During the second phase — that is, after Lord Roberts had given over the command to Lord Kitchener, and while the enemy were reinvading Cape Colony and were making serious efforts to get at the lines of communication passing through the Colony — an immense number of small forces were formed, some to protect a district from invasion, others to guard towns and villages. Although these troops were most inadequately trained and had few officers of any experience, the most of them behaved well when the enemy appeared, and many did really excellent service.
The New England Mounted Rifles were raised in the Barkly East District. They suffered on many occasions during 1901 in their endeavour to keep their district clear ; and on 23rd September, near Lauriston, 1 man was killed and Lieutenant J. Giddy and 4 men were wounded.
See the forum posts on the New England Mounted Rifles.
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