TOPIC:

Last public outing at Gary Neate in 2003 at what would be now the amazing list price of £375 ( or £537 in 2021 ). Not on the roll for the Sudan pair.

My own needs are fulfilled .......

David......

Working on re-typing the Daily Routine Orders for Strathcona's Horse and found this, thinking you may be interested.....

Mike

R.O. 657-01-06-1900

Capt. Chesney, 18th Bengal Lancers having reported himself for special service is taken on strength of the regiment and posted to "B" Squadron from May 28th, 1900.

Thankyou for that snippet of information. The next order is also interesting in the fact that Capt. Chesney came from India with the Bhistie Corps. When he joined "B' Squadron he brought some men with him.

R.O. 658-01-06-1900

59 Bhistis are taken on strength of the regiment for service in connection with the pack animals. They are posted to "B" Squadron from May 28th, 1900.

Homeward Mail from India China & the East Monday 18th June 1900.

“At the request of Lord Roberts, the Government of India have agreed to the retention in South Africa of the officers who were sent from India in charge of the corps of bhisties”

And finally there is this, being the only comment I have found on the workings of the Bhistie Corps during the war.

Under these circumstances the flagship and gunboats proceeded to Delagoa Bay, and the half of Strathcona's Horse which they had been escorting returned to Durban, and there entrained for Bond's Drift (on the Tugela), and marched to a place a few miles north of Eshowe, where orders awaited them to march back again to Durban. So, with their 700 pack mules and 1100 bhistis, in charge of Captain Chesney, 17th Bengal Lancers, they began the 130 miles march, which they accomplished in three days, a feat that has not been equaled, with pack transport, during this war, which is saying a good deal, when beaten " records " in marching have been of constant occurrence. On July 1 Strathcona's Horse first came under fire at Greylingstadt, and from that time to the first week in August marching and fighting with General Clery's Division were the events that diversified the days. On the 7th of that month the chief part Strathcona's Horse had to play in this great drama was given to them when they were attached to the 3rd Mounted Brigade going north from Paardekop, with General Sir Redvers Buller, on perhaps the most difficult march of the campaign, though not the longest, which is an honour that belongs to the Winberg column.

Picture courtesy of DNW]

QSA (3) Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1902 (1846 Sowar Karimdad Khan. 1st C. India H.)

One of twenty recipients shown on the roll of the 1st Central India Horse.

Picture courtesy of DNW

QSA (1) South Africa 1902 (1692 Sowar Jagat Singh. 18th Bengal Lcrs:)

One of forty-six recipients shown on the roll of the 18th Bengal Lancers.

Sitting in Pakistan for sale if any one wants a challenge.

Bhisti Corps Rawal Pindi District Punjab 494 Bhisti Mad Walli. Entitled to Cape Colony clasp.