Source: Diary of the siege of Mafeking by Edward Ross
The armoured train for Cape Town with our women and children which left about midday was compelled to return owing to the Boers having destroyed the permanent way, arriving at our station at about 5.30 p.m. The driver in charge reported that a commando of Boers could be seen in colonial territory a few miles beyond Maritzani. The telegraphists also reported that communication south has been cut off.
At 5.45 the Town Guard alarm was given and they mustered in the Market Square about 250 strong. After inspection Colonel Baden-Powell, addressing us, said, all we have to do was to sit tight, shoot straight, and the Boers would never get into Mafeking. Three cheers were given for the Colonel, who then after calling for three cheers for the Queen, dismissed us.
An orderly from every section of defence has been instructed to sleep at the market house for communication with various posts in case of alarm. One of the staff officers is also stationed there on duty day and night. In case of sudden alarm vehicles will be provided on the Market Square for the purpose of removing women and children down to Rowland’s Laager for safety. Rowland’s Laager is the place we have arranged for all our women and children to go to for safety.
The following are the signals which we are all instructed to act upon:
By Day
Union Jack flying alone means, "All’s well."
Red flag means, "Danger, Stand by."
Alarm sounded on bugles means, "Man defence posts.”
Roman Catholic church bell being rung means, "Women and children into safety laager."
The Colonel has today issued a notice that it is possible the enemy may surround the town tomorrow and that all care and watchfulness is very essential.
Martial law was proclaimed this afternoon, but as we do not understand the literal meaning of it, we simply do as we are told, and wait for further instructions.
