THE BOER WAR
A DIARY OF THE SIEGE OF MAFEKING
BY
CHARLES JAMES WEIR
ACCOUNTANT, STANDARD BANK, MAFEKING, SOUTH AFRICA
PRINTED FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION.
Edinburgh: SPENCE & PHIMISTER.
1900.
WRITTEN FOR THE LOVED ONES AT HOME.
Mafeking, Saturday, 14th October 1899.—As we are now entirely cut off from the rest of the country, I will try and write a few lines every day, which I hope to forward at first opportunity.
I presume you received the letter I wrote and posted on Tuesday, 10th inst., as we calculated that the train which left this on that day was the last to get through. Certainly a mail did leave on Wednesday morning, but it returned in the afternoon. So you will most likely get those few lines with this.
Well, up to date, nothing has happened, except a few shots fired at a great distance by our armoured train at a small party of Boers, who were burning a ganger’s cottage and tearing up the rails some five miles away. The real fighting commenced early this morning, when the picket came across a large party •of the enemy making for the town. When fired on they cleared, and then the armoured train went out, and getting within range, peppered them with Maxims for about an hour. A. Squadron of Colonel Hore’s force (which, by the way, is composed of King, Queen, and East London men) went out to engage them also. But by this time the Boers had had quite enough from the armoured train, and ran for it, with Captain Fitz-Clarence and his men after them. Unfortunately our men went a little too far, and came in between a very hot cross-fire from the enemy. They were only relieved by the train finding range, and again clearing them out. Our casualties were two killed and fifteen wounded, of whom two died later on. Strange to say, the killed and wounded were all East London men, with the exception of one, who hailed from Port Elizabeth. As far as can be known, at least 150 Boers were put out of action.
You will from this see how useful the armoured train is. It is guaranteed to withstand any rifle shots, but, of course, a shell would burst the boiler.
We are all on duty to-night, but many think that, being Sunday to-morrow, the Boers will not attack.
Sunday, 15th October.—For the greater part of the day the Dutch have been seen; and the latest report is that Cronje, with a force of 2000 men, is in laager about six miles down the line, so we anticipate a furious attack to-morrow.
Owing to the proximity of the enemy there were no services to-day, for we had all to stand to arms all day and keep strict guard. We do not know what to-morrow may bring forth, but I know that your prayers are being offered for our safety. I do not fear the danger, but feel it would be nice if I could every day send you news to reassure you. My darling mother, I know that you have quite enough to bear without this further anxiety on my account. Pater will, I suppose, be home ere this—I hope he arrived in safety. I know, too, how anxious dear Violet will be; but I also know you will all, for my sake, try and cheer her up.
Now I must say good-night. It is very hard to write, as, of course, one’s nerves are very much strained. Now, good-bye for the present, my darling parents. I feel to-night that our prayers are united. God bless us all. Good-bye.
Tuesday, 17th October.—There was no time yesterday for writing letters of any description, for we all had an experience of being shelled, though, strange to say, not a soul was injured.
I was just leaving the breakfast - table when I thought I heard the sound of big guns, and very soon found that the bugles were blowing the assembly from several parts of the town. We therefore made for our redoubt, which was situated at the corner of the town, in the direction from which the firing was coming. The first few shots were very alarming, but we soon got used to it, more especially when we found that very little damage was being done. A few came whizzing over our heads, but they struck a long way off. Altogether sixty-three shells were fired on us. The convent, which was even nearer than we were to the fighting line, was struck three times, but very little damage was done. The hotel from which we had just come was struck, the ball entering alongside a window a few feet from our table. Altogether some dozen shells fell in the town, but did no damage. The total loss of life was one dog and two chickens.
After the shelling was over, the youngsters ran around picking up the pieces of shell. Then it was discovered that the majority of the shells were very bad, and had only half-burst.
The firing was kept up until about two o’clock, and every few minutes the enemy would move the guns a few feet nearer. Our men did not reply to a single shot; but the armoured train, which was hidden by bushes, was just waiting until they came well into range, and then they were to open fire. Lord Ben-tick, who commands A. squad of Colonel Hore's force, was also waiting to charge the guns. About two o’clock the Boers came within good range, and in another half-hour or so they would have lost their guns had they not evidently smelt a rat. But lo! A white flag was seen approaching. Of course preparations were stopped, but still we would have been quite justified in firing, for under cover of that same white flag they moved two more guns up. When the man arrived we learned that the Dutch commandant had given us a chance of surrender to save further bloodshed. Major Goold-Adams told us afterwards that Colonel Baden-Powell simply laughed when he heard it. The man was sent back with the message that we would not surrender, and, what was more, we did not want any more white flags covering movements. The men on the armoured train all state that had the white flag not been hoisted the Boers would certainly have lost at least one gun and a large number of men.
After the man returned the Boers took possession of the springs from which our water-works are fed, and which are situated about four miles from town. And as we have no guns larger or more modern than seven-pound muzzle-loaders, we could do nothing but sit and watch them cut off our water-supply. However, we have in town sufficient for a month or so; and by digging in the river-bed water can easily be had.
Wednesday, 18th October.—Nothing of interest took place yesterday, although we stood to arms nearly all day. The Boers were showing themselves continually eduring the day with the evident intention of drawing small parties out to them, but Baden-Powell is not to be caught that way; and as day by day passes, we feel more and more confidence in our Colonel.
There were no fresh supplies issued yesterday, nor have there been any to-day, but we get meals when we can at the hotel. To-day I had two meals of bully-beef and bread, and enjoyed it very much. However, if we were kept on such rations continually, it would likely become monotonous.
Our fort is thrown up against the fence of a house in the outskirts of the town. It is composed of a good strong wall of sand bags with four or five feet of loose earth outside; and it would take a very heavy shell to do much damage. Our only danger, in ease of shelling, would be one bursting overhead. This will, however, be guarded against by digging a large trench, and then covering it over with sand bags, sheets of iron, and loose earth. Some of the redoubts have already been commenced, and ours will be taken in hand in a day or two. It practically amounts to this, that the Boers could knock the town to pieces, yet not injure any one. Still, with their erratic firing, we never know where the next shell is coming from, and so some might be hit by a surprise packet.
We sleep either in the garden behind the wall, or on the verandah behind the house. When all is quiet, one man only is on guard, and the rest sleep. Each takes his hour; and as I am the one who is usually chosen to guard at night, I get generally early to sleep.
Almost every night one wakes with some kind friend walking over him; but, as we are roughing it, we do not mind.
Last night the Colonel sent out 100 natives in charge of a few Cape police to creep up to the Boer camp, which is about four miles from us, and fire a volley. Report has it that they got up to within 200 yards, when, some wishing to run, the police remonstrated so loudly that the enemy were put on the alert, and their Maxims were turned on. However, the natives put in a couple of volleys, and then ran back. One native was shot, and two wounded. One of the Cape police was also wounded, but was not missed till the others had gone back a little way. On hearing of it, Stevens, one of his comrades, went back, found the wounded one, and under fire carried him to town on his back. That was a very plucky thing to do, was it not ? The authorities have made special mention of it, so he will likely get some mark of distinction for the act. The wounded man’s name is Webb. He is a son of the Port Elizabeth magistrate.
Thursday, 19th October.—Very’ quiet, not even an alarm; but still we stick to our posts.
Of course the Bank is closed, except when the Imperial Government demands money to pay boys who are working at the defences. They are taking every possible step to ensure safety, and are paying about £100 a day, which means about 1000 boys at two shillings.
The total number of armed whites, including the force, is over 1200, and they add that 1500 natives are also armed.
The Boers have done more very shabby things besides getting a good position under cover of the white flag. On Saturday, when the ambulance went out to bring in the bodies of the two poor fellows who had been shot, they opened fire on them, so that they
had to retire. Every man was unarmed, and stretchers were carried very conspicuously; but it had no effect. However, on Sunday, Cronje sent an apology in for the firing, stating that it would not occur again. So the bodies were sent for, but it was found that besides having been robbed, the men’s fingers had been cut off, so as to get the rings they wore!
Friday, 20th October.— Violet's Birthday.—An alarm at 9 o'clock, and we were under arms from that hour till one o’clock when the enemy cleared before our men could get within range. The Boers appear to be simply looting, and seem afraid to attack. News comes in from native sources that they have sent to Pretoria for a big gun, and intend to destroy the place. We also have news to-day from many sources (all native, however) that a big battle has taken place in Natal, and that our side has been victorious. Nothing authentic has, however, been received; but the officials here accept the story as true.
Saturday, 21st October.—An attack was expected last night, but although we were awake nearly all night nothing came of it. At six o’clock this morning the Maxim gun of the armoured train played a little on a small party of Boers, but the distance was great, and they soon retired.
Every day I spend a lot of time thinking of you all, and wondering whether you know that we are so far safe. This morning a gentleman who lives near Vryburg went out with the intention of trying to ride through, and as he was leaving I sent a couple of wires and letters by him, in ease he should manage to get through. Though 1, of course, hope he does succeed, yet I am very much afraid it will be some time before you receive them as we now hear that Vryburg is in the enemy’s hands. We have had intimation from Cronje that he will shell the town on Monday unless we surrender.
Sunday, 22nd October.—I am glad that this has been a very peaceful Sunday. Two services were held in the English Church, and I managed to get to both. In between, however, I had to do guard, and this afternoon a very heavy rain fell, so that we had to work to keep the water from filling the trenches.
To-morrow we are all expecting heavy shelling, and can only trust to Him who guides and directs the lives of His children to preserve us, if He thinks fit.
Tuesday, 24th October.—I have just run up to my room to write a line or two. We are hourly expecting heavy bombardment, and we never know when some of us may be called hence. However, we can but trust to Him who rules our lives. The Boers are building a stand for a very big gun they have got from Pretoria; and our only cannon are five seven-pounders, which will not reach them.
Yesterday a few shells fell into the town from one of their smaller guns, but did no damage. We all have to run to our posts now.
Sunday, 29th October.—Since last I wrote I have not been able to leave the fort to write. Every day we have been fired on. Wednesday, the shell fire round-us was very brisk; but happily very little •damage was done. Up to date over 400 shells, ranging from seven-pounders to ninety-four-pounders, have been sent into the town, but only two troopers and a native have been injured. This is the more marvellous when one considers that in between the alarms many people are on the move in the town. We seem to be getting used to the seven-pounders. But the 94 turns us sick. One of the shells from this gun struck within fifteen yards of the port-holes, at which we were standing, and threw the dust in our faces. Altogether our position is very dangerous, for we cannot move with either shells or Mauser bullets flying about. Truly the Lord has been very watchful over us all.
Still we are all very much unnerved by the whole thing, for we simply wait while the enemy fires into town. Beyond two seven-pounders we have no guns to reply to their artillery fire, so you can imagine how we are handicapped. Beyond a few shots from our Maxims, we, at the redoubts, have not fired a shot, for the Boers do not venture to come nearer than from 2000 to 1500 yards range, and our orders are not to fire until they come well within range. Even now, as I write, my nerves are all going, and every door that is slammed is like some shot.
About two miles out, directly in front of us, there is a laager of about fifty waggons. Then a few miles to the north another large one; and there is still another to the west. Thus the enemy seems to have encircled the town, and apparently means to stay. We hear, too, that Bechuanaland is annexed to the Transvaal, so we are practically in the eyes of the Dutch rebels. Still the Union Jack is boldly floating in the centre of the town, though on a hill about two miles distant there is the S.A.R. flag.
This morning I went to Service in the English Church, and enjoyed it very much. The text was taken from 2 Cor., and the subject was the necessity for severe training for the Christian service.
On Friday night a force of about 60 men went out under Captain Fitz-Clarence, and attacked one of the enemy’s trenches. They crept up to within a few yards, and after firing a volley charged with fixed bayonets. We lost six men, but the enemy must have lost a good many. This is the worst feature of the whole thing, when we see the dead being brought in, and when we hear of more bloodshed to the enemy. Truly war is a ghastly thing. What will happen during the coming week, we, of course, cannot tell. It is well left in the hands of Him who directs our lives. May He comfort you all this day!
Tuesday, 31st October.—We are still safe, but in a very dangerous state. Yesterday, and again to-day, we were shelled, but without damage. Just now there is a lull. The B.S.A. had a very sharp engagement this morning, and lost two or three killed and some wounded. However, the enemy lost heavily. The horrors of war grow day by day, and our life seems unbearable. We can but trust to our Father, and obey His will.
