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Halifax, 15th March 1900
By Lt. Col. Steele, Commanding, Strathcona’s Horse

R.O. 119– 15-03-1900

The following special service officers proceeding to South Africa on the S.S. Monterey are attached to the Regiment for duty.

Major Bigger to be attached to the Army Service Corps for instructional purposes with the rank of Major.

Major D. C. F. Bliss to be attached to the 2nd Battalion, Canadian Mounted Rifles for duty with the Machine Gun Section with the rank of Lieutenant.

Lieutenant and Captain F. H. C. Sutton, Royal Canadian Dragoons, with the rank of Lieutenant.

R.O. 120– 15-03-1900

The following cable dispatch is published for the information of all ranks.

Following telegram sent by Lord Strathcona to Colonel Steele:-

"Very sorry cannot see my force embark. Have transmitted to Dr. Borden gracious message I have received from Her Majesty which he will publicly convey to you and the men under your command. Have also asked him express my best wishes to all of you that you may have a pleasant voyage, every success and safe return. Appointments of all officers gazetted and they will receive their acting commissions from the Queen. Hope to forward them so as to reach you arrival South Africa where in any case you will find a letter. Immediately on arrival report yourself to the General Officer Commanding Cape Town."

R.O. 121– 15-03-1900

The Regiment will parade immediately after lunch today for examination by the Medical Officer commencing with “A” Squadron.

R.O. 122– 15-03-1900

The Regiment will parade on foot at 2 p.m. at the Armoury under command of the Officer commanding and for inspection by the Lieut. General Commanding in North America.

Dress – Serge frocks and breeches, boots, cloaks, hats and haversacks.

R.O. 123– 15-03-1900

W. Gunn Esq., Vt. Surg., is attached to the regiment for duty to assist Lieut. Vety. Surgeon Stevenson during the voyage, from Halifax.

R.O. 124– 15-03-1900

The following is published for the information of the Corps.

Distribution of Quarters for the Rank and File of the Strathcona’s Horse and draft for the Second Special Service Battalion.

Strathcona’s Horse

Number 2 Hold

A and B Squadrons less six (6) men to go in Number 2 hold. Hammocks Nos. 109 to 378 = 270, Mess tables 7 to 21 each table accommodating 12 men.

Number 3 Hold

C Squadron with balance of six (6) men from B Squadron and Artificers. Hammocks Nos. 379 to 584 = 206. Mess tables 22 to 32.

Number 1 Hold

Special Service Battalion. Hammocks 1 to 100 = 100. Artificers from Strathcona’s Horse. Hammocks Nos. 1 to 100 = 100. Mess tables 1 to 8.

Recapitulation :- Strathcona’s Horse

No. 2 Hold - 270 men and hammocks
No. 3 Hold - 198 men and 206 hammocks
No. 1 Hold - Spl. Svc. Bn. and artificers men and hammocks 108

R.O. 125– 15-03-1900

The following district orders are published for guidance of the corps:

Headquarters Military District No. 9
Halifax, N.S., 15th March, 1900

District Orders – 96

Inspection

1. Referring to Embarkation Orders s.s. Monterey, the troops therein detailed to embark en route to South Africa will parade in the Armoury building tomorrow at 2 p.m. and will be inspected by the Lieut. General Commanding in British North America.

Formation

2. The parade will be formed up facing the north entrance of the building, Strathcona’s Horse in half Squadron column, draft for the 2nd Bn (S.S.) R.C.R., in line on the left flanks inward.

3. The bands of the Leinster Regiment, and the City Corps will be formed up in the rear of the center and after the inspection play it to the steamer.

Embarkation

4. After inspection the troops will be marched to the dry dock and there embarked on the s.s. Monterey. The rout will be – Cunard, Gottinghon, Cogswell, Brunswick, Jacob, Argyle, Buckingham, Barrington, Morris, Hollis, George, Granville, Buckingham, Lookman Streets, Campbell road to Dry Dock.

Escort

5. The O.C. the 63rd Halifax Rifles Battalion and the 66th Princess Louise Fusiliers having intimated that they will each furnish a detachment of their command to act as escort, they will parade at the time and form up in line on the common facing the west entrance of the Armoury, and will accompany the troops for South Africa to the ship. The escourt will be under command of the Senior Officer present with the detachment on duty which will act independently under his orders and as pre-arranged by him. Dress at the direction of the C.O.

Baggage

6. All regimental baggage is to be collected and placed on the baggage waggons (which will be provided by the Superintendent of Stores) by 10 a.m. Officers will arrange to have their baggage collected and ready at the “Halifax” and “Queens” Hotels where it will be called for by a teamster provided by the Superintendent of Stores.

Officers

7. It is expected that all Officers of City Corps of active Militia who can make it convenient will attend the parade placing themselves in rear of the saluting point. Uniform Winter Kit. Officers in uniform will be admitted to the dry dock.

R.O. 126– 15-03-1900

Orderly Officer for tomorrow Lieut. Courtney, next for duty Lieut. Leckie.

R.O. 127– 15-03-1900

It must be distinctly understood that smoking between decks on the boat is absolutely forbidden. A place will be provided for this purpose and only covered pipes only will be permitted at any time.