Canadian units

 With thanks to Mike Clare for this information

Diary of 7509 Private Edison Franklin Lynn, D Co Royal Canadian Regiment of Infantry

Monday, Oct. 23, 1900

Left Bellville at 12 noon. Was escorted to station by 15th A.L.I. Silver and Bugle Band 7 in number. Arrived in Kingston Barracks at 8. pm. Had supper in the barracks being my first supper in the army. Ready for bed at 9.30 pm did not get much sleep as men were all in high spirits at going away.

Tuesday, Oct. 24, 1899

Up at about 6.30. Had breakfast at 7. Took walk about town most of morning. Had dinner at barracks and poor one to. Joined by four more B. Boys. I marched to station and started for Quebec. Stopped at Montreal for supper at 6.15. Left Montreal about 11.pm. Had sleeping cars.

Wednesday, Oct. 25, 1899

Arrived at St. Levi at 8.30. Took ferry over river to Quebec. Marched to citadel. Had little squad drill at 10.30 men not allowed out of barracks. Had dinner and supper at barracks ready for bed about 10.

Thursday Oct. 26, 1899

Got up about 6.30 a.m. Cloudy day very little to do today except small fatigues. Playing rugby in afternoon. Wrote couple of letters home. Bed at 10.

Friday Oct. 27, 1899

Got up about 6.30. Fine day cold. Had meal in barracks. Got equipment issued to us, been busy most of day getting equipment put together. Got out of barracks on pass. Bed at 10.

Saturday Oct. 28.1899

Rainy day, got up at 6.30. Not much to do today. Went out of barracks till night. Wrote letter to Cousin Gertie. Bed at 10.

Sunday Oct. 29.1899

Got up at 7. Very rainy morning Reg. Paraded to Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, Received Communion today. Took walk about the plains. Wrote number of letters home. Bed about 10.

Monday Oct. 30. 1988 (1899)

Got up about 5.30. I had breakfast at 7. Went on parade at 8.30 with full kit. Mayor John has given each Bellville boy four sovereigns. Left Citadel and marched to Esplanade Park. Speeches made by leading men of country. Inspected by Earl of Minto and staff officers. Marched about 4 miles to boat. Embarked onboard S.S. Sardinian at 3.30 pm. Thousands of people witness embarkation and on sailing of ship. Left dock at 4.15 pm. Escorted by large fleet of steamers down the river. Had little supper at 5. Ready for bed at 7. pm.

Tuesday Oct. 31, 1899

Got up at 4.am. Wrote a letter home and sent it ashore with the pilot who left us at Rimouski. Was mess orderly today. Company formed into messes. Ready for bed at 8.

Wednesday Nov. 1, 1899

Into Gulf today. Getting rough. Mess Orderly again today. Ship doing a bit of rolling. Feeling a bit sick today. To bed at 6.30.

Thursday Nov. 2, 1899

Got up at 7. Terrific gale blowing ship rolling and pitching badly. Very foggy today. To sick to eat today. Was told off for Mess Orderly again today but to do it. Laid in bunk for most of the day. Went to bed about 4 pm many men sick **** ship.

Friday Nov. 3, 1899

Got up about 7.30. Still sick today. Man Died on ship of ulco (7452 Pte. E. DesLauriers, Heart Failure). Eat little Breakfast. Walked decks for a time this morning. Terrific sea running today. Eat no dinner today. Man buried at 4.14 p.m. Co. attended burial. Sighted ship today at 7. Bed at 7.30

Saturday Nov. 4, 1899

Got up at 7. Storm abated and heavy dead sea running. J. McNair quite sick other Bellville boys feeling good. Bright sunny day. Cleaning our arms in morning. Eat dinner today. In Gulf Stream and weather is now quite warm. Reading most of afternoon. Ready for bed at 7.30.

Sunday Nov. 5, 1899

Got up at 7 Breakfast at 8. Quite warm today, services held by different Chaplains. Dinner at 12.30. Run through school of porpoise sat on deck reading most of the day. Sighted ships at 4.30. Services held by Dr. Barrie of Y.M.C.A. At 2.30. Very warm wind blowing. Bed at 8.

Monday Nov. 6, 1899

Got up at 6.30. Men have salt water bath with large hose every morning. Breakfast at 7. Reg. Begins today for drill. Companies told off to what boats they must take in case of accident. Reading most of pm. Off bed about 10 p.m.

Tuesday Nov. 7, 1899

Fine day, Shower of rain in the morning. Companies drilling most of the morning. Sighted 2 large sailing ships. Very warm today. Doing a little writing today. Ready for bed at 10.

Wednesday Nov. 8, 1899

Got up about 5. Very warm at night in bunks. See many flying fish and a couple of sharks. Good dinner today. Army Act read to men of the “D” Co & others. To bed at 10.

Thursday Nov. 9, 1899

Got up at 6. Breakfast at 7. Co. on parade and inspected by C.O. More of Army Act read to us. Had to go on watch at 8 for night, paced deck on watch. No sleep tonight.

Friday Nov. 10, 1899

Relieved on “Watch” at 8 am. Breakfast at 8.15. Not feeling well today. Laid in bed most of day. Walked about deck for a while. Ready for bed at 8.

Saturday Nov. 11, 1899

Got up at 6. Breakfast at 7.30. On Parade at 9.30. Very warm weather now. Smooth Sea. Bright moonlight night. Men sit about deck in little groups singing and telling tales till lights out at 10.

Sunday Nov. 12, 1899

Got up about 6 a,m, In sight of Cape Verde isls. Fleet of Portuguese ships in St. Vincent harbour. 2 British Men of War in harbour. Mess Orderly for day. Reading most of day. Sleeping on deck tonight.

Monday Nov. 13, 1899

Got up at 6.am. “D” Co. have physical drill at and shower bath each morning. Men have to go around ship in bare feet to get them hardened for march. Mess orderly for today. “D” Co. have rifle practice this morning. Made 37 out of a possible 40. “D” Co. leads in percentages and number of possibles. Drill in p.m. Very warm day. Ready for bed about 10.

Tuesday Nov. 14, 1899

Got up about 6. Had drill this morning. Meals on board ship now better that when we started. Cleaning arms in afternoon. Men get issued with writing material. Drill again this afternoon. Awning spread on ship to protect mess. One of the crew drunk on ship and we had to put him in irons. Bed at 10.

Wednesday Nov. 15, 1899

Got up about 5. Scorching hot today. I'm badly sunburned. Men have drill this morning. Bought last of Pte. E. Des Lauriers kit but had it stolen from me. Doing a little writing tonight. Ready for bed at 9.

Thursday Nov. 16, 1899

Got up about 5 a.m. Sighted some ships lights. Ship came up to us at 6. We sent some mail by it. Hand no drill in morning. Very warm today. Good dinner. Drill most of p.m. Did some writing. Bed at 10.

Friday Nov. 17, 1899

Up at 5 am. Fine morning. Men getting their bayonets sharpened. Ship crossed the equator at 10.33 am. Officers fired off 2 rockets and whistle blew. Had fire drill at 4 pm. In case of of alarm every man to go below & sit at his mess table & not speak except the “Watch” on duty. Have a number of boxing bout at night. Bed at 10.

Saturday Nov. 18, 1899

Got up at 5 am. Physical drill at 6. Men get boots and tobacco issued to them and extra shirt and socks. Fire drill at 4.15. On watch for night. Men have some boxing after tea. Number of our men sick on ship and our water is contaminated. To bed at 10.

Sunday Nov. 19, 1899

Had breakfast at 7. Off duty for day. Laid sleeping on deck till one. Had good dinner. Did some writing today. Church services held today. Bed at 10.

Monday Nov. 20, 1899

Got up at 5 a.m. Had to go on guard at 9. Reading most of time when not on duty. Very tiresome guard. Very little sleep at night.

Tuesday Nov. 21, 1899

Breakfast at 8. Relieved by new guard at 9. Good dinner today. Had boat and fire drill today. Rough sea getting up. Did a little writing. To bed at 9.

Wednesday Nov. 22, 1899

Getting up about 5 a.m. Man on board ship going blind on account of getting sore eyes. Not feeling well. Went to Dr. for medicine. Sleeping most of afternoon. Did some writing. Sea getting a bit rough. Bed at 10.

Thursday Nov. 23, 1899

Got up at 5.30. Gale blowing and sea getting quite rough. Mess orderly for day. Kit inspections for “D” Co. beginning to get ready for disembarkation. Sleeping for most of PM. To bed about 9.

Friday Nov. 24, 1899

Got up at 5 am. Not feeling well today. Heavy gale blowing. Got our first Khaki uniform issued to us. Dinner at 12.30. Got puggerre on helmets. Paraded for watch but did not have to go on duty. Ready for bed at 10.

Saturday Nov. 25, 1899

Got up at 5 am. Had physical drill and shower bath. Ship rolling a bit. Got our regimental badge issued to us which is a Maple Leaf. Fire drill at 4. Ready for bed at 9.

Sunday Nov. 26, 1899

Got up at 5.30. Heavy southwest gale blowing, ship pitching a bittoday. Church services on board ship. Did some writing in afternoon. Got issued with towels and soap today. To bed at 9. Services held by Barrie of Y.M.C.A.

Monday Nov. 27, 1899

Got up at about 5. Heavy sea running. Doing some sewing on uniform. Got issued with bandoleers. Good dinner today. Concert held on deck and collection taken up in aid of widows and orphans of dead seamen. Bed at 9.30.

Tuesday Nov. 28, 1899

Got up at about 5. Breakfast at 7. Rough today. On fatigues in the morning. Saw large whale about 200 feet from ship. Inspection of kit at 3. Bed at 10.

Wednesday Nov. 29, 1899

Got up at 5 a.m. Getting things ready to land. Ship with Seaforth and Gordon Highlanders passed us. Sighted land about 8 am. I'm watch duty for day. Dropped anchor in harbour about noon. Ship inspected by medical officers of Cape Town. Moved into dock at 4.30 every ship in harbour sounding siren or signalling welcome to the Canadians. Allowed off ship on dock but no further. Bed at 10.

Thursday Nov. 30, 1899

Up and about 4.30. Disembarked about 8. am. Marched to Green Point Common at 10. Got new that we were to proceed to front but not confirmed men all in high spirits and eager to go at once. Went in to tour about. Had good square meal. Regiment given good reception by the people of cape Town. Went back to camp and had my first sleep under canvas.

Friday Dec. 1, 1899

Got up at 5, am, Breakfast at 6. Struck camp at 10.30. Marched to station and embarked on train for the front. Reg. given a most enthusiastic send off by the (*****). Left Cape Town at 3.30. Had supper at Wellington Station. Not much sleep no room in car.

Saturday Dec. 2, 1899

Still speeding along on train. Very warm day. Had breakfast at Prince Albert Road at 9. Met ambulance train with many sick and wounded on. Had dinner at Beaufort West. Seen many large flocks of ostriches and herds of goats & sheep. Had supper at Victoria West. Men all get orders to be awake and ready to get off train.

Sunday Dec. 3, 1899

Got off train at 5 am. We marched to camping ground at 6 we had not had not pitched camp till about noon. Had no breakfast. Had our first sand storm and most of the men sick of it. Our ration for the day was hardtack and tea & minced sand. Had good sleep at night.

Monday Dec. 4, 1899

Got up at 5 and had coffee or gunfire as the men call it. Drill at 6. Did not drill in the afternoon Very warm day. No man allowed out of camp. All outposts around camp doubled at night. Expected to go to front today but did not Ready for bed at about 9.

Tuesday Dec. 5, 1899

Got up at 5 am. Orderly for day. Had drill at 6. Drill at 10.00. Dinner at 12.30. Very warm day. Supper at 5. 30 p.m. Drill at 5.30. Went to bed at 9. Expected a night attack but did not get one.

Wednesday Dec. 6, 1899

Got up at 5. Gunfire at 5.30. Drilled at 6. Breakfast at 8. Got orders to be ready to move out a moments notice. No more drill for day. Had to sleep on ground as blankets were packed as ready for moving in morning.
Bed at 9.

Thursday Dec. 7, 1899

Got up at 2.30. Struck camp and marched to station. Left DeAar at on train at 5. Was very sick through night. Arrived at Orange River at 1. Had no dinner. Very warm day. Pitched tent at 7. Big thunder storm most of night. Part of company sent on outpost duty. Bed at 9.

Friday Dec. 8, 1899

Got up at 5 am. Breakfast at 8. No drill today. On fatigue part of day. Very warm day. Part of company on outpost duty. Bed at 9

Saturday Dec. 9. 1899

Got up at 5. 2 Boer fire shots at 4.40 am. Struck camp at 6 a.m. Rode from Orange River to Belmont on coal trucks. Arrived at Belmont at 11,00 am. Marched about 3 miles to Jan Wick's farm. Pitched camp at 3.pm. Supper at 5 pm. Fine bright night. Most men on outpost duty. Men all feeling good.

Sunday Dec. 10, 1899

Got up at 5 a.m. Had good bath in morning. Struck camp and marched back to Belmont. Thunder storm most of day. Pitched camp on battlefield of Belmont. Got 5 days CB for leaving camp to hunt for curios. On fatigue fixing wire fence. Went on patrol duty on railway did not have any sleep rained most of night.

Monday Dec. 11, 1899

Come in off patrol at 6 am. Sleeping most of morning. Did not have any breakfast. Cleaning arms in afternoon. Supper at 5 pm. Drill at 5.30. Hve to sleep with equipment on and rifle beside us just in case of an attack. Bed at 8.30.

Tuesday Dec. 12, 1899

Get up at 3. a.m. Scouts alarmed camp telling us there was a Commando of Boers 2 miles off. Orderly for day. Reg. fortifying position around camp. Making fortifications on kopje in afternoon. Supper at 5 pm. Many wounded pass here from Magersfontein. Ready for bed at 9.

Wednesday Dec. 13, 1899

Got up at 6. Fine day very warm. Building trenches most of morning. Man of G. Co., died in camp ( 7914 Pte. Montrose G. Chapelle ) and was buried in afternoon, men have lots of fatigues unloading cars. Many more wounded men pass here. Bed at 9. Sick with dysentery.

Thursday Dec. 14, 1899

Got up at 7a.m. sick today. Very warm day. “D” Co. on outpost duty on Scots Ridge for 27 hours did not go too sick. Went to see Dr. Good supper at night. Bed at 8. Had good sleep had fourteen blankets.

Friday Dec. 15, 1899

Got up about 6 a.m. “D” Co. returned from outpost. Water very scarce. Had to go on fatigue loading cars. Many men in company sick, supper at 6 p.m. Have big plague of locusts but expect to be rid of them by tomorrow. Bed at 8.

Saturday Dec. 16, 1899

Got up at 3 a.m. Had to man trenches till daybreak. Had breakfast at 7. On fatigue building trenches most of morning. Supper at 6. Bed at 9.

Sunday Dec. 17, 1899

Got up at 2 am. In trenches till five. Breakfast at 7. Had church service at 5.30 a.m. On account of day being so hot. With our arms. Walked five miles and had our service under armed escort. Ready for bed at 9.

Monday Dec. 18, 1899

Got up at 6. “D” Co. on outpost again. Breakfast at 8. Very warm day. Went to hills with water for men Hill has a large number of dead Boers on it and the men forced out their teeth as curios. Reg. moved camp except “D” Co. Bed at 8 pm.

Tuesday Dec. 19, 1899

Got up at 6.30. “D” Co. returned from outpost. Breakfast at 7. “D” Co. shifted camp today. Laid about in camp most of afternoon. Supper at 4.30. Drill at 5 p.m. Ready for bed at 9. Fine night.

Wednesday Dec. 20, 1899

Got up a 3 a.m. Marched to trenches. Break at 5. a.m. Not feeling good have cramps badly. Dinner at 1 p.m., Camp visited by General Buller & Staff inspecting fortifications. Went on patrol at 6. p.m. Sick tonight and had to come in off patrol & go to bed.

Thursday Dec. 21, 1899

Got up at 6.30. Breakfast at 7. Paraded to Dr. Fiset. Very warm day. Took walk about 5 miles for service. Was in a bamboo grove. Went to hospital for medicine at 6. Bed at 9.

Friday Dec. 22, 1899

Got up at 6.30. Got to hospital for medicine. Went for swim in afternoon. Got mail from home. Got some ostrich feathers. Had to go on patrol at 6 p.m. Did not get much sleep

Saturday Dec. 23, 1899

Got in off patrol at 6 a,m, Mess Orderly for today. Very warm day. Laid about in tent most of day. Most of men out to Thomas's farm for swim. Men laying about complaining & chatting till bed time at 9 p.m. Got water bottles issued to us. Men tired with Belmont and want to go on to front very restless.

Sunday Dec. 24, 1899

Got up at 5 a.m. We did not have to go into trenches in morning. Had service under arms at 5.30 am. Went to Thomas;s farm till night. Had good swim. Fatigue at 4.30. Supper at 6. Fine night. Ready for bed at 9.
XMAS DAY

Monday Dec. 25, 1899

Got up at 5. am. Breakfast at 7. Got 7 days C.B. For going to farm for swim. 25 of “D” Co. had to dig trench on kopje. Xmas dinner, Beef, Soup, and canned pudding. 2 lbs of pudding for 16 hungry men. Laid about tent most of afternoon. Ready for bed at 9.

Tuesday Dec. 26, 1899

Got up at 3 am. Marched to kopje and stayed till 6. Right hand of company stayed on kopje for day. Had to parade to office, got 24 hrs. I.H.L. Slept most of day. Part of Regt. Go out to dispurse party of Boers. Bed at 9

Wednesday Dec. 27, 1899

Got up at about 6. Finished 24 hours at 10.30. “D” Co. come in from outpost. Dinner at 12.30. Men get issued with putties. Alarm sounded at 4.30 to occupy hills. “D” Co. to hills first. Ready for bed at 10.

Thursday Dec. 28, 1899

Got up at 3.30. Coffee 4.30. Had to march 5 miles & return. Got back at 9.30 and had breakfast. Laid about tent for most of day. Had to patrol camp for most of night. No sleep.

Friday Dec. 29, 1899

Off patrol at 6 am, Breakfast at 7. Sleeping most of morning. Wrote letter home. Had fun in morning trying to capture a Baboon. Big sand storm in afternoon. Bed at 9.

Saturday Dec. 30, 1899

Got up at 4 am. Marched to kopje and do outpost on Kidney Ridge. Fine day cool. “C” Co. started for Douglas to rout body of Boers. No sleep tonight.

Sunday Dec. 31, 1899

Marched in from kopje at 6. Breakfast at 7. Dinner at 12.30. “C” Co. R.C.R., Queensland M.I. And Artillery leave for Douglas at 2.30. Very warm day. Most of men jealous of the chance “C” Co. has been given. Bed at 9.

Monday Jan. 1, 1900

Got up at 5 am. Fine day warm. Did some washing. “D” Co. have rifle practice. Got box of handkerchiefs from home. Douglas brigade rout and capture 43 Boer prisoners. Ready bed 9.

Tuesday Jan. 2, 1900

Got up at 5 a.m. Fine day very warm. Reported in camp of “C” Co. engagement with Boers at Sunnyside. Dinner at 12.30. Officers fitting up canteen for men but “C” Co. would not let it run only a couple of days. “D” Co. paid for Dec. L 1 . 17 S . 6 D. Men all warned to be readiness to occupy trenches in cas of attack expected. Ready for bed at 9.

Wednesday Jan. 3, 1900

Got up at 3. a.m. “D” Co. for duty on Scots Ridge. Men nearly (ink blot cannot read). On duty most of morning. Had little sleep in afternoon. On duty again at 6. p.m. No sleep at night.

Thursday Jan. 4, 1900

Marched in from outpost duty on Scots Hill at 5 a.m. Cooks buy Oats and Rice and cook them to sell to men and is much appreciated by them. Part of “C” Co. return to Belmont from Douglas wit men refugees which were at once sent to De Aar for safety. Men bring back many things which they looted from store at Douglas. Had to sleep under arms at night. Ready for bed at 9.

Friday Jan. 5, 1900

Got up at 2.30 am. “D” Co. marched to kopje and stayed till daybreak and back to camp.. On fatigues most of morning unloading cars. Remainder of “C” Co., Queensland M.I. & Cornwalls return from Douglas with Boer prisoners. Prisoners all sent to Cape Town under escort. Men captured 3 tons of ammunition and man. rifles which were all destroyed. No casualties in Canadians, Queensland M.I., 2 Killed 2 Wounded. Had to go on outpost duty at 6 p.m. and patrol most of night. Little sleep.

Saturday Jan. 6, 1900

Marched in from kopje at 5 a.m. Laid about most of morning, nothing to do. Pretty nearly tired out have onlt had 5 hrs sleep out of 60 hrs. duty. Dinner at 12.30. Sleeping a little in the afternoon. Not feeling any to good today. Mail just came in but did not get any. Much disappointed. Ready for bed at 9.

Sunday Jan. 7, 1900

Got up at 5 a.m. Mess orderly for today. Church at 7 a.m. did not attend. Had to help peel spuds for dinner. Very warm day. Laid about most of afternoon. Beer canteen started in camp. Not feeling well. Men enjoying themselves playing football, having tug-of-war and singing. To bed at 10.

Monday Jan. 8, 1900

Got up at 5.30. Very windy today bad sand storm. Parade at 8.15. Field Court Martial held for looting and Cornwall men sentenced. Laid about tent for most of morning. Ammunition and clothing inspected by Commanding Officer. Rained most of afternoon. Men have good time in divulging in fantasies of all kinds. Ready for bed at 9. Camp inspected by Gen. Buller and staff.

Tuesday Jan. 9, 1900

Got up at 3.00 am. Stood to arms till 5. “A” “B” and “H” Co.s R.C.R. & Queensland & R.H.A. marched away to east to intercept enemy but did not. Wrote a couple of letters. Co. finished guard for today. Had to go on patrol at night. Did not get much sleep.

Wednesday Jan. 10, 1900

Come in off patrol at 5 a.m. Got bad attack of Nuralgia. Not feeling good today. Little sleep in morning. Reg. marched to Van Wicks farm for bath. Was taken much out at farm. Rode home in transport wagon. Very little sleep at night to sick.

Thursday Jan. 11, 1900

Got up at 5 a.m. Laid about most of morning. Paraded to hospital sick in morning and left in hospital till next day. Slept most of the afternoon, very sore throat & stomach. Had fine plum pudding for supper. Much Artillery going up line to front. Slept in hospital at night ready for bed at 9.

Friday Jan. 12, 1900

Got up at 6 a.m. Not so sick this morning. Left hospital about 10 a.m. Sick most of day. Did not eat any dinner. More artillery go up today. Details of Regt. who were left at Cape Town join Regt. at Belmont. Ready for bed at 9 p.m.

Saturday Jan. 13, 1900

Got up about 5.30 am. Not feeling good. Paraded to hospital. Laid about tent most of morning. Fruit canteen started. Route march at 4.30 every night about 12 miles. Got mail from home & 3 Xmas cards from E.C. Bought watermelon. Ready for bed at 9. Fine night cool.

Sunday Jan. 14, 1900

Got up about 6.30. “D” Co. to Scots Ridge at p. am Paraded to hospital at 9 for medicine. Had to shift tent. Sandstorm raging most of day. Had to pitch tent. Hard job heavy wind blowing. Got number of Bellville papers. Ready for bed about 9. Had a good sleep.

Monday Jan. 15, 1900

Got up about 5.30 a.m. “D” Co. return from outpost. Laid about most of day. Sand Storm. Main at noon. New Commandant inspected camp. Fine day in afternoon. Had route march at 4.30 about 12 miles. Supper at 7.30. Ready for bed at 9. Feeling good.

Tuesday Jan. 16, 1900

Got up at 5 a.m. Drill at 6 a.m. A little marching. Laid about tent most of morning. Regt. Paraded at 4 a.m. (p,m,?) marched to Van Wick's Farm for bath. Big sand storm in camp. Many tents blown down. Had supper about 7 p.m. Ready for bed at 9. Have peals as usual, sunny day.

Wednesday Jan. 17, 1900

Got up at about 5.30 a.m. No drill in morning as Reg. in camp are having holiday. Had groom fatigue at 8 unloading cars sinking a pipe in ground. Regiment having sports of all kinds in camp and prizes given by officers of regiment. Did not go to sports. Australians too kost of the prizes. Hot, feeling well today. Concert in camp night, in camp bed at 10.

Thursday Jan. 18, 1900

Got up about 8 a.m. Today. Laid about in tent most of morning. Had no dinner. Left in tent alone. Had about a doz. Blankets. “D” Co. on patrol. Have slight attack of dysentery. Bed at 10.

Friday Jan. 19, 1900

Got up at 5 a.m. R.C.R. On route march. “D” Co. did not go. “D” Co. returned from patrol. Mess orderly for day. Big sand storm most of day. Laid about tent most of day nothing to do. Feeling better today. No parade at night. Wrote letter home. Ready for bed at 9, fine night cool.

Saturday Jan. 20, 1900

Got up at 5.30 a.m. No parade in morning. Nothing to do in morning. Reg. drill at 4.15. Had to go on fatigue at 4.30 to load convoy for Douglas to accompany troops as 700 Boers are reported to be plundering country. Had supper at 8, ready for bed at 9. “G” & “H” Companies leave for Douglas.

Sunday Jan. 21, 1900

Got up at 2.30, right half of “D” Co. got to Scots Ridge for the day. Left half returned to camp at 5.30 a.m. Nothing to do today. Had to go on patrol at 7 p.m. Fine day cool. Did not get much sleep tonight.

Monday Jan. 22, 1900

Had a good day feeling well. “D” Co. marched down from Kopje at 5. Nothing to do today. Sandstorm most of day. Bet with M.M. Thompson the Regt. would be home by June 30th of 5 shillings each. Ready for bed.

Tuesday Jan. 23, 1900

Got up at 5.30. Moved camp across track on new grounds. Dinner at 12.30. Went on fatigue at 3 p.m. To load cars. Battle reported at Douglas but not confirmed. Ready for bed at 8.30. Fine day very warm.

Wednesday Jan. 24, 1900

Got up at 3 a.m. Under arms till 5 a.m. Nothing to do in morning. Big rain storm in afternoon. Had to go on guard at 6 p.m. Very little sleep at night.

Thursday Jan. 25. 1900

Got up at reveille. On guard all day. Nothing do in particular. Dinner at 12.30. Outpost fired on by Boers. Ready for bed at 8.

Friday Jan. 26. 1900

Got up at 5 a.m. Went on route march a 6 a.m. Marched about 8 miles in circle about camp. Wrote letter home. Got issued with Queen's Chocolate and is much prized by many of the men a few I am sorry to say selling theirs for a trifle. Nothing else to write in particular. To bed at 8.30.

Saturday Jan. 27. 1900

Got up at 5.30 a.m. Laid about camp most of morning, cleaning arms in afternoon. Went on parade at 4.30. See number of Springbok which are quite plentiful on veldt. Got back a 6.30. Ready for bed at 8.30.

Sunday Jan. 28, 1900

Got up at 5 a.m. Went on fatigues at 5.45 am. Mess orderly for the day. Did not go to church parade. Made rack for rifles in tent. Rain most of night. To bed at 9.

Monday Jan. 29, 1900

Got up at 3 a.m. Marched to Kidney Ridge on outpost duty for day and night. Big sand storm for most of day. Our tent blown down, and clothes and eyes full of sand. Big rainstorm in evening. Slept on top of ridge most of night. Cool night, very cold sleeping out as all our clothes are wet.

Tuesday Jan. 30, 1900

Marched back from kopje at 5 a.m. Fine morning cool. Laid about most of day. Had to go on fatigue at 3.30 to pitch tents for Victoria Regt. Had supper at 5.30 good one. Regt. Got pay for Jan. men can buy fruit and grapes at 6p per pound, Peaches at 2s a Doz. & watermelon at 6 shillings. Ready for bed at about 9.

Wednesday Jan. 31, 1900

Got up at 5 am. Laid about tent for most of morning nothing to do. Got ready to go on outpost duty in morning but orders were issued to proceed up line. Ready for bed at 8.30.

Thursday Feb. 1, 1900

Got up at 5 am. Got ready for march up line. Started march at 9 a.m. Only “D” & “F” Co.s going. Marched about 5 miles north of Belmont and stopped for dinner. Pitched camp at 9 a.m. on water fatigue. Ready for bed at 9.

Friday Feb. 2, 1900

Got up at 8 a.m. On fatigue in morning throwing up trenches around new camp. Nothing to do in afternoon until 4 p.m. Had to go on fatigue digging trenches. Ready for bed at about 8.30. Cool night.

Saturday Feb. 3, 1900

Got up at 5.30, on fatigue at 6 a.m. Got news we are going to the front. Laid about tent most of afternoon. “A”, “B”, and “C” Companies for Grass Pan passed camp at 6 p.m. Had to go on outpost duty at 6 p.m. Did not get much sleep.

Sunday Feb. 4, 1900

Come off patrol at 5.30. Slept most of morning. Got issue of hardtack for day instead of bread. Ready for bed at 8.30. Rain at night.

Monday Feb. 5, 1900

Got up at 5 a.m. Had to go on fatigue at 8.30. Nothing to do in afternoon. Had to go on outpost at 6.30. Wind and rain storm at night. No sleep.

Monday Feb. 5, 1900 (Note: He used same date over)

Got up at 5 a.m. On fatigue at 8.00. Dinner at 12.30. Nothing to do in afternoon. Had to go on patrol at 6.30. Heavy wind and rain storm at night. Little sleep.

Tuesday Feb. 6, 1900

Came in off outpost at 5.30. Had to go on fatigues, Regt. Of Gordon Highlanders joined us at Maple Leaf Camp. “D” & “F” Companies ordered to strike camp and proceed back to Belmont. Flagged train and rode back to Belmont. Ready for bed at 9 p.m. “A”, “B” and “G” Cos returned to Belmont from Grasspan and not allowed to go on to front as C.O. had not brought whole of regiment. Rain most of night.

Wednesday Feb. 7, 1900

Had to get up at 2.30 and march to Scots Ridge. On duty till Thursday morning till 5. Engineers inspected Scots Ridge as to improvements for defence. On duty most of night on account of Sergt. good to his chum do the duty. Bellville man went to sleep on post and I had to witness his awakening (Unable to read).

Thursday Feb. 8, 1900

Marched in from duty at 5. a.m. Had breakfast at 7. Had to go to orderly room as witness against man who went asleep on duty. Prisoner got 14 days I.H.L. Wrote letter home today. Nothing to do in the afternoon. Ready for bed about 9. Fine night.

Friday Feb. 9, 1900

Got up about 5. a.m. Mess orderly for day. Got a number of letters from home. Not feeling extra good today. To bed at 8.30.

Saturday Feb. 10, 1900

Got up at 5.30 am. Not feeling well today. Had to go on fatigue at 8.30. Rain storm most of afternoon. General parade at 4.30. Did not go on parade. To bed at 8.30.

Sunday Feb. 11, 1900

“D” Co. had to go on fatigues at 3.00 am and work all day and next night loading transports. Great activity in camp hundreds of transports being loaded and moving across country to join Lord Roberts Column to relieve Kimberly. Many troops leaving her and starting across country. Has just been informed that Boers have abandoned Magersfontein. Not confirmed. Got news that our regiment had been brigaded with Gordon Highlanders, Shropshire L.I., & Cornwalls L.I. Which form 19th Brigade. Our Regt. put through number of field movements by Brigadier General of Brigade Smith-Dorien. To bed at 8.30.

Monday Feb. 12, 1900

Got up at 4.30. On fatigue in morning. Still lots of activity in camp today. Regt. get orders to proceed to front and all men in high spirits to think of getting at enemy at last. Struck camp at 4.00 pm. Took train & went to Grass Pan, 9 miles distant from Belmont. Arrived at 8.00 pm. Regt. marched about 1 mile to camping ground. Got two days rations and our first emergency ration issued to us. Got to bed at 10 p.m. Fine night bright.

Tuesday Feb 13, 1900

Got up at 3. am. Breakfast at 3.30 am. Started on march at about 5.30 am. relief of Kimberly. Did not have to carry packs for first half of march then wagon broke down and men had to carry them. Marched about 14 miles & (unable to read next line due to fold in paper) crossed border between Cape Colony & Orange Free State at 10 am. Can hear guns roaring at distant. Arrived at RamDam at 3 pm. Water here but not fit to drink. Battle fought early in morning but we were not in it and all had left. Had good swim in the afternoon. “B” men stood march well except one. Supper at 5.30 bed at 8. First night in Free State.

Wednesday Feb. 14, 1900

Got up at 3 a.m. Started on march at 5.30. Marched about 15 miles, very hot day and men suffer much from lack of water. “C” & “D” Co. sent to take possession of Kopje which enemy were supposed to be occuping but enemy had left it. Arrived at Riet River at 2 p.m. Many men play out on march. Our Regt. on fatigues most of day getting naval guns over river. Had nothing to eat till 9 p.m. Got plenty of water here in river to drink an many men have good bath. Laying out in open tonight. Rain at night. Bed at 10. First saw Lord Roberts.

Thursday Feb. 15, 1900

Got up at 2.30. Had to draw rations. Started on march at 4.30. “D” Co. being advanced guard of Regt. & column marched about ten miles to But Spruit 5 miles from Jacobsdal. Convoy in rear of column attacked and captured by Boers have to go on ¼ rations of 1 biscuit. Our Regt. on outpost most of dat and see fight going on at Jacobsdal. Captured by British at 4 p.m. General French returns Kimberly at 6 p.m. Very warm day. Had good bath. On patrol at night. Patrol a very strong one.

Friday Feb 16, 1900

Marched in off patrol at 5.30. Started for Jacobsdal. Arrived at 11 a.m. On baggage guard. Town is large & quiet. Men commandeer sheep and cattle and have a good feed today. Reg. ordered on but but did not start. J. McNair reduced from Lance Corporal to ranks for disobeying orders. Had to stand to arms most of day. Officers very careless how men are feed. Many Boer sick & wounded in town. All churches turned into hospitals. Started on march at 8.30 p.m.

Saturday Feb. 17, 1900

Marched all night. Arrived at Klip River at 4.30 a.m. after having marched 15 miles. Men all played out & cannot get much sleep owing to heat of day. Had good swim in river. Gen. Cronjie leaves here six hours before we arrive. Regt. not going to Kimberly but now have to chase Cronjie. Had goat meat for supper. Started marching at 4.30 p.m. Marched all night.

Sunday Feb. 18, 1900

Marched most of night and arrived at drift at 7.00 am. Was rear guard of column. Heard heavy firing most of march. Orderly man today, had to fill pot hot coffee. Advance of our column and Boers and Boers engaged about 2 miles off R.C.R. ordered to battle before having time to drink coffee. All men in high spirits having at last been given a chance at the enemy. Had to ford Modder River up to our necks. “D” Company first ones over & formed up. Advance to firing line in extended order. Colour Sergt. Thompson of “D” Company before getting to firing line. Regt. advanced to within 400 yards of Boer lines under very heavy fire. C. Gibson slightly wounded in side. Very hot day till 2.30. Heavy thunder storm. Had sleep for few hours in firing line not having had but 2 hours sleep in 60. Casualties in R.C.R. 21 killed and 70 wounded, “D” Company casualties 2 killed 11 wounded, Casualties for whole army 1800. Gen. Kitchener in command of troops today. Cornwalls & Canadians charge Boer trenches but not able to reach them their firing being to heavy. Only ½ of “B” Company in fight today. Had nothing to eat all day and night. Helped a number wounded men back from firing line.

Monday Feb. 19, 1900

Had little sleep at night. R.C.R. Not engaged today being occupied in burying the dead. Had some coffee and hardtack the first in 10 hours. Had to go on burying party in the afternoon. Boer commando raises white flag the British cease firing and retire, Boers take it down and began to fire again on British. Regt. had to go on patrol at night, did not go have very sore feet. British blow up a number of Boer ammunition wagons. Slept at night.

Tuesday Feb. 20, 1900

Joined Regt. on outpost. Had nothing to eat until 2 p.m. Men get one biscuit a day. Company advance near Boer trenches but retire for dinner. Regt. in reserve all day at 1500 yards from Boer lager. Men moving about a good deal and enemy get our range and turn on us a gun we have named the Pom Pom on account of the sound it makes. No one hurt with Pom Pom shells but are flying dangerously near. Men all dug holes for themselves. Naval guns turned on Boer guns & soon silenced & destroy the Boer Pom Pom and kill men running it. On outpost all night. Very cold night. Had not slept today.

Wednesday Feb. 21, 1900

Marched in from outpost at 7. Moved camp about 100 yards out of range of Boer guns. Had little sleep in the morning. Had nothing to eat till 6.30 p.m. Had to go on outpost at 7. Boers set grass on veldt afire fearing we would atack them at night. Most men played for want of rest. Very little sleep.

Thursday Feb. 22, 1900

Come in off outpost at 6 a.m. Had some coffee at 7. Nothing to do in morning. R.C.R. Had to occupy a number of kopjes as enemy reported to have been driven towards them. Thunder storm came up and kept raining all of afternoon and night. Have neither blanket or greatcoats. Enemy does nor appear but all men kept on alert.

Friday Feb. 23, 1900

Men all had to stand to arms at 4 a.m. As enemy were reported to be approaching but did not come. Had coffee ay 8 a.m. Men killed small lamb. Still raining and men all wet & cold. Men each got a biscuit for day. Stewed it and had a good feed. Men got shot of rum issued to them. On duty all night & day. Boers given 12 hour amnesty to bury their dead.

Saturday Feb. 24, 1900

Off duty at 7.30 a.m. Men got shot of rum issued to them. Men got a drop of poor coffee for breakfast. Men all getting fat on our heavy diet. Men all tired and done out with heavy duty. Rain in the morning, fine in the afternoon. R.C.R. Relieved by Shropshires and march on down to river for rest. Men get tea and biscuit for supper. Sleep at 8.00 p.m.

Sunday Feb. 25, 1900

Got up about 4.00 a.m. Had very little sleep as it rained all night and are nearly floated away. Men got rum issued to them in morning. Men spent most of the day drying their clothes. Boers throw all their dead horses and oxen and many Boers also into the river to destroy our water. Had a good bath in the river. Rain in afternoon. Had supper at 6. p.m. To sleep at 8.00.

Monday Feb. 26, 1900

Got up at 5.30 had little sleep. Little breakfast at 6.30, a.m. Regt. got orders to march & relieve Cornwalls in trenches near Boer positions. Had to march 4 miles to trenches. Men are put on ½ rations. Plenty of sniping on both sides. Most of men in good spirits but tired out. Got a bit of dinner at 3. p.m. Night attack planned on Boer trenches. All men anxious to get at enemy with bayonets. Men have little sleep until 2.00 a.m.

Tuesday Feb. 27, 1900

Was up all night. Some of the men slept but I was on guard. Woke up all men at 2 a.m. to prepare to rush Cronji's trenches. Front rank went with fixed bayonets, rear rank with picks and shovels. Advanced within 50 feet of Boer trenches before being fired on by the enemy who were on to our scheme. Men were all surprised not knowing we were so near to trenches instead of we surprising the enemy. Major orders Regt. to retire and left half get confused in the darkness. Our casualties on our side about 50, 18 killed and 31 wounded. “D” Co. have 3 killed and 8 wounded. Carried couple men under cover from Boer fire. Capt. McDonnel first received surrender of Cronjie with 4500 men. R.C.R. Have the honour of forcing his surrender and also avenging Majuba of 1881 and which the Boers will no longer rejoice over. Majuba Day 19th anniv. R.C.R. march into lager & take possession of Cronjie's guns. Lord Roberts Congratulates Canadians for gallantry displayed. Had supper at 7. Slept in lager at night Cronjie and army sent at once to Modder River Station. To bed at 8.

Wednesday Feb. 28, 1900

Got up at 6 a.m. Had coffee at 7. Had to go on police duty in lager in morning. Dinner at 1. Wrote letter home. Got news that Ladysmith had been relieved but not confirmed. Had to go on outpost at night. Had little sleep at night.

Thursday March 1, 1900

Come off outpost at 6 a.m. Men get issue of rum in morning. Regt. moved about 2 miles from lager. Big thunderstorm most of day. Said about cooking flap-jacks most of afternoon which we got out of lager. Ready for bed at 8.30. Wet & Cold.

Friday March 2, 1900

Got up about 6 a.m. Had very little sleep as all our clothes & blankets wet. Had breakfast of coffee at 6.30. Inspection of arms in morning. Good dinner at 12.30, have new cooks. Went for swim in afternoon. Supper at 5.30. Ready for sleep at 8.30. Not feeling well W. Mills goes sick to field hospital.

Saturday March 3, 1900

Got up at 5 a.m. Not well today. Had big rain storm most of night. Had coffee at 6.30. Went for swim in afternoon, saw a couple of crocodiles in the river. British have engaged the enemy some 5 miles to north. Had coffee at 6. p.m. & had my ration of two biscuits stolen on me. Ready for bed at 8.30. Heard that Bloemfontein had fallen but only rumor as no troops near Capital.

Sunday March 4, 1900

Got up at 6.30. Had very good sleep. Had coffee at 7. Chaplains hold service, Church of England have no service on account of rainstorm in the morning. Men have shot of rum issued to them. Col. Otter reads a number of telegrams from England & Canada on our success also Lord Wolsley, Prince of Wales & Her Majesty. Bright & fine in the afternoon. Men everyone commanded fell marched back to Lager to decorate graves of dead men. Ready for bed at 8. Big rainstorm at 8.30 & camp flooded. Sit under transport wagon all night. Most men getting rested a bit.

Monday March 5, 1900

Had no sleep through night. Had coffee at 7. Men cleaning arms most of morning. Fine most of day. Had dinner at 12.30. Moved camp to higher ground. Made tents out of our blankets. Most of men sick of being drenched with rain. Mail for Reg. comes in from Kimberly. Got a few letters & papers from home. Could not read them as we have no candle. Ready for bed at 9.

Tuesday March 6, 1900

Got up at 5.30. Regt. gets orders to march at 8 a.m. Coffee at 6.30. Left camp at Lager and marched 6 miles and camped for day. Got issued with new emergency rations. Expect to go into action tomorrow. Good supper at 6. Get orders to move at 4 in morning. Had little sleep.

Wednesday March 7, 1900

Got up at 2 a.m. Had breakfast at 2.30. Started to advance on Boer position at 3.30 a.m. Artillery duel of British Naval & Boer guns. Regt. made feint attack on Boer position and they evacuate it and leave their guns which Shropshire capture. Boers kill one mule. Arrived at Stag's Kraal at about 6 p.m. after marching 21 miles and then had nothing to eat or not blankets or overcoats. Position taken from Boers was Blue Koppie. Regt in reserve today and saw Battle of Poplars Grove. Transports did not come up till morning. Had no sleep to cold.

Thursday March 8, 1900

Transports arrived at 3 a.m. Moved camp on higher ground. Had coffee at 7.30. Laid about camp most of day. Men get extra duty for eating emergency rations. Got our dinner about 5. p.m. Had to go 4 miles after drove of sheep. Ready for be about 9.

Friday March 9, 1900

Got up at 5 a.m. Men had to stand to arms for an hour. Had coffee at 7. Laid about camp for most of the morning. Had dinner at 12.30. Moved down river and had tea at 5. Crossed pontoon bridge at 9.30. Bivouacked on river side at night. To bed at 10.30.

Saturday March 10, 1900

Left Poplar Grove at 5.30. Breakfast at 4.30. Marched ten miles & had a drink of water and went on 10 more. Had battle at Driefontein and captured 2 guns from Boers and drove them off buff. Regt. lost 65 men in charge. Had to go on outpost at 6 p.m. Had no supper but at 11 p.m. We commandierd a sheep and six of us killed and ate it up. Had no sleep.

Sunday March 11, 1900

Had breakfast at 5.30. Marched in from Kopje at 6 a.m. Column did not start to march till 10.00 a.m. Marched about to Matyrsfonteon. Very warm. Got some potatoes from a Boer farmhouse & fried them in dubbin we got in camp. Men kill many rabbits. To sleep about 8.

Monday March 12, 1900

Got up at 3 a.m. Breakfast at 4 a.m. Started on march at 5.30 a.m. Did not march all way rode on transport wagon. Had very sore feet. Struck railroad track. Only had two meals all day. Men much fatigued for want of water. Bed at 9. p.m.

Tuesday March 13, 1900

Got up at 3 a.m. Had coffee at 4 a.m. Started on march at 5.30 a.m. Have very sore feet & got ride at transport wagon till dark. Lost track of Regt. Struck railway and got ride in Bloemfontein on switch train & ambulance trains. City surrendered at 11.a.m., Cran, Frye and Myself first Canadians in Bloemfontein. Slept on couch in farm had good sleep. Bloemfontein surrenders.

Wednesday March 14, 1900

Got up at 7.am. Commandeered box of biscuits and syrup for breakfast. Went about town commandeering all good eatables. Proclamation read in market square at 10,00 a.m. Regt. not yet in Bloemfontein. Had some bread and butter first in a month. Had supper at station restaurant. A. Boyle of “B” Boys gets 56 days I.H.L. for looting or stealing a chicken. Slept in coach all night.

Thursday March 15, 1900

Got up at 7. a.m. Walked about town. Regt. marched into withing two miles of town. Had to report to Col. Otter as we were reported missing. Did not get anything to eat till 5.30 p.m. Corp. Hulme went to town and bought us some bread. Richard Cunningham goes to hospital sick. Got to bed around 9 pm.

Friday March 16, 1900

Got up at 6. am. Breakfast at 6.30. Mess orderly for day. Had to walk about 3 miles for water. Nothing to do laid about camp most of day. Only five men of each Co. allowed each day. To bed at 9. Good Supper.

Saturday March 17, 1900

Got up at 6. am. Breakfast at 9. Had nit inspection at 7.30. Fine day, warm. 17th. of Ireland Day. Laid about camp most of day. Had to go on fatigue to unloading convoy. Got mail from home. To bed at 9.30.

Sunday March 18, 1900

Got up at 6. a.m. Church service at 6.30 a.m. Wrote letter home. Laid about tent most of the day. Nothing to do all day. Fine night moonlit, to bed at 8.30.

Monday March 19, 1900

Got up at 5.a.m. Received draft of L5 from Col. Ponton, ( Co. A.L.I. from Bellville ). Rain most of night. Had drill at 7. Nothing to do in morning. Rain all afternoon & night. Have nothing but blankets & no tents and all men wet & cold & camp flooded. C. Gibson & H.H. Jones went into town and get things to eat. Bought writing materials. Bed at 8.30

Tuesday March 20, 1900

Got up at 6. a.m. Batt. on wood fatigues for day, five miles out from camp. Was mess orderly for the day. Men not back for supper. Had coffee at six. Fine night moonlight.

Wednesday March 21, 1900

Got up at 5 a.m. Batt. paraded for inspection by Lord Roberts and Smith-Dorien at 7 a.m. Regt. got back at 8.30 a.m. Have very sore throat. Went to hospital for medicine. Regt. paraded at 8.a.m. for drill. Wrote letter home. G.G. Hulme gets pass into town. Supper at 5.30. Ready for bed at 8.30. Fine night.

Thursday March 22, 1900

Got up at 4. am. “D: Co. on duty and had to march to Kopje 4 miles away and stop for day. Have very sore throat still. Half of Regt. up before C.O. for eating emergency rations. Most of men get 3 to 5 days C.B., E. Frye, H. Jones & myself got off as we ate ours while lost from Regt. Regt. gets drilled and timed each day. Ready for ( Unable to read due to page fold. ) Fine night moonlite.

Friday March 23, 1900

Got in off outpost at 6.30. Breakfast at 7. Had good wash today. Nothing to do in morning. Rain most of the afternoon. Supper at 6.30 to bed at 8.30. Very Rainy.

Saturday March 24, 1900

Get up at 6.30. Rain most of morning. Rainy season at its climax. Camp is flooded out most of me soaking. Rain all day. Supper at 2. p.m. H. H. Jones taken sick and went to field hospital. Very cold. Gale blowing and not much sleep.

Sunday March 25, 1900

Got up at 5.30. Very cold raw day. Church parade at 6.30. Mess orderly for the day. Laid about camp most of day. Dinner at 12.30. Nothing to do in afternoon. Ready for bed at 8.30 fine night.

Monday March 26, 1900

Get up at 5.30. Men get full issue of bread today. S. Large of “B” Boys goes to field hospital with fever. D. Cummington moved from field to St. Andrew's in the city. Hard drill at 11.00 am. Had to walk about 3 miles to get water. G Hulme goes to town and fetches us a number of eatables. Supper at 5.30. Got a bundle of papers from home. Bed at 8.

Tuesday March 27, 1900

Got up at 6. Had drill at 8. a.m. Finished drill at 9.30. Cleaned rifles and arms in morning. Regt. drill again at 11.00 a.m. Nothing to do in afternoon. G. Tilley goes to field hospital. About 50 men of R.C.R. in hospital & number increasing every day. C. Gibson sick in tent. J. McNair laid up off duty with sore throat. “D” Co. has 45 men on parade each day out of 120 men who have been either sick, or been killed or wounded. Supper at 4.30. To bed at 8.30. Fine night.

Wednesday March 28, 1900

Got up at 6.am. Breakfast at 7. Drill at 8. a,m, Cleaning arms at morning. Drill at 11. am. Nothing to do in afternoon. ( Tear in page ) in a month. Fine night warm.

Thursday March 29, 1900

Got up at 6. a.m. Had drill at 8. a.m. Not feeling well today. Drill again at 11. a.m. Col. gave men a lecture on writing home falsehoods about him. Bathing parade in afternoon. Cooks had to boil all water for men as a guard against fever. Went in town on pass. To bed at 9.

Friday March 30, 1900

Got up at 6. a.m. Mess orderly for day. No drill for Regt. today as we furnish all guards. Had to carry meals to men over a mile. Had lunch with young Boer who had fought against us at Paardeburg and Bloemfonrein who escaped through our lines at Paardeburg. In town most of afternoon. Got orders to move in morning. Got to bed at 8.30.

Saturday March 31, 1900

Got up at 3. a.m. Breakfast at 4. Started march at 6.30. Marched all day. R.C.R. form real guard. British under Gen. _______ with large convoy are attacked by Boers and convoy captured and British badly cut up. “B” and “C” Co.'s only R.C.R. (not) in action today. March until 11.30 at night. British have 9 guns and recapture 7. Stopped on bank of river for night. Had no coats or blankets and very little sleep as night is bitterly cold. G. Hulme sick on march today.

Sunday April 1, 1900

Get up at 3. a.m. Got no sleep at night. Get ready to cross river at 7.a.m. but orders changed and we retired. British all retired to Bushman's Kop. 5 miles in afternoon. Boers shift their position to a much stronger one and we are trying to draw them out by retiring. Had tea at 6.30. To bed at 8.30.

Monday April 2, 1900

Got up at 4. a.m. Had to stand to arms till 5.30. Had coffee at 7. Had to go on fatigue burying dead Boers, from previous days. Regt. left Bushman's Kop at 3 p.m. Marched about 5 miles and bivouacked at Springfield. Had tea about 7. To bed at 8.30. cloudy.

Tuesday April 3, 1900

Got up 5.00 a.m. Breakfast at 5.30. Started march for Bloemfontein at 7. a.m. Got back to old camp at about 12.00. Dinner at 2.30. Mess orderly for the day. Stopped off march on edge of town and bought bread and other things for “B” boys. Ready for bed at 8.30. Very sore feet.

Wednesday April 4, 1900

Got up at 5.30 a.m. Had to fill pot for breakfast. Had a good swim in morning. Fine in morning. Regt. gets order to move at 2. p.m. Did not go very far as I was sick and had very sore feet. Went in jail on way back & looked about many Boer prisoners in jail. Got back to camp about 7. p.m. Many men fall out on march unfit to walk a mile. Went to bed at 8. Fine night. H. Jones came out of hospital.

Thursday April 5, 1900

Got up at 5. a.m. Not well today. Coffee at 7. Paraded to Highlanders hospital at 8.30 but could not see Dr. until 1 p.m. Laid about most of morning. Big rainstorm all afternoon and night. All men soaking wet. Pitched tent to sleep in all our blankets wet. Supper at 7. Ready for bed about 9. Have about 20 candles & we light them all to try and warm the tent as it is very cold.

Friday April 6, 1900

Got up at 5. a.m. Had movement at 6. Had breakfast at 7. Pitched tent for Regt. at old camp. Regt. returned at 12.30. Did not run across any Boer troops. Dinner at 1. Went into town to buy things for “B” Boys. Had to go on guard fatigue 4 miles from camp and drag wood in. Hat tea at 6. To bed at 9. Heavy thunder storm at night.

Saturday April 7, 1900

Got up at 5.30. Had breakfast at 6. Regt. having bathing parade at 8. Had a good swim. Had medical inspection by P.M.O. At 9.30. Nothing else to do in morning. Laid about writing most of afternoon. Supper at 5. Ready for bed about 9. Fine moonlight night. Most of “B” men feeling well.

Sunday April 8, 1900

Got up at 6. a.m. Mess orderly for the day. Had breakfast at 7. Did not have walk after water as it is drawn in cart. Church parade at 8.30. Drawing rations in morning. Men get bread issued to us. Think this is Palm Sunday as we have no calendar. Laid in tent reading till lights out. To bed at 9.

Monday April 9, 1900

Got up at 6. a.m. Had to parade to start with very sore back. Regt. had to go on fatigues in town. Wrote letter to Mr. Morrison. Nothing to do in afternoon. Supper at 5. p.m. Laid down till lights out. To bed at 9.

Tuesday April 10, 1900

Got up at 6. a.m. Not feeling well today. Both ( ***** ) of R.C.R. sick in hospital. No hospital parade in morning. Laid about tent most of day. Supper at 12.30. Nothing to do in afternoon. Ready for bed at 9. a.m. Slept well.

Wednesday April 11, 1900

Got up at 6. a.m. Not feeling well today. Many men sick in camp. 100 men of R.C.R. sick in city with fever and ect. Men get extra blanket issued to them. Nothing to do in afternoon. S. Large comes out of hospital looking bad. Had supper at 4.30. Had to go on outpost at 9. Drenching rain most of night. Did not get any sleep.

Thursday April 12, 1900

Come off outpost at 6. Had breakfast at 7. Laid about tent most of morning. Had new trousers issued to us. Nothing to do in afternoon. 5 Men in our tent sick with different complaints. To bed at 9.

Friday April 13, 1900

Got up at 5 a.m. Mess orderly for the day. Not feeling well today. Many men sick. Good Friday and fine day. Nothing to do in afternoon. “D” Co. on inlying picquet. Not feeling well today. Bed at 8.30.

Saturday April 14, 1900

Got up at 5 a.m. Had to go on fatigue in morning. Bought doz. eggs for 2 P. 7 S. 6 P. Had an issue of cheese. Had to go on wood fatigue to kopje. Sergt. Bert Beatty dies in field.

Sunday April 15, 1900

Got up at 6. Church at 8.45. “B” Boys got box from home stuff chiefly for G. Hulme, W. Mills, G. Phillips and Dick Cunningham. Nothing to do in morning. Had ½ doz. eggs for Easter dinner. “B” Boys all feeling bad over Sergt. Beatties death. Ready for bed at 9. Heavy thunder storm all night.

Monday April 16, 1900

Got up at 6. a.m. Cleaning arms most of morning. Wrote letters home. Nothing to do in afternoon. Rainy most of day. Had to go on guard at 5. Was on flying sentry co. did not get much sleep.

Tuesday April 17, 1900

Come off sentry at 7. Have had bad attack of sun. Mess orderly for the day. Men get issued with new shirts and other clothing and small articles. Wrote letters home. To bed at 9.

Wednesday April 18, 1900

Get up at 6. a.m. Nothing to do in morning. Dinner at 12.30. “D” Co. inlying piquet Have to sleep with arms and all clothing. Ready for bed at about 9.

Thursday April 19, 1900

Get up at 6. a.m. People had to fall in at reveille. Nothing to do in morning. Dinner at 12.30. Had to go on outpost at 5. Supper at 4.30. Duty not hard on outpost tonight. Had old 9 hrs duty.

Friday April 20, 1900

Get up at 5. Marched in off outpost at 7. Nothing to do in morning. Dinner at 12.30. Waiting most of afternoon. Got orders to move in morning. Reday for bed at 9. Fine night

Saturday April 21, 1900

Got up at 5. a.m. Ordered to move at 7. Regt. ready to march off but order cancelled. Men dismissed at noon. Paraded to hospital & put on light duty. Regt. ordered to move at 1 p.m. Mail taken with Regt. Regt. camped at Springfield for night. Ready for bed at 8.

Sunday April 22, 1900

Got up at 5.a.m. Went to Dr. to get medicine, put on light duty. Dinner at ( Remainder unable to read due to damage ).

Monday April 23, 1900

Got up at 6. a.m. Regt. marches to Kloofs Kraal. Nothing to do in afternoon. Marches not bad the last couple of days. Ready for bed at 8.

Tuesday April 24, 1900

Got up at 6.30. Regt. camped about 3 miles off Kloofs Kraal. Regt. advances on Waterworks. Boers retreat over river. We occupy Mimmora Kop commanding waterworks. Camp on kopje for night. Only five miles march today.

Wednesday April 25, 1900

Got up at 6.30 a.m. Regt. formed advance guard today. Advance on Thabu Nachu range of hills. Artillery & M.I. Often fire on Boers at 3 p.m. Boers have a big gun. M.I. retire out of line of fire. Infantry advance cover of Artillery and taken range of hills. Casualties in our Regt. 1 Killed 5 Wounded. Col. Otter of our Regt. wounded in chin. Name of place Israels Port. Bivouacked for night at foot of hills. Bed at 8.

Thursday April 26, 1900

Got up at 6. a.m. Had bath in morning. On fatigue in morning. Moved off at 10. Rear guard of convoy today. Arrived at Thabu Nachu at noon. Regt. left at 1.30 to occupy hill to right of town. Fortified hill and bivouacked for night not much sleep. On observation for night.

Friday April 27, 1900

Regt. stands to arms for morning. Regt. does observation duty for day. Frenches Cavalry and 8th division pass us today. Left our position for town at 3.30 arrived at 5.30. “D” Co. on outpost for night and have to patrol about 20 miles at night. Supper at 6.p.m. Not much sleep.

Saturday April 28, 1900

Still on outpost all morning. Cool day. Breakfast at 8. Nothing much to do in morning. All companies stay on duty except “B” & “D”. “B” & “D” have to go on outpost at 10. p.m. Have very little sleep at night. On duty 2 hours in morning and again in PM.

Sunday April 29, 1900

Came in off outpost for day. Regt. laid in tents most of day. Big guns firing most all day on both sides. Regt. arrived in camp at midnight. On duty from 3 to 5. Ready for bed at 9.

Monday April 30, 1900

Revelle at 4. a.m. Breakfast at 4.30. Big march off at 5. a.m. Encountered Boers at 11. a.m. Regt. heavily shelled by enemy through out the day. Harry Cotton of “D” Co. killed by a shell. Infantry advance and take Boer position and camped for a day on it. Name of place Hoet's Nek. Marched for 10 miles day. Sleep at 9.

Tuesday May 1, 1900

Regt. advanced further on Boer position at 6.30. Heavy shell & rifle fire from Boer positions. Drove Boers off hill at 2.30. Casualties for Cans. In two days 1 killed and 7 wounded. We captured 1 gun and 250 prisoners. Chase Boers about 4 miles & camp for night. Bed about 8 p.m.

Wednesday May 2, 1900

Revelle at 5. a.m. Did not move our camp today. Send 19 men back to Bloemfontein. Detail left in Bd. arrived Regt. at night. To bed at 9.

Thursday May 3, 1900

Reveille 4. Breakfast 4.30. Start on march at 5.30. Marched at 15 miles today. Our Brigade joined by the Highlanders & 21 Brigade, and 2.5” guns and 2 – 4.7” guns at Faratrillie. Ready for bed at 9. Good sleep.

Friday May 4, 1900

Regt. march off at 6.30. Meet enemy at 10. R.H.A. shells Kopje and were heavily shelled in return by Boer guns. Fighting till 2. p.m. R.C.R. not engaged today. Marched 15 miles today. Bed at 8.

Saturday May 5, 1900

Reveille at 5 . a.m. Start march at 7. March 17 miles to Winberg. Marched in column advance. (Unable to read remainder due to fold.)

Sunday May 6, 1900

R.C.R. rests for day. Draft for Regt. arrived most of whom are played out. Austin Gleeson with Regt. been sick and is sent home. Left Winberg at 5. a.m. Marched at night. Not much sleep.

Monday May 7, 1900

March delayed on account of Boer peace conference being held and Regt. gets another whole day of rest. Have good nights sleep.

Tuesday May 8, 1900

R.C.R. have another days rest. Have good feed today. Most men sick of fighting and would like to return. R.C.R. have to go on outpost at 5.

Wednesday May 9, 1900

Reveille at 4. a.m. Regt. had to stand to arms till break of day. Moved off at 8 and marched 18 miles. Cool day. Meals not bad today. Arrived at camp and bivouacked for night.

Thursday May 10, 1900

Regt. moved off at 6 a.m. Advanced about 2 miles and did not take part in any action. R.C.R. just out of firing line but suffered a few casualties from Boer snipers. Casualties on our side 2 killed and six wounded.. Boer siege gun put out of action by our naval guns. Regt. marched over river.

Friday May 11, 1900

Reveille at 5. a.m. Rear guard for day. Started on march at 10. Marched about 7 miles and & halted for 3 hrs. and then marched ten more. To bed at 8.

Saturday May 12, 1900

Reveille at 6. a.m. Started at 8. a.m. Marched 9 miles and camped 5 miles out of Kroonstadt. Kroonstadt fall in our hands. Most of men feeling good. Ready for bed at 8.

Sunday May 13, 1900

Regt. rest for day and do not (Unable to read fold in paper) very good meals today. To bed at 9

Monday May 14, 1900

Regt. rest again all day and inspected by Lord Roberts and Staff. Ready for duty again. To bed at 8.

Tuesday May 15, 1900

Regt. moved off at 7.30 a.m. Regt. to rear guard to Brigade, marched for 12 months & halted for the day. Most of men feeling well. Ready for bed at 9.

Wednesday May 16, 1900

Reveille at 6. a.m. Laid in most of day. Good meals today. Started on march at 4. p.m. & marched about 12 miles. Not feeling any to good today. To bed at 9.

Thursday May 17, 1900

Reveille at 6. Moved off at 8. Marched 12 miles. Halted 3 hours. Then marched 5 miles more. Have no meals all through day. Have tea at 11. p.m. Have meat and soup at 3. a.m. while bivouacking. Not had much sleep.

Friday May 18, 1900

Reveille at 6. a.m. Boers fire on M.I. while they are under cover of white flag. Big gun blows up convoy. Not feeling well today. To bed at 9.30. Fine night. Had to go sick to hospital and laid all day & night in coal trenches.

Saturday May 19, 1900

Reveille at 6. a.m. Regt. marched ten miles today. Regt. advance guard for day. On my way to Norval's Port. Many men sent to country sick. To bed at 8.

Sunday May 20, 1900

Reveille in regt. at 6.30. Regt. is rear guard for day. Marched 15 miles. Regt. joined column again. Firing in distance ahead. Was my first day in Norval's Port hospital. Sick in hospital with dysentary. Had good bath first in long time. Sleep most of day.

Monday May 21, 1900

Reveille in regt, at 4.30. Started on march at 10. Regt. in fight ( Unable to read due to fold in page. ) hospital sorry to be sick. Sleeping most of day. Living on 3 pints of milk a day 1 pint at 11, one at 12.20, 1 at 8. Men do not get any care.

Tuesday May 22, 1900

Reveille at 4. a.m. Advance guard to column. Entered Heilbron with colors and in extended order. No fighting today. Quite sick today. Slept most of day. Poor attendance.

Wednesday May 23, 1900

Reveille at 6.30. Start on march at 7.30. Marched 8 miles. Heavy firing in rear. Guns in rear or column trained on town but no Boers show up. Not feeling any better in hospital. Nothing to do but sleep & write in my diary.

Thursday May 24, 1900

Reveille at 4.30. Moved off at 6. a.m. Our brigade in advance. March 15 miles to railroad. Regt. to outpost tonight. Bands play tonight first time since Bloem.

Friday May 25, 1900

Regt. moves off at 7. a.m. March 4 miles & halt for rest. Roberts column pass us and we march 4 miles further on and have to unload convoy and then men have to march. Men all played out with days work. This was one of Col. Otters volunteering his Regt. to work. Men get issued 1 lb. of flour and a lb. of new meat. Still sick in hospital. Many fresh troops pass here for front. Getting rest out and we laid in tent telling tails half of night. Good sleep.

Saturday May 26, 1900

Reveille at 6. Regt. move off at 8. Col. Otter joins Regt. again. Cross Vaal River at 3.10 a.m. March about 15 miles today. General French in action ahead of us. “D” Co. furnishing guard at night. Feeling fairly good today. Had good sleep.

Sunday May 27, 1900

Reveille at 6. a.m. Regt. moves off at 10. Regt. forms rear guard for the day. March 15 miles today. In hospital still and hospital very cold. Many men in hospital picked out to be invalided home to England. I would not go as I thought I would be better soon. Men get plenty of reading materiel in hospital.

Monday May 28, 1900

Reveille at 4. Started on march at 5. Marched 10 miles today. Heavy firing going on in front Regt. not in action today. French occupied in clearing pass to Johannesburg. Very cold in hospital today. Number of men die in hospital here. Feeling good today.

Tuesday May 29, 1900

Shelling on left. March 12 miles. Our advance heavily shelled by Boers. Our Naval guns return fire with deadly accuracy. Gordon's advance over burnt veldt and falls fast as khaki shows up bright on it, Boers make stubborn fight but Gordon's carry hill at point of bayonet. Many Boers killed in todays battle. Cornwall's advance on right & R.C.R. on left, could not advance further on account of heavy cross fire. Position carried at dusk. Marched about 2 miles & bivouack. Men have had no water all day. Gordon's have 86 killed and 136 wounded. R.C.R. had 7 men wounded. I am still in hospital feeling better.

Wednesday May 30, 1900

Regt. moved at 9 without breakfast. Marched 5 miles and rest of day at Florida. Still in hospital. Men in hospital get issue of rum. Sold mine for ticky. Resting well.

Thursday May 31, 1900

Regt. having nothing to do today. Most of men feeling well and are thinking that their work will be finished when Pretoria falls. We get work in Norval's Pont that Kruger had surrendered. All men in hospital feeling good over news. Feeling good today.

Friday June 1, 1900

Revellie at 6. a.m. Regt. starts on march and marche 7 miles and sight Johannesburg and halt a few miles out of city. Feeling fairly well today. Meeting well. Men in hospital get poor attention.

Saturday June 2, 1900

Men get full issue of biscuits today. Regt. rest for today. All enteric cases and ( Unable to read due to fold in diary)

Sunday June 3, 1900

Reveille at 4.30, had breakfast at 6. Marched about 16 miles northeast to Pretoria. Men in hospital get issue of rum. Give mine away. Feeling good today but do not get my milk regular enough.

Monday June 4, 1900

Reveille at 4.30. Regt. moved off at 7. March 11 miles and change directions and halted in pass outside Pretoria. Heavy shell and rifle fire on ridge in front. March 12 miles. Roberts shelling Boer forts. Still in hospital, had an American apple to eat today first since left home. Resting well.

Tuesday June 5, 1900

Reveille at 4.30. Moved off at 6. a.m. Our Regt. advance guard today and expect great cutting up as Boers are expected to put up a stubborn resistance. Regt. meets with no resistance at Pretoria. Sight Pretoria at 8. a.m. Regt. received by Lord Roberts and do the march past in front of the Boer Raadyzaal. Marched back at 5.30. 19th Brigade broken up.

Wednesday June 6, 1900

Regt. leave at 8 a.m. For spring east of Johannesburg to do garrison duty for 9 weeks. Still in Norval's Pont, M. McCory come to convalesent camp here. News read to us of the surrender of Pretoria and and capture of General Botha's and Kruger's wifes. British prisoners were well. City surrenders to Gen. H. De Leisle on the name of Lord Roberts and Her Majesty Queen Victoria. Feeling good today. Most of men think war is over and will soon all be bound for home

Thursday June 7, 1900

Not feeling extra well today. Was up but very sick in afternoon. Slept very good at night. Fine night.

Friday June 8, 1900

Up and about tent today. Hospital inspected by Gen. Howe. Went back in bed early as dysentery is troubling me very much. Not feeling at all good. Very cold night.

Saturday June 9, 1900

Men issued with new underclothing. Sold mine. Not feeling extra well today. Orderlies in hospital very careless, lazy. Have good sleep tonight.

Sunday June 10, 1900

About 500 men come in from hospitals in Bloemfontain to Convalescent Camp here. We get very little news from front here now. Very cold night. Feeling very good.

Monday June 11, 1900

Still in hospital and feeling poorly. Our hospital tents are repitched to new camping ground in morning. Very cold night.

Tuesday June 12, 1900

Lay about in tent reading magazines most of morning. We get papers to read printed as lately as 1860. put on rations in hospital. Feeling fairly well today. Very cold.

Wednesday June 13, 1900

Able to be up and about tents today. Dysentery about well but weak and thin. Laid about cot most of day. Men played cards a good deal to pass the time away. Good sleep.

Thursday June 14, 1900

Got up about 7. Very cold morning. Breakfast at 8.30. Marched for home but asked Dr. to let me stay. About 400 sick men went down country to go to England. Number of men leave here for rest camp. To bed most of afternoon.

Friday June 15, 1900

Got up about 7.30. Have little breakfast at 8. Took little walk about camp. Have good game of Baccarat in tent. To bed early in day. Very cold night.

Saturday June 16, 1900

Got up at 7.30 am. Very cold morning. Have roll call & Dr. inspection at 9. Wrote letter home. Number of fellows of 2nd M.I. came in to camp. Most of men in tents playing cards.

Sunday June 17, 1900

Got up about 7.30 a.m. Have no parade today. Took long walk to Norvals Pont bridge. Have Chirch of England service at 6 p.m. Dark cloudy night. Slept well tonight

Monday June 18, 1900

Got up at 7 a.m. Cold in morning. Have roll call & Dr's inspection at 9. sit in tent & play cards most of evening. About 100 men have left here & sent to Rest Camp.

Tuesday June 19, 1900

Got up at about 7.30. Get tarpaulin for tents. Have no Dr's inspection in morning. All men in camp have to have their arms cleaned in case of an emergencyif should we be attacked. Lights out sounds at 9 p.m.

Wednesday June 20, 1900

Got up at 7. Put into convalescent camp. Have to parade with arms and get 100 rounds of ammunition issued to us. Officers in chg. of us worse than kids as they know very little about drill.

Thursday June 21, 1900

Got up about 7.30. Had to go on Pioneer duty for ½ an hour. Had good feed of spuds for dinner today. Lay about in tent for most of afternoon. Very cold today. Men have very little to do in Convalecent camp except eat & sleep. Lights out at 9.

Friday June 22, 1900

Got up at 7.30. Breakfast at 8.30. Have roll call & Dr's inspection at 9 a.m. Nothing to do in morning. Doing some writing today. Reading most of night.

Saturday June 23, 1900

Got up at 7.30. Not feeling extra today. Had to go in hospital again. Put on milk diet again. Have string bed & mattress & plenty of blankets. To bed again at 7.

Sunday June 24, 1900

Laying in bed most of day. Had good night's rest. Milk comes to us every & any hour in day. Not feeling bad today.

Monday June 25, 1900

Got up at 8.30. Made my bed and set about waiting for Dr. to come and asked Dr. to let me come out of hospital as I am nearly starved. Carried my kit back to Convalescent Camp from hospital. Have good sleep in tent tonight.

Tuesday June 26, 1900

Camp inspected by P.M.O. from Bloemfontein. Got pair of trousers and underwear issued to me. Sat about reading in tent most of day. Got news that De Wet had captured convoy.

Wednesday June 27, 1900

Had to draw rations today. Mess orderly for today. Four companies formed in camp to put up a defence in case camp is attacked. Camp is inspected by Gen. Knox and staff. Man of our company died of enteric. I go to bed at 9. ( 7865 Pte. J. W. Duhamel, Norval Spruit, Enteric Fever )

Thursday June 28, 1900

Get about 7.30 a.m. Roll call and Dr.'s inspection at 9.30 a.m. Had to do a little fatigues in morning. Command orderlies of camp play football match. Ready for bed at 8.30.

Friday June 29, 1900

Got up at 7.30. Cold morning. Had breakfast at 8.30. Had little fatigue in morning. Wrote letter home today. Feeling good best since left Regt. Ready for bed at 8.30. Very cold night.

Saturday June 30, 1900

Got up at 7.30. Roll call & Dr. inspection at 9.30. Big sandstorm this morning. Nothing to do in afternoon. Went for a walk about camp in after tea. Have very bad cold. Service in Soldiers Home every night. Cold night.

Sunday July 1st, 1900

Get up at 7.30. Church of England Chaplain of camp holds communion service in camp. Anniversary of Confederation of Dominion of Canada. 33 years. Lay about camp most of day. Rain most of night.

Monday July 2nd, 1900

Got up at 7.30. Rained most of day. In tents we are counting on having peace declared each day. Am feeling much better and manage to eat whole of ration for breakfast & dinner. Bed at 9.

Tuesday July 3rd, 1900

Got up about 7.30. Have paraded to trenches that we have to occupy in case camp is attacked. I have many magazines in camp and we trade them (****) one for one. Bed at 9.

Wednesday July 4th, 1900

Got up about 7.30. Roll call at 9. Men who are able make trip from camp in search of baboons which frequent the hills in large numbers. Have bad cold tonight. Ready for bed at 8.30.

Thursday July 5, 1900

Got up at 7. Cold in camp today. Have a good dream about home and feel disgusted when I wake up and find myself nearly frozen. Am attacked by big male ostrich. Concert held in camp. Bed at 9.

Friday July 6, 1900

Up at 7.30. Cold morning. We have about 200 of frost at night and ice 1 ½ inches thick. Hear very little news from front. Cold night, moonlight.

Saturday July 7, 1900

Got up at 7.30. Very cold morning. Have our meals at regular hours. Men have orders read to them that they must not sell any government clothing. Much clothing taken from Kaffiers. To bed at 9.

Sunday July 8, 1900

Got up at 7. Went to church parade in morning. Have good feed of spuds today. Went to river in pm. Strolled about camp till bedtime. To bed at 9.

Monday July 9, 1900

Got up at 7.30. Orderly man for day. Men in Convalescent Camp parade with arms at 9.30. On light fatigue in morning. We get news in camp that Kitchener was killed but not confirmed. Cold night. Ready for bed at 9.

Tuesday July 10, 1900

Got up at 7. Fine day. About 200 enteric patients leave for home. Am feeling in best of health now and intend trying to get up line in course of a few days. To bed at 9.

Wednesday July 11, 1900

Got up about 7. Was on easy fatigue in morning. Men got good feed of spuds today. Went to Church of England at 1. All camp in Bloemfontein pass here for Cape Town and tell me that Regt. will be down in a few days. To bed at 9.

Thursday July 12, 1900

Dr. picks out about 200 men for Cape Town me among them but would not go. Have concert at night in camp. Got loan of L 1 from S. Perry. Had to given my name in to orderly room for Cape Town but did not go.

Friday July 13, 1900

Got up at 7. Fine day. Reading most of day. Very stormy & sandy in afternoon. Wrote a letter home today. R Davies of Johannesburg preaches in Soldiers Home tent. Bed at 9.

Saturday July 14, 1900

Got up at 7. Have neuralgia very bad. Went to see Dr. for medicine. Dr's inspection at 9. Ready for bed at 9. Very Cold.

Sunday July 15, 1900

Got up at 7. Went to river today. Men in camp get issue of rum. Went to Church of England service at 6 p.m. To bed at 9.

Monday July 16, 1900

Got up at 7. Nothing to do in morning. Suffer much from neuralgia. New hospital set up by Lady Gifford and Mrs. Seymour. Ready for bed at 9.

Tuesday July 17, 1900

Got up at 7. On parade at 9. Nothing else to do today. My neuralgia troubling me very much. Ready for bed about 9.

Tuesday July 17, 1900

Got up at 7. Go to bridge in morning. Nothing to do all day. Got medicine in hospital. Hear very little news from front.

Wednesday July 18, 1900

Got up at 7.30. Orderly man for day. Inspection of arms by camp C.O. On little fatigues in morning. Had treat for supper today two eggs I traded for tin jam. Have Church of England service at 7. Ready for bed at 9.

Thursday July 19, 1900

Roll call & Dr's inspection at 9. Went to river in morning and did my washing. Having good time by river. Nothing to do in afternoon. Walking about camp most of evening. To bed at 9.

Friday July 20, 1900

Got up at 7.30. Inspection of arms at 10. Nothing to do in morning. Nothing to do in afternoon. Soldiers Home ay night. To bed at 9.

Saturday July 21, 1900

Got up about 7. Dr's inspection about 9. All convalescent camp have to keep arms and ammunition in case of attack. Nothing to do in afternoon to bed about 9. Rev. Almond comes to camp & tells us we are going home.

Sunday July 22, 1900

Got up at 7. Very cold windy today. Church at 11, did not go to service. Got razor, brush & cigarettes & 2 bob given to us by Rev. Almond. Rains most of day. Nothing to do in afternoon. To bed at 9.

Monday July 23, 1900

Got up about 7.30. Very cold day. C.O. inspected our arms this morning. Morning much doing in camp and am getting tired of my inactivity in campaign. Troubled very much with tooth. In bed at 9. Rain very heavy during night.

Tuesday July 24, 1900

Got up about 7.30. Inspection of arms at 10 by C.O. troubled very much by tooth to bed at 6.30.

Wednesday July 25, 1900

Got up at 7.00. Dr. inspection at 9. Went to hospital to have tooth extracted by Dr. from Edinburgh Hospital. Church of England service at 7. Men got issue of rum. Ready for bed at 9.

Thursday July 26, 1900

Got up at 7. About 200 convalescents leave here for Cape Town. Inspection of arms at 10. Have neuralgia bad. Men in camp most of the time laying in tent.

Friday July 27, 1900

Got up at 7. Orderly man for day. Dr. inspection at 9. Doing some mending on my clothes most of day. Had supper at 4. Bed at 9.

Saturday July 28, 1900

Got up at 7. Dr's inspection at 9. Got mail 11 letters. First in a long time spent most of day reading my letters. Went to Chaplains tent for talk. Wrote letter home. Bed at 9.

Sunday July 29, 1900

Got up at 7. Paraded at 9 to be told off for church. Wrote letter to Clark. Man in tent had fit. Sent for Dr. and he would not come to see him. Told us to carry the man to him. Men got issue of rum. Seymore plays organ at our service. To bed at 9.

Monday July 30, 1900

Got up at 7.30. Dr. inspection at 9. Been picked out for Cape Town but did not go. Laid in bed telling tales until near midnight. Lights go out at 9.

Tuesday July 31, 1900

Got up at 7. Paraded sick at 9. All convalescents able to walk and carry a rifle a mile have to march and take up positions that they would have to in case of an attack. Went for long walk around Kopje's. Supper at 4.30. To bed at at 9.

Wednesday August 1, 1900

Got up at 7. Went to hospital for medicine. Cricket match Cornwalls and Camp V.S. Edinburgh Hospital. Did not go. Went to Church of England service at 7. Laid in bed till midnight telling yarns.

Thursday August 2, 1900

Got up at 7. Dr. inspection at 9. Go to hospital for medicine. Nothing to do in camp. Have concert in camp, program furnished by the Drs. And orderlies from Edinburgh Hospital. Men get issue of tobacco. Bed at 9.

Friday August 3, 1900

Got up at 7. Have new medical inspection Col. Falvey (?) leaving this camp. New Dr. very strict. Got news that De Wet had captured and wrecked another train. To bed about 9.30.

Saturday August 4, 1900

Got up at 7. New Dr. inspected men and sent most of them to rest camp many new supplies come into camp. Wrote couple of letters home. Came near to having a scrap with and English soldier who spoke very rudely about Canada. He apologized for it. Nothing to do in evening. To bed at 9.

Sunday August 5, 1900

Got up about 7. Heavy rain storm early in morning. Paraded at 8.30 told off for church service at 11 a.m. Rain most of day. Got an army testament given to me here in camp. Get issue of rum.. To bed at 9.

Monday August 6, 1900

Got up at 7. Dr. inspection at 9. Very cold windy day. Lay in tend reading most of day. Took walk about camp. Bed at about 9. Very cold at night.

Tuesday August 7th, 1900

Got up at 7. Roll call at 9. About 200 men go to rest camp. Nothing to do in afternoon. Mr. Stewart of Soldiers Home learns he is to go up country. Got an Army Testament. Ready for bed at 9.

Wednesday August 8th, 1900

Got up at 7.30. Orderly man for today. Had to peel spuds for dinner. Men had issue of rum today. Went to Church of England service at 7. To bed at 9.

Thursday August 9th, 1900

Got up at 7.30. Inspection of arms at 10. Got new shirt issued to me. Neuralgia bad. Mr. Gregson preaches at Soldiers Home. He is head of A.T.A. Ready for bed at about 9. Cold Night.

Friday August 10th, 1900

Got up at 7.30. Have no Drs. inspection. Went to river & had a swim. Big wind and sand storm most of day. Walk to where Kaffiers do their washing and talk to them most of day. Boer tells them that no black man go to heaven but the Devil takes them. To bed at 9.

Saturday August 11th, 1900

Got up at 7. Very windy day. Took walk over kopjes. Received couple of letters from home. Heavy wind and rain storm most of day. Go to Soldiers Home to hear Mr. Gregstone the founder of the Home. Lights out to bed at 9.30.

Sunday August 12th, 1900

Got up at 7.30. To church at 11. Got 3 letters from home. Had good dinner at 12.30. Laid in tent writing letters most of afternoon. Have neuralgia bad. Ready for bed about 8.

Monday August 13th, 1900

Got up at 7.30. Nothing much to do in camp. English mail is collected on Mondays. Men in camp are very tricky with one another . After man has made his bed and goes out of tent they make a French one of it. To bed at 9.

Tuesday August 14th, 1900

Got up at 7.30. Had to go on parade and march to bridge got back at about 11. Supper at 12.30. Reading most of the afternoon . Cricket matach between Con. Camp and Edinburgh Hospital orderlies. All men in camp get issued with extra blanket as did the horses after all the cold weather is over and not much need for them. Ready for bed at 9. Lie in tent telling tall tales half the night.

Wednesday August 15th, 1900

Got up at 7.30. Medical inspection at 9. Went out to spring and sit and talk to Kaffiers all day while they are doing their laundry. Kaffiers use a stone for a washboard. Back to camp for Dinner. Reading for most of PM. Men in camp get issue of rum. Went to Church of England service at 7. To bed at 9.

Thursday August 16th, 1900

Got up at 7.30. Inspection of arms at 9. We have the same type of grub all the time. We have a Kaffier servant come and clean our tent for us for what meat we do not eat. Started letter to Ern. Caverly. Quite windy and dusty today. Received word that De Wet was captured today but not confirmed. Had open air concert at 8. Bed at 9.

Friday August 17th, 1900

Got up ay 7.30. Took a walk out to spring. Got back to camp to late for dinner. Laid about reading most of afternoon. Men in camp issued with tobacco sold mine for ticky. Bot bun and coffee with proceeds. To bed at 9.

Saturday August 18th, 1900

Got up at 7.30. No parade today. Went out to spring and had my washing done by Kaffier women. Kaffier's made coffee for us. Supper at 4.30. Took walk about camp after supper. Nothing to do. To bed at 9.

Sunday August 19th, 1900

Got up at 7.30. Breakfast at 8. Parade at 9 to be told off for church. Went to church at 11. Writing most of afternoon. Got issue of rum and sold mine for ticky. Most Sisters go to church at night. Made french bed for one of the men in tent and he got mad & fight with man he thought made it.

Monday August 20th, 1900

Got up at 7.30. Never in any hurry to get up early as there is nothing to do. Inspection of arms by officers in camp. Took walk to springs & had my washing done by Kaffier women. Did not come back to camp for dinner. Lie in tent most of night talking about Canada & Britain. To bed at 9.

Tuesday August 21st, 1900

Got up at 7.30. Drs. inspection at 9. Very windy and dusty day. Dinner at 12.30. Reading most of afternoon. Reading most of day in reading room. About 100 men sent to rest camp where they were given light duty. To bed at 9.

Wednesday August 22nd, 1900

Up at 7. Had to go on parade & march to bridge. Walked over bridge which is 80 feet above water and has no railings. Dinner at 12.30. Nothing to do in PM. Had to go to office and got 3 days CB. Men in camp got issue of rum. Went to Church of England service which is held every Sunday & Wednesday. Had a little practice singing after service.

Thursday August 23rd, 1900

Got up at 7.30. Inspection of arms at 10. Orderly man for day. Dinner at 12.30. Helped cart wood for Soldiers Home, get a bun and coffee. I want to eat. Have a sacred concert assisted by Lady Gilforn & Mrs. Seymore who have a hospital for officers here. To bed at 9. Rain most of night.

Friday August 24th, 1900

Got up at 7.30. Camp inspected by P.M.O. Very cold in morning. Flurry of snow. Did not have any parades. Working at Soldiers Home sawing & chopping wood. Dinner at 12.30. made saw horse. Supper at 4.30. Cold in the evening. Got 3 letters from home, 1 Mrs. Clark. To bed at 9.

Saturday August 25th, 1900

Got up at 7.30. Drs inspection at 9. Inspection of arms at 10. Party of invalids leave for Cape Town. Went to Soldiers Home to hear Mr. Gregston speak who was the founder of Soldiers Home and also a personal friend of “Bob's”. helped sweep out service tent for Sunday.

Sunday August 26th, 1900

Got up at 7.30. Had a parade to be told off for church at 9 and then dismissed. Have parade at 11 for church. Supper at 12.30. Men in camp get issue of rum. Sold mine for tickey. Went to Church of England service at 6 p.m. Mr. Gregston speaks at 7. Fine day, weather getting warmer. To bed at 9. Wrote letter home.

Monday August 27th, 1900

Got up at 7.30. Breakfast at 8.30. Did not have any parades today. At Soldiers Home most of evening. Went to see A. Cramm at rest camp. Went to station after bun for Soldiers Home. Get news in camp that Gen. Oliver & his 3 sons along with a number of burgers were captured. Hans Cordua leader of the plot in Pretoria to kidnap Lord Roberts shot at daybreak. To bed at 9.

Tuesday August 28th, 1900

Got up about 7. Very warm day. No parades today. Reading in tent most of day. Went to station for load of buns. Was cutting wood at Soldiers Home. Bed at 9

Wednesday August 29th, 1900

Got up at 7.30. Thunderstorm in morning. Ordered to bridge but order canceled. Heavy rain most of day. Gen. Oliver and his sons go down line, fine looking man. Very heavy rain at night. Soldiers Home tent blown down and much damaged.

Thursday August 30th, 1900

Up at 7.30. Work most of morning. Dinner at 12.30. Got warned for fatigues to pitch Soldiers Home tent. Got load of cinders for tent floor. Had concert in Soldiers Home at night. British prisoners escape from Boers while being shelled. Bed at 9.

Friday August 31st, 1900

Up at 7.30. Inspection of arms at 9.30. Went to spring at 9.30 and had washing done. Away from camp most of day. Mr. Gregston still at Soldiers home. Had practice singing after service. To bed at 9. Lights out goes at 9.30.

Saturday September 1st, 1900

Up at 7.30. All Canadians in camp were summoned to station & got 3 bob from Chaplain of C.M.R. Inspection of arms at 9.30. Working at S.H. most of morning. Nothing to do about camp at all. Supper at 4.30. Transvaal was annexed to the Empire of Great Britain.
Ready for bed at 9.

Sunday September 2nd, 1900

Up at 7.30. Parade at 9 to be told off for church. Litany service at 11. Weather getting very hot. Laid in tent writing most of day. Heard the B.P. Had fun negotiating with Grobler as to surrendering and in the mean time had reinforcements hurried up & captured him. Get word that Buller is heavily engaged with enemy. Ready for bed at 9.

Monday September 3rd, 1900

Got up at 7. Did not have any sleep. Had bad attack of malaria. Laid in tent most of day. Did not parade sick to Dr. Could not eat anything all day. Very weak & dizzy at night and try to get some sleep but cannot. Will try to work it off.

Tuesday September 4th, 1900

Got up at 6.30. Did not have any sleep last night. Paraded to hospital sick. Got medicine and laid in bed most of day. Inspection of arms at 10. Did not go on. Eat nothing all day. Took short walk about camp so to be able to sleep. To bed at 5.30.

Wednesday September 5th, 1900

Got up at about 6. Went to Hosp. for medicine. Drs. inspection at 9.30. Got bottle of milk. Get news that Buller is heavily engaged with Botha and that Boers had recaptured the waterworks at Bloemfontein. Ready for bed at 8.

Thursday September 6th, 1900

Up at 7.30. Inspection of arms at 10. Civilians of town hold concer in school house. Have lecture in camp by Rev. Mr. Croonstanof Johannesburg of soldiers stopping to live in South Africa. To bed at 9.

Friday September 7th, 1900

Up at 7.30. At Soldiers Home most of morning reading. Some of boys get letter telling us of Mr. G. Stewarts death in B. B.P. go through station on way to Capetown. Bed at 9.

Saturday September 8th, 1900

Up at 7. Inspection of arms at 10. Was working most of morning sawing wood. Spent most of day in making a bird cage for some Colony Canaries we trapped. Concert given in evening by Lady Gifford and Mrs. Seymore at their Officers hospital. Did not go. To bed at 9.

Sunday September 9th, 1900

Up at 7. Paraded to church at 11. Writing in tent most of day. Men in camp get issue of rum. One of our Canadian Nurses in our camp here. Lay in tent disputing weather or not this is the 20th century.

Monday September 10th, 1900

Up at 7. Inspection of arms at 10. Names of men taken for pay on Wednesday. Took a walk to spring & had my washing done by Kaffier women. Stayed at spring most of day. To bed at 9. 100 Men come to camp from Bloemfontein.

Tuesday September 11th, 1900

Up at 7.30. Inspection of arms at 10. Cutting wood most of morning. Took walk to afternoon through kopjies. Inspection of clothing. Got new pr. of trousers. Bot pr. of extra trousers. At S.H. most of evening very warm night. To bed at nine.

Wednesday September 12th, 1900

Up at 7. Dr's inspection at 9.30. Cutting wood in morning. Made bird cage for birds we catch in snares. Working in S.H. most of night. Mail train catches fire going over burning bridge and is five hours late. Bed at 9. Last post goes at 9. Lights out at 9.15.

Thursday September 13th, 1900

Up at 7. Inspection of arms at 10. Cutting wood at home to get some strength. Very warm day candles we have in tent melt and run into oil. Coming on summer. Nothing to do in afternoon. Heard that Kruger had been captured with all his baggage. About 100 men go to rest camp. To bed at 9.

Friday September 14th, 1900

Got up at 7. No parade today. Got letter from home. Got news that Kruger Staff have left S.A. Nothing to do in afternoon. Took walk among hills chasing baboons. Very dusty & windy today. Bed at 9.

Saturday September 15th, 1900

Up at 7. Very warm today. Orderly man for the day. No parade in the morning. Got paid 21 Lb. Sterling cutting wood most of afternoon. Got news that French had captured much stock at Barberton. Got handkerchiefs and soap at store. Ready for bed at 9.

Sunday September 16th, 1900

Up at 7. Parade at nine to be told off for church. Communion and service at 11. In tent writing most of afternoon. Quite cool today. Men get issue of rum today. Went to English church service in village school house at night good service mostly civilians of village. Made ready for bed about 9. Windy tonight.

Monday September 17th, 1900

Up at 7. Inspection of arms at 10. Went to spring to get my washing done by kaffier women. Had good swim. Stayed at spring most of day talking to Kaffiers. At Soldiers Home after supper making tea. Got news that General French had captured a large number of locomotives. Ready for bed at 9.

Tuesday September 18th, 1900

Up at 7. Inspection of arms at 10. Get an issue of Canadian cheese in lieu of short rations of meat. Had supper at 4.30. Very warm day. Between 50 & 100 convalescents come down every night from Bloemfontein. Sitting about tent arguing most of evening with Imperial Soldiers. To bed at 9.

Wednesday September 19th, 1900

Up at 7. Medical inspection at 9. Making large bird cage most of morning. Nothing to do in the afternoon. Heard that Regt. was mobilizing for home. Making tea at Soldiers Home tonight. Heard that Kruger had been captured, again. Bed at 9.

Thursday September 20th, 1900

Up at 7. Breakfast at 8. Inspection of arms at 10. At Soldiers Home most of morning. Heavy wind and sand storm. Number of men go to rest camp. Supper at 4.30 Ready for bed at 9.

Friday September 21st, 1900

Got up at 7. Inspection of arms at 10. Nothing else to do today. Very warm day and dusty. To walk down to village. Concert held in village by civilians did not go. Laid in bed talking. Lights out at 9.

Saturday September 22nd, 1900

Up at 7. Inspection of arms at 10. Working at home most of morning. To walk to river for swim. Nothing to do all day. Took walk to village. Had hair cut by Indian Baerber. Fine day warm. Bed at 9.15.

Sunday September 23rd, 1900

Up at 7.30. Parade at 9.30 to be told off for church. Laid in tent writing most of afternoon. Very hot day. Went to service at 6. Took walk about camp after service. Men got issue of rum. Two Non-Comms. go down to Cape Town they told us the Regt. will be down on Tuesday. Ready for bed at 9.

Monday September 24th, 1900

Got up at 7. Inspection of arms at 10. Went to spring to get some washing done. Did not come back for Dinner. Very warm day. Wind and Sand storm. Ready for bed at 9.

Tuesday September 25th, 1900

Up at 7. Inspection of arms at 10. Nothing to do in morning. Laid about tent most of afternoon. Ready for bed at 9.

Wednesday September 26th, 1900

Up at 7. Dr's inspection at 9. Dinner at 12. Went to river to help get wood for Soldiers Home. Got back to camp at 5. Had supper at home. Got orders to be ready to go down with Regt. in morning. Examined by Dr. and passed fit to travel. To service at 7. To bed at 9.

Thursday September 27th, 1900

Got up at 6. Got kit ready but Regt. did not come. Breakfast at 8. working round home most of morning. Went for walk to river. Supper at 4.00. Bed at 9.

Friday September 28th, 1900

Up at 6. Slept at Soldiers Home. Regt. got to station and had good breakfast at 10. Departed at 10.20. Only 6 Companies come down. A & B stay with Col. Otter to go home by way of England. Had dinner at Naaupoort at 2. Left at 3. p.m. Got to De Arr & had supper at 9 and left at 10. Have to ride, sleep and eat in open coal trucks. Got very little sleep. Was very cold night. Passed Victoria West at 1 a.m.

Saturday September 29th, 1900

Feeling tough this morning mot much sleep. Still sliding along on the train. Had breakfast at Beaufort West at 9. Every man that has or can buy a flag has it fastened on the train. Had dinner at Prince Albert Road at 2 p.m. Left at 3 p.m. Nothing particular to note. Having supper at Majersfontein at 8. It is the prettiest place in Cape Colony. Number of ladies going along giving cigarettes and other things to eat and drink. Man fell off train and was cut to pieces was not missed for some time. Train went back to pick him up. Belonged to “E” Company.

Sunday September 30th, 1900

Have very little sleep again. Still on train. Have breakfast at Wellington and a good one too given to us by the ladies in the town. The traveling is getting interesting grand scenery field green with grain and kopjes covered with green foliage of some kind. We are sometimes under and sometimes over the clouds as we are going up a very high plateau. Railroad is cut in side of mountains. All flags have to be taken off train on account of accident. Given good reception all along line. Got to Cape Town about 12. train run out on dock and we have to get aboard boat. Allowed out of dock in afternoon. Citizens of Cape Town send band down to play for us. Raining most of afternoon. Had to go on guard at 6. lots of prisoners in cells belonging to Regt.

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