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2nd Regiment Canadian Mounted Rifles, In The Second Anglo Boer War. 9 years 11 months ago #20673
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My own awareness in this Canadian contingent, derives from the Sessional Paper, as few accounts, painted with a wide-brush, in brief on, 2nd Regiment Canadian Mounted Rifles, in the Second South African War, are scarce, however could be, I’m not informed on there existence. Instead of providing the status quo, author’s footnotes, I’ll insert the actual official detailed account, without Historian narrative, creative touch, allowing the interested individuals, especially students, too drawn their own conclusions on, “3rd Contingent, 2nd Regt., C. M. R.” (While others state; 3rd Contingent, not quite). I’ll provide prime source, first hand accounts, from those that were there, actual extracts. The official submitted reports, from COs’, etc., appendixes, lists of DOW, DOD, etc., etc, from the Government Sessional Paper. Others and I have created awareness for decades, even though considered the gold seal standard, in Canadian historical accounts, circa 70% is accurate. The Gov. Sessional Paper, have discrepancies, inaccurate, fall short, whitewashed accounts, and that goes for the Parliament, etc, sections in the Volumes, in hindsight, all other years until the mergence of, FWW, owing too bureaucrats with hidden agendas or ? Owing part of my study paper, any challenges on the Original Account presented, posts are welcomed, with Prime first hand Source, preferably, supporting the argument. If changes are required, I certainly won’t drag my heels, like others. Anybody wishes too add more, providing a more detailed account, always appreciated. Those that have done the proper leg work, have a responsibility insuring an accurate account is presented, too interested individuals as our students and future historians. REPORT OF THE GENERAL OFFICER COMMANDING 1-2 EDWARD VII., A. 1902, SESSIONAL PAPER No. 35, p.39. 2nd Regiment Canadian Mounted Rifles: Again, at the close of the year. His Majesty's Imperial Government signified their acceptance of further Canadian aid in South Africa, and in (Militia Order No. 271), of 29th November, 1901, authority was issued to enlist a regiment of Imperial Yeomanry to be known as the 2nd Regiment Canadian Mounted Rifles, consisting of 4 squadrons with a total strength of 26 Officers, 31 Non-Commissioned Officers and 540 Rank and File; subsequently (M.O. No. 285 of 16th December), two additional squadrons were authorized. By the 31st December the Mounted Rifles had mobilized at Halifax and their horses provided, and the organization and equipping of this unit is now proceeding. I purpose submitting later a report giving full details respecting the organization, personnel and equipment of these units and their departure for the seat of war, with such details of their services in the field as may be available. As in the case of the other contingents the applications for enlistment were far more numerous than could possible be accepted, allowing a large margin for selection, which was strictly and very satisfactorily carried out, priority being given to men who had previously served in South Africa, of which there were a considerable number, and as a result, I believe that rarely if ever has a finer body of men been enrolled for His Majesty's Service and the country may with confidence look to the 2nd Regiment Canadian Mounted Rifles to worthily uphold that reputation and add to the laurels gained by their predecessors. GOV. SP., 1902, No. 96.: Return to an address of the House of Commons, dated 19th February, 1902, for a copy of all papers and correspondence exchanged between his Excellency the governor general, the Canadian government, or any of its members or departments, the officer commanding the Canadian militia, and the British authorities, in relation to the South African war, its conduct and its settlement; and the sending or recruiting of Canadian troops to South Africa,—for the three last year's. Presented 7th May, 1902.— Mr. Bourassa. 2-3 EDWARD VII., A. 1903,SESSIONAL PAPER No. 35a. 2nd Regiment CANADIAN MOUNTED RIFLES. In the autumn of 1901, as the end of the war appeared to be still remote, the Right Honourable the Secretary of State for the Colonies telegraphed to His Excellency the Governor General, on November 25, 1901, that the Imperial Government would gratefully accept the offer of another contingent, and authorized a corps, to consist of not less than 600 men, to be raised on the following terms :— Firstly—Men to be able to ride and shoot. Secondly—Imperial Yeomanry rates of pay to be accepted, namely, Cavalry rates to date of embarkation and yeomanry rates subsequently. Thirdly—Canadian government to provide horses, saddlery, uniforms, boots, et cetera, on repayment. Imperial government to provide arms. Fourthly—Officers to be nominated by Canadian government and their names submitted to the Commander-in-Chief for approval of Secretary of State for War. Fifthly—Medical conditions to be as for Imperial Yeomanry. Sixthly—Preference to be given to men who have had previous service in South Africa and to single men. Married men and widowers with children to be accepted, provided that they understand that no separation allowance will be issued.' The raising of a corps in accordance with the conditions contained in Mr. Chamberlain's despatch was undertaken by the department of Militia and Defence. On December 14. two additional squadrons, and such extra horses as the two transports could carry, were authorized by the Imperial government. The regiment was first designated Canadian Yeomanry, but during the organization the designation was changed to 2nd Regiment Canadian Mounted Rifles. SECOND REGIMENT CANADIAN MOUNTED RIFLES. The despatch from the Right Honourable the Secretary of State for the Colonies, dated November 25, authorizing the organization of a corps for service in South Africa to consist of not less than 600 men, was received at the Department of Militia and Defence on the following day. On November 29, orders were issued for the organization of a regiment to be known as Canadian Yeomanry, and clothed, armed and equipped as Imperial Yeomanry, command of Colonel T. D. B. Evans, C. B., commanding Canadian Mounted Rifles. This designation was subsequently changed to 2nd Regiment Canadian Mounted Rifles. Colonel Evans at once proceeded to headquarters to take up the duties of organization. CONDITIONS OF SERVICE. The conditions of service were as follows:— Terms of service: 12 months, or until the termination of the present war in South Africa. Pay: Cavalry rates, from day of enlistment until the day prior to embarkation, and Imperial Yeomanry rates from and inclusive of date of embarkation. Age: Not under 20 years nor over -40. Standard.—Not under 5 ft. 5 in. in height; not to weigh more than 185 pounds, and to have a chest measurement of not less than 34 inches. ' Medical Requirements: To be medically fit, according to Imperial Yeomanry conditions. Qualification: To be able to ride and shoot. Preference will be given to men who have had previous service in South Africa, and to single men. Married men and widowers with children will be accepted, conditional on no separation allowance being issued. The conditions of pay were as follows:— Up to and including the day prior to embarkation for South Africa, ordinary Cavalry rates of pay and allowances will be drawn, except separation allowance. From date of embarkation the rates of pay will be on the following scale, which will be inclusive of good conduct pay:— Regimental sergeant-major…………….. $ 2 19. Quartermaster sergeant . . . ……………...$2.06. Farrier-sergeant………………………….$2.06. Farrier staff sergeant…………………….$2.06. Company sergeant-major………………..$1.94. Company Q.M. sergeant…………………$1.94. Sergeant ................................................... $1.70. Corporal appointed paid lance-sergeant….$1.58. Corporal and paid lance-corporal………..$1.46. Private……………………………………$1.21. Non-Commissioned officers not above the rank of sergeant acting as farrier-sergeant or farrier staff sergeant, and privates acting as buglers, .saddlers or shoeing-smiths will be granted extra duty pay at the rate of 24 cents per diem. RECRUITING. Recruiting was conducted at the following stations, commencing December 9:— In British Columbia: Victoria, Vancouver, Revelstoke, Rossland, Nelson and Fort Steele. In North-west Territories: Edmonton, Calgary, Pincher Creek, MacLecd, Lethbride, Maple Creek, Regina, Moosomin, and Prince Albert. In Manitoba: Virden, Brandon, Portage la Prairie and Winnipeg. In Ontario: London, Guelph, Hamilton, Toronto, Peterboro, Ottawa and Kingston. In Quebec: Montreal. Quebec and St. John's. In New Brunswick: Fredericton and St. John. In Nova Scotia: Halifax. In Prince Edward Island: Charlottetown. RECRUITING FOR TWO ADDITIONAL SQUADRONS. On December 10, Mr. Chamberlain telegraphed that the transports Manhattan and Victorian were proceeding to Halifax to convey the troops to South Africa. As these two transports had accommodation for 52 officers, 950 non-commissioned officers and men, and 1,096 horses, two additional squadrons were offered, and on December 14, the offer was accepted, and such extra horses as the two transports could carry were at the same time authorized. This necessitated the re-opening of the recruiting stations. Orders were accordingly issued, on December 16, to recommence recruiting on December 23, at the following stations:— In British Columbia.—Vancouver, Kamloops, Rossland, Nelson and Cranbrook. In North-west Territories.—MacLeod, Calgary and Moosomin. In Manitoba.—Virden, Brandon, Portage la Prairie, and Winnipeg. In Ontario —London, Hamilton, Toronto, Peterboro, Ottawa and Kingston. In Quebec.—Montreal. In New Brunswick.—Moncton and St. John. In Nova Scotia.—Halifax and Kentville. In Prince Edward Island.—Charlottetown. 
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2nd Regiment Canadian Mounted Rifles, In The Second Anglo Boer War. 9 years 11 months ago #20675
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The conditions of service and the rates of pay were, of course, the same as for the other squadrons. COMMISSIONS. The names selected for commissions were submitted for the approval of the Right Honourable the Secretary of State for War, and temporary rank in the army whilst serving in South Africa was granted from January 14, 1902. Lt.-Col. in Com: Col. T.D.B. Evans, C.B. Sec-in-Com: Major W.H. Merritt, Governor General’s Body Guard. Major: Lt.-Col. G.W. Cameron, 5th ‘Royal Scots.’ Captains(according to seniority): Maj., R.G.E. Leckie, Reserve Officer. Maj., J.F. Macdonald, 37th Regt., Haldimand Rifles. Capt., P.E. Thacker, Royal Canadian Regiment. Capt., J.D. Moodie, Nirthwest Mounted Police. Capt., J.H. Elmsley, Royal Canadian Dragoons. Lieut. J.E. Leckie, D.S.O., Reserve Officer. Lieut. I.R. Snider, D.S.O., Reserve Officer. F. Church, late R.S.M., 1st C.M.R. Lieutenants (according to seniority): Capt. A. F. Aslrmead, Q O. C. Hussars. Capt. K. F. Markham, 8th Hussares Lieut. Bruce Carrutliers, Reserve of Officers. " Y Kirkpatrick " " " W. R. Marshall, 13th Regt. " S. J. A. Demers, North-west Mounted Police. " C. R. Tryon, Reserve of Officers. " A. D. Reford, 3rd Fd. Batty. " E. P. Clarkson, 9th Fd. Batty. " G. B. jVJackay, 5th "Royal Scots." " G. W. M. Farrell, 66th Regiment. " F. Homer Dixon, 10th "Royal Grenadiers." " J. D. Graham, 4.3rd Regiment. " J. W. Allan, 5th "Royal Scots." " H. Hiam, 3rd "Victoria Rifles." " A. H. Gault, 5th "Royal Scots." " H. J. Lambkin, 8th "Royal Rifles." " H. G. Brunton, 12th "York Rangers." Honorary Major W. Rodden, 3rd "Victoria Rifles." Veterinary Captain C. P. B. Simpson, 6th Hussars. J. C. Richards, late S.S. M. Strathcona's Horse. R. H. Ryan, late Sergt. R.C.D. (S.S.) T. Callaghan, late Pte. 1st C.M.R. H. S. Douglas, kte Pte. R.C.D. (S.S.) H. F. W. Fishwick, late a Lieut. 66th Regt. E. Blake Allan, late Pte. R.C.D. (S.S.) W. J. Loudon, late Cadet R.M.C. Adjutant with rank of Captain: F. Church, late R.S.M. 1st C.M.R.' Medical Officers: Medical Officer: Surgeon Captain J. A. Devine, A. M.S. Asst. Medical Officer: Surgeon-Lieut.-Colonel H. R. Duff, 4th Hussars. Veterinary Officers: Veterinary Lieutenant R. Riddell, Reserve of Officers. A. E. James. Quartermaster with rank of Lieutenant: J. Graham, late R.Q.M.S., R.C.D. (S.S.) Paymaster With rank of Lieutenant: R. H. Moir, late Sergt. Strathcona's Horse. REPORT ON SERVICE OF 2nd C.M.R. From the Officer Commanding, 2nd Regiment Canadan Mounted Rifles, to the Adjutant General Head-Quarters, Ottawa. SS. Winifredian, July 16, 1902. Sir T have the honour to submit herewith my report in connection with the organization and service of the 2nd Regiment Canadian Mounted Rifles. Organization.—When the organization was complete the officers were distributed as follows :— Lt. Colonel, Commanding:—Lt. Col. T. D. B. Evans, C.B. Major, 2nd in Command:—Major W. H. Merritt. Major:—Major G.W. Cameron, D.S.O. Adjutant:—Captain F. Church. Intelligence Officer:—Lieut. T. H. Callaghan. Quarter- Master:—Lieut. J. Graham. Assistant Quarter-Master:—Lieut. W. Rodden. A. D. Reford, Medical Officers:—Surgeon-Major J. A. Devine. H. R. Duff. Veterinary Officers:— Vet. Capt. R. Riddell. Vet. Lieut. A. E. James. Transport Officer:—Capt. T. R. Snider. Acting Paymaster:—Lieut. R. H. Moir. "A" Squadron:—Capt. R. G. E. Leckie. Lieut. C. R. Tryon. H.F.W. Fish Wick. G.B. Mackay. E. B. Allan. "B" Squadron:—Capt. J. E. Leckie, D.S.O. Lieut. J. C. Richards. G. H. Kirkpatrick. H. Hiam. J. W. Allan. "C" Squadron:—Capt. J. D. Moodie. Lieut. H. S. Douglas. S. J. A. Demers. W. J. Loudon. C. P. B. Simpson. "D" Squadron:—Capt. J. F. Macdonald. Lieut. F. H. Dixon. R. F. Markham. H. G. Brunton. H. J. Lambkin. "E" Squadron:—Capt. J. H. Elmsley. Lieut. W. R. Marshall. Bruce Carruthers. A. H. Gault. E. P. Clarkson "F" Squadran:—Capt. P. E. Thacker. Lieut. R. H. Ryan. A. F. Ashmead. G.W.M. Farrell. J. D. Graham. Training.—The few weeks at Halifax previous to embarkation were fully utilized in organizing the interior economy of the regiment, drill, and carrying out a complete course of musketry. For the latter the greatest credit is due to Lieut. Clark, Sergt. Instructor in Musketry Moore, and Colour-Sergt. Webb. Lieut. Clark overcame numerous obstacles in arranging for this course in mid-winter, and he and his assistants displayed great energy and ability in conducting it to a successful issue.Lieut.-Col. Smyth, Officer Commanding Ordnance Department, also showed great interest in the regiment by constructing two floating targets for use on the ship. The Voyage.—The left wing and one troop right wing, with 513 horses, sailed on troopship Manhatian on January 14; and head-quarters and right wing, with 486 horses and 10th Canadian Field Hospital, A.M.C., on troopship Victorian on January 28, arriving at Durban on February 18 and 25, respectively. The care of horses, drill and Morris tube exercise occupied the time of the troops on board. On the Manhattan an epidemic of measles broke out without serious results. On board the Victorian, in addition to an epidemic of measles, a case of small-pox developed; this in course of time was followed by three new cases. The regimental Medical Officers and their staffs on both ships made excellent arrangements to meet the emergencies, and on the Victorian the 10th Field Hospital rendered great assistance. Fortunately the type of both diseases was very light and all cases recovered. * The arrangements for men and horses on both ships were very satisfactory. The loss of horses on the Manhattan was 9, and on the Victorian 22, or a total of 31 out of 1,006 horses. After Arrival.—On arrival at Durban—the Manhattan on February 18 and the Victorian on February 25—both wings at once entrained for Newcastle. As the heat was intense and the floors of the box cars were of iron and very slippery, this two days journey by train did serious injury to the condition of the horses after a long sea voyage, and several died en route. At Newcastle the two wings of the regiment occupied separate camps, as the head quarters and right wing were isolated on account of small-pox. Fortunately no new cases developed. During its stay in Newcastle the left wing furnished a squadron to occupy Botha's Pass while a drive was in progress, and also performed convoy duty. The ring wing, although isolated for quarantine purposes, occupied a very advanced post which they strongly entrenched, and the importance of which called for heavy Outpost Duties. On March 1, the Commander-in-Chief, Lord Kitchener, inspected the regiment and found everything satisfactory. Lieut.-General Lyttleton inspected the regiment on March 6, and Major-General Walter Kitchener on March 10. On the 14th, orders were received to proceed by route march to Volksrust, and thence by rail to Klerksdorp. After an interesting march of two days, past Majuba Hill and though Langs Nek to Volksrust, and two days by rail, the regiment arrived at Klerksdorp and was at once attached to Colonel Cookson's Column, in General Walter Kitchener's Division. Three days later it was engaged in the active operations under General Walter Kitchener just commenced in the Western Transvaal, and took a prominent part in all the chief events connected with these operations, including:— (1.) The night ride of 45 miles to Witpoort Ridge, followed by the Drive at daybreak next morning; the regiment covering 85 miles ia 23 hours. (2.) The operations ending with the battle of Boschbult, near Harts River, on March 31. (3.) The Drive commencing April 10, culminating with the attack of the Boers on General Kekewich's Column and their defeat with heavy losses. (4.) The Drive from Driekuil to Klerksdorp on April 14 and 15. (5.) The operations between April 23 and May 2, west of Klerksdorp, in which a large amount of the standing crops of the enemy were taken or destroyed. (6.) The Drive commencing May 5, and ending May 23, to Vryburg, in Cape Colony, and return, resulting in large captures of prisoners and stock. In all the above successful operations (which proved to be the closing events of the war) the regiment took a very active part, and all ranks showed great energy in carrying out, both in spirit and in the letter, all orders entrusted to them. Extracts from my Staff Diary, giving particulars of cheif events, are appended to this report. The regiment lay at Klerksdorp awaiting orders from May 23 until June 16, when it was ordered to march to Krugersdorp. This march (105 miles) was performed in three days, and after a two days' halt at Krugersdorp, further orders were received to march to Elandsfontein, which was done on June 22. On the 23rd, orders were received to entrain at once for Durban en route to Canada. As a considerable number of men desired to take their discharges to remain in South Africa, and as the Regimental Paymaster was on his way from Cape Town with the Pay Lists, I endeavoured to secure a couple of days in order to get the regimental accounts arranged before entraining. Durinif its stay at Klerksdorp subsequent to the declaration of peace, no official information could be secured with regard to the future disposition of the regiment. The additional days could not be arranged for and the regiment, with the 10th Field Hospital, entrained for Durban on June 24, arriving there on the 27th, and embarking and sailing per ss. Winijredian on the same date. The Regimental Paymaster and the Pay Officials from Cape Town did not overtake the regiment, and I drew at Durban sufficient cash to pay off the regiment. Ninety-three N.C. Officers and men took their discharges to settle in South Africa. . History is not like playing horseshoes where close enough counts; those that have done the proper leg work have a responsibility to insure a detailed accurate account. Canada at War Blog:
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2nd Regiment Canadian Mounted Rifles, In The Second Anglo Boer War. 9 years 11 months ago #20676
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The Voyage Home.—The arrangements on the ss. Winifredian were only fairly satisfactory, the chief favourable feature being that there was ample room for all ranks. The cooking arrangements for the N.C. Officers and men were at first not satisfactory, but improved after the first week. Coal was being moved from one hatch to another during the first fortnight, which resulted in discomfort and dirt over a portion of the ship. The canteen and officers' mess supplies were very limited in variety and amount, and the prices higher than charged on previous voyages. The above deficiencies were attributed by the ship's officers to the fact that sufficient time was not allowed them at Durban to make the necessary arrangements. The large amount of deck room available for all ranks, however, to some extent offset the deficiencies above referred to. The health of the troops on bard was excellent and the hospital arrangements very complete. Discipline.—The conduct and discipline of the regiment were excellent in all respects, and all ranks appeared to be inspired with a desire to keep up the good name of the regiment and the Dominion. The good reputation won by the regiment for its work in the field was equalled by the name it bore throughout General Kitchener's Division, for steadiness and regularity in camp and on the line of march. Red Cross Funds.—The following sums were placed at my disposal to provide comforts for the regiment and for the use of the sick and wounded, viz.:— Toronto Ladies' Branch, Red Cross Society. . £107, s.12, d.8. Red Cross Society (per Lt.-Col. Mason)…… £102, s.18. Soldiers' Wives' League, Winnipeg…………. £ 61, s.7, d.8. The following articles were also received:— Balaklava Caps, Books, &c., from Imperial Order of the Daughters of the Empire, Toronto and Hamilton. Comforts, from the Ladies of St. Thomas, Ont. Reading Matter, from Mrs. Naylor, Halifax. The Halifax Assembly of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew. Y.M.C.A., Halifax. Lime Juice, from Messrs. Simpson Bros., Halifax. On account of the comparatively short service of the regiment, a considerable portion of the above money remains unexpended. The thanks of the regiment are due to Mrs. Greenwood, wife of Lt.-Col. Greenwood (formerly O.C, 3rd P. of W. Dragoons and now District Inspector of Imperial Military Railways, Johannesburg), who was unremitting in her kindness to the sick and wounded of the regiment in the hospitals in the vicinity of Johannesburg, and who materially assisted in the distribution of the above funds. The kindness of the societies above named in placing the money at my disposal, and the untiring interest displayed by Mrs. Greenwood in the welfare of our sick, are keenly appreciated by all ranks. . 
. History is not like playing horseshoes where close enough counts; those that have done the proper leg work have a responsibility to insure a detailed accurate account. Canada at War Blog:
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2nd Regiment Canadian Mounted Rifles, In The Second Anglo Boer War. 9 years 11 months ago #20679
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Hi, adding Gov., Doc's from 1903.
. History is not like playing horseshoes where close enough counts; those that have done the proper leg work have a responsibility to insure a detailed accurate account. Canada at War Blog:
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2nd Regiment Canadian Mounted Rifles, In The Second Anglo Boer War. 9 years 11 months ago #20680
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Lists of all that sailed back home will be inserted on a later date.
. History is not like playing horseshoes where close enough counts; those that have done the proper leg work have a responsibility to insure a detailed accurate account. Canada at War Blog:
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2nd Regiment Canadian Mounted Rifles, In The Second Anglo Boer War. 9 years 11 months ago #20690
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Continuance of the list.
Note, I'll clearup the lists, with photoshop, just did a few to see deference. History is not like playing horseshoes where close enough counts; those that have done the proper leg work have a responsibility to insure a detailed accurate account. Canada at War Blog:
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