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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of South Africa and the Transvaal War, Vol. 3 (of 6), by 
+Louis Creswicke
+
+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: South Africa and the Transvaal War, Vol. 3 (of 6)
+       From the Battle of Colenso, 15th Dec. 1899, to Lord
+       Roberts's Advance into the Free State, 12th Feb. 1900
+
+Author: Louis Creswicke
+
+Release Date: July 27, 2011 [EBook #36866]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SOUTH AFRICA ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Brownfox and the Online Distributed Proofreading
+Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from
+images generously made available by The Internet Archive)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Photo by Russell and Sons, London.]
+
+
+
+
+SOUTH AFRICA
+
+AND THE
+
+TRANSVAAL WAR
+
+
+BY
+LOUIS CRESWICKE
+
+AUTHOR OF "ROXANE," ETC.
+
+
+WITH NUMEROUS ILLUSTRATIONS AND MAPS
+
+
+IN SIX VOLUMES
+
+VOL. III.--FROM THE BATTLE OF COLENSO,
+15TH DEC. 1899, TO LORD ROBERTS'S ADVANCE INTO
+THE FREE STATE, 12TH FEB. 1900
+
+
+EDINBURGH: T. C. & E. C. JACK
+MANCHESTER: KENNETH MACLENNAN, 75 PICCADILLY
+1900
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS--VOL. III.
+
+
+                                                          PAGE
+  CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE                                      vii
+
+
+  CHAPTER I
+                                                          PAGE
+  THE SITUATION                                              1
+  DOINGS AT CHIEVELEY                                        8
+  CHRISTMAS AT THE CAPE AND NATAL                           14
+
+
+  CHAPTER II
+                                                          PAGE
+  MAFEKING                                                  19
+  KURUMAN AND ELSEWHERE                                     25
+  MAFEKING, NOVEMBER                                        31
+  KIMBERLEY                                                 39
+
+
+  CHAPTER III
+                                                          PAGE
+  LIFE WITH GENERAL GATACRE                                 47
+  WITH GENERAL FRENCH                                       52
+
+
+  CHAPTER IV
+                                                          PAGE
+  THE COLONIALS AT BELMONT                                  60
+  COLONEL PILCHER'S RAID                                    61
+  ACTIVITIES AND SURPRISES                                  68
+  AT MODDER RIVER                                           72
+
+
+  CHAPTER V
+                                                          PAGE
+  CHRISTMAS AT LADYSMITH                                    79
+  THE ATTACK ON WAGON HILL                                  81
+
+
+  CHAPTER VI
+                                                          PAGE
+  BULLER'S SECOND ADVANCE                                   92
+  THE FLANK MOVEMENT                                        97
+  THE BATTLE OF SPION KOP                                  104
+  THE THIRD GREAT EFFORT--VAAL KRANTZ                      117
+  DISAPPOINTMENT AT LADYSMITH                              125
+  LORD ROBERTS AT THE CAPE                                 131
+
+
+  CHAPTER VII
+                                                          PAGE
+  THE WONDER OF THE WORLD                                  136
+  FIRST CANADIAN CONTINGENT                                138
+  THE SECOND CANADIAN CONTINGENT                           144
+  STRATHCONA'S HORSE                                       146
+  NEW SOUTH WALES                                          148
+  VICTORIA                                                 150
+  NEW ZEALAND                                              151
+  QUEENSLAND                                               153
+  SOUTH AUSTRALIA                                          154
+  WEST AUSTRALIA                                           157
+  TASMANIA                                                 157
+  THE BUSHMEN'S CORPS                                      158
+  INDIA'S CONTINGENTS                                      159
+  THE SOUTH AFRICAN VOLUNTEERS--
+    CAPE COLONY                                            161
+    NATAL                                                  166
+  THE IMPERIAL YEOMANRY                                    167
+  THE CITY IMPERIAL VOLUNTEERS                             171
+
+
+  CHAPTER VIII
+                                                          PAGE
+  AT COLESBERG                                             174
+  LORD ROBERTS'S ADVANCE                                   183
+  "FIGHTING MAC" AT KOODOESBERG                            186
+
+
+                                                          PAGE
+  APPENDIX                                                 190
+  THE STORY OF SPION KOP                                   190
+  LIST OF STAFF                                            199
+
+
+
+
+LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS--VOL. III.
+
+
+  BIRD'S-EYE VIEW OF THE GROUND COVERED BY GENERAL
+    BULLER'S OPERATIONS                             _At Front_
+
+
+  1. _COLOURED PLATES_
+                                                          PAGE
+  FIELD-MARSHAL LORD ROBERTS OF KANDAHAR,
+    V.C. &c.                                    _Frontispiece_
+  SERGEANT-MAJOR--IMPERIAL LIGHT HORSE                      24
+  ARMY SERVICE CORPS                                        40
+  HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY--CAPTAIN, 2ND LIFE GUARDS               80
+  ROYAL FIELD ARTILLERY (ACTION FRONT)                     100
+  CYCLISTS--LANCASHIRE FUSILIERS                           120
+  PRIVATE, DRUMMERS, PIPER, AND BUGLER--THE BLACK WATCH    134
+  OFFICERS--CITY OF LONDON IMPERIAL VOLUNTEERS             176
+
+
+  2. _FULL-PAGE PLATES_
+                                                          PAGE
+  A PICKET OF 13TH HUSSARS SURPRISED NEAR THE TUGELA RIVER   8
+  A RECONNAISSANCE IN FORCE WITH GENERAL FRENCH'S
+    CAVALRY NEAR COLESBERG                                  56
+  COLONEL PILCHER'S ATTACK ON SUNNYSIDE KOPJE               64
+  H.M.S. "POWERFUL"                                         84
+  THE GREAT ASSAULT ON LADYSMITH                            88
+  PIETERMARITZBURG FROM THE EAST                            92
+  THE CROSSING OF POTGIETER'S DRIFT, JANUARY 16             96
+  TAKING THE 4.7 NAVAL GUN ACROSS THE TUGELA               104
+  GOING OUT TO THE ATTACK ON SPION KOP                     112
+  THE SCENE ON SPION KOP                                   116
+  FALLS ON THE TUGELA RIVER                                124
+  ARRIVAL AT CAPE TOWN OF WOUNDED FROM NATAL               132
+  LADY MINTO PRESENTING COLOURS TO HERCHMER'S HORSE        144
+  THE CITY IMPERIAL VOLUNTEERS CROSSING WESTMINSTER BRIDGE 168
+  NEW ZEALANDERS SAVING A PICKET OF THE YORKSHIRE
+    REGIMENT NEAR SLINGERSFONTEIN                          184
+  "FIGHTING MAC" AND THE HIGHLAND BRIGADE IN ACTION
+    AT KOODOESBERG                                         188
+
+
+  3. _FULL-PAGE PORTRAITS_
+                                                          PAGE
+  LIEUT.-GENERAL FORESTIER WALKER, K.C.B.                   16
+  MAJOR-GENERAL LORD KITCHENER OF KHARTOUM                  32
+  MAJOR-GENERAL SIR W. F. GATACRE, K.C.B.                   48
+  MAJOR-GENERAL HECTOR A. MACDONALD, C.B.                   72
+  LIEUT.-GENERAL SIR CHARLES WARREN, G.C.M.G.              128
+  COLONEL W. D. OTTER                                      136
+  HON. W. P. SCHREINER, C.M.G.                             152
+  GENERAL BRABANT, C.M.G.                                  160
+
+
+  4. _MAPS AND ENGRAVINGS IN THE TEXT_
+                                                          PAGE
+  MAP--THE SEAT OF WAR                                       9
+  SKETCH OF POSITIONS AT MAFEKING                           20
+  OUTPOST AND INTRENCHMENT AT MAFEKING                      24
+  FACSIMILE OF HANDWRITING OF COL. BADEN POWELL             32
+  PLAN OF KIMBERLEY                                         40
+  SPLINTER PROOF SHELTER AT KIMBERLEY                       43
+  MAP OF MOVEMENTS OF GATACRE AND FRENCH                    51
+  MAP OF COLONEL PILCHER'S RAID                             62
+  LORD DUNDONALD'S GALLOPING GUN CARRIAGE                   70
+  MAXIM AUTOMATIC GUN OR POM-POM                            75
+  MAP OF LADYSMITH                                          87
+  MOUNTAIN BATTERY                                          97
+  SKETCH, &C., OF SPION KOP                                107
+  PLAN OF ENGAGEMENT OF SPION KOP                          111
+  PLAN OF ENGAGEMENT OF VAAL KRANTZ                        120
+  BRITISH 7-POUNDER FIELD GUN                              126
+  SIEGE OF LADYSMITH                                       128
+  NAVAL 12-POUNDER FIELD GUN                               132
+  MR. KRUGER'S AUTOGRAPH                                   134
+  SOUTH AFRICAN SCOUT                                      163
+  12½-POUNDER FIELD GUN (C.I.V.)                           172
+  MAP OF POSITION AT COLESBERG                             179
+  SKETCH OF POSITION AT COLESBERG                          181
+  MAP ILLUSTRATING MOVEMENT TO KOODOESBERG                 187
+
+
+
+
+CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE--VOL. III.
+
+
+DECEMBER 1899.
+
+17.--Field-Marshal Lord Roberts, K.P., G.C.B., V.C., &c., appointed
+     Commander-in-Chief in South Africa, with Lord Kitchener of
+     Khartoum as his Chief of the Staff.
+
+     War Office issued orders under which the remaining portion of
+     the Army A Reserve were called up; and large reinforcements
+     were to proceed to South Africa without delay.
+
+     General Gatacre advanced from Sterkstroom to Putters Kraal.
+
+     General French established his headquarters at Arundel.
+
+     Offers of Second Contingents by the Colonies accepted.
+
+18.--Additional Battalions of Militia embodied. There were now
+     fifty-four Battalions of Militia embodied.
+
+     Sir Charles Warren and the Staff of the Fifth Division left
+     Cape Town.
+
+     Reconnaissance by General French. Sortie from Ladysmith.
+
+19.--Important order issued from the War Office, announcing that
+     the Government had decided to raise for service in South
+     Africa a Mounted Infantry force, to be called "The Imperial
+     Yeomanry." The force to be recruited from the Yeomanry.
+
+21.--Mr. Winston Churchill arrived at Lourenço Marques after an
+     adventurous journey.
+
+23.--Departure of Lord Roberts from London and Southampton for the
+     Cape.
+
+24.--Dordrecht occupied by General Gatacre.
+
+     Sortie from Mafeking.
+
+     Two British officers captured by Boers near Chieveley.
+
+25.--Bluejackets blew up Tugela Road bridge, and cut off Boers with
+     their guns.
+
+     Colonel Dalgety with Mounted Police and Colonial troops held
+     Dordrecht. (Gatacre's Division.)
+
+26.--Sir Charles Warren arrived at the Natal front.
+
+     Boers appeared at Victoria West.
+
+     Mafeking force attacked a Boer fort.
+
+27.--Boers unsuccessfully bombarded Ladysmith.
+
+28.--H.M.S. _Magicienne_ captured German liner _Bundesrath_, near
+     Delagoa Bay, with contraband of war on board.
+
+30.--Skirmish near Dordrecht. Boers defeated with loss. Two British
+     officers captured through mistaking Boers for New Zealanders.
+
+
+JANUARY 1900.
+
+1.--Enrolment of the first draft of the City Imperial Volunteers.
+
+     Surrender of Kuruman, after a stout resistance, to the Boers.
+     Twelve officers and 120 police captured.
+
+     General French occupied a kopje overlooking Colesberg. Flight
+     of Boers, leaving their wrecked guns and quantities of stores.
+
+     Brilliant manoeuvre by Lieutenant-Colonel Pilcher at
+     Sunnyside. Captured the entire Boer camp, made forty prisoners,
+     advanced and occupied Douglas on Vaal River.
+
+     Colonel Plumer and Colonel Holdsworth from Rhodesia continued
+     their march to the relief of Mafeking.
+
+2.--Loyal inhabitants of Douglas escorted to Belmont.
+
+     General French still engaged with enemy at Colesberg.
+
+3.--General French reinforced from De Aar. Boers being surrounded;
+     fighting in the hills.
+
+     General Gatacre repulsed Boer attack on position commanding
+     Molteno.
+
+     Colonel Pilcher, for "military reasons," evacuated Douglas.
+
+4.--General Gatacre occupied Molteno; Boers retreated to Stormberg
+     with loss.
+
+     General French manoeuvring to enclose Colesberg; further
+     fighting.
+
+5.--General Gatacre hotly engaged at Molteno by Boers from
+     Stormberg; drove them off, inflicting heavy losses.
+
+6.--Great battle at Ladysmith. Boers repulsed on every side with
+     heavy loss.
+
+     General Buller made a demonstration in force to aid General
+     White.
+
+     General French inflicted severe defeat on Boers at Colesberg. A
+     Company of the 1st Suffolk Regiment captured.
+
+9.--British troops invaded Free State territory near Jacobsdal. The
+     Queensland and Canadian Volunteers cleared a large belt across
+     the Free State border.
+
+10.--Lord Roberts and Lord Kitchener arrived at Cape Town.
+
+     Forward movement for the relief of Ladysmith from Chieveley
+     and Frere.
+
+11.--Sir Redvers Buller crossed the Little Tugela, and occupied the
+     south bank of the Tugela at Potgieter's Drift.
+
+     Lord Dundonald and Mounted Brigade crossed the Tugela at
+     Potgieter's Drift.
+
+     General Gatacre made a reconnaissance in force towards
+     Stormberg.
+
+13.--The City Imperial Volunteers left London for South Africa.
+
+15.--Boers attacked General French and were repulsed at Colesberg.
+
+16.--General Lyttleton and Mounted Brigade crossed the Tugela at
+     Potgieter's Drift.
+
+17.--Sir Charles Warren crossed, with his Division, at Trichardt's
+     Drift.
+
+     Lord Dundonald had an action with the Boers near Acton Homes.
+
+18.--Tugela bridged and crossed by a Brigade and battery.
+
+20.--Sir Charles Warren moved towards Spion Kop.
+
+     Reconnaissance by Lord Dundonald.
+
+21.--Heavy fighting by Clery's force; they attacked the Boers and
+     captured ridge after ridge for three miles.
+
+22--Sir Charles Warren's entire army engaged.
+
+23.--Spion Kop captured by Sir Charles Warren; General Woodgate
+     wounded.
+
+25-27.--Abandonment of Spion Kop. Sir Charles Warren's force
+     withdrew to south of Tugela.
+
+27.--Brigadier-General Brabant, commanding a Brigade of Colonial
+     forces, joined General Gatacre.
+
+28.--General Kelly-Kenny occupied Thebus.
+
+30.--British force reoccupied Prieska.
+
+
+FEBRUARY 1900.
+
+3.--Telegraphic communication restored between Mafeking and
+     Gaberones.
+
+4.--General Macdonald occupied Koodoe's Drift.
+
+5.--General Buller crossed the Tugela at Manger's Drift.
+
+6.--General Buller captured Vaal Krantz Hill.
+
+7.--Vaal Krantz Hill abandoned, and British force withdrew south of
+     the Tugela.
+
+9.--General Macdonald retired to Modder River.
+
+     Lord Roberts arrived at Modder River.
+
+10.--Colonel Hannay's force moved to Ramdam.
+
+12.--General French with Cavalry Division, proceeding to the Relief
+     of Kimberley, seized Dekiel's Drift.
+
+[Illustration: BIRD'S-EYE VIEW OF THE COUNTRY COVERED BY GENERAL
+BULLER'S OPERATIONS FOR THE RELIEF OF LADYSMITH.
+
+EDINBURGH AND LONDON: T. C. & E. C. JACK]
+
+
+
+
+SOUTH AFRICA AND THE
+
+TRANSVAAL WAR
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+THE SITUATION
+
+    "The wave that breaks against a forward stroke
+      Beats not the swimmer back, but thrills him through
+      With joyous trust to win his way anew
+    Through stronger seas than first upon him broke
+    And triumphed. England's iron-tempered oak
+      Shrank not when Europe's might against her grew
+      Full, and her sun drunk up her foes like dew,
+    And lion-like from sleep her strength awoke.
+    As bold in fight as bold in breach of trust
+      We find our foes and wonder not to find,
+      Nor grudge them praise whom honour may not bind:
+    But loathing more intense than speaks disgust
+      Heaves England's heart, when scorn is bound to greet
+    Hunters and hounds whose tongues would lick their feet."
+
+                               --ALGERNON CHARLES SWINBURNE.
+
+
+A week of disaster had terminated woefully. Three British Generals in
+succession--Sir William Gatacre, Lord Methuen, and Sir Redvers
+Buller--had advanced against strongly fortified Boer positions and
+suffered repulse. The hearts of the miserable loyalists, who hung in
+dire suspense on the result of British action, sank in despair--their
+dismay and their grief were pitiful. Great Britain echoed their
+sentiment. Disappointment was universal. General Gatacre had failed
+through lack of caution and mischance; the other Generals had come to
+grief owing to the circumstances which forced them willy nilly to hurry
+to the assistance of beleaguered towns in the face of overwhelming
+disadvantages, notably the lack of cavalry and the inefficiency of the
+guns. Lord Methuen had been unable to bring home his early victories
+owing to the absence of mounted men. Sir Redvers Buller had failed to
+dislodge the enemy from his strong, naturally fortified positions owing
+to the weakness of his artillery in comparison to that of the enemy, who
+had Nordenfeldt and Hotchkiss quick-firing guns in every available
+position. He had made a glorious attempt--owned to be magnificent; but
+it was not war, and in his failure he recognised that it was not the
+game of derring-do, but the game of "slim" warfare as played by his
+brother Boer which must claim his attention. Now was verified the
+prophecy of the Polish apocalypse: "The war of the future will be a war
+of sieges and entrenched positions. In the war of the future the
+advantage will always rest with the defensive. In the war of the future,
+frontal attacks, without immense superiority in numbers, will be
+impossible."
+
+Every campaign, they say, has its lessons. This one we now find to be
+full of them, so full indeed that it has necessarily taken our Generals
+some time to become acquainted even with their grammar. When the war was
+forced upon us by the Pretoria oligarchy for the long-cherished purpose
+of ousting Great Britain from South Africa, many of the authorities were
+of opinion that a rabble of undisciplined farmers would be incapable of
+offering any formidable resistance to the superior military system of
+Great Britain. Not a hint of doubt as to the success of our arms and the
+effectiveness of our war apparatus was entertained. When Colonials in
+the summer of '99 volunteered their services, the Government received
+the offers with a sniff. Later they accepted them with grateful thanks.
+It was never imagined that colonists could know anything of the art of
+war, or that they might teach a lesson or two even to that august
+institution the Staff College. Those who knew ventured to suggest that
+in South Africa the same cast-iron principles that existed in European
+warfare would be valueless, and that the lessons of Ingogo and Majuba in
+'81 might be repeated in '99 in all their dire and dismal reality. But
+these pessimists were scoffed at. They therefore waited, and hoped
+against hope. Now and then they feebly wondered by what process
+infantry, arriving two months late, when the enemy had had time to
+entrench the whole country at various naturally strong strategic points,
+would be able to overcome the disadvantages attendant on immobility. But
+they were silenced by a look. British pluck and endurance might be
+calculated upon to surmount everything and anything--some said! No one
+seemed to care to tackle the problem of how men on foot would be enabled
+to compete creditably, in anything like equal numbers, with a mounted
+enemy possessing more than ordinary mobility.
+
+A mounted enemy has many advantages in his favour. He can select his own
+position, he can place all his force _en masse_ into the fighting line,
+he can so pick his positions that one man on the defensive can make
+himself the equal of three men of the attacking force; and, besides, he
+can occupy a length of position which must extend his flanks far beyond
+those of the attackers on foot. These in consequence are either forced
+to extend to equal length, at almost certain risk of being unable to
+reinforce any weak point developed during the attack, and thereby cause
+the attack to be broken at points; or they have to "contain" only a
+portion of the enemy in position, and perhaps leave his wings--or one
+wing--free to execute an outflanking movement. It is impossible when a
+line extends for miles, and the enemy's strength is not discoverable
+before the heat of the engagement, for infantry to come from a great
+distance to the assistance of weak points; and by reason of this
+immobility it is equally impossible for infantry in the heat of action,
+and when the front is extended for miles, to suddenly change a plan of
+attack in time to save a situation.
+
+The task set before our Generals was, therefore, almost superhuman: they
+were expected to make up for want of mobility with superior strategical
+qualifications; but, as has been said, no committee of Generals could at
+this juncture have decided on a strategy applicable to the complicated
+situation. That the Boer was a born strategist, and had able advisers,
+was amply proved. The amalgam of Boer methods, with Zulu theories and
+modern German tactics, was sufficient to try the most ingenious
+intelligence. For instance, the Boers in early days selected positions
+on the sides and tops of kopjes, and at the commencement of the
+campaign, at Talana Hill and at Elandslaagte, they were so perched, in
+accordance with the primitive principles of their race. They ignored the
+fact that such positions were the worst they could select against
+artillery fire with percussion fuses. Even for their own rifle practice
+such positions were also the worst, as, firing down at an angle, their
+bullets as a rule ran the chance of ploughing the earth without
+ricocheting, and served only to hit the one man aimed at. They worked,
+and still work, on the old Zulu principle of putting their whole
+strength into the fighting line, acting on the Zulu axiom, "Let it
+thunder--and pass." A sound principle this, no doubt, but one which our
+ponderous military machinery would not allow us to adopt. To these early
+methods, and to his native "slimness" and cunning, the Boer now added
+some German erudition. The influence of German officers and German
+tactics began to work changes curious and inexplicable. The Boers built
+scientific entrenchments, no longer on the kopjes alone but also below
+them, thus reducing the effect of hostile artillery, save that of
+howitzers, and permitting their sharpshooters to sweep the plain with a
+hurricane from their Mausers. In addition to this they built long
+castellated trenches, perfect underground avenues, to allow of the
+invisible massing of troops at any given point. They were also provided
+with ingenious gun-trenches, quite hidden, along which their Nordenfeldt
+gun, that pumped five shells in rapid succession, could be removed
+swiftly from one spot to another, and thereby defeat the efforts of the
+British gunners to locate it.
+
+Thus it will be seen a new complexion was put upon Boer affairs. Novel
+and trying conditions were imposed on those who already had to cope
+with the problem of how to match in mobility a rival who brought to his
+support six legs, while the British only brought two. Whole armies
+consisting merely of mounted infantry and artillery had never before
+come into action, and it began to be understood that a war against
+bushwhackers, guerillas, and sharpshooters, plus the most expensive guns
+modernity could provide, was a matter more serious than any with which
+the nineteenth century had hitherto had to deal. We had to learn that
+sheer pluck, endurance, and brute force were unavailing, and that
+strategy of the hard and fast kind--the red-tape strategy of the Staff
+College--was about as unpractical as a knowledge of the classics to one
+who goes a-marketing. There is no finality in the art of war, and
+nations, be they ever so old and wise and important, must go on
+learning.
+
+One of the newer questions was, how far personal intelligence might be
+distributed among a body of men? The General as a head, the Staff
+Officers as nerves that convey volition to the different members, we had
+accepted, but how far individual acumen was needed to insure success now
+began to be argued. Certain it was that in this campaign we had
+opportunities for studying the comparative value of individual
+discretion _versus_ "fighting to order." The Boers, every one of them,
+were working for themselves, absolutely for hearth and home, though
+perhaps under a general plan which certainly served to harass and annoy
+and keep the British army in a dilemma; while we laboured on a
+consolidated system which, if not obsolete, was certainly inappropriate.
+However, as there was no use in bemoaning our reverses, we began to
+congratulate ourselves on having discovered the cause of them. It was
+decided that first there must be more troops sent out to meet the
+extended nature of our operations, and that these troops must be
+accompanied by a sufficient number of horses to insure the necessary
+mobility, without which even the brute force of our numbers would be
+useless.
+
+Of the successful issue of future proceedings none had a doubt. All knew
+that the finest strategy in the world must be useless when tools were
+wanting, and all felt certain that the admirable abilities of our
+Generals, when once the means of playing their war game came to hand,
+were bound to rise to the prodigious task still in store.
+
+But for the dire necessity of the three gallant towns--Mafeking,
+Kimberley, and Ladysmith--a waiting game would have been possible and
+wise. The Boer stores of food and ammunition would eventually have run
+out, and the guns gone the way of much-used guns. Trek-oxen, instead of
+dragging the waggons of their masters, would have had to go to feed the
+hungry commandoes, and the history of slow exhaustion would have had to
+be told. But--again there was the great But!--those three valiant towns
+were holding out their hands, they were crying for help, they were
+standing in their hourly peril hopeful and brave because they
+believed--they were certain--that we should never desert them!
+
+
+At home the grievous news of the reverse was digested by the public with
+dumb, almost paralysed resignation. At first it was scarcely possible to
+believe that the great, the long-anticipated move for the relief of
+Ladysmith had proved a failure, and that the Boers were still masters of
+the situation, and moreover the richer by eleven of our much-needed
+guns. By degrees the terrible truth began to be accepted by us. By
+degrees the Government awakened to the fact that the fighting of the
+Dutchmen within the region of Natal meant more than the pitting of one
+Briton against two Boers, that it meant the dashing of a whole Army
+Corps against Nature's strongholds, our own by right of purchase and
+blood, and captured from us merely by reason of neglect and delay!
+
+To awake, however, was to act. In our misfortune it was pleasant to
+recall the words of Jomini, when speaking of Frederick the Great and his
+defeats in Silesia. "A series of fortunate events," he said, "may dull
+the greatest minds, deprive them of their natural vigour, and level them
+with common beings. But adversity is a tonic capable of bringing back
+energy and elasticity to those who have lost it." The tonic was sipped.
+Jomini's theories were proved! Though Great Britain through a series of
+fortunate events--a long reign of comparative peace--had become
+lethargic and money-grubbing, she, at the first shock of adversity,
+regained all her elasticity, vigour, and natural spirit of chivalry.
+Promptly the entire nation nerved itself to prove that, as of old, it
+was equal to any struggle, any sacrifice. The whole country seemed with
+one consent to leap to arms.
+
+The Militia, nine battalions of Infantry, was now permitted to volunteer
+for service in any part of the Queen's dominions where such services
+might be wanted, while it was arranged that specially selected
+contingents of Yeomanry and Volunteers would start for the Front as soon
+as there were found ships sufficient to carry them.
+
+Noble as amazing was the hurried response of the Volunteers to the
+intimation that their services would be accepted for the war. Hastily
+they pressed forward in crowds to enrol themselves. Their promptitude
+was goodly to look upon and to read of, for it showed that, in spite of
+the theories of Tolstoi and the influence of the spirit of modernity,
+patriotism is inherent and not a mere exotic or cultivated sentiment in
+the British race. We now found that though many traditions may be worn
+to rags, those of the British army had grown, like old tapestry, the
+more precious for the passage of time.
+
+Still the military position was pregnant with anxieties. A horse that is
+left at the post may perhaps win in the end, but his chances of success
+are remote. An army that lands in driblets three months after time is
+scarcely calculated to succeed against a rival army which has spent that
+interval in equipping itself for the fray. We were forced to remember
+that at the onset our officers were placed in the most dangerous
+positions, with inadequate support and no prospect of reinforcement,
+until their energies, mental and physical, had been sapped by undue and
+prolonged strain. On the north Tuli had but a handful of troops to
+resist an enormous and powerful enemy; Mafeking was surrounded,
+isolated, and able only to resist to the death the persistent attacks of
+shot and shell; Vryburg was allowed to be treacherously given away to
+the enemy; and Kimberley was left in the lurch as it were, to fight or
+fall according to the pluck of those who were ready to exhaust their
+vitality in loyalty to the Queen. On the Natal side things were still
+worse. The country, every inch of which is familiar to the Boer, had
+almost invited invasion. The whole strength of Boers and Free Staters
+was permitted to launch itself against an army which was entirely
+without reserves, and which could not be reinforced under a month. That
+brave and unfortunate soldier, Sir George Colley, had a theory that
+small, well-organised troops were worth as much again as large and
+desultory ones; but he took no account of peculiar facilities which are
+almost inherent to armies fighting on their own soil, as it were, and
+habits of warfare which have, so to speak, become ancestral with the
+Boer. From old time the Dutchman has employed his mountain fastnesses,
+his boulders, and his tambookie grass as screens and shelters, till in
+war the "tricks of the trade" have become a second nature to him, and
+serve in place of more complicated European methods. The small Natal
+army was, on Sir George Colley's principle, allowed to pit itself
+against a fighting mass, dense and desultory it may be, but a fighting
+mass of enormous dimensions, which, whatever their failings, had weight,
+equipment, courage, obstinacy, and intimacy with their surroundings
+entirely in their favour. That the enemy was first in the field they had
+to thank the original promoters of war, the Peace party--the
+humanitarian persons who so long hampered reason by loud outcries
+against the shedding of blood that their own countrymen in the Transvaal
+were condemned to all the tortures of suspense, to be aggravated later
+by all the agonies of famine and disease. Their own countrywomen and
+their babes were saved from shot and shell to be sent defenceless and
+homeless to wander the world till the charity of strangers or the relief
+of death should overtake them, while the loyal natives were left in a
+state of trepidation and suspense, without protection, yet forbidden to
+raise a hand in their own defence.
+
+Reason now had its way. But remedies cannot be applied in a moment, and
+the public, which is always wise after the event, vented its anguish and
+its feelings of suspense by indulging in criticism, or in asking
+questions which, of course, could not be answered till the principal
+persons concerned were able to take part in the catechism. For instance,
+some of the riddles buzzed about in club and railway carriage were: Why
+did Sir Redvers Buller make a frontal attack across an open plain
+against an enemy admirably entrenched, and posted in a position not only
+made strong by art but by nature? Why was it that the Government, in
+spite of the warnings given by Sir Alfred Milner while he was in England
+in May '99, neglected to take such precautions as would have prevented
+the enemy from being entirely in advance of us in the matter of time?
+Why, also, were the Boers permitted to arm themselves with the most
+expensive modern weapons, to be used against us, under the very eye of
+our representative in Pretoria, without our being warned of the inferior
+quality of our own guns, and of the impossibility of making ourselves a
+match for the enemy so long as the cheese-paring policy of the
+authorities at home was countenanced? Why, with an Intelligence
+Department in working order, was it never discovered that united Free
+State and Transvaal Dutchmen would vastly outnumber all the troops we
+were prepared--or, rather, unprepared--to put in the field, the troops
+we strove to make sufficient till the strain of reverse forced from us
+the acceptance of help from the Colonies, the Militia, and the
+Volunteers?
+
+The great question of reinforcements filled all minds. Nothing indeed
+could be looked for till they should reach the Cape. Fifteen huge
+transports were due to arrive between the end of December and the
+beginning of January, bringing on the scene some 15,000 troops of all
+arms. The Fifth Division, under Sir Charles Warren, consisting of eight
+battalions of Infantry and its complement of Artillery and Engineers was
+expected, also the Household Cavalry Composite Regiment, the 14th
+Hussars, a siege train, a draft of Marines, and various odd branches of
+the service. Later on more troops would follow, but pending the arrival
+of the warrior cargoes it was impossible for our Generals to do more
+than act on the defensive, and consider themselves fortunate if they
+could prevent the further advance of the enemy to the south.
+
+But the most momentous move of the closing year was the departure of
+Lord Roberts for the seat of war. Here was this gallant officer, whose
+life had been devoted to the service of his country, and who was at an
+age when many other men would have elected to stay by hearth and home,
+suddenly called on to act in the most difficult and trying crisis. And,
+in the very hour that he was asked to rouse himself to meet the call of
+Queen and country, he was dealt a crushing blow. His gallant son, the
+only one, and one well worthy to have worn the laurels of his noble
+father, besides adding to them by his own splendid acts, was carried
+off, a victim to the severe wound he received at Colenso. Here was a
+supreme trial, so supreme indeed that none dared touch it. All, even
+Lord Roberts's sincerest friends, shrunk from dwelling on the agony of
+mind that must have been endured by this great hero when at the same
+moment the voice of duty and the cry of domestic love jarred in
+conflict. On the one side he was called upon to brace himself to meet a
+political situation fraught with all manner of indescribable
+complications, while on the other, human nature with a thousand clinging
+tendrils drew him towards the numbness of mute woe or the consolation of
+private tears. But, like the great warrior he is, he got into harness
+and started off, leaving his misery in the hands of the great British
+people, who held it as their own. The "send off" they gave him at
+Waterloo Station was one of the most remarkable outbursts of public
+feeling on record, and this was not only due to admiration for the
+conqueror of Kandahar, but to profound sympathy for the man and the
+father who was thus laying aside his private self and placing all his
+magnificent ability at the service of the Empire.
+
+
+DOINGS AT CHIEVELEY
+
+It was now found desirable to remove part of the camp about ten and a
+half miles to the south, to get out of range of the Boer big guns which
+commanded the position. The wounded were daily being sent off in
+train-loads to Maritzburg, many of them, in spite of being shot in two
+or three places, cheerful and anxious to return quickly "to be in at the
+death," as they sportingly described it. The funeral of Lord Roberts's
+gallant son caused a sense of deep depression to prevail in all ranks,
+for he was not only regretted by those who held his brilliant qualities
+in esteem, but in sympathy with the sore affliction which had befallen
+the veteran "Bobs," whose name, wherever Tommy goes, is one to conjure
+with. The ceremony was a most impressive one, and the pall-bearers were
+all men of young Roberts's corps. These were Major Prince Christian
+Victor, Colonels Buchanan-Riddell and Bewicke-Copley, and Major
+Stuart-Wortley.
+
+The graves of all the unfortunate slain were marked round, covered with
+flowers, and temporary tablets arranged till suitable memorials should
+be prepared.
+
+[Illustration: A PICKET OF 13th HUSSARS SURPRISED NEAR THE TUGELA RIVER
+(HUSSAR HILL).
+
+Drawing by John Charlton.]
+
+Meanwhile the Naval guns were unceasing in their activity, and made an
+appalling accompaniment to the afternoon siestas in which many,
+owing to the excessive heat, were inclined to indulge. For strategical
+reasons it was now found necessary to blow up the road-bridge over the
+Tugela, and thus prevent the Boers from advancing further to the south
+or spying upon our positions.
+
+[Illustration: MAP OF THE SEAT OF WAR. Scale 1 inch=86 miles.]
+
+Extra precautions were taken in regard to the white flag. It began to be
+believed at last that the Boer would take an unfair advantage of the
+Briton whenever he should get a chance. Strangely enough, our officers
+seemed to have forgotten or disregarded the object-lesson of the tragic
+affair of Bronker's Spruit. Yet Boer "slimness" was then well enough
+established. The unfortunate Colonel Anstruther caused to be printed in
+the Transvaal Government _Gazette_ a bi-lingual proclamation, informing
+the Boers that, in consequence of the many treacherous uses to which the
+white flag had been put, he would in future recognise the emblem only
+under the following conditions: two Boers accompanied by an officer, and
+all unarmed, must approach the lines bearing the white flag aloft. The
+British soldiers were also advised to keep well under cover whenever the
+flag was displayed. This showed that reliance on Boer honour would in no
+case be attempted. At the present date Boer morality had not improved,
+and it was even declared that the Free Staters had made their women boil
+down their national flag, so that in its pallid state it might at a
+little distance be mistaken for the white flag, and come in handy in
+case of need.
+
+On the 20th of December a picket, consisting of seven men belonging to
+the 13th Hussars, was surprised some five miles from camp, in the
+direction of Weenen, by a party of sixty Boers. These cautiously crept
+round some kopjes to where the outpost was stationed. A smart tussle
+ensued. Two men were killed and seven horses were lost. No sooner had
+information of the fight reached camp than some of Bethune's and
+Thorneycroft's Mounted Infantry were despatched to the rescue, but the
+Boers, on perceiving these reinforcements, quickly fled and thus escaped
+punishment.
+
+At this time the second advance for the relief of Ladysmith was very
+secretly being organised, but no one knew exactly when Sir Redvers
+Buller meant to move, or whether he intended to give up the idea of a
+frontal attack altogether. Our Generals were criticised for making
+frontal attacks, but Clausewitz declares that the attempt to turn the
+flank of the enemy can only be justified by a great superiority; this
+superiority may be either actual superiority of numbers, or it may
+follow from the way in which the lines of communication are placed.
+Unfortunately we had no favouring strength; the Boers outnumbered us
+everywhere, and not only did they exceed us numerically, but their
+mobility enabled them so quickly to move from front to flank positions
+that they were, on desire, facing us at any moment. In fact the Boer
+army had no flank, and therefore the vast amount of after-the-event
+wisdom which was gratuitously handed about by "the man in the street"
+was absolutely wasted.
+
+An unfortunate incident now occurred. Capt. James Rutherford and Mr.
+Grenfell, S.A.L.H., while visiting the pickets, disappeared. They
+apparently rode into the midst of the enemy's scouts, who were
+everywhere prowling about, and were forced to surrender. The report of
+the capture was brought to the camp by native runners, who stated that
+the officers had been removed to Pretoria. However, for two gallant
+Britons lost there was one gained, for at the very time Mr. Winston
+Churchill had almost miraculously made himself free of his captors.
+
+The story of his escape reads like a novel; but truth is stranger than
+fiction. When removed to Pretoria after the disaster to the armoured
+train at Chieveley, he almost gave up hope of escape; indeed he had every
+reason so to do, for on the 12th of December he was informed by the
+Transvaal Government's Secretary for War that there was little chance of
+his release. Whereupon, with many doubts and misgivings, he discussed
+with himself the best means of struggling for freedom. The State Schools
+Prison was well guarded; it was surrounded by a high wall, and the
+sentries were vigilant in the extreme. He formed for himself a plan,
+however, and once when the back of the sentry was momentarily turned he
+took his courage in both hands as the French say, rushed at the six-foot
+wall, scaled it, and let himself down into a neighbouring garden before
+his movement could be detected. The garden was the garden of an inhabited
+house. There were lights in the windows; more, there were visitors on the
+verandah, and presently, ramblers among the paths! Moments of horror as
+the escaped hid in the trees seemed to become years, discovery appeared
+to be merely a matter of moments. But evidently the Fates decided that so
+useful a member of creation--warrior, writer, and politician--could not
+be spared by society or his country, and in a little while Mr. Churchill
+found himself wandering, undisguised and unrecognised, through the
+streets of the town. Burghers passed him, passengers brushed his
+shoulders. Nobody asked his business. It was evident that Fate wanted
+him. The stars said so, and following their direction he struck out
+towards the Delagoa Railroad. He knew that he dared ask his way of none;
+he was aware that he must make the most of the cloak of night; he was
+intimate enough with Boer customs to be certain that in a few hours his
+description would be posted throughout the two Republics. The present,
+and only the present, was his. He walked along the line, evading the
+watchers on bridges and culverts, and determining to stick to the rails,
+without which he might find himself lost or wandering back in the teeth
+of the enemy. Once free of the town, he bided his time cautiously in the
+neighbourhood of an adjacent station. There he watched the coming of a
+train, and just as it steamed past him, with an alacrity and agility born
+of sheer despair, he made a leap towards a truck, grabbed at a hook on
+the edge, boarded it, and was soon burrowing deep in a cargo of
+coal-sacks. There he lay, grimy, exhausted, and almost distraught, but
+happy. He was free. Every minute the anxiety for freedom had grown within
+him, till now, fighting his way towards it, it had become an almost
+savage passion. He had decided he would never go back. No one should
+capture him. But this was easier to swear than to accomplish. To escape
+detection it was necessary again to risk his life--to leap off the train
+as he had leapt on it, while the machinery was in full swing and the
+driver ignorant of the existence of his distinguished passenger. Before
+dawn, therefore, he emerged from the coal-heap, and with a flying leap
+landed flat on the railroad. He gathered himself together, and by sunrise
+was concealed in a wood, his only companion for some time being a
+vulture. The sojourn in the cool boskage of the Transvaal was fraught
+with good luck, and at dusk when the fugitive emerged he was another man.
+At last he was able to gather his forces together for another trip on a
+passing train. There was always danger though--danger because it was
+necessary to hug the line, and where the line was, there also were
+railway guards, or at least humanity--inimical humanity, who most
+probably were plotting his ruin. Plod, plod, plod; so passed the hours,
+scrambling along in the dead of night through sluits and dongas in the
+effort to avoid the direct neighbourhood of huts, bridges, stations, and
+yet keep in touch with the winding iron track that led to the longed-for
+sea. For five days and nights he persevered, tramping after dark and
+sneaking under cover all day, and dimly conscious that the hue and cry
+had gone forth, and that every man's hand in the enemy's country was now
+turned against him. On the sixth day he managed again with amazing good
+fortune to safely board a train, and this time it was one going from
+Middleburg to Delagoa Bay. Again he burrowed among sacks and carefully
+hid himself, so carefully, indeed, that owing to his extreme precaution
+discovery was evaded. The train was searched, the sacks were prodded.
+Deep down, scarcely daring to breathe, lay the man they were seeking--an
+inch or two off--just an inch or two off. He drew a long breath and
+praised God for his escape. After that he passed some sixty hours in all
+the agonies of suspense. Famine and thirst preyed on him, and active
+horror lest all his exertions should be in vain, lest, at the very last
+moment, the whole struggle of hope and wretchedness would end in dire and
+fatal disaster. But he was preserved. He arrived at Lourenço Marques on
+the 21st of December, and from there proceeded to Natal. "I am very
+weak, but I am free." Such were the words of his telegram; no wired
+words ever meant more. "I have lost many pounds in weight, but I am
+lighter in heart; and I avail myself of this moment, which is a witness
+to my earnestness, to urge an unflinching and uncompromising prosecution
+of the war." In regard to Mr. Winston Churchill's arrival among his
+friends in Natal, an eye-witness wrote:--
+
+     "The 23rd of December last was a memorable day at Durban,
+     perhaps the most memorable since that on which the Boers'
+     ultimatum was published. From Lourenço Marques had come the
+     exciting intelligence that young Winston Churchill, a
+     distinguished member of a world-renowned race, had succeeded in
+     evading his jailers at Pretoria, and, after a series of
+     thrilling adventures, had arrived safely at Delagoa Bay. The
+     telegrams had further announced that the hero had immediately
+     shipped on board the Rennie liner _Induna_ and would land at
+     Durban that very afternoon. The fame of Mr. Churchill as a
+     soldier and an author was already established. The history of
+     his gallantry both in India and at Omdurman was already well
+     known to every good Natalian before he first stepped ashore
+     there as one of the war correspondents of the _Morning Post_.
+     His subsequent courageous conduct at Chieveley at the
+     unfortunate incident of the armoured train and his capture by
+     the Boers, now capped by his marvellous escape from Pretoria,
+     had set Durban agog with excitement, and filled all and sundry
+     with hearty desires to afford him a right royal welcome on his
+     landing again on British soil.
+
+     "The brilliant summer sunshine, tempered by a fresh sea-breeze
+     which sent a soft ripple across the deep blue surface of the
+     magnificent harbour; the bold headland of the bluff contrasting
+     vividly against the streets of iron-roofed dwellings in the
+     township; the large numbers of ocean-going steamers and sailing
+     craft, gay with bunting; the eager, expectant crowd of every
+     class of society, from gaily-dressed ladies to wharf labourers,
+     refugees, and Kaffirs in but shirts and trousers, all
+     contributed to the completion of a picturesque panorama never
+     to be forgotten. Long before midday did we assemble in our
+     thousands. When it was whispered about that the _Induna_ would
+     berth alongside the steamer _Inchanga_, and that Mr. Churchill
+     must cross the decks of the _Inchanga_ before stepping ashore,
+     a rush was made for her, and, in spite of all the efforts of
+     the officers and crew, the crowd swarmed like bees on her. They
+     took possession of every available point of vantage; they
+     invaded the sacred precincts of the captain's bridge; they
+     braved the perils of the rigging; they huddled together on the
+     'fo'cas'le'; they filled every boat; and, heedless of fresh
+     paint, they clung affectionately to the ventilators and the
+     funnel.
+
+     "After having been several times reported the _Induna_ rounded
+     the point at half-past two. Amid breathless expectation she
+     steamed slowly across the harbour. Standing beside the captain
+     on the bridge a smallish, clean-shaven man was descried, and
+     the crowd at once recognised him as the hero whom they had
+     assembled to honour. A thousand good British cheers broke the
+     silence, a thousand lusty throats shouted a heartfelt welcome.
+     But this was not all. The sturdy Natalians did not stop at
+     shouting. The moment the _Induna_ was moored Mr. Churchill,
+     smiling, was seized bodily by twenty pairs of brawny arms, was
+     patted and thumped on the back by hundreds of applauding hands,
+     and finally, after being nearly strangled by over-zealous
+     admirers who were waving hats and handkerchiefs and crying
+     'Bravo!' and 'Well done!' he was carried shoulder-high across
+     the decks of the _Inchanga_ and deposited in a ricksha, whence
+     a speech was demanded. In a few modest sentences Mr. Churchill
+     good-humouredly narrated some of the more prominent episodes of
+     his exploit, and a start was made for his hotel, the
+     ricksha-boy being assisted more or less by some fifty amateur
+     ricksha-men and escorted by a majority of the crowd. After
+     picking up the editor of the _Natal Mercury_ on the way, and
+     installing him in state by the side of Mr. Churchill, the hotel
+     was at last reached, and the demand for another speech having
+     been acceded to, Mr. Churchill was permitted at four o'clock to
+     retire from the public gaze. The same night he left Durban for
+     the front."
+
+The following is a copy of the letter written by Mr. Winston Churchill
+to Mr. de Souza prior to escaping from prison:--
+
+
+  "STATE SCHOOLS PRISON, PRETORIA.
+
+     "DEAR MR. DE SOUZA,--I do not consider that your Government was
+     justified in holding me, a press correspondent and a
+     non-combatant, as a prisoner, and I have consequently resolved
+     to escape. The arrangements I have succeeded in making with my
+     friends outside are such as to give me every confidence. But I
+     wish, in leaving you thus hastily and unceremoniously, to once
+     more place on record my appreciation of the kindness which has
+     been shown me and the other prisoners by you, by the
+     commandant, and by Dr. Gunning, and my admiration of the
+     chivalrous and humane character of the Republican forces. My
+     views on the general question of the war remain unchanged, but
+     I shall always retain a feeling of high respect for the several
+     classes of the Burghers I have met, and on reaching the British
+     lines I will set forth a truthful and impartial account of my
+     experiences in Pretoria. In conclusion, I desire to express my
+     obligations to you, and to hope that when this most grievous
+     and unhappy war shall have come to an end, a state of affairs
+     may be created which shall preserve the national pride of the
+     Boers and the security of the British, and put a final stop to
+     the rivalry and enmity of both races. Regretting that
+     circumstances have not permitted me to bid you a personal
+     farewell, believe me, yours very sincerely,
+
+         "WINSTON CHURCHILL.
+
+     "_December 11, 1899._"
+
+
+CHRISTMAS AT THE CAPE AND NATAL
+
+We had arrived at what might be termed a breathing spell. There was no
+serious movement in the direction of the Modder River, and Lord Methuen
+was evidently biding his time. General Gatacre felt himself too weak to
+take up any very active or offensive step, while General French
+contented himself with such harassing and cleverly annoying operations
+as kept the enemy, like a man with a mosquito round his nose, from
+napping. There was great hope of better things, however, for it was
+known that the _Dunottar Castle_ had left England and was conveying to
+the Cape--in addition to Lord Roberts--Lord Kitchener and Major-General
+T. Kelly-Kenny, the Commander of the Sixth Division. Besides these were
+the following officers of Lord Roberts's Staff:--Major-General G. T.
+Pretyman; Colonel Viscount Downe, C.I.E.; Major H. V. Cowan; Captain A.
+C. M. Waterfield; Major J. F. R. Henderson; Major C. V. Hume;
+Brevet-Major G. F. Gorringe, D.S.O.; Colonel Lord Erroll; Commander the
+Hon. S. J. Fortescue (Naval Adviser to Lord Roberts); Captain Lord
+Herbert Scott; Captain Lord Settrington.
+
+This showed that when at last we set to work we did so with a will. The
+forces in South Africa before the war had amounted to 25,000, which
+number was augmented by 55,000 on the arrival of the First Army Corps.
+Late in December came the Fifth Division of about 11,000, under Sir
+Charles Warren, followed by the Sixth Division of 10,000 men. The
+Seventh and Eighth Divisions of 10,000 men respectively were shortly to
+increase the forces at the disposal of Lord Roberts, together with some
+2000 additional Cavalry, 10,000 Yeomanry, 9000 Volunteers, seven
+battalions of Militia, drafts for regiments at the front amounting to
+10,000, and about 20,000 local forces. The first Colonial contingents
+consisted of about 2500 men, and these were to be followed by second
+contingents of like strength. The Naval Brigade was composed of about
+1000; so that in all, roughly estimated, we were on the eve of putting
+184,000 men into the field.
+
+Christmas day at the Cape was solemnised with much speechifying, both
+from Dutch pulpits and Dutch partisans, and not a few peacefully
+disposed persons in this time of general goodwill lugged in Sir Henry
+Campbell-Bannerman by the ears and quoted him to suit their purpose.
+That amiable worthy had said the war could have been avoided, and that
+cheap and incontrovertible statement the Bond got hold of and chewed and
+rolled on the tongue as an accompaniment to its plum-pudding and
+mince-pies. Of course, the war could have been avoided. Of course, it
+would have been quite possible to voluntarily retire from the Cape and
+allow South Africa to become entirely Dutch. In the same way we could
+give up governing India and hand it over to Russia and confine our
+expenses and our energies to Great Britain, the water supply, the
+development of national cookery, and the propagation of cabbages. But
+peace with dishonour was fortunately not to the taste of the British
+public, and those who spent their Yuletide in active service were far
+too devoted to the sacred duty of maintaining the prestige of the Empire
+to sigh for the domestic hearth and regal sirloin that might have been
+theirs had the Government extended its accommodating apathy a few months
+longer.
+
+There were no holly decorations and displays of bunting, no rubbings of
+hands and vigorous snow-balling, because the South African sun blazed
+with the glare of beaten brass, and the thermometer stood to the height
+of some 100 degrees at midday. But there was a vast amount of
+joke-making and hearty goodwill nevertheless, and many prayers for
+friends and family and Queen.
+
+In Natal there were lively doings in honour of the festal season. At a
+time when even cracker manufacturers wax poetic, the journalistic poets
+thought it their duty to burst into rhyme. The Natal papers indulged in
+some jocose doggerel, which would have been comic had it not been deeply
+tragic. The lines ran thus: "To Ladysmith"--the only lines, by-the-bye,
+that did run there--
+
+    "'Hold the Fort, for I am coming,'
+      Says the helio--
+    Quick as light the answer flashes,
+      'Ain't you coming slow?'"
+
+But Tommy was pleased and thought the stanza a capital joke. He meant to
+get there directly, and merely quoted the proverb about "slow and
+shure"--there were so many Irishmen about, fine fellows, who believed in
+themselves and they were shure about everything. They had nothing to do
+with doubt, for doubt, after all, is the mother of diffidence!
+
+And some of these rollicking youngsters managed to retain their native
+good-humour in most distressing circumstances. A good story was told of
+one gallant private in hospital who had lost his leg but persisted in
+apostrophising the missing limb whenever it ached. "Be aisy wid ye.
+Can't ye be quiet? Ye'll niver take me into the foight again. Ohovo!"
+
+Other examples of amazing good-temper and pluck on the part of the
+wounded filled all eye-witnesses with pathetic admiration. One man, a
+quondam music-hall singer, carried his jocose art into his sick-bed. A
+Boer prisoner had lost his arms, and the poor fellow helplessly shook
+his head when offered tobacco. But the music-hall singer saw the shake
+of the head and tearful eye that accompanied it. In a moment, with
+gymnastic dexterity, he had placed his arms round the Boer and performed
+the office of the missing ones, giving the fellow the advantage of a
+good smoke. Another of our men who had lost his right arm co-operated
+with a Boer who had lost his left, and between them they rolled
+cigarettes to the great satisfaction of both. While they were in
+hospital another sufferer pretended to be in no way depressed by the
+loss of his arm, and ventured on mild whimsicalities regarding the
+economy of being able to share a single pair of gloves with any
+right-handed man who might also have lost a limb!
+
+[Illustration: LIEUT.-GENERAL FORRESTIER WALKER, K.C.B.
+
+Commanding the Lines of Communication.
+
+Photo by Elliott & Fry, London.]
+
+On the whole, well or ill, Tommy was temporarily in clover. The fat of
+the land was being sent out by fervent admirers at home. Indeed he was
+getting somewhat inundated with worsted goods which the fair hands of
+his countrywomen had been devotedly manufacturing. Jack Tar, despite his
+magnificent work, was not so highly distinguished, at least so he
+thought, and occasionally vented his disgust into private ears. But,
+as one of them said, they'd had a treat for Christmas--the treat of a
+wash! It was bathing under difficulties, however, for one half of the
+men had to keep guard with loaded rifles while the other half wallowed
+in water that, in harmony with the general scheme of things in camp, was
+also of kharki hue!
+
+Tommy at the front was externally scarcely the Tommy of our
+acquaintance. His bright spick and span exterior was gone. Kharki had
+sobered him and planed down his individuality. His uniform no longer sat
+without a crease. It was washed and worn and shrunken from hard and
+honourable usage, and his carriage was no longer the carriage of Tommy
+on parade. He seemed to have taken a leaf out of Jack's book, and the
+slight slouch became him well. It gave him the air of a workman and an
+individual, and seemed to point to the fact that there was no longer
+occasion for him to be judged by appearances. We knew the inner man now.
+He did his duty grandly, and his splendid courage and perseverance had
+made him independent of the pomp and panoply of war. In the matter of
+"grit" they were all alike. But in externals they had curious
+differences, their characteristics varying considerably according to the
+regiment to which they belonged. Some were dapper still--the newly
+arrived ones--with hair clipped to an eighth of an inch for head and
+half an inch for moustache; others had succumbed to circumstances, and
+had grown beards of odd sizes and shapes and colours (scumbled in all
+cases with dust), while the youngsters displayed an unhappy medium,
+styled by an officer "pieces of unexpected wool," on promiscuous parts
+of their faces! Still, when all was said, joviality and "grit" put an
+identical veneer on them all!
+
+The officers too were transmogrified. They were dressed exactly like the
+men. Tan brown belts, swords, and revolvers were no longer in evidence.
+When going off to war, or any other duty at all under arms, each officer
+arrayed himself in his servant's belt and equipment--stained with clay
+paste to the prevalent dust or kharki colour--and took with him his
+servant's rifle and one hundred rounds of ammunition. There was a
+difference without a distinction. The officer carried a field-glass, and
+this when not in use was concealed in a coat-pocket. Every precaution
+was now adopted to prevent them from inviting an undue share of
+attention. The mounted officers had carbines--neat, handy weapons, which
+slipped into a leather carbine bucket in the saddle, on the other side
+of which went the very necessary wire-cutters. Barbed wire entanglements
+were so much a part of the Boer programme--"to cheer you up in crossing
+the drifts," some one said--that the cutters became an essential part of
+warlike gear. A strange innovation this; very small but very full of
+meaning. The Boers were teaching us a great deal. We were beginning to
+understand, almost to admire, their curious modes of warfare--their
+strange ability to "sit tight," wire themselves in, and yet to fly away!
+Years ago, when some tactician ventured to say that the war of the
+future embraced only the question of long-range rifles and
+wire-entangled trenches, we were inclined to pooh-pooh! Now we were
+beginning to see wisdom in this stubborn and persistent, and yet
+skittishly mobile foe! When we looked at our wire nippers and their
+strong entrenchments we began to formulate the war motto of the future,
+which resolves itself into five words: "Six legs and a spade!" The
+sword, the bayonet, the cavalry charge were passing away for ever. Here
+the dignified charger was ill-matched with the nimble steed of the
+country, and many officers were only too glad to supplement their
+English horses with Basuto ponies--to secure four serviceable and sure
+legs, as the climate and other circumstances contrived to wear out those
+of their British beasts. Fortunately there was still a plentiful choice
+in horse-flesh, what with British and Australian and Argentine
+specimens, but the Basuto ponies were the most knowing and handy for the
+purposes required. The imported horse, it was discovered, needed a long
+and probationary period to make him at home on the South African veldt.
+Like other aristocratical creatures, he was unequal to the hand-to-mouth
+existence of the African-born animal, who, by habit and instinct, could
+shift for himself. He was neither knowing nor cautious, having been
+unaccustomed to ground honeycombed with mole-holes, sluits, and other
+obstacles, or to the trick of rolling on the veldt and picking up his
+meals haphazard from the first bush he came across. Hence it became
+evident that horses in plenty must be forthcoming if we were ever to
+remedy our deficiencies and make our progress something other than the
+steam-roller style of progress to which we had been accustomed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+MAFEKING
+
+
+Plucky little Mafeking continued to hold its own, and not merely to hold
+its own, but to make itself dauntlessly aggressive. Continual sorties
+took place, and indeed formed part of the routine of daily life.
+Commandant Cronje now sent in a communication disputing the right of the
+British to use dynamite in any way in the operations for the defence of
+the town; but Colonel Baden-Powell was inclined for deeds, not
+arguments, so Cronje was silenced. The town was enlivened by a great
+concert, in which the National Anthem was sung with fervour and intense
+significance. This showed without doubt that Mafeking meant to fight so
+long as breath should last. In regard to provisions and water, the
+garrison was getting on well. The art of dodging shells, said one
+officer, was being carried to a state of great perfection, and the
+fighting was being conducted in strict accordance with military
+etiquette, Commandant Cronje always giving due notice of bombardment!
+
+For some time after Colonel Walford's gallant defence of Cannon Kopje on
+the 31st October, nothing much occurred. The losses from this attack
+were more than at first supposed. Captain the Hon. H. Marsham, as we
+know, was killed, and Captain Pechell, who was hit in the abdomen by a
+piece of shell, succumbed to his injuries. Sergeant Lloyd, who did
+splendid service with the Red Cross company, was struck while attending
+to the wounded, and died. Trooper Nicholas, whose arm was shattered,
+succumbed owing to shock to the system. A trooper who was hit by a
+bullet in the collar-bone escaped death miraculously. Fortunately,
+Lieutenants Brady and Dawson, who were also injured, were getting on
+well.
+
+Among the marvellous escapes recorded, and these were not a few, was one
+of a negro who was shot through the brain by a bullet. The projectile
+passed through one temple and lodged in the other, yet the man still
+survived, and showed a decided intention to recover. There is an old
+story of a Jamaica negro who fell from a tree without injury, and when
+asked how he escaped, he explained his good fortune by saying, "Tank
+God, me fall on me head!" The invulnerability of the nigger cranium in
+that case, as in this, had its advantages, and it would be interesting
+if some of our specialists--say Dr. Horsley--would account for the
+rough-and-tumble superiority of blacks over whites.
+
+On the 1st of November a lamentable incident occurred. Parslow, the
+correspondent of the _Daily Chronicle_, was shot by a member of the
+garrison. The following is an extract from a letter relating to the sad
+affair, which was in the possession of the Editor of the _Daily
+Chronicle_:--
+
+"MAFEKING, _November 19_.--One item, the most unpleasant of the whole
+beleaguerment, occupied attention during last week--that is, the
+court-martial of Lieutenant Murchison for the murder of Mr. Parslow,
+special war correspondent of the London _Daily Chronicle_. He was a
+genial, good-humoured young fellow, and asked Murchison, an artilleryman
+of ability and undoubted courage, to dine with him. After dinner Mr.
+Parslow strolled with Murchison across the Market Square towards Dixon's
+Hotel, the headquarters of the Staff, the ostensible purpose being for
+both of them to obtain a copy of the orders for the day, usually issued
+about that time--half-past nine or ten o'clock P.M. Some words ensued
+apparently during the few minutes occupied in reaching Dixon's. Parslow
+left his companion in the passage of the hotel, and was passing out,
+when it is alleged that Murchison drew his revolver and shot him dead,
+the bullet entering his head on the occipital protuberance an inch or an
+inch and a half behind the left ear, and lodging against the base of the
+skull. The case is completed, and the court closed to consider the
+verdict."
+
+The young journalist was exceedingly popular and deeply regretted. He
+was buried with military honours on the evening of the 2nd. His coffin
+was covered with the Union Jack, and carried to the grave by Major
+Baillie of the _Morning Post_, Mr. Angus Hamilton of the _Times_, Mr.
+Hellawell of the _Daily Mail_, Mr. Reilly of the _Pall Mall Gazette_,
+and the correspondent of the Press Association. The funeral was attended
+by many members of the Staff, who were desirous of showing their esteem
+for the promising and gallant writer.
+
+[Illustration: THE SIEGE OF MAFEKING
+
+TOPOGRAPHICAL SKETCH SHOWING THE BRITISH AND BOER POSITIONS
+
+From a sketch by a British officer brought by runner to Buluwayo]
+
+The enemy now engaged in hostilities under the command of the son of
+Cronje, who was said to have had, in the interval, a _passage d'armes_
+with his father, the General, the younger man having taunted the elder
+for not having succeeded in reducing Mafeking to submission. Whereupon
+Cronje _fils_ undertook to do the great deed himself, and in setting
+about it managed to get killed. The Boers again stormed the place, and
+were driven back in confusion by the magnificent energy of the British
+South African Police, leaving strewn on the field of action an enormous
+number of dead and wounded. Their removal occupied two hours. Captain
+Goodyear, commanding a squad of Cape "boys," made a dashing sortie, and
+received a wound in the leg, but he nevertheless captured the
+brickfields, and held them against the enemy, thus preventing him from
+utilising them for sniping operations.
+
+Sunday the 5th of November was, as usual, observed as a day of truce.
+The enemy made an effort to defy the rules of Sabbath etiquette, and
+were informed, under a flag of truce, that if they should continue to
+erect works commanding the brickfields, the guns would open fire on
+them. This warning had the desired effect. The memory of Guy Fawkes,
+together with the news of our victories in Natal, was honoured by an
+exhibition of fireworks--a display which some thought rather _de trop_
+considering the nature of the daily operations in the town. On the
+following day the Boers made themselves unpleasantly obstreperous by
+saluting the place with quick-firing guns, weapons whose shells burst
+almost simultaneously with the report, thus depriving those aimed at of
+the chance of running to cover.
+
+The air of Mafeking is said to be equal to champagne, and perhaps to its
+stimulating influence the garrison owed its sprightliness and activity.
+The little township "ran" a journal of its own, and though not so
+effervescent as _The Lyre_ of Ladysmith, it had its humorous side. The
+_Mafeking Mail_, as it was called, was issued daily--shells permitting.
+Quoting from the _Mail_ of the 1st of November, a facsimile of which was
+reproduced by the _Daily Telegraph_, we read that--
+
+     "We have borne the much-feared bombardment for a fortnight, and
+     still Mafeking stands. From what we have experienced we do not
+     consider ourselves too optimistic in anticipating a successful
+     ending to the contest. For the first time in the history of
+     Boer warfare have the Boers been defeated at every turn by a
+     force far inferior in point of numbers. Since the first attack
+     on Saturday, October 14th, they fly directly our guns are
+     heard. Safely out of range they fire into the town, but they do
+     not appear to be pining for another attempt at storming
+     Mafeking. In the 'general orders' issued last Sunday the
+     following occurs:--'The Colonel Commanding having made a
+     careful inspection of the defences of the town and the native
+     stadt, is now of opinion that no force that the Boers are
+     likely to bring against us could possibly effect an entrance at
+     any point.' Now, this is like the advertisements say a certain
+     cocoa is--grateful and comforting, and we feel that having got
+     so far through the ordeal, we have only to remain steadfast, as
+     the matter of a little time will see decided the first great
+     step towards the settlement of the future of South Africa.
+     There is no doubt that the attention of Great Britain, the
+     Colonies, in fact, the whole world, is now riveted upon this
+     little spot, which is now playing a prominent part in the most
+     important epoch in the history of this wonderful continent. We
+     know there is no need to urge the claims of our country and
+     kindred upon our gallant garrison. Being in such close touch
+     with each other that nothing but the exceptional circumstances
+     thrust upon us could have made possible, we are in a position
+     to judge and recognise the steady determination that British
+     blood and British pluck exhibit when such a crisis as the
+     present arises, and we know that the memory of Bronkhurst
+     Spruit, Majuba, and Potchefstrom will make that determination,
+     supported by the knowledge of our grand successes of the past
+     fortnight, more firm, more strong, and more united than has
+     been before, and this, with the grand soldier who is in command
+     here, will render certain the first stages towards the complete
+     crushing of the enemy.
+
+     "There is no doubt that there was landed in South Africa by
+     Sunday last a body of 57,000 men, including probably twelve or
+     fourteen regiments of cavalry, twenty or twenty-two batteries
+     of artillery, and forty regiments of infantry, besides, most
+     likely, a body of mounted infantry. Of this force there will be
+     not less than 15,000 disembarked at Cape Town and despatched on
+     the road here. They may now be settling accounts with the Boers
+     outside Kimberley, in which case Vryburg might be reached by
+     Sunday, allowing for some delay at Fourteen Streams. When our
+     troops reach Vryburg the air of Mafeking will not suit Cronje
+     sprinters, so by _this day week_ we may begin to wish them a
+     pleasant journey back to the Transvaal. It will then be merely
+     an interchange of courtesy if we return the visit.
+
+     "When the big gun with which the enemy hoped to pulverise us,
+     and which has sent more shells in the neighbourhood of the
+     hospital and women's laager than in any other parts of the
+     town, is taken by our troops, we think it only fair to Mafeking
+     that it should be brought here. It will make a good memorial
+     and be an object lesson to succeeding generations, who, reading
+     the history of our bombardment, and seeing the weapon employed
+     against our women and children, will be able to judge of the
+     nineteenth-century Boer's fitness to dominate such a territory
+     as the Transvaal. Let it be placed, say, in the space opposite
+     the entrance to the railway station, raised on end, with the
+     unexploded shells piled at its base, with a description of
+     Colonel Baden-Powell's clever defence of the place. We hope the
+     Colonel will bear the town in mind when the disposal of the gun
+     is under discussion.
+
+     "Major Lord E. Cecil, C.S.O., last evening issued the following
+     under the heading of 'General Orders':"--
+
+     [Here was recorded Colonel Baden-Powell's appreciation of the
+     action of Colonel Walford and his gallant men, which has been
+     previously quoted.]
+
+The perusal of the opening paragraphs of the _Mafeking Mail_ serves to
+enlighten us as to the degrees of hope deferred through which the plucky
+inhabitants had to pass. The pathos of the expression, "So by this day
+week we may begin to wish them a pleasant journey back to the
+Transvaal," can only be understood by comparing the date to which it
+referred with that of the relief of the noble garrison--the 17th of May
+1900!
+
+On the 7th of November, the force under Major Godley and Captain Vernon
+made a successful sortie, the excellent management of which was
+recognised in an order issued by Colonel Baden-Powell:--
+
+"The surprise against the enemy to the westward of the town was smartly
+and successfully executed at dawn this morning by a force under the
+direction of Major Godley. Captain Vernon's squadron of the Protectorate
+Regiment carried this operation out with conspicuous coolness and
+steadiness. The gunners, under Major Panzera, fought and worked their
+guns well under a very trying fire from the enemy. The Bechuanaland
+Rifles are to be congratulated on the efficient services rendered by
+them under Captain Cowan in this their first engagement in the field.
+The enemy appeared to have suffered severely, while our casualties were
+luckily very light. This is largely due to the fact that Major Godley
+delivered his blow suddenly and quickly, and withdrew his force again in
+good time and order. The Colonel Commanding has much pleasure in placing
+on record a plucky piece of work by Gunners R. Cowan and F. H. Godson.
+The Hotchkiss gun, of which they had charge, was overturned and its
+trail-hook broken in course of action. In spite of a very heavy fire
+from the enemy's one-pound Maxim and seven-pound Krupp, these men
+attached the trail to the limber by ropes, and brought the gun safely
+away."
+
+At this time the town was surrounded by some 2000 Boers, and a heavy
+shell-fire was daily exchanged. The damage done, however, was slight,
+except in the case of the Convent, which seemed to be a favourite mark
+for the Boer gunners. The trenches of the besiegers had been moved to
+about 2000 yards of the town, and from here the enemy fired with rifles,
+but with indifferent success. The Boers, in fact, were getting
+disheartened. Colonel Baden-Powell was proving himself prepared to enter
+into a competitive examination on the subject of "slimness" with them,
+and they were somewhat disturbed at the intellectual strain demanded for
+rivalry against so smart a pupil. All manner of efforts were made, and
+there was even a Dutch council of war as to the propriety of making a
+midnight attack upon the place. But the wily Colonel was ready for them.
+He took care that lanterns should be placed in suitable positions to
+illumine the paths of the would-be assailants, and when they turned on
+these lanterns the attention of their guns and broke them, more were
+immediately found to take their place. There was also the British
+bayonet in reserve, and a hint which they did not care to prove as a
+certainty--that dynamite was somewhere or other arranged in a ring round
+the place, so that at a given sign the too pressing attentions of
+intruders might be disposed of. These some one called "the B. P.
+Surprise Packets," which were arranged on the lucky-tub principle, ready
+for those who might venture on an experimental dive. The exact locality
+was not disclosed, in order that their whereabouts might prove a
+never-ending source of wonder and interest to the besiegers.
+
+[Illustration: OUTPOST AND ENTRENCHMENT, SOUTHERN FORT, MAFEKING]
+
+As before said, continual sorties took place, and Colonel Baden-Powell
+succeeded in capturing mules and horses from the enemy and generally
+harassing him. Great expectations sustained the gallant little party
+that Colonel Plumer's force would shortly make its way from the north
+and join hands with Colonel Baden-Powell. Early in November the opposing
+forces stood thus:--
+
+  Colonel Baden-Powell, with 500 Cavalry, 200 Cape Mounted
+      Police, and B.S.A. Company's Mounted Police, 60
+      Volunteers, six machine-guns, two 7-pounders, and 200
+      to 300 townsmen used to arms                            1500
+
+  1000 Transvaal Boers under Commandant Cronje, and 500
+      Boers at Maritzani                                      1500
+
+But later, some of the Boers were drawn off for service in the south.
+
+[Illustration: SERGEANT-MAJOR--IMPERIAL LIGHT HORSE.
+
+Photo by Gregory & Co., London.]
+
+
+KURUMAN AND ELSEWHERE
+
+Of the diminutive town of Kuruman and its gallant struggle little can be
+said. The garrison--consisting of seventy-five British subjects,
+including the men that came from Bastards--under the command of Captain
+Baker stood out valiantly, fighting with rare obstinacy, and hoping that
+British success elsewhere would speedily draw off the intermittent
+attentions of the Boers. From the 13th to the 20th of November a strong
+party of Dutchmen kept up incessant pressure, but they were forced to
+retreat, though both sides suffered loss. On the part of the British one
+special constable was killed.
+
+The official details of the defence showed that the Mission Station
+which was formerly the centre of Dr. Moffat's long work among the
+natives of that part of Africa was the point of resistance to the Boer
+attack. When the Dutch commandant notified the magistrate of his
+intention to occupy the place, the latter replied that he had orders to
+defend it. Thereupon he collected twenty natives and thirty half-castes,
+with whose aid he barricaded the Mission Chapel, and there resisted the
+assault of 500 Boers for six days and nights, after which the Boers
+abandoned the attack.
+
+To look back on the amazing valour of the tiny garrison, unsuccessful
+though it was, makes every British heart swell with pride. On the
+outbreak of hostilities, Mr. Hilliard, the Resident Magistrate, called a
+meeting of the inhabitants, and eloquently urged them to remain loyal.
+This, as we know, they did, with the result that the place resisted the
+Boers and routed them, and, moreover, set a most salutary example of
+loyalty to the surrounding districts of Cape Colony. The following
+extracts from five short letters (all dated November 24), written by Mr.
+and Mrs. Hilliard to relatives, will be of interest, as showing the
+gallant spirit that sustained these brave people, and the love for Queen
+and country that was so practically displayed by them. Mr. Hilliard
+said:--"Just a short letter to say we have been fighting the Boers here
+from the 13th to the 18th, and have driven them back with heavy loss. I
+received a letter from their 'Fighting General,' Visser, on Sunday the
+12th, saying that if I did not surrender the town voluntarily, he would
+take it by main force. I replied that if he did he would have to take
+the consequences of his illegal act, as my Government had not instructed
+me to evacuate the town. The enemy has drawn off towards Vryburg." In
+another letter he said:--"We are going strong; the brave little garrison
+is so good and cheerful. The army has gone, but may return, so we are
+prepared." In yet another he wrote:--"We are all right up to now, and
+shall stick to our dear old flag till the last, whatever happens. May
+God defend the right and our dear Queen. Three cheers for all." Mrs.
+Hilliard wrote:--"On Monday, November 13, the Boers attacked Kuruman.
+Our men fought bravely for six days, after which the Boers departed, and
+we don't know if they intend returning or not. Charlie is at the Police
+Camp, and looks well and happy. He is very proud of our men. Our men are
+still on the alert, and are strengthening their forts, as the Boers will
+not return without a cannon. They quite expected this place to be handed
+over to them at once, as Vryburg was."
+
+This state of affairs continued till the end of the year. On the 1st of
+January the plucky little garrison was at last forced to surrender.
+This, they said, they would never have done had they possessed a single
+cannon. The Boer artillery knocked to pieces the improvised fort before
+the white flag was hoisted over the ruins. Four men were killed and
+eighteen wounded in the splendid but hopeless effort to hold the open
+village against a foe provided with artillery and superior in numbers.
+The Boers numbered twelve hundred against some seventy-five practically
+helpless men! So the unequal tug-of-war came to an end--we may say, an
+honourable end.
+
+
+In Northern Rhodesia, British subjects were practically isolated. The
+telegraph to the south was cut, and the railway--some four hundred miles
+of it--was damaged in various places. To show the state of remoteness in
+which the unfortunate inhabitants found themselves, it is sufficient to
+say that a telegram from London to Buluwayo took sixteen days in
+transit. Letters from Port Elizabeth were received about three weeks
+after being posted. It may easily be imagined what dearth of news
+prevailed, and how even such news as it was, was falsified by rumour.
+But the excellent fellows kept heart, although they were, as one of them
+said, "absolutely ignored by the British Government, and had not a red
+coat in the country." He went on to say, "We have any quantity of men of
+grit, and about a thousand fellows have volunteered to fight out of a
+total population of men, women, and children of six thousand at most."
+
+
+So little could reach us as to the doings of Colonel Plumer's splendid
+little force, that the following letter from Trooper Young, a barrister,
+who joined at the outbreak of the war, may be quoted. It supplies some
+early links in the chain of the brave history:--
+
+  "FORT TULI, SOUTH AFRICA, _November_ 9, 1899.
+
+"I've had a bit of an exciting time since I last wrote--almost too
+exciting at one time. Last time I wrote was when we were leaving Tuli
+for Rhodes Drift. We arrived there all right after much marching and
+counter-marching, mostly by night. The second night of it, for the small
+portion we had for sleep I struck a guard; so by the third night I was
+in a wretched state from want of sleep. I was always dropping off to
+sleep on my horse and suddenly waking up. Moreover, I began to see all
+sorts of strange things. Brooks and trees were transformed into houses
+and gardens, and then I would come-to with a start and pinch myself and
+try to keep awake--a very unpleasant experience. When we reached Rhodes
+Drift, our squadron was quartered there alone, and we had a couple of
+brushes with the enemy to start with.
+
+"I missed the first, in which we had much the best of it. We only had
+one man hit, and that only slightly, and in return we bowled over a
+couple of Dutchmen (others may have been wounded), stampeded their
+horses, over a hundred in number (we surprised their grazing guard),
+killed or wounded twenty of the horses, and jumped seven. The next fight
+was warm for a bit. We had only half the squadron--about forty-five
+men--who were reconnoitring round the enemy's fort dismounted. This was
+only three miles from our camp and in British territory. We had four men
+wounded, and did an equal amount of damage to them, if not more. We got
+off very cheap, for their fire was very hot, and very close too. The
+third fight came off on November 2, and that was a scorcher. On the
+night before it I was on guard. It was a beastly night, raining and
+blowing hard, so I got very little sleep when it was my turn off. In the
+day I was in charge of the grazing guard with three other men.
+
+"About one o'clock I got orders to bring in the horses, which I did, and
+had just got all the horses tied up when the Dutch started firing on us.
+I'd just got into a nice position behind a good big rock when I was
+ordered to ride out to warn our outlying pickets. There were three of
+them, four men in each, about a mile or a mile and a half away. A risky
+job it was too. Two of us were sent. I asked the other man which he
+would go to. He chose the one I had wanted, so I had the worst job--two
+pickets to warn, and had to ride right through the line of fire. As I
+started, one of our officers shouted, 'Don't spare your horse; ride like
+h--ll;' and I did too. Directly I got out, ping-ping came two bullets, a
+bit high, but others soon followed much closer. I got out, though, all
+right, warned the two pickets, and came in with them. We got a bit of a
+fusillade on us when we got near the fort, but had no casualties. The
+man who rode to the other picket had his horse shot under him; so I
+scored--not for long, though, for my own horse was shot soon after.
+
+"When I got back, I found we were having a very hot time. Our position
+was a couple of small kopjes close together. On two sides there was an
+open space for about 600 or 700 yards. On the other two sides there was
+a lot of bush and a ridge running round us, which we were not strong
+enough to occupy. The Boers had in the field between 300 and 400 men, so
+we thought; we afterwards found that that was not overstating their
+number. Moreover, they had 250 men and one gun at Brice's Store, about
+six miles away on the Tuli road, and strong reinforcements at their
+camp. They gave us the devil of a time. At first they fired mostly at
+the horses. They, poor beasts, had no cover, and nearly every one was
+hit. A few broke loose and bolted. Later, they turned their attention to
+us. Luckily, their shell-fire was very wild, or we should have suffered
+heavily. As it was, we had not a man even wounded; but it was a miracle
+we did not, for at times their rifle-fire was very heavy, and now and
+then they got a good shell in. I had a narrow shave. A shell burst just
+near me, and one of the splinters struck a stone and sent a piece of it
+bang against my leg. It cut right through my putties, three folds of
+them. I made certain I was wounded, and was much relieved to find there
+was no damage done.
+
+"When the evening came, we had two alternatives--to stay where we were
+and wait to be cut up, or try to go through to Tuli. It was finally
+decided to do the latter, and it was undoubtedly the right thing to do.
+If we had remained, we should have been surrounded the next day, and
+every one slaughtered. With ninety men against a thousand we should have
+had no show; still, it was a very bitter pill having to sneak off at
+night, leaving everything behind (including the few horses left alive),
+our kit and waggons, even the ambulance waggon. It was horrible saying
+good-bye to our horses. My poor little Whiskey was wounded and very
+unhappy; we were not allowed to shoot the wounded ones, as we had to
+sneak off as quietly as possible. It was very sad work. Luckily we had
+no man hit. I don't know what we should have done if we had. I suppose
+we should have remained there and taken the inevitable consequences, as
+we would not have left them. We left at 8 P.M., and arrived at Tuli at 1
+P.M. next day, only two halts, one and a half in the night for sleep,
+and another of half-an-hour for breakfast, which for me and most of us
+consisted of water. I had nothing to eat except one small cookie from 8
+A.M. the morning of the fight to 2 P.M. the next day.
+
+"Altogether, we marched forty miles through awful country, for a long
+way through brushwood called the 'wait-a-bit' thorn, and in the night,
+too; it tore our clothes, hands, arms, and faces to bits; then through
+sand, over kopjes covered with thick brush. Altogether it was equal to
+sixty miles of English roads, and we went pretty fast when the way
+allowed. We had one pleasant surprise; one of our officers left us and
+rode on to Tuli when we were about ten miles off, and reported that we
+were only a few miles out, pretty dead-beat, as we were. Until Captain
+Glynne arrived, they believed we were all cut up, and one of the
+squadrons rode out to us and lent us their horses, for which we were
+very grateful. They met us about three miles out, and I'm blowed if I
+know how we could have crawled in without them; we were absolutely
+dead-beat. I was never so glad of a ride in my life. When we got into
+camp, we found that three or four of the men of E squadron, who had been
+left behind at Tuli sick, or had come in riding with dispatches, had
+prepared food for us, which was also very grateful, for we wanted it. We
+had left most of our kit behind at Tuli, so we were able to have a
+change of clothes and a wash, both very much needed, and then I must say
+I did enjoy myself. It was simply delightful to lie down and loaf about
+and do nothing but smoke cigarettes. All the bitterness of the defeat
+and the loss of our horses seemed to disappear, and I thoroughly enjoyed
+myself that afternoon.
+
+"At Tuli every one believed we were cut up. A party from there,
+twenty-five in number, when escorting some waggons to us, were attacked
+by a much superior force at Brice's Store and badly defeated. They had
+to take to the bush and abandon the waggons. They brought four men
+wounded back, while seven were missing, including the parson, who was
+coming to see us--he was wounded in the leg. According to the men who
+were there, he was taking a distinctly active part in the fight. A
+squadron of some of the police, about 120 in all, were sent out to try
+and relieve us, but near the store were met by some of the boys who had
+bolted from us, and who reported that we were already wiped out, every
+man killed; so they returned without trying to force their way through
+to us. In Tuli they were much relieved to hear of our safe arrival. It
+was certainly a very narrow squeak for us; it is still a wonder to me
+how we managed to escape without losing a man. Certainly we had very
+good cover, and took advantage of it; it was the only thing we could do.
+We managed to silence their rifle-fire once or twice, but could do
+nothing against their long-range shell-fire. Since then we have had very
+little to do, but expect to have some more fighting before long, when we
+hope to get a bit of our own back. One thing I think I may say without
+boasting--we all behaved very well. There was not a sign of funk, and
+every one took it coolly. As a matter of fact, more than half of E
+squadron had been under fire before, either in Rhodesia or elsewhere."
+
+To understand the effect of war upon Rhodesia at this time, we must read
+the following extracts from a letter written by a "Son of the Manse" in
+business near Buluwayo, dated 11th November 1899:--"We have been cut off
+from the south for more than five weeks, and are very badly off for
+news. Such news as we get comes by Beira, and as there is no cable
+between Delagoa Bay and Beira, this makes things worse. We have heard
+nothing from Mafeking since its investment by the Boers except a couple
+of messages sent out by a native runner to the nearest telegraph office
+still in touch with Buluwayo. A number of men from here are on the
+southern frontier keeping the Boers in check, so as to prevent them
+making a raid in this direction. They have had several skirmishes, but
+the Boers are not in any great force, as they appear to have
+concentrated their men on the Natal border, where most of the fighting
+will probably take place. Business is so slow here that numbers can get
+leave from their offices for the asking, and there were lots of fellows
+in town doing nothing who were only too glad of the chance of earning
+10s. a day, which the Government are paying the Volunteers. The local
+newspaper here is of little use at present, as it has not funds to get
+direct news from Natal, and the only reliable information we get is
+published by the authorities. The _Chronicle_ here came out with a
+special edition yesterday, describing a serious reverse to the British
+(two thousand men and forty-six officers captured), but it turned out to
+be taken from a German paper published in Zanzibar and sent to Beira,
+and I trust it may prove false. We won't get any newspapers, I fear, as
+long as the mails come _viâ_ Beira, owing to the cost of bringing them
+from Salisbury by coach, but we hope there will be a change for the
+better soon. When the newspapers come they will be interesting
+reading.... The stoppage of the railway has had a serious effect in
+Buluwayo, as it has caused a tremendous rise in the prices of
+everything, and if most of the merchants had not laid in immense stocks
+in anticipation of what was coming, things would be very much worse.
+Some articles are very scarce. Potatoes are about £5 a sack, and of very
+inferior quality. Sugar is 9d. to 1s. per lb.; and a 200-lb. sack of
+flour costs 50s. to 60s., cheaper than most things, as there was an
+enormous stock stored. Everything is likely to go up still higher before
+supplies can reach the town, and fresh meal will soon be practically
+unattainable, and every one will have to depend on tinned meat. There
+are no colonial eggs coming up, so we are getting about 5s. a dozen for
+ours, and the price will probably rise, as with everything else. Some of
+the restaurants and hotels have had to close their dining-room, as so
+many men have gone to the front. The demand for eggs and fuel (wood) is,
+therefore, somewhat decreased. Several storekeepers talk of getting
+things from Salisbury, and if prices rise very much perhaps it would
+pay. The average rate per waggon to Salisbury lately was nearly 25s. per
+100 lbs. weight. The mines are still working fairly, and may be kept on.
+The Kaffirs round here seem to take little interest in the war, and the
+most of them have not the remotest idea where Natal is, although the
+Matabele came from there less than seventy years ago. Of course they all
+know the Boers, and thoroughly detest them, as they have very good
+reason to do. We have only had a few showers of rain here so far, and
+the grass is very poor. We can work our donkeys much at present on that
+account, as I want to have them in good order, as transport will be very
+high when communications are again established."
+
+In Southern Rhodesia the Boers were kept in check by the activities of
+Colonel Holdsworth. In order to reconnoitre, and, if possible, attack
+the Boer laager at Sekwani, he started on the 23rd of November with
+seventy-five mounted men and ten cyclists on a night march over sandy
+roads in a region where water was extremely scarce. At daybreak they
+reached the Dutch laager and caught the Boers napping. Lieutenant
+Llewellyn wished them an energetic "Good morning" by means of a Maxim
+gun at 1000 to 1200 yards range, with the result that the enemy, about
+eighty strong, were routed from their position among the kopjes. The
+Boers retired to other kopjes, and from thence offered resistance, but
+as storming them would have entailed considerable loss, the British
+force returned to camp. They, however, burned a large store of
+ammunition and captured some rifles. Therefore their hundred-mile march,
+accomplished in twenty-three hours, was not profitless.
+
+
+MAFEKING, NOVEMBER
+
+Poor Mafeking! The inevitable hung like a ghost over
+everything--bodiless, formless, but always there at the elbows of the
+gallant band that so long had held out against the foe. He was now
+coming closer--closer, continuing to sap and approach by parallels, till
+before long not only shells but rifle-fire would render streets
+impassable, shelters useless, and fortified positions dangerous. Colonel
+Baden-Powell's brilliant wits were hard pressed to keep the enemy from
+carrying the town by storm, and all who valued their lives lived
+underground, burrowing like rabbits, or in bomb-proof shelters, from
+which occasionally they were routed, not by fire but by water.
+
+Still the word surrender was unspelt. None dared breathe it aloud. A
+battery of seven field-guns blazing their hot fire and doing their fell
+work made no effect--the besieged remained firm. Mauser bullets whizzed
+past their ears; shells long as coal-scuttles and nearly as thick
+crashed into buildings, now into the hospital, now the convent, or
+sometimes into the women's laager, leaving not seldom a track of
+mourning and blood; but the Boer could not plume himself on victory. Not
+so far off his white tents reflected the sunlight, and closer still the
+grim music of his rifles was eternally to be heard; but inside the
+little town were men who were developing from mere men of commerce into
+toughened warriors, and assisting Colonel Baden-Powell and his
+diminutive force to maintain the majesty of Great Britain, with a
+chivalry that might have done honour to the knights of old.
+
+Towards the middle of the month the garrison was much cheered by the
+arrival on the scene of a plucky American journalist, who had ridden
+from the Cape straight through the Boer lines, and who came with all the
+buoyancy of the outer world to delight the ears of the British with
+tales of Lord Methuen's advance. Other news now and then filtered in,
+and this the Colonel, either _viva voce_ or by means of his typewriter,
+promptly shared with the whole interested community.
+
+[Illustration: FACSIMILE OF WRITING IN ALBUM BY COL. BADEN-POWELL]
+
+To make it evident that Mafeking was determined to keep lively and
+aggressive in spite of intermittent bombardment, several more gallant
+sorties were made, and on each occasion the little place came off with
+flying colours. Commander Cronje, disgusted, finally took himself off
+with some twenty waggons to Riceters (Transvaal), leaving his guns with
+the remaining commandoes and relegating to them the task of reducing the
+truculent town to submission.
+
+Ruses, which are as the breath of his nostrils to the Boer in warfare,
+continued to be tried on Colonel Baden-Powell, who may be said to have
+almost enjoyed new chances to whet his wits and showed himself the last
+person to be caught napping. Indeed, some one at the time remarked that
+if they wanted to take him in they would have to get up very early in
+the morning and stay awake all night into the bargain! The latest Boer
+device was to make a show of going away and leaving a big gun apparently
+in a state of being dismantled. This of course was what in vulgar
+phrase might be called a "draw" for the besieged. But the Colonel was
+not to be drawn; his smart scouts continually found the enemy hidden in
+force, and thereupon put every one on their guard. Mafeking, in fact,
+"sat tight" and--winked!
+
+[Illustration: MAJOR-GENERAL LORD KITCHENER OF KHARTOUM.
+
+Photo by Bassano, London.]
+
+Meanwhile the inhabitants were pushing out advanced works with good
+effect, and began to feel more and more confident that their pluck and
+patience would ultimately receive their reward. Their bomb-proof
+shelters were becoming works of art. They were no longer rabbit-warrens,
+but well-ventilated apartments, roofed with the best steel rails and
+sand-bags, and lighted by windows resembling portholes. Great ingenuity
+was displayed in the wedding of safety with comfort, and the owners soon
+began to grow interested in the artistic quality of their improvised
+retreats!
+
+On the 25th of November another gallant sortie was made, and the
+Chartered Company's Police, with magnificent pluck and determination,
+attacked Eloffsfort and kept the Boers from further encroachment.
+
+For some days nothing unusual took place. The Boers continued to annoy
+with their 10-ton gun and the Boer flag began to float over the fortified
+places surrounding the town. In fact, there was a somewhat wearisome
+monotony in the programme of daily life. The laconic report at that time
+of one of the sufferers was that the sole resource was to "snipe and
+wait!" Fortunately pressure elsewhere was beginning to draw off some of
+the hostile legions, and consequently the activity of the assault on the
+town was diminished. It was quite evident that Colonel Baden-Powell had
+been found a nasty nut to crack, and that his earthworks, his trenches,
+his underground shelters, his night attacks, and his hundred-and-one
+minor dodges, which had been craftily invented to test the amiability of
+the ingenuous Boer, were scarcely appreciated. Indeed, the worthy Cronje,
+when wisely taking himself off, was reported to have owned that the
+Mafeking blend of Baden-Powell-dynamite-mine-and-best-Sheffield was
+decidedly infernal!
+
+On this subject the correspondent of the _Times_, who was cooped in
+Mafeking, said: "The significance of the dynamite mines which surround
+our position cannot be under-estimated. Had the Boers any trustworthy
+information as to the whereabouts of the mines, the town would probably
+have been stormed weeks ago. The general ignorance on their part of the
+locality of the mines creates corresponding dread. The mines may be
+taken as a material effort on the part of Rhodesia to assist Imperial
+prestige and interests. The Postmaster-General of Rhodesia lent Mr.
+Kiddy, manager of telegraphs, to superintend the laying of mines,
+telephones, and field-telegraphs. The services so rendered have been
+invaluable."
+
+Of the Commandant another of the beleaguered band wrote: "Commanding us
+we have a man than whom we could have none better. The Colonel is always
+smiling, and is a host in himself. To see 'B. P.,' as he is
+affectionately termed, whistling down the street, deep in thought,
+pleasing of countenance, cheerful and confident, is cheering and
+heartening--far more cheering and heartening than a pint of dry
+champagne. Had any man in whom the town placed less confidence been in
+command, disaster might have befallen Mafeking; and if we are able to
+place the name of Mafeking upon the roll of the Empire's outposts which
+have fought for the honour and glory of Britain, it will be chiefly
+because Baden-Powell has commanded us."
+
+That our good old friend _Punch_ should, in his old age, cause almost
+intoxicating delight is a fact worthy of note. A copy brought by
+Reuter's cyclist-runner was safely carried into the town, to the intense
+joy of its inhabitants. It contained the cartoon by Sir John Tenniel in
+which John Bull is represented as telling the Boer that if he wishes to
+fight it must be a fight to the finish. The journal was read and re-read
+even to the advertisements, and gloated over for many days. What has now
+become of it is a question of interest. There are doubtless many
+collectors of war trophies who would pay more than his weight in gold
+for Mr. Punch after he had lived through and shared in the vicissitudes
+of siege life in Mafeking.
+
+The pluck of Colonel Baden-Powell seemed to be epidemic. Young boys, and
+even women, clamoured to do their share of the work, and strove to
+display a perfectly unruffled front in face of shot and shell. In one
+house some ladies stuck to their abode while the breastworks were being
+built, and employed the interval in playing and singing the National
+Anthem, thus stimulating and cheering the workers outside, who joined
+heartily in the chorus. On the 28th of November grand preparations were
+made for an evening attack, and these were quietly inspected by Colonel
+Baden-Powell in the small hours of the morning. But the Boers, whose
+spies were for ever busy, were forewarned and had evacuated their
+position. From the advanced trench in the river-bed some successful
+sniping at the foe on the brickfields was carried on, however, and from
+here the enemy was eventually routed by the smart action of the
+besieged.
+
+During the night the Colonel ordered Captain Fitzclarence, with D
+squadron and a Hotchkiss gun, to relieve Lord C. Bentinck and to support
+the "snipers" in the river-bed. D squadron took up a position in the
+river-bed under Captain Fitzclarence and Lieutenant Bridges 1400 yards
+from "Big Ben." The Cape Police and a Maxim at the extreme south-east
+corner, and Captain Marsh with a detachment of the Cape Police in the
+native stadt at 2000 yards range, co-operated. It now became impossible
+for the Boer artillerists to hold the emplacement of their 100-lb. gun.
+Heavy three-cornered volleying from the British positions swept the
+parapet of "Big Ben" every time its detachment attempted to turn the gun
+upon the town. The remarkable accuracy of our fire kept the Boer gunners
+at bay, and after discharging two shells they withdrew the weapon below
+its platform. The enemy made some futile efforts to renew the shelling,
+but at last desisted. But on the morrow the customary salute of big guns
+was resumed. Meanwhile the Colonel employed himself with various jokes
+of a very practical nature, which served to keep the wits and energies
+of the Boers in a perpetual state of polish.
+
+News from Colonel Plumer and his force was scarce, but all were aware
+that their days and nights were spent in hard work, great discomfort,
+and in perpetual and gallant efforts to come to the aid of the besieged
+town. It must be remembered that the Rhodesian Regiment originally had
+for its object the protection of the northern border of the Transvaal
+and a portion of the western side. Mafeking made, as it were, the outer
+gate, and this gate it was necessary to defend in order to preserve the
+communications with the north and with Buluwayo. No sooner, therefore,
+was it locked by a state of siege, than the entire responsibility of
+keeping the Boers at bay in the northern fringe of the Transvaal
+devolved on Colonel Plumer, who, on arrival at Tuli, set to work to
+guard the Drifts, and keep an eye on all quarters along the Crocodile
+where the Boers might try to effect a crossing. At Rhodes Drift,
+twenty-six miles south of South Tuli, he posted Major Pilsen with 250
+mounted infantry, while Captain Maclaren, with fifty men of the Rhodesia
+Regiment and twenty of the Bechuanaland Border Police, was sent to
+garrison Macloutsie, some thirty miles north of the Limpopo, where it
+was said the Boers hoped to put in an appearance. Major Pilsen, as we
+know, was forced to retire on Tuli, after which the position vacated by
+him was occupied by Colonel Spreckley (Southern Rhodesia Volunteers),
+who in his turn was obliged to make a night march back to Tuli, with the
+loss of all his horses. Soon after this, strong Boer patrols approached
+daily towards Tuli, and the garrison had an anxious and energetic time.
+Minor skirmishes took place with certain success, but leaving behind
+them their melancholy roll of killed and wounded. Soon, however, a
+British victory south, and Colonel Plumer's exertions round about,
+combined to alter the Boer plans, and at length their retirement in the
+direction of Mafeking was reported. Whereupon this enterprising officer
+prepared to enter the Transvaal, whither he was driven, not by the
+enemy, but by drought. On the 1st of December he started from Tuli with
+a force of mounted men, and, after hairbreadth escapes, in four or five
+days reached a place some fifty miles north of Petersburg, the chief
+town in the north of the South African Republic. He also proceeded down
+the railway line towards Mafeking, but was continually harassed by the
+enemy, and continually obliged to retrace his steps owing to lack of
+water and other insuperable difficulties. Here we must leave him for a
+time.
+
+The Boers, learning that necessity is the mother of invention, and
+finding they could not get into Mafeking, were obliged to communicate
+with the Baden-Powell "braves" in an original manner. They fired into
+the town a five-pounder shell, which failed to explode. It was examined,
+opened, and discovered to contain the following jocose epistle:--"Dear
+Powell,--Excuse an iron messenger. There is no other means of
+communicating. Please tell Mrs. -- Mother and family all well. Don't
+drink all the whisky. Leave some for us when we get in." This was a
+little piece of innocent diversion compared to other experiences. On the
+following day a shell from a Boer 100-pounder struck a store, sending
+its splinters far and wide, and carrying devastation in its wake. Daily
+some tragic episode was the result of a well-directed shot, some white
+or black inhabitant was left a mangled, hopeless wreck--a pathetic
+fortuitous atom blown to the winds by the blast of war. In addition to
+the intermittent uproar of the heavy guns, heaven's thunders at times
+broke out, with copious showers of rain, and one of these, on the 5th,
+was so violent that it flooded out the trenches, and made all bomb-proof
+shelters untenable. Trouble and discomfort were as far as possible
+relieved with great energy by Lord Edward Cecil and others, but the
+effects of the inundation were not easily removed. Brisk engagements
+between the sharpshooters on either side now formed part of a morning
+and evening programme, and the Protectorate Regiment, under Lord Charles
+Bentinck, did such good service that the enemy grew shy of approach, and
+concluded that the process of starving out the garrison would be more
+comfortable than shelling so vigorous and retaliative a community.
+
+On the 10th of December the Dutchman Viljoen, who was a prisoner, was
+exchanged for Lady Sarah Wilson. The story of this enterprising lady is
+one of remarkable interest. In the beginning of the siege she left
+Mafeking and rode to Setlagoli Hotel, where she arrived on the same
+night. No sooner was she asleep than the rattle and roar of musketry
+commenced. This was afterwards discovered to be the gallant fight of
+Lieutenant Nesbitt on the armoured train, which has been described in
+the opening story of the siege. Poor Nesbitt, it may be remembered, was
+taken prisoner. Lady Sarah, a day or two after the fight, rode to the
+scene of the engagement and photographed the wreck. Later on, this
+intrepid lady moved from Mosuti to the care of a colonial farmer, and
+with great difficulty and much expenditure of energy and coin, she
+managed to induce the natives to provide her with information. All this
+time she and her friends were subject to the insults of the Boers. At
+one period she was declared to be the sole survivor of Mafeking, in
+hiding in the disguise of a woman. At another, she was believed to be
+the wife of one of the British generals. Others declared that the
+extraordinary lady was a member of the Royal Family, who was acting as
+spy on the doings of the Boers in the Colony. After moving to Vryburg,
+life for her became more exciting still. A young Boer passed her off as
+his sister, and some loyalists in the town gave her shelter, and helped
+her to obtain official despatches and news. But her state was far from
+comfortable, for most of her excursions had to be made under the shadow
+of night, and her days were spent enclosed in a room at the hotel. When
+Lady Sarah desired to leave the town, her exit was not so easy. The
+magistrates had issued orders that no one was to leave, and but for the
+kindness of her "brother Boer," she might not have been able to depart.
+Their journey was commenced at four in the morning, while it was still
+dark, and before leaving the town they had to submit to a search of
+their car, lest it should contain any contraband of war.
+
+At last, however, it was discovered that Lady Sarah Wilson's energy was
+connected with despatch-running, and her liberty was threatened. One day
+while riding to Mafeking with her maid she was captured by the Boers. On
+reaching Snyman's camp, the general refused to allow her to proceed to
+her destination or to return to Setlagoli. She was then detained as a
+prisoner of war, pending negotiations with Colonel Baden-Powell
+regarding the terms of her release. The Colonel offered to exchange for
+Lady Sarah a Boer lady prisoner, but the enemy refused to part with
+their prize till Viljoen, who was incarcerated in Mafeking, was first
+given up. Colonel Baden-Powell then represented that he, as a natural
+consequence, and without terms of exchange, had at once transferred
+women and children prisoners to the care of their people; but the Boer
+general was not to be prevailed upon by argument. Eventually Viljoen was
+given up and Lady Sarah returned safe and well to Mafeking. The
+transaction, though somewhat unpleasant, was on the whole decidedly
+complimentary to Lady Sarah in particular, and to the British feminine
+sex in general. It fully proved that an Englishwoman might in future
+view herself as the equivalent of a Boer officer.
+
+The artillery-fire of the enemy was now beginning to prove more
+efficient than formerly. In spite of this, however, Colonel
+Baden-Powell, in the kindness of his heart, issued a warning to the
+Burghers advising them to make terms and go home. This very
+characteristic epistle is here reproduced, as it shows the amazing blend
+of serpent and dove in the spirit of the man who was at that moment
+facing the choice of death or surrender:--
+
+     "To the Burghers under arms round Mafeking:--
+
+     "Burghers,--I address you in this manner because I have only
+     recently learned how you have been intentionally kept in the
+     dark by your officers, the Government, and the newspapers as to
+     what is happening in other parts of South Africa. As the
+     officer commanding Her Majesty's troops on this border, I think
+     it right to point out clearly the inevitable result of your
+     remaining longer under arms against Great Britain. You are
+     aware that the present war was caused by the invasion of
+     British territory by your forces without justifiable reasons.
+     Your leaders do not tell you that so far your forces have only
+     met the advanced guard of the British forces. The circumstances
+     have changed within the last week. The main body of the British
+     are now daily arriving by thousands from England, Canada,
+     India, and Australia, and are about to advance through the
+     country. In a short time the Republic will be in the hands of
+     the English, and no sacrifice of life on your part can stop it.
+     The question now that you have to put to yourselves before it
+     is too late is:--Is it worth while losing your lives in a vain
+     attempt to stop the invasion or take a town beyond your
+     borders, which, if taken, will be of no use to you?
+
+     "I may tell you that Mafeking cannot be taken by sitting down
+     and looking at it, for we have ample supplies for several
+     months. The Staats artillery has done very little damage, and
+     we are now protected both by troops and mines. Your presence
+     here and elsewhere under arms cannot stop the British advancing
+     through your country. Your leaders and newspapers are also
+     trying to make you believe that some foreign combination or
+     Power is likely to intervene in your behalf against England. It
+     is not in keeping with their pretence that your side is going
+     to be victorious, nor in accordance with facts. The Republics
+     having declared war and taken the offensive, cannot claim
+     intervention on their behalf. The German Emperor is at present
+     in England, and fully sympathises with us. The American
+     Government has warned others of its intention to side with
+     England should any Power intervene. France has large interests
+     in the goldfields, identical with those of England. Italy is
+     entirely in accord with us. Russia has no cause to interfere.
+     The war is of one Government against another, and not of a
+     people against another people. The duty assigned to my troops
+     is to sit still here until the proper time arrives, and then to
+     fight and kill until you give in. You, on the other hand, have
+     other interests to think of, your families, farms, and their
+     safety. Your leaders have caused the destruction of farms, and
+     have fired on women and children. Our men are becoming hard to
+     restrain in consequence. They have also caused the invasion of
+     Kaffir territory, looting their cattle, and have thus induced
+     them to rise and invade your country and kill your Burghers. As
+     one white man to another, I warned General Cronje on November
+     14 that this would occur. Yesterday I heard that more Kaffirs
+     were rising. I have warned General Snyman accordingly. Great
+     bloodshed and destruction of farms threaten you on all sides.
+
+     "I wish to offer you a chance of avoiding it. My advice to you
+     is to return to your homes without delay and remain peaceful
+     till the war is over. Those who do this before the 13th will,
+     as far as possible, be protected, as regards yourselves, your
+     families, and property, from confiscation, looting, and other
+     penalties, to which those remaining under arms will be
+     subjected when the invasion takes place. Secret agents will
+     communicate to me the names of those who do. Those who do not
+     avail themselves of the terms now offered may be sure that
+     their property will be confiscated when the troops arrive. Each
+     man must be prepared to hand over a rifle and 150 rounds of
+     ammunition. The above terms do not apply to officers and
+     members of the Staats artillery, who may surrender as prisoners
+     of war at any time, nor to rebels on British territory.
+
+     "It is probable that my force will shortly take the offensive.
+     To those who after this warning defer their submission till too
+     late, I can offer no promise. They will have only themselves to
+     blame for injury to and loss of property they and their
+     families may afterwards suffer."--(Signed) R. S. S.
+     BADEN-POWELL, Colonel, Mafeking, December 10."
+
+If this warning did nothing else, it certainly had the effect of
+touching General Snyman in a soft spot, for he at once wrote to his
+Burghers in fiery language, expressing his disapproval that such a
+communication should have been addressed direct to them. The idea that
+"sitting and looking at a place is not the way to take it" seems to have
+gone home to him, for he promptly challenged the besieged to come out
+and drive him away!
+
+On the same day as his address to the Burghers the Colonel wrote home to
+a relative in England, and sent the missive folded in a quill, which was
+in its turn rammed into the pipe of a Kaffir:--
+
+  "MAFEKING, _Dec._ 12, 1899.
+
+"All going well with me. To-day I have been trying to find any old
+Carthusians in the place to have a Carthusian dinner together, as it is
+Founder's Day; but so far, for a wonder, I believe I am the only one
+among the odd thousand people here.
+
+"This is our sixtieth day of the siege, and I do believe we're beginning
+to get a little tired of it; but I suppose, like other things, it will
+come to an end some day. I have got such an interesting collection of
+mementoes of it to bring home. I wonder if Baden[1] is in the country?
+What fun if he should come up to relieve me!
+
+"I don't know if this letter will get through the Boer outposts, but if
+it does, I hope it will find you very well and flourishing."
+
+
+KIMBERLEY
+
+At Kimberley on November 4 things were still cheerful, though short
+commons had begun to be enforced. The Transvaalers advanced on
+Kenilworth, and Major Peakman with a squadron of the Kimberley Light
+Horse, emerging suddenly from the bush, gave them a warm reception.
+Colonel Scott-Turner reinforced Major Peakman, and two guns were sent to
+support him against the enemy's guns, which at that juncture ceased
+firing. The enemy's fire with one piece of artillery was on the whole
+poor, and fortunately little serious damage was done. Later in the
+afternoon came another encounter with the enemy, an encounter which was
+kept up till dusk, and in which the enemy sustained considerable loss.
+Unfortunately Major Ayliff of the Cape Police, a brave and efficient
+officer, was wounded in the neck. The Boers occupied the Kampersdam
+mine, some five miles distant, and shelled the Otto Kopje mine, while
+the manager, Mr. Chapman, like a Spartan, watched the destruction of his
+property and kept Colonel Kekewich informed as to the damage done. This
+was luckily small. On November 6 General Cronje sent a message to
+Colonel Kekewich calling on him to surrender, otherwise the town would
+be bombarded, and on the following day a force of Free State artillery,
+supported by a large commando, began further offensive operations.
+Captain Brown, who rode out a short distance to Alexandersfontein, was
+captured, and stripped by the Boers because he would reveal nothing
+regarding the state of the town.
+
+[Illustration: PLAN OF KIMBERLEY AND ENVIRONS]
+
+[Illustration: ARMY SERVICE CORPS.
+
+Photo by Gregory & Co., London.]
+
+According to rough calculation, the opposing forces at Kimberley early
+in November stood thus:--
+
+  Four companies of the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment;
+  battery of Royal Garrison Artillery, consisting of six
+  7-pounder mountain guns; a large party of Royal
+  Engineers; detachment of the Army Medical Corps              2500
+
+  In addition to these were the following irregular troops:--
+
+  One battery Diamond Fields Artillery with six 7-pounder
+  field guns, 3 officers and 90 non-commissioned officers
+  and men; Diamond Fields Horse, 6 officers and 142 non-
+  commissioned officers and men; Kimberley Regiment, 14
+  officers and 285 non-commissioned officers and men            540
+
+  Free Staters, and probably some Transvaal Boers, with four
+  field-guns, 3500; on Orange River, 2000; reinforcements
+  from Mafeking, 1000                                          6500
+
+The disparity was not enlivening, but, though provisions were beginning
+to run low, pluck was inexhaustible. And with pluck, as with faith, one
+may move mountains.
+
+On the 11th of November the bombardment of the town was commenced with
+great vigour, the Boers firing from three positions. Little serious
+damage was done, owing to the fact that many of the shells did not
+burst. In spite of the incessant brawling of artillery, the perpetual
+appearance of fog, and a stinging pall of smoke in which they lived, the
+inhabitants of the place kept up an air of cheery unconcern, which
+naturally they were far from feeling. They also determined to disquiet
+the enemy by continual threats of attack from unexpected quarters. With
+the spirit of philosophers they at times made small divertisements for
+themselves. Once when a cooking-pot was struck the debris were put up to
+auction, and some fun was got out of the brisk competition for the
+historic relics. Some of the choicest of these were knocked down--this
+time not by guns--for the sum of £2 a piece. The price of a complete
+shell was about £5, and portions of one could be purchased at
+proportionate rates. Bits and fragments fetched sums varying from half a
+crown to half a sovereign!
+
+Nothing further happened, save that a cabdriver was captured,
+interrogated, threatened, and finally set free. Commandant Wessels, who
+sounded him regarding the dynamite mines round Kimberley, concluded with
+the message--a typical specimen of Boer braggadocio--"Tell Rhodes I
+shall take Wesselton mine next Tuesday, and then he must stand
+whiskies!"
+
+On the 12th Lord Methuen, on whom all had pinned their faith, arrived
+with his staff at the Orange River. This was a red-letter day. The news
+of British relief so close at hand was most inspiriting, and those
+whose patience was inclined to languish began to take heart. In
+Kimberley itself the weather was fine and warm, and as yet little ill
+consequence from the shelling was suffered. A peacock was killed, some
+buildings damaged, some nervous persons terrified. The military
+authorities issued a proclamation ordering that all people not engaged
+with the defensive forces should give up arms and ammunition, a decision
+that was found necessary to prevent irresponsible persons from
+infringing the laws of civilised warfare.
+
+On the 17th of November a force composed of detachments of the Diamond
+Fields Horse, Kimberley Light Horse, and Cape Police, under Colonel
+Scott Turner, went out with a field-gun and two Maxims to ascertain the
+strength of the enemy's position at Lazaretto Ridge. The enemy, who were
+posted on a rocky mound between Carter's Farm and the reservoir, opened
+fire on the advancing men, who, though some vigorous volleys were
+returned, were obliged to retire. Meanwhile the Beaconsfield Town Guard
+had a tussle with the foe, and, after much firing on either side, he
+eventually retired. As usual, he hid behind rocks and stones, and made
+himself generally inaccessible. On the following day some smart
+engagements ensued, and so brisk was the volleying from rifles and the
+booming of field-guns, that the townspeople believed that some decisive
+battle must be taking place. There were, however, few casualties.
+
+All eyes were now fixed on the doings of the Kimberley relief force that
+was concentrating at Orange River. A few more weeks, nay, a few more
+days, and those patient, cheery prisoners would march out free to have
+their reckoning with the Boers. Lord Methuen, once joined by the
+Coldstream Guards, Grenadiers, and Naval Brigade, would be able to push
+on, and then the first big move in the war would be made. So they hoped,
+and with reason, for an electric searchlight, worked by the Naval
+Brigade under Colonel Ernest Rhodes, was signalling to Kimberley, whose
+searchlights were plainly visible to the advancing army.
+
+To the dreary imprisoned inhabitants this mode of communication was
+vastly exciting. Every day the relief column was approaching nearer and
+nearer, and the patient though longing besieged began to feel as if they
+were already almost liberated. They commenced preparing an enthusiastic
+welcome for the incoming troops, and ironical farewell salutations were
+now levied at the Boers in acknowledgment of shells and of their general
+artillery prowess. At that time, coming events--the disasters of
+Majesfontein and Colenso--had not cast their shadows before! Mr. Rhodes
+was particularly cheery, and took most whimsically to the information
+conveyed through Kaffir sources that the enemy was keenly desirous of
+exhibiting him in a cage at Bloemfontein prior to despatching him to
+Pretoria! The brutal manners and customs of the Boers, however, were no
+subject for joke, as shown by their treatment of four "boys" who were
+found and captured while searching for stray cattle. After killing a
+couple of them, the enemy ordered the remaining two, having first
+flogged them, to bury the bodies of their comrades, and then go back to
+Kimberley and tell their friends how they had been treated.
+
+[Illustration: THE SIEGE OF KIMBERLEY: TYPICAL SPLINTER-PROOF SHELTER OF
+SAND-BAGS AND IRON PLATES
+
+Photo, Hancox, Kimberley]
+
+Boer tricks continued to be practised with little success. They served
+instead to sharpen the wits of the beleaguered Kimburlians--if one may
+be allowed to coin a word which seems to suit them. A few rifle-shots
+were fired in the direction of Wright's Farm for the purpose of
+pretending that the long-looked-for relieving force was approaching, and
+thus draw out the Diamond Fields Horse; but the manoeuvre was a
+failure. The Boers consoled themselves by blowing up two large culverts
+near the rifle-butts on the line towards Spyfontein, where the bulk of
+the Boer forces were then supposed to be. An official estimate at that
+date (Nov. 25) placed the number of shells fired by the Boers during the
+bombardment at 1000, while the number of shells fired by the British was
+600. Owing to the fact that the hostile shells had so often fallen in
+sandy ground, their effect had been neutralised. Experiments were made
+with "home-made" shells, or rather De Beers-made shells, which exploded
+to the general satisfaction of their manufacturers. Some of these were
+said to be labelled "With J. C. Rhodes's compliments," but this was
+doubtless a cheery quip for the entertainment of the lugubrious, as
+Colonel Kekewich and the "Colossus" were too good men of business to
+waste their ammunition on pleasantries. These two marvellous people were
+now working hand in hand, the great business brain of the one lending
+support to the military skill of the other. Mr. Rhodes placed at the
+disposal of the Colonel--one should say of his country--the whole
+resources of De Beers, and worked without cessation for the welfare of
+the people, spending without stint, intellect, energy, and funds on
+their behalf. When the mines ceased to work, he still paid full wages to
+the 2000 white men employed on them, and laid out large vegetable
+gardens in the midst of Kenilworth for the purpose of supplying the
+inhabitants with green foods. He organised a mounted force of 600 men,
+supplying them himself with horses; and later on he instituted a service
+of native runners and scouts, which served to keep the garrison alert as
+to the whereabouts of the enemy. Indeed, space does not allow of a
+faithful recital of the doings of this public benefactor, who, without
+display, made his influence felt in every quarter of the town.
+
+Kimberley, as said, was now in communication by searchlight with Colonel
+Rhodes, and was racking its brains how an attempt might be made from the
+east side to march out and assist the troops coming from Belmont. "So
+near and yet so far" was the general feeling in regard to these troops,
+and a burning desire for the handclasp of the gallant rescuers filled
+all the brave yet anxious hearts that for so long had been cut off from
+the outer world.
+
+On the 25th of November there was unusual activity. The mounted troops
+at dawn made a strong reconnaissance in force under Lieut.-Colonel Scott
+Turner. The guns were under the charge of Colonel Chamier of the Royal
+Artillery. Hostilities commenced with a hot fire from the Diamond Fields
+Artillery's guns under Captain May, in the direction of Carter's Farm,
+Colonel Scott Turner with his troops marching towards Lazaretto Ridge,
+where the enemy was strongly entrenched. This took place at about 4.30
+A.M. in the dusk of the early dawn. By good chance the pickets were
+found to be asleep, and Colonel Scott Turner and his forces crept along
+the ridge and with marvellous energy rushed the Boer redoubts. On the
+instant rifles bristled--shots blazed out. But all was to no purpose;
+the Boers had to surrender. They did this in their usual treacherous
+fashion, hoisting the white flag while they took stray pot-shots at
+their conquerors. This charge was one worthy of record, for few of the
+men who engaged in it had ever used a bayonet in their lives. So little
+did they know of the weapon, that they were unable to fix it in the
+socket, and consequently rushed upon the enemy, rifle in one hand and
+naked blade in the other!
+
+As ill-luck would have it, there was a lack of ammunition, and the
+British attack could not be pressed home. Meanwhile the Royal Engineers
+on Otto Kopje were protecting the flanks, and a strong body of infantry
+with a mounted force, field-guns and Maxims, were checking the advance
+of the enemy from Spyfontein. An armoured train, also, under Lieutenant
+Webster (North Lancashire Regiment), was reconnoitring north and south.
+The train (which was supported by three half companies of the
+Beaconsfield Town Guard under Major Fraser) proceeded south of
+Kimberley, and held the enemy's reinforcements in check as they advanced
+from Wimbledon. Subsequently, owing to the brisk firing of the Boer
+guns, it was decided to return to Kimberley, where Colonel Scott Turner,
+in consequence of his inability to hold the position he had stormed, was
+forced also to retire. But during the hot cannonade in which our
+artillery was engaged with that of the enemy in all directions save
+Kenilworth, this gallant officer was wounded. First his horse was shot
+under him, then a bullet pierced the muscle of his shoulder. But he
+continued to perform his duties regardless of the inconvenience caused
+by his wound. The Boers, as usual, paid no respect to the ambulance
+waggon, despite the obvious Red Cross flag which fluttered over it. They
+fired at it when they chose, and, as some reported, used explosive
+bullets. Eight prisoners were captured, in addition to two wounded
+Boers.
+
+The day's work on the whole was satisfactory, as it ably demonstrated
+that there was life in the garrison yet. And this glorious activity was
+subsequently recognised in the following order:--
+
+     "The officer commanding desires to thank all ranks who took
+     part in to-day's engagement for their excellent behaviour. The
+     garrison of Kimberley have this day shown that they can not
+     only defend their positions, but can sally out and drive the
+     enemy from their entrenched positions. He deplores the loss of
+     the brave comrades who have so honourably fallen in the
+     performance of their duty."
+
+A second sortie of the same kind was attempted on the 28th of November,
+but with more disastrous results. The troops took the same direction as
+before--attacked the Boers, beat them back, and captured their laager
+and three works. But, on attempting to take the fourth work, the enemy
+fought desperately, and Lieut.-Colonel Scott Turner was killed. When
+Colonel Scott Turner fell, Lieutenant Clifford, North Lancashire
+Regiment, who had more than once distinguished himself, assumed command
+of the Imperial Mounted Infantry, and, though wounded in the scalp,
+pluckily remained on duty till all was over.[2]
+
+There was terrible grief in the garrison at the loss of this splendid
+officer, the principal organiser of the Town Guards and the successful
+leader of so many skirmishes and sorties throughout the siege. The
+following special order was issued:--
+
+     "The officer commanding has again to congratulate the troops of
+     the garrison who engaged the enemy yesterday on their excellent
+     behaviour and on the capture of the enemy's laager, with his
+     supplies, ammunition, &c. It was in every respect a most
+     creditable performance. He has also again to deplore the loss
+     of many brave men who have fallen at the call of duty. It was
+     with profound sorrow he learnt that Lieut.-Colonel Scott Turner
+     was killed while gallantly leading his men against the last
+     stronghold of the enemy's defences. In Lieut.-Colonel Scott
+     Turner the garrison of Kimberley loses a brave and most
+     distinguished comrade, and the officer commanding feels sure
+     the whole population of Kimberley will join with them in
+     mourning the loss of this true British officer, to whose skill
+     and activity in the field is so largely due the complete
+     success of our efforts to keep the enemy at a safe distance
+     from this town."
+
+Major M. C. Peakman, an excellent and most dauntless officer, succeeded
+to the command of the Kimberley Light Horse in consequence of Colonel
+Scott Turner's death.
+
+Lieutenant Wright of the Kimberley Light Horse was killed, and among the
+wounded were Lieutenant W. K. Clifford (1st Battalion Loyal North
+Lancashire Regiment), Captain Walleck (Diamond Fields Horse), and
+Lieutenant Watson (Kimberley Light Horse).
+
+On the afternoon of the 29th of November, amid feelings of universal
+regret, the remains of Colonel Scott Turner and others who fell in
+Tuesday's sortie were interred. The ceremony, so common in those days,
+was yet full of deep pathos. Round the graves stood Mr. Cecil Rhodes,
+Dr. Smart, the Mayor of Kimberley, Mr. and the Hon. Mrs. Rochfort
+Maguire, and indeed the whole mournful community of the place. Six
+volleys were fired over the graves, six blasts blown on the bugle, and
+then a last prayer being said, they left them "alone in their glory."
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[1] Captain Baden-Powell, of the Scots Guards.
+
+[2] Henry Scott Turner entered the Black Watch at the age of twenty in
+1887. After taking part in the operations in Matabeleland in 1893-94, he
+was, in the latter year, placed on the "Special Extra Regimental
+Employment List," and in 1896 served with the Matabeleland Relief Force
+as adjutant and paymaster. For this service he was mentioned in
+despatches and received a brevet majority. After serving with the British
+South African Police, Major Scott Turner was, last July, reappointed as a
+"Special Service Officer," and in that capacity had done excellent
+service in Kimberley under Colonel Kekewich.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+LIFE WITH GENERAL GATACRE
+
+
+On the 18th of December, General Gatacre withdrew from Putter's Kraal,
+his original advance post, to Sterkstroom. At this time, in the central
+sphere, Generals French and Gatacre, while guarding the lines of
+communication, were merely waiting the turn of events. Owing to a series
+of successful skirmishes, in which a patrol under Captain de
+Montmorency, V.C., was engaged, the Boers thought discretion the better
+part of valour, and cleared out of Dordrecht, with the result that on
+the 24th of December Colonel Dalgety, of the Cape Mounted Rifles, with
+his force occupied the town. At Bushman's Hoek were four companies of
+the Royal Scots, two 12-pounders, three Maxim guns, about 800 Kaffrarian
+Rifles, and about thirty Engineers. Owing to scarcity of water General
+Gatacre's force had to be divided, the rest remaining at Sterkstroom.
+There water had to be conveyed by rail, whence, with some difficulty, it
+was hauled to Bushman's Hoek in water-tanks by mules. The railway in
+these parts, a species of South African switchback on two narrow rails,
+rambled up hill and down dale with engaging ingenuity. Though water was
+dependent on the trains, fresh foods were sometimes obtainable. At
+neighbouring farms it was possible to purchase butter-milk, grain, and
+bread, but to "go a marketing" it was necessary to start in full
+marching order, for there was no knowing when the Boers might block the
+road, or what nefarious tricks might be taking place. It was quite
+impossible to be even with the Dutchmen's ruses. For instance, one who
+knew their ways said that if a Boer horse went lame or knocked up,
+twenty chances to one a "loyal" would place a mount at his disposal,
+give him bed, "tucker," forage, &c., while he would also watch the
+horizon for the approach of the military, and should they come the Boer
+would be a man of peace, without uniform, arms, or anything else to
+incriminate him. Therefore, as may be imagined, life was never too
+easy-going. The day began at 3.15 A.M., but night itself, short as it
+was, was scarcely restful. The troops slept with their straps on, 150
+rounds of ammunition apiece by their side, in hourly expectation of
+attack. Niceties of the toilet were unknown, and gallant fellows with
+black faces and whiskers whose acquaintance with water was only weekly,
+were the rule. Some even presented the appearance of opera-house
+brigands, having locks so redundant and long, that jocose Tommies
+suggested writing home to their sweethearts for the loan of hairpins.
+
+In other respects the daily routine was not unpleasant. Bullocks and
+sheep were killed regularly and found their way into the camp-kettle;
+bread was still served out, and supplemented with biscuits. For
+recreation there was football; and to enliven the spirits there were
+four cheery pipers, who at night-time made the welkin ring, and caused
+their compatriots to start up and indulge in reels and Highland flings,
+and almost to forget that they were in the land of the enemy.
+
+On the 29th, a pouring day, Captain de Montmorency started with his
+scouts and thirty Cape Mounted Rifles in hope of catching the enemy. But
+the Boers, under cover of the mist, took themselves off in the direction
+of the Barkly East district.
+
+On the 30th of December a hundred of Flannigan's Squadron of Brabant's
+Horse had a smart brush with an equal number of Dutchmen, who, however,
+were promptly reinforced. Thereupon the squadron retired, but
+unfortunately Lieutenant Milford Turner and twenty-seven men were left
+behind in a donga which none would leave, determining to remain there
+and protect Lieutenant Warren of Brabant's Horse, who was wounded. To
+their assistance went Captain Goldsworthy the next day, accompanied by
+Captain de Montmorency's scouts, 110 men, and four guns. These arrived
+on the scene so early as to surprise the Boers, who, after having been
+kept at bay by the small force of Colonials, had continued to snipe at
+them from a distance throughout the night. A sharp fight now ensued,
+and, after some clever manoeuvring on both sides, the enemy retired
+with the loss of eight killed, while the party in the donga was
+relieved, and returned in safety to Dordrecht. The rescue was highly
+exciting, as the Boers were finally sent helter-skelter just as our men,
+worn out with a night's anxiety in the nullah, had almost given up hope
+of release. As it was, they were restored to their friends in camp amid
+a storm of cheers.
+
+Early on the 3rd of January a force was sent out from the advanced camp
+at Bushman's Hoek to meet a hostile horde that occupied Molteno. The
+Boers had mounted a big gun on a kopje in front of Bushman's Hoek, and
+from thence commenced to fire at about eight o'clock. Around the
+neighbourhood the Boers were seen to be swarming; therefore the force,
+composed of Kaffrarian Rifles, Mounted Infantry of the Berkshire
+Regiment, and the Cape Mounted Police, at once engaged them.
+
+[Illustration: MAJOR-GENERAL SIR W. F. GATACRE, K.C.B.
+
+Photo by Elliott & Fry, London.]
+
+Two hours later General Gatacre and Staff started from headquarters with
+half a battalion of the Royal Scots and the 78th Battery of Artillery.
+The Boers from their point of vantage were firing from the hill on
+which was placed their big gun, and they continued to fire on the
+Infantry as they advanced over an undulating plain to right of
+Cypherghat, whence the population had fled panic-stricken at the outset
+of the fight. Fortunately the hostile shells burst without doing damage,
+and the troops continued to advance.
+
+The Artillery made a detour to the right, secured a commanding position
+on a kopje, and from thence began a ten minutes' cannonade which had the
+effect of silencing the Boers. They withdrew their gun and retreated,
+the bulk of their force now advancing, now retiring, to cover the
+movement.
+
+At this juncture the Mounted Infantry, which had worked its way round
+with a view to outflanking the enemy's position, came on the scene only
+to learn of the withdrawal. This was carried on without check owing to
+our lack of cavalry. While General Gatacre's force were thus engaged,
+the enemy was making a determined attack on 140 men of the Cape Police
+and 60 men of the Kaffrarian Rifles at Molteno. They were splendidly
+repulsed, though the Police had an unpleasant experience. Five shells
+dropped into their camp, but all miraculously escaped injury. The Boers
+now retired as mysteriously as they had come, and none knew the exact
+reason for their arrival. It was suspected that it was a "slim" trick to
+draw General Gatacre into another trap.
+
+A strong force left Sterkstroom before dawn on the morning of the 8th of
+January for the dual purpose of reconnoitring in the direction of
+Stormberg and taking possession of the meal and flour from Molteno
+Mills. The force comprised the Derbyshire Regiment, the 77th and 79th
+Field Batteries, 400 mounted men of the Cape Police and Berkshire
+Regiment, the Kaffrarian Rifles, and the Frontier Rifles. The expedition
+was eminently successful. The operation of removing the food-stuffs and
+detaching the vital parts of the machinery of the mills was carried on
+under the protection of the Derbyshire Regiment and the 77th Battery.
+That of reconnoitring was undertaken by the force under Colonel
+Jefferies, R.A., and it was discovered that the Boers, who were supposed
+to have evacuated Stormberg, were within a two-mile range. A survey of
+the Boer position was made by the Engineers, and the troops returned to
+camp well satisfied with the result of their labours.
+
+No larger martial moves could be attempted, for General Gatacre lived in
+a chronic state of suspended activity for lack of reinforcements. The
+Dutchmen had now fallen back from Stormberg, leaving only a small
+garrison there, and established themselves near Burghersdorp. The Boer
+strength in this district was estimated at about 4500, a force made up
+for the most part of Free Staters and Cape rebels. On the 18th of
+January General Gatacre moved some three hundred of all ranks from
+Bushman's Hoek to Loperberg, and the 74th Field Battery, with one
+company of Mounted Infantry, from Sterkstroom to Bushman's Hoek. The
+Boers continued a system of annoyance and petty progress by destroying
+railway bridges in the neighbourhood of Steynsburg and Kromhoogte, about
+eleven miles from Sterkstroom, and damaging portions of the line near
+Stormberg.
+
+Though General Gatacre's Division was merely the shadow of the division
+it should have been, and his strength, such as it was, materially
+thinned by reverse, he had at his elbow one man who was a host in
+himself. This man was Captain de Montmorency. He kept the Boers who were
+holding Stormberg in a simmering state of excitement and suspense. He
+and his active party of scouts were perpetually reconnoitring and
+skirmishing and emerging from very tight corners, getting back to camp
+by what in vulgar phrase is called "the skin of their teeth." One of
+these narrow escapes was experienced on the 16th January, when Captain
+de Montmorency and his men went out from Molteno to gain information
+regarding the whereabouts of the enemy. A smart combat was the result of
+their efforts, and when they were almost surrounded Major Heylen with
+sixty Police came to the rescue, and the whole force, after some
+animated firing, returned safely to Molteno, plus horses, mares, foals,
+and oxen, which had been captured from the enemy.
+
+At this time a curious correspondence took place between the Boer
+Commandant, General Olivier, and General Gatacre. It was a species of
+Dutch _tu quoque_--the Boer leader thinking to charge the British one
+with the same tricks as those in which his countrymen had been detected.
+
+General Olivier solemnly declared that a store of ammunition had been
+found in an abandoned British waggon--a waggon marked with red crosses
+and purporting to be an ambulance waggon. General Gatacre emphatically
+denied the "slim" impeachment. He forwarded affidavits sworn by Major
+Lilly, R.A.M.C., who was the last man with the waggon before it had to
+be abandoned, who stated that if such ammunition had been found it had
+been subsequently deposited there. General Gatacre further informed the
+Commandant that the practice of taking wives and children in or near
+camp and allowing them to run the risks common to belligerents was
+contrary to the rules of civilised warfare, and desired to point out the
+responsibility he incurred in so doing. He further remonstrated that a
+servant who had been on the field of battle to assist Father Ryan in the
+succour of the wounded had been detained in the Boer camp after
+assurances of his release had been made. To these remarks and complaints
+the General received no reply.
+
+Fortunately, our wounded who were not captured were doing well. The
+ladies at Sterkstroom were particularly devoted, and visited and cheered
+the sick daily, and carried them little luxuries which were mightily
+appreciated. Though there were not many losses, sick and disabled were
+constantly being carried into the hospital as the result of
+reconnoitring and scouting expeditions, which were ceaseless, and had to
+continue ceaseless, owing to the inability of the force to take powerful
+action.
+
+[Illustration: MOVEMENTS OF GATACRE AND FRENCH.]
+
+On the 20th of January Lieutenant Nickerson, R.A.M.C., who had
+accompanied the wounded after the misfortune at Stormberg, arrived in
+camp. Father Ryan's servant, on whose account General Gatacre, as
+already mentioned, addressed Commandant Olivier, also returned. They
+brought interesting news. More guns had been brought on the scene, and
+these were served by German gunners. Septuagenarians and striplings were
+drafted into the commandoes, while at Burghersdorp the Town Guard was
+composed of lads of about thirteen years of age. This showed that the
+stream of reinforcements was beginning to run dry. Many youngsters were
+said to have been sent from their college at Bloemfontein straight to
+the front.
+
+Commandant Olivier now took the opportunity to announce that he meant to
+retain as prisoners all correspondents who might be captured. The
+correspondents were flattered, and began to calculate whether
+"Experiences in Pretoria" would make good "copy," but finally decided
+for the liberty of the press.
+
+A little innocent diversion was provided by the Boers during the night
+of the 20th. The British were awakened by furious fire, which was
+continued for some time. Great consternation prevailed, till it was
+afterwards discovered that a scare in the Boer lines had taken place,
+and the sound of some stampeding cattle had been mistaken for the
+advance of the British! The Boers had at once flown to arms, fired right
+and left in the midnight darkness, and as a natural consequence shot
+some of their own cattle!
+
+After this, there was silence, like the ominous lull which comes before
+a storm. Little puffs and pants of hostility took place around
+Sterkstroom and Penhoek, while at Colesberg the Boers were on guard,
+with the fear of some impending ill. Important developments were
+dreaded. It was known that swarms of troops were moving from the Cape,
+and that the positions which had hitherto been held by the Federals in
+consequence of the weakness of British forces in all quarters, would
+soon be tenable no longer. And the waverers began to shake in their
+shoes. They began suddenly to adopt a helpful attitude towards the
+forces. The fact was, Lord Roberts had issued a proclamation encouraging
+Free Staters and Transvaalers to desert by the promise that they should
+be well treated. To the Colonial rebels he had diplomatically tendered
+the advice to surrender before being caught in _flagrante delicto_.
+
+
+WITH GENERAL FRENCH
+
+While all eyes were turned in the direction of the Natal force for the
+relief of Ladysmith, General French was making things lively for the
+Boers. It may be remembered that he left Ladysmith immediately before
+Sir George White's garrison was hemmed in, and betook himself to the
+central sphere of war. On the 23rd of November, with a reconnoitring
+force consisting of a company of the Black Watch, some mounted infantry,
+police, and the New South Wales Lancers, he went by train towards
+Arundel, and was fired on by Boers who were sneaking in the hills. Three
+of the party were wounded, but the rest drove the enemy off. The rails
+had been lifted just in front of the scene of the fight. From this time
+activities of the same kind took place daily, the General devoting his
+energies to reconnoitring east and west of his position, keeping the
+enemy from massing at any given point, and forcing them to remain on the
+_qui vive_ in perpetual expectation of attack.
+
+Scouting at this time was carried on to the extent of a fine art. Never
+a day was devoid of excitement. "We start out before dawn, and get
+back--well, when we can!" This was the pithy description of a youngster
+who enjoyed some thrilling moments. The following sketch of the
+experiences of a New Zealander show how one and all willingly risked
+their lives in the service of their country:--
+
+"I was under fire for the first time on my birthday (Dec. 7), when a
+section of us (four men) were sent out as a mark for any Boers to shoot
+at. We rode to the foot of a kopje and left one of us in charge of the
+four horses. Another chap and I climbed to the top. Puff! bang went
+three shells from their Long Tom and a perfect fusillade of bullets. It
+is marvellous how we escaped. We were to report as soon as we were fired
+at, so I volunteered as galloper to go back to our lines to report. I
+did a quick time over that two miles of veldt, bullets missing me all
+the time. I reported, and was told to go back and withdraw the men,
+which I did. Afterwards we took eight men, and under cover kept up a
+steady fire for five hours. I was horribly tired, as I had been in the
+saddle eighteen hours the previous day. My mate was fresh--we were
+planted behind stones in pairs--and while he kept up the firing I
+slumbered, strange as it may seem. There are thousands of troops in the
+camp. General French, in command of this particular division, has
+complimented us on many occasions on our coolness under fire and our
+horsemanship. He said we could gallop across country where English
+cavalry could only walk. He told us after a skirmish we had with the
+enemy that he couldn't express in words his admiration of us, that we
+were the best scouts he had ever employed, and that we always brought in
+something, either prisoners, horses, sheep, cattle, or valuable
+information--which latter is entirely true. During the slack time our
+chaps are busy breaking in remounts for the English cavalry. Horses die
+like flies here, and Cape ponies are substituted."
+
+Numerous and ingenious tricks were practised on the Boers, many of them
+doubtless owing their origin to the active and fertile brains of General
+French and Colonel Baden-Powell, the author of the "Manual on Scouting."
+One of these was to take in the enemy's scouts by tethering ostriches to
+bushes on the hills. The presence of the birds naturally gave to the
+place an air of desolation, and satisfied the enemy that the ground was
+unoccupied. In Colonel Baden-Powell's opinion fine scouting is a true
+bit of hero-work, and his description of the "sport" in his own words
+serves to show of what stuff our Colonial scouts were made. He says: "It
+is comparatively easy for a man in the heat and excitement of battle,
+where every one is striving to be first, to dash out before the rest and
+do some gallant deed; but it is another thing for a man to take his life
+in his hand to carry out some extra dangerous bit of scouting on his own
+account, where there is no one by to applaud, and it might be just as
+easy for him to go back; that is a true bit of hero's work, and yet it
+is what a scout does continually as 'all in the day's work.' The British
+scout has, too, to be good beyond all nationalities in every branch of
+his art, because he is called upon not only to act against civilised
+enemies in civilised countries like France and Germany, but he has also
+to take on the crafty Afghan in his mountains, or the fierce Zulu in the
+open South African towns, the Burmese in his forests, the Soudanese on
+the Egyptian desert, all requiring different methods of working, but
+their efficiency depending in every case on the same factor--the pluck
+and ability of the scout himself. To be successful as a scout you must
+have plenty of what Americans call 'jump' and 'push,' 'jump' being
+alertness, wideawakeness, and readiness to seize your opportunity,
+'push' being a never-say-die feeling. When in doubt as to whether to go
+on or to go back, think of that and of the Zulu saying, 'If we go
+forward we die, if we go backward we die; better go forward and die.'
+Scouting is like a game of football. You are selected as a forward
+player. Play the game; play that your side may win. Don't think of your
+own glorification or your own risks--your side are backing you up.
+Football is a good game, but better than it, better than any other game,
+is that of man-hunting." Of this game, our troops, particularly in the
+disaffected regions of Cape Colony, were beginning to have their fill.
+
+On the 8th of December Colonel Porter, with the 5th Dragoon Guards and
+Mounted Infantry, arrived at Arundel from Naauwpoort, for the purpose of
+making a reconnaissance and locating the enemy and discovering his
+strength. The force detrained some four miles outside the town and
+advanced across the plain, the Dragoons to left and right, the Mounted
+Infantry, consisting of New Zealanders and Australians, in the centre
+slightly in the rear. The Boers in the surrounding kopjes, seeing their
+danger, took themselves off with great rapidity to another ridge three
+miles to the north. This position was located before nightfall. At
+daybreak four companies of Mounted Infantry were posted on a hill two
+miles north of Arundel, while a troop of Dragoons reconnoitred the town
+and found it evacuated by the enemy. The advance was then resumed. At 8
+A.M. the troops reached Maaiboschlaagte, and spied the enemy on the
+hills near Rensburg's Farm. The Boers were busy dragging a huge gun up
+the hill. Having no artillery, the flanking movement on the left was
+discontinued, but the Dragoons on the right, who were three miles in
+advance of the remainder of the force, crossed the plain and outflanked
+the enemy. The crackling of muskets followed, and soon after the booming
+of two guns. The New South Wales Lancers now reinforced the first line,
+and though for many hours their "baptism of fire" was prolonged, they
+suffered the only loss of the day--the loss of a horse. The operations
+were successful, and the strength of the enemy was found to number about
+2000. The occupation of this region by our troops was considered of
+great strategical importance, as it formed a convenient advance base for
+further operations. The town is situated some twelve miles from
+Colesberg, and is in a fashion a natural fortress. It consists of rugged
+hills surrounding flats, and is provided with refreshing water springs.
+
+On the 12th of December a patrol under Lieutenant Collins was fiercely
+fired upon; a sergeant of the Carabineers was killed and a private was
+reported missing. This happened as they were turning away from a farm at
+Jasfontein belonging to Field-Cornet Geldenhuis, with whom they had had
+an interview. The proprietor received his just deserts, for later on two
+squadrons of Carabineers with two guns and a company of Mounted Infantry
+were sent out to shell the farm, which duty was accomplished with zest
+and thoroughness. General French's report of the affair is too
+interesting to be omitted. He said:--
+
+     "I wish particularly to bring to notice the excellent conduct
+     and bearing of the New Zealand Mounted Rifles, commanded by
+     Major A. W. Robin, on one of these occasions.
+
+     "On 18th December I took them out with a battery of Horse
+     Artillery to reconnoitre round the enemy's left flank, and
+     determined to dislodge him from a farm called Jasfontein lying
+     on his left rear. The guns shelled the farm, and the New
+     Zealand Mounted Rifles then gained possession of it. But the
+     enemy very suddenly brought up strong reinforcements and
+     pressed on us with his Artillery. Our Artillery had been left
+     some way behind to avoid this latter fire, and I had to send
+     back some distance for its support, during which time we were
+     exposed to a heavy musketry fire from the surrounding hills.
+     The conduct of the New Zealanders was admirable in thus
+     maintaining a difficult position till the Artillery caused the
+     enemy to retire."
+
+Early on the morning of the 13th patrols were again fired upon, this
+time from Platberg, a kopje on the fringe of Colesberg Commonage. About
+4 A.M., in the dusk of early dawn, the Dutchmen, some 1800 strong, were
+found to be leaving their position and advancing in the direction of
+Naauwpoort. Thereupon Colonel Porter, with Carabineers, Inniskillings,
+10th Hussars, and four guns of the R.H.A., moved eastwards. What Mr.
+Gilbert describes as "a short sharp shock" followed, and the enemy's
+guns, after firing three shots, were silenced. Our cavalry headed the
+enemy off, and soon after 2 P.M. the bulk of his forces retired to their
+former position. Vaalkop was held by one squadron of cavalry and two
+guns for the rest of the day. Some Boers remained at Talboschlaagte,
+and some later on occupied Kuilfontein Farm, but were driven out by
+British shells with loss of forty killed and wounded. Our own losses
+during two days' sharp work amounted to one man killed. Captain Moseley
+(Inniskillings) was slightly wounded, and four men also received
+injuries.
+
+On the same date Colonel Miles reported from Orange River an unlucky
+incident. Part of the Mounted Infantry under Captain Bradshaw and the
+Guides under Lieutenant Macfarlane patrolled in the direction of Kamak
+and Zoutpansdrift, ten miles east of Orange River, for the purpose of
+reconnoitring and reporting the strength of the enemy. The Boers were
+said to be holding the drift, and near there, somewhat suddenly, a
+strong party of them appeared. The Mounted Infantry attacked, and a
+brisk engagement followed, with the result that the enemy decamped to
+Geemansberg. Unfortunately, for this smart piece of work Captain
+Bradshaw paid with his life; Lieutenant Greyson (Buffs) was wounded,
+three men were killed, and seven wounded. Captain Bradshaw was an
+energetic and valuable officer, and his loss was deeply deplored.
+
+To return to General French. Hard days of work in a broiling sun with
+little to show for it were the lot of those around Naauwpoort at this
+time. On the morning of the 15th two guns of the Horse Artillery, going
+eastward across the veldt from Vaalkop, shelled a Boer waggon which had
+been espied winding along the road. It was presumably from Colesberg,
+and laden with supplies for the artillery of the enemy. Several shells
+were at once launched, but they failed to strike it. The artillery then
+tried a new position, and were "sniped" at by odd sharpshooters from the
+hills. Finally a "Long Tom" was brought by the Boers to bear on the
+situation, and then the artillery, pursued by shells, returned to
+Vaalkop.
+
+Boer aggression continued. On the 16th the enemy took up a position on a
+hill near Kannaksolam and sniped at the British patrols when they went
+to water their horses. The Dutchmen were splendidly concealed, so
+splendidly that it was impossible for the patrols to return the fire.
+The New Zealanders were also fired upon, and though five scouts lay for
+hours on the hill watching the Boers' hiding-place, not one of the foe
+showed his nose out of cover. At last, in the afternoon, Captain
+Jackson, with eight Carabineers on patrol, caught sight of the enemy
+peeping from his lair, and suddenly found himself in the midst of a
+volley. Captain Jackson was shot in the spine and instantly killed, the
+other members of the party and the riderless horse fleeing amid a storm
+of bullets. On the morning of the 18th the remains of the gallant
+officer were buried at Naauwpoort with military honours. The enemy's
+position was shelled at daybreak by ten guns.
+
+[Illustration: A RECONNAISSANCE IN FORCE WITH GENERAL FRENCH'S CAVALRY
+NEAR COLESBERG.
+
+Drawing by R. Caton Woodville.]
+
+On the same day General French made a successful reconnaissance with
+a battery of Horse Artillery and the New Zealand Rifles. The New
+Zealanders had some exciting experiences. Major Lee and his men went
+forth to draw the fire of the Boers, and unfortunately, instead of
+drawing the shell of the enemy they drew the shot, and found themselves
+all at once in a very warm corner indeed. They were rapidly hemmed in on
+three sides, and stood a very good chance of being cut off. But pluck
+carried the day, and though all their accoutrements, saddles, and
+water-bottles showed visible signs of the hurricane of destruction
+through which they had ridden, they arrived in camp safe and sound, much
+to the satisfaction of the General, who issued an order complimenting
+them on the success of their reconnaissance.
+
+Major Lee, who was in command of the New Zealanders at Arundel, was
+reported to be a splendid fellow--not the typical dashing officer by any
+means, but what was described as a regular paterfamilias of somewhat
+aldermanic proportions. He was hale, hearty, and beaming, and withal a
+man of coolness and courage. The qualities possessed by this officer
+were said to be shared by most of his men, who, though of the rough and
+ready stamp, were true chips of the old British block.
+
+Mr. Gifford Hall was most enthusiastic about Colonials all and sundry,
+and, knowing their excellence and Great Britain's needs, delivered
+himself of words of wisdom which are worthy of repetition:--
+
+     "Ex-frontier cavalryman myself, with further experience as
+     cowboy in both the United States and North-west Canada, and
+     also as stockrider in Australia, I have never for a moment
+     doubted that in the raising of an irregular Anglo-Boer force
+     lay the solution of England's problem, 'How to successfully
+     cope with the enemy.' Sans standard of physique, sans much
+     orthodox training, sans everything but virility, inherent
+     horsemanship, inherent wild-land craft, mounted on his own
+     pony--bronco of Canada or brumbie of Australia--the Canadian
+     ranche hand, the Australian stockrider, shearer, station
+     rouseabout, or the 'cull' of all lands Anglicised might easily
+     become the quintessence of a useful and operative force against
+     a semi-guerilla enemy. A pair of cord breeches, a couple of
+     shirts, his big hat, and a cartridge-filled belt, Winchester
+     carbine, a pony of the sort that can be run to a white sweat,
+     and staggering, tremble, and then be kicked out to nuzzle for
+     grass or die--that's what your man wants. The pants and shirts
+     will be better than he has worn for years; the gun he has 'shot
+     straight' with ever since he first handled his 'daddy's'
+     muzzle-loader; and the 'hoss,' why each is of the other, horse
+     and man, each apart, a thing inept. Orthodoxy against the Boers
+     in military operations doesn't wash.
+     Aldershot-cum-Sandhurst-cum-Soudan-cum-Further-India and
+     War-Office tactics fall flat. The Boer is here, there, and
+     everywhere, not to be followed by 'crushing forces'--only to be
+     checked and turned and tracked and harried and hustled by a
+     brother Boer. There is scarce a Canadian ranche hand but owns a
+     pony of bronco breed, scarce an Australian station hand of any
+     decent calibre but owns or can procure a tough and serviceable
+     semi-'brumbie' mount. And will these men volunteer? Yes, plenty
+     of them, and those that won't can't. Surely Empire saved or
+     gained is worth their worth to the Motherland they fight for.
+     Let her hire them. Transportation and time? The Boer war is not
+     over yet, and England's pocket is deep. To-day she fights for
+     her life, for her honour, and win she must. Arm them and saddle
+     them, men of the wild-lands and prairies. Work them van, flank,
+     and rear. This folly of 'standard' physique and 'training'--to
+     the winds with it. The theory of weight and height for
+     effective fighting is exploded. Heart, eye, and seat, and
+     wild-land inherent tact make up for it. Five-feet-six can ride
+     and shoot and fight or die as well as six-feet-two. We
+     wild-landers have proven it over and over again. Even when the
+     war is over, and our regulars and reserves must return, make
+     these men into protective police for a while, officered not by
+     orthodoxy but by knowledge and experience. They will 'learn the
+     country.' They will evolve scouts from amongst them who shall
+     make no mistakes. They will give to England what she needs in
+     times like these--to come again or not. Your yeomanry won't do
+     the trick; nor your oat-fed kharki-clad higher Colonials
+     either. 'Tis your Anglo-Boer, cowboy, stockrider, shearer,
+     rouseabout, cull, given his way and a cause--yes, he and his
+     scrub-fed mongrel mount and 'gun.'"
+
+These expressions of opinion almost amounted to a prophecy, for very
+shortly the Canadian ranche hands, the Australian stockriders, the hardy
+New Zealanders, and the "higher" Colonials--as Mr. Hall styled
+them--taught us lessons which we were swift enough to follow.
+
+At Christmas the troops fared well, and contributions of a homely and
+delectable kind were supplied to make the season pleasurable. The
+inhabitants of Naauwpoort showed their appreciation of Mr. Thomas Atkins
+in many tangible ways, notably by providing him with appetising
+refreshments as he arrived by rail. Of course, there was a run on the
+telegraph office. Christmas greetings went pouring out and came pouring
+in, while the mail-bags swelled with a plethora of seasonable
+blandishments. At Arundel Colonel Fisher and the officers of the 10th
+Hussars endeavoured to forward Christmas greetings to the Colonel of the
+Regiment, His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, but for some
+unexplained reason the felicitation was not allowed to go beyond the
+vigilant eye of the censor.
+
+The great attraction of Christmas, and its accompaniment the New Year,
+was the expectation of a gift from Queen Victoria, which was specially
+prepared according to the order of the Sovereign herself. It was to take
+the form of a tin of chocolate, and was to be presented to every soldier
+on service in South Africa. The box was specially designed, and adorned
+with the regal monogram. This unique gift, in order to make it the more
+valuable as a trophy or a family relic, was manufactured only of the
+exact number required for presentation to each individual serving at the
+front.
+
+Naauwpoort enlivened itself with sports, and though the weather was
+almost tropical, the activity served to compensate for the absence of
+the mirth of Merrie England. At this time the Boers were approaching
+nearer the British camp. There was a three days' truce, it is true, but
+their positions were only six miles from our troops, and they were
+warned that a nearer approach would mean prompt action by the guns.
+
+The daily routine went on somewhat monotonously--the grooming, watering,
+and exercising of horses; drilling, exercising the mules of ambulance
+and transport waggons; unloading the food supplies, cooking
+them--occupations which afforded work in plenty, but the real business
+of warfare was suspended. Some of the officers made an effort to get up
+hunting parties, and succeeded in bagging a few springbuck, but their
+expeditions were fraught with even more risk to themselves than to their
+quarry. For instance, in one case, while two gallant Nimrods were in the
+act of stalking a splendid springbuck, their chargers made off. They
+suddenly found themselves almost surrounded by Boers, and an animated
+chase followed. Luckily the carcass of the springbuck, which was left
+behind, was too great a prize to be parted with, and the enemy captured
+it in preference to the huntsmen!
+
+At this time there was great consternation in camp, as two cavalry
+officers were taken prisoners. It subsequently transpired that the
+officers, Lieutenant Till (Carabineers) and Lieutenant Hedger (attached
+to the 10th Hussars), were captured through an unfortunate accident.
+They mistook the Boers for New Zealanders, and therefore were unprepared
+to offer resistance. On discovering their error they made a desperate
+attempt to escape, but were overpowered.
+
+The Colonials afterwards discarded their picturesque hats and took to
+helmets. Owing to the resemblance of their headgear to that of the
+Boers, some British pickets had mistaken them for the enemy and fired on
+them.
+
+On the 29th the enemy fell back on Colesberg, and there with his small
+force General French proceeded to tackle him. "So near and yet so far"
+must have been repeated many times by both Generals French and Gatacre
+when each failed to accomplish some clever moves for want of the
+necessary reinforcements. In the ordinary course of things, from
+Naauwpoort to Sterkstroom was an easy three-hours journey by rail, but
+now, with the barrier of the Boers at Stormberg--the junction between
+the East London and Port Elizabeth systems--it was necessary to travel,
+if by rail, _via_ Port Elizabeth, thus making a three-days instead of a
+three-hours trip. And railway travelling was by no means a safe and
+enjoyable exercise. True, the lines of communication were protected by
+some eleven hundred Volunteers, but as martial law had not been
+proclaimed south of Naauwpoort, and disloyalty was here the rule and not
+the exception, it was quite on the cards that at any moment culverts
+would be found blown up and rails twisted.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+THE COLONIALS AT BELMONT
+
+
+On Christmas Day Lieut.-Colonel Pilcher, formerly of the Northumberland
+Fusiliers, late of the Bedfordshire Regiment, arrived at Belmont and
+took command of the troops. The Station Staff now consisted of Colonel
+Pilcher; Major Bayly, Major MacDougall, and Major Dennison. The garrison
+was soon strengthened by two companies of the 2nd Duke of Cornwall's
+Light Infantry under Major Ashby. A general state of high polish was
+begun, and the Canadians, ever active and on the alert, came in for some
+excellent training, which they were not slow to profit by. Owing to the
+insecure state of the neighbourhood, it was put in a fair state of
+defence. Stone sconces were built on the kopjes; earthwork trenches were
+built at the station and elsewhere; and a series of alarm drills was
+carried on, in order to enable all concerned to take up their especial
+posts at a moment's notice. For instance, at an appointed hour an alarm
+on the bugles would wake the echoes. The men would rush to arms; every
+company, previously instructed, would fall in on its own private parade
+ground, and then set out at the double for its post. Celerity without
+fluster was the motto of the movement. When all were posted, some in
+trenches a mile off, others three or four hundred yards away, the
+Colonel would proceed to make such disposition of his troops as the
+imagined enemy might impose. For instance, he would picture the attack
+coming from the north-east and march some of his force in the direction
+of the assumed attack, covering it with a strong line of skirmishers,
+while other troops in springless four-wheeled buck waggons were sent to
+their support. The movement would be only sufficiently developed to give
+the men an intelligent appreciation of what might be required of them,
+and certainly nothing could exceed the promptness and alacrity with
+which the troops threw themselves into their military rehearsals. The
+Canadians especially distinguished themselves by their zest and
+acuteness, and in all the bogus engagements--the attack drill--earned
+the praise of the commander. The following is a copy of a regimental
+order: "The officer commanding the Royal Canadian Regiment is desired by
+the officer commanding the troops at this station to express his
+satisfaction with the intelligent and quiet way in which this morning's
+work was carried out by the officers, non-commissioned officers, and
+men of the Royal Canadian Regiment." The Colonel particularly
+appreciated the manner in which the men avoided "bunching," the most
+fatal error that can be made by troops in modern warfare of the kind in
+hand.
+
+At the end of the year more Australians arrived. These troops had been
+stationed for a short time at the Orange River, getting their horses
+into condition after a six weeks' voyage. From thence they moved on to
+Belmont. The two companies of Queensland's Mounted Infantry found their
+green tents awaiting them, and a hearty welcome. The men, a hardy and
+stalwart set, tall and comely to look on, were well fitted in their
+kharki uniform, which showed no signs of relationship to the slouching
+apparel peculiar to hastily rigged-out troops. Their jackets, cord
+breeches, felt hats looped up at the side with a tuft of feathers of the
+emu, gave them a picturesque as well as workmanlike air. But their
+leggings were dangerously dark, and scarcely as suited to sand or
+morass--the ground was either one thing or the other--as the familiar
+puttees. These useful articles had now been assumed by the Canadians
+instead of their shrunken or loosely flapping duck trousers. The effect
+was infinitely more dapper, becoming to the figure, and serviceable for
+hard wear. The Queenslanders and Canadians at once fraternised, the
+older arrivals making the new comers welcome by inviting them to drinks
+and breakfast, and generally "showing them around." The bond of union
+was cemented by the fact that the officer in command of the
+Queenslanders, Colonel Ricardo, was an old Royal Canadian Artillery
+officer.
+
+
+COLONEL PILCHER'S RAID
+
+New Year's Day was a great occasion for the Colonial troops. They had
+been burning with impatience to come in touch with the enemy, and till
+now no opportunity had been afforded for testing their prowess in the
+field. At midday on the 31st of December a force under Colonel Pilcher
+started off from Belmont. The force consisted of 200 Queenslanders,
+commanded by Colonel Ricardo; 100 Canadians, Toronto Company, with two
+guns; and a horse battery under Major de Rougemont; 30 Mounted Infantry
+under Lieutenant Ryan (Munster Fusiliers); the New South Wales
+Ambulance, under Surgeon-Major Dodds; and 200 Cornwall Light Infantry.
+These left Belmont and proceeded westward. Twenty miles were covered
+before sunset, and the force encamped at Cook's Farm. In this region, on
+a string of kopjes, a Boer laager was reported to be, and this--it was
+decided--must be removed.
+
+[Illustration: MAP ILLUSTRATING COLONEL PILCHER'S RAID.
+
+Scale 9 miles = 1 inch.]
+
+Colonel Pilcher's programme, however, was not divulged. Great caution
+was preserved, as the country was swarming with native spies, and all
+movements of the troops were watched and reported to the enemy. The
+Colonel therefore very adroitly arranged that no person should have a
+chance of reporting his movements, and caused a watch to be kept on all
+the natives, and these during the night were shut in their huts to
+prevent any from escaping and communicating the intention of the troops.
+The vigilance was certainly well rewarded. At daybreak the force
+steadily marched out, creating as little dust as possible, and took up a
+position at a place some fifteen miles off, called Sunnyside. Here the
+enemy's laager was reported to be situated. It was posted on two
+connected kopjes to north and south, and towards these kopjes the troops
+advanced. When within a distance of some four miles the troops halted.
+Major de Rougemont with two guns under Lieutenant Atkinson, Captain
+Barker with the Toronto Company of Canadians, and Lieutenants Ryan and
+Smith with the Mounted Infantry were ordered in the direction of the
+enemy's laager to the north; while Colonel Pilcher with Colonel Ricardo
+and the Queenslanders, A Company under Captain Chaucer, and B Company
+under Captain Pinnock, advanced from the south. Patrols were sent to the
+east. All was done with great quietness and precision, and the Boer
+tactics so closely imitated that the enemy were unconscious of the
+arrival of the British till the troops were upon them. Major Rougemont's
+force made use of all the existing cover, which luckily was sufficient
+to screen both man and horse, and in a very short time had discovered
+some excellent ground which gave on to the Boer position. The enemy's
+laager was ensconced in a nest of trees, at the base of a range of
+kopjes commanded by a convenient ridge. This ridge--reported by the
+Mounted Infantry to be clear of the enemy--with great promptness was
+practically seized and occupied before the Boers had sufficiently
+gathered themselves together to contest the position. The guns were
+advanced at a trot, and unlimbered within 1500 yards of the laager, into
+which two shells were neatly plumped, with a stupendous detonation that
+startled the whole surrounding neighbourhood. Up scrambled the Boers,
+streaming and bounding along the sides of the kopje like stampeded
+goats, and commencing to fire with all their might. Upon our guns and
+gunners came a torrent of lead fierce and sustained. Two Maxims under
+Captain Bell now prepared to give tongue from the right, and then the
+Toronto Company was ordered to double into action. They leapt to the
+word. With a gasp of relief they cried, "At last!" and were off. When
+within 1000 yards of the position their rifles came into play. A
+hurricane of bullets met the enemy's fire: met it, continued
+fiercely--and finally subdued it.
+
+While the guns under Lieutenant Atkinson were booming and banging, the
+Mounted Infantry, ably led by Lieutenant Ryan, were working their way
+along the right, and hunting the enemy from a concealed position among
+the scrub. At midday Colonel Pilcher and the Queenslanders were steadily
+nearing the position from three separate directions. They approached
+under cover, cautious as tigers and nimble as cats, finally firing, and
+returning the fire, but only when they caught glimpses of the enemy.
+Then they blazed away to good purpose, and continued to approach nearer
+and ever nearer, till the enemy, in view of the persistent and deadly
+advance, shrank from his ground, and sulkily retired. The dexterity of
+the Queenslanders was remarkable; they stalked the enemy as a sportsman
+would stalk a deer, criticising their own fire and the fire of the foe
+with workmanlike coolness and interest. The success of these tactics was
+complete. The laager was captured, and with it forty ill-kempt, surly
+prisoners. Lieutenant Adie, who was with a patrol of four men, came
+suddenly on a number of the enemy, and was wounded in two places, but he
+was saved and carried off by two plucky fellows, Butler and Rose, who
+came to his rescue. The latter was wounded, and his horse was killed.
+Another dashing Queenslander, Victor Jones, was shot through the heart,
+and Macleod, an equally brave comrade, after many lucky escapes, while
+advancing with Colonel Pilcher's force, was shot through the spine.
+While these heroic and tragic doings were taking place, General
+Babington with a mounted force had been working hard, his operations
+having been arranged for the purpose of co-operating with Colonel
+Pilcher, and distracting the enemy's attention from the north. These
+manoeuvres had the desired effect, and the day's work, apart from its
+pathetic side, was accounted a glorious success. So cleverly had the
+proceedings been contrived, and so ingeniously were the orders
+interpreted by one and all, that the Boers were completely nonplussed.
+There was a hurried stampede, and the Federals bolted, leaving their
+laager with all its luxuries, its boiling soup, its gin and water
+bottles, &c., at the mercy of the invaders.
+
+[Illustration: COLONEL PILCHER'S ATTACK ON SUNNYSIDE KOPJE--CANADIAN AND
+AUSTRALIAN CONTINGENTS RECEIVE THEIR "BAPTISM OF FIRE."
+
+Drawing by H. C. Seppings Wright from Sketch by Fred. Villiers.]
+
+A vivid description of the Boer camp was given by Mr. Frederick Hamilton
+of the _Toronto Globe_, who accompanied the Canadians.
+
+     "Fourteen ancient tents, their blankets, kettles, and camp
+     utensils, tossed about in wild confusion. Three long waggons of
+     the type in which the voortrekkers voyaged the veldt, a team of
+     a dozen magnificent oxen, a big water-cart which we eyed
+     greedily, a Kaffir wattled hut, its floor piled high with odds
+     and ends of clothing and valuables, its doorway marked by a
+     shell-smash; the rocky kopje-side behind, a flat plain dotted
+     with shaggy, bushlike trees in front--such was the Boer laager.
+     Prisoners came from here and there, over a score from the
+     kopje-top, more from this corner and that of the field, and
+     were taken to the hut. Within it and around its door they
+     squatted, a silent downcast crew; what a mess they had made of
+     their affairs! Perhaps they were not so despondent as we
+     thought, for one man as he sat in the guarded group pointed out
+     a rifle which one of the victors was carrying, and claimed it
+     as his own--a piece of cheek which staggered our men. The
+     prisoners claimed only part of our attention; with eager
+     curiosity the camp was ransacked. At last we had our hands upon
+     these Boers: what manner of men were they, and how did they
+     live? Poorly enough, I should say; the camp must have been
+     densely crowded with the motley gathering, and we could see the
+     odd admixture of practical barbarism with occasional contact
+     with civilisation, as when good suits of clothes lay side by
+     side with repulsive-looking strips of biltong. We felt that all
+     this was ours, ours by right of battle, ours by virtue of
+     victory. Perhaps we were wrong, perhaps the confiscated
+     property of rebels should fall to the Crown, but as long as men
+     go to war so long will victors walk through the camp of the
+     vanquished with just that feeling swelling through their veins.
+     Something else lay heavy upon us--thirst. It raged through us.
+     The yellow pool where the veldt cut into the kopje face filled
+     our water-bottles, and we drank and drank. The foul dregs of
+     the Boers' water-cart were drained with joy. As the sun was
+     setting our own water-cart with more wholesome water drove up,
+     and we drank and drank again. As our fires were lighted, what
+     receptacles could be found were filled and the muddy fluid
+     boiled. Our transport waggons were miles away, and for tea or
+     coffee we were dependent on what we found in the Boer waggons.
+     I remember drinking a cup of hot water and finding it most
+     refreshing. Food was foraged. One section of our men found a
+     sheep's carcass hanging up under a tree, slaughtered by the
+     rebels before our shell changed the tenor of their day. Some
+     had hardtack or army rations in their haversacks. Here and
+     there they picked up enough to make up a meal, not especially
+     plentiful, and very scrappy, but satisfying. Indeed a most
+     peculiar thing about the whole affair was the great amount
+     of work we managed to do on a very small amount of food. The
+     shadows of the evening were falling as we finished our meal,
+     sent out the necessary pickets, and prepared for rest."
+
+Later came the death of poor Macleod the Queenslander, whose wound had
+been mortal. As the Queenslanders had early moved on to Rooi Pan (a
+farmhouse across the veldt where rebels were suspected to be in hiding),
+the Canadians took upon themselves the duty of conducting the sad
+ceremonies of burial. A grave was dug and a New Testament found. Then
+the Canadians slowly bore to its last resting-place the remains of the
+heroic young Colonial who had lost his life in the service of the mother
+country. Major Bayly, the Staff Officer of the expedition, read a few
+selections from Corinthians over the body, after which it was consigned
+to the heart of the veldt. A rude cross bearing his name and corps was
+placed to mark the spot, and written thereon was also the intimation
+that it was "Erected by his Queensland and Canadian comrades." The noble
+young fellow Victor Jones secured less formal burial, though his loss
+was as deeply regretted. On the following day two of his comrades from
+Rooi Pan started off in search of his body, and having found it, buried
+it without ceremony or rite, but with the keenest feelings of sorrow.
+
+On this day, the 2nd of January, the work of destruction of Boer effects
+was begun. Soon after dawn a huge bonfire was made under such waggons
+and ammunition of the foe as could not be utilised, and as the troops
+marched out they were saluted by the appalling uproar of the exploding
+cartridges. The procession, as it moved on its way to Rooi Pan, a
+distance of some four or six miles, presented a somewhat mediĉval aspect
+in spite of symbols of modernity--magazine rifles and machine guns. In
+front was the wide expanse of grassy veldt; behind, the curling blue
+smoke from the burning wreckage of the camp. Along the road came the
+heavy springless waggons piled high with booty, their negro drivers
+flourishing their long whips and repeating their vociferous bark of
+"Eigh" to encourage the small, contumacious mules. With them marched the
+bronzed, picturesque-looking army with its train of captives in the
+rear, an unkempt, dilapidated crew--a strange contrast to the lively and
+robust Canadians, who, rejoiced at their yesterday's feat, were singing
+as they tramped along. Very curious was it to hear, instead of the
+familiar British airs our soldiers love, the Niagara camp-song with its
+Hallelujah chorus, and the popular "The Maple Leaf" proceeding from the
+brawny throats of these brother soldiers of the Queen. Their joy and
+their triumph was complete, and with a good night's rest and the
+beautiful morning air to refresh them, their spirits were effervescent
+in the extreme.
+
+At Rooi Pan there was a halt for half-an-hour, during which Colonel
+Pilcher took the opportunity to address his force, and convey to them
+congratulations on the recent fight which had been forwarded by General
+Wood, commanding at the Orange River. Water-bottles were then filled
+from the clear pond in the farm of one of the prisoners, and soon, the
+sun growing momentarily hotter, the party advanced. This time their
+route lay over dust ankle-deep in places, dust which rose up in clouds
+and came down into eyes and ears and throats, and settled itself in hot
+cakes and rings on hair and beards and necks. But presently, after a few
+miles, the state of things was improved. Government roads stretched a
+smooth highway in front, and kopjes--the dangerous kopjes that afforded
+such comfortable hiding-places for the wily foe--grew fewer and farther
+between. There was now comparative comfort, for there was little fear of
+encounter with the enemy in the open.
+
+The journey was continued without event. There was no sign of
+opposition, and about three o'clock in the afternoon, as they neared
+their destination, a message came in, "Nothing to be seen in Douglas but
+Union Jacks and red ensigns." This was a fact, and Colonel Pilcher and
+his troops very soon occupied the town. Never was there a more
+enthusiastic demonstration: the loyal inhabitants cheered to the echo;
+some almost wept at the arrival of their deliverers.
+
+This town is situated below the junction of the Modder and Vaal Rivers,
+and is of some importance. Here the long-suffering loyalists had
+remained, ever since the commencement of hostilities, in anxious
+expectation, awaiting the arrival of the British troops. Naturally the
+frenzy of their delight knew no bounds, particularly when it was found
+how completely the rebels had dispersed. Fourteen tents, three waggons,
+an immense store of rifles and ammunition, saddles, forage, equipment,
+and many incriminating letters were seized. On some of the envelopes
+were stamped "On Her Majesty's Service," showing that these had been
+used by the newly appointed Landrost of Douglas in the absence of an
+official Free State superscription.
+
+The joy of the loyalists was of short duration. In the afternoon Colonel
+Pilcher broke to them the terrible news. He stated that, for military
+reasons, his force would be obliged to leave on the morrow.
+Consternation prevailed. The leading members of the community explained
+that, if deserted, their lives would not be worth a moment's purchase.
+It was impossible to remain where they were and await the return of the
+enemy, consequently Colonel Pilcher ordered all who wished to leave to
+be ready by six the next morning, and promised them safe conduct to
+Belmont. Thereupon a scene of great animation ensued. An immense exodus
+was actively arranged. Vehicles of all kinds, sizes, and shapes were got
+ready, while the women and babies--such as overflowed the transport
+accommodation--were taken charge of by the gallant Canadians. These
+marched forth singing, to keep up the spirits of the community, and
+finally, when the wearisome end of the journey seemed never to be
+reached, some of the noble fellows, although worn out with a long spell
+of active work, and suffering from sore feet, carried the babies, and
+thus relieved the women of the fatigue of the march. The cortège left
+Douglas at eight o'clock on the morning of the 3rd, and reached Dover
+Farm at two o'clock. With the refugees were sent forward the captured
+rebels. These before their departure were paraded, and Colonel Pilcher
+enjoined those who were Free Staters or Transvaalers to step from the
+ranks, as they would be treated as prisoners of war. The rebels who had
+taken up arms against their Queen would suffer different treatment. No
+one stepped forward, and it was evident that either there were no Boers
+among the number, or they mistrusted the assurances of Colonel Pilcher,
+and preferred to meet their fate _en bloc_. (They were subsequently sent
+to the Cape for trial.) Colonel Pilcher's "slim" arrangement for the
+confusing of the natives prior to making his advance was eminently
+successful, for the Boers, so a prisoner said, considered themselves
+deeply aggrieved that they had not received information regarding the
+proposed movements. On the 5th Colonel Pilcher's column arrived at
+Belmont. The night's march from Cook's Farm was splendidly managed. News
+had reached him to the effect that some 600 or 800 Boers intended to
+effect a junction, and attack the column. At eight o'clock, therefore,
+the whole force started quietly forth, stealing off in the jetty
+obscurity like a band of conspirators. A halt was made during the night
+to allow the troops a short spell of repose: after this they continued
+their journey without mishap. Two companies of Canadians were employed
+to hold a pass some six miles off Belmont, in order to prevent the
+incoming force being cut off by the enemy.
+
+So ended, happily, a most successful raid. The Colonial troops had more
+than acted up to the expectation of every one; and, though it was
+somewhat disappointing that Douglas had to be instantly evacuated, the
+expedition had helped to demonstrate to the loyalists that the British
+could and would come to their aid, and that faith in the end has its
+reward.
+
+The following table of their march is interesting as showing the wear
+and tear to which the troops were subjected:--
+
+                                                        Miles.
+  Sunday, December 31, Belmont to Thornhill               22
+  Monday, January 1, Thornhill to Sunnyside (action)      13
+  Tuesday, January 2, Sunnyside to Rooi Pan, 6 miles;
+      Rooi Pan to Douglas, 15 miles                       21
+  Wednesday, January 3, Douglas to Thornhill              24
+  Thursday night, January 4, Thornhill to Richmond        10
+  Friday, January 5, Richmond to Belmont                  12
+                                                         ---
+      Total                                              102
+
+This smart little military exploit was appreciated throughout the globe.
+Telegrams poured in from all parts of the Queen's dominions
+congratulating Colonel Pilcher and the Colonials on the excellent work
+they had accomplished. The following from G.O.C., Cape Town, read:--
+
+     "Congratulate Colonel Pilcher on brilliant exploit, which will
+     have far-reaching effect."
+
+From Military Secretary, Government House:--
+
+     "Please send following message to Colonial troops employed in
+     action at Sunnyside: 'His Excellency Sir Alfred Milner sends
+     you his heartiest congratulations on your success, and hopes it
+     is only the forerunner of many more. While regretting the loss
+     of some of your brave comrades, he feels sure that your friends
+     in the colonies over the sea will feel proud of the success of
+     their representatives, as he himself does.'"
+
+From Sir Redvers Buller the following was received:--
+
+     "General Buller desires that his congratulations be conveyed to
+     the Colonial troops on their action at Sunnyside."
+
+From the Governor, Queensland, came:--
+
+     "Request you will be good enough to convey to Queensland
+     Mounted Infantry hearty congratulations on gallant conduct at
+     Sunnyside and sympathy in loss of life. Second contingent
+     embarks for South Africa next week."
+
+
+ACTIVITIES AND SURPRISES
+
+More useful work, which had a direct bearing on the events of the
+future, took place during Colonel Pilcher's three weeks' stay at
+Belmont. Soon after the Douglas expedition another excursion was
+devised. More Canadians were to be employed. The Queenslanders were to
+send such men as they could mount, their animals being, many of them,
+still _hors de combat_ from the sea trip, and the guns and infantry were
+to go as a matter of course. A dive into the enemy's country was
+projected--one of the first deliberate incursions upon the Southern
+Dutch Republic. These incursions were of immense value, and served in
+reality as pilotage for the gigantic military engine that was shortly to
+sweep the way from the Cape to Bloemfontein.
+
+At six o'clock in the morning of Tuesday, January 9, the column started.
+It was composed as follows:--
+
+     Royal Horse Artillery--Two guns, 45 men, 51 horses. Queensland
+     Mounted Infantry--Two Maxims, 116 men, 106 horses. Royal
+     Munster Fusiliers Mounted Infantry--15 men, 15 horses. Royal
+     Canadian Regiment--Two Maxims, 293 men, 2 horses. New South
+     Wales Army Medical Corps--Two ambulances, 18 men, 14 horses.
+     Total--487 men, 188 horses.
+
+The officers who were engaged in the flying column were:--
+
+     Staff--Lieut.-Col. T. D. Pilcher, P.S.C., in command; Major M.
+     Dobell, R.C.R.I., Staff Officer; Major S. J. A. Denison,
+     R.C.R.I., Quartermaster; Major Brown, Q.M.I., Transport
+     Officer; Lieut. Lafferty, R.C.R.I., Transport Officer; Lieut.
+     J. H. C. Ogilvy, in charge of R.C.R.I. machine gun section;
+     Capt. Pelham, Q.M.I., in charge of Queensland machine gun
+     section; Lieut. A. C. Caldwell, R.C.R.I., attached; Lieut. C.
+     W. M'Lean, R.C.R.I., attached; Rev. J. M. Almond, chaplain.
+     Royal Horse Artillery--Major de Rougemont and Lieut. Atkinson.
+     Queensland Mounted Infantry--Lieut.-Col. Ricardo, Capt.
+     Chauvel, Capt. Pinnock, Lieut. Bailey, Lieut. Glascow. R.M.F.
+     Mounted Infantry--Capt. Bowen, Lieut. Tyrrell. Royal Canadian
+     Regiment--Lieut.-Col. Pelletier. A Company--Capt. Arnold,
+     Lieut. Hodgins, Lieut. Blanchard. B Company--Lieut. Ross,
+     Lieut. J. C. Mason, Lieut. S. P. Layborn. H Company
+     (half-company)--Lieut. Burstall, Lieut. Willis. New South Wales
+     Army Medical Corps--Capt. Roth, Lieut. Martin; Capt. Dods,
+     Queensland, attached. (Lieut.-Col. Patterson of Queensland also
+     went with the force as a spectator.)
+
+The troops marched out by the road skirting the kopje so gallantly
+stormed by the Guards, and moved over the veldt some few miles to the
+south-east, towards the Free State. After passing Riet Pan a wide left
+wheel was made, and the force struck north-east to eastwards, towards
+the Free State. Here the dull purple kopjes wound along in chains,
+dotted here and there with small plains some three or four miles in
+depth and width. At Blaauwbosch Pan the border was reached--the border
+between Griqualand West and the Southern Republic. A halt was called.
+The troops gathered on a circular plain fringed with high kopjes. The
+road, fenced across with wire, ran through the plain, and close by was a
+small pan or pool, which glittered like diamonds when shaken by the
+thunder showers; for the sky, always overcast and threatening, now and
+then burst into tears. Though these tears had the effect of April
+showers they were mightily drenching, and the troops, in saturated
+overcoats like tepid sponges, pursued their march somewhat
+uncomfortably. In the place above described Col. Pelletier, with two
+companies of the Canadians, was left with orders to remain till three in
+the afternoon, in readiness, if occasion demanded, to reinforce Colonel
+Pilcher. Failing a message, he was to return to camp. The flying column
+proceeded, travelling north till parallel with Enslin, where Gordons and
+Australians were encamped, and from whence the Victorian Mounted
+Infantry were skirmishing. Great caution had to be observed, as it was
+difficult, particularly with so many Colonials about in their soft felt
+hats, to discern friend from foe. Scares, as may be imagined, were many.
+One of these took place when advancing horsemen were seen skimming the
+distance. These dismounted and knelt. They meant business. The
+excitement was intense. Signallers instantly fluttered flags, and
+presently, after some moments of suspense, the troops were reassured. It
+was a squadron of the 9th Lancers, who had come from Modder River
+reconnoitring, keeping the Riet between them and the Jacobsdal position.
+But we are anticipating.
+
+[Illustration: TYPES OF ARMS--LORD DUNDONALD'S GALLOPING GUN-CARRIAGE
+WITH MAXIM.
+
+(Photo by Gregory & Co., London.)]
+
+On the first day of their march, the force enjoyed unlooked-for
+hospitality. About five miles east of the border was the house of one
+Commandant Lubbe, the commandant of Jacobsdal, a luminary of some
+magnitude in the Free State. He may be described as a "man of
+substance," to which his comfortable dwelling and flourishing
+surroundings testified. Upon this pastoral domain the troops, somewhat
+famished and fatigued, advanced. Their arrival, for the Boers, was most
+ill-timed and unexpected. At that very moment dinner for some fifteen
+persons was being spread, piping hot, on the festive board. Odours of
+succulent fare pervaded the atmosphere, odours inviting--tantalising!
+The portly Burghers were in the very act of setting to when they were
+warned of the approach of British scouts. A stampede followed. Departing
+coat-tails, and, five minutes later, mounted dots racing away to the
+shelter of distant kopjes--that was all that our troops on arrival
+beheld. But they saw something better than Boers. Their eyes lighted on
+the goodly array of edibles, and, presto! the officers were seated.
+Joyously they surrounded the well-equipped table, and demolished with
+zest and considerable humour the repast which had been prepared for
+their foes.
+
+A couple of negro domestics were the sole persons left on the homestead.
+The place was searched; ammunition was found, and dies for casting
+bullets. These were promptly destroyed. Some live stock and various
+other useful articles were seized, including three rifles left behind in
+the flight of the Burghers. Presently there came a report that the enemy
+were in hiding in the neighbourhood of some kopjes. A rush to action was
+made. The Maxim gun section went to some kopjes flanking the house, the
+Canadian guns went to a height on the east, the Queensland ones to a
+height on the west. Lieutenant Willis took his section of H Company to
+support the Queensland guns, while Lieutenant Burstall took his section,
+with intrenching tools, to a ridge midway between farm and kopje, to
+prepare a position. Clatter and clank went the horse artillery guns to a
+coign of vantage on the right, whence they could spit at the enemy if
+they should attempt to mount or surround the big kopje in that
+direction, while the Queenslanders on the west commenced explorations
+for the reported foe. Horror! Slouch-hatted horsemen were distinctly
+visible--they were coming nearer and nearer--though evidences of their
+own caution were visible. They were not going to be trapped. Our gallant
+troops were as determined not to be surprised. Thus must the Kilkenny
+cats have commenced overtures. Both parties were wide awake! Both
+parties were sidling up! It was but a matter of moments, and they would
+promptly spring at each other's throats!
+
+Excitement was at a supreme pitch, when the good glasses of an officer
+offered a revelation. The hostile hordes--the advancing horsemen--were
+now plainly discernible. They proved to be not blood-thirsty Boers--not
+an innocent crowd of ostriches that so often in the distance had been
+mistaken for cavalry, but only a company of Victorian Mounted Rifles
+from Enslin, from which place the advanced line was this time but some
+dozen miles distant. It was a pleasant surprise. The scouts came in
+contact, exchanged greetings, and the troops each went on their
+respective way. Colonel Pilcher's force bivouacked at the farmhouse, and
+the next morning, the 10th of January, saw them on their return journey
+to Belmont. It was during this journey, as they wound homewards with
+their captured prizes of oxen, that more horsemen were seen in the
+distance--those who, as before said, were discovered to be the 9th
+Lancers, on business already mentioned. The force reached camp about
+noon. On the following day the sojourn of Colonel Pilcher in those
+regions came to an end. He moved on to Modder River to command the
+Mounted Infantry force at the front. His stay was fraught with much
+benefit to the troops, as his energetic measures, smart manoeuvres,
+and surprise drills brought the spirited Colonials to a high state of
+alertness and proficiency.
+
+
+AT MODDER RIVER
+
+General Methuen, as has been noted, was forced at last to fall back on
+his base at the Modder River, since the Boers held their position in
+great strength, and it became necessary to rest the men, free them from
+tension, and save them from unnecessary sufferings due to the scarcity
+of water. In addition to this, the Engineers were enabled to carry on
+much necessary work. Railway communication was perfected, and the
+permanent bridge was repaired, to provide against accident, which in
+case of a flood might overtake the temporary one.
+
+On the Boer left flank, from the extreme end of Majesfontein
+south-eastwards to the Riet River, was comparatively open ground. Beyond
+the broad expanse of bush which stretched for over a thousand yards was
+a road leading to Jacobsdal, and farther on was flat country which
+offered no cover, and appeared singularly free from traps or trenches.
+Looking over this open ground, it seemed possible to turn the Boer flank
+and cut off the enemy's communications with Jacobsdal, and possibly
+threaten his line of retreat to the Free State.
+
+Some one has called the Modder River the Hampton Court of Kimberley, and
+perhaps it was fortunate that the troops found themselves forced to halt
+in a locality which is one of the most picturesque in South Africa. The
+surroundings were comforting after the desolation of Gras Pan--with
+never a house to hint at humanity, and only the frowning darkness of
+threatening kopjes to break the monotony of the view--and the primitive
+prettiness of Honeynest Kloof, which boasts but a farm or two and a few
+trees to give it life. From this point the country became greener, the
+eye was relieved from the autumnal drabs and purples of the rocky hills,
+and began to lean affectionately on the suggestion of moistness implied
+by the expanse of verdure.
+
+Across the river was the crowded railway station, choked with stores and
+goods waggons, and the usual medley of camp kit. On one side
+accoutrements, lances, swords, the steel of their scabbards glinting
+through the crackled coats of kharki--odds and ends of uniform--telling
+their tale of action--action--action--in all its phases. And close
+beside them were other portions of baggage seemingly the same, but--oh!
+how tragically different! Here were rifles and bayonets, broken,
+battered, and blood-stained--all that was left of the heroic dead who
+had acted their last drama at Majesfontein, and whose belongings, in an
+inert mass, seemed to confess dumbly that they were "off duty" for
+ever.
+
+[Illustration: MAJOR-GENERAL HECTOR A. MACDONALD, C.B.
+
+Photo by Heath, Plymouth.]
+
+Christmas Day was an unpleasant memory--a tropical sun overhead, a
+whirlwind of dust around. It is said that every man must eat a peck of
+dirt in his life-time, and on this day the troops certainly ate their
+quantum. Food and drink were ruined, and tempers into the bargain, for
+the day was made into one long twilight misery by a hurricane of driving
+dust.
+
+The position of the Boers soon after this period grew somewhat
+uncomfortable. Night attacks were threatened; indeed, Lord Methuen had
+the Naval guns laid on to the Boer positions by day, with the order that
+they were to be fired by night. And the order was obeyed with zest. The
+Boers were on tenter-hooks. The shells burst, throwing gorgeous haloes
+into the Majesfontein night. Of course, the compliment was returned.
+Tier after tier of the Boer positions spitted and spouted and vomited
+flame, and the night breezes, carrying the fracas on their wings,
+brought it close, so close indeed, that an attack sounded as though
+imminent. Still our outposts were silent. Discipline kept them "mum."
+Still the Boers continued, and the rattle of their rifles directed at
+nothing in particular, and everybody in general, wakened the echoes of
+the hills.
+
+There was nothing further to be done. Reinforcements had to be awaited
+with annoying, almost humiliating patience. The Boers were stretched
+from Jacobsdal on the east to a point miles away on the west of the
+railway; they were intrenched horse-shoe fashion, with Majesfontein for
+their most imposing stronghold. There was no means of outflanking them,
+for in order to wheel to the west the force would need to march through
+an arid and waterless desert. Had the march been ventured upon, the
+position might not have bettered, as Lord Methuen, even supposing he had
+succeeded in reaching Kimberley, would still have had before him the
+bulk of the Boer commandoes, who would have been at liberty to cut off
+his supplies. The "relief" of Kimberley without supplies would have been
+the reverse of relief.
+
+All the British could do was to struggle to hold their ground, and make
+their proximity as uncomfortable as possible for the enemy. Routine went
+on like clockwork, save that the Modder River clock had no works. It was
+a child of Necessity! A broken steel rail suspended from a crossbeam was
+struck by the sentry with the blunt head of an axe. The stupendous clang
+proclaimed the hours all over the camp. The troops were not allowed too
+much leisure, and ennui was not permitted to reach them; they dug
+trenches, constructed breastworks, and generally improved the lines of
+defence; indeed they worked with a will at anything that came to hand.
+Some one, seeing them alight at a railway station, remarked: "They've
+left all their frills behind them." This was truly the case. Mr. Atkins
+was now above the desire for display. He was workmanly in the extreme,
+and made himself a jack of all trades, alternately groom, labourer,
+cook, porter, mule-driver, laundryman, and hero! To-day he was scouring,
+rubbing, kharki-painting, and hoisting; to-morrow he was good-humouredly
+playing the rôle of his own washerwoman by the river-side. One moment he
+was pulling or coaxing or cudgelling obdurate mules, and apostrophising
+them in language peculiarly his own; the next he was rushing gallantly
+to the forefront to spend his heart's blood in the service of his Queen!
+
+To General Wood must be given the credit of the first entry into the
+enemy's country. On the 6th of January, with a force of all arms, he
+occupied Zoutpansdrift, the place--situated north of the Orange River,
+in Free State territory--where gallant Captain Bradshaw met his fate.
+Communications between the banks of the river were maintained by means
+of a pontoon bridge. This was an excellent piece of work, for by holding
+the drift it was possible to control the progress of the Free Staters,
+and avert sudden raids against the railway between Orange Station and De
+Aar. A great deal of active though scarcely "showy" work was carried on
+at this time, often under the most unfavourable conditions. For
+instance, on the 14th of January, one of the most obnoxious and ever to
+be remembered dust-storms burst over the place. It made life temporarily
+into a bilious sea, a blinding, suffocating bath of yellow sand. Food
+was ruined, to say nothing of temper. Clothes were covered, eyes and
+throats were clogged, and the pores of the skin were caked with showers
+of ochreous pepper, which made every one in camp miserable for a period
+of quite seven hours!
+
+Cavalry reconnaissances at this period were frequent. The troops, always
+in peril of their lives, explored some twenty-five miles into the Orange
+Free State, and found the country clear of the enemy with the exception
+of patrols. The Victorian Mounted Rifles under Captain M'Leish did some
+admirable scouting, and visited several farms, which they found had been
+vacated in hot haste at their approach. The country was thoroughly
+searched, the 9th and 12th Lancers under General Babington doing
+valuable work. It was this party that came in touch with Colonel Pilcher
+and the Queenslanders near Lubbe's Farm.
+
+Our warriors became well versed in peculiarities of Boer homesteads. All
+the Dutch farms had a brotherly likeness, and were usually found at a
+sufficient distance from each other to carry out the Boer ideal that one
+man should not breathe or see the smoke from his neighbour's chimney.
+They commonly nestled under cover of some small kopje, and seemed as
+though so planted for purposes of self-protection. Self-protection is
+the first law of nature, and the Boer character has a great reverence
+for first laws. In every farm was found a harmonium--on the Natal side
+there were pianos--and many Bibles. Some of these were valuable, and
+were old enough to arouse the covetous interest of the bibliophile. Most
+probably they were heirlooms, and had belonged to the early trekkers,
+who could thumb them out, text by text, when their capacity for other
+reading was nil. These one-storeyed abodes were composed of sun-baked
+bricks plastered over, and the flat roofs were lined within by ceilings
+of deal. Simplicity, ignorance, bad taste, and uncleanliness reigned
+everywhere. Indeed, it was a matter for wonder how close to
+civilisation, yet how remote from it, the Dutchmen had contrived to
+dwell. The cattle kraals and homestead were surrounded with
+rudely-constructed walls of stone that in their ruggedness were not
+unpicturesque.
+
+[Illustration: TYPES OF ARMS--MAXIM AUTOMATIC MACHINE-GUN (THE
+"POM-POM").
+
+(By permission of Messrs. Vickers Sons & Maxim, Limited.)]
+
+To return to camp. The Boers, determining not to be accused of lack of
+invention, adopted a new and ingenious dodge. In the distance from the
+British outposts a Highlander was observed in the act of driving cattle.
+As the proceeding was contrary to orders, the manoeuvres of the man
+were carefully observed, and he was discovered to be a Boer masquerading
+in Highland uniform. He was at once fired upon and he fell, but
+succeeded in rising and making off before he could be captured.
+
+On the 16th of January Lord Methuen made a demonstration against the
+left of the Boer entrenchments at Majesfontein, for the purpose of
+drawing off some of the force investing Colonel Kekewich's garrison. On
+the following day, the 17th, a similar demonstration was made, but the
+enemy was nothing if not "canny," and refused to be drawn. Then new
+tactics were tried. On the 23rd there was quite a theatrical
+bombardment. Night fell. The moon rose, empurpling the frowning kopjes
+and filling the whole foreground with magnesian radiance. Then the balmy
+breath of evening was ruffled with the uproar of British shells,
+whizzing like rockets and bursting in the Boers' lair. For full
+half-an-hour a brisk cannonade was maintained, neither party being in
+view of each other, both being wrapped in the mysterious gloom of the
+midnight shadows; but the echoes took up the weird tale of warring souls
+and repeated it into the ear of the winds. Ordinarily, shelling morning
+and evening was a matter of daily ritual. So many shells into the Boer
+trenches, so much breakfast. An hour of brisk bombardment, four hours of
+night's repose. Such might have been the printed programme.
+
+On the 24th of January a tremendous reception was given to General
+Hector Macdonald, who arrived in the best of health and spirits, and at
+once took command of the Highland Brigade. With each of the officers he
+conversed, and apprised them of a special message entrusted to him by
+Lord Roberts, an attention which afforded immense satisfaction to all
+concerned.
+
+The appointment of "Fighting Mac"--as he is popularly called--to the
+command of the Highland Brigade was full of romantic interest. As a
+sergeant in the Gordon Highlanders he was one of those who took part in
+the disastrous fight at Majuba. He was unluckily taken prisoner, but so
+great was his valour and dash that he even excited the admiration and
+appreciation of the enemy. This was testified to this remarkable man in
+a remarkable way. General Joubert, to show his esteem for his fine
+qualities as a soldier, decided on restoring to him the sword which he
+had necessarily surrendered. As the sword was not immediately
+forthcoming, the Boer commander offered a reward for it, so that it
+should be returned to the gallant fellow who had so nobly striven to
+defend it. The picture of Colonel Macdonald and his Khedivial Brigade at
+Omdurman was made ever present to us all through the vivid word-painting
+of Mr. Steevens in his book "With Kitchener to Khartoum"; and now it is
+easy to realise that the kilted warrior was at the moment the right man
+in the right place. The men wanted him. Some were sick and sore and
+fretted to get a chance to distinguish themselves in the field.
+Tradition demanded it, and tradition was dear to them; strangely and
+absurdly dear, some thought. Here were men exposed to the fierce sun in
+what the layman calls "petticoats," suffering agonies in the muscles of
+their scorched legs, yet enduring anything rather than part with the
+external attributes of their warrior land. Though the kilt and the
+sporran had to be extinguished under a hideous apron of kharki, and
+though the heat and weight of wool pleats surmounted by cotton was
+overwhelming, they preferred these sufferings to any change in their
+gear. Suggestions were offered on every side, but it was certain that
+nothing would overcome the conservative devotion of the Highlander for
+the warlike insignia of his race. Yet their plight was sometimes
+pitiable, particularly on occasions when, as a Scot described it, he had
+to take a barbed wire entanglement at "the double" and emerged "a
+bleeding mass, with his kilt hard a starboard, his kharki flap half left
+turn, and his sporran dangling on the wire." Anyhow the men of the kilt
+meant to hold on to all their traditions, and to take the taste of
+Majesfontein out of their mouths. And they were truly glad of "Fighting
+Mac" to help them.
+
+Camp routine was occasionally varied and upset by locust swarms. These
+descended persistently for a space of about three hours, making the
+atmosphere dense, as though thick with snowflakes. It was a snowstorm in
+mourning. Down came the creatures in myriads, gobbling every blade of
+grass, every crumb, every edible fragment, and then, swiftly as they had
+come, disappearing on the wings of the wind. They were useful at times,
+however, for on one occasion, just as a party of troopers had almost
+fallen into a trap laid by the enemy, the air became suddenly dark, and
+presently a veil of locusts descended, entirely cutting off the British
+from the Boers, and enabling the former to scuttle campwards in the
+sudden obscurity. Not so convenient or comforting was the dust-storm,
+with which the troops were becoming well acquainted. The dust-storm or
+dust-spout is analogous to a waterspout. Columns of dust rise vertically
+to a height of about 150 feet in the air and promptly descend with
+alarming velocity, sweeping over the earth at the rate of five or six
+miles an hour, and making life for the time being into a state of chaos.
+But everything may be turned to account, and the British, being tired of
+Boer tricks, utilised even the sand-storm with pleasing results. One of
+the great difficulties of our gunners in shelling the enemy consisted in
+the fact that the Boers, at the first sign of fire, rushed to bomb-proof
+trenches. They employed lookout men to give a signal of warning. On the
+29th of January, however, when the Naval gunners saw a storm brewing,
+they bided their time. No sooner had the whirl descended than they set
+to work and plumped lyddite with great success into the enemy's lines.
+
+Coming events now began to cast their shadows before. Activities around
+the railroad showed that the influence of Lord Kitchener was already at
+work. The Royal Engineers commenced to build a strong and permanent
+bridge across the Modder at its confluence with the Riet. This bridge
+was constructed about fifteen feet above water, to insure it against the
+flooding of the river during the rainy season in the Free State, and
+enable the heaviest traffic to be carried to the scene of action. This
+promised shortly to be situated in the direction of Jacobsdal. Here the
+Boers kept a species of headquarters; and here, in the open plain
+dividing them from Kopjesdam, they set fire to the veldt for two miles.
+The conflagration began in the afternoon of Wednesday, the 31st of
+January, and continued throughout the night, illuminating earth and sky
+with weird reflections. The smoke of these fires served to act as a
+screen for Boer movements, for at this time the hostile armies were
+reinforced by troops from Barkly and Koodoesberg districts. The burning
+of the grass might also have been arranged with the object of procuring
+a black background against which the approach of winding, snake-like
+columns of kharki could be more distinctly visible.
+
+There was some excitement in camp as to the reported capture of Mr.
+Jourdaan, the private secretary of Mr. Rhodes, who had endeavoured to
+pass from the beleaguered town with messages from the "Colossus"
+relating to the critical affairs of the moment.
+
+On the 31st of January the British occupied Prieska unopposed. The Boers
+had been in possession of the place in all about five days, and had
+left, taking with them two prisoners, one of whom they subsequently
+released. Commandants Olivier and Snyman were busy recruiting, and
+finding themselves at a loss for combatants, were now forcing Dutchmen
+all and sundry to serve with the Transvaal colours. "There is no such
+thing as a loyal Dutchman," declared Olivier, and promptly commandeered
+young and old on pain of fine or imprisonment.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+CHRISTMAS AT LADYSMITH
+
+
+Prices at Ladysmith had now gone up, but still those whose purses were
+plethoric could treat themselves to a few luxuries. Jam, for instance,
+was 3s. 6d. per lb., a possible price but a tantalising; while eggs were
+sold at about half a guinea a dozen. Whisky fetched from £5 to £7 a
+bottle, so there was little fear of dipsomania; and small packets of
+cigarettes were worth 3s. 6d. a piece. On the 23rd of December there was
+a grand auction. The Mayor at one time had instituted periodical
+auctions for the sale of the town produce, but finding competition too
+brisk, and fearing prices would never return to their normal level, the
+plan had been dropped. However, in face of Christmas there was a great
+sale, and the soldiers eagerly competed for bargains in the way of
+chickens and ducks and etceteras of the meal. In default of Covent
+Garden or Leadenhall, a long table at an angle of the main street was
+set out with inviting fare tantalizing to all but the most stoical. One
+Gordon was seen dragging off another in act of making an extravagant
+bid--"Come awa, mon! we dinna want nae sour grapes." Poultry was
+fetching from 8s. to 10s. a bird; while vegetables, in proportion, were
+more costly still. Vegetable marrows were sold for 2s. 9d. each; and
+carrots, homely and almost despised carrots, fetched over 3s. a bunch!
+As a great luxury a turkey, a goose, a sucking-pig now and then appeared
+on the Ladysmith board; but the ordinary domestic meal was composed of
+trek beef and "goat" mutton. But even these were becoming beautifully
+less.
+
+Christmas passed off well. Hope revived. News of Lord Methuen's earlier
+victories refreshed the ears of the community, and a series of sports of
+various kinds helped to impart to the day a suitable air of festivity.
+Quantities of popular people set to work to make the day merry. Colonel
+Dartnell, Major Karri Davies, Colonel Rhodes--the delight of all from
+the Tommies to the babes--arranged a Christmas Tree. It was decorated
+with gifts and mottoes, "Imperial to the core," and attended by children
+of all sizes and degrees, even to a siege baby aged three days! But
+behind the scene enteric fever and dysentery flourished, and languishing
+in Intombi camp, two miles out, were pathetic remnants of the hale and
+hearty regiments who had marched to the front in October. The other
+gallant warriors were now nothing more than a mob of badly-dressed
+scarecrows, lean and wizened, but, as one of them said, "good enough
+food for powder." The horses, too, had grown thin and spiritless, their
+anatomy was grievously obvious, and in their eyes--those erstwhile fiery
+eyes--there seemed to dwell the melancholy foreboding of a strange
+hereafter--the hereafter when sausages should be served out to the
+hungry, and the poor equine devotees would have spent the last of
+themselves to keep the British flag flying.
+
+The message of the Queen warmed the hearts of the weary garrison. It was
+pleasant to know that the Sovereign, in thought, lived in the shadows as
+in the sunlight of Empire. Still, none but those experiencing it could
+plumb the depths of monotony and wretchedness. It was enough to kill the
+martial spirit of the most valorous, though none would own that
+bellicosity was exuding little by little from their wasted finger-ends.
+Far from it.
+
+Sir George White maintained a series of night attacks or threats of
+night attacks, which served to keep the Boers uncomfortably on the _qui
+vive_, and these, as a necessary return, indulged in exasperating
+bombardment during the day. On the 26th as many as 176 shells were flung
+into the town before nine in the morning, independently of the action
+carried on by the Maxim automatic guns. It was plain the Boers
+considered that the inactivity of Christmas Day must be atoned for, and
+therefore the guns were plied with additional ardour. On the 27th,
+unfortunately, their murderous efforts were more than rewarded. A shell
+was fired from the Creusot gun on Bulwana, which dropped into the
+Devons' mess at Junction Hill. There, were congregated many of the
+officers, and of these Lieutenant Dalziel and Lieutenant Price-Dent were
+killed. Many others were wounded. Lieutenant Twist was injured in five
+places, and Lieutenants Scafe, Kane, Field, Byrne (Inniskilling
+Fusiliers), Tringham (Royal West Surrey), and Captain Lafone--who had
+been previously wounded at Elandslaagte--were all more or less
+mutilated.
+
+[Illustration: HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY--CAPTAIN, 2nd, LIFE GUARDS.
+
+Photo by Gregory & Co., London.]
+
+On the 28th the Naval Battery took on itself to avenge the loss of the
+noble fellows who had fallen victims to the Bulwana gun, and directed at
+it, or rather at its gunners, six well-intentioned shots from the 4.7
+inch and 12-pounder, with the result that the voice of the aggressor was
+temporarily silenced. There was some satisfaction in the feeling that
+the gunners who had created such awful havoc and regret had met their
+deserts. Both Lieutenant Dalziel and Lieutenant Price-Dent were
+particularly promising young officers, having both seen service with Sir
+William Lockhart on the Indian frontier, the latter having also served
+in the Chitral Relief Force. A sentiment of gloom mingled with fury
+disturbed the fortitude of the gallant party, and the only satisfaction
+they enjoyed was calculation and speculation as to what form Sir Redvers
+Buller's next move would take. "When will Buller come, and how?" such
+were the questions which were repeated scores of times during the day.
+
+The cessation of the fire from Bulwana was certainly cheering, and from
+various sources it was discovered that the Boers were becoming nervous
+in fear of night attacks and the destruction of more of their big guns.
+Their state of mind was not evidenced entirely by their conduct, for two
+plugged shells fired into the camp were found to contain a hunk of
+plum-pudding and the compliments of the season.
+
+Sickness, as we know, was rife, but fortunately there were many doctors
+of repute in the town, members of the Army Medical Department, and also
+independent practitioners. There was Dr. Jameson, whose ability was for
+years testified at Kimberley, and also Dr. Davies of Johannesburg; these
+assisted materially in giving advice, but unfortunately medicines were
+now growing scarce, and milk, though some invalids could digest nothing
+else, was not to be had. It is too pathetic to deal with the losses that
+must have occurred through the lack of suitable nourishment for those
+whose cases, not in themselves serious, only required care and
+sustenance.
+
+The bombardment on the first day of the New Year had tragic results. A
+shell crashed into the house of Major Vallentine and killed a soldier
+servant named Clydesdale. Later, another shell burst near the railway
+station, where a cricket match between the railway officials and bridge
+guards was taking place, and killed Captain Vallentine Todd. The unlucky
+player was in the act of bowling, and dropped with the ball still in his
+hand.
+
+
+THE ATTACK ON WAGON HILL
+
+Our midnight surprises had not been without their lesson, and now the
+Boers conceived the brilliant, the desperate idea of emulating British
+example, and bringing Ladysmith to her knees by assault in the small
+hours. Some three days before the event, a Kaffir deserter had warned
+the besieged that an attack was contemplated; that it had been decided
+among the Boers that a large force must be moved up from the
+neighbourhood of Colenso, and that a final assault at arms must be
+attempted. The warning was pooh-poohed. Kaffir tales were almost as
+prevalent as flies! It was proverbial that night attacks to the Dutchman
+were taboo--they were dangerous, they tried the nerves, and cold steel
+glittered horribly in the moonlight. So Ladysmith slept. But as a matter
+of fact the Kaffir was right. These arrangements had taken place, and
+two storming parties from the Heidelberg and Harrismith commandoes were
+promised immediate return to their homes if they should succeed in the
+hazardous enterprise. Accordingly, on the evening of the 5th of January
+they arranged a plan which on Saturday the 6th they almost carried out.
+The main object of their attack, they decided, should be on the western
+side of the perimeter, where a crescent-shaped, flat-topped eminence
+divided them from the town. At the south point of this crescent was
+placed Cĉsar's Camp, bounded on the east by the Klip River, and at the
+west point, a distance of some four miles, was a post known as Wagon
+Hill. Close to this was a twin plateau called Wagon Hill West. Cĉsar's
+Camp was guarded by the Manchester Regiment, the 42nd Field Battery, and
+a Naval 12½-pounder gun. Only half a battalion of 60th Rifles were on
+Wagon Hill, while two squadrons of Imperial Light Horse were on Wagon
+Hill West. Against these positions the enemy decided to make their
+concentrated attack. The darksome steeps were almost perpendicular, and
+afforded excellent cover for approach. In some respects they resembled
+Majuba, where a man climbing up was almost invisible till he came face
+to face with his quarry. Some three hundred warrior-farmers of the
+Harrismith commando arranged secretly to gather in Fournier's Spruit, a
+dry nullah which intersected the base of the position, and there wait
+till the gloom of the small hours should give them the chance they were
+expecting. Their plan was to divide in two columns. The one, under the
+Harrismith Commandant, De Villiers, was to attack the steeps of Wagon
+Hill West, while the other, in concert, was to crawl to the nek or slope
+which united that hill with Wagon Hill proper, and thus cut off the
+former hill from the rest of the camps. In this way, should the plan
+succeed, they hoped to make the southern peak of the hill, Cĉsar's Camp,
+untenable. Accordingly, divesting themselves of shoes, they started off,
+and under cover of darkness, like stealthily slinking panthers,
+approached, from different points, the British lines. It so happened
+that a Hotchkiss gun and some Naval guns were being placed in position
+on the top of Wagon Hill West. Possibly these guns may have tempted the
+enemy. They would be useful, they thought, to capture and turn on camp
+or town. All day and all night the Royal Engineers and Bluejackets had
+been labouring to get the weapons into position, and at this hour the
+party were taking a "breather" after their long and arduous efforts.
+With them, to cover their operations, were the King's Royal Rifles and
+the Gordon Highlanders, who occupied a post on the front and flank. The
+fatigue party were resting, as before stated. Suddenly, in the stillness
+of the night, a curious and unusual sound was heard. The velvety sound
+of a muffled footfall. A crumbling as of broken earth. Ears pricked up.
+The sentry at once cried out, "Who goes there?" "Friend," was answered,
+and the next moment the sentry dropped dead!
+
+Curiously enough, while the beforesaid plan of attack was in course of
+being enacted, Lieutenant Mathias was visiting his posts. In the
+obscurity he all at once found himself confronted by Boers on every
+side. With amazing presence of mind he faced about, and seeing that the
+Dutchmen mistook him for one of themselves, acted as if he also were
+assaulting the hill. When near enough, however, he made a rush--a
+desperate rush--to warn the pickets of their danger. But he was too
+late. Two men were shot dead, whilst Lieutenant Mathias and a third
+trooper were wounded. There was no help at hand, and before assistance
+could be summoned, the enemy were already sweeping the hill. But the
+sound of the first shots had given the alarm.
+
+Instantly all was flurry and confusion. Men that a moment before had
+been sleepily yawning after their heavy labours were racing hither and
+thither, groping in the darkness in search of arms. Others however, who
+were armed, forebore to fire, the felt hats of the foe being mistaken
+for those of the Imperial Light Horsemen. With a desperate effort
+Lieutenant Digby Jones gathered together his sappers. Hurried shots were
+fired, hurried orders given, but nothing could efface the effects of the
+sudden surprise. The Boers had gained the hill and driven the defenders
+over the crest! This all in a darkness that might have been felt. Such
+lanterns as there were had been overturned and extinguished in the
+hustle of the stampeding Kaffirs, who had been assisting at the
+arrangement of the gun, and who, at the first approach of the enemy, had
+fled. Forks and flashes of flame shining from the nek between the twin
+hills showed that the second column of the Dutch commando also was
+attaining its object. The gun, which fortunately had not yet been
+erected on the top of the hill, was instantly got to work under the
+direction of Lieutenant Parker; rifles were seized, and an effort was
+made in the obscurity to sweep the hill in the direction where the enemy
+was supposed to be. But the Boers were completely enveloped in the
+darkness of the night, and it was impossible to locate them; and the
+Hotchkiss gun was drawn back within the sandguard which had hurriedly
+been thrown up, only just in time. The Boers were now almost upon it.
+All the available men about Wagon Hill had instantly rushed to the
+rescue, and the Imperial Light Horse, some King's Royal Rifles, and a
+few Gordon Highlanders were soon in the thick of the fray. The
+Highlanders, taking their place round the crest, fired, as hard as
+rifles would let them, down the slope. Some fierce fighting followed.
+Before the Boers could get farther up, the Imperial Light Horse with
+their wonted gallantry engaged them, and sent the invaders
+helter-skelter down hill into the mysterious mists of the dawn. But
+this was but for a moment--it was merely the commencement of affairs.
+
+The whole garrison got under arms, not only the military, but every
+available man taking up some weapon to assist in withstanding the
+onslaught. It was felt to be a desperate situation, desperate for both
+sides, for the enemy knew that something must be done, and that quickly,
+to prevent the pending arrival of relief by Sir Redvers Buller, while
+the garrison, in face of reduced rations, disease, dysentery, and
+decreasing ammunition, was aware that it was a case of now or never. The
+alarm once given, Colonel Hamilton from the west had sent for
+reinforcements with amazing rapidity, and up came two and a half
+companies of Gordon Highlanders from the base of Cĉsar's Camp, while one
+company under Captain the Hon. R. T. Carnegie started to support the
+Manchester pickets on Cĉsar's Camp, and a company and a half went to
+Wagon Hill. It was while the Gordons were marching up and crossing the
+bridge of the Klip River that they met with their first mishap. Colonel
+Dick Cunyngham, only just recovered from his wound at Elandslaagte, was
+struck by a chance bullet and fell mortally wounded. Major Scott then
+took the command. Presently came the Rifle Brigade and half a battalion
+of the first 60th to the rescue, while the 21st Field Battery hurried to
+cover the western approaches to Wagon Hill, and the 53rd Battery took up
+a position to guard the most southern point of Cĉsar's Camp. But all
+this movement was not accomplished till much carnage had been wrought.
+As already mentioned, the Boers had nearly achieved their object and cut
+off Wagon Hill West from Wagon Hill proper. By dawn they were straggling
+on the plateau connecting the two hills, merely checked in their further
+advance on Wagon Hill by the remnant of the Light Horse. Firing at this
+time was so terrific and at such close range that it was impossible to
+move from cover and live. Bullets literally buzzed like bees in the
+serene morning air. On one side were the Boers making for the second
+hill, on the other were the British struggling to ward them off.
+Meanwhile, trickling along through the Fournier's Spruit were arriving
+more desperate farmers, more picked men of skilled marksmanship and
+deadly purpose. At this time reinforcements also arrived for the brave
+little band who were so gallantly resisting the Dutchmen. But even the
+additional numbers were insufficient, it was impossible to cope with the
+marvellous marksmanship of the advancing horde. They came ever nearer
+and nearer, firing thick and fast--and with explosive bullets. The
+Colonel, two Majors, and four other officers of the Light Horse
+dropped--the enemy seized the position--and from thence it was
+impossible to dislodge them! To do this it would have been necessary to
+rush through some sixty yards of what seemed hell-fire--a perfect
+avalanche of death. Major Mackworth made the dashing effort, but in
+the very act he was stricken down, and most of the gallant fellows of
+the 60th Rifles who accompanied him. Another officer, Lieutenant Tod,
+pluckily attempted the same hazardous exploit. Twelve noble fellows
+followed him. Six were hit, and the valiant young leader dropped dead
+before he had moved three yards from cover. Colonel Codrington (11th
+Hussars), who was commanding a squadron of the Imperial Light Horse,
+made a rush forward to ascertain if it were possible to get cover for
+his men, but before he had gone thirty yards, he too shared the fate of
+the other officers. These experiences were sufficient. It was decided
+that the best plan would be to wait under cover till dusk, when the
+bayonet might be made to supersede the rifle.
+
+[Illustration: H.M.S. "POWERFUL."
+
+Photo by Symonds, Portsmouth.]
+
+While all this was taking place on Wagon Hill, a terrific drama was
+being enacted at Cĉsar's Camp; and exciting assaults, defeats, and
+re-assaults were following each other on Wagon Hill West. Soon after
+dawn, the 52nd Field Battery, under Major Abdy, commenced to shell the
+slopes below Cĉsar's Camp, and keep the enemy from ascending in that
+direction. The operation was one fraught with extreme difficulty, as the
+shells were forced to travel over the heads of our own men in order to
+effect a lodgment at the desired spot. But the work of the gunners was
+admirable, and the shells burst with a precision that wrought awful
+destruction on the enemy. The whole of the eastern slopes of the hill
+were covered with dead Dutchmen lying amidst fragments of steel and iron
+in the blood-clotted grass. The scene around Ladysmith at this time was
+appalling. Away in the direction of Wagon Hill, fiercely every inch of
+ground was being contested, and here the Naval guns and artillery were
+bellowing and roaring and sending their deadly messages all along the
+ridge of Cĉsar's Camp, driving off the enemy, who came back again and
+again. There was a hard tussle, particularly for the Gordons and the
+Rifle Brigade. Their lives hung by a thread. The Boers were inflamed
+with either hope or desperation, and, contrary to custom, advanced to
+death and destruction with dogged and, one may say, admirable pluck. Day
+broke and grew to its zenith, and still the fighting raged; still the
+guns roared and snorted; still the dust and dirt flew to the skies,
+coming down again to stop the mouths of gasping, dying men, and blind
+the eyes of those who, blood-stained and sweltering, were yet selling
+their lives at the dearest price that could be asked.
+
+Just as the fire was slackening, possibly from sheer fatigue on both
+sides, the heavily charged thunder-clouds burst over the position, and a
+terrific downpour of hail and rain scourged the contesting forces and
+flooded the trenches. The Boers at this time had been driven to a corner
+like wolves at bay, and could not emerge without running the gantlet of
+a tremendous fire from the Ladysmith guns. Wet to the skin, the ground
+one vast meadow of slush, the combatants still held on with grim
+tenacity, each side watching lynx-eyed, each being now almost mad with
+an insatiable and ferocious desire for victory.
+
+The storm continued and grew. Instead, as imagined, of relinquishing the
+fight, the Boers took courage from the tempest. The tornado from heaven
+only served to increase the tornado below! It seemed to suit the stormy
+state of human passions, to stimulate rather than subdue. Under cover of
+the thunder and the swirl of the elements the Federals made one
+desperate onward rush, but the furious fire which met them from
+Volunteers and British Infantry hurled them back and sent them spinning
+in heaps or rushing with howls down the hill. The 53rd Battery swept the
+bush country with a storm of shrapnel, and away to cover they went, and
+with them their reinforcements, who had been hiding in the neighbouring
+nullahs, waiting for the great, the final hour of triumph.
+
+So much for Cĉsar's Camp. On Wagon Hill before noon the Devons, with
+their gallant commander, had come to the forefront, Colonel Park again
+leading them to renewed success. As we know, the Boers were already on
+the hill, and the Gordons, who had lost their officers, were falling
+back when Major Milner Wallnutt rallied them. The enemy were soon
+removed from the emplacement which they held; but they rushed towards
+the west, and were there as dangerously fixed as ever. About two o'clock
+the most horrible moment of the fight arrived. The hill that had been
+the subject of such eager contest was again attacked, this time by a
+small but desperate body of Dutchmen. De Villiers, their Commandant,
+made a wild forward rush to secure the position. In an instant Major
+Wallnutt and a sapper were shot dead, but the rest of the sappers
+magnificently fronted the invaders with fixed bayonets. Presently the
+brilliant youth, the hero of the Surprise Hill affair, Lieutenant Digby
+Jones, R.E., led them forward, shot De Villiers, and dropped! A bullet
+had sent him home to his last account. The hoary-headed Burghers were
+stayed in their onward march by the splendid action of the noble boy,
+who so many times had risked his young life in the service of his
+country. At this juncture up came a dismounted squadron of the 18th
+Hussars, and the situation was saved. The plateau was reoccupied.
+
+[Illustration: PLAN OF LADYSMITH AND CHRONICLE OF EVENTS. (From Drawing
+by W. T. Maud.)]
+
+But even then all was not over. The great, the supreme effort to
+recapture Wagon Hill came at four o'clock in the afternoon. The
+lightning flashed, the thunder rolled, the hail clattered and splashed,
+the guns blazed, vomited, and growled, and the silky whistle of bullets
+made a flute-like treble to the awful orchestra of sound. In the midst
+of the uproar the Boers again obstinately advanced up the heights,
+firing deliberately as they came. On their heads poured the wrath of the
+British guns, and among their numbers rained the ceaseless bullets of
+the Infantry; but they steadily moved up, doggedly determined once more
+to reach the crest of the hill. They came nearer and ever nearer till,
+on a sudden, they flung themselves upon the Devons, who, cheering
+wildly, rushed into their midst and dispersed them. One short
+moment--one wild, valiant rush, and then--then the trusty British
+bayonets dripped with gore, and the Boers--all that were left of them, a
+racing, disorganised rabble--surged madly down the hill!
+
+The worst was over; the British conquerors rushed after the retreating
+foe. The Devons, led by their intrepid commander, charged down the
+slope, and this time, with a wild exultant yell--which echoed like a
+tocsin among the caves and the boulders and the honeycombed banks of the
+river--effectually drove the fleeing herd from the scene of carnage.
+
+The lost ground was recovered, but the lost lives.... Yes; they, too,
+live in the glorious annals of British history.
+
+Captain Lafone, Lieutenants Field and Walker were among the slain; and
+Lieutenant Masterton was wounded. The splendid charge cost the Devons
+all the company officers--fifteen killed and forty wounded!
+
+[Illustration: THE GREAT ASSAULT ON LADYSMITH--THE DEVONS CLEARING WAGON
+HILL.
+
+Drawing by W. T. Maud.]
+
+It was a dreadful seventeen hours' work. Not a soul but had his duty,
+and more than his duty, cut out for him. The jolly Jack Tars stood to
+their guns from morn till night, blazing away with marvellous accuracy
+and precision, while the gallant Natal Police, Natal Carabineers, and
+Mounted Rifles were wedged between the Boers from Mount Bulwana and the
+rest of their attacking party, and signally defeated all their efforts
+to effect a junction. The Manchester Regiment, the Border Regiment, a
+detachment of Mounted Rifles, the Gordon Highlanders, and the Rifle
+Brigade defended the east of Cĉsar's Camp like heroes, while on the
+west, as we know, the Imperial Light Horse, more Gordon Highlanders, the
+Devon Regiment, the King's Royal Rifles, and a Naval detachment did
+glorious deeds. The Naval Brigade and the Natal Naval Volunteers
+occupied a central position, while three batteries of the Field
+Artillery were perched on a hill, and one remained on the ground below.
+All these were called upon to act with might and main to avert the
+pending calamity, to meet the stubborn, mulish persistency of the Boers
+with its match in British bulldog obstinacy, and show the enemy that
+with all the odds against them the besieged would never surrender.
+Valiantly--almost miraculously--they held their own. They who for months
+had been exposed to privation of all kinds, who had fought engagement
+after engagement, who had eaten, drunk, and slept with the shadow of
+death hanging over them, knowing that at any moment the caprice of fate
+might make them victims to the incoming shells or threatened disease,
+came out with enfeebled frames, but wills of iron, determined to conquer
+or to die.
+
+Elsewhere there had also been bloody doings. The enemy had even tried to
+force their way into the town, and from here they were chased by the
+gallantry and daring of the Gloucester, Leicester, and Liverpool
+Regiments. The Boers were forced to retire, but even in their retirement
+they showed characteristic "slimness," as they made their way in line
+with the neutral camp at Intombi Spruit, and thus defied the British to
+fire upon them. Nor was this the only example of their ingenious mode of
+self-defence on that day. Their "slimness" was carried on on every
+available opportunity. For instance, a party of the enemy, under cover
+of darkness of the early morning, had got almost within touch of
+Lieutenant Royston, who at once called on the Border Mounted Rifles to
+fire. They were in the act of doing so when a voice rang out, "Don't
+shoot. We are the Town Guard." No sooner, however, had the order to
+"Cease fire" been heard than crack, crack, ping, ping, a volley was at
+once poured on the Colonials. Several of their number dropped, but the
+rest, exasperated beyond endurance at the hateful duplicity, charged
+into the midst of the enemy, leaving scarce one of them to tell the
+tale.
+
+These tricks and dodges set aside, the Boers fought more pluckily than
+was their wont, and they, cheered on by their dauntless Commandant, De
+Villiers, came to such close quarters that Colonel Hamilton had recourse
+to his revolver. Among the first of the gallant defenders to drop was
+the glorious, heroic figure of Colonel Dick-Cunyngham.[3] He was seen
+standing on the road-bridge in the act of leading his men, and was
+struck by some sharp-shooting Boer. By seven o'clock in the morning
+numbers of other splendid fellows had fallen, and the air of Ladysmith
+was rent with the cries and groans of the dying, who thickly strewed the
+ground. Lord Ava, orderly officer to Colonel Hamilton, fell mortally
+injured,[4] and Colonel Edwards's wound was also severe.
+
+Lieutenant Digby Jones (Royal Engineers) took a most heroic part, alas!
+with tragic results. With his own hands he shot three of the enemy, and
+clubbed a fourth, but for his gallant conduct, which doubtless would
+have been rewarded with a V.C., he paid later on in the day with his
+life. One gallant young trooper of the Imperial Light Horse had strange
+experiences. He, with only a sergeant, was among the first to meet the
+Boers. In the dusk of dawn the sergeant fell, and the trooper was
+wounded. He recovered his senses sufficiently to try and creep to cover.
+A shower of rain drenched him, then the sun blazed out mercilessly and
+scorched him. Worn out, he decided he would stagger to the Devons and
+get support, but, battered as he was, they failed to recognise him, and
+arrested him as a spy!
+
+Numerous deeds of amazing valour were performed, so many indeed that
+they deserve a separate record without the limits of the narrative. But
+the story of the heroic Bozeley cannot be omitted. During the action
+there was a sergeant in command of one of the guns sitting rather
+doubled up on the trail of his gun. A 4.7 shell took off his leg high up
+on one side, and took the arm out of the socket, and he fell across the
+trail of the gun, as they thought, an inanimate, speechless mass. But to
+the astonishment of every man amongst them, a voice came from the mass
+inciting them on to their duty, and saying: "Here, you men, roll me out
+of the way, and go on working the gun."
+
+The list of casualties was a grievously long one:--
+
+     _Killed_:--5th Lancers--Second Lieutenant W. H. T. Hill. 23rd
+     Corps Royal Engineers--Lieutenant R. J. T. Digby Jones, Second
+     Lieutenant G. B. B. Dennis. 1st Devonshire Regiment--Captain W.
+     B. Lafone, Lieutenant H. N. Field, Lieutenant C. E. M. Walker,
+     1st Somerset Light Infantry (attached). Imperial Light
+     Horse--Lieutenant William F. Adams, Lieutenant John Edward
+     Pakeman. 1st King's Royal Rifle Corps--Brevet-Major F.
+     Mackworth, 2nd Royal West Surrey Regiment (attached). 2nd
+     King's Royal Rifle Corps--Major R. S. Dowen, Lieutenant M. M.
+     Tod, 1st Cameronians (attached), Second Lieutenant F. H.
+     Raikes. 2nd Gordon Highlanders--Major C. C. Miller Wallnutt.
+     2nd Rifle Brigade--Second Lieutenant L. D. Hall.
+     _Wounded_:--Staff--Captain Earl of Ava dangerously (died
+     January 11). Intelligence Department--Local Captain H.
+     Lees-Smith, slightly. 5th Lancers--Captain E. O. Wathen,
+     slightly. Imperial Light Horse--Lieutenant-Colonel A. H. M.
+     Edwards, 5th Dragoon Guards (attached), slightly, Major W.
+     Karri Davis, slightly, Major D. E. Doveton, dangerously (died
+     February 14), Lieutenant W. R. Codrington, 11th Hussars
+     (attached), dangerously, Lieutenant J. Richardson, 11th Hussars
+     (attached), severely, Lieutenant Douglas Campbell,
+     dangerously, Lieutenant P. H. Normand, slightly. 1st Devonshire
+     Regiment--Lieutenant J. Masterson, severely. 1st Manchester
+     Regiment--Major A. E. Simpson, slightly, Captain A. W. Marden,
+     slightly, Captain T. Menzies, slightly, Second Lieutenant E. N.
+     Fisher, severely. 1st King's Royal Rifle Corps--Lieutenant R.
+     McLachlan, severely. 2nd Gordon Highlanders--Lieutenant-Colonel
+     W. Dick-Cunyngham, severely (died January 7), Captain Hon. R.
+     Carnegie, severely, Lieutenant W. Macgregor, severely. 2nd
+     Rifle Brigade--Brevet Major G. Thesiger, severely, Captain S.
+     Mills, dangerously (died February 2), Captain R. Stephens,
+     severely, Captain H. Biddulph, slightly, Second Lieutenant C.
+     E. Harrison, slightly. 5th Lancashire Fusiliers--Lieutenant F.
+     Barker, attached Army Service Corps. Natal Mounted
+     Rifles--Captain A. Wales, slightly, Lieutenant H. W.
+     Richardson, slightly. Volunteer Medical Staff, Lieutenant R. W.
+     Hornebrook, slightly. Royal Army Medical Corps--Major C. G.
+     Woods, slightly.
+
+On the following day--Sunday--in the Anglican Church, a thanksgiving
+service for victory was held, and all who were able attended the solemn
+function. At the close of the simple yet impressive service General
+White and his staff stood at the altar rails while the _Te Deum_ was
+performed, and this was afterwards followed by the singing in thrilling
+unison of the National Anthem. Round the Chief were the men who have
+fought by his side through many days of sore trouble--each hour an
+eternity in its experiences. The well-known forms of General Sir
+Archibald Hunter and General Ian Hamilton were in evidence, but some,
+alas! of that goodly company would never be seen again. In the Town Hall
+close by, and in the adjacent hotels and dwellings, honest manly souls
+were breathing their last, and others had already taken their flight to
+where the great thanksgiving service of creation goes on for ever and
+ever.
+
+Among these last was a man who was the pride of his sex and an ornament
+to his profession, Colonel Dick-Cunyngham, V.C. Wounded previously, from
+his second blow he never rallied, and on this sad Sunday passed away.
+
+In a few words the _Daily Telegraph_ summed up the surprising qualities
+of the heroic figure that had so lamentably passed from society as from
+the scene of war: "Lieutenant-Colonel Dick-Cunyngham was the beau-ideal
+of a Highland officer, and there was not a man or woman in the world who
+had a bad word to say about him. His heart was as true as steel, and his
+manner was courtesy itself. In his kilt and bonnet, a moustache that was
+so light that it was nearly white telling against the bronze of his
+face, and with a mountaineer's figure, he was a man who caught every
+artist's eye at once, and he has figured, without his knowledge, again
+and again in pictures and illustrations. At Shirpur he first gave proof
+of his great gallantry by rallying the men when for a moment they
+wavered; at Majuba he was the officer who asked permission to charge.
+Elandslaagte and Ladysmith are the last two names in his long record of
+heroism."
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[3] Lieutenant-Colonel William Henry Dick-Cunyngham, V.C., of the Gordon
+Highlanders, entered the army in 1872, and first saw service in the
+Afghan War of 1878-80, and won his Victoria Cross in that campaign. He
+was present on transport duty in the advance to Candahar and
+Khelat-Ghilzie under Sir Donald Stewart; with the Thull Chotiali Force
+under Major-General Biddulph; under Sir Frederick Roberts in the Koorum
+Valley Field Force in the 92nd Gordon Highlanders, including the
+engagement at Ali Kheyl; and he took part in the operations round Cabul
+in December 1879, including the attack on the Sherpur Pass. He was with
+the Maidan Expedition in 1880 as acting adjutant of a wing of the 92nd
+Gordon Highlanders, including the engagement at Charasiah on April 25;
+accompanied Sir Frederick Roberts in the famous march to Candahar, and
+was present at the reconnaissance of the 31st of August, and at the
+Battle of Candahar. He was awarded the V.C. "for the conspicuous
+gallantry and coolness displayed by him on the 13th of December 1879 at
+the attack on the Sherpur Pass, in Afghanistan, in having exposed himself
+to the terrible fire of the enemy, and by his example and encouragement
+rallied the men who, having been beaten back, were at the moment wavering
+at the top of the hill." He served in the Boer War of 1881 as Adjutant of
+the 92nd Gordon Highlanders, and was subsequently D.A.A.G. at Bengal. He
+went out in the autumn of 1899 to Natal in command of the 2nd Battalion
+of the Gordon Highlanders, and led them into action at the battle of
+Elandslaagte. He fell early in the charge, wounded by a bullet in the
+leg. While lying on the ground he called to his men to go on and leave
+him, and then calmly took out and lit his pipe, waiting for hours before
+being removed by the ambulance party. At the end of the year Sir George
+White reported that Colonel Dick-Cunyngham had completely recovered. He
+returned to active duty only to be again wounded--this time mortally. He
+was uncle to Sir William Dick-Cunyngham, the present baronet, and fifth
+son of the eighth baronet. Born in 1851, he married in 1883 Helen,
+daughter of Mr. Samuel Wauchope, C.B.
+
+[4] Archibald James Leofric Temple Blackwood, born in 1863, was educated
+at Eton. He was a member of Methuen's Horse in Sir Charles Warren's
+Bechuanaland Expedition. Then he served with the Carabineers, and
+afterwards obtained a lieutenancy in the 17th Lancers. He accompanied the
+Natal Force, in an unattached capacity, on the outbreak of hostilities.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+BULLER'S SECOND ADVANCE
+
+
+At last, after a long period of suspense, it was possible for General
+Buller's force to make an appreciable advance. The arrangements were set
+on foot with the utmost secrecy, and on the 9th of January the second
+forward movement of the troops from Frere and Chieveley may be said to
+have commenced. General Barton and the Fusilier Brigade were deputed to
+watch over Colenso, and with them were left some dummy cannon, cunningly
+contrived by Jack Tar so as not to forewarn the Boers, and allow them to
+congratulate themselves on the absence of lyddite from their vicinity.
+This was not the first time that guns in effigy had been arranged to do
+duty in our dealings with the Boers. During one of the sieges in the
+year 1881, a "Quaker" cannon was erected in an inviting position on
+purpose to draw the Boers' fire, with the result that they expended the
+best part of a day and a vast amount of valuable ammunition on the
+imperturbable object!
+
+[Illustration: PIETERMARITZBURG FROM THE EAST.
+
+Photo by Wilson, Aberdeen.]
+
+To appreciate the gigantic nature of the advance now made, we may refer
+to a rough table showing the composition and strength of the forces in
+Natal at this date under the command of Sir Redvers Buller.
+
+
+     SIR REDVERS BULLER'S FORCE
+
+     SECOND DIVISION.--(Lieutenant-General Sir C. F. Clery).--2nd
+     (Hildyard's) Brigade--2nd East Surrey; 2nd West Yorks; 2nd
+     Devons; 2nd West Surrey. 4th (Lyttelton's) Brigade--1st Rifle
+     Brigade (included in Sir C. Warren's Division); 1st Durham
+     Light Infantry; 3rd King's Royal Rifles; 2nd Scottish Rifles
+     (Cameronians); Squadron 14th Hussars; 7th, 14th, and 66th Field
+     Batteries, less 11 guns of 14th and 66th Batteries lost at
+     Colenso.
+
+     THIRD DIVISION.--5th (Hart's) Brigade--1st Royal Inniskilling
+     Fusiliers; 1st Connaught Rangers; 1st Royal Dublin Fusiliers;
+     1st Border. 6th (Barton's) Brigade--2nd Royal Fusiliers; 2nd
+     Royal Scots Fusiliers; 1st Royal Welsh Fusiliers; 2nd Royal
+     Irish Fusiliers; Squadron 14th Hussars; 63rd, 64th, and 73rd
+     Field Batteries.
+
+     FIFTH DIVISION.--(Lieutenant-General Sir Charles Warren).--10th
+     (Coke's) Brigade--2nd Dorset; 2nd Middlesex. 11th (Woodgate's)
+     Brigade--2nd Royal Lancaster; 2nd Lancashire Fusiliers; 1st
+     South Lancashire; 1st York and Lancaster; Squadron 6th
+     Dragoons; 19th, 20th, and 28th Field Batteries. Brigades
+     uncertain--2nd Royal Dublin Fusiliers; 2nd Somerset Light
+     Infantry. Corps Troops--61st Field Battery (Howitzers); Natal
+     Battery 9-pounders; Six Naval 12-pounder quick-firers; 4th
+     Mountain Battery; 4.7 Naval guns. Cavalry Brigade--1st Royal
+     Dragoons; 13th Hussars. South African Colonial Troops--500
+     Bethune's Mounted Infantry; Thorneycroft's Mounted Infantry;
+     Natal Carabineers; South African Light Horse (seven squadrons);
+     Imperial Light Horse (squadron); Imperial Light Infantry; Natal
+     Police.
+
+This table suggests a very imposing army, but it is necessary to
+remember that only a part of any force assembled at the base is
+available for actual attack. The lines of communication to Chieveley
+alone were some 160 miles in length, and the necessary work of guarding
+them, securing easy transport and supply, Royal Engineer work, and other
+business connected with the munition of war, independent of sickness,
+absorbed a large proportion of the troops. Military experts estimated
+that the absolute fighting men were far fewer than supposed. The table
+here shown represents some 30,000 men, but of these about 5000 were
+engaged in miscellaneous work. Out of twenty-three battalions of
+infantry it was necessary to use three or even more for the guarding of
+the lines of communication. Of three regiments of cavalry, only a part
+was available, while of the other arms, allowance had to be made for the
+loss that had been sustained, and also for sickness. In this march, now
+that the army had at last moved from the railway, the baggage column was
+enormous. It made a procession of some miles in length as it lumbered
+along primitive roads, through mud sometimes ankle-deep. It had been
+decided to bring up all tents, sheep, coops, &c., and consequently the
+various fatigue duties involved in the move were enormous.
+
+When one considers the ordinary transport of a mere regiment, it is
+possible to form some idea of the amazing cortège that had to follow the
+movements of the commander. The transport of a regiment in South Africa,
+roughly speaking, was composed of six ox-waggons, each drawn by sixteen
+oxen in pairs tandem fashion (managed by Kaffir boys, one driving the
+wheelers, another spurring the whole caravan by means of an enormous
+whip and a profuse vocabulary); four ammunition carts, each drawn by six
+mules; a water-cart, with pair of mules; a "Scotch" cart, and a strong
+luggage-cart, drawn by four mules, for conveyance of tents, blankets,
+and food, &c. A little mental multiplication will help us to picture the
+long serpentine coil that was twisting its way from Colenso to the new
+westerly point of attack.
+
+The procession was forced to move slowly and cautiously through a
+rugged, mountainous district, from which no supplies of any sort could
+be drawn. The ox-waggon of the country had to be relied upon entirely
+for heavy transport. This mode of conveyance is somewhat characteristic
+of the progress of the tortoise; two miles an hour was the average rate
+of advance, and at most the shambling cattle succeeded in covering about
+twelve to fifteen miles a day. Of proper roads there were none. The
+country was a vast swamp after heavy rain, or, in fine weather, a mass
+of dry ruts and tracks, steep hills, difficult fords, and irritating
+boulders. Over all this had to be coaxed or goaded the patient oxen, or,
+still worse, the stubborn, obstinate mules which dragged the lighter
+carts, and which, like ignorant persons, sometimes jibbed for sheer
+jibbing's sake, true to the obstructionist instinct that belongs to the
+intellectually stolid. When a team of these strong yet strange beasts
+chooses to jib at a ford or in a pass, it takes some companies of
+infantry to haul the waggon on to level ground, and then, and only then,
+will they condescend to resume their labour. It may therefore be
+imagined that the progress of troops--dependent as they were for food
+and forage on the tempers of quadrupeds--was at this time slow and not
+always sure! However, troops and baggage were gradually concentrated at
+Springfield, while the Boers, who had spies everywhere, among boulders,
+in dongas, and upon the formidable height of Spion Kop, hurried about
+their preparations for the renewed and mighty tussle which was now
+pending.
+
+On the 10th of January Lord Dundonald, at the head of the Cavalry
+Brigade, started at dawn from Frere Camp. A few miles outside they came
+on targets erected by the Boers to represent a force advancing in
+skirmishing order, which showed that the enemy had evidently been
+indulging in rifle practice. The troops marched some twenty-four miles
+in a north-westerly direction to Springfield, through the country, which
+was one vast quagmire beset with the enemy, without mishap of any kind.
+There were thrilling moments when the enemy were known to be ensconced
+in neighbouring kopjes or hiding in the bush, but every precaution was
+taken, the country having been previously searched by scouts, and the
+whole movement so successfully carried out that the brigade at last was
+able to occupy a strong position dominating Potgieter's Drift on the
+Upper Tugela. Here at once extra defences were made, to ensure against
+surprise from the enemy, who, finding the rivers in flood, had retired
+to the north, and to enable Lord Dundonald's force to hold its ground,
+and thus render safe the passage of the river.
+
+Lord Dundonald's Brigade was accompanied by the Fifth Brigade under
+General Hart, comprising the Dublin Fusiliers, the Connaught Rangers,
+the Border Regiment, and the Inniskilling Fusiliers. These, on hearing
+that Springfield was unoccupied by the enemy, now took possession of the
+place.
+
+The column then advanced to Mount Alice, one of the spurs of Swartz Kop
+or Black Hill, a rocky eminence which faced the mountain fastnesses of
+the foe. From this point the panorama was magnificent. In front the
+Tugela looped and twisted in four big silvery bends, and great kopjes,
+the scenes of future fights, rose on the other side. It was possible to
+see the flat crowned summit of Spion Hill, which was held by the Boers
+and covered with trenches, and another frowning eminence also held by
+the enemy. A glimpse, too, might be had of the distant laager of the
+Boers perched on the Tugela heights; but the Dutchmen being evidently
+warned of the coming of the British troops, struck camp and silently
+melted away. Still it was known that there were some of them within
+almost a stone's throw, for on the arrival of Lord Dundonald's force at
+Potgieter's Drift it was discovered they had been there the previous
+day.
+
+The next morning, the 11th, the pontoon from the enemy's side of the
+river was very cleverly captured, it may be said in the very teeth of
+the foe, by Lieutenant Carlyle and six of his men of the South African
+Horse. They leapt into the stream, which at that place was running
+strong, swam to the Boer side, untied the pont, and succeeded in getting
+it across for the use of the troops. The achievement was a brilliant
+one, because during the whole proceedings the exact position of the
+Boers was unknown. At any moment a volley might have been poured on the
+adventurous party from which it would have been almost impossible to
+escape. No sooner had they removed the fastenings of the pont and were
+getting it across than shots were fired, one of them grazing Lieutenant
+Carlyle, who, however, pursued his work to the end.
+
+From the heights we had gained, operations were soon commenced both with
+heliograph and telescope. Mount Bulwana and part of the outskirts of
+Ladysmith were clearly visible. Fringed around them were Boer camps,
+waggons, and cattle; while studded over the ground the enemy was seen,
+some building forts, others digging trenches, and all working like bees
+to protect the road from our advance. The Ladysmith chief signaller,
+Captain Walker, rapidly came into communication with the signallers on
+Swartz Kop, and Sir George White was informed of the satisfactory
+progress of the advance so far.
+
+The Naval guns were now comfortably ensconced on the western ridge of
+the hill, ready to do duty in sweeping away the strong positions which
+were being rapidly built up by the hostile hordes, who were fast
+beginning to congregate from the neighbourhood of Colenso.
+
+Meanwhile General Lyttelton's brigade had streamed in with howitzers,
+and soon these, under cover of the guns of the Naval Brigade, were
+across the river, and safely located on the other side. At the same time
+was commenced the fortifying of Mount Alice. The men were all in great
+fettle, working like Trojans, and perfectly regardless of fatigue. They
+crossed the scudding river, steadying themselves by holding each other's
+rifles, in a burning sun with the water up to their waists, and
+advanced in skirmishing order over the boulder-strewn country, settling
+themselves at last on some low kopjes to the north of the river and
+facing the enemy's defences five miles north of the drift.
+
+While these important events were taking place at Potgieter's Drift,
+General Sir Charles Warren with the 5th Division was also moving forward
+by a circuitous route. By another drift, called Trichardt's Drift, some
+five miles farther west, the entire force eventually got across and took
+up a position beyond the river, with the object of turning the position
+of the enemy, who were posted on Spion Kop. This journey was not
+achieved without coming in touch with the Boers. Some of them were
+hidden in a wooded nook by a farmhouse, and from thence poured
+rifle-shots on the advance guards. They even brought their cannon to
+bear on the troops; but the _passage d'armes_ was of short duration, and
+the enemy, warmed with fervent salutations from the Naval guns on the
+hills, was soon in full flight across country. Then the engineers, with
+celerity which looked to the uninitiated like a conjuring trick, in two
+hours threw a pontoon bridge over the river, and the crossing was
+successfully accomplished. The great object of Sir Charles Warren was
+now, as stated, to turn the enemy's position. This, situated about five
+miles off to his right front, was undoubtedly a strong one. It ran
+laterally with the river, with Spion Kop for its centre, and all around
+the enemy were actively engaged in intrenching themselves. The plan of
+the combined movement was to make as hasty an attack as possible and
+prevent the Dutchmen from strengthening their position and reinforcing
+their right from their centre and left, and perhaps enable the Ladysmith
+garrison to do its share in threatening the enemy's rear. For this
+reason General Barton, with sufficient troops, had been left at Colenso
+to hold the Boers' forces and prevent them from massing on the line of
+Sir Redvers Buller's march. This latter officer with a small force
+directed the combined operations from Spearman's Farm, a little to the
+south of Mount Alice. The headquarters of himself and his staff were at
+the picturesque homestead of one Martinius Pretorius, a personage who
+thought it advisable not to remain to play the host.
+
+[Illustration: THE CROSSING OF POTGIETER'S DRIFT, JANUARY 16.
+
+Drawn by Enoch Ward from a Full Sketch by René Bull, War Artist with
+General Buller.]
+
+The troops, in spite of their trying march--the mud collected by
+tremendous rains, the arduous business of getting across the river, the
+grilling sun overhead, and the enemy possibly threatening from unknown
+quarters--were bright, healthy, and hopeful. Immense enthusiasm was
+occasioned in every camp when all were made acquainted with the brief
+yet stirring words of Sir Redvers Buller: "_We are going to the relief
+of our comrades in Ladysmith; there will be no turning back_." A short
+emphatic statement this--blunt as the conversation of the man who made
+it, but instinct with noble meaning--of superb resolve! It touched
+every heart, and made each bronzed-face warrior repeat once more to
+himself the oath to do or die for the honour of his country and for the
+service of those to be relieved!
+
+
+THE FLANK MOVEMENT
+
+Before going further, it is interesting to examine with the map a rough
+hint made by Mr. Winston Churchill, correspondent of the _Morning Post_,
+of the general plan of the advance.
+
+[Illustration: TYPES OF ARMS--A MOUNTAIN BATTERY.
+
+(Drawn by Ernest Prater.)]
+
+"Having placed his army within striking distance of the various passages
+across the Tugela, Sir Redvers Buller's next object was to cross and
+debouch. To this end his plan appears to have been--for information is
+scarcely yet properly codified--something as follows: Lyttleton's
+Brigade, the corps troops forming Coke's Brigade, the ten Naval guns,
+the battery of howitzers, one field-battery, and Bethune's Mounted
+Infantry to demonstrate in front of the Potgieter position, keeping the
+Boers holding the horseshoe in expectation of a frontal attack and
+masking their main position; Sir Charles Warren to march by night from
+Springfield with the brigades of Hart, Woodgate, and Hildyard, the Royal
+Dragoons, six batteries of artillery, and the pontoon train to a point
+about five miles west of Spearman's Hill, and opposite Trichardt's
+Drift on the Tugela. Here he was to meet the mounted forces from
+Spearman's Hill, and with these troops he was next day, the 17th, to
+throw bridges, force the passage of the river, and operate at leisure
+and discretion against the right flank of the enemy's horseshoe before
+Potgieter's, resting on Spion Kop, a commanding mountain, ultimately
+joining hands with the frontal force from Spearman's Hill at a point on
+the Acton Homes Ladysmith road. To sum up briefly, seven battalions,
+twenty-two guns, and three hundred horse under Lyttleton to mask the
+Potgieter position; twelve battalions, thirty-six guns, and sixteen
+hundred horse to cross five miles to the westward, and make a turning
+movement against the enemy's right. The Boer covering army was to be
+swept back on Ladysmith by a powerful left arm, the pivoting shoulder of
+which was at Potgieter's, the elbow at Trichardt's Drift, and the
+enveloping hand--the cavalry under Lord Dundonald--stretching out
+towards Acton Homes."
+
+This plan on the surface appeared fairly practicable if the action could
+be carried on with sufficient rapidity to prevent the enemy from
+gathering in his crowds, as he had gathered at Colenso. Here was the
+great--If. The art of war is at best a choice of difficulties, and at
+this time our Generals had an embarrassment of that choice. It says a
+great deal for their courage that they handled these difficulties one
+after another, and let go only when they thought they had been squeezed
+dry.
+
+The British troops having done with the fatigue of the march, did not
+allow the grass to grow under their feet. No sooner had they crossed the
+river than they began to threaten some of the Boer lines of retreat to
+the Free State. The Naval Brigade also set to work with vigour, and
+they, together with the howitzers from Mount Alice, pounded the whole
+vicinity to the right impartially. The range having been ascertained to
+a nicety, with the assistance of the balloon, whose occupants directed
+the gunners, some effective shots were launched at the Boer
+entrenchments, and others which were rapidly in course of construction.
+From the balloon these were plainly visible, but their tenants, if
+tenants there were, vouchsafed no reply. Many mounted Boers were seen
+galloping from Colenso to their laagers in the shelter of the more
+northerly kopjes, while others were also discovered coming in the
+direction from Ladysmith, evidently with a view to reinforce the
+commandoes on Spion Kop. While the Naval Brigade was hammering in the
+direction of the Boer position, which was somewhat below the level of
+Mount Alice, General Lyttleton was moving north of the position for the
+purpose of making a demonstration towards Brakfontein, and Sir Charles
+Warren's force was approaching two high kopjes overlooking a ravine
+behind Spion Hill. It was now the 18th of January. The cavalry started
+in advance of the rest of the force. The order of march being, first,
+the Composite Regiment (one squadron of Imperial Light Horse, sixty
+Rifles Mounted Infantry, one squadron Natal Carabineers), four squadrons
+South African Light Horse, Thorneycroft's Mounted Infantry, and behind
+these the Royals and 13th Hussars. But the Composite Regiment at midday
+was found to have moved still farther west, and soon from that region
+came an ominous crackling. Something deadly was afoot. It appeared that
+a party of Boers was caught trekking by the Acton Homes Road towards the
+Free State, and was in act of being cut off. Firing was fast and
+furious, and presently dead and dying Boers besprinkled the field that a
+few moments before had been green and gracious to the eye. A message was
+sent to the main body demanding reinforcements. Promptly Lord Dundonald
+with the rest of his troops came on the scene. Hostilities grew in
+animation--the situation was desperate. The Boers made a hard fight of
+it, clung tenaciously to their position, refusing, though surrounded, to
+surrender. Their fire rained furiously down on the Rifles as they
+advanced, so furiously that they were forced to seek the shelter of a
+desirable donga. The obstinate combat was on the point of renewal when
+up went a white flag. The old dodge, one to which now our troops had
+become so accustomed that they scarcely heeded it. Both sides continued
+to blaze away in uncertainty and mistrust till presently hands flew up,
+and this sincerest and distinct sign of surrender was accepted.
+Twenty-four burly Boers were then captured, while, round about, the
+wounded of the foe were assiduously succoured and tended by the very men
+who in the race for dear life had stricken them down. Twenty-four
+captured, ten killed, eight wounded--such was the result of a few hours'
+work on the enemy. Of our number, Captain Shore of the Imperial Light
+Horse was severely wounded, two soldiers of the Mounted Infantry were
+killed, and one trooper of the Imperial Light Horse was slightly
+injured.
+
+A word must be said of the South African Light Horse or "Cockyoli
+Birds," as they were jocosely styled in deference to the plumes in their
+headgear. These had become the heroes of the hour owing to the splendid
+action formerly mentioned of Lieutenant Carlyle and his plucky
+companions, Sergeant Turner, Corporals Cox and Barkley, and Troopers
+Howell, Godden, and Collingwood. In addition to this plucky feat they
+were ceaseless in their activity, as we shall afterwards see.
+
+Before this date the men of the squadron had been much commented on and
+universally praised. Their dash, their aptness, their marvellous
+intelligence had earned the admiration of all the regulars who had been
+associated with them. They, in their neat kharki, looked as efficient a
+body of mounted infantry as any one could wish to come across. Among
+their numbers were Afrikanders of good birth, Canadians, Australians,
+gentlemen of means, sporting men, old soldiers, and the like. They were
+hard as nails and bronzed as their saddles, acute as weasels, and
+big-hearted and adventurous as any of Robin Hood's world-famed merry
+men. If they were rough they were ready, sniffing adventure in the air
+and rushing hot-foot to greet it, or stalking warily like old Shikari,
+saving no pains so that they eventually brought down their quarry.
+
+The engagement was a grand feather in the cap of the cavalry, and an
+additional one in that of the "Cockyoli Birds."
+
+On the morning of Saturday the 20th of January Sir Charles Warren
+advanced his whole force to the attack. The scheme had been thought out
+with immense care. There was an excellent general with a superb division
+of troops, and there was every chance of success. General Woodgate's and
+General Hart's brigades marched forward at 3 A.M. from their bivouac on
+the low ridges below Spion Kop, with a view to capturing a position
+called Three Tree Hill, so called because of three mimosa trees whose
+fragrance filled the air. The proceedings opened with an animated
+bombardment from all quarters, our guns in the neighbourhood of
+Potgieter's and Tritchardt's Drifts engaging the attention of the Boers.
+By this time the Dutchmen were powerfully intrenched, and were still
+hurrying and scurrying to protect the big mountain that stood between
+the British and the object of their desire--Ladysmith. Woodgate's
+Brigade had pushed forward in this direction. Later Hart's Brigade took
+up a position on the spur parallel to the left of the Lancashire
+Brigade, and, under cover of the field-guns, the troops, in the thick of
+a storm from rifles and artillery, fought their way almost inch by inch
+up the steeps held by the Boers. They finally succeeded in gaining some
+portions of the enemy's line of intrenchments. But this was not achieved
+without an exhibition of pluck and valiant obstinacy that was heroic.
+
+[Illustration: ROYAL FIELD ARTILLERY (ACTION FRONT).
+
+Photo by Gregory & Co., London.]
+
+The Irish Brigade, as usual, were in the thick of the fight, jovial yet
+determined, and holding their grip of every inch they gained
+notwithstanding shadows of threatened dissolution, the sights of death
+and sounds of horror that filled the air. Captain Hensley, a brave and
+gallant soul, was shot through the head, and several officers were
+smitten, but still their valorous commander, waving his sword, pressed
+on, and still his sturdy Irishmen, animated, encouraged, confident,
+pursued their upward way. They had debts to settle--some old scores to
+wipe out. They remembered their hideous disappointment of Colenso, their
+grievous experiences of Dundee, and also they remembered--a far grander
+remembrance!--that the honour of the Emerald Isle rested on their
+shoulders, and that the quality of its loyalty stood proved by the
+quality of their famous deeds!
+
+All around played the fierce fire of the enemy's guns, Creusot, Maxim,
+Nordenfeldt, and others. These were posted in commanding positions on a
+chain of hills to the west of Spion Hill, and from various points of
+vantage the Dutchmen were able to keep up a ceaseless clamour, and pour
+a rapid torrent of death and mutilation upon the advancing troops.
+These, by reason of the bad ground and the caution required in the
+manner of approach, could travel but slowly. The enemy, owing to the
+delay in our advance, had increased their forces most unexpectedly, and
+seemed, though scarcely to have existed a week ago, to be now
+ubiquitous! During the afternoon General Lyttleton's Brigade made a
+frontal attack on the Dutchmen's position between Schwartz Kop and Spion
+Kop, to divert their attention pending the movements of Sir Charles
+Warren. This movement, it was imagined, had been kept very "dark," but,
+in spite of the secrecy and caution, the agile foe had contrived again
+to concentrate a huge force to oppose his every turn. More artillery
+seemed continuously to be brought to the scene, and also some of the
+trophies captured in the ill-fated attack on Colenso. Our Naval guns
+bombarded the ridge all day, and the howitzers boomed and roared, but
+the whole place appeared to be bustling with Boers. On the extreme left
+Lord Dundonald engaged in more energetic demonstration, and the
+indefatigable South African Light Horse, under Colonel Byng, more than
+ever distinguished themselves. In the most gallant manner they captured
+Bastion Hill, a hill between the Dutch right and centre.
+
+This hill in the hands of the Boers was a standing menace, as from
+thence they could direct a cross-fire at the infantry on the opposite
+spur of the big mountain. Major Childe, commanding F Squadron, South
+African Light Horse, decided that he, and not the Federals, must secure
+so important a vantage-point. Dismounting with his men, and leaving his
+horses in rear of the heights, he cautiously crept round through a
+mealie field and various dongas which gave him cover from the storm of
+shot directed from the curve of the hills. In spite of the pelting lead,
+he got to the base of the position in safety. Then, with half the
+squadron, he started laboriously to climb. It was tough work, the
+sugar-loaf eminence being steep and stony and the sun above blisteringly
+hot. Thus they sweated and toiled for a whole hour. Finally, the Boers
+were seen scampering from the top. They had detected the approach of
+men--bayonets were suspected--they discreetly bolted. Just then Trooper
+Tobin, who had grandly led the way up the precipitous height, had
+reached his goal. Here he stood in his delight and triumph waving his
+helmet and shouting, and quite regardless of the fact that he made an
+excellent mark for Boer sharpshooters or their mercenaries. Up, too,
+rushed Major Childe with a dozen or so of his nimble men, into the midst
+of a tornado of shot and shell which had suddenly started from the Boer
+left and centre. Promptly every one went to earth. It was useless at the
+moment to attempt to return so withering a fire. Then came a
+shell--bursting and banging--and the gallant Major was caught on the
+head and killed. Several others were slain, among them Godden, who had
+been one of the gallant seven who distinguished themselves in the pont
+exploit. Shattered by the terrible fire of artillery, breathless from
+past exertions, the troops still hung on. Then our own artillery came to
+the rescue and kept the Boer gunners occupied. Meanwhile, reinforcements
+from Hildyard's Brigade were sent up to the help of the brave fellows
+who for twelve hours had been without rest or water, and on the
+following day, to the West Surreys, the cavalry, after a tremendous and
+fatiguing experience, handed over the charge of the hill which they had
+so magnificently gained. The losses during this complex series of
+engagements were many, but the sufferings due to hunger, heat, thirst,
+and fatigue were even greater than those due to actual wounds.
+
+The Lancashire Fusiliers, Lancashire Regiment, and the Dublin Fusiliers
+lost most during the day. Their wounded numbered about 350 officers and
+men. These troops had a peculiarly trying time, as for three whole days
+previously they had remained on some captured hills, sun-baked and fired
+on promiscuously, while at night, when the temperature had run down with
+its customary rapidity, they had found themselves chilled to the bone,
+with no blankets or overcoats to cover them. They had about two hours'
+sleep on an average per night and very little to eat during the day.
+From 3 A.M. on the 20th the Lancashires had taken up a position screened
+behind a string of low kopjes, while the artillery on the right battered
+and pounded at the Boer earthworks in front and half-left and
+half-right. The troops had remained quiet and painfully inactive in the
+sweltering sun for many hours, stray bullets whistling round their ears,
+and, as one of the officers said, "causing great levity among the men."
+At 1.30 they had begun to advance. Immediately they showed their heads
+they were caught by a hailstorm of bullets, and seven men dropped.
+Rushing dauntlessly on, they made for the shelter of a ring of rocks
+some 150 yards in advance, remained for some ten minutes or so, then
+pushed forward another 400 yards, losing less men and taking a lesson in
+caution from the Boers. Thus, in short energetic rushes, they had
+managed to get within 900 yards of the enemy. On the top of the hillock
+a perfect deluge of bullets descended, and though the General had moved
+some 400 forward, so quickly were the men hit that only thirty or so
+could use their rifles.
+
+Afterwards the order was given to make breastworks, and there was a rush
+into the open to gather stones and rocks and boulders, when more men
+were stricken down. All the wounded could do was to creep to a rock in
+the rear, and there await the turn of events. Some lay as they crawled
+from 3 to 8.30 at night. It was impossible for them to be removed from
+the hill, as the Boers promptly fired on the stretcher-bearers. The
+sights and sounds were heart-rending. On one side was seen a man sent to
+his last account in a breath; on another was one still hobbling along
+and plying his rifle, with both ankles smashed. Here lay a poor fellow
+who had a splinter of rock driven clean through his lungs and out at his
+back; there languished another shot through the eye and brain--hopeless.
+All of them suffered patiently, but were madly athirst, craving for the
+hour when the sun should go down and they might get a chance of removal
+from the awful scene. And yet there were some, wounded too, who bore the
+long hours with amazing cheeriness. One, shot in the leg, lay on his
+back, drew forth his home letters, and perused them in the midst of a
+deadly fusillade. Another, more seriously wounded still, had the
+audacity to beguile the weary moments by taking a "snap-shot" at General
+Hart in the act of waving his sword and gesticulating. So much for
+pluck!
+
+After sundown came the moment so longed for by the wretched beings, some
+of whom were now literally glued to earth in their own gore. But their
+miseries were not yet at an end. It took some two hours to go
+three-quarters of a mile in the darkness over the bad ground; there were
+creeks, and dongas, and boulders everywhere. No lights were allowed. In
+the jetty obscurity the Samaritans tripped and stumbled. "I was only
+dropped twice," smiled a wounded youth when he was at last safely borne
+towards the stretcher-bearers. Others at intervals were brought in
+soaked with blood and rain, the hot stream and the cold mingling
+uncannily and to their supreme discomfort. Many who were wounded soon
+after midday only succeeded in reaching the field-hospital about
+half-past twelve at night. Some, more pathetic still, did not reach it
+at all! They had patiently waited till past the need of assistance!
+
+Very pathetic were the circumstances attending the fall of Major Childe.
+It was said that on the previous day he had had forebodings of disaster,
+so much so that he even begged of his companions, in the event of his
+death, to put on his grave his chosen quotation, "Is it well with the
+child? It is well." This dying wish was faithfully carried out. His
+burial took place on the day after the engagement, Lord Dundonald
+reading the solemn words of the funeral service. Over his roughly-made
+grave was placed the gallant officer's name, the date of his death, and
+the text he had desired to have written on his tomb.
+
+On the following day the fight was waged as fiercely as ever so far as
+artillery was concerned. Six field-batteries and four howitzers
+bombarded the enemy's position with tremendous vigour, and inflicted
+considerable loss. The Boer rifles were indefatigable, however, and
+continued their fiendish activity, and the Dutch or German gunners
+maintained their excellent practice with scarcely a moment's cessation.
+
+While General Woodgate made a demonstration on the right, General Hart
+and his brigade continued to advance, and General Hildyard's troops
+joined in the attack from the valley past the right of Bastion Hill.
+Here a cleft appeared to open between the right and centre of the Boer
+position, and here the infantry, pushing on, practically divided the
+position in two; but it was found that the second line of defence was a
+formidable one; that the Boers had secured to themselves a magnificent
+point of vantage, whence they could sweep the country and command all
+the approaches with cross-fire, and even with converging fire; but, in
+spite of this, the troops tenaciously retained the positions they had
+gained, remaining there throughout the 22nd and 23rd, partially covered,
+so that in all their loss was inconsiderable.
+
+The following officers were wounded in action near Venter's Spruit on
+the 20th of January:--
+
+     Staff--Colonel B. Hamilton, Major C. M'Grigor. 2nd Lancashire
+     Fusiliers--Captain R. B. Blunt, Second Lieut. M. G. Crofton,
+     Second Lieut. E. I. M. Barret. 1st Border Regiment--Captain E.
+     D. Vaughan, Second Lieut. Muriel. 1st York and Lancaster
+     Regiment--Second Lieut. A. H. Kearsey. 2nd Dublin
+     Fusiliers--Captain C. A. Hensley (since dead), Major F.
+     English. 2nd Gordon Highlanders--Second Lieut. P. D. Stewart.
+     Non-commissioned officers and men, 279. Royal West Surrey
+     Regiment--Second Lieut. Du Buisson. 16th Lancers
+     (Staff)--Captain Dallas.
+
+
+SPION KOP
+
+On Tuesday the 23rd, the continuous and steady assault of the Boer
+position seemed to be reaching a promising climax. For four days on the
+heights above the Venter Spruit the English and Irish Brigades had been
+doggedly moving up and on, and had carried one position after another in
+the teeth of many guns, and in the face of discomforts and
+discouragements multifarious. They had achieved a great deal with
+comparatively small loss, viewing the masterly manner in which the Boer
+guns were served. Fortunately the rifle-fire of the foe was not equal in
+accuracy to their shell-fire, most probably for the reason that the
+bucolic Dutchman had lost his ancient cunning in wielding the rifle,
+while in the management of guns of position he was assisted--nay,
+relieved, by his German mercenaries. The astonishing dexterity of the
+Teutonic specialists in planting shells accurately at a range of over
+3000 yards was a matter for marvel and admiration. Their success was
+attributed partly to the fact that the range had previously been marked,
+and also that spots had been selected over which it was known bodies of
+troops must eventually pass, and where it was certain every shot must be
+made to tell. For all that, and considering the cross-fire to which the
+troops were subjected on the opening days of Sir Charles Warren's
+attack, the losses were small. A council of war had been held, and three
+courses had been sifted: first, a frontal attack by night on the second
+Boer position, possibly attended by terrible loss; second, retirement
+beyond the river to seek for a new passage; third, attack by night on
+the mountain of Spion Kop, thence to enfilade and dominate all the Boer
+positions.
+
+[Illustration: TAKING THE 4·7 NAVAL GUN ACROSS THE TUGELA.
+
+Drawing by J. Finnemore.]
+
+The last course was decided on. Spion Kop was to be attacked by night,
+the Boer trenches to be scooped out with the point of the bayonet, and
+the position held till again--by night--guns could be dragged up to
+assist in commanding the position of the foe. Spion Kop, the extreme
+left of the Boer position, once fortified, would become a key to the
+door of Ladysmith. So it was thought.
+
+General Woodgate was informed of what was required of him, and Colonel
+Thorneycroft discussed the programme of the night attack. By his desire,
+satisfactory reconnaissances had been made, and there was every reason
+to believe that the attempt would be crowned with success. Accordingly,
+soon after midnight, General Woodgate, accompanied by Colonel àCourt,
+started forth with the 2nd Lancashire Fusiliers, the Royal Lancaster
+Regiment, a portion of Thorneycroft's Horse, and half a company Royal
+Engineers, supported by two companies of the Connaught Rangers and by
+the Imperial Light Infantry.
+
+In pitch darkness the troops began their march up the southern slope of
+the giant mountain called Thaba Emunyama. The steeps were precipitous
+and rocky, and had to be negotiated with extreme care. Dongas were on
+this side, boulders on that; these had to be crept through and leapt
+over with stealthy, cat-like tread lest the enemy on the summit should
+be forewarned. Now and then the whirr of a bullet showed that the
+Dutchmen were awake, and were indulging in the pastime of sniping;
+otherwise the still, purple night spoke of peace. Led by General
+Woodgate and Colonel Blomfield, the Fusiliers (who, being seasoned
+fighters, were specially selected for the honour of engaging in
+"ticklish" work) ascended softly, advancing higher and higher in single
+file and in cautious silence. When more than half-way up, the
+approaching multitude was discovered, and the Boer picket, firing,
+fled. But the warrior crowd pressed on, Colonel Thorneycroft now leading
+the way, firing never a shot, and waiting till the trusty bayonet should
+teach its lesson. At three o'clock the summit was reached. The rain
+drizzled down, the clouds wrapt the hill, but the ardour of the troops
+was unabated. With a wild, ringing cheer, which echoed far over the
+hills, the position was carried. The force then proceeded to fortify
+itself so far as was possible in the hard and rocky ground that covered
+the heights.
+
+It must here be noted that, owing to the darkness and the impossibility
+of judging exact distances, the trenches that were dug were badly
+situated. Instead of the whole or most part of the triangular tableland
+of the top, the force occupied merely a cramped position on the extreme
+point. This point was already marked and commanded by six Boer guns,
+while on the very hill itself was another hostile weapon. Sneaking
+around the crust of the kop--on the brim, as it were, while we occupied
+the crown--were sharpshooters and snipers, who from thence could pelt
+the northern hump of the slope; but in the dense atmosphere of the early
+morning these facts were unknown, and the effort, under cover of the
+darkness, to widen our position and capture the entire triangle was not
+then made.
+
+[Illustration: SKETCH AND PLAN OF THE BATTLE OF SPION KOP.
+
+Made on the spot by Lieutenant E. B. Knox of the Royal Army Medical
+Corps.]
+
+While the hazy blue pall of the morning yet hung over the hills the
+trenches near the crest were occupied. The clouds hung low, and not a
+Dutchman was to be seen. For some time the troops were protected by the
+enshrouding mist, but so soon as it cleared, the Boers from their posts
+opened fire. They realised that the position to them was virtually one
+of life or death. Ping! ping! rang the rifles in chorus; bong! bong!
+went the guns, with a deep basso that reverberated in the hollows of the
+hills. It was an awe-striking reveillé. The hostile artillery had the
+range to a nicety; each shell followed the other with precision, and
+burst with terrific uproar on the patch of earthworks held by our
+infantry. Under this fearful fusillade our men, pelted yet undismayed,
+faithfully held their ground for two mortal hours. But the shell-fire
+made horrible gaps in the stalwart company; and by-and-by General
+Woodgate, who, having captured the position, still continued to direct
+and encourage his men, was wounded, Colonel Blomfield, of the 2nd
+Lancashire Fusiliers, took over command, and sent for reinforcements. He
+also fell. Then, by reason of merit rather than of seniority, Major
+Thorneycroft, local lieutenant-colonel, was appointed to take the place
+of the disabled chief. With the rising of the sun, with the development
+of day, developed the battle. Shrapnel from 15-pounders sprayed hither
+and thither; lyddite opened out earth-umbrellas far and wide. The roar
+and the roll of fiends in fury rent the clear, mimosa-scented
+atmosphere, and made even the bosom of the placid, silvery river
+shudder and quake as it wound and twisted and looped round Potgieter's
+Drift. For three and a half hours the tornado pursued its deadly course.
+Death--mutilation--agony--thirst--these were more prominent than the
+word glory in that long, immemorial period. Officers and men alike
+could scarce lift a head lest they should meet the doom that hung over
+every creature that dared to stand upright in the murderous arena. They
+crouched, and took cover, and waited. The Boers, seeing their advantage,
+noting the terrible strain on the men that held the captured trenches,
+and the dance of death among Thorneycroft's Mounted Infantry, also bided
+their time. With great caution and "slimness" they finally commenced to
+creep up nearer and nearer, firing the while, and hoping, when things
+became a shade worse, to rush the position. Unfortunately there were no
+guns to rout the adventurous crew--not one handy Naval 12-pounder to
+sweep the enemy from the plateau. There they were, and there they meant
+to remain. Major-General Coke's brigade had started to get to the scene
+of action, and before long the Middlesex, Dorset, and Somerset Regiments
+were moving up the heights to the assistance of the battered regiments
+above. Major Walters, in charge of the ambulance, was also carrying out
+his grim, unusually heavy duties, but he, in the midst of his deeds of
+mercy, was caught by a shot and brought to earth.
+
+By this time the glorious Lancashire Fusiliers, who held the captured
+trenches, had suffered most severely, not only from wounds, but from the
+agonies of thirst, for which there was no remedy. Their losses were
+horrible, and so also were those of Thorneycroft's Mounted Infantry, and
+they lay in many cases too far removed for the ambulance-bearers to
+reach them, and in too exposed a position for help from any around.
+Indeed, the state of affairs was so lamentable, the Boers forcing their
+way with such persistency, that the question of holding the hill hung by
+a thread. Three times before midday had the Dutchmen returned, driven
+the Britons back, and again been driven back themselves, till the ups
+and downs of the fight became like a perilous game of see-saw, none
+daring to prognosticate the conclusion. From noon till the late
+afternoon the Boers persisted in their desperate efforts to retake the
+crest of the hill. They evidently regarded the position of so much
+importance that reinforcements from their right were drawn away to help
+in the work. But the gallant fellows who were in possession hung
+doggedly to their prize. "Only a day," they said; "a day's more
+endurance, and to-morrow we shall mount guns. We shall be rulers of the
+roost." So they fought on with a will. Fortunately, at this time they
+had no premonition of impediments to success. The place turned out to be
+very difficult to hold. Its perimeter was large, and water was
+exceedingly scarce, and their ammunition, moreover, gave out at a
+critical period.
+
+All these discoveries were gradually and painfully made as the day wore
+on, but nevertheless they resisted the assaults of the enemy with
+herculean vigour--with courage that was Spartan.
+
+For two hours in the afternoon the scene on the summit of the kop was
+terrific. A hurricane of shot and shell swept the crest--it became a
+seething Inferno. Six quick-firing guns, two Hotchkiss guns, and
+numerous other weapons of more or less deadliness played upon the
+troops. Maimed and dying were being carried off as fast as possible.
+General Woodgate, brave as a lion, who had worked like a Trojan till
+struck down by a piece of shell, refused to leave. Usually a placid man,
+he was now irrepressible, protesting that he would remain on the field,
+though his sufferings--since he was shot over the left eye--must have
+been severe. Reinforcements had now arrived--the Middlesex, Dorsets, and
+Somersets--the plateau was crowded--overcrowded, some say--and death was
+taking a full meal. The Boer Maxim-Nordenfeldt, which had done its fell
+work at Colenso, perambulated from position to position with insatiable
+greed, preying on the life-blood of our bravest and best, and defying
+the efforts of our gunners below to locate it. Its work, and the work of
+the Mausers, lay everywhere--the hill was a shambles. Major Walters,
+chief of the Natal Volunteer Ambulance, had dropped; his brother, of the
+2nd Scottish Rifles, was killed; Captain Murray, of the same regiment,
+was simply riddled with bullets--he received as many as four, yet
+persisted in leading on his men till struck down mortally. Colonel
+Buchanan Riddell, King's Royal Rifles, another hero, was slain later,
+while directing a flanking movement. The turmoil of those exciting hours
+was described by an officer:--
+
+"I crawled along a little way with half my company, and then brought up
+others in the same manner. The men of the different regiments already on
+the hill were mixed up, and ours met the same fate. It was impossible,
+under the circumstances, to keep regimental control. One unit merged
+into another; one officer gave directions to this or that unit, or to
+another battalion. I saw some tents on the far side of the hill to our
+front, and knowing the enemy must be there, opened with volleys at 1800
+yards, when we saw a puff of smoke, indicating that one of the Boer guns
+had just fired. We lay prone, and could only venture a volley now and
+again, firing independently at times when the shower of bullets seemed
+to fall away, and the shells did not appear likely to land specially
+amongst us. Everywhere, however, it was practically the same deadly
+smash of shells, mangling and killing all about us. The only troops
+actually close to me then were a party of the Lancashire Fusiliers
+inside a _schanze_, F Company of the Middlesex, and a mixed company of
+other troops on the left front. A good many shells from the big guns
+burst near us, and a lance-corporal of the Fusiliers was killed. The
+only point I could see rifle-fire proceeding from was a trench, the
+third, I believe, occupied by our troops on the right, and looking
+towards Spearman's.
+
+"Presently I heard a great deal of shouting from this trench, in which
+were about fifty men. They were calling for reinforcements, and
+shouting, 'The Boers are coming up.' Two or three minutes afterwards I
+saw a party of about forty Boers walking towards the trench. They came
+up quite coolly; most of them had their rifles slung, and all, so far as
+I could observe, had their hands up. Our men in the trench--they were
+Fusiliers--were then standing up also, with their hands up, and
+shouting, 'The Boers are giving in, the Boers are giving in.' I did not
+know what to think, but ordered a company of my regiment to fix
+bayonets. We waited to see what would happen. Just then, when the Boers
+were close to the trench, some one--whether an enemy or one of our
+men--fired a shot. In an instant there was a general stampede, or rather
+a _mêlée_, my men rushing from their position and charging, while the
+Boers fired at the men in the trench, knocking several back into it,
+dead. Previous to this a Boer came towards me saying, 'I won't hurt
+you.' He looked frightened, and threw down his rifle. Immediately
+afterwards the Boer fired, and there was a frightful muddle. I fired at
+one Boer, and then another passed. We were fighting hand to hand. I shot
+the Boer in order to help the man, and he dropped, clinging, however, to
+his rifle as he fell, and covering me most carefully. He fired, and I
+fell like a rabbit, the bullet going in just over and grazing the left
+lung. I lay where I fell until midnight. Subsequent to my being hit,
+parties of Boers passed twice over me, trying on the same trick, holding
+up their hands, as if they were asking for quarter. But our men refused
+to be taken in again, and fired, killing or driving them back."
+
+In this fight the Dutchmen were unusually obstinate. Over and over again
+they advanced to within seventy yards of the captured trenches, and from
+thence were only routed at the point of the bayonet. Their rushes were
+most valiant and persistent, and nothing but the heroism of officers and
+men could have withstood the overwhelming nature of the attack made upon
+them.
+
+But dodges with the white flag and other frauds continued to be
+practised by the Boers. Colonel Thorneycroft escaped merely by an
+accident from an endeavour to play a trick upon him. The leader of a
+commando facing Thorneycroft's Horse advanced with a white flag. The
+Colonel approached to the parley, but being suspicious, he told the
+leader to go back, as he refused to confer with him. Both retired, but
+before the Colonel could return to his regiment a volley was poured on
+him by the enemy. Another and more curious trick was practised on some
+of the privates. They were approached by an officer in kharki and
+directed to follow him to a better position. This they began to do till,
+at last, seeing themselves being led into the jaws of the enemy, they
+halted, and some one demanded to know who this bogus officer might be.
+At that moment the party was met by a storm of Boer bullets, and
+scarcely a man came whole from the adventure. Fortunately, the
+miscreant--an Austrian--who had played the trick on them was bayoneted
+ere all our gallant fellows dropped down. Strange, too, was the fate of
+gallant Colonel Blomfield, whose regiment, one of the smartest of the
+smart regiments present, had done such splendid work, and had held on to
+its post to the bitter end. This officer was wounded early in the day,
+as already recorded, and lay in a trench helpless and fainting for hours
+and beyond the reach of help. Finally, he was able to crawl out and make
+his way down the side of the hill--down the _wrong_ side, unluckily for
+himself--and when next he was heard of he was a prisoner in Pretoria.
+That his life was saved at all was a marvel. Captain Tidswell, on seeing
+his Colonel wounded, rushed out with Sergeant Lightfoot and dragged him
+under a heavy fire into a trench, where he remained till the action was
+over.
+
+[Illustration: PLAN OF ENGAGEMENT AT SPION KOP.]
+
+During the early part of the day the Scottish Rifles and the 3rd
+Battalion of the King's Royal Rifles had been sent off to storm the
+kopjes forming an extension of Spion Kop, and thus occupy the enemy and
+relieve the pressure of his attack. The river was forded at Kaffir Drift
+by Colonel Buchanan Riddell's troops, and soon after the battalion
+divided, half being led by the Colonel to the right, and half under
+Major Bewicke-Copley advancing to the left, of the objective. The enemy
+was everywhere--at the base of the kopjes and in the trenches up the
+sides. Still the troops advanced. The Dutchmen were shifted upwards inch
+by inch from their defences. The best cold Sheffield glittered near the
+trenches, and--the trenches were vacated! Up and up moved the Boers, on
+and on went the Rifles--on and up, rushing wildly, gallantly, charging
+and cheering, and finally gaining the crest!
+
+Meanwhile the Scottish Rifles had advanced on Spion Kop. Nothing could
+exceed the smartness with which they scaled the steeps. They marched
+straight to the front firing line, and, in a word, saved the situation.
+No sooner did the enemy show his nose than the Scottish Rifles held him
+in check, and over and over again showed him that British tenacity was
+equal to both Boer stubbornness and slimness combined. The enemy could
+make no headway against them.
+
+But the gallant action of the King's Royal Rifles was one of the grand
+deeds that end in the ineffectual. The battalion in its triumph had
+pressed the Boers upwards, but on doing so became practically isolated.
+The Boers were above and between them and our own troops, and as a
+result of its too forward movement the regiment stood in peril. Seeing
+their position of jeopardy, orders were sent up to retire. It was
+disgusting, heart-breaking, but it had to be done. The glorious company,
+after capturing two positions, slowly, reluctantly, moved down the hill
+they had ascended in the flush of triumph--moved again to their bivouac,
+sadder and wiser men. But they were only the first of many sad and sorry
+men that day. Meanwhile the battle on the great hill raged continuously,
+and shells, not alone those of the enemy, but those of our own guns
+which had attempted to assist, made the crowded kop a "veritable hell."
+
+[Illustration: GOING OUT TO THE ATTACK ON SPION KOP ON JANUARY 24.
+
+Drawing by R. Caton Woodville.]
+
+Presently, in the late afternoon a still more serious situation
+presented itself. Water, always scarce, threatened to run short
+altogether. Ammunition failed. A more appalling quandary in the drama of
+war can scarcely be imagined. Fortunately, to the relief of the plucky
+band on the heights, at last came a mule-train with much-desired water
+and cartridges, and the fight was pursued in more auspicious
+circumstances. But the Boer guns lost none of their persistency. Shells
+hurtled over the plateau, and as dusk set in, regiments and battalions
+and such officers as were left were mixed up in a surging, stumbling
+_mêlée_, wounded men firing last shots at the darkness, and hale ones
+dropping helpless as the blaze from the bursting projectiles showed, for
+one moment, the scene of agony.
+
+When night made further activity impossible the position of affairs came
+under discussion. Was this sorry game worth the vast, the costly candle
+that was being expended--that yet might have to be expended? One
+commanding officer said "Yes!" another said "No!" It is stated that the
+decision rested with Colonel Crofton. He argued in favour of withdrawal.
+The troops were terribly mauled; the dead lay in crowds, a ghastly
+testimony of their impetuous courage. It had been found impossible to
+secure good cover against the enemy's shrapnel and venomous, unceasing
+quick-firers. There had scarcely been time for the raking of rifle-pits,
+the construction of stone defences--the guns of the foe had been too
+active and unceasing--and besides this, the troops were unaccustomed to
+the sly art of crouching to cover. While the Colonial crawled like a
+stalker along dongas and through gulleys to get at his quarry, the hardy
+Briton always exposed himself as though pluck demanded that he should
+make a mark of himself. As some one at the time expressed it, "Their
+courage is incontestable, their methods absurd." For this reason many of
+the trenches that our soldiers had so grandly defended became in the end
+their graves. The number of slain was appalling to see. The flower of
+the country lay struck down as the grass beneath the scythe of the
+reaper. It was a harvest of blood. The dead lay literally in stacks, the
+sole protection of their living comrades. Crowds upon crowds had pressed
+to the top of the great hill, offering a thick, compact front to the
+guns of the enemy, an imposing target to the horrible shells that merely
+breathed death as they passed. Liberally as the brigades exposed
+themselves, liberally they paid the penalty.
+
+Late in the evening, guns--Naval guns and a battery--toiled towards the
+scene, rattling along through the night air to get into position for the
+morrow, and take revenge, though late, on the devastating "pom-poms" of
+the foe. But the die was cast. The withdrawal had begun. At 7.30 P.M.
+Colonel Thorneycroft gave the word. Slowly and in confused fashion the
+shattered braves began to wind downwards, and by nine the summit of the
+hill was almost deserted.
+
+Pitiable were the circumstances of the retirement. The wounded, with
+staggering footsteps, crawled or crept down the mountain-side, reeling
+from loss of blood and exhaustion. Streams of officers and knots of men
+scrambled along calling for their units and finding them not. Drowsy,
+stupefied beings stumbled through dongas and broke their ankles against
+boulders, trying before they dropped to come in touch with their
+fellow-men. Many wandered aimlessly, twining the hill and passing over
+it into the hands of the enemy. Battalion was mixed with battalion,
+company with company. Dazed men searched in vain for the rendezvous.
+Some cursed, some swore, some slept or seemed to sleep. One commanding
+officer sat helplessly on the spur of the hill, staring like a
+somnambulist, deaf to all consciousness of the outer world; another,
+lying among the trenches, was given up for dead.
+
+The losses were terrific. The Royal Engineers, in some cases, were
+riddled with bullets. Major Massey died covered with wounds. Lieutenant
+Falcon, 17th Company, had arms, legs, knees, and helmet perforated with
+lead. In fact, no one has been able very clearly to describe in its
+hideous reality the awful picture of the battle of Spion Kop. A great
+holocaust some called it, and with truth, for the mountain from morn
+till night was literally scourged with lead, raked in all directions by
+Maxim-Nordenfeldts, artillery, and musketry. The tale is only writ in
+the wounds and on the graves of those who by a miracle took the summit,
+and by sheer grit held it in the face of overwhelming odds. Over a
+thousand men gave their lives to gain that which, in twenty hours--hours
+each one crowded with moments of heroism--had to be abandoned. The
+evacuation was carried out by order of Colonel Thorneycroft, one of the
+most valiant of the many valiant men who went up only to come down
+again. The excellence of his reasons was acknowledged, and his personal
+valour was beyond dispute. His authority for action was the sole source
+of debate. A military correspondent of the _Daily Telegraph_ related an
+incident of the fight which served to show what manner of commander had
+taken the place made vacant by the wounding of General Woodgate. Some
+men, about a score, who had lost their officers, threw down their arms
+to surrender, but Thorneycroft, seeing the act, rushed out to the front
+and called to the Boers to go on firing, for he commanded on the hill,
+and he alone would give the word to surrender. The Boers promptly
+responded. The officer went on to say, "Luckily a fresh regiment arrived
+at our side and restored the battle, but Thorneycroft undoubtedly saved
+a dreadful disaster by conduct so gallant that it recalls the old story
+of _Messieurs de la Garde Française, tirez_."
+
+Acts of gallantry were so numerous that V.C.'s were surely earned by the
+dozen. Lieutenant Mallock's devotion to duty was remarkable, and all
+regretted his loss. Captain Stewart, who also lost his life, assisted in
+maintaining the high traditions of the 20th Regiment.
+
+The King's Royal Rifles lost three officers killed and five wounded.
+Their Colonel, the bravest of the brave, was hit while in the act of
+leading the regiment up the steeps. He rose for one instant to read a
+message and was shot through the brain. The commanders of three leading
+companies were all wounded. Colonel Thorneycroft was injured, Captain
+the Hon. J. H. Petre, though twice struck, held on to his duty till
+another bullet laid him low. Captain O'Gowan was hit in two places, and
+Lieutenant Lockwood in four, as also was Captain Murray of the Scottish
+Rifles while attempting to lead his men towards the Boer trenches. Death
+claimed this splendid officer before the end of the day. Captain Walter
+was killed by a shell.
+
+Curious stories were told of the behaviour of the Boers to the Colonial
+soldiers, stories which were hardly creditable to the Dutchmen. What
+their deadly missiles had failed to do the Boers themselves
+accomplished. They clubbed some unfortunates to death. These were
+Uitlanders, or suspected of being such. The correspondent of the _Daily
+Telegraph_ gave the names of two men slaughtered in this way--Corporal
+Weldon and Private Daddon, ex-Pretoria men! In addition to this
+brutality, explosive bullets in quantities were used. A drummer and a
+private of the Fusiliers were both killed by them. It was said that the
+quantity of losses sustained by Thorneycroft's, the Imperial Light
+Horse, and other South African "Irregulars" was due to special spite
+owing to a suspicion on the part of the Boers that these regiments might
+have been recruited from Uitlanders. This charge was so generally
+believed that many of the "Regulars" came to the assistance of the
+Colonials, transferring to them their badges in order to save them from
+the consequences of discovery; for it was distinctly stated that cases
+had occurred where the Boers deliberately shot the wounded whom they
+knew to be Colonials. So as to be thoroughly impartial, however, we must
+remember that there are blood-thirsty villains of all nationalities in
+times of peace as well as in times of war.
+
+Next morning, General Buller, riding to the scene of action, then, and
+then only, became acquainted with the decisive move, the abandonment of
+Spion Kop. His astonishment was great--so was that of the Boers. Some
+said that the foe had already begun trekking, believing, in spite of
+their stout resistance, that the position was lost. Others argued that
+any trekking that they might have attempted meant merely a manoeuvre
+consistent with their mobility to entice the British farther on into a
+trap from whence they could not have escaped. Be this as it may, a man
+of immense courage gave the order to withdraw, and he had his reasons,
+which reasons proved satisfactory to the Chief.
+
+[Illustration: THE SCENE ON SPION KOP--MAJOR THORNEYCROFT'S DESPERATE
+SITUATION.
+
+Drawing by Frank Craig from a Sketch by a British Officer.]
+
+On the 25th the battle dragged on, the artillery barking and rifles
+snapping at each other, while the transport slowly prepared to retrace
+its winding way whither it had come, across the Tugela. The most gallant
+and perhaps the most melancholy feature of the war was at an end.
+General Warren's right flanking movement had failed, and the
+Commander-in-Chief decided that there was no alternative but to again
+concentrate in the neighbourhood of Potgieter's Drift. The movement was
+conducted, under the personal direction of General Buller, with
+admirable precision and skill, and though there were weary and disgusted
+hearts among the bitterly disappointed troops, they bore their trial
+with dignity. The return was orderly, and no further misfortune
+happened. The enemy made no attempt to interfere. They, too, though
+successful in their defence, were hard hit.
+
+The following casualty list represents the cost of the great flanking
+movement:--
+
+     _Killed_:--Staff--Captain Virtue, Brigade-Major. 3rd King's
+     Royal Rifles--Lieut.-Colonel Buchanan Riddell, Lieutenant R.
+     Grand, Second Lieutenant French-Brewster. 2nd
+     Cameronians--Captain F. Murray, Captain Walter, Lieutenant
+     Osborne. 17th Company Royal Engineers--Major Massey. 2nd King's
+     Royal Rifles--Lieutenant Pope Wolferstan. 1st South
+     Lancashire--Captain Birch. 2nd Lancashire Fusiliers--Captain
+     Stewart, Lieutenant J. Mallock, Lieutenant Fraser. Imperial
+     Light Horse--Lieutenant Rudall, Lieutenant Kynock. 2nd
+     Middlesex Regiment--Captain Muriel, Second Lieutenant Lawley,
+     Second Lieutenant Wilson. 2nd Lancaster Regiment--Major Ross,
+     Captain Kirk, Lieutenant Wade. Thorneycroft's Mounted
+     Infantry--Captain Hon. W. Petre, Captain Knox-Gore, Lieutenant
+     Grenfell, Lieutenant Newnham, Lieutenant M'Corqudale,
+     Lieutenant Hon. Hill-Trevor. South African Light Horse--Major
+     Childe. 2nd West York--Captain Ryall.
+     _Wounded_:--Staff--Major-General Sir E. Woodgate[5] (since
+     dead), Captain Castleton, A.D.C. 3rd King's Royal Rifles--Major
+     Thistlethwayte, Major Kays, Captain Beaumont, Captain Briscoe.
+     2nd Cameronians--Major S. P. Strong, Major Ellis, Captain
+     Wanless-O'Gowan, Lieutenant H. V. Lockwood, Second Lieutenant
+     O. M. Torkington, Second Lieutenant F. G. W. Draffen. Indian
+     Staff Corps--Major Bayly. Bethune's Horse--Captain Ford. 17th
+     Company Royal Engineers--Lieutenant Falcon. 1st South
+     Lancashire--Lieutenant Raphael. 1st Border Regiment--Captain
+     Sinclair-M'Lagan, Second Lieutenant Andrews. 2nd Lancashire
+     Fusiliers--Lieut.-Colonel Blomfield (taken prisoner), Major
+     Walter, Lieutenant Griffin, Lieutenant Wilson, Lieutenant
+     Charlton. Royal Engineers--Captain Phillips. Royal Inniskilling
+     Fusiliers--Captain Maclachlan. 2nd West York--Lieutenant
+     Barlow. 2nd Lancashire Fusiliers--Captain Wolley-Dod, Captain
+     White, Captain Ormond, Lieutenant Campbell. 1st York and
+     Lancaster--Lieutenant Halford, Lieutenant Duckworth. 2nd West
+     Surrey--Captain Raitt (since dead), Captain Warden, Lieutenant
+     Smith, Lieutenant Wedd. 2nd Middlesex Regiment--Major
+     Scott-Moncrieff, Captain Savile, Captain Burton, Second
+     Lieutenant Bentley. 2nd Lancaster Regiment--Captain Sandbach,
+     Lieutenant Dykes, Lieutenant Stephens, Second Lieutenant Nixon.
+     Thorneycroft's Mounted Infantry--Captain Bettington, Lieutenant
+     Foster, Lieutenant Baldwin, Lieutenant Howard. _Missing_:--2nd
+     Lancashire Fusiliers--Captain Elmslie (taken prisoner), Captain
+     Hicks, Captain Freeth. 2nd Middlesex Regiment--Lieutenant
+     Galbraith. 2nd Lancaster Regiment--Major Carleton.
+     Thorneycroft's Mounted Infantry--Lieutenant Power-Ellis.
+
+
+THE THIRD GREAT EFFORT--VAAL KRANTZ
+
+At this time it seemed as though the word "As you were" had been spoken
+by the military authorities. But it was, alas! no longer possible to
+believe that the position was as it had been; for it was now a case of
+melancholy experience plus previous melancholy experience. Nearly six
+weeks before, the great frontal attack at Colenso had failed--failed
+partly by reason of the tremendous strategical position taken up by the
+Boers, with the river Tugela as a natural moat for its protection, and
+partly on account of the disaster to the guns, which completely upturned
+the plan of Sir Redvers Buller's calculations.
+
+Now a great flank movement had been attempted, and had failed as
+signally as the first frontal effort. It was really discovered that a
+flanking movement, truly interpreted, was impossible, for there is no
+flank to a circle, and the Boer lines were found to be equally strong
+all round from Colenso to Ladysmith.
+
+This horrible discovery naturally made the situation very grave indeed.
+The effect on the garrison of Ladysmith--the terrible rebound from
+delighted anticipation to amazed despair--may be partly imagined. None,
+indeed, save those who had so valiantly endured the terrible changes in
+the barometer of expectation could entirely gauge the sensitivity of
+those ill-fed, debilitated thousands, ravaged by disease, privation, and
+warfare, who hung oscillating day after day between salvation and
+destruction. They now knew that their saviours, Sir Charles Warren and
+his force, were withdrawn to the south of the Tugela. This was done
+because the river forms a species of natural rampart, beyond which the
+country--a species of South African Switzerland--offered no facilities
+to an attacking force. It was found that the Boers had carefully
+fortified every position already well formed by nature for purposes of
+defence. It was the same as Colenso. The theatre of war was margined by
+fortifications, regular galleries, rising tier upon tier on originally
+favourable positions. The opportunity to occupy these favourable
+positions the Boers owed entirely to us--to the procrastination and
+pacific tendencies of the British Government. It was now owned that Sir
+Alfred Milner should have gone to the Conference with a forest of rifles
+at his back, an army of mounted Colonials at his elbows, and some big
+guns "up his sleeve." As it was, while he talked and the Government
+spent its money on telegraphic palaver, the Boers, assisted by their
+German mercenaries, were marking out the choicest positions, not for
+their own defence, but for the defence of Natal (which they were allowed
+time to seize) against the "magnanimous" Briton. Yes, the Boers from the
+beginning had decided to talk the British into delay, and had profited
+gloriously by their strategy. In our first volume, a letter on "Boer
+ignorance" candidly showed the Dutchman's hand--too late, of course, for
+then the trick was bound to be taken. The Dutchmen conferred with Sir
+Alfred Milner to suit their own ends and to further their main objects;
+firstly, to keep the war outside their own territories, and secondly, to
+confine it to soil that, geographically and by a species of hereditary
+instinct, they knew to perfection. They, boy and man, loved those
+kopjes. In those semi-circular windings, those almost inaccessible peaks
+and cones, those boulders which afforded eternal cover to the sniper,
+those vast arenas of open veldt where an approaching enemy might be
+stormed upon by a deluge of leaden hail--they had mentally played
+hide-and-seek for eighteen years. Now the reality of the game was come.
+From the early days when Sir Harry Smith found them prospecting the fair
+land of Natal, they had learnt its intimate geography. We, to whom the
+fair land belonged, had barely heard of the Tugela or the region around
+it. To us it was superficially known only at the cost of dire
+experience. The Boers had been aware that the British advance northwards
+through the Free State would lie across flat fair country, and knowing
+this, had decided that during the month taken to land the British army
+they must take up their positions beyond and around it; and so excellent
+was their cunning, so amicably pacific the temper of the British nation,
+that they were enabled to follow their strategic programme in its
+entirety, and plant themselves in firmly rooted masses to await our
+arrival!
+
+The problem of how to dislodge them and how to relieve Ladysmith was
+once more staring Sir Redvers Buller in the face with hard and unbending
+austerity. According to military experts, who viewed the plan of
+campaign with dispassionate eyes, the fate of Ladysmith should have been
+left out of the calculations. The troops should have been massed to a
+common centre and at the south, and from thence boldly advanced into the
+Free State. But against that opinion was the picture of the noble ten
+thousand inside a beleaguered town, a grand British multitude, who had
+been kept for months hoping against hope, fighting bravely, and praying
+of the Almighty to hasten the hour of their deliverance. They could not
+be left. While he had men and guns the General felt he must go on. But
+how? Certainly not by the newer route. The recapture of Spion Kop was
+decided to be impracticable, and the force remained stationary south of
+the Tugela while the complicated situation was reviewed.
+
+The General, whatever his misfortunes, had lost none of the confidence
+of his troops. As he himself said of them, "The men were splendid." They
+were disgusted at being a second time defeated without being beaten, and
+disappointed at again being forced back from the road to Ladysmith; but
+their steadfast faith in their chief was unalterable. Sir Redvers Buller
+again addressed his warriors, promising them they should be in Ladysmith
+soon, and the men, Britons to the core, again said in their hearts, "We
+shall."
+
+To replace 1600 killed and wounded in the late actions, drafts of 2400
+men had now arrived. A mountain battery, A Battery R.H.A., and two
+fortress guns had strengthened the artillery, while two squadrons of the
+14th Hussars had been added to the cavalry, thus bringing the strength
+of the force to 1000 more than the number which had started for Spion
+Kop. This was an imposing increase, but its value at the present time
+was much less than it would have been had Sir Redvers Buller originally
+taken the field with a proper complement of men and guns. "To do the
+thing handsomely we want 150,000 men," a tactician declared at the
+onset; but nobody heeded him, and in consequence of this heedlessness
+the complications in Natal had arisen.
+
+"However," as a military officer expressed it, "there was not a sore
+head nor a timid heart in Buller's army. As we lie in our bivouacs at
+night, the Southern Cross and a thousand constellations watching over
+our slumbers, we dream of the Angel of Victory, and in our dreams we
+hear the flapping of her wings."
+
+The optimism of the army was undiminished. There was no doubt whatever
+that they would relieve Ladysmith, but the when and the how remained as
+yet unsolved. The troops had not yet sustained actual defeat at the
+hands of the Boers, and, while our losses could be replaced, and _were_
+being replaced, the recuperative power of the Boers was nil. Indeed it
+was stated that they had come to the end of their resources, and that
+they were already forcing Kaffirs to fight for them in the trenches.
+Later on it was discovered that females even--true to the ancient
+sporting instinct of the Boer woman--were lending a hand in the
+management of the rifle.
+
+At last, after some days of deliberation, a third great attempt to reach
+the imprisoned multitude in Ladysmith was planned out.
+
+A week of waiting and then a new advance was decided on. Seventy guns
+drew up in line on the hills to prepare the way for another gigantic
+move. This time Sir Redvers Buller's plan was to occupy a hill called
+Vaal Krantz and get forward between Spion Kop and the Doorn Kloof
+ranges. But after a very short yet valorous essay, it was discovered
+that there were veritably cannon to right of them, cannon to left of
+them. The Boers commanded the hills on either side the road through
+which the troops must pass. Not only were there guns on both sides, but
+these Krupps and Creusot cannon far outranged anything that our
+artillery could bring to bear on them. The Naval guns alone were capable
+of not only barking but biting, and these three were not enough to meet
+the formidable array of the Republicans.
+
+[Illustration: PLAN OF THE BATTLE OF VAAL KRANTZ]
+
+On the 5th of February, however, the gallant attempt was made. The
+cavalry moved forward about 6 A.M.--one brigade under Colonel
+Burn-Murdoch advanced to the right below Swartz Kop, the Colonials under
+Lord Dundonald kept nearer to Potgieter's Drift, Sir Charles Warren with
+one brigade remained west of Mount Alice in a position commanding the
+road leading to Potgieter's Drift. The Naval guns meanwhile came into
+action, shelling the Boer positions, dongas, and trenches, and every
+imaginable hiding-place with immense energy, but with little result. The
+Boers in their trenches were quiet, as usual reserving themselves for an
+effective outburst later on. Meanwhile the Lancashire Brigade (now under
+Colonel Wynne) were advancing in skirmishing order to the tune of the
+mighty orchestra, while above an officer of sappers in the balloon spied
+out the Boer haunts, and directed accordingly. By nine o'clock
+pandemonium was unloosed--lyddite bellowed, shrapnel clattered over
+the whole fortified face of Brakfontein, while the infantry steadily
+moved on. Presently from dongas and trenches, at ranges of 1000 yards
+and less, came the crackling of rifles, to which our troops responded by
+volleys now and again. Between these volleys they proceeded steadily,
+regardless of the uproar and the fell work of the eternally active
+sniper.
+
+[Illustration: CYCLISTS--LANCASHIRE FUSILIERS.
+
+Photo by Gregory & Co., London.]
+
+While this feint attack was taking place on the left before the now
+flaming ridges of Brakfontein, a real and vigorous move was being made
+on the extreme right for the purpose of carrying the crest of Vaal
+Krantz, which was then thought to be the key to the direct road to
+Ladysmith, and was not very strongly fortified by the Dutchmen. The
+Royal Engineers with immense energy set to work laying a pontoon bridge
+across the treacherous depths in the direction of Skiet's Drift, an
+operation which had to be performed with infinite patience and pluck, as
+the Boers were no sooner aware of their activities than they plied their
+Mausers with a will. This crossing-place, styled Munger's Ford, now
+attracted the attention of the whole Boer artillery, and the "pom-poms"
+and 40-pounders of the enemy contrived to render the locality anything
+but an enviable place of rendezvous. Our pieces, from their hiding-place
+among the trees in the neighbourhood of Swartz Kop, soon bombarded the
+Boer position with equal activity. By ten o'clock the bridge had been
+thrown across the river, and General Lyttelton and his troops were
+preparing for the assault of Vaal Krantz. The artillery now made its
+finishing demonstration before Brakfontein, there being no
+necessity--now that the troops had come successfully across the pontoon
+bridge--for a continuation of the feint attack. For this reason the
+Lancashire Brigade was now ordered to retire. The gallant fellows,
+having done what was required of them, marched back in excellent order
+to their original position.
+
+All this while shells were shrieking, lyddite was bursting, and musketry
+crackling, till the whole earth seemed riven with an enormous
+convulsion. The gunners had some terrific experiences, and nobly, in a
+truly alarming position, they comported themselves. They were on low
+ground, exposed without shelter to the Boer works, which dominated the
+plain; yet they pursued their labours with unerring care and
+intelligence that was truly remarkable. Shell plumped in their midst,
+under the limbers, over the guns, above their heads, round their feet.
+They stuck to their duty. Horses dropped and shrieked in their agony,
+gunners fell shot through the heart and were carried away. Loudly the
+vociferous chorus of death went on, steadily the gunners took their
+share of the fearful drama of destruction. To show the vast amount of
+"grit" that these gunners could boast, an incident of the day must be
+recorded. About noon the batteries were ordered to approach nearer to
+Vaal Krantz and prepare the way for the infantry assault. The guns, ever
+under a scathing fire, moved off in due order to take up the fresh
+position on the right facing Vaal Krantz. Finally they came to the last
+waggon, an ammunition waggon belonging to the 78th Battery R.A., which
+was horseless. The team had been wiped off by the enemy. Nevertheless
+the gunners put their shoulders to the wheel, and, with a mighty effort,
+rolled the machine straight through the fiery hurricane to a place of
+safety! The conduct of the Jack Tars also stuck another feather in their
+already well-decorated caps. While the new balloon made its descent it
+became an object of attention, and was saluted vigorously by the enemy.
+Nevertheless the sailors stuck to their work, held the basket, took
+possession of the truculent aërial vessel, and marched off with it under
+a galling fire.
+
+By-and-by, when Vaal Krantz had been thoroughly searched and swept by
+the British batteries, and the snipers from the base of Doorn Kloof had
+been partially reduced to silence by the joint efforts of the artillery
+and Hildyard's Brigade, Lyttelton's gallant band began to move off from
+the direction of Munger's Farm on the road to Vaal Krantz. It was now
+the early afternoon, but from all sides the deadly missiles of the enemy
+still bellowed and hooted. Still the Durham Light Infantry, with the 3rd
+King's Royal Rifles on their right, pushed steadily on--forward from the
+river and up the precipitous broken face of the hill. Cheering, they
+went, clambering and leaping, and whether it was the menacing roar, or
+the suggestion it gave of coming steel that stirred them, certain it was
+that few of the foe remained to meet the charge.
+
+The Boers saw them--heard them--gauged the meaning of the lusty British
+cheer--and bolted. Scarcely any elected to fall victim to the bayonet.
+Those who were there threw up their hands and appealed for mercy. These
+were promptly made prisoners, and the British, for the time being,
+reigned supreme on the hill. But their reign had its discomforts.
+Dutchmen crowded the ground, west, east, and north of them, dosing them
+liberally with lead from their rifles, while their position was
+perpetually pounded by the big guns of the enemy. These, vomiting on the
+eastern slopes of the hill, set fire to the grass and added to the
+discomforts of the position by surrounding it with appalling fumes,
+which choked and blinded, and destroyed the view of the Dutchmen's
+haunts. Nevertheless, the kopje once gained, the men rushed along the
+crest and entrenched themselves in a spot that looked as though it had
+been overtaken by a prairie fire. Our shells had effectually cleared the
+grass and scrub. The gunners from the surrounding kopjes kept a sharp
+lookout, firing at the Boers as they brought up their guns from all
+directions, while General Lyttelton maintained his ground. Meanwhile
+efforts were made to get the batteries forward to the hill, but the task
+was a difficult one, and the position was strengthened and enlarged in
+order to assist in the accomplishment of the desired object. Until guns
+could be mounted and made to defy the active aggression of the
+"pom-poms," Creusots, and other deadly weapons of the enemy, there could
+be no hope of getting the troops and their baggage through to Ladysmith.
+At this time an obstinate effort to gain lost ground was made by the
+Republicans, but owing to the doughty resistance of the Scottish Rifles
+and the King's Royal Rifles, the attempt to dislodge them entirely
+failed. Towards seven o'clock a drizzling rain and darkness descended.
+The troops which had gathered together between Swartz Kop, Munger's
+Drift, and the newly acquired hill were forced to bivouac where they
+were for the night, Sir Redvers Buller and his staff remaining on the
+field with the men.
+
+At dawn on the 6th of February the Boers resumed their activity. Long
+Tom--the first to awake--with his big black snout snorted sonorously.
+Bang went a hundred-pound shell across the plain--helter-skelter flew
+the British Tommies, who were enjoying their morning tea, and crash and
+splash went their delicious brew. Fortunately no serious harm was done.
+A few horses were killed. But after this began an artillery duel of
+vigorous nature. This was chiefly directed against General Lyttelton's
+troops on Vaal Krantz. The Boers seemed everywhere, more ubiquitous than
+usual. From the lower crests of Spion Kop, from the peak of Doorn Kloof,
+from the mountains commanding the road to Ladysmith, flame vomited, and
+lead and steel and powder spouted and spluttered.
+
+The fact was that during the night the Boers, in order to proceed with
+the work of defence, had set fire to more grass in the neighbourhood of
+the British position, and utilised the illumination for the transfer of
+their guns from one place to another. Early, therefore, they were
+enabled to greet the camp with the roar of a Creusot gun and other
+weapons from all quarters playing upon the position. Shells burst
+everywhere, some even reaching headquarters. It was said that Buller,
+the imperturbable, welcomed them. Certainly his Spartan-like disregard
+of danger was remarkable, and was responsible for the superb nonchalance
+of those who served under him. Still, with his courage he displayed
+caution, the caution that only a courageous man would dare to display.
+He decided later on that his move was impracticable, that more lives
+should not be spent in futile effort. Of this anon. While the Creusots
+and Krupps pounded the hill, the Boers strove their uttermost to regain
+their hold on the lost position. Meanwhile the Naval guns rumbled and
+rampaged, ammunition waggons blew up, earthquakes filled the clear blue
+atmosphere with avalanches of dust, and one of the enemy's cherished
+weapons on Spion Kop was knocked clean out of action.
+
+Late in the afternoon, the worn-out troops of Lyttelton's Brigade were
+relieved by Hildyard's men, who came in from a violent night-attack by
+the enemy. This in their usual gallant style was repelled by the East
+Surrey and the West Yorks--the veteran West Yorks, who had learned not a
+little from Beacon Hill onwards.
+
+On Wednesday the firing grew terrific. More guns were brought up,
+seemingly from the bowels of the earth; they were posted
+everywhere--another 6-inch Creusot gun, Maxim cannons, two 30-pounders,
+three "pom-poms," in addition to the death-dealing weapons of the
+previous day. Shells hurtled and burst on hill and dale, mountain and
+valley, smoke, flame, and dust spouted forth, making the atmosphere
+dense, torrid, and fearsome. Still Hildyard's dauntless brigade held
+their ground unflinchingly, while the Naval guns strove bravely, but
+strove in vain, to tackle the great snorting crew of the opposition. It
+seemed as though the advance must be accomplished not merely through a
+zone, but a sheath of fire, for the road to Ladysmith was barred from
+end to end, a sheer _cul-de-sac_, with flame and death for its lining.
+
+Our troops during the whole day hung tenaciously to Vaal Krantz, while
+the Dutchmen obstinately challenged their right to be there. But nothing
+appreciable was achieved, and evacuation seemed the wiser and more
+profitable course to pursue. By this time it began to be recognised that
+the strategic value of Vaal Krantz for turning the Brakfontein position
+had been over-estimated, and that an advance would necessitate the
+routing of the Boers from Brakfontein and the taking and holding of
+Doorn Kloof, if our communications through the valley were to be
+maintained.
+
+There was no glory in trying to proceed in the teeth--nay, into the
+jaws--of so overpowering a foe, a foe who was on the eve of outflanking
+us. It would have been walking into a fiery furnace--into the pocket of
+hell. Another council of war took place. Retirement was suggested.
+General Hart, as distinguished for valour as General Lyttelton for brave
+discretion, proposed the storming of Doorn Kop. He and his were ready
+for everything: he had Ireland at his back. But Pat was not to be thrown
+away on an impossible undertaking, and consequently the majority had
+their way, and the retirement was effected. On Friday the whole glorious
+persevering band were again across the Tugela, preparing to strike out
+in a fresh direction.
+
+[Illustration: FALLS ON THE TUGELA RIVER.
+
+Photo by Wilson, Aberdeen.]
+
+The following is the list of casualties between the 5th and 7th of
+February:--
+
+     _Killed_:--1st Durham Light Infantry--Major Johnson Smith;
+     Second Lieutenant Shafto.
+
+     _Wounded_:--1st Durham Light Infantry--Lieut.-Colonel
+     Fitzgerald; Captain Lascelles; Second Lieutenant Lambton;
+     Second Lieutenant Appleby. 1st Rifle Brigade--Captain Thorp;
+     Captain Talbot; Lieutenant Blewitt; Lieutenant Ellis;
+     Lieutenant Sir T. Cunninghame, Bart. 3rd King's Royal
+     Rifles--Lieutenant Sims. Royal Artillery--Lieut.-Colonel
+     Montgomery, Captain Dawson, 78th Battery R.F.A. 2nd Scottish
+     Rifles--Second Lieutenant Ferrars. 2nd West Yorkshire--Second
+     Lieutenant Bicknell. 2nd East Surrey--Captain White. R.A.M.C.,
+     Major Rose.
+
+
+DISAPPOINTMENT AT LADYSMITH
+
+The fearful and ghastly activity of the 6th of January ceased with dusk.
+Night descended: she came softly as the footsteps of angels moving
+lightly among the tranquil dead. The moon, with pale white serenity,
+looked down on the scene of carnage, so still, so appallingly still; and
+the dots of twinkling stars seemed like a thousand eyes of heaven,
+seeing and inquiring how the face of the fair earth could grow so
+changed within a day. And everywhere there moved leaden hearts and feet
+weary with the long strain of foregone hours. Hunger, exposure, and long
+vigils had become a daily routine, but this close and sustained attack,
+and the terrible havoc it had wrought on the weakening numbers, brought
+with it new alarms. True, the bayonet, the trusty bayonet, had served
+its turn, and might serve again, so long as strength would hold out. But
+there were doubts. The Russian general Suvaroff once said, "The ball is
+a fool, but the bayonet is a brick." He took it for granted that the
+bayonet even must needs have a man, and not the ghost of a man, at the
+back of it; and the poor heroes in Ladysmith were fast becoming shadows
+of the hale and muscular fellows who had scaled the steeps of Talana
+Hill and broken the echoes of Elandslaagte with the yell of victory.
+Sadly and solemnly they now set themselves to the pathetic work of
+removing the slain.
+
+On the 7th of January one of the Boer medical officers rode in under a
+Red Cross flag, requesting the burial of the British dead. A party
+started to fulfil this sad office, and while they wandered about picking
+up the melancholy mutilated forms, the Boers assisted in the task, and
+in some cases helped to dig the graves and carry the slain; conversing
+the while with such perfect amity, that it was almost impossible to
+believe they were deadly foes. Deeply pathetic was the reading of the
+solemn burial service by the commanding officer, for Britons and Boers
+stood side by side, and one of the latter, moving apart, uttered a short
+prayer that the war would soon be at an end. This was followed by the
+singing of a hymn in Dutch, a quaint, simple, earnest solemnity, which
+was vastly touching to all.
+
+The curious blend of courage and pleasantness, of trickery and
+barbarity, in the Boer character has been remarked upon before. It was
+never more displayed than in the dealings of the Boers around Ladysmith.
+On one day they would shell an hospital, or rather the Town Hall,
+knowing it to serve as an hospital; on another they would treat the
+wounded with almost brotherly consideration. For instance, one man in
+the 19th Hussars, who was wounded on January 6, and subsequently taken
+prisoner, gave a refreshing account of Boer manners. Though shot in the
+arm, he remained at his post till dark, and then in the gloom mistook
+his way to camp and wandered down the wrong side of the hill. He was
+captured and detained till morning, while his wound was dressed and
+cared for. Then he was sent back to camp armed with a tin of jam and a
+box of chocolate! A somewhat similar experience was related by another
+man, one of the Gordons, who was wounded and taken prisoner on Waggon
+Hill early in the morning, and was removed in charge of an old Boer to a
+place of safety half-way down the slope. From here he subsequently
+escaped. In the _mêlée_ that followed the Devons' charge across the
+plateau in the thick of the hailstorm, the Boers, shouting in Dutch that
+the rooineks were upon them, stampeded, and consequently the prisoner
+was left to his own devices. He thereupon rejoined the troops.
+
+[Illustration: BRITISH 7-POUNDER FIELD-GUN.]
+
+The Boers in the fight had been animated by unusual confidence. They had
+seemed assured of victory. Their demeanour was cool and deliberate, some
+of them doing an hour's firing while others put in a half-hour's nap
+under cover of the rocks. All their preparations were made with a view
+to spending Sunday in Ladysmith, and their tents were ready to be
+pitched immediately they had obtained possession of the ridge. They, in
+fact, firmly believed that they would make a repetition of Majuba, and
+it was noticed that their tactics were identical with those observed on
+that tragic occasion. Curiously enough, an exceedingly interesting relic
+of Majuba came to hand. A rifle bearing the mark "Majuba" and the name
+of the 58th Regiment was found on an old Boer. It had evidently been
+captured on the fatal day when Colley fell.
+
+Much regret was felt for the loss of Lord Ava, one of the cheeriest of
+soldiers and most handsome and brilliant of men. He had served with the
+17th Lancers, and had also cast in his lot with the irregulars in South
+Africa under Methuen. He was essentially a sporting and a romantic
+figure in all circles of London society, having resuscitated the
+fortunes of Ranelagh and engaged himself actively in plans and projects
+for the brightening of social life. He was moreover a general favourite,
+and sympathy with Lord Dufferin on the loss of his promising heir was
+great.
+
+Now that the rivers were flooded the service of native runners was
+precarious, and less than ever was known of the outside world. But the
+Boers were seen to be in active movement on the distant hills, and there
+was a very general belief that the quiet that was enjoyed was due to
+some advance movement on the part of General Buller that was demanding
+the attention of the Dutchmen. This belief was confirmed by the sight of
+two machine-guns which were being galloped off post-haste to a
+destination unknown.
+
+Since Christmas the prices had gone up. Eggs by the middle of January
+were worth 19s. a dozen, and jam cost 6s. 6d. a tin. Condensed milk was
+sold for 10s. a tin, other things, particularly medicines, were becoming
+priceless. An appalling apathy almost approaching despair had settled on
+the community. It was going on for three months since they had been shut
+off from the outside world, during which their losses had exceeded 1500
+in slain, wounded, and missing, yet they were no nearer release. Indeed,
+each began to wonder whether death or Sir Redvers Buller's force would
+reach them first. One month after another passed, and with them,
+precious lives, yet little fuss was made, for death was a common
+visitor. Much regret was felt at the loss on the 15th of the brilliant
+author and correspondent of the _Daily Mail_, Mr. G. W. Steevens. His
+was a young career, rich in promise. But death is a connoisseur--he
+chooses the best. Only a few days before, Mr. Mitchell, sub-editor of
+the _Johannesburg Star_, and Lieutenant Stabb (Naval Reserve) of the
+_Times of India_, had been carried off by enteric fever; while young
+Ferrand, sometime a correspondent of the _Morning Post_ and a trooper of
+the Light Horse, fell in action on the 6th.
+
+[Illustration: THE SIEGE OF LADYSMITH, JAN. 1900. VIEW FROM BULWANA
+HILL.
+
+From a sketch by George Lynch, War Correspondent.
+
+The hospital train is here shown on its way to Intombi Camp with its
+daily load of sick and wounded.]
+
+But soon a change came. Sounds of unusual guns reached their ears--ears
+now well attuned to all the surrounding noises. Though news by heliogram
+came slowly and at long intervals, all were conscious that something was
+afloat.
+
+They were soon wild with excitement and anticipation. Not only could Sir
+George White's garrison hear the distant thunder of the guns of the
+relieving column, a sound which made heavenly music to their ears, but
+from the lookout posts on the heights held by them they could
+occasionally see the bursting of the shells fired by the Naval guns
+from the region of Potgieter's Drift. The attention of the investing
+force was now distracted; the Dutchmen were concentrating their energies
+to repel the movement of the British troops on the Upper Tugela, and
+continued to send reinforcements westward to meet the demand on their
+resources there. But they strengthened their works on the north of the
+town, added some more howitzers and fired a few shells by way of
+introduction.
+
+[Illustration: LIEUT.-GENERAL SIR CHARLES WARREN, G.C.M.G.
+
+Photo by Elliott & Fry, London.]
+
+At this time impatience and anxiety arrived at an almost painful pitch.
+Every soul was panting for the signal that might call upon them to
+co-operate in the final tug-of-war which should set Ladysmith free.
+Acutely were the movements of General Buller's relieving force watched
+from the highest points in the town. Intense was the interest displayed
+as every bursting shell threw forth its dense volumes of brown smoke,
+and showed how the friendly lyddite worked to the rescue. The garrison
+looked forth breathlessly for the coming of relief, hoping, praying,
+doubting, fearing, with nothing to vary the ever-recurrent anguish of
+anticipation.
+
+At this date a journalist made a daring sortie on his own account, and
+reached Durban in safety. He left with permission at nightfall on the
+18th of January, and, guided by a wily Kaffir, made tracks for
+Chieveley. Having gone about two miles to the east of Cĉsar's Camp and
+approached unwarily a Boer picket, he was promptly challenged. Then
+ping! ping! ping! a swift whistling sound of Boer bullets, and silence!
+The journalist, to use a sporting phrase, was lying "doggo." Not a shot
+touched him. Flat on his stomach he remained for fully half an hour with
+bated breath, then, when murmurs of the disquieted Boers ceased to
+ruffle the night air, he resumed his way, groping on hands and knees,
+and wishing fervently that he had taken lessons in deportment
+earlier--from the quadrupeds. Perilous was the onward journey,
+clambering and crawling up hill and down dale, and falling over rocks
+and stones in the pitch darkness. Daylight saw him at the hut of a
+friendly native not far from Chieveley, and here concealed, he spent
+twenty-four hours of terrible suspense till it was time again to proceed
+on his journey. The Boers almost discovered him. They called at the hut
+for milk, absorbed it, and looked about suspiciously, while the man of
+the pen was penned in amongst a heap of blankets, a perspiring mass,
+quaking but safe.
+
+Meanwhile with the rumour of battle in the air, hope revived. It
+continued to increase as the British positions from the heights around
+the town became visible--the newly gained positions on Swartz Kop and
+the eminences near the Tugela at Potgieter's and Trichardt's Drifts.
+Every red flash was like a smile of welcome--every roar of bursting
+shrapnel seemed a very chorus of jubilation. To the ears of the
+besieged the tremendous awe-striking cannonade appeared as the loved
+assurance of Great Britain, their deliverer, saying, with grand majestic
+tone, "I am coming." In the distance the Boers could be seen in frenzied
+activity inspanning their waggons, and towards the evening they were
+observed trekking northwards towards Van Reenan's Pass. Many conjectures
+were rife, and subsequently on the 25th curiosity grew to fever heat.
+Surely the British were in possession of Spion Kop! Decidedly they were
+masters of the situation! Yet in the nek below, by the light of the
+telescope, Boer camps could be seen on the plains; under cover of the
+great hill Boer cattle were grazing. What could this mean? Had the Boers
+gone and left everything to the mercy of their victors? or were they
+merely in hiding, intending to return at nightfall, and remove their
+valuables? Certainly the Burghers were to be viewed mounted and
+decamping in the direction of the pass, and also winding strings of
+waggons pursuing their slow way in the same direction. Still the riddle
+remained unsolved. Night fell. The suspense grew more and more fevered;
+it became almost a delirium. There was little sleep; then, when morning
+dawned, there was more anxiety and more puzzling, more mental torture.
+The Boers were as much in evidence as ever!
+
+Disappointment may be borne with a show of spirit when the inner
+machinery is well oiled, but the inhabitants of Ladysmith had no such
+source of fortitude. True, they had fared, if not sumptuously, at least
+practically, on horse-sausages, which were turned out wholesale from a
+factory for the benefit of the troops, and on fairly nourishing soup
+which was supplied in the same way; but of civilised food there was
+none. Eggs had now gone up to 36s. a dozen, and a diminutive and
+emaciated fowl could be purchased for 18s. These luxuries were for the
+elect. For the mass a varying dietary of horse and mule was obligatory.
+Vegetables were sold at a prohibitive price, and a case of whisky was
+raffled for and fetched £145, so that "Dutch courage" wherewith to meet
+their misfortune was unpurchasable.
+
+Not till Sunday the 28th the fearful truth was learned, that Warren,
+after holding Spion Kop, had retired, and left the Boers in undisturbed
+occupation of their commanding position!
+
+As all the latest events to the south were communicated to the garrison
+as fast as they were made known to the chief, the news of the capture of
+Spion Kop and the disappointing retirement therefrom was published in
+general orders. Blank faces turned from each other, that none should see
+the reflection of his own despondency. Intense had been the rapture of
+the anxious inhabitants when they had heard the far-away booming of the
+British guns, seen the splashing of British lyddite, watched the great
+spouts of smoke that spoke of tremendous activity and their possible
+salvation. Now their dismay was more than proportionate. After all their
+agony--silence. Silence, so far as they were concerned. Mystery, doubt,
+and agonising suspense--and now the news, the woeful news, that the
+second splendid effort to break through the imprisoning Boer girdle had
+failed!
+
+Still the garrison was resolved to hold on to the last, preferring death
+by starvation or disease rather than surrender. The malodorous
+surroundings were borne with patience, the diminution of the supply of
+medicines, watched with pathetic resignation. Nevertheless an untold
+weariness crept over the unhappy sufferers, who spent their days huddled
+underground and dreading to expose themselves in the open lest they
+should be caught by a shell or "sniped" at by some Boer more
+enterprising than the rest. How they longed, how they prayed for the
+great hour! They believed in Buller; they knew he would come, they said
+to themselves. But when, O when? And echo answered--When?
+
+
+LORD ROBERTS AT THE CAPE
+
+On the 10th of January Lord Roberts arrived. He was received by General
+Sir F. Forestier Walker on behalf of Sir Alfred Milner. All the ships in
+port were dressed, and there was immense excitement at the prospect of
+better things. Many recalled to mind the occasion of the last coming of
+the great little man, when, on the eve of a campaign to retrieve Majuba,
+he found that the British Government, unknown to him, had arranged peace
+on contemptible terms. At that time it was said he broke his sword in
+indignation at the betrayal to which he had been subjected, and vowed
+never again to serve under a British Government. Be this as it may--he
+had now come at the earnest call of his country, and all felt that his
+coming meant a turn in the wheel of fortune. After his arrival things
+began gradually to unfold themselves, and the promise of decisive
+movement was in the air.
+
+Lord Roberts's decision to bring the Colonial volunteers to the support
+of the Imperial forces was acknowledged to be a great move. The
+Colonist's services were eminently to be desired, for he had taken the
+Boer measure. He knew him in all the complex windings of his sinuous,
+twisting nature. In some respects the Boer had been his lesson-book.
+From him he had learned the necessity to be a good shot, a smart
+horseman, and a long stayer. He followed the ins and outs of the
+Dutchman's war game, and could practise the art of dodging round kopjes
+and into dongas, hiding in scrub and disappearing from mortal ken at a
+moment's notice, with the zest and agility of a schoolboy playing at
+hide and seek, and with a certain enjoyment in the diamond-cut-diamond
+sort of exercise.
+
+On the 26th of January General Brabant arrived at Queenstown to take
+over the command of the Colonial Division, and on the same day General
+Kelly Kenny, commanding the Sixth Division, occupied Thebus, a position
+on the railway between Middleburg and Stormberg Junction. This station
+is situated about ninety miles from Colesberg, around which General
+French so untiringly operated, and forty-five miles from Stormberg, the
+scene of General Gatacre's disaster.
+
+On the 1st of February the City of London Volunteers landed. Immediately
+after their arrival at the Cape they were honoured by a visit from the
+great man who was about to control the destinies of South Africa.
+Gracefully he welcomed them, and said how little it had been imagined in
+days gone by, the days when the Volunteer force had been established,
+that any of its members would come to take part in a war in South
+Africa. He expressed his belief that nothing was more calculated to
+benefit the army than employment together on service of all its
+component parts, and that these would learn to appreciate each other,
+and acquire a spirit of comradeship which would have far-reaching
+results. He reminded them that strangely enough the first Volunteers
+left home three hundred years ago to fight for the Dutch, and arrived
+just in time to save Flushing from the Spaniards. On this occasion they
+would take an equally brilliant part in establishing peace, order, and
+freedom in South Africa.
+
+[Illustration: TYPE OF ARMS--NEW NAVAL 12-POUNDER FIELD-GUN.
+
+(Photo, Cribb, Southsea.)]
+
+The members of the corps were delighted. Colonel Cholmondeley
+expressed their thanks, and they all cheered right royally. They were
+burning to get to the front, and, in spite of the sudden change of
+temperature from British midwinter to tropical sunshine, their zeal to
+be up and doing was unabated. They waited at the Cape to be joined by
+the second detachment and receive their horses, after which they
+entrained for the western border, where they were so soon to distinguish
+themselves.
+
+[Illustration: ARRIVAL AT CAPE TOWN OF WOUNDED FROM NATAL.
+
+Photo by Hosking, Cape Town.]
+
+There was great satisfaction at the announcement that General Brabant
+would command the Colonial corps. The class of men enlisting in
+Brabant's Horse, the Imperial Horse, Bailey's Horse, and other of the
+South African mounted corps was a superior one. The volunteers were
+mostly well-to-do men, sons of farmers and Colonials who were residents
+in the country, and were intimately acquainted with its geography.
+Moreover, they were men and not striplings, and were averse from being
+commanded by young officers who were absolutely without South African
+experience.
+
+It has been rumoured that the British officers and those of the
+irregular troops have not always been in accord. The fact is, that one
+is a master of discipline and the other a master of independence. The
+Colonial is accustomed to habits of complete self-reliance; he expects
+to be treated like an individual and not as a machine. Our military
+system is a machine-made system, and one which, unluckily for us, has
+been incapable of any of the smart plasticities which warfare with the
+Boers has demanded. Colonial troops will be led, but they won't be
+driven. They are composed of men of first-rate quality, but not men
+accustomed blindly to obey orders. The Colonist obeys because of the
+personal influence of a man or men whom he holds intellectually or
+morally in esteem, but the word discipline for sheer discipline's sake
+he is disinclined to understand. Among the ranks of the Colonials are
+many men of wealth and influence, men of high character and good
+education. These could not suddenly be treated in the same way as the
+British regulars, who, being gifted with more dare-devil courage than
+knowledge of the three R's, require to be welded together on a system. A
+tactician once asked the question--What is the difference between an
+army and a mob? and the general answered--"Discipline." It is discipline
+that converts a rowdy British youngster into the glorious British Tommy
+that he is. With the Colonial we have already the trained and
+independent man, and the system of give and take is the only system that
+can avert friction between men who, though brothers in blood, have, and
+always must have, the special idiosyncrasies attendant on their
+dissimilar forms of life.
+
+Lord Roberts, recognising all this, with his usual diplomacy and
+sympathy for those who serve the Queen, decided to form a bodyguard, to
+accompany him to the front, of Colonials, the troops to be
+representative of all the corps--volunteers, irregulars, &c. The guard
+was to consist of Major Laing, an officer well versed and distinguished
+in Colonial matters, a lieutenant, two sergeants and corporals, and
+about forty picked troopers taken from the various irregular corps
+already at the front. The men of the corps were to continue to wear
+their own uniform, and merely to be distinguished by a badge. Preference
+in choosing the members of the guard was given to men of Colonial birth,
+good shots, riders, and scouts, who were well acquainted with all the
+peculiarities of Colonial life.
+
+To further show his appreciation of the services of the Colonials, Lord
+Roberts appointed as extra aide-de-camp on his personal staff Colonel
+Bryon of the Australian Artillery. He also sent telegrams to the
+Governors of Victoria and New South Wales congratulating them on the
+spirit of patriotism in Australia, and expressing his appreciation of
+the useful and workmanlike troops that had been sent to assist in
+restoring peace, order, and freedom in South Africa.
+
+[Illustration: PRIVATE, DRUMMERS, PIPER, AND BUGLER--THE BLACK WATCH.
+
+Photo by Knight, Aldershot.]
+
+At this time the following correspondence between the Presidents of the
+Transvaal and the Orange Free State and Lord Roberts was published at
+the Cape. It began with a joint despatch from Presidents Steyn and
+Kruger dated Bloemfontein, February 3, stating:--
+
+     "We learn from many sides that the British troops, contrary to
+     the recognised usages of war, have been guilty of destruction
+     by burning and blowing up with dynamite farmhouses and
+     devastating farms and goods therein, whereby unprotected women
+     and children have often been deprived of food and shelter. This
+     happens not only in places where barbarians are encouraged by
+     British officers, but even in Cape Colony and in this State
+     (Orange Free State), where white brigands come out from the
+     theatre of war with the evident intention of carrying on
+     general devastation without any reason recognised by the custom
+     of war and without in any way furthering the operations. We
+     wish earnestly to protest against such practices."
+
+[Illustration: MR. KRUGER'S AUTOGRAPH]
+
+In reply Lord Roberts wrote:--
+
+     "I beg to acknowledge your Honours' telegram charging British
+     troops with the destruction of property contrary to the
+     recognised usages of war, and with brigandage and devastation.
+     These charges are made in vague and general terms. No specific
+     case is mentioned. No evidence is given. I have seen such
+     charges made before now in the Press, but in no case which has
+     come under my notice have they been substantiated. Most
+     stringent instructions have been issued to British troops to
+     respect private property so far as it is compatible with the
+     conduct of military operations. All wanton destruction and
+     injury to peaceful inhabitants are contrary to British practice
+     and traditions, and will, if necessary, be vigorously repressed
+     by me.
+
+     "I regret that your Honours should have seen fit to repeat the
+     untrue statement that barbarians have been encouraged by
+     British officers to commit depredations. In the only case in
+     which a raid has been perpetrated by native subjects of the
+     Queen, the act was contrary to the instructions of the British
+     officer nearest the spot, and entirely disconcerted his
+     operations. The women and children taken prisoners by the
+     natives were restored to their home by the agency of the
+     British officer in question.
+
+     "I regret to say it is the Republican forces which in some
+     cases have been guilty of carrying on war in a manner not in
+     accordance with civilised usage. I refer especially to the
+     expulsion of loyal subjects of Her Majesty from their homes in
+     the invaded districts because they refused to be commandeered
+     by the invaders. It is barbarous to attempt to force men to
+     take sides against their sovereign country by threats of
+     spoliation and expulsion. Men, women, and children had to leave
+     their homes owing to such compulsion. Many of those who were
+     formerly in comfortable circumstances are now maintained by
+     charity.
+
+     "That war should inflict hardships and injury on peaceful
+     inhabitants is inevitable, but it is the desire of Her
+     Majesty's Government and my intention to conduct this war with
+     as little injury as possible to peaceful inhabitants and
+     private property. I hope your Honours will exercise your
+     authority to ensure that it is conducted in a similar spirit on
+     your side."
+
+Meanwhile the British Commander was rapidly maturing his plans. Troops
+were pouring into the Cape and mysteriously departing none knew whither.
+Great doings were in the air, and secret communications between Lord
+Roberts and the wily General French--communications which Boer spies
+endeavoured to intercept--promised that the splendid fastnesses hitherto
+enjoyed by the enemy would not much longer serve to keep him from the
+punishment that was his due.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[5] Colonel (local Major-General) E. R. P. Woodgate, who was in command
+of the 9th Brigade, joined as Ensign in the 4th Foot on April 7, 1865,
+and became Brevet-Colonel on June 26, 1897. He commanded a Regimental
+District from September 1897 to April 1898; was on special service in the
+Ashanti expedition from September 1873 to March 1874, also on special
+service in South Africa from June 1878 to November 1879; was Brigade
+Major in the West Indies from February 1880 to February 1885. He was
+employed with the West African Regiment from April 9, 1898; with the
+Abyssinian expedition in 1868; and was present at the capture of Magdala,
+for which he received a medal. He served in the Ashanti war, 1873-74, and
+was present at the actions of Essaman, Ainsah, Abrakrampa, and Faysoonah,
+at the battle of Amoaful and capture of Coomassie. For these services he
+received a medal with clasp. He also served through the Zulu campaign in
+1879, at the action of Kambula and battle of Ulundi, and received a medal
+with clasp and his brevet of Major; and in 1898 in West Africa, in
+command of forces in expeditions against Sierra Leone insurgents. He was
+fifty-four years of age.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+THE WONDER OF THE WORLD
+
+    "Forty years had I in my city seen soldiers parading,
+    Forty years as a pageant, till unawares the lady of this teeming
+          and turbulent city,
+    Sleepless amid her ships, her houses, her incalculable wealth,
+    With her million children around her, suddenly,
+    At dead of night, at news from the south,
+    Incens'd struck with clinch'd hand the pavement.
+
+    A shock electric, the night sustain'd it,
+    Till with ominous hum our hive at daybreak pour'd out its myriads."
+
+                                            --WALT WHITMAN.
+
+
+The eyes of Europe, and indeed of the universe, turned upon the forces
+at war in Natal with amazement almost akin to awe. There, in the eve of
+the twentieth century, was presented a tenth wonder of the world! Where,
+among the states, principalities, and powers, could be found another
+example of an army being raised veritably from all points of the compass
+to serve the Mother Country? Whence in the history of heroic ages could
+be quoted the counterpart of spontaneous, simultaneous, exultant
+patriotism such as was brought forth by a few reverses to British arms?
+Here were men, brothers, whom we had never seen, whose names we had
+never heard, rushing to our side--influential citizens, judges,
+merchants, landowners in the distant dominions of the Queen--throwing
+over domestic comfort, ease, commercial advantage, political
+distinction, for the sheer desire to barter breath for fame, and to win
+laurels in the cause of the Empire. Our friends--the Powers--gazed and
+rubbed their eyes and marvelled! Our enemies--the Powers--gazed, rubbed
+their eyes, and--well! if they did not curse, they certainly trod warily
+and pondered! We were providing an object-lesson for eternity. The
+infinitesimal little island, the bird's-nest of the Little Englanders,
+was introducing to the nations her stalwart progeny--introducing with
+the easy pride of motherhood gigantic sons, all young and strong and
+well-grown, full of the vigour of youth and the finest traits of the
+parent stock--a martial multitude, clamouring to defend her in her hour
+of need! Yes, if our enemies--the Powers--did not curse, they walked
+warily and pondered!
+
+[Illustration: COLONEL W. D. OTTER.
+
+Commanding the First Canadian Contingent.]
+
+They did wisely, for by the beginning of March the number of Colonial
+troops at the front was approximately as follows: Cape Colony, 15,000;
+Natal, 7000; Canada, 2820; Ceylon, 130; New South Wales, 1800;
+Queensland, 810; South Australia, 340; West Australia, 230; Victoria,
+500; Tasmania, 180; New Zealand, 730; India, 250; total, 29,790. This
+tremendous increase in the size of the Transvaal force was a magnificent
+spectacle for the world at large. While it constituted the greatest
+military concentration in the history of the Empire, it left the British
+possessions in India, Malta, Crete, Barbadoes, Bermuda, Ceylon,
+Hong-Kong, Gibraltar, and elsewhere, if not adequately, at least
+powerfully defended. For instance, in India alone we had still a superb
+British army. It was composed of forty-seven battalions of infantry, six
+regiments of cavalry, sixty-two batteries of artillery, not to mention
+the enormous Indian Army, of which the cavalry was styled by Lord Curzon
+"the finest cavalry in the world." Even then we were not at the end of
+our tether. Conscription was undreamt of. Our military resources had
+barely been tested. The display of loyalty to the British flag, love for
+the Mother Country, and an ardent desire to uphold her rights, had not
+been confined to Great Britain's larger colonies. Small contingents for
+South Africa had been offered by Jamaica and Trinidad and elsewhere, and
+these, though gratefully acknowledged, had been refused, mostly in cases
+where the contingents were not large enough to constitute a military
+unit, and there might have been trouble in the movement of the force.
+
+The growth of Colonial offers of assistance from the time--the 10th of
+July--when Queensland sent an anticipatory telegram proposing military
+aid, it is interesting to follow. Two days later, the 12th of July, came
+a telegram from Lord Brassey at Victoria, saying that "offers have been
+received from Volunteers for service in South Africa." Five days passed.
+Then an offer of 300 men from the Malay States Guides arrived, the High
+Commissioner intimating, however, that he could not spare them. Three
+hundred Hausas from Lagos volunteered on the 18th of July. On the 21st
+of that month New South Wales offered 1860 officers, non-commissioned
+officers, and men. The offer of Hong-Kong on the 21st of September was
+followed by New Zealand's Parliamentary resolution to send a Transvaal
+Contingent. On the 5th of October Western Australia came forward, and on
+the 9th Tasmania offered her unit. On the 13th the offers of troops from
+South Australia and Canada were "gratefully accepted." Last, but not
+least, came the offer of assistance from India, and additional help from
+those whose aid had previously been given and acknowledged as
+invaluable.
+
+Thus, by degrees, the whole concourse of Great Britain's best was
+gathered together, the flowers of her numerous flocks were drawn to a
+common centre by the tie of blood and the pride of it--drawn to a far
+quarter of the earth, there to demonstrate the crowning triumph of
+British colonisation. The long-talked-of consolidation of the
+Anglo-Saxon race for the welfare and freedom of humanity was no longer
+an idealist's dream; it had become a living and a lasting reality!
+
+
+     FIRST CANADIAN CONTINGENT
+
+     Early in the century the spirit of loyalty was developed in
+     Canada. From her first years, when Wolfe made Canada a colony
+     of Great Britain, the colonists began to recognise their debt
+     to the British Crown. The feeling of reverence and love for the
+     Mother Country strengthened and grew with the strength and
+     growth of Canada itself, till the sentiment of Imperialism,
+     always silently existing, suddenly found almost passionate
+     utterance in the month of October 1899.
+
+     What came to pass a great man had foreseen. Sir John Macdonald,
+     who gauged aright the sentiment of the Canadians, described
+     almost prophetically the expansion of that sentiment, and
+     pointed out the developments that might be looked for in the
+     future. In one of his pro-Confederation speeches he said:--
+
+     "Some are apprehensive that the fact of our forming this
+     Confederation will hasten the time when we shall be severed
+     from the Mother Country. I have no apprehension of that kind. I
+     believe it will have the contrary effect. I believe that as we
+     grow stronger, as we become a people able, from our union, our
+     population, and the development of our resources, to take our
+     position among the nations of the world, she will be less
+     willing to part with us than now. I am strongly of opinion that
+     year by year, as we grow in population and strength, England
+     will more see the advantage of maintaining the alliance between
+     British North America and herself. Does any one imagine that
+     when our population, instead of 3,500,000 will be 7,000,000, as
+     it will be ere many years pass, we would be one whit more
+     willing than now to sever the connection with England? The
+     Colonies are now in a transition state. Gradually a different
+     colonial system is being developed, and it will become year by
+     year less a case of dependence on our part, and of overruling
+     protection on the part of the Mother Country, and more a case
+     of healthy and cordial alliance. Instead of looking upon us as
+     a merely dependent colony, England will have in us a friendly
+     nation, a subordinate but still a powerful people, to stand by
+     her in North America in peace or in war."
+
+     Many other prominent persons, Sir John Thompson, Sir Charles
+     Tupper, Sir Wilfred Laurier, shared the same opinion, and
+     confidently asserted that Great Britain had but to hold out her
+     hand and the hand of Canada would go out to meet it with firm
+     and cordial grasp.
+
+     Then came the hour and the opportunity. Canada acted exactly as
+     Canada's greatest men had expected her to act. She did not jump
+     to action, for the idea of participating in the active affairs
+     of the Empire had scarcely dawned upon her, but, the opening
+     once made, Canada lost no time in availing herself of it. Great
+     things have small beginnings, and the grand movement which has
+     astonished the universe commenced in a simple manner.
+
+     While the possibility of war drifted like a small cloud on the
+     horizon, a certain Colonel Hughes, of Lindsay, Ontario, set to
+     work to raise a volunteer regiment for possible service in
+     South Africa. In September 1899 he openly expressed himself. In
+     answer to energetic remonstrance he wrote, that "unless the
+     Government of the Dominion showed itself patriotic enough to do
+     its duty by the Imperial Government, he was justified in his
+     action, the object of which was to assist in upbuilding the
+     British Empire and rendering justice to one's
+     fellow-countrymen, even at great sacrifice, and that as little
+     delay as possible should result on the outbreak of hostilities
+     in enrolling a corps." The idea, to use the popular phrase,
+     "caught on." All the notabilities of the Dominion put their
+     heads together, with the result that, early as October 3, the
+     Canadian Military Institute in Toronto proposed to offer a
+     Canadian Contingent to the British Imperial Government, in the
+     event of a war breaking out with the Boers. It was also
+     suggested and carried unanimously, that whereas all the
+     expenses of the Canadian Contingent sent to the aid of the
+     British troops in the Crimean War had been borne by the British
+     Government, the expenses of the Contingent it was now proposed
+     to send to South Africa, should be provided by the Dominion of
+     Canada, that the Canadian Government should train, arm, equip,
+     transport, and pay the force raised, and, if necessary, pension
+     those deserving it. The offer of a Canadian Contingent was
+     accordingly made through the Government to the British
+     Government, who accepted it with two reservations--First, that
+     the force raised should consist of 1000 men only; Second, that
+     half the expenses of the Contingent should be met by the
+     Imperial Government. To this the Canadians consented under
+     protest, declaring, however, that should any further assistance
+     be required during the course of the war, they would be ready
+     and glad to send it.
+
+     Thousands of volunteers offered their services, but only a
+     limited number could be accepted. It was decided to allow each
+     locality to have the honour of taking part in the patriotic
+     movement, and the formation of companies was authorised as
+     follows:--A Company, Manitoba and the North-West; B, London,
+     Ontario; C, Toronto; D, Ottawa and Kingston; E, Montreal; F,
+     Quebec; G, Fredericton and Prince Edward Island; H, Halifax.
+
+     The men were thus gathered from all parts of Canada, the
+     smaller towns sending from three to seven representatives each,
+     and the larger ones supplying some regulars from the city
+     regiments, in addition to volunteers. The enrolling and
+     equipping of these 1000 volunteers, scattered as they had been
+     over 3500 miles of territory, was accomplished in little more
+     than a fortnight--a wonderful feat in view of the pacific times
+     enjoyed by the Colonials.
+
+     It was quite inspiriting to note the general activity. All the
+     Dominion displayed its loyalty in deeds as well as words. Men
+     living in idleness and comfort, professional men of standing,
+     family men with innumerable ties, came to the fore and
+     volunteered their services; while employers assisted the
+     splendid movement by offering facilities to those serving them
+     who might care to enlist. Every soul insisted on taking his
+     share in the Imperial doings. Those who could not volunteer
+     united their efforts and showed their loyalty by showering
+     gifts on the battalion. The officers and men of every company
+     were presented at their own headquarters with a sum of money
+     varying according to rank, but in each case of substantial
+     value, as a contribution to their warlike needs. Every officer
+     received from public subscriptions a field-glass, revolver, and
+     $125 in money. Privates were presented with a silver match-box
+     and $25. The Bank of Ottawa contributed $1000 for the purchase
+     of delicacies for the men on their sea-voyage. In addition to
+     this generosity, firms of all kinds sent in their own
+     manufacture, life insurances were effected on special terms for
+     officers and men of the battalion covering compensation for
+     partial disablement, and the telegraph and telephonic companies
+     liberally agreed to transmit private messages for all connected
+     with the Contingent free of charge.
+
+     The mobilisation and concentration at Quebec of the composite
+     battalion was no mean undertaking, but it was accomplished by
+     the 27th of October. On the following night a dinner to the
+     officers was given, and later, a smoking concert.
+
+     On the 29th the special service battalion attended divine
+     service, the Catholics at the Cathedral, the Roman Catholics at
+     the Basilica. The sermon given at the Cathedral was a notable
+     one, and served to mark the historical nature of the occasion.
+     Among other things, the Rev. J. G. Scott expressed himself of
+     sentiments that all might do well to read, mark, learn, and
+     inwardly digest. He said: "What is the Empire of which we are a
+     part? It is not a mere collection of subservient peoples adding
+     to the revenue and importance of a small island to the
+     north-west of Europe. No; it is much more than that. It is a
+     vast federation of peoples of all nations, tongues, languages,
+     and creeds joined together in 'liberty, equality, and
+     fraternity,' by common laws and a common love to their real or
+     their adopted mother. England and England's flag must remain
+     the symbol of our common patriotism. But the British Empire,
+     the Empire of the future, the Empire rising with the sun of a
+     new century, is founded in deeper principles than mere
+     sentimental devotion to the land of our fathers. The principle
+     underlying it is the liberty and brotherhood and welfare of
+     man. We conquer and advance. Wild lands come under our sway.
+     Savage races are subjugated or turn to us for protection. But
+     all with what result? With the result that the waste lands are
+     cultivated, the hidden mines of the earth yield up their
+     treasures, continents are spanned by vast railways and the bed
+     of ocean by electric cables, with the result that the savage is
+     brought under the yoke of civilisation, and religion,
+     education, and commerce raise him almost to the level of a
+     European. But this progress has not been, nor can it be,
+     unaccompanied by difficulties. At the present time our race in
+     its general advance is brought face to face with forces that
+     retard, not merely the growth of the British Empire, but the
+     principles of freedom and humanity which underlie it. The
+     nineteenth century is confronted in South Africa with a remnant
+     of the seventeenth. Our brethren, oppressed by an intolerable
+     tyranny, cry to us for help, and we, a republic under a
+     monarchical form, go to crush a despotism under the form of a
+     republic."
+
+     This last phrase was a masterpiece, one that all who have
+     enjoyed the liberty, fraternity, and equality of our republican
+     empire can fully appreciate. Continuing, the preacher went on
+     to say: "Surely, if we go forth firmly, fearlessly, and
+     mercifully to fight in such a cause, we can feel, like Israel
+     of old, that 'the Eternal God is our refuge, and underneath are
+     the everlasting arms, and that He will thrust out the enemy
+     from before us.' And you, my brethren, who are privileged to go
+     forth under the flag of our Queen and the Empire, are the
+     representatives of a great people, formed of various creeds,
+     and nationalities, and languages, but blended in a common law
+     and a common love for the liberty which makes men--men. The
+     call to arms from the Motherland has sent a thrill to the four
+     corners of the earth. The Empire, which has been knit together
+     by community of race, by commerce, by railways and by cables,
+     is to be drawn now into an absolutely indissoluble bond by the
+     voluntary sacrifice of blood and life on a common battlefield.
+     No ordinary departure of troops to the front is yours. You are
+     the pioneers of a new era in our history. The importance of
+     this day is not to be measured, any more than was the
+     importance of the great battle in the Plains hard by, according
+     to numerical computation. We have taken a step, a step on the
+     threshold of another century, which is destined in time to put
+     an end to the distinction of Colony and Motherland, and will
+     finally give us a voice in the conduct of the Empire. Surely,
+     to those going forth as champions in a noble cause, I cannot do
+     better than to commend to you individually the watchword of
+     Israel's--nay, of England's strength, 'The Eternal God is thy
+     refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.' There may
+     come moments to some of you, in the irksomeness of discipline,
+     in the pause before the battle-charge, in the silence of lonely
+     picket duty, or during sleepless nights on the hospital pallet,
+     when the memory of the parting service in these hallowed
+     walls--walls which, during this century, have seen many heroes
+     arm at the call of duty--will come back to you with the comfort
+     which even the bravest need, and you will feel that in life and
+     death 'the Eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the
+     everlasting arms.' Then, like the knights of old, consecrate
+     to-day your hearts and swords to God's service, and you who are
+     communicants draw near to the altar of God and receive the
+     strength which comes from the Body and Blood of Christ. You are
+     not a wild horde let loose in savage warfare, but Christian men
+     armed for a great cause. Keep then your lives pure--pure as the
+     memories of your Canadian home. Be sober, as men who can face
+     danger without artificial courage. Let the talk at mess and in
+     camp be clean, and above all remember to pay regularly the
+     daily homage of prayer to your Heavenly Father. Do not be
+     ashamed to confess Christ before men."
+
+     These heart-stirring words found their echo in every
+     breast--the great body of patriotic volunteers was thrilled
+     through with the ambition to do great deeds in a great way, to
+     go forth and write their names in blood, if need be, alongside
+     of those of their brothers of the Anglo-Saxon race whose
+     records loomed large and indelible upon the scrip of Time.
+
+     In the evening the Governor-General entertained the superior
+     officers and staff at dinner, and on the following morning the
+     last parade was held. Major-General Hutton, commanding the
+     Canadian Militia, commenced his inspection at 11.30. At noon
+     the Governor-General, the Premier, Sir Wilfred Laurier, and
+     other members of the Cabinet arrived on the ground. His
+     Excellency addressed the men as follows: "Colonel Otter,
+     officers, non-commissioned officers, and men of the Canadian
+     Contingent, I congratulate you on the splendid appearance of
+     your regiment on parade, and Canada may justly be proud of her
+     representative troops. But, Colonel Otter, the force you
+     command represents a great deal more than a serviceable
+     regiment on parade. We are standing here upon historic ground,
+     under the ramparts of the old city of Quebec, surrounded by
+     celebrated battlefields, and in an atmosphere full of the
+     glorious traditions of two great nations--nations who,
+     respecting each other's warlike qualities on many a hard-fought
+     field, have now joined in common loyalty to their Queen and
+     Empress. Your companies have been gathered from British
+     Columbia to the Atlantic coast, from the settlers in the Rocky
+     Mountains and the Far West, from Ontario and the Maritime
+     Provinces, and from the old French families of Quebec. They
+     represent the manhood of the Dominion from the west to the
+     east, but, above all, they represent the spontaneous offer of
+     the people of Canada, British born and French Canadian, to the
+     Mother Country. The people of Canada have shown no inclination
+     to discuss the quibbles of Colonial responsibility; they have
+     only unmistakably asked that their loyal offers should be made
+     known, and they rejoice in their gracious acceptance. In so
+     doing surely they have opened a new chapter in the history of
+     our Empire; they have freely made their military gift to an
+     Imperial cause, to share the privations, and the dangers, and
+     the glories of an Imperial army. They have insisted on giving
+     vent to the expression of that sentimental Imperial unity which
+     may, perhaps, hereafter prove more binding than any written
+     Imperial constitution. The embarkation of your force, Colonel
+     Otter, to-day will mark a memorable epoch in the history of
+     Canada and the Empire. Of the success of your future we have no
+     doubt; we shall watch your departure with very full hearts, and
+     shall follow your movements with eager enthusiasm. All Canada
+     will long to see the Maple Leaf well to the front, and to give
+     her Contingent a glorious welcome home again. And now, as the
+     representative of Her Majesty, I wish you God speed and every
+     success."
+
+     Lord Minto then called on the men to give three cheers for the
+     Queen, which they did with all the zest of lusty Anglo-Saxon
+     lungs.
+
+     Sir Wilfrid Laurier then addressed the regiment. He reminded
+     them they were going to obey the call of duty, that their cause
+     was the cause of justice, the cause of humanity and of
+     civilisation. Men of our own race were being unjustly
+     oppressed, and the troops were going forth in the interests of
+     the Empire and of liberty. He rejoiced to see the alacrity with
+     which Canadians had responded to the call and rushed to the aid
+     of the great Empire of which all were so proud. He wished them
+     God speed, and expressed his confidence that they would be an
+     honour to themselves and to their native land.
+
+     Major-General Hutton impressively assured the troops that their
+     honour was Canada's honour, that their renown was Canada's
+     renown; and though strain and hardships might be great, they
+     would remember that in the far-off Dominion thousands of men
+     and women looked to the Royal Canadian Regiment to uphold the
+     honour of their native land. French Canadians and English
+     Canadians must recollect the responsibility that would rest
+     upon their shoulders, and he knew they would acquit themselves
+     well of their duties.
+
+     Then followed an address by the Hon. S. Parent, Mayor of
+     Quebec. He read: "The citizens of Quebec offer you the most
+     cordial welcome in this old fortress, so often stormed by war
+     and tempest, whose inhabitants, from their earliest years, have
+     been accustomed to the music of military bands, to the smell of
+     powder and the smoke of battles. We are proud of the honour
+     that has been done our city in its selection as the scene of
+     the mobilisation of this select regiment which the Canadian
+     people send to the assistance of our Mother Country. The
+     presence in our midst of the representative of our Most
+     Gracious Sovereign, His Excellency the Governor-General, and
+     other dignitaries of the State, adds not only lustre and
+     _éclat_ to this day's ceremony, but gives to our proceedings a
+     deeper and wider meaning. It was no vain appeal that was made
+     to our valour and our loyalty, for along the way from Victoria
+     to Halifax, a thousand picked men, representing the youth,
+     physical strength, the discipline and the courageous daring of
+     our people, freely volunteered to serve under the British flag.
+     The people of various origin and different religious creeds
+     that go to make up the population of this country are
+     represented in your regiment, and now that we are, for the time
+     being, assembled within the walls of the most French city of
+     the New World, let us claim for the French-Canadian element a
+     large share of the warm and spontaneous outburst of sentiments
+     of loyalty to England which marked your triumphal passage from
+     your homes to Quebec. No matter how diverse may be our origin
+     and the languages that we speak, who is there that will dare to
+     affirm that we have not all the qualities necessary for the
+     making of a real nation? Who dare say, upon such an occasion as
+     the present, that we are not all sincerely united and loyal
+     towards the Canadian Dominion, and loyal to England which has
+     given us so complete a measure of liberty? We French-Canadians
+     have loyally accepted the new destinies that Providence
+     provided for us upon the battlefield of 1759. Is it possible
+     that anybody can have forgotten 1775 and 1812? On the summit of
+     this proud rock of Quebec, rendered illustrious by Jacques
+     Cartier and Champlain, behold, but a few steps from this place,
+     the superb monument erected by an English Governor to the
+     memory of Wolfe and of Montcalm! Why may we not make it the
+     emblem and the symbol of our national unity? Let us leave to
+     each individual amongst us the privilege to retain, as a sweet
+     souvenir worthy of a noble heart, the rose, the thistle, the
+     fleur-de-lys, or the shamrock, and even the pot of earth that
+     the Irish immigrant brings with him from under distant skies,
+     and let us be united for the great and holy cause that we have
+     in hand: the foundation of a great nation and the development
+     of the boundless resources of a rich and immense country. Our
+     best wishes accompany you in the long journey, at the end of
+     which you will, no doubt, find glory as well as suffering,
+     privations, and perhaps even heroic sacrifices. When you will
+     be under the burning sun of Africa, you may be sure that our
+     hearts will follow you everywhere, and that in our long winter
+     evenings you will be the principal object of our fireside talk
+     and solicitude. Be quite sure, too, that this Canada of ours
+     will watch with a maternal care over the loved ones that you
+     leave behind you, and who, in parting with you, are making so
+     great and generous a sacrifice. May the God of battles crown
+     your efforts! May He preserve you in the midst of danger! And
+     may He bring you back safe and sound to the beloved shores of
+     your fatherland!"
+
+     Never was more impressive scene, and even the stoutest warriors
+     among the audience were thrilled with the consciousness of the
+     solemnity of the moment, the sacredness of their future duty.
+     Colonel Otter, who was much moved, replied as a
+     soldier--briefly, but to the point. He thanked all around for
+     their goodwill, and expressed his confidence that the Canadian
+     Contingent would do its duty and do honour to the land of its
+     birth.
+
+     The list of the principal officers was as follows:--
+
+     To command--Lieut.-Colonel W. D. Otter, Canadian Staff, A.D.C.
+     to His Excellency the Governor-General. To be Major and second
+     in command--Lieut.-Colonel L. Buchan, Royal Canadian Regiment.
+     To be Major--Lieut.-Colonel O. C. C. Pelletier, Canadian Staff.
+     To be Adjutant--Major J. C. M'Dougall, Royal Canadian Regiment.
+     To be Quartermaster--Capt. and Brevet-Major S. J. A. Denison,
+     Royal Canadian Regiment. To be Medical Officers--Surgeon-Major
+     C. A. Wilson, 3rd Field Battery, C.A.; Surgeon-Major E. Fiset,
+     89th Batt. To be attached for Staff duty--Major L. G. Drummond,
+     Scots Guards, Military Secretary to His Excellency the
+     Governor-General. A Company (British Columbia and
+     Manitoba).--To be Captain--Capt. M. G. Blanchard, 5th Regt.
+     C.A. Major H. M. Arnold, 90th Batt.; Capt. A. E. Hodkins,
+     Nelson R. Co.; Lieut. S. P. Layborn, R.C.R.I. B Company
+     (London)--Major Duncan Stuart, 26th Batt.; Capt. J. C. Mason,
+     10th Batt.; Capt. J. M. Ross, 22nd Batt.; Second Lieut. R. H.
+     M. Temple, 48th Highlanders. C Company (Toronto)--Capt. R. K.
+     Barker, Q.O.R.; Lieut. J. C. Ogilvie, R.C.A.; Lieut. W. R.
+     Marshall, 13th Batt.; Lieut. G. S. Wilkie, 10th Batt. D Company
+     (Ottawa and Kingston)--Major S. M. Rogers, 43rd Batt.; Capt. W.
+     T. Lawless, G.G.F.G.; Lieut. R. G. Stewart, 43rd Batt.; Lieut.
+     A. C. Caldwell, 42nd Batt. E Company (Montreal)--Capt. A. H.
+     Macdonell, R.C.R.I.; Capt. C. K. Fraser, 53rd Batt.; Lieut. A.
+     E. Swift, 8th Batt.; Lieut. A. Laurie, P. of W. R. F Company
+     (Quebec)--Capt. J. E. Pelletier, 65th Batt.; Capt. H. A. Panet,
+     R.C.A.; Lieut. L. Leduc, R.C.R.I.; Lieut. E. A. Pelletier, 55th
+     Batt. G Company (New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island)--Major
+     W. A. Weeks, Charlottetown Engineers; Capt. F. C. Jones, 3rd
+     Regt. C.A.; Lieut. J. H. Kaye, R.C.R.I.; Second Lieut. C. W. W.
+     M'Lean, 8th Hussars. H Company (Halifax)--Capt H. B. Stairs,
+     66th Batt.; Capt. H. E. Burstall, R.C.A.; Lieut. R. B. Willis,
+     66th Batt.; Second Lieut. J. C. Oland, 63rd Batt. Machine-Gun
+     Section--Lieut. and Capt. A. C. Bell, Scots Guards, A.D.C. to
+     the Major-General commanding the Canadian Militia.
+
+     The following officers were attached to the Royal Canadian
+     Regiment for whatever duty might be allotted to them in
+     connection with the campaign: Lieut.-Colonel F. L. Lessard,
+     Royal Canadian Dragoons; Lieut.-Colonel C. W. Drury, A.D.C.,
+     Royal Canadian Artillery; Major R. Cartwright, Royal Canadian
+     Regiment; Capt. W. Forester, Royal Canadian Dragoons. Medical
+     officer--Capt. A. B. Osborne, C.A.M.S. (provisional).
+
+     By five o'clock in the afternoon all was over. The great ship
+     _Sardinian_, with slow dignity, as though conscious of the
+     gallant burden she was bearing to battle, sailed out into the
+     great immensity of sea and sky. Cheers rent the air, tears--the
+     tears not of personal grief, but of sympathetic
+     patriotism--dimmed every eye. Many sorrowed, but many more were
+     overwhelmed with sheer joy and pride to see this goodly throng
+     going forth to do martial deeds, and bring back laurels to
+     crown the land that Wolfe had made glorious. Slowly and with
+     precision the minute guns boomed from the Citadel, loudly, the
+     bands played the well-loved tunes, the "Maple Leaf" and "God
+     Save the Queen." Swiftly now sped the _Sardinian_, flaunting
+     her gay decorations, and bearing on the bosom of the water a
+     thousand of Canada's best, a thousand brave hearts and true.
+
+
+     THE SECOND CANADIAN CONTINGENT
+
+     After the departure of the first Contingent the loyalty of
+     Canada continued to increase. Every incident of the war was
+     carefully watched and discussed, the great deeds that were on
+     foot found lavish appreciation. At numerous meetings which took
+     place in various parts of Canada the spirit of the country was
+     described by such declarations as: "We, too, are loyal Britons,
+     and our patriotism is at its best when our country needs us
+     most."
+
+     On November 7th Canada made the offer to the British Government
+     of a second Contingent for South Africa, and on December 18th
+     Sir Wilfred Laurier received a cablegram from Mr. Joseph
+     Chamberlain accepting the offer. As one of the Canadian
+     Ministry afterwards said, "It did not take much more than five
+     minutes for the Cabinet to decide that the Hon. F. W. Borden,
+     Minister of Militia, should immediately instruct his officers
+     at the Militia Department to go on with the preparations for
+     sending the second Contingent." The fact was that most of the
+     details had been ready for a month and more. The Minister of
+     Militia had early come to the conclusion that a second
+     Contingent of Canadians should be gathered together in the form
+     of cavalry or mounted infantry and artillery.
+
+     The first to be given a chance of enlisting for South Africa
+     were the Mounted Police. Forty-eight hours later steps were
+     taken towards recruiting 200 Prairie Cowboys, men who could
+     ride and shoot as well as any cavalrymen in the world, and who
+     are accustomed to subsisting on the scantiest of rations. Next
+     came the Royal Canadian Dragoons, regulars, who were mounted on
+     well-trained horses, and so well drilled as to make it possible
+     for every man of them to instruct the less trained recruits
+     during the voyage. The Boers having a healthy horror of the
+     lance as a cavalry weapon, it was decided that half at least of
+     Canada's cavalry should be given this arm.
+
+     [Illustration: LADY MINTO PRESENTING COLOURS TO HERCHMER'S
+     HORSE, ON LEAVING OTTAWA, 19th JAN. 1900.
+
+     Drawing by J. H. Bacon, from Photo by J. C. Hemment.]
+
+     It was considered that the Cowboys, and such "Plainsmen of the
+     West" as Herchmer's Horse, _broncho busters_ who had never been
+     conquered by man or horse, would be specially valuable in the
+     style of warfare affected by the Boers. With nerves of steel
+     and thews of wire, they could speak without boasting of their
+     capacity for putting in thirty-six hours consecutively in the
+     saddle, and for living "on the smell of an oiled rag."
+
+     Ardent volunteers who had failed to get a place in the first
+     Contingent now rushed forward from every side. The sole
+     disappointment was, that only a limited number could be
+     accepted, and those must all be mounted men or artillery.
+
+     The wild enthusiasm aroused by the brave and splendid work of
+     that portion of the first Canadian Contingent which was with
+     Colonel Pilcher in South Africa, and the inspiring accounts
+     given by the correspondent of the _Toronto Globe_, resulted in
+     more volunteering, and a third Contingent could easily have
+     been raised, even after the rigorous medical examination had
+     rejected numbers.
+
+     The people of Canada responded nobly to the call for funds to
+     provide for the families of their volunteers on service in
+     South Africa, the large amounts subscribed by the Banks of
+     Montreal and British North America, followed by donations of
+     15,000 dollars by the Canadian Pacific Railway and 2000 dollars
+     by Holsen's Bank, having served to stimulate action in this
+     direction. The City Council of Toronto insured for 1000 dollars
+     the lives of all the 123 men they had sent to form part of the
+     second Contingent.
+
+     On January 19, the Dominion Government, in a house which
+     cheered itself hoarse in response to patriotic speeches,
+     decided to offer, if required, 12,000 men to the Imperial
+     Parliament for service in South Africa. Lord Strathcona
+     meantime, at his own expense, raised a mounted battalion for
+     service, which was to be ready to sail on February 10 for South
+     Africa, the War Office having given their consent to the
+     formation of the corps. The matter was placed in the hands of
+     the Hon. Dr. Borden, Canadian Minister of Militia and Defence,
+     who was given a free hand to recommend officers, organise and
+     equip the corps, Lord Strathcona reserving only the right to
+     reject or confirm his decisions.
+
+     The following officers left for the front at the end of
+     January: Officers of D Battery--Major W. G. Hurdman, Capt. D.
+     J. V. Eaton; Lieutenants, first section, T. W. Vantuyl; second
+     section, J. M'Crea; third section, E. W. B. Morrison. Officers
+     of E Battery--Major G. H. Ogilvie; Capt. R. Costigan;
+     Lieutenants, first section, W. F. Murray; second section, A. T.
+     Ogilvie; third section, W. G. Good. Officers attached for
+     duty--Captain H. J. Uniacke; Adjutant, Captain H. C. Thatcher;
+     Medical Officer, Surgeon-Major A. Worthington; Veterinary
+     Officer, Veterinary-Major Massie. These were followed by
+     Regimental Staff Commander Lieut.-Colonel Herchmer; Adjutant
+     Lieut. Montague Baker; Transport Officer, Lieut. Eustace;
+     Quartermaster, Captain Allan; Medical Officer, Surg.-Capt.
+     Devine; Veterinary Officer, Lieut. R. Riddell. In command of
+     squadrons, Majors Howe and Sanders; Captains Cuthbert and
+     Macdonnell; Lieutenants Begin, Davidson, Wroughton, Cosby,
+     Chalmers, Taylor, and Inglis.
+
+     When the mounted section of the second Canadian Contingent,
+     numbering eighty men, started, some twelve extra men were
+     invited to volunteer. To meet the demand no less than 400
+     applicants, many of them men of independent means, instantly
+     came forward. Here was a remarkable proof of martial spirit, of
+     devotion to the cause of the Mother Country. Vanity some said
+     it was. Any way, it was a vanity fringing on the sublime.
+
+     It is interesting to note, that before the gallant members of
+     the second Contingent left for Halifax they were presented with
+     guidons by Lady Minto, the gifts being inscribed with the motto
+     of the Elliot clan--"Wha daur meddle wi' me." This delicate
+     mark of attention was highly appreciated by the men.
+
+     Early in February the Mounted Bushmen's Corps of 300 men and
+     horses started for the Cape. All the Canadians, volunteers it
+     must be remembered, were picked men from all parts of the
+     Dominion, and with them were scouts from British Columbia, who,
+     for the most part, were recruited from the Mounted Police of
+     the North-West and from Cowboys. Being about the smartest
+     riders and best shots in the world, it was felt that they would
+     distinguish themselves in the war game as played by the Boers.
+
+     Among those at the front prominently connected with Canada was
+     Captain Kirkpatrick, Royal Engineers, who was attached to the
+     staff of Sir Redvers Buller. This officer is a graduate of the
+     Royal Military College, Kingston, and on leaving that
+     institution received a commission in the Royal Engineers. When
+     the war broke out, Captain Kirkpatrick was ordered from Malta
+     to South Africa, where he commanded the Fortress Company of the
+     Royal Engineers. Major Denison, a prominent officer in the
+     Royal Canadian Infantry, who had personal charge of the
+     recruiting for the first Canadian Contingent, and was appointed
+     quartermaster to the battalion at Quebec, had the honour in
+     January of being appointed aide-de-camp on the staff of Lord
+     Roberts.
+
+     Another of the patriotic band was Colonel Girouard (the French
+     Canadian of Egyptian fame), who assisted Lord Kitchener and the
+     Engineers in marvellous operations along the line of rail. This
+     officer has achieved a glorious reputation, one which has been
+     declared to be a closer bond between French Canada and Great
+     Britain than any words. Another honoured Canadian, who was
+     mortally wounded in the attack near Spearman's Camp on the 20th
+     of January, was Captain Hensley (Dublin Fusiliers). This
+     gallant officer was born at Charlottetown and educated at
+     King's College, Windsor, whence he passed into the Royal
+     Military College.
+
+     Major-General Hutton, commanding the Canadian Militia, early in
+     the year was selected for special service in South Africa. No
+     better officer could have been chosen. He had ample experience
+     of the subject in hand, as he himself stated in speaking to the
+     Canadian Contingent before their departure: "It was my lot to
+     have seen two campaigns in South Africa, including the campaign
+     against the Boers in 1882. It was also--I was going to say my
+     privilege--it was certainly not my pleasure--to have been at
+     Pretoria at the time the present Convention was made; and I
+     therefore know their leaders, and a little something--I may say
+     almost too much--of South Africa and the Transvaal, and
+     therefore I recognise perhaps more clearly than many of you do
+     the very great difficulties and the dangers which our
+     Contingent and the Imperial troops in South Africa are exposed
+     to."
+
+
+     STRATHCONA'S HORSE
+
+     Strathcona's Horse, consisting of 530 men and 560 horses, was
+     commanded by Colonel Steele of the North-West Mounted Police.
+     He is regarded as an ideal officer for a scouting force, and
+     his men were all picked men, the cream of the expert riders and
+     riflemen of the Dominion. Morally and physically they were
+     declared to be the best soldiers that have ever been enrolled
+     in Canada. Their mounts were small shaggy bronchos, but sturdy
+     long stayers. In regard to Lord Strathcona's timely generosity
+     it is impossible to say enough--the general appreciation of his
+     splendid and patriotic act is expressed in the following
+     resolution, which was adopted by the Executive Committee of the
+     British Empire League in Canada: "That the Executive Committee
+     of the British Empire League in Canada has heard with
+     unqualified satisfaction of the magnificent undertaking of Lord
+     Strathcona and Mount Royal, a Vice-President of this League, to
+     raise, equip, and support, at his entire expense, a corps of
+     mounted troops composed of Canadians for service for the Empire
+     in the South African war, and desires to place on record its
+     enthusiastic appreciation of his patriotic munificence, and is
+     certain that his work will yet further convince the rest of the
+     Empire of Canada's devotion to the cause." Speaking of this
+     noble promoter of his country's weal, Lieutenant Cooper,
+     Q.V.R., said: "Generously has the British Empire done by Lord
+     Strathcona, and generously and freely has Lord Strathcona done
+     by the Empire. Under the ĉgis of the Union Jack in Scotland,
+     Donald Alexander Smith spent the first eighteen years of his
+     life. In 1838 he entered the service of the Hudson's Bay
+     Company, and learned the intricacies of North American trade in
+     Labrador and the North-West. In later years he took a prominent
+     part in the organisation of the Canadian Government in the
+     newly-acquired Rupert's Land, and was intimately connected with
+     the early official days of Manitoba and the North-West
+     Territories. After representing Montreal for two terms in the
+     Dominion Parliament, he was appointed Canadian High
+     Commissioner in London, England, a position which he still
+     fills to the satisfaction of the Canadian people. In 1897 he
+     was raised to the peerage as Baron Strathcona and Mount Royal
+     of Glencoe and Montreal."
+
+     The force, equipped after the manner of other mounted troops,
+     and not armed with lances, was paid by Lord Strathcona until it
+     landed in South Africa, when it was taken over by the Imperial
+     Government. As in the case of the Contingents from the various
+     Colonies, the officers of the corps were appointed as follows:
+     S. B. Steele, gent., Canadian North-West Mounted Police, to be
+     Lieut.-Colonel, with the temporary rank of Lieut.-Colonel in
+     the army. To be Majors, with the temporary rank of Major in the
+     army: Lieut. R. C. Laurie, Canadian Militia Reserve of
+     Officers; R. Belcher, Inspector Canadian North-West Mounted
+     Police; A. M. Jarvis, Inspector Canadian North-West Mounted
+     Police; A. E. Synder, Inspector Canadian North-West Mounted
+     Police. D. M. Howards, Canadian North-West Mounted Police, to
+     be Captain, with the temporary rank of Captain in the army. To
+     be Lieutenants, with the temporary rank of Lieutenant in the
+     army: Major G. W. Camden, Canadian Militia; Captains R. M.
+     Courtney, Canadian Militia; J. J. Macdonald, Canadian Militia;
+     E. F. Mackie, Canadian Militia; Lieutenants T. E. Pooley,
+     Canadian Militia; R. H. B. Magee, Canadian Militia Reserve of
+     Officers; Second Lieutenant P. Fall, Canadian Militia; F. L.
+     Cartwright, Inspector Canadian North-West Mounted Police; A. E.
+     Christie, Inspector Canadian North-West Mounted Police; J. E.
+     Leckie, Graduate Royal Military College, Kingston, Canada; A.
+     W. Strange, gent., late Canadian Militia. Lieutenant M. P.
+     Cotton, Canadian Militia, to be Lieutenant for Machine-Gun
+     Detachment, with the temporary rank of Lieutenant in the Army.
+     W. Parker, Canadian North-West Mounted Police, to be
+     Quartermaster, with the temporary rank of Lieutenant in the
+     army. C. B. Keenan, gent., M.D., to be Medical Officer, with
+     the temporary rank of Captain. Dr. M'Millan of Brandon was
+     appointed Veterinary Surgeon for the Strathcona Horse. His
+     assistant was Mr. Millican, of Rapid City, Manitoba.
+
+     The regiment was recruited from a territory covering a million
+     square miles, some men having travelled from Yukon and the
+     Peace River district in order to enlist. Many distinguished men
+     were among them. In one troop were to be found Mr. Beresford
+     (formerly a Naval officer), cousin of the Marquis of Waterford;
+     Mr. Warren, son of Colonel Warren, R.H.A.; Mr. Shaw, son of a
+     Baronet; Mr. O'Brien, a kinsman of Lord Inchiquin; Hon. Mr.
+     Cochrane, son of the now notable Lord Dundonald; and Lord
+     Seymour. Colonel Steele (N.W.M.P.), in command of the corps,
+     is a son of a Captain in the Royal Navy. He was born in Canada,
+     and is noted for his bravery and devotion to duty. Major
+     Belcher, a notable swordsman and lancer, was for some years in
+     the 9th Lancers. The troops received an enthusiastic send off,
+     and multitudes gathered together to do honour to the latest
+     addition of Great Britain's army. Several beautiful guidons
+     were presented to the corps by the ladies of Ottawa. Each was
+     made of crimson silk, with a broad white stripe through the
+     centre, on which was embroidered in crimson letters,
+     "Strathcona's Horse." On the upper crimson bar was Lord
+     Strathcona's motto, "Perseverance," done in crimson on a white
+     garter. Above the garter was a Baron's coronet and tiny brown
+     beaver on a green maple leaf. On the lower crimson bar was the
+     squadron's designation.
+
+
+     NEW SOUTH WALES
+
+     New South Wales fell into line with the other Australasian
+     Colonies, and decided to send a military force for service with
+     the Imperial army in South Africa.
+
+     The New South Wales Lancers, who had been in training at
+     Aldershot, were the first to start. They were then about to
+     return home, but were stopped _en route_, and proceeded to the
+     Cape. Of their number some few refused to serve and went home,
+     but on arrival many offered to return to the front. The rest
+     gave satisfactory reasons for being unable to do so.
+     Subsequently another Contingent was sent, and also the Bushmen
+     Corps, at least 1000 strong. It was composed of men who could
+     ride well, shoot splendidly, and were accustomed to camping out
+     and roughing it in pursuit of their usual vocations. It must be
+     noted that this was not the first time that New South Wales had
+     come to the assistance of the Mother Country. A force went to
+     Egypt in the earlier Soudan wars, when one man was wounded.
+     Some discontent at that time was shown owing to the troops not
+     being allowed to go to the front. On this occasion they were to
+     serve and fare as the Imperial troops, and to be considered as
+     such while in the field.
+
+     Each Contingent was composed of--1st, N.S.W. Lancers; First
+     Australian Horse; N.S.W. Artillery; Mounted Rifles; Infantry,
+     who, being good horsemen, were subsequently mounted by the
+     Imperial Government. 2nd Contingent consisted of three Mounted
+     Rifle units of 125 men each, one unit of Australian Horse of
+     100 men (475), one Battery of Artillery--18 officers, 175 men,
+     140 horses (629). The total of the New South Wales troops at
+     the front in February amounted to 1331 men.
+
+     Though not at first very enthusiastic in expressions of
+     patriotism, New South Wales soon became strong in deeds.
+     Enthusiasm became epidemical. Mr. Lyne, the Premier, threw
+     himself into the movement, and rapidly pushed forward the
+     arrangements, and did all in his power to move in sympathy with
+     the patriotic feelings of the Colony, which were daily growing
+     more ardent. As a practical expression of the intensity of
+     their patriotism, the citizens arranged and subscribed for the
+     despatch of 500 expert roughriders and Bush marksmen, while the
+     New South Wales Government assisted by supplying arms and
+     ammunition.
+
+     The volunteers were all part, or had formed part, of the land
+     forces. The only actual _regular_ regiment, as understood by
+     us, was the artillery, a small company of Submarine Mining
+     Engineers, 27; Army Service Corps, 10; and Army Medical Staff,
+     11. All the rest were partially paid or volunteers. The men
+     came from the whole country, and were men who were serving in
+     the various corps either as volunteers or partially paid
+     troops. All the infantry corps were volunteers--all cavalry
+     regiments and some of the field and garrison artillery were
+     partially paid troops, and were called regulars, though not on
+     the permanent staff. The officers of the Contingents were--1.
+     Captain C. F. Cox, N.S.W. Lancers, Major Bridges, N.S.W.
+     Artillery, Captain Legge, General Staff N.S.W. Inf.; 2. Major
+     and Brevet Lieut.-Colonel Thomas Samuel Parrott, V. D. Corps of
+     Engineers, an officer who served in 1885 with the Australian
+     Contingent in the Soudan. Colonel Sydenham Smith com.
+     Artillery; Major J. H. Plunkett Murray, com. 8th Inf. (Union
+     Regiment); Captain and temporary Major P. T. Owen, General
+     Staff; Staff officer for Engineer services, Captain L. H.
+     Kyngdon, N.S.W. Regt. R.A.; Captain A. P. Popham Luscombe;
+     N.S.W. Regt. R.A.A., Captain Henry P. Ramsay Copeland. Reserve
+     of officers--Captain R. St. Julien Pearce; N.S.W. Art. (Field),
+     Lieutenant R. S. Hay Blake Jenkins; N.S.W. Regt. R.A.A.,
+     Lieutenant C. F. Bracen, N.S.W. Art. (garrison). 1st Aus.
+     (Vol.) Horse unit--1st Lieut. R. R. Thompson, Permanent Staff,
+     with rank Captain; 2nd Lieutenant J. F. Moore Wilkinson, 1st
+     Aus. Horse (Vol.), with rank 1st Lieutenant; 1st Lieutenant
+     Keith Kinnaird Mackellar, 5th Inf. (Vol.) Regt.; Lieutenant B.
+     J. Newmarch, N.S.W.A.M.C.; Lieutenant J. A. Dick, N.S.W.A.M.C.;
+     Lieutenant A. H. Horsfall, N.S.W.A.M.C. Additional
+     officers--Dr. A. MacCormick, to be Consulting Surgeon, hon.
+     rank Major; Dr. R. Scot-Skirving, to be Consulting Surgeon,
+     hon. rank Major; Dr. W. R. Cortis, rank Captain; N. R. Howse,
+     rank Lieutenant. Chaplains--Church of England--Rev. H. J. Rose,
+     hon. rank Major; Rev. Patrick Fagan, hon. rank Captain.
+
+     The first Contingent reached Cape Town (from London) on
+     November 2, 1899. The second Contingent started on January 17th
+     and 18th in three transports; these, while in dock, had to be
+     watched, as some Boer sympathisers were suspected of wishing to
+     set fire to them. Nevertheless there were most remarkable
+     demonstrations of loyalty on all sides, and the troops went off
+     in high feather, having been previously addressed by Mr. Lyne
+     in the following stirring speech: "I wish to tell you that
+     every man and woman in this country is not so proud of anything
+     as of you. You are not enlisting in the ordinary sense of the
+     term, in that you are volunteering to serve with the British
+     troops in the interests of the Empire. You are certain to meet
+     a foe such as Great Britain has not met for some considerable
+     time, and I feel we shall all be proud of your deeds. It is
+     admitted that you are particularly useful, knowing bush life
+     and being able readily to seize commanding points. Great
+     Britain is finding that her Colonies form a valuable nursery
+     ground, and we, on our part, are prepared to supply Great
+     Britain with a force which is rapidly becoming a powerful
+     adjunct of the British arms. You will be placed where you must
+     show energy and determination, and must manifest pluck and
+     courage, and we believe that you will bring back as a reward a
+     wide recognition that our arms have been of service to the
+     Empire. You will make a name for us such as rarely falls to the
+     lot of a youthful country. You will show the world that the
+     Empire is united, and that we are prepared to defend her and
+     our homes if the necessity arises. We in Australia wish you
+     God-speed, and every heart here beats in accord with every
+     loyal heart in South Africa. I can only add, for those who may
+     fall, that their memories will be revered, and you depart
+     knowing that the loved ones of those yielding their lives will
+     be tended by a generous Government and a generous public. Again
+     I wish you God-speed, and may you return covered with all
+     honour."
+
+     On the 19th of January the Premier received the following
+     cable: "Her Majesty's Government learn with great satisfaction
+     of the despatch of the Contingent and the patriotic feeling in
+     New South Wales. The Queen commands me to express her thanks
+     for these renewed expressions of loyalty.
+
+                                "CHAMBERLAIN."
+
+
+     VICTORIA
+
+     The Victorian Contingent started off with the same flourish of
+     trumpets and the same outbursts of popular feeling which had
+     accompanied all the Transvaal Contingents. There was a mixture
+     of song and shout, of sorrow and tears. The weather was
+     unchangeably splendid; the city of Melbourne was thronged with
+     visitors to witness the unusual sight, the crowd being
+     augmented by numerous Tasmanians who journeyed across the
+     straits to get a last glimpse at the brave band of warriors as
+     they started on their voyage. Lord Brassey gave a short
+     address, and in the name of the Queen wished them God-speed.
+
+     FIRST VICTORIAN CONTINGENT FOR SOUTH AFRICA.--Nominal Roll of
+     Officers of the Victorian Contingent for service in South
+     Africa, sent in accordance with the cablegram of the Right
+     Honourable the Secretary of State for the Colonies of 4th
+     October 1899: Major G. A. Eddy, Captain (Medical Staff) W. F.
+     Hopkins, Lieutenant T. M. M'Inerney, Lieutenant H. W.
+     Pendlebury, Lieutenant A. J. N. Tremearne. Mounted Infantry
+     Unit--Captain M'Leish, Lieutenant and Adjutant Salmon,
+     Lieutenant Thorn, Lieutenant Chomley, Lieutenant Staughton,
+     Lieutenant Roberts, Veterinary-Captain Kendall.
+
+     The following officers were attached for instruction in
+     accordance with the cablegram of the Right Honourable the
+     Secretary of State for the Colonies, dated 27th October 1899:
+     Colonel J. C. Hoad, Lieutenant-Colonel C. E. E. Umphelby,
+     Captain G. J. Johnston, Captain J. H. Bruche. Transport Officer
+     for service with troops for South Africa on board s.s.
+     _Medic_--Lieutenant-Commander W. J. Colquhoun.
+
+     SECOND VICTORIAN CONTINGENT FOR SOUTH AFRICA (two companies of
+     mounted infantry).--Nominal Roll of Officers who embarked on
+     s.s. _Euryalus_ on 13th January 1900 for service in South
+     Africa: Colonel T. Price, Captain D. H. Jenkins, Lieutenant T.
+     H. Sergeant, Lieutenant T. F. Umphelby, Lieutenant G. O. Bruce,
+     Lieutenant A. A. Holdsworth, Lieutenant M. T. Kirby, Lieutenant
+     E. O. Anderson, Lieutenant T. A. Umphelby, Lieutenant E. S.
+     Norton, Lieutenant R. S. R. S. Bree, Lieutenant and Adjutant J.
+     L. Lilley, Major (Medical Staff) A. Honman, Chaplain Rev. F. W.
+     Wray, Veterinary-Captain H. S. Rudduck. Officer attached for
+     special service with Army Service Corps: Lieutenant A. J.
+     Christie.
+
+     In addition to these Contingents the Colony contributed 250
+     Bushmen, making in all up to the month of April, 751; officers,
+     46.
+
+     Among the officers of the Victorian Contingent were some whose
+     careers were particularly interesting:--
+
+     Lieut.-Colonel Charles Edward Ernest Umphelby was forty-six
+     years of age, and a native of Victoria. He commanded the
+     V.R.A.A. He joined the Militia Garrison Artillery at
+     Warrnambool on the 20th June 1884; in March 1885 was appointed
+     lieutenant in the Permanent Artillery, being promoted to be
+     captain on the 1st January 1888. In August 1891 he was promoted
+     to be major, and in June 1897 to the rank of
+     lieutenant-colonel. In addition to commanding the artillery he
+     also commanded the Western District Garrison Artillery. He was
+     sent to England by the Victorian Government in 1889 to undergo
+     courses of instruction, and while there was attached to the
+     staff of Major-General Clarke. He passed through various
+     artillery courses, including the long course at Woolwich and
+     Shoeburyness.
+
+     Captain George Jamieson Johnston is a Victorian native, and is
+     thirty-one years of age. He is an officer of the Field
+     Artillery Brigade, which is commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel
+     Kelly. Captain Johnston was appointed lieutenant on the 11th
+     January 1889, and was promoted to be captain on the 1st July
+     1895. He is well known as a straight and regular follower of
+     the Melbourne Hounds.
+
+     Captain Julius Henry Bruche was born on the 6th March 1873, and
+     educated at the Scotch College, Melbourne. His first experience
+     of military work was in the ranks, and as an officer in the
+     cadet corps, under Major W. Whitehead. After leaving the Scotch
+     College cadets he was appointed to the senior cadets, and from
+     them was transferred to the 1st Battalion Infantry Brigade as a
+     lieutenant on 15th May 1891. Whilst in the 1st Battalion he
+     passed the examination for captain, "distinguished in all
+     subjects." He was appointed permanent adjutant of the 1st and
+     2nd Battalions of the Infantry Brigade on the 18th July 1898,
+     and was promoted to the position of captain on the 17th
+     February 1899, after passing the examination for regular
+     officers, and going through a course of musketry and Maxim
+     machine-gun, obtaining an officer's extra certificate, and a
+     certificate as qualified as instructor of the Maxim
+     machine-gun. Captain Bruche is a barrister and solicitor, but
+     gave up his profession to join the permanent staff of the
+     Victorian forces.
+
+     It may here be mentioned that Victoria has the distinction of
+     being the birthplace of Dr. Robert Andrew Buntine, who was
+     mentioned for bravery at the battle of Glencoe in Sir George
+     White's despatches. Dr. Buntine was born on the 13th of
+     November 1869. He matriculated in the Melbourne University with
+     honours, and at once entered upon his medical course, where he
+     acquitted himself with some distinction, for although close
+     upon a hundred students entered their curriculum with him, only
+     five (and he was one of them) passed consecutively all their
+     examinations with honours. In 1890 he graduated with honours,
+     and took his M.B., Ch.M. degrees. He then became one of the
+     resident surgeons of the Melbourne Hospital for a year. After
+     that, and the hard work of the University, he decided upon a
+     year's travel. Accordingly, he travelled first in South Africa,
+     and then in Great Britain for some months, visiting many
+     interesting historical spots, and finally returning to South
+     Africa, where he bought a practice in partnership with Dr.
+     Currie, of Pietermaritzburg, Natal. Both are surgeons in the
+     army, Dr. Buntine being surgeon to the Volunteers, and Dr.
+     Currie to the Carabineers.
+
+
+     NEW ZEALAND
+
+     On the 21st of October, the anniversary of Trafalgar,
+     Wellington was very early astir. Great were her preparations to
+     commemorate the departure of her Contingent--the first
+     Contingent to embark from the Colonies. Bunting began to break
+     out before breakfast, and town and shipping were soon
+     fluttering with flags. In the streets groups were congregating
+     at a time when people are usually given up to business, and
+     uniforms everywhere dotted the thoroughfare. Large numbers of
+     volunteers came in from the country, some travelling all night,
+     and there was a turn out of local forces amounting to 1500.
+
+     The march through the town began at 1.20 P.M. It was an
+     inspiriting sight, and one that all wished to bear in memory.
+     The road at intervals was so dotted with cameras, that one
+     humourist in the ranks was heard to remark that this was the
+     "real original March of the Camera Men." The crowds thickened
+     and enthusiasm increased. Jervois Quay, the broadest avenue in
+     the city, as well the open land abutting on it, was thronged
+     from end to end. All the roofs commanding a view were lined,
+     the steamers at the wharves were packed even to the rigging,
+     and the long breastwork along the quay was crammed to
+     suffocation.
+
+     Here the passage for the Contingent was kept by a double row of
+     volunteers. The weather had been frowning and gusty, but no
+     sooner had the Contingent formed up in front of a temporary
+     stand projecting from the breastwork, on which Lord Ranfurly,
+     the Governor, Lady Ranfurly and suite were accommodated, than
+     the sun burst forth resplendent while the wind gently lulled.
+     Speeches were made, followed by pathetic leave-takings of
+     friends and relatives. At the last moment so great was the
+     crush that some of the men were cut off from the rest, and had
+     afterwards to struggle to the steamer as best they could.
+
+     As the big vessel slowly steamed off, cries of farewell,
+     shouts, cheers rent the air, and continued unceasingly, till
+     the _Waiwera_ bearing New Zealand "Soldiers of the Queen" to
+     the scene of war, had passed from sight.
+
+     The first New Zealand Contingent was commanded by Major Robin,
+     who is a splendid example of the born warrior. Originally a
+     gunner in the B Battery New Zealand Artillery, he rose in the
+     Otago Hussars through all the grades of non-commissioned
+     officers to command of the troop. This regiment from that time
+     was unsurpassed in efficiency by any in the Colony. As an
+     instance of the pluck and energy of the gallant major, a
+     characteristic story is told: When Sir John Richardson died he
+     was accorded a military funeral, and was interred in the
+     Northern Cemetery. On the day of the funeral the Leith was in
+     high flood, and there was a general opinion that the Dundas
+     Street Bridge would not bear the weight of the gun-carriage
+     bearing the honoured remains. Major Robin at once volunteered
+     to drive the gun-carriage across, and accomplished the
+     dangerous task without mishap.
+
+     Major Robin took charge of the New Zealand Contingent which
+     attended the Diamond Jubilee, and had the honour of commanding
+     the mixed Colonial escort which accompanied the Queen on her
+     visit to London during the celebrations.
+
+     Captain Madocks, who distinguished himself in the fight of the
+     15th of January at Slingersfontein, is a Wellington man, full
+     of pluck and resource, and as we now know, admirably calculated
+     to become a leader of men.
+
+     The second Contingent, under the command of Major Cradock and
+     numbering 242 officers and men and 300 horses, left Wellington
+     on the 20th of January--upwards of 70,000 spectators
+     congregating to witness the departure of the fine fellows,
+     whose appearance was alike martial and workmanly. These two
+     Contingents, equipped and sent over at the cost of the New
+     Zealand Government--the funds being raised among the settlers
+     themselves--were not by any means New Zealand's entire
+     contribution. Two more Contingents followed, and afterwards a
+     fifth, consisting of 500 rough riders; some of the smartest men
+     that could be gathered together! Indeed the whole force was
+     remarkable for its smartness, and before it had been long in
+     the Transvaal was highly praised by General French for its fine
+     horsemanship and coolness under fire.
+
+     An interesting feature belonging to the New Zealanders, and one
+     which must have struck consternation in the heart of the Boers,
+     was the Maori war-cry of the troops. This was composed by
+     Trooper Galloway, one of the Volunteer Contingent, and
+     taught by him to his comrades. The war cry in the Maori tongue
+     is "Kia, Kaha, Niu Tireni. Whawhai maiea mo te Kuini, to
+     kaianga. Ake! ake! ake!" which interpreted means, "Be strong,
+     New Zealand. Fight bravely for your Queen, for your country.
+     Ever! ever! ever!" The interest of the Maoris in Great Britain
+     was evinced in practical form. They held carnival, danced
+     native dances, and sang native songs, devoting the proceeds to
+     the Patriotic Fund. Their only regret was their inability to be
+     enrolled among the defenders of the country.
+
+     [Illustration: HON. W. P. SCHREINER, C.M.G.
+
+     Premier of the Cape Parliament, 1898-1900.
+
+     Photo by Elliott & Fry, London.]
+
+
+     QUEENSLAND
+
+     The Queenslanders, under the command of Colonel Ricardo, have,
+     as before said, the honour of being the first of Great
+     Britain's children to come forward to her assistance. Their
+     deeds are now familiar to us, for they are associated with
+     Colonel Pilcher's famous raid to Sunnyside and Douglas, and
+     also with the magnificent ride of General French for the relief
+     of Kimberley. But before July 1899 we were scarcely acquainted
+     with our warlike brothers across the ocean.
+
+     The prime mover in the patriotic scheme of assisting the Mother
+     Country in her need was the Hon. J. R. Dickson, the Premier. As
+     we know, he lost not a moment. He did not wait for the need of
+     assistance to be recognised. In this respect he followed the
+     splendid example set in 1884 by the late Mr. Dalley, who, while
+     acting Premier for Sir A. Stuart, telegraphed independently the
+     wish of New South Wales to assist in the military undertakings
+     of the Mother Country. The Premier knew the spirit of loyalty
+     and patriotism that pervaded Queensland, and made haste to give
+     it utterance. He was well supported by all sections of the
+     Government and of the people, and speedily his action was
+     imitated all over the world.
+
+     Queensland by degrees sent out two Contingents composed of
+     mounted infantry and one machine-gun section of Royal
+     Australian Artillery; and finally, a third Contingent, of which
+     75 per cent. were bushmen, all first-class riders and splendid
+     shots. They were men of grand physique, many of them wealthy,
+     and many sons of prominent citizens. The infantry were not
+     mounted when despatched, but all being good horsemen, and their
+     services being chiefly required as scouts or to assist cavalry,
+     they had mounts provided for them on arrival by the Imperial
+     authorities. The Queensland Mounted Infantry was organised in
+     1884 by Colonel Ricardo, who is styled the "father" of mounted
+     infantry in Queensland, and belongs to the Militia Division of
+     the Colonial Defence force. The force is organised on the basis
+     of three years' service, and ordinarily is recruited from the
+     bushman and farmer class--a sterling and hardy set of fellows,
+     whose plain motto is "For God and the right." The uniform, a
+     highly becoming one, is of kharki, with claret-coloured
+     facings. The hat is of the usual "brigand" shape, decorated at
+     the side with a smart tuft of emu plumes.
+
+     The whole of the expenses of transport, equipment, arms, and
+     food for men and horses during the voyage was defrayed by the
+     Colony; pay on the field was met by the Imperial Exchequer, the
+     Colony only meeting the difference between the Imperial and
+     Colonial rates, the latter being higher.
+
+     The first Contingent consisted of 262 men and officers, who
+     sailed in the _Cornwall_ on November 11, 1899, amid a wild
+     display of patriotic enthusiasm.
+
+     Officers of the first Contingent--Staff--Major P. R. Ricardo,
+     to rank as Lieut.-Colonel; Sup. Captain R. S. Browne;
+     Lieutenant C. H. A. Pelham; Machine-Gun Section--Lieutenant C.
+     H. Black, Royal Australian Artillery. A Company Queensland
+     Mounted Infantry--Captain H. G. Chauvel; Lieutenant A. G. Adie
+     (wounded at Sunnyside under Colonel Pilcher); Lieutenant C. A.
+     Cumming; Lieutenant T. W. Glasgow; Lieutenant D. E. Reid. B
+     Company Queensland Mounted Infantry--Captain P. W. G. Pinnock;
+     Lieutenant H. Bailey; Lieutenant R. Dowse; Lieutenant R.
+     Gordon. The second Contingent was composed of 148 men and 8
+     officers, with 5 additional officers for special service in
+     South Africa. Officers of second Contingent--Lieut.-Colonel
+     Kenneth Hutchison, Headquarters Staff, commanding; Captain W.
+     G. Thompson, Queensland Mounted Infantry; Lieutenant H. J.
+     Imrie Harris, Queensland Mounted Infantry; Lieutenant A. F.
+     Crichton, Queensland Mounted Infantry; Lieutenant James Walker,
+     3rd Queensland (Kennedy) Regiment; Lieutenant R. M. Stodart,
+     Queensland Mounted Infantry. Supernumeraries--Captain Sir
+     Edward Stewart-Richardson, Bart., 3rd Battalion Black Watch;
+     Lieutenant John H. Fox. Additional officers
+     attached--Surgeon-Captain H. R. Nolan, A.M.C. Queensland
+     Defence; Major D. W. Rankin; Captain F. W. Toll, special
+     service; Captain A. E. Crichton, Camp Quartermaster; Captain W.
+     T. Deacon, Camp Adjutant.
+
+     The second Contingent sailed in the _Maori King_ on January 20.
+     The night before they were to start it was discovered that the
+     ship had been set on fire, but the flames were extinguished
+     before much damage was done. There seemed to be no doubt it was
+     the work of an incendiary, and the police kept a close watch
+     over the vessel till she was fairly away. It was regarded as
+     significant that the crew consisted mainly of Dutchmen and
+     Germans.
+
+     The third Contingent, which sailed in the _Duke of Portland_ on
+     March 1, was 300 strong, with 350 horses. In addition to the
+     above, about 20 men and 50 horses had been sent to Sydney, and
+     sailed with the New South Wales Contingent on February 26.
+     After accommodating men and horses, it was found that the _Duke
+     of Portland_ had still 500 tons of space available for cargo;
+     this the Queensland Government offered to fill with forage for
+     horses and men, and present to the Imperial Government.
+
+
+     SOUTH AND WEST AUSTRALIA
+
+     South Australia speedily sent two Contingents to the front, and
+     offered more should further help be required. The first
+     Contingent was commanded by Captain F. H. Howland. This officer
+     was born in Kensington, London, 1863, and served for three
+     years in the Middlesex E.V. Royal Engineers. At the expiration
+     of that time he went to Australia, and in 1885 joined the
+     volunteer company which was being formed at Mount Gambier, in
+     which he was appointed lance-corporal. Since then he has passed
+     through every rank, was appointed captain in 1893, and made
+     adjutant in June 1898. Captain Howland then became senior
+     captain in the second battalion, and--having passed his
+     examination for his majority--on the illness of his commanding
+     officer, commanded the battalion on several occasions.
+
+     The officers of the Contingent were as follows: Captain F. H.
+     Howland, D Company, Mount Gambier Infantry, C.O.; Captain G. R.
+     Lascelles, Royal Fusiliers, A.D.C. to Lord Tennyson (attached);
+     Lieutenant J. H. Stapleton, A Company, first battalion
+     infantry; Lieutenant F. M. Blair, B Company, first battalion
+     infantry; Lieutenant J. W. Powell, D Company, Mount Gambier
+     Infantry; Major J. T. Toll, Medical Staff.
+
+     In regard to the payment of the troops the arrangement was
+     simple. The men received 5s. a day. That meant that the pay
+     received through the South Australian Government and the pay
+     from the Imperial Government would together amount to 5s. a
+     day. Whatever amount the Imperial Government gave their
+     soldiers, members of the South Australian Contingent received
+     the same while on active service, and the balance paid to them
+     by the South Australian Government would bring the amount up to
+     5s. a day. They did not propose to send any money from the
+     Colony while the men were away, in order that, while fighting
+     side by side with the Imperial soldiers, they should not
+     receive more pay than their comrades. Their South Australian
+     pay would be left at home until their return. If the British
+     rate of pay were 1s. 4d., that arrangement would mean that 3s.
+     8d. per day would be due to them from the Colonial Government.
+     Before starting the men received one month's pay, amounting to
+     £7, which was considered sufficient to supply their immediate
+     wants, and see them over the voyage. On arrival at Port
+     Elizabeth they began to receive the same pay as the British
+     soldiers.
+
+     The officers of the second Contingent were: Captain J. Reade,
+     commanding; J. F. Humphries, senior subaltern; G. H. Lynch,
+     second subaltern; F. M. Rowell, third subaltern; G. J. Restall
+     Walter, junior subaltern; W. J. Press, warrant officer, in
+     charge of the "Colt" automatic machine-gun; William De Passy,
+     warrant officer.
+
+     The first Contingent of infantry was afterwards turned into
+     mounted infantry. The second Contingent was composed of
+     cavalry, and one machine-gun section. The Australian Horse was
+     drilled on exactly the same lines as British cavalry, and was,
+     in fact, under the instruction of British cavalrymen. The men
+     were either members of volunteer corps, or volunteered on the
+     outbreak of the war from all parts of the Colony.
+
+     When the news of British reverses reached the Colony, the
+     patriotic fervour of which the despatch of the first Contingent
+     was a practical proof, was once more fanned into flame. The
+     desire for Australian representation on the field of battle
+     again translated itself into action, and the intimation that
+     not only would further assistance be welcomed but that it was
+     really wanted met with ready response. No lack of volunteers
+     troubled the authorities, for numerous offers to serve were
+     received from all parts of the colony, from persons of all
+     classes and all ages. Among the youngest of those volunteering
+     was Allan O'Halloran Wright, who was but fourteen years of age,
+     who accompanied the Contingent as trumpeter. He is
+     exceptionally well developed, and considerably taller than many
+     of the rank and file. Among others was Sergeant Hanley, who was
+     in the thick of the fight at Majuba Hill. He served with the
+     92nd Gordon Highlanders in the Afghan War, and received two
+     decorations, including medal with the Kabul, Kandahar, and
+     Charasia bars, and a star for the historical march from Kabul
+     to Kandahar. He, with others, was mentioned in despatches for
+     his conduct in defending Lord Roberts from an attack of the
+     Ghilzais. He fought in twenty-seven engagements in Afghanistan,
+     and was the youngest man in the regiment. He stood side by side
+     with "Fighting Mac," who was then a lance-corporal, and
+     promoted to a commission for his distinguished services. After
+     the Afghan War he went to India, and though he had completed
+     seven years service, and need have done no more, he volunteered
+     for service with the 92nd Highlanders in South Africa. After
+     the miserable experiences of Majuba he went to South Australia,
+     where he served for nine years with the permanent force. He
+     acted as warder in the Yatala prison till, hearing of the war,
+     he instantly volunteered.
+
+     On the 28th of October the Contingent dined at Government
+     House, and after the meal the men were received in the great
+     hall and thus eloquently addressed by Lord Tennyson: "Men of
+     the South Australian Contingent of the British army in South
+     Africa--I am proud of being your Commander-in-Chief because of
+     your splendid patriotism, your alacrity in obeying the summons
+     of the old country, your self-sacrifice in leaving your
+     comfortable homes to fight for the United Empire, to maintain
+     the Queen's position in South Africa, and to rescue the
+     down-trodden Uitlanders from the political and social serfdom
+     imposed on them by the Boers. When I was at home in 1897 I saw
+     some of you in the Jubilee procession, and you were
+     vociferously cheered by the millions of people in the streets.
+     Why did they cheer you? Because they felt that you were our
+     kith and kin, and that you were not only taking part in a
+     triumphal procession in honour of the Queen, but that you were
+     pledging yourselves that, if the needful occasion should arise,
+     you would fight for our Queen and for our Empire. Your action
+     now, and the action of all Australasia and of Canada, will make
+     the nations of the earth hesitate before they strike at our
+     Empire in the future, seeing our Imperial loyalty, our Imperial
+     solidarity, our Imperial unity, our Imperial strength. I
+     believe from my experience as your Governor that there is no
+     man throughout South Australia who would not stand up in time
+     of stress in defence of the Queen, the Empire, and the Union
+     Jack. You are a gallant and stalwart body of men, and we
+     rejoice in your soldierly appearance and your loyal enthusiasm.
+     We feel sure that you will do your duty nobly, and return
+     covered with honour and renown. Remember, my men, that
+     obedience to discipline, and patience in enduring hardship, and
+     promptitude in the performance of your military duties are the
+     first steps towards the making of a victorious army. You are to
+     be joined in South Africa to highly organised battalions of
+     troops, some of the best in the world, commanded by highly
+     trained and scientific officers. Obey these officers and your
+     own implicitly, from the corporal to the Commander-in-Chief,
+     whether on the field or in garrison, or wherever you are; and I
+     need not tell you that, if you keep your eyes and ears open,
+     you will learn a great deal that will be useful to you in the
+     future. May Australia never be visited by war! If this ever
+     happens, the British fleet will protect Australia in the first
+     line of defence, but you must have an efficiently trained army
+     as a second line of defence. Knowing this, the Federal
+     Government of the future will, I am confident, put Australia in
+     a proper state of military preparedness; and that is one of the
+     reasons why I glory in our Federal Commonwealth to be. Remember
+     always, my friends, that you are the guardians of a magnificent
+     heritage, of a country of which you are justly proud, and that
+     the experience which you Australians will gain in South Africa
+     will not only enable you to fight, if necessary, for this
+     country, but will also enable you to teach your
+     comrades-in-arms, who are obliged to stay at home, something of
+     the needful requirements of modern warfare. I know the General
+     who is to lead you, Sir Redvers Buller. He is married to a
+     cousin of my wife's, and I can tell you that a finer soldier
+     could not be met with. The motto he would wish to be given you
+     would be: 'Obedience and cheerful courage on service are an
+     army's strength.' I am glad to have allowed--though it is
+     personally a loss to myself--my A.D.C., Captain Lascelles, to
+     accompany you, with special leave from the War Office at home.
+     As you are aware, in him you have a thoroughly experienced and
+     capable officer, and, like Captain Howland and your other
+     officers, he is fond of you and devoted to your welfare. If I
+     had to command a British army, I should know that, when you
+     have had a little more military experience, with your pluck,
+     your good marksmanship, and your loyalty, the standard of the
+     Queen could well be intrusted to the keeping of the Australian
+     Contingent. It is my duty as well as my pleasure to tell you
+     that, on behalf of the British people, Her Majesty's Government
+     have sent me two telegrams appreciative of the enthusiastic
+     patriotism of yourselves, of the Ministry, and of South
+     Australia. It is also my duty as well as my pleasure to read
+     you the kindly and gracious message from the Queen, which has
+     moved us all very deeply: 'Her Majesty the Queen desires to
+     thank the people of her Colonies in Australia for the striking
+     manifestation of loyalty and patriotism in their voluntary
+     offer to send troops to co-operate with Her Majesty's Imperial
+     forces in maintaining her position and the rights of British
+     subjects in South Africa. She wishes the troops God-speed and a
+     safe return.' The Boers have forced war upon us and have
+     invaded our territory. You are going to fight for the cause of
+     British freedom, for the honour of Great Britain, for the
+     honour of Australia. In the name, then, of our beloved Queen,
+     of Great Britain, and of South Australia, I bid you farewell,
+     and I wish you, after your work is accomplished, a safe and
+     happy home-coming."
+
+     On the 26th of January the second South Australian Contingent
+     started for the Transvaal amid scenes of great enthusiasm. The
+     Governor, Lord Tennyson, again made an inspiriting speech and
+     wished them God-speed.
+
+
+     WEST AUSTRALIA
+
+     West Australia sent with the same energy of patriotism two
+     Contingents amounting to 230 officers and men, with offers of
+     more if required. The officers were: Capt. R. Moor, R.A.; Capt.
+     H. S. Pilkington, late 21st Hussars; Major M'Williams, Medical
+     Officer; Lieut. J. Campbell; Lieut. H. F. Darling; Lieut. F. W.
+     M. Parker.
+
+
+     TASMANIA
+
+     The Tasmanian Government were not behind the other Colonies of
+     Australia in their desire to show their loyalty and patriotism
+     by offering troops for Imperial service. There was, of course,
+     some difference of opinion regarding the policy of going to
+     fight at all, as the following cutting from a local journal
+     will show: "In Tasmania, as elsewhere, there is a certain
+     number, not many, of the crawling tribe, who always find that
+     their country is in the wrong, and are never so happy as when
+     they can hold up some foe as a model of virtue in contrast with
+     the brutal Briton. It is curious to find those who call
+     themselves friends of the working-classes indulging in this
+     vein of oratory, but it is common to all the Colonies, and may
+     be said to account for the little influence that the party has
+     on general affairs. We have had here, of course, the inevitable
+     Catholic priest who has denounced the British, for he always
+     appears when Great Britain has any serious work to do, just as
+     there is the usual meeting of Irish in New York. In Hobart the
+     Catholic priests spoke feeling and appropriate words about the
+     departure of the Contingent, but on the West Coast one Father
+     Murphy went on the rampage in the good old style, and proceeded
+     to denounce the country under the Government of which he lives,
+     and which is liberal enough to allow him to say such things
+     with impunity. I wonder whether these folk ever think about
+     what would happen to them if they talked in the same strain in
+     France, Germany, or even in the United States. It does not
+     matter to Great Britain what these discontented ones say, but
+     they might learn from the liberty they use the value of the
+     freedom which they enjoy. On the whole, the people of Tasmania,
+     while they deeply regret that war should be necessary, are
+     fully alive to the value of a united empire, and are keenly
+     anxious that she may vindicate her position in South Africa,
+     and finally get rid of the Boer incubus which has weighed upon
+     the country ever since the Gladstone Ministry adopted the
+     policy of scuttle and palaver."
+
+     This quotation shows the drift of popular sentiment, and in the
+     end loyalty everywhere prevailed, and some splendid fellows
+     volunteered to go to the front. These were not "raw material,"
+     but intelligent, handy soldiers, accustomed to the rough and
+     tumble of bush life, and ready to provide for emergencies.
+     Their commander, Captain Cameron, had seen some service, and
+     took part in the famous march to Kandahar.
+
+     The first Contingent, sent in the _Medic_, consisted of eighty
+     men, of which the officers were: Capt. C. St. Clair Cameron,
+     Erandale, commanding (who was afterwards a prisoner in
+     Pretoria); Lieut. W. Brown; Lieut. F. B. Heritage; Lieut. G. E.
+     Reid, 1st Regt., Hobart. Of the privates the following were
+     subsequently taken prisoners to Pretoria: M. H. Swan, V. J.
+     Peers, A. Button. J. H. Whitelaw, also a private, who has
+     distinguished himself by gallantry in the field and by saving a
+     comrade's life at the imminent risk of his own, will probably
+     receive the V.C.
+
+     The second Contingent, which consisted of forty-five men, was
+     under the command of Sergt. J. Stagg, of Deloraine.
+
+     Both Contingents were composed almost entirely of gentlemen.
+
+     Tasmania also contributed 100 men to the Imperial Australian
+     Corps which was raised at Mr. J. Chamberlain's suggestion from
+     all the Australasian Colonies. The volunteering of the
+     Tasmanian contingent to join hands with Canada, Australia, and
+     New Zealand, and shoulder to shoulder to support the "flag of
+     old renown" in South Africa, gave origin to the following lines
+     written by a Tasmanian poet:--
+
+        "War? We would rather peace; but, Mother, if fight we must,
+        There be none of your sons on whom you can lean with a surer trust;
+        Bone of your bone are we, and in death would be dust of your dust!"
+
+
+     THE BUSHMEN'S CORPS
+
+     There was immense excitement over the formation of the Imperial
+     Bushmen or Roughriders' Corps. It consisted of over 2000
+     mounted men, selected from those experienced in riding and
+     looking after stock in country in its natural rough state,
+     unbroken by cultivation, fences or roads. In the first
+     instance, New Zealand made an offer to provide 500 such men,
+     after which--as more were required--Australia was asked to
+     raise a further 2000, the Imperial Government bearing the cost
+     of forwarding them to the seat of war, and maintaining and
+     paying them there. Four thousand applications from Victoria and
+     2000 from Adelaide were received. The citizens of Rockhampton
+     immediately offered to provide and equip twenty-five Bushmen.
+     New South Wales was represented by a Contingent of 500 men, and
+     Queensland decided to join with the other Colonies in
+     organising this smart and serviceable corps, whose value was
+     estimated as equal to twice the number of infantry.
+
+     The movement was a most popular one, and gifts of horses were
+     sent in from every direction. The public subscribed liberally,
+     Captain Bridges alone giving £1000 towards the expenses of the
+     Victorian Bushmen.
+
+     The officers selected for the New South Wales Bushmen were
+     Lieut.-Colonel Airey in command, Major Onslow, three captains
+     and fourteen subalterns. The movement was so popular and
+     subscriptions so liberal, that it was decided that 100 men
+     should be sent from South Australia instead of the fifty
+     originally proposed. Colonel Williams, of the New South Wales
+     Contingent, was appointed principal medical officer for all
+     the Australian Contingents serving in South Africa. The
+     departure of the Bushmen on the 17th of January was a
+     magnificent climax to the many magnificent demonstrations of
+     patriotism which had been evidenced throughout the Colonies.
+
+
+     INDIA'S CONTINGENTS
+
+     Between the Australasian and Canadian Colonies and the
+     Volunteer Contingent from India there is a certain difference
+     which it is necessary to recognise. In the Colonies, the
+     movement to help the Mother Country in her need, though
+     prompted and encouraged by popular enthusiasm, patriotism, and
+     donations from private and public resources, was suggested,
+     voiced, and supported by the respective Governments, the
+     Premiers of which acted very prominently in the enterprise,
+     whereas in India, the offer of military assistance was a
+     spontaneous impulse springing from individual patriotism and
+     carried out by private enterprise. India, being a Crown Colony,
+     could display her loyalty in no other way. Her position was
+     somewhat similar to the Home Establishment, and her regular
+     British troops were under orders for South Africa in exactly
+     the same way as were the Home forces. Nevertheless, India was
+     not backward in independent demonstrations of loyalty. English
+     officers from various native corps, who, in ordinary
+     circumstances, could serve only in their respective Indian
+     Contingents, now came forward and volunteered for active
+     service in aid of the Imperial cause in South Africa. The "men"
+     volunteered from all directions. Dapper young Calcutta
+     merchants, sporting tea-planters from Assam, gallant
+     indigo-planters, and dashing roughriders from Bombay, Assam,
+     Bengal, Cawnpore, Mysore, and all manner of districts unknown
+     even by name to the Little Englander sent in their appeal, and
+     pressed to be allowed to play their part in the defence of the
+     Empire; and thus the smart regiments known as Lumsden's Horse,
+     the Railway Contingent, and the Ceylon Mounted Contingent came
+     to be recruited.
+
+     Colonel Lumsden, lately Commandant of the Assam Valley Light
+     Horse, generously assisted both financially and personally in
+     raising and equipping the force, and quantities of Calcutta men
+     offered their services, their expenses being guaranteed by the
+     firms employing them. Gifts and subscriptions poured in. Lord
+     Curzon, the Viceroy, headed the subscription-list by a handsome
+     contribution, and so generous was the response of all India,
+     that about £30,000 was collected in connection with the
+     Transvaal war, including the equipment of volunteers.
+
+     The native princes offered troops and horses, and loyally
+     expressed themselves towards the Queen Empress. The troops were
+     declined, it being understood that the war was between white
+     men alone. Their offers of horses were, however, accepted.
+     Nevertheless, the generosity of the princes was not to be
+     denied, and several among them, the Maharajah of Bikanir, the
+     Maharajah of Durbhanga, and the Nawab of Moorshedabad,
+     subscribed liberally to the expenses of Lumsden's Horse,
+     offering at the same time their best wishes for the success of
+     the Contingent and the complete triumph of the British arms in
+     South Africa.
+
+     The Nizam of Hyderabad, whose State is as large as France, and
+     whose relations with the sovereign have always been most
+     cordial, assisted handsomely, saying at the same time, with
+     true Oriental grace, that his troops, his purse, and his own
+     sword were at the service of the Queen. The Maharajah of
+     Tanjore contributed 5000 rupees, while his son furnished a
+     complete set of X-ray apparatus. The Nawab of Bhavnagar State
+     presented fifty fully equipped Arab horses to the force, and
+     quantities of other prominent Nawabs displayed corresponding
+     liberality. The Maharanee of Bettiah generously presented to
+     each volunteer from her district a horse, and Khwajah Mahomed
+     Khan forwarded from Mardan (on the Punjab frontier) the sum of
+     2000 rupees as an expression of loyalty, with his best wishes
+     for the success of Lumsden's Horse. As an instance of the
+     excitement and martial feeling in regard to the Indian
+     Transvaal Contingent, it may be noted that the instant the
+     scheme was proposed, two-thirds of the Light Horse of Behar
+     volunteered for service, promising to provide everything except
+     means of transport. They formed part of Lumsden's Horse, who
+     were all men under forty years of age, many of them of
+     independent means, with horses of their own.
+
+     The following is the list of officers who were appointed to
+     Colonel Lumsden's Corps:--
+
+     Lieut.-Colonel Dugald McT. Lumsden, Assam Valley Light Horse
+     Volunteers, to be Commandant, with the temporary rank of
+     Lieut.-Colonel in the army; Lieut.-Colonel Eden Showers, late
+     Commandant Surma Valley Light Horse Volunteers, to be second in
+     command, with the temporary rank of Major in the army; Captain
+     J. H. B. Beresford, Indian Staff Corps, to be Company
+     Commander. To be Captains, with the temporary rank of Captain
+     in the army: Major Henry Chamney, Surma Valley Light Horse
+     Volunteers; Captain Francis Clifford, Coorg and Mysore
+     Volunteer Rifles; Second Lieutenant Bernard W. Holmes, East
+     India Railway Volunteer Rifles; Second Lieutenant John B.
+     Rutherford, Behar Light Horse Volunteers. To be Lieutenants,
+     with the temporary rank of Lieutenant in the army: Lieutenant
+     Charles L. Sidey, Surma Valley Light Horse Volunteers; Herbert
+     O. Pugh, gent.; George A. Nevill, gent.; Charles E. Crane,
+     gent. Captain Louis H. Noblett, the Royal Irish Rifles, to be a
+     Company Commander; Captain Neville C. Taylor, Indian Staff
+     Corps, to be Adjutant; Surgeon-Captain Samuel A Powell, M.D.,
+     Surma Valley Light Horse Volunteers, to be Medical Officer,
+     with the temporary rank of Captain; William Stevenson, gent.,
+     to be Veterinary Officer, with the temporary rank of Veterinary
+     Lieutenant.
+
+     The Government provided free passages, and the railway
+     authorities gave free passes. With the force went Mrs. C. W.
+     Park and Mrs. M. C. Curry, wives of Lieut.-Colonel C. W. Park
+     and Major M. C. Curry, of the 1st Devonshire Regiment, to
+     assist in the hospitals in Natal. This regiment, it may be
+     remembered, was with Sir George White, and had four officers
+     severely wounded in its first battle, Elandslaagte, and was
+     shut up in Ladysmith for over four months. Lumsden's Horse
+     sailed from India on February 6, much envied by all who had not
+     the good fortune to be of their number.
+
+     [Illustration: GENERAL BRABANT, C.M.G.
+
+     After Photo by S. B. Barnard, Cape Town.]
+
+     Ceylon was not behind India in patriotic enthusiasm, though its
+     powers were more limited. Great demonstrations of loyalty
+     prevailed everywhere in the island, and volunteers were eager
+     to be enrolled. Out of the numbers applying 125 men were picked
+     out and 5 officers. The force was armed with Lee-Metford
+     magazine rifles, 500 rounds of ammunition, and were nearly all
+     mounted on trained horses. Captain Rutherford, Royal Dublin
+     Fusiliers, was in command, and Captain Anderson, Royal
+     Artillery, was second in command. Captain Toogood (Warwickshire
+     Regiment) also accompanied the force.
+
+     The planters and merchants of Ceylon presented upwards of
+     30,000 lbs. of tea to be delivered free to the troops in South
+     Africa, to be shipped with the Contingent, and many private
+     individuals were equally generous. The Legislative Council
+     unanimously agreed that all expenses connected with the
+     equipment, arming, transport, and, when necessary, mounting of
+     the Ceylon Contingent, should be borne by the Colony. This
+     liberal decision was acknowledged by Mr. Chamberlain in the
+     following terms:--
+
+         MR. CHAMBERLAIN TO GOVERNOR THE RIGHT HON.
+         SIR J. WEST RIDGEWAY.
+
+     "Your telegrams of January 9 and January 10. Her Majesty's
+     Government congratulate Ceylon on completion of Contingent,
+     which they accept with much pleasure, and highly appreciate
+     patriotic and generous action of Legislative Council."
+
+     The Ceylon Mounted Contingent sailed on February 2 for active
+     service in South Africa, amid the prayers and good wishes of a
+     huge concourse of people.
+
+     In addition to the above contingents from India and Ceylon, the
+     Indian Government sent the guns and equipment for three
+     field-batteries of 15-pounders, and also three corps of native
+     transport drivers and muleteers--about 400 in all--under
+     British officers.
+
+
+     THE SOUTH AFRICAN VOLUNTEERS[6]
+
+     CAPE COLONY
+
+     It has been said that the whole course of the campaign might
+     have been changed had the Cape Colony forces been utilised
+     sufficiently early. If the Cape Ministry had begun at once by
+     employing the splendid Colonial forces at its disposal, not for
+     purposes of defiance, but of defence, the tale of raid and
+     rebellion, which has been as harassing as the tale of war,
+     would never have been told. But as it is useless to talk of the
+     _might have been_, or of things done or left undone by the Cape
+     Ministry, we must proceed to consider the services of the Cape
+     Colonial Force, of the ten thousand volunteers, when they were
+     eventually allowed to come into action. Of the splendid troops
+     in Mafeking and Kimberley the Colony must ever be proud, for on
+     them fell the weight of showing what worthy offshoots of the
+     bold and the brave the sun of South Africa has reared. These
+     men, recruited for the most part from Cape Town, Port
+     Elizabeth, East London, Queenstown, Grahamstown, and Kimberley,
+     consisted largely of past and present Cape Colony Volunteers.
+     They were bone of our bone, and when the hour of stress arrived
+     they proved themselves as such. They were immensely proud to be
+     included in the term British, and right royally they acted up
+     to the higher interpretation of that term. Though they have
+     borne years of insult and suffered in innumerable ways for
+     their fealty and devotion to the Mother Country, they rushed to
+     arms joyfully in the hope that Great Britain would reassert
+     herself, annex the whole of South Africa, and administer it
+     under one Government. They longed to be quit of Dutch intrigue.
+     They pined for a strong rule, one that would be free of the
+     vacillations that had kept them on tenter-hooks for years, and
+     prevented their living in a sense of security enjoyed by other
+     freeborn British subjects. By these loyal fellows the towns of
+     Mafeking and Kimberley were practically defended. In those
+     places there were very few Imperial troops, and little could
+     have been accomplished without the aptness and grit of the
+     Colonials. The reason why they appeared to be neglected is not
+     far to seek. No man is a prophet in his own country, and to
+     this trite fact may be attributed the want of instant
+     appreciation accorded to the Cape Colonial Volunteers who so
+     spontaneously and with genuine zeal responded to the call of
+     duty. While we made much of the Colonials from over the
+     seas--the "Visiting Colonials" as they are called--we failed to
+     see that at our elbows were the very men who would leap forward
+     at a word and check the onward career of the enemy and put a
+     stop to his annexations while our troops in England were
+     getting into shape. But later we jumped at them. Then the Cape
+     Colonists began to be vastly appreciated, and to receive the
+     highest encomiums from all who had the good fortune to serve
+     with them.
+
+     The following is a table of some of the prominent Colonial
+     forces of Cape Colony, 1900:--
+
+  ----------------------+-------------+------------------------+----------------
+                        |ESTABLISHMENT|   EFFECTIVE TO DATE    |
+                        +-----+-------+--------+--------+------+
+  CORPS                 |All  |       |        |N.C.O.'s|      |
+                        |Ranks|Horses |Officers|and Men |Horses|OFFICERS
+  ----------------------+-----+-------+--------+--------+------+----------------
+  IRREGULARS RAISED     |     |       |        |        |      |
+  BEFORE WAR            |     |       |        |        |      |
+                        |     |       |        |        |      |
+  Rhodesian Regiment    | ... |       |   ...  |   ...  |  ... |  ...
+  Protectorate Regiment}|     |       |        |        |      |{Col. Baden-
+                       }| 650 |  ...  |   ...  |   ...  |  ... |{Powell, 5th
+  Kimberley Regiment   }|     |       |        |        |      |{Dragoon Guards
+  Diamond Fields Horse  | 100 |  ...  |   ...  |   ...  |  ... |  ...
+  Bechuanaland Rifles   | 100 |  ...  |   ...  |   ...  |  ... |  ...
+                        |     |       |        |        |      |
+  IRREGULARS RAISED     |     |       |        |        |      |
+  SINCE WAR             |     |       |        |        |      |
+                        |     |       |        |        |      |
+  Rimington's Guides    | 212 |  220  |   ...  |   ...  |  ... |{Lieut.-Col.
+                        |     |       |        |        |      |{Hon. J. Byng,
+  1st S.A.L. Horse      | 599 |  580  |   ...  |   ...  |  ... |{10th Hussars
+                        |     |       |        |        |      |{Capt. Villiers,
+  Roberts's Horse       | 599 |  580  |   ...  |   ...  |  ... |{Royal Horse
+                        |     |       |        |        |      |{Guards
+  Kitchener's Horse     | 599 |  580  |    41  |   617  |  586 |  ...
+  1st Brabant's Light   |     |       |        |        |      |
+    Horse               | 599 |  580  |   ...  |   ...  |  ... |  ...
+  2nd Brabant's Light   |     |       |        |        |      |
+    Horse               | 599 |  580  |   ...  |   ...  |  ... |  ...
+  Gatacre's Scouts      |  50 |   50  |   ...  |   ...  |  ... |  ...
+  Montmorency's Cavalry |     |       |        |        |      |
+    Division Scouts     | 100 |  100  |   ...  |   ...  |  ... |  ...
+  6th Cavalry Division  |     |       |        |        |      |
+    Scouts              |  25 |   25  |   ...  |   ...  |  ... |  ...
+  Chief in Command's    |     |       |        |        |      |
+    Body Guard          |  50 |   50  |   ...  |   ...  |  ... |  ...
+                        |     |       |        |        |      |
+  LOCAL DEFENCE CORPS   |     |       |        |        |      |
+  Nesbitt's Mounted     |     |       |        |        |      |
+    Local Defence Corps | 400 |  400  |   ...  |   ...  |  ... |  ...
+  Bayley's Mounted      |     |       |        |        |      |
+    Local Defence Corps | 500 |  500  |   ...  |   ...  |  ... |  ...
+  Orpen's Horse         | 300 |  300  |   ...  |   ...  |  ... |  ...
+  Railway Pioneer       |     |       |        |        |      |
+    Regiment            |1008 |    8  |    34  |   959  |   15 |  ...
+                        |     |       |        |        |      |
+  VOLUNTEERS            |     |       |        |        |      |
+                        |     |       |        |        |      |
+  P.A.O. Cape Artillery | ... |  ...  |   ...  |   ...  |  ... |  ...
+  Diamond Fields        |     |       |        |        |      |
+    Artillery           | ... |  ...  |   ...  |   ...  |  ... |  ...
+  Cape Garrison         |     |       |        |        |      |
+    Artillery           | ... |  ...  |   ...  |   ...  |  ... |  ...
+  ----------------------+-----+-------+--------+--------+------+----------------
+
+     [[Transcriber's note: The following text was written vertically
+     in a column of the table above. It has been rendered here for
+     ease of display.
+
+     REMARKS: These numbers have been increased within the last few
+     months by recruiting, Kitchener's Horse showing an increase of
+     about 50. The figures, therefore, are only approximately
+     correct]]
+
+     STRENGTH OF VOLUNTEER CORPS ON ACTIVE SERVICE
+
+     Prince Alfred's Own Cape Artillery--officers, 5; other ranks,
+     117; total, 122. Diamond Fields Artillery--officers, 4; other
+     ranks, 119; total, 123. Cape Garrison Artillery--officers, 18;
+     other ranks, 431; total, 449. Duke of Edinburgh's Own Volunteer
+     Rifles--officers, 31; other ranks, 1027; total, 1058. Cape Town
+     Highlanders--officers, 12; other ranks, 392; total, 404. Prince
+     Alfred's Volunteer Guard--officers, 21; other ranks, 494;
+     total, 515. First City Volunteers--officers, 22; other ranks,
+     556; total, 578. Kaffrarian Rifles (Colonel Cuming)--officers,
+     31; other ranks, 672; total, 703. Queenstown Rifle
+     Volunteers--officers, 18; other ranks, 299; total, 317.
+     Frontier Mounted Rifles--officers, 10; other ranks, 131; total,
+     141. Uitenhage Volunteer Rifles--officers, 16; other ranks,
+     396; total, 412. Komgha Mounted Rifles--officers, 5; other
+     ranks, 41; total, 46. Stellenbosch Mounted Infantry--officers,
+     1; other ranks, 31; total, 32. Kimberley Regiment--officers,
+     25; other ranks, 541; total, 566. Bechuanaland
+     Rifles--officers, 5; other ranks, 61; total, 66. A Company Cape
+     Medical Staff Corps--officers, 2; other ranks, 55; total, 57. B
+     Company Cape Medical Staff Corps--officers, 3; other ranks, 71;
+     total, 74. C Company Cape Medical Staff Corps--officers, 0;
+     other ranks, 13; total, 13. Transkei Mounted Rifles--officers,
+     5; other ranks, 66; total, 71. No. 1 Xalanga Border Mounted
+     Rifle Club--officers, 4; other ranks, 40; total, 44. No. 19
+     Tembuland Mounted Rifle Club--officers, 2; other ranks, 21;
+     total, 23. No. 23 Nqamakwe Mounted Rifle Club--officers, 1;
+     other ranks, 21; total, 22. No. 25 Engcobo Mounted Rifle
+     Club--officers, 1; other ranks, 28; total, 29. No. 29 Tsomo
+     Mounted Rifle Club--officers, 1; other ranks, 29; total, 30.
+
+     [Illustration: SOUTH AFRICAN SCOUT. FULL EQUIPMENT.]
+
+     To prove his appreciation of the devotion and military prowess
+     of the Cape colonists Lord Roberts, on his arrival in South
+     Africa, decided on raising a Colonial Division. The official
+     intimation of the formation of this division was contained in
+     the following announcement:--
+
+     "The Commander-in-Chief, recognising the value of the services
+     rendered by the Colonial troops, has authorised the formation
+     of a division. Colonel Brabant, M.L.A., C.M.G., has been given
+     the local and temporary rank of a Brigadier-General, and will
+     be in command. Brabant's Horse, with several other irregular
+     corps and mounted contingents, limited in number, from the
+     infantry volunteer regiments, will form the first portion of
+     this force, and its first object will be to drive the enemy
+     out of the Colony, and to co-operate with the Imperial troops.
+     It has been decided to raise a further 1500 mounted irregulars,
+     so as to give all Colonials and men with Colonial experience a
+     chance of joining this division. Men who enrol in this Mounted
+     Irregular Corps, and who cannot afford to go on a long
+     campaign, will be allowed to register their names for service
+     in the Colony only, but any portion of such registered men can
+     volunteer to take part in any further advance that may be
+     ordered beyond the Orange River. To raise this latter force
+     recruiting stations will be open in all parts of the Colony,
+     and it is proposed to elect officers from Colonial gentlemen or
+     those with Colonial experience."
+
+     As may be imagined, there was great jubilation among the
+     thousands of martial spirits at the Cape, who for long had been
+     fretting at enforced inactivity.
+
+     Some very interesting particulars regarding raising of some of
+     the Colonial Corps were elicited from Mr. W. Hosken, who was
+     chairman of the Uitlander Council and the Chamber of Commerce
+     at Johannesburg. He said: "I was chairman of the committee
+     which obtained permission from the Government to raise
+     Thorneycroft's and Bethune's Corps of mounted infantry and the
+     Imperial Light Horse, and all raised in Natal and mainly from
+     refugee Uitlanders from Johannesburg. From the Imperial
+     officers with whom I was brought into contact I received every
+     consideration and the greatest cordiality. But again it should
+     be remembered that we got the permission only after pressure
+     had been brought to bear by public meetings at Durban and
+     Maritzburg, and in other ways. The response was most
+     gratifying. Only when the Boers were threatening to advance on
+     Maritzburg were we allowed to form the Imperial Light Horse.
+     Intimation of the permission was given on the Friday. By the
+     following Wednesday we were able to report that 1300 men had
+     offered for service, and that the medical examination would be
+     at once begun. Thorneycroft's Corps was the first to take the
+     field, and was actually fighting within six weeks from the date
+     of its enrolment. The testimony from Boer sources as to the
+     value of these regiments has been most gratifying. In one
+     verbal statement by a Boer commandant they were described as
+     'evidently skilled sharpshooters.' Then there are the Natal
+     Volunteers, recruited in very much the same way as your
+     Volunteers at home, clerks and artisans from the towns, with
+     the mounted companies from the country districts. They took the
+     field possibly with some misgivings as to their capacity, just
+     as the Volunteers here might do; but they have proved
+     themselves equal to any military duty that is imposed on them.
+     The soldiers of the regular army recognise them as worthy
+     comrades, and the greatest cordiality exists between the
+     regular and volunteer forces. Later on there was formed also in
+     Natal a body of Colonial scouts--750 strong--recruited from
+     local men who knew the country. Those who wished to serve
+     together were placed in the same squad. Every section of
+     twenty-five men elects its own leader, and every four sections
+     its commander. They have already proved their efficiency in
+     service with Sir Redvers Buller's army. Then there is the corps
+     of ambulance bearers. When General Buller was making
+     arrangements for the attack on Colenso last month he asked for
+     1200 white bearers. On the first day the notice was posted in
+     Durban 900 men volunteered. Far more than the required number
+     offered, and a selection was made of those who were considered
+     the most fitted for the duty. These men did excellent work,
+     bringing out the wounded under fire during that disastrous day
+     at Colenso. Three were killed and several wounded, and every
+     one of the corps behaved splendidly."
+
+     In regard to the apparent neglect of the Volunteers at the
+     Cape, he went on to say: "The delay in recruiting irregulars
+     at the Cape was not in the least due to the unwillingness of
+     the Uitlanders there or of the British residents. It was the
+     result of political considerations which were then thought to
+     be of sufficient weight by well-advised men on the spot. The
+     delay caused a great deal of heart-burning among hundreds who
+     were only too keen to take up arms; and it is only quite
+     recently that permission has been given to form irregular corps
+     and to accept the services of the Cape Volunteers already in
+     existence, who were eager to serve. Directly the permission was
+     given men flocked to the standard, and you have now Rimington's
+     Guides, the South African Light Horse, and the Cape Volunteers,
+     who have all promptly proceeded to the front. Another most
+     useful body is now being recruited both in Natal and in Cape
+     Colony--I mean the Railway Pioneer Corps. It is being officered
+     by the most eminent of the mining engineers of Johannesburg,
+     and the rank and file are made up of skilled mechanics, who are
+     specially qualified for the particular duties they will have to
+     perform. They will be armed in the ordinary way, drilled as an
+     engineer corps, and will be expected to do the ordinary work of
+     the military engineer."
+
+     The Imperial Light Horse, formed by Majors Sampson and Karri
+     Davies, was largely composed of Australians. Many Johannesburg
+     people joined it, most of them "all-round sportsmen, capital
+     shots, and keen riders." They joined on the principle of not
+     allowing the Mother Country to fight their battles for them
+     while they had a right arm with which to assert themselves.
+
+     The Cape Mounted Police, 1000 strong, who were also sent on
+     active service at the commencement of the war, were invaluable.
+     They were remarkable, not alone for gallantry, but efficiency.
+     When Captain de Montmorency's Scouts were cut off near
+     Labuschagnes Nek by some 800 Boers, Captain Golsworthy on the
+     last day of the year came to the rescue with a party of the
+     Cape Mounted Police, and put the enemy to flight.
+
+
+     Early in 1900, the Rhodesian Field Force, under the command of
+     Lieut.-General Sir Frederick Carrington, was organised to
+     operate in Northern Rhodesia, and stop any trekking of members
+     of the Free State or Transvaal or rebels of Cape Colony into
+     Rhodesian territory.
+
+     The officers were:--Major C. D. Learoyd, Royal Engineers; Major
+     A. V. Jenner, D.S.O., Rifle Brigade; Major C. L. Josling, Royal
+     Army Medical Corps; Major G. A. R. Carew, 7th Hussars; Captain
+     E. Peach, Indian Staff Corps; Captain R. G. Partridge, Army
+     Ordnance Department; Captain W. E. Lawrence, South Wales
+     Borderers; Second Lieutenant C. S. Rome, 11th Hussars; Second
+     Lieutenant C. H. Dillon, Rifle Brigade; Paymaster G. J. C.
+     Whittington, Hon. Colonel; Lieutenant Pemberton; Major P.
+     Dalton, late 3rd V.B. Royal Fusiliers; Major C. D. Guise, 3rd
+     Gloucester Regiment; Brevet-Major P. Moir Byres, 1st Dragoon
+     Guards; Captain C. W. Kennard, 3rd Gordon Highlanders; Second
+     Lieutenant W. H. Longden, 4th East Surrey Regiment; Chaplain
+     Rev. F. P. Moreton, M.A.; Lieutenant R. Laing, surgeon;
+     Lieutenant E. A. Parsons, surgeon; Lieutenant H. Cardin,
+     surgeon; Lieutenant F. F. Bond, surgeon; Lieutenant G. H.
+     Collard, surgeon; Lieutenant F. R. Pullin, surgeon; Lieutenant
+     H. D. Buss, surgeon; Colonel H. C. Wood, late 10th Hussars;
+     Lieut.-Colonel J. Leslie, 5th Royal Irish Fusiliers;
+     Lieutenant-Colonel B. G. Booth, late Scots Guards; Major J. W.
+     Traill, late 4th Cheshire; Captain R. Gray, C.M.G., late 6th
+     Dragoons; Captain E. C. P. Curzon, late 18th Hussars; Captain
+     F. C. P. Curzon, Royal Irish Rifles; Captain H. F. F. Fisher,
+     Army Service Corps; Veterinary-Captain H. T. W. Mann;
+     Lieutenant J. K. Rashleigh, late Artillery Militia; Lieutenant
+     F. J. Lawrence, late English Militia; Lieutenant C. A.
+     Burgoyne, 3rd Dragoon Guards; Lieutenant A. Wormald, surgeon;
+     Major E. J. Tickell, D.S.O., 14th Hussars; Captain J. Ponsonby,
+     Coldstream Guards; Captain Pereira, Coldstream Guards; Captain
+     H. J. Haddock, Royal Welsh Fusiliers; Captain R. K. Arbuthnot,
+     Royal Irish Regiment; Lieutenant W. D. P. Watson, late Scots
+     Greys; Major G. Wright, R.G.A.; Major A. Paris, R.M.A.; Captain
+     and Hon. Major G. E. Giles, late R.A. In all, forty-four
+     officers.
+
+
+     NATAL
+
+     The following is a list of the names and numbers of the local
+     forces which the colony of Natal has put into the field: Natal
+     Naval Volunteers, 150; Natal Carabineers (Colonel Royston,
+     since dead), 465; Natal Mounted Rifles, 200; Border Mounted
+     Rifles, 270; Umvoti Mounted Rifles (Major Leuchars), 130; Natal
+     Field Artillery, 120; Natal Royal Rifles, 145; Durban Light
+     Infantry, 400; Medical Staff, 7; Veterinary, 3; Staff, 19;
+     Natal Mounted Police (Europeans) at Ladysmith and other
+     portions of the Colony (Colonel Dartnell), 649; Thorneycroft's
+     Mounted Infantry (Colonel Thorneycroft, Royal Scots Fusiliers,
+     D.A.A.G.), 500; Bethune's Mounted Infantry (Lieut.-Colonel
+     Bethune, 16th Lancers, Colonel Addison second in command), 500;
+     Imperial Light Infantry (Colonel Nash), 1000; Imperial Light
+     Horse (Colonel Scott Chisholm, killed 21st November 1899), 500;
+     Colonial Scouts (Colonel Edwards, Captain Sydney Osborne), 500;
+     Ambulance Bearers (1st section), 1000; Ambulance Bearers (2nd
+     section), 600. Total, 7158.
+
+     The South African Light Horse is mentioned among the Cape
+     Colonial troops, though it has done notable work in Natal. The
+     second and third regiments of the corps became respectively
+     Roberts's and Kitchener's Horse. In the district of Kaffraria
+     half the available men were embodied, men belonging to the Duke
+     of Edinburgh's Own Volunteer Rifles--one of the corps of
+     "regulars" belonging to Cape Colony.
+
+     The South African Light Horse was started on the 12th of
+     November. By order of Sir Redvers Buller a recruiting office
+     was opened in Cape Town, whereupon the place was instantly
+     invaded. Patriotic fervour ran high, and every one desired to
+     take a share in showing forth the might of Great Britain. The
+     officers, Major Byng (10th Hussars, with temporary rank of
+     colonel) and Captain Villiers (R.H.G., with temporary rank of
+     major), set themselves manfully to hurry the work of
+     organisation. In no time men were picked--fine riders and fine
+     shots--mounted and equipped. Saddlery, tents, harness,
+     ammunition--all were gathered together with startling celerity.
+     Among the troopers were British-born subjects, Uitlanders,
+     Colonials, Americans, farmers, seamen, &c. The officers hailed
+     from many regiments--the 10th Hussars, Royal Horse Guards, Life
+     Guards, 11th Hussars, 20th Hussars, Gordon Highlanders,
+     Yeomanry, Militia--all manner of men of distinction and wealth
+     and breeding uniting together in a common brotherhood for a
+     common cause.
+
+     The following is a list of the officers: Colonel Byng, 10th
+     Hussars, commanding; Major Villiers, Royal Horse Guards, second
+     in command; Captain Fraser, 1st Life Guards, adjutant; Captain
+     French, late L.G., Maxims; Captain Harden, Transport; Captain
+     Murray; Captain Anderson; Captain Hull, paymaster; Vet.-Captain
+     Walker; Vet.-Lieutenant Steele; Chaplain Rev. G. Eales.
+     Squadron Leaders--Captain Balfour, late 11th Hussars; Major
+     (Bimbash) Stewart, Gordon Highlanders; Captain Kirkwood;
+     Captain Gatacre; Captain Renton; Captain Whittaker; Captain
+     Child; Captain Allgood. Lieutenants Milne, Tucker, Brown,
+     Jobling, De Rougemont, Tarbutt, Davis, Bathurst, Shepherd;
+     Second Lieutenants Warren, Carlton Smith, Hamilton, Cock,
+     Leith, Welstead, Robinson, Oates, Johnson, Vignelles, Vaughan,
+     Carlisle, Marsden, Overbeck, Newman, Penrose, Kuhlman, Horne,
+     Cloete, Walker-Leigh, Hon. de Saumarez, Thorold, Kitson,
+     Vaghan.
+
+     Three squadrons under Captain Byng proceeded to the front to
+     Natal, where they immediately distinguished themselves, while
+     the remainder of the regiment went to the western border, and
+     there took a full share of incessant work.
+
+     The Natal Mounted Police under Colonel Dartnell, "a genius,
+     planner, and guide," did wonderful deeds in relation to the
+     defence of Ladysmith and during the trying actions which
+     preceded it. The gallant colonel, who has been described in
+     action as being "as good as a brigade," placed his own horse at
+     the disposal of General Symons, who was wounded, and saw him
+     safely off the field at Glencoe.
+
+     The Natal Carabineers served splendidly both within and without
+     Ladysmith, some of the force, under Lord Dundonald, being the
+     first to relieve the town. Their fighting qualities are well
+     known, and it is unnecessary to do more than quote the words of
+     General Hunter, who said, "I never wish to serve with better
+     men."
+
+     First-rate work has been done by the Frontier Mounted Rifles, a
+     well-trained and excellently-equipped body of men, all in the
+     prime of life, and drawn from the eastern border towns of the
+     Cape Colony. They held a position of continual danger, being
+     encamped nearest the enemy. Being born and bred among the
+     kopjes which afforded the Boers such cosy hiding-places, they
+     were acquainted with every nook and corner, and could find
+     their way about them both in daylight and dark. This force,
+     with the Cape Police, helped to keep General Gatacre informed
+     regarding the seething mass of disloyalty that surrounded him.
+     It was difficult to choose between the honest hostility of the
+     Free Staters and the crafty antagonism of the rebel Dutchmen,
+     who had joined the enemy almost to a man. These were known to
+     be in active collusion with the foe, assisting them by spying,
+     blowing up culverts, wrecking railway lines, and generally
+     assisting in the development of the plots to sweep British rule
+     from the soil of Africa. Loyal British subjects had much to
+     suffer at the hands of these people, who spent their time
+     carrying off and destroying furniture and valuables, smashing
+     windows and doors, and damaging all property other than their
+     own that they could lay hands on, and with these duplicit
+     ruffians the British troops unaided by Colonials could never
+     have been even. Besides the valuable services of the Frontier
+     Mounted Rifles and the Cape Police, General Gatacre had under
+     him four other regiments of Cape Colonials, who were all trying
+     to outrival each other in nobility, pluck, and usefulness. Of
+     many other regiments pages might be written, but space does not
+     permit. In regard to the Imperial Light Horse, one sentence
+     expressed by Sir George White speaks volumes. He said it was
+     composed of the finest fighting material that he had ever had
+     under his command.
+
+
+     THE IMPERIAL YEOMANRY
+
+     Early in the days of war Lord Lonsdale offered to take out to
+     South Africa 200 men of the Westmoreland and Cumberland
+     Yeomanry, of which he is colonel, and to fully equip and clothe
+     them. Lord Harris and his regiment, the East Kent Mounted
+     Rifles, also were among the first to volunteer for the front,
+     and before that the Middlesex Yeomanry (the Duke of
+     Cambridge's Hussars) made a hurried application to go to the
+     Transvaal, which impetuosity of loyalty was met by the War
+     Office with courteous refusal. At that time the need for light
+     cavalry in South Africa seemed scarcely to have dawned on the
+     authorities. It was true that October mists and November fogs
+     had enveloped London, and that no one between Downing Street
+     and the Mansion House could see an inch before his nose, and it
+     was equally true that by the time these mists had cleared away
+     there was only one question, namely, "How many men could be
+     sent abroad out of the 10,000 who constituted the Yeomanry
+     Cavalry?"
+
+     Then, in December, the following announcement, with regulations
+     to be observed in the organisation of a Contingent of Yeomanry
+     and Volunteers, was published:--
+
+     YEOMANRY.--1. Her Majesty's Government have decided to raise
+     for service in South Africa a mounted infantry force, to be
+     named "The Imperial Yeomanry." 2. The force will be recruited
+     from the Yeomanry, but Volunteers and civilians who may possess
+     the requisite qualifications (as given below) will be specially
+     enrolled in the Yeomanry for this purpose. 3. The force will be
+     organised in companies of 115 rank and file, five officers
+     being allotted to each company, viz., one captain and four
+     subalterns, preference being given to Yeomanry officers. 4. The
+     term of enlistment for officers and men will be for one year,
+     or for not less than the period of the war. 5. The officers and
+     men will bring their own horses, clothing, saddlery, and
+     accoutrements. Arms and ammunition, camp equipment, and
+     regimental transport will be provided by Government. 6. The men
+     will be dressed in Norfolk jackets, of woollen material of
+     neutral colour, breeches and gaiters, lace boots, and felt
+     hats. Strict uniformity of pattern will not be insisted upon.
+     7. The pay will be at cavalry rates, with a capitation grant
+     for horses, clothing, saddles, and accoutrements. All ranks
+     will receive rations from date of joining. Gratuities and
+     allowances will be those laid down in special army order of May
+     10, 1899. 8. Applications for enrolment should be addressed to
+     colonels commanding Yeomanry regiments, or to General Officers
+     commanding districts, to whom instructions will be immediately
+     issued.
+
+     _Qualifications._--(_a_) Candidates must be from twenty to
+     thirty-five years of age and of good character. (_b_)
+     Volunteers or civilian candidates must satisfy the colonel of
+     the regiment through which they enlist that they are good
+     riders and marksmen, according to Yeomanry standard. (_c_) The
+     standard of physique to be that for cavalry of the line.
+
+     VOLUNTEERS.--Her Majesty's Government have decided to accept
+     offers of service in South Africa from the Volunteers. A
+     carefully selected company of 110 rank and file, officered by
+     one captain and three subalterns, will be raised (one for each
+     British line battalion serving in, or about to proceed to,
+     South Africa) from the Volunteer battalions of the territorial
+     regiment. These Volunteer companies will, as a general rule,
+     take the place in the line battalion of its company, serving as
+     mounted infantry. The Volunteer battalions from which a company
+     is accepted will form and maintain a waiting company in reserve
+     at home. The selection of men from the Volunteer battalions for
+     service with the line battalion in the field, will devolve on
+     the commanding officers of Volunteer battalions. The terms of
+     enlistment for officers and men will be for one year, or for
+     not less than the period of the war. Full instructions for the
+     information of all concerned will be issued with the least
+     possible delay through General Officers commanding districts.
+
+     [Illustration: LONDON'S RESPONSE--THE CITY IMPERIAL VOLUNTEERS
+     CROSSING WESTMINSTER BRIDGE.
+
+     Drawing by Allan Stewart.]
+
+     A committee was formed to assist in organising the Yeomanry
+     force, among which were the following notable persons:
+     Colonel Lord Chesham, Colonel A. G. Lucas, Colonel Viscount
+     Valentia, Colonel the Right Hon. W. H. Long, M. P. Colonel the
+     Earl of Lonsdale consented to assist the committee in the
+     obtaining of horses. The following Acting Staff Officers were
+     nominated to assist Colonel Lord Chesham: Captain the Hon. W.
+     Bagot (late Scots Guards), Captain L. Sandwith (8th Hussars),
+     Adjutant of the 2nd Yeomanry Brigade.
+
+     In a short, an almost incredibly short, space of time numerous
+     battalions were in readiness, and a strong contingent from
+     Ireland was raised, composed mainly of hunting men. The
+     Under-Secretary for War wrote to correct the impression which
+     prevailed in some quarters that the raising of funds by private
+     subscriptions for the Volunteers and Imperial Yeomanry going to
+     South Africa was promoted by Government in order to do work
+     which ought to be done with Government money. He pointed out
+     that the Government was bearing the whole cost of those forces,
+     providing them directly with their pay, food, and arms, and,
+     through their regiments, with clothing and equipments. But the
+     Government allowance for these things was calculated on the
+     regular army scale, and the public subscription would be
+     serviceable in the way of making better provision in those
+     directions for the local Volunteers and Yeomanry, of locally
+     overcoming certain difficulties of organisation, and of
+     decentralising a great deal of contracting for horses, saddles,
+     clothing, &c. Why, they argued, should the man who volunteers
+     his service in the field bear also all the cost of making
+     himself efficient, and all the cost entailed by his absence
+     from his trade or profession? Surely those who could not
+     volunteer for the front will be glad to assist him, or his
+     corps in this case, as they have assisted him or his corps in
+     time of peace for forty years? Quantities of men of independent
+     means throughout the country, a great many of whom were
+     acquainted with each other, were ready and anxious to form a
+     corps of the Imperial Yeomanry, messing and fighting together,
+     and enduring the hardships and dangers of the trooper in
+     emulation of the regular service man; and to this body of men
+     the corps specially appealed. Though at first some 5000 men
+     were called for, it was evident that 10,000 could have been
+     recruited if needed. The magnificent example set by thousands
+     of young men in humble stations of life, who left home and good
+     employment courageously to serve their country, acted as a
+     powerful incentive to their more fortunate brethren of means
+     and leisure, and it was astonishing to find how readily all the
+     members of the "upper ten" sacrificed themselves rather than be
+     "out of it." Eventually the Duke of Cambridge's Own, the
+     Special Corps, went to Africa, paying their own expenses. In
+     this corps every trooper, equally with every other member of
+     the Imperial Yeomanry, was entitled to a grant of £65 on
+     joining, but all other expenses were defrayed by themselves,
+     and even the pay received during the campaign was devoted to
+     swell the Imperial War Fund for the widows and orphans of
+     soldiers who had fallen in action. The cost of equipment of
+     each recruit amounted to £170. The special purpose of the
+     scheme was to attract men of social standing and education, and
+     enable groups of friends to serve together in the same unit at
+     the front. Among those who were enrolled was Lord Elphinstone;
+     Mr. Geoffrey Malcolm Gathorne-Hardy, grandson of the Earl of
+     Cranbrook; Captain Shaw; the Hon. Aubrey N. Molyneux Herbert
+     (brother of the Earl of Carnarvon); the Hon. A. Hill-Trevor.
+     Lord Lovat engaged himself actively in raising a corps of
+     Highland gillies. In addition to the Government grant,
+     magnificent contributions poured in for the full equipment of
+     the corps. Lord Loch worked energetically in organising the
+     South African Contingent of the Imperial Yeomanry. These
+     troops were formed only of men who had South African
+     experience, and had seen service there.
+
+     The following is a list of the various battalions:--
+
+     1st Battalion (Colonel Challoner)--1st and 2nd Co. Royal
+     Wiltshire Yeomanry; 4th Co. Glamorganshire Detachment; 3rd Co.
+     Gloucestershire Yeomanry. 2nd Battalion (Colonel Burke)--32nd
+     Co. Lancashire Hussars; 21st and 22nd Co. Cheshire Yeomanry;
+     5th Co. Warwickshire Yeomanry. 3rd Battalion (Colonel
+     Younghusband)--9th Co. Yorkshire Hussars; 11th Co. Yorkshire
+     Dragoons; 12th Co. South Notts; 10th Co. Notts (Sherwood
+     Rangers). 4th Battalion (Colonel Blair)--7th Co. Leicestershire
+     Yeomanry; 8th Co. Derbyshire Yeomanry; 6th Co. Staffordshire
+     Yeomanry; 28th Co. Bedfordshire Detachment. 5th Battalion
+     (Colonel Meyrick)--14th and 15th Co. Northumberland; 13th Co.
+     Shropshire; 16th Co. Worcestershire. 6th Battalion (Colonel
+     Burn)--17th Co. Ayrshire Yeomanry; 18th Co. Lanarkshire
+     Yeomanry; 19th Co. Lothian and Berwickshire; 20th Co. Fife
+     Light Horse. 7th Battalion (Colonel Helyar)--27th Co. Royal 1st
+     Devon, Royal North Devon; 48th Co. North Somerset; 25th Co.
+     West Somerset; 26th Co. Dorsetshire. 8th Battalion (Colonel
+     Crawley)--23rd Co. Duke of Lancaster's Own; 51st and 52nd Co.
+     Mr. Paget's Corps; 24th Co. Westmoreland and Cumberland. 9th
+     Battalion (Colonel Howard)--29th Co. Denbighshire; 30th Co.
+     Pembrokeshire; 31st and 49th Co. Montgomeryshire. 10th
+     Battalion (Colonel Lord Chesham)--37th and 38th Co.
+     Buckinghamshire; 39th Co. Berkshire; 40th Co. Oxfordshire, 11th
+     Battalion (Colonel Wilson)--42nd Co. Hertfordshire; 43rd and
+     44th Co. Suffolk; 41st Co. Hampshire Carabineers. 12th
+     Battalion (Colonel Mitford)--34th and 35th Co. Middlesex; 33rd
+     Co. Royal East Kent; 36th Co. West Kent. 13th Battalion--54th
+     and 56th Co. Irish (Belfast) Companies; 45th Co. Irish (Dublin)
+     Company; 47th Co. Lord Donoughmore's Corps (Duke of Cambridge's
+     Own). 14th Battalion (Lieut.-Colonel Brookfield)--55th Co.
+     Northumberland; 53rd Co. Royal East Kent; 50th Co. Hampshire;
+     62nd Co. Middlesex. 15th Battalion (Lieut.-Colonel
+     Sandwith)--56th and 57th Co. Bucks; 58th Co. Berks; 59th Co.
+     Oxford. 16th Battalion (Lieut.-Colonel Ridley)--63rd Co. Wilts;
+     64th Co. Cheshire; 65th Co. Suffolk; 66th Co. York. 17th
+     Battalion (Lieut.-Colonel Moore ?)--60th Co. North Irish,
+     Belfast; 61st Co. South Irish, Dublin. 18th Battalion--67th,
+     70th, and 71st Co. Sharpshooters. 19th Battalion
+     (Lieut.-Colonel Rodney ?)--69th Co. Sussex; 68th Co. Paget's
+     Corps; 72nd Co. Rough Riders; 73rd Co. Paget's Corps.
+
+     Each battalion consisted of four companies of 116 each.
+
+     Colonel Viscount Downe, who was serving on Lord Roberts's staff
+     in South Africa, was elected to command a brigade of the
+     Imperial Yeomanry, and Lieutenant the Hon. R. F. Molyneux,
+     Royal Horse Guards, was selected as his aide-de-camp.
+
+     Lord Dunraven's Battalion of Sharpshooters embarked for Africa
+     to join the Rhodesian Force on the 6th of April. It was
+     composed of four companies. The 67th, under the command of
+     Captain Crum (late 52nd Regiment), was accompanied by
+     Lieutenants Langford, Jones, Curley, and Dyke. The 75th,
+     commanded by Major Warden (late Middlesex Regiment), was
+     accompanied by Lieutenants Gabbett, Power, Warde, and
+     Bosanquet. The 70th Company, comprising the Scottish Unit under
+     Colonel Hill (late 12th Lancers), was accompanied by
+     Lieutenants Clark, Torrance, Hotchkiss, and Andrews. The
+     remaining company was commanded by Sir Savile Crossley.
+
+     The Earl of Dunraven, the founder of the corps, went to South
+     Africa as Supernumerary Captain on the Battalion Staff.
+
+
+     THE CITY IMPERIAL VOLUNTEERS
+
+     The announcement that the Government had decided to send to
+     South Africa a force of Volunteers, was received with general
+     delight by our civilian soldiers throughout the country. Here
+     was a chance--a chance never before offered to earn distinction
+     in the field; and here was an opportunity--most seasonable and
+     appropriate, for the expression of public opinion, and for the
+     display, the universal and effervescent patriotism that had
+     found little chance of outlet in the prosaic walks of everyday
+     life. The official intimation came as a surprise, and surprise
+     in a few moments developed into unrestrained joy. The proposal
+     to employ "a strong contingent of carefully selected
+     Volunteers" was no sooner published than the War Office was
+     besieged with applicants all eager to know what chance of being
+     included in the great military movement might be available. A
+     few weeks before the opening of Parliament Colonel Sir Howard
+     Vincent volunteered "marksmen" for service in South Africa, and
+     other colonels of Volunteer regiments followed suit. General
+     Trotter (commanding the Home District) expressed a belief that
+     the employment of Volunteers in the present crisis would
+     demonstrate for all who should care to profit by the lesson the
+     magnificent reserve force of civilian soldiers possessed by our
+     nation, a force utterly ignored by Continental nations. This
+     force was practically a force of picked men, selected marksmen
+     who, unlike the "Regulars," were all first-rate shots, and fit
+     to cope with the skilled sharpshooters of the Boers. The
+     marksmanship of many of the London corps of Volunteers has for
+     many years been phenomenal, and it was said that in one company
+     of the 13th Middlesex there were no less than sixty-three
+     first-class shots out of eighty. Finally, it was decided that
+     the "C.I.V.'s," as they were called, should consist of 1400,
+     and both corps sailed towards the end of January. Prior to
+     their departure the Freedom of the City was conferred upon the
+     officers of the regiment at the Guildhall, and later an
+     impressive farewell service was held at St. Paul's Cathedral.
+     Their departure through London was somewhat difficult, owing to
+     the dense and enthusiastic multitude that thronged the streets
+     to see the last of them.
+
+     [Illustration: 12½-POUNDER QUICK-FIRING FIELD-GUN--CITY OF
+     LONDON FIELD BATTERY.
+
+     (By permission of Messrs. Vickers, Sons & Maxim, and the
+     publishers of the _Engineer_.)]
+
+     The Lord Mayor, Mr. Newton (now Sir A. J. Newton, Bart.), who
+     was the moving spirit in the organisation of the corps, gave an
+     excellent account of the splendid work that had been
+     accomplished and of the prompt equipment and despatch of the
+     regiment. This report concisely and modestly describes the
+     enormous undertaking, though it does not sufficiently enlarge
+     on the keen personal interest and magnificent services rendered
+     by the prime mover in the great scheme. The Lord Mayor said:
+     "From the moment when the Commander-in-Chief did me the honour
+     of placing in my hands, as Chief Magistrate of the City of
+     London, the organisation of a regiment of thoroughly qualified
+     Volunteers for service in South Africa, I have been profoundly
+     impressed with the responsibility of the trust, and the
+     importance of every promise made on behalf of the Corporation
+     and City of London being fulfilled in its integrity. The
+     original promise was 1000 Metropolitan Volunteers, all
+     recommended by their commanding officers, all between twenty
+     and thirty-five years, all bachelors, and that at least 250
+     should be mounted. That was on the 20th of December (1899), and
+     now, on the 3rd of February (1900), the City of London, with
+     the approval of the military authorities, has completely
+     equipped and despatched to the seat of war upwards of 1550
+     selected Volunteers, of whom 500 men and 17 officers are
+     already in Cape Town--all approved by the General Officer
+     commanding the Home District. Of these, 400 are mounted
+     infantry, having their saddlery with them, and their horses
+     ready at the Cape. Four small Maxim guns, with 200,000 rounds
+     of ammunition, have also been shipped. A highly trained battery
+     of field artillery, mainly provided by the Honourable Artillery
+     Company, through the zealous co-operation of the Earl of
+     Denbigh, composed of 140 men and officers, left the Royal
+     Albert Docks by the steamship _Montfort_. This section took
+     with it four 12½-pounder quick-firing guns and ample
+     ammunition, together with their full complement of 110 horses,
+     purchased here, as they must be of a stouter type than the Cape
+     horses. The City has also--which was not originally
+     intended--provided the entire camp and tent equipment for the
+     whole force when it leaves Cape Town, and, at the request of
+     the authorities, done a good deal in the direction of land
+     transport, without interfering with the responsibility of the
+     Headquarters Staff in South Africa in respect of maintenance of
+     the corps. The regiment constitutes a part of her Majesty's
+     regular army. The officers and men are soldiers, and remain so
+     during the campaign. The time has been very brief, but there
+     has been neither hurry nor confusion, and the explanation of
+     the successful results may be fairly summed up as follows: As
+     soon as Lord Wolseley accepted my offer, made on behalf of the
+     Corporation and City, I was in the position of an autocrat in
+     this business, and the power of the purse was promptly placed
+     at my disposal--in the first instance by the Corporation with
+     its grant of £25,000, by the City Livery Companies, the large
+     shipowners, bankers, merchants, the Honourable Artillery
+     Companies, its members, and the citizens generally. The
+     Metropolitan Volunteer commanding officers vied with each other
+     as to who could send the most men, do the most work, and be the
+     most useful. The result is that, with the exception of a few
+     staff officers from the regular army, the officers of the City
+     Imperial Volunteers are gentlemen engaged in civil pursuits,
+     but who have spent years in efficiently performing their
+     duties. The non-commissioned officers are most carefully picked
+     from the vast band of qualified men holding the same or higher
+     rank in their own Volunteer regiments, and every man of the
+     rank and file has been expressly recommended by his commanding
+     officer for the particular duty allotted to him. Several
+     committees have dealt with sea and land transport, equipment,
+     saddlery, and finance, and Volunteer commanding officers have
+     served on all these. A committee of the Honourable Artillery
+     Company and the battery officers arranged the details of their
+     own equipment without coming to the Mansion House for anything
+     but the inevitable cheque. The selection of Colonel Mackinnon,
+     A.A.G., Home District, as commandant was a very fortunate one
+     for all concerned. Major-General Turner, C.B., R.A., has been
+     constant in his attendance at the Mansion House, and always at
+     hand when technical assistance was required. Major Freemantle
+     and Lieutenant Grantham have been indefatigable, while my son
+     as hon. secretary to, and Mr. A. D. Watson, a member of, the
+     Equipment Committee, have gone to Cape Town as the connecting
+     link for a short time between the regiment and its
+     headquarters--the Mansion House. Colonel C. G. Boxall, C.B., on
+     whose initiative I took up this work, has thoroughly and
+     loyally fulfilled in every sense his promise to me to see this
+     business completed, for which his admittedly great technical
+     knowledge and his indomitable zeal in the Volunteer cause so
+     eminently fit him. Mr. Abe Bailey, D.L. of the City, who from
+     the first placed his services at my disposal, is acting as
+     honorary agent of the regiment at Cape Town. He purchased over
+     four hundred horses, and arranged for their being put in
+     training and ready for the arrival of the first contingent,
+     besides rendering other and invaluable aid. Several City firms
+     have furnished contingents of their expert employees, whose
+     services at the Guildhall in the preparation and distribution
+     of "kits" have been of great assistance. The payment of
+     accounts is now progressing, and at the first opportunity an
+     audited statement of receipts and expenditure will be
+     presented. In conclusion, I would state that the whole force
+     has gone to the front with no burning desire for glory, but
+     with a determination to do its duty, and with an intense
+     loyalty and devotion to their beloved Sovereign."
+
+
+     ROLL OF THE CITY OF LONDON IMPERIAL VOLUNTEERS.
+
+     Officers.--Infantry--Colonel, Earl of Albemarle; second in
+     command, Lieutenant-Colonel A. G. Pawle; Adjutant, Captain the
+     Hon. J. R. Bailey. A Company--Captain A. Reid; Lieutenant F. R.
+     Jeffrey; Lieutenant E. D. Townroe. B Company--Captain C. W.
+     Berkeley; Lieutenant B. W. Garnett; Lieutenant J. W. Cohen. C
+     Company--Captain C. Matthey; Lieutenant the Hon. S. McDonnell,
+     C.B.; Lieutenant E. Treffry. D Company--Captain F. J. Cousens;
+     Lieutenant J. H. Smith; Lieutenant F. R. Burnside. E
+     Company--Captain R. B. Shipley; Lieutenant W. J. P. Benson;
+     Lieutenant F. B. Marsh. F Company--Captain W. Edis; Lieutenant
+     P. F. Brown; Lieutenant S. H. Hole. G Company--Captain A. A.
+     Howell; Lieutenant C. P. Grindle; Lieutenant P. Croft. H
+     Company--Captain C. A. Mortimer; Lieutenant W. B. I. Alt;
+     Lieutenant B. C. Green. Quartermaster, Captain S. Firth.
+     Medical Officer, Surgeon-Captain E. St. V. Ryan. Staff--Colonel
+     W. H. Mackinnon; Lieutenant E. H. Trotter; Transport Captain J.
+     E. H. Orr; Paymaster Captain Triggs (late A. P. D.); Medical
+     Officer, Surgeon-Captain R. R. Sleman; Veterinary Officer, W.
+     S. Mulvey. Battery--Major G. McMicking; Captain E. C. Budworth;
+     Lieutenant A. C. Lowe; Lieutenant H. Bayley; Lieutenant J. F.
+     Duncan; Surgeon, Captain A. Thorne. Mounted Infantry--Colonel
+     H. C. Cholmondeley; Adjutant Captain E. Bell; Quartermaster J.
+     Ridler. Machine-Gun Section--Lieutenant E. V. Wellby. No. 1
+     Company--Captain J. W. Reid; Lieutenant G. Berry; Lieutenant W.
+     H. Brailey; Lieutenant B. Moeller; Lieutenant C. H. W. Wilson.
+     No. 2 Company--Captain J. F. Waterlow; Lieutenant A. Bailey;
+     Lieutenant E. G. Concanon; Lieutenant A. H. Henderson;
+     Lieutenant E. A. Manisty.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[6] For much valuable information I am indebted to the editor of the
+_South African Volunteer Gazette_.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+AT COLESBERG
+
+
+The troops with General French were in very fine fettle. They had no
+past history; they were not damped by the remembrance of a Majesfontein,
+a Stormberg, or a Colenso. They had perfect confidence in their chief;
+they had just enough hard work to keep their wits polished and their
+minds alert, and in the intervals there was sport of a kind for those
+who fancied it.
+
+Fighting in and around Colesberg was incessant. The Boers were most
+stubborn in their determination to get rid of the British, and General
+French was equally stubborn in his determination to get rid of the
+Boers! Colesberg was a situation to be desired, and both British and
+Boer forces fought desperately to hold it. It is situated some
+thirty-seven miles north of Naauwpoort, which is the junction of a
+branch line to De Aar. Between Naauwpoort and Colesberg are undulating
+pastures, and the town itself, which boasts a population of 1900 souls,
+possesses three--till lately--thriving hotels. In addition to these
+attractions it has for the Boers another--the attraction of being the
+birthplace of Oom Paul. Its capture would have mightily impressed the
+waverers in Cape Colony, consequently General French determined to
+celebrate the New Year by making another lunge at the enemy.
+
+Early on Monday morning his troops took up a position upon the kopjes
+surrounding the town. His force, divided into two brigades commanded by
+Colonel Porter (Carabineers) and Colonel Fisher (10th Hussars),
+simultaneously attacked the Boer position.
+
+The second brigade started from Rensburg at five on the previous
+afternoon, passed the night at Maider's farm, and in the small hours
+proceeded to their destination, the Boer position on Kul Kop, and seized
+the kopjes overlooking Colesberg on the west.
+
+The advance was made on the Boer haunts at nine, and was greeted by a
+tornado from the surprised enemy, whose position extended for six miles
+round the entire village. Our artillery answered briskly, continuing a
+two hours' argument which had the result of effectually silencing the
+seven or eight Boer guns. (Curiously enough, on inspection, it was
+discovered that some of the Boer shells had been manufactured at the
+Royal Laboratory, Woolwich!)
+
+Meanwhile the cavalry and horse-artillery were endeavouring to work
+round to the north of the enemy's position. The foe, ever nimble, was
+kept "on the trot." He was driven from hill to hill. Brilliantly the
+Berkshires, under Major M'Cracken, stormed a kopje to the west of
+Colesberg, occupying successive positions and pouring a torrent of lead
+on the enemy, who fled in disorder with loud shouts! Splendidly wheeled
+the cavalry, under Colonel Fisher, executing at the same time a flank
+movement and closing in round the Dutchmen, who had but time to flee.
+The enemy retired towards the west, followed always by the British, but
+owing to the peculiar disposition of the many kopjes in the vicinity the
+task of pursuing them was difficult. In their retreat towards Colesberg
+Junction they were hotly chased by the cavalry, and Colesberg itself was
+left almost in our hands.
+
+On the 2nd of January an unfortunate accident occurred. A train within
+the British lines was mysteriously set in motion, and was carried by the
+impetus given to it in the direction of the Boer lines. It travelled
+slowly, but sufficiently fast to get out of reach, and as the machine
+was full of supplies, it was necessary to fire on and destroy it rather
+than allow the Boers to reap the reward of rebel treachery. The brakes
+were found to have been taken off the trucks, and a Dutchman was
+arrested on suspicion of having perpetrated the deed. At first an
+attempt was made to mend the trucks, the working party being supported
+by Carabineers and the Mounted Infantry; but these were bombarded by the
+Boers, and finally the trucks had to be fired to prevent the rations
+they contained, a quantity of rum, from falling into the hands of the
+enemy. The New South Wales Lancers under Major Lee, who were sent to the
+scene to avert looting by the foe, spent five hours under fire, holding
+the position and returning the fire with great gallantry.
+
+The small force under General French's command at this time consisted of
+the Carabineers, 10th Hussars, Inniskilling Dragoons, O and R Batteries
+of Horse Artillery, the Berkshires and Suffolks, the New South Wales
+Lancers and New Zealanders. With this limited number he had worked
+wonders, driving the Dutchmen out from the kopjes immediately around
+Arundel, and forcing them continually to shift their position, a process
+which effectually deterred them from gaining ground. The Boer position
+now lay on long lines of kopjes to east and west of the rails, from
+Taaibosch Laagte to Rensburg; in the middle of the plain was the
+dumpling-figured kopje known as Val Kop which the British had been
+forced to evacuate.
+
+The enemy now prepared a little surprise. At daybreak on the 4th they
+made a sudden attempt to outflank the British position beyond Coleskop,
+westward of the town; thus hoping to reopen communications with the
+northern waggon bridge.
+
+In General French's report of the day's work, he said: "The enemy was
+found to have established himself in strength at some hills running
+about east and west at right angles to the left rear of our position.
+The cavalry on the left should not have allowed him to do this unseen,
+but in turning him out they rendered signal service. The 10th Hussars,
+with two guns which I sent to them, threatened to take them in reverse,
+and they were heavily fired upon by the remaining four guns of O Battery
+in front. This caused several hundred to abandon the position, and the
+plain was covered with flying horsemen. The 10th Hussars on one flank,
+and a squadron of the Inniskillings on the other, dashed after them. The
+10th Hussars were checked by some of the Boers taking up a strong
+position in some rocks to cover the retreat of the others. In a most
+gallant style Colonel Fisher dismounted his men and led them on foot
+against this position, which they carried with great boldness and
+intrepidity.
+
+"In this daring operation, I regret to say, Major Harvey was killed, and
+Major Alexander severely wounded.
+
+"The 6th Dragoons, led by Captain E. A. Herbert, showed no less dash,
+pursuing the enemy, mounted, and inflicting some loss with their lances.
+Some 200 of the enemy had, however, still clung to the hills, and after
+shelling them for some considerable time, both in front and flank, I
+decided to clear the position with the Mounted Infantry. Advancing under
+cover of the fire of the artillery, Captain De Lisle moved his men with
+great skill to a position where he could move against the enemy's right
+flank. Here he dismounted and advanced to attack, choosing the ground
+with admirable care. At this threat at least 100 more of the Boers took
+to flight in many small parties, the remainder endeavoured to check the
+Mounted Infantry advance. When one half the position was made good, a
+final exodus was made by the enemy, and twenty-one last remaining Boers
+surrendered. The Mounted Infantry suffered no casualties. This operation
+was most skilfully and boldly carried out by Captain De Lisle. It has
+been conclusively ascertained that on this day the enemy lost upwards of
+ninety killed and wounded, our casualties being six killed and fifteen
+wounded."
+
+[Illustration: OFFICERS--CITY OF LONDON IMPERIAL VOLUNTEERS.
+
+Photo by Gregory & Co., London.]
+
+On the 5th of January, Lieutenant Sir John Milbanke, who went out with a
+patrol of five men on the plain north of Colesberg, came in touch with
+the enemy. The Boers galloped up to intercept the small British party,
+and Sir John Milbanke was slightly wounded in the thigh. This form of
+skirmish was an almost daily occurrence, for round the place was a
+species of Boer girdle. The Dutchmen, like flies--swept off at one
+moment to return the next--now buzzed in the hills within a mile radius
+from the town, while on the north, in the direction of the Free State,
+and in the east towards Aliwal and Burghersdorp, they remained in
+undisturbed possession of the country. To the north of Colesberg was a
+hill which practically commanded the road to Orange River, and also
+other roads leading to the town. That this hill should be in British
+possession was eminently desirable, and Colonel Watson conceived the
+idea that it might be easily taken and held by us. With General French's
+permission, on Friday, the 5th of January, he arranged an expedition, a
+midnight one, for the purpose of gaining the coveted position. He
+started forth at two o'clock on the morning of the 6th with four
+companies of the Suffolk Regiment. After marching stealthily in the
+darkness for about a mile, they reached the foot of the hill. This kopje
+had been often reconnoitred by various officers, and it was not due to
+any rashness on their part that a lamentable accident occurred. They
+marched through the dead of night to the top of the hill. In the morning
+twilight they were attacked by the enemy, who, aware of their design,
+was awaiting them. So completely had the troops fallen into a trap, that
+when the rifles blazed out they were at a distance of only thirty paces
+from the Dutchmen. The Colonel, who had halted to address the men, the
+Adjutant, and two other officers, were wounded before the Suffolks had
+found time to fire a single shot. Indeed, so quickly were they pounced
+on, that Colonel Watson, on giving orders to charge, fell riddled with
+bullets. Suddenly orders, none knew from whence, were given to "retire."
+Some said it was a ruse of the Boers. The rear fled back to the pickets,
+some thousand yards off, believing the order came from their officers;
+others--about a hundred and twenty officers and men--remained, refusing
+to budge. They fought bravely, but were eventually compelled to
+surrender. All were killed, wounded, or taken prisoners. Of eleven
+officers, but one remained! The Boers were evidently well-informed of
+the commanding officer's programme, and their tactics were so clever and
+combined that they contrived to create something of a panic when the
+unfortunate Suffolks, who thought themselves only preparing for attack,
+were definitely attacked. Critics sitting in judgment at home declared
+that ordinary precautions would have averted the chance of being
+entrapped, but others, who knew Kaffir ways and the condition of the
+country, where every keyhole was an ear and every leaf of a tree an eye,
+were inclined to marvel that so few disasters happened.
+
+One of the officers writing of the affair said: "It is quite certain the
+Colonel never gave that order, or the officers would have retired too.
+They remained to a man, except Graham, who was wounded early, and could
+not hold his rifle. He dragged himself down the hill, and somehow
+crawled the two miles into camp. The Boers said those that were left
+charged three times and behaved splendidly. The position was impossible
+to take, even if a brigade had attacked, although it had been carefully
+reconnoitred. The ditch, with the loopholed wall near the top of the
+hill, could only have been discovered by a balloon. The Colonel's last
+words were, 'Remember Gibraltar, my boys!'"[7]
+
+There was deep regret at the loss of this distinguished officer, and the
+whole force lamented the first check which this column had sustained.
+The enemy was shelled at intervals, so as to make his position as
+uncomfortable as possible, but the Boers still remained in possession of
+the route leading to the Free State by Achtertang. Soon the Essex
+Regiment was sent on to replace the 1st Suffolk, who went south to
+recruit their shattered forces.
+
+Among the wounded officers was Major Graham; Lieutenants Wilkins, Carey,
+and White were killed. With those taken prisoners were Captains Brett,
+Thomson, Brown; Second Lieutenants Allen, Wood-Martin, and Butler. Of
+the men, 26 were killed, 45 wounded, and 72 taken prisoners or missing.
+
+The British occupied Slingersfontein on the 9th of January. From this
+time Colonel Porter and his splendidly alert troops--the 5th Dragoons,
+New Zealanders and New South Wales Lancers--were busily occupied in
+keeping the enemy "on the run," forcing him to leave one kopje after
+another, and maintaining harassing tactics which entirely upset the
+Dutchmen's calculations. Still the Boers were ubiquitous. They now held
+a strong position between Colesberg and Slingersfontein, from which with
+the small force at hand it was impossible to dislodge them. On the 13th,
+the inconvenience of the situation was rendered more intense by a
+perfect cyclone of dust which caused the utmost discomfort. Meals were
+also made impossible by the aggressive attacks of the enemy, who plumped
+shell after shell in the midst of the camp. Colonel Porter retired his
+troops to the cover of a neighbouring hill, while three squadrons of the
+6th Dragoon Guards and four guns of O Battery, Horse Artillery, advanced
+across the plain and prepared to tackle the enemy. This was done with
+such celerity and decision that almost in five minutes the Boer guns
+were silenced and the enemy driven to cover. As a result of the prompt
+activities of our artillery, the Boer tents were removed eastwards.
+
+[Illustration: POSITION AT COLESBERG ABOUT 20TH JANUARY.]
+
+These sand-storms, characteristic of the Veldt, were a terrible test to
+patience. At one moment the camp was an orderly array of mushroom tents
+springing decorously from the earth; in the next it was seemingly an
+animated mass of anthills trying to maintain life against an ochreous
+avalanche of dust. Occasionally when the cyclone of grit had ceased, it
+was followed by a hurricane of hail, accompanied by the gloom of night,
+the bellow of the blast and growl of the thunder-claps fighting together
+in the hills. Then would the frightened cattle stampede, and the whole
+routine of military life become deranged. A rushing mob, a battle of the
+elements, a vast ditch irrigated with rivulets, bombardment by the big
+guns of the wind--such would be the programme for a good hour or so!
+Then, as often as not, the sun would suddenly come out and shine
+affably, with the placid, self-satisfied beam of dear old ladies when
+they've trumped their partner's best card of a long suit at whist!
+
+After this, the routine of life would go on much as before, the Dutchmen
+clinging to their positions, and General French determining to make
+these as untenable as possible.
+
+On the 15th the New Zealanders had an excellent opportunity of
+exhibiting their smartness and dash. The Boers made a stubborn attempt
+to seize a hill that practically commanded the country to east and west
+of their main position. This valuable eminence was held by a detachment
+of New Zealanders and D Company of the Yorkshire Regiment under Captain
+Orr. Early in the morning desultory firing began, and later the Boers,
+increasing the warmth of their fire, worked towards the right of the
+position held by the New Zealanders. At the same time they assailed the
+Yorkshires, directing their fire at a small wall held by them and
+forcing them to keep close cover. Gradually the Boers advanced, creeping
+towards the wall ever nearer and nearer. They then blazed furiously from
+their position on the slopes, killing the Sergeant-Major and wounding
+Captain Orr. At this time Captain Madocks, R.A. (attached to the New
+Zealand Mounted Rifles), and ten New Zealanders appeared on the scene,
+and, to the dismay of the Boers, the whole party with a dash and a yell
+leapt over the wall and charged down on their assailants with fixed
+bayonets. It was a splendid act, and one which, as the officer
+commanding the Yorkshires had dropped wounded, came just in time to save
+the situation.
+
+Away rushed the enemy, rolling one over another in their effort to be
+off, while a sustained storm of bullets inflicted heavy loss on their
+retreating numbers. From the distance they made a feeble attempt to fire
+at the gallant fellows who had routed them, but eventually they retired
+to the small kopjes at the base of the contested hill. There they were
+saluted by a detachment of two guns of O Battery from the west of the
+kopje. The enemy's long-range gun now came into play and forced the
+British guns to move their position farther to the west. That done, the
+small kopjes were effectively shelled and the Dutchmen's fire silenced.
+The whole engagement was a signal success, and the Yorkshires and New
+Zealanders were well pleased with their share of the day's work.
+Twenty-one Boers were left dead on the field and many more were wounded.
+(On the morning of this day an unfortunate incident occurred at
+Colesberg. Lieutenant Thompson, R.H.A., while out scouting, was wounded
+and taken prisoner. This officer, together with Lieutenants Talbot
+Ponsonby, Lamont, and Aldridge, was especially mentioned for services
+performed with the guns.)
+
+[Illustration: GENERAL FRENCH'S REMARKABLE POSITION AT COLESBERG, AS
+SEEN FROM KUL OR COLE'S KOP ABOUT 15TH JANUARY.
+
+Sketch by Frederick Villiers, War Artist.]
+
+The events of the last few days had served to show that, however the
+Colonials might differ in their customs, habits, and ideas, they were
+assuredly identical in their dogged bravery and their fine spirit of
+dash--
+
+    "They come of The Blood, slower to bless than to ban,
+    Little used to lie down at the bidding of any man,"--
+
+and Captain Madocks and his hardy New Zealanders had now the
+well-merited good fortune to have earned the esteem and appreciation of
+all who had seen their splendid rush to the rescue of the Yorkshires. On
+the 16th General French visited the New Zealanders' camp and
+congratulated them on their gallant conduct during the fight.
+
+The Boers now brought to bear on the position one of the guns captured
+by them at Stormberg, and launched some ten shots into the kopjes held
+by a company of the Welsh Regiment. They got as good as they gave, and
+before long the enemy was completely silenced. General French's system
+was a tit-for-tat form of warfare, which failed to commend itself to the
+Dutchmen. It served well, however--in default of sufficient troops to
+make any definite advance--to hold the enemy from proceeding farther
+south in British territory. News now came in that a large force of
+Dutchmen had been transferred from Majesfontein for the purpose of
+reinforcing the Boer commandoes at Colesberg, and thus rendering the
+paralysis of the British complete.
+
+A very serious disaster befell a patrol consisting partly of New South
+Wales Lancers and South Australian Horse, who had so nobly volunteered
+their services to the Mother Country at the beginning of the war. On the
+morning of the 16th of January a party of nineteen rode out from Colonel
+Porter's camp for the purpose of reconnoitring towards Achtertang. It
+was not yet dawn, but they pursued their investigations, reaching Norval
+Camp without seeing any signs of the enemy. About 8 A.M. they commenced
+the return journey naturally with a feeling of greater security than
+when they started. They unfortunately fell into an ambush. A hot fight
+ensued, but the Boers were in overwhelming numbers, and the party was
+hard pressed. Two escaped to camp, and six more, after hiding till it
+was possible to make good their escape, followed them. The rest were
+made prisoners, but not without a struggle, as the bodies of four dead
+Australian and seven dead Boer horses, left on the field, served to
+testify. Lieutenant Dowling was killed. The enemy now occupied Klein
+Toren to the north of Slingersfontein.
+
+On the 18th inst. Major-General Clements, D.S.O., arrived with two
+regiments of the 12th Brigade (the Royal Irish and the Worcestershire),
+and was placed in command of all the troops at and east of Slinger's
+Farm. Two battalions were posted at that place, and occupied a good
+commanding position, which had been well fortified and intrenched.
+
+General Clements had also, at Slinger's, one company New Zealand Mounted
+Rifles; one squadron and four guns. Colonel Porter, 6th Dragoon Guards,
+with four squadrons, two guns, and one company of infantry, was posted
+at a farm called Potfontein, some eight miles east, and a little south,
+of Slinger's. The enemy's force at Colesberg was now hemmed in on the
+west, south, and east, and their position began to look uncomfortable,
+particularly as a battery firing lyddite shells was at hand to assist in
+the British operations. The British now held a series of positions of
+great extent, shaped after the manner of a mark of interrogation, with
+Colesberg within the curve of the hook.
+
+The distance to be covered between the camps on the east and west flanks
+was about sixteen miles. Supplies were conveyed by waggons drawn by
+mules of South African breed--sleek, and as a rule good-tempered beasts.
+The South American mules were of a weaklier stamp, their poor condition
+being the result of importation. The tracks through the veldt, called by
+courtesy roads, were now in many places a foot deep in dust wherever
+sand-drifts had been lodged, and these promised in the event of rain to
+develop into morasses.
+
+On the 25th General French made a reconnaissance in person, and
+discovered that the enemy was strongly posted at Rietfontein. The
+reconnaissance occupied two days, during which the troops covered forty
+miles. In spite of many efforts to cut the Boer's communications with
+the Free State the Boers outwitted him, or rather out-dodged him, and
+retained their hold on Colesberg. Their position consisted of commanding
+hills down a defile through which a spruit flows towards the Orange
+River. The windings of this stream are followed by Waggon Road for more
+than a mile, then, after passing the hills, it flows over undulating
+country towards the river.
+
+On Saturday, the 27th, a melancholy incident took place. For some weeks
+Major MacCracken had been holding a hill close up to the Boer position,
+and on this particular morning, though no fighting was taking place, a
+shell was plumped upon the hill by the enemy with the result that an
+officer was wounded. A New Zealander named Booth, orderly to General
+Clements, was killed while holding the General's horse. At this time
+General French had mysteriously disappeared. His destination, though not
+announced, was Cape Town, where he went on a visit to Lord Roberts,
+whose plans were rapidly approaching completion. The upshot of that
+momentous visit we shall discover anon.
+
+
+LORD ROBERTS'S ADVANCE
+
+At Modder River Lord Methuen, to encourage the performers in a series of
+inter-regimental boxing matches, offered three splendid challenge cups
+for competition. These were won by the Scots Guards, the Grenadier
+Guards, and the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders respectively, on the
+3rd of February, when the series came to an exciting conclusion.
+
+Meanwhile, when the cat was away the mice could play. The Boers engaged
+in their usual game of destroying railway tracks between Modder Camp and
+Langeberg, and as many as thirty-three explosions were heard, which
+portended considerable damage to line and culverts. However the trains
+conveying the sick to hospital at the Cape got away in safety, and as
+many invalids as possible were despatched to the base in order that the
+advance movement, when it should commence, would not be hampered.
+
+The junction of De Aar at this time was simmering with activity. Stores
+to the value of a million pounds were being accumulated in preparation
+for a gigantic move in the direction of Modder River. Though at the
+moment Lord Roberts's plans were not generally known, it was certain
+that a vast number of troops--many more than those then under Lord
+Methuen's command--were about to congregate in the neighbourhood of
+Orange River, and in consequence there was suppressed excitement among
+the British and corresponding trepidation among the Free Staters.
+General French, whose splendid activity had been going on in most trying
+circumstances, now found himself freed to begin operations on a scale
+more fitted to his talents and more congenial to them. Cavalry was
+pouring in, and with cavalry and such a commander there was immense
+cause for hope.
+
+The Suffolks who, after their disaster at Colesberg, went to Port
+Elizabeth to recruit their forces, now came up to De Aar, and were
+re-officered prior to being sent to the front. Other regiments were also
+trickling in, and slowly disposing of themselves in positions previously
+arranged by Lord Roberts at the Cape. All these dispositions were made
+with intense secrecy, Lord Kitchener setting himself to work to
+reorganise the transport department in such a manner as to make all the
+complicated moves of the coming war game possible.
+
+[Illustration: WITH GENERAL FRENCH: NEW ZEALANDERS SAVING A PICKET OF
+THE YORKSHIRE REGIMENT NEAR SLINGERSFONTEIN ON JANUARY 15.
+
+Drawing by W. Small from a Sketch by G. D. Giles.]
+
+Life at Modder River began to grow correspondingly animated. Experiments
+in the working of the Marconi wireless telegraphy were set on foot, and
+other active preparations for decisive combat were pushed forward. The
+Boers were busy too. They were making further trenches in front of the
+Majesfontein ridge with a view to still further strengthening their
+position, an exertion which they subsequently found to be somewhat
+unnecessary. They also swelled their numbers. From the report of
+deserters it seemed that President Steyn had drawn to his banner many
+reluctant farmers by means of false representations, he having
+circulated the report that the British meant to seize and confiscate
+property for the purpose of enriching their own soldiers after the war.
+The Canadian Regiment, who till then had been guarding the lines of
+communication, moved to the front. They were in great spirits, and much
+rejoiced at being allowed to take a more active share in operations.
+
+The Australian Infantry Regiment was now to be mounted. It was a
+misfortune that the Australians were not mounted from the first, as all
+were good horsemen, and would have come in handy to assist the British
+cavalry in the work of reconnaissance, which the mobile nature of Boer
+movements rendered unusually hard. The companies were composed of about
+125 men from Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, West Australia,
+and Tasmania respectively.
+
+On the 6th of February Lord Roberts left Cape Town for the front. He
+stopped _en route_ at Belmont. Every eye was turned to him as he
+alighted at the railway station. It was nine o'clock, and presently a
+crowd collected to view the two warriors on whom the British Empire
+pinned its faith. One was the smallest man in the station; the other was
+the largest. The Field-Marshal, neat as a new pin, with his refined
+visage, grey moustache and tufted imperial, looked young, even happy,
+and undisturbed by his responsibilities; the hero of Omdurman, large and
+broad-shouldered, his forage cap crammed on his head, his keen
+steel-tinted eyes piercing the heart of things at a glance, appeared
+stern and preoccupied. They were met by Colonel Otter, and the
+Field-Marshal at once asked to see the Canadians. Colonel Otter
+accordingly brought him to the main guard, which consisted of one
+sergeant, one corporal, and two men. One of these described the
+inspection by the august chief. "We were standing at the present, and
+Lord Roberts appeared to be sizing us up pretty well. He inquired how we
+liked our bandoliers for cartridges, and on Sergeant Ellard informing
+him that they were too loose, and that the cartridges fell out of them,
+Lord Roberts said that he would see that this was remedied. Lord Roberts
+presented Sergeant Ellard with a basket of roses, and on distribution of
+them I received one." This flower was treasured and sent home to the
+trooper's family in remembrance of the great day which brought him face
+to face with England's grandest soldier. On the 9th the Chief arrived at
+Modder River. At this time General Macdonald and the Highland Brigade
+were keeping the Boers occupied on the west, and during this manoeuvre
+tremendous activities were set on foot. For instance, while General
+Macdonald's Brigade was marching back to camp on the 10th of February, a
+force consisting of 23,000 infantry, 11,000 mounted men, and 48 guns,
+with transport of some 700 waggons, drawn by 9000 mules and oxen, was
+approaching the Free State! A brigade of Mounted Infantry under Colonel
+Hannay was moving from Orange River to Ramdam, situated about eight
+miles from Jacobsdal. On the 11th, Boers were discovered intercepting
+the road and holding the hills, but these, with a detached part of
+Colonel Hannay's force, were held where they were, while the main body
+with the baggage pushed on to their destination. On the 12th General
+French--who was now for the first time since his departure from
+Ladysmith, in command of a cavalry division--seized the crossing of the
+Riet River at Dekiel's Drift, whereupon the 6th and 7th Divisions there
+encamped themselves.
+
+Before going further, it is necessary to follow the movements of the
+Highland Brigade, movements which materially assisted the development of
+the intricate plan of advance.
+
+
+"FIGHTING MAC" AT KOODOESBERG
+
+The Boers were now threatening the line between the Orange and Modder
+Rivers, and in consequence of various reports regarding their movements
+Colonel Broadwood proceeded to Sunnyside with the Royal Horse Artillery,
+Mounted Infantry, and Roberts's Horse, the newly-raised regiment from
+whom great things were expected. The enemy retired and crossed the Riet
+River, taking care to keep well out of the way, for it was known that
+"Fighting Mac" was on the warpath, and the last thing the rebels desired
+was to find their own line of communications interrupted.
+
+On the 3rd of February General Macdonald with the Highland Brigade, 9th
+Lancers, 9th and 62nd Batteries Royal Field Artillery, moved out in a
+westerly direction with a view to blocking the main drift at
+Koodoesberg, and thus preventing a force reported to be coming from
+Griqualand West from joining that coming from the north for the purpose
+of cutting Lord Methuen's line of communication. There was also another
+motive for the movement, and that was to attract the attention and
+energy of the enemy while Lord Roberts was arranging for a decisive
+stroke in another quarter. The march was a trying one owing to the
+tropical temperature, exposure to a scorching sun, and the perpetual
+inconvenience of dust. The troops however, bore it bravely. They
+bivouacked at Fraser's Drift, and on the following (Sunday) morning
+moved forward to Koodoesberg. The distance--some thirteen miles--was
+covered, again in sweltering conditions, over a shadeless expanse of
+rough road, which reflected the glare of the heavens and threw out hot
+rays as from a baker's oven. Men dropped continually from sunstroke, and
+exhaustion, and thirst; but, fortunately, owing to the near proximity of
+the river, there were few serious cases. The troops arrived at their
+destination about one o'clock, without having seen any Boers. On
+reaching the drift the men refreshed themselves by bathing in the river,
+a luxury in which they revelled. But repose was short. A hurried meal of
+bully beef and biscuits and they were at work again, providing for
+contingencies. Two thousand yards off were a group of kopjes, behind
+which it was said some 4000 Boers were hiding.
+
+[Illustration: MAP ILLUSTRATING THE MOVEMENT TO KOODOESBERG.]
+
+The General at once set himself to construct breastworks to protect the
+drift and secure his positions on north and south of the river, while
+the 9th Lancers and their scouts reconnoitred the surrounding country to
+ascertain the strength and disposition of the enemy. They came on a
+small picket of Boers--there was a rapid exchange of shots--but on the
+nearer approach of our troops the Boers fled. On Monday both sides of
+the river were taken possession of. A large body of mounted Boers were
+seen advancing about 2000 yards off, but beyond firing a few shots at
+the British force no serious conflict took place. On Tuesday there was a
+smart race between our men and a large force of Boers advancing from
+their laagers. Both parties made for a big kopje, which was cleverly
+gained by the British after a breathless scramble. The enemy, worsted,
+galloped off, pursued by the Lancers.
+
+At nine o'clock on Wednesday, the 7th, the Boers, who had engaged
+themselves in dragging a heavy gun to the scene of action, began to
+blaze out upon the Seaforth Highlanders. These, with alacrity, sprang to
+action. As a private said, "It was not a Majesfontein affair this time,
+and a holy joy filled our hearts at the prospect of having a little bit
+of our own back." The enemy was established at the north end of
+Koodoesberg, whence they shelled the works that were being constructed
+to protect the drift. At the drift were seven companies of Highland
+Light Infantry. On the left bank were the Argyll and Sutherland
+Highlanders, half a battalion of Seaforths, two guns, and the 9th
+Lancers observing both flanks. Holding the south end of Koodoesberg on
+the right bank of the river were the Black Watch, half a battalion of
+Seaforths, one company of Highland Light Infantry, and four guns (62nd
+Field Battery). An animated battle ensued, and the British guns did
+splendid execution. The troops took cover behind hastily-constructed
+sangars, and the bullets of the enemy failed to touch them. There were
+no evidences of the celebrated Boer marksmanship on this occasion. The
+enemy pounded the hill with shrapnel, and made a ferocious effort to
+rout the Highlanders from their position. The 62nd Field Battery, after
+some smart cannonading, which was as effective as it was vigorous,
+forced the Dutchmen to shift their gun to a position farther north.
+Eventually the weapon of the Dutchmen was silenced altogether.
+
+Meanwhile, at the request of General Macdonald, General Babington, with
+his own regiment of cavalry (12th Lancers) and two batteries of Horse
+Artillery, had been despatched from Modder River. They started at 11.30
+A.M. on the 7th, and had they arrived in time might have cut off the
+retreat of the enemy and entirely hemmed them in.
+
+As it was, they marched along the north side of the Modder, and only
+arrived at four o'clock, in time, however, to quickly pursue the foe in
+his retreat northwards, which retreat had been begun with all speed on
+the first hint of the coming of an additional force. The sufferings
+endured by some of the cavalry were intense, and one man expired through
+exposure and thirst. Others were in pitiable plight, but finally
+recovered.
+
+While the great struggle was taking place it was discovered that the
+enemy was intrenched at a small drift on the west. Whereupon two
+companies of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders became engaged in a
+smart skirmish, and gave the Federals so warm a time that by nightfall,
+after being shelled in their trenches, they were glad enough to slink
+off. By morning the enemy had entirely evacuated their position, and not
+a vestige of them was to be seen. Had the cavalry not been utterly worn
+out on reaching the scene of action, the Dutchmen would have been caught
+before they had time to seek refuge in flight.
+
+[Illustration: "FIGHTING MAC" AND THE HIGHLAND BRIGADE IN ACTION AT
+KOODOESBERG.
+
+From a Sketch by Lestor Ralph.]
+
+The troops then, under orders from Lord Methuen, retired to Modder
+River. They started from Koodoesberg on the evening of Thursday, made a
+moonlight march to Fraser's Drift, returning to camp footsore and
+dilapidated on Friday. But before leaving, the officers and men who fell
+in the action were buried on the south bank of the river. Among them was
+Captain Blair, who, after having been previously struck by a bullet, had
+been mortally wounded by a shell. Lieutenant Tait, a very gallant
+officer, a notable golfer, and a general favourite, also fell, and
+Captain Eykyn eventually died of his injuries.
+
+General Macdonald's reconnaissance at Koodoesberg Drift was entirely
+satisfactory. The position there was important, as it prevented Boer
+reinforcements from passing _via_ the chief drift from Douglas to
+Majesfontein, and the movement served to confound the enemy, and protect
+the operations of the Belmont garrison in the direction of Douglas, not
+to speak of its value in keeping Boer activities to the west of
+Majesfontein at the time when Lord Roberts was developing his plans in
+regard to the east of that place. The enemy had been kept amused and out
+of mischief, and been wholesomely trounced into the bargain!
+
+The casualties, which were comparatively few, were as follows:--
+
+     _Killed_:--2nd Royal Highlanders--Captain Eykyn; Lieutenant
+     Tait. 2nd Seaforth Highlanders--Captain Blair.
+
+     _Wounded_:--2nd Seaforth Highlanders--Captain Studdert, A.S.C.
+     1st Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders--Captain Kirk. 9th
+     Lancers--Second Lieutenant Cavendish; Lieutenant Mackenzie,
+     R.A.M.C.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[7] Lieutenant-Colonel Arthur John Watson was forty-six years of age. He
+entered the army as a sub-lieutenant of the 12th Foot (now the
+Berkshires) on August 9, 1873, and received his lieutenancy from the same
+date. He was instructor of musketry to the regiment from February 12,
+1880, to January 24, 1883, received his company on the 14th of April
+following, and, passing the Staff College in 1884, served with the
+Bechuanaland Expedition under Sir Charles Warren later in the year, and
+from February 17 to October 28, 1885, was brigade-major in Bechuanaland,
+being honourably mentioned in dispatches. He was employed on staff
+service with the Egyptian army from February 12 to September 7, 1886,
+obtaining his major's commission on October 21 following; and in 1888
+served in the Hazara Expedition as brigade-major to the first column
+under Brigadier-General Channer, when he was again mentioned in
+dispatches, and received the medal with clasp. From July 20, 1889, to
+February 20, 1896, he was garrison instructor in Bengal, and deputy
+assistant-adjutant-general for instruction in the Punjaub, taking part in
+1895 in the operations in the Chitral, accompanying the relief force
+under Sir Robert Low, acting as road commandant on the lines of
+communication. For his services in this campaign he received his second
+medal with clasp. He was gazetted lieutenant-colonel of the Suffolk
+Regiment on September 19, 1898.
+
+
+
+
+APPENDIX
+
+THE STORY OF SPION KOP.
+
+
+A great deal of consternation and not a little surprise was caused by
+the publication of the official account (_London Gazette_, April 16,
+1900) of the evacuation of Spion Kop. In order to make intelligible the
+causes of the terrible fiasco it is necessary to quote for the benefit
+of those interested not only Lord Roberts's comments on the subject, but
+the statements of the officers concerned. Sir Redvers Buller, writing
+from Spearman's Hill, January 30, 1900, gave his version of the
+proceedings:--
+
+     "I have the honour to report that General Sir Charles Warren's
+     Division having arrived at Estcourt, less two battalions 10th
+     Brigade, which were left at the Cape, by the 7th January, it
+     moved to Frere on the 9th.
+
+     "The column moved as ordered, but torrents of rain fell on the
+     9th, which filled all the spruits, and, indeed, rendered many
+     of them impassable for many hours. To forward supply alone took
+     650 ox waggons, and as in the 16 miles from Frere to
+     Springfield there were three places at which all the waggons
+     had to be double spanned, and some required three spans, some
+     idea may be formed of the difficulties; but these were all
+     successfully overcome by the willing labours of the troops.
+
+     "The 4th Brigade reached Springfield on the 12th in support of
+     the mounted troops, who had surprised and seized the important
+     position of Spearman's Hill, commanding Potgieter's Drift, on
+     the 11th.
+
+     "By the 13th all troops were at Springfield and Spearman's
+     Hill, and supply was well forward.
+
+     "On the 16th a reserve of seventeen days' supply having been
+     collected, General Sir Charles Warren, in command of the 2nd
+     Division, the 11th Brigade of the 5th Division, the Brigade
+     Division Royal Field Artillery, 5th Division, and certain corps
+     troops, including the Mounted Brigade, moved from Springfield
+     to Trichardt's Drift, which is about six miles west of
+     Potgieter's.
+
+     "I attach Sir Charles Warren's report of his operations.
+
+     "On the night of the 23rd General Warren attacked Spion Kop,
+     which operation he has made the subject of a special report. On
+     the morning of the 25th, finding that Spion Kop had been
+     abandoned in the night, I decided to withdraw General Warren's
+     force; the troops had been continuously engaged for a week, in
+     circumstances entailing considerable hardships; there had been
+     very heavy losses on Spion Kop. I consequently assumed the
+     command, commenced the withdrawal of the ox and heavy mule
+     transports on the 25th: this was completed by midday the 26th;
+     by double spanning, the loaded ox waggons got over the drift at
+     the rate of about eight per hour. The mule waggons went over
+     the pontoon bridge, but all the mules had to be taken out and
+     the vehicles passed over by hand. For about seven hours of the
+     night the drift could not be used as it was dangerous in the
+     dark, but the use of the pontoon went on day and night. In
+     addition to machine guns, six batteries of Royal Field
+     Artillery and four howitzers, the following vehicles were
+     passed: ox waggons, 232; 10-span mule waggons, 98; 6-span, 107;
+     4 span, 52; total, 489 vehicles. In addition to these the
+     ambulances were working backwards and forwards evacuating the
+     sick and wounded.
+
+     "By 2 P.M. the 26th all the ox waggons were over, and by 11.30
+     P.M. all the mule transports were across and the bridge clear
+     for the troops. By 4 A.M. the 27th all the troops were over,
+     and by 8 A.M. the pontoons were gone and all was clear. The
+     troops had all reached their new camps by 10 A.M. The marches
+     averaged for the mounted troops about seven miles, and for the
+     infantry and artillery an average of five miles.
+
+     "Everything worked without a hitch, and the arrangements
+     reflected great credit on the Staff of all degrees; but I must
+     especially mention Major Irwin, R.E., and his men of the
+     Pontoon Troop, who were untiring. When all men were over, the
+     chesses of the pontoon bridge were so worn by the traffic that
+     I do not think they would have lasted another half-hour."
+
+He concluded by saying:--
+
+     "Thus ended an expedition which I think ought to have
+     succeeded. We have suffered very heavy losses, and lost many
+     whom we can ill spare; but, on the other hand, we have
+     inflicted as great or greater losses upon the enemy than they
+     have upon us, and they are, by all accounts, thoroughly
+     disheartened; while our troops are, I am glad and proud to say,
+     in excellent fettle."
+
+Sir Charles Warren's report addressed to the Chief of the Staff, ran
+thus:--
+
+     "On the 8th January field orders were published constituting
+     the 10th Brigade of the 5th Division a Corps Brigade, and
+     placing the 4th Brigade in the 5th Division. The 5th Division
+     thus constituted marched from Frere on the 10th instant,
+     arriving at Springfield on the 12th instant.
+
+     "On the 15th January I received your secret instructions to
+     command a force to proceed across the Tugela, near Trichardt's
+     Drift to the west of Spion Kop, recommending me to proceed
+     forward, refusing my right (namely) Spion Kop, and bringing my
+     left forward to gain the open plain north of Spion Kop. This
+     move was to commence as soon as supplies were all in, and the
+     10th Brigade (except two companies) removed from Springfield
+     Bridge to Spearman's Hill.
+
+     "I was provided with four days' rations with which I was to
+     cross the Tugela, fight my way round to north of Spion Kop, and
+     join your column opposite Potgieter's.
+
+     "On the 15th January I made the arrangements for getting
+     supplies, and moved the 10th Brigade on the following day, and
+     on the evening of the 16th January I left Springfield with a
+     force under my command, which amounted to an Army Corps (less
+     one Brigade), and by a night march arrived at Trichardt's
+     Drift, and took possession of the hills on the south side of
+     the Tugela.
+
+     "On the 17th January I threw pontoon bridges across the Tugela,
+     passed the infantry across by ponts, and captured the hills
+     immediately commanding the drift on the north side with two
+     brigades commanded by Generals Woodgate and Hart. The
+     Commander-in-Chief was present during part of the day, and gave
+     some verbal directions to General Woodgate.
+
+     "The Mounted Brigade passed over principally by the drift, and
+     went over the country as far as Acton Homes, and on the
+     following day (18th) had a successful action with a small party
+     of Boers, bringing in 31 prisoners.
+
+     "During the night of the 17th, and day of the 18th, the whole
+     of the waggons belonging to the force were brought across the
+     Tugela, and the artillery were in position outside of Wright's
+     Farm.
+
+     "On the 19th two brigades advanced, occupying the slopes of the
+     adjoining hills on the right, and the waggons were successfully
+     brought to Venter's Spruit.
+
+     "In the evening, after having examined the possible roads by
+     which we could proceed, I assembled the General Officers and
+     the Staff, and the Officer Commanding Royal Artillery, and
+     Commanding Royal Engineer, and pointed out to them that of the
+     two roads by which we could advance, the eastern one by Acton
+     Homes must be rejected, because time would not allow of it, and
+     with this all concurred. I then pointed out that the only
+     possible way of all getting through by the road north of Fair
+     View would be by taking three or four days' food in our
+     haversacks, and sending all our waggons back across the Tugela,
+     but before we could do this we must capture the position in
+     front of us.
+
+     "On the following day, 20th January, I placed two brigades and
+     six batteries of artillery at the disposal of General Sir C. F.
+     Clery, with instructions to attack the Boer positions by a
+     series of outflanking movements, and by the end of the day,
+     after fighting for twelve hours, we were in possession of the
+     whole part of the hills, but found a strongly-intrenched line
+     on the comparatively flat country beyond us.
+
+     "On the 21st the Boers displayed considerable activity on our
+     left, and the Commander-in-Chief desired me to move two
+     batteries from right to left. At a subsequent date, during the
+     day, I found it impossible to proceed without howitzers, and
+     telegraphed for four from Potgieter's. These arrived early on
+     the morning of the 22nd, and the Commander-in-Chief, arriving
+     about the same time, directed me to place two of these
+     howitzers on the left, two having already been placed on the
+     right flank. I pointed out to the Commander-in-Chief that it
+     would be impossible to get waggons through by the road leading
+     past Fair View, unless we first took Spion Kop, which lies
+     within about 2000 yards of the road. The Commander-in-Chief
+     agreed that Spion Kop would have to be taken. Accordingly that
+     evening orders were drawn up giving the necessary instructions
+     to General Talbot Coke to take Spion Kop that night, but, owing
+     to an absence of sufficient reconnaissance, he requested that
+     the attack might be put off for a day.
+
+     "On the 23rd January the Commander-in-Chief came into camp, the
+     attack on Spion Kop was decided upon, and Lieut.-Colonel
+     àCourt, of the Headquarter Staff, was directed by the
+     Commander-in-Chief to accompany General Woodgate, who was
+     detailed to command the attacking column. The account of the
+     capture of Spion Kop is given in another report.
+
+     "On the morning of the 25th January the Commander-in-Chief
+     arrived, decided to retire the force, and assumed direct
+     command. The whole of the waggons of the 5th Division were got
+     down to the drift during the day, and were crossed over before
+     2 P.M. on the 26th January."
+
+In regard to the Council of War, Sir Charles Warren amplified his
+previous statement:
+
+     "Upon the 19th of January, on arrival at Venter's Laager, I
+     assembled all the General Officers, Officers Commanding Royal
+     Artillery and Royal Engineers of Divisions, and Staff Officers,
+     together. I pointed out to them that, with the three and a
+     half (3½) days' provisions allowed, it was impossible to
+     advance by the left road through Acton Homes. In this they
+     unanimously concurred. I showed them that the only possible
+     road was that going over Fair View through Rosalie, but I
+     expressed my conviction that this could not be done unless we
+     sent the whole of our transport back across the Tugela, and
+     attempted to march through with our rations in our
+     haversacks--without impedimenta."
+
+Sir Charles then added:--
+
+     "The hills were cleared on the following day, and very strong
+     intrenchments found behind them. The Commander-in-Chief was
+     present on the 21st and 22nd January, and I pointed out the
+     difficulties of marching along the road, accompanied by
+     waggons, without first taking Spion Kop.
+
+     "Accordingly, on the night of the 22nd, I ordered General Coke
+     to occupy Spion Kop. He, however, desired that the occupation
+     might be deferred for a day in order that he might make a
+     reconnaissance with the Officers Commanding battalions to be
+     sent there.
+
+     "On 23rd January the Commander-in-Chief came into camp, and
+     told me that there were two courses open--(1) to attack, (2) to
+     retire. I replied that I should prefer to attack Spion Kop to
+     retiring, and showed the Commander-in-Chief my orders of the
+     previous day.
+
+     "The Commander-in-Chief then desired that I should put General
+     Woodgate in command of the expedition, and detailed
+     Lieutenant-Colonel àCourt to accompany him as Staff Officer.
+
+     "The same evening General Woodgate proceeded with the
+     Lancashire Fusiliers, the Royal Lancaster Regiment, a portion
+     of Thorneycroft's Horse, and half-company Royal Engineers,
+     supported by two companies of the Connaught Rangers and by the
+     Imperial Light Infantry, the latter having just arrived by
+     Trichardt's Drift.
+
+     "The attack and capture of Spion Kop was entirely successful.
+     General Woodgate, having secured the summit on the 24th,
+     reported that he had intrenched a position and hoped he was
+     secure, but that the fog was too thick to permit him to see.
+     The position was rushed without casualties other than three men
+     wounded.
+
+     "Lieutenant-Colonel àCourt came down in the morning and stated
+     that everything was satisfactory and secure, and telegraphed to
+     the Commander-in-Chief to that effect. Scarcely had he started
+     on his return to headquarters when a heliogram arrived from
+     Colonel Crofton (Royal Lancaster). The message was, 'Reinforce
+     at once, or all lost. General dead.'
+
+     "He also sent a similar message to headquarters. I immediately
+     ordered General Coke to proceed to his assistance, and to take
+     command of the troops. He started at once, and was accompanied
+     by the Middlesex and Dorsetshire Regiments.
+
+     "I replied to Colonel Crofton, 'I am sending two battalions,
+     and the Imperial Light Infantry are on their way up. You must
+     hold on to the last. No surrender.'
+
+     "This occurred about 10 A.M.
+
+     "Shortly afterwards I received a telegram from the
+     Commander-in-Chief, ordering me to appoint Lieutenant-Colonel
+     Thorneycroft to the command of the summit. I accordingly had
+     heliographed, 'With the approval of the Commander-in-Chief, I
+     place Lieutenant-Colonel Thorneycroft in command of the summit,
+     with the local rank of Brigadier-General.'
+
+     "For some hours after this message I could get no information
+     from the summit. It appears that the signallers and their
+     apparatus were destroyed by the heavy fire.
+
+     "I repeatedly asked for Colonel Thorneycroft to state his view
+     of the situation. At 1.20 P.M. I heliographed to ascertain
+     whether Colonel Thorneycroft had assumed command, and at the
+     same time asked General Coke to give me his views on the
+     situation on Spion Kop. Still getting no reply, I asked whether
+     General Coke was there, and subsequently received his view of
+     the situation. He stated that, unless the Artillery could
+     silence the enemy's guns, the men on the summit could not stand
+     another complete day's shelling, and that the situation was
+     extremely critical."
+
+Later on in the evening arrangements were made to send two (Naval)
+12-pounders, and the Mountain Battery, Royal Artillery, to the summit,
+together with half-company Royal Engineers (and working parties, two
+reliefs of 600 men each), to strengthen the intrenchments and provide
+shell cover for the men. The 17th Company, Royal Engineers--it must be
+noted--proceeded at the same time as General Woodgate's force, and were
+employed until daylight upon the intrenchments, then upon road-making
+and water supply.
+
+Sand-bags were sent up early on the 24th instant, but they were too
+late. Colonel Sim and his party, while ascending, met Colonel
+Thorneycroft descending the hill. The position was evacuated. Sir
+Charles Warren concluded thus:--
+
+     "I wish to bring to notice that I heard from all but one
+     expression of the admirable conduct and bravery shown by
+     officers and men suffering under a withering artillery fire on
+     the summit of the slopes, and also of those who, with so much
+     endurance, persisted in carrying up water and food and
+     ammunition to the troops during the day.
+
+     "During the day a Staff Officer of the Headquarter Staff was
+     present on the summit, and reported direct to the
+     Commander-in-Chief.
+
+     "At sunset I considered that the position could be held next
+     day, provided that guns could be mounted and effective shelter
+     provided. Both of these conditions were about to be fulfilled,
+     as already mentioned.
+
+     "In the absence of General Coke, whom I ordered to come to
+     report in person as to the situation, the evacuation took place
+     under orders, given upon his own responsibility, by
+     Lieut.-Colonel Thorneycroft. This occurred in the face of the
+     vigorous protests of General Coke's Brigade-Major, the Officer
+     commanding the Middlesex Regiment, and others.
+
+     "It is a matter for the Commander-in-Chief to decide whether
+     there should be an investigation into the question of the
+     unauthorised evacuation of Spion Kop."
+
+General Buller, in forwarding to the Secretary of State for War Sir
+Charles Warren's report, made the following observations:--
+
+     "Sir C. Warren is hardly correct in saying that he was only
+     allowed three and a half days' provisions. I had told him that
+     transport for three and a half days would be sufficient burden
+     to him, but that I would keep him filled up as he wanted it.
+     That he was aware of this is shown by the following telegram
+     which he sent on the day in question. It is the only report I
+     had from Sir C.  Warren:--
+
+        (Sent 7.54 P.M. Received 8.15 P.M.)
+
+        'Left Flank, 19th January.
+
+        'To the Chief of the Staff--
+
+        'I find there are only two roads by which we could
+        possibly get from Trichardt's Drift to Potgeiter's, on
+        the north of the Tugela, one by Acton Homes, the other
+        by Fair View and Rosalie; the first I reject as too
+        long, the second is a very difficult road for a large
+        number of waggons, unless the enemy is thoroughly
+        cleared out. I am, therefore, going to adopt some
+        special arrangements which will involve my stay at
+        Venter's Laager for two or three days. I will send in
+        for further supplies and report progress. WARREN.'
+
+     "The reply to this was that three days' supply was being sent.
+
+     "I went over to Sir C. Warren on the 23rd. I pointed out to him
+     that I had no further report and no intimation of the special
+     arrangements foreshadowed by this telegram of the 19th, that
+     for four days he had kept his men continuously exposed to shell
+     and rifle fire, perched on the edge of an almost precipitous
+     hill, that the position admitted of no second line, and the
+     supports were massed close behind the firing line in
+     indefensible formations, and that a panic or sudden charge
+     might send the whole lot in disorder down the hill at any
+     moment. I said it was too dangerous a situation to be
+     prolonged, and that he must either attack or I should withdraw
+     his force. I advocated, as I had previously done, an advance
+     from his left. He said that he had the night before ordered
+     General Coke to assault Spion Kop, but the latter had objected
+     to undertaking a night attack on a position the road to which
+     he had not reconnoitred, and added that he intended to assault
+     Spion Kop that night.
+
+     "I suggested that as General Coke was still lame from the
+     effects of a lately broken leg, General Woodgate, who had two
+     sound legs, was better adapted for mountain climbing.
+
+     "As no heliograph could, on account of the fire, be kept on the
+     east side of Spion Kop, messages for Sir C. Warren were
+     received by our signallers at Spearman and telegraphed to Sir
+     C. Warren; thus I saw them before he did, as I was at the
+     signal station. The telegram Sir C. Warren quotes did not give
+     me confidence in its sender, and at the moment I could see that
+     our men on the top had given way and that efforts were being
+     made to rally them. I telegraphed to Sir C. Warren: 'Unless you
+     put some really good hard fighting man in command on the top
+     you will lose the hill. I suggest Thorneycroft.'
+
+     "The statement that a staff officer reported direct to me
+     during the day is a mistake. Colonel àCourt was sent down by
+     General Woodgate almost as soon as he gained the summit.
+
+     "I have not thought it necessary to order any investigation. If
+     at sundown the defence of the summit had been taken regularly
+     in hand, intrenchments laid out, gun emplacements prepared, the
+     dead removed, the wounded collected, and, in fact, the whole
+     place brought under regular military command, and careful
+     arrangements made for the supply of water and food to the
+     scattered fighting line, the hills would have been held, I am
+     sure.
+
+     "But no arrangements were made. General Coke appears to have
+     been ordered away just as he would have been useful, and no one
+     succeeded him; those on the top were ignorant of the fact that
+     guns were coming up, and generally there was a want of
+     organisation and system that acted most unfavourably on the
+     defence.
+
+     "It is admitted by all that Colonel Thorneycroft acted with the
+     greatest gallantry throughout the day, and really saved the
+     situation. Preparations for the second day's defence should
+     have been organised during the day and have been commenced at
+     nightfall.
+
+     "As this was not done I think Colonel Thorneycroft exercised a
+     wise discretion.
+
+     "Our losses, I regret to say, were very heavy, but the enemy
+     admitted to our doctors that theirs were equally severe, and
+     though we were not successful in retaining the position, the
+     losses inflicted on the enemy and the attack generally have had
+     a marked effect upon them.
+
+     "I cannot close these remarks without bearing testimony to the
+     gallant and admirable behaviour of the troops, the endurance
+     shown by the Lancashire Fusiliers, the Middlesex Regiment, and
+     Thorneycroft's Mounted Infantry was admirable, while the
+     efforts of the 2nd Battalion Scottish Rifles and 3rd Battalion
+     King's Royal Rifles were equally good, and the Royal Lancasters
+     fought gallantly."
+
+The Commander-in-Chief, writing to the Secretary of State for War, thus
+criticised both operations and operators:--
+
+     "The plan of operations is not very clearly described in the
+     despatches themselves, but it may be gathered from them and the
+     accompanying documents themselves that the original intention
+     was to cross the Tugela at or near Trichardt's Drift, and
+     thence by following the road past Fair View and Acton Homes, to
+     gain the open plain north of Spion Kop, the Boer position in
+     front of Potgieter's Drift being too strong to be taken by
+     direct attack. The whole force, less one brigade, was placed
+     under the orders of Sir Charles Warren, who, the day after he
+     had crossed the Tugela, seems to have consulted his General and
+     principal Staff Officers, and to have come to the conclusion
+     that the flanking movement which Sir Redvers Buller had
+     mentioned in his secret instructions was impracticable on
+     account of the insufficiency of supplies. He accordingly
+     decided to advance by the more direct road leading north-east
+     and branching off from a point east of Three Tree Hill. The
+     selection of this road necessitated the capture and retention
+     of Spion Kop, but whether it would have been equally necessary
+     to occupy Spion Kop, had the line of advance indicated by Sir
+     Redvers Buller been followed, is not stated in the
+     correspondence. As Sir Charles Warren considered it impossible
+     to make the wide flanking movement which was recommended, if
+     not actually prescribed, in his secret instructions, he should
+     at once have acquainted Sir Redvers Buller with the course of
+     action which he proposed to adopt. There is nothing to show
+     whether he did so or not, but it seems only fair to Sir Charles
+     Warren to point out that Sir Redvers Buller appears throughout
+     to have been aware of what was happening. On several occasions
+     he was present during the operations. He repeatedly gave advice
+     to his subordinate Commander, and on the day after the
+     withdrawal from Spion Kop he resumed the chief command."
+
+The abandonment of Spion Kop was condemned by Lord Roberts in the
+following terms:--
+
+     "As regards the withdrawal of the troops from the Spion Kop
+     position, which, though occupied almost without opposition in
+     the early morning of the 24th January, had to be held
+     throughout the day under an extremely heavy fire, and the
+     retention of which had become essential to the relief of
+     Ladysmith, I regret that I am unable to concur with Sir
+     Redvers Buller in thinking that Lieut.-Colonel Thorneycroft
+     exercised a wise discretion in ordering the troops to retire.
+     Even admitting that due preparations may not have been made for
+     strengthening the position during the night, reorganising the
+     defence and bringing up artillery--in regard to which Sir
+     Charles Warren's report does not altogether bear out Sir
+     Redvers Buller's contention--admitting also that the senior
+     officers on the summit of the hill might have been more
+     promptly informed of the measures taken by Sir Charles Warren
+     to support and reinforce them, I am of opinion that
+     Lieut.-Colonel Thorneycroft's assumption of responsibility and
+     authority was wholly inexcusable. During the night the enemy's
+     fire, if it did not cease altogether, could not have been
+     formidable, and though lamp signalling was not possible at the
+     time owing to the supply of oil having failed, it would not
+     have taken more than two or three hours at most for
+     Lieut.-Colonel Thorneycroft to communicate by messenger with
+     Major-General Coke or Sir Charles Warren, and to receive a
+     reply. Major-General Coke appears to have left Spion Kop at
+     9.30 P.M. for the purpose of consulting with Sir Charles
+     Warren, and up to that hour the idea of a withdrawal had not
+     been entertained. Yet almost immediately after Major-General
+     Coke's departure Lieut.-Colonel Thorneycroft issued an order,
+     without reference to superior authority, which upset the whole
+     plan of operations and rendered unavailing the sacrifices which
+     had already been made to carry it into effect."
+
+In spite of this somewhat severe criticism, however, Lord Roberts went
+on to say:--
+
+     "On the other hand, it is only right to state that
+     Lieut.-Colonel Thorneycroft appears to have behaved in a very
+     gallant manner throughout the day, and it was doubtless due, in
+     a great measure, to his exertions and example that the troops
+     continued to hold the summit of the hill until directed to
+     retire."
+
+The action of Captain Phillips he warmly praised:--
+
+     "The conduct of Captain Phillips, Brigade-Major of the 10th
+     Brigade, on the occasion in question, is deserving of high
+     commendation. He did his best to rectify the mistake which was
+     being made, but it was too late. Signalling communication was
+     not re-established until 2.30 A.M. on the 25th January, and by
+     that time the Naval guns could not have reached the summit of
+     the hill before daybreak. Major-General Coke did not return,
+     and Lieutenant-Colonel Thorneycroft had gone away. Moreover,
+     most of the troops had begun to leave the hill, and the working
+     parties, with the half-company of Royal Engineers, had also
+     withdrawn."
+
+Briefly the Commander-in-Chief deplored the chaotic state of affairs
+prior to the retirement. He said:--
+
+     "It is to be regretted that Sir Charles Warren did not himself
+     visit Spion Kop during the afternoon or evening, knowing as he
+     did that the state of affairs there was very critical, and that
+     the loss of the position would involve the failure of the
+     operations. He was, consequently, obliged to summon
+     Major-General Coke to his headquarters in the evening, in order
+     that he might ascertain how matters were going on, and the
+     command on Spion Kop thus devolved on Lieutenant-Colonel
+     Thorneycroft; but Major-General Coke was not aware of this.
+     About midday, under instructions from Sir Redvers Buller, Sir
+     Charles Warren had directed Lieutenant-Colonel Thorneycroft to
+     assume command on the summit of the hill, with the temporary
+     rank of Brigadier-General, but this order was not communicated
+     to Major-General Coke, who, until he left the position at 9.30
+     P.M., was under the impression that the command had devolved on
+     Colonel Hill, as senior officer, after Colonel Crofton had been
+     wounded. Omissions or mistakes of this nature may be trivial in
+     themselves, yet may exercise an important influence on the
+     course of events; and I think that Sir Redvers Buller is
+     justified in remarking that 'there was a want of organisation
+     and system which acted most unfavourably on the defence.'"
+
+In conclusion, the principal actors in the drama were censured, while
+the troops engaged received well-merited praise:--
+
+     "The attempt to relieve Ladysmith, described in these
+     despatches, was well devised, and I agree with Sir Redvers
+     Buller in thinking that it ought to have succeeded. That it
+     failed may, in some measure, be due to the difficulties of the
+     ground and the commanding positions held by the enemy--probably
+     also to errors of judgment and want of administrative capacity
+     on the part of Sir Charles Warren. But whatever faults Sir
+     Charles Warren may have committed, the failure must also be
+     ascribed to the disinclination of the officer in supreme
+     command to assert his authority and see that what he thought
+     best was done, and also to the unwarrantable and needless
+     assumption of responsibility by a subordinate officer.
+
+     "The gratifying feature in these despatches is the admirable
+     behaviour of the troops throughout the operations."
+
+
+
+
+LIST OF STAFF
+
+
+The following Divisions reached South Africa at the end of 1899 and the
+beginning of 1900.
+
+FIFTH DIVISION
+
+     Lieutenant-General--Lieut.-General Sir C. Warren, G.C.M.G.,
+     K.C.B., R.E.
+
+     Aides-de-Camp--Major R. M. B. F. Kelly, R.A.; Lieut. I. V.
+     Paton, Royal Scots Fusiliers.
+
+     Assistant Adjutant-General--Colonel A. W. Morris, _p.s.c._
+
+     Deputy-Assistant Adjutant-Generals--Bt.-Major T. Capper, East
+     Lancashire Regt., _p.s.c._; Bt.-Major H. N. Sargent, Army
+     Service Corps.
+
+     Assistant Provost-Marshal--Bt.-Major E. C. J. Williams, East
+     Kent Regt.
+
+     Principal Medical Officer--Lieut.-Colonel W. B. Allin, M.B.,
+     R.A.M.C.
+
+     Divisional Signalling Officer--Captain A. A. McHardy, R.A.
+
+
+     10TH BRIGADE
+
+     Major-General--Colonel (local Maj.-General) J. T. Coke.
+
+     Aide-de-Camp--Lieut. W. E. Kemble, R.A.
+
+     Brigade-Major--Captain H. G. C. Phillips, Welsh Regt., _p.s.c._
+
+
+     11TH BRIGADE
+
+     Major-General--Colonel (local Maj.-General) E. R. P. Woodgate,
+     K.C.M.G., C.B., _p.s.c._
+
+     Aide-de-Camp--Captain F. M. Carleton, D.S.O., Royal Lancashire
+     Regt.
+
+     Brigade-Major--Captain N. H. Vertue, East Kent Regt.
+
+
+     SIXTH DIVISION
+
+     Lieutenant-General--Major-General (local Lieut.-General) T.
+     Kelly-Kenny, C.B., _p.s.c._
+
+     Aides-de-Camp--Major H. I. W. Hamilton, D.S.O., Royal West
+     Surrey Regt., _p.s.c._; Captain W. H. Booth, East Kent Regt.
+
+     Assistant Adjutant-General--Colonel A. E. W. Goldsmid, _p.s.c._
+
+     Deputy-Assistant Adjutant-Generals--Major C. C. Monro, Royal
+     West Surrey Regt., _p.s.c._; Major J. E. Caunter, Lancashire
+     Fusiliers, _p.s.c._
+
+     Assistant Provost-Marshal--Major M. G. Wilkinson, King's Own
+     Scottish Borderers.
+
+     Principal Medical Officer--Lieut.-Colonel W. L. Gubbins, M.B.,
+     R.A.M.C.
+
+     Divisional Signalling Officer--Lieut. J. T. Burnett-Stuart,
+     Rifle Brigade.
+
+
+     12TH BRIGADE
+
+     Major-General--Colonel (local Maj.-General) R. A. P. Clements,
+     D.S.O., A.D.C.
+
+     Aide-de-Camp--Captain H. de C. Moody, South Wales Borderers.
+
+     Brigade-Major--Captain R. S. Oxley, King's Royal Rifle Corps,
+     _p.s.c._
+
+
+     13TH BRIGADE
+
+     Major-General--Colonel (local Maj.-General) C. E. Knox.
+
+     Aide-de-Camp--Captain O. H. E. Marescaux, Shropshire Light
+     Infantry.
+
+     Brigade-Major--Captain R. W. Thompson, North Lancashire Regt.,
+     _p.s.c._
+
+
+     SEVENTH DIVISION
+
+     Lieutenant-General--Major-General (local Lieut.-General) C.
+     Tucker, C.B. Aides-de-Camp--
+
+     Assistant Adjutant-General--Colonel H. E. Belfield, _p.s.c._
+
+     Deputy-Assistant Adjutant-Generals--Brevet-Major H. G. Fitton,
+     D.S.O., Royal Berkshire Regt., _p.s.c._; Lieut.-Colonel H. G.
+     Rice, Army Service Corps.
+
+     Assistant Provost-Marshal--Brevet-Major F. Wintour, Royal West
+     Kent Regt., _p.s.c._
+
+     Principal Medical Officer--Lieut.-Colonel J. A. Gormley, M.D.,
+     R.A.M.C.
+
+     Divisional Signalling Officer--Captain J. R. K. Birch, Cheshire
+     Regt.
+
+
+     14TH BRIGADE
+
+     Major-General--Major-General Sir H. C. Chermside, G.C.M.G.,
+     C.B., R.E.
+
+     Aide-de-Camp--Captain E. FitzG. M. Wood, Devonshire Regt.
+
+     Brigade-Major--Captain W. M. Marter, 1st Dragoon Guards,
+     _p.s.c._
+
+
+     15TH BRIGADE
+
+     Major-General--Colonel (local Maj.-General) A. G. Wavell,
+     _p.s.c._
+
+     Brigade-Major--Captain L. R. Carleton, Essex Regt., _p.s.c._
+
+
+
+
+END OF VOL. III.
+
+
+
+
+  Printed by BALLANTYNE, HANSON & CO.
+  Edinburgh & London
+
+
+
+
+TRANSCRIBERS' NOTES
+
+
+  General : Corrections to punctuation have not been individually
+             documented
+  Page   5: "enroll" standardised to "enrol" after "forward in crowds to"
+  Page  15: "Divison" corrected to "Division" after "the Sixth"
+  Page  30: Variant spelling "viâ" not standardised as part of a
+             quotation
+  Page  31: "bombproof" standardised to "bomb-proof" after "burrowing
+             like rabbits, or in"
+  Page  55: "Jaysfontein" corrected to "Jasfontein" after "away from a
+             farm at"
+  Page  56: "Zoutspansdrift" corrected to "Zoutpansdrift" after "in the
+             direction of Kamak and"
+  Page  56: "Naauwport" corrected to "Naauwpoort" after "lot of those
+             around"
+  Page  58: "Naauwport" corrected to "Naauwpoort" after "The inhabitants
+             of"
+  Page  71: "bloodthirsty" standardised to "blood-thirsty" after "They
+             proved to be not"
+  Page  71: "farm-house" standardised to "farmhouse" after "bivouacked at
+             the"
+  Page  73: "horse-shoe" as in the original. Not standardised as this is
+             an adjectival usage
+  Page  77: "look-out" standardised to "lookout" after "They employed"
+  Page  78: "Koodoosberg" corrected to "Koodoesberg" after "troops from
+             Barkly and"
+  Page  85: "bloodstained" standardised to "blood-stained" after "the
+             eyes of those who,"
+  Page  86: "gantlet" as in the original
+  Page  92: "Divsion" corrected to "Division" after "Second"
+  Page  96: "POTGEITER'S" corrected to "POTGIETER'S" after "THE CROSSING
+             OF"
+  Page  99: "Carbineers" corrected to "Carabineers" after "one squadron
+             Natal"
+  Page 108: "roast" corrected to "roost" after "We shall be rulers of
+             the"
+  Page 123: "head-quarters" standardised to "headquarters" after "some
+             even reaching"
+  Page 134: "Blomfontein" corrected to "Bloemfontein" after "Steyn and
+             Kruger dated"
+  Page 148: "rough-riders" standardised to "roughriders" after "despatch
+             of 500 expert"
+  Page 174: "Naauwport" corrected to "Naauwpoort" after "thirty-seven
+             miles north of"
+  Page 179: "sandstorms" standardised to "sand-storms" after "These"
+  Page 182: "Ochtertang" corrected to "Achtertang" after "reconnoitring
+             towards"
+  Page 185: "unusally" corrected to "unusually" after "Boer movements
+             rendered"
+  Page 194: "Sandbags" standardised to "Sand-bags" before "were sent up
+             early"
+  Page 195: "Potgeiter's" as in the original. Left as part of a
+             quotation.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of South Africa and the Transvaal War, Vol. 3 (of 6), by 
+Louis Creswicke
+
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+    <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" />
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+    <title>
+      The Project Gutenberg eBook of South Africa and the Transvaal War, Vol. 3 (of 6), by
+	  Louis Creswicke
+    </title>
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+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of South Africa and the Transvaal War, Vol. 3 (of 6), by 
+Louis Creswicke
+
+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: South Africa and the Transvaal War, Vol. 3 (of 6)
+       From the Battle of Colenso, 15th Dec. 1899, to Lord
+              Roberts's Advance into the Free State, 12th Feb. 1900
+
+Author: Louis Creswicke
+
+Release Date: July 27, 2011 [EBook #36866]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SOUTH AFRICA ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Brownfox and the Online Distributed Proofreading
+Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from
+images generously made available by The Internet Archive)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_i" id="Page_i">[Pg i]</a></span></p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_ii" id="Page_ii">[Pg ii]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 409px;">
+<a name="illo01" id="illo01"></a><img src="images/illo01.png" width="409" height="642" alt="Photo of General Roberts, with his signature" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_iii" id="Page_iii">[Pg iii]</a></span></p>
+
+<h1 class="gap2"><span class="smcap">South Africa<br />
+<span class="smaller">and the</span><br />
+Transvaal War</span></h1>
+
+<p class="center gap2">BY</p>
+<p class="large center">LOUIS CRESWICKE</p>
+
+<p class="center smaller">AUTHOR OF &#8220;ROXANE,&#8221; ETC.</p>
+
+<p class="center smaller gap2"><b>WITH NUMEROUS ILLUSTRATIONS AND MAPS</b></p>
+
+<p class="center gap2">IN SIX VOLUMES</p>
+
+<p class="center">VOL. III.&mdash;FROM THE BATTLE OF COLENSO,
+15<sup><span class="smaller">TH</span></sup> DEC. 1899, TO LORD ROBERTS&#8217;S ADVANCE INTO
+THE FREE STATE, 12<sup><span class="smaller">TH</span></sup> FEB. 1900</p>
+
+<p class="center gap2">EDINBURGH: T. C. &amp; E. C. JACK</p>
+<p class="center smaller">MANCHESTER: KENNETH MACLENNAN, 75 PICCADILLY</p>
+<p class="center smaller">1900</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_iv" id="Page_iv">[Pg iv]</a></span></p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_v" id="Page_v">[Pg v]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="gap2">CONTENTS&mdash;<span class="smcap">Vol. III.</span></h2>
+
+<table summary="Contents" style="border:0;border-collapse:collapse;">
+<tr>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="smaller ralign">PAGE</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><a href="#CHRONOLOGICAL_TABLE_Vol_III">CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">vii</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2" class="center padtop"><a href="#CHAPTER_I">CHAPTER I</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="smaller ralign">PAGE</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#CHAPTER_I">The Situation</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">1</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#DOINGS_AT_CHIEVELEY">Doings at Chieveley</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">8</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#CHRISTMAS_AT_THE_CAPE_AND_NATAL">Christmas at the Cape and Natal</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">14</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2" class="center padtop"><a href="#CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER II</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="smaller ralign">PAGE</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#CHAPTER_II">Mafeking</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">19</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#KURUMAN_AND_ELSEWHERE">Kuruman and Elsewhere</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">25</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#MAFEKING_NOVEMBER">Mafeking, November</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">31</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#KIMBERLEY">Kimberley</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">39</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2" class="center padtop"><a href="#CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER III</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="smaller ralign">PAGE</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#CHAPTER_III">Life with General Gatacre</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">47</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#WITH_GENERAL_FRENCH">With General French</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">52</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2" class="center padtop"><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER IV</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="smaller ralign">PAGE</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">The Colonials at Belmont</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">60</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#COLONEL_PILCHERS_RAID">Colonel Pilcher&#8217;s Raid</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">61</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#ACTIVITIES_AND_SURPRISES">Activities and Surprises</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">68</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#AT_MODDER_RIVER">At Modder River</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">72</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2" class="center padtop"><a href="#CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER V</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="smaller ralign">PAGE</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#CHAPTER_V">Christmas at Ladysmith</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">79</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#THE_ATTACK_ON_WAGON_HILL">The Attack on Wagon Hill</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">81</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2" class="center padtop"><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER VI</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="smaller ralign">PAGE</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">Buller&#8217;s Second Advance</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">92</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#THE_FLANK_MOVEMENT">The Flank Movement</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">97</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#SPION_KOP">The Battle of Spion Kop</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">104</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#THE_THIRD_GREAT_EFFORT_VAAL_KRANTZ">The Third Great Effort&mdash;Vaal Krantz</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">117</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#DISAPPOINTMENT_AT_LADYSMITH">Disappointment at Ladysmith</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">125</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#LORD_ROBERTS_AT_THE_CAPE">Lord Roberts at the Cape</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">131</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2" class="center padtop"><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">CHAPTER VII</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="smaller ralign">PAGE</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">The Wonder of the World</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">136</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#FIRST_CANADIAN_CONTINGENT">First Canadian Contingent</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">138</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#THE_SECOND_CANADIAN_CONTINGENT">The Second Canadian Contingent</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">144</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#STRATHCONAS_HORSE">Strathcona&#8217;s Horse</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">146</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#NEW_SOUTH_WALES">New South Wales</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">148</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#VICTORIA">Victoria</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">150</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#NEW_ZEALAND">New Zealand</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">151</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#QUEENSLAND">Queensland</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">153</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#SOUTH_AND_WEST_AUSTRALIA">South Australia</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">154</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#WEST_AUSTRALIA">West Australia</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">157</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#TASMANIA">Tasmania</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">157</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#THE_BUSHMENS_CORPS">The Bushmen&#8217;s Corps</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">158</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#INDIAS_CONTINGENTS">India&#8217;s Contingents</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">159</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#THE_SOUTH_AFRICAN_VOLUNTEERS">The South African Volunteers&mdash;</a></td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap padl1"><a href="#CAPE_COLONY">Cape Colony</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">161</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap padl1"><a href="#NATAL">Natal</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">166</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#THE_IMPERIAL_YEOMANRY">The Imperial Yeomanry</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">167</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#THE_CITY_IMPERIAL_VOLUNTEERS">The City Imperial Volunteers</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">171</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2" class="center padtop"><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">CHAPTER VIII</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="smaller ralign">PAGE</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">At Colesberg</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">174</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#LORD_ROBERTSS_ADVANCE">Lord Roberts&#8217;s Advance</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">183</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#FIGHTING_MAC_AT_KOODOESBERG">&#8220;Fighting Mac&#8221; at Koodoesberg</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">186</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="smaller ralign padtop">PAGE</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#APPENDIX">APPENDIX</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">190</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap padtop hangindent"><a href="#APPENDIX">The Story of Spion Kop</a></td>
+<td class="ralign padtop">190</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#LIST_OF_STAFF">List of Staff</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">199</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_vi" id="Page_vi">[Pg vi]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="gap2"><a name="LIST_OF_ILLUSTRATIONS_Vol_III" id="LIST_OF_ILLUSTRATIONS_Vol_III"></a>LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS&mdash;<span class="smcap">Vol. III.</span></h2>
+
+<table summary="Contents" style="border:0;border-collapse:collapse;">
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#illo02">Bird&#8217;s-eye View of the Ground Covered by General Buller&#8217;s Operations</a></td>
+<td class="ralign"><i>At Front</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2" class="center padtop">1. <i>COLOURED PLATES</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="smaller ralign">PAGE</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="hangindent"><a href="#illo01"><span class="smcap">Field-Marshal Lord Roberts of Kandahar, V.C.</span> &amp;c.</a></td>
+<td class="ralign"><i>Frontispiece</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#illo08">Sergeant-Major&mdash;Imperial Light Horse</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">24</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#illo12">Army Service Corps</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">40</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#illo22">Household Cavalry&mdash;Captain, 2nd Life Guards</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">80</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#illo29">Royal Field Artillery (Action Front)</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">100</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#illo36">Cyclists&mdash;Lancashire Fusiliers</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">120</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#illo44">Private, Drummers, Piper, and Bugler&mdash;The Black Watch</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">134</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#illo52">Officers&mdash;City of London Imperial Volunteers</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">176</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2" class="center padtop">2. <i>FULL-PAGE PLATES</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="smaller ralign">PAGE</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#illo03">A Picket of 13th Hussars Surprised near the Tugela River</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">8</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#illo16">A Reconnaissance in Force with General French&#8217;s Cavalry near Colesberg</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">56</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#illo18">Colonel Pilcher&#8217;s Attack on Sunnyside Kopje</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">64</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#illo23">H.M.S. &#8220;Powerful&#8221;</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">84</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#illo25">The Great Assault on Ladysmith</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">88</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#illo26">Pietermaritzburg from the East</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">92</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#illo27">The Crossing of Potgieter&#8217;s Drift, January 16</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">96</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#illo30">Taking the 4.7 Naval Gun across the Tugela</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">104</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#illo33">Going out to the Attack on Spion Kop</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">112</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#illo34">The Scene on Spion Kop</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">116</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#illo37">Falls on the Tugela River</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">124</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#illo42">Arrival at Cape Town of Wounded from Natal</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">132</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#illo46">Lady Minto Presenting Colours To Herchmer&#8217;s Horse</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">144</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#illo50">The City Imperial Volunteers Crossing Westminster Bridge</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">168</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#illo55">New Zealanders Saving a Picket of the Yorkshire Regiment near Slingersfontein</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">184</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#illo57">&#8220;Fighting Mac&#8221; and the Highland Brigade in Action at Koodoesberg</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">188</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2" class="center padtop">3. <i>FULL-PAGE PORTRAITS</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="smaller ralign">PAGE</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#illo05">Lieut.-General Forestier Walker, K.C.B.</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">16</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#illo10">Major-General Lord Kitchener of Khartoum</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">32</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#illo14">Major-General Sir W. F. Gatacre, K.C.B.</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">48</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#illo20">Major-General Hector A. Macdonald, C.B.</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">72</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#illo40">Lieut.-General Sir Charles Warren, G.C.M.G.</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">128</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#illo45">Colonel W. D. Otter</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">136</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#illo47">Hon. W. P. Schreiner, C.M.G.</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">152</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#illo48">General Brabant, C.M.G.</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">160</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2" class="center padtop">4. <i>MAPS AND ENGRAVINGS IN THE TEXT</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="smaller ralign">PAGE</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#illo04">Map&mdash;The Seat of War</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">9</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#illo06">Sketch of Positions at Mafeking</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">20</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#illo07">Outpost and Intrenchment at Mafeking</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">24</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#illo09">Facsimile of Handwriting of Col. Baden Powell</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">32</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#illo11">Plan of Kimberley</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">40</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#illo13">Splinter Proof Shelter at Kimberley</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">43</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#illo15">Map of Movements of Gatacre and French</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">51</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#illo17">Map of Colonel Pilcher&#8217;s Raid</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">62</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#illo19">Lord Dundonald&#8217;s Galloping Gun Carriage</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">70</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#illo21">Maxim Automatic Gun or Pom-Pom</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">75</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#illo24">Map of Ladysmith</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">87</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#illo28">Mountain Battery</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">97</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#illo31">Sketch, &amp;c., of Spion Kop</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">107</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#illo32">Plan of Engagement of Spion Kop</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">111</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#illo35">Plan of Engagement of Vaal Krantz</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">120</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#illo38">British 7-Pounder Field Gun</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">126</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#illo39">Siege of Ladysmith</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">128</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#illo41">Naval 12-Pounder Field Gun</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">132</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#illo43">Mr. Kruger&#8217;s Autograph</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">134</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#illo49">South African Scout</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">163</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#illo51">12½-Pounder Field Gun (C.I.V.)</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">172</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#illo53">Map of Position at Colesberg</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">179</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#illo54">Sketch of Position at Colesberg</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">181</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="smcap hangindent"><a href="#illo56">Map illustrating Movement To Koodoesberg</a></td>
+<td class="ralign">187</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_vii" id="Page_vii">[Pg vii]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="gap2"><a name="CHRONOLOGICAL_TABLE_Vol_III" id="CHRONOLOGICAL_TABLE_Vol_III"></a><span class="smcap">CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE&mdash;Vol. III.</span></h2>
+
+<p class="center gap2">DECEMBER 1899.</p>
+
+<p class="chronohang">17.&mdash;Field-Marshal Lord Roberts, K.P.,
+G.C.B., V.C., &amp;c., appointed Commander-in-Chief
+in South Africa,
+with Lord Kitchener of Khartoum
+as his Chief of the Staff.</p>
+
+<p class="chronoind">War Office issued orders under which
+the remaining portion of the Army
+A Reserve were called up; and
+large reinforcements were to proceed
+to South Africa without
+delay.</p>
+
+<p class="chronoind">General Gatacre advanced from
+Sterkstroom to Putters Kraal.</p>
+
+<p class="chronoind">General French established his headquarters
+at Arundel.</p>
+
+<p class="chronoind">Offers of Second Contingents by the
+Colonies accepted.</p>
+
+<p class="chronohang">18.&mdash;Additional Battalions of Militia embodied.
+There were now fifty-four
+Battalions of Militia embodied.</p>
+
+<p class="chronoind">Sir Charles Warren and the Staff
+of the Fifth Division left Cape
+Town.</p>
+
+<p class="chronoind">Reconnaissance by General French.
+Sortie from Ladysmith.</p>
+
+<p class="chronohang">19.&mdash;Important order issued from the
+War Office, announcing that the
+Government had decided to raise
+for service in South Africa a
+Mounted Infantry force, to be
+called &#8220;The Imperial Yeomanry.&#8221;
+The force to be recruited from the
+Yeomanry.</p>
+
+<p class="chronohang">21.&mdash;Mr. Winston Churchill arrived at
+Lourenço Marques after an adventurous
+journey.</p>
+
+<p class="chronohang">23.&mdash;Departure of Lord Roberts from
+London and Southampton for the
+Cape.</p>
+
+<p class="chronohang">24.&mdash;Dordrecht occupied by General
+Gatacre.</p>
+
+<p class="chronoind">Sortie from Mafeking.</p>
+
+<p class="chronoind">Two British officers captured by
+Boers near Chieveley.</p>
+
+<p class="chronohang">25.&mdash;Bluejackets blew up Tugela Road
+bridge, and cut off Boers with
+their guns.</p>
+
+<p class="chronoind">Colonel Dalgety with Mounted
+Police and Colonial troops held
+Dordrecht. (Gatacre&#8217;s Division.)</p>
+
+<p class="chronohang">26.&mdash;Sir Charles Warren arrived at the
+Natal front.</p>
+
+<p class="chronoind">Boers appeared at Victoria West.</p>
+
+<p class="chronoind">Mafeking force attacked a Boer fort.</p>
+
+<p class="chronohang">27.&mdash;Boers unsuccessfully bombarded
+Ladysmith.</p>
+
+<p class="chronohang">28.&mdash;H.M.S. <i>Magicienne</i> captured German
+liner <i>Bundesrath</i>, near Delagoa
+Bay, with contraband of war on
+board.</p>
+
+<p class="chronohang">30.&mdash;Skirmish near Dordrecht. Boers
+defeated with loss. Two British
+officers captured through mistaking
+Boers for New Zealanders.</p>
+
+<p class="center gap2">JANUARY 1900.</p>
+
+<p class="chronohang">1.&mdash;Enrolment of the first draft of the
+City Imperial Volunteers.</p>
+
+<p class="chronoind">Surrender of Kuruman, after a stout
+resistance, to the Boers. Twelve
+officers and 120 police captured.</p>
+
+<p class="chronoind">General French occupied a kopje
+overlooking Colesberg. Flight of
+Boers, leaving their wrecked guns
+and quantities of stores.</p>
+
+<p class="chronoind">Brilliant man&oelig;uvre by Lieutenant-Colonel
+Pilcher at Sunnyside.
+Captured the entire Boer camp,
+made forty prisoners, advanced
+and occupied Douglas on Vaal
+River.</p>
+
+<p class="chronoind">Colonel Plumer and Colonel Holdsworth
+from Rhodesia continued
+their march to the relief of Mafeking.</p>
+
+<p class="chronohang">2.&mdash;Loyal inhabitants of Douglas escorted
+to Belmont.</p>
+
+<p class="chronoind">General French still engaged with
+enemy at Colesberg.</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_viii" id="Page_viii">[Pg viii]</a></span></p>
+
+<p class="chronohang">3.&mdash;General French reinforced from De
+Aar. Boers being surrounded;
+fighting in the hills.</p>
+
+<p class="chronoind">General Gatacre repulsed Boer attack
+on position commanding Molteno.</p>
+
+<p class="chronoind">Colonel Pilcher, for &#8220;military
+reasons,&#8221; evacuated Douglas.</p>
+
+<p class="chronohang">4.&mdash;General Gatacre occupied Molteno;
+Boers retreated to Stormberg with
+loss.</p>
+
+<p class="chronoind">General French man&oelig;uvring to enclose
+Colesberg; further fighting.</p>
+
+<p class="chronohang">5.&mdash;General Gatacre hotly engaged at
+Molteno by Boers from Stormberg;
+drove them off, inflicting
+heavy losses.</p>
+
+<p class="chronohang">6.&mdash;Great battle at Ladysmith. Boers
+repulsed on every side with heavy
+loss.</p>
+
+<p class="chronoind">General Buller made a demonstration
+in force to aid General White.</p>
+
+<p class="chronoind">General French inflicted severe defeat
+on Boers at Colesberg. A
+Company of the 1st Suffolk Regiment
+captured.</p>
+
+<p class="chronohang">9.&mdash;British troops invaded Free State
+territory near Jacobsdal. The
+Queensland and Canadian Volunteers
+cleared a large belt across
+the Free State border.</p>
+
+<p class="chronohang">10.&mdash;Lord Roberts and Lord Kitchener
+arrived at Cape Town.</p>
+
+<p class="chronoind">Forward movement for the relief
+of Ladysmith from Chieveley and
+Frere.</p>
+
+<p class="chronohang">11.&mdash;Sir Redvers Buller crossed the
+Little Tugela, and occupied the
+south bank of the Tugela at Potgieter&#8217;s
+Drift.</p>
+
+<p class="chronoind">Lord Dundonald and Mounted
+Brigade crossed the Tugela at
+Potgieter&#8217;s Drift.</p>
+
+<p class="chronoind">General Gatacre made a reconnaissance
+in force towards Stormberg.</p>
+
+<p class="chronohang">13.&mdash;The City Imperial Volunteers left
+London for South Africa.</p>
+
+<p class="chronohang">15.&mdash;Boers attacked General French and
+were repulsed at Colesberg.</p>
+
+<p class="chronohang">16.&mdash;General Lyttleton and Mounted
+Brigade crossed the Tugela at
+Potgieter&#8217;s Drift.</p>
+
+<p class="chronohang">17.&mdash;Sir Charles Warren crossed, with
+his Division, at Trichardt&#8217;s Drift.</p>
+
+<p class="chronoind">Lord Dundonald had an action
+with the Boers near Acton Homes.</p>
+
+<p class="chronohang">18.&mdash;Tugela bridged and crossed by a
+Brigade and battery.</p>
+
+<p class="chronohang">20.&mdash;Sir Charles Warren moved towards
+Spion Kop.</p>
+
+<p class="chronoind">Reconnaissance by Lord Dundonald.</p>
+
+<p class="chronohang">21.&mdash;Heavy fighting by Clery&#8217;s force;
+they attacked the Boers and captured
+ridge after ridge for three
+miles.</p>
+
+<p class="chronohang">22&mdash;Sir Charles Warren&#8217;s entire army
+engaged.</p>
+
+<p class="chronohang">23.&mdash;Spion Kop captured by Sir Charles
+Warren; General Woodgate
+wounded.</p>
+
+<p class="chronohang">25-27.&mdash;Abandonment of Spion Kop.
+Sir Charles Warren&#8217;s force withdrew
+to south of Tugela.</p>
+
+<p class="chronohang">27.&mdash;Brigadier-General Brabant, commanding
+a Brigade of Colonial
+forces, joined General Gatacre.</p>
+
+<p class="chronohang">28.&mdash;General Kelly-Kenny occupied Thebus.</p>
+
+<p class="chronohang">30.&mdash;British force reoccupied Prieska.</p>
+
+<p class="center gap2">FEBRUARY 1900.</p>
+
+<p class="chronohang">3.&mdash;Telegraphic communication restored
+between Mafeking and Gaberones.</p>
+
+<p class="chronohang">4.&mdash;General Macdonald occupied Koodoe&#8217;s
+Drift.</p>
+
+<p class="chronohang">5.&mdash;General Buller crossed the Tugela
+at Manger&#8217;s Drift.</p>
+
+<p class="chronohang">6.&mdash;General Buller captured Vaal Krantz
+Hill.</p>
+
+<p class="chronohang">7.&mdash;Vaal Krantz Hill abandoned, and
+British force withdrew south of
+the Tugela.</p>
+
+<p class="chronohang">9.&mdash;General Macdonald retired to
+Modder River.</p>
+
+<p class="chronoind">Lord Roberts arrived at Modder
+River.</p>
+
+<p class="chronohang">10.&mdash;Colonel Hannay&#8217;s force moved to
+Ramdam.</p>
+
+<p class="chronohang">12.&mdash;General French with Cavalry Division,
+proceeding to the Relief of
+Kimberley, seized Dekiel&#8217;s Drift.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 696px;">
+<a name="illo02" id="illo02"></a><img src="images/illo02.png" width="696" height="471"
+alt="BIRD&#8217;S-EYE VIEW OF THE COUNTRY COVERED BY GENERAL BULLER&#8217;S OPERATIONS FOR THE RELIEF OF LADYSMITH." title="" />
+<div>
+<span class="caption">BIRD&#8217;S-EYE VIEW OF THE COUNTRY COVERED BY GENERAL BULLER&#8217;S OPERATIONS FOR THE RELIEF OF LADYSMITH.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap smaller">EDINBURGH and LONDON: T. C. &amp; E. C. JACK</span></div></div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[Pg 1]</a></span></p>
+
+<p class="gap2 xx-large center"><b>SOUTH AFRICA AND THE<br />
+TRANSVAAL WAR</b></p>
+
+<h2 class="gap2"><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I<br />
+<br />
+<span class="smaller">THE SITUATION</span></h2>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">&#8220;The wave that breaks against a forward stroke<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Beats not the swimmer back, but thrills him through<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">With joyous trust to win his way anew<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Through stronger seas than first upon him broke<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And triumphed. England&#8217;s iron-tempered oak<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Shrank not when Europe&#8217;s might against her grew<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Full, and her sun drunk up her foes like dew,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And lion-like from sleep her strength awoke.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">As bold in fight as bold in breach of trust<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">We find our foes and wonder not to find,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Nor grudge them praise whom honour may not bind:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">But loathing more intense than speaks disgust<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Heaves England&#8217;s heart, when scorn is bound to greet<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Hunters and hounds whose tongues would lick their feet.&#8221;<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p class="ralign smcap">&mdash;Algernon Charles Swinburne.</p>
+
+<p class="gap2">A week of disaster had terminated woefully. Three British
+Generals in succession&mdash;Sir William Gatacre, Lord
+Methuen, and Sir Redvers Buller&mdash;had advanced against
+strongly fortified Boer positions and suffered repulse. The
+hearts of the miserable loyalists, who hung in dire suspense
+on the result of British action, sank in despair&mdash;their dismay
+and their grief were pitiful. Great Britain echoed their sentiment.
+Disappointment was universal. General Gatacre had failed through
+lack of caution and mischance; the other Generals had come to grief
+owing to the circumstances which forced them willy nilly to hurry
+to the assistance of beleaguered towns in the face of overwhelming
+disadvantages, notably the lack of cavalry and the inefficiency of
+the guns. Lord Methuen had been unable to bring home his early
+victories owing to the absence of mounted men. Sir Redvers Buller
+had failed to dislodge the enemy from his strong, naturally fortified
+positions owing to the weakness of his artillery in comparison to
+that of the enemy, who had Nordenfeldt and Hotchkiss quick-firing
+guns in every available position. He had made a glorious attempt&mdash;owned
+to be magnificent; but it was not war, and in his failure<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[Pg 2]</a></span>
+he recognised that it was not the game of derring-do, but the game
+of &#8220;slim&#8221; warfare as played by his brother Boer which must
+claim his attention. Now was verified the prophecy of the Polish
+apocalypse: &#8220;The war of the future will be a war of sieges and
+entrenched positions. In the war of the future the advantage will
+always rest with the defensive. In the war of the future, frontal
+attacks, without immense superiority in numbers, will be impossible.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Every campaign, they say, has its lessons. This one we now
+find to be full of them, so full indeed that it has necessarily taken
+our Generals some time to become acquainted even with their
+grammar. When the war was forced upon us by the Pretoria
+oligarchy for the long-cherished purpose of ousting Great Britain
+from South Africa, many of the authorities were of opinion that
+a rabble of undisciplined farmers would be incapable of offering
+any formidable resistance to the superior military system of Great
+Britain. Not a hint of doubt as to the success of our arms and the
+effectiveness of our war apparatus was entertained. When Colonials
+in the summer of &#8217;99 volunteered their services, the Government
+received the offers with a sniff. Later they accepted them with
+grateful thanks. It was never imagined that colonists could know
+anything of the art of war, or that they might teach a lesson or two
+even to that august institution the Staff College. Those who knew
+ventured to suggest that in South Africa the same cast-iron principles
+that existed in European warfare would be valueless, and that
+the lessons of Ingogo and Majuba in &#8217;81 might be repeated in &#8217;99
+in all their dire and dismal reality. But these pessimists were scoffed
+at. They therefore waited, and hoped against hope. Now and then
+they feebly wondered by what process infantry, arriving two months
+late, when the enemy had had time to entrench the whole country at
+various naturally strong strategic points, would be able to overcome
+the disadvantages attendant on immobility. But they were silenced
+by a look. British pluck and endurance might be calculated upon
+to surmount everything and anything&mdash;some said! No one seemed
+to care to tackle the problem of how men on foot would be enabled
+to compete creditably, in anything like equal numbers, with a
+mounted enemy possessing more than ordinary mobility.</p>
+
+<p>A mounted enemy has many advantages in his favour. He can
+select his own position, he can place all his force <i>en masse</i> into the
+fighting line, he can so pick his positions that one man on the defensive
+can make himself the equal of three men of the attacking force;
+and, besides, he can occupy a length of position which must extend
+his flanks far beyond those of the attackers on foot. These in
+consequence are either forced to extend to equal length, at almost
+certain risk of being unable to reinforce any weak point developed
+during the attack, and thereby cause the attack to be broken at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</a></span>
+points; or they have to &#8220;contain&#8221; only a portion of the enemy in
+position, and perhaps leave his wings&mdash;or one wing&mdash;free to execute
+an outflanking movement. It is impossible when a line extends for
+miles, and the enemy&#8217;s strength is not discoverable before the heat
+of the engagement, for infantry to come from a great distance to
+the assistance of weak points; and by reason of this immobility
+it is equally impossible for infantry in the heat of action, and when
+the front is extended for miles, to suddenly change a plan of attack
+in time to save a situation.</p>
+
+<p>The task set before our Generals was, therefore, almost superhuman:
+they were expected to make up for want of mobility with
+superior strategical qualifications; but, as has been said, no committee
+of Generals could at this juncture have decided on a strategy
+applicable to the complicated situation. That the Boer was a born
+strategist, and had able advisers, was amply proved. The amalgam
+of Boer methods, with Zulu theories and modern German tactics,
+was sufficient to try the most ingenious intelligence. For instance,
+the Boers in early days selected positions on the sides and tops of
+kopjes, and at the commencement of the campaign, at Talana Hill
+and at Elandslaagte, they were so perched, in accordance with the
+primitive principles of their race. They ignored the fact that such
+positions were the worst they could select against artillery fire with
+percussion fuses. Even for their own rifle practice such positions
+were also the worst, as, firing down at an angle, their bullets as a
+rule ran the chance of ploughing the earth without ricocheting,
+and served only to hit the one man aimed at. They worked, and
+still work, on the old Zulu principle of putting their whole strength
+into the fighting line, acting on the Zulu axiom, &#8220;Let it thunder&mdash;and
+pass.&#8221; A sound principle this, no doubt, but one which our ponderous
+military machinery would not allow us to adopt. To these early
+methods, and to his native &#8220;slimness&#8221; and cunning, the Boer now
+added some German erudition. The influence of German officers
+and German tactics began to work changes curious and inexplicable.
+The Boers built scientific entrenchments, no longer on the kopjes
+alone but also below them, thus reducing the effect of hostile artillery,
+save that of howitzers, and permitting their sharpshooters to sweep
+the plain with a hurricane from their Mausers. In addition to this
+they built long castellated trenches, perfect underground avenues,
+to allow of the invisible massing of troops at any given point. They
+were also provided with ingenious gun-trenches, quite hidden, along
+which their Nordenfeldt gun, that pumped five shells in rapid succession,
+could be removed swiftly from one spot to another, and
+thereby defeat the efforts of the British gunners to locate it.</p>
+
+<p>Thus it will be seen a new complexion was put upon Boer affairs.
+Novel and trying conditions were imposed on those who already had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</a></span>
+to cope with the problem of how to match in mobility a rival who
+brought to his support six legs, while the British only brought two.
+Whole armies consisting merely of mounted infantry and artillery
+had never before come into action, and it began to be understood
+that a war against bushwhackers, guerillas, and sharpshooters, plus
+the most expensive guns modernity could provide, was a matter more
+serious than any with which the nineteenth century had hitherto had
+to deal. We had to learn that sheer pluck, endurance, and brute
+force were unavailing, and that strategy of the hard and fast kind&mdash;the
+red-tape strategy of the Staff College&mdash;was about as unpractical
+as a knowledge of the classics to one who goes a-marketing. There
+is no finality in the art of war, and nations, be they ever so old and
+wise and important, must go on learning.</p>
+
+<p>One of the newer questions was, how far personal intelligence
+might be distributed among a body of men? The General as a
+head, the Staff Officers as nerves that convey volition to the different
+members, we had accepted, but how far individual acumen was
+needed to insure success now began to be argued. Certain it was
+that in this campaign we had opportunities for studying the comparative
+value of individual discretion <i>versus</i> &#8220;fighting to order.&#8221;
+The Boers, every one of them, were working for themselves, absolutely
+for hearth and home, though perhaps under a general plan which
+certainly served to harass and annoy and keep the British army in
+a dilemma; while we laboured on a consolidated system which, if not
+obsolete, was certainly inappropriate. However, as there was no
+use in bemoaning our reverses, we began to congratulate ourselves
+on having discovered the cause of them. It was decided that first
+there must be more troops sent out to meet the extended nature of
+our operations, and that these troops must be accompanied by a
+sufficient number of horses to insure the necessary mobility, without
+which even the brute force of our numbers would be useless.</p>
+
+<p>Of the successful issue of future proceedings none had a
+doubt. All knew that the finest strategy in the world must be useless
+when tools were wanting, and all felt certain that the admirable
+abilities of our Generals, when once the means of playing their war
+game came to hand, were bound to rise to the prodigious task still
+in store.</p>
+
+<p>But for the dire necessity of the three gallant towns&mdash;Mafeking,
+Kimberley, and Ladysmith&mdash;a waiting game would have been
+possible and wise. The Boer stores of food and ammunition would
+eventually have run out, and the guns gone the way of much-used
+guns. Trek-oxen, instead of dragging the waggons of their masters,
+would have had to go to feed the hungry commandoes, and the
+history of slow exhaustion would have had to be told. But&mdash;again
+there was the great But!&mdash;those three valiant towns were holding<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span>
+out their hands, they were crying for help, they were standing in
+their hourly peril hopeful and brave because they believed&mdash;they
+were certain&mdash;that we should never desert them!</p>
+
+<p class="gap2">At home the grievous news of the reverse was digested by
+the public with dumb, almost paralysed resignation. At first it was
+scarcely possible to believe that the great, the long-anticipated move
+for the relief of Ladysmith had proved a failure, and that the Boers
+were still masters of the situation, and moreover the richer by
+eleven of our much-needed guns. By degrees the terrible truth
+began to be accepted by us. By degrees the Government awakened
+to the fact that the fighting of the Dutchmen within the region of
+Natal meant more than the pitting of one Briton against two Boers,
+that it meant the dashing of a whole Army Corps against Nature&#8217;s
+strongholds, our own by right of purchase and blood, and captured
+from us merely by reason of neglect and delay!</p>
+
+<p>To awake, however, was to act. In our misfortune it was
+pleasant to recall the words of Jomini, when speaking of Frederick
+the Great and his defeats in Silesia. &#8220;A series of fortunate events,&#8221;
+he said, &#8220;may dull the greatest minds, deprive them of their natural
+vigour, and level them with common beings. But adversity is a
+tonic capable of bringing back energy and elasticity to those who
+have lost it.&#8221; The tonic was sipped. Jomini&#8217;s theories were proved!
+Though Great Britain through a series of fortunate events&mdash;a long
+reign of comparative peace&mdash;had become lethargic and money-grubbing,
+she, at the first shock of adversity, regained all her
+elasticity, vigour, and natural spirit of chivalry. Promptly the entire
+nation nerved itself to prove that, as of old, it was equal to any
+struggle, any sacrifice. The whole country seemed with one consent
+to leap to arms.</p>
+
+<p>The Militia, nine battalions of Infantry, was now permitted to
+volunteer for service in any part of the Queen&#8217;s dominions where
+such services might be wanted, while it was arranged that specially
+selected contingents of Yeomanry and Volunteers would start for
+the Front as soon as there were found ships sufficient to carry them.</p>
+
+<p>Noble as amazing was the hurried response of the Volunteers
+to the intimation that their services would be accepted for the
+war. Hastily they pressed forward in crowds to enrol themselves.
+Their promptitude was goodly to look upon and to read
+of, for it showed that, in spite of the theories of Tolstoi and the
+influence of the spirit of modernity, patriotism is inherent and not
+a mere exotic or cultivated sentiment in the British race. We now
+found that though many traditions may be worn to rags, those of the
+British army had grown, like old tapestry, the more precious for
+the passage of time.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Still the military position was pregnant with anxieties. A
+horse that is left at the post may perhaps win in the end, but
+his chances of success are remote. An army that lands in driblets
+three months after time is scarcely calculated to succeed against
+a rival army which has spent that interval in equipping itself
+for the fray. We were forced to remember that at the onset
+our officers were placed in the most dangerous positions, with
+inadequate support and no prospect of reinforcement, until their
+energies, mental and physical, had been sapped by undue and
+prolonged strain. On the north Tuli had but a handful of
+troops to resist an enormous and powerful enemy; Mafeking
+was surrounded, isolated, and able only to resist to the death
+the persistent attacks of shot and shell; Vryburg was allowed
+to be treacherously given away to the enemy; and Kimberley
+was left in the lurch as it were, to fight or fall according to
+the pluck of those who were ready to exhaust their vitality in
+loyalty to the Queen. On the Natal side things were still worse.
+The country, every inch of which is familiar to the Boer, had almost
+invited invasion. The whole strength of Boers and Free Staters
+was permitted to launch itself against an army which was entirely
+without reserves, and which could not be reinforced under a month.
+That brave and unfortunate soldier, Sir George Colley, had a theory
+that small, well-organised troops were worth as much again as
+large and desultory ones; but he took no account of peculiar facilities
+which are almost inherent to armies fighting on their own soil, as
+it were, and habits of warfare which have, so to speak, become ancestral
+with the Boer. From old time the Dutchman has employed his
+mountain fastnesses, his boulders, and his tambookie grass as screens
+and shelters, till in war the &#8220;tricks of the trade&#8221; have become a
+second nature to him, and serve in place of more complicated
+European methods. The small Natal army was, on Sir George
+Colley&#8217;s principle, allowed to pit itself against a fighting mass,
+dense and desultory it may be, but a fighting mass of enormous
+dimensions, which, whatever their failings, had weight, equipment,
+courage, obstinacy, and intimacy with their surroundings entirely
+in their favour. That the enemy was first in the field they had
+to thank the original promoters of war, the Peace party&mdash;the
+humanitarian persons who so long hampered reason by loud outcries
+against the shedding of blood that their own countrymen
+in the Transvaal were condemned to all the tortures of suspense,
+to be aggravated later by all the agonies of famine and disease.
+Their own countrywomen and their babes were saved from shot
+and shell to be sent defenceless and homeless to wander the world
+till the charity of strangers or the relief of death should overtake
+them, while the loyal natives were left in a state of trepidation and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span>
+suspense, without protection, yet forbidden to raise a hand in their
+own defence.</p>
+
+<p>Reason now had its way. But remedies cannot be applied in a
+moment, and the public, which is always wise after the event,
+vented its anguish and its feelings of suspense by indulging in
+criticism, or in asking questions which, of course, could not be
+answered till the principal persons concerned were able to take part
+in the catechism. For instance, some of the riddles buzzed about in
+club and railway carriage were: Why did Sir Redvers Buller make a
+frontal attack across an open plain against an enemy admirably entrenched,
+and posted in a position not only made strong by art but by
+nature? Why was it that the Government, in spite of the warnings
+given by Sir Alfred Milner while he was in England in May &#8217;99, neglected
+to take such precautions as would have prevented the enemy
+from being entirely in advance of us in the matter of time? Why,
+also, were the Boers permitted to arm themselves with the most
+expensive modern weapons, to be used against us, under the very
+eye of our representative in Pretoria, without our being warned
+of the inferior quality of our own guns, and of the impossibility of
+making ourselves a match for the enemy so long as the cheese-paring
+policy of the authorities at home was countenanced? Why,
+with an Intelligence Department in working order, was it never
+discovered that united Free State and Transvaal Dutchmen would
+vastly outnumber all the troops we were prepared&mdash;or, rather,
+unprepared&mdash;to put in the field, the troops we strove to make
+sufficient till the strain of reverse forced from us the acceptance
+of help from the Colonies, the Militia, and the Volunteers?</p>
+
+<p>The great question of reinforcements filled all minds. Nothing
+indeed could be looked for till they should reach the Cape. Fifteen
+huge transports were due to arrive between the end of December
+and the beginning of January, bringing on the scene some 15,000
+troops of all arms. The Fifth Division, under Sir Charles Warren,
+consisting of eight battalions of Infantry and its complement of Artillery
+and Engineers was expected, also the Household Cavalry Composite
+Regiment, the 14th Hussars, a siege train, a draft of Marines,
+and various odd branches of the service. Later on more troops
+would follow, but pending the arrival of the warrior cargoes it was
+impossible for our Generals to do more than act on the defensive,
+and consider themselves fortunate if they could prevent the further
+advance of the enemy to the south.</p>
+
+<p>But the most momentous move of the closing year was
+the departure of Lord Roberts for the seat of war. Here was
+this gallant officer, whose life had been devoted to the service
+of his country, and who was at an age when many other men
+would have elected to stay by hearth and home, suddenly called on<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span>
+to act in the most difficult and trying crisis. And, in the very
+hour that he was asked to rouse himself to meet the call of
+Queen and country, he was dealt a crushing blow. His gallant
+son, the only one, and one well worthy to have worn the laurels
+of his noble father, besides adding to them by his own splendid
+acts, was carried off, a victim to the severe wound he received at
+Colenso. Here was a supreme trial, so supreme indeed that none
+dared touch it. All, even Lord Roberts&#8217;s sincerest friends, shrunk
+from dwelling on the agony of mind that must have been endured
+by this great hero when at the same moment the voice of duty and
+the cry of domestic love jarred in conflict. On the one side he was
+called upon to brace himself to meet a political situation fraught with
+all manner of indescribable complications, while on the other, human
+nature with a thousand clinging tendrils drew him towards the
+numbness of mute woe or the consolation of private tears. But,
+like the great warrior he is, he got into harness and started off,
+leaving his misery in the hands of the great British people, who
+held it as their own. The &#8220;send off&#8221; they gave him at Waterloo
+Station was one of the most remarkable outbursts of public feeling
+on record, and this was not only due to admiration for the conqueror
+of Kandahar, but to profound sympathy for the man and the father
+who was thus laying aside his private self and placing all his magnificent
+ability at the service of the Empire.</p>
+
+<h3 class="gap2"><a id="DOINGS_AT_CHIEVELEY" name="DOINGS_AT_CHIEVELEY"></a>DOINGS AT CHIEVELEY</h3>
+
+<p>It was now found desirable to remove part of the camp about ten
+and a half miles to the south, to get out of range of the Boer big
+guns which commanded the position. The wounded were daily
+being sent off in train-loads to Maritzburg, many of them, in spite
+of being shot in two or three places, cheerful and anxious to return
+quickly &#8220;to be in at the death,&#8221; as they sportingly described it. The
+funeral of Lord Roberts&#8217;s gallant son caused a sense of deep depression
+to prevail in all ranks, for he was not only regretted by those
+who held his brilliant qualities in esteem, but in sympathy with the
+sore affliction which had befallen the veteran &#8220;Bobs,&#8221; whose name,
+wherever Tommy goes, is one to conjure with. The ceremony
+was a most impressive one, and the pall-bearers were all men of
+young Roberts&#8217;s corps. These were Major Prince Christian Victor,
+Colonels Buchanan-Riddell and Bewicke-Copley, and Major Stuart-Wortley.</p>
+
+<p>The graves of all the unfortunate slain were marked round,
+covered with flowers, and temporary tablets arranged till suitable
+memorials should be prepared.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 635px;">
+<a name="illo03" id="illo03"></a><img src="images/illo03.png" width="635" height="411" alt="A PICKET OF 13th HUSSARS SURPRISED NEAR THE TUGELA RIVER (HUSSAR HILL)." title="" />
+<div><span class="caption">A PICKET OF 13th HUSSARS SURPRISED NEAR THE TUGELA RIVER (HUSSAR HILL).</span><br />
+<span class="smaller">Drawing by John Charlton.</span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Meanwhile the Naval guns were unceasing in their activity,
+and made an appalling accompaniment to the afternoon siestas<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span>
+in which many, owing to the excessive heat, were inclined to indulge.
+For strategical reasons it was now found necessary to blow
+up the road-bridge over the Tugela, and thus prevent the Boers from
+advancing further to the south or spying upon our positions.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 319px;">
+<a name="illo04" id="illo04"></a><a href="images/illo04.png"><img src="images/illo04th.png" width="319" height="468" alt="Map of the Seat of War. Scale 1 inch=86 miles." title="" /></a>
+<div><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">Map of the Seat of War.</span> Scale 1 inch=86 miles.</span><br />
+<span class="smaller">[Transcribers' note: Image is a link to a larger scale image. For ease of reference, the black line beneath the
+image would be approximately one inch in length in the original.]</span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span>Extra precautions were taken in regard to the white flag. It
+began to be believed at last that the Boer would take an unfair
+advantage of the Briton whenever he should get a chance.
+Strangely enough, our officers seemed to have forgotten or disregarded
+the object-lesson of the tragic affair of Bronker&#8217;s Spruit.
+Yet Boer &#8220;slimness&#8221; was then well enough established. The unfortunate
+Colonel Anstruther caused to be printed in the Transvaal
+Government <i>Gazette</i> a bi-lingual proclamation, informing the Boers
+that, in consequence of the many treacherous uses to which the
+white flag had been put, he would in future recognise the emblem
+only under the following conditions: two Boers accompanied by an
+officer, and all unarmed, must approach the lines bearing the white
+flag aloft. The British soldiers were also advised to keep well under
+cover whenever the flag was displayed. This showed that reliance
+on Boer honour would in no case be attempted. At the present date
+Boer morality had not improved, and it was even declared that the
+Free Staters had made their women boil down their national flag,
+so that in its pallid state it might at a little distance be mistaken for
+the white flag, and come in handy in case of need.</p>
+
+<p>On the 20th of December a picket, consisting of seven men belonging
+to the 13th Hussars, was surprised some five miles from
+camp, in the direction of Weenen, by a party of sixty Boers.
+These cautiously crept round some kopjes to where the outpost
+was stationed. A smart tussle ensued. Two men were killed and
+seven horses were lost. No sooner had information of the fight
+reached camp than some of Bethune&#8217;s and Thorneycroft&#8217;s Mounted
+Infantry were despatched to the rescue, but the Boers, on perceiving
+these reinforcements, quickly fled and thus escaped punishment.</p>
+
+<p>At this time the second advance for the relief of Ladysmith
+was very secretly being organised, but no one knew exactly
+when Sir Redvers Buller meant to move, or whether he intended
+to give up the idea of a frontal attack altogether. Our
+Generals were criticised for making frontal attacks, but Clausewitz
+declares that the attempt to turn the flank of the enemy
+can only be justified by a great superiority; this superiority may
+be either actual superiority of numbers, or it may follow from the
+way in which the lines of communication are placed. Unfortunately
+we had no favouring strength; the Boers outnumbered
+us everywhere, and not only did they exceed us numerically, but
+their mobility enabled them so quickly to move from front to flank
+positions that they were, on desire, facing us at any moment. In<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span>
+fact the Boer army had no flank, and therefore the vast amount of
+after-the-event wisdom which was gratuitously handed about by &#8220;the
+man in the street&#8221; was absolutely wasted.</p>
+
+<p>An unfortunate incident now occurred. Capt. James Rutherford
+and Mr. Grenfell, S.A.L.H., while visiting the pickets, disappeared.
+They apparently rode into the midst of the enemy&#8217;s
+scouts, who were everywhere prowling about, and were forced to
+surrender. The report of the capture was brought to the camp
+by native runners, who stated that the officers had been removed
+to Pretoria. However, for two gallant Britons lost there was one
+gained, for at the very time Mr. Winston Churchill had almost
+miraculously made himself free of his captors.</p>
+
+<p>The story of his escape reads like a novel; but truth is stranger
+than fiction. When removed to Pretoria after the disaster to the
+armoured train at Chieveley, he almost gave up hope of escape; indeed
+he had every reason so to do, for on the 12th of December he
+was informed by the Transvaal Government&#8217;s Secretary for War
+that there was little chance of his release. Whereupon, with many
+doubts and misgivings, he discussed with himself the best means
+of struggling for freedom. The State Schools Prison was well
+guarded; it was surrounded by a high wall, and the sentries were
+vigilant in the extreme. He formed for himself a plan, however, and
+once when the back of the sentry was momentarily turned he took
+his courage in both hands as the French say, rushed at the six-foot
+wall, scaled it, and let himself down into a neighbouring garden before
+his movement could be detected. The garden was the garden of an
+inhabited house. There were lights in the windows; more, there
+were visitors on the verandah, and presently, ramblers among the
+paths! Moments of horror as the escaped hid in the trees seemed to
+become years, discovery appeared to be merely a matter of moments.
+But evidently the Fates decided that so useful a member of creation&mdash;warrior,
+writer, and politician&mdash;could not be spared by society or
+his country, and in a little while Mr. Churchill found himself wandering,
+undisguised and unrecognised, through the streets of the town.
+Burghers passed him, passengers brushed his shoulders. Nobody
+asked his business. It was evident that Fate wanted him. The stars
+said so, and following their direction he struck out towards the
+Delagoa Railroad. He knew that he dared ask his way of none;
+he was aware that he must make the most of the cloak of night; he
+was intimate enough with Boer customs to be certain that in a few
+hours his description would be posted throughout the two Republics.
+The present, and only the present, was his. He walked along the
+line, evading the watchers on bridges and culverts, and determining
+to stick to the rails, without which he might find himself lost or
+wandering back in the teeth of the enemy. Once free of the town,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span>
+he bided his time cautiously in the neighbourhood of an adjacent
+station. There he watched the coming of a train, and just as it
+steamed past him, with an alacrity and agility born of sheer despair,
+he made a leap towards a truck, grabbed at a hook on the edge,
+boarded it, and was soon burrowing deep in a cargo of coal-sacks.
+There he lay, grimy, exhausted, and almost distraught, but happy.
+He was free. Every minute the anxiety for freedom had grown
+within him, till now, fighting his way towards it, it had become an
+almost savage passion. He had decided he would never go back.
+No one should capture him. But this was easier to swear than to
+accomplish. To escape detection it was necessary again to risk his
+life&mdash;to leap off the train as he had leapt on it, while the machinery
+was in full swing and the driver ignorant of the existence of his
+distinguished passenger. Before dawn, therefore, he emerged from
+the coal-heap, and with a flying leap landed flat on the railroad. He
+gathered himself together, and by sunrise was concealed in a
+wood, his only companion for some time being a vulture. The
+sojourn in the cool boskage of the Transvaal was fraught with good
+luck, and at dusk when the fugitive emerged he was another man.
+At last he was able to gather his forces together for another trip on
+a passing train. There was always danger though&mdash;danger because
+it was necessary to hug the line, and where the line was, there also
+were railway guards, or at least humanity&mdash;inimical humanity, who
+most probably were plotting his ruin. Plod, plod, plod; so passed
+the hours, scrambling along in the dead of night through sluits and
+dongas in the effort to avoid the direct neighbourhood of huts,
+bridges, stations, and yet keep in touch with the winding iron track
+that led to the longed-for sea. For five days and nights he persevered,
+tramping after dark and sneaking under cover all day, and
+dimly conscious that the hue and cry had gone forth, and that every
+man&#8217;s hand in the enemy&#8217;s country was now turned against him.
+On the sixth day he managed again with amazing good fortune to
+safely board a train, and this time it was one going from Middleburg
+to Delagoa Bay. Again he burrowed among sacks and carefully
+hid himself, so carefully, indeed, that owing to his extreme precaution
+discovery was evaded. The train was searched, the sacks
+were prodded. Deep down, scarcely daring to breathe, lay the man
+they were seeking&mdash;an inch or two off&mdash;just an inch or two off. He
+drew a long breath and praised God for his escape. After that he
+passed some sixty hours in all the agonies of suspense. Famine and
+thirst preyed on him, and active horror lest all his exertions should
+be in vain, lest, at the very last moment, the whole struggle of hope
+and wretchedness would end in dire and fatal disaster. But he was
+preserved. He arrived at Lourenço Marques on the 21st of
+December, and from there proceeded to Natal. &#8220;I am very weak,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span>
+but I am free.&#8221; Such were the words of his telegram; no wired
+words ever meant more. &#8220;I have lost many pounds in weight, but
+I am lighter in heart; and I avail myself of this moment, which is a
+witness to my earnestness, to urge an unflinching and uncompromising
+prosecution of the war.&#8221; In regard to Mr. Winston Churchill&#8217;s
+arrival among his friends in Natal, an eye-witness wrote:&mdash;</p>
+
+<blockquote><p class="smaller">&#8220;The 23rd of December last was a memorable day at Durban, perhaps the
+most memorable since that on which the Boers&#8217; ultimatum was published.
+From Lourenço Marques had come the exciting intelligence that young Winston
+Churchill, a distinguished member of a world-renowned race, had succeeded in
+evading his jailers at Pretoria, and, after a series of thrilling adventures, had
+arrived safely at Delagoa Bay. The telegrams had further announced that the
+hero had immediately shipped on board the Rennie liner <i>Induna</i> and would
+land at Durban that very afternoon. The fame of Mr. Churchill as a soldier
+and an author was already established. The history of his gallantry both in
+India and at Omdurman was already well known to every good Natalian before
+he first stepped ashore there as one of the war correspondents of the <i>Morning
+Post</i>. His subsequent courageous conduct at Chieveley at the unfortunate
+incident of the armoured train and his capture by the Boers, now capped by
+his marvellous escape from Pretoria, had set Durban agog with excitement, and
+filled all and sundry with hearty desires to afford him a right royal welcome on
+his landing again on British soil.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;The brilliant summer sunshine, tempered by a fresh sea-breeze which
+sent a soft ripple across the deep blue surface of the magnificent harbour; the
+bold headland of the bluff contrasting vividly against the streets of iron-roofed
+dwellings in the township; the large numbers of ocean-going steamers and
+sailing craft, gay with bunting; the eager, expectant crowd of every class of
+society, from gaily-dressed ladies to wharf labourers, refugees, and Kaffirs in
+but shirts and trousers, all contributed to the completion of a picturesque
+panorama never to be forgotten. Long before midday did we assemble in our
+thousands. When it was whispered about that the <i>Induna</i> would berth alongside
+the steamer <i>Inchanga</i>, and that Mr. Churchill must cross the decks of the
+<i>Inchanga</i> before stepping ashore, a rush was made for her, and, in spite of
+all the efforts of the officers and crew, the crowd swarmed like bees on her.
+They took possession of every available point of vantage; they invaded the
+sacred precincts of the captain&#8217;s bridge; they braved the perils of the rigging;
+they huddled together on the &#8216;fo&#8217;cas&#8217;le&#8217;; they filled every boat; and, heedless
+of fresh paint, they clung affectionately to the ventilators and the funnel.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;After having been several times reported the <i>Induna</i> rounded the point
+at half-past two. Amid breathless expectation she steamed slowly across the
+harbour. Standing beside the captain on the bridge a smallish, clean-shaven
+man was descried, and the crowd at once recognised him as the hero whom
+they had assembled to honour. A thousand good British cheers broke the
+silence, a thousand lusty throats shouted a heartfelt welcome. But this was
+not all. The sturdy Natalians did not stop at shouting. The moment the
+<i>Induna</i> was moored Mr. Churchill, smiling, was seized bodily by twenty pairs
+of brawny arms, was patted and thumped on the back by hundreds of applauding
+hands, and finally, after being nearly strangled by over-zealous admirers
+who were waving hats and handkerchiefs and crying &#8216;Bravo!&#8217; and &#8216;Well done!&#8217;
+he was carried shoulder-high across the decks of the <i>Inchanga</i> and deposited in
+a ricksha, whence a speech was demanded. In a few modest sentences Mr.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span>
+Churchill good-humouredly narrated some of the more prominent episodes of
+his exploit, and a start was made for his hotel, the ricksha-boy being assisted
+more or less by some fifty amateur ricksha-men and escorted by a majority of
+the crowd. After picking up the editor of the <i>Natal Mercury</i> on the way, and
+installing him in state by the side of Mr. Churchill, the hotel was at last
+reached, and the demand for another speech having been acceded to, Mr.
+Churchill was permitted at four o&#8217;clock to retire from the public gaze. The
+same night he left Durban for the front.&#8221;</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>The following is a copy of the letter written by Mr. Winston
+Churchill to Mr. de Souza prior to escaping from prison:&mdash;</p>
+
+<blockquote><p class="smaller ralign">
+&#8220;<span class="smcap">State Schools Prison, Pretoria.</span></p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;<span class="smcap">Dear Mr. de Souza</span>,&mdash;I do not consider that your Government was
+justified in holding me, a press correspondent and a non-combatant, as a
+prisoner, and I have consequently resolved to escape. The arrangements I
+have succeeded in making with my friends outside are such as to give me every
+confidence. But I wish, in leaving you thus hastily and unceremoniously, to
+once more place on record my appreciation of the kindness which has been
+shown me and the other prisoners by you, by the commandant, and by Dr.
+Gunning, and my admiration of the chivalrous and humane character of the
+Republican forces. My views on the general question of the war remain
+unchanged, but I shall always retain a feeling of high respect for the several
+classes of the Burghers I have met, and on reaching the British lines I will set
+forth a truthful and impartial account of my experiences in Pretoria. In conclusion,
+I desire to express my obligations to you, and to hope that when this
+most grievous and unhappy war shall have come to an end, a state of affairs
+may be created which shall preserve the national pride of the Boers and the
+security of the British, and put a final stop to the rivalry and enmity of both
+races. Regretting that circumstances have not permitted me to bid you a
+personal farewell, believe me, yours very sincerely,</p>
+
+<p class="smaller ralign" style="margin-right:2em;">&#8220;<span class="smcap">Winston Churchill</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller" style="margin-left:2em;">&#8220;<i>December 11, 1899.</i>&#8221;</p></blockquote>
+
+<h3 class="gap2"><a name="CHRISTMAS_AT_THE_CAPE_AND_NATAL" id="CHRISTMAS_AT_THE_CAPE_AND_NATAL"></a>CHRISTMAS AT THE CAPE AND NATAL</h3>
+
+<p>We had arrived at what might be termed a breathing spell.
+There was no serious movement in the direction of the Modder
+River, and Lord Methuen was evidently biding his time. General
+Gatacre felt himself too weak to take up any very active or offensive
+step, while General French contented himself with such harassing
+and cleverly annoying operations as kept the enemy, like a
+man with a mosquito round his nose, from napping. There was
+great hope of better things, however, for it was known that the
+<i>Dunottar Castle</i> had left England and was conveying to the Cape&mdash;in
+addition to Lord Roberts&mdash;Lord Kitchener and Major-General
+T. Kelly-Kenny, the Commander of the Sixth Division.
+Besides these were the following officers of Lord Roberts&#8217;s Staff:&mdash;Major-General
+G. T. Pretyman; Colonel Viscount Downe, C.I.E.;
+Major H. V. Cowan; Captain A. C. M. Waterfield; Major J.
+F. R. Henderson; Major C. V. Hume; Brevet-Major G. F.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span>
+Gorringe, D.S.O.; Colonel Lord Erroll; Commander the Hon.
+S. J. Fortescue (Naval Adviser to Lord Roberts); Captain
+Lord Herbert Scott; Captain Lord Settrington.</p>
+
+<p>This showed that when at last we set to work we did so with
+a will. The forces in South Africa before the war had amounted
+to 25,000, which number was augmented by 55,000 on the arrival
+of the First Army Corps. Late in December came the Fifth Division
+of about 11,000, under Sir Charles Warren, followed by the
+Sixth Division of 10,000 men. The Seventh and Eighth Divisions
+of 10,000 men respectively were shortly to increase the forces at
+the disposal of Lord Roberts, together with some 2000 additional
+Cavalry, 10,000 Yeomanry, 9000 Volunteers, seven battalions of
+Militia, drafts for regiments at the front amounting to 10,000,
+and about 20,000 local forces. The first Colonial contingents
+consisted of about 2500 men, and these were to be followed by
+second contingents of like strength. The Naval Brigade was
+composed of about 1000; so that in all, roughly estimated, we
+were on the eve of putting 184,000 men into the field.</p>
+
+<p>Christmas day at the Cape was solemnised with much speechifying,
+both from Dutch pulpits and Dutch partisans, and not a few
+peacefully disposed persons in this time of general goodwill lugged
+in Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman by the ears and quoted him
+to suit their purpose. That amiable worthy had said the war
+could have been avoided, and that cheap and incontrovertible
+statement the Bond got hold of and chewed and rolled on the
+tongue as an accompaniment to its plum-pudding and mince-pies.
+Of course, the war could have been avoided. Of course, it would
+have been quite possible to voluntarily retire from the Cape and
+allow South Africa to become entirely Dutch. In the same way
+we could give up governing India and hand it over to Russia
+and confine our expenses and our energies to Great Britain,
+the water supply, the development of national cookery, and the
+propagation of cabbages. But peace with dishonour was fortunately
+not to the taste of the British public, and those who spent their
+Yuletide in active service were far too devoted to the sacred duty
+of maintaining the prestige of the Empire to sigh for the domestic
+hearth and regal sirloin that might have been theirs had the
+Government extended its accommodating apathy a few months
+longer.</p>
+
+<p>There were no holly decorations and displays of bunting, no
+rubbings of hands and vigorous snow-balling, because the South
+African sun blazed with the glare of beaten brass, and the thermometer
+stood to the height of some 100 degrees at midday. But
+there was a vast amount of joke-making and hearty goodwill
+nevertheless, and many prayers for friends and family and Queen.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>In Natal there were lively doings in honour of the festal season.
+At a time when even cracker manufacturers wax poetic, the
+journalistic poets thought it their duty to burst into rhyme. The
+Natal papers indulged in some jocose doggerel, which would have
+been comic had it not been deeply tragic. The lines ran thus:
+&#8220;To Ladysmith&#8221;&mdash;the only lines, by-the-bye, that did run there&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">&#8220;&#8216;Hold the Fort, for I am coming,&#8217;<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Says the helio&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Quick as light the answer flashes,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">&#8216;Ain&#8217;t you coming slow?&#8217;&#8221;<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>But Tommy was pleased and thought the stanza a capital joke.
+He meant to get there directly, and merely quoted the proverb
+about &#8220;slow and shure&#8221;&mdash;there were so many Irishmen about,
+fine fellows, who believed in themselves and they were shure
+about everything. They had nothing to do with doubt, for doubt,
+after all, is the mother of diffidence!</p>
+
+<p>And some of these rollicking youngsters managed to retain their
+native good-humour in most distressing circumstances. A good
+story was told of one gallant private in hospital who had lost his leg
+but persisted in apostrophising the missing limb whenever it ached.
+&#8220;Be aisy wid ye. Can&#8217;t ye be quiet? Ye&#8217;ll niver take me into the
+foight again. Ohovo!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Other examples of amazing good-temper and pluck on the part
+of the wounded filled all eye-witnesses with pathetic admiration.
+One man, a quondam music-hall singer, carried his jocose art into his
+sick-bed. A Boer prisoner had lost his arms, and the poor fellow
+helplessly shook his head when offered tobacco. But the music-hall
+singer saw the shake of the head and tearful eye that accompanied
+it. In a moment, with gymnastic dexterity, he had placed
+his arms round the Boer and performed the office of the missing
+ones, giving the fellow the advantage of a good smoke. Another
+of our men who had lost his right arm co-operated with a Boer who
+had lost his left, and between them they rolled cigarettes to the
+great satisfaction of both. While they were in hospital another
+sufferer pretended to be in no way depressed by the loss of his arm,
+and ventured on mild whimsicalities regarding the economy of being
+able to share a single pair of gloves with any right-handed man
+who might also have lost a limb!</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 429px;">
+<a name="illo05" id="illo05"></a><img src="images/illo05.png" width="429" height="612" alt="LIEUT.-GENERAL FORRESTIER WALKER, K.C.B." title="" />
+<div><span class="caption">LIEUT.-GENERAL FORRESTIER WALKER, K.C.B.</span><br />
+Commanding the Lines of Communication.<br />
+<span class="smaller">Photo by Elliott &amp; Fry, London.</span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>On the whole, well or ill, Tommy was temporarily in clover.
+The fat of the land was being sent out by fervent admirers at home.
+Indeed he was getting somewhat inundated with worsted goods
+which the fair hands of his countrywomen had been devotedly
+manufacturing. Jack Tar, despite his magnificent work, was not
+so highly distinguished, at least so he thought, and occasionally<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span>
+vented his disgust into private ears. But, as one of them said,
+they&#8217;d had a treat for Christmas&mdash;the treat of a wash! It was
+bathing under difficulties, however, for one half of the men had to
+keep guard with loaded rifles while the other half wallowed in
+water that, in harmony with the general scheme of things in camp,
+was also of kharki hue!</p>
+
+<p>Tommy at the front was externally scarcely the Tommy of our
+acquaintance. His bright spick and span exterior was gone.
+Kharki had sobered him and planed down his individuality. His
+uniform no longer sat without a crease. It was washed and worn
+and shrunken from hard and honourable usage, and his carriage
+was no longer the carriage of Tommy on parade. He seemed to
+have taken a leaf out of Jack&#8217;s book, and the slight slouch became
+him well. It gave him the air of a workman and an individual, and
+seemed to point to the fact that there was no longer occasion for him
+to be judged by appearances. We knew the inner man now. He
+did his duty grandly, and his splendid courage and perseverance
+had made him independent of the pomp and panoply of war. In
+the matter of &#8220;grit&#8221; they were all alike. But in externals they
+had curious differences, their characteristics varying considerably
+according to the regiment to which they belonged. Some were
+dapper still&mdash;the newly arrived ones&mdash;with hair clipped to an eighth
+of an inch for head and half an inch for moustache; others had
+succumbed to circumstances, and had grown beards of odd sizes and
+shapes and colours (scumbled in all cases with dust), while the
+youngsters displayed an unhappy medium, styled by an officer
+&#8220;pieces of unexpected wool,&#8221; on promiscuous parts of their faces!
+Still, when all was said, joviality and &#8220;grit&#8221; put an identical veneer
+on them all!</p>
+
+<p>The officers too were transmogrified. They were dressed
+exactly like the men. Tan brown belts, swords, and revolvers were
+no longer in evidence. When going off to war, or any other duty
+at all under arms, each officer arrayed himself in his servant&#8217;s belt
+and equipment&mdash;stained with clay paste to the prevalent dust or
+kharki colour&mdash;and took with him his servant&#8217;s rifle and one hundred
+rounds of ammunition. There was a difference without a distinction.
+The officer carried a field-glass, and this when not in use was concealed
+in a coat-pocket. Every precaution was now adopted to
+prevent them from inviting an undue share of attention. The
+mounted officers had carbines&mdash;neat, handy weapons, which slipped
+into a leather carbine bucket in the saddle, on the other side of
+which went the very necessary wire-cutters. Barbed wire entanglements
+were so much a part of the Boer programme&mdash;&#8220;to cheer you
+up in crossing the drifts,&#8221; some one said&mdash;that the cutters became an
+essential part of warlike gear. A strange innovation this; very<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span>
+small but very full of meaning. The Boers were teaching us a
+great deal. We were beginning to understand, almost to admire,
+their curious modes of warfare&mdash;their strange ability to &#8220;sit tight,&#8221;
+wire themselves in, and yet to fly away! Years ago, when some
+tactician ventured to say that the war of the future embraced only
+the question of long-range rifles and wire-entangled trenches, we
+were inclined to pooh-pooh! Now we were beginning to see
+wisdom in this stubborn and persistent, and yet skittishly mobile
+foe! When we looked at our wire nippers and their strong
+entrenchments we began to formulate the war motto of the future,
+which resolves itself into five words: &#8220;Six legs and a spade!&#8221; The
+sword, the bayonet, the cavalry charge were passing away for ever.
+Here the dignified charger was ill-matched with the nimble steed of
+the country, and many officers were only too glad to supplement their
+English horses with Basuto ponies&mdash;to secure four serviceable and
+sure legs, as the climate and other circumstances contrived to wear
+out those of their British beasts. Fortunately there was still a
+plentiful choice in horse-flesh, what with British and Australian
+and Argentine specimens, but the Basuto ponies were the most
+knowing and handy for the purposes required. The imported
+horse, it was discovered, needed a long and probationary period to
+make him at home on the South African veldt. Like other aristocratical
+creatures, he was unequal to the hand-to-mouth existence of
+the African-born animal, who, by habit and instinct, could shift for
+himself. He was neither knowing nor cautious, having been unaccustomed
+to ground honeycombed with mole-holes, sluits, and
+other obstacles, or to the trick of rolling on the veldt and picking up
+his meals haphazard from the first bush he came across. Hence it
+became evident that horses in plenty must be forthcoming if we
+were ever to remedy our deficiencies and make our progress something
+other than the steam-roller style of progress to which we had
+been accustomed.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="gap2"><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II<br />
+<br />
+<span class="smaller">MAFEKING</span></h2>
+
+<p class="gap2">Plucky little Mafeking continued to hold its own, and
+not merely to hold its own, but to make itself dauntlessly
+aggressive. Continual sorties took place, and indeed
+formed part of the routine of daily life. Commandant Cronje
+now sent in a communication disputing the right of the British
+to use dynamite in any way in the operations for the defence of
+the town; but Colonel Baden-Powell was inclined for deeds, not
+arguments, so Cronje was silenced. The town was enlivened by
+a great concert, in which the National Anthem was sung with
+fervour and intense significance. This showed without doubt that
+Mafeking meant to fight so long as breath should last. In regard
+to provisions and water, the garrison was getting on well. The art
+of dodging shells, said one officer, was being carried to a state of
+great perfection, and the fighting was being conducted in strict
+accordance with military etiquette, Commandant Cronje always
+giving due notice of bombardment!</p>
+
+<p>For some time after Colonel Walford&#8217;s gallant defence of Cannon
+Kopje on the 31st October, nothing much occurred. The losses from
+this attack were more than at first supposed. Captain the Hon. H.
+Marsham, as we know, was killed, and Captain Pechell, who was
+hit in the abdomen by a piece of shell, succumbed to his injuries.
+Sergeant Lloyd, who did splendid service with the Red Cross
+company, was struck while attending to the wounded, and died.
+Trooper Nicholas, whose arm was shattered, succumbed owing
+to shock to the system. A trooper who was hit by a bullet in
+the collar-bone escaped death miraculously. Fortunately, Lieutenants
+Brady and Dawson, who were also injured, were getting
+on well.</p>
+
+<p>Among the marvellous escapes recorded, and these were not a
+few, was one of a negro who was shot through the brain by a bullet.
+The projectile passed through one temple and lodged in the other,
+yet the man still survived, and showed a decided intention to recover.
+There is an old story of a Jamaica negro who fell from a
+tree without injury, and when asked how he escaped, he explained
+his good fortune by saying, &#8220;Tank God, me fall on me head!&#8221;
+The invulnerability of the nigger cranium in that case, as in this,
+had its advantages, and it would be interesting if some of our<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span>
+specialists&mdash;say Dr. Horsley&mdash;would account for the rough-and-tumble
+superiority of blacks over whites.</p>
+
+<p>On the 1st of November a lamentable incident occurred.
+Parslow, the correspondent of the <i>Daily Chronicle</i>, was shot by a
+member of the garrison. The following is an extract from a
+letter relating to the sad affair, which was in the possession of
+the Editor of the <i>Daily Chronicle</i>:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;<span class="smcap">Mafeking</span>, <i>November 19</i>.&mdash;One item, the most unpleasant of the
+whole beleaguerment, occupied attention during last week&mdash;that is, the
+court-martial of Lieutenant Murchison for the murder of Mr. Parslow,
+special war correspondent of the London <i>Daily Chronicle</i>. He was
+a genial, good-humoured young fellow, and asked Murchison,
+an artilleryman of ability and undoubted courage, to dine with
+him. After dinner Mr. Parslow strolled with Murchison across the
+Market Square towards Dixon&#8217;s Hotel, the headquarters of the
+Staff, the ostensible purpose being for both of them to obtain a
+copy of the orders for the day, usually issued about that time&mdash;half-past
+nine or ten o&#8217;clock <span class="smaller">P.M.</span> Some words ensued apparently
+during the few minutes occupied in reaching Dixon&#8217;s. Parslow
+left his companion in the passage of the hotel, and was passing out,
+when it is alleged that Murchison drew his revolver and shot him
+dead, the bullet entering his head on the occipital protuberance
+an inch or an inch and a half behind the left ear, and lodging
+against the base of the skull. The case is completed, and the
+court closed to consider the verdict.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The young journalist was exceedingly popular and deeply regretted.
+He was buried with military honours on the evening of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span>
+the 2nd. His coffin was covered with the Union Jack, and carried
+to the grave by Major Baillie of the <i>Morning Post</i>, Mr. Angus
+Hamilton of the <i>Times</i>, Mr. Hellawell of the <i>Daily Mail</i>, Mr.
+Reilly of the <i>Pall Mall Gazette</i>, and the correspondent of the
+Press Association. The funeral was attended by many members
+of the Staff, who were desirous of showing their esteem for the
+promising and gallant writer.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 610px;">
+<a name="illo06" id="illo06"></a><img src="images/illo06.png" width="610" height="322" alt="The Siege of Mafeking
+Topographical Sketch showing the British and Boer Positions" title="" />
+<div><span class="caption smcap">The Siege of Mafeking<br />
+Topographical Sketch showing the British and Boer Positions</span><br />
+From a sketch by a British officer brought by runner to Buluwayo
+</div></div>
+
+<p>The enemy now engaged in hostilities under the command of
+the son of Cronje, who was said to have had, in the interval, a
+<i>passage d&#8217;armes</i> with his father, the General, the younger man
+having taunted the elder for not having succeeded in reducing
+Mafeking to submission. Whereupon Cronje <i>fils</i> undertook to
+do the great deed himself, and in setting about it managed to get
+killed. The Boers again stormed the place, and were driven back
+in confusion by the magnificent energy of the British South African
+Police, leaving strewn on the field of action an enormous number of
+dead and wounded. Their removal occupied two hours. Captain
+Goodyear, commanding a squad of Cape &#8220;boys,&#8221; made a dashing
+sortie, and received a wound in the leg, but he nevertheless
+captured the brickfields, and held them against the enemy, thus
+preventing him from utilising them for sniping operations.</p>
+
+<p>Sunday the 5th of November was, as usual, observed as a day of
+truce. The enemy made an effort to defy the rules of Sabbath
+etiquette, and were informed, under a flag of truce, that if they should
+continue to erect works commanding the brickfields, the guns would
+open fire on them. This warning had the desired effect. The
+memory of Guy Fawkes, together with the news of our victories in
+Natal, was honoured by an exhibition of fireworks&mdash;a display which
+some thought rather <i>de trop</i> considering the nature of the daily
+operations in the town. On the following day the Boers made
+themselves unpleasantly obstreperous by saluting the place with
+quick-firing guns, weapons whose shells burst almost simultaneously
+with the report, thus depriving those aimed at of the chance of
+running to cover.</p>
+
+<p>The air of Mafeking is said to be equal to champagne, and perhaps
+to its stimulating influence the garrison owed its sprightliness
+and activity. The little township &#8220;ran&#8221; a journal of its own, and
+though not so effervescent as <i>The Lyre</i> of Ladysmith, it had its
+humorous side. The <i>Mafeking Mail</i>, as it was called, was issued
+daily&mdash;shells permitting. Quoting from the <i>Mail</i> of the 1st of
+November, a facsimile of which was reproduced by the <i>Daily
+Telegraph</i>, we read that&mdash;</p>
+
+<blockquote><p class="smaller">&#8220;We have borne the much-feared bombardment for a fortnight, and still
+Mafeking stands. From what we have experienced we do not consider ourselves
+too optimistic in anticipating a successful ending to the contest. For<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span>
+the first time in the history of Boer warfare have the Boers been defeated at
+every turn by a force far inferior in point of numbers. Since the first attack
+on Saturday, October 14th, they fly directly our guns are heard. Safely out of
+range they fire into the town, but they do not appear to be pining for another
+attempt at storming Mafeking. In the &#8216;general orders&#8217; issued last Sunday
+the following occurs:&mdash;&#8216;The Colonel Commanding having made a careful
+inspection of the defences of the town and the native stadt, is now of opinion
+that no force that the Boers are likely to bring against us could possibly effect
+an entrance at any point.&#8217; Now, this is like the advertisements say a certain
+cocoa is&mdash;grateful and comforting, and we feel that having got so far through
+the ordeal, we have only to remain steadfast, as the matter of a little time will
+see decided the first great step towards the settlement of the future of South
+Africa. There is no doubt that the attention of Great Britain, the Colonies, in
+fact, the whole world, is now riveted upon this little spot, which is now playing
+a prominent part in the most important epoch in the history of this wonderful
+continent. We know there is no need to urge the claims of our country and
+kindred upon our gallant garrison. Being in such close touch with each other
+that nothing but the exceptional circumstances thrust upon us could have made
+possible, we are in a position to judge and recognise the steady determination
+that British blood and British pluck exhibit when such a crisis as the present
+arises, and we know that the memory of Bronkhurst Spruit, Majuba, and
+Potchefstrom will make that determination, supported by the knowledge of our
+grand successes of the past fortnight, more firm, more strong, and more united
+than has been before, and this, with the grand soldier who is in command here,
+will render certain the first stages towards the complete crushing of the enemy.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;There is no doubt that there was landed in South Africa by Sunday
+last a body of 57,000 men, including probably twelve or fourteen regiments of
+cavalry, twenty or twenty-two batteries of artillery, and forty regiments of
+infantry, besides, most likely, a body of mounted infantry. Of this force there
+will be not less than 15,000 disembarked at Cape Town and despatched on
+the road here. They may now be settling accounts with the Boers outside
+Kimberley, in which case Vryburg might be reached by Sunday, allowing for
+some delay at Fourteen Streams. When our troops reach Vryburg the air of
+Mafeking will not suit Cronje sprinters, so by <i>this day week</i> we may begin to
+wish them a pleasant journey back to the Transvaal. It will then be merely
+an interchange of courtesy if we return the visit.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;When the big gun with which the enemy hoped to pulverise us, and which
+has sent more shells in the neighbourhood of the hospital and women&#8217;s laager
+than in any other parts of the town, is taken by our troops, we think it only
+fair to Mafeking that it should be brought here. It will make a good memorial
+and be an object lesson to succeeding generations, who, reading the history of
+our bombardment, and seeing the weapon employed against our women and
+children, will be able to judge of the nineteenth-century Boer&#8217;s fitness to dominate
+such a territory as the Transvaal. Let it be placed, say, in the space
+opposite the entrance to the railway station, raised on end, with the unexploded
+shells piled at its base, with a description of Colonel Baden-Powell&#8217;s clever
+defence of the place. We hope the Colonel will bear the town in mind when
+the disposal of the gun is under discussion.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;Major Lord E. Cecil, C.S.O., last evening issued the following under the
+heading of &#8216;General Orders&#8217;:&#8221;&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">[Here was recorded Colonel Baden-Powell&#8217;s appreciation of the action of
+Colonel Walford and his gallant men, which has been previously quoted.]</p></blockquote>
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The perusal of the opening paragraphs of the <i>Mafeking Mail</i>
+serves to enlighten us as to the degrees of hope deferred through
+which the plucky inhabitants had to pass. The pathos of the
+expression, &#8220;So by this day week we may begin to wish them a
+pleasant journey back to the Transvaal,&#8221; can only be understood by
+comparing the date to which it referred with that of the relief of the
+noble garrison&mdash;the 17th of May 1900!</p>
+
+<p>On the 7th of November, the force under Major Godley and
+Captain Vernon made a successful sortie, the excellent management
+of which was recognised in an order issued by Colonel
+Baden-Powell:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The surprise against the enemy to the westward of the town
+was smartly and successfully executed at dawn this morning by a
+force under the direction of Major Godley. Captain Vernon&#8217;s
+squadron of the Protectorate Regiment carried this operation out
+with conspicuous coolness and steadiness. The gunners, under
+Major Panzera, fought and worked their guns well under a very
+trying fire from the enemy. The Bechuanaland Rifles are to be
+congratulated on the efficient services rendered by them under
+Captain Cowan in this their first engagement in the field. The
+enemy appeared to have suffered severely, while our casualties
+were luckily very light. This is largely due to the fact that
+Major Godley delivered his blow suddenly and quickly, and withdrew
+his force again in good time and order. The Colonel
+Commanding has much pleasure in placing on record a plucky
+piece of work by Gunners R. Cowan and F. H. Godson. The
+Hotchkiss gun, of which they had charge, was overturned and
+its trail-hook broken in course of action. In spite of a very heavy
+fire from the enemy&#8217;s one-pound Maxim and seven-pound Krupp,
+these men attached the trail to the limber by ropes, and brought
+the gun safely away.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>At this time the town was surrounded by some 2000 Boers,
+and a heavy shell-fire was daily exchanged. The damage done, however,
+was slight, except in the case of the Convent, which seemed
+to be a favourite mark for the Boer gunners. The trenches of the
+besiegers had been moved to about 2000 yards of the town, and
+from here the enemy fired with rifles, but with indifferent success.
+The Boers, in fact, were getting disheartened. Colonel Baden-Powell
+was proving himself prepared to enter into a competitive
+examination on the subject of &#8220;slimness&#8221; with them, and they
+were somewhat disturbed at the intellectual strain demanded
+for rivalry against so smart a pupil. All manner of efforts were
+made, and there was even a Dutch council of war as to the propriety
+of making a midnight attack upon the place. But the wily Colonel
+was ready for them. He took care that lanterns should be placed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span>
+in suitable positions to illumine the paths of the would-be assailants,
+and when they turned on these lanterns the attention of their
+guns and broke them, more were immediately found to take their
+place. There was also the British bayonet in reserve, and a hint
+which they did not care to prove as a certainty&mdash;that dynamite was
+somewhere or other arranged in a ring round the place, so that
+at a given sign the too pressing attentions of intruders might
+be disposed of. These some one called &#8220;the B. P. Surprise
+Packets,&#8221; which were arranged on the lucky-tub principle, ready
+for those who might venture on an experimental dive. The
+exact locality was not disclosed, in order that their whereabouts
+might prove a never-ending source of wonder and interest to the
+besiegers.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 630px;">
+<a name="illo07" id="illo07"></a><img src="images/illo07.png" width="630" height="481" alt="Outpost and Entrenchment, Southern Fort, Mafeking" title="" />
+<div><span class="caption smcap">Outpost and Entrenchment, Southern Fort, Mafeking</span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>As before said, continual sorties took place, and Colonel Baden-Powell
+succeeded in capturing mules and horses from the enemy
+and generally harassing him. Great expectations sustained the
+gallant little party that Colonel Plumer&#8217;s force would shortly make
+its way from the north and join hands with Colonel Baden-Powell.
+Early in November the opposing forces stood thus:<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span>&mdash;</p>
+
+<table summary="Opposing forces at Mafeking" style="margin-left:10%;margin-right:10%;" class="smaller">
+<tr>
+<td class="hangindent">Colonel Baden-Powell, with 500 Cavalry, 200 Cape Mounted
+Police, and B.S.A. Company&#8217;s Mounted Police, 60
+Volunteers, six machine-guns, two 7-pounders, and 200
+to 300 townsmen used to arms</td>
+<td class="ralign vbalign">1500</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="hangindent">1000 Transvaal Boers under Commandant Cronje, and 500
+Boers at Maritzani</td>
+<td class="ralign vbalign">1500</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<p>But later, some of the Boers were drawn off for service in the south.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 386px;">
+<a name="illo08" id="illo08"></a><img src="images/illo08.png" width="386" height="503" alt="SERGEANT-MAJOR IMPERIAL LIGHT HORSE." title="" />
+<div><span class="caption">SERGEANT-MAJOR&mdash;IMPERIAL LIGHT HORSE.</span>
+<span class="smaller">Photo by Gregory &amp; Co., London.</span></div></div>
+
+<h3 class="gap2"><a name="KURUMAN_AND_ELSEWHERE" id="KURUMAN_AND_ELSEWHERE"></a>KURUMAN AND ELSEWHERE</h3>
+
+<p>Of the diminutive town of Kuruman and its gallant struggle
+little can be said. The garrison&mdash;consisting of seventy-five British
+subjects, including the men that came from Bastards&mdash;under the
+command of Captain Baker stood out valiantly, fighting with rare
+obstinacy, and hoping that British success elsewhere would speedily
+draw off the intermittent attentions of the Boers. From the 13th
+to the 20th of November a strong party of Dutchmen kept up
+incessant pressure, but they were forced to retreat, though both
+sides suffered loss. On the part of the British one special constable
+was killed.</p>
+
+<p>The official details of the defence showed that the Mission
+Station which was formerly the centre of Dr. Moffat&#8217;s long work
+among the natives of that part of Africa was the point of resistance
+to the Boer attack. When the Dutch commandant notified the
+magistrate of his intention to occupy the place, the latter replied
+that he had orders to defend it. Thereupon he collected twenty
+natives and thirty half-castes, with whose aid he barricaded the
+Mission Chapel, and there resisted the assault of 500 Boers for six
+days and nights, after which the Boers abandoned the attack.</p>
+
+<p>To look back on the amazing valour of the tiny garrison, unsuccessful
+though it was, makes every British heart swell with pride.
+On the outbreak of hostilities, Mr. Hilliard, the Resident Magistrate,
+called a meeting of the inhabitants, and eloquently urged them to
+remain loyal. This, as we know, they did, with the result that the
+place resisted the Boers and routed them, and, moreover, set a
+most salutary example of loyalty to the surrounding districts of
+Cape Colony. The following extracts from five short letters (all
+dated November 24), written by Mr. and Mrs. Hilliard to relatives,
+will be of interest, as showing the gallant spirit that sustained these
+brave people, and the love for Queen and country that was so practically
+displayed by them. Mr. Hilliard said:&mdash;&#8220;Just a short letter
+to say we have been fighting the Boers here from the 13th to the
+18th, and have driven them back with heavy loss. I received a
+letter from their &#8216;Fighting General,&#8217; Visser, on Sunday the 12th,
+saying that if I did not surrender the town voluntarily, he would
+take it by main force. I replied that if he did he would have to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span>
+take the consequences of his illegal act, as my Government had
+not instructed me to evacuate the town. The enemy has drawn
+off towards Vryburg.&#8221; In another letter he said:&mdash;&#8220;We are going
+strong; the brave little garrison is so good and cheerful. The
+army has gone, but may return, so we are prepared.&#8221; In yet another
+he wrote:&mdash;&#8220;We are all right up to now, and shall stick to our
+dear old flag till the last, whatever happens. May God defend the
+right and our dear Queen. Three cheers for all.&#8221; Mrs. Hilliard
+wrote:&mdash;&#8220;On Monday, November 13, the Boers attacked Kuruman.
+Our men fought bravely for six days, after which the Boers
+departed, and we don&#8217;t know if they intend returning or not.
+Charlie is at the Police Camp, and looks well and happy. He is
+very proud of our men. Our men are still on the alert, and are
+strengthening their forts, as the Boers will not return without a
+cannon. They quite expected this place to be handed over to them
+at once, as Vryburg was.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>This state of affairs continued till the end of the year. On the
+1st of January the plucky little garrison was at last forced to surrender.
+This, they said, they would never have done had they
+possessed a single cannon. The Boer artillery knocked to pieces
+the improvised fort before the white flag was hoisted over the ruins.
+Four men were killed and eighteen wounded in the splendid but
+hopeless effort to hold the open village against a foe provided with
+artillery and superior in numbers. The Boers numbered twelve
+hundred against some seventy-five practically helpless men! So the
+unequal tug-of-war came to an end&mdash;we may say, an honourable end.</p>
+
+<p class="gap2">In Northern Rhodesia, British subjects were practically isolated.
+The telegraph to the south was cut, and the railway&mdash;some four
+hundred miles of it&mdash;was damaged in various places. To show
+the state of remoteness in which the unfortunate inhabitants found
+themselves, it is sufficient to say that a telegram from London to
+Buluwayo took sixteen days in transit. Letters from Port Elizabeth
+were received about three weeks after being posted. It may easily
+be imagined what dearth of news prevailed, and how even such
+news as it was, was falsified by rumour. But the excellent fellows
+kept heart, although they were, as one of them said, &#8220;absolutely
+ignored by the British Government, and had not a red coat in the
+country.&#8221; He went on to say, &#8220;We have any quantity of men of grit,
+and about a thousand fellows have volunteered to fight out of a
+total population of men, women, and children of six thousand at most.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p class="gap2">So little could reach us as to the doings of Colonel Plumer&#8217;s
+splendid little force, that the following letter from Trooper Young,
+a barrister, who joined at the outbreak of the war, may be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span>
+quoted. It supplies some early links in the chain of the brave
+history:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="ralign" style="margin-right:1em;">&#8220;<span class="smcap">Fort Tuli</span>, <span class="smcap">South Africa</span>, <i>November</i> 9, 1899.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ve had a bit of an exciting time since I last wrote&mdash;almost
+too exciting at one time. Last time I wrote was when we were
+leaving Tuli for Rhodes Drift. We arrived there all right after
+much marching and counter-marching, mostly by night. The
+second night of it, for the small portion we had for sleep I struck
+a guard; so by the third night I was in a wretched state from want
+of sleep. I was always dropping off to sleep on my horse and
+suddenly waking up. Moreover, I began to see all sorts of strange
+things. Brooks and trees were transformed into houses and gardens,
+and then I would come-to with a start and pinch myself
+and try to keep awake&mdash;a very unpleasant experience. When we
+reached Rhodes Drift, our squadron was quartered there alone, and
+we had a couple of brushes with the enemy to start with.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I missed the first, in which we had much the best of it. We
+only had one man hit, and that only slightly, and in return we bowled
+over a couple of Dutchmen (others may have been wounded), stampeded
+their horses, over a hundred in number (we surprised their grazing
+guard), killed or wounded twenty of the horses, and jumped seven.
+The next fight was warm for a bit. We had only half the squadron&mdash;about
+forty-five men&mdash;who were reconnoitring round the enemy&#8217;s
+fort dismounted. This was only three miles from our camp and in
+British territory. We had four men wounded, and did an equal
+amount of damage to them, if not more. We got off very cheap,
+for their fire was very hot, and very close too. The third fight
+came off on November 2, and that was a scorcher. On the night
+before it I was on guard. It was a beastly night, raining and
+blowing hard, so I got very little sleep when it was my turn off. In
+the day I was in charge of the grazing guard with three other men.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;About one o&#8217;clock I got orders to bring in the horses, which
+I did, and had just got all the horses tied up when the Dutch started
+firing on us. I&#8217;d just got into a nice position behind a good big
+rock when I was ordered to ride out to warn our outlying pickets.
+There were three of them, four men in each, about a mile or a
+mile and a half away. A risky job it was too. Two of us were
+sent. I asked the other man which he would go to. He chose
+the one I had wanted, so I had the worst job&mdash;two pickets to warn,
+and had to ride right through the line of fire. As I started, one of
+our officers shouted, &#8216;Don&#8217;t spare your horse; ride like h&mdash;ll;&#8217; and
+I did too. Directly I got out, ping-ping came two bullets, a bit
+high, but others soon followed much closer. I got out, though, all
+right, warned the two pickets, and came in with them. We got
+a bit of a fusillade on us when we got near the fort, but had no<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span>
+casualties. The man who rode to the other picket had his horse
+shot under him; so I scored&mdash;not for long, though, for my own
+horse was shot soon after.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;When I got back, I found we were having a very hot time. Our
+position was a couple of small kopjes close together. On two sides
+there was an open space for about 600 or 700 yards. On the other
+two sides there was a lot of bush and a ridge running round us,
+which we were not strong enough to occupy. The Boers had in
+the field between 300 and 400 men, so we thought; we afterwards
+found that that was not overstating their number. Moreover, they
+had 250 men and one gun at Brice&#8217;s Store, about six miles away on
+the Tuli road, and strong reinforcements at their camp. They gave
+us the devil of a time. At first they fired mostly at the horses.
+They, poor beasts, had no cover, and nearly every one was hit. A
+few broke loose and bolted. Later, they turned their attention to
+us. Luckily, their shell-fire was very wild, or we should have
+suffered heavily. As it was, we had not a man even wounded; but it
+was a miracle we did not, for at times their rifle-fire was very heavy,
+and now and then they got a good shell in. I had a narrow shave.
+A shell burst just near me, and one of the splinters struck a stone
+and sent a piece of it bang against my leg. It cut right through my
+putties, three folds of them. I made certain I was wounded, and
+was much relieved to find there was no damage done.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;When the evening came, we had two alternatives&mdash;to stay where
+we were and wait to be cut up, or try to go through to Tuli. It was
+finally decided to do the latter, and it was undoubtedly the right
+thing to do. If we had remained, we should have been surrounded
+the next day, and every one slaughtered. With ninety men against a
+thousand we should have had no show; still, it was a very bitter pill
+having to sneak off at night, leaving everything behind (including
+the few horses left alive), our kit and waggons, even the ambulance
+waggon. It was horrible saying good-bye to our horses. My poor
+little Whiskey was wounded and very unhappy; we were not
+allowed to shoot the wounded ones, as we had to sneak off as
+quietly as possible. It was very sad work. Luckily we had no man
+hit. I don&#8217;t know what we should have done if we had. I suppose
+we should have remained there and taken the inevitable consequences,
+as we would not have left them. We left at 8 <span class="smaller">P.M.</span>, and
+arrived at Tuli at 1 <span class="smaller">P.M.</span> next day, only two halts, one and a half in
+the night for sleep, and another of half-an-hour for breakfast, which
+for me and most of us consisted of water. I had nothing to eat
+except one small cookie from 8 <span class="smaller">A.M.</span> the morning of the fight to
+2 <span class="smaller">P.M.</span> the next day.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Altogether, we marched forty miles through awful country, for
+a long way through brushwood called the &#8216;wait-a-bit&#8217; thorn, and in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span>
+the night, too; it tore our clothes, hands, arms, and faces to bits;
+then through sand, over kopjes covered with thick brush. Altogether
+it was equal to sixty miles of English roads, and we went pretty fast
+when the way allowed. We had one pleasant surprise; one of our
+officers left us and rode on to Tuli when we were about ten miles
+off, and reported that we were only a few miles out, pretty dead-beat,
+as we were. Until Captain Glynne arrived, they believed we were
+all cut up, and one of the squadrons rode out to us and lent us their
+horses, for which we were very grateful. They met us about three
+miles out, and I&#8217;m blowed if I know how we could have crawled in
+without them; we were absolutely dead-beat. I was never so glad
+of a ride in my life. When we got into camp, we found that three
+or four of the men of E squadron, who had been left behind at
+Tuli sick, or had come in riding with dispatches, had prepared food
+for us, which was also very grateful, for we wanted it. We had left
+most of our kit behind at Tuli, so we were able to have a change of
+clothes and a wash, both very much needed, and then I must say I
+did enjoy myself. It was simply delightful to lie down and loaf
+about and do nothing but smoke cigarettes. All the bitterness of
+the defeat and the loss of our horses seemed to disappear, and I
+thoroughly enjoyed myself that afternoon.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;At Tuli every one believed we were cut up. A party from
+there, twenty-five in number, when escorting some waggons to us,
+were attacked by a much superior force at Brice&#8217;s Store and badly
+defeated. They had to take to the bush and abandon the waggons.
+They brought four men wounded back, while seven were missing,
+including the parson, who was coming to see us&mdash;he was wounded
+in the leg. According to the men who were there, he was taking a
+distinctly active part in the fight. A squadron of some of the police,
+about 120 in all, were sent out to try and relieve us, but near the
+store were met by some of the boys who had bolted from us, and
+who reported that we were already wiped out, every man killed; so
+they returned without trying to force their way through to us. In
+Tuli they were much relieved to hear of our safe arrival. It was
+certainly a very narrow squeak for us; it is still a wonder to me
+how we managed to escape without losing a man. Certainly we
+had very good cover, and took advantage of it; it was the only
+thing we could do. We managed to silence their rifle-fire once or
+twice, but could do nothing against their long-range shell-fire.
+Since then we have had very little to do, but expect to have some
+more fighting before long, when we hope to get a bit of our own
+back. One thing I think I may say without boasting&mdash;we all
+behaved very well. There was not a sign of funk, and every one
+took it coolly. As a matter of fact, more than half of E squadron
+had been under fire before, either in Rhodesia or elsewhere.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span>&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>To understand the effect of war upon Rhodesia at this time, we
+must read the following extracts from a letter written by a &#8220;Son of the
+Manse&#8221; in business near Buluwayo, dated 11th November 1899:&mdash;&#8220;We
+have been cut off from the south for more than five weeks, and
+are very badly off for news. Such news as we get comes by Beira,
+and as there is no cable between Delagoa Bay and Beira, this makes
+things worse. We have heard nothing from Mafeking since its
+investment by the Boers except a couple of messages sent out by
+a native runner to the nearest telegraph office still in touch with
+Buluwayo. A number of men from here are on the southern frontier
+keeping the Boers in check, so as to prevent them making a
+raid in this direction. They have had several skirmishes, but the
+Boers are not in any great force, as they appear to have concentrated
+their men on the Natal border, where most of the fighting
+will probably take place. Business is so slow here that numbers
+can get leave from their offices for the asking, and there were lots of
+fellows in town doing nothing who were only too glad of the chance
+of earning 10s. a day, which the Government are paying the Volunteers.
+The local newspaper here is of little use at present, as it has
+not funds to get direct news from Natal, and the only reliable
+information we get is published by the authorities. The <i>Chronicle</i>
+here came out with a special edition yesterday, describing a serious
+reverse to the British (two thousand men and forty-six officers captured),
+but it turned out to be taken from a German paper published
+in Zanzibar and sent to Beira, and I trust it may prove false. We
+won&#8217;t get any newspapers, I fear, as long as the mails come <i>viâ</i>
+Beira, owing to the cost of bringing them from Salisbury by coach,
+but we hope there will be a change for the better soon. When
+the newspapers come they will be interesting reading.... The
+stoppage of the railway has had a serious effect in Buluwayo, as it
+has caused a tremendous rise in the prices of everything, and if
+most of the merchants had not laid in immense stocks in anticipation
+of what was coming, things would be very much worse. Some
+articles are very scarce. Potatoes are about £5 a sack, and
+of very inferior quality. Sugar is 9d. to 1s. per lb.; and a 200-lb.
+sack of flour costs 50s. to 60s., cheaper than most things, as there
+was an enormous stock stored. Everything is likely to go up still
+higher before supplies can reach the town, and fresh meal will soon
+be practically unattainable, and every one will have to depend on
+tinned meat. There are no colonial eggs coming up, so we are
+getting about 5s. a dozen for ours, and the price will probably rise,
+as with everything else. Some of the restaurants and hotels have
+had to close their dining-room, as so many men have gone to the
+front. The demand for eggs and fuel (wood) is, therefore, somewhat
+decreased. Several storekeepers talk of getting things from<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span>
+Salisbury, and if prices rise very much perhaps it would pay. The
+average rate per waggon to Salisbury lately was nearly 25s. per
+100 lbs. weight. The mines are still working fairly, and may be
+kept on. The Kaffirs round here seem to take little interest in the
+war, and the most of them have not the remotest idea where Natal
+is, although the Matabele came from there less than seventy years
+ago. Of course they all know the Boers, and thoroughly detest
+them, as they have very good reason to do. We have only had a
+few showers of rain here so far, and the grass is very poor. We
+can work our donkeys much at present on that account, as I want
+to have them in good order, as transport will be very high when
+communications are again established.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>In Southern Rhodesia the Boers were kept in check by the
+activities of Colonel Holdsworth. In order to reconnoitre, and, if
+possible, attack the Boer laager at Sekwani, he started on the
+23rd of November with seventy-five mounted men and ten cyclists
+on a night march over sandy roads in a region where water was
+extremely scarce. At daybreak they reached the Dutch laager and
+caught the Boers napping. Lieutenant Llewellyn wished them an
+energetic &#8220;Good morning&#8221; by means of a Maxim gun at 1000 to
+1200 yards range, with the result that the enemy, about eighty
+strong, were routed from their position among the kopjes. The Boers
+retired to other kopjes, and from thence offered resistance, but as
+storming them would have entailed considerable loss, the British
+force returned to camp. They, however, burned a large store of
+ammunition and captured some rifles. Therefore their hundred-mile
+march, accomplished in twenty-three hours, was not profitless.</p>
+
+<h3 class="gap2"><a id="MAFEKING_NOVEMBER" name="MAFEKING_NOVEMBER"></a>MAFEKING, <span class="smcap">November</span></h3>
+
+<p>Poor Mafeking! The inevitable hung like a ghost over everything&mdash;bodiless,
+formless, but always there at the elbows of the
+gallant band that so long had held out against the foe. He was
+now coming closer&mdash;closer, continuing to sap and approach by
+parallels, till before long not only shells but rifle-fire would render
+streets impassable, shelters useless, and fortified positions dangerous.
+Colonel Baden-Powell&#8217;s brilliant wits were hard pressed to keep the
+enemy from carrying the town by storm, and all who valued their
+lives lived underground, burrowing like rabbits, or in bomb-proof
+shelters, from which occasionally they were routed, not by fire but
+by water.</p>
+
+<p>Still the word surrender was unspelt. None dared breathe it
+aloud. A battery of seven field-guns blazing their hot fire and
+doing their fell work made no effect&mdash;the besieged remained firm.
+Mauser bullets whizzed past their ears; shells long as coal-scuttles and
+nearly as thick crashed into buildings, now into the hospital, now the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span>
+convent, or sometimes into the women&#8217;s laager, leaving not seldom a
+track of mourning and blood; but the Boer could not plume himself
+on victory. Not so far off his white tents reflected the sunlight,
+and closer still the grim music of his rifles was eternally to be
+heard; but inside the little town were men who were developing
+from mere men of commerce into toughened warriors, and assisting
+Colonel Baden-Powell and his diminutive force to maintain the
+majesty of Great Britain, with a chivalry that might have done
+honour to the knights of old.</p>
+
+<p>Towards the middle of the month the garrison was much cheered
+by the arrival on the scene of a plucky American journalist, who
+had ridden from the Cape straight through the Boer lines, and who
+came with all the buoyancy of the outer world to delight the ears
+of the British with tales of Lord Methuen&#8217;s advance. Other news
+now and then filtered in, and this the Colonel, either <i>viva voce</i> or
+by means of his typewriter, promptly shared with the whole interested
+community.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 619px;">
+<a name="illo09" id="illo09"></a><img src="images/illo09.png" width="619" height="275" alt="Facsimile of Writing in Album by Col. Baden-Powell" title="" />
+<div><span class="caption smcap">Facsimile of Writing in Album by Col. Baden-Powell</span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>To make it evident that Mafeking was determined to keep lively
+and aggressive in spite of intermittent bombardment, several more
+gallant sorties were made, and on each occasion the little place came
+off with flying colours. Commander Cronje, disgusted, finally took
+himself off with some twenty waggons to Riceters (Transvaal),
+leaving his guns with the remaining commandoes and relegating to
+them the task of reducing the truculent town to submission.</p>
+
+<p>Ruses, which are as the breath of his nostrils to the Boer in
+warfare, continued to be tried on Colonel Baden-Powell, who may be
+said to have almost enjoyed new chances to whet his wits and showed
+himself the last person to be caught napping. Indeed, some one at
+the time remarked that if they wanted to take him in they would
+have to get up very early in the morning and stay awake all night
+into the bargain! The latest Boer device was to make a show of
+going away and leaving a big gun apparently in a state of being<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span>
+dismantled. This of course was what in vulgar phrase might be
+called a &#8220;draw&#8221; for the besieged. But the Colonel was not to be
+drawn; his smart scouts continually found the enemy hidden in force,
+and thereupon put every one on their guard. Mafeking, in fact,
+&#8220;sat tight&#8221; and&mdash;winked!</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 462px;">
+<a name="illo10" id="illo10"></a><img src="images/illo10.png" width="462" height="655" alt="MAJOR-GENERAL LORD KITCHENER OF KHARTOUM." title="" />
+<div><span class="caption">MAJOR-GENERAL LORD KITCHENER OF KHARTOUM.</span><br />
+<span class="smaller">Photo by Bassano, London.</span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Meanwhile the inhabitants were pushing out advanced works
+with good effect, and began to feel more and more confident that
+their pluck and patience would ultimately receive their reward.
+Their bomb-proof shelters were becoming works of art. They
+were no longer rabbit-warrens, but well-ventilated apartments,
+roofed with the best steel rails and sand-bags, and lighted by
+windows resembling portholes. Great ingenuity was displayed in
+the wedding of safety with comfort, and the owners soon began to
+grow interested in the artistic quality of their improvised retreats!</p>
+
+<p>On the 25th of November another gallant sortie was made,
+and the Chartered Company&#8217;s Police, with magnificent pluck and
+determination, attacked Eloffsfort and kept the Boers from further
+encroachment.</p>
+
+<p>For some days nothing unusual took place. The Boers continued
+to annoy with their 10-ton gun and the Boer flag began to
+float over the fortified places surrounding the town. In fact, there
+was a somewhat wearisome monotony in the programme of daily life.
+The laconic report at that time of one of the sufferers was that the
+sole resource was to &#8220;snipe and wait!&#8221; Fortunately pressure elsewhere
+was beginning to draw off some of the hostile legions, and
+consequently the activity of the assault on the town was diminished.
+It was quite evident that Colonel Baden-Powell had been found
+a nasty nut to crack, and that his earthworks, his trenches, his
+underground shelters, his night attacks, and his hundred-and-one
+minor dodges, which had been craftily invented to test the amiability
+of the ingenuous Boer, were scarcely appreciated. Indeed,
+the worthy Cronje, when wisely taking himself off, was reported to
+have owned that the Mafeking blend of Baden-Powell-dynamite-mine-and-best-Sheffield
+was decidedly infernal!</p>
+
+<p>On this subject the correspondent of the <i>Times</i>, who was cooped
+in Mafeking, said: &#8220;The significance of the dynamite mines which
+surround our position cannot be under-estimated. Had the Boers
+any trustworthy information as to the whereabouts of the mines, the
+town would probably have been stormed weeks ago. The general
+ignorance on their part of the locality of the mines creates corresponding
+dread. The mines may be taken as a material effort on
+the part of Rhodesia to assist Imperial prestige and interests. The
+Postmaster-General of Rhodesia lent Mr. Kiddy, manager of telegraphs,
+to superintend the laying of mines, telephones, and field-telegraphs.
+The services so rendered have been invaluable.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span>&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Of the Commandant another of the beleaguered band wrote:
+&#8220;Commanding us we have a man than whom we could have none
+better. The Colonel is always smiling, and is a host in himself.
+To see &#8216;B. P.,&#8217; as he is affectionately termed, whistling down the
+street, deep in thought, pleasing of countenance, cheerful and confident,
+is cheering and heartening&mdash;far more cheering and heartening
+than a pint of dry champagne. Had any man in whom the town
+placed less confidence been in command, disaster might have befallen
+Mafeking; and if we are able to place the name of Mafeking upon
+the roll of the Empire&#8217;s outposts which have fought for the honour
+and glory of Britain, it will be chiefly because Baden-Powell has
+commanded us.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>That our good old friend <i>Punch</i> should, in his old age, cause
+almost intoxicating delight is a fact worthy of note. A copy
+brought by Reuter&#8217;s cyclist-runner was safely carried into the town,
+to the intense joy of its inhabitants. It contained the cartoon by
+Sir John Tenniel in which John Bull is represented as telling the
+Boer that if he wishes to fight it must be a fight to the finish. The
+journal was read and re-read even to the advertisements, and
+gloated over for many days. What has now become of it is a
+question of interest. There are doubtless many collectors of war
+trophies who would pay more than his weight in gold for Mr. Punch
+after he had lived through and shared in the vicissitudes of siege
+life in Mafeking.</p>
+
+<p>The pluck of Colonel Baden-Powell seemed to be epidemic.
+Young boys, and even women, clamoured to do their share of the
+work, and strove to display a perfectly unruffled front in face of shot
+and shell. In one house some ladies stuck to their abode while the
+breastworks were being built, and employed the interval in playing
+and singing the National Anthem, thus stimulating and cheering
+the workers outside, who joined heartily in the chorus. On the
+28th of November grand preparations were made for an evening
+attack, and these were quietly inspected by Colonel Baden-Powell
+in the small hours of the morning. But the Boers, whose spies
+were for ever busy, were forewarned and had evacuated their
+position. From the advanced trench in the river-bed some successful
+sniping at the foe on the brickfields was carried on, however,
+and from here the enemy was eventually routed by the smart action
+of the besieged.</p>
+
+<p>During the night the Colonel ordered Captain Fitzclarence,
+with D squadron and a Hotchkiss gun, to relieve Lord C. Bentinck
+and to support the &#8220;snipers&#8221; in the river-bed. D squadron took
+up a position in the river-bed under Captain Fitzclarence and Lieutenant
+Bridges 1400 yards from &#8220;Big Ben.&#8221; The Cape Police and
+a Maxim at the extreme south-east corner, and Captain Marsh with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span>
+a detachment of the Cape Police in the native stadt at 2000 yards
+range, co-operated. It now became impossible for the Boer
+artillerists to hold the emplacement of their 100-lb. gun. Heavy
+three-cornered volleying from the British positions swept the parapet
+of &#8220;Big Ben&#8221; every time its detachment attempted to turn the gun
+upon the town. The remarkable accuracy of our fire kept the Boer
+gunners at bay, and after discharging two shells they withdrew
+the weapon below its platform. The enemy made some futile
+efforts to renew the shelling, but at last desisted. But on the
+morrow the customary salute of big guns was resumed. Meanwhile
+the Colonel employed himself with various jokes of a very
+practical nature, which served to keep the wits and energies of
+the Boers in a perpetual state of polish.</p>
+
+<p>News from Colonel Plumer and his force was scarce, but all
+were aware that their days and nights were spent in hard work,
+great discomfort, and in perpetual and gallant efforts to come to
+the aid of the besieged town. It must be remembered that the
+Rhodesian Regiment originally had for its object the protection of
+the northern border of the Transvaal and a portion of the western
+side. Mafeking made, as it were, the outer gate, and this gate it
+was necessary to defend in order to preserve the communications
+with the north and with Buluwayo. No sooner, therefore, was it
+locked by a state of siege, than the entire responsibility of keeping
+the Boers at bay in the northern fringe of the Transvaal devolved
+on Colonel Plumer, who, on arrival at Tuli, set to work to guard
+the Drifts, and keep an eye on all quarters along the Crocodile
+where the Boers might try to effect a crossing. At Rhodes Drift,
+twenty-six miles south of South Tuli, he posted Major Pilsen with
+250 mounted infantry, while Captain Maclaren, with fifty men of
+the Rhodesia Regiment and twenty of the Bechuanaland Border
+Police, was sent to garrison Macloutsie, some thirty miles north
+of the Limpopo, where it was said the Boers hoped to put in an
+appearance. Major Pilsen, as we know, was forced to retire on
+Tuli, after which the position vacated by him was occupied by
+Colonel Spreckley (Southern Rhodesia Volunteers), who in his
+turn was obliged to make a night march back to Tuli, with the loss
+of all his horses. Soon after this, strong Boer patrols approached
+daily towards Tuli, and the garrison had an anxious and energetic
+time. Minor skirmishes took place with certain success, but leaving
+behind them their melancholy roll of killed and wounded. Soon,
+however, a British victory south, and Colonel Plumer&#8217;s exertions round
+about, combined to alter the Boer plans, and at length their retirement
+in the direction of Mafeking was reported. Whereupon this
+enterprising officer prepared to enter the Transvaal, whither he was
+driven, not by the enemy, but by drought. On the 1st of December<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span>
+he started from Tuli with a force of mounted men, and, after hairbreadth
+escapes, in four or five days reached a place some fifty miles
+north of Petersburg, the chief town in the north of the South
+African Republic. He also proceeded down the railway line
+towards Mafeking, but was continually harassed by the enemy, and
+continually obliged to retrace his steps owing to lack of water and
+other insuperable difficulties. Here we must leave him for a time.</p>
+
+<p>The Boers, learning that necessity is the mother of invention, and
+finding they could not get into Mafeking, were obliged to communicate
+with the Baden-Powell &#8220;braves&#8221; in an original manner. They
+fired into the town a five-pounder shell, which failed to explode. It
+was examined, opened, and discovered to contain the following
+jocose epistle:&mdash;&#8220;Dear Powell,&mdash;Excuse an iron messenger. There
+is no other means of communicating. Please tell Mrs. &mdash; Mother and
+family all well. Don&#8217;t drink all the whisky. Leave some for us
+when we get in.&#8221; This was a little piece of innocent diversion compared
+to other experiences. On the following day a shell from
+a Boer 100-pounder struck a store, sending its splinters far and
+wide, and carrying devastation in its wake. Daily some tragic
+episode was the result of a well-directed shot, some white or black
+inhabitant was left a mangled, hopeless wreck&mdash;a pathetic fortuitous
+atom blown to the winds by the blast of war. In addition to
+the intermittent uproar of the heavy guns, heaven&#8217;s thunders at times
+broke out, with copious showers of rain, and one of these, on the 5th,
+was so violent that it flooded out the trenches, and made all bomb-proof
+shelters untenable. Trouble and discomfort were as far as
+possible relieved with great energy by Lord Edward Cecil and others,
+but the effects of the inundation were not easily removed. Brisk
+engagements between the sharpshooters on either side now formed
+part of a morning and evening programme, and the Protectorate
+Regiment, under Lord Charles Bentinck, did such good service that
+the enemy grew shy of approach, and concluded that the process of
+starving out the garrison would be more comfortable than shelling
+so vigorous and retaliative a community.</p>
+
+<p>On the 10th of December the Dutchman Viljoen, who was a
+prisoner, was exchanged for Lady Sarah Wilson. The story of this
+enterprising lady is one of remarkable interest. In the beginning of
+the siege she left Mafeking and rode to Setlagoli Hotel, where she
+arrived on the same night. No sooner was she asleep than the rattle
+and roar of musketry commenced. This was afterwards discovered
+to be the gallant fight of Lieutenant Nesbitt on the armoured train,
+which has been described in the opening story of the siege. Poor
+Nesbitt, it may be remembered, was taken prisoner. Lady Sarah, a
+day or two after the fight, rode to the scene of the engagement and
+photographed the wreck. Later on, this intrepid lady moved from<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span>
+Mosuti to the care of a colonial farmer, and with great difficulty
+and much expenditure of energy and coin, she managed to induce
+the natives to provide her with information. All this time she and
+her friends were subject to the insults of the Boers. At one period
+she was declared to be the sole survivor of Mafeking, in hiding in
+the disguise of a woman. At another, she was believed to be the
+wife of one of the British generals. Others declared that the extraordinary
+lady was a member of the Royal Family, who was acting
+as spy on the doings of the Boers in the Colony. After moving to
+Vryburg, life for her became more exciting still. A young Boer
+passed her off as his sister, and some loyalists in the town gave her
+shelter, and helped her to obtain official despatches and news. But
+her state was far from comfortable, for most of her excursions had
+to be made under the shadow of night, and her days were spent
+enclosed in a room at the hotel. When Lady Sarah desired to
+leave the town, her exit was not so easy. The magistrates had
+issued orders that no one was to leave, and but for the kindness of
+her &#8220;brother Boer,&#8221; she might not have been able to depart. Their
+journey was commenced at four in the morning, while it was still
+dark, and before leaving the town they had to submit to a search of
+their car, lest it should contain any contraband of war.</p>
+
+<p>At last, however, it was discovered that Lady Sarah Wilson&#8217;s
+energy was connected with despatch-running, and her liberty was
+threatened. One day while riding to Mafeking with her maid she
+was captured by the Boers. On reaching Snyman&#8217;s camp, the
+general refused to allow her to proceed to her destination or to
+return to Setlagoli. She was then detained as a prisoner of war,
+pending negotiations with Colonel Baden-Powell regarding the terms
+of her release. The Colonel offered to exchange for Lady Sarah a
+Boer lady prisoner, but the enemy refused to part with their prize
+till Viljoen, who was incarcerated in Mafeking, was first given up.
+Colonel Baden-Powell then represented that he, as a natural consequence,
+and without terms of exchange, had at once transferred
+women and children prisoners to the care of their people; but the
+Boer general was not to be prevailed upon by argument. Eventually
+Viljoen was given up and Lady Sarah returned safe and well to
+Mafeking. The transaction, though somewhat unpleasant, was on
+the whole decidedly complimentary to Lady Sarah in particular,
+and to the British feminine sex in general. It fully proved that
+an Englishwoman might in future view herself as the equivalent of
+a Boer officer.</p>
+
+<p>The artillery-fire of the enemy was now beginning to prove
+more efficient than formerly. In spite of this, however, Colonel
+Baden-Powell, in the kindness of his heart, issued a warning to
+the Burghers advising them to make terms and go home. This<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span>
+very characteristic epistle is here reproduced, as it shows the
+amazing blend of serpent and dove in the spirit of the man who
+was at that moment facing the choice of death or surrender:&mdash;</p>
+
+<blockquote><p class="smaller">&#8220;To the Burghers under arms round Mafeking:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;Burghers,&mdash;I address you in this manner because I have only recently
+learned how you have been intentionally kept in the dark by your officers,
+the Government, and the newspapers as to what is happening in other parts
+of South Africa. As the officer commanding Her Majesty&#8217;s troops on this
+border, I think it right to point out clearly the inevitable result of your
+remaining longer under arms against Great Britain. You are aware that the
+present war was caused by the invasion of British territory by your forces
+without justifiable reasons. Your leaders do not tell you that so far your
+forces have only met the advanced guard of the British forces. The circumstances
+have changed within the last week. The main body of the British are
+now daily arriving by thousands from England, Canada, India, and Australia,
+and are about to advance through the country. In a short time the Republic
+will be in the hands of the English, and no sacrifice of life on your part can
+stop it. The question now that you have to put to yourselves before it is too
+late is:&mdash;Is it worth while losing your lives in a vain attempt to stop the
+invasion or take a town beyond your borders, which, if taken, will be of no
+use to you?</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;I may tell you that Mafeking cannot be taken by sitting down and looking
+at it, for we have ample supplies for several months. The Staats artillery
+has done very little damage, and we are now protected both by troops and
+mines. Your presence here and elsewhere under arms cannot stop the British
+advancing through your country. Your leaders and newspapers are also
+trying to make you believe that some foreign combination or Power is likely
+to intervene in your behalf against England. It is not in keeping with their
+pretence that your side is going to be victorious, nor in accordance with facts.
+The Republics having declared war and taken the offensive, cannot claim intervention
+on their behalf. The German Emperor is at present in England, and
+fully sympathises with us. The American Government has warned others of
+its intention to side with England should any Power intervene. France has
+large interests in the goldfields, identical with those of England. Italy is
+entirely in accord with us. Russia has no cause to interfere. The war is of
+one Government against another, and not of a people against another people.
+The duty assigned to my troops is to sit still here until the proper time
+arrives, and then to fight and kill until you give in. You, on the other hand,
+have other interests to think of, your families, farms, and their safety. Your
+leaders have caused the destruction of farms, and have fired on women and
+children. Our men are becoming hard to restrain in consequence. They
+have also caused the invasion of Kaffir territory, looting their cattle, and have
+thus induced them to rise and invade your country and kill your Burghers.
+As one white man to another, I warned General Cronje on November 14 that
+this would occur. Yesterday I heard that more Kaffirs were rising. I have
+warned General Snyman accordingly. Great bloodshed and destruction of
+farms threaten you on all sides.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;I wish to offer you a chance of avoiding it. My advice to you is to
+return to your homes without delay and remain peaceful till the war is over.
+Those who do this before the 13th will, as far as possible, be protected, as
+regards yourselves, your families, and property, from confiscation, looting,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span>
+and other penalties, to which those remaining under arms will be subjected
+when the invasion takes place. Secret agents will communicate to me the
+names of those who do. Those who do not avail themselves of the terms
+now offered may be sure that their property will be confiscated when the
+troops arrive. Each man must be prepared to hand over a rifle and 150
+rounds of ammunition. The above terms do not apply to officers and members
+of the Staats artillery, who may surrender as prisoners of war at any time,
+nor to rebels on British territory.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;It is probable that my force will shortly take the offensive. To those
+who after this warning defer their submission till too late, I can offer no
+promise. They will have only themselves to blame for injury to and loss of
+property they and their families may afterwards suffer.&#8221;&mdash;(Signed) <span class="smcap">R. S. S.
+Baden-Powell</span>, Colonel, Mafeking, December 10.&#8221;</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>If this warning did nothing else, it certainly had the effect of
+touching General Snyman in a soft spot, for he at once wrote to his
+Burghers in fiery language, expressing his disapproval that such a
+communication should have been addressed direct to them. The
+idea that &#8220;sitting and looking at a place is not the way to take it&#8221;
+seems to have gone home to him, for he promptly challenged the
+besieged to come out and drive him away!</p>
+
+<p>On the same day as his address to the Burghers the Colonel
+wrote home to a relative in England, and sent the missive folded in
+a quill, which was in its turn rammed into the pipe of a Kaffir:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="ralign" style="padding-right:1em;">&#8220;<span class="smcap">Mafeking</span>, <i>Dec.</i> 12, 1899.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;All going well with me. To-day I have been trying to find
+any old Carthusians in the place to have a Carthusian dinner together,
+as it is Founder&#8217;s Day; but so far, for a wonder, I believe I
+am the only one among the odd thousand people here.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;This is our sixtieth day of the siege, and I do believe we&#8217;re
+beginning to get a little tired of it; but I suppose, like other things,
+it will come to an end some day. I have got such an interesting
+collection of mementoes of it to bring home. I wonder if Baden<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> is
+in the country? What fun if he should come up to relieve me!</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t know if this letter will get through the Boer outposts,
+but if it does, I hope it will find you very well and flourishing.&#8221;</p>
+
+<h3 class="gap2"><a id="KIMBERLEY" name="KIMBERLEY"></a>KIMBERLEY</h3>
+
+<p>At Kimberley on November 4 things were still cheerful, though
+short commons had begun to be enforced. The Transvaalers
+advanced on Kenilworth, and Major Peakman with a squadron of
+the Kimberley Light Horse, emerging suddenly from the bush,
+gave them a warm reception. Colonel Scott-Turner reinforced
+Major Peakman, and two guns were sent to support him against
+the enemy&#8217;s guns, which at that juncture ceased firing. The<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span>
+enemy&#8217;s fire with one piece of artillery was on the whole poor, and
+fortunately little serious damage was done. Later in the afternoon
+came another encounter with the enemy, an encounter which was
+kept up till dusk, and in which the enemy sustained considerable
+loss. Unfortunately Major Ayliff of the Cape Police, a brave and
+efficient officer, was wounded in the neck. The Boers occupied the
+Kampersdam mine, some five miles distant, and shelled the Otto
+Kopje mine, while the manager, Mr. Chapman, like a Spartan,
+watched the destruction of his property and kept Colonel Kekewich
+informed as to the damage done. This was luckily small. On
+November 6 General Cronje sent a message to Colonel Kekewich
+calling on him to surrender, otherwise the town would be bombarded,
+and on the following day a force of Free State artillery, supported
+by a large commando, began further offensive operations. Captain
+Brown, who rode out a short distance to Alexandersfontein, was
+captured, and stripped by the Boers because he would reveal nothing
+regarding the state of the town.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 530px;">
+<a name="illo11" id="illo11"></a><img src="images/illo11.png" width="530" height="452" alt="Plan of Kimberley and Environs" title="" />
+<div><span class="caption smcap">Plan of Kimberley and Environs</span>
+</div></div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<a name="illo12" id="illo12"></a><img src="images/illo12.png" width="600" height="379" alt="ARMY SERVICE CORPS." title="" />
+<div><span class="caption">ARMY SERVICE CORPS.</span><br />
+<span class="smaller">Photo by Gregory &amp; Co., London.</span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>According to rough calculation, the opposing forces at Kimberley
+early in November stood thus:&mdash;</p>
+
+<table summary="Forces at Kimberley" style="margin-left:10%;margin-right:10%;" class="smaller">
+<tr>
+<td class="hangindent">Four companies of the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment;
+battery of Royal Garrison Artillery, consisting of six
+7-pounder mountain guns; a large party of Royal
+Engineers; detachment of the Army Medical Corps</td>
+<td class="ralign vbalign">2500</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="hangindent">In addition to these were the following irregular troops:&mdash;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="hangindent">One battery Diamond Fields Artillery with six 7-pounder
+field guns, 3 officers and 90 non-commissioned officers
+and men; Diamond Fields Horse, 6 officers and 142 non-commissioned
+officers and men; Kimberley Regiment, 14
+officers and 285 non-commissioned officers and men</td>
+<td class="ralign vbalign">540</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="hangindent" style="padding-top:1em;">Free Staters, and probably some Transvaal Boers, with four
+field-guns, 3500; on Orange River, 2000; reinforcements
+from Mafeking, 1000</td>
+<td class="ralign vbalign">6500</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<p>The disparity was not enlivening, but, though provisions were beginning
+to run low, pluck was inexhaustible. And with pluck, as
+with faith, one may move mountains.</p>
+
+<p>On the 11th of November the bombardment of the town was
+commenced with great vigour, the Boers firing from three positions.
+Little serious damage was done, owing to the fact that many of the
+shells did not burst. In spite of the incessant brawling of artillery,
+the perpetual appearance of fog, and a stinging pall of smoke in
+which they lived, the inhabitants of the place kept up an air of cheery
+unconcern, which naturally they were far from feeling. They also
+determined to disquiet the enemy by continual threats of attack
+from unexpected quarters. With the spirit of philosophers they
+at times made small divertisements for themselves. Once when a
+cooking-pot was struck the debris were put up to auction, and some
+fun was got out of the brisk competition for the historic relics.
+Some of the choicest of these were knocked down&mdash;this time not by
+guns&mdash;for the sum of £2 a piece. The price of a complete shell
+was about £5, and portions of one could be purchased at proportionate
+rates. Bits and fragments fetched sums varying from
+half a crown to half a sovereign!</p>
+
+<p>Nothing further happened, save that a cabdriver was captured,
+interrogated, threatened, and finally set free. Commandant Wessels,
+who sounded him regarding the dynamite mines round Kimberley,
+concluded with the message&mdash;a typical specimen of Boer braggadocio&mdash;&#8220;Tell
+Rhodes I shall take Wesselton mine next Tuesday,
+and then he must stand whiskies!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>On the 12th Lord Methuen, on whom all had pinned their faith,
+arrived with his staff at the Orange River. This was a red-letter day.
+The news of British relief so close at hand was most inspiriting, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span>
+those whose patience was inclined to languish began to take heart.
+In Kimberley itself the weather was fine and warm, and as yet little
+ill consequence from the shelling was suffered. A peacock was
+killed, some buildings damaged, some nervous persons terrified.
+The military authorities issued a proclamation ordering that all
+people not engaged with the defensive forces should give up arms
+and ammunition, a decision that was found necessary to prevent
+irresponsible persons from infringing the laws of civilised warfare.</p>
+
+<p>On the 17th of November a force composed of detachments of the
+Diamond Fields Horse, Kimberley Light Horse, and Cape Police,
+under Colonel Scott Turner, went out with a field-gun and two Maxims
+to ascertain the strength of the enemy&#8217;s position at Lazaretto Ridge.
+The enemy, who were posted on a rocky mound between Carter&#8217;s
+Farm and the reservoir, opened fire on the advancing men, who,
+though some vigorous volleys were returned, were obliged to retire.
+Meanwhile the Beaconsfield Town Guard had a tussle with the
+foe, and, after much firing on either side, he eventually retired.
+As usual, he hid behind rocks and stones, and made himself generally
+inaccessible. On the following day some smart engagements ensued,
+and so brisk was the volleying from rifles and the booming of field-guns,
+that the townspeople believed that some decisive battle must
+be taking place. There were, however, few casualties.</p>
+
+<p>All eyes were now fixed on the doings of the Kimberley relief
+force that was concentrating at Orange River. A few more weeks,
+nay, a few more days, and those patient, cheery prisoners would
+march out free to have their reckoning with the Boers. Lord
+Methuen, once joined by the Coldstream Guards, Grenadiers, and
+Naval Brigade, would be able to push on, and then the first big move
+in the war would be made. So they hoped, and with reason, for an
+electric searchlight, worked by the Naval Brigade under Colonel
+Ernest Rhodes, was signalling to Kimberley, whose searchlights
+were plainly visible to the advancing army.</p>
+
+<p>To the dreary imprisoned inhabitants this mode of communication
+was vastly exciting. Every day the relief column was
+approaching nearer and nearer, and the patient though longing
+besieged began to feel as if they were already almost liberated.
+They commenced preparing an enthusiastic welcome for the incoming
+troops, and ironical farewell salutations were now levied
+at the Boers in acknowledgment of shells and of their general
+artillery prowess. At that time, coming events&mdash;the disasters of
+Majesfontein and Colenso&mdash;had not cast their shadows before!
+Mr. Rhodes was particularly cheery, and took most whimsically to
+the information conveyed through Kaffir sources that the enemy
+was keenly desirous of exhibiting him in a cage at Bloemfontein
+prior to despatching him to Pretoria! The brutal manners and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span>
+customs of the Boers, however, were no subject for joke, as shown
+by their treatment of four &#8220;boys&#8221; who were found and captured
+while searching for stray cattle. After killing a couple of them,
+the enemy ordered the remaining two, having first flogged them, to
+bury the bodies of their comrades, and then go back to Kimberley
+and tell their friends how they had been treated.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 586px;">
+<a name="illo13" id="illo13"></a><img src="images/illo13.png" width="586" height="454" alt="The Siege of Kimberley: Typical Splinter-proof Shelter of Sand-bags
+and Iron Plates" title="" />
+<div><span class="caption smcap">The Siege of Kimberley: Typical Splinter-proof Shelter of Sand-bags
+and Iron Plates</span><br />
+<span class="smaller">Photo, Hancox, Kimberley</span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Boer tricks continued to be practised with little success. They
+served instead to sharpen the wits of the beleaguered Kimburlians&mdash;if
+one may be allowed to coin a word which seems to suit them. A
+few rifle-shots were fired in the direction of Wright&#8217;s Farm for the
+purpose of pretending that the long-looked-for relieving force was
+approaching, and thus draw out the Diamond Fields Horse; but
+the man&oelig;uvre was a failure. The Boers consoled themselves by
+blowing up two large culverts near the rifle-butts on the line towards
+Spyfontein, where the bulk of the Boer forces were then supposed to
+be. An official estimate at that date (Nov. 25) placed the number
+of shells fired by the Boers during the bombardment at 1000, while
+the number of shells fired by the British was 600. Owing to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span>
+fact that the hostile shells had so often fallen in sandy ground, their
+effect had been neutralised. Experiments were made with &#8220;home-made&#8221;
+shells, or rather De Beers-made shells, which exploded to the
+general satisfaction of their manufacturers. Some of these were said
+to be labelled &#8220;With J. C. Rhodes&#8217;s compliments,&#8221; but this was
+doubtless a cheery quip for the entertainment of the lugubrious,
+as Colonel Kekewich and the &#8220;Colossus&#8221; were too good men of
+business to waste their ammunition on pleasantries. These two
+marvellous people were now working hand in hand, the great business
+brain of the one lending support to the military skill of the
+other. Mr. Rhodes placed at the disposal of the Colonel&mdash;one should
+say of his country&mdash;the whole resources of De Beers, and worked
+without cessation for the welfare of the people, spending without
+stint, intellect, energy, and funds on their behalf. When the mines
+ceased to work, he still paid full wages to the 2000 white men employed
+on them, and laid out large vegetable gardens in the midst
+of Kenilworth for the purpose of supplying the inhabitants with green
+foods. He organised a mounted force of 600 men, supplying them
+himself with horses; and later on he instituted a service of native
+runners and scouts, which served to keep the garrison alert as to
+the whereabouts of the enemy. Indeed, space does not allow of a
+faithful recital of the doings of this public benefactor, who, without
+display, made his influence felt in every quarter of the town.</p>
+
+<p>Kimberley, as said, was now in communication by searchlight
+with Colonel Rhodes, and was racking its brains how an attempt
+might be made from the east side to march out and assist the troops
+coming from Belmont. &#8220;So near and yet so far&#8221; was the general
+feeling in regard to these troops, and a burning desire for the handclasp
+of the gallant rescuers filled all the brave yet anxious hearts
+that for so long had been cut off from the outer world.</p>
+
+<p>On the 25th of November there was unusual activity. The
+mounted troops at dawn made a strong reconnaissance in force under
+Lieut.-Colonel Scott Turner. The guns were under the charge of
+Colonel Chamier of the Royal Artillery. Hostilities commenced
+with a hot fire from the Diamond Fields Artillery&#8217;s guns under Captain
+May, in the direction of Carter&#8217;s Farm, Colonel Scott Turner with
+his troops marching towards Lazaretto Ridge, where the enemy was
+strongly entrenched. This took place at about 4.30 <span class="smaller">A.M.</span> in the dusk
+of the early dawn. By good chance the pickets were found to be
+asleep, and Colonel Scott Turner and his forces crept along the ridge
+and with marvellous energy rushed the Boer redoubts. On the
+instant rifles bristled&mdash;shots blazed out. But all was to no purpose;
+the Boers had to surrender. They did this in their usual treacherous
+fashion, hoisting the white flag while they took stray pot-shots
+at their conquerors. This charge was one worthy of record, for few<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span>
+of the men who engaged in it had ever used a bayonet in their lives.
+So little did they know of the weapon, that they were unable to fix
+it in the socket, and consequently rushed upon the enemy, rifle in
+one hand and naked blade in the other!</p>
+
+<p>As ill-luck would have it, there was a lack of ammunition, and the
+British attack could not be pressed home. Meanwhile the Royal
+Engineers on Otto Kopje were protecting the flanks, and a strong
+body of infantry with a mounted force, field-guns and Maxims, were
+checking the advance of the enemy from Spyfontein. An armoured
+train, also, under Lieutenant Webster (North Lancashire Regiment),
+was reconnoitring north and south. The train (which was supported
+by three half companies of the Beaconsfield Town Guard under
+Major Fraser) proceeded south of Kimberley, and held the enemy&#8217;s
+reinforcements in check as they advanced from Wimbledon. Subsequently,
+owing to the brisk firing of the Boer guns, it was decided
+to return to Kimberley, where Colonel Scott Turner, in consequence
+of his inability to hold the position he had stormed, was forced also to
+retire. But during the hot cannonade in which our artillery was
+engaged with that of the enemy in all directions save Kenilworth,
+this gallant officer was wounded. First his horse was shot under
+him, then a bullet pierced the muscle of his shoulder. But he
+continued to perform his duties regardless of the inconvenience
+caused by his wound. The Boers, as usual, paid no respect to
+the ambulance waggon, despite the obvious Red Cross flag which
+fluttered over it. They fired at it when they chose, and, as some
+reported, used explosive bullets. Eight prisoners were captured,
+in addition to two wounded Boers.</p>
+
+<p>The day&#8217;s work on the whole was satisfactory, as it ably demonstrated
+that there was life in the garrison yet. And this glorious
+activity was subsequently recognised in the following order:&mdash;</p>
+
+<blockquote><p class="smaller">&#8220;The officer commanding desires to thank all ranks who took part in
+to-day&#8217;s engagement for their excellent behaviour. The garrison of Kimberley
+have this day shown that they can not only defend their positions, but can sally
+out and drive the enemy from their entrenched positions. He deplores the
+loss of the brave comrades who have so honourably fallen in the performance
+of their duty.&#8221;</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>A second sortie of the same kind was attempted on the 28th of
+November, but with more disastrous results. The troops took the
+same direction as before&mdash;attacked the Boers, beat them back, and
+captured their laager and three works. But, on attempting to take
+the fourth work, the enemy fought desperately, and Lieut.-Colonel
+Scott Turner was killed. When Colonel Scott Turner fell,
+Lieutenant Clifford, North Lancashire Regiment, who had more
+than once distinguished himself, assumed command of the Imperial<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span>
+Mounted Infantry, and, though wounded in the scalp, pluckily
+remained on duty till all was over.<a name="FNanchor_2_2" id="FNanchor_2_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_2_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a></p>
+
+<p>There was terrible grief in the garrison at the loss of this
+splendid officer, the principal organiser of the Town Guards and
+the successful leader of so many skirmishes and sorties throughout
+the siege. The following special order was issued:&mdash;</p>
+
+<blockquote><p class="smaller">&#8220;The officer commanding has again to congratulate the troops of the
+garrison who engaged the enemy yesterday on their excellent behaviour and
+on the capture of the enemy&#8217;s laager, with his supplies, ammunition, &amp;c. It
+was in every respect a most creditable performance. He has also again to
+deplore the loss of many brave men who have fallen at the call of duty. It
+was with profound sorrow he learnt that Lieut.-Colonel Scott Turner was
+killed while gallantly leading his men against the last stronghold of the enemy&#8217;s
+defences. In Lieut.-Colonel Scott Turner the garrison of Kimberley loses
+a brave and most distinguished comrade, and the officer commanding feels sure
+the whole population of Kimberley will join with them in mourning the loss of
+this true British officer, to whose skill and activity in the field is so largely due
+the complete success of our efforts to keep the enemy at a safe distance from
+this town.&#8221;</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>Major M. C. Peakman, an excellent and most dauntless officer,
+succeeded to the command of the Kimberley Light Horse in consequence
+of Colonel Scott Turner&#8217;s death.</p>
+
+<p>Lieutenant Wright of the Kimberley Light Horse was killed,
+and among the wounded were Lieutenant W. K. Clifford (1st
+Battalion Loyal North Lancashire Regiment), Captain Walleck
+(Diamond Fields Horse), and Lieutenant Watson (Kimberley
+Light Horse).</p>
+
+<p>On the afternoon of the 29th of November, amid feelings of
+universal regret, the remains of Colonel Scott Turner and others
+who fell in Tuesday&#8217;s sortie were interred. The ceremony, so
+common in those days, was yet full of deep pathos. Round the
+graves stood Mr. Cecil Rhodes, Dr. Smart, the Mayor of Kimberley,
+Mr. and the Hon. Mrs. Rochfort Maguire, and indeed the whole
+mournful community of the place. Six volleys were fired over the
+graves, six blasts blown on the bugle, and then a last prayer being
+said, they left them &#8220;alone in their glory.&#8221;</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> Captain Baden-Powell, of the Scots Guards.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_2_2" id="Footnote_2_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2_2"><span class="label">[2]</span></a> Henry Scott Turner entered the Black Watch at the age of twenty in 1887. After
+taking part in the operations in Matabeleland in 1893-94, he was, in the latter year, placed
+on the &#8220;Special Extra Regimental Employment List,&#8221; and in 1896 served with the Matabeleland
+Relief Force as adjutant and paymaster. For this service he was mentioned in
+despatches and received a brevet majority. After serving with the British South African
+Police, Major Scott Turner was, last July, reappointed as a &#8220;Special Service Officer,&#8221; and
+in that capacity had done excellent service in Kimberley under Colonel Kekewich.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="gap2"><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III<br />
+<br />
+<span class="smaller">LIFE WITH GENERAL GATACRE</span></h2>
+
+<p class="gap2">On the 18th of December, General Gatacre withdrew
+from Putter&#8217;s Kraal, his original advance post, to
+Sterkstroom. At this time, in the central sphere,
+Generals French and Gatacre, while guarding the
+lines of communication, were merely waiting the turn
+of events. Owing to a series of successful skirmishes, in which
+a patrol under Captain de Montmorency, V.C., was engaged, the
+Boers thought discretion the better part of valour, and cleared
+out of Dordrecht, with the result that on the 24th of December
+Colonel Dalgety, of the Cape Mounted Rifles, with his force
+occupied the town. At Bushman&#8217;s Hoek were four companies of
+the Royal Scots, two 12-pounders, three Maxim guns, about 800
+Kaffrarian Rifles, and about thirty Engineers. Owing to scarcity
+of water General Gatacre&#8217;s force had to be divided, the rest
+remaining at Sterkstroom. There water had to be conveyed by
+rail, whence, with some difficulty, it was hauled to Bushman&#8217;s Hoek
+in water-tanks by mules. The railway in these parts, a species of
+South African switchback on two narrow rails, rambled up hill and
+down dale with engaging ingenuity. Though water was dependent
+on the trains, fresh foods were sometimes obtainable. At neighbouring
+farms it was possible to purchase butter-milk, grain, and
+bread, but to &#8220;go a marketing&#8221; it was necessary to start in full
+marching order, for there was no knowing when the Boers might
+block the road, or what nefarious tricks might be taking place. It was
+quite impossible to be even with the Dutchmen&#8217;s ruses. For instance,
+one who knew their ways said that if a Boer horse went lame or
+knocked up, twenty chances to one a &#8220;loyal&#8221; would place a mount
+at his disposal, give him bed, &#8220;tucker,&#8221; forage, &amp;c., while he
+would also watch the horizon for the approach of the military, and
+should they come the Boer would be a man of peace, without
+uniform, arms, or anything else to incriminate him. Therefore, as
+may be imagined, life was never too easy-going. The day began
+at 3.15 <span class="smaller">A.M.</span>, but night itself, short as it was, was scarcely restful.
+The troops slept with their straps on, 150 rounds of ammunition
+apiece by their side, in hourly expectation of attack. Niceties of the
+toilet were unknown, and gallant fellows with black faces and whiskers
+whose acquaintance with water was only weekly, were the rule.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span>
+Some even presented the appearance of opera-house brigands,
+having locks so redundant and long, that jocose Tommies suggested
+writing home to their sweethearts for the loan of hairpins.</p>
+
+<p>In other respects the daily routine was not unpleasant. Bullocks
+and sheep were killed regularly and found their way into the camp-kettle;
+bread was still served out, and supplemented with biscuits.
+For recreation there was football; and to enliven the spirits there
+were four cheery pipers, who at night-time made the welkin ring,
+and caused their compatriots to start up and indulge in reels
+and Highland flings, and almost to forget that they were in the
+land of the enemy.</p>
+
+<p>On the 29th, a pouring day, Captain de Montmorency started
+with his scouts and thirty Cape Mounted Rifles in hope of catching
+the enemy. But the Boers, under cover of the mist, took
+themselves off in the direction of the Barkly East district.</p>
+
+<p>On the 30th of December a hundred of Flannigan&#8217;s Squadron of
+Brabant&#8217;s Horse had a smart brush with an equal number of Dutchmen,
+who, however, were promptly reinforced. Thereupon the squadron
+retired, but unfortunately Lieutenant Milford Turner and twenty-seven
+men were left behind in a donga which none would leave, determining
+to remain there and protect Lieutenant Warren of Brabant&#8217;s
+Horse, who was wounded. To their assistance went Captain Goldsworthy
+the next day, accompanied by Captain de Montmorency&#8217;s
+scouts, 110 men, and four guns. These arrived on the scene so early
+as to surprise the Boers, who, after having been kept at bay by the
+small force of Colonials, had continued to snipe at them from a distance
+throughout the night. A sharp fight now ensued, and, after some
+clever man&oelig;uvring on both sides, the enemy retired with the loss of
+eight killed, while the party in the donga was relieved, and returned
+in safety to Dordrecht. The rescue was highly exciting, as the
+Boers were finally sent helter-skelter just as our men, worn out
+with a night&#8217;s anxiety in the nullah, had almost given up hope of
+release. As it was, they were restored to their friends in camp amid
+a storm of cheers.</p>
+
+<p>Early on the 3rd of January a force was sent out from the
+advanced camp at Bushman&#8217;s Hoek to meet a hostile horde that
+occupied Molteno. The Boers had mounted a big gun on a kopje
+in front of Bushman&#8217;s Hoek, and from thence commenced to fire at
+about eight o&#8217;clock. Around the neighbourhood the Boers were
+seen to be swarming; therefore the force, composed of Kaffrarian
+Rifles, Mounted Infantry of the Berkshire Regiment, and the Cape
+Mounted Police, at once engaged them.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 436px;">
+<a name="illo14" id="illo14"></a><img src="images/illo14.png" width="436" height="601" alt="MAJOR-GENERAL SIR W. F. GATACRE, K.C.B." title="" />
+<div><span class="caption">MAJOR-GENERAL SIR W. F. GATACRE, K.C.B.</span><br />
+<span class="smaller">Photo by Elliott &amp; Fry, London.</span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Two hours later General Gatacre and Staff started from headquarters
+with half a battalion of the Royal Scots and the 78th
+Battery of Artillery. The Boers from their point of vantage were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span>
+firing from the hill on which was placed their big gun, and they continued
+to fire on the Infantry as they advanced over an undulating
+plain to right of Cypherghat, whence the population had fled panic-stricken
+at the outset of the fight. Fortunately the hostile shells
+burst without doing damage, and the troops continued to advance.</p>
+
+<p>The Artillery made a detour to the right, secured a commanding
+position on a kopje, and from thence began a ten minutes&#8217; cannonade
+which had the effect of silencing the Boers. They withdrew their
+gun and retreated, the bulk of their force now advancing, now
+retiring, to cover the movement.</p>
+
+<p>At this juncture the Mounted Infantry, which had worked its
+way round with a view to outflanking the enemy&#8217;s position, came
+on the scene only to learn of the withdrawal. This was carried on
+without check owing to our lack of cavalry. While General Gatacre&#8217;s
+force were thus engaged, the enemy was making a determined
+attack on 140 men of the Cape Police and 60 men of the Kaffrarian
+Rifles at Molteno. They were splendidly repulsed, though the
+Police had an unpleasant experience. Five shells dropped into
+their camp, but all miraculously escaped injury. The Boers now
+retired as mysteriously as they had come, and none knew the exact
+reason for their arrival. It was suspected that it was a &#8220;slim&#8221; trick
+to draw General Gatacre into another trap.</p>
+
+<p>A strong force left Sterkstroom before dawn on the morning of
+the 8th of January for the dual purpose of reconnoitring in the
+direction of Stormberg and taking possession of the meal and flour
+from Molteno Mills. The force comprised the Derbyshire Regiment,
+the 77th and 79th Field Batteries, 400 mounted men of the
+Cape Police and Berkshire Regiment, the Kaffrarian Rifles, and the
+Frontier Rifles. The expedition was eminently successful. The
+operation of removing the food-stuffs and detaching the vital parts
+of the machinery of the mills was carried on under the protection of
+the Derbyshire Regiment and the 77th Battery. That of reconnoitring
+was undertaken by the force under Colonel Jefferies, R.A.,
+and it was discovered that the Boers, who were supposed to have
+evacuated Stormberg, were within a two-mile range. A survey of
+the Boer position was made by the Engineers, and the troops
+returned to camp well satisfied with the result of their labours.</p>
+
+<p>No larger martial moves could be attempted, for General Gatacre
+lived in a chronic state of suspended activity for lack of reinforcements.
+The Dutchmen had now fallen back from Stormberg,
+leaving only a small garrison there, and established themselves
+near Burghersdorp. The Boer strength in this district was estimated
+at about 4500, a force made up for the most part of Free
+Staters and Cape rebels. On the 18th of January General Gatacre
+moved some three hundred of all ranks from Bushman&#8217;s Hoek<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span>
+to Loperberg, and the 74th Field Battery, with one company of
+Mounted Infantry, from Sterkstroom to Bushman&#8217;s Hoek. The
+Boers continued a system of annoyance and petty progress by
+destroying railway bridges in the neighbourhood of Steynsburg and
+Kromhoogte, about eleven miles from Sterkstroom, and damaging
+portions of the line near Stormberg.</p>
+
+<p>Though General Gatacre&#8217;s Division was merely the shadow of
+the division it should have been, and his strength, such as it was,
+materially thinned by reverse, he had at his elbow one man who
+was a host in himself. This man was Captain de Montmorency.
+He kept the Boers who were holding Stormberg in a simmering
+state of excitement and suspense. He and his active party of
+scouts were perpetually reconnoitring and skirmishing and emerging
+from very tight corners, getting back to camp by what in vulgar
+phrase is called &#8220;the skin of their teeth.&#8221; One of these narrow
+escapes was experienced on the 16th January, when Captain de
+Montmorency and his men went out from Molteno to gain information
+regarding the whereabouts of the enemy. A smart combat
+was the result of their efforts, and when they were almost surrounded
+Major Heylen with sixty Police came to the rescue, and
+the whole force, after some animated firing, returned safely to
+Molteno, plus horses, mares, foals, and oxen, which had been captured
+from the enemy.</p>
+
+<p>At this time a curious correspondence took place between the
+Boer Commandant, General Olivier, and General Gatacre. It was
+a species of Dutch <i>tu quoque</i>&mdash;the Boer leader thinking to charge
+the British one with the same tricks as those in which his countrymen
+had been detected.</p>
+
+<p>General Olivier solemnly declared that a store of ammunition
+had been found in an abandoned British waggon&mdash;a waggon marked
+with red crosses and purporting to be an ambulance waggon.
+General Gatacre emphatically denied the &#8220;slim&#8221; impeachment.
+He forwarded affidavits sworn by Major Lilly, R.A.M.C., who was
+the last man with the waggon before it had to be abandoned, who
+stated that if such ammunition had been found it had been subsequently
+deposited there. General Gatacre further informed the
+Commandant that the practice of taking wives and children in or
+near camp and allowing them to run the risks common to belligerents
+was contrary to the rules of civilised warfare, and desired
+to point out the responsibility he incurred in so doing. He further
+remonstrated that a servant who had been on the field of battle
+to assist Father Ryan in the succour of the wounded had been
+detained in the Boer camp after assurances of his release had been
+made. To these remarks and complaints the General received no
+reply.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Fortunately, our wounded who were not captured were doing
+well. The ladies at Sterkstroom were particularly devoted, and
+visited and cheered the sick daily, and carried them little luxuries
+which were mightily appreciated. Though there were not many
+losses, sick and disabled were constantly being carried into the
+hospital as the result of reconnoitring and scouting expeditions,
+which were ceaseless, and had to continue ceaseless, owing to the
+inability of the force to take powerful action.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 579px;">
+<a name="illo15" id="illo15"></a><img src="images/illo15.png" width="579" height="510" alt="Movements of Gatacre and French." title="" />
+<span class="caption smcap">Movements of Gatacre and French.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>On the 20th of January Lieutenant Nickerson, R.A.M.C., who
+had accompanied the wounded after the misfortune at Stormberg,
+arrived in camp. Father Ryan&#8217;s servant, on whose account
+General Gatacre, as already mentioned, addressed Commandant
+Olivier, also returned. They brought interesting news. More
+guns had been brought on the scene, and these were served by
+German gunners. Septuagenarians and striplings were drafted
+into the commandoes, while at Burghersdorp the Town Guard was
+composed of lads of about thirteen years of age. This showed that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span>
+the stream of reinforcements was beginning to run dry. Many
+youngsters were said to have been sent from their college at Bloemfontein
+straight to the front.</p>
+
+<p>Commandant Olivier now took the opportunity to announce that
+he meant to retain as prisoners all correspondents who might be
+captured. The correspondents were flattered, and began to calculate
+whether &#8220;Experiences in Pretoria&#8221; would make good &#8220;copy,&#8221; but
+finally decided for the liberty of the press.</p>
+
+<p>A little innocent diversion was provided by the Boers during the
+night of the 20th. The British were awakened by furious fire,
+which was continued for some time. Great consternation prevailed,
+till it was afterwards discovered that a scare in the Boer lines had
+taken place, and the sound of some stampeding cattle had been
+mistaken for the advance of the British! The Boers had at once
+flown to arms, fired right and left in the midnight darkness, and as
+a natural consequence shot some of their own cattle!</p>
+
+<p>After this, there was silence, like the ominous lull which comes
+before a storm. Little puffs and pants of hostility took place around
+Sterkstroom and Penhoek, while at Colesberg the Boers were on
+guard, with the fear of some impending ill. Important developments
+were dreaded. It was known that swarms of troops were moving
+from the Cape, and that the positions which had hitherto been held
+by the Federals in consequence of the weakness of British forces
+in all quarters, would soon be tenable no longer. And the waverers
+began to shake in their shoes. They began suddenly to adopt a
+helpful attitude towards the forces. The fact was, Lord Roberts
+had issued a proclamation encouraging Free Staters and Transvaalers
+to desert by the promise that they should be well treated. To the
+Colonial rebels he had diplomatically tendered the advice to surrender
+before being caught in <i>flagrante delicto</i>.</p>
+
+<h3 class="gap2"><a name="WITH_GENERAL_FRENCH" id="WITH_GENERAL_FRENCH"></a>WITH GENERAL FRENCH</h3>
+
+<p>While all eyes were turned in the direction of the Natal force for
+the relief of Ladysmith, General French was making things lively
+for the Boers. It may be remembered that he left Ladysmith immediately
+before Sir George White&#8217;s garrison was hemmed in, and
+betook himself to the central sphere of war. On the 23rd of
+November, with a reconnoitring force consisting of a company
+of the Black Watch, some mounted infantry, police, and the New
+South Wales Lancers, he went by train towards Arundel, and was
+fired on by Boers who were sneaking in the hills. Three of the
+party were wounded, but the rest drove the enemy off. The rails
+had been lifted just in front of the scene of the fight. From
+this time activities of the same kind took place daily, the General
+devoting his energies to reconnoitring east and west of his position,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span>
+keeping the enemy from massing at any given point, and forcing
+them to remain on the <i>qui vive</i> in perpetual expectation of attack.</p>
+
+<p>Scouting at this time was carried on to the extent of a fine art.
+Never a day was devoid of excitement. &#8220;We start out before
+dawn, and get back&mdash;well, when we can!&#8221; This was the pithy
+description of a youngster who enjoyed some thrilling moments.
+The following sketch of the experiences of a New Zealander show
+how one and all willingly risked their lives in the service of their
+country:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I was under fire for the first time on my birthday (Dec. 7),
+when a section of us (four men) were sent out as a mark for any
+Boers to shoot at. We rode to the foot of a kopje and left one of
+us in charge of the four horses. Another chap and I climbed to the
+top. Puff! bang went three shells from their Long Tom and a perfect
+fusillade of bullets. It is marvellous how we escaped. We were
+to report as soon as we were fired at, so I volunteered as galloper to
+go back to our lines to report. I did a quick time over that two
+miles of veldt, bullets missing me all the time. I reported, and was
+told to go back and withdraw the men, which I did. Afterwards we
+took eight men, and under cover kept up a steady fire for five hours.
+I was horribly tired, as I had been in the saddle eighteen hours the
+previous day. My mate was fresh&mdash;we were planted behind stones
+in pairs&mdash;and while he kept up the firing I slumbered, strange as it
+may seem. There are thousands of troops in the camp. General
+French, in command of this particular division, has complimented
+us on many occasions on our coolness under fire and our horsemanship.
+He said we could gallop across country where English cavalry
+could only walk. He told us after a skirmish we had with the enemy
+that he couldn&#8217;t express in words his admiration of us, that we were
+the best scouts he had ever employed, and that we always brought
+in something, either prisoners, horses, sheep, cattle, or valuable information&mdash;which
+latter is entirely true. During the slack time our
+chaps are busy breaking in remounts for the English cavalry.
+Horses die like flies here, and Cape ponies are substituted.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Numerous and ingenious tricks were practised on the Boers,
+many of them doubtless owing their origin to the active and fertile
+brains of General French and Colonel Baden-Powell, the author
+of the &#8220;Manual on Scouting.&#8221; One of these was to take in
+the enemy&#8217;s scouts by tethering ostriches to bushes on the hills.
+The presence of the birds naturally gave to the place an air of
+desolation, and satisfied the enemy that the ground was unoccupied.
+In Colonel Baden-Powell&#8217;s opinion fine scouting is a true
+bit of hero-work, and his description of the &#8220;sport&#8221; in his own
+words serves to show of what stuff our Colonial scouts were made.
+He says: &#8220;It is comparatively easy for a man in the heat and ex<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span>citement
+of battle, where every one is striving to be first, to dash out
+before the rest and do some gallant deed; but it is another thing for
+a man to take his life in his hand to carry out some extra dangerous
+bit of scouting on his own account, where there is no one by to
+applaud, and it might be just as easy for him to go back; that is a
+true bit of hero&#8217;s work, and yet it is what a scout does continually as
+&#8216;all in the day&#8217;s work.&#8217; The British scout has, too, to be good
+beyond all nationalities in every branch of his art, because he is
+called upon not only to act against civilised enemies in civilised
+countries like France and Germany, but he has also to take on the
+crafty Afghan in his mountains, or the fierce Zulu in the open South
+African towns, the Burmese in his forests, the Soudanese on the
+Egyptian desert, all requiring different methods of working, but their
+efficiency depending in every case on the same factor&mdash;the pluck and
+ability of the scout himself. To be successful as a scout you must
+have plenty of what Americans call &#8216;jump&#8217; and &#8216;push,&#8217; &#8216;jump&#8217; being
+alertness, wideawakeness, and readiness to seize your opportunity,
+&#8216;push&#8217; being a never-say-die feeling. When in doubt as to whether
+to go on or to go back, think of that and of the Zulu saying, &#8216;If we go
+forward we die, if we go backward we die; better go forward and
+die.&#8217; Scouting is like a game of football. You are selected as a
+forward player. Play the game; play that your side may win.
+Don&#8217;t think of your own glorification or your own risks&mdash;your side
+are backing you up. Football is a good game, but better than it,
+better than any other game, is that of man-hunting.&#8221; Of this game,
+our troops, particularly in the disaffected regions of Cape Colony,
+were beginning to have their fill.</p>
+
+<p>On the 8th of December Colonel Porter, with the 5th Dragoon
+Guards and Mounted Infantry, arrived at Arundel from Naauwpoort,
+for the purpose of making a reconnaissance and locating the enemy
+and discovering his strength. The force detrained some four miles
+outside the town and advanced across the plain, the Dragoons to left
+and right, the Mounted Infantry, consisting of New Zealanders and
+Australians, in the centre slightly in the rear. The Boers in the
+surrounding kopjes, seeing their danger, took themselves off with
+great rapidity to another ridge three miles to the north. This
+position was located before nightfall. At daybreak four companies
+of Mounted Infantry were posted on a hill two miles north of
+Arundel, while a troop of Dragoons reconnoitred the town and
+found it evacuated by the enemy. The advance was then resumed.
+At 8 <span class="smaller">A.M.</span> the troops reached Maaiboschlaagte, and spied the enemy
+on the hills near Rensburg&#8217;s Farm. The Boers were busy dragging
+a huge gun up the hill. Having no artillery, the flanking movement
+on the left was discontinued, but the Dragoons on the right, who
+were three miles in advance of the remainder of the force, crossed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span>
+the plain and outflanked the enemy. The crackling of muskets
+followed, and soon after the booming of two guns. The New South
+Wales Lancers now reinforced the first line, and though for many
+hours their &#8220;baptism of fire&#8221; was prolonged, they suffered the only
+loss of the day&mdash;the loss of a horse. The operations were successful,
+and the strength of the enemy was found to number about 2000.
+The occupation of this region by our troops was considered of great
+strategical importance, as it formed a convenient advance base for
+further operations. The town is situated some twelve miles from Colesberg,
+and is in a fashion a natural fortress. It consists of rugged
+hills surrounding flats, and is provided with refreshing water springs.</p>
+
+<p>On the 12th of December a patrol under Lieutenant Collins was
+fiercely fired upon; a sergeant of the Carabineers was killed and a
+private was reported missing. This happened as they were turning
+away from a farm at Jasfontein belonging to Field-Cornet Geldenhuis,
+with whom they had had an interview. The proprietor received
+his just deserts, for later on two squadrons of Carabineers
+with two guns and a company of Mounted Infantry were sent out to
+shell the farm, which duty was accomplished with zest and thoroughness.
+General French&#8217;s report of the affair is too interesting to be
+omitted. He said:&mdash;</p>
+
+<blockquote><p class="smaller">&#8220;I wish particularly to bring to notice the excellent conduct and bearing of
+the New Zealand Mounted Rifles, commanded by Major A. W. Robin, on one
+of these occasions.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;On 18th December I took them out with a battery of Horse Artillery to
+reconnoitre round the enemy&#8217;s left flank, and determined to dislodge him from
+a farm called Jasfontein lying on his left rear. The guns shelled the farm, and
+the New Zealand Mounted Rifles then gained possession of it. But the enemy
+very suddenly brought up strong reinforcements and pressed on us with his
+Artillery. Our Artillery had been left some way behind to avoid this latter
+fire, and I had to send back some distance for its support, during which time
+we were exposed to a heavy musketry fire from the surrounding hills. The
+conduct of the New Zealanders was admirable in thus maintaining a difficult
+position till the Artillery caused the enemy to retire.&#8221;</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>Early on the morning of the 13th patrols were again fired upon,
+this time from Platberg, a kopje on the fringe of Colesberg Commonage.
+About 4 <span class="smaller">A.M.</span>, in the dusk of early dawn, the Dutchmen,
+some 1800 strong, were found to be leaving their position and
+advancing in the direction of Naauwpoort. Thereupon Colonel
+Porter, with Carabineers, Inniskillings, 10th Hussars, and four
+guns of the R.H.A., moved eastwards. What Mr. Gilbert describes
+as &#8220;a short sharp shock&#8221; followed, and the enemy&#8217;s guns,
+after firing three shots, were silenced. Our cavalry headed the
+enemy off, and soon after 2 <span class="smaller">P.M.</span> the bulk of his forces retired to
+their former position. Vaalkop was held by one squadron of cavalry
+and two guns for the rest of the day. Some Boers remained at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span>
+Talboschlaagte, and some later on occupied Kuilfontein Farm, but
+were driven out by British shells with loss of forty killed and
+wounded. Our own losses during two days&#8217; sharp work amounted
+to one man killed. Captain Moseley (Inniskillings) was slightly
+wounded, and four men also received injuries.</p>
+
+<p>On the same date Colonel Miles reported from Orange River
+an unlucky incident. Part of the Mounted Infantry under Captain
+Bradshaw and the Guides under Lieutenant Macfarlane patrolled
+in the direction of Kamak and Zoutpansdrift, ten miles east of
+Orange River, for the purpose of reconnoitring and reporting the
+strength of the enemy. The Boers were said to be holding the
+drift, and near there, somewhat suddenly, a strong party of them
+appeared. The Mounted Infantry attacked, and a brisk engagement
+followed, with the result that the enemy decamped to Geemansberg.
+Unfortunately, for this smart piece of work Captain Bradshaw paid
+with his life; Lieutenant Greyson (Buffs) was wounded, three men
+were killed, and seven wounded. Captain Bradshaw was an
+energetic and valuable officer, and his loss was deeply deplored.</p>
+
+<p>To return to General French. Hard days of work in a broiling
+sun with little to show for it were the lot of those around Naauwpoort
+at this time. On the morning of the 15th two guns of the Horse
+Artillery, going eastward across the veldt from Vaalkop, shelled a
+Boer waggon which had been espied winding along the road. It
+was presumably from Colesberg, and laden with supplies for the
+artillery of the enemy. Several shells were at once launched, but
+they failed to strike it. The artillery then tried a new position,
+and were &#8220;sniped&#8221; at by odd sharpshooters from the hills. Finally
+a &#8220;Long Tom&#8221; was brought by the Boers to bear on the situation,
+and then the artillery, pursued by shells, returned to Vaalkop.</p>
+
+<p>Boer aggression continued. On the 16th the enemy took up a
+position on a hill near Kannaksolam and sniped at the British
+patrols when they went to water their horses. The Dutchmen
+were splendidly concealed, so splendidly that it was impossible
+for the patrols to return the fire. The New Zealanders were also
+fired upon, and though five scouts lay for hours on the hill watching
+the Boers&#8217; hiding-place, not one of the foe showed his nose
+out of cover. At last, in the afternoon, Captain Jackson, with
+eight Carabineers on patrol, caught sight of the enemy peeping
+from his lair, and suddenly found himself in the midst of a volley.
+Captain Jackson was shot in the spine and instantly killed, the
+other members of the party and the riderless horse fleeing amid
+a storm of bullets. On the morning of the 18th the remains of
+the gallant officer were buried at Naauwpoort with military
+honours. The enemy&#8217;s position was shelled at daybreak by ten guns.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 614px;">
+<a name="illo16" id="illo16"></a><img src="images/illo16.png" width="614" height="425" alt="A RECONNAISSANCE IN FORCE WITH GENERAL FRENCH'S CAVALRY NEAR COLESBERG." title="" />
+<div><span class="caption">A RECONNAISSANCE IN FORCE WITH GENERAL FRENCH&#8217;S CAVALRY NEAR COLESBERG.</span><br />
+<span class="smaller">Drawing by R. Caton Woodville.</span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>On the same day General French made a successful reconnais<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span>sance
+with a battery of Horse Artillery and the New Zealand Rifles.
+The New Zealanders had some exciting experiences. Major Lee and
+his men went forth to draw the fire of the Boers, and unfortunately,
+instead of drawing the shell of the enemy they drew the shot, and
+found themselves all at once in a very warm corner indeed. They
+were rapidly hemmed in on three sides, and stood a very good
+chance of being cut off. But pluck carried the day, and though all
+their accoutrements, saddles, and water-bottles showed visible signs
+of the hurricane of destruction through which they had ridden, they
+arrived in camp safe and sound, much to the satisfaction of the
+General, who issued an order complimenting them on the success of
+their reconnaissance.</p>
+
+<p>Major Lee, who was in command of the New Zealanders at
+Arundel, was reported to be a splendid fellow&mdash;not the typical
+dashing officer by any means, but what was described as a regular
+paterfamilias of somewhat aldermanic proportions. He was hale,
+hearty, and beaming, and withal a man of coolness and courage.
+The qualities possessed by this officer were said to be shared by
+most of his men, who, though of the rough and ready stamp, were
+true chips of the old British block.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gifford Hall was most enthusiastic about Colonials all and
+sundry, and, knowing their excellence and Great Britain&#8217;s needs, delivered
+himself of words of wisdom which are worthy of repetition:&mdash;</p>
+
+<blockquote><p class="smaller">&#8220;Ex-frontier cavalryman myself, with further experience as cowboy in both
+the United States and North-west Canada, and also as stockrider in Australia,
+I have never for a moment doubted that in the raising of an irregular Anglo-Boer
+force lay the solution of England&#8217;s problem, &#8216;How to successfully cope
+with the enemy.&#8217; Sans standard of physique, sans much orthodox training,
+sans everything but virility, inherent horsemanship, inherent wild-land craft,
+mounted on his own pony&mdash;bronco of Canada or brumbie of Australia&mdash;the
+Canadian ranche hand, the Australian stockrider, shearer, station rouseabout,
+or the &#8216;cull&#8217; of all lands Anglicised might easily become the quintessence of a
+useful and operative force against a semi-guerilla enemy. A pair of cord
+breeches, a couple of shirts, his big hat, and a cartridge-filled belt, Winchester
+carbine, a pony of the sort that can be run to a white sweat, and staggering,
+tremble, and then be kicked out to nuzzle for grass or die&mdash;that&#8217;s what your
+man wants. The pants and shirts will be better than he has worn for years;
+the gun he has &#8216;shot straight&#8217; with ever since he first handled his &#8216;daddy&#8217;s&#8217;
+muzzle-loader; and the &#8216;hoss,&#8217; why each is of the other, horse and man, each
+apart, a thing inept. Orthodoxy against the Boers in military operations
+doesn&#8217;t wash. Aldershot-cum-Sandhurst-cum-Soudan-cum-Further-India and
+War-Office tactics fall flat. The Boer is here, there, and everywhere, not to
+be followed by &#8216;crushing forces&#8217;&mdash;only to be checked and turned and tracked
+and harried and hustled by a brother Boer. There is scarce a Canadian ranche
+hand but owns a pony of bronco breed, scarce an Australian station hand of
+any decent calibre but owns or can procure a tough and serviceable semi-&#8216;brumbie&#8217;
+mount. And will these men volunteer? Yes, plenty of them, and
+those that won&#8217;t can&#8217;t. Surely Empire saved or gained is worth their worth to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span>
+the Motherland they fight for. Let her hire them. Transportation and time?
+The Boer war is not over yet, and England&#8217;s pocket is deep. To-day she
+fights for her life, for her honour, and win she must. Arm them and saddle
+them, men of the wild-lands and prairies. Work them van, flank, and rear.
+This folly of &#8216;standard&#8217; physique and &#8216;training&#8217;&mdash;to the winds with it. The
+theory of weight and height for effective fighting is exploded. Heart, eye, and
+seat, and wild-land inherent tact make up for it. Five-feet-six can ride and
+shoot and fight or die as well as six-feet-two. We wild-landers have proven it
+over and over again. Even when the war is over, and our regulars and reserves
+must return, make these men into protective police for a while, officered not by
+orthodoxy but by knowledge and experience. They will &#8216;learn the country.&#8217;
+They will evolve scouts from amongst them who shall make no mistakes.
+They will give to England what she needs in times like these&mdash;to come again
+or not. Your yeomanry won&#8217;t do the trick; nor your oat-fed kharki-clad higher
+Colonials either. &#8217;Tis your Anglo-Boer, cowboy, stockrider, shearer, rouseabout,
+cull, given his way and a cause&mdash;yes, he and his scrub-fed mongrel
+mount and &#8216;gun.&#8217;&#8221;</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>These expressions of opinion almost amounted to a prophecy, for
+very shortly the Canadian ranche hands, the Australian stockriders,
+the hardy New Zealanders, and the &#8220;higher&#8221; Colonials&mdash;as Mr. Hall
+styled them&mdash;taught us lessons which we were swift enough to follow.</p>
+
+<p>At Christmas the troops fared well, and contributions of a
+homely and delectable kind were supplied to make the season
+pleasurable. The inhabitants of Naauwpoort showed their appreciation
+of Mr. Thomas Atkins in many tangible ways, notably by
+providing him with appetising refreshments as he arrived by rail. Of
+course, there was a run on the telegraph office. Christmas greetings
+went pouring out and came pouring in, while the mail-bags
+swelled with a plethora of seasonable blandishments. At Arundel
+Colonel Fisher and the officers of the 10th Hussars endeavoured to
+forward Christmas greetings to the Colonel of the Regiment, His
+Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, but for some unexplained
+reason the felicitation was not allowed to go beyond the vigilant eye
+of the censor.</p>
+
+<p>The great attraction of Christmas, and its accompaniment the
+New Year, was the expectation of a gift from Queen Victoria,
+which was specially prepared according to the order of the Sovereign
+herself. It was to take the form of a tin of chocolate, and was to be
+presented to every soldier on service in South Africa. The box
+was specially designed, and adorned with the regal monogram.
+This unique gift, in order to make it the more valuable as a trophy
+or a family relic, was manufactured only of the exact number required
+for presentation to each individual serving at the front.</p>
+
+<p>Naauwpoort enlivened itself with sports, and though the weather
+was almost tropical, the activity served to compensate for the
+absence of the mirth of Merrie England. At this time the Boers
+were approaching nearer the British camp. There was a three<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span>
+days&#8217; truce, it is true, but their positions were only six miles from our
+troops, and they were warned that a nearer approach would mean
+prompt action by the guns.</p>
+
+<p>The daily routine went on somewhat monotonously&mdash;the grooming,
+watering, and exercising of horses; drilling, exercising the mules
+of ambulance and transport waggons; unloading the food supplies,
+cooking them&mdash;occupations which afforded work in plenty, but the
+real business of warfare was suspended. Some of the officers made
+an effort to get up hunting parties, and succeeded in bagging a few
+springbuck, but their expeditions were fraught with even more risk to
+themselves than to their quarry. For instance, in one case, while two
+gallant Nimrods were in the act of stalking a splendid springbuck,
+their chargers made off. They suddenly found themselves almost
+surrounded by Boers, and an animated chase followed. Luckily
+the carcass of the springbuck, which was left behind, was too great
+a prize to be parted with, and the enemy captured it in preference
+to the huntsmen!</p>
+
+<p>At this time there was great consternation in camp, as two
+cavalry officers were taken prisoners. It subsequently transpired
+that the officers, Lieutenant Till (Carabineers) and Lieutenant
+Hedger (attached to the 10th Hussars), were captured through an
+unfortunate accident. They mistook the Boers for New Zealanders,
+and therefore were unprepared to offer resistance. On discovering
+their error they made a desperate attempt to escape, but were
+overpowered.</p>
+
+<p>The Colonials afterwards discarded their picturesque hats and
+took to helmets. Owing to the resemblance of their headgear to
+that of the Boers, some British pickets had mistaken them for the
+enemy and fired on them.</p>
+
+<p>On the 29th the enemy fell back on Colesberg, and there with
+his small force General French proceeded to tackle him. &#8220;So near
+and yet so far&#8221; must have been repeated many times by both
+Generals French and Gatacre when each failed to accomplish
+some clever moves for want of the necessary reinforcements. In
+the ordinary course of things, from Naauwpoort to Sterkstroom was
+an easy three-hours journey by rail, but now, with the barrier of
+the Boers at Stormberg&mdash;the junction between the East London and
+Port Elizabeth systems&mdash;it was necessary to travel, if by rail, <i>via</i>
+Port Elizabeth, thus making a three-days instead of a three-hours
+trip. And railway travelling was by no means a safe and enjoyable
+exercise. True, the lines of communication were protected by some
+eleven hundred Volunteers, but as martial law had not been proclaimed
+south of Naauwpoort, and disloyalty was here the rule and
+not the exception, it was quite on the cards that at any moment
+culverts would be found blown up and rails twisted.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="gap2"><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV<br />
+<br />
+<span class="smaller">THE COLONIALS AT BELMONT</span></h2>
+
+<p class="gap2">On Christmas Day Lieut.-Colonel Pilcher, formerly of the
+Northumberland Fusiliers, late of the Bedfordshire
+Regiment, arrived at Belmont and took command of
+the troops. The Station Staff now consisted of Colonel
+Pilcher; Major Bayly, Major MacDougall, and Major
+Dennison. The garrison was soon strengthened by two companies
+of the 2nd Duke of Cornwall&#8217;s Light Infantry under Major
+Ashby. A general state of high polish was begun, and the Canadians,
+ever active and on the alert, came in for some excellent training,
+which they were not slow to profit by. Owing to the insecure state
+of the neighbourhood, it was put in a fair state of defence. Stone
+sconces were built on the kopjes; earthwork trenches were built at
+the station and elsewhere; and a series of alarm drills was carried
+on, in order to enable all concerned to take up their especial posts
+at a moment&#8217;s notice. For instance, at an appointed hour an alarm
+on the bugles would wake the echoes. The men would rush to
+arms; every company, previously instructed, would fall in on its own
+private parade ground, and then set out at the double for its post.
+Celerity without fluster was the motto of the movement. When all
+were posted, some in trenches a mile off, others three or four hundred
+yards away, the Colonel would proceed to make such disposition
+of his troops as the imagined enemy might impose. For instance,
+he would picture the attack coming from the north-east and march
+some of his force in the direction of the assumed attack, covering
+it with a strong line of skirmishers, while other troops in springless
+four-wheeled buck waggons were sent to their support. The
+movement would be only sufficiently developed to give the men an
+intelligent appreciation of what might be required of them, and
+certainly nothing could exceed the promptness and alacrity with
+which the troops threw themselves into their military rehearsals.
+The Canadians especially distinguished themselves by their zest and
+acuteness, and in all the bogus engagements&mdash;the attack drill&mdash;earned
+the praise of the commander. The following is a copy of a regimental
+order: &#8220;The officer commanding the Royal Canadian Regiment
+is desired by the officer commanding the troops at this station to
+express his satisfaction with the intelligent and quiet way in which
+this morning&#8217;s work was carried out by the officers, non-com<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span>missioned
+officers, and men of the Royal Canadian Regiment.&#8221;
+The Colonel particularly appreciated the manner in which the men
+avoided &#8220;bunching,&#8221; the most fatal error that can be made by troops
+in modern warfare of the kind in hand.</p>
+
+<p>At the end of the year more Australians arrived. These
+troops had been stationed for a short time at the Orange River,
+getting their horses into condition after a six weeks&#8217; voyage. From
+thence they moved on to Belmont. The two companies of Queensland&#8217;s
+Mounted Infantry found their green tents awaiting them, and
+a hearty welcome. The men, a hardy and stalwart set, tall and
+comely to look on, were well fitted in their kharki uniform, which
+showed no signs of relationship to the slouching apparel peculiar to
+hastily rigged-out troops. Their jackets, cord breeches, felt hats
+looped up at the side with a tuft of feathers of the emu, gave them
+a picturesque as well as workmanlike air. But their leggings were
+dangerously dark, and scarcely as suited to sand or morass&mdash;the
+ground was either one thing or the other&mdash;as the familiar puttees.
+These useful articles had now been assumed by the Canadians instead
+of their shrunken or loosely flapping duck trousers. The effect
+was infinitely more dapper, becoming to the figure, and serviceable
+for hard wear. The Queenslanders and Canadians at once fraternised,
+the older arrivals making the new comers welcome by inviting
+them to drinks and breakfast, and generally &#8220;showing them around.&#8221;
+The bond of union was cemented by the fact that the officer in
+command of the Queenslanders, Colonel Ricardo, was an old Royal
+Canadian Artillery officer.</p>
+
+<h3 class="gap2"><a name="COLONEL_PILCHERS_RAID" id="COLONEL_PILCHERS_RAID"></a>COLONEL PILCHER&#8217;S RAID</h3>
+
+<p>New Year&#8217;s Day was a great occasion for the Colonial troops.
+They had been burning with impatience to come in touch with the
+enemy, and till now no opportunity had been afforded for testing
+their prowess in the field. At midday on the 31st of December a
+force under Colonel Pilcher started off from Belmont. The force
+consisted of 200 Queenslanders, commanded by Colonel Ricardo;
+100 Canadians, Toronto Company, with two guns; and a horse
+battery under Major de Rougemont; 30 Mounted Infantry under
+Lieutenant Ryan (Munster Fusiliers); the New South Wales Ambulance,
+under Surgeon-Major Dodds; and 200 Cornwall Light
+Infantry. These left Belmont and proceeded westward. Twenty
+miles were covered before sunset, and the force encamped at
+Cook&#8217;s Farm. In this region, on a string of kopjes, a Boer
+laager was reported to be, and this&mdash;it was decided&mdash;must be
+removed.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 628px;">
+<a name="illo17" id="illo17"></a><img src="images/illo17.png" width="628" height="428" alt="Map Illustrating Colonel Pilcher's Raid." title="" />
+<div><span class="caption smcap">Map Illustrating Colonel Pilcher&#8217;s Raid.</span><br />
+<span class="smaller">Scale 9 miles = 1 inch.</span><br />
+<span class="smaller">[Transcribers' note: For ease of reference, the black line beneath the
+image would be approximately one inch in length in the original.]</span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Colonel Pilcher&#8217;s programme, however, was not divulged. Great<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span>
+caution was preserved, as the country was swarming with native
+spies, and all movements of the troops were watched and reported
+to the enemy. The Colonel therefore very adroitly arranged that no
+person should have a chance of reporting his movements, and caused
+a watch to be kept on all the natives, and these during the night
+were shut in their huts to prevent any from escaping and communicating
+the intention of the troops. The vigilance was certainly well
+rewarded. At daybreak the force steadily marched out, creating as
+little dust as possible, and took up a position at a place some fifteen
+miles off, called Sunnyside. Here the enemy&#8217;s laager was reported
+to be situated. It was posted on two connected kopjes to north and
+south, and towards these kopjes the troops advanced. When within
+a distance of some four miles the troops halted. Major de Rougemont
+with two guns under Lieutenant Atkinson, Captain Barker with
+the Toronto Company of Canadians, and Lieutenants Ryan and
+Smith with the Mounted Infantry were ordered in the direction of
+the enemy&#8217;s laager to the north; while Colonel Pilcher with Colonel
+Ricardo and the Queenslanders, A Company under Captain Chaucer,
+and B Company under Captain Pinnock, advanced from the south.
+Patrols were sent to the east. All was done with great quietness
+and precision, and the Boer tactics so closely imitated that the enemy<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span>
+were unconscious of the arrival of the British till the troops were upon
+them. Major Rougemont&#8217;s force made use of all the existing cover,
+which luckily was sufficient to screen both man and horse, and in a
+very short time had discovered some excellent ground which gave on
+to the Boer position. The enemy&#8217;s laager was ensconced in a nest of
+trees, at the base of a range of kopjes commanded by a convenient
+ridge. This ridge&mdash;reported by the Mounted Infantry to be clear of
+the enemy&mdash;with great promptness was practically seized and occupied
+before the Boers had sufficiently gathered themselves together to contest
+the position. The guns were advanced at a trot, and unlimbered
+within 1500 yards of the laager, into which two shells were neatly
+plumped, with a stupendous detonation that startled the whole surrounding
+neighbourhood. Up scrambled the Boers, streaming and
+bounding along the sides of the kopje like stampeded goats, and
+commencing to fire with all their might. Upon our guns and gunners
+came a torrent of lead fierce and sustained. Two Maxims under
+Captain Bell now prepared to give tongue from the right, and then
+the Toronto Company was ordered to double into action. They
+leapt to the word. With a gasp of relief they cried, &#8220;At last!&#8221; and
+were off. When within 1000 yards of the position their rifles came
+into play. A hurricane of bullets met the enemy&#8217;s fire: met it, continued
+fiercely&mdash;and finally subdued it.</p>
+
+<p>While the guns under Lieutenant Atkinson were booming and
+banging, the Mounted Infantry, ably led by Lieutenant Ryan, were
+working their way along the right, and hunting the enemy from a
+concealed position among the scrub. At midday Colonel Pilcher
+and the Queenslanders were steadily nearing the position from three
+separate directions. They approached under cover, cautious as tigers
+and nimble as cats, finally firing, and returning the fire, but only
+when they caught glimpses of the enemy. Then they blazed away
+to good purpose, and continued to approach nearer and ever nearer,
+till the enemy, in view of the persistent and deadly advance, shrank
+from his ground, and sulkily retired. The dexterity of the Queenslanders
+was remarkable; they stalked the enemy as a sportsman
+would stalk a deer, criticising their own fire and the fire of the foe
+with workmanlike coolness and interest. The success of these
+tactics was complete. The laager was captured, and with it forty
+ill-kempt, surly prisoners. Lieutenant Adie, who was with a patrol of
+four men, came suddenly on a number of the enemy, and was
+wounded in two places, but he was saved and carried off by two
+plucky fellows, Butler and Rose, who came to his rescue. The latter
+was wounded, and his horse was killed. Another dashing Queenslander,
+Victor Jones, was shot through the heart, and Macleod,
+an equally brave comrade, after many lucky escapes, while
+advancing with Colonel Pilcher&#8217;s force, was shot through the spine.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span>
+While these heroic and tragic doings were taking place, General
+Babington with a mounted force had been working hard, his operations
+having been arranged for the purpose of co-operating with
+Colonel Pilcher, and distracting the enemy&#8217;s attention from the
+north. These man&oelig;uvres had the desired effect, and the day&#8217;s work,
+apart from its pathetic side, was accounted a glorious success. So
+cleverly had the proceedings been contrived, and so ingeniously
+were the orders interpreted by one and all, that the Boers were completely
+nonplussed. There was a hurried stampede, and the Federals
+bolted, leaving their laager with all its luxuries, its boiling soup, its
+gin and water bottles, &amp;c., at the mercy of the invaders.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 642px;">
+<a name="illo18" id="illo18"></a><img src="images/illo18.png" width="642" height="451" alt="COLONEL PILCHER'S ATTACK ON SUNNYSIDE KOPJE--CANADIAN AND AUSTRALIAN CONTINGENTS RECEIVE THEIR BAPTISM OF FIRE."
+title="" />
+<div><span class="caption">COLONEL PILCHER&#8217;S ATTACK ON SUNNYSIDE KOPJE&mdash;CANADIAN AND AUSTRALIAN CONTINGENTS RECEIVE THEIR &#8220;BAPTISM OF FIRE.&#8221;
+</span><br />
+<span class="smaller">Drawing by H. C. Seppings Wright from Sketch by Fred. Villiers.</span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>A vivid description of the Boer camp was given by Mr. Frederick
+Hamilton of the <i>Toronto Globe</i>, who accompanied the Canadians.</p>
+
+<blockquote><p class="smaller">&#8220;Fourteen ancient tents, their blankets, kettles, and camp utensils, tossed
+about in wild confusion. Three long waggons of the type in which the voortrekkers
+voyaged the veldt, a team of a dozen magnificent oxen, a big water-cart
+which we eyed greedily, a Kaffir wattled hut, its floor piled high with odds
+and ends of clothing and valuables, its doorway marked by a shell-smash; the
+rocky kopje-side behind, a flat plain dotted with shaggy, bushlike trees in front&mdash;such
+was the Boer laager. Prisoners came from here and there, over a
+score from the kopje-top, more from this corner and that of the field, and were
+taken to the hut. Within it and around its door they squatted, a silent
+downcast crew; what a mess they had made of their affairs! Perhaps they
+were not so despondent as we thought, for one man as he sat in the guarded
+group pointed out a rifle which one of the victors was carrying, and claimed
+it as his own&mdash;a piece of cheek which staggered our men. The prisoners
+claimed only part of our attention; with eager curiosity the camp was ransacked.
+At last we had our hands upon these Boers: what manner of men
+were they, and how did they live? Poorly enough, I should say; the camp
+must have been densely crowded with the motley gathering, and we could see
+the odd admixture of practical barbarism with occasional contact with civilisation,
+as when good suits of clothes lay side by side with repulsive-looking
+strips of biltong. We felt that all this was ours, ours by right of battle, ours
+by virtue of victory. Perhaps we were wrong, perhaps the confiscated property
+of rebels should fall to the Crown, but as long as men go to war so
+long will victors walk through the camp of the vanquished with just that feeling
+swelling through their veins. Something else lay heavy upon us&mdash;thirst.
+It raged through us. The yellow pool where the veldt cut into the kopje face
+filled our water-bottles, and we drank and drank. The foul dregs of the Boers&#8217;
+water-cart were drained with joy. As the sun was setting our own water-cart
+with more wholesome water drove up, and we drank and drank again. As
+our fires were lighted, what receptacles could be found were filled and the muddy
+fluid boiled. Our transport waggons were miles away, and for tea or coffee we
+were dependent on what we found in the Boer waggons. I remember drinking
+a cup of hot water and finding it most refreshing. Food was foraged. One
+section of our men found a sheep&#8217;s carcass hanging up under a tree, slaughtered
+by the rebels before our shell changed the tenor of their day. Some had
+hardtack or army rations in their haversacks. Here and there they picked up
+enough to make up a meal, not especially plentiful, and very scrappy, but satisfying.
+Indeed a most peculiar thing about the whole affair was the great<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span>
+amount of work we managed to do on a very small amount of food. The
+shadows of the evening were falling as we finished our meal, sent out the
+necessary pickets, and prepared for rest.&#8221;</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>Later came the death of poor Macleod the Queenslander, whose
+wound had been mortal. As the Queenslanders had early moved
+on to Rooi Pan (a farmhouse across the veldt where rebels were
+suspected to be in hiding), the Canadians took upon themselves
+the duty of conducting the sad ceremonies of burial. A grave
+was dug and a New Testament found. Then the Canadians slowly
+bore to its last resting-place the remains of the heroic young Colonial
+who had lost his life in the service of the mother country. Major
+Bayly, the Staff Officer of the expedition, read a few selections
+from Corinthians over the body, after which it was consigned to
+the heart of the veldt. A rude cross bearing his name and corps
+was placed to mark the spot, and written thereon was also the
+intimation that it was &#8220;Erected by his Queensland and Canadian
+comrades.&#8221; The noble young fellow Victor Jones secured less
+formal burial, though his loss was as deeply regretted. On the
+following day two of his comrades from Rooi Pan started off in
+search of his body, and having found it, buried it without ceremony
+or rite, but with the keenest feelings of sorrow.</p>
+
+<p>On this day, the 2nd of January, the work of destruction of Boer
+effects was begun. Soon after dawn a huge bonfire was made under
+such waggons and ammunition of the foe as could not be utilised,
+and as the troops marched out they were saluted by the appalling
+uproar of the exploding cartridges. The procession, as it moved on
+its way to Rooi Pan, a distance of some four or six miles, presented a
+somewhat mediĉval aspect in spite of symbols of modernity&mdash;magazine
+rifles and machine guns. In front was the wide expanse of
+grassy veldt; behind, the curling blue smoke from the burning
+wreckage of the camp. Along the road came the heavy springless
+waggons piled high with booty, their negro drivers flourishing
+their long whips and repeating their vociferous bark of &#8220;Eigh&#8221; to
+encourage the small, contumacious mules. With them marched the
+bronzed, picturesque-looking army with its train of captives in the
+rear, an unkempt, dilapidated crew&mdash;a strange contrast to the lively
+and robust Canadians, who, rejoiced at their yesterday&#8217;s feat, were
+singing as they tramped along. Very curious was it to hear, instead
+of the familiar British airs our soldiers love, the Niagara camp-song
+with its Hallelujah chorus, and the popular &#8220;The Maple Leaf&#8221;
+proceeding from the brawny throats of these brother soldiers of
+the Queen. Their joy and their triumph was complete, and with
+a good night&#8217;s rest and the beautiful morning air to refresh them,
+their spirits were effervescent in the extreme.</p>
+
+<p>At Rooi Pan there was a halt for half-an-hour, during which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span>
+Colonel Pilcher took the opportunity to address his force, and convey
+to them congratulations on the recent fight which had been
+forwarded by General Wood, commanding at the Orange River.
+Water-bottles were then filled from the clear pond in the farm of one
+of the prisoners, and soon, the sun growing momentarily hotter, the
+party advanced. This time their route lay over dust ankle-deep in
+places, dust which rose up in clouds and came down into eyes and ears
+and throats, and settled itself in hot cakes and rings on hair and
+beards and necks. But presently, after a few miles, the state of
+things was improved. Government roads stretched a smooth highway
+in front, and kopjes&mdash;the dangerous kopjes that afforded such
+comfortable hiding-places for the wily foe&mdash;grew fewer and farther
+between. There was now comparative comfort, for there was little
+fear of encounter with the enemy in the open.</p>
+
+<p>The journey was continued without event. There was no sign
+of opposition, and about three o&#8217;clock in the afternoon, as they neared
+their destination, a message came in, &#8220;Nothing to be seen in Douglas
+but Union Jacks and red ensigns.&#8221; This was a fact, and Colonel
+Pilcher and his troops very soon occupied the town. Never was there
+a more enthusiastic demonstration: the loyal inhabitants cheered to
+the echo; some almost wept at the arrival of their deliverers.</p>
+
+<p>This town is situated below the junction of the Modder and Vaal
+Rivers, and is of some importance. Here the long-suffering loyalists
+had remained, ever since the commencement of hostilities, in anxious
+expectation, awaiting the arrival of the British troops. Naturally
+the frenzy of their delight knew no bounds, particularly when it was
+found how completely the rebels had dispersed. Fourteen tents,
+three waggons, an immense store of rifles and ammunition, saddles,
+forage, equipment, and many incriminating letters were seized. On
+some of the envelopes were stamped &#8220;On Her Majesty&#8217;s Service,&#8221;
+showing that these had been used by the newly appointed Landrost
+of Douglas in the absence of an official Free State superscription.</p>
+
+<p>The joy of the loyalists was of short duration. In the afternoon
+Colonel Pilcher broke to them the terrible news. He stated that, for
+military reasons, his force would be obliged to leave on the morrow.
+Consternation prevailed. The leading members of the community
+explained that, if deserted, their lives would not be worth a moment&#8217;s
+purchase. It was impossible to remain where they were and await
+the return of the enemy, consequently Colonel Pilcher ordered all
+who wished to leave to be ready by six the next morning, and promised
+them safe conduct to Belmont. Thereupon a scene of great
+animation ensued. An immense exodus was actively arranged.
+Vehicles of all kinds, sizes, and shapes were got ready, while the
+women and babies&mdash;such as overflowed the transport accommodation&mdash;were
+taken charge of by the gallant Canadians. These marched<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span>
+forth singing, to keep up the spirits of the community, and finally,
+when the wearisome end of the journey seemed never to be reached,
+some of the noble fellows, although worn out with a long spell of
+active work, and suffering from sore feet, carried the babies, and
+thus relieved the women of the fatigue of the march. The cortège
+left Douglas at eight o&#8217;clock on the morning of the 3rd, and reached
+Dover Farm at two o&#8217;clock. With the refugees were sent
+forward the captured rebels. These before their departure were
+paraded, and Colonel Pilcher enjoined those who were Free
+Staters or Transvaalers to step from the ranks, as they would be
+treated as prisoners of war. The rebels who had taken up arms
+against their Queen would suffer different treatment. No one
+stepped forward, and it was evident that either there were no Boers
+among the number, or they mistrusted the assurances of Colonel
+Pilcher, and preferred to meet their fate <i>en bloc</i>. (They were subsequently
+sent to the Cape for trial.) Colonel Pilcher&#8217;s &#8220;slim&#8221;
+arrangement for the confusing of the natives prior to making his
+advance was eminently successful, for the Boers, so a prisoner said,
+considered themselves deeply aggrieved that they had not received
+information regarding the proposed movements. On the 5th Colonel
+Pilcher&#8217;s column arrived at Belmont. The night&#8217;s march from
+Cook&#8217;s Farm was splendidly managed. News had reached him to
+the effect that some 600 or 800 Boers intended to effect a junction,
+and attack the column. At eight o&#8217;clock, therefore, the whole force
+started quietly forth, stealing off in the jetty obscurity like a band
+of conspirators. A halt was made during the night to allow the
+troops a short spell of repose: after this they continued their journey
+without mishap. Two companies of Canadians were employed to
+hold a pass some six miles off Belmont, in order to prevent the
+incoming force being cut off by the enemy.</p>
+
+<p>So ended, happily, a most successful raid. The Colonial troops
+had more than acted up to the expectation of every one; and, though
+it was somewhat disappointing that Douglas had to be instantly
+evacuated, the expedition had helped to demonstrate to the loyalists
+that the British could and would come to their aid, and that faith in
+the end has its reward.</p>
+
+<p>The following table of their march is interesting as showing the
+wear and tear to which the troops were subjected:&mdash;</p>
+
+<table summary="Distances in Pilchers Raid">
+<tr>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="smaller ralign">Miles.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Sunday, December 31, Belmont to Thornhill</td>
+<td class="ralign padr1">22</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Monday, January 1, Thornhill to Sunnyside (action)</td>
+<td class="ralign padr1">13</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Tuesday, January 2, Sunnyside to Rooi Pan, 6 miles;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="padl1">Rooi Pan to Douglas, 15 miles</td>
+<td class="ralign padr1">21</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Wednesday, January 3, Douglas to Thornhill</td>
+<td class="ralign padr1">24</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Thursday night, January 4, Thornhill to Richmond</td>
+<td class="ralign padr1">10</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Friday, January 5, Richmond to Belmont</td>
+<td class="ralign padr1">12</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="padl1">Total</td>
+<td class="ralign padr1">102</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>This smart little military exploit was appreciated throughout the
+globe. Telegrams poured in from all parts of the Queen&#8217;s dominions
+congratulating Colonel Pilcher and the Colonials on the excellent
+work they had accomplished. The following from G.O.C., Cape
+Town, read:&mdash;</p>
+
+<blockquote><p class="smaller">&#8220;Congratulate Colonel Pilcher on brilliant exploit, which will have far-reaching
+effect.&#8221;</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>From Military Secretary, Government House:&mdash;</p>
+
+<blockquote><p class="smaller">&#8220;Please send following message to Colonial troops employed in action at
+Sunnyside: &#8216;His Excellency Sir Alfred Milner sends you his heartiest congratulations
+on your success, and hopes it is only the forerunner of many more.
+While regretting the loss of some of your brave comrades, he feels sure that
+your friends in the colonies over the sea will feel proud of the success of their
+representatives, as he himself does.&#8217;&#8221;</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>From Sir Redvers Buller the following was received:&mdash;</p>
+
+<blockquote><p class="smaller">&#8220;General Buller desires that his congratulations be conveyed to the
+Colonial troops on their action at Sunnyside.&#8221;</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>From the Governor, Queensland, came:&mdash;</p>
+
+<blockquote><p class="smaller">&#8220;Request you will be good enough to convey to Queensland Mounted
+Infantry hearty congratulations on gallant conduct at Sunnyside and sympathy
+in loss of life. Second contingent embarks for South Africa next week.&#8221;</p></blockquote>
+
+<h3 class="gap2"><a name="ACTIVITIES_AND_SURPRISES" id="ACTIVITIES_AND_SURPRISES"></a>ACTIVITIES AND SURPRISES</h3>
+
+<p>More useful work, which had a direct bearing on the events of
+the future, took place during Colonel Pilcher&#8217;s three weeks&#8217; stay
+at Belmont. Soon after the Douglas expedition another excursion
+was devised. More Canadians were to be employed. The Queenslanders
+were to send such men as they could mount, their animals
+being, many of them, still <i>hors de combat</i> from the sea trip, and the
+guns and infantry were to go as a matter of course. A dive into
+the enemy&#8217;s country was projected&mdash;one of the first deliberate
+incursions upon the Southern Dutch Republic. These incursions
+were of immense value, and served in reality as pilotage for the
+gigantic military engine that was shortly to sweep the way from the
+Cape to Bloemfontein.</p>
+
+<p>At six o&#8217;clock in the morning of Tuesday, January 9, the column
+started. It was composed as follows:&mdash;</p>
+
+<blockquote><p class="smaller">Royal Horse Artillery&mdash;Two guns, 45 men, 51 horses. Queensland
+Mounted Infantry&mdash;Two Maxims, 116 men, 106 horses. Royal Munster
+Fusiliers Mounted Infantry&mdash;15 men, 15 horses. Royal Canadian Regiment&mdash;Two
+Maxims, 293 men, 2 horses. New South Wales Army Medical Corps&mdash;Two
+ambulances, 18 men, 14 horses. Total&mdash;487 men, 188 horses.</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>The officers who were engaged in the flying column were:&mdash;</p>
+
+<blockquote><p class="smaller">Staff&mdash;Lieut.-Col. T. D. Pilcher, P.S.C., in command; Major M. Dobell,
+R.C.R.I., Staff Officer; Major S. J. A. Denison, R.C.R.I., Quartermaster; Major<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span>
+Brown, Q.M.I., Transport Officer; Lieut. Lafferty, R.C.R.I., Transport Officer;
+Lieut. J. H. C. Ogilvy, in charge of R.C.R.I. machine gun section; Capt. Pelham,
+Q.M.I., in charge of Queensland machine gun section; Lieut. A. C. Caldwell,
+R.C.R.I., attached; Lieut. C. W. M&#8217;Lean, R.C.R.I., attached; Rev. J. M.
+Almond, chaplain. Royal Horse Artillery&mdash;Major de Rougemont and Lieut.
+Atkinson. Queensland Mounted Infantry&mdash;Lieut.-Col. Ricardo, Capt. Chauvel,
+Capt. Pinnock, Lieut. Bailey, Lieut. Glascow. R.M.F. Mounted Infantry&mdash;Capt.
+Bowen, Lieut. Tyrrell. Royal Canadian Regiment&mdash;Lieut.-Col. Pelletier.
+A Company&mdash;Capt. Arnold, Lieut. Hodgins, Lieut. Blanchard. B Company&mdash;Lieut.
+Ross, Lieut. J. C. Mason, Lieut. S. P. Layborn. H Company (half-company)&mdash;Lieut.
+Burstall, Lieut. Willis. New South Wales Army Medical
+Corps&mdash;Capt. Roth, Lieut. Martin; Capt. Dods, Queensland, attached. (Lieut.-Col.
+Patterson of Queensland also went with the force as a spectator.)</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>The troops marched out by the road skirting the kopje so
+gallantly stormed by the Guards, and moved over the veldt some
+few miles to the south-east, towards the Free State. After passing
+Riet Pan a wide left wheel was made, and the force struck north-east
+to eastwards, towards the Free State. Here the dull purple kopjes
+wound along in chains, dotted here and there with small plains some
+three or four miles in depth and width. At Blaauwbosch Pan the
+border was reached&mdash;the border between Griqualand West and
+the Southern Republic. A halt was called. The troops gathered on
+a circular plain fringed with high kopjes. The road, fenced across
+with wire, ran through the plain, and close by was a small pan or
+pool, which glittered like diamonds when shaken by the thunder
+showers; for the sky, always overcast and threatening, now and
+then burst into tears. Though these tears had the effect of April
+showers they were mightily drenching, and the troops, in saturated
+overcoats like tepid sponges, pursued their march somewhat uncomfortably.
+In the place above described Col. Pelletier, with two
+companies of the Canadians, was left with orders to remain till
+three in the afternoon, in readiness, if occasion demanded, to reinforce
+Colonel Pilcher. Failing a message, he was to return to
+camp. The flying column proceeded, travelling north till parallel
+with Enslin, where Gordons and Australians were encamped, and
+from whence the Victorian Mounted Infantry were skirmishing.
+Great caution had to be observed, as it was difficult, particularly
+with so many Colonials about in their soft felt hats, to discern friend
+from foe. Scares, as may be imagined, were many. One of these
+took place when advancing horsemen were seen skimming the
+distance. These dismounted and knelt. They meant business.
+The excitement was intense. Signallers instantly fluttered flags,
+and presently, after some moments of suspense, the troops were
+reassured. It was a squadron of the 9th Lancers, who had
+come from Modder River reconnoitring, keeping the Riet between
+them and the Jacobsdal position. But we are anticipating.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 651px;">
+<a name="illo19" id="illo19"></a><img src="images/illo19.png" width="651" height="505" alt="Types of Arms--Lord Dundonalds Galloping Gun-Carriage with Maxim." title="" />
+<div><span class="caption smcap">Types of Arms&mdash;Lord Dundonald&#8217;s Galloping Gun-Carriage with Maxim.</span><br />
+<span class="smaller">(Photo by Gregory &amp; Co., London.)</span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>On the first day of their march, the force enjoyed unlooked-for
+hospitality. About five miles east of the border
+was the house of one Commandant Lubbe, the commandant
+of Jacobsdal, a luminary of some magnitude in the Free State.
+He may be described as a &#8220;man of substance,&#8221; to which his
+comfortable dwelling and flourishing surroundings testified. Upon
+this pastoral domain the troops, somewhat famished and fatigued,
+advanced. Their arrival, for the Boers, was most ill-timed and
+unexpected. At that very moment dinner for some fifteen persons
+was being spread, piping hot, on the festive board. Odours
+of succulent fare pervaded the atmosphere, odours inviting&mdash;tantalising!
+The portly Burghers were in the very act of setting to
+when they were warned of the approach of British scouts. A
+stampede followed. Departing coat-tails, and, five minutes later,
+mounted dots racing away to the shelter of distant kopjes&mdash;that
+was all that our troops on arrival beheld. But they saw something
+better than Boers. Their eyes lighted on the goodly array of edibles,
+and, presto! the officers were seated. Joyously they surrounded<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span>
+the well-equipped table, and demolished with zest and considerable
+humour the repast which had been prepared for their foes.</p>
+
+<p>A couple of negro domestics were the sole persons left on the
+homestead. The place was searched; ammunition was found, and
+dies for casting bullets. These were promptly destroyed. Some
+live stock and various other useful articles were seized, including
+three rifles left behind in the flight of the Burghers. Presently
+there came a report that the enemy were in hiding in the neighbourhood
+of some kopjes. A rush to action was made. The
+Maxim gun section went to some kopjes flanking the house, the
+Canadian guns went to a height on the east, the Queensland ones
+to a height on the west. Lieutenant Willis took his section of
+H Company to support the Queensland guns, while Lieutenant
+Burstall took his section, with intrenching tools, to a ridge midway
+between farm and kopje, to prepare a position. Clatter and clank
+went the horse artillery guns to a coign of vantage on the right,
+whence they could spit at the enemy if they should attempt to mount
+or surround the big kopje in that direction, while the Queenslanders
+on the west commenced explorations for the reported foe. Horror!
+Slouch-hatted horsemen were distinctly visible&mdash;they were coming
+nearer and nearer&mdash;though evidences of their own caution were
+visible. They were not going to be trapped. Our gallant troops
+were as determined not to be surprised. Thus must the Kilkenny
+cats have commenced overtures. Both parties were wide awake!
+Both parties were sidling up! It was but a matter of moments,
+and they would promptly spring at each other&#8217;s throats!</p>
+
+<p>Excitement was at a supreme pitch, when the good glasses of
+an officer offered a revelation. The hostile hordes&mdash;the advancing
+horsemen&mdash;were now plainly discernible. They proved to be not
+blood-thirsty Boers&mdash;not an innocent crowd of ostriches that so often
+in the distance had been mistaken for cavalry, but only a company
+of Victorian Mounted Rifles from Enslin, from which place the
+advanced line was this time but some dozen miles distant. It was
+a pleasant surprise. The scouts came in contact, exchanged
+greetings, and the troops each went on their respective way.
+Colonel Pilcher&#8217;s force bivouacked at the farmhouse, and the
+next morning, the 10th of January, saw them on their return
+journey to Belmont. It was during this journey, as they wound
+homewards with their captured prizes of oxen, that more horsemen
+were seen in the distance&mdash;those who, as before said, were discovered
+to be the 9th Lancers, on business already mentioned. The
+force reached camp about noon. On the following day the sojourn
+of Colonel Pilcher in those regions came to an end. He moved
+on to Modder River to command the Mounted Infantry force at
+the front. His stay was fraught with much benefit to the troops, as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span>
+his energetic measures, smart man&oelig;uvres, and surprise drills brought
+the spirited Colonials to a high state of alertness and proficiency.</p>
+
+<h3 class="gap2"><a name="AT_MODDER_RIVER" id="AT_MODDER_RIVER"></a>AT MODDER RIVER</h3>
+
+<p>General Methuen, as has been noted, was forced at last to fall
+back on his base at the Modder River, since the Boers held their
+position in great strength, and it became necessary to rest the men,
+free them from tension, and save them from unnecessary sufferings
+due to the scarcity of water. In addition to this, the Engineers
+were enabled to carry on much necessary work. Railway communication
+was perfected, and the permanent bridge was repaired,
+to provide against accident, which in case of a flood might overtake
+the temporary one.</p>
+
+<p>On the Boer left flank, from the extreme end of Majesfontein
+south-eastwards to the Riet River, was comparatively open ground.
+Beyond the broad expanse of bush which stretched for over a
+thousand yards was a road leading to Jacobsdal, and farther on
+was flat country which offered no cover, and appeared singularly
+free from traps or trenches. Looking over this open ground, it
+seemed possible to turn the Boer flank and cut off the enemy&#8217;s
+communications with Jacobsdal, and possibly threaten his line of
+retreat to the Free State.</p>
+
+<p>Some one has called the Modder River the Hampton Court
+of Kimberley, and perhaps it was fortunate that the troops found
+themselves forced to halt in a locality which is one of the most
+picturesque in South Africa. The surroundings were comforting
+after the desolation of Gras Pan&mdash;with never a house to hint at
+humanity, and only the frowning darkness of threatening kopjes to
+break the monotony of the view&mdash;and the primitive prettiness of
+Honeynest Kloof, which boasts but a farm or two and a few trees to
+give it life. From this point the country became greener, the eye
+was relieved from the autumnal drabs and purples of the rocky hills,
+and began to lean affectionately on the suggestion of moistness
+implied by the expanse of verdure.</p>
+
+<p>Across the river was the crowded railway station, choked with
+stores and goods waggons, and the usual medley of camp kit.
+On one side accoutrements, lances, swords, the steel of their
+scabbards glinting through the crackled coats of kharki&mdash;odds
+and ends of uniform&mdash;telling their tale of action&mdash;action&mdash;action&mdash;in
+all its phases. And close beside them were other portions of
+baggage seemingly the same, but&mdash;oh! how tragically different!
+Here were rifles and bayonets, broken, battered, and blood-stained&mdash;all
+that was left of the heroic dead who had acted their last drama
+at Majesfontein, and whose belongings, in an inert mass, seemed
+to confess dumbly that they were &#8220;off duty&#8221; for ever.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 445px;">
+<a name="illo20" id="illo20"></a><img src="images/illo20.png" width="445" height="618" alt="MAJOR-GENERAL HECTOR A. MACDONALD, C.B." title="" />
+<div><span class="caption">MAJOR-GENERAL HECTOR A. MACDONALD, C.B.</span><br />
+<span class="smaller">Photo by Heath, Plymouth.</span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Christmas Day was an unpleasant memory&mdash;a tropical sun
+overhead, a whirlwind of dust around. It is said that every man
+must eat a peck of dirt in his life-time, and on this day the troops
+certainly ate their quantum. Food and drink were ruined, and
+tempers into the bargain, for the day was made into one long twilight
+misery by a hurricane of driving dust.</p>
+
+<p>The position of the Boers soon after this period grew somewhat
+uncomfortable. Night attacks were threatened; indeed, Lord
+Methuen had the Naval guns laid on to the Boer positions by day,
+with the order that they were to be fired by night. And the order
+was obeyed with zest. The Boers were on tenter-hooks. The
+shells burst, throwing gorgeous haloes into the Majesfontein night.
+Of course, the compliment was returned. Tier after tier of the
+Boer positions spitted and spouted and vomited flame, and the night
+breezes, carrying the fracas on their wings, brought it close, so close
+indeed, that an attack sounded as though imminent. Still our
+outposts were silent. Discipline kept them &#8220;mum.&#8221; Still the
+Boers continued, and the rattle of their rifles directed at nothing
+in particular, and everybody in general, wakened the echoes of
+the hills.</p>
+
+<p>There was nothing further to be done. Reinforcements had
+to be awaited with annoying, almost humiliating patience. The
+Boers were stretched from Jacobsdal on the east to a point miles
+away on the west of the railway; they were intrenched horse-shoe
+fashion, with Majesfontein for their most imposing stronghold.
+There was no means of outflanking them, for in order to wheel
+to the west the force would need to march through an arid and
+waterless desert. Had the march been ventured upon, the position
+might not have bettered, as Lord Methuen, even supposing he had
+succeeded in reaching Kimberley, would still have had before him
+the bulk of the Boer commandoes, who would have been at liberty
+to cut off his supplies. The &#8220;relief&#8221; of Kimberley without supplies
+would have been the reverse of relief.</p>
+
+<p>All the British could do was to struggle to hold their ground,
+and make their proximity as uncomfortable as possible for the
+enemy. Routine went on like clockwork, save that the Modder
+River clock had no works. It was a child of Necessity! A
+broken steel rail suspended from a crossbeam was struck by the
+sentry with the blunt head of an axe. The stupendous clang proclaimed
+the hours all over the camp. The troops were not
+allowed too much leisure, and ennui was not permitted to reach
+them; they dug trenches, constructed breastworks, and generally
+improved the lines of defence; indeed they worked with a will at
+anything that came to hand. Some one, seeing them alight at a
+railway station, remarked: &#8220;They&#8217;ve left all their frills behind<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span>
+them.&#8221; This was truly the case. Mr. Atkins was now above the
+desire for display. He was workmanly in the extreme, and made
+himself a jack of all trades, alternately groom, labourer, cook,
+porter, mule-driver, laundryman, and hero! To-day he was scouring,
+rubbing, kharki-painting, and hoisting; to-morrow he was
+good-humouredly playing the rôle of his own washerwoman by
+the river-side. One moment he was pulling or coaxing or cudgelling
+obdurate mules, and apostrophising them in language peculiarly
+his own; the next he was rushing gallantly to the forefront to spend
+his heart&#8217;s blood in the service of his Queen!</p>
+
+<p>To General Wood must be given the credit of the first entry
+into the enemy&#8217;s country. On the 6th of January, with a force
+of all arms, he occupied Zoutpansdrift, the place&mdash;situated north
+of the Orange River, in Free State territory&mdash;where gallant
+Captain Bradshaw met his fate. Communications between the
+banks of the river were maintained by means of a pontoon
+bridge. This was an excellent piece of work, for by holding
+the drift it was possible to control the progress of the Free
+Staters, and avert sudden raids against the railway between Orange
+Station and De Aar. A great deal of active though scarcely
+&#8220;showy&#8221; work was carried on at this time, often under the most
+unfavourable conditions. For instance, on the 14th of January,
+one of the most obnoxious and ever to be remembered dust-storms
+burst over the place. It made life temporarily into a
+bilious sea, a blinding, suffocating bath of yellow sand. Food was
+ruined, to say nothing of temper. Clothes were covered, eyes and
+throats were clogged, and the pores of the skin were caked with
+showers of ochreous pepper, which made every one in camp miserable
+for a period of quite seven hours!</p>
+
+<p>Cavalry reconnaissances at this period were frequent. The
+troops, always in peril of their lives, explored some twenty-five
+miles into the Orange Free State, and found the country clear of
+the enemy with the exception of patrols. The Victorian Mounted
+Rifles under Captain M&#8217;Leish did some admirable scouting, and
+visited several farms, which they found had been vacated in hot
+haste at their approach. The country was thoroughly searched,
+the 9th and 12th Lancers under General Babington doing valuable
+work. It was this party that came in touch with Colonel Pilcher
+and the Queenslanders near Lubbe&#8217;s Farm.</p>
+
+<p>Our warriors became well versed in peculiarities of Boer homesteads.
+All the Dutch farms had a brotherly likeness, and were
+usually found at a sufficient distance from each other to carry out the
+Boer ideal that one man should not breathe or see the smoke from
+his neighbour&#8217;s chimney. They commonly nestled under cover
+of some small kopje, and seemed as though so planted for purposes<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span>
+of self-protection. Self-protection is the first law of nature, and the
+Boer character has a great reverence for first laws. In every farm
+was found a harmonium&mdash;on the Natal side there were pianos&mdash;and
+many Bibles. Some of these were valuable, and were old
+enough to arouse the covetous interest of the bibliophile. Most
+probably they were heirlooms, and had belonged to the early
+trekkers, who could thumb them out, text by text, when their capacity
+for other reading was nil. These one-storeyed abodes were
+composed of sun-baked bricks plastered over, and the flat roofs
+were lined within by ceilings of deal. Simplicity, ignorance, bad
+taste, and uncleanliness reigned everywhere. Indeed, it was a
+matter for wonder how close to civilisation, yet how remote from
+it, the Dutchmen had contrived to dwell. The cattle kraals and
+homestead were surrounded with rudely-constructed walls of stone
+that in their ruggedness were not unpicturesque.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 546px;">
+<a name="illo21" id="illo21"></a><img src="images/illo21.png" width="546" height="440" alt="Types of Arms-Maxim Automatic Machine-Gun (the Pom-Pom)." title="" />
+<div><span class="caption smcap">Types of Arms&mdash;Maxim Automatic Machine-Gun (the &#8220;Pom-Pom&#8221;).</span><br />
+<span class="smaller">(By permission of Messrs. Vickers Sons &amp; Maxim, Limited.)</span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>To return to camp. The Boers, determining not to be accused
+of lack of invention, adopted a new and ingenious dodge. In the
+distance from the British outposts a Highlander was observed in
+the act of driving cattle. As the proceeding was contrary to orders,
+the man&oelig;uvres of the man were carefully observed, and he was discovered
+to be a Boer masquerading in Highland uniform. He was
+at once fired upon and he fell, but succeeded in rising and making
+off before he could be captured.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>On the 16th of January Lord Methuen made a demonstration
+against the left of the Boer entrenchments at Majesfontein, for
+the purpose of drawing off some of the force investing Colonel
+Kekewich&#8217;s garrison. On the following day, the 17th, a similar
+demonstration was made, but the enemy was nothing if not
+&#8220;canny,&#8221; and refused to be drawn. Then new tactics were tried.
+On the 23rd there was quite a theatrical bombardment. Night fell.
+The moon rose, empurpling the frowning kopjes and filling the
+whole foreground with magnesian radiance. Then the balmy breath
+of evening was ruffled with the uproar of British shells, whizzing
+like rockets and bursting in the Boers&#8217; lair. For full half-an-hour a
+brisk cannonade was maintained, neither party being in view of each
+other, both being wrapped in the mysterious gloom of the midnight
+shadows; but the echoes took up the weird tale of warring souls
+and repeated it into the ear of the winds. Ordinarily, shelling
+morning and evening was a matter of daily ritual. So many shells
+into the Boer trenches, so much breakfast. An hour of brisk
+bombardment, four hours of night&#8217;s repose. Such might have been
+the printed programme.</p>
+
+<p>On the 24th of January a tremendous reception was given to
+General Hector Macdonald, who arrived in the best of health and
+spirits, and at once took command of the Highland Brigade. With
+each of the officers he conversed, and apprised them of a special
+message entrusted to him by Lord Roberts, an attention which
+afforded immense satisfaction to all concerned.</p>
+
+<p>The appointment of &#8220;Fighting Mac&#8221;&mdash;as he is popularly called&mdash;to
+the command of the Highland Brigade was full of romantic interest.
+As a sergeant in the Gordon Highlanders he was one of
+those who took part in the disastrous fight at Majuba. He was
+unluckily taken prisoner, but so great was his valour and dash that
+he even excited the admiration and appreciation of the enemy.
+This was testified to this remarkable man in a remarkable way.
+General Joubert, to show his esteem for his fine qualities as a soldier,
+decided on restoring to him the sword which he had necessarily
+surrendered. As the sword was not immediately forthcoming, the
+Boer commander offered a reward for it, so that it should be returned
+to the gallant fellow who had so nobly striven to defend it.
+The picture of Colonel Macdonald and his Khedivial Brigade at
+Omdurman was made ever present to us all through the vivid word-painting
+of Mr. Steevens in his book &#8220;With Kitchener to Khartoum&#8221;;
+and now it is easy to realise that the kilted warrior was at
+the moment the right man in the right place. The men wanted
+him. Some were sick and sore and fretted to get a chance to
+distinguish themselves in the field. Tradition demanded it, and
+tradition was dear to them; strangely and absurdly dear, some<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span>
+thought. Here were men exposed to the fierce sun in what the
+layman calls &#8220;petticoats,&#8221; suffering agonies in the muscles of their
+scorched legs, yet enduring anything rather than part with the
+external attributes of their warrior land. Though the kilt and the
+sporran had to be extinguished under a hideous apron of kharki, and
+though the heat and weight of wool pleats surmounted by cotton
+was overwhelming, they preferred these sufferings to any change
+in their gear. Suggestions were offered on every side, but it was
+certain that nothing would overcome the conservative devotion of
+the Highlander for the warlike insignia of his race. Yet their
+plight was sometimes pitiable, particularly on occasions when, as a
+Scot described it, he had to take a barbed wire entanglement at
+&#8220;the double&#8221; and emerged &#8220;a bleeding mass, with his kilt hard a
+starboard, his kharki flap half left turn, and his sporran dangling on
+the wire.&#8221; Anyhow the men of the kilt meant to hold on to all
+their traditions, and to take the taste of Majesfontein out of their
+mouths. And they were truly glad of &#8220;Fighting Mac&#8221; to help
+them.</p>
+
+<p>Camp routine was occasionally varied and upset by locust swarms.
+These descended persistently for a space of about three hours, making
+the atmosphere dense, as though thick with snowflakes. It was a
+snowstorm in mourning. Down came the creatures in myriads, gobbling
+every blade of grass, every crumb, every edible fragment, and
+then, swiftly as they had come, disappearing on the wings of the
+wind. They were useful at times, however, for on one occasion, just
+as a party of troopers had almost fallen into a trap laid by the enemy,
+the air became suddenly dark, and presently a veil of locusts descended,
+entirely cutting off the British from the Boers, and enabling
+the former to scuttle campwards in the sudden obscurity. Not so
+convenient or comforting was the dust-storm, with which the troops
+were becoming well acquainted. The dust-storm or dust-spout is
+analogous to a waterspout. Columns of dust rise vertically to a
+height of about 150 feet in the air and promptly descend with alarming
+velocity, sweeping over the earth at the rate of five or six miles an
+hour, and making life for the time being into a state of chaos. But
+everything may be turned to account, and the British, being tired of
+Boer tricks, utilised even the sand-storm with pleasing results. One
+of the great difficulties of our gunners in shelling the enemy consisted
+in the fact that the Boers, at the first sign of fire, rushed to
+bomb-proof trenches. They employed lookout men to give a signal
+of warning. On the 29th of January, however, when the Naval
+gunners saw a storm brewing, they bided their time. No sooner
+had the whirl descended than they set to work and plumped lyddite
+with great success into the enemy&#8217;s lines.</p>
+
+<p>Coming events now began to cast their shadows before. Acti<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span>vities
+around the railroad showed that the influence of Lord
+Kitchener was already at work. The Royal Engineers commenced
+to build a strong and permanent bridge across the Modder
+at its confluence with the Riet. This bridge was constructed
+about fifteen feet above water, to insure it against the flooding
+of the river during the rainy season in the Free State, and enable
+the heaviest traffic to be carried to the scene of action. This promised
+shortly to be situated in the direction of Jacobsdal. Here
+the Boers kept a species of headquarters; and here, in the open
+plain dividing them from Kopjesdam, they set fire to the veldt for
+two miles. The conflagration began in the afternoon of Wednesday,
+the 31st of January, and continued throughout the night, illuminating
+earth and sky with weird reflections. The smoke of these fires
+served to act as a screen for Boer movements, for at this time the
+hostile armies were reinforced by troops from Barkly and Koodoesberg
+districts. The burning of the grass might also have been
+arranged with the object of procuring a black background against
+which the approach of winding, snake-like columns of kharki could
+be more distinctly visible.</p>
+
+<p>There was some excitement in camp as to the reported capture
+of Mr. Jourdaan, the private secretary of Mr. Rhodes, who had
+endeavoured to pass from the beleaguered town with messages from
+the &#8220;Colossus&#8221; relating to the critical affairs of the moment.</p>
+
+<p>On the 31st of January the British occupied Prieska unopposed.
+The Boers had been in possession of the place in all about five
+days, and had left, taking with them two prisoners, one of whom
+they subsequently released. Commandants Olivier and Snyman
+were busy recruiting, and finding themselves at a loss for combatants,
+were now forcing Dutchmen all and sundry to serve with
+the Transvaal colours. &#8220;There is no such thing as a loyal Dutchman,&#8221;
+declared Olivier, and promptly commandeered young and old
+on pain of fine or imprisonment.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="gap2"><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V<br />
+<br />
+<span class="smaller">CHRISTMAS AT LADYSMITH</span></h2>
+
+<p class="gap2">Prices at Ladysmith had now gone up, but still those
+whose purses were plethoric could treat themselves to a
+few luxuries. Jam, for instance, was 3s. 6d. per lb., a
+possible price but a tantalising; while eggs were sold at
+about half a guinea a dozen. Whisky fetched from £5
+to £7 a bottle, so there was little fear of dipsomania; and small
+packets of cigarettes were worth 3s. 6d. a piece. On the 23rd of
+December there was a grand auction. The Mayor at one time had
+instituted periodical auctions for the sale of the town produce, but
+finding competition too brisk, and fearing prices would never return
+to their normal level, the plan had been dropped. However, in
+face of Christmas there was a great sale, and the soldiers eagerly
+competed for bargains in the way of chickens and ducks and
+etceteras of the meal. In default of Covent Garden or Leadenhall,
+a long table at an angle of the main street was set out with inviting
+fare tantalizing to all but the most stoical. One Gordon was seen
+dragging off another in act of making an extravagant bid&mdash;&#8220;Come
+awa, mon! we dinna want nae sour grapes.&#8221; Poultry was fetching
+from 8s. to 10s. a bird; while vegetables, in proportion, were more
+costly still. Vegetable marrows were sold for 2s. 9d. each; and
+carrots, homely and almost despised carrots, fetched over 3s. a
+bunch! As a great luxury a turkey, a goose, a sucking-pig now
+and then appeared on the Ladysmith board; but the ordinary
+domestic meal was composed of trek beef and &#8220;goat&#8221; mutton.
+But even these were becoming beautifully less.</p>
+
+<p>Christmas passed off well. Hope revived. News of Lord
+Methuen&#8217;s earlier victories refreshed the ears of the community,
+and a series of sports of various kinds helped to impart to the day
+a suitable air of festivity. Quantities of popular people set to work
+to make the day merry. Colonel Dartnell, Major Karri Davies,
+Colonel Rhodes&mdash;the delight of all from the Tommies to the babes&mdash;arranged
+a Christmas Tree. It was decorated with gifts and
+mottoes, &#8220;Imperial to the core,&#8221; and attended by children of all
+sizes and degrees, even to a siege baby aged three days! But
+behind the scene enteric fever and dysentery flourished, and languishing
+in Intombi camp, two miles out, were pathetic remnants
+of the hale and hearty regiments who had marched to the front<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span>
+in October. The other gallant warriors were now nothing more
+than a mob of badly-dressed scarecrows, lean and wizened, but,
+as one of them said, &#8220;good enough food for powder.&#8221; The horses,
+too, had grown thin and spiritless, their anatomy was grievously
+obvious, and in their eyes&mdash;those erstwhile fiery eyes&mdash;there seemed
+to dwell the melancholy foreboding of a strange hereafter&mdash;the
+hereafter when sausages should be served out to the hungry, and
+the poor equine devotees would have spent the last of themselves to
+keep the British flag flying.</p>
+
+<p>The message of the Queen warmed the hearts of the weary
+garrison. It was pleasant to know that the Sovereign, in thought,
+lived in the shadows as in the sunlight of Empire. Still, none
+but those experiencing it could plumb the depths of monotony and
+wretchedness. It was enough to kill the martial spirit of the most
+valorous, though none would own that bellicosity was exuding little
+by little from their wasted finger-ends. Far from it.</p>
+
+<p>Sir George White maintained a series of night attacks or
+threats of night attacks, which served to keep the Boers uncomfortably
+on the <i>qui vive</i>, and these, as a necessary return, indulged
+in exasperating bombardment during the day. On the 26th as
+many as 176 shells were flung into the town before nine in the
+morning, independently of the action carried on by the Maxim
+automatic guns. It was plain the Boers considered that the inactivity
+of Christmas Day must be atoned for, and therefore the
+guns were plied with additional ardour. On the 27th, unfortunately,
+their murderous efforts were more than rewarded. A shell
+was fired from the Creusot gun on Bulwana, which dropped into
+the Devons&#8217; mess at Junction Hill. There, were congregated
+many of the officers, and of these Lieutenant Dalziel and Lieutenant
+Price-Dent were killed. Many others were wounded.
+Lieutenant Twist was injured in five places, and Lieutenants Scafe,
+Kane, Field, Byrne (Inniskilling Fusiliers), Tringham (Royal West
+Surrey), and Captain Lafone&mdash;who had been previously wounded at
+Elandslaagte&mdash;were all more or less mutilated.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 387px;">
+<a name="illo22" id="illo22"></a><img src="images/illo22.png" width="387" height="516" alt="HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY&mdash;CAPTAIN, 2nd LIFE GUARDS." title="" />
+<div><span class="caption">HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY&mdash;CAPTAIN, 2nd LIFE GUARDS.</span><br />
+<span class="smaller">Photo by Gregory &amp; Co., London.</span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>On the 28th the Naval Battery took on itself to avenge the
+loss of the noble fellows who had fallen victims to the Bulwana
+gun, and directed at it, or rather at its gunners, six well-intentioned
+shots from the 4.7 inch and 12-pounder, with the result that the
+voice of the aggressor was temporarily silenced. There was
+some satisfaction in the feeling that the gunners who had created
+such awful havoc and regret had met their deserts. Both Lieutenant
+Dalziel and Lieutenant Price-Dent were particularly promising
+young officers, having both seen service with Sir William
+Lockhart on the Indian frontier, the latter having also served in
+the Chitral Relief Force. A sentiment of gloom mingled with fury<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span>
+disturbed the fortitude of the gallant party, and the only satisfaction
+they enjoyed was calculation and speculation as to what form
+Sir Redvers Buller&#8217;s next move would take. &#8220;When will Buller
+come, and how?&#8221; such were the questions which were repeated
+scores of times during the day.</p>
+
+<p>The cessation of the fire from Bulwana was certainly cheering,
+and from various sources it was discovered that the Boers were
+becoming nervous in fear of night attacks and the destruction of
+more of their big guns. Their state of mind was not evidenced
+entirely by their conduct, for two plugged shells fired into the camp
+were found to contain a hunk of plum-pudding and the compliments
+of the season.</p>
+
+<p>Sickness, as we know, was rife, but fortunately there were
+many doctors of repute in the town, members of the Army Medical
+Department, and also independent practitioners. There was Dr.
+Jameson, whose ability was for years testified at Kimberley, and also
+Dr. Davies of Johannesburg; these assisted materially in giving
+advice, but unfortunately medicines were now growing scarce,
+and milk, though some invalids could digest nothing else, was not
+to be had. It is too pathetic to deal with the losses that must have
+occurred through the lack of suitable nourishment for those whose
+cases, not in themselves serious, only required care and sustenance.</p>
+
+<p>The bombardment on the first day of the New Year had tragic
+results. A shell crashed into the house of Major Vallentine and
+killed a soldier servant named Clydesdale. Later, another shell
+burst near the railway station, where a cricket match between the
+railway officials and bridge guards was taking place, and killed
+Captain Vallentine Todd. The unlucky player was in the act of
+bowling, and dropped with the ball still in his hand.</p>
+
+<h3><a name="THE_ATTACK_ON_WAGON_HILL" id="THE_ATTACK_ON_WAGON_HILL"></a>THE ATTACK ON WAGON HILL</h3>
+
+<p>Our midnight surprises had not been without their lesson, and
+now the Boers conceived the brilliant, the desperate idea of
+emulating British example, and bringing Ladysmith to her knees
+by assault in the small hours. Some three days before the event, a
+Kaffir deserter had warned the besieged that an attack was contemplated;
+that it had been decided among the Boers that a large
+force must be moved up from the neighbourhood of Colenso, and
+that a final assault at arms must be attempted. The warning was
+pooh-poohed. Kaffir tales were almost as prevalent as flies! It
+was proverbial that night attacks to the Dutchman were taboo&mdash;they
+were dangerous, they tried the nerves, and cold steel glittered
+horribly in the moonlight. So Ladysmith slept. But as a matter
+of fact the Kaffir was right. These arrangements had taken place,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span>
+and two storming parties from the Heidelberg and Harrismith
+commandoes were promised immediate return to their homes if they
+should succeed in the hazardous enterprise. Accordingly, on the
+evening of the 5th of January they arranged a plan which on Saturday
+the 6th they almost carried out. The main object of their
+attack, they decided, should be on the western side of the perimeter,
+where a crescent-shaped, flat-topped eminence divided them from
+the town. At the south point of this crescent was placed Cĉsar&#8217;s
+Camp, bounded on the east by the Klip River, and at the west
+point, a distance of some four miles, was a post known as Wagon
+Hill. Close to this was a twin plateau called Wagon Hill West.
+Cĉsar&#8217;s Camp was guarded by the Manchester Regiment, the 42nd
+Field Battery, and a Naval 12½-pounder gun. Only half a battalion
+of 60th Rifles were on Wagon Hill, while two squadrons of Imperial
+Light Horse were on Wagon Hill West. Against these positions
+the enemy decided to make their concentrated attack. The darksome
+steeps were almost perpendicular, and afforded excellent cover
+for approach. In some respects they resembled Majuba, where a
+man climbing up was almost invisible till he came face to face with
+his quarry. Some three hundred warrior-farmers of the Harrismith
+commando arranged secretly to gather in Fournier&#8217;s Spruit, a dry
+nullah which intersected the base of the position, and there wait till
+the gloom of the small hours should give them the chance they were
+expecting. Their plan was to divide in two columns. The one,
+under the Harrismith Commandant, De Villiers, was to attack the
+steeps of Wagon Hill West, while the other, in concert, was to
+crawl to the nek or slope which united that hill with Wagon Hill
+proper, and thus cut off the former hill from the rest of the camps.
+In this way, should the plan succeed, they hoped to make the
+southern peak of the hill, Cĉsar&#8217;s Camp, untenable. Accordingly,
+divesting themselves of shoes, they started off, and under cover of
+darkness, like stealthily slinking panthers, approached, from different
+points, the British lines. It so happened that a Hotchkiss gun
+and some Naval guns were being placed in position on the top of
+Wagon Hill West. Possibly these guns may have tempted the
+enemy. They would be useful, they thought, to capture and turn
+on camp or town. All day and all night the Royal Engineers and
+Bluejackets had been labouring to get the weapons into position,
+and at this hour the party were taking a &#8220;breather&#8221; after their long
+and arduous efforts. With them, to cover their operations, were
+the King&#8217;s Royal Rifles and the Gordon Highlanders, who occupied
+a post on the front and flank. The fatigue party were resting, as
+before stated. Suddenly, in the stillness of the night, a curious and
+unusual sound was heard. The velvety sound of a muffled footfall.
+A crumbling as of broken earth. Ears pricked up. The sentry at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span>
+once cried out, &#8220;Who goes there?&#8221; &#8220;Friend,&#8221; was answered, and
+the next moment the sentry dropped dead!</p>
+
+<p>Curiously enough, while the beforesaid plan of attack was in
+course of being enacted, Lieutenant Mathias was visiting his posts.
+In the obscurity he all at once found himself confronted by Boers on
+every side. With amazing presence of mind he faced about, and
+seeing that the Dutchmen mistook him for one of themselves, acted
+as if he also were assaulting the hill. When near enough, however,
+he made a rush&mdash;a desperate rush&mdash;to warn the pickets of their danger.
+But he was too late. Two men were shot dead, whilst Lieutenant
+Mathias and a third trooper were wounded. There was no help at
+hand, and before assistance could be summoned, the enemy were
+already sweeping the hill. But the sound of the first shots had
+given the alarm.</p>
+
+<p>Instantly all was flurry and confusion. Men that a moment
+before had been sleepily yawning after their heavy labours were
+racing hither and thither, groping in the darkness in search of arms.
+Others however, who were armed, forebore to fire, the felt hats of
+the foe being mistaken for those of the Imperial Light Horsemen.
+With a desperate effort Lieutenant Digby Jones gathered together
+his sappers. Hurried shots were fired, hurried orders given, but
+nothing could efface the effects of the sudden surprise. The Boers
+had gained the hill and driven the defenders over the crest! This
+all in a darkness that might have been felt. Such lanterns as there
+were had been overturned and extinguished in the hustle of the
+stampeding Kaffirs, who had been assisting at the arrangement
+of the gun, and who, at the first approach of the enemy, had fled.
+Forks and flashes of flame shining from the nek between the twin
+hills showed that the second column of the Dutch commando also
+was attaining its object. The gun, which fortunately had not yet
+been erected on the top of the hill, was instantly got to work
+under the direction of Lieutenant Parker; rifles were seized,
+and an effort was made in the obscurity to sweep the hill in the
+direction where the enemy was supposed to be. But the Boers
+were completely enveloped in the darkness of the night, and it was
+impossible to locate them; and the Hotchkiss gun was drawn back
+within the sandguard which had hurriedly been thrown up, only just
+in time. The Boers were now almost upon it. All the available
+men about Wagon Hill had instantly rushed to the rescue, and the
+Imperial Light Horse, some King&#8217;s Royal Rifles, and a few Gordon
+Highlanders were soon in the thick of the fray. The Highlanders,
+taking their place round the crest, fired, as hard as rifles would let
+them, down the slope. Some fierce fighting followed. Before the
+Boers could get farther up, the Imperial Light Horse with their
+wonted gallantry engaged them, and sent the invaders helter-skelter<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span>
+down hill into the mysterious mists of the dawn. But this was but
+for a moment&mdash;it was merely the commencement of affairs.</p>
+
+<p>The whole garrison got under arms, not only the military, but
+every available man taking up some weapon to assist in withstanding
+the onslaught. It was felt to be a desperate situation, desperate for
+both sides, for the enemy knew that something must be done, and
+that quickly, to prevent the pending arrival of relief by Sir Redvers
+Buller, while the garrison, in face of reduced rations, disease,
+dysentery, and decreasing ammunition, was aware that it was a case
+of now or never. The alarm once given, Colonel Hamilton from
+the west had sent for reinforcements with amazing rapidity, and up
+came two and a half companies of Gordon Highlanders from the
+base of Cĉsar&#8217;s Camp, while one company under Captain the Hon.
+R. T. Carnegie started to support the Manchester pickets on Cĉsar&#8217;s
+Camp, and a company and a half went to Wagon Hill. It was
+while the Gordons were marching up and crossing the bridge of the
+Klip River that they met with their first mishap. Colonel Dick
+Cunyngham, only just recovered from his wound at Elandslaagte,
+was struck by a chance bullet and fell mortally wounded. Major
+Scott then took the command. Presently came the Rifle Brigade
+and half a battalion of the first 60th to the rescue, while the 21st
+Field Battery hurried to cover the western approaches to Wagon
+Hill, and the 53rd Battery took up a position to guard the most
+southern point of Cĉsar&#8217;s Camp. But all this movement was not
+accomplished till much carnage had been wrought. As already
+mentioned, the Boers had nearly achieved their object and cut off
+Wagon Hill West from Wagon Hill proper. By dawn they were
+straggling on the plateau connecting the two hills, merely checked
+in their further advance on Wagon Hill by the remnant of the Light
+Horse. Firing at this time was so terrific and at such close range
+that it was impossible to move from cover and live. Bullets literally
+buzzed like bees in the serene morning air. On one side were the
+Boers making for the second hill, on the other were the British
+struggling to ward them off. Meanwhile, trickling along through
+the Fournier&#8217;s Spruit were arriving more desperate farmers, more
+picked men of skilled marksmanship and deadly purpose. At this
+time reinforcements also arrived for the brave little band who were so
+gallantly resisting the Dutchmen. But even the additional numbers
+were insufficient, it was impossible to cope with the marvellous marksmanship
+of the advancing horde. They came ever nearer and nearer,
+firing thick and fast&mdash;and with explosive bullets. The Colonel, two
+Majors, and four other officers of the Light Horse dropped&mdash;the
+enemy seized the position&mdash;and from thence it was impossible to
+dislodge them! To do this it would have been necessary to rush
+through some sixty yards of what seemed hell-fire&mdash;a perfect ava<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span>lanche
+of death. Major Mackworth made the dashing effort, but in
+the very act he was stricken down, and most of the gallant fellows of
+the 60th Rifles who accompanied him. Another officer, Lieutenant
+Tod, pluckily attempted the same hazardous exploit. Twelve noble
+fellows followed him. Six were hit, and the valiant young leader
+dropped dead before he had moved three yards from cover. Colonel
+Codrington (11th Hussars), who was commanding a squadron of the
+Imperial Light Horse, made a rush forward to ascertain if it were
+possible to get cover for his men, but before he had gone thirty
+yards, he too shared the fate of the other officers. These experiences
+were sufficient. It was decided that the best plan would be to wait
+under cover till dusk, when the bayonet might be made to supersede
+the rifle.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 636px;">
+<a name="illo23" id="illo23"></a><img src="images/illo23.png" width="636" height="412" alt="H.M.S. POWERFUL." title="" />
+<div><span class="caption">H.M.S. &#8220;POWERFUL.&#8221;</span><br />
+<span class="smaller">Photo by Symonds, Portsmouth.</span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>While all this was taking place on Wagon Hill, a terrific drama
+was being enacted at Cĉsar&#8217;s Camp; and exciting assaults, defeats,
+and re-assaults were following each other on Wagon Hill West.
+Soon after dawn, the 52nd Field Battery, under Major Abdy,
+commenced to shell the slopes below Cĉsar&#8217;s Camp, and keep the
+enemy from ascending in that direction. The operation was one
+fraught with extreme difficulty, as the shells were forced to travel
+over the heads of our own men in order to effect a lodgment at the
+desired spot. But the work of the gunners was admirable, and the
+shells burst with a precision that wrought awful destruction on the
+enemy. The whole of the eastern slopes of the hill were covered
+with dead Dutchmen lying amidst fragments of steel and iron in the
+blood-clotted grass. The scene around Ladysmith at this time was
+appalling. Away in the direction of Wagon Hill, fiercely every
+inch of ground was being contested, and here the Naval guns and
+artillery were bellowing and roaring and sending their deadly
+messages all along the ridge of Cĉsar&#8217;s Camp, driving off the
+enemy, who came back again and again. There was a hard
+tussle, particularly for the Gordons and the Rifle Brigade. Their
+lives hung by a thread. The Boers were inflamed with either hope
+or desperation, and, contrary to custom, advanced to death and
+destruction with dogged and, one may say, admirable pluck. Day
+broke and grew to its zenith, and still the fighting raged; still the
+guns roared and snorted; still the dust and dirt flew to the skies,
+coming down again to stop the mouths of gasping, dying men, and
+blind the eyes of those who, blood-stained and sweltering, were yet
+selling their lives at the dearest price that could be asked.</p>
+
+<p>Just as the fire was slackening, possibly from sheer fatigue on
+both sides, the heavily charged thunder-clouds burst over the position,
+and a terrific downpour of hail and rain scourged the contesting
+forces and flooded the trenches. The Boers at this time had been
+driven to a corner like wolves at bay, and could not emerge without<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span>
+running the gantlet of a tremendous fire from the Ladysmith guns.
+Wet to the skin, the ground one vast meadow of slush, the combatants
+still held on with grim tenacity, each side watching lynx-eyed,
+each being now almost mad with an insatiable and ferocious
+desire for victory.</p>
+
+<p>The storm continued and grew. Instead, as imagined, of relinquishing
+the fight, the Boers took courage from the tempest. The
+tornado from heaven only served to increase the tornado below! It
+seemed to suit the stormy state of human passions, to stimulate
+rather than subdue. Under cover of the thunder and the swirl of
+the elements the Federals made one desperate onward rush, but the
+furious fire which met them from Volunteers and British Infantry
+hurled them back and sent them spinning in heaps or rushing with
+howls down the hill. The 53rd Battery swept the bush country
+with a storm of shrapnel, and away to cover they went, and with
+them their reinforcements, who had been hiding in the neighbouring
+nullahs, waiting for the great, the final hour of triumph.</p>
+
+<p>So much for Cĉsar&#8217;s Camp. On Wagon Hill before noon the
+Devons, with their gallant commander, had come to the forefront,
+Colonel Park again leading them to renewed success. As we know,
+the Boers were already on the hill, and the Gordons, who had lost
+their officers, were falling back when Major Milner Wallnutt rallied
+them. The enemy were soon removed from the emplacement which
+they held; but they rushed towards the west, and were there as
+dangerously fixed as ever. About two o&#8217;clock the most horrible
+moment of the fight arrived. The hill that had been the subject
+of such eager contest was again attacked, this time by a small but
+desperate body of Dutchmen. De Villiers, their Commandant, made
+a wild forward rush to secure the position. In an instant Major
+Wallnutt and a sapper were shot dead, but the rest of the sappers
+magnificently fronted the invaders with fixed bayonets. Presently
+the brilliant youth, the hero of the Surprise Hill affair, Lieutenant
+Digby Jones, R.E., led them forward, shot De Villiers, and dropped!
+A bullet had sent him home to his last account. The hoary-headed
+Burghers were stayed in their onward march by the splendid action
+of the noble boy, who so many times had risked his young life in
+the service of his country. At this juncture up came a dismounted
+squadron of the 18th Hussars, and the situation was saved. The
+plateau was reoccupied.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 396px;">
+<a name="illo24" id="illo24"></a><a href="images/illo24.png"><img src="images/illo24th.png" width="396" height="316" alt="Plan of Ladysmith and Chronicle of Events. (From Drawing by W. T. Maud.)" title="" /></a>
+<span class="caption smcap">Plan of Ladysmith and Chronicle of Events. (From Drawing by W. T. Maud.)</span><br />
+<span class="smaller">[Transcribers' note: Image is a link to a larger scale image.]</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>But even then all was not over. The great, the supreme effort
+to recapture Wagon Hill came at four o&#8217;clock in the afternoon.
+The lightning flashed, the thunder rolled, the hail clattered and
+splashed, the guns blazed, vomited, and growled, and the silky
+whistle of bullets made a flute-like treble to the awful orchestra of
+sound. In the midst of the uproar the Boers again obstinately<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span>
+advanced up the heights, firing deliberately as they came. On
+their heads poured the wrath of the British guns, and among their
+numbers rained the ceaseless bullets of the Infantry; but they steadily
+moved up, doggedly determined once more to reach the crest of the
+hill. They came nearer and ever nearer till, on a sudden, they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span>
+flung themselves upon the Devons, who, cheering wildly, rushed
+into their midst and dispersed them. One short moment&mdash;one wild,
+valiant rush, and then&mdash;then the trusty British bayonets dripped
+with gore, and the Boers&mdash;all that were left of them, a racing,
+disorganised rabble&mdash;surged madly down the hill!</p>
+
+<p>The worst was over; the British conquerors rushed after the retreating
+foe. The Devons, led by their intrepid commander, charged
+down the slope, and this time, with a wild exultant yell&mdash;which echoed
+like a tocsin among the caves and the boulders and the honeycombed
+banks of the river&mdash;effectually drove the fleeing herd from
+the scene of carnage.</p>
+
+<p>The lost ground was recovered, but the lost lives.... Yes;
+they, too, live in the glorious annals of British history.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Lafone, Lieutenants Field and Walker were among the
+slain; and Lieutenant Masterton was wounded. The splendid
+charge cost the Devons all the company officers&mdash;fifteen killed and
+forty wounded!</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 634px;">
+<a name="illo25" id="illo25"></a><img src="images/illo25.png" width="634" height="393" alt="THE GREAT ASSAULT ON LADYSMITH&mdash;THE DEVONS CLEARING WAGON HILL." title="" />
+<div><span class="caption">THE GREAT ASSAULT ON LADYSMITH&mdash;THE DEVONS CLEARING WAGON HILL.</span><br />
+<span class="smaller">Drawing by W. T. Maud.</span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>It was a dreadful seventeen hours&#8217; work. Not a soul but had
+his duty, and more than his duty, cut out for him. The jolly Jack
+Tars stood to their guns from morn till night, blazing away with
+marvellous accuracy and precision, while the gallant Natal Police,
+Natal Carabineers, and Mounted Rifles were wedged between the
+Boers from Mount Bulwana and the rest of their attacking party,
+and signally defeated all their efforts to effect a junction. The
+Manchester Regiment, the Border Regiment, a detachment of
+Mounted Rifles, the Gordon Highlanders, and the Rifle Brigade
+defended the east of Cĉsar&#8217;s Camp like heroes, while on the west,
+as we know, the Imperial Light Horse, more Gordon Highlanders,
+the Devon Regiment, the King&#8217;s Royal Rifles, and a Naval detachment
+did glorious deeds. The Naval Brigade and the Natal Naval
+Volunteers occupied a central position, while three batteries of the
+Field Artillery were perched on a hill, and one remained on the
+ground below. All these were called upon to act with might and
+main to avert the pending calamity, to meet the stubborn, mulish
+persistency of the Boers with its match in British bulldog obstinacy,
+and show the enemy that with all the odds against them the besieged
+would never surrender. Valiantly&mdash;almost miraculously&mdash;they held
+their own. They who for months had been exposed to privation of
+all kinds, who had fought engagement after engagement, who had
+eaten, drunk, and slept with the shadow of death hanging over them,
+knowing that at any moment the caprice of fate might make them
+victims to the incoming shells or threatened disease, came out with
+enfeebled frames, but wills of iron, determined to conquer or to die.</p>
+
+<p>Elsewhere there had also been bloody doings. The enemy had
+even tried to force their way into the town, and from here they were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span>
+chased by the gallantry and daring of the Gloucester, Leicester, and
+Liverpool Regiments. The Boers were forced to retire, but even
+in their retirement they showed characteristic &#8220;slimness,&#8221; as they
+made their way in line with the neutral camp at Intombi Spruit, and
+thus defied the British to fire upon them. Nor was this the only
+example of their ingenious mode of self-defence on that day. Their
+&#8220;slimness&#8221; was carried on on every available opportunity. For
+instance, a party of the enemy, under cover of darkness of the early
+morning, had got almost within touch of Lieutenant Royston, who
+at once called on the Border Mounted Rifles to fire. They were in
+the act of doing so when a voice rang out, &#8220;Don&#8217;t shoot. We are the
+Town Guard.&#8221; No sooner, however, had the order to &#8220;Cease fire&#8221;
+been heard than crack, crack, ping, ping, a volley was at once
+poured on the Colonials. Several of their number dropped, but the
+rest, exasperated beyond endurance at the hateful duplicity, charged
+into the midst of the enemy, leaving scarce one of them to tell the tale.</p>
+
+<p>These tricks and dodges set aside, the Boers fought more
+pluckily than was their wont, and they, cheered on by their
+dauntless Commandant, De Villiers, came to such close quarters that
+Colonel Hamilton had recourse to his revolver. Among the first
+of the gallant defenders to drop was the glorious, heroic figure of
+Colonel Dick-Cunyngham.<a name="FNanchor_3_3" id="FNanchor_3_3"></a><a href="#Footnote_3_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a> He was seen standing on the road-bridge
+in the act of leading his men, and was struck by some sharp-shooting
+Boer. By seven o&#8217;clock in the morning numbers of other
+splendid fellows had fallen, and the air of Ladysmith was rent with
+the cries and groans of the dying, who thickly strewed the ground.
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span>Lord Ava, orderly officer to Colonel Hamilton, fell mortally injured,<a name="FNanchor_4_4" id="FNanchor_4_4"></a><a href="#Footnote_4_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a>
+and Colonel Edwards&#8217;s wound was also severe.</p>
+
+<p>Lieutenant Digby Jones (Royal Engineers) took a most heroic
+part, alas! with tragic results. With his own hands he shot three
+of the enemy, and clubbed a fourth, but for his gallant conduct, which
+doubtless would have been rewarded with a V.C., he paid later on in
+the day with his life. One gallant young trooper of the Imperial
+Light Horse had strange experiences. He, with only a sergeant,
+was among the first to meet the Boers. In the dusk of dawn the
+sergeant fell, and the trooper was wounded. He recovered his senses
+sufficiently to try and creep to cover. A shower of rain drenched him,
+then the sun blazed out mercilessly and scorched him. Worn out, he
+decided he would stagger to the Devons and get support, but, battered
+as he was, they failed to recognise him, and arrested him as a spy!</p>
+
+<p>Numerous deeds of amazing valour were performed, so many
+indeed that they deserve a separate record without the limits of the
+narrative. But the story of the heroic Bozeley cannot be omitted.
+During the action there was a sergeant in command of one of the
+guns sitting rather doubled up on the trail of his gun. A 4.7 shell
+took off his leg high up on one side, and took the arm out of the
+socket, and he fell across the trail of the gun, as they thought, an
+inanimate, speechless mass. But to the astonishment of every man
+amongst them, a voice came from the mass inciting them on to their
+duty, and saying: &#8220;Here, you men, roll me out of the way, and go
+on working the gun.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The list of casualties was a grievously long one:&mdash;</p>
+
+<blockquote><p class="smaller"><i>Killed:</i>&mdash;5th Lancers&mdash;Second Lieutenant W. H. T. Hill. 23rd Corps
+Royal Engineers&mdash;Lieutenant R. J. T. Digby Jones, Second Lieutenant
+G. B. B. Dennis. 1st Devonshire Regiment&mdash;Captain W. B. Lafone, Lieutenant
+H. N. Field, Lieutenant C. E. M. Walker, 1st Somerset Light Infantry
+(attached). Imperial Light Horse&mdash;Lieutenant William F. Adams, Lieutenant
+John Edward Pakeman. 1st King&#8217;s Royal Rifle Corps&mdash;Brevet-Major F.
+Mackworth, 2nd Royal West Surrey Regiment (attached). 2nd King&#8217;s Royal
+Rifle Corps&mdash;Major R. S. Dowen, Lieutenant M. M. Tod, 1st Cameronians
+(attached), Second Lieutenant F. H. Raikes. 2nd Gordon Highlanders&mdash;Major
+C. C. Miller Wallnutt. 2nd Rifle Brigade&mdash;Second Lieutenant L. D. Hall.
+<i>Wounded:</i>&mdash;Staff&mdash;Captain Earl of Ava dangerously (died January 11).
+Intelligence Department&mdash;Local Captain H. Lees-Smith, slightly. 5th Lancers&mdash;Captain
+E. O. Wathen, slightly. Imperial Light Horse&mdash;Lieutenant-Colonel
+A. H. M. Edwards, 5th Dragoon Guards (attached), slightly, Major W. Karri
+Davis, slightly, Major D. E. Doveton, dangerously (died February 14), Lieutenant
+W. R. Codrington, 11th Hussars (attached), dangerously, Lieutenant
+J. Richardson, 11th Hussars (attached), severely, Lieutenant Douglas<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span>
+Campbell, dangerously, Lieutenant P. H. Normand, slightly. 1st Devonshire
+Regiment&mdash;Lieutenant J. Masterson, severely. 1st Manchester Regiment&mdash;Major
+A. E. Simpson, slightly, Captain A. W. Marden, slightly, Captain T.
+Menzies, slightly, Second Lieutenant E. N. Fisher, severely. 1st King&#8217;s
+Royal Rifle Corps&mdash;Lieutenant R. McLachlan, severely. 2nd Gordon Highlanders&mdash;Lieutenant-Colonel
+W. Dick-Cunyngham, severely (died January 7),
+Captain Hon. R. Carnegie, severely, Lieutenant W. Macgregor, severely.
+2nd Rifle Brigade&mdash;Brevet Major G. Thesiger, severely, Captain S. Mills,
+dangerously (died February 2), Captain R. Stephens, severely, Captain H.
+Biddulph, slightly, Second Lieutenant C. E. Harrison, slightly. 5th Lancashire
+Fusiliers&mdash;Lieutenant F. Barker, attached Army Service Corps. Natal
+Mounted Rifles&mdash;Captain A. Wales, slightly, Lieutenant H. W. Richardson,
+slightly. Volunteer Medical Staff, Lieutenant R. W. Hornebrook, slightly.
+Royal Army Medical Corps&mdash;Major C. G. Woods, slightly.</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>On the following day&mdash;Sunday&mdash;in the Anglican Church, a
+thanksgiving service for victory was held, and all who were able
+attended the solemn function. At the close of the simple yet
+impressive service General White and his staff stood at the altar
+rails while the <i>Te Deum</i> was performed, and this was afterwards
+followed by the singing in thrilling unison of the National Anthem.
+Round the Chief were the men who have fought by his side through
+many days of sore trouble&mdash;each hour an eternity in its experiences.
+The well-known forms of General Sir Archibald Hunter and General
+Ian Hamilton were in evidence, but some, alas! of that goodly company
+would never be seen again. In the Town Hall close by, and in
+the adjacent hotels and dwellings, honest manly souls were breathing
+their last, and others had already taken their flight to where the great
+thanksgiving service of creation goes on for ever and ever.</p>
+
+<p>Among these last was a man who was the pride of his sex and
+an ornament to his profession, Colonel Dick-Cunyngham, V.C.
+Wounded previously, from his second blow he never rallied, and
+on this sad Sunday passed away.</p>
+
+<p>In a few words the <i>Daily Telegraph</i> summed up the surprising
+qualities of the heroic figure that had so lamentably passed from
+society as from the scene of war: &#8220;Lieutenant-Colonel Dick-Cunyngham
+was the beau-ideal of a Highland officer, and there
+was not a man or woman in the world who had a bad word to say
+about him. His heart was as true as steel, and his manner was
+courtesy itself. In his kilt and bonnet, a moustache that was so light
+that it was nearly white telling against the bronze of his face, and
+with a mountaineer&#8217;s figure, he was a man who caught every artist&#8217;s
+eye at once, and he has figured, without his knowledge, again and
+again in pictures and illustrations. At Shirpur he first gave proof
+of his great gallantry by rallying the men when for a moment they
+wavered; at Majuba he was the officer who asked permission to
+charge. Elandslaagte and Ladysmith are the last two names in his
+long record of heroism.&#8221;</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_3_3" id="Footnote_3_3"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3_3"><span class="label">[3]</span></a> Lieutenant-Colonel William Henry Dick-Cunyngham, V.C., of the Gordon Highlanders,
+entered the army in 1872, and first saw service in the Afghan War of 1878-80, and
+won his Victoria Cross in that campaign. He was present on transport duty in the advance
+to Candahar and Khelat-Ghilzie under Sir Donald Stewart; with the Thull Chotiali Force
+under Major-General Biddulph; under Sir Frederick Roberts in the Koorum Valley Field
+Force in the 92nd Gordon Highlanders, including the engagement at Ali Kheyl; and he
+took part in the operations round Cabul in December 1879, including the attack on the
+Sherpur Pass. He was with the Maidan Expedition in 1880 as acting adjutant of a wing
+of the 92nd Gordon Highlanders, including the engagement at Charasiah on April 25;
+accompanied Sir Frederick Roberts in the famous march to Candahar, and was present at
+the reconnaissance of the 31st of August, and at the Battle of Candahar. He was awarded
+the V.C. &#8220;for the conspicuous gallantry and coolness displayed by him on the 13th of
+December 1879 at the attack on the Sherpur Pass, in Afghanistan, in having exposed himself
+to the terrible fire of the enemy, and by his example and encouragement rallied the
+men who, having been beaten back, were at the moment wavering at the top of the hill.&#8221;
+He served in the Boer War of 1881 as Adjutant of the 92nd Gordon Highlanders, and was
+subsequently D.A.A.G. at Bengal. He went out in the autumn of 1899 to Natal in command
+of the 2nd Battalion of the Gordon Highlanders, and led them into action at the battle of
+Elandslaagte. He fell early in the charge, wounded by a bullet in the leg. While lying
+on the ground he called to his men to go on and leave him, and then calmly took out and lit
+his pipe, waiting for hours before being removed by the ambulance party. At the end of the
+year Sir George White reported that Colonel Dick-Cunyngham had completely recovered.
+He returned to active duty only to be again wounded&mdash;this time mortally. He was uncle
+to Sir William Dick-Cunyngham, the present baronet, and fifth son of the eighth baronet.
+Born in 1851, he married in 1883 Helen, daughter of Mr. Samuel Wauchope, C.B.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_4_4" id="Footnote_4_4"></a><a href="#FNanchor_4_4"><span class="label">[4]</span></a> Archibald James Leofric Temple Blackwood, born in 1863, was educated at Eton. He
+was a member of Methuen&#8217;s Horse in Sir Charles Warren&#8217;s Bechuanaland Expedition. Then
+he served with the Carabineers, and afterwards obtained a lieutenancy in the 17th Lancers.
+He accompanied the Natal Force, in an unattached capacity, on the outbreak of hostilities.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="gap2"><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI<br />
+<br />
+<span class="smaller">BULLER&#8217;S SECOND ADVANCE</span></h2>
+
+<p class="gap2">At last, after a long period of suspense, it was possible for
+General Buller&#8217;s force to make an appreciable advance.
+The arrangements were set on foot with the utmost
+secrecy, and on the 9th of January the second forward
+movement of the troops from Frere and Chieveley may be
+said to have commenced. General Barton and the Fusilier Brigade
+were deputed to watch over Colenso, and with them were left some
+dummy cannon, cunningly contrived by Jack Tar so as not to forewarn
+the Boers, and allow them to congratulate themselves on the
+absence of lyddite from their vicinity. This was not the first time
+that guns in effigy had been arranged to do duty in our dealings with
+the Boers. During one of the sieges in the year 1881, a &#8220;Quaker&#8221;
+cannon was erected in an inviting position on purpose to draw the
+Boers&#8217; fire, with the result that they expended the best part of a day and
+a vast amount of valuable ammunition on the imperturbable object!</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 618px;">
+<a name="illo26" id="illo26"></a><img src="images/illo26.png" width="618" height="419" alt="PIETERMARITZBURG FROM THE EAST." title="" />
+<div><span class="caption">PIETERMARITZBURG FROM THE EAST.</span><br />
+<span class="smaller">Photo by Wilson, Aberdeen.</span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>To appreciate the gigantic nature of the advance now made, we
+may refer to a rough table showing the composition and strength of
+the forces in Natal at this date under the command of Sir Redvers
+Buller.</p>
+
+<blockquote><p class="center gap2">SIR REDVERS BULLER&#8217;S FORCE</p>
+
+<p class="smaller"><span class="smcap">Second Division.</span>&mdash;(Lieutenant-General Sir C. F. Clery).&mdash;2nd (Hildyard&#8217;s)
+Brigade&mdash;2nd East Surrey; 2nd West Yorks; 2nd Devons; 2nd West Surrey.
+4th (Lyttelton&#8217;s) Brigade&mdash;1st Rifle Brigade (included in Sir C. Warren&#8217;s Division);
+1st Durham Light Infantry; 3rd King&#8217;s Royal Rifles; 2nd Scottish
+Rifles (Cameronians); Squadron 14th Hussars; 7th, 14th, and 66th Field
+Batteries, less 11 guns of 14th and 66th Batteries lost at Colenso.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller"><span class="smcap">Third Division.</span>&mdash;5th (Hart&#8217;s) Brigade&mdash;1st Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers;
+1st Connaught Rangers; 1st Royal Dublin Fusiliers; 1st Border. 6th (Barton&#8217;s)
+Brigade&mdash;2nd Royal Fusiliers; 2nd Royal Scots Fusiliers; 1st Royal
+Welsh Fusiliers; 2nd Royal Irish Fusiliers; Squadron 14th Hussars; 63rd,
+64th, and 73rd Field Batteries.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller"><span class="smcap">Fifth Division.</span>&mdash;(Lieutenant-General Sir Charles Warren).&mdash;10th
+(Coke&#8217;s) Brigade&mdash;2nd Dorset; 2nd Middlesex. 11th (Woodgate&#8217;s) Brigade&mdash;2nd
+Royal Lancaster; 2nd Lancashire Fusiliers; 1st South Lancashire; 1st
+York and Lancaster; Squadron 6th Dragoons; 19th, 20th, and 28th Field
+Batteries. Brigades uncertain&mdash;2nd Royal Dublin Fusiliers; 2nd Somerset
+Light Infantry. Corps Troops&mdash;61st Field Battery (Howitzers); Natal Battery
+9-pounders; Six Naval 12-pounder quick-firers; 4th Mountain Battery; 4.7
+Naval guns. Cavalry Brigade&mdash;1st Royal Dragoons; 13th Hussars. South<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span>
+African Colonial Troops&mdash;500 Bethune&#8217;s Mounted Infantry; Thorneycroft&#8217;s
+Mounted Infantry; Natal Carabineers; South African Light Horse (seven
+squadrons); Imperial Light Horse (squadron); Imperial Light Infantry; Natal
+Police.</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>This table suggests a very imposing army, but it is necessary to
+remember that only a part of any force assembled at the base is available
+for actual attack. The lines of communication to Chieveley
+alone were some 160 miles in length, and the necessary work of
+guarding them, securing easy transport and supply, Royal Engineer
+work, and other business connected with the munition of war, independent
+of sickness, absorbed a large proportion of the troops.
+Military experts estimated that the absolute fighting men were far
+fewer than supposed. The table here shown represents some
+30,000 men, but of these about 5000 were engaged in miscellaneous
+work. Out of twenty-three battalions of infantry it was necessary
+to use three or even more for the guarding of the lines of communication.
+Of three regiments of cavalry, only a part was available,
+while of the other arms, allowance had to be made for the loss that
+had been sustained, and also for sickness. In this march, now that
+the army had at last moved from the railway, the baggage column
+was enormous. It made a procession of some miles in length as it
+lumbered along primitive roads, through mud sometimes ankle-deep.
+It had been decided to bring up all tents, sheep, coops, &amp;c., and
+consequently the various fatigue duties involved in the move were
+enormous.</p>
+
+<p>When one considers the ordinary transport of a mere regiment,
+it is possible to form some idea of the amazing cortège that had to
+follow the movements of the commander. The transport of a regiment
+in South Africa, roughly speaking, was composed of six ox-waggons,
+each drawn by sixteen oxen in pairs tandem fashion
+(managed by Kaffir boys, one driving the wheelers, another spurring
+the whole caravan by means of an enormous whip and a profuse
+vocabulary); four ammunition carts, each drawn by six mules; a
+water-cart, with pair of mules; a &#8220;Scotch&#8221; cart, and a strong luggage-cart,
+drawn by four mules, for conveyance of tents, blankets, and
+food, &amp;c. A little mental multiplication will help us to picture the
+long serpentine coil that was twisting its way from Colenso to the
+new westerly point of attack.</p>
+
+<p>The procession was forced to move slowly and cautiously
+through a rugged, mountainous district, from which no supplies of
+any sort could be drawn. The ox-waggon of the country had to be
+relied upon entirely for heavy transport. This mode of conveyance
+is somewhat characteristic of the progress of the tortoise; two miles
+an hour was the average rate of advance, and at most the shambling
+cattle succeeded in covering about twelve to fifteen miles a day. Of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span>
+proper roads there were none. The country was a vast swamp
+after heavy rain, or, in fine weather, a mass of dry ruts and tracks,
+steep hills, difficult fords, and irritating boulders. Over all this had
+to be coaxed or goaded the patient oxen, or, still worse, the stubborn,
+obstinate mules which dragged the lighter carts, and which, like
+ignorant persons, sometimes jibbed for sheer jibbing&#8217;s sake, true to
+the obstructionist instinct that belongs to the intellectually stolid.
+When a team of these strong yet strange beasts chooses to jib at
+a ford or in a pass, it takes some companies of infantry to haul the
+waggon on to level ground, and then, and only then, will they
+condescend to resume their labour. It may therefore be imagined
+that the progress of troops&mdash;dependent as they were for food and
+forage on the tempers of quadrupeds&mdash;was at this time slow and
+not always sure! However, troops and baggage were gradually
+concentrated at Springfield, while the Boers, who had spies everywhere,
+among boulders, in dongas, and upon the formidable height
+of Spion Kop, hurried about their preparations for the renewed
+and mighty tussle which was now pending.</p>
+
+<p>On the 10th of January Lord Dundonald, at the head of the
+Cavalry Brigade, started at dawn from Frere Camp. A few miles
+outside they came on targets erected by the Boers to represent a
+force advancing in skirmishing order, which showed that the enemy
+had evidently been indulging in rifle practice. The troops marched
+some twenty-four miles in a north-westerly direction to Springfield,
+through the country, which was one vast quagmire beset with the
+enemy, without mishap of any kind. There were thrilling moments
+when the enemy were known to be ensconced in neighbouring kopjes
+or hiding in the bush, but every precaution was taken, the country
+having been previously searched by scouts, and the whole movement
+so successfully carried out that the brigade at last was able to
+occupy a strong position dominating Potgieter&#8217;s Drift on the Upper
+Tugela. Here at once extra defences were made, to ensure against
+surprise from the enemy, who, finding the rivers in flood, had
+retired to the north, and to enable Lord Dundonald&#8217;s force to
+hold its ground, and thus render safe the passage of the river.</p>
+
+<p>Lord Dundonald&#8217;s Brigade was accompanied by the Fifth
+Brigade under General Hart, comprising the Dublin Fusiliers, the
+Connaught Rangers, the Border Regiment, and the Inniskilling
+Fusiliers. These, on hearing that Springfield was unoccupied by
+the enemy, now took possession of the place.</p>
+
+<p>The column then advanced to Mount Alice, one of the spurs of
+Swartz Kop or Black Hill, a rocky eminence which faced the
+mountain fastnesses of the foe. From this point the panorama was
+magnificent. In front the Tugela looped and twisted in four big
+silvery bends, and great kopjes, the scenes of future fights, rose on<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span>
+the other side. It was possible to see the flat crowned summit of
+Spion Hill, which was held by the Boers and covered with trenches,
+and another frowning eminence also held by the enemy. A glimpse,
+too, might be had of the distant laager of the Boers perched on
+the Tugela heights; but the Dutchmen being evidently warned
+of the coming of the British troops, struck camp and silently
+melted away. Still it was known that there were some of them
+within almost a stone&#8217;s throw, for on the arrival of Lord Dundonald&#8217;s
+force at Potgieter&#8217;s Drift it was discovered they had been there the
+previous day.</p>
+
+<p>The next morning, the 11th, the pontoon from the enemy&#8217;s side
+of the river was very cleverly captured, it may be said in the very
+teeth of the foe, by Lieutenant Carlyle and six of his men of the
+South African Horse. They leapt into the stream, which at that
+place was running strong, swam to the Boer side, untied the pont,
+and succeeded in getting it across for the use of the troops. The
+achievement was a brilliant one, because during the whole proceedings
+the exact position of the Boers was unknown. At any
+moment a volley might have been poured on the adventurous party
+from which it would have been almost impossible to escape. No
+sooner had they removed the fastenings of the pont and were
+getting it across than shots were fired, one of them grazing Lieutenant
+Carlyle, who, however, pursued his work to the end.</p>
+
+<p>From the heights we had gained, operations were soon commenced
+both with heliograph and telescope. Mount Bulwana and
+part of the outskirts of Ladysmith were clearly visible. Fringed
+around them were Boer camps, waggons, and cattle; while studded
+over the ground the enemy was seen, some building forts, others
+digging trenches, and all working like bees to protect the road from
+our advance. The Ladysmith chief signaller, Captain Walker,
+rapidly came into communication with the signallers on Swartz
+Kop, and Sir George White was informed of the satisfactory progress
+of the advance so far.</p>
+
+<p>The Naval guns were now comfortably ensconced on the western
+ridge of the hill, ready to do duty in sweeping away the strong
+positions which were being rapidly built up by the hostile hordes,
+who were fast beginning to congregate from the neighbourhood of
+Colenso.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile General Lyttelton&#8217;s brigade had streamed in with
+howitzers, and soon these, under cover of the guns of the Naval
+Brigade, were across the river, and safely located on the other side.
+At the same time was commenced the fortifying of Mount Alice.
+The men were all in great fettle, working like Trojans, and perfectly
+regardless of fatigue. They crossed the scudding river, steadying
+themselves by holding each other&#8217;s rifles, in a burning sun with the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span>
+water up to their waists, and advanced in skirmishing order over
+the boulder-strewn country, settling themselves at last on some low
+kopjes to the north of the river and facing the enemy&#8217;s defences
+five miles north of the drift.</p>
+
+<p>While these important events were taking place at Potgieter&#8217;s
+Drift, General Sir Charles Warren with the 5th Division was also
+moving forward by a circuitous route. By another drift, called
+Trichardt&#8217;s Drift, some five miles farther west, the entire force
+eventually got across and took up a position beyond the river, with
+the object of turning the position of the enemy, who were posted on
+Spion Kop. This journey was not achieved without coming in
+touch with the Boers. Some of them were hidden in a wooded
+nook by a farmhouse, and from thence poured rifle-shots on the
+advance guards. They even brought their cannon to bear on the
+troops; but the <i>passage d&#8217;armes</i> was of short duration, and the
+enemy, warmed with fervent salutations from the Naval guns on the
+hills, was soon in full flight across country. Then the engineers,
+with celerity which looked to the uninitiated like a conjuring trick, in
+two hours threw a pontoon bridge over the river, and the crossing
+was successfully accomplished. The great object of Sir Charles
+Warren was now, as stated, to turn the enemy&#8217;s position. This,
+situated about five miles off to his right front, was undoubtedly
+a strong one. It ran laterally with the river, with Spion Kop for its
+centre, and all around the enemy were actively engaged in intrenching
+themselves. The plan of the combined movement was to
+make as hasty an attack as possible and prevent the Dutchmen
+from strengthening their position and reinforcing their right from their
+centre and left, and perhaps enable the Ladysmith garrison to do its
+share in threatening the enemy&#8217;s rear. For this reason General
+Barton, with sufficient troops, had been left at Colenso to hold the
+Boers&#8217; forces and prevent them from massing on the line of Sir
+Redvers Buller&#8217;s march. This latter officer with a small force directed
+the combined operations from Spearman&#8217;s Farm, a little to the south
+of Mount Alice. The headquarters of himself and his staff were at
+the picturesque homestead of one Martinius Pretorius, a personage
+who thought it advisable not to remain to play the host.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 608px;">
+<a name="illo27" id="illo27"></a><img src="images/illo27.png" width="608" height="381" alt="THE CROSSING OF POTGIETERS DRIFT, JANUARY 16." title="" />
+<div><span class="caption">THE CROSSING OF POTGIETER&#8217;S DRIFT, JANUARY 16.</span><br />
+<span class="smaller">Drawn by Enoch Ward from a Full Sketch by René Bull, War Artist with General Buller.</span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>The troops, in spite of their trying march&mdash;the mud collected by
+tremendous rains, the arduous business of getting across the river,
+the grilling sun overhead, and the enemy possibly threatening from
+unknown quarters&mdash;were bright, healthy, and hopeful. Immense
+enthusiasm was occasioned in every camp when all were made
+acquainted with the brief yet stirring words of Sir Redvers Buller:
+&#8220;<i>We are going to the relief of our comrades in Ladysmith; there
+will be no turning back</i>.&#8221; A short emphatic statement this&mdash;blunt
+as the conversation of the man who made it, but instinct with noble<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span>
+meaning&mdash;of superb resolve! It touched every heart, and made
+each bronzed-face warrior repeat once more to himself the oath to
+do or die for the honour of his country and for the service of those
+to be relieved!</p>
+
+<h3 class="gap2"><a name="THE_FLANK_MOVEMENT" id="THE_FLANK_MOVEMENT"></a>THE FLANK MOVEMENT</h3>
+
+<p>Before going further, it is interesting to examine with the map
+a rough hint made by Mr. Winston Churchill, correspondent of the
+<i>Morning Post</i>, of the general plan of the advance.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 611px;">
+<a name="illo28" id="illo28"></a><img src="images/illo28.png" width="611" height="413" alt="Types of Arms-A Mountain Battery." title="" />
+<div><span class="caption smcap">Types of Arms&mdash;A Mountain Battery.</span><br />
+<span class="smaller">(Drawn by Ernest Prater.)</span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>&#8220;Having placed his army within striking distance of the various
+passages across the Tugela, Sir Redvers Buller&#8217;s next object was to
+cross and debouch. To this end his plan appears to have been&mdash;for
+information is scarcely yet properly codified&mdash;something as follows:
+Lyttleton&#8217;s Brigade, the corps troops forming Coke&#8217;s Brigade, the
+ten Naval guns, the battery of howitzers, one field-battery, and
+Bethune&#8217;s Mounted Infantry to demonstrate in front of the Potgieter
+position, keeping the Boers holding the horseshoe in expectation
+of a frontal attack and masking their main position; Sir
+Charles Warren to march by night from Springfield with the
+brigades of Hart, Woodgate, and Hildyard, the Royal Dragoons,
+six batteries of artillery, and the pontoon train to a point about five<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span>
+miles west of Spearman&#8217;s Hill, and opposite Trichardt&#8217;s Drift on the
+Tugela. Here he was to meet the mounted forces from Spearman&#8217;s
+Hill, and with these troops he was next day, the 17th, to throw
+bridges, force the passage of the river, and operate at leisure and
+discretion against the right flank of the enemy&#8217;s horseshoe before
+Potgieter&#8217;s, resting on Spion Kop, a commanding mountain, ultimately
+joining hands with the frontal force from Spearman&#8217;s Hill at
+a point on the Acton Homes Ladysmith road. To sum up briefly,
+seven battalions, twenty-two guns, and three hundred horse under
+Lyttleton to mask the Potgieter position; twelve battalions, thirty-six
+guns, and sixteen hundred horse to cross five miles to the westward,
+and make a turning movement against the enemy&#8217;s right.
+The Boer covering army was to be swept back on Ladysmith by a
+powerful left arm, the pivoting shoulder of which was at Potgieter&#8217;s,
+the elbow at Trichardt&#8217;s Drift, and the enveloping hand&mdash;the
+cavalry under Lord Dundonald&mdash;stretching out towards Acton
+Homes.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>This plan on the surface appeared fairly practicable if the
+action could be carried on with sufficient rapidity to prevent the
+enemy from gathering in his crowds, as he had gathered at Colenso.
+Here was the great&mdash;If. The art of war is at best a choice of
+difficulties, and at this time our Generals had an embarrassment of
+that choice. It says a great deal for their courage that they handled
+these difficulties one after another, and let go only when they thought
+they had been squeezed dry.</p>
+
+<p>The British troops having done with the fatigue of the march,
+did not allow the grass to grow under their feet. No sooner
+had they crossed the river than they began to threaten some
+of the Boer lines of retreat to the Free State. The Naval
+Brigade also set to work with vigour, and they, together with
+the howitzers from Mount Alice, pounded the whole vicinity
+to the right impartially. The range having been ascertained to a
+nicety, with the assistance of the balloon, whose occupants directed
+the gunners, some effective shots were launched at the Boer entrenchments,
+and others which were rapidly in course of construction.
+From the balloon these were plainly visible, but their tenants,
+if tenants there were, vouchsafed no reply. Many mounted Boers
+were seen galloping from Colenso to their laagers in the shelter of
+the more northerly kopjes, while others were also discovered
+coming in the direction from Ladysmith, evidently with a view to
+reinforce the commandoes on Spion Kop. While the Naval
+Brigade was hammering in the direction of the Boer position, which
+was somewhat below the level of Mount Alice, General Lyttleton
+was moving north of the position for the purpose of making a
+demonstration towards Brakfontein, and Sir Charles Warren&#8217;s force<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span>
+was approaching two high kopjes overlooking a ravine behind
+Spion Hill. It was now the 18th of January. The cavalry
+started in advance of the rest of the force. The order of march
+being, first, the Composite Regiment (one squadron of Imperial
+Light Horse, sixty Rifles Mounted Infantry, one squadron Natal
+Carabineers), four squadrons South African Light Horse, Thorneycroft&#8217;s
+Mounted Infantry, and behind these the Royals and 13th
+Hussars. But the Composite Regiment at midday was found to
+have moved still farther west, and soon from that region came an
+ominous crackling. Something deadly was afoot. It appeared
+that a party of Boers was caught trekking by the Acton Homes
+Road towards the Free State, and was in act of being cut off.
+Firing was fast and furious, and presently dead and dying Boers
+besprinkled the field that a few moments before had been green
+and gracious to the eye. A message was sent to the main body
+demanding reinforcements. Promptly Lord Dundonald with the
+rest of his troops came on the scene. Hostilities grew in animation&mdash;the
+situation was desperate. The Boers made a hard fight of it,
+clung tenaciously to their position, refusing, though surrounded, to
+surrender. Their fire rained furiously down on the Rifles as they
+advanced, so furiously that they were forced to seek the shelter of a
+desirable donga. The obstinate combat was on the point of renewal
+when up went a white flag. The old dodge, one to which now our
+troops had become so accustomed that they scarcely heeded it.
+Both sides continued to blaze away in uncertainty and mistrust till
+presently hands flew up, and this sincerest and distinct sign of surrender
+was accepted. Twenty-four burly Boers were then captured, while,
+round about, the wounded of the foe were assiduously succoured and
+tended by the very men who in the race for dear life had stricken
+them down. Twenty-four captured, ten killed, eight wounded&mdash;such
+was the result of a few hours&#8217; work on the enemy. Of our number,
+Captain Shore of the Imperial Light Horse was severely wounded,
+two soldiers of the Mounted Infantry were killed, and one trooper of
+the Imperial Light Horse was slightly injured.</p>
+
+<p>A word must be said of the South African Light Horse or
+&#8220;Cockyoli Birds,&#8221; as they were jocosely styled in deference to the
+plumes in their headgear. These had become the heroes of the
+hour owing to the splendid action formerly mentioned of Lieutenant
+Carlyle and his plucky companions, Sergeant Turner, Corporals
+Cox and Barkley, and Troopers Howell, Godden, and Collingwood.
+In addition to this plucky feat they were ceaseless in their activity,
+as we shall afterwards see.</p>
+
+<p>Before this date the men of the squadron had been much commented
+on and universally praised. Their dash, their aptness, their
+marvellous intelligence had earned the admiration of all the regulars<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span>
+who had been associated with them. They, in their neat kharki,
+looked as efficient a body of mounted infantry as any one could wish
+to come across. Among their numbers were Afrikanders of good
+birth, Canadians, Australians, gentlemen of means, sporting men,
+old soldiers, and the like. They were hard as nails and bronzed as
+their saddles, acute as weasels, and big-hearted and adventurous
+as any of Robin Hood&#8217;s world-famed merry men. If they were
+rough they were ready, sniffing adventure in the air and rushing hot-foot
+to greet it, or stalking warily like old Shikari, saving no pains
+so that they eventually brought down their quarry.</p>
+
+<p>The engagement was a grand feather in the cap of the cavalry,
+and an additional one in that of the &#8220;Cockyoli Birds.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>On the morning of Saturday the 20th of January Sir Charles
+Warren advanced his whole force to the attack. The scheme had
+been thought out with immense care. There was an excellent
+general with a superb division of troops, and there was every chance
+of success. General Woodgate&#8217;s and General Hart&#8217;s brigades
+marched forward at 3 <span class="smaller">A.M.</span> from their bivouac on the low ridges
+below Spion Kop, with a view to capturing a position called Three
+Tree Hill, so called because of three mimosa trees whose fragrance
+filled the air. The proceedings opened with an animated bombardment
+from all quarters, our guns in the neighbourhood of Potgieter&#8217;s
+and Tritchardt&#8217;s Drifts engaging the attention of the Boers. By this
+time the Dutchmen were powerfully intrenched, and were still
+hurrying and scurrying to protect the big mountain that stood between
+the British and the object of their desire&mdash;Ladysmith. Woodgate&#8217;s
+Brigade had pushed forward in this direction. Later Hart&#8217;s
+Brigade took up a position on the spur parallel to the left of the
+Lancashire Brigade, and, under cover of the field-guns, the troops,
+in the thick of a storm from rifles and artillery, fought their way
+almost inch by inch up the steeps held by the Boers. They finally
+succeeded in gaining some portions of the enemy&#8217;s line of intrenchments.
+But this was not achieved without an exhibition of pluck
+and valiant obstinacy that was heroic.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 540px;">
+<a name="illo29" id="illo29"></a><img src="images/illo29.png" width="540" height="347" alt="ROYAL FIELD ARTILLERY (ACTION FRONT)." title="" />
+<div><span class="caption">ROYAL FIELD ARTILLERY (ACTION FRONT).</span><br />
+<span class="smaller">Photo by Gregory &amp; Co., London.</span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>The Irish Brigade, as usual, were in the thick of the fight, jovial
+yet determined, and holding their grip of every inch they gained
+notwithstanding shadows of threatened dissolution, the sights of
+death and sounds of horror that filled the air. Captain Hensley, a
+brave and gallant soul, was shot through the head, and several
+officers were smitten, but still their valorous commander, waving his
+sword, pressed on, and still his sturdy Irishmen, animated, encouraged,
+confident, pursued their upward way. They had debts to
+settle&mdash;some old scores to wipe out. They remembered their
+hideous disappointment of Colenso, their grievous experiences of
+Dundee, and also they remembered&mdash;a far grander remembrance<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span>!&mdash;that
+the honour of the Emerald Isle rested on their shoulders,
+and that the quality of its loyalty stood proved by the quality of
+their famous deeds!</p>
+
+<p>All around played the fierce fire of the enemy&#8217;s guns, Creusot,
+Maxim, Nordenfeldt, and others. These were posted in commanding
+positions on a chain of hills to the west of Spion Hill, and from various
+points of vantage the Dutchmen were able to keep up a ceaseless
+clamour, and pour a rapid torrent of death and mutilation upon the
+advancing troops. These, by reason of the bad ground and the caution
+required in the manner of approach, could travel but slowly. The
+enemy, owing to the delay in our advance, had increased their forces
+most unexpectedly, and seemed, though scarcely to have existed a
+week ago, to be now ubiquitous! During the afternoon General
+Lyttleton&#8217;s Brigade made a frontal attack on the Dutchmen&#8217;s
+position between Schwartz Kop and Spion Kop, to divert their
+attention pending the movements of Sir Charles Warren. This
+movement, it was imagined, had been kept very &#8220;dark,&#8221; but, in
+spite of the secrecy and caution, the agile foe had contrived again to
+concentrate a huge force to oppose his every turn. More artillery
+seemed continuously to be brought to the scene, and also some of
+the trophies captured in the ill-fated attack on Colenso. Our Naval
+guns bombarded the ridge all day, and the howitzers boomed and
+roared, but the whole place appeared to be bustling with Boers.
+On the extreme left Lord Dundonald engaged in more energetic
+demonstration, and the indefatigable South African Light Horse,
+under Colonel Byng, more than ever distinguished themselves. In
+the most gallant manner they captured Bastion Hill, a hill between
+the Dutch right and centre.</p>
+
+<p>This hill in the hands of the Boers was a standing menace, as
+from thence they could direct a cross-fire at the infantry on the
+opposite spur of the big mountain. Major Childe, commanding
+F Squadron, South African Light Horse, decided that he, and not
+the Federals, must secure so important a vantage-point. Dismounting
+with his men, and leaving his horses in rear of the heights, he
+cautiously crept round through a mealie field and various dongas
+which gave him cover from the storm of shot directed from the
+curve of the hills. In spite of the pelting lead, he got to the base
+of the position in safety. Then, with half the squadron, he started
+laboriously to climb. It was tough work, the sugar-loaf eminence
+being steep and stony and the sun above blisteringly hot. Thus
+they sweated and toiled for a whole hour. Finally, the Boers were
+seen scampering from the top. They had detected the approach of
+men&mdash;bayonets were suspected&mdash;they discreetly bolted. Just then
+Trooper Tobin, who had grandly led the way up the precipitous
+height, had reached his goal. Here he stood in his delight and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span>
+triumph waving his helmet and shouting, and quite regardless of the
+fact that he made an excellent mark for Boer sharpshooters or their
+mercenaries. Up, too, rushed Major Childe with a dozen or so of his
+nimble men, into the midst of a tornado of shot and shell which had
+suddenly started from the Boer left and centre. Promptly every
+one went to earth. It was useless at the moment to attempt to return
+so withering a fire. Then came a shell&mdash;bursting and banging&mdash;and
+the gallant Major was caught on the head and killed. Several
+others were slain, among them Godden, who had been one of the
+gallant seven who distinguished themselves in the pont exploit.
+Shattered by the terrible fire of artillery, breathless from past
+exertions, the troops still hung on. Then our own artillery came
+to the rescue and kept the Boer gunners occupied. Meanwhile,
+reinforcements from Hildyard&#8217;s Brigade were sent up to the help of
+the brave fellows who for twelve hours had been without rest or
+water, and on the following day, to the West Surreys, the cavalry,
+after a tremendous and fatiguing experience, handed over the charge
+of the hill which they had so magnificently gained. The losses
+during this complex series of engagements were many, but the
+sufferings due to hunger, heat, thirst, and fatigue were even greater
+than those due to actual wounds.</p>
+
+<p>The Lancashire Fusiliers, Lancashire Regiment, and the Dublin
+Fusiliers lost most during the day. Their wounded numbered about
+350 officers and men. These troops had a peculiarly trying time, as for
+three whole days previously they had remained on some captured hills,
+sun-baked and fired on promiscuously, while at night, when the temperature
+had run down with its customary rapidity, they had found
+themselves chilled to the bone, with no blankets or overcoats to
+cover them. They had about two hours&#8217; sleep on an average per
+night and very little to eat during the day. From 3 <span class="smaller">A.M.</span> on the 20th
+the Lancashires had taken up a position screened behind a string of
+low kopjes, while the artillery on the right battered and pounded at
+the Boer earthworks in front and half-left and half-right. The troops
+had remained quiet and painfully inactive in the sweltering sun for
+many hours, stray bullets whistling round their ears, and, as one of
+the officers said, &#8220;causing great levity among the men.&#8221; At 1.30
+they had begun to advance. Immediately they showed their heads
+they were caught by a hailstorm of bullets, and seven men dropped.
+Rushing dauntlessly on, they made for the shelter of a ring of rocks
+some 150 yards in advance, remained for some ten minutes or so,
+then pushed forward another 400 yards, losing less men and taking
+a lesson in caution from the Boers. Thus, in short energetic
+rushes, they had managed to get within 900 yards of the enemy.
+On the top of the hillock a perfect deluge of bullets descended,
+and though the General had moved some 400 forward, so<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span>
+quickly were the men hit that only thirty or so could use their
+rifles.</p>
+
+<p>Afterwards the order was given to make breastworks, and there
+was a rush into the open to gather stones and rocks and boulders,
+when more men were stricken down. All the wounded could do
+was to creep to a rock in the rear, and there await the turn of events.
+Some lay as they crawled from 3 to 8.30 at night. It was impossible
+for them to be removed from the hill, as the Boers promptly fired
+on the stretcher-bearers. The sights and sounds were heart-rending.
+On one side was seen a man sent to his last account in a
+breath; on another was one still hobbling along and plying his rifle,
+with both ankles smashed. Here lay a poor fellow who had a
+splinter of rock driven clean through his lungs and out at his back;
+there languished another shot through the eye and brain&mdash;hopeless.
+All of them suffered patiently, but were madly athirst, craving for the
+hour when the sun should go down and they might get a chance of
+removal from the awful scene. And yet there were some, wounded
+too, who bore the long hours with amazing cheeriness. One,
+shot in the leg, lay on his back, drew forth his home letters, and
+perused them in the midst of a deadly fusillade. Another, more
+seriously wounded still, had the audacity to beguile the weary
+moments by taking a &#8220;snap-shot&#8221; at General Hart in the act of
+waving his sword and gesticulating. So much for pluck!</p>
+
+<p>After sundown came the moment so longed for by the
+wretched beings, some of whom were now literally glued to earth
+in their own gore. But their miseries were not yet at an end. It
+took some two hours to go three-quarters of a mile in the darkness
+over the bad ground; there were creeks, and dongas, and
+boulders everywhere. No lights were allowed. In the jetty obscurity
+the Samaritans tripped and stumbled. &#8220;I was only dropped
+twice,&#8221; smiled a wounded youth when he was at last safely borne
+towards the stretcher-bearers. Others at intervals were brought in
+soaked with blood and rain, the hot stream and the cold mingling
+uncannily and to their supreme discomfort. Many who were
+wounded soon after midday only succeeded in reaching the field-hospital
+about half-past twelve at night. Some, more pathetic still,
+did not reach it at all! They had patiently waited till past the need
+of assistance!</p>
+
+<p>Very pathetic were the circumstances attending the fall of Major
+Childe. It was said that on the previous day he had had forebodings
+of disaster, so much so that he even begged of his companions, in
+the event of his death, to put on his grave his chosen quotation, &#8220;Is
+it well with the child? It is well.&#8221; This dying wish was faithfully
+carried out. His burial took place on the day after the engagement,
+Lord Dundonald reading the solemn words of the funeral<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span>
+service. Over his roughly-made grave was placed the gallant
+officer&#8217;s name, the date of his death, and the text he had desired to
+have written on his tomb.</p>
+
+<p>On the following day the fight was waged as fiercely as ever so
+far as artillery was concerned. Six field-batteries and four howitzers
+bombarded the enemy&#8217;s position with tremendous vigour, and inflicted
+considerable loss. The Boer rifles were indefatigable, however,
+and continued their fiendish activity, and the Dutch or German
+gunners maintained their excellent practice with scarcely a moment&#8217;s
+cessation.</p>
+
+<p>While General Woodgate made a demonstration on the right,
+General Hart and his brigade continued to advance, and General
+Hildyard&#8217;s troops joined in the attack from the valley past the right
+of Bastion Hill. Here a cleft appeared to open between the right and
+centre of the Boer position, and here the infantry, pushing on, practically
+divided the position in two; but it was found that the second
+line of defence was a formidable one; that the Boers had secured to
+themselves a magnificent point of vantage, whence they could sweep
+the country and command all the approaches with cross-fire, and
+even with converging fire; but, in spite of this, the troops tenaciously
+retained the positions they had gained, remaining there
+throughout the 22nd and 23rd, partially covered, so that in all their
+loss was inconsiderable.</p>
+
+<p>The following officers were wounded in action near Venter&#8217;s
+Spruit on the 20th of January:&mdash;</p>
+
+<blockquote><p class="smaller">Staff&mdash;Colonel B. Hamilton, Major C. M&#8217;Grigor. 2nd Lancashire Fusiliers&mdash;Captain
+R. B. Blunt, Second Lieut. M. G. Crofton, Second Lieut. E. I. M.
+Barret. 1st Border Regiment&mdash;Captain E. D. Vaughan, Second Lieut. Muriel.
+1st York and Lancaster Regiment&mdash;Second Lieut. A. H. Kearsey. 2nd Dublin
+Fusiliers&mdash;Captain C. A. Hensley (since dead), Major F. English. 2nd Gordon
+Highlanders&mdash;Second Lieut. P. D. Stewart. Non-commissioned officers and
+men, 279. Royal West Surrey Regiment&mdash;Second Lieut. Du Buisson. 16th
+Lancers (Staff)&mdash;Captain Dallas.</p></blockquote>
+
+<h3 class="gap2"><a name="SPION_KOP" id="SPION_KOP"></a>SPION KOP</h3>
+
+<p>On Tuesday the 23rd, the continuous and steady assault of the
+Boer position seemed to be reaching a promising climax. For four
+days on the heights above the Venter Spruit the English and
+Irish Brigades had been doggedly moving up and on, and had
+carried one position after another in the teeth of many guns, and in
+the face of discomforts and discouragements multifarious. They
+had achieved a great deal with comparatively small loss, viewing the
+masterly manner in which the Boer guns were served. Fortunately
+the rifle-fire of the foe was not equal in accuracy to their shell-fire,
+most probably for the reason that the bucolic Dutchman had lost
+his ancient cunning in wielding the rifle, while in the management<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span>
+of guns of position he was assisted&mdash;nay, relieved, by his German
+mercenaries. The astonishing dexterity of the Teutonic specialists in
+planting shells accurately at a range of over 3000 yards was a matter
+for marvel and admiration. Their success was attributed partly to
+the fact that the range had previously been marked, and also that
+spots had been selected over which it was known bodies of troops
+must eventually pass, and where it was certain every shot must be
+made to tell. For all that, and considering the cross-fire to which
+the troops were subjected on the opening days of Sir Charles
+Warren&#8217;s attack, the losses were small. A council of war had
+been held, and three courses had been sifted: first, a frontal attack
+by night on the second Boer position, possibly attended by terrible
+loss; second, retirement beyond the river to seek for a new passage;
+third, attack by night on the mountain of Spion Kop, thence to
+enfilade and dominate all the Boer positions.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 636px;">
+<a name="illo30" id="illo30"></a><img src="images/illo30.png" width="636" height="384" alt="TAKING THE 4·7 NAVAL GUN ACROSS THE TUGELA." title="" />
+<div><span class="caption">TAKING THE 4·7 NAVAL GUN ACROSS THE TUGELA.</span><br />
+<span class="smaller">Drawing by J. Finnemore.</span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>The last course was decided on. Spion Kop was to be
+attacked by night, the Boer trenches to be scooped out with the
+point of the bayonet, and the position held till again&mdash;by night&mdash;guns
+could be dragged up to assist in commanding the position of
+the foe. Spion Kop, the extreme left of the Boer position, once
+fortified, would become a key to the door of Ladysmith. So it was
+thought.</p>
+
+<p>General Woodgate was informed of what was required of him,
+and Colonel Thorneycroft discussed the programme of the night
+attack. By his desire, satisfactory reconnaissances had been made,
+and there was every reason to believe that the attempt would be
+crowned with success. Accordingly, soon after midnight, General
+Woodgate, accompanied by Colonel àCourt, started forth with the
+2nd Lancashire Fusiliers, the Royal Lancaster Regiment, a portion
+of Thorneycroft&#8217;s Horse, and half a company Royal Engineers,
+supported by two companies of the Connaught Rangers and by the
+Imperial Light Infantry.</p>
+
+<p>In pitch darkness the troops began their march up the southern
+slope of the giant mountain called Thaba Emunyama. The steeps
+were precipitous and rocky, and had to be negotiated with extreme
+care. Dongas were on this side, boulders on that; these had to be
+crept through and leapt over with stealthy, cat-like tread lest the
+enemy on the summit should be forewarned. Now and then the
+whirr of a bullet showed that the Dutchmen were awake, and were
+indulging in the pastime of sniping; otherwise the still, purple night
+spoke of peace. Led by General Woodgate and Colonel Blomfield,
+the Fusiliers (who, being seasoned fighters, were specially selected
+for the honour of engaging in &#8220;ticklish&#8221; work) ascended softly,
+advancing higher and higher in single file and in cautious silence.
+When more than half-way up, the approaching multitude was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span>
+discovered, and the Boer picket, firing, fled. But the warrior
+crowd pressed on, Colonel Thorneycroft now leading the way,
+firing never a shot, and waiting till the trusty bayonet should
+teach its lesson. At three o&#8217;clock the summit was reached. The
+rain drizzled down, the clouds wrapt the hill, but the ardour of the
+troops was unabated. With a wild, ringing cheer, which echoed far
+over the hills, the position was carried. The force then proceeded
+to fortify itself so far as was possible in the hard and rocky ground
+that covered the heights.</p>
+
+<p>It must here be noted that, owing to the darkness and the
+impossibility of judging exact distances, the trenches that were dug
+were badly situated. Instead of the whole or most part of the
+triangular tableland of the top, the force occupied merely a cramped
+position on the extreme point. This point was already marked and
+commanded by six Boer guns, while on the very hill itself was
+another hostile weapon. Sneaking around the crust of the kop&mdash;on
+the brim, as it were, while we occupied the crown&mdash;were sharpshooters
+and snipers, who from thence could pelt the northern hump of the
+slope; but in the dense atmosphere of the early morning these facts
+were unknown, and the effort, under cover of the darkness, to widen
+our position and capture the entire triangle was not then made.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 652px;">
+<a name="illo31" id="illo31"></a>
+<img src="images/illo31a.png" width="652" height="315" alt="Sketch of the Battle of Spion Kop." title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 645px;">
+<img src="images/illo31b.png" width="645" height="539" alt="Plan of the Battle of Spion Kop." title="" />
+<div><span class="caption smcap">Sketch and Plan of the Battle of Spion Kop.</span><br />
+<span class="smaller">Made on the spot by Lieutenant E. B. Knox of the Royal Army Medical Corps.</span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>While the hazy blue pall of the morning yet hung over the hills
+the trenches near the crest were occupied. The clouds hung low, and
+not a Dutchman was to be seen. For some time the troops were
+protected by the enshrouding mist, but so soon as it cleared, the
+Boers from their posts opened fire. They realised that the position
+to them was virtually one of life or death. Ping! ping! rang the
+rifles in chorus; bong! bong! went the guns, with a deep basso
+that reverberated in the hollows of the hills. It was an awe-striking
+reveillé. The hostile artillery had the range to a nicety; each shell
+followed the other with precision, and burst with terrific uproar on
+the patch of earthworks held by our infantry. Under this fearful
+fusillade our men, pelted yet undismayed, faithfully held their ground
+for two mortal hours. But the shell-fire made horrible gaps in the
+stalwart company; and by-and-by General Woodgate, who, having
+captured the position, still continued to direct and encourage his
+men, was wounded, Colonel Blomfield, of the 2nd Lancashire
+Fusiliers, took over command, and sent for reinforcements. He
+also fell. Then, by reason of merit rather than of seniority,
+Major Thorneycroft, local lieutenant-colonel, was appointed to take
+the place of the disabled chief. With the rising of the sun, with the
+development of day, developed the battle. Shrapnel from 15-pounders
+sprayed hither and thither; lyddite opened out earth-umbrellas
+far and wide. The roar and the roll of fiends in fury
+rent the clear, mimosa-scented atmosphere, and made even the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span>
+bosom of the placid, silvery river shudder and quake as it wound
+and twisted and looped round Potgieter&#8217;s Drift. For three and a
+half hours the tornado pursued its deadly course. Death&mdash;mutilation&mdash;agony&mdash;thirst&mdash;these
+were more prominent than the word
+glory in that long, immemorial period. Officers and men alike<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span>
+could scarce lift a head lest they should meet the doom that hung
+over every creature that dared to stand upright in the murderous
+arena. They crouched, and took cover, and waited. The Boers,
+seeing their advantage, noting the terrible strain on the men that
+held the captured trenches, and the dance of death among Thorneycroft&#8217;s
+Mounted Infantry, also bided their time. With great caution
+and &#8220;slimness&#8221; they finally commenced to creep up nearer and
+nearer, firing the while, and hoping, when things became a shade
+worse, to rush the position. Unfortunately there were no guns to
+rout the adventurous crew&mdash;not one handy Naval 12-pounder to
+sweep the enemy from the plateau. There they were, and there
+they meant to remain. Major-General Coke&#8217;s brigade had started
+to get to the scene of action, and before long the Middlesex,
+Dorset, and Somerset Regiments were moving up the heights to
+the assistance of the battered regiments above. Major Walters, in
+charge of the ambulance, was also carrying out his grim, unusually
+heavy duties, but he, in the midst of his deeds of mercy, was
+caught by a shot and brought to earth.</p>
+
+<p>By this time the glorious Lancashire Fusiliers, who held the
+captured trenches, had suffered most severely, not only from wounds,
+but from the agonies of thirst, for which there was no remedy.
+Their losses were horrible, and so also were those of Thorneycroft&#8217;s
+Mounted Infantry, and they lay in many cases too far removed for the
+ambulance-bearers to reach them, and in too exposed a position for
+help from any around. Indeed, the state of affairs was so lamentable,
+the Boers forcing their way with such persistency, that the
+question of holding the hill hung by a thread. Three times before
+midday had the Dutchmen returned, driven the Britons back, and
+again been driven back themselves, till the ups and downs of the fight
+became like a perilous game of see-saw, none daring to prognosticate
+the conclusion. From noon till the late afternoon the Boers persisted
+in their desperate efforts to retake the crest of the hill. They
+evidently regarded the position of so much importance that reinforcements
+from their right were drawn away to help in the work. But the
+gallant fellows who were in possession hung doggedly to their prize.
+&#8220;Only a day,&#8221; they said; &#8220;a day&#8217;s more endurance, and to-morrow we
+shall mount guns. We shall be rulers of the roost.&#8221; So they fought
+on with a will. Fortunately, at this time they had no premonition
+of impediments to success. The place turned out to be very difficult
+to hold. Its perimeter was large, and water was exceedingly scarce,
+and their ammunition, moreover, gave out at a critical period.</p>
+
+<p>All these discoveries were gradually and painfully made as the
+day wore on, but nevertheless they resisted the assaults of the
+enemy with herculean vigour&mdash;with courage that was Spartan.</p>
+
+<p>For two hours in the afternoon the scene on the summit of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span>
+kop was terrific. A hurricane of shot and shell swept the crest&mdash;it
+became a seething Inferno. Six quick-firing guns, two Hotchkiss
+guns, and numerous other weapons of more or less deadliness played
+upon the troops. Maimed and dying were being carried off as fast
+as possible. General Woodgate, brave as a lion, who had worked
+like a Trojan till struck down by a piece of shell, refused to leave.
+Usually a placid man, he was now irrepressible, protesting that he
+would remain on the field, though his sufferings&mdash;since he was
+shot over the left eye&mdash;must have been severe. Reinforcements
+had now arrived&mdash;the Middlesex, Dorsets, and Somersets&mdash;the
+plateau was crowded&mdash;overcrowded, some say&mdash;and death was
+taking a full meal. The Boer Maxim-Nordenfeldt, which had done
+its fell work at Colenso, perambulated from position to position with
+insatiable greed, preying on the life-blood of our bravest and best,
+and defying the efforts of our gunners below to locate it. Its work,
+and the work of the Mausers, lay everywhere&mdash;the hill was a
+shambles. Major Walters, chief of the Natal Volunteer Ambulance,
+had dropped; his brother, of the 2nd Scottish Rifles, was
+killed; Captain Murray, of the same regiment, was simply riddled
+with bullets&mdash;he received as many as four, yet persisted in leading
+on his men till struck down mortally. Colonel Buchanan Riddell,
+King&#8217;s Royal Rifles, another hero, was slain later, while directing
+a flanking movement. The turmoil of those exciting hours was
+described by an officer:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I crawled along a little way with half my company, and then
+brought up others in the same manner. The men of the different
+regiments already on the hill were mixed up, and ours met the same
+fate. It was impossible, under the circumstances, to keep regimental
+control. One unit merged into another; one officer gave
+directions to this or that unit, or to another battalion. I saw some
+tents on the far side of the hill to our front, and knowing the enemy
+must be there, opened with volleys at 1800 yards, when we saw a
+puff of smoke, indicating that one of the Boer guns had just fired.
+We lay prone, and could only venture a volley now and again, firing
+independently at times when the shower of bullets seemed to fall
+away, and the shells did not appear likely to land specially amongst
+us. Everywhere, however, it was practically the same deadly smash
+of shells, mangling and killing all about us. The only troops actually
+close to me then were a party of the Lancashire Fusiliers inside
+a <i>schanze</i>, F Company of the Middlesex, and a mixed company of
+other troops on the left front. A good many shells from the big
+guns burst near us, and a lance-corporal of the Fusiliers was killed.
+The only point I could see rifle-fire proceeding from was a trench,
+the third, I believe, occupied by our troops on the right, and looking
+towards Spearman&#8217;s.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Presently I heard a great deal of shouting from this trench,
+in which were about fifty men. They were calling for reinforcements,
+and shouting, &#8216;The Boers are coming up.&#8217; Two or three
+minutes afterwards I saw a party of about forty Boers walking
+towards the trench. They came up quite coolly; most of them
+had their rifles slung, and all, so far as I could observe, had their
+hands up. Our men in the trench&mdash;they were Fusiliers&mdash;were then
+standing up also, with their hands up, and shouting, &#8216;The Boers
+are giving in, the Boers are giving in.&#8217; I did not know what to
+think, but ordered a company of my regiment to fix bayonets. We
+waited to see what would happen. Just then, when the Boers were
+close to the trench, some one&mdash;whether an enemy or one of our
+men&mdash;fired a shot. In an instant there was a general stampede,
+or rather a <i>mêlée</i>, my men rushing from their position and charging,
+while the Boers fired at the men in the trench, knocking several
+back into it, dead. Previous to this a Boer came towards me
+saying, &#8216;I won&#8217;t hurt you.&#8217; He looked frightened, and threw down
+his rifle. Immediately afterwards the Boer fired, and there was
+a frightful muddle. I fired at one Boer, and then another passed.
+We were fighting hand to hand. I shot the Boer in order to help
+the man, and he dropped, clinging, however, to his rifle as he fell,
+and covering me most carefully. He fired, and I fell like a rabbit,
+the bullet going in just over and grazing the left lung. I lay where
+I fell until midnight. Subsequent to my being hit, parties of Boers
+passed twice over me, trying on the same trick, holding up their
+hands, as if they were asking for quarter. But our men refused
+to be taken in again, and fired, killing or driving them back.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>In this fight the Dutchmen were unusually obstinate. Over and
+over again they advanced to within seventy yards of the captured
+trenches, and from thence were only routed at the point of the
+bayonet. Their rushes were most valiant and persistent, and
+nothing but the heroism of officers and men could have withstood
+the overwhelming nature of the attack made upon them.</p>
+
+<p>But dodges with the white flag and other frauds continued to be
+practised by the Boers. Colonel Thorneycroft escaped merely by an
+accident from an endeavour to play a trick upon him. The leader of
+a commando facing Thorneycroft&#8217;s Horse advanced with a white flag.
+The Colonel approached to the parley, but being suspicious, he told
+the leader to go back, as he refused to confer with him. Both
+retired, but before the Colonel could return to his regiment a volley
+was poured on him by the enemy. Another and more curious trick
+was practised on some of the privates. They were approached by an
+officer in kharki and directed to follow him to a better position.
+This they began to do till, at last, seeing themselves being led into
+the jaws of the enemy, they halted, and some one demanded to know<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span>
+who this bogus officer might be. At that moment the party was
+met by a storm of Boer bullets, and scarcely a man came whole
+from the adventure. Fortunately, the miscreant&mdash;an Austrian&mdash;who
+had played the trick on them was bayoneted ere all our gallant
+fellows dropped down. Strange, too, was the fate of gallant Colonel
+Blomfield, whose regiment, one of the smartest of the smart
+regiments present, had done such splendid work, and had held on
+to its post to the bitter end. This officer was wounded early in
+the day, as already recorded, and lay in a trench helpless and fainting
+for hours and beyond the reach of help. Finally, he was able to
+crawl out and make his way down the side of the hill&mdash;down the
+<i>wrong</i> side, unluckily for himself&mdash;and when next he was heard of
+he was a prisoner in Pretoria. That his life was saved at all was a
+marvel. Captain Tidswell, on seeing his Colonel wounded, rushed
+out with Sergeant Lightfoot and dragged him under a heavy fire
+into a trench, where he remained till the action was over.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 630px;">
+<a name="illo32" id="illo32"></a><img src="images/illo32.png" width="630" height="416" alt="Plan of Engagement at Spion Kop." title="" />
+<div><span class="caption smcap">Plan of Engagement at Spion Kop.</span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>During the early part of the day the Scottish Rifles and the
+3rd Battalion of the King&#8217;s Royal Rifles had been sent off to
+storm the kopjes forming an extension of Spion Kop, and thus
+occupy the enemy and relieve the pressure of his attack. The
+river was forded at Kaffir Drift by Colonel Buchanan Riddell&#8217;s<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span>
+troops, and soon after the battalion divided, half being led by the
+Colonel to the right, and half under Major Bewicke-Copley
+advancing to the left, of the objective. The enemy was everywhere&mdash;at
+the base of the kopjes and in the trenches up the sides.
+Still the troops advanced. The Dutchmen were shifted upwards
+inch by inch from their defences. The best cold Sheffield glittered
+near the trenches, and&mdash;the trenches were vacated! Up and up
+moved the Boers, on and on went the Rifles&mdash;on and up, rushing
+wildly, gallantly, charging and cheering, and finally gaining the
+crest!</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile the Scottish Rifles had advanced on Spion Kop.
+Nothing could exceed the smartness with which they scaled the
+steeps. They marched straight to the front firing line, and, in
+a word, saved the situation. No sooner did the enemy show
+his nose than the Scottish Rifles held him in check, and over
+and over again showed him that British tenacity was equal to
+both Boer stubbornness and slimness combined. The enemy could
+make no headway against them.</p>
+
+<p>But the gallant action of the King&#8217;s Royal Rifles was one of the
+grand deeds that end in the ineffectual. The battalion in its triumph
+had pressed the Boers upwards, but on doing so became practically
+isolated. The Boers were above and between them and our own
+troops, and as a result of its too forward movement the regiment
+stood in peril. Seeing their position of jeopardy, orders were sent
+up to retire. It was disgusting, heart-breaking, but it had to be
+done. The glorious company, after capturing two positions, slowly,
+reluctantly, moved down the hill they had ascended in the flush of
+triumph&mdash;moved again to their bivouac, sadder and wiser men.
+But they were only the first of many sad and sorry men that day.
+Meanwhile the battle on the great hill raged continuously, and
+shells, not alone those of the enemy, but those of our own guns
+which had attempted to assist, made the crowded kop a &#8220;veritable
+hell.&#8221;</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 637px;">
+<a name="illo33" id="illo33"></a><img src="images/illo33.png" width="637" height="428" alt="GOING OUT TO THE ATTACK ON SPION KOP ON JANUARY 24." title="" />
+<div><span class="caption">GOING OUT TO THE ATTACK ON SPION KOP ON JANUARY 24.</span><br />
+<span class="smaller">Drawing by R. Caton Woodville.</span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Presently, in the late afternoon a still more serious situation
+presented itself. Water, always scarce, threatened to run short
+altogether. Ammunition failed. A more appalling quandary in
+the drama of war can scarcely be imagined. Fortunately, to the
+relief of the plucky band on the heights, at last came a mule-train
+with much-desired water and cartridges, and the fight was pursued
+in more auspicious circumstances. But the Boer guns lost none
+of their persistency. Shells hurtled over the plateau, and as dusk
+set in, regiments and battalions and such officers as were left were
+mixed up in a surging, stumbling <i>mêlée</i>, wounded men firing last shots
+at the darkness, and hale ones dropping helpless as the blaze from
+the bursting projectiles showed, for one moment, the scene of agony.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>When night made further activity impossible the position of
+affairs came under discussion. Was this sorry game worth the vast,
+the costly candle that was being expended&mdash;that yet might have to
+be expended? One commanding officer said &#8220;Yes!&#8221; another said
+&#8220;No!&#8221; It is stated that the decision rested with Colonel Crofton.
+He argued in favour of withdrawal. The troops were terribly mauled;
+the dead lay in crowds, a ghastly testimony of their impetuous
+courage. It had been found impossible to secure good cover against
+the enemy&#8217;s shrapnel and venomous, unceasing quick-firers. There
+had scarcely been time for the raking of rifle-pits, the construction of
+stone defences&mdash;the guns of the foe had been too active and unceasing&mdash;and
+besides this, the troops were unaccustomed to the
+sly art of crouching to cover. While the Colonial crawled like
+a stalker along dongas and through gulleys to get at his quarry,
+the hardy Briton always exposed himself as though pluck demanded
+that he should make a mark of himself. As some one at the time
+expressed it, &#8220;Their courage is incontestable, their methods absurd.&#8221;
+For this reason many of the trenches that our soldiers had so
+grandly defended became in the end their graves. The number of
+slain was appalling to see. The flower of the country lay struck
+down as the grass beneath the scythe of the reaper. It was a
+harvest of blood. The dead lay literally in stacks, the sole protection
+of their living comrades. Crowds upon crowds had pressed
+to the top of the great hill, offering a thick, compact front to the
+guns of the enemy, an imposing target to the horrible shells that
+merely breathed death as they passed. Liberally as the brigades
+exposed themselves, liberally they paid the penalty.</p>
+
+<p>Late in the evening, guns&mdash;Naval guns and a battery&mdash;toiled
+towards the scene, rattling along through the night air to get
+into position for the morrow, and take revenge, though late, on the
+devastating &#8220;pom-poms&#8221; of the foe. But the die was cast. The
+withdrawal had begun. At 7.30 <span class="smaller">P.M.</span> Colonel Thorneycroft gave
+the word. Slowly and in confused fashion the shattered braves
+began to wind downwards, and by nine the summit of the hill was
+almost deserted.</p>
+
+<p>Pitiable were the circumstances of the retirement. The wounded,
+with staggering footsteps, crawled or crept down the mountain-side,
+reeling from loss of blood and exhaustion. Streams of officers and
+knots of men scrambled along calling for their units and finding
+them not. Drowsy, stupefied beings stumbled through dongas and
+broke their ankles against boulders, trying before they dropped to
+come in touch with their fellow-men. Many wandered aimlessly,
+twining the hill and passing over it into the hands of the enemy.
+Battalion was mixed with battalion, company with company. Dazed
+men searched in vain for the rendezvous. Some cursed, some swore,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span>
+some slept or seemed to sleep. One commanding officer sat helplessly
+on the spur of the hill, staring like a somnambulist, deaf to all
+consciousness of the outer world; another, lying among the trenches,
+was given up for dead.</p>
+
+<p>The losses were terrific. The Royal Engineers, in some cases,
+were riddled with bullets. Major Massey died covered with wounds.
+Lieutenant Falcon, 17th Company, had arms, legs, knees, and
+helmet perforated with lead. In fact, no one has been able very
+clearly to describe in its hideous reality the awful picture of the
+battle of Spion Kop. A great holocaust some called it, and with
+truth, for the mountain from morn till night was literally scourged
+with lead, raked in all directions by Maxim-Nordenfeldts, artillery,
+and musketry. The tale is only writ in the wounds and on the
+graves of those who by a miracle took the summit, and by sheer grit
+held it in the face of overwhelming odds. Over a thousand men
+gave their lives to gain that which, in twenty hours&mdash;hours each
+one crowded with moments of heroism&mdash;had to be abandoned. The
+evacuation was carried out by order of Colonel Thorneycroft, one
+of the most valiant of the many valiant men who went up only to
+come down again. The excellence of his reasons was acknowledged,
+and his personal valour was beyond dispute. His authority for
+action was the sole source of debate. A military correspondent
+of the <i>Daily Telegraph</i> related an incident of the fight which
+served to show what manner of commander had taken the place
+made vacant by the wounding of General Woodgate. Some men,
+about a score, who had lost their officers, threw down their
+arms to surrender, but Thorneycroft, seeing the act, rushed out
+to the front and called to the Boers to go on firing, for he commanded
+on the hill, and he alone would give the word to surrender.
+The Boers promptly responded. The officer went on to say,
+&#8220;Luckily a fresh regiment arrived at our side and restored the
+battle, but Thorneycroft undoubtedly saved a dreadful disaster
+by conduct so gallant that it recalls the old story of <i>Messieurs de
+la Garde Française, tirez</i>.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Acts of gallantry were so numerous that V.C.&#8217;s were surely
+earned by the dozen. Lieutenant Mallock&#8217;s devotion to duty was
+remarkable, and all regretted his loss. Captain Stewart, who also
+lost his life, assisted in maintaining the high traditions of the
+20th Regiment.</p>
+
+<p>The King&#8217;s Royal Rifles lost three officers killed and five
+wounded. Their Colonel, the bravest of the brave, was hit
+while in the act of leading the regiment up the steeps. He rose
+for one instant to read a message and was shot through the
+brain. The commanders of three leading companies were all
+wounded. Colonel Thorneycroft was injured, Captain the Hon.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span>
+J. H. Petre, though twice struck, held on to his duty till another
+bullet laid him low. Captain O&#8217;Gowan was hit in two places, and
+Lieutenant Lockwood in four, as also was Captain Murray of the
+Scottish Rifles while attempting to lead his men towards the Boer
+trenches. Death claimed this splendid officer before the end of
+the day. Captain Walter was killed by a shell.</p>
+
+<p>Curious stories were told of the behaviour of the Boers to the
+Colonial soldiers, stories which were hardly creditable to the
+Dutchmen. What their deadly missiles had failed to do the Boers
+themselves accomplished. They clubbed some unfortunates to
+death. These were Uitlanders, or suspected of being such. The
+correspondent of the <i>Daily Telegraph</i> gave the names of two
+men slaughtered in this way&mdash;Corporal Weldon and Private
+Daddon, ex-Pretoria men! In addition to this brutality, explosive
+bullets in quantities were used. A drummer and a private of the
+Fusiliers were both killed by them. It was said that the quantity
+of losses sustained by Thorneycroft&#8217;s, the Imperial Light Horse,
+and other South African &#8220;Irregulars&#8221; was due to special spite
+owing to a suspicion on the part of the Boers that these regiments
+might have been recruited from Uitlanders. This charge was so
+generally believed that many of the &#8220;Regulars&#8221; came to the assistance
+of the Colonials, transferring to them their badges in order to
+save them from the consequences of discovery; for it was distinctly
+stated that cases had occurred where the Boers deliberately shot
+the wounded whom they knew to be Colonials. So as to be
+thoroughly impartial, however, we must remember that there are
+blood-thirsty villains of all nationalities in times of peace as well as
+in times of war.</p>
+
+<p>Next morning, General Buller, riding to the scene of action,
+then, and then only, became acquainted with the decisive move,
+the abandonment of Spion Kop. His astonishment was great&mdash;so
+was that of the Boers. Some said that the foe had already
+begun trekking, believing, in spite of their stout resistance, that
+the position was lost. Others argued that any trekking that they
+might have attempted meant merely a man&oelig;uvre consistent with
+their mobility to entice the British farther on into a trap from
+whence they could not have escaped. Be this as it may, a man of
+immense courage gave the order to withdraw, and he had his
+reasons, which reasons proved satisfactory to the Chief.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 636px;">
+<a name="illo34" id="illo34"></a><img src="images/illo34.png" width="636" height="379" alt="THE SCENE ON SPION KOP-MAJOR THORNEYCROFTS DESPERATE SITUATION." title="" />
+<div><span class="caption">THE SCENE ON SPION KOP&mdash;MAJOR THORNEYCROFT&#8217;S DESPERATE SITUATION.</span><br />
+<span class="smaller">Drawing by Frank Craig from a Sketch by a British Officer.</span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>On the 25th the battle dragged on, the artillery barking and
+rifles snapping at each other, while the transport slowly prepared to
+retrace its winding way whither it had come, across the Tugela.
+The most gallant and perhaps the most melancholy feature of the
+war was at an end. General Warren&#8217;s right flanking movement
+had failed, and the Commander-in-Chief decided that there was no<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span>
+alternative but to again concentrate in the neighbourhood of
+Potgieter&#8217;s Drift. The movement was conducted, under the personal
+direction of General Buller, with admirable precision and skill, and
+though there were weary and disgusted hearts among the bitterly
+disappointed troops, they bore their trial with dignity. The return
+was orderly, and no further misfortune happened. The enemy
+made no attempt to interfere. They, too, though successful in their
+defence, were hard hit.</p>
+
+<p>The following casualty list represents the cost of the great
+flanking movement:&mdash;</p>
+
+<blockquote><p class="smaller"><i>Killed</i>:&mdash;Staff&mdash;Captain Virtue, Brigade-Major. 3rd King&#8217;s Royal Rifles&mdash;Lieut.-Colonel
+Buchanan Riddell, Lieutenant R. Grand, Second Lieutenant
+French-Brewster. 2nd Cameronians&mdash;Captain F. Murray, Captain Walter,
+Lieutenant Osborne. 17th Company Royal Engineers&mdash;Major Massey. 2nd
+King&#8217;s Royal Rifles&mdash;Lieutenant Pope Wolferstan. 1st South Lancashire&mdash;Captain
+Birch. 2nd Lancashire Fusiliers&mdash;Captain Stewart, Lieutenant J. Mallock,
+Lieutenant Fraser. Imperial Light Horse&mdash;Lieutenant Rudall, Lieutenant
+Kynock. 2nd Middlesex Regiment&mdash;Captain Muriel, Second Lieutenant Lawley,
+Second Lieutenant Wilson. 2nd Lancaster Regiment&mdash;Major Ross, Captain
+Kirk, Lieutenant Wade. Thorneycroft&#8217;s Mounted Infantry&mdash;Captain Hon.
+W. Petre, Captain Knox-Gore, Lieutenant Grenfell, Lieutenant Newnham,
+Lieutenant M&#8217;Corqudale, Lieutenant Hon. Hill-Trevor. South African Light
+Horse&mdash;Major Childe. 2nd West York&mdash;Captain Ryall. <i>Wounded</i>:&mdash;Staff&mdash;Major-General
+Sir E. Woodgate<a name="FNanchor_5_5" id="FNanchor_5_5"></a><a href="#Footnote_5_5" class="fnanchor">[5]</a> (since dead), Captain Castleton, A.D.C.
+3rd King&#8217;s Royal Rifles&mdash;Major Thistlethwayte, Major Kays, Captain Beaumont,
+Captain Briscoe. 2nd Cameronians&mdash;Major S. P. Strong, Major Ellis,
+Captain Wanless-O&#8217;Gowan, Lieutenant H. V. Lockwood, Second Lieutenant
+O. M. Torkington, Second Lieutenant F. G. W. Draffen. Indian Staff Corps&mdash;Major
+Bayly. Bethune&#8217;s Horse&mdash;Captain Ford. 17th Company Royal Engineers&mdash;Lieutenant
+Falcon. 1st South Lancashire&mdash;Lieutenant Raphael. 1st Border
+Regiment&mdash;Captain Sinclair-M&#8217;Lagan, Second Lieutenant Andrews. 2nd
+Lancashire Fusiliers&mdash;Lieut.-Colonel Blomfield (taken prisoner), Major Walter,
+Lieutenant Griffin, Lieutenant Wilson, Lieutenant Charlton. Royal Engineers&mdash;Captain
+Phillips. Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers&mdash;Captain Maclachlan. 2nd
+West York&mdash;Lieutenant Barlow. 2nd Lancashire Fusiliers&mdash;Captain Wolley-Dod,
+Captain White, Captain Ormond, Lieutenant Campbell. 1st York and
+Lancaster&mdash;Lieutenant Halford, Lieutenant Duckworth. 2nd West Surrey&mdash;Captain
+Raitt (since dead), Captain Warden, Lieutenant Smith, Lieutenant<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span>
+Wedd. 2nd Middlesex Regiment&mdash;Major Scott-Moncrieff, Captain Savile,
+Captain Burton, Second Lieutenant Bentley. 2nd Lancaster Regiment&mdash;Captain
+Sandbach, Lieutenant Dykes, Lieutenant Stephens, Second Lieutenant
+Nixon. Thorneycroft&#8217;s Mounted Infantry&mdash;Captain Bettington, Lieutenant
+Foster, Lieutenant Baldwin, Lieutenant Howard. <i>Missing</i>:&mdash;2nd Lancashire
+Fusiliers&mdash;Captain Elmslie (taken prisoner), Captain Hicks, Captain Freeth.
+2nd Middlesex Regiment&mdash;Lieutenant Galbraith. 2nd Lancaster Regiment&mdash;Major
+Carleton. Thorneycroft&#8217;s Mounted Infantry&mdash;Lieutenant Power-Ellis.</p></blockquote>
+
+<h3 class="gap2"><a id="THE_THIRD_GREAT_EFFORT_VAAL_KRANTZ" name="THE_THIRD_GREAT_EFFORT_VAAL_KRANTZ"></a>THE THIRD GREAT EFFORT&mdash;VAAL KRANTZ</h3>
+
+<p>At this time it seemed as though the word &#8220;As you were&#8221; had
+been spoken by the military authorities. But it was, alas! no
+longer possible to believe that the position was as it had been; for
+it was now a case of melancholy experience plus previous melancholy
+experience. Nearly six weeks before, the great frontal attack
+at Colenso had failed&mdash;failed partly by reason of the tremendous
+strategical position taken up by the Boers, with the river Tugela
+as a natural moat for its protection, and partly on account of the
+disaster to the guns, which completely upturned the plan of Sir
+Redvers Buller&#8217;s calculations.</p>
+
+<p>Now a great flank movement had been attempted, and had
+failed as signally as the first frontal effort. It was really discovered
+that a flanking movement, truly interpreted, was impossible, for
+there is no flank to a circle, and the Boer lines were found to
+be equally strong all round from Colenso to Ladysmith.</p>
+
+<p>This horrible discovery naturally made the situation very grave
+indeed. The effect on the garrison of Ladysmith&mdash;the terrible
+rebound from delighted anticipation to amazed despair&mdash;may be
+partly imagined. None, indeed, save those who had so valiantly
+endured the terrible changes in the barometer of expectation could
+entirely gauge the sensitivity of those ill-fed, debilitated thousands,
+ravaged by disease, privation, and warfare, who hung oscillating day
+after day between salvation and destruction. They now knew that
+their saviours, Sir Charles Warren and his force, were withdrawn to
+the south of the Tugela. This was done because the river forms a
+species of natural rampart, beyond which the country&mdash;a species
+of South African Switzerland&mdash;offered no facilities to an attacking
+force. It was found that the Boers had carefully fortified
+every position already well formed by nature for purposes of
+defence. It was the same as Colenso. The theatre of war was
+margined by fortifications, regular galleries, rising tier upon tier on
+originally favourable positions. The opportunity to occupy these
+favourable positions the Boers owed entirely to us&mdash;to the procrastination
+and pacific tendencies of the British Government. It
+was now owned that Sir Alfred Milner should have gone to the
+Conference with a forest of rifles at his back, an army of mounted<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span>
+Colonials at his elbows, and some big guns &#8220;up his sleeve.&#8221; As it
+was, while he talked and the Government spent its money on telegraphic
+palaver, the Boers, assisted by their German mercenaries,
+were marking out the choicest positions, not for their own defence,
+but for the defence of Natal (which they were allowed time
+to seize) against the &#8220;magnanimous&#8221; Briton. Yes, the Boers from
+the beginning had decided to talk the British into delay, and had
+profited gloriously by their strategy. In our first volume, a letter
+on &#8220;Boer ignorance&#8221; candidly showed the Dutchman&#8217;s hand&mdash;too
+late, of course, for then the trick was bound to be taken. The
+Dutchmen conferred with Sir Alfred Milner to suit their own ends
+and to further their main objects; firstly, to keep the war outside
+their own territories, and secondly, to confine it to soil that, geographically
+and by a species of hereditary instinct, they knew to perfection.
+They, boy and man, loved those kopjes. In those semi-circular
+windings, those almost inaccessible peaks and cones, those
+boulders which afforded eternal cover to the sniper, those vast
+arenas of open veldt where an approaching enemy might be stormed
+upon by a deluge of leaden hail&mdash;they had mentally played hide-and-seek
+for eighteen years. Now the reality of the game was
+come. From the early days when Sir Harry Smith found them
+prospecting the fair land of Natal, they had learnt its intimate
+geography. We, to whom the fair land belonged, had barely heard
+of the Tugela or the region around it. To us it was superficially
+known only at the cost of dire experience. The Boers had been
+aware that the British advance northwards through the Free State
+would lie across flat fair country, and knowing this, had decided that
+during the month taken to land the British army they must take up
+their positions beyond and around it; and so excellent was their
+cunning, so amicably pacific the temper of the British nation, that
+they were enabled to follow their strategic programme in its entirety,
+and plant themselves in firmly rooted masses to await our arrival!</p>
+
+<p>The problem of how to dislodge them and how to relieve Ladysmith
+was once more staring Sir Redvers Buller in the face with
+hard and unbending austerity. According to military experts, who
+viewed the plan of campaign with dispassionate eyes, the fate of
+Ladysmith should have been left out of the calculations. The troops
+should have been massed to a common centre and at the south, and
+from thence boldly advanced into the Free State. But against that
+opinion was the picture of the noble ten thousand inside a beleaguered
+town, a grand British multitude, who had been kept for
+months hoping against hope, fighting bravely, and praying of the
+Almighty to hasten the hour of their deliverance. They could not
+be left. While he had men and guns the General felt he must
+go on. But how? Certainly not by the newer route. The re<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span>capture
+of Spion Kop was decided to be impracticable, and the
+force remained stationary south of the Tugela while the complicated
+situation was reviewed.</p>
+
+<p>The General, whatever his misfortunes, had lost none of the confidence
+of his troops. As he himself said of them, &#8220;The men were
+splendid.&#8221; They were disgusted at being a second time defeated
+without being beaten, and disappointed at again being forced back
+from the road to Ladysmith; but their steadfast faith in their chief
+was unalterable. Sir Redvers Buller again addressed his warriors,
+promising them they should be in Ladysmith soon, and the men,
+Britons to the core, again said in their hearts, &#8220;We shall.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>To replace 1600 killed and wounded in the late actions, drafts of
+2400 men had now arrived. A mountain battery, A Battery R.H.A.,
+and two fortress guns had strengthened the artillery, while two
+squadrons of the 14th Hussars had been added to the cavalry, thus
+bringing the strength of the force to 1000 more than the number
+which had started for Spion Kop. This was an imposing increase,
+but its value at the present time was much less than it would have
+been had Sir Redvers Buller originally taken the field with a proper
+complement of men and guns. &#8220;To do the thing handsomely we
+want 150,000 men,&#8221; a tactician declared at the onset; but nobody
+heeded him, and in consequence of this heedlessness the complications
+in Natal had arisen.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;However,&#8221; as a military officer expressed it, &#8220;there was not a
+sore head nor a timid heart in Buller&#8217;s army. As we lie in our
+bivouacs at night, the Southern Cross and a thousand constellations
+watching over our slumbers, we dream of the Angel of Victory, and
+in our dreams we hear the flapping of her wings.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The optimism of the army was undiminished. There was no
+doubt whatever that they would relieve Ladysmith, but the when
+and the how remained as yet unsolved. The troops had not yet
+sustained actual defeat at the hands of the Boers, and, while our
+losses could be replaced, and <i>were</i> being replaced, the recuperative
+power of the Boers was nil. Indeed it was stated that they had
+come to the end of their resources, and that they were already forcing
+Kaffirs to fight for them in the trenches. Later on it was discovered
+that females even&mdash;true to the ancient sporting instinct of the
+Boer woman&mdash;were lending a hand in the management of the rifle.</p>
+
+<p>At last, after some days of deliberation, a third great attempt to
+reach the imprisoned multitude in Ladysmith was planned out.</p>
+
+<p>A week of waiting and then a new advance was decided on.
+Seventy guns drew up in line on the hills to prepare the way for
+another gigantic move. This time Sir Redvers Buller&#8217;s plan was to
+occupy a hill called Vaal Krantz and get forward between Spion
+Kop and the Doorn Kloof ranges. But after a very short yet<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span>
+valorous essay, it was discovered that there were veritably cannon
+to right of them, cannon to left of them. The Boers commanded
+the hills on either side the road through which the troops must
+pass. Not only were there guns on both sides, but these Krupps
+and Creusot cannon far outranged anything that our artillery could
+bring to bear on them. The Naval guns alone were capable of not
+only barking but biting, and these three were not enough to meet
+the formidable array of the Republicans.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 621px;">
+<a name="illo35" id="illo35"></a><img src="images/illo35.png" width="621" height="509" alt="Plan of the Battle of Vaal Krantz" title="" />
+<div><span class="caption smcap">Plan of the Battle of Vaal Krantz</span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>On the 5th of February, however, the gallant attempt was made.
+The cavalry moved forward about 6 <span class="smaller">A.M.</span>&mdash;one brigade under Colonel
+Burn-Murdoch advanced to the right below Swartz Kop, the
+Colonials under Lord Dundonald kept nearer to Potgieter&#8217;s Drift,
+Sir Charles Warren with one brigade remained west of Mount Alice
+in a position commanding the road leading to Potgieter&#8217;s Drift.
+The Naval guns meanwhile came into action, shelling the Boer
+positions, dongas, and trenches, and every imaginable hiding-place
+with immense energy, but with little result. The Boers in their
+trenches were quiet, as usual reserving themselves for an effective
+outburst later on. Meanwhile the Lancashire Brigade (now under
+Colonel Wynne) were advancing in skirmishing order to the tune of
+the mighty orchestra, while above an officer of sappers in the balloon
+spied out the Boer haunts, and directed accordingly. By nine
+o&#8217;clock pandemonium was unloosed&mdash;lyddite bellowed, shrapnel<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span>
+clattered over the whole fortified face of Brakfontein, while the
+infantry steadily moved on. Presently from dongas and trenches,
+at ranges of 1000 yards and less, came the crackling of rifles, to
+which our troops responded by volleys now and again. Between
+these volleys they proceeded steadily, regardless of the uproar and
+the fell work of the eternally active sniper.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 515px;">
+<a name="illo36" id="illo36"></a><img src="images/illo36.png" width="515" height="375" alt="CYCLISTS-LANCASHIRE FUSILIERS." title="" />
+<div><span class="caption">CYCLISTS&mdash;LANCASHIRE FUSILIERS.</span><br />
+<span class="smaller">Photo by Gregory &amp; Co., London.</span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>While this feint attack was taking place on the left before the
+now flaming ridges of Brakfontein, a real and vigorous move was
+being made on the extreme right for the purpose of carrying the
+crest of Vaal Krantz, which was then thought to be the key to the
+direct road to Ladysmith, and was not very strongly fortified by
+the Dutchmen. The Royal Engineers with immense energy
+set to work laying a pontoon bridge across the treacherous depths
+in the direction of Skiet&#8217;s Drift, an operation which had to be
+performed with infinite patience and pluck, as the Boers were no
+sooner aware of their activities than they plied their Mausers with
+a will. This crossing-place, styled Munger&#8217;s Ford, now attracted
+the attention of the whole Boer artillery, and the &#8220;pom-poms&#8221;
+and 40-pounders of the enemy contrived to render the locality
+anything but an enviable place of rendezvous. Our pieces, from
+their hiding-place among the trees in the neighbourhood of Swartz
+Kop, soon bombarded the Boer position with equal activity. By
+ten o&#8217;clock the bridge had been thrown across the river, and
+General Lyttelton and his troops were preparing for the assault of
+Vaal Krantz. The artillery now made its finishing demonstration
+before Brakfontein, there being no necessity&mdash;now that the troops
+had come successfully across the pontoon bridge&mdash;for a continuation
+of the feint attack. For this reason the Lancashire Brigade was
+now ordered to retire. The gallant fellows, having done what was
+required of them, marched back in excellent order to their original
+position.</p>
+
+<p>All this while shells were shrieking, lyddite was bursting, and
+musketry crackling, till the whole earth seemed riven with an
+enormous convulsion. The gunners had some terrific experiences,
+and nobly, in a truly alarming position, they comported themselves.
+They were on low ground, exposed without shelter to the Boer
+works, which dominated the plain; yet they pursued their labours
+with unerring care and intelligence that was truly remarkable.
+Shell plumped in their midst, under the limbers, over the guns,
+above their heads, round their feet. They stuck to their duty.
+Horses dropped and shrieked in their agony, gunners fell shot
+through the heart and were carried away. Loudly the vociferous
+chorus of death went on, steadily the gunners took their share of the
+fearful drama of destruction. To show the vast amount of &#8220;grit&#8221;
+that these gunners could boast, an incident of the day must be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span>
+recorded. About noon the batteries were ordered to approach
+nearer to Vaal Krantz and prepare the way for the infantry assault.
+The guns, ever under a scathing fire, moved off in due order to take
+up the fresh position on the right facing Vaal Krantz. Finally
+they came to the last waggon, an ammunition waggon belonging to
+the 78th Battery R.A., which was horseless. The team had been
+wiped off by the enemy. Nevertheless the gunners put their
+shoulders to the wheel, and, with a mighty effort, rolled the machine
+straight through the fiery hurricane to a place of safety! The
+conduct of the Jack Tars also stuck another feather in their already
+well-decorated caps. While the new balloon made its descent it
+became an object of attention, and was saluted vigorously by the
+enemy. Nevertheless the sailors stuck to their work, held the
+basket, took possession of the truculent aërial vessel, and marched
+off with it under a galling fire.</p>
+
+<p>By-and-by, when Vaal Krantz had been thoroughly searched and
+swept by the British batteries, and the snipers from the base of
+Doorn Kloof had been partially reduced to silence by the joint
+efforts of the artillery and Hildyard&#8217;s Brigade, Lyttelton&#8217;s gallant
+band began to move off from the direction of Munger&#8217;s Farm on
+the road to Vaal Krantz. It was now the early afternoon, but
+from all sides the deadly missiles of the enemy still bellowed and
+hooted. Still the Durham Light Infantry, with the 3rd King&#8217;s
+Royal Rifles on their right, pushed steadily on&mdash;forward from the
+river and up the precipitous broken face of the hill. Cheering, they
+went, clambering and leaping, and whether it was the menacing roar,
+or the suggestion it gave of coming steel that stirred them, certain
+it was that few of the foe remained to meet the charge.</p>
+
+<p>The Boers saw them&mdash;heard them&mdash;gauged the meaning of
+the lusty British cheer&mdash;and bolted. Scarcely any elected to fall
+victim to the bayonet. Those who were there threw up their
+hands and appealed for mercy. These were promptly made
+prisoners, and the British, for the time being, reigned supreme on
+the hill. But their reign had its discomforts. Dutchmen crowded
+the ground, west, east, and north of them, dosing them liberally
+with lead from their rifles, while their position was perpetually
+pounded by the big guns of the enemy. These, vomiting on the
+eastern slopes of the hill, set fire to the grass and added to the
+discomforts of the position by surrounding it with appalling fumes,
+which choked and blinded, and destroyed the view of the Dutchmen&#8217;s
+haunts. Nevertheless, the kopje once gained, the men
+rushed along the crest and entrenched themselves in a spot that
+looked as though it had been overtaken by a prairie fire. Our shells
+had effectually cleared the grass and scrub. The gunners from
+the surrounding kopjes kept a sharp lookout, firing at the Boers<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span>
+as they brought up their guns from all directions, while General
+Lyttelton maintained his ground. Meanwhile efforts were made to
+get the batteries forward to the hill, but the task was a difficult one, and
+the position was strengthened and enlarged in order to assist in the
+accomplishment of the desired object. Until guns could be mounted
+and made to defy the active aggression of the &#8220;pom-poms,&#8221; Creusots,
+and other deadly weapons of the enemy, there could be no hope of
+getting the troops and their baggage through to Ladysmith. At
+this time an obstinate effort to gain lost ground was made by the
+Republicans, but owing to the doughty resistance of the Scottish
+Rifles and the King&#8217;s Royal Rifles, the attempt to dislodge them
+entirely failed. Towards seven o&#8217;clock a drizzling rain and darkness
+descended. The troops which had gathered together between
+Swartz Kop, Munger&#8217;s Drift, and the newly acquired hill were forced
+to bivouac where they were for the night, Sir Redvers Buller and
+his staff remaining on the field with the men.</p>
+
+<p>At dawn on the 6th of February the Boers resumed their
+activity. Long Tom&mdash;the first to awake&mdash;with his big black snout
+snorted sonorously. Bang went a hundred-pound shell across the
+plain&mdash;helter-skelter flew the British Tommies, who were enjoying
+their morning tea, and crash and splash went their delicious brew.
+Fortunately no serious harm was done. A few horses were killed.
+But after this began an artillery duel of vigorous nature. This
+was chiefly directed against General Lyttelton&#8217;s troops on Vaal
+Krantz. The Boers seemed everywhere, more ubiquitous than usual.
+From the lower crests of Spion Kop, from the peak of Doorn
+Kloof, from the mountains commanding the road to Ladysmith,
+flame vomited, and lead and steel and powder spouted and spluttered.</p>
+
+<p>The fact was that during the night the Boers, in order to proceed
+with the work of defence, had set fire to more grass in the neighbourhood
+of the British position, and utilised the illumination for the
+transfer of their guns from one place to another. Early, therefore,
+they were enabled to greet the camp with the roar of a Creusot gun
+and other weapons from all quarters playing upon the position. Shells
+burst everywhere, some even reaching headquarters. It was said
+that Buller, the imperturbable, welcomed them. Certainly his
+Spartan-like disregard of danger was remarkable, and was responsible
+for the superb nonchalance of those who served under him. Still,
+with his courage he displayed caution, the caution that only a
+courageous man would dare to display. He decided later on that
+his move was impracticable, that more lives should not be spent in
+futile effort. Of this anon. While the Creusots and Krupps pounded
+the hill, the Boers strove their uttermost to regain their hold on the
+lost position. Meanwhile the Naval guns rumbled and rampaged,
+ammunition waggons blew up, earthquakes filled the clear blue<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span>
+atmosphere with avalanches of dust, and one of the enemy&#8217;s
+cherished weapons on Spion Kop was knocked clean out of action.</p>
+
+<p>Late in the afternoon, the worn-out troops of Lyttelton&#8217;s
+Brigade were relieved by Hildyard&#8217;s men, who came in from a
+violent night-attack by the enemy. This in their usual gallant style
+was repelled by the East Surrey and the West Yorks&mdash;the veteran
+West Yorks, who had learned not a little from Beacon Hill onwards.</p>
+
+<p>On Wednesday the firing grew terrific. More guns were
+brought up, seemingly from the bowels of the earth; they were
+posted everywhere&mdash;another 6-inch Creusot gun, Maxim cannons,
+two 30-pounders, three &#8220;pom-poms,&#8221; in addition to the death-dealing
+weapons of the previous day. Shells hurtled and burst on hill and
+dale, mountain and valley, smoke, flame, and dust spouted forth,
+making the atmosphere dense, torrid, and fearsome. Still
+Hildyard&#8217;s dauntless brigade held their ground unflinchingly, while
+the Naval guns strove bravely, but strove in vain, to tackle the
+great snorting crew of the opposition. It seemed as though the
+advance must be accomplished not merely through a zone, but a
+sheath of fire, for the road to Ladysmith was barred from end to
+end, a sheer <i>cul-de-sac</i>, with flame and death for its lining.</p>
+
+<p>Our troops during the whole day hung tenaciously to Vaal Krantz,
+while the Dutchmen obstinately challenged their right to be there.
+But nothing appreciable was achieved, and evacuation seemed the
+wiser and more profitable course to pursue. By this time it began to
+be recognised that the strategic value of Vaal Krantz for turning
+the Brakfontein position had been over-estimated, and that an
+advance would necessitate the routing of the Boers from Brakfontein
+and the taking and holding of Doorn Kloof, if our communications
+through the valley were to be maintained.</p>
+
+<p>There was no glory in trying to proceed in the teeth&mdash;nay,
+into the jaws&mdash;of so overpowering a foe, a foe who was on the eve
+of outflanking us. It would have been walking into a fiery furnace&mdash;into
+the pocket of hell. Another council of war took place.
+Retirement was suggested. General Hart, as distinguished for
+valour as General Lyttelton for brave discretion, proposed the
+storming of Doorn Kop. He and his were ready for everything:
+he had Ireland at his back. But Pat was not to be thrown away
+on an impossible undertaking, and consequently the majority had
+their way, and the retirement was effected. On Friday the whole
+glorious persevering band were again across the Tugela, preparing
+to strike out in a fresh direction.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 489px;">
+<a name="illo37" id="illo37"></a><img src="images/illo37.png" width="489" height="680" alt="FALLS ON THE TUGELA RIVER." title="" />
+<div><span class="caption">FALLS ON THE TUGELA RIVER.</span><br />
+<span class="smaller">Photo by Wilson, Aberdeen.</span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>The following is the list of casualties between the 5th and 7th
+of February:&mdash;</p>
+
+<blockquote><p class="smaller"><i>Killed</i>:&mdash;1st Durham Light Infantry&mdash;Major Johnson Smith; Second Lieutenant
+Shafto.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span></p>
+
+<p class="smaller"><i>Wounded</i>:&mdash;1st Durham Light Infantry&mdash;Lieut.-Colonel Fitzgerald; Captain
+Lascelles; Second Lieutenant Lambton; Second Lieutenant Appleby. 1st Rifle
+Brigade&mdash;Captain Thorp; Captain Talbot; Lieutenant Blewitt; Lieutenant
+Ellis; Lieutenant Sir T. Cunninghame, Bart. 3rd King&#8217;s Royal Rifles&mdash;Lieutenant
+Sims. Royal Artillery&mdash;Lieut.-Colonel Montgomery, Captain Dawson,
+78th Battery R.F.A. 2nd Scottish Rifles&mdash;Second Lieutenant Ferrars. 2nd
+West Yorkshire&mdash;Second Lieutenant Bicknell. 2nd East Surrey&mdash;Captain White.
+R.A.M.C., Major Rose.</p></blockquote>
+
+<h3 class="gap2"><a id="DISAPPOINTMENT_AT_LADYSMITH" name="DISAPPOINTMENT_AT_LADYSMITH"></a>DISAPPOINTMENT AT LADYSMITH</h3>
+
+<p>The fearful and ghastly activity of the 6th of January ceased with
+dusk. Night descended: she came softly as the footsteps of angels
+moving lightly among the tranquil dead. The moon, with pale white
+serenity, looked down on the scene of carnage, so still, so appallingly
+still; and the dots of twinkling stars seemed like a thousand eyes of
+heaven, seeing and inquiring how the face of the fair earth could grow
+so changed within a day. And everywhere there moved leaden
+hearts and feet weary with the long strain of foregone hours.
+Hunger, exposure, and long vigils had become a daily routine, but
+this close and sustained attack, and the terrible havoc it had wrought
+on the weakening numbers, brought with it new alarms. True, the
+bayonet, the trusty bayonet, had served its turn, and might serve
+again, so long as strength would hold out. But there were doubts.
+The Russian general Suvaroff once said, &#8220;The ball is a fool, but
+the bayonet is a brick.&#8221; He took it for granted that the bayonet
+even must needs have a man, and not the ghost of a man, at the
+back of it; and the poor heroes in Ladysmith were fast becoming
+shadows of the hale and muscular fellows who had scaled the steeps
+of Talana Hill and broken the echoes of Elandslaagte with the yell
+of victory. Sadly and solemnly they now set themselves to the
+pathetic work of removing the slain.</p>
+
+<p>On the 7th of January one of the Boer medical officers rode in
+under a Red Cross flag, requesting the burial of the British dead.
+A party started to fulfil this sad office, and while they wandered
+about picking up the melancholy mutilated forms, the Boers assisted
+in the task, and in some cases helped to dig the graves and carry
+the slain; conversing the while with such perfect amity, that it
+was almost impossible to believe they were deadly foes. Deeply
+pathetic was the reading of the solemn burial service by the commanding
+officer, for Britons and Boers stood side by side, and one of
+the latter, moving apart, uttered a short prayer that the war would
+soon be at an end. This was followed by the singing of a hymn in
+Dutch, a quaint, simple, earnest solemnity, which was vastly touching
+to all.</p>
+
+<p>The curious blend of courage and pleasantness, of trickery and
+barbarity, in the Boer character has been remarked upon before.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span>
+It was never more displayed than in the dealings of the Boers
+around Ladysmith. On one day they would shell an hospital, or
+rather the Town Hall, knowing it to serve as an hospital; on
+another they would treat the wounded with almost brotherly consideration.
+For instance, one man in the 19th Hussars, who was
+wounded on January 6, and subsequently taken prisoner, gave
+a refreshing account of Boer manners. Though shot in the arm,
+he remained at his post till dark, and then in the gloom mistook
+his way to camp and wandered down the wrong side of the hill.
+He was captured and detained till morning, while his wound was
+dressed and cared for. Then he was sent back to camp armed with
+a tin of jam and a box of chocolate! A somewhat similar experience
+was related by another man, one of the Gordons, who was wounded
+and taken prisoner on Waggon Hill early in the morning, and was
+removed in charge of an old Boer to a place of safety half-way down
+the slope. From here he subsequently escaped. In the <i>mêlée</i> that
+followed the Devons&#8217; charge across the plateau in the thick of the
+hailstorm, the Boers, shouting in Dutch that the rooineks were upon
+them, stampeded, and consequently the prisoner was left to his own
+devices. He thereupon rejoined the troops.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 569px;">
+<a name="illo38" id="illo38"></a><img src="images/illo38.png" width="569" height="238" alt="British 7-Pounder Field-Gun." title="" />
+<div><span class="caption smcap">British 7-Pounder Field-Gun.</span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>The Boers in the fight had been animated by unusual confidence.
+They had seemed assured of victory. Their demeanour was cool
+and deliberate, some of them doing an hour&#8217;s firing while others put
+in a half-hour&#8217;s nap under cover of the rocks. All their preparations
+were made with a view to spending Sunday in Ladysmith, and their
+tents were ready to be pitched immediately they had obtained
+possession of the ridge. They, in fact, firmly believed that they
+would make a repetition of Majuba, and it was noticed that their
+tactics were identical with those observed on that tragic occasion.
+Curiously enough, an exceedingly interesting relic of Majuba came
+to hand. A rifle bearing the mark &#8220;Majuba&#8221; and the name of
+the 58th Regiment was found on an old Boer. It had evidently
+been captured on the fatal day when Colley fell.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Much regret was felt for the loss of Lord Ava, one of the
+cheeriest of soldiers and most handsome and brilliant of men. He
+had served with the 17th Lancers, and had also cast in his lot with
+the irregulars in South Africa under Methuen. He was essentially
+a sporting and a romantic figure in all circles of London society,
+having resuscitated the fortunes of Ranelagh and engaged himself
+actively in plans and projects for the brightening of social life. He
+was moreover a general favourite, and sympathy with Lord Dufferin
+on the loss of his promising heir was great.</p>
+
+<p>Now that the rivers were flooded the service of native runners
+was precarious, and less than ever was known of the outside
+world. But the Boers were seen to be in active movement on the
+distant hills, and there was a very general belief that the quiet that
+was enjoyed was due to some advance movement on the part of
+General Buller that was demanding the attention of the Dutchmen.
+This belief was confirmed by the sight of two machine-guns which
+were being galloped off post-haste to a destination unknown.</p>
+
+<p>Since Christmas the prices had gone up. Eggs by the middle
+of January were worth 19s. a dozen, and jam cost 6s. 6d. a tin.
+Condensed milk was sold for 10s. a tin, other things, particularly
+medicines, were becoming priceless. An appalling apathy almost
+approaching despair had settled on the community. It was going
+on for three months since they had been shut off from the outside
+world, during which their losses had exceeded 1500 in slain,
+wounded, and missing, yet they were no nearer release. Indeed,
+each began to wonder whether death or Sir Redvers Buller&#8217;s force
+would reach them first. One month after another passed, and with
+them, precious lives, yet little fuss was made, for death was a common
+visitor. Much regret was felt at the loss on the 15th of the brilliant
+author and correspondent of the <i>Daily Mail</i>, Mr. G. W. Steevens.
+His was a young career, rich in promise. But death is a connoisseur&mdash;he
+chooses the best. Only a few days before, Mr. Mitchell,
+sub-editor of the <i>Johannesburg Star</i>, and Lieutenant Stabb (Naval
+Reserve) of the <i>Times of India</i>, had been carried off by enteric fever;
+while young Ferrand, sometime a correspondent of the <i>Morning
+Post</i> and a trooper of the Light Horse, fell in action on the 6th.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 754px;">
+<a name="illo39" id="illo39"></a><img src="images/illo39.png" width="754" height="458" alt="The Siege of Ladysmith, Jan. 1900. View from Bulwana Hill." title="" />
+<div><span class="caption smcap">The Siege of Ladysmith, Jan. 1900. View from Bulwana Hill.</span><br />
+<span class="smaller">From a sketch by George Lynch, War Correspondent.<br />
+The hospital train is here shown on its way to Intombi Camp with its daily load of sick and wounded.</span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>But soon a change came. Sounds of unusual guns reached their
+ears&mdash;ears now well attuned to all the surrounding noises. Though
+news by heliogram came slowly and at long intervals, all were
+conscious that something was afloat.</p>
+
+<p>They were soon wild with excitement and anticipation. Not
+only could Sir George White&#8217;s garrison hear the distant thunder of
+the guns of the relieving column, a sound which made heavenly
+music to their ears, but from the lookout posts on the heights held
+by them they could occasionally see the bursting of the shells fired<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span>
+by the Naval guns from the region of Potgieter&#8217;s Drift. The attention
+of the investing force was now distracted; the Dutchmen were
+concentrating their energies to repel the movement of the British
+troops on the Upper Tugela, and continued to send reinforcements
+westward to meet the demand on their resources there. But they
+strengthened their works on the north of the town, added some
+more howitzers and fired a few shells by way of introduction.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 420px;">
+<a name="illo40" id="illo40"></a><img src="images/illo40.png" width="420" height="593" alt="LIEUT.-GENERAL SIR CHARLES WARREN, G.C.M.G." title="" />
+<div><span class="caption">LIEUT.-GENERAL SIR CHARLES WARREN, G.C.M.G.</span><br />
+<span class="smaller">Photo by Elliott &amp; Fry, London.</span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span>At this time impatience and anxiety arrived at an almost painful
+pitch. Every soul was panting for the signal that might call
+upon them to co-operate in the final tug-of-war which should set
+Ladysmith free. Acutely were the movements of General Buller&#8217;s
+relieving force watched from the highest points in the town.
+Intense was the interest displayed as every bursting shell threw
+forth its dense volumes of brown smoke, and showed how the
+friendly lyddite worked to the rescue. The garrison looked forth
+breathlessly for the coming of relief, hoping, praying, doubting,
+fearing, with nothing to vary the ever-recurrent anguish of
+anticipation.</p>
+
+<p>At this date a journalist made a daring sortie on his own
+account, and reached Durban in safety. He left with permission
+at nightfall on the 18th of January, and, guided by a wily Kaffir,
+made tracks for Chieveley. Having gone about two miles to the
+east of Cĉsar&#8217;s Camp and approached unwarily a Boer picket, he
+was promptly challenged. Then ping! ping! ping! a swift
+whistling sound of Boer bullets, and silence! The journalist, to
+use a sporting phrase, was lying &#8220;doggo.&#8221; Not a shot touched
+him. Flat on his stomach he remained for fully half an hour with
+bated breath, then, when murmurs of the disquieted Boers ceased
+to ruffle the night air, he resumed his way, groping on hands
+and knees, and wishing fervently that he had taken lessons in
+deportment earlier&mdash;from the quadrupeds. Perilous was the onward
+journey, clambering and crawling up hill and down dale, and
+falling over rocks and stones in the pitch darkness. Daylight saw
+him at the hut of a friendly native not far from Chieveley, and here
+concealed, he spent twenty-four hours of terrible suspense till it
+was time again to proceed on his journey. The Boers almost discovered
+him. They called at the hut for milk, absorbed it, and
+looked about suspiciously, while the man of the pen was penned in
+amongst a heap of blankets, a perspiring mass, quaking but safe.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile with the rumour of battle in the air, hope revived.
+It continued to increase as the British positions from the heights
+around the town became visible&mdash;the newly gained positions on
+Swartz Kop and the eminences near the Tugela at Potgieter&#8217;s and
+Trichardt&#8217;s Drifts. Every red flash was like a smile of welcome&mdash;every
+roar of bursting shrapnel seemed a very chorus of jubilation.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span>
+To the ears of the besieged the tremendous awe-striking cannonade
+appeared as the loved assurance of Great Britain, their deliverer,
+saying, with grand majestic tone, &#8220;I am coming.&#8221; In the distance
+the Boers could be seen in frenzied activity inspanning their
+waggons, and towards the evening they were observed trekking
+northwards towards Van Reenan&#8217;s Pass. Many conjectures were
+rife, and subsequently on the 25th curiosity grew to fever heat.
+Surely the British were in possession of Spion Kop! Decidedly
+they were masters of the situation! Yet in the nek below, by the
+light of the telescope, Boer camps could be seen on the plains; under
+cover of the great hill Boer cattle were grazing. What could this
+mean? Had the Boers gone and left everything to the mercy of
+their victors? or were they merely in hiding, intending to return at
+nightfall, and remove their valuables? Certainly the Burghers
+were to be viewed mounted and decamping in the direction of the
+pass, and also winding strings of waggons pursuing their slow way
+in the same direction. Still the riddle remained unsolved. Night
+fell. The suspense grew more and more fevered; it became almost
+a delirium. There was little sleep; then, when morning dawned,
+there was more anxiety and more puzzling, more mental torture.
+The Boers were as much in evidence as ever!</p>
+
+<p>Disappointment may be borne with a show of spirit when the
+inner machinery is well oiled, but the inhabitants of Ladysmith
+had no such source of fortitude. True, they had fared, if not
+sumptuously, at least practically, on horse-sausages, which were
+turned out wholesale from a factory for the benefit of the troops,
+and on fairly nourishing soup which was supplied in the same way;
+but of civilised food there was none. Eggs had now gone up to
+36s. a dozen, and a diminutive and emaciated fowl could be
+purchased for 18s. These luxuries were for the elect. For the mass
+a varying dietary of horse and mule was obligatory. Vegetables
+were sold at a prohibitive price, and a case of whisky was raffled
+for and fetched £145, so that &#8220;Dutch courage&#8221; wherewith to meet
+their misfortune was unpurchasable.</p>
+
+<p>Not till Sunday the 28th the fearful truth was learned, that
+Warren, after holding Spion Kop, had retired, and left the Boers
+in undisturbed occupation of their commanding position!</p>
+
+<p>As all the latest events to the south were communicated to the
+garrison as fast as they were made known to the chief, the news
+of the capture of Spion Kop and the disappointing retirement
+therefrom was published in general orders. Blank faces turned from
+each other, that none should see the reflection of his own
+despondency. Intense had been the rapture of the anxious inhabitants
+when they had heard the far-away booming of the British
+guns, seen the splashing of British lyddite, watched the great spouts<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span>
+of smoke that spoke of tremendous activity and their possible
+salvation. Now their dismay was more than proportionate. After
+all their agony&mdash;silence. Silence, so far as they were concerned.
+Mystery, doubt, and agonising suspense&mdash;and now the news, the
+woeful news, that the second splendid effort to break through the
+imprisoning Boer girdle had failed!</p>
+
+<p>Still the garrison was resolved to hold on to the last, preferring
+death by starvation or disease rather than surrender. The malodorous
+surroundings were borne with patience, the diminution of
+the supply of medicines, watched with pathetic resignation. Nevertheless
+an untold weariness crept over the unhappy sufferers, who
+spent their days huddled underground and dreading to expose
+themselves in the open lest they should be caught by a shell or
+&#8220;sniped&#8221; at by some Boer more enterprising than the rest. How
+they longed, how they prayed for the great hour! They believed
+in Buller; they knew he would come, they said to themselves.
+But when, O when? And echo answered&mdash;When?</p>
+
+<h3 class="gap2"><a name="LORD_ROBERTS_AT_THE_CAPE" id="LORD_ROBERTS_AT_THE_CAPE"></a>LORD ROBERTS AT THE CAPE</h3>
+
+<p>On the 10th of January Lord Roberts arrived. He was
+received by General Sir F. Forestier Walker on behalf of Sir Alfred
+Milner. All the ships in port were dressed, and there was immense
+excitement at the prospect of better things. Many recalled to mind
+the occasion of the last coming of the great little man, when, on the
+eve of a campaign to retrieve Majuba, he found that the British
+Government, unknown to him, had arranged peace on contemptible
+terms. At that time it was said he broke his sword in indignation
+at the betrayal to which he had been subjected, and vowed never
+again to serve under a British Government. Be this as it may&mdash;he
+had now come at the earnest call of his country, and all felt that
+his coming meant a turn in the wheel of fortune. After his arrival
+things began gradually to unfold themselves, and the promise of
+decisive movement was in the air.</p>
+
+<p>Lord Roberts&#8217;s decision to bring the Colonial volunteers to the
+support of the Imperial forces was acknowledged to be a great move.
+The Colonist&#8217;s services were eminently to be desired, for he had
+taken the Boer measure. He knew him in all the complex windings
+of his sinuous, twisting nature. In some respects the Boer had
+been his lesson-book. From him he had learned the necessity to
+be a good shot, a smart horseman, and a long stayer. He followed
+the ins and outs of the Dutchman&#8217;s war game, and could practise
+the art of dodging round kopjes and into dongas, hiding in scrub
+and disappearing from mortal ken at a moment&#8217;s notice, with the
+zest and agility of a schoolboy playing at hide and seek, and with
+a certain enjoyment in the diamond-cut-diamond sort of exercise.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>On the 26th of January General Brabant arrived at Queenstown
+to take over the command of the Colonial Division, and on the
+same day General Kelly Kenny, commanding the Sixth Division,
+occupied Thebus, a position on the railway between Middleburg
+and Stormberg Junction. This station is situated about ninety
+miles from Colesberg, around which General French so untiringly
+operated, and forty-five miles from Stormberg, the scene of General
+Gatacre&#8217;s disaster.</p>
+
+<p>On the 1st of February the City of London Volunteers landed.
+Immediately after their arrival at the Cape they were honoured by
+a visit from the great man who was about to control the destinies of
+South Africa. Gracefully he welcomed them, and said how little it
+had been imagined in days gone by, the days when the Volunteer
+force had been established, that any of its members would come to
+take part in a war in South Africa. He expressed his belief that
+nothing was more calculated to benefit the army than employment
+together on service of all its component parts, and that these would
+learn to appreciate each other, and acquire a spirit of comradeship
+which would have far-reaching results. He reminded them that
+strangely enough the first Volunteers left home three hundred years
+ago to fight for the Dutch, and arrived just in time to save Flushing
+from the Spaniards. On this occasion they would take an
+equally brilliant part in establishing peace, order, and freedom in
+South Africa.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 537px;">
+<a name="illo41" id="illo41"></a><img src="images/illo41.png" width="537" height="526" alt="Type of Arms&mdash;New Naval 12-Pounder Field-Gun." title="" />
+<div><span class="caption smcap">Type of Arms&mdash;New Naval 12-Pounder Field-Gun.</span><br />
+<span class="smaller">(Photo, Cribb, Southsea.)</span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>The members of the corps were delighted. Colonel Cholmondeley<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span>
+expressed their thanks, and they all cheered right royally. They
+were burning to get to the front, and, in spite of the sudden change
+of temperature from British midwinter to tropical sunshine, their zeal
+to be up and doing was unabated. They waited at the Cape to be
+joined by the second detachment and receive their horses, after
+which they entrained for the western border, where they were so
+soon to distinguish themselves.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 633px;">
+<a name="illo42" id="illo42"></a><img src="images/illo42.png" width="633" height="416" alt="ARRIVAL AT CAPE TOWN OF WOUNDED FROM NATAL." title="" />
+<div><span class="caption">ARRIVAL AT CAPE TOWN OF WOUNDED FROM NATAL.</span><br />
+<span class="smaller">Photo by Hosking, Cape Town.</span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>There was great satisfaction at the announcement that General
+Brabant would command the Colonial corps. The class of men
+enlisting in Brabant&#8217;s Horse, the Imperial Horse, Bailey&#8217;s Horse,
+and other of the South African mounted corps was a superior one.
+The volunteers were mostly well-to-do men, sons of farmers and
+Colonials who were residents in the country, and were intimately
+acquainted with its geography. Moreover, they were men and not
+striplings, and were averse from being commanded by young officers
+who were absolutely without South African experience.</p>
+
+<p>It has been rumoured that the British officers and those of the
+irregular troops have not always been in accord. The fact is, that
+one is a master of discipline and the other a master of independence.
+The Colonial is accustomed to habits of complete self-reliance; he
+expects to be treated like an individual and not as a machine. Our
+military system is a machine-made system, and one which, unluckily
+for us, has been incapable of any of the smart plasticities which
+warfare with the Boers has demanded. Colonial troops will be led,
+but they won&#8217;t be driven. They are composed of men of first-rate
+quality, but not men accustomed blindly to obey orders. The Colonist
+obeys because of the personal influence of a man or men whom he holds
+intellectually or morally in esteem, but the word discipline for sheer
+discipline&#8217;s sake he is disinclined to understand. Among the ranks
+of the Colonials are many men of wealth and influence, men of high
+character and good education. These could not suddenly be treated
+in the same way as the British regulars, who, being gifted with more
+dare-devil courage than knowledge of the three R&#8217;s, require to be
+welded together on a system. A tactician once asked the question&mdash;What
+is the difference between an army and a mob? and the
+general answered&mdash;&#8220;Discipline.&#8221; It is discipline that converts a rowdy
+British youngster into the glorious British Tommy that he is. With
+the Colonial we have already the trained and independent man, and
+the system of give and take is the only system that can avert friction
+between men who, though brothers in blood, have, and always
+must have, the special idiosyncrasies attendant on their dissimilar
+forms of life.</p>
+
+<p>Lord Roberts, recognising all this, with his usual diplomacy and
+sympathy for those who serve the Queen, decided to form a bodyguard,
+to accompany him to the front, of Colonials, the troops to be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span>
+representative of all the corps&mdash;volunteers, irregulars, &amp;c. The
+guard was to consist of Major Laing, an officer well versed and
+distinguished in Colonial matters, a lieutenant, two sergeants and
+corporals, and about forty picked troopers taken from the various
+irregular corps already at the front. The men of the corps were to
+continue to wear their own uniform, and merely to be distinguished
+by a badge. Preference in choosing the members of the guard was
+given to men of Colonial birth, good shots, riders, and scouts, who
+were well acquainted with all the peculiarities of Colonial life.</p>
+
+<p>To further show his appreciation of the services of the Colonials,
+Lord Roberts appointed as extra aide-de-camp on his personal staff
+Colonel Bryon of the Australian Artillery. He also sent telegrams
+to the Governors of Victoria and New South Wales congratulating
+them on the spirit of patriotism in Australia, and expressing his
+appreciation of the useful and workmanlike troops that had been
+sent to assist in restoring peace, order, and freedom in South
+Africa.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 513px;">
+<a name="illo44" id="illo44"></a><img src="images/illo44.png" width="513" height="332" alt="PRIVATE, DRUMMERS, PIPER, AND BUGLER&mdash;THE BLACK WATCH." title="" />
+<div><span class="caption">PRIVATE, DRUMMERS, PIPER, AND BUGLER&mdash;THE BLACK WATCH.</span><br />
+<span class="smaller">Photo by Knight, Aldershot.</span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>At this time the following correspondence between the Presidents
+of the Transvaal and the Orange Free State and Lord Roberts
+was published at the Cape. It began with a joint despatch from
+Presidents Steyn and Kruger dated Bloemfontein, February 3,
+stating:&mdash;</p>
+
+<blockquote><p class="smaller">&#8220;We learn from many sides that the British troops, contrary to the recognised
+usages of war, have been guilty of destruction by burning and blowing
+up with dynamite farmhouses and devastating farms and goods therein, whereby
+unprotected women and children have often been deprived of food and
+shelter. This happens not only in places where barbarians are encouraged by
+British officers, but even in Cape Colony and in this State (Orange Free State),
+where white brigands come out from the theatre of war with the evident
+intention of carrying on general devastation without any reason recognised by
+the custom of war and without in any way furthering the operations. We wish
+earnestly to protest against such practices.&#8221;</p></blockquote>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 435px;">
+<a name="illo43" id="illo43"></a><img src="images/illo43.png" width="435" height="79" alt="Mr. Krugers Autograph" title="" />
+<span class="caption smcap">Mr. Kruger&#8217;s Autograph</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>In reply Lord Roberts wrote:&mdash;</p>
+
+<blockquote><p class="smaller">&#8220;I beg to acknowledge your Honours&#8217; telegram charging British troops
+with the destruction of property contrary to the recognised usages of war, and
+with brigandage and devastation. These charges are made in vague and
+general terms. No specific case is mentioned. No evidence is given. I have
+seen such charges made before now in the Press, but in no case which has
+come under my notice have they been substantiated. Most stringent instructions
+have been issued to British troops to respect private property so far as it
+is compatible with the conduct of military operations. All wanton destruction<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span>
+and injury to peaceful inhabitants are contrary to British practice and traditions,
+and will, if necessary, be vigorously repressed by me.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;I regret that your Honours should have seen fit to repeat the untrue
+statement that barbarians have been encouraged by British officers to commit
+depredations. In the only case in which a raid has been perpetrated by native
+subjects of the Queen, the act was contrary to the instructions of the British
+officer nearest the spot, and entirely disconcerted his operations. The women
+and children taken prisoners by the natives were restored to their home by the
+agency of the British officer in question.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;I regret to say it is the Republican forces which in some cases have been
+guilty of carrying on war in a manner not in accordance with civilised usage.
+I refer especially to the expulsion of loyal subjects of Her Majesty from their
+homes in the invaded districts because they refused to be commandeered by
+the invaders. It is barbarous to attempt to force men to take sides against
+their sovereign country by threats of spoliation and expulsion. Men, women,
+and children had to leave their homes owing to such compulsion. Many of
+those who were formerly in comfortable circumstances are now maintained by
+charity.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;That war should inflict hardships and injury on peaceful inhabitants is
+inevitable, but it is the desire of Her Majesty&#8217;s Government and my intention
+to conduct this war with as little injury as possible to peaceful inhabitants and
+private property. I hope your Honours will exercise your authority to ensure
+that it is conducted in a similar spirit on your side.&#8221;</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>Meanwhile the British Commander was rapidly maturing his plans.
+Troops were pouring into the Cape and mysteriously departing none
+knew whither. Great doings were in the air, and secret communications
+between Lord Roberts and the wily General French&mdash;communications
+which Boer spies endeavoured to intercept&mdash;promised
+that the splendid fastnesses hitherto enjoyed by the enemy would
+not much longer serve to keep him from the punishment that was
+his due.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_5_5" id="Footnote_5_5"></a><a href="#FNanchor_5_5"><span class="label">[5]</span></a> Colonel (local Major-General) E. R. P. Woodgate, who was in command of the 9th
+Brigade, joined as Ensign in the 4th Foot on April 7, 1865, and became Brevet-Colonel on
+June 26, 1897. He commanded a Regimental District from September 1897 to April 1898;
+was on special service in the Ashanti expedition from September 1873 to March 1874, also
+on special service in South Africa from June 1878 to November 1879; was Brigade Major
+in the West Indies from February 1880 to February 1885. He was employed with the West
+African Regiment from April 9, 1898; with the Abyssinian expedition in 1868; and was
+present at the capture of Magdala, for which he received a medal. He served in the
+Ashanti war, 1873-74, and was present at the actions of Essaman, Ainsah, Abrakrampa,
+and Faysoonah, at the battle of Amoaful and capture of Coomassie. For these services he
+received a medal with clasp. He also served through the Zulu campaign in 1879, at the
+action of Kambula and battle of Ulundi, and received a medal with clasp and his brevet
+of Major; and in 1898 in West Africa, in command of forces in expeditions against Sierra
+Leone insurgents. He was fifty-four years of age.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="gap2"><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII<br />
+<br />
+<span class="smaller">THE WONDER OF THE WORLD</span></h2>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza12">
+<span class="i0">&#8220;Forty years had I in my city seen soldiers parading,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Forty years as a pageant, till unawares the lady of this teeming and turbulent city,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Sleepless amid her ships, her houses, her incalculable wealth,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">With her million children around her, suddenly,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">At dead of night, at news from the south,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Incens&#8217;d struck with clinch&#8217;d hand the pavement.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza12">
+<span class="i0">A shock electric, the night sustain&#8217;d it,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Till with ominous hum our hive at daybreak pour&#8217;d out its myriads.&#8221;<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p class="ralign padr1">
+&mdash;<span class="smcap">Walt Whitman.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="gap2">The eyes of Europe, and indeed of the universe, turned
+upon the forces at war in Natal with amazement almost
+akin to awe. There, in the eve of the twentieth
+century, was presented a tenth wonder of the world!
+Where, among the states, principalities, and powers,
+could be found another example of an army being raised veritably
+from all points of the compass to serve the Mother Country?
+Whence in the history of heroic ages could be quoted the counterpart
+of spontaneous, simultaneous, exultant patriotism such as was
+brought forth by a few reverses to British arms? Here were men,
+brothers, whom we had never seen, whose names we had never
+heard, rushing to our side&mdash;influential citizens, judges, merchants,
+landowners in the distant dominions of the Queen&mdash;throwing over
+domestic comfort, ease, commercial advantage, political distinction,
+for the sheer desire to barter breath for fame, and to win laurels
+in the cause of the Empire. Our friends&mdash;the Powers&mdash;gazed and
+rubbed their eyes and marvelled! Our enemies&mdash;the Powers&mdash;gazed,
+rubbed their eyes, and&mdash;well! if they did not curse, they certainly
+trod warily and pondered! We were providing an object-lesson
+for eternity. The infinitesimal little island, the bird&#8217;s-nest of
+the Little Englanders, was introducing to the nations her stalwart
+progeny&mdash;introducing with the easy pride of motherhood gigantic
+sons, all young and strong and well-grown, full of the vigour of
+youth and the finest traits of the parent stock&mdash;a martial multitude,
+clamouring to defend her in her hour of need! Yes, if our enemies&mdash;the
+Powers&mdash;did not curse, they walked warily and pondered!</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 437px;">
+<a name="illo45" id="illo45"></a><img src="images/illo45.png" width="437" height="582" alt="COLONEL W. D. OTTER." title="" />
+<div><span class="caption">COLONEL W. D. OTTER.</span><br />
+<span class="smaller">Commanding the First Canadian Contingent.</span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>They did wisely, for by the beginning of March the number of
+Colonial troops at the front was approximately as follows: Cape
+Colony, 15,000; Natal, 7000; Canada, 2820; Ceylon, 130; New<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span>
+South Wales, 1800; Queensland, 810; South Australia, 340; West
+Australia, 230; Victoria, 500; Tasmania, 180; New Zealand, 730;
+India, 250; total, 29,790. This tremendous increase in the size of
+the Transvaal force was a magnificent spectacle for the world at
+large. While it constituted the greatest military concentration in
+the history of the Empire, it left the British possessions in India,
+Malta, Crete, Barbadoes, Bermuda, Ceylon, Hong-Kong, Gibraltar,
+and elsewhere, if not adequately, at least powerfully defended. For
+instance, in India alone we had still a superb British army. It
+was composed of forty-seven battalions of infantry, six regiments of
+cavalry, sixty-two batteries of artillery, not to mention the enormous
+Indian Army, of which the cavalry was styled by Lord Curzon
+&#8220;the finest cavalry in the world.&#8221; Even then we were not at the
+end of our tether. Conscription was undreamt of. Our military
+resources had barely been tested. The display of loyalty to the
+British flag, love for the Mother Country, and an ardent desire to
+uphold her rights, had not been confined to Great Britain&#8217;s larger
+colonies. Small contingents for South Africa had been offered by
+Jamaica and Trinidad and elsewhere, and these, though gratefully
+acknowledged, had been refused, mostly in cases where the contingents
+were not large enough to constitute a military unit, and there
+might have been trouble in the movement of the force.</p>
+
+<p>The growth of Colonial offers of assistance from the time&mdash;the
+10th of July&mdash;when Queensland sent an anticipatory telegram proposing
+military aid, it is interesting to follow. Two days later, the
+12th of July, came a telegram from Lord Brassey at Victoria, saying
+that &#8220;offers have been received from Volunteers for service in South
+Africa.&#8221; Five days passed. Then an offer of 300 men from the
+Malay States Guides arrived, the High Commissioner intimating,
+however, that he could not spare them. Three hundred Hausas
+from Lagos volunteered on the 18th of July. On the 21st of that
+month New South Wales offered 1860 officers, non-commissioned
+officers, and men. The offer of Hong-Kong on the 21st of September
+was followed by New Zealand&#8217;s Parliamentary resolution to
+send a Transvaal Contingent. On the 5th of October Western
+Australia came forward, and on the 9th Tasmania offered her unit.
+On the 13th the offers of troops from South Australia and Canada
+were &#8220;gratefully accepted.&#8221; Last, but not least, came the offer of
+assistance from India, and additional help from those whose aid had
+previously been given and acknowledged as invaluable.</p>
+
+<p>Thus, by degrees, the whole concourse of Great Britain&#8217;s best was
+gathered together, the flowers of her numerous flocks were drawn to
+a common centre by the tie of blood and the pride of it&mdash;drawn to
+a far quarter of the earth, there to demonstrate the crowning triumph
+of British colonisation. The long-talked-of consolidation of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span>
+Anglo-Saxon race for the welfare and freedom of humanity was no
+longer an idealist&#8217;s dream; it had become a living and a lasting
+reality!</p>
+
+<blockquote><h3 class="gap2"><a name="FIRST_CANADIAN_CONTINGENT" id="FIRST_CANADIAN_CONTINGENT"></a>FIRST CANADIAN CONTINGENT</h3>
+
+<p class="smaller">Early in the century the spirit of loyalty was developed in Canada. From
+her first years, when Wolfe made Canada a colony of Great Britain, the
+colonists began to recognise their debt to the British Crown. The feeling of
+reverence and love for the Mother Country strengthened and grew with the
+strength and growth of Canada itself, till the sentiment of Imperialism, always
+silently existing, suddenly found almost passionate utterance in the month of
+October 1899.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">What came to pass a great man had foreseen. Sir John Macdonald, who
+gauged aright the sentiment of the Canadians, described almost prophetically the
+expansion of that sentiment, and pointed out the developments that might be
+looked for in the future. In one of his pro-Confederation speeches he said:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;Some are apprehensive that the fact of our forming this Confederation
+will hasten the time when we shall be severed from the Mother Country. I
+have no apprehension of that kind. I believe it will have the contrary effect.
+I believe that as we grow stronger, as we become a people able, from our
+union, our population, and the development of our resources, to take our
+position among the nations of the world, she will be less willing to part with
+us than now. I am strongly of opinion that year by year, as we grow in
+population and strength, England will more see the advantage of maintaining
+the alliance between British North America and herself. Does any one
+imagine that when our population, instead of 3,500,000 will be 7,000,000, as it
+will be ere many years pass, we would be one whit more willing than now to
+sever the connection with England? The Colonies are now in a transition
+state. Gradually a different colonial system is being developed, and it will become
+year by year less a case of dependence on our part, and of overruling
+protection on the part of the Mother Country, and more a case of healthy and
+cordial alliance. Instead of looking upon us as a merely dependent colony,
+England will have in us a friendly nation, a subordinate but still a powerful
+people, to stand by her in North America in peace or in war.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">Many other prominent persons, Sir John Thompson, Sir Charles Tupper,
+Sir Wilfred Laurier, shared the same opinion, and confidently asserted that
+Great Britain had but to hold out her hand and the hand of Canada would go
+out to meet it with firm and cordial grasp.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">Then came the hour and the opportunity. Canada acted exactly as
+Canada&#8217;s greatest men had expected her to act. She did not jump to action,
+for the idea of participating in the active affairs of the Empire had scarcely
+dawned upon her, but, the opening once made, Canada lost no time in availing
+herself of it. Great things have small beginnings, and the grand movement
+which has astonished the universe commenced in a simple manner.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">While the possibility of war drifted like a small cloud on the horizon, a
+certain Colonel Hughes, of Lindsay, Ontario, set to work to raise a volunteer
+regiment for possible service in South Africa. In September 1899 he openly
+expressed himself. In answer to energetic remonstrance he wrote, that
+&#8220;unless the Government of the Dominion showed itself patriotic enough to do
+its duty by the Imperial Government, he was justified in his action, the object
+of which was to assist in upbuilding the British Empire and rendering justice<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span>
+to one&#8217;s fellow-countrymen, even at great sacrifice, and that as little delay as
+possible should result on the outbreak of hostilities in enrolling a corps.&#8221; The
+idea, to use the popular phrase, &#8220;caught on.&#8221; All the notabilities of the
+Dominion put their heads together, with the result that, early as October 3, the
+Canadian Military Institute in Toronto proposed to offer a Canadian Contingent
+to the British Imperial Government, in the event of a war breaking out with
+the Boers. It was also suggested and carried unanimously, that whereas all
+the expenses of the Canadian Contingent sent to the aid of the British troops
+in the Crimean War had been borne by the British Government, the expenses
+of the Contingent it was now proposed to send to South Africa, should be provided
+by the Dominion of Canada, that the Canadian Government should train,
+arm, equip, transport, and pay the force raised, and, if necessary, pension those
+deserving it. The offer of a Canadian Contingent was accordingly made
+through the Government to the British Government, who accepted it with two
+reservations&mdash;First, that the force raised should consist of 1000 men only;
+Second, that half the expenses of the Contingent should be met by the Imperial
+Government. To this the Canadians consented under protest, declaring,
+however, that should any further assistance be required during the course of
+the war, they would be ready and glad to send it.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">Thousands of volunteers offered their services, but only a limited number
+could be accepted. It was decided to allow each locality to have the honour
+of taking part in the patriotic movement, and the formation of companies was
+authorised as follows:&mdash;A Company, Manitoba and the North-West; B, London,
+Ontario; C, Toronto; D, Ottawa and Kingston; E, Montreal; F, Quebec;
+G, Fredericton and Prince Edward Island; H, Halifax.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">The men were thus gathered from all parts of Canada, the smaller towns
+sending from three to seven representatives each, and the larger ones supplying
+some regulars from the city regiments, in addition to volunteers. The enrolling
+and equipping of these 1000 volunteers, scattered as they had been over 3500
+miles of territory, was accomplished in little more than a fortnight&mdash;a wonderful
+feat in view of the pacific times enjoyed by the Colonials.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">It was quite inspiriting to note the general activity. All the Dominion displayed
+its loyalty in deeds as well as words. Men living in idleness and comfort,
+professional men of standing, family men with innumerable ties, came to
+the fore and volunteered their services; while employers assisted the splendid
+movement by offering facilities to those serving them who might care to enlist.
+Every soul insisted on taking his share in the Imperial doings. Those who
+could not volunteer united their efforts and showed their loyalty by showering
+gifts on the battalion. The officers and men of every company were presented
+at their own headquarters with a sum of money varying according to rank, but
+in each case of substantial value, as a contribution to their warlike needs.
+Every officer received from public subscriptions a field-glass, revolver, and
+$125 in money. Privates were presented with a silver match-box and $25.
+The Bank of Ottawa contributed $1000 for the purchase of delicacies for the
+men on their sea-voyage. In addition to this generosity, firms of all kinds sent
+in their own manufacture, life insurances were effected on special terms for
+officers and men of the battalion covering compensation for partial disablement,
+and the telegraph and telephonic companies liberally agreed to transmit private
+messages for all connected with the Contingent free of charge.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">The mobilisation and concentration at Quebec of the composite battalion was
+no mean undertaking, but it was accomplished by the 27th of October. On the
+following night a dinner to the officers was given, and later, a smoking concert.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span></p>
+
+<p class="smaller">On the 29th the special service battalion attended divine service, the
+Catholics at the Cathedral, the Roman Catholics at the Basilica. The sermon
+given at the Cathedral was a notable one, and served to mark the historical
+nature of the occasion. Among other things, the Rev. J. G. Scott expressed
+himself of sentiments that all might do well to read, mark, learn, and inwardly
+digest. He said: &#8220;What is the Empire of which we are a part? It is not a
+mere collection of subservient peoples adding to the revenue and importance of
+a small island to the north-west of Europe. No; it is much more than that. It
+is a vast federation of peoples of all nations, tongues, languages, and creeds
+joined together in &#8216;liberty, equality, and fraternity,&#8217; by common laws and a
+common love to their real or their adopted mother. England and England&#8217;s flag
+must remain the symbol of our common patriotism. But the British Empire,
+the Empire of the future, the Empire rising with the sun of a new century, is
+founded in deeper principles than mere sentimental devotion to the land of our
+fathers. The principle underlying it is the liberty and brotherhood and welfare
+of man. We conquer and advance. Wild lands come under our sway.
+Savage races are subjugated or turn to us for protection. But all with what
+result? With the result that the waste lands are cultivated, the hidden mines
+of the earth yield up their treasures, continents are spanned by vast railways
+and the bed of ocean by electric cables, with the result that the savage is
+brought under the yoke of civilisation, and religion, education, and commerce
+raise him almost to the level of a European. But this progress has not been,
+nor can it be, unaccompanied by difficulties. At the present time our race in
+its general advance is brought face to face with forces that retard, not merely
+the growth of the British Empire, but the principles of freedom and humanity
+which underlie it. The nineteenth century is confronted in South Africa with
+a remnant of the seventeenth. Our brethren, oppressed by an intolerable
+tyranny, cry to us for help, and we, a republic under a monarchical form, go to
+crush a despotism under the form of a republic.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">This last phrase was a masterpiece, one that all who have enjoyed the
+liberty, fraternity, and equality of our republican empire can fully appreciate.
+Continuing, the preacher went on to say: &#8220;Surely, if we go forth firmly, fearlessly,
+and mercifully to fight in such a cause, we can feel, like Israel of old, that
+&#8216;the Eternal God is our refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms, and
+that He will thrust out the enemy from before us.&#8217; And you, my brethren, who
+are privileged to go forth under the flag of our Queen and the Empire, are the
+representatives of a great people, formed of various creeds, and nationalities,
+and languages, but blended in a common law and a common love for the liberty
+which makes men&mdash;men. The call to arms from the Motherland has sent a
+thrill to the four corners of the earth. The Empire, which has been knit together
+by community of race, by commerce, by railways and by cables, is to be drawn
+now into an absolutely indissoluble bond by the voluntary sacrifice of blood and
+life on a common battlefield. No ordinary departure of troops to the front is
+yours. You are the pioneers of a new era in our history. The importance of
+this day is not to be measured, any more than was the importance of the great
+battle in the Plains hard by, according to numerical computation. We have
+taken a step, a step on the threshold of another century, which is destined in
+time to put an end to the distinction of Colony and Motherland, and will finally
+give us a voice in the conduct of the Empire. Surely, to those going forth as
+champions in a noble cause, I cannot do better than to commend to you individually
+the watchword of Israel&#8217;s&mdash;nay, of England&#8217;s strength, &#8216;The Eternal God
+is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.&#8217; There may come<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span>
+moments to some of you, in the irksomeness of discipline, in the pause before
+the battle-charge, in the silence of lonely picket duty, or during sleepless nights
+on the hospital pallet, when the memory of the parting service in these hallowed
+walls&mdash;walls which, during this century, have seen many heroes arm at the call
+of duty&mdash;will come back to you with the comfort which even the bravest need,
+and you will feel that in life and death &#8216;the Eternal God is your refuge, and
+underneath are the everlasting arms.&#8217; Then, like the knights of old, consecrate
+to-day your hearts and swords to God&#8217;s service, and you who are communicants
+draw near to the altar of God and receive the strength which comes from the
+Body and Blood of Christ. You are not a wild horde let loose in savage warfare,
+but Christian men armed for a great cause. Keep then your lives pure&mdash;pure
+as the memories of your Canadian home. Be sober, as men who can face danger
+without artificial courage. Let the talk at mess and in camp be clean, and above
+all remember to pay regularly the daily homage of prayer to your Heavenly
+Father. Do not be ashamed to confess Christ before men.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">These heart-stirring words found their echo in every breast&mdash;the great body
+of patriotic volunteers was thrilled through with the ambition to do great deeds
+in a great way, to go forth and write their names in blood, if need be, alongside
+of those of their brothers of the Anglo-Saxon race whose records loomed large
+and indelible upon the scrip of Time.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">In the evening the Governor-General entertained the superior officers and
+staff at dinner, and on the following morning the last parade was held. Major-General
+Hutton, commanding the Canadian Militia, commenced his inspection
+at 11.30. At noon the Governor-General, the Premier, Sir Wilfred Laurier, and
+other members of the Cabinet arrived on the ground. His Excellency addressed
+the men as follows: &#8220;Colonel Otter, officers, non-commissioned officers,
+and men of the Canadian Contingent, I congratulate you on the splendid
+appearance of your regiment on parade, and Canada may justly be proud
+of her representative troops. But, Colonel Otter, the force you command
+represents a great deal more than a serviceable regiment on parade. We
+are standing here upon historic ground, under the ramparts of the old
+city of Quebec, surrounded by celebrated battlefields, and in an atmosphere
+full of the glorious traditions of two great nations&mdash;nations who, respecting
+each other&#8217;s warlike qualities on many a hard-fought field, have now joined
+in common loyalty to their Queen and Empress. Your companies have been
+gathered from British Columbia to the Atlantic coast, from the settlers in the
+Rocky Mountains and the Far West, from Ontario and the Maritime Provinces,
+and from the old French families of Quebec. They represent the manhood of
+the Dominion from the west to the east, but, above all, they represent the
+spontaneous offer of the people of Canada, British born and French Canadian,
+to the Mother Country. The people of Canada have shown no inclination to
+discuss the quibbles of Colonial responsibility; they have only unmistakably
+asked that their loyal offers should be made known, and they rejoice in their
+gracious acceptance. In so doing surely they have opened a new chapter
+in the history of our Empire; they have freely made their military gift to an
+Imperial cause, to share the privations, and the dangers, and the glories of an
+Imperial army. They have insisted on giving vent to the expression of that
+sentimental Imperial unity which may, perhaps, hereafter prove more binding
+than any written Imperial constitution. The embarkation of your force, Colonel
+Otter, to-day will mark a memorable epoch in the history of Canada and the
+Empire. Of the success of your future we have no doubt; we shall watch
+your departure with very full hearts, and shall follow your movements with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span>
+eager enthusiasm. All Canada will long to see the Maple Leaf well to the
+front, and to give her Contingent a glorious welcome home again. And now, as
+the representative of Her Majesty, I wish you God speed and every success.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">Lord Minto then called on the men to give three cheers for the Queen,
+which they did with all the zest of lusty Anglo-Saxon lungs.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">Sir Wilfrid Laurier then addressed the regiment. He reminded them they
+were going to obey the call of duty, that their cause was the cause of justice,
+the cause of humanity and of civilisation. Men of our own race were
+being unjustly oppressed, and the troops were going forth in the interests
+of the Empire and of liberty. He rejoiced to see the alacrity with which
+Canadians had responded to the call and rushed to the aid of the great Empire
+of which all were so proud. He wished them God speed, and expressed his
+confidence that they would be an honour to themselves and to their native land.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">Major-General Hutton impressively assured the troops that their honour
+was Canada&#8217;s honour, that their renown was Canada&#8217;s renown; and though
+strain and hardships might be great, they would remember that in the far-off
+Dominion thousands of men and women looked to the Royal Canadian Regiment
+to uphold the honour of their native land. French Canadians and English
+Canadians must recollect the responsibility that would rest upon their shoulders,
+and he knew they would acquit themselves well of their duties.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">Then followed an address by the Hon. S. Parent, Mayor of Quebec. He
+read: &#8220;The citizens of Quebec offer you the most cordial welcome in this old
+fortress, so often stormed by war and tempest, whose inhabitants, from their
+earliest years, have been accustomed to the music of military bands, to the
+smell of powder and the smoke of battles. We are proud of the honour that
+has been done our city in its selection as the scene of the mobilisation of this
+select regiment which the Canadian people send to the assistance of our Mother
+Country. The presence in our midst of the representative of our Most Gracious
+Sovereign, His Excellency the Governor-General, and other dignitaries of the
+State, adds not only lustre and <i>éclat</i> to this day&#8217;s ceremony, but gives to our
+proceedings a deeper and wider meaning. It was no vain appeal that was
+made to our valour and our loyalty, for along the way from Victoria to Halifax,
+a thousand picked men, representing the youth, physical strength, the discipline
+and the courageous daring of our people, freely volunteered to serve under the
+British flag. The people of various origin and different religious creeds that go
+to make up the population of this country are represented in your regiment,
+and now that we are, for the time being, assembled within the walls of the
+most French city of the New World, let us claim for the French-Canadian
+element a large share of the warm and spontaneous outburst of sentiments
+of loyalty to England which marked your triumphal passage from your homes
+to Quebec. No matter how diverse may be our origin and the languages that
+we speak, who is there that will dare to affirm that we have not all the qualities
+necessary for the making of a real nation? Who dare say, upon such an
+occasion as the present, that we are not all sincerely united and loyal towards
+the Canadian Dominion, and loyal to England which has given us so complete
+a measure of liberty? We French-Canadians have loyally accepted the new
+destinies that Providence provided for us upon the battlefield of 1759. Is it
+possible that anybody can have forgotten 1775 and 1812? On the summit of
+this proud rock of Quebec, rendered illustrious by Jacques Cartier and Champlain,
+behold, but a few steps from this place, the superb monument erected
+by an English Governor to the memory of Wolfe and of Montcalm! Why
+may we not make it the emblem and the symbol of our national unity? Let<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span>
+us leave to each individual amongst us the privilege to retain, as a sweet
+souvenir worthy of a noble heart, the rose, the thistle, the fleur-de-lys, or
+the shamrock, and even the pot of earth that the Irish immigrant brings
+with him from under distant skies, and let us be united for the great and holy
+cause that we have in hand: the foundation of a great nation and the development
+of the boundless resources of a rich and immense country. Our best
+wishes accompany you in the long journey, at the end of which you will,
+no doubt, find glory as well as suffering, privations, and perhaps even heroic
+sacrifices. When you will be under the burning sun of Africa, you may be
+sure that our hearts will follow you everywhere, and that in our long winter
+evenings you will be the principal object of our fireside talk and solicitude.
+Be quite sure, too, that this Canada of ours will watch with a maternal care
+over the loved ones that you leave behind you, and who, in parting with you,
+are making so great and generous a sacrifice. May the God of battles crown
+your efforts! May He preserve you in the midst of danger! And may He
+bring you back safe and sound to the beloved shores of your fatherland!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">Never was more impressive scene, and even the stoutest warriors among the
+audience were thrilled with the consciousness of the solemnity of the moment,
+the sacredness of their future duty. Colonel Otter, who was much moved,
+replied as a soldier&mdash;briefly, but to the point. He thanked all around for their
+goodwill, and expressed his confidence that the Canadian Contingent would do
+its duty and do honour to the land of its birth.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">The list of the principal officers was as follows:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">To command&mdash;Lieut.-Colonel W. D. Otter, Canadian Staff, A.D.C. to His
+Excellency the Governor-General. To be Major and second in command&mdash;Lieut.-Colonel
+L. Buchan, Royal Canadian Regiment. To be Major&mdash;Lieut.-Colonel
+O. C. C. Pelletier, Canadian Staff. To be Adjutant&mdash;Major J. C. M&#8217;Dougall,
+Royal Canadian Regiment. To be Quartermaster&mdash;Capt. and Brevet-Major
+S. J. A. Denison, Royal Canadian Regiment. To be Medical Officers&mdash;Surgeon-Major
+C. A. Wilson, 3rd Field Battery, C.A.; Surgeon-Major E. Fiset, 89th
+Batt. To be attached for Staff duty&mdash;Major L. G. Drummond, Scots Guards,
+Military Secretary to His Excellency the Governor-General. A Company
+(British Columbia and Manitoba).&mdash;To be Captain&mdash;Capt. M. G. Blanchard,
+5th Regt. C.A. Major H. M. Arnold, 90th Batt.; Capt. A. E. Hodkins,
+Nelson R. Co.; Lieut. S. P. Layborn, R.C.R.I. B Company (London)&mdash;Major
+Duncan Stuart, 26th Batt.; Capt. J. C. Mason, 10th Batt.; Capt. J. M.
+Ross, 22nd Batt.; Second Lieut. R. H. M. Temple, 48th Highlanders.
+C Company (Toronto)&mdash;Capt. R. K. Barker, Q.O.R.; Lieut. J. C. Ogilvie,
+R.C.A.; Lieut. W. R. Marshall, 13th Batt.; Lieut. G. S. Wilkie, 10th Batt.
+D Company (Ottawa and Kingston)&mdash;Major S. M. Rogers, 43rd Batt.; Capt.
+W. T. Lawless, G.G.F.G.; Lieut. R. G. Stewart, 43rd Batt.; Lieut. A. C.
+Caldwell, 42nd Batt. E Company (Montreal)&mdash;Capt. A. H. Macdonell, R.C.R.I.;
+Capt. C. K. Fraser, 53rd Batt.; Lieut. A. E. Swift, 8th Batt.; Lieut. A.
+Laurie, P. of W. R. F Company (Quebec)&mdash;Capt. J. E. Pelletier, 65th Batt.;
+Capt. H. A. Panet, R.C.A.; Lieut. L. Leduc, R.C.R.I.; Lieut. E. A. Pelletier,
+55th Batt. G Company (New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island)&mdash;Major
+W. A. Weeks, Charlottetown Engineers; Capt. F. C. Jones, 3rd Regt. C.A.;
+Lieut. J. H. Kaye, R.C.R.I.; Second Lieut. C. W. W. M&#8217;Lean, 8th Hussars.
+H Company (Halifax)&mdash;Capt H. B. Stairs, 66th Batt.; Capt. H. E. Burstall,
+R.C.A.; Lieut. R. B. Willis, 66th Batt.; Second Lieut. J. C. Oland, 63rd Batt.
+Machine-Gun Section&mdash;Lieut. and Capt. A. C. Bell, Scots Guards, A.D.C. to
+the Major-General commanding the Canadian Militia.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span></p>
+
+<p class="smaller">The following officers were attached to the Royal Canadian Regiment for
+whatever duty might be allotted to them in connection with the campaign:
+Lieut.-Colonel F. L. Lessard, Royal Canadian Dragoons; Lieut.-Colonel C. W.
+Drury, A.D.C., Royal Canadian Artillery; Major R. Cartwright, Royal Canadian
+Regiment; Capt. W. Forester, Royal Canadian Dragoons. Medical officer&mdash;Capt.
+A. B. Osborne, C.A.M.S. (provisional).</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">By five o&#8217;clock in the afternoon all was over. The great ship <i>Sardinian</i>,
+with slow dignity, as though conscious of the gallant burden she was bearing
+to battle, sailed out into the great immensity of sea and sky. Cheers rent the
+air, tears&mdash;the tears not of personal grief, but of sympathetic patriotism&mdash;dimmed
+every eye. Many sorrowed, but many more were overwhelmed with
+sheer joy and pride to see this goodly throng going forth to do martial deeds,
+and bring back laurels to crown the land that Wolfe had made glorious.
+Slowly and with precision the minute guns boomed from the Citadel, loudly,
+the bands played the well-loved tunes, the &#8220;Maple Leaf&#8221; and &#8220;God Save the
+Queen.&#8221; Swiftly now sped the <i>Sardinian</i>, flaunting her gay decorations, and
+bearing on the bosom of the water a thousand of Canada&#8217;s best, a thousand
+brave hearts and true.</p>
+
+<h3 class="gap2"><a id="THE_SECOND_CANADIAN_CONTINGENT" name="THE_SECOND_CANADIAN_CONTINGENT"></a>THE SECOND CANADIAN CONTINGENT</h3>
+
+<p class="smaller">After the departure of the first Contingent the loyalty of Canada continued
+to increase. Every incident of the war was carefully watched and discussed,
+the great deeds that were on foot found lavish appreciation. At numerous
+meetings which took place in various parts of Canada the spirit of the country
+was described by such declarations as: &#8220;We, too, are loyal Britons, and our
+patriotism is at its best when our country needs us most.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">On November 7th Canada made the offer to the British Government of a
+second Contingent for South Africa, and on December 18th Sir Wilfred Laurier
+received a cablegram from Mr. Joseph Chamberlain accepting the offer. As
+one of the Canadian Ministry afterwards said, &#8220;It did not take much more
+than five minutes for the Cabinet to decide that the Hon. F. W. Borden,
+Minister of Militia, should immediately instruct his officers at the Militia
+Department to go on with the preparations for sending the second Contingent.&#8221;
+The fact was that most of the details had been ready for a month and more.
+The Minister of Militia had early come to the conclusion that a second Contingent
+of Canadians should be gathered together in the form of cavalry or
+mounted infantry and artillery.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">The first to be given a chance of enlisting for South Africa were the
+Mounted Police. Forty-eight hours later steps were taken towards recruiting
+200 Prairie Cowboys, men who could ride and shoot as well as any cavalrymen
+in the world, and who are accustomed to subsisting on the scantiest of rations.
+Next came the Royal Canadian Dragoons, regulars, who were mounted on
+well-trained horses, and so well drilled as to make it possible for every man
+of them to instruct the less trained recruits during the voyage. The Boers
+having a healthy horror of the lance as a cavalry weapon, it was decided that
+half at least of Canada&#8217;s cavalry should be given this arm.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 613px;">
+<a name="illo46" id="illo46"></a><img src="images/illo46.png" width="613" height="437" alt="LADY MINTO PRESENTING COLOURS TO HERCHMERS HORSE, ON LEAVING OTTAWA, 19th JAN. 1900." title="" />
+<div><span class="caption">LADY MINTO PRESENTING COLOURS TO HERCHMER&#8217;S HORSE, ON LEAVING OTTAWA, 19th JAN. 1900.</span><br />
+<span class="smaller">Drawing by J. H. Bacon, from Photo by J. C. Hemment.</span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p class="smaller">It was considered that the Cowboys, and such &#8220;Plainsmen of the West&#8221; as
+Herchmer&#8217;s Horse, <i>broncho busters</i> who had never been conquered by man or
+horse, would be specially valuable in the style of warfare affected by the Boers.
+With nerves of steel and thews of wire, they could speak without boasting of
+their capacity for putting in thirty-six hours consecutively in the saddle, and
+for living &#8220;on the smell of an oiled rag.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span>&#8221;</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">Ardent volunteers who had failed to get a place in the first Contingent now
+rushed forward from every side. The sole disappointment was, that only a
+limited number could be accepted, and those must all be mounted men or
+artillery.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">The wild enthusiasm aroused by the brave and splendid work of that portion
+of the first Canadian Contingent which was with Colonel Pilcher in South
+Africa, and the inspiring accounts given by the correspondent of the <i>Toronto
+Globe</i>, resulted in more volunteering, and a third Contingent could easily have
+been raised, even after the rigorous medical examination had rejected numbers.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">The people of Canada responded nobly to the call for funds to provide for
+the families of their volunteers on service in South Africa, the large amounts
+subscribed by the Banks of Montreal and British North America, followed by
+donations of 15,000 dollars by the Canadian Pacific Railway and 2000 dollars
+by Holsen&#8217;s Bank, having served to stimulate action in this direction. The
+City Council of Toronto insured for 1000 dollars the lives of all the 123 men
+they had sent to form part of the second Contingent.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">On January 19, the Dominion Government, in a house which cheered
+itself hoarse in response to patriotic speeches, decided to offer, if required,
+12,000 men to the Imperial Parliament for service in South Africa. Lord
+Strathcona meantime, at his own expense, raised a mounted battalion for
+service, which was to be ready to sail on February 10 for South Africa,
+the War Office having given their consent to the formation of the corps. The
+matter was placed in the hands of the Hon. Dr. Borden, Canadian Minister of
+Militia and Defence, who was given a free hand to recommend officers, organise
+and equip the corps, Lord Strathcona reserving only the right to reject or
+confirm his decisions.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">The following officers left for the front at the end of January: Officers of D
+Battery&mdash;Major W. G. Hurdman, Capt. D. J. V. Eaton; Lieutenants, first section,
+T. W. Vantuyl; second section, J. M&#8217;Crea; third section, E. W. B. Morrison.
+Officers of E Battery&mdash;Major G. H. Ogilvie; Capt. R. Costigan; Lieutenants,
+first section, W. F. Murray; second section, A. T. Ogilvie; third section, W. G.
+Good. Officers attached for duty&mdash;Captain H. J. Uniacke; Adjutant, Captain
+H. C. Thatcher; Medical Officer, Surgeon-Major A. Worthington; Veterinary
+Officer, Veterinary-Major Massie. These were followed by Regimental Staff
+Commander Lieut.-Colonel Herchmer; Adjutant Lieut. Montague Baker;
+Transport Officer, Lieut. Eustace; Quartermaster, Captain Allan; Medical
+Officer, Surg.-Capt. Devine; Veterinary Officer, Lieut. R. Riddell. In
+command of squadrons, Majors Howe and Sanders; Captains Cuthbert and
+Macdonnell; Lieutenants Begin, Davidson, Wroughton, Cosby, Chalmers,
+Taylor, and Inglis.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">When the mounted section of the second Canadian Contingent, numbering
+eighty men, started, some twelve extra men were invited to volunteer. To
+meet the demand no less than 400 applicants, many of them men of independent
+means, instantly came forward. Here was a remarkable proof of
+martial spirit, of devotion to the cause of the Mother Country. Vanity some
+said it was. Any way, it was a vanity fringing on the sublime.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">It is interesting to note, that before the gallant members of the second Contingent
+left for Halifax they were presented with guidons by Lady Minto, the
+gifts being inscribed with the motto of the Elliot clan&mdash;&#8220;Wha daur meddle wi&#8217;
+me.&#8221; This delicate mark of attention was highly appreciated by the men.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">Early in February the Mounted Bushmen&#8217;s Corps of 300 men and horses
+started for the Cape. All the Canadians, volunteers it must be remembered,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span>
+were picked men from all parts of the Dominion, and with them were scouts
+from British Columbia, who, for the most part, were recruited from the
+Mounted Police of the North-West and from Cowboys. Being about the
+smartest riders and best shots in the world, it was felt that they would
+distinguish themselves in the war game as played by the Boers.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">Among those at the front prominently connected with Canada was Captain
+Kirkpatrick, Royal Engineers, who was attached to the staff of Sir Redvers
+Buller. This officer is a graduate of the Royal Military College, Kingston,
+and on leaving that institution received a commission in the Royal Engineers.
+When the war broke out, Captain Kirkpatrick was ordered from Malta to South
+Africa, where he commanded the Fortress Company of the Royal Engineers.
+Major Denison, a prominent officer in the Royal Canadian Infantry, who had
+personal charge of the recruiting for the first Canadian Contingent, and was
+appointed quartermaster to the battalion at Quebec, had the honour in January
+of being appointed aide-de-camp on the staff of Lord Roberts.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">Another of the patriotic band was Colonel Girouard (the French Canadian
+of Egyptian fame), who assisted Lord Kitchener and the Engineers in marvellous
+operations along the line of rail. This officer has achieved a glorious
+reputation, one which has been declared to be a closer bond between French
+Canada and Great Britain than any words. Another honoured Canadian, who
+was mortally wounded in the attack near Spearman&#8217;s Camp on the 20th
+of January, was Captain Hensley (Dublin Fusiliers). This gallant officer was
+born at Charlottetown and educated at King&#8217;s College, Windsor, whence he
+passed into the Royal Military College.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">Major-General Hutton, commanding the Canadian Militia, early in the year
+was selected for special service in South Africa. No better officer could have
+been chosen. He had ample experience of the subject in hand, as he himself
+stated in speaking to the Canadian Contingent before their departure:
+&#8220;It was my lot to have seen two campaigns in South Africa, including the
+campaign against the Boers in 1882. It was also&mdash;I was going to say my
+privilege&mdash;it was certainly not my pleasure&mdash;to have been at Pretoria at the
+time the present Convention was made; and I therefore know their leaders,
+and a little something&mdash;I may say almost too much&mdash;of South Africa and the
+Transvaal, and therefore I recognise perhaps more clearly than many of you
+do the very great difficulties and the dangers which our Contingent and the
+Imperial troops in South Africa are exposed to.&#8221;</p>
+
+<h3 class="gap2"><a name="STRATHCONAS_HORSE" id="STRATHCONAS_HORSE"></a>STRATHCONA&#8217;S HORSE</h3>
+
+<p class="smaller">Strathcona&#8217;s Horse, consisting of 530 men and 560 horses, was commanded
+by Colonel Steele of the North-West Mounted Police. He is regarded as an
+ideal officer for a scouting force, and his men were all picked men, the cream
+of the expert riders and riflemen of the Dominion. Morally and physically
+they were declared to be the best soldiers that have ever been enrolled in Canada.
+Their mounts were small shaggy bronchos, but sturdy long stayers. In regard
+to Lord Strathcona&#8217;s timely generosity it is impossible to say enough&mdash;the
+general appreciation of his splendid and patriotic act is expressed in the following
+resolution, which was adopted by the Executive Committee of the
+British Empire League in Canada: &#8220;That the Executive Committee of the
+British Empire League in Canada has heard with unqualified satisfaction of the
+magnificent undertaking of Lord Strathcona and Mount Royal, a Vice-President
+of this League, to raise, equip, and support, at his entire expense, a corps<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span>
+of mounted troops composed of Canadians for service for the Empire in the
+South African war, and desires to place on record its enthusiastic appreciation
+of his patriotic munificence, and is certain that his work will yet further convince
+the rest of the Empire of Canada&#8217;s devotion to the cause.&#8221; Speaking of
+this noble promoter of his country&#8217;s weal, Lieutenant Cooper, Q.V.R., said:
+&#8220;Generously has the British Empire done by Lord Strathcona, and generously
+and freely has Lord Strathcona done by the Empire. Under the ĉgis of the
+Union Jack in Scotland, Donald Alexander Smith spent the first eighteen years
+of his life. In 1838 he entered the service of the Hudson&#8217;s Bay Company, and
+learned the intricacies of North American trade in Labrador and the North-West.
+In later years he took a prominent part in the organisation of the
+Canadian Government in the newly-acquired Rupert&#8217;s Land, and was intimately
+connected with the early official days of Manitoba and the North-West Territories.
+After representing Montreal for two terms in the Dominion Parliament,
+he was appointed Canadian High Commissioner in London, England, a position
+which he still fills to the satisfaction of the Canadian people. In 1897 he was
+raised to the peerage as Baron Strathcona and Mount Royal of Glencoe and
+Montreal.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">The force, equipped after the manner of other mounted troops, and not
+armed with lances, was paid by Lord Strathcona until it landed in South
+Africa, when it was taken over by the Imperial Government. As in the case
+of the Contingents from the various Colonies, the officers of the corps were
+appointed as follows: S. B. Steele, gent., Canadian North-West Mounted
+Police, to be Lieut.-Colonel, with the temporary rank of Lieut.-Colonel in the
+army. To be Majors, with the temporary rank of Major in the army: Lieut.
+R. C. Laurie, Canadian Militia Reserve of Officers; R. Belcher, Inspector
+Canadian North-West Mounted Police; A. M. Jarvis, Inspector Canadian
+North-West Mounted Police; A. E. Synder, Inspector Canadian North-West
+Mounted Police. D. M. Howards, Canadian North-West Mounted Police, to be
+Captain, with the temporary rank of Captain in the army. To be Lieutenants,
+with the temporary rank of Lieutenant in the army: Major G. W. Camden,
+Canadian Militia; Captains R. M. Courtney, Canadian Militia; J. J. Macdonald,
+Canadian Militia; E. F. Mackie, Canadian Militia; Lieutenants T. E. Pooley,
+Canadian Militia; R. H. B. Magee, Canadian Militia Reserve of Officers; Second
+Lieutenant P. Fall, Canadian Militia; F. L. Cartwright, Inspector Canadian
+North-West Mounted Police; A. E. Christie, Inspector Canadian North-West
+Mounted Police; J. E. Leckie, Graduate Royal Military College, Kingston,
+Canada; A. W. Strange, gent., late Canadian Militia. Lieutenant M. P.
+Cotton, Canadian Militia, to be Lieutenant for Machine-Gun Detachment,
+with the temporary rank of Lieutenant in the Army. W. Parker,
+Canadian North-West Mounted Police, to be Quartermaster, with the temporary
+rank of Lieutenant in the army. C. B. Keenan, gent., M.D., to
+be Medical Officer, with the temporary rank of Captain. Dr. M&#8217;Millan
+of Brandon was appointed Veterinary Surgeon for the Strathcona Horse. His
+assistant was Mr. Millican, of Rapid City, Manitoba.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">The regiment was recruited from a territory covering a million square miles,
+some men having travelled from Yukon and the Peace River district in order
+to enlist. Many distinguished men were among them. In one troop were to
+be found Mr. Beresford (formerly a Naval officer), cousin of the Marquis of
+Waterford; Mr. Warren, son of Colonel Warren, R.H.A.; Mr. Shaw, son of a
+Baronet; Mr. O&#8217;Brien, a kinsman of Lord Inchiquin; Hon. Mr. Cochrane, son
+of the now notable Lord Dundonald; and Lord Seymour. Colonel Steele<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span>
+(N.W.M.P.), in command of the corps, is a son of a Captain in the Royal
+Navy. He was born in Canada, and is noted for his bravery and devotion to
+duty. Major Belcher, a notable swordsman and lancer, was for some years in
+the 9th Lancers. The troops received an enthusiastic send off, and multitudes
+gathered together to do honour to the latest addition of Great Britain&#8217;s army.
+Several beautiful guidons were presented to the corps by the ladies of Ottawa.
+Each was made of crimson silk, with a broad white stripe through the centre,
+on which was embroidered in crimson letters, &#8220;Strathcona&#8217;s Horse.&#8221; On the
+upper crimson bar was Lord Strathcona&#8217;s motto, &#8220;Perseverance,&#8221; done in
+crimson on a white garter. Above the garter was a Baron&#8217;s coronet and tiny
+brown beaver on a green maple leaf. On the lower crimson bar was the
+squadron&#8217;s designation.</p>
+
+<h3 class="gap2"><a name="NEW_SOUTH_WALES" id="NEW_SOUTH_WALES"></a>NEW SOUTH WALES</h3>
+
+<p class="smaller">New South Wales fell into line with the other Australasian Colonies, and
+decided to send a military force for service with the Imperial army in South
+Africa.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">The New South Wales Lancers, who had been in training at Aldershot,
+were the first to start. They were then about to return home, but were
+stopped <i>en route</i>, and proceeded to the Cape. Of their number some few
+refused to serve and went home, but on arrival many offered to return to the
+front. The rest gave satisfactory reasons for being unable to do so. Subsequently
+another Contingent was sent, and also the Bushmen Corps, at least
+1000 strong. It was composed of men who could ride well, shoot splendidly,
+and were accustomed to camping out and roughing it in pursuit of their usual
+vocations. It must be noted that this was not the first time that New South
+Wales had come to the assistance of the Mother Country. A force went to
+Egypt in the earlier Soudan wars, when one man was wounded. Some discontent
+at that time was shown owing to the troops not being allowed to go to
+the front. On this occasion they were to serve and fare as the Imperial troops,
+and to be considered as such while in the field.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">Each Contingent was composed of&mdash;1st, N.S.W. Lancers; First Australian
+Horse; N.S.W. Artillery; Mounted Rifles; Infantry, who, being good horsemen,
+were subsequently mounted by the Imperial Government. 2nd Contingent
+consisted of three Mounted Rifle units of 125 men each, one unit of
+Australian Horse of 100 men (475), one Battery of Artillery&mdash;18 officers,
+175 men, 140 horses (629). The total of the New South Wales troops at
+the front in February amounted to 1331 men.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">Though not at first very enthusiastic in expressions of patriotism, New
+South Wales soon became strong in deeds. Enthusiasm became epidemical.
+Mr. Lyne, the Premier, threw himself into the movement, and rapidly
+pushed forward the arrangements, and did all in his power to move in sympathy
+with the patriotic feelings of the Colony, which were daily growing more
+ardent. As a practical expression of the intensity of their patriotism, the
+citizens arranged and subscribed for the despatch of 500 expert roughriders
+and Bush marksmen, while the New South Wales Government assisted by
+supplying arms and ammunition.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">The volunteers were all part, or had formed part, of the land forces. The
+only actual <i>regular</i> regiment, as understood by us, was the artillery, a small
+company of Submarine Mining Engineers, 27; Army Service Corps, 10; and
+Army Medical Staff, 11. All the rest were partially paid or volunteers. The men<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span>
+came from the whole country, and were men who were serving in the various
+corps either as volunteers or partially paid troops. All the infantry corps were
+volunteers&mdash;all cavalry regiments and some of the field and garrison artillery
+were partially paid troops, and were called regulars, though not on the permanent
+staff. The officers of the Contingents were&mdash;1. Captain C. F. Cox,
+N.S.W. Lancers, Major Bridges, N.S.W. Artillery, Captain Legge, General
+Staff N.S.W. Inf.; 2. Major and Brevet Lieut.-Colonel Thomas Samuel Parrott,
+V. D. Corps of Engineers, an officer who served in 1885 with the Australian
+Contingent in the Soudan. Colonel Sydenham Smith com. Artillery; Major
+J. H. Plunkett Murray, com. 8th Inf. (Union Regiment); Captain and temporary
+Major P. T. Owen, General Staff; Staff officer for Engineer services, Captain
+L. H. Kyngdon, N.S.W. Regt. R.A.; Captain A. P. Popham Luscombe;
+N.S.W. Regt. R.A.A., Captain Henry P. Ramsay Copeland. Reserve of
+officers&mdash;Captain R. St. Julien Pearce; N.S.W. Art. (Field), Lieutenant R. S.
+Hay Blake Jenkins; N.S.W. Regt. R.A.A., Lieutenant C. F. Bracen, N.S.W.
+Art. (garrison). 1st Aus. (Vol.) Horse unit&mdash;1st Lieut. R. R. Thompson, Permanent
+Staff, with rank Captain; 2nd Lieutenant J. F. Moore Wilkinson, 1st
+Aus. Horse (Vol.), with rank 1st Lieutenant; 1st Lieutenant Keith Kinnaird
+Mackellar, 5th Inf. (Vol.) Regt.; Lieutenant B. J. Newmarch, N.S.W.A.M.C.;
+Lieutenant J. A. Dick, N.S.W.A.M.C.; Lieutenant A. H. Horsfall, N.S.W.A.M.C.
+Additional officers&mdash;Dr. A. MacCormick, to be Consulting Surgeon,
+hon. rank Major; Dr. R. Scot-Skirving, to be Consulting Surgeon, hon. rank
+Major; Dr. W. R. Cortis, rank Captain; N. R. Howse, rank Lieutenant.
+Chaplains&mdash;Church of England&mdash;Rev. H. J. Rose, hon. rank Major; Rev.
+Patrick Fagan, hon. rank Captain.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">The first Contingent reached Cape Town (from London) on November 2,
+1899. The second Contingent started on January 17th and 18th in three transports;
+these, while in dock, had to be watched, as some Boer sympathisers
+were suspected of wishing to set fire to them. Nevertheless there were most
+remarkable demonstrations of loyalty on all sides, and the troops went off in
+high feather, having been previously addressed by Mr. Lyne in the following
+stirring speech: &#8220;I wish to tell you that every man and woman in this country
+is not so proud of anything as of you. You are not enlisting in the ordinary
+sense of the term, in that you are volunteering to serve with the British troops
+in the interests of the Empire. You are certain to meet a foe such as Great
+Britain has not met for some considerable time, and I feel we shall all be
+proud of your deeds. It is admitted that you are particularly useful, knowing
+bush life and being able readily to seize commanding points. Great Britain is
+finding that her Colonies form a valuable nursery ground, and we, on our part,
+are prepared to supply Great Britain with a force which is rapidly becoming a
+powerful adjunct of the British arms. You will be placed where you must
+show energy and determination, and must manifest pluck and courage, and
+we believe that you will bring back as a reward a wide recognition that
+our arms have been of service to the Empire. You will make a name for us
+such as rarely falls to the lot of a youthful country. You will show the
+world that the Empire is united, and that we are prepared to defend her
+and our homes if the necessity arises. We in Australia wish you God-speed,
+and every heart here beats in accord with every loyal heart in South
+Africa. I can only add, for those who may fall, that their memories will be
+revered, and you depart knowing that the loved ones of those yielding their
+lives will be tended by a generous Government and a generous public. Again
+I wish you God-speed, and may you return covered with all honour.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span>&#8221;</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">On the 19th of January the Premier received the following cable: &#8220;Her
+Majesty&#8217;s Government learn with great satisfaction of the despatch of the Contingent
+and the patriotic feeling in New South Wales. The Queen commands
+me to express her thanks for these renewed expressions of loyalty.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller ralign padr1 smcap">&#8220;Chamberlain.&#8221;</p>
+
+<h3 class="gap2"><a name="VICTORIA" id="VICTORIA"></a>VICTORIA</h3>
+
+<p class="smaller">The Victorian Contingent started off with the same flourish of trumpets and
+the same outbursts of popular feeling which had accompanied all the Transvaal
+Contingents. There was a mixture of song and shout, of sorrow and tears.
+The weather was unchangeably splendid; the city of Melbourne was thronged
+with visitors to witness the unusual sight, the crowd being augmented by
+numerous Tasmanians who journeyed across the straits to get a last glimpse
+at the brave band of warriors as they started on their voyage. Lord Brassey
+gave a short address, and in the name of the Queen wished them God-speed.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller"><span class="smcap">First Victorian Contingent for South Africa.</span>&mdash;Nominal Roll
+of Officers of the Victorian Contingent for service in South Africa, sent in
+accordance with the cablegram of the Right Honourable the Secretary of
+State for the Colonies of 4th October 1899: Major G. A. Eddy, Captain
+(Medical Staff) W. F. Hopkins, Lieutenant T. M. M&#8217;Inerney, Lieutenant H.
+W. Pendlebury, Lieutenant A. J. N. Tremearne. Mounted Infantry Unit&mdash;Captain
+M&#8217;Leish, Lieutenant and Adjutant Salmon, Lieutenant Thorn, Lieutenant
+Chomley, Lieutenant Staughton, Lieutenant Roberts, Veterinary-Captain
+Kendall.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">The following officers were attached for instruction in accordance with the
+cablegram of the Right Honourable the Secretary of State for the Colonies,
+dated 27th October 1899: Colonel J. C. Hoad, Lieutenant-Colonel C. E. E.
+Umphelby, Captain G. J. Johnston, Captain J. H. Bruche. Transport Officer
+for service with troops for South Africa on board s.s. <i>Medic</i>&mdash;Lieutenant-Commander
+W. J. Colquhoun.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller"><span class="smcap">Second Victorian Contingent for South Africa</span> (two companies
+of mounted infantry).&mdash;Nominal Roll of Officers who embarked on
+s.s. <i>Euryalus</i> on 13th January 1900 for service in South Africa: Colonel T.
+Price, Captain D. H. Jenkins, Lieutenant T. H. Sergeant, Lieutenant T. F.
+Umphelby, Lieutenant G. O. Bruce, Lieutenant A. A. Holdsworth, Lieutenant
+M. T. Kirby, Lieutenant E. O. Anderson, Lieutenant T. A. Umphelby, Lieutenant
+E. S. Norton, Lieutenant R. S. R. S. Bree, Lieutenant and Adjutant J.
+L. Lilley, Major (Medical Staff) A. Honman, Chaplain Rev. F. W. Wray,
+Veterinary-Captain H. S. Rudduck. Officer attached for special service with
+Army Service Corps: Lieutenant A. J. Christie.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">In addition to these Contingents the Colony contributed 250 Bushmen,
+making in all up to the month of April, 751; officers, 46.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">Among the officers of the Victorian Contingent were some whose careers
+were particularly interesting:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">Lieut.-Colonel Charles Edward Ernest Umphelby was forty-six years of
+age, and a native of Victoria. He commanded the V.R.A.A. He joined the
+Militia Garrison Artillery at Warrnambool on the 20th June 1884; in March
+1885 was appointed lieutenant in the Permanent Artillery, being promoted to
+be captain on the 1st January 1888. In August 1891 he was promoted to
+be major, and in June 1897 to the rank of lieutenant-colonel. In addition to
+commanding the artillery he also commanded the Western District Garrison
+Artillery. He was sent to England by the Victorian Government in 1889<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span>
+to undergo courses of instruction, and while there was attached to the staff
+of Major-General Clarke. He passed through various artillery courses, including
+the long course at Woolwich and Shoeburyness.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">Captain George Jamieson Johnston is a Victorian native, and is thirty-one
+years of age. He is an officer of the Field Artillery Brigade, which is commanded
+by Lieutenant-Colonel Kelly. Captain Johnston was appointed lieutenant
+on the 11th January 1889, and was promoted to be captain on the 1st
+July 1895. He is well known as a straight and regular follower of the Melbourne
+Hounds.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">Captain Julius Henry Bruche was born on the 6th March 1873, and educated
+at the Scotch College, Melbourne. His first experience of military work was
+in the ranks, and as an officer in the cadet corps, under Major W. Whitehead.
+After leaving the Scotch College cadets he was appointed to the senior cadets,
+and from them was transferred to the 1st Battalion Infantry Brigade as a
+lieutenant on 15th May 1891. Whilst in the 1st Battalion he passed the
+examination for captain, &#8220;distinguished in all subjects.&#8221; He was appointed
+permanent adjutant of the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the Infantry Brigade on
+the 18th July 1898, and was promoted to the position of captain on the 17th
+February 1899, after passing the examination for regular officers, and going
+through a course of musketry and Maxim machine-gun, obtaining an officer&#8217;s
+extra certificate, and a certificate as qualified as instructor of the Maxim machine-gun.
+Captain Bruche is a barrister and solicitor, but gave up his profession to
+join the permanent staff of the Victorian forces.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">It may here be mentioned that Victoria has the distinction of being the
+birthplace of Dr. Robert Andrew Buntine, who was mentioned for bravery at
+the battle of Glencoe in Sir George White&#8217;s despatches. Dr. Buntine was born
+on the 13th of November 1869. He matriculated in the Melbourne University
+with honours, and at once entered upon his medical course, where he acquitted
+himself with some distinction, for although close upon a hundred students
+entered their curriculum with him, only five (and he was one of them) passed
+consecutively all their examinations with honours. In 1890 he graduated with
+honours, and took his M.B., Ch.M. degrees. He then became one of the resident
+surgeons of the Melbourne Hospital for a year. After that, and the hard
+work of the University, he decided upon a year&#8217;s travel. Accordingly, he travelled
+first in South Africa, and then in Great Britain for some months, visiting many
+interesting historical spots, and finally returning to South Africa, where he
+bought a practice in partnership with Dr. Currie, of Pietermaritzburg, Natal.
+Both are surgeons in the army, Dr. Buntine being surgeon to the Volunteers,
+and Dr. Currie to the Carabineers.</p>
+
+<h3 class="gap2"><a name="NEW_ZEALAND" id="NEW_ZEALAND"></a>NEW ZEALAND</h3>
+
+<p class="smaller">On the 21st of October, the anniversary of Trafalgar, Wellington was
+very early astir. Great were her preparations to commemorate the departure
+of her Contingent&mdash;the first Contingent to embark from the Colonies. Bunting
+began to break out before breakfast, and town and shipping were soon fluttering
+with flags. In the streets groups were congregating at a time when people
+are usually given up to business, and uniforms everywhere dotted the thoroughfare.
+Large numbers of volunteers came in from the country, some travelling
+all night, and there was a turn out of local forces amounting to 1500.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">The march through the town began at 1.20 <span class="smaller">P.M.</span> It was an inspiriting
+sight, and one that all wished to bear in memory. The road at intervals was so
+dotted with cameras, that one humourist in the ranks was heard to remark that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span>
+this was the &#8220;real original March of the Camera Men.&#8221; The crowds thickened
+and enthusiasm increased. Jervois Quay, the broadest avenue in the city, as
+well the open land abutting on it, was thronged from end to end. All the roofs
+commanding a view were lined, the steamers at the wharves were packed even
+to the rigging, and the long breastwork along the quay was crammed to
+suffocation.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">Here the passage for the Contingent was kept by a double row of
+volunteers. The weather had been frowning and gusty, but no sooner had the
+Contingent formed up in front of a temporary stand projecting from the breastwork,
+on which Lord Ranfurly, the Governor, Lady Ranfurly and suite were
+accommodated, than the sun burst forth resplendent while the wind gently
+lulled. Speeches were made, followed by pathetic leave-takings of friends and
+relatives. At the last moment so great was the crush that some of the men
+were cut off from the rest, and had afterwards to struggle to the steamer as
+best they could.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">As the big vessel slowly steamed off, cries of farewell, shouts, cheers rent
+the air, and continued unceasingly, till the <i>Waiwera</i> bearing New Zealand
+&#8220;Soldiers of the Queen&#8221; to the scene of war, had passed from sight.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">The first New Zealand Contingent was commanded by Major Robin, who is
+a splendid example of the born warrior. Originally a gunner in the B Battery
+New Zealand Artillery, he rose in the Otago Hussars through all the
+grades of non-commissioned officers to command of the troop. This regiment
+from that time was unsurpassed in efficiency by any in the Colony. As an
+instance of the pluck and energy of the gallant major, a characteristic story
+is told: When Sir John Richardson died he was accorded a military funeral,
+and was interred in the Northern Cemetery. On the day of the funeral the
+Leith was in high flood, and there was a general opinion that the Dundas
+Street Bridge would not bear the weight of the gun-carriage bearing the
+honoured remains. Major Robin at once volunteered to drive the gun-carriage
+across, and accomplished the dangerous task without mishap.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">Major Robin took charge of the New Zealand Contingent which attended
+the Diamond Jubilee, and had the honour of commanding the mixed Colonial
+escort which accompanied the Queen on her visit to London during the
+celebrations.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">Captain Madocks, who distinguished himself in the fight of the 15th of
+January at Slingersfontein, is a Wellington man, full of pluck and resource,
+and as we now know, admirably calculated to become a leader of men.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">The second Contingent, under the command of Major Cradock and numbering
+242 officers and men and 300 horses, left Wellington on the 20th of
+January&mdash;upwards of 70,000 spectators congregating to witness the departure
+of the fine fellows, whose appearance was alike martial and workmanly.
+These two Contingents, equipped and sent over at the cost of the New Zealand
+Government&mdash;the funds being raised among the settlers themselves&mdash;were not
+by any means New Zealand&#8217;s entire contribution. Two more Contingents
+followed, and afterwards a fifth, consisting of 500 rough riders; some of the
+smartest men that could be gathered together! Indeed the whole force was
+remarkable for its smartness, and before it had been long in the Transvaal was
+highly praised by General French for its fine horsemanship and coolness under
+fire.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">An interesting feature belonging to the New Zealanders, and one which
+must have struck consternation in the heart of the Boers, was the Maori war-cry
+of the troops. This was composed by Trooper Galloway, one of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span>
+Volunteer Contingent, and taught by him to his comrades. The war cry
+in the Maori tongue is &#8220;Kia, Kaha, Niu Tireni. Whawhai maiea mo te
+Kuini, to kaianga. Ake! ake! ake!&#8221; which interpreted means, &#8220;Be strong,
+New Zealand. Fight bravely for your Queen, for your country. Ever! ever!
+ever!&#8221; The interest of the Maoris in Great Britain was evinced in practical
+form. They held carnival, danced native dances, and sang native songs,
+devoting the proceeds to the Patriotic Fund. Their only regret was their
+inability to be enrolled among the defenders of the country.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 431px;">
+<a name="illo47" id="illo47"></a><img src="images/illo47.png" width="431" height="618" alt="HON. W. P. SCHREINER, C.M.G." title="" />
+<div><span class="caption">HON. W. P. SCHREINER, C.M.G.</span><br />
+<span class="smaller">Premier of the Cape Parliament, 1898-1900.<br />
+Photo by Elliott &amp; Fry, London.</span>
+</div></div>
+
+<h3 class="gap2"><a name="QUEENSLAND" id="QUEENSLAND"></a>QUEENSLAND</h3>
+
+<p class="smaller">The Queenslanders, under the command of Colonel Ricardo, have, as before
+said, the honour of being the first of Great Britain&#8217;s children to come forward
+to her assistance. Their deeds are now familiar to us, for they are associated
+with Colonel Pilcher&#8217;s famous raid to Sunnyside and Douglas, and also with
+the magnificent ride of General French for the relief of Kimberley. But before
+July 1899 we were scarcely acquainted with our warlike brothers across the
+ocean.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">The prime mover in the patriotic scheme of assisting the Mother Country in
+her need was the Hon. J. R. Dickson, the Premier. As we know, he lost not a
+moment. He did not wait for the need of assistance to be recognised. In this
+respect he followed the splendid example set in 1884 by the late Mr. Dalley,
+who, while acting Premier for Sir A. Stuart, telegraphed independently the
+wish of New South Wales to assist in the military undertakings of the Mother
+Country. The Premier knew the spirit of loyalty and patriotism that pervaded
+Queensland, and made haste to give it utterance. He was well supported by
+all sections of the Government and of the people, and speedily his action was
+imitated all over the world.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">Queensland by degrees sent out two Contingents composed of mounted
+infantry and one machine-gun section of Royal Australian Artillery; and
+finally, a third Contingent, of which 75 per cent. were bushmen, all first-class
+riders and splendid shots. They were men of grand physique, many of them
+wealthy, and many sons of prominent citizens. The infantry were not
+mounted when despatched, but all being good horsemen, and their services
+being chiefly required as scouts or to assist cavalry, they had mounts provided
+for them on arrival by the Imperial authorities. The Queensland Mounted
+Infantry was organised in 1884 by Colonel Ricardo, who is styled the &#8220;father&#8221;
+of mounted infantry in Queensland, and belongs to the Militia Division of the
+Colonial Defence force. The force is organised on the basis of three years&#8217;
+service, and ordinarily is recruited from the bushman and farmer class&mdash;a
+sterling and hardy set of fellows, whose plain motto is &#8220;For God and the
+right.&#8221; The uniform, a highly becoming one, is of kharki, with claret-coloured
+facings. The hat is of the usual &#8220;brigand&#8221; shape, decorated at the side with
+a smart tuft of emu plumes.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">The whole of the expenses of transport, equipment, arms, and food for men
+and horses during the voyage was defrayed by the Colony; pay on the field
+was met by the Imperial Exchequer, the Colony only meeting the difference
+between the Imperial and Colonial rates, the latter being higher.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">The first Contingent consisted of 262 men and officers, who sailed in the
+<i>Cornwall</i> on November 11, 1899, amid a wild display of patriotic enthusiasm.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">Officers of the first Contingent&mdash;Staff&mdash;Major P. R. Ricardo, to rank as
+Lieut.-Colonel; Sup. Captain R. S. Browne; Lieutenant C. H. A. Pelham;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span>
+Machine-Gun Section&mdash;Lieutenant C. H. Black, Royal Australian Artillery.
+A Company Queensland Mounted Infantry&mdash;Captain H. G. Chauvel; Lieutenant
+A. G. Adie (wounded at Sunnyside under Colonel Pilcher); Lieutenant C. A.
+Cumming; Lieutenant T. W. Glasgow; Lieutenant D. E. Reid. B Company
+Queensland Mounted Infantry&mdash;Captain P. W. G. Pinnock; Lieutenant H.
+Bailey; Lieutenant R. Dowse; Lieutenant R. Gordon. The second Contingent
+was composed of 148 men and 8 officers, with 5 additional officers for special
+service in South Africa. Officers of second Contingent&mdash;Lieut.-Colonel Kenneth
+Hutchison, Headquarters Staff, commanding; Captain W. G. Thompson,
+Queensland Mounted Infantry; Lieutenant H. J. Imrie Harris, Queensland
+Mounted Infantry; Lieutenant A. F. Crichton, Queensland Mounted Infantry;
+Lieutenant James Walker, 3rd Queensland (Kennedy) Regiment; Lieutenant
+R. M. Stodart, Queensland Mounted Infantry. Supernumeraries&mdash;Captain
+Sir Edward Stewart-Richardson, Bart., 3rd Battalion Black Watch; Lieutenant
+John H. Fox. Additional officers attached&mdash;Surgeon-Captain H. R. Nolan,
+A.M.C. Queensland Defence; Major D. W. Rankin; Captain F. W. Toll,
+special service; Captain A. E. Crichton, Camp Quartermaster; Captain W. T.
+Deacon, Camp Adjutant.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">The second Contingent sailed in the <i>Maori King</i> on January 20. The
+night before they were to start it was discovered that the ship had been set on
+fire, but the flames were extinguished before much damage was done. There
+seemed to be no doubt it was the work of an incendiary, and the police kept a
+close watch over the vessel till she was fairly away. It was regarded as significant
+that the crew consisted mainly of Dutchmen and Germans.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">The third Contingent, which sailed in the <i>Duke of Portland</i> on March 1,
+was 300 strong, with 350 horses. In addition to the above, about 20 men and
+50 horses had been sent to Sydney, and sailed with the New South Wales Contingent
+on February 26. After accommodating men and horses, it was found
+that the <i>Duke of Portland</i> had still 500 tons of space available for cargo; this
+the Queensland Government offered to fill with forage for horses and men, and
+present to the Imperial Government.</p>
+
+<h3 class="gap2"><a name="SOUTH_AND_WEST_AUSTRALIA" id="SOUTH_AND_WEST_AUSTRALIA"></a>SOUTH AND WEST AUSTRALIA</h3>
+
+<p class="smaller">South Australia speedily sent two Contingents to the front, and offered more
+should further help be required. The first Contingent was commanded by
+Captain F. H. Howland. This officer was born in Kensington, London, 1863,
+and served for three years in the Middlesex E.V. Royal Engineers. At the
+expiration of that time he went to Australia, and in 1885 joined the volunteer
+company which was being formed at Mount Gambier, in which he was appointed
+lance-corporal. Since then he has passed through every rank, was
+appointed captain in 1893, and made adjutant in June 1898. Captain Howland
+then became senior captain in the second battalion, and&mdash;having passed his
+examination for his majority&mdash;on the illness of his commanding officer, commanded
+the battalion on several occasions.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">The officers of the Contingent were as follows: Captain F. H. Howland,
+D Company, Mount Gambier Infantry, C.O.; Captain G. R. Lascelles, Royal
+Fusiliers, A.D.C. to Lord Tennyson (attached); Lieutenant J. H. Stapleton,
+A Company, first battalion infantry; Lieutenant F. M. Blair, B Company, first
+battalion infantry; Lieutenant J. W. Powell, D Company, Mount Gambier
+Infantry; Major J. T. Toll, Medical Staff.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">In regard to the payment of the troops the arrangement was simple. The
+men received 5s. a day. That meant that the pay received through the South<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span>
+Australian Government and the pay from the Imperial Government would
+together amount to 5s. a day. Whatever amount the Imperial Government
+gave their soldiers, members of the South Australian Contingent received the
+same while on active service, and the balance paid to them by the South
+Australian Government would bring the amount up to 5s. a day. They did
+not propose to send any money from the Colony while the men were away, in
+order that, while fighting side by side with the Imperial soldiers, they should
+not receive more pay than their comrades. Their South Australian pay would
+be left at home until their return. If the British rate of pay were 1s. 4d., that
+arrangement would mean that 3s. 8d. per day would be due to them from the
+Colonial Government. Before starting the men received one month&#8217;s pay,
+amounting to £7, which was considered sufficient to supply their immediate
+wants, and see them over the voyage. On arrival at Port Elizabeth they began
+to receive the same pay as the British soldiers.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">The officers of the second Contingent were: Captain J. Reade, commanding;
+J. F. Humphries, senior subaltern; G. H. Lynch, second subaltern;
+F. M. Rowell, third subaltern; G. J. Restall Walter, junior subaltern; W. J.
+Press, warrant officer, in charge of the &#8220;Colt&#8221; automatic machine-gun; William
+De Passy, warrant officer.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">The first Contingent of infantry was afterwards turned into mounted
+infantry. The second Contingent was composed of cavalry, and one machine-gun
+section. The Australian Horse was drilled on exactly the same lines as
+British cavalry, and was, in fact, under the instruction of British cavalrymen.
+The men were either members of volunteer corps, or volunteered on the outbreak
+of the war from all parts of the Colony.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">When the news of British reverses reached the Colony, the patriotic fervour
+of which the despatch of the first Contingent was a practical proof, was once
+more fanned into flame. The desire for Australian representation on the
+field of battle again translated itself into action, and the intimation that not
+only would further assistance be welcomed but that it was really wanted met
+with ready response. No lack of volunteers troubled the authorities, for
+numerous offers to serve were received from all parts of the colony, from
+persons of all classes and all ages. Among the youngest of those volunteering
+was Allan O&#8217;Halloran Wright, who was but fourteen years of age, who accompanied
+the Contingent as trumpeter. He is exceptionally well developed, and
+considerably taller than many of the rank and file. Among others was Sergeant
+Hanley, who was in the thick of the fight at Majuba Hill. He served with the
+92nd Gordon Highlanders in the Afghan War, and received two decorations,
+including medal with the Kabul, Kandahar, and Charasia bars, and a star for
+the historical march from Kabul to Kandahar. He, with others, was mentioned
+in despatches for his conduct in defending Lord Roberts from an attack of the
+Ghilzais. He fought in twenty-seven engagements in Afghanistan, and was
+the youngest man in the regiment. He stood side by side with &#8220;Fighting
+Mac,&#8221; who was then a lance-corporal, and promoted to a commission for his
+distinguished services. After the Afghan War he went to India, and though
+he had completed seven years service, and need have done no more, he
+volunteered for service with the 92nd Highlanders in South Africa. After the
+miserable experiences of Majuba he went to South Australia, where he served
+for nine years with the permanent force. He acted as warder in the Yatala
+prison till, hearing of the war, he instantly volunteered.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">On the 28th of October the Contingent dined at Government House, and
+after the meal the men were received in the great hall and thus eloquently<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span>
+addressed by Lord Tennyson: &#8220;Men of the South Australian Contingent
+of the British army in South Africa&mdash;I am proud of being your Commander-in-Chief
+because of your splendid patriotism, your alacrity in obeying
+the summons of the old country, your self-sacrifice in leaving your
+comfortable homes to fight for the United Empire, to maintain the Queen&#8217;s
+position in South Africa, and to rescue the down-trodden Uitlanders from
+the political and social serfdom imposed on them by the Boers. When I
+was at home in 1897 I saw some of you in the Jubilee procession, and
+you were vociferously cheered by the millions of people in the streets.
+Why did they cheer you? Because they felt that you were our kith and
+kin, and that you were not only taking part in a triumphal procession in
+honour of the Queen, but that you were pledging yourselves that, if the needful
+occasion should arise, you would fight for our Queen and for our Empire.
+Your action now, and the action of all Australasia and of Canada, will make
+the nations of the earth hesitate before they strike at our Empire in the future,
+seeing our Imperial loyalty, our Imperial solidarity, our Imperial unity, our
+Imperial strength. I believe from my experience as your Governor that there
+is no man throughout South Australia who would not stand up in time of stress
+in defence of the Queen, the Empire, and the Union Jack. You are a gallant
+and stalwart body of men, and we rejoice in your soldierly appearance and
+your loyal enthusiasm. We feel sure that you will do your duty nobly, and
+return covered with honour and renown. Remember, my men, that obedience
+to discipline, and patience in enduring hardship, and promptitude in the performance
+of your military duties are the first steps towards the making of a
+victorious army. You are to be joined in South Africa to highly organised
+battalions of troops, some of the best in the world, commanded by highly
+trained and scientific officers. Obey these officers and your own implicitly,
+from the corporal to the Commander-in-Chief, whether on the field or in
+garrison, or wherever you are; and I need not tell you that, if you keep your
+eyes and ears open, you will learn a great deal that will be useful to you in the
+future. May Australia never be visited by war! If this ever happens, the
+British fleet will protect Australia in the first line of defence, but you must
+have an efficiently trained army as a second line of defence. Knowing this,
+the Federal Government of the future will, I am confident, put Australia in a
+proper state of military preparedness; and that is one of the reasons why
+I glory in our Federal Commonwealth to be. Remember always, my friends,
+that you are the guardians of a magnificent heritage, of a country of which you
+are justly proud, and that the experience which you Australians will gain in
+South Africa will not only enable you to fight, if necessary, for this country,
+but will also enable you to teach your comrades-in-arms, who are obliged to
+stay at home, something of the needful requirements of modern warfare. I
+know the General who is to lead you, Sir Redvers Buller. He is married to a
+cousin of my wife&#8217;s, and I can tell you that a finer soldier could not be met with.
+The motto he would wish to be given you would be: &#8216;Obedience and cheerful
+courage on service are an army&#8217;s strength.&#8217; I am glad to have allowed&mdash;though
+it is personally a loss to myself&mdash;my A.D.C., Captain Lascelles, to accompany
+you, with special leave from the War Office at home. As you are aware, in
+him you have a thoroughly experienced and capable officer, and, like Captain
+Howland and your other officers, he is fond of you and devoted to your welfare. If
+I had to command a British army, I should know that, when you have had a little
+more military experience, with your pluck, your good marksmanship, and your
+loyalty, the standard of the Queen could well be intrusted to the keeping of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span>
+Australian Contingent. It is my duty as well as my pleasure to tell you that,
+on behalf of the British people, Her Majesty&#8217;s Government have sent me two
+telegrams appreciative of the enthusiastic patriotism of yourselves, of the
+Ministry, and of South Australia. It is also my duty as well as my pleasure
+to read you the kindly and gracious message from the Queen, which has moved
+us all very deeply: &#8216;Her Majesty the Queen desires to thank the people of
+her Colonies in Australia for the striking manifestation of loyalty and patriotism
+in their voluntary offer to send troops to co-operate with Her Majesty&#8217;s Imperial
+forces in maintaining her position and the rights of British subjects in South
+Africa. She wishes the troops God-speed and a safe return.&#8217; The Boers have
+forced war upon us and have invaded our territory. You are going to fight
+for the cause of British freedom, for the honour of Great Britain, for the
+honour of Australia. In the name, then, of our beloved Queen, of Great
+Britain, and of South Australia, I bid you farewell, and I wish you, after your
+work is accomplished, a safe and happy home-coming.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">On the 26th of January the second South Australian Contingent started for
+the Transvaal amid scenes of great enthusiasm. The Governor, Lord Tennyson,
+again made an inspiriting speech and wished them God-speed.</p>
+
+<h3 class="gap2"><a id="WEST_AUSTRALIA" name="WEST_AUSTRALIA"></a>WEST AUSTRALIA</h3>
+
+<p class="smaller">West Australia sent with the same energy of patriotism two Contingents
+amounting to 230 officers and men, with offers of more if required. The
+officers were: Capt. R. Moor, R.A.; Capt. H. S. Pilkington, late 21st Hussars;
+Major M&#8217;Williams, Medical Officer; Lieut. J. Campbell; Lieut. H. F. Darling;
+Lieut. F. W. M. Parker.</p>
+
+<h3 class="gap2"><a name="TASMANIA" id="TASMANIA"></a>TASMANIA</h3>
+
+<p class="smaller">The Tasmanian Government were not behind the other Colonies of Australia
+in their desire to show their loyalty and patriotism by offering troops for Imperial
+service. There was, of course, some difference of opinion regarding the
+policy of going to fight at all, as the following cutting from a local journal will
+show: &#8220;In Tasmania, as elsewhere, there is a certain number, not many, of
+the crawling tribe, who always find that their country is in the wrong, and are
+never so happy as when they can hold up some foe as a model of virtue in
+contrast with the brutal Briton. It is curious to find those who call themselves
+friends of the working-classes indulging in this vein of oratory, but it is common
+to all the Colonies, and may be said to account for the little influence that the
+party has on general affairs. We have had here, of course, the inevitable
+Catholic priest who has denounced the British, for he always appears when
+Great Britain has any serious work to do, just as there is the usual meeting of
+Irish in New York. In Hobart the Catholic priests spoke feeling and appropriate
+words about the departure of the Contingent, but on the West Coast one
+Father Murphy went on the rampage in the good old style, and proceeded to
+denounce the country under the Government of which he lives, and which is
+liberal enough to allow him to say such things with impunity. I wonder
+whether these folk ever think about what would happen to them if they talked
+in the same strain in France, Germany, or even in the United States. It does
+not matter to Great Britain what these discontented ones say, but they might
+learn from the liberty they use the value of the freedom which they enjoy.
+On the whole, the people of Tasmania, while they deeply regret that war
+should be necessary, are fully alive to the value of a united empire, and are
+keenly anxious that she may vindicate her position in South Africa, and finally<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span>
+get rid of the Boer incubus which has weighed upon the country ever since the
+Gladstone Ministry adopted the policy of scuttle and palaver.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">This quotation shows the drift of popular sentiment, and in the end loyalty
+everywhere prevailed, and some splendid fellows volunteered to go to the front.
+These were not &#8220;raw material,&#8221; but intelligent, handy soldiers, accustomed to
+the rough and tumble of bush life, and ready to provide for emergencies. Their
+commander, Captain Cameron, had seen some service, and took part in the
+famous march to Kandahar.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">The first Contingent, sent in the <i>Medic</i>, consisted of eighty men, of which
+the officers were: Capt. C. St. Clair Cameron, Erandale, commanding (who was
+afterwards a prisoner in Pretoria); Lieut. W. Brown; Lieut. F. B. Heritage;
+Lieut. G. E. Reid, 1st Regt., Hobart. Of the privates the following were
+subsequently taken prisoners to Pretoria: M. H. Swan, V. J. Peers, A. Button.
+J. H. Whitelaw, also a private, who has distinguished himself by gallantry in
+the field and by saving a comrade&#8217;s life at the imminent risk of his own, will
+probably receive the V.C.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">The second Contingent, which consisted of forty-five men, was under the
+command of Sergt. J. Stagg, of Deloraine.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">Both Contingents were composed almost entirely of gentlemen.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">Tasmania also contributed 100 men to the Imperial Australian Corps
+which was raised at Mr. J. Chamberlain&#8217;s suggestion from all the Australasian
+Colonies. The volunteering of the Tasmanian contingent to join hands with
+Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, and shoulder to shoulder to support the
+&#8220;flag of old renown&#8221; in South Africa, gave origin to the following lines written
+by a Tasmanian poet:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem smaller"><div class="stanza12">
+<span class="i0">&#8220;War? We would rather peace; but, Mother, if fight we must,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">There be none of your sons on whom you can lean with a surer trust;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Bone of your bone are we, and in death would be dust of your dust!&#8221;<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<h3 class="gap2"><a id="THE_BUSHMENS_CORPS" name="THE_BUSHMENS_CORPS"></a>THE BUSHMEN&#8217;S CORPS</h3>
+
+<p class="smaller">There was immense excitement over the formation of the Imperial Bushmen
+or Roughriders&#8217; Corps. It consisted of over 2000 mounted men, selected from
+those experienced in riding and looking after stock in country in its natural
+rough state, unbroken by cultivation, fences or roads. In the first instance,
+New Zealand made an offer to provide 500 such men, after which&mdash;as more
+were required&mdash;Australia was asked to raise a further 2000, the Imperial Government
+bearing the cost of forwarding them to the seat of war, and maintaining
+and paying them there. Four thousand applications from Victoria and 2000
+from Adelaide were received. The citizens of Rockhampton immediately
+offered to provide and equip twenty-five Bushmen. New South Wales was
+represented by a Contingent of 500 men, and Queensland decided to join with
+the other Colonies in organising this smart and serviceable corps, whose value
+was estimated as equal to twice the number of infantry.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">The movement was a most popular one, and gifts of horses were sent in
+from every direction. The public subscribed liberally, Captain Bridges alone
+giving £1000 towards the expenses of the Victorian Bushmen.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">The officers selected for the New South Wales Bushmen were Lieut.-Colonel
+Airey in command, Major Onslow, three captains and fourteen subalterns.
+The movement was so popular and subscriptions so liberal, that it was decided
+that 100 men should be sent from South Australia instead of the fifty originally
+proposed. Colonel Williams, of the New South Wales Contingent, was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span>
+appointed principal medical officer for all the Australian Contingents serving
+in South Africa. The departure of the Bushmen on the 17th of January was a
+magnificent climax to the many magnificent demonstrations of patriotism which
+had been evidenced throughout the Colonies.</p>
+
+<h3 class="gap2"><a name="INDIAS_CONTINGENTS" id="INDIAS_CONTINGENTS"></a>INDIA&#8217;S CONTINGENTS</h3>
+
+<p class="smaller">Between the Australasian and Canadian Colonies and the Volunteer
+Contingent from India there is a certain difference which it is necessary to
+recognise. In the Colonies, the movement to help the Mother Country in her
+need, though prompted and encouraged by popular enthusiasm, patriotism,
+and donations from private and public resources, was suggested, voiced, and
+supported by the respective Governments, the Premiers of which acted very
+prominently in the enterprise, whereas in India, the offer of military assistance
+was a spontaneous impulse springing from individual patriotism and carried
+out by private enterprise. India, being a Crown Colony, could display her
+loyalty in no other way. Her position was somewhat similar to the Home
+Establishment, and her regular British troops were under orders for South
+Africa in exactly the same way as were the Home forces. Nevertheless, India
+was not backward in independent demonstrations of loyalty. English officers
+from various native corps, who, in ordinary circumstances, could serve only
+in their respective Indian Contingents, now came forward and volunteered
+for active service in aid of the Imperial cause in South Africa. The &#8220;men&#8221;
+volunteered from all directions. Dapper young Calcutta merchants, sporting
+tea-planters from Assam, gallant indigo-planters, and dashing roughriders from
+Bombay, Assam, Bengal, Cawnpore, Mysore, and all manner of districts unknown
+even by name to the Little Englander sent in their appeal, and pressed to be
+allowed to play their part in the defence of the Empire; and thus the smart
+regiments known as Lumsden&#8217;s Horse, the Railway Contingent, and the
+Ceylon Mounted Contingent came to be recruited.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">Colonel Lumsden, lately Commandant of the Assam Valley Light Horse,
+generously assisted both financially and personally in raising and equipping the
+force, and quantities of Calcutta men offered their services, their expenses
+being guaranteed by the firms employing them. Gifts and subscriptions
+poured in. Lord Curzon, the Viceroy, headed the subscription-list by a handsome
+contribution, and so generous was the response of all India, that about
+£30,000 was collected in connection with the Transvaal war, including the
+equipment of volunteers.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">The native princes offered troops and horses, and loyally expressed themselves
+towards the Queen Empress. The troops were declined, it being
+understood that the war was between white men alone. Their offers of
+horses were, however, accepted. Nevertheless, the generosity of the princes
+was not to be denied, and several among them, the Maharajah of Bikanir, the
+Maharajah of Durbhanga, and the Nawab of Moorshedabad, subscribed liberally
+to the expenses of Lumsden&#8217;s Horse, offering at the same time their best
+wishes for the success of the Contingent and the complete triumph of the
+British arms in South Africa.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">The Nizam of Hyderabad, whose State is as large as France, and whose
+relations with the sovereign have always been most cordial, assisted handsomely,
+saying at the same time, with true Oriental grace, that his troops, his purse,
+and his own sword were at the service of the Queen. The Maharajah of
+Tanjore contributed 5000 rupees, while his son furnished a complete set of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span>
+X-ray apparatus. The Nawab of Bhavnagar State presented fifty fully
+equipped Arab horses to the force, and quantities of other prominent Nawabs
+displayed corresponding liberality. The Maharanee of Bettiah generously
+presented to each volunteer from her district a horse, and Khwajah Mahomed
+Khan forwarded from Mardan (on the Punjab frontier) the sum of 2000
+rupees as an expression of loyalty, with his best wishes for the success of
+Lumsden&#8217;s Horse. As an instance of the excitement and martial feeling in
+regard to the Indian Transvaal Contingent, it may be noted that the
+instant the scheme was proposed, two-thirds of the Light Horse of Behar
+volunteered for service, promising to provide everything except means of
+transport. They formed part of Lumsden&#8217;s Horse, who were all men under
+forty years of age, many of them of independent means, with horses of
+their own.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">The following is the list of officers who were appointed to Colonel
+Lumsden&#8217;s Corps:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">Lieut.-Colonel Dugald McT. Lumsden, Assam Valley Light Horse Volunteers,
+to be Commandant, with the temporary rank of Lieut.-Colonel in the
+army; Lieut.-Colonel Eden Showers, late Commandant Surma Valley Light
+Horse Volunteers, to be second in command, with the temporary rank of
+Major in the army; Captain J. H. B. Beresford, Indian Staff Corps, to be
+Company Commander. To be Captains, with the temporary rank of Captain
+in the army: Major Henry Chamney, Surma Valley Light Horse Volunteers;
+Captain Francis Clifford, Coorg and Mysore Volunteer Rifles; Second Lieutenant
+Bernard W. Holmes, East India Railway Volunteer Rifles; Second
+Lieutenant John B. Rutherford, Behar Light Horse Volunteers. To be
+Lieutenants, with the temporary rank of Lieutenant in the army: Lieutenant
+Charles L. Sidey, Surma Valley Light Horse Volunteers; Herbert O. Pugh,
+gent.; George A. Nevill, gent.; Charles E. Crane, gent. Captain Louis
+H. Noblett, the Royal Irish Rifles, to be a Company Commander; Captain
+Neville C. Taylor, Indian Staff Corps, to be Adjutant; Surgeon-Captain
+Samuel A Powell, M.D., Surma Valley Light Horse Volunteers, to be Medical
+Officer, with the temporary rank of Captain; William Stevenson, gent., to
+be Veterinary Officer, with the temporary rank of Veterinary Lieutenant.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">The Government provided free passages, and the railway authorities gave
+free passes. With the force went Mrs. C. W. Park and Mrs. M. C. Curry,
+wives of Lieut.-Colonel C. W. Park and Major M. C. Curry, of the 1st Devonshire
+Regiment, to assist in the hospitals in Natal. This regiment, it may be
+remembered, was with Sir George White, and had four officers severely
+wounded in its first battle, Elandslaagte, and was shut up in Ladysmith for
+over four months. Lumsden&#8217;s Horse sailed from India on February 6, much
+envied by all who had not the good fortune to be of their number.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 435px;">
+<a name="illo48" id="illo48"></a><img src="images/illo48.png" width="435" height="627" alt="GENERAL BRABANT, C.M.G." title="" />
+<div><span class="caption">GENERAL BRABANT, C.M.G.</span><br />
+<span class="smaller">After Photo by S. B. Barnard, Cape Town.</span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p class="smaller">Ceylon was not behind India in patriotic enthusiasm, though its powers
+were more limited. Great demonstrations of loyalty prevailed everywhere in
+the island, and volunteers were eager to be enrolled. Out of the numbers
+applying 125 men were picked out and 5 officers. The force was armed with
+Lee-Metford magazine rifles, 500 rounds of ammunition, and were nearly all
+mounted on trained horses. Captain Rutherford, Royal Dublin Fusiliers, was
+in command, and Captain Anderson, Royal Artillery, was second in command.
+Captain Toogood (Warwickshire Regiment) also accompanied the force.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">The planters and merchants of Ceylon presented upwards of 30,000 lbs. of
+tea to be delivered free to the troops in South Africa, to be shipped with the
+Contingent, and many private individuals were equally generous. The<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span>
+Legislative Council unanimously agreed that all expenses connected with the
+equipment, arming, transport, and, when necessary, mounting of the Ceylon
+Contingent, should be borne by the Colony. This liberal decision was acknowledged
+by Mr. Chamberlain in the following terms:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="smcap center">Mr. Chamberlain to Governor the Right Hon. Sir J. West Ridgeway.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;Your telegrams of January 9 and January 10. Her Majesty&#8217;s Government
+congratulate Ceylon on completion of Contingent, which they accept with
+much pleasure, and highly appreciate patriotic and generous action of Legislative
+Council.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">The Ceylon Mounted Contingent sailed on February 2 for active service in
+South Africa, amid the prayers and good wishes of a huge concourse of people.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">In addition to the above contingents from India and Ceylon, the Indian
+Government sent the guns and equipment for three field-batteries of 15-pounders,
+and also three corps of native transport drivers and muleteers&mdash;about
+400 in all&mdash;under British officers.</p>
+
+<h3 class="gap2"><a id="THE_SOUTH_AFRICAN_VOLUNTEERS" name="THE_SOUTH_AFRICAN_VOLUNTEERS"></a>THE SOUTH AFRICAN VOLUNTEERS<a name="FNanchor_6_6" id="FNanchor_6_6"></a><a href="#Footnote_6_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a></h3>
+
+<h3 class="gap2"><a id="CAPE_COLONY" name="CAPE_COLONY"></a>CAPE COLONY</h3>
+
+<p class="smaller">It has been said that the whole course of the campaign might have been
+changed had the Cape Colony forces been utilised sufficiently early. If the
+Cape Ministry had begun at once by employing the splendid Colonial forces at
+its disposal, not for purposes of defiance, but of defence, the tale of raid and
+rebellion, which has been as harassing as the tale of war, would never have
+been told. But as it is useless to talk of the <i>might have been</i>, or of things done
+or left undone by the Cape Ministry, we must proceed to consider the services
+of the Cape Colonial Force, of the ten thousand volunteers, when they were
+eventually allowed to come into action. Of the splendid troops in Mafeking
+and Kimberley the Colony must ever be proud, for on them fell the weight of
+showing what worthy offshoots of the bold and the brave the sun of South
+Africa has reared. These men, recruited for the most part from Cape Town,
+Port Elizabeth, East London, Queenstown, Grahamstown, and Kimberley, consisted
+largely of past and present Cape Colony Volunteers. They were bone
+of our bone, and when the hour of stress arrived they proved themselves as
+such. They were immensely proud to be included in the term British, and
+right royally they acted up to the higher interpretation of that term. Though
+they have borne years of insult and suffered in innumerable ways for their
+fealty and devotion to the Mother Country, they rushed to arms joyfully in the
+hope that Great Britain would reassert herself, annex the whole of South
+Africa, and administer it under one Government. They longed to be quit of
+Dutch intrigue. They pined for a strong rule, one that would be free of the
+vacillations that had kept them on tenter-hooks for years, and prevented their
+living in a sense of security enjoyed by other freeborn British subjects. By
+these loyal fellows the towns of Mafeking and Kimberley were practically defended.
+In those places there were very few Imperial troops, and little could
+have been accomplished without the aptness and grit of the Colonials. The
+reason why they appeared to be neglected is not far to seek. No man is a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span>
+prophet in his own country, and to this trite fact may be attributed the want
+of instant appreciation accorded to the Cape Colonial Volunteers who so
+spontaneously and with genuine zeal responded to the call of duty. While we
+made much of the Colonials from over the seas&mdash;the &#8220;Visiting Colonials&#8221; as
+they are called&mdash;we failed to see that at our elbows were the very men who
+would leap forward at a word and check the onward career of the enemy and
+put a stop to his annexations while our troops in England were getting into
+shape. But later we jumped at them. Then the Cape Colonists began to be
+vastly appreciated, and to receive the highest encomiums from all who had the
+good fortune to serve with them.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">The following is a table of some of the prominent Colonial forces of Cape
+Colony, 1900:&mdash;</p>
+
+<table summary="South African Volunteer Corps" style="border-collapse:collapse;">
+<tr>
+<td rowspan="2" colspan="2" class="bt bl center">CORPS</td>
+<td class="smcap bt bl center" colspan="2">Establishment</td>
+<td class="smcap bt bl center" colspan="3">Effective to Date</td>
+<td rowspan="2" colspan="3" class="smcap bt bl center">Remarks</td>
+<td rowspan="2" colspan="2" class="bt bl br center">OFFICERS</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="bt bl center">All Ranks</td>
+<td class="bt bl center">Horses</td>
+<td class="bt bl center">Officers</td>
+<td class="bt bl center">N.C.O.&#8217;s and Men</td>
+<td class="bt bl br center">Horses</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2" class="smcap center bt bl padtop">Irregulars raised before War</td>
+<td class="bt bl">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="bt bl">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="bt bl">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="bt bl">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="bt bl">&nbsp;</td>
+<td colspan="3" class="bt bl">&nbsp;</td>
+<td colspan="2" class="bt bl br">&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="bl hangindent" style="width:30%;">Rhodesian Regiment</td>
+<td style="width:2%;">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="bl center" style="width:6%;">...</td>
+<td class="bl center" style="width:6%;">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="bl center" style="width:6%;">...</td>
+<td class="bl center" style="width:6%;">...</td>
+<td class="bl center" style="width:6%;">...</td>
+<td class="bl" rowspan="20" style="width:1%;">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="bt br bb" rowspan="20" style="width:1%;">&nbsp;</td>
+<td rowspan="20" style="width:14%;">These numbers have been increased within the last few months by recruiting, Kitchener&#8217;s Horse
+showing an increase of about 50. The figures, therefore, are only approximately correct</td>
+<td colspan="2" class="bl br center">...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="bl hangindent">Protectorate Regiment</td>
+<td rowspan="2" style="font-size:300%;">}</td>
+<td rowspan="2" class="bl center">650</td>
+<td rowspan="2" class="bl center">...</td>
+<td rowspan="2" class="bl center">...</td>
+<td rowspan="2" class="bl center">&nbsp;</td>
+<td rowspan="2" class="bl center">...</td>
+<td rowspan="2" class="bl" style="width:2%;font-size:300%;">{</td>
+<td rowspan="2" class="br hangindent" style="width:20%;">Col. Baden-Powell, 5th Dragoon Guards</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="bl hangindent">Kimberley Regiment</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="bl hangindent">Diamond Fields Horse</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="bl center">100</td>
+<td class="bl center">...</td>
+<td class="bl center">...</td>
+<td class="bl center">...</td>
+<td class="bl center">&nbsp;</td>
+<td colspan="2" class="bl br center">...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="bl hangindent">Bechuanaland Rifles</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="bl center">100</td>
+<td class="bl center">...</td>
+<td class="bl center">...</td>
+<td class="bl center">...</td>
+<td class="bl center">...</td>
+<td colspan="2" class="bl br center">...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2" class="smcap bl center padtop">Irregulars raised since War</td>
+<td class="bl">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="bl">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="bl">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="bl">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="bl">&nbsp;</td>
+<td colspan="2" class="bl br">&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="bl hangindent">Rimington&#8217;s Guides</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="bl center">212</td>
+<td class="bl center">220</td>
+<td class="bl center">...</td>
+<td class="bl center">...</td>
+<td class="bl center">...</td>
+<td rowspan="3" class="bl" style="font-size:300%;">{</td>
+<td rowspan="3" class="br"><div class="hangindent">Lieut.-Col. Hon. J. Byng, 10th Hussars</div>
+<div class="hangindent">Capt. Villiers, Royal Horse Guards</div></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="bl hangindent">1st S.A.L. Horse</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="bl center">599</td>
+<td class="bl center">580</td>
+<td class="bl center">...</td>
+<td class="bl center">...</td>
+<td class="bl center">...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="bl hangindent">Roberts&#8217;s Horse</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="bl center">599</td>
+<td class="bl center">580</td>
+<td class="bl center">...</td>
+<td class="bl center">...</td>
+<td class="bl center">...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="bl hangindent">Kitchener&#8217;s Horse</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="bl center">599</td>
+<td class="bl center">580</td>
+<td class="bl center">41</td>
+<td class="bl center">617</td>
+<td class="bl center">586</td>
+<td colspan="2" class="bl br center">...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="bl hangindent">1st Brabant&#8217;s Light Horse</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="bl center">599</td>
+<td class="bl center">580</td>
+<td class="bl center">...</td>
+<td class="bl center">...</td>
+<td class="bl center">...</td>
+<td colspan="2" class="bl br center">...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="bl hangindent">2nd Brabant&#8217;s Light Horse</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="bl center">599</td>
+<td class="bl center">580</td>
+<td class="bl center">...</td>
+<td class="bl center">...</td>
+<td class="bl center">...</td>
+<td colspan="2" class="bl br center">...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="bl hangindent">Gatacre&#8217;s Scouts</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="bl center">50</td>
+<td class="bl center">50</td>
+<td class="bl center">...</td>
+<td class="bl center">...</td>
+<td class="bl center">...</td>
+<td colspan="2" class="bl br center">...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="bl hangindent">Montmorency&#8217;s Cavalry Division Scouts</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="bl center">100</td>
+<td class="bl center">100</td>
+<td class="bl center">...</td>
+<td class="bl center">...</td>
+<td class="bl center">...</td>
+<td colspan="2" class="bl br">...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="bl hangindent">6th Cavalry Division Scouts</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="bl center">25</td>
+<td class="bl center">25</td>
+<td class="bl center">...</td>
+<td class="bl center">...</td>
+<td class="bl center">...</td>
+<td colspan="2" class="bl br center">...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="bl hangindent">Chief in Command&#8217;s Body Guard</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="bl center">50</td>
+<td class="bl center">50</td>
+<td class="bl center">...</td>
+<td class="bl center">...</td>
+<td class="bl center">...</td>
+<td colspan="2" class="bl br center">...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2" class="smcap bl center padtop">Local Defence Corps</td>
+<td class="bl">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="bl">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="bl">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="bl">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="bl">&nbsp;</td>
+<td colspan="2" class="bl br">&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="bl hangindent">Nesbitt&#8217;s Mounted Local Defence Corps</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="bl center">400</td>
+<td class="bl center">400</td>
+<td class="bl center">...</td>
+<td class="bl center">...</td>
+<td class="bl center">...</td>
+<td colspan="2" class="bl br center">...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="bl hangindent">Bayley&#8217;s Mounted Local Defence Corps</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="bl center">500</td>
+<td class="bl center">500</td>
+<td class="bl center">...</td>
+<td class="bl center">...</td>
+<td class="bl center">...</td>
+<td colspan="2" class="bl br center">...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="bl hangindent">Orpen&#8217;s Horse</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="bl center">300</td>
+<td class="bl center">300</td>
+<td class="bl center">...</td>
+<td class="bl center">...</td>
+<td class="bl center">...</td>
+<td colspan="2" class="bl br center">...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="bl hangindent">Railway Pioneer Regiment</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="bl center">1008</td>
+<td class="bl center">8</td>
+<td class="bl center">34</td>
+<td class="bl center">959</td>
+<td class="bl center">15</td>
+<td colspan="3" class="bl center">...</td>
+<td colspan="2" class="bl br center">...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2" class="smcap bl center padtop">Volunteers</td>
+<td class="bl">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="bl">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="bl">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="bl">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="bl">&nbsp;</td>
+<td colspan="3" class="bl">&nbsp;</td>
+<td colspan="2" class="bl br">&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="bl hangindent">P.A.O. Cape Artillery</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="bl center">...</td>
+<td class="bl center">...</td>
+<td class="bl center">...</td>
+<td class="bl center">...</td>
+<td class="bl center">...</td>
+<td colspan="3" class="bl center">...</td>
+<td colspan="2" class="bl br center">...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="bl hangindent">Diamond Fields Artillery</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="bl center">...</td>
+<td class="bl center">...</td>
+<td class="bl center">...</td>
+<td class="bl center">...</td>
+<td class="bl center">...</td>
+<td colspan="3" class="bl center">...</td>
+<td colspan="2" class="bl br center">...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="bl bb hangindent">Cape Garrison Artillery</td>
+<td class="bb">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="bl bb center">...</td>
+<td class="bl bb center">...</td>
+<td class="bl bb center">...</td>
+<td class="bl bb center">...</td>
+<td class="bl bb center">...</td>
+<td colspan="3" class="bl bb center">...</td>
+<td colspan="2" class="bl br bb center">...</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<p class="center smcap gap2">Strength of Volunteer Corps on Active Service</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">Prince Alfred&#8217;s Own Cape Artillery&mdash;officers, 5; other ranks, 117; total,
+122. Diamond Fields Artillery&mdash;officers, 4; other ranks, 119; total, 123.
+Cape Garrison Artillery&mdash;officers, 18; other ranks, 431; total, 449. Duke of
+Edinburgh&#8217;s Own Volunteer Rifles&mdash;officers, 31; other ranks, 1027; total,
+1058. Cape Town Highlanders&mdash;officers, 12; other ranks, 392; total, 404.
+Prince Alfred&#8217;s Volunteer Guard&mdash;officers, 21; other ranks, 494; total, 515.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span>
+First City Volunteers&mdash;officers, 22; other ranks, 556; total, 578. Kaffrarian
+Rifles (Colonel Cuming)&mdash;officers, 31; other ranks, 672; total, 703. Queenstown
+Rifle Volunteers&mdash;officers, 18; other ranks, 299; total, 317. Frontier
+Mounted Rifles&mdash;officers, 10; other ranks, 131; total, 141. Uitenhage Volunteer
+Rifles&mdash;officers, 16; other ranks, 396; total, 412. Komgha Mounted
+Rifles&mdash;officers, 5; other ranks, 41; total, 46. Stellenbosch Mounted Infantry&mdash;officers,
+1; other ranks, 31; total, 32. Kimberley Regiment&mdash;officers,
+25; other ranks, 541; total, 566. Bechuanaland Rifles&mdash;officers, 5; other
+ranks, 61; total, 66. A Company Cape Medical Staff Corps&mdash;officers, 2; other
+ranks, 55; total, 57. B Company Cape Medical Staff Corps&mdash;officers, 3; other
+ranks, 71; total, 74. C Company Cape Medical Staff Corps&mdash;officers, 0; other
+ranks, 13; total, 13. Transkei Mounted Rifles&mdash;officers, 5; other ranks, 66;
+total, 71. No. 1 Xalanga Border Mounted Rifle Club&mdash;officers, 4; other ranks,
+40; total, 44. No. 19 Tembuland Mounted Rifle Club&mdash;officers, 2; other
+ranks, 21; total, 23. No. 23 Nqamakwe Mounted Rifle Club&mdash;officers, 1;
+other ranks, 21; total, 22. No. 25 Engcobo Mounted Rifle Club&mdash;officers, 1;
+other ranks, 28; total, 29. No. 29 Tsomo Mounted Rifle Club&mdash;officers, 1;
+other ranks, 29; total, 30.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 566px;">
+<a name="illo49" id="illo49"></a><img src="images/illo49.png" width="566" height="479" alt="South African Scout. Full Equipment." title="" />
+<div><span class="caption smcap">South African Scout. Full Equipment.</span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p class="smaller">To prove his appreciation of the devotion and military prowess of the Cape
+colonists Lord Roberts, on his arrival in South Africa, decided on raising a
+Colonial Division. The official intimation of the formation of this division was
+contained in the following announcement:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;The Commander-in-Chief, recognising the value of the services rendered
+by the Colonial troops, has authorised the formation of a division. Colonel
+Brabant, M.L.A., C.M.G., has been given the local and temporary rank of a
+Brigadier-General, and will be in command. Brabant&#8217;s Horse, with several
+other irregular corps and mounted contingents, limited in number, from the
+infantry volunteer regiments, will form the first portion of this force, and its<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span>
+first object will be to drive the enemy out of the Colony, and to co-operate
+with the Imperial troops. It has been decided to raise a further 1500 mounted
+irregulars, so as to give all Colonials and men with Colonial experience a
+chance of joining this division. Men who enrol in this Mounted Irregular
+Corps, and who cannot afford to go on a long campaign, will be allowed to
+register their names for service in the Colony only, but any portion of such
+registered men can volunteer to take part in any further advance that may be
+ordered beyond the Orange River. To raise this latter force recruiting stations
+will be open in all parts of the Colony, and it is proposed to elect officers from
+Colonial gentlemen or those with Colonial experience.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">As may be imagined, there was great jubilation among the thousands of
+martial spirits at the Cape, who for long had been fretting at enforced inactivity.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">Some very interesting particulars regarding raising of some of the Colonial
+Corps were elicited from Mr. W. Hosken, who was chairman of the Uitlander
+Council and the Chamber of Commerce at Johannesburg. He said: &#8220;I
+was chairman of the committee which obtained permission from the Government
+to raise Thorneycroft&#8217;s and Bethune&#8217;s Corps of mounted infantry and the
+Imperial Light Horse, and all raised in Natal and mainly from refugee
+Uitlanders from Johannesburg. From the Imperial officers with whom I was
+brought into contact I received every consideration and the greatest cordiality.
+But again it should be remembered that we got the permission only after pressure
+had been brought to bear by public meetings at Durban and Maritzburg, and in
+other ways. The response was most gratifying. Only when the Boers
+were threatening to advance on Maritzburg were we allowed to form the
+Imperial Light Horse. Intimation of the permission was given on the Friday.
+By the following Wednesday we were able to report that 1300 men had
+offered for service, and that the medical examination would be at once begun.
+Thorneycroft&#8217;s Corps was the first to take the field, and was actually fighting
+within six weeks from the date of its enrolment. The testimony from Boer
+sources as to the value of these regiments has been most gratifying. In one
+verbal statement by a Boer commandant they were described as &#8216;evidently
+skilled sharpshooters.&#8217; Then there are the Natal Volunteers, recruited in very
+much the same way as your Volunteers at home, clerks and artisans from the
+towns, with the mounted companies from the country districts. They took the
+field possibly with some misgivings as to their capacity, just as the Volunteers
+here might do; but they have proved themselves equal to any military duty
+that is imposed on them. The soldiers of the regular army recognise them as
+worthy comrades, and the greatest cordiality exists between the regular and
+volunteer forces. Later on there was formed also in Natal a body of Colonial
+scouts&mdash;750 strong&mdash;recruited from local men who knew the country. Those
+who wished to serve together were placed in the same squad. Every section
+of twenty-five men elects its own leader, and every four sections its commander.
+They have already proved their efficiency in service with Sir Redvers Buller&#8217;s
+army. Then there is the corps of ambulance bearers. When General Buller
+was making arrangements for the attack on Colenso last month he asked for
+1200 white bearers. On the first day the notice was posted in Durban 900
+men volunteered. Far more than the required number offered, and a selection
+was made of those who were considered the most fitted for the duty. These
+men did excellent work, bringing out the wounded under fire during that
+disastrous day at Colenso. Three were killed and several wounded, and every
+one of the corps behaved splendidly.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">In regard to the apparent neglect of the Volunteers at the Cape, he went on<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span>
+to say: &#8220;The delay in recruiting irregulars at the Cape was not in the least
+due to the unwillingness of the Uitlanders there or of the British residents. It
+was the result of political considerations which were then thought to be of
+sufficient weight by well-advised men on the spot. The delay caused a great
+deal of heart-burning among hundreds who were only too keen to take up
+arms; and it is only quite recently that permission has been given to form
+irregular corps and to accept the services of the Cape Volunteers already in
+existence, who were eager to serve. Directly the permission was given men
+flocked to the standard, and you have now Rimington&#8217;s Guides, the South
+African Light Horse, and the Cape Volunteers, who have all promptly proceeded
+to the front. Another most useful body is now being recruited both in
+Natal and in Cape Colony&mdash;I mean the Railway Pioneer Corps. It is being
+officered by the most eminent of the mining engineers of Johannesburg, and
+the rank and file are made up of skilled mechanics, who are specially qualified
+for the particular duties they will have to perform. They will be armed in the
+ordinary way, drilled as an engineer corps, and will be expected to do the
+ordinary work of the military engineer.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">The Imperial Light Horse, formed by Majors Sampson and Karri Davies, was
+largely composed of Australians. Many Johannesburg people joined it, most
+of them &#8220;all-round sportsmen, capital shots, and keen riders.&#8221; They joined
+on the principle of not allowing the Mother Country to fight their battles for
+them while they had a right arm with which to assert themselves.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">The Cape Mounted Police, 1000 strong, who were also sent on active
+service at the commencement of the war, were invaluable. They were remarkable,
+not alone for gallantry, but efficiency. When Captain de Montmorency&#8217;s
+Scouts were cut off near Labuschagnes Nek by some 800 Boers, Captain
+Golsworthy on the last day of the year came to the rescue with a party of the
+Cape Mounted Police, and put the enemy to flight.</p>
+
+<p class="gap2 smaller">Early in 1900, the Rhodesian Field Force, under the command of Lieut.-General
+Sir Frederick Carrington, was organised to operate in Northern
+Rhodesia, and stop any trekking of members of the Free State or Transvaal
+or rebels of Cape Colony into Rhodesian territory.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">The officers were:&mdash;Major C. D. Learoyd, Royal Engineers; Major A. V.
+Jenner, D.S.O., Rifle Brigade; Major C. L. Josling, Royal Army Medical
+Corps; Major G. A. R. Carew, 7th Hussars; Captain E. Peach, Indian Staff
+Corps; Captain R. G. Partridge, Army Ordnance Department; Captain W. E.
+Lawrence, South Wales Borderers; Second Lieutenant C. S. Rome, 11th
+Hussars; Second Lieutenant C. H. Dillon, Rifle Brigade; Paymaster G. J. C.
+Whittington, Hon. Colonel; Lieutenant Pemberton; Major P. Dalton, late
+3rd V.B. Royal Fusiliers; Major C. D. Guise, 3rd Gloucester Regiment;
+Brevet-Major P. Moir Byres, 1st Dragoon Guards; Captain C. W. Kennard,
+3rd Gordon Highlanders; Second Lieutenant W. H. Longden, 4th East
+Surrey Regiment; Chaplain Rev. F. P. Moreton, M.A.; Lieutenant R. Laing,
+surgeon; Lieutenant E. A. Parsons, surgeon; Lieutenant H. Cardin, surgeon;
+Lieutenant F. F. Bond, surgeon; Lieutenant G. H. Collard, surgeon; Lieutenant
+F. R. Pullin, surgeon; Lieutenant H. D. Buss, surgeon; Colonel H. C.
+Wood, late 10th Hussars; Lieut.-Colonel J. Leslie, 5th Royal Irish Fusiliers;
+Lieutenant-Colonel B. G. Booth, late Scots Guards; Major J. W. Traill, late
+4th Cheshire; Captain R. Gray, C.M.G., late 6th Dragoons; Captain E. C. P.
+Curzon, late 18th Hussars; Captain F. C. P. Curzon, Royal Irish Rifles;
+Captain H. F. F. Fisher, Army Service Corps; Veterinary-Captain H. T. W.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span>
+Mann; Lieutenant J. K. Rashleigh, late Artillery Militia; Lieutenant F. J.
+Lawrence, late English Militia; Lieutenant C. A. Burgoyne, 3rd Dragoon
+Guards; Lieutenant A. Wormald, surgeon; Major E. J. Tickell, D.S.O.,
+14th Hussars; Captain J. Ponsonby, Coldstream Guards; Captain Pereira,
+Coldstream Guards; Captain H. J. Haddock, Royal Welsh Fusiliers; Captain
+R. K. Arbuthnot, Royal Irish Regiment; Lieutenant W. D. P. Watson, late
+Scots Greys; Major G. Wright, R.G.A.; Major A. Paris, R.M.A.; Captain and
+Hon. Major G. E. Giles, late R.A. In all, forty-four officers.</p>
+
+<h3 class="gap2"><a name="NATAL" id="NATAL"></a>NATAL</h3>
+
+<p class="smaller">The following is a list of the names and numbers of the local forces which
+the colony of Natal has put into the field: Natal Naval Volunteers, 150;
+Natal Carabineers (Colonel Royston, since dead), 465; Natal Mounted Rifles,
+200; Border Mounted Rifles, 270; Umvoti Mounted Rifles (Major Leuchars),
+130; Natal Field Artillery, 120; Natal Royal Rifles, 145; Durban Light
+Infantry, 400; Medical Staff, 7; Veterinary, 3; Staff, 19; Natal Mounted
+Police (Europeans) at Ladysmith and other portions of the Colony (Colonel
+Dartnell), 649; Thorneycroft&#8217;s Mounted Infantry (Colonel Thorneycroft, Royal
+Scots Fusiliers, D.A.A.G.), 500; Bethune&#8217;s Mounted Infantry (Lieut.-Colonel
+Bethune, 16th Lancers, Colonel Addison second in command), 500; Imperial
+Light Infantry (Colonel Nash), 1000; Imperial Light Horse (Colonel Scott
+Chisholm, killed 21st November 1899), 500; Colonial Scouts (Colonel Edwards,
+Captain Sydney Osborne), 500; Ambulance Bearers (1st section), 1000;
+Ambulance Bearers (2nd section), 600. Total, 7158.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">The South African Light Horse is mentioned among the Cape Colonial
+troops, though it has done notable work in Natal. The second and third regiments
+of the corps became respectively Roberts&#8217;s and Kitchener&#8217;s Horse. In
+the district of Kaffraria half the available men were embodied, men belonging
+to the Duke of Edinburgh&#8217;s Own Volunteer Rifles&mdash;one of the corps of
+&#8220;regulars&#8221; belonging to Cape Colony.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">The South African Light Horse was started on the 12th of November. By
+order of Sir Redvers Buller a recruiting office was opened in Cape Town,
+whereupon the place was instantly invaded. Patriotic fervour ran high, and
+every one desired to take a share in showing forth the might of Great Britain.
+The officers, Major Byng (10th Hussars, with temporary rank of colonel)
+and Captain Villiers (R.H.G., with temporary rank of major), set themselves
+manfully to hurry the work of organisation. In no time men were picked&mdash;fine
+riders and fine shots&mdash;mounted and equipped. Saddlery, tents, harness,
+ammunition&mdash;all were gathered together with startling celerity. Among the
+troopers were British-born subjects, Uitlanders, Colonials, Americans, farmers,
+seamen, &amp;c. The officers hailed from many regiments&mdash;the 10th Hussars,
+Royal Horse Guards, Life Guards, 11th Hussars, 20th Hussars, Gordon
+Highlanders, Yeomanry, Militia&mdash;all manner of men of distinction and wealth
+and breeding uniting together in a common brotherhood for a common cause.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">The following is a list of the officers: Colonel Byng, 10th Hussars,
+commanding; Major Villiers, Royal Horse Guards, second in command; Captain
+Fraser, 1st Life Guards, adjutant; Captain French, late L.G., Maxims;
+Captain Harden, Transport; Captain Murray; Captain Anderson; Captain
+Hull, paymaster; Vet.-Captain Walker; Vet.-Lieutenant Steele; Chaplain
+Rev. G. Eales. Squadron Leaders&mdash;Captain Balfour, late 11th Hussars;
+Major (Bimbash) Stewart, Gordon Highlanders; Captain Kirkwood; Captain
+Gatacre; Captain Renton; Captain Whittaker; Captain Child; Captain Allgood.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span>
+Lieutenants Milne, Tucker, Brown, Jobling, De Rougemont, Tarbutt, Davis,
+Bathurst, Shepherd; Second Lieutenants Warren, Carlton Smith, Hamilton,
+Cock, Leith, Welstead, Robinson, Oates, Johnson, Vignelles, Vaughan, Carlisle,
+Marsden, Overbeck, Newman, Penrose, Kuhlman, Horne, Cloete, Walker-Leigh,
+Hon. de Saumarez, Thorold, Kitson, Vaghan.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">Three squadrons under Captain Byng proceeded to the front to Natal, where
+they immediately distinguished themselves, while the remainder of the regiment
+went to the western border, and there took a full share of incessant
+work.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">The Natal Mounted Police under Colonel Dartnell, &#8220;a genius, planner, and
+guide,&#8221; did wonderful deeds in relation to the defence of Ladysmith and during
+the trying actions which preceded it. The gallant colonel, who has been
+described in action as being &#8220;as good as a brigade,&#8221; placed his own horse at
+the disposal of General Symons, who was wounded, and saw him safely off the
+field at Glencoe.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">The Natal Carabineers served splendidly both within and without Ladysmith,
+some of the force, under Lord Dundonald, being the first to relieve the
+town. Their fighting qualities are well known, and it is unnecessary to do
+more than quote the words of General Hunter, who said, &#8220;I never wish to
+serve with better men.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">First-rate work has been done by the Frontier Mounted Rifles, a well-trained
+and excellently-equipped body of men, all in the prime of life, and
+drawn from the eastern border towns of the Cape Colony. They held a
+position of continual danger, being encamped nearest the enemy. Being born
+and bred among the kopjes which afforded the Boers such cosy hiding-places,
+they were acquainted with every nook and corner, and could find their way
+about them both in daylight and dark. This force, with the Cape Police,
+helped to keep General Gatacre informed regarding the seething mass of disloyalty
+that surrounded him. It was difficult to choose between the honest
+hostility of the Free Staters and the crafty antagonism of the rebel Dutchmen,
+who had joined the enemy almost to a man. These were known to be in
+active collusion with the foe, assisting them by spying, blowing up culverts,
+wrecking railway lines, and generally assisting in the development of the plots
+to sweep British rule from the soil of Africa. Loyal British subjects had much
+to suffer at the hands of these people, who spent their time carrying off and
+destroying furniture and valuables, smashing windows and doors, and damaging
+all property other than their own that they could lay hands on, and with
+these duplicit ruffians the British troops unaided by Colonials could never
+have been even. Besides the valuable services of the Frontier Mounted Rifles
+and the Cape Police, General Gatacre had under him four other regiments of
+Cape Colonials, who were all trying to outrival each other in nobility, pluck,
+and usefulness. Of many other regiments pages might be written, but space
+does not permit. In regard to the Imperial Light Horse, one sentence expressed
+by Sir George White speaks volumes. He said it was composed of
+the finest fighting material that he had ever had under his command.</p>
+
+<h3><a name="THE_IMPERIAL_YEOMANRY" id="THE_IMPERIAL_YEOMANRY"></a>THE IMPERIAL YEOMANRY</h3>
+
+<p class="smaller">Early in the days of war Lord Lonsdale offered to take out to South Africa
+200 men of the Westmoreland and Cumberland Yeomanry, of which he is
+colonel, and to fully equip and clothe them. Lord Harris and his regiment,
+the East Kent Mounted Rifles, also were among the first to volunteer for the
+front, and before that the Middlesex Yeomanry (the Duke of Cambridge&#8217;s<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span>
+Hussars) made a hurried application to go to the Transvaal, which impetuosity
+of loyalty was met by the War Office with courteous refusal. At that time the
+need for light cavalry in South Africa seemed scarcely to have dawned on the
+authorities. It was true that October mists and November fogs had enveloped
+London, and that no one between Downing Street and the Mansion House
+could see an inch before his nose, and it was equally true that by the time
+these mists had cleared away there was only one question, namely, &#8220;How
+many men could be sent abroad out of the 10,000 who constituted the
+Yeomanry Cavalry?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">Then, in December, the following announcement, with regulations to be
+observed in the organisation of a Contingent of Yeomanry and Volunteers, was
+published:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="smaller"><span class="smcap">Yeomanry.</span>&mdash;1. Her Majesty&#8217;s Government have decided to raise for
+service in South Africa a mounted infantry force, to be named &#8220;The Imperial
+Yeomanry.&#8221; 2. The force will be recruited from the Yeomanry, but Volunteers
+and civilians who may possess the requisite qualifications (as given
+below) will be specially enrolled in the Yeomanry for this purpose. 3. The
+force will be organised in companies of 115 rank and file, five officers being
+allotted to each company, viz., one captain and four subalterns, preference
+being given to Yeomanry officers. 4. The term of enlistment for officers
+and men will be for one year, or for not less than the period of the war.
+5. The officers and men will bring their own horses, clothing, saddlery,
+and accoutrements. Arms and ammunition, camp equipment, and regimental
+transport will be provided by Government. 6. The men will be dressed in
+Norfolk jackets, of woollen material of neutral colour, breeches and gaiters,
+lace boots, and felt hats. Strict uniformity of pattern will not be insisted upon.
+7. The pay will be at cavalry rates, with a capitation grant for horses,
+clothing, saddles, and accoutrements. All ranks will receive rations from date
+of joining. Gratuities and allowances will be those laid down in special army
+order of May 10, 1899. 8. Applications for enrolment should be addressed
+to colonels commanding Yeomanry regiments, or to General Officers commanding
+districts, to whom instructions will be immediately issued.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller"><i>Qualifications.</i>&mdash;(<i>a</i>) Candidates must be from twenty to thirty-five years of
+age and of good character. (<i>b</i>) Volunteers or civilian candidates must satisfy
+the colonel of the regiment through which they enlist that they are good riders
+and marksmen, according to Yeomanry standard. (<i>c</i>) The standard of physique
+to be that for cavalry of the line.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller"><span class="smcap">Volunteers.</span>&mdash;Her Majesty&#8217;s Government have decided to accept offers
+of service in South Africa from the Volunteers. A carefully selected company
+of 110 rank and file, officered by one captain and three subalterns, will
+be raised (one for each British line battalion serving in, or about to proceed
+to, South Africa) from the Volunteer battalions of the territorial regiment.
+These Volunteer companies will, as a general rule, take the place in the line
+battalion of its company, serving as mounted infantry. The Volunteer
+battalions from which a company is accepted will form and maintain a waiting
+company in reserve at home. The selection of men from the Volunteer
+battalions for service with the line battalion in the field, will devolve on the
+commanding officers of Volunteer battalions. The terms of enlistment for
+officers and men will be for one year, or for not less than the period of the
+war. Full instructions for the information of all concerned will be issued
+with the least possible delay through General Officers commanding districts.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 636px;">
+<a name="illo50" id="illo50"></a><img src="images/illo50.png" width="636" height="419" alt="LONDONS RESPONSE-THE CITY IMPERIAL VOLUNTEERS CROSSING WESTMINSTER BRIDGE." title="" />
+<div><span class="caption">LONDON&#8217;S RESPONSE&mdash;THE CITY IMPERIAL VOLUNTEERS CROSSING WESTMINSTER BRIDGE.</span><br />
+<span class="smaller">Drawing by Allan Stewart.</span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p class="smaller">A committee was formed to assist in organising the Yeomanry force, among<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span>
+which were the following notable persons: Colonel Lord Chesham, Colonel A.
+G. Lucas, Colonel Viscount Valentia, Colonel the Right Hon. W. H. Long,
+M. P. Colonel the Earl of Lonsdale consented to assist the committee in the
+obtaining of horses. The following Acting Staff Officers were nominated to
+assist Colonel Lord Chesham: Captain the Hon. W. Bagot (late Scots
+Guards), Captain L. Sandwith (8th Hussars), Adjutant of the 2nd Yeomanry
+Brigade.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">In a short, an almost incredibly short, space of time numerous battalions
+were in readiness, and a strong contingent from Ireland was raised, composed
+mainly of hunting men. The Under-Secretary for War wrote to correct the
+impression which prevailed in some quarters that the raising of funds by
+private subscriptions for the Volunteers and Imperial Yeomanry going to South
+Africa was promoted by Government in order to do work which ought to be
+done with Government money. He pointed out that the Government was
+bearing the whole cost of those forces, providing them directly with their pay,
+food, and arms, and, through their regiments, with clothing and equipments.
+But the Government allowance for these things was calculated on the regular
+army scale, and the public subscription would be serviceable in the way of
+making better provision in those directions for the local Volunteers and Yeomanry,
+of locally overcoming certain difficulties of organisation, and of decentralising
+a great deal of contracting for horses, saddles, clothing, &amp;c. Why,
+they argued, should the man who volunteers his service in the field bear also
+all the cost of making himself efficient, and all the cost entailed by his absence
+from his trade or profession? Surely those who could not volunteer for the
+front will be glad to assist him, or his corps in this case, as they have assisted
+him or his corps in time of peace for forty years? Quantities of men of independent
+means throughout the country, a great many of whom were acquainted
+with each other, were ready and anxious to form a corps of the Imperial
+Yeomanry, messing and fighting together, and enduring the hardships and
+dangers of the trooper in emulation of the regular service man; and to this
+body of men the corps specially appealed. Though at first some 5000 men
+were called for, it was evident that 10,000 could have been recruited if needed.
+The magnificent example set by thousands of young men in humble stations of
+life, who left home and good employment courageously to serve their country,
+acted as a powerful incentive to their more fortunate brethren of means and
+leisure, and it was astonishing to find how readily all the members of the
+&#8220;upper ten&#8221; sacrificed themselves rather than be &#8220;out of it.&#8221; Eventually the
+Duke of Cambridge&#8217;s Own, the Special Corps, went to Africa, paying their own
+expenses. In this corps every trooper, equally with every other member of
+the Imperial Yeomanry, was entitled to a grant of £65 on joining, but all other
+expenses were defrayed by themselves, and even the pay received during the
+campaign was devoted to swell the Imperial War Fund for the widows and
+orphans of soldiers who had fallen in action. The cost of equipment of each
+recruit amounted to £170. The special purpose of the scheme was to attract
+men of social standing and education, and enable groups of friends to serve
+together in the same unit at the front. Among those who were enrolled was
+Lord Elphinstone; Mr. Geoffrey Malcolm Gathorne-Hardy, grandson of the
+Earl of Cranbrook; Captain Shaw; the Hon. Aubrey N. Molyneux Herbert
+(brother of the Earl of Carnarvon); the Hon. A. Hill-Trevor. Lord Lovat
+engaged himself actively in raising a corps of Highland gillies. In addition to
+the Government grant, magnificent contributions poured in for the full equipment
+of the corps. Lord Loch worked energetically in organising the South<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span>
+African Contingent of the Imperial Yeomanry. These troops were formed only
+of men who had South African experience, and had seen service there.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">The following is a list of the various battalions:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">1st Battalion (Colonel Challoner)&mdash;1st and 2nd Co. Royal Wiltshire
+Yeomanry; 4th Co. Glamorganshire Detachment; 3rd Co. Gloucestershire
+Yeomanry. 2nd Battalion (Colonel Burke)&mdash;32nd Co. Lancashire Hussars;
+21st and 22nd Co. Cheshire Yeomanry; 5th Co. Warwickshire Yeomanry.
+3rd Battalion (Colonel Younghusband)&mdash;9th Co. Yorkshire Hussars; 11th Co.
+Yorkshire Dragoons; 12th Co. South Notts; 10th Co. Notts (Sherwood
+Rangers). 4th Battalion (Colonel Blair)&mdash;7th Co. Leicestershire Yeomanry;
+8th Co. Derbyshire Yeomanry; 6th Co. Staffordshire Yeomanry; 28th Co.
+Bedfordshire Detachment. 5th Battalion (Colonel Meyrick)&mdash;14th and 15th
+Co. Northumberland; 13th Co. Shropshire; 16th Co. Worcestershire. 6th
+Battalion (Colonel Burn)&mdash;17th Co. Ayrshire Yeomanry; 18th Co. Lanarkshire
+Yeomanry; 19th Co. Lothian and Berwickshire; 20th Co. Fife Light
+Horse. 7th Battalion (Colonel Helyar)&mdash;27th Co. Royal 1st Devon,
+Royal North Devon; 48th Co. North Somerset; 25th Co. West Somerset;
+26th Co. Dorsetshire. 8th Battalion (Colonel Crawley)&mdash;23rd Co. Duke of
+Lancaster&#8217;s Own; 51st and 52nd Co. Mr. Paget&#8217;s Corps; 24th Co. Westmoreland
+and Cumberland. 9th Battalion (Colonel Howard)&mdash;29th Co.
+Denbighshire; 30th Co. Pembrokeshire; 31st and 49th Co. Montgomeryshire.
+10th Battalion (Colonel Lord Chesham)&mdash;37th and 38th Co. Buckinghamshire;
+39th Co. Berkshire; 40th Co. Oxfordshire, 11th Battalion (Colonel
+Wilson)&mdash;42nd Co. Hertfordshire; 43rd and 44th Co. Suffolk; 41st Co.
+Hampshire Carabineers. 12th Battalion (Colonel Mitford)&mdash;34th and 35th
+Co. Middlesex; 33rd Co. Royal East Kent; 36th Co. West Kent. 13th
+Battalion&mdash;54th and 56th Co. Irish (Belfast) Companies; 45th Co. Irish
+(Dublin) Company; 47th Co. Lord Donoughmore&#8217;s Corps (Duke of Cambridge&#8217;s
+Own). 14th Battalion (Lieut.-Colonel Brookfield)&mdash;55th Co. Northumberland;
+53rd Co. Royal East Kent; 50th Co. Hampshire; 62nd Co. Middlesex.
+15th Battalion (Lieut.-Colonel Sandwith)&mdash;56th and 57th Co. Bucks; 58th
+Co. Berks; 59th Co. Oxford. 16th Battalion (Lieut.-Colonel Ridley)&mdash;63rd
+Co. Wilts; 64th Co. Cheshire; 65th Co. Suffolk; 66th Co. York. 17th
+Battalion (Lieut.-Colonel Moore ?)&mdash;60th Co. North Irish, Belfast; 61st Co.
+South Irish, Dublin. 18th Battalion&mdash;67th, 70th, and 71st Co. Sharpshooters.
+19th Battalion (Lieut.-Colonel Rodney ?)&mdash;69th Co. Sussex; 68th Co. Paget&#8217;s
+Corps; 72nd Co. Rough Riders; 73rd Co. Paget&#8217;s Corps.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">Each battalion consisted of four companies of 116 each.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">Colonel Viscount Downe, who was serving on Lord Roberts&#8217;s staff in South
+Africa, was elected to command a brigade of the Imperial Yeomanry, and
+Lieutenant the Hon. R. F. Molyneux, Royal Horse Guards, was selected as his
+aide-de-camp.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">Lord Dunraven&#8217;s Battalion of Sharpshooters embarked for Africa to join
+the Rhodesian Force on the 6th of April. It was composed of four companies.
+The 67th, under the command of Captain Crum (late 52nd Regiment), was
+accompanied by Lieutenants Langford, Jones, Curley, and Dyke. The 75th,
+commanded by Major Warden (late Middlesex Regiment), was accompanied
+by Lieutenants Gabbett, Power, Warde, and Bosanquet. The 70th Company,
+comprising the Scottish Unit under Colonel Hill (late 12th Lancers), was
+accompanied by Lieutenants Clark, Torrance, Hotchkiss, and Andrews. The
+remaining company was commanded by Sir Savile Crossley.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">The Earl of Dunraven, the founder of the corps, went to South Africa as
+Supernumerary Captain on the Battalion Staff.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span></p>
+
+<h3 class="gap2"><a name="THE_CITY_IMPERIAL_VOLUNTEERS" id="THE_CITY_IMPERIAL_VOLUNTEERS"></a>THE CITY IMPERIAL VOLUNTEERS</h3>
+
+<p class="smaller">The announcement that the Government had decided to send to South
+Africa a force of Volunteers, was received with general delight by our civilian
+soldiers throughout the country. Here was a chance&mdash;a chance never before
+offered to earn distinction in the field; and here was an opportunity&mdash;most
+seasonable and appropriate, for the expression of public opinion, and for the
+display, the universal and effervescent patriotism that had found little chance
+of outlet in the prosaic walks of everyday life. The official intimation came
+as a surprise, and surprise in a few moments developed into unrestrained joy.
+The proposal to employ &#8220;a strong contingent of carefully selected Volunteers&#8221;
+was no sooner published than the War Office was besieged with applicants
+all eager to know what chance of being included in the great military movement
+might be available. A few weeks before the opening of Parliament
+Colonel Sir Howard Vincent volunteered &#8220;marksmen&#8221; for service in South
+Africa, and other colonels of Volunteer regiments followed suit. General
+Trotter (commanding the Home District) expressed a belief that the employment
+of Volunteers in the present crisis would demonstrate for all who should
+care to profit by the lesson the magnificent reserve force of civilian soldiers
+possessed by our nation, a force utterly ignored by Continental nations. This
+force was practically a force of picked men, selected marksmen who, unlike the
+&#8220;Regulars,&#8221; were all first-rate shots, and fit to cope with the skilled sharpshooters
+of the Boers. The marksmanship of many of the London corps of
+Volunteers has for many years been phenomenal, and it was said that in one
+company of the 13th Middlesex there were no less than sixty-three first-class
+shots out of eighty. Finally, it was decided that the &#8220;C.I.V.&#8217;s,&#8221; as they were
+called, should consist of 1400, and both corps sailed towards the end of
+January. Prior to their departure the Freedom of the City was conferred upon
+the officers of the regiment at the Guildhall, and later an impressive farewell
+service was held at St. Paul&#8217;s Cathedral. Their departure through London
+was somewhat difficult, owing to the dense and enthusiastic multitude that
+thronged the streets to see the last of them.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 672px;">
+<a name="illo51" id="illo51"></a><img src="images/illo51.png" width="672" height="263" alt="12½-Pounder Quick-Firing Field-Gun&mdash;City of London Field Battery." title="" />
+<div><span class="caption smcap">12½-Pounder Quick-Firing Field-Gun&mdash;City of London Field Battery.</span><br />
+<span class="smaller">(By permission of Messrs. Vickers, Sons &amp; Maxim, and the publishers of the <i>Engineer</i>.)</span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p class="smaller">The Lord Mayor, Mr. Newton (now Sir A. J. Newton, Bart.), who was
+the moving spirit in the organisation of the corps, gave an excellent account
+of the splendid work that had been accomplished and of the prompt equipment
+and despatch of the regiment. This report concisely and modestly describes
+the enormous undertaking, though it does not sufficiently enlarge on the keen
+personal interest and magnificent services rendered by the prime mover in the
+great scheme. The Lord Mayor said: &#8220;From the moment when the Commander-in-Chief
+did me the honour of placing in my hands, as Chief Magistrate
+of the City of London, the organisation of a regiment of thoroughly
+qualified Volunteers for service in South Africa, I have been profoundly impressed
+with the responsibility of the trust, and the importance of every promise
+made on behalf of the Corporation and City of London being fulfilled in its
+integrity. The original promise was 1000 Metropolitan Volunteers, all recommended
+by their commanding officers, all between twenty and thirty-five years,
+all bachelors, and that at least 250 should be mounted. That was on the
+20th of December (1899), and now, on the 3rd of February (1900), the City
+of London, with the approval of the military authorities, has completely equipped
+and despatched to the seat of war upwards of 1550 selected Volunteers, of
+whom 500 men and 17 officers are already in Cape Town&mdash;all approved by the
+General Officer commanding the Home District. Of these, 400 are mounted<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span>
+infantry, having their saddlery with them, and their horses ready at the
+Cape. Four small Maxim guns, with 200,000 rounds of ammunition, have
+also been shipped. A highly trained battery of field artillery, mainly provided
+by the Honourable Artillery Company, through the zealous co-operation
+of the Earl of Denbigh, composed of 140 men and officers, left the
+Royal Albert Docks by the steamship <i>Montfort</i>. This section took with it
+four 12½-pounder quick-firing guns and ample ammunition, together with
+their full complement of 110 horses, purchased here, as they must be of a
+stouter type than the Cape horses. The City has also&mdash;which was not
+originally intended&mdash;provided the entire camp and tent equipment for the
+whole force when it leaves Cape Town, and, at the request of the authorities,
+done a good deal in the direction of land transport, without interfering with
+the responsibility of the Headquarters Staff in South Africa in respect of
+maintenance of the corps. The regiment constitutes a part of her Majesty&#8217;s
+regular army. The officers and men are soldiers, and remain so during the
+campaign. The time has been very brief, but there has been neither hurry
+nor confusion, and the explanation of the successful results may be fairly
+summed up as follows: As soon as Lord Wolseley accepted my offer, made
+on behalf of the Corporation and City, I was in the position of an autocrat in
+this business, and the power of the purse was promptly placed at my disposal&mdash;in
+the first instance by the Corporation with its grant of £25,000, by the City
+Livery Companies, the large shipowners, bankers, merchants, the Honourable
+Artillery Companies, its members, and the citizens generally. The Metropolitan
+Volunteer commanding officers vied with each other as to who could
+send the most men, do the most work, and be the most useful. The result
+is that, with the exception of a few staff officers from the regular army, the
+officers of the City Imperial Volunteers are gentlemen engaged in civil pursuits,
+but who have spent years in efficiently performing their duties. The non-commissioned
+officers are most carefully picked from the vast band of qualified
+men holding the same or higher rank in their own Volunteer regiments,
+and every man of the rank and file has been expressly recommended by his
+commanding officer for the particular duty allotted to him. Several committees
+have dealt with sea and land transport, equipment, saddlery, and finance, and
+Volunteer commanding officers have served on all these. A committee of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span>
+Honourable Artillery Company and the battery officers arranged the details
+of their own equipment without coming to the Mansion House for anything
+but the inevitable cheque. The selection of Colonel Mackinnon, A.A.G., Home
+District, as commandant was a very fortunate one for all concerned. Major-General
+Turner, C.B., R.A., has been constant in his attendance at the Mansion
+House, and always at hand when technical assistance was required. Major
+Freemantle and Lieutenant Grantham have been indefatigable, while my son
+as hon. secretary to, and Mr. A. D. Watson, a member of, the Equipment Committee,
+have gone to Cape Town as the connecting link for a short time between
+the regiment and its headquarters&mdash;the Mansion House. Colonel C. G. Boxall,
+C.B., on whose initiative I took up this work, has thoroughly and loyally
+fulfilled in every sense his promise to me to see this business completed, for
+which his admittedly great technical knowledge and his indomitable zeal in the
+Volunteer cause so eminently fit him. Mr. Abe Bailey, D.L. of the City, who
+from the first placed his services at my disposal, is acting as honorary agent
+of the regiment at Cape Town. He purchased over four hundred horses, and
+arranged for their being put in training and ready for the arrival of the first
+contingent, besides rendering other and invaluable aid. Several City firms
+have furnished contingents of their expert employees, whose services at the
+Guildhall in the preparation and distribution of &#8220;kits&#8221; have been of great
+assistance. The payment of accounts is now progressing, and at the first
+opportunity an audited statement of receipts and expenditure will be presented.
+In conclusion, I would state that the whole force has gone to the
+front with no burning desire for glory, but with a determination to do its duty,
+and with an intense loyalty and devotion to their beloved Sovereign.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p class="center smcap gap2">Roll of the City of London Imperial Volunteers.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">Officers.&mdash;Infantry&mdash;Colonel, Earl of Albemarle; second in command,
+Lieutenant-Colonel A. G. Pawle; Adjutant, Captain the Hon. J. R. Bailey.
+A Company&mdash;Captain A. Reid; Lieutenant F. R. Jeffrey; Lieutenant E. D.
+Townroe. B Company&mdash;Captain C. W. Berkeley; Lieutenant B. W. Garnett;
+Lieutenant J. W. Cohen. C Company&mdash;Captain C. Matthey; Lieutenant the
+Hon. S. McDonnell, C.B.; Lieutenant E. Treffry. D Company&mdash;Captain F. J.
+Cousens; Lieutenant J. H. Smith; Lieutenant F. R. Burnside. E Company&mdash;Captain
+R. B. Shipley; Lieutenant W. J. P. Benson; Lieutenant F. B. Marsh.
+F Company&mdash;Captain W. Edis; Lieutenant P. F. Brown; Lieutenant S. H.
+Hole. G Company&mdash;Captain A. A. Howell; Lieutenant C. P. Grindle; Lieutenant
+P. Croft. H Company&mdash;Captain C. A. Mortimer; Lieutenant W. B. I.
+Alt; Lieutenant B. C. Green. Quartermaster, Captain S. Firth. Medical
+Officer, Surgeon-Captain E. St. V. Ryan. Staff&mdash;Colonel W. H. Mackinnon;
+Lieutenant E. H. Trotter; Transport Captain J. E. H. Orr; Paymaster Captain
+Triggs (late A. P. D.); Medical Officer, Surgeon-Captain R. R. Sleman;
+Veterinary Officer, W. S. Mulvey. Battery&mdash;Major G. McMicking; Captain
+E. C. Budworth; Lieutenant A. C. Lowe; Lieutenant H. Bayley; Lieutenant
+J. F. Duncan; Surgeon, Captain A. Thorne. Mounted Infantry&mdash;Colonel H.
+C. Cholmondeley; Adjutant Captain E. Bell; Quartermaster J. Ridler. Machine-Gun
+Section&mdash;Lieutenant E. V. Wellby. No. 1 Company&mdash;Captain J. W.
+Reid; Lieutenant G. Berry; Lieutenant W. H. Brailey; Lieutenant B. Moeller;
+Lieutenant C. H. W. Wilson. No. 2 Company&mdash;Captain J. F. Waterlow;
+Lieutenant A. Bailey; Lieutenant E. G. Concanon; Lieutenant A. H. Henderson;
+Lieutenant E. A. Manisty.</p></blockquote>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_6_6" id="Footnote_6_6"></a><a href="#FNanchor_6_6"><span class="label">[6]</span></a> For much valuable information I am indebted to the editor of the <i>South African
+Volunteer Gazette</i>.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="gap2"><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII<br />
+<br />
+<span class="smaller">AT COLESBERG</span></h2>
+
+<p class="gap2">The troops with General French were in very fine fettle.
+They had no past history; they were not damped by the
+remembrance of a Majesfontein, a Stormberg, or a
+Colenso. They had perfect confidence in their chief;
+they had just enough hard work to keep their wits
+polished and their minds alert, and in the intervals there was
+sport of a kind for those who fancied it.</p>
+
+<p>Fighting in and around Colesberg was incessant. The Boers
+were most stubborn in their determination to get rid of the British,
+and General French was equally stubborn in his determination to
+get rid of the Boers! Colesberg was a situation to be desired, and
+both British and Boer forces fought desperately to hold it. It is
+situated some thirty-seven miles north of Naauwpoort, which is the
+junction of a branch line to De Aar. Between Naauwpoort and Colesberg
+are undulating pastures, and the town itself, which boasts a
+population of 1900 souls, possesses three&mdash;till lately&mdash;thriving hotels.
+In addition to these attractions it has for the Boers another&mdash;the
+attraction of being the birthplace of Oom Paul. Its capture would
+have mightily impressed the waverers in Cape Colony, consequently
+General French determined to celebrate the New Year by making
+another lunge at the enemy.</p>
+
+<p>Early on Monday morning his troops took up a position upon
+the kopjes surrounding the town. His force, divided into two
+brigades commanded by Colonel Porter (Carabineers) and Colonel
+Fisher (10th Hussars), simultaneously attacked the Boer position.</p>
+
+<p>The second brigade started from Rensburg at five on the
+previous afternoon, passed the night at Maider&#8217;s farm, and in the
+small hours proceeded to their destination, the Boer position on
+Kul Kop, and seized the kopjes overlooking Colesberg on the west.</p>
+
+<p>The advance was made on the Boer haunts at nine, and was
+greeted by a tornado from the surprised enemy, whose position extended
+for six miles round the entire village. Our artillery answered
+briskly, continuing a two hours&#8217; argument which had the result of
+effectually silencing the seven or eight Boer guns. (Curiously
+enough, on inspection, it was discovered that some of the Boer
+shells had been manufactured at the Royal Laboratory, Woolwich!)</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile the cavalry and horse-artillery were endeavouring<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span>
+to work round to the north of the enemy&#8217;s position. The foe,
+ever nimble, was kept &#8220;on the trot.&#8221; He was driven from hill to
+hill. Brilliantly the Berkshires, under Major M&#8217;Cracken, stormed
+a kopje to the west of Colesberg, occupying successive positions
+and pouring a torrent of lead on the enemy, who fled in disorder
+with loud shouts! Splendidly wheeled the cavalry, under Colonel
+Fisher, executing at the same time a flank movement and closing in
+round the Dutchmen, who had but time to flee. The enemy retired
+towards the west, followed always by the British, but owing to the
+peculiar disposition of the many kopjes in the vicinity the task of
+pursuing them was difficult. In their retreat towards Colesberg
+Junction they were hotly chased by the cavalry, and Colesberg itself
+was left almost in our hands.</p>
+
+<p>On the 2nd of January an unfortunate accident occurred. A
+train within the British lines was mysteriously set in motion, and
+was carried by the impetus given to it in the direction of the Boer
+lines. It travelled slowly, but sufficiently fast to get out of reach,
+and as the machine was full of supplies, it was necessary to fire on
+and destroy it rather than allow the Boers to reap the reward of
+rebel treachery. The brakes were found to have been taken off
+the trucks, and a Dutchman was arrested on suspicion of having
+perpetrated the deed. At first an attempt was made to mend the
+trucks, the working party being supported by Carabineers and the
+Mounted Infantry; but these were bombarded by the Boers, and
+finally the trucks had to be fired to prevent the rations they contained,
+a quantity of rum, from falling into the hands of the enemy.
+The New South Wales Lancers under Major Lee, who were sent
+to the scene to avert looting by the foe, spent five hours under fire,
+holding the position and returning the fire with great gallantry.</p>
+
+<p>The small force under General French&#8217;s command at this time
+consisted of the Carabineers, 10th Hussars, Inniskilling Dragoons,
+O and R Batteries of Horse Artillery, the Berkshires and Suffolks,
+the New South Wales Lancers and New Zealanders. With this
+limited number he had worked wonders, driving the Dutchmen out
+from the kopjes immediately around Arundel, and forcing them continually
+to shift their position, a process which effectually deterred
+them from gaining ground. The Boer position now lay on long
+lines of kopjes to east and west of the rails, from Taaibosch Laagte
+to Rensburg; in the middle of the plain was the dumpling-figured
+kopje known as Val Kop which the British had been forced to
+evacuate.</p>
+
+<p>The enemy now prepared a little surprise. At daybreak on
+the 4th they made a sudden attempt to outflank the British position
+beyond Coleskop, westward of the town; thus hoping to reopen
+communications with the northern waggon bridge.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>In General French&#8217;s report of the day&#8217;s work, he said: &#8220;The
+enemy was found to have established himself in strength at some hills
+running about east and west at right angles to the left rear of our
+position. The cavalry on the left should not have allowed him to do
+this unseen, but in turning him out they rendered signal service.
+The 10th Hussars, with two guns which I sent to them, threatened
+to take them in reverse, and they were heavily fired upon by the
+remaining four guns of O Battery in front. This caused several
+hundred to abandon the position, and the plain was covered with flying
+horsemen. The 10th Hussars on one flank, and a squadron of the
+Inniskillings on the other, dashed after them. The 10th Hussars
+were checked by some of the Boers taking up a strong position in
+some rocks to cover the retreat of the others. In a most gallant
+style Colonel Fisher dismounted his men and led them on foot
+against this position, which they carried with great boldness and
+intrepidity.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;In this daring operation, I regret to say, Major Harvey was
+killed, and Major Alexander severely wounded.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The 6th Dragoons, led by Captain E. A. Herbert, showed no
+less dash, pursuing the enemy, mounted, and inflicting some loss
+with their lances. Some 200 of the enemy had, however, still clung
+to the hills, and after shelling them for some considerable time, both
+in front and flank, I decided to clear the position with the Mounted
+Infantry. Advancing under cover of the fire of the artillery,
+Captain De Lisle moved his men with great skill to a position
+where he could move against the enemy&#8217;s right flank. Here he
+dismounted and advanced to attack, choosing the ground with
+admirable care. At this threat at least 100 more of the Boers took
+to flight in many small parties, the remainder endeavoured to check
+the Mounted Infantry advance. When one half the position was
+made good, a final exodus was made by the enemy, and twenty-one
+last remaining Boers surrendered. The Mounted Infantry suffered
+no casualties. This operation was most skilfully and boldly carried
+out by Captain De Lisle. It has been conclusively ascertained that
+on this day the enemy lost upwards of ninety killed and wounded,
+our casualties being six killed and fifteen wounded.&#8221;</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 408px;">
+<a name="illo52" id="illo52"></a><img src="images/illo52.png" width="408" height="528" alt="OFFICERS&mdash;CITY OF LONDON IMPERIAL VOLUNTEERS." title="" />
+<div><span class="caption">OFFICERS&mdash;CITY OF LONDON IMPERIAL VOLUNTEERS.</span><br />
+<span class="smaller">Photo by Gregory &amp; Co., London.</span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>On the 5th of January, Lieutenant Sir John Milbanke, who went
+out with a patrol of five men on the plain north of Colesberg,
+came in touch with the enemy. The Boers galloped up to intercept
+the small British party, and Sir John Milbanke was slightly wounded
+in the thigh. This form of skirmish was an almost daily occurrence,
+for round the place was a species of Boer girdle. The Dutchmen,
+like flies&mdash;swept off at one moment to return the next&mdash;now buzzed
+in the hills within a mile radius from the town, while on the north,
+in the direction of the Free State, and in the east towards Aliwal<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span>
+and Burghersdorp, they remained in undisturbed possession of the
+country. To the north of Colesberg was a hill which practically
+commanded the road to Orange River, and also other roads leading
+to the town. That this hill should be in British possession was
+eminently desirable, and Colonel Watson conceived the idea that it
+might be easily taken and held by us. With General French&#8217;s permission,
+on Friday, the 5th of January, he arranged an expedition,
+a midnight one, for the purpose of gaining the coveted position.
+He started forth at two o&#8217;clock on the morning of the 6th with four
+companies of the Suffolk Regiment. After marching stealthily in
+the darkness for about a mile, they reached the foot of the hill.
+This kopje had been often reconnoitred by various officers, and it
+was not due to any rashness on their part that a lamentable accident
+occurred. They marched through the dead of night to the top of
+the hill. In the morning twilight they were attacked by the enemy,
+who, aware of their design, was awaiting them. So completely had
+the troops fallen into a trap, that when the rifles blazed out they were
+at a distance of only thirty paces from the Dutchmen. The Colonel,
+who had halted to address the men, the Adjutant, and two other
+officers, were wounded before the Suffolks had found time to fire a
+single shot. Indeed, so quickly were they pounced on, that Colonel
+Watson, on giving orders to charge, fell riddled with bullets.
+Suddenly orders, none knew from whence, were given to &#8220;retire.&#8221;
+Some said it was a ruse of the Boers. The rear fled back to the
+pickets, some thousand yards off, believing the order came from their
+officers; others&mdash;about a hundred and twenty officers and men&mdash;remained,
+refusing to budge. They fought bravely, but were eventually
+compelled to surrender. All were killed, wounded, or taken
+prisoners. Of eleven officers, but one remained! The Boers were
+evidently well-informed of the commanding officer&#8217;s programme, and
+their tactics were so clever and combined that they contrived to create
+something of a panic when the unfortunate Suffolks, who thought
+themselves only preparing for attack, were definitely attacked.
+Critics sitting in judgment at home declared that ordinary precautions
+would have averted the chance of being entrapped, but others, who
+knew Kaffir ways and the condition of the country, where every
+keyhole was an ear and every leaf of a tree an eye, were inclined to
+marvel that so few disasters happened.</p>
+
+<p>One of the officers writing of the affair said: &#8220;It is quite certain
+the Colonel never gave that order, or the officers would have retired
+too. They remained to a man, except Graham, who was wounded
+early, and could not hold his rifle. He dragged himself down the
+hill, and somehow crawled the two miles into camp. The Boers
+said those that were left charged three times and behaved splendidly.
+The position was impossible to take, even if a brigade had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span>
+attacked, although it had been carefully reconnoitred. The ditch,
+with the loopholed wall near the top of the hill, could only have
+been discovered by a balloon. The Colonel&#8217;s last words were,
+&#8216;Remember Gibraltar, my boys!&#8217;&#8221;<a name="FNanchor_7_7" id="FNanchor_7_7"></a><a href="#Footnote_7_7" class="fnanchor">[7]</a></p>
+
+<p>There was deep regret at the loss of this distinguished officer,
+and the whole force lamented the first check which this column had
+sustained. The enemy was shelled at intervals, so as to make his
+position as uncomfortable as possible, but the Boers still remained in
+possession of the route leading to the Free State by Achtertang.
+Soon the Essex Regiment was sent on to replace the 1st Suffolk,
+who went south to recruit their shattered forces.</p>
+
+<p>Among the wounded officers was Major Graham; Lieutenants
+Wilkins, Carey, and White were killed. With those taken prisoners
+were Captains Brett, Thomson, Brown; Second Lieutenants
+Allen, Wood-Martin, and Butler. Of the men, 26 were killed, 45
+wounded, and 72 taken prisoners or missing.</p>
+
+<p>The British occupied Slingersfontein on the 9th of January.
+From this time Colonel Porter and his splendidly alert troops&mdash;the
+5th Dragoons, New Zealanders and New South Wales Lancers&mdash;were
+busily occupied in keeping the enemy &#8220;on the run,&#8221; forcing
+him to leave one kopje after another, and maintaining harassing
+tactics which entirely upset the Dutchmen&#8217;s calculations. Still the
+Boers were ubiquitous. They now held a strong position between
+Colesberg and Slingersfontein, from which with the small force at
+hand it was impossible to dislodge them. On the 13th, the inconvenience
+of the situation was rendered more intense by a perfect
+cyclone of dust which caused the utmost discomfort. Meals were
+also made impossible by the aggressive attacks of the enemy, who
+plumped shell after shell in the midst of the camp. Colonel Porter
+retired his troops to the cover of a neighbouring hill, while three
+squadrons of the 6th Dragoon Guards and four guns of O Battery,
+Horse Artillery, advanced across the plain and prepared to tackle the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span>
+enemy. This was done with such celerity and decision that almost
+in five minutes the Boer guns were silenced and the enemy driven
+to cover. As a result of the prompt activities of our artillery, the
+Boer tents were removed eastwards.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 644px;">
+<a name="illo53" id="illo53"></a><img src="images/illo53.png" width="644" height="457" alt="Position at Colesberg about 20th January." title="" />
+<div><span class="caption smcap">Position at Colesberg about 20th January.</span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>These sand-storms, characteristic of the Veldt, were a terrible
+test to patience. At one moment the camp was an orderly array
+of mushroom tents springing decorously from the earth; in the
+next it was seemingly an animated mass of anthills trying to maintain
+life against an ochreous avalanche of dust. Occasionally when
+the cyclone of grit had ceased, it was followed by a hurricane of
+hail, accompanied by the gloom of night, the bellow of the blast and
+growl of the thunder-claps fighting together in the hills. Then
+would the frightened cattle stampede, and the whole routine of
+military life become deranged. A rushing mob, a battle of the
+elements, a vast ditch irrigated with rivulets, bombardment by the
+big guns of the wind&mdash;such would be the programme for a good hour
+or so! Then, as often as not, the sun would suddenly come out
+and shine affably, with the placid, self-satisfied beam of dear old
+ladies when they&#8217;ve trumped their partner&#8217;s best card of a long
+suit at whist!</p>
+
+<p>After this, the routine of life would go on much as before,
+the Dutchmen clinging to their positions, and General French
+determining to make these as untenable as possible.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>On the 15th the New Zealanders had an excellent opportunity of
+exhibiting their smartness and dash. The Boers made a stubborn
+attempt to seize a hill that practically commanded the country to
+east and west of their main position. This valuable eminence was
+held by a detachment of New Zealanders and D Company of the
+Yorkshire Regiment under Captain Orr. Early in the morning
+desultory firing began, and later the Boers, increasing the warmth
+of their fire, worked towards the right of the position held by the
+New Zealanders. At the same time they assailed the Yorkshires,
+directing their fire at a small wall held by them and forcing them
+to keep close cover. Gradually the Boers advanced, creeping towards
+the wall ever nearer and nearer. They then blazed furiously
+from their position on the slopes, killing the Sergeant-Major and
+wounding Captain Orr. At this time Captain Madocks, R.A.
+(attached to the New Zealand Mounted Rifles), and ten New
+Zealanders appeared on the scene, and, to the dismay of the Boers,
+the whole party with a dash and a yell leapt over the wall and
+charged down on their assailants with fixed bayonets. It was a
+splendid act, and one which, as the officer commanding the Yorkshires
+had dropped wounded, came just in time to save the
+situation.</p>
+
+<p>Away rushed the enemy, rolling one over another in their effort
+to be off, while a sustained storm of bullets inflicted heavy loss on
+their retreating numbers. From the distance they made a feeble
+attempt to fire at the gallant fellows who had routed them, but
+eventually they retired to the small kopjes at the base of the contested
+hill. There they were saluted by a detachment of two guns of O
+Battery from the west of the kopje. The enemy&#8217;s long-range gun
+now came into play and forced the British guns to move their
+position farther to the west. That done, the small kopjes were
+effectively shelled and the Dutchmen&#8217;s fire silenced. The whole
+engagement was a signal success, and the Yorkshires and New
+Zealanders were well pleased with their share of the day&#8217;s work.
+Twenty-one Boers were left dead on the field and many more were
+wounded. (On the morning of this day an unfortunate incident
+occurred at Colesberg. Lieutenant Thompson, R.H.A., while out
+scouting, was wounded and taken prisoner. This officer, together
+with Lieutenants Talbot Ponsonby, Lamont, and Aldridge, was
+especially mentioned for services performed with the guns.)</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 696px;">
+<a name="illo54" id="illo54"></a><img src="images/illo54.png" width="696" height="450" alt="General Frenchs
+Remarkable Position at Colesberg, as seen from Kul or Coles Kop about 15th January." title="" />
+<div><span class="caption smcap">General French&#8217;s Remarkable Position at Colesberg,
+as seen from Kul or Cole&#8217;s Kop about 15th January.</span><br />
+<span class="smaller">Sketch by Frederick Villiers, War Artist.</span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span>The events of the last few days had served to show that, however
+the Colonials might differ in their customs, habits, and ideas,
+they were assuredly identical in their dogged bravery and their fine
+spirit of dash&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">&#8220;They come of The Blood, slower to bless than to ban,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Little used to lie down at the bidding of any man,&#8221;&mdash;<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>and Captain Madocks and his hardy New Zealanders had now the
+well-merited good fortune to have earned the esteem and appreciation
+of all who had seen their splendid rush to the rescue
+of the Yorkshires. On the 16th General French visited the New
+Zealanders&#8217; camp and congratulated them on their gallant conduct
+during the fight.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The Boers now brought to bear on the position one of the guns
+captured by them at Stormberg, and launched some ten shots into
+the kopjes held by a company of the Welsh Regiment. They got
+as good as they gave, and before long the enemy was completely
+silenced. General French&#8217;s system was a tit-for-tat form of warfare,
+which failed to commend itself to the Dutchmen. It served
+well, however&mdash;in default of sufficient troops to make any definite
+advance&mdash;to hold the enemy from proceeding farther south in
+British territory. News now came in that a large force of Dutchmen
+had been transferred from Majesfontein for the purpose of
+reinforcing the Boer commandoes at Colesberg, and thus rendering
+the paralysis of the British complete.</p>
+
+<p>A very serious disaster befell a patrol consisting partly of New
+South Wales Lancers and South Australian Horse, who had so
+nobly volunteered their services to the Mother Country at the beginning
+of the war. On the morning of the 16th of January a party of
+nineteen rode out from Colonel Porter&#8217;s camp for the purpose of
+reconnoitring towards Achtertang. It was not yet dawn, but they
+pursued their investigations, reaching Norval Camp without seeing
+any signs of the enemy. About 8 <span class="smaller">A.M.</span> they commenced the return
+journey naturally with a feeling of greater security than when they
+started. They unfortunately fell into an ambush. A hot fight ensued,
+but the Boers were in overwhelming numbers, and the party
+was hard pressed. Two escaped to camp, and six more, after hiding
+till it was possible to make good their escape, followed them. The
+rest were made prisoners, but not without a struggle, as the bodies
+of four dead Australian and seven dead Boer horses, left on the
+field, served to testify. Lieutenant Dowling was killed. The enemy
+now occupied Klein Toren to the north of Slingersfontein.</p>
+
+<p>On the 18th inst. Major-General Clements, D.S.O., arrived with
+two regiments of the 12th Brigade (the Royal Irish and the Worcestershire),
+and was placed in command of all the troops at and
+east of Slinger&#8217;s Farm. Two battalions were posted at that place,
+and occupied a good commanding position, which had been well
+fortified and intrenched.</p>
+
+<p>General Clements had also, at Slinger&#8217;s, one company New
+Zealand Mounted Rifles; one squadron and four guns. Colonel
+Porter, 6th Dragoon Guards, with four squadrons, two guns, and
+one company of infantry, was posted at a farm called Potfontein,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span>
+some eight miles east, and a little south, of Slinger&#8217;s. The enemy&#8217;s
+force at Colesberg was now hemmed in on the west, south, and
+east, and their position began to look uncomfortable, particularly as
+a battery firing lyddite shells was at hand to assist in the British
+operations. The British now held a series of positions of great
+extent, shaped after the manner of a mark of interrogation, with
+Colesberg within the curve of the hook.</p>
+
+<p>The distance to be covered between the camps on the east and
+west flanks was about sixteen miles. Supplies were conveyed by
+waggons drawn by mules of South African breed&mdash;sleek, and as a
+rule good-tempered beasts. The South American mules were of a
+weaklier stamp, their poor condition being the result of importation.
+The tracks through the veldt, called by courtesy roads, were now in
+many places a foot deep in dust wherever sand-drifts had been
+lodged, and these promised in the event of rain to develop into
+morasses.</p>
+
+<p>On the 25th General French made a reconnaissance in person,
+and discovered that the enemy was strongly posted at Rietfontein.
+The reconnaissance occupied two days, during which the troops
+covered forty miles. In spite of many efforts to cut the Boer&#8217;s
+communications with the Free State the Boers outwitted him, or
+rather out-dodged him, and retained their hold on Colesberg. Their
+position consisted of commanding hills down a defile through which a
+spruit flows towards the Orange River. The windings of this stream
+are followed by Waggon Road for more than a mile, then, after
+passing the hills, it flows over undulating country towards the
+river.</p>
+
+<p>On Saturday, the 27th, a melancholy incident took place. For
+some weeks Major MacCracken had been holding a hill close up to
+the Boer position, and on this particular morning, though no
+fighting was taking place, a shell was plumped upon the hill by the
+enemy with the result that an officer was wounded. A New
+Zealander named Booth, orderly to General Clements, was killed
+while holding the General&#8217;s horse. At this time General French
+had mysteriously disappeared. His destination, though not announced,
+was Cape Town, where he went on a visit to Lord
+Roberts, whose plans were rapidly approaching completion. The
+upshot of that momentous visit we shall discover anon.</p>
+
+<h3 class="gap2"><a id="LORD_ROBERTSS_ADVANCE" name="LORD_ROBERTSS_ADVANCE"></a>LORD ROBERTS&#8217;S ADVANCE</h3>
+
+<p>At Modder River Lord Methuen, to encourage the performers
+in a series of inter-regimental boxing matches, offered three splendid
+challenge cups for competition. These were won by the Scots
+Guards, the Grenadier Guards, and the Argyll and Sutherland<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span>
+Highlanders respectively, on the 3rd of February, when the series
+came to an exciting conclusion.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, when the cat was away the mice could play. The
+Boers engaged in their usual game of destroying railway tracks
+between Modder Camp and Langeberg, and as many as thirty-three
+explosions were heard, which portended considerable damage to
+line and culverts. However the trains conveying the sick to hospital
+at the Cape got away in safety, and as many invalids as possible
+were despatched to the base in order that the advance movement,
+when it should commence, would not be hampered.</p>
+
+<p>The junction of De Aar at this time was simmering with activity.
+Stores to the value of a million pounds were being accumulated
+in preparation for a gigantic move in the direction of Modder
+River. Though at the moment Lord Roberts&#8217;s plans were not
+generally known, it was certain that a vast number of troops&mdash;many
+more than those then under Lord Methuen&#8217;s command&mdash;were about
+to congregate in the neighbourhood of Orange River, and in consequence
+there was suppressed excitement among the British and
+corresponding trepidation among the Free Staters. General
+French, whose splendid activity had been going on in most
+trying circumstances, now found himself freed to begin operations on
+a scale more fitted to his talents and more congenial to them.
+Cavalry was pouring in, and with cavalry and such a commander
+there was immense cause for hope.</p>
+
+<p>The Suffolks who, after their disaster at Colesberg, went to
+Port Elizabeth to recruit their forces, now came up to De Aar, and
+were re-officered prior to being sent to the front. Other regiments
+were also trickling in, and slowly disposing of themselves in positions
+previously arranged by Lord Roberts at the Cape. All these
+dispositions were made with intense secrecy, Lord Kitchener
+setting himself to work to reorganise the transport department in
+such a manner as to make all the complicated moves of the coming
+war game possible.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 653px;">
+<a name="illo55" id="illo55"></a><img src="images/illo55.png" width="653" height="426" alt="WITH GENERAL FRENCH: NEW ZEALANDERS SAVING A PICKET OF THE YORKSHIRE REGIMENT NEAR
+SLINGERSFONTEIN ON JANUARY 15." title="" />
+<div><span class="caption">WITH GENERAL FRENCH: NEW ZEALANDERS SAVING A PICKET OF THE YORKSHIRE REGIMENT NEAR
+SLINGERSFONTEIN ON JANUARY 15.</span><br />
+<span class="smaller">Drawing by W. Small from a Sketch by G. D. Giles.</span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Life at Modder River began to grow correspondingly animated.
+Experiments in the working of the Marconi wireless telegraphy
+were set on foot, and other active preparations for decisive combat
+were pushed forward. The Boers were busy too. They were
+making further trenches in front of the Majesfontein ridge with a
+view to still further strengthening their position, an exertion which
+they subsequently found to be somewhat unnecessary. They also
+swelled their numbers. From the report of deserters it seemed that
+President Steyn had drawn to his banner many reluctant farmers by
+means of false representations, he having circulated the report that
+the British meant to seize and confiscate property for the purpose of
+enriching their own soldiers after the war. The Canadian Regi<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span>ment,
+who till then had been guarding the lines of communication,
+moved to the front. They were in great spirits, and much rejoiced
+at being allowed to take a more active share in operations.</p>
+
+<p>The Australian Infantry Regiment was now to be mounted. It
+was a misfortune that the Australians were not mounted from the
+first, as all were good horsemen, and would have come in handy to
+assist the British cavalry in the work of reconnaissance, which the
+mobile nature of Boer movements rendered unusually hard. The
+companies were composed of about 125 men from Victoria, New
+South Wales, South Australia, West Australia, and Tasmania
+respectively.</p>
+
+<p>On the 6th of February Lord Roberts left Cape Town for the
+front. He stopped <i>en route</i> at Belmont. Every eye was turned to
+him as he alighted at the railway station. It was nine o&#8217;clock, and
+presently a crowd collected to view the two warriors on whom the
+British Empire pinned its faith. One was the smallest man in the
+station; the other was the largest. The Field-Marshal, neat as a
+new pin, with his refined visage, grey moustache and tufted imperial,
+looked young, even happy, and undisturbed by his responsibilities;
+the hero of Omdurman, large and broad-shouldered, his forage cap
+crammed on his head, his keen steel-tinted eyes piercing the heart of
+things at a glance, appeared stern and preoccupied. They were
+met by Colonel Otter, and the Field-Marshal at once asked to see
+the Canadians. Colonel Otter accordingly brought him to the main
+guard, which consisted of one sergeant, one corporal, and two men.
+One of these described the inspection by the august chief. &#8220;We
+were standing at the present, and Lord Roberts appeared to be
+sizing us up pretty well. He inquired how we liked our bandoliers
+for cartridges, and on Sergeant Ellard informing him that they were
+too loose, and that the cartridges fell out of them, Lord Roberts said
+that he would see that this was remedied. Lord Roberts presented
+Sergeant Ellard with a basket of roses, and on distribution of them
+I received one.&#8221; This flower was treasured and sent home to the
+trooper&#8217;s family in remembrance of the great day which brought him
+face to face with England&#8217;s grandest soldier. On the 9th the Chief
+arrived at Modder River. At this time General Macdonald and the
+Highland Brigade were keeping the Boers occupied on the west,
+and during this man&oelig;uvre tremendous activities were set on foot.
+For instance, while General Macdonald&#8217;s Brigade was marching
+back to camp on the 10th of February, a force consisting of 23,000
+infantry, 11,000 mounted men, and 48 guns, with transport of some
+700 waggons, drawn by 9000 mules and oxen, was approaching the
+Free State! A brigade of Mounted Infantry under Colonel Hannay
+was moving from Orange River to Ramdam, situated about eight
+miles from Jacobsdal. On the 11th, Boers were discovered inter<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span>cepting
+the road and holding the hills, but these, with a detached
+part of Colonel Hannay&#8217;s force, were held where they were, while
+the main body with the baggage pushed on to their destination. On
+the 12th General French&mdash;who was now for the first time since his
+departure from Ladysmith, in command of a cavalry division&mdash;seized
+the crossing of the Riet River at Dekiel&#8217;s Drift, whereupon
+the 6th and 7th Divisions there encamped themselves.</p>
+
+<p>Before going further, it is necessary to follow the movements of
+the Highland Brigade, movements which materially assisted the
+development of the intricate plan of advance.</p>
+
+<h3 class="gap2"><a name="FIGHTING_MAC_AT_KOODOESBERG" id="FIGHTING_MAC_AT_KOODOESBERG"></a>&#8220;FIGHTING MAC&#8221; AT KOODOESBERG</h3>
+
+<p>The Boers were now threatening the line between the Orange and
+Modder Rivers, and in consequence of various reports regarding their
+movements Colonel Broadwood proceeded to Sunnyside with the
+Royal Horse Artillery, Mounted Infantry, and Roberts&#8217;s Horse, the
+newly-raised regiment from whom great things were expected. The
+enemy retired and crossed the Riet River, taking care to keep well out
+of the way, for it was known that &#8220;Fighting Mac&#8221; was on the warpath,
+and the last thing the rebels desired was to find their own line of
+communications interrupted.</p>
+
+<p>On the 3rd of February General Macdonald with the Highland
+Brigade, 9th Lancers, 9th and 62nd Batteries Royal Field Artillery,
+moved out in a westerly direction with a view to blocking the main
+drift at Koodoesberg, and thus preventing a force reported to be
+coming from Griqualand West from joining that coming from the
+north for the purpose of cutting Lord Methuen&#8217;s line of communication.
+There was also another motive for the movement, and that
+was to attract the attention and energy of the enemy while Lord
+Roberts was arranging for a decisive stroke in another quarter. The
+march was a trying one owing to the tropical temperature, exposure to
+a scorching sun, and the perpetual inconvenience of dust. The troops
+however, bore it bravely. They bivouacked at Fraser&#8217;s Drift, and
+on the following (Sunday) morning moved forward to Koodoesberg.
+The distance&mdash;some thirteen miles&mdash;was covered, again in sweltering
+conditions, over a shadeless expanse of rough road, which reflected the
+glare of the heavens and threw out hot rays as from a baker&#8217;s oven.
+Men dropped continually from sunstroke, and exhaustion, and thirst;
+but, fortunately, owing to the near proximity of the river, there were
+few serious cases. The troops arrived at their destination about
+one o&#8217;clock, without having seen any Boers. On reaching the drift
+the men refreshed themselves by bathing in the river, a luxury in
+which they revelled. But repose was short. A hurried meal of
+bully beef and biscuits and they were at work again, providing for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span>
+contingencies. Two thousand yards off were a group of kopjes,
+behind which it was said some 4000 Boers were hiding.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 720px;">
+<a name="illo56" id="illo56"></a><img src="images/illo56.png" width="720" height="537" alt="Map illustrating the Movement to Koodoesberg." title="" />
+<div><span class="caption smcap">Map illustrating the Movement to Koodoesberg.</span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>The General at once set himself to construct breastworks to protect
+the drift and secure his positions on north and south of the river,
+while the 9th Lancers and their scouts reconnoitred the surrounding
+country to ascertain the strength and disposition of the enemy.
+They came on a small picket of Boers&mdash;there was a rapid exchange
+of shots&mdash;but on the nearer approach of our troops the Boers fled.
+On Monday both sides of the river were taken possession of. A
+large body of mounted Boers were seen advancing about 2000 yards
+off, but beyond firing a few shots at the British force no serious conflict
+took place. On Tuesday there was a smart race between our
+men and a large force of Boers advancing from their laagers. Both
+parties made for a big kopje, which was cleverly gained by the
+British after a breathless scramble. The enemy, worsted, galloped
+off, pursued by the Lancers.</p>
+
+<p>At nine o&#8217;clock on Wednesday, the 7th, the Boers, who had engaged
+themselves in dragging a heavy gun to the scene of action,
+began to blaze out upon the Seaforth Highlanders. These, with
+alacrity, sprang to action. As a private said, &#8220;It was not a Majesfontein
+affair this time, and a holy joy filled our hearts at the prospect<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span>
+of having a little bit of our own back.&#8221; The enemy was established
+at the north end of Koodoesberg, whence they shelled the
+works that were being constructed to protect the drift. At the drift
+were seven companies of Highland Light Infantry. On the left
+bank were the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, half a battalion of
+Seaforths, two guns, and the 9th Lancers observing both flanks.
+Holding the south end of Koodoesberg on the right bank of the
+river were the Black Watch, half a battalion of Seaforths, one company
+of Highland Light Infantry, and four guns (62nd Field Battery).
+An animated battle ensued, and the British guns did splendid execution.
+The troops took cover behind hastily-constructed sangars,
+and the bullets of the enemy failed to touch them. There were no
+evidences of the celebrated Boer marksmanship on this occasion.
+The enemy pounded the hill with shrapnel, and made a ferocious
+effort to rout the Highlanders from their position. The 62nd Field
+Battery, after some smart cannonading, which was as effective as it
+was vigorous, forced the Dutchmen to shift their gun to a position
+farther north. Eventually the weapon of the Dutchmen was silenced
+altogether.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, at the request of General Macdonald, General
+Babington, with his own regiment of cavalry (12th Lancers) and
+two batteries of Horse Artillery, had been despatched from Modder
+River. They started at 11.30 <span class="smaller">A.M.</span> on the 7th, and had they arrived
+in time might have cut off the retreat of the enemy and entirely
+hemmed them in.</p>
+
+<p>As it was, they marched along the north side of the Modder, and
+only arrived at four o&#8217;clock, in time, however, to quickly pursue the
+foe in his retreat northwards, which retreat had been begun with all
+speed on the first hint of the coming of an additional force. The
+sufferings endured by some of the cavalry were intense, and one man
+expired through exposure and thirst. Others were in pitiable plight,
+but finally recovered.</p>
+
+<p>While the great struggle was taking place it was discovered that
+the enemy was intrenched at a small drift on the west. Whereupon
+two companies of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders became
+engaged in a smart skirmish, and gave the Federals so warm a time
+that by nightfall, after being shelled in their trenches, they were glad
+enough to slink off. By morning the enemy had entirely evacuated
+their position, and not a vestige of them was to be seen. Had the
+cavalry not been utterly worn out on reaching the scene of action,
+the Dutchmen would have been caught before they had time to seek
+refuge in flight.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 634px;">
+<a name="illo57" id="illo57"></a><img src="images/illo57.png" width="634" height="385" alt="&#8220;FIGHTING MAC&#8221; AND THE HIGHLAND BRIGADE IN ACTION AT KOODOESBERG." title="" />
+<div><span class="caption">&#8220;FIGHTING MAC&#8221; AND THE HIGHLAND BRIGADE IN ACTION AT KOODOESBERG.</span><br />
+<span class="smaller">From a Sketch by Lestor Ralph.</span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>The troops then, under orders from Lord Methuen, retired to
+Modder River. They started from Koodoesberg on the evening
+of Thursday, made a moonlight march to Fraser&#8217;s Drift, returning<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span>
+to camp footsore and dilapidated on Friday. But before leaving,
+the officers and men who fell in the action were buried on the
+south bank of the river. Among them was Captain Blair, who,
+after having been previously struck by a bullet, had been mortally
+wounded by a shell. Lieutenant Tait, a very gallant officer, a
+notable golfer, and a general favourite, also fell, and Captain Eykyn
+eventually died of his injuries.</p>
+
+<p>General Macdonald&#8217;s reconnaissance at Koodoesberg Drift was
+entirely satisfactory. The position there was important, as it prevented
+Boer reinforcements from passing <i>via</i> the chief drift from
+Douglas to Majesfontein, and the movement served to confound the
+enemy, and protect the operations of the Belmont garrison in the
+direction of Douglas, not to speak of its value in keeping Boer
+activities to the west of Majesfontein at the time when Lord Roberts
+was developing his plans in regard to the east of that place. The
+enemy had been kept amused and out of mischief, and been wholesomely
+trounced into the bargain!</p>
+
+<p>The casualties, which were comparatively few, were as follows:&mdash;</p>
+
+<blockquote><p class="smaller"><i>Killed</i>:&mdash;2nd Royal Highlanders&mdash;Captain Eykyn; Lieutenant Tait. 2nd
+Seaforth Highlanders&mdash;Captain Blair.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller"><i>Wounded</i>:&mdash;2nd Seaforth Highlanders&mdash;Captain Studdert, A.S.C. 1st
+Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders&mdash;Captain Kirk. 9th Lancers&mdash;Second
+Lieutenant Cavendish; Lieutenant Mackenzie, R.A.M.C.</p></blockquote>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_7_7" id="Footnote_7_7"></a><a href="#FNanchor_7_7"><span class="label">[7]</span></a> Lieutenant-Colonel Arthur John Watson was forty-six years of age. He entered the
+army as a sub-lieutenant of the 12th Foot (now the Berkshires) on August 9, 1873, and received
+his lieutenancy from the same date. He was instructor of musketry to the regiment
+from February 12, 1880, to January 24, 1883, received his company on the 14th of April
+following, and, passing the Staff College in 1884, served with the Bechuanaland Expedition
+under Sir Charles Warren later in the year, and from February 17 to October 28, 1885, was
+brigade-major in Bechuanaland, being honourably mentioned in dispatches. He was employed
+on staff service with the Egyptian army from February 12 to September 7, 1886,
+obtaining his major&#8217;s commission on October 21 following; and in 1888 served in the Hazara
+Expedition as brigade-major to the first column under Brigadier-General Channer, when
+he was again mentioned in dispatches, and received the medal with clasp. From July
+20, 1889, to February 20, 1896, he was garrison instructor in Bengal, and deputy assistant-adjutant-general
+for instruction in the Punjaub, taking part in 1895 in the operations
+in the Chitral, accompanying the relief force under Sir Robert Low, acting as road
+commandant on the lines of communication. For his services in this campaign he received
+his second medal with clasp. He was gazetted lieutenant-colonel of the Suffolk Regiment
+on September 19, 1898.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="gap2"><a name="APPENDIX" id="APPENDIX"></a>APPENDIX<br />
+<br />
+<span class="smaller">THE STORY OF SPION KOP.</span></h2>
+
+<p class="gap2">A great deal of consternation and not a little surprise was caused
+by the publication of the official account (<i>London Gazette</i>, April 16,
+1900) of the evacuation of Spion Kop. In order to make intelligible
+the causes of the terrible fiasco it is necessary to quote for the benefit
+of those interested not only Lord Roberts&#8217;s comments on the subject,
+but the statements of the officers concerned. Sir Redvers Buller,
+writing from Spearman&#8217;s Hill, January 30, 1900, gave his version of
+the proceedings:&mdash;</p>
+
+<blockquote><p class="smaller">&#8220;I have the honour to report that General Sir Charles Warren&#8217;s Division
+having arrived at Estcourt, less two battalions 10th Brigade, which were left
+at the Cape, by the 7th January, it moved to Frere on the 9th.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;The column moved as ordered, but torrents of rain fell on the 9th, which
+filled all the spruits, and, indeed, rendered many of them impassable for many
+hours. To forward supply alone took 650 ox waggons, and as in the 16 miles
+from Frere to Springfield there were three places at which all the waggons had
+to be double spanned, and some required three spans, some idea may be formed
+of the difficulties; but these were all successfully overcome by the willing
+labours of the troops.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;The 4th Brigade reached Springfield on the 12th in support of the mounted
+troops, who had surprised and seized the important position of Spearman&#8217;s Hill,
+commanding Potgieter&#8217;s Drift, on the 11th.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;By the 13th all troops were at Springfield and Spearman&#8217;s Hill, and supply
+was well forward.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;On the 16th a reserve of seventeen days&#8217; supply having been collected,
+General Sir Charles Warren, in command of the 2nd Division, the 11th Brigade
+of the 5th Division, the Brigade Division Royal Field Artillery, 5th Division,
+and certain corps troops, including the Mounted Brigade, moved from Springfield
+to Trichardt&#8217;s Drift, which is about six miles west of Potgieter&#8217;s.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;I attach Sir Charles Warren&#8217;s report of his operations.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;On the night of the 23rd General Warren attacked Spion Kop, which
+operation he has made the subject of a special report. On the morning of the
+25th, finding that Spion Kop had been abandoned in the night, I decided to
+withdraw General Warren&#8217;s force; the troops had been continuously engaged
+for a week, in circumstances entailing considerable hardships; there had been
+very heavy losses on Spion Kop. I consequently assumed the command, commenced
+the withdrawal of the ox and heavy mule transports on the 25th: this
+was completed by midday the 26th; by double spanning, the loaded ox waggons
+got over the drift at the rate of about eight per hour. The mule waggons went
+over the pontoon bridge, but all the mules had to be taken out and the vehicles
+passed over by hand. For about seven hours of the night the drift could not
+be used as it was dangerous in the dark, but the use of the pontoon went on<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span>
+day and night. In addition to machine guns, six batteries of Royal Field
+Artillery and four howitzers, the following vehicles were passed: ox waggons,
+232; 10-span mule waggons, 98; 6-span, 107; 4 span, 52; total, 489 vehicles.
+In addition to these the ambulances were working backwards and forwards
+evacuating the sick and wounded.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;By 2 <span class="smaller">P.M.</span> the 26th all the ox waggons were over, and by 11.30 <span class="smaller">P.M.</span> all the
+mule transports were across and the bridge clear for the troops. By 4 <span class="smaller">A.M.</span>
+the 27th all the troops were over, and by 8 <span class="smaller">A.M.</span> the pontoons were gone and
+all was clear. The troops had all reached their new camps by 10 <span class="smaller">A.M.</span> The
+marches averaged for the mounted troops about seven miles, and for the infantry
+and artillery an average of five miles.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;Everything worked without a hitch, and the arrangements reflected great
+credit on the Staff of all degrees; but I must especially mention Major Irwin,
+R.E., and his men of the Pontoon Troop, who were untiring. When all men
+were over, the chesses of the pontoon bridge were so worn by the traffic that I
+do not think they would have lasted another half-hour.&#8221;</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>He concluded by saying:&mdash;</p>
+
+<blockquote><p class="smaller">&#8220;Thus ended an expedition which I think ought to have succeeded. We
+have suffered very heavy losses, and lost many whom we can ill spare; but, on
+the other hand, we have inflicted as great or greater losses upon the enemy
+than they have upon us, and they are, by all accounts, thoroughly disheartened;
+while our troops are, I am glad and proud to say, in excellent fettle.&#8221;</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>Sir Charles Warren&#8217;s report addressed to the Chief of the Staff,
+ran thus:&mdash;</p>
+
+<blockquote><p class="smaller">&#8220;On the 8th January field orders were published constituting the 10th
+Brigade of the 5th Division a Corps Brigade, and placing the 4th Brigade in
+the 5th Division. The 5th Division thus constituted marched from Frere on
+the 10th instant, arriving at Springfield on the 12th instant.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;On the 15th January I received your secret instructions to command a force
+to proceed across the Tugela, near Trichardt&#8217;s Drift to the west of Spion Kop,
+recommending me to proceed forward, refusing my right (namely) Spion Kop,
+and bringing my left forward to gain the open plain north of Spion Kop.
+This move was to commence as soon as supplies were all in, and the 10th
+Brigade (except two companies) removed from Springfield Bridge to Spearman&#8217;s
+Hill.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;I was provided with four days&#8217; rations with which I was to cross the Tugela,
+fight my way round to north of Spion Kop, and join your column opposite
+Potgieter&#8217;s.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;On the 15th January I made the arrangements for getting supplies, and
+moved the 10th Brigade on the following day, and on the evening of the 16th
+January I left Springfield with a force under my command, which amounted to
+an Army Corps (less one Brigade), and by a night march arrived at Trichardt&#8217;s
+Drift, and took possession of the hills on the south side of the Tugela.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;On the 17th January I threw pontoon bridges across the Tugela, passed
+the infantry across by ponts, and captured the hills immediately commanding
+the drift on the north side with two brigades commanded by Generals Woodgate
+and Hart. The Commander-in-Chief was present during part of the day,
+and gave some verbal directions to General Woodgate.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;The Mounted Brigade passed over principally by the drift, and went over<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span>
+the country as far as Acton Homes, and on the following day (18th) had a
+successful action with a small party of Boers, bringing in 31 prisoners.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;During the night of the 17th, and day of the 18th, the whole of the
+waggons belonging to the force were brought across the Tugela, and the artillery
+were in position outside of Wright&#8217;s Farm.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;On the 19th two brigades advanced, occupying the slopes of the adjoining
+hills on the right, and the waggons were successfully brought to Venter&#8217;s
+Spruit.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;In the evening, after having examined the possible roads by which we
+could proceed, I assembled the General Officers and the Staff, and the Officer
+Commanding Royal Artillery, and Commanding Royal Engineer, and pointed
+out to them that of the two roads by which we could advance, the eastern one
+by Acton Homes must be rejected, because time would not allow of it, and
+with this all concurred. I then pointed out that the only possible way of all
+getting through by the road north of Fair View would be by taking three or
+four days&#8217; food in our haversacks, and sending all our waggons back across the
+Tugela, but before we could do this we must capture the position in front of us.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;On the following day, 20th January, I placed two brigades and six batteries
+of artillery at the disposal of General Sir C. F. Clery, with instructions to attack
+the Boer positions by a series of outflanking movements, and by the end of the
+day, after fighting for twelve hours, we were in possession of the whole part
+of the hills, but found a strongly-intrenched line on the comparatively flat
+country beyond us.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;On the 21st the Boers displayed considerable activity on our left, and the
+Commander-in-Chief desired me to move two batteries from right to left. At a
+subsequent date, during the day, I found it impossible to proceed without
+howitzers, and telegraphed for four from Potgieter&#8217;s. These arrived early on
+the morning of the 22nd, and the Commander-in-Chief, arriving about the same
+time, directed me to place two of these howitzers on the left, two having already
+been placed on the right flank. I pointed out to the Commander-in-Chief that
+it would be impossible to get waggons through by the road leading past Fair
+View, unless we first took Spion Kop, which lies within about 2000 yards of the
+road. The Commander-in-Chief agreed that Spion Kop would have to be taken.
+Accordingly that evening orders were drawn up giving the necessary instructions
+to General Talbot Coke to take Spion Kop that night, but, owing to an
+absence of sufficient reconnaissance, he requested that the attack might be put
+off for a day.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;On the 23rd January the Commander-in-Chief came into camp, the attack
+on Spion Kop was decided upon, and Lieut.-Colonel àCourt, of the Headquarter
+Staff, was directed by the Commander-in-Chief to accompany General Woodgate,
+who was detailed to command the attacking column. The account of the
+capture of Spion Kop is given in another report.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;On the morning of the 25th January the Commander-in-Chief arrived,
+decided to retire the force, and assumed direct command. The whole of the
+waggons of the 5th Division were got down to the drift during the day, and
+were crossed over before 2 <span class="smaller">P.M.</span> on the 26th January.&#8221;</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>In regard to the Council of War, Sir Charles Warren amplified
+his previous statement:</p>
+
+<blockquote><p class="smaller">&#8220;Upon the 19th of January, on arrival at Venter&#8217;s Laager, I assembled all
+the General Officers, Officers Commanding Royal Artillery and Royal Engineers
+of Divisions, and Staff Officers, together. I pointed out to them that, with the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span>
+three and a half (3½) days&#8217; provisions allowed, it was impossible to advance by
+the left road through Acton Homes. In this they unanimously concurred. I
+showed them that the only possible road was that going over Fair View through
+Rosalie, but I expressed my conviction that this could not be done unless we
+sent the whole of our transport back across the Tugela, and attempted to march
+through with our rations in our haversacks&mdash;without impedimenta.&#8221;</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>Sir Charles then added:&mdash;</p>
+
+<blockquote><p class="smaller">&#8220;The hills were cleared on the following day, and very strong intrenchments
+found behind them. The Commander-in-Chief was present on the 21st
+and 22nd January, and I pointed out the difficulties of marching along the road,
+accompanied by waggons, without first taking Spion Kop.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;Accordingly, on the night of the 22nd, I ordered General Coke to occupy
+Spion Kop. He, however, desired that the occupation might be deferred for a
+day in order that he might make a reconnaissance with the Officers Commanding
+battalions to be sent there.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;On 23rd January the Commander-in-Chief came into camp, and told me
+that there were two courses open&mdash;(1) to attack, (2) to retire. I replied that I
+should prefer to attack Spion Kop to retiring, and showed the Commander-in-Chief
+my orders of the previous day.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;The Commander-in-Chief then desired that I should put General Woodgate
+in command of the expedition, and detailed Lieutenant-Colonel àCourt to
+accompany him as Staff Officer.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;The same evening General Woodgate proceeded with the Lancashire
+Fusiliers, the Royal Lancaster Regiment, a portion of Thorneycroft&#8217;s Horse,
+and half-company Royal Engineers, supported by two companies of the
+Connaught Rangers and by the Imperial Light Infantry, the latter having
+just arrived by Trichardt&#8217;s Drift.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;The attack and capture of Spion Kop was entirely successful. General
+Woodgate, having secured the summit on the 24th, reported that he had
+intrenched a position and hoped he was secure, but that the fog was too thick
+to permit him to see. The position was rushed without casualties other than
+three men wounded.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;Lieutenant-Colonel àCourt came down in the morning and stated that
+everything was satisfactory and secure, and telegraphed to the Commander-in-Chief
+to that effect. Scarcely had he started on his return to headquarters
+when a heliogram arrived from Colonel Crofton (Royal Lancaster). The message
+was, &#8216;Reinforce at once, or all lost. General dead.&#8217;</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;He also sent a similar message to headquarters. I immediately ordered
+General Coke to proceed to his assistance, and to take command of the troops.
+He started at once, and was accompanied by the Middlesex and Dorsetshire
+Regiments.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;I replied to Colonel Crofton, &#8216;I am sending two battalions, and the
+Imperial Light Infantry are on their way up. You must hold on to the last.
+No surrender.&#8217;</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;This occurred about 10 <span class="smaller">A.M.</span></p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;Shortly afterwards I received a telegram from the Commander-in-Chief,
+ordering me to appoint Lieutenant-Colonel Thorneycroft to the command of
+the summit. I accordingly had heliographed, &#8216;With the approval of the
+Commander-in-Chief, I place Lieutenant-Colonel Thorneycroft in command of
+the summit, with the local rank of Brigadier-General.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span>&#8217;</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;For some hours after this message I could get no information from the
+summit. It appears that the signallers and their apparatus were destroyed by
+the heavy fire.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;I repeatedly asked for Colonel Thorneycroft to state his view of the situation.
+At 1.20 <span class="smaller">P.M.</span> I heliographed to ascertain whether Colonel Thorneycroft
+had assumed command, and at the same time asked General Coke to give me
+his views on the situation on Spion Kop. Still getting no reply, I asked
+whether General Coke was there, and subsequently received his view of the
+situation. He stated that, unless the Artillery could silence the enemy&#8217;s guns,
+the men on the summit could not stand another complete day&#8217;s shelling, and
+that the situation was extremely critical.&#8221;</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>Later on in the evening arrangements were made to send two
+(Naval) 12-pounders, and the Mountain Battery, Royal Artillery, to
+the summit, together with half-company Royal Engineers (and
+working parties, two reliefs of 600 men each), to strengthen the
+intrenchments and provide shell cover for the men. The 17th
+Company, Royal Engineers&mdash;it must be noted&mdash;proceeded at the
+same time as General Woodgate&#8217;s force, and were employed until daylight
+upon the intrenchments, then upon road-making and water supply.</p>
+
+<p>Sand-bags were sent up early on the 24th instant, but they were
+too late. Colonel Sim and his party, while ascending, met Colonel
+Thorneycroft descending the hill. The position was evacuated.
+Sir Charles Warren concluded thus:&mdash;</p>
+
+<blockquote><p class="smaller">&#8220;I wish to bring to notice that I heard from all but one expression of the
+admirable conduct and bravery shown by officers and men suffering under a
+withering artillery fire on the summit of the slopes, and also of those who, with
+so much endurance, persisted in carrying up water and food and ammunition
+to the troops during the day.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;During the day a Staff Officer of the Headquarter Staff was present on
+the summit, and reported direct to the Commander-in-Chief.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;At sunset I considered that the position could be held next day, provided
+that guns could be mounted and effective shelter provided. Both of these conditions
+were about to be fulfilled, as already mentioned.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;In the absence of General Coke, whom I ordered to come to report in
+person as to the situation, the evacuation took place under orders, given
+upon his own responsibility, by Lieut.-Colonel Thorneycroft. This occurred in
+the face of the vigorous protests of General Coke&#8217;s Brigade-Major, the Officer
+commanding the Middlesex Regiment, and others.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;It is a matter for the Commander-in-Chief to decide whether there should be
+an investigation into the question of the unauthorised evacuation of Spion Kop.&#8221;</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>General Buller, in forwarding to the Secretary of State for War
+Sir Charles Warren&#8217;s report, made the following observations:&mdash;</p>
+
+<blockquote><p class="smaller">&#8220;Sir C. Warren is hardly correct in saying that he was only allowed three
+and a half days&#8217; provisions. I had told him that transport for three and a half
+days would be sufficient burden to him, but that I would keep him filled up as
+he wanted it. That he was aware of this is shown by the following telegram<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span>
+which he sent on the day in question. It is the only report I had from Sir C.
+Warren:&mdash;</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p class="smaller center">(Sent 7.54 <span class="smaller">P.M.</span> Received 8.15 <span class="smaller">P.M.</span>)</p>
+
+<p class="smaller ralign">&#8216;Left Flank, 19th January.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8216;To the Chief of the Staff&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8216;I find there are only two roads by which we could possibly get from
+Trichardt&#8217;s Drift to Potgeiter&#8217;s, on the north of the Tugela, one by Acton
+Homes, the other by Fair View and Rosalie; the first I reject as too long, the
+second is a very difficult road for a large number of waggons, unless the enemy
+is thoroughly cleared out. I am, therefore, going to adopt some special
+arrangements which will involve my stay at Venter&#8217;s Laager for two or three
+days. I will send in for further supplies and report progress. <span class="smcap">Warren.</span>&#8217;</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p class="smaller">&#8220;The reply to this was that three days&#8217; supply was being sent.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;I went over to Sir C. Warren on the 23rd. I pointed out to him that I
+had no further report and no intimation of the special arrangements foreshadowed
+by this telegram of the 19th, that for four days he had kept his men
+continuously exposed to shell and rifle fire, perched on the edge of an almost
+precipitous hill, that the position admitted of no second line, and the supports
+were massed close behind the firing line in indefensible formations, and that a
+panic or sudden charge might send the whole lot in disorder down the hill at
+any moment. I said it was too dangerous a situation to be prolonged, and that
+he must either attack or I should withdraw his force. I advocated, as I had
+previously done, an advance from his left. He said that he had the night
+before ordered General Coke to assault Spion Kop, but the latter had objected
+to undertaking a night attack on a position the road to which he had not
+reconnoitred, and added that he intended to assault Spion Kop that night.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;I suggested that as General Coke was still lame from the effects of a
+lately broken leg, General Woodgate, who had two sound legs, was better
+adapted for mountain climbing.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;As no heliograph could, on account of the fire, be kept on the east side of
+Spion Kop, messages for Sir C. Warren were received by our signallers at
+Spearman and telegraphed to Sir C. Warren; thus I saw them before he did,
+as I was at the signal station. The telegram Sir C. Warren quotes did not
+give me confidence in its sender, and at the moment I could see that our men
+on the top had given way and that efforts were being made to rally them. I
+telegraphed to Sir C. Warren: &#8216;Unless you put some really good hard fighting
+man in command on the top you will lose the hill. I suggest Thorneycroft.&#8217;</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;The statement that a staff officer reported direct to me during the day is
+a mistake. Colonel àCourt was sent down by General Woodgate almost as
+soon as he gained the summit.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;I have not thought it necessary to order any investigation. If at sundown
+the defence of the summit had been taken regularly in hand, intrenchments
+laid out, gun emplacements prepared, the dead removed, the wounded collected,
+and, in fact, the whole place brought under regular military command, and
+careful arrangements made for the supply of water and food to the scattered
+fighting line, the hills would have been held, I am sure.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;But no arrangements were made. General Coke appears to have been
+ordered away just as he would have been useful, and no one succeeded him;
+those on the top were ignorant of the fact that guns were coming up, and
+generally there was a want of organisation and system that acted most
+unfavourably on the defence.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;It is admitted by all that Colonel Thorneycroft acted with the greatest<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span>
+gallantry throughout the day, and really saved the situation. Preparations for
+the second day&#8217;s defence should have been organised during the day and have
+been commenced at nightfall.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;As this was not done I think Colonel Thorneycroft exercised a wise
+discretion.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;Our losses, I regret to say, were very heavy, but the enemy admitted to
+our doctors that theirs were equally severe, and though we were not successful
+in retaining the position, the losses inflicted on the enemy and the attack
+generally have had a marked effect upon them.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;I cannot close these remarks without bearing testimony to the gallant and
+admirable behaviour of the troops, the endurance shown by the Lancashire
+Fusiliers, the Middlesex Regiment, and Thorneycroft&#8217;s Mounted Infantry was
+admirable, while the efforts of the 2nd Battalion Scottish Rifles and 3rd
+Battalion King&#8217;s Royal Rifles were equally good, and the Royal Lancasters
+fought gallantly.&#8221;</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>The Commander-in-Chief, writing to the Secretary of State for
+War, thus criticised both operations and operators:&mdash;</p>
+
+<blockquote><p class="smaller">&#8220;The plan of operations is not very clearly described in the despatches
+themselves, but it may be gathered from them and the accompanying documents
+themselves that the original intention was to cross the Tugela at or near
+Trichardt&#8217;s Drift, and thence by following the road past Fair View and
+Acton Homes, to gain the open plain north of Spion Kop, the Boer position
+in front of Potgieter&#8217;s Drift being too strong to be taken by direct attack. The
+whole force, less one brigade, was placed under the orders of Sir Charles
+Warren, who, the day after he had crossed the Tugela, seems to have consulted
+his General and principal Staff Officers, and to have come to the conclusion
+that the flanking movement which Sir Redvers Buller had mentioned in
+his secret instructions was impracticable on account of the insufficiency of
+supplies. He accordingly decided to advance by the more direct road leading
+north-east and branching off from a point east of Three Tree Hill. The
+selection of this road necessitated the capture and retention of Spion Kop, but
+whether it would have been equally necessary to occupy Spion Kop, had the
+line of advance indicated by Sir Redvers Buller been followed, is not stated in
+the correspondence. As Sir Charles Warren considered it impossible to make
+the wide flanking movement which was recommended, if not actually prescribed,
+in his secret instructions, he should at once have acquainted Sir Redvers Buller
+with the course of action which he proposed to adopt. There is nothing to
+show whether he did so or not, but it seems only fair to Sir Charles Warren to
+point out that Sir Redvers Buller appears throughout to have been aware of
+what was happening. On several occasions he was present during the operations.
+He repeatedly gave advice to his subordinate Commander, and on the
+day after the withdrawal from Spion Kop he resumed the chief command.&#8221;</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>The abandonment of Spion Kop was condemned by Lord
+Roberts in the following terms:&mdash;</p>
+
+<blockquote><p class="smaller">&#8220;As regards the withdrawal of the troops from the Spion Kop position,
+which, though occupied almost without opposition in the early morning of the
+24th January, had to be held throughout the day under an extremely heavy
+fire, and the retention of which had become essential to the relief of Ladysmith,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span>
+I regret that I am unable to concur with Sir Redvers Buller in thinking that
+Lieut.-Colonel Thorneycroft exercised a wise discretion in ordering the troops
+to retire. Even admitting that due preparations may not have been made for
+strengthening the position during the night, reorganising the defence and bringing
+up artillery&mdash;in regard to which Sir Charles Warren&#8217;s report does not
+altogether bear out Sir Redvers Buller&#8217;s contention&mdash;admitting also that the
+senior officers on the summit of the hill might have been more promptly
+informed of the measures taken by Sir Charles Warren to support and reinforce
+them, I am of opinion that Lieut.-Colonel Thorneycroft&#8217;s assumption of responsibility
+and authority was wholly inexcusable. During the night the enemy&#8217;s
+fire, if it did not cease altogether, could not have been formidable, and though
+lamp signalling was not possible at the time owing to the supply of oil having
+failed, it would not have taken more than two or three hours at most for Lieut.-Colonel
+Thorneycroft to communicate by messenger with Major-General Coke
+or Sir Charles Warren, and to receive a reply. Major-General Coke appears
+to have left Spion Kop at 9.30 <span class="smaller">P.M.</span> for the purpose of consulting with Sir
+Charles Warren, and up to that hour the idea of a withdrawal had not been
+entertained. Yet almost immediately after Major-General Coke&#8217;s departure
+Lieut.-Colonel Thorneycroft issued an order, without reference to superior
+authority, which upset the whole plan of operations and rendered unavailing
+the sacrifices which had already been made to carry it into effect.&#8221;</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>In spite of this somewhat severe criticism, however, Lord Roberts
+went on to say:&mdash;</p>
+
+<blockquote><p class="smaller">&#8220;On the other hand, it is only right to state that Lieut.-Colonel Thorneycroft
+appears to have behaved in a very gallant manner throughout the day,
+and it was doubtless due, in a great measure, to his exertions and example that
+the troops continued to hold the summit of the hill until directed to retire.&#8221;</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>The action of Captain Phillips he warmly praised:&mdash;</p>
+
+<blockquote><p class="smaller">&#8220;The conduct of Captain Phillips, Brigade-Major of the 10th Brigade, on
+the occasion in question, is deserving of high commendation. He did his best
+to rectify the mistake which was being made, but it was too late. Signalling
+communication was not re-established until 2.30 <span class="smaller">A.M.</span> on the 25th January, and
+by that time the Naval guns could not have reached the summit of the hill
+before daybreak. Major-General Coke did not return, and Lieutenant-Colonel
+Thorneycroft had gone away. Moreover, most of the troops had begun to
+leave the hill, and the working parties, with the half-company of Royal
+Engineers, had also withdrawn.&#8221;</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>Briefly the Commander-in-Chief deplored the chaotic state of
+affairs prior to the retirement. He said:&mdash;</p>
+
+<blockquote><p class="smaller">&#8220;It is to be regretted that Sir Charles Warren did not himself visit Spion
+Kop during the afternoon or evening, knowing as he did that the state of affairs
+there was very critical, and that the loss of the position would involve the
+failure of the operations. He was, consequently, obliged to summon Major-General
+Coke to his headquarters in the evening, in order that he might
+ascertain how matters were going on, and the command on Spion Kop thus
+devolved on Lieutenant-Colonel Thorneycroft; but Major-General Coke was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span>
+not aware of this. About midday, under instructions from Sir Redvers Buller,
+Sir Charles Warren had directed Lieutenant-Colonel Thorneycroft to assume
+command on the summit of the hill, with the temporary rank of Brigadier-General,
+but this order was not communicated to Major-General Coke, who,
+until he left the position at 9.30 <span class="smaller">P.M.</span>, was under the impression that the command
+had devolved on Colonel Hill, as senior officer, after Colonel Crofton had
+been wounded. Omissions or mistakes of this nature may be trivial in themselves,
+yet may exercise an important influence on the course of events; and I
+think that Sir Redvers Buller is justified in remarking that &#8216;there was a want
+of organisation and system which acted most unfavourably on the defence.&#8217;&#8221;</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>In conclusion, the principal actors in the drama were censured,
+while the troops engaged received well-merited praise:&mdash;</p>
+
+<blockquote><p class="smaller">&#8220;The attempt to relieve Ladysmith, described in these despatches, was well
+devised, and I agree with Sir Redvers Buller in thinking that it ought to have
+succeeded. That it failed may, in some measure, be due to the difficulties of
+the ground and the commanding positions held by the enemy&mdash;probably also to
+errors of judgment and want of administrative capacity on the part of Sir
+Charles Warren. But whatever faults Sir Charles Warren may have committed,
+the failure must also be ascribed to the disinclination of the officer in
+supreme command to assert his authority and see that what he thought best
+was done, and also to the unwarrantable and needless assumption of responsibility
+by a subordinate officer.</p>
+
+<p class="smaller">&#8220;The gratifying feature in these despatches is the admirable behaviour of
+the troops throughout the operations.&#8221;</p></blockquote>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="gap2"><a name="LIST_OF_STAFF" id="LIST_OF_STAFF"></a>LIST OF STAFF</h2>
+
+<p class="gap2">The following Divisions reached South Africa at the end of 1899 and the
+beginning of 1900.</p>
+
+<p class="center large">FIFTH DIVISION</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>Lieutenant-General&mdash;Lieut.-General Sir C. Warren, G.C.M.G., K.C.B., R.E.</p>
+
+<p>Aides-de-Camp&mdash;Major R. M. B. F. Kelly, R.A.; Lieut. I. V. Paton, Royal Scots Fusiliers.</p>
+
+<p>Assistant Adjutant-General&mdash;Colonel A. W. Morris, <i>p.s.c.</i></p>
+
+<p>Deputy-Assistant Adjutant-Generals&mdash;Bt.-Major T. Capper, East Lancashire Regt., <i>p.s.c.</i>;
+Bt.-Major H. N. Sargent, Army Service Corps.</p>
+
+<p>Assistant Provost-Marshal&mdash;Bt.-Major E. C. J. Williams, East Kent Regt.</p>
+
+<p>Principal Medical Officer&mdash;Lieut.-Colonel W. B. Allin, M.B., R.A.M.C.</p>
+
+<p>Divisional Signalling Officer&mdash;Captain A. A. McHardy, R.A.</p>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="smcap">10th BRIGADE</span></p>
+
+<p>Major-General&mdash;Colonel (local Maj.-General) J. T. Coke.</p>
+
+<p>Aide-de-Camp&mdash;Lieut. W. E. Kemble, R.A.</p>
+
+<p>Brigade-Major&mdash;Captain H. G. C. Phillips, Welsh Regt., <i>p.s.c.</i></p>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="smcap">11th BRIGADE</span></p>
+
+<p>Major-General&mdash;Colonel (local Maj.-General) E. R. P. Woodgate, K.C.M.G., C.B., <i>p.s.c.</i></p>
+
+<p>Aide-de-Camp&mdash;Captain F. M. Carleton, D.S.O., Royal Lancashire Regt.</p>
+
+<p>Brigade-Major&mdash;Captain N. H. Vertue, East Kent Regt.</p>
+
+<p class="center large">SIXTH DIVISION</p>
+
+<p>Lieutenant-General&mdash;Major-General (local Lieut.-General) T. Kelly-Kenny, C.B., <i>p.s.c.</i></p>
+
+<p>Aides-de-Camp&mdash;Major H. I. W. Hamilton, D.S.O., Royal West Surrey Regt., <i>p.s.c.</i>;
+Captain W. H. Booth, East Kent Regt.</p>
+
+<p>Assistant Adjutant-General&mdash;Colonel A. E. W. Goldsmid, <i>p.s.c.</i></p>
+
+<p>Deputy-Assistant Adjutant-Generals&mdash;Major C. C. Monro, Royal West Surrey Regt.,
+<i>p.s.c.</i>; Major J. E. Caunter, Lancashire Fusiliers, <i>p.s.c.</i></p>
+
+<p>Assistant Provost-Marshal&mdash;Major M. G. Wilkinson, King&#8217;s Own Scottish Borderers.</p>
+
+<p>Principal Medical Officer&mdash;Lieut.-Colonel W. L. Gubbins, M.B., R.A.M.C.</p>
+
+<p>Divisional Signalling Officer&mdash;Lieut. J. T. Burnett-Stuart, Rifle Brigade.</p>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="smcap">12th BRIGADE</span></p>
+
+<p>Major-General&mdash;Colonel (local Maj.-General) R. A. P. Clements, D.S.O., A.D.C.</p>
+
+<p>Aide-de-Camp&mdash;Captain H. de C. Moody, South Wales Borderers.</p>
+
+<p>Brigade-Major&mdash;Captain R. S. Oxley, King&#8217;s Royal Rifle Corps, <i>p.s.c.</i></p>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="smcap">13th BRIGADE</span></p>
+
+<p>Major-General&mdash;Colonel (local Maj.-General) C. E. Knox.</p>
+
+<p>Aide-de-Camp&mdash;Captain O. H. E. Marescaux, Shropshire Light Infantry.</p>
+
+<p>Brigade-Major&mdash;Captain R. W. Thompson, North Lancashire Regt., <i>p.s.c.</i><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span></p>
+
+<p class="center large">SEVENTH DIVISION</p>
+
+<p>Lieutenant-General&mdash;Major-General (local Lieut.-General) C. Tucker, C.B.
+Aides-de-Camp&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>Assistant Adjutant-General&mdash;Colonel H. E. Belfield, <i>p.s.c.</i></p>
+
+<p>Deputy-Assistant Adjutant-Generals&mdash;Brevet-Major H. G. Fitton, D.S.O., Royal
+Berkshire Regt., <i>p.s.c.</i>; Lieut.-Colonel H. G. Rice, Army Service Corps.</p>
+
+<p>Assistant Provost-Marshal&mdash;Brevet-Major F. Wintour, Royal West Kent Regt., <i>p.s.c.</i></p>
+
+<p>Principal Medical Officer&mdash;Lieut.-Colonel J. A. Gormley, M.D., R.A.M.C.</p>
+
+<p>Divisional Signalling Officer&mdash;Captain J. R. K. Birch, Cheshire Regt.</p>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="smcap">14th BRIGADE</span></p>
+
+<p>Major-General&mdash;Major-General Sir H. C. Chermside, G.C.M.G., C.B., R.E.</p>
+
+<p>Aide-de-Camp&mdash;Captain E. FitzG. M. Wood, Devonshire Regt.</p>
+
+<p>Brigade-Major&mdash;Captain W. M. Marter, 1st Dragoon Guards, <i>p.s.c.</i></p>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="smcap">15th BRIGADE</span></p>
+
+<p>Major-General&mdash;Colonel (local Maj.-General) A. G. Wavell, <i>p.s.c.</i></p>
+
+<p>Brigade-Major&mdash;Captain L. R. Carleton, Essex Regt., <i>p.s.c.</i></p></blockquote>
+
+<p class="center gap2">END OF VOL. III.</p>
+
+<p class="center gap2">Printed by <span class="smcap">Ballantyne, Hanson &amp; Co.</span><br />
+Edinburgh &amp; London</p>
+
+<div class="bbox" style="padding:1em;">
+<p class="large center"><b>Transcribers' Notes</b></p>
+
+<p class="hangindent">Page vi: "Birds-eye" standardised to "Bird's-eye" before "View of the Ground"</p>
+<p class="hangindent">Page vi: "Potgeiter's" corrected to "Potgieter's" after "The Crossing of"</p>
+<p class="hangindent">Page vii: "Blue-jackets" standardised to "Bluejackets" before "blew up Tugela Road"</p>
+<p class="hangindent">Page viii: "Jacobdsal" corrected to "Jacobsdal" after "Free State territory near"</p>
+<p class="hangindent">Page viii: "re-occupied" standardised to "reoccupied" after "British force"</p>
+<p class="hangindent">Page viii: "Dekeil's" corrected to "Dekiel's" after "Relief of Kimberley, seized"</p>
+<p class="hangindent">Page 5: "enroll" standardised to "enrol" after "forward in crowds to"</p>
+<p class="hangindent">Page 15: "Divison" corrected to "Division" after "the Sixth"</p>
+<p class="hangindent">Page 30: Variant spelling "viâ" not standardised as part of a quotation</p>
+<p class="hangindent">Page 31: "bombproof" standardised to "bomb-proof" after "burrowing like rabbits, or in"</p>
+<p class="hangindent">Page 55: "Jaysfontein" corrected to "Jasfontein" after "away from a farm at"</p>
+<p class="hangindent">Page 56: "Zoutspansdrift" corrected to "Zoutpansdrift" after "in the direction of Kamak and"</p>
+<p class="hangindent">Page 56: "Naauwport" corrected to "Naauwpoort" after "lot of those around"</p>
+<p class="hangindent">Page 58: "Naauwport" corrected to "Naauwpoort" after "The inhabitants of"</p>
+<p class="hangindent">Page 71: "bloodthirsty" standardised to "blood-thirsty" after "They proved to be not"</p>
+<p class="hangindent">Page 71: "farm-house" standardised to "farmhouse" after "bivouacked at the"</p>
+<p class="hangindent">Page 73: "horse-shoe" as in the original. Not standardised as this is an adjectival usage</p>
+<p class="hangindent">Page 77: "look-out" standardised to "lookout" after "They employed"</p>
+<p class="hangindent">Page 78: "Koodoosberg" corrected to "Koodoesberg" after "troops from Barkly and"</p>
+<p class="hangindent">Page 85: "bloodstained" standardised to "blood-stained" after "the eyes of those who,"</p>
+<p class="hangindent">Page 86: "gantlet" as in the original</p>
+<p class="hangindent">Page 92: "Divsion" corrected to "Division" after "Second"</p>
+<p class="hangindent">Page 96: "POTGEITER'S" corrected to "POTGIETER'S" after "THE CROSSING OF"</p>
+<p class="hangindent">Page 99: "Carbineers" corrected to "Carabineers" after "one squadron Natal"</p>
+<p class="hangindent">Page 108: "roast" corrected to "roost" after "We shall be rulers of the"</p>
+<p class="hangindent">Page 123: "head-quarters" standardised to "headquarters" after "some even reaching"</p>
+<p class="hangindent">Page 134: "Blomfontein" corrected to "Bloemfontein" after "Steyn and Kruger dated"</p>
+<p class="hangindent">Page 148: "rough-riders" standardised to "roughriders" after "despatch of 500 expert"</p>
+<p class="hangindent">Page 174: "Naauwport" corrected to "Naauwpoort" after "thirty-seven miles north of"</p>
+<p class="hangindent">Page 179: "sandstorms" standardised to "sand-storms" after "These"</p>
+<p class="hangindent">Page 182: "Ochtertang" corrected to "Achtertang" after "reconnoitring towards"</p>
+<p class="hangindent">Page 185: "unusally" corrected to "unusually" after "Boer movements rendered"</p>
+<p class="hangindent">Page 194: "Sandbags" standardised to "Sand-bags" before "were sent up early"</p>
+<p class="hangindent">Page 195: "Potgeiter's" as in the original. Left as part of a quotation.</p>
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of South Africa and the Transvaal War, Vol. 3 (of 6), by 
+Louis Creswicke
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@@ -0,0 +1,10740 @@
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of South Africa and the Transvaal War, Vol. 3 (of 6), by
+Louis Creswicke
+
+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: South Africa and the Transvaal War, Vol. 3 (of 6)
+       From the Battle of Colenso, 15th Dec. 1899, to Lord
+       Roberts's Advance into the Free State, 12th Feb. 1900
+
+Author: Louis Creswicke
+
+Release Date: July 27, 2011 [EBook #36866]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SOUTH AFRICA ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Brownfox and the Online Distributed Proofreading
+Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from
+images generously made available by The Internet Archive)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Photo by Russell and Sons, London.]
+
+
+
+
+SOUTH AFRICA
+
+AND THE
+
+TRANSVAAL WAR
+
+
+BY
+LOUIS CRESWICKE
+
+AUTHOR OF "ROXANE," ETC.
+
+
+WITH NUMEROUS ILLUSTRATIONS AND MAPS
+
+
+IN SIX VOLUMES
+
+VOL. III.--FROM THE BATTLE OF COLENSO,
+15TH DEC. 1899, TO LORD ROBERTS'S ADVANCE INTO
+THE FREE STATE, 12TH FEB. 1900
+
+
+EDINBURGH: T. C. & E. C. JACK
+MANCHESTER: KENNETH MACLENNAN, 75 PICCADILLY
+1900
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS--VOL. III.
+
+
+                                                          PAGE
+  CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE                                      vii
+
+
+  CHAPTER I
+                                                          PAGE
+  THE SITUATION                                              1
+  DOINGS AT CHIEVELEY                                        8
+  CHRISTMAS AT THE CAPE AND NATAL                           14
+
+
+  CHAPTER II
+                                                          PAGE
+  MAFEKING                                                  19
+  KURUMAN AND ELSEWHERE                                     25
+  MAFEKING, NOVEMBER                                        31
+  KIMBERLEY                                                 39
+
+
+  CHAPTER III
+                                                          PAGE
+  LIFE WITH GENERAL GATACRE                                 47
+  WITH GENERAL FRENCH                                       52
+
+
+  CHAPTER IV
+                                                          PAGE
+  THE COLONIALS AT BELMONT                                  60
+  COLONEL PILCHER'S RAID                                    61
+  ACTIVITIES AND SURPRISES                                  68
+  AT MODDER RIVER                                           72
+
+
+  CHAPTER V
+                                                          PAGE
+  CHRISTMAS AT LADYSMITH                                    79
+  THE ATTACK ON WAGON HILL                                  81
+
+
+  CHAPTER VI
+                                                          PAGE
+  BULLER'S SECOND ADVANCE                                   92
+  THE FLANK MOVEMENT                                        97
+  THE BATTLE OF SPION KOP                                  104
+  THE THIRD GREAT EFFORT--VAAL KRANTZ                      117
+  DISAPPOINTMENT AT LADYSMITH                              125
+  LORD ROBERTS AT THE CAPE                                 131
+
+
+  CHAPTER VII
+                                                          PAGE
+  THE WONDER OF THE WORLD                                  136
+  FIRST CANADIAN CONTINGENT                                138
+  THE SECOND CANADIAN CONTINGENT                           144
+  STRATHCONA'S HORSE                                       146
+  NEW SOUTH WALES                                          148
+  VICTORIA                                                 150
+  NEW ZEALAND                                              151
+  QUEENSLAND                                               153
+  SOUTH AUSTRALIA                                          154
+  WEST AUSTRALIA                                           157
+  TASMANIA                                                 157
+  THE BUSHMEN'S CORPS                                      158
+  INDIA'S CONTINGENTS                                      159
+  THE SOUTH AFRICAN VOLUNTEERS--
+    CAPE COLONY                                            161
+    NATAL                                                  166
+  THE IMPERIAL YEOMANRY                                    167
+  THE CITY IMPERIAL VOLUNTEERS                             171
+
+
+  CHAPTER VIII
+                                                          PAGE
+  AT COLESBERG                                             174
+  LORD ROBERTS'S ADVANCE                                   183
+  "FIGHTING MAC" AT KOODOESBERG                            186
+
+
+                                                          PAGE
+  APPENDIX                                                 190
+  THE STORY OF SPION KOP                                   190
+  LIST OF STAFF                                            199
+
+
+
+
+LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS--VOL. III.
+
+
+  BIRD'S-EYE VIEW OF THE GROUND COVERED BY GENERAL
+    BULLER'S OPERATIONS                             _At Front_
+
+
+  1. _COLOURED PLATES_
+                                                          PAGE
+  FIELD-MARSHAL LORD ROBERTS OF KANDAHAR,
+    V.C. &c.                                    _Frontispiece_
+  SERGEANT-MAJOR--IMPERIAL LIGHT HORSE                      24
+  ARMY SERVICE CORPS                                        40
+  HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY--CAPTAIN, 2ND LIFE GUARDS               80
+  ROYAL FIELD ARTILLERY (ACTION FRONT)                     100
+  CYCLISTS--LANCASHIRE FUSILIERS                           120
+  PRIVATE, DRUMMERS, PIPER, AND BUGLER--THE BLACK WATCH    134
+  OFFICERS--CITY OF LONDON IMPERIAL VOLUNTEERS             176
+
+
+  2. _FULL-PAGE PLATES_
+                                                          PAGE
+  A PICKET OF 13TH HUSSARS SURPRISED NEAR THE TUGELA RIVER   8
+  A RECONNAISSANCE IN FORCE WITH GENERAL FRENCH'S
+    CAVALRY NEAR COLESBERG                                  56
+  COLONEL PILCHER'S ATTACK ON SUNNYSIDE KOPJE               64
+  H.M.S. "POWERFUL"                                         84
+  THE GREAT ASSAULT ON LADYSMITH                            88
+  PIETERMARITZBURG FROM THE EAST                            92
+  THE CROSSING OF POTGIETER'S DRIFT, JANUARY 16             96
+  TAKING THE 4.7 NAVAL GUN ACROSS THE TUGELA               104
+  GOING OUT TO THE ATTACK ON SPION KOP                     112
+  THE SCENE ON SPION KOP                                   116
+  FALLS ON THE TUGELA RIVER                                124
+  ARRIVAL AT CAPE TOWN OF WOUNDED FROM NATAL               132
+  LADY MINTO PRESENTING COLOURS TO HERCHMER'S HORSE        144
+  THE CITY IMPERIAL VOLUNTEERS CROSSING WESTMINSTER BRIDGE 168
+  NEW ZEALANDERS SAVING A PICKET OF THE YORKSHIRE
+    REGIMENT NEAR SLINGERSFONTEIN                          184
+  "FIGHTING MAC" AND THE HIGHLAND BRIGADE IN ACTION
+    AT KOODOESBERG                                         188
+
+
+  3. _FULL-PAGE PORTRAITS_
+                                                          PAGE
+  LIEUT.-GENERAL FORESTIER WALKER, K.C.B.                   16
+  MAJOR-GENERAL LORD KITCHENER OF KHARTOUM                  32
+  MAJOR-GENERAL SIR W. F. GATACRE, K.C.B.                   48
+  MAJOR-GENERAL HECTOR A. MACDONALD, C.B.                   72
+  LIEUT.-GENERAL SIR CHARLES WARREN, G.C.M.G.              128
+  COLONEL W. D. OTTER                                      136
+  HON. W. P. SCHREINER, C.M.G.                             152
+  GENERAL BRABANT, C.M.G.                                  160
+
+
+  4. _MAPS AND ENGRAVINGS IN THE TEXT_
+                                                          PAGE
+  MAP--THE SEAT OF WAR                                       9
+  SKETCH OF POSITIONS AT MAFEKING                           20
+  OUTPOST AND INTRENCHMENT AT MAFEKING                      24
+  FACSIMILE OF HANDWRITING OF COL. BADEN POWELL             32
+  PLAN OF KIMBERLEY                                         40
+  SPLINTER PROOF SHELTER AT KIMBERLEY                       43
+  MAP OF MOVEMENTS OF GATACRE AND FRENCH                    51
+  MAP OF COLONEL PILCHER'S RAID                             62
+  LORD DUNDONALD'S GALLOPING GUN CARRIAGE                   70
+  MAXIM AUTOMATIC GUN OR POM-POM                            75
+  MAP OF LADYSMITH                                          87
+  MOUNTAIN BATTERY                                          97
+  SKETCH, &C., OF SPION KOP                                107
+  PLAN OF ENGAGEMENT OF SPION KOP                          111
+  PLAN OF ENGAGEMENT OF VAAL KRANTZ                        120
+  BRITISH 7-POUNDER FIELD GUN                              126
+  SIEGE OF LADYSMITH                                       128
+  NAVAL 12-POUNDER FIELD GUN                               132
+  MR. KRUGER'S AUTOGRAPH                                   134
+  SOUTH AFRICAN SCOUT                                      163
+  12-1/2-POUNDER FIELD GUN (C.I.V.)                           172
+  MAP OF POSITION AT COLESBERG                             179
+  SKETCH OF POSITION AT COLESBERG                          181
+  MAP ILLUSTRATING MOVEMENT TO KOODOESBERG                 187
+
+
+
+
+CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE--VOL. III.
+
+
+DECEMBER 1899.
+
+17.--Field-Marshal Lord Roberts, K.P., G.C.B., V.C., &c., appointed
+     Commander-in-Chief in South Africa, with Lord Kitchener of
+     Khartoum as his Chief of the Staff.
+
+     War Office issued orders under which the remaining portion of
+     the Army A Reserve were called up; and large reinforcements
+     were to proceed to South Africa without delay.
+
+     General Gatacre advanced from Sterkstroom to Putters Kraal.
+
+     General French established his headquarters at Arundel.
+
+     Offers of Second Contingents by the Colonies accepted.
+
+18.--Additional Battalions of Militia embodied. There were now
+     fifty-four Battalions of Militia embodied.
+
+     Sir Charles Warren and the Staff of the Fifth Division left
+     Cape Town.
+
+     Reconnaissance by General French. Sortie from Ladysmith.
+
+19.--Important order issued from the War Office, announcing that
+     the Government had decided to raise for service in South
+     Africa a Mounted Infantry force, to be called "The Imperial
+     Yeomanry." The force to be recruited from the Yeomanry.
+
+21.--Mr. Winston Churchill arrived at Lourenco Marques after an
+     adventurous journey.
+
+23.--Departure of Lord Roberts from London and Southampton for the
+     Cape.
+
+24.--Dordrecht occupied by General Gatacre.
+
+     Sortie from Mafeking.
+
+     Two British officers captured by Boers near Chieveley.
+
+25.--Bluejackets blew up Tugela Road bridge, and cut off Boers with
+     their guns.
+
+     Colonel Dalgety with Mounted Police and Colonial troops held
+     Dordrecht. (Gatacre's Division.)
+
+26.--Sir Charles Warren arrived at the Natal front.
+
+     Boers appeared at Victoria West.
+
+     Mafeking force attacked a Boer fort.
+
+27.--Boers unsuccessfully bombarded Ladysmith.
+
+28.--H.M.S. _Magicienne_ captured German liner _Bundesrath_, near
+     Delagoa Bay, with contraband of war on board.
+
+30.--Skirmish near Dordrecht. Boers defeated with loss. Two British
+     officers captured through mistaking Boers for New Zealanders.
+
+
+JANUARY 1900.
+
+1.--Enrolment of the first draft of the City Imperial Volunteers.
+
+     Surrender of Kuruman, after a stout resistance, to the Boers.
+     Twelve officers and 120 police captured.
+
+     General French occupied a kopje overlooking Colesberg. Flight
+     of Boers, leaving their wrecked guns and quantities of stores.
+
+     Brilliant manoeuvre by Lieutenant-Colonel Pilcher at
+     Sunnyside. Captured the entire Boer camp, made forty prisoners,
+     advanced and occupied Douglas on Vaal River.
+
+     Colonel Plumer and Colonel Holdsworth from Rhodesia continued
+     their march to the relief of Mafeking.
+
+2.--Loyal inhabitants of Douglas escorted to Belmont.
+
+     General French still engaged with enemy at Colesberg.
+
+3.--General French reinforced from De Aar. Boers being surrounded;
+     fighting in the hills.
+
+     General Gatacre repulsed Boer attack on position commanding
+     Molteno.
+
+     Colonel Pilcher, for "military reasons," evacuated Douglas.
+
+4.--General Gatacre occupied Molteno; Boers retreated to Stormberg
+     with loss.
+
+     General French manoeuvring to enclose Colesberg; further
+     fighting.
+
+5.--General Gatacre hotly engaged at Molteno by Boers from
+     Stormberg; drove them off, inflicting heavy losses.
+
+6.--Great battle at Ladysmith. Boers repulsed on every side with
+     heavy loss.
+
+     General Buller made a demonstration in force to aid General
+     White.
+
+     General French inflicted severe defeat on Boers at Colesberg. A
+     Company of the 1st Suffolk Regiment captured.
+
+9.--British troops invaded Free State territory near Jacobsdal. The
+     Queensland and Canadian Volunteers cleared a large belt across
+     the Free State border.
+
+10.--Lord Roberts and Lord Kitchener arrived at Cape Town.
+
+     Forward movement for the relief of Ladysmith from Chieveley
+     and Frere.
+
+11.--Sir Redvers Buller crossed the Little Tugela, and occupied the
+     south bank of the Tugela at Potgieter's Drift.
+
+     Lord Dundonald and Mounted Brigade crossed the Tugela at
+     Potgieter's Drift.
+
+     General Gatacre made a reconnaissance in force towards
+     Stormberg.
+
+13.--The City Imperial Volunteers left London for South Africa.
+
+15.--Boers attacked General French and were repulsed at Colesberg.
+
+16.--General Lyttleton and Mounted Brigade crossed the Tugela at
+     Potgieter's Drift.
+
+17.--Sir Charles Warren crossed, with his Division, at Trichardt's
+     Drift.
+
+     Lord Dundonald had an action with the Boers near Acton Homes.
+
+18.--Tugela bridged and crossed by a Brigade and battery.
+
+20.--Sir Charles Warren moved towards Spion Kop.
+
+     Reconnaissance by Lord Dundonald.
+
+21.--Heavy fighting by Clery's force; they attacked the Boers and
+     captured ridge after ridge for three miles.
+
+22--Sir Charles Warren's entire army engaged.
+
+23.--Spion Kop captured by Sir Charles Warren; General Woodgate
+     wounded.
+
+25-27.--Abandonment of Spion Kop. Sir Charles Warren's force
+     withdrew to south of Tugela.
+
+27.--Brigadier-General Brabant, commanding a Brigade of Colonial
+     forces, joined General Gatacre.
+
+28.--General Kelly-Kenny occupied Thebus.
+
+30.--British force reoccupied Prieska.
+
+
+FEBRUARY 1900.
+
+3.--Telegraphic communication restored between Mafeking and
+     Gaberones.
+
+4.--General Macdonald occupied Koodoe's Drift.
+
+5.--General Buller crossed the Tugela at Manger's Drift.
+
+6.--General Buller captured Vaal Krantz Hill.
+
+7.--Vaal Krantz Hill abandoned, and British force withdrew south of
+     the Tugela.
+
+9.--General Macdonald retired to Modder River.
+
+     Lord Roberts arrived at Modder River.
+
+10.--Colonel Hannay's force moved to Ramdam.
+
+12.--General French with Cavalry Division, proceeding to the Relief
+     of Kimberley, seized Dekiel's Drift.
+
+[Illustration: BIRD'S-EYE VIEW OF THE COUNTRY COVERED BY GENERAL
+BULLER'S OPERATIONS FOR THE RELIEF OF LADYSMITH.
+
+EDINBURGH AND LONDON: T. C. & E. C. JACK]
+
+
+
+
+SOUTH AFRICA AND THE
+
+TRANSVAAL WAR
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+THE SITUATION
+
+    "The wave that breaks against a forward stroke
+      Beats not the swimmer back, but thrills him through
+      With joyous trust to win his way anew
+    Through stronger seas than first upon him broke
+    And triumphed. England's iron-tempered oak
+      Shrank not when Europe's might against her grew
+      Full, and her sun drunk up her foes like dew,
+    And lion-like from sleep her strength awoke.
+    As bold in fight as bold in breach of trust
+      We find our foes and wonder not to find,
+      Nor grudge them praise whom honour may not bind:
+    But loathing more intense than speaks disgust
+      Heaves England's heart, when scorn is bound to greet
+    Hunters and hounds whose tongues would lick their feet."
+
+                               --ALGERNON CHARLES SWINBURNE.
+
+
+A week of disaster had terminated woefully. Three British Generals in
+succession--Sir William Gatacre, Lord Methuen, and Sir Redvers
+Buller--had advanced against strongly fortified Boer positions and
+suffered repulse. The hearts of the miserable loyalists, who hung in
+dire suspense on the result of British action, sank in despair--their
+dismay and their grief were pitiful. Great Britain echoed their
+sentiment. Disappointment was universal. General Gatacre had failed
+through lack of caution and mischance; the other Generals had come to
+grief owing to the circumstances which forced them willy nilly to hurry
+to the assistance of beleaguered towns in the face of overwhelming
+disadvantages, notably the lack of cavalry and the inefficiency of the
+guns. Lord Methuen had been unable to bring home his early victories
+owing to the absence of mounted men. Sir Redvers Buller had failed to
+dislodge the enemy from his strong, naturally fortified positions owing
+to the weakness of his artillery in comparison to that of the enemy, who
+had Nordenfeldt and Hotchkiss quick-firing guns in every available
+position. He had made a glorious attempt--owned to be magnificent; but
+it was not war, and in his failure he recognised that it was not the
+game of derring-do, but the game of "slim" warfare as played by his
+brother Boer which must claim his attention. Now was verified the
+prophecy of the Polish apocalypse: "The war of the future will be a war
+of sieges and entrenched positions. In the war of the future the
+advantage will always rest with the defensive. In the war of the future,
+frontal attacks, without immense superiority in numbers, will be
+impossible."
+
+Every campaign, they say, has its lessons. This one we now find to be
+full of them, so full indeed that it has necessarily taken our Generals
+some time to become acquainted even with their grammar. When the war was
+forced upon us by the Pretoria oligarchy for the long-cherished purpose
+of ousting Great Britain from South Africa, many of the authorities were
+of opinion that a rabble of undisciplined farmers would be incapable of
+offering any formidable resistance to the superior military system of
+Great Britain. Not a hint of doubt as to the success of our arms and the
+effectiveness of our war apparatus was entertained. When Colonials in
+the summer of '99 volunteered their services, the Government received
+the offers with a sniff. Later they accepted them with grateful thanks.
+It was never imagined that colonists could know anything of the art of
+war, or that they might teach a lesson or two even to that august
+institution the Staff College. Those who knew ventured to suggest that
+in South Africa the same cast-iron principles that existed in European
+warfare would be valueless, and that the lessons of Ingogo and Majuba in
+'81 might be repeated in '99 in all their dire and dismal reality. But
+these pessimists were scoffed at. They therefore waited, and hoped
+against hope. Now and then they feebly wondered by what process
+infantry, arriving two months late, when the enemy had had time to
+entrench the whole country at various naturally strong strategic points,
+would be able to overcome the disadvantages attendant on immobility. But
+they were silenced by a look. British pluck and endurance might be
+calculated upon to surmount everything and anything--some said! No one
+seemed to care to tackle the problem of how men on foot would be enabled
+to compete creditably, in anything like equal numbers, with a mounted
+enemy possessing more than ordinary mobility.
+
+A mounted enemy has many advantages in his favour. He can select his own
+position, he can place all his force _en masse_ into the fighting line,
+he can so pick his positions that one man on the defensive can make
+himself the equal of three men of the attacking force; and, besides, he
+can occupy a length of position which must extend his flanks far beyond
+those of the attackers on foot. These in consequence are either forced
+to extend to equal length, at almost certain risk of being unable to
+reinforce any weak point developed during the attack, and thereby cause
+the attack to be broken at points; or they have to "contain" only a
+portion of the enemy in position, and perhaps leave his wings--or one
+wing--free to execute an outflanking movement. It is impossible when a
+line extends for miles, and the enemy's strength is not discoverable
+before the heat of the engagement, for infantry to come from a great
+distance to the assistance of weak points; and by reason of this
+immobility it is equally impossible for infantry in the heat of action,
+and when the front is extended for miles, to suddenly change a plan of
+attack in time to save a situation.
+
+The task set before our Generals was, therefore, almost superhuman: they
+were expected to make up for want of mobility with superior strategical
+qualifications; but, as has been said, no committee of Generals could at
+this juncture have decided on a strategy applicable to the complicated
+situation. That the Boer was a born strategist, and had able advisers,
+was amply proved. The amalgam of Boer methods, with Zulu theories and
+modern German tactics, was sufficient to try the most ingenious
+intelligence. For instance, the Boers in early days selected positions
+on the sides and tops of kopjes, and at the commencement of the
+campaign, at Talana Hill and at Elandslaagte, they were so perched, in
+accordance with the primitive principles of their race. They ignored the
+fact that such positions were the worst they could select against
+artillery fire with percussion fuses. Even for their own rifle practice
+such positions were also the worst, as, firing down at an angle, their
+bullets as a rule ran the chance of ploughing the earth without
+ricocheting, and served only to hit the one man aimed at. They worked,
+and still work, on the old Zulu principle of putting their whole
+strength into the fighting line, acting on the Zulu axiom, "Let it
+thunder--and pass." A sound principle this, no doubt, but one which our
+ponderous military machinery would not allow us to adopt. To these early
+methods, and to his native "slimness" and cunning, the Boer now added
+some German erudition. The influence of German officers and German
+tactics began to work changes curious and inexplicable. The Boers built
+scientific entrenchments, no longer on the kopjes alone but also below
+them, thus reducing the effect of hostile artillery, save that of
+howitzers, and permitting their sharpshooters to sweep the plain with a
+hurricane from their Mausers. In addition to this they built long
+castellated trenches, perfect underground avenues, to allow of the
+invisible massing of troops at any given point. They were also provided
+with ingenious gun-trenches, quite hidden, along which their Nordenfeldt
+gun, that pumped five shells in rapid succession, could be removed
+swiftly from one spot to another, and thereby defeat the efforts of the
+British gunners to locate it.
+
+Thus it will be seen a new complexion was put upon Boer affairs. Novel
+and trying conditions were imposed on those who already had to cope
+with the problem of how to match in mobility a rival who brought to his
+support six legs, while the British only brought two. Whole armies
+consisting merely of mounted infantry and artillery had never before
+come into action, and it began to be understood that a war against
+bushwhackers, guerillas, and sharpshooters, plus the most expensive guns
+modernity could provide, was a matter more serious than any with which
+the nineteenth century had hitherto had to deal. We had to learn that
+sheer pluck, endurance, and brute force were unavailing, and that
+strategy of the hard and fast kind--the red-tape strategy of the Staff
+College--was about as unpractical as a knowledge of the classics to one
+who goes a-marketing. There is no finality in the art of war, and
+nations, be they ever so old and wise and important, must go on
+learning.
+
+One of the newer questions was, how far personal intelligence might be
+distributed among a body of men? The General as a head, the Staff
+Officers as nerves that convey volition to the different members, we had
+accepted, but how far individual acumen was needed to insure success now
+began to be argued. Certain it was that in this campaign we had
+opportunities for studying the comparative value of individual
+discretion _versus_ "fighting to order." The Boers, every one of them,
+were working for themselves, absolutely for hearth and home, though
+perhaps under a general plan which certainly served to harass and annoy
+and keep the British army in a dilemma; while we laboured on a
+consolidated system which, if not obsolete, was certainly inappropriate.
+However, as there was no use in bemoaning our reverses, we began to
+congratulate ourselves on having discovered the cause of them. It was
+decided that first there must be more troops sent out to meet the
+extended nature of our operations, and that these troops must be
+accompanied by a sufficient number of horses to insure the necessary
+mobility, without which even the brute force of our numbers would be
+useless.
+
+Of the successful issue of future proceedings none had a doubt. All knew
+that the finest strategy in the world must be useless when tools were
+wanting, and all felt certain that the admirable abilities of our
+Generals, when once the means of playing their war game came to hand,
+were bound to rise to the prodigious task still in store.
+
+But for the dire necessity of the three gallant towns--Mafeking,
+Kimberley, and Ladysmith--a waiting game would have been possible and
+wise. The Boer stores of food and ammunition would eventually have run
+out, and the guns gone the way of much-used guns. Trek-oxen, instead of
+dragging the waggons of their masters, would have had to go to feed the
+hungry commandoes, and the history of slow exhaustion would have had to
+be told. But--again there was the great But!--those three valiant towns
+were holding out their hands, they were crying for help, they were
+standing in their hourly peril hopeful and brave because they
+believed--they were certain--that we should never desert them!
+
+
+At home the grievous news of the reverse was digested by the public with
+dumb, almost paralysed resignation. At first it was scarcely possible to
+believe that the great, the long-anticipated move for the relief of
+Ladysmith had proved a failure, and that the Boers were still masters of
+the situation, and moreover the richer by eleven of our much-needed
+guns. By degrees the terrible truth began to be accepted by us. By
+degrees the Government awakened to the fact that the fighting of the
+Dutchmen within the region of Natal meant more than the pitting of one
+Briton against two Boers, that it meant the dashing of a whole Army
+Corps against Nature's strongholds, our own by right of purchase and
+blood, and captured from us merely by reason of neglect and delay!
+
+To awake, however, was to act. In our misfortune it was pleasant to
+recall the words of Jomini, when speaking of Frederick the Great and his
+defeats in Silesia. "A series of fortunate events," he said, "may dull
+the greatest minds, deprive them of their natural vigour, and level them
+with common beings. But adversity is a tonic capable of bringing back
+energy and elasticity to those who have lost it." The tonic was sipped.
+Jomini's theories were proved! Though Great Britain through a series of
+fortunate events--a long reign of comparative peace--had become
+lethargic and money-grubbing, she, at the first shock of adversity,
+regained all her elasticity, vigour, and natural spirit of chivalry.
+Promptly the entire nation nerved itself to prove that, as of old, it
+was equal to any struggle, any sacrifice. The whole country seemed with
+one consent to leap to arms.
+
+The Militia, nine battalions of Infantry, was now permitted to volunteer
+for service in any part of the Queen's dominions where such services
+might be wanted, while it was arranged that specially selected
+contingents of Yeomanry and Volunteers would start for the Front as soon
+as there were found ships sufficient to carry them.
+
+Noble as amazing was the hurried response of the Volunteers to the
+intimation that their services would be accepted for the war. Hastily
+they pressed forward in crowds to enrol themselves. Their promptitude
+was goodly to look upon and to read of, for it showed that, in spite of
+the theories of Tolstoi and the influence of the spirit of modernity,
+patriotism is inherent and not a mere exotic or cultivated sentiment in
+the British race. We now found that though many traditions may be worn
+to rags, those of the British army had grown, like old tapestry, the
+more precious for the passage of time.
+
+Still the military position was pregnant with anxieties. A horse that is
+left at the post may perhaps win in the end, but his chances of success
+are remote. An army that lands in driblets three months after time is
+scarcely calculated to succeed against a rival army which has spent that
+interval in equipping itself for the fray. We were forced to remember
+that at the onset our officers were placed in the most dangerous
+positions, with inadequate support and no prospect of reinforcement,
+until their energies, mental and physical, had been sapped by undue and
+prolonged strain. On the north Tuli had but a handful of troops to
+resist an enormous and powerful enemy; Mafeking was surrounded,
+isolated, and able only to resist to the death the persistent attacks of
+shot and shell; Vryburg was allowed to be treacherously given away to
+the enemy; and Kimberley was left in the lurch as it were, to fight or
+fall according to the pluck of those who were ready to exhaust their
+vitality in loyalty to the Queen. On the Natal side things were still
+worse. The country, every inch of which is familiar to the Boer, had
+almost invited invasion. The whole strength of Boers and Free Staters
+was permitted to launch itself against an army which was entirely
+without reserves, and which could not be reinforced under a month. That
+brave and unfortunate soldier, Sir George Colley, had a theory that
+small, well-organised troops were worth as much again as large and
+desultory ones; but he took no account of peculiar facilities which are
+almost inherent to armies fighting on their own soil, as it were, and
+habits of warfare which have, so to speak, become ancestral with the
+Boer. From old time the Dutchman has employed his mountain fastnesses,
+his boulders, and his tambookie grass as screens and shelters, till in
+war the "tricks of the trade" have become a second nature to him, and
+serve in place of more complicated European methods. The small Natal
+army was, on Sir George Colley's principle, allowed to pit itself
+against a fighting mass, dense and desultory it may be, but a fighting
+mass of enormous dimensions, which, whatever their failings, had weight,
+equipment, courage, obstinacy, and intimacy with their surroundings
+entirely in their favour. That the enemy was first in the field they had
+to thank the original promoters of war, the Peace party--the
+humanitarian persons who so long hampered reason by loud outcries
+against the shedding of blood that their own countrymen in the Transvaal
+were condemned to all the tortures of suspense, to be aggravated later
+by all the agonies of famine and disease. Their own countrywomen and
+their babes were saved from shot and shell to be sent defenceless and
+homeless to wander the world till the charity of strangers or the relief
+of death should overtake them, while the loyal natives were left in a
+state of trepidation and suspense, without protection, yet forbidden to
+raise a hand in their own defence.
+
+Reason now had its way. But remedies cannot be applied in a moment, and
+the public, which is always wise after the event, vented its anguish and
+its feelings of suspense by indulging in criticism, or in asking
+questions which, of course, could not be answered till the principal
+persons concerned were able to take part in the catechism. For instance,
+some of the riddles buzzed about in club and railway carriage were: Why
+did Sir Redvers Buller make a frontal attack across an open plain
+against an enemy admirably entrenched, and posted in a position not only
+made strong by art but by nature? Why was it that the Government, in
+spite of the warnings given by Sir Alfred Milner while he was in England
+in May '99, neglected to take such precautions as would have prevented
+the enemy from being entirely in advance of us in the matter of time?
+Why, also, were the Boers permitted to arm themselves with the most
+expensive modern weapons, to be used against us, under the very eye of
+our representative in Pretoria, without our being warned of the inferior
+quality of our own guns, and of the impossibility of making ourselves a
+match for the enemy so long as the cheese-paring policy of the
+authorities at home was countenanced? Why, with an Intelligence
+Department in working order, was it never discovered that united Free
+State and Transvaal Dutchmen would vastly outnumber all the troops we
+were prepared--or, rather, unprepared--to put in the field, the troops
+we strove to make sufficient till the strain of reverse forced from us
+the acceptance of help from the Colonies, the Militia, and the
+Volunteers?
+
+The great question of reinforcements filled all minds. Nothing indeed
+could be looked for till they should reach the Cape. Fifteen huge
+transports were due to arrive between the end of December and the
+beginning of January, bringing on the scene some 15,000 troops of all
+arms. The Fifth Division, under Sir Charles Warren, consisting of eight
+battalions of Infantry and its complement of Artillery and Engineers was
+expected, also the Household Cavalry Composite Regiment, the 14th
+Hussars, a siege train, a draft of Marines, and various odd branches of
+the service. Later on more troops would follow, but pending the arrival
+of the warrior cargoes it was impossible for our Generals to do more
+than act on the defensive, and consider themselves fortunate if they
+could prevent the further advance of the enemy to the south.
+
+But the most momentous move of the closing year was the departure of
+Lord Roberts for the seat of war. Here was this gallant officer, whose
+life had been devoted to the service of his country, and who was at an
+age when many other men would have elected to stay by hearth and home,
+suddenly called on to act in the most difficult and trying crisis. And,
+in the very hour that he was asked to rouse himself to meet the call of
+Queen and country, he was dealt a crushing blow. His gallant son, the
+only one, and one well worthy to have worn the laurels of his noble
+father, besides adding to them by his own splendid acts, was carried
+off, a victim to the severe wound he received at Colenso. Here was a
+supreme trial, so supreme indeed that none dared touch it. All, even
+Lord Roberts's sincerest friends, shrunk from dwelling on the agony of
+mind that must have been endured by this great hero when at the same
+moment the voice of duty and the cry of domestic love jarred in
+conflict. On the one side he was called upon to brace himself to meet a
+political situation fraught with all manner of indescribable
+complications, while on the other, human nature with a thousand clinging
+tendrils drew him towards the numbness of mute woe or the consolation of
+private tears. But, like the great warrior he is, he got into harness
+and started off, leaving his misery in the hands of the great British
+people, who held it as their own. The "send off" they gave him at
+Waterloo Station was one of the most remarkable outbursts of public
+feeling on record, and this was not only due to admiration for the
+conqueror of Kandahar, but to profound sympathy for the man and the
+father who was thus laying aside his private self and placing all his
+magnificent ability at the service of the Empire.
+
+
+DOINGS AT CHIEVELEY
+
+It was now found desirable to remove part of the camp about ten and a
+half miles to the south, to get out of range of the Boer big guns which
+commanded the position. The wounded were daily being sent off in
+train-loads to Maritzburg, many of them, in spite of being shot in two
+or three places, cheerful and anxious to return quickly "to be in at the
+death," as they sportingly described it. The funeral of Lord Roberts's
+gallant son caused a sense of deep depression to prevail in all ranks,
+for he was not only regretted by those who held his brilliant qualities
+in esteem, but in sympathy with the sore affliction which had befallen
+the veteran "Bobs," whose name, wherever Tommy goes, is one to conjure
+with. The ceremony was a most impressive one, and the pall-bearers were
+all men of young Roberts's corps. These were Major Prince Christian
+Victor, Colonels Buchanan-Riddell and Bewicke-Copley, and Major
+Stuart-Wortley.
+
+The graves of all the unfortunate slain were marked round, covered with
+flowers, and temporary tablets arranged till suitable memorials should
+be prepared.
+
+[Illustration: A PICKET OF 13th HUSSARS SURPRISED NEAR THE TUGELA RIVER
+(HUSSAR HILL).
+
+Drawing by John Charlton.]
+
+Meanwhile the Naval guns were unceasing in their activity, and made an
+appalling accompaniment to the afternoon siestas in which many,
+owing to the excessive heat, were inclined to indulge. For strategical
+reasons it was now found necessary to blow up the road-bridge over the
+Tugela, and thus prevent the Boers from advancing further to the south
+or spying upon our positions.
+
+[Illustration: MAP OF THE SEAT OF WAR. Scale 1 inch=86 miles.]
+
+Extra precautions were taken in regard to the white flag. It began to be
+believed at last that the Boer would take an unfair advantage of the
+Briton whenever he should get a chance. Strangely enough, our officers
+seemed to have forgotten or disregarded the object-lesson of the tragic
+affair of Bronker's Spruit. Yet Boer "slimness" was then well enough
+established. The unfortunate Colonel Anstruther caused to be printed in
+the Transvaal Government _Gazette_ a bi-lingual proclamation, informing
+the Boers that, in consequence of the many treacherous uses to which the
+white flag had been put, he would in future recognise the emblem only
+under the following conditions: two Boers accompanied by an officer, and
+all unarmed, must approach the lines bearing the white flag aloft. The
+British soldiers were also advised to keep well under cover whenever the
+flag was displayed. This showed that reliance on Boer honour would in no
+case be attempted. At the present date Boer morality had not improved,
+and it was even declared that the Free Staters had made their women boil
+down their national flag, so that in its pallid state it might at a
+little distance be mistaken for the white flag, and come in handy in
+case of need.
+
+On the 20th of December a picket, consisting of seven men belonging to
+the 13th Hussars, was surprised some five miles from camp, in the
+direction of Weenen, by a party of sixty Boers. These cautiously crept
+round some kopjes to where the outpost was stationed. A smart tussle
+ensued. Two men were killed and seven horses were lost. No sooner had
+information of the fight reached camp than some of Bethune's and
+Thorneycroft's Mounted Infantry were despatched to the rescue, but the
+Boers, on perceiving these reinforcements, quickly fled and thus escaped
+punishment.
+
+At this time the second advance for the relief of Ladysmith was very
+secretly being organised, but no one knew exactly when Sir Redvers
+Buller meant to move, or whether he intended to give up the idea of a
+frontal attack altogether. Our Generals were criticised for making
+frontal attacks, but Clausewitz declares that the attempt to turn the
+flank of the enemy can only be justified by a great superiority; this
+superiority may be either actual superiority of numbers, or it may
+follow from the way in which the lines of communication are placed.
+Unfortunately we had no favouring strength; the Boers outnumbered us
+everywhere, and not only did they exceed us numerically, but their
+mobility enabled them so quickly to move from front to flank positions
+that they were, on desire, facing us at any moment. In fact the Boer
+army had no flank, and therefore the vast amount of after-the-event
+wisdom which was gratuitously handed about by "the man in the street"
+was absolutely wasted.
+
+An unfortunate incident now occurred. Capt. James Rutherford and Mr.
+Grenfell, S.A.L.H., while visiting the pickets, disappeared. They
+apparently rode into the midst of the enemy's scouts, who were
+everywhere prowling about, and were forced to surrender. The report of
+the capture was brought to the camp by native runners, who stated that
+the officers had been removed to Pretoria. However, for two gallant
+Britons lost there was one gained, for at the very time Mr. Winston
+Churchill had almost miraculously made himself free of his captors.
+
+The story of his escape reads like a novel; but truth is stranger than
+fiction. When removed to Pretoria after the disaster to the armoured
+train at Chieveley, he almost gave up hope of escape; indeed he had every
+reason so to do, for on the 12th of December he was informed by the
+Transvaal Government's Secretary for War that there was little chance of
+his release. Whereupon, with many doubts and misgivings, he discussed
+with himself the best means of struggling for freedom. The State Schools
+Prison was well guarded; it was surrounded by a high wall, and the
+sentries were vigilant in the extreme. He formed for himself a plan,
+however, and once when the back of the sentry was momentarily turned he
+took his courage in both hands as the French say, rushed at the six-foot
+wall, scaled it, and let himself down into a neighbouring garden before
+his movement could be detected. The garden was the garden of an inhabited
+house. There were lights in the windows; more, there were visitors on the
+verandah, and presently, ramblers among the paths! Moments of horror as
+the escaped hid in the trees seemed to become years, discovery appeared
+to be merely a matter of moments. But evidently the Fates decided that so
+useful a member of creation--warrior, writer, and politician--could not
+be spared by society or his country, and in a little while Mr. Churchill
+found himself wandering, undisguised and unrecognised, through the
+streets of the town. Burghers passed him, passengers brushed his
+shoulders. Nobody asked his business. It was evident that Fate wanted
+him. The stars said so, and following their direction he struck out
+towards the Delagoa Railroad. He knew that he dared ask his way of none;
+he was aware that he must make the most of the cloak of night; he was
+intimate enough with Boer customs to be certain that in a few hours his
+description would be posted throughout the two Republics. The present,
+and only the present, was his. He walked along the line, evading the
+watchers on bridges and culverts, and determining to stick to the rails,
+without which he might find himself lost or wandering back in the teeth
+of the enemy. Once free of the town, he bided his time cautiously in the
+neighbourhood of an adjacent station. There he watched the coming of a
+train, and just as it steamed past him, with an alacrity and agility born
+of sheer despair, he made a leap towards a truck, grabbed at a hook on
+the edge, boarded it, and was soon burrowing deep in a cargo of
+coal-sacks. There he lay, grimy, exhausted, and almost distraught, but
+happy. He was free. Every minute the anxiety for freedom had grown within
+him, till now, fighting his way towards it, it had become an almost
+savage passion. He had decided he would never go back. No one should
+capture him. But this was easier to swear than to accomplish. To escape
+detection it was necessary again to risk his life--to leap off the train
+as he had leapt on it, while the machinery was in full swing and the
+driver ignorant of the existence of his distinguished passenger. Before
+dawn, therefore, he emerged from the coal-heap, and with a flying leap
+landed flat on the railroad. He gathered himself together, and by sunrise
+was concealed in a wood, his only companion for some time being a
+vulture. The sojourn in the cool boskage of the Transvaal was fraught
+with good luck, and at dusk when the fugitive emerged he was another man.
+At last he was able to gather his forces together for another trip on a
+passing train. There was always danger though--danger because it was
+necessary to hug the line, and where the line was, there also were
+railway guards, or at least humanity--inimical humanity, who most
+probably were plotting his ruin. Plod, plod, plod; so passed the hours,
+scrambling along in the dead of night through sluits and dongas in the
+effort to avoid the direct neighbourhood of huts, bridges, stations, and
+yet keep in touch with the winding iron track that led to the longed-for
+sea. For five days and nights he persevered, tramping after dark and
+sneaking under cover all day, and dimly conscious that the hue and cry
+had gone forth, and that every man's hand in the enemy's country was now
+turned against him. On the sixth day he managed again with amazing good
+fortune to safely board a train, and this time it was one going from
+Middleburg to Delagoa Bay. Again he burrowed among sacks and carefully
+hid himself, so carefully, indeed, that owing to his extreme precaution
+discovery was evaded. The train was searched, the sacks were prodded.
+Deep down, scarcely daring to breathe, lay the man they were seeking--an
+inch or two off--just an inch or two off. He drew a long breath and
+praised God for his escape. After that he passed some sixty hours in all
+the agonies of suspense. Famine and thirst preyed on him, and active
+horror lest all his exertions should be in vain, lest, at the very last
+moment, the whole struggle of hope and wretchedness would end in dire and
+fatal disaster. But he was preserved. He arrived at Lourenco Marques on
+the 21st of December, and from there proceeded to Natal. "I am very
+weak, but I am free." Such were the words of his telegram; no wired
+words ever meant more. "I have lost many pounds in weight, but I am
+lighter in heart; and I avail myself of this moment, which is a witness
+to my earnestness, to urge an unflinching and uncompromising prosecution
+of the war." In regard to Mr. Winston Churchill's arrival among his
+friends in Natal, an eye-witness wrote:--
+
+     "The 23rd of December last was a memorable day at Durban,
+     perhaps the most memorable since that on which the Boers'
+     ultimatum was published. From Lourenco Marques had come the
+     exciting intelligence that young Winston Churchill, a
+     distinguished member of a world-renowned race, had succeeded in
+     evading his jailers at Pretoria, and, after a series of
+     thrilling adventures, had arrived safely at Delagoa Bay. The
+     telegrams had further announced that the hero had immediately
+     shipped on board the Rennie liner _Induna_ and would land at
+     Durban that very afternoon. The fame of Mr. Churchill as a
+     soldier and an author was already established. The history of
+     his gallantry both in India and at Omdurman was already well
+     known to every good Natalian before he first stepped ashore
+     there as one of the war correspondents of the _Morning Post_.
+     His subsequent courageous conduct at Chieveley at the
+     unfortunate incident of the armoured train and his capture by
+     the Boers, now capped by his marvellous escape from Pretoria,
+     had set Durban agog with excitement, and filled all and sundry
+     with hearty desires to afford him a right royal welcome on his
+     landing again on British soil.
+
+     "The brilliant summer sunshine, tempered by a fresh sea-breeze
+     which sent a soft ripple across the deep blue surface of the
+     magnificent harbour; the bold headland of the bluff contrasting
+     vividly against the streets of iron-roofed dwellings in the
+     township; the large numbers of ocean-going steamers and sailing
+     craft, gay with bunting; the eager, expectant crowd of every
+     class of society, from gaily-dressed ladies to wharf labourers,
+     refugees, and Kaffirs in but shirts and trousers, all
+     contributed to the completion of a picturesque panorama never
+     to be forgotten. Long before midday did we assemble in our
+     thousands. When it was whispered about that the _Induna_ would
+     berth alongside the steamer _Inchanga_, and that Mr. Churchill
+     must cross the decks of the _Inchanga_ before stepping ashore,
+     a rush was made for her, and, in spite of all the efforts of
+     the officers and crew, the crowd swarmed like bees on her. They
+     took possession of every available point of vantage; they
+     invaded the sacred precincts of the captain's bridge; they
+     braved the perils of the rigging; they huddled together on the
+     'fo'cas'le'; they filled every boat; and, heedless of fresh
+     paint, they clung affectionately to the ventilators and the
+     funnel.
+
+     "After having been several times reported the _Induna_ rounded
+     the point at half-past two. Amid breathless expectation she
+     steamed slowly across the harbour. Standing beside the captain
+     on the bridge a smallish, clean-shaven man was descried, and
+     the crowd at once recognised him as the hero whom they had
+     assembled to honour. A thousand good British cheers broke the
+     silence, a thousand lusty throats shouted a heartfelt welcome.
+     But this was not all. The sturdy Natalians did not stop at
+     shouting. The moment the _Induna_ was moored Mr. Churchill,
+     smiling, was seized bodily by twenty pairs of brawny arms, was
+     patted and thumped on the back by hundreds of applauding hands,
+     and finally, after being nearly strangled by over-zealous
+     admirers who were waving hats and handkerchiefs and crying
+     'Bravo!' and 'Well done!' he was carried shoulder-high across
+     the decks of the _Inchanga_ and deposited in a ricksha, whence
+     a speech was demanded. In a few modest sentences Mr. Churchill
+     good-humouredly narrated some of the more prominent episodes of
+     his exploit, and a start was made for his hotel, the
+     ricksha-boy being assisted more or less by some fifty amateur
+     ricksha-men and escorted by a majority of the crowd. After
+     picking up the editor of the _Natal Mercury_ on the way, and
+     installing him in state by the side of Mr. Churchill, the hotel
+     was at last reached, and the demand for another speech having
+     been acceded to, Mr. Churchill was permitted at four o'clock to
+     retire from the public gaze. The same night he left Durban for
+     the front."
+
+The following is a copy of the letter written by Mr. Winston Churchill
+to Mr. de Souza prior to escaping from prison:--
+
+
+  "STATE SCHOOLS PRISON, PRETORIA.
+
+     "DEAR MR. DE SOUZA,--I do not consider that your Government was
+     justified in holding me, a press correspondent and a
+     non-combatant, as a prisoner, and I have consequently resolved
+     to escape. The arrangements I have succeeded in making with my
+     friends outside are such as to give me every confidence. But I
+     wish, in leaving you thus hastily and unceremoniously, to once
+     more place on record my appreciation of the kindness which has
+     been shown me and the other prisoners by you, by the
+     commandant, and by Dr. Gunning, and my admiration of the
+     chivalrous and humane character of the Republican forces. My
+     views on the general question of the war remain unchanged, but
+     I shall always retain a feeling of high respect for the several
+     classes of the Burghers I have met, and on reaching the British
+     lines I will set forth a truthful and impartial account of my
+     experiences in Pretoria. In conclusion, I desire to express my
+     obligations to you, and to hope that when this most grievous
+     and unhappy war shall have come to an end, a state of affairs
+     may be created which shall preserve the national pride of the
+     Boers and the security of the British, and put a final stop to
+     the rivalry and enmity of both races. Regretting that
+     circumstances have not permitted me to bid you a personal
+     farewell, believe me, yours very sincerely,
+
+         "WINSTON CHURCHILL.
+
+     "_December 11, 1899._"
+
+
+CHRISTMAS AT THE CAPE AND NATAL
+
+We had arrived at what might be termed a breathing spell. There was no
+serious movement in the direction of the Modder River, and Lord Methuen
+was evidently biding his time. General Gatacre felt himself too weak to
+take up any very active or offensive step, while General French
+contented himself with such harassing and cleverly annoying operations
+as kept the enemy, like a man with a mosquito round his nose, from
+napping. There was great hope of better things, however, for it was
+known that the _Dunottar Castle_ had left England and was conveying to
+the Cape--in addition to Lord Roberts--Lord Kitchener and Major-General
+T. Kelly-Kenny, the Commander of the Sixth Division. Besides these were
+the following officers of Lord Roberts's Staff:--Major-General G. T.
+Pretyman; Colonel Viscount Downe, C.I.E.; Major H. V. Cowan; Captain A.
+C. M. Waterfield; Major J. F. R. Henderson; Major C. V. Hume;
+Brevet-Major G. F. Gorringe, D.S.O.; Colonel Lord Erroll; Commander the
+Hon. S. J. Fortescue (Naval Adviser to Lord Roberts); Captain Lord
+Herbert Scott; Captain Lord Settrington.
+
+This showed that when at last we set to work we did so with a will. The
+forces in South Africa before the war had amounted to 25,000, which
+number was augmented by 55,000 on the arrival of the First Army Corps.
+Late in December came the Fifth Division of about 11,000, under Sir
+Charles Warren, followed by the Sixth Division of 10,000 men. The
+Seventh and Eighth Divisions of 10,000 men respectively were shortly to
+increase the forces at the disposal of Lord Roberts, together with some
+2000 additional Cavalry, 10,000 Yeomanry, 9000 Volunteers, seven
+battalions of Militia, drafts for regiments at the front amounting to
+10,000, and about 20,000 local forces. The first Colonial contingents
+consisted of about 2500 men, and these were to be followed by second
+contingents of like strength. The Naval Brigade was composed of about
+1000; so that in all, roughly estimated, we were on the eve of putting
+184,000 men into the field.
+
+Christmas day at the Cape was solemnised with much speechifying, both
+from Dutch pulpits and Dutch partisans, and not a few peacefully
+disposed persons in this time of general goodwill lugged in Sir Henry
+Campbell-Bannerman by the ears and quoted him to suit their purpose.
+That amiable worthy had said the war could have been avoided, and that
+cheap and incontrovertible statement the Bond got hold of and chewed and
+rolled on the tongue as an accompaniment to its plum-pudding and
+mince-pies. Of course, the war could have been avoided. Of course, it
+would have been quite possible to voluntarily retire from the Cape and
+allow South Africa to become entirely Dutch. In the same way we could
+give up governing India and hand it over to Russia and confine our
+expenses and our energies to Great Britain, the water supply, the
+development of national cookery, and the propagation of cabbages. But
+peace with dishonour was fortunately not to the taste of the British
+public, and those who spent their Yuletide in active service were far
+too devoted to the sacred duty of maintaining the prestige of the Empire
+to sigh for the domestic hearth and regal sirloin that might have been
+theirs had the Government extended its accommodating apathy a few months
+longer.
+
+There were no holly decorations and displays of bunting, no rubbings of
+hands and vigorous snow-balling, because the South African sun blazed
+with the glare of beaten brass, and the thermometer stood to the height
+of some 100 degrees at midday. But there was a vast amount of
+joke-making and hearty goodwill nevertheless, and many prayers for
+friends and family and Queen.
+
+In Natal there were lively doings in honour of the festal season. At a
+time when even cracker manufacturers wax poetic, the journalistic poets
+thought it their duty to burst into rhyme. The Natal papers indulged in
+some jocose doggerel, which would have been comic had it not been deeply
+tragic. The lines ran thus: "To Ladysmith"--the only lines, by-the-bye,
+that did run there--
+
+    "'Hold the Fort, for I am coming,'
+      Says the helio--
+    Quick as light the answer flashes,
+      'Ain't you coming slow?'"
+
+But Tommy was pleased and thought the stanza a capital joke. He meant to
+get there directly, and merely quoted the proverb about "slow and
+shure"--there were so many Irishmen about, fine fellows, who believed in
+themselves and they were shure about everything. They had nothing to do
+with doubt, for doubt, after all, is the mother of diffidence!
+
+And some of these rollicking youngsters managed to retain their native
+good-humour in most distressing circumstances. A good story was told of
+one gallant private in hospital who had lost his leg but persisted in
+apostrophising the missing limb whenever it ached. "Be aisy wid ye.
+Can't ye be quiet? Ye'll niver take me into the foight again. Ohovo!"
+
+Other examples of amazing good-temper and pluck on the part of the
+wounded filled all eye-witnesses with pathetic admiration. One man, a
+quondam music-hall singer, carried his jocose art into his sick-bed. A
+Boer prisoner had lost his arms, and the poor fellow helplessly shook
+his head when offered tobacco. But the music-hall singer saw the shake
+of the head and tearful eye that accompanied it. In a moment, with
+gymnastic dexterity, he had placed his arms round the Boer and performed
+the office of the missing ones, giving the fellow the advantage of a
+good smoke. Another of our men who had lost his right arm co-operated
+with a Boer who had lost his left, and between them they rolled
+cigarettes to the great satisfaction of both. While they were in
+hospital another sufferer pretended to be in no way depressed by the
+loss of his arm, and ventured on mild whimsicalities regarding the
+economy of being able to share a single pair of gloves with any
+right-handed man who might also have lost a limb!
+
+[Illustration: LIEUT.-GENERAL FORRESTIER WALKER, K.C.B.
+
+Commanding the Lines of Communication.
+
+Photo by Elliott & Fry, London.]
+
+On the whole, well or ill, Tommy was temporarily in clover. The fat of
+the land was being sent out by fervent admirers at home. Indeed he was
+getting somewhat inundated with worsted goods which the fair hands of
+his countrywomen had been devotedly manufacturing. Jack Tar, despite his
+magnificent work, was not so highly distinguished, at least so he
+thought, and occasionally vented his disgust into private ears. But,
+as one of them said, they'd had a treat for Christmas--the treat of a
+wash! It was bathing under difficulties, however, for one half of the
+men had to keep guard with loaded rifles while the other half wallowed
+in water that, in harmony with the general scheme of things in camp, was
+also of kharki hue!
+
+Tommy at the front was externally scarcely the Tommy of our
+acquaintance. His bright spick and span exterior was gone. Kharki had
+sobered him and planed down his individuality. His uniform no longer sat
+without a crease. It was washed and worn and shrunken from hard and
+honourable usage, and his carriage was no longer the carriage of Tommy
+on parade. He seemed to have taken a leaf out of Jack's book, and the
+slight slouch became him well. It gave him the air of a workman and an
+individual, and seemed to point to the fact that there was no longer
+occasion for him to be judged by appearances. We knew the inner man now.
+He did his duty grandly, and his splendid courage and perseverance had
+made him independent of the pomp and panoply of war. In the matter of
+"grit" they were all alike. But in externals they had curious
+differences, their characteristics varying considerably according to the
+regiment to which they belonged. Some were dapper still--the newly
+arrived ones--with hair clipped to an eighth of an inch for head and
+half an inch for moustache; others had succumbed to circumstances, and
+had grown beards of odd sizes and shapes and colours (scumbled in all
+cases with dust), while the youngsters displayed an unhappy medium,
+styled by an officer "pieces of unexpected wool," on promiscuous parts
+of their faces! Still, when all was said, joviality and "grit" put an
+identical veneer on them all!
+
+The officers too were transmogrified. They were dressed exactly like the
+men. Tan brown belts, swords, and revolvers were no longer in evidence.
+When going off to war, or any other duty at all under arms, each officer
+arrayed himself in his servant's belt and equipment--stained with clay
+paste to the prevalent dust or kharki colour--and took with him his
+servant's rifle and one hundred rounds of ammunition. There was a
+difference without a distinction. The officer carried a field-glass, and
+this when not in use was concealed in a coat-pocket. Every precaution
+was now adopted to prevent them from inviting an undue share of
+attention. The mounted officers had carbines--neat, handy weapons, which
+slipped into a leather carbine bucket in the saddle, on the other side
+of which went the very necessary wire-cutters. Barbed wire entanglements
+were so much a part of the Boer programme--"to cheer you up in crossing
+the drifts," some one said--that the cutters became an essential part of
+warlike gear. A strange innovation this; very small but very full of
+meaning. The Boers were teaching us a great deal. We were beginning to
+understand, almost to admire, their curious modes of warfare--their
+strange ability to "sit tight," wire themselves in, and yet to fly away!
+Years ago, when some tactician ventured to say that the war of the
+future embraced only the question of long-range rifles and
+wire-entangled trenches, we were inclined to pooh-pooh! Now we were
+beginning to see wisdom in this stubborn and persistent, and yet
+skittishly mobile foe! When we looked at our wire nippers and their
+strong entrenchments we began to formulate the war motto of the future,
+which resolves itself into five words: "Six legs and a spade!" The
+sword, the bayonet, the cavalry charge were passing away for ever. Here
+the dignified charger was ill-matched with the nimble steed of the
+country, and many officers were only too glad to supplement their
+English horses with Basuto ponies--to secure four serviceable and sure
+legs, as the climate and other circumstances contrived to wear out those
+of their British beasts. Fortunately there was still a plentiful choice
+in horse-flesh, what with British and Australian and Argentine
+specimens, but the Basuto ponies were the most knowing and handy for the
+purposes required. The imported horse, it was discovered, needed a long
+and probationary period to make him at home on the South African veldt.
+Like other aristocratical creatures, he was unequal to the hand-to-mouth
+existence of the African-born animal, who, by habit and instinct, could
+shift for himself. He was neither knowing nor cautious, having been
+unaccustomed to ground honeycombed with mole-holes, sluits, and other
+obstacles, or to the trick of rolling on the veldt and picking up his
+meals haphazard from the first bush he came across. Hence it became
+evident that horses in plenty must be forthcoming if we were ever to
+remedy our deficiencies and make our progress something other than the
+steam-roller style of progress to which we had been accustomed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+MAFEKING
+
+
+Plucky little Mafeking continued to hold its own, and not merely to hold
+its own, but to make itself dauntlessly aggressive. Continual sorties
+took place, and indeed formed part of the routine of daily life.
+Commandant Cronje now sent in a communication disputing the right of the
+British to use dynamite in any way in the operations for the defence of
+the town; but Colonel Baden-Powell was inclined for deeds, not
+arguments, so Cronje was silenced. The town was enlivened by a great
+concert, in which the National Anthem was sung with fervour and intense
+significance. This showed without doubt that Mafeking meant to fight so
+long as breath should last. In regard to provisions and water, the
+garrison was getting on well. The art of dodging shells, said one
+officer, was being carried to a state of great perfection, and the
+fighting was being conducted in strict accordance with military
+etiquette, Commandant Cronje always giving due notice of bombardment!
+
+For some time after Colonel Walford's gallant defence of Cannon Kopje on
+the 31st October, nothing much occurred. The losses from this attack
+were more than at first supposed. Captain the Hon. H. Marsham, as we
+know, was killed, and Captain Pechell, who was hit in the abdomen by a
+piece of shell, succumbed to his injuries. Sergeant Lloyd, who did
+splendid service with the Red Cross company, was struck while attending
+to the wounded, and died. Trooper Nicholas, whose arm was shattered,
+succumbed owing to shock to the system. A trooper who was hit by a
+bullet in the collar-bone escaped death miraculously. Fortunately,
+Lieutenants Brady and Dawson, who were also injured, were getting on
+well.
+
+Among the marvellous escapes recorded, and these were not a few, was one
+of a negro who was shot through the brain by a bullet. The projectile
+passed through one temple and lodged in the other, yet the man still
+survived, and showed a decided intention to recover. There is an old
+story of a Jamaica negro who fell from a tree without injury, and when
+asked how he escaped, he explained his good fortune by saying, "Tank
+God, me fall on me head!" The invulnerability of the nigger cranium in
+that case, as in this, had its advantages, and it would be interesting
+if some of our specialists--say Dr. Horsley--would account for the
+rough-and-tumble superiority of blacks over whites.
+
+On the 1st of November a lamentable incident occurred. Parslow, the
+correspondent of the _Daily Chronicle_, was shot by a member of the
+garrison. The following is an extract from a letter relating to the sad
+affair, which was in the possession of the Editor of the _Daily
+Chronicle_:--
+
+"MAFEKING, _November 19_.--One item, the most unpleasant of the whole
+beleaguerment, occupied attention during last week--that is, the
+court-martial of Lieutenant Murchison for the murder of Mr. Parslow,
+special war correspondent of the London _Daily Chronicle_. He was a
+genial, good-humoured young fellow, and asked Murchison, an artilleryman
+of ability and undoubted courage, to dine with him. After dinner Mr.
+Parslow strolled with Murchison across the Market Square towards Dixon's
+Hotel, the headquarters of the Staff, the ostensible purpose being for
+both of them to obtain a copy of the orders for the day, usually issued
+about that time--half-past nine or ten o'clock P.M. Some words ensued
+apparently during the few minutes occupied in reaching Dixon's. Parslow
+left his companion in the passage of the hotel, and was passing out,
+when it is alleged that Murchison drew his revolver and shot him dead,
+the bullet entering his head on the occipital protuberance an inch or an
+inch and a half behind the left ear, and lodging against the base of the
+skull. The case is completed, and the court closed to consider the
+verdict."
+
+The young journalist was exceedingly popular and deeply regretted. He
+was buried with military honours on the evening of the 2nd. His coffin
+was covered with the Union Jack, and carried to the grave by Major
+Baillie of the _Morning Post_, Mr. Angus Hamilton of the _Times_, Mr.
+Hellawell of the _Daily Mail_, Mr. Reilly of the _Pall Mall Gazette_,
+and the correspondent of the Press Association. The funeral was attended
+by many members of the Staff, who were desirous of showing their esteem
+for the promising and gallant writer.
+
+[Illustration: THE SIEGE OF MAFEKING
+
+TOPOGRAPHICAL SKETCH SHOWING THE BRITISH AND BOER POSITIONS
+
+From a sketch by a British officer brought by runner to Buluwayo]
+
+The enemy now engaged in hostilities under the command of the son of
+Cronje, who was said to have had, in the interval, a _passage d'armes_
+with his father, the General, the younger man having taunted the elder
+for not having succeeded in reducing Mafeking to submission. Whereupon
+Cronje _fils_ undertook to do the great deed himself, and in setting
+about it managed to get killed. The Boers again stormed the place, and
+were driven back in confusion by the magnificent energy of the British
+South African Police, leaving strewn on the field of action an enormous
+number of dead and wounded. Their removal occupied two hours. Captain
+Goodyear, commanding a squad of Cape "boys," made a dashing sortie, and
+received a wound in the leg, but he nevertheless captured the
+brickfields, and held them against the enemy, thus preventing him from
+utilising them for sniping operations.
+
+Sunday the 5th of November was, as usual, observed as a day of truce.
+The enemy made an effort to defy the rules of Sabbath etiquette, and
+were informed, under a flag of truce, that if they should continue to
+erect works commanding the brickfields, the guns would open fire on
+them. This warning had the desired effect. The memory of Guy Fawkes,
+together with the news of our victories in Natal, was honoured by an
+exhibition of fireworks--a display which some thought rather _de trop_
+considering the nature of the daily operations in the town. On the
+following day the Boers made themselves unpleasantly obstreperous by
+saluting the place with quick-firing guns, weapons whose shells burst
+almost simultaneously with the report, thus depriving those aimed at of
+the chance of running to cover.
+
+The air of Mafeking is said to be equal to champagne, and perhaps to its
+stimulating influence the garrison owed its sprightliness and activity.
+The little township "ran" a journal of its own, and though not so
+effervescent as _The Lyre_ of Ladysmith, it had its humorous side. The
+_Mafeking Mail_, as it was called, was issued daily--shells permitting.
+Quoting from the _Mail_ of the 1st of November, a facsimile of which was
+reproduced by the _Daily Telegraph_, we read that--
+
+     "We have borne the much-feared bombardment for a fortnight, and
+     still Mafeking stands. From what we have experienced we do not
+     consider ourselves too optimistic in anticipating a successful
+     ending to the contest. For the first time in the history of
+     Boer warfare have the Boers been defeated at every turn by a
+     force far inferior in point of numbers. Since the first attack
+     on Saturday, October 14th, they fly directly our guns are
+     heard. Safely out of range they fire into the town, but they do
+     not appear to be pining for another attempt at storming
+     Mafeking. In the 'general orders' issued last Sunday the
+     following occurs:--'The Colonel Commanding having made a
+     careful inspection of the defences of the town and the native
+     stadt, is now of opinion that no force that the Boers are
+     likely to bring against us could possibly effect an entrance at
+     any point.' Now, this is like the advertisements say a certain
+     cocoa is--grateful and comforting, and we feel that having got
+     so far through the ordeal, we have only to remain steadfast, as
+     the matter of a little time will see decided the first great
+     step towards the settlement of the future of South Africa.
+     There is no doubt that the attention of Great Britain, the
+     Colonies, in fact, the whole world, is now riveted upon this
+     little spot, which is now playing a prominent part in the most
+     important epoch in the history of this wonderful continent. We
+     know there is no need to urge the claims of our country and
+     kindred upon our gallant garrison. Being in such close touch
+     with each other that nothing but the exceptional circumstances
+     thrust upon us could have made possible, we are in a position
+     to judge and recognise the steady determination that British
+     blood and British pluck exhibit when such a crisis as the
+     present arises, and we know that the memory of Bronkhurst
+     Spruit, Majuba, and Potchefstrom will make that determination,
+     supported by the knowledge of our grand successes of the past
+     fortnight, more firm, more strong, and more united than has
+     been before, and this, with the grand soldier who is in command
+     here, will render certain the first stages towards the complete
+     crushing of the enemy.
+
+     "There is no doubt that there was landed in South Africa by
+     Sunday last a body of 57,000 men, including probably twelve or
+     fourteen regiments of cavalry, twenty or twenty-two batteries
+     of artillery, and forty regiments of infantry, besides, most
+     likely, a body of mounted infantry. Of this force there will be
+     not less than 15,000 disembarked at Cape Town and despatched on
+     the road here. They may now be settling accounts with the Boers
+     outside Kimberley, in which case Vryburg might be reached by
+     Sunday, allowing for some delay at Fourteen Streams. When our
+     troops reach Vryburg the air of Mafeking will not suit Cronje
+     sprinters, so by _this day week_ we may begin to wish them a
+     pleasant journey back to the Transvaal. It will then be merely
+     an interchange of courtesy if we return the visit.
+
+     "When the big gun with which the enemy hoped to pulverise us,
+     and which has sent more shells in the neighbourhood of the
+     hospital and women's laager than in any other parts of the
+     town, is taken by our troops, we think it only fair to Mafeking
+     that it should be brought here. It will make a good memorial
+     and be an object lesson to succeeding generations, who, reading
+     the history of our bombardment, and seeing the weapon employed
+     against our women and children, will be able to judge of the
+     nineteenth-century Boer's fitness to dominate such a territory
+     as the Transvaal. Let it be placed, say, in the space opposite
+     the entrance to the railway station, raised on end, with the
+     unexploded shells piled at its base, with a description of
+     Colonel Baden-Powell's clever defence of the place. We hope the
+     Colonel will bear the town in mind when the disposal of the gun
+     is under discussion.
+
+     "Major Lord E. Cecil, C.S.O., last evening issued the following
+     under the heading of 'General Orders':"--
+
+     [Here was recorded Colonel Baden-Powell's appreciation of the
+     action of Colonel Walford and his gallant men, which has been
+     previously quoted.]
+
+The perusal of the opening paragraphs of the _Mafeking Mail_ serves to
+enlighten us as to the degrees of hope deferred through which the plucky
+inhabitants had to pass. The pathos of the expression, "So by this day
+week we may begin to wish them a pleasant journey back to the
+Transvaal," can only be understood by comparing the date to which it
+referred with that of the relief of the noble garrison--the 17th of May
+1900!
+
+On the 7th of November, the force under Major Godley and Captain Vernon
+made a successful sortie, the excellent management of which was
+recognised in an order issued by Colonel Baden-Powell:--
+
+"The surprise against the enemy to the westward of the town was smartly
+and successfully executed at dawn this morning by a force under the
+direction of Major Godley. Captain Vernon's squadron of the Protectorate
+Regiment carried this operation out with conspicuous coolness and
+steadiness. The gunners, under Major Panzera, fought and worked their
+guns well under a very trying fire from the enemy. The Bechuanaland
+Rifles are to be congratulated on the efficient services rendered by
+them under Captain Cowan in this their first engagement in the field.
+The enemy appeared to have suffered severely, while our casualties were
+luckily very light. This is largely due to the fact that Major Godley
+delivered his blow suddenly and quickly, and withdrew his force again in
+good time and order. The Colonel Commanding has much pleasure in placing
+on record a plucky piece of work by Gunners R. Cowan and F. H. Godson.
+The Hotchkiss gun, of which they had charge, was overturned and its
+trail-hook broken in course of action. In spite of a very heavy fire
+from the enemy's one-pound Maxim and seven-pound Krupp, these men
+attached the trail to the limber by ropes, and brought the gun safely
+away."
+
+At this time the town was surrounded by some 2000 Boers, and a heavy
+shell-fire was daily exchanged. The damage done, however, was slight,
+except in the case of the Convent, which seemed to be a favourite mark
+for the Boer gunners. The trenches of the besiegers had been moved to
+about 2000 yards of the town, and from here the enemy fired with rifles,
+but with indifferent success. The Boers, in fact, were getting
+disheartened. Colonel Baden-Powell was proving himself prepared to enter
+into a competitive examination on the subject of "slimness" with them,
+and they were somewhat disturbed at the intellectual strain demanded for
+rivalry against so smart a pupil. All manner of efforts were made, and
+there was even a Dutch council of war as to the propriety of making a
+midnight attack upon the place. But the wily Colonel was ready for them.
+He took care that lanterns should be placed in suitable positions to
+illumine the paths of the would-be assailants, and when they turned on
+these lanterns the attention of their guns and broke them, more were
+immediately found to take their place. There was also the British
+bayonet in reserve, and a hint which they did not care to prove as a
+certainty--that dynamite was somewhere or other arranged in a ring round
+the place, so that at a given sign the too pressing attentions of
+intruders might be disposed of. These some one called "the B. P.
+Surprise Packets," which were arranged on the lucky-tub principle, ready
+for those who might venture on an experimental dive. The exact locality
+was not disclosed, in order that their whereabouts might prove a
+never-ending source of wonder and interest to the besiegers.
+
+[Illustration: OUTPOST AND ENTRENCHMENT, SOUTHERN FORT, MAFEKING]
+
+As before said, continual sorties took place, and Colonel Baden-Powell
+succeeded in capturing mules and horses from the enemy and generally
+harassing him. Great expectations sustained the gallant little party
+that Colonel Plumer's force would shortly make its way from the north
+and join hands with Colonel Baden-Powell. Early in November the opposing
+forces stood thus:--
+
+  Colonel Baden-Powell, with 500 Cavalry, 200 Cape Mounted
+      Police, and B.S.A. Company's Mounted Police, 60
+      Volunteers, six machine-guns, two 7-pounders, and 200
+      to 300 townsmen used to arms                            1500
+
+  1000 Transvaal Boers under Commandant Cronje, and 500
+      Boers at Maritzani                                      1500
+
+But later, some of the Boers were drawn off for service in the south.
+
+[Illustration: SERGEANT-MAJOR--IMPERIAL LIGHT HORSE.
+
+Photo by Gregory & Co., London.]
+
+
+KURUMAN AND ELSEWHERE
+
+Of the diminutive town of Kuruman and its gallant struggle little can be
+said. The garrison--consisting of seventy-five British subjects,
+including the men that came from Bastards--under the command of Captain
+Baker stood out valiantly, fighting with rare obstinacy, and hoping that
+British success elsewhere would speedily draw off the intermittent
+attentions of the Boers. From the 13th to the 20th of November a strong
+party of Dutchmen kept up incessant pressure, but they were forced to
+retreat, though both sides suffered loss. On the part of the British one
+special constable was killed.
+
+The official details of the defence showed that the Mission Station
+which was formerly the centre of Dr. Moffat's long work among the
+natives of that part of Africa was the point of resistance to the Boer
+attack. When the Dutch commandant notified the magistrate of his
+intention to occupy the place, the latter replied that he had orders to
+defend it. Thereupon he collected twenty natives and thirty half-castes,
+with whose aid he barricaded the Mission Chapel, and there resisted the
+assault of 500 Boers for six days and nights, after which the Boers
+abandoned the attack.
+
+To look back on the amazing valour of the tiny garrison, unsuccessful
+though it was, makes every British heart swell with pride. On the
+outbreak of hostilities, Mr. Hilliard, the Resident Magistrate, called a
+meeting of the inhabitants, and eloquently urged them to remain loyal.
+This, as we know, they did, with the result that the place resisted the
+Boers and routed them, and, moreover, set a most salutary example of
+loyalty to the surrounding districts of Cape Colony. The following
+extracts from five short letters (all dated November 24), written by Mr.
+and Mrs. Hilliard to relatives, will be of interest, as showing the
+gallant spirit that sustained these brave people, and the love for Queen
+and country that was so practically displayed by them. Mr. Hilliard
+said:--"Just a short letter to say we have been fighting the Boers here
+from the 13th to the 18th, and have driven them back with heavy loss. I
+received a letter from their 'Fighting General,' Visser, on Sunday the
+12th, saying that if I did not surrender the town voluntarily, he would
+take it by main force. I replied that if he did he would have to take
+the consequences of his illegal act, as my Government had not instructed
+me to evacuate the town. The enemy has drawn off towards Vryburg." In
+another letter he said:--"We are going strong; the brave little garrison
+is so good and cheerful. The army has gone, but may return, so we are
+prepared." In yet another he wrote:--"We are all right up to now, and
+shall stick to our dear old flag till the last, whatever happens. May
+God defend the right and our dear Queen. Three cheers for all." Mrs.
+Hilliard wrote:--"On Monday, November 13, the Boers attacked Kuruman.
+Our men fought bravely for six days, after which the Boers departed, and
+we don't know if they intend returning or not. Charlie is at the Police
+Camp, and looks well and happy. He is very proud of our men. Our men are
+still on the alert, and are strengthening their forts, as the Boers will
+not return without a cannon. They quite expected this place to be handed
+over to them at once, as Vryburg was."
+
+This state of affairs continued till the end of the year. On the 1st of
+January the plucky little garrison was at last forced to surrender.
+This, they said, they would never have done had they possessed a single
+cannon. The Boer artillery knocked to pieces the improvised fort before
+the white flag was hoisted over the ruins. Four men were killed and
+eighteen wounded in the splendid but hopeless effort to hold the open
+village against a foe provided with artillery and superior in numbers.
+The Boers numbered twelve hundred against some seventy-five practically
+helpless men! So the unequal tug-of-war came to an end--we may say, an
+honourable end.
+
+
+In Northern Rhodesia, British subjects were practically isolated. The
+telegraph to the south was cut, and the railway--some four hundred miles
+of it--was damaged in various places. To show the state of remoteness in
+which the unfortunate inhabitants found themselves, it is sufficient to
+say that a telegram from London to Buluwayo took sixteen days in
+transit. Letters from Port Elizabeth were received about three weeks
+after being posted. It may easily be imagined what dearth of news
+prevailed, and how even such news as it was, was falsified by rumour.
+But the excellent fellows kept heart, although they were, as one of them
+said, "absolutely ignored by the British Government, and had not a red
+coat in the country." He went on to say, "We have any quantity of men of
+grit, and about a thousand fellows have volunteered to fight out of a
+total population of men, women, and children of six thousand at most."
+
+
+So little could reach us as to the doings of Colonel Plumer's splendid
+little force, that the following letter from Trooper Young, a barrister,
+who joined at the outbreak of the war, may be quoted. It supplies some
+early links in the chain of the brave history:--
+
+  "FORT TULI, SOUTH AFRICA, _November_ 9, 1899.
+
+"I've had a bit of an exciting time since I last wrote--almost too
+exciting at one time. Last time I wrote was when we were leaving Tuli
+for Rhodes Drift. We arrived there all right after much marching and
+counter-marching, mostly by night. The second night of it, for the small
+portion we had for sleep I struck a guard; so by the third night I was
+in a wretched state from want of sleep. I was always dropping off to
+sleep on my horse and suddenly waking up. Moreover, I began to see all
+sorts of strange things. Brooks and trees were transformed into houses
+and gardens, and then I would come-to with a start and pinch myself and
+try to keep awake--a very unpleasant experience. When we reached Rhodes
+Drift, our squadron was quartered there alone, and we had a couple of
+brushes with the enemy to start with.
+
+"I missed the first, in which we had much the best of it. We only had
+one man hit, and that only slightly, and in return we bowled over a
+couple of Dutchmen (others may have been wounded), stampeded their
+horses, over a hundred in number (we surprised their grazing guard),
+killed or wounded twenty of the horses, and jumped seven. The next fight
+was warm for a bit. We had only half the squadron--about forty-five
+men--who were reconnoitring round the enemy's fort dismounted. This was
+only three miles from our camp and in British territory. We had four men
+wounded, and did an equal amount of damage to them, if not more. We got
+off very cheap, for their fire was very hot, and very close too. The
+third fight came off on November 2, and that was a scorcher. On the
+night before it I was on guard. It was a beastly night, raining and
+blowing hard, so I got very little sleep when it was my turn off. In the
+day I was in charge of the grazing guard with three other men.
+
+"About one o'clock I got orders to bring in the horses, which I did, and
+had just got all the horses tied up when the Dutch started firing on us.
+I'd just got into a nice position behind a good big rock when I was
+ordered to ride out to warn our outlying pickets. There were three of
+them, four men in each, about a mile or a mile and a half away. A risky
+job it was too. Two of us were sent. I asked the other man which he
+would go to. He chose the one I had wanted, so I had the worst job--two
+pickets to warn, and had to ride right through the line of fire. As I
+started, one of our officers shouted, 'Don't spare your horse; ride like
+h--ll;' and I did too. Directly I got out, ping-ping came two bullets, a
+bit high, but others soon followed much closer. I got out, though, all
+right, warned the two pickets, and came in with them. We got a bit of a
+fusillade on us when we got near the fort, but had no casualties. The
+man who rode to the other picket had his horse shot under him; so I
+scored--not for long, though, for my own horse was shot soon after.
+
+"When I got back, I found we were having a very hot time. Our position
+was a couple of small kopjes close together. On two sides there was an
+open space for about 600 or 700 yards. On the other two sides there was
+a lot of bush and a ridge running round us, which we were not strong
+enough to occupy. The Boers had in the field between 300 and 400 men, so
+we thought; we afterwards found that that was not overstating their
+number. Moreover, they had 250 men and one gun at Brice's Store, about
+six miles away on the Tuli road, and strong reinforcements at their
+camp. They gave us the devil of a time. At first they fired mostly at
+the horses. They, poor beasts, had no cover, and nearly every one was
+hit. A few broke loose and bolted. Later, they turned their attention to
+us. Luckily, their shell-fire was very wild, or we should have suffered
+heavily. As it was, we had not a man even wounded; but it was a miracle
+we did not, for at times their rifle-fire was very heavy, and now and
+then they got a good shell in. I had a narrow shave. A shell burst just
+near me, and one of the splinters struck a stone and sent a piece of it
+bang against my leg. It cut right through my putties, three folds of
+them. I made certain I was wounded, and was much relieved to find there
+was no damage done.
+
+"When the evening came, we had two alternatives--to stay where we were
+and wait to be cut up, or try to go through to Tuli. It was finally
+decided to do the latter, and it was undoubtedly the right thing to do.
+If we had remained, we should have been surrounded the next day, and
+every one slaughtered. With ninety men against a thousand we should have
+had no show; still, it was a very bitter pill having to sneak off at
+night, leaving everything behind (including the few horses left alive),
+our kit and waggons, even the ambulance waggon. It was horrible saying
+good-bye to our horses. My poor little Whiskey was wounded and very
+unhappy; we were not allowed to shoot the wounded ones, as we had to
+sneak off as quietly as possible. It was very sad work. Luckily we had
+no man hit. I don't know what we should have done if we had. I suppose
+we should have remained there and taken the inevitable consequences, as
+we would not have left them. We left at 8 P.M., and arrived at Tuli at 1
+P.M. next day, only two halts, one and a half in the night for sleep,
+and another of half-an-hour for breakfast, which for me and most of us
+consisted of water. I had nothing to eat except one small cookie from 8
+A.M. the morning of the fight to 2 P.M. the next day.
+
+"Altogether, we marched forty miles through awful country, for a long
+way through brushwood called the 'wait-a-bit' thorn, and in the night,
+too; it tore our clothes, hands, arms, and faces to bits; then through
+sand, over kopjes covered with thick brush. Altogether it was equal to
+sixty miles of English roads, and we went pretty fast when the way
+allowed. We had one pleasant surprise; one of our officers left us and
+rode on to Tuli when we were about ten miles off, and reported that we
+were only a few miles out, pretty dead-beat, as we were. Until Captain
+Glynne arrived, they believed we were all cut up, and one of the
+squadrons rode out to us and lent us their horses, for which we were
+very grateful. They met us about three miles out, and I'm blowed if I
+know how we could have crawled in without them; we were absolutely
+dead-beat. I was never so glad of a ride in my life. When we got into
+camp, we found that three or four of the men of E squadron, who had been
+left behind at Tuli sick, or had come in riding with dispatches, had
+prepared food for us, which was also very grateful, for we wanted it. We
+had left most of our kit behind at Tuli, so we were able to have a
+change of clothes and a wash, both very much needed, and then I must say
+I did enjoy myself. It was simply delightful to lie down and loaf about
+and do nothing but smoke cigarettes. All the bitterness of the defeat
+and the loss of our horses seemed to disappear, and I thoroughly enjoyed
+myself that afternoon.
+
+"At Tuli every one believed we were cut up. A party from there,
+twenty-five in number, when escorting some waggons to us, were attacked
+by a much superior force at Brice's Store and badly defeated. They had
+to take to the bush and abandon the waggons. They brought four men
+wounded back, while seven were missing, including the parson, who was
+coming to see us--he was wounded in the leg. According to the men who
+were there, he was taking a distinctly active part in the fight. A
+squadron of some of the police, about 120 in all, were sent out to try
+and relieve us, but near the store were met by some of the boys who had
+bolted from us, and who reported that we were already wiped out, every
+man killed; so they returned without trying to force their way through
+to us. In Tuli they were much relieved to hear of our safe arrival. It
+was certainly a very narrow squeak for us; it is still a wonder to me
+how we managed to escape without losing a man. Certainly we had very
+good cover, and took advantage of it; it was the only thing we could do.
+We managed to silence their rifle-fire once or twice, but could do
+nothing against their long-range shell-fire. Since then we have had very
+little to do, but expect to have some more fighting before long, when we
+hope to get a bit of our own back. One thing I think I may say without
+boasting--we all behaved very well. There was not a sign of funk, and
+every one took it coolly. As a matter of fact, more than half of E
+squadron had been under fire before, either in Rhodesia or elsewhere."
+
+To understand the effect of war upon Rhodesia at this time, we must read
+the following extracts from a letter written by a "Son of the Manse" in
+business near Buluwayo, dated 11th November 1899:--"We have been cut off
+from the south for more than five weeks, and are very badly off for
+news. Such news as we get comes by Beira, and as there is no cable
+between Delagoa Bay and Beira, this makes things worse. We have heard
+nothing from Mafeking since its investment by the Boers except a couple
+of messages sent out by a native runner to the nearest telegraph office
+still in touch with Buluwayo. A number of men from here are on the
+southern frontier keeping the Boers in check, so as to prevent them
+making a raid in this direction. They have had several skirmishes, but
+the Boers are not in any great force, as they appear to have
+concentrated their men on the Natal border, where most of the fighting
+will probably take place. Business is so slow here that numbers can get
+leave from their offices for the asking, and there were lots of fellows
+in town doing nothing who were only too glad of the chance of earning
+10s. a day, which the Government are paying the Volunteers. The local
+newspaper here is of little use at present, as it has not funds to get
+direct news from Natal, and the only reliable information we get is
+published by the authorities. The _Chronicle_ here came out with a
+special edition yesterday, describing a serious reverse to the British
+(two thousand men and forty-six officers captured), but it turned out to
+be taken from a German paper published in Zanzibar and sent to Beira,
+and I trust it may prove false. We won't get any newspapers, I fear, as
+long as the mails come _via_ Beira, owing to the cost of bringing them
+from Salisbury by coach, but we hope there will be a change for the
+better soon. When the newspapers come they will be interesting
+reading.... The stoppage of the railway has had a serious effect in
+Buluwayo, as it has caused a tremendous rise in the prices of
+everything, and if most of the merchants had not laid in immense stocks
+in anticipation of what was coming, things would be very much worse.
+Some articles are very scarce. Potatoes are about L5 a sack, and of very
+inferior quality. Sugar is 9d. to 1s. per lb.; and a 200-lb. sack of
+flour costs 50s. to 60s., cheaper than most things, as there was an
+enormous stock stored. Everything is likely to go up still higher before
+supplies can reach the town, and fresh meal will soon be practically
+unattainable, and every one will have to depend on tinned meat. There
+are no colonial eggs coming up, so we are getting about 5s. a dozen for
+ours, and the price will probably rise, as with everything else. Some of
+the restaurants and hotels have had to close their dining-room, as so
+many men have gone to the front. The demand for eggs and fuel (wood) is,
+therefore, somewhat decreased. Several storekeepers talk of getting
+things from Salisbury, and if prices rise very much perhaps it would
+pay. The average rate per waggon to Salisbury lately was nearly 25s. per
+100 lbs. weight. The mines are still working fairly, and may be kept on.
+The Kaffirs round here seem to take little interest in the war, and the
+most of them have not the remotest idea where Natal is, although the
+Matabele came from there less than seventy years ago. Of course they all
+know the Boers, and thoroughly detest them, as they have very good
+reason to do. We have only had a few showers of rain here so far, and
+the grass is very poor. We can work our donkeys much at present on that
+account, as I want to have them in good order, as transport will be very
+high when communications are again established."
+
+In Southern Rhodesia the Boers were kept in check by the activities of
+Colonel Holdsworth. In order to reconnoitre, and, if possible, attack
+the Boer laager at Sekwani, he started on the 23rd of November with
+seventy-five mounted men and ten cyclists on a night march over sandy
+roads in a region where water was extremely scarce. At daybreak they
+reached the Dutch laager and caught the Boers napping. Lieutenant
+Llewellyn wished them an energetic "Good morning" by means of a Maxim
+gun at 1000 to 1200 yards range, with the result that the enemy, about
+eighty strong, were routed from their position among the kopjes. The
+Boers retired to other kopjes, and from thence offered resistance, but
+as storming them would have entailed considerable loss, the British
+force returned to camp. They, however, burned a large store of
+ammunition and captured some rifles. Therefore their hundred-mile march,
+accomplished in twenty-three hours, was not profitless.
+
+
+MAFEKING, NOVEMBER
+
+Poor Mafeking! The inevitable hung like a ghost over
+everything--bodiless, formless, but always there at the elbows of the
+gallant band that so long had held out against the foe. He was now
+coming closer--closer, continuing to sap and approach by parallels, till
+before long not only shells but rifle-fire would render streets
+impassable, shelters useless, and fortified positions dangerous. Colonel
+Baden-Powell's brilliant wits were hard pressed to keep the enemy from
+carrying the town by storm, and all who valued their lives lived
+underground, burrowing like rabbits, or in bomb-proof shelters, from
+which occasionally they were routed, not by fire but by water.
+
+Still the word surrender was unspelt. None dared breathe it aloud. A
+battery of seven field-guns blazing their hot fire and doing their fell
+work made no effect--the besieged remained firm. Mauser bullets whizzed
+past their ears; shells long as coal-scuttles and nearly as thick
+crashed into buildings, now into the hospital, now the convent, or
+sometimes into the women's laager, leaving not seldom a track of
+mourning and blood; but the Boer could not plume himself on victory. Not
+so far off his white tents reflected the sunlight, and closer still the
+grim music of his rifles was eternally to be heard; but inside the
+little town were men who were developing from mere men of commerce into
+toughened warriors, and assisting Colonel Baden-Powell and his
+diminutive force to maintain the majesty of Great Britain, with a
+chivalry that might have done honour to the knights of old.
+
+Towards the middle of the month the garrison was much cheered by the
+arrival on the scene of a plucky American journalist, who had ridden
+from the Cape straight through the Boer lines, and who came with all the
+buoyancy of the outer world to delight the ears of the British with
+tales of Lord Methuen's advance. Other news now and then filtered in,
+and this the Colonel, either _viva voce_ or by means of his typewriter,
+promptly shared with the whole interested community.
+
+[Illustration: FACSIMILE OF WRITING IN ALBUM BY COL. BADEN-POWELL]
+
+To make it evident that Mafeking was determined to keep lively and
+aggressive in spite of intermittent bombardment, several more gallant
+sorties were made, and on each occasion the little place came off with
+flying colours. Commander Cronje, disgusted, finally took himself off
+with some twenty waggons to Riceters (Transvaal), leaving his guns with
+the remaining commandoes and relegating to them the task of reducing the
+truculent town to submission.
+
+Ruses, which are as the breath of his nostrils to the Boer in warfare,
+continued to be tried on Colonel Baden-Powell, who may be said to have
+almost enjoyed new chances to whet his wits and showed himself the last
+person to be caught napping. Indeed, some one at the time remarked that
+if they wanted to take him in they would have to get up very early in
+the morning and stay awake all night into the bargain! The latest Boer
+device was to make a show of going away and leaving a big gun apparently
+in a state of being dismantled. This of course was what in vulgar
+phrase might be called a "draw" for the besieged. But the Colonel was
+not to be drawn; his smart scouts continually found the enemy hidden in
+force, and thereupon put every one on their guard. Mafeking, in fact,
+"sat tight" and--winked!
+
+[Illustration: MAJOR-GENERAL LORD KITCHENER OF KHARTOUM.
+
+Photo by Bassano, London.]
+
+Meanwhile the inhabitants were pushing out advanced works with good
+effect, and began to feel more and more confident that their pluck and
+patience would ultimately receive their reward. Their bomb-proof
+shelters were becoming works of art. They were no longer rabbit-warrens,
+but well-ventilated apartments, roofed with the best steel rails and
+sand-bags, and lighted by windows resembling portholes. Great ingenuity
+was displayed in the wedding of safety with comfort, and the owners soon
+began to grow interested in the artistic quality of their improvised
+retreats!
+
+On the 25th of November another gallant sortie was made, and the
+Chartered Company's Police, with magnificent pluck and determination,
+attacked Eloffsfort and kept the Boers from further encroachment.
+
+For some days nothing unusual took place. The Boers continued to annoy
+with their 10-ton gun and the Boer flag began to float over the fortified
+places surrounding the town. In fact, there was a somewhat wearisome
+monotony in the programme of daily life. The laconic report at that time
+of one of the sufferers was that the sole resource was to "snipe and
+wait!" Fortunately pressure elsewhere was beginning to draw off some of
+the hostile legions, and consequently the activity of the assault on the
+town was diminished. It was quite evident that Colonel Baden-Powell had
+been found a nasty nut to crack, and that his earthworks, his trenches,
+his underground shelters, his night attacks, and his hundred-and-one
+minor dodges, which had been craftily invented to test the amiability of
+the ingenuous Boer, were scarcely appreciated. Indeed, the worthy Cronje,
+when wisely taking himself off, was reported to have owned that the
+Mafeking blend of Baden-Powell-dynamite-mine-and-best-Sheffield was
+decidedly infernal!
+
+On this subject the correspondent of the _Times_, who was cooped in
+Mafeking, said: "The significance of the dynamite mines which surround
+our position cannot be under-estimated. Had the Boers any trustworthy
+information as to the whereabouts of the mines, the town would probably
+have been stormed weeks ago. The general ignorance on their part of the
+locality of the mines creates corresponding dread. The mines may be
+taken as a material effort on the part of Rhodesia to assist Imperial
+prestige and interests. The Postmaster-General of Rhodesia lent Mr.
+Kiddy, manager of telegraphs, to superintend the laying of mines,
+telephones, and field-telegraphs. The services so rendered have been
+invaluable."
+
+Of the Commandant another of the beleaguered band wrote: "Commanding us
+we have a man than whom we could have none better. The Colonel is always
+smiling, and is a host in himself. To see 'B. P.,' as he is
+affectionately termed, whistling down the street, deep in thought,
+pleasing of countenance, cheerful and confident, is cheering and
+heartening--far more cheering and heartening than a pint of dry
+champagne. Had any man in whom the town placed less confidence been in
+command, disaster might have befallen Mafeking; and if we are able to
+place the name of Mafeking upon the roll of the Empire's outposts which
+have fought for the honour and glory of Britain, it will be chiefly
+because Baden-Powell has commanded us."
+
+That our good old friend _Punch_ should, in his old age, cause almost
+intoxicating delight is a fact worthy of note. A copy brought by
+Reuter's cyclist-runner was safely carried into the town, to the intense
+joy of its inhabitants. It contained the cartoon by Sir John Tenniel in
+which John Bull is represented as telling the Boer that if he wishes to
+fight it must be a fight to the finish. The journal was read and re-read
+even to the advertisements, and gloated over for many days. What has now
+become of it is a question of interest. There are doubtless many
+collectors of war trophies who would pay more than his weight in gold
+for Mr. Punch after he had lived through and shared in the vicissitudes
+of siege life in Mafeking.
+
+The pluck of Colonel Baden-Powell seemed to be epidemic. Young boys, and
+even women, clamoured to do their share of the work, and strove to
+display a perfectly unruffled front in face of shot and shell. In one
+house some ladies stuck to their abode while the breastworks were being
+built, and employed the interval in playing and singing the National
+Anthem, thus stimulating and cheering the workers outside, who joined
+heartily in the chorus. On the 28th of November grand preparations were
+made for an evening attack, and these were quietly inspected by Colonel
+Baden-Powell in the small hours of the morning. But the Boers, whose
+spies were for ever busy, were forewarned and had evacuated their
+position. From the advanced trench in the river-bed some successful
+sniping at the foe on the brickfields was carried on, however, and from
+here the enemy was eventually routed by the smart action of the
+besieged.
+
+During the night the Colonel ordered Captain Fitzclarence, with D
+squadron and a Hotchkiss gun, to relieve Lord C. Bentinck and to support
+the "snipers" in the river-bed. D squadron took up a position in the
+river-bed under Captain Fitzclarence and Lieutenant Bridges 1400 yards
+from "Big Ben." The Cape Police and a Maxim at the extreme south-east
+corner, and Captain Marsh with a detachment of the Cape Police in the
+native stadt at 2000 yards range, co-operated. It now became impossible
+for the Boer artillerists to hold the emplacement of their 100-lb. gun.
+Heavy three-cornered volleying from the British positions swept the
+parapet of "Big Ben" every time its detachment attempted to turn the gun
+upon the town. The remarkable accuracy of our fire kept the Boer gunners
+at bay, and after discharging two shells they withdrew the weapon below
+its platform. The enemy made some futile efforts to renew the shelling,
+but at last desisted. But on the morrow the customary salute of big guns
+was resumed. Meanwhile the Colonel employed himself with various jokes
+of a very practical nature, which served to keep the wits and energies
+of the Boers in a perpetual state of polish.
+
+News from Colonel Plumer and his force was scarce, but all were aware
+that their days and nights were spent in hard work, great discomfort,
+and in perpetual and gallant efforts to come to the aid of the besieged
+town. It must be remembered that the Rhodesian Regiment originally had
+for its object the protection of the northern border of the Transvaal
+and a portion of the western side. Mafeking made, as it were, the outer
+gate, and this gate it was necessary to defend in order to preserve the
+communications with the north and with Buluwayo. No sooner, therefore,
+was it locked by a state of siege, than the entire responsibility of
+keeping the Boers at bay in the northern fringe of the Transvaal
+devolved on Colonel Plumer, who, on arrival at Tuli, set to work to
+guard the Drifts, and keep an eye on all quarters along the Crocodile
+where the Boers might try to effect a crossing. At Rhodes Drift,
+twenty-six miles south of South Tuli, he posted Major Pilsen with 250
+mounted infantry, while Captain Maclaren, with fifty men of the Rhodesia
+Regiment and twenty of the Bechuanaland Border Police, was sent to
+garrison Macloutsie, some thirty miles north of the Limpopo, where it
+was said the Boers hoped to put in an appearance. Major Pilsen, as we
+know, was forced to retire on Tuli, after which the position vacated by
+him was occupied by Colonel Spreckley (Southern Rhodesia Volunteers),
+who in his turn was obliged to make a night march back to Tuli, with the
+loss of all his horses. Soon after this, strong Boer patrols approached
+daily towards Tuli, and the garrison had an anxious and energetic time.
+Minor skirmishes took place with certain success, but leaving behind
+them their melancholy roll of killed and wounded. Soon, however, a
+British victory south, and Colonel Plumer's exertions round about,
+combined to alter the Boer plans, and at length their retirement in the
+direction of Mafeking was reported. Whereupon this enterprising officer
+prepared to enter the Transvaal, whither he was driven, not by the
+enemy, but by drought. On the 1st of December he started from Tuli with
+a force of mounted men, and, after hairbreadth escapes, in four or five
+days reached a place some fifty miles north of Petersburg, the chief
+town in the north of the South African Republic. He also proceeded down
+the railway line towards Mafeking, but was continually harassed by the
+enemy, and continually obliged to retrace his steps owing to lack of
+water and other insuperable difficulties. Here we must leave him for a
+time.
+
+The Boers, learning that necessity is the mother of invention, and
+finding they could not get into Mafeking, were obliged to communicate
+with the Baden-Powell "braves" in an original manner. They fired into
+the town a five-pounder shell, which failed to explode. It was examined,
+opened, and discovered to contain the following jocose epistle:--"Dear
+Powell,--Excuse an iron messenger. There is no other means of
+communicating. Please tell Mrs. -- Mother and family all well. Don't
+drink all the whisky. Leave some for us when we get in." This was a
+little piece of innocent diversion compared to other experiences. On the
+following day a shell from a Boer 100-pounder struck a store, sending
+its splinters far and wide, and carrying devastation in its wake. Daily
+some tragic episode was the result of a well-directed shot, some white
+or black inhabitant was left a mangled, hopeless wreck--a pathetic
+fortuitous atom blown to the winds by the blast of war. In addition to
+the intermittent uproar of the heavy guns, heaven's thunders at times
+broke out, with copious showers of rain, and one of these, on the 5th,
+was so violent that it flooded out the trenches, and made all bomb-proof
+shelters untenable. Trouble and discomfort were as far as possible
+relieved with great energy by Lord Edward Cecil and others, but the
+effects of the inundation were not easily removed. Brisk engagements
+between the sharpshooters on either side now formed part of a morning
+and evening programme, and the Protectorate Regiment, under Lord Charles
+Bentinck, did such good service that the enemy grew shy of approach, and
+concluded that the process of starving out the garrison would be more
+comfortable than shelling so vigorous and retaliative a community.
+
+On the 10th of December the Dutchman Viljoen, who was a prisoner, was
+exchanged for Lady Sarah Wilson. The story of this enterprising lady is
+one of remarkable interest. In the beginning of the siege she left
+Mafeking and rode to Setlagoli Hotel, where she arrived on the same
+night. No sooner was she asleep than the rattle and roar of musketry
+commenced. This was afterwards discovered to be the gallant fight of
+Lieutenant Nesbitt on the armoured train, which has been described in
+the opening story of the siege. Poor Nesbitt, it may be remembered, was
+taken prisoner. Lady Sarah, a day or two after the fight, rode to the
+scene of the engagement and photographed the wreck. Later on, this
+intrepid lady moved from Mosuti to the care of a colonial farmer, and
+with great difficulty and much expenditure of energy and coin, she
+managed to induce the natives to provide her with information. All this
+time she and her friends were subject to the insults of the Boers. At
+one period she was declared to be the sole survivor of Mafeking, in
+hiding in the disguise of a woman. At another, she was believed to be
+the wife of one of the British generals. Others declared that the
+extraordinary lady was a member of the Royal Family, who was acting as
+spy on the doings of the Boers in the Colony. After moving to Vryburg,
+life for her became more exciting still. A young Boer passed her off as
+his sister, and some loyalists in the town gave her shelter, and helped
+her to obtain official despatches and news. But her state was far from
+comfortable, for most of her excursions had to be made under the shadow
+of night, and her days were spent enclosed in a room at the hotel. When
+Lady Sarah desired to leave the town, her exit was not so easy. The
+magistrates had issued orders that no one was to leave, and but for the
+kindness of her "brother Boer," she might not have been able to depart.
+Their journey was commenced at four in the morning, while it was still
+dark, and before leaving the town they had to submit to a search of
+their car, lest it should contain any contraband of war.
+
+At last, however, it was discovered that Lady Sarah Wilson's energy was
+connected with despatch-running, and her liberty was threatened. One day
+while riding to Mafeking with her maid she was captured by the Boers. On
+reaching Snyman's camp, the general refused to allow her to proceed to
+her destination or to return to Setlagoli. She was then detained as a
+prisoner of war, pending negotiations with Colonel Baden-Powell
+regarding the terms of her release. The Colonel offered to exchange for
+Lady Sarah a Boer lady prisoner, but the enemy refused to part with
+their prize till Viljoen, who was incarcerated in Mafeking, was first
+given up. Colonel Baden-Powell then represented that he, as a natural
+consequence, and without terms of exchange, had at once transferred
+women and children prisoners to the care of their people; but the Boer
+general was not to be prevailed upon by argument. Eventually Viljoen was
+given up and Lady Sarah returned safe and well to Mafeking. The
+transaction, though somewhat unpleasant, was on the whole decidedly
+complimentary to Lady Sarah in particular, and to the British feminine
+sex in general. It fully proved that an Englishwoman might in future
+view herself as the equivalent of a Boer officer.
+
+The artillery-fire of the enemy was now beginning to prove more
+efficient than formerly. In spite of this, however, Colonel
+Baden-Powell, in the kindness of his heart, issued a warning to the
+Burghers advising them to make terms and go home. This very
+characteristic epistle is here reproduced, as it shows the amazing blend
+of serpent and dove in the spirit of the man who was at that moment
+facing the choice of death or surrender:--
+
+     "To the Burghers under arms round Mafeking:--
+
+     "Burghers,--I address you in this manner because I have only
+     recently learned how you have been intentionally kept in the
+     dark by your officers, the Government, and the newspapers as to
+     what is happening in other parts of South Africa. As the
+     officer commanding Her Majesty's troops on this border, I think
+     it right to point out clearly the inevitable result of your
+     remaining longer under arms against Great Britain. You are
+     aware that the present war was caused by the invasion of
+     British territory by your forces without justifiable reasons.
+     Your leaders do not tell you that so far your forces have only
+     met the advanced guard of the British forces. The circumstances
+     have changed within the last week. The main body of the British
+     are now daily arriving by thousands from England, Canada,
+     India, and Australia, and are about to advance through the
+     country. In a short time the Republic will be in the hands of
+     the English, and no sacrifice of life on your part can stop it.
+     The question now that you have to put to yourselves before it
+     is too late is:--Is it worth while losing your lives in a vain
+     attempt to stop the invasion or take a town beyond your
+     borders, which, if taken, will be of no use to you?
+
+     "I may tell you that Mafeking cannot be taken by sitting down
+     and looking at it, for we have ample supplies for several
+     months. The Staats artillery has done very little damage, and
+     we are now protected both by troops and mines. Your presence
+     here and elsewhere under arms cannot stop the British advancing
+     through your country. Your leaders and newspapers are also
+     trying to make you believe that some foreign combination or
+     Power is likely to intervene in your behalf against England. It
+     is not in keeping with their pretence that your side is going
+     to be victorious, nor in accordance with facts. The Republics
+     having declared war and taken the offensive, cannot claim
+     intervention on their behalf. The German Emperor is at present
+     in England, and fully sympathises with us. The American
+     Government has warned others of its intention to side with
+     England should any Power intervene. France has large interests
+     in the goldfields, identical with those of England. Italy is
+     entirely in accord with us. Russia has no cause to interfere.
+     The war is of one Government against another, and not of a
+     people against another people. The duty assigned to my troops
+     is to sit still here until the proper time arrives, and then to
+     fight and kill until you give in. You, on the other hand, have
+     other interests to think of, your families, farms, and their
+     safety. Your leaders have caused the destruction of farms, and
+     have fired on women and children. Our men are becoming hard to
+     restrain in consequence. They have also caused the invasion of
+     Kaffir territory, looting their cattle, and have thus induced
+     them to rise and invade your country and kill your Burghers. As
+     one white man to another, I warned General Cronje on November
+     14 that this would occur. Yesterday I heard that more Kaffirs
+     were rising. I have warned General Snyman accordingly. Great
+     bloodshed and destruction of farms threaten you on all sides.
+
+     "I wish to offer you a chance of avoiding it. My advice to you
+     is to return to your homes without delay and remain peaceful
+     till the war is over. Those who do this before the 13th will,
+     as far as possible, be protected, as regards yourselves, your
+     families, and property, from confiscation, looting, and other
+     penalties, to which those remaining under arms will be
+     subjected when the invasion takes place. Secret agents will
+     communicate to me the names of those who do. Those who do not
+     avail themselves of the terms now offered may be sure that
+     their property will be confiscated when the troops arrive. Each
+     man must be prepared to hand over a rifle and 150 rounds of
+     ammunition. The above terms do not apply to officers and
+     members of the Staats artillery, who may surrender as prisoners
+     of war at any time, nor to rebels on British territory.
+
+     "It is probable that my force will shortly take the offensive.
+     To those who after this warning defer their submission till too
+     late, I can offer no promise. They will have only themselves to
+     blame for injury to and loss of property they and their
+     families may afterwards suffer."--(Signed) R. S. S.
+     BADEN-POWELL, Colonel, Mafeking, December 10."
+
+If this warning did nothing else, it certainly had the effect of
+touching General Snyman in a soft spot, for he at once wrote to his
+Burghers in fiery language, expressing his disapproval that such a
+communication should have been addressed direct to them. The idea that
+"sitting and looking at a place is not the way to take it" seems to have
+gone home to him, for he promptly challenged the besieged to come out
+and drive him away!
+
+On the same day as his address to the Burghers the Colonel wrote home to
+a relative in England, and sent the missive folded in a quill, which was
+in its turn rammed into the pipe of a Kaffir:--
+
+  "MAFEKING, _Dec._ 12, 1899.
+
+"All going well with me. To-day I have been trying to find any old
+Carthusians in the place to have a Carthusian dinner together, as it is
+Founder's Day; but so far, for a wonder, I believe I am the only one
+among the odd thousand people here.
+
+"This is our sixtieth day of the siege, and I do believe we're beginning
+to get a little tired of it; but I suppose, like other things, it will
+come to an end some day. I have got such an interesting collection of
+mementoes of it to bring home. I wonder if Baden[1] is in the country?
+What fun if he should come up to relieve me!
+
+"I don't know if this letter will get through the Boer outposts, but if
+it does, I hope it will find you very well and flourishing."
+
+
+KIMBERLEY
+
+At Kimberley on November 4 things were still cheerful, though short
+commons had begun to be enforced. The Transvaalers advanced on
+Kenilworth, and Major Peakman with a squadron of the Kimberley Light
+Horse, emerging suddenly from the bush, gave them a warm reception.
+Colonel Scott-Turner reinforced Major Peakman, and two guns were sent to
+support him against the enemy's guns, which at that juncture ceased
+firing. The enemy's fire with one piece of artillery was on the whole
+poor, and fortunately little serious damage was done. Later in the
+afternoon came another encounter with the enemy, an encounter which was
+kept up till dusk, and in which the enemy sustained considerable loss.
+Unfortunately Major Ayliff of the Cape Police, a brave and efficient
+officer, was wounded in the neck. The Boers occupied the Kampersdam
+mine, some five miles distant, and shelled the Otto Kopje mine, while
+the manager, Mr. Chapman, like a Spartan, watched the destruction of his
+property and kept Colonel Kekewich informed as to the damage done. This
+was luckily small. On November 6 General Cronje sent a message to
+Colonel Kekewich calling on him to surrender, otherwise the town would
+be bombarded, and on the following day a force of Free State artillery,
+supported by a large commando, began further offensive operations.
+Captain Brown, who rode out a short distance to Alexandersfontein, was
+captured, and stripped by the Boers because he would reveal nothing
+regarding the state of the town.
+
+[Illustration: PLAN OF KIMBERLEY AND ENVIRONS]
+
+[Illustration: ARMY SERVICE CORPS.
+
+Photo by Gregory & Co., London.]
+
+According to rough calculation, the opposing forces at Kimberley early
+in November stood thus:--
+
+  Four companies of the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment;
+  battery of Royal Garrison Artillery, consisting of six
+  7-pounder mountain guns; a large party of Royal
+  Engineers; detachment of the Army Medical Corps              2500
+
+  In addition to these were the following irregular troops:--
+
+  One battery Diamond Fields Artillery with six 7-pounder
+  field guns, 3 officers and 90 non-commissioned officers
+  and men; Diamond Fields Horse, 6 officers and 142 non-
+  commissioned officers and men; Kimberley Regiment, 14
+  officers and 285 non-commissioned officers and men            540
+
+  Free Staters, and probably some Transvaal Boers, with four
+  field-guns, 3500; on Orange River, 2000; reinforcements
+  from Mafeking, 1000                                          6500
+
+The disparity was not enlivening, but, though provisions were beginning
+to run low, pluck was inexhaustible. And with pluck, as with faith, one
+may move mountains.
+
+On the 11th of November the bombardment of the town was commenced with
+great vigour, the Boers firing from three positions. Little serious
+damage was done, owing to the fact that many of the shells did not
+burst. In spite of the incessant brawling of artillery, the perpetual
+appearance of fog, and a stinging pall of smoke in which they lived, the
+inhabitants of the place kept up an air of cheery unconcern, which
+naturally they were far from feeling. They also determined to disquiet
+the enemy by continual threats of attack from unexpected quarters. With
+the spirit of philosophers they at times made small divertisements for
+themselves. Once when a cooking-pot was struck the debris were put up to
+auction, and some fun was got out of the brisk competition for the
+historic relics. Some of the choicest of these were knocked down--this
+time not by guns--for the sum of L2 a piece. The price of a complete
+shell was about L5, and portions of one could be purchased at
+proportionate rates. Bits and fragments fetched sums varying from half a
+crown to half a sovereign!
+
+Nothing further happened, save that a cabdriver was captured,
+interrogated, threatened, and finally set free. Commandant Wessels, who
+sounded him regarding the dynamite mines round Kimberley, concluded with
+the message--a typical specimen of Boer braggadocio--"Tell Rhodes I
+shall take Wesselton mine next Tuesday, and then he must stand
+whiskies!"
+
+On the 12th Lord Methuen, on whom all had pinned their faith, arrived
+with his staff at the Orange River. This was a red-letter day. The news
+of British relief so close at hand was most inspiriting, and those
+whose patience was inclined to languish began to take heart. In
+Kimberley itself the weather was fine and warm, and as yet little ill
+consequence from the shelling was suffered. A peacock was killed, some
+buildings damaged, some nervous persons terrified. The military
+authorities issued a proclamation ordering that all people not engaged
+with the defensive forces should give up arms and ammunition, a decision
+that was found necessary to prevent irresponsible persons from
+infringing the laws of civilised warfare.
+
+On the 17th of November a force composed of detachments of the Diamond
+Fields Horse, Kimberley Light Horse, and Cape Police, under Colonel
+Scott Turner, went out with a field-gun and two Maxims to ascertain the
+strength of the enemy's position at Lazaretto Ridge. The enemy, who were
+posted on a rocky mound between Carter's Farm and the reservoir, opened
+fire on the advancing men, who, though some vigorous volleys were
+returned, were obliged to retire. Meanwhile the Beaconsfield Town Guard
+had a tussle with the foe, and, after much firing on either side, he
+eventually retired. As usual, he hid behind rocks and stones, and made
+himself generally inaccessible. On the following day some smart
+engagements ensued, and so brisk was the volleying from rifles and the
+booming of field-guns, that the townspeople believed that some decisive
+battle must be taking place. There were, however, few casualties.
+
+All eyes were now fixed on the doings of the Kimberley relief force that
+was concentrating at Orange River. A few more weeks, nay, a few more
+days, and those patient, cheery prisoners would march out free to have
+their reckoning with the Boers. Lord Methuen, once joined by the
+Coldstream Guards, Grenadiers, and Naval Brigade, would be able to push
+on, and then the first big move in the war would be made. So they hoped,
+and with reason, for an electric searchlight, worked by the Naval
+Brigade under Colonel Ernest Rhodes, was signalling to Kimberley, whose
+searchlights were plainly visible to the advancing army.
+
+To the dreary imprisoned inhabitants this mode of communication was
+vastly exciting. Every day the relief column was approaching nearer and
+nearer, and the patient though longing besieged began to feel as if they
+were already almost liberated. They commenced preparing an enthusiastic
+welcome for the incoming troops, and ironical farewell salutations were
+now levied at the Boers in acknowledgment of shells and of their general
+artillery prowess. At that time, coming events--the disasters of
+Majesfontein and Colenso--had not cast their shadows before! Mr. Rhodes
+was particularly cheery, and took most whimsically to the information
+conveyed through Kaffir sources that the enemy was keenly desirous of
+exhibiting him in a cage at Bloemfontein prior to despatching him to
+Pretoria! The brutal manners and customs of the Boers, however, were no
+subject for joke, as shown by their treatment of four "boys" who were
+found and captured while searching for stray cattle. After killing a
+couple of them, the enemy ordered the remaining two, having first
+flogged them, to bury the bodies of their comrades, and then go back to
+Kimberley and tell their friends how they had been treated.
+
+[Illustration: THE SIEGE OF KIMBERLEY: TYPICAL SPLINTER-PROOF SHELTER OF
+SAND-BAGS AND IRON PLATES
+
+Photo, Hancox, Kimberley]
+
+Boer tricks continued to be practised with little success. They served
+instead to sharpen the wits of the beleaguered Kimburlians--if one may
+be allowed to coin a word which seems to suit them. A few rifle-shots
+were fired in the direction of Wright's Farm for the purpose of
+pretending that the long-looked-for relieving force was approaching, and
+thus draw out the Diamond Fields Horse; but the manoeuvre was a
+failure. The Boers consoled themselves by blowing up two large culverts
+near the rifle-butts on the line towards Spyfontein, where the bulk of
+the Boer forces were then supposed to be. An official estimate at that
+date (Nov. 25) placed the number of shells fired by the Boers during the
+bombardment at 1000, while the number of shells fired by the British was
+600. Owing to the fact that the hostile shells had so often fallen in
+sandy ground, their effect had been neutralised. Experiments were made
+with "home-made" shells, or rather De Beers-made shells, which exploded
+to the general satisfaction of their manufacturers. Some of these were
+said to be labelled "With J. C. Rhodes's compliments," but this was
+doubtless a cheery quip for the entertainment of the lugubrious, as
+Colonel Kekewich and the "Colossus" were too good men of business to
+waste their ammunition on pleasantries. These two marvellous people were
+now working hand in hand, the great business brain of the one lending
+support to the military skill of the other. Mr. Rhodes placed at the
+disposal of the Colonel--one should say of his country--the whole
+resources of De Beers, and worked without cessation for the welfare of
+the people, spending without stint, intellect, energy, and funds on
+their behalf. When the mines ceased to work, he still paid full wages to
+the 2000 white men employed on them, and laid out large vegetable
+gardens in the midst of Kenilworth for the purpose of supplying the
+inhabitants with green foods. He organised a mounted force of 600 men,
+supplying them himself with horses; and later on he instituted a service
+of native runners and scouts, which served to keep the garrison alert as
+to the whereabouts of the enemy. Indeed, space does not allow of a
+faithful recital of the doings of this public benefactor, who, without
+display, made his influence felt in every quarter of the town.
+
+Kimberley, as said, was now in communication by searchlight with Colonel
+Rhodes, and was racking its brains how an attempt might be made from the
+east side to march out and assist the troops coming from Belmont. "So
+near and yet so far" was the general feeling in regard to these troops,
+and a burning desire for the handclasp of the gallant rescuers filled
+all the brave yet anxious hearts that for so long had been cut off from
+the outer world.
+
+On the 25th of November there was unusual activity. The mounted troops
+at dawn made a strong reconnaissance in force under Lieut.-Colonel Scott
+Turner. The guns were under the charge of Colonel Chamier of the Royal
+Artillery. Hostilities commenced with a hot fire from the Diamond Fields
+Artillery's guns under Captain May, in the direction of Carter's Farm,
+Colonel Scott Turner with his troops marching towards Lazaretto Ridge,
+where the enemy was strongly entrenched. This took place at about 4.30
+A.M. in the dusk of the early dawn. By good chance the pickets were
+found to be asleep, and Colonel Scott Turner and his forces crept along
+the ridge and with marvellous energy rushed the Boer redoubts. On the
+instant rifles bristled--shots blazed out. But all was to no purpose;
+the Boers had to surrender. They did this in their usual treacherous
+fashion, hoisting the white flag while they took stray pot-shots at
+their conquerors. This charge was one worthy of record, for few of the
+men who engaged in it had ever used a bayonet in their lives. So little
+did they know of the weapon, that they were unable to fix it in the
+socket, and consequently rushed upon the enemy, rifle in one hand and
+naked blade in the other!
+
+As ill-luck would have it, there was a lack of ammunition, and the
+British attack could not be pressed home. Meanwhile the Royal Engineers
+on Otto Kopje were protecting the flanks, and a strong body of infantry
+with a mounted force, field-guns and Maxims, were checking the advance
+of the enemy from Spyfontein. An armoured train, also, under Lieutenant
+Webster (North Lancashire Regiment), was reconnoitring north and south.
+The train (which was supported by three half companies of the
+Beaconsfield Town Guard under Major Fraser) proceeded south of
+Kimberley, and held the enemy's reinforcements in check as they advanced
+from Wimbledon. Subsequently, owing to the brisk firing of the Boer
+guns, it was decided to return to Kimberley, where Colonel Scott Turner,
+in consequence of his inability to hold the position he had stormed, was
+forced also to retire. But during the hot cannonade in which our
+artillery was engaged with that of the enemy in all directions save
+Kenilworth, this gallant officer was wounded. First his horse was shot
+under him, then a bullet pierced the muscle of his shoulder. But he
+continued to perform his duties regardless of the inconvenience caused
+by his wound. The Boers, as usual, paid no respect to the ambulance
+waggon, despite the obvious Red Cross flag which fluttered over it. They
+fired at it when they chose, and, as some reported, used explosive
+bullets. Eight prisoners were captured, in addition to two wounded
+Boers.
+
+The day's work on the whole was satisfactory, as it ably demonstrated
+that there was life in the garrison yet. And this glorious activity was
+subsequently recognised in the following order:--
+
+     "The officer commanding desires to thank all ranks who took
+     part in to-day's engagement for their excellent behaviour. The
+     garrison of Kimberley have this day shown that they can not
+     only defend their positions, but can sally out and drive the
+     enemy from their entrenched positions. He deplores the loss of
+     the brave comrades who have so honourably fallen in the
+     performance of their duty."
+
+A second sortie of the same kind was attempted on the 28th of November,
+but with more disastrous results. The troops took the same direction as
+before--attacked the Boers, beat them back, and captured their laager
+and three works. But, on attempting to take the fourth work, the enemy
+fought desperately, and Lieut.-Colonel Scott Turner was killed. When
+Colonel Scott Turner fell, Lieutenant Clifford, North Lancashire
+Regiment, who had more than once distinguished himself, assumed command
+of the Imperial Mounted Infantry, and, though wounded in the scalp,
+pluckily remained on duty till all was over.[2]
+
+There was terrible grief in the garrison at the loss of this splendid
+officer, the principal organiser of the Town Guards and the successful
+leader of so many skirmishes and sorties throughout the siege. The
+following special order was issued:--
+
+     "The officer commanding has again to congratulate the troops of
+     the garrison who engaged the enemy yesterday on their excellent
+     behaviour and on the capture of the enemy's laager, with his
+     supplies, ammunition, &c. It was in every respect a most
+     creditable performance. He has also again to deplore the loss
+     of many brave men who have fallen at the call of duty. It was
+     with profound sorrow he learnt that Lieut.-Colonel Scott Turner
+     was killed while gallantly leading his men against the last
+     stronghold of the enemy's defences. In Lieut.-Colonel Scott
+     Turner the garrison of Kimberley loses a brave and most
+     distinguished comrade, and the officer commanding feels sure
+     the whole population of Kimberley will join with them in
+     mourning the loss of this true British officer, to whose skill
+     and activity in the field is so largely due the complete
+     success of our efforts to keep the enemy at a safe distance
+     from this town."
+
+Major M. C. Peakman, an excellent and most dauntless officer, succeeded
+to the command of the Kimberley Light Horse in consequence of Colonel
+Scott Turner's death.
+
+Lieutenant Wright of the Kimberley Light Horse was killed, and among the
+wounded were Lieutenant W. K. Clifford (1st Battalion Loyal North
+Lancashire Regiment), Captain Walleck (Diamond Fields Horse), and
+Lieutenant Watson (Kimberley Light Horse).
+
+On the afternoon of the 29th of November, amid feelings of universal
+regret, the remains of Colonel Scott Turner and others who fell in
+Tuesday's sortie were interred. The ceremony, so common in those days,
+was yet full of deep pathos. Round the graves stood Mr. Cecil Rhodes,
+Dr. Smart, the Mayor of Kimberley, Mr. and the Hon. Mrs. Rochfort
+Maguire, and indeed the whole mournful community of the place. Six
+volleys were fired over the graves, six blasts blown on the bugle, and
+then a last prayer being said, they left them "alone in their glory."
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[1] Captain Baden-Powell, of the Scots Guards.
+
+[2] Henry Scott Turner entered the Black Watch at the age of twenty in
+1887. After taking part in the operations in Matabeleland in 1893-94, he
+was, in the latter year, placed on the "Special Extra Regimental
+Employment List," and in 1896 served with the Matabeleland Relief Force
+as adjutant and paymaster. For this service he was mentioned in
+despatches and received a brevet majority. After serving with the British
+South African Police, Major Scott Turner was, last July, reappointed as a
+"Special Service Officer," and in that capacity had done excellent
+service in Kimberley under Colonel Kekewich.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+LIFE WITH GENERAL GATACRE
+
+
+On the 18th of December, General Gatacre withdrew from Putter's Kraal,
+his original advance post, to Sterkstroom. At this time, in the central
+sphere, Generals French and Gatacre, while guarding the lines of
+communication, were merely waiting the turn of events. Owing to a series
+of successful skirmishes, in which a patrol under Captain de
+Montmorency, V.C., was engaged, the Boers thought discretion the better
+part of valour, and cleared out of Dordrecht, with the result that on
+the 24th of December Colonel Dalgety, of the Cape Mounted Rifles, with
+his force occupied the town. At Bushman's Hoek were four companies of
+the Royal Scots, two 12-pounders, three Maxim guns, about 800 Kaffrarian
+Rifles, and about thirty Engineers. Owing to scarcity of water General
+Gatacre's force had to be divided, the rest remaining at Sterkstroom.
+There water had to be conveyed by rail, whence, with some difficulty, it
+was hauled to Bushman's Hoek in water-tanks by mules. The railway in
+these parts, a species of South African switchback on two narrow rails,
+rambled up hill and down dale with engaging ingenuity. Though water was
+dependent on the trains, fresh foods were sometimes obtainable. At
+neighbouring farms it was possible to purchase butter-milk, grain, and
+bread, but to "go a marketing" it was necessary to start in full
+marching order, for there was no knowing when the Boers might block the
+road, or what nefarious tricks might be taking place. It was quite
+impossible to be even with the Dutchmen's ruses. For instance, one who
+knew their ways said that if a Boer horse went lame or knocked up,
+twenty chances to one a "loyal" would place a mount at his disposal,
+give him bed, "tucker," forage, &c., while he would also watch the
+horizon for the approach of the military, and should they come the Boer
+would be a man of peace, without uniform, arms, or anything else to
+incriminate him. Therefore, as may be imagined, life was never too
+easy-going. The day began at 3.15 A.M., but night itself, short as it
+was, was scarcely restful. The troops slept with their straps on, 150
+rounds of ammunition apiece by their side, in hourly expectation of
+attack. Niceties of the toilet were unknown, and gallant fellows with
+black faces and whiskers whose acquaintance with water was only weekly,
+were the rule. Some even presented the appearance of opera-house
+brigands, having locks so redundant and long, that jocose Tommies
+suggested writing home to their sweethearts for the loan of hairpins.
+
+In other respects the daily routine was not unpleasant. Bullocks and
+sheep were killed regularly and found their way into the camp-kettle;
+bread was still served out, and supplemented with biscuits. For
+recreation there was football; and to enliven the spirits there were
+four cheery pipers, who at night-time made the welkin ring, and caused
+their compatriots to start up and indulge in reels and Highland flings,
+and almost to forget that they were in the land of the enemy.
+
+On the 29th, a pouring day, Captain de Montmorency started with his
+scouts and thirty Cape Mounted Rifles in hope of catching the enemy. But
+the Boers, under cover of the mist, took themselves off in the direction
+of the Barkly East district.
+
+On the 30th of December a hundred of Flannigan's Squadron of Brabant's
+Horse had a smart brush with an equal number of Dutchmen, who, however,
+were promptly reinforced. Thereupon the squadron retired, but
+unfortunately Lieutenant Milford Turner and twenty-seven men were left
+behind in a donga which none would leave, determining to remain there
+and protect Lieutenant Warren of Brabant's Horse, who was wounded. To
+their assistance went Captain Goldsworthy the next day, accompanied by
+Captain de Montmorency's scouts, 110 men, and four guns. These arrived
+on the scene so early as to surprise the Boers, who, after having been
+kept at bay by the small force of Colonials, had continued to snipe at
+them from a distance throughout the night. A sharp fight now ensued,
+and, after some clever manoeuvring on both sides, the enemy retired
+with the loss of eight killed, while the party in the donga was
+relieved, and returned in safety to Dordrecht. The rescue was highly
+exciting, as the Boers were finally sent helter-skelter just as our men,
+worn out with a night's anxiety in the nullah, had almost given up hope
+of release. As it was, they were restored to their friends in camp amid
+a storm of cheers.
+
+Early on the 3rd of January a force was sent out from the advanced camp
+at Bushman's Hoek to meet a hostile horde that occupied Molteno. The
+Boers had mounted a big gun on a kopje in front of Bushman's Hoek, and
+from thence commenced to fire at about eight o'clock. Around the
+neighbourhood the Boers were seen to be swarming; therefore the force,
+composed of Kaffrarian Rifles, Mounted Infantry of the Berkshire
+Regiment, and the Cape Mounted Police, at once engaged them.
+
+[Illustration: MAJOR-GENERAL SIR W. F. GATACRE, K.C.B.
+
+Photo by Elliott & Fry, London.]
+
+Two hours later General Gatacre and Staff started from headquarters with
+half a battalion of the Royal Scots and the 78th Battery of Artillery.
+The Boers from their point of vantage were firing from the hill on
+which was placed their big gun, and they continued to fire on the
+Infantry as they advanced over an undulating plain to right of
+Cypherghat, whence the population had fled panic-stricken at the outset
+of the fight. Fortunately the hostile shells burst without doing damage,
+and the troops continued to advance.
+
+The Artillery made a detour to the right, secured a commanding position
+on a kopje, and from thence began a ten minutes' cannonade which had the
+effect of silencing the Boers. They withdrew their gun and retreated,
+the bulk of their force now advancing, now retiring, to cover the
+movement.
+
+At this juncture the Mounted Infantry, which had worked its way round
+with a view to outflanking the enemy's position, came on the scene only
+to learn of the withdrawal. This was carried on without check owing to
+our lack of cavalry. While General Gatacre's force were thus engaged,
+the enemy was making a determined attack on 140 men of the Cape Police
+and 60 men of the Kaffrarian Rifles at Molteno. They were splendidly
+repulsed, though the Police had an unpleasant experience. Five shells
+dropped into their camp, but all miraculously escaped injury. The Boers
+now retired as mysteriously as they had come, and none knew the exact
+reason for their arrival. It was suspected that it was a "slim" trick to
+draw General Gatacre into another trap.
+
+A strong force left Sterkstroom before dawn on the morning of the 8th of
+January for the dual purpose of reconnoitring in the direction of
+Stormberg and taking possession of the meal and flour from Molteno
+Mills. The force comprised the Derbyshire Regiment, the 77th and 79th
+Field Batteries, 400 mounted men of the Cape Police and Berkshire
+Regiment, the Kaffrarian Rifles, and the Frontier Rifles. The expedition
+was eminently successful. The operation of removing the food-stuffs and
+detaching the vital parts of the machinery of the mills was carried on
+under the protection of the Derbyshire Regiment and the 77th Battery.
+That of reconnoitring was undertaken by the force under Colonel
+Jefferies, R.A., and it was discovered that the Boers, who were supposed
+to have evacuated Stormberg, were within a two-mile range. A survey of
+the Boer position was made by the Engineers, and the troops returned to
+camp well satisfied with the result of their labours.
+
+No larger martial moves could be attempted, for General Gatacre lived in
+a chronic state of suspended activity for lack of reinforcements. The
+Dutchmen had now fallen back from Stormberg, leaving only a small
+garrison there, and established themselves near Burghersdorp. The Boer
+strength in this district was estimated at about 4500, a force made up
+for the most part of Free Staters and Cape rebels. On the 18th of
+January General Gatacre moved some three hundred of all ranks from
+Bushman's Hoek to Loperberg, and the 74th Field Battery, with one
+company of Mounted Infantry, from Sterkstroom to Bushman's Hoek. The
+Boers continued a system of annoyance and petty progress by destroying
+railway bridges in the neighbourhood of Steynsburg and Kromhoogte, about
+eleven miles from Sterkstroom, and damaging portions of the line near
+Stormberg.
+
+Though General Gatacre's Division was merely the shadow of the division
+it should have been, and his strength, such as it was, materially
+thinned by reverse, he had at his elbow one man who was a host in
+himself. This man was Captain de Montmorency. He kept the Boers who were
+holding Stormberg in a simmering state of excitement and suspense. He
+and his active party of scouts were perpetually reconnoitring and
+skirmishing and emerging from very tight corners, getting back to camp
+by what in vulgar phrase is called "the skin of their teeth." One of
+these narrow escapes was experienced on the 16th January, when Captain
+de Montmorency and his men went out from Molteno to gain information
+regarding the whereabouts of the enemy. A smart combat was the result of
+their efforts, and when they were almost surrounded Major Heylen with
+sixty Police came to the rescue, and the whole force, after some
+animated firing, returned safely to Molteno, plus horses, mares, foals,
+and oxen, which had been captured from the enemy.
+
+At this time a curious correspondence took place between the Boer
+Commandant, General Olivier, and General Gatacre. It was a species of
+Dutch _tu quoque_--the Boer leader thinking to charge the British one
+with the same tricks as those in which his countrymen had been detected.
+
+General Olivier solemnly declared that a store of ammunition had been
+found in an abandoned British waggon--a waggon marked with red crosses
+and purporting to be an ambulance waggon. General Gatacre emphatically
+denied the "slim" impeachment. He forwarded affidavits sworn by Major
+Lilly, R.A.M.C., who was the last man with the waggon before it had to
+be abandoned, who stated that if such ammunition had been found it had
+been subsequently deposited there. General Gatacre further informed the
+Commandant that the practice of taking wives and children in or near
+camp and allowing them to run the risks common to belligerents was
+contrary to the rules of civilised warfare, and desired to point out the
+responsibility he incurred in so doing. He further remonstrated that a
+servant who had been on the field of battle to assist Father Ryan in the
+succour of the wounded had been detained in the Boer camp after
+assurances of his release had been made. To these remarks and complaints
+the General received no reply.
+
+Fortunately, our wounded who were not captured were doing well. The
+ladies at Sterkstroom were particularly devoted, and visited and cheered
+the sick daily, and carried them little luxuries which were mightily
+appreciated. Though there were not many losses, sick and disabled were
+constantly being carried into the hospital as the result of
+reconnoitring and scouting expeditions, which were ceaseless, and had to
+continue ceaseless, owing to the inability of the force to take powerful
+action.
+
+[Illustration: MOVEMENTS OF GATACRE AND FRENCH.]
+
+On the 20th of January Lieutenant Nickerson, R.A.M.C., who had
+accompanied the wounded after the misfortune at Stormberg, arrived in
+camp. Father Ryan's servant, on whose account General Gatacre, as
+already mentioned, addressed Commandant Olivier, also returned. They
+brought interesting news. More guns had been brought on the scene, and
+these were served by German gunners. Septuagenarians and striplings were
+drafted into the commandoes, while at Burghersdorp the Town Guard was
+composed of lads of about thirteen years of age. This showed that the
+stream of reinforcements was beginning to run dry. Many youngsters were
+said to have been sent from their college at Bloemfontein straight to
+the front.
+
+Commandant Olivier now took the opportunity to announce that he meant to
+retain as prisoners all correspondents who might be captured. The
+correspondents were flattered, and began to calculate whether
+"Experiences in Pretoria" would make good "copy," but finally decided
+for the liberty of the press.
+
+A little innocent diversion was provided by the Boers during the night
+of the 20th. The British were awakened by furious fire, which was
+continued for some time. Great consternation prevailed, till it was
+afterwards discovered that a scare in the Boer lines had taken place,
+and the sound of some stampeding cattle had been mistaken for the
+advance of the British! The Boers had at once flown to arms, fired right
+and left in the midnight darkness, and as a natural consequence shot
+some of their own cattle!
+
+After this, there was silence, like the ominous lull which comes before
+a storm. Little puffs and pants of hostility took place around
+Sterkstroom and Penhoek, while at Colesberg the Boers were on guard,
+with the fear of some impending ill. Important developments were
+dreaded. It was known that swarms of troops were moving from the Cape,
+and that the positions which had hitherto been held by the Federals in
+consequence of the weakness of British forces in all quarters, would
+soon be tenable no longer. And the waverers began to shake in their
+shoes. They began suddenly to adopt a helpful attitude towards the
+forces. The fact was, Lord Roberts had issued a proclamation encouraging
+Free Staters and Transvaalers to desert by the promise that they should
+be well treated. To the Colonial rebels he had diplomatically tendered
+the advice to surrender before being caught in _flagrante delicto_.
+
+
+WITH GENERAL FRENCH
+
+While all eyes were turned in the direction of the Natal force for the
+relief of Ladysmith, General French was making things lively for the
+Boers. It may be remembered that he left Ladysmith immediately before
+Sir George White's garrison was hemmed in, and betook himself to the
+central sphere of war. On the 23rd of November, with a reconnoitring
+force consisting of a company of the Black Watch, some mounted infantry,
+police, and the New South Wales Lancers, he went by train towards
+Arundel, and was fired on by Boers who were sneaking in the hills. Three
+of the party were wounded, but the rest drove the enemy off. The rails
+had been lifted just in front of the scene of the fight. From this time
+activities of the same kind took place daily, the General devoting his
+energies to reconnoitring east and west of his position, keeping the
+enemy from massing at any given point, and forcing them to remain on the
+_qui vive_ in perpetual expectation of attack.
+
+Scouting at this time was carried on to the extent of a fine art. Never
+a day was devoid of excitement. "We start out before dawn, and get
+back--well, when we can!" This was the pithy description of a youngster
+who enjoyed some thrilling moments. The following sketch of the
+experiences of a New Zealander show how one and all willingly risked
+their lives in the service of their country:--
+
+"I was under fire for the first time on my birthday (Dec. 7), when a
+section of us (four men) were sent out as a mark for any Boers to shoot
+at. We rode to the foot of a kopje and left one of us in charge of the
+four horses. Another chap and I climbed to the top. Puff! bang went
+three shells from their Long Tom and a perfect fusillade of bullets. It
+is marvellous how we escaped. We were to report as soon as we were fired
+at, so I volunteered as galloper to go back to our lines to report. I
+did a quick time over that two miles of veldt, bullets missing me all
+the time. I reported, and was told to go back and withdraw the men,
+which I did. Afterwards we took eight men, and under cover kept up a
+steady fire for five hours. I was horribly tired, as I had been in the
+saddle eighteen hours the previous day. My mate was fresh--we were
+planted behind stones in pairs--and while he kept up the firing I
+slumbered, strange as it may seem. There are thousands of troops in the
+camp. General French, in command of this particular division, has
+complimented us on many occasions on our coolness under fire and our
+horsemanship. He said we could gallop across country where English
+cavalry could only walk. He told us after a skirmish we had with the
+enemy that he couldn't express in words his admiration of us, that we
+were the best scouts he had ever employed, and that we always brought in
+something, either prisoners, horses, sheep, cattle, or valuable
+information--which latter is entirely true. During the slack time our
+chaps are busy breaking in remounts for the English cavalry. Horses die
+like flies here, and Cape ponies are substituted."
+
+Numerous and ingenious tricks were practised on the Boers, many of them
+doubtless owing their origin to the active and fertile brains of General
+French and Colonel Baden-Powell, the author of the "Manual on Scouting."
+One of these was to take in the enemy's scouts by tethering ostriches to
+bushes on the hills. The presence of the birds naturally gave to the
+place an air of desolation, and satisfied the enemy that the ground was
+unoccupied. In Colonel Baden-Powell's opinion fine scouting is a true
+bit of hero-work, and his description of the "sport" in his own words
+serves to show of what stuff our Colonial scouts were made. He says: "It
+is comparatively easy for a man in the heat and excitement of battle,
+where every one is striving to be first, to dash out before the rest and
+do some gallant deed; but it is another thing for a man to take his life
+in his hand to carry out some extra dangerous bit of scouting on his own
+account, where there is no one by to applaud, and it might be just as
+easy for him to go back; that is a true bit of hero's work, and yet it
+is what a scout does continually as 'all in the day's work.' The British
+scout has, too, to be good beyond all nationalities in every branch of
+his art, because he is called upon not only to act against civilised
+enemies in civilised countries like France and Germany, but he has also
+to take on the crafty Afghan in his mountains, or the fierce Zulu in the
+open South African towns, the Burmese in his forests, the Soudanese on
+the Egyptian desert, all requiring different methods of working, but
+their efficiency depending in every case on the same factor--the pluck
+and ability of the scout himself. To be successful as a scout you must
+have plenty of what Americans call 'jump' and 'push,' 'jump' being
+alertness, wideawakeness, and readiness to seize your opportunity,
+'push' being a never-say-die feeling. When in doubt as to whether to go
+on or to go back, think of that and of the Zulu saying, 'If we go
+forward we die, if we go backward we die; better go forward and die.'
+Scouting is like a game of football. You are selected as a forward
+player. Play the game; play that your side may win. Don't think of your
+own glorification or your own risks--your side are backing you up.
+Football is a good game, but better than it, better than any other game,
+is that of man-hunting." Of this game, our troops, particularly in the
+disaffected regions of Cape Colony, were beginning to have their fill.
+
+On the 8th of December Colonel Porter, with the 5th Dragoon Guards and
+Mounted Infantry, arrived at Arundel from Naauwpoort, for the purpose of
+making a reconnaissance and locating the enemy and discovering his
+strength. The force detrained some four miles outside the town and
+advanced across the plain, the Dragoons to left and right, the Mounted
+Infantry, consisting of New Zealanders and Australians, in the centre
+slightly in the rear. The Boers in the surrounding kopjes, seeing their
+danger, took themselves off with great rapidity to another ridge three
+miles to the north. This position was located before nightfall. At
+daybreak four companies of Mounted Infantry were posted on a hill two
+miles north of Arundel, while a troop of Dragoons reconnoitred the town
+and found it evacuated by the enemy. The advance was then resumed. At 8
+A.M. the troops reached Maaiboschlaagte, and spied the enemy on the
+hills near Rensburg's Farm. The Boers were busy dragging a huge gun up
+the hill. Having no artillery, the flanking movement on the left was
+discontinued, but the Dragoons on the right, who were three miles in
+advance of the remainder of the force, crossed the plain and outflanked
+the enemy. The crackling of muskets followed, and soon after the booming
+of two guns. The New South Wales Lancers now reinforced the first line,
+and though for many hours their "baptism of fire" was prolonged, they
+suffered the only loss of the day--the loss of a horse. The operations
+were successful, and the strength of the enemy was found to number about
+2000. The occupation of this region by our troops was considered of
+great strategical importance, as it formed a convenient advance base for
+further operations. The town is situated some twelve miles from
+Colesberg, and is in a fashion a natural fortress. It consists of rugged
+hills surrounding flats, and is provided with refreshing water springs.
+
+On the 12th of December a patrol under Lieutenant Collins was fiercely
+fired upon; a sergeant of the Carabineers was killed and a private was
+reported missing. This happened as they were turning away from a farm at
+Jasfontein belonging to Field-Cornet Geldenhuis, with whom they had had
+an interview. The proprietor received his just deserts, for later on two
+squadrons of Carabineers with two guns and a company of Mounted Infantry
+were sent out to shell the farm, which duty was accomplished with zest
+and thoroughness. General French's report of the affair is too
+interesting to be omitted. He said:--
+
+     "I wish particularly to bring to notice the excellent conduct
+     and bearing of the New Zealand Mounted Rifles, commanded by
+     Major A. W. Robin, on one of these occasions.
+
+     "On 18th December I took them out with a battery of Horse
+     Artillery to reconnoitre round the enemy's left flank, and
+     determined to dislodge him from a farm called Jasfontein lying
+     on his left rear. The guns shelled the farm, and the New
+     Zealand Mounted Rifles then gained possession of it. But the
+     enemy very suddenly brought up strong reinforcements and
+     pressed on us with his Artillery. Our Artillery had been left
+     some way behind to avoid this latter fire, and I had to send
+     back some distance for its support, during which time we were
+     exposed to a heavy musketry fire from the surrounding hills.
+     The conduct of the New Zealanders was admirable in thus
+     maintaining a difficult position till the Artillery caused the
+     enemy to retire."
+
+Early on the morning of the 13th patrols were again fired upon, this
+time from Platberg, a kopje on the fringe of Colesberg Commonage. About
+4 A.M., in the dusk of early dawn, the Dutchmen, some 1800 strong, were
+found to be leaving their position and advancing in the direction of
+Naauwpoort. Thereupon Colonel Porter, with Carabineers, Inniskillings,
+10th Hussars, and four guns of the R.H.A., moved eastwards. What Mr.
+Gilbert describes as "a short sharp shock" followed, and the enemy's
+guns, after firing three shots, were silenced. Our cavalry headed the
+enemy off, and soon after 2 P.M. the bulk of his forces retired to their
+former position. Vaalkop was held by one squadron of cavalry and two
+guns for the rest of the day. Some Boers remained at Talboschlaagte,
+and some later on occupied Kuilfontein Farm, but were driven out by
+British shells with loss of forty killed and wounded. Our own losses
+during two days' sharp work amounted to one man killed. Captain Moseley
+(Inniskillings) was slightly wounded, and four men also received
+injuries.
+
+On the same date Colonel Miles reported from Orange River an unlucky
+incident. Part of the Mounted Infantry under Captain Bradshaw and the
+Guides under Lieutenant Macfarlane patrolled in the direction of Kamak
+and Zoutpansdrift, ten miles east of Orange River, for the purpose of
+reconnoitring and reporting the strength of the enemy. The Boers were
+said to be holding the drift, and near there, somewhat suddenly, a
+strong party of them appeared. The Mounted Infantry attacked, and a
+brisk engagement followed, with the result that the enemy decamped to
+Geemansberg. Unfortunately, for this smart piece of work Captain
+Bradshaw paid with his life; Lieutenant Greyson (Buffs) was wounded,
+three men were killed, and seven wounded. Captain Bradshaw was an
+energetic and valuable officer, and his loss was deeply deplored.
+
+To return to General French. Hard days of work in a broiling sun with
+little to show for it were the lot of those around Naauwpoort at this
+time. On the morning of the 15th two guns of the Horse Artillery, going
+eastward across the veldt from Vaalkop, shelled a Boer waggon which had
+been espied winding along the road. It was presumably from Colesberg,
+and laden with supplies for the artillery of the enemy. Several shells
+were at once launched, but they failed to strike it. The artillery then
+tried a new position, and were "sniped" at by odd sharpshooters from the
+hills. Finally a "Long Tom" was brought by the Boers to bear on the
+situation, and then the artillery, pursued by shells, returned to
+Vaalkop.
+
+Boer aggression continued. On the 16th the enemy took up a position on a
+hill near Kannaksolam and sniped at the British patrols when they went
+to water their horses. The Dutchmen were splendidly concealed, so
+splendidly that it was impossible for the patrols to return the fire.
+The New Zealanders were also fired upon, and though five scouts lay for
+hours on the hill watching the Boers' hiding-place, not one of the foe
+showed his nose out of cover. At last, in the afternoon, Captain
+Jackson, with eight Carabineers on patrol, caught sight of the enemy
+peeping from his lair, and suddenly found himself in the midst of a
+volley. Captain Jackson was shot in the spine and instantly killed, the
+other members of the party and the riderless horse fleeing amid a storm
+of bullets. On the morning of the 18th the remains of the gallant
+officer were buried at Naauwpoort with military honours. The enemy's
+position was shelled at daybreak by ten guns.
+
+[Illustration: A RECONNAISSANCE IN FORCE WITH GENERAL FRENCH'S CAVALRY
+NEAR COLESBERG.
+
+Drawing by R. Caton Woodville.]
+
+On the same day General French made a successful reconnaissance with
+a battery of Horse Artillery and the New Zealand Rifles. The New
+Zealanders had some exciting experiences. Major Lee and his men went
+forth to draw the fire of the Boers, and unfortunately, instead of
+drawing the shell of the enemy they drew the shot, and found themselves
+all at once in a very warm corner indeed. They were rapidly hemmed in on
+three sides, and stood a very good chance of being cut off. But pluck
+carried the day, and though all their accoutrements, saddles, and
+water-bottles showed visible signs of the hurricane of destruction
+through which they had ridden, they arrived in camp safe and sound, much
+to the satisfaction of the General, who issued an order complimenting
+them on the success of their reconnaissance.
+
+Major Lee, who was in command of the New Zealanders at Arundel, was
+reported to be a splendid fellow--not the typical dashing officer by any
+means, but what was described as a regular paterfamilias of somewhat
+aldermanic proportions. He was hale, hearty, and beaming, and withal a
+man of coolness and courage. The qualities possessed by this officer
+were said to be shared by most of his men, who, though of the rough and
+ready stamp, were true chips of the old British block.
+
+Mr. Gifford Hall was most enthusiastic about Colonials all and sundry,
+and, knowing their excellence and Great Britain's needs, delivered
+himself of words of wisdom which are worthy of repetition:--
+
+     "Ex-frontier cavalryman myself, with further experience as
+     cowboy in both the United States and North-west Canada, and
+     also as stockrider in Australia, I have never for a moment
+     doubted that in the raising of an irregular Anglo-Boer force
+     lay the solution of England's problem, 'How to successfully
+     cope with the enemy.' Sans standard of physique, sans much
+     orthodox training, sans everything but virility, inherent
+     horsemanship, inherent wild-land craft, mounted on his own
+     pony--bronco of Canada or brumbie of Australia--the Canadian
+     ranche hand, the Australian stockrider, shearer, station
+     rouseabout, or the 'cull' of all lands Anglicised might easily
+     become the quintessence of a useful and operative force against
+     a semi-guerilla enemy. A pair of cord breeches, a couple of
+     shirts, his big hat, and a cartridge-filled belt, Winchester
+     carbine, a pony of the sort that can be run to a white sweat,
+     and staggering, tremble, and then be kicked out to nuzzle for
+     grass or die--that's what your man wants. The pants and shirts
+     will be better than he has worn for years; the gun he has 'shot
+     straight' with ever since he first handled his 'daddy's'
+     muzzle-loader; and the 'hoss,' why each is of the other, horse
+     and man, each apart, a thing inept. Orthodoxy against the Boers
+     in military operations doesn't wash.
+     Aldershot-cum-Sandhurst-cum-Soudan-cum-Further-India and
+     War-Office tactics fall flat. The Boer is here, there, and
+     everywhere, not to be followed by 'crushing forces'--only to be
+     checked and turned and tracked and harried and hustled by a
+     brother Boer. There is scarce a Canadian ranche hand but owns a
+     pony of bronco breed, scarce an Australian station hand of any
+     decent calibre but owns or can procure a tough and serviceable
+     semi-'brumbie' mount. And will these men volunteer? Yes, plenty
+     of them, and those that won't can't. Surely Empire saved or
+     gained is worth their worth to the Motherland they fight for.
+     Let her hire them. Transportation and time? The Boer war is not
+     over yet, and England's pocket is deep. To-day she fights for
+     her life, for her honour, and win she must. Arm them and saddle
+     them, men of the wild-lands and prairies. Work them van, flank,
+     and rear. This folly of 'standard' physique and 'training'--to
+     the winds with it. The theory of weight and height for
+     effective fighting is exploded. Heart, eye, and seat, and
+     wild-land inherent tact make up for it. Five-feet-six can ride
+     and shoot and fight or die as well as six-feet-two. We
+     wild-landers have proven it over and over again. Even when the
+     war is over, and our regulars and reserves must return, make
+     these men into protective police for a while, officered not by
+     orthodoxy but by knowledge and experience. They will 'learn the
+     country.' They will evolve scouts from amongst them who shall
+     make no mistakes. They will give to England what she needs in
+     times like these--to come again or not. Your yeomanry won't do
+     the trick; nor your oat-fed kharki-clad higher Colonials
+     either. 'Tis your Anglo-Boer, cowboy, stockrider, shearer,
+     rouseabout, cull, given his way and a cause--yes, he and his
+     scrub-fed mongrel mount and 'gun.'"
+
+These expressions of opinion almost amounted to a prophecy, for very
+shortly the Canadian ranche hands, the Australian stockriders, the hardy
+New Zealanders, and the "higher" Colonials--as Mr. Hall styled
+them--taught us lessons which we were swift enough to follow.
+
+At Christmas the troops fared well, and contributions of a homely and
+delectable kind were supplied to make the season pleasurable. The
+inhabitants of Naauwpoort showed their appreciation of Mr. Thomas Atkins
+in many tangible ways, notably by providing him with appetising
+refreshments as he arrived by rail. Of course, there was a run on the
+telegraph office. Christmas greetings went pouring out and came pouring
+in, while the mail-bags swelled with a plethora of seasonable
+blandishments. At Arundel Colonel Fisher and the officers of the 10th
+Hussars endeavoured to forward Christmas greetings to the Colonel of the
+Regiment, His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, but for some
+unexplained reason the felicitation was not allowed to go beyond the
+vigilant eye of the censor.
+
+The great attraction of Christmas, and its accompaniment the New Year,
+was the expectation of a gift from Queen Victoria, which was specially
+prepared according to the order of the Sovereign herself. It was to take
+the form of a tin of chocolate, and was to be presented to every soldier
+on service in South Africa. The box was specially designed, and adorned
+with the regal monogram. This unique gift, in order to make it the more
+valuable as a trophy or a family relic, was manufactured only of the
+exact number required for presentation to each individual serving at the
+front.
+
+Naauwpoort enlivened itself with sports, and though the weather was
+almost tropical, the activity served to compensate for the absence of
+the mirth of Merrie England. At this time the Boers were approaching
+nearer the British camp. There was a three days' truce, it is true, but
+their positions were only six miles from our troops, and they were
+warned that a nearer approach would mean prompt action by the guns.
+
+The daily routine went on somewhat monotonously--the grooming, watering,
+and exercising of horses; drilling, exercising the mules of ambulance
+and transport waggons; unloading the food supplies, cooking
+them--occupations which afforded work in plenty, but the real business
+of warfare was suspended. Some of the officers made an effort to get up
+hunting parties, and succeeded in bagging a few springbuck, but their
+expeditions were fraught with even more risk to themselves than to their
+quarry. For instance, in one case, while two gallant Nimrods were in the
+act of stalking a splendid springbuck, their chargers made off. They
+suddenly found themselves almost surrounded by Boers, and an animated
+chase followed. Luckily the carcass of the springbuck, which was left
+behind, was too great a prize to be parted with, and the enemy captured
+it in preference to the huntsmen!
+
+At this time there was great consternation in camp, as two cavalry
+officers were taken prisoners. It subsequently transpired that the
+officers, Lieutenant Till (Carabineers) and Lieutenant Hedger (attached
+to the 10th Hussars), were captured through an unfortunate accident.
+They mistook the Boers for New Zealanders, and therefore were unprepared
+to offer resistance. On discovering their error they made a desperate
+attempt to escape, but were overpowered.
+
+The Colonials afterwards discarded their picturesque hats and took to
+helmets. Owing to the resemblance of their headgear to that of the
+Boers, some British pickets had mistaken them for the enemy and fired on
+them.
+
+On the 29th the enemy fell back on Colesberg, and there with his small
+force General French proceeded to tackle him. "So near and yet so far"
+must have been repeated many times by both Generals French and Gatacre
+when each failed to accomplish some clever moves for want of the
+necessary reinforcements. In the ordinary course of things, from
+Naauwpoort to Sterkstroom was an easy three-hours journey by rail, but
+now, with the barrier of the Boers at Stormberg--the junction between
+the East London and Port Elizabeth systems--it was necessary to travel,
+if by rail, _via_ Port Elizabeth, thus making a three-days instead of a
+three-hours trip. And railway travelling was by no means a safe and
+enjoyable exercise. True, the lines of communication were protected by
+some eleven hundred Volunteers, but as martial law had not been
+proclaimed south of Naauwpoort, and disloyalty was here the rule and not
+the exception, it was quite on the cards that at any moment culverts
+would be found blown up and rails twisted.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+THE COLONIALS AT BELMONT
+
+
+On Christmas Day Lieut.-Colonel Pilcher, formerly of the Northumberland
+Fusiliers, late of the Bedfordshire Regiment, arrived at Belmont and
+took command of the troops. The Station Staff now consisted of Colonel
+Pilcher; Major Bayly, Major MacDougall, and Major Dennison. The garrison
+was soon strengthened by two companies of the 2nd Duke of Cornwall's
+Light Infantry under Major Ashby. A general state of high polish was
+begun, and the Canadians, ever active and on the alert, came in for some
+excellent training, which they were not slow to profit by. Owing to the
+insecure state of the neighbourhood, it was put in a fair state of
+defence. Stone sconces were built on the kopjes; earthwork trenches were
+built at the station and elsewhere; and a series of alarm drills was
+carried on, in order to enable all concerned to take up their especial
+posts at a moment's notice. For instance, at an appointed hour an alarm
+on the bugles would wake the echoes. The men would rush to arms; every
+company, previously instructed, would fall in on its own private parade
+ground, and then set out at the double for its post. Celerity without
+fluster was the motto of the movement. When all were posted, some in
+trenches a mile off, others three or four hundred yards away, the
+Colonel would proceed to make such disposition of his troops as the
+imagined enemy might impose. For instance, he would picture the attack
+coming from the north-east and march some of his force in the direction
+of the assumed attack, covering it with a strong line of skirmishers,
+while other troops in springless four-wheeled buck waggons were sent to
+their support. The movement would be only sufficiently developed to give
+the men an intelligent appreciation of what might be required of them,
+and certainly nothing could exceed the promptness and alacrity with
+which the troops threw themselves into their military rehearsals. The
+Canadians especially distinguished themselves by their zest and
+acuteness, and in all the bogus engagements--the attack drill--earned
+the praise of the commander. The following is a copy of a regimental
+order: "The officer commanding the Royal Canadian Regiment is desired by
+the officer commanding the troops at this station to express his
+satisfaction with the intelligent and quiet way in which this morning's
+work was carried out by the officers, non-commissioned officers, and
+men of the Royal Canadian Regiment." The Colonel particularly
+appreciated the manner in which the men avoided "bunching," the most
+fatal error that can be made by troops in modern warfare of the kind in
+hand.
+
+At the end of the year more Australians arrived. These troops had been
+stationed for a short time at the Orange River, getting their horses
+into condition after a six weeks' voyage. From thence they moved on to
+Belmont. The two companies of Queensland's Mounted Infantry found their
+green tents awaiting them, and a hearty welcome. The men, a hardy and
+stalwart set, tall and comely to look on, were well fitted in their
+kharki uniform, which showed no signs of relationship to the slouching
+apparel peculiar to hastily rigged-out troops. Their jackets, cord
+breeches, felt hats looped up at the side with a tuft of feathers of the
+emu, gave them a picturesque as well as workmanlike air. But their
+leggings were dangerously dark, and scarcely as suited to sand or
+morass--the ground was either one thing or the other--as the familiar
+puttees. These useful articles had now been assumed by the Canadians
+instead of their shrunken or loosely flapping duck trousers. The effect
+was infinitely more dapper, becoming to the figure, and serviceable for
+hard wear. The Queenslanders and Canadians at once fraternised, the
+older arrivals making the new comers welcome by inviting them to drinks
+and breakfast, and generally "showing them around." The bond of union
+was cemented by the fact that the officer in command of the
+Queenslanders, Colonel Ricardo, was an old Royal Canadian Artillery
+officer.
+
+
+COLONEL PILCHER'S RAID
+
+New Year's Day was a great occasion for the Colonial troops. They had
+been burning with impatience to come in touch with the enemy, and till
+now no opportunity had been afforded for testing their prowess in the
+field. At midday on the 31st of December a force under Colonel Pilcher
+started off from Belmont. The force consisted of 200 Queenslanders,
+commanded by Colonel Ricardo; 100 Canadians, Toronto Company, with two
+guns; and a horse battery under Major de Rougemont; 30 Mounted Infantry
+under Lieutenant Ryan (Munster Fusiliers); the New South Wales
+Ambulance, under Surgeon-Major Dodds; and 200 Cornwall Light Infantry.
+These left Belmont and proceeded westward. Twenty miles were covered
+before sunset, and the force encamped at Cook's Farm. In this region, on
+a string of kopjes, a Boer laager was reported to be, and this--it was
+decided--must be removed.
+
+[Illustration: MAP ILLUSTRATING COLONEL PILCHER'S RAID.
+
+Scale 9 miles = 1 inch.]
+
+Colonel Pilcher's programme, however, was not divulged. Great caution
+was preserved, as the country was swarming with native spies, and all
+movements of the troops were watched and reported to the enemy. The
+Colonel therefore very adroitly arranged that no person should have a
+chance of reporting his movements, and caused a watch to be kept on all
+the natives, and these during the night were shut in their huts to
+prevent any from escaping and communicating the intention of the troops.
+The vigilance was certainly well rewarded. At daybreak the force
+steadily marched out, creating as little dust as possible, and took up a
+position at a place some fifteen miles off, called Sunnyside. Here the
+enemy's laager was reported to be situated. It was posted on two
+connected kopjes to north and south, and towards these kopjes the troops
+advanced. When within a distance of some four miles the troops halted.
+Major de Rougemont with two guns under Lieutenant Atkinson, Captain
+Barker with the Toronto Company of Canadians, and Lieutenants Ryan and
+Smith with the Mounted Infantry were ordered in the direction of the
+enemy's laager to the north; while Colonel Pilcher with Colonel Ricardo
+and the Queenslanders, A Company under Captain Chaucer, and B Company
+under Captain Pinnock, advanced from the south. Patrols were sent to the
+east. All was done with great quietness and precision, and the Boer
+tactics so closely imitated that the enemy were unconscious of the
+arrival of the British till the troops were upon them. Major Rougemont's
+force made use of all the existing cover, which luckily was sufficient
+to screen both man and horse, and in a very short time had discovered
+some excellent ground which gave on to the Boer position. The enemy's
+laager was ensconced in a nest of trees, at the base of a range of
+kopjes commanded by a convenient ridge. This ridge--reported by the
+Mounted Infantry to be clear of the enemy--with great promptness was
+practically seized and occupied before the Boers had sufficiently
+gathered themselves together to contest the position. The guns were
+advanced at a trot, and unlimbered within 1500 yards of the laager, into
+which two shells were neatly plumped, with a stupendous detonation that
+startled the whole surrounding neighbourhood. Up scrambled the Boers,
+streaming and bounding along the sides of the kopje like stampeded
+goats, and commencing to fire with all their might. Upon our guns and
+gunners came a torrent of lead fierce and sustained. Two Maxims under
+Captain Bell now prepared to give tongue from the right, and then the
+Toronto Company was ordered to double into action. They leapt to the
+word. With a gasp of relief they cried, "At last!" and were off. When
+within 1000 yards of the position their rifles came into play. A
+hurricane of bullets met the enemy's fire: met it, continued
+fiercely--and finally subdued it.
+
+While the guns under Lieutenant Atkinson were booming and banging, the
+Mounted Infantry, ably led by Lieutenant Ryan, were working their way
+along the right, and hunting the enemy from a concealed position among
+the scrub. At midday Colonel Pilcher and the Queenslanders were steadily
+nearing the position from three separate directions. They approached
+under cover, cautious as tigers and nimble as cats, finally firing, and
+returning the fire, but only when they caught glimpses of the enemy.
+Then they blazed away to good purpose, and continued to approach nearer
+and ever nearer, till the enemy, in view of the persistent and deadly
+advance, shrank from his ground, and sulkily retired. The dexterity of
+the Queenslanders was remarkable; they stalked the enemy as a sportsman
+would stalk a deer, criticising their own fire and the fire of the foe
+with workmanlike coolness and interest. The success of these tactics was
+complete. The laager was captured, and with it forty ill-kempt, surly
+prisoners. Lieutenant Adie, who was with a patrol of four men, came
+suddenly on a number of the enemy, and was wounded in two places, but he
+was saved and carried off by two plucky fellows, Butler and Rose, who
+came to his rescue. The latter was wounded, and his horse was killed.
+Another dashing Queenslander, Victor Jones, was shot through the heart,
+and Macleod, an equally brave comrade, after many lucky escapes, while
+advancing with Colonel Pilcher's force, was shot through the spine.
+While these heroic and tragic doings were taking place, General
+Babington with a mounted force had been working hard, his operations
+having been arranged for the purpose of co-operating with Colonel
+Pilcher, and distracting the enemy's attention from the north. These
+manoeuvres had the desired effect, and the day's work, apart from its
+pathetic side, was accounted a glorious success. So cleverly had the
+proceedings been contrived, and so ingeniously were the orders
+interpreted by one and all, that the Boers were completely nonplussed.
+There was a hurried stampede, and the Federals bolted, leaving their
+laager with all its luxuries, its boiling soup, its gin and water
+bottles, &c., at the mercy of the invaders.
+
+[Illustration: COLONEL PILCHER'S ATTACK ON SUNNYSIDE KOPJE--CANADIAN AND
+AUSTRALIAN CONTINGENTS RECEIVE THEIR "BAPTISM OF FIRE."
+
+Drawing by H. C. Seppings Wright from Sketch by Fred. Villiers.]
+
+A vivid description of the Boer camp was given by Mr. Frederick Hamilton
+of the _Toronto Globe_, who accompanied the Canadians.
+
+     "Fourteen ancient tents, their blankets, kettles, and camp
+     utensils, tossed about in wild confusion. Three long waggons of
+     the type in which the voortrekkers voyaged the veldt, a team of
+     a dozen magnificent oxen, a big water-cart which we eyed
+     greedily, a Kaffir wattled hut, its floor piled high with odds
+     and ends of clothing and valuables, its doorway marked by a
+     shell-smash; the rocky kopje-side behind, a flat plain dotted
+     with shaggy, bushlike trees in front--such was the Boer laager.
+     Prisoners came from here and there, over a score from the
+     kopje-top, more from this corner and that of the field, and
+     were taken to the hut. Within it and around its door they
+     squatted, a silent downcast crew; what a mess they had made of
+     their affairs! Perhaps they were not so despondent as we
+     thought, for one man as he sat in the guarded group pointed out
+     a rifle which one of the victors was carrying, and claimed it
+     as his own--a piece of cheek which staggered our men. The
+     prisoners claimed only part of our attention; with eager
+     curiosity the camp was ransacked. At last we had our hands upon
+     these Boers: what manner of men were they, and how did they
+     live? Poorly enough, I should say; the camp must have been
+     densely crowded with the motley gathering, and we could see the
+     odd admixture of practical barbarism with occasional contact
+     with civilisation, as when good suits of clothes lay side by
+     side with repulsive-looking strips of biltong. We felt that all
+     this was ours, ours by right of battle, ours by virtue of
+     victory. Perhaps we were wrong, perhaps the confiscated
+     property of rebels should fall to the Crown, but as long as men
+     go to war so long will victors walk through the camp of the
+     vanquished with just that feeling swelling through their veins.
+     Something else lay heavy upon us--thirst. It raged through us.
+     The yellow pool where the veldt cut into the kopje face filled
+     our water-bottles, and we drank and drank. The foul dregs of
+     the Boers' water-cart were drained with joy. As the sun was
+     setting our own water-cart with more wholesome water drove up,
+     and we drank and drank again. As our fires were lighted, what
+     receptacles could be found were filled and the muddy fluid
+     boiled. Our transport waggons were miles away, and for tea or
+     coffee we were dependent on what we found in the Boer waggons.
+     I remember drinking a cup of hot water and finding it most
+     refreshing. Food was foraged. One section of our men found a
+     sheep's carcass hanging up under a tree, slaughtered by the
+     rebels before our shell changed the tenor of their day. Some
+     had hardtack or army rations in their haversacks. Here and
+     there they picked up enough to make up a meal, not especially
+     plentiful, and very scrappy, but satisfying. Indeed a most
+     peculiar thing about the whole affair was the great amount
+     of work we managed to do on a very small amount of food. The
+     shadows of the evening were falling as we finished our meal,
+     sent out the necessary pickets, and prepared for rest."
+
+Later came the death of poor Macleod the Queenslander, whose wound had
+been mortal. As the Queenslanders had early moved on to Rooi Pan (a
+farmhouse across the veldt where rebels were suspected to be in hiding),
+the Canadians took upon themselves the duty of conducting the sad
+ceremonies of burial. A grave was dug and a New Testament found. Then
+the Canadians slowly bore to its last resting-place the remains of the
+heroic young Colonial who had lost his life in the service of the mother
+country. Major Bayly, the Staff Officer of the expedition, read a few
+selections from Corinthians over the body, after which it was consigned
+to the heart of the veldt. A rude cross bearing his name and corps was
+placed to mark the spot, and written thereon was also the intimation
+that it was "Erected by his Queensland and Canadian comrades." The noble
+young fellow Victor Jones secured less formal burial, though his loss
+was as deeply regretted. On the following day two of his comrades from
+Rooi Pan started off in search of his body, and having found it, buried
+it without ceremony or rite, but with the keenest feelings of sorrow.
+
+On this day, the 2nd of January, the work of destruction of Boer effects
+was begun. Soon after dawn a huge bonfire was made under such waggons
+and ammunition of the foe as could not be utilised, and as the troops
+marched out they were saluted by the appalling uproar of the exploding
+cartridges. The procession, as it moved on its way to Rooi Pan, a
+distance of some four or six miles, presented a somewhat mediaeval aspect
+in spite of symbols of modernity--magazine rifles and machine guns. In
+front was the wide expanse of grassy veldt; behind, the curling blue
+smoke from the burning wreckage of the camp. Along the road came the
+heavy springless waggons piled high with booty, their negro drivers
+flourishing their long whips and repeating their vociferous bark of
+"Eigh" to encourage the small, contumacious mules. With them marched the
+bronzed, picturesque-looking army with its train of captives in the
+rear, an unkempt, dilapidated crew--a strange contrast to the lively and
+robust Canadians, who, rejoiced at their yesterday's feat, were singing
+as they tramped along. Very curious was it to hear, instead of the
+familiar British airs our soldiers love, the Niagara camp-song with its
+Hallelujah chorus, and the popular "The Maple Leaf" proceeding from the
+brawny throats of these brother soldiers of the Queen. Their joy and
+their triumph was complete, and with a good night's rest and the
+beautiful morning air to refresh them, their spirits were effervescent
+in the extreme.
+
+At Rooi Pan there was a halt for half-an-hour, during which Colonel
+Pilcher took the opportunity to address his force, and convey to them
+congratulations on the recent fight which had been forwarded by General
+Wood, commanding at the Orange River. Water-bottles were then filled
+from the clear pond in the farm of one of the prisoners, and soon, the
+sun growing momentarily hotter, the party advanced. This time their
+route lay over dust ankle-deep in places, dust which rose up in clouds
+and came down into eyes and ears and throats, and settled itself in hot
+cakes and rings on hair and beards and necks. But presently, after a few
+miles, the state of things was improved. Government roads stretched a
+smooth highway in front, and kopjes--the dangerous kopjes that afforded
+such comfortable hiding-places for the wily foe--grew fewer and farther
+between. There was now comparative comfort, for there was little fear of
+encounter with the enemy in the open.
+
+The journey was continued without event. There was no sign of
+opposition, and about three o'clock in the afternoon, as they neared
+their destination, a message came in, "Nothing to be seen in Douglas but
+Union Jacks and red ensigns." This was a fact, and Colonel Pilcher and
+his troops very soon occupied the town. Never was there a more
+enthusiastic demonstration: the loyal inhabitants cheered to the echo;
+some almost wept at the arrival of their deliverers.
+
+This town is situated below the junction of the Modder and Vaal Rivers,
+and is of some importance. Here the long-suffering loyalists had
+remained, ever since the commencement of hostilities, in anxious
+expectation, awaiting the arrival of the British troops. Naturally the
+frenzy of their delight knew no bounds, particularly when it was found
+how completely the rebels had dispersed. Fourteen tents, three waggons,
+an immense store of rifles and ammunition, saddles, forage, equipment,
+and many incriminating letters were seized. On some of the envelopes
+were stamped "On Her Majesty's Service," showing that these had been
+used by the newly appointed Landrost of Douglas in the absence of an
+official Free State superscription.
+
+The joy of the loyalists was of short duration. In the afternoon Colonel
+Pilcher broke to them the terrible news. He stated that, for military
+reasons, his force would be obliged to leave on the morrow.
+Consternation prevailed. The leading members of the community explained
+that, if deserted, their lives would not be worth a moment's purchase.
+It was impossible to remain where they were and await the return of the
+enemy, consequently Colonel Pilcher ordered all who wished to leave to
+be ready by six the next morning, and promised them safe conduct to
+Belmont. Thereupon a scene of great animation ensued. An immense exodus
+was actively arranged. Vehicles of all kinds, sizes, and shapes were got
+ready, while the women and babies--such as overflowed the transport
+accommodation--were taken charge of by the gallant Canadians. These
+marched forth singing, to keep up the spirits of the community, and
+finally, when the wearisome end of the journey seemed never to be
+reached, some of the noble fellows, although worn out with a long spell
+of active work, and suffering from sore feet, carried the babies, and
+thus relieved the women of the fatigue of the march. The cortege left
+Douglas at eight o'clock on the morning of the 3rd, and reached Dover
+Farm at two o'clock. With the refugees were sent forward the captured
+rebels. These before their departure were paraded, and Colonel Pilcher
+enjoined those who were Free Staters or Transvaalers to step from the
+ranks, as they would be treated as prisoners of war. The rebels who had
+taken up arms against their Queen would suffer different treatment. No
+one stepped forward, and it was evident that either there were no Boers
+among the number, or they mistrusted the assurances of Colonel Pilcher,
+and preferred to meet their fate _en bloc_. (They were subsequently sent
+to the Cape for trial.) Colonel Pilcher's "slim" arrangement for the
+confusing of the natives prior to making his advance was eminently
+successful, for the Boers, so a prisoner said, considered themselves
+deeply aggrieved that they had not received information regarding the
+proposed movements. On the 5th Colonel Pilcher's column arrived at
+Belmont. The night's march from Cook's Farm was splendidly managed. News
+had reached him to the effect that some 600 or 800 Boers intended to
+effect a junction, and attack the column. At eight o'clock, therefore,
+the whole force started quietly forth, stealing off in the jetty
+obscurity like a band of conspirators. A halt was made during the night
+to allow the troops a short spell of repose: after this they continued
+their journey without mishap. Two companies of Canadians were employed
+to hold a pass some six miles off Belmont, in order to prevent the
+incoming force being cut off by the enemy.
+
+So ended, happily, a most successful raid. The Colonial troops had more
+than acted up to the expectation of every one; and, though it was
+somewhat disappointing that Douglas had to be instantly evacuated, the
+expedition had helped to demonstrate to the loyalists that the British
+could and would come to their aid, and that faith in the end has its
+reward.
+
+The following table of their march is interesting as showing the wear
+and tear to which the troops were subjected:--
+
+                                                        Miles.
+  Sunday, December 31, Belmont to Thornhill               22
+  Monday, January 1, Thornhill to Sunnyside (action)      13
+  Tuesday, January 2, Sunnyside to Rooi Pan, 6 miles;
+      Rooi Pan to Douglas, 15 miles                       21
+  Wednesday, January 3, Douglas to Thornhill              24
+  Thursday night, January 4, Thornhill to Richmond        10
+  Friday, January 5, Richmond to Belmont                  12
+                                                         ---
+      Total                                              102
+
+This smart little military exploit was appreciated throughout the globe.
+Telegrams poured in from all parts of the Queen's dominions
+congratulating Colonel Pilcher and the Colonials on the excellent work
+they had accomplished. The following from G.O.C., Cape Town, read:--
+
+     "Congratulate Colonel Pilcher on brilliant exploit, which will
+     have far-reaching effect."
+
+From Military Secretary, Government House:--
+
+     "Please send following message to Colonial troops employed in
+     action at Sunnyside: 'His Excellency Sir Alfred Milner sends
+     you his heartiest congratulations on your success, and hopes it
+     is only the forerunner of many more. While regretting the loss
+     of some of your brave comrades, he feels sure that your friends
+     in the colonies over the sea will feel proud of the success of
+     their representatives, as he himself does.'"
+
+From Sir Redvers Buller the following was received:--
+
+     "General Buller desires that his congratulations be conveyed to
+     the Colonial troops on their action at Sunnyside."
+
+From the Governor, Queensland, came:--
+
+     "Request you will be good enough to convey to Queensland
+     Mounted Infantry hearty congratulations on gallant conduct at
+     Sunnyside and sympathy in loss of life. Second contingent
+     embarks for South Africa next week."
+
+
+ACTIVITIES AND SURPRISES
+
+More useful work, which had a direct bearing on the events of the
+future, took place during Colonel Pilcher's three weeks' stay at
+Belmont. Soon after the Douglas expedition another excursion was
+devised. More Canadians were to be employed. The Queenslanders were to
+send such men as they could mount, their animals being, many of them,
+still _hors de combat_ from the sea trip, and the guns and infantry were
+to go as a matter of course. A dive into the enemy's country was
+projected--one of the first deliberate incursions upon the Southern
+Dutch Republic. These incursions were of immense value, and served in
+reality as pilotage for the gigantic military engine that was shortly to
+sweep the way from the Cape to Bloemfontein.
+
+At six o'clock in the morning of Tuesday, January 9, the column started.
+It was composed as follows:--
+
+     Royal Horse Artillery--Two guns, 45 men, 51 horses. Queensland
+     Mounted Infantry--Two Maxims, 116 men, 106 horses. Royal
+     Munster Fusiliers Mounted Infantry--15 men, 15 horses. Royal
+     Canadian Regiment--Two Maxims, 293 men, 2 horses. New South
+     Wales Army Medical Corps--Two ambulances, 18 men, 14 horses.
+     Total--487 men, 188 horses.
+
+The officers who were engaged in the flying column were:--
+
+     Staff--Lieut.-Col. T. D. Pilcher, P.S.C., in command; Major M.
+     Dobell, R.C.R.I., Staff Officer; Major S. J. A. Denison,
+     R.C.R.I., Quartermaster; Major Brown, Q.M.I., Transport
+     Officer; Lieut. Lafferty, R.C.R.I., Transport Officer; Lieut.
+     J. H. C. Ogilvy, in charge of R.C.R.I. machine gun section;
+     Capt. Pelham, Q.M.I., in charge of Queensland machine gun
+     section; Lieut. A. C. Caldwell, R.C.R.I., attached; Lieut. C.
+     W. M'Lean, R.C.R.I., attached; Rev. J. M. Almond, chaplain.
+     Royal Horse Artillery--Major de Rougemont and Lieut. Atkinson.
+     Queensland Mounted Infantry--Lieut.-Col. Ricardo, Capt.
+     Chauvel, Capt. Pinnock, Lieut. Bailey, Lieut. Glascow. R.M.F.
+     Mounted Infantry--Capt. Bowen, Lieut. Tyrrell. Royal Canadian
+     Regiment--Lieut.-Col. Pelletier. A Company--Capt. Arnold,
+     Lieut. Hodgins, Lieut. Blanchard. B Company--Lieut. Ross,
+     Lieut. J. C. Mason, Lieut. S. P. Layborn. H Company
+     (half-company)--Lieut. Burstall, Lieut. Willis. New South Wales
+     Army Medical Corps--Capt. Roth, Lieut. Martin; Capt. Dods,
+     Queensland, attached. (Lieut.-Col. Patterson of Queensland also
+     went with the force as a spectator.)
+
+The troops marched out by the road skirting the kopje so gallantly
+stormed by the Guards, and moved over the veldt some few miles to the
+south-east, towards the Free State. After passing Riet Pan a wide left
+wheel was made, and the force struck north-east to eastwards, towards
+the Free State. Here the dull purple kopjes wound along in chains,
+dotted here and there with small plains some three or four miles in
+depth and width. At Blaauwbosch Pan the border was reached--the border
+between Griqualand West and the Southern Republic. A halt was called.
+The troops gathered on a circular plain fringed with high kopjes. The
+road, fenced across with wire, ran through the plain, and close by was a
+small pan or pool, which glittered like diamonds when shaken by the
+thunder showers; for the sky, always overcast and threatening, now and
+then burst into tears. Though these tears had the effect of April
+showers they were mightily drenching, and the troops, in saturated
+overcoats like tepid sponges, pursued their march somewhat
+uncomfortably. In the place above described Col. Pelletier, with two
+companies of the Canadians, was left with orders to remain till three in
+the afternoon, in readiness, if occasion demanded, to reinforce Colonel
+Pilcher. Failing a message, he was to return to camp. The flying column
+proceeded, travelling north till parallel with Enslin, where Gordons and
+Australians were encamped, and from whence the Victorian Mounted
+Infantry were skirmishing. Great caution had to be observed, as it was
+difficult, particularly with so many Colonials about in their soft felt
+hats, to discern friend from foe. Scares, as may be imagined, were many.
+One of these took place when advancing horsemen were seen skimming the
+distance. These dismounted and knelt. They meant business. The
+excitement was intense. Signallers instantly fluttered flags, and
+presently, after some moments of suspense, the troops were reassured. It
+was a squadron of the 9th Lancers, who had come from Modder River
+reconnoitring, keeping the Riet between them and the Jacobsdal position.
+But we are anticipating.
+
+[Illustration: TYPES OF ARMS--LORD DUNDONALD'S GALLOPING GUN-CARRIAGE
+WITH MAXIM.
+
+(Photo by Gregory & Co., London.)]
+
+On the first day of their march, the force enjoyed unlooked-for
+hospitality. About five miles east of the border was the house of one
+Commandant Lubbe, the commandant of Jacobsdal, a luminary of some
+magnitude in the Free State. He may be described as a "man of
+substance," to which his comfortable dwelling and flourishing
+surroundings testified. Upon this pastoral domain the troops, somewhat
+famished and fatigued, advanced. Their arrival, for the Boers, was most
+ill-timed and unexpected. At that very moment dinner for some fifteen
+persons was being spread, piping hot, on the festive board. Odours of
+succulent fare pervaded the atmosphere, odours inviting--tantalising!
+The portly Burghers were in the very act of setting to when they were
+warned of the approach of British scouts. A stampede followed. Departing
+coat-tails, and, five minutes later, mounted dots racing away to the
+shelter of distant kopjes--that was all that our troops on arrival
+beheld. But they saw something better than Boers. Their eyes lighted on
+the goodly array of edibles, and, presto! the officers were seated.
+Joyously they surrounded the well-equipped table, and demolished with
+zest and considerable humour the repast which had been prepared for
+their foes.
+
+A couple of negro domestics were the sole persons left on the homestead.
+The place was searched; ammunition was found, and dies for casting
+bullets. These were promptly destroyed. Some live stock and various
+other useful articles were seized, including three rifles left behind in
+the flight of the Burghers. Presently there came a report that the enemy
+were in hiding in the neighbourhood of some kopjes. A rush to action was
+made. The Maxim gun section went to some kopjes flanking the house, the
+Canadian guns went to a height on the east, the Queensland ones to a
+height on the west. Lieutenant Willis took his section of H Company to
+support the Queensland guns, while Lieutenant Burstall took his section,
+with intrenching tools, to a ridge midway between farm and kopje, to
+prepare a position. Clatter and clank went the horse artillery guns to a
+coign of vantage on the right, whence they could spit at the enemy if
+they should attempt to mount or surround the big kopje in that
+direction, while the Queenslanders on the west commenced explorations
+for the reported foe. Horror! Slouch-hatted horsemen were distinctly
+visible--they were coming nearer and nearer--though evidences of their
+own caution were visible. They were not going to be trapped. Our gallant
+troops were as determined not to be surprised. Thus must the Kilkenny
+cats have commenced overtures. Both parties were wide awake! Both
+parties were sidling up! It was but a matter of moments, and they would
+promptly spring at each other's throats!
+
+Excitement was at a supreme pitch, when the good glasses of an officer
+offered a revelation. The hostile hordes--the advancing horsemen--were
+now plainly discernible. They proved to be not blood-thirsty Boers--not
+an innocent crowd of ostriches that so often in the distance had been
+mistaken for cavalry, but only a company of Victorian Mounted Rifles
+from Enslin, from which place the advanced line was this time but some
+dozen miles distant. It was a pleasant surprise. The scouts came in
+contact, exchanged greetings, and the troops each went on their
+respective way. Colonel Pilcher's force bivouacked at the farmhouse, and
+the next morning, the 10th of January, saw them on their return journey
+to Belmont. It was during this journey, as they wound homewards with
+their captured prizes of oxen, that more horsemen were seen in the
+distance--those who, as before said, were discovered to be the 9th
+Lancers, on business already mentioned. The force reached camp about
+noon. On the following day the sojourn of Colonel Pilcher in those
+regions came to an end. He moved on to Modder River to command the
+Mounted Infantry force at the front. His stay was fraught with much
+benefit to the troops, as his energetic measures, smart manoeuvres,
+and surprise drills brought the spirited Colonials to a high state of
+alertness and proficiency.
+
+
+AT MODDER RIVER
+
+General Methuen, as has been noted, was forced at last to fall back on
+his base at the Modder River, since the Boers held their position in
+great strength, and it became necessary to rest the men, free them from
+tension, and save them from unnecessary sufferings due to the scarcity
+of water. In addition to this, the Engineers were enabled to carry on
+much necessary work. Railway communication was perfected, and the
+permanent bridge was repaired, to provide against accident, which in
+case of a flood might overtake the temporary one.
+
+On the Boer left flank, from the extreme end of Majesfontein
+south-eastwards to the Riet River, was comparatively open ground. Beyond
+the broad expanse of bush which stretched for over a thousand yards was
+a road leading to Jacobsdal, and farther on was flat country which
+offered no cover, and appeared singularly free from traps or trenches.
+Looking over this open ground, it seemed possible to turn the Boer flank
+and cut off the enemy's communications with Jacobsdal, and possibly
+threaten his line of retreat to the Free State.
+
+Some one has called the Modder River the Hampton Court of Kimberley, and
+perhaps it was fortunate that the troops found themselves forced to halt
+in a locality which is one of the most picturesque in South Africa. The
+surroundings were comforting after the desolation of Gras Pan--with
+never a house to hint at humanity, and only the frowning darkness of
+threatening kopjes to break the monotony of the view--and the primitive
+prettiness of Honeynest Kloof, which boasts but a farm or two and a few
+trees to give it life. From this point the country became greener, the
+eye was relieved from the autumnal drabs and purples of the rocky hills,
+and began to lean affectionately on the suggestion of moistness implied
+by the expanse of verdure.
+
+Across the river was the crowded railway station, choked with stores and
+goods waggons, and the usual medley of camp kit. On one side
+accoutrements, lances, swords, the steel of their scabbards glinting
+through the crackled coats of kharki--odds and ends of uniform--telling
+their tale of action--action--action--in all its phases. And close
+beside them were other portions of baggage seemingly the same, but--oh!
+how tragically different! Here were rifles and bayonets, broken,
+battered, and blood-stained--all that was left of the heroic dead who
+had acted their last drama at Majesfontein, and whose belongings, in an
+inert mass, seemed to confess dumbly that they were "off duty" for
+ever.
+
+[Illustration: MAJOR-GENERAL HECTOR A. MACDONALD, C.B.
+
+Photo by Heath, Plymouth.]
+
+Christmas Day was an unpleasant memory--a tropical sun overhead, a
+whirlwind of dust around. It is said that every man must eat a peck of
+dirt in his life-time, and on this day the troops certainly ate their
+quantum. Food and drink were ruined, and tempers into the bargain, for
+the day was made into one long twilight misery by a hurricane of driving
+dust.
+
+The position of the Boers soon after this period grew somewhat
+uncomfortable. Night attacks were threatened; indeed, Lord Methuen had
+the Naval guns laid on to the Boer positions by day, with the order that
+they were to be fired by night. And the order was obeyed with zest. The
+Boers were on tenter-hooks. The shells burst, throwing gorgeous haloes
+into the Majesfontein night. Of course, the compliment was returned.
+Tier after tier of the Boer positions spitted and spouted and vomited
+flame, and the night breezes, carrying the fracas on their wings,
+brought it close, so close indeed, that an attack sounded as though
+imminent. Still our outposts were silent. Discipline kept them "mum."
+Still the Boers continued, and the rattle of their rifles directed at
+nothing in particular, and everybody in general, wakened the echoes of
+the hills.
+
+There was nothing further to be done. Reinforcements had to be awaited
+with annoying, almost humiliating patience. The Boers were stretched
+from Jacobsdal on the east to a point miles away on the west of the
+railway; they were intrenched horse-shoe fashion, with Majesfontein for
+their most imposing stronghold. There was no means of outflanking them,
+for in order to wheel to the west the force would need to march through
+an arid and waterless desert. Had the march been ventured upon, the
+position might not have bettered, as Lord Methuen, even supposing he had
+succeeded in reaching Kimberley, would still have had before him the
+bulk of the Boer commandoes, who would have been at liberty to cut off
+his supplies. The "relief" of Kimberley without supplies would have been
+the reverse of relief.
+
+All the British could do was to struggle to hold their ground, and make
+their proximity as uncomfortable as possible for the enemy. Routine went
+on like clockwork, save that the Modder River clock had no works. It was
+a child of Necessity! A broken steel rail suspended from a crossbeam was
+struck by the sentry with the blunt head of an axe. The stupendous clang
+proclaimed the hours all over the camp. The troops were not allowed too
+much leisure, and ennui was not permitted to reach them; they dug
+trenches, constructed breastworks, and generally improved the lines of
+defence; indeed they worked with a will at anything that came to hand.
+Some one, seeing them alight at a railway station, remarked: "They've
+left all their frills behind them." This was truly the case. Mr. Atkins
+was now above the desire for display. He was workmanly in the extreme,
+and made himself a jack of all trades, alternately groom, labourer,
+cook, porter, mule-driver, laundryman, and hero! To-day he was scouring,
+rubbing, kharki-painting, and hoisting; to-morrow he was good-humouredly
+playing the role of his own washerwoman by the river-side. One moment he
+was pulling or coaxing or cudgelling obdurate mules, and apostrophising
+them in language peculiarly his own; the next he was rushing gallantly
+to the forefront to spend his heart's blood in the service of his Queen!
+
+To General Wood must be given the credit of the first entry into the
+enemy's country. On the 6th of January, with a force of all arms, he
+occupied Zoutpansdrift, the place--situated north of the Orange River,
+in Free State territory--where gallant Captain Bradshaw met his fate.
+Communications between the banks of the river were maintained by means
+of a pontoon bridge. This was an excellent piece of work, for by holding
+the drift it was possible to control the progress of the Free Staters,
+and avert sudden raids against the railway between Orange Station and De
+Aar. A great deal of active though scarcely "showy" work was carried on
+at this time, often under the most unfavourable conditions. For
+instance, on the 14th of January, one of the most obnoxious and ever to
+be remembered dust-storms burst over the place. It made life temporarily
+into a bilious sea, a blinding, suffocating bath of yellow sand. Food
+was ruined, to say nothing of temper. Clothes were covered, eyes and
+throats were clogged, and the pores of the skin were caked with showers
+of ochreous pepper, which made every one in camp miserable for a period
+of quite seven hours!
+
+Cavalry reconnaissances at this period were frequent. The troops, always
+in peril of their lives, explored some twenty-five miles into the Orange
+Free State, and found the country clear of the enemy with the exception
+of patrols. The Victorian Mounted Rifles under Captain M'Leish did some
+admirable scouting, and visited several farms, which they found had been
+vacated in hot haste at their approach. The country was thoroughly
+searched, the 9th and 12th Lancers under General Babington doing
+valuable work. It was this party that came in touch with Colonel Pilcher
+and the Queenslanders near Lubbe's Farm.
+
+Our warriors became well versed in peculiarities of Boer homesteads. All
+the Dutch farms had a brotherly likeness, and were usually found at a
+sufficient distance from each other to carry out the Boer ideal that one
+man should not breathe or see the smoke from his neighbour's chimney.
+They commonly nestled under cover of some small kopje, and seemed as
+though so planted for purposes of self-protection. Self-protection is
+the first law of nature, and the Boer character has a great reverence
+for first laws. In every farm was found a harmonium--on the Natal side
+there were pianos--and many Bibles. Some of these were valuable, and
+were old enough to arouse the covetous interest of the bibliophile. Most
+probably they were heirlooms, and had belonged to the early trekkers,
+who could thumb them out, text by text, when their capacity for other
+reading was nil. These one-storeyed abodes were composed of sun-baked
+bricks plastered over, and the flat roofs were lined within by ceilings
+of deal. Simplicity, ignorance, bad taste, and uncleanliness reigned
+everywhere. Indeed, it was a matter for wonder how close to
+civilisation, yet how remote from it, the Dutchmen had contrived to
+dwell. The cattle kraals and homestead were surrounded with
+rudely-constructed walls of stone that in their ruggedness were not
+unpicturesque.
+
+[Illustration: TYPES OF ARMS--MAXIM AUTOMATIC MACHINE-GUN (THE
+"POM-POM").
+
+(By permission of Messrs. Vickers Sons & Maxim, Limited.)]
+
+To return to camp. The Boers, determining not to be accused of lack of
+invention, adopted a new and ingenious dodge. In the distance from the
+British outposts a Highlander was observed in the act of driving cattle.
+As the proceeding was contrary to orders, the manoeuvres of the man
+were carefully observed, and he was discovered to be a Boer masquerading
+in Highland uniform. He was at once fired upon and he fell, but
+succeeded in rising and making off before he could be captured.
+
+On the 16th of January Lord Methuen made a demonstration against the
+left of the Boer entrenchments at Majesfontein, for the purpose of
+drawing off some of the force investing Colonel Kekewich's garrison. On
+the following day, the 17th, a similar demonstration was made, but the
+enemy was nothing if not "canny," and refused to be drawn. Then new
+tactics were tried. On the 23rd there was quite a theatrical
+bombardment. Night fell. The moon rose, empurpling the frowning kopjes
+and filling the whole foreground with magnesian radiance. Then the balmy
+breath of evening was ruffled with the uproar of British shells,
+whizzing like rockets and bursting in the Boers' lair. For full
+half-an-hour a brisk cannonade was maintained, neither party being in
+view of each other, both being wrapped in the mysterious gloom of the
+midnight shadows; but the echoes took up the weird tale of warring souls
+and repeated it into the ear of the winds. Ordinarily, shelling morning
+and evening was a matter of daily ritual. So many shells into the Boer
+trenches, so much breakfast. An hour of brisk bombardment, four hours of
+night's repose. Such might have been the printed programme.
+
+On the 24th of January a tremendous reception was given to General
+Hector Macdonald, who arrived in the best of health and spirits, and at
+once took command of the Highland Brigade. With each of the officers he
+conversed, and apprised them of a special message entrusted to him by
+Lord Roberts, an attention which afforded immense satisfaction to all
+concerned.
+
+The appointment of "Fighting Mac"--as he is popularly called--to the
+command of the Highland Brigade was full of romantic interest. As a
+sergeant in the Gordon Highlanders he was one of those who took part in
+the disastrous fight at Majuba. He was unluckily taken prisoner, but so
+great was his valour and dash that he even excited the admiration and
+appreciation of the enemy. This was testified to this remarkable man in
+a remarkable way. General Joubert, to show his esteem for his fine
+qualities as a soldier, decided on restoring to him the sword which he
+had necessarily surrendered. As the sword was not immediately
+forthcoming, the Boer commander offered a reward for it, so that it
+should be returned to the gallant fellow who had so nobly striven to
+defend it. The picture of Colonel Macdonald and his Khedivial Brigade at
+Omdurman was made ever present to us all through the vivid word-painting
+of Mr. Steevens in his book "With Kitchener to Khartoum"; and now it is
+easy to realise that the kilted warrior was at the moment the right man
+in the right place. The men wanted him. Some were sick and sore and
+fretted to get a chance to distinguish themselves in the field.
+Tradition demanded it, and tradition was dear to them; strangely and
+absurdly dear, some thought. Here were men exposed to the fierce sun in
+what the layman calls "petticoats," suffering agonies in the muscles of
+their scorched legs, yet enduring anything rather than part with the
+external attributes of their warrior land. Though the kilt and the
+sporran had to be extinguished under a hideous apron of kharki, and
+though the heat and weight of wool pleats surmounted by cotton was
+overwhelming, they preferred these sufferings to any change in their
+gear. Suggestions were offered on every side, but it was certain that
+nothing would overcome the conservative devotion of the Highlander for
+the warlike insignia of his race. Yet their plight was sometimes
+pitiable, particularly on occasions when, as a Scot described it, he had
+to take a barbed wire entanglement at "the double" and emerged "a
+bleeding mass, with his kilt hard a starboard, his kharki flap half left
+turn, and his sporran dangling on the wire." Anyhow the men of the kilt
+meant to hold on to all their traditions, and to take the taste of
+Majesfontein out of their mouths. And they were truly glad of "Fighting
+Mac" to help them.
+
+Camp routine was occasionally varied and upset by locust swarms. These
+descended persistently for a space of about three hours, making the
+atmosphere dense, as though thick with snowflakes. It was a snowstorm in
+mourning. Down came the creatures in myriads, gobbling every blade of
+grass, every crumb, every edible fragment, and then, swiftly as they had
+come, disappearing on the wings of the wind. They were useful at times,
+however, for on one occasion, just as a party of troopers had almost
+fallen into a trap laid by the enemy, the air became suddenly dark, and
+presently a veil of locusts descended, entirely cutting off the British
+from the Boers, and enabling the former to scuttle campwards in the
+sudden obscurity. Not so convenient or comforting was the dust-storm,
+with which the troops were becoming well acquainted. The dust-storm or
+dust-spout is analogous to a waterspout. Columns of dust rise vertically
+to a height of about 150 feet in the air and promptly descend with
+alarming velocity, sweeping over the earth at the rate of five or six
+miles an hour, and making life for the time being into a state of chaos.
+But everything may be turned to account, and the British, being tired of
+Boer tricks, utilised even the sand-storm with pleasing results. One of
+the great difficulties of our gunners in shelling the enemy consisted in
+the fact that the Boers, at the first sign of fire, rushed to bomb-proof
+trenches. They employed lookout men to give a signal of warning. On the
+29th of January, however, when the Naval gunners saw a storm brewing,
+they bided their time. No sooner had the whirl descended than they set
+to work and plumped lyddite with great success into the enemy's lines.
+
+Coming events now began to cast their shadows before. Activities around
+the railroad showed that the influence of Lord Kitchener was already at
+work. The Royal Engineers commenced to build a strong and permanent
+bridge across the Modder at its confluence with the Riet. This bridge
+was constructed about fifteen feet above water, to insure it against the
+flooding of the river during the rainy season in the Free State, and
+enable the heaviest traffic to be carried to the scene of action. This
+promised shortly to be situated in the direction of Jacobsdal. Here the
+Boers kept a species of headquarters; and here, in the open plain
+dividing them from Kopjesdam, they set fire to the veldt for two miles.
+The conflagration began in the afternoon of Wednesday, the 31st of
+January, and continued throughout the night, illuminating earth and sky
+with weird reflections. The smoke of these fires served to act as a
+screen for Boer movements, for at this time the hostile armies were
+reinforced by troops from Barkly and Koodoesberg districts. The burning
+of the grass might also have been arranged with the object of procuring
+a black background against which the approach of winding, snake-like
+columns of kharki could be more distinctly visible.
+
+There was some excitement in camp as to the reported capture of Mr.
+Jourdaan, the private secretary of Mr. Rhodes, who had endeavoured to
+pass from the beleaguered town with messages from the "Colossus"
+relating to the critical affairs of the moment.
+
+On the 31st of January the British occupied Prieska unopposed. The Boers
+had been in possession of the place in all about five days, and had
+left, taking with them two prisoners, one of whom they subsequently
+released. Commandants Olivier and Snyman were busy recruiting, and
+finding themselves at a loss for combatants, were now forcing Dutchmen
+all and sundry to serve with the Transvaal colours. "There is no such
+thing as a loyal Dutchman," declared Olivier, and promptly commandeered
+young and old on pain of fine or imprisonment.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+CHRISTMAS AT LADYSMITH
+
+
+Prices at Ladysmith had now gone up, but still those whose purses were
+plethoric could treat themselves to a few luxuries. Jam, for instance,
+was 3s. 6d. per lb., a possible price but a tantalising; while eggs were
+sold at about half a guinea a dozen. Whisky fetched from L5 to L7 a
+bottle, so there was little fear of dipsomania; and small packets of
+cigarettes were worth 3s. 6d. a piece. On the 23rd of December there was
+a grand auction. The Mayor at one time had instituted periodical
+auctions for the sale of the town produce, but finding competition too
+brisk, and fearing prices would never return to their normal level, the
+plan had been dropped. However, in face of Christmas there was a great
+sale, and the soldiers eagerly competed for bargains in the way of
+chickens and ducks and etceteras of the meal. In default of Covent
+Garden or Leadenhall, a long table at an angle of the main street was
+set out with inviting fare tantalizing to all but the most stoical. One
+Gordon was seen dragging off another in act of making an extravagant
+bid--"Come awa, mon! we dinna want nae sour grapes." Poultry was
+fetching from 8s. to 10s. a bird; while vegetables, in proportion, were
+more costly still. Vegetable marrows were sold for 2s. 9d. each; and
+carrots, homely and almost despised carrots, fetched over 3s. a bunch!
+As a great luxury a turkey, a goose, a sucking-pig now and then appeared
+on the Ladysmith board; but the ordinary domestic meal was composed of
+trek beef and "goat" mutton. But even these were becoming beautifully
+less.
+
+Christmas passed off well. Hope revived. News of Lord Methuen's earlier
+victories refreshed the ears of the community, and a series of sports of
+various kinds helped to impart to the day a suitable air of festivity.
+Quantities of popular people set to work to make the day merry. Colonel
+Dartnell, Major Karri Davies, Colonel Rhodes--the delight of all from
+the Tommies to the babes--arranged a Christmas Tree. It was decorated
+with gifts and mottoes, "Imperial to the core," and attended by children
+of all sizes and degrees, even to a siege baby aged three days! But
+behind the scene enteric fever and dysentery flourished, and languishing
+in Intombi camp, two miles out, were pathetic remnants of the hale and
+hearty regiments who had marched to the front in October. The other
+gallant warriors were now nothing more than a mob of badly-dressed
+scarecrows, lean and wizened, but, as one of them said, "good enough
+food for powder." The horses, too, had grown thin and spiritless, their
+anatomy was grievously obvious, and in their eyes--those erstwhile fiery
+eyes--there seemed to dwell the melancholy foreboding of a strange
+hereafter--the hereafter when sausages should be served out to the
+hungry, and the poor equine devotees would have spent the last of
+themselves to keep the British flag flying.
+
+The message of the Queen warmed the hearts of the weary garrison. It was
+pleasant to know that the Sovereign, in thought, lived in the shadows as
+in the sunlight of Empire. Still, none but those experiencing it could
+plumb the depths of monotony and wretchedness. It was enough to kill the
+martial spirit of the most valorous, though none would own that
+bellicosity was exuding little by little from their wasted finger-ends.
+Far from it.
+
+Sir George White maintained a series of night attacks or threats of
+night attacks, which served to keep the Boers uncomfortably on the _qui
+vive_, and these, as a necessary return, indulged in exasperating
+bombardment during the day. On the 26th as many as 176 shells were flung
+into the town before nine in the morning, independently of the action
+carried on by the Maxim automatic guns. It was plain the Boers
+considered that the inactivity of Christmas Day must be atoned for, and
+therefore the guns were plied with additional ardour. On the 27th,
+unfortunately, their murderous efforts were more than rewarded. A shell
+was fired from the Creusot gun on Bulwana, which dropped into the
+Devons' mess at Junction Hill. There, were congregated many of the
+officers, and of these Lieutenant Dalziel and Lieutenant Price-Dent were
+killed. Many others were wounded. Lieutenant Twist was injured in five
+places, and Lieutenants Scafe, Kane, Field, Byrne (Inniskilling
+Fusiliers), Tringham (Royal West Surrey), and Captain Lafone--who had
+been previously wounded at Elandslaagte--were all more or less
+mutilated.
+
+[Illustration: HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY--CAPTAIN, 2nd, LIFE GUARDS.
+
+Photo by Gregory & Co., London.]
+
+On the 28th the Naval Battery took on itself to avenge the loss of the
+noble fellows who had fallen victims to the Bulwana gun, and directed at
+it, or rather at its gunners, six well-intentioned shots from the 4.7
+inch and 12-pounder, with the result that the voice of the aggressor was
+temporarily silenced. There was some satisfaction in the feeling that
+the gunners who had created such awful havoc and regret had met their
+deserts. Both Lieutenant Dalziel and Lieutenant Price-Dent were
+particularly promising young officers, having both seen service with Sir
+William Lockhart on the Indian frontier, the latter having also served
+in the Chitral Relief Force. A sentiment of gloom mingled with fury
+disturbed the fortitude of the gallant party, and the only satisfaction
+they enjoyed was calculation and speculation as to what form Sir Redvers
+Buller's next move would take. "When will Buller come, and how?" such
+were the questions which were repeated scores of times during the day.
+
+The cessation of the fire from Bulwana was certainly cheering, and from
+various sources it was discovered that the Boers were becoming nervous
+in fear of night attacks and the destruction of more of their big guns.
+Their state of mind was not evidenced entirely by their conduct, for two
+plugged shells fired into the camp were found to contain a hunk of
+plum-pudding and the compliments of the season.
+
+Sickness, as we know, was rife, but fortunately there were many doctors
+of repute in the town, members of the Army Medical Department, and also
+independent practitioners. There was Dr. Jameson, whose ability was for
+years testified at Kimberley, and also Dr. Davies of Johannesburg; these
+assisted materially in giving advice, but unfortunately medicines were
+now growing scarce, and milk, though some invalids could digest nothing
+else, was not to be had. It is too pathetic to deal with the losses that
+must have occurred through the lack of suitable nourishment for those
+whose cases, not in themselves serious, only required care and
+sustenance.
+
+The bombardment on the first day of the New Year had tragic results. A
+shell crashed into the house of Major Vallentine and killed a soldier
+servant named Clydesdale. Later, another shell burst near the railway
+station, where a cricket match between the railway officials and bridge
+guards was taking place, and killed Captain Vallentine Todd. The unlucky
+player was in the act of bowling, and dropped with the ball still in his
+hand.
+
+
+THE ATTACK ON WAGON HILL
+
+Our midnight surprises had not been without their lesson, and now the
+Boers conceived the brilliant, the desperate idea of emulating British
+example, and bringing Ladysmith to her knees by assault in the small
+hours. Some three days before the event, a Kaffir deserter had warned
+the besieged that an attack was contemplated; that it had been decided
+among the Boers that a large force must be moved up from the
+neighbourhood of Colenso, and that a final assault at arms must be
+attempted. The warning was pooh-poohed. Kaffir tales were almost as
+prevalent as flies! It was proverbial that night attacks to the Dutchman
+were taboo--they were dangerous, they tried the nerves, and cold steel
+glittered horribly in the moonlight. So Ladysmith slept. But as a matter
+of fact the Kaffir was right. These arrangements had taken place, and
+two storming parties from the Heidelberg and Harrismith commandoes were
+promised immediate return to their homes if they should succeed in the
+hazardous enterprise. Accordingly, on the evening of the 5th of January
+they arranged a plan which on Saturday the 6th they almost carried out.
+The main object of their attack, they decided, should be on the western
+side of the perimeter, where a crescent-shaped, flat-topped eminence
+divided them from the town. At the south point of this crescent was
+placed Caesar's Camp, bounded on the east by the Klip River, and at the
+west point, a distance of some four miles, was a post known as Wagon
+Hill. Close to this was a twin plateau called Wagon Hill West. Caesar's
+Camp was guarded by the Manchester Regiment, the 42nd Field Battery, and
+a Naval 12-1/2-pounder gun. Only half a battalion of 60th Rifles were on
+Wagon Hill, while two squadrons of Imperial Light Horse were on Wagon
+Hill West. Against these positions the enemy decided to make their
+concentrated attack. The darksome steeps were almost perpendicular, and
+afforded excellent cover for approach. In some respects they resembled
+Majuba, where a man climbing up was almost invisible till he came face
+to face with his quarry. Some three hundred warrior-farmers of the
+Harrismith commando arranged secretly to gather in Fournier's Spruit, a
+dry nullah which intersected the base of the position, and there wait
+till the gloom of the small hours should give them the chance they were
+expecting. Their plan was to divide in two columns. The one, under the
+Harrismith Commandant, De Villiers, was to attack the steeps of Wagon
+Hill West, while the other, in concert, was to crawl to the nek or slope
+which united that hill with Wagon Hill proper, and thus cut off the
+former hill from the rest of the camps. In this way, should the plan
+succeed, they hoped to make the southern peak of the hill, Caesar's Camp,
+untenable. Accordingly, divesting themselves of shoes, they started off,
+and under cover of darkness, like stealthily slinking panthers,
+approached, from different points, the British lines. It so happened
+that a Hotchkiss gun and some Naval guns were being placed in position
+on the top of Wagon Hill West. Possibly these guns may have tempted the
+enemy. They would be useful, they thought, to capture and turn on camp
+or town. All day and all night the Royal Engineers and Bluejackets had
+been labouring to get the weapons into position, and at this hour the
+party were taking a "breather" after their long and arduous efforts.
+With them, to cover their operations, were the King's Royal Rifles and
+the Gordon Highlanders, who occupied a post on the front and flank. The
+fatigue party were resting, as before stated. Suddenly, in the stillness
+of the night, a curious and unusual sound was heard. The velvety sound
+of a muffled footfall. A crumbling as of broken earth. Ears pricked up.
+The sentry at once cried out, "Who goes there?" "Friend," was answered,
+and the next moment the sentry dropped dead!
+
+Curiously enough, while the beforesaid plan of attack was in course of
+being enacted, Lieutenant Mathias was visiting his posts. In the
+obscurity he all at once found himself confronted by Boers on every
+side. With amazing presence of mind he faced about, and seeing that the
+Dutchmen mistook him for one of themselves, acted as if he also were
+assaulting the hill. When near enough, however, he made a rush--a
+desperate rush--to warn the pickets of their danger. But he was too
+late. Two men were shot dead, whilst Lieutenant Mathias and a third
+trooper were wounded. There was no help at hand, and before assistance
+could be summoned, the enemy were already sweeping the hill. But the
+sound of the first shots had given the alarm.
+
+Instantly all was flurry and confusion. Men that a moment before had
+been sleepily yawning after their heavy labours were racing hither and
+thither, groping in the darkness in search of arms. Others however, who
+were armed, forebore to fire, the felt hats of the foe being mistaken
+for those of the Imperial Light Horsemen. With a desperate effort
+Lieutenant Digby Jones gathered together his sappers. Hurried shots were
+fired, hurried orders given, but nothing could efface the effects of the
+sudden surprise. The Boers had gained the hill and driven the defenders
+over the crest! This all in a darkness that might have been felt. Such
+lanterns as there were had been overturned and extinguished in the
+hustle of the stampeding Kaffirs, who had been assisting at the
+arrangement of the gun, and who, at the first approach of the enemy, had
+fled. Forks and flashes of flame shining from the nek between the twin
+hills showed that the second column of the Dutch commando also was
+attaining its object. The gun, which fortunately had not yet been
+erected on the top of the hill, was instantly got to work under the
+direction of Lieutenant Parker; rifles were seized, and an effort was
+made in the obscurity to sweep the hill in the direction where the enemy
+was supposed to be. But the Boers were completely enveloped in the
+darkness of the night, and it was impossible to locate them; and the
+Hotchkiss gun was drawn back within the sandguard which had hurriedly
+been thrown up, only just in time. The Boers were now almost upon it.
+All the available men about Wagon Hill had instantly rushed to the
+rescue, and the Imperial Light Horse, some King's Royal Rifles, and a
+few Gordon Highlanders were soon in the thick of the fray. The
+Highlanders, taking their place round the crest, fired, as hard as
+rifles would let them, down the slope. Some fierce fighting followed.
+Before the Boers could get farther up, the Imperial Light Horse with
+their wonted gallantry engaged them, and sent the invaders
+helter-skelter down hill into the mysterious mists of the dawn. But
+this was but for a moment--it was merely the commencement of affairs.
+
+The whole garrison got under arms, not only the military, but every
+available man taking up some weapon to assist in withstanding the
+onslaught. It was felt to be a desperate situation, desperate for both
+sides, for the enemy knew that something must be done, and that quickly,
+to prevent the pending arrival of relief by Sir Redvers Buller, while
+the garrison, in face of reduced rations, disease, dysentery, and
+decreasing ammunition, was aware that it was a case of now or never. The
+alarm once given, Colonel Hamilton from the west had sent for
+reinforcements with amazing rapidity, and up came two and a half
+companies of Gordon Highlanders from the base of Caesar's Camp, while one
+company under Captain the Hon. R. T. Carnegie started to support the
+Manchester pickets on Caesar's Camp, and a company and a half went to
+Wagon Hill. It was while the Gordons were marching up and crossing the
+bridge of the Klip River that they met with their first mishap. Colonel
+Dick Cunyngham, only just recovered from his wound at Elandslaagte, was
+struck by a chance bullet and fell mortally wounded. Major Scott then
+took the command. Presently came the Rifle Brigade and half a battalion
+of the first 60th to the rescue, while the 21st Field Battery hurried to
+cover the western approaches to Wagon Hill, and the 53rd Battery took up
+a position to guard the most southern point of Caesar's Camp. But all
+this movement was not accomplished till much carnage had been wrought.
+As already mentioned, the Boers had nearly achieved their object and cut
+off Wagon Hill West from Wagon Hill proper. By dawn they were straggling
+on the plateau connecting the two hills, merely checked in their further
+advance on Wagon Hill by the remnant of the Light Horse. Firing at this
+time was so terrific and at such close range that it was impossible to
+move from cover and live. Bullets literally buzzed like bees in the
+serene morning air. On one side were the Boers making for the second
+hill, on the other were the British struggling to ward them off.
+Meanwhile, trickling along through the Fournier's Spruit were arriving
+more desperate farmers, more picked men of skilled marksmanship and
+deadly purpose. At this time reinforcements also arrived for the brave
+little band who were so gallantly resisting the Dutchmen. But even the
+additional numbers were insufficient, it was impossible to cope with the
+marvellous marksmanship of the advancing horde. They came ever nearer
+and nearer, firing thick and fast--and with explosive bullets. The
+Colonel, two Majors, and four other officers of the Light Horse
+dropped--the enemy seized the position--and from thence it was
+impossible to dislodge them! To do this it would have been necessary to
+rush through some sixty yards of what seemed hell-fire--a perfect
+avalanche of death. Major Mackworth made the dashing effort, but in
+the very act he was stricken down, and most of the gallant fellows of
+the 60th Rifles who accompanied him. Another officer, Lieutenant Tod,
+pluckily attempted the same hazardous exploit. Twelve noble fellows
+followed him. Six were hit, and the valiant young leader dropped dead
+before he had moved three yards from cover. Colonel Codrington (11th
+Hussars), who was commanding a squadron of the Imperial Light Horse,
+made a rush forward to ascertain if it were possible to get cover for
+his men, but before he had gone thirty yards, he too shared the fate of
+the other officers. These experiences were sufficient. It was decided
+that the best plan would be to wait under cover till dusk, when the
+bayonet might be made to supersede the rifle.
+
+[Illustration: H.M.S. "POWERFUL."
+
+Photo by Symonds, Portsmouth.]
+
+While all this was taking place on Wagon Hill, a terrific drama was
+being enacted at Caesar's Camp; and exciting assaults, defeats, and
+re-assaults were following each other on Wagon Hill West. Soon after
+dawn, the 52nd Field Battery, under Major Abdy, commenced to shell the
+slopes below Caesar's Camp, and keep the enemy from ascending in that
+direction. The operation was one fraught with extreme difficulty, as the
+shells were forced to travel over the heads of our own men in order to
+effect a lodgment at the desired spot. But the work of the gunners was
+admirable, and the shells burst with a precision that wrought awful
+destruction on the enemy. The whole of the eastern slopes of the hill
+were covered with dead Dutchmen lying amidst fragments of steel and iron
+in the blood-clotted grass. The scene around Ladysmith at this time was
+appalling. Away in the direction of Wagon Hill, fiercely every inch of
+ground was being contested, and here the Naval guns and artillery were
+bellowing and roaring and sending their deadly messages all along the
+ridge of Caesar's Camp, driving off the enemy, who came back again and
+again. There was a hard tussle, particularly for the Gordons and the
+Rifle Brigade. Their lives hung by a thread. The Boers were inflamed
+with either hope or desperation, and, contrary to custom, advanced to
+death and destruction with dogged and, one may say, admirable pluck. Day
+broke and grew to its zenith, and still the fighting raged; still the
+guns roared and snorted; still the dust and dirt flew to the skies,
+coming down again to stop the mouths of gasping, dying men, and blind
+the eyes of those who, blood-stained and sweltering, were yet selling
+their lives at the dearest price that could be asked.
+
+Just as the fire was slackening, possibly from sheer fatigue on both
+sides, the heavily charged thunder-clouds burst over the position, and a
+terrific downpour of hail and rain scourged the contesting forces and
+flooded the trenches. The Boers at this time had been driven to a corner
+like wolves at bay, and could not emerge without running the gantlet of
+a tremendous fire from the Ladysmith guns. Wet to the skin, the ground
+one vast meadow of slush, the combatants still held on with grim
+tenacity, each side watching lynx-eyed, each being now almost mad with
+an insatiable and ferocious desire for victory.
+
+The storm continued and grew. Instead, as imagined, of relinquishing the
+fight, the Boers took courage from the tempest. The tornado from heaven
+only served to increase the tornado below! It seemed to suit the stormy
+state of human passions, to stimulate rather than subdue. Under cover of
+the thunder and the swirl of the elements the Federals made one
+desperate onward rush, but the furious fire which met them from
+Volunteers and British Infantry hurled them back and sent them spinning
+in heaps or rushing with howls down the hill. The 53rd Battery swept the
+bush country with a storm of shrapnel, and away to cover they went, and
+with them their reinforcements, who had been hiding in the neighbouring
+nullahs, waiting for the great, the final hour of triumph.
+
+So much for Caesar's Camp. On Wagon Hill before noon the Devons, with
+their gallant commander, had come to the forefront, Colonel Park again
+leading them to renewed success. As we know, the Boers were already on
+the hill, and the Gordons, who had lost their officers, were falling
+back when Major Milner Wallnutt rallied them. The enemy were soon
+removed from the emplacement which they held; but they rushed towards
+the west, and were there as dangerously fixed as ever. About two o'clock
+the most horrible moment of the fight arrived. The hill that had been
+the subject of such eager contest was again attacked, this time by a
+small but desperate body of Dutchmen. De Villiers, their Commandant,
+made a wild forward rush to secure the position. In an instant Major
+Wallnutt and a sapper were shot dead, but the rest of the sappers
+magnificently fronted the invaders with fixed bayonets. Presently the
+brilliant youth, the hero of the Surprise Hill affair, Lieutenant Digby
+Jones, R.E., led them forward, shot De Villiers, and dropped! A bullet
+had sent him home to his last account. The hoary-headed Burghers were
+stayed in their onward march by the splendid action of the noble boy,
+who so many times had risked his young life in the service of his
+country. At this juncture up came a dismounted squadron of the 18th
+Hussars, and the situation was saved. The plateau was reoccupied.
+
+[Illustration: PLAN OF LADYSMITH AND CHRONICLE OF EVENTS. (From Drawing
+by W. T. Maud.)]
+
+But even then all was not over. The great, the supreme effort to
+recapture Wagon Hill came at four o'clock in the afternoon. The
+lightning flashed, the thunder rolled, the hail clattered and splashed,
+the guns blazed, vomited, and growled, and the silky whistle of bullets
+made a flute-like treble to the awful orchestra of sound. In the midst
+of the uproar the Boers again obstinately advanced up the heights,
+firing deliberately as they came. On their heads poured the wrath of the
+British guns, and among their numbers rained the ceaseless bullets of
+the Infantry; but they steadily moved up, doggedly determined once more
+to reach the crest of the hill. They came nearer and ever nearer till,
+on a sudden, they flung themselves upon the Devons, who, cheering
+wildly, rushed into their midst and dispersed them. One short
+moment--one wild, valiant rush, and then--then the trusty British
+bayonets dripped with gore, and the Boers--all that were left of them, a
+racing, disorganised rabble--surged madly down the hill!
+
+The worst was over; the British conquerors rushed after the retreating
+foe. The Devons, led by their intrepid commander, charged down the
+slope, and this time, with a wild exultant yell--which echoed like a
+tocsin among the caves and the boulders and the honeycombed banks of the
+river--effectually drove the fleeing herd from the scene of carnage.
+
+The lost ground was recovered, but the lost lives.... Yes; they, too,
+live in the glorious annals of British history.
+
+Captain Lafone, Lieutenants Field and Walker were among the slain; and
+Lieutenant Masterton was wounded. The splendid charge cost the Devons
+all the company officers--fifteen killed and forty wounded!
+
+[Illustration: THE GREAT ASSAULT ON LADYSMITH--THE DEVONS CLEARING WAGON
+HILL.
+
+Drawing by W. T. Maud.]
+
+It was a dreadful seventeen hours' work. Not a soul but had his duty,
+and more than his duty, cut out for him. The jolly Jack Tars stood to
+their guns from morn till night, blazing away with marvellous accuracy
+and precision, while the gallant Natal Police, Natal Carabineers, and
+Mounted Rifles were wedged between the Boers from Mount Bulwana and the
+rest of their attacking party, and signally defeated all their efforts
+to effect a junction. The Manchester Regiment, the Border Regiment, a
+detachment of Mounted Rifles, the Gordon Highlanders, and the Rifle
+Brigade defended the east of Caesar's Camp like heroes, while on the
+west, as we know, the Imperial Light Horse, more Gordon Highlanders, the
+Devon Regiment, the King's Royal Rifles, and a Naval detachment did
+glorious deeds. The Naval Brigade and the Natal Naval Volunteers
+occupied a central position, while three batteries of the Field
+Artillery were perched on a hill, and one remained on the ground below.
+All these were called upon to act with might and main to avert the
+pending calamity, to meet the stubborn, mulish persistency of the Boers
+with its match in British bulldog obstinacy, and show the enemy that
+with all the odds against them the besieged would never surrender.
+Valiantly--almost miraculously--they held their own. They who for months
+had been exposed to privation of all kinds, who had fought engagement
+after engagement, who had eaten, drunk, and slept with the shadow of
+death hanging over them, knowing that at any moment the caprice of fate
+might make them victims to the incoming shells or threatened disease,
+came out with enfeebled frames, but wills of iron, determined to conquer
+or to die.
+
+Elsewhere there had also been bloody doings. The enemy had even tried to
+force their way into the town, and from here they were chased by the
+gallantry and daring of the Gloucester, Leicester, and Liverpool
+Regiments. The Boers were forced to retire, but even in their retirement
+they showed characteristic "slimness," as they made their way in line
+with the neutral camp at Intombi Spruit, and thus defied the British to
+fire upon them. Nor was this the only example of their ingenious mode of
+self-defence on that day. Their "slimness" was carried on on every
+available opportunity. For instance, a party of the enemy, under cover
+of darkness of the early morning, had got almost within touch of
+Lieutenant Royston, who at once called on the Border Mounted Rifles to
+fire. They were in the act of doing so when a voice rang out, "Don't
+shoot. We are the Town Guard." No sooner, however, had the order to
+"Cease fire" been heard than crack, crack, ping, ping, a volley was at
+once poured on the Colonials. Several of their number dropped, but the
+rest, exasperated beyond endurance at the hateful duplicity, charged
+into the midst of the enemy, leaving scarce one of them to tell the
+tale.
+
+These tricks and dodges set aside, the Boers fought more pluckily than
+was their wont, and they, cheered on by their dauntless Commandant, De
+Villiers, came to such close quarters that Colonel Hamilton had recourse
+to his revolver. Among the first of the gallant defenders to drop was
+the glorious, heroic figure of Colonel Dick-Cunyngham.[3] He was seen
+standing on the road-bridge in the act of leading his men, and was
+struck by some sharp-shooting Boer. By seven o'clock in the morning
+numbers of other splendid fellows had fallen, and the air of Ladysmith
+was rent with the cries and groans of the dying, who thickly strewed the
+ground. Lord Ava, orderly officer to Colonel Hamilton, fell mortally
+injured,[4] and Colonel Edwards's wound was also severe.
+
+Lieutenant Digby Jones (Royal Engineers) took a most heroic part, alas!
+with tragic results. With his own hands he shot three of the enemy, and
+clubbed a fourth, but for his gallant conduct, which doubtless would
+have been rewarded with a V.C., he paid later on in the day with his
+life. One gallant young trooper of the Imperial Light Horse had strange
+experiences. He, with only a sergeant, was among the first to meet the
+Boers. In the dusk of dawn the sergeant fell, and the trooper was
+wounded. He recovered his senses sufficiently to try and creep to cover.
+A shower of rain drenched him, then the sun blazed out mercilessly and
+scorched him. Worn out, he decided he would stagger to the Devons and
+get support, but, battered as he was, they failed to recognise him, and
+arrested him as a spy!
+
+Numerous deeds of amazing valour were performed, so many indeed that
+they deserve a separate record without the limits of the narrative. But
+the story of the heroic Bozeley cannot be omitted. During the action
+there was a sergeant in command of one of the guns sitting rather
+doubled up on the trail of his gun. A 4.7 shell took off his leg high up
+on one side, and took the arm out of the socket, and he fell across the
+trail of the gun, as they thought, an inanimate, speechless mass. But to
+the astonishment of every man amongst them, a voice came from the mass
+inciting them on to their duty, and saying: "Here, you men, roll me out
+of the way, and go on working the gun."
+
+The list of casualties was a grievously long one:--
+
+     _Killed_:--5th Lancers--Second Lieutenant W. H. T. Hill. 23rd
+     Corps Royal Engineers--Lieutenant R. J. T. Digby Jones, Second
+     Lieutenant G. B. B. Dennis. 1st Devonshire Regiment--Captain W.
+     B. Lafone, Lieutenant H. N. Field, Lieutenant C. E. M. Walker,
+     1st Somerset Light Infantry (attached). Imperial Light
+     Horse--Lieutenant William F. Adams, Lieutenant John Edward
+     Pakeman. 1st King's Royal Rifle Corps--Brevet-Major F.
+     Mackworth, 2nd Royal West Surrey Regiment (attached). 2nd
+     King's Royal Rifle Corps--Major R. S. Dowen, Lieutenant M. M.
+     Tod, 1st Cameronians (attached), Second Lieutenant F. H.
+     Raikes. 2nd Gordon Highlanders--Major C. C. Miller Wallnutt.
+     2nd Rifle Brigade--Second Lieutenant L. D. Hall.
+     _Wounded_:--Staff--Captain Earl of Ava dangerously (died
+     January 11). Intelligence Department--Local Captain H.
+     Lees-Smith, slightly. 5th Lancers--Captain E. O. Wathen,
+     slightly. Imperial Light Horse--Lieutenant-Colonel A. H. M.
+     Edwards, 5th Dragoon Guards (attached), slightly, Major W.
+     Karri Davis, slightly, Major D. E. Doveton, dangerously (died
+     February 14), Lieutenant W. R. Codrington, 11th Hussars
+     (attached), dangerously, Lieutenant J. Richardson, 11th Hussars
+     (attached), severely, Lieutenant Douglas Campbell,
+     dangerously, Lieutenant P. H. Normand, slightly. 1st Devonshire
+     Regiment--Lieutenant J. Masterson, severely. 1st Manchester
+     Regiment--Major A. E. Simpson, slightly, Captain A. W. Marden,
+     slightly, Captain T. Menzies, slightly, Second Lieutenant E. N.
+     Fisher, severely. 1st King's Royal Rifle Corps--Lieutenant R.
+     McLachlan, severely. 2nd Gordon Highlanders--Lieutenant-Colonel
+     W. Dick-Cunyngham, severely (died January 7), Captain Hon. R.
+     Carnegie, severely, Lieutenant W. Macgregor, severely. 2nd
+     Rifle Brigade--Brevet Major G. Thesiger, severely, Captain S.
+     Mills, dangerously (died February 2), Captain R. Stephens,
+     severely, Captain H. Biddulph, slightly, Second Lieutenant C.
+     E. Harrison, slightly. 5th Lancashire Fusiliers--Lieutenant F.
+     Barker, attached Army Service Corps. Natal Mounted
+     Rifles--Captain A. Wales, slightly, Lieutenant H. W.
+     Richardson, slightly. Volunteer Medical Staff, Lieutenant R. W.
+     Hornebrook, slightly. Royal Army Medical Corps--Major C. G.
+     Woods, slightly.
+
+On the following day--Sunday--in the Anglican Church, a thanksgiving
+service for victory was held, and all who were able attended the solemn
+function. At the close of the simple yet impressive service General
+White and his staff stood at the altar rails while the _Te Deum_ was
+performed, and this was afterwards followed by the singing in thrilling
+unison of the National Anthem. Round the Chief were the men who have
+fought by his side through many days of sore trouble--each hour an
+eternity in its experiences. The well-known forms of General Sir
+Archibald Hunter and General Ian Hamilton were in evidence, but some,
+alas! of that goodly company would never be seen again. In the Town Hall
+close by, and in the adjacent hotels and dwellings, honest manly souls
+were breathing their last, and others had already taken their flight to
+where the great thanksgiving service of creation goes on for ever and
+ever.
+
+Among these last was a man who was the pride of his sex and an ornament
+to his profession, Colonel Dick-Cunyngham, V.C. Wounded previously, from
+his second blow he never rallied, and on this sad Sunday passed away.
+
+In a few words the _Daily Telegraph_ summed up the surprising qualities
+of the heroic figure that had so lamentably passed from society as from
+the scene of war: "Lieutenant-Colonel Dick-Cunyngham was the beau-ideal
+of a Highland officer, and there was not a man or woman in the world who
+had a bad word to say about him. His heart was as true as steel, and his
+manner was courtesy itself. In his kilt and bonnet, a moustache that was
+so light that it was nearly white telling against the bronze of his
+face, and with a mountaineer's figure, he was a man who caught every
+artist's eye at once, and he has figured, without his knowledge, again
+and again in pictures and illustrations. At Shirpur he first gave proof
+of his great gallantry by rallying the men when for a moment they
+wavered; at Majuba he was the officer who asked permission to charge.
+Elandslaagte and Ladysmith are the last two names in his long record of
+heroism."
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[3] Lieutenant-Colonel William Henry Dick-Cunyngham, V.C., of the Gordon
+Highlanders, entered the army in 1872, and first saw service in the
+Afghan War of 1878-80, and won his Victoria Cross in that campaign. He
+was present on transport duty in the advance to Candahar and
+Khelat-Ghilzie under Sir Donald Stewart; with the Thull Chotiali Force
+under Major-General Biddulph; under Sir Frederick Roberts in the Koorum
+Valley Field Force in the 92nd Gordon Highlanders, including the
+engagement at Ali Kheyl; and he took part in the operations round Cabul
+in December 1879, including the attack on the Sherpur Pass. He was with
+the Maidan Expedition in 1880 as acting adjutant of a wing of the 92nd
+Gordon Highlanders, including the engagement at Charasiah on April 25;
+accompanied Sir Frederick Roberts in the famous march to Candahar, and
+was present at the reconnaissance of the 31st of August, and at the
+Battle of Candahar. He was awarded the V.C. "for the conspicuous
+gallantry and coolness displayed by him on the 13th of December 1879 at
+the attack on the Sherpur Pass, in Afghanistan, in having exposed himself
+to the terrible fire of the enemy, and by his example and encouragement
+rallied the men who, having been beaten back, were at the moment wavering
+at the top of the hill." He served in the Boer War of 1881 as Adjutant of
+the 92nd Gordon Highlanders, and was subsequently D.A.A.G. at Bengal. He
+went out in the autumn of 1899 to Natal in command of the 2nd Battalion
+of the Gordon Highlanders, and led them into action at the battle of
+Elandslaagte. He fell early in the charge, wounded by a bullet in the
+leg. While lying on the ground he called to his men to go on and leave
+him, and then calmly took out and lit his pipe, waiting for hours before
+being removed by the ambulance party. At the end of the year Sir George
+White reported that Colonel Dick-Cunyngham had completely recovered. He
+returned to active duty only to be again wounded--this time mortally. He
+was uncle to Sir William Dick-Cunyngham, the present baronet, and fifth
+son of the eighth baronet. Born in 1851, he married in 1883 Helen,
+daughter of Mr. Samuel Wauchope, C.B.
+
+[4] Archibald James Leofric Temple Blackwood, born in 1863, was educated
+at Eton. He was a member of Methuen's Horse in Sir Charles Warren's
+Bechuanaland Expedition. Then he served with the Carabineers, and
+afterwards obtained a lieutenancy in the 17th Lancers. He accompanied the
+Natal Force, in an unattached capacity, on the outbreak of hostilities.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+BULLER'S SECOND ADVANCE
+
+
+At last, after a long period of suspense, it was possible for General
+Buller's force to make an appreciable advance. The arrangements were set
+on foot with the utmost secrecy, and on the 9th of January the second
+forward movement of the troops from Frere and Chieveley may be said to
+have commenced. General Barton and the Fusilier Brigade were deputed to
+watch over Colenso, and with them were left some dummy cannon, cunningly
+contrived by Jack Tar so as not to forewarn the Boers, and allow them to
+congratulate themselves on the absence of lyddite from their vicinity.
+This was not the first time that guns in effigy had been arranged to do
+duty in our dealings with the Boers. During one of the sieges in the
+year 1881, a "Quaker" cannon was erected in an inviting position on
+purpose to draw the Boers' fire, with the result that they expended the
+best part of a day and a vast amount of valuable ammunition on the
+imperturbable object!
+
+[Illustration: PIETERMARITZBURG FROM THE EAST.
+
+Photo by Wilson, Aberdeen.]
+
+To appreciate the gigantic nature of the advance now made, we may refer
+to a rough table showing the composition and strength of the forces in
+Natal at this date under the command of Sir Redvers Buller.
+
+
+     SIR REDVERS BULLER'S FORCE
+
+     SECOND DIVISION.--(Lieutenant-General Sir C. F. Clery).--2nd
+     (Hildyard's) Brigade--2nd East Surrey; 2nd West Yorks; 2nd
+     Devons; 2nd West Surrey. 4th (Lyttelton's) Brigade--1st Rifle
+     Brigade (included in Sir C. Warren's Division); 1st Durham
+     Light Infantry; 3rd King's Royal Rifles; 2nd Scottish Rifles
+     (Cameronians); Squadron 14th Hussars; 7th, 14th, and 66th Field
+     Batteries, less 11 guns of 14th and 66th Batteries lost at
+     Colenso.
+
+     THIRD DIVISION.--5th (Hart's) Brigade--1st Royal Inniskilling
+     Fusiliers; 1st Connaught Rangers; 1st Royal Dublin Fusiliers;
+     1st Border. 6th (Barton's) Brigade--2nd Royal Fusiliers; 2nd
+     Royal Scots Fusiliers; 1st Royal Welsh Fusiliers; 2nd Royal
+     Irish Fusiliers; Squadron 14th Hussars; 63rd, 64th, and 73rd
+     Field Batteries.
+
+     FIFTH DIVISION.--(Lieutenant-General Sir Charles Warren).--10th
+     (Coke's) Brigade--2nd Dorset; 2nd Middlesex. 11th (Woodgate's)
+     Brigade--2nd Royal Lancaster; 2nd Lancashire Fusiliers; 1st
+     South Lancashire; 1st York and Lancaster; Squadron 6th
+     Dragoons; 19th, 20th, and 28th Field Batteries. Brigades
+     uncertain--2nd Royal Dublin Fusiliers; 2nd Somerset Light
+     Infantry. Corps Troops--61st Field Battery (Howitzers); Natal
+     Battery 9-pounders; Six Naval 12-pounder quick-firers; 4th
+     Mountain Battery; 4.7 Naval guns. Cavalry Brigade--1st Royal
+     Dragoons; 13th Hussars. South African Colonial Troops--500
+     Bethune's Mounted Infantry; Thorneycroft's Mounted Infantry;
+     Natal Carabineers; South African Light Horse (seven squadrons);
+     Imperial Light Horse (squadron); Imperial Light Infantry; Natal
+     Police.
+
+This table suggests a very imposing army, but it is necessary to
+remember that only a part of any force assembled at the base is
+available for actual attack. The lines of communication to Chieveley
+alone were some 160 miles in length, and the necessary work of guarding
+them, securing easy transport and supply, Royal Engineer work, and other
+business connected with the munition of war, independent of sickness,
+absorbed a large proportion of the troops. Military experts estimated
+that the absolute fighting men were far fewer than supposed. The table
+here shown represents some 30,000 men, but of these about 5000 were
+engaged in miscellaneous work. Out of twenty-three battalions of
+infantry it was necessary to use three or even more for the guarding of
+the lines of communication. Of three regiments of cavalry, only a part
+was available, while of the other arms, allowance had to be made for the
+loss that had been sustained, and also for sickness. In this march, now
+that the army had at last moved from the railway, the baggage column was
+enormous. It made a procession of some miles in length as it lumbered
+along primitive roads, through mud sometimes ankle-deep. It had been
+decided to bring up all tents, sheep, coops, &c., and consequently the
+various fatigue duties involved in the move were enormous.
+
+When one considers the ordinary transport of a mere regiment, it is
+possible to form some idea of the amazing cortege that had to follow the
+movements of the commander. The transport of a regiment in South Africa,
+roughly speaking, was composed of six ox-waggons, each drawn by sixteen
+oxen in pairs tandem fashion (managed by Kaffir boys, one driving the
+wheelers, another spurring the whole caravan by means of an enormous
+whip and a profuse vocabulary); four ammunition carts, each drawn by six
+mules; a water-cart, with pair of mules; a "Scotch" cart, and a strong
+luggage-cart, drawn by four mules, for conveyance of tents, blankets,
+and food, &c. A little mental multiplication will help us to picture the
+long serpentine coil that was twisting its way from Colenso to the new
+westerly point of attack.
+
+The procession was forced to move slowly and cautiously through a
+rugged, mountainous district, from which no supplies of any sort could
+be drawn. The ox-waggon of the country had to be relied upon entirely
+for heavy transport. This mode of conveyance is somewhat characteristic
+of the progress of the tortoise; two miles an hour was the average rate
+of advance, and at most the shambling cattle succeeded in covering about
+twelve to fifteen miles a day. Of proper roads there were none. The
+country was a vast swamp after heavy rain, or, in fine weather, a mass
+of dry ruts and tracks, steep hills, difficult fords, and irritating
+boulders. Over all this had to be coaxed or goaded the patient oxen, or,
+still worse, the stubborn, obstinate mules which dragged the lighter
+carts, and which, like ignorant persons, sometimes jibbed for sheer
+jibbing's sake, true to the obstructionist instinct that belongs to the
+intellectually stolid. When a team of these strong yet strange beasts
+chooses to jib at a ford or in a pass, it takes some companies of
+infantry to haul the waggon on to level ground, and then, and only then,
+will they condescend to resume their labour. It may therefore be
+imagined that the progress of troops--dependent as they were for food
+and forage on the tempers of quadrupeds--was at this time slow and not
+always sure! However, troops and baggage were gradually concentrated at
+Springfield, while the Boers, who had spies everywhere, among boulders,
+in dongas, and upon the formidable height of Spion Kop, hurried about
+their preparations for the renewed and mighty tussle which was now
+pending.
+
+On the 10th of January Lord Dundonald, at the head of the Cavalry
+Brigade, started at dawn from Frere Camp. A few miles outside they came
+on targets erected by the Boers to represent a force advancing in
+skirmishing order, which showed that the enemy had evidently been
+indulging in rifle practice. The troops marched some twenty-four miles
+in a north-westerly direction to Springfield, through the country, which
+was one vast quagmire beset with the enemy, without mishap of any kind.
+There were thrilling moments when the enemy were known to be ensconced
+in neighbouring kopjes or hiding in the bush, but every precaution was
+taken, the country having been previously searched by scouts, and the
+whole movement so successfully carried out that the brigade at last was
+able to occupy a strong position dominating Potgieter's Drift on the
+Upper Tugela. Here at once extra defences were made, to ensure against
+surprise from the enemy, who, finding the rivers in flood, had retired
+to the north, and to enable Lord Dundonald's force to hold its ground,
+and thus render safe the passage of the river.
+
+Lord Dundonald's Brigade was accompanied by the Fifth Brigade under
+General Hart, comprising the Dublin Fusiliers, the Connaught Rangers,
+the Border Regiment, and the Inniskilling Fusiliers. These, on hearing
+that Springfield was unoccupied by the enemy, now took possession of the
+place.
+
+The column then advanced to Mount Alice, one of the spurs of Swartz Kop
+or Black Hill, a rocky eminence which faced the mountain fastnesses of
+the foe. From this point the panorama was magnificent. In front the
+Tugela looped and twisted in four big silvery bends, and great kopjes,
+the scenes of future fights, rose on the other side. It was possible to
+see the flat crowned summit of Spion Hill, which was held by the Boers
+and covered with trenches, and another frowning eminence also held by
+the enemy. A glimpse, too, might be had of the distant laager of the
+Boers perched on the Tugela heights; but the Dutchmen being evidently
+warned of the coming of the British troops, struck camp and silently
+melted away. Still it was known that there were some of them within
+almost a stone's throw, for on the arrival of Lord Dundonald's force at
+Potgieter's Drift it was discovered they had been there the previous
+day.
+
+The next morning, the 11th, the pontoon from the enemy's side of the
+river was very cleverly captured, it may be said in the very teeth of
+the foe, by Lieutenant Carlyle and six of his men of the South African
+Horse. They leapt into the stream, which at that place was running
+strong, swam to the Boer side, untied the pont, and succeeded in getting
+it across for the use of the troops. The achievement was a brilliant
+one, because during the whole proceedings the exact position of the
+Boers was unknown. At any moment a volley might have been poured on the
+adventurous party from which it would have been almost impossible to
+escape. No sooner had they removed the fastenings of the pont and were
+getting it across than shots were fired, one of them grazing Lieutenant
+Carlyle, who, however, pursued his work to the end.
+
+From the heights we had gained, operations were soon commenced both with
+heliograph and telescope. Mount Bulwana and part of the outskirts of
+Ladysmith were clearly visible. Fringed around them were Boer camps,
+waggons, and cattle; while studded over the ground the enemy was seen,
+some building forts, others digging trenches, and all working like bees
+to protect the road from our advance. The Ladysmith chief signaller,
+Captain Walker, rapidly came into communication with the signallers on
+Swartz Kop, and Sir George White was informed of the satisfactory
+progress of the advance so far.
+
+The Naval guns were now comfortably ensconced on the western ridge of
+the hill, ready to do duty in sweeping away the strong positions which
+were being rapidly built up by the hostile hordes, who were fast
+beginning to congregate from the neighbourhood of Colenso.
+
+Meanwhile General Lyttelton's brigade had streamed in with howitzers,
+and soon these, under cover of the guns of the Naval Brigade, were
+across the river, and safely located on the other side. At the same time
+was commenced the fortifying of Mount Alice. The men were all in great
+fettle, working like Trojans, and perfectly regardless of fatigue. They
+crossed the scudding river, steadying themselves by holding each other's
+rifles, in a burning sun with the water up to their waists, and
+advanced in skirmishing order over the boulder-strewn country, settling
+themselves at last on some low kopjes to the north of the river and
+facing the enemy's defences five miles north of the drift.
+
+While these important events were taking place at Potgieter's Drift,
+General Sir Charles Warren with the 5th Division was also moving forward
+by a circuitous route. By another drift, called Trichardt's Drift, some
+five miles farther west, the entire force eventually got across and took
+up a position beyond the river, with the object of turning the position
+of the enemy, who were posted on Spion Kop. This journey was not
+achieved without coming in touch with the Boers. Some of them were
+hidden in a wooded nook by a farmhouse, and from thence poured
+rifle-shots on the advance guards. They even brought their cannon to
+bear on the troops; but the _passage d'armes_ was of short duration, and
+the enemy, warmed with fervent salutations from the Naval guns on the
+hills, was soon in full flight across country. Then the engineers, with
+celerity which looked to the uninitiated like a conjuring trick, in two
+hours threw a pontoon bridge over the river, and the crossing was
+successfully accomplished. The great object of Sir Charles Warren was
+now, as stated, to turn the enemy's position. This, situated about five
+miles off to his right front, was undoubtedly a strong one. It ran
+laterally with the river, with Spion Kop for its centre, and all around
+the enemy were actively engaged in intrenching themselves. The plan of
+the combined movement was to make as hasty an attack as possible and
+prevent the Dutchmen from strengthening their position and reinforcing
+their right from their centre and left, and perhaps enable the Ladysmith
+garrison to do its share in threatening the enemy's rear. For this
+reason General Barton, with sufficient troops, had been left at Colenso
+to hold the Boers' forces and prevent them from massing on the line of
+Sir Redvers Buller's march. This latter officer with a small force
+directed the combined operations from Spearman's Farm, a little to the
+south of Mount Alice. The headquarters of himself and his staff were at
+the picturesque homestead of one Martinius Pretorius, a personage who
+thought it advisable not to remain to play the host.
+
+[Illustration: THE CROSSING OF POTGIETER'S DRIFT, JANUARY 16.
+
+Drawn by Enoch Ward from a Full Sketch by Rene Bull, War Artist with
+General Buller.]
+
+The troops, in spite of their trying march--the mud collected by
+tremendous rains, the arduous business of getting across the river, the
+grilling sun overhead, and the enemy possibly threatening from unknown
+quarters--were bright, healthy, and hopeful. Immense enthusiasm was
+occasioned in every camp when all were made acquainted with the brief
+yet stirring words of Sir Redvers Buller: "_We are going to the relief
+of our comrades in Ladysmith; there will be no turning back_." A short
+emphatic statement this--blunt as the conversation of the man who made
+it, but instinct with noble meaning--of superb resolve! It touched
+every heart, and made each bronzed-face warrior repeat once more to
+himself the oath to do or die for the honour of his country and for the
+service of those to be relieved!
+
+
+THE FLANK MOVEMENT
+
+Before going further, it is interesting to examine with the map a rough
+hint made by Mr. Winston Churchill, correspondent of the _Morning Post_,
+of the general plan of the advance.
+
+[Illustration: TYPES OF ARMS--A MOUNTAIN BATTERY.
+
+(Drawn by Ernest Prater.)]
+
+"Having placed his army within striking distance of the various passages
+across the Tugela, Sir Redvers Buller's next object was to cross and
+debouch. To this end his plan appears to have been--for information is
+scarcely yet properly codified--something as follows: Lyttleton's
+Brigade, the corps troops forming Coke's Brigade, the ten Naval guns,
+the battery of howitzers, one field-battery, and Bethune's Mounted
+Infantry to demonstrate in front of the Potgieter position, keeping the
+Boers holding the horseshoe in expectation of a frontal attack and
+masking their main position; Sir Charles Warren to march by night from
+Springfield with the brigades of Hart, Woodgate, and Hildyard, the Royal
+Dragoons, six batteries of artillery, and the pontoon train to a point
+about five miles west of Spearman's Hill, and opposite Trichardt's
+Drift on the Tugela. Here he was to meet the mounted forces from
+Spearman's Hill, and with these troops he was next day, the 17th, to
+throw bridges, force the passage of the river, and operate at leisure
+and discretion against the right flank of the enemy's horseshoe before
+Potgieter's, resting on Spion Kop, a commanding mountain, ultimately
+joining hands with the frontal force from Spearman's Hill at a point on
+the Acton Homes Ladysmith road. To sum up briefly, seven battalions,
+twenty-two guns, and three hundred horse under Lyttleton to mask the
+Potgieter position; twelve battalions, thirty-six guns, and sixteen
+hundred horse to cross five miles to the westward, and make a turning
+movement against the enemy's right. The Boer covering army was to be
+swept back on Ladysmith by a powerful left arm, the pivoting shoulder of
+which was at Potgieter's, the elbow at Trichardt's Drift, and the
+enveloping hand--the cavalry under Lord Dundonald--stretching out
+towards Acton Homes."
+
+This plan on the surface appeared fairly practicable if the action could
+be carried on with sufficient rapidity to prevent the enemy from
+gathering in his crowds, as he had gathered at Colenso. Here was the
+great--If. The art of war is at best a choice of difficulties, and at
+this time our Generals had an embarrassment of that choice. It says a
+great deal for their courage that they handled these difficulties one
+after another, and let go only when they thought they had been squeezed
+dry.
+
+The British troops having done with the fatigue of the march, did not
+allow the grass to grow under their feet. No sooner had they crossed the
+river than they began to threaten some of the Boer lines of retreat to
+the Free State. The Naval Brigade also set to work with vigour, and
+they, together with the howitzers from Mount Alice, pounded the whole
+vicinity to the right impartially. The range having been ascertained to
+a nicety, with the assistance of the balloon, whose occupants directed
+the gunners, some effective shots were launched at the Boer
+entrenchments, and others which were rapidly in course of construction.
+From the balloon these were plainly visible, but their tenants, if
+tenants there were, vouchsafed no reply. Many mounted Boers were seen
+galloping from Colenso to their laagers in the shelter of the more
+northerly kopjes, while others were also discovered coming in the
+direction from Ladysmith, evidently with a view to reinforce the
+commandoes on Spion Kop. While the Naval Brigade was hammering in the
+direction of the Boer position, which was somewhat below the level of
+Mount Alice, General Lyttleton was moving north of the position for the
+purpose of making a demonstration towards Brakfontein, and Sir Charles
+Warren's force was approaching two high kopjes overlooking a ravine
+behind Spion Hill. It was now the 18th of January. The cavalry started
+in advance of the rest of the force. The order of march being, first,
+the Composite Regiment (one squadron of Imperial Light Horse, sixty
+Rifles Mounted Infantry, one squadron Natal Carabineers), four squadrons
+South African Light Horse, Thorneycroft's Mounted Infantry, and behind
+these the Royals and 13th Hussars. But the Composite Regiment at midday
+was found to have moved still farther west, and soon from that region
+came an ominous crackling. Something deadly was afoot. It appeared that
+a party of Boers was caught trekking by the Acton Homes Road towards the
+Free State, and was in act of being cut off. Firing was fast and
+furious, and presently dead and dying Boers besprinkled the field that a
+few moments before had been green and gracious to the eye. A message was
+sent to the main body demanding reinforcements. Promptly Lord Dundonald
+with the rest of his troops came on the scene. Hostilities grew in
+animation--the situation was desperate. The Boers made a hard fight of
+it, clung tenaciously to their position, refusing, though surrounded, to
+surrender. Their fire rained furiously down on the Rifles as they
+advanced, so furiously that they were forced to seek the shelter of a
+desirable donga. The obstinate combat was on the point of renewal when
+up went a white flag. The old dodge, one to which now our troops had
+become so accustomed that they scarcely heeded it. Both sides continued
+to blaze away in uncertainty and mistrust till presently hands flew up,
+and this sincerest and distinct sign of surrender was accepted.
+Twenty-four burly Boers were then captured, while, round about, the
+wounded of the foe were assiduously succoured and tended by the very men
+who in the race for dear life had stricken them down. Twenty-four
+captured, ten killed, eight wounded--such was the result of a few hours'
+work on the enemy. Of our number, Captain Shore of the Imperial Light
+Horse was severely wounded, two soldiers of the Mounted Infantry were
+killed, and one trooper of the Imperial Light Horse was slightly
+injured.
+
+A word must be said of the South African Light Horse or "Cockyoli
+Birds," as they were jocosely styled in deference to the plumes in their
+headgear. These had become the heroes of the hour owing to the splendid
+action formerly mentioned of Lieutenant Carlyle and his plucky
+companions, Sergeant Turner, Corporals Cox and Barkley, and Troopers
+Howell, Godden, and Collingwood. In addition to this plucky feat they
+were ceaseless in their activity, as we shall afterwards see.
+
+Before this date the men of the squadron had been much commented on and
+universally praised. Their dash, their aptness, their marvellous
+intelligence had earned the admiration of all the regulars who had been
+associated with them. They, in their neat kharki, looked as efficient a
+body of mounted infantry as any one could wish to come across. Among
+their numbers were Afrikanders of good birth, Canadians, Australians,
+gentlemen of means, sporting men, old soldiers, and the like. They were
+hard as nails and bronzed as their saddles, acute as weasels, and
+big-hearted and adventurous as any of Robin Hood's world-famed merry
+men. If they were rough they were ready, sniffing adventure in the air
+and rushing hot-foot to greet it, or stalking warily like old Shikari,
+saving no pains so that they eventually brought down their quarry.
+
+The engagement was a grand feather in the cap of the cavalry, and an
+additional one in that of the "Cockyoli Birds."
+
+On the morning of Saturday the 20th of January Sir Charles Warren
+advanced his whole force to the attack. The scheme had been thought out
+with immense care. There was an excellent general with a superb division
+of troops, and there was every chance of success. General Woodgate's and
+General Hart's brigades marched forward at 3 A.M. from their bivouac on
+the low ridges below Spion Kop, with a view to capturing a position
+called Three Tree Hill, so called because of three mimosa trees whose
+fragrance filled the air. The proceedings opened with an animated
+bombardment from all quarters, our guns in the neighbourhood of
+Potgieter's and Tritchardt's Drifts engaging the attention of the Boers.
+By this time the Dutchmen were powerfully intrenched, and were still
+hurrying and scurrying to protect the big mountain that stood between
+the British and the object of their desire--Ladysmith. Woodgate's
+Brigade had pushed forward in this direction. Later Hart's Brigade took
+up a position on the spur parallel to the left of the Lancashire
+Brigade, and, under cover of the field-guns, the troops, in the thick of
+a storm from rifles and artillery, fought their way almost inch by inch
+up the steeps held by the Boers. They finally succeeded in gaining some
+portions of the enemy's line of intrenchments. But this was not achieved
+without an exhibition of pluck and valiant obstinacy that was heroic.
+
+[Illustration: ROYAL FIELD ARTILLERY (ACTION FRONT).
+
+Photo by Gregory & Co., London.]
+
+The Irish Brigade, as usual, were in the thick of the fight, jovial yet
+determined, and holding their grip of every inch they gained
+notwithstanding shadows of threatened dissolution, the sights of death
+and sounds of horror that filled the air. Captain Hensley, a brave and
+gallant soul, was shot through the head, and several officers were
+smitten, but still their valorous commander, waving his sword, pressed
+on, and still his sturdy Irishmen, animated, encouraged, confident,
+pursued their upward way. They had debts to settle--some old scores to
+wipe out. They remembered their hideous disappointment of Colenso, their
+grievous experiences of Dundee, and also they remembered--a far grander
+remembrance!--that the honour of the Emerald Isle rested on their
+shoulders, and that the quality of its loyalty stood proved by the
+quality of their famous deeds!
+
+All around played the fierce fire of the enemy's guns, Creusot, Maxim,
+Nordenfeldt, and others. These were posted in commanding positions on a
+chain of hills to the west of Spion Hill, and from various points of
+vantage the Dutchmen were able to keep up a ceaseless clamour, and pour
+a rapid torrent of death and mutilation upon the advancing troops.
+These, by reason of the bad ground and the caution required in the
+manner of approach, could travel but slowly. The enemy, owing to the
+delay in our advance, had increased their forces most unexpectedly, and
+seemed, though scarcely to have existed a week ago, to be now
+ubiquitous! During the afternoon General Lyttleton's Brigade made a
+frontal attack on the Dutchmen's position between Schwartz Kop and Spion
+Kop, to divert their attention pending the movements of Sir Charles
+Warren. This movement, it was imagined, had been kept very "dark," but,
+in spite of the secrecy and caution, the agile foe had contrived again
+to concentrate a huge force to oppose his every turn. More artillery
+seemed continuously to be brought to the scene, and also some of the
+trophies captured in the ill-fated attack on Colenso. Our Naval guns
+bombarded the ridge all day, and the howitzers boomed and roared, but
+the whole place appeared to be bustling with Boers. On the extreme left
+Lord Dundonald engaged in more energetic demonstration, and the
+indefatigable South African Light Horse, under Colonel Byng, more than
+ever distinguished themselves. In the most gallant manner they captured
+Bastion Hill, a hill between the Dutch right and centre.
+
+This hill in the hands of the Boers was a standing menace, as from
+thence they could direct a cross-fire at the infantry on the opposite
+spur of the big mountain. Major Childe, commanding F Squadron, South
+African Light Horse, decided that he, and not the Federals, must secure
+so important a vantage-point. Dismounting with his men, and leaving his
+horses in rear of the heights, he cautiously crept round through a
+mealie field and various dongas which gave him cover from the storm of
+shot directed from the curve of the hills. In spite of the pelting lead,
+he got to the base of the position in safety. Then, with half the
+squadron, he started laboriously to climb. It was tough work, the
+sugar-loaf eminence being steep and stony and the sun above blisteringly
+hot. Thus they sweated and toiled for a whole hour. Finally, the Boers
+were seen scampering from the top. They had detected the approach of
+men--bayonets were suspected--they discreetly bolted. Just then Trooper
+Tobin, who had grandly led the way up the precipitous height, had
+reached his goal. Here he stood in his delight and triumph waving his
+helmet and shouting, and quite regardless of the fact that he made an
+excellent mark for Boer sharpshooters or their mercenaries. Up, too,
+rushed Major Childe with a dozen or so of his nimble men, into the midst
+of a tornado of shot and shell which had suddenly started from the Boer
+left and centre. Promptly every one went to earth. It was useless at the
+moment to attempt to return so withering a fire. Then came a
+shell--bursting and banging--and the gallant Major was caught on the
+head and killed. Several others were slain, among them Godden, who had
+been one of the gallant seven who distinguished themselves in the pont
+exploit. Shattered by the terrible fire of artillery, breathless from
+past exertions, the troops still hung on. Then our own artillery came to
+the rescue and kept the Boer gunners occupied. Meanwhile, reinforcements
+from Hildyard's Brigade were sent up to the help of the brave fellows
+who for twelve hours had been without rest or water, and on the
+following day, to the West Surreys, the cavalry, after a tremendous and
+fatiguing experience, handed over the charge of the hill which they had
+so magnificently gained. The losses during this complex series of
+engagements were many, but the sufferings due to hunger, heat, thirst,
+and fatigue were even greater than those due to actual wounds.
+
+The Lancashire Fusiliers, Lancashire Regiment, and the Dublin Fusiliers
+lost most during the day. Their wounded numbered about 350 officers and
+men. These troops had a peculiarly trying time, as for three whole days
+previously they had remained on some captured hills, sun-baked and fired
+on promiscuously, while at night, when the temperature had run down with
+its customary rapidity, they had found themselves chilled to the bone,
+with no blankets or overcoats to cover them. They had about two hours'
+sleep on an average per night and very little to eat during the day.
+From 3 A.M. on the 20th the Lancashires had taken up a position screened
+behind a string of low kopjes, while the artillery on the right battered
+and pounded at the Boer earthworks in front and half-left and
+half-right. The troops had remained quiet and painfully inactive in the
+sweltering sun for many hours, stray bullets whistling round their ears,
+and, as one of the officers said, "causing great levity among the men."
+At 1.30 they had begun to advance. Immediately they showed their heads
+they were caught by a hailstorm of bullets, and seven men dropped.
+Rushing dauntlessly on, they made for the shelter of a ring of rocks
+some 150 yards in advance, remained for some ten minutes or so, then
+pushed forward another 400 yards, losing less men and taking a lesson in
+caution from the Boers. Thus, in short energetic rushes, they had
+managed to get within 900 yards of the enemy. On the top of the hillock
+a perfect deluge of bullets descended, and though the General had moved
+some 400 forward, so quickly were the men hit that only thirty or so
+could use their rifles.
+
+Afterwards the order was given to make breastworks, and there was a rush
+into the open to gather stones and rocks and boulders, when more men
+were stricken down. All the wounded could do was to creep to a rock in
+the rear, and there await the turn of events. Some lay as they crawled
+from 3 to 8.30 at night. It was impossible for them to be removed from
+the hill, as the Boers promptly fired on the stretcher-bearers. The
+sights and sounds were heart-rending. On one side was seen a man sent to
+his last account in a breath; on another was one still hobbling along
+and plying his rifle, with both ankles smashed. Here lay a poor fellow
+who had a splinter of rock driven clean through his lungs and out at his
+back; there languished another shot through the eye and brain--hopeless.
+All of them suffered patiently, but were madly athirst, craving for the
+hour when the sun should go down and they might get a chance of removal
+from the awful scene. And yet there were some, wounded too, who bore the
+long hours with amazing cheeriness. One, shot in the leg, lay on his
+back, drew forth his home letters, and perused them in the midst of a
+deadly fusillade. Another, more seriously wounded still, had the
+audacity to beguile the weary moments by taking a "snap-shot" at General
+Hart in the act of waving his sword and gesticulating. So much for
+pluck!
+
+After sundown came the moment so longed for by the wretched beings, some
+of whom were now literally glued to earth in their own gore. But their
+miseries were not yet at an end. It took some two hours to go
+three-quarters of a mile in the darkness over the bad ground; there were
+creeks, and dongas, and boulders everywhere. No lights were allowed. In
+the jetty obscurity the Samaritans tripped and stumbled. "I was only
+dropped twice," smiled a wounded youth when he was at last safely borne
+towards the stretcher-bearers. Others at intervals were brought in
+soaked with blood and rain, the hot stream and the cold mingling
+uncannily and to their supreme discomfort. Many who were wounded soon
+after midday only succeeded in reaching the field-hospital about
+half-past twelve at night. Some, more pathetic still, did not reach it
+at all! They had patiently waited till past the need of assistance!
+
+Very pathetic were the circumstances attending the fall of Major Childe.
+It was said that on the previous day he had had forebodings of disaster,
+so much so that he even begged of his companions, in the event of his
+death, to put on his grave his chosen quotation, "Is it well with the
+child? It is well." This dying wish was faithfully carried out. His
+burial took place on the day after the engagement, Lord Dundonald
+reading the solemn words of the funeral service. Over his roughly-made
+grave was placed the gallant officer's name, the date of his death, and
+the text he had desired to have written on his tomb.
+
+On the following day the fight was waged as fiercely as ever so far as
+artillery was concerned. Six field-batteries and four howitzers
+bombarded the enemy's position with tremendous vigour, and inflicted
+considerable loss. The Boer rifles were indefatigable, however, and
+continued their fiendish activity, and the Dutch or German gunners
+maintained their excellent practice with scarcely a moment's cessation.
+
+While General Woodgate made a demonstration on the right, General Hart
+and his brigade continued to advance, and General Hildyard's troops
+joined in the attack from the valley past the right of Bastion Hill.
+Here a cleft appeared to open between the right and centre of the Boer
+position, and here the infantry, pushing on, practically divided the
+position in two; but it was found that the second line of defence was a
+formidable one; that the Boers had secured to themselves a magnificent
+point of vantage, whence they could sweep the country and command all
+the approaches with cross-fire, and even with converging fire; but, in
+spite of this, the troops tenaciously retained the positions they had
+gained, remaining there throughout the 22nd and 23rd, partially covered,
+so that in all their loss was inconsiderable.
+
+The following officers were wounded in action near Venter's Spruit on
+the 20th of January:--
+
+     Staff--Colonel B. Hamilton, Major C. M'Grigor. 2nd Lancashire
+     Fusiliers--Captain R. B. Blunt, Second Lieut. M. G. Crofton,
+     Second Lieut. E. I. M. Barret. 1st Border Regiment--Captain E.
+     D. Vaughan, Second Lieut. Muriel. 1st York and Lancaster
+     Regiment--Second Lieut. A. H. Kearsey. 2nd Dublin
+     Fusiliers--Captain C. A. Hensley (since dead), Major F.
+     English. 2nd Gordon Highlanders--Second Lieut. P. D. Stewart.
+     Non-commissioned officers and men, 279. Royal West Surrey
+     Regiment--Second Lieut. Du Buisson. 16th Lancers
+     (Staff)--Captain Dallas.
+
+
+SPION KOP
+
+On Tuesday the 23rd, the continuous and steady assault of the Boer
+position seemed to be reaching a promising climax. For four days on the
+heights above the Venter Spruit the English and Irish Brigades had been
+doggedly moving up and on, and had carried one position after another in
+the teeth of many guns, and in the face of discomforts and
+discouragements multifarious. They had achieved a great deal with
+comparatively small loss, viewing the masterly manner in which the Boer
+guns were served. Fortunately the rifle-fire of the foe was not equal in
+accuracy to their shell-fire, most probably for the reason that the
+bucolic Dutchman had lost his ancient cunning in wielding the rifle,
+while in the management of guns of position he was assisted--nay,
+relieved, by his German mercenaries. The astonishing dexterity of the
+Teutonic specialists in planting shells accurately at a range of over
+3000 yards was a matter for marvel and admiration. Their success was
+attributed partly to the fact that the range had previously been marked,
+and also that spots had been selected over which it was known bodies of
+troops must eventually pass, and where it was certain every shot must be
+made to tell. For all that, and considering the cross-fire to which the
+troops were subjected on the opening days of Sir Charles Warren's
+attack, the losses were small. A council of war had been held, and three
+courses had been sifted: first, a frontal attack by night on the second
+Boer position, possibly attended by terrible loss; second, retirement
+beyond the river to seek for a new passage; third, attack by night on
+the mountain of Spion Kop, thence to enfilade and dominate all the Boer
+positions.
+
+[Illustration: TAKING THE 4.7 NAVAL GUN ACROSS THE TUGELA.
+
+Drawing by J. Finnemore.]
+
+The last course was decided on. Spion Kop was to be attacked by night,
+the Boer trenches to be scooped out with the point of the bayonet, and
+the position held till again--by night--guns could be dragged up to
+assist in commanding the position of the foe. Spion Kop, the extreme
+left of the Boer position, once fortified, would become a key to the
+door of Ladysmith. So it was thought.
+
+General Woodgate was informed of what was required of him, and Colonel
+Thorneycroft discussed the programme of the night attack. By his desire,
+satisfactory reconnaissances had been made, and there was every reason
+to believe that the attempt would be crowned with success. Accordingly,
+soon after midnight, General Woodgate, accompanied by Colonel aCourt,
+started forth with the 2nd Lancashire Fusiliers, the Royal Lancaster
+Regiment, a portion of Thorneycroft's Horse, and half a company Royal
+Engineers, supported by two companies of the Connaught Rangers and by
+the Imperial Light Infantry.
+
+In pitch darkness the troops began their march up the southern slope of
+the giant mountain called Thaba Emunyama. The steeps were precipitous
+and rocky, and had to be negotiated with extreme care. Dongas were on
+this side, boulders on that; these had to be crept through and leapt
+over with stealthy, cat-like tread lest the enemy on the summit should
+be forewarned. Now and then the whirr of a bullet showed that the
+Dutchmen were awake, and were indulging in the pastime of sniping;
+otherwise the still, purple night spoke of peace. Led by General
+Woodgate and Colonel Blomfield, the Fusiliers (who, being seasoned
+fighters, were specially selected for the honour of engaging in
+"ticklish" work) ascended softly, advancing higher and higher in single
+file and in cautious silence. When more than half-way up, the
+approaching multitude was discovered, and the Boer picket, firing,
+fled. But the warrior crowd pressed on, Colonel Thorneycroft now leading
+the way, firing never a shot, and waiting till the trusty bayonet should
+teach its lesson. At three o'clock the summit was reached. The rain
+drizzled down, the clouds wrapt the hill, but the ardour of the troops
+was unabated. With a wild, ringing cheer, which echoed far over the
+hills, the position was carried. The force then proceeded to fortify
+itself so far as was possible in the hard and rocky ground that covered
+the heights.
+
+It must here be noted that, owing to the darkness and the impossibility
+of judging exact distances, the trenches that were dug were badly
+situated. Instead of the whole or most part of the triangular tableland
+of the top, the force occupied merely a cramped position on the extreme
+point. This point was already marked and commanded by six Boer guns,
+while on the very hill itself was another hostile weapon. Sneaking
+around the crust of the kop--on the brim, as it were, while we occupied
+the crown--were sharpshooters and snipers, who from thence could pelt
+the northern hump of the slope; but in the dense atmosphere of the early
+morning these facts were unknown, and the effort, under cover of the
+darkness, to widen our position and capture the entire triangle was not
+then made.
+
+[Illustration: SKETCH AND PLAN OF THE BATTLE OF SPION KOP.
+
+Made on the spot by Lieutenant E. B. Knox of the Royal Army Medical
+Corps.]
+
+While the hazy blue pall of the morning yet hung over the hills the
+trenches near the crest were occupied. The clouds hung low, and not a
+Dutchman was to be seen. For some time the troops were protected by the
+enshrouding mist, but so soon as it cleared, the Boers from their posts
+opened fire. They realised that the position to them was virtually one
+of life or death. Ping! ping! rang the rifles in chorus; bong! bong!
+went the guns, with a deep basso that reverberated in the hollows of the
+hills. It was an awe-striking reveille. The hostile artillery had the
+range to a nicety; each shell followed the other with precision, and
+burst with terrific uproar on the patch of earthworks held by our
+infantry. Under this fearful fusillade our men, pelted yet undismayed,
+faithfully held their ground for two mortal hours. But the shell-fire
+made horrible gaps in the stalwart company; and by-and-by General
+Woodgate, who, having captured the position, still continued to direct
+and encourage his men, was wounded, Colonel Blomfield, of the 2nd
+Lancashire Fusiliers, took over command, and sent for reinforcements. He
+also fell. Then, by reason of merit rather than of seniority, Major
+Thorneycroft, local lieutenant-colonel, was appointed to take the place
+of the disabled chief. With the rising of the sun, with the development
+of day, developed the battle. Shrapnel from 15-pounders sprayed hither
+and thither; lyddite opened out earth-umbrellas far and wide. The roar
+and the roll of fiends in fury rent the clear, mimosa-scented
+atmosphere, and made even the bosom of the placid, silvery river
+shudder and quake as it wound and twisted and looped round Potgieter's
+Drift. For three and a half hours the tornado pursued its deadly course.
+Death--mutilation--agony--thirst--these were more prominent than the
+word glory in that long, immemorial period. Officers and men alike
+could scarce lift a head lest they should meet the doom that hung over
+every creature that dared to stand upright in the murderous arena. They
+crouched, and took cover, and waited. The Boers, seeing their advantage,
+noting the terrible strain on the men that held the captured trenches,
+and the dance of death among Thorneycroft's Mounted Infantry, also bided
+their time. With great caution and "slimness" they finally commenced to
+creep up nearer and nearer, firing the while, and hoping, when things
+became a shade worse, to rush the position. Unfortunately there were no
+guns to rout the adventurous crew--not one handy Naval 12-pounder to
+sweep the enemy from the plateau. There they were, and there they meant
+to remain. Major-General Coke's brigade had started to get to the scene
+of action, and before long the Middlesex, Dorset, and Somerset Regiments
+were moving up the heights to the assistance of the battered regiments
+above. Major Walters, in charge of the ambulance, was also carrying out
+his grim, unusually heavy duties, but he, in the midst of his deeds of
+mercy, was caught by a shot and brought to earth.
+
+By this time the glorious Lancashire Fusiliers, who held the captured
+trenches, had suffered most severely, not only from wounds, but from the
+agonies of thirst, for which there was no remedy. Their losses were
+horrible, and so also were those of Thorneycroft's Mounted Infantry, and
+they lay in many cases too far removed for the ambulance-bearers to
+reach them, and in too exposed a position for help from any around.
+Indeed, the state of affairs was so lamentable, the Boers forcing their
+way with such persistency, that the question of holding the hill hung by
+a thread. Three times before midday had the Dutchmen returned, driven
+the Britons back, and again been driven back themselves, till the ups
+and downs of the fight became like a perilous game of see-saw, none
+daring to prognosticate the conclusion. From noon till the late
+afternoon the Boers persisted in their desperate efforts to retake the
+crest of the hill. They evidently regarded the position of so much
+importance that reinforcements from their right were drawn away to help
+in the work. But the gallant fellows who were in possession hung
+doggedly to their prize. "Only a day," they said; "a day's more
+endurance, and to-morrow we shall mount guns. We shall be rulers of the
+roost." So they fought on with a will. Fortunately, at this time they
+had no premonition of impediments to success. The place turned out to be
+very difficult to hold. Its perimeter was large, and water was
+exceedingly scarce, and their ammunition, moreover, gave out at a
+critical period.
+
+All these discoveries were gradually and painfully made as the day wore
+on, but nevertheless they resisted the assaults of the enemy with
+herculean vigour--with courage that was Spartan.
+
+For two hours in the afternoon the scene on the summit of the kop was
+terrific. A hurricane of shot and shell swept the crest--it became a
+seething Inferno. Six quick-firing guns, two Hotchkiss guns, and
+numerous other weapons of more or less deadliness played upon the
+troops. Maimed and dying were being carried off as fast as possible.
+General Woodgate, brave as a lion, who had worked like a Trojan till
+struck down by a piece of shell, refused to leave. Usually a placid man,
+he was now irrepressible, protesting that he would remain on the field,
+though his sufferings--since he was shot over the left eye--must have
+been severe. Reinforcements had now arrived--the Middlesex, Dorsets, and
+Somersets--the plateau was crowded--overcrowded, some say--and death was
+taking a full meal. The Boer Maxim-Nordenfeldt, which had done its fell
+work at Colenso, perambulated from position to position with insatiable
+greed, preying on the life-blood of our bravest and best, and defying
+the efforts of our gunners below to locate it. Its work, and the work of
+the Mausers, lay everywhere--the hill was a shambles. Major Walters,
+chief of the Natal Volunteer Ambulance, had dropped; his brother, of the
+2nd Scottish Rifles, was killed; Captain Murray, of the same regiment,
+was simply riddled with bullets--he received as many as four, yet
+persisted in leading on his men till struck down mortally. Colonel
+Buchanan Riddell, King's Royal Rifles, another hero, was slain later,
+while directing a flanking movement. The turmoil of those exciting hours
+was described by an officer:--
+
+"I crawled along a little way with half my company, and then brought up
+others in the same manner. The men of the different regiments already on
+the hill were mixed up, and ours met the same fate. It was impossible,
+under the circumstances, to keep regimental control. One unit merged
+into another; one officer gave directions to this or that unit, or to
+another battalion. I saw some tents on the far side of the hill to our
+front, and knowing the enemy must be there, opened with volleys at 1800
+yards, when we saw a puff of smoke, indicating that one of the Boer guns
+had just fired. We lay prone, and could only venture a volley now and
+again, firing independently at times when the shower of bullets seemed
+to fall away, and the shells did not appear likely to land specially
+amongst us. Everywhere, however, it was practically the same deadly
+smash of shells, mangling and killing all about us. The only troops
+actually close to me then were a party of the Lancashire Fusiliers
+inside a _schanze_, F Company of the Middlesex, and a mixed company of
+other troops on the left front. A good many shells from the big guns
+burst near us, and a lance-corporal of the Fusiliers was killed. The
+only point I could see rifle-fire proceeding from was a trench, the
+third, I believe, occupied by our troops on the right, and looking
+towards Spearman's.
+
+"Presently I heard a great deal of shouting from this trench, in which
+were about fifty men. They were calling for reinforcements, and
+shouting, 'The Boers are coming up.' Two or three minutes afterwards I
+saw a party of about forty Boers walking towards the trench. They came
+up quite coolly; most of them had their rifles slung, and all, so far as
+I could observe, had their hands up. Our men in the trench--they were
+Fusiliers--were then standing up also, with their hands up, and
+shouting, 'The Boers are giving in, the Boers are giving in.' I did not
+know what to think, but ordered a company of my regiment to fix
+bayonets. We waited to see what would happen. Just then, when the Boers
+were close to the trench, some one--whether an enemy or one of our
+men--fired a shot. In an instant there was a general stampede, or rather
+a _melee_, my men rushing from their position and charging, while the
+Boers fired at the men in the trench, knocking several back into it,
+dead. Previous to this a Boer came towards me saying, 'I won't hurt
+you.' He looked frightened, and threw down his rifle. Immediately
+afterwards the Boer fired, and there was a frightful muddle. I fired at
+one Boer, and then another passed. We were fighting hand to hand. I shot
+the Boer in order to help the man, and he dropped, clinging, however, to
+his rifle as he fell, and covering me most carefully. He fired, and I
+fell like a rabbit, the bullet going in just over and grazing the left
+lung. I lay where I fell until midnight. Subsequent to my being hit,
+parties of Boers passed twice over me, trying on the same trick, holding
+up their hands, as if they were asking for quarter. But our men refused
+to be taken in again, and fired, killing or driving them back."
+
+In this fight the Dutchmen were unusually obstinate. Over and over again
+they advanced to within seventy yards of the captured trenches, and from
+thence were only routed at the point of the bayonet. Their rushes were
+most valiant and persistent, and nothing but the heroism of officers and
+men could have withstood the overwhelming nature of the attack made upon
+them.
+
+But dodges with the white flag and other frauds continued to be
+practised by the Boers. Colonel Thorneycroft escaped merely by an
+accident from an endeavour to play a trick upon him. The leader of a
+commando facing Thorneycroft's Horse advanced with a white flag. The
+Colonel approached to the parley, but being suspicious, he told the
+leader to go back, as he refused to confer with him. Both retired, but
+before the Colonel could return to his regiment a volley was poured on
+him by the enemy. Another and more curious trick was practised on some
+of the privates. They were approached by an officer in kharki and
+directed to follow him to a better position. This they began to do till,
+at last, seeing themselves being led into the jaws of the enemy, they
+halted, and some one demanded to know who this bogus officer might be.
+At that moment the party was met by a storm of Boer bullets, and
+scarcely a man came whole from the adventure. Fortunately, the
+miscreant--an Austrian--who had played the trick on them was bayoneted
+ere all our gallant fellows dropped down. Strange, too, was the fate of
+gallant Colonel Blomfield, whose regiment, one of the smartest of the
+smart regiments present, had done such splendid work, and had held on to
+its post to the bitter end. This officer was wounded early in the day,
+as already recorded, and lay in a trench helpless and fainting for hours
+and beyond the reach of help. Finally, he was able to crawl out and make
+his way down the side of the hill--down the _wrong_ side, unluckily for
+himself--and when next he was heard of he was a prisoner in Pretoria.
+That his life was saved at all was a marvel. Captain Tidswell, on seeing
+his Colonel wounded, rushed out with Sergeant Lightfoot and dragged him
+under a heavy fire into a trench, where he remained till the action was
+over.
+
+[Illustration: PLAN OF ENGAGEMENT AT SPION KOP.]
+
+During the early part of the day the Scottish Rifles and the 3rd
+Battalion of the King's Royal Rifles had been sent off to storm the
+kopjes forming an extension of Spion Kop, and thus occupy the enemy and
+relieve the pressure of his attack. The river was forded at Kaffir Drift
+by Colonel Buchanan Riddell's troops, and soon after the battalion
+divided, half being led by the Colonel to the right, and half under
+Major Bewicke-Copley advancing to the left, of the objective. The enemy
+was everywhere--at the base of the kopjes and in the trenches up the
+sides. Still the troops advanced. The Dutchmen were shifted upwards inch
+by inch from their defences. The best cold Sheffield glittered near the
+trenches, and--the trenches were vacated! Up and up moved the Boers, on
+and on went the Rifles--on and up, rushing wildly, gallantly, charging
+and cheering, and finally gaining the crest!
+
+Meanwhile the Scottish Rifles had advanced on Spion Kop. Nothing could
+exceed the smartness with which they scaled the steeps. They marched
+straight to the front firing line, and, in a word, saved the situation.
+No sooner did the enemy show his nose than the Scottish Rifles held him
+in check, and over and over again showed him that British tenacity was
+equal to both Boer stubbornness and slimness combined. The enemy could
+make no headway against them.
+
+But the gallant action of the King's Royal Rifles was one of the grand
+deeds that end in the ineffectual. The battalion in its triumph had
+pressed the Boers upwards, but on doing so became practically isolated.
+The Boers were above and between them and our own troops, and as a
+result of its too forward movement the regiment stood in peril. Seeing
+their position of jeopardy, orders were sent up to retire. It was
+disgusting, heart-breaking, but it had to be done. The glorious company,
+after capturing two positions, slowly, reluctantly, moved down the hill
+they had ascended in the flush of triumph--moved again to their bivouac,
+sadder and wiser men. But they were only the first of many sad and sorry
+men that day. Meanwhile the battle on the great hill raged continuously,
+and shells, not alone those of the enemy, but those of our own guns
+which had attempted to assist, made the crowded kop a "veritable hell."
+
+[Illustration: GOING OUT TO THE ATTACK ON SPION KOP ON JANUARY 24.
+
+Drawing by R. Caton Woodville.]
+
+Presently, in the late afternoon a still more serious situation
+presented itself. Water, always scarce, threatened to run short
+altogether. Ammunition failed. A more appalling quandary in the drama of
+war can scarcely be imagined. Fortunately, to the relief of the plucky
+band on the heights, at last came a mule-train with much-desired water
+and cartridges, and the fight was pursued in more auspicious
+circumstances. But the Boer guns lost none of their persistency. Shells
+hurtled over the plateau, and as dusk set in, regiments and battalions
+and such officers as were left were mixed up in a surging, stumbling
+_melee_, wounded men firing last shots at the darkness, and hale ones
+dropping helpless as the blaze from the bursting projectiles showed, for
+one moment, the scene of agony.
+
+When night made further activity impossible the position of affairs came
+under discussion. Was this sorry game worth the vast, the costly candle
+that was being expended--that yet might have to be expended? One
+commanding officer said "Yes!" another said "No!" It is stated that the
+decision rested with Colonel Crofton. He argued in favour of withdrawal.
+The troops were terribly mauled; the dead lay in crowds, a ghastly
+testimony of their impetuous courage. It had been found impossible to
+secure good cover against the enemy's shrapnel and venomous, unceasing
+quick-firers. There had scarcely been time for the raking of rifle-pits,
+the construction of stone defences--the guns of the foe had been too
+active and unceasing--and besides this, the troops were unaccustomed to
+the sly art of crouching to cover. While the Colonial crawled like a
+stalker along dongas and through gulleys to get at his quarry, the hardy
+Briton always exposed himself as though pluck demanded that he should
+make a mark of himself. As some one at the time expressed it, "Their
+courage is incontestable, their methods absurd." For this reason many of
+the trenches that our soldiers had so grandly defended became in the end
+their graves. The number of slain was appalling to see. The flower of
+the country lay struck down as the grass beneath the scythe of the
+reaper. It was a harvest of blood. The dead lay literally in stacks, the
+sole protection of their living comrades. Crowds upon crowds had pressed
+to the top of the great hill, offering a thick, compact front to the
+guns of the enemy, an imposing target to the horrible shells that merely
+breathed death as they passed. Liberally as the brigades exposed
+themselves, liberally they paid the penalty.
+
+Late in the evening, guns--Naval guns and a battery--toiled towards the
+scene, rattling along through the night air to get into position for the
+morrow, and take revenge, though late, on the devastating "pom-poms" of
+the foe. But the die was cast. The withdrawal had begun. At 7.30 P.M.
+Colonel Thorneycroft gave the word. Slowly and in confused fashion the
+shattered braves began to wind downwards, and by nine the summit of the
+hill was almost deserted.
+
+Pitiable were the circumstances of the retirement. The wounded, with
+staggering footsteps, crawled or crept down the mountain-side, reeling
+from loss of blood and exhaustion. Streams of officers and knots of men
+scrambled along calling for their units and finding them not. Drowsy,
+stupefied beings stumbled through dongas and broke their ankles against
+boulders, trying before they dropped to come in touch with their
+fellow-men. Many wandered aimlessly, twining the hill and passing over
+it into the hands of the enemy. Battalion was mixed with battalion,
+company with company. Dazed men searched in vain for the rendezvous.
+Some cursed, some swore, some slept or seemed to sleep. One commanding
+officer sat helplessly on the spur of the hill, staring like a
+somnambulist, deaf to all consciousness of the outer world; another,
+lying among the trenches, was given up for dead.
+
+The losses were terrific. The Royal Engineers, in some cases, were
+riddled with bullets. Major Massey died covered with wounds. Lieutenant
+Falcon, 17th Company, had arms, legs, knees, and helmet perforated with
+lead. In fact, no one has been able very clearly to describe in its
+hideous reality the awful picture of the battle of Spion Kop. A great
+holocaust some called it, and with truth, for the mountain from morn
+till night was literally scourged with lead, raked in all directions by
+Maxim-Nordenfeldts, artillery, and musketry. The tale is only writ in
+the wounds and on the graves of those who by a miracle took the summit,
+and by sheer grit held it in the face of overwhelming odds. Over a
+thousand men gave their lives to gain that which, in twenty hours--hours
+each one crowded with moments of heroism--had to be abandoned. The
+evacuation was carried out by order of Colonel Thorneycroft, one of the
+most valiant of the many valiant men who went up only to come down
+again. The excellence of his reasons was acknowledged, and his personal
+valour was beyond dispute. His authority for action was the sole source
+of debate. A military correspondent of the _Daily Telegraph_ related an
+incident of the fight which served to show what manner of commander had
+taken the place made vacant by the wounding of General Woodgate. Some
+men, about a score, who had lost their officers, threw down their arms
+to surrender, but Thorneycroft, seeing the act, rushed out to the front
+and called to the Boers to go on firing, for he commanded on the hill,
+and he alone would give the word to surrender. The Boers promptly
+responded. The officer went on to say, "Luckily a fresh regiment arrived
+at our side and restored the battle, but Thorneycroft undoubtedly saved
+a dreadful disaster by conduct so gallant that it recalls the old story
+of _Messieurs de la Garde Francaise, tirez_."
+
+Acts of gallantry were so numerous that V.C.'s were surely earned by the
+dozen. Lieutenant Mallock's devotion to duty was remarkable, and all
+regretted his loss. Captain Stewart, who also lost his life, assisted in
+maintaining the high traditions of the 20th Regiment.
+
+The King's Royal Rifles lost three officers killed and five wounded.
+Their Colonel, the bravest of the brave, was hit while in the act of
+leading the regiment up the steeps. He rose for one instant to read a
+message and was shot through the brain. The commanders of three leading
+companies were all wounded. Colonel Thorneycroft was injured, Captain
+the Hon. J. H. Petre, though twice struck, held on to his duty till
+another bullet laid him low. Captain O'Gowan was hit in two places, and
+Lieutenant Lockwood in four, as also was Captain Murray of the Scottish
+Rifles while attempting to lead his men towards the Boer trenches. Death
+claimed this splendid officer before the end of the day. Captain Walter
+was killed by a shell.
+
+Curious stories were told of the behaviour of the Boers to the Colonial
+soldiers, stories which were hardly creditable to the Dutchmen. What
+their deadly missiles had failed to do the Boers themselves
+accomplished. They clubbed some unfortunates to death. These were
+Uitlanders, or suspected of being such. The correspondent of the _Daily
+Telegraph_ gave the names of two men slaughtered in this way--Corporal
+Weldon and Private Daddon, ex-Pretoria men! In addition to this
+brutality, explosive bullets in quantities were used. A drummer and a
+private of the Fusiliers were both killed by them. It was said that the
+quantity of losses sustained by Thorneycroft's, the Imperial Light
+Horse, and other South African "Irregulars" was due to special spite
+owing to a suspicion on the part of the Boers that these regiments might
+have been recruited from Uitlanders. This charge was so generally
+believed that many of the "Regulars" came to the assistance of the
+Colonials, transferring to them their badges in order to save them from
+the consequences of discovery; for it was distinctly stated that cases
+had occurred where the Boers deliberately shot the wounded whom they
+knew to be Colonials. So as to be thoroughly impartial, however, we must
+remember that there are blood-thirsty villains of all nationalities in
+times of peace as well as in times of war.
+
+Next morning, General Buller, riding to the scene of action, then, and
+then only, became acquainted with the decisive move, the abandonment of
+Spion Kop. His astonishment was great--so was that of the Boers. Some
+said that the foe had already begun trekking, believing, in spite of
+their stout resistance, that the position was lost. Others argued that
+any trekking that they might have attempted meant merely a manoeuvre
+consistent with their mobility to entice the British farther on into a
+trap from whence they could not have escaped. Be this as it may, a man
+of immense courage gave the order to withdraw, and he had his reasons,
+which reasons proved satisfactory to the Chief.
+
+[Illustration: THE SCENE ON SPION KOP--MAJOR THORNEYCROFT'S DESPERATE
+SITUATION.
+
+Drawing by Frank Craig from a Sketch by a British Officer.]
+
+On the 25th the battle dragged on, the artillery barking and rifles
+snapping at each other, while the transport slowly prepared to retrace
+its winding way whither it had come, across the Tugela. The most gallant
+and perhaps the most melancholy feature of the war was at an end.
+General Warren's right flanking movement had failed, and the
+Commander-in-Chief decided that there was no alternative but to again
+concentrate in the neighbourhood of Potgieter's Drift. The movement was
+conducted, under the personal direction of General Buller, with
+admirable precision and skill, and though there were weary and disgusted
+hearts among the bitterly disappointed troops, they bore their trial
+with dignity. The return was orderly, and no further misfortune
+happened. The enemy made no attempt to interfere. They, too, though
+successful in their defence, were hard hit.
+
+The following casualty list represents the cost of the great flanking
+movement:--
+
+     _Killed_:--Staff--Captain Virtue, Brigade-Major. 3rd King's
+     Royal Rifles--Lieut.-Colonel Buchanan Riddell, Lieutenant R.
+     Grand, Second Lieutenant French-Brewster. 2nd
+     Cameronians--Captain F. Murray, Captain Walter, Lieutenant
+     Osborne. 17th Company Royal Engineers--Major Massey. 2nd King's
+     Royal Rifles--Lieutenant Pope Wolferstan. 1st South
+     Lancashire--Captain Birch. 2nd Lancashire Fusiliers--Captain
+     Stewart, Lieutenant J. Mallock, Lieutenant Fraser. Imperial
+     Light Horse--Lieutenant Rudall, Lieutenant Kynock. 2nd
+     Middlesex Regiment--Captain Muriel, Second Lieutenant Lawley,
+     Second Lieutenant Wilson. 2nd Lancaster Regiment--Major Ross,
+     Captain Kirk, Lieutenant Wade. Thorneycroft's Mounted
+     Infantry--Captain Hon. W. Petre, Captain Knox-Gore, Lieutenant
+     Grenfell, Lieutenant Newnham, Lieutenant M'Corqudale,
+     Lieutenant Hon. Hill-Trevor. South African Light Horse--Major
+     Childe. 2nd West York--Captain Ryall.
+     _Wounded_:--Staff--Major-General Sir E. Woodgate[5] (since
+     dead), Captain Castleton, A.D.C. 3rd King's Royal Rifles--Major
+     Thistlethwayte, Major Kays, Captain Beaumont, Captain Briscoe.
+     2nd Cameronians--Major S. P. Strong, Major Ellis, Captain
+     Wanless-O'Gowan, Lieutenant H. V. Lockwood, Second Lieutenant
+     O. M. Torkington, Second Lieutenant F. G. W. Draffen. Indian
+     Staff Corps--Major Bayly. Bethune's Horse--Captain Ford. 17th
+     Company Royal Engineers--Lieutenant Falcon. 1st South
+     Lancashire--Lieutenant Raphael. 1st Border Regiment--Captain
+     Sinclair-M'Lagan, Second Lieutenant Andrews. 2nd Lancashire
+     Fusiliers--Lieut.-Colonel Blomfield (taken prisoner), Major
+     Walter, Lieutenant Griffin, Lieutenant Wilson, Lieutenant
+     Charlton. Royal Engineers--Captain Phillips. Royal Inniskilling
+     Fusiliers--Captain Maclachlan. 2nd West York--Lieutenant
+     Barlow. 2nd Lancashire Fusiliers--Captain Wolley-Dod, Captain
+     White, Captain Ormond, Lieutenant Campbell. 1st York and
+     Lancaster--Lieutenant Halford, Lieutenant Duckworth. 2nd West
+     Surrey--Captain Raitt (since dead), Captain Warden, Lieutenant
+     Smith, Lieutenant Wedd. 2nd Middlesex Regiment--Major
+     Scott-Moncrieff, Captain Savile, Captain Burton, Second
+     Lieutenant Bentley. 2nd Lancaster Regiment--Captain Sandbach,
+     Lieutenant Dykes, Lieutenant Stephens, Second Lieutenant Nixon.
+     Thorneycroft's Mounted Infantry--Captain Bettington, Lieutenant
+     Foster, Lieutenant Baldwin, Lieutenant Howard. _Missing_:--2nd
+     Lancashire Fusiliers--Captain Elmslie (taken prisoner), Captain
+     Hicks, Captain Freeth. 2nd Middlesex Regiment--Lieutenant
+     Galbraith. 2nd Lancaster Regiment--Major Carleton.
+     Thorneycroft's Mounted Infantry--Lieutenant Power-Ellis.
+
+
+THE THIRD GREAT EFFORT--VAAL KRANTZ
+
+At this time it seemed as though the word "As you were" had been spoken
+by the military authorities. But it was, alas! no longer possible to
+believe that the position was as it had been; for it was now a case of
+melancholy experience plus previous melancholy experience. Nearly six
+weeks before, the great frontal attack at Colenso had failed--failed
+partly by reason of the tremendous strategical position taken up by the
+Boers, with the river Tugela as a natural moat for its protection, and
+partly on account of the disaster to the guns, which completely upturned
+the plan of Sir Redvers Buller's calculations.
+
+Now a great flank movement had been attempted, and had failed as
+signally as the first frontal effort. It was really discovered that a
+flanking movement, truly interpreted, was impossible, for there is no
+flank to a circle, and the Boer lines were found to be equally strong
+all round from Colenso to Ladysmith.
+
+This horrible discovery naturally made the situation very grave indeed.
+The effect on the garrison of Ladysmith--the terrible rebound from
+delighted anticipation to amazed despair--may be partly imagined. None,
+indeed, save those who had so valiantly endured the terrible changes in
+the barometer of expectation could entirely gauge the sensitivity of
+those ill-fed, debilitated thousands, ravaged by disease, privation, and
+warfare, who hung oscillating day after day between salvation and
+destruction. They now knew that their saviours, Sir Charles Warren and
+his force, were withdrawn to the south of the Tugela. This was done
+because the river forms a species of natural rampart, beyond which the
+country--a species of South African Switzerland--offered no facilities
+to an attacking force. It was found that the Boers had carefully
+fortified every position already well formed by nature for purposes of
+defence. It was the same as Colenso. The theatre of war was margined by
+fortifications, regular galleries, rising tier upon tier on originally
+favourable positions. The opportunity to occupy these favourable
+positions the Boers owed entirely to us--to the procrastination and
+pacific tendencies of the British Government. It was now owned that Sir
+Alfred Milner should have gone to the Conference with a forest of rifles
+at his back, an army of mounted Colonials at his elbows, and some big
+guns "up his sleeve." As it was, while he talked and the Government
+spent its money on telegraphic palaver, the Boers, assisted by their
+German mercenaries, were marking out the choicest positions, not for
+their own defence, but for the defence of Natal (which they were allowed
+time to seize) against the "magnanimous" Briton. Yes, the Boers from the
+beginning had decided to talk the British into delay, and had profited
+gloriously by their strategy. In our first volume, a letter on "Boer
+ignorance" candidly showed the Dutchman's hand--too late, of course, for
+then the trick was bound to be taken. The Dutchmen conferred with Sir
+Alfred Milner to suit their own ends and to further their main objects;
+firstly, to keep the war outside their own territories, and secondly, to
+confine it to soil that, geographically and by a species of hereditary
+instinct, they knew to perfection. They, boy and man, loved those
+kopjes. In those semi-circular windings, those almost inaccessible peaks
+and cones, those boulders which afforded eternal cover to the sniper,
+those vast arenas of open veldt where an approaching enemy might be
+stormed upon by a deluge of leaden hail--they had mentally played
+hide-and-seek for eighteen years. Now the reality of the game was come.
+From the early days when Sir Harry Smith found them prospecting the fair
+land of Natal, they had learnt its intimate geography. We, to whom the
+fair land belonged, had barely heard of the Tugela or the region around
+it. To us it was superficially known only at the cost of dire
+experience. The Boers had been aware that the British advance northwards
+through the Free State would lie across flat fair country, and knowing
+this, had decided that during the month taken to land the British army
+they must take up their positions beyond and around it; and so excellent
+was their cunning, so amicably pacific the temper of the British nation,
+that they were enabled to follow their strategic programme in its
+entirety, and plant themselves in firmly rooted masses to await our
+arrival!
+
+The problem of how to dislodge them and how to relieve Ladysmith was
+once more staring Sir Redvers Buller in the face with hard and unbending
+austerity. According to military experts, who viewed the plan of
+campaign with dispassionate eyes, the fate of Ladysmith should have been
+left out of the calculations. The troops should have been massed to a
+common centre and at the south, and from thence boldly advanced into the
+Free State. But against that opinion was the picture of the noble ten
+thousand inside a beleaguered town, a grand British multitude, who had
+been kept for months hoping against hope, fighting bravely, and praying
+of the Almighty to hasten the hour of their deliverance. They could not
+be left. While he had men and guns the General felt he must go on. But
+how? Certainly not by the newer route. The recapture of Spion Kop was
+decided to be impracticable, and the force remained stationary south of
+the Tugela while the complicated situation was reviewed.
+
+The General, whatever his misfortunes, had lost none of the confidence
+of his troops. As he himself said of them, "The men were splendid." They
+were disgusted at being a second time defeated without being beaten, and
+disappointed at again being forced back from the road to Ladysmith; but
+their steadfast faith in their chief was unalterable. Sir Redvers Buller
+again addressed his warriors, promising them they should be in Ladysmith
+soon, and the men, Britons to the core, again said in their hearts, "We
+shall."
+
+To replace 1600 killed and wounded in the late actions, drafts of 2400
+men had now arrived. A mountain battery, A Battery R.H.A., and two
+fortress guns had strengthened the artillery, while two squadrons of the
+14th Hussars had been added to the cavalry, thus bringing the strength
+of the force to 1000 more than the number which had started for Spion
+Kop. This was an imposing increase, but its value at the present time
+was much less than it would have been had Sir Redvers Buller originally
+taken the field with a proper complement of men and guns. "To do the
+thing handsomely we want 150,000 men," a tactician declared at the
+onset; but nobody heeded him, and in consequence of this heedlessness
+the complications in Natal had arisen.
+
+"However," as a military officer expressed it, "there was not a sore
+head nor a timid heart in Buller's army. As we lie in our bivouacs at
+night, the Southern Cross and a thousand constellations watching over
+our slumbers, we dream of the Angel of Victory, and in our dreams we
+hear the flapping of her wings."
+
+The optimism of the army was undiminished. There was no doubt whatever
+that they would relieve Ladysmith, but the when and the how remained as
+yet unsolved. The troops had not yet sustained actual defeat at the
+hands of the Boers, and, while our losses could be replaced, and _were_
+being replaced, the recuperative power of the Boers was nil. Indeed it
+was stated that they had come to the end of their resources, and that
+they were already forcing Kaffirs to fight for them in the trenches.
+Later on it was discovered that females even--true to the ancient
+sporting instinct of the Boer woman--were lending a hand in the
+management of the rifle.
+
+At last, after some days of deliberation, a third great attempt to reach
+the imprisoned multitude in Ladysmith was planned out.
+
+A week of waiting and then a new advance was decided on. Seventy guns
+drew up in line on the hills to prepare the way for another gigantic
+move. This time Sir Redvers Buller's plan was to occupy a hill called
+Vaal Krantz and get forward between Spion Kop and the Doorn Kloof
+ranges. But after a very short yet valorous essay, it was discovered
+that there were veritably cannon to right of them, cannon to left of
+them. The Boers commanded the hills on either side the road through
+which the troops must pass. Not only were there guns on both sides, but
+these Krupps and Creusot cannon far outranged anything that our
+artillery could bring to bear on them. The Naval guns alone were capable
+of not only barking but biting, and these three were not enough to meet
+the formidable array of the Republicans.
+
+[Illustration: PLAN OF THE BATTLE OF VAAL KRANTZ]
+
+On the 5th of February, however, the gallant attempt was made. The
+cavalry moved forward about 6 A.M.--one brigade under Colonel
+Burn-Murdoch advanced to the right below Swartz Kop, the Colonials under
+Lord Dundonald kept nearer to Potgieter's Drift, Sir Charles Warren with
+one brigade remained west of Mount Alice in a position commanding the
+road leading to Potgieter's Drift. The Naval guns meanwhile came into
+action, shelling the Boer positions, dongas, and trenches, and every
+imaginable hiding-place with immense energy, but with little result. The
+Boers in their trenches were quiet, as usual reserving themselves for an
+effective outburst later on. Meanwhile the Lancashire Brigade (now under
+Colonel Wynne) were advancing in skirmishing order to the tune of the
+mighty orchestra, while above an officer of sappers in the balloon spied
+out the Boer haunts, and directed accordingly. By nine o'clock
+pandemonium was unloosed--lyddite bellowed, shrapnel clattered over
+the whole fortified face of Brakfontein, while the infantry steadily
+moved on. Presently from dongas and trenches, at ranges of 1000 yards
+and less, came the crackling of rifles, to which our troops responded by
+volleys now and again. Between these volleys they proceeded steadily,
+regardless of the uproar and the fell work of the eternally active
+sniper.
+
+[Illustration: CYCLISTS--LANCASHIRE FUSILIERS.
+
+Photo by Gregory & Co., London.]
+
+While this feint attack was taking place on the left before the now
+flaming ridges of Brakfontein, a real and vigorous move was being made
+on the extreme right for the purpose of carrying the crest of Vaal
+Krantz, which was then thought to be the key to the direct road to
+Ladysmith, and was not very strongly fortified by the Dutchmen. The
+Royal Engineers with immense energy set to work laying a pontoon bridge
+across the treacherous depths in the direction of Skiet's Drift, an
+operation which had to be performed with infinite patience and pluck, as
+the Boers were no sooner aware of their activities than they plied their
+Mausers with a will. This crossing-place, styled Munger's Ford, now
+attracted the attention of the whole Boer artillery, and the "pom-poms"
+and 40-pounders of the enemy contrived to render the locality anything
+but an enviable place of rendezvous. Our pieces, from their hiding-place
+among the trees in the neighbourhood of Swartz Kop, soon bombarded the
+Boer position with equal activity. By ten o'clock the bridge had been
+thrown across the river, and General Lyttelton and his troops were
+preparing for the assault of Vaal Krantz. The artillery now made its
+finishing demonstration before Brakfontein, there being no
+necessity--now that the troops had come successfully across the pontoon
+bridge--for a continuation of the feint attack. For this reason the
+Lancashire Brigade was now ordered to retire. The gallant fellows,
+having done what was required of them, marched back in excellent order
+to their original position.
+
+All this while shells were shrieking, lyddite was bursting, and musketry
+crackling, till the whole earth seemed riven with an enormous
+convulsion. The gunners had some terrific experiences, and nobly, in a
+truly alarming position, they comported themselves. They were on low
+ground, exposed without shelter to the Boer works, which dominated the
+plain; yet they pursued their labours with unerring care and
+intelligence that was truly remarkable. Shell plumped in their midst,
+under the limbers, over the guns, above their heads, round their feet.
+They stuck to their duty. Horses dropped and shrieked in their agony,
+gunners fell shot through the heart and were carried away. Loudly the
+vociferous chorus of death went on, steadily the gunners took their
+share of the fearful drama of destruction. To show the vast amount of
+"grit" that these gunners could boast, an incident of the day must be
+recorded. About noon the batteries were ordered to approach nearer to
+Vaal Krantz and prepare the way for the infantry assault. The guns, ever
+under a scathing fire, moved off in due order to take up the fresh
+position on the right facing Vaal Krantz. Finally they came to the last
+waggon, an ammunition waggon belonging to the 78th Battery R.A., which
+was horseless. The team had been wiped off by the enemy. Nevertheless
+the gunners put their shoulders to the wheel, and, with a mighty effort,
+rolled the machine straight through the fiery hurricane to a place of
+safety! The conduct of the Jack Tars also stuck another feather in their
+already well-decorated caps. While the new balloon made its descent it
+became an object of attention, and was saluted vigorously by the enemy.
+Nevertheless the sailors stuck to their work, held the basket, took
+possession of the truculent aerial vessel, and marched off with it under
+a galling fire.
+
+By-and-by, when Vaal Krantz had been thoroughly searched and swept by
+the British batteries, and the snipers from the base of Doorn Kloof had
+been partially reduced to silence by the joint efforts of the artillery
+and Hildyard's Brigade, Lyttelton's gallant band began to move off from
+the direction of Munger's Farm on the road to Vaal Krantz. It was now
+the early afternoon, but from all sides the deadly missiles of the enemy
+still bellowed and hooted. Still the Durham Light Infantry, with the 3rd
+King's Royal Rifles on their right, pushed steadily on--forward from the
+river and up the precipitous broken face of the hill. Cheering, they
+went, clambering and leaping, and whether it was the menacing roar, or
+the suggestion it gave of coming steel that stirred them, certain it was
+that few of the foe remained to meet the charge.
+
+The Boers saw them--heard them--gauged the meaning of the lusty British
+cheer--and bolted. Scarcely any elected to fall victim to the bayonet.
+Those who were there threw up their hands and appealed for mercy. These
+were promptly made prisoners, and the British, for the time being,
+reigned supreme on the hill. But their reign had its discomforts.
+Dutchmen crowded the ground, west, east, and north of them, dosing them
+liberally with lead from their rifles, while their position was
+perpetually pounded by the big guns of the enemy. These, vomiting on the
+eastern slopes of the hill, set fire to the grass and added to the
+discomforts of the position by surrounding it with appalling fumes,
+which choked and blinded, and destroyed the view of the Dutchmen's
+haunts. Nevertheless, the kopje once gained, the men rushed along the
+crest and entrenched themselves in a spot that looked as though it had
+been overtaken by a prairie fire. Our shells had effectually cleared the
+grass and scrub. The gunners from the surrounding kopjes kept a sharp
+lookout, firing at the Boers as they brought up their guns from all
+directions, while General Lyttelton maintained his ground. Meanwhile
+efforts were made to get the batteries forward to the hill, but the task
+was a difficult one, and the position was strengthened and enlarged in
+order to assist in the accomplishment of the desired object. Until guns
+could be mounted and made to defy the active aggression of the
+"pom-poms," Creusots, and other deadly weapons of the enemy, there could
+be no hope of getting the troops and their baggage through to Ladysmith.
+At this time an obstinate effort to gain lost ground was made by the
+Republicans, but owing to the doughty resistance of the Scottish Rifles
+and the King's Royal Rifles, the attempt to dislodge them entirely
+failed. Towards seven o'clock a drizzling rain and darkness descended.
+The troops which had gathered together between Swartz Kop, Munger's
+Drift, and the newly acquired hill were forced to bivouac where they
+were for the night, Sir Redvers Buller and his staff remaining on the
+field with the men.
+
+At dawn on the 6th of February the Boers resumed their activity. Long
+Tom--the first to awake--with his big black snout snorted sonorously.
+Bang went a hundred-pound shell across the plain--helter-skelter flew
+the British Tommies, who were enjoying their morning tea, and crash and
+splash went their delicious brew. Fortunately no serious harm was done.
+A few horses were killed. But after this began an artillery duel of
+vigorous nature. This was chiefly directed against General Lyttelton's
+troops on Vaal Krantz. The Boers seemed everywhere, more ubiquitous than
+usual. From the lower crests of Spion Kop, from the peak of Doorn Kloof,
+from the mountains commanding the road to Ladysmith, flame vomited, and
+lead and steel and powder spouted and spluttered.
+
+The fact was that during the night the Boers, in order to proceed with
+the work of defence, had set fire to more grass in the neighbourhood of
+the British position, and utilised the illumination for the transfer of
+their guns from one place to another. Early, therefore, they were
+enabled to greet the camp with the roar of a Creusot gun and other
+weapons from all quarters playing upon the position. Shells burst
+everywhere, some even reaching headquarters. It was said that Buller,
+the imperturbable, welcomed them. Certainly his Spartan-like disregard
+of danger was remarkable, and was responsible for the superb nonchalance
+of those who served under him. Still, with his courage he displayed
+caution, the caution that only a courageous man would dare to display.
+He decided later on that his move was impracticable, that more lives
+should not be spent in futile effort. Of this anon. While the Creusots
+and Krupps pounded the hill, the Boers strove their uttermost to regain
+their hold on the lost position. Meanwhile the Naval guns rumbled and
+rampaged, ammunition waggons blew up, earthquakes filled the clear blue
+atmosphere with avalanches of dust, and one of the enemy's cherished
+weapons on Spion Kop was knocked clean out of action.
+
+Late in the afternoon, the worn-out troops of Lyttelton's Brigade were
+relieved by Hildyard's men, who came in from a violent night-attack by
+the enemy. This in their usual gallant style was repelled by the East
+Surrey and the West Yorks--the veteran West Yorks, who had learned not a
+little from Beacon Hill onwards.
+
+On Wednesday the firing grew terrific. More guns were brought up,
+seemingly from the bowels of the earth; they were posted
+everywhere--another 6-inch Creusot gun, Maxim cannons, two 30-pounders,
+three "pom-poms," in addition to the death-dealing weapons of the
+previous day. Shells hurtled and burst on hill and dale, mountain and
+valley, smoke, flame, and dust spouted forth, making the atmosphere
+dense, torrid, and fearsome. Still Hildyard's dauntless brigade held
+their ground unflinchingly, while the Naval guns strove bravely, but
+strove in vain, to tackle the great snorting crew of the opposition. It
+seemed as though the advance must be accomplished not merely through a
+zone, but a sheath of fire, for the road to Ladysmith was barred from
+end to end, a sheer _cul-de-sac_, with flame and death for its lining.
+
+Our troops during the whole day hung tenaciously to Vaal Krantz, while
+the Dutchmen obstinately challenged their right to be there. But nothing
+appreciable was achieved, and evacuation seemed the wiser and more
+profitable course to pursue. By this time it began to be recognised that
+the strategic value of Vaal Krantz for turning the Brakfontein position
+had been over-estimated, and that an advance would necessitate the
+routing of the Boers from Brakfontein and the taking and holding of
+Doorn Kloof, if our communications through the valley were to be
+maintained.
+
+There was no glory in trying to proceed in the teeth--nay, into the
+jaws--of so overpowering a foe, a foe who was on the eve of outflanking
+us. It would have been walking into a fiery furnace--into the pocket of
+hell. Another council of war took place. Retirement was suggested.
+General Hart, as distinguished for valour as General Lyttelton for brave
+discretion, proposed the storming of Doorn Kop. He and his were ready
+for everything: he had Ireland at his back. But Pat was not to be thrown
+away on an impossible undertaking, and consequently the majority had
+their way, and the retirement was effected. On Friday the whole glorious
+persevering band were again across the Tugela, preparing to strike out
+in a fresh direction.
+
+[Illustration: FALLS ON THE TUGELA RIVER.
+
+Photo by Wilson, Aberdeen.]
+
+The following is the list of casualties between the 5th and 7th of
+February:--
+
+     _Killed_:--1st Durham Light Infantry--Major Johnson Smith;
+     Second Lieutenant Shafto.
+
+     _Wounded_:--1st Durham Light Infantry--Lieut.-Colonel
+     Fitzgerald; Captain Lascelles; Second Lieutenant Lambton;
+     Second Lieutenant Appleby. 1st Rifle Brigade--Captain Thorp;
+     Captain Talbot; Lieutenant Blewitt; Lieutenant Ellis;
+     Lieutenant Sir T. Cunninghame, Bart. 3rd King's Royal
+     Rifles--Lieutenant Sims. Royal Artillery--Lieut.-Colonel
+     Montgomery, Captain Dawson, 78th Battery R.F.A. 2nd Scottish
+     Rifles--Second Lieutenant Ferrars. 2nd West Yorkshire--Second
+     Lieutenant Bicknell. 2nd East Surrey--Captain White. R.A.M.C.,
+     Major Rose.
+
+
+DISAPPOINTMENT AT LADYSMITH
+
+The fearful and ghastly activity of the 6th of January ceased with dusk.
+Night descended: she came softly as the footsteps of angels moving
+lightly among the tranquil dead. The moon, with pale white serenity,
+looked down on the scene of carnage, so still, so appallingly still; and
+the dots of twinkling stars seemed like a thousand eyes of heaven,
+seeing and inquiring how the face of the fair earth could grow so
+changed within a day. And everywhere there moved leaden hearts and feet
+weary with the long strain of foregone hours. Hunger, exposure, and long
+vigils had become a daily routine, but this close and sustained attack,
+and the terrible havoc it had wrought on the weakening numbers, brought
+with it new alarms. True, the bayonet, the trusty bayonet, had served
+its turn, and might serve again, so long as strength would hold out. But
+there were doubts. The Russian general Suvaroff once said, "The ball is
+a fool, but the bayonet is a brick." He took it for granted that the
+bayonet even must needs have a man, and not the ghost of a man, at the
+back of it; and the poor heroes in Ladysmith were fast becoming shadows
+of the hale and muscular fellows who had scaled the steeps of Talana
+Hill and broken the echoes of Elandslaagte with the yell of victory.
+Sadly and solemnly they now set themselves to the pathetic work of
+removing the slain.
+
+On the 7th of January one of the Boer medical officers rode in under a
+Red Cross flag, requesting the burial of the British dead. A party
+started to fulfil this sad office, and while they wandered about picking
+up the melancholy mutilated forms, the Boers assisted in the task, and
+in some cases helped to dig the graves and carry the slain; conversing
+the while with such perfect amity, that it was almost impossible to
+believe they were deadly foes. Deeply pathetic was the reading of the
+solemn burial service by the commanding officer, for Britons and Boers
+stood side by side, and one of the latter, moving apart, uttered a short
+prayer that the war would soon be at an end. This was followed by the
+singing of a hymn in Dutch, a quaint, simple, earnest solemnity, which
+was vastly touching to all.
+
+The curious blend of courage and pleasantness, of trickery and
+barbarity, in the Boer character has been remarked upon before. It was
+never more displayed than in the dealings of the Boers around Ladysmith.
+On one day they would shell an hospital, or rather the Town Hall,
+knowing it to serve as an hospital; on another they would treat the
+wounded with almost brotherly consideration. For instance, one man in
+the 19th Hussars, who was wounded on January 6, and subsequently taken
+prisoner, gave a refreshing account of Boer manners. Though shot in the
+arm, he remained at his post till dark, and then in the gloom mistook
+his way to camp and wandered down the wrong side of the hill. He was
+captured and detained till morning, while his wound was dressed and
+cared for. Then he was sent back to camp armed with a tin of jam and a
+box of chocolate! A somewhat similar experience was related by another
+man, one of the Gordons, who was wounded and taken prisoner on Waggon
+Hill early in the morning, and was removed in charge of an old Boer to a
+place of safety half-way down the slope. From here he subsequently
+escaped. In the _melee_ that followed the Devons' charge across the
+plateau in the thick of the hailstorm, the Boers, shouting in Dutch that
+the rooineks were upon them, stampeded, and consequently the prisoner
+was left to his own devices. He thereupon rejoined the troops.
+
+[Illustration: BRITISH 7-POUNDER FIELD-GUN.]
+
+The Boers in the fight had been animated by unusual confidence. They had
+seemed assured of victory. Their demeanour was cool and deliberate, some
+of them doing an hour's firing while others put in a half-hour's nap
+under cover of the rocks. All their preparations were made with a view
+to spending Sunday in Ladysmith, and their tents were ready to be
+pitched immediately they had obtained possession of the ridge. They, in
+fact, firmly believed that they would make a repetition of Majuba, and
+it was noticed that their tactics were identical with those observed on
+that tragic occasion. Curiously enough, an exceedingly interesting relic
+of Majuba came to hand. A rifle bearing the mark "Majuba" and the name
+of the 58th Regiment was found on an old Boer. It had evidently been
+captured on the fatal day when Colley fell.
+
+Much regret was felt for the loss of Lord Ava, one of the cheeriest of
+soldiers and most handsome and brilliant of men. He had served with the
+17th Lancers, and had also cast in his lot with the irregulars in South
+Africa under Methuen. He was essentially a sporting and a romantic
+figure in all circles of London society, having resuscitated the
+fortunes of Ranelagh and engaged himself actively in plans and projects
+for the brightening of social life. He was moreover a general favourite,
+and sympathy with Lord Dufferin on the loss of his promising heir was
+great.
+
+Now that the rivers were flooded the service of native runners was
+precarious, and less than ever was known of the outside world. But the
+Boers were seen to be in active movement on the distant hills, and there
+was a very general belief that the quiet that was enjoyed was due to
+some advance movement on the part of General Buller that was demanding
+the attention of the Dutchmen. This belief was confirmed by the sight of
+two machine-guns which were being galloped off post-haste to a
+destination unknown.
+
+Since Christmas the prices had gone up. Eggs by the middle of January
+were worth 19s. a dozen, and jam cost 6s. 6d. a tin. Condensed milk was
+sold for 10s. a tin, other things, particularly medicines, were becoming
+priceless. An appalling apathy almost approaching despair had settled on
+the community. It was going on for three months since they had been shut
+off from the outside world, during which their losses had exceeded 1500
+in slain, wounded, and missing, yet they were no nearer release. Indeed,
+each began to wonder whether death or Sir Redvers Buller's force would
+reach them first. One month after another passed, and with them,
+precious lives, yet little fuss was made, for death was a common
+visitor. Much regret was felt at the loss on the 15th of the brilliant
+author and correspondent of the _Daily Mail_, Mr. G. W. Steevens. His
+was a young career, rich in promise. But death is a connoisseur--he
+chooses the best. Only a few days before, Mr. Mitchell, sub-editor of
+the _Johannesburg Star_, and Lieutenant Stabb (Naval Reserve) of the
+_Times of India_, had been carried off by enteric fever; while young
+Ferrand, sometime a correspondent of the _Morning Post_ and a trooper of
+the Light Horse, fell in action on the 6th.
+
+[Illustration: THE SIEGE OF LADYSMITH, JAN. 1900. VIEW FROM BULWANA
+HILL.
+
+From a sketch by George Lynch, War Correspondent.
+
+The hospital train is here shown on its way to Intombi Camp with its
+daily load of sick and wounded.]
+
+But soon a change came. Sounds of unusual guns reached their ears--ears
+now well attuned to all the surrounding noises. Though news by heliogram
+came slowly and at long intervals, all were conscious that something was
+afloat.
+
+They were soon wild with excitement and anticipation. Not only could Sir
+George White's garrison hear the distant thunder of the guns of the
+relieving column, a sound which made heavenly music to their ears, but
+from the lookout posts on the heights held by them they could
+occasionally see the bursting of the shells fired by the Naval guns
+from the region of Potgieter's Drift. The attention of the investing
+force was now distracted; the Dutchmen were concentrating their energies
+to repel the movement of the British troops on the Upper Tugela, and
+continued to send reinforcements westward to meet the demand on their
+resources there. But they strengthened their works on the north of the
+town, added some more howitzers and fired a few shells by way of
+introduction.
+
+[Illustration: LIEUT.-GENERAL SIR CHARLES WARREN, G.C.M.G.
+
+Photo by Elliott & Fry, London.]
+
+At this time impatience and anxiety arrived at an almost painful pitch.
+Every soul was panting for the signal that might call upon them to
+co-operate in the final tug-of-war which should set Ladysmith free.
+Acutely were the movements of General Buller's relieving force watched
+from the highest points in the town. Intense was the interest displayed
+as every bursting shell threw forth its dense volumes of brown smoke,
+and showed how the friendly lyddite worked to the rescue. The garrison
+looked forth breathlessly for the coming of relief, hoping, praying,
+doubting, fearing, with nothing to vary the ever-recurrent anguish of
+anticipation.
+
+At this date a journalist made a daring sortie on his own account, and
+reached Durban in safety. He left with permission at nightfall on the
+18th of January, and, guided by a wily Kaffir, made tracks for
+Chieveley. Having gone about two miles to the east of Caesar's Camp and
+approached unwarily a Boer picket, he was promptly challenged. Then
+ping! ping! ping! a swift whistling sound of Boer bullets, and silence!
+The journalist, to use a sporting phrase, was lying "doggo." Not a shot
+touched him. Flat on his stomach he remained for fully half an hour with
+bated breath, then, when murmurs of the disquieted Boers ceased to
+ruffle the night air, he resumed his way, groping on hands and knees,
+and wishing fervently that he had taken lessons in deportment
+earlier--from the quadrupeds. Perilous was the onward journey,
+clambering and crawling up hill and down dale, and falling over rocks
+and stones in the pitch darkness. Daylight saw him at the hut of a
+friendly native not far from Chieveley, and here concealed, he spent
+twenty-four hours of terrible suspense till it was time again to proceed
+on his journey. The Boers almost discovered him. They called at the hut
+for milk, absorbed it, and looked about suspiciously, while the man of
+the pen was penned in amongst a heap of blankets, a perspiring mass,
+quaking but safe.
+
+Meanwhile with the rumour of battle in the air, hope revived. It
+continued to increase as the British positions from the heights around
+the town became visible--the newly gained positions on Swartz Kop and
+the eminences near the Tugela at Potgieter's and Trichardt's Drifts.
+Every red flash was like a smile of welcome--every roar of bursting
+shrapnel seemed a very chorus of jubilation. To the ears of the
+besieged the tremendous awe-striking cannonade appeared as the loved
+assurance of Great Britain, their deliverer, saying, with grand majestic
+tone, "I am coming." In the distance the Boers could be seen in frenzied
+activity inspanning their waggons, and towards the evening they were
+observed trekking northwards towards Van Reenan's Pass. Many conjectures
+were rife, and subsequently on the 25th curiosity grew to fever heat.
+Surely the British were in possession of Spion Kop! Decidedly they were
+masters of the situation! Yet in the nek below, by the light of the
+telescope, Boer camps could be seen on the plains; under cover of the
+great hill Boer cattle were grazing. What could this mean? Had the Boers
+gone and left everything to the mercy of their victors? or were they
+merely in hiding, intending to return at nightfall, and remove their
+valuables? Certainly the Burghers were to be viewed mounted and
+decamping in the direction of the pass, and also winding strings of
+waggons pursuing their slow way in the same direction. Still the riddle
+remained unsolved. Night fell. The suspense grew more and more fevered;
+it became almost a delirium. There was little sleep; then, when morning
+dawned, there was more anxiety and more puzzling, more mental torture.
+The Boers were as much in evidence as ever!
+
+Disappointment may be borne with a show of spirit when the inner
+machinery is well oiled, but the inhabitants of Ladysmith had no such
+source of fortitude. True, they had fared, if not sumptuously, at least
+practically, on horse-sausages, which were turned out wholesale from a
+factory for the benefit of the troops, and on fairly nourishing soup
+which was supplied in the same way; but of civilised food there was
+none. Eggs had now gone up to 36s. a dozen, and a diminutive and
+emaciated fowl could be purchased for 18s. These luxuries were for the
+elect. For the mass a varying dietary of horse and mule was obligatory.
+Vegetables were sold at a prohibitive price, and a case of whisky was
+raffled for and fetched L145, so that "Dutch courage" wherewith to meet
+their misfortune was unpurchasable.
+
+Not till Sunday the 28th the fearful truth was learned, that Warren,
+after holding Spion Kop, had retired, and left the Boers in undisturbed
+occupation of their commanding position!
+
+As all the latest events to the south were communicated to the garrison
+as fast as they were made known to the chief, the news of the capture of
+Spion Kop and the disappointing retirement therefrom was published in
+general orders. Blank faces turned from each other, that none should see
+the reflection of his own despondency. Intense had been the rapture of
+the anxious inhabitants when they had heard the far-away booming of the
+British guns, seen the splashing of British lyddite, watched the great
+spouts of smoke that spoke of tremendous activity and their possible
+salvation. Now their dismay was more than proportionate. After all their
+agony--silence. Silence, so far as they were concerned. Mystery, doubt,
+and agonising suspense--and now the news, the woeful news, that the
+second splendid effort to break through the imprisoning Boer girdle had
+failed!
+
+Still the garrison was resolved to hold on to the last, preferring death
+by starvation or disease rather than surrender. The malodorous
+surroundings were borne with patience, the diminution of the supply of
+medicines, watched with pathetic resignation. Nevertheless an untold
+weariness crept over the unhappy sufferers, who spent their days huddled
+underground and dreading to expose themselves in the open lest they
+should be caught by a shell or "sniped" at by some Boer more
+enterprising than the rest. How they longed, how they prayed for the
+great hour! They believed in Buller; they knew he would come, they said
+to themselves. But when, O when? And echo answered--When?
+
+
+LORD ROBERTS AT THE CAPE
+
+On the 10th of January Lord Roberts arrived. He was received by General
+Sir F. Forestier Walker on behalf of Sir Alfred Milner. All the ships in
+port were dressed, and there was immense excitement at the prospect of
+better things. Many recalled to mind the occasion of the last coming of
+the great little man, when, on the eve of a campaign to retrieve Majuba,
+he found that the British Government, unknown to him, had arranged peace
+on contemptible terms. At that time it was said he broke his sword in
+indignation at the betrayal to which he had been subjected, and vowed
+never again to serve under a British Government. Be this as it may--he
+had now come at the earnest call of his country, and all felt that his
+coming meant a turn in the wheel of fortune. After his arrival things
+began gradually to unfold themselves, and the promise of decisive
+movement was in the air.
+
+Lord Roberts's decision to bring the Colonial volunteers to the support
+of the Imperial forces was acknowledged to be a great move. The
+Colonist's services were eminently to be desired, for he had taken the
+Boer measure. He knew him in all the complex windings of his sinuous,
+twisting nature. In some respects the Boer had been his lesson-book.
+From him he had learned the necessity to be a good shot, a smart
+horseman, and a long stayer. He followed the ins and outs of the
+Dutchman's war game, and could practise the art of dodging round kopjes
+and into dongas, hiding in scrub and disappearing from mortal ken at a
+moment's notice, with the zest and agility of a schoolboy playing at
+hide and seek, and with a certain enjoyment in the diamond-cut-diamond
+sort of exercise.
+
+On the 26th of January General Brabant arrived at Queenstown to take
+over the command of the Colonial Division, and on the same day General
+Kelly Kenny, commanding the Sixth Division, occupied Thebus, a position
+on the railway between Middleburg and Stormberg Junction. This station
+is situated about ninety miles from Colesberg, around which General
+French so untiringly operated, and forty-five miles from Stormberg, the
+scene of General Gatacre's disaster.
+
+On the 1st of February the City of London Volunteers landed. Immediately
+after their arrival at the Cape they were honoured by a visit from the
+great man who was about to control the destinies of South Africa.
+Gracefully he welcomed them, and said how little it had been imagined in
+days gone by, the days when the Volunteer force had been established,
+that any of its members would come to take part in a war in South
+Africa. He expressed his belief that nothing was more calculated to
+benefit the army than employment together on service of all its
+component parts, and that these would learn to appreciate each other,
+and acquire a spirit of comradeship which would have far-reaching
+results. He reminded them that strangely enough the first Volunteers
+left home three hundred years ago to fight for the Dutch, and arrived
+just in time to save Flushing from the Spaniards. On this occasion they
+would take an equally brilliant part in establishing peace, order, and
+freedom in South Africa.
+
+[Illustration: TYPE OF ARMS--NEW NAVAL 12-POUNDER FIELD-GUN.
+
+(Photo, Cribb, Southsea.)]
+
+The members of the corps were delighted. Colonel Cholmondeley
+expressed their thanks, and they all cheered right royally. They were
+burning to get to the front, and, in spite of the sudden change of
+temperature from British midwinter to tropical sunshine, their zeal to
+be up and doing was unabated. They waited at the Cape to be joined by
+the second detachment and receive their horses, after which they
+entrained for the western border, where they were so soon to distinguish
+themselves.
+
+[Illustration: ARRIVAL AT CAPE TOWN OF WOUNDED FROM NATAL.
+
+Photo by Hosking, Cape Town.]
+
+There was great satisfaction at the announcement that General Brabant
+would command the Colonial corps. The class of men enlisting in
+Brabant's Horse, the Imperial Horse, Bailey's Horse, and other of the
+South African mounted corps was a superior one. The volunteers were
+mostly well-to-do men, sons of farmers and Colonials who were residents
+in the country, and were intimately acquainted with its geography.
+Moreover, they were men and not striplings, and were averse from being
+commanded by young officers who were absolutely without South African
+experience.
+
+It has been rumoured that the British officers and those of the
+irregular troops have not always been in accord. The fact is, that one
+is a master of discipline and the other a master of independence. The
+Colonial is accustomed to habits of complete self-reliance; he expects
+to be treated like an individual and not as a machine. Our military
+system is a machine-made system, and one which, unluckily for us, has
+been incapable of any of the smart plasticities which warfare with the
+Boers has demanded. Colonial troops will be led, but they won't be
+driven. They are composed of men of first-rate quality, but not men
+accustomed blindly to obey orders. The Colonist obeys because of the
+personal influence of a man or men whom he holds intellectually or
+morally in esteem, but the word discipline for sheer discipline's sake
+he is disinclined to understand. Among the ranks of the Colonials are
+many men of wealth and influence, men of high character and good
+education. These could not suddenly be treated in the same way as the
+British regulars, who, being gifted with more dare-devil courage than
+knowledge of the three R's, require to be welded together on a system. A
+tactician once asked the question--What is the difference between an
+army and a mob? and the general answered--"Discipline." It is discipline
+that converts a rowdy British youngster into the glorious British Tommy
+that he is. With the Colonial we have already the trained and
+independent man, and the system of give and take is the only system that
+can avert friction between men who, though brothers in blood, have, and
+always must have, the special idiosyncrasies attendant on their
+dissimilar forms of life.
+
+Lord Roberts, recognising all this, with his usual diplomacy and
+sympathy for those who serve the Queen, decided to form a bodyguard, to
+accompany him to the front, of Colonials, the troops to be
+representative of all the corps--volunteers, irregulars, &c. The guard
+was to consist of Major Laing, an officer well versed and distinguished
+in Colonial matters, a lieutenant, two sergeants and corporals, and
+about forty picked troopers taken from the various irregular corps
+already at the front. The men of the corps were to continue to wear
+their own uniform, and merely to be distinguished by a badge. Preference
+in choosing the members of the guard was given to men of Colonial birth,
+good shots, riders, and scouts, who were well acquainted with all the
+peculiarities of Colonial life.
+
+To further show his appreciation of the services of the Colonials, Lord
+Roberts appointed as extra aide-de-camp on his personal staff Colonel
+Bryon of the Australian Artillery. He also sent telegrams to the
+Governors of Victoria and New South Wales congratulating them on the
+spirit of patriotism in Australia, and expressing his appreciation of
+the useful and workmanlike troops that had been sent to assist in
+restoring peace, order, and freedom in South Africa.
+
+[Illustration: PRIVATE, DRUMMERS, PIPER, AND BUGLER--THE BLACK WATCH.
+
+Photo by Knight, Aldershot.]
+
+At this time the following correspondence between the Presidents of the
+Transvaal and the Orange Free State and Lord Roberts was published at
+the Cape. It began with a joint despatch from Presidents Steyn and
+Kruger dated Bloemfontein, February 3, stating:--
+
+     "We learn from many sides that the British troops, contrary to
+     the recognised usages of war, have been guilty of destruction
+     by burning and blowing up with dynamite farmhouses and
+     devastating farms and goods therein, whereby unprotected women
+     and children have often been deprived of food and shelter. This
+     happens not only in places where barbarians are encouraged by
+     British officers, but even in Cape Colony and in this State
+     (Orange Free State), where white brigands come out from the
+     theatre of war with the evident intention of carrying on
+     general devastation without any reason recognised by the custom
+     of war and without in any way furthering the operations. We
+     wish earnestly to protest against such practices."
+
+[Illustration: MR. KRUGER'S AUTOGRAPH]
+
+In reply Lord Roberts wrote:--
+
+     "I beg to acknowledge your Honours' telegram charging British
+     troops with the destruction of property contrary to the
+     recognised usages of war, and with brigandage and devastation.
+     These charges are made in vague and general terms. No specific
+     case is mentioned. No evidence is given. I have seen such
+     charges made before now in the Press, but in no case which has
+     come under my notice have they been substantiated. Most
+     stringent instructions have been issued to British troops to
+     respect private property so far as it is compatible with the
+     conduct of military operations. All wanton destruction and
+     injury to peaceful inhabitants are contrary to British practice
+     and traditions, and will, if necessary, be vigorously repressed
+     by me.
+
+     "I regret that your Honours should have seen fit to repeat the
+     untrue statement that barbarians have been encouraged by
+     British officers to commit depredations. In the only case in
+     which a raid has been perpetrated by native subjects of the
+     Queen, the act was contrary to the instructions of the British
+     officer nearest the spot, and entirely disconcerted his
+     operations. The women and children taken prisoners by the
+     natives were restored to their home by the agency of the
+     British officer in question.
+
+     "I regret to say it is the Republican forces which in some
+     cases have been guilty of carrying on war in a manner not in
+     accordance with civilised usage. I refer especially to the
+     expulsion of loyal subjects of Her Majesty from their homes in
+     the invaded districts because they refused to be commandeered
+     by the invaders. It is barbarous to attempt to force men to
+     take sides against their sovereign country by threats of
+     spoliation and expulsion. Men, women, and children had to leave
+     their homes owing to such compulsion. Many of those who were
+     formerly in comfortable circumstances are now maintained by
+     charity.
+
+     "That war should inflict hardships and injury on peaceful
+     inhabitants is inevitable, but it is the desire of Her
+     Majesty's Government and my intention to conduct this war with
+     as little injury as possible to peaceful inhabitants and
+     private property. I hope your Honours will exercise your
+     authority to ensure that it is conducted in a similar spirit on
+     your side."
+
+Meanwhile the British Commander was rapidly maturing his plans. Troops
+were pouring into the Cape and mysteriously departing none knew whither.
+Great doings were in the air, and secret communications between Lord
+Roberts and the wily General French--communications which Boer spies
+endeavoured to intercept--promised that the splendid fastnesses hitherto
+enjoyed by the enemy would not much longer serve to keep him from the
+punishment that was his due.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[5] Colonel (local Major-General) E. R. P. Woodgate, who was in command
+of the 9th Brigade, joined as Ensign in the 4th Foot on April 7, 1865,
+and became Brevet-Colonel on June 26, 1897. He commanded a Regimental
+District from September 1897 to April 1898; was on special service in the
+Ashanti expedition from September 1873 to March 1874, also on special
+service in South Africa from June 1878 to November 1879; was Brigade
+Major in the West Indies from February 1880 to February 1885. He was
+employed with the West African Regiment from April 9, 1898; with the
+Abyssinian expedition in 1868; and was present at the capture of Magdala,
+for which he received a medal. He served in the Ashanti war, 1873-74, and
+was present at the actions of Essaman, Ainsah, Abrakrampa, and Faysoonah,
+at the battle of Amoaful and capture of Coomassie. For these services he
+received a medal with clasp. He also served through the Zulu campaign in
+1879, at the action of Kambula and battle of Ulundi, and received a medal
+with clasp and his brevet of Major; and in 1898 in West Africa, in
+command of forces in expeditions against Sierra Leone insurgents. He was
+fifty-four years of age.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+THE WONDER OF THE WORLD
+
+    "Forty years had I in my city seen soldiers parading,
+    Forty years as a pageant, till unawares the lady of this teeming
+          and turbulent city,
+    Sleepless amid her ships, her houses, her incalculable wealth,
+    With her million children around her, suddenly,
+    At dead of night, at news from the south,
+    Incens'd struck with clinch'd hand the pavement.
+
+    A shock electric, the night sustain'd it,
+    Till with ominous hum our hive at daybreak pour'd out its myriads."
+
+                                            --WALT WHITMAN.
+
+
+The eyes of Europe, and indeed of the universe, turned upon the forces
+at war in Natal with amazement almost akin to awe. There, in the eve of
+the twentieth century, was presented a tenth wonder of the world! Where,
+among the states, principalities, and powers, could be found another
+example of an army being raised veritably from all points of the compass
+to serve the Mother Country? Whence in the history of heroic ages could
+be quoted the counterpart of spontaneous, simultaneous, exultant
+patriotism such as was brought forth by a few reverses to British arms?
+Here were men, brothers, whom we had never seen, whose names we had
+never heard, rushing to our side--influential citizens, judges,
+merchants, landowners in the distant dominions of the Queen--throwing
+over domestic comfort, ease, commercial advantage, political
+distinction, for the sheer desire to barter breath for fame, and to win
+laurels in the cause of the Empire. Our friends--the Powers--gazed and
+rubbed their eyes and marvelled! Our enemies--the Powers--gazed, rubbed
+their eyes, and--well! if they did not curse, they certainly trod warily
+and pondered! We were providing an object-lesson for eternity. The
+infinitesimal little island, the bird's-nest of the Little Englanders,
+was introducing to the nations her stalwart progeny--introducing with
+the easy pride of motherhood gigantic sons, all young and strong and
+well-grown, full of the vigour of youth and the finest traits of the
+parent stock--a martial multitude, clamouring to defend her in her hour
+of need! Yes, if our enemies--the Powers--did not curse, they walked
+warily and pondered!
+
+[Illustration: COLONEL W. D. OTTER.
+
+Commanding the First Canadian Contingent.]
+
+They did wisely, for by the beginning of March the number of Colonial
+troops at the front was approximately as follows: Cape Colony, 15,000;
+Natal, 7000; Canada, 2820; Ceylon, 130; New South Wales, 1800;
+Queensland, 810; South Australia, 340; West Australia, 230; Victoria,
+500; Tasmania, 180; New Zealand, 730; India, 250; total, 29,790. This
+tremendous increase in the size of the Transvaal force was a magnificent
+spectacle for the world at large. While it constituted the greatest
+military concentration in the history of the Empire, it left the British
+possessions in India, Malta, Crete, Barbadoes, Bermuda, Ceylon,
+Hong-Kong, Gibraltar, and elsewhere, if not adequately, at least
+powerfully defended. For instance, in India alone we had still a superb
+British army. It was composed of forty-seven battalions of infantry, six
+regiments of cavalry, sixty-two batteries of artillery, not to mention
+the enormous Indian Army, of which the cavalry was styled by Lord Curzon
+"the finest cavalry in the world." Even then we were not at the end of
+our tether. Conscription was undreamt of. Our military resources had
+barely been tested. The display of loyalty to the British flag, love for
+the Mother Country, and an ardent desire to uphold her rights, had not
+been confined to Great Britain's larger colonies. Small contingents for
+South Africa had been offered by Jamaica and Trinidad and elsewhere, and
+these, though gratefully acknowledged, had been refused, mostly in cases
+where the contingents were not large enough to constitute a military
+unit, and there might have been trouble in the movement of the force.
+
+The growth of Colonial offers of assistance from the time--the 10th of
+July--when Queensland sent an anticipatory telegram proposing military
+aid, it is interesting to follow. Two days later, the 12th of July, came
+a telegram from Lord Brassey at Victoria, saying that "offers have been
+received from Volunteers for service in South Africa." Five days passed.
+Then an offer of 300 men from the Malay States Guides arrived, the High
+Commissioner intimating, however, that he could not spare them. Three
+hundred Hausas from Lagos volunteered on the 18th of July. On the 21st
+of that month New South Wales offered 1860 officers, non-commissioned
+officers, and men. The offer of Hong-Kong on the 21st of September was
+followed by New Zealand's Parliamentary resolution to send a Transvaal
+Contingent. On the 5th of October Western Australia came forward, and on
+the 9th Tasmania offered her unit. On the 13th the offers of troops from
+South Australia and Canada were "gratefully accepted." Last, but not
+least, came the offer of assistance from India, and additional help from
+those whose aid had previously been given and acknowledged as
+invaluable.
+
+Thus, by degrees, the whole concourse of Great Britain's best was
+gathered together, the flowers of her numerous flocks were drawn to a
+common centre by the tie of blood and the pride of it--drawn to a far
+quarter of the earth, there to demonstrate the crowning triumph of
+British colonisation. The long-talked-of consolidation of the
+Anglo-Saxon race for the welfare and freedom of humanity was no longer
+an idealist's dream; it had become a living and a lasting reality!
+
+
+     FIRST CANADIAN CONTINGENT
+
+     Early in the century the spirit of loyalty was developed in
+     Canada. From her first years, when Wolfe made Canada a colony
+     of Great Britain, the colonists began to recognise their debt
+     to the British Crown. The feeling of reverence and love for the
+     Mother Country strengthened and grew with the strength and
+     growth of Canada itself, till the sentiment of Imperialism,
+     always silently existing, suddenly found almost passionate
+     utterance in the month of October 1899.
+
+     What came to pass a great man had foreseen. Sir John Macdonald,
+     who gauged aright the sentiment of the Canadians, described
+     almost prophetically the expansion of that sentiment, and
+     pointed out the developments that might be looked for in the
+     future. In one of his pro-Confederation speeches he said:--
+
+     "Some are apprehensive that the fact of our forming this
+     Confederation will hasten the time when we shall be severed
+     from the Mother Country. I have no apprehension of that kind. I
+     believe it will have the contrary effect. I believe that as we
+     grow stronger, as we become a people able, from our union, our
+     population, and the development of our resources, to take our
+     position among the nations of the world, she will be less
+     willing to part with us than now. I am strongly of opinion that
+     year by year, as we grow in population and strength, England
+     will more see the advantage of maintaining the alliance between
+     British North America and herself. Does any one imagine that
+     when our population, instead of 3,500,000 will be 7,000,000, as
+     it will be ere many years pass, we would be one whit more
+     willing than now to sever the connection with England? The
+     Colonies are now in a transition state. Gradually a different
+     colonial system is being developed, and it will become year by
+     year less a case of dependence on our part, and of overruling
+     protection on the part of the Mother Country, and more a case
+     of healthy and cordial alliance. Instead of looking upon us as
+     a merely dependent colony, England will have in us a friendly
+     nation, a subordinate but still a powerful people, to stand by
+     her in North America in peace or in war."
+
+     Many other prominent persons, Sir John Thompson, Sir Charles
+     Tupper, Sir Wilfred Laurier, shared the same opinion, and
+     confidently asserted that Great Britain had but to hold out her
+     hand and the hand of Canada would go out to meet it with firm
+     and cordial grasp.
+
+     Then came the hour and the opportunity. Canada acted exactly as
+     Canada's greatest men had expected her to act. She did not jump
+     to action, for the idea of participating in the active affairs
+     of the Empire had scarcely dawned upon her, but, the opening
+     once made, Canada lost no time in availing herself of it. Great
+     things have small beginnings, and the grand movement which has
+     astonished the universe commenced in a simple manner.
+
+     While the possibility of war drifted like a small cloud on the
+     horizon, a certain Colonel Hughes, of Lindsay, Ontario, set to
+     work to raise a volunteer regiment for possible service in
+     South Africa. In September 1899 he openly expressed himself. In
+     answer to energetic remonstrance he wrote, that "unless the
+     Government of the Dominion showed itself patriotic enough to do
+     its duty by the Imperial Government, he was justified in his
+     action, the object of which was to assist in upbuilding the
+     British Empire and rendering justice to one's
+     fellow-countrymen, even at great sacrifice, and that as little
+     delay as possible should result on the outbreak of hostilities
+     in enrolling a corps." The idea, to use the popular phrase,
+     "caught on." All the notabilities of the Dominion put their
+     heads together, with the result that, early as October 3, the
+     Canadian Military Institute in Toronto proposed to offer a
+     Canadian Contingent to the British Imperial Government, in the
+     event of a war breaking out with the Boers. It was also
+     suggested and carried unanimously, that whereas all the
+     expenses of the Canadian Contingent sent to the aid of the
+     British troops in the Crimean War had been borne by the British
+     Government, the expenses of the Contingent it was now proposed
+     to send to South Africa, should be provided by the Dominion of
+     Canada, that the Canadian Government should train, arm, equip,
+     transport, and pay the force raised, and, if necessary, pension
+     those deserving it. The offer of a Canadian Contingent was
+     accordingly made through the Government to the British
+     Government, who accepted it with two reservations--First, that
+     the force raised should consist of 1000 men only; Second, that
+     half the expenses of the Contingent should be met by the
+     Imperial Government. To this the Canadians consented under
+     protest, declaring, however, that should any further assistance
+     be required during the course of the war, they would be ready
+     and glad to send it.
+
+     Thousands of volunteers offered their services, but only a
+     limited number could be accepted. It was decided to allow each
+     locality to have the honour of taking part in the patriotic
+     movement, and the formation of companies was authorised as
+     follows:--A Company, Manitoba and the North-West; B, London,
+     Ontario; C, Toronto; D, Ottawa and Kingston; E, Montreal; F,
+     Quebec; G, Fredericton and Prince Edward Island; H, Halifax.
+
+     The men were thus gathered from all parts of Canada, the
+     smaller towns sending from three to seven representatives each,
+     and the larger ones supplying some regulars from the city
+     regiments, in addition to volunteers. The enrolling and
+     equipping of these 1000 volunteers, scattered as they had been
+     over 3500 miles of territory, was accomplished in little more
+     than a fortnight--a wonderful feat in view of the pacific times
+     enjoyed by the Colonials.
+
+     It was quite inspiriting to note the general activity. All the
+     Dominion displayed its loyalty in deeds as well as words. Men
+     living in idleness and comfort, professional men of standing,
+     family men with innumerable ties, came to the fore and
+     volunteered their services; while employers assisted the
+     splendid movement by offering facilities to those serving them
+     who might care to enlist. Every soul insisted on taking his
+     share in the Imperial doings. Those who could not volunteer
+     united their efforts and showed their loyalty by showering
+     gifts on the battalion. The officers and men of every company
+     were presented at their own headquarters with a sum of money
+     varying according to rank, but in each case of substantial
+     value, as a contribution to their warlike needs. Every officer
+     received from public subscriptions a field-glass, revolver, and
+     $125 in money. Privates were presented with a silver match-box
+     and $25. The Bank of Ottawa contributed $1000 for the purchase
+     of delicacies for the men on their sea-voyage. In addition to
+     this generosity, firms of all kinds sent in their own
+     manufacture, life insurances were effected on special terms for
+     officers and men of the battalion covering compensation for
+     partial disablement, and the telegraph and telephonic companies
+     liberally agreed to transmit private messages for all connected
+     with the Contingent free of charge.
+
+     The mobilisation and concentration at Quebec of the composite
+     battalion was no mean undertaking, but it was accomplished by
+     the 27th of October. On the following night a dinner to the
+     officers was given, and later, a smoking concert.
+
+     On the 29th the special service battalion attended divine
+     service, the Catholics at the Cathedral, the Roman Catholics at
+     the Basilica. The sermon given at the Cathedral was a notable
+     one, and served to mark the historical nature of the occasion.
+     Among other things, the Rev. J. G. Scott expressed himself of
+     sentiments that all might do well to read, mark, learn, and
+     inwardly digest. He said: "What is the Empire of which we are a
+     part? It is not a mere collection of subservient peoples adding
+     to the revenue and importance of a small island to the
+     north-west of Europe. No; it is much more than that. It is a
+     vast federation of peoples of all nations, tongues, languages,
+     and creeds joined together in 'liberty, equality, and
+     fraternity,' by common laws and a common love to their real or
+     their adopted mother. England and England's flag must remain
+     the symbol of our common patriotism. But the British Empire,
+     the Empire of the future, the Empire rising with the sun of a
+     new century, is founded in deeper principles than mere
+     sentimental devotion to the land of our fathers. The principle
+     underlying it is the liberty and brotherhood and welfare of
+     man. We conquer and advance. Wild lands come under our sway.
+     Savage races are subjugated or turn to us for protection. But
+     all with what result? With the result that the waste lands are
+     cultivated, the hidden mines of the earth yield up their
+     treasures, continents are spanned by vast railways and the bed
+     of ocean by electric cables, with the result that the savage is
+     brought under the yoke of civilisation, and religion,
+     education, and commerce raise him almost to the level of a
+     European. But this progress has not been, nor can it be,
+     unaccompanied by difficulties. At the present time our race in
+     its general advance is brought face to face with forces that
+     retard, not merely the growth of the British Empire, but the
+     principles of freedom and humanity which underlie it. The
+     nineteenth century is confronted in South Africa with a remnant
+     of the seventeenth. Our brethren, oppressed by an intolerable
+     tyranny, cry to us for help, and we, a republic under a
+     monarchical form, go to crush a despotism under the form of a
+     republic."
+
+     This last phrase was a masterpiece, one that all who have
+     enjoyed the liberty, fraternity, and equality of our republican
+     empire can fully appreciate. Continuing, the preacher went on
+     to say: "Surely, if we go forth firmly, fearlessly, and
+     mercifully to fight in such a cause, we can feel, like Israel
+     of old, that 'the Eternal God is our refuge, and underneath are
+     the everlasting arms, and that He will thrust out the enemy
+     from before us.' And you, my brethren, who are privileged to go
+     forth under the flag of our Queen and the Empire, are the
+     representatives of a great people, formed of various creeds,
+     and nationalities, and languages, but blended in a common law
+     and a common love for the liberty which makes men--men. The
+     call to arms from the Motherland has sent a thrill to the four
+     corners of the earth. The Empire, which has been knit together
+     by community of race, by commerce, by railways and by cables,
+     is to be drawn now into an absolutely indissoluble bond by the
+     voluntary sacrifice of blood and life on a common battlefield.
+     No ordinary departure of troops to the front is yours. You are
+     the pioneers of a new era in our history. The importance of
+     this day is not to be measured, any more than was the
+     importance of the great battle in the Plains hard by, according
+     to numerical computation. We have taken a step, a step on the
+     threshold of another century, which is destined in time to put
+     an end to the distinction of Colony and Motherland, and will
+     finally give us a voice in the conduct of the Empire. Surely,
+     to those going forth as champions in a noble cause, I cannot do
+     better than to commend to you individually the watchword of
+     Israel's--nay, of England's strength, 'The Eternal God is thy
+     refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.' There may
+     come moments to some of you, in the irksomeness of discipline,
+     in the pause before the battle-charge, in the silence of lonely
+     picket duty, or during sleepless nights on the hospital pallet,
+     when the memory of the parting service in these hallowed
+     walls--walls which, during this century, have seen many heroes
+     arm at the call of duty--will come back to you with the comfort
+     which even the bravest need, and you will feel that in life and
+     death 'the Eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the
+     everlasting arms.' Then, like the knights of old, consecrate
+     to-day your hearts and swords to God's service, and you who are
+     communicants draw near to the altar of God and receive the
+     strength which comes from the Body and Blood of Christ. You are
+     not a wild horde let loose in savage warfare, but Christian men
+     armed for a great cause. Keep then your lives pure--pure as the
+     memories of your Canadian home. Be sober, as men who can face
+     danger without artificial courage. Let the talk at mess and in
+     camp be clean, and above all remember to pay regularly the
+     daily homage of prayer to your Heavenly Father. Do not be
+     ashamed to confess Christ before men."
+
+     These heart-stirring words found their echo in every
+     breast--the great body of patriotic volunteers was thrilled
+     through with the ambition to do great deeds in a great way, to
+     go forth and write their names in blood, if need be, alongside
+     of those of their brothers of the Anglo-Saxon race whose
+     records loomed large and indelible upon the scrip of Time.
+
+     In the evening the Governor-General entertained the superior
+     officers and staff at dinner, and on the following morning the
+     last parade was held. Major-General Hutton, commanding the
+     Canadian Militia, commenced his inspection at 11.30. At noon
+     the Governor-General, the Premier, Sir Wilfred Laurier, and
+     other members of the Cabinet arrived on the ground. His
+     Excellency addressed the men as follows: "Colonel Otter,
+     officers, non-commissioned officers, and men of the Canadian
+     Contingent, I congratulate you on the splendid appearance of
+     your regiment on parade, and Canada may justly be proud of her
+     representative troops. But, Colonel Otter, the force you
+     command represents a great deal more than a serviceable
+     regiment on parade. We are standing here upon historic ground,
+     under the ramparts of the old city of Quebec, surrounded by
+     celebrated battlefields, and in an atmosphere full of the
+     glorious traditions of two great nations--nations who,
+     respecting each other's warlike qualities on many a hard-fought
+     field, have now joined in common loyalty to their Queen and
+     Empress. Your companies have been gathered from British
+     Columbia to the Atlantic coast, from the settlers in the Rocky
+     Mountains and the Far West, from Ontario and the Maritime
+     Provinces, and from the old French families of Quebec. They
+     represent the manhood of the Dominion from the west to the
+     east, but, above all, they represent the spontaneous offer of
+     the people of Canada, British born and French Canadian, to the
+     Mother Country. The people of Canada have shown no inclination
+     to discuss the quibbles of Colonial responsibility; they have
+     only unmistakably asked that their loyal offers should be made
+     known, and they rejoice in their gracious acceptance. In so
+     doing surely they have opened a new chapter in the history of
+     our Empire; they have freely made their military gift to an
+     Imperial cause, to share the privations, and the dangers, and
+     the glories of an Imperial army. They have insisted on giving
+     vent to the expression of that sentimental Imperial unity which
+     may, perhaps, hereafter prove more binding than any written
+     Imperial constitution. The embarkation of your force, Colonel
+     Otter, to-day will mark a memorable epoch in the history of
+     Canada and the Empire. Of the success of your future we have no
+     doubt; we shall watch your departure with very full hearts, and
+     shall follow your movements with eager enthusiasm. All Canada
+     will long to see the Maple Leaf well to the front, and to give
+     her Contingent a glorious welcome home again. And now, as the
+     representative of Her Majesty, I wish you God speed and every
+     success."
+
+     Lord Minto then called on the men to give three cheers for the
+     Queen, which they did with all the zest of lusty Anglo-Saxon
+     lungs.
+
+     Sir Wilfrid Laurier then addressed the regiment. He reminded
+     them they were going to obey the call of duty, that their cause
+     was the cause of justice, the cause of humanity and of
+     civilisation. Men of our own race were being unjustly
+     oppressed, and the troops were going forth in the interests of
+     the Empire and of liberty. He rejoiced to see the alacrity with
+     which Canadians had responded to the call and rushed to the aid
+     of the great Empire of which all were so proud. He wished them
+     God speed, and expressed his confidence that they would be an
+     honour to themselves and to their native land.
+
+     Major-General Hutton impressively assured the troops that their
+     honour was Canada's honour, that their renown was Canada's
+     renown; and though strain and hardships might be great, they
+     would remember that in the far-off Dominion thousands of men
+     and women looked to the Royal Canadian Regiment to uphold the
+     honour of their native land. French Canadians and English
+     Canadians must recollect the responsibility that would rest
+     upon their shoulders, and he knew they would acquit themselves
+     well of their duties.
+
+     Then followed an address by the Hon. S. Parent, Mayor of
+     Quebec. He read: "The citizens of Quebec offer you the most
+     cordial welcome in this old fortress, so often stormed by war
+     and tempest, whose inhabitants, from their earliest years, have
+     been accustomed to the music of military bands, to the smell of
+     powder and the smoke of battles. We are proud of the honour
+     that has been done our city in its selection as the scene of
+     the mobilisation of this select regiment which the Canadian
+     people send to the assistance of our Mother Country. The
+     presence in our midst of the representative of our Most
+     Gracious Sovereign, His Excellency the Governor-General, and
+     other dignitaries of the State, adds not only lustre and
+     _eclat_ to this day's ceremony, but gives to our proceedings a
+     deeper and wider meaning. It was no vain appeal that was made
+     to our valour and our loyalty, for along the way from Victoria
+     to Halifax, a thousand picked men, representing the youth,
+     physical strength, the discipline and the courageous daring of
+     our people, freely volunteered to serve under the British flag.
+     The people of various origin and different religious creeds
+     that go to make up the population of this country are
+     represented in your regiment, and now that we are, for the time
+     being, assembled within the walls of the most French city of
+     the New World, let us claim for the French-Canadian element a
+     large share of the warm and spontaneous outburst of sentiments
+     of loyalty to England which marked your triumphal passage from
+     your homes to Quebec. No matter how diverse may be our origin
+     and the languages that we speak, who is there that will dare to
+     affirm that we have not all the qualities necessary for the
+     making of a real nation? Who dare say, upon such an occasion as
+     the present, that we are not all sincerely united and loyal
+     towards the Canadian Dominion, and loyal to England which has
+     given us so complete a measure of liberty? We French-Canadians
+     have loyally accepted the new destinies that Providence
+     provided for us upon the battlefield of 1759. Is it possible
+     that anybody can have forgotten 1775 and 1812? On the summit of
+     this proud rock of Quebec, rendered illustrious by Jacques
+     Cartier and Champlain, behold, but a few steps from this place,
+     the superb monument erected by an English Governor to the
+     memory of Wolfe and of Montcalm! Why may we not make it the
+     emblem and the symbol of our national unity? Let us leave to
+     each individual amongst us the privilege to retain, as a sweet
+     souvenir worthy of a noble heart, the rose, the thistle, the
+     fleur-de-lys, or the shamrock, and even the pot of earth that
+     the Irish immigrant brings with him from under distant skies,
+     and let us be united for the great and holy cause that we have
+     in hand: the foundation of a great nation and the development
+     of the boundless resources of a rich and immense country. Our
+     best wishes accompany you in the long journey, at the end of
+     which you will, no doubt, find glory as well as suffering,
+     privations, and perhaps even heroic sacrifices. When you will
+     be under the burning sun of Africa, you may be sure that our
+     hearts will follow you everywhere, and that in our long winter
+     evenings you will be the principal object of our fireside talk
+     and solicitude. Be quite sure, too, that this Canada of ours
+     will watch with a maternal care over the loved ones that you
+     leave behind you, and who, in parting with you, are making so
+     great and generous a sacrifice. May the God of battles crown
+     your efforts! May He preserve you in the midst of danger! And
+     may He bring you back safe and sound to the beloved shores of
+     your fatherland!"
+
+     Never was more impressive scene, and even the stoutest warriors
+     among the audience were thrilled with the consciousness of the
+     solemnity of the moment, the sacredness of their future duty.
+     Colonel Otter, who was much moved, replied as a
+     soldier--briefly, but to the point. He thanked all around for
+     their goodwill, and expressed his confidence that the Canadian
+     Contingent would do its duty and do honour to the land of its
+     birth.
+
+     The list of the principal officers was as follows:--
+
+     To command--Lieut.-Colonel W. D. Otter, Canadian Staff, A.D.C.
+     to His Excellency the Governor-General. To be Major and second
+     in command--Lieut.-Colonel L. Buchan, Royal Canadian Regiment.
+     To be Major--Lieut.-Colonel O. C. C. Pelletier, Canadian Staff.
+     To be Adjutant--Major J. C. M'Dougall, Royal Canadian Regiment.
+     To be Quartermaster--Capt. and Brevet-Major S. J. A. Denison,
+     Royal Canadian Regiment. To be Medical Officers--Surgeon-Major
+     C. A. Wilson, 3rd Field Battery, C.A.; Surgeon-Major E. Fiset,
+     89th Batt. To be attached for Staff duty--Major L. G. Drummond,
+     Scots Guards, Military Secretary to His Excellency the
+     Governor-General. A Company (British Columbia and
+     Manitoba).--To be Captain--Capt. M. G. Blanchard, 5th Regt.
+     C.A. Major H. M. Arnold, 90th Batt.; Capt. A. E. Hodkins,
+     Nelson R. Co.; Lieut. S. P. Layborn, R.C.R.I. B Company
+     (London)--Major Duncan Stuart, 26th Batt.; Capt. J. C. Mason,
+     10th Batt.; Capt. J. M. Ross, 22nd Batt.; Second Lieut. R. H.
+     M. Temple, 48th Highlanders. C Company (Toronto)--Capt. R. K.
+     Barker, Q.O.R.; Lieut. J. C. Ogilvie, R.C.A.; Lieut. W. R.
+     Marshall, 13th Batt.; Lieut. G. S. Wilkie, 10th Batt. D Company
+     (Ottawa and Kingston)--Major S. M. Rogers, 43rd Batt.; Capt. W.
+     T. Lawless, G.G.F.G.; Lieut. R. G. Stewart, 43rd Batt.; Lieut.
+     A. C. Caldwell, 42nd Batt. E Company (Montreal)--Capt. A. H.
+     Macdonell, R.C.R.I.; Capt. C. K. Fraser, 53rd Batt.; Lieut. A.
+     E. Swift, 8th Batt.; Lieut. A. Laurie, P. of W. R. F Company
+     (Quebec)--Capt. J. E. Pelletier, 65th Batt.; Capt. H. A. Panet,
+     R.C.A.; Lieut. L. Leduc, R.C.R.I.; Lieut. E. A. Pelletier, 55th
+     Batt. G Company (New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island)--Major
+     W. A. Weeks, Charlottetown Engineers; Capt. F. C. Jones, 3rd
+     Regt. C.A.; Lieut. J. H. Kaye, R.C.R.I.; Second Lieut. C. W. W.
+     M'Lean, 8th Hussars. H Company (Halifax)--Capt H. B. Stairs,
+     66th Batt.; Capt. H. E. Burstall, R.C.A.; Lieut. R. B. Willis,
+     66th Batt.; Second Lieut. J. C. Oland, 63rd Batt. Machine-Gun
+     Section--Lieut. and Capt. A. C. Bell, Scots Guards, A.D.C. to
+     the Major-General commanding the Canadian Militia.
+
+     The following officers were attached to the Royal Canadian
+     Regiment for whatever duty might be allotted to them in
+     connection with the campaign: Lieut.-Colonel F. L. Lessard,
+     Royal Canadian Dragoons; Lieut.-Colonel C. W. Drury, A.D.C.,
+     Royal Canadian Artillery; Major R. Cartwright, Royal Canadian
+     Regiment; Capt. W. Forester, Royal Canadian Dragoons. Medical
+     officer--Capt. A. B. Osborne, C.A.M.S. (provisional).
+
+     By five o'clock in the afternoon all was over. The great ship
+     _Sardinian_, with slow dignity, as though conscious of the
+     gallant burden she was bearing to battle, sailed out into the
+     great immensity of sea and sky. Cheers rent the air, tears--the
+     tears not of personal grief, but of sympathetic
+     patriotism--dimmed every eye. Many sorrowed, but many more were
+     overwhelmed with sheer joy and pride to see this goodly throng
+     going forth to do martial deeds, and bring back laurels to
+     crown the land that Wolfe had made glorious. Slowly and with
+     precision the minute guns boomed from the Citadel, loudly, the
+     bands played the well-loved tunes, the "Maple Leaf" and "God
+     Save the Queen." Swiftly now sped the _Sardinian_, flaunting
+     her gay decorations, and bearing on the bosom of the water a
+     thousand of Canada's best, a thousand brave hearts and true.
+
+
+     THE SECOND CANADIAN CONTINGENT
+
+     After the departure of the first Contingent the loyalty of
+     Canada continued to increase. Every incident of the war was
+     carefully watched and discussed, the great deeds that were on
+     foot found lavish appreciation. At numerous meetings which took
+     place in various parts of Canada the spirit of the country was
+     described by such declarations as: "We, too, are loyal Britons,
+     and our patriotism is at its best when our country needs us
+     most."
+
+     On November 7th Canada made the offer to the British Government
+     of a second Contingent for South Africa, and on December 18th
+     Sir Wilfred Laurier received a cablegram from Mr. Joseph
+     Chamberlain accepting the offer. As one of the Canadian
+     Ministry afterwards said, "It did not take much more than five
+     minutes for the Cabinet to decide that the Hon. F. W. Borden,
+     Minister of Militia, should immediately instruct his officers
+     at the Militia Department to go on with the preparations for
+     sending the second Contingent." The fact was that most of the
+     details had been ready for a month and more. The Minister of
+     Militia had early come to the conclusion that a second
+     Contingent of Canadians should be gathered together in the form
+     of cavalry or mounted infantry and artillery.
+
+     The first to be given a chance of enlisting for South Africa
+     were the Mounted Police. Forty-eight hours later steps were
+     taken towards recruiting 200 Prairie Cowboys, men who could
+     ride and shoot as well as any cavalrymen in the world, and who
+     are accustomed to subsisting on the scantiest of rations. Next
+     came the Royal Canadian Dragoons, regulars, who were mounted on
+     well-trained horses, and so well drilled as to make it possible
+     for every man of them to instruct the less trained recruits
+     during the voyage. The Boers having a healthy horror of the
+     lance as a cavalry weapon, it was decided that half at least of
+     Canada's cavalry should be given this arm.
+
+     [Illustration: LADY MINTO PRESENTING COLOURS TO HERCHMER'S
+     HORSE, ON LEAVING OTTAWA, 19th JAN. 1900.
+
+     Drawing by J. H. Bacon, from Photo by J. C. Hemment.]
+
+     It was considered that the Cowboys, and such "Plainsmen of the
+     West" as Herchmer's Horse, _broncho busters_ who had never been
+     conquered by man or horse, would be specially valuable in the
+     style of warfare affected by the Boers. With nerves of steel
+     and thews of wire, they could speak without boasting of their
+     capacity for putting in thirty-six hours consecutively in the
+     saddle, and for living "on the smell of an oiled rag."
+
+     Ardent volunteers who had failed to get a place in the first
+     Contingent now rushed forward from every side. The sole
+     disappointment was, that only a limited number could be
+     accepted, and those must all be mounted men or artillery.
+
+     The wild enthusiasm aroused by the brave and splendid work of
+     that portion of the first Canadian Contingent which was with
+     Colonel Pilcher in South Africa, and the inspiring accounts
+     given by the correspondent of the _Toronto Globe_, resulted in
+     more volunteering, and a third Contingent could easily have
+     been raised, even after the rigorous medical examination had
+     rejected numbers.
+
+     The people of Canada responded nobly to the call for funds to
+     provide for the families of their volunteers on service in
+     South Africa, the large amounts subscribed by the Banks of
+     Montreal and British North America, followed by donations of
+     15,000 dollars by the Canadian Pacific Railway and 2000 dollars
+     by Holsen's Bank, having served to stimulate action in this
+     direction. The City Council of Toronto insured for 1000 dollars
+     the lives of all the 123 men they had sent to form part of the
+     second Contingent.
+
+     On January 19, the Dominion Government, in a house which
+     cheered itself hoarse in response to patriotic speeches,
+     decided to offer, if required, 12,000 men to the Imperial
+     Parliament for service in South Africa. Lord Strathcona
+     meantime, at his own expense, raised a mounted battalion for
+     service, which was to be ready to sail on February 10 for South
+     Africa, the War Office having given their consent to the
+     formation of the corps. The matter was placed in the hands of
+     the Hon. Dr. Borden, Canadian Minister of Militia and Defence,
+     who was given a free hand to recommend officers, organise and
+     equip the corps, Lord Strathcona reserving only the right to
+     reject or confirm his decisions.
+
+     The following officers left for the front at the end of
+     January: Officers of D Battery--Major W. G. Hurdman, Capt. D.
+     J. V. Eaton; Lieutenants, first section, T. W. Vantuyl; second
+     section, J. M'Crea; third section, E. W. B. Morrison. Officers
+     of E Battery--Major G. H. Ogilvie; Capt. R. Costigan;
+     Lieutenants, first section, W. F. Murray; second section, A. T.
+     Ogilvie; third section, W. G. Good. Officers attached for
+     duty--Captain H. J. Uniacke; Adjutant, Captain H. C. Thatcher;
+     Medical Officer, Surgeon-Major A. Worthington; Veterinary
+     Officer, Veterinary-Major Massie. These were followed by
+     Regimental Staff Commander Lieut.-Colonel Herchmer; Adjutant
+     Lieut. Montague Baker; Transport Officer, Lieut. Eustace;
+     Quartermaster, Captain Allan; Medical Officer, Surg.-Capt.
+     Devine; Veterinary Officer, Lieut. R. Riddell. In command of
+     squadrons, Majors Howe and Sanders; Captains Cuthbert and
+     Macdonnell; Lieutenants Begin, Davidson, Wroughton, Cosby,
+     Chalmers, Taylor, and Inglis.
+
+     When the mounted section of the second Canadian Contingent,
+     numbering eighty men, started, some twelve extra men were
+     invited to volunteer. To meet the demand no less than 400
+     applicants, many of them men of independent means, instantly
+     came forward. Here was a remarkable proof of martial spirit, of
+     devotion to the cause of the Mother Country. Vanity some said
+     it was. Any way, it was a vanity fringing on the sublime.
+
+     It is interesting to note, that before the gallant members of
+     the second Contingent left for Halifax they were presented with
+     guidons by Lady Minto, the gifts being inscribed with the motto
+     of the Elliot clan--"Wha daur meddle wi' me." This delicate
+     mark of attention was highly appreciated by the men.
+
+     Early in February the Mounted Bushmen's Corps of 300 men and
+     horses started for the Cape. All the Canadians, volunteers it
+     must be remembered, were picked men from all parts of the
+     Dominion, and with them were scouts from British Columbia, who,
+     for the most part, were recruited from the Mounted Police of
+     the North-West and from Cowboys. Being about the smartest
+     riders and best shots in the world, it was felt that they would
+     distinguish themselves in the war game as played by the Boers.
+
+     Among those at the front prominently connected with Canada was
+     Captain Kirkpatrick, Royal Engineers, who was attached to the
+     staff of Sir Redvers Buller. This officer is a graduate of the
+     Royal Military College, Kingston, and on leaving that
+     institution received a commission in the Royal Engineers. When
+     the war broke out, Captain Kirkpatrick was ordered from Malta
+     to South Africa, where he commanded the Fortress Company of the
+     Royal Engineers. Major Denison, a prominent officer in the
+     Royal Canadian Infantry, who had personal charge of the
+     recruiting for the first Canadian Contingent, and was appointed
+     quartermaster to the battalion at Quebec, had the honour in
+     January of being appointed aide-de-camp on the staff of Lord
+     Roberts.
+
+     Another of the patriotic band was Colonel Girouard (the French
+     Canadian of Egyptian fame), who assisted Lord Kitchener and the
+     Engineers in marvellous operations along the line of rail. This
+     officer has achieved a glorious reputation, one which has been
+     declared to be a closer bond between French Canada and Great
+     Britain than any words. Another honoured Canadian, who was
+     mortally wounded in the attack near Spearman's Camp on the 20th
+     of January, was Captain Hensley (Dublin Fusiliers). This
+     gallant officer was born at Charlottetown and educated at
+     King's College, Windsor, whence he passed into the Royal
+     Military College.
+
+     Major-General Hutton, commanding the Canadian Militia, early in
+     the year was selected for special service in South Africa. No
+     better officer could have been chosen. He had ample experience
+     of the subject in hand, as he himself stated in speaking to the
+     Canadian Contingent before their departure: "It was my lot to
+     have seen two campaigns in South Africa, including the campaign
+     against the Boers in 1882. It was also--I was going to say my
+     privilege--it was certainly not my pleasure--to have been at
+     Pretoria at the time the present Convention was made; and I
+     therefore know their leaders, and a little something--I may say
+     almost too much--of South Africa and the Transvaal, and
+     therefore I recognise perhaps more clearly than many of you do
+     the very great difficulties and the dangers which our
+     Contingent and the Imperial troops in South Africa are exposed
+     to."
+
+
+     STRATHCONA'S HORSE
+
+     Strathcona's Horse, consisting of 530 men and 560 horses, was
+     commanded by Colonel Steele of the North-West Mounted Police.
+     He is regarded as an ideal officer for a scouting force, and
+     his men were all picked men, the cream of the expert riders and
+     riflemen of the Dominion. Morally and physically they were
+     declared to be the best soldiers that have ever been enrolled
+     in Canada. Their mounts were small shaggy bronchos, but sturdy
+     long stayers. In regard to Lord Strathcona's timely generosity
+     it is impossible to say enough--the general appreciation of his
+     splendid and patriotic act is expressed in the following
+     resolution, which was adopted by the Executive Committee of the
+     British Empire League in Canada: "That the Executive Committee
+     of the British Empire League in Canada has heard with
+     unqualified satisfaction of the magnificent undertaking of Lord
+     Strathcona and Mount Royal, a Vice-President of this League, to
+     raise, equip, and support, at his entire expense, a corps of
+     mounted troops composed of Canadians for service for the Empire
+     in the South African war, and desires to place on record its
+     enthusiastic appreciation of his patriotic munificence, and is
+     certain that his work will yet further convince the rest of the
+     Empire of Canada's devotion to the cause." Speaking of this
+     noble promoter of his country's weal, Lieutenant Cooper,
+     Q.V.R., said: "Generously has the British Empire done by Lord
+     Strathcona, and generously and freely has Lord Strathcona done
+     by the Empire. Under the aegis of the Union Jack in Scotland,
+     Donald Alexander Smith spent the first eighteen years of his
+     life. In 1838 he entered the service of the Hudson's Bay
+     Company, and learned the intricacies of North American trade in
+     Labrador and the North-West. In later years he took a prominent
+     part in the organisation of the Canadian Government in the
+     newly-acquired Rupert's Land, and was intimately connected with
+     the early official days of Manitoba and the North-West
+     Territories. After representing Montreal for two terms in the
+     Dominion Parliament, he was appointed Canadian High
+     Commissioner in London, England, a position which he still
+     fills to the satisfaction of the Canadian people. In 1897 he
+     was raised to the peerage as Baron Strathcona and Mount Royal
+     of Glencoe and Montreal."
+
+     The force, equipped after the manner of other mounted troops,
+     and not armed with lances, was paid by Lord Strathcona until it
+     landed in South Africa, when it was taken over by the Imperial
+     Government. As in the case of the Contingents from the various
+     Colonies, the officers of the corps were appointed as follows:
+     S. B. Steele, gent., Canadian North-West Mounted Police, to be
+     Lieut.-Colonel, with the temporary rank of Lieut.-Colonel in
+     the army. To be Majors, with the temporary rank of Major in the
+     army: Lieut. R. C. Laurie, Canadian Militia Reserve of
+     Officers; R. Belcher, Inspector Canadian North-West Mounted
+     Police; A. M. Jarvis, Inspector Canadian North-West Mounted
+     Police; A. E. Synder, Inspector Canadian North-West Mounted
+     Police. D. M. Howards, Canadian North-West Mounted Police, to
+     be Captain, with the temporary rank of Captain in the army. To
+     be Lieutenants, with the temporary rank of Lieutenant in the
+     army: Major G. W. Camden, Canadian Militia; Captains R. M.
+     Courtney, Canadian Militia; J. J. Macdonald, Canadian Militia;
+     E. F. Mackie, Canadian Militia; Lieutenants T. E. Pooley,
+     Canadian Militia; R. H. B. Magee, Canadian Militia Reserve of
+     Officers; Second Lieutenant P. Fall, Canadian Militia; F. L.
+     Cartwright, Inspector Canadian North-West Mounted Police; A. E.
+     Christie, Inspector Canadian North-West Mounted Police; J. E.
+     Leckie, Graduate Royal Military College, Kingston, Canada; A.
+     W. Strange, gent., late Canadian Militia. Lieutenant M. P.
+     Cotton, Canadian Militia, to be Lieutenant for Machine-Gun
+     Detachment, with the temporary rank of Lieutenant in the Army.
+     W. Parker, Canadian North-West Mounted Police, to be
+     Quartermaster, with the temporary rank of Lieutenant in the
+     army. C. B. Keenan, gent., M.D., to be Medical Officer, with
+     the temporary rank of Captain. Dr. M'Millan of Brandon was
+     appointed Veterinary Surgeon for the Strathcona Horse. His
+     assistant was Mr. Millican, of Rapid City, Manitoba.
+
+     The regiment was recruited from a territory covering a million
+     square miles, some men having travelled from Yukon and the
+     Peace River district in order to enlist. Many distinguished men
+     were among them. In one troop were to be found Mr. Beresford
+     (formerly a Naval officer), cousin of the Marquis of Waterford;
+     Mr. Warren, son of Colonel Warren, R.H.A.; Mr. Shaw, son of a
+     Baronet; Mr. O'Brien, a kinsman of Lord Inchiquin; Hon. Mr.
+     Cochrane, son of the now notable Lord Dundonald; and Lord
+     Seymour. Colonel Steele (N.W.M.P.), in command of the corps,
+     is a son of a Captain in the Royal Navy. He was born in Canada,
+     and is noted for his bravery and devotion to duty. Major
+     Belcher, a notable swordsman and lancer, was for some years in
+     the 9th Lancers. The troops received an enthusiastic send off,
+     and multitudes gathered together to do honour to the latest
+     addition of Great Britain's army. Several beautiful guidons
+     were presented to the corps by the ladies of Ottawa. Each was
+     made of crimson silk, with a broad white stripe through the
+     centre, on which was embroidered in crimson letters,
+     "Strathcona's Horse." On the upper crimson bar was Lord
+     Strathcona's motto, "Perseverance," done in crimson on a white
+     garter. Above the garter was a Baron's coronet and tiny brown
+     beaver on a green maple leaf. On the lower crimson bar was the
+     squadron's designation.
+
+
+     NEW SOUTH WALES
+
+     New South Wales fell into line with the other Australasian
+     Colonies, and decided to send a military force for service with
+     the Imperial army in South Africa.
+
+     The New South Wales Lancers, who had been in training at
+     Aldershot, were the first to start. They were then about to
+     return home, but were stopped _en route_, and proceeded to the
+     Cape. Of their number some few refused to serve and went home,
+     but on arrival many offered to return to the front. The rest
+     gave satisfactory reasons for being unable to do so.
+     Subsequently another Contingent was sent, and also the Bushmen
+     Corps, at least 1000 strong. It was composed of men who could
+     ride well, shoot splendidly, and were accustomed to camping out
+     and roughing it in pursuit of their usual vocations. It must be
+     noted that this was not the first time that New South Wales had
+     come to the assistance of the Mother Country. A force went to
+     Egypt in the earlier Soudan wars, when one man was wounded.
+     Some discontent at that time was shown owing to the troops not
+     being allowed to go to the front. On this occasion they were to
+     serve and fare as the Imperial troops, and to be considered as
+     such while in the field.
+
+     Each Contingent was composed of--1st, N.S.W. Lancers; First
+     Australian Horse; N.S.W. Artillery; Mounted Rifles; Infantry,
+     who, being good horsemen, were subsequently mounted by the
+     Imperial Government. 2nd Contingent consisted of three Mounted
+     Rifle units of 125 men each, one unit of Australian Horse of
+     100 men (475), one Battery of Artillery--18 officers, 175 men,
+     140 horses (629). The total of the New South Wales troops at
+     the front in February amounted to 1331 men.
+
+     Though not at first very enthusiastic in expressions of
+     patriotism, New South Wales soon became strong in deeds.
+     Enthusiasm became epidemical. Mr. Lyne, the Premier, threw
+     himself into the movement, and rapidly pushed forward the
+     arrangements, and did all in his power to move in sympathy with
+     the patriotic feelings of the Colony, which were daily growing
+     more ardent. As a practical expression of the intensity of
+     their patriotism, the citizens arranged and subscribed for the
+     despatch of 500 expert roughriders and Bush marksmen, while the
+     New South Wales Government assisted by supplying arms and
+     ammunition.
+
+     The volunteers were all part, or had formed part, of the land
+     forces. The only actual _regular_ regiment, as understood by
+     us, was the artillery, a small company of Submarine Mining
+     Engineers, 27; Army Service Corps, 10; and Army Medical Staff,
+     11. All the rest were partially paid or volunteers. The men
+     came from the whole country, and were men who were serving in
+     the various corps either as volunteers or partially paid
+     troops. All the infantry corps were volunteers--all cavalry
+     regiments and some of the field and garrison artillery were
+     partially paid troops, and were called regulars, though not on
+     the permanent staff. The officers of the Contingents were--1.
+     Captain C. F. Cox, N.S.W. Lancers, Major Bridges, N.S.W.
+     Artillery, Captain Legge, General Staff N.S.W. Inf.; 2. Major
+     and Brevet Lieut.-Colonel Thomas Samuel Parrott, V. D. Corps of
+     Engineers, an officer who served in 1885 with the Australian
+     Contingent in the Soudan. Colonel Sydenham Smith com.
+     Artillery; Major J. H. Plunkett Murray, com. 8th Inf. (Union
+     Regiment); Captain and temporary Major P. T. Owen, General
+     Staff; Staff officer for Engineer services, Captain L. H.
+     Kyngdon, N.S.W. Regt. R.A.; Captain A. P. Popham Luscombe;
+     N.S.W. Regt. R.A.A., Captain Henry P. Ramsay Copeland. Reserve
+     of officers--Captain R. St. Julien Pearce; N.S.W. Art. (Field),
+     Lieutenant R. S. Hay Blake Jenkins; N.S.W. Regt. R.A.A.,
+     Lieutenant C. F. Bracen, N.S.W. Art. (garrison). 1st Aus.
+     (Vol.) Horse unit--1st Lieut. R. R. Thompson, Permanent Staff,
+     with rank Captain; 2nd Lieutenant J. F. Moore Wilkinson, 1st
+     Aus. Horse (Vol.), with rank 1st Lieutenant; 1st Lieutenant
+     Keith Kinnaird Mackellar, 5th Inf. (Vol.) Regt.; Lieutenant B.
+     J. Newmarch, N.S.W.A.M.C.; Lieutenant J. A. Dick, N.S.W.A.M.C.;
+     Lieutenant A. H. Horsfall, N.S.W.A.M.C. Additional
+     officers--Dr. A. MacCormick, to be Consulting Surgeon, hon.
+     rank Major; Dr. R. Scot-Skirving, to be Consulting Surgeon,
+     hon. rank Major; Dr. W. R. Cortis, rank Captain; N. R. Howse,
+     rank Lieutenant. Chaplains--Church of England--Rev. H. J. Rose,
+     hon. rank Major; Rev. Patrick Fagan, hon. rank Captain.
+
+     The first Contingent reached Cape Town (from London) on
+     November 2, 1899. The second Contingent started on January 17th
+     and 18th in three transports; these, while in dock, had to be
+     watched, as some Boer sympathisers were suspected of wishing to
+     set fire to them. Nevertheless there were most remarkable
+     demonstrations of loyalty on all sides, and the troops went off
+     in high feather, having been previously addressed by Mr. Lyne
+     in the following stirring speech: "I wish to tell you that
+     every man and woman in this country is not so proud of anything
+     as of you. You are not enlisting in the ordinary sense of the
+     term, in that you are volunteering to serve with the British
+     troops in the interests of the Empire. You are certain to meet
+     a foe such as Great Britain has not met for some considerable
+     time, and I feel we shall all be proud of your deeds. It is
+     admitted that you are particularly useful, knowing bush life
+     and being able readily to seize commanding points. Great
+     Britain is finding that her Colonies form a valuable nursery
+     ground, and we, on our part, are prepared to supply Great
+     Britain with a force which is rapidly becoming a powerful
+     adjunct of the British arms. You will be placed where you must
+     show energy and determination, and must manifest pluck and
+     courage, and we believe that you will bring back as a reward a
+     wide recognition that our arms have been of service to the
+     Empire. You will make a name for us such as rarely falls to the
+     lot of a youthful country. You will show the world that the
+     Empire is united, and that we are prepared to defend her and
+     our homes if the necessity arises. We in Australia wish you
+     God-speed, and every heart here beats in accord with every
+     loyal heart in South Africa. I can only add, for those who may
+     fall, that their memories will be revered, and you depart
+     knowing that the loved ones of those yielding their lives will
+     be tended by a generous Government and a generous public. Again
+     I wish you God-speed, and may you return covered with all
+     honour."
+
+     On the 19th of January the Premier received the following
+     cable: "Her Majesty's Government learn with great satisfaction
+     of the despatch of the Contingent and the patriotic feeling in
+     New South Wales. The Queen commands me to express her thanks
+     for these renewed expressions of loyalty.
+
+                                "CHAMBERLAIN."
+
+
+     VICTORIA
+
+     The Victorian Contingent started off with the same flourish of
+     trumpets and the same outbursts of popular feeling which had
+     accompanied all the Transvaal Contingents. There was a mixture
+     of song and shout, of sorrow and tears. The weather was
+     unchangeably splendid; the city of Melbourne was thronged with
+     visitors to witness the unusual sight, the crowd being
+     augmented by numerous Tasmanians who journeyed across the
+     straits to get a last glimpse at the brave band of warriors as
+     they started on their voyage. Lord Brassey gave a short
+     address, and in the name of the Queen wished them God-speed.
+
+     FIRST VICTORIAN CONTINGENT FOR SOUTH AFRICA.--Nominal Roll of
+     Officers of the Victorian Contingent for service in South
+     Africa, sent in accordance with the cablegram of the Right
+     Honourable the Secretary of State for the Colonies of 4th
+     October 1899: Major G. A. Eddy, Captain (Medical Staff) W. F.
+     Hopkins, Lieutenant T. M. M'Inerney, Lieutenant H. W.
+     Pendlebury, Lieutenant A. J. N. Tremearne. Mounted Infantry
+     Unit--Captain M'Leish, Lieutenant and Adjutant Salmon,
+     Lieutenant Thorn, Lieutenant Chomley, Lieutenant Staughton,
+     Lieutenant Roberts, Veterinary-Captain Kendall.
+
+     The following officers were attached for instruction in
+     accordance with the cablegram of the Right Honourable the
+     Secretary of State for the Colonies, dated 27th October 1899:
+     Colonel J. C. Hoad, Lieutenant-Colonel C. E. E. Umphelby,
+     Captain G. J. Johnston, Captain J. H. Bruche. Transport Officer
+     for service with troops for South Africa on board s.s.
+     _Medic_--Lieutenant-Commander W. J. Colquhoun.
+
+     SECOND VICTORIAN CONTINGENT FOR SOUTH AFRICA (two companies of
+     mounted infantry).--Nominal Roll of Officers who embarked on
+     s.s. _Euryalus_ on 13th January 1900 for service in South
+     Africa: Colonel T. Price, Captain D. H. Jenkins, Lieutenant T.
+     H. Sergeant, Lieutenant T. F. Umphelby, Lieutenant G. O. Bruce,
+     Lieutenant A. A. Holdsworth, Lieutenant M. T. Kirby, Lieutenant
+     E. O. Anderson, Lieutenant T. A. Umphelby, Lieutenant E. S.
+     Norton, Lieutenant R. S. R. S. Bree, Lieutenant and Adjutant J.
+     L. Lilley, Major (Medical Staff) A. Honman, Chaplain Rev. F. W.
+     Wray, Veterinary-Captain H. S. Rudduck. Officer attached for
+     special service with Army Service Corps: Lieutenant A. J.
+     Christie.
+
+     In addition to these Contingents the Colony contributed 250
+     Bushmen, making in all up to the month of April, 751; officers,
+     46.
+
+     Among the officers of the Victorian Contingent were some whose
+     careers were particularly interesting:--
+
+     Lieut.-Colonel Charles Edward Ernest Umphelby was forty-six
+     years of age, and a native of Victoria. He commanded the
+     V.R.A.A. He joined the Militia Garrison Artillery at
+     Warrnambool on the 20th June 1884; in March 1885 was appointed
+     lieutenant in the Permanent Artillery, being promoted to be
+     captain on the 1st January 1888. In August 1891 he was promoted
+     to be major, and in June 1897 to the rank of
+     lieutenant-colonel. In addition to commanding the artillery he
+     also commanded the Western District Garrison Artillery. He was
+     sent to England by the Victorian Government in 1889 to undergo
+     courses of instruction, and while there was attached to the
+     staff of Major-General Clarke. He passed through various
+     artillery courses, including the long course at Woolwich and
+     Shoeburyness.
+
+     Captain George Jamieson Johnston is a Victorian native, and is
+     thirty-one years of age. He is an officer of the Field
+     Artillery Brigade, which is commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel
+     Kelly. Captain Johnston was appointed lieutenant on the 11th
+     January 1889, and was promoted to be captain on the 1st July
+     1895. He is well known as a straight and regular follower of
+     the Melbourne Hounds.
+
+     Captain Julius Henry Bruche was born on the 6th March 1873, and
+     educated at the Scotch College, Melbourne. His first experience
+     of military work was in the ranks, and as an officer in the
+     cadet corps, under Major W. Whitehead. After leaving the Scotch
+     College cadets he was appointed to the senior cadets, and from
+     them was transferred to the 1st Battalion Infantry Brigade as a
+     lieutenant on 15th May 1891. Whilst in the 1st Battalion he
+     passed the examination for captain, "distinguished in all
+     subjects." He was appointed permanent adjutant of the 1st and
+     2nd Battalions of the Infantry Brigade on the 18th July 1898,
+     and was promoted to the position of captain on the 17th
+     February 1899, after passing the examination for regular
+     officers, and going through a course of musketry and Maxim
+     machine-gun, obtaining an officer's extra certificate, and a
+     certificate as qualified as instructor of the Maxim
+     machine-gun. Captain Bruche is a barrister and solicitor, but
+     gave up his profession to join the permanent staff of the
+     Victorian forces.
+
+     It may here be mentioned that Victoria has the distinction of
+     being the birthplace of Dr. Robert Andrew Buntine, who was
+     mentioned for bravery at the battle of Glencoe in Sir George
+     White's despatches. Dr. Buntine was born on the 13th of
+     November 1869. He matriculated in the Melbourne University with
+     honours, and at once entered upon his medical course, where he
+     acquitted himself with some distinction, for although close
+     upon a hundred students entered their curriculum with him, only
+     five (and he was one of them) passed consecutively all their
+     examinations with honours. In 1890 he graduated with honours,
+     and took his M.B., Ch.M. degrees. He then became one of the
+     resident surgeons of the Melbourne Hospital for a year. After
+     that, and the hard work of the University, he decided upon a
+     year's travel. Accordingly, he travelled first in South Africa,
+     and then in Great Britain for some months, visiting many
+     interesting historical spots, and finally returning to South
+     Africa, where he bought a practice in partnership with Dr.
+     Currie, of Pietermaritzburg, Natal. Both are surgeons in the
+     army, Dr. Buntine being surgeon to the Volunteers, and Dr.
+     Currie to the Carabineers.
+
+
+     NEW ZEALAND
+
+     On the 21st of October, the anniversary of Trafalgar,
+     Wellington was very early astir. Great were her preparations to
+     commemorate the departure of her Contingent--the first
+     Contingent to embark from the Colonies. Bunting began to break
+     out before breakfast, and town and shipping were soon
+     fluttering with flags. In the streets groups were congregating
+     at a time when people are usually given up to business, and
+     uniforms everywhere dotted the thoroughfare. Large numbers of
+     volunteers came in from the country, some travelling all night,
+     and there was a turn out of local forces amounting to 1500.
+
+     The march through the town began at 1.20 P.M. It was an
+     inspiriting sight, and one that all wished to bear in memory.
+     The road at intervals was so dotted with cameras, that one
+     humourist in the ranks was heard to remark that this was the
+     "real original March of the Camera Men." The crowds thickened
+     and enthusiasm increased. Jervois Quay, the broadest avenue in
+     the city, as well the open land abutting on it, was thronged
+     from end to end. All the roofs commanding a view were lined,
+     the steamers at the wharves were packed even to the rigging,
+     and the long breastwork along the quay was crammed to
+     suffocation.
+
+     Here the passage for the Contingent was kept by a double row of
+     volunteers. The weather had been frowning and gusty, but no
+     sooner had the Contingent formed up in front of a temporary
+     stand projecting from the breastwork, on which Lord Ranfurly,
+     the Governor, Lady Ranfurly and suite were accommodated, than
+     the sun burst forth resplendent while the wind gently lulled.
+     Speeches were made, followed by pathetic leave-takings of
+     friends and relatives. At the last moment so great was the
+     crush that some of the men were cut off from the rest, and had
+     afterwards to struggle to the steamer as best they could.
+
+     As the big vessel slowly steamed off, cries of farewell,
+     shouts, cheers rent the air, and continued unceasingly, till
+     the _Waiwera_ bearing New Zealand "Soldiers of the Queen" to
+     the scene of war, had passed from sight.
+
+     The first New Zealand Contingent was commanded by Major Robin,
+     who is a splendid example of the born warrior. Originally a
+     gunner in the B Battery New Zealand Artillery, he rose in the
+     Otago Hussars through all the grades of non-commissioned
+     officers to command of the troop. This regiment from that time
+     was unsurpassed in efficiency by any in the Colony. As an
+     instance of the pluck and energy of the gallant major, a
+     characteristic story is told: When Sir John Richardson died he
+     was accorded a military funeral, and was interred in the
+     Northern Cemetery. On the day of the funeral the Leith was in
+     high flood, and there was a general opinion that the Dundas
+     Street Bridge would not bear the weight of the gun-carriage
+     bearing the honoured remains. Major Robin at once volunteered
+     to drive the gun-carriage across, and accomplished the
+     dangerous task without mishap.
+
+     Major Robin took charge of the New Zealand Contingent which
+     attended the Diamond Jubilee, and had the honour of commanding
+     the mixed Colonial escort which accompanied the Queen on her
+     visit to London during the celebrations.
+
+     Captain Madocks, who distinguished himself in the fight of the
+     15th of January at Slingersfontein, is a Wellington man, full
+     of pluck and resource, and as we now know, admirably calculated
+     to become a leader of men.
+
+     The second Contingent, under the command of Major Cradock and
+     numbering 242 officers and men and 300 horses, left Wellington
+     on the 20th of January--upwards of 70,000 spectators
+     congregating to witness the departure of the fine fellows,
+     whose appearance was alike martial and workmanly. These two
+     Contingents, equipped and sent over at the cost of the New
+     Zealand Government--the funds being raised among the settlers
+     themselves--were not by any means New Zealand's entire
+     contribution. Two more Contingents followed, and afterwards a
+     fifth, consisting of 500 rough riders; some of the smartest men
+     that could be gathered together! Indeed the whole force was
+     remarkable for its smartness, and before it had been long in
+     the Transvaal was highly praised by General French for its fine
+     horsemanship and coolness under fire.
+
+     An interesting feature belonging to the New Zealanders, and one
+     which must have struck consternation in the heart of the Boers,
+     was the Maori war-cry of the troops. This was composed by
+     Trooper Galloway, one of the Volunteer Contingent, and
+     taught by him to his comrades. The war cry in the Maori tongue
+     is "Kia, Kaha, Niu Tireni. Whawhai maiea mo te Kuini, to
+     kaianga. Ake! ake! ake!" which interpreted means, "Be strong,
+     New Zealand. Fight bravely for your Queen, for your country.
+     Ever! ever! ever!" The interest of the Maoris in Great Britain
+     was evinced in practical form. They held carnival, danced
+     native dances, and sang native songs, devoting the proceeds to
+     the Patriotic Fund. Their only regret was their inability to be
+     enrolled among the defenders of the country.
+
+     [Illustration: HON. W. P. SCHREINER, C.M.G.
+
+     Premier of the Cape Parliament, 1898-1900.
+
+     Photo by Elliott & Fry, London.]
+
+
+     QUEENSLAND
+
+     The Queenslanders, under the command of Colonel Ricardo, have,
+     as before said, the honour of being the first of Great
+     Britain's children to come forward to her assistance. Their
+     deeds are now familiar to us, for they are associated with
+     Colonel Pilcher's famous raid to Sunnyside and Douglas, and
+     also with the magnificent ride of General French for the relief
+     of Kimberley. But before July 1899 we were scarcely acquainted
+     with our warlike brothers across the ocean.
+
+     The prime mover in the patriotic scheme of assisting the Mother
+     Country in her need was the Hon. J. R. Dickson, the Premier. As
+     we know, he lost not a moment. He did not wait for the need of
+     assistance to be recognised. In this respect he followed the
+     splendid example set in 1884 by the late Mr. Dalley, who, while
+     acting Premier for Sir A. Stuart, telegraphed independently the
+     wish of New South Wales to assist in the military undertakings
+     of the Mother Country. The Premier knew the spirit of loyalty
+     and patriotism that pervaded Queensland, and made haste to give
+     it utterance. He was well supported by all sections of the
+     Government and of the people, and speedily his action was
+     imitated all over the world.
+
+     Queensland by degrees sent out two Contingents composed of
+     mounted infantry and one machine-gun section of Royal
+     Australian Artillery; and finally, a third Contingent, of which
+     75 per cent. were bushmen, all first-class riders and splendid
+     shots. They were men of grand physique, many of them wealthy,
+     and many sons of prominent citizens. The infantry were not
+     mounted when despatched, but all being good horsemen, and their
+     services being chiefly required as scouts or to assist cavalry,
+     they had mounts provided for them on arrival by the Imperial
+     authorities. The Queensland Mounted Infantry was organised in
+     1884 by Colonel Ricardo, who is styled the "father" of mounted
+     infantry in Queensland, and belongs to the Militia Division of
+     the Colonial Defence force. The force is organised on the basis
+     of three years' service, and ordinarily is recruited from the
+     bushman and farmer class--a sterling and hardy set of fellows,
+     whose plain motto is "For God and the right." The uniform, a
+     highly becoming one, is of kharki, with claret-coloured
+     facings. The hat is of the usual "brigand" shape, decorated at
+     the side with a smart tuft of emu plumes.
+
+     The whole of the expenses of transport, equipment, arms, and
+     food for men and horses during the voyage was defrayed by the
+     Colony; pay on the field was met by the Imperial Exchequer, the
+     Colony only meeting the difference between the Imperial and
+     Colonial rates, the latter being higher.
+
+     The first Contingent consisted of 262 men and officers, who
+     sailed in the _Cornwall_ on November 11, 1899, amid a wild
+     display of patriotic enthusiasm.
+
+     Officers of the first Contingent--Staff--Major P. R. Ricardo,
+     to rank as Lieut.-Colonel; Sup. Captain R. S. Browne;
+     Lieutenant C. H. A. Pelham; Machine-Gun Section--Lieutenant C.
+     H. Black, Royal Australian Artillery. A Company Queensland
+     Mounted Infantry--Captain H. G. Chauvel; Lieutenant A. G. Adie
+     (wounded at Sunnyside under Colonel Pilcher); Lieutenant C. A.
+     Cumming; Lieutenant T. W. Glasgow; Lieutenant D. E. Reid. B
+     Company Queensland Mounted Infantry--Captain P. W. G. Pinnock;
+     Lieutenant H. Bailey; Lieutenant R. Dowse; Lieutenant R.
+     Gordon. The second Contingent was composed of 148 men and 8
+     officers, with 5 additional officers for special service in
+     South Africa. Officers of second Contingent--Lieut.-Colonel
+     Kenneth Hutchison, Headquarters Staff, commanding; Captain W.
+     G. Thompson, Queensland Mounted Infantry; Lieutenant H. J.
+     Imrie Harris, Queensland Mounted Infantry; Lieutenant A. F.
+     Crichton, Queensland Mounted Infantry; Lieutenant James Walker,
+     3rd Queensland (Kennedy) Regiment; Lieutenant R. M. Stodart,
+     Queensland Mounted Infantry. Supernumeraries--Captain Sir
+     Edward Stewart-Richardson, Bart., 3rd Battalion Black Watch;
+     Lieutenant John H. Fox. Additional officers
+     attached--Surgeon-Captain H. R. Nolan, A.M.C. Queensland
+     Defence; Major D. W. Rankin; Captain F. W. Toll, special
+     service; Captain A. E. Crichton, Camp Quartermaster; Captain W.
+     T. Deacon, Camp Adjutant.
+
+     The second Contingent sailed in the _Maori King_ on January 20.
+     The night before they were to start it was discovered that the
+     ship had been set on fire, but the flames were extinguished
+     before much damage was done. There seemed to be no doubt it was
+     the work of an incendiary, and the police kept a close watch
+     over the vessel till she was fairly away. It was regarded as
+     significant that the crew consisted mainly of Dutchmen and
+     Germans.
+
+     The third Contingent, which sailed in the _Duke of Portland_ on
+     March 1, was 300 strong, with 350 horses. In addition to the
+     above, about 20 men and 50 horses had been sent to Sydney, and
+     sailed with the New South Wales Contingent on February 26.
+     After accommodating men and horses, it was found that the _Duke
+     of Portland_ had still 500 tons of space available for cargo;
+     this the Queensland Government offered to fill with forage for
+     horses and men, and present to the Imperial Government.
+
+
+     SOUTH AND WEST AUSTRALIA
+
+     South Australia speedily sent two Contingents to the front, and
+     offered more should further help be required. The first
+     Contingent was commanded by Captain F. H. Howland. This officer
+     was born in Kensington, London, 1863, and served for three
+     years in the Middlesex E.V. Royal Engineers. At the expiration
+     of that time he went to Australia, and in 1885 joined the
+     volunteer company which was being formed at Mount Gambier, in
+     which he was appointed lance-corporal. Since then he has passed
+     through every rank, was appointed captain in 1893, and made
+     adjutant in June 1898. Captain Howland then became senior
+     captain in the second battalion, and--having passed his
+     examination for his majority--on the illness of his commanding
+     officer, commanded the battalion on several occasions.
+
+     The officers of the Contingent were as follows: Captain F. H.
+     Howland, D Company, Mount Gambier Infantry, C.O.; Captain G. R.
+     Lascelles, Royal Fusiliers, A.D.C. to Lord Tennyson (attached);
+     Lieutenant J. H. Stapleton, A Company, first battalion
+     infantry; Lieutenant F. M. Blair, B Company, first battalion
+     infantry; Lieutenant J. W. Powell, D Company, Mount Gambier
+     Infantry; Major J. T. Toll, Medical Staff.
+
+     In regard to the payment of the troops the arrangement was
+     simple. The men received 5s. a day. That meant that the pay
+     received through the South Australian Government and the pay
+     from the Imperial Government would together amount to 5s. a
+     day. Whatever amount the Imperial Government gave their
+     soldiers, members of the South Australian Contingent received
+     the same while on active service, and the balance paid to them
+     by the South Australian Government would bring the amount up to
+     5s. a day. They did not propose to send any money from the
+     Colony while the men were away, in order that, while fighting
+     side by side with the Imperial soldiers, they should not
+     receive more pay than their comrades. Their South Australian
+     pay would be left at home until their return. If the British
+     rate of pay were 1s. 4d., that arrangement would mean that 3s.
+     8d. per day would be due to them from the Colonial Government.
+     Before starting the men received one month's pay, amounting to
+     L7, which was considered sufficient to supply their immediate
+     wants, and see them over the voyage. On arrival at Port
+     Elizabeth they began to receive the same pay as the British
+     soldiers.
+
+     The officers of the second Contingent were: Captain J. Reade,
+     commanding; J. F. Humphries, senior subaltern; G. H. Lynch,
+     second subaltern; F. M. Rowell, third subaltern; G. J. Restall
+     Walter, junior subaltern; W. J. Press, warrant officer, in
+     charge of the "Colt" automatic machine-gun; William De Passy,
+     warrant officer.
+
+     The first Contingent of infantry was afterwards turned into
+     mounted infantry. The second Contingent was composed of
+     cavalry, and one machine-gun section. The Australian Horse was
+     drilled on exactly the same lines as British cavalry, and was,
+     in fact, under the instruction of British cavalrymen. The men
+     were either members of volunteer corps, or volunteered on the
+     outbreak of the war from all parts of the Colony.
+
+     When the news of British reverses reached the Colony, the
+     patriotic fervour of which the despatch of the first Contingent
+     was a practical proof, was once more fanned into flame. The
+     desire for Australian representation on the field of battle
+     again translated itself into action, and the intimation that
+     not only would further assistance be welcomed but that it was
+     really wanted met with ready response. No lack of volunteers
+     troubled the authorities, for numerous offers to serve were
+     received from all parts of the colony, from persons of all
+     classes and all ages. Among the youngest of those volunteering
+     was Allan O'Halloran Wright, who was but fourteen years of age,
+     who accompanied the Contingent as trumpeter. He is
+     exceptionally well developed, and considerably taller than many
+     of the rank and file. Among others was Sergeant Hanley, who was
+     in the thick of the fight at Majuba Hill. He served with the
+     92nd Gordon Highlanders in the Afghan War, and received two
+     decorations, including medal with the Kabul, Kandahar, and
+     Charasia bars, and a star for the historical march from Kabul
+     to Kandahar. He, with others, was mentioned in despatches for
+     his conduct in defending Lord Roberts from an attack of the
+     Ghilzais. He fought in twenty-seven engagements in Afghanistan,
+     and was the youngest man in the regiment. He stood side by side
+     with "Fighting Mac," who was then a lance-corporal, and
+     promoted to a commission for his distinguished services. After
+     the Afghan War he went to India, and though he had completed
+     seven years service, and need have done no more, he volunteered
+     for service with the 92nd Highlanders in South Africa. After
+     the miserable experiences of Majuba he went to South Australia,
+     where he served for nine years with the permanent force. He
+     acted as warder in the Yatala prison till, hearing of the war,
+     he instantly volunteered.
+
+     On the 28th of October the Contingent dined at Government
+     House, and after the meal the men were received in the great
+     hall and thus eloquently addressed by Lord Tennyson: "Men of
+     the South Australian Contingent of the British army in South
+     Africa--I am proud of being your Commander-in-Chief because of
+     your splendid patriotism, your alacrity in obeying the summons
+     of the old country, your self-sacrifice in leaving your
+     comfortable homes to fight for the United Empire, to maintain
+     the Queen's position in South Africa, and to rescue the
+     down-trodden Uitlanders from the political and social serfdom
+     imposed on them by the Boers. When I was at home in 1897 I saw
+     some of you in the Jubilee procession, and you were
+     vociferously cheered by the millions of people in the streets.
+     Why did they cheer you? Because they felt that you were our
+     kith and kin, and that you were not only taking part in a
+     triumphal procession in honour of the Queen, but that you were
+     pledging yourselves that, if the needful occasion should arise,
+     you would fight for our Queen and for our Empire. Your action
+     now, and the action of all Australasia and of Canada, will make
+     the nations of the earth hesitate before they strike at our
+     Empire in the future, seeing our Imperial loyalty, our Imperial
+     solidarity, our Imperial unity, our Imperial strength. I
+     believe from my experience as your Governor that there is no
+     man throughout South Australia who would not stand up in time
+     of stress in defence of the Queen, the Empire, and the Union
+     Jack. You are a gallant and stalwart body of men, and we
+     rejoice in your soldierly appearance and your loyal enthusiasm.
+     We feel sure that you will do your duty nobly, and return
+     covered with honour and renown. Remember, my men, that
+     obedience to discipline, and patience in enduring hardship, and
+     promptitude in the performance of your military duties are the
+     first steps towards the making of a victorious army. You are to
+     be joined in South Africa to highly organised battalions of
+     troops, some of the best in the world, commanded by highly
+     trained and scientific officers. Obey these officers and your
+     own implicitly, from the corporal to the Commander-in-Chief,
+     whether on the field or in garrison, or wherever you are; and I
+     need not tell you that, if you keep your eyes and ears open,
+     you will learn a great deal that will be useful to you in the
+     future. May Australia never be visited by war! If this ever
+     happens, the British fleet will protect Australia in the first
+     line of defence, but you must have an efficiently trained army
+     as a second line of defence. Knowing this, the Federal
+     Government of the future will, I am confident, put Australia in
+     a proper state of military preparedness; and that is one of the
+     reasons why I glory in our Federal Commonwealth to be. Remember
+     always, my friends, that you are the guardians of a magnificent
+     heritage, of a country of which you are justly proud, and that
+     the experience which you Australians will gain in South Africa
+     will not only enable you to fight, if necessary, for this
+     country, but will also enable you to teach your
+     comrades-in-arms, who are obliged to stay at home, something of
+     the needful requirements of modern warfare. I know the General
+     who is to lead you, Sir Redvers Buller. He is married to a
+     cousin of my wife's, and I can tell you that a finer soldier
+     could not be met with. The motto he would wish to be given you
+     would be: 'Obedience and cheerful courage on service are an
+     army's strength.' I am glad to have allowed--though it is
+     personally a loss to myself--my A.D.C., Captain Lascelles, to
+     accompany you, with special leave from the War Office at home.
+     As you are aware, in him you have a thoroughly experienced and
+     capable officer, and, like Captain Howland and your other
+     officers, he is fond of you and devoted to your welfare. If I
+     had to command a British army, I should know that, when you
+     have had a little more military experience, with your pluck,
+     your good marksmanship, and your loyalty, the standard of the
+     Queen could well be intrusted to the keeping of the Australian
+     Contingent. It is my duty as well as my pleasure to tell you
+     that, on behalf of the British people, Her Majesty's Government
+     have sent me two telegrams appreciative of the enthusiastic
+     patriotism of yourselves, of the Ministry, and of South
+     Australia. It is also my duty as well as my pleasure to read
+     you the kindly and gracious message from the Queen, which has
+     moved us all very deeply: 'Her Majesty the Queen desires to
+     thank the people of her Colonies in Australia for the striking
+     manifestation of loyalty and patriotism in their voluntary
+     offer to send troops to co-operate with Her Majesty's Imperial
+     forces in maintaining her position and the rights of British
+     subjects in South Africa. She wishes the troops God-speed and a
+     safe return.' The Boers have forced war upon us and have
+     invaded our territory. You are going to fight for the cause of
+     British freedom, for the honour of Great Britain, for the
+     honour of Australia. In the name, then, of our beloved Queen,
+     of Great Britain, and of South Australia, I bid you farewell,
+     and I wish you, after your work is accomplished, a safe and
+     happy home-coming."
+
+     On the 26th of January the second South Australian Contingent
+     started for the Transvaal amid scenes of great enthusiasm. The
+     Governor, Lord Tennyson, again made an inspiriting speech and
+     wished them God-speed.
+
+
+     WEST AUSTRALIA
+
+     West Australia sent with the same energy of patriotism two
+     Contingents amounting to 230 officers and men, with offers of
+     more if required. The officers were: Capt. R. Moor, R.A.; Capt.
+     H. S. Pilkington, late 21st Hussars; Major M'Williams, Medical
+     Officer; Lieut. J. Campbell; Lieut. H. F. Darling; Lieut. F. W.
+     M. Parker.
+
+
+     TASMANIA
+
+     The Tasmanian Government were not behind the other Colonies of
+     Australia in their desire to show their loyalty and patriotism
+     by offering troops for Imperial service. There was, of course,
+     some difference of opinion regarding the policy of going to
+     fight at all, as the following cutting from a local journal
+     will show: "In Tasmania, as elsewhere, there is a certain
+     number, not many, of the crawling tribe, who always find that
+     their country is in the wrong, and are never so happy as when
+     they can hold up some foe as a model of virtue in contrast with
+     the brutal Briton. It is curious to find those who call
+     themselves friends of the working-classes indulging in this
+     vein of oratory, but it is common to all the Colonies, and may
+     be said to account for the little influence that the party has
+     on general affairs. We have had here, of course, the inevitable
+     Catholic priest who has denounced the British, for he always
+     appears when Great Britain has any serious work to do, just as
+     there is the usual meeting of Irish in New York. In Hobart the
+     Catholic priests spoke feeling and appropriate words about the
+     departure of the Contingent, but on the West Coast one Father
+     Murphy went on the rampage in the good old style, and proceeded
+     to denounce the country under the Government of which he lives,
+     and which is liberal enough to allow him to say such things
+     with impunity. I wonder whether these folk ever think about
+     what would happen to them if they talked in the same strain in
+     France, Germany, or even in the United States. It does not
+     matter to Great Britain what these discontented ones say, but
+     they might learn from the liberty they use the value of the
+     freedom which they enjoy. On the whole, the people of Tasmania,
+     while they deeply regret that war should be necessary, are
+     fully alive to the value of a united empire, and are keenly
+     anxious that she may vindicate her position in South Africa,
+     and finally get rid of the Boer incubus which has weighed upon
+     the country ever since the Gladstone Ministry adopted the
+     policy of scuttle and palaver."
+
+     This quotation shows the drift of popular sentiment, and in the
+     end loyalty everywhere prevailed, and some splendid fellows
+     volunteered to go to the front. These were not "raw material,"
+     but intelligent, handy soldiers, accustomed to the rough and
+     tumble of bush life, and ready to provide for emergencies.
+     Their commander, Captain Cameron, had seen some service, and
+     took part in the famous march to Kandahar.
+
+     The first Contingent, sent in the _Medic_, consisted of eighty
+     men, of which the officers were: Capt. C. St. Clair Cameron,
+     Erandale, commanding (who was afterwards a prisoner in
+     Pretoria); Lieut. W. Brown; Lieut. F. B. Heritage; Lieut. G. E.
+     Reid, 1st Regt., Hobart. Of the privates the following were
+     subsequently taken prisoners to Pretoria: M. H. Swan, V. J.
+     Peers, A. Button. J. H. Whitelaw, also a private, who has
+     distinguished himself by gallantry in the field and by saving a
+     comrade's life at the imminent risk of his own, will probably
+     receive the V.C.
+
+     The second Contingent, which consisted of forty-five men, was
+     under the command of Sergt. J. Stagg, of Deloraine.
+
+     Both Contingents were composed almost entirely of gentlemen.
+
+     Tasmania also contributed 100 men to the Imperial Australian
+     Corps which was raised at Mr. J. Chamberlain's suggestion from
+     all the Australasian Colonies. The volunteering of the
+     Tasmanian contingent to join hands with Canada, Australia, and
+     New Zealand, and shoulder to shoulder to support the "flag of
+     old renown" in South Africa, gave origin to the following lines
+     written by a Tasmanian poet:--
+
+        "War? We would rather peace; but, Mother, if fight we must,
+        There be none of your sons on whom you can lean with a surer trust;
+        Bone of your bone are we, and in death would be dust of your dust!"
+
+
+     THE BUSHMEN'S CORPS
+
+     There was immense excitement over the formation of the Imperial
+     Bushmen or Roughriders' Corps. It consisted of over 2000
+     mounted men, selected from those experienced in riding and
+     looking after stock in country in its natural rough state,
+     unbroken by cultivation, fences or roads. In the first
+     instance, New Zealand made an offer to provide 500 such men,
+     after which--as more were required--Australia was asked to
+     raise a further 2000, the Imperial Government bearing the cost
+     of forwarding them to the seat of war, and maintaining and
+     paying them there. Four thousand applications from Victoria and
+     2000 from Adelaide were received. The citizens of Rockhampton
+     immediately offered to provide and equip twenty-five Bushmen.
+     New South Wales was represented by a Contingent of 500 men, and
+     Queensland decided to join with the other Colonies in
+     organising this smart and serviceable corps, whose value was
+     estimated as equal to twice the number of infantry.
+
+     The movement was a most popular one, and gifts of horses were
+     sent in from every direction. The public subscribed liberally,
+     Captain Bridges alone giving L1000 towards the expenses of the
+     Victorian Bushmen.
+
+     The officers selected for the New South Wales Bushmen were
+     Lieut.-Colonel Airey in command, Major Onslow, three captains
+     and fourteen subalterns. The movement was so popular and
+     subscriptions so liberal, that it was decided that 100 men
+     should be sent from South Australia instead of the fifty
+     originally proposed. Colonel Williams, of the New South Wales
+     Contingent, was appointed principal medical officer for all
+     the Australian Contingents serving in South Africa. The
+     departure of the Bushmen on the 17th of January was a
+     magnificent climax to the many magnificent demonstrations of
+     patriotism which had been evidenced throughout the Colonies.
+
+
+     INDIA'S CONTINGENTS
+
+     Between the Australasian and Canadian Colonies and the
+     Volunteer Contingent from India there is a certain difference
+     which it is necessary to recognise. In the Colonies, the
+     movement to help the Mother Country in her need, though
+     prompted and encouraged by popular enthusiasm, patriotism, and
+     donations from private and public resources, was suggested,
+     voiced, and supported by the respective Governments, the
+     Premiers of which acted very prominently in the enterprise,
+     whereas in India, the offer of military assistance was a
+     spontaneous impulse springing from individual patriotism and
+     carried out by private enterprise. India, being a Crown Colony,
+     could display her loyalty in no other way. Her position was
+     somewhat similar to the Home Establishment, and her regular
+     British troops were under orders for South Africa in exactly
+     the same way as were the Home forces. Nevertheless, India was
+     not backward in independent demonstrations of loyalty. English
+     officers from various native corps, who, in ordinary
+     circumstances, could serve only in their respective Indian
+     Contingents, now came forward and volunteered for active
+     service in aid of the Imperial cause in South Africa. The "men"
+     volunteered from all directions. Dapper young Calcutta
+     merchants, sporting tea-planters from Assam, gallant
+     indigo-planters, and dashing roughriders from Bombay, Assam,
+     Bengal, Cawnpore, Mysore, and all manner of districts unknown
+     even by name to the Little Englander sent in their appeal, and
+     pressed to be allowed to play their part in the defence of the
+     Empire; and thus the smart regiments known as Lumsden's Horse,
+     the Railway Contingent, and the Ceylon Mounted Contingent came
+     to be recruited.
+
+     Colonel Lumsden, lately Commandant of the Assam Valley Light
+     Horse, generously assisted both financially and personally in
+     raising and equipping the force, and quantities of Calcutta men
+     offered their services, their expenses being guaranteed by the
+     firms employing them. Gifts and subscriptions poured in. Lord
+     Curzon, the Viceroy, headed the subscription-list by a handsome
+     contribution, and so generous was the response of all India,
+     that about L30,000 was collected in connection with the
+     Transvaal war, including the equipment of volunteers.
+
+     The native princes offered troops and horses, and loyally
+     expressed themselves towards the Queen Empress. The troops were
+     declined, it being understood that the war was between white
+     men alone. Their offers of horses were, however, accepted.
+     Nevertheless, the generosity of the princes was not to be
+     denied, and several among them, the Maharajah of Bikanir, the
+     Maharajah of Durbhanga, and the Nawab of Moorshedabad,
+     subscribed liberally to the expenses of Lumsden's Horse,
+     offering at the same time their best wishes for the success of
+     the Contingent and the complete triumph of the British arms in
+     South Africa.
+
+     The Nizam of Hyderabad, whose State is as large as France, and
+     whose relations with the sovereign have always been most
+     cordial, assisted handsomely, saying at the same time, with
+     true Oriental grace, that his troops, his purse, and his own
+     sword were at the service of the Queen. The Maharajah of
+     Tanjore contributed 5000 rupees, while his son furnished a
+     complete set of X-ray apparatus. The Nawab of Bhavnagar State
+     presented fifty fully equipped Arab horses to the force, and
+     quantities of other prominent Nawabs displayed corresponding
+     liberality. The Maharanee of Bettiah generously presented to
+     each volunteer from her district a horse, and Khwajah Mahomed
+     Khan forwarded from Mardan (on the Punjab frontier) the sum of
+     2000 rupees as an expression of loyalty, with his best wishes
+     for the success of Lumsden's Horse. As an instance of the
+     excitement and martial feeling in regard to the Indian
+     Transvaal Contingent, it may be noted that the instant the
+     scheme was proposed, two-thirds of the Light Horse of Behar
+     volunteered for service, promising to provide everything except
+     means of transport. They formed part of Lumsden's Horse, who
+     were all men under forty years of age, many of them of
+     independent means, with horses of their own.
+
+     The following is the list of officers who were appointed to
+     Colonel Lumsden's Corps:--
+
+     Lieut.-Colonel Dugald McT. Lumsden, Assam Valley Light Horse
+     Volunteers, to be Commandant, with the temporary rank of
+     Lieut.-Colonel in the army; Lieut.-Colonel Eden Showers, late
+     Commandant Surma Valley Light Horse Volunteers, to be second in
+     command, with the temporary rank of Major in the army; Captain
+     J. H. B. Beresford, Indian Staff Corps, to be Company
+     Commander. To be Captains, with the temporary rank of Captain
+     in the army: Major Henry Chamney, Surma Valley Light Horse
+     Volunteers; Captain Francis Clifford, Coorg and Mysore
+     Volunteer Rifles; Second Lieutenant Bernard W. Holmes, East
+     India Railway Volunteer Rifles; Second Lieutenant John B.
+     Rutherford, Behar Light Horse Volunteers. To be Lieutenants,
+     with the temporary rank of Lieutenant in the army: Lieutenant
+     Charles L. Sidey, Surma Valley Light Horse Volunteers; Herbert
+     O. Pugh, gent.; George A. Nevill, gent.; Charles E. Crane,
+     gent. Captain Louis H. Noblett, the Royal Irish Rifles, to be a
+     Company Commander; Captain Neville C. Taylor, Indian Staff
+     Corps, to be Adjutant; Surgeon-Captain Samuel A Powell, M.D.,
+     Surma Valley Light Horse Volunteers, to be Medical Officer,
+     with the temporary rank of Captain; William Stevenson, gent.,
+     to be Veterinary Officer, with the temporary rank of Veterinary
+     Lieutenant.
+
+     The Government provided free passages, and the railway
+     authorities gave free passes. With the force went Mrs. C. W.
+     Park and Mrs. M. C. Curry, wives of Lieut.-Colonel C. W. Park
+     and Major M. C. Curry, of the 1st Devonshire Regiment, to
+     assist in the hospitals in Natal. This regiment, it may be
+     remembered, was with Sir George White, and had four officers
+     severely wounded in its first battle, Elandslaagte, and was
+     shut up in Ladysmith for over four months. Lumsden's Horse
+     sailed from India on February 6, much envied by all who had not
+     the good fortune to be of their number.
+
+     [Illustration: GENERAL BRABANT, C.M.G.
+
+     After Photo by S. B. Barnard, Cape Town.]
+
+     Ceylon was not behind India in patriotic enthusiasm, though its
+     powers were more limited. Great demonstrations of loyalty
+     prevailed everywhere in the island, and volunteers were eager
+     to be enrolled. Out of the numbers applying 125 men were picked
+     out and 5 officers. The force was armed with Lee-Metford
+     magazine rifles, 500 rounds of ammunition, and were nearly all
+     mounted on trained horses. Captain Rutherford, Royal Dublin
+     Fusiliers, was in command, and Captain Anderson, Royal
+     Artillery, was second in command. Captain Toogood (Warwickshire
+     Regiment) also accompanied the force.
+
+     The planters and merchants of Ceylon presented upwards of
+     30,000 lbs. of tea to be delivered free to the troops in South
+     Africa, to be shipped with the Contingent, and many private
+     individuals were equally generous. The Legislative Council
+     unanimously agreed that all expenses connected with the
+     equipment, arming, transport, and, when necessary, mounting of
+     the Ceylon Contingent, should be borne by the Colony. This
+     liberal decision was acknowledged by Mr. Chamberlain in the
+     following terms:--
+
+         MR. CHAMBERLAIN TO GOVERNOR THE RIGHT HON.
+         SIR J. WEST RIDGEWAY.
+
+     "Your telegrams of January 9 and January 10. Her Majesty's
+     Government congratulate Ceylon on completion of Contingent,
+     which they accept with much pleasure, and highly appreciate
+     patriotic and generous action of Legislative Council."
+
+     The Ceylon Mounted Contingent sailed on February 2 for active
+     service in South Africa, amid the prayers and good wishes of a
+     huge concourse of people.
+
+     In addition to the above contingents from India and Ceylon, the
+     Indian Government sent the guns and equipment for three
+     field-batteries of 15-pounders, and also three corps of native
+     transport drivers and muleteers--about 400 in all--under
+     British officers.
+
+
+     THE SOUTH AFRICAN VOLUNTEERS[6]
+
+     CAPE COLONY
+
+     It has been said that the whole course of the campaign might
+     have been changed had the Cape Colony forces been utilised
+     sufficiently early. If the Cape Ministry had begun at once by
+     employing the splendid Colonial forces at its disposal, not for
+     purposes of defiance, but of defence, the tale of raid and
+     rebellion, which has been as harassing as the tale of war,
+     would never have been told. But as it is useless to talk of the
+     _might have been_, or of things done or left undone by the Cape
+     Ministry, we must proceed to consider the services of the Cape
+     Colonial Force, of the ten thousand volunteers, when they were
+     eventually allowed to come into action. Of the splendid troops
+     in Mafeking and Kimberley the Colony must ever be proud, for on
+     them fell the weight of showing what worthy offshoots of the
+     bold and the brave the sun of South Africa has reared. These
+     men, recruited for the most part from Cape Town, Port
+     Elizabeth, East London, Queenstown, Grahamstown, and Kimberley,
+     consisted largely of past and present Cape Colony Volunteers.
+     They were bone of our bone, and when the hour of stress arrived
+     they proved themselves as such. They were immensely proud to be
+     included in the term British, and right royally they acted up
+     to the higher interpretation of that term. Though they have
+     borne years of insult and suffered in innumerable ways for
+     their fealty and devotion to the Mother Country, they rushed to
+     arms joyfully in the hope that Great Britain would reassert
+     herself, annex the whole of South Africa, and administer it
+     under one Government. They longed to be quit of Dutch intrigue.
+     They pined for a strong rule, one that would be free of the
+     vacillations that had kept them on tenter-hooks for years, and
+     prevented their living in a sense of security enjoyed by other
+     freeborn British subjects. By these loyal fellows the towns of
+     Mafeking and Kimberley were practically defended. In those
+     places there were very few Imperial troops, and little could
+     have been accomplished without the aptness and grit of the
+     Colonials. The reason why they appeared to be neglected is not
+     far to seek. No man is a prophet in his own country, and to
+     this trite fact may be attributed the want of instant
+     appreciation accorded to the Cape Colonial Volunteers who so
+     spontaneously and with genuine zeal responded to the call of
+     duty. While we made much of the Colonials from over the
+     seas--the "Visiting Colonials" as they are called--we failed to
+     see that at our elbows were the very men who would leap forward
+     at a word and check the onward career of the enemy and put a
+     stop to his annexations while our troops in England were
+     getting into shape. But later we jumped at them. Then the Cape
+     Colonists began to be vastly appreciated, and to receive the
+     highest encomiums from all who had the good fortune to serve
+     with them.
+
+     The following is a table of some of the prominent Colonial
+     forces of Cape Colony, 1900:--
+
+  ----------------------+-------------+------------------------+----------------
+                        |ESTABLISHMENT|   EFFECTIVE TO DATE    |
+                        +-----+-------+--------+--------+------+
+  CORPS                 |All  |       |        |N.C.O.'s|      |
+                        |Ranks|Horses |Officers|and Men |Horses|OFFICERS
+  ----------------------+-----+-------+--------+--------+------+----------------
+  IRREGULARS RAISED     |     |       |        |        |      |
+  BEFORE WAR            |     |       |        |        |      |
+                        |     |       |        |        |      |
+  Rhodesian Regiment    | ... |       |   ...  |   ...  |  ... |  ...
+  Protectorate Regiment}|     |       |        |        |      |{Col. Baden-
+                       }| 650 |  ...  |   ...  |   ...  |  ... |{Powell, 5th
+  Kimberley Regiment   }|     |       |        |        |      |{Dragoon Guards
+  Diamond Fields Horse  | 100 |  ...  |   ...  |   ...  |  ... |  ...
+  Bechuanaland Rifles   | 100 |  ...  |   ...  |   ...  |  ... |  ...
+                        |     |       |        |        |      |
+  IRREGULARS RAISED     |     |       |        |        |      |
+  SINCE WAR             |     |       |        |        |      |
+                        |     |       |        |        |      |
+  Rimington's Guides    | 212 |  220  |   ...  |   ...  |  ... |{Lieut.-Col.
+                        |     |       |        |        |      |{Hon. J. Byng,
+  1st S.A.L. Horse      | 599 |  580  |   ...  |   ...  |  ... |{10th Hussars
+                        |     |       |        |        |      |{Capt. Villiers,
+  Roberts's Horse       | 599 |  580  |   ...  |   ...  |  ... |{Royal Horse
+                        |     |       |        |        |      |{Guards
+  Kitchener's Horse     | 599 |  580  |    41  |   617  |  586 |  ...
+  1st Brabant's Light   |     |       |        |        |      |
+    Horse               | 599 |  580  |   ...  |   ...  |  ... |  ...
+  2nd Brabant's Light   |     |       |        |        |      |
+    Horse               | 599 |  580  |   ...  |   ...  |  ... |  ...
+  Gatacre's Scouts      |  50 |   50  |   ...  |   ...  |  ... |  ...
+  Montmorency's Cavalry |     |       |        |        |      |
+    Division Scouts     | 100 |  100  |   ...  |   ...  |  ... |  ...
+  6th Cavalry Division  |     |       |        |        |      |
+    Scouts              |  25 |   25  |   ...  |   ...  |  ... |  ...
+  Chief in Command's    |     |       |        |        |      |
+    Body Guard          |  50 |   50  |   ...  |   ...  |  ... |  ...
+                        |     |       |        |        |      |
+  LOCAL DEFENCE CORPS   |     |       |        |        |      |
+  Nesbitt's Mounted     |     |       |        |        |      |
+    Local Defence Corps | 400 |  400  |   ...  |   ...  |  ... |  ...
+  Bayley's Mounted      |     |       |        |        |      |
+    Local Defence Corps | 500 |  500  |   ...  |   ...  |  ... |  ...
+  Orpen's Horse         | 300 |  300  |   ...  |   ...  |  ... |  ...
+  Railway Pioneer       |     |       |        |        |      |
+    Regiment            |1008 |    8  |    34  |   959  |   15 |  ...
+                        |     |       |        |        |      |
+  VOLUNTEERS            |     |       |        |        |      |
+                        |     |       |        |        |      |
+  P.A.O. Cape Artillery | ... |  ...  |   ...  |   ...  |  ... |  ...
+  Diamond Fields        |     |       |        |        |      |
+    Artillery           | ... |  ...  |   ...  |   ...  |  ... |  ...
+  Cape Garrison         |     |       |        |        |      |
+    Artillery           | ... |  ...  |   ...  |   ...  |  ... |  ...
+  ----------------------+-----+-------+--------+--------+------+----------------
+
+     [[Transcriber's note: The following text was written vertically
+     in a column of the table above. It has been rendered here for
+     ease of display.
+
+     REMARKS: These numbers have been increased within the last few
+     months by recruiting, Kitchener's Horse showing an increase of
+     about 50. The figures, therefore, are only approximately
+     correct]]
+
+     STRENGTH OF VOLUNTEER CORPS ON ACTIVE SERVICE
+
+     Prince Alfred's Own Cape Artillery--officers, 5; other ranks,
+     117; total, 122. Diamond Fields Artillery--officers, 4; other
+     ranks, 119; total, 123. Cape Garrison Artillery--officers, 18;
+     other ranks, 431; total, 449. Duke of Edinburgh's Own Volunteer
+     Rifles--officers, 31; other ranks, 1027; total, 1058. Cape Town
+     Highlanders--officers, 12; other ranks, 392; total, 404. Prince
+     Alfred's Volunteer Guard--officers, 21; other ranks, 494;
+     total, 515. First City Volunteers--officers, 22; other ranks,
+     556; total, 578. Kaffrarian Rifles (Colonel Cuming)--officers,
+     31; other ranks, 672; total, 703. Queenstown Rifle
+     Volunteers--officers, 18; other ranks, 299; total, 317.
+     Frontier Mounted Rifles--officers, 10; other ranks, 131; total,
+     141. Uitenhage Volunteer Rifles--officers, 16; other ranks,
+     396; total, 412. Komgha Mounted Rifles--officers, 5; other
+     ranks, 41; total, 46. Stellenbosch Mounted Infantry--officers,
+     1; other ranks, 31; total, 32. Kimberley Regiment--officers,
+     25; other ranks, 541; total, 566. Bechuanaland
+     Rifles--officers, 5; other ranks, 61; total, 66. A Company Cape
+     Medical Staff Corps--officers, 2; other ranks, 55; total, 57. B
+     Company Cape Medical Staff Corps--officers, 3; other ranks, 71;
+     total, 74. C Company Cape Medical Staff Corps--officers, 0;
+     other ranks, 13; total, 13. Transkei Mounted Rifles--officers,
+     5; other ranks, 66; total, 71. No. 1 Xalanga Border Mounted
+     Rifle Club--officers, 4; other ranks, 40; total, 44. No. 19
+     Tembuland Mounted Rifle Club--officers, 2; other ranks, 21;
+     total, 23. No. 23 Nqamakwe Mounted Rifle Club--officers, 1;
+     other ranks, 21; total, 22. No. 25 Engcobo Mounted Rifle
+     Club--officers, 1; other ranks, 28; total, 29. No. 29 Tsomo
+     Mounted Rifle Club--officers, 1; other ranks, 29; total, 30.
+
+     [Illustration: SOUTH AFRICAN SCOUT. FULL EQUIPMENT.]
+
+     To prove his appreciation of the devotion and military prowess
+     of the Cape colonists Lord Roberts, on his arrival in South
+     Africa, decided on raising a Colonial Division. The official
+     intimation of the formation of this division was contained in
+     the following announcement:--
+
+     "The Commander-in-Chief, recognising the value of the services
+     rendered by the Colonial troops, has authorised the formation
+     of a division. Colonel Brabant, M.L.A., C.M.G., has been given
+     the local and temporary rank of a Brigadier-General, and will
+     be in command. Brabant's Horse, with several other irregular
+     corps and mounted contingents, limited in number, from the
+     infantry volunteer regiments, will form the first portion of
+     this force, and its first object will be to drive the enemy
+     out of the Colony, and to co-operate with the Imperial troops.
+     It has been decided to raise a further 1500 mounted irregulars,
+     so as to give all Colonials and men with Colonial experience a
+     chance of joining this division. Men who enrol in this Mounted
+     Irregular Corps, and who cannot afford to go on a long
+     campaign, will be allowed to register their names for service
+     in the Colony only, but any portion of such registered men can
+     volunteer to take part in any further advance that may be
+     ordered beyond the Orange River. To raise this latter force
+     recruiting stations will be open in all parts of the Colony,
+     and it is proposed to elect officers from Colonial gentlemen or
+     those with Colonial experience."
+
+     As may be imagined, there was great jubilation among the
+     thousands of martial spirits at the Cape, who for long had been
+     fretting at enforced inactivity.
+
+     Some very interesting particulars regarding raising of some of
+     the Colonial Corps were elicited from Mr. W. Hosken, who was
+     chairman of the Uitlander Council and the Chamber of Commerce
+     at Johannesburg. He said: "I was chairman of the committee
+     which obtained permission from the Government to raise
+     Thorneycroft's and Bethune's Corps of mounted infantry and the
+     Imperial Light Horse, and all raised in Natal and mainly from
+     refugee Uitlanders from Johannesburg. From the Imperial
+     officers with whom I was brought into contact I received every
+     consideration and the greatest cordiality. But again it should
+     be remembered that we got the permission only after pressure
+     had been brought to bear by public meetings at Durban and
+     Maritzburg, and in other ways. The response was most
+     gratifying. Only when the Boers were threatening to advance on
+     Maritzburg were we allowed to form the Imperial Light Horse.
+     Intimation of the permission was given on the Friday. By the
+     following Wednesday we were able to report that 1300 men had
+     offered for service, and that the medical examination would be
+     at once begun. Thorneycroft's Corps was the first to take the
+     field, and was actually fighting within six weeks from the date
+     of its enrolment. The testimony from Boer sources as to the
+     value of these regiments has been most gratifying. In one
+     verbal statement by a Boer commandant they were described as
+     'evidently skilled sharpshooters.' Then there are the Natal
+     Volunteers, recruited in very much the same way as your
+     Volunteers at home, clerks and artisans from the towns, with
+     the mounted companies from the country districts. They took the
+     field possibly with some misgivings as to their capacity, just
+     as the Volunteers here might do; but they have proved
+     themselves equal to any military duty that is imposed on them.
+     The soldiers of the regular army recognise them as worthy
+     comrades, and the greatest cordiality exists between the
+     regular and volunteer forces. Later on there was formed also in
+     Natal a body of Colonial scouts--750 strong--recruited from
+     local men who knew the country. Those who wished to serve
+     together were placed in the same squad. Every section of
+     twenty-five men elects its own leader, and every four sections
+     its commander. They have already proved their efficiency in
+     service with Sir Redvers Buller's army. Then there is the corps
+     of ambulance bearers. When General Buller was making
+     arrangements for the attack on Colenso last month he asked for
+     1200 white bearers. On the first day the notice was posted in
+     Durban 900 men volunteered. Far more than the required number
+     offered, and a selection was made of those who were considered
+     the most fitted for the duty. These men did excellent work,
+     bringing out the wounded under fire during that disastrous day
+     at Colenso. Three were killed and several wounded, and every
+     one of the corps behaved splendidly."
+
+     In regard to the apparent neglect of the Volunteers at the
+     Cape, he went on to say: "The delay in recruiting irregulars
+     at the Cape was not in the least due to the unwillingness of
+     the Uitlanders there or of the British residents. It was the
+     result of political considerations which were then thought to
+     be of sufficient weight by well-advised men on the spot. The
+     delay caused a great deal of heart-burning among hundreds who
+     were only too keen to take up arms; and it is only quite
+     recently that permission has been given to form irregular corps
+     and to accept the services of the Cape Volunteers already in
+     existence, who were eager to serve. Directly the permission was
+     given men flocked to the standard, and you have now Rimington's
+     Guides, the South African Light Horse, and the Cape Volunteers,
+     who have all promptly proceeded to the front. Another most
+     useful body is now being recruited both in Natal and in Cape
+     Colony--I mean the Railway Pioneer Corps. It is being officered
+     by the most eminent of the mining engineers of Johannesburg,
+     and the rank and file are made up of skilled mechanics, who are
+     specially qualified for the particular duties they will have to
+     perform. They will be armed in the ordinary way, drilled as an
+     engineer corps, and will be expected to do the ordinary work of
+     the military engineer."
+
+     The Imperial Light Horse, formed by Majors Sampson and Karri
+     Davies, was largely composed of Australians. Many Johannesburg
+     people joined it, most of them "all-round sportsmen, capital
+     shots, and keen riders." They joined on the principle of not
+     allowing the Mother Country to fight their battles for them
+     while they had a right arm with which to assert themselves.
+
+     The Cape Mounted Police, 1000 strong, who were also sent on
+     active service at the commencement of the war, were invaluable.
+     They were remarkable, not alone for gallantry, but efficiency.
+     When Captain de Montmorency's Scouts were cut off near
+     Labuschagnes Nek by some 800 Boers, Captain Golsworthy on the
+     last day of the year came to the rescue with a party of the
+     Cape Mounted Police, and put the enemy to flight.
+
+
+     Early in 1900, the Rhodesian Field Force, under the command of
+     Lieut.-General Sir Frederick Carrington, was organised to
+     operate in Northern Rhodesia, and stop any trekking of members
+     of the Free State or Transvaal or rebels of Cape Colony into
+     Rhodesian territory.
+
+     The officers were:--Major C. D. Learoyd, Royal Engineers; Major
+     A. V. Jenner, D.S.O., Rifle Brigade; Major C. L. Josling, Royal
+     Army Medical Corps; Major G. A. R. Carew, 7th Hussars; Captain
+     E. Peach, Indian Staff Corps; Captain R. G. Partridge, Army
+     Ordnance Department; Captain W. E. Lawrence, South Wales
+     Borderers; Second Lieutenant C. S. Rome, 11th Hussars; Second
+     Lieutenant C. H. Dillon, Rifle Brigade; Paymaster G. J. C.
+     Whittington, Hon. Colonel; Lieutenant Pemberton; Major P.
+     Dalton, late 3rd V.B. Royal Fusiliers; Major C. D. Guise, 3rd
+     Gloucester Regiment; Brevet-Major P. Moir Byres, 1st Dragoon
+     Guards; Captain C. W. Kennard, 3rd Gordon Highlanders; Second
+     Lieutenant W. H. Longden, 4th East Surrey Regiment; Chaplain
+     Rev. F. P. Moreton, M.A.; Lieutenant R. Laing, surgeon;
+     Lieutenant E. A. Parsons, surgeon; Lieutenant H. Cardin,
+     surgeon; Lieutenant F. F. Bond, surgeon; Lieutenant G. H.
+     Collard, surgeon; Lieutenant F. R. Pullin, surgeon; Lieutenant
+     H. D. Buss, surgeon; Colonel H. C. Wood, late 10th Hussars;
+     Lieut.-Colonel J. Leslie, 5th Royal Irish Fusiliers;
+     Lieutenant-Colonel B. G. Booth, late Scots Guards; Major J. W.
+     Traill, late 4th Cheshire; Captain R. Gray, C.M.G., late 6th
+     Dragoons; Captain E. C. P. Curzon, late 18th Hussars; Captain
+     F. C. P. Curzon, Royal Irish Rifles; Captain H. F. F. Fisher,
+     Army Service Corps; Veterinary-Captain H. T. W. Mann;
+     Lieutenant J. K. Rashleigh, late Artillery Militia; Lieutenant
+     F. J. Lawrence, late English Militia; Lieutenant C. A.
+     Burgoyne, 3rd Dragoon Guards; Lieutenant A. Wormald, surgeon;
+     Major E. J. Tickell, D.S.O., 14th Hussars; Captain J. Ponsonby,
+     Coldstream Guards; Captain Pereira, Coldstream Guards; Captain
+     H. J. Haddock, Royal Welsh Fusiliers; Captain R. K. Arbuthnot,
+     Royal Irish Regiment; Lieutenant W. D. P. Watson, late Scots
+     Greys; Major G. Wright, R.G.A.; Major A. Paris, R.M.A.; Captain
+     and Hon. Major G. E. Giles, late R.A. In all, forty-four
+     officers.
+
+
+     NATAL
+
+     The following is a list of the names and numbers of the local
+     forces which the colony of Natal has put into the field: Natal
+     Naval Volunteers, 150; Natal Carabineers (Colonel Royston,
+     since dead), 465; Natal Mounted Rifles, 200; Border Mounted
+     Rifles, 270; Umvoti Mounted Rifles (Major Leuchars), 130; Natal
+     Field Artillery, 120; Natal Royal Rifles, 145; Durban Light
+     Infantry, 400; Medical Staff, 7; Veterinary, 3; Staff, 19;
+     Natal Mounted Police (Europeans) at Ladysmith and other
+     portions of the Colony (Colonel Dartnell), 649; Thorneycroft's
+     Mounted Infantry (Colonel Thorneycroft, Royal Scots Fusiliers,
+     D.A.A.G.), 500; Bethune's Mounted Infantry (Lieut.-Colonel
+     Bethune, 16th Lancers, Colonel Addison second in command), 500;
+     Imperial Light Infantry (Colonel Nash), 1000; Imperial Light
+     Horse (Colonel Scott Chisholm, killed 21st November 1899), 500;
+     Colonial Scouts (Colonel Edwards, Captain Sydney Osborne), 500;
+     Ambulance Bearers (1st section), 1000; Ambulance Bearers (2nd
+     section), 600. Total, 7158.
+
+     The South African Light Horse is mentioned among the Cape
+     Colonial troops, though it has done notable work in Natal. The
+     second and third regiments of the corps became respectively
+     Roberts's and Kitchener's Horse. In the district of Kaffraria
+     half the available men were embodied, men belonging to the Duke
+     of Edinburgh's Own Volunteer Rifles--one of the corps of
+     "regulars" belonging to Cape Colony.
+
+     The South African Light Horse was started on the 12th of
+     November. By order of Sir Redvers Buller a recruiting office
+     was opened in Cape Town, whereupon the place was instantly
+     invaded. Patriotic fervour ran high, and every one desired to
+     take a share in showing forth the might of Great Britain. The
+     officers, Major Byng (10th Hussars, with temporary rank of
+     colonel) and Captain Villiers (R.H.G., with temporary rank of
+     major), set themselves manfully to hurry the work of
+     organisation. In no time men were picked--fine riders and fine
+     shots--mounted and equipped. Saddlery, tents, harness,
+     ammunition--all were gathered together with startling celerity.
+     Among the troopers were British-born subjects, Uitlanders,
+     Colonials, Americans, farmers, seamen, &c. The officers hailed
+     from many regiments--the 10th Hussars, Royal Horse Guards, Life
+     Guards, 11th Hussars, 20th Hussars, Gordon Highlanders,
+     Yeomanry, Militia--all manner of men of distinction and wealth
+     and breeding uniting together in a common brotherhood for a
+     common cause.
+
+     The following is a list of the officers: Colonel Byng, 10th
+     Hussars, commanding; Major Villiers, Royal Horse Guards, second
+     in command; Captain Fraser, 1st Life Guards, adjutant; Captain
+     French, late L.G., Maxims; Captain Harden, Transport; Captain
+     Murray; Captain Anderson; Captain Hull, paymaster; Vet.-Captain
+     Walker; Vet.-Lieutenant Steele; Chaplain Rev. G. Eales.
+     Squadron Leaders--Captain Balfour, late 11th Hussars; Major
+     (Bimbash) Stewart, Gordon Highlanders; Captain Kirkwood;
+     Captain Gatacre; Captain Renton; Captain Whittaker; Captain
+     Child; Captain Allgood. Lieutenants Milne, Tucker, Brown,
+     Jobling, De Rougemont, Tarbutt, Davis, Bathurst, Shepherd;
+     Second Lieutenants Warren, Carlton Smith, Hamilton, Cock,
+     Leith, Welstead, Robinson, Oates, Johnson, Vignelles, Vaughan,
+     Carlisle, Marsden, Overbeck, Newman, Penrose, Kuhlman, Horne,
+     Cloete, Walker-Leigh, Hon. de Saumarez, Thorold, Kitson,
+     Vaghan.
+
+     Three squadrons under Captain Byng proceeded to the front to
+     Natal, where they immediately distinguished themselves, while
+     the remainder of the regiment went to the western border, and
+     there took a full share of incessant work.
+
+     The Natal Mounted Police under Colonel Dartnell, "a genius,
+     planner, and guide," did wonderful deeds in relation to the
+     defence of Ladysmith and during the trying actions which
+     preceded it. The gallant colonel, who has been described in
+     action as being "as good as a brigade," placed his own horse at
+     the disposal of General Symons, who was wounded, and saw him
+     safely off the field at Glencoe.
+
+     The Natal Carabineers served splendidly both within and without
+     Ladysmith, some of the force, under Lord Dundonald, being the
+     first to relieve the town. Their fighting qualities are well
+     known, and it is unnecessary to do more than quote the words of
+     General Hunter, who said, "I never wish to serve with better
+     men."
+
+     First-rate work has been done by the Frontier Mounted Rifles, a
+     well-trained and excellently-equipped body of men, all in the
+     prime of life, and drawn from the eastern border towns of the
+     Cape Colony. They held a position of continual danger, being
+     encamped nearest the enemy. Being born and bred among the
+     kopjes which afforded the Boers such cosy hiding-places, they
+     were acquainted with every nook and corner, and could find
+     their way about them both in daylight and dark. This force,
+     with the Cape Police, helped to keep General Gatacre informed
+     regarding the seething mass of disloyalty that surrounded him.
+     It was difficult to choose between the honest hostility of the
+     Free Staters and the crafty antagonism of the rebel Dutchmen,
+     who had joined the enemy almost to a man. These were known to
+     be in active collusion with the foe, assisting them by spying,
+     blowing up culverts, wrecking railway lines, and generally
+     assisting in the development of the plots to sweep British rule
+     from the soil of Africa. Loyal British subjects had much to
+     suffer at the hands of these people, who spent their time
+     carrying off and destroying furniture and valuables, smashing
+     windows and doors, and damaging all property other than their
+     own that they could lay hands on, and with these duplicit
+     ruffians the British troops unaided by Colonials could never
+     have been even. Besides the valuable services of the Frontier
+     Mounted Rifles and the Cape Police, General Gatacre had under
+     him four other regiments of Cape Colonials, who were all trying
+     to outrival each other in nobility, pluck, and usefulness. Of
+     many other regiments pages might be written, but space does not
+     permit. In regard to the Imperial Light Horse, one sentence
+     expressed by Sir George White speaks volumes. He said it was
+     composed of the finest fighting material that he had ever had
+     under his command.
+
+
+     THE IMPERIAL YEOMANRY
+
+     Early in the days of war Lord Lonsdale offered to take out to
+     South Africa 200 men of the Westmoreland and Cumberland
+     Yeomanry, of which he is colonel, and to fully equip and clothe
+     them. Lord Harris and his regiment, the East Kent Mounted
+     Rifles, also were among the first to volunteer for the front,
+     and before that the Middlesex Yeomanry (the Duke of
+     Cambridge's Hussars) made a hurried application to go to the
+     Transvaal, which impetuosity of loyalty was met by the War
+     Office with courteous refusal. At that time the need for light
+     cavalry in South Africa seemed scarcely to have dawned on the
+     authorities. It was true that October mists and November fogs
+     had enveloped London, and that no one between Downing Street
+     and the Mansion House could see an inch before his nose, and it
+     was equally true that by the time these mists had cleared away
+     there was only one question, namely, "How many men could be
+     sent abroad out of the 10,000 who constituted the Yeomanry
+     Cavalry?"
+
+     Then, in December, the following announcement, with regulations
+     to be observed in the organisation of a Contingent of Yeomanry
+     and Volunteers, was published:--
+
+     YEOMANRY.--1. Her Majesty's Government have decided to raise
+     for service in South Africa a mounted infantry force, to be
+     named "The Imperial Yeomanry." 2. The force will be recruited
+     from the Yeomanry, but Volunteers and civilians who may possess
+     the requisite qualifications (as given below) will be specially
+     enrolled in the Yeomanry for this purpose. 3. The force will be
+     organised in companies of 115 rank and file, five officers
+     being allotted to each company, viz., one captain and four
+     subalterns, preference being given to Yeomanry officers. 4. The
+     term of enlistment for officers and men will be for one year,
+     or for not less than the period of the war. 5. The officers and
+     men will bring their own horses, clothing, saddlery, and
+     accoutrements. Arms and ammunition, camp equipment, and
+     regimental transport will be provided by Government. 6. The men
+     will be dressed in Norfolk jackets, of woollen material of
+     neutral colour, breeches and gaiters, lace boots, and felt
+     hats. Strict uniformity of pattern will not be insisted upon.
+     7. The pay will be at cavalry rates, with a capitation grant
+     for horses, clothing, saddles, and accoutrements. All ranks
+     will receive rations from date of joining. Gratuities and
+     allowances will be those laid down in special army order of May
+     10, 1899. 8. Applications for enrolment should be addressed to
+     colonels commanding Yeomanry regiments, or to General Officers
+     commanding districts, to whom instructions will be immediately
+     issued.
+
+     _Qualifications._--(_a_) Candidates must be from twenty to
+     thirty-five years of age and of good character. (_b_)
+     Volunteers or civilian candidates must satisfy the colonel of
+     the regiment through which they enlist that they are good
+     riders and marksmen, according to Yeomanry standard. (_c_) The
+     standard of physique to be that for cavalry of the line.
+
+     VOLUNTEERS.--Her Majesty's Government have decided to accept
+     offers of service in South Africa from the Volunteers. A
+     carefully selected company of 110 rank and file, officered by
+     one captain and three subalterns, will be raised (one for each
+     British line battalion serving in, or about to proceed to,
+     South Africa) from the Volunteer battalions of the territorial
+     regiment. These Volunteer companies will, as a general rule,
+     take the place in the line battalion of its company, serving as
+     mounted infantry. The Volunteer battalions from which a company
+     is accepted will form and maintain a waiting company in reserve
+     at home. The selection of men from the Volunteer battalions for
+     service with the line battalion in the field, will devolve on
+     the commanding officers of Volunteer battalions. The terms of
+     enlistment for officers and men will be for one year, or for
+     not less than the period of the war. Full instructions for the
+     information of all concerned will be issued with the least
+     possible delay through General Officers commanding districts.
+
+     [Illustration: LONDON'S RESPONSE--THE CITY IMPERIAL VOLUNTEERS
+     CROSSING WESTMINSTER BRIDGE.
+
+     Drawing by Allan Stewart.]
+
+     A committee was formed to assist in organising the Yeomanry
+     force, among which were the following notable persons:
+     Colonel Lord Chesham, Colonel A. G. Lucas, Colonel Viscount
+     Valentia, Colonel the Right Hon. W. H. Long, M. P. Colonel the
+     Earl of Lonsdale consented to assist the committee in the
+     obtaining of horses. The following Acting Staff Officers were
+     nominated to assist Colonel Lord Chesham: Captain the Hon. W.
+     Bagot (late Scots Guards), Captain L. Sandwith (8th Hussars),
+     Adjutant of the 2nd Yeomanry Brigade.
+
+     In a short, an almost incredibly short, space of time numerous
+     battalions were in readiness, and a strong contingent from
+     Ireland was raised, composed mainly of hunting men. The
+     Under-Secretary for War wrote to correct the impression which
+     prevailed in some quarters that the raising of funds by private
+     subscriptions for the Volunteers and Imperial Yeomanry going to
+     South Africa was promoted by Government in order to do work
+     which ought to be done with Government money. He pointed out
+     that the Government was bearing the whole cost of those forces,
+     providing them directly with their pay, food, and arms, and,
+     through their regiments, with clothing and equipments. But the
+     Government allowance for these things was calculated on the
+     regular army scale, and the public subscription would be
+     serviceable in the way of making better provision in those
+     directions for the local Volunteers and Yeomanry, of locally
+     overcoming certain difficulties of organisation, and of
+     decentralising a great deal of contracting for horses, saddles,
+     clothing, &c. Why, they argued, should the man who volunteers
+     his service in the field bear also all the cost of making
+     himself efficient, and all the cost entailed by his absence
+     from his trade or profession? Surely those who could not
+     volunteer for the front will be glad to assist him, or his
+     corps in this case, as they have assisted him or his corps in
+     time of peace for forty years? Quantities of men of independent
+     means throughout the country, a great many of whom were
+     acquainted with each other, were ready and anxious to form a
+     corps of the Imperial Yeomanry, messing and fighting together,
+     and enduring the hardships and dangers of the trooper in
+     emulation of the regular service man; and to this body of men
+     the corps specially appealed. Though at first some 5000 men
+     were called for, it was evident that 10,000 could have been
+     recruited if needed. The magnificent example set by thousands
+     of young men in humble stations of life, who left home and good
+     employment courageously to serve their country, acted as a
+     powerful incentive to their more fortunate brethren of means
+     and leisure, and it was astonishing to find how readily all the
+     members of the "upper ten" sacrificed themselves rather than be
+     "out of it." Eventually the Duke of Cambridge's Own, the
+     Special Corps, went to Africa, paying their own expenses. In
+     this corps every trooper, equally with every other member of
+     the Imperial Yeomanry, was entitled to a grant of L65 on
+     joining, but all other expenses were defrayed by themselves,
+     and even the pay received during the campaign was devoted to
+     swell the Imperial War Fund for the widows and orphans of
+     soldiers who had fallen in action. The cost of equipment of
+     each recruit amounted to L170. The special purpose of the
+     scheme was to attract men of social standing and education, and
+     enable groups of friends to serve together in the same unit at
+     the front. Among those who were enrolled was Lord Elphinstone;
+     Mr. Geoffrey Malcolm Gathorne-Hardy, grandson of the Earl of
+     Cranbrook; Captain Shaw; the Hon. Aubrey N. Molyneux Herbert
+     (brother of the Earl of Carnarvon); the Hon. A. Hill-Trevor.
+     Lord Lovat engaged himself actively in raising a corps of
+     Highland gillies. In addition to the Government grant,
+     magnificent contributions poured in for the full equipment of
+     the corps. Lord Loch worked energetically in organising the
+     South African Contingent of the Imperial Yeomanry. These
+     troops were formed only of men who had South African
+     experience, and had seen service there.
+
+     The following is a list of the various battalions:--
+
+     1st Battalion (Colonel Challoner)--1st and 2nd Co. Royal
+     Wiltshire Yeomanry; 4th Co. Glamorganshire Detachment; 3rd Co.
+     Gloucestershire Yeomanry. 2nd Battalion (Colonel Burke)--32nd
+     Co. Lancashire Hussars; 21st and 22nd Co. Cheshire Yeomanry;
+     5th Co. Warwickshire Yeomanry. 3rd Battalion (Colonel
+     Younghusband)--9th Co. Yorkshire Hussars; 11th Co. Yorkshire
+     Dragoons; 12th Co. South Notts; 10th Co. Notts (Sherwood
+     Rangers). 4th Battalion (Colonel Blair)--7th Co. Leicestershire
+     Yeomanry; 8th Co. Derbyshire Yeomanry; 6th Co. Staffordshire
+     Yeomanry; 28th Co. Bedfordshire Detachment. 5th Battalion
+     (Colonel Meyrick)--14th and 15th Co. Northumberland; 13th Co.
+     Shropshire; 16th Co. Worcestershire. 6th Battalion (Colonel
+     Burn)--17th Co. Ayrshire Yeomanry; 18th Co. Lanarkshire
+     Yeomanry; 19th Co. Lothian and Berwickshire; 20th Co. Fife
+     Light Horse. 7th Battalion (Colonel Helyar)--27th Co. Royal 1st
+     Devon, Royal North Devon; 48th Co. North Somerset; 25th Co.
+     West Somerset; 26th Co. Dorsetshire. 8th Battalion (Colonel
+     Crawley)--23rd Co. Duke of Lancaster's Own; 51st and 52nd Co.
+     Mr. Paget's Corps; 24th Co. Westmoreland and Cumberland. 9th
+     Battalion (Colonel Howard)--29th Co. Denbighshire; 30th Co.
+     Pembrokeshire; 31st and 49th Co. Montgomeryshire. 10th
+     Battalion (Colonel Lord Chesham)--37th and 38th Co.
+     Buckinghamshire; 39th Co. Berkshire; 40th Co. Oxfordshire, 11th
+     Battalion (Colonel Wilson)--42nd Co. Hertfordshire; 43rd and
+     44th Co. Suffolk; 41st Co. Hampshire Carabineers. 12th
+     Battalion (Colonel Mitford)--34th and 35th Co. Middlesex; 33rd
+     Co. Royal East Kent; 36th Co. West Kent. 13th Battalion--54th
+     and 56th Co. Irish (Belfast) Companies; 45th Co. Irish (Dublin)
+     Company; 47th Co. Lord Donoughmore's Corps (Duke of Cambridge's
+     Own). 14th Battalion (Lieut.-Colonel Brookfield)--55th Co.
+     Northumberland; 53rd Co. Royal East Kent; 50th Co. Hampshire;
+     62nd Co. Middlesex. 15th Battalion (Lieut.-Colonel
+     Sandwith)--56th and 57th Co. Bucks; 58th Co. Berks; 59th Co.
+     Oxford. 16th Battalion (Lieut.-Colonel Ridley)--63rd Co. Wilts;
+     64th Co. Cheshire; 65th Co. Suffolk; 66th Co. York. 17th
+     Battalion (Lieut.-Colonel Moore ?)--60th Co. North Irish,
+     Belfast; 61st Co. South Irish, Dublin. 18th Battalion--67th,
+     70th, and 71st Co. Sharpshooters. 19th Battalion
+     (Lieut.-Colonel Rodney ?)--69th Co. Sussex; 68th Co. Paget's
+     Corps; 72nd Co. Rough Riders; 73rd Co. Paget's Corps.
+
+     Each battalion consisted of four companies of 116 each.
+
+     Colonel Viscount Downe, who was serving on Lord Roberts's staff
+     in South Africa, was elected to command a brigade of the
+     Imperial Yeomanry, and Lieutenant the Hon. R. F. Molyneux,
+     Royal Horse Guards, was selected as his aide-de-camp.
+
+     Lord Dunraven's Battalion of Sharpshooters embarked for Africa
+     to join the Rhodesian Force on the 6th of April. It was
+     composed of four companies. The 67th, under the command of
+     Captain Crum (late 52nd Regiment), was accompanied by
+     Lieutenants Langford, Jones, Curley, and Dyke. The 75th,
+     commanded by Major Warden (late Middlesex Regiment), was
+     accompanied by Lieutenants Gabbett, Power, Warde, and
+     Bosanquet. The 70th Company, comprising the Scottish Unit under
+     Colonel Hill (late 12th Lancers), was accompanied by
+     Lieutenants Clark, Torrance, Hotchkiss, and Andrews. The
+     remaining company was commanded by Sir Savile Crossley.
+
+     The Earl of Dunraven, the founder of the corps, went to South
+     Africa as Supernumerary Captain on the Battalion Staff.
+
+
+     THE CITY IMPERIAL VOLUNTEERS
+
+     The announcement that the Government had decided to send to
+     South Africa a force of Volunteers, was received with general
+     delight by our civilian soldiers throughout the country. Here
+     was a chance--a chance never before offered to earn distinction
+     in the field; and here was an opportunity--most seasonable and
+     appropriate, for the expression of public opinion, and for the
+     display, the universal and effervescent patriotism that had
+     found little chance of outlet in the prosaic walks of everyday
+     life. The official intimation came as a surprise, and surprise
+     in a few moments developed into unrestrained joy. The proposal
+     to employ "a strong contingent of carefully selected
+     Volunteers" was no sooner published than the War Office was
+     besieged with applicants all eager to know what chance of being
+     included in the great military movement might be available. A
+     few weeks before the opening of Parliament Colonel Sir Howard
+     Vincent volunteered "marksmen" for service in South Africa, and
+     other colonels of Volunteer regiments followed suit. General
+     Trotter (commanding the Home District) expressed a belief that
+     the employment of Volunteers in the present crisis would
+     demonstrate for all who should care to profit by the lesson the
+     magnificent reserve force of civilian soldiers possessed by our
+     nation, a force utterly ignored by Continental nations. This
+     force was practically a force of picked men, selected marksmen
+     who, unlike the "Regulars," were all first-rate shots, and fit
+     to cope with the skilled sharpshooters of the Boers. The
+     marksmanship of many of the London corps of Volunteers has for
+     many years been phenomenal, and it was said that in one company
+     of the 13th Middlesex there were no less than sixty-three
+     first-class shots out of eighty. Finally, it was decided that
+     the "C.I.V.'s," as they were called, should consist of 1400,
+     and both corps sailed towards the end of January. Prior to
+     their departure the Freedom of the City was conferred upon the
+     officers of the regiment at the Guildhall, and later an
+     impressive farewell service was held at St. Paul's Cathedral.
+     Their departure through London was somewhat difficult, owing to
+     the dense and enthusiastic multitude that thronged the streets
+     to see the last of them.
+
+     [Illustration: 12-1/2-POUNDER QUICK-FIRING FIELD-GUN--CITY OF
+     LONDON FIELD BATTERY.
+
+     (By permission of Messrs. Vickers, Sons & Maxim, and the
+     publishers of the _Engineer_.)]
+
+     The Lord Mayor, Mr. Newton (now Sir A. J. Newton, Bart.), who
+     was the moving spirit in the organisation of the corps, gave an
+     excellent account of the splendid work that had been
+     accomplished and of the prompt equipment and despatch of the
+     regiment. This report concisely and modestly describes the
+     enormous undertaking, though it does not sufficiently enlarge
+     on the keen personal interest and magnificent services rendered
+     by the prime mover in the great scheme. The Lord Mayor said:
+     "From the moment when the Commander-in-Chief did me the honour
+     of placing in my hands, as Chief Magistrate of the City of
+     London, the organisation of a regiment of thoroughly qualified
+     Volunteers for service in South Africa, I have been profoundly
+     impressed with the responsibility of the trust, and the
+     importance of every promise made on behalf of the Corporation
+     and City of London being fulfilled in its integrity. The
+     original promise was 1000 Metropolitan Volunteers, all
+     recommended by their commanding officers, all between twenty
+     and thirty-five years, all bachelors, and that at least 250
+     should be mounted. That was on the 20th of December (1899), and
+     now, on the 3rd of February (1900), the City of London, with
+     the approval of the military authorities, has completely
+     equipped and despatched to the seat of war upwards of 1550
+     selected Volunteers, of whom 500 men and 17 officers are
+     already in Cape Town--all approved by the General Officer
+     commanding the Home District. Of these, 400 are mounted
+     infantry, having their saddlery with them, and their horses
+     ready at the Cape. Four small Maxim guns, with 200,000 rounds
+     of ammunition, have also been shipped. A highly trained battery
+     of field artillery, mainly provided by the Honourable Artillery
+     Company, through the zealous co-operation of the Earl of
+     Denbigh, composed of 140 men and officers, left the Royal
+     Albert Docks by the steamship _Montfort_. This section took
+     with it four 12-1/2-pounder quick-firing guns and ample
+     ammunition, together with their full complement of 110 horses,
+     purchased here, as they must be of a stouter type than the Cape
+     horses. The City has also--which was not originally
+     intended--provided the entire camp and tent equipment for the
+     whole force when it leaves Cape Town, and, at the request of
+     the authorities, done a good deal in the direction of land
+     transport, without interfering with the responsibility of the
+     Headquarters Staff in South Africa in respect of maintenance of
+     the corps. The regiment constitutes a part of her Majesty's
+     regular army. The officers and men are soldiers, and remain so
+     during the campaign. The time has been very brief, but there
+     has been neither hurry nor confusion, and the explanation of
+     the successful results may be fairly summed up as follows: As
+     soon as Lord Wolseley accepted my offer, made on behalf of the
+     Corporation and City, I was in the position of an autocrat in
+     this business, and the power of the purse was promptly placed
+     at my disposal--in the first instance by the Corporation with
+     its grant of L25,000, by the City Livery Companies, the large
+     shipowners, bankers, merchants, the Honourable Artillery
+     Companies, its members, and the citizens generally. The
+     Metropolitan Volunteer commanding officers vied with each other
+     as to who could send the most men, do the most work, and be the
+     most useful. The result is that, with the exception of a few
+     staff officers from the regular army, the officers of the City
+     Imperial Volunteers are gentlemen engaged in civil pursuits,
+     but who have spent years in efficiently performing their
+     duties. The non-commissioned officers are most carefully picked
+     from the vast band of qualified men holding the same or higher
+     rank in their own Volunteer regiments, and every man of the
+     rank and file has been expressly recommended by his commanding
+     officer for the particular duty allotted to him. Several
+     committees have dealt with sea and land transport, equipment,
+     saddlery, and finance, and Volunteer commanding officers have
+     served on all these. A committee of the Honourable Artillery
+     Company and the battery officers arranged the details of their
+     own equipment without coming to the Mansion House for anything
+     but the inevitable cheque. The selection of Colonel Mackinnon,
+     A.A.G., Home District, as commandant was a very fortunate one
+     for all concerned. Major-General Turner, C.B., R.A., has been
+     constant in his attendance at the Mansion House, and always at
+     hand when technical assistance was required. Major Freemantle
+     and Lieutenant Grantham have been indefatigable, while my son
+     as hon. secretary to, and Mr. A. D. Watson, a member of, the
+     Equipment Committee, have gone to Cape Town as the connecting
+     link for a short time between the regiment and its
+     headquarters--the Mansion House. Colonel C. G. Boxall, C.B., on
+     whose initiative I took up this work, has thoroughly and
+     loyally fulfilled in every sense his promise to me to see this
+     business completed, for which his admittedly great technical
+     knowledge and his indomitable zeal in the Volunteer cause so
+     eminently fit him. Mr. Abe Bailey, D.L. of the City, who from
+     the first placed his services at my disposal, is acting as
+     honorary agent of the regiment at Cape Town. He purchased over
+     four hundred horses, and arranged for their being put in
+     training and ready for the arrival of the first contingent,
+     besides rendering other and invaluable aid. Several City firms
+     have furnished contingents of their expert employees, whose
+     services at the Guildhall in the preparation and distribution
+     of "kits" have been of great assistance. The payment of
+     accounts is now progressing, and at the first opportunity an
+     audited statement of receipts and expenditure will be
+     presented. In conclusion, I would state that the whole force
+     has gone to the front with no burning desire for glory, but
+     with a determination to do its duty, and with an intense
+     loyalty and devotion to their beloved Sovereign."
+
+
+     ROLL OF THE CITY OF LONDON IMPERIAL VOLUNTEERS.
+
+     Officers.--Infantry--Colonel, Earl of Albemarle; second in
+     command, Lieutenant-Colonel A. G. Pawle; Adjutant, Captain the
+     Hon. J. R. Bailey. A Company--Captain A. Reid; Lieutenant F. R.
+     Jeffrey; Lieutenant E. D. Townroe. B Company--Captain C. W.
+     Berkeley; Lieutenant B. W. Garnett; Lieutenant J. W. Cohen. C
+     Company--Captain C. Matthey; Lieutenant the Hon. S. McDonnell,
+     C.B.; Lieutenant E. Treffry. D Company--Captain F. J. Cousens;
+     Lieutenant J. H. Smith; Lieutenant F. R. Burnside. E
+     Company--Captain R. B. Shipley; Lieutenant W. J. P. Benson;
+     Lieutenant F. B. Marsh. F Company--Captain W. Edis; Lieutenant
+     P. F. Brown; Lieutenant S. H. Hole. G Company--Captain A. A.
+     Howell; Lieutenant C. P. Grindle; Lieutenant P. Croft. H
+     Company--Captain C. A. Mortimer; Lieutenant W. B. I. Alt;
+     Lieutenant B. C. Green. Quartermaster, Captain S. Firth.
+     Medical Officer, Surgeon-Captain E. St. V. Ryan. Staff--Colonel
+     W. H. Mackinnon; Lieutenant E. H. Trotter; Transport Captain J.
+     E. H. Orr; Paymaster Captain Triggs (late A. P. D.); Medical
+     Officer, Surgeon-Captain R. R. Sleman; Veterinary Officer, W.
+     S. Mulvey. Battery--Major G. McMicking; Captain E. C. Budworth;
+     Lieutenant A. C. Lowe; Lieutenant H. Bayley; Lieutenant J. F.
+     Duncan; Surgeon, Captain A. Thorne. Mounted Infantry--Colonel
+     H. C. Cholmondeley; Adjutant Captain E. Bell; Quartermaster J.
+     Ridler. Machine-Gun Section--Lieutenant E. V. Wellby. No. 1
+     Company--Captain J. W. Reid; Lieutenant G. Berry; Lieutenant W.
+     H. Brailey; Lieutenant B. Moeller; Lieutenant C. H. W. Wilson.
+     No. 2 Company--Captain J. F. Waterlow; Lieutenant A. Bailey;
+     Lieutenant E. G. Concanon; Lieutenant A. H. Henderson;
+     Lieutenant E. A. Manisty.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[6] For much valuable information I am indebted to the editor of the
+_South African Volunteer Gazette_.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+AT COLESBERG
+
+
+The troops with General French were in very fine fettle. They had no
+past history; they were not damped by the remembrance of a Majesfontein,
+a Stormberg, or a Colenso. They had perfect confidence in their chief;
+they had just enough hard work to keep their wits polished and their
+minds alert, and in the intervals there was sport of a kind for those
+who fancied it.
+
+Fighting in and around Colesberg was incessant. The Boers were most
+stubborn in their determination to get rid of the British, and General
+French was equally stubborn in his determination to get rid of the
+Boers! Colesberg was a situation to be desired, and both British and
+Boer forces fought desperately to hold it. It is situated some
+thirty-seven miles north of Naauwpoort, which is the junction of a
+branch line to De Aar. Between Naauwpoort and Colesberg are undulating
+pastures, and the town itself, which boasts a population of 1900 souls,
+possesses three--till lately--thriving hotels. In addition to these
+attractions it has for the Boers another--the attraction of being the
+birthplace of Oom Paul. Its capture would have mightily impressed the
+waverers in Cape Colony, consequently General French determined to
+celebrate the New Year by making another lunge at the enemy.
+
+Early on Monday morning his troops took up a position upon the kopjes
+surrounding the town. His force, divided into two brigades commanded by
+Colonel Porter (Carabineers) and Colonel Fisher (10th Hussars),
+simultaneously attacked the Boer position.
+
+The second brigade started from Rensburg at five on the previous
+afternoon, passed the night at Maider's farm, and in the small hours
+proceeded to their destination, the Boer position on Kul Kop, and seized
+the kopjes overlooking Colesberg on the west.
+
+The advance was made on the Boer haunts at nine, and was greeted by a
+tornado from the surprised enemy, whose position extended for six miles
+round the entire village. Our artillery answered briskly, continuing a
+two hours' argument which had the result of effectually silencing the
+seven or eight Boer guns. (Curiously enough, on inspection, it was
+discovered that some of the Boer shells had been manufactured at the
+Royal Laboratory, Woolwich!)
+
+Meanwhile the cavalry and horse-artillery were endeavouring to work
+round to the north of the enemy's position. The foe, ever nimble, was
+kept "on the trot." He was driven from hill to hill. Brilliantly the
+Berkshires, under Major M'Cracken, stormed a kopje to the west of
+Colesberg, occupying successive positions and pouring a torrent of lead
+on the enemy, who fled in disorder with loud shouts! Splendidly wheeled
+the cavalry, under Colonel Fisher, executing at the same time a flank
+movement and closing in round the Dutchmen, who had but time to flee.
+The enemy retired towards the west, followed always by the British, but
+owing to the peculiar disposition of the many kopjes in the vicinity the
+task of pursuing them was difficult. In their retreat towards Colesberg
+Junction they were hotly chased by the cavalry, and Colesberg itself was
+left almost in our hands.
+
+On the 2nd of January an unfortunate accident occurred. A train within
+the British lines was mysteriously set in motion, and was carried by the
+impetus given to it in the direction of the Boer lines. It travelled
+slowly, but sufficiently fast to get out of reach, and as the machine
+was full of supplies, it was necessary to fire on and destroy it rather
+than allow the Boers to reap the reward of rebel treachery. The brakes
+were found to have been taken off the trucks, and a Dutchman was
+arrested on suspicion of having perpetrated the deed. At first an
+attempt was made to mend the trucks, the working party being supported
+by Carabineers and the Mounted Infantry; but these were bombarded by the
+Boers, and finally the trucks had to be fired to prevent the rations
+they contained, a quantity of rum, from falling into the hands of the
+enemy. The New South Wales Lancers under Major Lee, who were sent to the
+scene to avert looting by the foe, spent five hours under fire, holding
+the position and returning the fire with great gallantry.
+
+The small force under General French's command at this time consisted of
+the Carabineers, 10th Hussars, Inniskilling Dragoons, O and R Batteries
+of Horse Artillery, the Berkshires and Suffolks, the New South Wales
+Lancers and New Zealanders. With this limited number he had worked
+wonders, driving the Dutchmen out from the kopjes immediately around
+Arundel, and forcing them continually to shift their position, a process
+which effectually deterred them from gaining ground. The Boer position
+now lay on long lines of kopjes to east and west of the rails, from
+Taaibosch Laagte to Rensburg; in the middle of the plain was the
+dumpling-figured kopje known as Val Kop which the British had been
+forced to evacuate.
+
+The enemy now prepared a little surprise. At daybreak on the 4th they
+made a sudden attempt to outflank the British position beyond Coleskop,
+westward of the town; thus hoping to reopen communications with the
+northern waggon bridge.
+
+In General French's report of the day's work, he said: "The enemy was
+found to have established himself in strength at some hills running
+about east and west at right angles to the left rear of our position.
+The cavalry on the left should not have allowed him to do this unseen,
+but in turning him out they rendered signal service. The 10th Hussars,
+with two guns which I sent to them, threatened to take them in reverse,
+and they were heavily fired upon by the remaining four guns of O Battery
+in front. This caused several hundred to abandon the position, and the
+plain was covered with flying horsemen. The 10th Hussars on one flank,
+and a squadron of the Inniskillings on the other, dashed after them. The
+10th Hussars were checked by some of the Boers taking up a strong
+position in some rocks to cover the retreat of the others. In a most
+gallant style Colonel Fisher dismounted his men and led them on foot
+against this position, which they carried with great boldness and
+intrepidity.
+
+"In this daring operation, I regret to say, Major Harvey was killed, and
+Major Alexander severely wounded.
+
+"The 6th Dragoons, led by Captain E. A. Herbert, showed no less dash,
+pursuing the enemy, mounted, and inflicting some loss with their lances.
+Some 200 of the enemy had, however, still clung to the hills, and after
+shelling them for some considerable time, both in front and flank, I
+decided to clear the position with the Mounted Infantry. Advancing under
+cover of the fire of the artillery, Captain De Lisle moved his men with
+great skill to a position where he could move against the enemy's right
+flank. Here he dismounted and advanced to attack, choosing the ground
+with admirable care. At this threat at least 100 more of the Boers took
+to flight in many small parties, the remainder endeavoured to check the
+Mounted Infantry advance. When one half the position was made good, a
+final exodus was made by the enemy, and twenty-one last remaining Boers
+surrendered. The Mounted Infantry suffered no casualties. This operation
+was most skilfully and boldly carried out by Captain De Lisle. It has
+been conclusively ascertained that on this day the enemy lost upwards of
+ninety killed and wounded, our casualties being six killed and fifteen
+wounded."
+
+[Illustration: OFFICERS--CITY OF LONDON IMPERIAL VOLUNTEERS.
+
+Photo by Gregory & Co., London.]
+
+On the 5th of January, Lieutenant Sir John Milbanke, who went out with a
+patrol of five men on the plain north of Colesberg, came in touch with
+the enemy. The Boers galloped up to intercept the small British party,
+and Sir John Milbanke was slightly wounded in the thigh. This form of
+skirmish was an almost daily occurrence, for round the place was a
+species of Boer girdle. The Dutchmen, like flies--swept off at one
+moment to return the next--now buzzed in the hills within a mile radius
+from the town, while on the north, in the direction of the Free State,
+and in the east towards Aliwal and Burghersdorp, they remained in
+undisturbed possession of the country. To the north of Colesberg was a
+hill which practically commanded the road to Orange River, and also
+other roads leading to the town. That this hill should be in British
+possession was eminently desirable, and Colonel Watson conceived the
+idea that it might be easily taken and held by us. With General French's
+permission, on Friday, the 5th of January, he arranged an expedition, a
+midnight one, for the purpose of gaining the coveted position. He
+started forth at two o'clock on the morning of the 6th with four
+companies of the Suffolk Regiment. After marching stealthily in the
+darkness for about a mile, they reached the foot of the hill. This kopje
+had been often reconnoitred by various officers, and it was not due to
+any rashness on their part that a lamentable accident occurred. They
+marched through the dead of night to the top of the hill. In the morning
+twilight they were attacked by the enemy, who, aware of their design,
+was awaiting them. So completely had the troops fallen into a trap, that
+when the rifles blazed out they were at a distance of only thirty paces
+from the Dutchmen. The Colonel, who had halted to address the men, the
+Adjutant, and two other officers, were wounded before the Suffolks had
+found time to fire a single shot. Indeed, so quickly were they pounced
+on, that Colonel Watson, on giving orders to charge, fell riddled with
+bullets. Suddenly orders, none knew from whence, were given to "retire."
+Some said it was a ruse of the Boers. The rear fled back to the pickets,
+some thousand yards off, believing the order came from their officers;
+others--about a hundred and twenty officers and men--remained, refusing
+to budge. They fought bravely, but were eventually compelled to
+surrender. All were killed, wounded, or taken prisoners. Of eleven
+officers, but one remained! The Boers were evidently well-informed of
+the commanding officer's programme, and their tactics were so clever and
+combined that they contrived to create something of a panic when the
+unfortunate Suffolks, who thought themselves only preparing for attack,
+were definitely attacked. Critics sitting in judgment at home declared
+that ordinary precautions would have averted the chance of being
+entrapped, but others, who knew Kaffir ways and the condition of the
+country, where every keyhole was an ear and every leaf of a tree an eye,
+were inclined to marvel that so few disasters happened.
+
+One of the officers writing of the affair said: "It is quite certain the
+Colonel never gave that order, or the officers would have retired too.
+They remained to a man, except Graham, who was wounded early, and could
+not hold his rifle. He dragged himself down the hill, and somehow
+crawled the two miles into camp. The Boers said those that were left
+charged three times and behaved splendidly. The position was impossible
+to take, even if a brigade had attacked, although it had been carefully
+reconnoitred. The ditch, with the loopholed wall near the top of the
+hill, could only have been discovered by a balloon. The Colonel's last
+words were, 'Remember Gibraltar, my boys!'"[7]
+
+There was deep regret at the loss of this distinguished officer, and the
+whole force lamented the first check which this column had sustained.
+The enemy was shelled at intervals, so as to make his position as
+uncomfortable as possible, but the Boers still remained in possession of
+the route leading to the Free State by Achtertang. Soon the Essex
+Regiment was sent on to replace the 1st Suffolk, who went south to
+recruit their shattered forces.
+
+Among the wounded officers was Major Graham; Lieutenants Wilkins, Carey,
+and White were killed. With those taken prisoners were Captains Brett,
+Thomson, Brown; Second Lieutenants Allen, Wood-Martin, and Butler. Of
+the men, 26 were killed, 45 wounded, and 72 taken prisoners or missing.
+
+The British occupied Slingersfontein on the 9th of January. From this
+time Colonel Porter and his splendidly alert troops--the 5th Dragoons,
+New Zealanders and New South Wales Lancers--were busily occupied in
+keeping the enemy "on the run," forcing him to leave one kopje after
+another, and maintaining harassing tactics which entirely upset the
+Dutchmen's calculations. Still the Boers were ubiquitous. They now held
+a strong position between Colesberg and Slingersfontein, from which with
+the small force at hand it was impossible to dislodge them. On the 13th,
+the inconvenience of the situation was rendered more intense by a
+perfect cyclone of dust which caused the utmost discomfort. Meals were
+also made impossible by the aggressive attacks of the enemy, who plumped
+shell after shell in the midst of the camp. Colonel Porter retired his
+troops to the cover of a neighbouring hill, while three squadrons of the
+6th Dragoon Guards and four guns of O Battery, Horse Artillery, advanced
+across the plain and prepared to tackle the enemy. This was done with
+such celerity and decision that almost in five minutes the Boer guns
+were silenced and the enemy driven to cover. As a result of the prompt
+activities of our artillery, the Boer tents were removed eastwards.
+
+[Illustration: POSITION AT COLESBERG ABOUT 20TH JANUARY.]
+
+These sand-storms, characteristic of the Veldt, were a terrible test to
+patience. At one moment the camp was an orderly array of mushroom tents
+springing decorously from the earth; in the next it was seemingly an
+animated mass of anthills trying to maintain life against an ochreous
+avalanche of dust. Occasionally when the cyclone of grit had ceased, it
+was followed by a hurricane of hail, accompanied by the gloom of night,
+the bellow of the blast and growl of the thunder-claps fighting together
+in the hills. Then would the frightened cattle stampede, and the whole
+routine of military life become deranged. A rushing mob, a battle of the
+elements, a vast ditch irrigated with rivulets, bombardment by the big
+guns of the wind--such would be the programme for a good hour or so!
+Then, as often as not, the sun would suddenly come out and shine
+affably, with the placid, self-satisfied beam of dear old ladies when
+they've trumped their partner's best card of a long suit at whist!
+
+After this, the routine of life would go on much as before, the Dutchmen
+clinging to their positions, and General French determining to make
+these as untenable as possible.
+
+On the 15th the New Zealanders had an excellent opportunity of
+exhibiting their smartness and dash. The Boers made a stubborn attempt
+to seize a hill that practically commanded the country to east and west
+of their main position. This valuable eminence was held by a detachment
+of New Zealanders and D Company of the Yorkshire Regiment under Captain
+Orr. Early in the morning desultory firing began, and later the Boers,
+increasing the warmth of their fire, worked towards the right of the
+position held by the New Zealanders. At the same time they assailed the
+Yorkshires, directing their fire at a small wall held by them and
+forcing them to keep close cover. Gradually the Boers advanced, creeping
+towards the wall ever nearer and nearer. They then blazed furiously from
+their position on the slopes, killing the Sergeant-Major and wounding
+Captain Orr. At this time Captain Madocks, R.A. (attached to the New
+Zealand Mounted Rifles), and ten New Zealanders appeared on the scene,
+and, to the dismay of the Boers, the whole party with a dash and a yell
+leapt over the wall and charged down on their assailants with fixed
+bayonets. It was a splendid act, and one which, as the officer
+commanding the Yorkshires had dropped wounded, came just in time to save
+the situation.
+
+Away rushed the enemy, rolling one over another in their effort to be
+off, while a sustained storm of bullets inflicted heavy loss on their
+retreating numbers. From the distance they made a feeble attempt to fire
+at the gallant fellows who had routed them, but eventually they retired
+to the small kopjes at the base of the contested hill. There they were
+saluted by a detachment of two guns of O Battery from the west of the
+kopje. The enemy's long-range gun now came into play and forced the
+British guns to move their position farther to the west. That done, the
+small kopjes were effectively shelled and the Dutchmen's fire silenced.
+The whole engagement was a signal success, and the Yorkshires and New
+Zealanders were well pleased with their share of the day's work.
+Twenty-one Boers were left dead on the field and many more were wounded.
+(On the morning of this day an unfortunate incident occurred at
+Colesberg. Lieutenant Thompson, R.H.A., while out scouting, was wounded
+and taken prisoner. This officer, together with Lieutenants Talbot
+Ponsonby, Lamont, and Aldridge, was especially mentioned for services
+performed with the guns.)
+
+[Illustration: GENERAL FRENCH'S REMARKABLE POSITION AT COLESBERG, AS
+SEEN FROM KUL OR COLE'S KOP ABOUT 15TH JANUARY.
+
+Sketch by Frederick Villiers, War Artist.]
+
+The events of the last few days had served to show that, however the
+Colonials might differ in their customs, habits, and ideas, they were
+assuredly identical in their dogged bravery and their fine spirit of
+dash--
+
+    "They come of The Blood, slower to bless than to ban,
+    Little used to lie down at the bidding of any man,"--
+
+and Captain Madocks and his hardy New Zealanders had now the
+well-merited good fortune to have earned the esteem and appreciation of
+all who had seen their splendid rush to the rescue of the Yorkshires. On
+the 16th General French visited the New Zealanders' camp and
+congratulated them on their gallant conduct during the fight.
+
+The Boers now brought to bear on the position one of the guns captured
+by them at Stormberg, and launched some ten shots into the kopjes held
+by a company of the Welsh Regiment. They got as good as they gave, and
+before long the enemy was completely silenced. General French's system
+was a tit-for-tat form of warfare, which failed to commend itself to the
+Dutchmen. It served well, however--in default of sufficient troops to
+make any definite advance--to hold the enemy from proceeding farther
+south in British territory. News now came in that a large force of
+Dutchmen had been transferred from Majesfontein for the purpose of
+reinforcing the Boer commandoes at Colesberg, and thus rendering the
+paralysis of the British complete.
+
+A very serious disaster befell a patrol consisting partly of New South
+Wales Lancers and South Australian Horse, who had so nobly volunteered
+their services to the Mother Country at the beginning of the war. On the
+morning of the 16th of January a party of nineteen rode out from Colonel
+Porter's camp for the purpose of reconnoitring towards Achtertang. It
+was not yet dawn, but they pursued their investigations, reaching Norval
+Camp without seeing any signs of the enemy. About 8 A.M. they commenced
+the return journey naturally with a feeling of greater security than
+when they started. They unfortunately fell into an ambush. A hot fight
+ensued, but the Boers were in overwhelming numbers, and the party was
+hard pressed. Two escaped to camp, and six more, after hiding till it
+was possible to make good their escape, followed them. The rest were
+made prisoners, but not without a struggle, as the bodies of four dead
+Australian and seven dead Boer horses, left on the field, served to
+testify. Lieutenant Dowling was killed. The enemy now occupied Klein
+Toren to the north of Slingersfontein.
+
+On the 18th inst. Major-General Clements, D.S.O., arrived with two
+regiments of the 12th Brigade (the Royal Irish and the Worcestershire),
+and was placed in command of all the troops at and east of Slinger's
+Farm. Two battalions were posted at that place, and occupied a good
+commanding position, which had been well fortified and intrenched.
+
+General Clements had also, at Slinger's, one company New Zealand Mounted
+Rifles; one squadron and four guns. Colonel Porter, 6th Dragoon Guards,
+with four squadrons, two guns, and one company of infantry, was posted
+at a farm called Potfontein, some eight miles east, and a little south,
+of Slinger's. The enemy's force at Colesberg was now hemmed in on the
+west, south, and east, and their position began to look uncomfortable,
+particularly as a battery firing lyddite shells was at hand to assist in
+the British operations. The British now held a series of positions of
+great extent, shaped after the manner of a mark of interrogation, with
+Colesberg within the curve of the hook.
+
+The distance to be covered between the camps on the east and west flanks
+was about sixteen miles. Supplies were conveyed by waggons drawn by
+mules of South African breed--sleek, and as a rule good-tempered beasts.
+The South American mules were of a weaklier stamp, their poor condition
+being the result of importation. The tracks through the veldt, called by
+courtesy roads, were now in many places a foot deep in dust wherever
+sand-drifts had been lodged, and these promised in the event of rain to
+develop into morasses.
+
+On the 25th General French made a reconnaissance in person, and
+discovered that the enemy was strongly posted at Rietfontein. The
+reconnaissance occupied two days, during which the troops covered forty
+miles. In spite of many efforts to cut the Boer's communications with
+the Free State the Boers outwitted him, or rather out-dodged him, and
+retained their hold on Colesberg. Their position consisted of commanding
+hills down a defile through which a spruit flows towards the Orange
+River. The windings of this stream are followed by Waggon Road for more
+than a mile, then, after passing the hills, it flows over undulating
+country towards the river.
+
+On Saturday, the 27th, a melancholy incident took place. For some weeks
+Major MacCracken had been holding a hill close up to the Boer position,
+and on this particular morning, though no fighting was taking place, a
+shell was plumped upon the hill by the enemy with the result that an
+officer was wounded. A New Zealander named Booth, orderly to General
+Clements, was killed while holding the General's horse. At this time
+General French had mysteriously disappeared. His destination, though not
+announced, was Cape Town, where he went on a visit to Lord Roberts,
+whose plans were rapidly approaching completion. The upshot of that
+momentous visit we shall discover anon.
+
+
+LORD ROBERTS'S ADVANCE
+
+At Modder River Lord Methuen, to encourage the performers in a series of
+inter-regimental boxing matches, offered three splendid challenge cups
+for competition. These were won by the Scots Guards, the Grenadier
+Guards, and the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders respectively, on the
+3rd of February, when the series came to an exciting conclusion.
+
+Meanwhile, when the cat was away the mice could play. The Boers engaged
+in their usual game of destroying railway tracks between Modder Camp and
+Langeberg, and as many as thirty-three explosions were heard, which
+portended considerable damage to line and culverts. However the trains
+conveying the sick to hospital at the Cape got away in safety, and as
+many invalids as possible were despatched to the base in order that the
+advance movement, when it should commence, would not be hampered.
+
+The junction of De Aar at this time was simmering with activity. Stores
+to the value of a million pounds were being accumulated in preparation
+for a gigantic move in the direction of Modder River. Though at the
+moment Lord Roberts's plans were not generally known, it was certain
+that a vast number of troops--many more than those then under Lord
+Methuen's command--were about to congregate in the neighbourhood of
+Orange River, and in consequence there was suppressed excitement among
+the British and corresponding trepidation among the Free Staters.
+General French, whose splendid activity had been going on in most trying
+circumstances, now found himself freed to begin operations on a scale
+more fitted to his talents and more congenial to them. Cavalry was
+pouring in, and with cavalry and such a commander there was immense
+cause for hope.
+
+The Suffolks who, after their disaster at Colesberg, went to Port
+Elizabeth to recruit their forces, now came up to De Aar, and were
+re-officered prior to being sent to the front. Other regiments were also
+trickling in, and slowly disposing of themselves in positions previously
+arranged by Lord Roberts at the Cape. All these dispositions were made
+with intense secrecy, Lord Kitchener setting himself to work to
+reorganise the transport department in such a manner as to make all the
+complicated moves of the coming war game possible.
+
+[Illustration: WITH GENERAL FRENCH: NEW ZEALANDERS SAVING A PICKET OF
+THE YORKSHIRE REGIMENT NEAR SLINGERSFONTEIN ON JANUARY 15.
+
+Drawing by W. Small from a Sketch by G. D. Giles.]
+
+Life at Modder River began to grow correspondingly animated. Experiments
+in the working of the Marconi wireless telegraphy were set on foot, and
+other active preparations for decisive combat were pushed forward. The
+Boers were busy too. They were making further trenches in front of the
+Majesfontein ridge with a view to still further strengthening their
+position, an exertion which they subsequently found to be somewhat
+unnecessary. They also swelled their numbers. From the report of
+deserters it seemed that President Steyn had drawn to his banner many
+reluctant farmers by means of false representations, he having
+circulated the report that the British meant to seize and confiscate
+property for the purpose of enriching their own soldiers after the war.
+The Canadian Regiment, who till then had been guarding the lines of
+communication, moved to the front. They were in great spirits, and much
+rejoiced at being allowed to take a more active share in operations.
+
+The Australian Infantry Regiment was now to be mounted. It was a
+misfortune that the Australians were not mounted from the first, as all
+were good horsemen, and would have come in handy to assist the British
+cavalry in the work of reconnaissance, which the mobile nature of Boer
+movements rendered unusually hard. The companies were composed of about
+125 men from Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, West Australia,
+and Tasmania respectively.
+
+On the 6th of February Lord Roberts left Cape Town for the front. He
+stopped _en route_ at Belmont. Every eye was turned to him as he
+alighted at the railway station. It was nine o'clock, and presently a
+crowd collected to view the two warriors on whom the British Empire
+pinned its faith. One was the smallest man in the station; the other was
+the largest. The Field-Marshal, neat as a new pin, with his refined
+visage, grey moustache and tufted imperial, looked young, even happy,
+and undisturbed by his responsibilities; the hero of Omdurman, large and
+broad-shouldered, his forage cap crammed on his head, his keen
+steel-tinted eyes piercing the heart of things at a glance, appeared
+stern and preoccupied. They were met by Colonel Otter, and the
+Field-Marshal at once asked to see the Canadians. Colonel Otter
+accordingly brought him to the main guard, which consisted of one
+sergeant, one corporal, and two men. One of these described the
+inspection by the august chief. "We were standing at the present, and
+Lord Roberts appeared to be sizing us up pretty well. He inquired how we
+liked our bandoliers for cartridges, and on Sergeant Ellard informing
+him that they were too loose, and that the cartridges fell out of them,
+Lord Roberts said that he would see that this was remedied. Lord Roberts
+presented Sergeant Ellard with a basket of roses, and on distribution of
+them I received one." This flower was treasured and sent home to the
+trooper's family in remembrance of the great day which brought him face
+to face with England's grandest soldier. On the 9th the Chief arrived at
+Modder River. At this time General Macdonald and the Highland Brigade
+were keeping the Boers occupied on the west, and during this manoeuvre
+tremendous activities were set on foot. For instance, while General
+Macdonald's Brigade was marching back to camp on the 10th of February, a
+force consisting of 23,000 infantry, 11,000 mounted men, and 48 guns,
+with transport of some 700 waggons, drawn by 9000 mules and oxen, was
+approaching the Free State! A brigade of Mounted Infantry under Colonel
+Hannay was moving from Orange River to Ramdam, situated about eight
+miles from Jacobsdal. On the 11th, Boers were discovered intercepting
+the road and holding the hills, but these, with a detached part of
+Colonel Hannay's force, were held where they were, while the main body
+with the baggage pushed on to their destination. On the 12th General
+French--who was now for the first time since his departure from
+Ladysmith, in command of a cavalry division--seized the crossing of the
+Riet River at Dekiel's Drift, whereupon the 6th and 7th Divisions there
+encamped themselves.
+
+Before going further, it is necessary to follow the movements of the
+Highland Brigade, movements which materially assisted the development of
+the intricate plan of advance.
+
+
+"FIGHTING MAC" AT KOODOESBERG
+
+The Boers were now threatening the line between the Orange and Modder
+Rivers, and in consequence of various reports regarding their movements
+Colonel Broadwood proceeded to Sunnyside with the Royal Horse Artillery,
+Mounted Infantry, and Roberts's Horse, the newly-raised regiment from
+whom great things were expected. The enemy retired and crossed the Riet
+River, taking care to keep well out of the way, for it was known that
+"Fighting Mac" was on the warpath, and the last thing the rebels desired
+was to find their own line of communications interrupted.
+
+On the 3rd of February General Macdonald with the Highland Brigade, 9th
+Lancers, 9th and 62nd Batteries Royal Field Artillery, moved out in a
+westerly direction with a view to blocking the main drift at
+Koodoesberg, and thus preventing a force reported to be coming from
+Griqualand West from joining that coming from the north for the purpose
+of cutting Lord Methuen's line of communication. There was also another
+motive for the movement, and that was to attract the attention and
+energy of the enemy while Lord Roberts was arranging for a decisive
+stroke in another quarter. The march was a trying one owing to the
+tropical temperature, exposure to a scorching sun, and the perpetual
+inconvenience of dust. The troops however, bore it bravely. They
+bivouacked at Fraser's Drift, and on the following (Sunday) morning
+moved forward to Koodoesberg. The distance--some thirteen miles--was
+covered, again in sweltering conditions, over a shadeless expanse of
+rough road, which reflected the glare of the heavens and threw out hot
+rays as from a baker's oven. Men dropped continually from sunstroke, and
+exhaustion, and thirst; but, fortunately, owing to the near proximity of
+the river, there were few serious cases. The troops arrived at their
+destination about one o'clock, without having seen any Boers. On
+reaching the drift the men refreshed themselves by bathing in the river,
+a luxury in which they revelled. But repose was short. A hurried meal of
+bully beef and biscuits and they were at work again, providing for
+contingencies. Two thousand yards off were a group of kopjes, behind
+which it was said some 4000 Boers were hiding.
+
+[Illustration: MAP ILLUSTRATING THE MOVEMENT TO KOODOESBERG.]
+
+The General at once set himself to construct breastworks to protect the
+drift and secure his positions on north and south of the river, while
+the 9th Lancers and their scouts reconnoitred the surrounding country to
+ascertain the strength and disposition of the enemy. They came on a
+small picket of Boers--there was a rapid exchange of shots--but on the
+nearer approach of our troops the Boers fled. On Monday both sides of
+the river were taken possession of. A large body of mounted Boers were
+seen advancing about 2000 yards off, but beyond firing a few shots at
+the British force no serious conflict took place. On Tuesday there was a
+smart race between our men and a large force of Boers advancing from
+their laagers. Both parties made for a big kopje, which was cleverly
+gained by the British after a breathless scramble. The enemy, worsted,
+galloped off, pursued by the Lancers.
+
+At nine o'clock on Wednesday, the 7th, the Boers, who had engaged
+themselves in dragging a heavy gun to the scene of action, began to
+blaze out upon the Seaforth Highlanders. These, with alacrity, sprang to
+action. As a private said, "It was not a Majesfontein affair this time,
+and a holy joy filled our hearts at the prospect of having a little bit
+of our own back." The enemy was established at the north end of
+Koodoesberg, whence they shelled the works that were being constructed
+to protect the drift. At the drift were seven companies of Highland
+Light Infantry. On the left bank were the Argyll and Sutherland
+Highlanders, half a battalion of Seaforths, two guns, and the 9th
+Lancers observing both flanks. Holding the south end of Koodoesberg on
+the right bank of the river were the Black Watch, half a battalion of
+Seaforths, one company of Highland Light Infantry, and four guns (62nd
+Field Battery). An animated battle ensued, and the British guns did
+splendid execution. The troops took cover behind hastily-constructed
+sangars, and the bullets of the enemy failed to touch them. There were
+no evidences of the celebrated Boer marksmanship on this occasion. The
+enemy pounded the hill with shrapnel, and made a ferocious effort to
+rout the Highlanders from their position. The 62nd Field Battery, after
+some smart cannonading, which was as effective as it was vigorous,
+forced the Dutchmen to shift their gun to a position farther north.
+Eventually the weapon of the Dutchmen was silenced altogether.
+
+Meanwhile, at the request of General Macdonald, General Babington, with
+his own regiment of cavalry (12th Lancers) and two batteries of Horse
+Artillery, had been despatched from Modder River. They started at 11.30
+A.M. on the 7th, and had they arrived in time might have cut off the
+retreat of the enemy and entirely hemmed them in.
+
+As it was, they marched along the north side of the Modder, and only
+arrived at four o'clock, in time, however, to quickly pursue the foe in
+his retreat northwards, which retreat had been begun with all speed on
+the first hint of the coming of an additional force. The sufferings
+endured by some of the cavalry were intense, and one man expired through
+exposure and thirst. Others were in pitiable plight, but finally
+recovered.
+
+While the great struggle was taking place it was discovered that the
+enemy was intrenched at a small drift on the west. Whereupon two
+companies of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders became engaged in a
+smart skirmish, and gave the Federals so warm a time that by nightfall,
+after being shelled in their trenches, they were glad enough to slink
+off. By morning the enemy had entirely evacuated their position, and not
+a vestige of them was to be seen. Had the cavalry not been utterly worn
+out on reaching the scene of action, the Dutchmen would have been caught
+before they had time to seek refuge in flight.
+
+[Illustration: "FIGHTING MAC" AND THE HIGHLAND BRIGADE IN ACTION AT
+KOODOESBERG.
+
+From a Sketch by Lestor Ralph.]
+
+The troops then, under orders from Lord Methuen, retired to Modder
+River. They started from Koodoesberg on the evening of Thursday, made a
+moonlight march to Fraser's Drift, returning to camp footsore and
+dilapidated on Friday. But before leaving, the officers and men who fell
+in the action were buried on the south bank of the river. Among them was
+Captain Blair, who, after having been previously struck by a bullet, had
+been mortally wounded by a shell. Lieutenant Tait, a very gallant
+officer, a notable golfer, and a general favourite, also fell, and
+Captain Eykyn eventually died of his injuries.
+
+General Macdonald's reconnaissance at Koodoesberg Drift was entirely
+satisfactory. The position there was important, as it prevented Boer
+reinforcements from passing _via_ the chief drift from Douglas to
+Majesfontein, and the movement served to confound the enemy, and protect
+the operations of the Belmont garrison in the direction of Douglas, not
+to speak of its value in keeping Boer activities to the west of
+Majesfontein at the time when Lord Roberts was developing his plans in
+regard to the east of that place. The enemy had been kept amused and out
+of mischief, and been wholesomely trounced into the bargain!
+
+The casualties, which were comparatively few, were as follows:--
+
+     _Killed_:--2nd Royal Highlanders--Captain Eykyn; Lieutenant
+     Tait. 2nd Seaforth Highlanders--Captain Blair.
+
+     _Wounded_:--2nd Seaforth Highlanders--Captain Studdert, A.S.C.
+     1st Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders--Captain Kirk. 9th
+     Lancers--Second Lieutenant Cavendish; Lieutenant Mackenzie,
+     R.A.M.C.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[7] Lieutenant-Colonel Arthur John Watson was forty-six years of age. He
+entered the army as a sub-lieutenant of the 12th Foot (now the
+Berkshires) on August 9, 1873, and received his lieutenancy from the same
+date. He was instructor of musketry to the regiment from February 12,
+1880, to January 24, 1883, received his company on the 14th of April
+following, and, passing the Staff College in 1884, served with the
+Bechuanaland Expedition under Sir Charles Warren later in the year, and
+from February 17 to October 28, 1885, was brigade-major in Bechuanaland,
+being honourably mentioned in dispatches. He was employed on staff
+service with the Egyptian army from February 12 to September 7, 1886,
+obtaining his major's commission on October 21 following; and in 1888
+served in the Hazara Expedition as brigade-major to the first column
+under Brigadier-General Channer, when he was again mentioned in
+dispatches, and received the medal with clasp. From July 20, 1889, to
+February 20, 1896, he was garrison instructor in Bengal, and deputy
+assistant-adjutant-general for instruction in the Punjaub, taking part in
+1895 in the operations in the Chitral, accompanying the relief force
+under Sir Robert Low, acting as road commandant on the lines of
+communication. For his services in this campaign he received his second
+medal with clasp. He was gazetted lieutenant-colonel of the Suffolk
+Regiment on September 19, 1898.
+
+
+
+
+APPENDIX
+
+THE STORY OF SPION KOP.
+
+
+A great deal of consternation and not a little surprise was caused by
+the publication of the official account (_London Gazette_, April 16,
+1900) of the evacuation of Spion Kop. In order to make intelligible the
+causes of the terrible fiasco it is necessary to quote for the benefit
+of those interested not only Lord Roberts's comments on the subject, but
+the statements of the officers concerned. Sir Redvers Buller, writing
+from Spearman's Hill, January 30, 1900, gave his version of the
+proceedings:--
+
+     "I have the honour to report that General Sir Charles Warren's
+     Division having arrived at Estcourt, less two battalions 10th
+     Brigade, which were left at the Cape, by the 7th January, it
+     moved to Frere on the 9th.
+
+     "The column moved as ordered, but torrents of rain fell on the
+     9th, which filled all the spruits, and, indeed, rendered many
+     of them impassable for many hours. To forward supply alone took
+     650 ox waggons, and as in the 16 miles from Frere to
+     Springfield there were three places at which all the waggons
+     had to be double spanned, and some required three spans, some
+     idea may be formed of the difficulties; but these were all
+     successfully overcome by the willing labours of the troops.
+
+     "The 4th Brigade reached Springfield on the 12th in support of
+     the mounted troops, who had surprised and seized the important
+     position of Spearman's Hill, commanding Potgieter's Drift, on
+     the 11th.
+
+     "By the 13th all troops were at Springfield and Spearman's
+     Hill, and supply was well forward.
+
+     "On the 16th a reserve of seventeen days' supply having been
+     collected, General Sir Charles Warren, in command of the 2nd
+     Division, the 11th Brigade of the 5th Division, the Brigade
+     Division Royal Field Artillery, 5th Division, and certain corps
+     troops, including the Mounted Brigade, moved from Springfield
+     to Trichardt's Drift, which is about six miles west of
+     Potgieter's.
+
+     "I attach Sir Charles Warren's report of his operations.
+
+     "On the night of the 23rd General Warren attacked Spion Kop,
+     which operation he has made the subject of a special report. On
+     the morning of the 25th, finding that Spion Kop had been
+     abandoned in the night, I decided to withdraw General Warren's
+     force; the troops had been continuously engaged for a week, in
+     circumstances entailing considerable hardships; there had been
+     very heavy losses on Spion Kop. I consequently assumed the
+     command, commenced the withdrawal of the ox and heavy mule
+     transports on the 25th: this was completed by midday the 26th;
+     by double spanning, the loaded ox waggons got over the drift at
+     the rate of about eight per hour. The mule waggons went over
+     the pontoon bridge, but all the mules had to be taken out and
+     the vehicles passed over by hand. For about seven hours of the
+     night the drift could not be used as it was dangerous in the
+     dark, but the use of the pontoon went on day and night. In
+     addition to machine guns, six batteries of Royal Field
+     Artillery and four howitzers, the following vehicles were
+     passed: ox waggons, 232; 10-span mule waggons, 98; 6-span, 107;
+     4 span, 52; total, 489 vehicles. In addition to these the
+     ambulances were working backwards and forwards evacuating the
+     sick and wounded.
+
+     "By 2 P.M. the 26th all the ox waggons were over, and by 11.30
+     P.M. all the mule transports were across and the bridge clear
+     for the troops. By 4 A.M. the 27th all the troops were over,
+     and by 8 A.M. the pontoons were gone and all was clear. The
+     troops had all reached their new camps by 10 A.M. The marches
+     averaged for the mounted troops about seven miles, and for the
+     infantry and artillery an average of five miles.
+
+     "Everything worked without a hitch, and the arrangements
+     reflected great credit on the Staff of all degrees; but I must
+     especially mention Major Irwin, R.E., and his men of the
+     Pontoon Troop, who were untiring. When all men were over, the
+     chesses of the pontoon bridge were so worn by the traffic that
+     I do not think they would have lasted another half-hour."
+
+He concluded by saying:--
+
+     "Thus ended an expedition which I think ought to have
+     succeeded. We have suffered very heavy losses, and lost many
+     whom we can ill spare; but, on the other hand, we have
+     inflicted as great or greater losses upon the enemy than they
+     have upon us, and they are, by all accounts, thoroughly
+     disheartened; while our troops are, I am glad and proud to say,
+     in excellent fettle."
+
+Sir Charles Warren's report addressed to the Chief of the Staff, ran
+thus:--
+
+     "On the 8th January field orders were published constituting
+     the 10th Brigade of the 5th Division a Corps Brigade, and
+     placing the 4th Brigade in the 5th Division. The 5th Division
+     thus constituted marched from Frere on the 10th instant,
+     arriving at Springfield on the 12th instant.
+
+     "On the 15th January I received your secret instructions to
+     command a force to proceed across the Tugela, near Trichardt's
+     Drift to the west of Spion Kop, recommending me to proceed
+     forward, refusing my right (namely) Spion Kop, and bringing my
+     left forward to gain the open plain north of Spion Kop. This
+     move was to commence as soon as supplies were all in, and the
+     10th Brigade (except two companies) removed from Springfield
+     Bridge to Spearman's Hill.
+
+     "I was provided with four days' rations with which I was to
+     cross the Tugela, fight my way round to north of Spion Kop, and
+     join your column opposite Potgieter's.
+
+     "On the 15th January I made the arrangements for getting
+     supplies, and moved the 10th Brigade on the following day, and
+     on the evening of the 16th January I left Springfield with a
+     force under my command, which amounted to an Army Corps (less
+     one Brigade), and by a night march arrived at Trichardt's
+     Drift, and took possession of the hills on the south side of
+     the Tugela.
+
+     "On the 17th January I threw pontoon bridges across the Tugela,
+     passed the infantry across by ponts, and captured the hills
+     immediately commanding the drift on the north side with two
+     brigades commanded by Generals Woodgate and Hart. The
+     Commander-in-Chief was present during part of the day, and gave
+     some verbal directions to General Woodgate.
+
+     "The Mounted Brigade passed over principally by the drift, and
+     went over the country as far as Acton Homes, and on the
+     following day (18th) had a successful action with a small party
+     of Boers, bringing in 31 prisoners.
+
+     "During the night of the 17th, and day of the 18th, the whole
+     of the waggons belonging to the force were brought across the
+     Tugela, and the artillery were in position outside of Wright's
+     Farm.
+
+     "On the 19th two brigades advanced, occupying the slopes of the
+     adjoining hills on the right, and the waggons were successfully
+     brought to Venter's Spruit.
+
+     "In the evening, after having examined the possible roads by
+     which we could proceed, I assembled the General Officers and
+     the Staff, and the Officer Commanding Royal Artillery, and
+     Commanding Royal Engineer, and pointed out to them that of the
+     two roads by which we could advance, the eastern one by Acton
+     Homes must be rejected, because time would not allow of it, and
+     with this all concurred. I then pointed out that the only
+     possible way of all getting through by the road north of Fair
+     View would be by taking three or four days' food in our
+     haversacks, and sending all our waggons back across the Tugela,
+     but before we could do this we must capture the position in
+     front of us.
+
+     "On the following day, 20th January, I placed two brigades and
+     six batteries of artillery at the disposal of General Sir C. F.
+     Clery, with instructions to attack the Boer positions by a
+     series of outflanking movements, and by the end of the day,
+     after fighting for twelve hours, we were in possession of the
+     whole part of the hills, but found a strongly-intrenched line
+     on the comparatively flat country beyond us.
+
+     "On the 21st the Boers displayed considerable activity on our
+     left, and the Commander-in-Chief desired me to move two
+     batteries from right to left. At a subsequent date, during the
+     day, I found it impossible to proceed without howitzers, and
+     telegraphed for four from Potgieter's. These arrived early on
+     the morning of the 22nd, and the Commander-in-Chief, arriving
+     about the same time, directed me to place two of these
+     howitzers on the left, two having already been placed on the
+     right flank. I pointed out to the Commander-in-Chief that it
+     would be impossible to get waggons through by the road leading
+     past Fair View, unless we first took Spion Kop, which lies
+     within about 2000 yards of the road. The Commander-in-Chief
+     agreed that Spion Kop would have to be taken. Accordingly that
+     evening orders were drawn up giving the necessary instructions
+     to General Talbot Coke to take Spion Kop that night, but, owing
+     to an absence of sufficient reconnaissance, he requested that
+     the attack might be put off for a day.
+
+     "On the 23rd January the Commander-in-Chief came into camp, the
+     attack on Spion Kop was decided upon, and Lieut.-Colonel
+     aCourt, of the Headquarter Staff, was directed by the
+     Commander-in-Chief to accompany General Woodgate, who was
+     detailed to command the attacking column. The account of the
+     capture of Spion Kop is given in another report.
+
+     "On the morning of the 25th January the Commander-in-Chief
+     arrived, decided to retire the force, and assumed direct
+     command. The whole of the waggons of the 5th Division were got
+     down to the drift during the day, and were crossed over before
+     2 P.M. on the 26th January."
+
+In regard to the Council of War, Sir Charles Warren amplified his
+previous statement:
+
+     "Upon the 19th of January, on arrival at Venter's Laager, I
+     assembled all the General Officers, Officers Commanding Royal
+     Artillery and Royal Engineers of Divisions, and Staff Officers,
+     together. I pointed out to them that, with the three and a
+     half (3-1/2) days' provisions allowed, it was impossible to
+     advance by the left road through Acton Homes. In this they
+     unanimously concurred. I showed them that the only possible
+     road was that going over Fair View through Rosalie, but I
+     expressed my conviction that this could not be done unless we
+     sent the whole of our transport back across the Tugela, and
+     attempted to march through with our rations in our
+     haversacks--without impedimenta."
+
+Sir Charles then added:--
+
+     "The hills were cleared on the following day, and very strong
+     intrenchments found behind them. The Commander-in-Chief was
+     present on the 21st and 22nd January, and I pointed out the
+     difficulties of marching along the road, accompanied by
+     waggons, without first taking Spion Kop.
+
+     "Accordingly, on the night of the 22nd, I ordered General Coke
+     to occupy Spion Kop. He, however, desired that the occupation
+     might be deferred for a day in order that he might make a
+     reconnaissance with the Officers Commanding battalions to be
+     sent there.
+
+     "On 23rd January the Commander-in-Chief came into camp, and
+     told me that there were two courses open--(1) to attack, (2) to
+     retire. I replied that I should prefer to attack Spion Kop to
+     retiring, and showed the Commander-in-Chief my orders of the
+     previous day.
+
+     "The Commander-in-Chief then desired that I should put General
+     Woodgate in command of the expedition, and detailed
+     Lieutenant-Colonel aCourt to accompany him as Staff Officer.
+
+     "The same evening General Woodgate proceeded with the
+     Lancashire Fusiliers, the Royal Lancaster Regiment, a portion
+     of Thorneycroft's Horse, and half-company Royal Engineers,
+     supported by two companies of the Connaught Rangers and by the
+     Imperial Light Infantry, the latter having just arrived by
+     Trichardt's Drift.
+
+     "The attack and capture of Spion Kop was entirely successful.
+     General Woodgate, having secured the summit on the 24th,
+     reported that he had intrenched a position and hoped he was
+     secure, but that the fog was too thick to permit him to see.
+     The position was rushed without casualties other than three men
+     wounded.
+
+     "Lieutenant-Colonel aCourt came down in the morning and stated
+     that everything was satisfactory and secure, and telegraphed to
+     the Commander-in-Chief to that effect. Scarcely had he started
+     on his return to headquarters when a heliogram arrived from
+     Colonel Crofton (Royal Lancaster). The message was, 'Reinforce
+     at once, or all lost. General dead.'
+
+     "He also sent a similar message to headquarters. I immediately
+     ordered General Coke to proceed to his assistance, and to take
+     command of the troops. He started at once, and was accompanied
+     by the Middlesex and Dorsetshire Regiments.
+
+     "I replied to Colonel Crofton, 'I am sending two battalions,
+     and the Imperial Light Infantry are on their way up. You must
+     hold on to the last. No surrender.'
+
+     "This occurred about 10 A.M.
+
+     "Shortly afterwards I received a telegram from the
+     Commander-in-Chief, ordering me to appoint Lieutenant-Colonel
+     Thorneycroft to the command of the summit. I accordingly had
+     heliographed, 'With the approval of the Commander-in-Chief, I
+     place Lieutenant-Colonel Thorneycroft in command of the summit,
+     with the local rank of Brigadier-General.'
+
+     "For some hours after this message I could get no information
+     from the summit. It appears that the signallers and their
+     apparatus were destroyed by the heavy fire.
+
+     "I repeatedly asked for Colonel Thorneycroft to state his view
+     of the situation. At 1.20 P.M. I heliographed to ascertain
+     whether Colonel Thorneycroft had assumed command, and at the
+     same time asked General Coke to give me his views on the
+     situation on Spion Kop. Still getting no reply, I asked whether
+     General Coke was there, and subsequently received his view of
+     the situation. He stated that, unless the Artillery could
+     silence the enemy's guns, the men on the summit could not stand
+     another complete day's shelling, and that the situation was
+     extremely critical."
+
+Later on in the evening arrangements were made to send two (Naval)
+12-pounders, and the Mountain Battery, Royal Artillery, to the summit,
+together with half-company Royal Engineers (and working parties, two
+reliefs of 600 men each), to strengthen the intrenchments and provide
+shell cover for the men. The 17th Company, Royal Engineers--it must be
+noted--proceeded at the same time as General Woodgate's force, and were
+employed until daylight upon the intrenchments, then upon road-making
+and water supply.
+
+Sand-bags were sent up early on the 24th instant, but they were too
+late. Colonel Sim and his party, while ascending, met Colonel
+Thorneycroft descending the hill. The position was evacuated. Sir
+Charles Warren concluded thus:--
+
+     "I wish to bring to notice that I heard from all but one
+     expression of the admirable conduct and bravery shown by
+     officers and men suffering under a withering artillery fire on
+     the summit of the slopes, and also of those who, with so much
+     endurance, persisted in carrying up water and food and
+     ammunition to the troops during the day.
+
+     "During the day a Staff Officer of the Headquarter Staff was
+     present on the summit, and reported direct to the
+     Commander-in-Chief.
+
+     "At sunset I considered that the position could be held next
+     day, provided that guns could be mounted and effective shelter
+     provided. Both of these conditions were about to be fulfilled,
+     as already mentioned.
+
+     "In the absence of General Coke, whom I ordered to come to
+     report in person as to the situation, the evacuation took place
+     under orders, given upon his own responsibility, by
+     Lieut.-Colonel Thorneycroft. This occurred in the face of the
+     vigorous protests of General Coke's Brigade-Major, the Officer
+     commanding the Middlesex Regiment, and others.
+
+     "It is a matter for the Commander-in-Chief to decide whether
+     there should be an investigation into the question of the
+     unauthorised evacuation of Spion Kop."
+
+General Buller, in forwarding to the Secretary of State for War Sir
+Charles Warren's report, made the following observations:--
+
+     "Sir C. Warren is hardly correct in saying that he was only
+     allowed three and a half days' provisions. I had told him that
+     transport for three and a half days would be sufficient burden
+     to him, but that I would keep him filled up as he wanted it.
+     That he was aware of this is shown by the following telegram
+     which he sent on the day in question. It is the only report I
+     had from Sir C.  Warren:--
+
+        (Sent 7.54 P.M. Received 8.15 P.M.)
+
+        'Left Flank, 19th January.
+
+        'To the Chief of the Staff--
+
+        'I find there are only two roads by which we could
+        possibly get from Trichardt's Drift to Potgeiter's, on
+        the north of the Tugela, one by Acton Homes, the other
+        by Fair View and Rosalie; the first I reject as too
+        long, the second is a very difficult road for a large
+        number of waggons, unless the enemy is thoroughly
+        cleared out. I am, therefore, going to adopt some
+        special arrangements which will involve my stay at
+        Venter's Laager for two or three days. I will send in
+        for further supplies and report progress. WARREN.'
+
+     "The reply to this was that three days' supply was being sent.
+
+     "I went over to Sir C. Warren on the 23rd. I pointed out to him
+     that I had no further report and no intimation of the special
+     arrangements foreshadowed by this telegram of the 19th, that
+     for four days he had kept his men continuously exposed to shell
+     and rifle fire, perched on the edge of an almost precipitous
+     hill, that the position admitted of no second line, and the
+     supports were massed close behind the firing line in
+     indefensible formations, and that a panic or sudden charge
+     might send the whole lot in disorder down the hill at any
+     moment. I said it was too dangerous a situation to be
+     prolonged, and that he must either attack or I should withdraw
+     his force. I advocated, as I had previously done, an advance
+     from his left. He said that he had the night before ordered
+     General Coke to assault Spion Kop, but the latter had objected
+     to undertaking a night attack on a position the road to which
+     he had not reconnoitred, and added that he intended to assault
+     Spion Kop that night.
+
+     "I suggested that as General Coke was still lame from the
+     effects of a lately broken leg, General Woodgate, who had two
+     sound legs, was better adapted for mountain climbing.
+
+     "As no heliograph could, on account of the fire, be kept on the
+     east side of Spion Kop, messages for Sir C. Warren were
+     received by our signallers at Spearman and telegraphed to Sir
+     C. Warren; thus I saw them before he did, as I was at the
+     signal station. The telegram Sir C. Warren quotes did not give
+     me confidence in its sender, and at the moment I could see that
+     our men on the top had given way and that efforts were being
+     made to rally them. I telegraphed to Sir C. Warren: 'Unless you
+     put some really good hard fighting man in command on the top
+     you will lose the hill. I suggest Thorneycroft.'
+
+     "The statement that a staff officer reported direct to me
+     during the day is a mistake. Colonel aCourt was sent down by
+     General Woodgate almost as soon as he gained the summit.
+
+     "I have not thought it necessary to order any investigation. If
+     at sundown the defence of the summit had been taken regularly
+     in hand, intrenchments laid out, gun emplacements prepared, the
+     dead removed, the wounded collected, and, in fact, the whole
+     place brought under regular military command, and careful
+     arrangements made for the supply of water and food to the
+     scattered fighting line, the hills would have been held, I am
+     sure.
+
+     "But no arrangements were made. General Coke appears to have
+     been ordered away just as he would have been useful, and no one
+     succeeded him; those on the top were ignorant of the fact that
+     guns were coming up, and generally there was a want of
+     organisation and system that acted most unfavourably on the
+     defence.
+
+     "It is admitted by all that Colonel Thorneycroft acted with the
+     greatest gallantry throughout the day, and really saved the
+     situation. Preparations for the second day's defence should
+     have been organised during the day and have been commenced at
+     nightfall.
+
+     "As this was not done I think Colonel Thorneycroft exercised a
+     wise discretion.
+
+     "Our losses, I regret to say, were very heavy, but the enemy
+     admitted to our doctors that theirs were equally severe, and
+     though we were not successful in retaining the position, the
+     losses inflicted on the enemy and the attack generally have had
+     a marked effect upon them.
+
+     "I cannot close these remarks without bearing testimony to the
+     gallant and admirable behaviour of the troops, the endurance
+     shown by the Lancashire Fusiliers, the Middlesex Regiment, and
+     Thorneycroft's Mounted Infantry was admirable, while the
+     efforts of the 2nd Battalion Scottish Rifles and 3rd Battalion
+     King's Royal Rifles were equally good, and the Royal Lancasters
+     fought gallantly."
+
+The Commander-in-Chief, writing to the Secretary of State for War, thus
+criticised both operations and operators:--
+
+     "The plan of operations is not very clearly described in the
+     despatches themselves, but it may be gathered from them and the
+     accompanying documents themselves that the original intention
+     was to cross the Tugela at or near Trichardt's Drift, and
+     thence by following the road past Fair View and Acton Homes, to
+     gain the open plain north of Spion Kop, the Boer position in
+     front of Potgieter's Drift being too strong to be taken by
+     direct attack. The whole force, less one brigade, was placed
+     under the orders of Sir Charles Warren, who, the day after he
+     had crossed the Tugela, seems to have consulted his General and
+     principal Staff Officers, and to have come to the conclusion
+     that the flanking movement which Sir Redvers Buller had
+     mentioned in his secret instructions was impracticable on
+     account of the insufficiency of supplies. He accordingly
+     decided to advance by the more direct road leading north-east
+     and branching off from a point east of Three Tree Hill. The
+     selection of this road necessitated the capture and retention
+     of Spion Kop, but whether it would have been equally necessary
+     to occupy Spion Kop, had the line of advance indicated by Sir
+     Redvers Buller been followed, is not stated in the
+     correspondence. As Sir Charles Warren considered it impossible
+     to make the wide flanking movement which was recommended, if
+     not actually prescribed, in his secret instructions, he should
+     at once have acquainted Sir Redvers Buller with the course of
+     action which he proposed to adopt. There is nothing to show
+     whether he did so or not, but it seems only fair to Sir Charles
+     Warren to point out that Sir Redvers Buller appears throughout
+     to have been aware of what was happening. On several occasions
+     he was present during the operations. He repeatedly gave advice
+     to his subordinate Commander, and on the day after the
+     withdrawal from Spion Kop he resumed the chief command."
+
+The abandonment of Spion Kop was condemned by Lord Roberts in the
+following terms:--
+
+     "As regards the withdrawal of the troops from the Spion Kop
+     position, which, though occupied almost without opposition in
+     the early morning of the 24th January, had to be held
+     throughout the day under an extremely heavy fire, and the
+     retention of which had become essential to the relief of
+     Ladysmith, I regret that I am unable to concur with Sir
+     Redvers Buller in thinking that Lieut.-Colonel Thorneycroft
+     exercised a wise discretion in ordering the troops to retire.
+     Even admitting that due preparations may not have been made for
+     strengthening the position during the night, reorganising the
+     defence and bringing up artillery--in regard to which Sir
+     Charles Warren's report does not altogether bear out Sir
+     Redvers Buller's contention--admitting also that the senior
+     officers on the summit of the hill might have been more
+     promptly informed of the measures taken by Sir Charles Warren
+     to support and reinforce them, I am of opinion that
+     Lieut.-Colonel Thorneycroft's assumption of responsibility and
+     authority was wholly inexcusable. During the night the enemy's
+     fire, if it did not cease altogether, could not have been
+     formidable, and though lamp signalling was not possible at the
+     time owing to the supply of oil having failed, it would not
+     have taken more than two or three hours at most for
+     Lieut.-Colonel Thorneycroft to communicate by messenger with
+     Major-General Coke or Sir Charles Warren, and to receive a
+     reply. Major-General Coke appears to have left Spion Kop at
+     9.30 P.M. for the purpose of consulting with Sir Charles
+     Warren, and up to that hour the idea of a withdrawal had not
+     been entertained. Yet almost immediately after Major-General
+     Coke's departure Lieut.-Colonel Thorneycroft issued an order,
+     without reference to superior authority, which upset the whole
+     plan of operations and rendered unavailing the sacrifices which
+     had already been made to carry it into effect."
+
+In spite of this somewhat severe criticism, however, Lord Roberts went
+on to say:--
+
+     "On the other hand, it is only right to state that
+     Lieut.-Colonel Thorneycroft appears to have behaved in a very
+     gallant manner throughout the day, and it was doubtless due, in
+     a great measure, to his exertions and example that the troops
+     continued to hold the summit of the hill until directed to
+     retire."
+
+The action of Captain Phillips he warmly praised:--
+
+     "The conduct of Captain Phillips, Brigade-Major of the 10th
+     Brigade, on the occasion in question, is deserving of high
+     commendation. He did his best to rectify the mistake which was
+     being made, but it was too late. Signalling communication was
+     not re-established until 2.30 A.M. on the 25th January, and by
+     that time the Naval guns could not have reached the summit of
+     the hill before daybreak. Major-General Coke did not return,
+     and Lieutenant-Colonel Thorneycroft had gone away. Moreover,
+     most of the troops had begun to leave the hill, and the working
+     parties, with the half-company of Royal Engineers, had also
+     withdrawn."
+
+Briefly the Commander-in-Chief deplored the chaotic state of affairs
+prior to the retirement. He said:--
+
+     "It is to be regretted that Sir Charles Warren did not himself
+     visit Spion Kop during the afternoon or evening, knowing as he
+     did that the state of affairs there was very critical, and that
+     the loss of the position would involve the failure of the
+     operations. He was, consequently, obliged to summon
+     Major-General Coke to his headquarters in the evening, in order
+     that he might ascertain how matters were going on, and the
+     command on Spion Kop thus devolved on Lieutenant-Colonel
+     Thorneycroft; but Major-General Coke was not aware of this.
+     About midday, under instructions from Sir Redvers Buller, Sir
+     Charles Warren had directed Lieutenant-Colonel Thorneycroft to
+     assume command on the summit of the hill, with the temporary
+     rank of Brigadier-General, but this order was not communicated
+     to Major-General Coke, who, until he left the position at 9.30
+     P.M., was under the impression that the command had devolved on
+     Colonel Hill, as senior officer, after Colonel Crofton had been
+     wounded. Omissions or mistakes of this nature may be trivial in
+     themselves, yet may exercise an important influence on the
+     course of events; and I think that Sir Redvers Buller is
+     justified in remarking that 'there was a want of organisation
+     and system which acted most unfavourably on the defence.'"
+
+In conclusion, the principal actors in the drama were censured, while
+the troops engaged received well-merited praise:--
+
+     "The attempt to relieve Ladysmith, described in these
+     despatches, was well devised, and I agree with Sir Redvers
+     Buller in thinking that it ought to have succeeded. That it
+     failed may, in some measure, be due to the difficulties of the
+     ground and the commanding positions held by the enemy--probably
+     also to errors of judgment and want of administrative capacity
+     on the part of Sir Charles Warren. But whatever faults Sir
+     Charles Warren may have committed, the failure must also be
+     ascribed to the disinclination of the officer in supreme
+     command to assert his authority and see that what he thought
+     best was done, and also to the unwarrantable and needless
+     assumption of responsibility by a subordinate officer.
+
+     "The gratifying feature in these despatches is the admirable
+     behaviour of the troops throughout the operations."
+
+
+
+
+LIST OF STAFF
+
+
+The following Divisions reached South Africa at the end of 1899 and the
+beginning of 1900.
+
+FIFTH DIVISION
+
+     Lieutenant-General--Lieut.-General Sir C. Warren, G.C.M.G.,
+     K.C.B., R.E.
+
+     Aides-de-Camp--Major R. M. B. F. Kelly, R.A.; Lieut. I. V.
+     Paton, Royal Scots Fusiliers.
+
+     Assistant Adjutant-General--Colonel A. W. Morris, _p.s.c._
+
+     Deputy-Assistant Adjutant-Generals--Bt.-Major T. Capper, East
+     Lancashire Regt., _p.s.c._; Bt.-Major H. N. Sargent, Army
+     Service Corps.
+
+     Assistant Provost-Marshal--Bt.-Major E. C. J. Williams, East
+     Kent Regt.
+
+     Principal Medical Officer--Lieut.-Colonel W. B. Allin, M.B.,
+     R.A.M.C.
+
+     Divisional Signalling Officer--Captain A. A. McHardy, R.A.
+
+
+     10TH BRIGADE
+
+     Major-General--Colonel (local Maj.-General) J. T. Coke.
+
+     Aide-de-Camp--Lieut. W. E. Kemble, R.A.
+
+     Brigade-Major--Captain H. G. C. Phillips, Welsh Regt., _p.s.c._
+
+
+     11TH BRIGADE
+
+     Major-General--Colonel (local Maj.-General) E. R. P. Woodgate,
+     K.C.M.G., C.B., _p.s.c._
+
+     Aide-de-Camp--Captain F. M. Carleton, D.S.O., Royal Lancashire
+     Regt.
+
+     Brigade-Major--Captain N. H. Vertue, East Kent Regt.
+
+
+     SIXTH DIVISION
+
+     Lieutenant-General--Major-General (local Lieut.-General) T.
+     Kelly-Kenny, C.B., _p.s.c._
+
+     Aides-de-Camp--Major H. I. W. Hamilton, D.S.O., Royal West
+     Surrey Regt., _p.s.c._; Captain W. H. Booth, East Kent Regt.
+
+     Assistant Adjutant-General--Colonel A. E. W. Goldsmid, _p.s.c._
+
+     Deputy-Assistant Adjutant-Generals--Major C. C. Monro, Royal
+     West Surrey Regt., _p.s.c._; Major J. E. Caunter, Lancashire
+     Fusiliers, _p.s.c._
+
+     Assistant Provost-Marshal--Major M. G. Wilkinson, King's Own
+     Scottish Borderers.
+
+     Principal Medical Officer--Lieut.-Colonel W. L. Gubbins, M.B.,
+     R.A.M.C.
+
+     Divisional Signalling Officer--Lieut. J. T. Burnett-Stuart,
+     Rifle Brigade.
+
+
+     12TH BRIGADE
+
+     Major-General--Colonel (local Maj.-General) R. A. P. Clements,
+     D.S.O., A.D.C.
+
+     Aide-de-Camp--Captain H. de C. Moody, South Wales Borderers.
+
+     Brigade-Major--Captain R. S. Oxley, King's Royal Rifle Corps,
+     _p.s.c._
+
+
+     13TH BRIGADE
+
+     Major-General--Colonel (local Maj.-General) C. E. Knox.
+
+     Aide-de-Camp--Captain O. H. E. Marescaux, Shropshire Light
+     Infantry.
+
+     Brigade-Major--Captain R. W. Thompson, North Lancashire Regt.,
+     _p.s.c._
+
+
+     SEVENTH DIVISION
+
+     Lieutenant-General--Major-General (local Lieut.-General) C.
+     Tucker, C.B. Aides-de-Camp--
+
+     Assistant Adjutant-General--Colonel H. E. Belfield, _p.s.c._
+
+     Deputy-Assistant Adjutant-Generals--Brevet-Major H. G. Fitton,
+     D.S.O., Royal Berkshire Regt., _p.s.c._; Lieut.-Colonel H. G.
+     Rice, Army Service Corps.
+
+     Assistant Provost-Marshal--Brevet-Major F. Wintour, Royal West
+     Kent Regt., _p.s.c._
+
+     Principal Medical Officer--Lieut.-Colonel J. A. Gormley, M.D.,
+     R.A.M.C.
+
+     Divisional Signalling Officer--Captain J. R. K. Birch, Cheshire
+     Regt.
+
+
+     14TH BRIGADE
+
+     Major-General--Major-General Sir H. C. Chermside, G.C.M.G.,
+     C.B., R.E.
+
+     Aide-de-Camp--Captain E. FitzG. M. Wood, Devonshire Regt.
+
+     Brigade-Major--Captain W. M. Marter, 1st Dragoon Guards,
+     _p.s.c._
+
+
+     15TH BRIGADE
+
+     Major-General--Colonel (local Maj.-General) A. G. Wavell,
+     _p.s.c._
+
+     Brigade-Major--Captain L. R. Carleton, Essex Regt., _p.s.c._
+
+
+
+
+END OF VOL. III.
+
+
+
+
+  Printed by BALLANTYNE, HANSON & CO.
+  Edinburgh & London
+
+
+
+
+TRANSCRIBERS' NOTES
+
+
+  General : Corrections to punctuation have not been individually
+             documented
+  Page   5: "enroll" standardised to "enrol" after "forward in crowds to"
+  Page  15: "Divison" corrected to "Division" after "the Sixth"
+  Page  30: Variant spelling "via" not standardised as part of a
+             quotation
+  Page  31: "bombproof" standardised to "bomb-proof" after "burrowing
+             like rabbits, or in"
+  Page  55: "Jaysfontein" corrected to "Jasfontein" after "away from a
+             farm at"
+  Page  56: "Zoutspansdrift" corrected to "Zoutpansdrift" after "in the
+             direction of Kamak and"
+  Page  56: "Naauwport" corrected to "Naauwpoort" after "lot of those
+             around"
+  Page  58: "Naauwport" corrected to "Naauwpoort" after "The inhabitants
+             of"
+  Page  71: "bloodthirsty" standardised to "blood-thirsty" after "They
+             proved to be not"
+  Page  71: "farm-house" standardised to "farmhouse" after "bivouacked at
+             the"
+  Page  73: "horse-shoe" as in the original. Not standardised as this is
+             an adjectival usage
+  Page  77: "look-out" standardised to "lookout" after "They employed"
+  Page  78: "Koodoosberg" corrected to "Koodoesberg" after "troops from
+             Barkly and"
+  Page  85: "bloodstained" standardised to "blood-stained" after "the
+             eyes of those who,"
+  Page  86: "gantlet" as in the original
+  Page  92: "Divsion" corrected to "Division" after "Second"
+  Page  96: "POTGEITER'S" corrected to "POTGIETER'S" after "THE CROSSING
+             OF"
+  Page  99: "Carbineers" corrected to "Carabineers" after "one squadron
+             Natal"
+  Page 108: "roast" corrected to "roost" after "We shall be rulers of
+             the"
+  Page 123: "head-quarters" standardised to "headquarters" after "some
+             even reaching"
+  Page 134: "Blomfontein" corrected to "Bloemfontein" after "Steyn and
+             Kruger dated"
+  Page 148: "rough-riders" standardised to "roughriders" after "despatch
+             of 500 expert"
+  Page 174: "Naauwport" corrected to "Naauwpoort" after "thirty-seven
+             miles north of"
+  Page 179: "sandstorms" standardised to "sand-storms" after "These"
+  Page 182: "Ochtertang" corrected to "Achtertang" after "reconnoitring
+             towards"
+  Page 185: "unusally" corrected to "unusually" after "Boer movements
+             rendered"
+  Page 194: "Sandbags" standardised to "Sand-bags" before "were sent up
+             early"
+  Page 195: "Potgeiter's" as in the original. Left as part of a
+             quotation.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of South Africa and the Transvaal War, Vol. 3 (of 6)
+by Louis Creswicke
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SOUTH AFRICA ***
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+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #36866 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/36866)