="5"><i>From other countries:</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Remounts, &c.</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">195,915</td> +<td class="right">102,627</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Prisoners of War and Escorts</td> +<td class="right">22,790</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="5"> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td class="center">Totals</td> +<td class="right">432,372</td> +<td class="right">352,864</td> +<td class="right">104,012</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="5"> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="5"><i>From South Africa:</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>To United Kingdom, Colonies, + India, &c., including + Boer prisoners</td> +<td class="right">372,320</td> +<td class="right">2,460</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="5"> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td class="center">Grand Total</td> +<td class="right">804,692 persons.</td> +<td class="right" colspan="2">459,336 animals.</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>The tonnage of stores carried to South Africa was as follows, +exclusive of wagons, guns, baggage, and equipment accompanying the +troops, and of the vast quantities of supplies delivered by +contractors from abroad at rates inclusive of freight:</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" style="width: 50%;" summary="Tonnage."> +<colgroup> + <col width="50%"> + <col width="30%"> + <col width="20%"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td>In the Transports</td> +<td class="right">4,990</td> +<td>tons.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Otherwise</td> +<td class="right">1,369,080</td> +<td>tons.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">—————</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="center">Total</td> +<td class="right">1,374,070</td> +<td>tons.</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page109" name="page109"></a>[p. 109]</span> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> Numbers of ships.</span> +The number of specially engaged ships employed on the work was as +follows:</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" style="width: 60%;" summary="Numbers of ships."> +<colgroup> + <col width="60%"> + <col width="20%"> + <col width="20%"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">No.</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Transports engaged by the Admiralty</td> +<td class="right">117</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Transports engaged in India</td> +<td class="right">41</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">——</td> +<td>158</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>Troop freight ships:</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="1" summary="Troop freight ships."> +<colgroup> + <col width="20%"> + <col width="50%"> + <col width="15%"> + <col width="15%"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td rowspan="2">Outwards.</td> +<td>Engaged by Admiralty</td> +<td class="right">115</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Engaged by Colonial Governments</td> +<td class="right">13</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="4"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td rowspan="2">Homewards.</td> +<td>Engaged by Admiralty</td> +<td class="right">104</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Engaged by P.T.O., South Africa</td> +<td class="right">21</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="4"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="2"> </td> +<td class="right">——</td> +<td>253</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>Remount freight ships:</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="1" summary="Remount freight ships."> +<colgroup> + <col width="70%"> + <col width="15%"> + <col width="15%"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td>Engaged by Remount Department</td> +<td class="right">107</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Engaged by Admiralty</td> +<td class="right">201</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">——</td> +<td>308</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Mule Freight Ships engaged by Admiralty</td> +<td> </td> +<td>98</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Full Cargo Freight Ships engaged by Admiralty</td> +<td> </td> +<td>210</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="2"> </td> +<td>———</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="2"> </td> +<td>1,027</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>Nearly all the transports made several voyages, and some of them were +in continuous employment for over three years, and went to the Cape +and back as many as ten times besides coastal and colonial voyages.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Tonnage, transports and owners.</span> + +<p>The 210 full cargo ships carried 974,000 tons of the stores, besides +3,745 oxen. The remainder was conveyed in running ships at current +rates. The transports engaged by the Admiralty were the property of +thirty-six owners, mostly Liverpool or London firms; their average +size was 6,400 tons gross, ranging from 12,600 to 3,500 tons, the +range of speed from nineteen to eleven knots. The proportion of +tonnage per man and per horse turns out, over the whole, four tons per +man, twelve and a half tons per horse. This estimate is made by +calculating the tonnage per man on the infantry ships alone, and +allowing for the men at that rate by casting out the tonnage per horse +over the transports which conveyed both men and horses. <span class="sidenote"> Report of Royal Commission.</span> +The <span class="pagenum"><a id="page110" name="page110"></a>[p. 110]</span> +following is an extract from the report of His Majesty's Commissioners +appointed to enquire into matters in connection with the war in South +Africa, dated 9th July, 1903, pp. 125, 126.</p> + + +<h4>"TRANSPORT BY SEA.</h4> + +<p>"The transport by sea to South Africa from the United Kingdom and the +Colonies of a force much larger than any which had ever crossed the +seas before in the service of this or any other country affords a +remarkable illustration not only of the greatness of British maritime +resources, but also of what can be done when careful forethought and +preparation is applied to the object of utilising rapidly in war +instruments which are in peace solely engaged in the purposes of civil +life. If the same forethought had been applied throughout, there would +have been little criticism to make with regard to the South African +War. A full account of the Sea Transport organisation will be found in +the evidence of Mr. Stephen Graff, Assistant Director of Transports at +the Admiralty, and of Captain F. J. Pitt, R.N., Naval Assistant +Director of Transports.</p> + +<hr> + +<p>"It had been represented by the Admiralty in a letter of the 4th +April, 1898 (in continuation of earlier representations), that the +stock of horse fittings and water tanks was inadequate even for one +Army Corps, inasmuch as one Army Corps, with a Cavalry Brigade and +Line of Communication troops, requires over 15,000 horses, and it was +represented that an expenditure of £25,000 to provide complete +fittings would be necessary. In April, 1899, there was a conference +between the Admiralty and War Office officials, who came to the +conclusion that 'the present stock of fittings, horse-gear, etc., is +dangerously insufficient and inadequate to ensure the rapid despatch +of even one Army Corps, one Cavalry Brigade and Line of Communication +troops.' At this time it had been intimated by the War Office that +transport for two Army Corps might be needed. On the 19th July, 1899, +the Committee recommended the purchase of 6,000 new pattern stalls, +and on the 23rd September the Secretary of State for War authorised +the expenditure of £25,000. The engagement <span class="pagenum"><a id="page111" name="page111"></a>[p. 111]</span> and preparation +of ships began on the 30th September. It does not appear that the +absence of a sufficient stock of horse fittings caused any appreciable +delay. To a large extent the difficulty was met by fitting up with +lighter fittings the Liverpool cattle ships, which are in many ways so +constructed as to be admirable conveyances for horses. The plan of +using these ships, and the kind of fittings to be used on them, had +been worked out some time before the war by Captain Pitt, R.N.</p> + +<hr> + +<p>"The adjustment of ships to transport purposes involves much labour, +but the ships appear to have been ready as soon, or almost as soon, as +the troops were ready to start. The arrangements between the War +Office and the Admiralty for the embarkation of troops worked with +great success. Sir Charles M. Clarke, then Quartermaster-General, +stated that the demands of the War Office were 'most admirably met.' +The accommodation on the ships appears to have been well calculated. +The timing of the departures and arrivals, so as to regulate the +pressure on intermediate coaling stations and terminal ports, also +seems to have been satisfactory. The delays in disembarkation of men +and stores were slight, and, when they occurred, were due to +insufficient berthing accommodation at Cape Town. The accidents on +voyage were few, and only one ship, the <i>Ismore</i>, was entirely lost, +together with a battery of artillery."</p> + + +<h4>NOTE BY THE OFFICIAL HISTORIAN.</h4> + +<span class="sidenote"> Effect on Army.</span> + +<p>The record above given of the splendid triumph of the Admiralty +administration of Sea Transport during the war has been compiled by +Capt. A. H. Limpus, R.N., with the cordial assistance of the Transport +department of the Admiralty. The conclusion that the work of carrying +the Army by sea could not have been in more competent hands is one +which admits of no doubt in the mind of any reader who studies it. +There are, nevertheless, <span class="sidenote"> Questions of above record.</span> +certain deductions to be made in regard to +the passengers carried—the greatest army ever delivered by any +country over 6,000 miles of sea-way—which closely concern <span class="pagenum"><a id="page112" name="page112"></a>[p. 112]</span> +the efficiency of the instrument with which the blow of Britain has to +be struck, at points so distant from her shores. It is essential that +the management of railways shall be in the hands of the officials of +the particular company which conveys an excursion; but in order that +the undertaking may be a great success many things are needed besides +the perfect management of the trains. No one who has seen the amount +of labour and the kind of organisation required by those who yearly +send to the country the holiday-children, for instance, will fail to +know that the passengers also need to be prepared beforehand for their +part in the day. Moreover, some knowledge on the part of the most +admirable railway officials of the special needs of those they carry +is required; and, further, if any sudden change is made in the +carriages themselves, in the sequence of trains, or in other matters +strictly belonging to the functions of the company, this, if not +communicated to the managers of the excursion, may introduce dire +confusion.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> A new experience needs special training.</span> + +<p>An army has over the holiday travellers the advantage of its +long-established unity, its discipline, and its training, but +embarkation and disembarkation are entirely outside its ordinary +experience. It needs, therefore, being much accustomed to work by +habit, to be prepared both for getting on board ship, and, still more, +for getting off it, in the manner that will best enable it to fulfil +its duties, and, as time is very precious, to do this with the least +possible delay, both in order to play completely into the hands of the +officers in charge of the ships and in order to be itself at its best +when it lands. This is the more easily accomplished because a ship in +dock is virtually a part of the mainland. Everything that has to be +done by troops in embarking can be imitated perfectly on shore, if the +ordinary fittings of a ship are placed in a hut or other building +outside which such a gangway is erected as that over which men and +horses have to be passed in entering a ship. Now, by the willing +assistance of the Admiralty in furnishing the exact fittings used in +transports, this practice had been carried out by all arms—cavalry, +horse and field artillery, army service corps and infantry—at least +in some instances. Practical adaptations <span class="pagenum"><a id="page113" name="page113"></a>[p. 113]</span> in the training of +each corps had been made by the experiments conducted on shore by +each. Printed regulations embodying these had been framed.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Necessity for mutual understanding shown by incident.</span> + +<p>Unfortunately, the sudden improvement in the ship fittings mentioned +above, coming as it did at the very moment of war, completely, for the +Army, upset the conditions on which the drill had been framed. It had +been devised to make the passage of horses on board as rapid as it +could be when the horses had to be placed in slings. Men, specially +trained in slinging, were in each corps detailed to do the work. To +find, when the embarkation began, that there were no slings, naturally +involved at the last moment a change in method. Moreover, horses +always obey more kindly, especially in strange circumstances, the men +to whom they are accustomed, those by whom they are groomed and fed. +It was, nevertheless, not surprising that the shipping authorities, +unaware that the soldiers were dealing with conditions already +familiar to them, should have detailed men of the ship to place the +horses in their stalls. The horses did not like the unfamiliar hands; +the soldiers were puzzled by their horses being taken from them. In +some cases much delay and confusion occurred, and, indeed, it needed +all the tact and good-fellowship of the navy and army officers to +adjust things satisfactorily. Relatively to other matters the incident +was a small one, but it illustrates the importance of a thorough +understanding between the two services such as can only be gained by +continued practice during peace-time for war.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Importance of the right stores being on top.</span> + +<p>In the matter of stores a difficulty, which had been very strongly +commented upon in the case of the Egyptian expedition of 1882, again +presented itself. In 1882, in the disembarkation at Ismailia in the +Suez Canal, where the facilities were much less than they were in the +several harbours of South Africa, it became a very serious point that +the stores required by the Army at once on landing were at the bottom +of the holds. The ample landing capacities of Cape Town, of Durban, +and almost, relatively to Ismailia, of East London and Port Elizabeth, +made this in the present war less serious; but even in this case it +drew a strongly-worded telegram of remonstrance. It would <span class="pagenum"><a id="page114" name="page114"></a>[p. 114]</span> be +impossible to reckon upon our having always at our disposal +conveniences so great as these for disembarking an army. It becomes, +therefore, for future expeditions, important to note that the trouble +which became so grave in 1882 was not removed at the ports of +embarkation when this war began. To say the least, it was not the +universally established practice to give to the naval officer in +charge or to any one else a list showing the order in which the +material embarked would be required on landing; and to ask that those +things which would be first needed should be put in last, so that they +might be on the top.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Co-operation in forcing a landing.</span> + +<p>The army in South Africa had not to land against an opposing enemy. It +is obviously important that in conjoint practice of the two services +the possibility of an opposed landing should be taken into account. It +was unfortunate, therefore, that as a consequence of the limited time +at disposal, the other duties of the fleet, and the cost of demurrage, +it became necessary for the Admiralty, when it was wisely decided to +have combined manœuvres of navy and army in the autumn of 1904, in +order to practise embarkation and disembarkation, to direct that the +landing should be carried out under peace conditions. As a consequence +of this the first party landed on a shore, supposed to be hostile, was +one of unarmed sailors; and orders, at least in one instance, filled +the foremost boats with the clerks and clerkly paraphernalia of a +divisional Headquarters. That may have been the routine rightly +followed in many cases at Cape Town, but the true application of the +lessons of history does not consist in blind imitation of precedent +from the past in those respects in which the conditions have changed. +Joint action in manœuvre will be valueless unless it is used to +familiarise each service with the work of the other as it will be in +the actual fighting of the time. During the great war at the end of +the eighteenth and beginning of the nineteenth century failure +followed failure because the services had not practised together. At +last they did so and the result was a brilliant success. The Japanese +have undoubtedly owed many of their triumphs to their having profited +by <i>our</i> historical records. Their disembarkations have been models of +combined action.</p> + +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page115" name="page115"></a>[p. 115]</span> <span class="sidenote"> Causes of delay, real and imaginary.</span> + +<p>On one other point the Naval triumph is of great importance to the +Army. The passage quoted above (<a href="#page111">page 111</a>) from the report of the +Commission on the War marks well the facts. "The ships appear to have +been ready as soon, or almost as soon, as the troops were ready to +start." It follows that the shipping was just ready and no more for +the Army, after mobilisation, when the reserves had been called in and +incorporated. Moreover, it is to be noticed (<a href="#page100">page 100</a>) that this +result was only secured by a splendid audacity in expenditure by the +Naval authorities, supplementing an admirable organisation. Now, as in +every war we carry out abroad, <span class="sidenote"> Limit of striking force.</span> +the earliest time at which any armed +force can move towards its object is the hour when the ships are ready +to convey it, it follows that no delay whatever was caused by the +necessity for summoning to the colours trained men retained for +service by a small fee. On the other hand very great delay was caused +by the impossibility of preparing for the particular campaign without +threatening those whom we desired to conciliate. It, therefore, +further follows that if there were ready at all times a force which +did not need to be ostentatiously prepared, we should avoid the crux +of not being able to make war without preparing for it and of not +being able to prepare lest we should provoke war. On the other hand, +this instance admirably illustrates the invariable law that the +strength that can be so used is strictly limited by the number of +properly fitted ships that the Admiralty can have ready at any given +moment. An examination of Captain Limpus' careful statement will show +how very small this inevitably is, and how much time is needed to fit +those that are not available. Moreover, there is, on the Army side, as +has been shown in <a href="#chap5">Chapter V.</a>, this further restriction, that the +equipment and transport, without which a campaign cannot be carried +on, must be of the kind suited to the particular case.</p> + + +<h4>SECTION III. THE WORK OF THE NAVY.<br> + +THE STOPPAGE OF CONTRABAND.</h4> + +<p>The task of the Navy in this matter lay so entirely outside the sphere +of the military operations on land that it will be <span class="pagenum"><a id="page116" name="page116"></a>[p. 116]</span> +sufficient to say here that, despite the extreme delicacy of the +situation created by the fact that it was only through neutral ports +that the Boers could obtain supplies after the war had begun, the +vigilance exercised was remarkably effective. The amount of contraband +which reached the enemy was insignificant, yet very few claims for +compensation were successfully sustained by neutrals. Ordinary trade, +through Lourenēo Marques, including, unfortunately, British trade, was +uninterrupted till, towards the end of 1900, in consequence of the +progress of the war, it died a natural death. In their careful +watching of the coast and river-mouths the sailors, under Captain W. +B. Fisher, of the <i>Magicienne</i>, had some trying experiences. Lieut. +Massy Dawson, of the <i>Forte</i>, and Lieut. H. S. Leckie, of H.M.S. +<i>Widgeon</i>, who received the Albert medal, did most gallant service.</p> + + +<h4>SECTION IV. THE ASSISTANCE OF THE NAVY ON SHORE.</h4> + +<span class="sidenote"> The Navy on shore.</span> + +<p>This is incorporated in the accounts of the several campaigns and +battles, but there were certain preparations made beforehand on +board-ship which must here be recorded. During a cruise up the east +coast in the month of July, 1899, Admiral Harris, the Naval +Commander-in-Chief, was convinced that there would be war and that the +Boers were only waiting till the grass was in fit condition for their +cattle, to invade the colonies. He therefore took steps to have all +the ships ready for service. He concentrated the fleet within easy +reach of call. Early in October he sent to the G.O.C. at the Cape a +list of small guns, etc., which he could furnish if needful. He was +then told that it was not anticipated that such assistance would be +necessary. Nevertheless, a Naval brigade of 500 men was exercised and +prepared for landing. When the ultimatum was delivered it was clear +enough that the troops were not in adequate strength to resist the +forces the Boers could place against them, and that the enemy were +bringing into the field guns of unusual calibre and range. The utmost +numbers which it was possible to land were about 2,500, but heavy guns +were the very weapons with which the sailors were most familiar. It +seemed likely that these might prove to be of great value. On +September 19th, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page117" name="page117"></a>[p. 117]</span> the Admiral was informed that the +<i>Terrible</i>, which was to have relieved the <i>Powerful</i>, viā the Canal, +would, instead, meet her on her voyage home at the Cape. On the 14th +October the <i>Terrible</i> reached Simon's Bay. By October 21st, Captain +Scott, her commanding officer, had devised a field mounting for a +long-range 12-pr. and, having put it through a satisfactory firing +trial, was authorised by the Commander-in-Chief to make several more. +When, on October 24th, the Admiralty telegraphed that the War Office +would be glad of all the assistance that the Navy could render, and +that all was to be given that would not cripple the ships, the order +had been so far anticipated that the upper decks of the <i>Terrible</i>, +<i>Powerful</i>, <i>Monarch</i> and <i>Doris</i>, as well as the dockyard itself, had +already assumed the appearance of a gun-carriage factory.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Preparation of heavy guns for landing.</span> + +<p>On October 24th, the day when this message was received from home, the +Admiral arranged with Sir A. Milner that the <i>Powerful</i> should go to +Durban on the 26th. On October 25th the Governor of Natal telegraphed +to the Admiral that "Sir George White suggests that, in view of the +heavy guns with Joubert, the Navy should be consulted with the view of +sending a detachment of bluejackets with long-range guns firing heavy +projectiles." He also revealed to the Admiral the gravity of the +situation, and the scanty means available for defending Maritzburg and +even Durban itself. The Admiral replied at once, saying, "<i>Powerful</i> +arrives Durban 29th. She can on emergency land four 12-prs. and 9 +Maxims." He then saw Captain Scott of the <i>Terrible</i>, and enquired if +he could design a mounting to take a 4·7-in. and have two ready for +the following afternoon, 26th. This Captain Scott did. By the next +evening two such mountings had been put on board the <i>Powerful</i>, and +before midnight she sailed for Durban. These 4·7-in. mountings were +meant for use as guns of position, and not as field guns. They +consisted—briefly described—of four 12-in. baulks of timber 14 feet +long, bolted together in the form of a double cross. This made a rough +platform to which was secured the plate and spindle which was used to +carry the ordinary ship mounting of the 4·7-in. guns. They were +intended to <span class="pagenum"><a id="page118" name="page118"></a>[p. 118]</span> be placed in a hole in the ground 15 feet square +and 2 feet deep, and the ends of the timber baulks were to be secured +with chains to weights sunk in the ground. But this securing of the +timbers was found to be quite unnecessary when a mounting of this kind +was put through a firing trial near Simon's Town, and so it was not +subsequently employed with these "platform" mountings, as they came to +be called. Sir George White, in Ladysmith, to which place the first +two "platform" mountings had been promptly taken by the <i>Powerful's</i> +Naval brigade, was, on October 30th, informed by telegram of the +result of the firing trial, also that no moorings had been found +necessary.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Scott's travelling carriage.</span> + +<p>Captain Scott now obtained permission to make a travelling carriage +for a 4·7-in. gun. It consisted of a double trail of 14-inch timber +fitted with plates and bearings to carry the cradle of the ordinary +ship mounting. A pair of steel wheels and a heavy axle were required, +and all the work was done in the dockyard under Captain Scott's +supervision. This mounting was satisfactorily tried and embarked on +the <i>Terrible</i> for Durban on November 3rd.</p> + +<p>In giving this brief description of the mountings which enabled +long-range guns to be put at the disposal of the General Officer +Commanding-in-Chief, the events which led to their use have been +anticipated. The foregoing explanation is necessary, because, though +the warships were already supplied with field mountings for the 12-pr. +8-cwt. and some smaller guns, and these were therefore available, and +to a certain extent were used during the war, yet when more powerful +guns were required it became necessary to extemporise a carriage for +them.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Numbers employed.</span> + +<p>The first long 12-pr. was tried on October 21st, and by November 3rd +there were already prepared for use, or actually in use:—</p> + +<ul class="none"> +<li>21 field mountings for 12-pr. 12-cwt. guns.</li> +<li><span class="add05em">3 platform mountings for 4·7-in.</span></li> +<li><span class="add05em">1 travelling carriage for 4·7-in.</span></li> +</ul> + +<span class="sidenote"> Later developments.</span> + +<p>This number was, soon afterwards, largely increased, and a 6-in. Q.F. +7-ton gun was also mounted on a travelling carriage <span class="pagenum"><a id="page119" name="page119"></a>[p. 119]</span> at the +Durban Locomotive Works under Captain Scott's supervision. As more +mountings were made and other people's ideas were enlisted, +modifications were introduced; some mountings, entirely of steel, were +indeed used for 4.7-in. guns; but in the main these mountings +resembled those which were so hurriedly prepared in the last ten days +of October.</p> + +<p>To resume the sequence of Naval events at the Cape.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Difficulties of Naval C.-in-C.</span> + +<p>The Commander-in-Chief found himself, when war broke out, with his +small squadron of ships ready for any service, and a Naval brigade of +500 of their crews ready whenever called for. He had informed the +military Commander-in-Chief to what extent he could give help on +shore, and his squadron was shortly increased as told above. He was +none too strong for the purely Naval duties which war would involve, +though a sufficient staff of officers was sent out to relieve him to a +large extent of the Sea Transport duty. Still he found himself with +the considerable responsibility of keeping the seaports—Table Bay, +Simon's Bay, Port Elizabeth, East London and Durban, secure and +available for our troops, and in the case of Durban, as the situation +developed, this promised to be no light matter. The timely +distribution of the coal supply, both for his own reinforced squadron +and for the transports, had to be arranged. At one time the +unfortunate grounding of a transport, the <i>Ismore</i>, caused extra work +and anxiety. The enemy's supplies by sea had also to be stopped. There +were precautions to be taken for the safety of H.M. ships while lying +in harbour, for the arriving transports, and the Naval establishments. +Later on there was the care of a considerable number of Boer prisoners +until regular camps could be formed for them. Altogether, therefore, +if the squadron was to be kept always fit for sea, some circumspection +was required when determining to land men and guns for service on +shore.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The Naval brigades.</span> + +<p>Although in detail the record of the services of the men actually +landed falls into its place in the course of the campaigns, it should +here be noticed that these contingents resolved themselves eventually +into three Naval brigades.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Western brigade.</span> + +<p>First, the Western brigade, a force of 357 of all ranks and <span class="pagenum"><a id="page120" name="page120"></a>[p. 120]</span> +two short 12-pounders under Commander Ethelston of the <i>Powerful</i>. +This was originally employed to garrison Stormberg, was then withdrawn +to Queenstown, and finally recalled to Simon's Bay viā East London, to +be reorganised, strengthened, and sent up under Captain Prothero with +four long 12-prs., and about 400 men, to join Lord Methuen's force for +the relief of Kimberley. It left behind two short 12-pr. field guns at +Queenstown for the use of the Army. After Graspan, where it suffered +considerably, Captain J. E. Bearcroft was sent to replace Captain +Prothero, who was wounded, and the brigade was much augmented. It then +accompanied Lord Roberts' main advance; parties with guns being sent +on various detached services—until by 17th October, 1900, the men of +this brigade had all been recalled to their ships.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Ladysmith brigade.</span> + +<p>Second, the Ladysmith brigade. The <i>Powerful</i> having been sent to +Durban to comply with Sir George White's request for guns, there were +landed on arrival on October 29th, and taken at once to Ladysmith, two +4·7-in. guns on platform mountings, three long 12-pounders, one short +12-pounder, and four Maxims, with 283 of all ranks under Captain the +Hon. Hedworth Lambton. They arrived on the 30th October, 9.30 a.m., in +time to take part in the action of Lombards Kop, and remained in +Ladysmith during the siege.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Natal brigade.</span> + +<p>The third, or Natal brigade, had its origin in the <i>Terrible</i> being +sent to Durban, where she arrived on November 6th. Her Captain, Percy +Scott, at once became Commandant and organised—from the <i>Terrible</i>, +<i>Thetis</i>, <i>Forte</i>, <i>Philomel</i>, and <i>Tartar</i>, the defence of that town. +Over thirty guns were placed in position and put under the command of +Commander Limpus, of the <i>Terrible</i>, while a pair of 12-pounders, +drawn from the <i>Powerful</i>, had been pushed on to Maritzburg and placed +under Lieutenant James, of the <i>Tartar</i>, with the men of that ship +already up there. It was from this force that, as troops arrived, Sir +Redvers Buller drew the Naval brigade which accompanied the Ladysmith +relief column. Captain E. P. Jones, of the <i>Forte</i>, commanded this +brigade, with Commander A. H. Limpus, of the <i>Terrible</i>, second in +command. After the relief of Ladysmith, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page121" name="page121"></a>[p. 121]</span> Captain Jones +reorganised the Naval brigade with ranks and ratings from the <i>Forte</i>, +<i>Philomel</i>, and <i>Tartar</i>. The <i>Terribles</i> and <i>Powerfuls</i> rejoined +their ships by March 13th. So reconstituted, the brigade served on +with the Natal Field Force until June 24th, 1900, when all but the +<i>Philomel's</i> and <i>Tartar's</i> men, under Lieutenant Halsey, were +recalled to their ships. Lieutenant Halsey, with four officers and +thirty-eight men of the <i>Philomel</i>, one officer and eighteen men of +the <i>Tartar</i>, remained until October, 1900, when they also returned.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> All Naval brigades within recall.</span> + +<p>Essential as were the services rendered on shore<a id="footnotetag84" name="footnotetag84"></a><a href="#footnote84" title="Go to footnote 84"><span class="small">[84]</span></a> it was always +arranged that, if it had become advisable at any time to recall +officers and men to their ships, they should be able to rejoin them +long before their presence was needed on board. Also as soon as any +article, including guns and ammunition, was landed from the fleet it +was replaced from England. When it became clear that the safety of +Durban was assured, its naval defence force was re-embarked; but +Captain Percy Scott remained on shore with his staff as Commandant +until 14th March, 1900. His work there, in preparing and sending +additional guns to General Buller—among them a 6-in. gun on a wheeled +carriage—and also as an able Commandant of Durban under martial law, +was highly appreciated.<a id="footnotetag85" name="footnotetag85"></a><a href="#footnote85" title="Go to footnote 85"><span class="small">[85]</span></a></p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Natal Naval Volunteers.</span> + +<p>A welcome addition was made to the strength of the Natal brigade by a +party of Natal Naval Volunteers, under Lieutenants T. Anderton and +Nicholas Chiazzari, who with forty-eight men of all ratings, joined +Captain Jones' force at Frere on 10th December, and reinforced the +crews of the 4·7-in. guns. Lieut. Barrett, N.N.V., also joined the +Naval brigade with the Natal Field Force after the relief of +Ladysmith. The Natal Naval Volunteers proved to be a most valuable +addition to the brigade, composed as they were of intelligent, +resourceful men, who were familiar with the ways of the country, and +many of whom spoke both the Taal and native languages. They were part +of a <span class="pagenum"><a id="page122" name="page122"></a>[p. 122]</span> corps which had its origin in the previous scheme for +the defence of Durban, and possessed muzzle-loading 9-prs.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Why they joined.</span> + +<p>They had been stationed at Colenso when the southward advance of the +Boers compelled the evacuation of that position on 3rd November, 1899. +Although told to abandon their guns they had carried them bodily away +with them in the retirement. Forced to recognise that such guns were +quite useless in the field, and unable to obtain better weapons +locally, they had eagerly volunteered to join the Naval brigade under +Captain Jones. Fortunately they obtained their wish, and the Naval +brigade gained the services of a body of men who soon proved their +sterling worth, and whose traditions will henceforth always be closely +associated with those of the Royal Navy.</p> + +<a id="chap7" name="chap7"></a> +<h3><span class="pagenum"><a id="page123" name="page123"></a>[p. 123]</span> CHAPTER VII.</h3> + +<p class="title">TALANA HILL.<a id="footnotetag86" name="footnotetag86"></a><a href="#footnote86" title="Go to footnote 86"><span class="small">[86]</span></a></p> + + +<span class="sidenote"> Connection with Chap. II.</span> + +<p>The last four chapters have dealt with subjects affecting the whole +course of the war, the theatre of operations, the two opposed armies, +and the British navy. The present one, which describes the first +action in the campaign, connects immediately with the second, that on +the outbreak of the war, taking up the narrative from the time when, +as a consequence of the conference at Maritzburg between the Governor +(Sir W. Hely-Hutchinson), Sir George White, Sir A. Hunter and +Maj.-Genl. Sir W. Penn Symons, the latter officer had been despatched +to take over the command at Dundee while Sir George White had gone to +Ladysmith.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Arrival, Oct. 12th/99 of Symons at Dundee.</span> + +<p>On October 12th, the day when the British agent quitted Pretoria, +Major-General Sir W. Penn Symons arrived at Dundee, and took over +command of 3,280 infantry, 497 cavalry and eighteen guns from +Brigadier-General J. H. Yule.<a id="footnotetag87" name="footnotetag87"></a><a href="#footnote87" title="Go to footnote 87"><span class="small">[87]</span></a> He had gained his point. Dundee was +to be held, and held by him. As early as the 13th news came that a +strong commando was concentrating at the Doornberg east of De Jager's +Drift, and that small parties of the enemy had been sighted four miles +north of Newcastle, whilst to his left rear the Free Staters were +reported so close to Ladysmith, and in such strength, as to cause Sir +George White to recall one of Symons' own battalions, the 2nd Royal +Dublin Fusiliers, to strengthen a column which was pushed out on +October 13th towards Tintwa Pass to get touch with the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page124" name="page124"></a>[p. 124]</span> +enemy. This column<a id="footnotetag88" name="footnotetag88"></a><a href="#footnote88" title="Go to footnote 88"><span class="small">[88]</span></a> failed, however, to observe even patrols of the +enemy, and the Dublin Fusiliers returned to Dundee by train the same +night. On this day the enemy fell upon a piquet of Natal Policemen +posted at De Jager's Drift, and made them prisoners. A patrol of the +18th Hussars proceeding to reconnoitre the spot next day, the 14th, +came upon a scouting party of forty of the enemy a mile on the British +side of the Buffalo. On the 16th a fugitive from Newcastle announced +the arrival of a commando, 3,000 strong, before Newcastle, another in +Botha's Pass, whilst across Wools Drift, on the Buffalo, six miles of +wagons had been seen trekking slowly southwards. If the left, then, +was for the moment clear, it was plain that strong bodies were coming +down on Symons' front and right, a front whose key was Impati, a right +whose only bulwark was the hill of Talana.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Oct. 12th Joubert also starts.</span> + +<p>Joubert quitted Zandspruit on the 12th October, and was at Volksrust +in the evening, with the forces of Generals Kock and Lukas Meyer +thrown widely forward on his right and left flanks respectively. Kock, +coming through Botha's Pass with his motley foreign levies,<a id="footnotetag89" name="footnotetag89"></a><a href="#footnote89" title="Go to footnote 89"><span class="small">[89]</span></a> halted +for the night at the mouth of the defile, whilst the units of the left +horn of the invading crescent, reinforced this day by the commandos of +Middelburg and Wakkerstroom, lay under Meyer some forty miles +eastward, some in Utrecht, some in Vryheid, and some already at the +concentration point, the Doornberg. On the 13th, whilst the wings +remained quiescent, Joubert, with the main column, occupied Laing's +Nek, having first, either by an excess of precaution, or from a fear +lest the gap between him and Meyer were too great, made good that +formidable obstacle by a turning movement around the left and over the +Buffalo at Wools Drift; this was executed by his advance guard +(Pretoria, Boksburg, part of Heidelberg, Standerton, Ermelo) under +Erasmus. But though a coal-truck drawn by cables through the long +tunnel, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page125" name="page125"></a>[p. 125]</span> which penetrated the Nek, proved it to be neither +blocked nor mined, this stroke of fortune rather increased than +allayed the caution of the Boer General, to whom, grown old in Native +wars, nothing appeared more suspicious than an unimpeded advance +against an enemy. On the 14th he was still on the Nek, whilst Erasmus +moved timidly on Newcastle, and Kock, who remained on the Ingagane, +despatched a reconnoitring party of the German Corps along the +Drakensberg, to gain touch with Trüter's Free Staters at Müller's +Pass. This patrol, riding back next day, found Newcastle occupied by +the commandos of Erasmus. The little town was almost empty of +inhabitants, and the burghers wrought havoc amongst the deserted shops +and houses. Not all the remonstrances of their officers, nor the +general order from Headquarters, nor even the heavy wrath of their +Commandant-General, who arrived in the town on the 18th, could stop +their ruthless plundering, and by nightfall the township was a scene +of sordid devastation.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Joubert's net.</span> + +<p>On the afternoon of the 16th Joubert called a council of war. So far +he had been without any settled scheme, and, owing to the straggling +and indiscipline of his burghers, the march was rapidly becoming +unmanageable. The commander, whose plans and army require +consolidation after but four days, may well look with foreboding upon +the campaign he has taken in hand, and Joubert was as little hopeful +as any invader in history. Nevertheless, at Newcastle he devised a net +which, had it been cast as he designed, might by entangling one +British force beyond salvation, have weakened another beyond repair +and perhaps have laid Natal at his feet. Whilst Erasmus with his 5,000 +men moved straight down upon Dundee, Kock with 800 riflemen, composed +of Schiel's Germans, Lombard's Hollanders, and 200 men of Johannesburg +under Viljoen, with two guns, was to reconnoitre towards Ladysmith, +gaining touch with the Free Staters at Van Reenen's and the other +passes of the Drakensberg. He was then to take up a position in the +Biggarsberg range, cutting the railway between Dundee and Ladysmith. +Thus isolated, the garrison of Dundee appeared to <span class="pagenum"><a id="page126" name="page126"></a>[p. 126]</span> be at the +mercy of a combined attack by Erasmus from the north, and Lukas Meyer +from the east.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Slow movement of Boers.</span> + +<p>Kock and Erasmus had left the neighbourhood of Newcastle on the 17th, +and on the afternoon of the 18th the latter's advance guard came into +collision with a squadron of the 18th Hussars, from Dundee, north of +Hatting Spruit. Meanwhile Meyer, who was much behindhand with his +concentration, lay so close in his camp at the Doornberg, that the +British patrols scouted up to De Jager's Drift again without +opposition. Meyer still lacked two commandos (Krugersdorp and Bethel) +and four guns, and as his transport animals were in a deplorable +condition, it was with relief rather than with impatience that he +watched the tardiness of his coadjutors. His missing units arrived in +the evening, however; Erasmus' advanced guard was close behind Impati +on the morning of the 19th, and Meyer then issued orders for a march.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Sir George White recalls Dundee detachment.</span> + +<p>Meanwhile, on the 15th October, an officer of the Headquarter staff +visited Dundee, and on his return to Ladysmith was questioned by Sir +G. White as to the state of the defences existing at the post. To his +surprise he learnt that, properly speaking, no defences existed at +all—no position, no entrenchments, and, most important of all, no +assured and defended supply of water. His instructions, in short, +conditional upon which alone he had consented to the retention of +Dundee, had not been carried out. Not until three days had elapsed, +however, did he telegraph to Sir W. Penn Symons that, failing an +assurance of compliance, Dundee must be evacuated at once. In answer, +Symons admitted that he could not give the required assurance, and +must therefore carry out the order to retire. At the same time he +stated his requirements in the matter of rolling-stock for the +withdrawal of military stores and the non-combatant inhabitants of +Dundee. This reply raised a new point. To send the whole of the +rolling-stock—and nothing less would suffice—would be to expose it +to the gravest danger, for the railway line was in hourly insecurity. +Two hours after the despatch of his first telegram, therefore, Sir +George White sent a second, which became the determining factor of +subsequent events.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page127" name="page127"></a>[p. 127]</span> "With regard to water, are you confident you can supply your +camp for an indefinite period? The difficulties and risk of +withdrawing of civil population and military stores are great. The +railway may be cut any day. Do you yourself, after considering these +difficulties, think it better to remain at Dundee, and prefer it?"</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Cancels recall.</span> + +<p>Sir W. Penn Symons replied as follows: "We can and must stay here. I +have no doubt whatever that this is the proper course. I have +cancelled all orders for moving."</p> + +<p>The question thus finally decided for good or ill, Sir George White +sent a third telegram:</p> + +<p>"I fully support you. Make particulars referred to by me as safe as +possible. Difficulties and disadvantages of other course have decided +me to support your views."</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Symons faces a known situation.</span> + +<p>Sir W. Penn Symons, his only fear about Dundee—that of being +withdrawn from it—thus finally removed, turned to the front again to +face the converging enemy with equanimity. His information continued +to be full and accurate. Erasmus' advance, Meyer's concentration at +the Doornberg, Kock's circuitous passage over the Biggarsberg, were +all known to him. On October 19th he received detailed warning that an +attack was to be made on him that very night by Erasmus from the +north, Meyer from the east, and Viljoen from the west. By midday, +communication by rail with Ladysmith was cut off—not, however, until +a party of fifty of the 1st King's Royal Rifles had returned in safety +from a visit to Waschbank, where they had rescued some derelict trucks +left by a train, which, having been fired on at Elandslaagte, had +dropped them for greater speed. Three companies 2nd Royal Dublin +Fusiliers, which had been railed to the Navigation Collieries, +north-east of Hatting Spruit, at 3 a.m., to bring back eight tons of +mealies which the General was unwilling to leave for the enemy, also +returned in safety.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Meyer Oct. 19th moves forward.</span> + +<p>At sundown on October 19th, Lukas Meyer left his bivouac with about +3,500 men and seven guns. De Jager's Drift was crossed about 9 p.m.; +then, pressing through the Sunday's<a id="footnotetag90" name="footnotetag90"></a><a href="#footnote90" title="Go to footnote 90"><span class="small">[90]</span></a> <span class="pagenum"><a id="page128" name="page128"></a>[p. 128]</span> river south-west of +Maybole farm, Meyer's force emerged on to the bleak expanse of veld +stretching east of Dundee. The Boer scouts, moving parallel to and +north of the Landman's Drift road, drew with great caution towards +Talana. <span class="sidenote"> Oct. 20th, 2.30 a.m., seizes Talana.</span> +At 2.30 a.m. a party of burghers came upon a British piquet of +the Dublin Fusiliers mounted infantry, commanded by Lieut. C. T. W. +Grimshaw, at the junction of the road with the track to Vant's Drift. +Shots were exchanged, the piquet disappeared, and the Boer advance +guard was upon the flat summit of Talana an hour before dawn, with +Dundee sleeping five hundred feet below. Close on the heels of the +scouts pressed the Utrecht and Wakkerstroom commandos, under +Commandants Hatting and Joshua Joubert, of about 900 and 600 men +respectively, with some 300 Krugersdorpers under Potgieter in +addition, and a few men of the Ermelo commando. The rest of the main +body, consisting of the Vryheid commando (600 men, under Van Staaden), +the Middelburg commando (some 900 men, under Trichardt), portion of +the Swazi Police, portion of the Piet Retief commando (170 men, under +Englebrecht), and odd men of the Bethel and other absent commandos, +made their way rapidly across the Dundee road, and took up position on +the heights south of it. Of the artillery, two field-pieces (Creusot +75 m/m) were hauled into a depression nearly at the rear edge of the +top of Talana, a "pom-pom" (37·5 m/m Vickers-Maxim) pushed forward to +the advanced crest of the same eminence, and the remainder, consisting +of two Krupps (75 m/m) and two more pom-poms, sent across under charge +of the Vryheid men to their position to the south.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The ground of Talana.</span> + +<p>Talana Hill, situated about 5,000 yards east of the British camp, from +which it was separated by the wire-intersected environs of Dundee and +by the sunken bed of the Sand Spruit, was peculiarly adapted for +defence. From the summit a precipitous rocky face dropped on the +Dundee side to a nearly flat terrace, 160 feet below it, whose fifty +to eighty yards of width were commanded throughout by the +boulder-strewn brow of the mountain. A low stone wall bounded this +terrace at its outer edge, immediately below which the hillside again +fell suddenly, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page129" name="page129"></a>[p. 129]</span> affording from ten to fifteen yards of ground +dead to the crest directly above it, but vulnerable to fire, both from +Lennox Hill, a slightly higher eminence on the other side of a Nek to +the south-east, and from a salient protruding from the northern +extremity of the hill. From the wall bounding the upper terrace, +however, other walls, running downhill, intersected this face of the +mountain at right angles, and served as low traverses affording some +protection from flanking fire. These formed the enclosures of Smith's +farm, a group of tree-encircled buildings around an open space at the +base of the mountain, near its centre, and some 400 feet below its +summit. Below, and on either side of the homestead stood copses of +eucalyptus trees, which, roughly in all some 500 yards square, +occupied the top of the glacis whose base was the Sand Spruit, which +800 yards of bare and open grassland separated from the edge of the +wood.<a id="footnotetag91" name="footnotetag91"></a><a href="#footnote91" title="Go to footnote 91"><span class="small">[91]</span></a></p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Symons receives the news.</span> + +<p>Such was the position crowned by the Boer commandos in the first light +of October 20th. Swift as had been its captors, news of their success +was at once in the hands of the British commander. At 3 a.m. a +sergeant from Grimshaw's piquet, which had been surprised at the cross +roads, hurried into camp and reported the approach of the enemy in +force across the veld. Sir W. Penn Symons thereupon ordered two +companies of the Dublin Fusiliers to turn out in support. The rest of +the camp slept undisturbed, and the two companies, stumbling through +the dark and obstructed suburbs of Dundee, gained the shelter of the +Sand Spruit, where they found Grimshaw already arrived. The first +shots had stampeded his horses, which had galloped back to Smith's +Nek, the col between Talana and Lennox Hills. Retiring on foot, the +piquet had gained the Nek, recovered its horses, and making its way +first to Smith's farm, and thence to the cover of the Sand Spruit, had +turned and faced the enemy as he appeared over the crest of Talana +Hill.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The morning parade dismissed.</span> + +<p>At 5 a.m. the British troops stood to arms as usual. It was a wet and +misty morning. As the men, few of whom knew of <span class="pagenum"><a id="page130" name="page130"></a>[p. 130]</span> the +occurrences of the night, waited in quarter-column, to a few keen ears +came the fitful sound of musketry from the east. It was the fire of +Grimshaw's piquet just then at bay below Talana. The parade having +been dismissed, at 5.20 a message from Headquarters assured commanding +officers that all was clear. A few companies moved directly from their +lines for skirmishing drill around the camp, the men of others hung +about in groups expecting the word to fall in for a similar purpose; +the horses of two of the three batteries, and all the transport +animals, filed out to water a mile and a half away. Suddenly at 5.30 +a.m., the mist upon Talana, wasting before the rising sun, lifted and +revealed the summit alive with figures.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The Boers make their presence known.</span> + +<p>Ten minutes later the report of a gun sounded from the top, and a +projectile fell into the western enclosures of the town. Others, +better aimed, followed in quick succession; the camp came under a +rapid bombardment, accurate but harmless, for the small common shell +from the enemy's field-pieces failed to explode on impact with the +sodden ground. The cavalry and the mounted infantry, whose horses had +remained in camp, moved out of sight behind a stony kopje in front of +it; the infantry, already equipped, fell rapidly into their places, +each company before its own line of tents, and were immediately +marched at the "double" into the shelter of a ravine some 200 yards to +the south of the camp, where fighting formations were organised.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Symons prepares to clear Talana.</span> + +<p>The General had already decided upon an assault. Before the infantry +were clear of camp he called out the artillery. Whilst the 67th +battery, whose horses were now hurrying back from water, replied to +the Boer shells from the gun-park itself, the 69th battery, already +horsed, waiting neither for its wagons nor an escort, galloped out +along the road to the railway station, swept through the town, and +swinging sharply to the right at the south-eastern extremity, came +into action on a roll of the veld immediately west of the colliery +extension railway line. As it advanced the Boers turned their guns +upon it, but within twenty minutes of the falling of the first shell +in camp, the 69th commenced a rapid and effective fire at 3,750 yards +upon the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page131" name="page131"></a>[p. 131]</span> crest. Ten minutes later the 13th battery wheeled +into line alongside the 69th. In five minutes more the practice of the +Boer ordnance dropped to spasmodic bursts; in five more it was +temporarily silenced. Meanwhile the General, who had ridden out soon +after the batteries, had set his infantry in motion, and so fast did +they go forward that before the 69th had ended its first round they +were already almost beyond Dundee.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> He guards against Erasmus and gives orders for attack.</span> + +<p>To the 67th battery and the 1st Leicestershire regiment, with one +company from each of the other battalions, was now entrusted the +defence of the camp from the expected attack of Erasmus from Impati. +An officer of the King's Royal Rifles carried the orders to the +cavalry from the General: "Colonel Möller is to wait under cover, it +may be for one or two hours, and I will send him word when to advance. +But he may advance if he sees a good opportunity. The M.I. are to go +with the 18th Hussars." The Royal Dublin Fusiliers were first in the +bed of the spruit at about 6.30 a.m., picking up the two companies +which had lain there since 4.30 a.m. in support of Grimshaw's piquet. +By 7 a.m. the whole of the infantry were in security in the same +shelter, 1,600 to 2,000 yards from the crest of the position. General +Penn Symons himself then rode down thither, and sending for commanding +officers, detailed orders for the assault. The Dublin Fusiliers were +to form the first line, with the King's Royal Rifles in support, the +Royal Irish Fusiliers in reserve. Brigadier-General Yule would command +the attack.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Infantry push up the hill.</span> + +<p>At 7.20 a.m. the right-hand company of the Dublin emerged from the +Sand Spruit, the men extended to ten paces interval, and steadily in +quick-time moved towards the boundary of the wood. The other +companies, advancing in order from the right, soon followed. Before +the last of them was fairly clear, the King's Royal Rifles were +released and pressed forward. On the appearance of the first lines, a +hot fire, direct from Talana itself and crosswise from Lennox Hill on +the right, quickly caused casualties. Eager to be at closer quarters, +the men increased their pace, breaking from quick-time into the +double, and from that to a swift run upon the edge of the wood. A low +stone wall, topped by a broken-down fence of wire which ringed the +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page132" name="page132"></a>[p. 132]</span> copse on this side, was tumbled flat, and the foremost +soldiers of the Dublin, pouring through the thicket, penetrated to the +wall and hedge on the farther side. Here their line was prolonged by +the King's Royal Rifles, who had come through the wood on the right. +In front of this line the crest of Talana was 550 yards distant. With +the Dublin Fusiliers, the general trend had been towards the left; now +after a short pause at the edge of the plantation they attempted to +push on in that direction. <span class="sidenote"> A treacherous donga.</span> +Enticed by a donga, which, quitting the +wood at its northern angle, looked like a covered way towards the +crest of the hill, the three leading companies ("A." "F." and "G.") +worked steadily along it in hopes of arriving within striking distance +of the enemy under comparative shelter. But the watercourse not only +faded to nothing before it reached the terrace wall, but was open to +the enemy's view and enfiladed by his musketry throughout its length. +A storm of bullets descending into it when it teemed with men, brought +down many and checked further progress.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> K.R.R. and Dublin reach edge of wood.</span> + +<p>Of the King's Royal Rifles, four companies, under Colonel R. H. +Gunning, advancing through the right-hand half of the plantation, +found themselves amongst the Dublin Fusiliers at its forward edge, and +became in part intermingled with them. The three remaining companies +moved upon the buildings of Smith's farm, <span class="sidenote"> K.R.R. hold Smith's farm.</span> +and gained the front and +right edges. Somewhat ahead of the general line, this portion of the +force was enfiladed from the crest of Talana on its left, and from +Lennox Hill on its right, and received so hot a cross-fire that it was +ordered to fall back to the cover of the farm walls. This it did with +the loss of three officers and many men; but from their more secure +location the Rifles here began a telling reply, both upon the crest in +front and upon the clouds of sharpshooters which hung upon the summit +and slopes of Lennox Hill.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> "B." and "H." of R.I.F. on left of wood.</span> + +<p>Lieut.-Colonel F. R. C. Carleton, 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers, +immediately on entering the plantation, had detached two of his +companies ("B." and "H.") to line the left face of the wood, whence +they could watch the open ground beyond that flank. These sent volleys +against the enemy's right upon Talana. <span class="pagenum"><a id="page133" name="page133"></a>[p. 133]</span> The remainder were +held in reserve, as ordered, amongst the small dongas and depressions +in the wood. <span class="sidenote"> Maxims at S.E. angle.</span> +The Maxim guns of all three battalions moved to the +south-eastern angle of the wood, and opened at 1,700 yards upon +Smith's Nek and Lennox Hill to their right front and right, doing much +to alleviate the musketry which came incessantly from these flanking +and partially invisible eminences.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> 69th and 13th batteries change their ground.</span> + +<p>Such was the situation at eight o'clock. At that hour the 69th and +13th batteries, quitting the position from which they had silenced the +Boer artillery, moved through the town, and unlimbered on rising +ground between the eastern boundary of Dundee and the Sand Spruit. +Thence they opened again, the 69th upon Talana at 2,300 yards, the +13th upon Lennox Hill at 2,500. Though they and their escort of King's +Royal Riflemen were targets for both hills, their practice was +admirable, and had it been more rapid, must speedily have smothered +the enemy's fire. <span class="sidenote"> Reduced fire.</span> +But the artillery commander, fearing to run short, +and knowing his inability to replenish, was obliged continually to +check expenditure.<a id="footnotetag92" name="footnotetag92"></a><a href="#footnote92" title="Go to footnote 92"><span class="small">[92]</span></a> For a time the fight remained stationary. The +momentum of the attack had died away, and Yule found it impossible to +get it in motion again at once, in spite of numerous messages he +received from Sir W. Penn Symons urging immediate advance.<span class="sidenote"> Symons gives impulse.</span> +At 9 a.m. +the infantry being still inert, the patience of the General was +exhausted. Despite the remonstrances of his staff, he, with three +staff officers and orderlies, rode into the wood, and, dismounting, +hurried into the foremost lines of the Royal Irish Fusiliers, at its +northern angle. Calling to these to "push on!" he then pressed along +inside the boundary, animating by word and gesture all the troops he +passed, and halted for a moment to face the hill a little beyond where +the afore-mentioned donga disappeared into the wood. Here Major F. +Hammersley, of his staff, was wounded, and, immediately after, the +General himself was shot in the stomach.<span class="sidenote"> He receives his mortal wound.</span> +Directing Brigadier-General +Yule to proceed with the attack, he turned and walked calmly to the +rear. Then, meeting his horse, he mounted, and not until he had passed +entirely through <span class="pagenum"><a id="page134" name="page134"></a>[p. 134]</span> the troops was any sign of suffering +allowed to escape him. At the station of the Bearer company he +dismounted, and was carried to the dressing station in a dhoolie. Five +minutes later, at 9.35 a.m., the surgeon pronounced his wound to be +fatal, and the news was telegraphed to Ladysmith.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> His impulse tells.</span> + + +<p>The life of the General was not thrown away; his action had immediate +effect. Before he had quitted the wood a dying man, parties of +soldiers were already pushing forward from its front wall across the +100 yards of bullet-swept flat intervening between them and the first +slopes of Talana proper. On the right, the first to break cover, four +and a half companies of the King's Royal Rifles emerged in small +parties from Smith's farm. Leaving there two companies in support, +they pushed up along the right side of the transverse wall, in full +view of Lennox Hill, and suffering from its fire. So rapid were their +movements that the Boer shooting was hasty and ill-aimed, and the +losses were but few. Some distance forward they leapt across to the +left of the transverse wall, and reconnoitring that bounding the upper +terrace, found it, to their surprise, unoccupied by the enemy.<a id="footnotetag93" name="footnotetag93"></a><a href="#footnote93" title="Go to footnote 93"><span class="small">[93]</span></a><span class="sidenote"> K.R.R. seize wall of upper terrace.</span> +Other groups, in response to signals, then worked their way upward, +until soon a considerable number of Riflemen were under the wall. On +their left the Royal Irish Fusiliers supported the attack. Two and a +half companies ("E.," "F." and half of "C.") of this battalion had, +when General Symons came to the front, been sent to the edge of the +wood, and these, seeing what the Rifles had done, streamed straight up +to the wall. "A." and half of "D." companies, which had been boldly +and independently handled wide on the left, avoiding the dongas, +pushed on gradually to well within five hundred yards of the enemy's +extreme right, on which they brought their rifles to bear. <span class="sidenote"> R.I.F join and also threaten Boer right.</span> +The other +half of "C." company, with men of other battalions, amounting to about +one hundred in all, had lain with the three <span class="pagenum"><a id="page135" name="page135"></a>[p. 135]</span> companies of +King's Royal Rifles in the enclosure of Smith's farm, and advanced +with them. One company ("B.") Royal Irish Fusiliers had been ordered +forward on the left by General Symons himself immediately he arrived +in the wood. This company, perceiving the fallacious donga winding +apparently to the front, had dropped into it, and following it up with +the same expectations as had encouraged the Dublin Fusiliers, was +speedily in the same predicament at its open extremity. Another +company ("H."), taking this route with many losses, was similarly +blocked at the same point. But with the exception of these two +companies, which could not move for a time, the advance of the King's +Royal Rifles to the wall was strongly backed by the Royal Irish +Fusiliers, whose men appeared from all the near parts of the hill to +join in with the rest. With them ran many of the Dublin Fusiliers. +This regiment, much entangled in the watercourse already mentioned and +in others equally exposed and useless more to the right, could not +progress, and, though a few men managed to reach the upper wall +direct, it was only possible to do so by first going back to the edge +of the wood, an attempt of great hazard.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Two hours check.</span> + +<p>The battle came to a standstill once more. The upper wall was won, but +the heavy and incessant fusilade directed upon it and upon the ground +below it, rendered its occupation precarious, and reinforcement a +matter of extreme difficulty. Not until two hours had passed were +sufficient men collected under it to render the last stage possible, +and the long delay cost many casualties. At 11 a.m. the officer +commanding the artillery received a request by flag-signal to cease +firing, as the assault was about to be delivered. He did so; but time +to acquire strength was still needed, and the artillery, itself +harassed by musketry, re-opened. At 11.30 a.m. the order was repeated, +and once more Colonel E. H. Pickwoad stopped his guns. Immediately +after, <span class="sidenote"> Guns gallop forward.</span> +the batteries galloped forward, awaking against themselves the +full energy of all parts of the Boer line. They crossed a wide donga +and came into action again on the flat plain between the Sand Spruit +and Talana, sending their shells clear over and past the left edge of +the wood <span class="pagenum"><a id="page136" name="page136"></a>[p. 136]</span> at a range of 1,400 yards from the crest of the +enemy's stronghold. Under the rapid bombardment the Mausers slackened +and at last were silent. For the third time the order was signalled to +cease firing. It was duly obeyed. Colonel Gunning, of the King's Royal +Rifles, who had called up his two supporting companies from Smith's +farm, passed the word, "Get ready to go over!" The men rose to their +knees; then, at the command "Advance!" <span class="sidenote"> The Infantry dash in.</span> +scrambled and fell over the +obstacle. A blaze burst from the crest as the first figures wavered on +the wall, and many fell backward dead or wounded. Some could not +surmount the obstruction, which in parts was over-high for vaulting; +some, falling on the far side, picked themselves up and were struck +down in the first leap of their charge. A few, more fortunate, held +on. But the onset had not much weight, and losses quickly lightened it +still further. Many of the Boers had fled at the first sight of the +soldiers rushing forward, but of those who remained, not a few +actually came towards them, and shot rapidly point-blank at the +assailants, who were clawing their way up the last precipitous rampart +of the natural fortress. <span class="sidenote"> The onslaught having weakened, the Artillery opens fire +again.</span> +The artillery, therefore, knowing only that +the onslaught had been checked, about 12.30 p.m. re-opened with quick +and devastating rounds. But during the charge, the light had been bad, +and the gunners had not all observed the foremost groups of their +comrades lying amongst the rocks close to the crest. Soon shell after +shell burst amongst the latter.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> It checks both sides.</span> + +<p>A signaller of the Royal Irish Fusiliers, standing up near the top of +the hill, attracted the attention of the artillerymen, but was unable +to make them understand his message. Another of the same regiment +failed similarly from the wall. As the discharges, destroying both +combatants alike, became more overwhelming, both drew back. On the +extreme right a few of the Rifles still clung on. At first the Boers +melted from the front alone, but the shrapnel beat all over the hill, +and the retreat became a run before the rear edge was reached.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The final charge.</span> + +<p>Behind the wall the regimental commanders, taking the cessation of +Boer fire as signal for a last successful attack, met in hasty +conference, and agreed to lead their men forward simultaneously. +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page137" name="page137"></a>[p. 137]</span> Soon after 1 p.m. the whole British line surged over the +wall, and clambering up the hill, flooded its flat summit from end to +end.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The Boers abandon Lennox Hill.</span> + +<p>From Lennox Hill this final charge was marked, and in a few moments +it, too, was empty of Boers. Before 2 p.m. the entire position was +won, and Brigadier-General Yule, to whom the loss of General Symons +had given the command, at once ordered the artillery to the summit of +Smith's Nek, from whence they might shell the now flying foe. The +cavalry, looked for amongst the defeated Boers, who covered the plain +for miles in the direction of the Buffalo river, were nowhere to be +seen. On the guns then rested the last hope of confirming the victory, +but they, having gained the Nek, were, to the wonderment of all, +pointed silently at the receding commandos. <span class="sidenote"> Cavalry and guns both fail to make defeat crushing.</span> +Doubt had at this critical +moment assailed the artillery commander. Just before the final stroke, +about 1.30 p.m., a message, purporting to come from Lukas Meyer, +proposing an armistice to look for the wounded, had passed through his +hands on its way to the General. No authoritative information as to +its having been accorded or not having reached him, he, with other +officers, became uncertain as to the propriety of continuing the +battle. At this time a bystander exclaimed that the Boer hospital was +retreating before him, and believing that he himself saw red-crossed +flags waving over the Boer column moving slowly away within shrapnel +range, his hesitation deepened. <span class="sidenote"> A fatal error.</span> +He refrained from opening fire, and +the Boer army, defeated, but not crushed, made despondently, but +without further losses, for the laager under the Doornberg, from which +it had marched the night before.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The return to camp.</span> + +<p>Brigadier-General Yule, beset with anxiety concerning the Boer army, +which had menaced his flank all day from Impati, had no thought but to +secure his men in quarters before night and the still expected attack +fell upon them together. The infantry, therefore, after searching the +hill for wounded, were sent from the field. By 6 p.m., as evening fell +amid a storm of rain, all were back in camp. The mounted troops alone, +unseen since the early morning, did not return to their lines, nor was +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page138" name="page138"></a>[p. 138]</span> there any sign of them until, at 7 p.m., two squadrons of +the 18th Hussars, under Major Knox, reported themselves. No more came +in that night, nor next morning, nor at any time.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Möller's disastrous day.</span> + +<p>The brief orders given to Colonel Möller at the commencement of the +action have already been detailed, and even before the enemy's guns +were silenced that officer began to put them into execution with +promise of brilliant results. As early as 5.45 a.m. he despatched a +squadron of the 18th Hussars, with instructions to move round the +northern extremity of Talana, and report if it were possible to take +ground on the flank from which the enemy's retreat or, at least, his +loose ponies might be threatened. The reconnaissance was perfectly +successful. Moving northwards a mile down an arm of the Sand Spruit, +under the harmless fire of two guns, Major E. C. Knox guided his +squadron across the watercourse, and hidden, by the mist from Impati, +by a spur from Talana, turned north-east. Then crossing the main +spruit, above the point where its northerly trend is deflected by the +spurs of the two mountains, he swung boldly south-east and, +unperceived by the enemy, seized a kopje from which he could actually +look into the right rear of their position upon Talana, only 1,200 +yards distant to the south-west. Behind the mountain stood herds of +saddled ponies, whose masters lay out of sight in action along the +western crest. A message despatched to Colonel Möller informing him of +this achievement, and asking for reinforcements, brought to the spot +another squadron of the 18th and the regimental machine gun, with the +section of the King's Royal Rifles mounted infantry. These made their +way at first through a sharp fire from the pom-pom near the northern +end of Talana, but, like their predecessors, were neglected as soon as +they moved out of sight around the spur swelling up from the Sand +Spruit to the right flank of the Boer fastness. Shortly afterwards, in +response to a message from the General, who thought that the enemy's +guns, now suddenly silent, were being withdrawn, and that a general +retreat would shortly follow, Colonel Möller himself hurried after +with the remaining squadron of the 18th and the mounted infantry +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page139" name="page139"></a>[p. 139]</span> company of the Dublin Fusiliers. The cavalry were now in +rear of the flank of an enemy already wavering, and certain to fly +shortly, whose lines of retreat would be at their mercy, whose means +of retreat, the ponies, they could already partially destroy. But +here, Möller, refusing the requests of his subordinates to be allowed +to open fire on the closely-packed ponies on Talana, first despatched +a squadron under Major Knox towards the rear of Talana, then himself +quitted his vantage ground and lined up his force in some plough land +towards Schultz' farm, and later in the open veld astride of the +Landman's Drift road, two and a half miles in rear of the centre of +the Boer position. Whilst moving in accordance with these +dispositions, a section of the Dublin Fusiliers mounted infantry, +turning aside to assail a party of Boers in a small farmhouse on the +flank, captured seven of them.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Knox's happy charge.</span> + +<p>Meanwhile the squadron under Knox, reconnoitring towards the rear of +Smith's Nek, had been harassed by hostile patrols on its left flank. +These were speedily dispersed with a loss of ten prisoners by the +charge of a troop. But other and stronger patrols coming up from the +direction of Landman's Drift hung so persistently on the flank that a +charge by the whole squadron was necessary. It was completely +successful, two of the enemy being killed and about twenty-five +captured. The other patrols then drew off, and the squadron, finding +nothing more to do, returned to hand over the prisoners. But Möller, +seeing the enemy swarming about the rear of Lennox Hill, at once +ordered Knox out again in that direction, this time with two squadrons +and a troop, directing him to get behind the hill, which, in +prolongation of Lennox Hill to the south, overlooks the coalfields on +one side and on the other abuts on the heights of Halifax.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Möller's surrender.</span> + +<p>He himself remained out in the open with his diminished force of +mounted infantry and two troops of cavalry. Now the enemy were +quitting Talana and Lennox Hills in numbers which increased +momentarily, and when the mounted infantry opened fire upon them, they +began to converge on the insignificant party which barred the road to +safety. Möller at length perceived his danger, and commencing a series +of rapid retirements <span class="pagenum"><a id="page140" name="page140"></a>[p. 140]</span> towards the northern spur of Impati, +fixed his only hope on the possibility of riding completely around +that mountain, outwork though it was of the main Boer army in its +descent from the frontier. In a spruit, a branch of the Sand river, +which runs through Schultz' farm, the Maxim, outpaced and overdriven, +stuck fast, and it was promptly attacked and captured by a party of +twenty-five of the enemy who had descried its plight from Talana, its +detachment holding out until all were killed or wounded. In this +affair nine Boer prisoners were also released. About 1.15 p.m., a +party of two hundred Boers was seen descending Impati through the +collieries at its northern extremity. The mountain already held the +enemy's van; Möller's retreat was cut off. Adelaide farm lay close +ahead, and here for the first time he faced about for a stand. The men +of the 18th Hussars, with the section of the King's Royal Rifles +mounted infantry, and one of the Dublin mounted infantry, lined the +farm walls; the remaining two sections of the mounted infantry of the +Dublin Fusiliers held a small kopje, two hundred yards from the +building. The Boers closed around in force and poured a bitter +fusilade upon the troopers. A gun, which had opened ineffectively from +the colliery, was then brought forward to 1,400 yards, and its +projectiles shattered the buildings, and scattered the horses. In a +few moments another gun opened more to the left and 1,100 yards +distant. At 4 p.m. the white flag was by Möller's order waved in the +farmyard, and he capitulated to Commandant Trichardt. Nine officers +and 205 men laid down their arms after a loss of 8 men killed, 3 +officers and 20 men wounded. This affair all but doubled the day's +casualties, which now numbered 500.<a id="footnotetag94" name="footnotetag94"></a><a href="#footnote94" title="Go to footnote 94"><span class="small">[94]</span></a></p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Knox wins his way home.</span> + +<p>Meanwhile Knox's two squadrons were in little less danger in the +opposite direction. Attempting to intercept with dismounted fire +parties of the enemy, who were retiring towards Halifax, the little +force became the focus of every wandering party of the enemy, not only +of those evacuating the positions of Talana and Lennox Hill, but also +of many riding in from the Buffalo. For the hills and plain were full +of Boers who had taken no part <span class="pagenum"><a id="page141" name="page141"></a>[p. 141]</span> in the battle. But Knox was +not to be trapped. Moving swiftly towards Malungeni, and favoured by a +slight mist, he slipped away, though nearly surrounded, and halted for +half an hour under cover. Then, whilst the Boers were puzzled by his +circuitous track, he dashed westwards through their intervals and +escaped.</p> + + +<a id="chap8" name="chap8"></a> +<h3><span class="pagenum"><a id="page142" name="page142"></a>[p. 142]</span> CHAPTER VIII.</h3> + +<p class="title">THE RETREAT FROM DUNDEE, AND THE ACTION OF RIETFONTEIN.<a id="footnotetag95" name="footnotetag95"></a><a href="#footnote95" title="Go to footnote 95"><span class="small">[95]</span></a></p> + + +<span class="sidenote"> Yule decides not to retreat, but shifts his ground.</span> + +<p>At 5, on the morning of October 21st, the troops again stood to arms. +There was no sign of life upon Talana; the cavalry scouted out +unmolested on that side. The mounted patrols, however, supported by +"F." company of the Royal Irish Fusiliers, reconnoitring northward, +discovered the enemy on the Dannhauser road, and the foremost scouts +were driven in. At the same time information came of a hostile +movement to the westward. Whatever illusions may have existed +previously about the strategical situation, none now remained. General +Yule himself had at no time shared them; yet he was disinclined to +retreat. He re-created a staff,<a id="footnotetag96" name="footnotetag96"></a><a href="#footnote96" title="Go to footnote 96"><span class="small">[96]</span></a> examined a fresh defensive +position, and determined to stand his ground. Sending for his +commanding officers shortly after midday, he pointed out the new site +he had selected below the sloping shoulder of one of the foremost +spurs of Indumeni, about a mile south of their present camp, and +desired them to rendezvous upon it with their commands at 2.30 p.m., +less, however, with any intention of occupying it definitely than of +seeing how the troops "fitted into the ground." In view of the +expected bombardment from Impati, the whole of the tents except those +of the hospital had previously been lowered, and in them the men's +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page143" name="page143"></a>[p. 143]</span> kits had been left ready packed for a move. The cavalry and +artillery started at once. Before the hour appointed for the march of +the rest of the troops the enemy made his presence on Impati felt. At +1.35 p.m. a squadron of the 18th Hussars, reconnoitring near the +Dannhauser road, came suddenly under the fire of four guns and many +rifles from the north-western slopes of the mountain.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Yule asks for reinforcements.</span> + +<p>The Royal Irish Fusiliers led off towards the rendezvous at 2 p.m. By +3 p.m. all were in their places, Royal Irish Fusiliers, Royal Dublin +Fusiliers, Leicestershire regiment and King's Royal Rifles, in the +order named from right to left. It was cold and dull, and the slight +rain turned to a heavy downpour, which filled the shallow trenches as +soon as they were made. At 3.30 p.m. Yule, receiving reports from his +patrols that the enemy was mounting guns upon Impati, and realising +more fully his peril, despatched a telegram to Ladysmith reporting his +arrangements, declaring his expectation of being attacked from both +sides, and asking for reinforcements. Before the message had reached +its destination, a shell from a heavy piece upon the western shoulder +of Impati burst in front of the new line. Others followed quickly, +some into the deserted camp where the hospital tents stood up as a +target, some into the entrenchments, others into the cavalry, who had +taken ground in the rear of the line of defence, and further up the +slopes of Indumeni. One falling into a tin house, which lay behind the +left, killed Lieut. W. M. J. Hannah, of the Leicestershire M.I., who +was sheltering from the storm, and wounded two of his men; elsewhere a +gunner was killed and another wounded. Another and a smaller gun then +opened from a point below the western crest of Impati. The accuracy of +the piece and the smallness of its calibre challenged the British +batteries to reply. But the first shrapnel burst at the foot of the +mountain, far below the Boer artillery, and when sinking the trails +failed to give the necessary elevation by some two thousand yards, the +gunners desisted.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Reinforcements cannot be sent.</span> + +<p>Shortly before 4 p.m. Brigadier-General Yule received the compliments +of Sir George White upon his appointment to the rank of Major-General. +An hour later, a second telegram <span class="pagenum"><a id="page144" name="page144"></a>[p. 144]</span> from Ladysmith informed him +that the reinforcements, which at this juncture he desired more than +promotion, could not be sent. The troops at Ladysmith,—telegraphed +the Chief Staff Officer,—were engaged at Elandslaagte and the +Commander-in-Chief was in the field with them. General Yule's request +would be submitted to him on his return, but little hopes could be +held out of its being complied with.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Yule will wait.</span> + +<p>Still the General was unwilling to retreat. Accompanied by his staff +officer, he was on his way to find new ground, out of range of Impati, +before that mountain had become indistinct in the twilight. He was +long in the saddle, examining the northern slopes of Indumeni for a +suitable spot. Night drew on, the rain increasing with the dying +light; the regular fire of the enemy's guns became intermittent, then +ceased, and darkness closed round the British force on the spur.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> He moves again.</span> + +<p>At midnight Yule gave instructions for a move at 3 a.m. to the spot he +had selected, a flat-topped foothill of Indumeni, on its northern +side, and some two miles south of the bivouac. Before that hour the +transport, escorted by the cavalry and mounted infantry, was quietly +withdrawn, and made its way safely to the place appointed, where it +found cover behind the reverse slopes. The remainder, marching +punctually, covered by a rearguard of the Royal Irish Fusiliers, +reached the new position at 5 a.m., and took up an open line along the +crest, facing generally north in the following order of units from +left to right: Royal Dublin Fusiliers, Leicestershire regiment, Royal +Irish Fusiliers and King's Royal Rifles.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Receives news of Elandslaagte.</span> + +<p>At 8 a.m., October 22nd, two despatch riders arriving from Helpmakaar +delivered a message from the Prime Minister of Natal, announcing a +victory on the previous day at Elandslaagte. "The British force from +Ladysmith,"—telegraphed Sir Albert Hime,—"completely defeated Boer +force over a thousand strong at Elandslaagte, capturing guns, tents +and equipment. Cavalry in full pursuit."</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Yule marches to intercept fugitives.</span> + +<p>It was at once apparent to General Yule that he was directly on the +line of retreat of the Boers flying from Sir George White's cavalry, +and he determined to attempt to intercept them. <span class="pagenum"><a id="page145" name="page145"></a>[p. 145]</span> Glencoe +Junction, at the mouth of the Biggarsberg, appeared to be the point +most likely to promise success; he immediately issued orders for a +general march in that direction.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Catches a Tartar and returns.</span> + +<p>At 10 a.m. an advance guard of the 69th battery, the mounted infantry, +and the 18th Hussars moved off at the trot for Glencoe. A wounded +Boer, who had been pushed up along the railway from Elandslaagte on a +trolly, was their only capture, and less than a dozen rounds of +shrapnel at 3,800 yards dispersed the few scattered parties of the +enemy visible along the kopjes. The remainder of the column wended +their way across the lower spurs of Indumeni. Soon a portion of the +baggage, seeking an easier road too near the camp, was descried from +Impati by the Boer gunners, who turned their pieces on both camp and +troops, and opened a rapid fire. The 67th battery, which had +previously been directed upon the Glencoe kopjes, now endeavoured in +vain to silence the Impati battery from near the left of the Dublin +Fusiliers. The enemy's shooting was as accurate as it was impartial, +though it was singularly ineffective. Shells of 96 lbs. weight burst +between the guns of the 67th battery, amongst the troops and baggage, +and all over the camp, doing no other damage than to add to the +sufferings of the wounded lying, with the apprehension of helpless +men, in the field hospital.<a id="footnotetag97" name="footnotetag97"></a><a href="#footnote97" title="Go to footnote 97"><span class="small">[97]</span></a> The descent of mist, however, soon put +an end to the bombardment, and the mounted arms, pushing forward +towards Glencoe, endeavoured to carry out the original intention. But +instead of fugitives, they found the Boers showing a firm front on the +high land north and west of the station, and some slight interchange +of shots took place, during which a troop of the 18th Hussars, +reconnoitring too boldly, was cut off, and was seen no more that +day.<a id="footnotetag98" name="footnotetag98"></a><a href="#footnote98" title="Go to footnote 98"><span class="small">[98]</span></a> With the enemy in this attitude upon strong ground, General +Yule saw the inutility of further efforts of this kind, and gave the +order for retirement. At 1 p.m. the force was again below Indumeni, as +it had been in the morning, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page146" name="page146"></a>[p. 146]</span> having effected nothing. As the +men climbed the last few yards of the precipitous ascent, the fog, +rolling for a short time from the summit of Impati, once more gave the +Boer artillerymen on their lofty platform a view of the plain below, +and again the sufferers in the hospital endured the explosion of the +heavy projectiles of the Creusot cannon close outside their shelter.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Yule ordered to attempt retreat, prepares for it.</span> + +<p>Yule, whose health, previously bad, had given way under the toil, +anxiety and exposure, now unwillingly decided to retire on Ladysmith +whilst the road still remained open, and at 5.45 p.m. he dictated a +message acquainting Sir G. White with his determination. Before it +could be despatched, at 6.30 p.m. a telegram from Ladysmith was placed +in his hands. It was Sir G. White's reply to his request for +reinforcements, and it banished the last cause for hesitation. "I +cannot reinforce you without sacrificing Ladysmith and the Colony +behind. You must try and fall back on Ladysmith. I will do what I may +to help you when nearer." Acknowledging its contents, Yule prepared +for retreat.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Retreat begins.</span> + +<p>No sooner had darkness fallen than Major Wickham, of the Indian +Commissariat, taking with him thirty-three wagons guarded by two +companies of the Leicestershire regiment, left the hill and moved with +great precaution into the deserted camp. The convoy performed its +short but dangerous journey without attracting the attention of the +enemy, and the wagons, after being quickly loaded with as many stores +as the darkness, the confusion of the levelled tents, and limited time +made possible, were drawn up on the outskirts to await the passing of +the column. At 9 p.m. the whole force fell in. The night was fine but +intensely dark, and the units had some difficulty in reaching their +stations in the carefully arranged order of march. At 9.30 p.m. all +being ready, the column, guided by Colonel Dartnell, went quietly down +the mountain side towards Dundee, the southern boundary of which it +was necessary to skirt to gain the Helpmakaar road. By 11.15 p.m. the +last company was clear of the mountain, and, striking the track to +Dundee at the foot of Indumeni, the troops passed close to the bivouac +ground of the 21st October. Outside the town Major Wickham's convoy +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page147" name="page147"></a>[p. 147]</span> stood waiting, and when, at the right moment, the signal was +given, the above-mentioned wagons fell into their place in the line of +march. The pace was rapid, despite the impenetrable gloom. Skirting +Dundee, the route turned sharply south-east around the corner of the +Helpmakaar road. On the edge of the town the precaution was taken to +cut the telegraph wire to Greytown.<a id="footnotetag99" name="footnotetag99"></a><a href="#footnote99" title="Go to footnote 99"><span class="small">[99]</span></a> By 4.30 a.m. October 23rd, the +leading files having traversed safely the defile of +Blesboklaagte<a id="footnotetag100" name="footnotetag100"></a><a href="#footnote100" title="Go to footnote 100"><span class="small">[100]</span></a>, had made good twelve miles of the road to +Helpmakaar, fourteen miles from the starting-point. Near Dewaas, Yule, +sending a message to Ladysmith to announce his progress, halted on +open ground, over which piquets were at once thrown out on every side, +and the batteries formed up for action. Ten a.m. was the hour of +starting again, the Royal Irish Fusiliers relieving the King's Royal +Rifles as advance guard. A blazing sun beating upon the treeless +downs, and a rumour of the enemy having been seen ahead, now made +marching toilsome and slow. By 12.30 p.m., less than five miles having +been covered, Yule decided to halt again, until darkness should arrive +to lessen both the fatigue and the risk of discovery by the enemy. His +situation was hazardous in the extreme. Behind him the Boers would be +soon on his heels, if they were not so already; before him lay a +defile known as Van Tonders Pass, deep and difficult, some six miles +in length. But at the slow rate of movement, necessitated by the +nature of the route through it, the passage of this dangerous ground +would take so much time and cause such disorder, that, balancing the +evils, Yule, after reconnoitring the obstacle, bivouacked at 2 p.m. on +a high and open spur of the Biggarsberg, overlooking the valley of the +Waschbank river, two miles east-south-east of Beith, and one mile west +of the junction of the Helpmakaar and Ladysmith roads. Here he waited +anxiously for the night.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The Boers occupy Dundee.</span> + +<p>Late on the morning of the 23rd the Boers, after reconnoitring the +camp and its vicinity as closely as they dared, opened once more from +Impati with their heavy gun. The first shell burst in the hospital +lines, and Major J. F. Donegan, the chief medical officer, who, +fearing to prejudice General Yule's <span class="pagenum"><a id="page148" name="page148"></a>[p. 148]</span> operations, had done +nothing to inform the enemy that his marquees were the only inhabited +tents, now determined to spare the wounded the horrors of further +bombardment. Captain A. E. Milner was therefore sent with a white flag +to ask that the fire should be stopped. Thereupon Erasmus' men, to +whom news of Yule's evacuation was a complete surprise, filed down the +mountain, and approached, not without caution. There was soon no room +for doubt; Dundee had fallen, and Erasmus' prize was large in inverse +proportion to the share he had taken in capturing it. No sooner was +the absence of the British soldiers established beyond a doubt, than +the burghers made haste to sack the camp and town. In a short time +every tent, except those of the hospitals, which were scrupulously +respected, was ransacked, and every shop turned inside out. +Commandant-General Joubert now sent orders to Lukas Meyer to pursue +Yule with a thousand men. Meyer did so, but marching late and slowly, +failed to come up with the British.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Night march Oct. 23rd Oct. 24th.</span> + +<p>At 11 p.m. Yule roused his men for a fresh effort. A hot day had given +place to a bleak and bitter night. But though the road was steep and +obstructed, and Van Tenders Pass plunged in profound gloom, the +column, headed by the Dublin Fusiliers, marched punctually and well. +By dawn the dangerous defile was safely threaded and the force +debouched on to the broad veld which rolls about the southern +buttresses of the Biggarsberg. At 6 a.m., October 24th, the vanguard +was at the Waschbank river, some thirteen miles from Beith, and on its +southern bank the troops were allowed to bivouac, the rearguard +closing up at 10 a.m., after ten weary hours' marching.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Yule, Oct. 24th, moves to sound of guns.</span> + +<p>As they halted, heavy and prolonged reports of artillery sounded from +the westward. It was evident that Sir G. White was fighting an action +upon the flank near Elandslaagte or Modder Spruit, and, in response to +the urgent request of his senior officers, Yule determined to despatch +at once a portion of his command to co-operate. Yule himself, though +now almost prostrate with illness and fatigue, rode out westward at +the head of the 67th and 69th field batteries, two squadrons 18th +Hussars, and two companies M.I. The remainder of the troops were +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page149" name="page149"></a>[p. 149]</span> left by the Waschbank under command of Lieut.-Col. Carleton, +Royal Irish Fusiliers, who took up a defensive position on the +northern bank.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Yule recrosses Waschbank Oct. 24th.</span> + +<p>Yule moved rapidly westwards over the shadeless tract lying between +the Sunday's and Waschbank rivers. Nine miles his mounted men pressed +towards the sound of the guns, but still the most advanced scouts saw +nothing, and when, about 2 p.m., the noise of the firing, still far +ahead, began to die away, he gave the order to retire to the +Waschbank. His men were back in bivouac at 4 p.m. No sooner had the +infantry from the height above filed over the muddy pools than a +storm, which had been gathering all day in the terrible heat, burst, +and cooled the sun-baked ground with a waterspout of rain. The +Waschbank, which had all but perished in the drought, in less than an +hour rose from three inches to a height of twelve feet of roaring +water, thirty-five yards in breadth. The rearmost infantry plunged +hurriedly across before it had attained its strength. A piquet of the +Royal Dublin Fusiliers, and a patrol of the 18th Hussars, who had +covered the passage, found themselves cut off, and remained long on +the enemy's side of the river.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Oct. 25 Yule gets touch with White.</span> + +<p>At 4 a.m. on the 25th the march was resumed along the southern and +least direct<a id="footnotetag101" name="footnotetag101"></a><a href="#footnote101" title="Go to footnote 101"><span class="small">[101]</span></a> of the two routes, which bifurcate at the Waschbank. +At 8.30 a.m. the advance guard was at and over Sunday's river, seven +miles further on, the rearguard crossing by the steep drift at noon, +and here the column rested. At 1 p.m. it was on the move again, +breasting the gentler ascent which swells upwards from the southern +bank of the stream, and after covering some four and a half miles, was +again halted at 3.45 p.m. upon the summit of a high ridge due north of +Kankana Mountain. Here preparations were made to pass the night; the +piquets went out, rations were distributed and cooked. At 5 p.m., +however, a patrol of the 5th Lancers from Ladysmith rode up with +orders from Sir G. White. Behind them a column under Lt.-Col. J. A. +Coxhead, R.A., was on the way from Ladysmith to assist the Dundee +detachment over the last stage. There were reports that the enemy was +about to close in from <span class="pagenum"><a id="page150" name="page150"></a>[p. 150]</span> every side. General Yule was to +effect a junction with Coxhead at once, and to proceed without another +check into Ladysmith.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Night march Oct. 25th-26th.</span> + +<p>At 6 p.m. began a night march of great distress and trouble. Soon +after the advance guard moved off, a heavy downpour converted the road +into a sea of semi-liquid mire, which the transport ploughed into +waves and furrows. These, invisible in the black darkness, almost held +down the soldiers plunging knee-deep into them. The teams of mules, +exhausted by prolonged labour and insufficient food, impatient by +nature of wet and darkness, strove with much suffering to drag the +rocking wagons through the mud, and, as is their habit when +overmastered by their load, threw themselves often in confusion +athwart the track and enforced a halt. At 9 p.m. the whole of the +transport stuck fast for more than two hours. The rearguard closed up, +but the troops in front of the baggage, knowing nothing of its +misfortunes, and travelling on a road not destroyed by its struggles, +pushed on and left it. With great efforts it was set in motion again, +but some half-dozen of the wagons, being imbedded hopelessly, had to +be abandoned.<a id="footnotetag102" name="footnotetag102"></a><a href="#footnote102" title="Go to footnote 102"><span class="small">[102]</span></a> Half a mile further the convoy was again in +difficulties. From this point all cohesion was lost. Some of the +wagons passed on, some remained; it was impossible for their escorts +to tell which were derelict and which they must still consider as in +their charge.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Coxhead's relief column.</span> + +<p>Throughout the night Lieut.-Col. Coxhead, R.A., who had left Ladysmith +at 9 a.m. on October 25th, lay waiting about a mile east of the Nek +between Bulwana<a id="footnotetag103" name="footnotetag103"></a><a href="#footnote103" title="Go to footnote 103"><span class="small">[103]</span></a> and Lombards Kop for the Dundee column to join +hands with his own. With him were the 5th Lancers, half a battalion +2nd Gordon Highlanders, half a battalion 1st Manchester regiment, the +21st battery R.F.A., and a convoy containing two days' supplies, which +General Yule had asked for, in a message despatched from the bivouac +at the Waschbank river on the 24th. Coxhead immediately gained touch +with Yule by means of his mounted troops, and learning that the food +would not be required, sent the wagons back. All day the troops from +Ladysmith remained on the Helpmakaar road. But night and torrents of +rain fell together, and Coxhead's <span class="pagenum"><a id="page151" name="page151"></a>[p. 151]</span> men bivouacked in +discomfort only less than that of their comrades toiling towards them, +still nine miles distant.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The retreat ends Oct 26th.</span> + +<p>At 3.30 a.m. on the 26th, just as the Ladysmith garrison was getting +under arms, in case a sally to bring in Yule might after all be +necessary, the foremost of the mounted men from Dundee rode up to +Modder Spruit. An hour later the Leicestershire regiment and the +King's Royal Rifles arrived, much exhausted, but in good order. After +a brief halt they went on into the town, which they entered at 6 a.m. +The other regiments, with the transport which had delayed them, coming +up to Coxhead between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m., halted for two hours, and had +breakfast before pushing on.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Cause of Rietfontein action, Oct. 24th.</span> + +<p>It is necessary now to revert to the action which had, on October +24th, been heard in the bivouac by the Waschbank, that action of which +a ride of nine miles westward had failed to disclose either the +purport or the scene. The arrival on the 23rd of Free State commandos +upon the heights north and west of the railway had redoubled Sir G. +White's already great anxiety for the safety of the retreat from +Dundee. In reality, the presence of the Free State forces on the +commanding ranges to the west of Elandslaagte was less dangerous than +it appeared, for Yule was marching in greater obscurity than either +he, or Sir G. White, imagined. When, indeed, on the morning of the +24th, the Free Staters saw troops issuing from Ladysmith, they +believed them to be the combined forces of Generals White and +Yule,<a id="footnotetag104" name="footnotetag104"></a><a href="#footnote104" title="Go to footnote 104"><span class="small">[104]</span></a> though the latter was at the moment still actually upon the +wrong side of the Waschbank. At still greater cross-purposes was +Erasmus, who set off on the morning of the 24th, with so little hope +of overtaking the retreat that he chose the only route by which it was +impossible for him to do so, the main road west of the railway. +Nevertheless, on the evening of the 25th, Erasmus' bivouac was near +Elandslaagte, and the wisdom of Sir G. White's order for the instant +continuance of the march of the column on that afternoon was +manifested. Had that march not been executed, Yule, the action of +Rietfontein notwithstanding, would have had the vanguard of Joubert's +army upon his flank next day, when <span class="pagenum"><a id="page152" name="page152"></a>[p. 152]</span> only operations from +Ladysmith on the largest scale could have extricated him.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The Rietfontein position.</span> + +<p>Some seven miles north-east of Ladysmith, Rietfontein<a id="footnotetag105" name="footnotetag105"></a><a href="#footnote105" title="Go to footnote 105"><span class="small">[105]</span></a> farmhouse +lay by a branch of the Modder Spruit, south-west of a long, low ridge, +which descended to the railway line in smooth and easy slopes dotted +with ant-heaps, with on its forehead a sparse eyebrow of stones. +Beyond the crest line, to the northward, the ground sank with a gentle +sweep, broken only by two rough under-features jutting from the +western extremity of the ridge, to rear itself again eight hundred +yards beyond into a line of abrupt heights. The southernmost of these, +called Intintanyoni,<a id="footnotetag106" name="footnotetag106"></a><a href="#footnote106" title="Go to footnote 106"><span class="small">[106]</span></a> leaped up steeply from the hollow, and +beyond and behind it stretched many leagues of rolling ground, with +scarce a subsidence until they merged in the tumultuous billows of the +Drakensberg. Two grassy pinnacles, nearly equal in height, flanked +Intintanyoni. Of these the western looked across a deep and narrow +gorge over to Nodashwana or Swaatbouys Kop, of a somewhat greater +elevation, whilst below the eastern, deep re-entrants, both on the +north and south, divided Intintanyoni from the magnificent curve of +highlands, which terminated west of Elandslaagte in the wooded mass of +Jonono's Kop.<a id="footnotetag107" name="footnotetag107"></a><a href="#footnote107" title="Go to footnote 107"><span class="small">[107]</span></a></p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The Boer occupation of it.</span> + +<p>East of the twin peaks of Intintanyoni various lesser eminences and +hollow Neks completed the tempestuous irregularity of this singular +feature, along whose crest six Free State commandos lay waiting for +their first battle on the morning of October 24th. To the east, with +patrols upon Jonono's Kop, lay the men of Bethlehem, Vrede, and +Heilbron; about the eastern peak of Intintanyoni the Winburg commando +held the ground, in charge of two pieces of artillery; on their right, +occupying the rest of the mountain, the burghers of Kroonstad made +ready; whilst those of Harrismith disposed themselves partly upon a +supporting position in rear, and partly as piquets <span class="pagenum"><a id="page153" name="page153"></a>[p. 153]</span> and +observation posts on outlying kopjes, amongst others the lofty +Nodashwana. Some 6,000 riflemen in all filled the six-mile line of +heights. They were commanded by General A. P. Cronje, who had arrived +only on this morning, the 24th, to replace de Villiers, who had been +in temporary charge.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Sir George marches out, Oct. 24th.</span> + +<p>Sir G. White moved out from Ladysmith at 5 a.m. with the 5th Lancers, +19th Hussars, Imperial Light Horse, Natal Mounted Rifles, 42nd and +53rd batteries R.F.A., No. 10 Mountain battery R.G.A., 1st Liverpool, +1st Devon, 1st Gloucestershire regiments, and 2nd King's Royal Rifle +Corps, in all, some 5,300 officers and men, assuming himself the +direction of an operation certain to be delicate, likely to be +extremely dangerous. Moving up the Newcastle road from its rendezvous +near the junction of the Free State railway, the force had proceeded +six miles when the advanced screen of cavalry came under a dropping +rifle fire at 7 a.m. from the heights on their left. Their action was +prompt. Pushing rapidly across the Modder Spruit, a squadron of 5th +Lancers, supported by two others, drove back at the gallop the small +parties of Boers hovering in that neighbourhood, and themselves seized +and held this advanced position. The remainder of the cavalry, +stringing out along high ground dominating the western bank of the +spruit, and facing more to the eastward, formed a strong flank guard +towards Jonono's Kop. At 8 a.m., whilst fitful discharges of musketry +rose and fell along the widely-extended line of troopers, the infantry +had come up to Rietfontein. No sooner had they arrived at a point on +the road some five hundred yards east of the Modder Spruit, than a +loud report broke from the eastern peak of Intintanyoni, and a shell, +bursting on impact, fell into the head of the column. Thereupon the +British artillery wheeled out from the route, and in line of batteries +trotted towards a level crossing over the railway, some six hundred +yards west of the road. Arrived at this defile, and forming column +inwards to traverse it, the first gun had scarcely passed the rails, +when both the Boer guns on the high green rampart ahead opened upon +the point, which had been taken as one of their range marks. Five +hundred yards beyond it the artillery deployed behind a rise. The +second round from <span class="pagenum"><a id="page154" name="page154"></a>[p. 154]</span> the 53rd battery, fused at 3,600 yards, +burst full upon one of the Boer pieces, and the gunners of both +weapons fled. After a few more rounds the 53rd limbered up and +prepared to advance.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The infantry seize ridge facing hill.</span> + +<p>The infantry were already over the railway, and moving +forward—Gloucester regiment on the left, Liverpool regiment on the +right—up the gentle but protected slope, swelling to the summit of +the low ridge of Rietfontein. The 1st Devonshire regiment, in support, +lay at the base, whilst the 2nd King's Royal Rifles remained in rear +in charge of the baggage. On the appearance of the leading companies +upon the crest, firing broke out from the whole length of the crest of +Intintanyoni, to which the British infantry, lying prone, soon replied +as vigorously. Of the artillery, the 42nd battery was quickly in +action near the centre of the front, whilst the 53rd unlimbered some +six hundred yards to the left, and began shelling a rocky underfeature +of Intintanyoni, at a range of 1,500 yards. Sharp musketry assailed +them. Then the 42nd battery, being ordered further to the left, passed +behind the 53rd and the 10th Mountain battery, which had come into +line on the left of the 53rd, and opened 1,900 yards from the summit +of Intintanyoni. Thus began a severe fire fight at ranges varying from +one to two thousand yards. Especially was it hotly contested where the +Gloucester on the left of the British opposed the 1,400 Kroonstad men, +who, under Nel, maintained the Boer right. Heavy exchanges of rifle +fire swept across the valley in this part, and in spite of the steady +practice of the artillery, it became necessary to reinforce the +attackers. For this purpose the Devonshire regiment was pushed up on +the left of the Gloucester, half the King's Royal Rifles coming from +the baggage train to fill its place in support.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> An untoward incident.</span> + +<p>Sir G. White had all but accomplished his purpose, that of intervening +between the Free State commandos and Yule's line of march, when one of +those accidents of war, inexplicable because of the death of those who +alone could explain them, largely increased his hitherto insignificant +losses. Shortly before midday Colonel E. P. Wilford, commanding the +1st Gloucestershire, taking a company of his battalion and the +regimental Maxim gun, dashed out of cover down the open slope as if to +assault. Another <span class="pagenum"><a id="page155" name="page155"></a>[p. 155]</span> half company of the battalion moved on +ahead to cut a wire fence which obstructed the front. The Boers, who +for a time had lain quiet under the shrapnel, which searched their +position from end to end, at once opened a fierce fusilade. Colonel +Wilford was shot dead, and his men fell rapidly, the detachment +finally halting upon a low ridge beneath Intintanyoni. Further advance +was impossible. Only with difficulty could both the Gloucestershire +and "D." squadron I.L.H., which had joined in the attack, be +withdrawn. Fortunately, as the attempt was promptly ordered to cease, +though many had been wounded, only six were killed in the adventure. +Meanwhile the shooting over their heads had been continuous. The +enemy, encouraged by this event, and by the immobility of Sir G. +White's line of battle, which they imagined to be awed from its +purpose by their resistance, still clung to their fastness, and +maintained a heavy though spasmodic fire. More than once the gunners +of the still uninjured piece beneath the eastern peak made efforts to +drag it forward into action, but the British artillerymen watched the +spot narrowly, and each attempt was blown back by shrapnel, under +which Intintanyoni burst into flames. Many of the Boer ponies herded +in rear, terrified by the blaze, stampeded. Then, up on Nodashwana, +amongst the Harrismith men, a stir was descried which seemed to +threaten an outflanking manœuvre against the British left. Sir G. +White, anxious for his communications with Ladysmith, promptly +countered the movement by calling the Natal Mounted Rifles across from +his right, and sending them on in front of his left flank.<a id="footnotetag108" name="footnotetag108"></a><a href="#footnote108" title="Go to footnote 108"><span class="small">[108]</span></a> The +Colonial riflemen went with such skill into the maze of broken ground +below the mountain, that they not only succeeded in outflanking the +outflankers, but actually drove by enfilade fire all of the Kroonstad +commando, who were upon the right of Intintanyoni, far back across the +hill to where the Winburgers lay at the eastern extremity. All danger +ceased definitely on this side when two guns of the 42nd battery, +turning towards the ridges of Nodashwana, in a few moments cleared it +of the enemy, and converted it also into a huge bonfire <span class="pagenum"><a id="page156" name="page156"></a>[p. 156]</span> of +blazing grass. At 1.30 p.m. the Boer fire had dwindled all along the +main ridge, and an hour later it ceased altogether. Only from the far +right came the sound of musketry from the cavalry still fencing with +scattered detachments of the Heilbron, Vrede and Bethlehem burghers, +who clung to them pertinaciously.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Return to Ladysmith.</span> + +<p>At 3 p.m. Sir G. White gave the order for a general retirement. His +object was accomplished, with the not undue loss of 114 casualties. +Yule was now safe for that day, and he believed the Free State army to +have suffered severely enough to keep it inactive on the next, when he +intended to assist the Dundee column by other means. But the Boers +watched the withdrawal of the British troops with very little +despondency. Unaware of the true situation of the Dundee column, they +misunderstood operations designed to keep them from it. The +demonstration against Intintanyoni seemed to them nothing less than a +serious attempt to drive them from their hold, and the retreat of the +British to be that of a baffled army. Thus, ignorant of their +strategical defeat, they rejoiced at what seemed a tactical victory. +Moreover, their losses<a id="footnotetag109" name="footnotetag109"></a><a href="#footnote109" title="Go to footnote 109"><span class="small">[109]</span></a> had been small. The cavalry alone, now +called upon to protect the rear—as all day they had covered the +right—had difficulty in returning. For some distance they had to +maintain a running fire fight, and it was nearly 7 p.m. before the +rearmost troopers entered Ladysmith, which the head of the infantry +column had reached two hours and a half earlier.<a id="footnotetag110" name="footnotetag110"></a><a href="#footnote110" title="Go to footnote 110"><span class="small">[110]</span></a></p> + + +<a id="chap9" name="chap9"></a> +<h3><span class="pagenum"><a id="page157" name="page157"></a>[p. 157]</span> CHAPTER IX.</h3> + +<p class="title">ELANDSLAAGTE.<a id="footnotetag111" name="footnotetag111"></a><a href="#footnote111" title="Go to footnote 111"><span class="small">[111]</span></a></p> + + +<span class="sidenote"> Early days in Ladysmith, Oct. 11th to 19th.</span> + +<p>During the time (Oct. 12th-Oct. 26th, 1899) occupied by the episode of +the Dundee detachment, including the action of Rietfontein fought to +assist it in retreat, much had happened elsewhere.</p> + +<p>Sir G. White arrived in Ladysmith on the 11th October. On the 12th +telegraphic communication by Harrismith entirely ceased, and the mail +train from that town failed to arrive. Early on the 12th a telegram +from a post of observation of Natal Carbineers at Acton Homes gave +information that a strong column of Boers, with four miles of train, +was on the march through Tintwa Pass, the head of it being already +across the border; furthermore, that there seemed to be an advance +guard concealed in Van Reenen's Pass. Sir G. White prepared to strike +instantly; but a British detachment which reached Dewdrop next day saw +the Boer vanguard, halted in the mouth of Tintwa Pass, and as +previously described (<a href="#page123">p. 123</a>) returned to Ladysmith. A cavalry +reconnaissance<a id="footnotetag112" name="footnotetag112"></a><a href="#footnote112" title="Go to footnote 112"><span class="small">[112]</span></a> in the same direction on the 16th found that the +commandos had not stirred and, though Olivier's Hoek, Bezuidenhout's, +Tintwa and Van Reenen's Passes were all occupied,<a id="footnotetag113" name="footnotetag113"></a><a href="#footnote113" title="Go to footnote 113"><span class="small">[113]</span></a> the country +east of them was as clear of the enemy as heretofore. There appeared +an unaccountable <span class="pagenum"><a id="page158" name="page158"></a>[p. 158]</span> hesitation amongst the Free Staters. +Rumours of disagreement, and even of actual hostilities between the +commandos, reached the British camp. They were not altogether +groundless, and Sir G. White, utilising the respite, set himself to +consider how his field force might be turned into a garrison, and his +place of rest into a fortress, should it be necessary, as now seemed +likely, to stand a siege in Ladysmith. A complete scheme of defence +was drawn up on the 16th,<span class="sidenote"> Oct. 16th.</span> + and a mobile column organised for instant +service in any quarter. But, whilst the real enemy lay idle on the +west, rumour, working in his favour far to the southward, troubled the +British general and robbed him of troops he could ill spare. On the +17th<span class="sidenote"> Oct. 17th.</span> + a telegram from the Governor of Natal announced that there was +evidence of a contemplated Boer raid viā Zululand upon +Pietermaritzburg and Durban,<a id="footnotetag114" name="footnotetag114"></a><a href="#footnote114" title="Go to footnote 114"><span class="small">[114]</span></a> and asked for reinforcements for the +defenceless capital. They were promptly sent,<a id="footnotetag115" name="footnotetag115"></a><a href="#footnote115" title="Go to footnote 115"><span class="small">[115]</span></a> and quitted +Ladysmith just as the Free Staters in the mountains received with much +discussion the order to cross the frontier. Before dawn of the 18th <span class="sidenote"> Oct. 18th.</span> +all the commandos were on the move down the defiles, the men of +Bethlehem in Olivier's Hoek Pass, of Heilbron in Bezuidenhout's, of +Kroonstad in Tintwa, of Winburg in Van Reenen's, of Harrismith in De +Beer's, of Vrede in Müller's. By 8 a.m. Acton Homes was in the hands +of 3,000 Boers, and shortly after, west of Bester's station, a piquet +of the Natal Carbineers was sharply attacked by the Harrismith +commando, and forced to retire with loss. The Boers then occupied +Bester's station, where they halted for the night. The news of this +rapid development caused a great stir in Ladysmith. As early as the +15th Sir George White had decided upon the evacuation of the camp, +which lay outside the town, but hitherto no orders had been issued to +this effect. All the 18th the work of removing the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page159" name="page159"></a>[p. 159]</span> troops +and stores from the camp to the town defences previously selected was +pushed on with such despatch, that by 10 p.m. these were well manned. +The Pietermaritzburg column, which had reached Colenso, was ordered +back to Onderbrook. <span class="sidenote"> Oct. 19th.</span> +Next day the General rode around Ladysmith, +re-adjusting with great care the line of defence selected on the 16th. +Instructions were then sent to Wolseley-Jenkins to resume his march to +Pietermaritzburg, the Imperial Light Horse alone being taken from the +column and brought back into Ladysmith.<a id="footnotetag116" name="footnotetag116"></a><a href="#footnote116" title="Go to footnote 116"><span class="small">[116]</span></a></p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Kock Oct. 19th and night of Oct. 19th-20th seizes +Elandslaagte station.</span> + +<p>Meanwhile, the Boer General, Kock, having arrived on the summit of the +Biggarsberg on the 19th, promptly pushed patrols down the southern +slopes. Field Cornet Potgieter, the leader of one of these, pressing +on in company with a party of Viljoen's men, under Field Cornet +Pienaar, dashed into Elandslaagte station, some twenty miles +southward, and attacked and captured a supply train which was steaming +through the station on its way to Glencoe. Potgieter at once sent back +word to Kock, who, replying with the order: "Hold on to the trains at +any cost, I am following with the whole detachment," marched all +night, and joined his lieutenant near the looted train at break of day +on the 20th.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> French moves out Oct. 20th, but is recalled.</span> + +<p>News of the event was quickly received at Headquarters. At 11 a.m. on +the 20th Major-General J. D. P. French, who had only arrived at 5 a.m. +that morning, left Ladysmith with the 5th Lancers, the Natal Mounted +Rifles and Natal Carbineers, and a battery Royal Field artillery, to +ascertain the situation at Elandslaagte. An infantry brigade, under +Colonel Ian Hamilton, moved out in support. But whilst they were on +the march, the Free Staters at Bester's became so active that Sir +George White, fearing an attack whilst part of his force was absent, +sent orders to check the reconnaissance before it was half completed, +and by sunset French was back in Ladysmith, having seen nothing but +the German commando, Kock's screen.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Encouraged by news of Talana.</span> + +<p>By this time news of the victory at Talana<a id="footnotetag117" name="footnotetag117"></a><a href="#footnote117" title="Go to footnote 117"><span class="small">[117]</span></a> had come in. <span class="pagenum"><a id="page160" name="page160"></a>[p. 160]</span> +Its partial extent not fully understood at first, it not only lifted a +load from the General's mind, but showed him where he too could strike +a blow. The commandos at Elandslaagte, yesterday dangerous from their +position on Symons' line of retreat, were to-day in peril themselves, +and he determined to give them no time to remove into safety. At 4 +a.m. on the 21st French <span class="sidenote"> White, Oct. 21st, sends French out again to Elandslaagte.</span> +was again on the move towards +Elandslaagte<a id="footnotetag118" name="footnotetag118"></a><a href="#footnote118" title="Go to footnote 118"><span class="small">[118]</span></a> with five squadrons (338 men) Imperial Light Horse +and the Natal Field artillery. At 6 a.m. a half battalion (330 men) of +the 1st Manchester regiment, with Railway and Royal engineer +detachments, followed by rail, preceded by the armoured train manned +by one company of the same battalion. Moving along the Newcastle road, +French made straight for the high ground south-west of Elandslaagte +station, and at 7 a.m. his advance and right flank guards (Imperial +Light Horse) came in touch with the enemy, the former south of the +collieries, the latter on the open veld some four miles south of the +railway. As the mist lifted, parties of Boers were seen all about the +station and colliery buildings, and over the undulating veld, and it +was observed that most of these, on sighting the British scouts, drew +back upon a group of kopjes situated about a mile south-east of the +station. <span class="sidenote"> French retakes station.</span> +French immediately ordered up the Natal battery on to a flat +hillock which rose between the railway and the Newcastle road, +south-east of Woodcote farm, and at 8 a.m. a shot from the 7-pounders, +sighted at 1,900 yards, crashed into the tin out-buildings of the +station. A crowd of Boers swarmed out at the explosion and with them +some of the British captured in the train the day before, the former +galloping for the kopjes, the latter making for the protection of +their countrymen at the battery. At the same time a squadron of the +Imperial Light Horse galloped for the station in extended files, +captured the Boer guard, and released the station and colliery +officials who were there in durance. But in a few moments shells from +the group of kopjes beyond the station began to fall into the battery, +one smashing an ammunition wagon. The gunners attempted in vain to +reply; <span class="pagenum"><a id="page161" name="page161"></a>[p. 161]</span> their pieces were outranged by over 500 yards, and at +8.15, on the arrival of the infantry near at hand, they fell back <span class="sidenote"> but falls back.</span> +leaving the wagon derelict. At 8.30 a.m. French withdrew to a point +four miles south of Woodcote farm, and from here sent a report to Sir +George White, informing him that about 400 Boers with three guns were +before him on a prepared position, and asking for support. The enemy's +artillery continued to shell the troops, and French, after questioning +the prisoners and the released Britons, and examining more closely, +came to the conclusion that there were from 800 to 1,000 Boers in +front of him. When parties of the enemy began to appear also upon +Jonono's Kop to the north-west he judged it prudent to withdraw his +weak detachment still further, and by 11.30 a.m. was back nearly at +the Modder Spruit. On the way he fell in with a reinforcement from +Ladysmith consisting of one squadron 5th Lancers,<a id="footnotetag119" name="footnotetag119"></a><a href="#footnote119" title="Go to footnote 119"><span class="small">[119]</span></a> one squadron +5th Dragoon Guards, and the 42nd battery Field artillery, all under +Colonel Coxhead, R.A., and with these he retraced his steps to the +Modder Spruit siding, where a halt was called.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> He asks for reinforcements and orders.</span> + +<p>It was now evident to General French that an action of great +importance could be fought or avoided before nightfall. At noon, +therefore, he communicated with Sir George White, and, after informing +him of his own and the enemy's situations, and the best line of +attack, stated that in his opinion the numbers required would be three +battalions of infantry, two batteries, and more cavalry than he had at +the moment. He would await instructions. They came with promptitude; +for Sir G. White had determined to ruin this commando, and sweep it +from Yule's communications, before it could separate. "The enemy must +be beaten, and driven off," he wrote to French. "Time of great +importance." Within a quarter of an hour of the receipt of the above +message, French had promulgated his orders; within half an hour, at +1.30 p.m., before the arrival of the reinforcements, the advance upon +the kopjes had begun.</p> + +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page162" name="page162"></a>[p. 162]</span> <span class="sidenote"> The ground held by Boers.</span> + +<p>Running south-east, with its northern extremity about a mile from the +station, the ground held by the enemy covered some 4,000 yards from +flank to flank, and consisted of four boulder-strewn kopjes. That +nearest the station was steep and rocky, its top 200 yards broad and +sloping rearwards; next and somewhat retired from the general line, +700 yards distant, on the far side of a deep cup scored with dongas, +arose one of those singular isosceles triangular eminences of which +South Africa almost alone possesses the mould. A Nek, carrying the +roadway to a farm behind, separated this from the main feature 500 +yards away. This was a bluff and precipitous hill, thatched here and +there with long grasses on its northern face, on its eastern sloping +easily down to the veld which rolled in rounded waves towards +Ladysmith. Its summit was almost flat, a bouldered plateau, 400 yards +long by 200 wide, falling in rocky spurs to the river a mile and a +half in rear, and slanting at its southern extremity into a broad and +broken Nek. This climbed again 2,000 yards away up to the last kopje +of the position, whose top, also flat, swung first south, then sharply +west, to merge finally into the grassy rises which approached almost +to Modder Spruit. Though the general elevation was no more than some +300 feet from the ground level, so bare was the terrain about its +base, that the insignificant hills presented a formidable face to the +south-west. Across the railway, some six miles to the north-west, +Jonono's Kop looked over these low ridges, and threw great spurs, +dotted with Kaffir villages, down into the undulating prairie which +rolled between them. On one of these spurs, which came down to the +Newcastle road, 100 men of the German commando, under Schiel, had, on +the retirement of the British, taken post, supported on an +underfeature close to the eastward by Field Cornet Joubert's +Johannesburgers, and Vrede men (100) under De Jager. The rest of the +commandos occupied the main feature above described, the remainder of +the Germans the kopje nearest the station, strong skirmishing parties +being thrown out, under Field Cornet Pienaar, along the uplands which +ran out southward in front of their left flank. Slightly retired from +the forward crest of the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page163" name="page163"></a>[p. 163]</span> main hill were posted the two guns, +below and behind the right of which, beside the roadway creeping +between the bluff and the tall triangular kopje, the laager had been +pitched on a flat of sun-baked mud.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> French attacks at once.</span> + +<p>Major-General French moved forward quickly without waiting for the +reinforcements from Ladysmith. A squadron 5th Dragoon Guards under +Major St. J. C. Gore on the west of the railway, and one of the 5th +Lancers on the east, each covering two miles, scouted in front of the +batteries and Imperial Light Horse, the 1st Manchester following +slowly in the train. The Lancers were first in touch with the enemy, +their progress being checked at 2 p.m. by Pienaar's piquets posted, as +already described, on the low ridge running parallel to the railway, +the ridge, indeed, which General French had selected as the +springboard for his attack. A gun, opening from the hills behind, +supported the skirmishers: the Lancer squadron had to retire. But +Colonel Scott Chisholme quickly brought up four squadrons Imperial +Light Horse, which, pressing forward in squadron-column with extended +files, with the 5th Lancer squadron on the right, stormed the ridge +and cleared it. The crest thus secured, the Manchester detrained under +its cover at 2.30 p.m. about three miles south-west of Elandslaagte. <span class="sidenote"> The infantry reinforcements arrive.</span> +Ten minutes later they were joined by a half-battalion 2nd Gordon +Highlanders and seven companies of the 1st Devonshire regiment, who +formed up on the veld in brigade-line of quarter-columns, facing +north-east, Devonshire on the right, Manchester on the left. Before +starting, the 7th brigade was addressed in inspiriting terms by its +commander, Colonel Ian Hamilton. The Manchester led the way, heading +for the ridge occupied by the Imperial Light Horse, with two companies +covering 500 yards in front line; the Devonshire supported, and the +Highlanders marched in reserve. As the brigade began to move, a burst +of musketry from across the railway to the north told that the +squadron of the 5th Dragoon Guards had run into the enemy on the lower +spurs of Jonono's Kop. So strong did the opposition there appear that +the 42nd and 21st batteries, with a squadron 5th Lancers which had +just escorted the guns from <span class="pagenum"><a id="page164" name="page164"></a>[p. 164]</span> Ladysmith, were despatched to +the spot in support. A few shrapnel from the 42nd battery sufficed to +silence the Mausers, and the artillery recrossed the railway, the 5th +Dragoon Guards also receiving an order to come in. The artillery were +then ordered to go on at once and open against the main position. On +their way to the front they passed the marching infantry, whose +directions were now somewhat altered; for whilst the Manchester in the +van still pushed eastwards for Scott Chisholme's captured ridge, the +Devonshire, diverging half left from this line, now led upon the +enemy's right flank, and behind, in the ever increasing interval thus +created between the two battalions, the Gordon Highlanders were +extending in reserve.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Sir George arrives and approves.</span> + +<p>Whilst the advance was in progress Sir G. White, who had ridden fast +from Ladysmith, arrived upon the field, escorted by a troop of Natal +Mounted Rifles. Recognising the excellence of General French's plans +and arrangements, he remained only as a spectator, leaving to his +subordinate complete control of the battle. A few moments later, at 4 +p.m., the British guns came into action in front of the infantry at a +range of 4,400 yards. The enemy replied, shells bursting in the 21st +battery. So rapid a bombardment was at once delivered against the hill +that, after firing twenty rounds, all of which fell among the guns, +the Boer gunners fled from their pieces. <span class="sidenote"> The Boer guns are silenced.</span> +Then the artillery, changing +their target continually, searched all the top with shrapnel. The 1st +Devonshire regiment, pushing west of the rise to a point 800 yards +north of the batteries, lay down on a front of 500 yards. At 3.30 p.m. +this battalion had received an order to move, when the artillery +preparation should cease, right across the open grass plain which +separated them from the enemy, and to hold him to his defences.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Manchester with Gordons assail left.</span> + +<p>A thousand yards south-east of the Devonshire, beyond the batteries, +the Manchester had halted near the crest at the point of its curve +northward, and this curve they were ordered to follow until it brought +them upon the opposed left flank. A mile in rear, still, therefore, in +the plain below, the Gordon Highlanders halted, and orders came to +them to support the Manchester at the next stage. At 4.30 p.m. the +infantry rose <span class="pagenum"><a id="page165" name="page165"></a>[p. 165]</span> and moved forward. On the left the Devonshire, +with three companies covering some 600 yards in front, and four +companies in reserve, in column, with 50 paces distance between the +single ranks, steered upon the tall cone which marked the right-centre +of the Boers. Their march led them at first downhill into the broad +bowl which lay below the foot of the kopjes, a hollow as smooth as a +meadow but for the infrequent ant-hills. Shrapnel began from the first +to burst over the battalion, but the soldiers pressed steadily onward +until, at a point some 1,200 yards from the enemy, severe rifle-fire +began to play upon them, and they were halted to reply to it. Their +section volleys soon beat heavily about the Boer right, and pinned the +burghers to their sangars. <span class="sidenote"> Devonshire pin right.</span> +A little later, the Devonshire firing line, +now stiffened by the supports, advanced again down the bullet-swept +slope and gained a shallow donga about 850 yards from the crest. Here +Major C. W. Park disposed his battalion for a musketry fight. He had +carried out the first part of his orders, and it was necessary now to +await the development of the attack in progress against the other +flank. With some loss, therefore, the Devonshire lay within close +range of the hostile lines. So briskly, however, did they engage them, +that the attention of a great part of the Boer force was drawn to that +direction, and for a time the simultaneous movement against the other +flank proceeded almost unnoticed. The Manchester, indeed, during the +early portion of their advance, were not easily to be seen from the +Boers' left. Skilfully led, they made their way with two companies +extended in the firing line, over broken ground under the crest of the +ridge, and only some shells, aimed at the artillery, dropped amongst +them. Out of sight on the right the Imperial Light Horse and the +squadron 5th Lancers worked ahead on a parallel route, having drawn +towards the outer flank on the infantry coming up to them. In rear the +Gordon Highlanders, inclining to the right, followed in support of the +Manchester, in echelon of companies at 60 paces interval, the +companies marching in column of sections. A brisk shell fire assailed +this battalion as it crossed the rear of the batteries, but, like the +Manchester, the Highlanders for a time escaped the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page166" name="page166"></a>[p. 166]</span> notice of +the Boer riflemen, and they pushed on with trifling loss.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Guns silence Boer artillery.</span> + +<p>Thus by 4.30 p.m. the whole British force, 3,500 men in all, was in +motion, and Coxhead, during the temporary silence of the enemy's +artillery, ordered his command to support more closely. As the +batteries limbered up, the Boers re-opened and followed them with +shells. Only one horse fell, however, and the British guns, moving +swiftly between the Devonshire and Manchester regiments, were shortly +in action again three quarters of a mile nearer to the front. Under +their rapid rounds at 3,200 yards the hostile gunners relapsed +immediately and finally into silence.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Difficulties of approach to Boer left.</span> + +<p>In approaching the occupied zone the cavalry on the right were first +closely engaged. A screen of skirmishers still lay out before the Boer +left, and these, as they fell back slowly, had an easy target in the +mounted men, who were working over ground of great difficulty. Then +the Manchester, emerging from their covered way, found themselves upon +the crest of a smooth and open plateau, which, sloping downwards for +200 yards from them almost imperceptibly, was traversed by a wire +fence, beyond which stony outcrops again gave promise of shelter. As +the foremost soldiers showed above the fringe of stones at the crest +line, a sudden rush of bullets drummed upon the sun-dried level in +front of them, and the men, in obedience to an order, dropped again +behind the protecting stones to reply. As they did so, some of the +officers of the Manchester, leaving their men in the security of the +rocks, ran through the storm of lead and severed the wires obstructing +advance. But the line was as yet too weak for a forward dash.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The attack on Boer left.</span> + +<p>For a quarter of an hour the Manchester lay where they were, with +frequent casualties, but using their weapons so vigorously that soon +the Boers on their front, an advanced party of Lombard's commando, +gave back in spite of their leader's efforts to hold them, and at 5.20 +p.m. the Manchester poured from the stones after them. They were +closely followed by the Gordon, who, though under cover below them, +had suffered somewhat from the shots grazing the edge of the plateau. +At <span class="pagenum"><a id="page167" name="page167"></a>[p. 167]</span> their appearance heavy musketry burst from the kopjes +1,200 yards ahead. The soldiers were in a moment at the wire fence. +This obstacle, only partially destroyed, had been taken as a known +range by the Boer marksmen, and so accurate therefore was their +shooting that soon there was scarce a strand unrent by the bullets. In +the crowding which ensued many men fell amongst the now dangling +wires, some pushed through, and some could find no gap. Though the +front of the brigade thus became broken and confused, the advance +continued uninterruptedly. Now Lieut.-Colonel W. H. Dick-Cunyngham +sent the Gordon Highlanders forward into the gaps opening in the lines +of the Manchester, some to the left, some to the right, some wherever +they could find room. The Imperial Light Horse, who had been +contending every foot of their progress with the cloud of skirmishers +retiring slowly before them, here joined on to the right of the +Gordon. Once at the edge of the ridge, from which, as the troops +rushed forward, a detached party of Boers fell back, still shooting +bitterly, the brigade found itself facing due north, and the Boer left +flank lay exposed.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Gore, dashing in, halts on Boer right rear.</span> + +<p>Meanwhile Gore, reinforced by a squadron 5th Lancers, had moved out +yet further to the left, cutting in between the Boer main body and +Schiel's Germans, so that the latter only saved themselves by a +circuitous gallop behind Woodcote farm, not drawing rein until they +arrived in rear of the left of the main position. Gore then gained a +secure foothold near the colliery 1,700 yards from the enemy's right +rear. Here he concealed his squadrons, and awaiting the development of +the infantry attack, watched the rear face of the enemy's kopjes for +signs of a break away.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The position is captured.</span> + +<p>Strengthened by the arrival of Schiel, the Boer left poured their +bullets chiefly upon that portion of the line occupied by the right +companies of the Gordon Highlanders and the Imperial Light Horse. +Below the fence the ground sloped gently downward to the foot of the +kopjes, where it again rose more steeply to the summit, some 350 yards +distant. Down the incline the firing line went rapidly, for the most +part by rushes of sections, carried out independently, yet with great +dash and unanimity. <span class="pagenum"><a id="page168" name="page168"></a>[p. 168]</span> But the slope was exposed throughout, +and there were many casualties. About 5.30 p.m. the line of battle had +arrived at the foot of the kopjes; then, swinging slightly towards the +left, so as to envelop still more the flank of the enemy above, all +supports and reserves being now absorbed, it began to make head +upwards, still by short rushes. It was now nearly dark; rain burst +down on them in a torrent: the men, breathless from their eager pace, +began to slacken somewhat in their difficult progress up the +hill-sides. At this moment Colonel Hamilton, who had previously ridden +to where the Devonshire still held fast the Boer right with their +volleys, hurried back to the main attack. He at once ordered the +"charge" to be sounded, and running to the front, himself led the last +onset. The Devonshire simultaneously leaped from the donga where they +had lain more than an hour, and, advancing by companies from the +right, reached the base of the final kopje. For an instant they halted +to gain breath and fix bayonets, then, coming to the charge, assaulted +the portion before them, and carried it without a check, four +companies swinging to the left against the northernmost kopje, and +three moving straight upon the main hill whereon stood the enemy's +artillery. Here, as occurred all along the Boer line, though many fled +at the sound of the charge, many stood and continued shooting at the +troops until the latter were within twenty yards of them. Below the +main crest a bitter contest was also maintained, for as at Talana, +many Boers, seeing the soldiers determined to win the summit, pressed +forward to oppose them, and lay firing behind the rocks until their +assailants were almost upon them. Some acting thus were made +prisoners; some escaped to the rear at the last moment; many were shot +down as they ran. The assault poured on unchecked, the two guns +falling to the converging Devonshire. At 5.55 p.m. the infantry held +all the upper part of the hill.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Gore attacks the flying Boers.</span> + +<p>By that time the cavalry, lying in wait at Elandslaagte, had already +dealt their blow. A quarter of an hour before the infantry gained the +crest the majority of the defenders had begun to vacate the summit, +and, descending to the open ground behind, streamed raggedly across +the front, many within five <span class="pagenum"><a id="page169" name="page169"></a>[p. 169]</span> hundred yards, of the concealed +troopers. The light was failing rapidly, and with it the chance of +action. Though the crowd in the loose disorder of retreat seemed to +offer an indefinite object for a charge, there was no likelihood of a +better whilst sufficient light remained. At 5.30 p.m. Gore gave the +word and pushed out eastwards with a squadron of the 5th Lancers on +the right of his line, and one of the 5th Dragoon Guards on the left, +both in extended files. The ground was difficult, boulders strewed the +surface, and a series of dongas, intersecting it at all angles, +seriously impeded progress. These obstacles once cleared, the cavalry +moved on rapidly and, topping a slight rise, came suddenly into full +view of the foremost Boers, some 300 in number, who were riding slowly +northward away from the ridges all but captured behind them. The +charge was instantly delivered, and the Boer retirement was dashed to +pieces in all directions. Then, having traversed completely the zone +of retreat, the cavalry were rallied and reformed into line. The +gallop had carried the squadrons more than a mile and a half from +their starting-place, and the intervening space was again covered by +the enemy, now in full flight from the kopjes. Once more, therefore, +the troopers charged, and, scouring in loose order back over the same +ground, cleared it of the enemy, and drew rein with many prisoners +near Elandslaagte, just as the last gleam of light died and gave place +to darkness.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> A Boer rally after "cease fire."</span> + +<p>Meanwhile there had occurred an anxious moment for the infantry, +victorious along the summit of the kopjes. Pressing forward from the +captured crest in pursuit, and firing fast, the soldiers were some +distance down the gentle reverse slope when a white flag was seen to +be waving from the conical kopje above the laager, and Colonel +Hamilton, believing it to signify a general capitulation, ordered the +"cease fire" to be sounded. Suddenly a body of some fifty Boers +charged boldly uphill against that section in which were the right +company of the Gordon Highlanders and the Imperial Light Horse, and, +seizing a small spur within twenty yards of the crest, turned their +rifles upon the surprised troops. For a moment there was some +confusion. The soldiers were scattered; some were continuing the +pursuit, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page170" name="page170"></a>[p. 170]</span> some were seeking their units; many were resting; +the cross fire which thus assailed them was severe and accurate.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The enemy is swept off.</span> + +<p>But the effect of this counter-attack was but momentary. Once more the +"advance" was sounded, and that part of the line, rallied by the voice +and example of Colonel Hamilton himself, surged forward again,<a id="footnotetag120" name="footnotetag120"></a><a href="#footnote120" title="Go to footnote 120"><span class="small">[120]</span></a> +and tumbled the last remnant of the enemy down the reverse slopes. +During this incident some of the Imperial Light Horse on the extreme +right, swinging round the enemy's left, surrounded a farmhouse which +had been the rallying point of the above counter-attack, and, after a +sharp encounter, stormed it, capturing twenty-one prisoners.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Effect of the action.</span> + +<p>Thus terminated an action of which there can be no greater praise than +that it was swiftly planned, carried out with determination, and that +its complete success was gained exactly as designed. That success, +moreover, was of more than local importance. Kock's hold upon the +communications of Dundee had been of the briefest. He himself was a +prisoner, mortally wounded, in British hands, and his force, rushing +headlong back to Newcastle from the battlefield, upon which it had +left over two hundred killed and wounded, nearly two hundred +prisoners, two guns and a complete laager, carried despondency into +the Boer Headquarters, so recently alarmed at the rebuff of Talana. +Moreover, the battle did more than clear Yule's rear; it also +safeguarded his front, by persuading Erasmus, already timorous upon +Impati, to cling to his mountain, at a time when Yule's exhausted +battalions were in no condition to resist the attack of 5,000 fresh +enemies.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> French is recalled to Ladysmith.</span> + +<p>It formed no part of Sir G. White's plan to keep the ground that had +been won. The position of Elandslaagte was useless alike for +observation, defence, or offence. Even had it been of value, the +presence of the Free State army upon its flank rendered the occupation +of it too hazardous in the view of a <span class="pagenum"><a id="page171" name="page171"></a>[p. 171]</span> General already +impressed by the dangers of detachments. Throughout the day, indeed, +the Free Staters themselves had been reminding him of these dangers. +As early as 11 a.m. the piquets to the west of Ladysmith had reported +significant developments about Van Reenen's Pass, and these, as the +day wore on, became so threatening that at 5.30 p.m. General Hunter +despatched a message to Sir G. White, who was at that time still at +Elandslaagte, informing him that there was a hostile advance upon +Ladysmith from Bester's station. It was necessary, therefore, to +recall French at once, and at 9 p.m. he was so instructed by +telephone.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Bivouacs on ground night 21st-22nd.</span> + +<p>At 11 p.m. General French issued orders for the return to Ladysmith on +the morrow, and the troops bivouacked on the field, the infantry upon +the kopjes, the cavalry about the station. The day's losses amounted +to 263 officers and men killed and wounded.<a id="footnotetag121" name="footnotetag121"></a><a href="#footnote121" title="Go to footnote 121"><span class="small">[121]</span></a></p> + +<span class="sidenote"> All back in Ladysmith, Oct. 22/99.</span> + +<p>At 3 a.m. on the 22nd the three batteries, the 5th Lancers and the +Natal Mounted Rifles<a id="footnotetag122" name="footnotetag122"></a><a href="#footnote122" title="Go to footnote 122"><span class="small">[122]</span></a> left by road for Ladysmith, the loaded +ambulance train quitting the station at the same time. From that hour +onwards the trains, bearing the soldiers, steamed away from the +battlefield, the last to leave by rail being a portion of the +Manchester escorting forty prisoners. They were detained until 3.20 +p.m. The 5th Dragoon Guards, who had reconnoitred northward, followed +last of all by road, and by evening the position was empty.</p> + +<a id="chap10" name="chap10"></a> +<h3><span class="pagenum"><a id="page172" name="page172"></a>[p. 172]</span> CHAPTER X.</h3> + +<p class="title">LOMBARDS KOP.<a id="footnotetag123" name="footnotetag123"></a><a href="#footnote123" title="Go to footnote 123"><span class="small">[123]</span></a></p> + + +<span class="sidenote"> Boer forces unite Oct. 26th. French reconnoitres, Oct. +27th.</span> + +<p>On the very day of Yule's junction with Coxhead<a id="footnotetag124" name="footnotetag124"></a><a href="#footnote124" title="Go to footnote 124"><span class="small">[124]</span></a>, Erasmus was in +touch with A. P. Cronje, next day with Lukas Meyer, who, still feeling +the blow of Talana, had moved timidly, wide on the left. At 4 a.m. on +the morning of the 27th a brigade of cavalry left Ladysmith under +Major-General French, and, proceeding to scout along the Newcastle and +Helpmakaar roads, was sighted at dawn by Meyer, who was then in laager +about seven miles south of Elandslaagte. The Boer leader, anticipating +a general attack, at once signalled to Erasmus, upon which a strong +contingent of the Ermelo burghers, accompanied by guns, made their way +across to him from their camp. French reconnoitred boldly, and at +10.35 a.m. he was able to send in to Sir George White his estimate of +the numbers confronting him. On Intintanyoni were 4,000-5,000 men. +Other strong bodies hovered between Rietfontein and Pepworth Hill, +whilst the enemy to his immediate front appeared to separate +themselves into two laagers, whose sites could be clearly +distinguished. One, sheltering about 2,000 men, lay at the junction of +the Beith and Glencoe roads, some five miles south-east of Modder +Spruit station, whilst the other, a much larger encampment, was +situated four miles nearer to the railway, that is to say, one mile +south-east of it.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Hamilton with Infantry and Artillery supports him.</span> + +<p>Meanwhile Colonel Ian Hamilton had at 10 a.m. marched out of Ladysmith +to the Neks between Gun Hill, Lombards Kop and Umbulwana, with a +brigade consisting of the 1st Devonshire <span class="pagenum"><a id="page173" name="page173"></a>[p. 173]</span> and 1st Manchester +regiments, the 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers and the 2nd Gordon +Highlanders, with a brigade division of the 21st, 42nd and 53rd +batteries R.F.A., joined later by the 1st Liverpool regiment and the +13th battery R.F.A. This brigade, lying out all day in support of the +cavalry reconnaissance, caused continual apprehension to the enemy, +who covered all his positions with men and cannon in momentary +expectation of an attack. Altogether some 10,000 men with fifteen guns +were observed, and for the purpose intended by Sir George White, who +was only anxious to gain information, the object of the reconnaissance +was accomplished. The attack of the laagers was considered by Sir +George White, who rode out beyond Lombards Nek in the afternoon to +confer with General French and Colonel Hamilton; <span class="sidenote"> Troops return to camp.</span> +but after careful +examination it was ultimately decided to await a more suitable +opportunity, and the troops were withdrawn.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Both Transvaalers and Free Staters approach Ladysmith, Oct. +28th.</span> + +<p>On October 28th Lukas Meyer with 2,000 men and three guns pushed +forward to Modder Spruit, where he went into laager behind a long flat +kopje, now called Long Hill, situated some four thousand yards +south-east of Pepworth Hill, the summit of which the Ermelo commando +had already piqueted. The Free Staters, coming down from Intintanyoni, +rode westward and lay in the evening upon the farm Kleinfontein, +joining hands with their allies of the Transvaal across Surprise Hill +and the heights above the Bell Spruit. Through their main laager on +Kleinfontein ran the railway line to Van Reenen's Pass.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Cavalry reports Boer dispositions. Oct. 29th.</span> + +<p>On the 29th the cavalry made a reconnaissance eastwards, and reported +as follows. The laager which had been close to the Modder Spruit +station on the 27th had disappeared, but there were now two +encampments to the east and south-east of Lombards Kop, of which the +lower appeared to command the road to Pieters, thus threatening the +line of communication. Pepworth Hill was strongly occupied, and +artillery were now upon it; a large camp lay close to the north-west +of the height. The enemy was numerous upon Long Hill. Upon its flat +top two or three guns were already emplaced, and an <span class="pagenum"><a id="page174" name="page174"></a>[p. 174]</span> +epaulment for another was in course of construction. Behind the hill +was a laager.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> White decides on attack.</span> + +<p>This reconnaissance seemed to Sir G. White to furnish the reasons he +desired for assuming the offensive. The capture of Long Hill would at +least throw back the investing line of Transvaalers. It might do +more—break through it altogether, when a sweep north against Pepworth +would bid fair to drive together the Transvaal commandos in upon their +centre, and roll up the whole. The Free Staters, strung out as they +now are, thinly north-west and west, would then be cut off from the +rest.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Plan arranged, Oct. 29th.</span> + +<p>At 4 p.m. on the afternoon of the 29th his plans were formulated. Long +Hill was to be the primary, Pepworth Hill the secondary object, and to +secure them the whole of the troops were to be employed. His main army +he divided into two bodies, with separate missions. One, consisting of +No. 10 Mountain battery, the 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers and the 1st +Gloucester regiment, all commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel F. R. C. +Carleton, <span class="sidenote"> Carleton to approach Nicholson's Nek that night.</span> +of the first-named battalion, was to move at 10 p.m. that +night northward along the Bell Spruit. The duties of this force were +twofold: first, to cover the left flank of the main operation; +secondly, to gain and hold such a position towards Nicholson's Nek (if +possible, the Nek itself) as would enable the cavalry to debouch +safely upon the open ground beyond, should opportunity arise for a +pursuit, or, better still, an interception of the Transvaalers as they +fell back on the Drakensberg passes. The left flank thus provided for, +a cavalry brigade, consisting of the 5th Lancers, 19th Hussars, and +Colonel Royston's regiment of Colonials, under Major-General French, +were to reach the ridges north-east of Gun Hill before dawn, <span class="sidenote"> Cavalry by dawn of 30th to be on ridges n.e. of Gun Hill.</span> +from +which, by demonstrating against the enemy's left, they would cover the +British right. Between these wings, the main infantry attack was to be +carried out by the 8th brigade, which, in the absence of its proper +commander, Colonel F. Howard, was under Colonel G. G. Grimwood, 2nd +King's Royal Rifles, whose five battalions would include the 1st and +2nd King's Royal Rifles, the 1st Leicestershire, and 1st King's +(Liverpool) regiments and the 2nd Royal Dublin Fusiliers. The 1st +brigade <span class="pagenum"><a id="page175" name="page175"></a>[p. 175]</span> division Royal Field artillery and the Natal Field +battery were to be attached to Grimwood's command. A general reserve +of the 7th brigade, consisting of the 2nd Gordon Highlanders, 1st +Manchester and 1st Devonshire regiments, and, should it arrive from +Maritzburg in time, the 2nd Rifle Brigade, were to be under the +command of Colonel Ian Hamilton, who, besides his infantry, would have +with him the 5th Dragoon Guards, the 18th Hussars, the Imperial Light +Horse, two companies mounted infantry, and the 2nd brigade division of +artillery. <span class="sidenote"> Grimwood to seize Long Hill.</span> +Grimwood was to take Long Hill, and his path thereto was to +be cleared by the shrapnel of both brigade divisions. That position +carried, he was to hold it, <span class="sidenote"> Hamilton then to capture Pepworth.</span> +whilst Colonel Hamilton, supported in turn +by the fire of the united artillery, was to throw his fresh infantry +against Pepworth Hill, and complete the victory.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Carleton's column parades 11 p.m. Oct. 29th.</span> + +<p>At 10 p.m. Carleton left his parade ground with six companies (16 +officers, 518 other ranks) and 46 mules, and at 11 p.m. arrived at the +rendezvous, the level crossing of the Newcastle road close to the +Orange Free State railway junction, where the rest of his command had +been awaiting him for an hour. It consisted of five and a half +companies (some 450 men) of the Gloucester regiment, with 57 mules and +a Maxim gun; the 10th Mountain battery, comprising 137 N.C.O.s and +men, 6 guns, with 100 rounds for each, 133 mules, with 52 Cape Boys as +muleteers, and 10 horses. The total strength of the column was thus +about 1,140 men and 250 animals.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Grimwood starts same night at 12.30.</span> + +<p>Half an hour after midnight Grimwood's brigade (8th) set out eastward +in the following order: 1st and 2nd battalions King's Royal Rifles, +1st Leicestershire regiment, 1st brigade division R.F.A., 1st King's +(Liverpool) regiment, and the Natal Field battery, with a rearguard of +the 2nd Royal Dublin Fusiliers.<a id="footnotetag125" name="footnotetag125"></a><a href="#footnote125" title="Go to footnote 125"><span class="small">[125]</span></a> Another brigade division, the +2nd, joining the line of march soon after it was put in motion, +marched in front of the 1st Liverpool regiment. The whole pressed on +for a time quietly and in order. Soon, however, the last arrival, the +2nd brigade division of <span class="pagenum"><a id="page176" name="page176"></a>[p. 176]</span> artillery, in pursuance of orders, +when between Flag and Limit hills, drew away from out of the column to +the left and passed under the shelter of Flag Hill. <span class="sidenote"> Grimwood's column broken by error.</span> +The two battalions +behind, not being aware of any special instructions given to the +artillery, followed it, whilst those in front still pursued their +proper route, so that Grimwood's force was cut in two and separated +whilst yet but half his march was over. An hour before dawn, Grimwood, +unconscious of the mishap to his rear, gained some low kopjes 1,800 +yards from the south-eastern flank of Long Hill, and extended his +troops across them, the two battalions King's Royal Rifles in firing +line, Leicester in support, facing north-west. Here he waited for +light. One company, "F." of the 1st King's Royal Rifles, moved +cautiously forward to a small kopje, slightly in advance, to cover the +front.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> French starting 3 a.m. dismounts 4,000 yards in rear of +Grimwood.</span> + +<p>At 3 a.m. Major-General French rode out of Ladysmith with his two +regiments and pushed for Lombards Kop, dismounting his command in a +hollow basin between Gun Hill and Lombards Kop, some 4,000 yards in +rear, and out of sight, of Grimwood's infantry. The Natal Volunteers, +who had been on the ground since the previous night, went on, and, +dividing right and left, secured the summits of Lombards Kop and +Umbulwana Mountain. <span class="sidenote"> Hamilton at 4 a.m. moves on Limit Hill.</span> +Colonel Hamilton, quitting his rendezvous between +Tunnel and Junction Hills at 4 a.m., moved, as directed, on Limit +Hill, which had been piqueted throughout the night by "G." and "H." +companies Gordon Highlanders. As Hamilton rode at the head of his +brigade, a man was brought to him who proved to be a muleteer of the +10th Mountain battery. <span class="sidenote"> First news of disaster to Carleton.</span> +He reported that a sudden disturbance had +occurred in the midst of Carleton's night march; all the mules of the +battery had broken away, and, so far as he knew, had never been seen +again. A little further on an officer of the Scottish Rifles, who had +been attached to the Gloucester regiment a few hours previously, +appeared amongst the Gordon Highlanders. He, too, told of a stampede +amongst the battery mules, and, in addition, of resulting disturbance +of some of the infantry companies, amongst others that which he +accompanied. Yet a third warning of misadventure on the left was +received before dawn. In the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page177" name="page177"></a>[p. 177]</span> early morning the sentries of +the piquet of the Leicester regiment at Cove Redoubt, one of the +northerly outposts of Ladysmith, became aware of the sound of hoofs +and the rattle of harness coming towards them from the north, and the +soldiers, running down, captured several mules bearing the equipment +of mountain guns. A patrol of the 5th Dragoon Guards,<a id="footnotetag126" name="footnotetag126"></a><a href="#footnote126" title="Go to footnote 126"><span class="small">[126]</span></a> which had +been despatched by Sir G. White to try to get news of Carleton's +column, was checked at the Bell Spruit, but met on the road a gunner +of the 10th Mountain battery, who related the same tale as had already +reached that General. This man said that the battery had been suddenly +fired on at 2 a.m.; the mules had stampeded and disappeared. Both its +ammunition and portions of most of its guns had been carried off. +Finally, a brief note from Carleton himself to the Commander-in-Chief +announced what had then happened.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Pickwoad shells Long Hill.</span> + + +<p>At dawn Pickwoad's brigade division, which was now deployed 1-½ +miles south-eastward of Limit Hill, opened at Long Hill at 3,700 +yards. But Long Hill was silent. The three gun emplacements visible +upon the crest were empty. Instead, at 5.15 a.m., a heavy piece fired +from Pepworth Hill,<span class="sidenote"> Pepworth replies.</span> + and a 96-pound shell fell near the town, its +explosion greeting the 2nd Rifle Brigade, which, having detrained at +2.30 a.m., was marching out to join Hamilton's force at Limit Hill. +The next, following quickly, burst in Pickwoad's line of guns, and +Coxhead's artillery, which attempted to reply, found itself far +outranged, whilst Pickwoad's three batteries maintained for a time +their bombardment of Long Hill. In a few moments four long-range +Creusots of smaller calibre (75 m/m) joined in from either side of the +96-pounder, two others from lower ground about the railway below the +height. Both Coxhead's and Pickwoad's batteries were covered with +missiles. <span class="sidenote"> Downing moves the two Brigade Divs. against Pepworth.</span> +Colonel C. M. H. Downing, commanding all the artillery, +quickly assumed the offensive. Dissatisfied with his position, the +left of which, lying to the east of Limit Hill, was so encumbered with +rocks that of the 53rd battery only two guns could fire at all, and +those of the other batteries of the 2nd brigade <span class="pagenum"><a id="page178" name="page178"></a>[p. 178]</span> division +only by indirect laying, he drew that part of his line clear, and +moved Coxhead's three batteries, the 21st, 42nd, and 53rd, out into +the open, facing north-west, to within 4,000 yards of Pepworth.<a id="footnotetag127" name="footnotetag127"></a><a href="#footnote127" title="Go to footnote 127"><span class="small">[127]</span></a> +Troubled, while the change was in course of taking place, by the +accurate shooting from that hill, Downing then ordered Pickwoad to +change front to the left and come into action against Pepworth on the +right of, but some distance from, the 2nd brigade division. The guns +on the low ground under the shadow of Pepworth were soon mastered. <span class="sidenote"> and silences the Boer guns.</span> +The +battery upon its summit, at distant range for shrapnel, withstood yet +awhile; but ere long the gunners there, too, temporarily abandoned +their weapons, and only returned when a slackening of Pickwoad's fire +gave opportunity for a hasty round. At 6.30 a.m., therefore, and for +some half hour more, the trend of battle seemed to the artillery to be +in favour of the British. After that, however, fresh hostile guns +opened, and the rattle of rifles arose in ever-increasing volume, not +only from the broken ground to the right, where Grimwood's infantry +lay lost to view amongst the low, rolling kopjes by the Modder Spruit, +but also far to the rear, towards Lombards Kop. Yet no British were +seen advancing. It was evident that the infantry and cavalry were not +delivering but withstanding an onslaught.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Grimwood expecting support from the right, suffers from +that quarter.</span> + +<p>The attack which Grimwood found to be developing rapidly against him +was less surprising from its suddenness than from the direction from +which it assailed him. Those with him, as described above, lay in the +precise position designed for them. He had taken the precaution of +covering his right rear, until it should be protected by the cavalry, +at first with a half company ("A.") of the Leicestershire regiment, +then with two more ("F." and "H.") of the same battalion and the Maxim +gun. Furthermore, a kopje to the right front, seen in the growing +light to command from the eastward that already occupied by "F." +company 1st King's Royal Rifles, was now crowned by "H." company of +the same battalion, and all had seemed safe on that side. But now a +raking fire from the right assailed all his lines, and Grimwood, +instead of outflanking, was outflanked.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page179" name="page179"></a>[p. 179]</span> Every moment this fire grew more severe; beyond the Modder, +Boer reinforcements were streaming in full view up to the line of +riflemen shooting along the Modder Spruit. Two guns, which began to +shoot from a well-concealed spot near the Elandslaagte road, now took +the British line in enfilade, and partially in reverse. The Boer +gunners upon Pepworth and the low ground east of it again fired, the +smaller pieces into the batteries and infantry, the great Creusot +frequently into the town.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Grimwood fronts the new danger.</span> + +<p>Instead of the anticipated change of front to the left for the +destruction of the enemy Grimwood had now, therefore, to prepare a new +frontage most speedily, almost to his present rear, for the safety of +his brigade. "H." company 1st King's Royal Rifles, on the advanced +kopje, first turned towards the east, and coming under heavy fire from +three directions, was later reinforced by "A." company of the same +battalion. "B." company, which had lain in support of "F.," moved to +the new right of "H." and "A.," and, with "E." company, lined up along +the rocks facing the Modder Spruit. Meanwhile the officer commanding +"F.," the other advanced company, who had turned east, now found his +left assailed, and threw back half his command in that direction. The +tripod Maxim gun of the 2nd King's Royal Rifles was placed in the +centre of this company.<a id="footnotetag128" name="footnotetag128"></a><a href="#footnote128" title="Go to footnote 128"><span class="small">[128]</span></a></p> + +<span class="sidenote"> 2nd K.R.R. fills gap between 1st K.R.R. and Leicester +detachment.</span> + +<p>The 2nd King's Royal Rifles, which had lain in support whilst the +front circled round, were now sent to reinforce. Leaving two companies +still in support, the battalion changed front to the right, and, +extending from right to left, filled the gap between the right of the +1st King's Royal Rifles and the detached 2-½ companies of the +Leicester regiment. These, with a Maxim, somewhat isolated on the +kopje on what was now the right flank, were beginning to be hotly +engaged.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The arrival of two companies R.D.F. connects Grimwood with +Cavalry.</span> + +<p>Thus under incessant and increasing fire the 8th brigade swung round, +pivoting on the left company 1st King's Royal Rifles, with the +detachment of the Leicester as "marker," so to speak, to its outer +flank. Two companies of the missing Royal <span class="pagenum"><a id="page180" name="page180"></a>[p. 180]</span> Dublin +Fusiliers<a id="footnotetag129" name="footnotetag129"></a><a href="#footnote129" title="Go to footnote 129"><span class="small">[129]</span></a> now arrived to assist the Leicester, and were +immediately assailed by some sharpshooters who had worked around the +right flank. They therefore prolonged the line to the right, towards +the northern spurs of Lombards Kop, and here about 7 a.m. they joined +hands with the cavalry, whose movements must now be related.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> French's operations.</span> + +<p>Waiting until the artillery duel seemed to be going in favour of +Downing's batteries, French gave the word for advance about 5.30 a.m. +The 5th Lancers and 19th Hussars, who had been lying in mass in the +hollow, quickly extended in a north-easterly direction, with orders to +work round the Boer left. The route taken by the brigade lay for some +distance within rifle range of the western flank of a line of low +kopjes, which, running down north-east as an irregular spur of +Lombards Kop, and parallel to the Modder Spruit, pointed in the +direction of Long Hill. At the termination of this ridge, the high +ground, dropping sharply to the plain, offered an outlet to the +eastward. For this gateway French's two regiments were making. They +had all but reached it when a sharp blaze of rifles broke from the +kopjes to their right. The squadrons thereupon wheeled to the right, +the troopers dismounted, and running a short way to the new front, +they soon reinforced a ridge, already thinly held by the right of +Grimwood's infantry, from whence they replied to the sharpshooters on +the kopjes beyond. It was soon evident that the Mausers were becoming +the masters of the carbines, and French, seeing the impossibility of +breaking through, at any rate at this period, ordered his brigade to +retire. As the men took to their horses, a gun, opening from the +enemy's left, threw shell rapidly amongst them, and made the +inequality of the combat yet more apparent. The two squadrons of the +5th Lancers, who were on the left, drew back over the plain, whilst +the 19th Hussars retraced their path under the ridges, both rejoining +General French under the lee of Lombards Kop, north of Gun Hill and of +their original point of departure. French immediately threw his +command forward again, and his two regiments, with some of the Natal +Carbineers, all dismounted, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page181" name="page181"></a>[p. 181]</span> crowned the high ridges running +northward and downward from the summit of Lombards Kop, and were soon +deep in action with superior numbers all along the line. About 8 a.m. +Major-General J. F. Brocklehurst, who had only reached Ladysmith at 3 +a.m., arrived at Lombards Kop with two squadrons ("B." and "D.") of +the 5th Dragoon Guards, followed by the 18th Hussars; and Downing, +withdrawing the 69th battery from the line of guns still shelling +Pepworth, despatched it with all haste in the same direction. Of +Brocklehurst's reinforcement, the two squadrons 5th Dragoon Guards +came up on the right of the 19th Hussars on the crest, and found +themselves at once under fire from the front and right flank. Of the +three weak squadrons of the 18th Hussars—all that remained after the +catastrophe of Adelaide Farm<a id="footnotetag130" name="footnotetag130"></a><a href="#footnote130" title="Go to footnote 130"><span class="small">[130]</span></a>—one was directed to reinforce the +19th Hussars on the eastern slope of Lombards, the other two climbed +to the right of the 5th Dragoon Guards to the south. Sharp fire from a +pom-pom and many rifles met them on the shoulder of the ridge, and it +seemed as if the British right was to be overmatched. But the 69th +battery, which had moved up the Helpmakaar road, escorted by a +squadron of the 5th Lancers, now arrived, and, boldly handled, quickly +relieved the pressure in this portion of the field by drawing the +enemy's attention to itself. Pushing on through the Nek which joins +Lombards Kop to Umbulwana this battery came into action on an +underfeature south of the road one mile beyond it, and enfiladed the +Boer left. Soon, however, it found itself the focus of an increasing +fusilade, and its commander, Major F. D. V. Wing, saw that to continue +to work the guns would entail a grave loss of men. He therefore +determined to withdraw from his dangerously advanced position. It was +impossible to bring up the teams, but the gunners ran the guns back by +hand. The battery withdrew almost intact, and, coming into action +again, kept the balance level by steady practice carried on from the +Nek itself.<a id="footnotetag131" name="footnotetag131"></a><a href="#footnote131" title="Go to footnote 131"><span class="small">[131]</span></a></p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Grimwood receives Artillery support.</span> + +<p>Meanwhile, Grimwood was being hard pressed on the low kopjes to the +northward, and his line became thinner every <span class="pagenum"><a id="page182" name="page182"></a>[p. 182]</span> moment as he +endeavoured to meet the continual attempts upon his flanks. Two Boer +guns shelled steadily the much exposed 8th brigade from various +points, and when about 8 a.m. a pom-pom, joining in the bombardment, +killed with its first discharges some of the ammunition mules and +scattered the rest far and wide, Grimwood sent urgent messages to the +artillery for support. Sir G. White was at that moment himself with +the batteries, which were being enfiladed again, this time by some +guns on the low ground below and south of Pepworth. He promptly +despatched the 21st and 53rd batteries to positions from which, facing +eastwards, they could support both the cavalry and Grimwood. The 21st +moved far southward, and from a gap in the hills between the infantry +and cavalry soon rendered for the left of the latter the same service +as the 69th was performing for the right. The 53rd battery, coming +into action near the Elandslaagte road, engaged the Boer guns on +Grimwood's front, and though kept at extreme range by Sir G. White's +orders, succeeded in much reducing their effect. At the same time the +13th battery also left the line facing Pepworth, and, wheeling +eastward, shelled the hostile artillery on the left front of the +infantry with good results.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> 9 to 11 a.m. a stationary battle.</span> + +<p>For two hours, from about 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., the engagement continued +with little movement of either army. The Boers, being now within 800 +yards of the British, could advance no further, but sent a steady +stream of bullets against the ridges, pinning the cavalry to Lombards +Kop and the infantry to their line of hillocks along the Modder. By +9.30 a.m. Grimwood's last available reserve was put into the firing +line, and he could prolong his front no more, though the enemy still +threatened his flanks. The artillery was strangely dispersed. Far on +the right the 69th battery stood in action upon Umbulwana Nek; the +21st battery on the northern side of Lombards Kop covered French's +left and Grimwood's right; out in the open to their left rear the 53rd +battery shot above the heads of the right wing of the infantry, whilst +farther northward the 13th sent shrapnel over the left wing. Only the +42nd and 67th batteries remained on the site first held by the +artillery facing north-west, where the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page183" name="page183"></a>[p. 183]</span> former suffered +considerable losses from the heavy enfilade and frontal fire which +recommenced. For the Boer artillerymen, encouraged by the diminution +of the British gun-power at this point, had not only returned to the +pieces upon Pepworth, but placed fresh ones upon the northernmost +spurs of Long Hill itself.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Reserve absorbed by action.</span> + +<p>The reserve on Limit Hill, under Colonel Ian Hamilton's command, had +been reduced considerably by the successive demands of the battle. He +had been early deprived of most of his cavalry and all his artillery, +and shortly after 8 a.m., on a report coming of a hostile advance +against the left flank, two squadrons ("E." and "F.") of his remaining +mounted troops, the Imperial Light Horse, had left him to occupy some +kopjes on either side of the railway close to Aller Park, from which +they could see the enemy moving in strength about the heights of Bell +Spruit. At 10 a.m. the 1st Manchester regiment was also withdrawn from +Hamilton's brigade, the right half-battalion proceeding towards +Lombards Kop, the left half passing into the open as escort to the +artillery. The former portion eventually became incorporated with +French's firing line, whilst the latter lay out upon the shelterless +ground between the original artillery position and the new one taken +up by the 13th battery, where they suffered somewhat severely from the +intermittent shells.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Ladysmith threatened.</span> + +<p>Meanwhile Colonel W. G. Knox, who, in the absence of the army, had +been placed in charge of the defences of Ladysmith, was by no means +secure. Left with a garrison of a few companies of infantry, he +detailed two of these, with the 23rd of the Royal engineers, and the +two Boer guns captured at Elandslaagte, to cover the north of the +town, posting them upon a ridge north-west of Observation Hill. Here +he found himself confronted immediately by strong bodies and two guns +of the enemy, who manœuvred about Bell's and the adjacent kopjes. +He was soon strengthened by two guns and 88 men of the 10th Mountain +battery, hastily collected and reorganised after their stampede from +Carleton's party. But at no time could Knox do more than hold his own, +and the strength and boldness of the Boers, who at one time <span class="pagenum"><a id="page184" name="page184"></a>[p. 184]</span> +threatened the town, seemed the last confirmation of Carleton's fate.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Sir George withdraws the troops.</span> + + +<p>About 11 a.m. Sir G. White, having first despatched his Chief of the +Staff, Major-General A. Hunter, to investigate the situation, decided +to withdraw. To cover the movement he sent out three squadrons ("B.," +"C." and "D.") of the Imperial Light Horse which remained in reserve +at Limit Hill. The 13th battery, receiving an order to support them as +closely as possible, galloped in and unlimbered 800 yards behind +Grimwood's line. <span class="sidenote"> 13th battery covers retreat.</span> +So screened, the infantry began to retreat at 11.30 +a.m. As the men rose from their shelters, a storm of fire broke from +the enemy's ridges. But the gunners of the 13th battery, turning the +hail of bullets from the infantry, faced it themselves. Almost the +whole volume of the enemy's fire soon centred on this battery. From +the right, four Boer guns concealed in the scrub raked the line; those +upon Long Hill bombarded from the left, whilst from the left rear the +heavy shells from Pepworth also struck in, hitting direct four of the +six guns. When twenty minutes had passed thus, and Grimwood's brigade +had almost removed itself into safety, the battery which had shielded +it looked as if it must itself be lost.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> 53rd battery relieves 13th.</span> + +<p>From their rear Major A. J. Abdy, commanding the 53rd battery, had +marked the perilous situation of the 13th and, obtaining permission +from Colonel Coxhead, advanced to succour it. Galloping to the front, +across a deep donga, the 53rd wheeled to the right of the 13th and +ranged upon some Boer artillery 2,350 yards to the eastward. By the +orders of Major-General Hunter, who was on the spot, the 13th retired +first, some 800 yards. But before it could come into action again, the +53rd, left alone on the plain, drew in its turn the fire of all the +Boer guns. A shell exploded beneath a limber, blowing the wheels to +fragments, so that the gun could not be removed, and had to be +temporarily abandoned. As soon as the 13th re-opened the 53rd was able +to draw back. In re-crossing the donga a gun upset, and the enemy's +shells burst over it, but whilst the battery fell back to a new site +to support the 13th, Lieutenant J. F. A. Higgins, having been left +with the team in the donga, succeeded <span class="pagenum"><a id="page185" name="page185"></a>[p. 185]</span> in righting the gun, +and restored it to its place in the line. A few minutes previously, +Captain W. Thwaites, with six men, had ridden forward, and now +returned, bringing with him on a new limber the gun which had been +disabled in the open. Only the old limber and a wagon of stores +remained derelict.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The Infantry, under the protection of the guns, get away.</span> + +<p>So covered, the infantry had been getting away with unimpaired +discipline, but in great confusion, owing to the intermixture of units +and the extreme exhaustion of the men. Two Maxims were abandoned, but +useless, on the kopjes—those of the Leicestershire regiment and 2nd +King's Royal Rifles—the mules of both having been shot or stampeded +by the last outburst from the Boer lines. The enemy made no serious +attempt to follow up the retirement. Some Boers did indeed speed +forward to the now empty kopjes, and began shooting rapidly from +thence, but under the fine practice of the 13th battery the musketry +soon dwindled. The Creusot on Pepworth Hill sounded on the right, and +every part of the route to be traversed by the troops lay within range +of its projectiles. About noon, a report, as loud as that of the great +French cannon itself, came from the direction of the town, and the +batteries on Pepworth sank immediately to silence under the repeated +strokes of shells from British Naval guns. <span class="sidenote"> The Naval guns appear and silence the Boers.</span> +Captain the Honourable +Hedworth Lambton, R.N., had detrained his command of two 4.7-in., +three 12-pr. 12-cwt. quick-firing guns, with some smaller pieces, 16 +officers and 267 men at 10 a.m., the very time when the enemy's 6-in. +shells were bursting over the railway station.<a id="footnotetag132" name="footnotetag132"></a><a href="#footnote132" title="Go to footnote 132"><span class="small">[132]</span></a> After conferring +with Colonel Knox, he was in two hours on his way towards the fight +with the 12-pounders, reaching the place held by Hamilton's brigade. +But in view of the imminent retirement, this was too far forward, and +Lambton was ordered back. Whilst he was in the act of <span class="pagenum"><a id="page186" name="page186"></a>[p. 186]</span> +Withdrawing, the gunners on Pepworth, descrying the strings of moving +bullocks, launched a shell which pitched exactly upon one of the guns, +and tumbled it over. Lambton, however, coming into action nearer the +town, opened heavily and accurately on his antagonist, and reduced him +to immediate silence.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The garrison reaches Ladysmith by 2.30 p.m.</span> + +<p>At 1 p.m. the cavalry on the right gave up the crests which they had +maintained so long, covered up to the last by the 21st battery on the +left, and on the right by the 69th battery, whose escort had been +strengthened by "C" squadron 5th Dragoon Guards taken from Limit Hill. +At 2.30 p.m. French's command was in Ladysmith, following the 1st +Manchester regiment, which had retired on the right of the cavalry. +With the exception of four companies of the 1st Devonshire regiment, +left upon Limit Hill, the rest of the troops engaged had reached their +camps a short time previously. Only the tents of Carleton's two +battalions were seen to be empty when evening fell.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Carleton's night march begins 11.15 p.m. 29th Oct./99.</span> + +<p>Carleton's detachment had moved from the rendezvous at 11.15 p.m. in +the following order: first, under Major C. S. Kincaid, a small party +of 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers, who marched with fixed bayonets; then +Colonel Carleton himself, with Major W. Adye, D.A.A.G. for +Intelligence, and the guides; behind them the 1st Royal Irish +Fusiliers, followed by their 46 mules; then the 10th Mountain battery, +with 133 mules; then the 57 mules of the 1st Gloucester regiment; next +five and a half companies of that battalion, and finally a small +rearguard, under Captain B. O. Fyffe, of the Gloucester. The valley of +the Bell Spruit was wrapped in profound darkness, yet the force pushed +on at a rapid pace, and, in spite of the noise of its progress, was +undetected by the Boer piquets on the hills on either side. Shortly +after 1 a.m. the van was opposite the southern spur of the height +called Kainguba, at the other extremity of which, some two miles due +north, lay the object of the expedition, Nicholson's Nek. The column +was here in perfect order, the road to the Nek was good, and there was +promise of about two hours of darkness to conceal the remainder of the +march. But Colonel Carleton, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page187" name="page187"></a>[p. 187]</span> thinking more of the lateness +of his start than of the excellence of his progress, and remembering +that his orders had not bound him absolutely to Nicholson's Nek, came +to the conclusion at this point that, if, as seemed possible, he could +not reach the Nek before dawn, it would be extremely rash to be +surprised by daylight in a narrow defile. He decided, therefore, at +least to make good the dangerous high ground on his left by occupying +the nearest crest of Kainguba above him, intending, if time allowed, +to continue his march to the Nek from this vantage ground. He +therefore wheeled the leading files to the left, and at their head +began the boulder-obstructed and finally almost precipitous ascent of +the mountain, ordering guides to be left to indicate the point of the +change of direction to the units following the Royal Irish Fusiliers. +When the head of that battalion had climbed two-thirds of the steep a +mysterious and fatal incident occurred. <span class="sidenote"> The disaster.</span> +Suddenly from the darkness +encircling the clambering soldiers broke out a roar "like that of an +approaching train,"<a id="footnotetag133" name="footnotetag133"></a><a href="#footnote133" title="Go to footnote 133"><span class="small">[133]</span></a> there was a rush of hoofs and the clatter of +scattering stones. In a moment a group of loose animals, whether +horses, mules or cattle, it was impossible to discern, bounding down +the rocky precipice, tore past the last companies of the Royal Irish +Fusiliers and disappeared as quickly as they had come into the gloom +of the valley. The rear of the Irish Fusiliers checked and staggered +back upon the long line of ammunition mules. The natural timidity of +these animals, many of them almost untrained, had been increased by +their long wait at the rendezvous, and by the fact that they were led +by strange and unskilled men. Now it became an uncontrollable panic. +Leaping round, dragging their muleteers with them, they plunged +backwards in terror, wrenched themselves loose, and thundered over the +steep slope upon all below them. The battery mules and those of the +Gloucester regiment were dashed downwards and joined the riot, and the +whole mass poured upon the Gloucester regiment, which had just begun +to breast the hill. A shout arose; the men of the front companies were +buffeted and swept from the track in every direction. A few shots rang +sharply <span class="pagenum"><a id="page188" name="page188"></a>[p. 188]</span> from behind, and a few more faintly from a startled +Boer piquet on Surprise Hill. Then the uproar died away in the valley +of the Bell Spruit, leaving the column disordered and amazed at its +own wreck. It was a disaster complete, sudden, and incurred by no +fault of officers or men. Up to this point the night march, conducted +in deep darkness and between the enemy's piquets, had been a +conspicuous success, and now in one swift moment the hand of fate had +changed order into chaos, and success into destruction. But the troops +quickly recovered, and indeed but few had yielded to the shock. Many +had gathered about their officers with fixed bayonets; many, hurled to +the ground, had nevertheless gripped their weapons and looked not for +safety, but the enemy. Only fifty of the infantry, and these included +many who had been actually stunned by the onset of the frenzied mules, +failed to fall into the ranks at the summons of the officers, who, +even before the tumult had ceased, were strenuously working to +re-organise their commands.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> 2 a.m. the column reaches summit without guns or reserve +ammunition.</span> + +<p>About 2 a.m. the leading files pressed over the crest on to the top of +the mountain. An hour of uncertainty and, had the enemy been near, of +extreme danger followed. Most of the Irish Fusiliers were now upon the +summit, disposed, as best could be, for defence. But the Gloucester at +the bottom were not yet formed, and when, about 3 a.m., they came up +in such order as they had been able to contrive, they brought only +nine of their fifty-nine mules with them. The Irish Fusiliers had +recovered but eight. The reserve of ammunition was thus practically +swept away. The Mountain battery did not appear at all. Only two of +the gun mules eventually arrived, carrying portions of two pieces. +Eighty-eight gunners and one hundred and thirty mules had dropped out, +and not a complete gun of all the six was available.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> bivouacks on southern edge and awaits dawn.</span> + +<p>When at last both regiments reached the top they were formed in line +of quarter-columns—Gloucester on the right. Guided by Adye, they +moved towards the southern extremity of the ridge, where they halted, +lay down around the crest, and waited for light. Dawn revealed the +nature of the position which the diminished detachment occupied. +Behind, the southern end <span class="pagenum"><a id="page189" name="page189"></a>[p. 189]</span> of the mountain dropped almost +sheer to the valley. In front, to the northward, the hill-top first +sloped downward somewhat to a point, where, like Talana, it was +narrowed by a deep re-entrant on one side, then rose to a new sky +line, which hid from the British troops the remainder of the ridge +some 1,200 or more yards from the southern crest. Over it the hill-top +narrowed, and ran on for a mile and a half towards Nicholson's Nek. A <span class="sidenote"> The ground.</span> +jungle of tall grass, hiding innumerable boulders, clothed the +mountain up to and a little beyond the sky line, ceasing some 700 +yards from the southern crest, and between this thicket and the +British line were dotted a few ruined stone kraals, of a circular +shape and some two feet high. Across the valley of the Bell Spruit, to +the east, a group of kopjes stood within long rifle range of, but +lower than, Kainguba. In the midst of the British position itself, a +small knoll, crowned by two trees, and nearly as high as the +grass-grown sky line in front, arose at the end of the mountain before +it plunged into the depth behind. <span class="sidenote"> Carleton chooses a defensive position.</span> +Carleton, now decided to stand on +the defensive where he was, despatched a message at 3.55 a.m. by a +native, acquainting Sir G. White with his mishap, his position, and +his plan, and issued orders for the disposition and entrenchment of +the troops. <span class="sidenote"> Distribution of companies.</span> +The left or western crest of the hill was assigned to the +Gloucester regiment, the right to the Irish Fusiliers, a reserve, +consisting of two companies ("G." and "H.") of the latter battalion, +taking post in front of the knoll at the southern extremity of the +summit. The men began at once to build sangars. The position of the +Gloucester, which it is necessary to describe in detail, was as +follows: Along half of the southern and south-western crest lay "A." +company, its right being prolonged by "B." company, and at first by +"C." This last-named unit, however, was soon extended across the north +of the hill, at right angles to the crest and "B." company, and had +half completed a defensive wall when it was again pushed forward about +100 yards to the front, "B." company increasing its extension along +the crest to maintain junction with the left of "C." The right flank +of "C." company was marked by a round kraal, behind which stood up a +small tree, and beyond this the line across the mountain-top was taken +up by <span class="pagenum"><a id="page190" name="page190"></a>[p. 190]</span> a company ("E.") of the Royal Irish Fusiliers, which, +in its turn, linked on to the defenders ("A.," "B.," "F." companies +Royal Irish Fusiliers) of the eastern crest. The formation thus took +the shape of a semicircle, behind a diameter, composed of one company +Gloucester and one Royal Irish Fusiliers, facing the rise to the +northward. Some 700 yards back from these the arc followed the contour +of the mountain in rear. Thus back from the fighting line the ground +sloped upwards, hiding from it the reserves, and exposing +reinforcements from them, or men retreating back to them, to the full +view and fire of anyone upon the shoulder which arose in front. Over +the brow of this rise "D." company Gloucester entrenched itself in a +position to support both "C." company Gloucester and "E." company +Royal Irish Fusiliers. Though less than 150 yards in rear, "D." +company was, owing to the bulging ground, invisible to "C." company, +and the officers of the latter knew nothing of the proximity of its +support. The movements necessary to these dispositions had scarcely +begun when a slow rifle-fire, commencing from Surprise Hill to the +south-west, showed that the presence of the British on the mountain +was discovered, and from the very first the toiling soldiers thus +found themselves taken in flank and reverse. Stones of manageable size +were scarce, tools were lacking with which to move the large ones, +and, with the smaller, defences of but the most paltry dimensions +could be erected. At this time the danger of the dead ground ahead, +and below the left front, became apparent to Carleton, and "E." +company of the Gloucester, moving out beyond the front line, took post +upon the densely-grown summit of the rise, 400 yards in front of "C." +turning its left section to face west. Here it was shortly joined by +the half of "H." company, some twenty men in all, sent forward by the +O.C. Gloucester in response to Carleton's order (which did not name +any precise strength) to reinforce.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> 7 a.m. Boers appear.</span> + +<p>At 7 a.m. bands of mounted men came down from Intintanyoni to the +heights east of Bell Spruit, whence they opened fire upon the right +rear of the British position. An hour later a hostile battery of +apparently four guns suddenly appeared upon <span class="pagenum"><a id="page191" name="page191"></a>[p. 191]</span> the northern end +of these heights, and, unlimbering for action, threatened Kainguba in +silence for some time, only to disappear northwards without firing a +shot. A number of horsemen were seen to ride away with it, and these, +bearing to the left, vanished behind Nicholson's Nek.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> 9 a.m. they threaten rear.</span> + +<p>At 9 a.m. a movement still more threatening was descried from the +lines of the Royal Irish Fusiliers. Groups of horsemen, breaking away +from the main laager visible at Pepworth, came riding up the valleys +and behind the crests towards the northern end of Kainguba. On the +right, amongst the Irish Fusiliers, the Maxim of the Gloucester +regiment stood ready for action, and the officer in charge commenced a +slow fire upon the stream of Boers. Opening at 1,200 yards, he +gradually increased the range to 2,000 yards, and the trotting +horsemen had just broken into a gallop as the bullets began to lash +amongst them, when an order was received not to fire unless the enemy +showed in masses at closer distances, ammunition being scarce.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Boer movements.</span> + +<p>At 2 a.m. Commandant Van Dam, lying in bivouac with his Johannesburg +Police<a id="footnotetag134" name="footnotetag134"></a><a href="#footnote134" title="Go to footnote 134"><span class="small">[134]</span></a> beneath Pepworth, received orders from Joubert in person +to proceed at once to the northern summit of Kainguba and hold the +ridge above Nicholson's Nek. The Boer officer thereupon galloped for +that spot with 400 men, being warned of the proximity of British +troops by a Field Cornet of the Pretoria commando, who lay with thirty +men on the northern slope of the high ground east of Bell Spruit. +Gaining the Nek, the Police found it occupied by 150 Free Staters, who +moved away further west on their approach. Van Dam's plan was quickly +made. Sending a message to the Free Staters that if they would ride +round to the flank and rear of the British, he would attack straight +over the top of the mountain, he left fifty burghers in the Nek in +charge of the horses, and led the remainder on foot in straggling +order up the hill. The crest was gained and half the summit traversed +before shots rang out from the shelters of the advanced companies of +the Gloucester. But the Boers fired no round until, at 800 yards, the +foremost British sangar was visible <span class="pagenum"><a id="page192" name="page192"></a>[p. 192]</span> through the long grass. +Meanwhile the Free Staters, under Christian De Wet and Steenkamp, +crept around the foot of the steep ground under Van Dam's right, +swinging northward. Then they, too, began to climb, and by 10 a.m. +Carleton's column was entrapped.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Development of attack.</span> + +<p>The weak company and a half in front of the Gloucester, badly +sheltered from the converging fire, could do little more than check +the foremost burghers. This, however, they did so effectually for a +time that Van Dam, fearing for the issue of a merely frontal attack, +and hearing nothing of the Free Staters, who had not yet reached their +goal, ordered one of his officers, Lieutenant Pohlmann, to take fifty +men out of sight under the hill to the right, and not to fire a shot +until he arrived within decisive range of the British. Pohlmann moved +boldly and skilfully, and, appearing suddenly upon the left of "E." +company Gloucester, poured a destructive shower over the defences. The +captain of "E." company perceived at once the hopelessness of his +situation, asked and received permission to retire, and took his men +and those of "H." company back under a heavy fusilade and with severe +loss, passing the left flank of "C." company, into whose sangars many +dropped for shelter. The section detached to the left, not receiving +the order—unable to retire, if it had received it—was shot down to a +man. The commander was taken prisoner. Carleton, who had not +authorised this retirement, and placed as he was, knew nothing of the +necessity for it, then ordered Major S. Humphery to reinforce the +diminished companies, and send them back to the abandoned sangars. +This Humphery found to be impossible, and thus the front of the +position receded to the line of "C." company Gloucester and of "E." +company Royal Irish Fusiliers, slightly to their right rear. Nor was +this to remain long unbroken; for most of the men of this company of +Royal Irish Fusiliers, finding their feeble defences crumbling to +nothing under the tremendous fire, drew off gradually towards their +comrades on the right, and soon the officers of "C." company +Gloucester saw that the prolongation of their line had vanished, and +that their right was now completely exposed.</p> + +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page193" name="page193"></a>[p. 193]</span> <span class="sidenote"> 11:30 a.m. A heliograph cannot be answered.</span> + +<p>About this time (11.30 a.m.) a heliograph from Sir G. White's main +body was seen. Carleton called for signallers to read the message; but +so deadly was the fire that three men were wounded in succession, and +one man thrice, as they stood by Carleton spelling out the signal. +This ran:—"Retire on Ladysmith as opportunity offers." The only +heliograph with the column had vanished in the stampede, and Carleton, +encircled by musketry, knew that he was as powerless to obey the order +as to acknowledge it.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> A fatal misunderstanding.</span> + +<p>The Boers, who had turned "E." company, Gloucester, crawled on to +within forty yards of the right of "B." company, threatening to roll +it up, and Lieutenant C. S. Knox, its commander, surrounded by dead, +found it necessary to go back to fetch up more men. Near him, in the +sangar of "C." company, lay Captain S. Willcock of "H." company, and +Knox, before starting back, waved his arms to attract his attention, +shouting to him that the Boers were coming up from behind, that he, +Knox, had to go back, and that Willcock must look to his left. But +Knox, with a gesture of his arms, had unwittingly imitated the +military signal to retire, and the musketry, which was now one +sustained roar upon the mountain, drowned all of his shouting, except +the words "from behind." Willcock, therefore, imagining that he was +receiving an order to retire, which might have been sent forward from +the commanding officer, passed it on to Captain Fyffe, who, in turn, +communicated it to Captain Duncan, the senior officer in the sangar. +In the short retirement which followed nearly forty-five percent fell.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Duncan occupies a kraal, and then surrenders.</span> + +<p>Following their retreating companies, Captains Duncan and Fyffe (the +latter wounded) halted by a small ruined kraal some fifty yards back, +leaped into it with six or eight men, and determined to make a stand. +Behind the kraal, the ground sloping upwards, hid the rest of the +British lines entirely from a man lying prone in the sorry shelter. So +close now were the Boers that the uproar of their rapid and incessant +shots overwhelmed all else. To the occupants of the kraal it seemed as +though silence had fallen over the British part of the position, +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page194" name="page194"></a>[p. 194]</span> and this, though "D." company was shooting steadily, +unshaken in the sangar not fifty yards to their right rear. They +thought that Colonel Carleton had taken his column from the hill, and +that they were alone. For a few moments they lay, the helpless focus +of hundreds of rifles, and then, after a brief conversation with his +wounded junior, Duncan decided to surrender. Two handkerchiefs tied to +the muzzle of an uplifted rifle were apparently invisible to the +Boers, whose fire continued unabated. But the white rags, fluttering +just clear of the brow of the rise, were marked in an instant from the +sangar of "D." company, of whose proximity Duncan and his party were +absolutely unaware, and Captain R. Conner, who lay there with the +commanding officer of the Gloucester, rushed out towards them over +some fifty yards of bullet-swept ground shouting an enquiry. +Meanwhile, as the storm of lead still beat upon the shelter, Duncan, +taking a towel from a soldier near him, tied it to his sword and held +it aloft. For a minute or two the enemy did not desist, and in this +interval Conner, running by order of his commanding officer, across to +Colonel Carleton, acquainted him with the fact that the flag had been +upraised in Duncan's sangar. At the same time a bugle, whether British +or Boer will never be known, sounded the "cease fire" somewhere on the +British left. There was a hasty consultation between Carleton and Adye +as to the possibility of repudiating the surrender altogether, or of +applying it solely to the small party which had yielded. But the +former officer, raising his eyes towards the spot, saw that the enemy +had practically decided the question for him. Having passed by +Duncan's kraal they were close in front of his main line, moving +quickly forward with shouts and waving of hats, with rifles held +confidently at the "trail." Many were already on the flank of the +right portion of the British line, which, surrender or not as it +would, was thus placed in an utterly untenable position. This right, +consisting of the Royal Irish Fusiliers, absorbed in action to the +front, knew nothing of the events on the left.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Carleton submits for all.</span> + +<p>There was yet time to disown the flag. The Boers had so far possessed +themselves only of Duncan's sangar; but Carleton <span class="pagenum"><a id="page195" name="page195"></a>[p. 195]</span> shrank from +doing what he knew would be construed into the blackest treachery by +his opponents, which he knew, moreover, could but prolong the +resistance of his trapped and exhausted battalions some half an hour +or less. Calling a bugler to him he bade him sound the "cease fire," +set a match to his maps and papers, and, with Adye, walked out towards +the enemy. Some of the Irish Fusiliers still fought on whilst +Carleton, meeting Commandant Steenkamp, handed over to him his sword +and revolver; it was some time before the bursts of firing ceased +altogether on the right. At about 1.30 p.m. 37 officers and 917 men +became prisoners of war.<a id="footnotetag135" name="footnotetag135"></a><a href="#footnote135" title="Go to footnote 135"><span class="small">[135]</span></a></p> + +<a id="chap11" name="chap11"></a> +<h3><span class="pagenum"><a id="page196" name="page196"></a>[p. 196]</span> CHAPTER XI.</h3> + +<p class="title">THE ARRIVAL OF SIR REDVERS BULLER.</p> + + +<span class="sidenote"> Hopes of Sir George White's strength felt at home.</span> + +<p>Reports of the concentration of large commandos of Transvaal and Free +State burghers on the Natal border had been telegraphed home by the +High Commissioner and the Governor of Natal on the 28th of September, +and reached the Colonial Office during the night of the 28th-29th. The +plan, therefore, of an advance through the Orange Free State, which +was adopted by the Cabinet on the following day, by implication +assumed that the force assigned to Sir George White for the defence of +Natal would be sufficient to check the threatened invasion until a +forward movement of the army corps in the western theatre of war +should draw away from the republican host the Free State men for the +protection of their own territory.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Situation when Sir R. Buller arrived.</span> + +<p>The events of the first three weeks of the war showed that Sir George +White, without assistance, would not be able to protect Natal, and the +situation which met General Buller on his disembarkation in South +Africa on the morning of the 31st October could not but cause him +grave anxiety. The Natal Field Force, after three strenuous efforts at +Talana, Elandslaagte and Lombards Kop to repel the enemy's columns of +invasion, lay concentrated at Ladysmith, and to the north, east, and +west was already closely watched by the enemy in superior strength. +General Buller was convinced that the troops needed rest, and could +for a time only act on the defensive. He therefore telegraphed to +General White, on 1st November, suggesting that he should entrench and +await events either at Ladysmith <span class="pagenum"><a id="page197" name="page197"></a>[p. 197]</span> or at Colenso. Sir George's +reply showed that he had already entrenched himself at Ladysmith, and +could not now withdraw. South of Ladysmith there were only very weak +posts at Colenso and Estcourt, and one regular battalion at +Maritzburg. For the moment, the safety of the capital of Natal +appeared to be precarious, and Sir Redvers even deemed it necessary to +request the Naval Commander-in-Chief to take steps for the protection +of Durban from land attack. In Cape Colony the Boer forces close to +the Orange river had been strengthened by reinforcements from the +commandos originally assigned to watch the Basuto border. Moreover, +there was some reason to believe that another commando from the north +was moving down upon Kimberley, and this report, coupled with the lack +of news from Mafeking, rendered it for the moment doubtful whether +Baden-Powell might not have been overwhelmed.<a id="footnotetag136" name="footnotetag136"></a><a href="#footnote136" title="Go to footnote 136"><span class="small">[136]</span></a> The first units of +the expeditionary force were not due at Cape Town for some ten days. +The complete disembarkation at Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, and East +London would not be finished until early in December.<a id="footnotetag137" name="footnotetag137"></a><a href="#footnote137" title="Go to footnote 137"><span class="small">[137]</span></a> The British +Commander-in-Chief could not hope, therefore, for at least a month, +that his field army would be complete in organisation, equipment, and +transport, and ready to commence an advance into the Free State. +Notwithstanding these anxieties, General Buller was at first inclined +to adhere to the scheme originally designed, and to wait until he +could remove the pressure on Ladysmith and Kimberley by striking +straight at Bloemfontein. He so informed Lord Wolseley in a telegram +despatched from Cape Town on 1st November. Yet a few hours later it +became evident that the whole case was graver than Sir Redvers had at +first conceived. Both from the telegrams of Sir George White and from +those of Sir Archibald Hunter, from whom, as his own chief-of-staff, +Buller had called <span class="pagenum"><a id="page198" name="page198"></a>[p. 198]</span> for a personal report on affairs in Natal, +it was manifest that Ladysmith was certain to be cut off from the +outer world. General White telegraphed: "I have the greatest +confidence in holding the Boers for as long as necessary," but he +added that "reinforcements should be sent to Natal at once. Ladysmith +strongly entrenched, but lines not continuous and perimeter so large +that Boers can exercise their usual tactics." General Hunter reported +that "Ladysmith lies in a hollow, commanded by heights too distant for +us to hold, and now possessed by the enemy"; and that "the Boers are +superior in numbers, mobility, and long-range artillery." In Cape +Colony the Intelligence officers at Naauwpoort and Stormberg +telegraphed that a commando, 800 strong, had crossed the Orange river +at Norval's Pont, and that another Boer force, stated to be 3,000 +strong, with two guns and a Maxim, was crossing the Bethulie bridge. +The enemy's successes in Natal were, in fact, encouraging the Free +State commandos to establish connection with the disaffected in the +eastern and midland districts of Cape Colony. As regards the general +attitude of those in the Colonies who sympathised with the Boers, +General Buller was aware that for the most part they possessed arms +and ammunition, and that if their districts were invaded the young men +would join the enemy. The information in his possession led to a +belief that the greater number were for the moment still very +undecided, wondering which side would win, and that their whole +attention was fixed on Ladysmith and Kimberley. If the relief of those +places could be effected, the hostile elements, it was held, would not +stir; but if the two towns should fall, a dangerous rising was thought +probable. Meanwhile at Kimberley, although the reports of the officer +in command of the garrison did not appear to Sir Redvers to show any +immediate anxiety, yet the successful defence of that place depended +on other than the regular troops,<a id="footnotetag138" name="footnotetag138"></a><a href="#footnote138" title="Go to footnote 138"><span class="small">[138]</span></a> and there were indications that +the strain of the situation was being already felt. Urgent appeals +were addressed by the civil community to the High Commissioner, +drawing his attention to the large number of <span class="pagenum"><a id="page199" name="page199"></a>[p. 199]</span> women and +children within the town, the possibility of the cattle, on which the +meat supplies of the invested population mainly depended, being +captured by the enemy, and the difficulty of maintaining order amongst +the 10,000 "raw savages" employed in the mine compounds.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Difficulties to be dealt with.</span> + +<p>The consideration of these reports and representations made it evident +that the whole situation had changed from that contemplated when the +original plan of campaign had been drawn up. For an aggressive advance +on Bloemfontein there was as yet no adequate army. The component parts +of it were on the high seas. Even after they should have arrived, much +time and labour would be required, before they could be welded +together, and supplied with all that was needed for an offensive march +into a country so distant from the coast. On the other hand, if +Ladysmith should meanwhile fall, the Boer commandos at present +surrounding that town would be set free to seize not only Maritzburg +but probably also the seaport of Durban, the possession of which would +give to the republics direct access to the outer world, and would, as +was believed by both Boer and British, be a signal to all the +disaffected in Cape Colony to take up arms. In the western theatre of +war, the early relief of Kimberley was an object dear to the hearts of +all loyalists, and its loss would undoubtedly give an immediate +impetus to the wave of rebellion. The necessity for immediate action +was urgent, both in Natal and Cape Colony, but the former appeared for +the moment to present the more critical situation. Sir Redvers, +therefore, on the 2nd November, telegraphed to the War Office:</p> + +<p class="quote"> + "I consider that I must reinforce Natal, hang on to Orange River + bridge, and give myself to organise troops expected from England. + I am, therefore, withdrawing the garrisons at Naauwpoort and + Stormberg. I shall send Gatacre's division on arrival to Natal, + and with Methuen's and Clery's try to keep the main line open, + and to relieve Kimberley. I do not wish to be pessimistic, but it + seems to me I shall have to wait until March to commence active + operations."</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Messages from and to home. "Extreme gravity."</span> + +<p>On receipt of this report Lord Lansdowne telegraphed an enquiry +whether the division sent to Natal should be replaced by a fresh +division from England. On the 3rd November, in <span class="pagenum"><a id="page200" name="page200"></a>[p. 200]</span> consequence +of further reports from Natal, Sir Redvers telegraphed to the +Secretary of State:</p> + +<p class="quote"> + "Telegraphic connection with Ladysmith was interrupted yesterday, + and White's force is isolated. He is well supplied with + everything, except ammunition for his naval 12-pounders, which + are the only guns that can compete with hostile artillery. I + regard the situation as one of extreme gravity. Colenso bridge + and Maritzburg are held by one battalion each; we are protecting + Durban from the fleet. I shall despatch the first reinforcements + I receive to Durban, but I cannot conceal from myself that if the + enemy previously occupy, even with a small force, the country + south of Mooi River, the relief of White by troops just landed + will be an almost impossible operation, unless he can hold out + six weeks at least from now."</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Nov. 4/99. Sir Redvers decides to go to Natal.</span> + +<p>By the following day, 4th November, General Buller had been able to +work out his plans more in detail. It had become more and more +apparent that Natal, where now the bulk of the enemy's strength lay, +was for the moment the scene of most difficulty and danger, and that +the relief of Ladysmith was all-important. For these reasons Sir +Redvers decided to proceed himself to Natal for a time to supervise +personally that critical operation. He telegraphed, therefore, to the +Secretary of State:</p> + +<div class="quote"> +<p>"My intentions are as follows: I propose to send Clery and + Headquarters 2nd division to Natal to command. With him will go + the first three brigade Headquarters except Guards that arrive. + These three brigades will be composed of the first line + battalions that arrive. Headquarters 1st division will land at + Cape Town, and Lord Methuen will command advance on Kimberley + with Guards' brigade and one other. Headquarters 3rd division + will land at Cape Town or East London, as circumstances require, + and will be completed with a new brigade, under Fetherstonhaugh, + formed of three extra regiments and one from line of + communications, or else colonial regiment.</p> + +<p>"I propose to take charge of advance on Ladysmith. If under + Providence we are successful there and at Kimberley, I think + collapse of opposition possible. These proposals are subject to + High Commissioner's views of state of Cape Colony, and to what + may happen meantime anywhere else.</p> + +<p>"Preparation of extra division seems desirable, but I do not yet + see need for its despatch from England. I shall speak with more + confidence when I see French, who is, I hope, en route here from + Ladysmith."</p> +</div> + +<span class="sidenote"> More hopeful views.</span> + +<p>On the 5th November Sir Redvers telegraphed further to the War Office +that 40 days' supplies for the force under orders for Natal should be +shipped direct from England to Durban. The more hopeful view the +General Commanding-in-Chief <span class="pagenum"><a id="page201" name="page201"></a>[p. 201]</span> was already taking may be judged +from the fact that on the following day, the 6th of November, he +requested the War Office to read "January" instead of "March" in the +last sentence of his above quoted cypher of November 2nd. Five days +later, in reply to a telegram from Lord Lansdowne, stating that +another infantry division was being mobilised, and asking by what date +it would be required, General Buller reported:</p> + +<p class="quote"> + "The defence of Ladysmith seems to have so thoroughly checked + advance of enemy, that I have some grounds for hoping the + successful relief of Kimberley and Ladysmith may end opposition. + On the other hand, reliable Dutch here predict guerilla warfare + as a certainty. I think, therefore, that I ought to have another + division as soon as possible. My great want at present is mounted + men. I am raising as many as I can, and should like, as soon as + possible, a few good special service officers."</p> + +<p>To this despatch the War Office answered on 14th November that a fifth +infantry division would be sent out at an early date, under command of +Sir C. Warren.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The original scheme of march through Free State to be +carried out after relief of Ladysmith.</span> + +<p>In arriving at the decisions recorded in the above official telegrams, +Sir Redvers Buller had not abandoned the intention of carrying out +ultimately the original plan of campaign. On the contrary, with a view +to its resumption, after the relief of Ladysmith had been effected, he +determined to instruct the General Officer Commanding the 1st +division, Lieut.-General Lord Methuen, as soon as he had thrust aside +the Boer commandos between the Orange river and Kimberley, to throw +into that town supplies and a reinforcement of one and a half +battalions of infantry and some naval long-range guns, and then move +back to the Orange river, withdrawing with him the women and children +and natives. Meantime, while the cavalry division, as its units +arrived from England, was being prepared for the front at a camp near +Cape Town, its commander, Lieut.-General French, who had been recalled +from Ladysmith, was to form a flying column at Naauwpoort, with +instructions to risk no engagement, but to manœuvre and worry the +enemy, and thus check any invasion of the central districts of the +Cape. On the eastern side of that colony, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page202" name="page202"></a>[p. 202]</span> the +Commander-in-Chief decided to assemble at Queenstown a force, under +Lieut.-General Sir W. Gatacre, the commander of the 3rd infantry +division, whose duty it would be to operate northwards, and endeavour +to stop recruiting by the enemy and protect the loyal. On Lord +Methuen's return to Orange River, it was Sir Redvers' intention that +he should march eastwards in conjunction with French, occupy the +bridges of Colesberg, Norval's Pont and Bethulie, and thus prepare for +the advance on Bloemfontein, which would be undertaken as soon as the +relief of Ladysmith set him (Sir Redvers) free from Natal.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Dissolution of Army organisation.</span> + +<p>The decision to despatch to Natal the bulk of the earliest +reinforcements arriving from home has been often referred to as "the +break-up of the army corps." In a sense it was much more than that. +From the point of view of organisation, the transfer of one or more +intact divisions of the original army corps to Natal would have been +immaterial, since they would have remained still under the supreme +control of the General himself. But the urgency of the situation +compelled the British Commander not only to detach portions of the +army corps, but to improvise hastily, from the general officers and +regimental units as they arrived in transports at Cape Town, special +forces with hardly any regard to the composition of the divisions as +originally fixed by the War Office. Thus to the commander of the 2nd +division, Lieut.-General Sir C. F. Clery, who was selected by Sir +Redvers Buller to make preparation for the relief of Ladysmith, and to +act as his second in command in that enterprise, two cavalry +regiments, four brigades of infantry,<a id="footnotetag139" name="footnotetag139"></a><a href="#footnote139" title="Go to footnote 139"><span class="small">[139]</span></a> two brigade divisions of +field artillery, a company of Royal engineers, and a pontoon troop +were assigned. But of these units, only the 4th brigade, commanded by +Major-General the Hon. N. G. Lyttelton, and Lt.-Colonel L. W. Parsons' +brigade division, R.F.A. (63rd, 64th, and 73rd batteries), belonged to +Clery's division. The 2nd infantry brigade, under Major-General H. J. +T. Hildyard, and Lt.-Colonel <span class="pagenum"><a id="page203" name="page203"></a>[p. 203]</span> H. V. Hunt's brigade division +(7th, 14th, and 66th batteries), being the first units of infantry and +artillery to arrive from England, were removed from Methuen's +division, and sent on at once to Natal. To these were subsequently +added both the infantry brigades of the 3rd division (the 5th, under +command of Major-General A. FitzRoy Hart, and the 6th, under +Major-General G. Barton), the 13th Hussars, originally designated as +corps troops, the Royal Dragoons, drawn from the 2nd cavalry brigade, +and the pontoon troop of the army corps.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Various new distributions.</span> + +<p>The 3rd, or Highland brigade, under Major-General A. G. Wauchope, was +at first assigned by the Commander-in-Chief to Lord Methuen, to +replace the 2nd brigade, transferred to Natal; but, as it was found +later that Wauchope's battalions would at the outset be needed to +guard the railway line in rear of Methuen's column, a 9th brigade, +under Major-General R.S.R. Fetherstonhaugh, was formed out of the +infantry units already at Orange River station, viz.: the +half-battalion 1st Loyal North Lancashire, 2nd King's Own Yorkshire +Light Infantry, 1st Northumberland Fusiliers, and 2nd +Northamptonshire. Lt.-Colonel F. H. Hall's brigade division (18th, +62nd, and 75th batteries<a id="footnotetag140" name="footnotetag140"></a><a href="#footnote140" title="Go to footnote 140"><span class="small">[140]</span></a>) and the 9th Lancers were also allotted +to the 1st division.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> French's command.</span> + +<p>For Naauwpoort, General French, in addition to the original garrison +of that place, was at first given the assistance of the 12th Lancers, +a battery of R.H.A., and a half-battalion of the Black Watch, besides +two companies of M.I. To these other units were to be gradually added, +as soon as they became available.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Gatacre's.</span> + +<p>Sir W. Gatacre was instructed to develop a force on the eastern +railway line from the original Stormberg garrison,<a id="footnotetag141" name="footnotetag141"></a><a href="#footnote141" title="Go to footnote 141"><span class="small">[141]</span></a> the 1st Royal +Scots (originally allotted as corps troops), the 2nd Northumberland +Fusiliers (a lines of communication battalion), <span class="pagenum"><a id="page204" name="page204"></a>[p. 204]</span> the 2nd +Royal Irish Rifles (detached from the 5th brigade<a id="footnotetag142" name="footnotetag142"></a><a href="#footnote142" title="Go to footnote 142"><span class="small">[142]</span></a>), and the +brigade division (74th, 77th and 79th batteries), of the 3rd division, +supplemented by such colonial corps as he could gather together +locally.</p> + +<p>The dates of the arrival of the various expeditionary units at Cape +Town and their disposal are shown in <a href="#appen7">Appendix No. 7</a>.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Less serious injury of the recasting of army because of +ordinary British habit.</span> + +<p>The dislocation of the infantry divisions, which was caused by the +necessity for these sweeping changes, would have been even more +seriously detrimental had those divisions actually existed prior to +the embarkation of the troops from England; but, as has been shown in +an earlier chapter, one of the weak points of the British army in 1899 +was the imperfect development in peace time of the higher organisation +of the troops. Except, therefore, in Major-General Hildyard's brigade, +which came direct from Aldershot,<a id="footnotetag143" name="footnotetag143"></a><a href="#footnote143" title="Go to footnote 143"><span class="small">[143]</span></a> and had been trained there by +its brigadier under the immediate eye of Sir R. Buller, that +confidence, which is established between troops and their superior +leaders by intimate mutual knowledge, did not exist, and could not be +affected by that reorganisation, which the strategical situation +necessitated.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Yet serious enough. Sir Redvers goes to Natal without a +staff.</span> + +<p>Nevertheless, as regards staff arrangements, serious inconvenience was +for the moment inevitable. Sir F. Forestier-Walker, although appointed +officially to the post of General Officer Commanding the lines of +communication, had, through some oversight in London, not been given +the full staff, as prescribed by the regulations, for an officer +performing those onerous duties, and had been forced to improvise +assistants from such special service officers as he could lay hands +on. There was from the outset, therefore, a shortage of staff. +Officers were, moreover, urgently required for the development of +local troops and for censorship duties. The original Headquarter staff +had been calculated on the hypothesis that the whole of the +expeditionary corps would operate in the western theatre <span class="pagenum"><a id="page205" name="page205"></a>[p. 205]</span> of +war, Sir George White being responsible for the Natal command. The +rearrangement carried out by Sir R. Buller created in Natal a second +field army. For this no Headquarter staff was available, without +robbing the Cape of needed men. He therefore kept with him only his +personal staff during his temporary absence in Natal, and issued +orders there through the divisional staff of General Clery. He decided +to leave the rest of the Headquarter staff at Cape Town to supervise +the disembarkation of the reinforcements from England and their +formation into a field army.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Help from the fleet.</span> + +<p>The reports of the fighting during the opening phases of the war had +shown that our difficulties were mainly due to three causes—the +superior numbers of the enemy, their greater mobility, and the longer +range of their guns. In the operations he was now about to undertake, +Sir Redvers hoped partially to make good these deficiencies by +borrowing ships' guns from the Navy and by locally raising mounted +men. The Naval Commander-in-Chief had already lent one contingent, +under Commander A. P. Ethelston, R.N., to garrison Stormberg. Another +such contingent, under Captain the Hon. H. Lambton, R.N., was in +Ladysmith, and, at the request of Sir R. Buller, Captain Percy Scott, +R.N., in H.M.S. <i>Terrible</i>, had been despatched to Durban to arrange +the land defences of that port. Rear-Admiral Harris, with the approval +of the Admiralty, now consented to the Stormberg party being brought +back to Cape Town, with a view to its marching under the command of +Capt. R. C. Prothero, R.N., with Lord Methuen's column, to Kimberley +and there remaining as a reinforcement of the garrison. The Naval +Commander-in-Chief further agreed to organise yet a third detachment +to assist in the relief of Ladysmith. The cheerfulness with which the +Naval authorities rendered assistance to the army in this time of +stress and strain was only in conformity with the traditions of both +services; yet the readiness shown by the officers and men of the Royal +Navy and Marines in adapting themselves and their weapons to the +circumstances of a land campaign won the profound admiration even of +those who were best acquainted with the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page206" name="page206"></a>[p. 206]</span> practical nature of +the normal training of the personnel of the fleet.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Raising colonial corps, for Natal.</span> + +<p>The calling out of colonial mounted corps, both in Cape Colony and +Natal, is mentioned in <a href="#chap1">Chapter I.</a> and <a href="#chap2">Chapter II.</a> Mounted men were +urgently needed by all the columns in process of preparation, but, +adhering to his opinion that success in the relief of Ladysmith was +the most crucial matter, Sir Redvers decided to despatch to Natal the +first unit enlisted at Cape Town—the South African Light Horse. The +first party of "Light Horse" embarked at Cape Town for Natal on the +22nd November. In Natal itself two mounted corps, under the command of +Major (local Lieut.-Colonel) A. W. Thorneycroft, Royal Scots +Fusiliers, and Major (local Lieut.-Colonel) E. C. Bethune, 16th +Lancers, were already being formed.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Brabant in eastern districts.</span> + +<p>Mr. Schreiner, the Prime Minister of Cape Colony, had, at the +suggestion of General Buller, endeavoured to raise in the districts of +Middleburg, Cradock, and Somerset East, a burgher force to maintain +internal order and repel invasion, but the local civil authorities +were unanimous in advising that an application of the Cape Burgher law +would furnish some recruits for the enemy. Captain Brabant (now +Major-General Sir E. Brabant), an ex-Imperial officer, was, with the +concurrence of the Cape Government, instructed to raise a mounted +corps from the loyalists in the eastern districts.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Work now done.</span> + +<p>It will readily be conceived from the brief summary of the facts which +have been above recorded that the tasks which the Commander-in-Chief, +assisted by the Headquarter and lines of communication staffs, had to +carry out during the first three weeks of November were of an +overwhelming nature. These included the reorganisation of the various +bodies of troops which, from the 9th November onwards, arrived daily +in Table Bay from England; the disembarkation of the units; their +equipment for the field and despatch to the front; the issue of +operation orders to the troops in Natal and Cape Colony already in +touch with the enemy; the establishment of supply depōts for the field +forces, the defence of Maritzburg and Durban from the Boer raid, which +threatened those very important towns; the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page207" name="page207"></a>[p. 207]</span> protection of the +lines of railway through Cape Colony, with the mere handful of troops +at first available; and the checking of the invasion of the Free +Staters across the Orange river. To these must be added the anxious +watching of the signs in disaffected districts of smouldering +rebellion, which a single success of the enemy might fan into a burst +of flame; these and other cares formed an accumulation of pressing +duties and heavy responsibilities, which fully justify the frank +statement of Sir R. Buller to Lt.-Gen. Forestier-Walker on 20th +November that "Ever since I have been here we have been like the man +who, with a long day's work before him, overslept himself and so was +late for everything all day."<a id="footnotetag144" name="footnotetag144"></a><a href="#footnote144" title="Go to footnote 144"><span class="small">[144]</span></a> The position of affairs in South +Africa throughout these anxious weeks, in fact, forcibly proved the +truth of Lord Wolseley's warning, addressed on 3rd September, 1899, to +the Secretary of State that: "We have committed one of the greatest +blunders in war, namely, we have given the enemy the initiative. He is +in a position to take the offensive, and by striking the first blow to +ensure the great advantage of winning the first round."</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Improved prospects.</span> + +<p>Yet by the 22nd November the labours of the Headquarter staff of the +army in South Africa, assisted by the fullest co-operation of the two +Governors, Sir Alfred Milner and Sir W. Hely-Hutchinson, and aided by +the strenuous exertions of the lines of communication staff in Cape +Colony and Natal, had sensibly improved the general situation in both +the western and eastern theatres of war. In Cape Colony, no part of +Bechuanaland and Griqualand West, it is true, except the areas +defended by the garrisons of Mafeking, Kuruman and Kimberley, remained +under British authority. But cheery reports from Colonel Baden-Powell +gave promise of a prolonged stand at the little northern town, while +Lord Methuen's column had on the previous day (the 21st November) +crossed the Orange river and made good the first eleven miles of its +march on Kimberley. Southward, Major-General Wauchope's brigade was +holding the section of the railway line from Orange River station, viā +De Aar, to Naauwpoort, the latter station having been re-occupied, and +the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page208" name="page208"></a>[p. 208]</span> formation of a column, to harass and menace the enemy in +the direction of Colesberg, had commenced under the direction of +Lieut.-General French. On the eastern side of the Colony only had the +Boers made any substantial advance; a strong Free State commando had +seized Burghersdorp and detached parties to Aliwal North and Lady +Grey. Sir W. Gatacre, on the other hand, had assumed command of +colonial corps and one and a half battalions of regular troops at +Queenstown, and was preparing to move northward, to check the +commandeering of British subjects, which Commandant Olivier had +instituted in the territory occupied by his burghers. The Basuto +chiefs remained true to their allegiance to the "Great White Queen," +and by tacit consent their territory was treated by both sides as +neutral. In Griqualand East and the native territories east of Cape +Colony, the Pondo, Tembu and Fingo tribes continued loyal, and +arrangements for the defence of these great masses of native +population against Boer raids were being made by Major Sir H. Elliott, +who as Commandant-General, under the sanction of the Governor, was +defending the passes leading from Barkly East with the Cape Mounted +Rifles and some Volunteers.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Natal. Sir G. White detains bulk of Boers. Time thus +gained.</span> + +<p>In Natal Sir George White was holding his own at Ladysmith, and, as he +had anticipated, detaining north of the Tugela the main strength of +the enemy's army. After some hesitation on the part of the Boer +leaders, a raid in force had been made to the south, and had for the +moment caused much alarm. But the delay in the movement had greatly +diminished its chances of reaching Maritzburg, although the local +condition was still one of some anxiety. Reinforcements as they +arrived at Durban had been pushed rapidly up by rail north of +Maritzburg, and the British troops were now echeloned along the +railway up to Estcourt. The vanguard of the enemy's raiding column had +reached Mooi River, and his scouts had even penetrated as far as +Nottingham Road, but a day's ride from Maritzburg. The Boers were, +therefore, well in rear of the British advanced posts, and +Lieut.-General Clery felt some doubt whether a temporary retirement +from Estcourt might not prove necessary. The chief <span class="pagenum"><a id="page209" name="page209"></a>[p. 209]</span> +difficulty was the lack of mounted troops to bring the enemy to action +and put a stop to his pillaging the outlying farms of the Natal +colonists.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Sir Redvers, 22nd Nov./99, starts for Natal.</span> + +<p>Such were throughout South Africa the facts known to him when Sir +Redvers Buller, having issued instructions for the guidance of the +senior officer in Cape Colony, Sir F. Forestier-Walker, and for the +three commanders in the field, Lieut.-Generals Lord Methuen, French, +and Sir W. Gatacre, embarked at 7 p.m., the 22nd November, in the S.S. +<i>Mohawk</i> for Natal. His military secretary, Col. the Hon. F. Stopford, +and aides-de-camp accompanied him. The rest of the Headquarter staff +remained at Cape Town.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> His views at that time.</span> + +<p>The appreciation of the situation written by the General +commanding-in-chief forty-eight hours earlier will place the reader in +possession of his views on the eve of his embarkation for Durban. The +memorandum ran as follows:—</p> + +<div class="quote"> + +<p class="right"> + Cape Town,<br> + <i>November 20th, 1899</i>.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">General Walker</span>,</p> + +<p>Before starting for Natal I think I should leave you my + appreciation of the situation.</p> + +<p>1. Ever since I have been here we have been like the man, who, + with a long day's work before him, overslept himself and so was + late for everything all day.</p> + +<p>2. In disposing the troops which arrived from England I have + considered that it was of the first importance to keep Cape + Colony from rebellion, even if by so doing I temporarily lost + Maritzburg.</p> + +<p>3. I consequently have formed a strong column under Lord Methuen + which is in a position to take the field and I am forming a force + of mounted men and horse artillery under General French, which + will, I hope, be able to meet any commandos which may invade the + Colony. I have also done all I can to safeguard the western and + eastern lines of railway.</p> + +<p>4. The state of Kimberley necessitated the first employment of + Lord Methuen's force in that direction. He starts to-day. General + French is at Naauwpoort, organising a column to attack Colesberg + at the earliest possible date.</p> + +<p>5. My hope is that the Boers at Colesberg will have been defeated + before Lord Methuen returns from Kimberley.</p> + +<p>On his return he should send a force to attack the Boers at + Burghersdorp. There should then be 1,000,000 rations at Orange + River and 1,000,000 at De Aar, and I have directed that supply + should be accumulated at Port Elizabeth and East London. He can + then open new lines of supply as he moves eastward.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page210" name="page210"></a>[p. 210]</span> 6. As soon as they can be occupied General Gatacre's + force should be advanced to Molteno or Stormberg, and any force + at Burghersdorp should be attacked.</p> + +<p>If the Burghersdorp force has meanwhile advanced south it would + be attacked by Lord Methuen, aided by part of General French's + force, the two being based on Naauwpoort or Middleburg.</p> + +<p>7. The exact nature of this operation must depend on the actual + circumstances at the time. The main point is, there will be + rations at De Aar and near it to enable a force under Lord + Methuen to move along the line eastward, repairing it as he goes, + and strong enough to clear the northern districts.</p> + +<p>8. As soon as ever circumstances admit the bridges at Norval's + Pont and Bethulie will, of course, be seized; in short, the plan + is, clear the northern districts by working from west to east, + seize the bridges, and, as occasion admits, bring the shorter + lines of supply into use. Then concentrate for an advance on + Bloemfontein.</p> + +<p>9. I think there are enough troops in the Colony to work this + programme, except that:</p> + +<ul class="none"> +<li><span class="min2em">(1) There should be a battalion at Port Elizabeth.</span></li> + +<li><span class="min2em">(2) General Gatacre wants another battalion and a battery of field + artillery.</span></li> + +<li><span class="min2em">(3) General French should have the second battery Royal Horse artillery, + and eventually three cavalry regiments, and, if possible, one more + battalion.</span></li> +</ul> + +<p>10. With regard to Natal, I propose to send the 6th Dragoon + Guards and 10th Hussars, the 63rd, 64th, and 73rd batteries Royal + Field artillery, the remainder of General Hart's Brigade, <i>i.e.</i>, + three battalions, as soon as they come in. We must do with them + the best we can.</p> + +<p>11. I think the Colonial contingents had better go to Natal.</p> + +<p>12. In my opinion, so long as General White holds Ladysmith the + force able to attack you from the Orange Free State is not likely + to be serious, but if Natal goes you will have to concentrate for + defence, and you should make up your mind what positions to hold. + Probably the best military positions about Queenstown, + Middleburg, and Beaufort West will be found most convenient.</p> + +<p class="right"> + <span class="smcap">Redvers Buller</span>,<br> + General.</p> +</div> + + +<a id="chap12" name="chap12"></a> +<h3><span class="pagenum"><a id="page211" name="page211"></a>[p. 211]</span> CHAPTER XII.</h3> + +<p class="title">ADVANCE FROM THE ORANGE RIVER. + + +<span class="sidenote"> Lord Methuen's instructions. Nov. 10/99.</span> + +<p>On the 10th of November Lord Methuen, with his staff, left Cape Town +for Orange River station, where he arrived two days later. The orders +which he had received from Sir Redvers Buller ran as follows:—</p> + +<div class="quote"> + +<p class="right">November 10th, 1899.</p> + +<p>1. You will take command of the troops at De Aar and Orange River + stations,<a id="footnotetag145" name="footnotetag145"></a><a href="#footnote145" title="Go to footnote 145"><span class="small">[145]</span></a> with the object of marching on Kimberley as + rapidly as possible.</p> + +<p>2. In addition to the troops now at De Aar, the infantry of which + are being formed into the 9th brigade under Colonel + Fetherstonhaugh, you will have under your command:—</p> + +<ul class="lower"> +<li>The 1st Infantry Brigade.—Major-Gen. Colvile.</li> +<li>The Highland Brigade.—Major-Gen. Wauchope.</li> +<li>The 9th Lancers.</li> +<li>The Brigade Division, Royal Field Artillery, under + Colonel Hall.</li> +<li>The Divisional Troops except Cavalry of the Division.</li> +<li>Certain Royal Engineers, Army Service Corps and + Medical Details which have been collected at the + two stations.</li> +</ul> + +<p>I wish you to march from the Orange river to the Modder river, + communicate with Kimberley, and to hold the line De <span class="pagenum"><a id="page212" name="page212"></a>[p. 212]</span> + Aar, Modder river, so that we shall be able to bring up stores + and heavy guns and pass them into Kimberley.</p> + +<p>3. The half-battalion Loyal North Lancashire regiment, which will + form part of the 9th brigade, is to be left in Kimberley.</p> + +<p>4. You will afford help to Kimberley to remove such of the + natives as they wish to get rid of, and, generally, you will give + such advice and assistance in perfecting the defences as you may + be able to afford.</p> + +<p>5. You will make the people of Kimberley understand that you have + not come to remain charged with its defence, but to afford it + better means of maintaining its defence, which will at the same + time be assisted by an advance on Bloemfontein.</p> + +<p class="right"> + <span class="smcap">Redvers Buller</span>, General.</p> +</div> + +<p>Four days later, the Commander-in-Chief in South Africa addressed the +following letter to General Methuen:—</p> + +<div class="quote"> + +<p class="right"> + Cape Town,<br> + November 14th, 1899.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lord Methuen</span>,—</p> + +<span class="sidenote2"> Personal advice from Sir Redvers, Nov. 14th.</span> + +<p>I do not want to tie your hands in any way, but I send this + letter for such use as you choose to make of it.</p> + +<p>1. I think that you will find that the Guards and the 9th Brigade + and two batteries Royal Field Artillery will be as large a + portion of your force as you can take with advantage.</p> + +<p>2. As to mounted men, you will of course take what you require. I + think it will be advisable to leave one-half of Rimington's + Guides, the party at Hanover Road, and sufficient others to scout + 20 to 25 miles on all sides of the line held by General Wauchope.</p> + +<p>3. On your departure General Wauchope will have, including the + two half-battalions of Berkshire and Munster, four battalions; + and if you leave him one battery, six guns Royal Field Artillery, + with them he should be able to hold the line to Belmont with + perfect safety. Orange River bridge must of course be held at all + costs. I hope you will not remain a day longer at Kimberley than + you can help.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page213" name="page213"></a>[p. 213]</span> 5. I have already told you that I am sending with you a + Naval brigade with four 12-pr. 12-cwt. guns; these guns range + 6,000 yards. You will not start without them, will leave them at + Kimberley, and such reinforcements not exceeding one-and-a-half + battalions as the commandant may require.</p> + +<p>6. I have said in my instructions that you will proceed to Modder + river. If you can from there get a clear road to Kimberley, so + much the better, but you will act according to circumstances. The + main object is to save time.<a id="footnotetag146" name="footnotetag146"></a><a href="#footnote146" title="Go to footnote 146"><span class="small">[146]</span></a></p> + +<p class="center spacing2em">* * * * *</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">R. Buller.</span></p> +</div> + +<span class="sidenote"> Information gathered before the march, up to Nov. 21st.</span> + +<p>Before Lord Methuen's arrival at Orange River station, the mounted +troops had been engaged in reconnoitring and sketching the country in +the neighbourhood of the railway bridge. On the 6th of November a +party of the 9th Lancers and mounted infantry, accompanied by guns, +had scouted up the railway to within five miles of Belmont. On the 9th +another reconnaissance was made up the line, past Belmont, to Honey +Nest Kloof, 37 miles from Orange River station. No Boers were seen +about Belmont, though they had left traces of their presence in broken +culverts and other damage to the railway. After falling back for the +night to Witteputs, the patrol marched north-eastward on the morning +of the 10th, and encountered several hundred Boers, with field guns, a +few miles to the east of Belmont. A skirmish ensued in which Lt.-Col. +C. E. Keith-Falconer was killed, Lt. C. C. Wood mortally wounded, and +Lts. F. Bevan and H. C. Hall and four men wounded. To the westward of +the railway line a detachment of thirty of Rimington's Guides +successfully reconnoitred as far as Prieska. Though the information +brought back by these reconnaissances was mainly negative, on the 18th +November Major R. N. R. Reade, Lord Methuen's Intelligence officer, +was able from various sources of information to report that a force, +estimated at from 700 to 1,200 men, with four guns, was at or near +Belmont; and that a small commando under <span class="pagenum"><a id="page214" name="page214"></a>[p. 214]</span> Jourdaan had been +successfully recruiting from the disloyal farmers in the districts of +Barkly West, Campbell, Douglas, and Griquatown, which lay to the west +and north-west of the line of advance to Kimberley.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Constitution of 1st Division.</span> + +<p>Thanks to the strenuous efforts of the staff and the departmental +corps, the reconstituted first division<a id="footnotetag147" name="footnotetag147"></a><a href="#footnote147" title="Go to footnote 147"><span class="small">[147]</span></a> was by the 20th of +November ready to take the field. Equipped with mule transport, and +marching with a minimum of baggage, Lord Methuen's column consisted of +about 7,726 infantry, 850 cavalry and mounted infantry, two batteries +of Royal Field artillery, four companies of Royal engineers and a +Naval brigade.</p> + +<p>It was thus composed:—</p> + +<p>Naval brigade—Captain R. C. Prothero, R.N.:—</p> +<p class="left20">Four naval 12-pr. 12-cwt. guns, with 363 officers and + men of the Royal Navy, sailors, Royal Marine artillery + and Royal Marine Light Infantry.<a id="footnotetag148" name="footnotetag148"></a><a href="#footnote148" title="Go to footnote 148"><span class="small">[148]</span></a></p> + +<p>Mounted troops:—</p> +<p class="left20">9th Lancers.</p> +<p class="left20">One company mounted infantry Northumberland + Fusiliers.</p> +<p class="left20">One company mounted infantry Loyal North Lancashire.</p> +<p class="left20">Half company mounted infantry King's Own Yorkshire +Light Infantry.</p> +<p class="left20">New South Wales Lancers (30 of all ranks).</p> +<p class="left20">Rimington's Guides.</p> + +<p>Royal Field Artillery:—</p> +<p class="left20">Brigade division R.F.A.—Lt.-Colonel F. H. Hall.</p> +<p class="left20">18th and 75th Field batteries (15-pr. guns).<a id="footnotetag149" name="footnotetag149"></a><a href="#footnote149" title="Go to footnote 149"><span class="small">[149]</span></a></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page215" name="page215"></a>[p. 215]</span> Royal Engineers—Lt.-Colonel J. B. Sharpe:—</p> +<p class="left20">7th Field company.</p> +<p class="left20">8th Railway company.</p> +<p class="left20">11th Field company.</p> +<p class="left20">30th Fortress company.</p> +<p class="left20">Telegraph section.</p> + +<p>1st (Guards) brigade—Major-General Sir H. E. Colvile:—</p> +<p class="left20">3rd battalion Grenadier Guards.</p> +<p class="left20">1st battalion Coldstream Guards.<a id="footnotetag150" name="footnotetag150"></a><a href="#footnote150" title="Go to footnote 150"><span class="small">[150]</span></a></p> +<p class="left20">2nd battalion Coldstream Guards.</p> +<p class="left20">1st battalion Scots Guards.</p> + +<p>9th Infantry brigade—Maj.-Gen. R. S. R. Fetherstonhaugh:—<a id="footnotetag151" name="footnotetag151"></a><a href="#footnote151" title="Go to footnote 151"><span class="small">[151]</span></a></p> +<p class="left20">1st battalion Northumberland Fusiliers.</p> +<p class="left20">Half-battalion 1st Loyal North Lancashire.<a id="footnotetag152" name="footnotetag152"></a><a href="#footnote152" title="Go to footnote 152"><span class="small">[152]</span></a></p> +<p class="left20">2nd battalion Northamptonshire.</p> +<p class="left20">2nd battalion King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry.</p> + + +<p>The medical services for the 9th infantry brigade were furnished by +the divisional Field Hospital of the 1st division, and the 3rd brigade +Field Hospital formed the new divisional Field Hospital. Subsequently, +when the 3rd (Highland) brigade joined Lord Methuen's force at Modder +river, its Field Hospital was provided by the 2nd division Field +Hospital and the Bearer company by "A." company Cape Medical Staff +Corps, under Lieut.-Col. Hartley, V.C.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Supporting forces. Wauchope. French.</span> + +<p>Behind the 1st division, the Highland brigade, under Maj.-Gen. A. G. +Wauchope, guarded the railway up to the Orange river, and overawed the +disaffected element among the inhabitants along the line of +communication. In the neighbourhood of Colesberg, Lieut.-General +French, with a mixed force of all arms, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page216" name="page216"></a>[p. 216]</span> was engaged in +stemming the tide of invasion from the Free State, and by incessantly +occupying the attention of the commandos opposed to him, prevented +their massing against Lord Methuen's right flank as he advanced +towards Kimberley.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> March fully known by Boers. They prepare to meet it.</span> + +<p>The Boers were not taken by surprise by Lord Methuen's preparations +for an advance. Their spies and sympathisers kept them fully informed +of all the steps taken. In anticipation of a dash upon Kimberley they +had carefully prepared defensive positions along the railway at +Belmont and at Rooilaagte, or, as we term it, Graspan. To some 2,500 +burghers, under Commandant Jacobus Prinsloo, was entrusted the duty of +thrusting the British back towards the Orange; and, if the task should +prove beyond their strength, De la Rey, who, with his commando was +then investing the southern defences of Kimberley, could easily +reinforce them. A large supply of stores had been collected at +Jacobsdal, while subsidiary depōts had been formed at Graspan and in +the neighbourhood of Koffyfontein.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> 4 a.m., Nov. 21st., march begins.</span> + +<p>At 4 a.m., on the 21st of November, the 1st division marched from +their bivouac on the northern bank of the Orange river. The General +followed the course of the railway in order to facilitate the carriage +of supplies, not only for his own column, but also for the inhabitants +of the town into which he was to throw stores and reinforcements. The +troops halted about 8 a.m. at Fincham's farm, near Witteputs, twelve +miles north of the Orange River bridge. The 9th Lancers and mounted +infantry were at once thrown forward with orders to reconnoitre +northwards on a front of about twelve miles. They found the enemy in +some strength among the hills which lie to the east of Belmont +station, and drew fire, fortunately with very slight loss. +Lieut.-Colonel Willoughby Verner, D.A.A.G., for topography to the army +corps, sketched the Boer position from the low hills east of Thomas' +farm, about a mile and a half south-east of Belmont station.<a id="footnotetag153" name="footnotetag153"></a><a href="#footnote153" title="Go to footnote 153"><span class="small">[153]</span></a> +These sketches were subsequently reproduced and distributed among the +officers of the column before the action of the 23rd. Later in the day +Lord Methuen himself studied the ground from the hills near Thomas' +farm, and then <span class="pagenum"><a id="page217" name="page217"></a>[p. 217]</span> returned to Witteputs, followed by the +mounted troops, many of whom had covered forty miles during the day.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Approach to Belmont.</span> + +<p>In the grey of the morning of the 22nd of November, the mounted +infantry swooped from Witteputs upon Thomas' farm, occupied it, and +threw out a chain of posts facing the station of Belmont and the hills +to the east. Lord Methuen, with his staff, the brigadiers commanding +the infantry brigades, Lt.-Col. Hall, C.R.A., and Lt.-Col. Sharpe, +C.R.E., arrived shortly afterwards, and again reconnoitred the Boer +position from the high ground above Thomas' farm. When the General had +completed his reconnaissance, he dictated the orders for the attack +which he proposed to deliver on the morrow. Then, leaving the mounted +infantry to hold the ground they occupied, and to protect the +companies of Royal engineers who were on their way from Witteputs to +repair the railway, Lord Methuen returned with his staff to the +column, to prepare for a further advance that afternoon. During the +morning there was intermittent firing between the mounted infantry +outposts and parties of the enemy, who occasionally showed themselves +for a short time, and then disappeared without affording any clue as +to the strength of the force concealed among the kopjes. In the +afternoon the Boers brought two guns into action, chiefly directed +against the 7th Field company R.E., then employed in improving the +supply of water at the site selected for that night's bivouac near +Thomas' farm. To silence this artillery fire the 18th and 75th +batteries were hurriedly despatched from Witteputs, and in order to +save the troops at Belmont as quickly as possible from this annoyance, +the Officer Commanding trotted nearly the whole distance. The horses, +still weak from the effects of the long sea voyage, suffered severely +from the strain. Five indeed actually died of exhaustion, and all were +so weary that during the engagement of the 23rd, the artillery was +unable to move with any degree of rapidity.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Division gathers before Belmont, Nov. 22nd.</span> + +<p>At 4.30 p.m. the remainder of the troops marched from Witteputs and +reached their bivouac at Thomas' farm just before nightfall.</p> + +<a id="chap13" name="chap13"></a> +<h3><span class="pagenum"><a id="page218" name="page218"></a>[p. 218]</span> CHAPTER XIII.</h3> + +<p class="title">BELMONT.<a id="footnotetag154" name="footnotetag154"></a><a href="#footnote154" title="Go to footnote 154"><span class="small">[154]</span></a></p> + + +<span class="sidenote"> The Boer position Nov. 23rd/99.</span> + +<p>Lord Methuen's dispositions for attack were necessarily determined by +the ground which the Boers had taken up to oppose his advance. Some +two miles to the south-east of Belmont station a hill, in form like a +sugar-loaf, rises abruptly about 280 feet above the veld. From it +extends northwards a broken line of kopjes which for several miles +runs parallel with the railway in its course from Orange River station +to Kimberley. Twelve hundred yards to the north of the "Sugar Loaf" +there is a precipitous hill of nearly equal height, which acquired the +name of the "Razor Back." The northern side of it overhangs a steep +ravine, some 600 yards wide. The most important feature of the range, +termed "Mont Blanc" by Lord Methuen, stretches northward from beyond +this ravine for three miles. It is irregular in outline and broadens +on its northern face to a width of a mile. Its average height may be +taken at 300 feet above the plain. To the south and west its slopes +are very steep; on the east they present fewer difficulties; on the +north they are comparatively easy. Between Mont Blanc and the railway +is a secondary line of heights about a mile and a half long, of an +average width of 1,200 yards. The northern portion of this western +range is a steep-sided, flat-topped hill, called "Table Mountain" in +the orders for the battle; it lies about a mile due west of the +central portion of Mont Blanc. Its average height is perhaps <span class="pagenum"><a id="page219" name="page219"></a>[p. 219]</span> +100 feet lower than Mont Blanc, but here and there its surface is +broken by knolls which dominate not only the plateau itself, but the +surrounding country in every direction. A well-defined depression, +almost amounting to a valley, running from south-east to north-west, +separates Table Mountain from the southern half of the western +heights. To these the name of "Gun Hill" has been given. Gun Hill +consists of a series of undulations, bounded on the west and south by +kopjes, in places as precipitous as the sides of Table Mountain, and +varying in height from 80 to 120 feet above the plain. After the +engagement the most southerly of these knolls became known to Lord +Methuen's force as "Grenadier Hill." The valley between Mont Blanc and +the western range is open, but intersected by deep dongas running from +the north and north-east. The hills in both lines of heights are +covered with huge iron-stone boulders, in places so steeply piled that +men have to climb them on hands and knees, and their indented outlines +form many salients from which cross fire can be poured on troops +advancing to the attack.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Position as presented to the assailants Nov. 23rd.</span> + +<p>As seen from the railway, the direct line of advance on Kimberley, the +Mont Blanc range stands out of the veld like a fortress. This, the +main range, is surrounded on the south and east by a level plain which +affords advancing troops no cover from fire. Its western face, +fronting the railway, has as natural outworks the heights of Table +Mountain and Gun Hill. Thus, when Lord Methuen at first designed to +drive off the Boers who flanked and menaced his further progress, the +nearest part of the enemy's position to him was Gun Hill, and beyond +this, further north, was Table Mountain, while supporting these from +the east was the main ridge of Mont Blanc. Therefore, in order to +clear away the enemy thus threatening him on his right, it was +necessary first to arrange the positions of rendezvous so that the +division should be arrayed against the hills about to be assailed. +Thus the 9th brigade on the left of the attack looked towards Table +Mountain. The Guards on the right, that is, to the south of the 9th +brigade, similarly faced Gun Hill. The Guards were both nearer to the +part to <span class="pagenum"><a id="page220" name="page220"></a>[p. 220]</span> be assailed by them, and more immediately opposite +to it, than was the 9th brigade to the object of its attack.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Mode of attack as designed.</span> + +<p>The 9th brigade was to assault the western face of Table Mountain, +while the Guards' brigade attacked Gun Hill. As soon as the enemy had +been driven off Table Mountain, the 9th brigade was to move eastwards, +swinging its left round so as to attack Mont Blanc from the north, +while supported by the fire of the Guards from the eastern side of Gun +Hill. The 75th battery on the left, the Naval guns and the 18th +battery on the right, were to co-operate with the infantry by +searching the heights with shrapnel. The mounted troops were to guard +the flanks, prevent the escape of the enemy to the east, and, if +possible, capture the Boer laager. With this object, two squadrons of +the 9th Lancers under Colonel B. Gough were to be on the left flank of +the 9th brigade, with one and a half companies of mounted infantry; +while the remaining squadron of the 9th Lancers, a company of M.I. and +Rimington's Guides, the whole under Major M. F. Rimington, were to +work on the outer flank of the brigade of Guards. The troops were to +march off from their respective rendezvous at 3 a.m. By this attack on +Mont Blanc from the north, after the outworks of Table Mountain and +Gun Hill had been carried, the Boers would be driven, not back along +the railway towards Kimberley, but eastwards, well off Lord Methuen's +proposed line of advance.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Strength and disposition of Boers.</span> + +<p>The enemy under Jacobus Prinsloo consisted of the Jacobsdal, Winburg, +Fauresmith and Bloemfontein commandos, with detachments from +Kroonstad, Hoopstad and Boshof. It is difficult to arrive at an exact +conclusion as to their strength, for the Boers themselves do not agree +as to the number of burghers who took part in the action. Their +estimates vary from 2,100 to 2,500 men, with two field guns and a +pom-pom. Their artillery, however, hardly fired at all, nor were the +reinforcements which De la Rey brought from Kimberley actively +engaged. The exact ground held by each commando cannot be accurately +stated, but their approximate dispositions are shown upon the maps No. +<a href="#map10">10</a> and <a href="#map10a">10(a)</a>. There is some reason to believe that the Boer general +had intended <span class="pagenum"><a id="page221" name="page221"></a>[p. 221]</span> to throw part of his right wing across the +railway, as trenches were found west of the line, so constructed as to +bring flanking fire against an attack on Table Mountain; but whether +these works were occupied on the morning of the 23rd cannot be +ascertained. That the enemy had posts along the line to the north of +Belmont is proved by the fact that one of these parties was captured +by Colonel Gough's detachment of mounted men.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> 3.15 a.m. Nov. 23rd. Attack begins.</span> + +<p>The troops left their bivouacs about 2 a.m. on the 23rd, reached their +respective rendezvous at the time appointed, and at about 3.15 moved +off towards the various parts of the enemy's position, to the attack +of which they had been assigned.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Guards move against Gun Hill.</span> + +<p>In the assault on Gun Hill by the brigade of Guards, the two +battalions of the Coldstream Guards were in reserve; the 1st battalion +Scots Guards and the 3rd battalion Grenadier Guards were detailed to +deliver the attack. As the latter battalions, moving in line of +quarter-column, reached the wire fences along the railway line, they +demolished them or scrambled through them as best they could<a id="footnotetag155" name="footnotetag155"></a><a href="#footnote155" title="Go to footnote 155"><span class="small">[155]</span></a> and +then deployed into fighting formation. Four half companies, extended +to five paces, formed the firing line of each battalion, supported at +200 paces distance by the remainder of these four companies, also +extended to five paces. The battalion reserve, which followed about +200 paces behind the supports, consisted of four companies, which +moved in the same formation as the leading companies but with a +smaller extension between the men. As soon as the deployment was +completed the advance began, and the troops moved forward through the +darkness, over ground fairly open, but here and there made difficult +by rocks and ant-bear holes. The only sound to be heard was the steady +tramp of feet, which in the stillness of the night could be +distinguished many hundred yards away by the 9th brigade. In admirable +order, with their intervals and distances well maintained, the long +lines of men advanced, straining their eyes to catch a glimpse +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page222" name="page222"></a>[p. 222]</span> of the kopjes they were to attack, and wondering when the +Boers would open fire upon them. They had not long to wait. Towards 4 +a.m., when the outlines of the hills began dimly to appear against the +first glimmer of dawn, a violent burst of musketry rang out. Each +rifle as it flashed against the dark background showed where it had +been discharged. The enemy were thus seen to be dotted at irregular +intervals in two tiers on the skyline and the upper slopes of the +heights.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Attack of Scots Guards.</span> + +<p>The Scots Guards, who were marching on the point marked <strong>c</strong> on map No. +<a href="#map10">10</a>, were within about 150 yards of the foot of the kopje, and had +hardly fixed bayonets, when the enemy opened upon them. Col. A. H. +Paget ordered the charge to be sounded, and, with a ringing cheer, his +men carried the hill with comparatively small loss, to find themselves +exposed, not only to frontal but to cross fire from both flanks. The +musketry from the right ceased as soon as the Grenadiers stormed the +kopjes which they attacked, while, thanks to the initiative of Bt. +Lt.-Col. W. P. Pulteney, that from the left was checked. This officer, +whose company was on the left of the line of the Scots Guards, found +himself under heavy fire from the kopje marked <strong>d</strong>. Advancing against it +he dislodged its defenders, who, in their precipitate retreat to Table +Mountain, left some thirty ponies behind them. Colonel Pulteney +mounted as many of his men as possible upon them, galloped in pursuit +across the valley, then dismounted and worked up the kopje at the +south-western angle of Table Mountain (<strong>b</strong> on map No. <a href="#map10">10</a>), until he was +stopped by the enemy concealed amongst its boulders.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> of Grenadiers.</span> + +<p>The front line of the Grenadiers was about 350 yards from the kopjes +when they first came under fire. To close with their enemy, the men +were ordered to double and then instinctively quickening their pace +they arrived panting at the foot of the hills, which loomed black and +threatening before them. Under a very heavy fusilade, which at times +came from both flank and front, the Grenadiers carried the position, +but not without considerable loss in officers and men. They were led +by Col. E. M. S. Crabbe, who fell wounded within a few feet of the top +of the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page223" name="page223"></a>[p. 223]</span> kopje, and were reinforced as they reached the summit +by the battalion reserve under Major D. A. Kinloch. The Boers fought +gallantly on this part of the field; some indeed, as was also the case +on Table Mountain, clung so tenaciously to their defences that they +perished by the bayonet. As soon as the ground to the front of the +Grenadiers and Scots Guards had been cleared of the enemy, both +battalions were re-assembled by their commanding officers.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The left attack.</span> + +<p>Thus on the right the battle so far had developed in substantial +agreement with Lord Methuen's plans. On the left also matters were +going well, but more slowly than the General had anticipated. At the +time when fire was opened on the Guards, the leading battalions of the +9th brigade were crossing the railway line which lay between their +rendezvous and their object, the western side of Table Mountain. They +were guided by Lieut. F. L. Festing, Northumberland Fusiliers. The +Northampton was on the right, the Northumberland Fusiliers on the +left, both in column of double companies, with increased distances +between the companies. In the same formation the Yorkshire Light +Infantry followed as reserve to the brigade about 1,000 yards in rear. +In rear of this battalion were two companies of the Royal Munster +Fusiliers.<a id="footnotetag156" name="footnotetag156"></a><a href="#footnote156" title="Go to footnote 156"><span class="small">[156]</span></a> After passing through the railway fence both the +leading battalions extended from their left, with the result that the +Northumberland Fusiliers somewhat overlapped the Northampton. To +correct this, the former battalion was ordered to take ground towards +Belmont station, and in doing so was exposed to heavy, but ill-aimed, +fire. The direction of the Northampton advance exposed the right of +their leading line to the Boer musketry on Gun Hill, from which they +suffered until the Guards captured that part of the position. The +greater part of the Northumberland Fusiliers pushed forward against +the south-west corner of Table Mountain, but were temporarily checked +by heavy fire from outlying rocks and knolls. One or two misdirected +British shells also contributed to delay the progress of the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page224" name="page224"></a>[p. 224]</span> +battalion, but the forward movement of the Northampton, some of whom +charged with the bayonet, against the northern end of Gun Hill drove +away the parties of Boers opposing the Northumberland Fusiliers, who +were then able to continue their attack on Table Mountain. Two +companies of the Northumberland Fusiliers, under Major the Hon. C. +Lambton, had been left in reserve on the western side of the railway +near Belmont station. When, about 5 a.m., the sun rose just behind +Table Mountain, Major Lambton realised that, with the light shining +straight in their faces, his men could not see to shoot. He therefore +moved his two companies up the railway to the point marked <strong>a</strong>, and then +across the open veld to ground from which, unbaffled by the morning +sun, he was able to pour heavy volleys upon the burghers opposed to +the main attack of his battalion. His flanking fire largely +contributed to dislodge the Boers from Table Mountain, while the 75th +battery, from the neighbourhood of the railway, played upon the +north-west face of this portion of the western range. The positions +occupied by the detachment of Northumberland Fusiliers and by this +battery will be found on map No. <a href="#map10">10 (a)</a>.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Left attack continued.</span> + +<p>The stubborn resistance of the defenders of Table Mountain greatly +delayed its complete occupation by the British troops; indeed, it +required the united exertions of the Northumberland Fusiliers, of part +of the Northampton, of several companies of the Guards, and of two +companies of the Yorkshire Light Infantry to drive the Boers +completely off the plateau. When the attack of the Northumberland +Fusiliers upon the south-western corner of Table Mountain was checked, +the Brigadier had brought up from his reserve half a battalion of the +K.O.Y.L.I. under Col. C. St. L. Barter. It had entered the depression +between Table Mountain and Gun Hill in the formation which the +battalion had assiduously practised for several years—waves of double +companies, in single rank, with an interval of 8 to 10 paces between +the men. Being struck in the flank by musketry from Table Mountain, +two companies turned and joined in the attack on that plateau. In the +course of the fight on Table Mountain Major-General Fetherstonhaugh +was severely wounded, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page225" name="page225"></a>[p. 225]</span> and the command of the brigade +devolved upon Lieut.-Col. C. G. C. Money, Northumberland Fusiliers.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Coldstream are diverted from support of 9th brigade.</span> + +<p>The original orders for the battle had directed that, when the +Grenadier and Scots Guards had carried Gun Hill, the two Coldstream +battalions should reinforce them and support the 9th brigade in the +attack on Mont Blanc. When, therefore, Gun Hill appeared to be +occupied by his leading battalions, Major-General Colvile ordered the +Coldstream to advance, the 1st battalion on the right, the 2nd on the +left, but as they approached Gun Hill they came under a heavy fire +from the Razor Back and the Sugar Loaf. To meet this attack they +changed front half right, and gradually inclined still more to this +direction until the Razor Back and Sugar Loaf Hills became the objects +of their attack. General Colvile, desiring to arrest this movement, +which threatened to become a purely frontal attack over most +unfavourable ground, despatched his brigade-major, Captain H. G. +Ruggles-Brise, to halt these two battalions. Ruggles-Brise succeeded +in reaching the 2nd battalion, and led part of them back to Gun Hill, +whence a portion of them, under command of Major H. Shute, were +immediately despatched by Major-General Colvile to re-establish +connection with the 9th brigade. This detachment gradually worked +northwards towards Table Mountain, and joining hands with Brevet +Lieut.-Col. Pulteney's company of Scots Guards, to which reference has +already been made, took part in the capture of the northern extremity +of the western range. But the remainder of the 2nd battalion of the +Coldstream under Lieut.-Col. H. R. Stopford, and the 1st battalion, +under Lieut.-Col. A. E. Codrington, were beyond recall; they pressed +forward, and, materially aided by the fire of the 18th battery, +assaulted and <span class="sidenote"> They carry Razor Back and Sugar Loaf.</span> +carried the Razor Back and Sugar Loaf kopjes. Captain J. +T. Sterling, who commanded a company of the reserve of the 1st +Coldstream, marching in rear of the remainder of the battalion, became +aware that the hills to the south of the Sugar Loaf were occupied by +Boers. Fearing that these burghers might attack Codrington in flank, +Sterling, deviating from his proper line of advance, moved his men +against them, in rushes of sections, at five paces <span class="pagenum"><a id="page226" name="page226"></a>[p. 226]</span> interval, +and using independent fire. That there were many of the enemy opposed +to him is proved by the fact that he lost 20 men out of his company, +110 strong; but his prompt action prevented the counter-stroke which +he had anticipated.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Lord Methuen therefore changes his plan of attack.</span> + +<p>In consequence of this unexpected development in the battle, Lord +Methuen, abandoning his intention of attacking Mont Blanc from the +north, determined to support the Coldstream battalions, by launching +every available man to reinforce their attack upon the main ridge. The +Grenadiers and Scots Guards moved down into the valley which lies +between the two ranges, and, to minimize the effect of the plunging +cross fire from the heights of Mont Blanc and Table Mountain, passed +it as rapidly as possible in three widely-extended lines. The valley +once traversed, the Boer musketry ceased to be dangerous, but its +passage cost the Grenadiers nearly as dear as their capture of the +kopjes of Gun Hill. He also called up his last reserve, half a +battalion of the Yorkshire Light Infantry, and the two companies of +the Munster Fusiliers, and threw them into the fight, on the left of +the 2nd battalion of the Coldstream Guards. Thus, on the right of the +field of battle were long lines of skirmishers, either crossing the +valley or actually ascending its northern heights, while on the left a +fierce fight was raging between the 9th brigade and the stalwart +defenders of the crags and works on the plateau of Table Mountain. <span class="sidenote"> Capture of Table Mountain and Mont Blanc.</span> +Gradually the Boers at these points weakened, and then retreated in +all haste to the valley, where, pursued by long-range volleys, they +mounted their ponies and disappeared among the kopjes of the main +range. Then the 9th brigade, following them across the valley, scaled +the steep slopes of Mont Blanc, and those of the enemy who were still +holding this kopje, fell back before them, and galloped off to the +east and north-east, under the heavy fire of the infantry.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Boers escape untouched by shells or cavalry.</span> + +<p>Neither of the field batteries from their positions could see the +Boers as they fled from Mont Blanc. The Naval guns, which had been +successfully co-operating with the 18th battery<a id="footnotetag157" name="footnotetag157"></a><a href="#footnote157" title="Go to footnote 157"><span class="small">[157]</span></a> <span class="pagenum"><a id="page227" name="page227"></a>[p. 227]</span> in +shelling the Boers on the crest line of Mont Blanc, were the artillery +nearest to Lord Methuen's hand as, from the summit, he watched the +retreating Boers. He called upon the Naval brigade to bring one of +their guns on to the top of Mont Blanc, by the deep gorge which cuts +into the western face of the main range. But the ground was +impossible; the heavy gun could not be dragged up the mountain side, +and the Boers effected their retreat without molestation from +artillery fire. The 18th battery indeed joined with Major Rimington in +a pursuit of the Boers eastwards, from the extreme south of the hills, +but with horses exhausted by thirst and fatigue, nothing could be +effected. The detachment of cavalry and mounted infantry on the left +of the British line pushed some distance to the north-east; its +appearance scattered considerable parties of the enemy who otherwise +might have harassed the left flank, but with this exception its +influence on the fight was small. About midday its progress was +arrested by a very well handled flank or rearguard of the enemy in the +neighbourhood of Swinkpan.<a id="footnotetag158" name="footnotetag158"></a><a href="#footnote158" title="Go to footnote 158"><span class="small">[158]</span></a></p> + +<span class="sidenote"> End of action. Casualties, Nov. 23rd.</span> + +<p>By 10 a.m. the engagement was over, and by noon the greater part of +the British force had returned to camp. After the action the outposts +were furnished by the Northampton regiment, and half a battalion of +the Scots Guards held Belmont station with a detached post on Table +Mountain. The total loss of Lord Methuen's command was 3 officers and +51 N.C.O.s and men killed; 23 officers and 220 N.C.O.s and men +wounded. The Grenadiers suffered more heavily than any of the other +battalions. They lost 1 officer killed and 8 wounded, 2 mortally; 21 +N.C.O.s and men killed and 107 wounded, 24 mortally. Of the Boers, it +is known that more than 80 were killed, and 70 were taken prisoners. A +large amount of cattle, a considerable number of ponies, and much +ammunition were captured.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> An indecisive but in some ways satisfactory engagement.</span> + +<p>Though from the insufficient number of his mounted troops and from the +want of horse artillery, Lord Methuen was unable to convert his +successful engagement into a decisive victory, the action was +satisfactory in many ways. The first advance <span class="pagenum"><a id="page228" name="page228"></a>[p. 228]</span> was made in +darkness, in a formation more extended than any practised at the same +period in broad daylight by continental nations. Such men as became +detached from their battalions promptly rallied upon the nearest +officer of another corps. The leading of company officers when, in the +stress of battle, they became separated from their battalions, and had +thus to act entirely on their own initiative, was most satisfactory. +As an instance of the manner in which troops become dispersed in +modern engagements, it is well to record the movements of the +companies of the 2nd battalion of the Coldstream Guards. One company +joined or closely followed the Grenadiers in their attack on Gun Hill. +Two companies worked with the Grenadiers in their attack on Mont +Blanc. Three companies fought on Table Mountain. One company kept +touch with the 1st battalion; another acted independently in clearing +the eastern side of Gun Hill, and then fought on Table Mountain. The +fire discipline proved distinctly good. Long range supporting fire, +when the light permitted it, was freely employed. The arrangements by +the R.A.M.C. for the removal of the wounded from the field of battle +to the base hospitals were admirable.</p> + +<a id="chap14" name="chap14"></a> +<h3><span class="pagenum"><a id="page229" name="page229"></a>[p. 229]</span> CHAPTER XIV.</h3> + +<p class="title">GRASPAN.<a id="footnotetag159" name="footnotetag159"></a><a href="#footnote159" title="Go to footnote 159"><span class="small">[159]</span></a></p> + + +<span class="sidenote"> Boers gather at Graspan. Nov. 23rd/99.</span> + +<p>Eleven miles north of Belmont station the road and railway leading to +Kimberley enter a network of kopjes, which dominate the line until the +plain through which the Modder river flows is reached. These rough +outcrops of rock and boulders from the plains of the open veld have +been arranged by nature in clusters of small hills, the most southern +group being so shaped as to form a natural redoubt astride of the +railway, midway between Graspan and Enslin, thus barring any advance +from the south along the line. The larger portion of the Boer force, +defeated at Belmont, had fallen back under Prinsloo, on the 23rd of +November, across the Free State border to Ramdam, about 13 miles east +of Enslin station. De la Rey, however, whose commando had taken but +little part in that action, halted his men at Graspan, and occupied +the excellent position which this redoubt offered for a further stand. +That same evening the Transvaal General sent an urgent despatch to his +Free State colleague, imploring him to return to the railway line, and +in compliance with this request Prinsloo on the following day left +Commandant T. van der Merwe with 800 men at Ramdam, and moved to +Graspan with the rest of his men. On the arrival of the Free State +commandos at Graspan, a Krijgsraad assembled, and decided to remain on +the defensive for the next twenty-four hours, after which period, if +no forward move were made by the British troops, the two republican +leaders would themselves assume the offensive.</p> + +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page230" name="page230"></a>[p. 230]</span> <span class="sidenote"> Character of position.</span> + +<p>The natural redoubt, which the Boer leaders had thus determined to +hold, rises abruptly from the level, and commands the approaches +across the veld on the south, east and west; the even surface of the +plain, the sandy soil of which was barely concealed by dry tufts of +coarse grass, presented not an inch of cover, save for a few +ant-mounds dotted about here and there: their hard sun-baked walls +afford good protection from bullets for a skirmisher lying close +behind them. The kopjes are so grouped as to facilitate the +reinforcement of either the front face or the flanks from a centrally +placed body. They overlook, moreover, the only water available in the +vicinity, a few muddy pans and wells within the hills to the rear. The +southern face of the stronghold, tracing it from west to east, has a +length of about a mile. The flanks of this face are very definitely +marked by two razor-backed kopjes, the one on the east and the other +on the west, rising some 150 feet above the surrounding ground; both +these kopjes run approximately from the south to the north. In the +centre of the southern face lies a third kopje, oval in shape, 200 +yards in length and 30 feet higher than the flank hillocks with which +it is connected by re-entrant ridges.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Its one weakness.</span> + +<p>The left flank mentioned above consists mainly of that eastern +razor-backed kopje already referred to, which runs northward for a +distance of some 1,200 yards, its crest line broken by a series of +small knolls. Further north on this flank are one or two smaller +kopjes, then a mile of valley, on the far side of which, nestling +under another cluster of hills, lie the Rooilaagte homestead and a +Kaffir kraal. On the right flank in like manner the western razor-back +is similarly continued in a northerly direction by two other small +kopjes, the more northern of which is situated on the west side of the +railway. A Nek of land connects this kopje with the apex of a +triangular patch of broken ground, stretching several miles northward, +with its eastern side at right angles to the railway. Yet further +north, beyond the base or northern side of this third cluster of +hills, a valley some two miles broad runs from the railway on the east +to the open veld on the west, and thus completely separates the +quadrilateral redoubt, the Rooilaagte, and the triangular clusters of +hills <span class="pagenum"><a id="page231" name="page231"></a>[p. 231]</span> already described, from a fourth group termed Honey +Nest Kloof Kopjes, which stretch northward to the Modder valley.<a id="footnotetag160" name="footnotetag160"></a><a href="#footnote160" title="Go to footnote 160"><span class="small">[160]</span></a> +Strong, therefore, although this whole position, or rather series of +positions, was on the front and flanks, it will be understood that if +the valley in rear could be seized by a sufficient mounted force, +while the front and flanks were threatened by infantry and guns, the +defenders would be cut off from their line of retreat, and their +safety seriously imperilled.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> 23rd & 24th Nov. Preparation for advance.</span> + +<p>On the afternoon and night of 23rd of November Lord Methuen's division +rested at Belmont. The forenoon of the 24th of November was spent in +preparing for another march, supplies of ammunition being replenished +by railway from Orange River station. Meanwhile an armoured train, +escorted by the mounted company of the Loyal North Lancashire, had +been despatched up the line to reconnoitre, and came under artillery +fire from the Boers on Graspan. Its escort pushed on, the foremost +scouts riding up to within fifty yards of the kopjes, and +ascertaining, although with the loss of an officer (Lieutenant +Owen-Lewis, I.S.C.) and two men, that these hills were held by a Boer +force of about 400 to 500 men, with two guns. The mounted infantry, +together with the train, then returned to Belmont.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Forward to Swinkpan. Nov. 24th.</span> + +<p>On receipt of their report at 2.30 p.m. the General Officer commanding +the division ordered the 9th Lancers and the whole of the mounted +infantry to move forward, covering the front for three miles on each +side of the railway, and further reconnoitring the enemy's position. +Under cover of this reconnaissance, the rest of the division were +directed to march at once to Swinkpan, so that they might be within +easy striking distance of Graspan on the following morning. +Intelligence, however, having reached the British commander that a +party of Boers, stated to be 500 strong, were on his right flank, the +Scots Guards and the two companies of Royal Munster Fusiliers, +together with the Naval guns, remained at Belmont to protect the +railway and the rear of the column, but were ordered to march to +Enslin the next day.</p> + +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page232" name="page232"></a>[p. 232]</span> <span class="sidenote"> Swinkpan lacks water.</span> + +<p>This information as to the enemy and an unfounded rumour of a Boer +movement to the westward somewhat delayed the start of the whole +division; the troops, therefore, did not reach Swinkpan until after +dark. On arrival barely sufficient water was found in the pan for the +men, and none could be spared for the battery horses, a hardship which +told against them severely in the fight of the morrow. The cavalry +reconnaissance, which Lord Methuen personally accompanied, tended to +confirm the original report that the strength of the Boer force +holding the position did not exceed five hundred men. <span class="sidenote"> Methuen's intentions.</span> +He considered, +therefore, that on the following day he would be able to shell the +enemy out of the kopjes, and hoped that by despatching his cavalry and +mounted infantry well forward on both flanks he might have the good +fortune to capture the entire detachment.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Advance on Graspan. Nov. 25/99, 3.30 a.m.</span> + +<p>With this design the mounted troops, the Field artillery, and the 9th +brigade under command of Lieut.-Col. Money, marched from Swinkpan +bivouac on Graspan at 3.30 a.m. on the 25th of November, the Guards' +brigade, under Major-General Sir H. Colvile, following in rear with +the baggage train at an interval of more than an hour. The Naval guns +at Belmont, mounted on goods trucks, simultaneously moved forward up +the line with the armoured train, followed by the Railway Troops, +viz., the 8th, 11th and 31st companies of the Royal engineers. The 1st +Scots Guards and two companies Munster Fusiliers went by road as +rearguard.</p> + +<p>To the 9th brigade had been attached this day a small Naval battalion, +commanded by Captain Prothero, R.N., consisting of a company of +bluejackets, one company of Royal Marine artillery, and two companies +of Royal Marine Light Infantry, the total strength of the battalion +being about 240 men. Besides this unit the brigade comprised the 1st +Northumberland Fusiliers, 2nd Northamptonshire regiment, 2nd King's +Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, and a half-battalion of the Loyal North +Lancashire.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Metheun tries to intercept Boer retreat.</span> + +<p>In conformity with his plan of action Lord Methuen directed Colonel B. +Gough to pass beyond the enemy's position on the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page233" name="page233"></a>[p. 233]</span> east with +two squadrons of the 9th Lancers, one company of mounted infantry, and +Rimington's Guides; to pass beyond it on the west he likewise sent +Major Milton with the third squadron of the 9th Lancers, the mounted +company of the Northumberland Fusiliers, the mounted half company of +the Yorkshire Light Infantry, and a detachment (thirty strong) of the +New South Wales Lancers. The batteries (18th and 75th) moved at first +with the main body of the 9th brigade, the Northumberland Fusiliers +furnishing the advance guard, but, when the sun rose at 5 a.m. and the +Boer position was approached, the guns were ordered forward and came +into action about 6.15 a.m. <span class="sidenote"> 6.15 a.m. 18th and 75th batteries open fire.</span> + against the kopjes held by the enemy east +of the railway. The 75th on the left engaged in a duel with the Boer +guns, but owing to the careful concealment of the latter was unable to +produce much effect; the 18th on the right, at a range of 2,200 yards, +searched carefully with shrapnel the sangars on the kopjes. The four +companies of the Loyal North Lancashire were detailed as an escort to +this battery, two of them lying down close to the guns, the other two +being in support some distance in rear. The 75th battery at first +lacked an escort, but later on a half-battalion of the +Northamptonshire was sent to it, and remained near the railway until +the end of the day.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Naval guns and field batteries shell the hills to drive out +Boers.</span> + +<p>Meanwhile the remainder of the 9th brigade halted out of the enemy's +range midway between the two batteries, with a half-battalion of the +Northumberland Fusiliers extended in front. The armoured train and the +Naval guns, four 12-prs., commanded by Lieut. F. W. Dean, R.N., +arrived in sight of the Boer position a little before 6 a.m., +accompanied by the Royal engineer companies, who were in a repair +train in rear. The leading train halted at Graspan station, from +whence by means of field-glasses a large number of Boers could be seen +standing on the crests of the kopjes commanding the line. Almost +immediately a puff of smoke appeared on the ridge a little to the east +of the railway, and a shell whistled over the train, bursting some 200 +yards beyond. Lieutenant Dean at once detrained two guns (the strength +of his party being insufficient to man-handle more than two in the +soft ground), <span class="pagenum"><a id="page234" name="page234"></a>[p. 234]</span> and with them ranged on the crest line, +finding the distance to be about 5,000 yards. The trains were then +sent back about half a mile, leaving, however, a trolly with +ammunition. The Naval guns, in conjunction with the field batteries, +which had now come up, continued to shell the Boer guns, and by 6.30 +a.m. these for a time ceased fire.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Boers, reinforced, are stronger than expected.</span> + +<p>The estimate of the enemy's strength made by the reconnaissance of the +24th was not inaccurate, but the fact was that the situation had been +entirely changed by the arrival of Prinsloo with large reinforcements +later on that afternoon. The exact numbers of the Boers engaged in +this fight are, as in other cases, difficult to state with any +precision, but they were probably not less than about 2,300 men, with +three Krupp guns and two pom-poms. This force was disposed as +follows:—General De la Rey's commando of Transvaalers, consisting of +700 men and two Krupp guns, held the northern end of the kopjes on the +western flank, and was therefore on the north-western side of the +railway. Next on the western central kopje to the south-east of the +railway came the Winburg commando, about 250 with a Krupp gun, under +Commandant Jourdaan. These three Krupp guns were, however, controlled +by Major Albrecht, the officer commanding the Free State artillery. +The long kopje, at the southern end of which the western meets the +southern face, was held by the Bloemfontein commando, 500 strong, +under General J. Prinsloo. East of him, in the centre of the front +face, was placed the Jacobsdal commando, 300 strong, under Commandant +Lubbe. The eastern razor-backed kopje, which formed the left flank and +part of the frontal defence, was assigned to detachments of the +Bloemfontein, Hoopstad, and Fauresmith commandos under Commandants P. +Fourie and H. van der Venter. Two pom-poms were mounted on this side +of the defences. It will be seen from map <a href="#map11">11</a> that the Graspan ground +differed in a marked way from the majority of the positions selected +by the Boers, being salient instead of re-entrant. It did not, +therefore, lend itself readily to the adoption of those enveloping +tactics which their forefathers learnt originally from the Zulus. +Prinsloo sought to remedy this defect by ordering up <span class="pagenum"><a id="page235" name="page235"></a>[p. 235]</span> from +Ramdam a detachment to menace the eastern flank of the British +advance.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Boer strength involves attack instead of mere shelling.</span> + +<p>It was now seen that the enemy available for the defence of the main +position was too strong to be driven out there from by a brief +artillery bombardment, and it soon became clear to the British +Commander that an attack in due form had become necessary. Lord +Methuen determined, therefore, to direct the 9th brigade to go forward +and carry the kopjes. The artillery was to prepare the way for attack +at closer range, while the Guards' brigade was ordered to come up in +support and to hold the right flank, the presence of the Ramdam +detachment to the south-east having already been discovered by the +mounted troops.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> 7.15 a.m. 18th battery prepares for infantry attack on +south-east. One section (two guns) against eastern face.</span> + + +<p>These orders were issued at about 7 a.m. The 18th battery started off +eastward, and a quarter of an hour later came into action under +infantry fire at a range of 1,425 yards against the southern end of +the long eastern kopje. Lord Methuen had already chosen that kopje as +the main object of the infantry attack. A section of the battery was a +little later moved round yet further east to search with shrapnel the +eastern face. Although all the guns of the 18th battery were thus for +a considerable period in action within long-range rifle fire of the +enemy, it did not suffer a single casualty during the whole +engagement. Two companies of the Loyal North Lancashire regiment +followed the battery, and continued to act as escort; the other two +companies of that half-battalion under Major Churchward were ordered +personally by Lord Methuen to move forward, <span class="sidenote"> 2 companies L.N.L., halted before eastern kopje, await 9th +brigade.</span> +the right company against +the eastern kopje, and the left against the central kopje of the +southern face. But, soon after they had started to do this, they were +instructed by a subsequent order to halt and await the arrival of the +rest of the brigade.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Northumberland Fusiliers leads 9th brigade.</span> + +<p>Five companies of the Northumberland Fusiliers, which was still +leading the 9th brigade, were ordered to protect the left of the +attack and remained lying down 2,000 yards from the enemy, where the +half-battalion as advance guard had been originally halted.<a id="footnotetag161" name="footnotetag161"></a><a href="#footnote161" title="Go to footnote 161"><span class="small">[161]</span></a> Two +of the remaining companies were directed <span class="pagenum"><a id="page236" name="page236"></a>[p. 236]</span> to reinforce the +escort of the guns (Naval and 75th battery) on the left flank, and the +other one moved to the right to support the 18th battery.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> 75th battery and Naval guns join in.</span> + +<p>The 75th battery advanced at the same time parallel to the line. It +was accompanied by the two Naval 12-prs., and took up two successive +positions 4,000 and 2,300 yards from the enemy's guns, which now +re-opened fire. The Naval guns during these movements were dragged +forward by the seamen, assisted by sappers lent from the Royal +engineer companies. The fire of the enemy at the British as they came +into action at the nearer range was accurate. The Naval guns, +nevertheless, remained in action until the conclusion of the day. +When, a little later, the 75th battery was moved to the eastward, +Lieut. Dean held his ground. By making his men lie down as each flash +at the enemy's battery was seen, he was able to save them from any +heavy casualties. The effect of the British on the Boer artillery was +also very slight, the enemy's casualties being limited to one gunner +wounded and three horses killed.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Advance of Guards.</span> + +<p>The Guards' brigade, in its march from Swinkpan, had been drawn to the +north-west by the sound of the guns and had moved in extended lines in +that direction, until the left company of its leading battalion, the +3rd Grenadier Guards, crossed the railway close to the spot where the +Naval guns were stationed; but at this moment Lord Methuen's order to +march to the south-east to protect the right rear of the main attack +reached the Brigadier by heliograph. In compliance with this +instruction Sir H. Colvile turned about the 3rd Grenadier Guards and +2nd Coldstream Guards, and moved them to the other flank; throughout +this movement from left to right behind the 9th brigade, the two +battalions were in extended order and beyond the range of the enemy. +The 1st Coldstream Guards were still protecting the transport column; +the 1st Scots Guards, which came up from Belmont, were also held back +on the left, under the immediate orders of the Lieut.-General, and +acted as a divisional reserve. Lord Methuen's preliminary +dispositions, therefore, of the troops not actually employed in the +assault, included the use of six field guns, two Naval guns, seven +companies <span class="pagenum"><a id="page237" name="page237"></a>[p. 237]</span> Northumberland Fusiliers, four companies +Northamptonshire, and three companies Royal engineers, in facing the +enemy's right and centre; two battalions of the Guards watched the +right flank, in support of the main attack, and the other two +battalions were available as a final reserve.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> 9th Brigade prepare to attack eastern kopje.</span> + +<p>Meanwhile the units of the 9th brigade, intended to deliver the +assault, had extended in front of the centre of the position. The +Brigadier was, however, then instructed by Lord Methuen that he was to +act against the eastern kopje, and a little later was further informed +that the attack should also overlap its eastern face. Lieut.-Colonel +Money accordingly moved his brigade to the right in extended order, +and thus brought it to a point from whence a direct stroke could be +made at the assigned object. There the brigade halted for a moment; +the Naval battalion was immediately facing the eastern kopje and now +slightly in advance of the other units. The latter had somewhat +intermingled during the movement to the flank, with the result that +two companies of the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry and one +company of the Northampton were on the left of the Naval contingent, +the remaining six companies of the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry +and three of the Northampton being on its right. These preparations +for the attack occupied nearly two hours, and were not completed until +9 a.m. The situation at this hour is shown on map No. <a href="#map11">11</a>. Meanwhile, +an hour earlier, the 75th battery had by Lord Methuen's order been +brought over from the western flank and co-operated with the 18th in +shelling the eastern kopje. All being now ready for the attempt, the +order to move was given by the Lieut.-General in person, and the Naval +battalion pushed on to a level with the two companies of the Loyal +North Lancashire regiment extended in their front.<a id="footnotetag162" name="footnotetag162"></a><a href="#footnote162" title="Go to footnote 162"><span class="small">[162]</span></a> Accompanied by +these on the left flank, and supported by the three Yorkshire Light +Infantry and Northamptonshire companies on that side, the Naval +contingent steadily and rapidly pressed on against the eastern +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page238" name="page238"></a>[p. 238]</span> kopje. The sailors and marines had originally been extended +to four paces, but had somewhat closed in during the manœuvring +which preceded the attack. The enemy remained silent until the +assailants approached to within 1,000 yards, but then began to pour in +a rapid and effective fire from the kopje attacked, and the ridge to +the westward. At 600 yards the British line halted to return this, and +then from that point onward advanced by rushes of from 50 to 100 yards +at a time, the left company of the Loyal North Lancashire, supported +by the companies of King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, moving on the +centre kopje, and the Naval brigade with the other North Lancashire +company, under the command of Lt. A. J. Carter, still leading towards +the eastern kopje with the Northamptonshire company in support. The +enemy's fire meanwhile increased in intensity, and both officers and +men were falling fast on the British side. The last 200 yards to the +foot of the hill were therefore traversed in a single rush. At the +base of the kopjes a certain amount of dead ground allowed of a short +breathing space, during which a consultation between the company +officers left in command took place. They determined to scale the hill +and ordered the men to fix bayonets.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Losses of attackers on south front.</span> + +<p>The Naval contingent had already suffered heavily. Captain R. C. +Prothero, R.N., was wounded; Commander A. P. Ethelston, R.N., Major J. +H. Plumbe, R.M.L.I., and Captain Guy Senior, R.M.A., had been +killed;<a id="footnotetag163" name="footnotetag163"></a><a href="#footnote163" title="Go to footnote 163"><span class="small">[163]</span></a> the command of the battalion thus devolving on Captain A. +E. Marchant, R.M.L.I. The two companies of the North Lancashire, more +fortunate, owing to their wide extension and their use of such cover +as the ant-hills afforded, reached the base of the kopjes with +considerably less loss than the Naval battalion.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Preparations for attack on east front.</span> + +<p>While this advance against the southern face of the kopje was being +executed, the six companies of the King's Own Yorkshire Light +Infantry, and the three remaining companies of the Northamptonshire +regiment, had gradually worked round the enemy's left flank. The two +pom-poms posted on this side <span class="pagenum"><a id="page239" name="page239"></a>[p. 239]</span> proved troublesome, although +endeavours were made to reach them by the two guns of the 18th +battery<a id="footnotetag164" name="footnotetag164"></a><a href="#footnote164" title="Go to footnote 164"><span class="small">[164]</span></a> and by long-range rifle-fire. The Yorkshire Light +Infantry were being carefully manœuvred in successive lines +extended at ten paces interval, and having pivoted on the left flank, +succeeded, notwithstanding the pom-poms and a heavy rifle-fire, in +crossing the open plain to the foot of the eastern face of the kopje +with only moderate losses.<a id="footnotetag165" name="footnotetag165"></a><a href="#footnote165" title="Go to footnote 165"><span class="small">[165]</span></a> The Northampton supported this attack +on the right, the two companies of the Loyal North Lancashire, which +formed the original escort of the 18th battery, joining in on the +left.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The assault, 9.30 a.m. Nov. 25th, carries the eastern +kopje.</span> + +<p>The moment had now come for the assault. Under cover of a final +artillery preparation the bluejackets, marines, and North Lancashire +men began to climb the boulders which covered the front face of the +kopjes. A third of the way up a momentary halt again became necessary, +as the British shells were bursting just in front of the assaulting +line. Then the Royal artillery ceased fire and the assailants, having +been joined by their Brigadier, Lieut.-Col. Money, and the supporting +Northamptonshire and Yorkshire companies, eagerly dashed on up to the +crest. The eastern face of the position was carried at the same time. +The enemy had no desire to await this final onslaught and had already +retired to the broken ground further to the north. If the times were +correctly recorded, the advance and capture of this kopje did not take +more than half an hour, the final assault having been delivered at +9.30 a.m.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The Boers retreat.</span> + +<p>The commando on the Boer right had had but little share in this fight, +being held in check by the force on the British left detailed +expressly for that purpose. The loss of the razor-backed kopje +rendered the whole position untenable; De la Rey and Prinsloo +therefore fell back with their men northwards, pursued by long-range +volleys from the British infantry. As soon as he was informed that the +infantry had made good the crest line, Lieut.-Col. Hall, commanding +the Royal artillery, pushed on with both the field batteries to the +ridge between the central <span class="pagenum"><a id="page240" name="page240"></a>[p. 240]</span> and eastern kopjes, but the enemy +had by this time retreated too far for the fire of the British guns to +be effective. The batteries then were taken to water, of which the +animals were in dire need.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The attempt to cut off the fugitives.</span> + +<p>Meantime the two bodies of mounted troops, which, according to Lord +Methuen's scheme, were to seize ground in the path of the now +retreating Boers, had set out on their mission.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The western march.</span> + +<p>Major Milton, in the early morning, had led his small force of one +squadron and one and a half companies of mounted infantry by a +circuitous march well to the westward of the railway and thence +northward until he reached that previously described valley which +separates the three southern clusters of hills from Honey Nest Kloof +Kopjes. On a sugar loaf hill at its entrance he left an observation +piquet and, extending the Northumberland Fusiliers company very +widely, with instructions to hold its southern side, he pushed up the +valley eastward with the remainder (amounting now to less than two +hundred men) and reached Honey Nest Kloof station. This small +detachment had thus ridden completely across the Boer line of retreat, +and was now six miles in rear of their captured position. Moving +further to the east, Milton observed, in the plains beyond the distant +end of the valley, the two squadrons under Colonel Gough, but failed +in an attempt to attract their attention by heliograph. There were +already signs of Boers coming to him, and, hoping to intercept +fugitives, Milton moved back on the Fusilier company extended on the +southern side. But the Boers swarmed out of the kopjes on this very +side in greatly superior numbers, and opened a heavy fire upon the +weak line of the Northumberland Fusiliers. The audacity of their +position in the open with their horses some 1,000 yards in rear was +apparent to the enemy. About 400 Boers, moreover, detached themselves +from the main body and approached Milton's men. The situation thus +became very critical, and the cavalry squadron fell back to the +western entrance, covered by the mounted infantry, who succeeded in +seizing a kopje on the northern side. The Boers continued their +advance against the defending party to within three hundred yards of +this <span class="pagenum"><a id="page241" name="page241"></a>[p. 241]</span> kopje, but then swerved off to the east, thus enabling +Major Milton to withdraw the whole of his detachment in safety. Any +further attempt at pursuit would have ended in disaster, because of +the great strength of the enemy, and the unbroken front they still +presented.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Lt.-Col. Gough on the east.</span> + +<p>Lieut.-Col. B. Gough's force on the east had similarly found itself to +be insufficient in strength to reap the fruits of victory. During the +earlier part of the fight it had done good service in holding back the +Ramdam detachment of Boers which occupied a kopje about two and a +quarter miles to the south-east of the battlefield. This detachment +was reported at first to be about 500, but Major Rimington, who +reconnoitred close up to it, saw other Boers advancing westwards to +support it, and it is not improbable that the whole of van der Merwe's +commando may have ridden out from Ramdam in the course of the morning. +Fortunately, however, the Boers were not at this period of the war +disposed to attack mounted troops in the open plain; the +demonstration, therefore, of Rimington's Guides and the Lancers' +squadrons sufficed to chain them to the kopje.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Gough fails to stop Boers.</span> + +<p>As soon as the main attack had succeeded, Gough moved northward and +sighted the Boer laager, which had been observed at Enslin the +previous night, now retiring north-east along the road to Jacobsdal. +The escort appeared, however, to be too strong to be charged. Urgent +requests for guns were therefore sent back to Headquarters and +ultimately the 18th battery, which had reached the bivouac at Enslin, +was sent out to join Gough, but the horses were too exhausted for +rapid movement and the guns only arrived in time to fire a dozen +rounds at the last Boer wagons, which were now 5,000 yards away.<a id="footnotetag166" name="footnotetag166"></a><a href="#footnote166" title="Go to footnote 166"><span class="small">[166]</span></a></p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Want of cavalry and horse artillery make Belmont and +Graspan indecisive.</span> + +<p>Yet at Graspan, as at Belmont, the open plains across which the enemy +was compelled to retire after his defeat were singularly favourable to +cavalry action and, had a satisfactory mounted brigade with a horse +artillery battery been available, the Boers could not have effected +their escape without suffering very heavy losses. Not only were the +mounted troops at Lord Methuen's disposal insufficient numerically, +but their horses <span class="pagenum"><a id="page242" name="page242"></a>[p. 242]</span> were already worn out by the heavy +reconnaissance duty, which had of necessity been carried out by them +day after day without relief, under the adverse conditions of a sandy +soil, great heat, and a scarcity of water. The results of this +deficiency in mounted men were far-reaching. Not only did the enemy +avoid paying the material penalties of successive failures on the +battlefield, but his <i>moral</i> was stiffened by these demonstrations of +the immunity from disaster conferred by his superior mobility.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Losses at Graspan, Nov. 25th.</span> + +<p>The casualties suffered by the 1st division on this day amounted to 3 +officers and 15 men killed, 6 officers and 137 men wounded, and 7 +missing.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Heavy Naval losses.</span> + +<p>The proportion of these losses which fell on the Naval brigade was +very high, their returns showing 3 officers and 6 men killed and 3 +officers and 89 men wounded. The Marines, who took part in the actual +attack, lost 47 per cent. of their strength. It is remarkable that the +North Lancashire, two of whose companies shared in that assault, had +only 1 man killed, 6 wounded, and 2 missing. The Guards' brigade did +not suffer and did not fire a shot all day.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Boer losses.</span> + +<p>The enemy's losses are not accurately known; the bodies of 23 Boers +were found by the British troops, and buried after the fight; the +total republican casualties probably, therefore, amounted to about 80 +or 90. Forty prisoners and a few ponies were captured.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> After the action. Night of Nov. 25th.</span> + +<p>Lord Methuen's division bivouacked the night of the 25th November at +or near Enslin station; the scarcity of water again caused much +discomfort to men and animals. Under the supervision of Colonel E. +Townsend, principal medical officer of the division, the wounded were +collected and entrained during the afternoon, the less severe cases +being sent off to Orange River, and the graver to Cape Town.</p> + +<a id="chap15" name="chap15"></a> +<h3><span class="pagenum"><a id="page243" name="page243"></a>[p. 243]</span> CHAPTER XV.</h3> + +<p class="title">THE BATTLE OF THE MODDER RIVER.<a id="footnotetag167" name="footnotetag167"></a><a href="#footnote167" title="Go to footnote 167"><span class="small">[167]</span></a></p> + + +<span class="sidenote"> Boers learn to change their ideas of a "strong position."</span> + +<p>When the Boers, after their defeat on the 25th November, retreated +from the heights of Graspan,<a id="footnotetag168" name="footnotetag168"></a><a href="#footnote168" title="Go to footnote 168"><span class="small">[168]</span></a> the greater part of their force +withdrew to Jacobsdal, little inclined to renew the combat. But +General De la Rey induced the burghers to make another effort to +arrest the British march on Kimberley, at a position of his own +selection at the confluence of the Riet and the Modder rivers, where +the terrain differed in character from that which had been occupied at +Belmont and Graspan. In those engagements the Boers had entrenched +themselves upon high and rugged kopjes, of which the apparent strength +became a source of weakness. The hills afforded an excellent target +for the British artillery. The riflemen who held the works had to aim +downwards at the enemy as he advanced to the attack, and a "plunging" +fire never yields satisfactory results. At their base was dead ground, +inaccessible to the musketry of the defenders. Here the attacking +infantry, after their rush across the open, could halt for breathing +space before delivering the final assault. For these reasons De la Rey <span class="sidenote"> The ground chosen by De la Rey. Nov. 26th.</span> +decided to adopt completely new tactics and to fight from the bed of a +river, surrounded on every side by a level plain, destitute of cover +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page244" name="page244"></a>[p. 244]</span> over the surface of which the burghers could pour a +continuous and "grazing" fire upon the British from the time they +first came within range, up to the very moment of their final charge. +The plain, across which the railway from Orange River to Kimberley +runs nearly due north and south, is intersected by the devious +windings of two rivers, the Riet and the Modder. From Bosman's Drift +(see map <a href="#map12">12</a>) the Riet, the more southerly of the two, runs north-west +for about a mile and a half, and then for the same distance turns to +the north-east. Its course next changes abruptly to the north-west for +nearly two miles when, increased in volume by the waters of its +affluent, the Modder, it gently curves to the westward for about a +mile and a half. The meanderings of the Modder are even more +remarkable. Its most southern elbow is half a mile north-east of the +spot where the Riet turns for the second time north-west. Thence it +runs for a mile to the north, then about the same distance to the +west; it turns southward for a mile, and then flows westward for +three-quarters of a mile, where, a few hundred yards above the railway +bridge, it merges into the Riet. Both these streams have cut +themselves channels so wide as to allow a thick growth of trees and +scrub to line their sides, so deep that the vegetation which they +contain hardly shows above the level of the surrounding plain. There +are few practicable fords across the Riet. One exists at Bosman's +Drift; there is a second near the railway bridge; among the group of +islets at Rosmead there is a natural ford, while the retaining wall of +the weir which dams the river at this village can be used, not without +difficulty, by active men in single file. Elsewhere the depth of the +water and the mud at the bottom of the Riet effectually combine to +prevent the passage of troops. Thus the Riet and the Modder together +formed not only a gigantic moat across the approaches to Kimberley +from the south and south-east, but a covered way, by which its +defenders could move unseen to any part of the position.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Two hamlets on the Riet. Other details.</span> + +<p>On the right bank of the Riet there are two hamlets. One, known as +Modder River village, is clustered round the station; the other, +Rosmead, lies a mile further down the river. In <span class="pagenum"><a id="page245" name="page245"></a>[p. 245]</span> both are +farms and cottages with gardens, bounded by trees, strongly-built mud +walls, and fences of wire and prickly cactus. On the left bank, close +to the river, there are two or three farms, surrounded by gardens and +substantial enclosures. About five miles to the north-east of the +Modder River village the Magersfontein kopjes loom dark and frowning, +a landmark for all the country round; while still further to the north +the heights of Scholtz Nek and Spytfontein lie athwart the railway to +Kimberley.<a id="footnotetag169" name="footnotetag169"></a><a href="#footnote169" title="Go to footnote 169"><span class="small">[169]</span></a> A glance at the reproduction of Captain Erskine's +freehand sketch of the ground will help the reader to appreciate the +strength of the Boer position.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Nov. 26th/99. Halt at Enslin.</span> + +<p>On the 26th November, Lord Methuen halted in the neighbourhood of +Enslin,<a id="footnotetag170" name="footnotetag170"></a><a href="#footnote170" title="Go to footnote 170"><span class="small">[170]</span></a> while supplies and ammunition were brought up by the +railway. As far as the exhausted condition of his horses permitted, he +reconnoitred in the direction of the Riet, and a strong patrol of +mounted men, led by Lt.-Colonel Verner, ascertained that the Boers +were in occupation of Honey Nest Kloof station (map No. <a href="#map9">9</a>), and saw +considerable numbers of the enemy moving across the veld, trekking, as +it seemed, from the river southwards towards Ramdam. But so tired were +the artillery horses that, when the leader of the patrol sent back a +request for guns with which to shell the Boers out of the railway +station, Lord Methuen thought it better to give them absolute rest, +and ordered the patrol to retire.<a id="footnotetag171" name="footnotetag171"></a><a href="#footnote171" title="Go to footnote 171"><span class="small">[171]</span></a></p> + +<span class="sidenote"> 1st Division marches, Nov. 27th to Wittekop.</span> + +<p>At 4 a.m. on the 27th the division marched to Wittekop, about six +miles to the south of the Modder River bridge. Here the artillery and +infantry bivouacked while the cavalry and mounted infantry +reconnoitred on a front of six miles along the railway towards the +river. In the distance, lines of wagons could be seen leaving +Jacobsdal, apparently moving towards Modder River station, and at +about 1 p.m. the advance patrols of the 9th Lancers reported that they +had been forced to halt by the enemy's musketry from the direction of +the railway <span class="pagenum"><a id="page246" name="page246"></a>[p. 246]</span> bridge, which had been wrecked by the Boers at +the beginning of the war. In the afternoon Lord Methuen joined Major +Little, commanding the 9th Lancers, in a reconnaissance towards the +Riet, but observed nothing to cause him to change the plan he had +already formed. <span class="sidenote"> Lord Methuen's first intention.</span> +This was to mask the Modder River bridge by a +reconnaissance in force, while he marched to Jacobsdal, and thence by +Brown's Drift across the Modder river to Abon's Dam, lying about +sixteen miles north-east of Jacobsdal, and thus turn the position of +Spytfontein (see map No. <a href="#map9">9</a>), on which he was convinced the burghers +intended to give him battle. The cavalry did not reconnoitre up the +Riet river towards Jacobsdal, and therefore the existence of the ford +at Bosman's Drift remained unknown to him. His only large scale sketch +of the ground near the Modder bridge did not include the windings of +this stream.<a id="footnotetag172" name="footnotetag172"></a><a href="#footnote172" title="Go to footnote 172"><span class="small">[172]</span></a> <span class="sidenote"> His purpose in moving on Modder River.</span> +But in the course of the night much information came +in. Major Little reported that he estimated the number of Boers near +the Modder River village to be 4,000. Major Rimington ascertained that +the Boers expected reinforcements, and that they were making +entrenchments on the south bank near Modder River bridge. A loyal +British subject, at great personal risk, succeeded in sending a +message to the effect that the Boers were in force at the village, and +were "digging themselves in like rabbits." On this evidence Lord +Methuen concluded, and he continued to hold his opinion till the +battle began, that Modder River village was merely used as an advanced +post to cover the burghers' main position at Spytfontein. But as he +did not wish to leave even a detachment of the enemy threatening his +lines of communication, he decided to postpone his flanking movement +on Abon's Dam until he had captured the entrenched village. Before +dawn the orders were recast, <span class="sidenote"> 4.30 a.m. Nov. 28th the march begins.</span> +and by 4.30 a.m. on the 28th, the +division was on the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page247" name="page247"></a>[p. 247]</span> march,<a id="footnotetag173" name="footnotetag173"></a><a href="#footnote173" title="Go to footnote 173"><span class="small">[173]</span></a> but unfortunately the men +were not all of them adequately prepared for the work which lay before +them, for owing to the change of plan many started without their +breakfasts.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The cavalry stopped by concealed riflemen before division +arrives.</span> + +<p>The cavalry, who had moved off at 4 a.m., were brought to a standstill +by the enemy's fire at about 5.30 a.m. Major Little then reported to +Lord Methuen, who had accompanied the mounted troops, that all the +information sent in by the officers of the advance squadrons showed +that the river was strongly held from the railway bridge eastward to a +clump of high poplars. Major Little's deduction, as far as it went, +was perfectly correct; but he did not know, nor did anyone else in +Lord Methuen's force suspect, that admirably concealed entrenchments +had been thrown up along the left bank of the Riet, from Rosmead east, +to the bend where the bed of the river turns sharply southwards. At <span class="sidenote"> The real dispositions of defenders.</span> +many places on the northern bank shelter trenches had been +constructed. The farms on the southern bank had been prepared for +occupation by riflemen; the houses of Rosmead and Modder village had +been placed in a state of defence. At various points behind the Riet, +epaulments had been thrown up for the six field guns which the enemy +had with them, while among the foliage on the bank three or four +pom-poms were cunningly concealed. It is uncertain whether the whole +of the long series of trenches was actually manned when the cavalry +first appeared before the river, or whether the Boers only occupied +the western works after it had become clear that Lord Methuen did not +propose to force a crossing at Bosman's Drift, and that his line of +attack was to be roughly parallel to the railway. But there is no +doubt that the fear of being outflanked caused the burghers to take up +a very wide front, and that the manœuvres of the mounted troops +near Bosman's Drift, and of the 9th brigade at Rosmead, forced them +still further to extend it on both flanks. When the whole position was +taken up, Free Staters under Prinsloo were posted on the right; the +centre, through which ran the railway line, was defended by De la Rey +with part of the Transvaal commandos; to the left stood another +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page248" name="page248"></a>[p. 248]</span> contingent of Transvaalers, composed of some of the men who, +two days earlier, had arrived at Edenburg, weary with the forced march +and long railway journey by which P. Cronje had brought them from the +siege of Mafeking to protect the Riet. In all, between three and four +thousand burghers were in array.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Cronje fears for Bosman's Drift, which is unknown to +British.</span> + +<p>Noticing the direction of the British advance towards Modder River +village, Cronje at first believed that Lord Methuen was about to cross +the Riet at Bosman's Drift. He therefore hurriedly despatched a gun +and a pom-pom from the delta formed by the junction of the two rivers, +to support the outlying detachments of riflemen, already posted in the +neighbourhood of the ford and of a farmhouse a mile further up the +river. The 18th battery drove back the pom-pom and gun, and then, at +about 7.15 a.m. supported the mounted infantry who had been despatched +to capture the farm. <span class="sidenote"> Mounted infantry seize farm a mile above this drift, on +Riet.</span> +Aided by the well-placed shells of the artillery, +the mounted infantry carried it, and established themselves so solidly +under cover of the mud walls of its kraal that a Boer gun, which later +in the day played upon them for several hours, failed to dislodge +them. The duty of watching the right rear was entrusted to the 9th +Lancers. By their repeated attempts to cross the Riet they prevented +the men who guarded it from reinforcing the main Boer positions; and +they warded off the threatened attack of detachments of the enemy who, +based on Jacobsdal, hovered on the right flank. Rimington's Guides at +the beginning of the action were sent to the west, where they +similarly covered the left flank. Among the first to cross the river +was a party of the Guides, and these did good service during the +subsequent fighting on the right bank.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> 7 a.m. Guards attack east of railway bridge: 9th brigade +towards bridge.</span> + +<p>The infantry began to arrive on the battlefield at about 7 a.m., and +Lord Methuen directed Major-General Colvile with the Guards' brigade +to attack the left flank of the supposed frontage of the enemy, viz., +the space from the railway bridge eastward to the clump of high +poplars on the Riet. Major-General R. Pole-Carew<a id="footnotetag174" name="footnotetag174"></a><a href="#footnote174" title="Go to footnote 174"><span class="small">[174]</span></a> was meanwhile to +lead the 9th brigade <span class="pagenum"><a id="page249" name="page249"></a>[p. 249]</span> astride of the railway upon the broken +bridge, conforming his advance to that of the Guards. A verbal message +was at the same time sent by Lord Methuen to say that he thought that +there were along the river bank no Boers except possibly some 400 men +who might be covering the broken bridge itself.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Development of Guards' attack.</span> + + +<p>It will be convenient to describe the operations of the Guards' +brigade throughout the day, before touching upon those of the 9th +brigade. On receipt of his instructions, Major-General Colvile formed +his troops, then at some distance east of the railway, into two lines; +the first consisted of the Scots Guards on the right, the Grenadiers +in the centre, the 2nd battalion of the Coldstream on the left; the +first battalion of the Coldstream was in reserve as second line. The +clump of high poplars was selected as the point of direction. As the +Guards deployed they were smitten by artillery, and later by rapid +musketry. As soon as the deployment was completed, the Scots Guards +were ordered to advance at once, swing round their right, and take the +enemy in flank. Lieut.-Colonel Pulteney with two companies and a +machine gun was pushing round to the right, to carry out the turning +movement, when,<span class="sidenote"> Scots Guards attempting outflanking attack are checked by +concealed riflemen.</span> + at about 8.10 a.m. he came under a sudden and violent +fire from the enemy concealed in the low bushes of the Riet or in the +trenches on its left bank. The companies suffered considerably; and of +the men forming the detachment with the Maxim all were killed or +wounded by a well-concealed pom-pom. Colonel Paget, who commanded the +Scots Guards, sent four companies to Colonel Pulteney's assistance, +but even with this reinforcement it was impossible to make further +progress across the plain.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> 1st Coldstream, thrown in on right, are stopped by Riet.</span> + + +<p>When Major-General Colvile saw that the Boers had thus arrested the +march of the Scots Guards, he determined to employ his reserve, the +1st Coldstream, in prolonging the line of the brigade to the right so +as to extend beyond the enemy's left. The 1st Coldstream was then on +the right rear of the leading battalions and was formed in two lines, +one behind the other, each in echelon of companies from the left. +Lt.-Colonel Codrington, who commanded it, accordingly moved to the +right, where he was unexpectedly stopped by the Riet, of the existence +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page250" name="page250"></a>[p. 250]</span> of which he was unaware. Major Granville Smith's company, +which was one of those that first reached the river, was ordered to +line part of the left bank, to repel an expected attack in flank from +burghers who had been seen on the plain beyond the further bank. In +this part of its winding course the right of the Riet is higher than +the left, so that Major Granville Smith's field of view was very +limited. He therefore sought for a ford by which he could reach the +dominant bank. Finding traces of a disused drift, he waded alone over +a narrow spit of rock through water which reached to his chin, to the +right side of the river, where he was soon joined by Lt.-Colonel +Codrington with two other officers and 18 non-commissioned officers +and men. After driving away some Boers by musketry, the little party +reconnoitred up and down the stream in the vain hope of finding a more +practicable ford, and was then ordered by a staff officer to recross +and return. During the time employed in this unsuccessful quest the +greater part of Colonel Codrington's battalion had pushed down the +river, some companies in the bed, others along the bank. As they +scrambled on, fording was attempted at many points, but in every case +the deep water, and the almost equally deep mud at the bottom of the +stream, proved impassable. The leading company reached the angle of +the bend where the Riet breaks away to the westward, but there, shot +down by invisible Boers, some hidden along the right bank, others +holding a farm and garden on the left bank, they could get forward no +further. A patrol worked down stream sufficiently far to the west of +the bend to be able to see the railway bridge, but was driven back by +musketry. <span class="sidenote"> but move along it and entrench upon it.</span> +The battalion took up a position along the left bank, +entrenching itself with the Slade-Wallace tools, carried as part of +the soldiers' equipment. Some companies faced to the west, the +remainder to the north and east. Here they remained till nightfall. +They were a target for the defenders of the banks of the Riet, for a +detachment which lined the Modder near the northern reservoir, and for +a pom-pom. This latter was, however, quickly driven away by a few +well-aimed section volleys. Some time after 9 a.m. two companies of +Scots <span class="pagenum"><a id="page251" name="page251"></a>[p. 251]</span> Guards, by order of Major-General Colvile, fell back +from where they were on the plain, and forming up along the river bank +prolonged the line of the 1st Coldstream to the south-west. At dusk a +handful of officers and men succeeded in making their way to the Scots +Guards' machine gun which had been silenced in the morning, and +brought it back, together with one or two wounded men of the +detachment who lay around it. At intervals during the day the British +right flank was annoyed by shots from Boers on the plain to the east +of the Riet. These men several times appeared to be about to make a +serious attack upon this part of the line, but their purpose always +withered up under the fire of the Grenadiers' Maxim gun, of +detachments of the Guards left to hold the southern reservoir, and of +the mounted infantry and 9th Lancers on the extreme right rear.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Grenadiers and 2nd Coldstream move at 7 a.m., Nov. 28th, +straight for river east of bridge.</span> + +<p>When the Scots Guards commenced their turning movement, the Grenadiers +and the 2nd battalion of the Coldstream began their frontal attack, +and arrived within 1,000 or 1,100 yards of the enemy who lined the +river bank.<a id="footnotetag175" name="footnotetag175"></a><a href="#footnote175" title="Go to footnote 175"><span class="small">[175]</span></a> <span class="sidenote"> They are stopped at 1,000 yards from it.</span> +At this range the hostile fire was so severe that it +became impossible to get nearer and, as the day wore on, the +difficulty of keeping the men supplied with ammunition grew more and +more serious. When night put an end to the engagement, in many +companies the soldiers had but ten cartridges left in their pouches +with which to cover an attack, or repel a counter-stroke. So long as +the men lay flat on the ground they were little molested, as a growth +of thistles hid them from the enemy's view, but any attempt to move +brought upon them a shower of bullets, to which they were unable to +reply with any effect, as the Boers, perfectly protected by their +trenches or concealed by the vegetation which lined the river bank, +suffered little from the shrapnel of the supporting British guns, and +could not be seen by the infantry.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> 18th and 75th batteries support Guards.</span> + +<p>The 18th and 75th batteries came into action to the east of the +railway, and after various short duels with Boer guns which appeared +and disappeared on different parts of the field, they covered the +movements of the brigade of Guards. The <span class="pagenum"><a id="page252" name="page252"></a>[p. 252]</span> 75th battery was to +the left rear of the 2nd Coldstream, first at 1,700, then at 1,200 +yards, range. There it remained till 4 p.m. when, owing to casualties +and want of ammunition, it was ordered to fall back a few hundred +yards. The 18th battery, two hundred yards to the left rear of the +75th, opened fire at 1,400 yards range; the targets for both batteries +were the buildings and enclosures stretching eastward for a mile from +the railway bridge. <span class="sidenote"> Naval guns engage Boer guns.</span> +The Naval brigade, about 250 strong, under the +command of Major A. E. Marchant, R.M.L.I., had been brought up by rail +from Enslin under the escort of an armoured train. At about 7 a.m. +their four 12-pr. 12-cwt. guns began to engage the enemy's artillery +from a knoll, a little to the west of the line, distant 4,800 yards +from the broken bridge.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The 9th brigade advance.</span> + +<p>While the Guards, covered by the fire of the artillery, were preparing +for the already described movements, Major-General Pole-Carew, as +ordered by Lord Methuen, led the 9th brigade towards the broken +railway bridge, the point assigned as his object. The Northumberland +Fusiliers and the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry were ordered to +advance along the railway, the former on its east, the latter on its +west, each supported by half a battalion of the Argyll and Sutherland +Highlanders, while the half-battalion of the Loyal North Lancashire +was to prolong the line to the left, and if possible cross the river +and threaten the enemy's right. But Pole-Carew speedily realised that +by the time the first line of the Guards' brigade had fully extended, +their left would almost reach the railway, and would therefore overlap +his right. To obtain more room, and also in the hope of being able to +turn the right flank of the enemy, he marched westward, and, thanks to +a slight swell in the ground, was able to reach the railway, some +2,000 yards south of the broken bridge, without attracting much +attention. But as soon as the Northumberland Fusiliers were in the act +of crossing the line from east to west, the Boer guns opened upon them +and a few minutes later, about 7.30 a.m., the whole river bed, west of +the bridge, burst into one wide fusilade. In order to maintain touch +with the Guards, and to protect the westward march of his brigade, the +Major-General ordered the Northumberland <span class="pagenum"><a id="page253" name="page253"></a>[p. 253]</span> Fusiliers to change +direction to their right, extend, and endeavour to beat down the +enemy's enfilading musketry, which was pouring across the plain, here +smooth as a glacis and as destitute of cover. Soon afterwards he found +it necessary to leave half the battalion of the Argyll and Sutherland +Highlanders to prolong the line of the Northumberland Fusiliers to the +left; and, later, he was compelled to direct the King's Own Yorkshire +Light Infantry yet further to prolong the covering force, behind whose +protection he was making the westward march. The continual necessity +thus to increase the numbers employed in this protective work now left +him only the half-battalion of the Loyal North Lancashire and the +half-battalion of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders available for +carrying out the original design.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Attempt to take Boer outposts.</span> + +<p>The left of the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry made their way to +within a few hundred yards of a farmhouse and kraal, some 300 yards +south of the river. These buildings and a patch of rocky ground to the +west were strongly held as outworks by the Boers; and Major-General +Pole-Carew, being convinced by a report from Captain E. S. Bulfin, his +brigade-major, that they covered a ford across the Riet, endeavoured +to take them, but without success. In the hope of bringing enfilade +fire upon the defenders, he sent a small party of Argyll and +Sutherland Highlanders into a donga, which runs into the river between +the farmhouse and the nearest Boer trench on the left bank. Advancing +with a rush, this detachment reached the river bed without loss, and +was subsequently reinforced by another handful of the same battalion.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> After some delay they are captured.</span> + +<p>About 11 a.m. an order reached Pole-Carew telling him that as the +Guards were crossing the river, his battalion near the railway was to +cease fire so as to avoid the possibility of injuring their comrades. +This order was with the greatest difficulty conveyed to the right of +the 9th brigade, but as soon as it was obeyed, the musketry of the +Boers so redoubled in intensity that in self-defence the troops had to +re-open fire. Almost immediately after the message had arrived, Lord +Methuen came up and told Pole-Carew that the Guards had not succeeded +in <span class="pagenum"><a id="page254" name="page254"></a>[p. 254]</span> their attempt to cross. His purpose was to arrange for +concerted action on the left flank. The Major-General explained to him +the local situation, and said that he proposed to reinforce the little +party of Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders in the river bank, and +under cover of their fire on the farm, rush it, and then make every +effort to cross the river by the islands at Rosmead. Lord Methuen +approved, and some twenty or thirty more of the Argyll and Sutherland +rushed down into the donga. A strong flanking patrol of the King's Own +Yorkshire Light Infantry, under Lt. R. M. D. Fox, supported by a +detachment of the Argyll and Sutherland, was now utilised for the +attack on the house and kraal. The Boers did not make a vigorous +resistance but retreated across the river as the British advanced, and +at about 11.30 the farm and the rocky ground were in Major-General +Pole-Carew's hands. The enemy on the north bank had been so greatly +shaken by the fire of two guns of the 18th battery, under Capt. G. T. +Forestier-Walker, that they were already in retreat from Rosmead when +the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry attacked the farmhouse. This +section, which at 10.15 a.m. was sent to assist the 9th brigade by +Col. Hall, the officer commanding the artillery, had come into action +on a small knoll south-west of the village of Rosmead, on the extreme +left of the line, and its shells had dislodged a party of about 300 +Boers, who were seen galloping away northwards from Rosmead and from +the wood to the east of it.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Situation at 11.30 a.m. Nov. 28th.</span> + +<p>At 11.30 a.m. the general situation was as follows:—the half +battalion Loyal North Lancashire was close to the southern bank facing +a ford, to which it had been sent by Capt. Bulfin. The farm covering +the weir was in our hands; thence eastwards to the railway stretched +the 9th brigade, immovable under the fire of the Boers entrenched +along both banks. The small detachment of Argyll and Sutherland +Highlanders held the donga between the farm and the nearest Boer +trench on the south bank.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Lodgments on further bank.</span> + +<p>A few minutes later Lieut.-Col. Barter, K.O.Y.L.I., followed by a few +men of various corps, began to cross the river by the weir, while a +quarter of a mile lower down the stream two companies of the Loyal +North Lancashire under Major Coleridge <span class="pagenum"><a id="page255" name="page255"></a>[p. 255]</span> commenced the passage +of the drift. Major-General Pole-Carew now despatched a messenger to +inform Lord Methuen, who had returned to the centre of the line, that +he had made a lodgment on the right bank and required reinforcements. +But there were no troops in hand. No battalions had been retained as +final reserve, and the only troops not engaged were the baggage guard +of six companies of the Northampton regiment and three companies of +Royal engineers. All that could be done was to direct various officers +to convey orders to the 9th brigade, and to the companies of the +Guards in its immediate neighbourhood to move westward, in support of +the movement on the extreme left. But their efforts served to prove +once more the truth of the axiom that when once troops are heavily +engaged in the fire-fight, they can only advance or retire; for it was +found impossible to withdraw any large number of men from the right +and centre of the 9th brigade. <span class="sidenote"> Rosmead is captured.</span> +Without waiting for the reinforcements +he had asked for, the Major-General, as soon as he had collected about +150 men of various corps, dashed into the river, and partly by wading +through water up to the men's armpits, partly by scrambling along the +wall of the weir, brought his party safely into Rosmead.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Pole-Carew moves against Modder River village.</span> + +<p>After making preparations to repulse any attempt by the enemy to +recapture the village, the Brigadier began to organise a force with +which to push up the right bank towards Modder River village, and thus +attack the heart of the defence. In about an hour he had collected +some five hundred men of various corps, and leaving part of the Loyal +North Lancashire to guard Rosmead, he advanced eastward to capture +this important post. On his right, in the brushwood, were some of the +Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. On the left were parties of the +King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry under Colonel Barter, and some of +the Loyal North Lancashire. A company of Northumberland Fusiliers, +commanded by Major the Hon. C. Lambton, followed in support; and a +patrol of Rimington's Guides scouted on the left flank.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Vigorous resistance by Albrecht.</span> + +<p>At first his men were little exposed to fire, but when they reached +the neighbourhood of Fraser's farm they found the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page256" name="page256"></a>[p. 256]</span> enemy +prepared for them. A storm of bullets, and of inverted shrapnel from +Albrecht's guns<a id="footnotetag176" name="footnotetag176"></a><a href="#footnote176" title="Go to footnote 176"><span class="small">[176]</span></a> (at the spot where these guns are shown 500 yards +north-west of the bridge), fell upon them as they endeavoured to cross +long hedges of prickly pear, and to climb through strong wire fences. +Nor were other Boer artillerymen, posted close to the railway station, +unobservant of the British flanking movement. Their shells fell thick +among the ranks of the detachment, while the burghers in the trenches +on the south side of the river, turning their aim from the right and +centre of the 9th brigade, poured their fire against those who were +the more dangerous enemy, because threatening to cut off their +retreat. The Brigadier had expected that the party of Argyll and +Sutherland Highlanders, placed in the donga on the left bank of the +river, would have kept these Boers in check by flanking fire; but +owing to a mistake either in the delivery, or in the interpretation, +of an order, the officers had brought their men across the Riet and +had joined in the advance along the right bank.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Pole-Carew is obliged to fall back to Rosmead.</span> + +<p>Captain Forestier-Walker, who was now in action with the section of +the 18th battery near the farm which had been carried earlier in the +day by the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, vigorously shelled the +trees and brushwood in front of our men as they advanced, but his +efforts were much hampered by the fact that the undergrowth was so +thick that it was impossible to see exactly how far forward they were. +All attempts to establish communication by signal, between the officer +commanding the 9th brigade and the troops on the south side of the +river, failed. The attack broke down from want of strength to drive it +home, and the baffled troops sullenly fell back to Rosmead. +They were +so closely pressed by the enemy's musketry that, in order to cover the +retreat, two officers, Major H. F. Coleridge, North Lancashire, and +Captain T. Irvine, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, each with ten or +eleven <span class="pagenum"><a id="page257" name="page257"></a>[p. 257]</span> men of different battalions, threw themselves into +farmhouses, which they stubbornly defended until, many hours later, +after their detachments had suffered severe loss, they were ordered to +evacuate their posts. <span class="sidenote"> Nov. 28th/99.</span> +On his return to the village Major-General +Pole-Carew found that the British strength on the north bank had been +increased by the arrival of 300 officers and men of the Royal +engineers, and of part of a company of the 2nd battalion of the +Coldstream Guards. After writing to Lord Methuen to report his failure +to force his way up the right bank, and to ask for co-operation in the +fresh attempt for which he was then rallying his troops, Pole-Carew +heard a rumour that Lord Methuen had been wounded, and that <span class="sidenote"> Lord Methuen being wounded command devolves on Colvile.</span> +Major-General Colvile was now in command of the division. The rumour +was true. Lord Methuen had been wounded at about 4 p.m. near the +centre of the line, and one of his staff officers, Colonel H. P. +Northcott, had previously fallen mortally wounded, while conveying +orders for the reinforcement of the troops on the north bank. Not long +after this news came in, the officer commanding the two guns of the +18th battery, still in action near the farm to the south of Rosmead, +reported that he heard through the officer commanding the artillery +that Major-General Colvile had issued orders for a vigorous +bombardment of the position by the artillery till dusk, when the +Guards were to attack the left of the Boer line with the bayonet. +Pole-Carew then considered whether, in view of the projected movement +of the Guards' brigade, his local attack was still feasible. He +decided that, owing to the configuration of the ground over which both +bodies of troops would have to move in the darkness, the danger was so +great lest his detachment should enfilade the Guards as to prohibit an +advance from Rosmead. All, therefore, that could be done was to secure +firmly that village.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> 62nd battery with four guns arrives after forced march.</span> + +<p>While the little column had been striving in vain to force its way up +the right bank of the river, the situation on the left bank had +remained unchanged. The infantry lay prone on the ground, engaged in a +desultory fire-fight with an unseen enemy, while the artillery +continued to shell the buildings and <span class="pagenum"><a id="page258" name="page258"></a>[p. 258]</span> the river-banks near +the railway bridge. During the course of the afternoon Colonel Hall, +commanding the artillery, had received a welcome reinforcement of four +guns of the 62nd battery, under Major E. J. Granet. The 62nd, which +had been left to guard the Orange River bridge, received orders late +on the 26th to leave two guns at that camp, and proceed with all speed +to rejoin Lord Methuen's division. Owing to a deficiency in rolling +stock, no railway transport was available, and it became necessary for +the battery to march the whole way. Starting at 10 a.m. on the 27th, +Major Granet reached Belmont, thirty miles distant, at dusk. He halted +there till 6 a.m. on the 28th, when, escorted by twenty-five of the +Royal Munster Fusiliers mounted infantry, he marched to Honey Nest +Kloof, where he decided to water and feed his horses. He had but just +halted, when a message reached him that there was fighting on the Riet +river and that guns and ammunition were urgently required there. He +started immediately, and despite the heavy ground over which he had to +pass, reached the battlefield a little after 2 p.m. In twenty-eight +hours the 62nd battery had covered sixty-two miles, at the expense of +six horses which fell dead in the traces, and of about forty more, +which never recovered from the fatigue of this forced march. The +battery was first sent to the left to support the advance up the north +bank of the river, but before it had opened fire, Colonel Hall ordered +Major Granet more to the eastward, as he was afraid that the shells +might fall among the detachment during its progress through the trees +and brushwood which concealed its movements. At 2.45 p.m., the 62nd +came into action 1,200 yards from the south bank, behind a swell in +the ground which covered the gunners from the waist downwards. Its +fire, aimed first at the north bank, was distributed laterally, and +then for depth, with good results, as the enemy's musketry slackened, +and numbers of men were seen stealing away. About 5 p.m., to support +the projected attack by the Guards, the battery was moved close to a +sandpit on the west of the railway, where it was joined by the section +of the 18th from the left of the line.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Colvile breaks off the fight.</span> + +<p>After considerable delay, caused by the difficulty of sending +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page259" name="page259"></a>[p. 259]</span> messages across the shot-swept plain, Major-General Colvile +was informed that Lord Methuen had been wounded, and that the command +of the division had devolved upon him. He handed over the Guards' +brigade to Colonel Paget, Scots Guards, with orders to collect his +battalions for the attack upon the left of the Boer line, but soon +afterwards decided that it was too late to risk the passage of the +river at night with troops exhausted by hunger, thirst, and the +burning heat of an exceptionally hot day. He therefore resolved to +break off the fight till daybreak next morning, and directed Colonel +Paget to form up his brigade for the night at the southern reservoir.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Pole-Carew holds Rosmead, and concentrates 9th brigade on +north bank.</span> + +<p>As soon as Major-General Pole-Carew reluctantly abandoned the idea of +renewing his attack along the north bank of the Riet, he posted his +troops for the defence of Rosmead. He realised the risks which he ran +in holding so isolated a position throughout the night, but he and his +staff considered that the importance of maintaining the lodgment, +which had been effected on the enemy's side of the Riet, made it worth +while to incur the danger. To the Royal engineers, under Major G. F. +Leverson, was allotted the western face of the village; the Yorkshire +Light Infantry held the north, and the Loyal North Lancashire the +north-east; the Argyll and Sutherland guarded the east. The men lined +the walls, banks, and houses at a yard and a half apart, in groups of +six, of whom five rested while one stood sentry. In the centre of the +village was the reserve, two companies of the Northumberland +Fusiliers, and a company of the 2nd battalion Coldstream Guards. The +remainder of the 9th brigade was ordered to cross the river. To guide +them, two fires were lit at the drift; and by daybreak the whole +command was concentrated on the north bank. It was reinforced by the +1st Highland Light Infantry, who had arrived during the night by rail +from Orange River. In the grey of the morning, while the Guards were +preparing to support the 9th brigade, the guns<a id="footnotetag177" name="footnotetag177"></a><a href="#footnote177" title="Go to footnote 177"><span class="small">[177]</span></a> re-opened +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page260" name="page260"></a>[p. 260]</span> fire upon Modder River village, <span class="sidenote"> Boers abandon position. Night, Nov. 28-29.</span> +but it was soon discovered +that during the night the enemy had abandoned his position, and had +disappeared with all his guns and pom-poms. With horses utterly tired +out, immediate pursuit was impossible, though by midday patrols of +mounted men had regained touch with such of the Boers as had fallen +back upon Magersfontein. By the afternoon, the whole division had +crossed the Riet, and was concentrated on its northern bank.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Casualties of Nov. 28th.</span> + +<p>The British casualties consisted of four officers killed (among whom +was Lieut.-Colonel H. R. Stopford, commanding the 2nd battalion +Coldstream Guards) and 19 wounded; among the other ranks 67 were +killed, and 370 wounded.<a id="footnotetag178" name="footnotetag178"></a><a href="#footnote178" title="Go to footnote 178"><span class="small">[178]</span></a> The losses among the Boers are not +accurately known, but 23 burghers were found dead in Rosmead and +buried near the village, while 27 bodies were subsequently found in +the river itself.</p> + +<a id="chap16" name="chap16"></a> +<h3><span class="pagenum"><a id="page261" name="page261"></a>[p. 261]</span> CHAPTER XVI.</h3> + +<p class="title">THE RAID ON SOUTHERN NATAL.<a id="footnotetag179" name="footnotetag179"></a><a href="#footnote179" title="Go to footnote 179"><span class="small">[179]</span></a></p> + + +<span class="sidenote"> The relation of Ladysmith to the defence of Natal.</span> + +<p>Throughout the operations in Natal during the opening phase of the +war, Sir G. White had held that a mobile force, concentrated north of +the Tugela, afforded better protection to the central and southern +portions of the colony than any number of detachments stationed on the +lines of communication. Face to face as he was with an enemy in +superior strength, the retention with his field force of every +available unit was essential to the British commander's plan of +striking at his opponents whenever an opportunity offered. Sir W. +Hely-Hutchinson, although anxious as to the security of Maritzburg and +Natal from Boer raids, accepted Sir George's decision, telegraphing to +the General on 26th October: "I shall do my best in consultation with +General Wolfe Murray.... I think we shall be able to deal with any +small raid, but a raid in force, especially if supported by guns, will +be a serious matter. We must take the risk, and hope for the best." On +October 30th, the date of the battle of Lombards Kop,<a id="footnotetag180" name="footnotetag180"></a><a href="#footnote180" title="Go to footnote 180"><span class="small">[180]</span></a> the only +regular unit on the Natal line of communication was the 1st Border +regiment, which had arrived at Maritzburg that morning from East +London. Detachments of colonial troops held Colenso bridge and +Estcourt. To the eastward the Umvoti Rifles, a mounted corps rather +more than one hundred strong, had been ordered to fall back from +Helpmakaar and watch the ferry, by which the Dundee-Greytown road +crosses the Tugela. A battalion of mounted infantry was being raised +at Maritzburg by Lieut.-Colonel Thorneycroft, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page262" name="page262"></a>[p. 262]</span> Royal Scots +Fusiliers, and another at Durban by Lieut.-Colonel Bethune, 16th +Lancers.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Threatened siege changes situation.</span> + +<p>The result of the battle of 30th October made it probable that the +field force at Ladysmith would be soon cut off from its +communications. To keep the road open to the south, Sir George White +that evening reinforced the garrison of Colenso by despatching thither +by rail from Ladysmith the 2nd Royal Dublin Fusiliers, a company of +mounted infantry, and the Natal Field battery, whose obsolete +7-pounder guns had been grievously outranged at Elandslaagte. On +arrival at Colenso, the commanding officer of the Dublin, Colonel C. +D. Cooper, assumed command of that post, finding there one squadron of +the Natal Carbineers, one squadron Imperial Light Horse, a party of +mounted Police, and the Durban Light Infantry (about 380 strong), and +a detachment (fifty strong) of the Natal Naval Volunteers, with two +9-pounder guns. The total strength of the command, including the +reinforcements from Ladysmith, was approximately 1,200 men. The Natal +Royal Rifles (150 strong) were encamped at Estcourt, twenty-five miles +in rear.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> An anxious fortnight, Oct. 31st-Nov. 14th.</span> + +<p>On the following day General White telegraphed to the Governor of the +colony: "My intention is to hold Ladysmith, make attacks on the +enemy's position whenever possible, and retain the greatest number of +the enemy here." Sir W. Hely-Hutchinson and the officer commanding the +Natal line of communication, Brigadier-General J. S. Wolfe Murray, +were thus confronted with a difficult and anxious situation. It was +obvious that, having regard to the numerical superiority and greater +mobility of the enemy, the British force at Ladysmith would, in all +probability, be unable to retain the whole of the Boer army. A raid on +southern Natal was therefore to be expected immediately, and the +strength of that raid might well be such as to overwhelm, or, at any +rate, to ignore, the weak garrisons which so imperfectly covered +Maritzburg and Durban. Moreover, General Murray was aware that even if +Sir R. Buller should think fit to divert from Cape Colony any portion +of the expeditionary force now on the high seas, a fortnight must +elapse before a single man could be landed at Durban.</p> + +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page263" name="page263"></a>[p. 263]</span> <span class="sidenote"> Provisional steps in case of Boer raid.</span> + +<p>Maritzburg, from its topographical environment, is even less adapted +by nature for defence than Ladysmith. Lying in a deep depression +surrounded by high hills, the positions covering the capital of the +colony are so extensive that a very large force would be needed for +their effective occupation. Nevertheless, after consultation on the +afternoon of 31st October with the Governor and the Prime Minister of +the colony (Colonel Hime), the Brigadier-General decided that, +although it was impossible to protect the town itself, it was +advisable to prepare the cantonments, so-called "Fort Napier," for +defence, and for that purpose to borrow Naval guns from the ships at +Durban. As regards Durban, a telegram was received from Sir Alfred +Milner stating that arrangements had been made by Sir Redvers Buller +with the admiral for the immediate despatch to that port of H.M.S. +<i>Terrible</i> and <i>Forte</i> as a reinforcement to the <i>Tartar</i> and +<i>Philomel</i>, already in the harbour, and suggesting that in the case of +a complete disaster to Sir G. White's force it would be wise to retire +on the seaport and there make a stand.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Changes of stations, Nov. 2nd and 3rd, in expectation of +raid.</span> + +<p>But the responsible military authorities were by no means inclined to +take a pessimistic view of the situation. The final instructions, +dated 1st November, received from Sir G. White's Chief of the Staff, +directed General Murray "to remain and defend Maritzburg to the last," +and on the following day Sir R. Buller telegraphed from Capetown that +a division would be despatched as soon as possible to Natal, adding: +"Do all you can to hold on to Colenso till troops arrive." Meanwhile, +a warning had been received from the Intelligence staff at Ladysmith, +that a considerable body of Free Staters was moving on Colenso, and +Brigadier-General Murray, realising that the situation of Colonel +Cooper's force at the bridge, commanded by the heights on the northern +bank of the Tugela, was becoming precarious, directed that officer to +fall back on Estcourt, should he consider his position no longer +tenable. On the afternoon of November 2nd, telegraphic communication +between Colenso and Ladysmith was cut off by the enemy, and a large +Boer commando, having occupied the high ground near Grobelaars Kloof +(map No. <a href="#map15">15</a>), opened fire on the two little works, Forts <span class="pagenum"><a id="page264" name="page264"></a>[p. 264]</span> +Wylie and Molyneux, which had been constructed by the Natal Volunteers +on the left bank of the Tugela to cover the crossings of that river, +and the approaches to Langewacht Spruit. The Natal Field battery and +Natal Naval Volunteers' guns were again seriously outranged by the +Boer artillery, and Colonel Cooper decided that, having regard to his +instructions, he must fall back on Estcourt. The withdrawal to that +town was effected on the night of November 2nd-3rd without molestation +from the enemy, the infantry being conveyed in special trains, the +mounted troops and field artillery moving by road. The 1st battalion +Border regiment was simultaneously pushed forward by rail from +Maritzburg to Estcourt, and Brigadier-General Murray proceeded, on 3rd +November, to the latter station to take personal command of the force +there concentrated, which now amounted in all to about 2,300 men. With +this force, weak though it was in guns and mounted troops, he intended +to dispute the Boer advance from the north, falling back, if +necessary, on the prepared position at Maritzburg. A telegram, dated +4th November, conveyed General Buller's approval of these +dispositions, but added: "Do not risk losing Durban by over-prolonged +defence of Maritzburg, but hold the latter so long as you safely can. +I fear it will be at least ten days before I can send you substantial +assistance."</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> After much delay, on Nov. 13th/99, 4,200 Boers under +Joubert and Botha reach Colenso.</span> + +<p>Fortunately, until the last but one of these ten days, the enemy held +back on the north bank of the Tugela. A Krijgsraad, at which all the +Boer generals and commandants attended, had assembled in front of +Ladysmith on 1st November to decide whether the main effort of the +Boer army should be concentrated on the attack of that town, or +whether, leaving a detachment to hold Sir G. White's troops, they +should at once advance on Maritzburg and Durban. Some of the younger +leaders, including Louis Botha, as yet only plain commandant, were in +favour of the latter course. The majority of the council decided that, +so long as 12,000 effective British troops remained at Ladysmith, the +commandos were not numerous enough to allow them to win the +much-coveted prizes of the capital and seaport of Natal. It was +believed that General White's troops would be <span class="pagenum"><a id="page265" name="page265"></a>[p. 265]</span> unable to +withstand an assault. On the 9th November, therefore, an abortive and +ill-arranged attack was made. It sufficed to show that the Ladysmith +garrison was by no means disposed to yield, and that a formal and +perhaps prolonged investment would be needed to weaken its powers of +resistance. To this task, therefore, the main body of the Boer +commandos was assigned; but, as an erroneous report had come in that +5,000 English troops had concentrated at Frere, it was decided that a +strong reconnaissance, under the personal command of General Joubert, +should cross the Tugela to ascertain the disposition and strength of +the British column. On the evening, therefore, of the 13th November, a +force about 4,200 strong was assembled at Colenso with orders to push +to the south. As agreed, Joubert, although Transvaal +Commandant-General, went with it. Louis Botha, promoted to the rank of +"Fighting General," was second in command. There is reason to believe +that the presence of the senior General was due to a desire to +restrain the impetuosity of his subordinate.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Defensive measures taken during the time of grace given by +Boer delay.</span> + +<p>The fifteen days' breathing space which the authorities in southern +Natal had thus been given, after receipt of the disquieting +intelligence of the battle of Lombards Kop, had been of great value. +Captain Percy Scott, H.M.S. <i>Terrible</i>, had reached Durban on November +6th, and was appointed commandant of that town. A defence scheme was +prepared and a battalion of "Imperial Light Infantry" was raised to +assist the Naval contingent,<a id="footnotetag181" name="footnotetag181"></a><a href="#footnote181" title="Go to footnote 181"><span class="small">[181]</span></a> and guns (including two 4.7-in. guns +and sixteen 12-pr. 12-cwt.) were landed for its protection. At +Maritzburg a position in the vicinity of Fort Napier had, under the +supervision of Col. C. C. Rawson, C.R.E., been prepared for defence, +the work being executed by a hastily improvised Pioneer Corps of +artisans, assisted by native labour. In selecting this position and +planning its defence, it was assumed that if the force at Estcourt +fell back on Maritzburg, 4,000 men in all would be available for its +occupation. Meanwhile, in addition <span class="pagenum"><a id="page266" name="page266"></a>[p. 266]</span> to Thorneycroft's corps, +the recruiting and training of which were proceeding satisfactorily, a +provisional garrison was arranged for Maritzburg by the despatch of +two 12-pounders and a Naval detachment from the fleet at Durban, by +the withdrawal of the detachment of the Naval Volunteers from +Estcourt, and by the organisation into a Town Guard of all able-bodied +citizens willing to carry a rifle. Moreover, some 150 loyal and +zealous Natal colonists volunteered for scouting duties, and were +formed into a corps under the command of the Hon. T. K. Murray, +C.M.G., finding their own horses, saddlery, and rifles, and serving +without pay. This body of patriotic men did useful work to the north +of Maritzburg, in the neighbourhood of Mooi River, from the 4th to the +16th November, when on the arrival of reinforcements from the Cape +they were released from further duty, and thanked in General Orders +for their "excellent service."</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Nov. 11th/99. Reinforcements begin to disembark. Sir F. +Clery takes command, Nov. 15th.</span> + +<p>On 11th November General Murray, with the approval of Sir R. Buller, +handed over the command of the Estcourt garrison to Colonel Charles +Long, R.H.A., and returned to Maritzburg to direct personally the +heavy work falling on the line of communication staff in arranging for +the disembarkation and equipment of the reinforcements, whose arrival +at Durban was now hourly expected. He had been warned by Headquarters, +on the 7th, that these reinforcements would be made up to three +brigades and divisional troops, and that Lieut.-General Sir C. F. +Clery would be sent in command. On the evening of the 11th the first +battalion, the 2nd West Yorkshire, arrived at Durban with the +Brigadier of the 2nd brigade, Major-General Hildyard, and was sent on +the following day to Estcourt, accompanied by two naval 12-prs. and a +7-pr. manned by a detachment of bluejackets under the command of Lt. +H. W. James, R.N.<a id="footnotetag182" name="footnotetag182"></a><a href="#footnote182" title="Go to footnote 182"><span class="small">[182]</span></a> These units reached Estcourt on the 13th. +Lt.-General Clery reached Durban on November 15th, and assumed command +of the troops south of the Tugela. By the 17th five more battalions +and a brigade division of field artillery had landed at that port. The +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page267" name="page267"></a>[p. 267]</span> British troops in southern Natal were thus in numerical +superiority to the Boer column, moving south of the Tugela. The dates +of the disembarkation of the remaining units of the corps for the +relief of Ladysmith, to which a fourth brigade was ultimately assigned +by Sir R. Buller, are shown in <a href="#appen7">Appendix 7</a>.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Nov. 14th. The raid begins.</span> + +<p>On the morning of the 14th November, Joubert's men crossed the Tugela +and off-saddled on the Colenso plain, pushing patrols forward to Frere +and finding there only an observation post of eight of the Natal +Mounted Police. These patrols, as well as the large number of horses +grazing near Colenso, were observed and reported by the armoured +train, which, according to the daily practice of the Estcourt +garrison, was sent up the line to reconnoitre in the direction of the +Tugela. No mounted troops accompanied these train reconnaissances, but +doubtful ground was, as a rule, made good by flankers on foot, +detailed when required from the infantry in the train.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Nov. 15th. Disaster to the armoured train.</span> + +<p>Early on the following morning, 15th November, the armoured train, +carrying a 7-pounder M.L. gun, manned by five bluejackets, one company +Royal Dublin Fusiliers, and one company Durban Light Infantry, was +again despatched to reconnoitre northward from Estcourt. Captain J. A. +L. Haldane, Gordon Highlanders, was placed in command. The train, +after a brief halt at Frere to communicate with the police post, +pushed on to Chieveley station. No flanking patrols appear to have +been sent out; but as Chieveley station was reached a party of 50 +Boers was seen cantering southward about a mile to the west of the +railway. An order was now received by telephone from Estcourt: "Remain +at Frere, watching your safe retreat." The train accordingly commenced +to move back on Frere, but on rounding a spur of a hill which commands +the line, was suddenly fired at by two field guns and a pom-pom. The +driver put on full steam, and the train, running at high speed down a +steep gradient, dashed into an obstruction which had been placed on a +sharp curve of the rails. A detachment of about 300 men of the +Krugersdorp commando had concealed themselves and their guns behind +the hill during the train's outward journey, and blocked the line in +its rear by filling the space between the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page268" name="page268"></a>[p. 268]</span> doubled rails at +the curve with earth and small stones, thus forcing the wheels off the +metals.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The reconnoitring party with train suffers severely.</span> + +<p>An open truck and two armoured trucks were derailed, one of the trucks +being left standing partly over the track. An engagement ensued, in +which the British troops fought under great disadvantages. Mr. Winston +Churchill, a retired cavalry officer, who had been allowed to +accompany the train as a war correspondent, having offered his +services, Captain Haldane requested him to endeavour, with the +assistance of the Durban Light Infantry company, to clear the line. +Haldane meanwhile with the naval gun and the Dublin kept back the +enemy. The naval gun was almost at once put out of action. After an +hour's work under a heavy shell and rifle fire, Mr. Churchill +succeeded in his task, but the coupling between the engine and the +rear trucks had been broken by a shell, the engine itself injured, and +its cab was now filled with wounded. Captain Haldane accordingly +ordered the engine to move back out of fire towards Frere, and, +withdrawing his men from the trucks, directed them to make a dash for +some houses 800 yards distant, where he hoped to effect a further +stand. During this movement across the open veld two privates, without +orders, held up white handkerchiefs; the Boers ceased fire, galloped +in on the retreating soldiers, and called upon them to surrender. Thus +Captain Haldane, a subaltern of the 2nd Dublin Fusiliers, Mr. Winston +Churchill, and 53 men were captured. One officer and 69 men succeeded +in making their way back to Estcourt, their retirement being covered +by a detachment of mounted troops sent out to their assistance. The +remainder of the 4 officers and 160 men, of whom the original party +consisted, were killed or wounded. General Buller, in commenting +subsequently on this unlucky affair, recorded his opinion that the +officer in command "acted in trying circumstances with great judgment +and coolness." A Boer account mentions that the British troops fought +"with exceptional gallantry."</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Joubert divides his column and pushes south.</span> + +<p>Emboldened by this success, General Joubert determined to carry +onwards his raid to the south. For this purpose he divided his force +into two columns, 3,000 men being retained under his <span class="pagenum"><a id="page269" name="page269"></a>[p. 269]</span> +personal orders to operate on the west side of the railway, and 1,200 +detached to the eastward under the command of his son, David Joubert. +The western column reached Tabanhlope, a hill thirteen miles west of +Estcourt, on the 16th, and there remained for two days, reconnoitring +Estcourt with patrols. The eastern column occupied Weenen on the 18th, +and on the following day both columns continued their movement +southward, inclining somewhat towards each other. On the 20th Piet +Joubert arrived at Hlatikulu, and, having halted there a night, he +further divided his command, sending forward a detachment with a field +gun towards Mooi River, where they skirmished at long range on the +22nd and 23rd with the force which, under Major-General Barton, had +recently been concentrated at that station. Some scouts of this +detachment even pushed on as far as Nottingham Road. The remainder of +the Commandant-General's column moved eastward, seized the railway +between the Highlands and Willow Grange, and joined hands with David +Joubert's commando, which since the 19th had remained halted at Warley +Common, a farm three or four miles to the east of Highlands station.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Situation. Night of Nov. 22nd.</span> + +<p>The situation, therefore, on the night of the 22nd was remarkable. The +British collected at Estcourt, whither General Hildyard had been sent +on the 15th to take command, now amounted to 800 mounted troops +(including Bethune's newly-raised battalion), one battery of R.F.A., +the Natal Field battery, two naval 12-prs., and 4,400 infantry. +Major-General Barton, who had reached Mooi River on the 18th, had, by +the night of the 22nd, under his orders Thorneycroft's mounted +infantry (490 strong), a battery and two sections of R.F.A., and about +4,000 infantry. Estcourt and Mooi River stations are 23 miles apart. +Although, therefore, the Boers had cut the railway and telegraphic +communication between the two stations, yet the situation of Gen. +Joubert (halted between two British forces, each equal in strength to +the two Boer commandos), was audacious, if not dangerous. Moreover, in +rear of Mooi River, further British reinforcements were disembarking +at Durban, and being pushed up to the front in a continuous <span class="pagenum"><a id="page270" name="page270"></a>[p. 270]</span> +stream. The composition and exact distribution of the troops actually +in southern Natal on the 23rd November is given in <a href="#appen8">Appendix 8</a>. The +pendulum had thus swung completely over. The armoured train incident +was of no importance either tactically or strategically, and that +momentary success was the only one achieved by Joubert. The slow and +hesitating movements of the Boer columns had but hastened the +disembarkation and concentration of the troops destined for the relief +of Ladysmith. Finally, a tardy fit of rashness had induced the old +Commandant-General to place his burghers in peril.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Exaggerated estimate of Boer strength causes hesitating +British action.</span> + +<p>The danger of Joubert's situation was not fully realised by the +British staff. The strength of the enemy's invading columns had been +magnified by rumour to 7,000, and the number of their guns doubled. +Moreover, the units at Mooi River, and in a lesser degree those at +Estcourt, had for the most part only just arrived from a long sea +voyage, and as yet lacked the organisation, transport, and physical +fitness necessary for rapid movements in the field. At Mooi River, +General Barton was without Intelligence staff, guides, or even a map. +Under these circumstances, the instructions issued by General Clery +from Maritzburg to his subordinate commanders were based on a policy +of cautious defensive, although he hoped that in a few days an +opportunity for striking at the enemy might arise. Thus, the six days, +from the 17th to the 22nd, were marked on the British side by advances +to, and withdrawals from, posts between Estcourt and Mooi River, which +showed a strong desire to avoid all risks. A detachment of the West +Yorkshire, with some mounted men, was despatched from Estcourt on the +17th to occupy Willow Grange, and on the following day a similar mixed +garrison was sent up to the Highlands from Mooi River; but on the +20th, under instructions from Maritzburg, both these garrisons were +withdrawn. The position of David Joubert's laager to the east of +Willow Grange was ascertained by the mounted troops of both Barton's +and Hildyard's forces, and on the night of the 20th the latter +despatched to Willow Grange eight companies of infantry and 430 +mounted men under the command of Colonel Hinde, 1st battalion Border +regiment, intending an attack. <span class="pagenum"><a id="page271" name="page271"></a>[p. 271]</span> But the enemy was judged by +General Hildyard to be too strongly posted, and the party was +withdrawn to Estcourt on the following day.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Hildyard sends force against Brynbella, Nov. 22nd, under +Col. W. Kitchener. Action of Willow Grange.</span> + +<p>On the morning of the 22nd, it was reported that the Boers had +occupied Brynbella, a commanding hill to the south of Estcourt about +700 feet above the level of the surrounding plateau, as an advanced +post. General Hildyard considered that this development offered a good +opportunity for striking a blow at the enemy, and he determined to +attempt the capture of the post, and of some guns it was reported to +contain. That afternoon, therefore, he moved a Naval 12-pr., the 7th +Field battery, a half-battalion 2nd West Surrey, 2nd battalion West +Yorkshire, Durban Light Infantry, and seven companies of the 2nd +battalion East Surrey regiment, to a height called Beacon Hill, which +lay between Estcourt and the enemy's position, about 3,000 yards +distant from the latter. Colonel W. Kitchener was entrusted with the +command of this force and directed to seize Brynbella by a night +attack. Beacon Hill was occupied without opposition, and the Naval +gun, Field battery, and 2nd Queen's were detailed to hold it as a +support to the attack; to these was subsequently added the 1st Border. +A thunderstorm of great severity now delayed the advance upon +Brynbella; the night was intensely dark; the rocky nature of the +ground and the absence of beaten tracks made the task of assembling +the troops and directing their movements extremely difficult. It was +not, therefore, until after midnight that the column, led by Colonel +Kitchener, moved forward under the guidance of a Natal colonist, Mr. +Chapman, who was unfortunately killed in action after he had +successfully accomplished his task. The march was made in column of +double companies. Owing to the darkness of the night and the broken +ground, the difficulty of keeping touch between the companies was +great; firing had been forbidden, but when half the distance had been +covered, a company reached a wall and rushed it, thinking that it was +the enemy's position; the next company was thrown into confusion, and +a third in rear and on higher ground opened fire and began cheering. +Colonel Kitchener with great coolness succeeded <span class="pagenum"><a id="page272" name="page272"></a>[p. 272]</span> in restoring +order, but not before eight soldiers had been hit by bullets from +their comrades' rifles. <span class="sidenote"> Kitchener seizes Brynbella.</span> +The advance was then continued and Brynbella +Hill was occupied at 3.30 a.m. without further casualties. The Boer +party, which consisted of eighty Johannesburg policemen, under Lieut. +van Zyl, retired to a ridge about 1,500 yards further to the south. A +Creusot field gun had been withdrawn the previous evening after a +brief exchange of shots with the Naval gun on Beacon Hill.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> He falls back to Estcourt, Nov. 23rd.</span> + +<p>At daybreak next morning Kitchener's men came under the fire of the +Boer commando holding the southern ridge, and after some two hours' +skirmishing at long range the enemy began to creep forward, and the +rifle and gun fire gradually became very effective. Kitchener, +perceiving that no supports were being sent forward to him, decided to +retire, and in this carried out the Major-General's intentions. A +gradual withdrawal from the hill in groups of two or three was +therefore commenced. Mounted troops, which had left Estcourt at +daybreak under command of Lt.-Colonel C. G. Martyr, were now +protecting Kitchener's right flank; the squadron of Imperial Light +Horse, under Capt. H. Bottomley, dismounted and ascended Brynbella +Hill, where with much coolness and gallantry they covered the +retirement of the infantry. The Border was also moved forward from +Beacon Hill to support the retreating troops. In this manner the whole +was withdrawn and subsequently fell back on Estcourt, General Hildyard +having decided that it was better to keep his brigade concentrated, +ready to move in any direction that might be necessary. The total +British loss in this action was eleven men killed, one officer and +sixty-six men wounded, and one officer and seven men taken prisoners. +A considerable portion of these losses was due to the attempts of +combatants to assist the wounded to the rear during the +retirement.<a id="footnotetag183" name="footnotetag183"></a><a href="#footnote183" title="Go to footnote 183"><span class="small">[183]</span></a></p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Joubert, Nov. 25th, retreats.</span> + +<p>The action of Willow Grange brought home to Joubert the fact that his +commandos were in a hazardous situation, and in that way, therefore, +tended to clear south Natal of the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page273" name="page273"></a>[p. 273]</span> enemy. If the Estcourt +and Mooi River forces could have closed on the Boer laager +simultaneously, it is probable that more important results would have +been achieved. To gain this object Major-General Hildyard despatched +on the 22nd a written message to Major-General Barton, stating his +plan of attack, and asking for his co-operation. Unfortunately this +message was not sent in duplicate, and the native to whom it was +entrusted did not deliver it until 10.30 a.m. on the following +morning; by that time Hildyard's troops had withdrawn from Brynbella, +and were retiring on Estcourt. The Boer Commandant-General was not +disposed to run any more risks, and by the 25th the burghers were in +full retreat back to the Tugela, taking with them much cattle and many +valuable horses, which, in spite of the vehement remonstrances of Piet +Joubert, had been looted from the rich grazing grounds of central +Natal. The main body of the Boers moved eastward to gain the crossing +of Bushman's river at Weenen. A small detachment passed round Estcourt +about twelve miles to the westward.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Boers escape over Tugela unscathed. Nov. 28th.</span> + +<p>A reconnoitring column, consisting of about 300 of Thorneycroft's +regiment and four guns, with two infantry battalions left close to the +camp, in support, was pushed out on the 24th November by General +Barton from Mooi River to feel for the Boers. It came in touch with +the enemy, but the force was not deemed sufficiently strong to press +an attack. On the 26th General Hildyard, with the bulk of his troops, +advanced to Frere, hoping to intercept the Boers' eastern column, and +on the following day General Barton marched from Mooi River to +Estcourt. But the burghers, now disorganised and alarmed, fell back +too fast to be seriously molested, and on the 28th, when Lord +Dundonald advanced with a field battery and all available mounted +troops on Colenso, the Boer rearguard merely withdrew across the road +bridge. The demolition that evening of the railway bridge was a proof +that any lingering hope, which the Boers may up to that date have +cherished of mastering southern Natal, was abandoned.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Boers on east hold Helpmakaar and patrol from it.</span> + +<p>On the eastern side of northern Natal,<a id="footnotetag184" name="footnotetag184"></a><a href="#footnote184" title="Go to footnote 184"><span class="small">[184]</span></a> a Boer force about +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page274" name="page274"></a>[p. 274]</span> 800 strong, under Commandant Ferreira, consisting of the +Piet Retief and Bethel commandos, and about 120 Natal rebels, was +still in occupation of Helpmakaar, patrolling country on the left bank +of the Tugela from below Colenso. They went as far as Rorke's Drift. +One of these patrols attempted to cross the river at the Tugela Ferry +on the 23rd November, but was repulsed by the Umvoti Rifles, commanded +by Major Leuchars. Further east again small parties of Boers had +raided into Zululand, but their movements were of no importance.</p> + +<a id="chap17" name="chap17"></a> +<h3><span class="pagenum"><a id="page275" name="page275"></a>[p. 275]</span> CHAPTER XVII.</h3> + +<p class="title">OPERATIONS ROUND COLESBERG UP TO THE 16th DECEMBER.<a id="footnotetag185" name="footnotetag185"></a><a href="#footnote185" title="Go to footnote 185"><span class="small">[185]</span></a></p> + + +<span class="sidenote"> Schoeman at Norval's Pont Nov. 1st.</span> + +<p>A Boer force seized the passage of the Orange river at Norval's Pont +on the 1st November.<a id="footnotetag186" name="footnotetag186"></a><a href="#footnote186" title="Go to footnote 186"><span class="small">[186]</span></a> It consisted of the Philippolis and Edenburg +commandos, with a detachment from the Bethulie district and some +burghers from the Transvaal, and was commanded by a Transvaaler named +Schoeman. Schoeman's subsequent advance was extraordinarily cautious +and hesitating, a caution probably more due to the existence amongst +the Free State burghers of a strong party opposed on political grounds +to the invasion of the colony than to strategical considerations. +Although on the withdrawal of the British garrison from Naauwpoort on +the 3rd, there was for the moment not a single British post between +Port Elizabeth and the frontier, it was not until the 14th that the +little town of Colesberg was occupied by the enemy. That this Boer +force was not the advance guard of any large army had been shown by +the destruction on the 5th of two railway bridges, at Van Zyl and +Achtertang, between Colesberg junction and Norval's Pont; on the other +hand, the aggressive intention of Schoeman's movement had been +demonstrated by the issue on the 9th of a Boer proclamation, <span class="sidenote"> Colesberg Nov. 14th, is annexed.</span> +declaring +the Colesberg district to be Free State territory. The main object of +this proclamation, as well as of similar announcements made in the +Aliwal, Albert, and Barkly East districts, was to apply the Free State +commando laws to British subjects, and under that legal pretext force +them to join the invading columns. Nor did this policy at first lack +encouragement, for <span class="pagenum"><a id="page276" name="page276"></a>[p. 276]</span> a public meeting held at Colesberg on the +day of its occupation passed a resolution in favour of throwing in its +lot with the Orange Free State. These facts were duly reported to the +Intelligence staff at Cape Town. The strength of Schoeman's column was +variously assessed, one report placing it as high as 3,000, but the +estimate considered most reliable stated that the Boer commandant had +at this time under his orders 1,200 men, two field guns, and a Maxim. +On the 17th the Intelligence department was informed that the column +intended to occupy Naauwpoort, and there divide into two sections, one +pushing across country to the south-west for the purpose of cutting +the railway at Richmond Road, and the other moving south on a +recruiting mission to Middleburg.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Danger of the raid. French ordered to check it.</span> + +<p>A series of boldly-conducted raids on the long line of railway from +Cape Town to De Aar might at this period have paralysed Lord Methuen's +advance on Kimberley, while a Boer column in the central districts of +the Colony would have formed a nucleus round which the disaffected and +lawless might have rallied, before the loyal farmers could be armed +and organised to defend their own homes. It was thus evident that +immediate steps must be taken to check the commando at Colesberg, and +it was for these reasons that the orders, already mentioned,<a id="footnotetag187" name="footnotetag187"></a><a href="#footnote187" title="Go to footnote 187"><span class="small">[187]</span></a> were +issued by Sir R. Buller for the re-occupation of Naauwpoort by a +half-battalion of the 2nd Berkshire, a half-battalion of the Black +Watch, the New South Wales Lancers (40 all ranks), 25 Cape Police, and +a party of Royal Garrison artillery manning two 9-pr. R.M.L. guns, and +for the despatch of Lieut.-General French to organise as a combined +force these and such further troops as Wauchope could spare, so as to +oppose Schoeman's operations.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> French confers with Wauchope Nov. 19th.</span> + +<p>General French, accompanied by Major D. Haig as his Chief Staff +Officer, and Captain the Hon. H. A. Lawrence as Intelligence Officer, +left Cape Town by train on the evening of the 18th November, reaching +on the following night De Aar, where he had been instructed to confer +with Major-General Wauchope (at that time commanding the lines of +communication from De <span class="pagenum"><a id="page277" name="page277"></a>[p. 277]</span> Aar to Orange River) as regards the +plan of campaign and as to the units that could be given him. In +telegraphic orders sent to French on the 19th Sir R. Buller laid down +his mission in the following terms:—</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> French's instructions, Nov. 19th.</span> + +<p>"I shall reinforce you as rapidly as possible; meanwhile do your best +to prepare for a flying column, strength say, nearly 3,000 men, with +which as soon as I get more troops, I mean you to attack the Boers +about Colesberg. I think such an attack should be based on Hanover +Road. Do all you can to reconnoitre the country, to obtain guides and +information, and to be prepared to start; keep your men in condition, +and exercise horses and mules."</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> French reports on situation, Nov. 20th.</span> + +<p>As a result of his conference with Wauchope, General French reported +to Headquarters on the 20th that Naauwpoort, which had already been +re-occupied by the troops above-named, would be a better base than +Hanover Road for a movement on Colesberg, considering both the +flatness of the country, the fewer wire fences, and the railway and +direct road. But for the moment Wauchope could spare no more troops +except two companies of M.I. The telegram added that arrangements were +being made for the formation at Naauwpoort of a depōt containing +thirty days' supplies for 3,000 men, 600 horses, and 500 mules. After +the despatch of this report General French, accompanied by his staff, +proceeded by train to his destination, and immediately on his arrival +issued orders for a reconnaissance on the following day.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Nov. 21st. French reconnoitres towards Colesberg. He asks +for reinforcements.</span> + +<p>On the morning of the 21st, the General Officer commanding pushed +forward up the railway with the N.S.W. Lancers, followed by a section +of infantry in a train. The line was found to be broken one mile north +of Tweedale siding, but the cavalry advanced to within eight miles of +Colesberg without meeting the enemy (see map No. <a href="#map10">10</a>). On reporting by +telegram the result of this reconnaissance, General French added that, +on the arrival from De Aar of the two companies M.I., he proposed to +occupy a strong position north of Arundel, and that he considered +that, with a view to an attack on Colesberg, he should be reinforced +by two and a half battalions and a few <span class="pagenum"><a id="page278" name="page278"></a>[p. 278]</span> squadrons of cavalry, +"most necessary for reaping fruits of victory in this country." The +same afternoon R. battery R.H.A. and an ammunition column reached +Naauwpoort by train from Cape Town. The two companies M.I., under +Lieut.-Colonel R. J. Tudway, marched in from De Aar, but were found to +be so insufficiently trained in their mounted duties that they were as +yet unfit to take the field as complete units against the enemy.<a id="footnotetag188" name="footnotetag188"></a><a href="#footnote188" title="Go to footnote 188"><span class="small">[188]</span></a></p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Steps taken Nov. 22nd and 23rd. Reinforcements arrive.</span> + +<p>On the 22nd, culverts north of Tweedale siding were repaired, and an +obstruction on the line was removed. A patrol of the N.S.W. Lancers +was pushed on to a kopje north of Arundel, but no sign of the enemy +was seen. On the 23rd the other half-battalion Black Watch came in +from General Wauchope, and a reconnaissance of New South Wales Lancers +and a picked detachment of the M.I., supported by a company of +infantry in a train, was despatched up the line towards Arundel, with +a view to observing by patrols the vicinity of Colesberg; the kopjes, +however, north of Arundel station were found to be now occupied by the +Boers in sufficient strength to check further progress. In reporting +this to Cape Town by telegraph, General French stated that he did not +think that the enemy intended to attack Naauwpoort, but considered +that the Boers should be dislodged from Colesberg as soon as possible, +as they were obtaining recruits there. Naauwpoort had meantime been +placed in a thorough state of defence.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> French's command extended.</span> + +<p>Reconnaissances continued to be made almost daily towards Arundel. +Meanwhile General French's sphere of command had been increased by the +addition to it of the central line of communication down to Port +Elizabeth, volunteer corps, including the Prince Alfred's Guards, of a +strength of 900 all ranks, being placed at his disposal. Some +difficulty, however, arising as to the movement of these colonial +troops north of Cradock, detachments of regulars were sent temporarily +from Naauwpoort to hold Rosmead Junction and the railway bridges near +it against <span class="pagenum"><a id="page279" name="page279"></a>[p. 279]</span> small rebel parties, which were reported to be +under arms in that neighbourhood. The force at Naauwpoort was +gradually augmented by the arrival of the 12th Lancers on the 25th, +and O. battery R.H.A., and another ammunition column on the 27th. On +the other hand, by the 1st December the whole battalion of the Black +Watch had been, at the urgent request of Major-General Wauchope, +returned to Orange River to replace infantry sent forward to Lord +Methuen. The 1st Suffolk regiment arrived at Naauwpoort that +afternoon, and on the 2nd December the New Zealand Mounted Rifles, a +fine corps 400 strong, and the 26th company R.E., joined General +French.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Nov. 26th to Dec. 7th. The "policy of worry."</span> + +<p>On the 26th November Sir R. Buller had telegraphed to Sir F. +Forestier-Walker: "French should attack Arundel as soon as he feels +strong enough, but not before, and he should be sure that he is strong +enough. We can now afford to wait;" and on the following day he added: +"Tell French to maintain an active defence, not running any risk." On +the 30th another despatch from the General Commanding-in-Chief to +General Forestier-Walker ran: "suggest to French that a policy of +worry, without risking men, might have a good effect on the enemy at +Colesberg and keep him occupied." Meanwhile the constant appearance of +patrols from Naauwpoort had not only completely chained to the +vicinity of Colesberg the main body of the enemy, but had made him +nervous for the safety of his advance party on the kopjes north of +Arundel station; and on the 29th November a squadron of the 12th +Lancers discovered that those kopjes had been evacuated. On this, two +days later, two squadrons of that regiment were sent forward to +Arundel station to bivouac there that night with a view to a +reconnaissance being pushed on to Colesberg on the following morning. +But at 10 p.m. the Lieutenant-General received a telegram from the +Chief of the Staff ordering the 12th Lancers to join Lord Methuen on +the Modder river. The squadrons were, therefore, recalled from Arundel +and the regiment entrained for the Modder on the following day, as +soon as sufficient rolling-stock could be obtained. Its departure left +French for the moment with insufficient mounted men to keep touch with +the enemy, but the arrival of <span class="pagenum"><a id="page280" name="page280"></a>[p. 280]</span> the New Zealanders on the 2nd +December enabled active operations to be renewed, and on the 5th the +Carabiniers, commanded by Colonel T. C. Porter, increased the +Naauwpoort force sufficiently to warrant the adoption of the "policy +of worry" suggested by Sir R. Buller. Moreover, arrangements had now +been completed for the protection of the railway line from Cradock to +Rosmead by part of the Port Elizabeth Volunteer Corps. The details of +the Suffolk regiment and M.I., which had been guarding these +localities, were thereupon recalled to Naauwpoort and rejoined on the +afternoon of 5th December. On the 6th orders were issued for the +occupation on the following day of a position near Arundel with +mounted troops "with the object of pushing forward detachments to +observe the enemy, and clear up the situation near Colesberg next +day." In pursuance of these orders the New Zealand Mounted Rifles +moved out to the ridge to the south of Arundel early on the morning of +the 7th,<span class="sidenote"> Arundel occupied, Dec. 7th.</span> + and later in the day the Carabiniers, mounted infantry (less +a detachment holding Hanover Road station), the N.S.W. Lancers, a +detachment of the R.E. company, and Field Telegraph section were +brought out by train from Naauwpoort under the command of Colonel +Porter; and, having detrained at Hartebeestfontein farm, covered by +the New Zealand Mounted Rifles, advanced with that regiment to Arundel +without meeting any opposition. There the force bivouacked for the +night, the enemy's piquets watching them from a ridge three miles +north of the station.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Dec. 8th to Dec. 11th, 1899. Schoeman's strength +ascertained. French seizes hill north of Arundel.</span> + +<p>At dawn on the 8th, Colonel Porter sent forward his mounted infantry, +with some cavalry, and seized a hill three miles north of Arundel. +General French, accompanied by his staff and two Berkshire companies, +arrived at Arundel by train from Naauwpoort at 6 a.m., and by his +orders the reconnaissance was then pushed home. The Boers were found +to be now occupying a series of kopjes called Taaiboschlaagte which +run in a south-easterly direction from Rensburg, and extend to the +westward, across the line. The cavalry was sent round both flanks of +the enemy, while the mounted infantry held him in front. This movement +caused the Boers to fall back and disclose a second <span class="pagenum"><a id="page281" name="page281"></a>[p. 281]</span> position +athwart the railway, with a wide frontage both to the east and west. +Artillery fire was opened on the British troops from three points of +this new post, and a large gun was seen being dragged into action near +Rensburg, which appeared to be the centre of the Boer line. It was +estimated that the opposing commando was on this occasion about 2,000 +strong. A prisoner was captured, who alleged that he was adjutant to +the officer commanding a reinforcement just arrived from Pretoria. He +stated that the total force under Schoeman's orders was now 3,000, +exclusive of local rebels, that it included four field guns and three +smaller pieces, and that Grobelaar's commando of 1,700 men at +Burghersdorp would shortly receive a reinforcement of 600 men from the +Free State and intended then to co-operate with Schoeman. A telegram, +despatched by Major Haig in the evening to Cape Town, reported the +above information and the day's operation, adding: "General French +desires me to say that in face of attitude of enemy to-day he cannot +do more than reconnoitre with forces here." The mounted troops, who +had now been joined by R. battery R.H.A., continued in occupation of +the kopjes north of Arundel, and on the 11th December, the railway +having been repaired, three companies of the Royal Berkshire, under +Major McCracken, were moved by train to that station, and a detachment +of 50 M.I. was sent to Tweedale to patrol and guard the line; the +remainder of the troops continued to garrison Naauwpoort under command +of Lieut.-Colonel A. J. Watson, 1st Suffolk regiment.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> French seizes Vaal Kop and repels Boer advance. Dec 11th.</span> + +<p>Two squadrons of the Inniskilling Dragoons reached Naauwpoort on the +10th, and with two squadrons of the 10th Hussars, arriving on the +11th, were sent on to Arundel. Early on the morning of the 11th the +British patrols reported that the Boers had seized Vaal Kop, an +isolated hill some six miles west of Rensburg, with open ground all +round it, and Kuilfontein farm, one and a half miles to the north-west +of the kop. By the Lieut.-General's directions a squadron of the 10th +Hussars and two Horse artillery guns were sent out against these +detached posts, and having forced the enemy back remained in +possession of Vaal Kop. Some anxiety was still felt as regards +Schoeman's <span class="pagenum"><a id="page282" name="page282"></a>[p. 282]</span> designs on his left side, as it was surmised that +his continued occupation of a position so much in advance of Colesberg +was probably due to an intention of holding out a hand to Grobelaar in +the Burghersdorp district. Colonel Porter was, therefore, ordered to +patrol widely to the east and north-east to discover whether any +movements were taking place in those quarters. Early on the morning of +the 13th his patrols reported that about 1,800 Boers were leaving +their laagers in three detachments and pushing southward towards +Naauwpoort. By 7 a.m. Colonel Porter had made the following +disposition to meet this development—Vaal Kop on his extreme left was +still occupied by a squadron and two guns, and the kopjes to the north +of Arundel were held by the three companies of the Berkshire and two +9-pr. R.M.L. guns, supported by the M.I. on the right and the New +Zealand Mounted Rifles on the left, with the N.S.W. Lancers at the Nek +near the railway. The main body of the cavalry (six squadrons) with +four guns of R. battery was concentrated on the threatened flank two +to three miles to the east of the remainder. In a skirmish which +ensued, the enemy brought up two guns, but these were quickly silenced +and the Boer commandos were driven back by the cavalry. By 2 p.m. the +bulk of the enemy's forces had returned to their old ground; a party, +which about that hour occupied Kuilfontein farm on the western flank, +was driven away by the shell fire of the two British guns on Vaal Kop, +suffering considerable loss. The British casualties during the day +were limited to one officer and seven men wounded. A congratulatory +telegram, received by General French from Sir R. Buller next day, +commented: "You are following the right policy. Worry them." The +tactics prescribed by General French at this period can be best +realised from the following extract from the instructions issued by +his Chief Staff Officer on the 14th to Major-General Brabazon, who, on +his arrival on that date, was placed in command at Arundel:—</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> French's method.</span> + +<div class="quote"> +<p>"Your task is to prevent the enemy moving from his present + positions closer to Naauwpoort, or reaching the railway + connecting that place with Arundel. The Lieut.-General <span class="pagenum"><a id="page283" name="page283"></a>[p. 283]</span> + Commanding considers that the best method to pursue to attain + this end is:</p> + +<p>"(a) Hold Arundel as a pivot.</p> + +<p>"(b) Using that as a pivot, act energetically with your mounted + troops against any of the enemy's detachments which may leave his + main position and cross open ground.</p> + +<p>"(c) Select and hold certain points (such as Vaal Kop), to retain + the enemy and make him fear an offensive movement against his + line of retreat; (which is viā Colesberg wagon bridge)."</p> +</div> + +<span class="sidenote"> French, because of effect of "Black Week," takes command at +Arundel and reorganises. Dec. 16th.</span> + +<span class="sidenote"> Dec. 17th.</span> + +<p>On the 16th, however, notwithstanding these instructions, the officer +commanding the detachment on Vaal Kop fell back from that post on its +being threatened by distant artillery fire, and the whole of the +troops at Arundel were turned out on a false alarm that the enemy was +advancing. The defeats at Stormberg, Magersfontein, and Colenso, +recorded in later chapters, had meantime darkened the prospect, so +that manifestly the utmost care must be taken by all commanders to +obviate mistakes which might lead to further misfortunes. General +French, therefore, moved his Headquarters to the front, and assumed +personal command of the troops at Arundel. He had telegraphed on the +previous day offering to despatch all his cavalry to the Modder river, +but this suggestion was negatived "on account of scarcity of water." +He reorganised the Arundel command into a division as follows, +appointing Major-General Brabazon second in command:—</p> + +<p class="center"><i>1st Cavalry Brigade (under Colonel T. C. Porter).</i></p> +<ul class="none"> +<li>The Carabiniers.</li> +<li>New South Wales Lancers (40 men),</li> +<li>1 company mounted infantry.</li> +</ul> +<p class="center"><i>2nd Cavalry Brigade (under Lieut.-Colonel R. B. W. Fisher).</i></p> +<ul class="none"> +<li>The Inniskilling Dragoons (2 squadrons),</li> +<li>10th Hussars (2 squadrons),</li> +<li>1 company mounted infantry.</li> +</ul> +<p class="center"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page284" name="page284"></a>[p. 284]</span> <i>Divisional Troops.</i></p> +<ul class="none"> +<li>Brigade division R.H.A. (under Colonel F. J. W. Eustace).</li> +<li>New Zealand Mounted Rifles.</li> +<li>R.E. company.</li> +<li>Bearer company.</li> +<li>Half-battalion Royal Berkshire regiment. +<span class="ralign">under Major F. W. N.</span></li> +<li>2 guns R.G.A.<span class="spacing2em ralign">" " </span></li> +</ul> + +<span class="sidenote"> French pivoting on certain strong points continues "policy +of worry." Dec. 16th-17th 1899.</span> + +<p>Major McCracken was directed to fortify the kopjes north of Arundel, +and to hold them "at all costs" as a pivot of manœuvre. The +country, for purposes of reconnaissance, was divided into two zones, +the railway being taken as the line of demarcation. The 1st brigade +was assigned to the western zone, the 2nd to the eastern; the +Brigadiers were instructed to occupy certain tactical points towards +the front and flanks, and were made responsible that the enemy was not +allowed to establish himself unmolested on any kopje south of the +Arundel ridge. The Horse artillery and New Zealand Rifles were kept in +reserve under the personal orders of the General Officer Commanding. +With these arrangements the Lieut.-General felt assured that his +position was secure, and hoped to be able to continue to pursue a bold +and aggressive policy, a duty to which he was now able to devote his +whole attention, as other arrangements had been made for the command +of the lines of communication to Port Elizabeth.</p> + +<a id="chap18" name="chap18"></a> +<h3><span class="pagenum"><a id="page285" name="page285"></a>[p. 285]</span> CHAPTER XVIII.</h3> + +<p class="title">STORMBERG.<a id="footnotetag189" name="footnotetag189"></a><a href="#footnote189" title="Go to footnote 189"><span class="small">[189]</span></a></p> + + +<span class="sidenote"> The Boers occupy Stormberg, Nov. 25/99.</span> + +<p>President Steyn early in November ordered an invasion of the +north-eastern portion of Cape Colony. In doing so he acted against the +advice of a Krijgsraad held at Bethulie to discuss the project. A +considerable party of the Free State burghers was, in fact, opposed to +an offensive plan of campaign, but the President held that success in +the struggle against Great Britain could not be attained without +enlisting in his favour all the external support he could obtain. The +mission of the invaders was therefore to incite the discontented in +the colony to open rebellion. Under these circumstances, although many +communications passed between the disaffected amongst the local +farmers and Olivier, the commandant of the Boer contingent which had +crossed Bethulie bridge early in November, the movements of the +burghers were at first slow and hesitating. Aliwal North was occupied +on the 13th, and Burghersdorp—a town without any great reputation for +loyalty—two days later. The districts of Aliwal North, Albert and +Barkly East were at once proclaimed to be Free State territory. It was +not until the 25th that the Boer commando seized the important railway +junction of Stormberg, from which the British garrison had three weeks +earlier been withdrawn by Sir R. Buller to Queenstown.<a id="footnotetag190" name="footnotetag190"></a><a href="#footnote190" title="Go to footnote 190"><span class="small">[190]</span></a></p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Sir W. Gatacre reaches East London, Nov. 16th.</span> + +<p>Lieut.-General Sir W. Gatacre, with the staff of the 3rd division, the +two brigades of which had been sent on to Natal, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page286" name="page286"></a>[p. 286]</span> disembarked +at East London on 16th November. The tasks assigned to that General +were to prevent British subjects from being persuaded or compelled to +take up arms against their Sovereign, to encourage and protect the +loyal, and, so far as possible, to stem the Boer invasion until the +return of Lord Methuen's division from Kimberley enabled the country +south of the Orange river to be swept clear of the enemy, preparatory +to the general advance through the Free State.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Moves to Queenstown. His available strength.</span> + +<p>Sir W. Gatacre moved immediately up to Queenstown, taking with him the +2nd Royal Irish Rifles (898 all ranks), who had landed the same day at +East London. On arriving at Queenstown he found at that station the +half-battalion and a mounted company of the 2nd Berkshire regiment +(strength, 574 all ranks), a small detachment of Royal Garrison +artillery, and a half company of Royal engineers, which, with the +Naval contingent, had formed the original garrison of Stormberg. The +<i>personnel</i> of the Naval contingent had been ordered to return to Cape +Town, but had left with the Royal artillery their two 12-pr. guns. +Besides these, the gunners had two obsolete field guns belonging to +the armament of the naval base, but owing to the lack of mules and +equipment none of the guns were mobile. In addition to these troops +the local volunteers, consisting of the Kaffrarian Rifles, the +Frontier Mounted Rifles (about 229 strong), and the Queenstown Rifle +Volunteers (285), had been called out; a corps of mounted infantry was +being raised locally from the farmers of the Eastern province by +Colonel Brabant, and a contingent of the Cape Mounted Rifles and Cape +Police had been placed at the Lieut.-General's disposal. The +Kaffrarian Rifles, 285 all ranks, held the base at East London. The +remainder of the local troops, except some posts of observation at +Cathcart, Indwe and Molteno, were concentrated at Queenstown. An +armoured train, commanded by Lieutenant F. J. Gosset, 2nd Berkshire, +patrolled the railway.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Pushes on to Putterskraal, Sterkstroom.</span> + +<p>For the moment it was obvious that no forward movement could take +place; indeed, a telegram despatched by Sir R. Buller to General +Gatacre, on 18th November, reminded him that "the great thing in this +sort of warfare is to be perfectly certain that <span class="pagenum"><a id="page287" name="page287"></a>[p. 287]</span> one position +is safe before you advance to another, and that we are not yet strong +enough in troops to play tricks." Yet patrols, furnished by the Cape +Police, were sent out to Dordrecht, Stormberg and Tarkastad, and the +employment of reliable native scouts was arranged. In a telegram, +dated 21st November, Sir Redvers suggested that a portion of General +Gatacre's force might be moved to Stormberg for the purpose of +covering the coal mines at Indwe. Sir W. Gatacre replied on the same +day that he had not sufficient men as yet to advance to Stormberg, +but, as soon as more troops arrived, he intended to occupy that +junction and clear the country round it. Meanwhile, as a result of a +personal reconnaissance of the district, he proposed to occupy +Putterskraal, a position which, with outposts at Bushman's Hoek and +Penhoek, would "command Sterkstroom junction with the colliery line, +reassure loyal farmers, and steady disloyal men." The arrival from +England of two companies of mounted infantry (part of the mounted +infantry of the cavalry division), under Capt. E. J. Dewar, King's +Royal Rifles, on the 22nd, and of the 2nd Northumberland Fusiliers on +the 27th November, enabled a concentration of all the mounted troops, +the detachment of Royal Garrison artillery, the 2nd Northumberland +Fusiliers, and the 2nd Royal Irish Rifles, to be effected at +Putterskraal on the latter date. <span class="sidenote"> and Bushman's Hoek, Nov. 27th-28th.</span> +Sterkstroom was also occupied as an +advanced post, and on the following day the Berkshire mounted +infantry, four companies of the Irish Rifles, and the Kaffrarian +Rifles, brought up from East London, were pushed on to Bushman's Hoek.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Situation graver. Buller suggests closing with enemy.</span> + +<p>The enemy was becoming bolder. A considerable number of disaffected +farmers had joined the commando at Burghersdorp; more were known to be +on their way up from Cradock, while at Barkly East a disloyal field +cornet was issuing Government arms and ammunition to rebels. The Boer +occupation of Stormberg on the 25th was followed immediately by the +destruction of the railway and telegraph line to the westward. Thus +French's force at Naauwpoort and Gatacre's troops at Putterskraal were +cut off from each other, and the latter were left for the moment +entirely dependent on their own resources. Sir Redvers, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page288" name="page288"></a>[p. 288]</span> who +was kept daily informed of these developments, felt "anxious," and +telegraphed orders from Maritzburg on 26th November to Sir F. +Forestier-Walker: "Caution Gatacre to be careful. I think he is hardly +strong enough to advance beyond Putterskraal, until Methuen's return;" +and on the following day he telegraphed instructions to reinforce +General Gatacre by one, or, if possible, by two battalions, "and any +mounted men that can be spared." Barkly East was reported to be in +open rebellion, although Sir H. Elliott's action in defending the +passes leading south to Griqualand East continued to be +effective.<a id="footnotetag191" name="footnotetag191"></a><a href="#footnote191" title="Go to footnote 191"><span class="small">[191]</span></a> The "annexation" of Dordrecht to the Free State, +proclaimed officially on its occupation by the enemy, further +complicated the situation. General Gatacre accordingly telegraphed +direct to the General Commanding-in-Chief:—</p> + +<p class="quote"> + "Military situation here requires dealing with extreme + carefulness. Boers have occupied Dordrecht and enemy is advancing + in a southerly direction, evidently pointing for Queenstown. I + have two British regiments only, and I am 33 miles to the north + of Queenstown—I am holding Bushman's Hoek range to endeavour to + prevent descent into Queenstown district, which would mean + general state of rebellion of Dutch. Force will be strengthened + at Queenstown by next British regiment which should arrive at + Queenstown 5th December, but Queenstown is indefensible position. + Are there any orders especially as regards my movements?"</p> + +<p>Sir Redvers replied the same day (2nd December) from Maritzburg:—</p> + +<p class="quote"> + "Your No. A 514. We have to make the best of the situation, and + if the enemy is advancing by Dordrecht, the importance of + Bushman's Hoek is diminished. You have a force which altogether + is considerably stronger than the enemy can now bring against + you. Cannot you close with him, or else occupy a defensible + position which will obstruct his advance? You have an absolutely + free hand to do what you think best."</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Gatacre seizes Molteno and Penhoek, Nov. 29th.</span> + +<p>Meanwhile, on the 29th November, a raid by train had been made from +Putterskraal on Molteno, and a large amount of corn removed from a +mill which it was feared might fall into the enemy's hands. An officer +and 50 men of the Cape Police were left in observation at Molteno, and +detachments of Cape Mounted Rifles and of the newly-raised corps, +Brabant's Horse, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page289" name="page289"></a>[p. 289]</span> of a total strength of 400 men, was pushed +out to Penhoek, a pass through the hills ten miles east of +Sterkstroom.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Dec. 7th Gatacre tells C.O.s of intended night march.</span> + +<p>By the 6th December, Sir W. Gatacre had been reinforced by two +batteries of his divisional artillery, the 74th and 77th, the +divisional ammunition column, the 12th company R.E., the 1st Royal +Scots, the 33rd company Army Service Corps, and 16th Field Hospital. +The greater portion of his detachment was unfortunately only just free +from the confinement of the voyage from England. Every effort had been +made on board ship to keep the infantry in good condition by +gymnastics and physical drill, but they were naturally not in the best +trim for a long march. The horses of the artillery had suffered from a +somewhat stormy passage of 31 days, during which 14 had died of +influenza. They, too, therefore, were hardly yet ready for hard work. +Nevertheless, the G.O.C. considered that, in the existing strategic +situation, any further prolongation of the defensive attitude he had +hitherto been obliged to maintain would be injurious.<a id="footnotetag192" name="footnotetag192"></a><a href="#footnote192" title="Go to footnote 192"><span class="small">[192]</span></a> He +determined, therefore, to take advantage of the free hand left to him +by Sir R. Buller, and to follow the further suggestion that he should +close with the enemy. On the evening of the 7th he informed the +commanding officers of units that he intended to make a night march on +Stormberg and attack the Boer laager. It will be seen from map No. <a href="#map14">14</a> +that the buildings and sheds which mark the railway junction lie at +the foot of a steep razor-back hill, called Rooi Kop, and on the +eastern edge of a valley or vlei, about two miles in length from north +to south, and one in breadth. This vlei, in which the enemy's main +body was known to be, is shut in on the east by the Rooi Kop, which +dominates all of the surrounding country. To the south and south-west, +it is enclosed by a lower hill, named the Kissieberg, and on the north +by a flat-topped kopje on which forts had been constructed by the +British garrison when in occupation of the junction. Between this +kopje and the northern point of the Kissieberg, there is a gap of a +mile through which <span class="pagenum"><a id="page290" name="page290"></a>[p. 290]</span> pass out the spruit, which drains the +vlei, and the branch line to Naauwpoort. The railway from East London +to Bloemfontein and the main road from Molteno to Burghersdorp, viā +Stormberg, cross a Nek between the Kissieberg and Rooi Kop, +subsequently skirting the latter hill very closely. This Nek, on which +the intelligence scouts reported the Boer guns to be posted, and the +Rooi Kop, Sir W. Gatacre planned to seize before dawn on the morning +of the 9th by a night march from Molteno. He proposed to employ on the +enterprise the whole of the mounted infantry, one field battery, the +R.E. company, the Northumberland Fusiliers, the Royal Irish Rifles, +and a detachment of Cape Police. The mounted troops from Penhoek were +also to co-operate on the right flank. Arrangements were also made +with Sir H. Elliott for an advance of the Headquarters of the Cape +Mounted Rifles in the direction of Dordrecht. By concentrating at +Molteno late on the day previous to that chosen for the attack, +General Gatacre hoped to surprise the enemy. Owing, however, to some +difficulties in obtaining rolling stock, the movement was postponed +till the 9th.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Move postponed to Dec. 9th.</span> + +<span class="sidenote"> Concentrates at Molteno, Dec. 9th.</span> + +<p>Early on the morning of that day, camp was struck at Putterskraal, and +the baggage packed, the wagons being ordered to travel by road to +Molteno. The assembling of the troops at that village was effected +during the afternoon in the following manner:—</p> + +<p><i>By Train from Putterskraal.</i></p> + +<ul class="none"> +<li>Divisional Staff.</li> +<li>R.A. Staff, 74th and 77th batteries R.F.A.</li> +<li>R.E. Staff, 12th company R.E.</li> +<li>2nd Northumberland Fusiliers.</li> +<li>Headquarters and 4 companies Royal Irish Rifles.</li> +<li>Field Hospital and Bearer company.</li> +</ul> +<p><i>By Train from Bushman's Hoek.</i></p> + +<ul class="none"> +<li>4 companies Royal Irish Rifles.</li> +</ul> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page291" name="page291"></a>[p. 291]</span> <i>By Road from Putterskraal.</i></p> + +<ul class="none"> +<li>2 companies mounted infantry.</li> +<li>42 Cape Mounted Police.</li> +</ul> + +<p><i>By Road from Bushman's Hoek.</i></p> + +<ul class="none"> +<li>1 company Royal Berkshire mounted infantry.</li> +</ul> + + +<p>Besides these, three companies Royal Scots were sent by rail from +Putterskraal. One of them was dropped at Bushman's Hoek, the other two +being taken on to Molteno. The units that went by train had with them +their first line transport. Although the entraining of the troops +began about 12 noon, it was not completed till after 5 p.m., owing to +the lack of sufficient sidings. The movement to Molteno was covered by +the armoured train, and was carried out without interruption. The +detachments of Brabant's Horse and Cape Mounted Rifles ordered in from +Penhoek to Molteno failed, however, to appear. A message to the +officer commanding at Penhoek, conveying the order, had been handed in +at the telegraph office at Putterskraal at midnight on the 8th, but +owing to some carelessness had not been forwarded by the telegraph +clerk. The precaution of demanding an acknowledgment of the receipt of +this important order, or of sending a duplicate, does not appear to +have been taken by the divisional staff.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Arrangements for feeding men.</span> + +<p>The troops had dined before leaving Putterskraal, and took with them +one and a half day's rations, the half ration to be eaten in the train +on the way to Molteno, and the remainder to be carried by the men on +the march. The preserved meat had been issued in 6lb. tins. These were +very inconvenient. Therefore many of them were thrown away.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Dec. 9th, 1899. Orders for night march issues. Lack of +maps.</span> + +<p>On arriving at Molteno, Sir W. Gatacre assembled the commanding +officers and issued personally to them his orders for the movement +against Stormberg. His Intelligence staff had ascertained that the +actual strength of the Boers in laager at that moment was about 1,700, +and that the southern face of the Kissieberg and the Nek between that +hill and Rooi Kop were entrenched. The General, on receipt of this +information, determined <span class="pagenum"><a id="page292" name="page292"></a>[p. 292]</span> to modify his original plan. +Although Stormberg had been occupied for more than a month by British +troops, no systematic sketching of the surrounding country had been +undertaken. Except a plan made more than a year before of the ground +in the immediate neighbourhood of the junction, and reproduced in one +of the Intelligence handbooks, the only map at the disposal of the +Staff was the Cape Survey, the scale of which, 12-½ miles to an +inch, was too small for tactical purposes.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The method of march.</span> + +<p>The local Cape Police, the Berkshire mounted infantry, and others were +very well acquainted with the country; and, after a personal +examination of Sergeant Morgan, Cape Police, and several native +policemen, who had previously been selected as guides, Sir W. Gatacre +determined to move his force out from Molteno by the Steynsburg road, +and to diverge from that road by a cross track, leading northwards +from a point near D. Foster's farm to Van Zyl's farm,<a id="footnotetag193" name="footnotetag193"></a><a href="#footnote193" title="Go to footnote 193"><span class="small">[193]</span></a> which was +situated immediately in rear of the western face of the Kissieberg. +Thus the position on the Nek would be turned. The distance to be +covered during this flank march was said by his informants to be about +nine miles. The actual distance was about ten miles. Allowing for +intermediate rests for the men, the General anticipated that he would +be able so to order the time as to place his men in a position to rush +the Kissieberg with the bayonet before dawn, and then, as soon as +daylight appeared, to plant the guns on that kopje, thus commanding +the whole of the Stormberg valley. Sir W. Gatacre informed commanding +officers verbally of these intentions, and arranged the following +succession:</p> + +<ul class="none"> +<li>Royal Irish Rifles.</li> +<li>Northumberland Fusiliers.</li> +<li>74th and 77th batteries, escorted by +Two companies M.I. and the Cape Police.</li> +<li>Berkshire M.I. company.</li> +<li>Machine guns, ammunition reserve, and + Field Hospital, escorted by 12th company R.E.</li> +</ul> + +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page293" name="page293"></a>[p. 293]</span> <span class="sidenote"> Dependence on guides.</span> + +<p>The column was to move off in three echelons, the first consisting of +the divisional staff and the infantry, the second the artillery and +mounted infantry, and the third the field hospital, machine guns, etc. +Guides were allotted to each unit. Complete reliance was placed on the +efficiency of these guides, and the precaution of causing the road to +be previously reconnoitred by a staff officer had not been taken. Both +Sir W. Gatacre's intelligence officers, one of whom knew the ground +intimately, had duties on the line of communication, and were thus +unable to accompany the column. The General, with all the rest of his +staff, took his place at the head of the leading battalion, which was +preceded by eight infantry scouts under a subaltern. The remainder of +the infantry marched in fours. The batteries were in column of route. +The wheels of the 77th were covered with raw hide. The wheels of the +74th had not been so padded, as that battery was only added to the +column at the last moment. The hide proved to be of but little value +for the purpose of deadening the sound, and only made the draught +heavier.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Mistake at starting.</span> + +<p>The head of the column moved off about 9 p.m., somewhat later than had +been originally planned. The artillery and mounted infantry followed +in due course along the Steynsburg road, but the machine guns, field +hospital, and R.E., owing to a lack of staff supervision, took the one +direct on Stormberg, and, finding that there were no troops in front +of them, halted where they were until daylight, having first +ascertained from the officer left in command at Molteno that he did +not know the route by which the main column was advancing.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The guides miss the road.</span> + +<p>Meanwhile, the infantry of that column had pressed on with the +keenness of soldiers eager for their first fight, and at 1 a.m. a +homestead, which proved to be that of Mr. J. Roberts. The guides had +in fact passed the branch road leading to Van Zyl's farm, but on being +interrogated, the head guide, Sergeant Morgan, assured Sir W. Gatacre +that he and his assistants knew the way perfectly, and that they were +leading the column by a road which, though slightly longer than that +originally selected, avoided wire and a bad piece of track which the +guns would have <span class="pagenum"><a id="page294" name="page294"></a>[p. 294]</span> found it difficult to cross at night. They +added that they were within one and a half miles of the spot, to which +the General desired to be guided. The map and freehand sketch show +that the guides now proposed to lead the column to the rear of the +Kissieberg by the wagon-track which leaves the Steynsburg road at +Roberts' homestead, and after crossing the Bamboosberg Spruit and the +colliery branch line, strikes, near Van Zyl's house, the track by +which General Gatacre had intended to approach the enemy's position. +The distance still to be traversed was, as will also be noticed, not +one and a half, but about two and a half miles. Moreover, after +crossing the spruit and the railway, the track traverses the northern +slopes of a stony irregular underfeature which guards the approaches +to the Kissieberg from the south and west. Progress over this ground +was unlikely to be rapid. Roberts' homestead is 10-½ miles from +Molteno. The troops had, therefore, already marched rather further +than was originally anticipated; and, as they had halted for a short +time every hour, their rate of marching had been fast for night-work +over such country. The men were somewhat weary owing to the march. +They were out of condition. They had been engaged on heavy fatigue +work on the morning of the 9th. Whether, therefore, the guides had +missed the true road in the dark, a supposition which is favoured by +the fact that they had previously assured the General that the whole +route was fit and easy for wheeled transport, or whether, not +realising the importance in military operations of obedience to +orders, they had, on their own judgment, diverted the column to the +longer route in the belief that it would be easier, the effect on the +General's plan of attack was serious. Sir W. Gatacre, nevertheless, +decided that he would give his men an hour's rest, and then push on.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The march resumed. Column arrives at dawn at destined +spot.</span> + +<p>About 2 a.m. the march was resumed in the same order as before, except +that the guns and mounted infantry had closed up to the infantry. But +after crossing the railway the roughness of the ground added to the +fatigue of the troops; moreover, doubt as to the manner in which the +column was being guided had spread discouragement. The General, moving +at the head of the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page295" name="page295"></a>[p. 295]</span> leading battalion, constantly questioned +the guide, but was as constantly assured by Sergeant Morgan that the +right road was being followed, although the distance was greater than +he had estimated. The column, therefore, trudged on until at length, +as the first signs of dawn were beginning to appear, it reached the +cross roads near Van Zyl's house, and thus was on the very ground from +whence General Gatacre intended to make his assault on the Kissieberg. +If the assault had been delivered at once, the ridge might have been +carried and command over the Stormberg valley have been thus secured.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Boers quite unprepared for the surprise march. All +circumstances favourable.</span> + +<p>The Boers in and near Stormberg on the morning of the 10th December +were under the command of Olivier: they consisted of about 1,700 +burghers of the Bethulie, Rouxville and Smithfield commandos, with two +guns and a Maxim. A detachment under Commandant Swanepoel, with one +gun, held the Nek between the Kissieberg and Rooi Kop. A piquet of +about fifty men was stationed on the western ridge of the former hill, +and another piquet watched the north end of the vlei; the remainder of +the burghers slept on the lower inner slopes of the two hills. The +Boer accounts of the fight all agree in stating that Gatacre's night +march was a complete surprise to them. So secure did Olivier feel in +his position that on the 9th he had detached a commando of colonial +rebels, amounting to some 500 or 600 men, under Grobelaar and +Steinkamp, to Steynsburg to beat up more recruits in that direction. +In consequence of a dispute about a gun, which was referred to +President Steyn by telegram for settlement, Grobelaar had outspanned +for the night some seven or eight miles away on the +Stormberg-Steynsburg road, and his commando lay about a mile +north-west of Roberts' farm. Sir W. Gatacre's information, therefore, +as to the strength of the Boers in the Stormberg valley was accurate, +their dispositions favoured the plan he had formed for a surprise, and +the British assailants, notwithstanding the circuitous march, had now +arrived in time, though only barely in time, at the spot for its +execution. <span class="sidenote"> The column is taken away two miles further. <i>En route</i> it +is surprised.</span> +But either the chief guide did not fully comprehend the +General's intentions, or he had lost his bearings, for he pointed to a +kopje nearly two <span class="pagenum"><a id="page296" name="page296"></a>[p. 296]</span> miles off, and said that that was the real +place. The wearied men continued to trudge along the road, which, +skirting the lower western slopes of the Kissieberg, leads to +Stormberg junction. Day was breaking,<a id="footnotetag194" name="footnotetag194"></a><a href="#footnote194" title="Go to footnote 194"><span class="small">[194]</span></a> but no change was made in +the formation of the troops. The infantry remained in fours, with no +flankers out, and still only eight men were in front as an advance +guard. The Boer piquet on the Kissieberg saw the grey thread as it +wound its way slowly along the foot of the hill within effective range +of the crest. A single shot echoed through the valley, and a corporal +of the leading company of Irish Rifles fell dead. A rapid fire, +although from but a few rifles, was then opened on the British troops +at a range of about 400 yards. It was impossible to convey orders to a +long column of route, thus taken at a disadvantage. Each company +officer had to act on his own initiative, and as few, if any of them, +knew where they were, or where was the enemy they were required to +attack, confusion inevitably arose.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> A confused attack on Kissieberg.</span> + +<p>The three leading companies of the Irish Rifles, under their +commanding officer, Lieut.-Colonel H. A. Eagar, front-formed, extended +rapidly at right angles to the road, and dashed forward and seized the +underfeature <strong>a</strong> (map No. <a href="#map14">14</a>), which faces the extreme northern spur of +the Kissieberg. In pushing on towards this point, the men were much +exposed to enfilade fire from their right, and a good many casualties +occurred. The other five companies of the Irish Rifles and the +Northumberland Fusiliers faced to the right, confronting the main +ridge, against which they scrambled upwards by successive stages. The +companies extended as they moved on, and gradually opened out into +firing line and supports. The western face of the Kissieberg was found +to be exceedingly steep and difficult to climb. A series of krantz, or +perpendicular walls of rocks, barred the ascent, except at certain +gaps, while between these krantz were interspersed bushes and large +boulders. The company officers ordered their men to unfix bayonets, +and to help each other up the rocks. The enemy's fire for the moment +had ceased to be effective, as the British soldiers were more or less +under cover of <span class="pagenum"><a id="page297" name="page297"></a>[p. 297]</span> the krantz, but the clamber through the gaps +in the first barrier, nearly twelve feet high, took a considerable +time. On the top a halt was made to let men get their breath, and then +began again the onward advance of small groups of twos and threes in +the direction of the shoulder of the hill, where the burghers had +managed to place a gun. The Boers' shooting from the crest now again +became effective, whilst they themselves, carefully concealed, offered +no target to the British rifles. The rocks and bushes made +communication between the different parts of the line of the attack +very difficult.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Artillery come into action. A gun lost.</span> + +<p>At the moment when the first shot killed the corporal, the batteries, +under the command of Lieut.-Colonel H. B. Jeffreys, had rapidly moved +off to the left by sub-divisions for about 1,000 yards, and then +onward up the valley. There was no good position for the British guns, +except the ridge 2,000 yards to the west of the Kissieberg. But the +infantry's need of immediate support was too pressing to allow time +for that ridge's occupation. Lieut.-Colonel Jeffreys therefore, by the +direction of General Gatacre, caused the 77th battery to come into +action near kopje <strong>a</strong>, the 74th unlimbering on the open veld to the +westward. The mounted infantry continued to escort the batteries. In +getting into place a gun of the 74th battery had stuck in a donga, +owing to a horse being struck. It was smothered by a hail of bullets. +The three drivers were almost immediately wounded, and all the rest of +the team were shot down. The gun had therefore to be abandoned, part +of its breech mechanism being first removed.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The course of the attack on Kissieberg.</span> + +<p>Meanwhile the three companies of the Irish Rifles, which had seized +kopje <strong>a</strong>, had made their way step by step up the northern extremity of +the Kissieberg, and had struggled on to within close proximity of its +crest line. The Boers from the main laager had now manned the hill, +but the British artillery was bursting shells on the threatened crest, +and a Boer gun which had come into action was for a time silenced. The +attack had lasted about half an hour, and progress up the hill was +being slowly made by the British infantry, when the five companies of +the Northumberland on the right of the line were ordered to <span class="pagenum"><a id="page298" name="page298"></a>[p. 298]</span> +retire by their commanding officer. He considered that his battalion +must leave the hill. The three foremost companies, who were nearly on +to the summit, did not hear of this order, and, under the command of +Capt. W. A. Wilmott, remained with the Irish Rifles, clinging on as +they were. The fire of the enemy appeared to be slackening, and for +the moment the groups of British officers and men were convinced that, +if they were supported, they could gain the crest. But the withdrawal +of a portion of the attacking line had made any further success +impossible. Nor was that all. Seeing the five companies of the +Northumberland Fusiliers falling back to the west, the batteries +conceived that all the assailants were retreating, and exerted +themselves to the utmost to cover the movement by their fire. The sun +was now rising immediately behind the western face of the Kissieberg, +so that all the upper part presented to the British guns a black +target, on which neither friend nor foe could be distinguished. Thus a +fatal mischance came about. A shell fused for explosion just short of +the Boer defensive line burst over the foremost group of the Irish +Rifles, and struck down Lieut.-Colonel Eagar, Major H. J. Seton, the +second in command, Major H. L. Welman, Captain F. J. H. Bell, and +three men. A conference had a few moments before been held between +Lieut.-Colonel Eagar and Captain Wilmott as to the steps which should +be taken to protect the men from the shells of their own gunners. The +former officer had stated that as the situation of the infantry was +evidently unknown to the batteries, and was masking their fire, it was +necessary to fall back. Captain Wilmott, on the other hand, urged that +if the men were once ordered to withdraw it would be very difficult to +get them up the hill again. Colonel Eagar replied that there was no +help for it. <span class="sidenote"> Retreat.</span> +Therefore a general retirement now began from the main +ridge of the Kissieberg downwards towards the rising ground a mile to +the westward. The movement was made by rushes. The enemy had been +reinforced by Swanepoel's detachment from the Nek, and coming down the +slopes of the hill poured in a hot fire on the retiring infantry. The +material effect of this was not great, because the Boers' shooting +throughout the day was remarkably indifferent. <span class="pagenum"><a id="page299" name="page299"></a>[p. 299]</span> But under its +influence a large proportion of the British troops took cover in the +donga which drains the valley between the Kissieberg and the height to +the westward. As an eye-witness describes it:—</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Word-sketch of retreat.</span> + +<p class="quote"> + "This donga was too deep to be used as a line of defence, being + six feet deep at least, with both banks washed away underneath, + and with nothing for the men to stand upon to enable them to + bring their rifles to bear. It was here that the trouble in the + retirement commenced. The men retiring from the hill rushed to + this donga for cover from the heavy rifle-fire, and on getting + into it, and thinking they were safe from immediate danger, laid + down and many went to sleep, and the greatest difficulty was + experienced to get them on the move again and to leave the donga. + Many men were by this time thoroughly done up and did not appear + to care what happened to them. Many men still remained on the + hill, some because they had not heard the order to retire, and + some because, utterly weary, they had sunk down in sleep in the + dead angle at the foot of the height."</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Stages of retreat.</span> + +<p>On the extreme left the retreat to the western ridge was effected in +good order, the three companies of the Irish Rifles moving back first, +then the batteries in succession, the mounted infantry covering the +first stage, and remaining in close touch with the enemy, until +Colonel Jeffreys was able again to bring his guns into action on the +spur marked <strong>b</strong> on the map. During this withdrawal, Major E. Perceval +was severely wounded, but continued to command the 77th battery until +the close of the day's operations. The artillery held this second +position for over an hour, the infantry forming up in rear. The enemy +now re-opened with a very long range gun, which made excellent +practice, but fortunately the large majority of its shells only burst +on impact, or not at all.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> New foes appear, but are driven off.</span> + +<p>At about 6 a.m. a further development began, one which might have +proved fatal to the British force had the Boers then possessed the +discipline and vigour in counter-attacks they acquired in the later +stages of the war. Grobelaar and Steinkamp with the Burghersdorp +commando had been roused by the sound of the guns from their bivouac +on the Steynsburg road, and, riding back, lined the crest of the hill +to the west of Bamboosberg Spruit, and thence opened a long-range fire +threatening the line of retreat. Against this fresh enemy five guns of +Major <span class="pagenum"><a id="page300" name="page300"></a>[p. 300]</span> Perceval's battery were brought into action facing +west, and with well-directed shrapnel at a range of 1,200 yards, drove +back the dangerous force. The remaining gun of that battery and the +74th battery continued to check the Boers' pursuit from the eastward. +Yet it was evident that the whole plan had failed, and that the troops +were not in a physical condition to renew the attack on the +Kissieberg. Sir W. Gatacre therefore decided to retire on Molteno, and +directed the retreat on Van Zyl's farm, 1,200 yards to the north-west +of D. Foster's homestead, the mounted infantry and artillery covering +the retirement. <span class="sidenote"> An ill-starred order.</span> +The General, when he gave this order, had received no +report that a considerable proportion of the infantry had failed to +rejoin their proper units. He had remained with the mounted infantry +throughout the action, and having seen numbers of men of both +regiments crossing the valley, was under the impression that the +battalions were now intact behind the western ridge. An extraordinary +number of them were, in fact, still missing. The largest proportion of +these had probably never left the Kissieberg. The equivalent of two +companies of the Northumberland Fusiliers are known to have been taken +prisoners there. Of those who had retired, some had remained in the +donga. Besides all these, there was a considerable number of officers +and men dispersed about the valley, and particularly in the enclosures +near the northern Van Zyl's farm. It seems possible that, if the +general retreat from the position at <strong>b</strong> could have been delayed even +for a comparatively short time, some of the scattered parties of men, +who were afterwards taken prisoners, might have rejoined their +battalions.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The course of the retreat.</span> + +<p>The line of the retreat to Molteno was to the west of the ridge which +rises between the colliery line and the Kissieberg, and so gave some +shelter from the enemy's fire. The minished battalions struggled +along, some of the companies being able at first to keep their +formation, though, long before they arrived at Molteno, almost all had +fallen into disarray. The fatigue of the men had reached its climax, +and most of them could hardly keep on their feet. Whenever there was a +necessary halt, not a few <span class="pagenum"><a id="page301" name="page301"></a>[p. 301]</span> fell down, asleep almost before +they reached the ground, and it was with difficulty that they could be +again roused. They suffered very much from thirst as there were no +water-carts, and they had had no opportunity of drinking during many +hours. The batteries of artillery remained in action at <strong>b</strong> for some +time. They then retired alternately, and by their steadiness and the +excellence of their practice held the enemy at bay.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Boers gain a second gun, but do not seriously pursue.</span> + +<p>The Boers followed in the rear sufficiently close to necessitate the +abandonment of a second gun, which stuck in a water course, but there +was no determined attempt at vigorous pursuit, and when once the +kopjes had been passed, the mounted infantry were able to keep at a +distance those of the enemy who did not linger in the valley to loot.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Distribution of troops after action.</span> + +<p>The various units of Sir W. Gatacre's force reached Molteno between 11 +a.m. and 12.30 midday. In the evening they were moved as follows:</p> + +<p><i>To Cypher Gat:</i> Divisional staff and Royal artillery, by train; +mounted infantry, by road.</p> + +<p><i>To Sterkstroom:</i> Northumberland Fusiliers and Royal Irish Rifles, by +train.</p> + +<p><i>To Bushman's Hoek:</i> Royal engineers and two companies Royal Scots, by +train.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> British losses, Dec. 10th/99.</span> + +<p>The British casualties in the action at Stormberg were:</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="1" style="width: 60%;" summary="British casualties at Stormberg."> +<colgroup> + <col width="40%"> + <col width="20%"> + <col width="20%"> + <col width="20%"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">Killed.</td> +<td class="right">Wounded.</td> +<td class="right">Missing.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Officers</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">8</td> +<td class="right">13</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Other Ranks</td> +<td class="right">25</td> +<td class="right">102</td> +<td class="right">548</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">——</td> +<td class="right">——</td> +<td class="right">——</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="center">Total</td> +<td class="right">25</td> +<td class="right">110</td> +<td class="right">561</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">——</td> +<td class="right">——</td> +<td class="right">——</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>Colonel Eagar, Royal Irish Rifles, died some months later of the +wounds received in this action.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Boer losses.</span> + +<p>The casualties of the Boers were 8 killed and 26 wounded. Commandant +Swanepoel afterwards died of his wounds.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Points to be noted.</span> + +<p>Sir W. Gatacre's decision to advance on Stormberg was fully <span class="pagenum"><a id="page302" name="page302"></a>[p. 302]</span> +justified by the strategical situation. General Buller's telegram, +although it left him a free hand as to time and opportunity, had +suggested that operation. The plan, though bold, was sound in its +design, and would have succeeded had not exceptional ill-fortune +attended its execution. Several of the causes of failure stand out +conspicuously in the narrative: the mistake of the guides in taking +the longer route, which unduly fatigued the men; the failure to +realise that the Kissieberg was within striking distance, when the +cross roads near Van Zyl's farm were reached; the premature withdrawal +of the five companies of one of the battalions from the attack, and +the subsequent shelling of the British infantry who still clung to the +hill. Without these accumulated mishaps a blow would in all +probability have been struck at the enemy, such as would have had an +important influence on the general situation in South Africa. Yet it +cannot be held that chance was alone responsible for this miscarriage. +A long night march to be followed by a night attack involves, under +the most favourable circumstances, a considerable element of hazard, +and it is therefore essential that every possible precaution should be +taken to obviate mistakes and to ensure that the column should not, in +its mission to surprise, be itself taken at a disadvantage. Careful +reconnaissance by the staff of the route to be followed can, +therefore, never be neglected with impunity. If a staff officer had +examined beforehand the Steynsburg road, at least as far as the branch +track which it was intended to follow, and if he had been made +responsible for the supervision of the guides, the mistakes as to the +route would in all probability have been avoided. This omission is the +more remarkable in that one of the Intelligence staff, upon whom the +duty of this reconnaissance would naturally have devolved, was well +acquainted with the ground in the neighbourhood of Stormberg. It is +perhaps doubtful whether in view of the fatigue shown by the troops on +their arrival at Roberts' farm, and the uncertainty of the staff as to +the situation, it was wise to persist in the enterprise. In any case, +it is clear that the neglect to change the formation of the column, +and to send out flank and advance guards when dawn appeared whilst the +movement was being carried along a <span class="pagenum"><a id="page303" name="page303"></a>[p. 303]</span> road surrounded by hills, +was a dangerous and unnecessary risk. Finally, the abandonment of +large detachments of infantry, when retreat was ordered, implies a +serious lack of supervision both by the staff and by the officers then +left in command of the battalions. Yet in weighing the responsibility +for these errors, it must be borne in mind that the units composing +the force had only just come together for the first time, that +General, staff, and troops were all new to one another, and that the +men engaged were not yet in hard condition.</p> + +<a id="chap19" name="chap19"></a> +<h3><span class="pagenum"><a id="page304" name="page304"></a>[p. 304]</span> CHAPTER XIX.</h3> + +<p class="title">HALT ON THE MODDER BEFORE MAGERSFONTEIN.<a id="footnotetag195" name="footnotetag195"></a><a href="#footnote195" title="Go to footnote 195"><span class="small">[195]</span></a></p> + + +<span class="sidenote"> Reasons for the halt on the Modder.</span> + +<p>The Modder River battle (November 28th, <a href="#chap15">Chap. XV</a>.) had placed the 1st +division within twenty miles of Kimberley. Signals were made to that +town by a Naval searchlight fitted "with a flasher."<a id="footnotetag196" name="footnotetag196"></a><a href="#footnote196" title="Go to footnote 196"><span class="small">[196]</span></a> Lord +Methuen<a id="footnotetag197" name="footnotetag197"></a><a href="#footnote197" title="Go to footnote 197"><span class="small">[197]</span></a> halted for a short time on the banks of the Modder. +Horses and men, worn out by the fighting and marching of the last six +days, required rest. Reinforcements of troops and supplies were on +their way to him along the lines of communication with the coast. +Moreover, before he could attempt to carry out his orders to remove +the non-combatant population of 8,000 Europeans and 25,000 natives +from Kimberley, it was necessary to restore or replace the railway +bridge which had been wrecked by the Boers. A message from Colonel +Kekewich, who commanded at Kimberley, reached the General on the 4th +December. It was to the effect that the town could hold out for forty +days more. His fears for the immediate safety of the place thus +allayed, Lord Methuen was able to concentrate his energies on the +construction of the temporary (or "deviation") bridge across the Riet. +He also threw up a series of redoubts on both sides of the river to +enable a small garrison to defend the bridge when the column should +resume its march on Kimberley. By dint of great exertions on the part +of the Royal <span class="pagenum"><a id="page305" name="page305"></a>[p. 305]</span> engineers and the infantry employed with them, +the temporary bridge was completely finished by the 10th December.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Boers select their position for stopping further advance.</span> + +<p>After the engagement of the 28th November, Lord Methuen had reason to +believe that the Boers would make their next stand at Spytfontein, +twelve miles south of Kimberley. This was at first their intention, +but on the 29th November a Boer council of war was held at Jacobsdal, +at which two different plans of action were discussed. P. Cronje +wished to take up a flank position at Jacobsdal, so as to compel the +British troops to attack him, and thus diverge from their direct line +for Kimberley. With the Boers so placed, if Lord Methuen had marched +straight upon the town, he would have exposed himself to the danger of +being cut off from his line of supply over the Modder bridge. De la +Rey, on the other hand, desired to make one more effort to bar the +direct road, and his scheme was eventually adopted. <span class="sidenote"> Its nature.</span> +At first the +heights of Spytfontein were chosen. Preparations for their defence +were taken in hand on the afternoon of the 29th, when Cronje and the +bulk of his force arrived from Jacobsdal. But De la Rey realised that +if the heights of Magersfontein, which lay between Spytfontein and the +river, were allowed to fall into the hands of the British, Lord +Methuen could utilise them as artillery positions for a bombardment of +the Spytfontein range. Under cover of this he would be able to deliver +an infantry attack. De la Rey suggested that the Magersfontein heights +should themselves be held as the cornerstone of the defence. His views +prevailed, and the fortification of a position nearly nine miles in +length was at once begun. The fight at Modder River had demonstrated +the advantage of placing the main firing line so that it should just +be able to graze the surface of the country over which the British had +to advance. He therefore proposed to hold the ground, now to be +occupied, in a similar manner. In the centre, Magersfontein Hill, a +grim and rock-bound kopje, rises precipitously from the veld and +dominates the plain, six miles in width, which stretches from its foot +to the Modder River bridge. From this hill the Boer line extended five +miles north-west to Langeberg farm along the foot of a series of +kopjes, in some places sufficiently well <span class="pagenum"><a id="page306" name="page306"></a>[p. 306]</span> defined to be +marked on map No. <a href="#map13">13</a>, in others mere hillocks, but together forming a +continuous and formidable line of defence across the railway. From the +south-east of Magersfontein Hill a low scrub-covered spur, or ridge, +three miles in length, runs southward to Moss Drift on the Modder. +Though not of sufficient height to be fully shown upon the map, it +exercised an important influence upon the course of the battle. From +the river the ground rises gradually towards the heights of +Magersfontein. There are two well-marked knolls upon its surface; one, +equidistant between the kopjes and the railway bridge, was chosen by +Lord Methuen to be his Headquarters for the coming battle; the other, +about a mile to the southward of the main hill, was held by the Horse +artillery battery during the engagement. The greater part of the plain +was comparatively free from scrub, but in the neighbourhood of the low +ridge the bush was thick enough to retard the movement of the troops, +and in places it was so dense as to limit the range of vision to a few +yards. Nor was the scrub the only obstacle for the assailants—two +high wire fences crossed the plain; one, stretching away towards the +north-east, marked the frontier of the Orange Free State; while the +other ran across the trenches which guarded the centre of the Boer +position. The reproduction of the freehand sketch of Magersfontein +will show the strength of the ground taken up by the enemy.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Boers gather from all quarters. Their occupation of the +ground.</span> + +<p>During the twelve days which elapsed between the engagement at the +Modder and the battle of Magersfontein large reinforcements reached +General Cronje. These additions to his army were chiefly due to the +energy of President Steyn, who ordered up every available burgher to +oppose the British advance. Parties of men summoned from the commandos +watching the Basuto border; the Bloemhof and Wolmaranstad commandos, +and detachments of Free Staters, were marched southward from the +investment of Kimberley; and the Heilbron, Kroonstad, and Bethlehem +commandos, detached from the Boer camps in Natal, increased Cronje's +righting power. Nor were the exertions of the President of the Orange +Free State confined to hurrying fresh troops to the point of immediate +danger, for <span class="pagenum"><a id="page307" name="page307"></a>[p. 307]</span> realising that the <i>moral</i> of the Boers had been +shaken by the losses they had already sustained, he went down to the +laager on the 5th December, and by his fiery eloquence infused fresh +life into the somewhat depressed burghers. By the 10th December the +right and centre of the enemy were entrenched along the line of kopjes +which runs south-east from Langeberg farm on the west to Magersfontein +Hill on the east; their left held the low scrub-covered ridge which +extends from Magersfontein Hill to Moss Drift on the Modder. Owing to +the fact that many of the Boer field-works at Magersfontein were +constructed after the battle of the 11th December, it is impossible to +describe with accuracy the defences which they had thrown up before +that date. On the right and centre these appear to have consisted of +narrow trenches, dug about 150 yards in front of the hills. They were +three or four feet in depth, and owing to the peculiar nature of the +soil it was possible to make them with perpendicular sides—mere +narrow slits in the ground which afforded complete protection from +shrapnel fire. These trenches were not in one continuous line, but +were dug along the waving foot-line of the hills, and so arranged that +they flanked one another. The parapets, slightly raised above the +ground, were well concealed by bushes and stones. On the Boers' left +but little work had been done, and the men who held this section were +largely dependent on natural cover. Cronje's dispositions were as +follows: When the action of the 11th December began, the right was +held by part of the Potchefstroom commando, who were soon afterwards +ordered to reinforce the left wing. The works in the right centre were +manned by another detachment of the Potchefstroom and part of the +Fauresmith commandos; while further to the south-east the Ladybrand, +Hoopstad, Kroonstad, Bloemhof, and Boshof commandos defended +Magersfontein Hill. The Scandinavian corps, about sixty strong, +connected the centre with the left wing, which was posted on the low +ridge running southward to the river. The remainder of the Fauresmith +and the Wolmaranstad commandos held the northern end of this low +ridge, the centre of which was occupied by those of the +Potchefstroomers who were transferred <span class="pagenum"><a id="page308" name="page308"></a>[p. 308]</span> from the right wing. +The south end was defended by the men of Lichtenburg, while across the +Modder river near Brown's Drift was posted a detachment of 200 +Jacobsdalers with a gun, under Albrecht. On the right the supervision +was entrusted to A. Cronje, on the left to De la Rey, while the +supreme command was vested in Piet Cronje. As regards the Boer numbers +there is the usual conflict of evidence. A Boer general says that +there were from 5,000 to 6,000 burghers present; an ambulance officer +reckons them in all at 7,000; while two commandants estimate them at +4,000. The Boers had five field guns, distributed along their line; +two pom-poms were posted on Magersfontein Hill; while three more +pom-poms were allotted to the defence of the low ridge.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Lord Methuen's reinforcements and detachments.</span> + +<p>By the 10th December all the reinforcements expected by Lord Methuen +had gradually reached the Modder River camp. These consisted of the +2nd battalion Black Watch and the 2nd battalion Seaforth Highlanders, +who, together with the 1st battalion Highland Light Infantry<a id="footnotetag198" name="footnotetag198"></a><a href="#footnote198" title="Go to footnote 198"><span class="small">[198]</span></a> and +the 1st battalion Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, composed the +Highland brigade, commanded by Major-General Wauchope. The 12th +Lancers, G. battery R.H.A., the 65th (Howitzer) battery R.F.A., and +some details of mounted infantry, also joined the relieving column. +Drafts of sailors and marines raised the strength of the Naval +brigade, now under command of Captain Bearcroft, R.N., to 375 officers +and men, with one 4·7-in. gun, and four 12-pr. 12-cwt. Naval guns. The +latest arrival, that of the 1st battalion Gordon Highlanders, placed +under Lord Methuen's command a total of about 15,000 officers and men. +The lines of communication with Orange River were held by the 2nd +battalion Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry, the 2nd battalion +Shropshire Light Infantry, and part of the 1st battalion Royal Munster +Fusiliers, strengthened at various points by sections of P. battery +R.H.A. The Royal Canadian regiment of infantry garrisoned Belmont, and +a mixed force of Australians, consisting of a detachment of Victorian +Mounted Rifles, and infantry companies <span class="pagenum"><a id="page309" name="page309"></a>[p. 309]</span> from Victoria and +South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia, occupied Enslin.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Minor engagements.</span> + +<p>During the halt on the Modder river small affairs had been of daily +occurrence. The patrols had frequently come into collision with the +enemy. On the 7th December, Prinsloo, the Free State +Commandant-General, with about a thousand Boers and three guns had +attacked Enslin station, which at that time (prior to the arrival of +the Australians) was held by Captain H. C. Godley, with two companies +of the Northamptonshire. Prinsloo did not press home the assault, and +when the 12th Lancers and the 62nd battery arrived from the camp on +the Modder, followed by an armoured train carrying the Seaforth +Highlanders, he withdrew to Jacobsdal. Some damage was done by the +enemy to the railway and telegraph lines, but this was quickly made +good.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Lord Methuen's information Dec. 10th.</span> + +<p>When Lord Methuen, on the 10th December, issued orders for an advance, +the information which he had been able to obtain from a reconnaissance +by Major G. E. Benson, D.A.A.G., and from the reports of scouts, +patrols, and strong reconnoitring parties, showed that the enemy's +main line of defence ran along the foot of the hills stretching from +Langeberg farm to Magersfontein Hill. It was known that the Boers had +outposts on the low ridge, that they held Moss Drift, that they had +detachments to the south of the river, and that near Langeberg farm +and Brown's Drift were laagers of considerable extent. The General +estimated the numbers opposed to him at 12,000 to 15,000 men, with six +or eight guns.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Plans proposed and rejected.</span> + +<p>Various projects for the further movement upon Kimberley had been +weighed and found wanting. A purely frontal attack upon the kopjes +between Langeberg and Magersfontein Hill involved the crossing of a +wide extent of open and level ground, with the danger of a +counter-attack by the enemy from the low ridge held by the left wing +of Cronje's army. To the west of Langeberg farm the country was so +waterless as to preclude any attempt in that direction. A flank march +up the Modder river to Brown's Drift, and thence to Abon's Dam, about +16 miles N.E. of Jacobsdal, seemed feasible, for the British column +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page310" name="page310"></a>[p. 310]</span> would turn the works of Magersfontein and then fall upon the +eastern flank of Spytfontein, the northern of the two lines of heights +which lay athwart the railway between the Modder and Kimberley. But +before the relieving column could thus swing clear of Magersfontein +and strike off thirteen or fourteen miles to the eastward through a +country cut up by wire fences, the consequent exposure of Modder River +camp, with all its accumulation of stores and its newly-restored +railway bridge, had to be taken into account. Lord Methuen considered +its safety, and that of the line of communication along the railway to +the nearest post at Honey Nest Kloof, essential to his enterprise. Now +the adequate defence of the station and this section of the railway +required a far larger detachment than he could spare from his division +engaged in making a flank march and an attack on Spytfontein. The idea +of assaulting the left flank of the Boers was discussed, but +abandoned, because it was thought that the bush-covered ground would +diminish the effect of the artillery and cause an undue loss of life +among the infantry. Therefore, it was finally decided to carry the +heights of Magersfontein, and after their occupation and entrenchment +to make a turning movement against the left flank of the Spytfontein +range. The tactics of Belmont were to be repeated. After a vigorous +bombardment of the hill of Magersfontein in the late afternoon of the +10th, the Highland brigade was to march at night to its foot, and at +dawn on the 11th attack this, the key of Cronje's position.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The plan finally chosen for Dec. 10th night attack.</span> + +<p>Lord Methuen's orders, which are textually quoted at the end of the +chapter, may be thus summarised. A preliminary bombardment of the main +Boer position was fixed for the afternoon of the 10th; and to +facilitate this a column, consisting of the 9th Lancers, mounted +infantry, G. Battery R.H.A., the 18th, 62nd and 75th Field batteries, +the 65th (Howitzer) battery, the Highland brigade, and the 2nd +Yorkshire Light Infantry, was to move forward from the Modder river +towards the southern end of Magersfontein Hill. The main body of +infantry was to halt behind Headquarter Hill, while the 2nd Yorkshire +Light Infantry was to proceed to Voetpads (or Bridle) Drift, and +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page311" name="page311"></a>[p. 311]</span> entrench there against attack from all sides. The cavalry +and mounted infantry were to cover the advance on a line from the +railway to the river. After the reconnaissance they were to retire to +the right of the Highland brigade, protect it, and leave a party to +watch the outer flank of the artillery. Major-General Pole-Carew, with +two battalions of the 9th brigade (1st battalion Northumberland +Fusiliers and 2nd battalion Northampton), was to move with the 4·7-in. +Naval gun, which from a position west of the railway was to co-operate +with the artillery engaged in the bombardment. Major Rimington, with +his Guides, was to guard the left of this column. On the following +morning (the 11th December) fire was to be re-opened, care being taken +that the guns were not directed against Magersfontein Hill, the point +at which the Highland brigade was to break into the enemy's line. The +camp on the Modder river was to be garrisoned by the half-battalion of +the North Lancashire regiment, by details, and by the greater part of +the Naval brigade, whose four 12-pr. guns were mounted in the works on +the south side of the river. The supply column, with five days' +rations, under the escort of half the Gordon Highlanders, was to move +off at 4 a.m. on the 11th December, and to follow the route taken by +the Highland brigade for two miles. Major-General Colvile, with the +12th Lancers, the 7th company Royal engineers, the Guards' brigade, +with its Bearer company, the Field Hospitals of the Guards' and +Highland brigades, and the ammunition column, by 3 a.m. on the 11th +was to be 500 yards to the left rear of the ground to be occupied by +the brigade division of Field artillery, <i>i.e.</i>, somewhat in rear of +Headquarter Hill.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Wauchope with Methuen, Dec. 9th.</span> + +<p>On Saturday afternoon, December 9th, Major-General Wauchope had a +conversation with Lord Methuen in the hotel which was used for +Headquarters. When he came out he said to Colonel Douglas, Lord +Methuen's Chief Staff Officer: "I do not like the idea of this night +march." Colonel Douglas urged him to see Lord Methuen again and +frankly tell him so. He, however, did not go back again to Lord +Methuen. The written orders for the march were received at General +Wauchope's quarters at 7 a.m. on Sunday morning, December 10th. Later +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page312" name="page312"></a>[p. 312]</span> in the day, Major-General Wauchope assembled the officers +commanding the four battalions of his brigade, and explained to them +the manner in which he proposed to carry out his mission. The brigade +was to form a mass of quarter-columns, the battalions marching in the +following order. The Black Watch was to lead, with the Seaforth and +the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders following in succession. The +Highland Light Infantry was to close up the rear. The deployment from +mass for attack was to be to the left. The Seaforth would thus be on +the left of the Black Watch, the Argyll and Sutherland on the left of +the Seaforth. The Highland Light Infantry was to remain in reserve.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Wauchope issues his orders.</span> + +<span class="sidenote"> Bombardment of Dec. 10th.</span> + +<span class="sidenote"> Metheun sees Wauchope again.</span> + +<p>Late in the afternoon of the 10th December, the preliminary +bombardment took place. The 4·7-in. gun came into action to the west +of the railway, near the Ganger's Hut, two miles and a half north of +Modder River bridge. The Howitzers went to a point near Headquarter +Hill, the three field batteries took up a position somewhat more +forward and to the east. As the artillery was brought into action the +infantry was withdrawn, and the guns shelled Magersfontein Hill for +two hours. At 6.30 p.m. Lord Methuen ordered the fire to cease. Soon +after the bombardment was over he visited General Wauchope at his +quarters. Shortly afterwards he told Colonel Douglas that General +Wauchope thoroughly understood his orders and appeared to be quite +satisfied with the work he had to do. Though his guns had provoked no +reply from the Boers, Lord Methuen felt confident that they had not +only inflicted loss, but had produced considerable moral effect on the +Boer commandos. This, however, was not the case. The fire had but one +important result, that of warning the enemy that an attack was +imminent.</p> + + +<h4><span class="smcap">Orders for Attack on Magersfontein Ridge.</span></h4> + +<p>1. Enemy in occupation of kopjes to N. and N.E. of camp and also high +ground between Modder and Riet rivers.</p> + +<p>2. It is intention of G.O.C. to hold enemy on north, and to deliver an +attack on southern end of Magersfontein ridge (see <a href="#map13">map</a>). On the +afternoon of 10th December the position will be <span class="pagenum"><a id="page313" name="page313"></a>[p. 313]</span> bombarded; +it will be assaulted on the 11th. With this end in view three columns +will be formed.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> No. 1 Column.</span> + +<p>3. No. 1 Column will assemble on ground N.E. of 9th brigade camp at 3 +p.m. on 10th December in following formation:—</p> + +<ul class="none"> +<li>9th Lancers.</li> +<li>Mounted Infantry.</li> +<li>G. Battery R.H.A.</li> +<li>Brigade Division R.F.A. and Howitzer Battery.</li> +<li>Highland Brigade (in mass).</li> +<li>Bearer Company, Highland Brigade.</li> +<li>2nd Yorkshire Light Infantry.</li> +<li>Sec. T.B., R.E.</li> +<li>Balloon Sec. R.E.</li> +</ul> + +<p>The C.R.A. will arrange for a portion of the ammunition column to +accompany this force.</p> + +<p>4. The advance will be directed on the southern end of Magersfontein +ridge.</p> + +<p>5. At 3 p.m. the R.H.A., cavalry and mounted infantry will advance +covering the front from railway to Modder river; the mounted infantry +forming escort to R.H.A. After the reconnaissance the cavalry will +withdraw to the right flank of Highland brigade and protect that +flank, leaving a party to watch the left of artillery.</p> + +<p>6. At 3.10 p.m. the remainder of the column will advance on the +southern end of Magersfontein ridge, keeping well under shelter of +Outpost ridge (concealed from view of enemy) in following order:</p> + +<p>Advance Guard—half-battalion; followed at 2.30 p.m. by +half-battalion, R.F.A., remainder of force (except 2nd Yorkshire L.I.) +in the order of parade.</p> + +<p>7. The R.F.A. will, when within range, open fire on the ridge, +applying to G.O.C. Highland brigade for an escort.</p> + +<p>8. The remainder of column will form up concealed to right rear of +artillery in action.</p> + +<p>9. The 2nd Yorkshire L.I. will proceed from place of assembly along +the northern bank of Modder river (under guidance of <span class="pagenum"><a id="page314" name="page314"></a>[p. 314]</span> +Rimington's Guides) to Bridle Drift<a id="footnotetag199" name="footnotetag199"></a><a href="#footnote199" title="Go to footnote 199"><span class="small">[199]</span></a> four miles up river, where +they will entrench themselves against attack from all +sides—especially from north-east to south.—Entrenching tools to be +carried. Signal communication to be established (if possible) with +Highland brigade, and with Modder River camp.</p> + +<p>10. The Sec. T.B., R.E., will lay a field cable from 9th brigade camp +to Highland brigade as they proceed.</p> + +<p>11. G.O.C. will receive reports at head of main body of Highland +brigade.</p> + +<p>12. Half rations for 11th December will be carried in haversacks; and +half forage for animals on them. These rations and forage not to be +consumed before 11th.</p> + +<p>13. One blanket per man will be carried (rolled by dismounted troops). +Great coats will not be taken, but will be stored in tents or brigade +stores, under charge of details left behind.</p> + +<p>14. Tents will not be struck.</p> + +<p>15. All horses will be watered immediately before starting.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> No. 2 Column.</span> + +<p>16. On the 10th December No. 2 Column, under the command of +Major-General Pole-Carew, C.B., composed of 1 battalion, 9th brigade, +Naval brigade (with 4.7-in. gun), and Rimington's Guides, will +assemble at such hour and place as may be fixed by him, so that the +column will be in position at 4 p.m. to co-operate with No. 1 Column, +making a diversion against Magersfontein ridge (along the railway).</p> + +<p>This force will remain in position on the night of 10th, and will +recommence the bombardment on the morning of 11th; but the fire is <i>on +no account to be directed on the southern end of the ridge which the +infantry will be assaulting</i>.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> No. 3 Column.</span> + +<p>17. No. 3 Column, under command of Major-General Sir H. Colvile, +K.C.M.G., C.B., composed as under, will assemble on the same ground as +No. 1 Column at such hour as the commander will direct, so as to +enable the column to reach 500 yards to the left rear of the R.F.A. +brigade division position (of No. 1 Column) by 3 a.m. on the 11th +December, where the commander will report to an officer of the +Divisional Headquarter Staff sent to meet the column. A Staff Officer +of No. 3 Column will accompany <span class="pagenum"><a id="page315" name="page315"></a>[p. 315]</span> No. 1 Column to ascertain the +position of artillery brigade division.</p> + +<p>The orders regarding great coats, blankets, and tents (paragraphs 13 +and 14) for No. 1 Column will apply to No. 3 Column.</p> + +<p>No. 3 Column will consist of 12th Lancers, No. 7 Field Company R.E., +Guards' brigade, Bearer Company Guards' brigade, Field Hospitals +Guards' and Highland brigades and divisional troops, ammunition +column.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Supply column.</span> + +<p>18. The Supply Column (with five days' rations), escorted by half +Gordon Highlanders, will assemble at the place of assembly of Nos. 1 +and 3 Columns at 4 a.m. on the 11th December, and will follow the +route taken by No. 1 Column for two miles, and await orders.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> General.</span> + +<p>19. The Divisional Signalling Officer will arrange for signalling +communication being kept up between Nos. 1 and 2 Columns on the 10th +December.</p> + +<p>20. Outposts protecting Modder River camp will be taken over by 9th +Brigade at 8 a.m. on 10th December.</p> + +<p>21. No light is to be lit or smoking allowed from 7 p.m. on 10th to 4 +a.m. on 11th.</p> + +<p>22. During the absence of the Lieut.-General Commanding, the command +at Modder River will, after departure of No. 3 Column, devolve on +Major-General Pole-Carew, C.B., details of Nos. 1 and 3 Columns being +attached to 9th brigade.</p> + +<p>23. Arrangements will be made by G.O.C. Cavalry brigade for the care +of all horses belonging to Nos. 1 and 3 Columns left at Modder River. +Horses and men of Divisional Headquarter Staff left behind will be +attached to 9th brigade.</p> + +<p>24. If any of these orders are not understood, a Staff Officer should +attend at Divisional Headquarters.</p> + +<p class="center">By Order,</p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">C. W. Douglas</span>, Col., C.S.O.</p> +<p>Modder River, 10th December, 1899.</p> + +<a id="chap20" name="chap20"></a> +<h3><span class="pagenum"><a id="page316" name="page316"></a>[p. 316]</span> CHAPTER XX.</h3> + +<p class="title">THE BATTLE OF MAGERSFONSTEIN.<a id="footnotetag200" name="footnotetag200"></a><a href="#footnote200" title="Go to footnote 200"><span class="small">[200]</span></a></p> + + +<span class="sidenote"> The 1st Division takes up assigned places, Dec. 10th, for +night march.</span> + +<p>The preliminary movements for the attack on Magersfontein Hill, the +orders for which are given at the end of the last chapter, were duly +executed. Major-General Wauchope's brigade spent the first part of the +night of the 10th December bivouacked near the dam behind Headquarter +Hill. Close to the Highlanders lay the artillery, the 9th Lancers, the +detachment of New South Wales Lancers, the Balloon section, R.E., and +the mounted infantry. The covering outposts were furnished by the +mounted infantry and the Seaforth Highlanders. The brigade of Guards +in the evening crossed the Modder and halted on its northern bank, +while the 12th Lancers remained south of the river until midnight, +when, though originally directed to accompany the brigade of Guards, +they joined the 9th Lancers at their bivouac in accordance with a +later order.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Highland Brigade starts 12.30 a.m. Dec. 11th.</span> + +<p>The night was of a darkness such as might be felt. A drizzle in the +afternoon had been succeeded by pouring rain, and a thunderstorm was +imminent before the start was made. The ground between the bivouac and +Magersfontein Hill was known to be obstructed by boulders, ant-heaps, +and patches of bush. These various conditions strengthened +Major-General Wauchope in his conviction that for the Highland brigade +to advance in any but the most compact formation was impossible. At +12.30 a.m. he therefore marched from his bivouac in mass of +quarter-columns—or in other words in a column of thirty<a id="footnotetag201" name="footnotetag201"></a><a href="#footnote201" title="Go to footnote 201"><span class="small">[201]</span></a> +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page317" name="page317"></a>[p. 317]</span> companies, one behind the other. To minimise the chances of +loss of connection during the night, the ranks were closed up as +densely as possible, and each soldier was ordered to grasp the +clothing of his neighbour. As an additional precaution, the left +guides (<i>i.e.</i>, the non-commissioned officers on the left of each +company) held ropes which ran from front to rear of the mass. At the +head of the column was Major-General Wauchope with part of his staff, +all afoot. The mounted officers' horses were led by grooms in rear. +Major Benson, D.A.A.G., during his reconnaissances of the enemy's +position, had taken the compass bearing of Magersfontein Hill, and to +him was assigned the duty of guiding the troops to the foot of this +kopje, towards which the march was made. On the directing flank, the +brigade-major, Lt.-Colonel J. S. Ewart, continually passed up and +down, having the names of the officers repeated to him in an +undertone, so that he might identify the several companies, and see +that they were not losing close touch.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The Highland Brigade night march.</span> + +<p>To maintain regularity in the march occasional short halts were +necessary; but at 2 a.m. there was a more serious check. The +torrential rain had clogged Major Benson's compass, and he became +uncertain whether the column had not trended away towards the left. +Major-General Wauchope sent back for Lieutenant-Colonel Ewart. After a +brief consultation, a slight change of direction to the right was +made. In daylight and on a level parade ground this is a very simple +matter; but in darkness and during a South African tempest, it was by +no means easy. The inclination to the right was given to the column. +The advance was resumed. Nothing else occurred seriously to retard +progress until, just as the top of Magersfontein Hill was first made +visible by the lightning, a growth of mimosa bush brought the brigade +to a standstill. Major-General Wauchope, had already decided to +deploy. To hasten this, he himself led the Black Watch in single file +through the bush, and desired Lieutenant-Colonel Ewart to guide the +remainder of the brigade round the obstruction. The three battalions +in rear, easily avoiding the small patch of thorny shrubs, rejoined +more quickly than had been expected, and soon fell into their proper +places. <span class="pagenum"><a id="page318" name="page318"></a>[p. 318]</span> When the brigade-major reported their arrival, +Major-General Wauchope issued instructions for deployment on the Black +Watch, but not in the same order of battalions as he had laid down on +the previous day.<a id="footnotetag202" name="footnotetag202"></a><a href="#footnote202" title="Go to footnote 202"><span class="small">[202]</span></a> The Seaforth Highlanders were now to come up on +the left, the Argyll and Sutherland on the right, of the battalion of +formation. Major-General Wauchope had originally intended that both +the Seaforth and the Argyll and Sutherland should prolong the left of +the Black Watch, each having two companies in the firing line, two in +support and four in reserve. According to this design the twelve +reserve companies were to have been formed in two ranks, and were to +have occupied approximately the same space from flank to flank as that +covered by the six companies in the firing line. The Highland Light +Infantry was intended to act as the reserve to the brigade. The +presumption is that he changed his plan at the last moment, in the +hope of ensuring that his right should completely overlap the eastern +flank of Magersfontein Hill.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> 4 a.m. the Boers smite the brigade in the act of deploying. +The consequent rush forward.</span> + +<p>At about 4 a.m., almost before the officers commanding battalions had +issued executive orders for the deployment, a well-sustained fire from +the Boer trenches a few hundred yards away, at the foot of +Magersfontein Hill, was suddenly poured into the serried ranks of the +Highlanders. The brigade was thus assailed at a most inopportune +moment, when in the act of changing from mass of quarter-columns into +fighting formation, a manœuvre which under the most favourable +circumstances always requires time. To carry it out under the close +range of magazine rifles was impossible. By a common impulse, such +officers and men as were able to extricate themselves from the mass +rushed towards the enemy. In the confusion caused by the unexpected +bullets, and by the partial disintegration of the column, due to the +onward dash, battalions became intermixed, and regular formation, +though not discipline, was lost. Though the dull grey of early dawn +nearly put a stop to all supervision, though the Major-General, while +leading the two foremost companies of the Black Watch,<a id="footnotetag203" name="footnotetag203"></a><a href="#footnote203" title="Go to footnote 203"><span class="small">[203]</span></a> was almost +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page319" name="page319"></a>[p. 319]</span> instantly shot dead, and no one knew who was present to +assume the chief command—the crowd pushed forward. A mixed body of +soldiers from various battalions succeeded in making their way to +within 200 or 300 yards of the enemy. Then, unable to advance further, +they flung themselves on the ground behind such scanty cover as there +was, and opened fire. In the centre of the group were many of the +Black Watch. Lieutenant-Colonel G. L. J. Goff, who commanded the +Argyll and Sutherland, was killed, but his officers and men came up, +some on the left, some on the right. Lieut.-Colonel J. W. +Hughes-Hallett, in accordance with his instructions, brought the +greater portion of the Seaforth towards the right. Such was, broadly +speaking, the character of the movement, though all were greatly +intermixed. The result was that Magersfontein Hill, originally +assigned as the object to be assailed, had now an irregular line of +Highlanders in the plain at its foot, lapping round its eastern +extremity and spreading somewhat to the west of it. Those of the +Highland Light Infantry who had not joined the men in front, extended +as a reserve in rear.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The course of The Highlanders' attempt on Magersfontein +Hill.</span> + +<p>The Scandinavians, posted on the level ground at the junction of the +Boer left and centre, had, from the first, enfiladed the British +troops. When some of the Highlanders came round the foot of the hill +the opposing forces were at close quarters. The Scandinavian commando, +resisting bravely, was destroyed by mixed detachments as they pressed +onwards. Having thus succeeded in getting round the key of the whole +position, Magersfontein Hill itself, these composite parties several +times attempted to storm it. Some ninety or a hundred of the Black +Watch, under Captain W. Macfarlan, made some progress up its steep +slopes. A body composed of Seaforth and Black Watch, perhaps a hundred +in all, under Lieut. R. S. Wilson, was also struggling upwards, as was +Lieutenant E. Cox, with another party of the Seaforth. It was now +daylight, and the British artillery, knowing that the Highland brigade +had sustained a check, and unaware that their comrades were on the +kopje, scourged the Boer position with shrapnel. Some of the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page320" name="page320"></a>[p. 320]</span> +shells burst over the assailants. Though, owing to this mischance, the +rest of the stormers could not advance further, the men under +Lieutenant Wilson, probably less exposed to the guns, pressed onwards +till they were unfortunately taken in flank. Cronje, who had been +sleeping at a farm six miles from the centre of his line, was aroused +by the sound of battle, and galloping to the hill, chanced to arrive +at this moment. The rifles of his escort suddenly smiting Wilson's men +from an unexpected direction at short range, checked them and possibly +changed the issue of the day. At the same time Boers from the northern +end of their left wing, who had hurried up to fill the gap caused by +the destruction of the Scandinavians, between the low ridge and the +hill, opened upon Wilson's detachment from the rear. Thus assailed +from two quarters at once, the attack withered away and all fell back. +Some were captured; the remainder made good their retreat to the right +of the brigade. The Boers, following up this success, pressed the +right wing of the most advanced Highlanders in flank, and gradually +drove it back.<a id="footnotetag204" name="footnotetag204"></a><a href="#footnote204" title="Go to footnote 204"><span class="small">[204]</span></a> The brigade came to a halt, and, although the +greater part of the Highland Light Infantry was brought up on the +right by Lt.-Colonel H. R. Kelham, no further progress could be made. +The front line was now dissolved into groups of men, who lay grimly +under the storm of bullets poured upon them by the well-concealed +riflemen four or five hundred yards away. Then followed from time to +time a series of gallant but spasmodic efforts by successive +detachments, who attempted to storm as opportunity offered. Senior +regimental officers led some of these; subalterns rushed forward with +others, but all were equally unsuccessful. As soon as they moved they +were fully exposed to a hail of lead, and after a short rush were +arrested under close fire by the wire fence which ran across the +central defences. Not a few as they attempted to struggle through it +were caught by their clothes and accoutrements, and held there, +targets for the defenders. The burghers who manned the trenches, +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page321" name="page321"></a>[p. 321]</span> though greatly harassed by the artillery, were therefore +still able to hold their own against the troops who faced them, and +the attack was brought to a complete standstill. For many hours this +situation continued. The wearied soldiers remained, fasting and +without water, exposed to the blazing sun of a South African +midsummer's day and pinned to the ground by an unseen enemy.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The artillery saves the brigade, and with other corps, the +division.</span> + +<p>The accurate and well sustained shooting of the artillery now saved +the brigade from destruction. The resolute action of the cavalry and +mounted infantry, of the brigade of Guards, and of the Yorkshire Light +Infantry on the right, prevented the reverse from becoming a disaster +for the whole division. The Naval 4·7-in. gun, under Captain +Bearcroft, R.N., with two officers and 80 men, occupied the same +ground as during the bombardment of the 10th, the ground, namely, on +the west of the railway near the Ganger's Hut. To its right front was +the Howitzer battery, while the three field batteries came into action +to the north-east of Headquarter Hill, at a range of 2,000 yards. +Their first target was Magersfontein Hill, on which they opened about +4.50 a.m., as soon as they could see to lay their guns, but the +officers, soon realising that the Boers were holding, not the kopje +itself, but trenches cut at its foot, reduced their range to 1,700 +yards, with the result that the volume of the enemy's fire sensibly +decreased. Half an hour later the officer commanding the artillery, +Lieutenant-Colonel Hall, pushed the 18th battery to within 1,400 yards +of the entrenchments, and shortly afterwards supported it with the +62nd battery. There these two batteries continued in action for the +rest of the day and, thanks to a slight swell in the ground in front +of the guns and to a favourable background, with exceedingly small +loss. The 75th, which had been supporting the bombardment of the +trenches by the other two batteries, was despatched between 9 and 10 +a.m. to reinforce G. battery Royal Horse artillery, whose movements +will now be recorded.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Babington's mounted column on the east.</span> + +<p>Shortly before 4 a.m. Major-General J. M. Babington led the 12th +Lancers, with G. battery and the greater part of the mounted infantry, +to the eastward, hoping to turn the enemy's <span class="pagenum"><a id="page322" name="page322"></a>[p. 322]</span> left flank. In a +few minutes the sudden roar from the trenches warned him that fighting +had begun, and soon afterwards his patrols were shot at from the low +ridge which stretches from Magersfontein Hill to the Modder. He +accordingly ordered G. battery to shell this ridge from the ground +shown on the map, No. <a href="#map13">13</a>. In twenty minutes, the defenders had been at +least temporarily silenced. About the time that G. battery opened +Major-General Babington sent the 9th Lancers also eastwards, with +instructions to force their way along the river to Brown's Drift and +thus turn the enemy's left. Very early in the morning they reached +Moss Drift, but their repeated efforts to advance further up the +Modder were beaten back by musketry. While G. battery was employed +against the low ridge, it became evident to Major-General Babington +that the Highlanders not only had failed to carry the Magersfontein +heights, but that they required instant reinforcement. He accordingly +desired Major R. Bannatine-Allason, the battery commander, to move +north-east over the scrubby ground, and not to come into action until +he was stopped by the bullets or could get a clear view of what was +going on at the front. The battery, with an escort of 12th Lancers and +mounted infantry, advanced at a trot, and its commander, having +obtained information from scattered Highlanders, pushed on towards the +low knoll called on the map Horse Artillery Hill, the name by which it +became known during the battle. Whilst the wire fence<a id="footnotetag205" name="footnotetag205"></a><a href="#footnote205" title="Go to footnote 205"><span class="small">[205]</span></a> which ran +sixty or seventy yards to the south of Horse Artillery Hill was being +cut to clear the way the battery came under infantry fire.<a id="footnotetag206" name="footnotetag206"></a><a href="#footnote206" title="Go to footnote 206"><span class="small">[206]</span></a> The +commander, on reconnoitring the knoll in preparation for the battery, +decided to run the guns up by hand and place them on the reverse +slope.<a id="footnotetag207" name="footnotetag207"></a><a href="#footnote207" title="Go to footnote 207"><span class="small">[207]</span></a> Having taken up this situation he was able to continue in +action there for twenty-four hours with the loss of only four men. The +selected spot was 2,200 yards from the Boer trenches at the foot of +Magersfontein Hill, and 1,400 yards from the low ridge, which was a +few feet higher than Horse Artillery Hill. In consequence of the +position <span class="pagenum"><a id="page323" name="page323"></a>[p. 323]</span> being on the reverse slope there was, between the +hill on which the guns were, and the low ridge, "dead ground." That is +to say, that no shells from the battery could reach the space which +lay nearest in the valley below. Therefore, on the one hand, this +could be safely occupied by protecting troops, and on the other, +unless some were there, the Boers could almost without risk have +assailed the battery and perhaps have carried it by surprise. Before +Major Allason's arrival there were on this dead ground many of the +Highland brigade. Very soon after G. battery opened fire these men +were reinforced by part of two dismounted squadrons of the 12th +Lancers under Lieut.-Colonel the Earl of Airlie, who passed between +the guns, and by parties of mounted infantry who came up on the right +under Major P. W. A. A. Milton. During the early hours of the morning, +Major Allason distributed his shells over the trenches at the foot of +Magersfontein Hill and along the low ridge down to the river; but on +the arrival of the 75th battery R.F.A. on his left, the target was +divided. From that time, the 75th ranged upon the Magersfontein +trenches and the northern end of the low ridge, while the Horse +artillery battery kept down the musketry from its centre and south.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The night-march of the Guards and their entry into the +fight.</span> + +<p>At 1 a.m. the brigade of Guards fell in and moved towards its +rendezvous, near the previous bivouac of the Highland brigade; the two +battalions of the Coldstream were followed by the Grenadiers and the +Scots Guards. Owing to the extreme darkness of the night, the storm, +and difficulties similar to those experienced by Major-General +Wauchope's brigade, connection was not maintained in the rear half of +the column. The battalion of Scots Guards, in consequence of some +confusion during the march, which they attribute to the fact that two +companies of the regiment in front of them had lost connection, became +detached from the column, and therefore halted till dawn. The two +companies in question went on to the place ordered, but the Scots +Guards marched to Headquarters, where they were detailed to act as +escort to the Howitzers and Field artillery, and did not rejoin their +brigade until the 12th. The three other battalions pushed on to the +rendezvous which they reached <span class="pagenum"><a id="page324" name="page324"></a>[p. 324]</span> about half an hour before the +Boers opened on the Highlanders. After Lord Methuen had realised that +the attack had failed, he ordered Major-General Colvile to occupy the +often mentioned low ridge, but to avoid committing himself to a +decisive engagement. Keeping the Grenadiers as a general reserve, +Major-General Colvile directed the two battalions of Coldstream, the +1st on the right, the 2nd on the left, towards Horse Artillery Hill. +The 2nd battalion moved in echelon from the right with four half +companies in the firing line, four half companies in support, and four +companies in reserve. The 1st battalion was in much the same +formation, but being on the immediately exposed flank, took the +precaution of posting two companies in echelon on the right rear. As +the brigade approached the low ridge it was seen that the 1st +battalion was in danger of being enfiladed. The direction was +accordingly changed to the right; and, as the new line of advance +would necessarily carry the brigade to the south of Horse Artillery +Hill and therefore connection with the Highland brigade would not be +established, unless special provision for it were made, Major H. G. D. +Shute was ordered to move half his company of the 2nd Coldstream to +the left, to keep touch with Major-General Wauchope's right. This +half-company reached Horse Artillery Hill, and passing the battery, +pushed forward against the ridge about the same time as Major Milton +with his mounted infantry and the dismounted 12th Lancers entered the +dead ground in front of the guns. At about 6 a.m. Major-General +Colvile was ordered to reinforce the right of the Highland brigade, +and accordingly sent forward the 2nd battalion of the Coldstream. +Several hours later he also sent two companies of the 1st battalion to +strengthen this part of the line. Lt.-Colonel the Hon. A. H. +Henniker-Major, who commanded the 2nd battalion of the Coldstream +Guards, received urgent appeals for help from the dismounted Lancers +and mounted infantry, then hotly engaged at very short range with the +enemy, who were hidden behind the bush and boulders on the northern +end of the low ridge. In order to enable them to retain this ground, +so important because of the protection <span class="pagenum"><a id="page325" name="page325"></a>[p. 325]</span> its possession by +infantry afforded to the two batteries on the hill behind it, he was +compelled to send almost half of his battalion to their assistance. +Later in the day the 12th Lancers and M.I. were withdrawn. From that +time onwards, the portion of the 2nd Coldstream occupied the place +hitherto held by these mounted troops, and remained there until the +next morning; the rest of the 2nd Coldstream was more to the right, +and like the 1st battalion, which prolonged the line towards the +river, was engaged against the enemy's left wing until nightfall. +During the course of the day two companies of the Grenadiers were sent +up to reinforce the firing line, and to connect the 1st and 2nd +battalions of the Coldstream.<a id="footnotetag208" name="footnotetag208"></a><a href="#footnote208" title="Go to footnote 208"><span class="small">[208]</span></a> Many of the Guards, the dismounted +cavalry, and the mounted infantry, were fighting all day at +exceedingly short range. In some cases barely 100 yards separated the +skirmishers from the Boer riflemen, but Major-General Colvile had not +sufficient strength to push home a decisive attack upon the ridge, +even had his instructions not forbidden him to do so.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Lt.-Col. Barter and Major Little at Voetpads, Moss Drift +and elsewhere.</span> + +<p>The right bank of the Modder was guarded by the King's Own Yorkshire +Light Infantry. Early in the morning their commanding officer, +Lt.-Colonel C. St. L. Barter, whilst holding the works he had thrown +up at Voetpads Drift, ascertained that a commando was passing along +the left bank down stream towards Moss Drift, thereby threatening to +turn the right of the Guards' brigade. Though the letter of his orders +limited him to the defence of Voetpads Drift, he, on his own +responsibility, marched up the river with five companies towards Moss +Drift.<a id="footnotetag209" name="footnotetag209"></a><a href="#footnote209" title="Go to footnote 209"><span class="small">[209]</span></a> Owing to the severity of the Boer fire, the K.O.Y.L.I. +failed to reach this ford; yet their presence not only frustrated the +outflanking movement, but checked an intended demonstration on the +left bank, and set free two of the three squadrons of the 9th Lancers, +who, unable to make headway on horseback, had been fighting +dismounted. Major M. O. Little, who was thus released for more +suitable service, left one squadron to connect the K.O.Y.L.I. with the +right of the 1st Coldstream, and led the remainder of his <span class="pagenum"><a id="page326" name="page326"></a>[p. 326]</span> +regiment to the neighbourhood of Horse Artillery Hill, where they +remained until ordered back to support the extreme right flank.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Fresh troops available up to 7 a.m. Dec. 11th.</span> + +<p>Though the early failure of the attack had compelled Lord Methuen to +throw the Guards, his reserve, into the fight almost from its +beginning, a considerable number of his troops had not been engaged up +to 7 a.m. <span class="sidenote"> Pole-Carew's dispositions.</span> +Major-General R. Pole-Carew, to whom had been entrusted the +double duty of guarding the camp and, without seriously committing +himself, of demonstrating along the railway line, had disposed of his +men in the following manner. The Headquarters of his brigade (the +9th), with the Northumberland Fusiliers and three companies of the 2nd +Northamptonshire regiment, were near the railway. The other five +companies of the Northampton remained in the camp, which was further +protected to the north-west by outposts of the half-battalion of the +Loyal North Lancashire regiment. Two companies of Royal Munster +Fusiliers guarded the armoured train. Besides these, three companies +of the Royal engineers and about 240 of the Naval brigade with four +12-pounder 12-cwt. Naval guns were available to man the works if +necessity should arise. Close to Headquarter Hill six companies of the +Scots Guards lay in rear of the field guns as their escort. <span class="sidenote"> Lt.-Col. Downman leads half of Gordons to support Highland +brigade.</span> +A wing of +the Gordon Highlanders, under Lt.-Colonel G. T. F. Downman, detached +by Lord Methuen's orders from the original duty assigned to the +battalion, that of convoying the transport of the division, was also +at hand. On his arrival at Headquarter Hill, Lieutenant-Colonel +Downman was ordered to march this half-battalion towards the extreme +eastern point of Magersfontein Hill and to despatch a message to +Lieutenant-Colonel F. Macbean, who was in charge of the rear wing, +telling him to leave one company with the convoy and hasten with three +companies to Headquarters.<a id="footnotetag210" name="footnotetag210"></a><a href="#footnote210" title="Go to footnote 210"><span class="small">[210]</span></a><span class="sidenote"> He is joined by Lt.-Col. Macbean and three more companies.</span> + When within 2,200 yards of the enemy +Lieutenant-Colonel Downman extended, and in successive waves of +skirmishers passed through various parties of the Highland brigade. In +this formation he pressed forward until the leading line of the Gordon +was within 290 paces of the Boers, when further advance became +impossible, and a <span class="pagenum"><a id="page327" name="page327"></a>[p. 327]</span> halt was ordered.<a id="footnotetag211" name="footnotetag211"></a><a href="#footnote211" title="Go to footnote 211"><span class="small">[211]</span></a> The supporting +skirmishers also halted, and joined the groups which were nearest to +them. The movement of these reinforcements across the plain attracted +the enemy's attention and caused a recrudescence of his fire, which +had been dying down. When the three companies of the rear +half-battalion reached Headquarter Hill they were sent to report to +Major-General Babington, then at Horse Artillery Hill. Finding that he +was not required there, Lieutenant-Colonel Macbean rejoined the +remainder of his corps.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> A grave misunderstanding takes Highlanders to rear of +guns.</span> + +<p>About 1 p.m. the Boers began to outflank the right and right rear of +the Highland brigade. Colonel Hughes-Hallett, Seaforth Highlanders, +who was on this side of the line, thereupon gave orders to the men +near him, intending to throw back the flank so as to meet the +threatened attack. Colonel Downman, Gordon Highlanders, who was in the +centre, seeing what was Colonel Hughes-Hallett's intention, raised +himself to give to those in his neighbourhood the necessary directions +for its execution. He at once fell mortally wounded. The officers +strove hard to effect an orderly change of front; but their signals +were misconstrued by many of the rank and file, who began to retire. +First the right gave way; then at about 1.30 p.m. the movement became +general and, covered by a very rapid and well aimed hail of shells +from the Field artillery against the works at the foot of +Magersfontein Hill, nearly all the Highlanders who were immediately in +front of the Boers, gradually and with considerable loss, ebbed away +to the guns. The men were reformed at about 3.30 p.m. in rear of the +18th and 62nd batteries.<a id="footnotetag212" name="footnotetag212"></a><a href="#footnote212" title="Go to footnote 212"><span class="small">[212]</span></a> Some groups, however, perhaps altogether +amounting to two or three hundred officers and men, held on <span class="pagenum"><a id="page328" name="page328"></a>[p. 328]</span> +where they were till nightfall. <span class="sidenote"> Scots Guards protect dispersed Highlanders.</span> +As soon as Lord Methuen saw the +situation, he sent forward the only formed unit that was near enough +to the much dispersed troops to cover their retirement. This was that +body of six companies of Scots Guards which had been detailed to act +in support of the Field artillery. Passing through the broken ranks +they halted about 1,500 yards from Magersfontein Hill.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> A lost battle.</span> + +<p>The unfortunate incidents of the early morning had gravely compromised +Lord Methuen's battle array. The attack on the key of the enemy's +position, on the success of which his later combinations depended, had +failed. The brigade employed in it had fallen back with heavy loss, +and was for the moment not available for further employment. Of the +three battalions of Guards left to Major-General Colvile, two were +fully engaged in holding the right of the British line; the third, or +reserve battalion, could not be withdrawn from their support. +Major-General Pole-Carew's brigade was so weakened by the absence of +the K.O.Y.L.I., who were keeping the enemy back at Moss Drift, and by +the number of troops retained in the neighbourhood of the camp for its +defence, that it could not be called upon for reinforcements. To +oppose the centre of the Boer line Lord Methuen had to rely entirely +upon his guns, and on the battalion of Scots Guards which formed their +escort. The greater part of his cavalry was fighting dismounted in the +bush on his right flank, and of other infantry immediately available +he had none. Fortunately the Boers were unenterprising. After rapid +shooting at the Highlanders, while they were retreating, the hostile +musketry practically ceased, though against the right flank heavy +bursts of spasmodic energy occasionally broke out, notably at 5.30, +when for a short time it appeared as though an attack threatened +Major-General Colvile's brigade. As the afternoon wore on, it became +possible to withdraw the cavalry from their dismounted duties, and, +although the enemy suddenly opened fire with their guns and pom-poms, +these did but little damage before they were silenced by the British +artillery. Yet some shells fell among the Highland brigade during its +reorganisation behind the field batteries, and it was <span class="pagenum"><a id="page329" name="page329"></a>[p. 329]</span> found +necessary to remove it to the original bivouac, which was well out of +range.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Arrangements for night of Dec. 11th.</span> + +<p>At nightfall the 75th battery was transferred from Horse Artillery +Hill to the left of the 18th battery. The guns of the brigade +division, and of G. battery R.H.A., which was left on Horse Artillery +Hill, were kept ready for instant action all night. The Scots Guards +established outposts within 1,100 yards of Magersfontein Hill, and the +2nd Coldstream continued to hold the ground they had gained during the +day's fighting. The mounted troops were withdrawn to the river, and +such of the Guards' brigade as were not on outpost bivouacked on the +field.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The part of 9th brigade and use of the balloon on Dec. +11th.</span> + +<p>The 9th brigade were unable to play any important part in the battle. +Major-General Pole-Carew, hampered by the necessity of leaving a +considerable body of men to guard the camp, could only demonstrate +along the railway in small force. This feint caused Cronje no anxiety, +and did not prevent him from withdrawing many of the Potchefstroom +commando from his right to strengthen his left during the action. The +officer in charge of the balloon, despite a strong wind which impeded +his operations, observed and reported this movement. He also informed +Lord Methuen of the gradual trickling back of the Highlanders, and of +the arrival of reinforcements for the enemy from Spytfontein and the +north-east. Thanks also to the help of the balloon, the howitzer +battery obtained the range of Boer ponies, concealed behind the low +ridge, and accounted for more than 200 of them.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> British and Boer losses.</span> + +<p>The British casualties amounted in all to 22 officers and 188 other +ranks killed, 46 officers and 629 other ranks wounded, and 1 officer +and 62 other ranks missing. Of this total the Highland brigade lost 15 +officers killed and 30 wounded, 173 other ranks killed, 529 wounded +and missing. Among the battalions engaged the Black Watch suffered +most severely: 7 officers were killed, and 11 wounded; 86 men were +killed, and 199 wounded. The Boers are believed to have lost 87 killed +and 188 wounded.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Dec. 12th. Lord Methuen decides to fall back to Modder.</span> + +<p>Soon after daylight on the 12th, Lord Methuen made a personal +reconnaissance. He hoped to find that, as at Modder river, the Boers +had withdrawn before dawn. His own <span class="pagenum"><a id="page330" name="page330"></a>[p. 330]</span> observations confirmed +reports he had received during the night, showing that the ground was +still strongly held. Major R. N. R. Reade, his intelligence officer, +accompanied by a colonial scout named Harding, making his way across +the battlefield, had investigated the Boer trenches, and found them +occupied. A patrol from the Scots Guards had been received with many +shots from the foot of Magersfontein Hill. The General then summoned +his brigadiers and the Headquarter Staff to discuss the situation. +Major-General Colvile suggested that the troops should continue to +retain what had been gained; but Lord Methuen, agreeing with the +remainder of his subordinates who took a different view, gave orders +for a retirement to the Modder River camp at noon. He left the +execution of the operation to Major-General Colvile.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The gathering in of the wounded.</span> + +<p>While the dead and wounded were being gathered in, a messenger, +bearing a flag of truce from the Boers, arrived at the outposts of the +Scots Guards to say that the British might send ambulances for those +who were lying near the foot of Magersfontein Hill. This was done, and +the Royal Army Medical Corps worked side by side with the Boer +doctors. For a moment this unofficial armistice was broken by the fire +of a gun. The officer in charge of it had not been informed of the +suspension of hostilities. A medical officer was sent with an apology, +explaining the incident, and the labour of mercy proceeded unhindered.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The retreat carried out by 4 p.m. Dec. 12th/99.</span> + +<p>When the truce was over, a rearguard, composed of the cavalry brigade +and mounted infantry, G. battery R.H.A., and the 62nd Field battery, +the Guards' brigade and the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, was +detailed to cover the retreat. The enemy's guns, which during the +battle had been notably silent, sent a few shells after the column, +but they were soon stopped by the batteries of the rearguard, and by +the 4·7-in. gun, which fired 50 rounds during the 12th. By 4 p.m. Lord +Methuen's division, not otherwise molested, was once more collected +round Modder River station.</p> + +<hr> + +<p class="quote"> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page331" name="page331"></a>[p. 331]</span> The successful choice of the reverse slope at Horse + Artillery Hill by Major Allason raises a point of considerable + interest. During the war of 1870 the Germans habitually preferred + the slope facing their enemy. Though as yet we have not had + sufficient details as to the action of the Japanese to enable us + to draw definite conclusions, it is practically certain that they + will, at least at first, have followed their German instructors + in this matter. Yet the two experiences, those of Magersfontein + and of the greater wars, are not really in conflict. The reason + of the selection of the forward slope during these was that when + the battles began the two opposed artilleries were engaged + against one another. The shell taking the curve of the hill was + found to produce deadly effects both upon the guns, when placed + on the reverse slopes, and on the limbers and wagons in rear. The + target for the hostile layers against those placed on the slope + nearest to them was much more difficult. Moreover, the Germans + wished to be able to depend on the arm itself for the protection + of its immediate front. For that purpose it was essential that + the guns should be able to cover with their shells all the ground + that lay before them: there must be no "dead ground." But at + Magersfontein the Boer artillery was insignificant, the rifle + fire exact and deadly. The circumstances therefore bore no + analogy to one another, and Major Allason's judgment was + unquestionably right. The infantry were not about to carry out + any aggressive movement, and could without injury to the conduct + of the whole operation occupy the "dead ground," and so render + the position safe. Furthermore, the long array of the guns of a + vast army affords very much more security for the artillery front + than is given to a solitary battery which could be approached + much more easily by skirmishers, so that some independent + guardians were needed. It would, however, be a misfortune if this + example were taken as one of general application under conditions + different from those of this particular day.</p> + + +<a id="chap21" name="chap21"></a> +<h3><span class="pagenum"><a id="page332" name="page332"></a>[p. 332]</span> CHAPTER XXI.</h3> + +<p class="title">SIR REDVERS BULLER IN FACE OF COLENSO.<a id="footnotetag213" name="footnotetag213"></a><a href="#footnote213" title="Go to footnote 213"><span class="small">[213]</span></a></p> + + +<span class="sidenote"> Sir Redvers, 25th Nov./99, to 6th Dec./99, in Natal.</span> + +<p>Sir Redvers Buller reached Durban on 25th November. He was greeted by +the good news that the invaders were falling back from Mooi river, +that Lord Methuen had driven the Boers from Belmont and Graspan, and +that Generals French and Gatacre were holding their own at Naauwpoort +and Queenstown. He spent a few days at Maritzburg in inspecting this +advanced base of the Natal army, and in directing preparations for the +reception of a large number of wounded. He then pushed on to Frere, +reaching that place on 6th December. The enemy's raiding columns had +now retired across the Tugela, and by the 9th a well-equipped British +force of all three arms was concentrated at Frere. <span class="sidenote"> The force available for him at Frere.</span> +The mounted +brigade, commanded by Colonel the Earl of Dundonald, consisted of the +Royal Dragoons, 13th Hussars, Thorneycroft's and Bethune's +newly-raised regiments of mounted infantry, the South African Light +Horse, also only just enlisted and brought round from Cape Town, a +squadron of the Imperial Light Horse, detachments of the Natal +Carbineers and Natal Police, and one company of British mounted +infantry. The Naval brigade, commanded by Capt. E. P. Jones, H.M.S. +<i>Forte</i>, was composed of detachments (or landing parties) from H.M.S. +<i>Terrible</i>, <i>Forte</i>, and <i>Tartar</i>; to it were attached the Natal Naval +Volunteers; its armament consisted of two 4.7-in. and fourteen 12-pr. +12-cwt. guns. The Field artillery consisted of the 1st brigade +division (7th, 14th, and 66th batteries) under Lt.-Col. H. V. Hunt, +and the 2nd brigade division (64th and <span class="pagenum"><a id="page333" name="page333"></a>[p. 333]</span> 73rd<a id="footnotetag214" name="footnotetag214"></a><a href="#footnote214" title="Go to footnote 214"><span class="small">[214]</span></a>) under +Lt.-Col. L. W. Parsons. The infantry formed four brigades: the 2nd +brigade, under Major-General H. J. T. Hildyard, consisting of the 2nd +Royal West Surrey, 2nd Devonshire, 2nd West Yorkshire, and 2nd East +Surrey; the 4th brigade, under Major-General the Hon. N. G. Lyttelton, +comprising 2nd Scottish Rifles, 3rd King's Royal Rifle Corps, 1st +Durham Light Infantry, and 1st Rifle Brigade; the 5th brigade, under +Major-General A. FitzRoy Hart, composed of 1st Royal Inniskilling +Fusiliers, 1st Border, 1st Connaught Rangers, and 2nd Royal Dublin +Fusiliers; the 6th brigade, under Major-General G. Barton, formed of +the 2nd Royal Fusiliers, 2nd Royal Scots Fusiliers, 1st Royal Welsh +Fusiliers, and 2nd Royal Irish Fusiliers. The 17th company R.E. and A. +Pontoon troop were with the command.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Tabular statement of strength.</span> + +<p>The following table shows the approximate strength of the force:—</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" summary="Approximate strength of the force."> +<colgroup> + <col width="25%"> + <col width="13%"> + <col width="13%"> + <col width="13%"> + <col width="9%"> + <col width="9%"> + <col width="9%"> + <col width="9%"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td rowspan="2" class="center">Arms.</td> +<td rowspan="2" class="right">Officers.</td> +<td rowspan="2" class="right">Other Ranks.</td> +<td rowspan="2" class="right">Horses, Riding & Draught.</td> +<td colspan="4" class="center">Guns</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="right">Naval. 4·7-in.</td> +<td class="right">Naval. 12-pr.</td> +<td class="right">Field 15-pr.</td> +<td class="right">Machine.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="8"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td>Staff</td> +<td class="right">34</td> +<td class="right">137</td> +<td class="right">123</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Naval brigade</td> +<td class="right">31</td> +<td class="right">297</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="right">2</td> +<td class="right">12</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Mounted Troops</td> +<td class="right">126</td> +<td class="right">2,561</td> +<td class="right">2,700</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">2</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Royal Artillery</td> +<td class="right">39</td> +<td class="right">1,074</td> +<td class="right">869</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">30</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Royal Engineers</td> +<td class="right">14</td> +<td class="right">419</td> +<td class="right">255</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Infantry(4 brigades)</td> +<td class="right">416</td> +<td class="right">13,521</td> +<td class="right">716</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">16</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>A.S. Corps</td> +<td class="right">16</td> +<td class="right">217</td> +<td class="right">550</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>R.A.M. Corps</td> +<td class="right">30</td> +<td class="right">464</td> +<td class="right">336</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="8"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td class="center">Total</td> +<td class="right">706</td> +<td class="right">18,672</td> +<td class="right">5,555</td> +<td class="right">2</td> +<td class="right">12</td> +<td class="right">30</td> +<td class="right">18</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><span class="sidenote"> On line of communication.</span> +Two battalions of regular infantry (the 1st Royal Dublin Fusiliers and +the 2nd Somerset Light Infantry), and three Colonial corps (the Natal +Royal Rifles, the Durban Light Infantry and the Imperial Light +Infantry), with four Naval 12-pounders, manned by detachments from +H.M.S. <i>Philomel</i> and <i>Forte</i>, and the Natal Field battery, held the +line of communication with Durban.</p> + +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page334" name="page334"></a>[p. 334]</span> <span class="sidenote"> Method of issuing orders.</span> + +<p>Although Sir Redvers Buller had assumed personal command, it was +arranged that, in the absence of the Headquarter staff, his orders +should be issued by the divisional staff of Lieutenant-General Sir C. +F. Clery, who had hitherto been the senior officer south of the +Tugela.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Boers in the Natal region Dec. 6th-Dec. 14th.</span> + +<p>In the chapter dealing with the constitution of the Boer army, it has +been pointed out that any statement of the strength of a Boer force at +a particular period is quite misleading, if regarded like a formal +"daily state" of a European force in the field. Subject to this +reservation, the aggregate strength of the original commandos, which +invaded Natal on the outbreak of war, has already been assessed at +23,500, and it has been stated that Transvaal reinforcements, +amounting to some 3,000 men, had subsequently been added; but this +increase was reduced by the departure at the end of November of three +Free State commandos to oppose Lord Methuen's advance on Kimberley. +The commandos remaining in Natal were, moreover, much weakened by the +practice of burghers returning to their farms to visit their families +without leave, and, although some Natal Dutchmen had been commandeered +to take up arms, the total Boer forces actually serving in Natal at +this period did not probably much exceed 20,000 men. A detachment of +800 was at Helpmakaar,<a id="footnotetag215" name="footnotetag215"></a><a href="#footnote215" title="Go to footnote 215"><span class="small">[215]</span></a> watching the Tugela Ferry and the western +frontier of Zululand, from which, throughout the middle of the month, +the Boer Intelligence department expected an attack. Another +detachment of 500 piqueted the river from the Tugela Ferry up to +Colenso. To the west four commandos were stationed near Potgieters and +Skiet's drifts, and detachments watched the intermediate crossings. +The attacks of the Ladysmith garrison on Gun Hill and Surprise Hill +and the destruction of the Waschbank bridge produced a considerable +feeling of uneasiness at Boer Headquarters soon after Sir Redvers +reached Frere. Their own official records show that there was a +reluctance to detach any more burghers than were deemed absolutely +necessary to the Tugela. Having regard to these facts, although no +exact figures can be given, it is probable that an estimate made on +13th <span class="pagenum"><a id="page335" name="page335"></a>[p. 335]</span> December by General Buller's Intelligence staff, that +about 6,000 to 7,000 men had been concentrated under Louis Botha in +the neighbourhood of Colenso, was not far from the mark. On the other +hand, the Boer official telegrams of that date put the number as low +as 5,000.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Close connection between Boer main army in Natal and +Botha.</span> + +<p>Botha's detachment and the Boer main army were, however, within an +hour's ride of each other, and thus could readily render mutual +assistance, unless an attack from the south should be combined with an +exactly-timed sortie by the Ladysmith garrison. Yet the Boers had +reason to fear this combination against them. The troops under Sir +George White were still mobile, and the enterprises against Gun Hill +and Surprise Hill, in the second week of December, had shown that both +officers and men were keen to be again let slip at the enemy.<a id="footnotetag216" name="footnotetag216"></a><a href="#footnote216" title="Go to footnote 216"><span class="small">[216]</span></a> +Moreover, the large number of mounted men, who, though shut up in +Ladysmith, were in fact astride of the Boers' lines of communication, +both with the Transvaal and with the Free State, would be likely to +prove a serious danger in the event of Botha's defeat by Sir Redvers.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> A formidable natural fortress.</span> + +<p>Nevertheless, the task which the British commander-in-chief had +decided to undertake was not an easy one. From Potgieters Drift on the +west to the junction of the Tugela with Sunday's river, about 30 miles +east of Colenso, a ridge of hills, broken only by narrow kloofs and +dongas, line like a continuous parapet the northern bank of the former +river. Westward the ridge is connected by the Brakfontein Nek with +that spur of the Drakensberg which is entitled the Tabanyama Range. +This was destined, a month later, to bar the advance of the relieving +army on that side. The eastern flank was guarded by the lower slopes +of the Biggarsberg, which run parallel to Sunday's river and fill the +area lying between that stream and the Buffalo. The approaches to the +beleaguered town from the south were thus covered by an immense +natural redoubt. Opposite to the very centre of the front face of this +redoubt lay Colenso. Behind this centre, and at right angles to the +parapet, a cluster of hills was flung back to the ridge of Cęsar's +Camp, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page336" name="page336"></a>[p. 336]</span> immediately to the south of Ladysmith. Through this +confused mass of broken ground, so favourable to the methods of +fighting of its defenders, ran the three roads which connect Colenso +and Ladysmith. Of these roads the western passed over three very +strong and presumably entrenched positions. The central had become by +disuse impassable.<a id="footnotetag217" name="footnotetag217"></a><a href="#footnote217" title="Go to footnote 217"><span class="small">[217]</span></a> Much of the eastern was only fit for +ox-wagons. Along the face of this strategic fort ran the Tugela, an +admirable moat, as completely commanded by the heights on its left +bank as is the ditch of a permanent work by its parapet. West of +Colenso this moat was traversable by guns and wagons at only five +places, <i>i.e.</i>, Robinson's, Munger's, Skiet's, Maritz, and Potgieters +drifts. Of these the four first named were difficult for loaded +wagons. Eastward of Colenso the only practicable drift was that by +which the Weenen road crosses the river. Other fords, through which +single horsemen or men on foot, breast-high, could wade, existed both +to the east and to the west, but with the exception of a bridle drift +near Colenso they were not marked on the maps in possession of the +troops, and could only be discovered by enquiry and reconnaissance.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Botha depends on mobility for holding his long line of +defence.</span> + +<p>The commandos assigned to General Louis Botha for the defence of the +line of the Tugela were obviously insufficient to man the whole of +this immense position; yet he was able to rely on the mobility of his +burghers; and on this, also, that he was so situated that his +assailant would, in order to attack him anywhere, have to traverse +distances greater than Botha need cover to reinforce from the centre +either flank as soon as threatened. Moreover, not only did the heights +he held afford a perfect view for miles over the country to the south, +but the Tugela hills are precipitous and rocky as to their southern +faces, while the approaches to them from the north present, as a rule, +easy slopes and gentle gradients.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Difficulty of finding out where the Boers were.</span> + +<p>In ascertaining the exact localities occupied by the enemy, Sir +Redvers Buller was handicapped by many circumstances. A considerable +space along the river could in the daytime only be approached by +reconnoitrers under the close view and fire <span class="pagenum"><a id="page337" name="page337"></a>[p. 337]</span> of the picked +riflemen of the veld. The whole of the original Intelligence staff and +the subordinate personnel of scouts and guides, organised for the +Natal Field Force before the outbreak of the war, had been left locked +up with the troops in Ladysmith. The nucleus of a fresh Intelligence +staff had, however, been started by 2nd Lieut. A. N. Campbell, R.A., +and was subsequently taken over by Mr. T. K. Murray, C.M.G., after the +disbandment of his corps of scouts. The reports of Mr. Murray, who was +subsequently created a K.C.M.G. for his services, as well as +information sent out by runners, heliograph, and pigeon post from +Ladysmith, agreed that the main body of Botha's force was concentrated +immediately in front of Colenso. A reconnaissance, suggested by a +Ladysmith message, dated 17th November, had been conducted by Captain +H. De la P. Gough towards Potgieters drift on the 29th November, but +had failed to get touch with the enemy. Intelligence scouts had, +however, reported the Boer commandos at Potgieters and Skiet's drifts, +and it was also known that Boer patrols were watching the intermediate +crossings. It might therefore be assumed that the whole line of the +river was kept under Boer observation.</p> + +<p>It will be seen that the topographical conditions, though not at the +time fully known, made it impossible to turn either flank of the great +crescent of hills which barred an advance on Ladysmith. On the other +hand, it seemed probable that a sudden march, eastward or westward, +would find some passage of the river, and of the natural parapet +beyond, unentrenched and but slightly guarded. An examination of the +map, and a study of the country to the eastward, showed that a flank +movement in that direction would be compelled to follow a circuitous +route, and to traverse broken ground, covered with bush and +exceedingly favourable to ambuscade and to surprise attacks. Sir +Redvers judged that to commit troops, untrained to manœuvre over +terrain of this description and hampered by many ox-wagons, to a +rather long flank march in presence of a mobile enemy, would be too +dangerous an enterprise. Moreover, the ground to the east was +unfavourable for any sortie from Ladysmith, and in a telegram dated +the 30th November, Sir George <span class="pagenum"><a id="page338" name="page338"></a>[p. 338]</span> White had definitely reported +that he could give most help to the relieving force if it advanced viā +Onderbrook Spruit (<i>i.e.</i>, by the western of the two possible +Colenso-Ladysmith roads) or viā Springfield and Potgieters drift.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Sir Redvers' view of the choice open to him.</span> + +<p>Sir Redvers thought that he must either assault the strongly +entrenched position of Colenso or make a flank march to Potgieters. If +that drift and the Brakfontein Nek were seized, the way would be +opened to the rolling plain which lies westward of Ladysmith, between +that town and the Tabanyama range. This course, though it presented +difficulties of its own, was tactically by far the easier method of +attempting the task before him. On the other hand, this flank movement +would, for some days, expose the British line of communication with +the coast.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> He decides to march by Potgieters, 7th Dec./99.</span> + +<p>A review of all these considerations led General Buller to decide in +favour of the route viā Potgieters drift, and on the 7th December he +so informed Sir George White. He told him that he hoped to start on +the 12th, and would probably take five days in bringing the operation +to a successful conclusion. Sir George, in reply, reported by +heliograph that he proposed to sally out from Ladysmith the night +before the relieving force attempted its crossing of the Tugela at +Potgieters, and to "work towards you as far as I can." He added: "As +time is an all-important factor in co-operation, you will, I am sure, +inform me of any change." On the 11th December, Sir Redvers answered +that he could not be certain of his dates till his transport arrived, +so that Sir George had better not try to help him until the relieving +force had reached Lancer's Hill,<a id="footnotetag218" name="footnotetag218"></a><a href="#footnote218" title="Go to footnote 218"><span class="small">[218]</span></a> a point about six or seven miles +west of Ladysmith, "unless you feel certain where I am." This limit +was imposed by General Buller, as he was unwilling that Sir G. White's +troops should be committed to a serious action against the enemy until +his own army was within supporting distance. On the 12th December Sir +Redvers moved the 6th brigade, accompanied by two 4·7-in. and six +12-pr. 12-cwt. Naval guns, to a camp two miles north of Chieveley, so +as to cover the flank march to the west. He sent that day a despatch +to the Secretary of State reporting <span class="pagenum"><a id="page339" name="page339"></a>[p. 339]</span> that, after a careful +reconnaissance by telescope, he had come to the conclusion that "a +direct assault upon the enemy's position at Colenso would be too +costly," and that he had therefore decided to "force the passage of +Potgieters drift."</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> News of Magersfontein and Stormberg changes his purpose, +Dec. 13th.</span> + +<p>Only a few hours later telegrams, reporting the serious check suffered +by Lord Methuen at Magersfontein, were placed in his hands. This +disquieting intelligence, coupled with news of the reverse at +Stormberg, in the opinion of Sir Redvers Buller, so entirely changed +the situation that he no longer considered the movement by Potgieters +advisable. "This operation," he told the Secretary of State, "involved +the complete abandonment of my communications, and in the event of +want of success, the risk that I might share the fate of Sir George +White, and be cut off from Natal. I had considered that, with the +enemy dispirited by the failure of their plans in the west, the risk +was justifiable, but I cannot think that I ought now to take such a +risk. From my point of view it will be better to lose Ladysmith +altogether than to throw open Natal to the enemy."<a id="footnotetag219" name="footnotetag219"></a><a href="#footnote219" title="Go to footnote 219"><span class="small">[219]</span></a></p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Informs Sir George that Dec. 17th is probable date of +attack on Colenso. Sir George prepares to sally out.</span> + +<p>Accordingly, on the 13th December he heliographed to Ladysmith: "Have +been forced to change my plans; am coming through viā Colenso and +Onderbrook Spruit"; and later on the same day, in reply to an enquiry +from Sir George White as to the probable date of his advance, he +informed that officer: "Actual date of attack depends upon +difficulties met with, probably 17th December." On receipt of these +messages the commander of the Ladysmith garrison, after detailing some +weak detachments to continue manning the defences, prepared the whole +of the rest of his troops for fighting their way out southward under +his personal command, at the moment of the attack on Colenso by the +relieving army. No further notification of the date of that attack +reached him until the 16th, when he was informed by the +Commander-in-Chief that he had "tried Colenso yesterday and failed." +The sound of very heavy artillery firing on the 15th was, it is true, +heard in Ladysmith, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page340" name="page340"></a>[p. 340]</span> but the Colenso position had been +shelled by the Naval guns on the two previous days, and in face of Sir +Redvers' message that the actual attack would probably be made on the +17th, there was doubt whether the firing heard on the 15th might not +be merely a continuation of the preliminary bombardment. A premature +sortie before the signal had been given might seriously hamper, or +possibly entirely frustrate, concerted action between the two forces.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Features of Colenso position.</span> + +<p>Map <a href="#map15">15</a> and the hand sketch show that the hills facing Colenso from the +north form a great amphitheatre, the western horn of which reaches +down to the river near E. Robinson's farm about four miles due west of +the village, the eastern horn being Hlangwhane. Immediately after +completing the loop in front of the village, in which lie the +road<a id="footnotetag220" name="footnotetag220"></a><a href="#footnote220" title="Go to footnote 220"><span class="small">[220]</span></a> and railway bridges, the Tugela turns sharply to the north +for two miles, and then dashes north-eastward down a series of rapids +through an abrupt gorge in the hills, ultimately resuming its course +towards the east.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Hlangwhane.</span> + +<p>Hlangwhane, the eastern horn of that amphitheatre, which, with its +included area, formed the Boer position, lies on the southern bank of +the river; and, as soon as the occupation of Chieveley by Barton's +brigade denied the use of the Colenso bridges to the enemy, was for +the time only accessible to the Boers by two bridle drifts near the +rapids. It was not until after the Colenso fight that a bridge was +thrown across the river near its junction with the Langewacht Spruit. +The northern portion of the hollow of the amphitheatre is crossed from +west to east by the Onderbrook Spruit. <span class="sidenote"> The Colenso kopjes.</span> +To the south of this spruit +stand the Colenso kopjes, described by Sir Redvers as "four +lozenge-shaped, steep-sided, hog-backed hills, each, as it is further +from the river, being higher and longer than the next inner one."<a id="footnotetag221" name="footnotetag221"></a><a href="#footnote221" title="Go to footnote 221"><span class="small">[221]</span></a> +The southernmost of these kopjes, <span class="sidenote"> Fort Wylie.</span> +Fort Wylie, had been used as a +bridge-head by the British troops prior to their retirement from the +Tugela. The Onderbrook road to Ladysmith runs north-west from the +bridge across the arena of the amphitheatre and then ascends through +the steep gorge of <span class="pagenum"><a id="page341" name="page341"></a>[p. 341]</span> Grobelaar's Kloof, a defile of forbidding +appearance. The other road and railway run north, following at first +the general trend of the great bend of the Tugela, then penetrating +the mass of hills and making their way eventually into the Klip +valley.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The river as known, and unknown to the staff.</span> + +<p>In this section of the Tugela, the only crossings which seem to have +been known to Sir Redvers Buller's staff, before the battle, were the +two bridges, the drifts immediately above and below that over which +the road passes, and the "Bridle Drift" four miles up stream to the +south-east of E. Robinson's farm. There were other fords which will be +mentioned later; but the river, in consequence of the difficulty of +approaching it, had not been systematically reconnoitred, nor had the +known drifts been tested, although, as elsewhere in South Africa, they +are subject to sudden variations, here dependent on the rainfall in +the Drakensberg. The Tugela is, as a rule, fordable at this season of +the year at the regular passages, and has an average breadth of some +120 to 150 yards. The banks, fringed in places with low bushes, are +near Colenso twenty feet above the summer level of water. Immediately +to the south and to the south-west of the bridges the ground runs down +to the bank in gentle glacis-like slopes, which, except where the +Doornkop Spruit and a few dongas traverse them, afford no cover to +troops advancing towards the river. East of the railway the terrain is +more broken, and the fringe of bush country is soon reached. For this +reason, but still more on account of its isolation on the south bank +of the river, Hlangwhane Hill, which looked down on the Colenso +kopjes, was tactically weak and has generally been regarded as the +true key of the whole position. Nevertheless, even if Hlangwhane and +the crossings close to Colenso had been captured, only one stage of +the task would have been accomplished. Further severe fighting would +have been necessary before the defiles and the very difficult country +to the north-west or north could have been forced.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The Boer defences.</span> + +<p>The whole of the mountain redoubt had been elaborately fortified under +the personal direction of General Louis Botha. A special commission, +consisting of Generals Erasmus and Prinsloo, had been nominated by a +Krijgsraad, held on 2nd December, to <span class="pagenum"><a id="page342" name="page342"></a>[p. 342]</span> supervise the defence +arrangements on the Tugela, but the commission made but one inspection +and Louis Botha was given practically a free hand. Three weeks of +incessant labour had been spent on this task, the work being continued +up to the very eve of the battle. The trenches had been constructed +with remarkable ingenuity, so as to be almost invisible from the south +bank. They ran for the most part along the lower slopes of the great +hills on the west and across the flats round which circled the +amphitheatre. The only part of these defences which caught the eye +from the far side of the river were the tiers of entrenchments +covering the Colenso kopjes, and especially Fort Wylie. Emplacements +had been constructed in many more places than there were guns +available to fill them, and, in order to ensure that the exact +positions from which shells would be actually thrown should be unknown +to the British commander, the guns were shifted from gun-pit to +gun-pit the night before the battle. The artillery at the disposal of +General Botha was far less numerous than that of his opponent. On the +day of the fight a 120 m/m howitzer was mounted on the crest of +Vertnek (or Red Hill) on the right, a field gun being posted lower +down on its south-eastern slope. Two field guns were placed in pits in +proximity to the western Ladysmith road. This group of four guns was +intended to command the crossings in, and near, the western salient +loop of the river, including the Bridle Drift, a mile to the west of +that loop. Four or five 75 m/m field guns and one or two pom-poms, +posted on the Colenso kopjes, swept the bridges and drifts in front. +The whole of these guns were under the command of Captain Pretorius, +Transvaal Staats Artillerie. <span class="sidenote"> Their occupation.</span> +General Botha had placed his riflemen as +follows:—on his right, which extended to the west of H. Robinson's +farm, was stationed the Winburg commando of Free Staters under van der +Merwe, supported by detachments of Ben Viljoen's Johannesburgers, and +of the Middelburg commando; east of these, men of the Zoutpansberg, +Swaziland, and Ermelo commandos, under the orders of Christian Botha, +continued the line to the head of the western loop of the Tugela, +where a donga enters the river on its left bank. The eastern face of +this loop <span class="pagenum"><a id="page343" name="page343"></a>[p. 343]</span> was also manned by portions of the Ermelo, +Standerton, and Middelburg corps. The ground intervening between the +two re-entrants was considered to be sufficiently protected by the +unfordable river in its front, save that a small detachment was posted +in the building shown as "Barn" on map No. <a href="#map15">15</a>, thus acting as a +connecting link. The centre, facing the Colenso crossings, was very +strongly held. Here lay the Boksburg and Heidelberg commandos, the +Johannesburg Police, and the burghers of Vryheid and Krugersdorp +districts, the two last-named units being placed in the trenches along +the flats immediately in front of Fort Wylie. Neither on the centre +nor on the right were there any men posted to the south of the river. +<span class="sidenote"> The story of the Boers on Hlangwhane. 1st stage.</span> +The story of the successive changes in the garrison of the eastern +extremity of the crescent of hills, across the river on the left of +the Boer position, is a curious one, and shows forcibly how much the +element of chance at times influences the operations of war. From the +30th November to the 13th December, Hlangwhane, which was known to the +Boers as "the Boschkop," had been occupied by part of the Wakkerstroom +commando under a commandant named Dirksen. A Boer deserter informed +Sir Redvers' Field Intelligence department on the 9th December that +the strength of this detachment was then about 700; but the real +numbers were not more than 400 to 500. The arrival of Barton's brigade +at Chieveley intimidated the commando, and on the night of the 13th +the burghers, against Dirksen's orders, withdrew across the river. +Botha at first acquiesced in this abandonment, but Dirksen himself +telegraphed to Kruger what had happened. "If we give this Kop over to +the enemy," he added, "then will the battle expected at Colenso end in +disaster."</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> 2nd stage.</span> + +<p>The acting commandant-general, Schalk Burger, supported Dirksen's +appeal,<a id="footnotetag222" name="footnotetag222"></a><a href="#footnote222" title="Go to footnote 222"><span class="small">[222]</span></a> and, as a result, a Krijgsraad was held the same evening, +at which, with the concurrence of General Botha, it <span class="pagenum"><a id="page344" name="page344"></a>[p. 344]</span> was +unanimously resolved that Hlangwhane should be re-occupied. A fresh +garrison about 800 strong, chosen by lot from the Middelburg, Ermelo, +Standerton, Wakkerstroom and Zoutpansberg commandos, was therefore +placed under the orders of Commandant J. J. Joubert, and moved to the +hill during the night of the 14th. The burghers, on whom this duty +fell, accepted it with much reluctance as they feared that they would +be cut off from their main body. In a Boer official telegram +dispatched during the battle of the 15th, Hlangwhane was referred to +as "the dangerous position."</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The Boers hide themselves and reserve their fire.</span> + +<p>The details of the Boers' line of battle would have been difficult to +discover even by the fullest reconnaissance and by the best trained +Intelligence department. General Louis Botha was so sanguine of +success that he had even proposed at a Krijgsraad, on 9th December, +that a detachment of burghers should be sent again across the river to +entice the British troops to advance against the prepared positions; +but the Council held that this device was unnecessary, as the British +commander was "bound to attack, and it was thought better to await the +attack." The Boer commander so fully realised the advantage of +reserved fire, that, giving effect to a telegram from General Piet +Joubert,<a id="footnotetag223" name="footnotetag223"></a><a href="#footnote223" title="Go to footnote 223"><span class="small">[223]</span></a> he had issued stringent orders to ensure that <span class="pagenum"><a id="page345" name="page345"></a>[p. 345]</span> +his men indulged in no casual shots. He made no reply whatever to a +heavy bombardment maintained by the British Naval guns during the 13th +and 14th December, intended to compel him to disclose his +dispositions. The same system of silence was to be adopted when the +real attack was delivered. Not a shot was to be fired against the +British advance until he himself had given the signal by firing the +great howitzer. He even hoped to be able to allow portions of the +attacking columns to cross the river, and there to overwhelm them +utterly by well-sustained fire at close range. The use of the Naval +guns on the 13th and 14th and the accumulation at Chieveley, had +convinced General Botha that a frontal attack was about to be made. +Although his burghers were anxious, and even inclined to be +despondent, Botha himself hoped not only to repulse the British +troops, but also to envelop them with counter-attacks, from Hlangwhane +on the east and the Wagon Drift on the west.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The army, in full view of the Boers, gathers for the fray.</span> + +<p>The advance of Barton's brigade on the 12th had been unopposed, and +during the two following days the remainder of the Natal army was +moved up to the north-west of Chieveley, and collected in a large camp +on the western side of the railway, near Doornkop Spruit. It was, of +course, impossible to conceal this movement from the Boer commander on +the heights north of the river.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Sir Redvers, Dec. 14th, issues his orders for attack.</span> + +<p>On the afternoon of the 14th Sir Redvers Buller, who had spent the +earlier part of that day in examining the enemy's positions through a +telescope, assembled his subordinate commanders and their staffs, to +communicate, and personally explain to them his instructions for the +operations of the following <span class="pagenum"><a id="page346" name="page346"></a>[p. 346]</span> day. His plan was to try to +force the passage of the river by direct attack. The written orders +signed by the Assistant Adjutant-General of the 2nd division were not +issued until late in the evening, and did not reach the Brigadiers +until about midnight. They will be found at the end of this chapter. +The first paragraph of these orders appears to imply that the enemy's +entrenchments were limited to the Colenso kopjes; at any rate, it is +clear that the extent and strength of the Boer entrenchments westward +were not then known. These kopjes were selected as the object of the +main attack, and this duty was assigned to the 2nd brigade +(Hildyard's). The crossing of this brigade "by the iron bridge," that +is, the Bulwer bridge, was to be prepared by the fire of No. 1 brigade +division Royal Field artillery, less one field battery which was +replaced by six Naval guns. This artillery preparation was to be +assisted by the fire of the remaining Naval guns, two 4·7-in. and four +12-pounders,<a id="footnotetag224" name="footnotetag224"></a><a href="#footnote224" title="Go to footnote 224"><span class="small">[224]</span></a> and by that of the 2nd brigade division, which was +instructed to "take up a position whence it can enfilade the kopjes +north of the iron bridge." This latter artillery unit was also to "act +on any orders it receives from Major-General Hart."</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Orders for Hart.</span> + +<p>To Major-General Hart's brigade (the 5th) had been assigned a special +rōle; it was ordered to cross the river at the "Bridle Drift, +immediately west of the junction of Doornkop Spruit and the Tugela," +and subsequently to move down the left bank of the river towards the +Colenso kopjes. The Commander-in-Chief hoped that this supplementary +crossing would be accomplished before the central attack was +delivered, and that the 5th brigade would thus be able to render +substantial assistance in the assault on the bridge; even if General +Hart did not succeed in passing his battalions across the river, Sir +Redvers anticipated that he would, in any case, be able at least to +cover the left flank of the main attack by engaging the enemy on the +western side.<a id="footnotetag225" name="footnotetag225"></a><a href="#footnote225" title="Go to footnote 225"><span class="small">[225]</span></a></p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Orders for right flank.</span> + +<p>The right flank of the main attack was to be guarded by <span class="pagenum"><a id="page347" name="page347"></a>[p. 347]</span> the +6th brigade (Barton's), less half a battalion on baggage guard duty, +and the mounted brigade. Lord Dundonald, who was in command of the +latter unit (the total effective strength of which was about 1,800), +was instructed to detail 500 men to watch the right flank of the +enemy, and 300 to cover Buller's right flank and protect the baggage. +<span class="sidenote"> and for watching left flank.</span> +With the remainder of his brigade, and a battery detached from No. 1 +brigade division, "he will," said the order, "cover the right flank of +the general movement and will endeavour to take up a position on +Hlangwhane Hill, whence he will enfilade the kopjes north of the iron +bridge."</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> for 6th brigade.</span> + +<p>The 6th brigade was further charged with covering the advance of No. 1 +brigade division.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> for 4th brigade.</span> + +<p>The 4th brigade was directed to remain in reserve midway between the +left and main attacks, ready to support either if required.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> for ammunition columns, pontoons, hospitals, engineers, +bearer companies.</span> + +<p>The ammunition columns and Pontoon troop were to be parked in the +first line of the baggage in rear of Shooter's Hill, behind which the +four Field Hospitals were also pitched. Two sections of the 17th +company R.E. were attached to General Hart's brigade, the remainder of +the company being allotted to General Hildyard's. The Bearer companies +marched with their brigades.</p> + +<p>Verbal instructions were given to general officers at the conference +that if the Colenso kopjes were carried the force would bivouac among +them on the night of the 15th.</p> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Orders by Lieut.-General Sir Francis Clery, K.C.B., Commanding South +Natal Field Force.</span></h4> + +<p class="right"> + Chieveley,<br> + 14th December, 1899. 10 p.m.</p> + +<p>1. The enemy is entrenched in the kopjes north of Colenso bridge. One +large camp is reported to be near the Ladysmith road, about five miles +north-west of Colenso. Another large camp is reported in the hills +which lie north of the Tugela in a northerly direction from Hlangwhane +Hill.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page348" name="page348"></a>[p. 348]</span> 2. It is the intention of the General Officer Commanding to +force the passage of the Tugela to-morrow.</p> + +<p>3. The 5th brigade will move from its present camping ground at 4.30 +a.m., and march towards the Bridle Drift, immediately west of the +junction of Doornkop Spruit and the Tugela. The brigade will cross at +this point, and after crossing move along the left bank of the river +towards the kopjes north of the iron bridge.</p> + +<p>4. The 2nd brigade will move from its present camping ground at 4 +a.m., and passing south of the present camping ground of No. 1 and No. +2 Divisional troops, will march in the direction of the iron bridge at +Colenso. The brigade will cross at this point and gain possession of +the kopjes north of the iron bridge.</p> + +<p>5. The 4th brigade will advance at 4.30 a.m., to a point between +Bridle Drift and the railway, so that it can support either the 5th or +the 2nd brigade.</p> + +<p>6. The 6th brigade (less a half-battalion escort to baggage) will move +at 4 a.m., east of the railway in the direction of Hlangwhane Hill to +a position where it can protect the right flank of the 2nd brigade, +and, if necessary, support it or the mounted troops referred to later +as moving towards Hlangwhane Hill.</p> + +<p>7. The Officer Commanding mounted brigade will move at 4 a.m., with a +force of 1,000 men and one battery of No. 1 brigade division in the +direction of Hlangwhane Hill; he will cover the right flank of the +general movement, and will endeavour to take up a position on +Hlangwhane Hill, whence he will enfilade the kopjes north of the iron +bridge.</p> + +<p>The Officer Commanding mounted troops will also detail two forces of +300 and 500 men to cover the right and left flanks respectively and +protect the baggage.</p> + +<p>8. The 2nd brigade division, Royal Field artillery, will move at 4.30 +a.m., following the 4th brigade, and will take up a position whence it +can enfilade the kopjes north of the iron bridge. This brigade +division will act on any orders it receives from Major-General Hart.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page349" name="page349"></a>[p. 349]</span> The six Naval guns (two 4·7-in. and four 12-pr.) now in +position north of the 4th brigade, will advance on the right of the +2nd brigade division, Royal Field artillery.</p> + +<p>No. 1 brigade division, Royal Field artillery (less one battery +detached with mounted brigade), will move at 3.30 a.m., east of the +railway and proceed under cover of the 6th brigade to a point from +which it can prepare the crossing for the 2nd brigade.</p> + +<p>The six Naval guns now encamped with No. 2 Divisional troops will +accompany and act with this brigade division.</p> + +<p>9. As soon as the troops mentioned in preceding paragraphs have moved +to their positions, the remaining units and the baggage will be parked +in deep formation, facing north, in five separate lines, in rear of +to-day's artillery position, the right of each line resting on the +railway, but leaving a space of 100 yards between the railway and the +right flank of the line.</p> + +<p>In first line (counting from the right):—</p> + +<ul class="none"> +<li>Ammunition column, No. 1 Divisional troops.</li> +<li>6th brigade Field Hospital.</li> +<li>4th brigade Field Hospital.</li> +<li>Pontoon troop, Royal Engineers.</li> +<li>5th brigade Field Hospital.</li> +<li>2nd brigade Field Hospital.</li> +<li>Ammunition column, No. 2 Divisional troops.</li> +</ul> + +<p>In second line (counting from the right):—</p> + +<ul class="none"> +<li>Baggage of 6th brigade.</li> +<li>Baggage of 4th brigade.</li> +<li>Baggage of 5th brigade.</li> +<li>Baggage of 2nd brigade.</li> +</ul> + +<p>In third line (counting from the right):—</p> + +<ul class="none"> +<li>Baggage of mounted brigade.</li> +<li>Baggage of No. 1 Divisional troops.</li> +<li>Baggage of No. 2 Divisional troops.</li> +</ul> + +<p>In the fourth and fifth lines (counting from the right):—</p> + +<p>Supply columns, in the same order as the Baggage columns in second and +third lines.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page350" name="page350"></a>[p. 350]</span> Lieut.-Colonel J. Reeves, Royal Irish Fusiliers, will command +the whole of the above details.</p> + +<p>10. The position of the General Officer Commanding will be near the +4·7-in. guns.</p> + +<p>The Commander Royal Engineers will send two sections 17th company, +Royal Engineers, with the 5th brigade, and one section and +Headquarters with the 2nd brigade.</p> + +<p>11. Each infantry soldier will carry 150 rounds on his person, the +ammunition now carried in the ox wagons of regimental transport being +distributed. Infantry greatcoats will be carried in two ox wagons of +regimental transport, if Brigadiers so wish; other stores will not be +placed in these wagons.</p> + +<p>12. The General Officer Commanding 6th brigade will detail a +half-battalion as Baggage Guard. The two Naval guns now in position +immediately south of Divisional Headquarter camp will move at 5 a.m., +to the position now occupied by the 4·7-in. guns.</p> + +<p class="center"><span class="smcap">By Order</span>,</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">B. Hamilton</span>, Colonel,<br> + Assistant Adjutant-General,<br> + South Natal Field Force.</p> + +<a id="chap22" name="chap22"></a> +<h3><span class="pagenum"><a id="page351" name="page351"></a>[p. 351]</span> CHAPTER XXII.</h3> + +<p class="title">COLENSO, DECEMBER 15th, 1899.<a id="footnotetag226" name="footnotetag226"></a><a href="#footnote226" title="Go to footnote 226"><span class="small">[226]</span></a></p> + + +<span class="sidenote"> The move begins. Power of the Naval guns.</span> + +<p>In the cool of the early morning of December 15th, 1899, while it was +yet dark,<a id="footnotetag227" name="footnotetag227"></a><a href="#footnote227" title="Go to footnote 227"><span class="small">[227]</span></a> the British troops were set in motion. The day was to +prove intensely hot, a sign, at this period of the Natal summer, of +the approaching rains. Captain E. P. Jones, R.N., commanding the Naval +brigade, moved with two 4·7-in. and four 12-pounder guns to a site +pointed out to him personally by Sir Redvers on the previous day, to +the west of the railway and about 4,500 yards from Fort Wylie. From +thence, at 5.20 a.m. he began to shell the kopjes on the far side of +the river. For more than half an hour no reply was made and, even when +the Boers opened fire, no guns appear to have been directed on Captain +Jones' six pieces until about 7 a.m. These Naval guns with their +escort, a company of the 2nd Scottish Rifles, remained on the same +spot until the close of the action, suffering no loss. Their +telescopes made it easy to see, their long range and powerful shells +to silence, guns unseen by others.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The march of the 14th and 66th batteries and six Naval +12-pounders.</span> + +<p>Meanwhile the larger units had begun to carry out their orders. The +14th and 66th Field batteries of No. 1 brigade division, under command +of Lieut.-Colonel Hunt, and six Naval 12-pounders, under the command +of Lieutenant F. C. A. Ogilvy, R.N., moved across the railway line at +3.30 a.m., accompanied by the officer commanding the whole of the +Royal Artillery then in Natal, Colonel C. J. Long, who had been +directed by General Buller personally to supervise the movements of +these batteries. <span class="sidenote"> and 6th brigade.</span> +East of the railway these guns joined the 6th brigade +and <span class="pagenum"><a id="page352" name="page352"></a>[p. 352]</span> advanced at 4 a.m. with that unit, northward. Lord +Dundonald's <span class="sidenote"> Dundonald and 7th battery.</span> +brigade moved also at 4 a.m., accompanied by the 7th Field +battery. <span class="sidenote"> 2nd and 4th brigades.</span> +The 2nd brigade, at the same hour, left camp and marched +towards Colenso, followed at 4.30 a.m. by the 4th brigade.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> 5th brigade. 2nd brigade division.</span> + +<p>The 5th brigade moved off at the same time. Lieut.-Colonel Parsons, +commanding No. 2 brigade division, although directed by the written +operation orders to follow the 4th brigade (Lyttelton) in order to +enfilade the kopjes north of the iron bridge, had received verbal +instructions from Sir R. Buller through Colonel Long that at least one +of his batteries was to cross the river with Hart's brigade. He +accordingly marched with his guns on the right rear of the 5th +brigade.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Hart's instructions, guide, and map.</span> + +<p>Major-General Hart had been provided with a tracing of a map, a Kaffir +guide, and a colonist as interpreter to assist him in finding "the +Bridle Drift immediately west of the junction of the Doornkop Spruit +and the Tugela," by which he was to cross the river. This map was a +plane-table sketch, prepared by an engineer officer shortly before the +action. It was an attempt to fill into a farm survey, made for land +registration, as many of the topographical features as could be seen +from a distance. Unfortunately it had not been verified by any close +reconnaissance of the river, and thus both the sketch and the orders +were misleading. A Bridle Drift, used by natives in the dry season of +the winter but uncertain in the summer, did indeed exist, although on +that particular day it was unfordable. But the sketch, on which the +order relied, showed the Doornkop Spruit as running into the Tugela at +the western bend of the remarkable loop which that river makes to the +north-west, about one mile east of E. Robinson's farm; it showed, +moreover, the Bridle Drift close to the junction of the spruit, and +placed, also immediately to the west of the Drift, another loop of the +river. On all three of these points the sketch was defective. Only a +short but deep donga enters the river at this western end of the loop, +near 2 on map No. <a href="#map15">15</a>. The Doornkop Spruit joins the river at the +eastern, not the western bend of the loop. The Bridle Drift lies, not +near to the western bend of the loop, but <span class="pagenum"><a id="page353" name="page353"></a>[p. 353]</span> a mile to the +westward. Finally, the Tugela makes no second loop for several miles +to the westward. The effect of these topographical errors in the map, +and in the written orders was further enhanced by another serious +misapprehension. Major-General Hart had been informed on the previous +evening that the Kaffir guide lived close to the drift where he was to +cross, and could be relied on not to make any mistake about it. +Unfortunately the native misunderstood his instructions, or had been +given wrong instructions, for he conceived that he was intended to +lead the column, not to the Bridle Drift, but to a point (marked 4 on +map No. <a href="#map15">15</a>) close to his own kraal, at the head of and inside the +loop, where, owing to the existence of rapids, the river was fordable, +breast-high, by men on foot. The practicability of this drift had been +personally verified by the native on the two previous nights, but no +staff officer had accompanied him. Another similar foot-ford might +have been found at point 6 immediately below the junction of the +Doornkop Spruit with the Tugela, but the existence of neither of these +fords was known to Major-General Hart or to the Headquarter +staff.<a id="footnotetag228" name="footnotetag228"></a><a href="#footnote228" title="Go to footnote 228"><span class="small">[228]</span></a></p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The march of Hart's (5th) brigade.</span> + +<p>The 5th brigade marched from its parade ground in mass of +quarter-columns, the battalions being arranged in the following +order:—</p> + +<ul class="none"> +<li>2nd Royal Dublin Fusiliers, commanded by Col. C. D. Cooper.</li> +<li>1st Connaught Rangers, commanded by Col. L. G. Brooke.</li> +<li>1st Border regiment, commanded by Col. J. H. E. Hinde.</li> +<li>1st Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, commanded by Lt.-Col. T. M. G. Thackeray.</li> +</ul> + +<p>Half of the 17th Company, R.E., under the command of Major H. H. +Massy, followed in rear. A squadron of the Royal Dragoons acted as +advance guard as far as Doornkop Spruit, where the cavalry moved off +to the left.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Hart's intention.</span> + +<p>The Brigadier had informed the commanding officers on the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page354" name="page354"></a>[p. 354]</span> +previous evening that he intended the leading battalion to line the +right bank of the Tugela, while the remainder crossed. After passing, +the brigade was to move eastward, and attempt to close the enemy into +the Colenso loop of the river.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Hart plunges into the loop.</span> + +<p>Hart, following the directions of the Kaffir guide, led his brigade in +a north-westerly direction to the first drift over the Doornkop +Spruit,<a id="footnotetag229" name="footnotetag229"></a><a href="#footnote229" title="Go to footnote 229"><span class="small">[229]</span></a> and thence northward, the formation of the leading +battalion being now changed to an advance in fours from the right of +companies at deploying interval, the three rear battalions continuing +in mass of quarter-columns. A few cavalry scouts preceded the brigade: +the main body of the Royal Dragoons, under Lieut.-Colonel J. F. +Burn-Murdoch, watched the left flank, his officers' patrols moving +down to the river's bank, without provoking any fire. Colonel +Burn-Murdoch despatched three successive gallopers to inform General +Hart that these patrols reported the enemy in force on his front and +left. General Hart replied that he intended to cross by the drift in +front of him, and would ignore the enemy on his left, unless they +attacked in strength. The column, therefore, continued to move +steadily on the point, near to the western bend of the loop, where the +sketch had placed the Bridle Drift. But, as the brigade was crossing a +newly-ploughed mealie-field, within 300 yards of the entrance of the +loop, the Brigadier riding at its head perceived that the map was +misleading, and on enquiry, the Kaffir guide pointed up the loop, and +stated, through the interpreter, that it was in that direction that +the ford lay. Almost simultaneously a Boer gun opened on the column +from the underfeature below Grobelaar Mountain, and its shell, passing +over the whole depth of the brigade, burst behind the rear battalion. +A second shell, passing over the heads of the Dublin Fusiliers, fell +in front of the Connaught Rangers. A third almost immediately followed +and knocked over nine men of that battalion. These, the first shots +from the Boer side, were fired by their artillery, in <span class="pagenum"><a id="page355" name="page355"></a>[p. 355]</span> +disobedience to the orders of Louis Botha, who had not given the +signal, and hoped to entice the attack to closer range. <span class="sidenote"> The Boer artillery opens fire, shortly after 6 a.m.</span> +The time was +now a little after 6 a.m. The Dublin Fusiliers immediately +front-formed and extended to the right; the battalions in rear were +deployed to the left in single rank in quick time, and were +subsequently opened out with from two to three paces interval, the +enemy meanwhile continuing to shell them with shrapnel. The ground on +the far side of the river presented a formidable appearance to these +troops while deploying. It rose rapidly from the left bank to a line +of hills, which, towards their crest, seemed steep, rugged, and +inaccessible. After Hart had deployed, his brigade moved on the same +point by rushes, the right half-battalions being directed on the gorge +of the loop, while the left half-battalions overlapped this gorge, and +were cramped by the bank on their western flank. As the brigade came +near the river it was subjected to a very heavy fire from the long +Boer trench to the north, occupied by the Standerton commando. The <span class="sidenote"> Unseen riflemen enfilade the attack.</span> +battalions were also enfiladed from trenches on the right and left. At +the time it was only possible to guess from the course of the bullets +where these shelter trenches were. The left half-battalions +temporarily obtained a certain amount of cover from the bank of the +river. The right half-battalions, when a little further on, gained for +the moment some shelter from a long, narrow underfeature, towards the +centre of the loop. With the exception of the 1st Border regiment, +which was on the extreme left, the units rapidly intermingled. This +mixture of commands was soon increased when the left half-battalions +of the Dublin Fusiliers and Connaught Rangers, followed by two +companies of the Border regiment, came up. They had been ordered to +cross the donga, near 2 on map No. <a href="#map15">15</a>, and move eastward in succession +in support of those in front. The passage to the flank in file of +these half-battalions was carried out under a severe and accurate +cross musketry fire, while the Boer guns continued to make excellent +practice with shrapnel on the extended British lines.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The guide disappears.</span> + +<p>As the Kaffir guide had disappeared, the actual position of the ford +was unknown. Major C. R. R. McGrigor, King's Royal Rifle <span class="pagenum"><a id="page356" name="page356"></a>[p. 356]</span> +Corps, General Hart's brigade-major, had ridden up the river in search +of the Bridle Drift, and, finding a spot where there appeared to be a +ford, entered the river on foot, but was soon out of his depth, and +was compelled to swim back to the right bank.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Hart's brigade struggles forward up the loop.</span> + +<p>Meanwhile parties of the Connaught Rangers, the Dublin, and +Inniskilling, Fusiliers, had worked their way up the loop by a series +of rushes in extended order at about three to four paces interval, +suffering heavy loss. Each group followed the nearest officer, +irrespective of his corps, of its own volition, and worked forward, as +it were, automatically, the rushes, however, varying in length, +sometimes carrying the men through the group in front, sometimes not +reaching it. There was very little shooting, as nothing could be seen +to aim at. The enemy's fire was too heavy to allow of any combined +command of the movement. Nevertheless, there was little or no +confusion, and the advance continued with the steady progress of an +incoming tide. Eventually a detachment of the Dublin Fusiliers, under +Lieut. T. B. Ely, and Major M. G. Moore's company of the Connaught, +mingled with men of other regiments, reached the kraal, about two +hundred yards from the head of the loop; others of the Inniskilling, +and Dublin, Fusiliers and of the Connaught Rangers pushed on to the +river bank; there these handfuls of men remained for several hours, +little more than one hundred yards from the Boer trenches on the far +bank, but in face of the storm of bullets it was impossible to cross +the river, nor were either officers or men aware that they were near a +ford. The rest of the brigade, except the left half-battalion of the +Inniskilling Fusiliers and one or two companies of the Border regiment +who lined the river bank west of the loop, were on, or in rear of, the +knoll, the cohesion of units being now almost entirely lost. The +artillery and rifle fire, concentrated on the British troops from the +far bank, was too continuous and accurate to permit of any further +advance being attempted for the moment. The shrapnel of the two field +guns, posted in emplacements on the lower ridge to the north-west, was +particularly effective, and the Boer riflemen did not disclose whence +their deadly shots came. <span class="pagenum"><a id="page357" name="page357"></a>[p. 357]</span> Volleys were fired from time to +time by the British infantry, but comparatively little ammunition was +expended. Yet, notwithstanding these trying conditions, the men clung +on steadfastly, each group being well under the control of the officer +nearest to them, whether of their own corps or of another.<a id="footnotetag230" name="footnotetag230"></a><a href="#footnote230" title="Go to footnote 230"><span class="small">[230]</span></a> +Meantime, Parsons' batteries, the 64th and 73rd, had come into action +on the right bank of the Doornkop Spruit, and were busily engaged in +shelling a kraal immediately in front of the loop, and in endeavouring +to silence the Boer guns. These somewhat outranged the Field +artillery, and an attempt to cross over the spruit so as to come into +closer action on its left bank was for the moment frustrated by a Boer +shell bursting on the team of the leading gun, killing two horses, +upsetting the gun, and thereby blocking the ford of this stream. On +this the two batteries re-opened fire from the right bank of the +spruit.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Sir Redvers recalls Hart.</span> + +<p>Sir Redvers Buller had watched from Naval Gun Hill the original +advance of the 5th brigade. As soon as he observed the movement into +the loop, he despatched a galloper to order General Hart to halt; the +messenger was caught in a bog and failed to reach his destination. A +second officer was sent, but was unable to find the Brigadier. +Finally, when the brigade had become heavily engaged, Colonel Stopford +was instructed by Sir Redvers to direct Major-General Hart to retreat, +and to inform him that his retirement would be covered by artillery +fire. Major Cooper, A.D.C. to General Clery, conveyed orders to +Lieut.-Colonel Parsons to move his guns across the spruit and divert +the fire from Hart's brigade during the withdrawal. Subsequently, +fearing a flank counter-attack on the left, General Buller directed +Major-General Lyttelton to support the 5th brigade with two battalions +of the 4th.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Barton's (6th) brigade marches.</span> + +<p>Major-General Barton at 4 a.m. had moved off with the 6th brigade on +the east side of the railway in the following order: the 1st Royal +Welsh Fusiliers, with six companies in line, each company having a +sub-section in its front, and two companies <span class="pagenum"><a id="page358" name="page358"></a>[p. 358]</span> in support; the +half-battalion of the 2nd Royal Scots Fusiliers in echelon of +companies on the left flank, the 2nd Royal Fusiliers in echelon of +companies on the right flank, and the half-battalion 2nd Royal Irish +Fusiliers in rear, at a distance of 1,500 yards from the leading +battalion.<a id="footnotetag231" name="footnotetag231"></a><a href="#footnote231" title="Go to footnote 231"><span class="small">[231]</span></a> The direction of the brigade's advance was to the +north-east, towards Hlangwhane Hill, in conformity with the operation +orders of the previous evening.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Col. Long's guns move off with Barton, then diverge.</span> + +<p>Colonel Long's guns accompanied the brigade for some distance, the +field batteries leading, with the Naval guns, dragged by spans of +oxen, in rear. After a time, however, the respective directions +assigned by Sir R. Buller to the guns and the infantry brigade were +found to diverge, and General Barton accordingly detailed two +companies of the Royal Scots Fusiliers to continue with the guns as +escort. At 5.30 a.m. the Brigadier halted his command, his leading +battalion being then about two miles from the river.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Col. Long's mission.</span> + +<p>The specific task assigned to No. 1 brigade division by the operation +orders was, "to proceed to a point from which it can prepare the +crossing for the 2nd brigade." Sir Redvers Buller, at the conference +of the previous afternoon, had thought it desirable to supplement and +anticipate this written order with verbal instructions as to the exact +point at which the batteries should come into action. He had intended +to convey to Colonel Long by these verbal instructions that the +purposed preparation should be carried out at long range. But the +impression left on the subordinate officer's mind, when he left the +conference, was that medium range was meant. As he rode therefore with +Lieut.-Colonel Hunt and Lieut. Ogilvy, R.N., at the head of the field +artillery, now marching in battery column, Long was on the look out +for a suitable position at a distance of not less than 2,000 yards and +not more than 2,500 yards from Fort Wylie, the southernmost of the +kopjes which had been pointed out as the brigade division's targets. +Had a site between those limits been selected, the batteries would not +have been seriously molested by the Boer riflemen entrenched on the +far bank of <span class="pagenum"><a id="page359" name="page359"></a>[p. 359]</span> the river, and could, by superior strength, have +crushed the enemy's gunners posted among the Colenso kopjes.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Long brings his guns into action, after Boer guns open on +Hart, <i>i.e.</i>, about 6.15 a.m.</span> + +<p>It was not until after 6 a.m. that Long arrived at the distance from +the river at which he had intended to come into action. The batteries +were still at a walk, with the Naval guns in rear, when suddenly heavy +firing was heard on the left flank. It was evident that part of the +British force was closely engaged. Anxious to afford immediate +effective support, and deceived by the light as to his actual distance +from Fort Wylie, Long ordered Hunt's brigade division to push on, and +come into action at a point about eighty yards to the north of a broad +and shallow donga, which runs at right angles to the railway and was +just in front of his guns. Ogilvy's Naval guns were to follow with the +infantry escort and to unlimber on the left of the field batteries. +The ground scouts of the brigade division had by this time reached the +bush, lining the south bank of the river, and had ascertained that +this bank was clear of the enemy. A section of the infantry escort had +also been sent forward to reconnoitre Colenso. Not a sign had been +given by the Boer guns and riflemen concentrated in front of Hunt, on +the far side, for the defence of the Colenso crossings. As soon as the +batteries approached the spot selected by the artillery commander, it +proved to be within 1,250 yards of Fort Wylie, and not much more than +1,000 yards from the Boer infantry entrenchments between that work and +the river. Then Louis Botha, fearing that their further advance would +intimidate his inexperienced burghers, gave the order to fire. +Immediately a storm of bullets and shells burst on the British guns, +both field and Naval. The Boers knew the exact range from whitewash +marks on the railway fence and adjacent stones; their fire was +therefore from the outset accurate.<a id="footnotetag232" name="footnotetag232"></a><a href="#footnote232" title="Go to footnote 232"><span class="small">[232]</span></a> The field batteries, led by +Lieutenant-Colonel Hunt, continued to go forward at a steady trot and +came into action at the chosen place in an excellent line. The limbers +were taken to the rear and wagons were brought up in the ordinary +manner.</p> + +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page360" name="page360"></a>[p. 360]</span> <span class="sidenote"> The Naval guns also come into action.</span> + +<p>The two leading Naval guns, under Lieutenant James, R.N., had at this +moment just crossed the drift of a deep donga, about 400 yards behind +Hunt. The central section of the battery was still in the drift, and +the rear section on the south side. The leading section, by direction +of the battery commander, Lieutenant Ogilvy, moved a little to the +left and opened fire against Fort Wylie. The native drivers of the +ox-spans of the other four guns had bolted, and the central guns were, +for the moment, jammed with their ammunition wagons in the drift, but +eventually the oxen were cut loose, and the guns, together with those +of the rear section, brought into action on the south side of the +donga, whence they also fired on Fort Wylie. During all this delay the +enemy's artillery, and in particular a pom-pom, had maintained a +well-directed fire on the drift.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The batteries suffer severely.</span> + +<p>Meanwhile, the personnel of the field batteries in the open, 400 yards +in front of Ogilvy's guns, was beginning to suffer from the accurate +shrapnel and rifle fire concentrated on them. The escort of "A." and +"B." companies of the Royal Scots Fusiliers, under command of Captain +D. H. A. Dick, extended on the immediate left of Long's guns up to the +railway line; four companies of the Royal Irish Fusiliers, under Major +C. R. Rogers, were sent in extended order by General Barton, two +companies in advance and two in support, to aid this escort. Of these, +one company halted in rear of the Royal Scots Fusiliers companies; one +company remained in the donga near Ogilvy's guns, and the other two +lay down about 300 yards to the right rear of the field guns. The +Royal Scots Fusiliers companies<a id="footnotetag233" name="footnotetag233"></a><a href="#footnote233" title="Go to footnote 233"><span class="small">[233]</span></a> endeavoured to subdue the enemy's +riflemen, but unsuccessfully. After a few minutes Colonel Long was +very severely wounded. A little later Lieut.-Colonel Hunt was also +wounded, and the command devolved on Major A. C. Bailward. Casualties +amongst the men, especially in the centre gun detachments, were +frequent. Nevertheless, the batteries continued to be served with +great efficiency, the guns being worked steadily by sections with +accurate elevation <span class="pagenum"><a id="page361" name="page361"></a>[p. 361]</span> and fuse. Notwithstanding the heavy fire +of the enemy, the second line ammunition wagons were brought up to the +guns, and the empty wagons removed in strict conformity with +regulations. The requisition, however, for further supplies for the +batteries from the ammunition column three miles in rear was delayed +by the death of Captain A. H. Goldie, 14th battery, and by the +wounding of Captain F. A. Elton, 66th Battery. Officers and men the +while, soldiers and sailors alike, fought their guns with the utmost +determination, and with great effect. Fort Wylie became a mass of +bursting shell and red dust, and for a time the Boer guns on the +kopjes some 500 yards in rear of that work were silenced. The infantry +fire of the enemy had been also greatly reduced,<a id="footnotetag234" name="footnotetag234"></a><a href="#footnote234" title="Go to footnote 234"><span class="small">[234]</span></a> but after being +in action for an hour the ammunition of the British batteries began to +run short, each gun having now fired from 80 to 100 rounds. <span class="sidenote"> The arrival of fresh ammunition being delayed, the gun +teams are withdrawn to the donga.</span> +Major +Bailward therefore, after first obtaining Colonel Long's approval, +decided to withdraw the gun detachments temporarily into the donga, +and keep them under cover, pending the arrival of reinforcements of +men and ammunition.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Two messengers sent to Sir Redvers.</span> + +<p>The effective strength of the detachments was by this time reduced to +an average of about four men per gun.<a id="footnotetag235" name="footnotetag235"></a><a href="#footnote235" title="Go to footnote 235"><span class="small">[235]</span></a> The remaining men were +accordingly formed up and marched quietly to the donga at about 7.15 +a.m. All the wounded were placed under cover in small dongas, close to +the outer flanks of the batteries, but no attempt was made to disable +the guns, as the officer in command only awaited fresh supplies of men +and ammunition to open fire again. Captain G. F. Herbert, R.A., +Colonel Long's staff officer, and an Australian officer attached to +his staff, were instructed to ride at once to Sir Redvers Buller and +report the situation and the needs of the batteries.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Sir Redvers receives various reports and leaves Naval Gun +Hill.</span> + +<p>Sir Redvers had already felt some anxiety as to Long's guns, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page362" name="page362"></a>[p. 362]</span> +as Colonel Stopford had already pointed out to him that they were not +in the intended position. An aide-de-camp had been despatched to +ascertain their exact situation, and, having observed the guns in +action from a distance through field-glasses, that officer had +reported that they were "all right and comfortable," but under a +certain amount of fire. Sir Redvers' anxiety as to the guns was not +relieved, and a little later he left Naval Gun Hill with the intention +of seeing himself what was going on. On his way he met the Australian +officer, who stated that the batteries, including the Naval guns, were +all out of action, their ammunition exhausted, and every officer and +man of the gun detachments killed or wounded. Shortly afterwards +Captain Herbert rode up, and was understood by General Buller to +confirm the previous report, with the exception that he estimated that +six rounds per gun were still left. It was not until the following day +that the General Commanding knew that men had been all along available +to fight the guns. He had already ordered the retirement of Hart's +brigade, but, until hearing of this fresh mishap, had still hoped to +succeed with his main attack. The operation orders had contemplated +that the fire of the whole of the Naval guns and of both brigade +divisions of Royal artillery (amounting in all to 44 guns) should be +concentrated on the Colenso kopjes, so as to pave the way for an +attack upon them. The 2nd brigade division had been diverted to assist +Hart's brigade and, conceiving from the reports now made that the 1st +brigade division and six of the Naval guns were permanently out of +action for the day, Sir Redvers immediately decided that the artillery +left to him was insufficient and that "without guns it would be +impossible to force the passage of the river."<a id="footnotetag236" name="footnotetag236"></a><a href="#footnote236" title="Go to footnote 236"><span class="small">[236]</span></a> He determined, +before falling back, to make an effort to save Long's guns from what +seemed to him their desperate position.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> He decides to withdraw from the attack. 8 a.m.</span> + +<p>He came to this decision, which marks the crucial point of the action, +a little before 8 a.m.<a id="footnotetag237" name="footnotetag237"></a><a href="#footnote237" title="Go to footnote 237"><span class="small">[237]</span></a> Hart's brigade was at that <span class="pagenum"><a id="page363" name="page363"></a>[p. 363]</span> +moment slowly beginning to carry out the order to retire from the +western loop of the river. <span class="sidenote"> The distribution of the troops at 8 a.m.</span> +Barton's brigade, save the two companies +Royal Scots Fusiliers and the half-battalion Irish Fusiliers, which +had been pushed forward to support Long's guns, had not been engaged, +although, to meet any advance of the enemy from the bush near the +river on the right front, the Brigadier had moved the Royal Welsh +Fusiliers some 1,000 yards beyond the point where they had first +halted. Neither the 2nd nor the 4th brigade had yet fired a shot. The +former had been halted by Major-General Hildyard a little in front of +Naval Gun Hill, with its right on the railway and its left near some +kraals, awaiting the completion of the artillery preparation. Two +battalions of the 4th brigade, the 2nd Scottish Rifles and the 3rd +King's Royal Rifles, were lying close beside Hildyard's brigade, in +rear of Captain Jones' Naval artillery. Two other battalions, 1st +Rifle Brigade and 1st Durham Light Infantry, were moving in accordance +with Sir R. Buller's orders to the left flank to cover the withdrawal +of the 5th brigade; one company, however, of the latter battalion had +been left with the Naval guns. The mounted brigade, whose proceedings +will be narrated later, was advancing against Hlangwhane Hill, but no +report of their progress had yet reached Sir Redvers Buller.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Hildyard moves 2nd brigade forward.</span> + +<p>He himself now considered it advisable to go in person to the critical +point, and ascertain by his own inspection the true facts about the +guns. On his way to the front, he informed Major-General Hildyard that +the attack, as originally planned, was to be given up, and instructed +him to advance two of his battalions to cover the extrication of the +guns, taking care not to get involved in any engagement with the enemy +that could be avoided. The G.O.C., 2nd brigade, had already extended +his two leading battalions, the 2nd Queen's and 2nd Devon, for the +attack on the bridge, as first ordered. Both these battalions being to +the west of the railway, Hildyard directed the 2nd Devon to pass +through the Queen's and cross over to the east side of the line. The +two battalions then advanced, the 2nd Queen's on Colenso and the Devon +on <span class="pagenum"><a id="page364" name="page364"></a>[p. 364]</span> Long's guns, the formation adopted being columns of half +companies at from fifty to eighty paces distance, the half companies +being deployed in single rank, with six to eight paces interval. The +2nd East Surrey formed a second line in rear; the 2nd West Yorkshire +was in third line. In this formation, the 2nd brigade moved forward +across the open plain under a heavy fire, experiencing but slight +loss. <span class="sidenote"> He occupies Colenso, and joins hands with Barton.</span> +By 9.30 a.m. five companies of the Queen's, under the command of +Major W. S. Burrell, had occupied the village of Colenso. About two +sections of "C." and "G." companies of the Devon, accompanied by their +battalion commander, Lieut.-Colonel G. M. Bullock, had reached the +donga immediately in rear of Long's guns, the rest of that battalion +being echeloned in the open, further back as a support. A little later +"E." and "F." companies crossed the railway, and seized some farm +buildings, close to the road near the village. Part of these were +already occupied by the 2nd Queen's. Between Bullock's two foremost +Devon sections and Burrell's five companies lay the companies of the +Royal Scots Fusiliers, which formed the original escort to the guns, +and behind them, in support, were those two other companies of R. S. +Fusiliers which had been despatched by General Barton, when he +observed that an attempt was being made to withdraw the field guns. To +the right, and on the left rear of Bullock, four companies of Irish +Fusiliers were still extended. At this time, therefore, nearly ten +companies of infantry were in the firing line. Three companies of the +Queen's, about seven of the Devon, two of the Irish, and two of the +Scotch Fusiliers were in immediate support, and the remainder of the +2nd and 6th brigades and a battalion of the 4th brigade (the King's +Royal Rifles) were near at hand in rear. During this period of the +fight, Lieutenant R. E. Meyricke, Royal Engineers, of his own +initiative, worked down the spruit above the Bulwer bridge to the +river, and thence along its bank to the bridge, which he tested under +heavy fire, and found not to be mined.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Sir Redvers, in zone of fire, orders Naval guns to retire.</span> + +<p>After giving his orders to General Hildyard's brigade, Sir Redvers +rode forward with Lieut.-General Clery and his staff into the zone of +fire, Captain M. E. Hughes, R.A.M.C., being <span class="pagenum"><a id="page365" name="page365"></a>[p. 365]</span> killed, and Sir +Redvers himself hit by a shrapnel bullet. On reaching that donga, +where Lieutenant Ogilvy's Naval guns were still in action, General +Buller ordered their retirement. Two of these guns, whose oxen had +been kept at hand, went off to join the main Naval battery under +Captain Jones. The remaining four were withdrawn out of range one by +one with the help of artillery horses, and were eventually brought +back to camp by fresh spans of oxen. This withdrawal was covered by +"C." squadron of the 13th Hussars. The casualties among Ogilvy's party +during the day only amounted to three men wounded, and twenty-eight +oxen killed, wounded or lost.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> He stops despatch of ammunition to Long's guns.</span> + +<p>The field guns were still in the open, beyond the further donga, under +cover of which the surviving officers and men of the brigade division +were lying, hoping for ammunition to enable them to resume the action. +Major W. Babtie, R.A.M.C., who had volunteered to go forward to the +gun line, was attending to the wounded. Captain Herbert, on his +return, after his interview with the General Commanding-in-Chief, had +again been despatched to the rear by Colonel Long to seek for +ammunition. At his request Major W. Apsley Smith, commanding No. 1 +ammunition column, ordered forward nine wagons, and to cover their +advance Captain Jones, R.N., concentrated the fire of his Naval guns +on Fort Wylie, but the wagons were stopped on their way by General +Buller.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Gallant attempts to rescue guns.</span> + +<p>Sir Redvers, by the time he arrived at the Naval donga, had decided +that it was impracticable to re-man the guns of the field batteries. +Since the batteries ceased fire, Fort Wylie had been re-occupied by +the enemy, and the fire therefrom, and from the neighbouring trenches, +was so heavy that he considered that it was impossible that troops +could live in the open by the guns. He sanctioned a series of gallant +attempts being made by volunteers to withdraw them. Limber teams were +collected for this purpose, in the rear donga. The first of these +attempts was made by Captains Schofield and Congreve, both serving on +Sir Redvers' staff, Lieut. the Hon. F. H. S. Roberts (who was acting +as an extra A.D.C. to General Clery, until he could join Sir George +White's staff), Corporal Nurse and others, gathered <span class="pagenum"><a id="page366" name="page366"></a>[p. 366]</span> from the +drivers of the 66th battery. Two guns were limbered up and brought +back to the rear donga under a very severe fire, but Lieutenant +Roberts fell mortally wounded, and was carried into some shelter on +the left flank by Major Babtie, R.A.M.C., Major W. G. Forster, R.F.A., +and Captain Congreve. One of the limbers which had been brought for +the guns had been reduced to a standstill by the enemy's fire. +Lieutenants C. B. Schreiber and J. B. Grylls, both of the 66th +battery, accompanied by Bombardier Knight and two gunners, thereupon +made a valiant endeavour to assist the endangered drivers. Schreiber +was shot dead, and Grylls severely wounded, but the bombardier and +gunners succeeded in bringing back two wounded men.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The last effort.</span> + +<p>Later in the morning a final effort was made by Captain H. L. Reed, of +the 7th Field battery, who, with three wagon-teams, came across from +the eastern flank, but before the teams could reach the guns, Captain +Reed was wounded and his horse killed. Of his thirteen men, one was +killed and five wounded, while twelve of their horses were shot. After +this failure Sir Redvers refused to allow any more volunteering to +withdraw the guns.<a id="footnotetag238" name="footnotetag238"></a><a href="#footnote238" title="Go to footnote 238"><span class="small">[238]</span></a> Captain Reed, by General Buller's direction, +and with the assistance of Major F. C. Cooper, A.D.C., withdrew from +the rear donga the unwounded drivers and horses of No. 1 brigade +division, and took them back to the wagons of the 7th Field battery. +No order to retire appears to have been sent to the artillery officers +and men in the front donga. A written message—"I am ordered to +retire; fear that you cannot get away"—was sent by Lieut.-Col. E. O. +F. Hamilton, commanding 2nd Queen's, to the donga, addressed to +"O.C.R.A., or any other officer," but it did not reach an officer's +hands.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The mounted brigade.</span> + +<p>Whilst the fortunes of the day had thus been proving unfavourable to +the main attack, the mounted brigade had been <span class="pagenum"><a id="page367" name="page367"></a>[p. 367]</span> endeavouring +to carry out its part in the programme. The 7th battery R.F.A., +according to orders, reported before daylight to Lord Dundonald. Lord +Dundonald detached the Royal Dragoons to watch the left flank of the +general advance, detailed Bethune's M.I. to act as baggage guard, and +moved off from his rendezvous on the west side of the railway at 4 +a.m. Crossing the line at the platelayer's cottage about 4.30 a.m., he +advanced on Hlangwhane, employing the Composite regiment<a id="footnotetag239" name="footnotetag239"></a><a href="#footnote239" title="Go to footnote 239"><span class="small">[239]</span></a> to +reconnoitre to the front and flanks.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The mission of the mounted brigade.</span> + +<p>The Commanding Officers were informed by the Brigadier that their +mission was "to prevent the enemy working round on the right, to +occupy Hlangwhane Mountain if possible, and to assist the main attack +on Colenso by a flank fire." A little before 7 a.m., when the main +body of the brigade was still about two miles from Hlangwhane, the +scouts reported that the hill was held by the enemy. The 7th battery, +commanded by Major C. G. Henshaw, had already come into action, at +about 6 a.m., close to the right battalion of the 6th brigade, the +Royal Fusiliers, on an underfeature to the north of Advance Hill, +about 3,000 yards from Hlangwhane. The targets selected for the +battery were at first Fort Wylie and the other Colenso kopjes, the +range of the former being about 3,100 yards; but when Hlangwhane was +found to be occupied by the enemy, the fire of the right section, and +later on of another section, was directed on its south-western slopes +at a range of from 2,400 to 2,600 yards.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> It tries to capture Hlangwhane but finds Boers in full +possession.</span> + +<p>Meanwhile, the Brigadier had despatched the South African Light Horse, +under Lt.-Colonel the Hon. Julian Byng, to demonstrate against the +southern slope of the hill, and had directed Thorneycroft's and the +Composite regiment to work round by the Gomba Spruit, and to endeavour +to push through the dense thorn-bush up the eastern face. The 13th +Hussars were held in reserve close to Advance Hill. Deducting the +horse-holders, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page368" name="page368"></a>[p. 368]</span> the force thus launched for the attack of +Hlangwhane was somewhat less in strength than the commando defending +it; the Boers were holding entrenched and well-concealed positions on +the lower southern slopes of the hill, with their left flank prolonged +for a considerable distance to the eastward. Lieut.-Colonel +Thorneycroft's men gained ground to the north-east for about a mile, +under cover of the spruit, and then moved through the bush northwards +until they came in contact with the enemy at a distance of about 300 +yards from the base of the hill. The two leading companies of +Thorneycroft's corps still tried to push on, but they were stopped by +finding that they were outflanked by Boers occupying the ridge to the +eastward. The advance of the South African Light Horse against the +southern spur of the hill was also checked. It was now about 7.40 a.m.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Dundonald asks for infantry support, but does not get it.</span> + +<p>On receiving Lieut.-Colonel Thorneycroft's report that he could make +no further progress, and that the enemy was outflanking him, Lord +Dundonald sent "A." squadron of the 13th Hussars towards Green Hill to +strengthen his right flank, and asked Major-General Barton to support +his attack on Hlangwhane with some infantry. General Barton was unable +to comply with this request. The Royal Fusiliers were at this moment +his last reserve, and having regard to his instructions, the G.O.C., +6th brigade, did not feel justified, without the specific sanction of +General Buller, in committing this battalion to what appeared to him a +doubtful enterprise on intricate ground.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Sir Redvers decides that Hlangwhane would be useless +without Colenso.</span> + +<p>On receipt of this reply, Lord Dundonald directed his troops to hold +on to the positions they were occupying, and reported the situation to +the General Commanding-in-Chief, who now (about 10 a.m.) had left the +donga and ridden over to the mission station at the cross roads +between Advance Hill and Hussar Hill. There he received Lord +Dundonald's and General Barton's reports; the former was of the +opinion that, with the help of one or two battalions, he could carry +Hlangwhane, while the latter considered that his whole brigade, +including the eight companies now in the firing line by Long's guns, +would be needed if the hill was to be taken. Sir Redvers decided that +the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page369" name="page369"></a>[p. 369]</span> occupation of Hlangwhane would be useless unless he had +first forced the passage of the Tugela at Colenso, and of this he had +already relinquished all hope. He therefore ordered the Commander of +the mounted brigade to keep his men well in hand, and not to allow +them to become too closely engaged in the bush. As regards the 6th +brigade, General Buller considered the Royal Fusiliers already too far +forward on the right flank, and ordered that the battalion should be +drawn in. Five companies of the battalion were accordingly moved to +the south; the other three companies remained with the commanding +officer, Lt.-Colonel C. G. Donald, in support of Thorneycroft, and +were advanced to a point half a mile in front of the position of the +7th battery. General Buller now went back to the donga, and thence +watched Captain Reed's effort to save Long's guns. After its failure, +Sir Redvers, sending away his staff and escort, rode personally +through part of the extended battalions of the 2nd brigade, and formed <span class="sidenote"> The decision 11 a.m. to abandon the guns and return to +camp.</span> +the opinion that the men were too exhausted with the extreme heat to +be kept out all day, with the probability at nightfall of a severe +fight at close quarters for the guns. He therefore decided to abandon +the guns, and to withdraw the whole of his force forthwith to camp. +The decision was given about 11 a.m.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Parsons and Lyttelton successfully cover the retreat of +Hart's brigade.</span> + +<p>The retirement of the 5th brigade, which had been ordered more than +three hours earlier, was now approaching completion. Lieut.-Colonel +Parsons<a id="footnotetag240" name="footnotetag240"></a><a href="#footnote240" title="Go to footnote 240"><span class="small">[240]</span></a> had succeeded in moving the 64th and 73rd Field batteries +across the Doornkop Spruit, somewhat higher up than the place of his +first attempt; to afford the infantry better support, he advanced to a +low ridge near a kraal, as close in rear of the left of the brigade as +would permit of sufficient command to fire over them. Thence, at a +range of 2,800 yards, the batteries searched with shell the kopjes on +the north bank of the Tugela, and, assisted by the fire of Captain +Jones' Naval guns, silenced the two Boer guns near the Ladysmith road, +using for this purpose shrapnel with percussion fuse. Parsons' +batteries were at this time only 1,200 yards from the river, and came +under the rifle fire of the enemy. Their casualties were <span class="pagenum"><a id="page370" name="page370"></a>[p. 370]</span> but +slight. The 1st Rifle Brigade and the 1st Durham Light Infantry, +which, under the personal command of Major-General Lyttelton, had gone +to assist in covering Hart's retreat, had reached the Doornkop Spruit. +The 1st Rifle Brigade and four companies of the Durham Light Infantry +crossed it and opened out to six or eight paces interval on the far +side, four companies of the Rifle Brigade and two of the Durham +forming a firing line at a distance of about 500 yards from the river. +The three remaining companies of the Durham Light Infantry lined the +spruit.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The retreat down the loop.</span> + +<p>The order to retire appears to have reached some of the units of the +5th brigade as early as 7.30 a.m., but under the heavy fire which +still continued, the transmission of orders up the long salient of the +loop was difficult, and the foremost detachments of the intermingled +battalions did not begin to fall back until nearly 10.30 a.m. One or +two small bodies of officers and men, who had reached the bank at the +farthest end, never received the order, and were so absorbed in their +duel across the Tugela that, failing to observe the withdrawal of +their comrades until too late, they were eventually cut off and taken +prisoners. The rest of the brigade retired slowly in small groups, the +1st Border regiment covering the movement. Thanks to the artillery +fire of No. 2 brigade division and the presence of the two battalions +of the 4th brigade, the Boers made no attempt at direct pursuit, and +many of the British rank and file thought that they were engaged in a +counter-march to bring them to another crossing, which their comrades +had already found. Others, especially the Irish soldiers, were with +difficulty induced to turn their backs on the enemy. Gradually the +whole brigade, except the unlucky parties already mentioned, passed +through the files of the Riflemen and Durham Light Infantry, and +formed up out of range. The battalions were then marched back to camp. +The men were in the best of spirits and eager for battle.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Botha orders right wing to cross river and attack Hart's +brigade. They do not obey.</span> + +<p>Louis Botha had directed that the Middelburg and Winburg commandos, +who had been posted to the west of the salient loop, and had hardly +fired a shot all day, should cross higher up and attack the flank of +the Irish brigade as it fell back. The Free Staters, who at this +period of the war were inclined to <span class="pagenum"><a id="page371" name="page371"></a>[p. 371]</span> resent the control of a +Transvaal Commandant, declined to take part in the enterprise. But as, +irrespective of the Irish brigade, a cavalry regiment, two batteries, +and two fresh battalions were available to repel any counter-attack, +it was perhaps fortunate for the Boer Commandant-General that his +orders were disregarded. A few Boers did actually pass the river, and +were seen working round Parsons' left flank, just as Hart's rear +companies came level with the guns. The work of the artillery as a +covering force was then finished, and Colonel Parsons recrossed the +spruit, moved somewhat to the eastward, and then again came into +action for a short time. Colonel Parsons subsequently moved his +brigade division further to the eastward, near Captain Jones' Naval +guns and remained with them to the end of the day, till ordered by Sir +Redvers Buller to return to camp. The gun of the 73rd battery, upset +in Doornkop Spruit at the commencement of the attack, was retrieved by +Captain H. S. White, of that battery, during the afternoon and brought +back in safety.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Burrell asks leave to hold Colenso and recover the guns, +but the order to retire is general.</span> + +<p>The G.O.C. the 2nd brigade at 10 a.m. had sent written orders to his +two leading battalions that they were to retreat on the Naval guns, as +soon as the Field artillery had been withdrawn. Sir Redvers' order +that the guns were to be abandoned, and that the force was to return +to the camp of the previous night, was received by Major-General +Hildyard at 11.10 a.m., and was immediately sent by him to +Lieut.-Colonel Hamilton, commanding the 2nd Queen's, with instructions +to pass it to Colonel Bullock, commanding the 2nd Devon on his right. +Major Burrell had previously asked to be allowed to hold Colenso until +nightfall, in the hope of bringing away the guns; but in face of this +definite order to retire, the O.C. the 2nd Queen's felt unable to +sanction his request. The same difficulty in sending such messages +under modern quick-fire, which had made itself felt on the left flank, +again arose. Colonel Hamilton passed the order to the officer +commanding the rear half-battalion of the Devon, who received it about +12.30 p.m. and sent it on to the front companies, but it failed to +reach Colonel Bullock, who, with two sections of his battalion, the +remnant of the Royal <span class="pagenum"><a id="page372" name="page372"></a>[p. 372]</span> Scots Fusilier companies, and the +survivors of No. 1 brigade division, was still in the donga, behind +the ten guns remaining in the open.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The fate of those in the donga.</span> + +<p>The remainder of the Devon conformed to the movement on their left. Of +the infantry scattered in the donga, the curves of which hid one small +party in it from another, some saw what was going on and also fell +back. The retirement was carried out with coolness and precision under +cover of the 2nd East Surrey, who were holding a shelter trench on the +west and a donga on the east of the railway. The officers and men of +the Queen's and Devon doubled back in small groups through their +files. By 2.30 p.m. the 2nd brigade, except a half-battalion of the +East Surrey, was beyond the range of the enemy's guns, and by 3.30 +p.m. had reached camp. <span class="sidenote"> Hildyard's (2nd) brigade, 3.30 p.m., reaches camp except +Major Pearse's half-battalion which arrives 4 p.m.</span> +This half-battalion of the East Surrey, under +command of Major H. W. Pearse, remained for more than an hour in +position near the platelayer's hut, hoping to cover the withdrawal of +the detachments near the guns. Finally, finding that no more men fell +back, and that his command was becoming isolated, Major Pearse also +marched back to camp.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Gen. Lyttelton's (4th) brigade falls back, covering the +rear.</span> + +<p>Of General Lyttelton's battalions, the 1st Rifle Brigade and the +Durham Light Infantry had already been drawn in from the left flank +after the completion of the duty of covering Hart's brigade. The +foremost of the two remaining battalions was the 3rd King's Royal +Rifles. This unit, about 8.30 a.m., had advanced and extended some 800 +yards in rear of Long's guns. When the general retreat was ordered, +the senior officer with the battalion, Major R. C. A. B. +Bewicke-Copley,<a id="footnotetag241" name="footnotetag241"></a><a href="#footnote241" title="Go to footnote 241"><span class="small">[241]</span></a> was told to furnish the outposts. He therefore +held his ground. Each half company occupied a suitable knoll, with its +supporting half company in rear; the left of the battalion rested on +the railway. At 2 p.m. he was directed to fall further back. On this +Major Bewicke-Copley twice submitted a request to Lieut.-Colonel R. G. +Buchanan-Riddell that he might be allowed to stay where he <span class="pagenum"><a id="page373" name="page373"></a>[p. 373]</span> +was, with a view to saving the guns, when dusk came. He was informed +that Sir Francis Clery had issued definite instructions that the +battalion must place all of the outposts further back and more to the +west. The battalion accordingly retired by companies to a line in the +immediate front of the camp. The Scottish Rifles on the left had +covered the retirement of the 2nd brigade, and as soon as the last +battalion had passed through its extended files, it also withdrew to +camp.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Captain Jones' guns withdraw from Naval Gun Hill, 2.30 +p.m.</span> + +<p>The Naval guns under Captain Jones received the order to retire at +12.40 p.m., but as they had to send back to Shooter's Hill for their +oxen, it was not until nearly 2.30 p.m. that the last gun limbered up +and moved off. The central Naval battery had during the day fired 160 +rounds of 4·7-in. and 600 rounds of 12-pounder ammunition. Lieutenant +Ogilvy's six guns expended about 50 rounds per gun.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Mounted brigade retreats, fighting.</span> + +<p>The order to retreat reached the officer commanding the mounted troops +about noon. The brigade was still hotly engaged with the enemy, and +its gradual disentanglement took nearly three hours. Colonel +Thorneycroft was told by Lord Dundonald to fall back slowly along the +Gomba Spruit, protecting the flank of the South African Light Horse. +His retreat, which was covered by the 13th Hussars and three companies +of the Royal Fusiliers, was a good deal harassed by the enemy, who +crept up through the bush on the east and on the north. The +well-directed fire of the 7th battery checked this attempt at pursuit. +Eventually, Lord Dundonald succeeded in extricating his whole force +safely, except a small section of two officers and sixteen men of the +South African Light Horse, who were taken prisoners. The Royal +Dragoons had been recalled from the left flank by Sir Redvers Buller +at noon, and were employed in conjunction with Bethune's mounted +infantry in screening the retreat of the centre.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Barton's brigade reaches camp, 3.30 p.m.</span> + +<p>Major-General Barton began to draw back his brigade about noon, and +arrived with it in camp about 3.30 p.m. His order failed to reach the +detachment of the Royal Scots Fusiliers, the survivors of which, some +38 men in all, had about noon been placed under cover in the donga +behind Long's guns. After <span class="pagenum"><a id="page374" name="page374"></a>[p. 374]</span> five and a half hours fighting in +the open, their ammunition, except the rounds in their magazines had +been expended.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Boers hesitate to take guns till Naval guns are withdrawn.</span> + +<p>But though the guns now stood unprotected on the open veld, save for +the handful of gunners, Devon, and Scots Fusiliers left in the donga +in rear, the Boers feared a trap, and could not at first realise their +good fortune. A telegram despatched at 12.40 p.m., by Botha to +Pretoria had reported that "we cannot go and fetch the guns, as the +enemy command the bridge with their artillery." When the Naval battery +had been withdrawn the burghers ventured across the river and made +prisoners of the party in the donga, Colonel Bullock making a sturdy +resistance to the last. Then the guns, with their ammunition wagons, +were limbered up and taken leisurely over the river as the prizes of +the fight. <span class="sidenote"> Mounted brigade sees capture, but cannot fire because of +ambulances.</span> +Lord Dundonald's brigade on its way back to camp had made a +detour northward to help in stragglers, and, approaching to within +2,600 yards of Long's guns, had observed the Boers swarming round +them. The 7th battery unlimbered and was about to open, when British +ambulances approached the donga, and men in khaki were seen +intermingled with the Boers. <span class="sidenote"> Mounted brigade reaches camp 4.30 p.m.</span> +Under these circumstances it was judged +impossible to fire, and the mounted brigade withdrew to camp, arriving +there about 4.30 p.m. The 7th, Henshaw's, battery had expended 532 +rounds in all.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Casualties.</span> + +<p>The total casualties on the British side throughout were 74 officers +and 1,065 men; of these seven officers and 136 men were killed; 47 +officers and 709 men were wounded, and 20 officers and 220 men +returned as prisoners or missing.<a id="footnotetag242" name="footnotetag242"></a><a href="#footnote242" title="Go to footnote 242"><span class="small">[242]</span></a> The Boer losses were six +killed, one drowned, and 22 wounded, the relative smallness of these +figures being largely due to their admirable system of entrenchment +and to the invisibility of smokeless powder.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Two views of the course of the day.</span> + +<p>The British Commander's plan for the passage of the Tugela was +undoubtedly so hazardous that only the most exact sequence of the +phases of its execution, as conceived by Sir R. Buller, could have +brought it to a successful issue.<a id="footnotetag243" name="footnotetag243"></a><a href="#footnote243" title="Go to footnote 243"><span class="small">[243]</span></a> Imperfect knowledge <span class="pagenum"><a id="page375" name="page375"></a>[p. 375]</span> +of the topographical conditions of the problem, and of the +dispositions of the enemy, combined with misapprehension of orders, +sufficed to wreck it at the outset.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Good points in a day of misfortune.</span> + +<p>The gallant conduct and bearing of the regimental officers and men +were conspicuous through this day of ill-fortune. The reservists, who +formed from 40 to 50 per cent. of the men of the infantry battalions, +displayed a battle-discipline which supported that of their younger +comrades, while the newly-raised colonial corps gave a foretaste of +the valuable services which such units were destined to render +throughout the war.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The heavy Naval guns and telescopes.</span> + +<p>The influence of the telescopes and long-ranging heavy guns of the +navy has been noticed in the course of the narrative; but the subject +is an important one and it was not only at Colenso that this influence +was felt. It will be more convenient to deal with the general question +when other instances of the same kind have been recorded.</p> + +<a id="chap23" name="chap23"></a> +<h3><span class="pagenum"><a id="page376" name="page376"></a>[p. 376]</span> CHAPTER XXIII.</h3> + +<p class="title">LORD ROBERTS' APPOINTMENT TO THE COMMAND IN SOUTH AFRICA.</p> + + +<span class="sidenote"> Realisation at home of the magnitude of the task before the +country.</span> + +<p>After three reverses at Stormberg, Magersfontein and Colenso, it was +clear to all that forces far larger than had been estimated would be +now required for the war. Much had already been done before the news +of Colenso arrived. Another division—the 5th—prepared at home early +in November for service in South Africa, was due in a few days' time +at Cape Town. A sixth division had been mobilised at the end of +November and was on the point of embarkation,<a id="footnotetag244" name="footnotetag244"></a><a href="#footnote244" title="Go to footnote 244"><span class="small">[244]</span></a> and the +mobilisation of a seventh had been ordered as soon as the news of +Stormberg and Magersfontein had reached England. Yet there was cause +for anxiety. Until the 5th division actually landed, not a man was +available to be sent forward to reinforce either Lord Methuen on the +Modder, or the troops under Sir R. Buller's immediate command facing +the Tugela. After Stormberg, Sir W. Gatacre had been strengthened with +the 1st Derbyshire from the lines of communication. He had now a weak +brigade to cover all the eastern province, from Queenstown northwards. +Lt.-General French had, it is true, successfully checked the Boer +advance into the Colesberg district, but his success had been due to +skilful tactics and audacity, not to any superiority in strength. +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page377" name="page377"></a>[p. 377]</span> <span class="sidenote"> Danger of possible Boer offence.</span> +The true strategy for the enemy would be to assume the +offensive, and, using his superior mobility, attack the lines of +communication with the coast of one or more of the three British +columns in Cape Colony, each of which was in fact in a sense isolated. +Bold raids executed for this purpose would have probably secured the +active support of a large number of disaffected colonists, whose +loyalty had been seriously impaired by the recent victories of their +kinsmen. The attitude of many in the districts through which the Cape +lines of communication passed was already very unsatisfactory.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Dec. 15th, after Colenso Buller sends message home, "I +ought to let Ladysmith go."</span> + +<p>Nor was this all: for the moment Sir R. Buller thought that, by direct +order of the Cabinet, the 5th division had been assigned to the task +of relieving Kimberley,<a id="footnotetag245" name="footnotetag245"></a><a href="#footnote245" title="Go to footnote 245"><span class="small">[245]</span></a> and he judged that without reinforcements +the relief of Ladysmith was impracticable. Late, therefore, in the +evening of the 15th December, when the work of that exhausting and +disheartening day was drawing to a close, he telegraphed in the +following terms to the Secretary of State for War:—</p> + +<p class="quote"> + "My failure to-day raises a serious question. I do not think I am + now strong enough to relieve White. Colenso is a fortress, which + I think, if not taken on a rush, could only be taken by a siege. + There is no water within eight miles of the point of attack, and + in this weather that exhausts infantry. The place is fully + entrenched. I do not think either a Boer or a gun was seen by us + all day, yet the fire brought to bear was very heavy. Our + infantry were quite willing to fight, but were absolutely + exhausted by the intense heat. My view is that I ought to let + Ladysmith go, and occupy good positions for the defence of South + Natal, and let time help us. But that is a step on which I ought + to consult you. I consider we were in face of 20,000 men to-day. + They had the advantage both in arms and in position. They admit + they suffered severely, but my men have not seen a dead Boer, and + that dispirits them. My losses have not been very heavy. I could + have made them much heavier, but the result would have been the + same. The moment I failed to get in with a rush, I was beat. I + now feel that I cannot say I can relieve Ladysmith with my + available force, and the best thing I can suggest is that I + should occupy defensive positions, and fight it out in a country + better suited to our tactics."</p> + +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page378" name="page378"></a>[p. 378]</span> <span class="sidenote"> Sir R. Buller's arrangements for Natal;</span> + +<p>In pursuance of this policy Sir R. Buller sent Sir G. White, next +morning, a cipher message, which, with the reply, will be recorded in +another chapter.<a id="footnotetag246" name="footnotetag246"></a><a href="#footnote246" title="Go to footnote 246"><span class="small">[246]</span></a> He also directed the Natal line of communication +staff to select, on the route Eshowe-Greytown-Estcourt, positions for +camps, which the Natal army could occupy "until the weather is +cooler." As regards the western theatre of war, he was more sanguine. +On receiving the news of the repulse at Magersfontein he had, it is +true, at first considered that, if the British troops remained on the +Riet, they might be enveloped by Cronje's force, with disastrous +results. He sent instructions, therefore, to Forestier-Walker that +Lord Methuen must be told either to attack Cronje again or to fall +back at once on the Orange river. <span class="sidenote"> for the western theatre of war.</span> +This order was received with dismay +by Lord Methuen, for, after consultation with his brigadiers, he was +convinced that, until reinforcements arrived, his force was not in a +fit state to resume the offensive. He prepared to fall back. But in a +telegram, dated 14th December, Sir F. Forestier-Walker urged Sir +Redvers to support Methuen with the 5th division<a id="footnotetag247" name="footnotetag247"></a><a href="#footnote247" title="Go to footnote 247"><span class="small">[247]</span></a> and with a +brigade of cavalry from Naauwpoort, so as to enable him promptly to +relieve Kimberley. He added: "Methuen reports his force in safe +position, and well supplied. His communications are held by +detachments posted at no great distance apart, and can be further +protected by mounted troops. The effect of retirement upon the spirit +of Methuen's force after such hard fighting, and upon the general +military and political situation, appears to me to justify my placing +this alternative before you." Forestier-Walker's proposal was +immediately accepted by Sir Redvers, with the exception that he forbad +the reduction of French's strength at Naauwpoort. A telegram to that +effect had been despatched from Headquarters at Chieveley to the +General Officer Commanding Cape Colony the evening before the day of +Colenso.</p> + +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page379" name="page379"></a>[p. 379]</span> <span class="sidenote"> The Cabinet answers Sir Redvers' proposal to give +up Ladysmith, Dec. 16th, 1896.</span> + +<p>Meantime the Cabinet had received and considered General Buller's +suggestion that Ladysmith should be abandoned. They felt that to leave +the invested troops to their fate would be equally injurious in its +strategical, political, and moral effect on South Africa; a blow to +British prestige throughout the world. Sir R. Buller was therefore +informed by a cipher telegram, dated 16th December, that "Her +Majesty's Government regard the abandonment of White's force and its +consequent surrender as a national disaster of the greatest magnitude. +We would urge you to devise another attempt to carry out its relief, +not necessarily viā Colenso, making use of the additional men now +arriving, if you think fit." A War Office telegram of the same date +advised Sir Redvers that the embarkation of the 6th division for South +Africa had already begun, that the 7th division would begin to embark +on the 4th January, that another cavalry brigade would be sent out as +soon as ships could be provided, and that additional field artillery +would replace the guns lost at Colenso. In reply to a request made by +him that morning by telegram that 8,000 irregulars "able to ride +decently, but shoot as well as possible," should be raised in England, +the General Commanding-in-Chief was told that "a considerable force of +militia and of picked yeomanry and volunteers will also be sent."</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Sir Redvers, being promised reinforcements, prepares for +new effort.</span> + +<p>These promises, and the assurance that the 5th division was at his +free disposal, though that had always been the home view, greatly +strengthened Sir Redvers Buller's hands. He decided to make another +effort to break through the barriers round Ladysmith. He therefore +ordered Warren's division to Natal. Warren himself, with two +battalions of the 10th brigade, had disembarked at Cape Town, and been +despatched by train up country. These battalions, the 1st Yorkshire +and 2nd Warwick, were subsequently, at Forestier-Walker's request, +left in Cape Colony for duty on the line of communication at De Aar. +The rest of the 5th division, together with Sir C. Warren and his +staff, went to Durban.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The nation roused.</span> + +<p>The immediate response made by the Cabinet to Sir R. Buller's request +for reinforcements, and their instant rejection of the proposal to +abandon Ladysmith, expressed the spirit in <span class="pagenum"><a id="page380" name="page380"></a>[p. 380]</span> which the nation +received the news of "the black week"<a id="footnotetag248" name="footnotetag248"></a><a href="#footnote248" title="Go to footnote 248"><span class="small">[248]</span></a> in South Africa. The +experiences of such contests as had been waged by Great Britain since +the great Indian mutiny had led public opinion to expect, in time of +war, no strain on the national resources, no call for national effort. +War was regarded as a matter for which the War Office and the army +should make preparation, but not the nation. The despatch of the +largest British Army ever sent across the seas had been regarded as +ensuring rapid success. A decisive termination of the campaign before +the end of the year was anticipated. The disappointment of these hopes +at first caused dismay; but this was quickly replaced by a stern +determination to carry through the South African undertaking, and, at +all costs, not to shirk troublesome responsibilities in that +sub-continent. It was realised that the task to be faced was serious, +and that the time had come to devote to it the best resources of the +Empire. The manhood of the country was eager to assist by any possible +means, and therefore learnt with satisfaction that not only would the +6th and 7th divisions be sent out at once, but that nine militia +battalions had been asked to volunteer for foreign service, and that +yeomanry and select companies of volunteers had had their eager +demands to be allowed to help gladly granted. With even greater +pleasure was the announcement received, two days after the battle of +Colenso, that the General in command in South Africa had been given +<i>carte blanche</i> to raise mounted troops locally; that the +self-governing Colonies, again with true patriotism rallying round the +mother country, had proposed to send further military contingents, and +that these also were to join in the struggle.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Lord Roberts is appointed to command, Dec. 16.</span> + +<p>The action of the Cabinet in dealing with the difficult question of +the command, in South Africa was prompt. The size of the army which +would in a few weeks be assembled at the seat of war, and the nature +of the work which lay before it, made it necessary that an officer of +the highest standing and experience should be selected for the supreme +control. It was apparent that the direction of the operations for the +relief of Ladysmith <span class="pagenum"><a id="page381" name="page381"></a>[p. 381]</span> would absorb all the attention and +energies of Sir R. Buller. Field-Marshal Lord Roberts, V.C., then +commanding the forces in Ireland, was therefore asked to undertake the +duty of Commander-in-Chief in South Africa, a responsibility which he +instantly accepted. As Lord Roberts' Chief of the Staff the Cabinet, +with the Field-Marshal's approval, recommended to the Queen the +appointment of Major-General Lord Kitchener, who was still serving as +Sirdar of that Egyptian army with which, stiffened by British troops, +he had destroyed the power of the Mahdi little more than a twelve +month earlier. The decision to make these appointments was notified to +Sir R. Buller, in the telegram quoted below.<a id="footnotetag249" name="footnotetag249"></a><a href="#footnote249" title="Go to footnote 249"><span class="small">[249]</span></a> Sir Redvers, to use +his own words, had "for some time been convinced that it is impossible +for any one man to direct active military operations in two places +distant 1,500 miles from each other."<a id="footnotetag250" name="footnotetag250"></a><a href="#footnote250" title="Go to footnote 250"><span class="small">[250]</span></a></p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Lord Roberts embarks Dec. 23/99.</span> + +<p>Within a few days Lord Roberts nominated the rest of his staff,<a id="footnotetag251" name="footnotetag251"></a><a href="#footnote251" title="Go to footnote 251"><span class="small">[251]</span></a> +and, accompanied by the majority of them, embarked for South Africa on +23rd December, arrangements being made for Lord Kitchener to join him +at Gibraltar.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Weakness of defence in Cape Colony.</span> + +<p>The fact that it had been decided to send the 5th division to Natal +involved in Cape Colony the resumption of the policy of bluff which +had proved so successful earlier in the war. It was now attended with +greater risk, owing to the spread of disaffection amongst the +sympathisers with the Boer Republics. Three distinct areas in the "old +colony" were already in the actual <span class="pagenum"><a id="page382" name="page382"></a>[p. 382]</span> occupation of the enemy, +and had been annexed by Boer proclamations. The first of these areas +included Griqualand West, Barkly West, Taungs, Vryburg, and Mafeking +districts, in fact, with the exception of the besieged towns of +Kimberley, Kuruman,<a id="footnotetag252" name="footnotetag252"></a><a href="#footnote252" title="Go to footnote 252"><span class="small">[252]</span></a> and Mafeking, the whole of the colony north +of the Riet river and of the Orange river below its junction with the +Riet. East of this came the Boer enclave round Colesberg, the extent +of which was being much diminished by General French's operations. +Further east again, the north-east angle of the colony, including the +districts of Herschel, Aliwal North, Barkly East, Wodehouse, and +Albert, had for the time being become <i>de facto</i> Free State territory. +Kruger telegraphed to Steyn on the 20th of December: "I and the rest +of the War Commission decide that every person in the districts +proclaimed, so far as the annexed portions shall extend, shall be +commandeered, and those who refuse be punished. So say to all the +officials south of Orange river and in Griqualand West, that while we +are already standing in the fire they cannot expect to sit at home in +peace and safety." In all these areas, therefore, extraordinary +pressure was placed on the colonists to renounce their allegiance and +take up arms against their Sovereign. Indeed, but six weeks later the +whole of the inhabitants of the Barkly West district who refused to be +commandeered were, irrespective of nationality, removed from their +homes by the Boers' Landrosts and thrust across the Orange river in a +state of absolute destitution.<a id="footnotetag253" name="footnotetag253"></a><a href="#footnote253" title="Go to footnote 253"><span class="small">[253]</span></a> The number of recruits which had +accrued to the enemy's commandos by these means was already, by the +end of December, considerable; it was assessed at the time by the +British authorities as high as ten thousand. But the danger for the +moment was not so much the numerical strength of the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page383" name="page383"></a>[p. 383]</span> +actively disloyal as the attitude of the disaffected in the districts +which the enemy had not reached. Here, again, the areas which caused +special anxiety fell into three groups. In the eastern province +certain of the farmers of the Stockenstroom and adjacent districts had +gathered together in a laager on the Katberg Pass across the +Winterberg Mountains, a strong position some forty miles in rear of +General Gatacre at Queenstown. In the thinly-populated and backward +regions bordered by the Orange river on the north, the Roggeveld and +Nieuwveld Mountains on the south, and the main line from Cape Town to +De Aar on the east, racial feeling was known to be greatly inflamed, +and it was reported that, if a few recruiters crossed the Orange river +from the districts occupied by the enemy to the north of the river, a +rising would probably take place. Even nearer to Cape Town, in the +fertile and wine-producing districts of Stellenbosch, Paarl, Ceres, +Tulbagh, and Worcester, all most difficult to deal with, owing to the +broken character of the ground and its intersection by rough mountain +ranges, a portion of the inhabitants had shown signs of great +restlessness. If even small bands of insurgents had taken up arms in +these parts, the British lines of communication would have been +imperilled. A very large force would be required for their protection.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The enthusiasm of the loyal furnishes large numbers of +Volunteers.</span> + +<p>On the other hand, although the loyalty of a portion of the population +was shaken, there were large numbers not only steadfast in their +allegiance, but anxious to fulfil the duty of good citizens. +Considerable advantage had already been taken of this patriotic +spirit. Practically the whole of the Volunteer forces of the colony +had been called out in the first phase of the war and were still under +arms. The good services of the South African Light Horse and of +Brabant's Horse, raised respectively in the western and eastern +province, showed that the time had now come to make fuller use of the +admirable recruiting material that was available.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Full advantage taken of this by Sir A. Milner and Sir +Redvers.</span> + +<p>On the 17th December Sir A. Milner telegraphed to Sir Redvers: "As +rebellion in the colony is still spreading and our latest +reinforcements are wanted elsewhere, I hope you will authorise G.O.C. +here to raise all the men he can get in loyal <span class="pagenum"><a id="page384" name="page384"></a>[p. 384]</span> districts. +Mounted corps are being increased, and are no doubt what we most want. +But for defence of ports, which we must hold at all costs, and of +places like King William's Town and Grahamstown, even unmounted men, +if otherwise fit, will be useful, and I think considerable numbers +might be obtained. Where resistance is at all practicable I think it +should be offered, if only to gain time." This suggestion that a large +increase should be made in the forces raised locally was not a new +one. Sir Redvers had already been in communication on the subject with +the War Office, and had been informed by the Secretary of State, in a +telegram, dated 16th December, that: "I hope that you understand that +we are greatly in favour of the policy indicated in your telegram +(10th December) of raising local mounted corps and that you are free +to carry it out." On receipt of the High Commissioner's message +General Buller gave Forestier-Walker a free hand to raise both mounted +and dismounted men for the defence of Cape Colony, directing him to +consult Sir A. Milner as to details. On the 27th of December the +General Commanding-in-Chief was in a position to telegraph to Lord +Lansdowne that, exclusive of the colonial troops belonging to +Kimberley and Mafeking garrisons, 2,100 mounted and 4,300 dismounted +irregulars were under arms in Cape Colony besides a Railway Pioneer +regiment, 500 strong, in process of organisation.<a id="footnotetag254" name="footnotetag254"></a><a href="#footnote254" title="Go to footnote 254"><span class="small">[254]</span></a></p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Large numbers of Volunteers.</span> + +<p>He hoped to increase still further these numbers by 2,000 mounted and +2,000 dismounted men. In Natal the Volunteers who had been called out, +and the special service corps enrolled since the war, numbered in all +6,700 men, and efforts were being made to raise another 700. +Including, therefore, the 4,000 colonial and local troops besieged in +Kimberley, the 1,000 defending Mafeking, and 1,500 Southern +Rhodesians, there were at this time 20,000 South African colonists +employed in the defence of their country, and arrangements were being +made to augment this total to about 25,000 men. The men who thus +served their Sovereign were not all of British descent. <span class="pagenum"><a id="page385" name="page385"></a>[p. 385]</span> Some +were loyal Dutchmen. The figures no doubt include as "South Africans," +because present in local units, Johannesburg Uitlanders,<a id="footnotetag255" name="footnotetag255"></a><a href="#footnote255" title="Go to footnote 255"><span class="small">[255]</span></a> as well +as others who flocked to South Africa from various parts of the Empire +to fight for the maintenance of equal rights for all white men. These +large bodies might, had the Imperial Government thought fit, have been +almost indefinitely reinforced by native levies; but such a course was +impossible without danger to the future welfare of South Africa. It +was deemed legitimate to sanction the organisation of the tribes of +British Kaffraria, under Sir H. Elliott, for the defence of their own +homes against the Boer commandos.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Methuen since Magersfontein.</span> + +<p>After withdrawing from the battlefield of Magersfontein, Lord Methuen +had directed the whole of his energy to strengthening his hold on the +Riet and establishing his troops firmly astride that river. General +Buller had finally decided to retain Lord Methuen in that forward +situation, for on reflection he perceived that a retirement would +leave Cronje free to concentrate his whole force against Kimberley. +Moreover, he foresaw that the so-called "Modder position" could be +utilised later on as a pivot of manœuvre, or as a screen behind +which a turning offensive movement might be made to the east into the +Free State. With this end in view he proposed to begin constructing a +railway from Honey Nest Kloof to Jacobsdal, to be extended eventually +to Bloemfontein after the arrival of the 6th division. The occupation +of Jacobsdal would, General Buller anticipated, "frighten" Cronje out +of Magersfontein.<a id="footnotetag256" name="footnotetag256"></a><a href="#footnote256" title="Go to footnote 256"><span class="small">[256]</span></a> Lord Roberts, however, in telegraphing to Sir +Redvers from Gibraltar on 26th December his concurrence in the +retention of Methuen on the Modder, added: "As regards railway +extension, I fear that construction of line will so seriously +interfere with the utility of present working line that I should ask +you to consult Girouard<a id="footnotetag257" name="footnotetag257"></a><a href="#footnote257" title="Go to footnote 257"><span class="small">[257]</span></a> on this subject before coming to any +decision." The <span class="pagenum"><a id="page386" name="page386"></a>[p. 386]</span> execution of this project was therefore +suspended pending Lord Roberts' arrival.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Cronje remains passive.</span> + +<p>Meanwhile, although with the mobile force at his disposal General +Cronje might have struck at the British communications, the Boer +commander remained passive, and devoted himself to the improvement and +extension of his defences. He was indifferent to the fact that his +line of supply to the eastward was exposed and almost entirely +unguarded. Enterprises proposed by De Wet and others of his +subordinates against the British connection with the sea he sternly +forbad.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Activity in the west.</span> + +<p>In the more western theatre of war, on the contrary, the Boers made +some attempt to take advantage of the situation. Recruiting parties +were sent across the Orange river, and visited Prieska. The village of +Douglas, lying south of the Vaal, a little below its junction with the +Riet, and commanding the road from Griqualand West to Belmont, was +also occupied by a small commando. The section of Lord Methuen's line +of supply from De Aar to Honey Nest Kloof was at this time held by +some 11,000 men under the command of Major-General E. Wood.<a id="footnotetag258" name="footnotetag258"></a><a href="#footnote258" title="Go to footnote 258"><span class="small">[258]</span></a> The +greater part of this force was distributed in strong posts at Honey +Nest Kloof, Enslin, Belmont, Witteputs, Orange River bridge, and De +Aar. The garrison of Belmont was under command of Lt.-Colonel T. D. +Pilcher, and consisted of two guns of P. battery, R.H.A., a half +company of the Munster Fusiliers mounted infantry, 250 Queensland +M.I., two companies of the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry, and the +Royal Canadian regiment, amounting in all to about 1,600 men. General +Wood determined to use a portion of this garrison to brush away the +hostile gathering on the left flank. With this object, Colonel Pilcher +was directed to move out from Belmont on the afternoon of the 31st +December with a flying column, composed of the two guns of P. battery, +42 officers and men of the Munster Fusiliers M.I., 12 officers and 187 +men of the Queensland M.I. under command of Lt.-Colonel P. R. Ricardo, +and a company of the Canadian regiment, the last-named unit being +carried in ten buck <span class="pagenum"><a id="page387" name="page387"></a>[p. 387]</span> wagons with mule transport. The two +companies D.C.L.I. formed a supporting column and followed later. In +order to deceive the enemy, Pilcher on the previous day had made a +feint from Belmont towards the Free State, returning ostensibly on the +ground that a mistake had been made as to supply arrangements; the <span class="sidenote"> Pilcher's raid on Douglas.</span> +real object of the column was Douglas, and it had been arranged to +cover Pilcher's right flank, by moving Babington with his mounted +brigade and G. battery westward from Modder camp. His left flank was +protected by the despatch of the Scots Greys from Orange River station +to Mark's Drift, a point close to the junction of the Vaal and Orange +rivers. On the night of the 31st December, Colonel Pilcher halted at +Thornhill farm, eighteen miles north-west of Belmont, and thence moved +on the following morning to Sunnyside, where in a cluster of kopjes a +small laager had been formed by an advance party of the enemy. This +commando (about 180 strong), was surprised, and defeated, with a loss +of fourteen killed and thirty-eight prisoners, after a brief +engagement, in which the Canadian and Queensland troops proved their +fitness to fight side by side with British regulars. On the 2nd +January, the flying column pushing on to Douglas, found the village +evacuated by the enemy. Meanwhile, a strong commando, detached by +Cronje, had eluded the cavalry brigade and crossed the Riet river near +Koodoesberg. Lt.-Colonel Pilcher had already fallen back on Thornhill +on 3rd January, and evading the enemy by a night march, regained +Belmont unmolested. Ninety loyalist refugees from Douglas accompanied +him on his return. <span class="sidenote"> Alderson threatens Prieska.</span> +Simultaneously with this successful raid, a patrol +of about a company of M.I. under Lieut.-Colonel Alderson had been sent +to Prieska from De Aar, and on the 3rd January exchanged shots at that +place with the enemy across the river, falling back subsequently on De +Aar.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Wood seizes Zoutpans Drift.</span> + +<p>Lord Methuen now determined, in conjunction with Major-General E. +Wood, to demonstrate to the eastward against the enemy's line of +communication, which was known to run through Jacobsdal, Koffyfontein, +and Fauresmith. On the 7th January Major-General Wood therefore, with +a force of all three arms, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page388" name="page388"></a>[p. 388]</span> seized Zoutpans Drift, a ford +across the Orange river twenty miles above the railway bridge. The +ford had been reconnoitred as early as 13th December. Here General +Wood placed a permanent post on favourable ground on a hill, to +protect the drift from the Free State side, and to command the road +leading thence to Fauresmith. A Boer detachment remained in +observation of this post on the adjacent farm of Wolvekraal, but did +not attack. Further to the north, reconnaissances into the Free State, +made by the cavalry brigade, and by Pilcher's troops at Belmont, +ascertained that the enemy was not yet in great strength on the right +flank, but that Jacobsdal was occupied. The Field Intelligence +department at Cape Town had already (3rd January) received information +from a trustworthy source that Cronje had at and near Magersfontein +8,000 to 9,000 men, and that he was relying on being attacked there. +The report stated: "An advance on Bloemfontein up the right bank of +Riet river by Kaalspruit would draw off the main Boer forces towards +Bloemfontein. President O.F.S. is stated in district to have said that +he 'could not cope with such a movement.' ... Bloemfontein is +undefended except by two forts, the guns of which have been moved to +Kimberley."</p> + +<a id="chap24" name="chap24"></a> +<h3><span class="pagenum"><a id="page389" name="page389"></a>[p. 389]</span> CHAPTER XXIV.</h3> + +<p class="title">OPERATIONS ROUND COLESBERG—DECEMBER 16th, 1899, TO FEBRUARY 6TH, +1900.<a id="footnotetag259" name="footnotetag259"></a><a href="#footnote259" title="Go to footnote 259"><span class="small">[259]</span></a></p> + + +<span class="sidenote"> French's operations during Lord Roberts' voyage.</span> + +<p>Whilst Lord Roberts was on his voyage to the seat of war, the three +portions of the army which had sustained severe checks were chiefly +employed in recuperating and receiving reinforcements. General French, +on the other hand, was continuing his successful operations. These, +therefore, with the exceptions mentioned in the last chapter, alone +represent the active work in the field in South Africa between the +time of the decision of the Cabinet appointing the new +Commander-in-Chief and his arrival at Cape Town. The task of General +French at Arundel was now as important as the strength of his command +seemed inadequate to perform it. The enemy on his front formed one of +four invading columns, three of which had already been victorious. +Schoeman had, therefore, strong reasons for wishing to emulate the +prowess of Cronje at Magersfontein, of Botha at Colenso, and of the +fortunate trio at Stormberg. French had to deal with an opponent whose +confidence must now be presumed to be at its height. Moreover, +reinforcements might reach the Boer leader at any moment. It had +become more than ever necessary to paralyse him before he could +initiate even the semblance of an organised incursion into territory +where disloyalty might largely increase his numbers in a night. +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page390" name="page390"></a>[p. 390]</span> Only by incessant activity could French hope to attain this +object, and fortunately the force under his command, if small, was +suitable both in composition and spirit to that most difficult of +military operations, the surveillance and protection of a large area +by mobility alone. His dispositions, detailed in <a href="#chap17">Chapter XVII.</a>, whilst +they denied a front of nearly forty miles to the enemy, effectually +covered the Hanover Road-Naauwpoort-Rosmead line of railway. The area +occupied by the Boers round Rensburg was, like that of the British, +bisected by the railway. It was roughly as follows:—On the west of +the line lay some 800 Transvaalers with a long-range gun; on the east +about 2,000 Free Staters, with two guns, were partly entrenched, +whilst 600 burghers guarded the Boer Headquarters at Colesberg and +their line of retreat. Against the enemy, thus distributed, French now +began a series of reconnaissances and rapid movements in force, which, +directed against Schoeman's flanks and rear, and often against his +convoys, left him no peace. Some of these expeditions, notably an +attack by the New Zealand Mounted Rifles and a battery R.H.A. on +December 18th against the Boer left rear, led to brisk skirmishing; +but the British losses were always trifling, and Schoeman, continually +forced to show his hand, eventually wearied of his insecurity. <span class="sidenote"> He worries Schoeman out of Rensburg.</span> +On the +29th he abandoned Rensburg, and fell back by night upon Colesberg. At +daybreak on the 30th, French followed in pursuit with the Carabiniers, +New Zealand Mounted Rifles, and two guns R.H.A. and, reaching Rensburg +at 7 a.m., soon regained touch with the enemy upon the ridges +south-west of Colesberg. A demonstration by the artillery disclosed a +strong position, strongly held. Colesberg town lies in a hollow in the +midst of a rough square of high, steep kopjes, many of them of that +singular geometrical form described in <a href="#chap3">Chapter III.</a> Smaller kopjes +project within rifle range from the angles of the square, whilst 2,000 +yards west of its western face a tall peak, called Coles Kop, rises +abruptly from the encircling plain, and dominates the entire terrain. +The isolation of this hill was doubtless the reason why it was not +occupied by the Boers. <span class="sidenote"> and pursues him to Colesberg.</span> +They were in strength everywhere along the +hilly ramparts around Colesberg. French, therefore, perceiving +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page391" name="page391"></a>[p. 391]</span> the formidable nature of this "natural fortress,"<a id="footnotetag260" name="footnotetag260"></a><a href="#footnote260" title="Go to footnote 260"><span class="small">[260]</span></a> +contented himself with seizing a group of hills (Porter's Hill) 2,000 +yards south-west of the south-western angle. Here he planted +artillery, and, leaving Porter with the above mounted troops in +observation, himself returned to Rensburg siding, which he made his +Headquarters, calling up the main body from Arundel.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> French decides to attempt Colesberg.</span> + +<p>The rearward concentration of the enemy at Colesberg, in itself a +partial triumph for the British Commander, had now cleared the +situation, and opened to General French the final object defined by +his instructions.<a id="footnotetag261" name="footnotetag261"></a><a href="#footnote261" title="Go to footnote 261"><span class="small">[261]</span></a> The arrival of reinforcements, moreover, seemed +to warrant a serious attempt upon Colesberg. The third squadrons of +the 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons and 10th Hussars, which had been +wrecked in the transport <i>Ismore</i>, had joined on the 18th and 21st +December, the 1st Suffolk regiment from Naauwpoort on the 26th, and +Rimington's Guides (173 strong) on the 28th, the 1st Essex regiment +from De Aar relieving the Suffolk at Naauwpoort.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Dec. 31st/99 to Jan. 1st, 1900, makes night attack on +McCracken's Hill and takes it.</span> + +<p>At daybreak on the 31st the General made in person a close +reconnaissance of the enemy's position, and at noon he issued orders +for an offensive movement. The most vulnerable, indeed, the only +vulnerable portions of the bulwark of hills, seemed to be the kopjes +previously described as projecting from the square, especially those +upon the western face. These gained, it would be possible to push +northward along the flank, threatening the Colesberg road bridge and +the enemy's line of retreat, regarding the safety of which the Boers +had shown themselves peculiarly sensitive. Seeking a base from which +to attack these outlying kopjes, French settled upon Maeder's farm, +lying five miles west-south-west of Colesberg, and at 4 p.m. a +squadron 10th Hussars moved thither as a screen to the main body,<a id="footnotetag262" name="footnotetag262"></a><a href="#footnote262" title="Go to footnote 262"><span class="small">[262]</span></a> +which <span class="pagenum"><a id="page392" name="page392"></a>[p. 392]</span> marched an hour later, and arrived at the farm between +8 p.m. and 9 p.m., the troops bivouacking there under arms. At +midnight the men were roused, and at 12.30 a.m., January 1st, the +column, led by the wing of the Royal Berkshire, set out in thick +darkness towards the enemy.<a id="footnotetag263" name="footnotetag263"></a><a href="#footnote263" title="Go to footnote 263"><span class="small">[263]</span></a> The route taken ran for two and a +half miles on Colesberg, and then north-east across the veld, past the +east of Coles Kop. The infantry marched in profound silence; even the +regimental carts were dropped behind, lest the noise of the wheels +should betray the design. It was not until the leading companies at +3.30 a.m. were close to the base of the hill to be attacked, that a +loud shout and a scattered fire of rifles from the right front broke +the stillness, and showed that the enemy had detected the advance. +Major McCracken, who had so organised the march of the Berkshire as to +be ready for this, extended his ranks to two paces interval, and, +without awaiting his supports, which had been delayed by the darkness, +ordered the charge. Thereupon the enemy's piquet fled, and the Royal +Berkshire, just as day dawned on January 1st, 1900, gained, without +opposition, the crest of the hill, henceforward to be known as +McCracken's Hill.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Jan. 1st, 1900. Colesberg is shelled whilst Fisher works +round the north towards the bridge road on Boer right, and Porter acts +against their left.</span> + +<p>This point being won, General French immediately despatched Colonel +Fisher on from the place, where he had halted with his cavalry, past +Coles Kop towards the north-west corner of the heights encircling +Colesberg, with orders to establish a squadron at the corner, and to +work round the northern face against the Boer right. In this duty +Fisher was only so far successful as to get his patrols astride the +track to Colesberg road bridge, failing to secure the hills commanding +the northern exits from the town. To distract attention from this +movement, and to clear the kopjes on McCracken's front, ten guns had +previously been placed opposite the western face of the Colesberg +heights, and as soon as it became light enough, these opened a heavy +bombardment. The enemy responded at once with field guns and a pom-pom +from higher ground, and for three hours the batteries endured a +galling fire of great accuracy, the Boer pom-pom <span class="pagenum"><a id="page393" name="page393"></a>[p. 393]</span> especially +bespattering the line of guns with a continuous stream of projectiles. +Not until the Horse artillery had expended 1,043 rounds of shrapnel +did the enemy's gunners desist. During this time Colonel Porter, based +on Porter's Hill, was operating vigorously against the enemy's left. +He had moved out overnight with two squadrons 6th Dragoon Guards +(Carabiniers), one company New Zealand Mounted Rifles, and two guns, +R.H.A. Reinforcing these mounted troops, Porter made a determined +effort against the outworks of the Schietberg at the south-western +angle of the Colesberg heights. But the Boers were here in strength, +and the New Zealanders, after a gallant attack up the stiff slopes, +were compelled to fall back upon Porter's Hill, whence for the rest of +the day Porter engaged, though he could not dislodge, large numbers of +the enemy.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Boers try to retake McCracken's Hill, but fail.</span> + +<p>Meanwhile the wing of the Royal Berkshire regiment had not been left +in peaceful possession of McCracken's Hill. To the east, and between +this hill and Colesberg, another height of similar command was +strongly held by the enemy, who not only opened a troublesome fire at +daybreak, but a little later attempted first a counter-attack up the +steep re-entrants to the north-east, or left, of the infantry, and +next an enveloping movement around the right.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The first attempt stopped by Fisher's appearance, after +evacuation of the hill had been ordered.</span> + + +<p>Both enterprises finally failed; but about 7 a.m., so insecure seemed +the situation of the Berkshire, that the General sent orders to +McCracken to evacuate. At that moment Fisher's appearance upon the +heights to the north-west somewhat after relieved the pressure, and +McCracken, receiving to his satisfaction permission to retain what he +had won, soon had his command so safely entrenched against musketry +and shell fire, that, for the next forty-three days, during which it +never ceased, his casualties numbered but eighteen. So passed the day +without further incident until, late in the afternoon, Schoeman +suddenly led a column, about 1,000 strong, out of the south-eastern +corner of the Colesberg <i>enceinte</i>, making as if to envelop the +British right. <span class="sidenote"> Rimington's Guides and Porter's men stop the second.</span> +Fortunately, Rimington's Guides, who had been posted +overnight at Jasfontein farm, six miles east of Rensburg, to watch +this flank, detected the Boer advance. Simultaneously the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page394" name="page394"></a>[p. 394]</span> +troops at Porter's Hill saw it also, and Schoeman, confronted by both +detachments, retired to Colesberg. Thus by evening French, though +disappointed with the results north of the town, where he had hoped to +secure "Grassy" (later Suffolk) Hill, had cut off Colesberg from the +rest of the colony on the south and west. His intercepting line ran +north as far as Kloof camp.<a id="footnotetag264" name="footnotetag264"></a><a href="#footnote264" title="Go to footnote 264"><span class="small">[264]</span></a> As all the troops were thus fully +occupied, French asked for reinforcements with which to "manœuvre +the enemy out of his position." Schoeman himself, at the same time, +was demanding assistance from the Boer Headquarters to enable him to +hold his ground.<a id="footnotetag265" name="footnotetag265"></a><a href="#footnote265" title="Go to footnote 265"><span class="small">[265]</span></a></p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Jan. 4th, 1900. Schoeman attacks French's left, obtains a +momentary advantage, but completely fails.</span> + +<p>Next day (January 2nd) General French delegated the command of the +left attack to Major-General Brabazon, with Headquarters at Maeder's +farm, and relieved the cavalry at Kloof camp by four companies of the +1st Suffolk regiment, one squadron alone remaining there to act as a +screen to the northern flank. This day and the next passed +uneventfully. Early in the morning of the 4th, Schoeman, baulked in +his attempt of the 1st January against the British right, dashed +suddenly from his lines with a thousand men against the left, and all +but rolled it up. Eluding the cavalry piquets posted on the outer +flank of the Suffolk, the burghers galloped for a line of kopjes which +ran east and west across the left and left rear of Kloof camp, into +which they therefore looked from the flank, and partially from the +rear. The enemy's artillery at once opened fiercely from their main +position upon the entrenchments of the Suffolk, who, assailed from +three directions, were for some time seriously threatened. Much +depended upon the action of the next few minutes. French's front line +was for the moment truly outflanked, and, were the enemy to establish +himself where he was, nothing would remain but a speedy and difficult +evacuation of <span class="pagenum"><a id="page395" name="page395"></a>[p. 395]</span> the ground hitherto held, right back to +Porter's Hill. The tables were quickly turned. General French, who was +riding up from Rensburg, at this moment reached Porter's Hill, and +immediately telegraphed to Maeder's farm for all the troops to turn +out and move on Coles Kop. He also ordered two companies of the Royal +Berkshire regiment from McCracken's Hill to reinforce the threatened +point, and the 10th Hussars, a squadron 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons, +and two guns R.H.A. to advance upon the right of the Boer attack. Four +guns had already opened against their centre from in front of Coles +Kop. These movements chilled the Boers, who, especially alarmed at the +approach of the cavalry from the direction of Windmill camp, abandoned +the most advanced points they had reached, hotly pursued by the 10th +Hussars on one flank and "B." squadron Inniskillings on the other. Yet +some of them soon turned, and, standing on rocky hills, attempted to +cover the flight of the rest, by checking the 10th Hussars. Colonel +Fisher thereupon dismounted his men, and leading a charge on foot, +brilliantly drove off the Boer rearguard and sent them after their +comrades, whilst the Inniskillings continued the pursuit, getting +amongst the fugitives with the lance. Still a part of the enemy, about +200 in number, clung stoutly to the broken hills in spite of the +severe cross fire of the artillery. About 1 p.m., therefore, the +General ordered Capt. H. de B. de Lisle to dislodge this remnant with +200 mounted infantry. De Lisle, using all the advantages of the +ground, skilfully manœuvred his men, mounted, till he was within a +distance convenient for attack. His dismounting was the signal for +another break away of at least half of those fronting him, and the +mounted infantry, in open order, scaled the hill with fixed bayonets +against the remainder. There was a short encounter, but De Lisle's men +were not to be denied, twenty-one prisoners falling into their hands +as they cleared the summit. The rest of the Boers scattered in flight, +and by 2 p.m. Schoeman's attempt was over. His failure had cost him +ninety killed and wounded, and the loss of some forty prisoners.<a id="footnotetag266" name="footnotetag266"></a><a href="#footnote266" title="Go to footnote 266"><span class="small">[266]</span></a></p> + + +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page396" name="page396"></a>[p. 396]</span> <span class="sidenote"> French, Jan. 5th, issues orders for attack on +Grassy Hill next day.</span> + +<p>During this (January 4th) and the two following days, the requested +reinforcements, in number some 1,500 men of all arms, arrived. With +this accretion of strength it was now possible to renew the offensive, +and General French at once turned his attention to the capture of +Grassy Hill (Suffolk Hill on map No. <a href="#map16">16</a>), which he had early marked as +the key to the Boer stronghold. This height lay at the junction of the +roads leading respectively to Colesberg road bridge and to Norval's +Pont, both of which it commanded. Fisher's operations on the left +flank on January 1st had been designed to seize this important point, +and without it there was little hope of forcing the enemy from +Colesberg. On the 5th, whilst all the artillery shelled the hill, +French made a personal and careful reconnaissance,<a id="footnotetag267" name="footnotetag267"></a><a href="#footnote267" title="Go to footnote 267"><span class="small">[267]</span></a> and on his +return to Headquarters issued orders for an attack next day. It was to +be based on Kloof camp, whence a force of all arms<a id="footnotetag268" name="footnotetag268"></a><a href="#footnote268" title="Go to footnote 268"><span class="small">[268]</span></a> under the +command of Lieutenant-Colonel F. J. W. Eustace, R.H.A., was to be in +readiness to start at 5 a.m. As before, the 1st cavalry brigade and +the post at Porter's Hill were to co-operate to the southward, both to +divert attention from the true attack, and to prevent the enemy +withdrawing his guns.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Lt.-Col. Watson volunteers to take the hill, and is granted +leave to try.</span> + +<p>Lt.-Colonel A. J. Watson, commanding the 1st Suffolk regiment at Kloof +camp, who had frequently reconnoitred Grassy Hill in company with +General French, had from the first expressed his belief that he could +capture it with his battalion. On the previous day (5th January) his +remaining half-battalion had joined him, and during an interview with +Eustace in the evening regarding the arrangements for next day, he +asked the latter to obtain from the General leave for him to rush the +position in the night with four companies. Eustace, though he did not +share the confidence of the infantry commander, nevertheless <span class="pagenum"><a id="page397" name="page397"></a>[p. 397]</span> +carried the request to Headquarters. As a result, about 8 p.m., a +message was sent to Watson authorising him to attack the hill if he +saw a favourable chance. He was first, however, to inform the General +and all troops in the vicinity of his intention. No more was heard of +Watson and the Suffolk regiment until, <span class="sidenote"> Watson during night, 5th to 6th Jan. attacks and fails.</span> +about 3 a.m. on the 6th, a +crash of rifle fire, breaking the silence from the direction of Grassy +Hill, proclaimed that the attack had been delivered. The sound was +clearly heard by General French and his staff who were riding up from +Headquarters to witness the day's operations. Halting below Coles Kop, +French immediately sent Eustace forward to get the guns into action, +but soon afterwards received intelligence that the Suffolk were +returning to camp, and that their colonel and 120 officers and men +were missing. The attempt on Grassy Hill had failed, and the plan for +the day was shattered before it had been properly set on foot.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Watson's attempt.</span> + +<p>Having obtained the General's sanction, Watson, overlooking perhaps +the attached conditions, had eagerly prepared to avail himself of it. +The key of the whole situation seemed to be within his reach, and he +determined not to lose the chance of seizing it. Not until 11.30 p.m., +when they were roused from sleep to form up their companies, had even +his own officers any inkling of the project on foot, and when, an hour +later, under cover of profound darkness, four companies (305 officers +and men) moved noiselessly out of camp, the soldiers for the most part +marching in soft deck shoes, the least sanguine felt assured at least +of secrecy. The formation was quarter-column in the following order of +companies, "H." "D." "A." "B."; the men's bayonets were fixed. The +Colonel, who was carrying a long white stick as a distinguishing mark, +moved in front of his command and felt for the route. When about half +way, a halt was called and Watson, sending for his officers, told them +for the first time on what they were bent, and ordered, as the attack +formation, column of companies at fifty paces distance. The advance +was then resumed. The march seemed unduly long. The route to Grassy +Hill from the British lines was more than twice the supposed length. +In the darkness and over the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page398" name="page398"></a>[p. 398]</span> difficult ground, it was +impossible to maintain distances for any time at all, so that column +had again contracted to quarter-column before the hill was reached. +Arrived at the foot, there was a short halt in a donga. Then the +ascent, which from the halting-place was at once very steep and +covered with boulders, was essayed. Higher up, more gentle gradients +led to the summit. Scarcely had the leading companies, somewhat +disordered by the severe climb, emerged upon the easier ground near +the top, when a single shot from a Boer sentry rang out close in front +of the foremost files. It was instantly followed by a blaze of +musketry which leaped from the whole crest. A volley so sudden and +heavy could only come from men prepared for action; it was evident +that the advance of the Suffolk was not only detected but awaited. +Nevertheless, "H." company, supported by "D.," immediately dashed +forward, at once losing both its officers and many men, the regimental +adjutant and another officer being struck down at the same moment. +Watson, recognising the preparations made to receive him, seeing from +the confusion which had arisen the futility of so informal an attack, +directed a retirement, intending, doubtless, no more than that his men +should temporarily seek the cover of the dead ground from which they +had just climbed. But such instructions, at such a time, were more +easy to obey than to understand. Whilst some fell back but a short +distance, many made their way to the foot of the hill, and so to the +camp. Some again were unable to retreat under the tremendous fusilade, +and together with those who had not heard the word of command, or did +not credit it, held on in front, and suffered losses rapidly. In +short, for a few moments, though the officers worked hard to restore +regularity, confusion reigned in the column, whilst the Boer fire +continued to rake it without cessation. Watson then desired the +commander of the third company, ("A."), to support "H." company upon +the crest. Captain C. A. H. Brett, having extricated about half his +men from the press, pushed out to the right flank and advanced. A +storm of fire, delivered at a few yards' range, met this attempt, and +here, as before, all the officers (three) and many of the rank and +file fell before they could close. Still Watson, whose gallantry +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page399" name="page399"></a>[p. 399]</span> compelled order wherever his influence could be felt, strove +to retrieve the situation. Going back a little, he called up the rear +company ("B.") and led it forward in person, making for the right +front. Again a murderous fire shattered the effort, and no sooner had +Watson disposed the remnants of "B." company on the crest, than he +himself fell dead just as dawn appeared. Only about 100 officers and +men were now scattered over the hill, many of them wounded, but +opposing as hot a fire as they could deliver to the invisible enemy +who was firing point blank into them. The pouches of the dead were +rifled for cartridges with which to continue the struggle; but no hope +remained; even the shrapnel of Eustace's artillery, which now opened +from Kloof camp, became an added danger: while the Boers, aided by the +increasing light, shot with ever-increasing accuracy. About 4.30 a.m. +the survivors, ninety-nine in number, of whom twenty-nine were +wounded, surrendered.<a id="footnotetag269" name="footnotetag269"></a><a href="#footnote269" title="Go to footnote 269"><span class="small">[269]</span></a></p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Jan. 6th.</span> + +<p>In the evening the 1st Essex relieved the 1st Suffolk at Kloof camp, +the latter battalion being sent first to Rensburg, and subsequently to +the lines of communication to be re-officered.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Jan. 7th, 1900. French reconnoitres Boer left.</span> + +<p>It was now evident to General French that the Boer right was so strong +and so watchful as to be proof against either stratagem or open +attack. He therefore turned at once to the other flank for +opportunities, seeking by a reconnaissance on the 7th January a +suitable point to the eastward from whence to threaten the enemy's +rear along the line of the Norval's Pont railway. The operation, which +was carried out under long-range fire both of artillery and +rifles,<a id="footnotetag270" name="footnotetag270"></a><a href="#footnote270" title="Go to footnote 270"><span class="small">[270]</span></a> disclosed the fact that owing to lack of water none of +the kopjes that were near enough <span class="pagenum"><a id="page400" name="page400"></a>[p. 400]</span> to the line were tenable as +permanent posts. At Slingersfontein farm, however, eleven miles +south-east of Colesberg, and seven miles from the nearest point of the +Norval's Pont line, an excellent position was found. <span class="sidenote"> Jan. 9th. Slingersfontein Farm on Boer left occupied.</span> +On January 9th it +was occupied by two squadrons Household cavalry, three squadrons the +6th Dragoon Guards (Carabiniers), the N.S.W. Lancers and four guns, +under command of Colonel Porter. To divert attention from this +movement, the whole of the enemy's western flank was bombarded by +twelve guns disposed from Kloof camp to Porter's Hill, whilst a +section R.H.A. and a squadron 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons made an +attack on the southern front above Palmietfontein farm, drawing in +reply the fire of two field guns and two pom-poms.<a id="footnotetag271" name="footnotetag271"></a><a href="#footnote271" title="Go to footnote 271"><span class="small">[271]</span></a></p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Feeling the enemy's left, Jan. 11th.</span> + +<p>During the 8th and 9th the 1st Yorkshire regiment arrived, and was +posted at Rensburg. On the 10th Schoeman also received reinforcements +from Norval's Pont, and these he placed so as to cover the railway +south of Joubert siding, opposite to Porter, who turned out his men at +Slingersfontein to stop further advance southward. French, on the 11th +January, made a reconnaissance, employing the whole of Porter's force +in an attempt to turn the left of this new development of the enemy. +But the Boers, after a short retirement, received further strong +reinforcements from Norval's Pont, and prolonging the threatened left, +showed a bold front. French, therefore, who had no intention of +becoming seriously engaged, ordered Porter to return to +Slingersfontein. An attempt by Major A. G. Hunter-Weston, R.E., to +reach the railway line round the enemy's left flank, and destroy the +telegraph wire, was foiled at Achtertang when on the very point of +success. A Boer laager was in fact close at hand. At the same time +Captain de Lisle, pushing out from the extreme left towards Bastard's +Nek, reconnoitred the country to the northward, and found the enemy in +strength along the line Bastard's Nek—Wolve Kop—Spitz Kop—Plessis +Poort.<a id="footnotetag272" name="footnotetag272"></a><a href="#footnote272" title="Go to footnote 272"><span class="small">[272]</span></a></p> + +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page401" name="page401"></a>[p. 401]</span> <span class="sidenote"> Butcher places 15-pr. on precipitous height. Jan +11th.</span> + +<p>Whilst these affairs were in progress, a feat astonished both sides +alike by its triumph over difficulty. Major E. E. A. Butcher, R.F.A., +commanding the 4th Field battery, placed a 15-pr. gun upon the peak of +Coles Kop, a kopje already described as standing by itself in the +plain to the west of Colesberg. Rising to a height of 600 feet, its +sides varying from the almost perpendicular to a slope of 30°, and +covered with boulders, the hill presented a formidable climb even to +an unhampered man, and its use for any purpose but that of a look-out +post seemed impossible. Nevertheless, aided by detachments of the +R.A., R.E., and Essex regiment, Butcher had his gun on the summit in +three hours and a half. The supply of ammunition for it, and of +rations for the gunners, were more serious problems even than the +actual haulage of the piece itself. These were ingeniously solved by +the installation of a lift composed of wires running over +snatch-blocks affixed to standards, which were improvised from steel +rails, and driven in, in pairs, five yards apart, both at the top and +bottom of the kopje. Those at the top were wedged into natural +fissures in the rocks, the bottom pair being driven twelve inches into +the ground, and held upright by guy-ropes fixed to bollards or +anchorages. To the top of each upright was lashed a snatch-block, over +which, from summit to base of the hill, were stretched the carrying +wires. Along these, suspended by blocks and tackle, loads up to thirty +pounds in weight were hauled by means of a thin wire, which was wound +upon a drum fixed between, and passed through, pulleys attached to the +top of each of the two upper standards. The lift was so contrived as +to be double-acting, the turning of the drum and a ratchet causing one +wire bearing its load of supplies to ascend, whilst another descended, +the hill.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> It has immediate effect. Jan. 12th.</span> + +<p>At 6 o'clock next morning this gun opened upon a laager in the very +midst of the enemy's main position. The effect was instantaneous; the +Boers, thunderstruck by the sudden visitation of shrapnel, which came +they knew not whence, abandoned their camp and fled to the kopjes for +shelter. Another laager, 2,000 yards more distant, then became the +target with the same result, the enemy's doubt as to the situation of +the gun being <span class="pagenum"><a id="page402" name="page402"></a>[p. 402]</span> deepened by the simultaneous practice of two +15-prs. fired from the plain below the kop. A few days later Butcher +succeeded in getting a second gun up the hill, and by means of his +great command, forced the Boers to shift every laager into sheltered +kloofs, and caused them considerable losses.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Jan. 14th. A flying column under Allenby threatens Boer +connection with the bridge.</span> + +<p>On Jan. 14th, a flying column<a id="footnotetag273" name="footnotetag273"></a><a href="#footnote273" title="Go to footnote 273"><span class="small">[273]</span></a> under Major E. H. H. Allenby +(Inniskilling), marched northward along the Seacow river. Turning to +the east, he demonstrated against the enemy's communications at the +Colesberg road bridge, at which about twenty shells were fired at +5,000 yards' range. The Boers thereupon appeared in three bodies in +greatly superior numbers, and Allenby, having taken five prisoners, +fell back, easily avoiding an attempt to cut him off. This +reconnaissance had the effect of causing the enemy to cease to use the +wagon road for transport purposes. <span class="sidenote"> Jan. 15th. Boers attack Slingersfontein.</span> +Next day (15th) the Boers +retaliated by a determined attack on the isolated post at +Slingersfontein, held on that day by a half company 1st Yorkshire +regiment,<a id="footnotetag274" name="footnotetag274"></a><a href="#footnote274" title="Go to footnote 274"><span class="small">[274]</span></a> commanded by Captain M. H. Orr and a company (58 men) +New Zealand Mounted Rifles under Captain W. R. N. Madocks, R.A. +(attached). These had their trenches above the farm, the New +Zealanders upon the eastern and the Yorkshire upon the western sides +of a steep and high hill, the lower slopes of which were largely dead +ground to those in the defences. Other kopjes, accessible to the +Boers, were within rifle range. The position was thus to the Boer +rifleman an ideal one for the most exceptional of his fighting +practices, the close offensive. In the subsequent attack, every detail +was typical of his methods on such occasions. At 6.30 a.m. a +long-range sniping fire began to tease the occupants of the hill. They +vainly searched amongst the broken kopjes for sight of an enemy. +Growing, certainly, but almost imperceptibly, in volume and accuracy, +this fire was directed chiefly at the New Zealanders on the east, and +by 10 a.m. <span class="pagenum"><a id="page403" name="page403"></a>[p. 403]</span> had become so intense that an attack in that +direction seemed imminent. Meanwhile, a body of the enemy had been +crawling from exactly the opposite quarter towards the western side, +upon which they succeeded in effecting a lodgment unseen. They then +began to climb, scattering under cover of the boulders. Not until they +were close in front of the sangars of the Yorkshire regiment was their +presence discovered by a patrol which Madocks had sent from his side +of the hill. Thereupon the Boers opened a hot fire, striking down both +the officer and the colour-sergeant of the Yorkshire, whose men, taken +by surprise and suddenly deprived of their leaders, fell into some +confusion. The Boers then occupied the two foremost sangars. The hill +seemed lost. Then Madocks, hearing the outburst on the further side +from him, took a few of his men and hurried round to assist, appearing +amongst the Yorkshire just as the enemy were all but into them. +Rallying the soldiers, and perceiving the Boers a few yards away +behind the rocks, he immediately ordered a charge, and followed by a +few, cleared the enemy out of the nearer of the two abandoned sangars. +The Boers continued to shoot rapidly from the wall beyond, and +Madocks, a few moments later, charged again. Accompanied this time by +but three men, he closed to within a few feet of the more distant +sangar. Two of the men with him were here killed, and Madocks, seeing +the uselessness of remaining, made his way back again to the sangar in +rear with his sole companion, called together the rest of the +Yorkshire detachment, and began hurriedly to strengthen the wall under +a searching fire. At this moment a party of his own New Zealanders, +for whom he had sent back, doubled up to the spot, and led by himself, +whilst a storm of bullets broke over them from the surrounding kopjes, +charged down on the Boers with fixed bayonets. <span class="sidenote"> The Boers are repulsed.</span> +The enemy fled at once, +rising from behind the stones upon the hillside. Pursued by volleys +from the crest of the British position, they made their way back to +their lines, leaving twenty-one dead upon the field.<a id="footnotetag275" name="footnotetag275"></a><a href="#footnote275" title="Go to footnote 275"><span class="small">[275]</span></a></p> + +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page404" name="page404"></a>[p. 404]</span> <span class="sidenote"> Arrival, Jan. 15th, of Clements, and fresh troops +then and later to Jan. 21st, causes changes in dispositions.</span> + +<p>Whilst this affair was in progress, a welcome reinforcement arrived. +Major-General R. A. P. Clements brought with him the 1st Royal Irish +and the remainder of the 2nd Worcestershire of his brigade (12th), in +all an addition of 18 officers and 874 men. Clements was immediately +placed in command of the Slingersfontein area.<a id="footnotetag276" name="footnotetag276"></a><a href="#footnote276" title="Go to footnote 276"><span class="small">[276]</span></a> This increase of +strength enabled French to extend his right still further by moving +Porter's command<a id="footnotetag277" name="footnotetag277"></a><a href="#footnote277" title="Go to footnote 277"><span class="small">[277]</span></a> south-eastward to Potfontein farm, and that of +Rimington,<a id="footnotetag278" name="footnotetag278"></a><a href="#footnote278" title="Go to footnote 278"><span class="small">[278]</span></a> hitherto stationed at Jasfontein farm, to Kleinfontein +farm, five miles north of Porter. For a time Rimington was able to +station some Household cavalry in close touch with the enemy at +Rhenoster farm, on the Bethulie road, but it was thought prudent to +withdraw them on January 21st, as a commando of 1,000 men had gathered +opposite the post. A demonstration by Porter towards Hebron farm on +the 19th disclosed, about Keerom, south of Achtertang, a large Boer +laager, which was shelled with effect. A deserter reported the enemy +in this direction to consist of 6,000 men. During the next two days +the following reinforcements reached the camp:—2nd Bedfordshire +regiment, 2nd Wiltshire regiment, detachments of the 1st Essex and 1st +Yorkshire regiments and details of Royal engineers and Army Service +Corps, a total accession of about 50 officers and 1,900 men. Two +howitzers,<a id="footnotetag279" name="footnotetag279"></a><a href="#footnote279" title="Go to footnote 279"><span class="small">[279]</span></a> which had come up on the 18th, shelled Grassy Hill on +the 19th and following days with effect, their fire being directed by +telegraph from Coles Kop.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Jan. 24th. French seizes Bastard's Nek.</span> + +<p>Recognising that he was blocked to the eastward by the superior and +apparently constantly increasing commandos, French now turned once +more to the westward for a chance of gaining commanding positions, +such as alone could enable him <span class="pagenum"><a id="page405" name="page405"></a>[p. 405]</span> to manœuvre the enemy from +Colesberg. An opening seemed to offer, because of the reported partial +or entire abandonment of the important defile known as Plessis Poort, +through which ran the road from Colesberg northward to the bridge and +Botha's Drift. The possession of this pass would not only cut the +Boers' line of retreat and northerly communications, but would +seriously imperil those leading to Norval's Pont; for high ground, +running south-eastward from the Poort, in parts parallel to the road +and railway, in parts impinging on them, practically commanded both +for a distance of some twenty miles from Colesberg. French, therefore, +determined to lose no time in reconnoitring and, if possible, seizing +on so valuable a point, and on the evening of January 24th, despatched +de Lisle to occupy Bastard's Nek, a defile cutting the same range as +Plessis Poort, and five miles to the westward of it. This being safely +effected, early on the 25th a strong column<a id="footnotetag280" name="footnotetag280"></a><a href="#footnote280" title="Go to footnote 280"><span class="small">[280]</span></a> concentrated at the +Nek. French's plan was as follows:—</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Jan. 25th. He strikes at Plessis Poort.</span> + +<p>Whilst the infantry, covered by a cross fire of artillery, pushed +along the high ground towards Plessis Poort, the cavalry, diverging +north-eastward, were to turn the Poort by the Boer right, and at the +same time watch for any counter attack from the direction of the road +bridge. To draw attention from these movements, demonstrations were to +be made from every part of the British lines about Colesberg. As soon +as it was light these operations began. Whilst McCracken, under cover +of the howitzers and the two guns on Coles Kop, advanced from Kloof +camp, whilst Clements, pushing out from Porter's Hill and +Slingersfontein, shelled once more the laager at Keerom, and Porter +from Kleinfontein, made as if to fall upon the railway towards Van Zyl +siding, Brabazon's mounted force drew out to the northward, and +Stephenson sent the infantry, the Essex leading, along the ridge +towards the Poort. By 10 a.m. the four R.H.A. guns were in action +against the Poort at <span class="pagenum"><a id="page406" name="page406"></a>[p. 406]</span> a point 2,400 yards north-west of it. +Brabazon's cavalry started late, owing to a delay on the part of the +battalion told off to relieve the intermediate posts: the enemy, +getting wind of his presence, advanced from the north with two guns, +and from the east, and so delayed him that his turning movement was +completed too late in the day to be utilised. Meanwhile the infantry, +covered by the fire of the 4th battery, worked rapidly towards the +Pass, driving scattered parties before them, and by 2 p.m. had reached +favourable ground within 1,500 yards of it. Here Stephenson deployed +the 2nd Wiltshire regiment, and sent it forward with orders to +establish itself within 800 yards of the enemy, unless heavily fired +upon whilst advancing. This the Wiltshire, moving in six lines 100 +yards apart, did without loss, under a fire so trifling that the enemy +seemed to be falling back, and Stephenson sent word to the General +requesting permission to push the attack home. <span class="sidenote"> French avoids a trap, and returns to camp.</span> +But French, who knew +his opponents, had grown suspicious because of their silence. The hour +was late, the cavalry turning movement had not been carried out, and +finally instructions from the Commander-in-Chief had enjoined him to +avoid serious fighting.<a id="footnotetag281" name="footnotetag281"></a><a href="#footnote281" title="Go to footnote 281"><span class="small">[281]</span></a> At 4 p.m., therefore, he gave the order +to retire, and the Wiltshire firing lines rose to obey. Scarcely had +they done so, before a burst of fire, both of rifles and guns, from +the enemy's ridges, showed the nature of the trap that had been +prepared. But in spite of the heavy fusilade which followed them back, +the Wiltshire, retiring as steadily as they had advanced, rejoined the +column with a loss of but ten men wounded. The whole force then +returned to its bivouacs.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> French, Jan. 29th, is summoned to Cape Town.</span> + +<p>This reconnaissance, though it failed to give General French the +Poort, succeeded in disclosing to him the nature of the enemy's +dispositions in this neighbourhood, especially of those behind the +hitherto impenetrable Grassy Hill. Such knowledge might have gone far +towards a solution of the problem which had so long engaged his +energies, the ousting of the Boers from their stronghold on British +territory. The more vital portion of his task, the prevention of a +further inroad into the colony, he <span class="pagenum"><a id="page407" name="page407"></a>[p. 407]</span> had already performed. He +was now to be called away to a wider field. On January 29th he went +down to Cape Town to receive instructions from the Commander-in-Chief. +He returned to Rensburg on the 31st to break up his command. On +February 6th he finally left Rensburg, after issuing an order in which +he paid full tribute to the courage and energy of staff and troops, +who had so long held in check "an enemy whose adroit skill in war +demands the most untiring vigilance."<a id="footnotetag282" name="footnotetag282"></a><a href="#footnote282" title="Go to footnote 282"><span class="small">[282]</span></a> With French went all the +Regular cavalry, except two squadrons, and also the 1st Essex and 1st +Yorkshire regiments, the half-battalion 1st Welsh regiment, and O. and +R. batteries, R.H.A. Major-General Clements was left at Rensburg with +the remainder.<a id="footnotetag283" name="footnotetag283"></a><a href="#footnote283" title="Go to footnote 283"><span class="small">[283]</span></a></p> + +<a id="chap25" name="chap25"></a> +<h3><span class="pagenum"><a id="page408" name="page408"></a>[p. 408]</span> CHAPTER XXV.</h3> + +<p class="title">LORD ROBERTS AT CAPE TOWN; REORGANISES.<a id="footnotetag284" name="footnotetag284"></a><a href="#footnote284" title="Go to footnote 284"><span class="small">[284]</span></a></p> + + +<span class="sidenote"> 10th Jan. 1900. Lord Roberts lands. Situation at that +date.</span> + +<p>Field-Marshal Lord Roberts landed at Cape Town on the 10th January, +1900, and assumed the supreme command.</p> + +<p>The situation with which he was confronted will be more easily +realised if a brief summary be here given of the facts as they now +presented themselves at each of the several widely separated points of +contact between the opposed forces.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> French before Colesberg.</span> + +<p>As described in detail in the last chapter, the Boer commandos in +front of General French having fallen back on Colesberg at the end of +December, he had, on the 1st January, seized a group of hills on the +south-western edge of the plain in which the town lies, and was +continuing his tactics of active defence with constant success, save +that a night attack made by the Suffolk regiment on 6th January had +been repulsed with somewhat heavy loss. The Cavalry Lieut.-General's +never-ceasing energy had not only foiled the enemy in his attempt to +advance into the central districts of Cape Colony, but had appreciably +diminished the pressure in other portions of the theatre of war. +<span class="sidenote"> Gatacre at Sterkstroom.</span> +Gatacre was firmly established at Sterkstroom, with an advanced post +at Cypher Gat, the main body of those fronting him remaining passively +at Stormberg. <span class="sidenote"> Boers in front of him.</span> +A Boer commando had made a demonstration towards Molteno +on 3rd January, and another party, about the same date, had driven out +of Dordrecht a patrol of British mounted troops, which had occupied +that place on the 23rd December. <span class="sidenote"> Mafeking and Kimberley.</span> +At Mafeking and Kimberley the +garrisons <span class="pagenum"><a id="page409" name="page409"></a>[p. 409]</span> were still gallantly holding their own against the +enemy, although in the latter town the hardships of the siege were +telling much on the spirits of the civilian portion of the population. +<span class="sidenote"> Natal.</span> +In Natal the 5th division had landed; and an attack, made by the Boers +on <span class="sidenote"> Ladysmith.</span> +Ladysmith on 6th January, had been repulsed after a severe struggle +in which the fighting efficiency of the British troops was shown to be +unimpaired. Yet disease, coupled with losses in action, was beginning +seriously to reduce their effective strength and their capacity for +active co-operation in the field with the relief force.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Boers.</span> + +<span class="sidenote"> In Natal.</span> + +<span class="sidenote"> Cape Colony. 1. With Grobelaar at and near Stormberg. 2. +With Schoeman at Colesberg. 3. Reinforcements on road. 4. With Cronje. +5. With Ferreira before Kimberley. 6. With Snyman before Mafeking, and +in the west. 7. Under Botha fronting Plumer.</span> + +<p>The Boer scheme for the whole war still centred on the capture of +Ladysmith. For the siege of that town, and for the repulse of the +British relieving force, at least 21,000 burghers appear to have been +still employed under the supreme command of Joubert. In the western +theatre Grobelaar had probably 4,000 men under his control at +Stormberg and in the adjacent areas: facing French at Colesberg were +some 5,000 men, with Schoeman as leader; Boer reinforcements, gathered +from various sources, amounting in all to some 2,000, were on their +way, or would shortly be on their way, to that threatened point. The +strength of Cronje's commando at Scholtz Nek may be estimated at +8,000, while 3,000 men, under Wessels and Ferreira, were investing +Kimberley. Snyman had under his orders some 2,500, most of whom were +encircling Mafeking, although a few detachments patrolled and +dominated those western districts of Cape Colony which lie to the +north of the Orange river. North of the frontier of the colony about +1,000 men, under Commandant Botha, opposed Plumer's efforts to relieve +Baden-Powell's garrison from southern Rhodesia. Thus the total +effective strength of the Boer forces actually in the field at this +time may be approximately set down as nearly 46,500 men. Of these +probably 1,000 were Natal rebels, and 5,000 British subjects belonging +to Cape Colony, the latter being mainly distributed between the +Stormberg, Colesberg, Kimberley, and Mafeking commandos. Of the Boer +leaders, some, notably De Wet, had realised the folly of remaining on +the defensive, but Joubert, whose appreciation of the conditions of +the contest can be judged <span class="pagenum"><a id="page410" name="page410"></a>[p. 410]</span> from his circular letter printed +at the close of this chapter, was opposed to any forward movement, and +Joubert's views prevailed. Sir Redvers Buller personally, although the +Field Intelligence staff in South Africa did not agree with his +estimate, assessed the strength of the enemy in the field at far +higher figures than those above given;<a id="footnotetag285" name="footnotetag285"></a><a href="#footnote285" title="Go to footnote 285"><span class="small">[285]</span></a> and on 9th January he +telegraphed to the Secretary of State that there was reason to believe +that it was not less than 120,000 men, of whom 46,000 were in Natal.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Buller's memorandum for Lord Roberts of Dec. 28th/99.</span> + +<p>Lord Roberts received on landing a memorandum, written by Sir R. +Buller at Frere camp on 28th December, the following extracts from +which will serve to explain the views of Sir Redvers:</p> + +<p class="quote"> + "The whole Tugela river is a strong position; there is no + question of turning it; the only open question is whether one + part of it is easier to get through than another. I tried + Colenso, because, though unaided I could not have forced the + defile north of Colenso, it was the only place in the whole line + in which Sir George White's force could aid me in my advance from + the Tugela. I am now waiting for reinforcements, and am going to + try and force a passage at Potgieters Drift. If I can find water + to use in the subsequent advance, I think I ought to just pull + through: but the difficulties are very great. If I succeed, it + should be about the 12th January, and if then I join hands with + Sir G. White, I think together we shall be able to force the + enemy to retire and so free Sir G. White's force."</p> + +<p>After stating that, in the event of success in the relief of +Ladysmith, he hoped to be able to spare a division from the Natal +army, and after referring Lord Roberts to instructions issued from +time to time to Sir F. Forestier-Walker as regards the general plan of +his operations in the western theatre, Sir R. Buller continued:</p> + +<p class="quote"> + "You will see that my original idea was to bring Methuen back, + but as his task has grown harder I have proposed a railway to + Jacobsdal and thence to Bloemfontein. I think that for many + reasons you would find such a line of advance easier and quicker + than one up the main railway. Up that line the enemy will have a + rail behind them, and will tear it up as you advance, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page411" name="page411"></a>[p. 411]</span> + and occupy positions that you must attack and from which they can + escape. If I could have had my own way on arrival I should have + pushed through Bethulie to Bloemfontein, but the fat was in the + fire before I got out. Kimberley I believe will be saved. + Ladysmith is a terrible nut to crack, but I hope it will (? be + relieved). Then I would propose to attack Bloemfontein from + Kimberley, and I think an army holding Bloemfontein based on + Kimberley will be better off than one which holds Bloemfontein + but has allowed Kimberley to be again invested. Time, after all, + is in our favour. The Boers cannot reproduce their horses which + are being used up, and if they lose their mobility, they lose + their power. I believe that French and Gatacre are strong enough + to prevent the spread of disaffection, and that when the 7th + division arrives they will join hands, and the disaffected Dutch + will go back to their homes."</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Sir Redvers telegraphs, Jan. 10th, 1900, that he is about +to try to reach Ladysmith by Potgieters or Trickhardts.</span> + +<p>This written memorandum was supplemented by a telegram, in which +General Buller reported that he was leaving Chieveley the next day +(11th January), and would operate towards Ladysmith from Potgieters +Drift or Trickhardts Drift. From the larger point of view Lord Roberts +would have preferred that the forward movement in Natal should have +been delayed a little longer; but he felt that he was not in a +position to judge how far Sir R. Buller was committed to an immediate +stroke, or whether the situation before him or Ladysmith itself +demanded prompt action. He decided, therefore, to give General Buller +an absolutely free hand to carry out the operations he had +planned.<a id="footnotetag286" name="footnotetag286"></a><a href="#footnote286" title="Go to footnote 286"><span class="small">[286]</span></a></p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Lord Roberts prepares to carry out his plan of campaign.</span> + +<p>Before he left England Lord Roberts had determined on the line for the +advance of the army which he had to command in person. Though in +detail his scheme was somewhat modified afterwards, he began to +prepare for the execution of it as soon as he had landed. For reasons +which will be more fully recorded in his own words, he had decided to +choose the route along the western line of railway, on which side +alone a bridge over the Orange river was in his possession. In order +to possess the freedom of movement essential to the execution of any +sound schemes of war, he determined to make such arrangements as would +enable him to cast himself loose from the railway and to march across +the Free State eastward. His first idea was to strike the central +railway as close as possible to Springfontein junction. He believed +that the Boers would thus be compelled to evacuate <span class="pagenum"><a id="page412" name="page412"></a>[p. 412]</span> their +positions at Stormberg and Colesberg, and to abandon to him the +Norval's Pont and Bethulie bridges over the river. The +Commander-in-Chief was convinced, moreover, that this course, by +menacing Bloemfontein, would oblige the enemy to relax his hold on the +Modder river and Natal.<a id="footnotetag287" name="footnotetag287"></a><a href="#footnote287" title="Go to footnote 287"><span class="small">[287]</span></a> But, on the 27th January, increasing +anxiety as to Kimberley led him to decide that the prompt relief of +that town had become necessary. This involved, not a change of plan, +but merely a modification of details. The initial march eastward was +still to be carried out, but as soon as Cronje's flank had thus been +effectively passed, a wheel northward would bring the British troops +athwart the Boer line of communication, and, when the passage of the +Modder was made, the way to Kimberley would be opened.<a id="footnotetag288" name="footnotetag288"></a><a href="#footnote288" title="Go to footnote 288"><span class="small">[288]</span></a> After +relieving Kimberley the Field-Marshal's movements would depend on the +situation, as it might then present itself, but should such a march +appear possible, he determined to make straight for Bloemfontein.<a id="footnotetag289" name="footnotetag289"></a><a href="#footnote289" title="Go to footnote 289"><span class="small">[289]</span></a> +The occupation of that capital would, he thought, make it easy to +re-establish direct railway communication with Cape Colony through +Norval's Pont and Bethulie. The considerations which guided Lord +Roberts to the adoption of this plan, as finally formulated, were +explained by him in detail nearly three years later to the War +Commission in the following terms:<a id="footnotetag290" name="footnotetag290"></a><a href="#footnote290" title="Go to footnote 290"><span class="small">[290]</span></a></p> + +<div class="quote"> +<p>"Before leaving England I had practically determined that the + advance must be through the Orange Free State, but by one, not by + three lines through Cape Colony, as was originally intended;<a id="footnotetag291" name="footnotetag291"></a><a href="#footnote291" title="Go to footnote 291"><span class="small">[291]</span></a> + and the western line commended itself to me for the following + reasons:</p> + +<p>"1. It was on that line only that we had possession of a railway + bridge over the Orange river:</p> + +<p>"2. It was by that line only that Kimberley could be relieved in + time, and had Kimberley fallen, Mafeking must have fallen also:</p> + +<p>"3. It was by that line only I could deal with the Boer forces in + detail, and defeat Cronje before he could be reinforced.</p> + + +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page413" name="page413"></a>[p. 413]</span> <span class="sidenote2"> Lord Roberts' explanation why he chose the route +he took.</span> + +<p>"Both the Norval's Pont and Bethulie bridges were in the hands of + the enemy, and by the time I had forced them back into the Orange + Free State, and had been able to repair either of these bridges + (which I was certain would be destroyed, and which actually + happened), and I had occupied Bloemfontein, I should have between + me and Kimberley, not only Cronje, but the whole of the Boer + force which was not engaged in Natal. I should have then been + obliged either to march across the veld against this increased + force, or to have transported the greater portion of my troops by + rail to the Modder River camp (if the railway could have been + kept intact, which was hardly likely, seeing how weakly it was + necessarily guarded and the number of Boers who would have been + available to destroy it), and then to turn the Magersfontein + position. To carry out either of these operations, and for the + onward advance on an extended front to Pretoria, at least the + same amount of transport would have been required as was needed + for the march from Modder River camp to Bloemfontein. But this + would not have been forthcoming had I adopted the railway line to + Bloemfontein and not organised the system of transport directly I + arrived at the Cape.</p> + +<hr> + +<p>"I felt convinced that an advance on Bloemfontein must draw the + Free Staters back from Kimberley and Natal, and that the + occupation of their capital would render the Boer positions to + the south of the Orange river untenable. To carry out this + scheme, as large a force as could be collected was necessary, as + the enemy had through railway communication (about two days' + journey) between Natal and Bloemfontein, and could transfer a + considerable portion of their forces from one of the theatres of + the war to the other in infinitely less time than we could. + Moreover, rapidity was essential in concentrating this force and + making an advance towards Bloemfontein, as Ladysmith and + Kimberley were, so far as I know, only provisioned for a very + limited time."</p> +</div> + +<span class="sidenote"> His reason for deciding against the railway through +Jacobsdal.</span> + +<p>It will be seen that Lord Roberts rejected Sir R. Buller's suggestion +that a railway should be made through Jacobsdal to Bloemfontein. +Colonel Girouard had estimated that this line could be constructed at +the rate of a mile a day without interfering with the traffic for the +supply of the troops, and, in an offer made to the Home Government by +a private firm, hope had been held out that the work might be carried +through at the rate of five or six miles a day, or in other words, +that, assuming fighting conditions to be favourable, the whole would +be finished in about a month. The latter estimate seemed altogether +too sanguine. Moreover, the practical difficulty of guarding those +employed on the required task from the raids of a mobile enemy would +have been very great. Finally, the chance of surprise would have been +lost, and, hard to secure as <span class="pagenum"><a id="page414" name="page414"></a>[p. 414]</span> secrecy in, military projects +had been found in South Africa, Lord Roberts was certain that to +obtain decisive results the complete concealment of his plan of +operations was essential.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Reinforcements from home.</span> + +<p>Great exertions had been made during the period of his voyage to South +Africa, both by the Government and by private individuals, to provide +the troops needed for the success of these schemes. He was informed of +the result of these exertions by the following telegram from Lord +Lansdowne of 9th January:</p> + +<div class="quote"> +<p>"Please let us know what you think about further reinforcements + as soon as you have thoroughly examined the situation. We have + arranged for the following reinforcements in addition to the 7th + Division, viz.:</p> + +<p>"1. Four brigade divisions Field Artillery, embarking as soon + after the 20th January as possible.</p> + +<p>"2. One volunteer company for each line battalion, amounting in + all to about 7,000.</p> + +<p>"3. The City of London regiment of Volunteers, and the battery of + the Honourable Artillery Company.<a id="footnotetag292" name="footnotetag292"></a><a href="#footnote292" title="Go to footnote 292"><span class="small">[292]</span></a></p> + +<p>"4. One Field Artillery battery of Volunteers from Elswick.</p> + +<p>"5. Colonial contingents, inclusive of four artillery batteries, + mostly mounted, and amounting in all probably to about 3,000.</p> + +<p>"6. Seven Militia battalions.</p> + +<p>"Of these some have already started. As to the Imperial Yeomanry, + it is not yet possible to say what number will be raised, but + 4,000 at least will probably be the total, and the material, + though raw, is good.<a id="footnotetag293" name="footnotetag293"></a><a href="#footnote293" title="Go to footnote 293"><span class="small">[293]</span></a> We have also mobilised a cavalry + brigade which could embark at once. If, however, it is sent, only + the remainder of the Household cavalry and five line regiments + will <span class="pagenum"><a id="page415" name="page415"></a>[p. 415]</span> be left at home. Do you wish to have it? We are + also mobilising the 8th division, which could begin to embark + about the 20th February, but if it goes there will only be seven + infantry battalions left, and unless the 8th division is urgently + required this reduction of the home garrison does not appear + desirable, in view of the general outlook. It might answer your + purpose if we sent for the lines of communication eight or more + Militia battalions instead."</p> +</div> + +<p>To this telegram Lord Roberts replied on the 12th January:</p> + +<p class="quote"> + "As to reinforcements that may be required, I am a little + diffident about giving a definite opinion until matters still + further develop and the result is known of Buller's operations to + relieve Ladysmith. I trust that if White and Buller succeed, + without very heavy losses, in joining hands, it will not be + necessary to send the 8th division or another brigade of cavalry. + For the lines of communication I shall require eight Militia + battalions, in addition to the seven already detailed, but I + should prefer thirteen Militia battalions, and if Lord Cromer + agrees, the two Highland battalions which are now in Egypt, two + of the Militia battalions to be sent there, taking the places of + the latter. I hope, with the regular forces already under orders, + the 4,000 Imperial Yeomanry, and the volunteer battalion, and the + Colonial details referred to in your telegram, that the force in + South Africa will be sufficient, and am most reluctant to request + the despatch of more troops from home."</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Large numbers of mounted corps raised.</span> + +<p>Immediately on his arrival the Field Marshal strove to systematise and +support the efforts of the many South African colonists who were +pressing to be allowed to take up arms in self-defence. Their +embodiment had already been sanctioned by Sir R. Buller and approved +by the Home Government. Colonel Brabant's corps was expanded into two +regiments, and their leader appointed a brigadier-general to command a +Colonial division, composed of his own two regiments (Brabant's +Horse), the Cape Mounted Rifles, Kaffrarian Rifles, Border Horse, and +Queenstown Rifle Volunteers. Two new mounted corps, entitled Roberts' +Horse and Kitchener's Horse, were raised, besides numerous local +defence corps, such as Nesbitt's and Bayley's from the eastern +province, and Orpen's from the Hopetown district. The mounted troops +at Lord Roberts' disposal were further substantially increased by the +formation of mounted companies from all battalions of the line serving +in Cape Colony.<a id="footnotetag294" name="footnotetag294"></a><a href="#footnote294" title="Go to footnote 294"><span class="small">[294]</span></a> By this means sufficient units were formed +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page416" name="page416"></a>[p. 416]</span> to make up eight additional mounted infantry battalions, +but, owing to the difficulty in procuring remounts, the greater part +of these did not receive their horses until the first week of +February.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The transport arrangements.</span> + +<p>The provision of sufficient and suitable transport for the new army +now being organised was a question which naturally needed the +consideration of Lord Roberts and his staff. From the first, even +before war was generally regarded as inevitable, the subject had been +found to be beset with difficulties. The nature of the country +permitted little deviation from, or modification of, that form of +transport which experience has taught the dwellers in the land to +adopt. The roughness of the tracks across the veld, which were given +the deceptive name of roads, necessitated a particular build of +vehicle, while the draught animals which could be employed were almost +exclusively oxen and mules. The pace at which oxen are able to move, +and the fact that they must graze in the daytime, limit the length of +a march and the hours of working. Nevertheless, oxen can draw far +greater loads than mules, can work over heavy ground in wet weather, +and for most of the year depend for their sustenance on grazing alone. +On the other hand, mules travel more quickly, and can feed at any time +of the day or night, but forage for them must be carried, since +grazing alone is not sufficient to keep them in working condition—and +their loads must be lighter; their use, therefore, increases the +amount of transport and the length of the column. With mixed +transport, drawn partly by mules and partly by oxen, the daily +distance is regulated by the slower animal. In ordinary circumstances +mules may do sixteen to eighteen miles a day, but oxen can hardly be +counted on for more than twelve for many days in succession. It was +because of such considerations that Sir R. Buller reported to Lord +Roberts on his arrival that "there is no such thing as a rapid advance +anywhere in South Africa, except by railway."<a id="footnotetag295" name="footnotetag295"></a><a href="#footnote295" title="Go to footnote 295"><span class="small">[295]</span></a></p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Difficulties in providing both kinds of transport.</span> + +<p>Ox-transport could only be obtained in South Africa itself. A system +of contracts organised by Colonel Bridge and the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page417" name="page417"></a>[p. 417]</span> officers +who accompanied him had hitherto enabled all troops to be fully +supplied on their arrival with such ox-transport as was necessary for +them.<a id="footnotetag296" name="footnotetag296"></a><a href="#footnote296" title="Go to footnote 296"><span class="small">[296]</span></a> The Bechuanaland district of Cape Colony was the best +ox-wagon country, but as this was occupied by the enemy there remained +only the eastern parts of the Colony upon which to draw. In default of +a general application of Martial Law, "commandeering" was not +possible. Prices consequently ruled high, and at one time some doubt +existed whether all demands could be met. By the middle of November, +the steady influx of imported mules dispelled this anxiety, and +numbers in excess of the contracts were also assured. The local supply +of mule-wagons could not, however, keep pace with the demand, and was +supplemented by the despatch of vehicles from England. These began to +arrive in December, and on the 11th January the General Officer +Commanding the lines of communication was able to report to the +Secretary of State that "... speaking in general terms, units of all +sorts have been completed with authorised or extempore regimental +transport and equipment on arrival."</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Ox-transport, left by troops moved to Natal, available for +reinforcements expected. Mule-wagons gradually received from England.</span> + +<p>The transference to Natal of a large part of the field force, +originally destined to advance from Cape Colony, released the +ox-transport prepared for those troops and left it available for the +reinforcements which were on their way from England. The Transport +staff had, therefore, no difficulty in providing a sufficient amount +of ox-transport to meet Lord Roberts' needs. Of mules there was a +large number in hand. These, for the sake of economy, had been +collected in batches, at various places where they could be kept +without heavy expenditure, pending the receipt of mule-wagons and +harness. But although, as troops were placed under orders at home, +every effort was made to provide both wagons and harness for them in +advance, the supply reaching South Africa, especially of mule-harness, +was necessarily intermittent. Transport and equipment for the 7th +Division had been shipped from England in December, and was <span class="pagenum"><a id="page418" name="page418"></a>[p. 418]</span> +coming in daily. Sir F. Forestier-Walker reported on January 14th +that, as far as could be foreseen, "the provision of wagons already +made is much more than our known requirements," <i>i.e.</i>, on the scale +which had hitherto been accepted.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> System existing. "The Regimental."</span> + +<p>The allotment of transport which had been made prior to the +Field-Marshal's arrival was based on principles worked out by the +Mobilisation branch of the War Office, and embodied in the regulations +entitled, "War Establishments, 1898." Under these rules the +distribution was as follows:<a id="footnotetag297" name="footnotetag297"></a><a href="#footnote297" title="Go to footnote 297"><span class="small">[297]</span></a></p> + +<p>(A.) Regimental transport, <i>i.e.</i>, transport allotted to regiments and +battalions, and placed under charge of an officer and small staff +furnished by the unit. This was available for the general service of +the station where the unit was posted.<a id="footnotetag298" name="footnotetag298"></a><a href="#footnote298" title="Go to footnote 298"><span class="small">[298]</span></a> It was sub-divided into:</p> + +<ul class="none"> +<li><span class="min2em">1. First Line</span> Transport—for ammunition, entrenching tools, + medical stores, signalling equipment, machine gun, and + water-carts.</li> + +<li><span class="min2em">2. Second Line</span> Transport—for regimental equipment, blankets, + baggage, and rations and forage for one day or more.</li> +</ul> + +<p>(B.) The Supply Column.—An Army Service Corps organisation forming +the first reserve, and carrying at least one day's ration, an +emergency ration for every man, and one day's forage for every animal.</p> + +<p>(C.) The Supply Park.—Under the supply and transport officers of the +Army Service Corps. The park carried at least three days' rations and +forage, but this amount could be increased as circumstances might +dictate.</p> + +<p>(D.) Auxiliary Transport.—To be composed of excess or reserve +transport organised in companies under Army Service <span class="pagenum"><a id="page419" name="page419"></a>[p. 419]</span> Corps +officers. It was intended primarily for use on the lines of +communication.<a id="footnotetag299" name="footnotetag299"></a><a href="#footnote299" title="Go to footnote 299"><span class="small">[299]</span></a></p> + +<p>(E.) Technical Transport.—To meet the requirements of ammunition +columns, Royal engineers, technical equipment, medical units, and any +special purpose, such as the Naval heavy guns.<a id="footnotetag300" name="footnotetag300"></a><a href="#footnote300" title="Go to footnote 300"><span class="small">[300]</span></a></p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Proportion drawn by oxen and mules.</span> + +<p>Arrangements had been made in South Africa that (A) the regimental +transport and (B) the supply column should be entirely drawn by mules. +The supply park (C) consisted solely of ox-wagons with spans of +sixteen oxen. The remainder of the transport had partly ox and partly +mule draught, although in Natal ox-transport was mainly used. Under +the conditions of the local contracts all ox-wagons were grouped in +sections of ten, with a conductor and sub-conductor for each section. +These sections of ten were organised in sub-divisions of fifty and +divisions of one hundred wagons, respectively under a sub-inspector +and an inspector.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Lord Roberts recasts the transport system.</span> + +<p>This system had the advantage that, being prescribed in the existing +regulations, it was more or less familiar to staff and regimental +officers; moreover, the organisation of the Army Service Corps for +field service had been adapted to it. But against this had to be set +the serious objection of its extravagance. Under the regulations, the +transport allotted to units employed as garrisons or for other reasons +remaining stationary, would be idle and wasted. Without the transport +so lost the mobility needed to carry out the Commander-in-Chief's plan +would be unattainable. Lord Roberts therefore decided that in order to +equip his army, so as to enable it to operate with rapidity at a +distance from the railway, the transport must be reorganised.<a id="footnotetag301" name="footnotetag301"></a><a href="#footnote301" title="Go to footnote 301"><span class="small">[301]</span></a> The +regimental mule-transport from units was to be called in and formed +into transport companies, which could <span class="pagenum"><a id="page420" name="page420"></a>[p. 420]</span> be attached to +brigades or columns in whatever manner the circumstances of the moment +required. In short, decentralisation was to be replaced by +concentration of the transport for redistribution in proportion to the +wants of the service. The change of system was effected successfully +under the supervision of Lord Kitchener and Major-General Sir William +Nicholson whose experience of similar arrangements in Egyptian and +Indian campaigns were of much assistance to the Commander-in-Chief. +<span class="sidenote"> S.A. Army orders of Jan. 24th, 1900, and Jan. 29th +determine details of change.</span> +Returns of the mule-transport in possession of units were called for, +and on January 24th an Army order was published withdrawing +mule-transport with certain exceptions. On the 29th January a further +order was issued, giving the details of the vehicles which were to +remain with units and stating how their draught was to be provided. +The general transport obtained by this withdrawal was formed into +companies of four sections each, each company consisting of forty-nine +wagons, one Scotch cart, and a water-cart; it was calculated that one +of these companies would suffice to carry the baggage and two days' +supply of food and forage for an infantry brigade of four battalions +or a cavalry brigade of three regiments. The ox-transport was +organised in companies of one hundred wagons each, from which convoys +could be formed, as required, to fulfil the functions of the supply +columns of the previous system.<a id="footnotetag302" name="footnotetag302"></a><a href="#footnote302" title="Go to footnote 302"><span class="small">[302]</span></a> These transport companies were +placed under Army Service Corps officers, and the administration of +the whole was at first undertaken by the Deputy Adjutant-General for +Supplies and Transport, Colonel Richardson, who had been transferred +from the lines of communication to the Headquarter staff. The general +principles now adopted were that complete transport, and transport +animals for certain vehicles still left in charge of units, should be +placed at the disposal of the commander of any force when it was +ordered to move; such transport was to remain with that force during +the move, but on its completion was to be returned to the transport +department, so as to be again available for whatever duty was most +urgent.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Difficulties in practice.</span> + +<p>Some difficulties naturally arose. By the abolition of regimental +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page421" name="page421"></a>[p. 421]</span> transport the services of the regimental officers and +non-commissioned officers hitherto employed on that duty were regained +by their corps, but were lost to the transport department. The +personnel of the Army Service Corps was not equal to the demands thus +made upon it, and it was found necessary to allot two transport +companies to one company of Army Service Corps, and to attach to these +so-formed companies officers of other branches as they happened to be +available. Moreover, to ensure the requisite amount of mule-transport +for the combatant portion of the troops that of bearer companies and +of field hospitals was cut down. In the former the number of +ambulances was reduced from ten to two, and for the latter only two +wagons could be allowed in place of four. On the other hand, owing to +fear of a scarcity of water on the intended march, the number of +water-carts with the medical units was doubled. The mule-transport was +speedily assembled at the places ordered. The concentration of the +ox-transport for convoy purposes took a longer time, but partly by +rail and partly by march route it was completed soon enough to enable +the Field-Marshal to carry out his plan of operations.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Supplies on the coast ample. The difficulty of getting them +forward and distributing them.</span> + +<p>Owing to the efforts of the Quartermaster-General's department of the +War Office, a steady stream of supplies had, since the beginning of +the war, been poured into the country, and had removed all anxiety as +to the possibility of food or forage running short at the coast. The +difficulty was the transmission of these up country simultaneously +with the troops and their equipment. Arrangements were made by the +railway staff which enabled sufficient quantities to be forwarded from +the sea bases and to be accumulated at Orange River, De Aar, and at +depōts between the Orange and Modder rivers. For the forward move into +the Orange Free State two days' supplies were to be carried by the men +and two days' in the mule-transport allotted to brigades; the brigade +supplies were to be filled up from convoys moving in rear of the +troops, and for this purpose some five hundred ox-wagons, carrying ten +days' rations and forage, were assembled.<a id="footnotetag303" name="footnotetag303"></a><a href="#footnote303" title="Go to footnote 303"><span class="small">[303]</span></a></p> + +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page422" name="page422"></a>[p. 422]</span> <span class="sidenote"> Separation of supply and transport.</span> + +<p>These changes foreshadowed the separation of supply and transport into +two departments, a separation which, shortly after the advance into +the Free State had begun, was carried out by the transfer of +Major-General Sir W. G. Nicholson from the appointment of Military +Secretary to that of Director of Transport. Colonel Richardson still +continued to have charge of supplies.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Increase of heavy artillery.</span> + +<p>Meantime, steps were taken to improve the artillery equipment of the +army in South Africa. Prior to the war it had been ascertained by the +Intelligence department that the Boers had in their possession several +150 m/m Creusots and a battery of 120 m/m howitzers, but the +cumbersome carriages on which the former weapons were mounted had led +to the belief that they were intended solely for use in the forts and +positions near Pretoria and Johannesburg. The howitzers had been +classified in the intelligence reports as field artillery armament, +because in the year before the war the French, Austrian, and German +armies had added howitzers to their field equipment. The enterprise of +the Boers in bringing 150 m/m (6-in.) guns into the field at the +outset of the campaign formed in a sense a new departure in modern +warfare, although in 1870 fortress guns had been taken from Belfort +and used in the fighting on the Lisaine. On the receipt of Sir George +White's report that one of these guns had been employed against the +troops at Dundee, telegraphic orders, at the suggestion of +Major-General Sir John Ardagh, were sent out by the War Office to Cape +Colony to insure the immediate despatch to Natal of two 6·3-in. R.M.L. +howitzers, lying at King William's Town, the property of the Cape +Government.<a id="footnotetag304" name="footnotetag304"></a><a href="#footnote304" title="Go to footnote 304"><span class="small">[304]</span></a> The arrangements made by the Naval Commander-in-Chief +for the despatch to the front of Naval contingents, placed at the +disposal of the military authorities, both in the western and eastern +theatres of war, a number of long-range guns which, in the skilled +hands of the officers and men of the Royal Navy and Marines who +accompanied them, rendered valuable service. The War Office also took +immediate action to <span class="pagenum"><a id="page423" name="page423"></a>[p. 423]</span> reinforce the arm. On the 9th of +December a battery of four 4·7-in. Q.F. guns, manned by a company of +R.G.A., was despatched from England to South Africa, together with +eight 6-in. B.L. howitzers, which formed part of the approved siege +train of the army. On the 22nd two companies with eight 5-in. B.L. +followed. On the 22nd January two more companies with eight 4·7-in. +Q.F., mounted on 6-in. howitzer carriages, were embarked for the Cape, +and supplemented on the 28th by six additional guns of the same type, +intended to replace any naval guns which might be showing signs of +deterioration. On the 3rd of February another batch of eight 5-in. +B.L. guns, accompanied by two companies R.G.A., left Southampton in +order to relieve some of the naval contingents; on the previous day a +battery of four 9·45-in. B.L. howitzers had been embarked with the +necessary personnel. The only further additions made during the war to +the heavy armament were four 6-in. howitzers sent out at Lord Roberts' +request on 27th April, 1900, and two 5-in. B.L. guns despatched at the +end of the same year to replace two which had become unserviceable. +With the exception of the howitzers the whole of these guns were taken +from forts. Carriages for them were improvised by the Ordnance +department. The use by the Boers of the 37 m/m Vickers-Maxim Q.F. +guns,<a id="footnotetag305" name="footnotetag305"></a><a href="#footnote305" title="Go to footnote 305"><span class="small">[305]</span></a> nick-named "pom-poms" by the men, was met by the despatch +of forty-nine of these weapons from England. Another important change +was the introduction of a longer time-fuse for use with field guns. +The regulation time-fuse at the outbreak of the war burnt in flight +for twelve seconds only, suited to a range of 4,100 yards for the +15-pr. B.L. guns and 3,700 yards for the 12-pr. B.L. Experiments had +been already made by the Ordnance Committee to obtain a satisfactory +time-fuse effective for longer ranges, and on receipt of reports of +the extreme distance at which the Boers were using their field +artillery, these were rapidly pushed on, with the result that by the +middle of January <span class="pagenum"><a id="page424" name="page424"></a>[p. 424]</span> fuses capable of burning twenty-one +seconds, corresponding to a range of 6,400 yards, were sent to South +Africa.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Railway system.</span> + +<p>At no time was a heavier call made on the personnel and material of +the Cape Government railways than during the concentration for Lord +Roberts' advance into the Free State. At an early date an organisation +for the control of the transport of troops and stores by rail had been +instituted, and had gradually been perfected by experience. +Lieutenant-Colonel Girouard, R.E., the Director of Railways, had +arrived with a staff of fifteen officers at Cape Town towards the end +of October, 1899, and had, under the orders of the General Officer +Commanding the lines of communication, initiated a system based on the +principle that it was the controlling staff's duty to keep in close +touch with the permanent traffic officials of the railway and to act +as intermediaries between them and the military commanders. Much to +his satisfaction, the Director of Railways had found on his arrival +that "all the British lines were in good working order and +administered by a highly loyal, capable, and enthusiastic staff +prepared for any emergency, including risks of war."<a id="footnotetag306" name="footnotetag306"></a><a href="#footnote306" title="Go to footnote 306"><span class="small">[306]</span></a> In +conjunction with this permanent staff, of whom Mr. C. B. Elliott was +the General Manager and Mr. T. R. Price the Traffic Manager, +uniformity of military administration throughout the whole railway +system of Cape Colony was speedily established.<a id="footnotetag307" name="footnotetag307"></a><a href="#footnote307" title="Go to footnote 307"><span class="small">[307]</span></a> The technical +working of the railways was left entirely in the hands of the civil +officials, supported and protected by the military controlling staff +from interference by officers or men. Repairs to the line were +undertaken by the railway troops of the R.E.,<a id="footnotetag308" name="footnotetag308"></a><a href="#footnote308" title="Go to footnote 308"><span class="small">[308]</span></a> with such of the +British employés of the Orange Free State railway as had not, at the +outbreak of the war, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page425" name="page425"></a>[p. 425]</span> been absorbed into the permanent staff +of the Cape Government railways. The number of skilled artisans thus +available was insufficient for the reconstruction of the Norval's Pont +and Bethulie railway bridges and other extensive works which it was +foreseen would be necessary in order to make good the damage done by +the enemy in his retreat. The Director of Railways accordingly +obtained leave to avail himself of the offer of Messrs. L. I. Seymour +and C. A. Goodwin, leading mining engineers of Johannesburg, to form a +corps of the miners and artisans, thrown out of employment by the war. +With the title of the Railway Pioneer regiment, it was placed under +the command of Lieutenant-Colonel J. E. Capper, R.E., Messrs. Seymour +and Goodwin being appointed wing commanders, having the rank of major. +The material needed for the construction of temporary bridges at +Norval's Pont and Bethulie and for the rapid reconstruction of the +permanent bridges at these points was, during the month of January, +prepared.</p> + +<p>Joubert's circular letter, referred to on <a href="#page410">p. 410</a> as having had great +importance because it enjoined a passive defensive attitude on all +Boer commanders at the very time when Lord Roberts was designing an +active offence, ran as follows:—</p> + +<div class="quote"> +<p class="right">29.12.99.</p> + +<p class="center smcap">From Comdt.-General to Actg. General du Toit.</p> + +<p class="smcap">Fellow Officers,—</p> + +<p>It is obvious that England is exasperated that her army is not able, +against the will of our God, to annihilate us and to overwhelm us as +easily as they had expected. While they were governed and inspired by +this thought, the name of Sir Redvers Buller was on the lips of +everybody and his praise and prowess were elevated to the clouds. Now +that our God and Protector has revealed His will, and Buller has not +succeeded in crushing the hated Boers, or, as Sir Alfred Milner has +it, the Boerdom, and to subjugate them and to banish from the face of +the earth the name which God, as it were, had given <span class="pagenum"><a id="page426" name="page426"></a>[p. 426]</span> +them—now they, instead of admitting and acknowledging their fault and +looking for it in the right place, want to have a scapegoat, and for +this purpose Sir Redvers Buller must serve; he is not brave enough, +not wise enough; he is not strong and powerful enough to carry on the +war for them against the will of the High God of Heaven and to +annihilate the Africander in South Africa. Many a person now deems it +well that Buller has been humiliated; but I have to say in regard to +this that when I withstood General Colley in the same way in the War +of Independence, he was urged to attempt a successful battle before +his successor could arrive, as he would otherwise lose all military +honour and fame. He was moved to such an extent that he acted on the +suggestion, ascended Amajuba Hill, which is to-day still so intensely +hated by the blinded Englishman and Jingo, where the Lord then said, +"Thus far and no further." And now, my friends, you may suspect and +expect that Mr. Buller will receive the same advice, and that he may +attempt to do as the late Sir George Colley had done. Therefore, he +will issue orders either here at Colenso, at Ladysmith, Scholtz Nek, +or elsewhere where there is an English force in South Africa, to +attempt a successful action, either by means of a sortie or attack, or +in some other way, in order, if possible, to regain his good name and +military fame. For this reason we must, in firm faith in the help of +our faithful and beloved God, be on our guard against such action. I +very much fear a night attack, when our men are not alert and on their +guard. The fright in case of a false alarm, when so much ammunition is +blindly wasted, makes me fear that a disaster may be in preparation, +and demonstrates that the burghers are not organised properly on +outpost duty. On dark nights the outposts should be strengthened to +such an extent that they could almost independently hold their +position. In all cases at least the half of the outpost guard, if not +two-thirds, must remain awake, so that the men are not aroused from +sleep with fright and confusion, but, being on the alert, can +independently offer defence. Therefore, let the words of our Lord be +impressed on the mind of everyone: "Watch and pray, lest ye enter into +temptation." <span class="pagenum"><a id="page427" name="page427"></a>[p. 427]</span> Our enemy is not only powerful, but also +artful, and treason is continually taking place, for it appears from +the newspapers that the enemy is even cognisant of our most secret +plans, and we cannot advance, but remain stationary, while the enemy +is continually strengthening himself.</p> + +<p class="center">Your sincere friend,</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">P. J. Joubert</span>,<br> + Comdt.-General.</p> +</div> + + +<a id="chap26" name="chap26"></a> +<h3><span class="pagenum"><a id="page428" name="page428"></a>[p. 428]</span> CHAPTER XXVI.</h3> + +<p class="title">THE ARMY MOVES FORWARD.</p> + + +<span class="sidenote"> The intended stroke.</span> + +<p>The first stage in the realisation of Lord Roberts' plan of campaign +must necessarily be the transfer to the neighbourhood of Lord +Methuen's camp of the army with which it was his purpose to +manœuvre Cronje out of Magersfontein, to relieve Kimberley, and +strike for Bloemfontein.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The problem. How solved.</span> + +<p>The problem was to carry out this transfer without allowing the Boer +General to suspect the design with which it was made, and, till this +first movement was completed, in order to gain time for it, to keep +him as long as possible uncertain whether the real advance would not +be, as he had always hitherto supposed, along the railway which runs +directly from Colesberg by Norval's Pont to Bloemfontein. Both +purposes were accomplished with rare success. It becomes, therefore, +in all ways interesting, as a study of the larger scope of the +campaign, to realise by what means this result was secured. In all +war, and in every campaign, so far as the two opposing commanders are +concerned, it is the play of mind upon mind which is the ruling +factor. To put himself in the place of the man whom he must outwit, if +he is to give his soldiers the best chance of victory, is for each +commander the essential preliminary. To take such steps as will tend +to confirm that man in any false impressions he is known or reasonably +suspected to have received, and to conceal as far as possible those +measures which are preparing the way for the real stroke, are common +characteristics of all triumphant achievement. The means by which the +end is gained—reticence, the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page429" name="page429"></a>[p. 429]</span> movement of troops in such a +way as will suggest that they are placed with one object when, in +fact, the posts chosen will make it easy to use them for another, the +allowing of subordinate, even high, commanders, to misconceive, until +it is necessary for them to know, why orders are given—all these are +the well-tried methods. The fact that rumours spread almost +automatically and quite invariably from camp to hostile camp, so that +what is believed on one side largely affects belief on the other, is +one of the fixed data on which much depends. The issue openly of +fictitious orders, cancelled by cypher messages, is another available +means of throwing a cloud over what is being done. The art lies in +applying these well-known principles to the particular case to be +dealt with. It will be found that in practice Lord Roberts took +advantage of every one of them; but without a clear understanding of +the methods which the long experience of war has taught those whose +duty it is to study it, the underlying motive of much that has now to +be described would not be clear.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Causes tending to deceive Cronje.</span> + +<p>Many things tended to convince Cronje that it was along the railway +direct on Bloemfontein that the march into the Free State would be +made. The capture at Dundee, in October, 1899, of certain Intelligence +department papers by the Boers had shown them that this had been the +first design. During the weeks which had immediately followed Lord +Roberts' appointment to command, when, though he had not reached Cape +Town, at least the wider scope of manœuvres might be supposed to be +directed by him, or to be in accordance with his wishes, the only +fierce fighting which had taken place was round Colesberg, and much of +it suggested a wish to secure the passage of the Orange river at +Norval's Pont, an obvious necessity if the great movement was to be +made along the Colesberg—Norval's Pont—Bloemfontein route. Outside +Natal this continued, after Lord Roberts arrived, to be even more the +case, and so far as Cape Colony was concerned, the distribution of +troops showed Norval's Pont as the central point of the front of +attack. Lord Methuen's line of communications, supply and +reinforcements through Orange River station marked the left, Gatacre's +slowly gathering <span class="pagenum"><a id="page430" name="page430"></a>[p. 430]</span> division the right, and French, now close +to Norval's Pont, the centre. Without delaying the progress over +Orange River bridge, it was possible to strengthen the conviction in +Cronje's mind that it was at Norval's Pont that danger threatened.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> and means taken to hoodwink him.</span> + +<p>In the first place, the great number of wagons, horses and stores +which had to be passed up under the protection of Lord Methuen's +division, and of the troops immediately engaged in guarding the line, +needed ample time, and, as it was not easy for the Boers to +distinguish between what was required for Lord Methuen's army and the +accumulations that were being made for a very different purpose, this +necessary preparation for the decisive move was not likely to attract +much notice. If, therefore, a freshly-arrived division were sent to +French's neighbourhood, say from Port Elizabeth to Naauwpoort +junction, since its coming there was sure to be reported to the Boers, +it would not merely meet the need for having a reinforcement for +French available in case of emergency, which, as will be seen further +on, was the reason assigned at the time by Lord Roberts for sending +it, but it would help to confirm the idea that it was towards Norval's +Pont that the whole concentration was trending. The division and the +whole of French's command could be kept in this district to the last +moment, because of the cross railway which from Naauwpoort junction +runs to connect the railway from Port Elizabeth with that from Cape +Town to Kimberley. The troops moving up by this the most westerly line +would draw the less attention as long as the force at and near +Colesberg was formidable and active. When the right time was +come—that is, as it worked out, when French handed over to Clements +those who were to remain round Colesberg—all the rest, including the +new division, could be carried from Naauwpoort junction and so on +towards the Riet, being, during their passage, far in rear of the +fighting line around Colesberg. It will be easily seen from the map +how greatly the trace of the railways facilitated the removal of +strong bodies from the Naauwpoort—Colesberg region to the Kimberley +railway, the whole movement being screened by the fighting forces left +round Colesberg.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Further causes of success.</span> + +<p>Cronje himself was a Transvaaler, and his principal line of <span class="pagenum"><a id="page431" name="page431"></a>[p. 431]</span> +supply ran northwards through the ground held by the besiegers of +Kimberley. Although, therefore, many of those under him were from the +Orange Free State and likely to be disturbed by a movement against +Bloemfontein, any such danger appeared to be remote as long as the +Orange river, both at Norval's Pont and Bethulie, was in the hands of +the Boers. His retreat northwards was at all events quite secure. The +reports of the arrival of ever increasing numbers south of Lord +Methuen's camp seemed to imply that, whatever might be done elsewhere, +his entrenchments were to be again attacked, and as he wished for +nothing better than this, he very naturally interpreted the +information he received in accordance with his hopes. It was not +difficult, therefore, to impose on him, in this respect also, by +demonstrations against the opposite flank to that which Lord Roberts +intended—not to attack but to pass by on his route northwards—so +placing his army ultimately athwart Cronje's line of retreat. The +execution of this scheme, the guiding principles of which have thus +been sketched, will perhaps now be more easily followed in detail. It +only remains to add here that the fictitious orders, cancelled by +cypher telegrams, were actually sent, and were very useful in their +effect of imposing on the Boers.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> A railway scheme. Facilities and difficulties.</span> + +<p>The interest of the whole scheme for modern soldiers lies in the fact +that it was an application of very ancient principles of war to the +times of railways and telegraphs. Everything turned upon the +facilities afforded by the railways on the one hand, upon the +difficulties which the railway authorities had to surmount on the +other, and, above all, upon this: that where accumulation of rolling +stock, vast in proportion to the resources of the country, had to be +collected from every direction upon a single line, it needed much tact +and management to make the preparations required to enable the +transport of troops, when once begun, to continue rapidly without +interruption, and yet not to disclose the secret. Engines were more +essential than anything else, and to obtain them in sufficient number +the Port Elizabeth lines had to be swept almost bare, although the +supply of the troops round Naauwpoort junction and Colesberg largely +depended on that railway. It may, therefore, be imagined how <span class="pagenum"><a id="page432" name="page432"></a>[p. 432]</span> +hard it was to placate the zealous civil officials, who, without +understanding why it was done, found themselves deprived of the very +instruments needed for their work, and had as best they could to make +bricks without straw. All the organisation of this fell upon Colonel +Girouard, who had promised Lord Roberts to have the immense volume of +stores necessary for the campaign, as well as the troops, delivered at +the assigned stations by February 14th, on two conditions: one, that +absolute secrecy as to all that was being done should be strictly +observed, Girouard himself naming the men to whom he must disclose his +plans; the other, that when he had received his instructions as to the +places where delivery was to be made by the railway these should not +be changed. Unfortunately this latter condition could not be kept. +Honey Nest Kloof, which had been at first selected as the place for +the great camp and depōt, was found to be inadequately supplied with +water, so that Graspan and Belmont inevitably replaced it.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The nature of task.</span> + +<p>The fact that, with the exception of the two Generals, Kelly-Kenny and +French, who knew the scheme after French's visit to Cape Town, none of +the officers in the trains had any idea where they were going or what +was intended, and did not realise what was essential for the success +of the undertaking, occasionally gave trouble to the railway +authorities. For instance, water for the troops bivouacking at Graspan +was some two miles from the station, but the water indispensable for +the service of the railway was close to the spot where the +disembarkation from the carriages had taken place. Colonel Girouard +himself found to his horror that this, without which he could send no +train forward, was being freely expended by men and officers for their +own use. There was some delay before he secured an adequate guard to +protect it. Despite many incidents, equally inconvenient to this, time +was well kept and Lord Roberts' reliance on the silence and efficiency +of the officials was fully justified.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Secrecy and orders adapted to case.</span> + +<p>Throughout the month of January Lord Roberts so directed the conduct +of operations and disposed of reinforcements arriving from England as +to mislead the Boer General as to his designs. <span class="pagenum"><a id="page433" name="page433"></a>[p. 433]</span> His real +intentions were, in fact, known only to his Chief of the Staff (Lord +Kitchener), his Military Secretary (Major-General Sir W. G. +Nicholson), to the Director of Military Intelligence (Local Colonel G. +F. R. Henderson), and to those who had to make the railway +arrangements, Colonel Girouard, Major D. Murray, Assistant Director of +Railways, Mr. T. R. Price, Chief Traffic Manager, Major H. Hamilton, +who acted as intermediary for Lord Kitchener, and to Colonel C. P. +Ridley, in charge of the western line of communications. To Lord +Methuen the Commander-in-Chief wrote on the 11th January:—</p> + +<p class="quote"> + "I have come to the conclusion that I must ask you to act + strictly on the defensive, and as it may be even necessary for me + to withdraw a portion of your force, you should consider how your + line of entrenchments could be sufficiently reduced to enable you + to hold the position with two, instead of three, brigades, and + possibly with one or two batteries and one regiment of cavalry + less than you have at present. Your request for four of the siege + 4·7-in. guns will be complied with, and when these reach you, you + will doubtless be able to make your position practically + impregnable. That the relief of Kimberley cannot be immediately + effected I am as sorry for, as I am sure you must be, but I trust + that it will still be possible for you to give the brave garrison + at that place a helping hand before they run short of supplies + and ammunition."</p> + +<p>To the central line of operations where, owing to the activity of +French, the strength of the enemy had increased, Lord Roberts +despatched the 6th division and placed a portion of one of its +brigades (the 12th, under Maj.-Gen. R. A. P. Clements) at French's +disposal. It was decided to give Lieut.-General Kelly-Kenny a separate +command from Naauwpoort southward, leaving French to continue his +previous campaign against the enemy round Colesberg.<a id="footnotetag309" name="footnotetag309"></a><a href="#footnote309" title="Go to footnote 309"><span class="small">[309]</span></a> To General +French, therefore, the Field-Marshal addressed the following +instructions on the 12th January:—</p> + +<div class="quote"> +<p>"As I see no chance of being able to leave Cape Town just at + present, and cannot therefore offer you my congratulations in + person, I write to let you know the satisfaction it has given me + to hear of the good work you have been doing in the neighbourhood + of Colesberg.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page434" name="page434"></a>[p. 434]</span> "You will have learnt by telegram that we have sent you + three battalions of the 12th brigade under Clements. Kelly-Kenny, + who commands the 6th division, sails to-morrow for Port + Elizabeth, and the whole of his eight battalions will, I hope, be + collected shortly at Naauwpoort junction, I gather that the Boers + are increasing in strength between Colesberg and the river. It + seems almost certain that their numbers will be still further + augmented if Buller succeeds in relieving Ladysmith, for + Joubert's force will then be free, and he is almost certain to + hurry his men to the south-west in order to try and block our way + into the Orange Free State.</p> + +<p>"This may make the seizure of the Norval's Pont bridge out of the + question; as it would, however, be of such supreme importance to + get possession of this crossing of the Orange river, I shall be + greatly obliged if you will inform me whether you think the + operation in any way feasible. We could increase your force still + more, or what would probably be of even greater assistance to + you, we could threaten the enemy from the Orange River station + direction. The greatest secrecy and caution would be required, + and the seizure of the bridge could only be effected by a very + carefully-thought-out and well-planned <i>coup de main</i>, for, if + the Boers had the slightest inkling of our intention, they would + assuredly blow it up. There would, moreover, be no object in our + getting possession of the bridge, and thus risking a number of + valuable lives, unless it could be made perfectly secure on its + immediate northern bank, and this, from the nature of the ground, + might be impossible.</p> + +<p>"I hope that your men and horses are keeping thoroughly + efficient. Please take every care of them and save the horses as + much as possible, for, until we can get hold of some of the + regiments now in Ladysmith, yours is almost the only cavalry we + have to depend upon."</p> +</div> + +<p>The seizure of the bridge<a id="footnotetag310" name="footnotetag310"></a><a href="#footnote310" title="Go to footnote 310"><span class="small">[310]</span></a> would have been useful both in +deceiving Cronje and in facilitating later movements, but the +intricate ground on the northern bank of the river at that point would +have rendered further advance costly, and the defence of the bridge +itself difficult, and as yet it was unnecessary. French, therefore, +though he at the time knew nothing of the intended scheme, exactly +carried out what was the purpose of Lord Roberts' instructions when, +as recorded in <a href="#chap24">Chapter XXIV.</a>, he, after the demonstration of January +25th, abandoned further efforts against Norval's Pont. It was not till +January 30th, during his brief visit to Cape Town, that he was given +two copies of the complete plan of operations, one for himself and one +for General Kelly-Kenny. It was no doubt due to these careful +precautions that the secret was so admirably kept as it was, and +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page435" name="page435"></a>[p. 435]</span> that the Boers were so completely deceived as they were as +to what was going on.<a id="footnotetag311" name="footnotetag311"></a><a href="#footnote311" title="Go to footnote 311"><span class="small">[311]</span></a></p> + +<p>Kelly-Kenny, with his division, less Clements' brigade, was to cover +the communications south of Naauwpoort, allay unrest and disaffection, +and open up the railway line as far as possible from Rosmead in the +direction of Stormberg, thus diverting attention from Gatacre. A +proposal made on the 23rd by him that French should be instructed to +seize Bethulie bridge by a forced march was refused by the +Field-Marshal, who, not to disclose his real reasons, told him that +the enterprise was a doubtful one; the country difficult, and strong +opposition would be offered to the move. To Sir W. Gatacre the +Commander-in-Chief issued orders on the 19th January that Dordrecht +should be garrisoned, and that Brabant's newly-formed Colonial +division should use that town as a base, and thence operate towards +Jamestown so as to menace the line of retreat of the Boer force at +Stormberg. Meanwhile Gatacre himself was to act strictly on the +defensive. Brabant was placed under his orders, but was to be given a +"perfectly free hand" and be allowed to report direct to Army +Headquarters.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Enemy perplexed. Move begun.</span> + +<p>These various orders and instructions successfully effected Lord +Roberts' purpose. The distribution of the British troops perplexed and +confused the enemy, and the Boer leaders remained passive, making no +substantial change in their dispositions save to increase the strength +of the body covering <span class="pagenum"><a id="page436" name="page436"></a>[p. 436]</span> the crossing to the north of Colesberg. +By the end of January Lord Roberts' staff had nearly finished the work +of preparation, and the Commander-in-Chief directed the concentration +of all available troops between the Orange river and the Modder for +the delivery of the stroke he had designed, leaving before Colesberg +and Magersfontein sufficient forces under the respective commands of +Major-General Clements and Lord Methuen to hold the enemy, at each of +these points, in check. It was on January 29th that General French was +summoned to Cape Town.<a id="footnotetag312" name="footnotetag312"></a><a href="#footnote312" title="Go to footnote 312"><span class="small">[312]</span></a> Immediately after his return the actual +transfer northwards of an army corps, made up of a cavalry division, +three infantry divisions, and some corps troops, was carried out. A +few details had started as early as the 28th.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The cavalry division.</span> + +<p>The commander of the cavalry division was Lieut.-General J. D. P. +French. It consisted of three cavalry brigades and two M.I. brigades; +of these the 1st cavalry brigade (Brig.-Gen. T. C. Porter) was formed +of the 6th Dragoon Guards, 2nd Dragoons, one squadron of the +Inniskilling Dragoons, one squadron of the 14th Hussars, New South +Wales Lancers, and T., Q., and U. batteries R.H.A.; the 2nd cavalry +brigade <span class="pagenum"><a id="page437" name="page437"></a>[p. 437]</span> (Brig.-Gen. R. G. Broadwood) was made up of the +composite regiment of the Household cavalry, 10th Hussars, 12th +Lancers, and G. and P. batteries R.H.A.; the 3rd cavalry brigade +(Brig.-Gen. J. R. P. Gordon), of 9th and 16th Lancers, and O. and R. +batteries R.H.A. To the 1st M.I. brigade (Colonel O. C. Hannay) were +assigned the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th regiments M.I., the New South +Wales Mounted Rifles, Roberts' Horse, Kitchener's Horse, and the +Grahamstown Volunteers M.I.; the 2nd M.I. brigade, commanded by +Colonel C. P. Ridley, was made up by the 2nd, 4th, 6th, and 8th M.I. +regiments, the City Imperial Volunteers, Queensland M.I., and +Nesbitt's Horse.<a id="footnotetag313" name="footnotetag313"></a><a href="#footnote313" title="Go to footnote 313"><span class="small">[313]</span></a> Each cavalry brigade had an ammunition column, +detachment of A.S.C., field hospital, and bearer company. The division +was given a field troop R.E. and six transport companies.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> The infantry divisions.</span> + +<p>The infantry divisions were the 6th (Kelly-Kenny), the 7th +(Tucker<a id="footnotetag314" name="footnotetag314"></a><a href="#footnote314" title="Go to footnote 314"><span class="small">[314]</span></a>), which had landed from England during the fourth week of +January, and a new division, the 9th, to be formed under command of +Lt.-Gen. Sir H. Colvile. Of these divisions the 6th comprised the 76th +and 81st Field batteries, an ammunition column, the 38th company R.E., +the 13th infantry brigade, under Major-General C. E. Knox (composed of +2nd East Kent, 2nd Gloucester, 1st West Riding, and 1st Oxfordshire +L.I.), and a new brigade, the 18th, made up of the 1st Yorkshire, 1st +Welsh, and 1st Essex, under the command of Brigadier-General T. E. +Stephenson. The 7th division retained its original constitution, viz.: +the 14th brigade, under Major-General Sir H. Chermside (consisting of +2nd Norfolk, 2nd Lincolnshire, 1st King's Own Scottish Borderers, and +2nd Hampshire), the 15th brigade under Major-General A. G. Wavell +(including 2nd Cheshire, 2nd South Wales Borderers, 1st East +Lancashire, and 2nd North Staffordshire), and as divisional troops, +the 18th, 62nd, and 75th Field batteries, an ammunition column, and +9th company R.E. The new 9th division, under Lieut.-General Colvile, +had as its nucleus the 3rd, or Highland brigade, now under +Major-General H. A. MacDonald (2nd Black Watch, 1st Highland Light +Infantry, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page438" name="page438"></a>[p. 438]</span> 2nd Seaforth, and 1st Argyll and Sutherland). The +other brigade, to be termed the 19th, was assigned to Colonel H. L. +Smith-Dorrien, and was to be organised from the 2nd Duke of Cornwall's +L.I., 2nd Shropshire L.I., 1st Gordon Highlanders, and the Royal +Canadian regiment. The 65th (howitzer) and 82nd Field batteries, an +ammunition column, and 7th company R.E., formed Colvile's divisional +troops. Each of the infantry brigades included a bearer company, a +field hospital, and a detachment of the Army Service Corps. From each +of these divisions the cavalry was withdrawn and included in the +cavalry division. Two naval guns were attached to each of the 6th and +9th divisions, but the remainder of the naval brigade, under Captain +J. Bearcroft, R.N., was at first ordered to remain with Lord Methuen. +The only corps troops retained by the Commander-in-Chief were the 15th +company Southern division R.G.A., the 1st Telegraph division, and the +balloon section, Royal Engineers. Rimington's Guides were distributed +amongst the various columns. The total effective strength of the +force, including the Guards' and 9th brigades, which remained before +Magersfontein to hold Cronje in check, was a little under 40,000 men +and 108 guns. The battalions at this time much varied in strength, +those of the 13th brigade averaged but 721, those of the Highland +brigade 780, the battalions of the 15th brigade were as high as 900, +and the Guards' battalions reached the figure of 938. The cavalry +regiments had an average of about 473 all ranks. For details of units, +see <a href="#appen10">Appendix 10</a>.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Reinforcements asked for.</span> + +<p>The intelligence of the failure of Sir R. Buller's operations against +Spion Kop forced the Field-Marshal on 28th January to telegraph to the +War Office that the despatch of the 8th division and another cavalry +brigade from England had become advisable, but, in deference to +reluctance felt by the Cabinet to denude further the home garrisons of +regular infantry, Lord Roberts suspended his request for them at +present until the result of later operations in Natal should be +known.<a id="footnotetag315" name="footnotetag315"></a><a href="#footnote315" title="Go to footnote 315"><span class="small">[315]</span></a> The brigade of cavalry was at once promised.</p> + +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page439" name="page439"></a>[p. 439]</span> <span class="sidenote"> Demonstrations westward. MacDonald seizes +Koodoesberg, Feb. 5th, 1900.</span> + +<p>Lord Roberts did not wait for it, for his advance could no longer be +delayed. As the troops were pushed forward successively, it was +certain that the enemy must become aware of the assembly of so large a +number very close to Magersfontein, even though the concentration was +screened by Lord Methuen's and General Clements' forces. It was +essential, therefore, to distract Cronje's attention from the flank, +eastward of which the Field-Marshal meant to aim his blow. Nor were +there lacking ample excuses for demonstrations to the westward. The +very unsatisfactory condition of the districts south of Orange river +west of the Kimberley railway was known to the Boer leaders. Cronje +had already detached to Douglas 200 men and two guns, under Commandant +Liebenberg, to support a Cape rebel, L. F. Steinkamp, in raising the +standard of revolt in those regions. To counteract this effort, +Prieska had been re-occupied on 27th January by Lieut.-Colonel +Alderson with a battery and 600 M.I., but their immediate return to De +Aar was necessary, as the mounted men were needed for the general +advance. A diversion on a larger scale was now planned. By Lord +Roberts' order Lord Methuen temporarily attached to the Highland +brigade two squadrons of the 9th Lancers, the 62nd Field battery, and +the 7th company R.E., and directed Major-General MacDonald to march at +5.30 on the morning of the 4th February to Koodoesberg Drift, where +the road from Kimberley to Douglas crosses the Riet at about twenty +miles below its junction with the Modder, and to begin the +construction of a fort covering this passage of the river. The column +halted at Fraser's Drift, seven miles out, and there bivouacked for +the night. Koodoesberg Drift was reached the following day. The hot +season was at its height. A reconnaissance was pushed to the +north-west. The top of the Koodoesberg, a long, flat-topped kopje, +about 1,200 yards from the river, was seized. It completely commanded +the drift. A mounted patrol of fifteen Boers retired from this hill as +the British cavalry approached. General MacDonald's force passed that +night on the south bank, being covered by two companies of infantry on +the far side of the river. At daylight, on the 6th of February, the +construction of a redoubt <span class="pagenum"><a id="page440" name="page440"></a>[p. 440]</span> suitable for 200 men on a small +knoll to the north of the drift was begun. Almost immediately a patrol +of 9th Lancers reported that about 300 of the enemy<a id="footnotetag316" name="footnotetag316"></a><a href="#footnote316" title="Go to footnote 316"><span class="small">[316]</span></a> were creeping +up the northern slope of the Koodoesberg. The Major-General +accordingly ordered his brigade-major, Lieut.-Colonel Ewart, to +advance rapidly with the working parties on the hill and try to +anticipate the assailants at the summit. Ewart, supported by the +Highland Light Infantry under Lt.-Colonel Kelham, succeeded in doing +so. A Boer detachment which had already reached the top retired +hastily. It was then found that the plateau was some two miles in +length, and therefore too extensive for complete occupation. Kelham +was accordingly ordered to hold its southern edge, and the R.E. began +to build sangars across the narrow Nek which divided the south of the +hill from the main plateau. The Black Watch was moved over the river +to the right bank in support. In the afternoon arrived large +reinforcements, which had been despatched by Cronje from Scholtz Nek +to aid De Wet. These, estimated by the British troops to be about +2,000 strong,<a id="footnotetag317" name="footnotetag317"></a><a href="#footnote317" title="Go to footnote 317"><span class="small">[317]</span></a> enabled the enemy to push on again up the reverse +slopes of the Berg and definitely establish themselves on the northern +and western edges of the plateau. On this the British field-works were +further strengthened. Visser's homestead, a farmhouse lying in the +plain to the south-east of the kopje and to the north of the drift, +was placed in a state of defence, and occupied by two companies of the +Black Watch. The two squadrons of 9th Lancers during this time were +manœuvred by Major Little near to the farm, with the object of +inducing the Boers to come out into the open and attack, but they +confined themselves all that afternoon to heavy sniping. At dusk the +companies of the H.L.I. on the eastern extremity of the Berg were +relieved by another company of that battalion and four companies of +the Seaforth.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Course of struggle.</span> + +<p>As soon as it was dark the Boers dragged a gun, which, with <span class="pagenum"><a id="page441" name="page441"></a>[p. 441]</span> +a further reinforcement of 200 men, had been received from Cronje, up +the north-western slopes of the hill, and at 9 a.m. (7th February) +they opened with shrapnel on the breastworks at the eastern edge of +the plateau. The troops holding that ground were now reinforced by two +more companies of the H.L.I. and four of the Black Watch, +Lieut.-Colonel Hughes-Hallett being placed in command. A little later +the cavalry patrols reported that a party of Boers was passing across +Painter's Drift, two miles down the river, to attack the left flank. +The defence of the bank of the Riet had been entrusted to Lt.-Colonel +A. Wilson, commanding the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, and that +officer despatched two and a half companies of his battalion with two +guns, under Major E. B. Urmston, to meet this movement. The rest of +Major Granet's battery was in action on the left bank of the river +against the enemy's artillery. On the Koodoesberg itself there was a +sharp fight, and a few of the burghers crept within 300 yards of the +British sangars. The heat of the day was intense, and considerable +difficulty was experienced in conveying water and ammunition up the +steep slopes of the kopje to the British fighting line. Unfortunately, +this steepness at the same time rendered it almost impossible to +withdraw the wounded. Meanwhile Major Urmston's detachment frustrated +the attempt of the enemy, a Ladybrand commando under Commandant +Froneman, to work down the bed of the river from Painter's Drift.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> MacDonald receives reinforcements.</span> + +<span class="sidenote"> MacDonald withdrawn.</span> + +<p>General MacDonald had early in the morning telegraphed to the Modder +camp for reinforcements. In response to this request a cavalry +brigade, with two batteries R.H.A. had been sent out under +Major-General Babington,<a id="footnotetag318" name="footnotetag318"></a><a href="#footnote318" title="Go to footnote 318"><span class="small">[318]</span></a> and about 3.15 p.m. could be seen at a +distance of about four or five miles to the north approaching the +river. MacDonald now hoped to assume the offensive, and reinforced +Hughes-Hallett with the remaining half-battalion of the Seaforth, +preparatory to a direct attack upon the Boers on the plateau, but, +owing to some misunderstanding, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page442" name="page442"></a>[p. 442]</span> concerted action with the +cavalry brigade was not arranged until too late, and the general +advance was accordingly postponed until the following morning. The +enemy, meanwhile, fully realised that the arrival of the cavalry +brigade rendered his isolated position on the plateau no longer +tenable. The burghers, therefore, began slipping away from the hill, +and by nightfall had practically evacuated it, leaving their gun for +some time on the kopje unprotected save by a small escort. General +Babington tried to follow them up, but the Household cavalry, which +was in front, was checked by wire fences and came under heavy rifle +fire. Their attempt to cut off the gun was also quite stopped by +musketry from some thick bush and broken ground. The Boers +subsequently succeeded in removing the piece during the night, +although its descent from the kopje was a task of some serious labour +and took two hours. The Commander-in-Chief's object in making this +feint against the enemy's right had been gained. He had arrived that +morning at the Modder camp, and now ordered the two brigades to +return. General MacDonald therefore withdrew on the evening of the 8th +of February, having first ascertained by a reconnaissance that the +enemy had completely evacuated both the Berg and Painter's Drift.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Results of demonstration.</span> + +<p>The British losses during this action were two officers and four men +killed, and five officers and forty-two men wounded. The Boers +admitted a loss of five killed and six wounded. Locally the results of +the engagement were hardly satisfactory, but nevertheless its effect +was exactly what had been hoped for, as General Cronje at once began +to reinforce his right and further strengthen his entrenchments on +that side. A simultaneous demonstration, also made to the westward, by +a body of 1,500 men under Brig.-Gen. Broadwood, helped to confirm the +Boer leaders' assumption that the relief of Kimberley would be +attempted by the west route. Broadwood reached Sunnyside on the 7th, +hoping to strike a blow at Liebenberg's commando at Douglas; but it +had already fallen back across the river, and the British, unable to +spare the time to pursue, retired on the 8th to Richmond, a farm +thirteen miles west of Graspan.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Numbers in South Africa, 4th Feb. 1900.</span> + +<p>The Commander-in-Chief had at first intended to leave Cape <span class="pagenum"><a id="page443" name="page443"></a>[p. 443]</span> +Town for the north on 30th January, but postponed his departure, as he +found that a little more time was required to collect between the +Modder and Orange rivers the troops he designed to employ. On the 4th +February, "to correct any misapprehension which may exist at the War +Office as to the total force at my disposal," the Field-Marshal +informed the Secretary of State by telegram that the effective +strength of fighting men in Cape Colony, exclusive of seven militia +battalions and of the garrisons of Kimberley and Mafeking, was 51,900, +and that the entire fighting strength of the force in Natal was +estimated at 34,830, of whom 9,780 were invested in Ladysmith. Under +these circumstances Lord Roberts recommended that the number of +militia battalions in the country should be increased to thirty, and +that, if possible, two more regular battalions should be sent, one +from Malta and the other from Egypt. Four days later Lord Roberts +informed the War Office that he would be glad if the whole of the +8,000 Imperial Yeomanry originally asked for by Sir R. Buller could be +sent out, and more, if available. He suggested that additional mounted +men should be raised in the colonies, and added,</p> + +<p>"I trust you will make arrangements to supply us with horses from +Australia, India, and America. Our wants will, I fear, be +considerable."</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Details of movement. 25th Jan. to 12th Feb. 1900.</span> + +<p>On 6th February the Field-Marshal, accompanied by his Chief of the +Staff, left Cape Town for Lord Methuen's camp. Meanwhile the +concentration had gone on. The details of the moves by rail had been +worked out by the Director of Railways and the General Traffic +Manager; ten miles of additional sidings had been laid down between +Orange River and the Modder, and at these sidings, between the 28th of +January and the 12th of February, there were detrained some 30,000 +troops, with horses, guns, equipment, and transport, besides an +immense amount of supplies. Clements' brigade, with two squadrons +Inniskilling Dragoons, 660 Australian infantry who were in process of +being converted into mounted troops, 450 mounted infantry, two +batteries (J., R.H.A. and 4th R.F.A.) and a section 37th Howitzer +battery, lay round Rensburg to face General Schoeman's commandos. +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page444" name="page444"></a>[p. 444]</span> The rest of Kelly-Kenny's division and French's original +force were brought round by rail to Orange River, the former unit +being there completed by the new brigade—the 18th—formed out of line +of communication battalions, under the command of Brig.-Gen. T. E. +Stephenson. Seven militia battalions, just disembarked from England, +were hurried up country to replace these regular battalions, and +protect the western and the central lines of rail. By the 8th of +February the cavalry division, except detachments of the 6th Dragoon +Guards and 14th Hussars and Hannay's M.I. brigade, had been assembled +at the Modder River camp under Lieut.-General French. Hannay's brigade +was at Orange River station; the 6th division at Modder River camp; +the 7th at Enslin and Graspan. Of the 9th division, the Highland +brigade was on the Riet, while the new 19th brigade was in process of +formation under Smith-Dorrien at Graspan. The distribution of troops +in South Africa on the 11th February, 1900, will be found in <a href="#appen10">Appendix +10</a>.</p> + +<span class="sidenote"> Motives of Lord Roberts. Instructions given below.</span> + +<p>To Cronje it appeared that the English were about once more to hurl +themselves against his carefully-prepared entrenchments. Lord Roberts +had at last under his hand a force whose strength and mobility +permitted of the execution of a great turning movement, and warranted +the confident hope that the tide of fortune would turn in favour of +the British flag. It was his desire that the troops, about to engage +in this fresh enterprise, should reap to the full the benefit of the +practical experiences of the earlier actions of the war, both as +regards the special conditions of fighting in South Africa and the +modifications in tactics necessitated by the introduction of smokeless +powder and magazine small-bore rifles. He also recognised that the +tasks he was about to assign to his mounted troops would tax their +horses to the utmost, and was anxious to impress on all concerned the +necessity for the most careful horsemastership. He therefore issued +the following instructions:—</p> + + +<h4><span class="pagenum"><a id="page445" name="page445"></a>[p. 445]</span> NOTES FOR GUIDANCE IN SOUTH AFRICAN WARFARE.<br> + + +INFANTRY.</h4> + +<p>As it is desirable that full advantage should be taken of the +experience gained during the past three months by our troops in South +Africa, the following notes are issued for the guidance of all who may +find themselves in command of a force (large or small) on service in +the field.</p> + +<p>We have to deal with an enemy possessing remarkable mobility, +intimately acquainted with the country, thoroughly understanding how +to take advantage of ground, adept in improvising cover, and most +skilful in the use of their weapons.</p> + +<p>Against such an enemy any attempt to take a position by direct attack +will assuredly fail. The only hope of success lies in being able to +turn one or both flanks, or what would, in many instances, be equally +effective, to threaten to cut the enemy's line of communication. +Before any plan of attack can be decided upon, the position must be +carefully examined by reconnoitring parties, and every endeavour must +be made to obtain all possible information about it from the people of +the country. It must, however, be remembered that the position +ostensibly occupied is not always the one the Boers intend to defend; +it is often merely a decoy, a stronger position in the vicinity having +previously been prepared upon which they move rapidly, and from which +they can frequently bring a destructive fire to bear upon the +attacking line. Their marvellous mobility enables them to do this +without much risk to themselves, and also to be in strength at any +point of the position that may be seriously threatened. It follows, +therefore, that our object should be to cripple the mobility of the +Boers, and to effect this, next to inflicting heavy losses on the men +themselves, the surest means would be the capture or destruction of +their horses.</p> + +<p>When the extreme rifle range from the position is reached (1,500 to +1,800 yards) by the advance troops, or before, if they find themselves +under artillery fire, all column formations must be given up, and, +when advancing to the attack of the position, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page446" name="page446"></a>[p. 446]</span> infantry must +be freely extended, even on occasions, if necessary, to six or eight +paces, the front and both flanks being well covered with scouts. This +extended formation will throw increased responsibility on battalion +and company commanders. The objective aimed at, therefore, should be +carefully explained to them. They should be allowed to make use of any +opportunity that may offer to further the scheme, on the distinct +understanding that no isolated acts are attempted, such as might +endanger the general plan. During the attack commanding officers must +be careful not to lose touch with the troops on their right and left, +and they should, as far as possible, ensure their co-operation. Every +advantage should be taken of cover, and battalion and company +commanders should look out for and occupy positions from which they +would be able to bring an enfilading fire to bear upon the enemy. The +capacity of these officers will be judged by the initiative displayed +in seizing rapidly every opportunity to further the general scheme of +attack.</p> + +<p>An essential point, and one which must never be lost sight of, is the +power of endurance of the infantry soldier. If infantry soldiers +(carrying as they do a considerable weight on their backs) are called +upon to march a longer distance than can reasonably be expected from +men in a normal state of health, or if they are injudiciously pressed +as regards the pace, they will necessarily commence to feel the strain +before they reach a point where their best energies are required to +surmount the difficulties which lie before them. If at such a period a +man feels exhausted, moral deterioration and the consequences to our +arms which such deterioration entails, must readily supervene.</p> + + +<h4>ARTILLERY.</h4> + +<p>As a general rule the artillery appear to have adapted themselves to +the situation, and to the special conditions which present themselves +in a campaign in South Africa.</p> + +<p>The following points, however, require to be noticed:—</p> + +<p>1. At the commencement of an action artillery should <span class="pagenum"><a id="page447" name="page447"></a>[p. 447]</span> not be +ordered to take up a position until it has been ascertained by scouts +to be clear of the enemy and out of range of infantry fire.</p> + +<p>2. When it is intended to take a position with infantry the +preparation by artillery should be thorough and not spasmodic. Unless +a strong force of infantry is pushed within 900 yards of the position, +the enemy will not occupy his trenches and the guns will have no +target. It is a mere waste of ammunition also to bombard an +entrenchment when the infantry attack is likely to be delayed, even +for a short time. To be of real value the fire of the guns should be +continuous until the assault is about to be delivered.</p> + +<p>3. The expenditure of ammunition is a matter which can only be +regulated by the circumstances of the moment, officers commanding +should, however, always bear in mind that the supply of artillery +ammunition in the field is necessarily limited.</p> + +<p>4. It is of great importance that artillery horses should be kept fit +for any special effort. They are not easily replaced, and it is the +duty of artillery officers to represent to the commander of the column +whenever they consider that their horses are being unduly worked, as +regards either pace or distance.</p> + + +<h4>CAVALRY AND MOUNTED TROOPS.</h4> + +<p>Similarly with cavalry horses. Every endeavour should be made to save +them as much as possible, for unless this is done they cannot be +expected to last through a lengthened campaign.</p> + +<p>The men should dismount on every available opportunity, if for a few +minutes only at a time, and, on the line of march, it will be +advantageous for them to occasionally lead instead of riding their +horses.</p> + +<p>Horses should be fed at short intervals, and not allowed to be kept +too long without water. A sufficiency of grain is necessary to enable +horses to withstand hard work, but they will never keep in condition +unless they have an ample supply of hay or some bulky equivalent.</p> + +<p>On the line of march scouting must be carried out by the mounted +troops in the most searching manner, in front and on <span class="pagenum"><a id="page448" name="page448"></a>[p. 448]</span> both +flanks. All high ground should be visited and, whenever practicable, +horsemen should ride along ridges and hills. As soon as parties of the +enemy are observed the mounted troops (after sending back word to the +commander) should make a considerable detour round the position +occupied by the Boers, endeavour to estimate their numbers, and to +ascertain where their horses have been left. They should also see +whether, by threatening the Boers' line of communication, they would +not be forced to fight on ground unprepared for defence.</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Roberts</span>, Field-Marshal,<br> + Commanding-in-Chief, South Africa.</p> + + +<p class="p2">Chief of Staff (Circular Memorandum).</p> +<p class="right">Cape Town, 5th February, 1900.</p> + +<p>The following notes by Field-Marshal Commander-in-Chief are +communicated for the guidance of all concerned.</p> + +<p class="center">By Order,</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Kitchener of Khartoum</span>,<br> +Chief of Staff.</p> + + +<h4>NOTES FOR GUIDANCE IN SOUTH AFRICAN WARFARE.<br> + + +CAVALRY.</h4> + +<p>1. On reconnaissances or patrols not likely to be prolonged beyond one +day, the cavalry soldier's equipment should be lightened as much as +possible, nothing being taken that can possibly be dispensed with.</p> + +<p>2. It has been brought to my notice that our cavalry move too slowly +when on reconnaissance duty, and that unnecessarily long halts are +made, the result being that the enemy, although starting after the +cavalry, are able to get ahead of it. I could understand this if the +country were close and difficult, but between the Modder and the +Orange rivers its general features are such as to admit of small +parties of cavalry accompanied by field guns being employed with +impunity.</p> + + +<h4><span class="pagenum"><a id="page449" name="page449"></a>[p. 449]</span> ARTILLERY.</h4> + +<p>3. If the enemy's guns have, in some instances, the advantage of ours +in range, we have the advantage of theirs in mobility, and we should +make use of this by not remaining in positions, the precise distance +of which from the enemy's batteries has evidently been fixed +beforehand. Moreover, it has been proved that the Boers' fire is far +less accurate at unknown distances. In taking up positions compact +battery formations should be avoided. The guns should be opened out, +or it may be desirable to advance by sections or batteries. Similarly, +retirements should be carried out at considerably increased intervals, +by alternate batteries or sections if necessary, and care should be +taken to travel quickly through the danger zone of hostile artillery +fire.</p> + +<p>The following plan, frequently adopted by the Boers, has succeeded in +deceiving our artillery on several occasions:—</p> + +<p>Suppose A to be a gun emplacement, the gun firing smokeless powder; +simultaneously with the discharge of the gun at A a powder flask of +black powder will be exploded at B, a hill in the rear, leading us to +direct our projectile on B. Careful calculation with a watch, however, +will defeat this plan.</p> + + +<h4>INFANTRY.</h4> + +<p>4. The present open formation renders it difficult for officers to +exercise command over their men, except such as may be in their +immediate vicinity. A remedy for this would appear to be a system of +whistle calls by which a company lying in extended order could obey +orders as readily as if in quarter column. I invite suggestions for +such a system of whistle calls as would be useful.</p> + +<p>5. It is difficult to recognise officers as equipped at present, and +it seems desirable they should wear a distinguishing mark of some +kind, either on the collar at the back of the neck, or on the back of +the coat.</p> + +<p>6. Soldiers, when under fire, do not take sufficient advantage +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page450" name="page450"></a>[p. 450]</span> of the sandy nature of the soil to construct cover for +themselves. If such soil is scraped even with a canteen lid, a certain +amount of cover from rifle fire can be obtained in a short time.</p> + +<p>7. The distribution of ammunition to the firing line is one of the +most difficult problems of modern warfare. One solution, which has +been suggested to me, is for a portion of the supports gradually to +creep forward until a regular chain of men is established from the +supports (where the ammunition carts should be) right up to the firing +line. The ammunition could then be gradually worked up by hand till it +reached the firing line, where it could be passed along as required. +This would, no doubt, be a slow method of distributing ammunition, but +it appears to be an improvement on the present method, which is almost +impossible to carry out under fire.</p> + +<p>8. Reports received suggest that the Boers are less likely to hold +entrenchments <i>on the plain</i> with the same tenacity and courage as +they display when defending kopjes, and it is stated that this applies +especially to night time, if they know that British infantry are +within easy striking distance from them. How far this is true time +only can show.</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Roberts</span>, Field-Marshal,<br> + Commanding-in-Chief, South Africa.</p> + + +<p class="p4 center">END OF VOL. I.</p> + +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="page451" name="page451"></a>[p. 451]</span> APPENDICES</h2> + +<a id="appen1" name="appen1"></a> +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="page453" name="page453"></a>[p. 453]</span> APPENDIX 1. REINFORCEMENTS SANCTIONED ON THE 8th SEPTEMBER, +1899.</h2> + +<table class="appendix" border="0" cellpadding="1" summary="Appendix 1."> +<colgroup> + <col width="16%"> + <col width="7%"> + <col width="7%"> + <col width="7%"> + <col width="7%"> + <col width="12%"> + <col width="12%"> + <col width="10%"> + <col width="12%"> + <col width="10%"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td class="center" rowspan="2">UNIT.</td> +<td class="center" colspan="4">STRENGTH.</td> +<td class="center" rowspan="2">Ship in which embarked.</td> +<td class="center" rowspan="2">Place of embarkation.</td> +<td class="right" rowspan="2">Date of embarkation.</td> +<td class="center" rowspan="2">Place of disembarkation.</td> +<td class="right" rowspan="2">Date of disembarkation.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="right">Officers</td> +<td class="right">Other Ranks</td> +<td class="right">Horses</td> +<td class="right">Guns</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="10"> </td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="10">(<i>a</i>) FROM INDIA.</td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="10"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td>General Staff</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">2</td> +<td class="right">7</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>City of London</i></td> +<td class="center">Bombay</td> +<td class="right">21.9.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">5.10.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Cavalry brigade Staff</td> +<td class="right">9</td> +<td class="right">15</td> +<td class="right">23</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Pundua</i></td> +<td class="center">Bombay</td> +<td class="right">22.9.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">5.10.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>5th Dragoon Guards</td> +<td class="right">21</td> +<td class="right">474</td> +<td class="right">523</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Lindula</i><br><i>Patiala</i><br><i>Virawa</i></td> +<td class="center">Bombay</td> +<td class="right">26.9.99<br>8.10.99<br>8.10.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">11.10.99<br>22.10.99<br>25.10.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>9th Lancers</td> +<td class="right">15</td> +<td class="right">476</td> +<td class="right">515</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Wardha</i><a id="tablenotetag1" name="tablenotetag1"></a><a href="#tablenote1" title="Go to tablenote 1"><span class="small">[1]</span></a><br><i>Nowshera</i><br><i>Nairung</i></td> +<td class="center">Bombay</td> +<td class="right">24.9.99<br>24.9.99<br>25.9.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">18.10.99<br>15.10.99<br>14.10.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>19th Hussars</td> +<td class="right">23</td> +<td class="right">474</td> +<td class="right">533</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Vadala</i><br><i>Pundua</i><br><i>Warora</i></td> +<td class="center">Bombay</td> +<td class="right">21.9.99<br>22.9.99<br>23.9.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">7.10.99<br>5.10.99<br>9.10.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Brigade Div. Staff</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="right">7</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Lalpoora</i></td> +<td class="center">Bombay</td> +<td class="right">18.9.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">2.10.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>21st battery R.F.A</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">176</td> +<td class="right">152</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="center"><i>Lalpoora</i></td> +<td class="center">Bombay</td> +<td class="right">18.9.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">2.10.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>42nd battery R.F.A</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">169</td> +<td class="right">153</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="center"><i>Secundra</i></td> +<td class="center">Bombay</td> +<td class="right">17.9.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">4.10.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>53rd battery R.F.A</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">173</td> +<td class="right">153</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="center"><i>Booldana</i></td> +<td class="center">Bombay</td> +<td class="right">19.9.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">5.10.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Ammunition Column</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">90</td> +<td class="right">149</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Nevassa</i></td> +<td class="center">Bombay</td> +<td class="right">27.9.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">12.10.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Infantry Brigade Staff</td> +<td class="right">9</td> +<td class="right">20</td> +<td class="right">14</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>City of London</i></td> +<td class="center">Bombay</td> +<td class="right">21.9.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">5.10.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Infantry Brigade Staff</td> +<td class="right">9</td> +<td class="right">20</td> +<td class="right">14</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>City of London</i></td> +<td class="center">Bombay</td> +<td class="right">21.9.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">5.10.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>1st battn. Devonshire regt.</td> +<td class="right">22</td> +<td class="right">843</td> +<td class="right">7</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Sutlej</i><br><i>City of London</i></td> +<td class="center">Bombay</td> +<td class="right">21.9.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">5.10.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>1st battn. Gloucestershire rgt.</td> +<td class="right">29</td> +<td class="right">846</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Nurani</i><br><i>India</i></td> +<td class="center">Calcutta</td> +<td class="right">20.9.99<br>24.9.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">9.10.99<br>13.10.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>2nd battn. King's Royal Rifle Corps</td> +<td class="right">25</td> +<td class="right">844</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Purnea</i><br><i>Nurani</i></td> +<td class="center">Calcutta</td> +<td class="right">18.9.99<br>20.9.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">5.10.99<br>9.10.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>2nd battn. Gordon Highlanders</td> +<td class="right">29</td> +<td class="right">843</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Palitana</i><br><i>Sirsa</i></td> +<td class="center">Bombay</td> +<td class="right">23.9.99<br>20.9.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">9.10.99</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="10"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td class="center">Carried forward to <i>(b)</i></td> +<td class="right">206</td> +<td class="right">5,446</td> +<td class="right">2,252</td> +<td class="right">25<a id="tablenotetag2" name="tablenotetag2"></a><a href="#tablenote2" title="Go to tablenote 2"><span class="small">[2]</span></a></td> +<td colspan="5"> </td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="10"> </td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="10"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page454" name="page454"></a>[p. 454]</span>(<i>b</i>) FROM HOME AND THE MEDITERRANEAN.</td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="10"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td>Brigade division Staff and 18th battery, R.F.A.</td> +<td class="right">9</td> +<td class="right">182</td> +<td class="right">166</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="center"><i>Zibenghla</i></td> +<td class="center">Birkenhead</td> +<td class="right">26.9.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">30.10.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>62nd battery, R.F.A.</td> +<td class="right">4</td> +<td class="right">169</td> +<td class="right">151</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="center"><i>Zayathla</i></td> +<td class="center">Birkenhead</td> +<td class="right">26.9.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">25.10.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>75th battery, R.F.A.</td> +<td class="right">4</td> +<td class="right">166</td> +<td class="right">151</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="center"><i>Zayathla</i><br><i>Zibenghla</i></td> +<td class="center">Birkenhead</td> +<td class="right">26.9.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">25.10.99<br>30.10.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Ammunition column</td> +<td class="right">8</td> +<td class="right">202</td> +<td class="right">120</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Gaika</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton</td> +<td class="right">30.9.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">29.10.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Headquarters and No. 1 Telegraph section, R.E.</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">55</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Jelunga</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton</td> +<td class="right">20.9.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">26.10.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>2nd Balloon section, R.E.</td> +<td class="right">2</td> +<td class="right">33</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Kinfauns Castle</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton</td> +<td class="right">30.9.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">26.10.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>1st battn. Northumberland Fusiliers</td> +<td class="right">27</td> +<td class="right">784</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Gaul</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton</td> +<td class="right">16.9.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">7.10.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>1st battn. Border regt.<a id="tablenotetag3" name="tablenotetag3"></a><a href="#tablenote3" title="Go to tablenote 3"><span class="small">[3]</span></a></td> +<td class="right">26</td> +<td class="right">961</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Sumatra</i></td> +<td class="center">Malta</td> +<td class="right">27.9.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">21.10.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>1st battn. Royal Irish Fusiliers</td> +<td class="right">26</td> +<td class="right">848</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Avoca</i></td> +<td class="center">Egypt</td> +<td class="right">24.9.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">12.10.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>2nd battn. Rifle Brigade</td> +<td class="right">26</td> +<td class="right">835</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Jelunga</i></td> +<td class="center">Crete</td> +<td class="right">2.10.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">26.10.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Half 2nd battn. King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry</td> +<td class="right">12</td> +<td class="right">438</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>H.M.S. Powerful</i></td> +<td class="center">Mauritius</td> +<td class="right">6.10.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">14.10.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Army Service Corps</td> +<td class="right">9</td> +<td class="right">130</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Gaul</i><br><i>Kinfauns Castle</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton</td> +<td class="right">16.9.99<br>30.9.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">7.10.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Army Ordnance Corps</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="right">50</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Gaul</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton</td> +<td class="right">16.9.99<br>30.9.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">7.10.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="center smcap">Total.</td> +<td class="right">363</td> +<td class="right">10,299</td> +<td class="right">2,864</td> +<td class="right">43<a href="#tablenote2" title="Go to tablenote 2"><span class="small">[2]</span></a></td> +<td colspan="5"> </td> +</tr> +</table> + +<a id="appen2" name="appen2"></a> +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="page455" name="page455"></a>[p. 455]</span> APPENDIX 2.</h2> + +<p>The distribution of British forces under arms in Cape Colony on 11th +October, 1899.</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="1" summary="British forces under arms in Cape Colony."> +<colgroup> + <col width="30%"> + <col width="70%"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td rowspan="4"><span class="smcap">Cape Peninsula</span></td> +<td>Detachments 14th and 23rd cos., R.G.A.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td>Headquarters 8th coy., R.E.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Two cos., 1st battn. Royal Munster Fusiliers.</td></tr> +<tr><td>9th coy., Army Service Corps.</td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td rowspan="2"><span class="smcap">Stellenbosch</span></td> +<td>Two cos., 1st battn. Royal Munster Fusiliers.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td>15th coy., Army Service Corps.</td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td rowspan="5"><span class="smcap">De Aar</span></td> +<td>One section, 7th coy., R.E.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td>One section, 29th coy., R.E.</td></tr> +<tr><td>1st battn. Northumberland Fusiliers.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Four cos., 2nd battn. King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry.</td></tr> +<tr><td>M.I. coy., 1st battn. Northumberland Fusiliers.</td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td rowspan="6"><span class="smcap">Orange River Station</span></td> +<td>One section, R.G.A.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td>One section, 7th coy., R.E.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Four cos., 1st battn. Loyal North Lancashire regt.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Four cos., 1st battn. Royal Munster Fusiliers.</td></tr> +<tr><td>M.I. coy., 1st battn. Loyal North Lancashire regt., less detachment at Kimberley.</td></tr> +<tr><td>M.I. coy., 1st battn. Royal Munster Fusiliers.</td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td rowspan="8"><span class="smcap">Kimberley</span></td> +<td>One section, 7th coy., R.E.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td>23rd coy., R.G.A.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Diamond Fields artillery (six guns).</td></tr> +<tr><td>Diamond Fields Horse.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Four cos., 1st battn. Loyal North Lancashire regt.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Kimberley regt.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Town Guard.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Detachment M.I. coy., 1st battn. Loyal North Lancashire regt.</td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td><span class="smcap">Fourteen Streams</span></td> +<td>Detachment Cape Police.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td><span class="smcap">Taungs</span></td> +<td>Detachment Cape Police.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td rowspan="2"><span class="smcap">Vryburg</span></td> +<td>Detachment Cape Police.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td>Vryburg Mounted Rifles (one coy.)</td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td rowspan="5"><span class="smcap">Mafeking</span></td> +<td>Bechuanaland Rifles.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td>Protectorate regiment.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Detachment Cape Police.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Detachment British South African Police.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Town Guard.</td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td rowspan="2"><span class="smcap">Tuli</span></td> +<td>Rhodesian regiment (<i>en route</i> from Buluwayo).</td> +</tr> +<tr><td>Detachment British South African Police.</td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td rowspan="4"><span class="smcap">Naauwpoort</span></td> +<td>One section, (two guns) R.G.A.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td>One section, 29th coy., R.E.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Four cos., 2nd battn. Royal Berkshire regt.</td></tr> +<tr><td>M.I. coy., 2nd battn. King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry.</td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td rowspan="4"><span class="smcap">Stormberg</span></td> +<td>One section, (two guns) R.G.A.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td>One section, 29th coy., R.E.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Four cos., 2nd battn. Royal Berkshire regt.</td></tr> +<tr><td>M.I. coy., 2nd battn. Royal Berkshire regt.</td></tr> +</table> + +<a id="appen3" name="appen3"></a> +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="page456" name="page456"></a>[p. 456]</span> APPENDIX 3.</h2> + +<p>The distribution of British forces under arms in Natal on 11th +October, 1899.</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="1" summary="British forces under arms in Natal."> +<colgroup> + <col width="30%"> + <col width="70%"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td rowspan="10"><span class="smcap">Dundee</span><a id="tablenotetag4" name="tablenotetag4"></a><a href="#tablenote4" title="Go to tablenote 4"><span class="small">[4]</span></a></td> +<td>18th Hussars.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td>One sqdn., Natal Carbineers.</td></tr> +<tr><td>M.I. coy., 1st battn. Leicestershire regiment.</td></tr> +<tr><td>M.I. coy., 1st battn. King's Royal Rifle Corps.</td></tr> +<tr><td>M.I. coy., 2nd battn. Royal Dublin Fusiliers.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Detachment Natal Police.</td></tr> +<tr><td>13th, 67th, and 69th batteries, R.F.A.</td></tr> +<tr><td>1st battn. Leicestershire regt.</td></tr> +<tr><td>1st battn. King's Royal Rifle Corps.</td></tr> +<tr><td>2nd battn. Royal Dublin Fusiliers.</td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td rowspan="16"><span class="smcap">Ladysmith</span></td> +<td>5th Lancers.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td>19th Hussars.</td></tr> +<tr><td>21st, 42nd, and 53rd batteries, R.F.A.</td></tr> +<tr><td>10th mountain battery, R.G.A.</td></tr> +<tr><td>23rd coy., R.E.</td></tr> +<tr><td>1st battn. Liverpool regt. and M.I. coy.</td></tr> +<tr><td>1st battn. Devonshire regt.</td></tr> +<tr><td>1st battn. Manchester regt.</td></tr> +<tr><td>2nd battn. Gordon Highlanders.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Natal Mounted Rifles.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Natal Carbineers.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Border Mounted Rifles.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Natal Field artillery.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Detachment Natal Police.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Natal Naval Volunteers.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Natal Corps of Guides.</td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td rowspan="3"><span class="smcap">Colenso</span></td> +<td>Durban Light Infantry.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td>Detachment Natal Naval Volunteers.</td></tr> +<tr><td>One sqdn., Natal Carbineers.</td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td><span class="smcap">Estcourt</span></td> +<td>Natal Royal Rifles.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td rowspan="2"><span class="smcap">Pietermaritzburg</span></td> +<td>2nd battn. King's Royal Rifle Corps.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td>Imperial Light Horse.</td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td><span class="smcap">Helpmakaar</span></td> +<td>Umvoti Mounted Rifles.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td><span class="smcap">Eshowe</span></td> +<td>One mounted coy., 1st battn. King's Royal Rifle Corps.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td><span class="smcap">Durban</span></td> +<td>One sqdn., 5th Dragoon Guards.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"> </td></tr> +</table> + +<a id="appen4" name="appen4"></a> +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="page457" name="page457"></a>[p. 457]</span> APPENDIX 4.</h2> + +<p class="p2 center">STRENGTH OF BURGHER ARMY OF SOUTH AFRICAN REPUBLIC.</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="1" style="width: 60%;" summary="Strength of Burgher Army of South African Republic."> +<colgroup> + <col width="60%"> + <col width="20%"> + <col width="20%"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td>District.</td> +<td class="right">Present on Mobilisation.</td> +<td class="right">Subsequent Increase.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="3"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td>Bethel</td> +<td class="right">700</td> +<td rowspan="27" class="right">14,779<a id="tablenotetag7" name="tablenotetag7"></a><a href="#tablenote7" title="Go to tablenote 7"><span class="small">[7]</span></a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Bloemhof</td> +<td class="right">800</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Carolina</td> +<td class="right">506</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Ermelo</td> +<td class="right">800</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Fordsburg</td> +<td class="right">900</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Germiston and Boksburg</td> +<td class="right">1,050</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Heidelberg</td> +<td class="right">1,685</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Jeppestown</td> +<td class="right">400</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Johannesburg<a id="tablenotetag5" name="tablenotetag5"></a><a href="#tablenote5" title="Go to tablenote 5"><span class="small">[5]</span></a></td> +<td class="right">1,000</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Krugersdorp</td> +<td class="right">800</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Lichtenburg</td> +<td class="right">850</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Lydenburg</td> +<td class="right">1,230</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Marico</td> +<td class="right">1,050</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Middelburg</td> +<td class="right">1,317</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Piet Retief</td> +<td class="right">230</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Potchefstroom</td> +<td class="right">3,000</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Pretoria</td> +<td class="right">2,540</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Rustenburg</td> +<td class="right">1,500</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Springs</td> +<td class="right">60</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Standerton</td> +<td class="right">1,100</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Swaziland<a href="#tablenote5" title="Go to tablenote 5"><span class="small">[5]</span></a></td> +<td class="right">290</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Utrecht</td> +<td class="right">900</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Vryheid</td> +<td class="right">944</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Waterberg</td> +<td class="right">732</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Wakkerstroom</td> +<td class="right">800</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Wolmaranstad</td> +<td class="right">400</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Zoutpansberg</td> +<td class="right">1,287</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">————</td> +<td class="right">————</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">26,871<a id="tablenotetag6" name="tablenotetag6"></a><a href="#tablenote6" title="Go to tablenote 6"><span class="small">[6]</span></a></td> +<td class="right">14,779</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2" class="center">————</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Total Transvaal Burghers in the field</td> +<td colspan="2" class="center">41,650</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="p2 center"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page458" name="page458"></a>[p. 458]</span> STRENGTH OF BURGHER ARMY OF ORANGE FREE STATE.</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="1" style="width: 60%;" summary="Strength of Burgher Army of Orange Free State."> +<colgroup> + <col width="60%"> + <col width="20%"> + <col width="20%"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td>District.</td> +<td class="right">Present on Mobilisation.</td> +<td class="right">Subsequent Increase.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="3"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td>Bethlehem</td> +<td class="right">1,605</td> +<td rowspan="18" class="right">6,264<a href="#tablenote7" title="Go to tablenote 7"><span class="small">[7]</span></a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Bethulie</td> +<td class="right">385</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Bloemfontein</td> +<td class="right">2,824</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Boshof</td> +<td class="right">1,030</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Ficksburg</td> +<td class="right">633</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Fauresmith</td> +<td class="right">1,560</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Heilbron</td> +<td class="right">1,671</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Harrismith</td> +<td class="right">915</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Hoopstad</td> +<td class="right">799</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Jacobsdal</td> +<td class="right">250</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Kroonstad</td> +<td class="right">2,561</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Ladybrand</td> +<td class="right">1,113</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Philippolis</td> +<td class="right">402</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Rouxville</td> +<td class="right">1,109</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Smithfield</td> +<td class="right">797</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Vrede</td> +<td class="right">1,006</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Winburg</td> +<td class="right">2,114</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Wepener</td> +<td class="right">571</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">————</td> +<td class="right">————</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">21,345<a href="#tablenote6" title="Go to tablenote 6"><span class="small">[6]</span></a></td> +<td class="right">6,264</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2" class="center">————</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Total O.F.S. Burghers in the field</td> +<td colspan="2" class="center">27,609</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="p2 center">REGULAR FORCES OF BOTH REPUBLICS.</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="1" style="width: 60%;" summary="Regular forces of both republics."> +<colgroup> + <col width="70%"> + <col width="30%"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td>State Artillery S.A.R</td> +<td class="right">800</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>State Artillery O.F.S</td> +<td class="right">375</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>South African Republic Police (whites only)</td> +<td class="right">1,209</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Swaziland Police (whites only)</td> +<td class="right">302</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">———</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">2,686</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">———</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="p2 center">FOREIGN CORPS.</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="1" style="width: 60%;" summary="Foreign corps."> +<colgroup> + <col width="70%"> + <col width="30%"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td>Hollanders</td> +<td class="right">320</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Italian</td> +<td class="right">75</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Scandinavian</td> +<td class="right">100</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Irish</td> +<td class="right">500</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>German</td> +<td class="right">200</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>French</td> +<td class="right">50</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Russian</td> +<td class="right">25</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>American</td> +<td class="right">50</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Foreigners serving with Commandos</td> +<td class="right">800</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">———</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">2,120</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">———</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="p2 center"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page459" name="page459"></a>[p. 459]</span> ADDITIONS.</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="1" style="width: 60%;" summary="Additions."> +<colgroup> + <col width="70%"> + <col width="30%"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td>Rebels</td> +<td class="right">13,000</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Small bands<a id="tablenotetag8" name="tablenotetag8"></a><a href="#tablenote8" title="Go to tablenote 8"><span class="small">[8]</span></a></td> +<td class="right">300</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">———</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">13,300</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">———</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="p2 center">GRAND TOTAL.</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="1" style="width: 60%;" summary="Grand total."> +<colgroup> + <col width="70%"> + <col width="30%"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td>Burghers of S.A.R.</td> +<td class="right">41,650</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Burghers of O.F.S.</td> +<td class="right">27,609</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Regular Forces</td> +<td class="right">2,686</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Foreign Corps</td> +<td class="right">2,120</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Rebels, etc.</td> +<td class="right">13,300</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">———</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">87,365</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">———</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<a id="appen5" name="appen5"></a> +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="page460" name="page460"></a>[p. 460]</span> APPENDIX 5.</h2> + +<p>List of H.M. ships and vessels serving on the Cape station October +11th, 1899, to June 1st, 1902, showing the approximate dates when they +were so engaged.</p> + +<p>Those that were present on the station at the beginning of the war are +shown with an asterisk.</p> + +<table class="appendix" border="0" cellpadding="1" summary="List of vessels serving on the Cape station."> +<colgroup> + <col width="20%"> + <col width="10%"> + <col width="10%"> + <col width="40%"> + <col width="20%"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td rowspan="2">Name of vessel.</td> +<td colspan="2" class="center">Dates between which so serving.</td> +<td rowspan="2">Commanded by</td> +<td rowspan="2">Remarks.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="center">from</td> +<td class="center">to</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="5"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td><span class="smcap">Barracouta</span>*</td> +<td class="center">10/99</td> +<td class="center">6/02</td> +<td>Comder. R.H. Peirse<br>Comder. H. Cotesworth<br>Comder. S. H. B. Ash</td> +<td> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td><span class="smcap">Barrosa</span>*</td> +<td class="center">10/99</td> +<td class="center">3/01</td> +<td>Comder. W. F. Tunnard</td> +<td> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td><span class="smcap">Beagle</span></td> +<td class="center">7/01</td> +<td class="center">6/02</td> +<td>Comder. H. V. W. Elliott</td> +<td> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td><span class="smcap">Blanche</span></td> +<td class="center">1/01</td> +<td class="center">6/02</td> +<td>Comder. M. T. Parks</td> +<td> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td><span class="smcap">Doris</span>*</td> +<td class="center">10/99</td> +<td class="center">4/01</td> +<td>Capt. R. C. Prothero, C.B.</td> +<td>Flagship of Rear Admrl. Sir R. H. Harris, K.C.B. K.C.M.G.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><span class="smcap">Dwarf</span>*</td> +<td class="center">11/99</td> +<td class="center">6/02</td> +<td>Lieut. H. F. Shakespear<br>Lieut. W. N. England</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><span class="smcap">Fearless</span></td> +<td class="center">12/99</td> +<td class="center">8/00</td> +<td>Comder. H. R. P. Floyd</td> +<td>Detached from Mediterranean station.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><span class="smcap">Forte</span>*</td> +<td class="center">10/99</td> +<td class="center">6/02</td> +<td>Capt. E. P. Jones C.B.<br>Comder. C. H. Dundas<br>Capt. R. C. Sparkes, C.M.G.<br>Capt. P. Hoskyns, C.M.G., M.V.O.</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><span class="smcap">Gibraltar</span></td> +<td class="center">4/01</td> +<td class="center">6/02</td> +<td>Capt. A. H. Limpus</td> +<td>Flagship of Rear Admiral Arthur W. Moore, C.B., C.M.G.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><span class="smcap">Magicienne</span>*</td> +<td class="center">10/99</td> +<td class="center">11/00</td> +<td>Capt. W. B. Fisher, C.B.</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><span class="smcap">Magpie</span></td> +<td class="center">11/00</td> +<td class="center">5/02</td> +<td>Lieut. J. K. Laird</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><span class="smcap">Monarch</span>*</td> +<td class="center">10/99</td> +<td class="center">6/02</td> +<td>Capt. R. D. B. Bruce<br>Capt. C. H. Bayly<br>Capt. W. L. Grant</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><span class="pagenum"><a id="page461" name="page461"></a>[p. 461]</span> +<span class="smcap">Naiad</span></td> +<td class="center">4/01</td> +<td class="center">11/01</td> +<td>Capt. the Hon. A. E. Bethell</td> +<td>Detached from Mediterranean station.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><span class="smcap">Niobe</span></td> +<td class="center">11/99</td> +<td class="center">8/00</td> +<td>Capt. A. L. Winsloe</td> +<td>Detached from Channel Squdrn.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><span class="smcap">Partridge</span>*</td> +<td class="center">10/99</td> +<td class="center">6/02</td> +<td>Lieut. A. T. Hunt<br>Lieut. E. La T. Leatham</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><span class="smcap">Pearl</span></td> +<td class="center">4/02</td> +<td class="center">6/02</td> +<td>Capt. E. P. Ashe</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><span class="smcap">Pelorus</span></td> +<td class="center">12/99</td> +<td class="center">6/00</td> +<td>Capt. H. C. B. Hulbert</td> +<td>Detached from Channel Squdrn.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><span class="smcap">Philomel</span>*</td> +<td class="center">10/99</td> +<td class="center">1/02</td> +<td>Capt. J. E. Bearcroft, C.B.</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><span class="smcap">Powerful</span></td> +<td class="center">10/99</td> +<td class="center">3/00</td> +<td>Capt. the Hon. Hedworth Lambton, C.B.</td> +<td>On way home from China.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><span class="smcap">Racoon</span></td> +<td class="center">1/00</td> +<td class="center">7/00</td> +<td>Comder. G. H. Hewett<br>Comder. A. E. A. Grant</td> +<td>Detached from East Indies stn.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><span class="smcap">Rambler</span></td> +<td class="center">11/99</td> +<td class="center">6/00</td> +<td>Comder. H. E. P. Cust</td> +<td>Surveying Service.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><span class="smcap">Rattler</span></td> +<td class="center">9/01</td> +<td class="center">6/02</td> +<td>Lieut. C. Tibbits</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><span class="smcap">Redbreast</span></td> +<td class="center">2/01</td> +<td class="center">4/01</td> +<td>Lieut. M. R. Hill</td> +<td>Detached from East Indies.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><span class="smcap">Sappho</span></td> +<td class="center">2/01</td> +<td class="center">7/01</td> +<td>Capt. C. Burney</td> +<td>Dtchd. from S.E. Coast America.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><span class="smcap">Sybille</span></td> +<td class="center">1/01</td> +<td class="center">2/01</td> +<td>Capt. H. P. Williams</td> +<td>Wrecked near Lambert's Bay.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><span class="smcap">Tartar</span>*</td> +<td class="center">10/99</td> +<td class="center">7/01</td> +<td>Comder. F. R. W. Morgan<br>Comder. R. H. Travers</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><span class="smcap">Terrible</span></td> +<td class="center">10/99</td> +<td class="center">3/00</td> +<td>Capt. P. M. Scott, C.B.</td> +<td>On her way out to China station.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><span class="smcap">Terpsichore</span></td> +<td class="center">3/01</td> +<td class="center">3/02</td> +<td>Capt. C. H. Coke</td> +<td>Replaced the Sybille.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><span class="smcap">Thetis</span></td> +<td class="center">11/99</td> +<td class="center">4/01</td> +<td>Capt. W. Stokes Rees, C.B.</td> +<td>Detached from Mediterranean station.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><span class="smcap">Thrush</span>*</td> +<td class="center">10/99</td> +<td class="center">6/02</td> +<td>Lieut. W. H. D'Oyly</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><span class="smcap">Widgeon</span>*</td> +<td class="center">10/99</td> +<td class="center">6/01</td> +<td>Lieut. A. F. Gurney<br>Lieut. W. Forbes</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +</table> + +<a id="appen6" name="appen6"></a> +<h3><span class="pagenum"><a id="page462" name="page462"></a>[p. 462]</span> APPENDIX 6.</h3> + +<p class="title smcap">Showing Approximate Strength, Casualties, &c., in The Principal +Engagements described in Volume I.</p> + +<p class="center smcap">Talana Hill, October 20th, 1899.</p> + +<p class="center">CHAPTER VII.</p> + +<p class="center">APPROXIMATE STRENGTH OF TROOPS ENGAGED.</p> + +<table class="appendix" border="0" cellpadding="1" summary="Approximate strength of troops engaged."> +<colgroup> + <col width="35%"> + <col width="13%"> + <col width="13%"> + <col width="13%"> + <col width="13%"> + <col width="13%"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td rowspan="2">Arms.</td> +<td class="right" rowspan="2">Officers</td> +<td class="right" rowspan="2">Warrant N.C.O.s and men.</td> +<td class="right" rowspan="2">Horses (Riding and Draught).</td> +<td class="center" colspan="2">Guns</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="right">Field.</td> +<td class="right">Machine.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="6"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td>Cavalry (includes detachment + Natal Carbineers.)</td> +<td class="right">21</td> +<td class="right">497</td> +<td class="right">485</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Royal Artillery</td> +<td class="right">17</td> +<td class="right">454</td> +<td class="right">428</td> +<td class="right">18</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Infantry and details (includes + mounted infantry companies)</td> +<td class="right">89</td> +<td class="right">3,285</td> +<td class="right">655</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">4</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="6"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td class="center">Total</td> +<td class="right">127</td> +<td class="right">4,236</td> +<td class="right">1,568</td> +<td class="right">18</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="p2 center">SUMMARY OF BRITISH CASUALTIES.</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="1" summary="British casualties."> +<colgroup> + <col width="40%"> + <col width="15%"> + <col width="15%"> + <col width="15%"> + <col width="15%"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td>Ranks.</td> +<td class="right">Killed.</td> +<td class="right">Wounded.</td> +<td class="right">Missing<br> (Prisoners).</td> +<td class="right">Total<br> Casualties.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="5"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td>Officers</td> +<td class="right">11</td> +<td class="right">23</td> +<td class="right">9</td> +<td class="right">43</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>N.C.O.s and men</td> +<td class="right">40</td> +<td class="right">180</td> +<td class="right">237</td> +<td class="right">457</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="4"> </td> +<td class="right">——</td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="4"> </td> +<td class="right">500</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><span class="smcap">Approximate Boer Losses</span>:—Killed, 30; wounded, 100; prisoners, 12 = +142.</p> + +<p class="p2 center">AMMUNITION EXPENDED.</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="1" summary="Ammunition expended."> +<colgroup> + <col width="50%"> + <col width="25%"> + <col width="25%"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="2" class="center">Description of Weapons.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td class="center">15-pr. Field Guns.</td> +<td class="center">·303 L.M. rifles.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Number of rounds</td> +<td class="center">1,237</td> +<td class="center">82,000</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="p2 center"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page463" name="page463"></a>[p. 463]</span> <span class="smcap">Rietfontein, October 24th, 1899.</span></p> + +<p class="center">CHAPTER VIII.</p> + +<p class="center">APPROXIMATE STRENGTH OF TROOPS ENGAGED.</p> + +<table class="appendix" border="0" cellpadding="1" summary="Approximate strength of troops engaged."> +<colgroup> + <col width="35%"> + <col width="13%"> + <col width="13%"> + <col width="13%"> + <col width="13%"> + <col width="13%"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td rowspan="2">Arms.</td> +<td class="right" rowspan="2">Officers</td> +<td class="right" rowspan="2">Warrant N.C.O.s and men.</td> +<td class="right" rowspan="2">Horses (Riding and Draught).</td> +<td class="center" colspan="2">Guns</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="right">Field.</td> +<td class="right">Machine.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="6"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td>Cavalry (includes Natal Mounted Volunteers.)</td> +<td class="right">110</td> +<td class="right">1,842</td> +<td class="right">2,024</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Royal Artillery</td> +<td class="right">16</td> +<td class="right">479</td> +<td class="right">553</td> +<td class="right">18</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Infantry</td> +<td class="right">92</td> +<td class="right">2,782</td> +<td class="right">400</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">4</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="6"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td class="center">Total</td> +<td class="right">218</td> +<td class="right">5,103</td> +<td class="right">2,977</td> +<td class="right">18</td> +<td class="right">10</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="p2 center">SUMMARY OF BRITISH CASUALTIES.</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="1" summary="British casualties."> +<colgroup> + <col width="40%"> + <col width="15%"> + <col width="15%"> + <col width="15%"> + <col width="15%"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td>Ranks.</td> +<td class="right">Killed.</td> +<td class="right">Wounded.</td> +<td class="right">Missing<br> (Prisoners).</td> +<td class="right">Total<br> Casualties.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="5"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td>Officers</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">7</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>N.C.O.s and men</td> +<td class="right">13</td> +<td class="right">92</td> +<td class="right">2</td> +<td class="right">107</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="4"> </td> +<td class="right">——</td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="4"> </td> +<td class="right">114</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><span class="smcap">Approximate Boer Losses</span>:—Killed, 13; wounded, 31—44.</p> + +<p class="p2 center">AMMUNITION EXPENDED.</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="1" summary="Ammunition expended."> +<colgroup> + <col width="40%"> + <col width="20%"> + <col width="20%"> + <col width="20%"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="3" class="center">Description of Weapons.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td class="center">15-pr. Field Guns.</td> +<td class="center">2·5-in. Mountain Guns.</td> +<td class="center">·303 L.M. rifles.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Number of rounds</td> +<td class="center">680</td> +<td class="center">125</td> +<td class="center">52,951</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="p2 center"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page464" name="page464"></a>[p. 464]</span> <span class="smcap">Elandslaagte, October 21st, 1899.</span></p> + +<p class="center">CHAPTER IX.</p> + +<p class="center">APPROXIMATE STRENGTH OF TROOPS ENGAGED.</p> + +<table class="appendix" border="0" cellpadding="1" summary="Approximate strength of troops engaged."> +<colgroup> + <col width="35%"> + <col width="13%"> + <col width="13%"> + <col width="13%"> + <col width="13%"> + <col width="13%"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td rowspan="2">Arms.</td> +<td class="right" rowspan="2">Officers</td> +<td class="right" rowspan="2">Warrant N.C.O.s and men.</td> +<td class="right" rowspan="2">Horses (Riding and Draught).</td> +<td class="center" colspan="2">Guns</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="right">Field.</td> +<td class="right">Machine.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="6"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td>Cavalry (includes Imperial Light Horse and Natal Carbineers)</td> +<td class="right">17</td> +<td class="right">1,297</td> +<td class="right">1,319</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Royal Artillery (includes Natal Field Artillery)</td> +<td class="right">20</td> +<td class="right">532</td> +<td class="right">481</td> +<td class="right">18</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Infantry</td> +<td class="right">47</td> +<td class="right">1,583</td> +<td class="right">322</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="6"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td class="center">Total</td> +<td class="right">84</td> +<td class="right">3,412</td> +<td class="right">2,122</td> +<td class="right">18</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="p2 center">SUMMARY OF BRITISH CASUALTIES</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="1" summary="British casualties."> +<colgroup> + <col width="40%"> + <col width="15%"> + <col width="15%"> + <col width="15%"> + <col width="15%"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td>Ranks.</td> +<td class="right">Killed.</td> +<td class="right">Wounded.</td> +<td class="right">Missing<br> (Prisoners).</td> +<td class="right">Total<br> Casualties.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="5"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td>Officers</td> +<td class="right">4</td> +<td class="right">31</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">35</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>N.C.O.s and men</td> +<td class="right">46</td> +<td class="right">182</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">228</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="4"> </td> +<td class="right">——</td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="4"> </td> +<td class="right">263</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><span class="smcap">Approximate Boer Losses</span>:—Killed, 67; wounded, 108; prisoners, +188=363.</p> + +<p class="p2 center">AMMUNITION EXPENDED.</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="1" summary="Ammunition expended."> +<colgroup> + <col width="32%"> + <col width="17%"> + <col width="17%"> + <col width="17%"> + <col width="17%"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="4" class="center">Description of Weapons.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td class="center">15-pr. Field Guns.</td> +<td class="center">2·5-in. Natal F.A.</td> +<td class="center">·303 L.M. rifles.</td> +<td class="center">Pistol.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Number of rounds</td> +<td class="center">423</td> +<td class="center">74</td> +<td class="center">61,212</td> +<td class="center">241</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="p2 center"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page465" name="page465"></a>[p. 465]</span> <span class="smcap">Lombards Kop, 30th October, 1899.</span></P> + +<p class="center">CHAPTER X.</p> + +<p class="center">APPROXIMATE STRENGTH OF TROOPS.</p> + +<table class="appendix" border="0" cellpadding="1" summary="Approximate strength of troops engaged."> +<colgroup> + <col width="30%"> + <col width="12%"> + <col width="12%"> + <col width="12%"> + <col width="7%"> + <col width="7%"> + <col width="7%"> + <col width="7%"> + <col width="7%"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td rowspan="2">Arms.</td> +<td class="right" rowspan="2">Officers</td> +<td class="right" rowspan="2">Warrant N.C.O.s and men.</td> +<td class="right" rowspan="2">Horses (Riding and Draught).</td> +<td class="center" colspan="5">Guns</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="right" style="vertical-align: top;">4·7-in.</td> +<td class="right" style="vertical-align: bottom;">12-pr. Naval.</td> +<td class="right" style="vertical-align: top;">15-pr.</td> +<td class="right" style="vertical-align: bottom;">2·5-in.</td> +<td class="right" style="vertical-align: top;">Machine.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="9"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td>Cavalry (includes Imperial Light Horse and Natal Mounted Volunteers)</td> +<td class="right">160</td> +<td class="right">2,946</td> +<td class="right">3,121</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">7</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Royal Artillery (includes Naval Brigade and Natal Volunteer Artillery)</td> +<td class="right">74</td> +<td class="right">1,677</td> +<td class="right">1,230</td> +<td class="right">2</td> +<td class="right">4</td> +<td class="right">50</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Royal Engineers</td> +<td class="right">10</td> +<td class="right">224</td> +<td class="right">95</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Infantry</td> +<td class="right">212</td> +<td class="right">7,150</td> +<td class="right">1,397</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">10</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="9"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td class="center">Total</td> +<td class="right">456</td> +<td class="right">11,997</td> +<td class="right">5,843</td> +<td class="right">2</td> +<td class="right">4</td> +<td class="right">50</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="right">23</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="p2 center">SUMMARY OF BRITISH CASUALTIES</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="1" summary="British casualties."> +<colgroup> + <col width="40%"> + <col width="15%"> + <col width="15%"> + <col width="15%"> + <col width="15%"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td>Ranks.</td> +<td class="right">Killed.</td> +<td class="right">Wounded.</td> +<td class="right">Missing<br> (Prisoners).</td> +<td class="right">Total<br> Casualties.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="5"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td>Officers</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="right">10</td> +<td class="right">37</td> +<td class="right">53</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>N.C.O.s and men</td> +<td class="right">63</td> +<td class="right">239</td> +<td class="right">917</td> +<td class="right">1,219</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="4"> </td> +<td class="right">——</td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="4"> </td> +<td class="right">1,272</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="p2 center">AMMUNITION EXPENDED.</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="1" summary="Ammunition expended."> +<colgroup> + <col width="32%"> + <col width="17%"> + <col width="17%"> + <col width="17%"> + <col width="17%"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="4" class="center">Description of Weapons.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td class="center">15-pr. Field Guns.</td> +<td class="center">2·5-in.</td> +<td class="center">Naval 12-pr. 12-cwt.</td> +<td class="center">·303 L.M. rifles.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Number of rounds</td> +<td class="center">2,359</td> +<td class="center">330</td> +<td class="center">25</td> +<td class="center">433,247</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="p2 center"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page466" name="page466"></a>[p. 466]</span> <span class="smcap">Belmont, 23rd November, 1899.</span></p> + +<p class="center">CHAPTER XIII.</p> + +<p class="center">APPROXIMATE STRENGTH OF TROOPS ENGAGED.</p> + +<table class="appendix" border="0" cellpadding="1" summary="Approximate strength of troops engaged."> +<colgroup> + <col width="30%"> + <col width="12%"> + <col width="12%"> + <col width="12%"> + <col width="11%"> + <col width="11%"> + <col width="11%"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td rowspan="2">Arms.</td> +<td class="right" rowspan="2">Officers</td> +<td class="right" rowspan="2">Warrant N.C.O.s and men.</td> +<td class="right" rowspan="2">Horses (Riding and Draught).</td> +<td class="center" colspan="3">Guns</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="right" style="vertical-align: top;">Naval 12-pr.</td> +<td class="right" style="vertical-align: bottom;">Field 15-pr.</td> +<td class="right" style="vertical-align: top;">Machine.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="7"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td>The Naval Brigade</td> +<td class="right">18</td> +<td class="right">384</td> +<td class="right">10</td> +<td class="right">4</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>1st Division Staff</td> +<td class="right">12</td> +<td class="right">55</td> +<td class="right">46</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Mounted troops</td> +<td class="right">48</td> +<td class="right">920</td> +<td class="right">999</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Royal Artillery</td> +<td class="right">19</td> +<td class="right">546</td> +<td class="right">514</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">12</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Royal Engineers</td> +<td class="right">13</td> +<td class="right">333</td> +<td class="right">74</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Infantry(2 brigades)</td> +<td class="right">216</td> +<td class="right">7,010</td> +<td class="right">347</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">7</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Army Service Corps and Royal Army Medical Corps</td> +<td class="right">20</td> +<td class="right">418</td> +<td class="right">312</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="7"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td class="center">Total</td> +<td class="right">346</td> +<td class="right">9,666</td> +<td class="right">2,299</td> +<td class="right">4</td> +<td class="right">12</td> +<td class="right">10</td> +</tr> +</table> + + +<p class="p2 center"><span class="smcap">Belmont.</span></p> + +<p class="center">SUMMARY OF BRITISH CASUALTIES.</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="1" summary="British casualties."> +<colgroup> + <col width="40%"> + <col width="15%"> + <col width="15%"> + <col width="15%"> + <col width="15%"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td>Ranks.</td> +<td class="right">Killed.</td> +<td class="right">Wounded.</td> +<td class="right">Missing.</td> +<td class="right">Total.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="5"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td>Officers</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">23</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">26</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Other ranks</td> +<td class="right">51</td> +<td class="right">220</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">271</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="4"> </td> +<td class="right">——</td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="4"> </td> +<td class="right">297</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>Note.—The force engaged at Graspan was the same as at Belmont, less +casualties, &c., of the 23rd November.</p> + +<p class="p2 center"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page467" name="page467"></a>[p. 467]</span> <span class="smcap">Graspan, 25th November, 1899.</span></p> + +<p class="center">CHAPTER XIV.</p> + +<p class="center">SUMMARY OF BRITISH CASUALTIES.</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="1" summary="British casualties."> +<colgroup> + <col width="40%"> + <col width="15%"> + <col width="15%"> + <col width="15%"> + <col width="15%"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td>Ranks.</td> +<td class="right">Killed.</td> +<td class="right">Wounded.</td> +<td class="right">Missing.</td> +<td class="right">Total.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="5"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td>Officers</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">9</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Other ranks</td> +<td class="right">15</td> +<td class="right">137</td> +<td class="right">7</td> +<td class="right">159</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="4"> </td> +<td class="right">——</td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="4"> </td> +<td class="right">168</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="p2 center"><span class="smcap">Modder River, 28th November, 1899.</span></p> + +<p class="center">CHAPTER XV.</p> + +<p class="center">APPROXIMATE STRENGTH OF TROOPS ENGAGED.</p> + +<table class="appendix" border="0" cellpadding="1" summary="Approximate strength of troops engaged."> +<colgroup> + <col width="30%"> + <col width="12%"> + <col width="12%"> + <col width="12%"> + <col width="11%"> + <col width="11%"> + <col width="11%"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td rowspan="2">Arms.</td> +<td class="right" rowspan="2">Officers</td> +<td class="right" rowspan="2">Warrant N.C.O.s and men.</td> +<td class="right" rowspan="2">Horses (Riding and Draught).</td> +<td class="center" colspan="3">Guns</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="right" style="vertical-align: top;">Naval 12-pr.</td> +<td class="right" style="vertical-align: bottom;">Field 15-pr.</td> +<td class="right" style="vertical-align: top;">Machine.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="7"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td>The Naval Brigade</td> +<td class="right">16</td> +<td class="right">238</td> +<td class="right">10</td> +<td class="right">4</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>1st Division Staff</td> +<td class="right">12</td> +<td class="right">55</td> +<td class="right">46</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Mounted troops</td> +<td class="right">47</td> +<td class="right">866</td> +<td class="right">895</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Royal Artillery</td> +<td class="right">23</td> +<td class="right">656</td> +<td class="right">704</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">16</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Royal Engineers</td> +<td class="right">13</td> +<td class="right">333</td> +<td class="right">71</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Infantry</td> +<td class="right">211</td> +<td class="right">7,500</td> +<td class="right">379</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">8</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Armed Service Corps and Royal Army Medical Corps</td> +<td class="right">20</td> +<td class="right">418</td> +<td class="right">312</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="7"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td class="center">Total</td> +<td class="right">342</td> +<td class="right">10,066</td> +<td class="right">2,417</td> +<td class="right">4</td> +<td class="right">16</td> +<td class="right">11</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="p2 center">SUMMARY OF BRITISH CASUALTIES, 28th NOVEMBER, 1899.</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="1" summary="British casualties."> +<colgroup> + <col width="40%"> + <col width="15%"> + <col width="15%"> + <col width="15%"> + <col width="15%"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td>Ranks.</td> +<td class="right">Killed.</td> +<td class="right">Wounded.</td> +<td class="right">Missing.</td> +<td class="right">Total.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="5"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td>Officers</td> +<td class="right">4</td> +<td class="right">19</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">23</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Other ranks</td> +<td class="right">67</td> +<td class="right">370</td> +<td class="right">18</td> +<td class="right">455</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="4"> </td> +<td class="right">——</td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="4"> </td> +<td class="right">478</td> +</tr> +</table> + + +<p class="p2 center"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page468" name="page468"></a>[p. 468]</span> <span class="smcap">Stormberg, 10th December, 1899.</span></p> + +<p class="center">CHAPTER XVIII.</p> + +<p class="center">APPROXIMATE STRENGTH OF TROOPS ENGAGED.</p> + +<table class="appendix" border="0" cellpadding="1" summary="Approximate strength of troops engaged."> +<colgroup> + <col width="30%"> + <col width="12%"> + <col width="12%"> + <col width="12%"> + <col width="14%"> + <col width="14%"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td rowspan="2">Arms.</td> +<td class="right" rowspan="2">Officers</td> +<td class="right" rowspan="2">Warrant N.C.O.s and men.</td> +<td class="right" rowspan="2">Horses (Riding and Draught).</td> +<td class="center" colspan="2">Guns</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="right">Field.</td> +<td class="right">Machine.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="6"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td>Divisional Staff</td> +<td class="right">7</td> +<td class="right">14</td> +<td class="right">7</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Mounted Troops (includes detachment Cape Police)</td> +<td class="right">17</td> +<td class="right">436</td> +<td class="right">453</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">2</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Royal Artillery</td> +<td class="right">19</td> +<td class="right">466</td> +<td class="right">514</td> +<td class="right">12</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Royal Engineers</td> +<td class="right">7</td> +<td class="right">200</td> +<td class="right">63</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Infantry</td> +<td class="right">50</td> +<td class="right">1,710</td> +<td class="right">84</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">2</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Armed Service Corps, Royal Army Medical Corps, &c.</td> +<td class="right">8</td> +<td class="right">101</td> +<td class="right">88</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="6"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td class="center">Total</td> +<td class="right">108</td> +<td class="right">2,927</td> +<td class="right">1,209</td> +<td class="right">12</td> +<td class="right">4</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="p2 center">SUMMARY OF BRITISH CASUALTIES.</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="1" summary="British casualties."> +<colgroup> + <col width="40%"> + <col width="15%"> + <col width="15%"> + <col width="15%"> + <col width="15%"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td>Ranks.</td> +<td class="right">Killed.</td> +<td class="right">Wounded.</td> +<td class="right">Missing.</td> +<td class="right">Total Casualties.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="5"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td>Officers</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">8</td> +<td class="right">13</td> +<td class="right">21</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>N.C.O.s and men</td> +<td class="right">25</td> +<td class="right">102</td> +<td class="right">548</td> +<td class="right">675</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="4"> </td> +<td class="right">——</td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="4"> </td> +<td class="right">696</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="p2 center">SUMMARY OF AMMUNITION EXPENDED.</p> + +<p class="p2 center">AMMUNITION EXPENDED.</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="1" summary="Ammunition expended."> +<colgroup> + <col width="40%"> + <col width="20%"> + <col width="20%"> + <col width="20%"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="3" class="center">Description of Guns, &c.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td class="center">15-pr.</td> +<td class="center">Machine.</td> +<td class="center">Lee-Metford ·303.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Number of rounds</td> +<td class="center">569<a id="tablenotetag9" name="tablenotetag9"></a><a href="#tablenote9" title="Go to tablenote 9"><span class="small">[9]</span></a></td> +<td class="center">1,146</td> +<td class="center">137,382<a id="tablenotetag10" name="tablenotetag10"></a><a href="#tablenote10" title="Go to tablenote 10"><span class="small">[10]</span></a></td> +</tr> +</table> + + +<p class="p2 center"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page469" name="page469"></a>[p. 469]</span> <span class="smcap">Magersfontein, 11th December, 1899.</span></p> + +<p class="center">CHAPTER XX.</p> + +<p class="center">APPROXIMATE STRENGTH OF THE TROOPS ENGAGED.</p> + +<table class="appendix" border="0" cellpadding="1" summary="Approximate strength of troops engaged."> +<colgroup> + <col width="24%"> + <col width="12%"> + <col width="12%"> + <col width="12%"> + <col width="7%"> + <col width="7%"> + <col width="7%"> + <col width="7%"> + <col width="7%"> + <col width="7%"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td rowspan="3">Arms.</td> +<td class="right" rowspan="3">Officers</td> +<td class="right" rowspan="3">Warrant N.C.O.s and men.</td> +<td class="right" rowspan="3">Horses (Riding and Draught).</td> +<td class="center" colspan="6">Guns</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="center" colspan="2">Naval.</td> +<td class="center" colspan="3">Field.</td> +<td class="right" rowspan="3">Machine.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="right" style="vertical-align: top;">4·7-in.</td> +<td class="right" style="vertical-align: bottom;">12-pr.</td> +<td class="right" style="vertical-align: top;">Howitzer.</td> +<td class="right" style="vertical-align: bottom;">15-pr.</td> +<td class="right" style="vertical-align: top;">12-pr.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="10"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td>The Naval Brigade</td> +<td class="right">18</td> +<td class="right">294</td> +<td class="right">10</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="right">4</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>1st Division Staff</td> +<td class="right">10</td> +<td class="right">53</td> +<td class="right">44</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>1st Cavalry Brigade</td> +<td class="right">77</td> +<td class="right">1,627</td> +<td class="right">1,686</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="right">4</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Royal Artillery</td> +<td class="right">29</td> +<td class="right">918</td> +<td class="right">931</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">4</td> +<td class="right">18</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Royal Engineers</td> +<td class="right">12</td> +<td class="right">325</td> +<td class="right">70</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Infantry (3 brigades)</td> +<td class="right">297</td> +<td class="right">10,672</td> +<td class="right">551</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">12</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Armed Service Corps and Royal Army Medical Corps</td> +<td class="right">32</td> +<td class="right">600</td> +<td class="right">431</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="10"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td class="center">Total</td> +<td class="right">475</td> +<td class="right">14,489</td> +<td class="right">3,723</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="right">4</td> +<td class="right">4</td> +<td class="right">18</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="right">16</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="p2 center">SUMMARY OF BRITISH CASUALTIES.</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="1" summary="British casualties."> +<colgroup> + <col width="40%"> + <col width="15%"> + <col width="15%"> + <col width="15%"> + <col width="15%"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td>Ranks.</td> +<td class="right">Killed.</td> +<td class="right">Wounded.</td> +<td class="right">Missing.</td> +<td class="right">Total.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="5"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td>Officers</td> +<td class="right">22</td> +<td class="right">46</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="right">69</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Other ranks</td> +<td class="right">188</td> +<td class="right">629</td> +<td class="right">62</td> +<td class="right">879</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="4"> </td> +<td class="right">——</td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="4"> </td> +<td class="right">948</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="p2 center">SUMMARY OF AMMUNITION EXPENDED.</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="1" summary="Ammunition expended."> +<colgroup> + <col width="40%"> + <col width="15%"> + <col width="15%"> + <col width="15%"> + <col width="15%"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td colspan="4" class="center">Description of Guns, &c.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td class="center">Howitzers.</td> +<td class="center">Field Guns.</td> +<td class="center">Machine.</td> +<td class="center">Lee-Metford ·303.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Rounds</td> +<td class="center">402</td> +<td class="center">4,189</td> +<td class="center">18,487</td> +<td class="center">321,782</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="p2 center"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page470" name="page470"></a>[p. 470]</span> <span class="smcap">Colenso, 15th December, 1899.</span></p> + +<p class="center">CHAPTER XXII.</p> + +<p class="center">APPROXIMATE STRENGTH OF THE TROOPS ENGAGED.</p> + +<table class="appendix" border="0" cellpadding="1" summary="Approximate strength of troops engaged."> +<colgroup> + <col width="24%"> + <col width="12%"> + <col width="12%"> + <col width="12%"> + <col width="11%"> + <col width="11%"> + <col width="11%"> + <col width="11%"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td rowspan="3">Arms.</td> +<td class="right" rowspan="3">Officers</td> +<td class="right" rowspan="3">Other Ranks.</td> +<td class="right" rowspan="3">Horses (Riding and Draught).</td> +<td class="center" colspan="4">Guns</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="center" colspan="2">Naval.</td> +<td class="right" rowspan="3">Field.<br> 15-pr.</td> +<td class="right" rowspan="3">Machine.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="right">4·7-in.</td> +<td class="right">12-pr.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="8"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td>The Naval Brigade</td> +<td class="right">31</td> +<td class="right">279</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="right">2</td> +<td class="right">12</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Natal Army Staff</td> +<td class="right">34</td> +<td class="right">137</td> +<td class="right">123</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Mounted troops</td> +<td class="right">126</td> +<td class="right">2,561</td> +<td class="right">2,700</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">2</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Royal Artillery</td> +<td class="right">39</td> +<td class="right">1,074</td> +<td class="right">869</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">30</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Royal Engineers</td> +<td class="right">14</td> +<td class="right">419</td> +<td class="right">255</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Infantry (4 brigades)</td> +<td class="right">416</td> +<td class="right">13,521</td> +<td class="right">716</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">16</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Army Service Corps</td> +<td class="right">16</td> +<td class="right">217</td> +<td class="right">550</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Royal Army Medical Corps</td> +<td class="right">30</td> +<td class="right">464</td> +<td class="right">336</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="8"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td class="center">Total</td> +<td class="right">706</td> +<td class="right">18,672</td> +<td class="right">5,555</td> +<td class="right">2</td> +<td class="right">12</td> +<td class="right">30</td> +<td class="right">18</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="p2 center">SUMMARY OF BRITISH CASUALTIES.</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="1" summary="British casualties."> +<colgroup> + <col width="40%"> + <col width="15%"> + <col width="15%"> + <col width="15%"> + <col width="15%"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td>Ranks.</td> +<td class="right">Killed.</td> +<td class="right">Wounded.</td> +<td class="right">Missing.</td> +<td class="right">Total.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="5"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td>Officers</td> +<td class="right">7</td> +<td class="right">47</td> +<td class="right">20</td> +<td class="right">74</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Other ranks</td> +<td class="right">136</td> +<td class="right">709</td> +<td class="right">22</td> +<td class="right">1,065</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="4"> </td> +<td class="right">——</td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="4"> </td> +<td class="right">1,139</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="p2 center">NAVAL AMMUNITION EXPENDED.</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="1" style="width: 60%" summary="British casualties."> +<colgroup> + <col width="60%"> + <col width="40%"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">Rounds.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>4·7-inch</td> +<td class="right">160</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>12-pr. 12-cwt.</td> +<td class="right">900</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<a id="appen7" name="appen7"></a> +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="page471" name="page471"></a>[p. 471]</span> APPENDIX 7.</h2> + +<p class="center smcap">The Expeditionary Force as originally organised and sent to South +Africa.</p> + +<table class="appendix" border="0" cellpadding="1" summary="Appendix 7."> +<colgroup> + <col width="2%"> + <col width="18%"> + <col width="6%"> + <col width="6%"> + <col width="6%"> + <col width="6%"> + <col width="14%"> + <col width="10%"> + <col width="10%"> + <col width="12%"> + <col width="10%"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td class="center" colspan="2" rowspan="2">UNIT.</td> +<td class="center" colspan="4">STRENGTH.</td> +<td class="center" rowspan="2">Ship in which embarked.</td> +<td class="center" rowspan="2">Date of Leaving England.</td> +<td class="center" rowspan="2">Date of Arrival at Cape Town.</td> +<td class="center" rowspan="2" style="vertical-align: top;">Place of disembarkation.</td> +<td class="right" rowspan="2" style="vertical-align: bottom;">Date of disembarkation.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="right">Officers</td> +<td class="right">Other Ranks</td> +<td class="right">Horses</td> +<td class="right">Guns</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="11"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="2">Army Corps Staff</td> +<td class="right">36</td> +<td class="right">119</td> +<td class="right">29</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Dunottar Castle</i><br><i>Caspian</i><br><i>Carisbrook Castle</i></td> +<td class="right">14.10.99<br>17.10.99<br>28.10.99</td> +<td class="right">31.10.99<br>18.11.99<br>14.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">31.10.99<br>18.11.99<br>14.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="2">Corps Troops.</td> +<td colspan="9"> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>13th Hussars</td> +<td class="right">25</td> +<td class="right">558</td> +<td class="right">499</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Montfort</i><br><i>Templemore</i></td> +<td class="right">13.11.99<br>10.11.99</td> +<td class="right">8.12.99<br>2.12.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">13.12.99<br>5.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Corps Artillery Staff</td> +<td class="right">4</td> +<td class="right">15</td> +<td class="right">16</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Pindari</i></td> +<td class="right">30.10.99</td> +<td class="right">25.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">25.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>G. battery, R.H.A.</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">178</td> +<td class="right">196</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="center"><i>Pindari</i></td> +<td class="right">30.10.99</td> +<td class="right">25.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">25.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>P. battery, R.H.A.</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">179</td> +<td class="right">196</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="center"><i>Pindari</i></td> +<td class="right">30.10.99</td> +<td class="right">25.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">25.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>7th brigade Division Staff, R.F.A.</td> +<td class="right">4</td> +<td class="right">13</td> +<td class="right">14</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Algeria</i></td> +<td class="right">7.11.99</td> +<td class="right">4.12.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">5.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>4th battery, R.F.A.</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">170</td> +<td class="right">137</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="center"><i>Sicilian</i></td> +<td class="right">15.11.99</td> +<td class="right">10.12.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">10.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>38th battery, R.F.A.</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">173</td> +<td class="right">137</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="center"><i>Algeria</i></td> +<td class="right">7.11.99</td> +<td class="right">4.12.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">5.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>78th battery, R.F.A.</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">171</td> +<td class="right">137</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="center"><i>Sicilian</i></td> +<td class="right">15.11.99</td> +<td class="right">10.12.99</td> +<td class="center">East London<a id="tablenotetag11" name="tablenotetag11"></a><a href="#tablenote11" title="Go to tablenote 11"><span class="small">[11]</span></a></td> +<td class="right">12.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>8th brigade Division Staff, R.F.A.</td> +<td class="right">4</td> +<td class="right">14</td> +<td class="right">10</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Antillian</i></td> +<td class="right">17.11.99</td> +<td class="right">9.12.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">10.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>37th battery, R.F.A.</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">194</td> +<td class="right">161</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="center"><i>Antillian</i></td> +<td class="right">17.11.99</td> +<td class="right">9.12.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">10.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>61st battery, R.F.A.</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">194</td> +<td class="right">152</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="center"><i>British Princess</i><br><i>Montfort</i></td> +<td class="right">16.11.99<br>13.11.99</td> +<td class="right">6.12.99<br>8.12.99</td> +<td class="center">East London<a href="#tablenote11" title="Go to tablenote 11"><span class="small">[11]</span></a></td> +<td class="right">11.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>65th battery, R.F.A.</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">194</td> +<td class="right">162</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="center"><i>Canning</i><br><i>British Princess</i></td> +<td class="right">12.11.99<br>16.11.99</td> +<td class="right">4.12.99<br>6.12.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">4.12.99<br>6.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Ammunition Park</td> +<td class="right">17</td> +<td class="right">269</td> +<td class="right">260</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Canning</i><br><i>Sicilian</i></td> +<td class="right">12.11.99<br>15.11.99</td> +<td class="right">4.12.99<br>10.12.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">4.12.99<br>10.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Royal Engineers</td> +<td class="right">10</td> +<td class="right">245</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Kildonan Castle</i></td> +<td class="right">4.11.99</td> +<td class="right">22.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban<br>Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">27.11.99<br>22.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>1st battn. the Royal Scots</td> +<td class="right">27</td> +<td class="right">1,014</td> +<td class="right">2</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Dictator</i></td> +<td class="right">6.11.99</td> +<td class="right">1.12.99</td> +<td class="center">East London</td> +<td class="right">4.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Army Service Corps</td> +<td class="right">19</td> +<td class="right">326</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Braemar Castle</i><br><i>Moor</i></td> +<td class="right">6.10.99<br>21.10.99</td> +<td class="right">27.10.99<br>9.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">27.10.99<br>9.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Royal Army Medical Corps</td> +<td class="right">4</td> +<td class="right">35</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Pindari</i><br><i>Englishman</i><br><i>Dictator</i><br><i>Ranee</i><br><i>Arawa</i></td> +<td class="right">30.10.99<br>6.11.99<br>6.11.99<br>5.11.99<br>7.11.99</td> +<td class="right">25.11.99<br>30.11.99<br>1.12.99<br>5.12.99<br>1.12.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town<br>East London<br>East London<br>Cape Town<br>Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">26.11.99<br>4.12.99<br>4.12.99<br>5.12.99<br>2.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="2">Army Service Corps</td> +<td class="right">21</td> +<td class="right">482</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Braemar Castle</i></td> +<td class="right">6.10.99</td> +<td class="right">27.10.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">27.10.99</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="11"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="11"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page472" name="page472"></a>[p. 472]</span> +Cavalry Division:</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="11"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Cavalry Division Staff</td> +<td class="right">4</td> +<td class="right">16</td> +<td class="right">17</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>City of Vienna</i></td> +<td class="right">22.10.99</td> +<td class="right">16.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">16.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Field troop, R.E.</td> +<td class="right">4</td> +<td class="right">116</td> +<td class="right">88</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Rapidan</i></td> +<td class="right">13.11.99</td> +<td class="right">9.12.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">9.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="11"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="11">1st cavalry brigade:</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>1st cavalry brigade Staff</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">13</td> +<td class="right">4</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>City of Vienna</i></td> +<td class="right">22.10.99</td> +<td class="right">16.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">16.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>6th Dragoon Guards</td> +<td class="right">25</td> +<td class="right">563</td> +<td class="right">499</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Chicago</i><br><i>Wakool</i></td> +<td class="right">8.11.99<br>4.11.99</td> +<td class="right">1.12.99<br>27.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">2.12.99<br>28.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>10th Hussars</td> +<td class="right">26</td> +<td class="right">565</td> +<td class="right">502</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Ismore</i><br><i>Columbian</i></td> +<td class="right">4.11.99<br>6.11.99</td> +<td class="right">Wrecked.<br>2.12.99</td> +<td class="center">Columbine Pnt.<a id="tablenotetag12" name="tablenotetag12"></a><a href="#tablenote12" title="Go to tablenote 12"><span class="small">[12]</span></a><br>Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">3.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>12th Lancers</td> +<td class="right">26</td> +<td class="right">559</td> +<td class="right">500</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Mohawk</i><br><i>City of Vienna</i></td> +<td class="right">22.10.99</td> +<td class="right">16.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">16.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Southern, Aldershot, South-Eastern and Cork M.I.</td> +<td class="right">25</td> +<td class="right">575</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">4</td> +<td class="center"><i>Malta</i><br><i>Aurania</i></td> +<td class="right">22.10.99<br>23.10.99</td> +<td class="right">16.11.99<br>11.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">16.11.99<br>11.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>R. battery, R.H.A. </td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="right">180</td> +<td class="right">198</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="center"><i>America</i></td> +<td class="right">24.10.99</td> +<td class="right">18.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">19.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Ammunition column </td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">83</td> +<td class="right">75</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>America</i></td> +<td class="right">24.10.99</td> +<td class="right">18.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">19.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>No. 11 Bearer company</td> +<td class="right">4</td> +<td class="right">57</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Ismore</i></td> +<td class="right">4.11.99</td> +<td class="right">Wrecked.</td> +<td class="center">Columbine Pnt.<a href="#tablenote12" title="Go to tablenote 12"><span class="small">[12]</span></a></td> +<td class="right">3.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>No. 11 Field Hospital</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">35</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Mohawk</i></td> +<td class="right">22.10.99</td> +<td class="right">16.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">16.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="11"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="11">2nd cavalry brigade:</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>2nd cavalry brigade Staff</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">13</td> +<td class="right">4</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Carisbrook Castle</i></td> +<td class="right">28.10.99</td> +<td class="right">14.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">14.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>1st Royal Dragoons</td> +<td class="right">27</td> +<td class="right">562</td> +<td class="right">520</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Manchester Port</i></td> +<td class="right">30.10.99</td> +<td class="right">22.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">27.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>2nd Dragoons</td> +<td class="right">25</td> +<td class="right">548</td> +<td class="right">498</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Antillian</i><br><i>British Princess</i><br><i>Ranee</i></td> +<td class="right">17.11.99<br>16.11.99<br>9.11.99</td> +<td class="right">9.12.99<br>6.12.99<br>5.12.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">10.12.99<br>7.12.99<br>5.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>6th Dragoons</td> +<td class="right">25</td> +<td class="right">557</td> +<td class="right">498</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Jamaican</i><br><i>Persia</i><a id="tablenotetag13" name="tablenotetag13"></a><a href="#tablenote13" title="Go to tablenote 13"><span class="small">[13]</span></a><br><i>Siberian</i></td> +<td class="right">23.10.99<br>28.10.99<br>24.10.99</td> +<td class="right">18.11.99<br>11.12.99<br>19.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">18.11.99<br>11.12.99<br>20.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>O. battery, R.H.A.</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="right">180</td> +<td class="right">198</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="center"><i>Glengyle</i></td> +<td class="right">27.10.99</td> +<td class="right">20.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">21.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Ammunition column</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">86</td> +<td class="right">61</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Glengyle</i></td> +<td class="right">27.10.99</td> +<td class="right">20.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">21.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Northern, Western, Eastern and Dublin M.I.</td> +<td class="right">24</td> +<td class="right">581</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">4</td> +<td class="center"><i>Orient</i><br><i>Cephalonia</i></td> +<td class="right">22.10.99<br>24.10.99</td> +<td class="right">12.11.99<br>18.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">13.11.99<br>18.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>2nd cavalry brigade Bearer company</td> +<td class="right">2</td> +<td class="right">55</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Idaho</i></td> +<td class="right">3.11.99</td> +<td class="right">26.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">26.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>No. 6 Field Hospital</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">35</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Cephalonia</i></td> +<td class="right">24.10.99</td> +<td class="right">18.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">18.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="11"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="11"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page473" name="page473"></a>[p. 473]</span>1st Infantry Division:</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="11"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="2">1st Division Staff</td> +<td class="right">10</td> +<td class="right">4</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Moor</i></td> +<td class="right">21.10.99</td> +<td class="right">9.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">9.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="11"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="11">Divisional Troops:</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>"A." squadron, 1st Life Guards</td> +<td class="right">8</td> +<td class="right">186</td> +<td class="right">191</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Maplemore</i></td> +<td class="right">29.11.99</td> +<td class="right">25.12.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">25.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Brigade Division Staff and 7th battery, R.F.A.</td> +<td class="right">9</td> +<td class="right">183</td> +<td class="right">152</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="center"><i>Armenian</i></td> +<td class="right">24.10.99</td> +<td class="right">13.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">17.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>14th battery, R.F.A.</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">172</td> +<td class="right">137</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="center"><i>Armenian</i></td> +<td class="right">24.10.99</td> +<td class="right">13.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">17.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>66th battery, R.F.A.</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">170</td> +<td class="right">136</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="center"><i>Armenian</i></td> +<td class="right">24.10.99</td> +<td class="right">13.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">17.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Ammunition column</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">129</td> +<td class="right">94</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Armenian</i></td> +<td class="right">24.10.99</td> +<td class="right">13.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">17.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Royal Engineers</td> +<td class="right">8</td> +<td class="right">208</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Goorkha</i></td> +<td class="right">21.10.99</td> +<td class="right">15.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban<br>Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">21.11.99<br>15.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>No. 7 Field Hospital</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">35</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Gascon</i></td> +<td class="right">21.10.99</td> +<td class="right">12.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">12.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="11"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="11">1st infantry brigade:</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>1st brigade Staff</td> +<td class="right">2</td> +<td class="right">16</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Goorkha</i></td> +<td class="right">21.10.99</td> +<td class="right">15.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town<a id="tablenotetag14" name="tablenotetag14"></a><a href="#tablenote14" title="Go to tablenote 14"><span class="small">[14]</span></a></td> +<td class="right">15.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>3rd battn. Grenadier Guards</td> +<td class="right">32</td> +<td class="right">1,083</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Goorkha</i></td> +<td class="right">21.10.99</td> +<td class="right">15.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town<a href="#tablenote14" title="Go to tablenote 14"><span class="small">[14]</span></a></td> +<td class="right">15.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>1st battn. Coldstream Guards</td> +<td class="right">31</td> +<td class="right">1,090</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Malta</i></td> +<td class="right">22.10.99</td> +<td class="right">16.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town<a href="#tablenote14" title="Go to tablenote 14"><span class="small">[14]</span></a></td> +<td class="right">16.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>2nd battn. Coldstream Guards</td> +<td class="right">31</td> +<td class="right">1,082</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Gascon</i></td> +<td class="right">21.10.99</td> +<td class="right">12.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">12.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>1st battn. Scots Guards</td> +<td class="right">30</td> +<td class="right">1,088</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Nubia</i></td> +<td class="right">21.10.99</td> +<td class="right">13.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">14.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>No. 1 bearer company</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">58</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Gascon</i></td> +<td class="right">21.10.99</td> +<td class="right">12.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">12.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>No. 1 Field Hospital</td> +<td class="right">4</td> +<td class="right">35</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Nubia</i></td> +<td class="right">21.10.99</td> +<td class="right">13.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">13.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="11"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="11">2nd infantry brigade:</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>2nd brigade staff</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">18</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Roslin Castle</i></td> +<td class="right">20.10.99</td> +<td class="right">8.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">12.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>2nd battn. Royal West Surrey regiment</td> +<td class="right">26</td> +<td class="right">1,064</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Yorkshire</i></td> +<td class="right">20.10.99</td> +<td class="right">11.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">14.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>2nd battn. Devonshire regiment</td> +<td class="right">24</td> +<td class="right">1,041</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Manila</i></td> +<td class="right">20.10.99</td> +<td class="right">15.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">19.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>2nd battn. West Yorkshire regiment</td> +<td class="right">27</td> +<td class="right">936</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Roslin Castle</i></td> +<td class="right">20.10.99</td> +<td class="right">9.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">12.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>2nd battn. East Surrey regiment</td> +<td class="right">26</td> +<td class="right">1,082</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Harlech Castle</i><br><i>Lismore Castle</i></td> +<td class="right">20.10.99</td> +<td class="right">15.11.99<br>11.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">20.11.99<br>14.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>No. 4 bearer company</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">58</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Roslin Castle</i></td> +<td class="right">20.10.99</td> +<td class="right">9.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">15.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>No. 3 Field Hospital</td> +<td class="right">4</td> +<td class="right">35</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Roslin Castle</i></td> +<td class="right">20.10.99</td> +<td class="right">9.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">15.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="11"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="11"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page474" name="page474"></a>[p. 474]</span>2nd Infantry Division:</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="11"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="11">Divisional Troops:</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>2nd infantry division Staff</td> +<td class="right">11</td> +<td class="right">8</td> +<td class="right">4</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Moor</i></td> +<td class="right">21.10.99</td> +<td class="right">9.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">14.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>"B." squadron, Royal Horse Guards</td> +<td class="right">9</td> +<td class="right">191</td> +<td class="right">199</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Maplemore</i><br><i>Pinemore</i></td> +<td class="right">29.11.99<br>4.12.99</td> +<td class="right">24.12.99<br>29.12.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">25.12.99<br>29.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>5th brigade division, R.F.A.</td> +<td class="right">4</td> +<td class="right">12</td> +<td class="right">16</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Urmston Grange</i></td> +<td class="right">1.11.99</td> +<td class="right">27.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">2.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>63rd battery, R.F.A.</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">170</td> +<td class="right">137</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="center"><i>Ismore</i></td> +<td class="right">4.11.99</td> +<td class="right">Wrecked<a id="tablenotetag15" name="tablenotetag15"></a><a href="#tablenote15" title="Go to tablenote 15"><span class="small">[15]</span></a></td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">27.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>64th battery, R.F.A.</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">170</td> +<td class="right">137</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="center"><i>Urmston Grange</i></td> +<td class="right">1.11.99</td> +<td class="right">27.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">2.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>73rd battery, R.F.A.</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">170</td> +<td class="right">139</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="center"><i>Idaho</i></td> +<td class="right">3.11.99</td> +<td class="right">26.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">1.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Ammunition column</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">123</td> +<td class="right">93</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Idaho</i></td> +<td class="right">3.11.99</td> +<td class="right">26.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">1.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Royal Engineers</td> +<td class="right">9</td> +<td class="right">208</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Aurania</i></td> +<td class="right">23.10.99</td> +<td class="right">11.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">11.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>2nd divisional Field Hospital</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">35</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Cephalonia</i></td> +<td class="right">24.10.99</td> +<td class="right">18.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">23.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="11"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="11">3rd infantry brigade:</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>3rd infantry brigade Staff</td> +<td class="right">2</td> +<td class="right">18</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Aurania</i></td> +<td class="right">23.10.99</td> +<td class="right">11.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">11.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>2nd battn. Royal Highlanders</td> +<td class="right">29</td> +<td class="right">1,014</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Orient</i></td> +<td class="right">24.10.99</td> +<td class="right">14.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">14.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>1st battn. Highland Light Infantry</td> +<td class="right">26</td> +<td class="right">1,087</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Aurania</i></td> +<td class="right">23.10.99</td> +<td class="right">11.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">11.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>2nd battn. Seaforth Highlanders</td> +<td class="right">27</td> +<td class="right">927</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Mongolian</i></td> +<td class="right">21.10.99</td> +<td class="right">18.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">18.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>1st battn. Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders</td> +<td class="right">30</td> +<td class="right">1,081</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Servia</i><br><i>Orcana</i></td> +<td class="right">4.11.99<br>27.10.99</td> +<td class="right">24.11.99<br>17.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">24.11.99<br>17.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>No. 3 Bearer company</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">58</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Aurania</i></td> +<td class="right">23.10.99</td> +<td class="right">11.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">11.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>No. 10 Field Hospital</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">35</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Mongolian</i></td> +<td class="right">21.10.99</td> +<td class="right">18.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">18.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="11"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="11">4th infantry brigade:</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>4th infantry brigade Staff</td> +<td class="right">35</td> +<td class="right">22</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Cephalonia</i></td> +<td class="right">24.10.99</td> +<td class="right">18.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">23.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>2nd battn. Scottish Rifles</td> +<td class="right">26</td> +<td class="right">939</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>City of Cambridge</i></td> +<td class="right">23.10.99</td> +<td class="right">16.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">22.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>3rd battn. King's Royal Rifle corps</td> +<td class="right">29</td> +<td class="right">1,074</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Servia</i></td> +<td class="right">4.11.99</td> +<td class="right">24.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">28.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>1st battn. Durham Light Infantry</td> +<td class="right">28</td> +<td class="right">921</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Cephalonia</i></td> +<td class="right">24.10.99</td> +<td class="right">18.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">23.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>1st battn. Rifle brigade</td> +<td class="right">29</td> +<td class="right">1,082</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>German</i></td> +<td class="right">28.10.99</td> +<td class="right">21.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">25.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>No. 9 Bearer company</td> +<td class="right">2</td> +<td class="right">54</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Servia</i></td> +<td class="right">4.11.99</td> +<td class="right">24.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">29.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>No. 9 Field hospital</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="right">38</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Servia</i></td> +<td class="right">4.11.99</td> +<td class="right">24.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">29.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="11"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="11"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page475" name="page475"></a>[p. 475]</span>3rd Infantry Division:</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="11"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="11">Divisional Troops:</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>3rd infantry division Staff</td> +<td class="right">11</td> +<td class="right">8</td> +<td class="right">4</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Moor</i></td> +<td class="right">21.10.99</td> +<td class="right">9.11.99</td> +<td class="center">East London</td> +<td class="right">16.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>"C." squadron, 2nd Life Guards</td> +<td class="right">9</td> +<td class="right">186</td> +<td class="right">193</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Pinemore</i></td> +<td class="right">4.12.99</td> +<td class="right">29.12.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">29.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>6th brigade division, R.F.A.</td> +<td class="right">4</td> +<td class="right">13</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Englishman</i></td> +<td class="right">6.11.99</td> +<td class="right">30.11.99</td> +<td class="center">East London</td> +<td class="right">4.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>74th battery, R.F.A.</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">170</td> +<td class="right">138</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="center"><i>Englishman</i></td> +<td class="right">6.11.99</td> +<td class="right">30.11.99</td> +<td class="center">East London</td> +<td class="right">4.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>77th battery, R.F.A.</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">170</td> +<td class="right">137</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="center"><i>Englishman</i></td> +<td class="right">6.11.99</td> +<td class="right">30.11.99</td> +<td class="center">East London</td> +<td class="right">4.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>79th battery, R.F.A.</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">173</td> +<td class="right">141</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="center"><i>Montfort</i></td> +<td class="right">13.11.99</td> +<td class="right">8.12.99</td> +<td class="center">East London</td> +<td class="right">11.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Ammunition column.</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">128</td> +<td class="right">94</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Englishman</i></td> +<td class="right">6.11.99</td> +<td class="right">30.11.99</td> +<td class="center">East London</td> +<td class="right">4.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Royal Engineers</td> +<td class="right">9</td> +<td class="right">220</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Bavarian</i></td> +<td class="right">10.11.99</td> +<td class="right">28.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">28.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>No. 16 Field Hospital</td> +<td class="right">4</td> +<td class="right">35</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Cheshire</i></td> +<td class="right">9.11.99</td> +<td class="right">29.11.99</td> +<td class="center">East London</td> +<td class="right">5.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="11"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="11">5th infantry brigade:</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>5th infantry brigade Staff</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">21</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Catalonia</i></td> +<td class="right">5.11.99</td> +<td class="right">30.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">5.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>1st battn. Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers</td> +<td class="right">29</td> +<td class="right">969</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Catalonia</i></td> +<td class="right">5.11.99</td> +<td class="right">30.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">5.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>2nd battn. Royal Irish Rifles</td> +<td class="right">25</td> +<td class="right">875</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Britannic</i></td> +<td class="right">26.10.99</td> +<td class="right">14.11.99</td> +<td class="center">East London</td> +<td class="right">16.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>1st battn. Connaught Rangers</td> +<td class="right">28</td> +<td class="right">855</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Bavarian</i></td> +<td class="right">10.11.99</td> +<td class="right">28.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">1.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>1st battn. Royal Dublin Fusiliers</td> +<td class="right">28</td> +<td class="right">823</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Bavarian</i></td> +<td class="right">10.11.99</td> +<td class="right">28.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">1.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>No. 8 Bearer company</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">57</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Bavarian</i></td> +<td class="right">10.11.99</td> +<td class="right">28.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">1.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>No. 15 Field Hospital</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">35</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Bavarian</i></td> +<td class="right">10.11.99</td> +<td class="right">28.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">1.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="11"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="11">6th infantry brigade:</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>6th infantry brigade Staff</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">21</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Oriental</i></td> +<td class="right">23.10.99</td> +<td class="right">13.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">17.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>2nd battn. Royal Fusiliers</td> +<td class="right">25</td> +<td class="right">769</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Pavonia</i></td> +<td class="right">22.10.99</td> +<td class="right">18.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">23.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>2nd battn. Royal Scots Fusiliers</td> +<td class="right">29</td> +<td class="right">870</td> +<td class="right">2</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Oriental</i><br><i>Pavonia</i></td> +<td class="right">23.10.99<br>22.10.99</td> +<td class="right">13.11.99<br>18.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">17.11.99<br>23.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>1st battn. Royal Welsh Fusiliers</td> +<td class="right">27</td> +<td class="right">1,074</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Oriental</i></td> +<td class="right">23.10.99</td> +<td class="right">13.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">17.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>2nd battn. Royal Irish Fusiliers</td> +<td class="right">29</td> +<td class="right">946</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Hawarden Castle</i></td> +<td class="right">23.10.99</td> +<td class="right">12.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">16.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>No. 12 Bearer company</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">58</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Catalonia</i></td> +<td class="right">5.11.99</td> +<td class="right">30.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">5.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>No. 17 Field Hospital</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">35</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Oriental</i></td> +<td class="right">23.10.99</td> +<td class="right">13.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">17.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="11"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="11"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page476" name="page476"></a>[p. 476]</span>Lines of Communication:</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>2nd Northumberland Fusiliers</td> +<td class="right">29</td> +<td class="right">977</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Kildonan Castle</i></td> +<td class="right">4.11.99</td> +<td class="right">22.11.99</td> +<td class="center">East London</td> +<td class="right">26.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>2nd Somerset Light Infantry</td> +<td class="right">29</td> +<td class="right">875</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Briton</i></td> +<td class="right">4.11.99</td> +<td class="right">20.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">24.11.99<a id="tablenotetag16" name="tablenotetag16"></a><a href="#tablenote16" title="Go to tablenote 16"><span class="small">[16]</span></a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>2nd Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry</td> +<td class="right">29</td> +<td class="right">920</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Formosa</i></td> +<td class="right">5.11.99</td> +<td class="right">29.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">29.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>1st Welsh regiment</td> +<td class="right">28</td> +<td class="right">823</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Kildonan Castle</i></td> +<td class="right">4.11.99</td> +<td class="right">22.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Port Elizabeth</td> +<td class="right">26.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>2nd Northamptonshire regiment</td> +<td class="right">28</td> +<td class="right">990</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Harlech Castle</i><br><i>Nubia</i></td> +<td class="right">20.10.99<br>21.10.99</td> +<td class="right">14.11.99<br>13.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">14.11.99<br>13.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>2nd Shropshire Light Infantry</td> +<td class="right">29</td> +<td class="right">905</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Arawa</i></td> +<td class="right">8.11.99</td> +<td class="right">1.12.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">1.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>1st Gordon Highlanders</td> +<td class="right">29</td> +<td class="right">855</td> +<td class="right">4</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Cheshire</i></td> +<td class="right">9.11.99</td> +<td class="right">29.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">29.11.99</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<a id="appen8" name="appen8"></a> +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="page477" name="page477"></a>[p. 477]</span> APPENDIX 8.</h2> + +<p>The composition and distribution of British troops in southern Natal, +23rd November, 1899, the morning of the fight at Willow Grange.</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="1" summary="Composition of British troops."> +<colgroup> + <col width="30%"> + <col width="70%"> +</colgroup> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Estcourt</span>.</td></tr> +<tr><td rowspan="17"><span class="smcap">Major-General H. J. T. Hildyard</span></td> +<td>2nd brigade Staff.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td>Naval detachment with two 12-pr. 12-cwt. guns.</td></tr> +<tr><td>7th battery, R.F.A.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Natal Field artillery.</td></tr> +<tr><td>2nd battn. The Queen's (Royal West Surrey regiment), five companies.</td></tr> +<tr><td>2nd battn. West Yorkshire regiment.</td></tr> +<tr><td><span class="spacing1em">2nd " East</span> Surrey regiment.</td></tr> +<tr><td><span class="spacing1em">1st " The</span> Border regiment.</td></tr> +<tr><td><span class="spacing1em">2nd " Royal</span> Dublin Fusiliers.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Mounted infantry company of 2nd battn. King's Royal Rifle Corps.</td></tr> +<tr><td>16th company, Army Service Corps.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Natal Royal Rifles.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Durban Light Infantry.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Natal Carbineers (one squadron).</td></tr> +<tr><td>Imperial Light Horse (one squadron).</td></tr> +<tr><td>Bethune's mounted infantry.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Natal Police.</td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"> </td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Mooi River</span>.</td></tr> +<tr><td rowspan="9"><span class="smcap">Major-General G. Barton</span>.</td> +<td>6th brigade Staff.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td>14th battery, R.F.A.</td></tr> +<tr><td>2nd battn. The Queen's (Royal West Surrey regiment), three companies.</td></tr> +<tr><td>2nd battn. Devonshire regiment.</td></tr> +<tr><td><span class="spacing1em">2nd " Royal</span> Scots Fusiliers (one company).</td></tr> +<tr><td><span class="spacing1em">1st " Royal</span> Welsh Fusiliers.</td></tr> +<tr><td><span class="spacing1em">2nd " Royal</span> Irish Fusiliers.</td></tr> +<tr><td>24th company, Army Service Corps.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Thorneycroft's mounted infantry.</td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"> </td></tr> +<tr><td rowspan="2"><span class="smcap">Nottingham Road</span>.</td> +<td>66th battery, R.F.A. (two guns).</td> +</tr> +<tr><td>2nd battn. Scottish Rifles.</td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"> </td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Pietermaritzburg</span>.</td></tr> +<tr><td rowspan="12"><span class="smcap">Lt.-General Sir C. F. Clery</span>. </td> +<td>Divisional Staff of 2nd division.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td>Headquarters line of communication.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Naval contingent with four 12-pr. 12-cwt. Naval guns.<a id="tablenotetag17" name="tablenotetag17"></a><a href="#tablenote17" title="Go to tablenote 17"><span class="small">[17]</span></a></td></tr> +<tr><td>66th battery, R.F.A. (four guns).</td></tr> +<tr><td>Divisional ammunition column.</td></tr> +<tr><td>General depōt.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Natal Naval Volunteers.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Imperial Light Infantry.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Pietermaritzburg Rifle association.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Home Guard.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Reserve Rifle association.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Railway Rifle association.</td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"> </td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Greytown</span>.</td></tr> +<tr><td><span class="smcap">Major G. Leuchars</span>.</td> +<td>Umvoti Mounted Rifles.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"> </td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Durban</span>.</td></tr> +<tr><td rowspan="4"><span class="smcap">Capt. Percy Scott, R.N.</span></td> +<td>Naval contingent, two 6-in. guns, two 4·7-in. guns, 12 Naval 12-pr. 12-cwt. and two Naval 12-pr. 8-cwt. guns.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td><a id="tablenotetag18" name="tablenotetag18"></a><a href="#tablenote18" title="Go to tablenote 18"><span class="small">[18]</span></a>2nd battn. Royal Fusiliers.</td></tr> +<tr><td><a href="#tablenote18" title="Go to tablenote 18"><span class="small">[18]</span></a><span class="spacing1em">2nd " Royal</span> Scots Fusiliers (seven companies).</td></tr> +<tr><td><a href="#tablenote18" title="Go to tablenote 18"><span class="small">[18]</span></a><span class="spacing1em">1st " Durham</span> Light Infantry.</td></tr> +</table> + +<a id="appen9" name="appen9"></a> +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="page478" name="page478"></a>[p. 478]</span> APPENDIX 9.</h2> + +<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Reinforcements Landed in South Africa up to the 13th of February, +1900, other than those given in Appendices <a href="#appen1">1.</a> and <a href="#appen7">7.</a></span></p> + +<table class="appendix" border="0" cellpadding="1" summary="Appendix 9."> +<colgroup> + <col width="20%"> + <col width="6%"> + <col width="6%"> + <col width="6%"> + <col width="6%"> + <col width="14%"> + <col width="10%"> + <col width="10%"> + <col width="12%"> + <col width="10%"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td class="center" rowspan="2">UNIT.</td> +<td class="center" colspan="4">STRENGTH.</td> +<td class="center" rowspan="2">Ship in which embarked.</td> +<td class="center" rowspan="2" style="vertical-align: top;">Place of Embarkation.</td> +<td class="right" rowspan="2" style="vertical-align: bottom;">Date of Embarkation.</td> +<td class="center" rowspan="2" style="vertical-align: top;">Place of disembarkation.</td> +<td class="right" rowspan="2" style="vertical-align: bottom;">Date of disembarkation.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="right">Officers</td> +<td class="right">Other Ranks</td> +<td class="right">Horses</td> +<td class="right">Guns</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="10"> </td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="10"><span class="smcap">(A) Reinforcements sent to South Africa after "Lombards Kop."</span></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="10"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td>No. 4. Mountain battery, R.G.A.</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="right">276</td> +<td class="right">18</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="center"><i>Narrung</i></td> +<td class="center">Royal Albert Dock</td> +<td class="right">16.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">12.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>1st battn. Suffolk regiment</td> +<td class="right">22</td> +<td class="right">1,081</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Scott</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton</td> +<td class="right">11.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">28.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>1st battn. Essex regiment</td> +<td class="right">23</td> +<td class="right">912</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Greek</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton</td> +<td class="right">11.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">3.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>1st battn. Derbyshire regiment</td> +<td class="right">29</td> +<td class="right">1,091</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Dunera</i></td> +<td class="center">Malta</td> +<td class="right">21.11.99</td> +<td class="center">East London</td> +<td class="right">15.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="10"> </td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="10"><span class="smcap">(B) Fifth Infantry Division.</span></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="10"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td>Divisional Staff</td> +<td class="right">11</td> +<td class="right">29</td> +<td class="right">7</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Norham Castle</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton</td> +<td class="right">25.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">13.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>14th Hussars</td> +<td class="right">25</td> +<td class="right">599</td> +<td class="right">497</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Victorian</i><br><i>Cestrian</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton</td> +<td class="right">13.12.99<br>21.12.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban<br>Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">6.1.00<br>10.1.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Brigade division Staff</td> +<td class="right">4</td> +<td class="right">13</td> +<td class="right">13</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Atlantian</i></td> +<td class="center">Queenstown</td> +<td class="right">5.12.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">1.1.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>19th battery, R.F.A.</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">170</td> +<td class="right">133</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="center"><i>Atlantian</i></td> +<td class="center">Liverpool</td> +<td class="right">3.12.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">1.1.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>20th battery, R.F.A.</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">170</td> +<td class="right">137</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="center"><i>Victorian</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton</td> +<td class="right">13.12.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">1.1.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>28th battery, R.F.A.</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">170</td> +<td class="right">137</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="center"><i>Atlantian</i></td> +<td class="center">Queenstown</td> +<td class="right">5.12.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">1.1.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Ammunition column</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">128</td> +<td class="right">93</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Atlantian</i></td> +<td class="center">Queenstown</td> +<td class="right">5.12.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">1.1.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>37th Field company, R.E.</td> +<td class="right">7</td> +<td class="right">207</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Canada</i></td> +<td class="center">Liverpool</td> +<td class="right">30.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">23.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>10th Infantry brigade Staff</td> +<td class="right">1<a id="tablenotetag19" name="tablenotetag19"></a><a href="#tablenote19" title="Go to tablenote 19"><span class="small">[19]</span></a></td> +<td class="right">17</td> +<td class="right">2</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Gaul</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton</td> +<td class="right">24.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">16.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>2nd battn. Royal Warwickshire regiment</td> +<td class="right">25</td> +<td class="right">1,078</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Gaul</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton</td> +<td class="right">24.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">16.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>1st battn. Yorkshire regiment</td> +<td class="right">22</td> +<td class="right">956</td> +<td class="right">4</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Doune Castle</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton</td> +<td class="right">24.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">15.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><span class="pagenum"><a id="page479" name="page479"></a>[p. 479]</span>2nd battn. Dorset regiment</td> +<td class="right">22</td> +<td class="right">944</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Simla</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton</td> +<td class="right">24.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">21.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>2nd battn. Middlesex regiment</td> +<td class="right">25</td> +<td class="right">1,023</td> +<td class="right">4</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Avondale Castle</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton</td> +<td class="right">2.12.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town<a id="tablenotetag20" name="tablenotetag20"></a><a href="#tablenote20" title="Go to tablenote 20"><span class="small">[20]</span></a></td> +<td class="right">26.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>11th infantry brigade Staff</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">12</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Canada</i></td> +<td class="center">Liverpool</td> +<td class="right">30.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">23.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>2nd battn. Royal Lancaster regiment</td> +<td class="right">25</td> +<td class="right">1,049</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Dilwara</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton</td> +<td class="right">2.12.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">30.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>2nd battn. Lancashire Fusiliers</td> +<td class="right">21</td> +<td class="right">1,082</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Norman</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton</td> +<td class="right">2.12.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town<a id="tablenotetag21" name="tablenotetag21"></a><a href="#tablenote21" title="Go to tablenote 21"><span class="small">[21]</span></a></td> +<td class="right">19.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>1st battn. South Lancashire regiment</td> +<td class="right">22</td> +<td class="right">1,049</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Canada</i></td> +<td class="center">Liverpool</td> +<td class="right">30.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">23.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>1st battn. York and Lancaster regiment</td> +<td class="right">24</td> +<td class="right">838</td> +<td class="right">4</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Majestic</i></td> +<td class="center">Liverpool</td> +<td class="right">13.12.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">2.1.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Army Service Corps, No. 27 coy.</td> +<td class="right">2</td> +<td class="right">47</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Canada</i></td> +<td class="center">Liverpool</td> +<td class="right">30.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">23.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><span class="spacing1em">" " ",</span> No. 32 coy.</td> +<td class="right">2</td> +<td class="right">60</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Gaul</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton</td> +<td class="right">24.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">16.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><span class="spacing1em">" " ",</span> No. 25 coy.</td> +<td class="right">2</td> +<td class="right">60</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Canada</i></td> +<td class="center">Liverpool</td> +<td class="right">30.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">23.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Royal Army Medical Corps</td> +<td class="right">15</td> +<td class="right">153</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Canada</i><br><i>Simla</i><br><i>Dilwara</i></td> +<td class="center">Liverpool<br>Southampton<br>Southampton</td> +<td class="right">30.11.99<br>24.11.99<br>2.12.99</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">23.12.99<br>21.12.99<br>30.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="10"> </td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="10"><span class="smcap">(C) Additional Units Mobilized with Fifth Infantry Division.</span></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="10"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td>Brigade division Staff, R.H.A.</td> +<td class="right">4</td> +<td class="right">16</td> +<td class="right">18</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Cestrian</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton</td> +<td class="right">21.12.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">10.1.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Q. battery, R.H.A.</td> +<td class="right">4</td> +<td class="right">174</td> +<td class="right">194</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="center"><i>Manchester</i><br><i>Corporation</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton</td> +<td class="right">19.12.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">25.1.00<a id="tablenotetag22" name="tablenotetag22"></a><a href="#tablenote22" title="Go to tablenote 22"><span class="small">[22]</span></a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>T. battery, R.H.A.</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">170</td> +<td class="right">196</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="center"><i>Manchester</i><br><i>Corporation</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton</td> +<td class="right">19.12.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">25.1.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>U. battery, R.H.A.</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">178</td> +<td class="right">196</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="center"><i>Cestrian</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton</td> +<td class="right">21.12.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">10.1.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Ammunition column</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">107</td> +<td class="right">93</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Cestrian</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton</td> +<td class="right">21.12.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">10.1.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Army Ordnance Corps</td> +<td class="right">2</td> +<td class="right">80</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Guelph</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton</td> +<td class="right">18.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">10.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="10"> </td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="10"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page480" name="page480"></a>[p. 480]</span> (D) <span class="smcap">Sixth Infantry Division.</span></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="10"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td>Divisional Staff</td> +<td class="right">10</td> +<td class="right">40</td> +<td class="right">8</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Dunottar Castle</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton</td> +<td class="right">23.12.99</td> +<td class="center">Port Elizabeth</td> +<td class="right">15.1.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Brigade division Staff</td> +<td class="right">4</td> +<td class="right">13</td> +<td class="right">16</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Cymric</i></td> +<td class="center">Liverpool</td> +<td class="right">1.1.00</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">21.1.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>76th battery, R.F.A.</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">170</td> +<td class="right">137</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="center"><i>Cymric</i></td> +<td class="center">Liverpool</td> +<td class="right">1.1.00</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">21.1.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>81st battery, R.F.A.</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">170</td> +<td class="right">137</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="center"><i>Cymric</i></td> +<td class="center">Liverpool</td> +<td class="right">1.1.00</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">21.1.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>82nd battery, R.F.A.</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">170</td> +<td class="right">138</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="center"><i>Cymric</i></td> +<td class="center">Liverpool</td> +<td class="right">1.1.00</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">21.1.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Ammunition column</td> +<td class="right">4</td> +<td class="right">123</td> +<td class="right">96</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>America</i></td> +<td class="center">Royal Albert Dock</td> +<td class="right">5.1.00</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">31.1.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Royal Engineers</td> +<td class="right">10</td> +<td class="right">208</td> +<td class="right">10</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Tintagel Castle</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton</td> +<td class="right">17.12.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">8.1.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>12th infantry brigade Staff</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">21</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Gascon</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton</td> +<td class="right">16.12.99</td> +<td class="center">Port Elizabeth</td> +<td class="right">12.1.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>2nd battn. Bedfordshire regt.</td> +<td class="right">22</td> +<td class="right">903</td> +<td class="right">2</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Sumatra</i></td> +<td class="center">Royal Albert Dock</td> +<td class="right">16.12.99</td> +<td class="center">Port Elizabeth</td> +<td class="right">13.1.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>1st battn. Royal Irish regt.</td> +<td class="right">18</td> +<td class="right">843<a id="tablenotetag23" name="tablenotetag23"></a><a href="#tablenote23" title="Go to tablenote 23"><span class="small">[23]</span></a></td> +<td class="right">185</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Gascon</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton</td> +<td class="right">16.12.99</td> +<td class="center">Port Elizabeth</td> +<td class="right">12.1.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>2nd battn. Worcestershire regt.</td> +<td class="right">27</td> +<td class="right">1,055<a id="tablenotetag24" name="tablenotetag24"></a><a href="#tablenote24" title="Go to tablenote 24"><span class="small">[24]</span></a></td> +<td class="right">117</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Tintagel Castle</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton</td> +<td class="right">17.12.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">8.1.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>2nd battn. Wiltshire regt.</td> +<td class="right">8</td> +<td class="right">823</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Gascon</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton</td> +<td class="right">16.12.99</td> +<td class="center">Port Elizabeth</td> +<td class="right">12.1.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>13th infantry brigade Staff</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">21</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Gaika</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton</td> +<td class="right">22.12.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">14.1.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>2nd battn. East Kent regt.</td> +<td class="right">21</td> +<td class="right">934<a href="#tablenote24" title="Go to tablenote 24"><span class="small">[24]</span></a></td> +<td class="right">120</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Gaika</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton</td> +<td class="right">22.12.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">14.1.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>2nd battn. Gloucestershire regt.</td> +<td class="right">26</td> +<td class="right">930<a href="#tablenote24" title="Go to tablenote 24"><span class="small">[24]</span></a></td> +<td class="right">119</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Cymric</i></td> +<td class="center">Liverpool</td> +<td class="right">1.1.00</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">21.1.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>1st battn. West Riding regt.</td> +<td class="right">27</td> +<td class="right">981<a id="tablenotetag25" name="tablenotetag25"></a><a href="#tablenote25" title="Go to tablenote 25"><span class="small">[25]</span></a></td> +<td class="right">109</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Orient</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton</td> +<td class="right">29.12.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">19.1.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>1st battn. Oxfordshire Light Infantry</td> +<td class="right">26</td> +<td class="right">768<a href="#tablenote25" title="Go to tablenote 25"><span class="small">[25]</span></a></td> +<td class="right">87</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Gaika</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton</td> +<td class="right">22.12.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">14.1.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Army Service Corps, No. 10 company</td> +<td class="right">2</td> +<td class="right">60</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Tintagel Castle</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton</td> +<td class="right">17.12.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">8.1.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Army Service Corps, No. 7 company</td> +<td class="right">2</td> +<td class="right">60</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Sumatra</i></td> +<td class="center">Royal Albert Dock</td> +<td class="right">16.12.99</td> +<td class="center">Port Elizabeth</td> +<td class="right">13.1.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Army Service Corps, No. 23 company</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">46</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Tintagel Castle</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton</td> +<td class="right">17.12.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">8.1.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Royal Army Medical Corps</td> +<td class="right">20</td> +<td class="right">221</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Tintagel Castle</i><br><i>Gaika</i><br><i>America</i><br><i>Cymric</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton<br>Southampton<br>Royal Albert Dock<br>Liverpool</td> +<td class="right">17.12.99<br>22.12.99<br>5.1.00<br>1.1.00</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">8.1.00<br>14.1.00<br>31.1.00<br>21.1.00</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="10"> </td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="10"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page481" name="page481"></a>[p. 481]</span> (E) <span class="smcap">Seventh Division.</span></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="10"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td>Divisional Staff</td> +<td class="right">18</td> +<td class="right">48</td> +<td class="right">31</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Kildonan Castle</i><br><i>Dwarka</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton<br>Bombay</td> +<td class="right">3.1.00<br>4.1.00</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">20.1.00<br>18.1.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Brigade division Staff, R.F.A.</td> +<td class="right">4</td> +<td class="right">12</td> +<td class="right">14</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Manchester Port</i></td> +<td class="center">Tilbury</td> +<td class="right">18.1.00</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">11.2.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>83rd battery, R.F.A.</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">170</td> +<td class="right">134</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="center"><i>Manchester Port</i></td> +<td class="center">Tilbury</td> +<td class="right">18.1.00</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">11.2.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>84th battery, R.F.A.</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">170</td> +<td class="right">135</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="center"><i>Manchester Port</i></td> +<td class="center">Tilbury</td> +<td class="right">18.1.00</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">11.2.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>85th battery, R.F.A.</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">170</td> +<td class="right">137</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="center"><i>Manchester Port</i></td> +<td class="center">Tilbury</td> +<td class="right">18.1.00</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">11.2.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Ammunition column</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">126</td> +<td class="right">93</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Glengyle</i></td> +<td class="center">S.W. India Dock</td> +<td class="right">10.1.00</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">4.2.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Royal Engineers</td> +<td class="right">7</td> +<td class="right">213</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Goorkha</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton</td> +<td class="right">4.1.00</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">25.1.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>14th infantry brigade Staff</td> +<td class="right">2</td> +<td class="right">20</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Goorkha</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton</td> +<td class="right">4.1.00</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">25.1.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>2nd battn. Norfolk regt.</td> +<td class="right">26</td> +<td class="right">984</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Assaye</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton</td> +<td class="right">4.1.00</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">23.1.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>2nd battn. Lincolnshire regt.</td> +<td class="right">25</td> +<td class="right">971</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Goorkha</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton</td> +<td class="right">4.1.00</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">25.1.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>1st battn. King's Own Scottish Borderers</td> +<td class="right">28</td> +<td class="right">1,067</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Braemar Castle</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton</td> +<td class="right">4.1.00</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">26.1.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>2nd battn. Hampshire regt.</td> +<td class="right">22</td> +<td class="right">838</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Assaye</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton</td> +<td class="right">4.1.00</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">23.1.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>15th infantry brigade Staff</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">21</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Briton</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton</td> +<td class="right">13.1.00</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">29.1.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>2nd battn. Cheshire regt.</td> +<td class="right">27</td> +<td class="right">963</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Britannic</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton</td> +<td class="right">7.1.00</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">27.1.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>1st battn. East Lancashire regt.</td> +<td class="right">27</td> +<td class="right">948</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Bavarian</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton</td> +<td class="right">13.1.00</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">3.2.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>2nd battn. South Wales Borderers</td> +<td class="right">29</td> +<td class="right">1,064</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Bavarian</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton</td> +<td class="right">13.1.00</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">3.2.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>2nd battn. North Staffordshire regt.</td> +<td class="right">27</td> +<td class="right">998</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Aurania</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton</td> +<td class="right">15.1.00</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">3.2.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Army Service Corps, No. 12 company</td> +<td class="right">2</td> +<td class="right">41</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Braemar Castle</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton</td> +<td class="right">4.1.00</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">26.1.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Army Service Corps, No. 17 company</td> +<td class="right">2</td> +<td class="right">37</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Braemar Castle</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton</td> +<td class="right">4.1.00</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">26.1.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Army Service Corps, No. 34 company</td> +<td class="right">2</td> +<td class="right">42</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Braemar Castle</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton</td> +<td class="right">4.1.00</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">26.1.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Royal Army Medical Corps</td> +<td class="right">16</td> +<td class="right">164</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Braemar Castle</i><br><i>Britannic</i><br><i>Goorkha</i><br><i>Bavarian</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton</td> +<td class="right">4.1.00<br>7.1.00<br>4.1.00<br>13.1.00</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">27.1.00<br>27.1.00<br>25.1.00<br>3.2.00</td> +</tr> +</table> + + +<table border="0" cellpadding="1" summary="Appendix 9."> +<colgroup> + <col width="60%"> + <col width="20%"> + <col width="20%"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td colspan="3"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page482" name="page482"></a>[p. 482]</span> (F) (<i>a</i>) <span class="smcap">Artillery Units Unallotted to Brigades and +Divisions at the time of Lord Roberts' Advance</span>.</td></tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="3"> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="center">Company.</td> +<td class="center">Date of Embarkation.</td> +<td class="center">Date of Arrival at Cape Town.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="3"> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>No. 15 company, Southern Division, R.G.A.</td> +<td class="center" rowspan="2">9th December,1899.</td> +<td class="center" rowspan="2">26th December, 1899.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>No. 15 company, Western Division, R.G.A.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="3"> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>No. 16 company, Southern Division, R.G.A.</td> +<td class="center" rowspan="2">22nd December, 1899</td> +<td class="center" rowspan="2">18th January, 1900.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>No. 36 company, Southern Division, R.G.A.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="3"> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>No. 2 company, Southern Division, R.G.A.</td> +<td class="center" rowspan="2">22nd January, 1900.</td> +<td class="center" rowspan="2">13th February, 1900.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>No. 5 company, Eastern Division, R.G.A.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="3"> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>No. 14 company, Southern Division, R.G.A.</td> +<td class="center" rowspan="5">2nd & 3rd Feb. 1900.</td> +<td class="center" rowspan="5">24th to 27th Feb. 1900.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>No. 17 company, Southern Division, R.G.A.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>No. 10 company, Eastern Division, R.G.A.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>No. 2 company, Western Division, R.G.A.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>No. 6 company, Western Division, R.G.A.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>No. 10 company, Western Division, R.G.A.</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>These companies arrived in various ships.</p> + +<table class="appendix" border="0" cellpadding="1" summary="Appendix 9."> +<colgroup> + <col width="20%"> + <col width="6%"> + <col width="6%"> + <col width="6%"> + <col width="6%"> + <col width="14%"> + <col width="10%"> + <col width="10%"> + <col width="12%"> + <col width="10%"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td class="center" rowspan="2">UNIT.</td> +<td class="center" colspan="4">STRENGTH.</td> +<td class="center" rowspan="2">Ship in which embarked.</td> +<td class="center" rowspan="2" style="vertical-align: top;">Place of Embarkation.</td> +<td class="right" rowspan="2" style="vertical-align: bottom;">Date of Embarkation.</td> +<td class="center" rowspan="2" style="vertical-align: top;">Place of disembarkation.</td> +<td class="right" rowspan="2" style="vertical-align: bottom;">Date of disembarkation.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="right">Officers</td> +<td class="right">Other Ranks</td> +<td class="right">Horses</td> +<td class="right">Guns</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="10"> </td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="10"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page483" name="page483"></a>[p. 483]</span> (F) (<i>b</i>) <span class="smcap">Units Unallotted to Brigades and Divisions Landed +in South Africa up to 13th February, 1900.</span></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="10"> </td></tr> +<tr><td>Militia</td></tr> +<tr> +<td><span class="add1em">4th battn. Royal Lancaster regiment</span></td> +<td class="right">25</td> +<td class="right">658</td> +<td class="right">2</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Nile</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton</td> +<td class="right">13.1.00</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">1.2.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><span class="add1em">6th battn. Royal Warwick regiment</span></td> +<td class="right">25</td> +<td class="right">687</td> +<td class="right">4</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Umbria</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton</td> +<td class="right">11.1.00</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">29.1.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><span class="add1em">3rd battn. S. Lancashire regiment</span></td> +<td class="right">24</td> +<td class="right">735</td> +<td class="right">4</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>City of Rome</i></td> +<td class="center">Liverpool</td> +<td class="right">16.1.00</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">13.2.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><span class="add1em">4th battn. Derbyshire regiment</span></td> +<td class="right">31</td> +<td class="right">651</td> +<td class="right">4</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Umbria</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton</td> +<td class="right">11.1.00</td> +<td class="center">Pt. Elizabeth</td> +<td class="right">2.2.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><span class="add1em">3rd battn. Durham Light Infantry</span></td> +<td class="right">29</td> +<td class="right">703</td> +<td class="right">4</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Umbria</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton</td> +<td class="right">11.1.00</td> +<td class="center">East London</td> +<td class="right">3.2.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><span class="add1em">4th battn. Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders</span></td> +<td class="right">28</td> +<td class="right">772</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>City of Rome</i></td> +<td class="center">Queenstown</td> +<td class="right">18.1.00</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">13.2.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><span class="add1em">9th battn. King's Royal Rifle Corps</span></td> +<td class="right">24</td> +<td class="right">672</td> +<td class="right">2</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Nile</i></td> +<td class="center">Queenstown</td> +<td class="right">13.1.00</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">1.2.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Imperial Yeomanry Staff</td> +<td class="right">4</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Kinfauns Castle</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton</td> +<td class="right">20.1.00</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">5.2.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>City of London Imperial Volunteers</td> +<td class="right">28</td> +<td class="right">812</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Garth Castle</i><br><i>Briton</i><br><i>Gaul</i><br><i>Kinfauns Castle</i></td> +<td class="center">Southampton</td> +<td class="right">13.1.00<br>13.1.00<br>20.1.00<br>20.1.00</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">4.2.00<br>29.1.00<br>12.2.00<br>5.2.00</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="10"> </td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="10">(G) <span class="smcap">Reinforcements from India.</span></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="10"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td>16th Lancers</td> +<td class="right">23</td> +<td class="right">551</td> +<td class="right">540</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Lindula</i><br><i>Fazilka</i><br><i>Nairung</i></td> +<td class="center">Bombay</td> +<td class="right">6.1.00</td> +<td class="center">Pt. Elizabeth</td> +<td class="right">23.1.00<br>21.1.00<br>23.1.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>A. battery, R.H.A.</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">174</td> +<td class="right">206</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="center"><i>Urlana</i></td> +<td class="center">Bombay</td> +<td class="right">8.1.00</td> +<td class="center">Durban</td> +<td class="right">22.1.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>J. battery, R.H.A.</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">179</td> +<td class="right">208</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="center"><i>Ujina</i></td> +<td class="center">Bombay</td> +<td class="right">11.1.00</td> +<td class="center">Pt. Elizabeth</td> +<td class="right">28.1.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Burma mounted infantry</td> +<td class="right">18</td> +<td class="right">308</td> +<td class="right">340</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Palamcotta</i></td> +<td class="center">Rangoon</td> +<td class="right">24.1.00</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">13.2.00</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="10"> </td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="10"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page484" name="page484"></a>[p. 484]</span> (H) <span class="smcap">Oversea Colonial Contingents Landed in South Africa up to +13th February, 1900.</span></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="10"> </td></tr> +<tr> +<td>New South Wales Lancers</td> +<td class="right">2</td> +<td class="right">68</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Nineveh</i></td> +<td class="center">London</td> +<td class="right">10.10.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">2.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>New Zealand mounted rifles</td> +<td class="right">15</td> +<td class="right">205</td> +<td class="right">251</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Waiwera</i></td> +<td class="center">Wellington</td> +<td class="right">20.10.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">23.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Victorian Rifles</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">120</td> +<td class="right">9</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Medic</i></td> +<td class="center">Melbourne</td> +<td class="right">28.10.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">27.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Tasmanian infantry</td> +<td class="right">4</td> +<td class="right">76</td> +<td class="right">4</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Medic</i></td> +<td class="center">Melbourne</td> +<td class="right">28.10.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">26.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Victorian mounted rifles</td> +<td class="right">8</td> +<td class="right">118</td> +<td class="right">157</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Medic</i></td> +<td class="center">Melbourne</td> +<td class="right">27.10.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">27.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>South Australian infantry</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="right">121</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Medic</i></td> +<td class="center">Adelaide</td> +<td class="right">31.10.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">26.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>West Australian infantry</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">125</td> +<td class="right">17</td> +<td class="right">2</td> +<td class="center"><i>Medic</i></td> +<td class="center">Albany</td> +<td class="right">5.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">26.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>New South Wales Lancers</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">33</td> +<td class="right">130</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center" rowspan="2"><i>Kent</i></td> +<td class="center" rowspan="2">Sydney</td> +<td class="right" rowspan="2">28.10.99</td> +<td class="center" rowspan="2">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right" rowspan="2">1.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>New South Wales Army Medical Corps</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="right">85</td> +<td class="right">50</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>2nd battn. Royal Canadian regiment</td> +<td class="right">43</td> +<td class="right">997</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="right">2</td> +<td class="center"><i>Sardinian</i></td> +<td class="center">Quebec</td> +<td class="right">30.10.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">30.11.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Queensland mounted infantry</td> +<td class="right">14</td> +<td class="right">248</td> +<td class="right">285</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="center"><i>Cornwall</i></td> +<td class="center">Brisbane</td> +<td class="right">1.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">14.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>New South Wales mounted rifles</td> +<td class="right">3</td> +<td class="right">73</td> +<td class="right">35</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Aberdeen</i></td> +<td class="center">Sydney</td> +<td class="right">3.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">7.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>New South Wales infantry</td> +<td class="right">4</td> +<td class="right">121</td> +<td class="right">9</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Aberdeen</i></td> +<td class="center">Sydney</td> +<td class="right">3.11.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">6.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>1st Australian Horse</td> +<td class="right">2</td> +<td class="right">32</td> +<td class="right">37</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center" rowspan="2"><i>Langton Grange</i></td> +<td class="center" rowspan="2">Newcastle N.S.W.</td> +<td class="right" rowspan="2">14.11.99</td> +<td class="center" rowspan="2">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right" rowspan="2">19.12.99</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>New South Wales mounted rifles</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="right">26</td> +<td class="right">69</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>A. battery, New South Wales Artillery</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="right">170</td> +<td class="right">140</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="center"><i>Warrigal</i></td> +<td class="center">Sydney</td> +<td class="right">30.12.99</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">7.2.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>2nd contingent Victorian mounted rifles</td> +<td class="right">14</td> +<td class="right">249</td> +<td class="right">305</td> +<td class="right">—</td> +<td class="center"><i>Euryalus</i></td> +<td class="center">Melbourne</td> +<td class="right">13.1.00</td> +<td class="center">Cape Town</td> +<td class="right">7.2.00</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<a id="appen10" name="appen10"></a> +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="page485" name="page485"></a>[p. 485]</span> APPENDIX 10.</h2> + +<p>Distribution of troops in South Africa on 11th February, 1900, when +the march from Ramdam began.</p> + +<p class="p2 center">FIELD-MARSHAL LORD ROBERTS.</p> + +<p>Commander-in-Chief's Bodyguard.</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="1" summary="Distribution of troops in South Africa."> +<colgroup> + <col width="35%"> + <col width="5%"> + <col width="60%"> +</colgroup> +<tr><td rowspan="33">Cavalry division. Lt.-Genl. J. D. P. French.</td> +<td colspan="2">1st Cavalry brigade (Brig.-Genl. T. C. Porter).</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>6th Dragoon guards (Carabiniers).</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>2nd Dragoons (Royal Scots Greys).</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons (one squadron).</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>14th Hussars (one squadron).</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>New South Wales Lancers.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>Q.T. and U. batteries, Royal Horse Artillery.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"> </td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2">2nd Cavalry brigade (Brig.-Genl. R. G. Broadwood).</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>Composite regiment of Household cavalry.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>10th Hussars.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>12th Lancers.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>G. and P. batteries, Royal Horse artillery.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"> </td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2">3rd Cavalry brigade (Brig.-Genl. J. R. P. Gordon).</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>9th Lancers.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>16th Lancers.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>O. and R. batteries, Royal Horse artillery.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"> </td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2">Divisional troops.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th regiments of mounted infantry.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>Roberts' Horse.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>Kitchener's Horse.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>Rimington's Guides.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>New Zealand mounted rifles.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>Queensland mounted infantry.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>New South Wales mounted rifles.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>Nesbitt's Horse.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>Ammunition Column.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>Field Troop, R.E.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>Det. A.S.C.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>Bearer Companies.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>Field Hospitals.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="3"> </td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="3"> </td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="3"> </td></tr> +<tr><td rowspan="25"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page486" name="page486"></a>[p. 486]</span> 6th infantry division. Lieut.-General T. Kelly-Kenny.</td> +<td colspan="2">13th brigade (Maj.-Genl. C. E. Knox).</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>2nd battn. East Kent regiment.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td><span class="spacing1em">2nd " Gloucestershire</span> regiment.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td><span class="spacing1em">1st " West</span> Riding regiment.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td><span class="spacing1em">1st " Oxfordshire</span> Light Infantry.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>Det. A.S.C.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>Bearer coy.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>Field Hospital.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"> </td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2">18th brigade (Brig.-Genl. T. E. Stephenson).</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>1st battn. Yorkshire regiment.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td><span class="spacing1em">1st " Welsh</span> regiment.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td><span class="spacing1em">1st " Essex</span> regiment.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>Det. A.S.C.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>Bearer coy.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>Field Hospital.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"> </td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2">Divisional troops. +<tr><td> </td> +<td>Two 12-pr. 12-cwt. Naval guns.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>76th battery, R.F.A.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>81st battery, R.F.A.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>Ammunition column.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>38th Field company, R.E.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>Det. A.S.C.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>Field Hospital.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="3"> </td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="3"> </td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="3"> </td></tr> +<tr><td rowspan="26">7th infantry division. Lieut.-General C. Tucker.</td> +<td colspan="2">14th brigade (Maj.-Genl. H. Chermside).</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>2nd battn. Norfolk regiment.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td><span class="spacing1em">2nd " Lincoln</span> regiment.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td><span class="spacing1em">1st " King's</span> Own Scottish Borderers.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td><span class="spacing1em">2nd " Hampshire</span> regiment.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>Det. A.S.C.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>Bearer Coy.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>Field Hospital.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"> </td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2">15th brigade (Maj.-Genl. A. G. Wavell).</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>2nd battn. Cheshire regiment.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td><span class="spacing1em">2nd " South</span> Wales Borderers.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td><span class="spacing1em">1st " East</span> Lancashire regiment.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td><span class="spacing1em">2nd " North</span> Staffordshire regiment.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>Det. A.S.C.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>Bearer Coy.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>Field Hospital.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"> </td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2">Divisional Troops.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>18th battery, R.F.A.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>62nd battery, R.F.A.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>75th battery, R.F.A.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>Ammunition Column.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>9th Field company, R.E.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>Det. A.S.C.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>Field Hospital.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="3"> </td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="3"> </td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="3"> </td></tr> +<tr><td rowspan="28"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page487" name="page487"></a>[p. 487]</span> 9th infantry division. Lieut.-Genl. Sir H. Colvile</td> +<td colspan="2">3rd brigade (Maj.-Genl. H. A. MacDonald).</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>2nd battn. Black Watch.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td><span class="spacing1em">1st " Highland</span> Light Infantry.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td><span class="spacing1em">2nd " Seaforth</span> Highlanders.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td><span class="spacing1em">1st " Argyll</span> and Sutherland Highlanders.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>Det. A.S.C.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>Bearer Coy.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>Field Hospital.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"> </td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2">19th brigade (Maj.-Genl. H. L. Smith-Dorrien).</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>2nd battn. Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td><span class="spacing1em">2nd " Shropshire</span> Light Infantry.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td><span class="spacing1em">1st " Gordon</span> Highlanders.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td><span class="spacing1em">2nd " Royal</span> Canadian regiment.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>Det. A.S.C.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>Bearer Coy.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>Field Hospital.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"> </td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2">Divisional Troops.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>Two 4·7-in. Naval guns.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>65th (Howitzer) battery, R.F.A.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>82nd battery, R.F.A.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>Ammunition column.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>7th Field company, R.E.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>Det. A.S.C.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>Field Hospital.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>City of London Imperial Volunteers mounted infantry.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>Grahamstown Volunteers mounted infantry.</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="p2 center smcap">Lieut.-General Lord Methuen, Modder River.</p> +<ul class="none"> +<li class="min2em">1st brigade (Maj.-Genl. R. Pole-Carew).</li> +<li>3rd battn. Grenadier Guards.</li> +<li><span class="spacing1em">1st " Coldstream</span> Guards.</li> +<li><span class="spacing1em">2nd " Coldstream</span> Guards.</li> +<li><span class="spacing1em">1st " Scots</span> Guards.</li> +<li>Det. A.S.C.</li> +<li>Bearer Coy.</li> +<li>Field Hospital.</li> +</ul> + +<ul class="none"> +<li class="min2em">9th brigade (Maj.-Genl. C. W. H. Douglas).</li> +<li>1st battn. Northumberland Fusiliers.</li> +<li><span class="spacing1em">1st " Loyal</span> North Lancashire regiment (four companies).</li> +<li><span class="spacing1em">2nd " Northamptonshire</span> regiment.</li> +<li><span class="spacing1em">2nd " King's</span> Own Yorkshire Light Infantry.</li> +<li>Det. A.S.C.</li> +<li>Bearer Coy.</li> +<li>Field Hospital.</li> +</ul> + +<ul class="none"> +<li class="min2em">Divisional Troops.</li> +<li>Two 4·7-in. and two 12-pr. 12-cwt. Naval guns.</li> +<li>20th battery, R.F.A.</li> +<li>37th (Howitzer) battery, R.F.A. (four Howitzers).</li> +<li>38th battery, R.F.A.</li> +<li>Detachment 14th company, Southern Division, R.G.A.</li> +<li>Ammunition Column.</li> +<li>Field company, R.E.</li> +<li>Balloon section, R.E.</li> +<li>Det. A.S.C.</li> +<li>Field Hospital.</li> +</ul> + +<p class="p2 center"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page488" name="page488"></a>[p. 488]</span> <span class="smcap">Lieut.-General Sir F. Forestier-Walker.</span></p> + +<ul class="none"> +<li>83rd battery, R.F.A.</li> +<li>84th battery, R.F.A.</li> +<li>85th battery, R.F.A.</li> +<li>A. battery, New South Wales artillery.</li> +<li>Detachment 14th coy., Southern Division, R.G.A.</li> +<li>15th coy., Southern Division, R.G.A.</li> +<li>15th coy., Western Division, R.G.A.</li> +<li>Two 5-in. guns 16th coy., Southern Division, R.G.A.</li> +<li>2nd battn. Royal Warwickshire regiment.</li> +<li><span class="spacing1em">1st " Suffolk</span> regiment.</li> +<li><span class="spacing1em">1st " Royal</span> Munster Fusiliers.</li> +<li><span class="spacing1em">4th " Royal</span> Lancaster regiment.</li> +<li><span class="spacing1em">6th " Royal</span> Warwickshire regiment.</li> +<li><span class="spacing1em">3rd " South</span> Lancashire regiment.</li> +<li><span class="spacing1em">9th " King's</span> Royal Rifle Corps.</li> +<li><span class="spacing1em">4th " Argyll</span> and Sutherland Highlanders.</li> +<li>City of London Imperial Volunteers.</li> +<li>Railway Pioneer regiment.</li> +</ul> + +<p class="p2 center smcap">Major-General R. A. P. Clements, Naauwpoort and Colesberg.</p> + +<ul class="none"> +<li>6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons (two squadrons).</li> +<li>J. battery, R.H.A.</li> +<li>37th (Howitzer) battery, R.F.A. (two Howitzers).</li> +<li>4th battery, R.F.A.</li> +<li>2nd battn. Bedfordshire regiment.</li> +<li><span class="spacing1em">1st " Royal</span> Irish regiment.</li> +<li><span class="spacing1em">2nd " Worcestershire</span> regiment.</li> +<li><span class="spacing1em">2nd " Royal</span> Berkshire regiment (four companies).</li> +<li><span class="spacing1em">2nd " Wiltshire</span> regiment.</li> +<li><span class="spacing1em">4th " Derbyshire</span> regiment.</li> +<li>Detachment 14th coy., Southern Division, R.G.A.</li> +</ul> + +<p class="p2 center smcap">Lieut.-General Sir W. Gatacre, Sterkstroom.</p> + +<ul class="none"> +<li>Two 12-pr. 12-cwt. Naval guns.</li> +<li>74th battery, R.F.A.</li> +<li>77th battery, R.F.A.</li> +<li>79th battery, R.F.A.</li> +<li>Detachment, R.G.A. (two 9-pr. guns).</li> +<li>1st battn. The Royal Scots.</li> +<li><span class="spacing1em">2nd " Northumberland</span> Fusiliers.</li> +<li><span class="spacing1em">1st " Derbyshire</span> regiment.</li> +<li><span class="spacing1em">2nd " Berkshire</span> regiment (four companies).</li> +<li><span class="spacing1em">2nd " Royal</span> Irish Rifles.</li> +<li><span class="spacing1em">3rd " Durham</span> Light Infantry.</li> +<li>Two companies of mounted infantry.</li> +<li>Cape Mounted Rifles.</li> +<li>Brabant's Horse.</li> +<li>Kaffrarian Rifles.</li> +<li>De Montmorency's Scouts.</li> +<li>Queenstown Mounted Volunteers.</li> +</ul> + +<p class="p2 center smcap">Colonel R. G. Kekewich, Kimberley.</p> + +<ul class="none"> +<li>23rd company, Western Division, R.G.A.</li> +<li>7th Field company, R.E. (one section).</li> +<li>1st battn. Loyal North Lancashire regiment (four companies).</li> +<li>Diamond Fields artillery.</li> +<li>Kimberley regiment.</li> +<li>Diamond Fields Horse.</li> +<li>Kimberley Light Horse.</li> +<li>Cape Police.</li> +<li>Town Guard.</li> +</ul> + +<p class="p2 center"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page489" name="page489"></a>[p. 489]</span> <span class="smcap">Colonel R. S. S. Baden-Powell, Mafeking.</span></p> + +<ul class="none"> +<li>Protectorate regiment.</li> +<li>Bechuanaland Rifles.</li> +<li>British South Africa Police.</li> +<li>Cape Police.</li> +<li>Town Guard.</li> +</ul> + +<p class="p2 center smcap">South Rhodesia and Bechuanaland Protectorate.</p> + +<ul class="none"> +<li>Rhodesia regiment.</li> +<li>British South Africa Police.</li> +<li>Buluwayo Volunteers.</li> +<li>Buluwayo Town Guard.</li> +</ul> + +<p class="p2 center smcap">General Sir G. White, Ladysmith.</p> + +<ul class="none"> +<li><span class="min2em">Naval brigade,</span> with two 4·7-in, and four 12-pr. 12-cwt. Naval guns.</li> +<li><span class="min2em">Natal Naval Volunteers.</span></li> +</ul> + +<ul class="none"> +<li><span class="min2em">Cavalry brigade (Maj.-Genl. J. F. Brocklehurst).</span></li> +<li>5th Dragoon Guards.</li> +<li>5th Lancers.</li> +<li>18th Hussars.</li> +<li>19th Hussars.</li> +<li>Imperial Light Horse.</li> +</ul> + +<ul class="none"> +<li><span class="min2em">Mounted brigade (Colonel W. Royston).</span></li> +<li>Natal Carbineers.</li> +<li>Natal Mounted Rifles.</li> +<li>Border Mounted Rifles.</li> +<li>Natal Police.</li> +<li><span class="add2em">——</span></li> +<li>13th battery, R.F.A.</li> +<li>67th battery, R.F.A.</li> +<li>69th battery, R.F.A.</li> +<li>21st battery, R.F.A.</li> +<li>42nd battery, R.F.A.</li> +<li>53rd battery, R.F.A.</li> +<li>No. 10, Mountain battery, R.G.A. (two guns).</li> +<li>Two 6·3-in. Howitzers.</li> +</ul> + +<ul class="none"> +<li><span class="min2em">7th brigade (Colonel I. S. M. Hamilton).</span></li> +<li>1st battn. Manchester regiment.</li> +<li><span class="spacing1em">2nd " Gordon</span> Highlanders.</li> +<li><span class="spacing1em">1st " Royal</span> Irish Fusiliers (two companies).</li> +<li><span class="spacing1em">2nd " Rifle</span> Brigade (seven companies).</li> +</ul> + +<ul class="none"> +<li><span class="min2em">8th brigade (Colonel F. Howard).</span></li> +<li>1st battn. Leicestershire regiment.</li> +<li><span class="spacing1em">2nd " King's</span> Royal Rifle Corps.</li> +<li><span class="spacing1em">1st " Liverpool</span> regiment (four companies).</li> +<li><span class="spacing1em">2nd " Rifle</span> Brigade (one company).</li> +</ul> + +<ul class="none"> +<li><span class="min2em">Divisional Troops (Colonel W. G. Knox).</span></li> +<li>23rd Field coy., R.E.</li> +<li>Telegraph section, R.E.</li> +<li>Balloon section, R.E.</li> +<li>1st battn. Liverpool regiment (four companies).</li> +<li><span class="spacing1em">1st " Devonshire</span> regiment.</li> +<li><span class="spacing1em">1st " King's</span> Royal Rifle Corps.</li> +<li><span class="spacing1em">1st " Gloucestershire</span> regiment.</li> +<li>Town Guard. +</ul> + +<p class="p2 center"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page490" name="page490"></a>[p. 490]</span> <span class="smcap">General Sir R. Buller, Chieveley.</span></p> + +<ul class="none"> +<li><span class="min2em">Naval Brigade (Captain E. P. Jones, R.N.).</span></li> +<li>One 6-in. gun.</li> +<li>Five 4·7-in. guns.</li> +<li>Eight 12-pr. 12-cwt. guns.</li> +</ul> + +<ul class="none"> +<li><span class="min2em">Corps Troops.</span></li> +<li>19th battery, R.F.A.</li> +<li>61st (Howitzer) battery, R.F.A.</li> +<li>Two 5-in. guns, 16th company, Southern Division, R.G.A.</li> +<li>No. 4, Mountain battery, R.G.A.</li> +<li>Ammunition Column.</li> +<li>Telegraph Detachment, R.E.</li> +<li>"A." Pontoon Troop, R.E.</li> +<li>Balloon section, R.E.</li> +</ul> + +<ul class="none"> +<li><span class="min2em">2nd Mounted brigade (Colonel the Earl of Dundonald).</span></li> +<li>Composite regiment of mounted infantry.</li> +<li>South African Light Horse.</li> +<li>Thorneycroft's mounted infantry.</li> +</ul> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="1" summary="Distribution of troops."> +<colgroup> + <col width="35%"> + <col width="5%"> + <col width="60%"> +</colgroup> +<tr><td rowspan="16">2nd infantry division. Major-Genl. the Hon. N. G. Lyttelton.</td> +<td colspan="2">2nd brigade (Maj. Genl. H. J. T. Hildyard).</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>2nd battn. Queen's regiment.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td><span class="spacing1em">2nd " Devon</span> regiment.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td><span class="spacing1em">2nd " West</span> Yorkshire regiment.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td><span class="spacing1em">2nd " East</span> Surrey regiment.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="2">4th brigade (Colonel C. H. B. Norcott).</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>2nd battn. Scottish Rifles.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td><span class="spacing1em">3rd " King's</span> Royal Rifle Corps.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td><span class="spacing1em">1st " Durham</span> Light Infantry.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td><span class="spacing1em">1st " Rifle</span> brigade. +<tr><td colspan="2">Divisional Troops.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>One troop, 13th Hussars.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>7th battery, R.F.A.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>63rd battery, R.F.A.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>64th battery, R.F.A.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>17th Field company, R.E.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="3"> </td> +<tr><td colspan="3"> </td> +<tr><td colspan="3"> </td> +<tr><td rowspan="16">5th infantry division Lieut.-Genl. Sir C. Warren.</td> +<td colspan="2">10th brigade (Maj.-Genl. J. Talbot Coke).</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>2nd battn. Somerset Light Infantry.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td><span class="spacing1em">2nd " Dorset</span> regiment.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td><span class="spacing1em">2nd " Middlesex</span> regiment.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="2">11th brigade (Maj.-Genl. A. S. Wynne).</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>1st battn. Royal Lancaster regiment.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td><span class="spacing1em">1st " South</span> Lancashire regiment.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>Rifle Reserve battalion.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="2">Divisional Troops.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>One troop Royal Dragoons.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>Colonial Scouts.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>28th battery, R.F.A.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>73rd battery, R.F.A.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>78th battery, R.F.A.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>Ammunition Column.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td>37th company, R.E.</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<ul class="none"> +<li><span class="min2em"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page491" name="page491"></a>[p. 491]</span> 6th brigade (temporarily attached to 5th division). (Major-Genl. G. Barton).</span></li> +<li>2nd battn. Royal Fusiliers.</li> +<li><span class="spacing1em">2nd " Royal</span> Scots Fusiliers.</li> +<li><span class="spacing1em">1st " Royal</span> Welsh Fusiliers.</li> +<li><span class="spacing1em">2nd " Royal</span> Irish Fusiliers.</li> +</ul> + +<ul class="none"> +<li><span class="min2em">5th brigade (unattached). (Major-Genl. A. F. Hart).</span></li> +<li>1st battn. Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.</li> +<li><span class="spacing1em">1st " Border</span> regiment.</li> +<li><span class="spacing1em">1st " Connaught</span> Rangers.</li> +<li><span class="spacing1em">2nd " Royal</span> Dublin Fusiliers.</li> +</ul> + +<p class="p2 center smcap">At Springfield.</p> + +<ul class="none"> +<li><span class="min2em">1st Cavalry brigade (Colonel J. F. Burn-Murdoch).</span></li> +<li>1st Royal Dragoons.</li> +<li>13th Hussars.</li> +<li>14th Hussars (two squadrons).</li> +<li>A. battery, R.H.A.</li> +<li>Two Naval 12-prs.</li> +<li>1st battn. York and Lancaster regiment.</li> +<li>Imperial Light Infantry.</li> +</ul> + +<p class="p2 center smcap">At Greytown.</p> + +<ul class="none"> +<li><span class="min2em">Colonel E. C. Bethune, 16th Lancers.</span></li> +<li>Bethune's mounted infantry.</li> +<li>Natal Police.</li> +<li>Umvoti Mounted Rifles.</li> +<li>Two 7-pr. Field guns, Natal Field artillery.</li> +<li>Two Naval 12-pr. 8-cwt. guns.</li> +<li>Detachment mounted infantry.</li> +</ul> + +<p class="p2 center smcap">Lines of Communication.</p> + +<ul class="none"> +<li>2nd battn. Lancashire Fusiliers.</li> +<li><span class="spacing1em">1st " Royal</span> Dublin Fusiliers.</li> +<li>Natal Royal Rifles.</li> +<li>Colonial Scouts.</li> +<li>Durban Light Infantry.</li> +<li>Natal Field artillery.</li> +</ul> + +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="page492" name="page492"></a>[p. 492]</span> GLOSSARY.</h2> + +<table class="list" border="0" cellpadding="1" summary="Glossary."> +<colgroup> + <col width="30%"> + <col width="70%"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Bad</td> +<td>A spring, bath.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Berg</td> +<td>A mountain.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Biltong</td> +<td>Dried meat.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Boer</td> +<td>Literally farmer; often used as generic term for a Dutchman + of South Africa.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Brandwacht</td> +<td>An outpost, or picket; literally beacon or camp fire.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Bult</td> +<td>A ridge in a rolling down country; literally a hump.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Burg</td> +<td>A town; literally a borough.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Burgher</td> +<td>A male inhabitant of one of the Boer Republics who + possessed full political rights.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Bush</td> +<td>Country covered in a varying degree with trees and + undergrowth.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Bushveld</td> +<td>Generally used in the Transvaal in reference to the low + veld, in contrast to the high veld of the south and east and the + bushveld of the north-east and north.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Commandant</td> +<td>Senior officer of a commando; a commander.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Commandeer</td> +<td>To requisition for military service.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Commando</td> +<td>A Boer military force of any size, usually the fighting + force of one district.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Corporal</td> +<td>Assistant to a Veld-Cornet (q.v.).</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Donga</td> +<td>A cutting made on the surface of the ground by the action + of water—sometimes filled with water, often dry.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Dopper</td> +<td>A sect, religious, and to some extent political, among the + Boers.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><span class="pagenum"><a id="page493" name="page493"></a>[p. 493]</span> <span class="smcap">Dorp</span></td> +<td>A village.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Drift</td> +<td>A ford.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Fontein</td> +<td>A spring; literally a fountain.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Hoek</td> +<td>A re-entrant in a range of hills; literally corner; also + used for pass and ravine.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Hoofd</td> +<td>An adjective signifying head or chief.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Hout</td> +<td>Wood.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Impi</td> +<td>A Zulu army.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Indaba</td> +<td>Native council.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Induna</td> +<td>Zulu, or Kaffir, chief.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Inspan</td> +<td>To attach transport animals of any kind to their + vehicles—to get ready to march—to harness-up.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Kloof</td> +<td>Ravine, a gorge; literally a cleft.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Kop</td> +<td>A hill; literally head.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Kopje</td> +<td>A small hill.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Kraal</td> +<td>Native village, or collection of huts; an enclosure for + cattle.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><span class="smcap">Kranz, Krantz</span> or <span class="smcap">Krans</span></td> +<td>Cliff.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Krijgsraad</td> +<td>War council.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Laager</td> +<td>Camp, bivouac.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Landdrost</td> +<td>Boer magistrate.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Morgen</td> +<td>A land measurement, roughly equal to two acres.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Nek</td> +<td>A pass between two hills of any height.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Pan</td> +<td>A pond, full or empty; a saucer-like depression, usually dry + in winter.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Plaats</td> +<td>House or farm. The term is equivalent to "an estate," + large or small.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Pont</td> +<td>A ferry-boat or pontoon, worked by ropes or chains.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Poort</td> +<td>A gap, breaking a range of hills; literally gate.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Rand</td> +<td>Ridge or edge—<i>i.e.</i>, the edge of a plateau.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Roer</td> +<td>An old-fashioned gun or rifle.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Sangar</td> +<td>Anglo-Indian term for a stone breastwork.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Schanz</td> +<td>Stone entrenchment or breastwork.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><span class="pagenum"><a id="page494" name="page494"></a>[p. 494]</span> <span class="smcap">Sloot</span> or <span class="smcap">Sluit</span> +<td>Open watercourse; an artificial ditch or + gutter.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Span</td> +<td>A team of animals.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Spruit</td> +<td>A watercourse, sometimes dry.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Stad</td> +<td>Town.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Stoep</td> +<td>A masonry platform in front of a house; a verandah.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Trek</td> +<td>To travel—march.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Uitspan</td> +<td>To detach transport of any kind from their vehicles—to + halt—to unharness. Used as a substantive to denote the public + places on main roads set aside for watering cattle and encamping.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Vallei</td> +<td>Valley.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Vecht-general</td> +<td>Fighting General as opposed to the Administrative + General.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Veld</td> +<td>The country as opposed to the town; the open country.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Veld-cornet</td> +<td>The senior officer of a ward or sub-district.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Vlei</td> +<td>A small lake, usually formed by the widening of a stream.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Volksraad</td> +<td>Parliament; People's Council.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Wapenschouw</td> +<td>Rifle meeting.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Ward</td> +<td>Sub-district.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Wijk</td> +<td>Ward, constituency.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Winkel</td> +<td>Shop or store.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="smcap">Zarp</td> +<td>A member of the Transvaal Police + (Zuid-Afrikaansche-Republiek-Politie).</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><span class="smcap">Zwart</span> or <span class="smcap">Swart</span></td> +<td>Black.</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="page495" name="page495"></a>[p. 495]</span> INDEX</h2> +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="page497" name="page497"></a>[p. 497]</span> INDEX TO VOLUME I.</h2> + +<div class="index"> +<p> + <span class="minlevel1">Abdy, Major A. J.,</span> +<a href="#page184">184</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Abon's Dam,</span> +<a href="#page246">246</a>, +<a href="#page309">309</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Achtertang,</span> +<a href="#page275">275</a>, +<a href="#page400">400</a>, +<a href="#page404">404</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Acton Homes,</span> +<a href="#page157">157</a>, +<a href="#page158">158</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Adelaide Farm,</span> +<a href="#page140">140</a>, +<a href="#page181">181</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Aden,</span> +<a href="#page091">91</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Adjutant-General's Department,</span> +<a href="#page008">8</a>, +<a href="#page010">10</a>, +<a href="#page016">16</a>.<br> + +<a id="admiralty" name="admiralty"></a> <span class="minlevel1">Admiralty,</span> +<a href="#page006">6</a>, +<a href="#page016">16</a>, +<a href="#page097">97</a>-122;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">acts as agent for War Office for shipping army,</span> +<a href="#page098">98</a>, +<a href="#page107">107</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">assistance on shore ordered by,</span> +<a href="#page117">117</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">conference between War Office and,</span> +<a href="#page110">110</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">contracts,</span> +<a href="#page105">105</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">control of transport service,</span> +<a href="#page099">99</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">conveyance of mules by,</span> +<a href="#page023">23</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">early measures taken by the,</span> +<a href="#page100">100</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">embarkation arrangements between War Office and,</span> +<a href="#page111">111</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Messrs. Hogg & Robinson, shipping agents of the,</span> +<a href="#page098">98</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">office accommodation, additions to,</span> +<a href="#page101">101</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Royal Commission, as to the success of the,</span> +<a href="#page110">110</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">statement that stock of horse-fittings and water-tanks was inadequate,</span> +<a href="#page110">110</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Transport Department,</span> +<a href="#page098">98</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">transports engaged by the,</span> +<a href="#page109">109</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">transport work carried out by the,</span> +<a href="#page097">97</a>, +<a href="#page098">98</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3"><i>See also</i> <a href="#navy"><span class="smcap">Navy</span></a>.</span><br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Advance Hill,</span> +<a href="#page367">367</a>, +<a href="#page368">368</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Adye, Major W.,</span> +<a href="#page186">186</a>, +<a href="#page188">188</a>, +<a href="#page194">194</a>, +<a href="#page195">195</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Afrikanders, the,</span> +<a href="#page068">68</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Airlie, Lieut.-Col. the Earl of,</span> +<a href="#page323">323</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Albert (district),</span> +<a href="#page275">275</a>, +<a href="#page285">285</a>, +<a href="#page382">382</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Albrecht, Major,</span> +<a href="#page234">234</a>, +<a href="#page256">256</a>, +<a href="#page308">308</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Aldershot, brigades direct from,</span> +<a href="#page204">204</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Alderson, Lieut.-Col. E. A. H.,</span> +<a href="#page387">387</a>, +<a href="#page439">439</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Aliwal (district),</span> +<a href="#page275">275</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Aliwal North,</span> +<a href="#page048">48</a>, +<a href="#page050">50</a>, +<a href="#page208">208</a>, +<a href="#page285">285</a>, +<a href="#page382">382</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Allenby, Major E. H. H.,</span> +<a href="#page402">402</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Aller Park,</span> +<a href="#page183">183</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Amajuba, or Majuba,</span> +<a href="#page072">72</a>, +<a href="#page426">426</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">America,</span> +<a href="#page443">443</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Ammunition (British):—</span><br> + <span class="minlevel2">rifle,</span> +<a href="#page031">31</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">gun,</span> +<a href="#page031">31</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">reserves of,</span> +<a href="#page032">32</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Ammunition columns,</span> +<a href="#page437">437</a>, +<a href="#page438">438</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Anderton, Lieut. T.,</span> +<a href="#page121">121</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Animals purchased abroad,</span> +<a href="#page020">20</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Annexed districts,</span> +<a href="#page382">382</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Ardagh, Sir J. C., K.C.I.E., C.B.,</span> +<a href="#page014">14</a>, +<a href="#page422">422</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2"><i>See also</i> <a href="#intdepbrithome"><span class="smcap">Intelligence Department (British, Home)</span></a></span>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (1st).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Armed forces of the British Empire,</span> +<a href="#page092">92</a>-95.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Army, British.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#britarmy"><span class="smcap">British Army</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Army Board,</span> +<a href="#page026">26</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Army Corps,</span> +<a href="#page026">26</a>, +<a href="#page110">110</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Army Medical Department,</span> +<a href="#page026">26</a>, +<a href="#page030">30</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2"><i>See also</i> <a href="#ramc"><span class="smcap">Royal Army Medical Corps</span></a></span>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Army Orders,</span> +<a href="#page012">12</a>, +<a href="#page414">414</a>, +<a href="#page420">420</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Army remounts.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#remountdep"><span class="smcap">Remount Department</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Army reserves.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#reserves"><span class="smcap">Reserves</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Army Service Corps.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + +<a id="avetdep" name="avetdep"></a> <span class="minlevel1">Army Veterinary Department,</span> +<a href="#page027">27</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Artillery.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular</span></a> <i>and</i> <a href="#colunits"><span class="smcap">Colonial Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Artillery equipment,</span> +<a href="#page422">422</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Arundel,</span> +<a href="#page277">277</a>-284, +<a href="#page389">389</a>, +<a href="#page391">391</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Atlantic Transport Co.,</span> +<a href="#page103">103</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page498" name="page498"></a>[p. 498]</span> Australia,</span> +<a href="#page034">34</a>, +<a href="#page443">443</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2"><i>See also the various Australian Colonies.</i></span><br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Australian Mounted Infantry.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#colunits"><span class="smcap">Colonial Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Auxiliary troops of the United Kingdom,</span> +<a href="#page093">93</a>.</p> + +<p class="p2"> + <span class="minlevel1">Babington, Maj.-Gen. J. M.,</span> +<a href="#page321">321</a>, +<a href="#page322">322</a>, +<a href="#page327">327</a>, +<a href="#page387">387</a>, +<a href="#page441">441</a>, +<a href="#page442">442</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Babtie, Major W., C.M.G., M.B.,</span> +<a href="#page365">365</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">awarded the V.C.,</span> +<a href="#page366">366</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Baden-Powell, Colonel R. S. S.,</span> +<a href="#page002">2</a>, +<a href="#page039">39</a>, +<a href="#page042">42</a>, +<a href="#page044">44</a>, +<a href="#page048">48</a>-49, +<a href="#page197">197</a>, +<a href="#page207">207</a>, +<a href="#page409">409</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">influence of, on the Boer dispositions,</span> +<a href="#page050">50</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Bailward, Major A. C.,</span> +<a href="#page360">360</a>, +<a href="#page361">361</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Bamboosberg Spruit,</span> +<a href="#page294">294</a>, +<a href="#page299">299</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Bannatine-Allason, Major R.,</span> +<a href="#page322">322</a>, +<a href="#page323">323</a>, +<a href="#page330">330</a>, +<a href="#page331">331</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Barbados,</span> +<a href="#page089">89</a>, +<a href="#page091">91</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Barkly East,</span> +<a href="#page053">53</a>, +<a href="#page208">208</a>, +<a href="#page275">275</a>, +<a href="#page285">285</a>, +<a href="#page287">287</a>, +<a href="#page288">288</a>, +<a href="#page382">382</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Barkly West,</span> +<a href="#page214">214</a>, +<a href="#page382">382</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Barrett, Lieut. N.,</span> +<a href="#page121">121</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Barter, Lieut.-Col. C. St. L.,</span> +<a href="#page224">224</a>, +<a href="#page254">254</a>, +<a href="#page255">255</a>, +<a href="#page325">325</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Barton, Major.-Gen. G., C.B.,</span> +<a href="#page203">203</a>, +<a href="#page269">269</a>, +<a href="#page273">273</a>, +<a href="#page333">333</a>, +<a href="#page345">345</a>, +<a href="#page347">347</a>, +<a href="#page357">357</a>-373.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Bastard's Nek,</span> +<a href="#page400">400</a>, +<a href="#page405">405</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Basutoland,</span> +<a href="#page036">36</a>, +<a href="#page037">37</a>, +<a href="#page048">48</a>, +<a href="#page056">56</a>-59, +<a href="#page061">61</a>, +<a href="#page064">64</a>, +<a href="#page094">94</a>, +<a href="#page197">197</a>, +<a href="#page306">306</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Basutos,</span> +<a href="#page040">40</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Batteries.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#royartil"><span class="smcap">Royal Artillery</span></a> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Naval Batteries</span>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Bates, Captain A.,</span> +<a href="#page382">382</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Battalions, average strength of, in February,</span> 1900, +<a href="#page438">438</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Bayley's Corps.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#colunits"><span class="smcap">Colonial Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Beacon Hill,</span> +<a href="#page271">271</a>, +<a href="#page272">272</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Bearcroft, Captain J. E., R.N.,</span> +<a href="#page120">120</a>, +<a href="#page308">308</a>, +<a href="#page321">321</a>, +<a href="#page438">438</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Bearer companies.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#ramc"><span class="smcap">Royal Army Medical Corps</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Beaufort West,</span> +<a href="#page053">53</a>, +<a href="#page210">210</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Bechuanaland,</span> +<a href="#page052">52</a>, +<a href="#page065">65</a>, +<a href="#page095">95</a>, +<a href="#page207">207</a>, +<a href="#page417">417</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Bedfordshire regiment (2nd).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Beith,</span> +<a href="#page147">147</a>, +<a href="#page148">148</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Belfort,</span> +<a href="#page422">422</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Bell, Captain F. J. H.,</span> +<a href="#page298">298</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Bell Spruit,</span> +<a href="#page173">173</a>, +<a href="#page177">177</a>, +<a href="#page183">183</a>, +<a href="#page186">186</a>, +<a href="#page188">188</a>-191.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Belmont,</span> +<a href="#page052">52</a>, +<a href="#page063">63</a>, +<a href="#page212">212</a>, +<a href="#page213">213</a>, +<a href="#page215">215</a>-217, +<a href="#page218">218</a>-228, +<a href="#page229">229</a>, +<a href="#page231">231</a>, +<a href="#page232">232</a>, +<a href="#page241">241</a>, +<a href="#page258">258</a>, +<a href="#page308">308</a>, +<a href="#page310">310</a>, +<a href="#page332">332</a>, +<a href="#page386">386</a>, +<a href="#page432">432</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Benson,</span> Major G. E., +<a href="#page309">309</a>, +<a href="#page317">317</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Berkshire regiment, Royal (2nd).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Bermuda,</span> +<a href="#page089">89</a>, +<a href="#page091">91</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Besters station,</span> +<a href="#page158">158</a>, +<a href="#page171">171</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Bethel commando.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#commandos"><span class="smcap">Commandos</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Bethlehem commando.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#commandos"><span class="smcap">Commandos</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Bethulie commando.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#commandos"><span class="smcap">Commandos</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Bethulie,</span> +<a href="#page040">40</a>, +<a href="#page050">50</a>, +<a href="#page275">275</a>, +<a href="#page411">411</a>-413, +<a href="#page431">431</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Bethulie bridge,</span> +<a href="#page039">39</a>, +<a href="#page048">48</a>, +<a href="#page050">50</a>, +<a href="#page198">198</a>, +<a href="#page202">202</a>, +<a href="#page210">210</a>, +<a href="#page413">413</a>, +<a href="#page425">425</a>, +<a href="#page435">435</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Bethulie road,</span> +<a href="#page404">404</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Bethune, Lieut.-Col. E. C.,</span> +<a href="#page206">206</a>, +<a href="#page262">262</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Bethune's Mounted Infantry.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#colunits"><span class="smcap">Colonial Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Bevan, Lieut. F.,</span> +<a href="#page213">213</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Bewicke-Copley, Major R. C. A. B.,</span> +<a href="#page372">372</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Bezuidenhout's Pass,</span> +<a href="#page049">49</a>, +<a href="#page058">58</a>, +<a href="#page157">157</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Biggarsberg Range,</span> +<a href="#page037">37</a>, +<a href="#page038">38</a>, +<a href="#page058">58</a>, +<a href="#page059">59</a>, +<a href="#page125">125</a>, +<a href="#page147">147</a>, +<a href="#page159">159</a>, +<a href="#page335">335</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Black Watch (2nd).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">"Black week," the,</span> +<a href="#page380">380</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Blesboklaagte,</span> +<a href="#page147">147</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Bloemfontein,</span> +<a href="#page005">5</a>, +<a href="#page048">48</a>, +<a href="#page085">85</a>, +<a href="#page197">197</a>, +<a href="#page202">202</a>, +<a href="#page210">210</a>, +<a href="#page290">290</a>, +<a href="#page385">385</a>, +<a href="#page388">388</a>, +<a href="#page410">410</a>-413, +<a href="#page428">428</a>, +<a href="#page429">429</a>, +<a href="#page431">431</a>, +<a href="#page435">435</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Bloemfontein commando.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#commandos"><span class="smcap">Commandos</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Bloemhof commando.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#commandos"><span class="smcap">Commandos</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Blue Mountains,</span> +<a href="#page081">81</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Board of Trade,</span> +<a href="#page101">101</a>, +<a href="#page105">105</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Boers:</span><br> + <span class="minlevel2">advance on Colesberg,</span> +<a href="#page275">275</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">advance on Kimberley,</span> +<a href="#page050">50</a>, +<a href="#page052">52</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">advance on Mafeking,</span> +<a href="#page049">49</a>, +<a href="#page050">50</a>, +<a href="#page052">52</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">advance into Northern Natal,</span> +<a href="#page124">124</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">advance into Southern Natal,</span> +<a href="#page265">265</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">advance on Stormberg,</span> +<a href="#page285">285</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">annexations by,</span> +<a href="#page382">382</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">armament of,</span> +<a href="#page079">79</a>-85;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">enterprise of, in use of heavy guns,</span> +<a href="#page422">422</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">initial numerical superiority of,</span> +<a href="#page002">2</a>, +<a href="#page035">35</a>, +<a href="#page049">49</a>, +<a href="#page050">50</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page499" name="page499"></a>[p. 499]</span> leaders of, deceived by Lord Roberts' movements and secrecy,</span> +<a href="#page435">435</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">methods of warfare of,</span> +<a href="#page069">69</a>-75, +<a href="#page402">402</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">military system of,</span> +<a href="#page075">75</a>-79;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">proclamations by,</span> +<a href="#page052">52</a>, +<a href="#page275">275</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">strength of,</span> +<a href="#page001">1</a>, +<a href="#page049">49</a>, +<a href="#page334">334</a>, +<a href="#page335">335</a>, +<a href="#page409">409</a>, +<a href="#page410">410</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Boer commandos:</span><br> + <span class="minlevel2">assembly of, behind the Drakensberg,</span> +<a href="#page047">47</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">preliminary distribution of, at beginning of war,</span> +<a href="#page049">49</a>, +<a href="#page050">50</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">waiting in July, 1899, till grass fit to invade Colonies,</span> +<a href="#page116">116</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3"><i>See also</i> <a href="#commandos"><span class="smcap">Commandos</span></a>.</span><br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Boer Intelligence Department.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#intdepbrithome"><span class="smcap">Intelligence Department</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Boksburg commando.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#commandos"><span class="smcap">Commandos</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Boomplaats,</span> +<a href="#page070">70</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Border Horse.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#colunits"><span class="smcap">Colonial Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Border Mounted Rifles.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#colunits"><span class="smcap">Colonial Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Border regiment (1st).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Boshof commando.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#commandos"><span class="smcap">Commandos</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Bosman's Drift,</span> +<a href="#page244">244</a>, +<a href="#page247">247</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Botha, Commandant Christian,</span> +<a href="#page342">342</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Botha, General Louis,</span> +<a href="#page264">264</a>, +<a href="#page265">265</a>, +<a href="#page332">332</a>-375, +<a href="#page389">389</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Botha, Commandant (Mafeking),</span> +<a href="#page409">409</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Botha's Drift,</span> +<a href="#page405">405</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Botha's Pass,</span> +<a href="#page049">49</a>, +<a href="#page058">58</a>, +<a href="#page124">124</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Bottomley, Captain H.,</span> +<a href="#page272">272</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Brabant, Brig.-General E. Y., C.M.G.,</span> +<a href="#page415">415</a>, +<a href="#page435">435</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">raises mounted corps,</span> +<a href="#page206">206</a>, +<a href="#page286">286</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Brabant's Horse.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#colunits"><span class="smcap">Colonial Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Brabazon, Major-General J. P., C.B.,</span> +<a href="#page282">282</a>, +<a href="#page394">394</a>, +<a href="#page405">405</a>, +<a href="#page406">406</a>.<br> + +<a id="brackenbury" name="brackenbury"></a> <span class="minlevel1">Brackenbury, Lieut.-General Sir H., K.C.B., K.C.S.I.,</span> +<a href="#page007">7</a>, +<a href="#page016">16</a>, +<a href="#page018">18</a>, +<a href="#page019">19</a>, +<a href="#page026">26</a>, +<a href="#page028">28</a>, +<a href="#page029">29</a>, +<a href="#page032">32</a>, +<a href="#page033">33</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Brakfontein Nek,</span> +<a href="#page335">335</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Brett, Captain C. A. H.,</span> +<a href="#page398">398</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Bridge, Colonel C. H., C.B.,</span> +<a href="#page416">416</a>, +<a href="#page417">417</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Bridle Drift (Colenso),</span> +<a href="#page310">310</a>, +<a href="#page314">314</a>, +<a href="#page341">341</a>, +<a href="#page342">342</a>, +<a href="#page346">346</a>, +<a href="#page348">348</a>, +<a href="#page352">352</a>-354, +<a href="#page356">356</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Bridle Drift (Magersfontein).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#voetpad"><span class="smcap">Voetpad's Drift</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Brigades.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#cavalry"><span class="smcap">Cavalry</span></a> <i>and</i> <a href="#infbrig"><span class="smcap">Infantry Brigades</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">British Agent at Pretoria,</span> +<a href="#page001">1</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">leaves,</span> +<a href="#page123">123</a>.<br> + +<a id="britarmy" name="britarmy"></a> + <span class="minlevel1">British Army,</span> +<a href="#page087">87</a>-95;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">distribution of the, previous to the war,</span> +<a href="#page089">89</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">composition of the,</span> +<a href="#page091">91</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">effective strength of the armed land forces of the Empire,</span> +<a href="#page092">92</a>-95;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">number of troops in South Africa when war began,</span> +<a href="#page001">1</a>, +<a href="#page002">2</a>, +<a href="#page089">89</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">regiments of the,</span> <i>see</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">short service system in the,</span> <i>see</i> <a href="#shortss"><span class="smcap">Short Service System</span></a> <i>and</i> <a href="#reserves"><span class="smcap">Reserves</span></a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">organisation of, as affected by conditions of shipping,</span> +<a href="#page115">115</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">British Government.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#cabinet"><span class="smcap">Cabinet</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">British Intelligence Department.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#intdepbrithome"><span class="smcap">Intelligence Department</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">British Kaffraria,</span> +<a href="#page385">385</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">British Navy, duties of the,</span> +<a href="#page096">96</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2"><i>See also</i> <a href="#admiralty"><span class="smcap">Admiralty</span></a> <i>and</i> <a href="#navy"><span class="smcap">Navy</span></a>.</span><br> + + <span class="minlevel1">British Regular Army (European), effective strength of the,</span> +<a href="#page092">92</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">(Colonial),</span> +<a href="#page092">92</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">(India),</span> +<a href="#page092">92</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">British Regular Units.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">British South Africa Police.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#colunits"><span class="smcap">Colonial Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Broadwood, Brig.-General R. G.,</span> +<a href="#page437">437</a>, +<a href="#page442">442</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Brocklehurst, Major-General J. F., M.V.O.,</span> +<a href="#page181">181</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Brooke, Colonel L. G.,</span> +<a href="#page353">353</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Brown's Drift,</span> +<a href="#page246">246</a>, +<a href="#page308">308</a>, +<a href="#page309">309</a>, +<a href="#page322">322</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Brynbella Hill,</span> +<a href="#page271">271</a>-273.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Buchanan-Riddell, Lieut.-Col. R. G.,</span> +<a href="#page372">372</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Buffalo River (Cape Colony),</span> +<a href="#page057">57</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Buffalo River (Natal),</span> +<a href="#page038">38</a>, +<a href="#page059">59</a>, +<a href="#page124">124</a>, +<a href="#page137">137</a>, +<a href="#page140">140</a>, +<a href="#page335">335</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Bulfin, Captain E. S.,</span> +<a href="#page253">253</a>, +<a href="#page254">254</a>.<br> + +<a id="buller" name="buller"></a> <span class="minlevel1">Buller, The Right Hon. Sir Redvers H., V.C., G.C.B., G.C.M.G.,</span> +<a href="#page017">17</a>, +<a href="#page018">18</a>, +<a href="#page042">42</a>, +<a href="#page043">43</a>, +<a href="#page120">120</a>, +<a href="#page262">262</a>, +<a href="#page415">415</a>, +<a href="#page416">416</a>, +<a href="#page419">419</a>, +<a href="#page425">425</a>, +<a href="#page426">426</a>, +<a href="#page434">434</a>, +<a href="#page438">438</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">appointed to command army for South Africa,</span> +<a href="#page002">2</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">arrival at Cape Town,</span> +<a href="#page196">196</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">arrival at Durban,</span> +<a href="#page332">332</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">arrival at Maritzburg,</span> +<a href="#page332">332</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">arrival at Frere,</span> +<a href="#page332">332</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Colenso, battle of,</span> +<a href="#page351">351</a>-375;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">decision to go to Natal,</span> +<a href="#page200">200</a>, +<a href="#page209">209</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">decision to relieve Ladysmith viā Potgieters Drift,</span> +<a href="#page338">338</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page500" name="page500"></a>[p. 500]</span> decision to make direct attack on Colenso,</span> +<a href="#page339">339</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">informs General White of his intention to attack Colenso,</span> +<a href="#page339">339</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">informed that Lord Roberts is appointed Commander-in-Chief in South Africa,</span> +<a href="#page381">381</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Lord Roberts gives him "free hand" to try Potgieters or Trickhardts Drifts,</span> +<a href="#page411">411</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">measures on arrival at Cape Town,</span> +<a href="#page200">200</a>-207;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">memorandum of his views awaits Lord Roberts at Cape Town,</span> +<a href="#page410">410</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">message after Colenso, to Secretary of State for War,</span> +<a href="#page377">377</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">message after Colenso to General White,</span> +<a href="#page378">378</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">orders to generals in Cape Colony,</span> +<a href="#page207">207</a>-210, +<a href="#page277">277</a>, +<a href="#page288">288</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">orders for battle of Colenso,</span> +<a href="#page345">345</a>-350;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">receives news of Stormberg and Magersfontein,</span> +<a href="#page339">339</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">reports he is about to renew attempt to relieve Ladysmith, viā Potgieters or Trickhardts Drifts,</span> +<a href="#page411">411</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Secretary of State for War replies to telegram announcing result of Colenso,</span> +<a href="#page379">379</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">situation in South Africa on arrival of,</span> +<a href="#page197">197</a>-200;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Spion Kop, failure at,</span> +<a href="#page438">438</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Bullock, Lieut.-Col. G. M.,</span> +<a href="#page364">364</a>, +<a href="#page371">371</a>, +<a href="#page374">374</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Buluwayo,</span> +<a href="#page036">36</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Bulwana, or Umbulwana,</span> +<a href="#page150">150</a>, +<a href="#page176">176</a>, +<a href="#page181">181</a>, +<a href="#page182">182</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Bulwer bridge,</span> +<a href="#page340">340</a>, +<a href="#page346">346</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Burger, General Schalk,</span> +<a href="#page050">50</a>, +<a href="#page343">343</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Burghers, mobilisation of,</span> +<a href="#page049">49</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">number of, under arms at outbreak of war,</span> +<a href="#page050">50</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Burghersdorp,</span> +<a href="#page039">39</a>, +<a href="#page208">208</a>-210, +<a href="#page281">281</a>, +<a href="#page282">282</a>, +<a href="#page285">285</a>, +<a href="#page287">287</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Burghersdorp commando.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#commandos"><span class="smcap">Commandos</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Burma,</span> +<a href="#page087">87</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Burnett, Captain C. K.,</span> +<a href="#page142">142</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Burn-Murdoch, Lieut.-Col. J. F.,</span> +<a href="#page354">354</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Burrell, Major W. S.,</span> +<a href="#page364">364</a>, +<a href="#page371">371</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Bushman Land,</span> +<a href="#page066">66</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Bushman's Hoek,</span> +<a href="#page287">287</a>, +<a href="#page288">288</a>, +<a href="#page290">290</a>, +<a href="#page291">291</a>, +<a href="#page301">301</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Bushman's river,</span> +<a href="#page273">273</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Bush veld,</span> +<a href="#page062">62</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Butcher, Major E. E. A., mounts two 15-prs. on Coles Kop,</span> +<a href="#page401">401</a>, +<a href="#page402">402</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Butler, Lieut.-Gen. Sir W. F., K.C.B.,</span> +<a href="#page035">35</a>, +<a href="#page037">37</a>-39, +<a href="#page042">42</a>, +<a href="#page045">45</a>, +<a href="#page046">46</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Byng, Lieut.-Col. the Hon. J. H. G.,</span> +<a href="#page367">367</a>.</p> + +<p class="p2"> +<a id="cabinet" name="cabinet"></a> <span class="minlevel1">Cabinet:</span><br> + <span class="minlevel2">date of choice of plan of campaign by,</span> +<a href="#page005">5</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">dates of successive sanctions of expenditure and of mobilisation by,</span> +<a href="#page006">6</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">date of decision by, appointing Lord Roberts,</span> +<a href="#page380">380</a>, +<a href="#page389">389</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">decision by, as to this history,</span> +<a href="#page001">1</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">decision by, not to employ coloured troops,</span> +<a href="#page089">89</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">effect of wish of, not to provoke war, in delaying preparation,</span> +<a href="#page003">3</a>, +<a href="#page006">6</a>, +<a href="#page016">16</a>-19, +<a href="#page207">207</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">effect of wish of, in postponing plan of campaign,</span> +<a href="#page004">4</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">misunderstanding of decision of, in <i>re</i> 5th division,</span> +<a href="#page377">377</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">reply by, to Sir R. Buller in <i>re</i> Ladysmith,</span> +<a href="#page379">379</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">selects Sir R. Buller as Commander-in-Chief,</span> +<a href="#page002">2</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Cęsar's camp (Ladysmith),</span> +<a href="#page335">335</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Caledon commando.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#commandos"><span class="smcap">Commandos</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Campbell, 2nd Lieut. A. N.,</span> +<a href="#page337">337</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Campbell (Town, Cape Colony),</span> +<a href="#page214">214</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Canada,</span> +<a href="#page031">31</a>, +<a href="#page088">88</a>, +<a href="#page089">89</a>, +<a href="#page091">91</a>, +<a href="#page093">93</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">offers assistance,</span> +<a href="#page034">34</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Canadian regiment, Royal.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#colunits"><span class="smcap">Colonial Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Cape Colony,</span> +<a href="#page002">2</a>, +<a href="#page014">14</a>, +<a href="#page022">22</a>, +<a href="#page036">36</a>, +<a href="#page094">94</a>, +<a href="#page197">197</a>, +<a href="#page199">199</a>, +<a href="#page206">206</a>, +<a href="#page262">262</a>, and <a href="#appen1">appendices</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">distribution of British troops in, at the outbreak of war,</span> +<a href="#page044">44</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">President Steyn orders invasion of N.E. of,</span> +<a href="#page285">285</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Cape Garrison artillery.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#colunits"><span class="smcap">Colonial Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Cape Government,</span> +<a href="#page014">14</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">howitzers of,</span> +<a href="#page422">422</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">railways of,</span> +<a href="#page424">424</a>, +<a href="#page425">425</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Cape Medical Staff Corps.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#colunits"><span class="smcap">Colonial Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Cape Police.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#colunits"><span class="smcap">Colonial Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Cape Mounted Rifles.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#colunits"><span class="smcap">Colonial Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Cape Town,</span> +<a href="#page043">43</a>, +<a href="#page052">52</a>, +<a href="#page053">53</a>, +<a href="#page057">57</a>, +<a href="#page106">106</a>, +<a href="#page111">111</a>, +<a href="#page113">113</a>, +<a href="#page197">197</a>, +<a href="#page206">206</a>, +<a href="#page211">211</a>, +<a href="#page276">276</a>, +<a href="#page406">406</a>, +<a href="#page408">408</a>, +<a href="#page436">436</a>, +<a href="#page442">442</a>, +<a href="#page443">443</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page501" name="page501"></a>[p. 501]</span> Cape Town Highlanders. <i>See</i> <a href="#colunits"><span class="smcap">Colonial Units</span></a>.</span><br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Cape Volunteer forces.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#colunits"><span class="smcap">Colonial Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Capper, Lieut.-Col. J. E.,</span> +<a href="#page425">425</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Carbineers,</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Carbineers, Natal.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#colunits"><span class="smcap">Colonial Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1"><i>Carinthea</i> (freight ship), loss of the,</span> +<a href="#page107">107</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Carleton, Lieut.-Col. F. R. C.,</span> +<a href="#page132">132</a>, +<a href="#page149">149</a>, +<a href="#page174">174</a>-177, +<a href="#page183">183</a>, +<a href="#page186">186</a>-195.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Carolina commando.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#commandos"><span class="smcap">Commandos</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Carter, Lieut. A. J.,</span> +<a href="#page238">238</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Cathcart,</span> +<a href="#page053">53</a>, +<a href="#page286">286</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Cathkin Castle,</span> +<a href="#page058">58</a>, +<a href="#page059">59</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Cattle ships,</span> +<a href="#page111">111</a>.<br> + +<a id="cavalry" name="cavalry"></a> + <span class="minlevel1">Cavalry Brigades:—</span><br> + <span class="minlevel2">1st Cavalry brigade (Porter),</span> +<a href="#page283">283</a>, +<a href="#page396">396</a>-398, +<a href="#page436">436</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">2nd Cavalry brigade (Fisher, later Broadwood), composition of, at Arundel,</span> +<a href="#page283">283</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">composition of, at Modder river,</span> +<a href="#page437">437</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">3rd Cavalry brigade (Gordon), formation of,</span> +<a href="#page437">437</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">4th Cavalry brigade, despatch of, advisable owing to failure at Spion Kop,</span> +<a href="#page438">438</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">embarkation of,</span> +<a href="#page009">9</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">orders for mobilisation of,</span> +<a href="#page009">9</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">to be sent out as soon as ships ready,</span> +<a href="#page379">379</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Cavalry Division:—</span><br> + <span class="minlevel2">Assembly of, at Orange river,</span> +<a href="#page444">444</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">bearer companies and Field hospitals of,</span> +<a href="#page025">25</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">composition of, at Arundel,</span> +<a href="#page283">283</a>-284;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">composition of, at Modder river,</span> +<a href="#page436">436</a>-437;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">to form part of expeditionary force,</span> +<a href="#page006">6</a>, +<a href="#page090">90</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">to go to South Africa,</span> +<a href="#page043">43</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">to take the field by middle of December,</span> +<a href="#page051">51</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">war equipment complete for,</span> +<a href="#page029">29</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Cavalry in Ladysmith.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#page010"><span class="smcap">Appendix</span> +10</a>, page <a href="#page489">489</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Ceres,</span> +<a href="#page383">383</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Ceylon,</span> +<a href="#page091">91</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">offers assistance,</span> +<a href="#page034">34</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Champagne Castle,</span> +<a href="#page058">58</a>, +<a href="#page059">59</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Channel Isles militia,</span> +<a href="#page093">93</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Chapman, Mr. (guide at Willow Grange),</span> +<a href="#page271">271</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Charlestown,</span> +<a href="#page036">36</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Chermside, Major-Gen. Sir H. C., G.C.M.G., C.B.,</span> +<a href="#page437">437</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Chesham, Lieut.-Col. Lord,</span> +<a href="#page414">414</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Cheshire regiment (2nd).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Chiazzari, Lieut. N.,</span> +<a href="#page121">121</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Chichester, Captain Sir E., Bart., R.N., C.M.G.,</span> +<a href="#page106">106</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Chieveley,</span> +<a href="#page267">267</a>, +<a href="#page338">338</a>, +<a href="#page340">340</a>, +<a href="#page343">343</a>, +<a href="#page345">345</a>, +<a href="#page347">347</a>, +<a href="#page378">378</a>, +<a href="#page411">411</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">China,</span> +<a href="#page089">89</a>, +<a href="#page091">91</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Chisholme, Colonel J. J. Scott,</span> +<a href="#page163">163</a>, +<a href="#page164">164</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Churchill, Mr. W. L. S.,</span> +<a href="#page268">268</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Churchward, Major P. R. S.,</span> +<a href="#page235">235</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">City of London Imperial Volunteers,</span> +<a href="#page414">414</a>, +<a href="#page437">437</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Clark, Rear-Admiral Bouverie F., R.N.,</span> +<a href="#page106">106</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Clarke, Lieut.-Gen. Sir Charles M., Bart., K.C.B.,</span> +<a href="#page111">111</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2"><i>See also</i></span> <a href="#qmgdep"><span class="smcap">Quarter-Master-General's Department</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Clements, Major-Gen. R. A. P., D.S.O.,</span> +<a href="#page404">404</a>, +<a href="#page405">405</a>, +<a href="#page407">407</a>, +<a href="#page430">430</a>, +<a href="#page433">433</a>-436, +<a href="#page439">439</a>, +<a href="#page443">443</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Clements' brigade.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#infbrig"><span class="smcap">Infantry Brigades</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Clery, Lieut.-General Sir C. F., K.C.B.,</span> +<a href="#page197">197</a>, +<a href="#page199">199</a>, +<a href="#page200">200</a>, +<a href="#page202">202</a>, +<a href="#page205">205</a>, +<a href="#page208">208</a>, +<a href="#page266">266</a>, +<a href="#page270">270</a>, +<a href="#page334">334</a>, +<a href="#page347">347</a>, +<a href="#page357">357</a>, +<a href="#page364">364</a>, +<a href="#page365">365</a>, +<a href="#page373">373</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Climate of South Africa,</span> +<a href="#page061">61</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Clothing, changes made in, for South African campaign,</span> +<a href="#page030">30</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Coal, consumption of, by high speed vessels,</span> +<a href="#page105">105</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Coaling of transports, etc.,</span> +<a href="#page105">105</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Codrington, Lieut.-Col. A. E.,</span> +<a href="#page225">225</a>, +<a href="#page249">249</a>, +<a href="#page250">250</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Coldstream Guards (1st and 2nd).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Colenso,</span> +<a href="#page044">44</a>, +<a href="#page122">122</a>, +<a href="#page159">159</a>, +<a href="#page197">197</a>, +<a href="#page200">200</a>, +<a href="#page216">216</a>-263, +<a href="#page265">265</a>, +<a href="#page267">267</a>, +<a href="#page273">273</a>, +<a href="#page332">332</a>-375, +<a href="#page389">389</a>, +<a href="#page410">410</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Colenso bridge,</span> +<a href="#page200">200</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Colonial troops hold,</span> +<a href="#page261">261</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page502" name="page502"></a>[p. 502]</span> Coleridge, Major H. F.,</span> +<a href="#page254">254</a>, +<a href="#page256">256</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Colesberg,</span> +<a href="#page039">39</a>, +<a href="#page048">48</a>, +<a href="#page209">209</a>, +<a href="#page275">275</a>-284, +<a href="#page376">376</a>, +<a href="#page382">382</a>, +<a href="#page389">389</a>-409, +<a href="#page412">412</a>, +<a href="#page429">429</a>, +<a href="#page430">430</a>, +<a href="#page431">431</a>-436.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Colesberg road bridge,</span> +<a href="#page048">48</a>, +<a href="#page283">283</a>, +<a href="#page391">391</a>, +<a href="#page392">392</a>, +<a href="#page396">396</a>, +<a href="#page402">402</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Colesberg Junction,</span> +<a href="#page275">275</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Coles Kop,</span> +<a href="#page390">390</a>, +<a href="#page392">392</a>, +<a href="#page395">395</a>, +<a href="#page397">397</a>, +<a href="#page401">401</a>, +<a href="#page404">404</a>, +<a href="#page405">405</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Colley, Major-General Sir George P., K.C.B.,</span> +<a href="#page426">426</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Colonial corps, work of,</span> +<a href="#page375">375</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Colonial forces,</span> +<a href="#page414">414</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Colonial troops in previous campaigns,</span> +<a href="#page033">33</a>.<br> + +<a id="colunits" name="colunits"></a> + <span class="minlevel1">Colonial Units:—</span><br> + <span class="minlevel2">Australian Mounted Infantry,</span> +<a href="#page407">407</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Baden-Powell's contingent,</span> +<a href="#page050">50</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Bayley's Corps,</span> +<a href="#page415">415</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Bethune's M.I.,</span> +<a href="#page206">206</a>, +<a href="#page269">269</a>, +<a href="#page332">332</a>, +<a href="#page367">367</a>, +<a href="#page373">373</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Border Horse,</span> +<a href="#page415">415</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Border Mounted Rifles,</span> +<a href="#page034">34</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Brabant's Horse,</span> +<a href="#page206">206</a>, +<a href="#page286">286</a>, +<a href="#page288">288</a>, +<a href="#page291">291</a>, +<a href="#page383">383</a>, +<a href="#page415">415</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">British South Africa Police,</span> +<a href="#page094">94</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Cape Garrison artillery,</span> +<a href="#page053">53</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Cape Medical Staff Corps,</span> +<a href="#page053">53</a>, +<a href="#page215">215</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Cape Police,</span> +<a href="#page042">42</a>, +<a href="#page094">94</a>, +<a href="#page276">276</a>, +<a href="#page286">286</a>-288, +<a href="#page290">290</a>-292, +<a href="#page382">382</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Cape Mounted Rifles,</span> +<a href="#page208">208</a>, +<a href="#page286">286</a>, +<a href="#page288">288</a>, +<a href="#page290">290</a>, +<a href="#page291">291</a>, +<a href="#page415">415</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Cape Town Highlanders,</span> +<a href="#page053">53</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Colonial division,</span> +<a href="#page435">435</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Colonial Scouts,</span> +<a href="#page491">491</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Duke of Edinburgh's Volunteer Rifles,</span> +<a href="#page053">53</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Durban Light Infantry,</span> +<a href="#page034">34</a>, +<a href="#page262">262</a>, +<a href="#page267">267</a>, +<a href="#page268">268</a>, +<a href="#page271">271</a>, +<a href="#page333">333</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Frontier Mounted Rifles,</span> +<a href="#page053">53</a>, +<a href="#page286">286</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Grahamstown Volunteer M.I.,</span> +<a href="#page437">437</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Hore's regiment,</span> +<a href="#page051">51</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Imperial Light Horse,</span> +<a href="#page155">155</a>, +<a href="#page158">158</a>-160, +<a href="#page163">163</a>, +<a href="#page165">165</a>, +<a href="#page167">167</a>, +<a href="#page169">169</a>, +<a href="#page170">170</a>, +<a href="#page175">175</a>, +<a href="#page183">183</a>, +<a href="#page184">184</a>, +<a href="#page262">262</a>, +<a href="#page272">272</a>, +<a href="#page332">332</a>, +<a href="#page367">367</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Imperial Light Infantry,</span> +<a href="#page159">159</a>, +<a href="#page175">175</a>, +<a href="#page183">183</a>, +<a href="#page265">265</a>, +<a href="#page333">333</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Kaffrarian Mounted Rifles,</span> +<a href="#page053">53</a>, +<a href="#page286">286</a>, +<a href="#page287">287</a>, +<a href="#page415">415</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Kimberley Corps,</span> +<a href="#page053">53</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Kitchener's Horse,</span> +<a href="#page415">415</a>, +<a href="#page437">437</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Komgha Mounted Rifles,</span> +<a href="#page053">53</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Mafeking Corps,</span> +<a href="#page053">53</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Murray's Scouts,</span> +<a href="#page266">266</a>, +<a href="#page337">337</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Natal Carbineers,</span> +<a href="#page034">34</a>, +<a href="#page157">157</a>-159, +<a href="#page180">180</a>, +<a href="#page262">262</a>, +<a href="#page332">332</a>, +<a href="#page367">367</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Natal Field Artillery,</span> +<a href="#page034">34</a>, +<a href="#page160">160</a>, +<a href="#page171">171</a>, +<a href="#page175">175</a>, +<a href="#page262">262</a>, +<a href="#page264">264</a>, +<a href="#page269">269</a>, +<a href="#page333">333</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Natal Mounted Rifles,</span> +<a href="#page034">34</a>, +<a href="#page124">124</a>, +<a href="#page153">153</a>, +<a href="#page155">155</a>, +<a href="#page159">159</a>, +<a href="#page164">164</a>, +<a href="#page171">171</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Natal Naval Volunteers,</span> +<a href="#page034">34</a>, +<a href="#page121">121</a>, +<a href="#page262">262</a>, +<a href="#page264">264</a>, +<a href="#page266">266</a>, +<a href="#page332">332</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Natal Police,</span> +<a href="#page044">44</a>, +<a href="#page045">45</a>, +<a href="#page094">94</a>, +<a href="#page124">124</a>, +<a href="#page262">262</a>, +<a href="#page267">267</a>, +<a href="#page332">332</a>, +<a href="#page367">367</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Natal Royal Rifles,</span> +<a href="#page034">34</a>, +<a href="#page262">262</a>, +<a href="#page333">333</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Nesbitt's Horse,</span> +<a href="#page415">415</a>, +<a href="#page437">437</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">New South Wales Lancers,</span> +<a href="#page034">34</a>, +<a href="#page214">214</a>, +<a href="#page233">233</a>, +<a href="#page276">276</a>-283, +<a href="#page316">316</a>, +<a href="#page400">400</a>, +<a href="#page404">404</a>, +<a href="#page436">436</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">New South Wales Mounted Rifles,</span> +<a href="#page437">437</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">New Zealand Mounted Rifles,</span> +<a href="#page279">279</a>, +<a href="#page280">280</a>, +<a href="#page282">282</a>, +<a href="#page284">284</a>, +<a href="#page390">390</a>, +<a href="#page393">393</a>, +<a href="#page402">402</a>-404, +<a href="#page437">437</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Orpen's Corps,</span> +<a href="#page415">415</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Pioneer Corps of Artisans,</span> +<a href="#page265">265</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Plumer's regiment,</span> +<a href="#page051">51</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Port Elizabeth Volunteers,</span> +<a href="#page278">278</a>, +<a href="#page280">280</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Prince Alfred's Own Cape Field Artillery,</span> +<a href="#page052">52</a>, +<a href="#page053">53</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Prince Alfred's Volunteer Guard,</span> +<a href="#page053">53</a>, +<a href="#page278">278</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Protectorate regiment,</span> +<a href="#page094">94</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Queensland Mounted Infantry,</span> +<a href="#page386">386</a>, +<a href="#page387">387</a>, +<a href="#page437">437</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Queenstown Rifle Volunteers,</span> +<a href="#page286">286</a>, +<a href="#page415">415</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Railway Pioneer regiment,</span> +<a href="#page384">384</a>, +<a href="#page425">425</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Rhodesian regiment,</span> +<a href="#page094">94</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Rimington's Guides,</span> +<a href="#page200">200</a>, +<a href="#page212">212</a>-214, +<a href="#page220">220</a>, +<a href="#page227">227</a>, +<a href="#page233">233</a>, +<a href="#page241">241</a>, +<a href="#page246">246</a>, +<a href="#page248">248</a>, +<a href="#page255">255</a>, +<a href="#page311">311</a>, +<a href="#page314">314</a>, +<a href="#page391">391</a>, +<a href="#page393">393</a>, +<a href="#page404">404</a>, +<a href="#page438">438</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Roberts' Horse,</span> +<a href="#page415">415</a>, +<a href="#page437">437</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Royal Canadian Regiment,</span> +<a href="#page308">308</a>, +<a href="#page386">386</a>, +<a href="#page387">387</a>, +<a href="#page438">438</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">South African Light Horse,</span> +<a href="#page206">206</a>, +<a href="#page332">332</a>, +<a href="#page367">367</a>, +<a href="#page368">368</a>, +<a href="#page373">373</a>, +<a href="#page383">383</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">South Australian Infantry,</span> +<a href="#page309">309</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page503" name="page503"></a>[p. 503]</span> Tasmanian Infantry,</span> +<a href="#page309">309</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Thorneycroft's M.I.,</span> +<a href="#page206">206</a>, +<a href="#page261">261</a>, +<a href="#page269">269</a>, +<a href="#page273">273</a>, +<a href="#page332">332</a>, +<a href="#page367">367</a>-369, +<a href="#page373">373</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Town Guards,</span> +<a href="#page051">51</a>, +<a href="#page266">266</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Uitenhage Rifles,</span> +<a href="#page053">53</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Umvoti Mounted Rifles,</span> +<a href="#page034">34</a>, +<a href="#page261">261</a>, +<a href="#page274">274</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Victorian Infantry,</span> +<a href="#page309">309</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Victorian Mounted Infantry,</span> +<a href="#page407">407</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Victorian Mounted Rifles,</span> +<a href="#page308">308</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">West Australian Infantry,</span> +<a href="#page309">309</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Colonies, offers of assistance from the, also in previous campaigns,</span> +<a href="#page033">33</a>, +<a href="#page034">34</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">strength of armed forces in the,</span> +<a href="#page093">93</a>-95.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Colvile, Major-General Sir H. E., K.C.M.G., C.B.,</span> +<a href="#page211">211</a>, +<a href="#page215">215</a>, +<a href="#page218">218</a>-225, +<a href="#page232">232</a>, +<a href="#page236">236</a>, +<a href="#page248">248</a>-257, +<a href="#page259">259</a>, +<a href="#page311">311</a>-330, +<a href="#page437">437</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Commandeering, impossible in Cape Colony,</span> +<a href="#page417">417</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Commander-in-Chief.</span> <i>See under respective heads</i>: <a href="#buller"><span class="smcap">Buller</span></a>, <a href="#harris"><span class="smcap">Harris</span></a>, <a href="#roberts"><span class="smcap">Roberts</span></a>, <a href="#wolseley"><span class="smcap">Wolseley</span></a>.<br> + +<a id="commandos" name="commandos"></a> <span class="minlevel1">Commandos:—</span><br> + <span class="minlevel2">Bethel,</span> +<a href="#page049">49</a>, +<a href="#page126">126</a>, +<a href="#page128">128</a>, +<a href="#page274">274</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Bethlehem,</span> +<a href="#page049">49</a>, +<a href="#page152">152</a>, +<a href="#page156">156</a>, +<a href="#page158">158</a>, +<a href="#page306">306</a>, +<a href="#page344">344</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Bethulie,</span> +<a href="#page050">50</a>, +<a href="#page275">275</a>, +<a href="#page295">295</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Bloemfontein,</span> +<a href="#page050">50</a>, +<a href="#page220">220</a>, +<a href="#page234">234</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Bloemhof,</span> +<a href="#page050">50</a>, +<a href="#page306">306</a>, +<a href="#page307">307</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Boksburg,</span> +<a href="#page049">49</a>, +<a href="#page124">124</a>, +<a href="#page343">343</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Boshof,</span> +<a href="#page050">50</a>, +<a href="#page220">220</a>, +<a href="#page307">307</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Burghersdorp,</span> +<a href="#page299">299</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Caledon,</span> +<a href="#page050">50</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Carolina,</span> +<a href="#page049">49</a>, +<a href="#page050">50</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">De la Rey's,</span> +<a href="#page216">216</a>, +<a href="#page234">234</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Edenburg,</span> +<a href="#page275">275</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Ermelo,</span> +<a href="#page049">49</a>, +<a href="#page124">124</a>, +<a href="#page128">128</a>, +<a href="#page172">172</a>-3, +<a href="#page342">342</a>-344.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Fauresmith,</span> +<a href="#page050">50</a>, +<a href="#page220">220</a>, +<a href="#page234">234</a>, +<a href="#page307">307</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Fordsburg,</span> +<a href="#page050">50</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">German Corps,</span> +<a href="#page049">49</a>, +<a href="#page125">125</a>, +<a href="#page159">159</a>, +<a href="#page162">162</a>, +<a href="#page167">167</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Germiston,</span> +<a href="#page049">49</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Grobelaar's,</span> +<a href="#page281">281</a>, +<a href="#page394">394</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Harrismith,</span> +<a href="#page049">49</a>, +<a href="#page152">152</a>, +<a href="#page155">155</a>, +<a href="#page158">158</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Heidelberg,</span> +<a href="#page049">49</a>, +<a href="#page124">124</a>, +<a href="#page343">343</a>, +<a href="#page435">435</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Heilbron,</span> +<a href="#page049">49</a>, +<a href="#page152">152</a>, +<a href="#page156">156</a>, +<a href="#page158">158</a>, +<a href="#page306">306</a>, +<a href="#page334">334</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Hollander Corps,</span> +<a href="#page049">49</a>, +<a href="#page125">125</a>, +<a href="#page166">166</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Hoopstad,</span> +<a href="#page050">50</a>, +<a href="#page220">220</a>, +<a href="#page234">234</a>, +<a href="#page307">307</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Irish Corps,</span> +<a href="#page049">49</a>, +<a href="#page370">370</a>, +<a href="#page371">371</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Jacobsdal,</span> +<a href="#page050">50</a>, +<a href="#page220">220</a>, +<a href="#page234">234</a>, +<a href="#page308">308</a>, +<a href="#page325">325</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Johannesburg,</span> +<a href="#page049">49</a>, +<a href="#page125">125</a>, +<a href="#page162">162</a>, +<a href="#page191">191</a>, +<a href="#page342">342</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Joubert's,</span> +<a href="#page269">269</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Jourdaan's,</span> +<a href="#page214">214</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Kock's,</span> +<a href="#page124">124</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Kroonstad,</span> +<a href="#page049">49</a>, +<a href="#page152">152</a>-155, +<a href="#page158">158</a>, +<a href="#page220">220</a>, +<a href="#page306">306</a>, +<a href="#page307">307</a>, +<a href="#page334">334</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Krugersdorp,</span> +<a href="#page049">49</a>, +<a href="#page126">126</a>, +<a href="#page128">128</a>, +<a href="#page343">343</a>, +<a href="#page361">361</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Ladybrand,</span> +<a href="#page050">50</a>, +<a href="#page307">307</a>, +<a href="#page441">441</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Lichtenburg,</span> +<a href="#page049">49</a>, +<a href="#page308">308</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Liebenberg's,</span> +<a href="#page442">442</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Lydenburg,</span> +<a href="#page049">49</a>, +<a href="#page050">50</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Marico,</span> +<a href="#page049">49</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Middelburg,</span> +<a href="#page049">49</a>, +<a href="#page124">124</a>, +<a href="#page128">128</a>, +<a href="#page342">342</a>-344, +<a href="#page370">370</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Orange Free Staters,</span> +<a href="#page158">158</a>-159, +<a href="#page161">161</a>, +<a href="#page171">171</a>, +<a href="#page173">173</a>, +<a href="#page191">191</a>-192, +<a href="#page207">207</a>, +<a href="#page229">229</a>, +<a href="#page247">247</a>, +<a href="#page306">306</a>, +<a href="#page370">370</a>, +<a href="#page390">390</a>, +<a href="#page413">413</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Philippolis,</span> +<a href="#page050">50</a>, +<a href="#page275">275</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Piet Retief,</span> +<a href="#page049">49</a>, +<a href="#page128">128</a>, +<a href="#page274">274</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Potchefstroom,</span> +<a href="#page049">49</a>, +<a href="#page307">307</a>, +<a href="#page329">329</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Pretoria,</span> +<a href="#page049">49</a>, +<a href="#page124">124</a>, +<a href="#page191">191</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Rouxville,</span> +<a href="#page050">50</a>, +<a href="#page295">295</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Rustenburg,</span> +<a href="#page049">49</a>, +<a href="#page050">50</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Scandinavian Corps,</span> +<a href="#page050">50</a>, +<a href="#page307">307</a>, +<a href="#page319">319</a>, +<a href="#page320">320</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Smithfield,</span> +<a href="#page295">295</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Standerton,</span> +<a href="#page049">49</a>, +<a href="#page124">124</a>, +<a href="#page343">343</a>, +<a href="#page344">344</a>, +<a href="#page355">355</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Swaziland,</span> +<a href="#page049">49</a>, +<a href="#page342">342</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Transvaalers,</span> +<a href="#page174">174</a>, +<a href="#page234">234</a>, +<a href="#page247">247</a>-248, +<a href="#page390">390</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Trüter's,</span> +<a href="#page125">125</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Utrecht,</span> +<a href="#page049">49</a>, +<a href="#page128">128</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Van der Merwe's,</span> +<a href="#page241">241</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Vrede,</span> +<a href="#page049">49</a>, +<a href="#page152">152</a>, +<a href="#page155">155</a>, +<a href="#page156">156</a>, +<a href="#page158">158</a>, +<a href="#page162">162</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Vryheid,</span> +<a href="#page049">49</a>, +<a href="#page128">128</a>, +<a href="#page343">343</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Wakkerstroom,</span> +<a href="#page049">49</a>, +<a href="#page124">124</a>, +<a href="#page128">128</a>, +<a href="#page343">343</a>, +<a href="#page344">344</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Waterberg,</span> +<a href="#page050">50</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Winburg,</span> +<a href="#page049">49</a>, +<a href="#page152">152</a>, +<a href="#page155">155</a>, +<a href="#page158">158</a>, +<a href="#page214">214</a>, +<a href="#page220">220</a>, +<a href="#page234">234</a>, +<a href="#page342">342</a>, +<a href="#page370">370</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Wolmaranstad,</span> +<a href="#page049">49</a>, +<a href="#page306">306</a>-307.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Zoutpansberg,</span> +<a href="#page050">50</a>, +<a href="#page342">342</a>, +<a href="#page344">344</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Compass Peak,</span> +<a href="#page056">56</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Composite regiment,</span> +<a href="#page332">332</a>, +<a href="#page367">367</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Composite regiment</span> (Household Cavalry). <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page504" name="page504"></a>[p. 504]</span> Concentration stations for animals,</span> +<a href="#page022">22</a>, +<a href="#page025">25</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Congreve, Captain W. N.,</span> +<a href="#page365">365</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">awarded the V.C.,</span> +<a href="#page366">366</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Connaught Rangers (1st).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Conner, Captain R.,</span> +<a href="#page194">194</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Cookhouse,</span> +<a href="#page053">53</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Cooper, Colonel C. D.,</span> +<a href="#page262">262</a>-264, +<a href="#page353">353</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Cooper, Major F. C.,</span> +<a href="#page357">357</a>, +<a href="#page366">366</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Cove Redoubt,</span> +<a href="#page177">177</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Cox, Lieut. E.,</span> +<a href="#page319">319</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Cox, Major-General G.,</span> +<a href="#page044">44</a>-45.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Coxhead, Lieut.-Colonel J. A.,</span> +<a href="#page149">149</a>-151, +<a href="#page161">161</a>, +<a href="#page166">166</a>, +<a href="#page172">172</a>, +<a href="#page177">177</a>-178, +<a href="#page184">184</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Crabbe, Lieut.-Colonel E. M. S.,</span> +<a href="#page222">222</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Cradock,</span> +<a href="#page206">206</a>, +<a href="#page278">278</a>, +<a href="#page280">280</a>, +<a href="#page287">287</a>-380.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Crete,</span> +<a href="#page002">2</a>, +<a href="#page091">91</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Creusot guns,</span> +<a href="#page049">49</a>, +<a href="#page082">82</a>-83, +<a href="#page128">128</a>, +<a href="#page146">146</a>, +<a href="#page177">177</a>, +<a href="#page179">179</a>, +<a href="#page185">185</a>, +<a href="#page272">272</a>, +<a href="#page422">422</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Crimea,</span> +<a href="#page380">380</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Crocodile river (Limpopo),</span> +<a href="#page060">60</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Cromer, Major the Right Hon. Viscount, G.C.B., G.C.M.G., K.C.S.I., C.I.E.,</span> +<a href="#page415">415</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Cronje, General A. P.,</span> +<a href="#page153">153</a>, +<a href="#page172">172</a>, +<a href="#page308">308</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Cronje, General P.,</span> +<a href="#page050">50</a>, +<a href="#page248">248</a>, +<a href="#page305">305</a>-310, +<a href="#page320">320</a>, +<a href="#page378">378</a>, +<a href="#page385">385</a>-389, +<a href="#page409">409</a>-412, +<a href="#page429">429</a>-431, +<a href="#page434">434</a>, +<a href="#page438">438</a>-442, +<a href="#page444">444</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Cundycleugh Pass,</span> +<a href="#page058">58</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Cypher Gat,</span> +<a href="#page301">301</a>, +<a href="#page408">408</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Cyprus,</span> +<a href="#page091">91</a>, +<a href="#page093">93</a>.</p> + +<p class="p2"> + <span class="minlevel1">Dannhauser Road,</span> +<a href="#page142">142</a>, +<a href="#page143">143</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Dartnell, Colonel J. G., C.M.G.,</span> +<a href="#page146">146</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">De Aar,</span> +<a href="#page022">22</a>, +<a href="#page039">39</a>, +<a href="#page042">42</a>, +<a href="#page043">43</a>, +<a href="#page052">52</a>, +<a href="#page207">207</a>, +<a href="#page209">209</a>-211, +<a href="#page276">276</a>, +<a href="#page379">379</a>, +<a href="#page386">386</a>-387, +<a href="#page391">391</a>, +<a href="#page421">421</a>, +<a href="#page439">439</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Dean, Lieut. F. W., R.N.,</span> +<a href="#page233">233</a>, +<a href="#page236">236</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">De Beers Co.,</span> +<a href="#page044">44</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">De Beers Pass,</span> +<a href="#page058">58</a>, +<a href="#page158">158</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">De Jager, Field-Cornet,</span> +<a href="#page162">162</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">De Jager's Drift,</span> +<a href="#page123">123</a>-127.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Delagoa Bay,</span> +<a href="#page050">50</a>, +<a href="#page060">60</a>, +<a href="#page116">116</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">De la Rey, General J. H.,</span> +<a href="#page050">50</a>, +<a href="#page216">216</a>, +<a href="#page220">220</a>, +<a href="#page229">229</a>, +<a href="#page234">234</a>, +<a href="#page239">239</a>, +<a href="#page243">243</a>-244, +<a href="#page247">247</a>, +<a href="#page305">305</a>, +<a href="#page308">308</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">de Lisle, Captain H. de B., D.S.O.,</span> +<a href="#page395">395</a>, +<a href="#page400">400</a>, +<a href="#page405">405</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1"><i>Denton Grange</i>, loss of the,</span> +<a href="#page107">107</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Depōts,</span> +<a href="#page421">421</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Derbyshire regiment (1st).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">De Villiers, General C. J.,</span> +<a href="#page153">153</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Devonshire regiment (1st and 2nd).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Dewaas,</span> +<a href="#page147">147</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Dewar, Captain E. J.,</span> +<a href="#page287">287</a>, +<a href="#page292">292</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Dewdrop,</span> +<a href="#page157">157</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">De Wet, General Christian R.,</span> +<a href="#page151">151</a>, +<a href="#page192">192</a>, +<a href="#page386">386</a>, +<a href="#page409">409</a>, +<a href="#page435">435</a>, +<a href="#page440">440</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Dick, Captain D. H. A.,</span> +<a href="#page360">360</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Dick-Cunyngham, Lieut.-Col. W. H., V.C.,</span> +<a href="#page167">167</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Director-General of Ordnance.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#brackenbury"><span class="smcap">Brackenbury</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Dirksen, Commandant,</span> +<a href="#page343">343</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Divisions.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#cavalry"><span class="smcap">Cavalry</span></a> <i>and</i> <a href="#infdiv"><span class="smcap">Infantry Divisions</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Donald, Lieut.-Col. C. G.,</span> +<a href="#page369">369</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Donegan, Major J. F.,</span> +<a href="#page147">147</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Donkerpoort,</span> +<a href="#page050">50</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Doornberg,</span> +<a href="#page123">123</a>-124, +<a href="#page126">126</a>-127, +<a href="#page137">137</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Doornkop Spruit,</span> +<a href="#page341">341</a>, +<a href="#page345">345</a>, +<a href="#page346">346</a>, +<a href="#page348">348</a>, +<a href="#page352">352</a>-354, +<a href="#page357">357</a>, +<a href="#page369">369</a>-371.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1"><i>Doris</i>, H.M.S.,</span> +<a href="#page117">117</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Dordrecht,</span> +<a href="#page287">287</a>-288, +<a href="#page290">290</a>, +<a href="#page408">408</a>, +<a href="#page435">435</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Douglas (Town, Cape Colony),</span> +<a href="#page214">214</a>, +<a href="#page386">386</a>, +<a href="#page387">387</a>, +<a href="#page439">439</a>, +<a href="#page442">442</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Douglas, Colonel C. W. H.,</span> +<a href="#page311">311</a>, +<a href="#page312">312</a>, +<a href="#page315">315</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Douglas, Lieut. H. E. M., awarded the V.C.,</span> +<a href="#page327">327</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Downing, Colonel C. M. H.,</span> +<a href="#page177">177</a>-178, +<a href="#page180">180</a>-181.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Downman, Lieut.-Col. G. T. F.,</span> +<a href="#page326">326</a>, +<a href="#page327">327</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Dragoon Guards, 5th.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Dragoon Guards, 6th.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Dragoons, 1st (Royal).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Dragoons, 2nd (Royal Scots Greys).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Dragoons, 6th (Inniskilling).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Drakensberg Mountains,</span> +<a href="#page037">37</a>, +<a href="#page038">38</a>, +<a href="#page040">40</a>, +<a href="#page047">47</a>, +<a href="#page054">54</a>-67, +<a href="#page125">125</a>, +<a href="#page157">157</a>, +<a href="#page174">174</a>, +<a href="#page335">335</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Dublin Fusiliers, Royal (1st and 2nd).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page505" name="page505"></a>[p. 505]</span> Duck, Vety.-Colonel F., C.B.,</span> +<a href="#page027">27</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry (2nd).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Duke of Edinburgh's Volunteer Rifles.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#colunits"><span class="smcap">Colonial Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Duncan, Captain S.,</span> +<a href="#page193">193</a>-194.<br> + +<a id="dundee" name="dundee"></a> <span class="minlevel1">Dundee,</span> +<a href="#page035">35</a>, +<a href="#page044">44</a>, +<a href="#page047">47</a>, +<a href="#page049">49</a>, +<a href="#page058">58</a>, +<a href="#page125">125</a>-141, +<a href="#page429">429</a>; + <span class="minlevel2">retreat from,</span> +<a href="#page142">142</a>-151.<br> + <span class="minlevel2"><i>See also</i> <a href="#glencoe"><span class="smcap">Glencoe</span></a>.</span><br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Dundonald, Colonel the Earl of, C.B., M.V.O.,</span> +<a href="#page273">273</a>, +<a href="#page332">332</a>, +<a href="#page347">347</a>, +<a href="#page352">352</a>, +<a href="#page366">366</a>-368, +<a href="#page373">373</a>-374.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Durban,</span> +<a href="#page048">48</a>, +<a href="#page057">57</a>, +<a href="#page113">113</a>, +<a href="#page117">117</a>-121, +<a href="#page200">200</a>, +<a href="#page209">209</a>, +<a href="#page262">262</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Boer raid contemplated on,</span> +<a href="#page158">158</a>, +<a href="#page206">206</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">locomotive works assist mounting Naval guns at,</span> +<a href="#page119">119</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">protection at, from land attack,</span> +<a href="#page197">197</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">scanty means of defence at,</span> +<a href="#page117">117</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Durban Light Infantry.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#colunits"><span class="smcap">Colonial Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Durham Light Infantry (1st).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Du Toit, Acting-General,</span> +<a href="#page425">425</a>.</p> + +<p class="p2"> + <span class="minlevel1">Eagar, Lieut-Col. H. A.,</span> +<a href="#page296">296</a>, +<a href="#page298">298</a>, +<a href="#page301">301</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">East and Central Africa,</span> +<a href="#page095">95</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Eastern Cape Colony,</span> +<a href="#page062">62</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">East Kent regiment (The Buffs) (2nd).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">East Lancashire regiment (1st).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">East London,</span> +<a href="#page043">43</a>, +<a href="#page052">52</a>, +<a href="#page053">53</a>, +<a href="#page057">57</a>, +<a href="#page106">106</a>, +<a href="#page113">113</a>, +<a href="#page119">119</a>, +<a href="#page120">120</a>, +<a href="#page197">197</a>, +<a href="#page200">200</a>, +<a href="#page261">261</a>, +<a href="#page286">286</a>, +<a href="#page290">290</a>, +<a href="#page378">378</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">East Surrey regiment (2nd).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Edenburg,</span> +<a href="#page248">248</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Edenburg commando.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#commandos"><span class="smcap">Commandos</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Egypt,</span> +<a href="#page002">2</a>, +<a href="#page088">88</a>-89, +<a href="#page092">92</a>, +<a href="#page415">415</a>, +<a href="#page443">443</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Elandslaagte,</span> +<a href="#page127">127</a>, +<a href="#page144">144</a>-145, +<a href="#page148">148</a>, +<a href="#page151">151</a>-152, +<a href="#page157">157</a>-172, +<a href="#page182">182</a>-183, +<a href="#page192">192</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Elandslaagte road,</span> +<a href="#page179">179</a>, +<a href="#page182">182</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Elliott, Major Sir H. G., K.C.M.G.,</span> +<a href="#page208">208</a>, +<a href="#page288">288</a>, +<a href="#page290">290</a>, +<a href="#page385">385</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Elliott, Mr. C. B., General Manager, Cape Government Railways,</span> +<a href="#page424">424</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Elswick battery,</span> +<a href="#page414">414</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Elton, Captain F. A.,</span> +<a href="#page361">361</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Ely, Lieut. T. B.,</span> +<a href="#page356">356</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Embarkation, dates of, for South Africa,</span> +<a href="#page009">9</a>, +<a href="#page101">101</a>, +<a href="#page107">107</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">importance of Army being practised in,</span> +<a href="#page112">112</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">numbers embarked from South Africa,</span> +<a href="#page107">107</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">not delayed by mobilisation,</span> +<a href="#page115">115</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">political situation greatly delays,</span> +<a href="#page115">115</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">ports of,</span> +<a href="#page100">100</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Empire, British,</span> +<a href="#page001">1</a>, +<a href="#page013">13</a>, +<a href="#page032">32</a>, +<a href="#page087">87</a>, +<a href="#page089">89</a>, +<a href="#page380">380</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Engineers, Royal.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>. + + <span class="minlevel1">Englebrecht, Commandant,</span> +<a href="#page128">128</a>.<br> + +<a id="enslin" name="enslin"></a> <span class="minlevel1">Enslin,</span> +<a href="#page229">229</a>-242, +<a href="#page247">247</a>, +<a href="#page309">309</a>, +<a href="#page386">386</a>, +<a href="#page444">444</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2"><i>See also</i></span> <a href="#graspan"><span class="smcap">Graspan</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Enteric fever,</span> +<a href="#page064">64</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Equipment and clothing,</span> +<a href="#page030">30</a>, +<a href="#page417">417</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">boots,</span> +<a href="#page030">30</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">camp,</span> +<a href="#page031">31</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">hospital,</span> +<a href="#page026">26</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">in previous campaigns,</span> +<a href="#page017">17</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">khaki drill,</span> +<a href="#page030">30</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">serge clothing,</span> +<a href="#page030">30</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Erasmus, General,</span> +<a href="#page124">124</a>-127, +<a href="#page131">131</a>, +<a href="#page148">148</a>, +<a href="#page151">151</a>, +<a href="#page170">170</a>, +<a href="#page172">172</a>, +<a href="#page341">341</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Ermelo,</span> +<a href="#page124">124</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Ermelo commando.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#commandos"><span class="smcap">Commandos</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Erskine, Captain W. C. C.,</span> +<a href="#page245">245</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Escombe, The Right Hon. H.,</span> +<a href="#page014">14</a>-15.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Eshowe,</span> +<a href="#page378">378</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Essex regiment (1st).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Estcourt,</span> +<a href="#page044">44</a>, +<a href="#page059">59</a>, +<a href="#page197">197</a>, +<a href="#page208">208</a>, +<a href="#page261">261</a>, +<a href="#page262">262</a>, +<a href="#page268">268</a>, +<a href="#page273">273</a>, +<a href="#page378">378</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Ethelston, Commander A. P., R.N.,</span> +<a href="#page120">120</a>, +<a href="#page205">205</a>, +<a href="#page238">238</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Eustace, Lieut.-Col. F. J. W.,</span> +<a href="#page284">284</a>, +<a href="#page390">390</a>, +<a href="#page396">396</a>, +<a href="#page397">397</a>, +<a href="#page399">399</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Ewart, Lieut.-Col. J. S.,</span> +<a href="#page317">317</a>, +<a href="#page440">440</a>.</p> + +<p class="p2"> + <span class="minlevel1">Falkland Isles,</span> +<a href="#page095">95</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Fauresmith,</span> +<a href="#page387">387</a>, +<a href="#page388">388</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Fauresmith commando.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#commandos"><span class="smcap">Commandos</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Ferreira, Commandant,</span> +<a href="#page274">274</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Ferreira, General J. S.,</span> +<a href="#page409">409</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Festing, Lieut. F. L.,</span> +<a href="#page223">223</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Fetherstonhaugh, Maj.-Gen. R. S. R.,</span> +<a href="#page200">200</a>, +<a href="#page203">203</a>, +<a href="#page211">211</a>, +<a href="#page215">215</a>, +<a href="#page224">224</a>, +<a href="#page248">248</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Field artillery, Royal,</span> +<a href="#page052">52</a>, +<a href="#page332">332</a>, +<a href="#page414">414</a>, +<a href="#page417">417</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2"><i>See also</i></span> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Field Cornets,</span> +<a href="#page075">75</a>-76.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page506" name="page506"></a>[p. 506]</span> Field hospitals,</span> +<a href="#page025">25</a>, +<a href="#page026">26</a>, +<a href="#page031">31</a>, +<a href="#page289">289</a>, +<a href="#page290">290</a>, +<a href="#page292">292</a>, +<a href="#page421">421</a>, +<a href="#page437">437</a>, +<a href="#page438">438</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2"><i>See also</i></span> <a href="#ramc"><span class="smcap">Royal Army Medical Corps</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Fiji,</span> +<a href="#page094">94</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Financial Secretary,</span> +<a href="#page028">28</a>-29.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Fincham's farm,</span> +<a href="#page216">216</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Fingo tribe,</span> +<a href="#page208">208</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Fisher, Captain W. B., R.N.,</span> +<a href="#page116">116</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Fisher, Lieut.-Col. R. B. W.,</span> +<a href="#page283">283</a>, +<a href="#page391">391</a>-396.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Flag Hill,</span> +<a href="#page176">176</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Food supplies,</span> +<a href="#page017">17</a>, +<a href="#page209">209</a>, +<a href="#page421">421</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2"><i>See also</i></span> <a href="#supplies"><span class="smcap">Supplies</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Forage:</span><br> + <span class="minlevel2">and horse-gear,</span> +<a href="#page106">106</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">in freight ships, and in transports,</span> +<a href="#page106">106</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">supplied from Government stores,</span> +<a href="#page106">106</a>, +<a href="#page421">421</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Fordsburg commando.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#commandos"><span class="smcap">Commandos</span></a>.<br> + +<a id="forestwalk" name="forestwalk"></a> <span class="minlevel1">Forestier-Walker, Lieut.-General Sir F. W. E. F., K.C.B., C.M.G.,</span> +<a href="#page002">2</a>, +<a href="#page042">42</a>, +<a href="#page043">43</a>, +<a href="#page045">45</a>, +<a href="#page053">53</a>, +<a href="#page204">204</a>, +<a href="#page207">207</a>, +<a href="#page209">209</a>, +<a href="#page279">279</a>, +<a href="#page288">288</a>, +<a href="#page377">377</a>-379, +<a href="#page383">383</a>, +<a href="#page409">409</a>-411, +<a href="#page413">413</a>, +<a href="#page417">417</a>, +<a href="#page418">418</a>, +<a href="#page424">424</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Forestier-Walker, Capt. G. T.,</span> +<a href="#page254">254</a>, +<a href="#page256">256</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Forster, Major W. G.,</span> +<a href="#page366">366</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1"><i>Forte</i>, H.M.S.,</span> +<a href="#page116">116</a>, +<a href="#page120">120</a>, +<a href="#page121">121</a>, +<a href="#page263">263</a>-265, +<a href="#page332">332</a>, +<a href="#page333">333</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Fort Molyneux,</span> +<a href="#page264">264</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Fort Napier,</span> +<a href="#page263">263</a>, +<a href="#page265">265</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Fort Wylie,</span> +<a href="#page264">264</a>, +<a href="#page340">340</a>, +<a href="#page342">342</a>, +<a href="#page343">343</a>, +<a href="#page351">351</a>, +<a href="#page358">358</a>-361, +<a href="#page365">365</a>, +<a href="#page367">367</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Foster's Farm,</span> +<a href="#page292">292</a>, +<a href="#page300">300</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Fourie, Commandant P.,</span> +<a href="#page234">234</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Fourteen Streams,</span> +<a href="#page039">39</a>, +<a href="#page050">50</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Fourteen Streams Bridge,</span> +<a href="#page036">36</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Fox, Lieut. R. M. D.,</span> +<a href="#page254">254</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Fraserburg Road,</span> +<a href="#page053">53</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Fraser's Drift,</span> +<a href="#page439">439</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Fraser's Farm,</span> +<a href="#page255">255</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Free State.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#ofs"><span class="smcap">Orange Free State</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Freight ships:</span><br> + <span class="minlevel2">contracts for, nature of,</span> +<a href="#page098">98</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">engaged by Colonial governments,</span> +<a href="#page097">97</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">forage supplied by owners of,</span> +<a href="#page106">106</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">for mules,</span> +<a href="#page109">109</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">for troops,</span> +<a href="#page109">109</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">full cargoes of,</span> +<a href="#page109">109</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">hired by Remount Department,</span> +<a href="#page098">98</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">stores from England carried in,</span> +<a href="#page104">104</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">French, Lieut.-Gen. J. D. P.,</span> +<a href="#page159">159</a>-171 (Elandslaagte), +<a href="#page172">172</a>-174, +<a href="#page176">176</a>, +<a href="#page181">181</a>, +<a href="#page182">182</a>, +<a href="#page183">183</a>, +<a href="#page186">186</a>, +<a href="#page200">200</a>-203, +<a href="#page208">208</a>-210, +<a href="#page215">215</a>, +<a href="#page275">275</a>-284 (Colesberg), +<a href="#page287">287</a>, +<a href="#page332">332</a>, +<a href="#page376">376</a>, +<a href="#page378">378</a>, +<a href="#page382">382</a>, +<a href="#page389">389</a>-407 (Colesberg), +<a href="#page408">408</a>, +<a href="#page409">409</a>, +<a href="#page411">411</a>, +<a href="#page430">430</a>, +<a href="#page432">432</a>-436, +<a href="#page444">444</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Frere,</span> +<a href="#page121">121</a>, +<a href="#page265">265</a>, +<a href="#page267">267</a>, +<a href="#page268">268</a>, +<a href="#page273">273</a>, +<a href="#page332">332</a>, +<a href="#page333">333</a>, +<a href="#page358">358</a>, +<a href="#page410">410</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Froneman, Commandant,</span> +<a href="#page441">441</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Frontiers of British South Africa,</span> +<a href="#page036">36</a>-41.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Frontier Mounted Rifles.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#colunits"><span class="smcap">Colonial Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Fuse, time,</span> +<a href="#page423">423</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Fyffe, Captain B. O.,</span> +<a href="#page186">186</a>, +<a href="#page193">193</a>.</p> + +<p class="p2"> + <span class="minlevel1">Gatacre, Lieut.-Gen. Sir W., K.C.B., D.S.O.,</span> +<a href="#page197">197</a>, +<a href="#page199">199</a>, +<a href="#page202">202</a>, +<a href="#page203">203</a>, +<a href="#page208">208</a>-210, +<a href="#page285">285</a>-303 (Stormberg), +<a href="#page332">332</a>, +<a href="#page376">376</a>, +<a href="#page378">378</a>, +<a href="#page383">383</a>, +<a href="#page408">408</a>, +<a href="#page411">411</a>, +<a href="#page429">429</a>, +<a href="#page435">435</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">German Corps.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#commandos"><span class="smcap">Commandos</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Germiston commando.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#commandos"><span class="smcap">Commandos</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Giants Castle,</span> +<a href="#page058">58</a>, +<a href="#page059">59</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Gibraltar,</span> +<a href="#page089">89</a>, +<a href="#page092">92</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Girouard, Lieut.-Col. E. P. C., D.S.O.,</span> +<a href="#page385">385</a>, +<a href="#page413">413</a>, +<a href="#page424">424</a>, +<a href="#page432">432</a>, +<a href="#page433">433</a>, +<a href="#page443">443</a>.<br> + +<a id="glencoe" name="glencoe"></a> <span class="minlevel1">Glencoe,</span> +<a href="#page038">38</a>, +<a href="#page044">44</a>, +<a href="#page046">46</a>, +<a href="#page047">47</a>, +<a href="#page058">58</a>, +<a href="#page145">145</a>, +<a href="#page159">159</a>, +<a href="#page172">172</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2"><i>See also</i></span> <a href="#dundee"><span class="smcap">Dundee</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Gloucestershire regiment (1st and 2nd).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Godley, Captain H. C.,</span> +<a href="#page309">309</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Goff, Lieut.-Colonel G. L. J.,</span> +<a href="#page319">319</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Goldie, Captain A. H.,</span> +<a href="#page361">361</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Gomba Spruit,</span> +<a href="#page367">367</a>, +<a href="#page373">373</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Goodenough, Lieut.-Gen. Sir W. H., K.C.B.,</span> +<a href="#page035">35</a>, +<a href="#page044">44</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Goodwin, Mr. (later Major) C. A.,</span> +<a href="#page425">425</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Gordon, Brig.-General J. R. P.,</span> +<a href="#page437">437</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Gordon, Captain W. E., V.C.,</span> +<a href="#page327">327</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Gordon Highlanders (1st and 2nd).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Gore, Lieut.-Col. St. J. C.,</span> +<a href="#page163">163</a>, +<a href="#page167">167</a>-169, +<a href="#page171">171</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Gosset, Lieut. F. J.,</span> +<a href="#page286">286</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Gough, Col. B.,</span> +<a href="#page220">220</a>, +<a href="#page221">221</a>, +<a href="#page232">232</a>, +<a href="#page240">240</a>, +<a href="#page241">241</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Gough, Captain H. de la P.,</span> +<a href="#page337">337</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page507" name="page507"></a>[p. 507]</span> Graaf Reinet,</span> +<a href="#page056">56</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Graff, Mr. S. J.,</span> +<a href="#page106">106</a>, +<a href="#page110">110</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Grahamstown,</span> +<a href="#page384">384</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Grahamstown Volunteer Mounted Infantry.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#colunits"><span class="smcap">Colonial Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Granet, Major E. J.,</span> +<a href="#page258">258</a>, +<a href="#page441">441</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Grant Committee,</span> +<a href="#page032">32</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Grant, Major S. C. N.,</span> +<a href="#page014">14</a>.<br> + +<a id="graspan" name="graspan"></a> <span class="minlevel1">Graspan,</span> +<a href="#page063">63</a>, +<a href="#page120">120</a>, +<a href="#page216">216</a>, +<a href="#page229">229</a>-242, +<a href="#page243">243</a>, +<a href="#page332">332</a>, +<a href="#page432">432</a>, +<a href="#page442">442</a>, +<a href="#page444">444</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2"><i>See also</i></span> <a href="#enslin"><span class="smcap">Enslin</span></a>.<br> + +<a id="grassyhill" name="grassyhill"></a> <span class="minlevel1">Grassy (later "Suffolk") Hill,</span> +<a href="#page394">394</a>, +<a href="#page396">396</a>-399, +<a href="#page404">404</a>, +<a href="#page406">406</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Great Fish River,</span> +<a href="#page056">56</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Great Karroo,</span> +<a href="#page055">55</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Great Kei River,</span> +<a href="#page056">56</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Great Winterberg,</span> +<a href="#page056">56</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Green Hill,</span> +<a href="#page368">368</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Grenadier Guards (3rd).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Greytown,</span> +<a href="#page147">147</a>, +<a href="#page159">159</a>, +<a href="#page261">261</a>, +<a href="#page378">378</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Grimshaw, Lieut. C. T. W.,</span> +<a href="#page128">128</a>-131.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Grimwood, Col. G. G.,</span> +<a href="#page174">174</a>-176, +<a href="#page178">178</a>-182, +<a href="#page184">184</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Griqualand East,</span> +<a href="#page036">36</a>, +<a href="#page208">208</a>, +<a href="#page288">288</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Griqualand West,</span> +<a href="#page052">52</a>, +<a href="#page062">62</a>, +<a href="#page207">207</a>, +<a href="#page382">382</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Griquatown,</span> +<a href="#page214">214</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Grobelaar, Commandant E. R.,</span> +<a href="#page050">50</a>, +<a href="#page281">281</a>, +<a href="#page282">282</a>, +<a href="#page295">295</a>, +<a href="#page299">299</a>, +<a href="#page394">394</a>, +<a href="#page409">409</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Grobelaars Kloof,</span> +<a href="#page059">59</a>, +<a href="#page263">263</a>, +<a href="#page340">340</a>, +<a href="#page354">354</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Grylls, Lieut. J. B.,</span> +<a href="#page366">366</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Guards' Brigade.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#infbrig"><span class="smcap">Infantry Brigades</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Guns, 6-in. Boer,</span> +<a href="#page422">422</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">British,</span> +<a href="#page422">422</a>, +<a href="#page423">423</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">heavy,</span> +<a href="#page433">433</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Gun Hill (Belmont),</span> +<a href="#page219">219</a>-221, +<a href="#page223">223</a>-238.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Gun Hill (Ladysmith),</span> +<a href="#page172">172</a>, +<a href="#page174">174</a>, +<a href="#page176">176</a>, +<a href="#page180">180</a>, +<a href="#page334">334</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Gunning, Colonel R. H.,</span> +<a href="#page132">132</a>, +<a href="#page136">136</a>.</p> + +<p class="p2"> + <span class="minlevel1">Hague Convention,</span> +<a href="#page031">31</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Haig, Major D.,</span> +<a href="#page276">276</a>, +<a href="#page281">281</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Haldane, Capt. J. A. L., D.S.O.,</span> +<a href="#page267">267</a>, +<a href="#page268">268</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Halifax,</span> +<a href="#page139">139</a>, +<a href="#page140">140</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Hall, Lieut.-Col. F. H.,</span> +<a href="#page203">203</a>, +<a href="#page211">211</a>, +<a href="#page214">214</a>, +<a href="#page217">217</a>, +<a href="#page239">239</a>, +<a href="#page258">258</a>, +<a href="#page321">321</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Hall, Lieut. H. C.,</span> +<a href="#page213">213</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Halsey, Lieut. A., R.N.,</span> +<a href="#page121">121</a>, +<a href="#page266">266</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Hamilton, Colonel B. M.,</span> +<a href="#page346">346</a>, +<a href="#page350">350</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Hamilton, Lieut.-Col. E. O. F.,</span> +<a href="#page366">366</a>, +<a href="#page371">371</a><br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Hamilton, Col. Ian S. M., C.B., D.S.O.,</span> +<a href="#page159">159</a>, +<a href="#page163">163</a>, +<a href="#page168">168</a>-170, +<a href="#page172">172</a>, +<a href="#page175">175</a>-177, +<a href="#page183">183</a>, +<a href="#page185">185</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Hamilton, Major H. I. W., D.S.O.,</span> +<a href="#page433">433</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Hammersley, Major F.,</span> +<a href="#page133">133</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Hampshire regiment (2nd).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Hannah, Lieut. W. M. J.,</span> +<a href="#page143">143</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Hannay, Colonel O. C.,</span> +<a href="#page437">437</a>, +<a href="#page444">444</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Hanover Road,</span> +<a href="#page212">212</a>, +<a href="#page277">277</a>, +<a href="#page280">280</a>, +<a href="#page390">390</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Harding, Mr.,</span> +<a href="#page330">330</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Harness,</span> +<a href="#page019">19</a>, +<a href="#page031">31</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">mule,</span> +<a href="#page417">417</a>.<br> + +<a id="harris" name="harris"></a> <span class="minlevel1">Harris, Rear-Admiral Sir R. H., K.C.M.G., Commander-in-Chief of Cape of Good Hope and West Coast of Africa Station,</span> +<a href="#page053">53</a>, +<a href="#page116">116</a>-119, +<a href="#page121">121</a>, +<a href="#page185">185</a>, +<a href="#page205">205</a>, +<a href="#page263">263</a>, +<a href="#page422">422</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">in July, 1899, sees that Boers are only waiting for the grass to invade Natal,</span> +<a href="#page116">116</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Harrismith,</span> +<a href="#page044">44</a>, +<a href="#page058">58</a>, +<a href="#page157">157</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Harrismith commando.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#commandos"><span class="smcap">Commandos</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Hart, Major-Gen. A. FitzRoy, C.B.,</span> +<a href="#page203">203</a>, +<a href="#page204">204</a>, +<a href="#page210">210</a>, +<a href="#page333">333</a>, +<a href="#page346">346</a>, +<a href="#page348">348</a>, +<a href="#page352">352</a>-357, +<a href="#page362">362</a>, +<a href="#page369">369</a>-372.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Hart's brigade.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#infbrig"><span class="smcap">Infantry Brigades</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Hartley, Lieut.-Col. E. B., V.C.,</span> +<a href="#page215">215</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Hartebeestfontein Farm,</span> +<a href="#page280">280</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Hatting, Commandant,</span> +<a href="#page128">128</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Hatting Spruit,</span> +<a href="#page126">126</a>-127.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Hartzogsrand (mountain),</span> +<a href="#page056">56</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Headquarter Hill,</span> +<a href="#page306">306</a>, +<a href="#page310">310</a>-312, +<a href="#page316">316</a>, +<a href="#page321">321</a>, +<a href="#page323">323</a>, +<a href="#page326">326</a>, +<a href="#page327">327</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Hebron Farm,</span> +<a href="#page404">404</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Heidelberg commando.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#commandos"><span class="smcap">Commandos</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Heilbron commando.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#commandos"><span class="smcap">Commandos</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Helpmakaar,</span> +<a href="#page261">261</a>, +<a href="#page274">274</a>, +<a href="#page334">334</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Helpmakaar Road,</span> +<a href="#page146">146</a>-147, +<a href="#page150">150</a>, +<a href="#page181">181</a>.<br> + +<a id="helyhutch" name="helyhutch"></a> <span class="minlevel1">Hely-Hutchinson, The Honourable Sir W. F., G.C.M.G.,</span> +<a href="#page045">45</a>, +<a href="#page123">123</a>, +<a href="#page207">207</a>, +<a href="#page261">261</a>-262.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Henderson, Colonel G. F. R.,</span> +<a href="#page015">15</a>, +<a href="#page433">433</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Henniker-Major, Lieut.-Col. the Hon. A. H.,</span> +<a href="#page324">324</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page508" name="page508"></a>[p. 508]</span> Henshaw, Major C. G.,</span> +<a href="#page367">367</a>, +<a href="#page374">374</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Herbert, Captain G. F.,</span> +<a href="#page361">361</a>, +<a href="#page362">362</a>, +<a href="#page365">365</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Herschel,</span> +<a href="#page382">382</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Her Majesty's Government.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#cabinet"><span class="smcap">Cabinet</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Higgins, Lieut. J. F. A.,</span> +<a href="#page184">184</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">High Commissioner.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#milner"><span class="smcap">Milner, Sir Alfred</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Highland Brigade.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#infbrig"><span class="smcap">Infantry Brigades</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Highland Light Infantry (1st).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Highlands,</span> +<a href="#page059">59</a>, +<a href="#page269">269</a>-270.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">High Veld,</span> +<a href="#page062">62</a>, +<a href="#page063">63</a>, +<a href="#page066">66</a>, +<a href="#page067">67</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Hildyard, Maj.-Gen. H. J. T., C.B.,</span> +<a href="#page202">202</a>, +<a href="#page204">204</a>, +<a href="#page266">266</a>, +<a href="#page269">269</a>-273, +<a href="#page333">333</a>, +<a href="#page346">346</a>, +<a href="#page347">347</a>, +<a href="#page363">363</a>, +<a href="#page364">364</a>, +<a href="#page371">371</a>, +<a href="#page372">372</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Hime, Lieut.-Col. the Hon. Sir Albert H., K.C.M.G.,</span> +<a href="#page144">144</a>, +<a href="#page263">263</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Hinde, Colonel J. H. E.,</span> +<a href="#page270">270</a>, +<a href="#page353">353</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">His Majesty's Commissioners.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#rcsaw"><span class="smcap">Royal Commission on South African War</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">His Majesty's Government.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#cabinet"><span class="smcap">Cabinet</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Hlangwhane (mountain),</span> +<a href="#page340">340</a>, +<a href="#page341">341</a>, +<a href="#page343">343</a>-345, +<a href="#page347">347</a>, +<a href="#page348">348</a>, +<a href="#page358">358</a>, +<a href="#page363">363</a>, +<a href="#page367">367</a>-369.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Hlatikulu,</span> +<a href="#page269">269</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Hogg & Robinson, Messrs.,</span> +<a href="#page098">98</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Hollander Corps.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#commandos"><span class="smcap">Commandos</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Home, Colonel,</span> +<a href="#page007">7</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Honey Nest Kloof,</span> +<a href="#page213">213</a>, +<a href="#page231">231</a>, +<a href="#page240">240</a>, +<a href="#page245">245</a>, +<a href="#page258">258</a>, +<a href="#page310">310</a>, +<a href="#page385">385</a>, +<a href="#page386">386</a>, +<a href="#page432">432</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">railway proposed from, to Jacobsdal,</span> +<a href="#page385">385</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Hong Kong,</span> +<a href="#page089">89</a>, +<a href="#page091">91</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">offers assistance,</span> +<a href="#page034">34</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Honourable Artillery Company of London,</span> +<a href="#page093">93</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Hoopstad commando.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#commandos"><span class="smcap">Commandos</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Hopetown Road bridge,</span> +<a href="#page052">52</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2"><i>See also</i></span> <a href="#oriverbridge"><span class="smcap">Orange River bridge</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Hore, Bt. Lieut.-Colonel C. O.,</span> +<a href="#page051">51</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Horse Artillery Hill (Magersfontein),</span> +<a href="#page306">306</a>, +<a href="#page322">322</a>, +<a href="#page324">324</a>, +<a href="#page326">326</a>, +<a href="#page327">327</a>, +<a href="#page329">329</a>, +<a href="#page331">331</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Horses,</span> +<a href="#page016">16</a>, +<a href="#page434">434</a>, +<a href="#page443">443</a>, +<a href="#page444">444</a>, +<a href="#page447">447</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Argentina,</span> +<a href="#page020">20</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Australian,</span> +<a href="#page021">21</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">embarking,</span> +<a href="#page113">113</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">for infantry regiments, grant in 1897,</span> +<a href="#page017">17</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">in South Africa,</span> +<a href="#page021">21</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Royal Commission's report on system of supply of,</span> +<a href="#page023">23</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">supply of, in excess of demands,</span> +<a href="#page023">23</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Horse-shoes, deficiency of,</span> +<a href="#page031">31</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Hospitals, equipment of,</span> +<a href="#page026">26</a>, +<a href="#page031">31</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">general,</span> +<a href="#page031">31</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">stationary,</span> +<a href="#page031">31</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">stores for,</span> +<a href="#page031">31</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">veterinary,</span> +<a href="#page027">27</a>.<br> + +<a id="hospships" name="hospships"></a> <span class="minlevel1">Hospital ships,</span> +<a href="#page103">103</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Household Cavalry.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Howard, Colonel F., C.B., C.M.G.,</span> +<a href="#page174">174</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Howitzers,</span> +<a href="#page009">9</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">6·3-in. Cape Government,</span> +<a href="#page422">422</a>, +<a href="#page423">423</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Boer,</span> +<a href="#page422">422</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Hughes, Captain M. L.,</span> +<a href="#page364">364</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Hughes-Hallett, Lieut.-Col. J. W.,</span> +<a href="#page319">319</a>, +<a href="#page327">327</a>, +<a href="#page441">441</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Humphery, Major S.,</span> +<a href="#page192">192</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Hunt, Lieut.-Col. H. V.,</span> +<a href="#page203">203</a>, +<a href="#page332">332</a>, +<a href="#page351">351</a>, +<a href="#page358">358</a>-360.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Hunter, Major-General Sir A., K.C.B., D.S.O.,</span> +<a href="#page123">123</a>, +<a href="#page144">144</a>, +<a href="#page171">171</a>, +<a href="#page184">184</a>, +<a href="#page197">197</a>, +<a href="#page198">198</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Hunter, Sir D., K.C.M.G.,</span> +<a href="#page424">424</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Hunter-Weston, Major A. G.,</span> +<a href="#page400">400</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Hussar Hill (Colenso),</span> +<a href="#page368">368</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Hussars (10th).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Hussars (13th).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Hussars (14th).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Hussars (18th).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Hussars (19th).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Hutchinson.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#helyhutch"><span class="smcap">Hely-Hutchinson</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Hyderabad contingent,</span> +<a href="#page092">92</a>.</p> + +<p class="p2"> + <span class="minlevel1">Impati,</span> +<a href="#page124">124</a>, +<a href="#page126">126</a>, +<a href="#page131">131</a>, +<a href="#page137">137</a>, +<a href="#page138">138</a>, +<a href="#page140">140</a>, +<a href="#page142">142</a>-147.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Imperial Commonwealth,</span> +<a href="#page033">33</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Imperial Light Horse.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#colunits"><span class="smcap">Colonial Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Imperial Light Infantry.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#colunits"><span class="smcap">Colonial Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Imperial Service troops,</span> +<a href="#page092">92</a>.<br> + +<a id="impyeo" name="impyeo"></a> <span class="minlevel1">Imperial Yeomanry,</span> +<a href="#page010">10</a>, +<a href="#page414">414</a>, +<a href="#page415">415</a>, +<a href="#page443">443</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">India,</span> +<a href="#page031">31</a>, +<a href="#page034">34</a>, +<a href="#page041">41</a>, +<a href="#page054">54</a>, +<a href="#page089">89</a>, +<a href="#page092">92</a>, +<a href="#page443">443</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Indian Government,</span> +<a href="#page020">20</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Indian Marine, Director of,</span> +<a href="#page097">97</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Indian Military Police,</span> +<a href="#page093">93</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Indian Volunteers,</span> +<a href="#page093">93</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Indumeni,</span> +<a href="#page142">142</a>-146.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Indwe,</span> +<a href="#page286">286</a>, +<a href="#page287">287</a>.<br> + +<a id="infbrig" name="infbrig"></a> <span class="minlevel1"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page509" name="page509"></a>[p. 509]</span> Infantry Brigades:—</span><br> + <span class="minlevel2">1st brigade (Guards) (Colvile),</span> +<a href="#page200">200</a>, +<a href="#page211">211</a>, +<a href="#page212">212</a>, +<a href="#page215">215</a>, +<a href="#page219">219</a>-228, +<a href="#page232">232</a>, +<a href="#page235">235</a>, +<a href="#page236">236</a>, +<a href="#page242">242</a>, +<a href="#page248">248</a>-260, +<a href="#page311">311</a>-315, +<a href="#page316">316</a>-330, +<a href="#page438">438</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">2nd brigade (Hildyard),</span> +<a href="#page202">202</a>, +<a href="#page204">204</a>, +<a href="#page266">266</a>, +<a href="#page272">272</a>, +<a href="#page333">333</a>, +<a href="#page346">346</a>, +<a href="#page348">348</a>, +<a href="#page357">357</a>-373.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">3rd brigade (Highland) (Wauchope, later MacDonald),</span> +<a href="#page203">203</a>, +<a href="#page207">207</a>, +<a href="#page211">211</a>, +<a href="#page215">215</a>, +<a href="#page308">308</a>, +<a href="#page310">310</a>-315, +<a href="#page316">316</a>-330, +<a href="#page415">415</a>, +<a href="#page437">437</a>, +<a href="#page439">439</a>-442, +<a href="#page444">444</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">4th brigade (Lyttelton),</span> +<a href="#page202">202</a>, +<a href="#page204">204</a>, +<a href="#page333">333</a>, +<a href="#page347">347</a>, +<a href="#page348">348</a>, +<a href="#page351">351</a>-373.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">5th brigade (Hart),</span> +<a href="#page203">203</a>, +<a href="#page204">204</a>, +<a href="#page210">210</a>, +<a href="#page333">333</a>, +<a href="#page346">346</a>, +<a href="#page348">348</a>, +<a href="#page351">351</a>-373.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">6th brigade (Barton),</span> +<a href="#page203">203</a>, +<a href="#page269">269</a>, +<a href="#page273">273</a>, +<a href="#page333">333</a>, +<a href="#page345">345</a>, +<a href="#page347">347</a>, +<a href="#page348">348</a>, +<a href="#page351">351</a>-373.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">7th brigade (Ian Hamilton),</span> +<a href="#page163">163</a>-171, +<a href="#page172">172</a>-195.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">8th brigade (Yule, later Howard),</span> +<a href="#page123">123</a>-141, +<a href="#page142">142</a>-151, +<a href="#page172">172</a>-195.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">9th brigade (Fetherstonhaugh, later Pole-Carew),</span> +<a href="#page203">203</a>, +<a href="#page211">211</a>, +<a href="#page212">212</a>, +<a href="#page215">215</a>, +<a href="#page219">219</a>-228, +<a href="#page229">229</a>-242, +<a href="#page248">248</a>-260, +<a href="#page311">311</a>-315, +<a href="#page316">316</a>-330, +<a href="#page438">438</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">12th brigade (Clements),</span> +<a href="#page404">404</a>, +<a href="#page407">407</a>, +<a href="#page430">430</a>, +<a href="#page433">433</a>, +<a href="#page435">435</a>, +<a href="#page443">443</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">13th brigade (C. E. Knox),</span> +<a href="#page437">437</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">14th brigade (Chermside),</span> +<a href="#page437">437</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">15th brigade (Wavell),</span> +<a href="#page437">437</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">18th brigade (Stephenson),</span> +<a href="#page437">437</a>, +<a href="#page444">444</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">19th brigade (Smith-Dorrien),</span> +<a href="#page438">438</a>, +<a href="#page444">444</a>.<br> + +<a id="infdiv" name="infdiv"></a> <span class="minlevel1">Infantry Divisions:—</span><br> + <span class="minlevel2">1st division (Methuen), at Belmont,</span> +<a href="#page218">218</a>-228;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">at Graspan,</span> +<a href="#page229">229</a>-242;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">at Magersfontein,</span> +<a href="#page316">316</a>-331;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">at Modder river,</span> +<a href="#page243">243</a>-260;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">change in composition of,</span> +<a href="#page202">202</a>-203;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">detailed fresh composition of,</span> +<a href="#page214">214</a>-215;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">equipped with drill clothing,</span> +<a href="#page030">30</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">final decision as to employment of,</span> +<a href="#page200">200</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Lord Roberts' instructions to G.O.C.,</span> +<a href="#page433">433</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">march of, from Orange river,</span> +<a href="#page216">216</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Naval brigade joins,</span> +<a href="#page120">120</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">on Modder before Magersfontein,</span> +<a href="#page304">304</a>-315;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">retained on Modder as a screen,</span> +<a href="#page385">385</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Sir R. Buller's instructions to G.O.C.,</span> +<a href="#page201">201</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Sir R. Buller's instructions, before leaving for Natal, to G.O.C.,</span> +<a href="#page209">209</a>-213;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">to be employed in relief of Kimberley,</span> +<a href="#page199">199</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">to disembark at Cape Town,</span> +<a href="#page197">197</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">2nd division (Clery), arrives in Natal,</span> +<a href="#page266">266</a>-267;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">at Colenso,</span> +<a href="#page351">351</a>-375;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">change in composition of,</span> +<a href="#page203">203</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">equipped with drill clothing,</span> +<a href="#page030">30</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">final decision as to employment of,</span> +<a href="#page200">200</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Sir R. Buller issues orders through Divisional staff of,</span> +<a href="#page205">205</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">to be employed in relief of Kimberley,</span> +<a href="#page199">199</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">to disembark at Port Elizabeth,</span> +<a href="#page197">197</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">3rd division (Gatacre), change in composition of,</span> +<a href="#page203">203</a>-204;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">destination changed to Natal,</span> +<a href="#page199">199</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">equipped with drill clothing,</span> +<a href="#page030">30</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">final decision as to employment of,</span> +<a href="#page200">200</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">G.O.C. and staff arrive at East London,</span> +<a href="#page285">285</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">instructions to G.O.C.,</span> +<a href="#page202">202</a>;<br> + portion of, at Stormberg, +<a href="#page285">285</a>-303;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Sir R. Buller's instructions, before leaving for Natal, to G.O.C.,</span> +<a href="#page209">209</a>-210;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">to disembark at East London,</span> +<a href="#page197">197</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">to operate towards Jamestown,</span> +<a href="#page435">435</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">4th division, Naval brigade joins,</span> +<a href="#page120">120</a>, +<a href="#page185">185</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">troops under Sir G. White considered as,</span> +<a href="#page009">9</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">5th division (Warren), Buller informed that it is to be sent to South Africa,</span> +<a href="#page201">201</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Buller thinks division assigned to relief of Kimberley,</span> +<a href="#page377">377</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">departure of, involves policy of bluff in Cape Colony,</span> +<a href="#page381">381</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">due at Cape Town,</span> +<a href="#page376">376</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">embarkation of,</span> +<a href="#page009">9</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">lands in Natal,</span> +<a href="#page409">409</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">ordered to Natal,</span> +<a href="#page379">379</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">orders for mobilisation of,</span> +<a href="#page009">9</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">proposal to support 1st division with,</span> +<a href="#page378">378</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">6th division (Kelly-Kenny), brought to Modder river,</span> +<a href="#page444">444</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Buller advised of embarkation of,</span> +<a href="#page379">379</a>, +<a href="#page380">380</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel3"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page510" name="page510"></a>[p. 510]</span> composition of,</span> +<a href="#page437">437</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">despatched to Naauwpoort,</span> +<a href="#page433">433</a>-435;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">embarkation of,</span> +<a href="#page009">9</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">on point of embarkation,</span> +<a href="#page376">376</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">orders for mobilisation of,</span> +<a href="#page009">9</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">7th division (Tucker) at Graspan and Enslin,</span> +<a href="#page444">444</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">composition of,</span> +<a href="#page437">437</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">embarkation of,</span> +<a href="#page009">9</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">embarkation of, to begin on 4th January, 1900,</span> +<a href="#page379">379</a>, +<a href="#page380">380</a>, +<a href="#page414">414</a>, +<a href="#page417">417</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">mobilisation of, ordered,</span> +<a href="#page376">376</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">orders for mobilisation of,</span> +<a href="#page009">9</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">8th division (Rundle), despatch of, advisable owing to failure at Spion Kop,</span> +<a href="#page438">438</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">embarkation of,</span> +<a href="#page010">10</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">embarkation of, if required, about 20th February, 1900,</span> +<a href="#page415">415</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Lord Roberts hopes division not necessary,</span> +<a href="#page415">415</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">orders for mobilisation of,</span> +<a href="#page009">9</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">9th division (Colvile), assembled on the Riet and at Graspan,</span> +<a href="#page444">444</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel3">composition of,</span> +<a href="#page437">437</a>, +<a href="#page438">438</a>.<br> + +<a id="infmount" name="infmount"></a> <span class="minlevel1">Infantry, Mounted:—</span><br> + <span class="minlevel2">Mounted Brigades and Mounted Infantry Brigades:—</span><br> + <span class="minlevel3">Mounted brigade (Dundonald),</span> +<a href="#page332">332</a>, +<a href="#page351">351</a>-375.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">1st Mounted Infantry brigade (Hannay),</span> +<a href="#page437">437</a>, +<a href="#page444">444</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">2nd Mounted Infantry brigade (Ridley),</span> +<a href="#page437">437</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Mounted infantry in Ladysmith.</span> <i>See</i> <span class="smcap">Appendix</span> +<a href="#page010">10</a>, page <a href="#page489">489</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Ingagane,</span> +<a href="#page038">38</a>, +<a href="#page125">125</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Ingogo,</span> +<a href="#page058">58</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Inniskilling Dragoons.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Inniskilling Fusiliers, Royal (1st).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Inspector-General of Fortifications,</span> +<a href="#page027">27</a>, +<a href="#page028">28</a>, +<a href="#page032">32</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Inspector-General of Remounts,</span> +<a href="#page020">20</a>-23.<br> + +<a id="intdepbrithome" name="intdepbrithome"></a> + <span class="minlevel1">Intelligence Department (British, Home),</span> +<a href="#page007">7</a>, +<a href="#page008">8</a>, +<a href="#page013">13</a>, +<a href="#page017">17</a>, +<a href="#page040">40</a>, +<a href="#page276">276</a>, +<a href="#page292">292</a>, +<a href="#page422">422</a>, +<a href="#page429">429</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">(British, Field),</span> +<a href="#page015">15</a>, +<a href="#page047">47</a>, +<a href="#page048">48</a>, +<a href="#page157">157</a>, +<a href="#page198">198</a>, +<a href="#page213">213</a>, +<a href="#page231">231</a>, +<a href="#page263">263</a>, +<a href="#page270">270</a>, +<a href="#page276">276</a>, +<a href="#page289">289</a>, +<a href="#page291">291</a>, +<a href="#page302">302</a>, +<a href="#page330">330</a>, +<a href="#page335">335</a>, +<a href="#page337">337</a>, +<a href="#page343">343</a>, +<a href="#page388">388</a>, +<a href="#page410">410</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">(Boer),</span> +<a href="#page073">73</a>, +<a href="#page216">216</a>, +<a href="#page334">334</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">International law,</span> +<a href="#page096">96</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Intintanyoni,</span> +<a href="#page152">152</a>-156, +<a href="#page172">172</a>, +<a href="#page173">173</a>, +<a href="#page190">190</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Intonganeni or Emtonjaneni,</span> +<a href="#page036">36</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Irish Corps.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#commandos"><span class="smcap">Commandos</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Irish Fusiliers, Royal (1st and 2nd).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Irish regiment, Royal (1st).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Irish Rifles, Royal (2nd).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Irvine, Captain T.,</span> +<a href="#page256">256</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Ismailia,</span> +<a href="#page113">113</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1"><i>Ismore</i> (transport),</span> +<a href="#page107">107</a>, +<a href="#page111">111</a>, +<a href="#page119">119</a>, +<a href="#page391">391</a>.</p> + +<p class="p2"> + <span class="minlevel1">Jacobsdal,</span> +<a href="#page050">50</a>, +<a href="#page063">63</a>, +<a href="#page216">216</a>, +<a href="#page241">241</a>, +<a href="#page243">243</a>, +<a href="#page245">245</a>, +<a href="#page246">246</a>, +<a href="#page248">248</a>, +<a href="#page305">305</a>, +<a href="#page309">309</a>, +<a href="#page385">385</a>, +<a href="#page387">387</a>, +<a href="#page388">388</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Jacobsdal commando.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#commandos"><span class="smcap">Commandos</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Jacobsdal to Bloemfontein railway project,</span> +<a href="#page410">410</a>, +<a href="#page413">413</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Jagersfontein,</span> +<a href="#page063">63</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Jamaica,</span> +<a href="#page089">89</a>, +<a href="#page092">92</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">James, Lieut. H. W., R.N.,</span> +<a href="#page120">120</a>, +<a href="#page266">266</a>, +<a href="#page360">360</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Jameson raid,</span> +<a href="#page003">3</a>, +<a href="#page081">81</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Jameson, Surg.-Gen. J., M.D., C.B., Q.H.S.,</span> +<a href="#page026">26</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Jamestown,</span> +<a href="#page435">435</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Japanese disembarkations,</span> +<a href="#page114">114</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Jasfontein farm,</span> +<a href="#page393">393</a>, +<a href="#page404">404</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Jeffreys, Lieut.-Col. H. B.,</span> +<a href="#page297">297</a>, +<a href="#page299">299</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Jeppe, Mr. C.,</span> +<a href="#page015">15</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Johannesburg commando.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#commandos"><span class="smcap">Commandos</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Johannesburg police,</span> +<a href="#page394">394</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Johannesburg, Uitlanders in,</span> +<a href="#page038">38</a>, +<a href="#page385">385</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Johnstone, Capt. R., awarded the V.C.,</span> +<a href="#page170">170</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Jones, Capt. E. P., R.N.,</span> +<a href="#page120">120</a>, +<a href="#page121">121</a>, +<a href="#page122">122</a>, +<a href="#page332">332</a>, +<a href="#page351">351</a>, +<a href="#page359">359</a>, +<a href="#page363">363</a>, +<a href="#page365">365</a>, +<a href="#page369">369</a>, +<a href="#page371">371</a>, +<a href="#page373">373</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Jonono's Kop,</span> +<a href="#page152">152</a>, +<a href="#page161">161</a>-163.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Joubert, Commandant D.,</span> +<a href="#page269">269</a>, +<a href="#page270">270</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Joubert, Commandant J. J.,</span> +<a href="#page128">128</a>, +<a href="#page344">344</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Joubert, Field Cornet,</span> +<a href="#page162">162</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Joubert, Comt.-Gen. Piet,</span> +<a href="#page049">49</a>, +<a href="#page117">117</a>, +<a href="#page124">124</a>, +<a href="#page125">125</a>, +<a href="#page148">148</a>, +<a href="#page151">151</a>-2, +<a href="#page185">185</a>, +<a href="#page191">191</a>, +<a href="#page202">202</a>, +<a href="#page265">265</a>, + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page511" name="page511"></a>[p. 511]</span> +<a href="#page267">267</a>-270, +<a href="#page272">272</a>, +<a href="#page273">273</a>, +<a href="#page344">344</a>, +<a href="#page409">409</a>, +<a href="#page410">410</a>, +<a href="#page425">425</a>, +<a href="#page427">427</a>, +<a href="#page434">434</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">circular memorandum of,</span> +<a href="#page425">425</a>-427.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Joubert siding,</span> +<a href="#page400">400</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Jourdaan, Commandant,</span> +<a href="#page214">214</a>, +<a href="#page234">234</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Junction Hill,</span> +<a href="#page176">176</a>.</p> + +<p class="p2"> + <span class="minlevel1">Kaalspruit,</span> +<a href="#page388">388</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Kaffrarian Mounted Rifles.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#colunits"><span class="smcap">Colonial Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Kainguba height,</span> +<a href="#page186">186</a>-189, +<a href="#page191">191</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Kankana mountain,</span> +<a href="#page149">149</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Karree Bergen,</span> +<a href="#page056">56</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Karroos,</span> +<a href="#page055">55</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Katberg Pass,</span> +<a href="#page383">383</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Keerom,</span> +<a href="#page404">404</a>, +<a href="#page405">405</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Keith-Falconer, Lieut.-Col. C. E.,</span> +<a href="#page213">213</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Kekewich, Colonel R. G.,</span> +<a href="#page044">44</a>, +<a href="#page304">304</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Kelham, Lieut.-Col. H. R.,</span> +<a href="#page320">320</a>, +<a href="#page440">440</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Kelly-Kenny, Lieut.-Gen. T., C.B.,</span> +<a href="#page432">432</a>-435, +<a href="#page437">437</a>, +<a href="#page444">444</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Kenrick, Lieut. G. E. R.,</span> +<a href="#page142">142</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Khama's country,</span> +<a href="#page060">60</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Kimberley,</span> +<a href="#page005">5</a>, +<a href="#page036">36</a>-40, +<a href="#page042">42</a>, +<a href="#page043">43</a>, +<a href="#page044">44</a>, +<a href="#page048">48</a>, +<a href="#page050">50</a>, +<a href="#page052">52</a>, +<a href="#page053">53</a>, +<a href="#page120">120</a>, +<a href="#page197">197</a>, +<a href="#page198">198</a>-207, +<a href="#page209">209</a>, +<a href="#page211">211</a>, +<a href="#page212">212</a>-216, +<a href="#page218">218</a>, +<a href="#page229">229</a>, +<a href="#page243">243</a>, +<a href="#page244">244</a>, +<a href="#page276">276</a>, +<a href="#page304">304</a>-5, +<a href="#page310">310</a>, +<a href="#page334">334</a>, +<a href="#page377">377</a>-8, +<a href="#page382">382</a>, +<a href="#page384">384</a>, +<a href="#page388">388</a>, +<a href="#page408">408</a>, +<a href="#page409">409</a>, +<a href="#page411">411</a>-413, +<a href="#page428">428</a>, +<a href="#page430">430</a>, +<a href="#page431">431</a>, +<a href="#page433">433</a>, +<a href="#page435">435</a>, +<a href="#page439">439</a>, +<a href="#page442">442</a>, +<a href="#page443">443</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Kimberley Corps.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#colunits"><span class="smcap">Colonial Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Kincaid, Major C. S.,</span> +<a href="#page186">186</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">King's African Rifles,</span> +<a href="#page095">95</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">King's (Liverpool regiment) (1st).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">King's Own Scottish Borderers (1st).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry (2nd).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">King's Royal Rifle Corps (1st, 2nd, and 3rd).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">King William's Town,</span> +<a href="#page053">53</a>, +<a href="#page384">384</a>, +<a href="#page422">422</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Kinloch, Major D. A.,</span> +<a href="#page223">223</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Kissieberg,</span> +<a href="#page289">289</a>-292, +<a href="#page294">294</a>-300, +<a href="#page302">302</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Kitchener, Colonel F. W.,</span> +<a href="#page271">271</a>-272.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Kitchener of Khartoum, Major-Gen. The Lord, G.C.B., K.C.M.G.,</span> +<a href="#page420">420</a>, +<a href="#page433">433</a>, +<a href="#page436">436</a>, +<a href="#page443">443</a>, +<a href="#page448">448</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">(Sirdar of the Egyptian Army), appointed Chief of Staff,</span> +<a href="#page381">381</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Kitchener's Horse.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#colunits"><span class="smcap">Colonial Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Kleinfontein (near Ladysmith),</span> +<a href="#page173">173</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Kleinfontein farm (near Colesberg),</span> +<a href="#page404">404</a>, +<a href="#page405">405</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Klip Valley,</span> +<a href="#page341">341</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Kloof camp,</span> +<a href="#page394">394</a>, +<a href="#page396">396</a>, +<a href="#page399">399</a>, +<a href="#page400">400</a>, +<a href="#page405">405</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Knight, Bombardier W.,</span> +<a href="#page366">366</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Knox, Major-General C. E.,</span> +<a href="#page437">437</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Knox, Lieut. C. S.,</span> +<a href="#page193">193</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Knox, Major E. C.,</span> +<a href="#page138">138</a>-141.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Knox, Colonel W. G., C.B.,</span> +<a href="#page183">183</a>, +<a href="#page185">185</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Kock, General,</span> +<a href="#page124">124</a>-127, +<a href="#page159">159</a>, +<a href="#page170">170</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Koffyfontein,</span> +<a href="#page063">63</a>, +<a href="#page216">216</a>, +<a href="#page387">387</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Komati Poort,</span> +<a href="#page050">50</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Komgha Mounted Rifles:</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#colunits"><span class="smcap">Colonial Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Koodoesberg,</span> +<a href="#page387">387</a>, +<a href="#page439">439</a>-442.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Koodoesberg Drift,</span> +<a href="#page439">439</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Kopjes, description of,</span> +<a href="#page063">63</a>, +<a href="#page064">64</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Koranaberg,</span> +<a href="#page059">59</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Krijgsraad (council of war),</span> +<a href="#page077">77</a>, +<a href="#page229">229</a>, +<a href="#page264">264</a>, +<a href="#page285">285</a>, +<a href="#page341">341</a>, +<a href="#page343">343</a>-344.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Kroonstad commando.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#commandos"><span class="smcap">Commandos</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Kruger, President S. J. P., ultimatum of,</span> +<a href="#page001">1</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">commandeers his burghers,</span> +<a href="#page034">34</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">designs of,</span> +<a href="#page048">48</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">telegraphs to Botha to hold on to Hlangwhane,</span> +<a href="#page343">343</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">to President Steyn to commandeer everyone in annexed districts,</span> +<a href="#page382">382</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Krugersdorp,</span> +<a href="#page060">60</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Krugersdorp commando.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#commandos"><span class="smcap">Commandos</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Kuilfontein farm,</span> +<a href="#page281">281</a>, +<a href="#page282">282</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Kuruman,</span> +<a href="#page207">207</a>, +<a href="#page382">382</a>.</p> + +<p class="p2"> + <span class="minlevel1">Ladybrand Commando.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#commandos"><span class="smcap">Commandos</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Lady Grey,</span> +<a href="#page208">208</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Ladysmith,</span> +<a href="#page009">9</a>, +<a href="#page038">38</a>, +<a href="#page044">44</a>-47, +<a href="#page058">58</a>, +<a href="#page118">118</a>, +<a href="#page120">120</a>, +<a href="#page123">123</a>, +<a href="#page144">144</a>, +<a href="#page146">146</a>-147, +<a href="#page150">150</a>-153, +<a href="#page157">157</a>-202, +<a href="#page205">205</a>-210, +<a href="#page262">262</a>-265, +<a href="#page334">334</a>-340, +<a href="#page377">377</a>, +<a href="#page379">379</a>, +<a href="#page380">380</a>, +<a href="#page411">411</a>, +<a href="#page415">415</a>, +<a href="#page434">434</a>, +<a href="#page443">443</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">arrival of Sir G. White at,</span> +<a href="#page157">157</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">attack on, of 6th January, 1900, repulsed,</span> +<a href="#page409">409</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">communication with Dundee cut,</span> +<a href="#page127">127</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">invested,</span> +<a href="#page197">197</a>, +<a href="#page198">198</a>, +<a href="#page262">262</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Naval reinforcements for,</span> +<a href="#page120">120</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page512" name="page512"></a>[p. 512]</span> Ladysmith Naval Brigade.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#navalbrig"><span class="smcap">Naval Brigades</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Lagos,</span> +<a href="#page033">33</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Laing's Nek,</span> +<a href="#page037">37</a>, +<a href="#page044">44</a>-46, +<a href="#page058">58</a>, +<a href="#page124">124</a>-125;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">action of, 1881, Australia offers help after,</span> +<a href="#page033">33</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Lake St. Lucia,</span> +<a href="#page059">59</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Lambton, Captain The Hon. H., R.N.,</span> +<a href="#page120">120</a>, +<a href="#page185">185</a>-186, +<a href="#page205">205</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Lambton, Major The Hon. C.,</span> +<a href="#page224">224</a>, +<a href="#page255">255</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Lancers (5th).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Lancers (9th).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Lancers (12th).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Lancers (16th).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Lancer's Hill,</span> +<a href="#page338">338</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Landman's Drift road,</span> +<a href="#page128">128</a>, +<a href="#page139">139</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Landrosts,</span> +<a href="#page382">382</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Langeberg farm,</span> +<a href="#page305">305</a>, +<a href="#page307">307</a>, +<a href="#page309">309</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Langewacht Spruit,</span> +<a href="#page264">264</a>, +<a href="#page340">340</a>.<br> + +<a id="lansdowne" name="lansdowne"></a> <span class="minlevel1">Lansdowne, The Most Hon. the Marquis of, K.G., G.C.S.I., G.C.M.G., G.C.I.E.,</span> +<a href="#page004">4</a>, +<a href="#page005">05</a>, +<a href="#page011">11</a>, +<a href="#page029">29</a>, +<a href="#page032">32</a>-34, +<a href="#page098">98</a>, +<a href="#page110">110</a>, +<a href="#page197">197</a>, +<a href="#page199">199</a>-201, +<a href="#page338">338</a>, +<a href="#page377">377</a>, +<a href="#page384">384</a>, +<a href="#page414">414</a>, +<a href="#page443">443</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Lawrence, Captain the Hon. H. A.,</span> +<a href="#page276">276</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Leckie, Lieut. H. S., R.N.,</span> +<a href="#page116">116</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Leicestershire regiment (1st).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Lennox Hill,</span> +<a href="#page129">129</a>-140.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Leuchars, Major G.,</span> +<a href="#page274">274</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Leverson, Major G. F.,</span> +<a href="#page259">259</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Lichtenburg commando.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#commandos"><span class="smcap">Commandos</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Liebenberg, Commandant,</span> +<a href="#page439">439</a>, +<a href="#page442">442</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Limit Hill,</span> +<a href="#page176">176</a>, +<a href="#page177">177</a>, +<a href="#page183">183</a>-184, +<a href="#page186">186</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Limpopo (river),</span> +<a href="#page050">50</a>, +<a href="#page056">56</a>, +<a href="#page057">57</a>, +<a href="#page059">59</a>, +<a href="#page060">60</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Limpus, Commander A. H., R.N.,</span> +<a href="#page111">111</a>, +<a href="#page115">115</a>, +<a href="#page120">120</a>, +<a href="#page265">265</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Lincolnshire regiment (2nd).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Lisaine,</span> +<a href="#page422">422</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Little, Major M. O.,</span> +<a href="#page246">246</a>-247, +<a href="#page325">325</a>, +<a href="#page440">440</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Little Karroo,</span> +<a href="#page055">55</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Little Namaqualand,</span> +<a href="#page062">62</a>, +<a href="#page066">66</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Liverpool regiment (1st).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Lobombo Mountains,</span> +<a href="#page059">59</a>.<br> + +<a id="lombkops" name="lombkops"></a> <span class="minlevel1">Lombards Kop,</span> +<a href="#page120">120</a>, +<a href="#page150">150</a>, +<a href="#page172">172</a>-195, +<a href="#page196">196</a>, +<a href="#page261">261</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Long, Colonel C. J.,</span> +<a href="#page266">266</a>, +<a href="#page351">351</a>, +<a href="#page352">352</a>, +<a href="#page358">358</a>-365, +<a href="#page369">369</a>, +<a href="#page372">372</a>-374.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Long Hill,</span> +<a href="#page173">173</a>-177, +<a href="#page180">180</a>, +<a href="#page183">183</a>-184.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Lord Mayor of London,</span> +<a href="#page414">414</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Lourenēo Marques,</span> +<a href="#page116">116</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Low Veld,</span> +<a href="#page062">62</a>-63.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Loyal North Lancashire regiment (1st).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Lubbe, Commandant,</span> +<a href="#page234">234</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Lydenburg,</span> +<a href="#page059">59</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Lydenburg commando.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#commandos"><span class="smcap">Commandos</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Lyttelton, Major-Gen. the Hon. N. G., C.B.,</span> +<a href="#page202">202</a>, +<a href="#page204">204</a>, +<a href="#page333">333</a>, +<a href="#page352">352</a>, +<a href="#page357">357</a>-373.</p> + +<p class="p2"> + <span class="minlevel1">Macbean, Lieut.-Colonel F.,</span> +<a href="#page326">326</a>, +<a href="#page327">327</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">McCracken, Major F. W. N.,</span> +<a href="#page281">281</a>, +<a href="#page284">284</a>, +<a href="#page391">391</a>-393, +<a href="#page405">405</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">McCracken's Hill,</span> +<a href="#page392">392</a>, +<a href="#page393">393</a>, +<a href="#page395">395</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">MacDonald, Major-General H. A., C.B., D.S.O.,</span> +<a href="#page437">437</a>,<br> + <span class="minlevel2">at Koodoesberg,</span> +<a href="#page439">439</a>-442.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Macfarlan, Captain W.,</span> +<a href="#page319">319</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">McGrigor, Major C. R. R.,</span> +<a href="#page355">355</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Madocks, Captain W. R. N.,</span> +<a href="#page402">402</a>, +<a href="#page403">403</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1"><i>Madura</i>, loss of the,</span> +<a href="#page107">107</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Maeder's farm,</span> +<a href="#page391">391</a>, +<a href="#page394">394</a>, +<a href="#page395">395</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Mafeking,</span> +<a href="#page038">38</a>, +<a href="#page039">39</a>, +<a href="#page042">42</a>, +<a href="#page044">44</a>, +<a href="#page048">48</a>-53, +<a href="#page197">197</a>, +<a href="#page207">207</a>, +<a href="#page248">248</a>, +<a href="#page382">382</a>, +<a href="#page384">384</a>, +<a href="#page408">408</a>, +<a href="#page409">409</a>, +<a href="#page412">412</a>, +<a href="#page443">443</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Mafeking Corps.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#colunits"><span class="smcap">Colonial Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Magaliesberg,</span> +<a href="#page060">60</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Magersfontein,</span> +<a href="#page063">63</a>, +<a href="#page245">245</a>, +<a href="#page260">260</a>, +<a href="#page283">283</a>, +<a href="#page304">304</a>-331, +<a href="#page339">339</a>, +<a href="#page376">376</a>, +<a href="#page385">385</a>, +<a href="#page389">389</a>, +<a href="#page413">413</a>, +<a href="#page428">428</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Magersfontein position,</span> +<a href="#page304">304</a>-331, +<a href="#page428">428</a>, +<a href="#page436">436</a>, +<a href="#page438">438</a>, +<a href="#page439">439</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1"><i>Magicienne</i>, H.M.S.,</span> +<a href="#page116">116</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Malaboch,</span> +<a href="#page081">81</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Malay States,</span> +<a href="#page033">33</a>, +<a href="#page095">95</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Malta,</span> +<a href="#page002">2</a>, +<a href="#page089">89</a>, +<a href="#page092">92</a>, +<a href="#page093">93</a>, +<a href="#page443">443</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Malungeni,</span> +<a href="#page141">141</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Maluti Mountains,</span> +<a href="#page057">57</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Manchester regiment (1st).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Maps.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#milmaps"><span class="smcap">Military Maps</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Marchant, Major A. E.,</span> +<a href="#page238">238</a>, +<a href="#page252">252</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Marico commando.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#commandos"><span class="smcap">Commandos</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page513" name="page513"></a>[p. 513]</span> Marico valley,</span> +<a href="#page060">60</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Marine Artillery, Royal.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Marine Light Infantry, Royal.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + +<a id="maritzburg" name="maritzburg"></a> <span class="minlevel1">Maritzburg,</span> +<a href="#page046">46</a>, +<a href="#page047">47</a>, +<a href="#page120">120</a>, +<a href="#page158">158</a>, +<a href="#page175">175</a>, +<a href="#page197">197</a>, +<a href="#page199">199</a>-200, +<a href="#page208">208</a>, +<a href="#page261">261</a>-266, +<a href="#page270">270</a>, +<a href="#page288">288</a>, +<a href="#page332">332</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">conference at,</span> +<a href="#page123">123</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">scanty means of defence of,</span> +<a href="#page117">117</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">threatened by Boer raid,</span> +<a href="#page206">206</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">topographical environment of,</span> +<a href="#page263">263</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Maritz Drift,</span> +<a href="#page336">336</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Mark's Drift,</span> +<a href="#page387">387</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Martial law,</span> +<a href="#page417">417</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Martyr, Lieut.-Col. C. G., D.S.O.,</span> +<a href="#page272">272</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Mashonaland,</span> +<a href="#page060">60</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Massy, Major H. H.,</span> +<a href="#page353">353</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Massy-Dawson, Lieut. F. E., R.N.,</span> +<a href="#page116">116</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Matabele,</span> +<a href="#page070">70</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Matoppo Hills,</span> +<a href="#page060">60</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Mauch Berg,</span> +<a href="#page059">59</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Mauritius,</span> +<a href="#page002">2</a>, +<a href="#page052">52</a>, +<a href="#page059">59</a>, +<a href="#page089">89</a>, +<a href="#page092">92</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Maybole farm,</span> +<a href="#page128">128</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Medical Staff Corps, Royal.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Meiklejohn, Captain M. F. M., awarded the V.C.,</span> +<a href="#page170">170</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Memorandum, Mr. Stanhope's, of 1st June, 1888,</span> +<a href="#page005">5</a>, +<a href="#page012">12</a>, +<a href="#page013">13</a>, +<a href="#page089">89</a>.<br> + +<a id="merwe" name="merwe"></a> <span class="minlevel1">Merwe, Commandant T. van der,</span> +<a href="#page229">229</a>, +<a href="#page241">241</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Merwe, Commandant van der</span>, +<a href="#page342">342</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Methuen, Lt.-Gen. The Lord, K.C.V.O., C.B., C.M.G.,</span> +<a href="#page120">120</a>, +<a href="#page197">197</a>, +<a href="#page199">199</a>-203, +<a href="#page205">205</a>, +<a href="#page207">207</a>, +<a href="#page209">209</a>-220, +<a href="#page223">223</a>, +<a href="#page231">231</a>, +<a href="#page232">232</a>, +<a href="#page235">235</a>-237, +<a href="#page240">240</a>-242, +<a href="#page252">252</a>-255, +<a href="#page257">257</a>-260, +<a href="#page276">276</a>, +<a href="#page279">279</a>, +<a href="#page286">286</a>, +<a href="#page288">288</a>, +<a href="#page332">332</a>, +<a href="#page334">334</a>-339, +<a href="#page376">376</a>, +<a href="#page386">386</a>-387, +<a href="#page410">410</a>, +<a href="#page428">428</a>-431;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">advance from Orange river, Belmont, Graspan, and Modder river,</span> +<a href="#page211">211</a>-260;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">at Magersfontein,</span> +<a href="#page304">304</a>-331;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">camp of, Lord Roberts arrives at,</span> +<a href="#page443">443</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">division (1st), strength of,</span> +<a href="#page214">214</a>, +<a href="#page215">215</a>, +<a href="#page308">308</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">ordered to throw reinforcements into Kimberley,</span> +<a href="#page211">211</a>-213;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">to attack Cronje again or fall back (order cancelled),</span> +<a href="#page378">378</a>, +<a href="#page385">385</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">ordered by Lord Roberts to remain on defensive,</span> +<a href="#page433">433</a>, +<a href="#page436">436</a>, +<a href="#page438">438</a>, +<a href="#page439">439</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Meyer, General Lukas,</span> +<a href="#page049">49</a>, +<a href="#page124">124</a>, +<a href="#page126">126</a>-128, +<a href="#page134">134</a>, +<a href="#page137">137</a>, +<a href="#page148">148</a>, +<a href="#page172">172</a>-173.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Meyricke, Lieut. R. E.,</span> +<a href="#page364">364</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Middelburg commando.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#commandos"><span class="smcap">Commandos</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Middleburg,</span> +<a href="#page206">206</a>, +<a href="#page210">210</a>, +<a href="#page276">276</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Milbanke, Lieut. Sir J. P., Bart., awarded the V.C.,</span> +<a href="#page396">396</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Miles, Colonel H. S. G., M.V.O.,</span> +<a href="#page386">386</a>.<br> + +<a id="milmaps" name="milmaps"></a> <span class="minlevel1">Military maps,</span> +<a href="#page013">13</a>-15.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Military Secretary's department,</span> +<a href="#page016">16</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Militia (home),</span> +<a href="#page010">10</a>, +<a href="#page012">12</a>, +<a href="#page093">93</a>-95, +<a href="#page379">379</a>-380, +<a href="#page414">414</a>-415, +<a href="#page443">443</a>, +<a href="#page444">444</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">For names of Militia units which landed up to 13th February, 1900,</span> <i>see</i> <a href="#appen9"><span class="smcap">Appendix</span> 9</a>, page +<a href="#page483">483</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Milner, Captain A. E.,</span> +<a href="#page148">148</a>.<br> + +<a id="milner" name="milner"></a> <span class="minlevel1">Milner, Sir A., G.C.M.G., K.C.B., High Commissioner for South Africa and Governor of Cape Colony,</span> +<a href="#page017">17</a>, +<a href="#page117">117</a>, +<a href="#page196">196</a>, +<a href="#page198">198</a>, +<a href="#page200">200</a>, +<a href="#page207">207</a>, +<a href="#page263">263</a>, +<a href="#page383">383</a>, +<a href="#page384">384</a>, +<a href="#page425">425</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Milton, Major P. W. A. A.,</span> +<a href="#page233">233</a>, +<a href="#page240">240</a>, +<a href="#page241">241</a>, +<a href="#page323">323</a>, +<a href="#page324">324</a>.<br> + +<a id="mobilisation" name="mobilisation"></a> <span class="minlevel1">Mobilisation, complete success of,</span> +<a href="#page008">8</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">danger lest political considerations shall postpone,</span> +<a href="#page115">115</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">date of,</span> +<a href="#page006">6</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">development of scheme,</span> +<a href="#page007">7</a>, +<a href="#page008">8</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">details of later stages of,</span> +<a href="#page009">9</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">extent of, limited by Mr. Stanhope's Memorandum,</span> +<a href="#page005">5</a>, +<a href="#page006">6</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">must be based on shipping available,</span> +<a href="#page115">115</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">war establishments for,</span> +<a href="#page418">418</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">section and sub-division,</span> +<a href="#page008">8</a>, +<a href="#page010">10</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3"><i>See also</i></span> <a href="#shortss"><span class="smcap">Short Service</span></a> <i>and</i> <a href="#reserves"><span class="smcap">Reserves</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Mobilisation of burghers,</span> +<a href="#page049">49</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Mobility of Boers,</span> +<a href="#page066">66</a>, +<a href="#page336">336</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">"Modder position" (also called "Modder River camp" and "Lord Methuen's camp"),</span> +<a href="#page229">229</a>, +<a href="#page279">279</a>, +<a href="#page304">304</a>, +<a href="#page313">313</a>, +<a href="#page385">385</a>, +<a href="#page413">413</a>, +<a href="#page428">428</a>, +<a href="#page441">441</a>, +<a href="#page443">443</a>, +<a href="#page444">444</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Modder river,</span> +<a href="#page063">63</a>, +<a href="#page211">211</a>-214, +<a href="#page231">231</a>, +<a href="#page243">243</a>-260, +<a href="#page304">304</a>-316, +<a href="#page325">325</a>, +<a href="#page412">412</a>, +<a href="#page421">421</a>, +<a href="#page436">436</a>, +<a href="#page439">439</a>, +<a href="#page443">443</a>, +<a href="#page444">444</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page514" name="page514"></a>[p. 514]</span> Modder Spruit,</span> +<a href="#page148">148</a>, +<a href="#page151">151</a>-153, +<a href="#page161">161</a>-162, +<a href="#page172">172</a>-173, +<a href="#page178">178</a>-180.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1"><i>Mohawk</i>, S.S.,</span> +<a href="#page209">209</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Möller, Lieut.-Col. B. D.,</span> +<a href="#page131">131</a>, +<a href="#page138">138</a>-140.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Molteno,</span> +<a href="#page039">39</a>, +<a href="#page053">53</a>, +<a href="#page210">210</a>, +<a href="#page286">286</a>, +<a href="#page288">288</a>, +<a href="#page290">290</a>-294, +<a href="#page300">300</a>-301, +<a href="#page408">408</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Money, Lieut.-Col. C. G. C.,</span> +<a href="#page052">52</a>, +<a href="#page225">225</a>, +<a href="#page232">232</a>, +<a href="#page237">237</a>, +<a href="#page239">239</a>, +<a href="#page248">248</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1"><i>Monarch</i>, H.M.S.,</span> +<a href="#page117">117</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Mont Aux Sources,</span> +<a href="#page036">36</a>, +<a href="#page057">57</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Mont Blanc,</span> +<a href="#page218">218</a>-228.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Mooi river,</span> +<a href="#page200">200</a>, +<a href="#page208">208</a>, +<a href="#page266">266</a>, +<a href="#page269">269</a>, +<a href="#page270">270</a>, +<a href="#page273">273</a>, +<a href="#page332">332</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Moore, Major M. G.,</span> +<a href="#page356">356</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Morgan, Sergeant,</span> +<a href="#page292">292</a>-293, +<a href="#page295">295</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Mossamedes,</span> +<a href="#page055">55</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Moss Drift,</span> +<a href="#page306">306</a>, +<a href="#page307">307</a>, +<a href="#page309">309</a>, +<a href="#page322">322</a>, +<a href="#page325">325</a>, +<a href="#page328">328</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Mounted infantry,</span> +<a href="#page131">131</a>, +<a href="#page138">138</a>-140, +<a href="#page148">148</a>, +<a href="#page157">157</a>, +<a href="#page203">203</a>, +<a href="#page214">214</a>, +<a href="#page233">233</a>, +<a href="#page240">240</a>-241, +<a href="#page278">278</a>, +<a href="#page280">280</a>-283, +<a href="#page287">287</a>, +<a href="#page291">291</a>, +<a href="#page292">292</a>, +<a href="#page310">310</a>, +<a href="#page313">313</a>, +<a href="#page316">316</a>, +<a href="#page332">332</a>, +<a href="#page391">391</a>-392, +<a href="#page402">402</a>, +<a href="#page405">405</a>, +<a href="#page407">407</a>, +<a href="#page415">415</a>, +<a href="#page416">416</a>, +<a href="#page437">437</a>, +<a href="#page439">439</a>, +<a href="#page444">444</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2"><i>See also</i></span> <a href="#infmount"><span class="smcap">Infantry, Mounted</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Mount Hamilton,</span> +<a href="#page058">58</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Mount Hampden,</span> +<a href="#page060">60</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Mount Tintwa,</span> +<a href="#page058">58</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Mowatt Committee,</span> +<a href="#page032">32</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Mozambique current,</span> +<a href="#page061">61</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Mules,</span> +<a href="#page018">18</a>, +<a href="#page021">21</a>-23, +<a href="#page155">155</a>, +<a href="#page176">176</a>, +<a href="#page416">416</a>-422.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Mule wagons and harness,</span> +<a href="#page417">417</a>, +<a href="#page418">418</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Müller's Pass,</span> +<a href="#page058">58</a>, +<a href="#page125">125</a>, +<a href="#page158">158</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Mullins, Captain C. H., awarded the V.C.,</span> +<a href="#page170">170</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Munger's Drift,</span> +<a href="#page336">336</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Munster Fusiliers, Royal (1st).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Murchison Range,</span> +<a href="#page059">59</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Murray, Major A.J.,</span> +<a href="#page142">142</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Murray, Major D.,</span> +<a href="#page433">433</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Murray, Lieut. F. D.,</span> +<a href="#page142">142</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Murray, Brig.-Gen. J. Wolfe,</span> +<a href="#page261">261</a>-264, +<a href="#page266">266</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Murray, the Hon. T. K., C.M.G.,</span> +<a href="#page266">266</a>, +<a href="#page337">337</a>.</p> + +<p class="p2"> + <span class="minlevel1">Naauwpoort,</span> +<a href="#page022">22</a>, +<a href="#page039">39</a>, +<a href="#page042">42</a>, +<a href="#page043">43</a>, +<a href="#page057">57</a>, +<a href="#page198">198</a>, +<a href="#page199">199</a>, +<a href="#page201">201</a>, +<a href="#page203">203</a>, +<a href="#page207">207</a>, +<a href="#page209">209</a>, +<a href="#page210">210</a>, +<a href="#page275">275</a>, +<a href="#page276">276</a>, +<a href="#page282">282</a>, +<a href="#page287">287</a>, +<a href="#page290">290</a>, +<a href="#page332">332</a>, +<a href="#page378">378</a>, +<a href="#page390">390</a>, +<a href="#page391">391</a>, +<a href="#page430">430</a>, +<a href="#page431">431</a>, +<a href="#page433">433</a>-435.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Namaqualand,</span> +<a href="#page055">55</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Natal,</span> +<a href="#page004">4</a>-34, +<a href="#page036">36</a>-94, +<a href="#page196">196</a>-210, +<a href="#page261">261</a>-274, +<a href="#page334">334</a>, +<a href="#page351">351</a>, +<a href="#page381">381</a>, +<a href="#page384">384</a>, +<a href="#page409">409</a>, +<a href="#page411">411</a>, +<a href="#page413">413</a>, +<a href="#page417">417</a>, +<a href="#page422">422</a>, +<a href="#page429">429</a>, +<a href="#page438">438</a>, +<a href="#page443">443</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">strength of local forces in,</span> +<a href="#page094">94</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Natal Government Railway staff,</span> +<a href="#page424">424</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Natal Carbineers.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#colunits"><span class="smcap">Colonial Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Natal Field Artillery.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#colunits"><span class="smcap">Colonial Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Natal (South) Field Force,</span> +<a href="#page350">350</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Natal Mounted Rifles.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#colunits"><span class="smcap">Colonial Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Natal Naval Brigade.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#navalbrig"><span class="smcap">Naval Brigades</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Natal Naval Volunteers.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#colunits"><span class="smcap">Colonial Units</span></a> <i>and</i> <a href="#navy"><span class="smcap">Navy</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Natal Police.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#colunits"><span class="smcap">Colonial Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Natal Royal Rifles.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#colunits"><span class="smcap">Colonial Units</span></a>.<br> + +<a id="navy" name="navy"></a> + <span class="minlevel1">Navy, Royal:</span><br> + <span class="minlevel2">assistance of, required,</span> +<a href="#page116">116</a>, +<a href="#page117">117</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">delay in preparation due to Cabinet's unwillingness to cause war throws exceptional responsibility on,</span> +<a href="#page097">97</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">guns and improvised carriages,</span> +<a href="#page116">116</a>-121;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Natal Naval Volunteers' connection with the,</span> +<a href="#page121">121</a>, +<a href="#page122">122</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">mutual aid between Army and,</span> +<a href="#page097">97</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">necessity of special practice together of Army and,</span> +<a href="#page114">114</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">number of troops, etc., carried by,</span> +<a href="#page108">108</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">ready for landing,</span> +<a href="#page116">116</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Royal Commission, report on success of,</span> +<a href="#page115">115</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">statistics of transport work of the,</span> +<a href="#page106">106</a>-109;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">stoppage of contraband by the,</span> +<a href="#page115">115</a>, +<a href="#page116">116</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">triumph of the Admiralty administration of sea transport,</span> +<a href="#page111">111</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">votes, cost of sea transport not charged to the,</span> +<a href="#page099">99</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">conditions of, and use of mercantile marine, by fixed Army organisation,</span> +<a href="#page115">115</a>.<br> + +<a id="navalbrig" name="navalbrig"></a> <span class="minlevel1">Naval brigades,</span> +<a href="#page116">116</a>-122, +<a href="#page185">185</a>-186, +<a href="#page205">205</a>, +<a href="#page214">214</a>, +<a href="#page218">218</a>-260, +<a href="#page266">266</a>, +<a href="#page267">267</a>, +<a href="#page304">304</a>-375, +<a href="#page438">438</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Naval Commander-in-Chief.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#harris"><span class="smcap">Harris</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page515" name="page515"></a>[p. 515]</span> Naval Gun Hill,</span> +<a href="#page357">357</a>, +<a href="#page362">362</a>, +<a href="#page363">363</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Naval staffs,</span> +<a href="#page106">106</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Nel, Commandant,</span> +<a href="#page154">154</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Nesbitt's Corps.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#colunits"><span class="smcap">Colonial Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Newcastle,</span> +<a href="#page044">44</a>, +<a href="#page058">58</a>, +<a href="#page123">123</a>-126, +<a href="#page160">160</a>, +<a href="#page170">170</a>, +<a href="#page175">175</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">New South Wales,</span> +<a href="#page093">93</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">offers help,</span> +<a href="#page033">33</a>, +<a href="#page034">34</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">New South Wales Lancers and Mounted Rifles.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#colunits"><span class="smcap">Colonial Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">New Zealand,</span> +<a href="#page094">94</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">offers help,</span> +<a href="#page034">34</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">New Zealand Mounted Rifles.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#colunits"><span class="smcap">Colonial Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Nicholson's Nek,</span> +<a href="#page009">9</a>, +<a href="#page174">174</a>, +<a href="#page186">186</a>-195.<br> + <span class="minlevel2"><i>See also</i></span> <a href="#lombkops"><span class="smcap">Lombards Kop</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Nicholson, Major-General Sir W. G., K.C.B.,</span> +<a href="#page013">13</a>, +<a href="#page420">420</a>, +<a href="#page422">422</a>, +<a href="#page433">433</a>, +<a href="#page436">436</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Nieuwveld Mountains,</span> +<a href="#page055">55</a>, +<a href="#page383">383</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Nodashwana,</span> +<a href="#page152">152</a>-153, +<a href="#page155">155</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Norfolk regiment (2nd).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Northamptonshire regiment (2nd).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Northcott, Lieut.-Col. H. P., C.B.,</span> +<a href="#page257">257</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">North Staffordshire regiment (2nd).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Northumberland Fusiliers (1st and 2nd).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Nottingham Road,</span> +<a href="#page208">208</a>, +<a href="#page269">269</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Norval's Pont,</span> +<a href="#page050">50</a>, +<a href="#page198">198</a>, +<a href="#page202">202</a>, +<a href="#page210">210</a>, +<a href="#page275">275</a>, +<a href="#page396">396</a>, +<a href="#page399">399</a>, +<a href="#page400">400</a>, +<a href="#page405">405</a>, +<a href="#page412">412</a>, +<a href="#page413">413</a>, +<a href="#page425">425</a>, +<a href="#page428">428</a>-431, +<a href="#page434">434</a>, +<a href="#page435">435</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Norwood, 2nd Lieut. J., awarded the V.C.,</span> +<a href="#page177">177</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Nurse, Corporal G. E.,</span> +<a href="#page365">365</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">awarded the V.C.,</span> +<a href="#page366">366</a>.</p> + +<p class="p2"> + <span class="minlevel1">Observation Hill,</span> +<a href="#page183">183</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Ogilvy, Lieut. F. C. A., R.N.,</span> +<a href="#page351">351</a>, +<a href="#page358">358</a>-360, +<a href="#page365">365</a>, +<a href="#page373">373</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Oliphant river,</span> +<a href="#page059">59</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Olivier, Commandant,</span> +<a href="#page050">50</a>, +<a href="#page208">208</a>, +<a href="#page285">285</a>, +<a href="#page289">289</a>, +<a href="#page295">295</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Olivier's Hoek Pass,</span> +<a href="#page049">49</a>, +<a href="#page058">58</a>, +<a href="#page157">157</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Onderbrook,</span> +<a href="#page159">159</a>, +<a href="#page340">340</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Onderbrook Spruit,</span> +<a href="#page338">338</a>-340.<br> + +<a id="ofs" name="ofs"></a> <span class="minlevel1">Orange Free State,</span> +<a href="#page003">3</a>-85, +<a href="#page157">157</a>, +<a href="#page196">196</a>, +<a href="#page229">229</a>, +<a href="#page275">275</a>, +<a href="#page276">276</a>, +<a href="#page306">306</a>, +<a href="#page335">335</a>, +<a href="#page382">382</a>, +<a href="#page388">388</a>, +<a href="#page411">411</a>-413, +<a href="#page421">421</a>, +<a href="#page431">431</a>-435;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">advance through,</span> +<a href="#page196">196</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">armament of,</span> +<a href="#page079">79</a>, +<a href="#page085">85</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">frontier of,</span> +<a href="#page036">36</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">railway staff of,</span> +<a href="#page424">424</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">regular forces of,</span> +<a href="#page085">85</a>.<br> + +<a id="oriverbridge" name="oriverbridge"></a> <span class="minlevel1">Orange river,</span> +<a href="#page037">37</a>-40, +<a href="#page056">56</a>, +<a href="#page060">60</a>, +<a href="#page061">61</a>, +<a href="#page197">197</a>-198, +<a href="#page201">201</a>, +<a href="#page203">203</a>, +<a href="#page207">207</a>, +<a href="#page211">211</a>-218, +<a href="#page258">258</a>, +<a href="#page259">259</a>, +<a href="#page382">382</a>, +<a href="#page383">383</a>, +<a href="#page386">386</a>-388, +<a href="#page409">409</a>, +<a href="#page411">411</a>-413, +<a href="#page421">421</a>, +<a href="#page430">430</a>, +<a href="#page431">431</a>, +<a href="#page434">434</a>, +<a href="#page436">436</a>, +<a href="#page439">439</a>, +<a href="#page443">443</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Orange River station,</span> +<a href="#page039">39</a>, +<a href="#page042">42</a>, +<a href="#page043">43</a>, +<a href="#page050">50</a>, +<a href="#page052">52</a>, +<a href="#page203">203</a>, +<a href="#page207">207</a>, +<a href="#page211">211</a>, +<a href="#page213">213</a>, +<a href="#page231">231</a>, +<a href="#page258">258</a>, +<a href="#page387">387</a>, +<a href="#page429">429</a>, +<a href="#page434">434</a>, +<a href="#page444">444</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Ordnance department,</span> +<a href="#page028">28</a>-33;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">committee,</span> +<a href="#page423">423</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3"><i>See also</i></span> <a href="#brackenbury"><span class="smcap">Brackenbury</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Ordnance factories, administration of,</span> +<a href="#page028">28</a>, +<a href="#page029">29</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Orr, Captain M. H.,</span> +<a href="#page402">402</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Orpen's Corps.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#colunits"><span class="smcap">Colonial Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Outbreak of war,</span> +<a href="#page035">35</a>-53.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Owen-Lewis, Lieut. F.,</span> +<a href="#page231">231</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Oxfordshire Light Infantry (1st).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Ox transport,</span> +<a href="#page022">22</a>, +<a href="#page416">416</a>-422.</p> + +<p class="p2"> + <span class="minlevel1">Paarl, District of,</span> +<a href="#page383">383</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Paget, Colonel A. H.,</span> +<a href="#page222">222</a>, +<a href="#page249">249</a>, +<a href="#page259">259</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Painter's Drift,</span> +<a href="#page441">441</a>, +<a href="#page442">442</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Palmietfontein farm,</span> +<a href="#page400">400</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Park, Major C. W.,</span> +<a href="#page165">165</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Parsons, Lieut.-Col. L. W.,</span> +<a href="#page202">202</a>, +<a href="#page333">333</a>, +<a href="#page352">352</a>, +<a href="#page357">357</a>, +<a href="#page369">369</a>, +<a href="#page371">371</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Pearse, Major H. W.,</span> +<a href="#page372">372</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Penhoek,</span> +<a href="#page287">287</a>, +<a href="#page289">289</a>-291.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Pepworth Hill,</span> +<a href="#page161">161</a>, +<a href="#page172">172</a>-175, +<a href="#page177">177</a>, +<a href="#page178">178</a>, +<a href="#page182">182</a>, +<a href="#page184">184</a>-186, +<a href="#page191">191</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Perceval, Major E.,</span> +<a href="#page299">299</a>-300.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Philippolis commando.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#commandos"><span class="smcap">Commandos</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Philipstown,</span> +<a href="#page039">39</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1"><i>Philomel</i>, H.M.S.,</span> +<a href="#page120">120</a>, +<a href="#page121">121</a>, +<a href="#page263">263</a>, +<a href="#page333">333</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Pickwoad, Colonel E. H.,</span> +<a href="#page135">135</a>, +<a href="#page177">177</a>, +<a href="#page178">178</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Pienaar, Field Cornet,</span> +<a href="#page159">159</a>, +<a href="#page162">162</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Pietermaritzburg.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#maritzburg"><span class="smcap">Maritzburg</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Pieters,</span> +<a href="#page058">58</a>, +<a href="#page173">173</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Piet Retief commando.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#commandos"><span class="smcap">Commandos</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Pilcher, Lieut.-Col. T. D.,</span> +<a href="#page386">386</a>-388.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Pitt, Captain F. J., R.N.,</span> +<a href="#page106">106</a>, +<a href="#page110">110</a>, +<a href="#page111">111</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Plessis Poort,</span> +<a href="#page400">400</a>, +<a href="#page405">405</a>, +<a href="#page406">406</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page516" name="page516"></a>[p. 516]</span> Plumbe, Major J. H.,</span> +<a href="#page238">238</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Plumer, Bt.-Lieut.-Col. H. C. O., C.B.,</span> +<a href="#page051">51</a>, +<a href="#page409">409</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Pohlmann, Lieut.,</span> +<a href="#page192">192</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Pole-Carew, Major-General R., C.B.,</span> +<a href="#page248">248</a>, +<a href="#page252">252</a>-259, +<a href="#page311">311</a>, +<a href="#page314">314</a>-315, +<a href="#page326">326</a>, +<a href="#page328">328</a>, +<a href="#page329">329</a>.<br> + +<a id="pompom" name="pompom"></a> <span class="minlevel1">Pom-poms (37-m/m Vickers-Maxim Q.F. guns), sent out from England,</span> +<a href="#page267">267</a>, +<a href="#page423">423</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Pondo tribe,</span> +<a href="#page208">208</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Pongola river,</span> +<a href="#page059">59</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Pontoons,</span> +<a href="#page027">27</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Port Elizabeth,</span> +<a href="#page043">43</a>, +<a href="#page053">53</a>, +<a href="#page057">57</a>, +<a href="#page058">58</a>, +<a href="#page106">106</a>, +<a href="#page113">113</a>, +<a href="#page119">119</a>, +<a href="#page197">197</a>, +<a href="#page278">278</a>, +<a href="#page284">284</a>, +<a href="#page378">378</a>, +<a href="#page434">434</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Port Elizabeth Volunteers.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#colunits"><span class="smcap">Colonial Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Porter, Colonel T. C.,</span> +<a href="#page280">280</a>, +<a href="#page282">282</a>, +<a href="#page283">283</a>, +<a href="#page391">391</a>, +<a href="#page393">393</a>, +<a href="#page400">400</a>, +<a href="#page404">404</a>, +<a href="#page405">405</a>, +<a href="#page436">436</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Porter's Hill,</span> +<a href="#page391">391</a>, +<a href="#page393">393</a>-396, +<a href="#page400">400</a>, +<a href="#page405">405</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Portuguese East Africa,</span> +<a href="#page065">65</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Potchefstroom commando.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#commandos"><span class="smcap">Commandos</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Potfontein farm,</span> +<a href="#page404">404</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Potgieter, Field Cornet,</span> +<a href="#page128">128</a>, +<a href="#page159">159</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Potgieters Drift,</span> +<a href="#page334">334</a>-339, +<a href="#page411">411</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Potong (Mont Aux Sources),</span> +<a href="#page057">57</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1"><i>Powerful</i>, H.M.S.,</span> +<a href="#page052">52</a>, +<a href="#page117">117</a>, +<a href="#page118">118</a>, +<a href="#page120">120</a>, +<a href="#page121">121</a>, +<a href="#page185">185</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Preparation for war,</span> +<a href="#page001">1</a>-34.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Pretoria,</span> +<a href="#page001">1</a>, +<a href="#page038">38</a>, +<a href="#page040">40</a>, +<a href="#page048">48</a>, +<a href="#page060">60</a>, +<a href="#page123">123</a>, +<a href="#page413">413</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Pretoria commando.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#commandos"><span class="smcap">Commandos</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Pretorius, Captain,</span> +<a href="#page342">342</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Price, Mr. T. R., traffic manager, Cape Government railways,</span> +<a href="#page424">424</a>, +<a href="#page443">443</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Prieska,</span> +<a href="#page213">213</a>, +<a href="#page386">386</a>, +<a href="#page387">387</a>, +<a href="#page439">439</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Prince Alfred's Own Cape Field Artillery.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#colunits"><span class="smcap">Colonial Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Prince Alfred's Volunteer Guard.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#colunits"><span class="smcap">Colonial Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1"><i>Princess of Wales.</i></span> <i>See</i> <a href="#hospships"><span class="smcap">Hospital Ships</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Prinsloo, Commandant-General J.,</span> +<a href="#page216">216</a>, +<a href="#page220">220</a>, +<a href="#page229">229</a>, +<a href="#page234">234</a>, +<a href="#page239">239</a>, +<a href="#page247">247</a>, +<a href="#page309">309</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Prinsloo, General,</span> +<a href="#page341">341</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Protectorate regiment.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#colunits"><span class="smcap">Colonial Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Prothero, Captain R. C., R.N.,</span> +<a href="#page120">120</a>, +<a href="#page205">205</a>, +<a href="#page214">214</a>, +<a href="#page232">232</a>, +<a href="#page238">238</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Pulteney, Bt.-Lieut.-Col. W. P.,</span> +<a href="#page222">222</a>, +<a href="#page225">225</a>, +<a href="#page249">249</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Putterskraal,</span> +<a href="#page287">287</a>, +<a href="#page288">288</a>, +<a href="#page290">290</a>, +<a href="#page291">291</a>.</p> + +<p class="p2"> +<a id="qmgdep" name="qmgdep"></a> <span class="minlevel1">Quartermaster-General,</span> +<a href="#page016">16</a>, +<a href="#page017">17</a>, +<a href="#page019">19</a>, +<a href="#page020">20</a>, +<a href="#page024">24</a>, +<a href="#page027">27</a>, +<a href="#page099">99</a>, +<a href="#page100">100</a>, +<a href="#page111">111</a>, +<a href="#page421">421</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Quathlamba (mountain range),</span> +<a href="#page056">56</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Queen Alexandra, H.M.,</span> +<a href="#page103">103</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Queen's (Royal West Surrey regiment) (The) (2nd).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Queensland,</span> +<a href="#page093">93</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">offers assistance,</span> +<a href="#page033">33</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">renews offer,</span> +<a href="#page034">34</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Queensland Mounted Infantry.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#colunits"><span class="smcap">Colonial Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Queenstown (Cape Colony),</span> +<a href="#page022">22</a>, +<a href="#page053">53</a>, +<a href="#page120">120</a>, +<a href="#page202">202</a>, +<a href="#page210">210</a>, +<a href="#page285">285</a>-287, +<a href="#page332">332</a>, +<a href="#page383">383</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Queenstown Rifle Volunteers.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#colunits"><span class="smcap">Colonial Units</span></a>.</p> + +<p class="p2"> + <span class="minlevel1">Railway Pioneer Regiment.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#colunits"><span class="smcap">Colonial Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Railways,</span> +<a href="#page036">36</a>, +<a href="#page037">37</a>, +<a href="#page039">39</a>, +<a href="#page056">56</a>, +<a href="#page057">57</a>, +<a href="#page061">61</a>, +<a href="#page063">63</a>, +<a href="#page390">390</a>, +<a href="#page413">413</a>, +<a href="#page428">428</a>-436;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Bloemfontein,</span> +<a href="#page428">428</a>, +<a href="#page429">429</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">cross from Naauwpoort,</span> +<a href="#page430">430</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">essential condition of Lord Roberts' scheme,</span> +<a href="#page430">430</a>, +<a href="#page431">431</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">proposed to Jacobsdal,</span> +<a href="#page385">385</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">railway troops (R.E.),</span> +<a href="#page424">424</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">staff of,</span> +<a href="#page421">421</a>, +<a href="#page424">424</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">system of,</span> +<a href="#page421">421</a>, +<a href="#page424">424</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Ramah,</span> +<a href="#page061">61</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Ramdam,</span> +<a href="#page229">229</a>, +<a href="#page235">235</a>, +<a href="#page241">241</a>, +<a href="#page245">245</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Rands,</span> +<a href="#page059">59</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Ravenhill, Private C., awarded the V.C.,</span> +<a href="#page366">366</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Rawson, Colonel C. C.,</span> +<a href="#page265">265</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Razor Back Hill,</span> +<a href="#page218">218</a>, +<a href="#page225">225</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Reade, Major R. N. R.,</span> +<a href="#page213">213</a>, +<a href="#page330">330</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Red Hill ("Vertnek"),</span> +<a href="#page342">342</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Reed, Captain H. L.,</span> +<a href="#page366">366</a>, +<a href="#page369">369</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">awarded the V.C.,</span> +<a href="#page366">366</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Reeves, Colonel H. S. E. (Army Service Corps),</span> +<a href="#page018">18</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Reeves, Lieut.-Col. J. (Royal Irish Fusiliers),</span> +<a href="#page350">350</a>, +<a href="#page358">358</a>.<br> + +<a id="regunits" name="regunits"></a> + <span class="minlevel1"><span class="smcap">Regular Units.</span></span><br> + <span class="minlevel2">Cavalry:—</span><br> + <span class="minlevel3">Household Cavalry, Composite regiment of,</span> +<a href="#page394">394</a>, +<a href="#page400">400</a>, +<a href="#page404">404</a>, +<a href="#page437">437</a>, +<a href="#page441">441</a>, +<a href="#page442">442</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page517" name="page517"></a>[p. 517]</span> 5th (Princess Charlotte of Wales's) Dragoon Guards,</span> +<a href="#page002">2</a>, +<a href="#page161">161</a>, +<a href="#page163">163</a>, +<a href="#page164">164</a>, +<a href="#page169">169</a>, +<a href="#page171">171</a>, +<a href="#page175">175</a>, +<a href="#page177">177</a>, +<a href="#page181">181</a>, +<a href="#page186">186</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">6th Dragoon Guards (Carabiniers),</span> +<a href="#page210">210</a>, +<a href="#page280">280</a>, +<a href="#page283">283</a>, +<a href="#page390">390</a>, +<a href="#page393">393</a>, +<a href="#page400">400</a>, +<a href="#page404">404</a>, +<a href="#page436">436</a>, +<a href="#page444">444</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">1st (Royal) Dragoons,</span> +<a href="#page203">203</a>, +<a href="#page332">332</a>, +<a href="#page353">353</a>, +<a href="#page354">354</a>, +<a href="#page367">367</a>, +<a href="#page373">373</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">2nd Dragoons (<i>Royal Scots Greys</i>),</span> +<a href="#page387">387</a>, +<a href="#page436">436</a>, +<a href="#page441">441</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">5th (Royal Irish) Lancers,</span> +<a href="#page046">46</a>, +<a href="#page124">124</a>, +<a href="#page149">149</a>, +<a href="#page150">150</a>, +<a href="#page153">153</a>, +<a href="#page157">157</a>, +<a href="#page159">159</a>, +<a href="#page161">161</a>, +<a href="#page163">163</a>, +<a href="#page165">165</a>, +<a href="#page167">167</a>, +<a href="#page169">169</a>, +<a href="#page171">171</a>, +<a href="#page174">174</a>, +<a href="#page180">180</a>, +<a href="#page181">181</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons,</span> +<a href="#page281">281</a>, +<a href="#page283">283</a>, +<a href="#page391">391</a>, +<a href="#page392">392</a>, +<a href="#page395">395</a>, +<a href="#page396">396</a>, +<a href="#page400">400</a>, +<a href="#page402">402</a>, +<a href="#page405">405</a>, +<a href="#page407">407</a>, +<a href="#page436">436</a>, +<a href="#page443">443</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">9th (Queen's Royal) Lancers,</span> +<a href="#page002">2</a>, +<a href="#page052">52</a>, +<a href="#page203">203</a>, +<a href="#page211">211</a>, +<a href="#page213">213</a>, +<a href="#page214">214</a>, +<a href="#page216">216</a>, +<a href="#page220">220</a>, +<a href="#page231">231</a>, +<a href="#page233">233</a>, +<a href="#page245">245</a>, +<a href="#page246">246</a>, +<a href="#page248">248</a>, +<a href="#page251">251</a>, +<a href="#page310">310</a>, +<a href="#page313">313</a>, +<a href="#page316">316</a>, +<a href="#page322">322</a>, +<a href="#page325">325</a>, +<a href="#page437">437</a>, +<a href="#page439">439</a>, +<a href="#page440">440</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">10th (Prince of Wales's Own Royal) Hussars,</span> +<a href="#page210">210</a>, +<a href="#page281">281</a>, +<a href="#page283">283</a>, +<a href="#page391">391</a>, +<a href="#page392">392</a>, +<a href="#page395">395</a>, +<a href="#page396">396</a>, +<a href="#page402">402</a>, +<a href="#page405">405</a>, +<a href="#page437">437</a>, +<a href="#page441">441</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">12th (Prince of Wales's Royal) Lancers,</span> +<a href="#page203">203</a>, +<a href="#page279">279</a>, +<a href="#page308">308</a>, +<a href="#page309">309</a>, +<a href="#page311">311</a>, +<a href="#page315">315</a>, +<a href="#page316">316</a>, +<a href="#page321">321</a>-325, +<a href="#page437">437</a>, +<a href="#page441">441</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">13th Hussars,</span> +<a href="#page203">203</a>, +<a href="#page332">332</a>, +<a href="#page365">365</a>, +<a href="#page367">367</a>, +<a href="#page368">368</a>, +<a href="#page373">373</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">14th (King's) Hussars,</span> +<a href="#page436">436</a>, +<a href="#page444">444</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">16th (Queen's) Lancers,</span> +<a href="#page437">437</a>, +<a href="#page441">441</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">18th Hussars,</span> +<a href="#page046">46</a>, +<a href="#page124">124</a>, +<a href="#page126">126</a>, +<a href="#page131">131</a>, +<a href="#page138">138</a>, +<a href="#page140">140</a>, +<a href="#page143">143</a>, +<a href="#page145">145</a>, +<a href="#page148">148</a>, +<a href="#page149">149</a>, +<a href="#page175">175</a>, +<a href="#page181">181</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">19th (Princess of Wales's Own) Hussars,</span> +<a href="#page124">124</a>, +<a href="#page153">153</a>, +<a href="#page157">157</a>, +<a href="#page158">158</a>, +<a href="#page174">174</a>, +<a href="#page180">180</a>, +<a href="#page181">181</a>.<br> +<a id="royartil" name="royartil"></a> <span class="minlevel2">Artillery:—</span><br> + <span class="minlevel3">Royal Horse Artillery,</span> +<a href="#page009">9</a>, +<a href="#page091">91</a>, +<a href="#page210">210</a>, +<a href="#page284">284</a>, +<a href="#page390">390</a>-393, +<a href="#page395">395</a>, +<a href="#page396">396</a>, +<a href="#page399">399</a>, +<a href="#page400">400</a>, +<a href="#page402">402</a>, +<a href="#page405">405</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">G. battery,</span> +<a href="#page308">308</a>, +<a href="#page310">310</a>, +<a href="#page313">313</a>, +<a href="#page321">321</a>-323, +<a href="#page327">327</a>, +<a href="#page329">329</a>, +<a href="#page330">330</a>, +<a href="#page387">387</a>, +<a href="#page437">437</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">J. battery,</span> +<a href="#page407">407</a>, +<a href="#page443">443</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">O. battery,</span> +<a href="#page279">279</a>, +<a href="#page407">407</a>, +<a href="#page437">437</a>, +<a href="#page441">441</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">P. battery,</span> +<a href="#page308">308</a>, +<a href="#page386">386</a>, +<a href="#page437">437</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Q. battery,</span> +<a href="#page436">436</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">R. battery,</span> +<a href="#page278">278</a>, +<a href="#page281">281</a>, +<a href="#page282">282</a>, +<a href="#page407">407</a>, +<a href="#page437">437</a>, +<a href="#page441">441</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">T. battery,</span> +<a href="#page436">436</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">U. battery,</span> +<a href="#page436">436</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Royal Field Artillery:—</span><br> + <span class="minlevel3">4th battery,</span> +<a href="#page394">394</a>, +<a href="#page396">396</a>, +<a href="#page401">401</a>, +<a href="#page406">406</a>, +<a href="#page407">407</a>, +<a href="#page443">443</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">7th battery,</span> +<a href="#page203">203</a>, +<a href="#page271">271</a>, +<a href="#page332">332</a>, +<a href="#page352">352</a>, +<a href="#page366">366</a>, +<a href="#page367">367</a>, +<a href="#page369">369</a>, +<a href="#page373">373</a>, +<a href="#page374">374</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">13th battery,</span> +<a href="#page131">131</a>, +<a href="#page133">133</a>, +<a href="#page182">182</a>-184.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">14th battery,</span> +<a href="#page203">203</a>, +<a href="#page332">332</a>, +<a href="#page351">351</a>, +<a href="#page361">361</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">18th battery,</span> +<a href="#page203">203</a>, +<a href="#page214">214</a>, +<a href="#page217">217</a>, +<a href="#page220">220</a>, +<a href="#page225">225</a>-2 +<a href="#page027">27</a>, +<a href="#page233">233</a>, +<a href="#page235">235</a>-239, +<a href="#page248">248</a>, +<a href="#page251">251</a>, +<a href="#page252">252</a>, +<a href="#page254">254</a>, +<a href="#page256">256</a>-259, +<a href="#page310">310</a>, +<a href="#page321">321</a>, +<a href="#page327">327</a>, +<a href="#page329">329</a>, +<a href="#page437">437</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">21st battery,</span> +<a href="#page150">150</a>, +<a href="#page163">163</a>, +<a href="#page164">164</a>, +<a href="#page173">173</a>, +<a href="#page178">178</a>, +<a href="#page182">182</a>, +<a href="#page186">186</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">37th (Howitzer) battery,</span> +<a href="#page404">404</a>, +<a href="#page407">407</a>, +<a href="#page443">443</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">42nd battery,</span> +<a href="#page153">153</a>-155, +<a href="#page161">161</a>, +<a href="#page163">163</a>, +<a href="#page164">164</a>, +<a href="#page173">173</a>, +<a href="#page178">178</a>, +<a href="#page182">182</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">53rd battery,</span> +<a href="#page153">153</a>, +<a href="#page154">154</a>, +<a href="#page173">173</a>, +<a href="#page177">177</a>, +<a href="#page178">178</a>, +<a href="#page182">182</a>, +<a href="#page184">184</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">62nd battery,</span> +<a href="#page052">52</a>, +<a href="#page203">203</a>, +<a href="#page214">214</a>, +<a href="#page258">258</a>, +<a href="#page259">259</a>, +<a href="#page309">309</a>, +<a href="#page310">310</a>, +<a href="#page321">321</a>, +<a href="#page327">327</a>, +<a href="#page330">330</a>, +<a href="#page437">437</a>, +<a href="#page439">439</a>, +<a href="#page441">441</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">63rd battery,</span> +<a href="#page202">202</a>, +<a href="#page210">210</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">64th battery,</span> +<a href="#page202">202</a>, +<a href="#page210">210</a>, +<a href="#page332">332</a>, +<a href="#page357">357</a>, +<a href="#page369">369</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">65th (Howitzer) battery,</span> +<a href="#page308">308</a>, +<a href="#page310">310</a>, +<a href="#page321">321</a>, +<a href="#page329">329</a>, +<a href="#page438">438</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">66th battery,</span> +<a href="#page203">203</a>, +<a href="#page332">332</a>, +<a href="#page351">351</a>, +<a href="#page361">361</a>, +<a href="#page366">366</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">67th battery,</span> +<a href="#page130">130</a>, +<a href="#page131">131</a>, +<a href="#page145">145</a>, +<a href="#page148">148</a>, +<a href="#page182">182</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">69th battery,</span> +<a href="#page130">130</a>, +<a href="#page131">131</a>, +<a href="#page133">133</a>, +<a href="#page145">145</a>, +<a href="#page148">148</a>, +<a href="#page181">181</a>, +<a href="#page182">182</a>, +<a href="#page186">186</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">73rd battery,</span> +<a href="#page202">202</a>, +<a href="#page210">210</a>, +<a href="#page333">333</a>, +<a href="#page357">357</a>, +<a href="#page369">369</a>, +<a href="#page371">371</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">74th battery,</span> +<a href="#page204">204</a>, +<a href="#page289">289</a>, +<a href="#page290">290</a>, +<a href="#page292">292</a>, +<a href="#page293">293</a>, +<a href="#page297">297</a>, +<a href="#page300">300</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">75th battery,</span> +<a href="#page052">52</a>, +<a href="#page203">203</a>, +<a href="#page214">214</a>, +<a href="#page217">217</a>, +<a href="#page220">220</a>, +<a href="#page224">224</a>, +<a href="#page233">233</a>, +<a href="#page235">235</a>-237, +<a href="#page251">251</a>, +<a href="#page252">252</a>, +<a href="#page259">259</a>, +<a href="#page310">310</a>, +<a href="#page321">321</a>, +<a href="#page323">323</a>, +<a href="#page327">327</a>, +<a href="#page329">329</a>, +<a href="#page437">437</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">76th battery,</span> +<a href="#page437">437</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">77th battery,</span> +<a href="#page204">204</a>, +<a href="#page289">289</a>, +<a href="#page290">290</a>, +<a href="#page292">292</a>, +<a href="#page293">293</a>, +<a href="#page297">297</a>, +<a href="#page299">299</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">79th battery,</span> +<a href="#page204">204</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">81st battery,</span> +<a href="#page437">437</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">82nd battery,</span> +<a href="#page438">438</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Royal Garrison Artillery,</span> +<a href="#page042">42</a>, +<a href="#page091">91</a>, +<a href="#page276">276</a>, +<a href="#page284">284</a>, +<a href="#page286">286</a>, +<a href="#page287">287</a>, +<a href="#page423">423</a>, +<a href="#page433">433</a>, +<a href="#page438">438</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel4">10th Mountain battery,</span> +<a href="#page153">153</a>, +<a href="#page154">154</a>, +<a href="#page174">174</a>-177, +<a href="#page183">183</a>, +<a href="#page186">186</a>, +<a href="#page188">188</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page518" name="page518"></a>[p. 518]</span> Ammunition columns,</span> +<a href="#page315">315</a>, +<a href="#page349">349</a>, +<a href="#page361">361</a>, +<a href="#page437">437</a>, +<a href="#page438">438</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Royal Marine Artillery,</span> +<a href="#page214">214</a>, +<a href="#page232">232</a>, +<a href="#page238">238</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Royal Malta Artillery,</span> +<a href="#page091">91</a>, +<a href="#page092">92</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Engineers:—</span><br> + <span class="minlevel3">Royal Engineers,</span> +<a href="#page042">42</a>, +<a href="#page091">91</a>, +<a href="#page183">183</a>, +<a href="#page202">202</a>, +<a href="#page211">211</a>, +<a href="#page214">214</a>, +<a href="#page215">215</a>, +<a href="#page217">217</a>, +<a href="#page232">232</a>, +<a href="#page236">236</a>, +<a href="#page237">237</a>, +<a href="#page255">255</a>, +<a href="#page257">257</a>, +<a href="#page259">259</a>, +<a href="#page279">279</a>, +<a href="#page280">280</a>, +<a href="#page284">284</a>, +<a href="#page286">286</a>, +<a href="#page289">289</a>, +<a href="#page290">290</a>, +<a href="#page292">292</a>, +<a href="#page293">293</a>, +<a href="#page301">301</a>, +<a href="#page305">305</a>, +<a href="#page311">311</a>, +<a href="#page313">313</a>, +<a href="#page314">314</a>, +<a href="#page316">316</a>, +<a href="#page326">326</a>, +<a href="#page333">333</a>, +<a href="#page336">336</a>, +<a href="#page347">347</a>, +<a href="#page349">349</a>, +<a href="#page350">350</a>, +<a href="#page353">353</a>, +<a href="#page364">364</a>, +<a href="#page373">373</a>, +<a href="#page385">385</a>, +<a href="#page400">400</a>, +<a href="#page401">401</a>, +<a href="#page404">404</a>, +<a href="#page424">424</a>, +<a href="#page425">425</a>, +<a href="#page437">437</a>-439, +<a href="#page440">440</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Foot Guards:—</span><br> + <span class="minlevel3">Grenadier Guards (3rd),</span> +<a href="#page215">215</a>, +<a href="#page221">221</a>-223, +<a href="#page225">225</a>-228, +<a href="#page236">236</a>, +<a href="#page249">249</a>, +<a href="#page251">251</a>, +<a href="#page323">323</a>-325.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Coldstream Guards (1st),</span> +<a href="#page215">215</a>, +<a href="#page221">221</a>, +<a href="#page225">225</a>, +<a href="#page226">226</a>, +<a href="#page228">228</a>, +<a href="#page236">236</a>, +<a href="#page249">249</a>-251, +<a href="#page323">323</a>-325.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Coldstream Guards (2nd),</span> +<a href="#page215">215</a>, +<a href="#page221">221</a>, +<a href="#page225">225</a>, +<a href="#page226">226</a>, +<a href="#page228">228</a>, +<a href="#page236">236</a>, +<a href="#page249">249</a>-252, +<a href="#page257">257</a>, +<a href="#page259">259</a>, +<a href="#page260">260</a>, +<a href="#page323">323</a>-325, +<a href="#page329">329</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Scots Guards (1st),</span> +<a href="#page215">215</a>, +<a href="#page221">221</a>-223, +<a href="#page225">225</a>-227, +<a href="#page231">231</a>, +<a href="#page232">232</a>, +<a href="#page236">236</a>, +<a href="#page249">249</a>-251, +<a href="#page323">323</a>, +<a href="#page326">326</a>, +<a href="#page328">328</a>-330.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Infantry:—</span><br> + <span class="minlevel3">Royal Scots, Lothian (1st) [formerly 1st Foot],</span> +<a href="#page203">203</a>, +<a href="#page289">289</a>, +<a href="#page291">291</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) (2nd) [formerly 2nd Foot],</span> +<a href="#page271">271</a>, +<a href="#page333">333</a>, +<a href="#page363">363</a>, +<a href="#page364">364</a>, +<a href="#page366">366</a>, +<a href="#page371">371</a>, +<a href="#page372">372</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">The Buffs (East Kent regiment) (2nd) [formerly 3rd],</span> +<a href="#page437">437</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Northumberland Fusiliers (1st) [formerly 5th],</span> +<a href="#page002">2</a>, +<a href="#page043">43</a>, +<a href="#page052">52</a>, +<a href="#page203">203</a>, +<a href="#page214">214</a>, +<a href="#page215">215</a>, +<a href="#page223">223</a>, +<a href="#page224">224</a>, +<a href="#page225">225</a>, +<a href="#page232">232</a>, +<a href="#page233">233</a>, +<a href="#page235">235</a>, +<a href="#page237">237</a>, +<a href="#page240">240</a>, +<a href="#page252">252</a>, +<a href="#page253">253</a>, +<a href="#page255">255</a>, +<a href="#page259">259</a>, +<a href="#page311">311</a>, +<a href="#page326">326</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Northumberland Fusiliers (2nd) [formerly 5th],</span> +<a href="#page203">203</a>, +<a href="#page287">287</a>, +<a href="#page290">290</a>, +<a href="#page292">292</a>, +<a href="#page296">296</a>-298, +<a href="#page300">300</a>, +<a href="#page301">301</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Royal Warwickshire (2nd) [formerly 6th],</span> +<a href="#page379">379</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Royal Fusiliers (City of London regiment) (2nd) [formerly 7th],</span> +<a href="#page333">333</a>, +<a href="#page358">358</a>, +<a href="#page367">367</a>-369.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">The King's (Liverpool) (1st) [formerly 8th],</span> +<a href="#page124">124</a>, +<a href="#page153">153</a>, +<a href="#page154">154</a>, +<a href="#page157">157</a>, +<a href="#page158">158</a>, +<a href="#page173">173</a>-175.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Norfolk (2nd) [formerly 9th],</span> +<a href="#page437">437</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Lincolnshire (2nd) [formerly 10th],</span> +<a href="#page437">437</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Devonshire (1st) [formerly 11th],</span> +<a href="#page124">124</a>, +<a href="#page153">153</a>, +<a href="#page154">154</a>, +<a href="#page161">161</a>, +<a href="#page163">163</a>-168, +<a href="#page172">172</a>, +<a href="#page175">175</a>, +<a href="#page186">186</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Devonshire (2nd) [formerly 11th],</span> +<a href="#page333">333</a>, +<a href="#page363">363</a>, +<a href="#page364">364</a>, +<a href="#page371">371</a>, +<a href="#page372">372</a>, +<a href="#page374">374</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Suffolk (1st) [formerly 12th],</span> +<a href="#page279">279</a>, +<a href="#page281">281</a>, +<a href="#page391">391</a>, +<a href="#page394">394</a>, +<a href="#page396">396</a>-399, +<a href="#page408">408</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">The Prince Albert's (Somersetshire Light Infantry) (2nd) [formerly 13th],</span> +<a href="#page333">333</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Prince of Wales's Own (West Yorkshire) (2nd) [formerly 14th],</span> +<a href="#page266">266</a>, +<a href="#page270">270</a>, +<a href="#page271">271</a>, +<a href="#page333">333</a>, +<a href="#page364">364</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Bedfordshire (2nd) [formerly 16th],</span> +<a href="#page404">404</a>, +<a href="#page407">407</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Leicestershire (1st) [formerly 17th],</span> +<a href="#page046">46</a>, +<a href="#page131">131</a>, +<a href="#page143">143</a>, +<a href="#page144">144</a>, +<a href="#page146">146</a>, +<a href="#page151">151</a>, +<a href="#page174">174</a>-180, +<a href="#page185">185</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Royal Irish (1st) [formerly 18th],</span> +<a href="#page404">404</a>, +<a href="#page407">407</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Princess of Wales's Own Yorkshire (1st) [formerly 19th],</span> +<a href="#page379">379</a>, +<a href="#page394">394</a>, +<a href="#page400">400</a>, +<a href="#page402">402</a>-405, +<a href="#page407">407</a>, +<a href="#page437">437</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Royal Scots Fusiliers (2nd) [formerly 21st],</span> +<a href="#page333">333</a>, +<a href="#page358">358</a>, +<a href="#page360">360</a>, +<a href="#page363">363</a>, +<a href="#page364">364</a>, +<a href="#page366">366</a>, +<a href="#page372">372</a>-374.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Cheshire (2nd) [formerly 22nd],</span> +<a href="#page437">437</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Royal Welsh Fusiliers (1st) [formerly 23rd],</span> +<a href="#page333">333</a>, +<a href="#page357">357</a>, +<a href="#page363">363</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">South Wales Borderers (2nd) [formerly 24th],</span> +<a href="#page437">437</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">King's Own Scottish Borderers (1st) [formerly 25th],</span> +<a href="#page437">437</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) (2nd) [formerly 90th],</span> +<a href="#page333">333</a>, +<a href="#page351">351</a>, +<a href="#page363">363</a>, +<a href="#page372">372</a>, +<a href="#page373">373</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (1st) [formerly 27th],</span> +<a href="#page333">333</a>, +<a href="#page353">353</a>, +<a href="#page356">356</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Gloucestershire (1st) [formerly 28th],</span> +<a href="#page153">153</a>-155, +<a href="#page174">174</a>-176, +<a href="#page186">186</a>-194.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Gloucestershire (2nd) [formerly 61st],</span> +<a href="#page437">437</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Worcestershire (2nd) [formerly 36th],</span> +<a href="#page402">402</a>, +<a href="#page404">404</a>, +<a href="#page407">407</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page519" name="page519"></a>[p. 519]</span> East Lancashire (1st) [formerly 30th],</span> +<a href="#page437">437</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">East Surrey (2nd) [formerly 70th],</span> +<a href="#page271">271</a>, +<a href="#page333">333</a>, +<a href="#page364">364</a>, +<a href="#page372">372</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry (2nd) [formerly 46th],</span> +<a href="#page308">308</a>, +<a href="#page386">386</a>, +<a href="#page387">387</a>, +<a href="#page438">438</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Duke of Wellington's (West Riding) (1st) [formerly 33rd],</span> +<a href="#page437">437</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Border (1st) [formerly 34th],</span> +<a href="#page002">2</a>, +<a href="#page052">52</a>, +<a href="#page204">204</a>, +<a href="#page261">261</a>, +<a href="#page264">264</a>, +<a href="#page270">270</a>, +<a href="#page271">271</a>, +<a href="#page333">333</a>, +<a href="#page353">353</a>, +<a href="#page355">355</a>, +<a href="#page356">356</a>, +<a href="#page370">370</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Hampshire (2nd) [formerly 67th],</span> +<a href="#page437">437</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Welsh (1st) [formerly 41st],</span> +<a href="#page402">402</a>, +<a href="#page407">407</a>, +<a href="#page437">437</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) (2nd) [formerly 73rd],</span> +<a href="#page203">203</a>, +<a href="#page276">276</a>, +<a href="#page279">279</a>, +<a href="#page308">308</a>, +<a href="#page312">312</a>, +<a href="#page317">317</a>-319, +<a href="#page329">329</a>, +<a href="#page437">437</a>, +<a href="#page440">440</a>, +<a href="#page441">441</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Oxfordshire Light Infantry (1st) [formerly 43rd],</span> +<a href="#page437">437</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Essex (1st) [formerly 44th],</span> +<a href="#page391">391</a>, +<a href="#page394">394</a>, +<a href="#page399">399</a>, +<a href="#page401">401</a>, +<a href="#page404">404</a>, +<a href="#page405">405</a>, +<a href="#page407">407</a>, +<a href="#page437">437</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Sherwood Foresters (Derbyshire) (1st) [formerly 45th],</span> +<a href="#page376">376</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Loyal North Lancashire (1st) [formerly 47th],</span> +<a href="#page044">44</a>, +<a href="#page203">203</a>, +<a href="#page212">212</a>, +<a href="#page214">214</a>, +<a href="#page215">215</a>, +<a href="#page223">223</a>, +<a href="#page231">231</a>-233, +<a href="#page235">235</a>, +<a href="#page237">237</a>-239, +<a href="#page242">242</a>, +<a href="#page252">252</a>-256, +<a href="#page259">259</a>, +<a href="#page311">311</a>, +<a href="#page326">326</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Northamptonshire (2nd) [formerly 58th],</span> +<a href="#page203">203</a>, +<a href="#page215">215</a>, +<a href="#page223">223</a>, +<a href="#page224">224</a>, +<a href="#page232">232</a>, +<a href="#page233">233</a>, +<a href="#page236">236</a>-239, +<a href="#page247">247</a>, +<a href="#page255">255</a>, +<a href="#page309">309</a>, +<a href="#page311">311</a>, +<a href="#page326">326</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Princess Charlotte of Wales's (Royal Berkshire) (2nd) [formerly 66th],</span> +<a href="#page276">276</a>, +<a href="#page281">281</a>, +<a href="#page282">282</a>, +<a href="#page284">284</a>, +<a href="#page286">286</a>, +<a href="#page291">291</a>, +<a href="#page292">292</a>, +<a href="#page391">391</a>-393, +<a href="#page395">395</a>, +<a href="#page396">396</a>, +<a href="#page407">407</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Royal Marine Light Infantry,</span> +<a href="#page052">52</a>, +<a href="#page099">99</a>, +<a href="#page205">205</a>, +<a href="#page214">214</a>, +<a href="#page232">232</a>, +<a href="#page238">238</a>, +<a href="#page239">239</a>, +<a href="#page242">242</a>, +<a href="#page422">422</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">King's Own (Yorkshire Light Infantry) (2nd) [formerly 105th],</span> +<a href="#page002">2</a>, +<a href="#page052">52</a>, +<a href="#page203">203</a>, +<a href="#page214">214</a>, +<a href="#page215">215</a>, +<a href="#page223">223</a>, +<a href="#page224">224</a>, +<a href="#page226">226</a>, +<a href="#page232">232</a>, +<a href="#page233">233</a>, +<a href="#page237">237</a>-239, +<a href="#page252">252</a>-256, +<a href="#page259">259</a>, +<a href="#page310">310</a>, +<a href="#page313">313</a>, +<a href="#page321">321</a>, +<a href="#page325">325</a>, +<a href="#page328">328</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">King's (Shropshire Light Infantry) (2nd) [formerly 85th],</span> +<a href="#page308">308</a>, +<a href="#page438">438</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">King's Royal Rifle Corps (1st) [formerly 60th],</span> +<a href="#page046">46</a>, +<a href="#page127">127</a>, +<a href="#page131">131</a>-136, +<a href="#page138">138</a>, +<a href="#page140">140</a>, +<a href="#page143">143</a>, +<a href="#page144">144</a>, +<a href="#page147">147</a>, +<a href="#page151">151</a>, +<a href="#page174">174</a>-176, +<a href="#page178">178</a>, +<a href="#page179">179</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">King's Royal Rifle Corps (2nd) [formerly 60th],</span> +<a href="#page153">153</a>, +<a href="#page154">154</a>, +<a href="#page158">158</a>, +<a href="#page174">174</a>-176, +<a href="#page179">179</a>, +<a href="#page185">185</a>, +<a href="#page367">367</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">King's Royal Rifle Corps (3rd) [formerly 60th],</span> +<a href="#page333">333</a>, +<a href="#page363">363</a>, +<a href="#page364">364</a>, +<a href="#page372">372</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Duke of Edinburgh's (Wiltshire) (2nd) [formerly 99th],</span> +<a href="#page404">404</a>-407.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Manchester (1st) [formerly 63rd],</span> +<a href="#page046">46</a>, +<a href="#page150">150</a>, +<a href="#page160">160</a>, +<a href="#page163">163</a>-167, +<a href="#page171">171</a>, +<a href="#page173">173</a>, +<a href="#page175">175</a>, +<a href="#page183">183</a>, +<a href="#page186">186</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Prince of Wales's (North Staffordshire) (2nd) [formerly 98th],</span> +<a href="#page437">437</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Durham Light Infantry (1st) [formerly 68th],</span> +<a href="#page333">333</a>, +<a href="#page363">363</a>, +<a href="#page370">370</a>, +<a href="#page372">372</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Highland Light Infantry (1st) [formerly 71st],</span> +<a href="#page215">215</a>, +<a href="#page308">308</a>, +<a href="#page312">312</a>, +<a href="#page318">318</a>-320, +<a href="#page327">327</a>, +<a href="#page437">437</a>, +<a href="#page440">440</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Seaforth Highlanders (Ross-shire Buffs, The Duke of Albany's) (2nd) [formerly 78th],</span> +<a href="#page308">308</a>, +<a href="#page312">312</a>, +<a href="#page316">316</a>, +<a href="#page318">318</a>, +<a href="#page319">319</a>, +<a href="#page327">327</a>, +<a href="#page438">438</a>, +<a href="#page440">440</a>, +<a href="#page441">441</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Gordon Highlanders (1st) [formerly 75th],</span> +<a href="#page308">308</a>, +<a href="#page311">311</a>, +<a href="#page315">315</a>, +<a href="#page326">326</a>, +<a href="#page327">327</a>, +<a href="#page438">438</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Gordon Highlanders (2nd) [formerly 92nd],</span> +<a href="#page124">124</a>, +<a href="#page150">150</a>, +<a href="#page163">163</a>-167, +<a href="#page169">169</a>, +<a href="#page170">170</a>, +<a href="#page173">173</a>, +<a href="#page175">175</a>, +<a href="#page176">176</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Royal Irish Rifles (2nd) [formerly 86th],</span> +<a href="#page010">10</a>, +<a href="#page204">204</a>, +<a href="#page286">286</a>, +<a href="#page287">287</a>, +<a href="#page290">290</a>, +<a href="#page292">292</a>, +<a href="#page296">296</a>-298, +<a href="#page301">301</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Princess Victoria's (Royal Irish Fusiliers) (1st) [formerly 87th],</span> +<a href="#page002">2</a>, +<a href="#page131">131</a>-136, +<a href="#page142">142</a>-144, +<a href="#page147">147</a>, +<a href="#page149">149</a>, +<a href="#page173">173</a>, +<a href="#page174">174</a>, +<a href="#page186">186</a>-192, +<a href="#page195">195</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Princess Victoria's (Royal Irish Fusiliers) (2nd) [formerly 89th],</span> +<a href="#page333">333</a>, +<a href="#page358">358</a>, +<a href="#page360">360</a>, +<a href="#page363">363</a>, +<a href="#page364">364</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Connaught Rangers (1st) [formerly 88th],</span> +<a href="#page333">333</a>, +<a href="#page353">353</a>-356.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Princess Louise's (Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders) (1st) [formerly 91st],</span> +<a href="#page247">247</a>, +<a href="#page252">252</a>-256, +<a href="#page259">259</a>, +<a href="#page308">308</a>, +<a href="#page318">318</a>, +<a href="#page319">319</a>, +<a href="#page330">330</a>, +<a href="#page438">438</a>, +<a href="#page441">441</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Royal Munster Fusiliers (1st) [formerly 101st],</span> +<a href="#page043">43</a>, +<a href="#page212">212</a>, +<a href="#page215">215</a>, +<a href="#page223">223</a>, +<a href="#page226">226</a>, +<a href="#page231">231</a>, +<a href="#page232">232</a>, +<a href="#page258">258</a>, +<a href="#page308">308</a>, +<a href="#page326">326</a>, +<a href="#page386">386</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page520" name="page520"></a>[p. 520]</span> Royal Dublin Fusiliers (1st) [formerly 102nd],</span> +<a href="#page333">333</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Royal Dublin Fusiliers (2nd) [formerly 103rd],</span> +<a href="#page046">46</a>, +<a href="#page123">123</a>, +<a href="#page124">124</a>, +<a href="#page127">127</a>-129, +<a href="#page131">131</a>, +<a href="#page132">132</a>, +<a href="#page135">135</a>, +<a href="#page139">139</a>, +<a href="#page140">140</a>, +<a href="#page143">143</a>-145, +<a href="#page148">148</a>, +<a href="#page149">149</a>, +<a href="#page174">174</a>, +<a href="#page175">175</a>, +<a href="#page180">180</a>, +<a href="#page262">262</a>, +<a href="#page267">267</a>, +<a href="#page268">268</a>, +<a href="#page333">333</a>, +<a href="#page353">353</a>-356, +<a href="#page367">367</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Rifle Brigade (The Prince Consort's Own) (1st),</span> +<a href="#page333">333</a>, +<a href="#page363">363</a>, +<a href="#page370">370</a>, +<a href="#page372">372</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3">Rifle Brigade (The Prince Consort's Own) (2nd),</span> +<a href="#page002">2</a>, +<a href="#page175">175</a>, +<a href="#page177">177</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Army Service Corps:—</span> +<a href="#page008">8</a>, +<a href="#page023">23</a>-25, +<a href="#page091">91</a>, +<a href="#page211">211</a>, +<a href="#page289">289</a>, +<a href="#page404">404</a>, +<a href="#page417">417</a>-421, +<a href="#page437">437</a>, +<a href="#page438">438</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Royal Army Medical Corps (includes Bearer companies, Field hospitals, etc.):—</span> +<a href="#page025">25</a>, +<a href="#page091">91</a>, +<a href="#page134">134</a>, +<a href="#page147">147</a>, +<a href="#page148">148</a>, +<a href="#page211">211</a>, +<a href="#page215">215</a>, +<a href="#page228">228</a>, +<a href="#page242">242</a>, +<a href="#page284">284</a>, +<a href="#page289">289</a>, +<a href="#page290">290</a>, +<a href="#page292">292</a>, +<a href="#page313">313</a>-315, +<a href="#page327">327</a>, +<a href="#page330">330</a>, +<a href="#page333">333</a>, +<a href="#page347">347</a>, +<a href="#page349">349</a>, +<a href="#page364">364</a>-366, +<a href="#page374">374</a>, +<a href="#page421">421</a>, +<a href="#page437">437</a>, +<a href="#page438">438</a>.<br> + +<a id="remountdep" name="remountdep"></a> + <span class="minlevel1">Remount department,</span> +<a href="#page019">19</a>-23, +<a href="#page024">24</a>, +<a href="#page027">27</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Rensburg,</span> +<a href="#page280">280</a>, +<a href="#page390">390</a>, +<a href="#page391">391</a>, +<a href="#page395">395</a>, +<a href="#page399">399</a>, +<a href="#page400">400</a>, +<a href="#page407">407</a>, +<a href="#page443">443</a>.<br> + +<a id="reserves" name="reserves"></a> + <span class="minlevel1">Reserves:</span><br> + <span class="minlevel2">necessity of announcement in Parliament before summoning,</span> +<a href="#page006">6</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">date of proclamation calling out,</span> +<a href="#page006">6</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">numbers who obeyed the call and were fit,</span> +<a href="#page008">8</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">value in the field of,</span> +<a href="#page375">375</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">supply of, furnished during war,</span> +<a href="#page010">10</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">inconvenience of Act requiring all classes A. B. C. to be exhausted before D. was summoned,</span> +<a href="#page012">12</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">not numerous enough,</span> +<a href="#page011">11</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">number in 1899, in British Islands,</span> +<a href="#page090">90</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">great assistance rendered to army in field,</span> +<a href="#page067">67</a>, +<a href="#page011">11</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">a real reserve for war, not a mere substitution,</span> +<a href="#page090">90</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">no delay caused by necessity for filling up ranks by,</span> +<a href="#page115">115</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Retreat from Dundee.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#dundee"><span class="smcap">Dundee</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Rhenoster farm,</span> +<a href="#page404">404</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Rhodes, The Right Hon. Cecil J.,</span> +<a href="#page017">17</a>, +<a href="#page044">44</a>.<br> + +<a id="rhodesia" name="rhodesia"></a> <span class="minlevel1">Rhodesia,</span> +<a href="#page016">16</a>, +<a href="#page036">36</a>, +<a href="#page039">39</a>, +<a href="#page094">94</a>, +<a href="#page409">409</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Rhodesian regiment.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#colunits"><span class="smcap">Colonial Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Ricardo, Lieut.-Col. P. R.,</span> +<a href="#page386">386</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Richardson, Colonel W. D., C.B.,</span> +<a href="#page417">417</a>, +<a href="#page420">420</a>, +<a href="#page422">422</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Richmond farm,</span> +<a href="#page442">442</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Richmond road,</span> +<a href="#page276">276</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Ridley, Colonel C. P.,</span> +<a href="#page433">433</a>, +<a href="#page437">437</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Rietfontein,</span> +<a href="#page142">142</a>, +<a href="#page151">151</a>-156, +<a href="#page172">172</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Riet River,</span> +<a href="#page063">63</a>, +<a href="#page243">243</a>, +<a href="#page244">244</a>, +<a href="#page246">246</a>-248, +<a href="#page250">250</a>, +<a href="#page251">251</a>, +<a href="#page253">253</a>, +<a href="#page256">256</a>, +<a href="#page259">259</a>, +<a href="#page260">260</a>, +<a href="#page304">304</a>, +<a href="#page378">378</a>, +<a href="#page385">385</a>, +<a href="#page387">387</a>, +<a href="#page388">388</a>, +<a href="#page430">430</a>, +<a href="#page439">439</a>, +<a href="#page441">441</a>, +<a href="#page444">444</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Rifle Brigade (1st and 2nd).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Rimington, Major M. F.,</span> +<a href="#page220">220</a>, +<a href="#page227">227</a>, +<a href="#page246">246</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Rimington's Guides.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#colunits"><span class="smcap">Colonial Units</span></a>.<br> + +<a id="roberts" name="roberts"></a> <span class="minlevel1">Roberts, Field Marshal the Right Hon. F. S. Lord, V.C., K.P., G.C.B., G.C.S.I., G.C.I.E., Army Corps reconstituted,</span> +<a href="#page436">436</a>-438;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">appointed to command in South Africa,</span> +<a href="#page376">376</a>, +<a href="#page381">381</a>, +<a href="#page386">386</a>, +<a href="#page389">389</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">appoints his staff,</span> +<a href="#page381">381</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">arrives at Cape Town,</span> +<a href="#page408">408</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">Buller reports fresh attempt to relieve Ladysmith,</span> +<a href="#page411">411</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">plan of campaign,</span> +<a href="#page411">411</a>-413, +<a href="#page428">428</a>-436, +<a href="#page439">439</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">railways in Cape Colony,</span> +<a href="#page425">425</a>, +<a href="#page426">426</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">railways in Cape Colony, strategic value of,</span> +<a href="#page430">430</a>, +<a href="#page431">431</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">raises more local corps,</span> +<a href="#page415">415</a>, +<a href="#page416">416</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">reinforcements promised of troops,</span> +<a href="#page414">414</a>, +<a href="#page415">415</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">reinforcements promised of guns,</span> +<a href="#page422">422</a>-424;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">situation on his arrival,</span> +<a href="#page408">408</a>-411;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">transport reorganised,</span> +<a href="#page416">416</a>-421;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">telegram from Gibraltar,</span> +<a href="#page385">385</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Roberts, Lieut. the Hon. F. H. S.,</span> +<a href="#page365">365</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">awarded the V.C. (posthumous),</span> +<a href="#page366">366</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Roberts' Horse.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#colunits"><span class="smcap">Colonial Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Roberts', Mr. J., farm,</span> +<a href="#page293">293</a>-295.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Robertson, Sergt.-Major W., awarded the V.C.,</span> +<a href="#page170">170</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Robinson's Drift,</span> +<a href="#page336">336</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Robinson's farm,</span> +<a href="#page340">340</a>, +<a href="#page341">341</a>, +<a href="#page352">352</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Rogers, Major C. R.,</span> +<a href="#page360">360</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Roggeveld mountains,</span> +<a href="#page383">383</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Rooi Kop,</span> +<a href="#page289">289</a>, +<a href="#page290">290</a>, +<a href="#page291">291</a>, +<a href="#page295">295</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Rooilaagte,</span> +<a href="#page216">216</a>, +<a href="#page230">230</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Rorke's Drift,</span> +<a href="#page274">274</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page521" name="page521"></a>[p. 521]</span> Rosmead,</span> +<a href="#page244">244</a>, +<a href="#page247">247</a>-260.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Rosmead Junction,</span> +<a href="#page278">278</a>, +<a href="#page378">378</a>, +<a href="#page435">435</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Rouxville commando.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#commandos"><span class="smcap">Commandos</span></a>.<br> + +<a id="ramc" name="ramc"></a> + <span class="minlevel1">Royal Army Medical Corps.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Royal Berkshire regiment (2nd).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Royal Canadian regiment.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#colunits"><span class="smcap">Colonial Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Royal Commissions, on South African hospitals,</span> +<a href="#page026">26</a>;<br> +<a id="rcsaw" name="rcsaw"></a> <span class="minlevel2">on South African war,</span> +<a href="#page013">13</a>, +<a href="#page110">110</a>, +<a href="#page411">411</a>, +<a href="#page412">412</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Royal Dragoons.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Royal Dublin Fusiliers (1st and 2nd).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Royal Engineers.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Royal Field Artillery.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Royal Fusiliers (2nd).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Royal Garrison Artillery.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Royal Horse Artillery.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (1st).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Royal Irish Fusiliers (1st).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Royal Irish regiment (1st).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Royal Irish Rifles (2nd).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Royal Malta Artillery.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Royal Marine Artillery.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Royal Marine Light Infantry.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Royal Munster Fusiliers (1st).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Royal Scots Fusiliers (2nd).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Royal Scots regiment (1st).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Royal Warwickshire regiment (2nd).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Royal Welsh Fusiliers (1st).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Royal West Surrey regiment (2nd).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Royston, Colonel W.,</span> +<a href="#page174">174</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Ruggles-Brise, Captain H. G.,</span> +<a href="#page225">225</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Rustenburg,</span> +<a href="#page059">59</a>, +<a href="#page060">60</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Rustenburg commando.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#commandos"><span class="smcap">Commandos</span></a>.</p> + +<p class="p2"> + <span class="minlevel1">St. Helena,</span> +<a href="#page092">92</a>, +<a href="#page095">95</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">St. Vincent,</span> +<a href="#page105">105</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Salisbury (Rhodesia),</span> +<a href="#page060">60</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Salisbury plain,</span> +<a href="#page002">2</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Sand river,</span> +<a href="#page140">140</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Sand Spruit,</span> +<a href="#page128">128</a>, +<a href="#page129">129</a>, +<a href="#page131">131</a>, +<a href="#page133">133</a>, +<a href="#page135">135</a>, +<a href="#page138">138</a>, +<a href="#page140">140</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Sangars,</span> +<a href="#page073">73</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Scandinavian commando.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#commandos"><span class="smcap">Commandos</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Schanzes,</span> +<a href="#page071">71</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Scheme, Lord Roberts',</span> +<a href="#page428">428</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Schietberg,</span> +<a href="#page393">393</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Schiel, Colonel,</span> +<a href="#page125">125</a>, +<a href="#page167">167</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Schoeman, Commandant,</span> +<a href="#page275">275</a>, +<a href="#page276">276</a>, +<a href="#page280">280</a>, +<a href="#page281">281</a>, +<a href="#page389">389</a>, +<a href="#page390">390</a>, +<a href="#page393">393</a>-395, +<a href="#page400">400</a>, +<a href="#page409">409</a>, +<a href="#page443">443</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Schofield, Captain H. N.,</span> +<a href="#page365">365</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">awarded the V.C.,</span> +<a href="#page366">366</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Scholtz Nek,</span> +<a href="#page245">245</a>, +<a href="#page409">409</a>, +<a href="#page426">426</a>, +<a href="#page440">440</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Schreiber, Lieut. C. B.,</span> +<a href="#page366">366</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Schreiner, The Hon. Mr. W. P., C.M.G., Q.C. (Premier of Cape Colony)</span>, +<a href="#page206">206</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Schultz' farm,</span> +<a href="#page139">139</a>, +<a href="#page140">140</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Scots Greys, Royal.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Scots Guards (1st).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Scott, Captain P., R.N.,</span> +<a href="#page117">117</a>-121, +<a href="#page205">205</a>, +<a href="#page265">265</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Scottish Rifles (2nd).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Seacow river,</span> +<a href="#page402">402</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Seaforth Highlanders (2nd).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Secrecy,</span> +<a href="#page414">414</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">essential to Lord Roberts' scheme,</span> +<a href="#page431">431</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Secretary of State for War.</span> <i>See respectively</i>, <a href="#lansdowne"><span class="smcap">Lansdowne</span></a>, <a href="#smith"><span class="smcap">Smith</span></a>, <a href="#stanhope"><span class="smcap">Stanhope</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Senior, Captain G., R.M.A.,</span> +<a href="#page238">238</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page522" name="page522"></a>[p. 522]</span> Seton, Major H. J.,</span> +<a href="#page298">298</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Seymour, Mr. (later Major) L.I.,</span> +<a href="#page425">425</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Shannon, Sergeant-Major J.,</span> +<a href="#page360">360</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Sharpe, Lieut.-Col. J. B.,</span> +<a href="#page215">215</a>, +<a href="#page217">217</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Shaul, Corporal J., awarded the V.C.,</span> +<a href="#page327">327</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Sheridan, General,</span> +<a href="#page075">75</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Shipping, necessary dependence of nature of effective British army organisation on,</span> +<a href="#page115">115</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">patriotic conduct of owners of,</span> +<a href="#page107">107</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">success of Admiralty administration of,</span> +<a href="#page110">110</a>, +<a href="#page111">111</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">small quantity of, available at given moment,</span> +<a href="#page103">103</a>, +<a href="#page104">104</a>, +<a href="#page105">105</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">statistics of,</span> +<a href="#page108">108</a>, +<a href="#page109">109</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">time required for getting ready,</span> +<a href="#page100">100</a>, +<a href="#page101">101</a>, +<a href="#page102">102</a>, +<a href="#page104">104</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel3"><i>See also</i></span> <a href="#admiralty"><span class="smcap">Admiralty</span></a> <i>and</i> <a href="#navy"><span class="smcap">Navy</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Shooter's Hill,</span> +<a href="#page347">347</a>, +<a href="#page373">373</a>.<br> + +<a id="shortss" name="shortss"></a> <span class="minlevel1">Short Service, the system as worked in the Boer War,</span> +<a href="#page090">90</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">how it supplied fresh drafts during war,</span> +<a href="#page090">90</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">comparison with other wars,</span> +<a href="#page091">91</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">effect of, on strength in the field,</span> +<a href="#page011">11</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">caused no delay,</span> +<a href="#page115">115</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel3"><i>See also</i></span> <a href="#reserves"><span class="smcap">Reserves</span></a> <i>and</i> <a href="#mobilisation"><span class="smcap">Mobilisation</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Shropshire Light Infantry (2nd).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Shute, Major H. G. D.,</span> +<a href="#page225">225</a>, +<a href="#page324">324</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Sierra Leone,</span> +<a href="#page091">91</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Simon's Bay,</span> +<a href="#page117">117</a>, +<a href="#page119">119</a>, +<a href="#page120">120</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Simon's Town,</span> +<a href="#page052">52</a>, +<a href="#page118">118</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Slade-Wallace tools,</span> +<a href="#page250">250</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Slingersfontein,</span> +<a href="#page400">400</a>, +<a href="#page402">402</a>, +<a href="#page404">404</a>, +<a href="#page405">405</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Sluits,</span> +<a href="#page061">61</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Skiet's Drift,</span> +<a href="#page334">334</a>, +<a href="#page336">336</a>, +<a href="#page337">337</a>.<br> + +<a id="smith" name="smith"></a> <span class="minlevel1">Smith, Major Granville, R. F.,</span> +<a href="#page250">250</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Smith, The Right Hon. W. H.,</span> +<a href="#page007">7</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Smith, Major W. Apsley,</span> +<a href="#page365">365</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Smith-Dorrien, Colonel H. L., D.S.O.,</span> +<a href="#page438">438</a>. +<a href="#page444">444</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Smithfield commando.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#commandos"><span class="smcap">Commandos</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Smith's farm,</span> +<a href="#page129">129</a>, +<a href="#page132">132</a>, +<a href="#page135">135</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Smith's Nek,</span> +<a href="#page129">129</a>, +<a href="#page133">133</a>, +<a href="#page137">137</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Sneeuw Bergen (mountain),</span> +<a href="#page056">56</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Snyman, General,</span> +<a href="#page050">50</a>, +<a href="#page409">409</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Somaliland,</span> +<a href="#page095">95</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Somerset East,</span> +<a href="#page206">206</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Somersetshire Light Infantry (2nd).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">South Africa:</span><br> + <span class="minlevel2">absence of roads in,</span> +<a href="#page018">18</a>, +<a href="#page065">65</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">agriculture in,</span> +<a href="#page062">62</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">as a theatre of war,</span> +<a href="#page064">64</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">climatic influences on,</span> +<a href="#page061">61</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">cool nights in,</span> +<a href="#page065">65</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">dearth of bridges in,</span> +<a href="#page061">61</a>, +<a href="#page065">65</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">drifts of,</span> +<a href="#page061">61</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">eminently healthy,</span> +<a href="#page064">64</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">harbours of,</span> +<a href="#page057">57</a>, +<a href="#page065">65</a>, +<a href="#page113">113</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">hill systems of,</span> +<a href="#page055">55</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">nature of the country in,</span> +<a href="#page018">18</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">physiological features of,</span> +<a href="#page061">61</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">rainfall in,</span> +<a href="#page066">66</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">rivers of,</span> +<a href="#page060">60</a>, +<a href="#page061">61</a>, +<a href="#page065">65</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">scarcity of well-built towns in,</span> +<a href="#page065">65</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">special clothing prescribed for</span>, +<a href="#page030">30</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">tableland of,</span> +<a href="#page054">54</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">South African Light Horse.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#colunits"><span class="smcap">Colonial Units</span></a>.<br> + +<a id="sarp" name="sarp"></a> <span class="minlevel1">South African Republic Police (Zarps),</span> +<a href="#page049">49</a>, +<a href="#page081">81</a>, +<a href="#page084">84</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">South African War.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#wsa"><span class="smcap">War in South Africa</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">South Australia,</span> +<a href="#page093">93</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">offers assistance,</span> +<a href="#page034">34</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">South Australian Infantry.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#colunits"><span class="smcap">Colonial Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">South Natal raid,</span> +<a href="#page261">261</a>-274.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Southern Rhodesia.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#rhodesia"><span class="smcap">Rhodesia</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">South Wales Borderers (2nd).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1"><i>Spartan</i>.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#hospships"><span class="smcap">Hospital Ships</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Spion Kop (mountain),</span> +<a href="#page058">58</a>, +<a href="#page438">438</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Spitz Kop,</span> +<a href="#page400">400</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Springfield,</span> +<a href="#page338">338</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Springfontein Junction</span>, +<a href="#page411">411</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Springs,</span> +<a href="#page060">60</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Spruits,</span> +<a href="#page060">60</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Spytfontein,</span> +<a href="#page063">63</a>, +<a href="#page245">245</a>, +<a href="#page305">305</a>, +<a href="#page310">310</a>, +<a href="#page329">329</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Standerton commando.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#commandos"><span class="smcap">Commandos</span></a>.<br> + +<a id="stanhope" name="stanhope"></a> <span class="minlevel1">Stanhope, The Right Hon. E. (Secretary of State for War in 1888), his memorandum of June 1st, 1888,</span> +<a href="#page005">5</a>, +<a href="#page012">12</a>, +<a href="#page013">13</a>, +<a href="#page020">20</a>, +<a href="#page089">89</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Steenkamp, Commandant,</span> +<a href="#page192">192</a>, +<a href="#page195">195</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Steinkamp, Commandant L. F.,</span> +<a href="#page439">439</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Steinkamp, Commandant,</span> +<a href="#page295">295</a>, +<a href="#page299">299</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Stellenbosch,</span> +<a href="#page022">22</a>, +<a href="#page043">43</a>, +<a href="#page383">383</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Stephenson, Brig.-General T. E.,</span> +<a href="#page405">405</a>, +<a href="#page406">406</a>, +<a href="#page437">437</a>, +<a href="#page444">444</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page523" name="page523"></a>[p. 523]</span> Sterkstroom,</span> +<a href="#page053">53</a>, +<a href="#page301">301</a>, +<a href="#page408">408</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Sterkstroom Junction,</span> +<a href="#page287">287</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Sterling, Captain J. T.,</span> +<a href="#page225">225</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Steyn, President M. T.,</span> +<a href="#page048">48</a>, +<a href="#page285">285</a>, +<a href="#page295">295</a>, +<a href="#page306">306</a>, +<a href="#page382">382</a>, +<a href="#page388">388</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">outwitted by Lord Roberts,</span> +<a href="#page435">435</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Steynsburg,</span> +<a href="#page295">295</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Steynsburg road,</span> +<a href="#page292">292</a>, +<a href="#page293">293</a>, +<a href="#page299">299</a>, +<a href="#page302">302</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Stockenstroom,</span> +<a href="#page383">383</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Stopford, Colonel the Hon. F., C.B.,</span> +<a href="#page209">209</a>, +<a href="#page357">357</a>, +<a href="#page362">362</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Stopford, Lieut.-Col. H. R.,</span> +<a href="#page225">225</a>, +<a href="#page260">260</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Stores, deficiency of,</span> +<a href="#page031">31</a>, +<a href="#page032">32</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">in freight ships,</span> +<a href="#page104">104</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">tonnage of,</span> +<a href="#page108">108</a>, +<a href="#page109">109</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">those wanted first placed at bottom of ships,</span> +<a href="#page113">113</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Stormberg,</span> +<a href="#page039">39</a>, +<a href="#page042">42</a>, +<a href="#page043">43</a>, +<a href="#page052">52</a>, +<a href="#page057">57</a>, +<a href="#page066">66</a>, +<a href="#page120">120</a>, +<a href="#page198">198</a>, +<a href="#page199">199</a>, +<a href="#page205">205</a>, +<a href="#page210">210</a>, +<a href="#page283">283</a>, +<a href="#page285">285</a>-303, +<a href="#page339">339</a>, +<a href="#page376">376</a>, +<a href="#page389">389</a>, +<a href="#page408">408</a>, +<a href="#page409">409</a>, +<a href="#page412">412</a>, +<a href="#page435">435</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Stormbergen,</span> +<a href="#page056">56</a>, +<a href="#page057">57</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Straits Settlements,</span> +<a href="#page089">89</a>, +<a href="#page092">92</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Strength of army in South Africa, at various dates,</span> +<a href="#page001">1</a>, +<a href="#page002">2</a>, +<a href="#page443">443</a>, and <a href="#appen1">Appendices</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Strength of Boers, estimated,</span> +<a href="#page001">1</a>, +<a href="#page002">2</a>, +<a href="#page038">38</a>, +<a href="#page265">265</a>, +<a href="#page377">377</a>, +<a href="#page409">409</a>, +<a href="#page410">410</a>, +<a href="#page459">459</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Strength of regular army and armed forces of the British Empire,</span> +<a href="#page089">89</a>-95.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Strength of various arms, average,</span> +<a href="#page438">438</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Suffolk Hill.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#grassyhill"><span class="smcap">Grassy Hill</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Suffolk regiment (1st).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Sugar Loaf Hill,</span> +<a href="#page218">218</a>, +<a href="#page225">225</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Sunday's river,</span> +<a href="#page059">59</a>, +<a href="#page127">127</a>, +<a href="#page149">149</a>, +<a href="#page335">335</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Sunday's River Passes,</span> +<a href="#page058">58</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Sunnyside,</span> +<a href="#page387">387</a>, +<a href="#page442">442</a>.<br> + +<a id="supplies" name="supplies"></a> <span class="minlevel1">Supplies,</span> +<a href="#page019">19</a>, +<a href="#page043">43</a>, +<a href="#page044">44</a>, +<a href="#page067">67</a>, +<a href="#page106">106</a>, +<a href="#page108">108</a>, +<a href="#page200">200</a>, +<a href="#page206">206</a>, +<a href="#page209">209</a>, +<a href="#page210">210</a>, +<a href="#page216">216</a>, +<a href="#page310">310</a>, +<a href="#page315">315</a>, +<a href="#page418">418</a>, +<a href="#page421">421</a>, +<a href="#page443">443</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">supply department,</span> +<a href="#page422">422</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Surprise Hill,</span> +<a href="#page188">188</a>, +<a href="#page190">190</a>, +<a href="#page334">334</a>, +<a href="#page335">335</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Survey department of Cape Colony,</span> +<a href="#page014">14</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Swaatbouys Kop (or Nodashwana),</span> +<a href="#page152">152</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Swanepoel, Commandant,</span> +<a href="#page050">50</a>, +<a href="#page295">295</a>, +<a href="#page298">298</a>, +<a href="#page301">301</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Swaziland,</span> +<a href="#page050">50</a>, +<a href="#page065">65</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Swaziland commando.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#commandos"><span class="smcap">Commandos</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Swaziland Police,</span> +<a href="#page049">49</a>, +<a href="#page081">81</a>, +<a href="#page084">84</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Swinkpan,</span> +<a href="#page227">227</a>, +<a href="#page231">231</a>, +<a href="#page232">232</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Symons, Major-General Sir W. Penn. K.C.B.,</span> +<a href="#page045">45</a>-47, +<a href="#page123">123</a>-137, +<a href="#page160">160</a>.</p> + +<p class="p2"> + <span class="minlevel1">Taaiboschlaagte,</span> +<a href="#page280">280</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Taal language,</span> +<a href="#page121">121</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Tabanyama (mountain),</span> +<a href="#page058">58</a>, +<a href="#page335">335</a>, +<a href="#page338">338</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Tabanhlope,</span> +<a href="#page269">269</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Table Bay,</span> +<a href="#page119">119</a>, +<a href="#page206">206</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Table Mountain (Cape Town),</span> +<a href="#page048">48</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Table Mountain (Belmont),</span> +<a href="#page218">218</a>-228.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Tactics, Lord Roberts' instructions for,</span> +<a href="#page445">445</a>-450.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Talana,</span> +<a href="#page123">123</a>-142.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Tarkastad,</span> +<a href="#page287">287</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1"><i>Tartar</i>, H.M.S.,</span> +<a href="#page120">120</a>, +<a href="#page263">263</a>, +<a href="#page265">265</a>, +<a href="#page332">332</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Tasmania,</span> +<a href="#page309">309</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">offers assistance,</span> +<a href="#page034">34</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Tasmanian Infantry.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#colunits"><span class="smcap">Colonial Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Taungs,</span> +<a href="#page382">382</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Telegraph, essential to Lord Roberts' scheme,</span> +<a href="#page431">431</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Tembu tribe,</span> +<a href="#page208">208</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Teneriffe,</span> +<a href="#page105">105</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1"><i>Terrible</i>, H.M.S.,</span> +<a href="#page117">117</a>, +<a href="#page120">120</a>, +<a href="#page205">205</a>, +<a href="#page263">263</a>, +<a href="#page265">265</a>, +<a href="#page332">332</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Thaba Bosigo,</span> +<a href="#page072">72</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Thackeray, Lieut.-Col. T. M. G.,</span> +<a href="#page353">353</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Theatre of war,</span> +<a href="#page054">54</a>-67.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1"><i>Thetis</i>, H.M.S.,</span> +<a href="#page120">120</a>, +<a href="#page265">265</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Thomas' farm,</span> +<a href="#page216">216</a>, +<a href="#page217">217</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Thompson, Sir Ralph, K.C.B.,</span> +<a href="#page007">7</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Thorneycroft, Major A. W.,</span> +<a href="#page206">206</a>, +<a href="#page261">261</a>, +<a href="#page368">368</a>, +<a href="#page369">369</a>, +<a href="#page373">373</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Thorneycroft's Mounted Infantry.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#colunits"><span class="smcap">Colonial Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Thornhill farm,</span> +<a href="#page387">387</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Thwaites, Captain W.,</span> +<a href="#page184">184</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Tintwa Pass,</span> +<a href="#page049">49</a>, +<a href="#page058">58</a>, +<a href="#page123">123</a>, +<a href="#page157">157</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Touw's river,</span> +<a href="#page053">53</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Town Guards.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#colunits"><span class="smcap">Colonial Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Townsend, Colonel E., M.D., C.B.,</span> +<a href="#page242">242</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Towse, Captain E. B., awarded the V.C.,</span> +<a href="#page327">327</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Transport (land),</span> +<a href="#page413">413</a>, +<a href="#page416">416</a>-421;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">delay imposed by peace wishes, during time <span class="pagenum"><a id="page524" name="page524"></a>[p. 524]</span> needed for getting,</span> +<a href="#page019">19</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">difficulty because of, in having British army ready for war,</span> +<a href="#page018">18</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">early attempts made by Sir Evelyn Wood, Lord Wolseley, and Sir A. Milner to provide,</span> +<a href="#page016">16</a>, +<a href="#page017">17</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">harness for,</span> +<a href="#page019">19</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">impossibility of keeping British ready for war,</span> +<a href="#page017">17</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">in previous campaigns,</span> +<a href="#page017">17</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">mules for, purchased abroad,</span> +<a href="#page020">20</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">mules in South Africa,</span> +<a href="#page022">22</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">native drivers needed for,</span> +<a href="#page024">24</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">necessary change of vehicles for South Africa for,</span> +<a href="#page018">18</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">necessity for,</span> +<a href="#page018">18</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">peculiarities of South African,</span> +<a href="#page416">416</a>, +<a href="#page417">417</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">reorganised by Lord Roberts,</span> +<a href="#page416">416</a>-421;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">respective advantages of ox and mule,</span> +<a href="#page416">416</a>, +<a href="#page417">417</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">successive demands for,</span> +<a href="#page018">18</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">transport by rail,</span> +<a href="#page424">424</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">transport companies,</span> +<a href="#page421">421</a>, +<a href="#page437">437</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">transport department,</span> +<a href="#page422">422</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">transport, regimental,</span> +<a href="#page418">418</a>, +<a href="#page419">419</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">transport staff,</span> +<a href="#page417">417</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">transport (sea).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#navy"><span class="smcap">Navy</span></a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">varied character of British,</span> +<a href="#page017">17</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">vehicles for,</span> +<a href="#page019">19</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Transvaal,</span> +<a href="#page003">3</a>-85, +<a href="#page335">335</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Transvaalers.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#commandos"><span class="smcap">Commandos</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Transvaal Police.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#sarp"><span class="smcap">South African Republic Police</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Transvaal Staats Artillerie,</span> +<a href="#page049">49</a>, +<a href="#page081">81</a>-84.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Trichardt, Commandant,</span> +<a href="#page128">128</a>, +<a href="#page140">140</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Trichardt's Drift,</span> +<a href="#page411">411</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1"><i>Trojan.</i></span> <i>See</i> <a href="#hospships"><span class="smcap">Hospital Ships</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Trüter's commando.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#commandos"><span class="smcap">Commandos</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Tucker, Lieut.-Gen. C., C.B.,</span> +<a href="#page437">437</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Tudway, Lieut.-Col. R. J.,</span> +<a href="#page278">278</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Tugela Ferry,</span> +<a href="#page274">274</a>, +<a href="#page334">334</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Tugela river,</span> +<a href="#page014">14</a>, +<a href="#page058">58</a>, +<a href="#page208">208</a>, +<a href="#page261">261</a>, +<a href="#page263">263</a>-265, +<a href="#page267">267</a>, +<a href="#page273">273</a>, +<a href="#page332">332</a>-376, +<a href="#page410">410</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Tulbagh district,</span> +<a href="#page383">383</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Tuli,</span> +<a href="#page042">42</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Tunnel Hill,</span> +<a href="#page176">176</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Tweedale siding (or station),</span> +<a href="#page277">277</a>, +<a href="#page281">281</a>.</p> + +<p class="p2"> + <span class="minlevel1">Uganda,</span> +<a href="#page095">95</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Uitenhage Rifles.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#colunits"><span class="smcap">Colonial Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Uitlanders,</span> +<a href="#page038">38</a>, +<a href="#page385">385</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Ultimatum of October 9th, 1899,</span> 01, +<a href="#page086">86</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Umbulwana (or Bulwana),</span> +<a href="#page150">150</a>, +<a href="#page172">172</a>, +<a href="#page176">176</a>, +<a href="#page181">181</a>, +<a href="#page182">182</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Umvoti Mounted Rifles.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#colunits"><span class="smcap">Colonial Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Union Castle, S.S. Co.,</span> +<a href="#page100">100</a>, +<a href="#page107">107</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Urmston, Major E. B.,</span> +<a href="#page441">441</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Utrecht,</span> +<a href="#page124">124</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Utrecht commando.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#commandos"><span class="smcap">Commandos</span></a>.</p> + +<p class="p2"> + <span class="minlevel1">Vaal Kop,</span> +<a href="#page281">281</a>, +<a href="#page282">282</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Vaal river,</span> +<a href="#page036">36</a>, +<a href="#page037">37</a>, +<a href="#page061">61</a>, +<a href="#page387">387</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Van Dam,</span> +<a href="#page191">191</a>, +<a href="#page192">192</a>, +<a href="#page394">394</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Van der Merwe's commando.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#commandos"><span class="smcap">Commandos</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Van der Merwe, Commandant.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#merwe"><span class="smcap">Merwe</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Van Reenen's Pass,</span> +<a href="#page037">37</a>, +<a href="#page038">38</a>, +<a href="#page044">44</a>, +<a href="#page045">45</a>, +<a href="#page049">49</a>, +<a href="#page058">58</a>, +<a href="#page125">125</a>, +<a href="#page157">157</a>, +<a href="#page158">158</a>, +<a href="#page171">171</a>, +<a href="#page173">173</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Van Staaden, Commandant,</span> +<a href="#page128">128</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Van Tenders Pass,</span> +<a href="#page147">147</a>, +<a href="#page148">148</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Vant's Drift,</span> +<a href="#page128">128</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Van Zyl, Lieut.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#zyl"><span class="smcap">Zyl</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Van Zyl's farm,</span> +<a href="#page292">292</a>-295, +<a href="#page300">300</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Van Zyl Siding,</span> +<a href="#page405">405</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Venter, Comdt. H. van der,</span> +<a href="#page234">234</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Verner, Lieut.-Colonel W. W. C.,</span> +<a href="#page216">216</a>, +<a href="#page245">245</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Versamelberg (mountain),</span> +<a href="#page059">59</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Vertnek (Red Hill),</span> +<a href="#page342">342</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Veterinary Department.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#avetdep"><span class="smcap">Army Veterinary Department</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Viceroy of India,</span> +<a href="#page001">1</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Vickers-Maxim,</span> 37 m/m Q.F. guns. <i>See</i> <a href="#pompom"><span class="smcap">Pom-poms</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Victoria,</span> +<a href="#page094">94</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">offers assistance,</span> +<a href="#page033">33</a>, +<a href="#page034">34</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Victorian Infantry, Mounted Infantry, and Mounted Rifles.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#colunits"><span class="smcap">Colonial Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Victualling of troops at sea,</span> +<a href="#page099">99</a>, +<a href="#page105">105</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Vierkleur,</span> +<a href="#page048">48</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Viljoen, General Ben,</span> +<a href="#page125">125</a>, +<a href="#page127">127</a>, +<a href="#page159">159</a>, +<a href="#page342">342</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Visser's homestead,</span> +<a href="#page440">440</a>.<br> + +<a id="voetpad" name="voetpad"></a> <span class="minlevel1">Voetpads Drift,</span> +<a href="#page310">310</a>, +<a href="#page314">314</a>, +<a href="#page325">325</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Volksrust,</span> +<a href="#page124">124</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Volunteers: Home,</span> +<a href="#page010">10</a>, +<a href="#page012">12</a>, +<a href="#page093">93</a>-95, +<a href="#page380">380</a>, +<a href="#page414">414</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2"><i>See also</i></span> <a href="#colunits"><span class="smcap">Colonial Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Vrede commando.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#commandos"><span class="smcap">Commandos</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page525" name="page525"></a>[p. 525]</span> Vryburg,</span> +<a href="#page382">382</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Vryheid,</span> +<a href="#page124">124</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Vryheid commando.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#commandos"><span class="smcap">Commandos</span></a>.</p> + +<p class="p2"> + <span class="minlevel1">Wakkerstroom Commando.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#commandos"><span class="smcap">Commandos</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Wakkerstroom Nek,</span> +<a href="#page049">49</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Walker, Lieut.-Gen. Sir F. Forestier-.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#forestwalk"><span class="smcap">Forestier-Walker</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Walter, Major R. L.,</span> +<a href="#page367">367</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Wapenschouws,</span> +<a href="#page080">80</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">War Department of Pretoria,</span> +<a href="#page038">38</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">"War Establishments,"</span> +<a href="#page418">418</a>.<br> + +<a id="wsa" name="wsa"></a> <span class="minlevel1">War in South Africa:</span><br> + <span class="minlevel2">British preparations for,</span> +<a href="#page001">1</a>-34;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">outbreak of,</span> +<a href="#page035">35</a>-53;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">theatre of,</span> +<a href="#page054">54</a>-67.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">War Office,</span> +<a href="#page006">6</a>, +<a href="#page015">15</a>, +<a href="#page022">22</a>, +<a href="#page028">28</a>, +<a href="#page035">35</a>, +<a href="#page038">38</a>, +<a href="#page044">44</a>, +<a href="#page089">89</a>, +<a href="#page100">100</a>, +<a href="#page110">110</a>, +<a href="#page111">111</a>, +<a href="#page117">117</a>, +<a href="#page199">199</a>-201, +<a href="#page353">353</a>, +<a href="#page379">379</a>-381, +<a href="#page384">384</a>, +<a href="#page410">410</a>, +<a href="#page412">412</a>-415, +<a href="#page418">418</a>, +<a href="#page421">421</a>, +<a href="#page422">422</a>, +<a href="#page438">438</a>, +<a href="#page443">443</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Wardle, Midshipman T. F. J. L., R.N.,</span> +<a href="#page238">238</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Warley Common,</span> +<a href="#page269">269</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Warren Lieut.-Gen. Sir C., G.C.M.G., K.C.B.,</span> +<a href="#page201">201</a>, +<a href="#page377">377</a>, +<a href="#page379">379</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Warrenton,</span> +<a href="#page039">39</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Warwickshire regiment, Royal (2nd).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Waschbank,</span> +<a href="#page058">58</a>, +<a href="#page127">127</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Waschbank bridge,</span> +<a href="#page334">334</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Waschbank river,</span> +<a href="#page147">147</a>-151.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Water, story of, at Graspan,</span> +<a href="#page432">432</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">carts,</span> +<a href="#page421">421</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Waterberg commando.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#commandos"><span class="smcap">Commandos</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Watson, Lieut.-Colonel A. J.,</span> +<a href="#page281">281</a>, +<a href="#page396">396</a>-399.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Wauchope, Major-Gen. A. G., C.B., C.M.G.,</span> +<a href="#page203">203</a>, +<a href="#page207">207</a>, +<a href="#page211">211</a>, +<a href="#page212">212</a>, +<a href="#page215">215</a>, +<a href="#page276">276</a>-279, +<a href="#page308">308</a>, +<a href="#page311">311</a>, +<a href="#page312">312</a>, +<a href="#page316">316</a>-319, +<a href="#page323">323</a>, +<a href="#page324">324</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Wavell, Major-General A. G.,</span> +<a href="#page437">437</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Weenen,</span> +<a href="#page269">269</a>, +<a href="#page273">273</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Weenen road,</span> +<a href="#page336">336</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Weil, Messrs.,</span> +<a href="#page016">16</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Welman, Major H. L.,</span> +<a href="#page298">298</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Welsh regiment (1st).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Wessels, Commandant,</span> +<a href="#page409">409</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">West Africa and various African protectorates,</span> +<a href="#page091">91</a>, +<a href="#page095">95</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">West Australia,</span> +<a href="#page094">94</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">offers assistance,</span> +<a href="#page034">34</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">West Australian Infantry.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#colunits"><span class="smcap">Colonial Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">West Indies,</span> +<a href="#page095">95</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">West Riding regiment (1st).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">West Yorkshire (2nd).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">White, Lieut.-General Sir George S., V.C., G.C.B., G.C.S.I., G.C.I.E.,</span> +<a href="#page009">9</a>, +<a href="#page046">46</a>-48, +<a href="#page051">51</a>, +<a href="#page052">52</a>, +<a href="#page123">123</a>, +<a href="#page126">126</a>, +<a href="#page127">127</a>, +<a href="#page143">143</a>, +<a href="#page144">144</a>, +<a href="#page148">148</a>, +<a href="#page149">149</a>, +<a href="#page205">205</a>, +<a href="#page208">208</a>, +<a href="#page210">210</a>, +<a href="#page261">261</a>-264, +<a href="#page335">335</a>, +<a href="#page377">377</a>, +<a href="#page378">378</a>, +<a href="#page410">410</a>, +<a href="#page415">415</a>, +<a href="#page422">422</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">arrived in Natal,</span> +<a href="#page046">46</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">at Elandslaagte,</span> +<a href="#page157">157</a>-171;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">at Lombards Kop,</span> +<a href="#page172">172</a>-184;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">at Rietfontein,</span> +<a href="#page151">151</a>-156;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">his knowledge of Buller's plans,</span> +<a href="#page338">338</a>, +<a href="#page339">339</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">isolated,</span> +<a href="#page200">200</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">suggests that Navy should be consulted,</span> +<a href="#page117">117</a>, +<a href="#page118">118</a>, +<a href="#page120">120</a>;<br> + <span class="minlevel2">unable to protect southern Natal,</span> +<a href="#page196">196</a>-198.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">White, Captain H. S.,</span> +<a href="#page371">371</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Wickham, Major W. J. R.,</span> +<a href="#page146">146</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1"><i>Widgeon</i>, H.M.S.,</span> +<a href="#page116">116</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Wilford, Colonel E. P.,</span> +<a href="#page154">154</a>, +<a href="#page155">155</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Willcock, Captain S.,</span> +<a href="#page193">193</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Willow Grange,</span> +<a href="#page269">269</a>, +<a href="#page270">270</a>, +<a href="#page272">272</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Willmott, Captain W. A.,</span> +<a href="#page298">298</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Wilson, Lieutenant R. S.,</span> +<a href="#page319">319</a>, +<a href="#page320">320</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Wilson, Lieut.-Colonel A.,</span> +<a href="#page441">441</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Wiltshire regiment (2nd).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Winburg commando.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#commandos"><span class="smcap">Commandos</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Windmill camp,</span> +<a href="#page395">395</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Wing, Major F. D. V.,</span> +<a href="#page181">181</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Winterberg mountains,</span> +<a href="#page383">383</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Wire fences,</span> +<a href="#page071">71</a>, +<a href="#page155">155</a>, +<a href="#page166">166</a>, +<a href="#page167">167</a>, +<a href="#page221">221</a>, +<a href="#page256">256</a>, +<a href="#page320">320</a>, +<a href="#page442">442</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Witfontein Berg (mountain),</span> +<a href="#page059">59</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Witmoss,</span> +<a href="#page053">53</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Witteberg (mountain),</span> +<a href="#page059">59</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Wittekop,</span> +<a href="#page245">245</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Witteputs,</span> +<a href="#page213">213</a>, +<a href="#page216">216</a>, +<a href="#page223">223</a>, +<a href="#page386">386</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Witwaters Rand,</span> +<a href="#page060">60</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Wodehouse district,</span> +<a href="#page382">382</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page526" name="page526"></a>[p. 526]</span> Wolmaranstad commando.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#commandos"><span class="smcap">Commandos</span></a>.<br> + +<a id="wolseley" name="wolseley"></a> <span class="minlevel1">Wolseley, Field Marshal the Right Honourable G. J. Viscount, K.P., G.C.B., G.C.M.G.,</span> +<a href="#page007">7</a>, +<a href="#page017">17</a>, +<a href="#page039">39</a>, +<a href="#page101">101</a>, +<a href="#page197">197</a>, +<a href="#page207">207</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Wolseley-Jenkins, Brig.-Gen. C. B. H.,</span> +<a href="#page158">158</a>, +<a href="#page159">159</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Wolve Kop,</span> +<a href="#page400">400</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Wolvekraal farm,</span> +<a href="#page388">388</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Wood, Lieutenant C. C.,</span> +<a href="#page213">213</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Wood, General Sir H. Evelyn, V.C., G.C.B., G.C.M.G.,</span> +<a href="#page016">16</a>, +<a href="#page017">17</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Wood, Major-General E., C.B.,</span> +<a href="#page386">386</a>-388.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Woodcote farm,</span> +<a href="#page160">160</a>, +<a href="#page161">161</a>, +<a href="#page167">167</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Wools Drift,</span> +<a href="#page124">124</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Worcester district,</span> +<a href="#page383">383</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Worcestershire regiment (2nd).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Wyk,</span> +<a href="#page075">75</a>.</p> + +<p class="p2"> + <span class="minlevel1">Yeomanry,</span> +<a href="#page012">12</a>, +<a href="#page093">93</a>, +<a href="#page379">379</a>, +<a href="#page380">380</a>.<br> + <span class="minlevel2"><i>See also</i></span> <a href="#impyeo"><span class="smcap">Imperial Yeomanry</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Yorkshire Light Infantry (2nd).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Yorkshire regiment (1st).</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#regunits"><span class="smcap">Regular Units</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Yule, Major-Gen. J. H.,</span> +<a href="#page123">123</a>, +<a href="#page131">131</a>, +<a href="#page133">133</a>, +<a href="#page137">137</a>, +<a href="#page138">138</a>, +<a href="#page142">142</a>-156, +<a href="#page161">161</a>, +<a href="#page172">172</a>.</p> + +<p class="p2"> + <span class="minlevel1">Zambesi,</span> +<a href="#page048">48</a>, +<a href="#page060">60</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Zandspruit,</span> +<a href="#page049">49</a>, +<a href="#page124">124</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Zarps.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#sarp"><span class="smcap">South African Republic Police</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1"><i>Zibenghla</i> (transport),</span> +<a href="#page203">203</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Zoutpansberg commando.</span> <i>See</i> <a href="#commandos"><span class="smcap">Commandos</span></a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Zoutpansberg Range,</span> +<a href="#page059">59</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Zoutpan's Drift,</span> +<a href="#page387">387</a>, +<a href="#page388">388</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Zululand,</span> +<a href="#page036">36</a>, +<a href="#page065">65</a>, +<a href="#page094">94</a>, +<a href="#page158">158</a>, +<a href="#page274">274</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Zulus,</span> +<a href="#page070">70</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Zuurbergen (mountain),</span> +<a href="#page056">56</a>.<br> + + <span class="minlevel1">Zwarte Bergen (mountain),</span> +<a href="#page055">55</a>.<br> + +<a id="zyl" name="zyl"></a> <span class="minlevel1">Zyl, Lieutenant Van,</span> +<a href="#page272">272</a>.</p> +</div> + +<p class="p4 center"><i>Printed by The Chapel River Press, Kingston, Surrey.</i></p> + + +<a id="map_001" name="map_001"></a> +<div class="figcenter"> +<a href="images/map001.jpg"> +<img src="images/map001tb.jpg" width="400" height="294" alt="" title=""></a> +<p class="smcap">Index Map</p> +</div> + +<a id="map_002" name="map_002"></a> +<div class="figcenter"> +<a href="images/map002.jpg"> +<img src="images/map002tb.jpg" width="400" height="294" alt="" title=""></a> +<p><span class="smcap">Relief Map of South Africa</span>, to show Topographical Features and Theatre of War.</p> +</div> + +<a id="map_003" name="map_003"></a> +<div class="figcenter"> +<a href="images/map003.jpg"> +<img src="images/map003tb.jpg" width="400" height="441" alt="" title=""></a> +<p class="smcap">Northern Natal.</p> +</div> + +<a id="map_004" name="map_004"></a> +<div class="figcenter"> +<a href="images/map004.jpg"> +<img src="images/map004tb.jpg" width="400" height="307" alt="" title=""></a> +<p class="smcap">Southern Natal.</p> +</div> + +<a id="map_005" name="map_005"></a> +<div class="figcenter"> +<a href="images/map005.jpg"> +<img src="images/map005tb.jpg" width="400" height="291" alt="" title=""></a> +<p><span class="smcap">Talana.</span> October 20th, 1899.</p> +</div> + +<a id="map_006" name="map_006"></a> +<div class="figcenter"> +<a href="images/map006.jpg"> +<img src="images/map006tb.jpg" width="400" height="238" alt="" title=""></a> +<p><span class="smcap">Elandslaagte.</span> October 21st, 1899.</p> +</div> + +<a id="map_007" name="map_007"></a> +<div class="figcenter"> +<a href="images/map007.jpg"> +<img src="images/map007tb.jpg" width="400" height="173" alt="" title=""></a> +<p><span class="smcap">Rietfontein.</span> October 24th, 1899.</p> +</div> + +<a id="map_008" name="map_008"></a> +<div class="figcenter"> +<a href="images/map008.jpg"> +<img src="images/map008tb.jpg" width="400" height="268" alt="" title=""></a> +<p><span class="smcap">Lombards Kop.</span> October 30th, 1899. <i>Situation before 7 a.m.</i></p> +</div> + +<a id="map_008a" name="map_008a"></a> +<div class="figcenter"> +<a href="images/map008a.jpg"> +<img src="images/map008atb.jpg" width="400" height="280" alt="" title=""></a> +<p><span class="smcap">Lombards Kop.</span> October 30th, 1899. <i>Situation from 7 a.m. to Close of Action.</i></p> +</div> + +<a id="map_009" name="map_009"></a> +<div class="figcenter"> +<a href="images/map009.jpg"> +<img src="images/map009tb.jpg" width="400" height="338" alt="" title=""></a> +<p><span class="smcap">North Cape Colony</span> and <span class="smcap">Part</span> of the <span class="smcap">Orange Free State</span>.</p> +</div> + +<a id="map_010" name="map_010"></a> +<div class="figcenter"> +<a href="images/map010.jpg"> +<img src="images/map010tb.jpg" width="400" height="331" alt="" title=""></a> +<p><span class="smcap">Belmont.</span> November 23rd, 1899. <i>Situation prior to Capture of Gun Hill.</i></p> +</div> + +<a id="map_010a" name="map_010a"></a> +<div class="figcenter"> +<a href="images/map010a.jpg"> +<img src="images/map010atb.jpg" width="400" height="320" alt="" title=""></a> +<p><span class="smcap">Belmont.</span> November 23rd, 1899. <i>Situation prior to Capture of Mont Blanc.</i></p> +</div> + +<a id="map_011" name="map_011"></a> +<div class="figcenter"> +<a href="images/map011.jpg"> +<img src="images/map011tb.jpg" width="400" height="294" alt="" title=""></a> +<p><span class="smcap">Graspan.</span> November 25th, 1899. <i>Situation at 9 a.m.</i></p> +</div> + +<a id="map_012" name="map_012"></a> +<div class="figcenter"> +<a href="images/map012.jpg"> +<img src="images/map012tb.jpg" width="400" height="356" alt="" title=""></a> +<p><span class="smcap">Modder River.</span> November 28th, 1899. <i>Situation at about 3.30 p.m.</i></p> +</div> + +<a id="map_013" name="map_013"></a> +<div class="figcenter"> +<a href="images/map013.jpg"> +<img src="images/map013tb.jpg" width="400" height="397" alt="" title=""></a> +<p><span class="smcap">Magersfontein.</span> December 11th 1899. <i>Situation at 4.30 a.m.</i></p> +</div> + + + +<p class="p4"><a id="footnote1" name="footnote1"></a> +<strong>Footnote 1:</strong> See Chapters <a href="#chap2">II.</a> and <a href="#chap3">III.</a> for full discussion on the +Theatre of War.<a href="#footnotetag1"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote2" name="footnote2"></a> +<strong>Footnote 2:</strong> "Her Majesty's Government have carefully considered the +question of the general objects for which our army is maintained. It +has been considered in connection with the programme of the Admiralty, +and with knowledge of the assistance which the navy is capable of +rendering in the various contingencies which appear to be reasonably +probable; and they decide that the general basis of the requirements +from our army may be correctly laid down by stating that the objects +of our military organisation are:—</p> + +<p>(<i>a</i>) The effective support of the civil power in all parts of the +United Kingdom.</p> + +<p>(<i>b</i>) To find the number of men for India, which has been fixed by +arrangement with the Government of India.</p> + +<p>(<i>c</i>) To find the garrisons for all our fortresses and coaling +stations, at home and abroad, according to a scale now laid down, and +to maintain these garrisons at all times at the strength fixed for a +peace or war footing.</p> + +<p>(<i>d</i>) After providing for these requirements, to be able to mobilise +rapidly for home defence two army corps of regular troops, and one +partly composed of regulars and partly of militia; and to organise the +auxiliary forces, not allotted to army corps or garrisons, for the +defence of London and for the defensible positions in advance, and for +the defence of mercantile ports.</p> + +<p>(<i>e</i>) Subject to the foregoing considerations, and to their financial +obligations, to aim at being able, in case of necessity, to send +abroad two complete army corps, with cavalry division and line of +communication. But it will be distinctly understood that the +probability of the employment of an army corps in the field in any +European war is sufficiently improbable to make it the primary duty of +the military authorities to organise our forces efficiently for the +defence of this country."—(<i>Report of Royal Commission on the War in +South Africa</i>, p. 225.)<a href="#footnotetag2"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote3" name="footnote3"></a> +<strong>Footnote 3:</strong> Now General the Right Honourable Sir Henry Brackenbury, +G.C.B.<a href="#footnotetag3"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote4" name="footnote4"></a> +<strong>Footnote 4:</strong> Mobilisation reports, Numbers I., II. and III.<a href="#footnotetag4"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote5" name="footnote5"></a> +<strong>Footnote 5:</strong> The Right Honourable W. H. Smith.<a href="#footnotetag5"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote6" name="footnote6"></a> +<strong>Footnote 6:</strong> Then Permanent Under-Secretary of State.<a href="#footnotetag6"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote7" name="footnote7"></a> +<strong>Footnote 7:</strong> The following extract from the Statement of the +Mobilisation division gives the details and dates:—</p> + +<p>"21. While the embarkation of the field force was proceeding, news of +the loss of the greater part of two battalions of infantry and a +mountain battery at Nicholson's Nek reached England. Orders were +accordingly given on 31st October for the despatch of one mountain +battery and three battalions of infantry, to make good this loss. All +this reinforcement went from England, except one battalion. The +embarkation from England was finished on 16th November.</p> + +<p>"22. On 3rd November it was decided to organise and send out a siege +train. It embarked on 9th December.</p> + +<p>"23. Orders for the mobilisation of a 5th infantry division (the +troops under Sir G. White, in Ladysmith, being counted as the 4th +division) were issued on 11th November. An extra brigade division of +artillery (three batteries horse artillery) was added on 20th +November.</p> + +<p>"The embarkation of this 5th division began on 24th November, and was +completed on 13th December. That of the three batteries horse +artillery took place between 19th and 21st December.</p> + +<p>"24. Orders were given for the mobilisation of a 6th infantry division +on 2nd December, <i>i.e.</i>, as soon as the embarkation of the 5th +division was well under way. Mobilisation began on 4th December, and +was completed by 11th December. All combatant units were embarked +between 16th December and 1st January, 1900.</p> + +<p>"25. The order to mobilise the 7th infantry division was issued on +16th December. Mobilisation began on the 18th, and was completed on +27th December.</p> + +<p>"Embarkation began on 3rd January, and was completed on 18th January.</p> + +<p>"26. Meanwhile, on 16th and 22nd December, it had been decided to +mobilise and prepare for embarkation four additional brigade divisions +(twelve batteries) of field artillery, one brigade division being +armed with howitzers. These were all embarked between 21st January and +27th January, 1900.</p> + +<p>"28. The order to mobilise an additional brigade of cavalry (the 4th +cavalry brigade) was issued on 26th December. Mobilisation began on +28th December, and was completed on 2nd January, 1900.</p> + +<p>"The embarkation of this brigade was held back pending the arrival of +Lord Roberts in South Africa, and the receipt of a communication from +him.</p> + +<p>"Embarkation began on 8th February, and was completed on 17th +February.</p> + +<p>"29. Orders were issued for the mobilisation of the 8th infantry +division on 19th January, 1900. Mobilisation began on 20th January. +Embarkation began on 12th March, and the last unit embarked on 18th +April, 1900.</p> + +<p>"30. With the despatch of the 8th division, the last organised and +mobilised regular formation left this country, and the work of the +Mobilisation sub-division, in connection with the despatch of +reinforcements to South Africa, came to an end."</p> + +<p>The executive work of organising, equipping, and despatching drafts of +Militia, Volunteers, and Imperial Yeomanry was carried out entirely by +the Adjutant-General, Quartermaster-General, and Director-General of +Ordnance.<a href="#footnotetag7"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote8" name="footnote8"></a> +<strong>Footnote 8:</strong> Some difficulty was experienced in finding certain +specialists, such as farriers, &c.<a href="#footnotetag8"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote9" name="footnote9"></a> +<strong>Footnote 9:</strong> Of this original force from England, all cavalry and +artillery units and eleven infantry battalions went out with a "war +establishment, plus excess numbers," which were calculated at 10 per +cent. to make good casualties for the first three months. It was +decided to adopt this standard in all cases.<a href="#footnotetag9"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote10" name="footnote10"></a> +<strong>Footnote 10:</strong> The reserve of the artillery fell short almost at once, +whereas the entire reserves of the cavalry were not called out until +the end of February, 1901.<a href="#footnotetag10"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote11" name="footnote11"></a> +<strong>Footnote 11:</strong> For one battalion alone, the 2nd battalion Royal Irish +Rifles, 1,831 duly qualified soldiers left England in six months, +without having to draw on any reserves outside its own corps.<a href="#footnotetag11"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote12" name="footnote12"></a> +<strong>Footnote 12:</strong> Memorandum on Drafts prepared in the Adjutant-General's +department, 30th September, 1902. See Appendix volume, Royal +Commission, p. 86.<a href="#footnotetag12"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote13" name="footnote13"></a> +<strong>Footnote 13:</strong> The experiences of a particular battery, Royal Field +artillery, afford an illustration of the consequences detailed above. +From this battery, by the end of November, 1899, there had been +drafted off to staff, service batteries, ammunition columns, or excess +numbers, the captain, the senior subaltern (the only one who had had +four months' service in field artillery), five sergeants, one +corporal, one bombardier, four shoeing smiths, two trumpeters, the +wheeler, six gunners and five drivers. In December, 1899, the battery +commander, with the whole of one sub-division, was taken away as the +nucleus of a new battery to be formed. Ten days after this the +mobilisation of the battery was ordered. Rather more than 50 per cent. +of the battery when mobilised were men of Section D. of the Reserve, +of whom about half had seen the gun which they were to work, while +none had seen it fired.<a href="#footnotetag13"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote14" name="footnote14"></a> +<strong>Footnote 14:</strong> Statement of the Mobilisation sub-division.<a href="#footnotetag14"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote15" name="footnote15"></a> +<strong>Footnote 15:</strong> The effect of this, as regards the cavalry, was that +some 2,000 reservists, over and above immediate requirements, were +prematurely placed at the disposal of the department.<a href="#footnotetag15"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote16" name="footnote16"></a> +<strong>Footnote 16:</strong> "... But it will be distinctly understood that the +probability of employment of an army corps in the field in any +European war is sufficiently improbable to make it the primary duty of +the military authorities to organise our forces efficiently for the +defence of their country."—Mr. Stanhope's memorandum. See pp. 5, 6.<a href="#footnotetag16"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote17" name="footnote17"></a> +<strong>Footnote 17:</strong> Extract from note placed before the Royal Commission by +Lieutenant-General Sir William Nicholson. A. 18,245.<a href="#footnotetag17"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote18" name="footnote18"></a> +<strong>Footnote 18:</strong> See also <a href="#chap5">Chapter V.</a><a href="#footnotetag18"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote19" name="footnote19"></a> +<strong>Footnote 19:</strong> General Sir H. Brackenbury.<a href="#footnotetag19"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote20" name="footnote20"></a> +<strong>Footnote 20:</strong> Extract from Minute by the Director-General of Ordnance +to the Commander-in-Chief, dated October 10th. See Vol. I. Minutes of +Evidence, Royal Commission, p. 76.<a href="#footnotetag20"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote21" name="footnote21"></a> +<strong>Footnote 21:</strong> See p. <a href="#page006">6</a>.<a href="#footnotetag21"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote22" name="footnote22"></a> +<strong>Footnote 22:</strong> Water carts and ammunition carts.<a href="#footnotetag22"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote23" name="footnote23"></a> +<strong>Footnote 23:</strong> "On mobilisation being ordered, horses to the number of +3,682 were bought from the registered reserve, the remainder required +being obtained in the open market, and all units received their full +complement with 10 per cent. of spare horses. No units were delayed +for want of horses." (Court of Inquiry, Remount department, 5,344-5).</p> + +<p>The number of horses actually purchased from the registered reserve, +and in the open market at home, amounted to 73,000 by the end of +1901.<a href="#footnotetag23"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote24" name="footnote24"></a> +<strong>Footnote 24:</strong> A proposal to send 700 Argentine horses and mules "to +acclimatise, anticipating next year's casualties," was sent to the +General Officer Commanding S. Africa, in April, 1899.—Tel. Q.M.G. to +G.O.C., S.A., 28th April. (S.A. Series No. 3.)<a href="#footnotetag24"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote25" name="footnote25"></a> +<strong>Footnote 25:</strong> The total number of animals furnished by the Remount +department up to August, 1902, was as follows:—</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="1" style="width: 60%;" summary="Number of animals."> +<colgroup> + <col width="20%"> + <col width="20%"> + <col width="40%"> + <col width="20%"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td class="center" colspan="2">Horses.</td> +<td class="center" rowspan="2">Mules and Donkeys.</td> +<td class="center" rowspan="2">Total.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="center">With units.</td> +<td class="center">Remounts.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="4"> </td></tr> +<tr><td class="center">20,251</td> +<td class="center">450,223</td> +<td class="center">149,648</td> +<td class="center">620,122<a href="#footnotetag25"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><a id="footnote26" name="footnote26"></a> +<strong>Footnote 26:</strong> Court of Enquiry on Army Remounts. Q. 8, Minutes of +Evidence.<a href="#footnotetag26"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote27" name="footnote27"></a> +<strong>Footnote 27:</strong> Court of Enquiry on Army Remounts. Report, Para. 234.<a href="#footnotetag27"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote28" name="footnote28"></a> +<strong>Footnote 28:</strong> Telegram General Officer Commanding South Africa, to +Secretary of State, 3rd September. (South African Series, No. 200.)<a href="#footnotetag28"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote29" name="footnote29"></a> +<strong>Footnote 29:</strong> There were three concentration stations in the Cape +Colony, viz.: De Aar, Naauwpoort and Queenstown.<a href="#footnotetag29"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote30" name="footnote30"></a> +<strong>Footnote 30:</strong> Report, Court of Inquiry, Remount department, p. 3, +para. 12.<a href="#footnotetag30"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote31" name="footnote31"></a> +<strong>Footnote 31:</strong> Report of Royal Commission, Para. 187.<a href="#footnotetag31"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote32" name="footnote32"></a> +<strong>Footnote 32:</strong> Statement of Quartermaster-General, 23rd September, +1902.<a href="#footnotetag32"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote33" name="footnote33"></a> +<strong>Footnote 33:</strong> The General Officer Commanding South Africa had applied +for special service officers acquainted with "B." duties.<a href="#footnotetag33"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote34" name="footnote34"></a> +<strong>Footnote 34:</strong> The establishment for India is distinct.<a href="#footnotetag34"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote35" name="footnote35"></a> +<strong>Footnote 35:</strong> An increase of 212 was asked for, and was obtained by +successive grants of 54, 53, 52 and 55—total, 214.<a href="#footnotetag35"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote36" name="footnote36"></a> +<strong>Footnote 36:</strong> The estimate was for 400 of all ranks, and 150 were +granted. The balance was granted in November, 1899, and the men were +of course untrained.<a href="#footnotetag36"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote37" name="footnote37"></a> +<strong>Footnote 37:</strong> Statement by Surgeon-General Jameson, Royal Commission +on South African Hospitals.<a href="#footnotetag37"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote38" name="footnote38"></a> +<strong>Footnote 38:</strong> The home establishment of the department was 63; 121 +civilian veterinary surgeons were employed in South Africa, besides +those engaged by local Volunteers.<a href="#footnotetag38"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote39" name="footnote39"></a> +<strong>Footnote 39:</strong> Veterinary Colonel F. Duck, <span class="smcap">C.B.</span>, <span class="smcap">F.R.C.V.S.</span><a href="#footnotetag39"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote40" name="footnote40"></a> +<strong>Footnote 40:</strong> The duties are detailed in Sir Henry Brackenbury's reply +to the Royal Commission, A. 1,555.<a href="#footnotetag40"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote41" name="footnote41"></a> +<strong>Footnote 41:</strong> This reserve consisted of 40,000 suits; the number +actually issued was sufficient to equip the force completely.<a href="#footnotetag41"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote42" name="footnote42"></a> +<strong>Footnote 42:</strong> At the time of year this was suitable, and serge +clothing was eventually sent out. Troops subsequently, up to May, +1900, took one suit of drill and one suit of serge. Later each man +took two suits of serge.<a href="#footnotetag42"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote43" name="footnote43"></a> +<strong>Footnote 43:</strong> In the matter of hospital equipment previous to +mobilisation there had been stores for field hospitals of three army +corps; but there was no reserve of equipment for stationary hospitals +or general hospitals, except for one general hospital and two +stationary hospitals, which were not included in the army corps +organisation.<a href="#footnotetag43"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote44" name="footnote44"></a> +<strong>Footnote 44:</strong> The British Government was not a party to this clause.<a href="#footnotetag44"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote45" name="footnote45"></a> +<strong>Footnote 45:</strong> Sir H. Brackenbury's representation was laid before the +Cabinet and resulted, on the recommendations of the Mowatt and Grant +Committees, in a grant of £10,500,900 to be distributed over a period +of three years.<a href="#footnotetag45"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote46" name="footnote46"></a> +<strong>Footnote 46:</strong> Extract from memorandum of May 21st, 1900, by the +Marquess of Lansdowne.<a href="#footnotetag46"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote47" name="footnote47"></a> +<strong>Footnote 47:</strong> The corps mobilised were Natal Naval Volunteers, Natal +Field Artillery, Natal Royal Rifles, Durban Light Infantry, Natal +Mounted Rifles, Natal Carbineers, Umvoti Mounted Rifles, Border +Mounted Rifles.<a href="#footnotetag47"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote48" name="footnote48"></a> +<strong>Footnote 48:</strong> For the local forces called out in Cape Colony, see +<a href="#chap2">Chapter II.</a>, <a href="#page053">p. 53</a>.<a href="#footnotetag48"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote49" name="footnote49"></a> +<strong>Footnote 49:</strong> For arrivals of "Oversea Colonials," see <a href="#appen9">Appendix 9</a>. The +whole subject is treated more fully in Vol. II. in a chapter on the +Colonial Corps.<a href="#footnotetag49"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote50" name="footnote50"></a> +<strong>Footnote 50:</strong> See general map of South Africa, Relief map No. <a href="#map2">2</a>, and +map No. <a href="#map3">3</a>.<a href="#footnotetag50"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote51" name="footnote51"></a> +<strong>Footnote 51:</strong> Now spelt Emtonjaneni on the general map.<a href="#footnotetag51"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote52" name="footnote52"></a> +<strong>Footnote 52:</strong> The railway bridge at Orange River station.<a href="#footnotetag52"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote53" name="footnote53"></a> +<strong>Footnote 53:</strong> A later edition of the Military Notes (June, 1899) +estimated the total strength of the burgher and permanent levies to be +53,743, and further that these would be joined at the outbreak of war +by 4,000 Colonial rebels. It was calculated that of this total, and +exclusive of those detached for frontier defence and to hold in check +Kimberley and Mafeking, 27,000 effectives would be available as a +field army for offensive operations. When these estimates were made, +the large number of Uitlanders in Johannesburg made it probable that a +considerable Boer force would be detained to watch that city.<a href="#footnotetag53"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote54" name="footnote54"></a> +<strong>Footnote 54:</strong> See Vol. II.<a href="#footnotetag54"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote55" name="footnote55"></a> +<strong>Footnote 55:</strong> These places had been suggested as suitable for advanced +depōts in "Notes on the Lines of Communication in Cape Colony," issued +by the Intelligence Division, W.O., in June, 1899.<a href="#footnotetag55"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote56" name="footnote56"></a> +<strong>Footnote 56:</strong> W.O. letter, September 3rd, 1897.<a href="#footnotetag56"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote57" name="footnote57"></a> +<strong>Footnote 57:</strong> W.O. letter, February 23rd, 1899.<a href="#footnotetag57"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote58" name="footnote58"></a> +<strong>Footnote 58:</strong> This statement is based on information obtained from +Boer sources during and since the war, but the numbers must only be +taken as approximately accurate.<a href="#footnotetag58"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote59" name="footnote59"></a> +<strong>Footnote 59:</strong> Reinforcements, amounting in all to about 3,240 men, +joined the Boer Natal army during the months November-December; these +were made up of 1,300 Johannesburg police and burghers, 290 Swaziland +police and burghers and the Lydenburg and Carolina commandos. These +reinforcements were, however, counterbalanced by the transfer of +detachments of the Free State commandos to the western theatre of +war.<a href="#footnotetag59"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote60" name="footnote60"></a> +<strong>Footnote 60:</strong> The corps mobilised were Prince Alfred's Own Cape Field +artillery, the Cape Garrison Artillery, the Kaffrarian Mounted Rifles, +Prince Alfred's Volunteer Guard, the Duke of Edinburgh's Volunteer +Rifles, and the Cape Town Highlanders. The Kimberley and Mafeking +corps had been called out before the commencement of the war. +Subsequently the Uitenhage Rifles and the Komgha Mounted Rifles were +called out on the 10th of November, the Cape Medical Staff Corps was +mobilised on the 16th of November, and the Frontier Mounted Rifles on +the 24th of November, 1899.<a href="#footnotetag60"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote61" name="footnote61"></a> +<strong>Footnote 61:</strong> See general map of South Africa, Relief map, No. <a href="#map2">2</a>, and +map, No. <a href="#map3">3</a>.<a href="#footnotetag61"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote62" name="footnote62"></a> +<strong>Footnote 62:</strong> "Piled up and rugged."<a href="#footnotetag62"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote63" name="footnote63"></a> +<strong>Footnote 63:</strong> "Mountains of the Dragons."<a href="#footnotetag63"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote64" name="footnote64"></a> +<strong>Footnote 64:</strong> There are, of course, in South Africa numerous minor and +local watersheds (<i>e.g.</i>, the Drakensberg, where they initiate the +drainage of Natal in an easterly direction, and the mountains of +southern Cape Colony, which send some of her rivers southward to the +Indian Ocean). These have been necessarily almost disregarded in so +general a survey of the sub-continent as that aimed at in the present +chapter.<a href="#footnotetag64"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote65" name="footnote65"></a> +<strong>Footnote 65:</strong> <i>E.G.</i>, the revolt of La Vendée, the resistance of the +Maories, the Red Indians, the Achinese, the Montenegrins, of the +Trans-Indus Highlanders, of Andreas Hofer's Tyrolese, of Shamyl's +Caucasians.<a href="#footnotetag65"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote66" name="footnote66"></a> +<strong>Footnote 66:</strong> Exemptions similar to those which obtain in European +schemes of universal service were sanctioned by the military law of +the Boer Republics.<a href="#footnotetag66"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote67" name="footnote67"></a> +<strong>Footnote 67:</strong> These lists were of three kinds, comprising:—</p> + +<ul class="none"> +<li>(I.) Youths under 18 and men over 50.</li> +<li>(II.) Men between 18 and 34.</li> +<li>(III.) Men between 34 and 50.</li> +</ul> + +<p>In the event of war, Class II. was first liable to service, then Class +III., and, as a last resort, Class I.<a href="#footnotetag67"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote68" name="footnote68"></a> +<strong>Footnote 68:</strong> The following is a fairly accurate estimate in detail:—</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="1" style="width: 50%;" summary="Estimate."> +<colgroup> + <col width="60%"> + <col width="40%"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td>Mausers</td> +<td class="right">53,375</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Martini-Henry</td> +<td class="right">35,875</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Westley-Richards</td> +<td class="right">9,780</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Guedes</td> +<td class="right">6,049</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Lee-Metfords</td> +<td class="right">2,850</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Krag-Jörgensen</td> +<td class="right">200</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">————</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">108,129</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>Besides the above, there were about 6,000 Webley pistols in store.<a href="#footnotetag68"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote69" name="footnote69"></a> +<strong>Footnote 69:</strong> Law of Reorganisation, 1896.<a href="#footnotetag69"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote70" name="footnote70"></a> +<strong>Footnote 70:</strong> Pay of Officers of the State Artillery:—</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="1" style="width: 50%;" summary="Pay of Officers."> +<colgroup> + <col width="50%"> + <col width="20%"> + <col width="30%"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td>Commandant</td> +<td class="right">£700</td> +<td>per annum.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Major</td> +<td class="right">600</td> +<td><span class="add1em">"</span></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Captain</td> +<td class="right">500</td> +<td><span class="add1em">"</span></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>First Lieutenant</td> +<td class="right">350</td> +<td><span class="add1em">"</span></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Second Lieutenant</td> +<td class="right">275</td> +<td><span class="add1em">"</span></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>All ranks received a horse from the Government, a special board +supervising the purchase and issue of remounts. Rations and uniforms +were also free issues, and on a most generous scale to officers and +men alike.</p> + +<p>The pay of non-commissioned officers and men was as follows:—</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="1" style="width: 50%;" summary="Pay."> +<colgroup> + <col width="50%"> + <col width="50%"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td>Warrant Officers</td> +<td>£180 and £150 per annum.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Farriers and Sergeants</td> +<td>6s. 6d. a day.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Corporals</td> +<td>5s. 6d.<span class="add1em">"</span></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Gunners</td> +<td>5s. 0d.<span class="add1em">"</span><a href="#footnotetag70"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><a id="footnote71" name="footnote71"></a> +<strong>Footnote 71:</strong> There were in addition an Intendance Service, Medical, +Educational, Farriery, and Artificer staffs, and a band of 20 +performers; all maintained in a high state of efficiency.<a href="#footnotetag71"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote72" name="footnote72"></a> +<strong>Footnote 72:</strong> During the war about 26,000 projectiles of various +patterns were manufactured in Johannesburg. Both at that place and at +Pretoria an immense amount of manufacturing and repairing of war +material was effected, including the making of a new 120 m/m Howitzer +and the shortening of a 6-in. Creusot.<a href="#footnotetag72"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote73" name="footnote73"></a> +<strong>Footnote 73:</strong> As many as thirty-nine ordinary burghers were noticed +doing duty with a battery in action.<a href="#footnotetag73"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote74" name="footnote74"></a> +<strong>Footnote 74:</strong> The 6-in. Creusots were of somewhat peculiar +construction, having narrow iron wheels, not at all promising the +mobility which the Boers attained from them. The shell weighed 94 +lbs., charge 20 lbs. black powder, bursting charge for shrapnel 5 lbs. +melinite. Recoil was absorbed pneumatically.<a href="#footnotetag74"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote75" name="footnote75"></a> +<strong>Footnote 75:</strong> Three Krupp and three Maxims were on order in Europe, +but were not delivered in time to reach the Free State capital.<a href="#footnotetag75"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote76" name="footnote76"></a> +<strong>Footnote 76:</strong> Boer Account.<a href="#footnotetag76"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote77" name="footnote77"></a> +<strong>Footnote 77:</strong> See <a href="#appen4">Appendix 4</a>.<a href="#footnotetag77"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote78" name="footnote78"></a> +<strong>Footnote 78:</strong> The armies during the war between North and South in +America ran it close in this respect.<a href="#footnotetag78"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote79" name="footnote79"></a> +<strong>Footnote 79:</strong> See <a href="#chap1">Chap. I.</a>, <a href="#chap2">p. 2</a>.<a href="#footnotetag79"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote80" name="footnote80"></a> +<strong>Footnote 80:</strong> Not including Royal Malta Artillery, 833 of all ranks.<a href="#footnotetag80"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote81" name="footnote81"></a> +<strong>Footnote 81:</strong> Includes Royal Malta Artillery.<a href="#footnotetag81"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote82" name="footnote82"></a> +<strong>Footnote 82:</strong> For vessels serving on the Cape station during the war, +see <a href="#appen5">Appendix 5</a>.<a href="#footnotetag82"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote83" name="footnote83"></a> +<strong>Footnote 83:</strong> It is impossible, of course, to engage a ship beforehand +without incurring expenditure.<a href="#footnotetag83"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote84" name="footnote84"></a> +<strong>Footnote 84:</strong> See despatches giving the views of Sir Redvers Buller, +etc., on these.<a href="#footnotetag84"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote85" name="footnote85"></a> +<strong>Footnote 85:</strong> See despatch from the Governor of Natal to Admiral +Harris, dated 9.3.00, and letter from the Colonial Office to the +Admiralty, dated 7.5.00.<a href="#footnotetag85"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote86" name="footnote86"></a> +<strong>Footnote 86:</strong> See maps Nos. <a href="#map3">3</a>, <a href="#map5">5</a>, and the <a href="#sketch">panoramic sketch</a>.<a href="#footnotetag86"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote87" name="footnote87"></a> +<strong>Footnote 87:</strong> For composition of this force see <a href="#appen3">Appendix 3</a>.<a href="#footnotetag87"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote88" name="footnote88"></a> +<strong>Footnote 88:</strong> Composition: 5th Lancers, detachment of 19th Hussars, +Natal Mounted Rifles, three batteries Royal Field artillery, 1st +Liverpool, 1st Devonshire, 2nd Gordon Highlanders.<a href="#footnotetag88"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote89" name="footnote89"></a> +<strong>Footnote 89:</strong> See <a href="#appen4">Appendix 4</a>.<a href="#footnotetag89"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote90" name="footnote90"></a> +<strong>Footnote 90:</strong> See map No. <a href="#map5">5</a>.<a href="#footnotetag90"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote91" name="footnote91"></a> +<strong>Footnote 91:</strong> A sketch of the position, as seen from the side of the +British advance from Dundee, will be found in the case of maps +accompanying this volume.<a href="#footnotetag91"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote92" name="footnote92"></a> +<strong>Footnote 92:</strong> There were for each gun 154 rounds, including 60 +reserve.<a href="#footnotetag92"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote93" name="footnote93"></a> +<strong>Footnote 93:</strong> The omission of the Boers to man this breastwork, +situated as it was within 400 yards of the edge of the wood, and +commanding every inch of the ground in front, was not owing to any +fears on the part of Lukas Meyer as to its not being tenable. The +orders of that general had been plainly that the wall was to be held, +but as he did not remain to see them carried out, the burghers, +fearing to hold what appeared to them isolated and inadequate cover, +neglected it entirely.<a href="#footnotetag93"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote94" name="footnote94"></a> +<strong>Footnote 94:</strong> For detailed casualties, see <a href="#appen6">Appendix 6</a>.<a href="#footnotetag94"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote95" name="footnote95"></a> +<strong>Footnote 95:</strong> See maps Nos. <a href="#map3">3</a>, <a href="#map5">5</a> and <a href="#map7">7</a>.<a href="#footnotetag95"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote96" name="footnote96"></a> +<strong>Footnote 96:</strong> Appointing Major A. J. Murray, Royal Inniskilling +Fusiliers, (late D.A.A.G.I.) as A.A.G., Lieut. G. E. R. Kenrick, the +Queen's Regiment, as acting D.A.A.G., Captain C. K. Burnett, 18th +Hussars, as Brigade Major to the 8th infantry brigade, and Lieut. F. +D. Murray, the Black Watch, as A.D.C.<a href="#footnotetag96"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote97" name="footnote97"></a> +<strong>Footnote 97:</strong> The Red Cross flag was so placed, and so small, as to be +invisible to the Boers.<a href="#footnotetag97"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote98" name="footnote98"></a> +<strong>Footnote 98:</strong> This patrol, finding its retreat impossible, made +straight for Ladysmith, where it arrived safely next day.<a href="#footnotetag98"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote99" name="footnote99"></a> +<strong>Footnote 99:</strong> See map No. <a href="#map4">4</a>.<a href="#footnotetag99"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote100" name="footnote100"></a> +<strong>Footnote 100:</strong> See map No. <a href="#map3">3</a>.<a href="#footnotetag100"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote101" name="footnote101"></a> +<strong>Footnote 101:</strong> The northern road had been reconnoitred and found to be +without water.<a href="#footnotetag101"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote102" name="footnote102"></a> +<strong>Footnote 102:</strong> They were recovered next day.<a href="#footnotetag102"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote103" name="footnote103"></a> +<strong>Footnote 103:</strong> Or Umbulwana.<a href="#footnotetag103"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote104" name="footnote104"></a> +<strong>Footnote 104:</strong> C. de Wet, "Three Years' War."<a href="#footnotetag104"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote105" name="footnote105"></a> +<strong>Footnote 105:</strong> See map No. <a href="#map7">7</a>.<a href="#footnotetag105"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote106" name="footnote106"></a> +<strong>Footnote 106:</strong> Also called Tintwa Inyoni.<a href="#footnotetag106"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote107" name="footnote107"></a> +<strong>Footnote 107:</strong> A free hand sketch of the position from Nodashwana to +Jonono's Kop will be found in the case of maps accompanying this +volume. Jonono's Kop is not shown in the plan of Rietfontein, no part +of the battle having been near it.<a href="#footnotetag107"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote108" name="footnote108"></a> +<strong>Footnote 108:</strong> The situation at this time is depicted on map No. <a href="#map7">7</a>.<a href="#footnotetag108"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote109" name="footnote109"></a> +<strong>Footnote 109:</strong> 13 killed, 31 wounded.<a href="#footnotetag109"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote110" name="footnote110"></a> +<strong>Footnote 110:</strong> For detailed casualties, see <a href="#appen6">Appendix 6</a>.<a href="#footnotetag110"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote111" name="footnote111"></a> +<strong>Footnote 111:</strong> See maps Nos. <a href="#map3">3</a> and <a href="#map6">6</a>.<a href="#footnotetag111"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote112" name="footnote112"></a> +<strong>Footnote 112:</strong> 5th Lancers, 19th Hussars, M.I., 1st King's (Liverpool) +regiment.<a href="#footnotetag112"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote113" name="footnote113"></a> +<strong>Footnote 113:</strong> On the 15th the Intelligence estimate of the Free State +forces in the Drakensberg was as follows:—Olivier's Hoek, 3,000; +Tintwa, 1,000; Van Reenen's, 1,200, with 15 guns; Nelson's Kop, 3,500, +with detachments in the passes to the north. Total, 11,000 men.<a href="#footnotetag113"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote114" name="footnote114"></a> +<strong>Footnote 114:</strong> Telegram No. 30 of 18th October, 1899, Ladysmith. Sir +G. White to Secretary of State.<a href="#footnotetag114"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote115" name="footnote115"></a> +<strong>Footnote 115:</strong> Strength: 19th Hussars, one field battery, five +squadrons Imperial Light Horse (raised at Maritzburg in Sept. 1899), +seven companies Liverpool regiment, half-battalion 2nd King's Royal +Rifles, under Brigadier-General C. B. H. Wolseley-Jenkins. The other +half of the latter battalion was already in Maritzburg.<a href="#footnotetag115"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote116" name="footnote116"></a> +<strong>Footnote 116:</strong> The whole of Wolseley-Jenkins' column eventually +returned to Ladysmith during the night of 22nd-23rd October.<a href="#footnotetag116"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote117" name="footnote117"></a> +<strong>Footnote 117:</strong> Telegraphic communication by Greytown was still +intact.<a href="#footnotetag117"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote118" name="footnote118"></a> +<strong>Footnote 118:</strong> See map No. <a href="#map3">3</a>. Orders were to "clear the neighbourhood +of Elandslaagte of the enemy and cover the reconstruction of the +railway and telegraphic lines."<a href="#footnotetag118"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote119" name="footnote119"></a> +<strong>Footnote 119:</strong> Another squadron, 5th Lancers, supported from Pepworth +Hill by a company of the 1st Devonshire regiment, turned aside when +four miles out to watch the Free Staters towards Bester's.<a href="#footnotetag119"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote120" name="footnote120"></a> +<strong>Footnote 120:</strong> For conspicuous gallantry in rallying their men for +this advance the following officers received the Victoria +Cross:—Captain M. F. M. Meiklejohn, Gordon Highlanders, whose wound +on the occasion deprived him of an arm, and Captains C. H. Mullins and +R. Johnstone, of the Imperial Light Horse. Sergt.-Major W. Robertson, +Gordon Highlanders, was also awarded the Victoria Cross.<a href="#footnotetag120"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote121" name="footnote121"></a> +<strong>Footnote 121:</strong> For detailed casualties, etc., see <a href="#appen6">Appendix 6</a>.<a href="#footnotetag121"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote122" name="footnote122"></a> +<strong>Footnote 122:</strong> This corps had remained as escort to the Natal Field +artillery, and as support to Gore's cavalry, throughout the action.<a href="#footnotetag122"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote123" name="footnote123"></a> +<strong>Footnote 123:</strong> See maps Nos. <a href="#map3">3</a>, <a href="#map8">8</a> and <a href="#map8a">8 (<i>a</i>)</a>.<a href="#footnotetag123"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote124" name="footnote124"></a> +<strong>Footnote 124:</strong> See page <a href="#page150">150</a>.<a href="#footnotetag124"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote125" name="footnote125"></a> +<strong>Footnote 125:</strong> These battalions were not complete. The King's Royal +Rifles had left two companies in Ladysmith, the Dublin Fusiliers +three, the Leicester regiment two, the King's (Liverpool) regiment +two.<a href="#footnotetag125"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote126" name="footnote126"></a> +<strong>Footnote 126:</strong> For gallantry on this occasion Second-Lieut. J. +Norwood, 5th Dragoon Guards, was awarded the Victoria Cross.<a href="#footnotetag126"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote127" name="footnote127"></a> +<strong>Footnote 127:</strong> This is shown on map <a href="#map8">8</a> as the first artillery +position.<a href="#footnotetag127"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote128" name="footnote128"></a> +<strong>Footnote 128:</strong> It was found to be impossible to get the wheeled gun of +the 1st King's Royal Rifles over the boulders of the kopje.<a href="#footnotetag128"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote129" name="footnote129"></a> +<strong>Footnote 129:</strong> See <a href="#page176">p. 176</a>.<a href="#footnotetag129"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote130" name="footnote130"></a> +<strong>Footnote 130:</strong> Following Talana, see <a href="#page140">p. 140</a>.<a href="#footnotetag130"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote131" name="footnote131"></a> +<strong>Footnote 131:</strong> This is the position shown on map <a href="#map8a">8 (<i>a</i>)</a>.<a href="#footnotetag131"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote132" name="footnote132"></a> +<strong>Footnote 132:</strong> Rear-Admiral Sir R. Harris, K.C.M.G., in Naval command +at the Cape, had been requested (October 24th) by Sir G. White to send +a heavy gun detachment to Ladysmith "in view of heavy guns being +brought by General Joubert from the north." It will be seen with what +promptitude the request was acceded to and acted upon by the Naval +commander. In ninety-six hours the guns were disembarked from H.M.S. +<i>Powerful</i> at Durban; seventeen hours later they were in action.<a href="#footnotetag132"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote133" name="footnote133"></a> +<strong>Footnote 133:</strong> The simile of an officer present.<a href="#footnotetag133"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote134" name="footnote134"></a> +<strong>Footnote 134:</strong> Or South African Republic Police (the "Zarps").<a href="#footnotetag134"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote135" name="footnote135"></a> +<strong>Footnote 135:</strong> For detailed casualties, etc., see <a href="#appen6">Appendix 6</a>.<a href="#footnotetag135"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote136" name="footnote136"></a> +<strong>Footnote 136:</strong> See Sir R. Buller's despatch to Secretary of State for +War, dated 1st November, 1899.<a href="#footnotetag136"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote137" name="footnote137"></a> +<strong>Footnote 137:</strong> Before leaving England Sir R. Buller had informed the +War Office that he proposed to disembark the 1st (Methuen's) division +at Cape Town, the 2nd (Clery's) at Port Elizabeth, and the 3rd +(Gatacre's) at East London; but, having regard to possible changes in +the strategic situation, he requested that every ship should call at +Cape Town for orders.<a href="#footnotetag137"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote138" name="footnote138"></a> +<strong>Footnote 138:</strong> See Vol. II.<a href="#footnotetag138"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote139" name="footnote139"></a> +<strong>Footnote 139:</strong> The decision to despatch a fourth brigade to Natal was +made about 22nd November, after the development of Joubert's raid +south of the Tugela.<a href="#footnotetag139"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote140" name="footnote140"></a> +<strong>Footnote 140:</strong> The 62nd and half the 75th had been sent up to Orange +River in October; the other half of the 75th and the 18th batteries +were delayed on the voyage out by the breaking down of their +transport, the <i>Zibenghla</i>, and did not land at Cape Town until 1st +November.<a href="#footnotetag140"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote141" name="footnote141"></a> +<strong>Footnote 141:</strong> See Chapters II. and XVIII.<a href="#footnotetag141"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote142" name="footnote142"></a> +<strong>Footnote 142:</strong> This battalion was replaced in Hart's brigade by the +1st Border regiment.<a href="#footnotetag142"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote143" name="footnote143"></a> +<strong>Footnote 143:</strong> Major-Generals Lyttelton and Hart no longer had under +their command the whole of the battalions which had composed their +brigades at Aldershot.<a href="#footnotetag143"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote144" name="footnote144"></a> +<strong>Footnote 144:</strong> See the end of this chapter.<a href="#footnotetag144"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote145" name="footnote145"></a> +<strong>Footnote 145:</strong> See map No. <a href="#map9">9</a>.<a href="#footnotetag145"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote146" name="footnote146"></a> +<strong>Footnote 146:</strong> The remainder of the letter contains suggestions on +tactics and so forth, which are not directly relevant to the subject of +this chapter, and are therefore omitted.<a href="#footnotetag146"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote147" name="footnote147"></a> +<strong>Footnote 147:</strong> For the causes which led to the partial dispersion of +the 1st division on its arrival in South Africa, see <a href="#chap11">Chapter XI</a>.<a href="#footnotetag147"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote148" name="footnote148"></a> +<strong>Footnote 148:</strong> Owing to difficulties with transport, the Naval brigade +did not reach the 1st division until 1 a.m. on the 23rd.<a href="#footnotetag148"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote149" name="footnote149"></a> +<strong>Footnote 149:</strong> The 62nd Field battery, which formed part of Colonel +Hall's brigade division of artillery, was left on the line of +communication, and did not rejoin until the battle of Modder River.<a href="#footnotetag149"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote150" name="footnote150"></a> +<strong>Footnote 150:</strong> The 1st battalion Coldstream Guards landed from +Gibraltar on 16th November, and was detained at Orange River, guarding +the railway until the 22nd, when it was relieved by the 1st battalion +Highland Light Infantry and at once pushed on to Belmont, where it +arrived late on the night of the 22nd.<a href="#footnotetag150"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote151" name="footnote151"></a> +<strong>Footnote 151:</strong> Two companies of the Royal Munster Fusiliers also +arrived at Belmont from Orange River on the 22nd November, and were +attached to the 9th brigade.<a href="#footnotetag151"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote152" name="footnote152"></a> +<strong>Footnote 152:</strong> The remainder of this battalion formed part of the +garrison of Kimberley.<a href="#footnotetag152"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote153" name="footnote153"></a> +<strong>Footnote 153:</strong> See map No. <a href="#map10">10</a>.<a href="#footnotetag153"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote154" name="footnote154"></a> +<strong>Footnote 154:</strong> See maps Nos. <a href="#map10">10</a> and <a href="#map10a">10 (a)</a>.<a href="#footnotetag154"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote155" name="footnote155"></a> +<strong>Footnote 155:</strong> In some cases it was found that the wires were too +strong to be cut by the wire-cutters.<a href="#footnotetag155"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote156" name="footnote156"></a> +<strong>Footnote 156:</strong> The half-battalion Loyal North Lancashire regiment had +been left at Witteputs as baggage guard.<a href="#footnotetag156"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote157" name="footnote157"></a> +<strong>Footnote 157:</strong> The 18th battery fired 141 rounds. For the greater part +of the day it was in action at 1,375 yards.<a href="#footnotetag157"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote158" name="footnote158"></a> +<strong>Footnote 158:</strong> This water-hole is not shown on map No. <a href="#map10">10</a>; it appears +on map No. <a href="#map9">9</a>.<a href="#footnotetag158"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote159" name="footnote159"></a> +<strong>Footnote 159:</strong> See maps Nos. <a href="#map9">9</a> and <a href="#map11">11</a>.<a href="#footnotetag159"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote160" name="footnote160"></a> +<strong>Footnote 160:</strong> Only the southern groups of kopjes are shown on map No. +<a href="#map11">11</a>.<a href="#footnotetag160"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote161" name="footnote161"></a> +<strong>Footnote 161:</strong> See <a href="#page233">p. 233</a>, 2nd par.<a href="#footnotetag161"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote162" name="footnote162"></a> +<strong>Footnote 162:</strong> See <a href="#page235">p. 235</a>, par. 2. The brigade, to the front of which +the Naval battalion had passed during the flank movement, was now +advancing to support these two companies in the attack.<a href="#footnotetag162"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote163" name="footnote163"></a> +<strong>Footnote 163:</strong> The officers of the Naval brigade wore the same +headgear as their men, and, except Captain Prothero and Midshipman +Wardle, all carried rifles.<a href="#footnotetag163"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote164" name="footnote164"></a> +<strong>Footnote 164:</strong> See <a href="#page235">p. 235</a>, par. 2.<a href="#footnotetag164"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote165" name="footnote165"></a> +<strong>Footnote 165:</strong> The K.O.Y.L.I. throughout the day lost only 7 men +killed, 3 officers and 34 men wounded, and 4 men missing.<a href="#footnotetag165"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote166" name="footnote166"></a> +<strong>Footnote 166:</strong> This battery fired in all 482 rounds during the +action.<a href="#footnotetag166"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote167" name="footnote167"></a> +<strong>Footnote 167:</strong> As a point of historical accuracy it should be noticed +that, for the battle of the 28th November, the "Modder River" is a +misnomer. The fighting, as will be seen in this chapter, took place on +the banks of the Riet; but since the battle honours for the engagement +have been given for "Modder River," the name has become officially +recognised, and is therefore used here. See map No. <a href="#map12">12</a>.<a href="#footnotetag167"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote168" name="footnote168"></a> +<strong>Footnote 168:</strong> See map No. <a href="#map9">9</a> and <a href="#sketch">freehand sketch</a>.<a href="#footnotetag168"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote169" name="footnote169"></a> +<strong>Footnote 169:</strong> See map No. <a href="#map13">13</a>.<a href="#footnotetag169"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote170" name="footnote170"></a> +<strong>Footnote 170:</strong> See map No. <a href="#map9">9</a>.<a href="#footnotetag170"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote171" name="footnote171"></a> +<strong>Footnote 171:</strong> At the end of this reconnaissance Lt.-Col. Verner was +so severely injured by his horse falling with him that he was +invalided home.<a href="#footnotetag171"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote172" name="footnote172"></a> +<strong>Footnote 172:</strong> This sketch had been made a few days before the +outbreak of war by an officer who was ordered to report on the best +method of defending the Modder River bridge with one or two companies +of infantry. It was executed under circumstances which, even had his +instructions been more comprehensive, would have prevented him from +effecting any extensive reconnaissance of the Riet and Modder rivers.<a href="#footnotetag172"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote173" name="footnote173"></a> +<strong>Footnote 173:</strong> The Northamptonshire was detailed to guard the baggage +at Wittekop. The 1st battalion Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders +joined Lord Methuen's column on the night of the 28th from the lines +of communication.<a href="#footnotetag173"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote174" name="footnote174"></a> +<strong>Footnote 174:</strong> Major-General Pole-Carew had reached Lord Methuen's +column on the 27th to assume command of the 9th brigade, of which +Lieut.-Colonel Money, Northumberland Fusiliers, had been in temporary +charge since the 23rd, when Major-General Fetherstonhaugh was wounded +at Belmont.<a href="#footnotetag174"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote175" name="footnote175"></a> +<strong>Footnote 175:</strong> A few groups of officers and men were able to win their +way three or four hundred yards nearer to the Boer defences, but with +heavy loss.<a href="#footnotetag175"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote176" name="footnote176"></a> +<strong>Footnote 176:</strong> Major Albrecht fought his guns with great +determination; his infantry escort, according to Boer accounts, +retreated when they saw the advance of the British, and his ammunition +was almost exhausted, but his gunners stood their ground.<a href="#footnotetag176"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote177" name="footnote177"></a> +<strong>Footnote 177:</strong> On the 28th, the field batteries expended ammunition as +follows:—</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="1" style="width: 50%;" summary="Expended ammunition."> +<colgroup> + <col width="50%"> + <col width="20%"> + <col width="30%"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td>18th</td> +<td class="right">1,029</td> +<td>rounds</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>62nd</td> +<td class="right">247</td> +<td><span class="add1em">"</span></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>75th</td> +<td class="right">1,008</td> +<td><span class="add1em">"</span></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>The Naval guns</td> +<td class="right">260</td> +<td><span class="add1em">"</span><a href="#footnotetag177"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><a id="footnote178" name="footnote178"></a> +<strong>Footnote 178:</strong> For details as to casualties, see <a href="#appen6">Appendix 6</a>.<a href="#footnotetag178"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote179" name="footnote179"></a> +<strong>Footnote 179:</strong> See map No. <a href="#map4">4</a>.<a href="#footnotetag179"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote180" name="footnote180"></a> +<strong>Footnote 180:</strong> See <a href="#chap10">Chapter X</a>.<a href="#footnotetag180"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote181" name="footnote181"></a> +<strong>Footnote 181:</strong> This contingent consisted of parties from the +<i>Terrible</i>, <i>Forte</i>, <i>Thetis</i>, <i>Philomel</i> and <i>Tartar</i>, of a total +strength of 35 officers and 423 men. Commander Limpus, R.N., was +placed in command of the guns (see <a href="#page120">p. 120</a>).<a href="#footnotetag181"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote182" name="footnote182"></a> +<strong>Footnote 182:</strong> The 12-prs. were replaced at Maritzburg by two others +sent up from Durban under command of Lieut. A. Halsey, R.N.<a href="#footnotetag182"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote183" name="footnote183"></a> +<strong>Footnote 183:</strong> This practice had grown up in the British service +through the large number of wars with savages, who killed the wounded +and mutilated the dead.<a href="#footnotetag183"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote184" name="footnote184"></a> +<strong>Footnote 184:</strong> See map No. <a href="#map3">3</a>.<a href="#footnotetag184"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote185" name="footnote185"></a> +<strong>Footnote 185:</strong> See maps Nos. <a href="#map9">9</a> and <a href="#map16">16</a>.<a href="#footnotetag185"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote186" name="footnote186"></a> +<strong>Footnote 186:</strong> See page <a href="#page198">198</a>.<a href="#footnotetag186"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote187" name="footnote187"></a> +<strong>Footnote 187:</strong> See <a href="#chap11">Chapter XI</a>.<a href="#footnotetag187"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote188" name="footnote188"></a> +<strong>Footnote 188:</strong> These two companies were part of the M.I. battalion of +the cavalry division, and were composed of sections drawn from various +infantry battalions, and trained in different districts in different +ways.<a href="#footnotetag188"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote189" name="footnote189"></a> +<strong>Footnote 189:</strong> See maps Nos. <a href="#map9">9</a> and <a href="#map14">14</a>.<a href="#footnotetag189"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote190" name="footnote190"></a> +<strong>Footnote 190:</strong> <a href="#chap11">Chapter XI</a>.<a href="#footnotetag190"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote191" name="footnote191"></a> +<strong>Footnote 191:</strong> <a href="#chap11">Chapter XI</a>.<a href="#footnotetag191"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote192" name="footnote192"></a> +<strong>Footnote 192:</strong> The Intelligence reports of General Gatacre's staff +show that they at this time believed that Olivier was expecting a +large reinforcement from the Transvaal.<a href="#footnotetag192"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote193" name="footnote193"></a> +<strong>Footnote 193:</strong> It will be observed that four houses marked Van Zyl's +are shown in map <a href="#map14">14</a>, but, except when otherwise specified, the most +northern of these is the one referred to throughout in the text.<a href="#footnotetag193"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote194" name="footnote194"></a> +<strong>Footnote 194:</strong> The sun rose at Stormberg on December 10th at 4.38 a.m. +(Cape Government Railway time).<a href="#footnotetag194"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote195" name="footnote195"></a> +<strong>Footnote 195:</strong> Map No. <a href="#map13">13</a> and <a href="#sketch">freehand sketch</a>.<a href="#footnotetag195"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote196" name="footnote196"></a> +<strong>Footnote 196:</strong> It was not until the 3rd December that the signals were +clearly understood, and an exchange of messages properly established.<a href="#footnotetag196"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote197" name="footnote197"></a> +<strong>Footnote 197:</strong> Wounded at the action of the Modder on 28th, he left +hospital on 29th, but had to return there from 2nd to 6th December.<a href="#footnotetag197"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote198" name="footnote198"></a> +<strong>Footnote 198:</strong> This battalion reached the Modder battlefield on the +evening of the 28th November.<a href="#footnotetag198"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote199" name="footnote199"></a> +<strong>Footnote 199:</strong> This was another name for Voetpads Drift; the latter +name is used on map No. <a href="#map13">13</a>.<a href="#footnotetag199"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote200" name="footnote200"></a> +<strong>Footnote 200:</strong> See maps Nos. <a href="#map13">13</a>, <a href="#map13a">13(a)</a>, <a href="#map13b">13(b)</a> and <a href="#sketch">freehand sketch</a>.<a href="#footnotetag200"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote201" name="footnote201"></a> +<strong>Footnote 201:</strong> The two companies of Seaforth Highlanders, who had been +on outpost, did not accompany their battalion, but worked their way to +the front later in the day.<a href="#footnotetag201"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote202" name="footnote202"></a> +<strong>Footnote 202:</strong> See <a href="#page312">p. 312</a>.<a href="#footnotetag202"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote203" name="footnote203"></a> +<strong>Footnote 203:</strong> These companies of this, the leading battalion of the +brigade, had actually deployed when the Boers opened fire.<a href="#footnotetag203"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote204" name="footnote204"></a> +<strong>Footnote 204:</strong> An officer in the Highland brigade who took the time +fixes the hour of this retirement at about 8 a.m.<a href="#footnotetag204"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote205" name="footnote205"></a> +<strong>Footnote 205:</strong> The fence which runs north-west from Moss Drift.<a href="#footnotetag205"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote206" name="footnote206"></a> +<strong>Footnote 206:</strong> See map No. <a href="#map13a">13(a)</a>.<a href="#footnotetag206"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote207" name="footnote207"></a> +<strong>Footnote 207:</strong> See Footnote at the end of the chapter.<a href="#footnotetag207"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote208" name="footnote208"></a> +<strong>Footnote 208:</strong> See map No. <a href="#map13a">13 (a)</a>.<a href="#footnotetag208"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote209" name="footnote209"></a> +<strong>Footnote 209:</strong> See map <a href="#map13a">No. 13 (a)</a>.<a href="#footnotetag209"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote210" name="footnote210"></a> +<strong>Footnote 210:</strong> This order was despatched to Lieutenant-Colonel Macbean +at 7.40 a.m.<a href="#footnotetag210"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote211" name="footnote211"></a> +<strong>Footnote 211:</strong> The distance is verified by Capt. W. E. Gordon, V.C., +Gordon Highlanders, who, while in the leading line, fell wounded at a +spot which many months later he was able to identify. Thence he paced +to the Boer trench. Lt. H. E. M. Douglas, R.A.M.C., crept forward to +inject morphia into various wounded officers and men at this very +spot. He was awarded the V.C. for this act. This decoration was given +to Capt. E. B. Towse, Gordon Highlanders, and Corporal J. Shaul, +H.L.I., for gallantry during the action.<a href="#footnotetag211"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote212" name="footnote212"></a> +<strong>Footnote 212:</strong> During the battle the 18th battery fired 940 rounds, +the 62nd about 1,000 rounds, the 75th, 721, G. battery R.H.A., 1,179, +and the Naval 4·7-in. 73.<a href="#footnotetag212"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote213" name="footnote213"></a> +<strong>Footnote 213:</strong> See maps Nos. <a href="#map3">3</a>, <a href="#map4">4</a>, <a href="#map15">15</a>, and <a href="#sketch">freehand sketch</a>.<a href="#footnotetag213"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote214" name="footnote214"></a> +<strong>Footnote 214:</strong> The 3rd battery of this brigade division had not yet +arrived, having been shipwrecked on its voyage out.<a href="#footnotetag214"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote215" name="footnote215"></a> +<strong>Footnote 215:</strong> Map No. 3.<a href="#footnotetag215"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote216" name="footnote216"></a> +<strong>Footnote 216:</strong> See Volume II.<a href="#footnotetag216"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote217" name="footnote217"></a> +<strong>Footnote 217:</strong> This central road, or old track, is not shown on maps <a href="#map3">3</a> +and <a href="#map4">4</a>, but is shown on map <a href="#map15">15</a>.<a href="#footnotetag217"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote218" name="footnote218"></a> +<strong>Footnote 218:</strong> See map No. <a href="#map3">3</a>.<a href="#footnotetag218"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote219" name="footnote219"></a> +<strong>Footnote 219:</strong> See despatch, Sir R. Buller to Secretary of State for +War, dated 13th December, 1899.<a href="#footnotetag219"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote220" name="footnote220"></a> +<strong>Footnote 220:</strong> Shown on map No. <a href="#map15">15</a> as the Bulwer bridge.<a href="#footnotetag220"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote221" name="footnote221"></a> +<strong>Footnote 221:</strong> Sir R. Buller's despatch, dated 17th December, 1899.<a href="#footnotetag221"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote222" name="footnote222"></a> +<strong>Footnote 222:</strong> A telegram despatched by Schalk Burger to Botha on 14th +December directed that "Under no circumstances must Dirksen's position +be abandoned.... If this position be abandoned, all others are +endangered." President Kruger telegraphed the same day to Botha, +through Burger: "The Kop on the other side of the river must not be +given up, for then all hope is over.... Fear not the enemy, but trust +in God."<a href="#footnotetag222"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote223" name="footnote223"></a> +<strong>Footnote 223:</strong> 7.12.99. Telegram despatched by Commandant-General P. +Joubert to Assistant-General Botha:—</p> + +<p class="quote"> + "I cannot neglect to reiterate pointing out to you and begging + you to insist sternly with the officers and men against wild + firing at long and almost impossible distances. Our greatest good + fortune in the Freedom war was the immediate nearness (of + positions), so that the smoke from the two forces made one cloud + through which our men were better enabled to defeat the enemy. It + was always my endeavour as long as the enemy blustered with his + guns to conceal my men as much as possible and to strengthen them + in their positions till the enemy's guns were tired and they then + advanced and attacked us; then and not before, when they were + between their own guns and our men, the burghers sprang forwards + and shot them away by batches. Now our burghers with their + rapid-fire rifles begin to shoot at so great a distance, and it + is much to be feared that in a fierce fight lasting a whole day, + they fire away all their ammunition to no purpose without hurting + the enemy, and the enemy is then able to make use of lance and + sword after exhausting their ammunition. Warn your men thus and + work against this error. You must also take good thought for your + reserve ammunition, and its position and the way it can be + brought up to firing line. You know yourself how often we have + already captured the English ammunition mules; do not let the + same take place with ours. Now secondly, I am certain Buller will + not operate against you with his whole force at once; he will + place supports in his rear and again and again bring up fresh + men. His cavalry will wait as far as possible, to make their + attack from the rear, or to try to move round to our rear. So be + on your guard. Place your supports so that at such times new + forces can advance; let some one be just on some high and visible + place so as to send support in time to the spot where it is + required. It is bitter to lie here on my back and think and + advise from such a distance, but God's Will be done, just in + Heaven as on Earth. Best wishes." +<a href="#footnotetag223"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote224" name="footnote224"></a> +<strong>Footnote 224:</strong> Two Naval 12-prs. had been left at Frere; the remaining +two 12-prs. were placed on Shooter's Hill, at a distance of about +6,000 yards from the bridge.<a href="#footnotetag224"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote225" name="footnote225"></a> +<strong>Footnote 225:</strong> See despatch to the War Office, dated 17th December, +1899.<a href="#footnotetag225"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote226" name="footnote226"></a> +<strong>Footnote 226:</strong> See maps Nos. <a href="#map15">15</a> and <a href="#map15a">15(a)</a>, and <a href="#sketch">freehand sketch</a>.<a href="#footnotetag226"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote227" name="footnote227"></a> +<strong>Footnote 227:</strong> Sunrise at Colenso on 15th December is at 5 a.m.<a href="#footnotetag227"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote228" name="footnote228"></a> +<strong>Footnote 228:</strong> General Buller's telegram to the War Office, dated 15th +December, 1899, states: "There are two fordable places in the Tugela +... they are about two miles apart ... General Hart was to attack the +left drift, General Hildyard the right."<a href="#footnotetag228"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote229" name="footnote229"></a> +<strong>Footnote 229:</strong> It is noteworthy that Major-General Hart is emphatic in +asserting that "he did not cross the Doornkop Spruit." It will be +understood from the explanation given in the text that he did not +cross what was marked for him on the map as the spruit. The map was +wrong. He crossed the spruit shown as "Doornkop Spruit" on map <a href="#map15">15</a>.<a href="#footnotetag229"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote230" name="footnote230"></a> +<strong>Footnote 230:</strong> In consequence of the heavy losses suffered by the +commissioned ranks in previous actions all the <strong>infantry</strong> officers had +been ordered to discard their swords, and for the most part carried a +rifle and men's equipment.<a href="#footnotetag230"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote231" name="footnote231"></a> +<strong>Footnote 231:</strong> The other half-battalion of the Royal Irish Fusiliers, +under command of Lieut.-Col. J. Reeves, was on baggage guard. +Headquarters and four companies of the 2nd Royal Scots Fusiliers were +at Frere.<a href="#footnotetag231"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote232" name="footnote232"></a> +<strong>Footnote 232:</strong> In addition to the field guns on the Colenso kopjes, a +heavy gun, north of them, was observed by the Naval officers of Capt. +Jones', R.N., battery.<a href="#footnotetag232"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote233" name="footnote233"></a> +<strong>Footnote 233:</strong> The two companies of the Royal Scots Fusiliers +subsequently ran short of ammunition, but a further supply was brought +up to them under a heavy fire by Sergeant-Major J. Shannon, 2nd Royal +Irish Fusiliers.<a href="#footnotetag233"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote234" name="footnote234"></a> +<strong>Footnote 234:</strong> Three burghers of the Krugersdorp commando, who were +manning the trenches near the river, stated subsequently that it would +have been impossible for them to have maintained "any sort of fire" on +the infantry, if these had advanced while the guns were in action.<a href="#footnotetag234"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote235" name="footnote235"></a> +<strong>Footnote 235:</strong> Exclusive of prisoners, the 66th battery's losses +throughout the day were 1 officer and 10 men killed, and 2 officers +and 30 men wounded; these casualties include those incurred in the +attempts to carry away the guns.<a href="#footnotetag235"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote236" name="footnote236"></a> +<strong>Footnote 236:</strong> See despatch to Secretary of State, dated 17th +December, 1899.<a href="#footnotetag236"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote237" name="footnote237"></a> +<strong>Footnote 237:</strong> The positions of the troops at this period of the +action are given in detail on map No. <a href="#map15">15</a>.<a href="#footnotetag237"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote238" name="footnote238"></a> +<strong>Footnote 238:</strong> For conspicuous gallantry displayed in the attempt to +carry away the guns, the following were awarded the Victoria Cross: +Captain W. N. Congreve, Rifle Brigade; Captain H. L. Reed, 7th battery +R.F.A.; Captain H. N. Schofield, R.F.A.; Lieutenant the Hon. F. H. S. +Roberts, King's Royal Rifle Corps (posthumous); Corporal G. E. Nurse, +66th battery R.F.A.; and Private C. Ravenhill, Royal Scots Fusiliers. +For devotion to the wounded under very heavy fire, Major W. Babtie, +C.M.G., Royal Army Medical Corps, also received the Victoria Cross.<a href="#footnotetag238"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote239" name="footnote239"></a> +<strong>Footnote 239:</strong> This regiment was made up of one squadron Natal +Carbineers, a detachment of Natal Police, one squadron Imperial Light +Horse, and one mounted company formed from 2nd King's Royal Rifles and +Dublin Fusiliers; Major R. L. Walter, 7th Hussars, was on that day in +command.<a href="#footnotetag239"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote240" name="footnote240"></a> +<strong>Footnote 240:</strong> See <a href="#page357">p. 357</a>.<a href="#footnotetag240"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote241" name="footnote241"></a> +<strong>Footnote 241:</strong> Lieut.-Colonel Buchanan-Riddell was the commanding +officer of the 3rd K.R.R., but on the movement of General Lyttelton to +the western flank he had assumed command of the battalions left in the +centre (Scottish Rifles and King's Royal Rifles).<a href="#footnotetag241"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote242" name="footnote242"></a> +<strong>Footnote 242:</strong> For detailed casualties, see <a href="#appen6">Appendix 6</a>.<a href="#footnotetag242"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote243" name="footnote243"></a> +<strong>Footnote 243:</strong> This is Sir Redvers' own view. On the other hand Botha, +after the war, said that the loss of the guns and the mistakes as to +Hart's brigade deprived him of the opportunity of inflicting a ruinous +defeat upon the British army. He had hoped to induce his assailants to +cross the river without a shot being fired.<a href="#footnotetag243"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote244" name="footnote244"></a> +<strong>Footnote 244:</strong> The despatch of a 6th division to South Africa had been +offered to, and accepted by, Sir R. Buller. His telegram is dated 1st +December, 1899. He wished this division to arrive in Cape Colony on +1st January, by which date he then hoped to begin his advance into the +Free State by Bethulie.<a href="#footnotetag244"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote245" name="footnote245"></a> +<strong>Footnote 245:</strong> On 14th December Lord Lansdowne had telegraphed to Sir +F. Forestier-Walker: "On arrival, Warren is to be sent immediately to +assume command of the forces under Methuen. Buller will be informed of +this by telegraph." This telegram did not prescribe the disposal of +the 5th division, but that of Lt.-General Sir C. Warren, its +commander.<a href="#footnotetag245"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote246" name="footnote246"></a> +<strong>Footnote 246:</strong> See Vol. II. Siege of Ladysmith.<a href="#footnotetag246"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote247" name="footnote247"></a> +<strong>Footnote 247:</strong> Sir R. Buller had directed, on 9th December, that a +brigade and a battery of this division should be sent to East London +to reinforce General Gatacre, and that the remainder should disembark +at Port Elizabeth and proceed to Rosmead junction.<a href="#footnotetag247"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote248" name="footnote248"></a> +<strong>Footnote 248:</strong> The popular name for the week in which occurred the +defeats of Stormberg, Magersfontein and Colenso.<a href="#footnotetag248"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote249" name="footnote249"></a> +<strong>Footnote 249:</strong> "In Natal and in Cape Colony distinct operations of +very great importance are now in progress. The prosecution of the +campaign in Natal is being carried on under quite unexpected +difficulties, and in the opinion of Her Majesty's Government it will +require your presence and whole attention. It has been decided by Her +Majesty's Government, under these circumstances, to appoint +Field-Marshal Lord Roberts as Commanding-in-Chief, South Africa, his +Chief of Staff being Lord Kitchener."<a href="#footnotetag249"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote250" name="footnote250"></a> +<strong>Footnote 250:</strong> See letter from Sir Redvers Buller to Under-Secretary +of State for War, dated 20th December, 1899.<a href="#footnotetag250"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote251" name="footnote251"></a> +<strong>Footnote 251:</strong> In a telegram dated 21st December, Sir R. Buller +recommended that Lord Roberts should bring out a fresh Headquarter +staff, reporting that there was already a lack of senior staff +officers throughout the theatre of war. His own Headquarter staff left +Cape Town to join him in Natal at the end of December.<a href="#footnotetag251"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote252" name="footnote252"></a> +<strong>Footnote 252:</strong> A detachment of thirty-five Cape police and +thirty-three civilians made a gallant defence of Kuruman, under Capt. +A. Bates, against a Boer commando much superior in strength. The +garrison held out from 12th November until their last redoubt was +destroyed by artillery fire on 1st January (see General map of South +Africa and map No. <a href="#map17">17</a>).<a href="#footnotetag252"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote253" name="footnote253"></a> +<strong>Footnote 253:</strong> For the details of this wholesale eviction see article +in <i>Cape Times</i>, dated 16th February, 1900, enclosed in High +Commissioner's despatch No. 85, dated 21st February, 1900 (p. 194-195 +of C.O. White Book Africa 629).<a href="#footnotetag253"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote254" name="footnote254"></a> +<strong>Footnote 254:</strong> The strength of the corps was soon afterwards raised to +1,000, and eventually expanded to four battalions.<a href="#footnotetag254"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote255" name="footnote255"></a> +<strong>Footnote 255:</strong> The term used by the Boers for all foreigners.<a href="#footnotetag255"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote256" name="footnote256"></a> +<strong>Footnote 256:</strong> Telegram to Secretary of State, dated 23rd December, +1899.<a href="#footnotetag256"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote257" name="footnote257"></a> +<strong>Footnote 257:</strong> Bt.-Maj. (local Lieut.-Col.) E. P. Girouard, R.E., who +had at the outbreak of the war been appointed Director of Railways on +the lines of communication staff. After Lord Roberts' arrival the +Director of Railways worked under the immediate orders of the Chief of +the Staff.<a href="#footnotetag257"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote258" name="footnote258"></a> +<strong>Footnote 258:</strong> Colonel H. S. G. Miles had been in command of this +section up to 26th December, 1899.<a href="#footnotetag258"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote259" name="footnote259"></a> +<strong>Footnote 259:</strong> See maps Nos. <a href="#map9">9</a> and <a href="#map16">16</a>.<a href="#footnotetag259"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote260" name="footnote260"></a> +<strong>Footnote 260:</strong> Despatch, February 2nd, 1900.<a href="#footnotetag260"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote261" name="footnote261"></a> +<strong>Footnote 261:</strong> "To seize and hold Naauwpoort, and whenever possible to +push on and gain possession of Colesberg." Despatch, February 2nd, +1900.<a href="#footnotetag261"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote262" name="footnote262"></a> +<strong>Footnote 262:</strong> Composition:—Inniskilling Dragoons, 10th Hussars, ten +guns R.H.A., one company M.I., with four companies, 2nd Royal +Berkshire regiment, under Major F. W. N. McCracken, the whole under +command of Lieut.-Col. R. B. W. Fisher, 10th Hussars. Two days' +supplies, went with the force and half the infantry were carried in +wagons.<a href="#footnotetag262"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote263" name="footnote263"></a> +<strong>Footnote 263:</strong> Order of march:—Point of M.I., half battalion R. +Berkshire, remainder M.I., 10th Hussars, R.H.A., Inniskilling +Dragoons.<a href="#footnotetag263"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote264" name="footnote264"></a> +<strong>Footnote 264:</strong> Casualties, January 1st:—Killed, one officer; wounded, +six officers, twenty-one N.C.O.s and men; missing, one man.<a href="#footnotetag264"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote265" name="footnote265"></a> +<strong>Footnote 265:</strong> The former received the 1st Essex regiment, two +companies 1st Yorkshire regiment, 4th battery R.F.A., and the +Household cavalry composite regiment; the latter the Johannesburg +Police under Van Dam, and a commando under Commandant Grobelaar. The +reinforcements reached the two opponents on January 4th, 5th and 6th.<a href="#footnotetag265"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote266" name="footnote266"></a> +<strong>Footnote 266:</strong> Casualties, January 4th:—Killed, one officer, six +N.C.O.s and men; wounded, two officers and thirteen N.C.O.s and men.<a href="#footnotetag266"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote267" name="footnote267"></a> +<strong>Footnote 267:</strong> During the reconnaissance, Lieutenant Sir J. P. +Milbanke, Bart., 10th Hussars, the General's A.D.C., was severely +wounded whilst rescuing a dismounted trooper under heavy fire, an act +for which he subsequently received the Victoria Cross.<a href="#footnotetag267"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote268" name="footnote268"></a> +<strong>Footnote 268:</strong> Composition:—</p> + +<ul class="none"> +<li>10th Hussars, 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons, eight guns R.H.A.</li> +<li>4th battery Royal Field artillery, three companies M.I.</li> +<li>Detachments 1st Suffolk and 2nd Royal Berkshire regiments.<a href="#footnotetag268"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></li> +</ul> + +<p><a id="footnote269" name="footnote269"></a> +<strong>Footnote 269:</strong> Casualties, January 6th:—</p> + +<ul class="none"> +<li>Killed: Five Officers; thirty-two N.C.O.s and men.</li> +</ul> + +<ul class="none"> +<li>Wounded and taken prisoners: Three Officers; twenty-six N.C.O.s + and men.</li> +<li>Unwounded and taken prisoners: Two Officers; sixty-eight N.C.O.s + and men.</li> +<li>Wounded and returned to camp: One Officer; twenty-two N.C.O.s + and men.</li> +<li>The Boers stated their losses as one officer and eight men killed, seventeen + men wounded.<a href="#footnotetag269"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></li> +</ul> + +<p><a id="footnote270" name="footnote270"></a> +<strong>Footnote 270:</strong> Casualties, January 7th:—One officer and four men +missing.<a href="#footnotetag270"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote271" name="footnote271"></a> +<strong>Footnote 271:</strong> Casualties, January 9th:—Two men wounded; seventeen +battery horses were struck by shells during this engagement.<a href="#footnotetag271"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote272" name="footnote272"></a> +<strong>Footnote 272:</strong> Casualties, January 11th:—Wounded, five men; missing, +one man.<a href="#footnotetag272"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote273" name="footnote273"></a> +<strong>Footnote 273:</strong> Composition: One squadron 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons, +one squadron 10th Hussars, two companies M.I., and two guns R.H.A.<a href="#footnotetag273"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote274" name="footnote274"></a> +<strong>Footnote 274:</strong> This battalion had joined on January 8th and 9th. On +January 12th, 1st half-battalion Welsh regiment and a squadron 10th +Hussars had also arrived; they were followed on the 14th by half a +battalion, 2nd Worcestershire regiment.<a href="#footnotetag274"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote275" name="footnote275"></a> +<strong>Footnote 275:</strong> Casualties, January 15th:—</p> + +<ul class="none"> +<li>Killed, six N.C.O.s and men; wounded, one officer, five N.C.O.s and men.</li> +<li>Boer losses: twenty-one killed: about forty wounded. +<a href="#footnotetag275"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></li> +</ul> + +<p><a id="footnote276" name="footnote276"></a> +<strong>Footnote 276:</strong> With the following:—1st Royal Irish and 2nd +Worcestershire regiment, one squadron cavalry, one company New Zealand +Mounted Rifles, and four guns.<a href="#footnotetag276"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote277" name="footnote277"></a> +<strong>Footnote 277:</strong> Three squadrons Carabiniers, two squadrons Household +cavalry, N.S.W. Lancers, one company New Zealand Mounted Rifles and +four guns.<a href="#footnotetag277"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote278" name="footnote278"></a> +<strong>Footnote 278:</strong> Rimington's Guides, one squadron Household cavalry, one +company New Zealand Mounted Rifles.<a href="#footnotetag278"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote279" name="footnote279"></a> +<strong>Footnote 279:</strong> A section of the 37th Howitzer battery, from Modder +River.<a href="#footnotetag279"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote280" name="footnote280"></a> +<strong>Footnote 280:</strong> Composition:—6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons, 10th +Hussars, a battery R.H.A., under Major-General Brabazon; four +companies 1st Yorkshire, four companies 1st Essex, the 2nd Wiltshire +regiment, the M.I., and a field battery, under Colonel T. E. +Stephenson, 1st Essex regiment.<a href="#footnotetag280"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote281" name="footnote281"></a> +<strong>Footnote 281:</strong> See pages 434-5.<a href="#footnotetag281"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote282" name="footnote282"></a> +<strong>Footnote 282:</strong> Despatch, February 2nd, 1900.<a href="#footnotetag282"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote283" name="footnote283"></a> +<strong>Footnote 283:</strong> General Clements' command was as follows:—</p> + +<ul class="none"> +<li>Two squadrons 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons.</li> +<li>J. battery, R.H.A.</li> +<li>4th battery, R.F.A.</li> +<li>A section, 37th Howitzer battery, Royal Field Artillery.</li> +<li>The Australian M.I. (490 men).</li> +<li>The Victorian M.I. (175 men).</li> +<li>Mounted infantry (450 men).</li> +<li>2nd Bedfordshire regiment.</li> +<li>1st Royal Irish regiment.</li> +<li>2nd Worcester regiment.</li> +<li>Half battalion 2nd Royal Berkshire regiment.</li> +<li>2nd Wiltshire regiment. +<a href="#footnotetag283"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></li> +</ul> + +<p><a id="footnote284" name="footnote284"></a> +<strong>Footnote 284:</strong> See maps Nos. <a href="#map9">9</a> and <a href="#map17">17</a>.<a href="#footnotetag284"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote285" name="footnote285"></a> +<strong>Footnote 285:</strong> The views of the Field Intelligence department as to +the actual strength of the enemy may be gathered from Lord Roberts' +report to the War Office on 12th January, that in his opinion the +total strength against us had never been more than 80,000 men +(telegram to Secretary of State for War).<a href="#footnotetag285"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote286" name="footnote286"></a> +<strong>Footnote 286:</strong> See p. 461, Vol. I., Minutes of Evidence before War +Commission.<a href="#footnotetag286"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote287" name="footnote287"></a> +<strong>Footnote 287:</strong> Telegram, Lord Roberts to Secretary of State, 26th +January, 1900.<a href="#footnotetag287"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote288" name="footnote288"></a> +<strong>Footnote 288:</strong> Telegram, Lord Roberts to Secretary of State, 27th +January, 1900.<a href="#footnotetag288"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote289" name="footnote289"></a> +<strong>Footnote 289:</strong> Telegram to Secretary of State, dated 30th January, +1900.<a href="#footnotetag289"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote290" name="footnote290"></a> +<strong>Footnote 290:</strong> Minutes of Evidence of War Commission, Vol. I., pp. +460-1.<a href="#footnotetag290"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote291" name="footnote291"></a> +<strong>Footnote 291:</strong> This would seem to be a misapprehension. Sir R. Buller's +intention had been to advance by Bethulie (see page <a href="#page411">411</a>).<a href="#footnotetag291"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote292" name="footnote292"></a> +<strong>Footnote 292:</strong> The City of London Imperial Volunteers was formed as a +special regiment under a Royal Warrant, dated 24th December, 1899, and +organised under a Special Army Order, dated 6th January, 1900. The +regiment was raised by the Lord Mayor and his committee under +instructions informally given between the 16th December and the date of +the Order of 6th January, which embodied these instructions.</p> + +<p>The employment of the Service companies of the Volunteers was regulated +by a Special Army Order, dated 2nd January, 1900.<a href="#footnotetag292"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote293" name="footnote293"></a> +<strong>Footnote 293:</strong> The original proposal to organise regiments of Yeomanry +for service in South Africa was made by Lord Chesham and other +Yeomanry officers in October, 1899. Sanction for the formation of the +corps of "The Imperial Yeomanry" was given by Royal Warrant, dated +24th December, 1899. Under a Special Army Order of 4th January, 1900, +a committee of Yeomanry officers was constituted to administer the +force. This committee was dissolved in May, 1900, the administration +being then taken over by the War Office. The first contingent, which +went out early in 1900, numbered about 10,000. A second contingent +went in the spring of 1901, numbering about 17,000; and a third +contingent, of about 7,000, in the winter of 1901-1902.<a href="#footnotetag293"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote294" name="footnote294"></a> +<strong>Footnote 294:</strong> It had for many years been the practice in South Africa +to mount at least one company of each battalion in the command, but +this had not been carried out at the commencement of the war in +battalions as they arrived from England.<a href="#footnotetag294"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote295" name="footnote295"></a> +<strong>Footnote 295:</strong> Memorandum dated December 28th, 1899.<a href="#footnotetag295"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote296" name="footnote296"></a> +<strong>Footnote 296:</strong> Col. C. H. Bridge, Army Service Corps, took up the +duties of Director of Supplies and Transport on July 30th, 1899, and +held this position until the arrival of Col. W. Richardson on October +3rd.<a href="#footnotetag296"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote297" name="footnote297"></a> +<strong>Footnote 297:</strong> This system was commonly termed in South Africa the +"Regimental System," although the regimental transport was in fact +only about one-eighth of the whole.<a href="#footnotetag297"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote298" name="footnote298"></a> +<strong>Footnote 298:</strong> Para. 10A, "Instructions regarding Regimental +Transport, South African Field Force," issued October, 1899.<a href="#footnotetag298"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote299" name="footnote299"></a> +<strong>Footnote 299:</strong> A scheme for this existed and regulations had been +issued, but prior to Lord Roberts' arrival there had been no excess +transport to enable the scheme to be put into operation.<a href="#footnotetag299"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote300" name="footnote300"></a> +<strong>Footnote 300:</strong> Excepting for the last-named, transport for each of +these units had been issued in Cape Town, October, 1899.<a href="#footnotetag300"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote301" name="footnote301"></a> +<strong>Footnote 301:</strong> The "regimental" system was, however, retained by the +force under Sir R. Buller until the break up of the Natal army, in +October, 1900.<a href="#footnotetag301"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote302" name="footnote302"></a> +<strong>Footnote 302:</strong> Mule companies had 520 mules; ox companies, 1,600 +oxen.<a href="#footnotetag302"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote303" name="footnote303"></a> +<strong>Footnote 303:</strong> The cavalry division was accompanied by a supply park +on the old system.<a href="#footnotetag303"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote304" name="footnote304"></a> +<strong>Footnote 304:</strong> As will be seen in the account of the siege of +Ladysmith (Vol. II.), these howitzers arrived in time and proved most +useful.<a href="#footnotetag304"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote305" name="footnote305"></a> +<strong>Footnote 305:</strong> It was known before the war that the Boers had +purchased a considerable number of "pom-poms." The artillery +authorities of the army did not at that time attach much importance to +them, but, as their fire was found to produce great moral effect, guns +of this type were sent out at Sir R. Buller's request.<a href="#footnotetag305"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote306" name="footnote306"></a> +<strong>Footnote 306:</strong> General Report on Military Railways, South Africa, by +Lieut.-Col. Sir E. P. C. Girouard.<a href="#footnotetag306"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote307" name="footnote307"></a> +<strong>Footnote 307:</strong> The conditions in Natal differed considerably from +those in Cape Colony, and the system of railway administration was +modified accordingly, but here, too, the military staff received the +most loyal assistance in every way from Sir David Hunter and the rest +of the civil staff.<a href="#footnotetag307"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote308" name="footnote308"></a> +<strong>Footnote 308:</strong> The 8th and 10th Railway Companies, 20th, 31st and 42nd +Fortress companies R.E.<a href="#footnotetag308"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote309" name="footnote309"></a> +<strong>Footnote 309:</strong> Lt.-General Kelly-Kenny was very much senior in the +army to Lt.-General French, but the latter's local commission as +Lt.-General was of older date.<a href="#footnotetag309"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote310" name="footnote310"></a> +<strong>Footnote 310:</strong> See map No. <a href="#map9">9</a>.<a href="#footnotetag310"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote311" name="footnote311"></a> +<strong>Footnote 311:</strong> President Steyn telegraphed to C. De Wet as late as the +end of January that the British advance would be made by Colesberg, +and suggested the despatch of reinforcements to that point from +Magersfontein. But De Wet, who was now in command of all Free State +troops in the western theatre, having been transferred from Natal +early in December, refused, on the ground that if Magersfontein were +weakened, the British would make Kimberley their point of attack. The +records of the O.F.S. railway at this period show how much anxiety was +felt as to Colesberg. Between the 27th December and 13th January 2,700 +burghers passed through Bloemfontein <i>en route</i> to Norval's Pont, and +between the 25th January and 8th February (including a Heidelberg +commando over 500 strong between 6th and 8th) another 1,442; not until +the 9th was the stream of reinforcements for the south stopped at +Bloemfontein. By that time Lord Roberts himself, and nearly all the +army, including Kelly-Kenny's and French's divisions, had reached +their destination south of the Riet.<a href="#footnotetag311"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote312" name="footnote312"></a> +<strong>Footnote 312:</strong> It is one of the sequels of any attempt to preserve in +war that secrecy which is the very master-key of the house of success +that the evidence of much that has been done during the period of +reticence is conflicting. The actual motive which led Lord Roberts to +desire General French's presence at Cape Town was anxiety as to the +expenditure of horses and ammunition, which the brilliant operations +around Colesberg had involved. He did not summon him in order to +discuss with him the plan of campaign, which was only incidentally +disclosed to him during his visit. The demonstration that in all +essentials that plan had been definitely formed; and that Lord +Kitchener and Sir W. Nicholson had been engaged in making the +necessary changes in the distribution of transport in order to carry +it out; and that they began this work about two or three days after +Lord Roberts arrived, is complete. Moreover, there is not a trace in +the records or in the memory of any of those at Cape Town of an idea +of employing in command of the cavalry division anyone else but the +man who had given so much cause to put trust in him. Nevertheless, +there is no doubt that General French acquired the impression, from +his conversations with Lord Roberts and Lord Kitchener, that he only +with difficulty persuaded them on January 29th to send the cavalry +division and himself in command of it. What, other things apart, makes +it certain that this cannot have been so is that the cavalry division +moved at once when General French returned to Colesberg. To make so +sudden a change was a physical impossibility. The preparations had +required weeks of strenuous work.<a href="#footnotetag312"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote313" name="footnote313"></a> +<strong>Footnote 313:</strong> The New Zealand Mounted Rifles joined the brigade on +14th February.<a href="#footnotetag313"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote314" name="footnote314"></a> +<strong>Footnote 314:</strong> Lt.-General C. Tucker.<a href="#footnotetag314"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote315" name="footnote315"></a> +<strong>Footnote 315:</strong> The 8th division was again definitely asked for on 28th +February, and then granted.<a href="#footnotetag315"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote316" name="footnote316"></a> +<strong>Footnote 316:</strong> The actual strength of this force was 350. Its leader +was C. De Wet.<a href="#footnotetag316"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote317" name="footnote317"></a> +<strong>Footnote 317:</strong> General De Wet officially reported that he only +received a reinforcement of 200 men. Other Boer accounts give his +total strength during the action as 800.<a href="#footnotetag317"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="footnote318" name="footnote318"></a> +<strong>Footnote 318:</strong> O. and R. batteries R.H.A., composite regiment of +Household cavalry, 16th Lancers, one squadron 10th Hussars, one +squadron 12th Lancers, and two troops of the Scots Greys.<a href="#footnotetag318"><span class="small">[Back to Main Text]</span></a></p> + +<p class="p4"><a id="tablenote1" name="tablenote1"></a> +<strong>Tablenote 1:</strong> <i>Wardha</i> returned to Durban damaged and the squadron was +transferred to <i>Nevassa</i>.<a href="#tablenotetag1"><span class="small">[Back to Table]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="tablenote2" name="tablenote2"></a> +<strong>Tablenote 2:</strong> Includes seven machine.<a href="#tablenotetag2"><span class="small">[Back to Table]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="tablenote3" name="tablenote3"></a> +<strong>Tablenote 3:</strong> Subsequently went to Natal.<a href="#tablenotetag3"><span class="small">[Back to Table]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="tablenote4" name="tablenote4"></a> +<strong>Tablenote 4:</strong> The 1st battn. Royal Irish Fusiliers, and one section, +23rd coy., R.E., arrived at Dundee during 15th and 16th October.<a href="#tablenotetag4"><span class="small">[Back to Table]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="tablenote5" name="tablenote5"></a> +<strong>Tablenote 5:</strong> Exclusive of police.<a href="#tablenotetag5"><span class="small">[Back to Table]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="tablenote6" name="tablenote6"></a> +<strong>Tablenote 6:</strong> Boer evidence.<a href="#tablenotetag6"><span class="small">[Back to Table]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="tablenote7" name="tablenote7"></a> +<strong>Tablenote 7:</strong> Intelligence statistics on conclusion of peace.<a href="#tablenotetag7"><span class="small">[Back to Table]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="tablenote8" name="tablenote8"></a> +<strong>Tablenote 8:</strong> <i>E.g.</i>, those under S. Eloff, W. Mears, J. Hindon, etc.<a href="#tablenotetag8"><span class="small">[Back to Table]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="tablenote9" name="tablenote9"></a> +<strong>Tablenote 9:</strong> Includes 67 rounds captured by the enemy.<a href="#tablenotetag9"><span class="small">[Back to Table]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="tablenote10" name="tablenote10"></a> +<strong>Tablenote 10:</strong> Includes 37,400 rounds lost in ammunition carts, and +86,560 rounds in the pouches of the killed and prisoners.<a href="#tablenotetag10"><span class="small">[Back to Table]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="tablenote11" name="tablenote11"></a> +<strong>Tablenote 11:</strong> Battery subsequently went to Natal.<a href="#tablenotetag11"><span class="small">[Back to Table]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="tablenote12" name="tablenote12"></a> +<strong>Tablenote 12:</strong> Arrived Cape Town, 6.12.99.<a href="#tablenotetag12"><span class="small">[Back to Table]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="tablenote13" name="tablenote13"></a> +<strong>Tablenote 13:</strong> <i>Persia</i> broke down at St. Vincent.<a href="#tablenotetag13"><span class="small">[Back to Table]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="tablenote14" name="tablenote14"></a> +<strong>Tablenote 14:</strong> Started from Gibraltar.<a href="#tablenotetag14"><span class="small">[Back to Table]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="tablenote15" name="tablenote15"></a> +<strong>Tablenote 15:</strong> Guns lost.<a href="#tablenotetag15"><span class="small">[Back to Table]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="tablenote16" name="tablenote16"></a> +<strong>Tablenote 16:</strong> The battalion transhipped to S.S. <i>Orcana</i>, which +arrived at Durban 24.11.99.<a href="#tablenotetag16"><span class="small">[Back to Table]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="tablenote17" name="tablenote17"></a> +<strong>Tablenote 17:</strong> Two of these guns were <i>en route</i> to Mooi River.<a href="#tablenotetag17"><span class="small">[Back to Table]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="tablenote18" name="tablenote18"></a> +<strong>Tablenote 18:</strong> <i>En route</i> to Pietermaritzburg.<a href="#tablenotetag18"><span class="small">[Back to Table]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="tablenote19" name="tablenote19"></a> +<strong>Tablenote 19:</strong> Maj.-Gen. Talbot Coke embarked at Mauritius, 1.12.99.<a href="#tablenotetag19"><span class="small">[Back to Table]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="tablenote20" name="tablenote20"></a> +<strong>Tablenote 20:</strong> The battalion was transhipped to <i>Mongolian</i>, which +arrived at Durban on 1.1.00.<a href="#tablenotetag20"><span class="small">[Back to Table]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="tablenote21" name="tablenote21"></a> +<strong>Tablenote 21:</strong> The battalion was transhipped to <i>Roslin Castle</i>, which +arrived at Durban on 23.12.99.<a href="#tablenotetag21"><span class="small">[Back to Table]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="tablenote22" name="tablenote22"></a> +<strong>Tablenote 22:</strong> Accident to propeller twice during voyage.<a href="#tablenotetag22"><span class="small">[Back to Table]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="tablenote23" name="tablenote23"></a> +<strong>Tablenote 23:</strong> Strength includes mounted infantry company in +<i>America</i>.<a href="#tablenotetag23"><span class="small">[Back to Table]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="tablenote24" name="tablenote24"></a> +<strong>Tablenote 24:</strong> Strength includes mounted infantry company in <i>British +Prince</i>.<a href="#tablenotetag24"><span class="small">[Back to Table]</span></a></p> + +<p><a id="tablenote25" name="tablenote25"></a> +<strong>Tablenote 25:</strong> Strength includes mounted infantry company in +<i>Pindari</i>.<a href="#tablenotetag25"><span class="small">[Back to Table]</span></a></p> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of History of the War in South Africa +1899-1902 v. 1 (of 4), by Frederick Maurice + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WAR IN SOUTH AFRICA *** + +***** This file should be named 28158-h.htm or 28158-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/2/8/1/5/28158/ + +Produced by Malcolm Farmer, Christine P. 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