TOPIC:

1900 - Mafeking siege day 170 (78%). Broadwood attacked by de Wet at Sannah's Post. Plumer in action at Ramathlabama.
1902 - Action of Boschbult.
1903 - Speech by Sir G. Farrar in favour of Chinese labour.

In Mafeking:

In the morning a quiet day. In the afternoon a body of four hundred or five hundred Boers and three guns hastily left their eastern laager in a northerly direction. I took up a position in the convent, and from there could see considerable confusion and excitement amongst the Boers galloping backwards and forwards in the direction of Signal Hill. The sound of guns too was distinctly audible to the north, some six or seven miles away. The garrison livened up. The guns under Major Panzera and Lieutenant Daniells commenced playing from every face. A mounted squadron under Major Godley demonstrated towards Game Tree fort on the north. For an hour or so things were lively, but quieted down.

Our old "Lord Nelson" reached the laager, and the big gun was annoyed by the Hotch-kiss. It is a curious fact that all the pieces of ordnance with which we are " blessed " are obsolete naval guns. Rumours as usual flying around and we really had something to give scope for conjecture.

Issue 105 of the Mafeking Mail, 31st March 1900.

1900 - Diary of the siege of Mafeking by Edward Ross

Saturday, 31 March

The morning opened very quietly, but as the day wore on we all knew there was something in the wind.

First, a lot of railway men were ordered to stand to arms and the armoured train got ready; then a batch of Volunteers trooped out, and a little later Major Panzera passed at a gallop with one of our 7-pounders, and then it began to be whispered about that Plumer’s men were having an engagement somewhere about Oaklands. We were of course all on pins and needles as to what was happening, not knowing whether it was Plumer’s column or a scouting party or a general engagement, or only a skirmish. Some fellows say they could distinctly hear the firing, and others who went out just beyond our western outposts say they saw the rifle flashes. All the afternoon we were anxiously waiting to know what had been going on. We saw a troop of about 300 mounted Boers leave their main laager and gallop northwards for all they were worth. We saw them return about sundown in just the same manner, and judged by this that our fellows had been driven back. The Colonel seems anxious which makes us all the more so.

There is a nasty rumour about town that our fellows have lost very heavily. Our men today could clearly distinguish even the rifle-firing ahead of them, but were not strong enough to push further out and had to retire.

Just heard it was a prearranged plan between B.P. and Plumer, but has failed.

The following letter has been drawn up by the Town Council and Chamber of Commerce and sent to the authorities.

March 27th 1900.

"To Colonel R. S. Baden-Powell,

Officer Commanding at Mafeking.

Sir,

At a meeting of the Mafeking Town Council and Chamber of Commerce, held on Saturday last to consider the question of damage and losses sustained by the inhabitants of Mafeking as a result of the siege, we, the undersigned, were appointed by the joint committee of the bodies referred to to communicate with you upon the matter of compensation.

We respectfully beg to point out that the town has been besieged for 166 days, during which time x 400 94-pound shells and several thousand smaller projectiles have been thrown into the town by the enemy, causing great destruction and loss of life.

During the whole of such time business has been practically suspended, and the inhabitants have enrolled themselves as a town guard and served under the Imperial authorities, submitting themselves to military discipline. They have borne arms throughout, and in every way assisted in the defence of the town.

In the early part of the siege a committee was appointed by you to assess damages, and many claims have already been submitted and considered by them. The townspeople have every confidence that the compensation for their losses and damages will be fairly and equitably arrived at and paid by the Imperial authorities, but they are anxious to receive from you an express assurance to this effect.

We would also respectfully urge the desirability of early consideration and adjustment of claims, and would point out that unless the matter is dealt with promptly, the sufferings of the inhabitants occasioned by hardships and losses will be considerably aggravated.

With regard to the damaged properties, many people will be unable to repair or build until compensation is awarded, and any delay will consequently result in further loss because of exposure to the weather, cessation of rent and stoppage of business. We ask for an official intimation to the effect that compensation will be awarded, sufficient to guarantee the raising of the necessary loans.

We think it necessary to remind you of the number of refugees from the Transvaal and the surrounding districts who have borne arms with the inhabitants, and whose properties have been destroyed, and who have otherwise suffered. These people are in many cases almost destitute, and we would, on their account also, venture to urge upon you the necessity for dealing with the matter at an early date.

We are, your obedient servants, F. Whiteley, Major, H. H. Bradley and H. G. Early, Town Councillors, H. Martin and B. B. Weil, members of the Chamber of Commerce.”

Colonel Baden-Powell said in acknowledgement that he would be happy to forward their request with a full recommendation for favourable consideration by the authorities. The following is his covering letter:

"To his Excellency the Commander-in-Chief in South Africa.

My Lord,

I have the honour to forward herewith a request from the inhabitants of Mafeking that compensation may be granted them for loss and damage sustained through shell-fire during the siege.

The townspeople of this place have taken up arms in its defence and shown the fullest loyalty and devotion to duty. They have submitted themselves uncomplainingly to the restrictions of martial law, and undergone the hardships and dangers incidental to a dose siege of six months in a manner beyond praise. All have suffered losses, and many of them are almost ruined.

From the commencement of the siege I had a careful account kept of the amount of damage, which was assessed by a committee, with orders to assist any compensation committee, which may hereafter be detailed to sit. If an assurance could be officially given that compensation would hereafter be granted, it would be a sufficient guarantee to enable the people to raise loans, and proceed forthwith to repair damages, and make an immediate start in business and trade. I therefore strongly recommend the application for your favourable consideration.

I have the honour to be, my lord, your most obedient servant, R. S. S. Baden-Powell, Colonel Commanding the Frontier Force.”

I regret to record the death here, at the age of twenty-seven, of the son of the Rev. John McCorkindale, parish minister of Lochgilphead, Argyllshire. He came out to South Africa in January of last year for the sake his health and held a position in the De beers Mining Company. When the war broke out he enlisted in the Bechuanaland Rifles.

The cause of Mr. McCorkindale’s death was hepatic congestion. He was buried last night.

The estimated damage and loss to the town and inhabitants is about £200 000.