TOPIC:

Sorting through some papers I came across this message from Colonel Lawley to Commandant Springs from Bushman's Kop on 1 April 1902.

Does anyone know who was the Commandant at Springs in April 1902 or have any details on the action?

The message is mounted on a stiff piece of paper which appears to be part of a sports programme from a voyage home.

The message reads:

"9am 1.4.1902 to Commandant SPRINGS

Have met with a reverse & am retiring on SPRINGS.

Please move out whatever available mounted troops you have to cover our retirement.

RTLawley
BUSHMANS KOP"

The message is annotated "Message to me from Colonel the Hon. R.T. Lawley 7th Hussars, who had a fight with the Boers at Bushman's Kop."

Best wishes,

Justin

Justin,

That's a fascinating document.

From The Times, 7 Apr 1902, regarding the action:




I cannot find any commandant's name though.

Regards
David

David,

Many thanks. Doesn't sound like the 'reverse' Lawley mentions in his message!

I''ll have to check the British casualty figures.

Best,

Justin

quote="djb" =13708]Justin,

That's a fascinating document.

From The Times, 7 Apr 1902, regarding the action:




I cannot find any commandant's name though.

Regards
David[/quote]

Hi Justin

In the mid-1970's, when I planned the Freeway between Springs and Middelburg, I walked past a monument (presumably Queen's Bays) near Leeukop. After acquiring Herron's QSA in the late 1980's I went to look for it again : it had disappeared!
The National Scouts were also involved in this action.
Henk

Henk,

Superb to have both sides so represented. It's remarkable how a Guerilla War action from 110 years ago can spring into more life than it's given in the histories!

Here's an account of the action by an officer which gives even more colour to the action, mentions Herron and gives more credit to the Boers than 'The Times'! It's from the 'Yorkshire Evening Post' 8th May 1902.

Checking Stirling, I saw the reference to the National Scouts. I'd forgotten that the Queen's Bays only arrived in South Africa in November 1901. If you read the last newspaper extract below (from the 'Derby Daily Telegraph' 18th September 1901) you'll see that Captain Herron was nearly in action somewhat closer to home during 1901!

Best wishes,

Justin