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A SECRET COMMUNICATION 9 years 1 month ago #44393

  • Brett Hendey
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I have been asked to shed some light on the author of a 'Secret' document sent to the Officer in Charge, Estcourt District Police, in February 1902. I have guessed that the sender was the 'Staff Officer Southern District', but I would appreciate having a positive identification. I hope someone can oblige.

Since I found the subject of the document interesting, I am posting a complete transcript in case it is news to other forum members as well.

"Secret W142
Inspector Mardall
It is rumoured that de Wet may possibly move from Witzies Hoek along Basuto border out down into Natal further south.
Please arrange for Bushman's River pass to be carefully watched by Native scouts or police.
Scouts, up to 20 if necessary be specially engaged..
The matter to be kept as secret as possible.
I will inform you when the scouting should cease.
Scouting should commence as soon as possible.
This letter is sealed with (a sign of crossed pennants over a 'V' and the initials EOW)

L-Th E O Walters
3/2/02 Capt SO SD"

I had no idea that de Wet had contemplated a raid into Natal. It would certainly have caused panic!

Brett

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A SECRET COMMUNICATION 9 years 4 weeks ago #44455

  • Brett Hendey
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There has been a development with my enquiry. The letter was written by Captain E O Wathen (not Walters).
The Army List of 31/12/1919 has this to say about his ABW service:
His regiment was the 5th Lancers
Operations in Natal including actions at Lombard's Kop, Defence of Ladysmith (slightly wounded 22 Dec), including sorties of 7 Dec 99 and action of 6 Jan 00 (slightly wounded). Operations in Natal Mar-Jun 00. On Staff. Operations in Orange River Colony May-29 Nov 00. Operations in Transvaal Apr-May 02. Operations in Orange River Colony 30 Nov 00-31 May 02. Despatches LG 10 Sept 01.
QSA 3 clasps. KSA 2 clasps.
(He was awarded the OBE in WWI, and retired as Major.)

It appears that he was in Ladysmith on 19/9/01 and 3/2/02 when he wrote letters to the Inspector, Estcourt District Police, about 'secret' matters, so it is odd that on these dates he was recorded as being in the ORC.

I would be grateful for any additional information about this man and his activities.

Brett

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