This page contains four sections: 1899,
1900, 1901,
Summary
1899
29th September.—The Regiment was ordered out for active service on the
29th September, 1899, Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 Squadrons assembling at
Ladysmith on the evening of the 1st October, 1899. The Newcastle troop, a
portion of No. 7 Squadron, assembled at Newcastle but, owing to the
evacuation of that town, proceeded to Ladysmith two or three days later. The
Dundee troop assembled at their headquarters, and were utilized by General
Penn Symons until the troops retired from Dundee. No. 5 Squadron, Estcourt
and Weenen, served on the Relief Column under General Buller.
2nd October.—Nos. 1, 3, and 4 Squadrons received orders to patrol the O.F.S.
border, No. 1, under Major Taunton, watching the country between Olivier's
Hoek and Tintwa passes, No. 4, under Major Macfarlane, working from
Blaauwbank, and No. 3, under Major Addison from Bester's Station. A guide
for each squadron was provided from No. 6 (Ladysmith). Before leaving, the
squadrons were addressed by Col. Knox, C.B., R.A.
12th October.—On the 12th October, the Boers crossed the border at Tintwa
Pass. This was reported by Major Taunton. In consequence, a reconnaissance
in force, under Colonel Knox, C.B., R.A., was sent from Ladysmith in the
direction of Tintwa Pass, but only came as far as Dewdrop. The remainder of
the Regiment, who had been left in Ladysmith, accompanied this force. The
Military Intelligence Department, disbelieving the information sent in by
Major Taunton that the enemy had crossed, the force returned to Ladysmith.
Major Taunton then (at great personal risk), with but a few men, made a
further reconnaissance of the enemy's camp and reported to Ladysmith
accordingly, but apparently no notice was taken of this important
information. Those Volunteers who formed part of the force will never forget
the muster at "Tin Town" to join the Regulars. The night was pitch dark, the
mud knee deep, and confusion reigned. After a good deal of delay the force
was put into some sort of order and, all things considered, matters might
have been worse,
16th October.—On the 16th October, No. 1 Squadron was relieved by the Border
Mounted Rifles, and proceeded to the vicinity of Walker's Hoek, midway
between No. 3 Squadron at Bester's and No. 4 at Blaauwbank. The remainder of
the Regiment (No. 2 Squadron and Newcastle troop), under Lieutenant-Colonel
Greene, left Ladysmith and took up a post at Klip Kraal, on the left of No.
3 Squadron, to watch the passes in the Berg in that direction.
18th October.—The enemy made no forward move until the 18th October. On the
morning of that day Colonel Greene reconnoitred to the foot of the Berg, in
the direction of De Beers and Van Reenen's Passes, and, observing a large
force of the enemy, retired parallel with them (but unobserved by them), at
the same time reporting to Ladysmith. He joined hands with Major Addison,
near Bester's Station, and attacked the enemy. In the meantime the enemy's
main body was observed by Nos. 1 and 4 Squadrons proceeding along the Van
Reenen's Road towards Ladysmith in very strong force. Reports were sent to
Ladysmith accordingly. This Boer column, hearing firing in the direction of
Bester's Station where Colonel Greene was engaged, at once sent large
reinforcements there. On observing the rapidly increasing numbers of the
enemy, and having in the meantime received instructions from the General
Officer Commanding to retire upon Ladysmith, Colonel Greene withdrew his
force to Nicholson's Nek. In this engagement Trooper Spencer was wounded in
the arm, and Lieutenant Gallwey was taken prisoner. The Boer casualties were
one killed and five wounded. It was unknown at the time what had happened to
Lieut. Gallwey. Colonel Greene waited a while to see if any signs of him
were forthcoming, and a party went out for the purpose of seeing what had
happened to him, but the enemy's fire was too hot, and they had to return
unsuccessful. Nos. 1 and 4 Squadrons had also come into contact with the
enemy, and shots were exchanged. Fortunately they had no casualties. All the
squadrons returned to Ladysmith during the night of the 18th, and the
following day pitched their camp outside the Ladysmith Showyard.
20th October.—On the 20th October the Regiment formed part of a column which
made a reconnaissance in the direction of Elandslaagte, where the enemy were
known to be, during which No. 3 Squadron captured four Boer scouts. On this
reconnaissance the good news was heard of the victory at Talana Hill, marred
at the same time by the loss of General Penn Symons. The latter news was
keenly felt by the Regiment, the gallant officer having always shown a warm
interest in, and appreciation of, the Volunteer Forces in Natal. It is
understood that General French, in command of this reconnaissance, intended
to engage the enemy this day, but from information received he postponed the
action till the day following, when he fought the brilliant engagement known
as Elandslaagte.
21st October.—The Regiment stood to arms the whole afternoon of the Battle
of Elandslaagte, but unfortunately, with the exception of the Ladysmith
troop, took no active part in it. That night two squadrons, for some unknown
reason, were sent to occupy the vicinity of the Railway Station, whilst the
remainder vacated camp and bivouacked on the other side of the Klip River.
22nd October.—On Sunday, the 22nd, the discouraging news was heard of the
evacuation of Dundee. The Dundee troop came into Ladysmith, but returned
almost immediately to assist in guiding General Yule's retreating column.
24th October.—On Tuesday, 24th October, the Regiment formed part of a column
which went out to the north of Ladysmith to prevent those forces of the
enemy to the west of Ladysmith from intercepting the retreating column from
Dundee. The engagement known as Rietfontein or Tinta Inyoni ensued. The
Regiment, in conjunction with the other volunteer mounted regiments, were
successful in obtaining a position from which they could pour in a flank
fire on the enemy's main position. To obtain this point of vantage a most
exposed piece of ground had to be crossed under a very Heavy fire, and there
were several casualties: —Sergt. Colville killed, Trooper Cleaver mortally
wounded, and wounded, Corporal Richmond, Troopers Taylor, Russell, Freeman,
Ballantyne, Teasdale, Raw, Mason and Smith. This was the first occasion on
which the Regiment came under shell fire. Fortunately before doing any harm
the Boer guns were silenced by our artillery. The flank fire soon drove the
enemy from their position, and orders were given to retire.
25th October.—This day the Volunteer Brigade went out to assist in bringing
in the Dundee column, and met it in the Sunday's River Valley. Colonel
Royston had imperative orders to bring in the column to Ladysmith that
night, and so, although they were already outspanned and laagered, he
insisted on their marching on at once as far as Modder Spruit, where they
would be met by another force from Ladysmith. Throughout a terribly wet and
dark night, the Volunteers held the stony kopjes on the Helpmakaar Road
known as Vlak Plaats, a most important position to cover the retreat. It is
only fair to state that the greatest credit is due to Colonel Royston,
Commandant of Volunteers, and to the Volunteer Brigade generally, for the
safe conduct of the Dundee column to Ladysmith; any delay taking place would
have led to dire disaster. The Regiment formed the rear-guard into
Ladysmith.
27th October.—The Regiment patrolled east of Ladysmith, one squadron joining
a column which proceeded to Modder Spruit, but returned the following
morning.
28th October.—Easterly patrols were made, resulting in the discovery of the
enemy entrenching themselves and mounting guns north of Ladysmith.
29th October.—Forty men of No. 4 Squadron, under Major Macfarlane, were sent
to occupy Lombard's Kop, and Nos. 3 and 7, under Lieut.-Colonel Greene, to
occupy Bulwana. Their horses were sent back to Ladysmith, the instructions
being that these positions had to be held at all cost.
30th October.—The remainder of the Regiment left Ladysmith at 1 a.m., and
proceeded to hold the Nek between Lombard's Hop and Bulwana. "Mournful
Monday" was the significant name given to the day of the battle known as
Farquhar's Farm or Lombard's Kop. None of the Carbineer squadrons was
heavily engaged, and there were no casualties among them. During the day the
Boers shelled the Carbineer Camp at the Showyard, and some narrow escapes
were recorded. A general retirement to Ladysmith was made about 1 p.m.
31st October.—No. 5 Squadron (Estcourt and Weenen), with the Durban Light
Infantry, were reinforced by the 2nd Dublin Fusiliers and Natal Field
Artillery. During October the Squadron, under Lieut. Mackay, did a lot of
patrolling and scouting towards the Upper Tugela. Major McKenzie arrived
from England on 2nd November, and took command of the Squadron.
2nd November.—The Regiment formed part of a column sent out to attack a Boer
laager to the west of Ladysmith. The column moved out at 2 a.m. The Boer
laager, lying under Table Hill, was shelled by our guns, and the enemy
cleared out. Our force retired to Ladysmith under a very heavy shell fire
from the Boer guns on Table Hill and Telegraph Ridge. No casualties. It was
on this day that communication with the outer world was cut off, and it was
recognised that Ladysmith was closely besieged. No one, however, imagined
that the siege was to last for four long weary months; confidence was strong
that it would be for but a few days.
2nd November.—The Colenso mounted men had a sharp skirmish with the enemy on
the Colenso-Ladysmith Road, one of the Dublin Fusilier mounted men being
killed, and several of the enemy killed and wounded. The Boers shelled the
Camp from Grobler's Kloof.
3rd November.—Colenso evacuated, the garrison retiring on Estcourt.
3rd November.—On 3rd November a force under General Brooklehurst went out to
attack a Boer convoy north of Ladysmith, but, a part of his men becoming
hemmed in by the enemy, he found it necessary to call for reinforcements,
and the Artillery and Mounted Volunteers were sent to him. From the moment
of their setting out, this force was subjected to a heavy fire. The
Volunteer Brigade was ordered to take and hold Middle and End Hills. End
Hill was found to be occupied by the enemy, and our men came under a heavy
cross fire upon gaining the summit. The enemy was driven off the hill, which
was held by the Volunteer Brigade. Major Taunton, who was with No. 1
Squadron, was killed. He was setting a most soldierly example of coolness
and pluck, and his great loss was keenly felt by every member of the
Regiment. He was buried in the Ladysmith Cemetery the following day. A
cairn, raised by the members of No. 1 Squadron, with whom he had been so
long associated, marks the spot where he fell. Trooper Webber was severely
wounded, and, while gallantly rescuing him from his dangerous position,
Troopers Miller and Watts were themselves wounded, and Trooper D. A. Shaw,
who also assisted, had a bullet through his tunic. For their gallantry on
this occasion, Troopers Miller, Watts and Shaw were afterwards awarded the
D.C.M. The Carbineer casualties in this engagement were:— Killed, Major
Taunton; mortally wounded, Sergeant F. G. Mapstone; and wounded, Corporal W.
McCullough, Troopers W. Anderson, C. E. J. Miller, A. Paine, R. Watts, S. E.
Waugh, and C. W. Webber. From this time a most monotonous period ensued. The
Volunteer Brigade furnished daily a piquet for the defence of the eastern
side of Ladysmith between Caesar's Camp and Helpmakaar Ridge. A night piquet
was also established on the river banks in the town and, owing to the
unsavoury smells in the locality, it was generally known as "stink piquet."
The whole Volunteer Brigade stood to arms during the siege at 3.30 a.m., and
(whilst food for the horses was plentiful) their horses were exercised round
the town in the dark. The shell fire was at times fast and furious. The
enemy's gunners seemed rather partial to the locality of the Volunteer Camp,
but for some time they did no damage. At first precautions were taken by
putting the men and horses in a donga on the other side of the Klip River,
but this practice was not carried out for long, and on all sides there soon
was a charming disregard of the death-dealing missiles. "Familiarity breeds
contempt."
9th November.—No. 5 Squadron took part in a reconnaissance along the Weenen
road, and came in touch with the enemy near Hodgson's Hill.
9th November.—The Boers this day made their first attack on Ladysmith, but
were repulsed on all sides with, it is said, heavy loss, whilst our
casualties were practically nil. The Regiment was slightly engaged below
Caesar's Camp, but the Boers were not taking on anything that day.
Nothing of note occurred for some time after, and, by the aid of cricket,
football, tennis matches, poker, nap, and the like, the siege dragged on its
weary way.
15th November.—Armoured train D.L.I, disaster near Chievely. No. 5 Squadron
with the I.L.H. marched out to render assistance.
19th November. No. 5 Squadron left Estcourt for Willow Grange, and on the
20th engaged the enemy near Highlands.
21st November.—Squadron returned to Estcourt.
22nd November.—Readvanced on Willow Grange. The Squadron materially assisted
to mount a naval gun on Beacon Hill. Returned to Estcourt in the evening.
23rd November.—No. 5 Squadron took part in the battle of Willow Grange. This
action is now generally regarded as the mark, though no one claims that it
was the cause, of the turning point of the Boer invasion of Natal.
27th November—Squadron left Estcourt and encamped at Frere.
29th November.—On the night of the 29th November, the Regiment was warned to
be ready to march out of Ladysmith at 2 a.m. the following morning—object
unknown. At the last minute the order was cancelled. It transpired
afterwards that it was intended to take and hold Rifleman's Ridge, but it
was found out that the Boers had got wind of it, and so the idea was
abandoned.
30th November.—No. 5 Squadron patrolled to Weenen with I.L.H.
2nd December.—On Saturday, 2nd December, orders were received at 8 p.m. to
saddle up and be ready to go out of Ladysmith. It proved to be a false
alarm, but the Volunteer Brigade was first at the rendezvous, and was
complimented by the G.O.C. on its smartness.
7th-8th December.—Surprise of Gun Hill by Natal Mounted Volunteers and
Imperial Light Horse. About this time, in anticipation of speedy relief, a
"Flying Column" was held in readiness to move out at a moment's notice.
Another false alarm parade was held on the night of 12th December, the
Volunteers again gaining credit for their smartness in turning out.
11th December.—No. 5 Squadron took part in reconnaissance to Colenso under
Lord Dundonald.
13th December.—Advanced on Chieveley and pitched camp there.
16th December.—Battle of Colenso. In conjunction with I.L.H., No. 5 Squadron
attempted to take Hlangwane Hill, but the enemy, from an impregnable
position, poured in a terrific fire at 80 yards range, and our force had to
retire. Casualties in this engagement: Troopers Adie, Gray, Jenner and
Warren, killed Lieut. Mackay and five men severely wounded.
On the 15th, hopes of relief ran high in Ladysmith in consequenoe of the
heavy firing heard from Colenso.
16th December.—An armistice at Colenso. Buried our dead near the railway
line.
17th December.—Official intimation was received in Ladysmith that General
Boiler had "failed to make good his attack."
18th December.—While the men of the Regiment were at stables this morning, a
shell from the Bulwana Long Tom struck a horse and exploded before reaching
the ground, killing Troopers R. M. M. Miller, W. Buxton, T. Elliott, and W.
Craighead Smith, and wounding Corporal M. H. Holley, Troopers C. Craik, S.
Daly, J. Gillam, J. E. Greig, A. Nicholson, and W. S. Warwick. Eleven horses
were also killed, and several severely injured. After this occurrence,
precautions were taken against shell fire. Shelter pits were dug, and a
trumpeter was always on duty. When he saw the smoke of Long Tom he sounded
the regimental call as a warning for all to take shelter. These precautions
were of avail, for although afterwards many shells struck in camp, only a
few horses were killed by them.
20th December.—One troop of No. 5 Squadron, under Lieut. Silburn, surprised
some Boers who had come out to rob a Hussar who had been killed the previous
day. Two of the Boers were killed.
24th December.—With Bethune's Horse, No. 5 Squadron formed the escort to
General Buller, who made a reconnaissance in the direction of Doom Kop,
In Ladysmith, sports were held on Christmas Day, and all enjoyed themselves
as far as possible in their untoward circumstance.
Rations were now getting short, and the terrible amount of sickness among
the Ladysmith garrison was most depressing. The work of defence, however,
had still to be done and, consequently, it fell very hard on those who were
fortunate enough to be fit for duty. So the siege dragged on. Rumours of all
sorts were in the air.
1900
6th January. Repulse of Boer attack on Caesar's Camp, Waggon Kill, and
Waggon Point. The volunteer section piquet on the night of the 5th January
was composed partly of Natal Carbineers and partly of Natal Mounted Police
under Captain Lucas, N.C. It has been stated that the enemy got through this
piquet; but the statement is quite untrue. Those of the Regiment who were
with the piquet were the only Carbineers in the actual fighting on the 6th,
one man, Trooper Haine, being wounded. On the night of the 6th the Regiment
furnished the piquet and support, who were under a heavy fire whilst going
out in the evening, Trooper Heckler being wounded. Next day a party from the
Regiment was employed in the gruesome task of collecting the Boer dead on
Caesar's Camp, carrying them down the hill, and handing them over to the
enemy. Twenty-two bodies were thus handled by our men.
10th January.—No. 5 Squadron left Chieveley and seized Upper Tugela bridge.
11th January.—No. 5 Squadron encamped on Spearman's farm.
17th January.—No. 5 Squadron crossed Trichardt's Drift with cavalry under
Lord Dundonald. Several men who were, washed down the river by the strong
current were saved by Troopers D. Sclanders and F. F. Wood, the former
receiving the Royal Humane Society's silver medal for his action.
18th January.—No. 5 squadron advanced on Acton Homes with I.L.H. and K.R.R.
Carbineer Scouts reported that the enemy were advancing to seize Kopjes.
Major McKenzie with the N.C. and others galloped for five miles and reached
the Kopjes a few minutes before the Boers came up, on whom, at 100 yards,
fire was opened and several saddles were emptied. The Boers retired in
confusion to a position 200 yards off and, after an hour's continuous
firing, they put up the white flag. Upon our men standing up the Boers
recommenced firing, wounding Trooper Higgins. The enemy were then shouted to
that if firing did not stop instantly no surrender would be allowed,
whereupon the firing ceased. 25 prisoners were taken: 14 of the enemy were
killed and 40 wounded. The I.L.H. had two men wounded and the K.R.R. two
killed.
21st January to 14th February.—During the series of military operations
which ended in the abandonment by the Relief Column first of Spion Kop and
afterwards of Vaal Krantz, commanding heights captured in the face of stout
resistance, No. 5 Squadron was employed under Lord Dundonald and was
frequently under heavy shell fire.
The failure of the Relief Column to hold Spion Kop and Vaal Krantz was a
grave disappointment to the Ladysmith defenders. Sickness and famine were
now their deadliest enemies, and by them two-thirds of the Regiment was at
this date unfit for duty. The extremity to which the garrison was reduced
was humorously described, after the war, by a versifier in a New Zealand
newspaper, in what might have been the lament of many a trooper saved from
starvation, though metamorphosed it is feared, by a regretful diet on horse
flesh: —
"I eat that horse in a week or less,
And as I a-eatin' be
The last of his chops, why I almost drops,
For old Buller in sight I see.
"And I never smiles, and I never laughs,
And I never larks nor play,
But I sit and croak, and a single joke
I have, which is—to neigh: —
“Oh! I'm the colt of the roadster too,
And the lead of the tandem pair,
A war horse bold, and a hunter old,
And the foal of the Doctor's mare'."
15th February.—With the I.L.H. No. 5 Squadron attacked and took Cingolo
Hill. Trooper Goldstein, N.C., killed.
16th February.—Seized the extreme right of Monte Cristo.
17th to 21st February.—Occupied and held Hlangwane. Lieut. Mackay rejoined
the squadron.
22nd to 24th February.—Advanced towards Pieters Station.
25th and 26th February.—Returned to Monte Cristo.
27th February.—Returned to hill overlooking Pieters Station.
28th February.—Scouting the whole day on hills to the south of Ladysmith.
About 5 p.m., finding that the Boers had fled, entered Ladysmith in
conjunction with I.L.H. The Squadron after this joined the Regiment, which
had been besieged in Ladysmith. At midday on the 28th the cheering news was
given out in Ladysmith that the Boers were in full retreat. Every available
man of the Carbineers saddled up to go out. But they had not gone more than
a mile before, to their delight, horsemen were seen galloping towards the
town. This delight was greatly enhanced by the fact that amongst the
horsemen were their comrades of No. 5 Squadron under Major McKenzie.
1st March.—Patrols of the Regiment scoured the country around Ladysmith, and
the remainder assisted in the engagement of Pepworth's Hill, which so
materially hurried the enemy's departure. No casualties.
7th March.—On the 7th March the whole Regiment marched for Highlands to
recuperate and refit; and here they stayed till the 5th April. Many recruits
joined, and remounts in place of the chargers lost in Ladysmith were
obtained. During the month's stay all felt better for the good diet, the
bracing climate of Highlands, and a few days' leave.
5th April.—On the morning of the 5th April the Regiment marched by road to
Estcourt and entrained for Ladysmith, the last squadrons not getting to camp
there till past midnight. They joined the 3rd cavalry brigade under Lord
Dundonald at Star Kopje. Next day tents were pitched and sundry rumours were
current as to the ultimate destination of the Regiment. However, there was
no long delay, for the following day the brigade marched to Elandslaagte,
then the most advanced British position in Natal.
8th April.—The Regiment furnished outposts on the 8th and 9th April. The
following day the Boers shelled and, in a faint-hearted way, attacked the
camp. Without being actually engaged the Natal Volunteers were under a very
heavy shell fire, the enemy's gunners, as usual, showing a marked partiality
for their lines. Fortunately no casualties occurred. About midday they moved
to the east of the camp and reconnoitred in that direction without seeing
any signs of the enemy. A return to the camp was made at dusk, tents struck,
and at 9.30 p.m. the brigade moved to the vicinity of Buys's farm.
11th April.—A permanent camp was formed at Buys's farm, where the whole
brigade stayed till the 7th May. The Volunteer Brigade furnished the
outposts along the hills overlooking the Sunday's River Valley besides,
other minor posts, and opportunity was taken of this period of comparative
inactivity to practice field firing.
21st April.—Firing was heard in the direction of Elandslaagte, and the
Brigade marched a few miles towards it, but nothing of note happened.
6th May.—The brigade joined General Buller's force moving toward Helpmakaar
road, the Regiment furnishing scouts, and bivouacked at Pieter's farm.
9th May.—The column marched to Sunday's River drift which had been occupied
on the previous day by two squadrons of the Regiment under Captain Nourse,
N.C. A halt was made there, and the main column under General Buller
arrived.
11th May.—A move was made to Waschbank. Here the advanced squadrons came
into touch with the enemy and Trooper R. A. Lindsay, No. 3 Squadron, was
wounded.
12th May.—The column proceeded to Vermaak's Kraal, the Regiment furnishing
flanking squadrons. Some slight skirmishing ensued but there were no
casualties.
13th May.—As the column was leaving Vermaak's Kraal the Boers began shelling
from the Biggarsberg with one gun which, without having done much damage,
was promptly silenced by our 4.7. Part of the Regiment acted as scouts to
the column, whilst the remainder stayed the night at Vermaak's Kraal and
formed the rearguard. The Boers did not make much of a stand at Helpmakaar
and soon retired along the Biggarsberg, setting the grass on fire as they
went and followed by our men through dense and blinding smoke. Our scouts
occasionally were under heavy shell and rifle fire but there were no
casualties.
15th May.—Dundee was re-occupied by our troops who halted there for the next
day. Detached troops of the Regiment were sent out all around and succeeded
in taking several rebels prisoner.
17th May.—The column arrived at Dannhauser and more revels were captured.
18th May.—Newcastle was re-occupied.
19th May.—The column marched to within a few miles of Lang’s Nek to
ascertain the enemy’s position, and found them in strong force on the Nek.
An attempt was made to draw the enemy’s fire but without success and
eventually the column retired to the Ingogo River.
21st May.—Owing to the persuasions of Brigadier General Dartnell the
Regiment with the UMR was sent to occupy Mount Prospect and Inkwelo Hill.
The wisdom of seixing and fortifying Inkwelo was apparent when it was found
that both Lang’s Nek and Botha’s Pass could be commanded by guns on this
position. The work entailed on General Dartnell’s small force, weakened by
No 4 Squadron under Captain Lucas having been left ay Buy’s Farm was
exceedingly hard, especially in the cold and windy weather of this time of
year. No 4 Squadron shortly afterwards joined General Lyttleton’s column and
took part in that General’s move into the Transvaal as far as Utrecht.
28th May.—The 4th Brigade with guns arrived and took up a position on the
slopes of Inkwelo. It had been a matter of debate whether the enemy had a
Long Tom on Pougwana Hill, but doubts were soon set at rest by its opening
fire on our guns as they were being placed in position. A reply was soon
made and a long range duel ensued but without much damage being done.
30th May.—A party, under a flag of truce, was sent to the Boer Commandant, C
Botha, on Lang’s Nek, suggesting that he should surrender. The proposal,
referred by him to Pretoria, was refused, hostilities, however, ceased for
several days while the subject was pending
2nd June.—General Buller met the Boer Commandant, Assistant General C Botha,
on the question of surrender, but the result of their meeting was not
satisfactory. During these three days of negotiation there was a good deal
of sniping between the outposts.
6th June.—Shelling re-commenced. Several shells fell in the camp during this
and next day and two of the Royal Scots were killed.
8th June.—This day General Buller succeeded in forcing Botha’s Pass. The
guns on the west sloped of Inkwelo afforded valuable assistance in this
operation.
11th June.—The immediate consequence of General Buller’s victory at
Allerman’s Nek was the retreat of the Boers from Lang’s Nek which was then
occupied by our men. The Regiment, first to reach Lang’s Nek, moved on to
Charlestown where it bivouacked for the night.
14th June.—General Buller stated that the Boers now having been driven out
of the Colony, the Natal Volunteers might return home, but he wished them to
garrison Dundee for a short time.
Special Natal Army Order
Headquarters, Laing’s Nek, 15th June 1900
As the Natal Field Force is now leaving Natal, it loses the services of
the Natal Volunteers.
The G.O.C. desires to place on record his high appreciation of the
services rendered by Brigadier Dartnell, C.M.G., and the Natal
Volunteers.
In the arduous operations, which have resulted in the expulsion of the
enemy from Natal, they have borne their full share, and their efforts
throughout the last eight months have largely contributed to this
successful issue.
The G.O.C. fully realises the sacrifices they have cheerfully made to
remain in the field, and he feels that the time has come, when he ought
to release as many as possible from the duties they have so
patriotically undertaken. He has therefore asked General Dartnellto
undertake the defence of the Dundee Section of the Eastern Frontier, and
to allow those Volunteers not required for this duty to return to their
avocations..
While with the Field Force, the Natal Volunteers have earned the respect
and confidence of everyone in it, and when leaving it they carry with
them the best wishes of all their late comrades.
By Order, (Sgd.), H. S. G. Miles, Col.,
Chief of Staff.
15th June.—In obedience to General Buller's order the Regiment left
Charlestown en route for Dundee and arrived there on the 18th, having
bivouacked at Ingogo, Newcastle, and Dannhauser on their way down. On their
arrival at Dundee the Volunteer Brigade took over the outposts at Glencoe,
De Waal's, Gregory's Nek, Maybole farm, and Malungeni.
24th June.—His Excellency the Governor visited the camp.
28th June.—A reconnaissance in force was made as far as Maybole farm, but
nothing of interest happened.
8th July.—One troop under Lieutenant Tanner was sent to protect Dannhauser.
28th July.—While a patrol of eight men of the Richmond troop under Captain
Foxon were on duty near the Buffalo at the distance of about eight miles
from their outpost, a party of between thirty and forty Boers suddenly
crossed the river with the evident design of surrounding and capturing them.
The patrol retired 500 yards and then opened fire, but the enemy pressed
them hard and took three of them prisoners, Troopers Ward, Gordon, and
Hewitt. As the rest were endeavouring to make their escape Trooper Saner
fell dangerously wounded. Thereupon Captain Foxon returned to him, took and
used his rifle and bandolier and, while thus protecting him, was himself
wounded in the neck and for a short time lost consciousness. The Boers were
standing over him and Saner when he recovered but, seeing that the wounded
men were unable to walk or ride and being unwilling to encumber themselves
with dead weight, they left them lying on the veld and retreated across the
Buffalo with their three prisoners. Captain Foxon behaved very pluckily in
this little scrap. At night the two wounded men were brought into Dundee by
ambulance. The Boers lost in this brush with the Carbineers two killed and a
native wounded. A strong reinforcement was sent out by General Dartnell but
did not come into touch with the enemy. The three captured Carbineers were
soon afterwards restored to their troop by exchange of prisoners. Trooper
Bowman rode back, under a heavy-fire, with a dismounted man's horse up to
within 150 yards of the enemy and by his plucky action saved his comrade.
For the next few days patrols were sent in the direction of the passes in
the Drakensberg. Boers were seen on the Berg from time to time but they did
not come in contact with the patrols.
9th August.—The camp, which had been pitched on the farm Craigie Burn, was
shifted close to the town on the eastern side.
22nd August.—The brigade stood to arms at 3 a.m. to-day and for many
mornings afterwards, and went out to hold Talana and Smith's Hills as an
attack was expected. An additional piquet was also furnished on the flats
beyond Talana.
24th August.—A column, which included the Natal Carbineers, was sent to try
to intercept the enemy who were supposed to be moving on Newcastle. A long
and trying day in the saddle was spent but no traces of the enemy were seen.
For several weeks the Brigade stood to arms at 3.30 a.m.
5th September.—The Brigade demonstrated as far as Maybole farm in the
direction of the Buffalo and our guns shelled the other side of the river
without any apparent result. A return to Dundee was made on the 7th.
16th September.—The Brigade moved out towards the Buffalo to advance on
Vryheid. Maybole was reached that night, and on the following day the river
was crossed at De Jager's drift without opposition. Next day an advance was
made in the direction of the Blood River, and there General Hildyard's
Brigade, which had come from Utrecht, was met. A halt was made at the Blood
River for the night. On moving towards Scheeper's Nek the column was opposed
by a commando of the enemy. Several of the scouts supplied by the Regiment
were engaged in this affair. The next morning the Regiment was ordered to
patrol to the east of Vryheid. They succeeded in taking several prisoners
amongst whom was the notorious Ludovic de Jager. The Volunteers were greatly
disappointed on hearing that they were not to go on to Vryheid, that place
being regarded by them as belonging by rights to Natal. After a long day in
the saddle de Jager's drift was regained that night, and the following day
the Regiment returned to Dundee. A large number of stock was captured in the
course of this patrol.
30th September.—Orders were received to return home, but on the following
day a convoy proceeding to Vryheid was captured by the enemy between the
Buffalo and Blood rivers which necessitated the cancellation for a time of
the orders to return.
8th October.—The Regiment finally left Dundee and reached Maritzburg next
day—the anniversary of the Boer ultimatum to the British Government—after an
absence on active service of one year and eight days.
1901
22nd September.—From this day the Ladysmith squadron was for some time
employed in watching the western border.
29th September.—The rest of the Regiment left Maritzburg for Greytown to
form part of a mobile column, under Colonel Mills, sent to the eastern
border of Natal in consequence of a threatened inroad of the Boers by way of
Zululand. One squadron was sent on to Untun-jambili.
1st October.—The column moved on the Magistracy at Krantz-kop and remained
there patrolling the neighbourhood till the 13th.
13th October.—The Regiment returned to Greytown and, after a halt of one day
there, proceeded to Maritzburg.
1902.
11th March,—The Ladysmith squadron set out for the Upper Tugela district in
consequence of an inroad by the Boers, but fortunately their services were
only required for a few days.
CIVIC BANQUET TO SIR REDVERS BULLER AND THE NATAL CARBINEERS, 17TH NOVEMBER,
1900.
The projected visit of General Sir Redvers Buller to Maritzburg on his way
Home from the seat of war, a few weeks after the return of the Carbineers
from their year's service at the front, was an opportunity not to be missed
of giving thanks publicly to him who had routed the invaders of Natal and at
the same time to that part of the Ladysmith garrison that had their head
quarters in the city. The Mayor and Corporation prepared a public luncheon
for them in the Market Hall, on Wednesday, the 17th November, and invited
the leading citizens to assist by their presence in doing them honour. A
novel feature of the festival, meant and recognised as a special compliment
to the entertained, was the voluntary service of a number of young ladies in
helping to wait on the guests.
"None but the brave deserves the fair."
The Mayor (Major G. J. Macfarlane, N.C.), in the course of his speech
proposing the toast of the Navy, Army, and Volunteers, with which he coupled
the name of General Sir Redvers Buller, said:—"As the head and leader of the
army, with which we in Natal have been so closely associated, we have only
to mention the name of Sir Redvers Buller to evoke universal and heartfelt
enthusiasm. As one of those many here to-day who underwent the hardships,
trials, and anxieties of that long four months' siege of Ladysmith, we
personally owe him deep and lasting thanks as our rescuer and deliverer. The
difficulties that had to be overcome can only be fully realised by those who
have gone over the ground through which he had to force his way."
In his reply General Buller said:—"Mr. Mayor, ladies" (the waitresses), "and
gentlemen, the navy is England's first line of defence and, as usual and
always, has done its duty in every way it has been called on, and has done
more than was expected of it in this war. As regards the army, I may say I
was here with an army 20 years ago. The privilege of all of us Britons, and
we are very fond of it, is to abuse ourselves. We do not like other people
to do it. We do it ourselves, and we see in English papers continual
references to the shortcomings of the army. But I stand here, in the
presence of many men who are quite separate from any feeling and desire to
be unfair and unfriendly to the army, and I can say without fear of
contradiction, that any men who compare the army— the English army as it has
shown itself in Natal during the past twelve months—with the English army
they knew 20 years ago, will all agree with me in acknowledging the advances
both officers and men have made. And when I say that, I believe I give the
poor old English army the highest possible credit, and no more than it
deserves. I might say very much the same of the Natal volunteers. There were
here 20 years ago, as there are now, a very large number of very gallant
men, but they were not then, as they have been since, thoroughly organised,
well led, and well conducted troops. It is an immense difference, and I
congratulate the Colony on the growth of military spirit and military
ardour—in short, it is patriotism; and it is nationalism grown during that
period. Whether that immense difference is due to the fact that meanwhile it
has become a self-governing colony I do not know, but I hope it may be,
because before the whole of Natal and the whole of South Africa there is a
potentiality arising that will require a nationality to carry it out. This
hall is not easy to speak in, and I could wish to make those at the lower
end of the room hear the things I would like to say about the volunteers
whom I lately had the honour of commanding. I will only say there is nobody
who knows anything of the siege of Ladysmith but joins with me in regretting
the death of Colonel Royston. There is nobody who knows anything of the
operations of the last twelve months who is not aware of the debt the Empire
owes to General Dartnell, and the many other volunteer officers. I would
especially mention Major McKenzie and Major Leuchars. I am very diffident
about mentioning names, as there are many I could mention, but those three
men came specially before me, and I only give them as examples of what I
could mention."
On behalf of the volunteers Colonel Greene said:—"The toast in years past
had been the 'Navy, Army, and Volunteers,' but the General had changed it
into 'Her Majesty's Forces,' and they took it as a compliment that no
distinction between the regulars and volunteers had been made by him."
Before the next toast on the list was proposed the General got up again and,
playfully charging Colonel Greene with having in his reply forgotton those
who might be termed "the best volunteers here," said:—"I have the honour to
call for three cheers for those kind lady volunteers who came here to wait
on us."
BOER WAR. SUMMARY OF N.C. RECORD
Strength on being called out, 508 officers, non-coms, and men; strength on
return, 412 officers, non-coms, and men; 2 officers, 116 non-coms and men
remaining in the field; returning to Maritzburg, 240 officers, non-coms, and
men.
Casualties:—1 officer (Major Taunton) and 10 non-coms and men killed in
action; 2 died of wounds; 2 officers (Capt. Lucas and Lieut. A. Wylde-Brown)
and 21 non-coms and men died of disease; 34 non-coms and men wounded in
action. Total 70, equals 13.78 per cent.
Engagements,—Bester's Station, 19th October, 1899; Tinta Inyoni, 24th
October, 1899; Lombard's Kop, 30th October, 1899; End Hill, 3rd November,
1899; Siege of Ladysmith, 2nd November, 1899 to 28th February, 1900; Gun
Hill, 7th and 8th December, 1899; Colenso, 15th December, 1899; Caesar's
Camp, 6th January, 1900; Acton Homes, 17th January, 1900; Monte Cristo, 17th
and 18th January, 1900; Helpmakaar, 11th May, 1900
