TOPIC:

Hi David,
Yes, I agree, Rhodes presence in Kimberley during the siege and his own energy, drive and planning was decisive, the government seems to have left a rather understrengh garrision to defend such a important town, it would have been better if Kekewich had his own whole 1st Loyal Regt battalion to defend the town and not just half of it!
King regards Frank

djb wrote: Frank,

His note about the items accepted from De Beers underlines what we were saying about the Imperial authorities' reliance on Rhodes's company and the list of what Rhodes was able to provide was extensive.

Kind regards
David

1899 - From the diary of Miss Bella Craw

Another peaceful day. Great scare of yesterday ends in smoke. The Boers scared away by our preparations. We were up at sunrise when Humphry returned. He had gone out to see the battle, and said all the troops were returning as the Boers had vanished in the night. The question is, where have they gone? Yesterday they were swarming like bees at Mr. Spring's farm, Trev. Hyde's, Macpherson's, Pepworth's and Arthur Good's, which, we hear, they have turned into a hospital. His furniture, I hear, which they have no use for is thrown outside. This afternoon we went to see the Observation Balloon. It ascends 900 ft. and if penetrated by a bullet it makes no difference but closes up again. The men working it telephone the position of the enemy. I wish another Regiment or two would come. We hear the Boers have got one of their guns in position at Potgieter’s, five or six miles from here. Everyone seems to expect an attack early in the morning. They have cut off our water supply. Next thing we expect to hear is that they have torn up the rails connecting us with Maritzburg, and then when will we get reinforcements.

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

Saddled up at 4.30 and after standing about for some hour or so, returned to lines. Church Parade in Show Ground. Told off at 1 o’clock to go with B Squadron to bring back the horses who took up a position on Lombard’s Hill.

Source: Diary of the siege of Mafeking by Edward Ross

Saturday, 28 October 1899

Last night FitzClarence with a skirmishing party of about 60 men flanked by a small party of Cape Police attacked the enemy's trenches on our west. They came upon the enemy’s dugouts unobserved and used their bayonets. Hot fighting ensued, the Boers using their Maxims and rifles. Our casualties, six dead, 10 wounded, and two missing. Enemy’s losses believed to be very considerable.

At 6.30 two hours’ truce agreed upon to collect and bury our dead. The enemy did not give us much allowance of time, as at 8.30 their big gun opened fire, however no casualties.

Last night Urry, who had been stationed in De Kock’s corner, accidentally let his gun off twice, the first time, I believe, very nearly shooting Dennison.

Trooper Elworthy went out with a white flag and interviewed D. Botha, who asked if explosive bullets were being used; Elworthy totally denied this but D.B. produced one from his pocket and said, "You lie.” We had to bury six men. Birt, McDonald, Bryan, Fraser and Middleditch. Town Guard out nearly all day.

5 big shells this afternoon doing little damage to town. The enemy seem to have a line on Dixon’s Hotel, where they know the staff are living.

We believe that the two missing men from FitzClarence’s charge last night are held by the enemy as prisoners.

A number of our men are going out tonight to have another smack at them.