1900 - More on the capture of Bethlehem . . .
....The following despatches from Lord Roberts were issued last night :—
....Pretoria, 10th July, 12-20 p.m.—Clements’ and Paget’s forces entered Bethlehem on the 7th inst. The former, on nearing the town on the 6th, sent in a flag of truce demanding its surrender. This was refused by C. De Wet, when Paget, making a wide turning movement, succeeded in getting hold of the most important part of the enemy’s position, covering the town. This was carried before dark by the Munster Fusiliers and Yorkshire Light Infantry. The following morning the attack was continued, and by noon the town was in our possession and the enemy in full retreat.
....Our casualties were four officers wounded, namely—Captain G. Macpherson (dangerously), Captain W. Oakes (severely), Second Lieutenant Conway (severely), all of the Royal Munster Fusiliers, and Second Lieutenant Boyd-Rochfort, of the 4th Battalion Scottish Rifles (slightly).
....Thirty-two men of the Munster Fusiliers were wounded, and one man missing. Seven men of the Yorkshire Light Infantry wounded, and one man of the 58th Company Imperial Yeomanry was killed and two men wounded. Paget reports that but for the accurate practice by the 38th Battery Royal Field Artillery, and the City Imperial Volunteer Battery, under Major M'Micking, the casualties would have been many more.
....Pretoria, Tuesday, 12-40 p.m.—Further information regarding the capture of Bethlehem has now been received from Clements. He says that the country is broken and difficult, and in consequence his and Paget's Cavalry were unable to make any wide turning movement. Clements attacked one position, while Paget attacked another. The one assailed by Clements was gallantly captured by the Royal Irish Regiment, who captured a gun of 77th Battery which was lost at Stormberg. The list of casualties has not yet been received, but Clements states that they are few, considering the strength of the position assaulted.
The Belfast News-Letter, Wednesday 11th July 1900
