THE 2nd Battalion sailed on the Assaye about 4th January 1900, and
arrived at the Cape about the 23rd.
Along with the 2nd Norfolk
Regiment, 1st KOSB, and 2nd Lincolns, they formed the 14th Brigade under
Brigadier General Chermside, and part of the VIIth Division commanded by
Lieutenant General Tucker. The work of the brigade and division is
sketched under the 2nd Norfolk Regiment.
At Karee Siding on 29th March 1900 the battalion's losses were 1 officer and
11 men wounded. The battalion had no heavy fighting in the advance to
Pretoria. After the occupation of the capital the 14th Brigade was
detailed to garrison the city and neighbourhood.
The battalion was present at the ceremony of proclaiming the annexation of
the Transvaal on 25th October 1900.
Eleven officers and 13 non-commissioned officers and men were mentioned in
Lord Roberts' final despatch.
During the latter part of the campaign the battalion was chiefly employed on
garrison duty in the Transvaal, being for some time at the
much-to-be-avoided Koomati Poort. They also held other posts near the
eastern border. They had no costly fighting, but by a railway accident
near Barberton on 30th March 1902 they had the grievous misfortune to lose
40 men killed and about 50 injured.
The Mounted Infantry company, acting with Colonel Pulteney and General
Plumer, was present at the action of Onverwachte, Volksrust district, on 4th
January 1902, when the Boers, who had been retiring during the forenoon,
suddenly turned and attacked the advance-guard when at their dinners.
The company held their ground well against an overwhelming force until
assistance came up. Their losses were 7 killed and 1 officer and about
4 men wounded.
In Lord Kitchener's final despatch 4 officers and 4 non-commissioned
officers were mentioned.
