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3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th Regts’ Canadian Mounted Rifles South African War Part II 9 years 11 months ago #20735
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REPORT ON SERVICE OF 5th C.M.R. From Lt.-Col. A. C. Macdonel, D.S.O., commanding 5th Regiment Canadian Mounted Rifles, to the Adjuiant-General, Canadian Militia. Montreal, August 31, 1902. Sir,—T have the honour to submit the following report upon the 5th Regiment Canadian Mounted Rifles:— GENERAL REMARKS. The 5th Regiment, raised in accordance with M.O. 79, 1902, was recruited in "Western Canada, i.e. Manitoba, North-west Territories, and British Columbia. The ranks were filled with a particularly workmanlike class of men, of good physique, good shots and riders, and thoroughly accustomed to prairie and camp life. A good many (about one-third) had had previous service in the British army, the Permanent Corps, or the North-west Mounted Police and other corps. Among the cow-boys and ranchers who enlisted, thirty-two were professional packers from the Rocky Mountains, and sixty-four were professional 'broncho-busters,' horse-breakers and ropers from western ranches. The selection of the officers was particularly fortunate, for no better or more experienced men ever sat in Canadian saddles. Nineteen had seen previous war service, fourteen in the late war in South Africa, and eight had had service in that most practical of all schools for active service, the North-west Mounted Police. I desire to place on record my appreciation of the loyal and efficient manner in which they supported me. My thanks are especially due to Major E. A. C. Hosmer, who, painstaking and energetic, proved himself to be an ideal second-in-command; to Captain D. E. Strickland, the popular and hard-working adjutant, who also acted as second-in command on the return voyage; to Lieut, Frank B. Hardy, who acted as assistant adjutant in charge of drills during mobilization and the outward voyage, and as camp adjutant of the Overseas Colonial Camp at Durban, performing his work in a manner that was beyond, all praise; to the regimental staff, and the four squadron commanders, particularly Captain F. H. Bagley, whose long service and varied experiences in the Territories and in the North-west Mounted Police rendered him an invaluable officer in a regiment composed of western men; and to the officers whose names are mentioned from time to time in this report in connection with the special work which they performed. MOBILIZATION. The regiment mobilized at Halifax, N.S., on May 6, 1002, and was quartered at the exhibition grounds, the men sleeping around the gallery in the big building. Everything was done to make them as comfortable as possible under the circumstances by Mr. H. H. Wickwire, the government agent, who throughout our stay rendered every assistance in his power. I had reported myself at Halifax several days prior to the arrival of the regiment, and had drawn up instructions on 'Organization and Drill,' ' Officers ' Uniforms and Necessary Kit,' ‘Selection’ Men for Promotion,' and orders posting officers to their respective squadrons. These were typewritten and were handed to every officer on his arrival, and I went over them carefully with each officer, so that there could be no possible misunderstanding as to what was required. The time and trouble spent in this way were fully justified by the results. I also had a large number of copies of 'Advice to Men Joining the 5th Regiment,' and 'Instructions when and How to Salute,' struck off and posted in the regimental quarters and distributed among the men, and these also bore good fruit. The priority of the officers were quartered at the Queen's Hotel, and upon requisition being made to the proprietor, he placed a room at their disposal as an ante-room and otherwise did all in his power to render them comfortable. The men arrived before their attestation papers, but, as no time was to be lost, they were fallen in at once by provinces, and the squadrons made up by first a troop from Manitoba then one from the North-west Territories, and then one from British Columbia. In this wav each squadron was composed of men drawn from the same province or territory, and at the same time the troops were composed of comrades from the same section of country. I attribute the good fellowship that prevailed between the four squadrons, engendering the strong regimental esprit de corps for which the 5th was distinguished, to the ring manner in which the instructions of Major General O'Grady-Haly, C.B., D.S.O. on this matter were carried out. Pains were taken to ascertain who were the drilled men, and to employ them upon the necessary fatigues, police duties, &e., and so give the undrilled men a better chance of learning the work they had to do. The clothing and kit were of first class quality and very complete, and were rapidly issued. The store-room of each squadron was so built that it adjoined the quarter-master's store, communication being had through a wicket in the partition which was locked upon the quarter-master's side. This did away with any unnecessary fatigues in carrying" stores, and facilitated the immediate change of garments that failed to fit. The arrangement proved such an unqualified success that I have no hesitation in recommending it’s the correct plan for rapidly fitting out a regiment on mobilization. In connection with the equipping of the regiment, lieutenant and quarter-master C.C. Raven, the regimental quarter-master sergeant and the squadron quarter-master sergeants are deserving of praise. Squadron officers were posted as follows:— "A" Squadron:—Capt. F. J. Clark. Lt. T. L. Hartley, 1st Trp. H. R. Page, 2nd Trp. J. F. Crean, 3rd Trp. A. S. Purves, 4th trp. "B" Squadron:—Capt. C. H. Roprers. Lt. F. B. Hardy, 1st Trp. J. B. Sgt, 2nd Trp. P. Standly, 3rd Trp. J. H. Irvine, 4th Trp. "C" Squadron:—Capt. F. H. Bagley. Lt. H. H. Nash, 1st Trp. A. A. Vernon. 2nd Trp. J. C. de Balinbard, 3rd Trp. J. D. Hernott, 4th Trp. "D" Squadron:—Capt. A. W. Strange. Lt. L. Hooper, 1st Trp. C. B. Worsnop, 2nd Trp. C. Tomlinson, 3rd trp. T. Brown, 4th Trp. As soon as the squadrons were formed, drill and instruction began. -Each subaltern instructed his own troop. The men were allowed to arrange their own groups of four, after which they drilled, ate and slept in that order. For drill purposes the broken groups fell in on the left, so that only broken groups were mixed with others. Every morning and afternoon the squadron commanders formed up their squadrons and performed some simple movements, and then the regiment was formed up by me or Major Hosmer. In this way the rawest recruit had it instilled into him, from the very first, the fact that he was a member of a group of four, and that he belonged to a troop, a squadron and a regiment, and he soon picked up regimental organization from observation. The regiment was inspected by Major-General O'Grady-Haly, C.B., D.S.O., just two days after mobilization, and even then the General remarked upon the steadiness of the men on parade, and complimented them upon it. He also remarked upon the splendid physique of both officers and men. A few days later, Major-General Sir Charles Parsons, K.C.M.G , Commanding the Regular Forces in Canada (under whom I had the honour of serving in South Africa), was kind enough to inspect the regiment and afterwards witness an exhibition of riding, roping and packing. He expressed himself as pleased, and said that the officers and men were a particularly good lot and formed a very fine command. As the regiment was over strength—a fact -which speaks well for the loyalty of western men—acting upon instructions received, the overplus was drafted into the 6th Regiment, and one or two into other regiments, while a draft of twenty men, under Lieutenant Woodside, was attached to the regiment to be taken out to South Africa for the 2nd Regiment, to replace casualties. The horses arrived only a few days before sailing, the last twenty, in fact, only on the day of sailing. They were a very good lot and well chosen. Some Nova Scotian horses, and a batch from Ontario that were specially purchased as being likely to make officers' chargers, were particularly handsome. Two hundred and twenty were western prairie bred horses, and there is no doubt that they make the toughest and hardiest for campaigning. Like the western men, they take a lot of killing and die game to the last. The conduct of the men at Halifax was excellent. Before the arrival of the attestation papers, one or two committed themselves, and were summarily dismissed. Not a single man of the 5th Regiment was arrested by the civil police, or made a prisoner by a military picket, while in Halifax. The thanks of the whole regiment are due to the Y.M.C.A., and to Mr. Herd in particular, for their untiring efforts to promote the comfort and welfare of everyone. What the stay in Halifax would have been without the Y.M.C.A. reading room is difficult to imagine. The Rev. Mr. Armitage, Church of England, also kindly held services on the grounds, at great inconvenience to himself, and did all in his power to help the men. . 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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3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th Regts’ Canadian Mounted Rifles South African War Part II 9 years 11 months ago #20736
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EMBARKATION. The regiment embarked a,t 8 a.m. on May 23, 1802. The horses, with the exception of twenty, had been loaded on the previous day. Care having been previously taken by the officers to ascertain the whereabouts of the quarters to which their respective troops were assigned, all delay was avoided, and the embarkation of the regiment and draft was effected in 18 minutes. By the courtesy of Lt.-Col. White, the band of the R. C. R. played the regiment from the exhibition grounds to the ship. WEATHER. The weather was most favourable for the voyage. On starting, a strong breeze from the southwest caused the vessel to toss a little, and the majority of the men were consequently sea sick. However, they soon recovered, and the weather during the remainder of the voyage was delightful. PRECAUTIONS AGAINST FIRE. As soon as the ship left port, the men were told off to fire stations, and practised daily until they were perfect, so much so that on an alarm of fire being given which fortunately turned out to be groundless—the men had fallen in at their respective places in a few seconds over two minutes, according to the time taken by the officer of the watch. The regulations governing smoking between decks were strictly enforced. MEN. Health.—Every attention was given the men to ensure their good health. Bathing parades were held daily at 5.45 a.m. No cases of sickness of a serious nature occurred. A few mild cases of pneumonia, and some of rhumatism were the most prevalent. Just before arriving at Cape Town, however, Regimental No. 271), Private Chas. Hodgson, was taken down with erysipelas, and had to be taken off the ship there. His condition was not at all serious. Messing.—The men were supplied during the voyage with a sufficient quantity of good wholesome food. Very few complaints were made, and these were promptly remedied. The men were daily visited while at dinner by the orderly officer. Amusements.—The Y. M.C.A., at Halifax, was exceedingly kind in sending on board a quantity of books, games and magazines for the use of the men during the voyage. Mr. Wiswell, of the St. Andrew's Society, and Mrs. Wallis, of Peterboro, also sent a number of books and magazines. These were greatly appreciated by the men. A regimental fund was started, and a varied programme of sports was carried out each Saturday afternoon. Squadron competitions were got up, such as Tugsof-War contests. These created great rivalry, and greatly enhanced the success of the sports. Father Neptune and his good lady boarded us when crossing the line, and exacted the usual penalties for trespassing in his domains. Two or three excellent open air concerts were held on deck, and some very good amateur talent appeared. Amongst the list of sports, a packing competition was held in throwing the Diamond Hitch single a-d double. Two Regimental Mess Dinners were held, at which the officers of the ship were guests. Occasion was taken at the last to drink the health of Captain Nunan and thank him for his unfailing kindness and courtesy, which went a very great way to making what was undoubtedly a pleasant voyage. DRILL AND INSTRUCTION. The space available for dril1 was somewhat confined, but the regiment was put through a course of squad drill, including 'Extension Motions,' ' Manual and Firing Exercises,' a course of Morris tube practice under Major Hosmer, and instructed in ' First Aid ' by Surg.-Capt. Jory and Surg.-Lt. Thomas, lectured to by Lieut. Woodside, 2nd Rgt. C.M.R., (attached), on the geography of South Africa. For this purpose he prepared maps on a large scale, and he is deserving of great credit for the painstaking manner in which he performed this work, and also his other duties, while attached to us. en who had been out before traced out the routes followed by their regiments. Troop leaders, in addition to drilling their troops, instructed them in care and management of horses, blanket folding, &c., silent drill signals, field duties, musketry, and practised their men in carrying field m messages; every effort was made to make the instruction as practical as possible, ' a troop's inspection ' being as follows:— ' Turnings,' 'Saluting,' ' Extension Motions,' Manual,' ' Firing Exercises; 'Rifleparts of, Musketry — Questions on, First Aid. Map of S.A. Officers and N.C. Officers to give names of men composing troop, squad books inspected, men questioned on names of officers and N.C. officers and practically tested in carrying messages correctly ; officers questioned on men's capabilities (previous service), as scouts, &c.; silent drill, troop to call out meaning of signal; miscellaneous questions on horses, camps, saddlery, &c., &c. Lectures were prepared by Vet. Capt McMillan on ' Saddles and Sore Backs,' &c. These were typewritten and distributed, Captain McMillan being much too busy looking after the horses and stables to deliver them himself. The officers were lectured to on various subjects by the Commanding Officer, and officers who served in South Africa before prepared, and one of their number read a paper on their regiment, tracing out its itinerary on the map and describing its principal actions, methods of attack, advance and rear guards, etc. These interesting papers were prepared and read as follows:— On the Royal Canadian Dragoons, prepared by Lieutenants Herriott, de Ballinhard and Irvine, and read by the latter ; on Strathcona's Horse, prepared by Lieutenants Hooper, Purves and Vernon, read by the former ; also one by Captain Strange on the part taken by Strathcona's Horse in the pursuit of DeWet in the Free State. This was particularly interesting and instructive. On advance and rear guards work, by Lieute. Hants Brown and Sergeant; on the Canadian Mounted Rifles, read by Lieutenant Brown (this officer also prepared and delivered an instructive lecture upon supplies in the field); on 2nd Brabant's Horse, including the Siege of Wepener, by Lieutenant Page; on Roberts' Horse, by Lieutenant Crean. Every officer was required to draw a map of Cape Colony, Orange River Colony, Transvaal and Natal. A very carefully prepared list was made, showing the various parts of the country which officers and men knew well and had travelled through, with a view to utilizing their services as scouts and guides, should the regiment go to the locality they knew. CONDUCT. The conduct of the regiment, with one or two exceptions, was very good. Three acting sergeants were returned to duty as privates for various breaches of discipline, and an attached private belonging to the 4th Regiment, having given a good deal of trouble, was awarded seven days' cells for a serious breach of discipline WORK. During the voyage Lieutenant LI. H. Nash, an officer of great practical experience took change of putting everything in shape for field service and deserves great credit for his hard work. The saddlery and harness were thoroughly oiled and dubbed, put together, numbered and distributed to the squadrons. Belts and bandoliers were treated in the same way. Stores were properly sorted and arranged in the most convenient way for disembarkation. Lieutenant Irvine did very good work in making out and looking after the assignments of pay for men and officers, and proved himself in addition a smart and efficient duty officer. HORSES. The health of the horses during the voyage was good although twelve died. The most prevalent diseases amongst them were strangles and influenza, and a few cases of pneumonia. Every care was taken of them, each horse being taken out of its stall daily, groomed and hand-rubbed. The horse fittings were excellent; drainage and ventilation were good. Captain McMillan, ably assisted by farrier quartermaster sergeant Mallett and F. G. Hall, a civilian, is deserving of all praise for the constant supervision he exercised over the horses. The forage was of good quality, as also was the water. INSPECTION. The Commanding Officer inspected the ship daily, accompanied by the adjutant, captain of the day and medical officer. The captain and chief officer of the ship also went around with him. Everything was kept scrupulously clean and neat, so much so that the staff officer who visited us at Capetown said the stables were the cleanest that he had ever seen on a troop ship. DIVINE SERVICE. Non-sectarian service was held each Sunday. Every man not necessarily employed attended. On each occasion a collection was taken up in aid of the Liverpool Seamen's Orphan Institute (as is the custom). In addition to this collection a liberal contribution in aid of this institution was granted from the Regimental fund. 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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3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th Regts’ Canadian Mounted Rifles South African War Part II 9 years 11 months ago #20737
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DISEMBARKATION. After lying two days in the harbour, the regiment disembarked at Durban, at 8 a.m., on Tuesday, June 24, and was quartered at the .show grounds. As the grounds were already overcrowded with the 5th, 7th and 8th Australian Commonwealth Horse, and details, our tents were pitched wherever room could be found. The horses came off in good condition and fettle, and were much admired, fourteen being the total loss to date of disembarkation. On Thursday, June 26, there was a parade of all the troops to attend a service of intercession for the King. I commanded the Oversea Colonials, consisting of two squadrons 5th Regt. C.M.R., and two squadrons each of the 5th, 7th and 8th A.C.H. The 5th Regiment, C.M.R., under Major Hosmer, turned out well, being clean, smart and soldierly, and were complimented by the staff as the smartest colonial troops they had seen. The parade went off without a hitch. In the evening free seats for five hundred soldiers were granted at the theatre, and the tickets were distributed evenly among the troops. Everything went off very quietly. I took the precaution of putting on a strong picket, but they had practically nothing to do. The commandant at Durban ordered me to take over the command of the Oversea Colonials camp from June 26. On the 27th, the Australians marched out to embark for their colony, and were heartily cheered by the Canadians, who lined both sides of the road to the gate. Their departure gave more room at the camp, and strong fatigue parties soon cleaned it up and made it a credit to the regiment. Doyle's scouts and various details joined the camp from day to day, and rendered it necessary to keep strong pickets patrolling the town constantly. On Sunday, the Vicar of Durban held a special service at the camp, which the whole 5th Regt. C.M.R., excepting the Roman Catholics—who went to their own church—attended. A collection for charity was taken up and given to the Vicar, who seemed surprised and pleased. On Monday, June 30, we received orders to embark at S a.m. next morning for Canada. I had previously cabled the Minister of Militia, stating how anxious the regiment was to be permitted to serve its year, and, failing that, on the urgent request of ray regiment, I asked for permission to raise 1,000 men from the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th C.M.R.'s for service in the South African Constabulary, as a Canadian division; I also wrote to the Commander-in-Chief, through the Commandant at Durban, stating what I had done. Lord Strathcona was also cabled to the same effect. No replies to cables or letters wore received before embarking. There is no disguising the fact that the men feel very sore at not being permitted to serve their year. My own men were earning good wages in the west, and threw up their billets to fight for the Empire, as they thought, and arriving home before their own mail rendered it impossible for them to arrange about employment ahead. The horses were handed over to the remount department, and the arms and equipment to the ordnance department; the regiment and the draft for the 2nd Regiment C.M.R. (and a few men of the same regiment left behind) embarked at 8 a.m., on July 1. Major Hosmer remained behind, and took over command of the camp and officer's, N. C. officers and men remaining to return via England, or to take their discharges. He had full instructions regarding paying them off and issuing discharges, &c., for the order to move came so suddenly that this could not be done before. The 3rd, 4th and 6th Regts. C.M.R. embarked on the afternoon and evening of the 1st instant. After the ship pulled into the stream some men were found to be absent. By order of the O. C. troops, I detailed strong pickets, under Captain Bagley, from the 5th Regiment C.M.R., to make prisoners of all Canadians found in Durban without passes; he did so, and brought out a number on the tug, many being drunk, but I am proud to report that not one belonged to the 5th Regiment. Major Hosmer sent me word that the men remaining at the camp had been the means of quelling a mutiny amongst the Kaffirs belonging to the remount establishment, and that the commandant had thanked Lieut. Hardy and the men for their prompt action in the matter. The Commandant at Durban also sent me a message, thanking me for the good conduct of the regiment, and for the assistance they had rendered, especially during the last two days. I understood from the staff-officer, who gave me the message, that he intended making an official report on this subject. There is nothing of interest to report on the voyage home. The ship was crowded, and the food was constantly complained of. Strict discipline was enforced amongst the 5th Regiment and their quarters, &c., were at all times clean and neat. On July 27, some men broke into the canteen, which was situated in the quarters of the 4th Regiment. A picket was procured from the 5th Regiment, which took charge during; the night, and another picket from the 5Lh went on duty at day-light. Lieut. Hooper, the Provost-Marshal, reported that Lieuts. Nash, Crean and Sargeant, all of the 5th Regiment, were of great assistance to him in quelling the disturbance. An overslaugh of duty was allowed to the Regiment, and the Captain of the Cestrian thanked me and the officers of the 5th for the Regiment's action in the matter, and entered if in the ship' log. On arriving at Halifax, we paid the Regiment off, and I arranged that when a man got his ticket he went to the Adjutant to obtain his discharge, and on producing both before his Squadron Commander, he was paid off, a triple check was thus made. I am able to report that only one man failed to put in his appearance, and he afterwards reported to me in Halifax and was attended to. In conclusion, I beg leave to state that the conduct of the officers, the N. C. officers and men of the 5th Regiment Canadian Mounted Rifles, throughout the voyage, was excellent. I have already submitted my confidential report upon the officers, but in addition, to those previously mentioned, Lieut. Worsnop, who acted as paymaster on the return voyage, and performed that duty in a most efficient manner, in addition to his routine work as a subaltern, and Lieut. Hooper, who acted as ship's Provost-Marshal to the entire satisfaction, I understand, of the Officer Commanding the Troops, are deserving of special mention. I desire also to bring to the favourable notice of the General Officer Commanding, Regimental Sergeant Major J. Pearson, Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant F. O. Rush and Farrier Quartermaster Sergeant Mallet. The N. O. Officers generally did their work well, but the three above mentioned did theirs exceptionally well. If it is within my province to do so, I should like to put in a word of commendation for the painstaking manner in which Mr. Beard performed his duty at Halifax. I have the honour to be, sir, Your obedient servant, ARCHIBALD CAMERON MACDONELL, Lieut.-Col. Commanding 5th Regiment Canadian Mounted Rifles. REPORT ON SERVICE OF 6th C.M.R. From the Officer Commanding 6th Regiment, Canadian Mounted Rifles, to the Adjutant-General at Militia Headquarters. Halifax, N.S., Oct. 17, 1902. Sir,—In pursuance of the requirements of your letter, dated August 13, 1902, I have the honour to submit the following report, giving a short historical sketch of the 6th Regiment, Canadian Mounted Rifles, lately under my command. 1.—Organization. In the spring of 1902 the progress of the war in South Africa was still such that it required to be actively and energetically carried on ; and His Majesty's government deemed it necessary to continue the sending of troops to the theatre of war, and as a consequence was pleased to accept the offer of further troops from Canada. On April 8, 1902, a Militia Order was issued, authorizing the enlistment for service in South Africa of four additional regiments of Mounted Rifles, to be designated the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th Regiments Canadian Mounted Rifles. In accordance with this order the enlistment of men was immediately proceeded with at the several recruiting stations throughout Canada, and they were centralized at Halifax, Nova Scotia. As fast as the men arrived at Halifax they were organized into regiments in the order of their seniority. The organization of the 6th Regiment commenced on April 29. The squadron officers were posted as follows:— “A” Squadron:—Capt. F. B. Ross. Lt. E. O. Bradbnrn. C. O. Beardmore. F. S. Moirison. W. H. Bell. "B" Squadron:—Capt. J. M. Caines. Lt. W. A. McCrimmon. J. C. Robbins. G. A. Macbeth. P. R. Ternan. "C" Squadron:—Capt. G. B. Motherwell. Lt. D. I. Young. G. H. Irvine. W. F. Sullivan. D. F. McKinley. "D" Squadron:—Capt. A. S. A. M. Adamson. Lt. Ashley Cooper. John Gartshore. R. A. Carman. Barton Holland. 2.—Equipment. The regiment was serviceably clothed with uniform of the new (drab) colour, viz.. frock, with plenty of pockets, pantaloons, cloth putties, and very good tan leather brogan boots. The equipment included a bandolier, new pattern, with flaps to prevent the ammunition falling out. The saddlery was of the colonial pattern; but in my opinion the brides were too light for anything like active service conditions. The regiment was armed with the Lee-Enfield rifle. The general appearance of the regiment was smart and soldier-like. On May 6, the regiment paraded full strength for inspection by Major-General O’Grady-Haly, commanding the Militia of Canada, when he was pleased to express his satisfaction as to its appearance and efficiency. 3.—Embarkation. On the morning of May 17 the regiment paraded at the concentration camp, and, headed by the bands of the 63rd Halifax Rifles and 66th Princess Louise Fusiliers, marched through the lines of their comrades, of the 5th Regiment, who gave them a hearty and enthusiastic send-off, and then embarked on board the steamer Winifredian, the horse having been loaded the day previous. The sight of the regiment as it marched through the streets evoked frequent and enthusiastic cheers from the citizens. 4.—Voyage Over. The voyage to South Africa was uneventful, so far as the 6th Regiment was concerned. The various drills and duties were performed in a regular and systematic manner, and the spirit of the men was excellent. Cape Town was reached on the morning of June 8, and here it was learned that peace had been proclaimed. All ranks were proud to know that, after a severe and bitter struggle, under most difficult and peculiar conditions, British valour and sturdy endurance had triumphed, and that British power and prestige once more ruled supreme throughout South Africa. The regiment, however, was ordered to proceed to Durban, which port was reached on June 11, but as a heavy sea was sweeping across the entrance to the harbour, disembarkation was not effected until the 16th, when the regiment landed full strength. 5.—Incidents While in South Africa. On landing at Durban, the regiment was for a time divided, one half proceeding under Major Gordon to Newcastle, the other half remaining in Durban until June 18 and 19, when it also proceeded to Newcastle, and the regiment was again complete, and encamped with other colonial regiments at Fort Hay camp. While here, orders were issued for a parade of all the troops present in the command, on June 26, in honour of the coronation of His Gracious Majesty the King, when the 3rd. 4th and 6th Regiments Canadian Mounted Rifles were brigaded, and I was honoured with the command. The troops paraded on the 24th for inspection by Lieut. General Featherstonehaigh, Commanding Natal District; but the unfortunate illness of His Majesty prevented our having the honour of parading as contemplated'. On June 28 orders were received that the regiment—less 14 officers and 70 men, who were, in consequence of there being no room for them on the transport, ordered to remain at Newcastle waiting further orders—ordered to proceed to Durban, and there embark on board the steamer Cestrian, for Halifax, Nova Scotia. The regiment, less the details mentioned, accordingly proceeded to Durban, and there also, less one officer and eight men then in hospital, was, on the night of July 1, embarked, the only men taking their discharge in South Africa with the purpose of settling there being No. 465 Pte. George Down, of Fort MacLeod, Alberta, N.W.T., No. 370 Pte. George R. Drapes, of Enniscarthy, Wexford, Ireland ; and No. 88, Pte. Riched, H. Smith of Gloucestershire, England. 6.—Return Voyage. The steamship Cestrian, having on board the headquarters and main body of the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th Regiments, finally steamed from Durban bay in the early morning of July 3. As senior officer, I assume command of the troops on board, Major Gordon assuming the command of the 6th Regiment. After a pleasant and uneventful voyage we arrived at Halifax, N.S., on July 29, when the troops were immediately disembarked, and, under directions from headquarters, forwarded to their respective homes. The remainder of the regiment subsequently returned home as occasion offered, the majority arriving at Montreal on steamer Lake Erie from England on September 13. I have reason to believe all are now home, save, perhaps, one or two men who were left in hospital at Durban. As yet, no casualties whatever have been reported. 7.—General Remarks. The officers and men of the regiment were, generally speaking, of a good and intelligent class, all parts of Canada being represented, and the spirit shown by them justifies the belief that, had it been required of them, they would have been true to the bright example set them by their Canadian comrades who had been earlier in the field, and whoso deeds are a glory to Canada and the Empire. I have the honour to be, sir, Your obedient servant, JAS. D. IRVING, Lieut.-Col, Lately Commanding 6th Regiment, C.M.R. . 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- 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th Regts’ Canadian Mounted Rifles South African War Part II