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64th Bty diary

Royal Field Artillery

Batteries: 2nd  4th  5th  7th  8th  9th  13th  14th  17th  18th  19th  20th  21st  28th  37th  38th  39th  42nd 43rd  53rd  61st  62nd  63rd  64th  65th  66th  67th  68th  69th  73rd  74th  75th  76th  77th  78th  79th  81st  82nd  83rd  84th  85th  86th  87th  88th

37th Battery
officers and NCOs		 42nd RFA leaving
Prince's Dock, Bombay		 53rd RFA at Bombay 42nd RFA in khaki
Sep 99
RFA Officers of the
8th Battery		 15 pounder of the
8th Battery		 8th Battery
Officers of the 38th
and 78th Batteries		 Officers of the
2nd Battery		 Officers of the
81st Battery		 18th Battery
officers
18th Battery 19th Battery 37th Battery officers
& NCOs		 37th Battery
42nd Battery
detraining		 42nd Battery
embarking		 62nd Battery 63rd Battery NCOs
63rd Battery
officers		 64th and 88th
Battery officers		 64th Battery
Corporals & Bomb'ds		 73rd Battery
officers
73rd Battery 77th Battery NCOs 77th Battery
officers		 79th Battery
preparing to fire
   
79th Battery RA Drum Horse    

 

A 3-in. 15-pounder, converted in 1895 from the 12-pounder and it fires a 14-lb. shrapnel shell, containing 200 bullets, with an effective range of 3,400-yards, or perhaps at the most 4,000-yds. The lock is opened by raising the cam-lever, turning the breech screw one-sixth, drawing it back, and opening it like a door upon a hinge. The gun is not a true quick-firer, but hydraulic buffers and springs take part of the recoil, and many of the guns are fitted with a telescopic spade device, invented by Sir George Clarke, which enables from six to eight aimed rounds per minute to be fired. There is no doubt that the gun could be made to fire twelve or fourteen rounds per minute, but that is probably not desirable, owing to the difficulties attending the supply of ammunition, and the doubt as to the accuracy of aim when the rapidity of fire is great.
 
Cyclists.  The cyclist has now made his way into every branch of the Army, notwithstanding the unfavourable opinions which were expressed, now a long time ago {1900], when the idea of military cycling was first broached. There were many sceptics at the time, but cycling is now practised at the Central School of Gymnastics at Aldershot, and at every military centre, and the spread of cycling as a military adjunct has been very largely due to the energy of individuals. Among these enterprising officers is Colonel William George Knox, CB, RA, who is now in command of Artillery at Ladysmith. The portrait of the gallant officer will be seen with his cycling section of gunners in our picture, being the third figure from the nght as we look at the group. Colonel Knox has fought in Abyssinia, in the Ashanti Campaign of 1873-74, in the Afghan War of 1878-79, and in the Zulu operations of the latter year, for which he was mentioned in despatches and received a brevet majority. Even in Ladysmith military cyclists must have been of great use, and Colonel Knox will have known how to derive the utmost advantage from this auxiliary service of his corps. The cyclist has helped to solve the difficulties that tend the maintaining of communications between the units in the field. He is an excellent despatch-rider, and the military a strong machine, serviceable on the roughest roads. Many inventors have applied themselves to the work of producing still better machines, and several are now before the public.'
 
Officers and NCOs of the 17th Battery, RFA.  The 17th Field Battery is one of those which went out rather late to South Africa, and it had no part in the operations which ended at Bloemfontein, It is under command of Major T. K, E. Johnston, and was recently stationed at Woolwich. A great deal of attention has been directed to the operations of the gunners, whose performances have excited universal admiration. There are those who believe that our field gun is not so good as it should be, but no one doubts that the Artillerymen have made the very most of the means at their disposal. In shelling the positions of the.Boers the practice has nearly always been good, generally excellent,'.and sometimes magnificent, and the gunners themselves have shown the utmost intrepidity in going into action and engaging the enemy, sometimes in dangerous circumstances. The loss of the guns at Colenso will long be remembered, and the heroic conduct of the gunners will not be forgotten. Again, when General Wynne made his feint attack upon the Brakfontein position to cover the real purpose of Sir Redvers Builer, the conduct of the gunners in bringing away their guns under a heavy fire, which had damaged one or more of the carriages, was noted as ah excellent example of equal skill and intrepidity. But the history of the war is full of illustrations of the fine conduct of the Royal Artillery.
 
The Officers and Men of the 2nd Company, Western division, Royal Garrison Artillery.  Up to a comparatively recent period [1900] the Royal Regiment of Artillery was a corps in which all officers were upon one list for promotion, and all men enlisted were available to serve in any section of the force. Now the Horse, Field, and Garrison Artillery, though related, are distinct, and the work of the Fortress companies is grouped apart from that of the Field Artillery. These companies are concerned with guns in land or sea forts, and with the attack upon them by means of siege and position artillery. The duties of attack and defence cannot, of course, be separated, since the essence of a good defence is to employ ordnance in counter-attack; Certain of the Garrison companies are specially classed for siege-train work, and their practice and instruction are more particularly directed to that branch of Artillery duties. Although Horse and Field Artillery have come most prominently before the public notice, the Garrison companies which have gone out to South Africa have rendered good service, and will find ample scope for their activity in the later stages of the campaign when the real siege work of the war begins. They have received most thorough training to fit them for their duties. The company depicted is under command of Major F A Curteis.
 
The Officers, non-commissioned Officers, and Men of the 61st battery Royal Field Artillery.  Our survey of the Royal Engineers and the Royal Artillery closes with a fine group of the officers, non-commissioned officers, and men of the 61st (Howitzer) Battery, which has been engaged in the operations of Sir Redvers Buller, under command of Major A. Hamilton-Gordon. It suffered a number of casualties in the actions on the Tugela, and at Potgieter's Drift Lieutenant G. H. C. King was wounded. We have already illustrated other howitzer batteries, and have depicted the weapon used, which has attracted a great deal of attention and has unquestionably done good service against the Boers with its damaging fire of lyddite. It may possibly happen that we shall discover the lyddite shell not to have answered all the expectations that were formed of it, but it has certainly proved to be a missile of great destructive effect, extremely valuable in many conditions. The artillery introduced for the howitzer batteries is a steel gun with a calibre of 5-in., weighing, inclusive of lock, 1,066.5 lb and with a length of about 3-ft, 9in. The howitzer fires a steel shell weighing 49.83-lb. filled with lyddite, shrapnel shells weighing 48.73lb containing 372 bullets with an explosive charge, and case shot weighing 4873-lb. and containing 433 bullets. The gun charge consists of over 5 gr. of cordite. The object of a howitzer Is to throw its projectiles through a curved course in order to search concealed positions.
 
The Officers and Men of the 10th Company, Western Division, Royal Garrison Artillery.  The Garrison Artillery, constituting a separate arm of the force, is formed in three divisions—the Eastern, Southern, and Western—with their headquarters respectively at Dover, Portsmouth, and Devonport. It was from Devonport that the 10th Company, commanded by Major F E Kent, proceeded to South Africa; The various companies are apportioned between the three divisions, and there are detachments at Berehaven and at Shoeburyness. The officers of the Garrison Artillery staff are located with their special garrisons, lieutenant-colonels being in command of sections in the forts, majors and captains in charge of the armament of the works that are not occupied and for which they are responsible, other captains and lieutenants acting as adjutants, and officers of various ranks doing duty as instructors in gunnery and siege work. Much special artillery material is in charge of the garrison gunners, of whom a number of sergeant-majors, mostly specialists and men of long service, live at the distant forts and batteries without any other garrison, being responsible for their good condition, and themselves forming the nucleus of the Garrison Artillery to be sent there in case of need. Upon mobilisation, the garrison companies, under the paper scheme, are told off to the garrisons of the coast fortresses, but they have also a necessary place in the operations of our army abroad.
 
The Officers and non-commissioned Officers of the 10th Company, Eastern Division, RGA.  Our picture of the 10th Company was taken at Shoeburyness just before it left England, and it may be interesting to note that the officers from left to right of the picture are Lieutenant J A FitzGibbon, Captain G V Davidson, Major C E Jervois, commanding the company, Second Lieutenant J F Thompson Pegge, and Second Lieutenant H F McKenzie. The company had no share in the early operations in South Africa, and, like other companies of the garrison branch, was sent out in view of the later work of the campaign. Shoeburyness, from which the company set out, is the headquarters of gunnery in the British Army. A great deal of training and experimental work goes on there in relation with tactical operations at Okehampton in Devonshire and the work of siege guns at Lydd in Kent, the place which has given its name to Lyddite, and where the garrison companies are regularly trained in work with heavy ordnance.
 
The Officers of the 87th Battery Royal Field Artillery.  This battery proceeded to South Africa from Woolwich under command of Major N D Findlay, who is represented in the group with Captain A M Balfour, and Lieutenants Metcalfe and Burne. The full complement of officers to a battery is five, being one major, one captain, and three lieutenants, and there are nine sergeants and 127 men, increased to 161 on the South African establishment.
 
The Officers and non-commissioned officers, 5th Company, Eastern Division, RGA.  This company of the Garrison gunners is under command of Major N. B, Inglefield, who was lately brigade-major at the School of Gunnery, Shoeburyness, and the picture is interesting because it shows the khaki uniform and the badges worn by the non-commissioned officers. Crossed guns are worn by a certain number as the badge of skill at arms of qualified gunners, and it will be noticed that one of the men depicted wears the laurel leaf, indicating that he is the best man in the battery. A gun, however, worn on the right arm by the Royal Artillery non-commissioned officer is, like the grenade of the Royal Engineers, a regimental badge, and not a badge of trade or of special skill at arms. In the Royal Artillery a special system of training exists according to professional knowledge.
 
   

2nd battery.—Arrived at the Cape on 12th February 1900, was in action near Thabanchu on 25th April, at Biddulphsberg, near Senekal, under General Rundle, on 29th May, and in many minor actions in the northeast of the Orange River Colony, generally under General Rundle (Lord Kitchener's despatch of 8th July 1901).

4th Battery.—Operated with General French in the Colesberg district in December 1899 and January 1900.  In his despatch of 2nd February 1900 he says that "Major Butcher, with great energy and perseverance, succeeded in placing two field-guns on the top of a steep hill called Coleskop, 800 feet high, and from this commanding position has inflicted great damage and loss on the enemy".  The ammunition, it will be remembered, was hoisted by an arrangement of wires and pulleys.  In April and May the battery was in the Boshof and Warrenton district.  Did good work under Lord Methuen when Villebois-Mareuil's party was captured.  Saw a good deal of fighting in the Orange River Colony and afterwards in the Frederickstad-Krugersdorp district.  In August 1900 and subsequent months was in a column based on Zeerust under Lord Methuen and General Douglas.  Was long in the Western Transvaal, and one section gained credit for their conduct in Von Donop's action near Zeerust, 24th October 1901 (see 1st Northumberland Fusiliers), 1 officer and 17 men of the gun detachment and 27 of the escort of 60 being killed or wounded in their successful defence of the guns.  One officer and 6 non-commissioned officers and men were mentioned in despatches for great gallantry on this occasion, and 2 men subsequently gained mention.  A section was with Lord Methuen in his last disaster, and, like the section of the 38th, who were also present, did splendidly, fighting their guns to the last.

5th Battery.—Arrived at the Cape on 23rd February 1900.  In April was stationed about Kaffir River Bridge, south of Bloemfontein.  In May joined Colvile and Macdonald on the march to Heilbron, doing excellent work, which is much praised in General Colvile's 'Work of the IXth Division'.  In July the Highland Brigade and the 5th Battery joined General Hunter for the operations to encircle Prinsloo, and the services of the battery at Spitz Kop and Retief's Nek were very valuable.  Remained with the Highland Brigade practically the whole of 1900.  In 1901 was in Cape Colony under Colonel Gorringe and other commanders (see despatch of 8th July 1901).  One man was mentioned in Lord Kitchener's despatch of 8th May 1901.

7th Battery.—Was present at Willow Grange, 23rd November 1899, Was heavily engaged at Colenso (see 2nd Queen's).  Gained very great distinction for the efforts they made to rescue the guns of the 14th and 66th Batteries.  Captain Reed got the VC, and 13 men were recommended for the distinguished conduct medal.  One officer was killed, and 1 officer and 8 men wounded at Colenso.  The battery accompanied Warren, and was in action near Spion Kop, 19th to 24th January 1900; was also at Vaal Krantz, and in the final and successful attempt at Colenso and Pieter's Hill.  One man gained the distinguished conduct medal for excellent work on 22nd February.  Took part in the advance to Volksrust.  One officer was mentioned in General Buller's despatch "as a good horsemaster", perhaps the highest praise an artillery officer can get; but it might mean that his men were more adept in forage-stealing than their neighbours; but that also is praiseworthy.  The battery was afterwards taken north, and was with Plumer and Paget (Lord Roberts' despatches of 10th October and 15th November 1900) when they captured the camp of Erasmus, September 1900 (see 1st West Riding), and was with Paget at Rhenoster Kop, 29th November 1900 (see same regiment).

8th Battery.—Arrived at the Cape on 17th February 1900.  Was attached to Clements' Brigade.  Present at the capture of Bethlehem and other actions.  In August (despatch of 10th October, para 39) went with Clements to operate in the Megaliesberg, and saw some very hard fighting on various occasions.  Four guns were with Dixon in the same district in 1901, when the battery "did well, particularly in the fierce engagements at Vlakfontein, 29th May, and Moedwill, 29th September (see 1st Derbyshire).  At least 1 officer and 4 men gained mention in Lord Kitchener's despatches.  Very probably there were more, but the number of the battery is often not given.

9th Battery.—Arrived at the Cape on 23rd February 1900.  Was engaged on the left at the action at Brandfort, 3rd May 1900.  Operated for many months in the Orange River Colony, in the Lindley-Kroonstad and Hoopstad district.  Four guns were with General Beatson in the Eastern Transvaal in 1901, and two guns were with Colonel Grey and afterwards with Colonel Garratt (see Lord Kitchener's despatch of 8th July).

13th Battery.—Was in Natal at the commencement of the war.  Present at Talana Hill, 20th October 1899 (see 1st Leicester Regiment and 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers), and along with the 67th and 69th did splendid work, but unfortunately the artillery that day made two mistakes, as stated by 'The Times' historian.  They continued to shell the ridge at about 1500 yards after it was occupied by our own troops, and they did not shell the retreating Boers,—having been humbugged by a wretched white flag, to which no attention should have been paid so long as the Boers moved a foot.  This battery, the 21st, and 53rd did particularly good work at Lombard's Kop on 30th October (see 1st Liverpool Regiment), especially in covering the retirement of Grim wood's brigade.  Major Dawkins was mentioned in General White's despatches of 2nd December 1899 and 23rd March 1900.  The battery was with Hildyard in the taking of Vanwyk's Hill and the other actions for the turning of Laing's Nek, and in Lord Roberts' telegram of 30th July 1900 they were said to have distinguished themselves at Amersfoort on 25th July.  One officer was mentioned in General Buller's final despatch.  In 1901 the battery was chiefly occupied in escorting convoys from the railway to Wakkerstroom, Piet Retief, and posts in the South-East Transvaal (see York and Lancaster Regiment).

14th Battery.—Was one of the unfortunate batteries which Colonel Long took too close at Colenso (see 2nd Queen's).  The six guns of the battery were lost.  One officer and 5 men were killed, 1 officer and 16 men wounded, and 3 officers and 40 men were reported missing.  Lieutenant Holford was mentioned in the despatch of 17th December 1899 for gallantry, and two drivers got the distinguished conduct medal for attempts to rescue the guns (see General Buller's despatch of 30th March 1900).  In the same despatch another man was mentioned for good work in the relief operations.  In the second phase of the war four guns of the 14th Battery were much with Colonel Pilcher's column, and operated for a time in the Orange River Colony and elsewhere.  One man gained mention in Lord Kitchener's despatch of 8th May 1901.

17th Battery.—Arrived at the Cape on 23rd February 1900.  Was in the fighting about Wakkerstroom and Dewetsdorp in the end of April 1900; thereafter about Kroonstad.  A section was with the escort to a convoy to Lindley which was heavily attacked on 26th and 27th June 1900 (see 1st King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry).  Did much trekking with General C Knox between July and November 1900 (Lord Roberts' despatch of 10th October 1900, paras 14, 28, and 39).  Afterwards with Colonel Crewe.  A section was with Colonel Byng in the Orange River Colony in 1901, and one section with Colonel Rochefort in that colony and in the south of the Transvaal.  Two men were mentioned in Lord Kitchener's despatch of 8th March 1901.

18th Battery.—Sailed on the Zibenghla before war was declared, and had anything but a prosperous voyage, the machinery breaking down frequently and the water running short.  Along with the 75th was the only artillery Lord Methuen had in the actions of Belmont, 23rd November 1899 (see 3rd Grenadiers), and Enslin, 25th November, and up till late in the afternoon these were the only batteries at Modder River, 28th November.  At Belmont the artillery horses, not yet hardened up, were utterly unable to pursue at the close of the day—"dead-beat", Lord Methuen said.  At Enslin it was much the same, but the artillery did very good work both before and during the action.  At Modder River they were invaluable.  In his despatch of 1st December 1899 Lord Methuen said: "During the entire action the 75th and 18th Batteries had vied with one another in showing gallantry and proficiency.  I dare not write more than Colonel Hall has written, his modest account scarcely doing justice to the splendid conduct of our gunners.  The 62nd Battery, marching from Belmont, came straight into action and were of great service".  The 18th, 62nd, and 75th did excellent work at Magersfontein.  Major General Marshall told the War Commission that the rounds expended were—by the 18th, 1012; the 62nd, 1003; and by the 75th, 924.  In the eastern advance these batteries were attached to Tucker's division, and at Paardeberg fired hard from the south bank.  At Karee Siding, 29th March 1900 (see 2nd Norfolk), these three batteries were the field artillery present.  They accompanied Tucker's division in the advance to Pretoria, and were present in numerous other engagements.  From June 1900 to March 1901 the 18th Battery had its headquarters at Pretoria, sections being frequently detached on outpost duty in that vicinity and about Pienaar's River.  In March 1901 the battery, along with a section of "pom-poms", formed the artillery of General Plumer's column in his advance to Pietersburg.  Two guns remained at Pietersburg till the battery left South Africa, the remaining four guns operating under General Plumer in the Transvaal, the Orange River Colony, and on the Natal border.  The 18th Battery represented the Field Artillery at the ceremony of proclaiming the annexation in Pretoria on 25th October 1900.  The battery sailed for India before the close of 1901.

19th Battery.—Landed at Durban on 1st January 1900.  The brigade division was the 19th, 28th, and 63rd, and it was attached to the Vth Division under Sir Charles Warren.  Engaged at Venter's Spruit and Spion Kop, 19th to 24th January 1900.  On some of these days was on the extreme left with Hildyard.  Was at Vaal Krantz in the beginning of February, Lieutenant Colonel A J Montgomery, the commander of the brigade division, being severely wounded in that conflict.  Was afterwards at Colenso and Pieter's Hill (see 2nd Queen's, Royal West Surrey).  The 19th Battery along with 61st (Howitzer) Battery and 4th Mountain Battery were made corps troops after Vaal Krantz.  After Ladysmith was relieved the 19th formed part of the Drakensberg defence force acting from about Ladysmith, and in August 1900 moved up to Newcastle, where it remained a considerable time, and in 1901 did some column work in the Transvaal.  In General Buller's final despatch of 9th November he mentioned 1 officer, and said "the battery was a good one".

20th Battery.—In February 1900 was put under Lord Methuen, and was at work about Warrenton in March 1900.  Accompanied Lord Methuen eastwards to Lindley and thence north to the Transvaal.  Was put into a force under Smith-Dorrien which was railed to Belfast in last week of August 1900 to assist Buller in his advance to Lydenburg.  On returning south to the railway the force marched to Koomati Poort, and was present at the review there at the end of September.

21st Battery.—Was in Ladysmith when Sir George White arrived in Natal.  Along with the 42nd Battery did excellent work at Elandslaagte, 21st October 1899 (see 1st Devons).  Their services at Lombard's Kop or Ladysmith, 30th October, like those of Sir George White's other batteries, were invaluable, and prevented a check from being a defeat.  'The Times' historian has laid the greatest possible stress on this point, and undoubtedly Britain owed very much to the six batteries RFA engaged that day.  Before the naval guns had arrived the little 15-pounders had actually pushed in under the nose of the 100-lb monster on Pepworth Hill, and had driven his workers from his side.  The value of their services was freely acknowledged by Sir George White.  After the siege commenced the artillery had plenty to do.  On 3rd November the 21st, 42nd, and 53rd were sent out and again earned praise.  On the day of the great attack the 21st was at Range Post to prevent reinforcements reaching the enemy from the west, and with the 42nd were "of great assistance in keeping down the violence of the enemy's fire from Mounted Infantry Hill".  The 53rd took up a position on Klip River Flats, absolutely unconcerned by the huge projectiles hurtling from Bulwana; and they did much to ensure the enemy's defeat, "shelling the south-east portion of Ceesar's Camp with great effect and inflicting very heavy losses on the enemy "(Sir George White's despatch).  Major Blewitt was mentioned in Sir George White's despatches of 2nd December 1899 and 23rd March 1900, and 1 other officer, 5 non-commissioned officers, and a trumpeter—all of the 21st —in that of 23rd March, In General Buller's northern advance the 21st, 42nd, and 53rd were again much in evidence, and frequently earned commendation.  In Lord Robert's telegram of 24th August 1900, speaking of an attempted ambush, he said, "These guns [the enemy's] were silenced by a section of the 21st Battery under Lieutenant Hannay, and the trap failed".  At Bergendal, 27th August (see 2nd Rifle Brigade), the Brigade Division again did well and was praised by General Buller, the 42nd being specially mentioned on this occasion.  In Lord Roberts' despatch of 10th October 1900, para 35, the very skilful work of this Brigade Division was again recognised.  In General Buller's final despatch 2 officers and 3 non-commissioned officers of the 21st were mentioned.  In the second phase of the war this battery chiefly operated in the Eastern Transvaal.  One section did excellent service with Colonel Benson in 1901.  The Sergeant Major was mentioned in Lord Kitchener's despatch of 8th July 1901.

28th Battery.—Went out with the Vth Division.  Was with Warren at Venter's Spruit and Spion Kop, part of the time on the left or west of the line (see 2nd Queen's).  Afterwards was in the action at Vaal Krantz and the final fourteen days' fighting at the Colenso position, the Brigade Division being then the 28th, 73rd, and 78th.  On the 21st and 22nd February the 28th was very heavily engaged.  In General Buller's despatch of 30th March 1900, 2 officers, 1 non-commissioned officer, and 1 driver were mentioned.  In April the Brigade Division was taken round to Cape Colony with the Xth Division under Sir A Hunter.  Accompanied him to the Kimberley district, and thereafter through the South-West Transvaal to Krugersdorp.  In August and September 1900 the 28th Battery was in a column under Hart which operated south and west of Krugersdorp (Lord Roberts' despatch of 10th October 1900, para 39).  In the second phase of the war the 28th was much employed in the Megaliesberg, the treacherous gulleys of which they have every reason to remember.  Two guns of the 28th were with Dixon when he was attacked at Vlakfontein, 29th May 1901 (see 1st Derbyshire).  After the screen was driven in it was round these two guns, which were captured and then recaptured, by what was perhaps the finest bayonet charge in the war, that the fight raged with unsurpassed fierceness.  The section had about 5 killed and 12 wounded.  Several mentions were gained on this occasion.  Three guns of the battery were with the same column, now under Kekewich, when it was attacked by Delarey and Kemp at Moedwill on 30th September 1901 (see 1st Derbyshire).  The battery again did well.  They lost 5 men killed and 9 wounded.  Gunner Wooding was mentioned for "lifting two shells from a portable magazine in which the cartridges were burning furiously".

37th Battery (Howitzer).—Was for a time in the Rensburg-Colesberg district.  Thereafter, early in 1900, was taken to the Warrenton-Boshof district, and afterwards farther east.  Was in numerous engagements under Lord Methuen.  A section accompanied him in the pursuit of De Wet in August 1900, and long remained with him operating in the Western Transvaal (Lord Roberts' despatch of 10th October 1900, paras 22 and 39).  In 1901 one gun was with Major General Babington in South-West Transvaal, one with Colonel Rawlinson's column, and one with Brigadier General Dixon, being with him in the fierce fight at Vlakfontein (see 1st Derbyshire Regiment).  Part of the battery was for a time in 1901 operating in Cape Colony to assist in repelling the Boer invasion.  In 1902 was part of a battalion of Mounted Rifles (see 87th Battery).  One man was mentioned for, "as a mounted rifleman, volunteering to carry a message through heavy fire". 

38th Battery.—Saw some fighting in Orange River Colony in April 1900.  Had stiff work near Lindley.  On 3rd July Major Oldfield and Lieutenant Belcher were killed and Captain Fitzgerald wounded.  Two sections narrowly escaped capture.  In Lord Roberts' telegram of 10th July 1900, referring to the taking of Bethlehem, he said, "Paget reports that but for the accurate practice by the 38th Battery RFA and the City Imperial Volunteer Battery under Major M'Micking the casualties would have been many more".  The 38th went with Paget to the Transvaal, and a portion of the battery did good work at the taking of Erasmus' camp, September 1900, also at Rhenoster Kop, 29th November (see 1st West Riding Regiment), and elsewhere (Lord Roberts' despatches of 10th October and 10th November 1900).  Early in 1901 the battery was with Babington in the Western Transvaal, and afterwards a section was with the Kimberley column, and one section with Rawlinson in the South-West Transvaal.  One section was in Cape Colony; and at Quaggafontein, near Aliwal North, when Kritzinger attacked the camp of the Lovat Scouts on 20th September 1901, the battery lost 7 killed and 5 wounded.  Two guns of the battery were with Lord Methuen when he met his final disaster on 7th March 1902.  After referring to the disgraceful stampede of the mounted men, Lord Kitchener said in his despatch of 8th April: "The section of the 38th Battery was left unprotected, but the detachment gallantly continued to serve the guns until every man except Lieutenant Nesham was killed or wounded.  This young officer, so Lord Methuen is informed, was then summoned to surrender, and on refusing to do so was also shot down".  No unit has any greater cause for pride than this reference.  Two men were mentioned by Lord Kitchener for removing the sights and breechblocks after the lieutenant had been shot.

39th Battery.—Arrived at the Cape on 14th February 1900.  Was in the engagements about Dewetsdorp and Thabanchu towards the end of April.  Throughout 1900 saw much service in the Orange River Colony, and was trekking with Bruce Hamilton in the last quarter of that year (Lord Roberts' despatch of 15th November 1900).  The battery was then split up—a section was with Colonel White in the Orange River Colony; a section with Colonel Monro in that colony and afterwards in Cape Colony; and a section was long with Colonel Du Moulin.  The battery was represented in Damant's fierce little action near Tafel Kop on 20th December 1901 (see Lord Kitchener's despatch of 8th January 1902 and commendations).  The enemy, through being disguised in khaki, imitating the formations of British troops, and even "firing volleys in the general direction of some other Boers", were taken for friends, and so managed to gain a ridge commanding the guns which were with Damant's advance-guard; but his men, notably the 91st company of Imperial Yeomanry, which "sacrificed itself almost to a man", pushed back the enemy, who, on the arrival of Rimington with help, fled as usual.  The section lost 5 killed and 7 wounded.  At least 2 officers, 2 non-commissioned officers, and 1 man of the battery gained mention for acts of very great gallantry on this occasion.

42nd Battery.—Was at Ladysmith when war broke out (see notes under 21st Battery, 1st Devon, and 1st Liverpool Regiment).  The battery's work at Elandslaagte, Rietfontein, and during the siege was most highly praised.  The 42nd was part of the usual garrison of Caesar's Camp, and was very heavily engaged on 6th January 1900.  Major Goulburn was mentioned in both of the despatches of 2nd December 1899 and 23rd March 1900, and 1 other officer, 4 non-commissioned officers, and 1 man in the latter.  The good work of the battery at Bergendal, 27th August 1900 (see 2nd Rifle Brigade), was acknowledged in General Buller's despatch of 13th September, and in his final despatch 1 officer and 2 non-commissioned officers were mentioned.  The battery continued to operate in the Eastern Transvaal.

43rd Battery (Howitzer).—Arrived at the Cape on 24th February 1900, and got to Bloemfontein in April.  In September 4 guns moved to Thabanchu.  A section under Captain Mair was armed with two 12-pounder quick-firing guns, and having been attached to Colonel Le Gallais' force, took part in the successful action at Bothaville, 6th November 1900 (see Oxfordshire Light Infantry).  A section worked with Colonel Barker and General C E Knox in the pursuit of De Wet towards the close of 1900.  In 1901 a section with two 15-pounders was with Colonel Pilcher's column, one with a 5-inch howitzer with Colonel White, and one with a similar gun with Colonel Williams (despatch of 8th July and the Battery Records.  See also 87th Battery).
44th Battery.—Arrived at the Cape on 12th February 1900.  Was engaged in the Kheis district on the lower Orange River in May, and afterwards in the western part of Orange River Colony.  Two guns were with Colonel Crewe in Cape Colony in 1901 (Lord Kitchener's despatch of 8th July), and for good work there the Sergeant Major was mentioned in despatches.

53rd Battery.—Was in Ladysmith when Sir George White arrived in Natal (see notes under the 21st Battery, 1st Liverpool, and 1st Devon).  The 53rd was engaged at Rietfontein on 24th October, and did exceptionally good work at Lombard's Kop on the 30th.  During the siege they had much fighting.  On the night of 7th December they took part in a reconnaissance which Sir George White said was well carried out.  On 6th January, during the great attack, the battery excelled its previous efforts.  "These guns, most ably handled, came into action on Klip River Flats, ...  and inflicted very heavy losses on the enemy".  On the day of the relief the 53rd and 67th were sent out to harass the retreating enemy, but the horses were too far gone.  Major Abdy was mentioned in Sir George White's despatches of 2nd December 1899 and 23rd March 1900, and in the earlier despatch 1 officer, and in the later 7 non-commissioned officers and men were also mentioned.  The 53rd long remained about Lydenburg.  In his final despatch General Buller mentioned Major Gordon, and said "he has a good battery".  Two non-commissioned officers were also mentioned.  Throughout 1901 the 53rd continued to operate in the Eastern Transvaal under General W Kitchener, Colonel Campbell, and other column commanders.

61st Battery (Howitzer).—Arrived in Natal after Colenso.  Took part in the fighting about Potgeiter's Drift and Spion Kop, the engagement at Vaal Krantz, and in the final effort to relieve Ladysmith.  In these and in the turning movement via Helpmakaar, Alleman's Nek, Bergendal, and other actions, the 61st did good work.  In his despatch of 13th September as to Bergendal, General Buller said the howitzer-fire was "particularly effective".  The battery accompanied General Buller to Lydenburg and took part in the engagements in that neighbourhood.  In his despatch of 30th March 1900 and his final despatch, General Buller very highly praised Major Hamilton Gordon and his battery's work, and mentioned another officer and 2 non-commissioned officers.  In 1901 the battery remained in the Eastern Transvaal.  One gun was with General Walter Kitchener and one with Colonel Benson, the others being on the lines of communication.  In December 1901 the battery, and five others, namely, the 37th, 65th, 43rd, 86th, and 87th, all howitzer, were converted into a battalion of Mounted Rifles under Colonel Dunlop.  They covered the construction of the Heilbron-Botha's Pass blockhouses, and then took part in numerous drives in the north-east of the Orange River Colony under Colonel Byng and Colonel Garratt (See 87th Battery).

62nd Battery.—(See notes under 18th Battery) The 62nd accompanied Macdonald to Koodosberg Drift in February 1900.  In all the actions from Modder to Pretoria the battery did well.  In 1901 two guns were with Colonel De Lisle operating chiefly in the north of the Orange River Colony, and two guns with Colonel Western (Lord Kitchener's despatch of 8th July).  The battery sailed for India before the close of 1901.

63rd Battery.—Lost their guns on the Ismore.  Was refitted and joined Buller in Natal in time to take part in the operations about Spion Kop and Vaal Krantz and in the final relief actions.  One officer was mentioned in General Buller's despatch of 30th March 1900.  The battery accompanied that general in his northward movement to the south of the Transvaal, and a section went with General Clery to Heidelberg.  In General Buller's final despatch 2 officers were mentioned.  Towards the close of 1900 and in 1901 the battery was employed about the Standerton line, and four guns accompanied the column of Colonel Colville which operated on that line and in the north-east of the Orange River Colony.  Referring to an action near Vlakfontein, Lord Kitchener in his telegram of 22nd December 1900 said, "Colonel Colville attributes the small loss to the excellent shooting of the 63rd Battery and the skilful leading of Lieutenant Jarvis, 13th Hussars, and Captain Talbot and Lieutenant White of the Rifle Brigade". 

64th Battery.—Along with the 73rd formed Colonel Parson's Brigade Division, acting with Lyttelton and Hart at Colenso—that is, on the left centre.  Both batteries did excellent work, and did much towards extricating Hart's brigade when they got pushed into the loop of the Tugela (see 2nd Queen's).  Thereafter these batteries moved to the right to endeavour to reduce the fire from the Boer centre, which had overpowered the 14th and 66th.  The 64th was at Venter's Spruit, part of the time on the left, was in the action at Vaal Krantz, and in the last fourteen days' fighting prior to the relief.  The 7th and 64th both did great service in the taking of the Monte Cristo-Hlangwane position.  One officer was mentioned in the despatch of 30th March.  The battery accompanied General Buller in his northern advance to Volksrust, and was mentioned as doing good work in the Helpmakaar turning movement.  They also did well at Alleman's Nek.  In General Buller's final despatch 1 officer was mentioned.  In 1901 the battery, like practically all others, was split up, and operated under Brigadier General Gilbert Hamilton and other commanders in the Transvaal and the north of the Orange River Colony (Lord Kitchener's despatch of 8th July 1901).

Click here for the diary of Gunner Joseph Lindsay, 64th RFA.

65th Battery (Howitzer).—Joined Lord Methuen in time to take part in the battle of Magersfontein, 11th December 1899 (see 2nd Black Watch).  Was in the pursuit of Cronje, and did great work at Paardeberg.  The 65th was specially mentioned in General Colvile's report.  Was in the other actions on the way to Bloemfontein.  From June 1900 to December 1901 one section was about Sannah's Post, one at Welgelegen, and one about Vet River.  In 1902 acted as Mounted Rifles, and took part in very many drives (See 87th Battery).

66th Battery.—One of the two batteries which got into difficulties at Colenso (see notes under 14th Battery and 2nd Queen's).  Lost four guns.  Had 1 officer and 3 men killed, 2 officers and 11 men wounded, 2 officers and 24 men being reported missing.  For their heroic efforts to recover the guns General Buller in his despatch of 16th December recommended Corporal Nurse for the Victoria Cross and 6 drivers for the distinguished conduct medal; and in the general's despatch of 30th March 1900, 2 officers—1 of whom had been killed— were mentioned, and 4 other men were recommended for the medal for distinguished conduct on the same occasion.  The remnants of the battery were left at Chieveley during the Spion Kop-Vaal Krantz operations.  A section of the battery was with Mahon in July 1900, and accompanied General French on the way to Barberton, September 1900 (see Mr Goldman's 'With General French and the Cavalry', p 376).  Two guns accompanied General Smith-Dorrien from about Wonderfontein to Piet Retief, January to April 1901 (see Cameron Highlanders), and later that year, two guns operated with Colonel Pulteney in the Eastern Transvaal (despatch of 8th July).

67th Battery.—Was present at Talana Hill on 20th October 1899 (see 13th Battery, 1st Leicestershire Regiment, and 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers).  At Lombard's Kop, 30th October (see 1st Liverpool Regiment), the battery was chiefly engaged near the centre against Pepworth Hill, and along with the 42nd silenced the Boer big-gun fire from that hill, although greatly outranged.  This Brigade Division was not so hotly engaged on 6th January as that composed of the 21st, 42nd, and 53rd.  Major Manifold was twice mentioned by Sir G White in despatches.  Having been attached to Clery's division, the 67th took part in the turning movement via Helpmakaar, and its work was then praised.  They were also in the actions of Botha's Pass and Laing's Nek.  Two officers were mentioned in General Buller's final despatch.  A convoy to Vryheid was attacked on 14th November 1900.  Lord Roberts, referring to this, said, "The Boers were driven off without any casualties (on our side) by the good practice made by the 67th Battery".  In 1901 the 67th was chiefly employed on the Zululand border, and 1 officer and 2 men gained mention by Lord Kitchener for good work in that quarter.  The battery sailed for India in November 1901.

68th Battery.—Arrived at the Cape on 17th February 1900.  Moved north into the Orange River Colony, and afterwards into the Transvaal.  Was about Frederickstad and Krugersdorp, August and September 1900, and was frequently engaged.  In 1901 four guns were with Babington in a column which did excellent work in the South-West Transvaal.  A section was at Dewetsdorp in November 1900 when the disagreeable surrender of the garrison of that town took place.  The section lost 1 officer and 8 men wounded.  A portion of the battery was with the Oxfordshire Light Infantry in the middle of the Orange River Colony about July 1901, and the section was also in Cape Colony that year.  In Lord Kitchener's despatch of 8th March 1901, the first after Dewetsdorp, 4 men were mentioned.

69th Battery.—Was, along with the 13th and 67th, at Talana Hill, 20th October 1899 (see 13th Battery and 1st Leicestershire Regiment), and at Lombard's Kop, 30th October 1899 (see 1st Liverpool), when, along with the 21st, they were sent to support General French.  On that occasion their services were most valuable.  Major Wing was mentioned in General White's despatches of 2nd December 1899 and 23rd March 1900, and 1 non-commissioned officer in the latter despatch.  The battery moved north with General Buller to Volksrust, and was present at the turning of Laing's Nek.  In General Buller's final despatch Major Wing was most highly praised and another officer was mentioned.  In Lord Roberts' despatch of 10th October 1900, para 27, the 13th and 69th were said to have distinguished themselves at Amersfoort.  In 1901 the battery was employed in the south-east of the Transvaal, and a section was present with Major Gough when his force was cut up and the two guns were captured, 17th September 1901.  Two guns were at Fort Itala, Zululand, when that place was attacked on 26th September (see 2nd Royal Lancaster).  On that occasion the section lost 1 officer and 4 men wounded.  Five non-commissioned officers and men gained mention for conspicuous gallantry: of these, Driver Bradley gained the VC for rushing out and carrying in a wounded man, then volunteering to take ammunition to a post up the hill; the 4 others were awarded the distinguished conduct medal.  The battery sailed for India in November 1901.

73rd Battery.—Along with the 64th formed Parson's Brigade Division at Colenso (see 64th Battery and 2nd Queen's).  Both batteries did much valuable work.  The battery accompanied Hart's brigade in the Venter's Spruit and Spion Kop operations.  Was at Vaal Krantz and in the final great combat for the relief, the Brigade Division then being the 28th, 73rd, and 78th.  In 1900 was brought round to the Transvaal, and in 1901 two guns were in the column of Colonel Grey, afterwards with Colonel Garratt.  One man gained mention by Lord Kitchener for gallant work in the Orange River Colony.

74th Battery.—Along with the 77th accompanied General Gatacre on the ill-fated expedition to Stormberg (see 2nd Northumberland Fusiliers).  Major Pollock, in his 'With Seven Generals in the Boer War', p 55, speaking of the attempted assault, says: "But at this juncture our own artillery, failing in the yet uncertain light to observe the ascent of the infantry, opened fire upon the enemy, and several shells falling short dealt destruction among the assailants of the position".  As to the retirement he says, p 57: "Never were batteries more skilfully handled; retiring alternately from position to position, the gunners splendidly atoned for the mischance of the earlier morning.  The courage and steadiness of all ranks in the 74th and 77th Field Batteries undeniably saved the remnant of the infantry and themselves also from destruction and capture".  The batteries lost two guns.  One taken too close to the enemy's position could not be got back; the other overturned in the retreat and had to be abandoned.  The 79th joined the Brigade Division in the Queenstown district a few days after the defeat at Stormberg, and the three batteries accompanied General Gatacre across the Orange River.  After he left South Africa they joined Rundle, being engaged near Dewetsdorp and Thabanchu in the latter part of April 1900.  The 74th then joined Ian Hamilton's army of the right flank.  The 77th and 79th remained with Rundle and were engaged at Biddulphsberg, 29th May (see 2nd Grenadier Guards), and in endless other actions in the north-east of the Orange River Colony.  Four guns of the 74th were doing column work under Colonel Bullock and other commanders in the Eastern Transvaal in 1901 (despatch of 8th July).  In July and August the column worked in the Orange River Colony, then back to the Vryheid district in September, thereafter by Botha's Pass to the Orange River Colony again, and finally to the Eastern Transvaal.  General Spens took over Bullock's column in the autumn of 1901.  Two guns remained with Spens until practically the close of the war.  This column, which had in it the famous 13th and 14th Battalions Mounted Infantry and J Battery RHA, did an immense amount of work, an admirable account of which is to be found in Lieutenant Moeller's 'Two Years at the Front'.

75th Battery.—(See notes under the 18th Battery).  At Modder River the 75th had 2 killed and 12 wounded.  Three officers gained mention by Lord Methuen, 2 of whom were wounded.  In the latter part of 1900 the battery was employed about Commando Nek and other places north-west of Pretoria (Lord Roberts' despatch of 10th October 1900, para 41).  On 3rd December 1900 two guns were with a convoy on the Rustenburg road when attacked by a strong force.  The slender escort took up a position on a kopje covering the road, and the enemy were eventually driven off.  Lord Kitchener said the escort fought with great gallantry, the enemy, who were also brave, coming close to the guns and being killed with case-shot at 50 yards.  Three men were mentioned in Lord Kitchener's despatch of 8th March 1901 and 1 in the despatch of 8th August.  In 1901 a section of the battery was in the column of Major McMicking on the Pietersburg line.  The battery sailed for India on 25th November 1901.

76th Battery.—Along with the 81st and 82nd arrived at the Cape on 21st January 1900 and went up to Modder River.  Formed a brigade division for Kelly-Kenny's Vlth Division, and took part in the pursuit of Cronje, the action at Paardeberg, and the other two battles on the road to Bloemfontein.  Two officers and 1 gunner of the 76th were mentioned in Lord Roberts' despatch of 31st March 1900 for gallant work up to that time.  These three batteries and the 74th accompanied Ian Hamilton on the march to Pretoria, taking part in his numerous actions (see Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry).  The 76th and 82nd did very excellent work at Diamond Hill, 11th and 12th June, when the 82nd was specially mentioned.  In the operations against Prinsloo the 76th did well on 24th July, in supporting the Seaforths near Retiefs Nek.  In August, September, and October 1900 the 76th was in a column under Bruce Hamilton based on Kroonstad (Lord Roberts' despatch of 10th October 1900, para 39).  In 1901 four guns were in a column under Colonel Thorneycroft which operated mainly in the Orange River Colony, and very frequently had fighting (Lord Kitchener's despatch of 8th July 1901).

77th Battery.  — (See notes under 74th Battery).  In 1901 four guns were with Colonel Harley (despatch of 8th July) operating in north-east of Orange River Colony.

78th Battery.—Joined Buller in Natal in time to take part in the operations about Venter's Spruit, Spion Kop, Brakfontein, Vaal Krantz, and the final fourteen days' fighting about Colenso.  In his despatch of 8th February 1900 General Buller said, "Lieutenant Archdale, 78th Battery, is especially mentioned for the manner in which he withdrew the battery waggons under a heavy enfilade fire, which struck two of the three waggons and several horses".  Lieutenant Blake Knox in his 'Buller's Campaign’, referring to the retirement at Brakfontein, says: "It so happened that as three of the guns of the 78th Battery were retiring one of the enemy's shells struck a gun-carriage and disabled it and at the same time wounded Captain Dawson.  Despite a terrific hail of shrapnel the brave gunners repaired the carriage, and putting their horses in motion, rescued their weapon and brought it under the shelter of one of the kopjes, the 73rd Battery covering its retirement.  This was a really magnificent piece of work".  One officer and 1 non-commissioned officer of the 78th were mentioned in General Buller's despatch of 30th March 1900.  The battery was brought round to Cape Colony and taken to the Transvaal.  On 11th July 1900 the battery was with Smith-Dorrien near Krugersdorp in a stiffly-contested fight.  The guns had been pushed too far forward and were rescued with great difficulty, Captain W E Gordon of the 1st Gordons getting the VC for gallantry in helping to pull out the guns, and Captain Younger, who was killed, being stated as worthy of it.  The battery remained in this district under Barton, and was often in heavy fighting in October, particularly about the 23rd, 24th, and 25th, when the Boers were severely defeated.  Two guns were with Colonel E C Williams in the South-West Transvaal in 1901 (Lord Kitchener's despatch of 8th July), and two in the same district with Colonel Hickie (despatch of 8th July).  The battery took part in several stubborn actions in the Western Transvaal under General W Kitchener and Sir Ian Hamilton at the close of the campaign, and always did well.  Few of the batteries saw more hard fighting.  Four officers and 4 non-commissioned officers and men were mentioned by Lord Kitchener in despatches.

79th Battery.—(See notes under 74th Battery).  For two years was in the north-east of the Orange River Colony under Rundle.  One gun was lost in the disaster at Tweefontein, Orange River Colony, on 25th December 1901.

81st Battery.—(See notes under 76th Battery).  One officer of the 81st was mentioned in the despatch of 31st March 1900 for gallant work on the way to Bloemfontein.  In June 1900 had a good deal of fighting in the north of the Orange River Colony with the Boers who were then raiding the line (see Cameron Highlanders).  Took part in the operations for surrounding Prinsloo.  The work of the 81st Battery was frequently mentioned by General Hunter, particularly their services on 23rd July.  In 1901 two guns were with Benson in the Eastern Transvaal.  Two guns were for a time with Barton and other commanders in the Western Transvaal (despatch of 8th July and Cameron Highlanders).  Two guns were in August and thereafter with General F W Kitchener north of the Delagoa line (see despatch of 8th September 1901).

82nd Battery.— (See notes under 76th Battery).  In the despatch of 31st March 1900, 1 officer and 1 non-commissioned officer were mentioned for gallant work on the way to Bloemfontein.  At Diamond Hill the 82nd Battery was on the 12th, with immense labour, hauled to the top of a hill, and boldly came into action at the somewhat risky range of under 2000 yards.  This and the splendid advance of the Sussex put the issue beyond doubt (see 1st Sussex Regiment, where the 82nd is specially referred to in quotation).  The immensely strong position was carried and the enemy once more defeated.  Lord Roberts referred to the work of the battery in his telegram and despatch.  In the operations against Prinsloo the 82nd were of great assistance on 20th and 21st July at the taking of Spitz Kop by the Camerons, and afterwards at Naauwpoort Nek.  The battery entered Harrismith with General Macdonald on 4th August, and afterwards came back with his brigade to Bethlehem and Lindley.  On the 15th August was in a stiff fight, when the Highland Light Infantry had about 40 casualties.  In 1901 a section was with Colonel Henry, who operated much in the west of the Orange River Colony, and four guns were with Colonel Broadwood, and throughout the year the battery did a great deal of hard marching and fighting.

83rd Battery.—Along with the 84th and 85th arrived on 11th February 1900, and was at once hurried to the front.  Although too late to take part in the actual pursuit to Paardeberg, were in time to assist otherwise, and entered Bloemfontein with the army.  The Brigade Division was the artillery of the Xlth Division, and was with Pole-Carew south-east of Bloemfontein in the operations for the relief of Wepener.  They accompanied the centre in the northern advance.  Were present at Diamond Hill, 11th and 12th June, and thereafter took part in the advance along the Delagoa Railway to Koomati Poort.  The 83rd Battery long remained in the Eastern Transvaal.  In 1901 two guns accompanied Smith-Dorrien from the Delagoa line to Piet Retief, etc, January to April.  One gun was with Colonel Allenby, and two guns with Major General Babington (despatch of 8th July).

84th Battery.—(See notes under 83rd Battery).  In the beginning of November 1900 four guns of the 84th were in a column under Smith-Dorrien which had very severe fighting south of Belfast.  By a gallop of two miles they helped to seize the key of the position (see Lord Roberts' telegram of 8th November and despatch of 15th November, paras 25, 26, and 27).  In the first quarter of 1901 a portion of the battery was with Smith-Dorrien working south-east from Belfast to Piet Retief and Vryheid, and north again.  Later in 1901 four guns were with a column under Colonel Douglas which did much good work in the Eastern Transvaal.  Two guns were with Colonel Benson when he met with his disaster at Baakenlaagte on 30th October 1901 (see 2nd East Kent).  The ridge on which the guns were placed was captured by the Boers, "and when our ambulance moved out after dark to collect the wounded the guns were removed by the enemy".  Colonel Benson and Colonel Guinness were both killed at the guns.  The section lost 7 killed and 20 wounded.  According to all accounts, the gallantry of the gunners and of the mounted infantry who strove to hold the ridge could not have been exceeded.  Seven non-commissioned officers and men of the battery were mentioned by Lord Kitchener in despatches for acts of gallantry almost all worthy of the 'Cross'.

85th Battery.—(See notes under 83rd Battery).  The battery was present at the review at Koomati Poort on 28th September 1900, and returned to Pretoria early in October.  In November 1900, when it became apparent that De Wet was to attempt the invasion of Cape Colony, four guns of the 85th Battery were with other troops railed from the Transvaal to the south of the Orange River Colony.  They took part in the very exciting chase by General Charles Knox, one memorable incident in which was the great difficulty experienced in getting the guns over the flooded Caledon.  In 1901 two guns accompanied the column of Colonel Crabbe in Cape Colony, and two guns were with Colonel Greenfell's column near Pietersburg, in the Northern Transvaal (see Lord Kitchener's despatch of 8th July).

86th Battery (Howitzer).—Arrived on 23rd February 1900.  Was after a time taken to the Natal border, and long remained about Dundee and Newcastle.  A section marched along the Standerton Railway line, with Clery to Heidelberg (Knox's 'Buller's Campaign', p 274).  Towards the close of 1900 a part of the battery was with Cunningham west of Pretoria.  Two guns were brought south from the Transvaal to near the Orange River in November 1900 to assist in keeping De Wet out of Cape Colony, and these accompanied General Knox in his great chase (see 85th and Lord Kitchener's despatch of 8th March 1901).  When the naval guns were first used in the field they were hauled by ox-teams, but Lieutenant Halsey's report of 20th July 1900 (Naval Brigade despatches) mentions that on 12th July he borrowed two gun-teams, drivers, harness, etc, from Major Guinness, 86th Battery RFA, and proceeded to experiment on the possibility of horsing the naval guns.  "Finding everything satisfactory, I took them to headquarters and paraded them before Sir Redvers Buller".  The guns subsequently went into action with the horses and drivers of the 86th.

87th Battery (Howitzer).—Arrived on 20th February 1900, and joined General Clements near Norval's Pont in March.  Got to Bloemfontein in April, and was part of the garrison there till end of August, when two sections went to Johannesburg and one to Springfontein.  About the end of 1900 one gun joined Colonel Allenby's column and one Colonel Pulteney's column, both of which were in the big operations in the Eastern Transvaal.  In December 1901 the personnel of the battery was, like those of many others, converted into mounted rifles, and under Colonel Dunlop took part in many great drives both in the Orange River Colony and the Transvaal.  In one of these Captain G V Clarke was killed on 8th April 1902 (Battery Records).   Colonel Dunlop's battalion was made up from the 37th, 43rd, 61st, 65th, 86th, and 87th Howitzer batteries. 

88th Battery.—Arrived on 14th February 1900.  Was moved north to the Transvaal, and in August 1900 was part of a column under Lord Methuen based on Zeerust and Mafeking (see Lord Roberts' despatch of 10th October 1900, para 39).  Was afterwards with Douglas's Brigade, operating about Klerksdorp, the valley of the Vaal, and other parts of the Western Transvaal.  Both columns did work which was praised.  The battery seems to have escaped serious losses at any time.