TOPIC:

1899 - Kimberley siege day 76 (61%). Ladysmith siege day 58 (48%). Mafeking siege day 78 (35%). Boers invade Upington district of Cape Colony. German mail steamer Bundesrath seized. Dalgety withdraws from Dordrecht.
1900 - Capture of Helvetia post.
1901 - Bruce Hamilton captures General Erasmus near Ermelo.

In Kimberley:

I noticed about 25 of the enemy near Tayloy’s Kopje this morning; they were evidently intent on stopping natives going out.

Distant artillery firing.

The following messages were sent by search light signal last night.

“From Kekewich, To CSO Dec 29th 7 pm No 56. Private Buxton Cape Police now with relief column can give all information required concerning De Knock of Belmont.”

“From Intelligence K B To Intelligence M D Dec 29th 7 pm No 57. Native who arrived here this morning states he was near Koodoos Berg 26th inst saw two laagers there East side of hills during that day more Boers and waggons arrived from North and enemy commenced to form third laager on West of hills.

Also reports two camps on farm Spitzkof 17 miles s w Kimberley containing about 500 men and two camps at homestead Spyfontein farm and a small one each on farms grass pan and VANZPAN. Reported that Boers have received very large reinforcements from East since 26th inst. Another native arrived this morning from Taungs states on 23rd inst report reached that place Boers had looted chief Wessel’s cattle who demanded their return. Boers would not return cattle in consequence Bechuanas attacked Boers and captured two enemy’s guns at Mafeking. Man also reports wounded and deserters are daily passing through Taungs from South. All available Boers are reported to have been sent South to oppose relief column. Reported that Karumen is invested by 800 Boers. At Koppie’s Dam there is a laager of Griqualand West rebels.

Native just arrived from ROOIDAM reports that on 24th Dec saw one laager Spyfontein being moved from alongside railway to KARRIELAGTE. Natives said object of move is to get out of range Naval Lyddite gun.”

“From Int K B To Int M D Dec 29th No 58. Man here is prepared to swear J J Michau, Koetzee of Spyfontein and field Cornet Marais of Langberg acted as commanding officers round here and ordered out Dutch for war. Says representative of Michau approached him also and promised him best farm in Africa if he would join Free State Commando. States positively Michau supplied enemy with information

Have traced a Micheal in jail here who was convicted by Judge Hofby at Vryburg 21st Sept 1898. this man was born at Rustenburg, resides Taungs. Height about 5 feet 10 inches. Is he man Harding wants. Reference your message Dec 28th No 44. Cannot identify Jim and Bey, do they know their compound numbers.”

I received the following during the night:

“From Metheun, To Kekewich. 29 natives arrived here 28th Dec report remainder of natives which left Kimberley 23rd Dec captured by Boers aand sent Boshof and free State to work harvest. Use your discretion as to sending more natives; is it wiser for them to eat your food or help Boers improving farn produce.”

“From Int To Int K B 29th Dec No 50. Rumour 2000 men under Shoeman left De le Beys camp. Dec 22 Deaar to destroy railway.”

“From CSO L of C To KEK 28th Dec P K 14. Please obtain any information you can about C D J Maritz sent here on parole from Belmont and wire when obtained as civil power may ask reason for his detention.”

“From General Commander, Standard Bank, To Kekewich. Telegraph calcine not received other banks can assist but require stiff rates. General Manager cannot see necessity present reserves should be sufficient."

In Mafeking:

Desultory shelling, sniping, and occasional wild firing from the enemy by night. We hear cheering native rumours from the south. [Again].

From the diary of William Watson, Ladysmith, November 1899:

December 29th - We are getting an extra quantity of shells today, to make up for the respite we had yesterday. — Our army and Buller’s were exchanging flash signals last night. The rebels tried to mystify them, by showing their lights also. The Klip River Rifle Association, of which my son is a member, were on duty as pickets, last night. Some of them say they heard drums in the distance, towards Colenso. Possibly, it may be Buller’s army on the march. — A shell landed in Carter’s garden, near the carbineer mess.

1899 - From the diary of Miss Bella Craw in Ladysmith

Another day over, simply pouring with rain. Every night has either been stormy or rainy since the Carbineers arranged for their Concert. Shells flying into town today. One went through the Standard Bank today, breaking every windowpane in Walton and Tatham's office. I hear of no lives lost today. Nurse O'Brien died out at Indombi Hospital yesterday, was brought in today and buried here. She was a friend of Nurse Bradbury’s. Poor thing was only ill three days and perfectly conscious to the last.

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

Returned from plate player’s about 3.45 to Thorns when I was sent to Camp with horse to have her treated by the Vet. Took it easy during remainder of day but was much too fagged to sleep. Saw Norton Smith again taking him some clothes. Looking better but very thin. Rain again the night through.

What strikes me with many of these diary entries was the weather conditions which would certainly be considered most unpleasant by a great many members of the British Army who had not been in South Africa for very long.

1899 - From the diary of Major George Tatham, Natal Carbineers

Newspapers of 22nd received. One shot only from Long Tom. Very wet night. Shell fell in Bank (Standard) bedroom destroying almost every bit of furniture. Occupant happened to be out for a minute or he must have been killed. All the front windows of our Walton and Tatham‘s office and the Bank were shattered to pieces.