TOPIC:

1901
November 25th / Secretary of State for the Colonies (Chamberlain) telegraphed Governor General, Her Majesties Government would “Gratefully Accept” offer for another contingent / authorizing a corps to consist of not less than 600 men. / Rmk: Regiment first designated Canadian Yeomanry but during organization changed to 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles.

December 10th / Mr Chamberlain telegraphed that Transports “Manhattan” and “Victorian” proceeding to Halifax to pick up troops as these transports had room for 2 additional Squadrons offer was made. / Nil

December 14th / Two additional Squadrons authorized by Imperial Government. / Nil

December 16th / Orders issued to commence recruiting on 23rd December. Few weeks at Halifax previous to embarkation fully utilized in interior economy, Regimental Drill, Musketry Courses. / Nil

1902
January 14th / “Manhattan Sailed” with left wing an 1 Troop right wing (513 horses ).

January 28th / “Victorian Sailed” with Headquarters and right wing ( 486 horses ) and 10th Canadian Field Hospital, Army Medical Corps. / Nil

February 18th / Manhattan arrived Durban ( Loss 9 Horses ). / Nil

February 25th / Victorian arrived Durban ( Loss 22 Horses ).

Both wings entrained for Newcastle, Heat Intense, floors of box cars of iron and very slippery. 2 Days journey did serious injury to horses. ( Several died enroute ).

February 27th / Arrived Newcastle.

2 Wings occupy separate camps. Headquarters and Right Wing quarantined in isolation on account of small pox. ( No new cases developed ). Left Wing during stay at Newcastle furnished a Squadron to occupy Botha's Pass during a drive. Also performed convoy duties. Right Wing although quarantined occupied advanced position. ( Strongly entrenched and did outpost duty. ) / Nil

March 1st / Lord Kitchener inspected Regiment / Nil

March 6th / General Littleton inspected Regiment / Nil

March 10th / General Walter Kitchener inspected Regiment / Nil

March 14th / Order received to proceed by route march to Volkrust and thence by rail to Klerksdorp. / Rmk: 2 Days march past Majuba thru Laing's Nek to Volkrust 2 days by rail.

March 18th / Arrived Klerksdorp. Attached to Colonel Cookson's column, in General Walter Kitchener's Division

March 21st / Engaged in active operations (Just commenced in Western Transvaal).

Night ride to Witpoort Ridge followed by drive at daybreak the next morning. / Rmk.: 45 miles, Regiment covered 85 miles in 23 hours.

March 23rd / 6:30 p.m. Whole column marched from camp ( light ). Horses carried 6 pounds of oats. Men ½ Rations, biscuits, tinned meat. 180 rounds of Ammo. Clear moonlight night. Country undulating with several large ridges, partly covered with low brush. Numerous ant holes and rabbit burrows. Weak horses broke down. No effort to pick up men. Drive would work back over ground in morning and object was to be in place by daybreak. ( 45 miles to cover ). / Rmk: Column proceeded due west at fast trot or gallop. Brief halts.

March 24th / 3 a.m., Arrived Witpoort. Left wing Major Cameron with Imperial Yeomanry and Mounted Infantry formed a reserve on main road running through the ridge. Right wing under Colonel Evans occupied southern ½ of ridge with a chain of outposts. ( Rocky ridge difficult for horses.

4:30 a.m. Chain of outposts completed. Northern ½ of ridge occupied by Damant's Horse.

5:00 a.m. Orders were for whole line to advance. Move eastward. Scouts and “A” Squadron engaged with a party of enemy and were unable to take part in advance until line proceeded some distance. / Rmk: Shortly after advance commenced.

Evans occupied whole of ground laid out with “C” and portion of “D” Squadrons. / Rmk: Instead of whole right wing, Leckies Report.

2 men fell out of march. One ( Private Haggarty captured by 60 Boers in khaki and wearing helmets ). Other man ( Fraser ) stripped by Boers and made his way to Klerksdorp ( by 3 a.m. 25th March ) in company with 6 other Canadians.

On arrival Witpoort Ridge Lt. Callaghan and 1st Troop “A” Squadron occupies southerly position (Lieutenant Tryon OC 1st Troop). 300 yards north, Lieutenant Allan with 2 Troop “A” Squadron. Same interval, 3 Troop, Lieutenant Fishwick OC with Lieutenant Leckie. Same interval with 4 Troop. Word sent back Boers advancing on 1 Troop. Horses to rear of 4 Troop and informed Lieutenants Richards and Hiam of “B” Squadron. ( Hiam to pass word along. ) Returning to 1st Troop position, met scout with young Boer prisoner. Heard firing proceeded. Arriving met Callaghan, Tyron and E.B. Allan with 2 Troop. Brought afely into camp. 1st Troop (Tryon) formed center for most of day. 4th Troop and most of 3rd Troop in 2nd line under Squadron Sergeant Major Dyer. Horses tired due to night march had tendancy to mix up up the units as each Troop “A” Squadron left ridge for the same point. / Rmk: Lt. Callaghan's good scouting avoided serious trouble before the ridge could be left safely.

STAFF DIARY

7:00 a.m. Scouts under Lieutenant Callaghan overtook and captured, in a very smart manner, 6 wagons, 100 head of cattle and 2 cape carts plus one wounded prisoner found in one of the wagons. / Rmk: Advance at a general trot for about 7 miles. Being escorted by a party of Boers.

5:30 p.m. Regiment arrived in camp at Oorbietjesfontein. Shortly after, a heavy thunder and hail storm drenched the troops. Wagons with supplies ( including blankets ) had come out from Klerksdorp. / Rmk: Escorted by 2000 infantry.

Regiment has 1 slightly wounded, 22 missing. Killed two enemy, 3 prisoners, 6 wagons with oxen complete, 3 cap carts, 100 head cattle, 6 ponies. / Rmk: Marched during the previous 23 hours, 80 miles. / Rmk: Regiment lost 30 horses, injured or exhausted on road. Missing men returned the next day.

March 31st

3:00 a.m. 1st and 2nd column marched, 2 days rations and 1 blanket per man. Right wing with main body. Left wing, under Major Cameron, as baggage escort. Object – Reconnaissance in force to the junction of Brakspruit and Harts River, remainder of Division to follow a few hours later.

10:00 a.m. Lieutenant Callaghan and two scouts sent to the right to look for tracks of the enemy. Struck trail to the West of North from the axis of advance. Sent word back – enemy 500 men with two guns. Could only be a few miles ahead. Column changes direction and in a few minuets the enemy was sighted. Evans ordered to hold right wing until Major Cameron arrived with convoy (to be brought forward ASAP). Advance party 60 men, reached Lieutenant Callaghan. They galloped to get the guns. This party advanced about 3 miles when the strong Boer rear guard opened up. / Rmk: Concealed in bush about a farm house and clumps of bush to right and left.

Advance party at once dismounted and opened fire (largely outnumbered). 2 men killed and nine wounded. Main column came in sight and the Boer rearguard retired. ( 15 Horses Killed ). Boer main body , when main column galloped into view, showed up in force. / Rmk: Estimates 2,500

Boer main body retired slowly towards the high ridges. About this time, the convoy came into view, and as wagons were moving across country in line, instead of column, with the right wing Canadian Mounted Rifles in advance with the left wing surrounding the convoy, it gave the effect of a very large additional body of troops, enveloped in a cloud of dust. / Rmk: Boers appeared to be contemplating an attack on portion of column in view

Arrived Boschbult Farm, our force went into camp, wagons laagerd and wired together, troops commenced entrenching. Post of Mounted Infantry (200) with a colt gun and Pom Pom were left at the farm 600 yards in C.M.R.'s rear. Lieutenant Bruce Carruthers 3rd, 4th troop “E” Squadron, who formed the rearguard for the convoy, instead of following the convoy into camp remained near the farm (M.I. plus Colt and Pom Pom) as an observation post and sent into the camp for orders. Enemy now realizing the inferior strength of column prepared to attack. / Rmk: Enemy outnumbered column by at least 500

2 p.m. To 5 p.m. Camp subjected to tremendous rifle and shell fire from 3 sides. Every attempt by Boers to approach as driven back by well directed fire of rifles and guns.

About 5 p.m. The Enemy withdrew. Boers artillery fire, well directed but little damage as few shells exploded. ( Rmk: Boer guns were those taken from Methven's column. )

While camp was being attacked Lieutenant Carruther's part ( about 21 men of the 3rd and 4th Troop of “E: Squadron ) had moved to the right of the farm. Sergeant Hodgins with another small party of “E” Squadron was to Lieutenant Carruthers right. Still further to the right was a detachment of about 75 Mounted Infantry. Several hundred Boers swept down on the Mounted Infantry post, stampeding the Mounted Infantry who galloped through the line occupied by Hodgins and Carruthers. Carruthers and his NCO's kept his men in hand, dismounted them and formed a half moon shape to face the oncoming Boers. Sergeant Hodgins' men were being swept off by the Mounted Infantry stampede but he rallied about ten and dismounted to meet the attack, Splendid stand made by Carruthers partly without cover of any kind and against overwhelming odds. Before Carruthers party's ammo was exhausted 17 out of 21 were killed or wounded. Heroic deeds by a number of the men. / Rmk: Sergeant Perry although wounded fought until he was killed.

Main attack of the enemy was first against the rear of the camp. Attack quickly enveloped the three exposed sides, concentrated on the front where waggons only offered cover. ( Rmk: Banks of the spruit gave fair cover. Trenches had only commenced and were to shallow for cover.) While under heavy fire, trip wires were put down in event of a Boer rush. All ranks acted with absolute coolness. ( Rmk: 25% of CMR'S had previous SA service and the levelling affect of these men was evident. ) As enemy rifle fire from the front if high would strike our read and vice versa and the fire from the left infiltrated the whole camp. The casualties in both men and horses were fairly numerous. ( Rmk: Total casualties for CMR was about 9% of total strength. )

Considering enemy strength and concentration of fire, the total losses of the column was very small. CMR's occupied several very exposed parts of the line, therefore its losses were rather heavier than those of other troops engaged. ( Total Casualties: Killed 8 / Wounded 42 / Missing 7 / Horses 121 / Mules 22 )

After enemy retired, the whole force proceeded to dig trenches, stretch wire trip lines and prepare for a night attack. After dark a party of 3 ( one Sergeant Lee “A” Squadron CMR ) tried to get through to W. Kitchener's column but ran into a large party of the enemy. Lee's horse was shot and party returned to camp. ( Rmk: I.O. Was shot by own troops while returning. )

Enemy made no attempt to renew the attack through the night or following morning. Enemy ambulances were at work all through the night and when the column marched out following morning of April 1. ( Rmk: Enemy losses attributed to one of the Boer Surgeons was about 200. )

Operations ending near Harts River in the Battle of Boschbult.

April 1st

11:00 a.m. Colonel Evans and CMR's held burial services for the gallant dead. CMR's buried at well defined spot in the garden of Boschbult farm, just by the Hartebestefontein road. Tombstones read “To the memory of the Canadian Mounted Rifles who fell in action here on March 31st.” / Rmk: In a very heavy down pour. Small crosses placed at the head of each grave. A roughly carved tombstone to mark the site placed in the center of the plot. At the foot a bottle containing a list of the dead and their positions.

12:00 Available ambulances and Canadian Troop left camp at about noon for Kitchener's camp.

12:30 p.m. Mounted men remaining with General Kitchener's Division appeared in sight. Mounted Infantry who stampeded had made their way to Driekill, where Kitchener had made camp. They reported that the column had been cut up and captured. Wounded troopers to hospital, a journey of 20 miles in the pouring rain. They initially (at Boschbult) waited in a Boer farm house (in the Boer lines) used as a hospital. The women were not friendly and the younger Boers tried to secure possessions (clothing, etc.). Prevented by the older Burghers.

Boer forces engaged included DeLarey, DeWet, Kemp, Van Ruyl, Potgeitor, Wolmorans, Maas, DeVillierss, Liebenberge and also Mr. Steyn. If they made a night attack the camp was in every way prepared to meet and repel it. / Rmk: Boers plan was to gain possion of camp by 5:00 p.m.

3:00 p.m. Column marched for the same destination. Four troops under Lieutenant with an ambulance were sent out to search the woods to out left for wounded. 8 miles short of camp CMR wagons stuck fast being short of mules. Some men sent back and assisted in getting a few light wagons pulled up to the regiment. / Rmk: Picked up a couple of dying Boers who were left in a farmhouse.

8:00 p.m. Orders received to halt for the night and stand by the horses until daybreak. Regimental mess wagon built a fire and provided tea, cold meat and hard tack. General Kitchener, his staff, Colonel Cookston and staff and all the officers on No. 1 Column ate and also had breakfast. / Rmk: Men and Horses very tired. Men carries own rations and were independent.

April 7th

Report ( from Private Brace ) received by Captain Snider. Corporal Knisley with five men were on the right flank of Carruther's party. Cut off from troop and camp by enemy. Cautiously made their way towards Klerksdorp. Initially came in contact with several small parties of Boers whom they drove off. On April 1st (Tuesday) they ran into a party of about 50 Boers who attacked them. Corporal Knisley entrenched his party to meet the attack. His party fought from 4:00 p.m. April 1st until Noon 2nd April, when all their ammunition was expended. Remaining 4 CMR's were taken prisoner and stripped by the Boers. They arrived Klerksdorp on Friday 4th April. / Rmk: Corporal Knisley and Private Day killed. They arrived exhausted and very hungry as no food for several days.

April 9th

RO's published where Officer Commanding (Evans) reports death of Knisley, etc.

April 10th

Commenced drive culminating with attack of the Boers on General Kekwick's column with Boer defeat and heavy losses.

April 14th

7:00 a.m. Convoy, all wagons, dismounted men and sick horses left for Klerksdorp.

8:30 p.m. All mounted men (no guns) marched for Reitfontein.


April 15th

2:00 a.m. Arrived Reitfontein. Stood by horses waiting for dawn. Very chilly.

5:30 a.m. Column formed its driving line covering some 5 miles front. / Rmk: 12 Yards interval between men. CMR covered 3 miles with “B” Squadron ½ mile in rear in support. Kier's column on right. Lowe's column on left. Forming a total front of 15 miles. Australians were to be driving from right flank. Rmk: They did not make it. Towards left was Kekewick's column drive in. Driving line moved very slowly forward pushing a few Boers ahead of it. No time available for feeding and watering. Rmk: Country covered was 37 miles including numerous very large Kopjes.

6:00 p.m. Arrived Klerksdorp. Days capture total result ( 3 Columns ) - 100 Boers. “F” Squadron Lieutenant Ryan – 9 Boers, “B” Squadron 4 Boers. Lieutenant Callaghan and scouts were making a move which would have caught 26 Boers but OC column stopped them at a critical moment and the prisoners were secured by Kier's column.

May 5th

7:30 a.m. Marched

3:30 p.m. Camped at Bultfontein.

May 6th

7:30 a.m. Marched – 11:00 am to 2:00 halted Reitvlei. Left wing going forward to recce Witpoort. Column camped at Kurannafontein. (Rmk: 4 miles west of Witpoort.) Right scouts captured two Boers with rifles and bandoliers complete, one Cape Cart, four horses and two mules.

May 7th All columns formed into driving line. Two wings of CMR covering front of three miles forming its own support and reserves. (Rmk: Small parties of Boers seen but no opposition.

Arrived Doornpan and made entrenched camp (welcome supply of potatoes on a farm).

May 8th

7:30 a.m. Continued drive lines as 7th May.

4:30 p.m. Made an entrenchmened camp at Graspan – Good water. / Rmk: Lieutenants Carruthers and Hiam admitted to hospital.
May 9th

7:30 a.m. Marched, Outspanned at noon at Harts River (river almost dry). Elmsley 1 ½ Squadron patrolled river south rejoining column shortly after column resumed march. Rmk: This party unable to water horses as river was dry in southerly direction.

2:00 p.m. Column resumed march. DeBeers and VanZuylis commandos reported in front.

4:30 p.m. Into camp and entrenched. Regimental scouts under Callaghan capture 300 sheep and one prisoner. / Rmk: No water for horses or men. Horses in bad way, (hot day).

May 10th

7:10 a.m. Marched. Van Zuyl and DeBeer's commandos could be seen in the distance moving along the front trying to find an opening (in the line) to break through. North and south flanks of the driving line had been closed in. CMR (Cookstens) lines had been thickened (gradually) during last three says. Country very rough and very little water available. Enemy puzzled and undecided by extream length of line, but made no opposition. Camped and entrenched at Mouifontein (along fence dividing the Transvaal from the colony (Bechuanaland). Found good water here (badly needed).

May 11th

7:30 a.m. Marched. Boers seen moving up and down the line looking for an opening. Columns closed in from both sides on the front, westerly side of drive formed by blockhouses along the Kimberly and Mafeking railway. Lieutenant Ryan 1st Troop, “F” Squadron sent out as an Observation Post, before the column marched. Captured 150 cattle, 60 donkeys, 2 mules, 5 horses. Boer in charge abandoning them on being attacked by troop. Regimental scouts under Lieutenant Callaghan, later in the day captured 200 hed of cattle, 15 horses and 16 mules.

3:00 p.m. Driving line concentrated at Vryburg. Total drive results (some 10,000 troops engaged). Killed – 1, Prisoners – 354, Rifles 262, Horses – 326, Mules – 95, Donkeys – 60, Wagons – 175, Cape Carts – 61, Cattle – 3,500, Trek Carts 106.

End of War

June 4th to 13th
Lieutenant Ryan, 25 N.C.O.'s and men formed part of personal escorts to Major General W. Kitchener, Commissioner Western Transvaal for receiving the surrender and arms of the Burgers.

June 4th

9:30 a.m. Lieutenant Ryan reported to Head Quarters near Klerksdorp.

10:00 a.m. General W. Kitchener and escort moved northward across the Veldt. Trekked and camped for night at Palmeitfontein. Corporal McDonald with one wagon from 10 Canadian Field Hospital was attached to troops.

Rmk: Escort

Colonel Mercier R.H.A. (Commanding)
Captain Mann, C.S.O.
1/25 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles
1/25 Royal Horse Artillery, M.I.
1/25 Mounted Infantry
1/25 New Zealand And Ausytralian
1/25 Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders

7/125 Total

June 5th Marched to Ventersdorp

June 6th Marched north to Tafleskop (38 miles).
June 7th Marched 4 miles. Party met by General DeLarey and Secretary (Fenner). Proceeded to Dorncomb where commandos of DeLarey and Kemp (1,114 men). Party rode towards spot where commandoes could be seen gathered upon a small rise of land, rifles stacked, awaiting the time of surrender. British party halted, General Kitchener dismounted, in company with DeLarey and Mr. Fenner where a large stone lay. Mounted and read terms of surrender. Conclusion Burghers gave three cheers for His Majesty the King. General then gave them a lunch. Boer and British did ample justice. Staff officers and Officers of the escort plus Boer Officers.

Surrender – officers in pairs registering pairs of Burghers, Lieutenant Ryan and Captain Burgess detailed to the Johannesburg Commando including remnants of Stats Artillery and the ZARP's. Total 635, 1 Officer and 6 Men and 2 Helios, DeLarey's Signal Corps. ½ the Boers dressed in home made leathers. Rifles were Lee Enfields captured from “our forces”. Ammunition when counted totaled 12 rounds to each rifle. Ryan asked General Kemp how many men were in the force that attacked Cookson's column at Brakspruit ( Boschbult ). He replied 2,400. He would say nothing of Boer losses.

4:00 p.m. Work completed in connection with surrender. Moved in westerly direction to Murrick's ( 7 miles ) and camped.

June 8th Unevenful. Party halted at noon at Druffontein. Advanced to Weiglebroomspruit and camped.

June 9th

7:30 am Kitchener escorted by Lieutenant Ryan and Troop CMRs road to Waterkloof. Boers 800 laagered in another depression ( similar to Dorncomb ) with wagons, women, children horses and oxen. Kitchener rode in to find the Burghers all armed and in a turbulent mood. DeLaray went in at once to ascertain the cause of trouble, and returned to Kitchener. Boers wanted to have explanation of some points of the surrender. Accordingly CMRs retired. Waited 2 hours, DeLaray returned. We could now come in to laager. Did so and surrender commenced (not good grace on part of the Burghers). / Rmk: Angrily thew down their arms, sometimes actually breaking them on the heap of rifles accumulated.

General Celliers was Boer Commander. Far rougher than DeLaray or Kemps Burghers. Field Coronets, at surrender, were allowed to keep their arms. Discovered they had one Field Gun not accounted for and they would not be allowed to return until it was brought in. Weapon promptly found and brought in. Gen Burghers moved to Lichtenburg and camped in Town Square. Burghers occupied another site.

Ride from Waterkloof to Lichtenburg General Kitchener fired his rifle at a Springbrolz. A loud report occurred and the weapon fell to the ground. Bolt of weapon had blown and passed through the General's helmet.

June 11th Left L ichtenburg in the morning. Marched to Rooijontjestfontein. ( A kaffir town on about 5,000 church, square and residences, all of a substantial and symmetrical type. )

June 12th Party advanced to Goedgedacht, (Miserable cold and raw day.) 500 Boers to surrender. Boer Hospital 2 Doctors and 6 Nurses. Most Boers had on British Cavalry cloaks to protect from the weather. Surrender completed, rations issued, 6 men from each mounted unit placed under Ryans command ordered to accompany Kitchener to Reitvlei (25) miles. Destination reached in 3 hours after a very fast ride. Transport had taken a short cut (in the meantime to the same place from last nights camp).

June 13th Morning march for Klerksdorp. Arriving about noon.

23rd May to January 16 1903 Regimental Head Quarters lay at Klerksdorp

January 16th Ordered to march to Krugersdorp, 105 miles in 3 days.

January 19th Arrived Krugersdorp

January 21st Orders to march to Elandsfontein

January 22nd Marched to Elandsfontein

January 23rd Orders to entrain at once for Durban en route to Canada.

January 24th Regiment and 10th Canadian Field Hospital entrained for Durban.

January 27th Arrived Durban and embarked and sailed on S.S. Wiinifredion. Paymaster and pay officials did not reach Durban in time, so Colonel Evans drew sufficient cash at Durban to pay off regiment. / Rmk: 93 NCO's and Men took their discharge in South Africa.


Lord Kitchener's Mention (April 8th, 1902)

The heaviest losses at Brakspruit, March 31st, 1902, fell upon this regiment, who, in this their first fight of importance since landing, displayed the utmost bravery and determination. Lieutenant Bruce Carruthers especially distinguished himself. Being in command of a detachment of the rearguard coming into camp, he remained out in a position of observation, in which he eventually found himself isolated and surrounded by a large body of the enemy. Rejecting all idea of surrender, however, his small patrol of 21 men fought stubbornly on to the end, no less than six of their number (including Lieutenant Carruthers) being killed and 21 wounded. There have been fewer fine instances of heroism in the whole course of the campaign.

Boschbult, March 31st, 1902

Surgeon Major J. A. Devine - for good services
Lieutenant Bruce Carruthers - in command of a detached party, fought until all were killed or wounded.

Sergeants:

J. C. Perry (Killed) - for good service
H.A. Lee - twice tried to carry despatches through the enemy's lines under close and heavy fire.

Corporal J. A. Wilkinson (promoted Sergeant)

Lance Corporal J. C. Bond (promoted Corporal)

Privates:

G. Beth (promoted Corporal) part of Carruthers's party, noticeable in rallying troops.

F. H. Kelly (promoted Corporal) special good work as hospital orderly under heavy fire.

C. N. Evans (killed) after being mortally wounded, fired two bandoliers of ammunition, and then broke his rifle to prevent it falling into enemy's hands.

Lord Kitchener's Final Despatch

Lieutenant Colonel T.D.B. Evans
Captain T.H. Callaghan
Lieutenant F. Church (Adjutant)
Squadron Sergeant Major M. Docherty
Staff Sergeant D. C. Foster-Bliss

DECORATIONS:

Distinguished Service Order:

Surgeon Major A. Devine

Distinguishef Conduct Medal

Sergeant D. C. F. Bliss
Sergeant J. G. Dale