TOPIC:

1900 - Mafeking siege day 189 (87%). Wepener siege day 11 (65%)
1909 - Natal Assembly decide to take a referendum on the South African Union question.

1900 - Mafeking - A diary of the siege by Major F D Baillie

The Boers are continually blowing up the line southward, and great activity prevails around all the laagers, more particularly at McMullins's. Straws show which way the wind blows, and we hope this renewed liveliness portends the approach of relief. A quiet day. The recent heavy rains have caused a lot of fever here, but in spite of that the health of the garrison is on the whole good.

1900 - Diary of the siege of Mafeking by Edward Ross

19 April

Explosions heard south. Enemy blowing up more railway culverts. Raining for the last four days. Outposts’ trenches all full of water.

Native boy shot dead in the street.

1900 - From the diary of 2nd Lieutenant Nigel K Charteris, Royal Scots, at Wepener

19th April Hurrah!! The old sun has come out after being absent for 4 days. Clothes hanging out to dry on the walls of the trenches. Plenty of sniping but no tobacco. The men are smoking tea leaves and coffee.

1900 - From the diary of Lance Corporal Luke Gormley, 1st Royal Scots, at Wepener

Apr 19th. Still raining and no signs of being relieved. Shelling and heavy rifle fire continues.