Arrived at the Cape on 14th February 1900. Was in the engagements about Dewetsdorp and Thabanchu towards the end of April. Throughout 1900 saw much service in the Orange River Colony, and was trekking with Bruce Hamilton in the last quarter of that year (Lord Roberts' despatch of 15th November 1900). The battery was then split up—a section was with Colonel White in the Orange River Colony; a section with Colonel Monro in that colony and afterwards in Cape Colony; and a section was long with Colonel Du Moulin. The battery was represented in Damant's fierce little action near Tafel Kop on 20th December 1901 (see Lord Kitchener's despatch of 8th January 1902 and commendations). The enemy, through being disguised in khaki, imitating the formations of British troops, and even "firing volleys in the general direction of some other Boers", were taken for friends, and so managed to gain a ridge commanding the guns which were with Damant's advance-guard; but his men, notably the 91st company of Imperial Yeomanry, which "sacrificed itself almost to a man", pushed back the enemy, who, on the arrival of Rimington with help, fled as usual. The section lost 5 killed and 7 wounded. At least 2 officers, 2 non-commissioned officers, and 1 man of the battery gained mention for acts of very great gallantry on this occasion.
Royal Field Artillery - 39th Battery
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- Parent Category: Imperial units
- Category: Royal Field Artillery
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