TOPIC:

....Despite the large staff of correspondents attached to our troops in South Africa during the present war, not half of the work done by our brave lads has been related. As a rule the war reporters have flocked round the camps of what may be termed the "big-wigs;" and the lesser expeditions, while not severely let alone, have been dealt with in an off-hand manner. In many instances as important and difficult tasks were performed by the men under a Colonel as the mighty force guided by a General ; but then no correspondent was in attendance to inform a public thirsty for news of their doings. As a case in point, the writer may mention that of Colonel Plumer, who, with a "mere handful" of soldiers, proved a veritable hornet's nest to the strong rearguard of Cronje's force under the command of Eloff, ably supported by the German Commandant. Albreich. An "Evening Telegraph" reporter was fortunate enough to stumble across an old schoolmate now home in Dundee, who had served under Colonel Plumer, and, in fact, was in the troop uuder the late Captain Buttar of Dundee. The trooper was at first somewhat reluctant to speak of his experiences, but latterly told the reporter some of them. Before the war broke out he was resident in Bulawayo, and on the call for volunteers he at once handed in his name, and shortly afterwards joined the Rhodesian Volunteers, being appointed a member of the F Troop, under Captain Buttar. The men were made "fit" at Huzzar Camp, out from Bulawayo. The Northern Brigade had already started, but early in November of 1899 the Rhodesian Volunteer got orders to at Magalapye. With the volunteers and detachments from a Rhodesian regiment and tbe British South African Police the total strength was 700. For three weeks the brigade camped at Magalapye, and, although skirmishing parties patrolled ttie country, no sign of the enemy could be seen. The march was proceeded with, and Machudi was the next camping ground. One day scouts brought in word that Boers were in the neighbourhood of a place called Sequani. This was the first time that the enemy had been heard of, and the men were naturally anxious to get at them. Only 130, however, were picked to do battle. The party left camp at six o'clock in the evening under the command of Colonel Houldsworth. All night they rode on until about four o'clock in the morning, when the Boer fires were sighted on the top of a kopje. The signal for the commencement of operations was to be the firing of the Maxim under Captain Llewellyn, a brother of the cricketer who is at present touring with the South Africans in England. Immediately the Maxim spoke the men dashed forward, and, despite a heavy fire from the enemy, the British party were successful in dislodging them after a four hours' fight. The kopje was rushed and the Boers cleared out, leaving 14 dead and 11 wounded, including two women and a boy nine years old. The British casualties amounted to one horse. The encounter took place in native territory, and Colonel Houldsworth had ordered the chief not to allow his "boys" to take part in the fray. Nearly 2000 of them watched the progress of the battle, and when they saw the Britishers victorious they raised lusty cheers. Native scouts informed the Colonel that a force of 700 Boers were coming up from Gaberones to and they had to gallop back for all they were worth, just managing to get ahead by about twenty minutes at the place where they would have been intercepted by the advancing foe. Christmas Day was merry enough with the force, but the evening the volunteers spent in the trenches, an alarm having been given that an attack was being made. Skirmishes, with short advancements of the camp, occupied the time until February when once more Plumer came upon the Boers near Crocodile Pools. On this occasion they were encamped on kopjes commanding the railway, the British taking up a position 2½ miles distant. For several days artillery duels were the order. Plumer had only one 12½-pounder and two 7-pounders belonging to the Mountain Battery, and here the trooper digressed for a minute to refer to the small number of guns entrusted to his commander. All through, he said, Plumer was terribly handicapped for the want of a sufficient artillery equipment. Had he had these at his command, Plumer, the trooper remarked, would have been able to do the work entrusted to him in a better and quicker way. Continuing, the Rhodesian volunteer said that just at daybreak the Boer guns wished them good morning, and the salute was returned by the British. The trooper expressed great admiration of the manner in which Albreich handled his guns—"He could plant the shots all right " After about a fortnight's big fire duelling the Colonel decided to on the main fort, where the enemy's 12½-pounder was situated, which, by the way, was a sister gun to the one used by the British, the Boers having captured it. On Sunday, 12th February, 120 picked men stole silently from the camp, and as showing the cautious manner in which the approach was made, it may be mentioned that it took them from half-past ten until ten minutes past four in the morning to reach the foot of the kopje on which the Boers were encamped. When half the distance was traversed a dog in the enemy's camp began to bark, and the men were suspicious that their enterprise was doomed to failure. However, they continued. The party were extended in line, with 50 men as reserve. The order was given to fix bayonets, and the ascent was commenced. What a journey! The men encountered huge boulders, up which it was impossible to scale, and as they deviated to the right or left Ihey collided with their comrades. In the dark several of the men fell over precipices. Not a sound came from the Boer camp. It was only the calm before the storm. After arduous labour the top was reached, but just as the khaki-clad warriors appeared on the crest one shot was fired, followed by a regular fusilade. A couple of case shells were then exploded, but this only gave our men more grit, and with a cheer they charged down on the foe. A wall three feet high proved no obstacle, but, dashing forward, an entanglement six feet high was encountered, and proved an impassable barrier. One poor fellow—Captain French—did manage to scale it, but was immediately afterwards shot down. It was now seen that it was and there was nothing for it but to retreat. The teller of these experiences was wounded in the knee, but managed to pull himself into camp by about ten o'clock next morning. Those in came had an idea by the firing that their comrades were getting the worst of it. Two ambulance waggons were despatched to give aid to the injured, but immediately they came out into the open they were fired upon, and had to turn back. During the brief fight—it had only lasted 13 minutes—10 British were killed and 58 wounded.





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....About a month after Plumer's daring but unsuccessful midnight attack on the Boer position, described yesterday, the British camp was moved down to Lobatsi, and, although two or three fights took place, nothing important occurred until nearly the middle of March, when a hard battle ensued about four miles from Lobatsi Station. The engagement started about seven o'clock in the morning and continued until eight in the evening. The British got within 250 yards of the Boers, when they were driven back to the station. At the end of March Plumer had made his way as far as Ramathlabama, about 13 miles from Mafeking. He had been receiving reports that the garrison shut up there were in dire straits for food stuffs, and he decided to attempt to rush stores through. The Boers had, however, been reinforced, and it was reckoned that they would have a force of between 2000 and 3000, while they also had five big guns, three pom-poms, and two Maxims. Reconnoitring parties were sent out, and on their return the British were divided into three parties—the volunteers on the left flank, the Rhodesian Regiment in the centre, and the police on the right. An advance of only a mile and a quarter had been made when the Boers opened fire. Our troops managed to find shelter in a dry river bed, when the fight really commenced. Shell upon shell was fired at them, while the rifles were actively used. For four hours the men lay under cover, when Plumer thought it was getting too hot for his troops, and he Thirty soldiers were killed, and Colonel Plumer received a slight wound. The trooper pointed out that in the circumstances Plumer was not to blame for having to again retreat. He had done everything he could, and the fault was entirely due to the insufficiency of men. Lobatsi was again the scene of the brigade's camp, and here it was reinforced by 200 Canadians, with their artillery. With this large addition Plumer decided to push on and join forces with Colonel Mahon, who, it was stated, was now distant about three days' march. A large column of men had been hurrying on towards Mafeking, and on 16th May—Plumer was then about 10 miles from the besieged town—fighting commenced. It consisted of big gun shelling, there being next to no rifle firing. The Canadian Aitillery soon got on the spot, and "fairly knocked the Boers sick," the enemy having to limber up and clear out. The fighting was practically over by mid-day, the enemy scattering in all directions. They were pursued, but managed to get away. The trooper spoke in the highest praise of the Canadian Artillery, and backed it to take its place with any other corps in the world. The was one of the prettiest sights that one could wish to see. Troops poured in in thousands and the long columns of men and transport marching in was a spectacle never to be forgotten. It was a mighty gathering. The Dundonian was greatly surprised at the state of Makeking. Stories had been current that it had undergone a terrific cannonade. It certainly showed a bit the worse for wear, but not nearly to the extent that he expected. Two days were spent in Mafeking, and the men then got orders to proceed to LobatSi. The Rhodesian Regiment, their plucky and staunch comrades, parted company with the Dundonian and his troop at Mafeking.






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....From Lobatsi the Rkodesian Volunteers went to Zeerust, where they remained for about three days, when word came that Captain Llewellyn, who had preceded them from Mafeking, was being harassed by a big commando at Rustenburg. and the order was to push on as quickly as possible. The first day 23 miles were covered, the second 32, and the third 28. By that time they had reached Elands River, and information was received that the Boers had struck camp. A fortnight was spent at the river, when the order came to go to Vlakefontein, distant about 38 miles. For some time the Rhodesian Volunteers patrolled the country on commandeering duty, and were successful in bagging about 2000 horses, 5000 head of cattle, and 30.000 sheep. These were sent on to Zeerust. Orders were afterwards received to join a camp which was under the command of Colonel Hoare. The volunteers formed an outpost to the right of the camp, and every morning sent out patrols. Colonel Hoare had under his command over 500 Australian bushmen, a few South African Police, and Queenslanders, and the Rhodesian Volunteers. A mounted parade had been called for 4th August, but on that morning a few Boers were sighted on a kopje about a mile and a half from the camp. Shortly afterwards a regular fusilade was poured in upon the volunteers, who had just been setting out from camp. With the utmost despatch they tumbled back into their forts. A terrific fire was kept up on the little garrison with big guns andl rifles all that day, and as it was full moon at night the Boers were continually sniping at anything appearing from below cover. When the first shot was fired a regular bombardment of the whole camp ensued. It was afterwards discovered that his force numbering between 3000 and 3500. They had seven big guns, four 15-pounders, three 12½-pounders, three pom-poms, and two Maxims. The siege lasted for 13 days. The F Troop, numbering 68, under Captain Buttar, held the key of the whole position, as if their fort was taken the whole camp was practically at the mercy of the Boers. On the second day an exceptionally heavy fire was kept up on Buttar's men. At daybreak over two dozen shells fell within their walls, with the result that every horse and cattle beast were killed. During the night F Troop had been busy digging trenches, and only one man of their company was killed. although six were wounded. Delarey paid several visits to the British hospital, which was cut off from the camp, and on getting the men's word that they would not communicate with the main camp he promised to supply them with food and drink. This he did most, faithfully, and in fact, they were better catered for than before the siege. One of the patients, a fellow named Bunten, was to which craft Delarey also belonged. They were brothers yet foes. Many were the friendly chats they had together. The Britisher was greatly astonished at the amount of accurate information the Boer leader had in regard to the opponents' camp. Delarey knew that Buttar was keeping him from obtaining his desire, and he also was well aware that it would take a. lot of powder and shell to shift the galiamt captain. The siege dragged on its weary way. The Rhodesian Volunteers, at least the F Troop, experienced considerable hardships from lack of food. After dark the reporter's friend, accompanied by several of his comrades, used to steal down the mountain to the main cannp for provender, and likewise hand in reports. The securing of water was also fraught with much danger. The Boers knew that our men paid visits to the camp for food, and before dark set in used to train their guns on the kopje, keeping up irregular firing during the evening. On one occasion in particular the Dundonian and his friends had a very anxious time of it. They were with their supplies, and fire was directed on them. They were only 100 yards from their camp, but, nevertheless, to move was almost certain death. For three hours they lay motionless, with the bullets falling around them, and then leaving some of the provisions behind they managed to reach the fort in safety. One day Delarey sent out the white flag, and demanded their surrender. The Boers reported that General Carrington had been defeated at Rustenburg, and that there was no hope of succour. He would allow ihe officers to retain their swords, but the men had to lay down their arms. All foodstuffs were to be given up, and he promised to escort the men to within reasonable distance of the nearest British camp. Time was taken to consider the offer, and the trooper said that if it had not been for Captain Buttar and another officer it might have been accepted. They refused to give in ; consequently the Boer General's proposal was declined. The Australians would have refused to comply under any circumstances with the request. Delarey then threatened to bring up a 94-lb. gun and blow the camp to smithereens. About midnight on the thirteenth day of the siege the last shot was fired. The British camp marvelled at the quiet state of matters, and soon began to show face. But never a shot came. They knew that something was wrong. Matters were cleared up. however, by the arrival of a galloper from Lord Kitchener about half-past three in the morning with the news that a column was in the vicinity. The first man to reach the volunteers' camp was accompanied by his orderly. Half an hour later his force, which totalled about 14,000 men, entered. The next day Methuen, with 20,000, came up, and in the evening the camp fires for miles and miles around made a picturesque scene. The F troop were exceptionally lucky as regards casualties during the siege, as they had only three killed and nine wounded. All their horses and cattle were, however, shot. In the main camp 16 were killed and 78 wounded. During the siege Dr Duke, hailing from Queensland, performed numerous deeds of valour, and if any one deserved a V.C. the trooper held that he was entitled to one. Despite the heavy fire to which the camp was subjected, he moved about day after day attending to the sick and wounded. The volunteers were sent back to Mafeking. where they lay for three weeks. A medical inspection was held, and out of 57 men belonging to F troop only 27 paraded. These were attached lo a composite regiment, and were despatched to Pretoria to bo inspected by Lord Roberts. The journey across country was made by train, and the men were despatched in open trucks, in which they were confined for 14 days. At the inspection Lord Roberts said he was very proud of the colonial troops. In reference te their stand at Elands River, the great General said it showed to the British Army one of the finest lessons of pluck and determination that had taken place during the war. Lord Roberts asked Captain Buttar to come forward, but he was informed that that officer was at Buluwayo. Roberts was exceedingly sorry that he had not been able to speak personally to the Captain, as he reckoned that Buttar was one of the finest officers in command of colonial troops in the field. Lieutenant Anderson communicated the General's remarks to "Sandy" on the volunteers' return to Buluwayo. The men thereafter subscribed and presented their devoted Captain with an illuminated address testifying to the admiration in which he was held by them for his kindness and pluck as an officer. The volunteers were shortly afterwards disbanded, and the Dundee trooper returned to his work. A few days later Lord Roberts sent asking Captain Buttar to get up a troop for This he did, and, although his Captain pressed him hard to join, the trooper was unable to do so, and before Buttar started on what proved his last journey officer and man spent a pleasant evening together. During their hard work the Rhodesian Volunteers had traversed a district reeking with fever, and many men succumbed to the treacherous climate. As it is, only six of F Troop are at present alive—a sad evidence of the hardships they had to undergo.

The above articles appeared in the Evening Telegraph [Dundee], on the 4th, 5th and 6th of July 1901.




....Captain A. Butter, son of Mr James Butter, Inverary Terrace, Dundee, gives an interesting account of his experiences in connection with the siege of the Eland's River garrison to the Bulawayo Chronicle. The siege, he states, began on August 4, when the Boers opened fire. Captain Butter, with 81 men, was stationed on a small rise, or rather at the end of a plateau, which sloped down to the river, the nearest point of which was 150 yards. Opposite to this position was a kopje 250 yards distant, which was held and entrenched by the Boers, who built 90 feet of stonework along its face. About 600 yards away the Boers had built little schantzes of stone, constructed to hold three men each. There were about thirty of these. To the rear of Captain Butter's position (about 600 yards away) was another held by Lieutenant Zouch, with a small contingent of sixty Australians. The main camp, under Colonel Hoare. was about 700 yards further away, and northwards of Zouch's camp.
....The Boers numbered 1800, under the command of Jacobus De La Rey, and 700 under Van Heerden. They had, as far as was ascertained, three or four 12-pounders, firing 12½-lbs. English shrapnel shells and Dutch segment shells (made in Johannesburg), one Maxim-Nordenfeldt gun, firing solid conical- pointed bullets; and a 5-lb. Hotchkiss, firing a bursting shell on the percussion system. This last was a most wicked weapon, as the sound and the strike were simultaneous, giving the men in the trenches no time to take cover. It was a quick-firing, and at the same time a high-velocity gun. Captain Butter and his men took cover in the entrenchments that had already been built. These were constructed with ditches two feet deep and two feet wide behind a wall of stonework two feet high, the earth from the ditch being embanked in front of the wall. All of these ditches were arranged in semi-circular fashion, so as to prevent the company being enfiladed.
....During the siege the Boers shot or stampeded 1372 horses, cattle, and mules. Captain Butter lost 41 splendid horses, 20 mules, and 25 cattle. This loss did not cost the Government anything, as all had been captured from the Boers. Shelling went on almost continually, but the rifle fire never stopped morning, noon, or night. It was this which cost them all their casualties, which were 3 killed and 10 wounded. The Boers made an attack on the night of the 7th August on Butter's Kopje. They first drove a herd of sheep—an old trick—in front of them towards the position. No attention was paid till the Boers were within 80 yards. Then the Captain's whistle sounded, and a volley rang out, supplemented by the fire of the old Maxim. This went on for about 15 minutes. The Boers were stopped, and they could be heard carrying away their wounded. It was estimated tbat between 500 and 600 Boers held the kopje opposite, but, no doubt, a lot were behind the ridge waiting in reserve. The Boers raised the siege on the morning of the 15th of August, firing their parting shots at 2 a.m. At daylight five or six of Captain Butter's men went up to the Boer schantzes, the reserve covering their advance. The Boers had gone.
The Dundee Courier, Tuesday 16th October 1900


....A Hero of Elands River. —Captain Alexander Butters, of the Rhodesian force, a native of Dundee, who distinguished himself so creditably at Elands River, has just been honoured by being made the recipient of a handsome illuminated address at a meeting held at Buluwayo. The Buluwayo Chronicle says "that the ceremony was interesting on account of its rarity, and from the fact that it honoured one who has worthily upheld the claim of Rhodesia to be included among the Colonial forces which have accomplished work for tbe Empire, the value of which can hardly at present be properly appraised." The major, in paying a tribute to Captain Butters, said Elands River was one of the deeds that would live in history, and Captain Butters had conducted it with the greatest gallantry. Captain Butters and Mrs Butters were thereafter presented with a gold watch and a silver tea service respectively.
Dundee Courier, Saturday 1st December 1900


....An interesting ceremony took place recently in the Palace Hotel, Bulawayo, when Captain Alexander Butters, the hero of Elands River, and who is well-known in Dundee, was presented with a beautiful illuminated address, a gold repeater watch, and a silver tea service for Mrs Butters. The gifts were from the officers and men of the Southern Rhodesian Volunteers as a token of their appreciation of his services in the field, more especially at the siege of Elands River. The address records their deep sense of the splendid qualities displayed by Captain Butters as an officer and a soldier, as a man and a leader of men, and their high appreciation of the ability, devotion, and gallantry, which never failed him throughout the campaign. The Mayor, Mr W. H. Haddon, presided, and, in making the presentation, remarked that, as King Henry V. said of himself, Captain Butters was "the KIng of good fellows." Elands River was one of the deeds that would live in memory. The fight was one of the stubbornest of the war, and Captain Butters conducted it with the greatest gallantry. Captain Butters, in a characteristic and soldierly reply, said he desired to thank the citizens of the town and the volunteers and soldiers of the Queen who had got up that fine testimonial. No doubt Mrs Butter had had a trying time of it for three months when some kind friend, in the way that kind friends had, would walk into the house and say "Sandy's killed" and "Sandy's a prisoner." But they were not dead yet, and they were going to live a long time. (Applause.) Music and songs followed. There was a large array of citizens, both civil and military present at the function
Evening Telegraph, Monday 17th December 1900


....The lists issued by the War Office on Saturday evening state that Lieutenant J. Anderson, late Southern Rhodesian Volunteers, whilst acting as Commander-in-Chief's bodyguard was killed at Clocolan on December 22.
Evening Telegraph, Monday 31st December 1900


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....The Medical Officer at Heilbron reports that twenty-eight wounded of the Commander-in-Chief's bodyguard arrived there on 5th January. Corporal A. L. Stanton, 22413 Private T. Cooper, Captain Alexander Butter, and 22586 Private W. Ramsey, have died of wounds. The wounded state that Colonel Laing was killed, and that Lieut. Von Ochade died of wounds. Lieutenant Donald Walker Robertson, Coinmander-in- Chief's Bodyguard, is in hospital at Kroonstadt suffering from gunshot wound in the chest ; condition improving.
The Dundee Courier, Friday 1th January 1901


....Yesterday, Mrs Butter, wife of Captain Butter, who was killed in action near Lindley, received a letter requesting, on behalf of Her Majesty, a photo of her husband. The letter was in the following terms :— "January, 14, 1901. Dear Madam,—l am commanded by the Queen to say that Her Majesty would like to have a photograph of your husband, the late Captain A. Butter, who was killed while fighting so gallantly with the Commander-in-Chief's Bodyguard in South Africa. May I ask you to kindly forward one through me for Her Majesty's acceptance. Believe me, Madam, yours very truly, Hy. Ponsonby."
The Dundee Courier, Friday 18th January 1901