TOPIC:

1899 - Boers occupy Elandslaagte and capture supply train. Belmont Station taken by the Boers.
1900 - Kruger sails from Lorenzo Marques for Marseilles. Boers attack Fauresmith. Hildyard appointed to the command of Natal and
S.E. Transvaal.


Boers with the train captured at Elandslaagte

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

Returning from outpost found rest of men under orders to move off for an expected attack near Elandslaagte. We had the option to remain in camp, but all volunteered to go. Our scouts took two prisoners. The Lancers also collared two. There being no advance of the enemy, we returned to camp, arriving about 6 o’clock thoroughly done up for want of food and sleep. Turned in after a meal of badly cooked beef and potatoes and slept soundly although my blankets were soaked.

Hello David,
I assume the "Lancers" mentioned by Trooper Crosby were from a troop of the Fifth Royal Irish?
Regards Frank

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

Returning from outpost found rest of men under orders to move off for an expected attack near Elandslaagte. We had the option to remain in camp, but all volunteered to go. Our scouts took two prisoners. The Lancers also collared two. There being no advance of the enemy, we returned to camp, arriving about 6 o’clock thoroughly done up for want of food and sleep. Turned in after a meal of badly cooked beef and potatoes and slept soundly although my blankets were soaked.

Source: Diary of the siege of Mafeking by Edward Ross

Thursday, 19 October 1899

Another very quiet night.

All of us still anxiously awaiting Cronje’s threatened attack. Large parties of Boers can be distinctly seen riding about all over the surrounding veldt, and the smoke from the fires of the incendiary acts can be seen for miles off; we can also hear more of their blasting operations north and south, presumably more damage to the railway line.

Four women from the refugee laager were lodged in the town jail today; they are suspects and women of low repute and have been making themselves more than obnoxious. This will keep them a bit quiet.

We have heard today that the Rev. Adriaan Hofmeyr, a Dutch Reformed Minister of Cape Town fame, has been arrested at Lobatsi by the Boers as being a traitor and a spy against them. It is rumoured they intend to shoot him, but it is hardly possible they will dare to do this as he still has a very large following of their own people.

Still busy with ammunition. No further news today. Without any respect for the enemy surrounding us we finished up with a very pleasant sing-song at Riesle’s Hotel, all resting perfectly satisfied that the P.R., the B.S.A.P., C.P., and Volunteers were well guarding our outposts.