TOPIC:

1899 - Kimberley siege day 58 (46%). Ladysmith siege day 40 (33%). Mafeking siege day 60 (27%). Battle of Magersfontein. General Wauchope killed.
1900 - Lord Roberts sails from Cape Town for England.
1901 - General Settle succeeds General Wynne in the command of Cape Colony.

General Wauchope


The medals awarded to General Wauchope


My brother looking across the battlefield at Magersfontein


In Kimberley:

Early this morning a dispatch rider came in and brought the following message in code from Lord Metheun. “10 Dec My instructions regard evacuation Kimberley are quite clear, and are as follows – not a civilian or native is to remain in Kimberley unless he satisfies you and myself his (services?) are essential for the protection of Kimberley or for some other good reason. Stop. The slightest evasion of this order will not only cause delay, but it will render the offender liable to be expelled from Kimberley and he will have to find his own way and food. I find neither stop. I find there is a good amount of rolling stock in Kimberley which will be of service. Stop. Mr Rhodes and other 1st class passengers be arranged for as comfortably as circumstances will admit of. Stop. Other civilians and natives must be prepared to be squeezed I am arranging for food at Orange River and De Aar. Stop. Time is the important factor as I have another job in hand, and cannot afford to let Kimberley delay me. Stop. Roughly speaking fifteen trains will be for your food supply. Stop. I do not include your liberal demands for whisky, and thirty trains for removal of civilians. At eight trains a day. Stop. I may calculate on six days. Stop. You can understand how essential it is on you part every arrangement be made to carry out my orders. I calculate on the breaking on railway causing delay of two days viz: I hope railway may be clear on Friday 15th and shall be glad if the relief arrangements are complete, by 22nd. Stop. Now regarding my movements stop. I have been delayed two days by railway being destroyed near Eustin Stop. First train crossed Mud River by seventh. Stop. And my additional men were crossed this morning. Stop. I bombarded the enemy at Magersfontein this afternoon assault to-morrow and march to Aboresfarm Harding Tuesday attack Schotznek Wednesday at daybreak. Of course my plan may have altered but I hope to keep you daily informed as to my movements besides I believe I can signal to Kimberley from Abores farm. Naturally I set great store on your valuable cooperation. After the fight I hope to see you and may return to Kimberley with you – this would suit me better than delaying a day. Let me know if these instructions are clear. I am strengthening your squadron with half battalion 1/LN Lan Regt. I cannot write too highly in praise of your beautiful ½ battalion and the Northampton a fine shooting battalion and Naval brigade four guns. My force is balance per margin

Guards Brigade
Highland “
Ninth “
XII Lancers
IX Lancers
GRHA
Field Artillery Brigade Div
Howitzer Battery Lyddite
Naval 4 7 five mile Range Lyddite
Gordons Div Battalion
Balloon Section
Plus 2 – ½ battalions 6 guns
Communications

We heard the bombardment of magersfontein going on this morning. An incessant artillery firing which commenced about 5 am and was continued until about 9 am and then at intervals afterwards. Many people in the town heard musketry and Maxim firing. Our war balloon could be seen over the Boer position, but the wind was high and it was rocking about much.

I am afraid from the accounts given by the dispatch rider who came I this morning (I have not seen him yet) that we suffered heavy loss at the taking of the Modder River passage.

I attended a meeting of the Mayor and town Council at 3 pm this afternoon to talk over the evacuation question. It will require most careful arrangements.

Roughly the numbers to go will be:

8000 whites;
12000 free blacks
13000 compound “

The Mayor and Town Council are inclined to jib and I had to put it very plainly to them that the order must be complied with. I shall not actually issue a proclamation on the subject until I am certain the railway will be open; I shall only complete the organization for the evacuation, so that there will be no delay of any kind when the time arrives. The Mayor and Town Council represented their claims so strongly that I consented to send a message from them to the High commissioner by search light signal this evening.

I sent the following messages by search light signal this evening:

“Dec 11th No 20. Confidential stop. Rhodes in an absolutely impossible mood hence considerable difficulties being raised removal civil population. Our most urgent requirements are ammunition for guns and rifles and moreover, meat. Yours 10th No 46 received to-day clearly understood will do my very best have all arrangements removal civil population completed at once. Am informed thrity trains insufficient for removal, 33,000 people. Unless I hear to the contrary will issue from Kimberley at 1 am 13th instant and endeavour seize Alexandersfontein in order to menace any movement against you right from main Free State Laager Olipants Dam. Will meet you Scholtz Neck same evening if route open. All Kopjes adjacent and East railway from Wimbledon to Spyfontein appear strongly held by enemy and entrenched.”

“From Mayor T Council, Cape Town To The High Commissioner Cape Town. With reference proposed removal white population from Kimberley would respectfully represent great suffering and hardship will caused to women and children – which will far exceed any privations which could possibly result from continuance siege. Earnestly beg removal of white population may not be compulsory.”

I received:

“From General Metheun, To Kekewich. I am checked at Mud river, and cannot tell till to-morrow whether I can go forward.”

I sent message in reply:

“December 11 No 21. Yours eleventh Dec 99 No received. I defer movement proposed in mine of this date No 20.”

Later I received the following:

“From CSO to Kekewich. “State what ammunition and armament you have in Kimberley.”

In Ladysmith:

Soon after two in the night I heard rifle-firing, then two explosions, and heavier rifle-firing again, apparently two or three miles away. It was too dark to see anything, even from the top of the hill, but in the morning I found we had destroyed another gun—the 4.7 in. howitzer on Surprise Hill. For weeks past it had been one of the most troublesome guns of the thirty-two that surround us. It had a long range and accurate aim. Its position commanded Observation Hill, part of the Newcastle road, Cove Hill, and Leicester Post, the whole of the old camp and all the line of country away to Range Post and beyond. It was this gun that shelled the 18th Hussars out of their camp and continually harassed the Irish Fusiliers. It was constantly dropping shells into the 69th Battery and on the K.R.R. at King's Post. Surprise Hill is a square-topped kopje, from 500 feet to 600 feet high, between Thornhill's Kopje and Nicholson's Nek. It overlooks Bell's Spruit and the scene of "Mournful Monday's" worst disaster. From Leicester Post, where two guns were always kept turned on it, the distance is 4,100 yards—just the full range of our field guns. From Observation Hill it is hardly 2,500 yards. The destruction of its gun was therefore of the highest importance.

At ten o'clock last night four companies of the 2nd Rifle Brigade started from their camp on Leicester Post, with six sappers, under Mr. Digby Jones, and five gunners under Major Wing, of the 69th Battery. The whole was commanded by Colonel Metcalfe of the battalion. They marched across the fairly open grassland toward Observation Hill, and there halted because the half-moon was too bright. About midnight they again advanced, as the moon was far down in the west. They marched in fours towards the foot of the hill, but had to cross the Harrismith Railway two deep through a gap where the wire fences were cut with nippers. One deep donga and a shallower had to be crossed as well. At the foot of the hill two companies were left, extended in a wedge shape, the apex pointing up the hill. The remaining two companies began the ascent. The front of the hill is steep and covered with boulders, but is greener than most South African hills. About half-way up half a company was left in support. The small assaulting party then climbed up in extended line. Not a word was spoken, and the Boers gave no sign till our men were within twenty yards of the top. Then a sentry cried, "Who's there? Who's there?" in English, and fired. Our men fixed swords and charged to the top with a splendid cheer. They made straight for the sangar and formed in a circle round it, firing outwards without visible target. To their dismay they found the gun-pit empty. The gun had been removed perhaps for security, perhaps for the Sabbath rest. But it was soon discovered a few yards off, and the sappers set to work with their gun-cotton. Meantime a party was sent to the corner of the hill on the left to clear out a little camp, where the Boer gunners slept and had their meals under a few little trees. They fired into it, and then carried everything away, some of the men bringing off some fine blankets, which they are very proud of this morning. The great-coats were in such a disgusting condition that the soldiers had to leave them.

The fuse was long in going off. Some say the first fuse failed, some that it was very slow. Anyhow, the party was kept waiting on the hill-top almost half an hour, when the whole thing ought to have been done in a quarter. Those extra fifteen minutes cost many lives. At last the shock of the explosion came. Two great holes were made in the gun's rifling near the muzzle, and the breech was blown clean out, the screw being destroyed. Major Wing secured the sight, the sponge, and an old wideawake, which the gunner used always to wave to him very politely just before he fired. Some say there was a second explosion, and I heard it myself, but it may have been a Boer gun which threw one round of shrapnel high over the hill, the bullets pattering down harmlessly, and only making a blue bruise when they hit. As soon as the sappers and gunners had made sure the gun was destroyed, the order to retire was given, and the line began climbing down in the darkness. The half company in support was taken up, the two companies at the foot were reached by some, when a heavy fire flashed out of the darkness on both sides. The Boers, evidently by a preconcerted scheme, were crowding in from Thornhill's farm on our left—Mr. Thornhill, by the way, was acting as our guide—and from Bell's farm on our right. They came creeping along the dongas, right into the midst of our men, as well as cutting off retreat. Then it was that we wanted that quarter of an hour lost by the fuse. The men hastily formed up into their four companies and began the retirement in succession. Each company had simply to fight its way through with the sword-bayonet. They did not fire much, chiefly for fear of hitting each other, which unfortunately happened in some cases. The Boers took less precaution, and kept up a tremendous fire from both flanks, many of the bullets probably hitting their own men. Under shelter of the dongas some got right among our companies and fired from a few yards' distance.

Then came the horror of a war between two nations familiar with the same language. "Second R.B.! Second R.B.!" shouted our fellows as a watchword and rallying-cry. "Second R.B.!" shouted every Boer who was challenged or came into danger. "B Company here!" cried an officer. "B Company here!" came the echo from the Dutch. "Where's Captain Paley?" asked a private. "Where's Captain Paley?" the question passed from Boer to Boer. In the darkness it was impossible to distinguish friend from foe. The only way was to stoop down till you saw the edge of a broad-brimmed hat. Then you drove your bayonet through the man, if he did not shoot you first. Many a poor fellow was shot down by some invisible figure who was talking to him in English and was taken for a friend. One Boer fired upon a private at two or three yards—and missed him! The private sprang upon him. "I surrender! I surrender!" cried the Boer, throwing down his rifle. "So do I," cried the private, and plunged his bayonet through the man's stomach and out at his back.

One by one the companies cut their way into the open ground by the railway, and to Observation Hill, where the enemy dare not pursue. By half-past three a.m. the greater part were back at Leicester Post again. It was a triumph, even for the Rifle Brigade: as fine and gallant an achievement as could be done. But the cost was heavy.

Eleven were dead, including one or perhaps two officers. Six are prisoners. Forty-three are wounded, some severely. The ambulance was out all the morning bringing them in. Again they complained that the Boers fired on them and wanted to keep them prisoners. Nothing has so embittered our troops against the enemy as this continual firing on the wounded and hospitals. It was sad in any case to see the stretchers coming home this morning. Meeting a covered dhoolie, I asked the bearers who was in it. "Captain Paley," they said, and put him down for water. He had been reported missing. In fact, he had stayed behind to look after some of his men who were down or lost. He is known for his excellent government of a district in Crete. I gave him the water. He recognised me at once and was conscious, but his singularly blue eyes looked out of a deadly yellow and bloodless face, and his hands seemed to have the touch of death on them. When I said I was sorry, he answered, "But we got the gun." He was shot through the chest, though, as he pointed out, he was not spitting blood. Another bullet had entered the left hip and passed out, breaking the right hip-bone. That is the dangerous wound. He said he did not feel much pain.

The wounded were taken down to the tents set up in the ravine of the Port Road between the Headquarters and the old camp. That is the main hospital (11th and 18th) since the wounded were shifted out of the Town Hall, because the Boers shelled it so persistently. Since the Geneva flag was removed from the hall's turret not a single shell has been fired near the building. The ravine—"kloof" is the word here, like "cleft"—is fairly safe from shells, though the Bulwan gun has done its best to get among the tents ever since spies reported the removal.

It is fully exposed to those terrible dust storms which I described in an earlier letter. In the afternoon we had one of the worst I have seen. The sand and dust and dry filth, gathered up by the hot west wind from the plain of the old camp, swept in a continuous yellow cloud along the road and down into the ravine. It blotted out the sun, it blinded horses and men, it covered the wounded with a thick layer. I have described its horrible effects before. Imagine what it is like to have a hospital under such conditions, practically unsheltered—to extract bullets, to staunch blood, to amputate. One admires the Boers as a race fighting for their freedom, soon to be overthrown on behalf of a mongrel pack of speculators and other scoundrels. But I did not like them any better when I saw our wounded in the dust-storm to-day, and remembered why they were there.

In the afternoon a white woman was killed by a shell as she was washing clothes in the river. She is the first woman actually killed, though others have died from premature child birth. I don't know which gun killed her, but parts of the town and river hitherto safe were to-day exposed to fire from the 6 in. gun which was removed from Middle Hill a few days ago, and is now set up on Thornhill's farm, due west of the town. It commands a very wide district—the old camp, the Long Valley which the Maritzburg road crosses, the Great Plain behind Bluebank, and most of our western positions. It began firing early in the morning and continued at intervals all day. For an hour or two people were surprised at seeing a free balloon sailing away towards Bulwan. It turned out to be one of Captain Heath's dummies, which had got away. He tells me it will be entirely useless to the enemy in any case.

In Mafeking:

Colonel Baden-Powell has issued a proclamation calling upon all burghers to return to their farms by the 14th, and that if they do so, and surrendered their rifles and one hundred and fifty rounds of ammunition, they will not be molested, otherwise, they will be treated most rigorously, when we take the offensive; that they are being grossly misled by their leaders; that foreign intervention is hopeless. The Staats Artillery may surrender as prisoners of war at any time; this does not apply to British subjects, traitors or deserters. This might have produced an increase of shell fire, I should fancy, judging from our heavy days' shelling last week. Their General rode forth with his escort, our snipers placed three volleys round him, whereupon he galloped back to the big gun, and all the artillery began merrily, trying to hit our headquarters. They fired a few shells this morning, but the heavy rain seriously damped their ardour. Still, if the General be annoyed, they will probably re-commence their attentions. Later. The orderlies with the various flags of truce, have returned, proclamations were sent to each of their outworks, and all the Dutchmen volunteered that they were quite sick of it, and had had enough, which I can quite believe. The rains are beginning, they complained of the soakings they have already had, and with inadequate cover sickness will soon play havoc with them. The orderlies gave them cigarettes and conversed with them, and in two or three cases they asked them how they came to let the re-inforcements in, referring to the lancer troop. In one case the Dutchman said he had heard them come in, but did not know what it was, in the other cases they said they had not seen the re-inforcements, but they had seen their spoor. Shelling has recommenced. To-night we send up fire balloons, weather permitting, which will probably produce some effect on their side.

The following is a copy of Colonel Baden-Powell's letter to Snyman and the proclamation to the burghers:—

A LETTER TO THE BOERS.
Mafeking, 8th Dec, 1899.

To General J. P. Snyman, near Mafeking. Sir,—I beg to thank you for having handed over Lady Sarah Wilson in exchange for the convict P. Viljoen.

At the same time, I beg to point out that I have only consented to the exchange under protest, as being contrary to the custom of civilised warfare.

In treating this lady as a prisoner of war, as well as in various other acts, you have in the present campaign, altered the usual conditions of war. This is a very serious matter; and I do not know whether it has the sanction of General Joubert or not, but I warn you of the consequences.

The war was at first, and would remain, as far as Her Majesty's troops are concerned, a war between one Government and another; but you are making it one of people against people in which women are considered as belligerents. I warn you that the consequence of this may shortly be very serious to your own people, and you yourself will be to blame for anything that may happen.

Regarding your complaint as to your being attacked by Natives, I beg to refer you to my letter dated 14th November, addressed to your predecessor General Cronje. In this letter I went out of my way, as one white man to another, to warn you that the Natives are becoming extremely incensed at your stealing their cattle, and the wanton burning of their Kraals; they argued that the war lay only between our two Nations, and that the quarrel had nothing to do with themselves, and they had remained neutral in consequence, excepting in the case of the Mafeking Baralongs, who had to defend their homes in consequence of your unjustifiable invasion. Nevertheless you thought fit to carry on cattle thefts and raids against them, and you are now beginning to feel the consequences; and, as I told you, I could not be responsible. And I fear from what I have just heard by wireless telegraph that the Natives are contemplating further operations should your Forces continue to remain within or on the borders of their territories. Before the commencement of the war the High Commissioner issued stringent orders to all Natives that they were to remain quiet and not to take up Arms unless their territory were invaded (in which case, of course, they had a perfect right to defend themselves).

Linchwe—of whom you complain—remained neutral until you brought a force into his principal town and looted his traders' stores, and were making preparations for shelling his stadt on the 26th ultimo. Having obtained accurate information of these intentions of yours, and warned by what had happened to the Natives near Mafeking, he attacked your laager on the 24th in order to save his town from being shelled and consequent loss of life amongst his women and children. In this I consider he was quite justified, and you have no one but yourself to blame in the matter.

While on the subject of Natives please do not suppose that I am ignorant of what you have been doing with regard to seeking the assistance of armed natives, nor of the use of the Natives by you in the destruction of the railway line south of Mafeking. However, having done my duty in briefly giving you warning on these points, I do not propose to further discuss them by letter.

I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
R. S. S. Baden-Powell.


NOTICE
To the Burghers of the Z. A. R. at present under arms near Mafeking.
From the Officer Commanding Her Majesty's Forces, Mafeking

Burghers,—I address you in this manner because I have only recently learnt how yon are being intentionally kept in the dark by your officers and your Government newspapers as to what is really happening in other parts of South Africa.

As officer commanding Her Majesty's troops on this border I think it right to point out to you clearly the inevitable result of your remaining any longer in arms against Great Britain.

You are all aware that the present war was caused by the invasion of British territory by your forces, and as most of you know, without any justifiable reason.

Your leaders do not tell you that so far your forces have met with what is only the advanced guard of the British force, and that circumstances have changed within the past week; the main body of the British is now daily arriving by thousands from England, Canada, India, and Australia, and is about to advance through your country. In a few weeks the South African Republic will be in the hands of the English; no sacrifice of life on your part can stop it. The question now to put to yourselves before it is, is this: Is it worth while losing your lives in a vain attempt to stop their invasion or to take a town beyond your borders which, if taken, would be of no use to you? (And I may tell you that Mafeking cannot be taken by sitting down and looking at it, for we have ample supplies for several months to come).

The Staat Artillery have done us very little damage, and we are now well protected with forts and mines. Your presence here, or elsewhere, under arms, cannot stop the British advancing into your country.

Your leaders and newspapers are also trying to make you believe that some foreign continental powers are likely to intervene in your behalf against England. This is not in keeping with their pretence that your side is going to be victorious, nor is it in accordance with facts. The S. A. R. having declared war and taken the offensive cannot claim intervention on its behalf. And were it not so, the German Emperor is at present in England, and fully in sympathy with us: the American Government have warned others of their intention to side with England should any other nation interfere; France has large interests in the gold fields identical with those of England; and Italy is entirely in accord with us; and Russia sees no cause to interfere.

The war is a war of one Government against another and not of people against people. The duty assigned to my troops is to sit still here until the proper time arrives and then to fight and to kill until you give in. Yon, on the other hand, have other interests to think of, in your families and farms and their safety.

Your leaders have caused the destruction of farms in this country and have fired on women and children, and our men are becoming hard to restrain in consequence. Your leaders have also caused invasion of Kaffir territory, and looting of their cattle, and have thus induced them to rise, and in their turn to invade your country, and to kill your burghers. As one white man to another, I warned General Cronje on the 14th November that this would occur, and yesterday I heard that more Kaffirs are rising, and are contemplating similar moves; and I have warned Snyman accordingly. Thus great bloodshed, and destruction of farms threaten you on all sides, and I wish to offer you a chance of avoiding it. To this end my advice to you is to return without delay to your homes and there remain peacefully till the war is over. Those of you who do this before the 14th instant will be as far as possible protected, as regards yourselves, your families, and property, from confiscations, looting, and other penalties to which those who remain under arms may be subjected when the invasion takes place.

Our secret agents will communicate to mo the names of those who do and of those who do not avail themselves, before the 13th instant, of the terms now offered.

To ensure their property being respected, all the men of a family must be present at home when the troops arrive and be prepared to hand over a rifle and 150 rounds of ammunition each.

The above terms do not apply to officers or to members of the Staats Artillery, who may surrender a3 prisoners of war at any time; nor do they apply to rebels from British territory or others against whom there may be other charges. It is probable that my force will shortly again take the offensive.

To those who, after this warning, defer their submission till too late, I can offer no promise, and they will only have themselves to blame for an injury or loss of property that they or their families may afterwards suffer.

(Signed) R. S. S. Baden-Powell,

Colonel.

Mafeking, 10 Dec, 1899.

The proclamation has either had a good effect or it is a curious coincidence, that, since its issue, the town has been barely shelled at all, sniping has almost ceased, and the Boers have only shelled the trenches in front of the native location, and the location itself, in a perfunctory manner, the result being that though we have shot a few Boers, our casualties have been nil, except some natives in the location, and from the 12th to the 15th nothing worth mentioning has happened. I fancy their news from the south must be bad, and undoubtedly men and cattle have gone away lately. Thanks to their recent vigilance, our native runners have failed to get through, and I imagine the same fate has befallen the runners trying to come in, for we have been absolutely without reliable news for the last three weeks. General Snyman sent in a copy of the Volkstem, relating our enormities and their victories, all underlined. I am bound to say the news was taken with much salt; but still it was news of a sort. The leading articles were mainly whining for foreign intervention, so we could read between the lines.

1899 - From the letters writer by Lt Col Park in Ladysmith

Another sortie was made last night over the other side of the garrison, and one of the Boers’ big howitzers was blown up, and another has been smashed by our shells, so we are getting on nicely. There are only two guns left that fire much at our camp - a big and a little one. The big one more often fires into the town, and the naval gunners are going to have a try this afternoon to knock out the little one for us. He has such a high velocity that the shell comes before you can hear the sound of the gun, which is disconcerting. He is known as “Nasty Knocks” a delicate allusion to Colonel Knox, who commands all this side of the defences. Firing was heard down Colenso way yesterday, and I really think things all point to a very early end of the siege. Interruption

1899 - From the diary of Miss Bella Craw in Ladysmith

Good news this morning. Another gun taken by five Companies of the Rifle Brigade under Colonel Metcalf (about 450 men). They left the Camp about midnight, reached Surprise Hill about 2 a.m. When within about 5 yards of the fun the sentry shouted "Haiti”, discharged his rifle, shouted "Come on you brave Britons", then bolted, made a strategic move to the rear, but was shot down before he had made three paces. The soldiers then made a rush for the Sangar with pointed bayonets and bayonetted all the Gunners. They also bayonetted some of the men in small sangars alongside. One of the Officers leading one of the Companies did so with a broomstick. Being attacked by the Boers he hit a Boer over the head breaking the stick. The Boer fired but missed. The Captain chased him down the hill belabouring him with this broken broomstick until two of his men came up and bayonetted him. When they turned him over they found he was a black man. Unfortunately the first fuse used to fire the gun proved defective. The fixing of the second fuse caused a delay of twenty minutes. This allowed the Boers on two hills (on either side) and in front of Surprise Hill to get down and lie in wait for the return of our Infantry. They opened fire. The Infantry got into them with the bayonet and cleared the way. The Boers did as much damage to themselves as to our men. The Infantry returned to camp at 3.30 with the loss of eleven killed, 43 wounded and six prisoners. The gun blown up was a 4.7 Howitzer. The Boers admitted later in the day to 28 killed by the bayonet. An Irishman told one of the Ambulance men that their losses were a hundred killed.

A great deal of shelling today. Before breakfast this morning, exactly a quarter to eight, we were all excitement. Uncle George had got hold of one of the papers that came through a few days ago (a Mercury), and we were anxiously scanning it when one of the shells seemed to fall very near, but being used to it we took no notice until we heard a report and cracking of wood and a general splutter. So we went out to see. A piece or splinter of the shell had come through the pantry roof and ceiling and broken six bottles of jam standing on a safe. No other damage fortunately, none of us were there, we had just left.

1899 - From the diary of Trooper A J Crosby, Natal Carbineers

Roused at 2.45 - usual horse exercise, stables etc. At work the whole morning cleaning saddlery etc. Tried to sleep in the afternoon but couldn’t owing to a hot wind and dust storm. Went for a bathe in the river, on return was wanted for 24 hours piquet, so had to make a rush to get something to eat (rice and tea). Paraded at 6 o’clock. Piquetted at platelayer’s cottage (which is simply riddled with shells). On first outpost 7 to 9.30. Wretched night being tortured with mosquitos and in trying to avoid them one of our fellows shot at me. Fortunately he was a bad marksman.

Wretched Magersfontein always brings a shiver to me, a bloody silly place to die, moreover, it underlines all that was wrong with the British Army in 1899, always the same, no reconnaissance and a complete lack of communication, absolutely needless and sickening.

djb wrote: 1899 - Kimberley siege day 58 (46%). Ladysmith siege day 40 (33%). Mafeking siege day 60 (27%). Battle of Magersfontein. General Wauchope killed.
1900 - Lord Roberts sails from Cape Town for England.
1901 - General Settle succeeds General Wynne in the command of Cape Colony.

General Wauchope

The medals awarded to General Wauchope

My brother looking across the battlefield at Magersfontein

In Kimberley:

Early this morning a dispatch rider came in and brought the following message in code from Lord Metheun. “10 Dec My instructions regard evacuation Kimberley are quite clear, and are as follows – not a civilian or native is to remain in Kimberley unless he satisfies you and myself his (services?) are essential for the protection of Kimberley or for some other good reason. Stop. The slightest evasion of this order will not only cause delay, but it will render the offender liable to be expelled from Kimberley and he will have to find his own way and food. I find neither stop. I find there is a good amount of rolling stock in Kimberley which will be of service. Stop. Mr Rhodes and other 1st class passengers be arranged for as comfortably as circumstances will admit of. Stop. Other civilians and natives must be prepared to be squeezed I am arranging for food at Orange River and De Aar. Stop. Time is the important factor as I have another job in hand, and cannot afford to let Kimberley delay me. Stop. Roughly speaking fifteen trains will be for your food supply. Stop. I do not include your liberal demands for whisky, and thirty trains for removal of civilians. At eight trains a day. Stop. I may calculate on six days. Stop. You can understand how essential it is on you part every arrangement be made to carry out my orders. I calculate on the breaking on railway causing delay of two days viz: I hope railway may be clear on Friday 15th and shall be glad if the relief arrangements are complete, by 22nd. Stop. Now regarding my movements stop. I have been delayed two days by railway being destroyed near Eustin Stop. First train crossed Mud River by seventh. Stop. And my additional men were crossed this morning. Stop. I bombarded the enemy at Magersfontein this afternoon assault to-morrow and march to Aboresfarm Harding Tuesday attack Schotznek Wednesday at daybreak. Of course my plan may have altered but I hope to keep you daily informed as to my movements besides I believe I can signal to Kimberley from Abores farm. Naturally I set great store on your valuable cooperation. After the fight I hope to see you and may return to Kimberley with you – this would suit me better than delaying a day. Let me know if these instructions are clear. I am strengthening your squadron with half battalion 1/LN Lan Regt. I cannot write too highly in praise of your beautiful ½ battalion and the Northampton a fine shooting battalion and Naval brigade four guns. My force is balance per margin

Guards Brigade
Highland “
Ninth “
XII Lancers
IX Lancers
GRHA
Field Artillery Brigade Div
Howitzer Battery Lyddite
Naval 4 7 five mile Range Lyddite
Gordons Div Battalion
Balloon Section
Plus 2 – ½ battalions 6 guns
Communications

We heard the bombardment of magersfontein going on this morning. An incessant artillery firing which commenced about 5 am and was continued until about 9 am and then at intervals afterwards. Many people in the town heard musketry and Maxim firing. Our war balloon could be seen over the Boer position, but the wind was high and it was rocking about much.

I am afraid from the accounts given by the dispatch rider who came I this morning (I have not seen him yet) that we suffered heavy loss at the taking of the Modder River passage.

I attended a meeting of the Mayor and town Council at 3 pm this afternoon to talk over the evacuation question. It will require most careful arrangements.

Roughly the numbers to go will be:

8000 whites;
12000 free blacks
13000 compound “

The Mayor and Town Council are inclined to jib and I had to put it very plainly to them that the order must be complied with. I shall not actually issue a proclamation on the subject until I am certain the railway will be open; I shall only complete the organization for the evacuation, so that there will be no delay of any kind when the time arrives. The Mayor and Town Council represented their claims so strongly that I consented to send a message from them to the High commissioner by search light signal this evening.

I sent the following messages by search light signal this evening:

“Dec 11th No 20. Confidential stop. Rhodes in an absolutely impossible mood hence considerable difficulties being raised removal civil population. Our most urgent requirements are ammunition for guns and rifles and moreover, meat. Yours 10th No 46 received to-day clearly understood will do my very best have all arrangements removal civil population completed at once. Am informed thrity trains insufficient for removal, 33,000 people. Unless I hear to the contrary will issue from Kimberley at 1 am 13th instant and endeavour seize Alexandersfontein in order to menace any movement against you right from main Free State Laager Olipants Dam. Will meet you Scholtz Neck same evening if route open. All Kopjes adjacent and East railway from Wimbledon to Spyfontein appear strongly held by enemy and entrenched.”

“From Mayor T Council, Cape Town To The High Commissioner Cape Town. With reference proposed removal white population from Kimberley would respectfully represent great suffering and hardship will caused to women and children – which will far exceed any privations which could possibly result from continuance siege. Earnestly beg removal of white population may not be compulsory.”

I received:

“From General Metheun, To Kekewich. I am checked at Mud river, and cannot tell till to-morrow whether I can go forward.”

I sent message in reply:

“December 11 No 21. Yours eleventh Dec 99 No received. I defer movement proposed in mine of this date No 20.”

Later I received the following:

“From CSO to Kekewich. “State what ammunition and armament you have in Kimberley.”

In Ladysmith:

Soon after two in the night I heard rifle-firing, then two explosions, and heavier rifle-firing again, apparently two or three miles away. It was too dark to see anything, even from the top of the hill, but in the morning I found we had destroyed another gun—the 4.7 in. howitzer on Surprise Hill. For weeks past it had been one of the most troublesome guns of the thirty-two that surround us. It had a long range and accurate aim. Its position commanded Observation Hill, part of the Newcastle road, Cove Hill, and Leicester Post, the whole of the old camp and all the line of country away to Range Post and beyond. It was this gun that shelled the 18th Hussars out of their camp and continually harassed the Irish Fusiliers. It was constantly dropping shells into the 69th Battery and on the K.R.R. at King's Post. Surprise Hill is a square-topped kopje, from 500 feet to 600 feet high, between Thornhill's Kopje and Nicholson's Nek. It overlooks Bell's Spruit and the scene of "Mournful Monday's" worst disaster. From Leicester Post, where two guns were always kept turned on it, the distance is 4,100 yards—just the full range of our field guns. From Observation Hill it is hardly 2,500 yards. The destruction of its gun was therefore of the highest importance.

At ten o'clock last night four companies of the 2nd Rifle Brigade started from their camp on Leicester Post, with six sappers, under Mr. Digby Jones, and five gunners under Major Wing, of the 69th Battery. The whole was commanded by Colonel Metcalfe of the battalion. They marched across the fairly open grassland toward Observation Hill, and there halted because the half-moon was too bright. About midnight they again advanced, as the moon was far down in the west. They marched in fours towards the foot of the hill, but had to cross the Harrismith Railway two deep through a gap where the wire fences were cut with nippers. One deep donga and a shallower had to be crossed as well. At the foot of the hill two companies were left, extended in a wedge shape, the apex pointing up the hill. The remaining two companies began the ascent. The front of the hill is steep and covered with boulders, but is greener than most South African hills. About half-way up half a company was left in support. The small assaulting party then climbed up in extended line. Not a word was spoken, and the Boers gave no sign till our men were within twenty yards of the top. Then a sentry cried, "Who's there? Who's there?" in English, and fired. Our men fixed swords and charged to the top with a splendid cheer. They made straight for the sangar and formed in a circle round it, firing outwards without visible target. To their dismay they found the gun-pit empty. The gun had been removed perhaps for security, perhaps for the Sabbath rest. But it was soon discovered a few yards off, and the sappers set to work with their gun-cotton. Meantime a party was sent to the corner of the hill on the left to clear out a little camp, where the Boer gunners slept and had their meals under a few little trees. They fired into it, and then carried everything away, some of the men bringing off some fine blankets, which they are very proud of this morning. The great-coats were in such a disgusting condition that the soldiers had to leave them.

The fuse was long in going off. Some say the first fuse failed, some that it was very slow. Anyhow, the party was kept waiting on the hill-top almost half an hour, when the whole thing ought to have been done in a quarter. Those extra fifteen minutes cost many lives. At last the shock of the explosion came. Two great holes were made in the gun's rifling near the muzzle, and the breech was blown clean out, the screw being destroyed. Major Wing secured the sight, the sponge, and an old wideawake, which the gunner used always to wave to him very politely just before he fired. Some say there was a second explosion, and I heard it myself, but it may have been a Boer gun which threw one round of shrapnel high over the hill, the bullets pattering down harmlessly, and only making a blue bruise when they hit. As soon as the sappers and gunners had made sure the gun was destroyed, the order to retire was given, and the line began climbing down in the darkness. The half company in support was taken up, the two companies at the foot were reached by some, when a heavy fire flashed out of the darkness on both sides. The Boers, evidently by a preconcerted scheme, were crowding in from Thornhill's farm on our left—Mr. Thornhill, by the way, was acting as our guide—and from Bell's farm on our right. They came creeping along the dongas, right into the midst of our men, as well as cutting off retreat. Then it was that we wanted that quarter of an hour lost by the fuse. The men hastily formed up into their four companies and began the retirement in succession. Each company had simply to fight its way through with the sword-bayonet. They did not fire much, chiefly for fear of hitting each other, which unfortunately happened in some cases. The Boers took less precaution, and kept up a tremendous fire from both flanks, many of the bullets probably hitting their own men. Under shelter of the dongas some got right among our companies and fired from a few yards' distance.

Then came the horror of a war between two nations familiar with the same language. "Second R.B.! Second R.B.!" shouted our fellows as a watchword and rallying-cry. "Second R.B.!" shouted every Boer who was challenged or came into danger. "B Company here!" cried an officer. "B Company here!" came the echo from the Dutch. "Where's Captain Paley?" asked a private. "Where's Captain Paley?" the question passed from Boer to Boer. In the darkness it was impossible to distinguish friend from foe. The only way was to stoop down till you saw the edge of a broad-brimmed hat. Then you drove your bayonet through the man, if he did not shoot you first. Many a poor fellow was shot down by some invisible figure who was talking to him in English and was taken for a friend. One Boer fired upon a private at two or three yards—and missed him! The private sprang upon him. "I surrender! I surrender!" cried the Boer, throwing down his rifle. "So do I," cried the private, and plunged his bayonet through the man's stomach and out at his back.

One by one the companies cut their way into the open ground by the railway, and to Observation Hill, where the enemy dare not pursue. By half-past three a.m. the greater part were back at Leicester Post again. It was a triumph, even for the Rifle Brigade: as fine and gallant an achievement as could be done. But the cost was heavy.

Eleven were dead, including one or perhaps two officers. Six are prisoners. Forty-three are wounded, some severely. The ambulance was out all the morning bringing them in. Again they complained that the Boers fired on them and wanted to keep them prisoners. Nothing has so embittered our troops against the enemy as this continual firing on the wounded and hospitals. It was sad in any case to see the stretchers coming home this morning. Meeting a covered dhoolie, I asked the bearers who was in it. "Captain Paley," they said, and put him down for water. He had been reported missing. In fact, he had stayed behind to look after some of his men who were down or lost. He is known for his excellent government of a district in Crete. I gave him the water. He recognised me at once and was conscious, but his singularly blue eyes looked out of a deadly yellow and bloodless face, and his hands seemed to have the touch of death on them. When I said I was sorry, he answered, "But we got the gun." He was shot through the chest, though, as he pointed out, he was not spitting blood. Another bullet had entered the left hip and passed out, breaking the right hip-bone. That is the dangerous wound. He said he did not feel much pain.

The wounded were taken down to the tents set up in the ravine of the Port Road between the Headquarters and the old camp. That is the main hospital (11th and 18th) since the wounded were shifted out of the Town Hall, because the Boers shelled it so persistently. Since the Geneva flag was removed from the hall's turret not a single shell has been fired near the building. The ravine—"kloof" is the word here, like "cleft"—is fairly safe from shells, though the Bulwan gun has done its best to get among the tents ever since spies reported the removal.

It is fully exposed to those terrible dust storms which I described in an earlier letter. In the afternoon we had one of the worst I have seen. The sand and dust and dry filth, gathered up by the hot west wind from the plain of the old camp, swept in a continuous yellow cloud along the road and down into the ravine. It blotted out the sun, it blinded horses and men, it covered the wounded with a thick layer. I have described its horrible effects before. Imagine what it is like to have a hospital under such conditions, practically unsheltered—to extract bullets, to staunch blood, to amputate. One admires the Boers as a race fighting for their freedom, soon to be overthrown on behalf of a mongrel pack of speculators and other scoundrels. But I did not like them any better when I saw our wounded in the dust-storm to-day, and remembered why they were there.

In the afternoon a white woman was killed by a shell as she was washing clothes in the river. She is the first woman actually killed, though others have died from premature child birth. I don't know which gun killed her, but parts of the town and river hitherto safe were to-day exposed to fire from the 6 in. gun which was removed from Middle Hill a few days ago, and is now set up on Thornhill's farm, due west of the town. It commands a very wide district—the old camp, the Long Valley which the Maritzburg road crosses, the Great Plain behind Bluebank, and most of our western positions. It began firing early in the morning and continued at intervals all day. For an hour or two people were surprised at seeing a free balloon sailing away towards Bulwan. It turned out to be one of Captain Heath's dummies, which had got away. He tells me it will be entirely useless to the enemy in any case.

In Mafeking:

Colonel Baden-Powell has issued a proclamation calling upon all burghers to return to their farms by the 14th, and that if they do so, and surrendered their rifles and one hundred and fifty rounds of ammunition, they will not be molested, otherwise, they will be treated most rigorously, when we take the offensive; that they are being grossly misled by their leaders; that foreign intervention is hopeless. The Staats Artillery may surrender as prisoners of war at any time; this does not apply to British subjects, traitors or deserters. This might have produced an increase of shell fire, I should fancy, judging from our heavy days' shelling last week. Their General rode forth with his escort, our snipers placed three volleys round him, whereupon he galloped back to the big gun, and all the artillery began merrily, trying to hit our headquarters. They fired a few shells this morning, but the heavy rain seriously damped their ardour. Still, if the General be annoyed, they will probably re-commence their attentions. Later. The orderlies with the various flags of truce, have returned, proclamations were sent to each of their outworks, and all the Dutchmen volunteered that they were quite sick of it, and had had enough, which I can quite believe. The rains are beginning, they complained of the soakings they have already had, and with inadequate cover sickness will soon play havoc with them. The orderlies gave them cigarettes and conversed with them, and in two or three cases they asked them how they came to let the re-inforcements in, referring to the lancer troop. In one case the Dutchman said he had heard them come in, but did not know what it was, in the other cases they said they had not seen the re-inforcements, but they had seen their spoor. Shelling has recommenced. To-night we send up fire balloons, weather permitting, which will probably produce some effect on their side.

The following is a copy of Colonel Baden-Powell's letter to Snyman and the proclamation to the burghers:—

A LETTER TO THE BOERS.
Mafeking, 8th Dec, 1899.

To General J. P. Snyman, near Mafeking. Sir,—I beg to thank you for having handed over Lady Sarah Wilson in exchange for the convict P. Viljoen.

At the same time, I beg to point out that I have only consented to the exchange under protest, as being contrary to the custom of civilised warfare.

In treating this lady as a prisoner of war, as well as in various other acts, you have in the present campaign, altered the usual conditions of war. This is a very serious matter; and I do not know whether it has the sanction of General Joubert or not, but I warn you of the consequences.

The war was at first, and would remain, as far as Her Majesty's troops are concerned, a war between one Government and another; but you are making it one of people against people in which women are considered as belligerents. I warn you that the consequence of this may shortly be very serious to your own people, and you yourself will be to blame for anything that may happen.

Regarding your complaint as to your being attacked by Natives, I beg to refer you to my letter dated 14th November, addressed to your predecessor General Cronje. In this letter I went out of my way, as one white man to another, to warn you that the Natives are becoming extremely incensed at your stealing their cattle, and the wanton burning of their Kraals; they argued that the war lay only between our two Nations, and that the quarrel had nothing to do with themselves, and they had remained neutral in consequence, excepting in the case of the Mafeking Baralongs, who had to defend their homes in consequence of your unjustifiable invasion. Nevertheless you thought fit to carry on cattle thefts and raids against them, and you are now beginning to feel the consequences; and, as I told you, I could not be responsible. And I fear from what I have just heard by wireless telegraph that the Natives are contemplating further operations should your Forces continue to remain within or on the borders of their territories. Before the commencement of the war the High Commissioner issued stringent orders to all Natives that they were to remain quiet and not to take up Arms unless their territory were invaded (in which case, of course, they had a perfect right to defend themselves).

Linchwe—of whom you complain—remained neutral until you brought a force into his principal town and looted his traders' stores, and were making preparations for shelling his stadt on the 26th ultimo. Having obtained accurate information of these intentions of yours, and warned by what had happened to the Natives near Mafeking, he attacked your laager on the 24th in order to save his town from being shelled and consequent loss of life amongst his women and children. In this I consider he was quite justified, and you have no one but yourself to blame in the matter.

While on the subject of Natives please do not suppose that I am ignorant of what you have been doing with regard to seeking the assistance of armed natives, nor of the use of the Natives by you in the destruction of the railway line south of Mafeking. However, having done my duty in briefly giving you warning on these points, I do not propose to further discuss them by letter.

I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
R. S. S. Baden-Powell.


NOTICE
To the Burghers of the Z. A. R. at present under arms near Mafeking.
From the Officer Commanding Her Majesty's Forces, Mafeking

Burghers,—I address you in this manner because I have only recently learnt how yon are being intentionally kept in the dark by your officers and your Government newspapers as to what is really happening in other parts of South Africa.

As officer commanding Her Majesty's troops on this border I think it right to point out to you clearly the inevitable result of your remaining any longer in arms against Great Britain.

You are all aware that the present war was caused by the invasion of British territory by your forces, and as most of you know, without any justifiable reason.

Your leaders do not tell you that so far your forces have met with what is only the advanced guard of the British force, and that circumstances have changed within the past week; the main body of the British is now daily arriving by thousands from England, Canada, India, and Australia, and is about to advance through your country. In a few weeks the South African Republic will be in the hands of the English; no sacrifice of life on your part can stop it. The question now to put to yourselves before it is, is this: Is it worth while losing your lives in a vain attempt to stop their invasion or to take a town beyond your borders which, if taken, would be of no use to you? (And I may tell you that Mafeking cannot be taken by sitting down and looking at it, for we have ample supplies for several months to come).

The Staat Artillery have done us very little damage, and we are now well protected with forts and mines. Your presence here, or elsewhere, under arms, cannot stop the British advancing into your country.

Your leaders and newspapers are also trying to make you believe that some foreign continental powers are likely to intervene in your behalf against England. This is not in keeping with their pretence that your side is going to be victorious, nor is it in accordance with facts. The S. A. R. having declared war and taken the offensive cannot claim intervention on its behalf. And were it not so, the German Emperor is at present in England, and fully in sympathy with us: the American Government have warned others of their intention to side with England should any other nation interfere; France has large interests in the gold fields identical with those of England; and Italy is entirely in accord with us; and Russia sees no cause to interfere.

The war is a war of one Government against another and not of people against people. The duty assigned to my troops is to sit still here until the proper time arrives and then to fight and to kill until you give in. Yon, on the other hand, have other interests to think of, in your families and farms and their safety.

Your leaders have caused the destruction of farms in this country and have fired on women and children, and our men are becoming hard to restrain in consequence. Your leaders have also caused invasion of Kaffir territory, and looting of their cattle, and have thus induced them to rise, and in their turn to invade your country, and to kill your burghers. As one white man to another, I warned General Cronje on the 14th November that this would occur, and yesterday I heard that more Kaffirs are rising, and are contemplating similar moves; and I have warned Snyman accordingly. Thus great bloodshed, and destruction of farms threaten you on all sides, and I wish to offer you a chance of avoiding it. To this end my advice to you is to return without delay to your homes and there remain peacefully till the war is over. Those of you who do this before the 14th instant will be as far as possible protected, as regards yourselves, your families, and property, from confiscations, looting, and other penalties to which those who remain under arms may be subjected when the invasion takes place.

Our secret agents will communicate to mo the names of those who do and of those who do not avail themselves, before the 13th instant, of the terms now offered.

To ensure their property being respected, all the men of a family must be present at home when the troops arrive and be prepared to hand over a rifle and 150 rounds of ammunition each.

The above terms do not apply to officers or to members of the Staats Artillery, who may surrender a3 prisoners of war at any time; nor do they apply to rebels from British territory or others against whom there may be other charges. It is probable that my force will shortly again take the offensive.

To those who, after this warning, defer their submission till too late, I can offer no promise, and they will only have themselves to blame for an injury or loss of property that they or their families may afterwards suffer.

(Signed) R. S. S. Baden-Powell,

Colonel.

Mafeking, 10 Dec, 1899.

The proclamation has either had a good effect or it is a curious coincidence, that, since its issue, the town has been barely shelled at all, sniping has almost ceased, and the Boers have only shelled the trenches in front of the native location, and the location itself, in a perfunctory manner, the result being that though we have shot a few Boers, our casualties have been nil, except some natives in the location, and from the 12th to the 15th nothing worth mentioning has happened. I fancy their news from the south must be bad, and undoubtedly men and cattle have gone away lately. Thanks to their recent vigilance, our native runners have failed to get through, and I imagine the same fate has befallen the runners trying to come in, for we have been absolutely without reliable news for the last three weeks. General Snyman sent in a copy of the Volkstem, relating our enormities and their victories, all underlined. I am bound to say the news was taken with much salt; but still it was news of a sort. The leading articles were mainly whining for foreign intervention, so we could read between the lines.

Once again, the enemies complete and utter lack of an effective response to the bayonet is brought to the fore!

djb wrote: 1899 - From the diary of Miss Bella Craw in Ladysmith

Good news this morning. Another gun taken by five Companies of the Rifle Brigade under Colonel Metcalf (about 450 men). They left the Camp about midnight, reached Surprise Hill about 2 a.m. When within about 5 yards of the fun the sentry shouted "Haiti”, discharged his rifle, shouted "Come on you brave Britons", then bolted, made a strategic move to the rear, but was shot down before he had made three paces. The soldiers then made a rush for the Sangar with pointed bayonets and bayonetted all the Gunners. They also bayonetted some of the men in small sangars alongside. One of the Officers leading one of the Companies did so with a broomstick. Being attacked by the Boers he hit a Boer over the head breaking the stick. The Boer fired but missed. The Captain chased him down the hill belabouring him with this broken broomstick until two of his men came up and bayonetted him. When they turned him over they found he was a black man. Unfortunately the first fuse used to fire the gun proved defective. The fixing of the second fuse caused a delay of twenty minutes. This allowed the Boers on two hills (on either side) and in front of Surprise Hill to get down and lie in wait for the return of our Infantry. They opened fire. The Infantry got into them with the bayonet and cleared the way. The Boers did as much damage to themselves as to our men. The Infantry returned to camp at 3.30 with the loss of eleven killed, 43 wounded and six prisoners. The gun blown up was a 4.7 Howitzer. The Boers admitted later in the day to 28 killed by the bayonet. An Irishman told one of the Ambulance men that their losses were a hundred killed.

A great deal of shelling today. Before breakfast this morning, exactly a quarter to eight, we were all excitement. Uncle George had got hold of one of the papers that came through a few days ago (a Mercury), and we were anxiously scanning it when one of the shells seemed to fall very near, but being used to it we took no notice until we heard a report and cracking of wood and a general splutter. So we went out to see. A piece or splinter of the shell had come through the pantry roof and ceiling and broken six bottles of jam standing on a safe. No other damage fortunately, none of us were there, we had just left.