This corps was formed towards the close of 1899. Its greatest
strength was about three squadrons, but it afterwards fell much in numbers.
The corps was commanded by Captain Bettelheim, and was composed of men
selected for knowledge of the country and its ways.
French's Scouts did fine work throughout two years' campaigning,
generally in the districts in which the great cavalry leader after whom they
were called was operating, but the whole of the corps were not always with
General French; as, for example, while he was relieving Kimberley part of
the Scouts went with him, but another portion was left in the Colesberg
district with General Clements, under whom they fought and suffered some
losses in February 1900.
When the advance from Bloemfontein to Pretoria was undertaken French's
Scouts accompanied the cavalry, operating on the left flank. They were
present at Diamond Hill, 11th to 13th June, where they had several
casualties. After that they undertook many very daring reconnaissances
north and east of Pretoria. In July 1900 the corps was in the
forefront of the advance along the Delagoa line, and afterwards in the
movements to Barberton in September (see
Imperial Light Horse) and to Heidelberg in October. Having
operated for a time in the central district, they took part in the great
sweeping movement in the first quarter of 1901 to the eastern border of the
Transvaal. During all these months of constant fighting their losses
had been wonderfully few when the extremely dangerous nature of their tasks
is borne in mine the evil day was to come. The corps had been back to
Cape Colony, and near Bethesda, on August 1901, they lost Sergeant Stacey
killed, the commander, Captain Bettelheim, Lieutenant C de V Duff, Sergeant
Major Chiazzari, and several men wounded.
The Mentions gained by the corps were:—
LORD ROBERTS' DESPATCHES: 31st March 1900, for relief of Kimberley and
advance to Bloemfontein.—Sergeant A K Green and Private W S Penny.
2nd April 1901.—Captain Bettelheim; Sergeant (now Lieutenant) A K Green,
Private W S Penny.
LORD KITCHENER'S DESPATCH: 8th May 1901.—Lieutenant F Maxwell, for coolness
and courage with which he extricated a patrol on 16th June. Sergeant
Major Chiazzari, at Kalabashfontein, 10th June, rendered most valuable
service by holding a ridge with a small party.
