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2nd Regt., Canadian Mounted Rifles, South African War, Staff Diaries. 10 years 5 months ago #20649
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EXTRACTS FROM STAFF DIARY. March 23. At 6.30 p.m. the whole column marched from camp. No great-coats were carried nor wagons or ambulances taken. Each horse carried 6 pounds oats, and each man a half ration of biscuit and tinned meat, and 180 rounds of ammunition. The night was a fairly clear, moonlight night, and the column proceeded due west at a rapid rate, the pace being chiefly at a fast trot or gallop, with an occasional brief halt. The ground and country were undulating, with several large ridges, and partly covered with low bush. During the march several men and horses came to grief on account of the numerous ant holes and rabbit burrows passed over. Weak horses also broke down, but no effort was made to pick up either men or horses, as the object of the march was to push forward a distance of some 45 miles through country occupied by the enemy, and occupy a position in readiness to take part in a combined Drive of numerous columns back over this ground at day-break. Our column reached Witpoort Ridge, 45 miles distance, at 3 a.m., the left wing, under Major Cameron, formed, with the Imperial Mounted Infantry and Yeomanry, a reserve on the main road running through the ridge. The right wing, under Lt. Col. Evans, occupied the southern half of the ridge, some two and a half miles front, with a chain of outposts. The ridge being very rocky and difficult for horses to move over, it was 4.30 a.m. before a chain was fully completed. The north half of the ridge was similarly occupied by Damant's Horse. The orders were that at 5 a.m. the whole of the line should move eastward. Just after day-break the forward movement commenced, but my scouts and “A” Squadron, having become engaged with a party of the enemy, were unable to take part in the advance until the line proceeded some distance, and it was necessary for me to occupy the whole of the ground laid out with “C” and a portion of “B” Squadrons instead of with the whole right wing. As this was the first time the regiment had come in touch with the enemy I attach herewith Capt. R.G.E. Leckie’s account (marked “B”) of this small engagement on the right of the outposts line. The general advance continued at a trot for a distance of seven miles. At about 7 a.m. our scouts, under Lieut. Callaghan, overtook and captured, in a very smart manner, six wagons, 100 head of cattle and two cape carts, which were being escorted by a party of the enemy. This capture included one prisoner, who had been previously wounded and was on one of the wagons. The regiment arrived in camp at Oorbietjesfontein at 5.30 p.m., having marched during the previous 23 hours some 80 miles. Shortly before reaching camp a heavy thunder and hail storm thoroughly drenched the troops. The wagons with supplies (men's blankets, &c.) had come out from Klerksdorp, escorted by 2,000 infantry. The casualties of the regiment for the day were found to be, on arrival in camp, one wounded slightly (Corpl. Ingram) and 22 missing. The result of the day's work of the regiment was that they killed two of the enemy, wounded two, took three prisoners, six wagons with oxen complete, three cape carts, 100 head of cattle and six ponies. Some thirty of our horses were left exhausted or injured on the road. March 25.—All of the missing men returned to camp during the two following days. A few of our missing men had wandered into large parties of Boers and arrived in camp in various stages of scanty clothing, having been stripped by the enemy. March 31.—The 1st and 2nd columns marched at 3 a.m., carrying two days' rations and one blanket per man. Right wing marched with main body—left wing, under Major Cameron, acted as escort to baggage convoy. The object of the march was a reconnaissance in force to the junction of Brakspruit and Harts river; the remainder of the division to follow a few hours later, and to go into camp within reasonable distance of the above point. At about 10 a.m. Lieut. Callaghan and two scouts were sent to the right to look for tracks of the enemy. He struck their trail to the west of north from the direction in which we were going, sent word back that he was on the trail of about 500 men and two guns, who could only be a few miles ahead. The column at once changed direction and a few minutes later the enemy was sighted. I was ordered to hold the right wing back until Major Cameron came up with the convoy, which was to be brought forward as quickly as possible. The remainder of the column galloped forward. When the advanced party, composed of about 60 men, reached Lieut. Callaghan, they galloped up to get the guns. When this party had gone about three miles, they were opened on by a strong Boer rear guard, concealed in the bush about a farm house and clumps of bush to the right and left. The advanced party at once dismounted and opened fire, being largely outnumbered. Within live minutes this party had two men killed and nine wounded, and fifteen horses killed. The main column then came in sight and the Boers rear guard retired. The Boers main body, when the main column galloped into view, showed up in great force, the lowest estimate being 2,500, and retired slowly towards the high ridges. They appeared to be contemplating an immediate attack on the position of the column in view. About this time, however, the convoy appeared in sight and, as the wagons were moving across country in line instead of in column on the road, its appearance, with the right wing C.M.R. in advance, and the left wing surrounding it, gave the effect of a very large additional body of troops and, I believe, this, to some extent, deceived the enemy, as the convoy was enveloped in a cloud of dust and its exact component parts were difficult to distinguish. On arrival at Boschbult Farm our force at once went into camp, had the wagons laagered, wired together, and we commenced entrenching. The enemy outnumbered us by at least 500. A post of Mounted Infantry, about 200, with a Colt gun, Maxim and Pom-pom, were left at the farm about 600 yards in our rear. Lieut. Bruce Carruthers, with the 3rd and 4th Troops, “E” Squadron, who formed the rear guard of convoy, instead of following the convoy into camp, remained near the post referred to, as an observation post, and sent into camp for orders. The enemy now realizing our inferior strength, prepared to attack, and their two guns and pom pom opened on the camp. From 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. the camp was subjected to a tremendous rifle and shell fire concentrated from three sides, but every attempt to approach was driven back by the steady and well directed fire of our rifles and guns. At about 5 p.m. the enemy withdrew. Their artillery fire, though well directed, inflicted comparatively little damage, as few of their shells exploded. Their guns were those taken from Methuen's column. The concentration of the rifle fire was very severe and to this the casualties were chiefly due. While the camp -was being attacked Lieut. Carruthers’ party (about 21 men of the 3rd and 4th troops, “E” Squadron) had moved off to the right of the farm. Sergt. Hodgins with another small party of the 3rd and 4th Troops, ' E ' Squadron, was to the right of Lieut. Carruthers. Still further to the right was a detached post of about 75 Mounted Infantry. Several hundred Boers swept down on this post on the right, stampeding the Mounted Infantry, who galloped through the line occupied by our men. Lieut. Carruthers, assisted by Sergt. Perry, Corpl. Wilkinson, Lance Corpl. Bond and Private McCall, kept his men in hand, dismounted them, and formed in a half moon shape to face the Boers. Serot. Hodgins, whose men were being swept off in the stampede, rallied about ten of them and dismounted to meet the attack. The splendid stand made by Lieut. Carruthers’ party without cover of any kind, and against overwhelming odds, was well worthy of the best traditions of Canada and the whole Empire. Before their ammunition was exhausted, 17 out of the 21 were either killed or wounded. Sergt. Perry, although badly wounded, fought until he was killed. Corporal Wilkinson, shot twice through the arm and body, continued fighting until he was shot through the eye. He then threw the bolt of his rifle into the long grass to render it useless to the enemy. Private Evans, although mortally wounded through the bowels, exhausted his ammunition, secured another bandolier, used it up, and, as the Boers were making their final rush he broke his rifle rendering it useless. Private Evans died shortly after being brought into camp. Private Minchin, although wounded in six places, fired his last shot when the Boers were only 25 yards off’, and threw his rifle bolt into the grass. I have mentioned a few individual incidents showing the spirit displayed by this party, but an equally invincible courage and devotion to duty was displayed by Lieut. Carruthers and every man of the party with him. The coolness and steadiness of the whole regiment in its first action was very remarkable, and the effect of the leavening of tried men—about 25 per cent—was plainly visible. Our total casualties were about 9 per cent of our strength. The main attack of the enemy was first against the rear of the camp. Here the banks of the sprit gave fair cover, and as the attack quickly enveloped the three exposed sides, it partly concentrated on the front, which offered no cover except the wagons. The trenches had only been commenced, and were too shallow to afford cover. While under heavy fire, trip wires were put down in event of a rush, and all ranks acted with absolute coolness. As the rifle fire from the front, if too high, would strike the rear tiring line, and vice versa ; and the fire from the left enfiladed the whole camp, the casualties both in men and horses were fairly numerous ; but, considering the strength of the enemy and concentration of his fire, the total losses in the column was very small. As my regiment occupied several very exposed points on the line, its losses were rather heavier in proportion than those of the other troops engaged. Total number of losses in the regiment for the day, during the engagement, were:— Killed………….. 8 N.C.O’s. and men. Wounded………. 3 Officers. Wounded………. 39 N.C.O’s. and men. Missing…………. 7 N.C.O’s. and men. Horses (killed, destroyed, lost) 121. Mules (killed, destroyed) 22. The work of the regimental medical staff and detachment of 10th Canadian Field Hospital, now attached, deserves special mention. Surgeon Major Devine was Acting P.M.O. for the two columns, and the ambulances were situated towards the rear and about the centre of the two columns. In all 200 casualties occurred in our force, and the wounded were dressed and attended to under as severe a rifle fire and a heavier shell fire than any other portion of the camp was exposed to. One patient was killed while his wound was being dressed, and several others received fresh wounds. At least twenty shells fell within a radius of 10 yards of the ambulances, and four of the mules of the Canadian section were killed. Had the shells exploded the Field Hospital would have been blown out of existence. The work of Surgeon-Major Devine, Surgeon-Major Duff and Lieutenant Roberts, and the excellent control and arrangement of the Field Hospital work for the two columns by Surgeon Major Devine, were specially noticed by the O.C, column. From my personal observation I know that, without food since 9 a.m., our Canadian Medical Officers worked continuously from 2 p.m. until midnight ; after which hour they came one at a time to the regimental mess for a piece of biscuit, meat, and a cup of tea, and then worked on through the rain during the whole night. After the enemy retired, the whole force proceeded to dig trenches, stretch wire trip lines and prepare for a night attack. After darkness set in, a party consisting of one Intelligence officer, one Intelligence man and Sergeant Lee of "A" Squadron, tried to get through to General Kitchener's Column, but ran into a large party of the enemy. Sergeant Lee's horse was shot and the party returned to camp. The Intelligence man was shot by our own troops in trying to get back to camp. The enemy male no attempt to renew the attack through the night nor the following morning. Their losses, given by one of their surgeons, was about 250, and their ambulances were at work all through the night and when we marched out the following day. April 1.—At 11 a.m., in a heavy downpour of rain, I read the burial service over our gallant dead. We buried them at a well defined spot in the garden of Boschbult Farm, just by the Hartebestefontein road. Small crosses were placed at the head of each grave, and a roughly carved tombstone, inscribed “To the memory of the Canadian Mounted Rifles who fell in action here on March 31,” surmounted by a Maple Leaf, was placed in the centre of the plot. At the foot of this stone a bottle, inclosing a list of the dead and their positions in the grave, was placed. About 12.30 p.m. the mounted men remaining with General Kitchener’s Division appeared in sight, and, as the enemy had apparently withdrawn through the night, the affair was over. A peculiar circumstance in this engagement was that the party of Mounted Infantry referred to as stampeding, made its way to Driekil, where General Kitchener had made his camp—a distance of 20 miles—and reported to him that our column had been cut up and captured. This report was given a good deal of credence although not absolutely believed. The loss of so many of our best men is greatly deplored by myself and the whole regiment, and the courage shown by them will always live in' the memory of the regiment. The example shown by the wounded when brought into hospital is also worthy of special mention. Their cheerful patience during a journey of 20 miles in the pouring rain, or while waiting in a Boer farm-house, in the Boer lines, occupied as a hospital, the women of which were not by any means friendly, and with the younger Boers endeavouring to secure portions of their clothing, etc., being Only prevented by the old Burghers, deserves the highest praise. Both in fighting and suffering they showed equal pluck and spirit. The force we had come in contact with included the flower of the Boer Army, the following leaders being present with their commandoes—Delarey, DeWet, Kemp, Van Zuyl, Potgeiton, Wolmorans, Maas, DeVilliers, Liebenberge, and also Mr Steyn. From information received they expected to have been in possession of our camp by 5 p.m., and their heavy loss apparently deterred them from making a further attempt. Had they made a night attack the camp was in every way prepared to meet and repel it. The available ambulances, including a number of the Canadian regimental light wagons, left for Kitchener's camp at 12 noon, and the column marched for the same destination at 3 p.m. Four troops, under Lieut. Kirkpatrick, with an ambulance, were sent out to search the words to our left for wounded, but only picked up a couple of dying Boers, who were left in the first farm house. The column marched across country and, within eight miles of camp, our wagons stuck fast, being short of mules. I sent back a party of men and had a few of our light wagons pulled up to the regiment. Orders were received to halt—8 p.m.—for the night, and stand by the horses till daybreak. The men and horses were very tired, having had only about ten hours sleep during the previous four nights, and the rain poured down. At the regimental mess wagon we built a fire and provided tea, cold meat and hard tack for General Kitchener and his staff, and Colonel Cookson and his staff’, and all the officers of No. 1 column. We also gave them breakfast in the morning. As the men carried their rations on them they were independent of the wagons. A list of names mentioned by me for good work is attached (Marked “Al”). The following N.C.O's. and man were promoted for distinguished gallantry in the field—Army Orders, South Africa, No. 532, April 21, 1902, viz.: No. 352 Private P. H. Kelly (promoted Corporal). No. 166 Corporal J. A. Wilkinson (promoted Sergeant). No. 252 Lance Corpl. J. C. Bond (promoted Corporal). No. 185 Private G. McBeth (promoted Corporal). The following N.C.O's. and men were mentioned for gallantry and good service in action—Army Orders, South Africa, No. 532, April 21, 1902, viz.: No. 157 Sergt. J. C. Perry. No. 175 Private C. N. Evans. No. 771 Sergt. H. A. Lee. . History is not like playing horseshoes where close enough counts; those that have done the proper leg work have a responsibility to insure a detailed accurate account. Canada at War Blog:
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2nd Regt., Canadian Mounted Rifles, South African War, Staff Diaries. 10 years 5 months ago #20650
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April 7.—While at Klerksdorp with convoy, Capt. Snider received from Private Brace the following particulars of the death of No. 243 Corporal W A Knislev and No. 285 Private T. B. Day. 'Corporal Knisley, with a party of five men (No. 272 Private Brace, No. 261 Private Cliue, No. 285 Private Day, No. 278 Private Minett, No. 280 Private McCall, were on the right flank of Lieut. Carruthers' party in the engagement on March 31. They were cut off from the troop and, as the camp was surrounded by the enemy, they were unable to get back. They cautiously made their way back towards Klerksdorp, coming in contact with several small parties of Boers, whom they drove off. On Tuesday, April 1 they ran into a party of about 50 Boers, who attacked them. Corporal Knisley entrenched his party to meet this attack, and his little party fought from 4 p.m., on the 1st until noon on Wednesday, 2nd instant, when all their ammunition was expended, and Corporal Knisley and Private Day were killed. The remaining four were taken prisoners and stripped by the Boers. They arrived in Klerksdorp on Friday, 4th, in a very exhausted condition, having been almost without food several days. Privates Brace and Cline were sent to hospital at Klerksdorp, and Privates Minett and McCall to regimental rest camp there. Corporal Knisley's party was composed of several of the best men in the regiment and he personally had made a splendid record while out in South Africa with the Royal Canadian Dragoons previously; and his death, as well as that of Private Day, is a distinct loss to the regiment. When any of the party referred to rejoin the regiment, steps will be taken to locate the graves of Corporal Knisley and Private Day, in order to have them put in proper order. April 9.—The following Regimental Order was issued:—‘The 0. C. desires to express his great regret, in which he feels that all ranks of the regiment will join, at the deaths of Corporal Knisley and Private Day, who were killed on the 2nd instant, after a gallant fight of twenty hours against large odds. The splendid stand made by Corporal Knisley and his party of five men, when exhausted from want of food and sleep, is a record of courage and devotion to duty which will always live in the history of the regiment.’ The following cablegrams were received to-day from His Excellency the Governor-General of Canada, and the Honourable the Minister of Militia and Defence, respectively, viz :— Frohi Earl Minto to O. C. 2nd C.M.R. ‘Hearty congratulations to all ranks on their splendid success. Deeply deplore heavy loss.’ From Hon. Dr. Borden to O. C. 2nd C.M.R. ‘Congratulate you on regiment's bravery, but deeply deplore heavy loss.’ April 14.—Convoy and all wagons, dismounted men, and sick horses left at 7 a.m. for Klerksdorp. All mounted men (no guns) marched at 8.30 p.m. arriving at Rietfontein at 2 a.m. Stood by horses and waited for daybreak. Very chilly. At 5.30 a.m. column formed with its driving line covering 5 miles front, with 12 yards interval between each man. Regiment covered three miles, with “B” Squadron half a mile in rear, acting as a support. Kier’s column was on right and Lowe's column on left of ours forming a total frontage of 15 miles. Driving in towards the right flank were supposed to be the Australians who, however, were not there. Towards the left flank Kekewich’s column drove in. The driving line moved slowly forward pushing the few Boers who showed up slowly before them. The country covered was a distance of 37 miles, and included numerous very large and difficult kopjes covered with rough rocks. There was no time available for feeding or watering, and the line pushed steadily on, arriving at Klerksdorp about 6 p.m. The total result of the day's capture by the three columns was about 100 Boers; of this lot Lieutenant Ryan, of “F” Squadron, procured nine (9), and “B” Sijuadron four (4). Our regimental scouts, under Lieutenant Callaghan, were making a move by which they would have secured 26 more prisoners, but he was stopped by the O. C. column at the critical moment, and the prisoners were secured by Kier’s column. On arrival at Klerksdorp congratulatory cables respecting our recent engagement were received from the Earl of Aberdeen, the Major-General Commandino’ the Canadian Militia: and a similar telegram from Major-General Alderson, Pretoria. May 5.—Marched 7.30 a.m. and camped at Bulifontein at 3.30 p.m. May 6.—Marched 7.30. Halted Riet Vlei from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Left wing going forward to reconnoitre Witpoort. The column camped at Kurannafontein, four miles west of Witpoort. Our regimental scouts captured two Boers with rifles and bandoliers complete, one cape cart, four horses and two mules. May 7. AH the columns formed into a driving line, the two wings of the regiment covering a front of three miles and forming its own supports and reserve. Small parties of enemy seen in front but no opposition. Arrived at Doornpan (137) and made entrenched camp. A welcome supply of potatoes on farm here. May 8.—Marched 7.30 a.m., continuing driving line as yesterday. Enemy still moving on but not fighting us. Made an entrenched camp at Graspan at 4 p.m. Good water here. Lieutenant Carruthers and Lieutenant Hiam admitted to hospital. May 9.—Marched 7.30 a.m. Outspanned at noon at Harts river. River almost dry. Captain Elmsley with IJ squadrons patrolled river towards south, rejoining column shortly after it resumed march, about 2 p.m. As the river was dry in the direction that this party patrolled it was impossible to water the horses. DeBeers and Van-Zuyl's commandoes reported in front. Went into camp and entrenched at 4.30 p.m. between lots 22 and 34, unsurveyed district north of Scheeizer Reneke. No water for horses or men here, and horses in a bad way the day being very hot. The regimental scouts, under Lieutenant Callaghan, captured 300 sheep and one prisoner. May 10.—Marched 7.30 a.m. Van Zuyl and DeBeer's commandoes could be seen in the distance moving along the front trying to find an opening to break through. On account of the closing in of the north and south flanks of the driving line, our front driving line has been gradually thickening during the past three days ; the intervals between men being reduced from 25 yards to 10 yards. Country passed over very rough, and very little water available. Enemy apparently puzzled and undecided by extreme length and strength of driving line, but made no opposition. Camped and entrenched at Mooifontein, along the wire fence dividing the Transvaal from the Colony (Bechuanaland). Found good water here, which was very badly needed. May 11.—Marched 7.30 a.m. Boers seen moving up and down the line looking for an opening. Columns closing in from both sides on the front, the westerly side of the drive being formed by the blockhouses along the Kimberley and Mafeking line of railway. Lieut. Ryan, with 1st troop of '"F" Squadron, who was sent out as an Observation Post, before our Column marched, captured 150 cattle, 60 donkeys, two mules and five horses; the Boers in charge abandoning them on being attacked by this troop. The regimental scouts, under Lieut. Callaghan, later in the day captured 200 head of cattle, 15 horses and 6 mules. The driving line was concentrated at Vryburg at 3 p.m. The total result of the drive, in which some 10,000 troops had been engaged, resulted as follows :— Killed 1, prisoners 354, rifles 262, horses 326, mules 95, donkeys 60, wagons 175, cape carts 6l, cattle 3,500, sheep 13,000, S.A. ammunition 6,340, trek oxen 106. The following telegram from Commander-in-Chief received by Gen. Lan Hamilton:— ‘Capital result. Tell troops I highly appreciate their exertions and consider result very satisfactory. We have now, since Methucn's mishap, taken 860 out of Delarey's forces.' During the drive all ranks showed great zeal and intelligence and won the praise of the O. C. Column and the G. O. C. Division. The healtii and fitness for work of the regiment was excellent. The absence of water and the roughness of the country during the last three days of the drive was very trying on the horses. June 1.—The following telegram was received by the G. 0. C. from General Lan Hamilton—'I am ordered to revert to my post as Chief-of-Staff at Head-Quarters, and must therefore bid you and your gallant troops farewell. Please convey to them my hearty good wishes and congratulate them from me on having played so distinguished and leading a part in the closing scene of the South African War, whereby I am convinced you have contributed in a very special degree to the termination of hostilities.' June 4.—The following telegram was received from the General Commander-in- Chief, South Africa, by Colonel Cookson, temporarily commanding the Division ‘Please communicate to your troops the following gracious message which I have receivedfrom H. M. the King, and for which I have thanked him in the name of all concerned —Begins—Heartiest congratulations on termination of hostilities. I also congratulate my brave troops under your command for having brought this long and difficult campaign to so glorious and successful a conclusion. June 14.—The following Division (After) Order, dated June 14, was received from the C.S.O., General Walter Kitchener's Division—‘The G.O.C., on relinquishing command of the Forces, desires to thank all ranks for the hearty support they have given him, and the good work done. The work has been hard, and often tiresome, but the results have been always satisfactory. In bidding all ranks good-bye, the G.O.C. hopes that many of those he is now parting from may again serve with him, and that all will soon return to their homes to receive the congratulations which they so richly deserve.’ By Order, R. A. K. Montgomery, Major, C.S.O. June 4 to June 13.—Lieut. R. H. Ryan, with 25 N.C.O’s. and men, 2nd Can. Mounted Rifles, formed part of personal escort to Major-General Walter Kitchener, Commissioner of the Western Transvaal for receiving the surrender and arms of the Burghers. Lieut. Ryan's report is attached hereto, marked “C”. T. D. B. Evans, Lt. Col., Commanding 2nd C.M.R. A. 1. Copy of C. Cs. despatches to 0. C, Colonel Cookson's Column.—After Boschbult, April 3, 1902. * —Surg. Major J. A. Devine, Surg. Major H. R. Duff, No. 352 P’te. P. H Kelly (Acting temporarily as Hospital Orderly). These officers and this man attended to the wounded during the whole engagement, under a constant shell and musketry fire. *—Lieut. T. H. Callaghan, No. 376 P'te. J. M. Todd, No. 705 P’te. P. Hendryx (wounded), took up and followed the trail of one of the enemy’s columns who had guns with it. *—Lieut. Bruce Carruthers, who was in command of the rear guard of the convoy and remained in rear of the camp as an observation post. His troop, which was extended, was enveloped by a large body of the enemy. He rallied and dismounted his troop, composed of about 21 men, and they fought to a finish against large odds, their total casualties being 3 killed, 12 wounded, and 3 missing. The latter are supposed to be killed. No. 157, Sergt. J. C. Perry (killed); No. 166, Corporal J. A. Wilkinson (dangerously wounded); No. 252, Lance Corporal J. C. Bond (wounded), who assisted Lieut. Carruthers to rally his troop. No. 185, Private G. McBeth, who, under a heavy fire, assisted Lieut. Carruthers toget the wounded into shelter. No. 175, Private C. N. Evans (died of wounds) exhausted his own ammunition after he was mortally wounded, secured another bandolier, and used it up; then broke his rifle so that it would be of no use to the enemy, and died shortly after he was brought into camp. *—Lieut. R. H. Ryan, who was shot in the arm, had his wound dressed, and immediately returned to his post and remained there fur the rest of the day and the night. The following officers displayed great zeal in arranging the trenches and wire defences of my portion of the camp. While their work may not be of sufficient importance that their names might be included in despatches to the War Office, I should like their good work to be brought before the notice of the G.O.C., Kitchener’s divisions. *—Mentioned in final list submitted by me to the Commander-in-Chief, for continuous good service. T. D. B. E., Lt.-Col. Capt. R. G. E. Leckie. *—Capt. P. E. Thacker. *—Lieut. Ct. H. Kirkpatrick. *—Lieut. W. R. Marshall. Driekuil, 3, 4, ‘02. T. D. B. EVANS, Lt. Col, Commanding 2nd Can. Mtd. Rifles. . History is not like playing horseshoes where close enough counts; those that have done the proper leg work have a responsibility to insure a detailed accurate account. Canada at War Blog:
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2nd Regt., Canadian Mounted Rifles, South African War, Staff Diaries. 10 years 5 months ago #20651
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“B.” Copy of Captain R. G. E. Leckie's report on Night March of March 23. Oorbietjesfontein, March 25, 1902. Sir,—I have the honour to report that during the night march of the 23rd, several men of “A” Squadron were left behind the Column owing to their horses falling or giving out. All except two eventually rejoined the Column, some on foot. Of the two. Private Haggerty was captured, while leading his lame horse, by a commando of about 60 Boers dressed in khaki and wearing helmets. When he discovered the party were Boers he threw away his rifle bolt and hid all his ammunition. Private Haggerty reported last evening. Private .Eraser, the other missing man, was reported as being seen stripped by Boers, making his way to Klerksdorp, at 3 a.m. on 24th, in company with four other Canadians. On arriving on the Witpoort Ridge, the scouts, under Lieut. Callaghan, and 1st Troop “A” Squadron, occupied the most southerly position. Three hundred yards north of them was Lieut. E. Blake Allan, with the 2nd Troop of “A” Squadron, and about the same interval separated the 3rd Troop from the 2nd, and the 4th from the 3rd. I was with Lt. Fishwick and the 3rd Troop, when word was sent back that the Boers were advancing on the position occupied by Lieuts. Tryon and Callaghan. I immediately had the horses led in rear of the 4th Troop and informed Lieuts. Richards and Hiam, of “B” Squadron, telling the latter to carry the word along. Returning to the threatened position I met a scout returning with a young Boer prisoner. While questioning him I heard firing and immediately proceeded to the point from which it came. On arriving there I found that Lieuts. Callaghan, Tryon and E. B. Allan had retired with the troops to a favourable defensive position and, while there, had fired on three approaching Boers, killing two. After my arrival, Lieut. Callaghan and some scouts went forward to examine the bodies, which lay about 50 yards from the position. On hearing a movement in the bushes they fired .several shots, wounding severely one man, as subsequently discovered. The rifle was taken from the nearest dead Boer and all retired to a position which I selected in rear of the 3rd Troop. A train of wagons was observed moving in a south-easterly direction across the south end of the kopje just as day was breaking, and Boers were seen in spanning on the western side of the hill, when it was noticed that the general movement of our troops had begun, consequently all thought of their capture had to be abandoned. I gave orders to mount and extend immediately on leaving the kopje. Owing to meeting the I5oers, 'A' Squadron was not occupying its assigned position in the general scheme, part of “D” and “B” Squadrons having” moved across our front. However, we filled in whatever gaps occurred on the right of the line. Later in the day Lieut. Callaghan and some scouts captured some wagons from the Boers, and Lieut. E. Blake Allan with 2nd Troop, brought them safely into camp, although followed for some time by several Boers. The 1st Troop, under Lieut. Tryon, was forming the centre of the advance for most of the day, while the 4tli Troop and most of the 3rd Troop were in the second line under Sqdn. Sergt. Major Dyer. •—Mentioned in final list submitted by me to the Comander-in-Chief, for continuous good service. T. D. B. E., Lt-Col. The horses being tired from the hard night's march, and having to move rapidly to catch up with the extended line, had the tendency to mix up the units, particularly as each Troop of ' A ' Squadron left the ridge for the same point. Had it not been for Lieut. Callahan's good work with the scouts, serious trouble might have occurred before the ridge could be left with safety. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servant. R. G. EDWARDS LECKIE, Capt., 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles. To Lt. Col. T. D. B. Evans, C.B., Commanding. 2nd C.M.R. “C.” From Lieut. R. H. Ryan, 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles, to O.C., 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles. Klerksdorp, June 15, 1902. Sir,—I have the honour to report that, according to instructions, I reported to General Walter Kitchener, at his Headquarters near KlerksJorp, at 9.30 a.m. on June 4, 1902, having under my command 25 N.C. Officers and men from the 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles. At precisely 10 a.m. the General, with convoy and escort, moved northward across the veldt. The detail of the troops told off for this expedition was as follows:— Colonel Mercier, R.H.A. (in command of escort). Capt. Mann, C. S.O. 1 Officer, 25 N.C.O.'s and men, 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles. 1 " 25 " " R.H.A. Mounted Rifles. 1 " 25 " " Mounted Infantry. 1 " 25 " " New Zealanders and Australians. 1 " 25 " " Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. Making a total of the escort proper, apart from General Kitchener's personal staff of 7 officers and 125 N.C.O.'s and men. After some hours' trekking, the party reached Palmeitfontein and camped for the night. Here Corporal McDonald, with one wagon from the 10th Canadian Field Hospital, was attached to the troops. On the 5'h, we marched to Yentersdorp. On the 6th, we still marched in a northerly direction, and without notable incident, to Tafleskop, a distance of 38 miles. Leaving this latter place at 7 a.m. on the 7th, after a ride of about four miles, the party was met by General Delarey and Ids Secretary, Mr. Fenner. The greeting between General Kitchener and the famous Boer Commander was most cordial. The formalities over, we proceeded to Dorncomb, where the commandoes of both General Delarey and General Kemp, numbering in all 1,114 men, lay waiting our arrival. Dorncomb lies in a large depression, abounding with thorn trees, and about which are dotted the homes of the Burghers. All these houses were, as far as one could see, as yet untouched by the war, and about the grassy slopes between the clumps of bushes stock were grazing. The party rode towards a spot where the commandoes could be seen gathered together upon a small rise of land, with rifles stacked, awaiting the time to surrender. Within a reasonable distance the British party halted, and General Kitchener, having dismounted, walked, in company with General Delarey and Mr. Fenner, to a spot where a large stone lay. On this he mounted and read to the assemblage the terms of the surrender. At its conclusion the Burghers gave three hearty cheers for His Majesty the King. Our General then gave a lunch, to which both Britons and Boers did ample justice; there being present of the former, all the staff officers and officers of the escort; and of the latter. Generals Delarey and Kemp, and all the field cornets of their joint commandoes. The real work of the surrender was proceeded with immediately after the repast, the officers working in pairs and taking the age, names and district from which each of the Burghers came. I, in company with Capt. Burgess, of the M.T.'s, was detailed to the Johannesburg Commando, which included the remainder of the old Stadts Artillery and the Zarps, making all told a total of 635. Of the Stadts Artillery there were but one officer, one corporal and 12 men remaining; whilst of that once magnificent regiment, the Zarps, only 12 stood up to swear allegiance to the King. The ages given by members of the commandoes were truly astonishing, the finished list ranging from 13 years to 75. The rank and file of this force impressed me strongly by not only their fine physique, but also by their generally smart appearance. It was most noticeable that about one-third of the whole were dressed in home-made suits of leather, capable of almost endless wear. It is further worthy of remark that an officer and six men, with two helics, being all who remained of General Delarey's Signalling Corps, also put in an appearance on the occasion. Of the rifles piled in our wagons, about one-half were Lee-Enfield, captured at one time or another from our forces; and the ammunition, when counted, only totalled about twelve rounds to each rifle. In conversation with General Kemp upon matters connected with the war, I took occasion to ask him how many men were in the force that attacked Col. Cookson's Column at Brakspruit, and he assured me that the number was about 2,400. Of the Boer losses on that occasion he would say nothing. At 4 p.m., having completed the work in connection with the surrender, we moved in a westerly direction to Murricks, distance about 7 miles, and there camped for the night. The 8th was uneventful. The party halted for the noon hour at Bruffontein, advancing later to Weigleb roomspruit and there making our camp for that night. At 7.30 a.m. upon the 9th., General Walter Kitchener, escorted by myself and a Troop of Canadians, rode to the Waterkloof. Here we found the Boers, to the number of 800, laagered in another depression, similar to Dorncomb; their wagons, women children, horses and oxen, all being with them. General Kitchener at once rode in and was surprised to find the Burghers all armed and in a very turbulent mood. General Delarey went at once to ascertain the cause of the trouble and returning to General Kitchener explained that the Boers wanted time in which to have explained to them some points of the surrender on which they were not sure. Accordingly we retired. After a wait of nearly two hours General Delarey again returned, and said that the party could now come into the laager. We did so and the surrender commenced, it must be confessed with not very good grace upon the part of the Boers, who, in many cases, angrily threw down their arms in a heap, some times so heavily as to break them and render them useless. One typical Boer, well over six feet in height, and with a huge growth of shaggy whiskers, strode to the front and holding up his rifle said— 'I have carried this over two years and it has killed more than one British soldier. Now it may go.' He whirled it about his head and flung it many feet away; then strode away through the thorn bushes. General Colliers (pronounced by the Boer Cell-gee) was in command of this body. They were a far rougher lot than those of General Delarey or General Kemp, and hailed from Zeerust, Lichtenburg and Mafeking. I might here mention that at this surrender, as well as at all others on this trip, the Field Cornets were allowed to keep their arms. Towards the end of the proceedings at this laager it was (discovered that the Burghers had one fifteen pounder (field gun) not accounted for, and were promptly told that they would not be allowed to return to their farms till they brought it in. They accordingly detailed a party and the missing weapon was promptly found and came rumbling back into our possession. The General and escort then moved on to Lichtenburg, accompanied by the Boers, and having arrived there, camped in a square of the town; the Burghers occupying another. On the ride from Waterkloof to Lichtenburg an incident occurred in which General Kitchener narrowly escaped serious injury. The party had just arrived at the farm of General Delarey, and the Officers were galloping over the veldt in search of springbok, when General Kitchener, raising his rifle, took quick aim at one of the flying beasts. There was a loud report and the General's rifle was seen to fall to the ground. It was shortly learned that the bolt of the weapon had blown out and passed through the General's helmet, narrowly missing his head. In fact a small piece of the flying metal did graze his cheek. Leaving Lichtenburg on the morning of the 11th, the party marched to Rooijantiestfontein, which was reached about noon. This place is most remarkable, being a Kaffir town of 5000 inhabitants, with church, square and residences, all of a substantial and symmetrical type. The houses which we saw were all very clean and the whole town a credit to the native population. The afternoon was taken up by trekking to Kitschot, where General Kitchener decided to stay for the night. On the 12th the party advanced to Goedgedacht. The day was miserably cold and raw, and upon reaching our destination we found 500 Boers waiting to surrender. We also found a Boer Hospital with two doctors and half a dozen nurses. Most of the men had on British Cavalry cloaks to protect them from the weather. This surrender being completed and rations issued, General Kitchener, placing six men from each mounted unit of the escort under my command, ordered me to accompany him to Riet Vlei, some 2.5 miles distance. We reached our destination in three hours, after a very fast ride. The transport had in the meantime taken a short cut to the same place from the camp of the night before. Early on the "morning of the 13th we left for Klerksdorp, reaching that point at noon. General Kitchener here congratulated the escort upon the excellence of its work during the trek. I may say that at various points along all the route parties of Boers had surrendered, making the grand total of surrenders, the time out, and distances travelled, as follow:— Surrenders 3,000 Days Out 10 Distance travelled = 375 miles. During the trip I was enabled to get excellent snapshots of General Delarey, General Knip, General Celliers, and all Field Cornets. It is a pleasure to me to be able to testify, before closing this report, to the excellent behaviour of the men under my command throughout the whole trip, and to bring to your notice the willing manner in which all duties were undertaken. I would also wish to express my satisfaction at the able way in which Sergt. Milne, as Troop Sergeant, handled all work which devolved upon him. I have the honour to be, sir, Your obedient servant, R. H. RYAN, Lieut., 2nd Can. Mtd, Rifles. . History is not like playing horseshoes where close enough counts; those that have done the proper leg work have a responsibility to insure a detailed accurate account. Canada at War Blog:
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