This corps was mobilised in October 1899, and performed most valuable
work throughout the campaign. In November 1899 'A' Company of the Cape
MSC acted as Bearer Company to Lord Methuen at Belmont, Graspan, Modder
River, and in December at Magersontein. It will be remembered that the
Royal Army Medical Corps were scarcely able to meet the great pressure on
their department, particularly after Lord Roberts commenced his advance into
the Orange River Colony. In these circumstances, the Cape Medical
Staff had full opportunity of proving the worth of their previous training,
and exhibited a very high ideal of what the services of such a corps should
be. In Sir C Warren's engagement at Faber's Put on 30th May 1900, the
corps had Sergeants Blizzard and Rosscan wounded.
The Mentions gained were:—
LORD METHUEN'S DESPATCH AS TO MAGERSFONTEIN.—Cape Medical Corps— Private
A Bettington, CMR, attached, helped to remove a wounded Highlander from the
front under a heavy fire.
LORD ROBERTS' DESPATCH, PAARDEBERG OPERATIONS.—Captain
J I Brownlee, Sergeant A Bettington.
GENERAL WARREN'S DESPATCH AS TO ACTION AT FABER'S PUT: 30th May
1900.—Major Cox, commanding Cape Field Hospital.
LORD ROBERTS' DESPATCH: 2nd April 1901.—Surgeon Lieutenant Colonel C B
Hartley, VC, awarded CMG; Staff-Sergeant Wunschow; Privates M Cheese,
Nathan.
LORD KITCHENER'S DESPATCH: 23rd June 1902.—Quartermaster and Honorary
Major W Dawson.
