The Project Gutenberg EBook of South Africa and the Transvaal War, Vol. 2 (of 6), by Louis Creswicke This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org Title: South Africa and the Transvaal War, Vol. 2 (of 6) From the Commencement of the War to the Battle of Colenso, 15th Dec. 1899 Author: Louis Creswicke Release Date: August 6, 2008 [EBook #26198] Language: English Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 *** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK S. AFRICA, TRANSVAAL WAR, VOL. 2 *** Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Brownfox and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net TRANSCRIBERS' NOTE For speed of loading, many illustrations have been provided as thumbnails, linked to larger versions of the images "ALL THAT WAS LEFT OF THEM." THE BLACK WATCH AFTER THE BATTLE OF MAGERSFONTEIN. From the Drawing by R. Caton Woodville. SOUTH AFRICA [Pg i] [Pg iii] AND THE TRANSVAAL WAR BY LOUIS CRESWICKE AUTHOR OF "ROXANE," ETC. WITH NUMEROUS ILLUSTRATIONS AND MAPS IN SIX VOLUMES VOL. II.—FROM THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE WAR TO THE BATTLE OF COLENSO, 15TH DEC. 1899 EDINBURGH: T. C. & E. C. JACK 1900 CONTENTS—VOL. II. PAGE CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE vii CHAPTER I PAGE The Crisis at Home 1 In South Africa 2 The Occupation of Dundee 7 The Battle of Glencoe 14 Elandslaagte 20 The Retreat from Dundee 32 Sir W. Penn Symons—Glencoe 35 The Battle of Reitfontein 36 Ladysmith 38 The Battle of Lombard's Kop 41 The Disaster of Nicholson's Nek 45 [Pg v] The Siege of Ladysmith 51 CHAPTER II PAGE The Siege of Mafeking 55 Kimberley 64 CHAPTER III PAGE Natal 70 The Invasion of Cape Colony 76 The Battle of Belmont 86 The Battle of Graspan 92 The Battle of Modder River 97 After the Fight 108 CHAPTER IV PAGE The Investment of Ladysmith 110 Estcourt 119 Armoured Train Disaster At Chieveley 121 Estcourt 126 The Fight on Beacon Hill 132 Ladysmith 135 Estcourt and Frere 139 Surprises at Ladysmith 145 Frere Camp 151 CHAPTER V PAGE Activity at the Cape 154 With General Gatacre 159 The Reverse at Stormberg 163 At the Modder River 168 The Battle of Majesfontein 171 CHAPTER VI PAGE Chieveley Camp 187 The Battle of Colenso 188 Facsimile of MS. of Mr. Rudyard Kipling's War Poem "The Absent-minded Beggar" 203 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS—VOL. II. PAGE Chart Showing Staff Appointments Made at the Commencement of the War At front [Pg vi] I. COLOURED PLATES PAGE "All That Was Left of Them." The Black Watch after the Battle of Majesfontein. By R. Caton Woodville Frontispiece Officer of the 9th Lancers 38 Sergeant, King's Royal Rifles 80 Private and Corporal of the Gordon Highlanders 96 Sergeant and Private of the Dublin Fusiliers 102 Sighting a Naval Field Gun 128 Sergeants of the Royal Horse Artillery with a 12-pounder 144 Sergeant-Major of the New South Wales Lancers 154 2. FULL-PAGE PLATES PAGE The Outbreak of War—The Drakensberg Mountains 6 The Outbreak of the War—Transport Leaving England for the Cape 16 The Battle of Elandslaagte 26 Before Ladysmith—Horse Artillery Galloping to take up a New Position 42 Ladysmith, Natal 54 Night Sortie from Mafeking 64 The Battle of Belmont 90 The Battle of Modder River 106 Scene on the Tugela 112 Repelling an Attack from the Trenches around Ladysmith 138 From Frere to Chieveley 150 Stormberg Pass 160 The Modder River 172 The Battle of Colenso—Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment Leading the Central Attack 188 The Battle of Colenso—The Dublin Fusiliers Attempt to Ford the Tugela 192 The Battle of Colenso—The Last Desperate Attempt to Save the Guns 198 3. FULL-PAGE PORTRAITS PAGE Lieut.-General J. D. P. French 22 Major-General Sir W. Penn Symons, K.C.B. 32 General Joubert 48 Colonel Robert S. S. Baden-Powell, the Defender of Mafeking 58 Right Hon. Sir Redvers Henry Buller, K.C.B., V.C. 74 Lieut.-General Lord Methuen, C.B. 86 General Sir George Stewart White, V.C., G.C.B., the Defender of Ladysmith 118 Major-General Andrew G. Wauchope, C.B. 176 4. MAPS AND ENGRAVINGS IN THE TEXT PAGE Coloured Map of Seat of War At Front Map of Northern Natal 9 Position of Forces before the Battle of Glencoe 15 The Battle of Glencoe 17 Position of Forces before the Battle of Elandslaagte, Noon 21 Plan of Battle of Elandslaagte 25 Map of Ladysmith and Surrounding Heights 42 The Creusot Quick-Firing Field Gun, or "Long Tom" 44 4.7-Inch Naval Gun on Improvised Mounting 52 12-Pounder Naval Gun on Improvised Carriage 52 15-Pounder Field Gun 62 An Armoured Train 68 The Maxim Gun 79 Lord Methuen's Line of Advance 87 Plan of the Battle of Belmont 90 Plan of the Battle of Modder River 101 Complete Machine Gun Detachment of Mounted Infantry 118 The 5-Inch Howitzer or Siege Gun 127 Facsimile of Page of Newspaper Published in Ladysmith during the Siege 137 Telegraph Section of the Royal Engineers 144 4.7 Naval Gun on Capt. Percy Scott's Improvised Carriage 154 Map Illustrating the Operations on the South of the Orange River 164 Battle of Majesfontein 174 Sketch Plan of Positions at Majesfontein 176 Sketch Plan of Battle of Colenso 191 Map Showing the Attempted Passage of the River by General Buller on December 15 194 CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE—VOL. II. OCTOBER. 11.—Boer Ultimatum time-limit expired. Great Britain commenced to be at war with Transvaal and Orange Free State. 12.—Text of Great Britain's reply to Boer Ultimatum issued. It stated that the conditions demanded were such as her Majesty's Government deemed it impossible to discuss. Mr. Conyngham Greene recalled. Armoured train captured by Boers near Mafeking. Colonel Baden-Powell moved a large force outside Mafeking, and took up a strong defensive position. 13.—Newcastle abandoned. 14.—Sir R. Buller and Staff left England. 15.—Boers occupied Newcastle. 16.—Dundee evacuated. 17.—Parliament opened. Successful sortie by Colonel Baden-Powell from Mafeking. [Pg vii] Armoured train in action near Kimberley during reconnaissance. 18.—Mr. Balfour announced that the Militia and Militia Reserves were to be called out. 19.—Transvaal flag hoisted at Vryburg. 20.—Boers repulsed by British at Talana Hill (Glencoe). 21.—General French, with about 2000 men, attacked a Boer force under General Kock at Elandslaagte. 22.—General Symons promoted to be Major-General. General Yule retired from Dundee on Ladysmith. 23.—Death of General Symons. Mafeking bombarded. Transvaal National Bank seized at Durban. 24.—Sir George White engaged Boers at Reitfontein. Services accepted of Sir William M'Cormac, President of the Royal College of Surgeons, to attend the wounded. 26.—Generals Yule and White joined forces at Ladysmith. Bombardment of Mafeking commenced. 28.—Boers were closing round Ladysmith. Proclamation issued declaring the Boer "commandeering" of certain portions of Cape Colony null. 30.—Engagement at Lombard's Kop. Sir George White sent out from Ladysmith to Nicholson's Nek a Mountain Battery, with the Irish Fusiliers and the Gloucesters, to turn the enemy's right flank. Mules, with guns and reserve ammunition, stampeded into enemy's lines. After gallantly defending their position for six hours, men's ammunition was exhausted, and about 800 were captured. Naval Brigade did excellent work. 31.—Sir Redvers Buller landed at Cape Town. NOVEMBER. 1.—Boers invaded Cape Colony. 2.—Free Staters' position at Besters brilliantly taken by cavalry. Boers lost heavily; our casualties slight. Boers treacherously used white flag. Colenso evacuated by the British. Arrangements for a supplementary Naval Brigade completed. Orders issued for mobilising the Militia. 3.—Naauwpoort and Stormberg evacuated by the British garrisons. 5.—Death of Commander Egerton, of Powerful. 6.—Ladysmith isolated. 9.—Boers attacked Ladysmith, and repulsed with heavy loss. Orders issued for mobilisation of a Fifth Division. 10.—Engagement of Belmont. Colonel Keith Falconer killed. 11.—Captain Percy Scott, of H.M.S. Terrible, appointed commandant of the forces defending Durban. 12.—Lord Methuen arrived at Orange River. 14.—Lieutenant-General Sir Charles Warren appointed to command the Fifth Division for service in South Africa. 15.—Armoured train wrecked by Boers near Frere. Mr. Winston Churchill and a number of Dublin Fusiliers and Volunteers captured. Boers defeated at Estcourt. [Pg viii] 16.—Fighting near Orange River. 17-22.—Transports arrived at Cape Town with 22,000 troops. 20.—Lord Methuen's force reached Witteputts. 23.—Lord Methuen attacked Boers at Belmont. Boers routed at Willow Grange. 25.—Lord Methuen engaged the Boers at Graspan (Enslin), and after four hours' hard fighting carried position. 26.—Mooi River Column joined at Frere by General Hildyard. 28.—Lord Methuen engaged enemy, 8000 strong, at Modder River, and after ten hours' desperate fighting, drove them back. 30.—Sixth Division for South Africa notified. DECEMBER. 2.—General Clery reached Frere. 3.—Transport Ismore wrecked 180 miles north of Cape Town—all troops landed. 6.—Sortie from Kimberley. Major Scott Turner killed. 7.—Arundel occupied by British. 8.—British sortie from Ladysmith, Lombard's Kop being carried. 9.—General Gatacre sustained serious reverse at Stormberg, having been misled by guides. Lieutenant-Colonel Metcalfe, 2nd Rifle Brigade, with 500 men from Ladysmith, captured Surprise Hill, destroying a howitzer. 10.—General French drove the enemy from Vaal Kop. 11.—Lord Methuen attacked 12,000 Boers entrenched at Majesfontein, but attack failed, although British troops held their position. Major-General Wauchope, Major Lord Winchester, and Colonel Downman killed. 13.—General French defeated 1800 Boers between Arundel and Naauwpoort. British loss, 1 killed, 8 wounded. 14.—Orders given for the mobilisation of a Sixth Division, and a Seventh in reserve. Sir Charles Warren and Staff arrived at the Cape. 15.—General Buller suffered a serious reverse at Colenso, troops having to retire to Chieveley, leaving behind 11 guns. General Hector Macdonald appointed to succeed General Wauchope. CHART OF STAFF APPOINTMENTS MADE AT THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE WAR, as issued by the War Office, 7th October, 1899. LINES OF COMMUNICATION. The Lines of Communication will be under the general command and direction of Lieut.-General Sir F. W. E. F. Forestier-Walker, K.C.B., C.M.G. The following Officers will be employed and will have the Staff position shown opposite their names:— Names of Officers Selected. Staff Position. Colonel H. H. Settle, C.B., D.S.O., p.s.c. Colonel on Staff. Captain F. A. Molony, p.s.c., R.E. Staff Officer to Colonel on Staff. Colonel J. W. Murray, p.s.c. Colonel on Staff. Colonel W. D. Richardson, C.B. Deputy Adjutant-General for Supplies and Transport. Lieut.-Colonel F. F. Johnson, Army Service Corps Staff Officer to Deputy Adjutant-General for Supplies and Transport. Brevet-Colonel C. H. Bridge, C.B., Army Service Corps Deputy Adjutant-General for Transport. Brevet-Major (local Lieut.-Colonel) E. P. C. Girouard, D.S.O., R.E. Director of Railways.[A] Captain H. G. Joly de Lotbinière, R.E. Staff Officer to Director of Railways. Captain (local Major) J. H. Twiss, R.E. Assistant Directors of Railways.[B] Captain (local Major) V. Murray, R.E. Major J. E. Capper, R.E. Deputy-Assistant Directors of Railways. Captain H. C. Manton, R.E. Capt. W. D. Waghorn, R.E. Major (local Lieut.-Colonel) A. E. Wrottesley, R.E. Director of Telegraphs.[A] Colonel R. S. R. Fetherstonhaugh, h.p. Station Commandants.[A] Brevet-Colonel C. P. Ridley, 2nd Bn. Manchester Regt. Brevet-Lieut.-Colonel P. T. Rivett-Carnac, 1st Bn. West Riding Regt. Brevet-Lieut.-Colonel H. P. Shekleton, p.s.c., 1st Bn. South Lancashire Regt. Capt. J. G. Baldwin, Royal Garrison Artillery Staff Officers to Station Commandants.[C] Captain A. E. Lascelles, 2nd Bn. Norfolk Regt. Captain C. R. Ballard, 1st Bn. Norfolk Regt. Captain C. V. C. Hobart, D.S.O., 2nd Bn. Grenadier Guards Brevet-Colonel E. W. D. Ward, C.B., Army Service Corps. Assistant Adjutant-Generals. Col. J. K. Trotter, C.M.G., p.s.c. Lieut.-Col. F. W. Bennet, R.E. Brevet-Lieut.-Colonel H. M. Lawson, p.s.c., R.E. Lieut.-Colonel S. H. Winter, Army Service Corps Deputy-Assistant Adjutant-Generals. Lieut.-Colonel W. R. Winter, Army Service Corps Lieut.-Col. R. B. M'Comb, Army Service Corps Brevet-Lieut.-Colonel F. W. B. Landon, Army Service Corps Major J. H. Poett, p.s.c., 2nd Bn. Dorsetshire Regt. Major C. Rawnsley, Army Service Corps Major R. B. Gaisford, p.s.c., Royal Scots Fusiliers Brevet-Major E. G. T. Bainbridge, 2nd Bn. East Kent Regt. Major R. C. B. Haking, p.s.c., Hampshire Regt. Major A. W. Thorneycroft, 2nd Bn. Royal Scots Fusiliers Captain E. H. Hughes, p.s.c., 1st Bn. York and Lancaster Regt. Captain G. S. St Aubyn, King's Royal Rifle Corps Brevet-Lieut.-Colonel J. Adye, p.s.c., Royal Garrison Artillery General Duty. Major H. N. C. Heath, p.s.c., Yorkshire Light Infantry Brevet-Major C. J. Mackenzie, 1st Bn. Seaforth Highlanders Major R. L. Walter, 7th Hussars Major E. F. Gosset, p.s.c., 2nd Bn. East Yorkshire Regt. Brevet-Major A. G. Hunter-Weston, R.E. Major G. D. Baker, p.s.c., Royal Garrison Artillery Major E. S. C. Kennedy, West India Regt. Captain A. W. Elles, 2nd Bn. Yorkshire Light Infantry Captain E. St G. Pratt, 1st Bn. Durham Light Infantry Capt. C. B. Jervis-Edwards, 1st Bn. Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry Captain F. B. Maurice, Derbyshire Regt. Lieutenant W. M. C. Vandeleur, 2nd Bn. Essex Regt. Lieutenant G. P. Appleby, 1st Bn. Bedfordshire Regt. Lieutenant F. S. Reeves, 1st Bn. East Kent Regt. Coleridge Grove, M.S. War Office, 4th October 1899. Note.—The above list only shows the Officers employed on Staff duties on the Lines of Communication. It does not show those employed on medical, ordnance, clerical, supply, pay, &c., services.—C. G. FOOTNOTES: Graded as Assistant Adjutant-Generals. Graded as Deputy-Assistant Adjutant-Generals. Graded as Staff Captains. NATAL FIELD FORCE. Staff Position. Names of Officers Selected. General Officer Commanding (Lieut.-General on Staff) Lieutenant-General Sir G. S. White, V.C., G.C.B., G.C.S.I., G.C.I.E. Assistant Military Secretary Colonel B. Duff, C.I.E., p.s.c., Indian Staff Corps. Aides-de-Camp (2) Captain R. G. Brooke, D.S.O., 7th Hussars. Captain F. Lyon, R.F.A. Assistant Adjutant-General Colonel I. S. M. Hamilton, C.B., D.S.O. Deputy-Assistant Adjutant- Generals (a) Major F. Hammersley, p.s.c., Lancashire Fusiliers. (b) Major E. R. O. Ludlow, p.s.c., Army Service Corps. Officer Commanding Royal Artillery Lieut.-Colonel and Brevet-Col. C. J. Long, R.H.A. Commanding Royal Engineer (Colonel on Staff) Lieut.-Colonel W. F. N. Noel, R.E. Principal Medical Officer Lieut.-Colonel R. Exham, R.A.M.C. Medical Officer Major J. F. Bateson, M.B., R.A.M.C. Chaplains (2) Rev. L. J. Matthews (R.C.) Rev. E. G. Macpherson, B.A. Assistant Provost-Marshal[D] Major A. G. Chichester, 1st Bn. Royal Irish Regt. Signalling Officer Captain J. S. Cayzer, 7th Dragoon Guards. 4th Division. General Officer Commanding (Lieut.-General on Staff) Colonel (local Lieut.-General) Sir W. P. Symons, K.C.B. Aides-de-Camp (2) Assistant Adjutant-General Colonel C. E. Beckett, C.B., p.s.c. Deputy-Assistant Adjutant- Generals (a) Major and Brevet-Lieut.-Colonel Sir H. S. Rawlinson, Bart., p.s.c., 2nd Bn. Coldstream Guards. (b) Captain T. D. Foster, Army Service Corps. 7th Brigade. Major-General Colonel (local Major-General) F. Howard, C.B., C.M.G., A.D.C. Aide-de-Camp Captain H. E. Vernon, D.S.O., 4th Bn. Rifle Brigade. Brigade-Major Brevet-Lieut.-Colonel Hon. C. G. Fortescue, C.M.G., p.s.c., Rifle Brigade. 8th Brigade. Major-General To be nominated locally. Aide-de-Camp Brigade-Major 3rd Cavalry Brigade. Major-General Colonel (local Major-General) J. F. Brocklehurst, M.V.O. Aide-de-Camp Lieutenant H. W. Viscount Crichton, Royal Horse Guards. Brigade-Major Captain G. P. Wyndham, p.s.c., 16th Lancers. Coleridge Grove, M.S. War Office, 3rd October 1899. FOOTNOTES: Graded as a Deputy-Assistant Adjutant-General. [A] [B] [C] [D] STAFF OF 1st ARMY CORPS. Staff Position. Names of Officers Selected. General Officer Commanding Army Corps (General Commanding-in-Chief) General Rt. Hon. Sir R. H. Buller, V.C., G.C.B., K.C.M.G. Military Secretary Colonel Hon. F. W. Stopford, C.B., p.s.c. Aides-de-Camp (4) Captain H. N. Schofield, R.A. Captain C. J. Sackville-West, King's Royal Rifle Corps. Lieutenant A. R. Trotter, 2nd Life Guards. 2nd Lieut. C. A. Howard, Shropshire Light Infantry. Chief of the General Staff (Major-General on Staff) Major-General Sir A. Hunter, K.C.B., D.S.O. Aide-de-Camp Brevet-Major A. J. Kings, Royal Lancaster Regt. Deputy Adjutant-General Colonel A. S. Wynne, C.B. Assistant Adjutant-Generals (2) Colonel H. S. G. Miles, M.V.O., p.s.c. Colonel C. W. H. Douglas, A.D.C. Deputy-Assistant Adjutant-Generals (4) (a) Lieut.-Colonel C. à Court, p.s.c. (a) Major L. E. Kiggell, p.s.c., Royal Warwickshire Regt. (b) Major P. J. Lewis, Army Service Corps. (b) Major A. H. Thomas, Army Service Corps. Commandant, Head-Quarters[E] Colonel R. Pole-Carew, C.B., h.p. Principal Medical Officer Surgeon-General W. D. Wilson, M.B. Medical Officers Major W. G. A. Bedford, M.B., R.A.M.C. Captain M. L. Hughes, R.A.M.C. Provost Marshal[E] Major Hon. J. H. G. Byng, p.s.c., 10th Hussars. Intelligence Duties— Assistant Adjutant-General (1) Major E. A. Altham, p.s.c., Royal Scots. Deputy-Assistant Adjutant-Generals (2) Major H. J. Evans, p.s.c., Liverpool Regiment. Captain Hon. F. Gordon, p.s.c., Gor. Highlanders. Deputy-Assistant Adjutant-General for Topography Lieut.-Colonel W. W. C. Verner, p.s.c. Commanding Royal Artillery (Major-General on Staff) Colonel (local Major-Gen.) G. H. Marshall. Staff Officer, Royal Artillery Major H. C. Sclater, R.A. Aide-de-Camp, R.A. Captain A. D. Kirby, R.F.A. Chief Engineer (Major-General on Staff) Colonel (local Major-Gen.) E. Wood, C.B. Staff Officer, Royal Engineers Major E. H. Bethell, p.s.c., Royal Engineers. Aide-de-Camp, Royal Engineers Brevet-Major R. S. Curtis, Royal Engineers. Military Mounted Police[F] Brevet-Major R. M. Poore, 7th Hussars. Press Censor[F] Major W. D. Jones, p.s.c., Wiltshire Regt. Principal Chaplain Rev. E. H. Goodwin, B.A. Director of Signalling[E] Major (local Lieut.-Colonel) E. Rhodes, D.S.O., Royal Berks Regt. Chief Ordnance Officer Colonel R. F. N. Clarke, Army Ord. Department. Principal Veterinary Officer Veterinary Lieut.-Colonel I. Matthews, Army Veterinary Department. Orderly Veterinary Officer Corps Troops. Officer Commanding Corps Artillery (Colonel on Staff) Colonel C. M. H. Downing. Adjutant Captain E. S. E. W. Russell, Royal Field Artillery. Officer Commanding Royal Horse Artillery Lieut.-Colonel W. L. Davidson, Royal Horse Artillery. Adjutant, R.H.A. Captain G. W. Biddulph, Royal Horse Artillery. Officer Commanding F.A. (I.) Lieut.-Colonel J. S. S. Barker, p.s.c., R.F.A. Adjutant Captain E. J. Duffus, R.F.A. Officer Commanding Field Artillery (II.) Lieut.-Colonel P. C. E. Newbigging, R.F.A. Adjutant Captain E. C. Cameron, Royal Field Artillery. Officer Commanding Corps Troops, Royal Engineers Lieut.-Colonel C. A. Rochfort-Boyd, R.E. Adjutant Lieut. S. D. Barrow, R.E. FOOTNOTES: Graded as Assistant Adjutant-General. Graded as Deputy-Assistant Adjutant-Generals. 1st ARMY CORPS—1st DIVISION. Staff Position. Names of Officers Selected. General Officer Commanding (Lieut.- General on Staff) Lieut.-General P. S. Lord Methuen, K.C.V.O., C.B., C.M.G. Aides-de-Camp (2) Major H. Streatfield, Grenadier Guards. Captain J. A. Bell-Smyth, 1st Dragoon Guards. Assistant Adjutant-General Colonel R. B. Mainwaring, C.M.G. Deputy-Assistant Adjutant-Generals (a) Brevet Lieut.-Colonel H. P. Northcott, C.B., p.s.c., Leinster Regt. (b) Major R. H. L. Warner, p.s.c., Army Service Corps. Assistant-Provost-Marshall[G] Captain R. J. Ross, 1st Bn. Middlesex Regt. Chaplains (2) Rev. T. F. Falkner, M.A. Rev. E. M. Morgan (R.C.) Principal Medical Officer Colonel E. Townsend, C.B., M.D., R.A.M.C. Medical Officer Major C. H. Burtchaell, M.B., R.A.M.C. Divisional Signalling Officer Lieut. Hon. E. D. Loch, D.S.O., 1st Bn. Grenadier Guards. 1st Brigade. Major-General Major-General Sir H. E. Colvile, K.C.M.G., C.B. Aide-de-Camp Captain G. C. Nugent, Grenadier Guards. Brigade-Major Captain H. G. Ruggles-Brise, p.s.c., Grenadier Guards. 2nd Brigade. Major-General Major-General H. J. T. Hildyard, C.B., p.s.c. Aide-de-Camp Lieut. A. Blair, King's Own Scottish Borderers. Brigade-Major Major L. Munro, p.s.c., Hampshire Regt. FOOTNOTES: Graded as Deputy-Assistant Adjutant-General. 1st ARMY CORPS—2nd DIVISION. Staff Position. Names of Officers Selected. General Officer Commanding (Lieut.- General on Staff) Major-General (Local Lieut.-General) Sir C. F. Clery, K.C.B., p.s.c. Aides-de-Camp (2) Major F. E. Cooper, Royal Artillery, p.s.c. Captain L. Parke, Durham Light Infantry. Assistant Adjutant-General Major and Bt.-Colonel B. M. Hamilton, p.s.c., East Yorkshire Regiment. Deputy-Assistant Adjutant-General (a) Captain H. E. Gogarty, p.s.c., Royal Scots Fusiliers. (b) Captain W. G. B. Boyce, Army Service Corps. Assistant Provost-Marshal[H] Major G. F. Ellison, p.s.c., Royal Warwickshire Regt. Chaplains (2) Rev. A. A. L. Gedge, B.A. Rev. J. Robertson (P.). Principal Medical Officer Colonel T. J. Gallwey, M.D., C.B., R.A.M.C. Medical Officer Major W. Babtie, M.B., C.M.B., R.A.M.C. Divisional Signalling Officer Lieut. J. S. Cavendish, 1st Life Guards. 3rd Brigade. Major-General Maj.-Gen. A. G. Wauchope, C.B., C.M.G. Aide-de-Camp Captain J. G. Rennie, R.H. Brigade-Major Major and Bt.-Lieut.-Col. J. S. Ewart, p.s.c., Cameron Highlanders. [E] [F] [G] 4th Brigade. Major-General Major-General Hon. N. G. Lyttelton, C.B. Aide-de-Camp Captain Hon. H. Yarde-Buller, Rifle Brigade. Brigade-Major Captain H. H. Wilson, p.s.c., Rifle Brigade. FOOTNOTES: Graded as a Deputy-Assistant Adjutant-General. 1st ARMY CORPS—3rd DIVISION. Staff Position. Names of Officers Selected. General Officer Commanding (Lieut.- General on Staff) Major-General (local Lieut.-Gen.) Sir W. F. Gatacre, K.C.B., D.S.O., p.s.c. Aides-de-Camp (2) Lieutenant A. J. M'Neill, 1st Bn. Seaforth Highlanders. Assistant Adjutant-General Colonel R. E. Allen, p.s.c. Deputy-Assistant Adjutant-Generals (a) Lieut.-Colonel W. H. H. Waters, M.V.O., p.s.c. (b) Major P. E. F. Hobbs, Army Service Corps. Assistant Provost-Marshal[I] Captain J. R. F. Sladen, p.s.c., East Yorkshire Regt. Chaplains (2) Rev. E. Ryan (R.C.) Rev. R. Armitage, M.A. Principal Medical Officer Lieut.-Colonel J. D. Edge, M.D., R.A.M.C. Medical Officer Maj. G. E. Twiss, R.A.M.C. Divisional Signalling Officer Captain S. Fitz G. Cox, 2nd Bn. Lincolnshire Regt. 5th Brigade. Major-General Major-General A. Fitzroy Hart, C.B., p.s.c. Aide-de-Camp Captain Hon. St L. H. Jervis, King's Royal Rifle Corps. Brigade-Major Major C. R. R. MacGrigor, p.s.c., King's Royal Rifle Corps. 6th Brigade. Major-General Major-General G. Barton, C.B., p.s.c. Aide-de-Camp Brigade-Major Captain J. A. E. MacBean, D.S.O., p.s.c., Royal Dublin Fusiliers. FOOTNOTES: Graded as a Deputy-Assistant Adjutant-General. STAFF OF CAVALRY DIVISION. Staff Position. Names of Officers Selected. General Officer Commanding (Lieut.-General on Staff) Col. (Lieut.-General) J. D. P. French. Aides-de-Camp (2) Lieutenant J. P. Milbanke, 10th Hussars. Assistant Adjutant-General Colonel Hon. G. H. Gough, C.B., p.s.c. Deputy-Assistant Adjutant- Generals (a) Major D. Haig, p.s.c., 7th Hussars. (b) Major G. O. Welch, Army Service Corps. Officer Commanding, Royal Horse Artillery Lieut.-Colonel F. J. W. Eustace, R.H.A. Adjutant, R.H.A. Capt. A. D'A. King, R.H.A. Chaplain (1)[K] Rev. W. C. Haines Principal Medical Officer Lieut.-Colonel W. Donovan, Royal Army Medical Corps. Medical Officer Major H. G. Hathaway, Royal Army Med. Corps. Assistant Provost-Marshal[L] Captain P. A. Kenna, V.C., 21st Lancers. Intelligence Department— Deputy-Assistant Adjutant- General Captain Hon. H. A. Lawrence, p.s.c., 17th Lancers. 1st Brigade. Major-General Col. (local Major-General) J. M. Babington. Aide-de-Camp Lieutenant F. W. Wormald, 7th Hussars. Brigade-Major Captain C. J. Briggs, 1st Dragoon Guards. Officer Commanding Mounted Infantry[J] Major and Brevet-Lieut.-Colonel E. A. H. Alderson, p.s.c., Royal West Kent Regt. [H] [I] Adjutant Mounted Infantry[L] Captain H. M'Micking, Royal Scots. 2nd Brigade. Major-General Colonel (local Major-Gen.) J. P. Brabazon, C.B., A.D.C. Aide-de-Camp Major Hon. C. E. Bingham, 1st Life Guards. Brigade-Major Captain Hon. T. W. Brand, 10th Hussars. Officer Commanding Mounted Infantry[J] Captain and Brevet-Lieut.-Colonel R. J. Tudway, 2nd Bn. Essex Regt. Adjutant Mounted Infantry[L] Captain H. L. Ruck-Keene, Oxford. Light Infantry. Coleridge Grove, M.S. 2nd October 1899. FOOTNOTES: Graded as Assistant Adjutant-General. Will act for both Brigades. Graded as Deputy-Assistant Adjutant-Generals. MAP OF THE SEAT OF WAR Illustrating "South Africa and the Transvaal War," by Louis Creswicke. SOUTH AFRICA AND THE TRANSVAAL WAR CHAPTER I THE CRISIS AT HOME "Patience, long sick to death, is dead. Too long Have sloth and doubt and treason bidden us be What Cromwell's England was not, when the sea To him bore witness, given of Blake, how strong She stood, a commonweal that brooked no wrong From foes less vile than men like wolves set free, Whose war is waged where none may fight or flee— With women and with weanlings. Speech and song Lack utterance now for loathing. Scarce we hear Foul tongues, that blacken God's dishonoured name [J] [K] [L] [Pg 1] With prayers turned curses and with praise found shame, Defy the truth whose witness now draws near To scourge these dogs, agape with jaws afoam, Down out of life. Strike, England, and strike home." —Algernon Charles Swinburne. In the face of the insolent Ultimatum which had been addressed to Great Britain by the South African Republic, the nation closed its ranks and relegated party controversy to a more appropriate season. The British people were temporarily in accord. A wave of indignation surged over the country, and united men of different shades of politics and of varying religious creeds, making them forget their private feuds, and remember only the paramount fact that they were sons of the Empire. There were some, it is true, who remained afar off—a few exceptions to prove the rule of unanimity, beings with souls so dead that never to themselves had said, "This is my own, my native land," and who yet looked upon the Boer as an object of commiseration. But these were, first, men linked either by birth or family ties with the Afrikander cause; second, fractious Irishmen and political obstructionists who posed for notoriety at any price; and, third, eccentrics and originals, whose sense of opposition forbade them from floating at any time with the tide of public opinion. Every one else cried aloud for a chance to uphold Great Britain's prestige, and the War Office was so beset with applications from volunteers for the front that it was found almost impossible even to consider them. Nor was the excitement confined to officers alone. Recruiting went on apace, and not only did recruits pour in, but deserters, who had slunk away from regimental duty, now returned and gave themselves up, praying to be allowed to suffer any penalty and then march out to battle as soldiers of the Queen! Two Royal Proclamations having been issued—the one directing the continuance in army service, until discharged or transferred to the reserve, of soldiers whose term of service had expired or was about to expire; the other, ordering the army reserve to be called out on permanent service—some 25,000 men received notice to rejoin the colours. These in large numbers promptly appeared. The New South Wales Lancers, who had been going through a course of cavalry training at Aldershot, at once volunteered their services and started for the Cape amidst scenes of great enthusiasm. Other colonial troops were as eager to join, and the spirit of military rivalry throughout Her Majesty's dominions was both amazing and inspiriting. Queensland had the honour of opening the ball. Her sympathy with the policy of Great Britain and her loyalty to the mother country was shown in practical form. She intimated, in the event of hostilities, her willingness to send 250 mounted infantry and a machine-gun to the front. New Zealand followed suit; she also offered two companies of mounted rifles fully equipped at the cost of the Colony. These offers were gratefully accepted. Not to be behind-hand, Western Australia and Tasmania made similar offers, and Her Majesty's Government gladly agreed to accept one unit of 125 men from each. The Parliament of Victoria voted the despatch of a contingent of 250 men to South Africa, and the Governments of New South Wales and South Australia actively discussed similar measures. This expression of Colonial public opinion, embodying as it did the independent judgments of so many free juries, uninfluenced by personal or direct interests, had a significance which, besides being politically important, was eminently satisfactory. All Her Majesty's dominions, on which the sun never sets, were at this critical moment holding hands in a wide circle that encompassed the earth, and the picture of the small mother country with all her big children gathered around her in her hour of need was not one that the romance of history can afford to disregard. IN SOUTH AFRICA Before hostilities had actually begun, refugees from Johannesburg began to pour down to Natal and the Cape, and there were daily reports of insults received by the Uitlanders at the hands of the Boers. Ladies were spat upon, and passengers suffered indignities sufficient to make an Englishman's blood boil. Fresh troops began to arrive from India, and Sir George White, in a chorus of farewell shouts, "Remember Majuba," went off from Durban to Pietermaritzburg. This was on the 7th of October 1899. At that time the troops were thus distributed:— At Pietermaritzburg—1st Battalion Manchester Regiment and Mounted Infantry Company; 2nd Battalion King's Royal Rifle Corps. At Estcourt—Detachment Natal Naval Volunteers; Natal Royal Rifles. At Colenso—Durban Light Infantry. At Ladysmith—5th Lancers; Detachment 19th Hussars; Brigade Division, Royal Artillery; 10th Mountain Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery; 23rd Company, Royal Engineers; 1st Battalion Devonshire Regiment; 1st Battalion Liverpool Regiment, and Mounted Infantry Company; 26th (two sections) British Field Hospital, and Colonial troops. At Glencoe—18th Hussars; Brigade Division, Royal Artillery; 1st Battalion Leicestershire Regiment, and Mounted Infantry Company; 1st Battalion King's Royal Rifle Corps, and Mounted Infantry Company; 2nd Battalion Royal Dublin Fusiliers, and Mounted Infantry Company; 6th Veterinary Field Hospital. There was also one Company 1st Battalion King's Royal Rifle Corps at Eshowe, and a detachment of the Umvoti Mounted Rifles at Helpmakaar. Meanwhile, at Pretoria, the Boers, protesting at the notice taken of the "chimerical grievances of the so-called [Pg 2] [Pg 3] Uitlanders," made energetic efforts to appoint General Viljeon, a rabid anti-Briton,in place of General Joubert as Commander-in-Chief of the Transvaal forces. The troops under Commandant Cronje, the hero of Potchefstroom, advanced nearer to the border, in the direction of Mafeking, and in the expectation of attack, this town was securely fortified, while all the women and children were advised to leave. The fortification of Kimberley was also commenced. The European exodus from all quarters continued, defenceless men and women alike being subjected to insult and ill-treatment by the Boers. Mr. Kruger's birthday was kept at Pretoria with general rejoicing, and on the following day a telegram was sent by President Kruger to the New York World saying:— "Through the World I thank the people of the United States most sincerely for their sympathy. Last Monday the Republic gave Great Britain forty-eight hours' notice within which to give the Republic an assurance that the present dispute would be settled by arbitration or other peaceful means, and that the troops would be removed from the borders. This expires at five to-day. The British Agent has been recalled. War is certain. The Republics are determined, if they must belong to Great Britain, that a price will have to be paid which will stagger humanity. They have, however, full faith. The sun of liberty will arise in South Africa as it arose in North America." From this letter it was patent that Mr. Kruger was either pursuing his policy of bluff, or had made long and elaborate preparations for war with the British. On the same date an announcement was published in the town of Pretoria:— "Government House, October 11. "Her Majesty's Agent at Pretoria was to-day instructed to make the following communication to the Government of the South African Republic: 'The Imperial Government have received with great regret the peremptory demands of the Government of the South African Republic conveyed in the telegram of October 9. You will inform the Government of the South African Republic that the conditions demanded by the Government of the South African Republic are such as Her Majesty's Government deem it impossible to discuss. With the delivery of the above,' the Imperial Government add, 'as the Transvaal Government stated in their Note that a refusal to comply with their demands would be regarded as a formal declaration of war, the British Agent is instructed to ask for his passports.'" Of course, this news caused intense excitement, and all who had remained sanguine of peace now gave up hope. At Bloemfontein President Steyn simultaneously issued a Proclamation to the Burghers of the Free State. He said that "the sister Republic is about to be attacked by an unscrupulous enemy, who has long looked for a pretext to annihilate the Afrikanders." He went on to say that the people of the Orange Free State were bound to the Transvaal by many ties, as well as by formal treaty, and solemnly declared, in the presence of the Almighty, that they are compelled to resist a powerful enemy owing to the injustice done to their kith and kin. Solemn obligations, continued the Proclamation, have not protected the Transvaal against an annexation conspiracy. When its independence ceases, the existence of the Orange Free State as an independent State will be meaningless. Experience in the past has shown that no reliance can be placed on the solemn promises and obligations of Great Britain when the Administration at the helm is prepared to tread treaties under foot. After giving a historical sketch of the wrongs which he alleged had been done to the Transvaal, President Steyn said: "The original Conventions have been twisted and turned by Great Britain into a means of exercising tyranny against the Transvaal, which has not returned the injustice done to it in the past. No gratitude has been shown for the indulgence which was granted to British subjects, who, according to law, had forfeited their lives and property. Compliance with the British demands would be equivalent to the loss of our independence, which has been gained by our blood and tears. For many years British troops have been concentrating on the borders of the Transvaal in order to compel it by terrorism to comply with British claims. The crafty plans of those with whom love of gold is the motive are now being realised. While acknowledging the honour of thousands of Englishmen who abhor deeds of robbery and violence, the Orange Free State execrates the wrongful deeds of a British statesman." After expressing confidence that the Almighty would help and aid them, and counselling the Burghers to do nothing unworthy of Christians and Burghers of the Free State, the President concluded with the following words: " Burghers of the Free State, stand up as one man against the oppressor and violator of right." Meanwhile Sir George White, accompanied by Colonel Ian Hamilton (Assistant Adjutant-General), Colonel Duff (Assistant Military Secretary), Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Henry Rawlinson, and Captains Brooke and Lyon, aides-de- camp, was proceeding on his journey to Ladysmith. The principal British camps were situated near Glencoe Junction and Ladysmith, and around these some twelve or fifteen thousand Boers were reported to be stationed between Sandspruit, Volksrust, and Wakkerstroom, while on the western side the Natal border was threatened by the Orange Free State's forces, which were posted in the neighbourhood of Van Reenen's Pass. A Proclamation, signed by Sir Alfred Milner and Mr. Schreiner, was issued in Cape Town, warning British subjects of their duty to the Queen, while at the same time the German Consul-General officially ordered his countrymen to remain neutral. A similar warning was given by the German Consul to Germans in Johannesburg. Preparations were made for the immediate landing of a Naval Brigade from the British battleships in Simon's Bay, and volunteers of all kinds hurried to tender their services for special corps. In Pretoria a further manifesto was issued, calling on Afrikanders to resist the British demands, and accusing Lord Salisbury, Mr. Chamberlain, and Sir Alfred Milner of pursuing a "criminal policy." It also declared that it was perfectly clear that the desire and object of Great Britain was to deprive the Transvaal [Pg 4] [Pg 5]