JANUARY 1st 1900 Turned out 5.00am. Roll call 5.50am. We moved our camp about¼ mile about 9.30am to the right front. Paraded 4.30pm with equipment and for bathing at the same time. Firing heard at 10.30pm tonight and also during the day.
2nd Turned out 2.30am. Parade 3.30am. and made an attack on a hill which was about 1500ft high and very hard to climb. 6.00pm roll call, rifle etc.
3rd Turned out 3.00am and all stood to arms from 4.00am. to 5.00am. Mounted outpost 5.30pm. We arrived at No 2 post about 6.00pm. Distance being just over 1 mile. Just on arrival it began to rain heavily and continued for about 2 hours.
4th Turned out 3.30am.Stood to arms from 4.00am. to 5.00am. Then we dismounted outpost, arriving at camp about 6.00am. Afterwards having coca and bacon for breakfast. At 6.00pm we mounted inlying picket. Firing heard again today.
5th Turned out 3.30am. Stood to arms from 4.00am. to 5.00am. Parade for washing 6.30am. Remained in camp all day. Parade at 6.00pm with rifle.
6th Turned out at 4.45am. Bgde parade at 5.45am. We marched about l¾ miles from camp afterwards, making a sham attack on the camp. We reached the camp about 8.45am. At 11.30am the reservists paraded for musketry of which we performed about 1 to 2 miles from camp. Very heavy firing heard all day. At 6.00pm paraded with rifles.
7th Turned out at 3.00am. Batt stood to arms from 4.00am to 5.00am. Church parade 6.30am. We received a small Xmas pudding per man presented by ‘Lyons & Co’ London of which was very good. 5.00pm mounted outposts and marched to No 5 post, a distance of 1½ miles from camp.
8th Turned out and stood at arms from 4.00am to 5.00am, afterwards returning to camp arriving there about 5.45am where we dismounted outpost. 6.00pm we paraded with rifles etc. At 7.30pm it commenced to rain, continued all night
9th Still raining up to about 2.00pm. Parade at 6.00pm with rifles etc. During the day a great number of troops joined this camp from Estcourt. Commenced raining again from 7.30pm to late in the night
10th Turned out 5.00am. Gave in blanket at 5.45am. At 1.30pm we received orders to pack and be ready to go onto the march. Tents struck and all things packed in the wagons at 3.30pm. Parade at 4.00pm. Commenced to march at 6.45 pm. The roads were very good considering the state of the weather the last couple of days. We marched about 10 miles, during which time it rained for about 1 hour. We bivouacked bout 12.30am of the 11th Turned out 3.30am. Bgde stood to arms from 4.00am to 5.00am and stood ready to march at any .Finally starting about 7.00am for Springfield, were we arrived about 12 noon, after a very good march and good roads. The natives hurrying about and saluting as we passed them. We stopped here for about 4 hours during which time we bathed in the Tugela River, which was at the time in flood We had a rough meal of Bully and biscuits afterwards, leaving at 4.00pm to finish our days march, which was about 12miles altogether. During a journey up to present we waded through 3 rivers, which were knee deep and also crossed by the bridge over the Tugela. When we arrived in camp we received orders that we were to be the inlying picket for the night.
12th Turned out 3.30am. Stood to arms from 4.00am. to 5.00am. We received orders to parade ready to march at 12 noon but being on rear guard to the Bgde we did not start until 1.30pm. To proceed to Pretorius Fann of which we arrived at 6.00pm, after a very good march in the boiling sun. We had 2 men fall out on account of the intense heat. At 8.00pm I received orders to get ready at once and mount water guard, which was about ½ mile from camp. The distance today being about 7miles.
Field Force Order at Springfield 12-1-1900
The field force is now advancing to the relief of Ladysmith where surounded by superior forces our comrades have gallantly defended themselves for the last I0 weeks. The General Commanding knows that everyone in the force feels as he does. We must be successful. We shall be shortly opposed by a clever unscrupulous enemy, let no man be deceived by them, if a white flag is displayed it means nothing unless the force displaying it, halt, throw down their arms and throw up their hands at the same time. If they get a chance the enemy will try and mislead by false words of command and false bugle sounds, everyone must be guarded against being deceived by such conduct above all if ever surprised by a sudden volley at close quarters, let there be no hesitation, do not turn from it but rush at it, that is the road to victory and safety, a retreat is fatal, the one thing that the enemy cannot stand is our being at close quarters with them. We are fighting for the health & safety of our comrades. We are fighting in defence of our country against an enemy who has forced war upon us for worst and lowest motives by treachery, conspiracy and deceit, let us arm ourselves as our cause deserves.
By Order
A Wynnie Col Chief of Staff
13th I dismounted guard at 5.00am. This is a splendid position, it being surrounded by hills and we lie in a valley. At present we are the nearest Bgde to Ladysmith. About 5.30pm the Naval Brigade arrived with 6 seized guns and took up position on the brow of the hill, which commands the Tugela River, and the Boer position here. Towards the end of the journey here it was a very bad road. One wagon completely turned over and the others had to be pulled by 4 to 5 men to each. 6.00pm parade with rifle and water bottles.
14th Turned out 5.00am. Roll call 5.10am. Church parade 6.45am. Roll call 6.00am with rifles etc.
15th Turned out 3.00am. Parade at 3.45am for outposts, the posts being about 150 yards from camp and opposite the Boer position. Remainder of Battalion stood to arms from 4.00am to 5.00am. We received orders that the outpost was not required during the day and we returned to camp about 10.00am, remaining there until 6.30pm. When the company mounted again and remained in the trenches until the following day. From 4.00am until dark wagons of rations etc continually came into our camp, also more guns of the navy.
16th Stood at arms from 4.00am to 5.00am. On outpost after dismounting about 5.15am, returning to camp about 5.30am. When we arrived at camp we received orders that no man was to leave camp on any pretence whatsoever. At 2.00pm received orders to pack up at once and carry rations with us, as we were to bivouac for probably three nights. We started out and after ½ hour march it started to rain hard and we soon got wet through. The R Bgde and Scottish Rifles were in front of us and the D.L.Int. supporting us. We marched about 3 miles and then halted afterwards making tea or cocoa and then turning in for the night with our greatcoats on. It rained during the night.
17th Turned out about 3.30am and made our breakfast, which consisted of coffee and biscuits about 6.00am. About 6.20am the naval guns opened fire from a hill behind the enemy position, which was about 2 miles in front of us. The firing continued all day at intervals accompanied by the Howitzer and RA. Our troops were watching the firing with great interest from a small hill a few hundred feet lower than the hills our guns were on. At 2.40pm we received orders to cross the Tugela River, which was done about 4.00pm under cover of our guns. It taking a considerable time owing to us having to cross one section at a time as the ferry was made up with pontoons with planks across and pulled by ropes on the other side. This work being done by the RE. When we had all crossed the river we marched about another mile and then camped between the hills and bivouacked for the night (after we had a drop of coffee). We received orders that when we turned in we were to sleep with our arms through the sling of our rifle, and if a shot should be fired we were to fall in aT once and advance to support the outpost. There were 2 shots fired from our guns during the night but no rifle fire. It rained at intervals during the night making it very uncomfortable for the troops who nothing but a greatcoat to cover them.
18th Turned out 4.30am. Shortly afterwards our guns opened fire on the Boer positions during which time our war balloon went out so as to ascertain where I0 Boers were located, which was telephoned down to the CO who afterwards informed the UC RA as to there whereabouts. The Howitzer battery arrived from their position about 7.45am and took up a fresh to the side of our Regt. At 10.30am we were marched to wash and on our return we received orders to get dressed at once. After we had been dressed for 1 hour we moved to reinforce the S. Rifles on a small kopje 1 mile to our left on the road, which runs through the Boer trenches. At 4.00pm the S. Rifles had orders to occupy a small kopje a mile from the front of us and about 400yds from the Boer trenches. This being done under the cover of our artillery who were shelling the Boer trenches during the advance of the S. Rifles. Again we had the opportunity of watching the operations. At about 5.45pm it was observed the balloon was over our heads and rocking violently to and fro as if something was wrong with it. Shortly afterwards we heard an officer shouting for us to lay hold of the cable and haul in to it. After we had got a the car to safely to the ground we found an officer of the DL Inf who had been surveying the enemy’s position had been vomiting and also looked very bad through the shaking he had received. We commenced to pull the balloon out of sight of the Boers to a place appointed by the officer in charge. When some of the Navy who belonged to the ballooning section got some sand bags and ropes and made it fast to the ground Then we returned to our positions and waited until 8.30pm for the S. Rifles who took up their old positions, us afterwards returning to our own position in the dark and over a very rocky road. When we arrived there we were placed on inlying picket with orders to keep fully equipped with our arms through the slings of our rifles and also if a shot was fire we were to fix swords and wait for orders. We had a good night’s rest until 4.00am. After 10.00pm our big gun fired one round.
19th Turned out 4.00am. Stood to arms until 4.30am then retired behind the kopje to our camp about 6.00am. Rifle fire heard on our left and continued throughout the day. At 2.00pm we were fell in for the purpose of making a road about 200 yards from the camp so that the naval guns could be brought up to a small kopje on our right. After working hard for 4 hours in the boiling sun we returned to camp where we made our tea about 8.00pm. Turned in for the night with our equipment on.
20th Rouse up at 4.45am by our Howitzer guns, which were firing at the Boer position in our front. At 9.l 5am received orders to get dressed and fall in at once. After walking about an hour we marched out, the left half of the Batt going to the left of the Boer position and the right half to the right of it under command of Col Buchanan Riddell on the right and Major Berwick-Copley on the left. The section of mine was put in the firing line, which was about 200 yards from the enemy, remaining there until 7.30pm, when we received orders to retire. During the time that we were out a number of shots were fired at us by the Boers. Two men of my company who were not under cover sufficiently got wounded, one of which was very serious. A great many men fainted during the day owing to laying in the sun. They were carried off the field under the rifle fire of the Boers in the stretchers to a Kraal about 2000 yards to our rear. A heavy fire was being carried out to our right and left all day. Owing to the ambulance wagons not being able to come up to the wounded we had to carry them about 3 miles over a very rough and rocky road to them. When we returned to camp we heard that ‘A’ Coy had about ten wounded and six killed. Some did not lose many for the time that they were engaged but if the enemy could of got there guns into position we would of lost heavily as we were out in the open. Turned in about 8.30pm after a hard and fatiguing day.
21st Turned out 5.00am. I heard that the artillery had fired a star shell during the night but as I was tired from the day before I did not hear anything of the report. 8.30am bathing parade. On our retwn we received orders to parade at l 1.00am for inspection of equipment etc. I also heard that a Brigade of Sir C Warren’s had in their possession Van Reenans Pass and so cut of the Boers retreat into the Orange Free State. A battery of Howitzers guns advanced a little nearer the Boer positions and fired a few sheJJs at it; otherwise the day was rather quite near us but could hear firing in the direction of Sir C Warren’s division on the left.
22nd At 1.00am we were roused up and received orders to move across to the other side of the river. My company proceeded to Signal Hill and relieved the Dorset Regiment who were on outpost who were to join Warrens Force. From here we had a good view of the country in which the enemy was. With aid of Lieut Cartharts glass the Boers could be seen moving about in large batches to reinforce their comrades who were attacked on the left by Warrens force. Our Naval guns put a few shots into those who came within range and we could see those not hurt by the bursting of the shell galloping away.
23rd Turned out 4.00am. Stood to arms until 5.00am, afterwards making a little coffee. About 7.00am we were relieved and then we returned to camp. Today we were marched down to the river for a wash. The first one for 2 or 3 days which was a treat to us all. Firing from our guns today. 8.00pm turned in for the night. Raining hard during the night and we had no shelter.
24th Awakened at 2.00am by the firing of our guns and about 4.30am could heard the Maxim gun and rifle fire being carried on very heavily on our left by Sir C Warren who has made a night attack on Spion Kop, a strong position held by the Boers. Shortly afterwards we received orders to get dressed and parade at once. This was at 11.00am. We marched off about 11.30am and proceeded in the direction of the river where we halted for 1 hour during which time we received orders that we were to attack two high and precipitous spurs of Spion Kop which the enemy was on, the height being 3000ft of which we had to climb so as to draw the fire a great deal from Sir C Warrens force. After we had waded the river we took our greatcoats and canteens off so that we should not have much to carry and left them by the bank of the river. Whilst crossing the river I noticed several of our men go over and had a very narrow escape of being drowned, for there was a very strong current running and it also being up to the waist deep so it made it very difficult to wade. After a little rest we opened out to 10 pace intervals between men and proceeded on our way to attack the Boer position. When we about 800 yards from the foot of the hill the Boers commenced firing at us heavily but that did not stop us from advancing for we were determined to take the position at any loss of life. We then proceeded to climb the hill, we found it very difficult and hard to climb as it was also straight, but after a severe struggle we reached the top and drove the Boers from their position. After we had been at the top for about 2 hours we received orders to retire which was a great deal harder for us to do than climb it for when going down we had to sit down to slide from top to bottom for it was too dangerous to attempt to walk down. The reason we retired was on account of us not having any support in case the Boers should attack us during the night. After reaching the bottom and reaching the place where we left our coats we got orders to cross the river a mile further down where there was a pontoon bridge, which was put up by our engineers. When I reached the camp I set to and made some coffee for I was both tired and hungry . After turning in for the remainder of the night it being now the 1.30am of the 25th. As soon as it was light we were turned out and told to retire further back out of range of the enemy’s guns. On our way further back I saw a great many of our fellows who were wounded some with three or four wounds, all of them being dressed by the doctors, who I must say worked very hard. Six men per coy were afterwards told off to go out and assist in bring in the remainder of the wounded who were left out all night or where it was too dangerous to attempt to bring them from overnight. At 2.00pm parade for the purpose of burying our late colonel, two other officers and one rifle who was killed in the fight. They were buried at the foot of Spearman’s Hill and about 4 miles from were they lost their lives (there was about 100 casualties). When the men bad been out looking for the wounded and dead of ours returned, said that some of the Boers who they saw passed a remark that they did not think that anyone would be able to reach the top of the hill of which they were on and also thought that 2 or 3 Regts were attacking instead of one and were quite surprised of the way in which they took it from them. Several of our men had hairbreadth escapes during the time we were engaged, for you could see some of them with their khaki tom where bullets had passed through. There was one in my coy who had a bullet pass through his left breast pocket sideways and not the slightest sign of other damage.
26th Stood to arms from 4.00am. to 5.00am then waited until 6.00am when we dismounted and returned to camp. 11.30am paraded for washing. 1.30pm paraded for speech to be given by Gen Lyttleton who is command of our brigade, commending us on the way in which we took Spion Kop. One remark was that nothing ever occurred in the British Annals before as to the feat which we accomplished and also that as a fellow brigadier was asking for help he thought it his duty to send us to assist him by sending us to the rear of the enemy would cause them to send part of their force and so weaken the force which C Warren was attacking. 6.00pm we got issued our waterproofs and blankets, which came in useful as it rained hard all night and we also mounted inlying picket with order to sleep with equipment on but as we had been doing for the last 14 days we took no notice of it.
27th Stood to arms from 4.00am. to 5.00am when we got orders that we could make a good fire so as to dry our clothes but were to be ready to fall at a moments notice. 11.00am marched to the river for wash. During the day No.4 Mountain Battery went by our camp and camped about 1 mile from the foot of the hill at 4pm on the same side of the river as us. Turned in about 8.00pm. Fair night.
28th Turned out at 6.30am.Parade at 8.40am for Divine Service. After this being over. Gen Buller also spoke a few words of praise commending us on the way of which we took Spion Kop and also the Scottish Rifles and was sorry so many brave men lost there lives. The Scottish Rifles had 118 casualties. We received today for the first time in a fortnight fresh meat for dinner and ¼ lb was given to each man to cook himself which I can assure was done very quickly for it was quite a treat to get it.
29th Turned out at 6.00am. Parade for washing at 8.30am. Sales of dead comrades kit at 11.30am. Issued tobacco to men who had put down for it about 12 noon. Turned in at 8.00pm, commenced to rain at midnight continued all night.
30th Turned out at 7.30am, still raining. At 10.00am 4 coy had to parade, 3 with entrenching tools and one with equipment and arms and march about 5 miles for the purpose of making a road up a hill where some large guns of the navy could be taken up. During the time these coys were out we moved our camp about 400 yards down the hill and nearer to the river. When the 4 coy returned it was dark. it being about 7.00pm I should think. 6.00pm went on out post, the post being on large plain about 3 miles from camp. At 8.30pm it commenced to rain and continued so part of the night.
31st Turned out 4.00am stood to arms till 5.00am. Returned to camp about 7.0am having a wash on the way back. Got out tents issued to us at 8.00am. At 3.00pm we had a draft to join us from home consisting of 108 men and 1 officer. 6.00pm paraded in order for CO to read a telegram from the Queen commending us on our gallantry etc at Spion Kop.
FEBRUARY 1st 1900 Turned out 4.00am. Roll call 5.10am. Parade 10.00am for washing. On our return receive orders to get ready to proceed to the other side of the river but leave our tents standing as we were to return the next day but we did not leave until 3.00pm and then we waited until after dark then we took positions about 2 miles in front of the Rifle Bgde in extended order and guarded the pontoon bridge which the engineers had put up lower down the river. It rained very hard during the night and as we had only greatcoats we were wet through.
2nd About 7.00am we started our return to our own camp, which was about 5 miles from where we had been on outpost duty overnight. At 12.30pm received orders to pack tents, blankets and waterproofs up, as we were to go to where we were last night. At 3.30pm we marched to the other side of the river and about 2 miles from the Rifle Bgde camp when we were formed up and the Coys told off for outposts. My coy being one of those that was to go out and we were dressed ready to move off at a moments notice for just on 1½ hours during which time our waterproofs and blankets came up which were issued to us but on account of us going out we gave the blankets in and kept the sheets which we took with us and they came in very handy for the beginning of the night it rained but cleared up about 10.00pm.
3rd Stood at arms from 4.00am to 5.00am. We were relieved by 2 coy of ours about 6.30am, returning to our new camp about 7.30am where we got a cup of coffee ready made for us to have a go at which is a treat after being out in open ground all night 8.00pm get ready to march back to the other side of the river to a new camp but owing to some of men being washing at the river we did not parade until 9.15am when we started to march about 5 miles by road with I cwt to 1½ cwt on our backs and I think this one of the hardest bits of marching I have done (our load consisted of 10 days rations of food and wood, change of washing, waterproofs, greatcoat, equipment and 150 rounds of ammunition, full water bottle and haversack). Our blankets were packed in the wagons. We arrived at our new camp about 11.45am where we set to and cooked our dinners for I can say that we required it if we have to do marches like this one. Voluntary bathing at 3.30pm. Parade at 6.00pm. for roll call turned in about 7.00pm and had a good night’s rest.
4th Turned out 5.00am. Parade 5.15am for roll call. 6.20am for Divine Service. When we got the place appointed to hold the service we had to wait about ¼ hour for the Chaplain had not turned up so the Gen commenced performing the duties of chaplain, when the chaplain suddenly turned up and finished conducting the service. On return to camp a rumour was spreading that Kimberly, Mafeking was relieved. During the day several batteries passed by our camp and also ammunition columns. 6.00pm mounted inlying picket.
5th Turned out 4.00am. Stood to arms till 4.30am then we packed our waterproofs and blankets up on the wagons. At 6.30am we paraded for to make an advance onto Ladysmith. About 6.45am the Lane Bgde advanced onto the Boer position under cover of our artillery fire. The bgde my regt is in marched about 4 miles to the right flank before they came into position when the R Bgde was put into the firing line then the DL Inf, Scottish Rifles as supports and my Regt in reserve. Whilst we were laying under cover a section of the pontoon coy 10 Batteries Art and I Bgde passed us to go further to the right between the left and us. One bgde came in since we had started the Irish Bgde came up in line with us but did not advance until 11.00am. About 12.15pm the Bgde on the left retired after having drawn a great deal of the fire from troops that were attacking on the right and the artillery also had to retire as they were in range of the Bores guns which put a great deal of she11s into them. About 2.00pm our troops gained a victory over one of the kopjes. which the Boers had held. After fighting bard for about 6 hours with the aid of our big guns, which had been firing from 6.45am. up till 7.00pm we then proceeded to cross the river under the cover of the dark to the position, which we had obtained where we had arrived at about 10.00pm. We had a few hours rest and then received our orders to go and get into position so as to relieve DL Inf on the following morning. There was very heavy fire on both sides throughout the whole day but as far as I could see we had very few casualties.
6th Stood to arms from 4.00am to 5.00am afterwards making a shelter fence from the enemy’s bullets, where this occurred is Vaalkrantz Kop, who were but a few hundred yards in front of us. About 5.10am our guns opened fire at them and they afterwards answered back with heavy rifle fire. During the morning very little firing went on but a few of the Boer’s shells dropped within a few feet of my coy, but did not do any damage to the troops. About 4.00pm the Boers commenced shelling the left portion of the position which was being held by 2 coy and my Regt and coy. The Durham Light Infantry retired on the one occupied by us, then following a nunber of shells continued coming over into us. Firing which hurt the Boers were limbering up to attack under the cover of their guns when they were near the top, which was about 4.30pm, they made a rush to obtain the positive causing us to retire a little further back but with belted swords they beat back the enemy with a heavy rifle fire and … About 8.00pm while we were being relieved by the Engineering Brigade, they tried the same game again but were beaten back, then we retired and got to our bivouac about 10.00pm for the night. …..until 11.00pm we had had nothing to eat or drink, they gave us our blankets and sheets and an order was given that we were not to be awakened. During the night heavy rifle fire could be heard. There were about 30 casualties today.
7thTurned out 6.00am after a restless night had breakfast and moved the bivouac 100 yards further up the hill under cover of our guns out of the range of the enemy’s hills. During the day several of the Boers shells dropped around the place we had left in the morning. About 11.00am we packed our blankets and sheets up and put them on the wagon and we received the order to lay down in our equipment so as to be ready to move off at a moment’s notice. Heavy firing could be heard during the night.
8th Turned out 5.00am. shortly afterwards we retired in the direction of Springfield, which was about 10 miles from were we had bivouacked, but we did not march more than 7 miles, which was very hard on account of the heat and also all up hill. We arrived here at 1.30pm then we went into bivouac, drawing our blankets and sheets at 6.00pm, shortly afterwards turning in for the night. We had a good nights rest, the first for a month.
9th Turned out at 5.00am, parade at 5.10am for roll call. We drew tents and greatcoats at 10.00am and pitched our camp. Parade at 3.30pm also to hear General Field Court Marshal read out of Private Williams who was tried for desertion and doing away with all arms in the face of the enemy and found hiding under the floor of a farmhouse, he was sentenced to 3 years penal servitude. At 6.00pm rifle inspection and greatcoats were stacked on the wagons turned in at 7.00pm. Had a fair nights rest. About 8.00pm it started raining very hard and continued through.
10th Turned out 3.30am struck tents and packed on the wagons at 6.00am. Parade at 6.30am, marched to Pretorious Farm distance of about 10 miles, the day being very hot caused a great many men to fall out We arrived there about 3.00pm. after a halt of about 2 hours for the purpose of having dinner; on arriving here we drew blankets and waterproofs and bivouacked for the night. Parade 6.00pm with rifles, turned in at 7.00pm and had a good nights rest.
11th Turned out at 2.30am, parade at 3.30am. At 5.00am we started on the march and went about 2 miles to the other side of Chieveley Station the march was fair. As we marched across country all the way the distance being about 11 miles and we arrived about 11.30am. We drew tents and pitched them at 1.00pm Bathing parade at 3.30pm. Rifle inspection 6.00pm. Turned in at 7.00pm.
12th Turned out at 5.00am, roll call 5.10am, bathing parade 4.00pm. Today we had an issue of bread. Rifle inspection 6.00pm.
13th Turned out at 5.00am, Roll call 5.10am. Bathing parade at 9.00am. Paraded at 6.00pm for inlying picket on this parade. Telegram from the General Officer in Command, Cape Colony read out saying that General Roberts was in the Orange Free States with a large force. Troops turned in with equipment on, so as to be ready at a moments notice.
14th Turned out 4.00am. struck tents and packed tents on wagons at 5.00am. Parade at 6.30am to march to Hussars Hill just on the right of Colenso but about 8 miles from our camp. When we had gone about 3 miles, ‘D’ Coy advanced as advance guard with F’ Coy as support, we proceeded to within a mile of Hussar Hill before any firing took place, then we had a sharp go for about ½ hour and about 2.00pm we had another go. After making a breastwork to protect us from the rifle fire of the Boers, we retired into bivouac about 2 miles from the advanced position, leaving the Rifle Brigade there to hold the position. We were relieved at 6.30pm, from what I hear there was only 4 casualties of ours today. Our guns fired a number of rounds during the night. We had a very warm day and a splendid night rest
15th Turned out 3.00am we received orders to hold ourselves in readiness to go in further at 5.00am, but we did not proceed until about 9.30am when we went about 5 miles closer to the Boer’s position, we halted from 1.00pm to 4.00pm then we took up position on the crest of the hill for the night About 6.30pm a party was marched to General Hylands Brigade for making tools, which was about 2 miles from us. Returning back to the Regiment about 8.30pm, then we handed them over to another coy who went on the make trenches. It was a rather hot day again.
16th Turned out 4.00am made our breastwork; afterwards about 8.00am we marched about ¼ mile to our right to take up the position of Gen Hylands who had advanced to reconnoitre the Boer’s position. There was a heavy fire with our artillery about 6.00pm, we returned to our usual position when Gen Hylands Brg returned. Turned in about 8.00pm, had a fair nights rest.
17th Turned out at 3.00am parade at 5.00am and marched about½ mile to our right, then we formed up into formation to attack a position about 4 miles from us held by the Boers. All went well, when we were within 2000 yards of their position the Boers opened fire with there rifles, but after a good 4 hours hard work we succeeded in taking the position. About 8.00pm the Boers dropped a few shells among us, doing very little damage. We were relieved about 11.00pm by the Rifle Brigade then we marched about 1 mile to a donga in our section and bivouacked for the night. We had issued today chocolate from the Queen. The position taken today, being Cingolo.
The following order we received but was cancelled shortly afterwards: – When the Queens appear on Cingolo, West Yorks will left wheel so will the Kings Royal Rifles and the Durham Light Infantry. Scottish Rifles support the K.K.R and RB. support the D.L.Inf Gen Hildyard will attack Monti Cristo. Sir C.Warren Green Hill. Col Horcott Bgde will take the Nek in between; all units will bivouac for the night and find their own outpost wherever they halt. K.RR. A B & D coy under Major Kayo and the whole movement being regulation by the Queens. The West Yorks will move a little after them on the left. K.R.R. will move after them on their left After advance will not take place.
18th Turned out 3.00am then moved round the donga as to be out of range of the Boer’s guns. About 9.00am we started to form up to attack the Boers position (Monti Cristo), which fell into hands after about 4 hours. On account of us being put into the reserve lines we did not have much to do, but the RB & D.L.Inf had to take up position in the firing line. There was heavy firing carried out on both sides all day especially with our guns which had some very good work. After we had got to where we were bivouacked, we received orders to go and relieve the RB. who were on outpost duty and during the time we were going to relieve them, the Boers fired some shells into the position we had just taken, but none of them doing any damage. In the position we captured today, there was a great deal on canvas and the Reg that was in front had a good picking of what was left by the Boers after their flight I must mention that the smells were not very healthy.
19th Turned out 4.00am stood to arms till 5.00am. About 10.00am we again started to attack a position held by the Boers and as my coy was on outpost, we were well in the rear of the Batt. We had a very heavy artillery fire today from both sides, our duty today was right flank guard and escort to the guns About 4.00pm it commenced raining and continued for about an hour, all the men getting wet through. About 7.00pm when the guard had retired we followed shortly afterwards getting in bivouac about 9.00pm. We then drew our waterproofs and greatcoats and turned in for the night, after making a drop of tea, the first we had had all day.
20th Turned out 4.00am, packed waterproofs and greatcoats on the wagons by 4.15am. About 10.00am we marched away to support the D.L.Inf who were in the firing line today. About 6.00pm we returned to our bivouac. then we drew our coats and turned in for the night. We had about 8 shells dropped close to were we were laying which caused the ‘Officer in Charge’ to give the order to retire about 400 yards so as to out of range of the enemies guns. Today it was very cool.
21st Turned out 3.00am, received orders to hold ourselves in readiness to move at 6.00am, but did not shift at all as we had a days rest. Heavy artillery fire was carried on today.
22nd Turned out 4.00am paraded at 6.00am and marched to Colenso, which is about 4 miles on our left where we halted until 1.00pm. Then we took up position on the left of the firing line. About 6.00pm we formed up to go on outpost and were advancing to our post when we saw the Scottish Lancers in a very bad position so of course we doubled out and gave them the assistance they required, thus gaining another position held by the Boers, who made several attempts during the night to obtain again.
23rd Firing commenced at 4.00am and about 7.00am we retired about 2 miles to our rear and remained there all day. There has been a heavy bombardment going on also.
24th Turned out at 5.30am and remained in the same bivouac all day. It commenced raining very hard and continued for some time. A heavy bombardment going on today and a great number of shells from the Boers fell close. Also a few were wounded here today from shell fire. About 10.00pm we drew rations for the coy’s on outpost and took them over to them. There was during the night several attacks by the Boers on our positions.
25th Turned out at 5.30am in the same bivouac as there has been an annistice today; no firing has been going on. About 9.00am parade for the burial of Corporal Jones of my coy. When we returned we fell in and went to bathe. About 1.00pm the right half of my coy went out as burial party on the position we charged a couple of nights before and we made one big grave and buried 24 men all told together in it, a thing of which I do not want to do again. About 8.00pm there was a very heavy rifle fire all along the front. We had several showers of rain throughout the day. When we returned from burial party we were issued with our waterproofs, sheets and a peg of rum.
26th Turned out at 5.00am in the same bivouac. About 7.00am we took the rations to the men on outpost and when we returned we received orders to sleep in our equipment, as we were to relive the Lanes on outpost at 1.00am the next morning and remain till 5.00am, when we should return to bivouac.
27th Stood at arms from 4.00am till 5.00am, and then the whole Regt from the advanced outpost returned to bivouac, we remained here until 6.00pm, them we moved about 5 miles to our right to reinforce another Bgde who had succeeded in taking another of the Boer positions. We turned into bivouac about 11.00pm.
28th Turned out 3.00am we got orders to parade at 5.30am but received orders afterwards that we should not move until later on. At 11.30am we again paraded and marched about a mile further up the hill and remain for about l hour, then we got orders to go on outpost and guard the pontoon bridge.
MARCH 1st Turned out 4.30am and returned to bivouac at 7.10am. We paraded and marched towards Ladysmith of which is relieved. When about 3 miles we halted and had dinner and went into bivouac for the night. The march today was about 5 miles. Towards the evening there was several of our men who had been prisoners came into our bivouac, their camp was about 2 miles from here and was called the ‘refugees’ or ‘mental camp’. About 7.00pm we had a severe storm, which continued nearly all night.
2nd Turned out 5.00am. Parade for washing at 10.00am, at 10.30am rifle inspection. About 6.00pm we received orders that we should march to the other side of Ladysmith. Turned in at 7.00pm, fine day and night.
3rd Turned out 3.30am mounted water guard at 4.00am and marched to outpost reaching there at 4.30am about 6.30am we returned to bivouac so as to parade at 7.00am with the Batt to march beyond Ladysmith. When we reached Ladysmith we were loudly cheered by the troops etc who lined the principle street. I am sorry to say that a great many of them looked very bad through being shut up as they were, but taking the whole lot right through, they were in good health. We had rather a hard march on account of it being all up and down the hills and also very hot. We went into bivouac about 4.00pm after marching about 12 miles. We turned in about 7.00pm. Fine night but heavy dew.
4th Turned out at 4.00am paraded for outpost at 4.45am and marched to post reaching there about 5.30am. At 5.00pm we paraded and marched to the crest line of which we lined for the night By information, I got on the post that was on the hill, which our troops in Ladysmith had stormed during the night and captured one gun, of which they blew up. The name of which I heard was ‘Surprise Hill’. Whilst we were on outpost our tents were drawn and pitched for us and it rained for just over an hour.
5th Stood at arms from 4.00am to 5.00am. At 5.30am, the D.L.Inf relieved us. Today we had an issue of fresh meat, of which we cooked ourselves. At 5.30pm muster roll call and shortly afterwards rifle inspection and the following message from the Queen was read, dated the l st March 1900. Thank God for the news you have telegraphed to me. I congratulate you, and all under you with all my heart. V.R.L Turned in at 7.00pm.
6th Turned out at 6.00am parade at 8.00am for washing cloths and bathing. We marched about 3 miles to the river. About 5.00pm we paraded to draw for gifts that was sent to the Batt. I was rather lucky and won a scarf, at 6.00pm paraded with rifles and the following Anny Orders were read: –
Special Army Order Dated Ladysmith 3rd March 1900
Soldiers of the Natal, the relief of Ladysmith unites two forces, which have during the last few months striven with oonspicuou.. gallantry and splendid determination to maintain the honour of Queen and Country. The Garrlwn of Ladysmith have during 4 months held their position against every attack with complete success and endured many privations with admiral fortitude. The relieving force has had to force its way through an unknown country across an unfordable river and over almost inaccessible heights in the face of a fully prepared well-armed and tenacious enemy. By the exhibition of the truest courage, the courage that burned steadily as well as flashed brilliantly it has accomplished it objective and added a glorious page to the history of the British Empire. Ladysmith has been held and relieved Sailors and Soldiers, Colonial and Home bred have done this, united by one desire inspired by one patriotism. The General Officer Commanding congratulates both forces upon the Martial qualities they have shown and thanks them for their determined efforts and he desires to offer his sincere sympathy to the relatives and friends of those good soldiers and gallant comrades who have fallen in the fight. Signed Redvers Buller
Turned in 7.00pm had a good nights rest
7th Turned out 5.00am, packed coats and blankets and put them in the spare tent. 8.30am paraded and marched of in the direction of Elands Laagle, we marched about 10 miles and then went into bivouac for the night, roads were in good condition and level so the march was finished about 4.00pm. About 7.00pm commenced raining very hard and thunderstorm, which continued for about 2 hours. The ground was very wet for laying on.
8th Turned out 5.30am in the same bivouac, 10.30am rifle inspection. At 6.00pm the coy was warned for guard over the guns, which were about ¼ mile to the rear. it rained hard again.
9th Dismounted guard at 5.30am. and returned to bivouac. At 6.30am. we paraded prior to marching, which we commenced at 7.00am, and marched about 10 miles, we passed through Elands Laagle, which was completely wrecked by the Boers. At 2.30pm we drew tents and pitched them. 6.00pm paraded for inlying picket and turned in at 7.00pm, had a restless night.
10th Turned out 4.30am stood to arms from 5.00am to 5.45am. I paraded for drawing rations from A & C Depot. 9.00am same for drawing meat, 10.30am parade with rifle, emergency rations and ammunition. 6.00pm bare feet inspection. Turned in 7.00pm had a good nights rest.
11th Turned out 6.00am church parade 6.30am, at 10.00am paraded for washing clothes and bathing. 6.00pm rifle inspection etc, turned in 7.00pm.
12th Turned out 4.30am parade 4.50am to march to AO 4 picket, which we took over from the S.R reaching there about 5.20am, at 6.00pm. the remainder of the coy joined us but they laid in a sanger about 400 yards to our rear. We had a splendid day and also night.
13th Stood to arms from 5.00am to 6.00am and then was relieved by the D.L.Inf. When we got into camp we were issued with some writing paper and envelopes, a present from Mrs Fortescue. At 6.15pm paraded with rifle. bare feet and emergency rations. Turned in at 8.00pm had a good night’s rest.
14th Turned out 6.00am at 3.30pm, it commenced a severe hail and thunderstorm, which continued for about 2 hours, and at the same time we had to parade but were dismissed on account of it. At 6.00pm paraded with rifles. 6.15pm was warned for water fatigue, had to march with camp kettles, which was about ½ mile from camp. Turned in at 8.00pm had a good night’s rest, rained hard during the night
15th Tumed out 6.00am, one section of our coy went on outpost at 5.00am. The remainder of the coy paraded at 5.30pm and marched to post. About 8.00pm, it was officially announced that Lord Roberts had entered Bloemfontein amid great rejoicing. Casualties not reported. Tumed in 7.00pm had a fair night’s rest.
16th Turned out 6.00am bathing parade 9.30am. My section warned to mount guard at 6.00pm. I was not for it on account of being on the sick list. Turned in 8.00pm, fine moonlight night.
17th The coy fell in at 6.30am for work at the relay station, returning at 9.30am. I turned out at 6.00am paraded at 6.00pm rifle etc. Turned in 8.00pm had a good night’s rest. Fine day.
18th Turned out 4.30am stood to arms from 5.00am to 5.45am ,church parade 6.45am. At 6.00pm we turned out our equipment, as we were inlying picket at 8.00pm. Turned in for the night had good night’s rest, fine day and night.
19th Stood to arms from 5.00am to 5.45am then dismounted picket. We turned out 4.30am at 8.30am we paraded for fatigue party and went to within 1 mile of Elands Laagle railway station for the purpose of making a loop line, on account of the bridge being blown up. At 6.00pm we mounted inlying picket.
20th Turned out 4.30am stood to arms from 5.00am till 6.00am. At 6.45am paraded for the purpose of General Lyttleton to give us a farewell lecture as he was leaving the brigade. At 2.00pm we had a free issue of tobacco, a tin of ‘Capstan Navy Cut’. At 6.00pm parade with rifles etc, we dismounted inlying picket at 6.00pm. 2.00pm parade for inspection of clothes.
21st Turned out 6.00am washing parade at 10.30am at 5.15pm we paraded for outpost and marched to the A.0.3 post about 5.45pm, which was about 500 yards from our camp. I was warned with more men and a Sergeant to go and take position on the road as an examining guard.
22nd Turned out at 4.30am and stood to arms from 5.00am till 6.00am then dismounted outpost and returned to camp. 3.30pm bathing parade. 6.00pm rifle inspection and sale of kits.
23rd Turned out 5.00am. Parade at 10.30am to go out about½ mile and dig a large trench, remaining there about 2 hours. At 3.30pm, bathing parade. 6.00pm, with rifles.
24th Turned out at 4.30am. Paraded at 6.00pm to mount inlying picket.
25th Turned out 4.30am. Stood at arms from 5.00am to 5.45am. Church parade for the remainder of the battalion at 6.45am. Paraded at 10.00am for covering party for the remainder of the Battalion who went bathing and washing cloths. 6.00pm rifle inspection.
26th Turned out 5.00am. Doctor’s inspection 7.00am. 10.00am paraded and went on to the position, which the Boers held during the battle of Elands Laagle and was taken from them by British Troops we halted for about ½ hour by which time Major Bewick Copley gave us a lecture of the fight, we then returned to camp. 6.00pm rifle inspection.
27th Turned out at 5.00am paraded at 5.30am mounted No 4 picket, returning in about 6.00pm. No 4 section mounted and took up position at 5.00am remaining there all day, when the remainder got to the post they had to build up a bit of a shelter trench with laye stones.
28th Stood to arms from 4.00am to 5.00am and was then relieved by the D.L.Inf so we returned to camp reaching here about 5.30am. Parade at 8.30am, for washing cloths etc, rifle inspection at 6.00pm.
29th Turned out at 5.00am. At 2.00pm we struck tents and packed them on the wagons. 3.00pm we paraded and marched about 400 yards to our front and pitched our tents again. This is going to be our camp for a few days. 6.00pm. rifle inspection.
30th Turned out 4.30am and mounted inlying picket at 5.00am and then stood to arms till 5.30am. Left ½ coy was covering party for the bathing party. Parade at 2.00pm and went about 1 mile to the right of camp and judging distance. 6.00pm rifle inspection.
31st Turned out 4.30am stood to arms from 5.00am to 5.45am parade at 10.30am for washing and bathing. Rifle inspection 6.00pm.
APRIL 1st Turned out 4.30am church parade 6.45am at 5.30pm we received a free issue of I pint of beer per man. 8.00pm heard that Gen Roberts had gained another victory over the Boers at Paardeberg, British losses I00, enemies unknown.
2nd Turned out at 5.00am bathing parade at 10.30am. About 2.30pm we had a present of I scarf, pipe and socks. At 3.30pm we paraded for judging distance and at the same time a heavy sand storm came over and continued for about 1 hour afterwards followed a heavy storm which continued until 6.00pm. 3.30pm we paraded and marched to No 3 picket, when we arrived there, one section of the coy joined us from examining guard, which was about 1 mile from the camp.
3rd Stood to arms from 5.30am till 6.00am then we dismounted outpost. Parade 10.30am bathing parade. Today we drew in a lottery for gifts, I drew and had about 2lbs of tobacco. 5.30prn rifle inspection.
4th Turned out 5.30am. paraded for route march, at 10.30am. we marched to Elands Laagle a distance about 7 miles, there and back. 6.00pm rifle and ammunition inspection 7.30pm concert, which continued until 9.00pm, some good songs sung by the men and we had a splendid night for such. 9.30pm warned for cavalry outpost.
5th Turned out 4.30am. Paraded at 5.30am and marched to a kopje about 3 miles to the right of our camp where we halted for the day. The cavalry being about 2 miles in front of us. In case the Boers attacked them we were to take up position on the ridge of the kopje and cover their retirement. About 5.45pm we paraded to march back to camp where we arrived about 7.30pm. When we had been back about an hour a heavy storm passed over.
6th Turned out 5.30am bathing paraded at 10.30am, rifle inspection 5.30pm. About 4.00pm it commenced raining and continued to rain for one hour.
7th Turned out 5.30am parade 10.30am and skirmished out in front of the camp to the distance of about 3 miles. At 2.30pm we struck camp and packed tents etc on the wagons, we fell in and marched on mealies. At 2.15pm where we were inspected by the C.O. and then dismissed., afterwards we pitched tents again. 6.00pm mounted inlying picket.
8th Turned out 4.45am and stood to arms from 5.00am. to 6.00am, church parade for the Batt 7.45am. At 10.30am sections of the coy paraded as covering party for the Batt. 6.00pm rifle inspection.
9th Turned out at 5.30am at 8.30am warned for fatigue party digging a trench over at the Slaughter House finishing there about 1.30pm. Parade at 3.30pm.judging distance and at 6.00pm rifle inspection.
10th Turned out 5.30am doctor’s inspection at 6.45am about 7.30am the Boers started firing shells into our camp whilst the troops were having breakfast, we received orders to strike tents and leave them on the ground and put on our equipment to retire behind the crest line were we remained all day and during the day parties of men were told to go and pack tents etc and bring away all that we should require. About 12.30pm we retired about 2 miles to our rear and took position where we remained until daybreak.
11th Relieved by the Rifle Brigade who had been on outpost, then we had to build up sangers so as to shelter us from the rifle fire should we be attacked. About 3.30pm, the Boers fired shells again into the camps we had left. At 6.00pm, I with 6 men was put on a detached post about 20 yards from the coy.
12th Stood to arms from 5.00am to 6.00am, about 6.30am we were relieved by the D.L.Inf we then went to Croger’s Farm behind a hill a distance of about 1 mile and pitched our camp. At 4.45pm was warned for fatigue, which was not finished until 5.30pm.
13th Turned out 3.00am. and then told afterwards we could go to our tents,but was to be ready at a moment’s notice. About 7.30am paraded for church but were dismissed and told to pack up everything so that we could move off at a moment’s notice in case we were attacked. At 6.00pm we received orders that we could unpack our waterproofs for the night, but we were to lay in our clothes and have our equipment ready to put on at a moment’s notice in case we should have to tum out during the night.
14th Turned out 5.30am the left half of the coy turned out at 4.30am and went on outpost for the day, the right half paraded and at 5.15am and reinforced the left half reaching there about 5.45am. I was put on detached post.
15th Stood at arms from 5.00am to 6.00am then we were relieved by 2 coy, of our own Regiment. At 6.00pm we mounted inlying picket.
16th Turned out 4.30am stood to arms from 5.00am to 6.00am. At 6.00pm we received orders that we move tomorrow so we had to pack up all things.
17th Turned out 3.30am packed tents 4.30am and pack everything in the wagons by 5.00am. Paraded at 5.50am, when my coy was told off as advance guard we afterwards moved off in the direction of Modders Spruit. We arrived at Spies Farm about 1.00pm, it being about 2 miles from the above station on the right. At 3.00pm. we went on outpost. I was put on detached post with 8 others.
18th Stood at arms from 5.00am to 6.00am then we retired and marched back to camp. Judging distance at 11.50am. Rifle inspection 5.30pm.
19th Turned out 5.30am parade at 10.30am for musketry, rifle inspection 5.30pm.
20th Turned out 5.30am shifted the tent after breakfast for the purpose of airing the growid 10.30am paraded for skirmishing, 5.30pm rifle parade.
21st Turned out 5.30am received orders that a rifle inspection would take place at 10.30am, but was cancelled about 9.00am as the Boers were firing into the our camp at Elands Laagle and we then received orders to move off at any moment. At 5.30pm rifle inspection.
22nd Turned out 5.30am Church parade 8.30am and had Army Orders read out to us. 6.00pm rolI call.
23rd Turned out 5.20am judging distance 2.00pm went on No2 picket at 5.30pm.
24th Stood to arms from 5.00am to 6.00am then we returned to camp shifted the tent after breakfast for the purpose of airing the ground and after tea we put them back. 5.30pm mounted inlying picket.
25th Turned out 4.30am. stood to arms from 5.00am to 6.00am rifle inspection 5.30pm.
26th Turned out 5.30am parade at 8.15am for coal fatigue marched to Elands Laagle Colliery a distance of about 5 miles returning about 1.30pm. At 3.30pm warned to fall–in and put out grass fire at the distance of about I mile from camp. Rifle inspection 5.45pm and at 7.30pm we had a concert which lasted till 9.30pm and about 10.30pm we were woke up and got order to put on boots and putties, in case we should have to turn out at a moment’s notice.
27th Turned out 5.30am parade at 9.30am and marched over to the 1st Battalion where we halted for ½ hour for the purpose of seeing our old chums, the distance being from our camp to the 1st Batt camp, was about 5 miles, at 5.30pm rifle inspection.
28th Turned out 5.00am alarm sounds at 5.30am my coy was for outpost we did not march away from camp. About 6.00am my section marched off to No 4 picket and took up position for the day, the remainder of my coy joining us at 5.30pm.
29th Turned out at 5.00am and stood to arms till 6.00am afterwards we were relieved by ‘G’ coy and then we returned to camp. Church parade 8.30am roll call 5.30pm. We had extra blankets issued to us today making one blanket per man and I received a gift of pipe tobacco and sweater.
30th Turned out 5.30am parade at 6.45am for Batt drill at 9.00am paraded for road making returning to camp at 1.30pm. 5.30 mounted on ‘Quartermaster’ Guard.
MAY 1st On Quartermaster Guard the camp shifted about 100 yards to the right of the previous camp for sanitary reasons at 2.00pm. Dismounted guard at 6.00pm.
2nd Tumed out 5.30am parade at 10.30am route march, rifle inspection 5.30pm.
3rd Turned out 5.30am at 6.15am mounted outpost and marched to No 4 picket.
4th Stood to arms from 5.00am till 6.00am then dismounted outpost. Parade at 10.30am route march the distance we went today being about 5 miles at 2.00pm we paraded for kitbags from Pietermaritzburg, mounted inlying picket and had to sleep in our equipment all night.
5th Turned out 4.45am stood to arms from 5.00am to 6.00am then run round the camp. Kit inspection 11.30am, sale of kit after and during the afternoon of the men who had died etc rifle inspection 5.50pm.
6th Turned out 6.00am church parade 8.40am, roll call 5.30pm.
7th Turned out 5.30am struck tents at 9.30am and packed them on the wagons also blankets and coats; kits were stacked by 6.00am and taken to the station. Paraded at 12.50pm and commenced marching at 1.00pm to out right front the distance we done today being about 6 miles arriving about 5.30pm, then we bivouacked for the night.
8th Turned out at 6.00am about 9.00am the right half of the coy was warned for outpost on a small kopje about 300 yards to our right abut 5.30pm we were joined by the left half of the coy, then we built a small sanger to take cover in case of attack.
9th Stood to arms from 5.00am to 6.00am afterwards returning to camp at 8.00am we paraded ready to march off to Waschbank Junction, a distance of about 11 miles we passed through a splendid country but it was very hilly, we arrived at our destination about 2.30pm. At 3.30pm we paraded for bathing which was greatly appreciated by the troops, we bivouacked here for the night.
10th Turned out 6.00am. I was appointed Lance Corporal. 10.30am bathing parade, rifle inspection 5.30pm. One extra blanket issued to each man, then we went into bivouac for the night.
11th Turned out 6.00am voluntary bathing parade 9.30am coats and blankets packed on wagons paraded at 1.30pm and marched to the hill where we halted for about 1 hour then we proceeded in the direction of Waschbank. When we were within 5 miles of the place to bivouac we were posted on a small hill on the left as flank guard mounting at 6.30pm, dismounting at 1.30am on the following morning, then we marched the remaining distance making a total altogether of 11 miles, we went into bivouac at 2.30am on the 12th and rested until 7.30am then we paraded to march to Spinaker by 12.30pm we had covered a distance of about 12 miles then we halted and changed magazines and also had dinner. About 6.00pm we fell in and marched about 3 miles and went into bivouac, when we arrived we were warned for inlying picket.
13th Turned out 4.30am paraded at 6.00am preceded about 1 mile and then formed up in line as rear guard to the whole force remaining in that position all day. About 7.OOam the Boers open fire on us with big guns, but as soon as our guns replied they were silenced and during the day firing could be heard in the direction of our advance. About 5.00pm we formed up and marched about 5 miles and then went into bivouac for the night.
14th Turned out 6.00am and we had two luxuries; a wash for about four days and starting late on the march. At 3.OOpm we started marching to Beith a distance of about 14 miles and all up hill as we acted as rear guard, we did not arrive until late about 1O.OOpm we went into bivouac for the night.
15th Turned out 6.00am commenced marching at 8.00am and went about 5 miles, when we halted as my coy is for outpost they were for advanced guard. At 4.50pm we commenced marching again and continued for ¾ hour then we halted until 10.00pm, then we again started to march to Dundee brickfield where we arrived at 5.45am of the 16th Inst we then went into bivouac the distance we done was about 20 miles and the roads being very dusty made the marching hard. Turned out about 12.00pm rifle inspection, feet and boots at 4.00pm.
The following message has been received by Gen Buller from H.M the Queen
Delighted at your success and your entry into Dundee, trust all the wounded are doing well. V.RI. The G.0. Comdg wishes to congratulate the 3rd K.R.R on the manner in which they marched into Dundee this morning.
17th Turned out at 4.00am blankets and coats packed onto the wagons by 5.30am parade at 7.15am and marched about 13 miles and went into bivouac at Dannhauser Station arriving there about 3.00pm.
18th Turned out 3.00am packed coats and blankets on wagons by 5.15am parade at 5.00am to march to Newcastle arriving there 6.00pm the distance being 22 miles. Marching was very hard on account of it being up and down the mountains as we passed through the town a number of the inhabitants cheered us.
19th Turned out 5.00am parade at 7.00am and marched to Ingogo River a distance of 14 miles arriving here at 1.30pm and we bivouacked on the site of the yc1 Batt camp of 1881. Here is erected a monument in memory of the killed and wounded, total 67. Majuba can also be seen and Langs Nek. Bathing parade at 3.30pm, mounted inlying picket 6.00pm.
20th Stood to arms from 5.30am to 6.30am bathing parade 1.00pm, sanger building 4.00pm church parade at 4.45pm but was cancelled. Received orders to sleep in equipment all night.
21st Turned out 6.15am packed coats and blankets on the wagons 7.00am ordered to parade at 8.00am but was cancelled, rifle inspection 5.00pm.The following Special Army Order was issued to troops today.
Special Army Order
Dated Newcastle 20-5-1900
The Gen Cmdg congratulates all officers, Non Coms and men of the force upon the result of their 10 day’s hard work. The 3rd Mounted Brigade and the 1st and 3rd Divs have driven over Langs Nek from carefully prepared positions on the Biggars, including that which the enemy has christened ‘The Gibraltar of South Africa’ a force of over 7000 men and are only checked at Langs Nek itself by a fresh Commando force sent from the Transvaal forces in the Free State. This result reflects the greatest credit on all of the troops, has been obtained by the continuous hard work, long marches and steep mountain climbing far more trying and wearisome than the severe fighting.
22nd Turned out 6.00am, bathing parade at 2.30pm, rifle inspection 5.20pm.
23rd Turned out 6.00am bathing parade at 10.00am 3 sections joined a section that had been on outpost all day at 5.00pm.
24th Stood to arms from 6.00am till 7.00am then was relieved by a section of another coy. Parade at 11.40am. To celebrate the Queen’s birthday.
25th Turned out at 6.30am parade 10.00am Sanger building, 2.30pm bathing parade rifle inspection 5.00pm.
26th Turned out 6.30am Court Marshal read of Private Green who was awarded 56 days for insubordinate language to a N.C.O. Parade for bathing at 10.30am at the same time, rifle inspection 5.30pm.
27thTurned out 6.30am, church parade at 4.30pm. Mounted outpost at 5.00pm marched to No 2 picket.
28th Stood to arms from 5.30am to 6.30am then at 7.00am we returned to camp. At 8.50am we paraded and marched about 8 miles nearer to the Boers position, when we had got into bivouac, the Boers commenced sending a few shells over to us, it being about 4.30pm, one man injured I mounted water guard at 4.00pm and dismounted at 6.00pm, when I rejoined my coy I was warned to parade with the coy who was on inlying picket.
29th Stood to arms from 5.30am to 6.00am a sulky, by gunfire was carried out by both sides today, at 5.00pm mounted Quarter Guard.
30th Turned out 5.50am still on guard our big guns opened fire at 11.00am but the Boers guns did not answer until 4.00pm with about ½ doz shots. Dismounted guard at 5.30pm.
31st Turned out 6.30am mounted outpost 5.30pm and marched to the right picket about 300 yards to the right front.
JUNE 1st Stood to arms from 5.30am to 6.30am, dismounted outpost 7.00am, bathing parade 10.00am. Today we received the order that Lord Roberts had entered Johannesburg, rifle inspection 5.00pm.
2nd Turned out 6.30am bathing parade 10.30am rifle inspection 5.15pm.
3rd Turned out 6.00am and mounted water picket and dismounted 5.30pm. Church parade for the Batt, at 4.30pm. Bathing at 2.00pm.
4th Turned out 6.30am mounted outpost 8.00am and marched to the observation post, was reinforced at 5.45pm by the remainder of the coy.
5th Stood at arms from 5.00am to 6.00am the remainder of the coy went into camp leaving 20 men to be relived by ‘H’ coy who came about 8.30am. Parade at 2.00pm for bathing and doing the graves of the men who were killed during the Boer War of 1881. I also went with a party of men and inspected the coy tents. At 5.00pm mounted inlying picket.
6th Stood at arms from 5.30am to 6.30am rifle inspection at 5.00pm fitted clothing at 11.00am. Our guns opened fire after 3 day’s silence and the Boers answered with 6 shots.
7th Turned out 6.30am the guns fired again today, the Boers answered our fire about dinnertime, which did not last long. Bathing parade 10.30am, rifle inspection 5.00pm. Heavy firing heard from Ingogo all day.
8th Turned out 6.30am, firing carried on again today and also at Ingogo. Was read out that Lord Roberts had entered Pretoria, as they had surrendered unconditionally, mounted outpost 5.30pm. About 8.00pm. a very heavy mist came over and continued so all night.
9th Stood at arms from 5.00am to 6.00am. returned to camp at 8.15am then we were relieved by ‘G & H’ coys, as the mist had not lifted. About 9.30am. ‘A & B’ coys marched out and relieved the Scot Rifles on outpost who went out to take up a better position nearer the enemy, but they returned back at I1.00am. As the mist had lifted our guns opened fire and was shortly answered by the Boers who fired about l doz rounds. At 5.30pm mounted inlying picket.
10th Stood at arms from 6.00am till 7.00am. Church parade at 8.40am, rifle inspection 5.00pm.
11th Turned out 6.30am, guns opened fire about 7.00am, the Boers returned not more that their usual amount of rounds today, mounted outpost at 5.30pm.
12th Stood at arms from 5.00am to 6.00am, about 7.00am was relieved by ‘G’ coy. At 12.30pm we packed up blankets on the wagons and paraded at 1.30pm to march to Langs Nek a distance of about 8 miles arriving there about 5.30pm, after a hard march it being all up hill.
13th Turned out 6.30am about 10.00am we drew tents and pitched camp.
14th Turned out 6.30am rifle inspection 5.00pm.
15th Turned out 6.30am. Coy parade for fatigue on the railway, at 5.00pm mounted outpost and marched about ½ mile to post
Special Army Orders Dated Langs Nek 14-6-1900
Congratulations. The General Commanding has much pleasure in communicating to the troops the following telegrams: –
From H.M the Queen to Gen Buller. Balmoral 10-6-00
Rejoice at your success. Trust wounded are doing well. V.R..I
From Buller to H.MQueen. Gian Vei 11-6-00
All troops thank your majesty for gracious telegram all wounded progressing well.
From H.M.Queen to Buller I2-6-00
I am delighted at the good news you have reported to me and sincerely congratulate you and the troops under you on having freed Natal from the enemy after this Jong struggle of eight months. V.R.I
From Governor of Natal to Buller 12-6-00
Accept my warm congratulations on your brilliant success. We are a deep debt of gratitude to you for having driven the ……… from the Colony, we are proud of you and the brave troops under your command
From Gov of Victoria to Buller. Melbourne 14-6-00
Victoria, fully recognising the numerous difficulties of your campaign and your magnificent success not with standing send warm applause and congratulations on deliverance of Natal
16th Stood to arms from 6.00am to 7.00am then we returned to camp about 10.00am. I took a party of men to Majuba and visited the Boer trenches at Langs Nek. Rifle inspection 5.30pm.
17th Turned out 6.30am church parade 10.15am mounted inlying picket 5.30pm.
18th Stood at arms from 6.00am to 7.00am. Today the first train passed though he tunnel after being repaired at Langs Nek and proceeded as far as Volksrust Rifle inspection 5.15pm.
19th Turned out 6.00am struck tents at 8.00am packed coats and blankets on the wagons at 8.15am paraded at 9.00am and marched a distance of about 8 miles, about 3 miles east of Volksrust arriving there about 2.30pm, drew tents and pitched them about 4.00pm at Joubert’s farm.
20thTurned out 5.30am blankets and coats on wagons 6.30am, tents struck 7.30am parade at 8.10am. commenced marching 8.50am and we went for about 8 miles then halted for 2 hours and then went about another 2 miles and went into bivouac for the night at Zand Spruit.
21st Turned out 5.30am blankets and coats on wagons 7.00am parade at 8.10am and commenced marching at 8.45am and went to Parde Kop a distance of about 12 miles arriving there about 2.00pm. Coy parade and went on outpost duty a distance of about ½ mile from the bivouac.
22nd Turned out 3.15am and returned to bivouac, where we had drop of coffee and some potatoes. Paraded at 4.00am. to march a distance of21 miles after we had done about 10 miles we halted and had breakfast, after doing another 8 we had dinner we then marched straight into Krondraal arriving there at 5.00pm then pitched tents.
23rd Turned out 7.00am parade at 10.00am and marched to Standerton a distance of about 10 miles arriving there about 2.00pm we pitched canvas at about 4.00pm.
24th Turned out 6.30am. church parade 9.30am bathing parade 10.00am at 5.30pm I took 6 men to the prison to reinforce the guard there.
25th Turned out 6.30am rifle inspection 5.00pm.
26th Turned out 6.30am musketry drills, 10.30am. mounted bridge guard 2.00pm dismounted 6.00pm.
27th Turned out 6.30am mounted bridge guard 8.00am dismounted same at 6.00pm.
28th Turned out 6.30am ration fatigue 7.00am and 2.00pm. Batt parade 2.00pm judging distance, rifle inspection 5.0Opm.
29th Turned out 6.30am blankets and coats packed on wagons by 7.00am, tents struck and packed on wagons 8.00am received orders to parade at 9.00am, which was cancelled . About 1.00pm we pitched camp again at 7.45pm, mounted outpost and marched about 2 miles to the post, which was on a small kopje on our left.
30th Stood to arms from 5.30am to 6.30am then we returned to camp about 7.00am. When we got into camp we received orders to pack up blankets and coats at once, parade at 9.30am and marched about 12 miles to Vlaklaagte, we were rear guard to the column, the marching was very tedious and arrived at our destination at 4.00pm, we pitched camp at 5.00pm.
JULY 1st Turned out at 6.30am paraded at 9.30am and marched about 12 miles. When we had been on the march about 3 miles we were fired on our right flank, killing one Canadian and wounding two. Today we were right flank guard arriving at Watervaal Spruit at 6.00pm, and then we pitched canvas, today it rained a little and was very cold.
2nd Turned out 6.30am packed coats and blankets on wagons 8.00am and struck tents, paraded at 9.30am and marched to Greylings Bridge arriving their about 4.00pm, there was a little sniping on our way today and the distance being about 10 miles, we pitched camp about 5.00pm.
3rd Turned out 6.30am paraded at 4.45pm for outpost and marched to our post at 5.00pm a distance of 2 miles.
4th Stood to arms from 5.30am to 6.30am then we returned to camp arriving there about 8.00am when we got in camp, the right half Batt had received orders to parade at 9.30am to go on the march about 2.00pm. We received orders to strike tents and pack all on the wagons. At 2.30pm we paraded and marched about 2 miles to our front then pitched our camp on the side of the mountains, about 6.00pm we had a draft of 86 men join us.
5th Turned out 6.30am at 10.00am we packed coats, blankets and tents on the wagons, paraded at 11.30am and marched about 2 miles then halted and waited until the wagons had come round the mountain then we commenced marching to our right front across country. When we had marched about 10 miles we went into bivouac for the night arriving there about 6.00pm, mounted inlying picket and then turned in for the night.
6th Turned out 6.00am packed our coats and blankets on the wagons by 7.00am paraded and commenced marching to a large iron bridge on the railway the distance being about 8 miles and we arrived at Watervaal Station about 2.30pm just as we arrived sniping was going on, on our left flank where one Corporal of the Strathcom Horse was killed. We pitched our camp by 4.00pm, paraded at 5.30pm and went on outpost duty.
7th Turned out 6.00am then returned to camp. At 1.45pm coy paraded for and when they had finished at 6.00pm, they went bathing. Rifle inspection at 5.00pm.
8th Turned out 6.30am, at 8.00am we received orders to get dressed at once and fall in as the Boers were supposed to be attacking us, my coy lined the railway line; after we had been out about one hour we received orders to return. Coy parade at 9.00am for trenching and during this time they were at work the remaining three coys fell in for church parade at 9.45am. About 4.00pm we were warned to hold ourselves in readiness to reinforce the train escort and proceed to Vaal Station and repair the line that was damaged by the Boers during the night, the order was afterwards cancelled.
9th Turned out 6.30am at 8.30am the coy received orders to get dressed at once as we were to go out as … …. escort late last night the Devon’s came up by train and reinforced us. Whilst we was out today the other half Batt of the Devon’s came up by train to reinforce them. We returned to camp about 11.30am, at 3.30pm we received orders to pack up at once and at 4.30pm we entrained and proceeded about 3 miles to the other side of Vaal Station to were the railway lines had been blown up by the Boers and pitched camp under a large kopje (Vaal Gap), we are now about 5 miles from Watervaal Pumping Station.
10th Turned out at 6.30am about 7.45am paraded with 6 men and went on observation picket about 200 yards from camp, the remainder of No 2 and No 3 sections went out on to the kopje about 5.30pm, was reinforced by No 4 section, about 7.30pm I was warned to take 6 men onto the railway line.
11th Turned out 6.30am and returned to camp at 7.00am coy warned for outlying picket.
12th Coy turned out ay 6.00am and stood to arms until 6.30am rifle inspection 5.00pm.
13th Turned out 4.00am received orders to pack up at 8.00am and to parade at 10.30am, but we did not parade until 12.30pm then we marched about 4 miles to a bridge at Grool Spruit which had been blown up by the Boers, we arrived here about 3.00pm then pitched canvas by 4.00pm.
14th Turned out 6.30am reinforced by No 4 section on outpost.
15th Church parade at 10.00am mounted inlying picket 5.00pm.
16th Stood to arms from 6.00am to 7.00am, rifle inspection 5.30pm.
17th Turned out 5.00am struck tents and packed coats and blankets by 6.00am paraded at 6.30am coy marched to the other side of the railway and then halted for about 2 hours. Then we marched to Smith’s Farm a distance of about 10 miles. We joined the Batt about 1.30pm today, last night a convoy joined us from Greylingstad and we escorted them today. We pitched canvas at 3.00pm at 5.30pm mounted inlying picket and when we were mounting our naval guns fired.
18th Turned out 6.00am and stood to arms till 6.30am, struck tents and packed coats and blanket on the wagons by 8.00am paraded at 8.50am, we were today left flank guard when we had done about 10 miles the Boers opened fire on our left flank and was soon replied by out naval guns. Today we did about 12 miles arriving at Vlaldaagte about 4.30pm.
19th Turned out 6.30am struck tents and packed on wagons by 8.00am paraded at 9.00am. Today we were rear guard so did not commence to march until10.30am, when we had gone about 9 miles, we passed through a grass fire and the Boers that had been sniping at us since we had started took advantage of the smoke and attacked our left flank, where we had one man killed after we had been in action for about ½ hour we received orders to retire. After we had done about 11 miles we acted as left flank guard and escorted the gun into camp arriving there about 5.30pm then at 6.00pm we went on outpost, the post being on Leven’s Farm a distance of 22 miles from camp. The distance covered today being about 16 miles.
20th Turned out at 6.00am and stood to arms until 7.00am. At 9.00am was relieved by ‘G’ coy and then returned to camp we pitched our tents at 10.30am at 12.30am received orders to pack up at once, paraded at 3.00pm and marched about 2 miles to our right front over the Spruit and pitched camp on a kopje near Leven’s Farm Spruit, there was a little sniping at our pickets today. At 9.00pm coy turned out on fatigues to cut the grass so as to prevent it coming into camp in case of fire.
21st Turned out 6.30am. struck camp and packed on wagons by 8.00am paraded at 9.00am and commenced marching at 10.00am after we had been on the march about 1 hour we passed through a grass fire and we arrived at Wessel’s Farm at 5.00pm after doing about 15 miles, then we pitched camp.
22nd Turned out 6.30am struck tents etc at 8.00am paraded at 9.00am coy advance guard and marched to Smith’s Fann a distance of 8 miles arriving there about 3.00pm.
23rd Turned out at 6.30am struck camp etc at 8.00am paraded at 9.00am and marched to Grool Spruit a distance of about 10 miles arriving there about 3.00pm, coy left flank guard.
24th Turned out 6.30am struck tents and packed on wagons by 7.00am paraded at 5am and marched to Greylingstad a distance of about 8 miles arriving there about 2.30pm coy was for outpost and paraded at 5.00pm to go to their post.
25th Turned out 6.00am and returned to camp, about 9.30am. Coy mounted inlying picket at 5.00pm.
26th Draft for the 2nd Batt left at 5.00am coy turned out 6.00am and stood to arms till 7.00am received orders to strike camp etc at 1.30pm but did not do so until 2.30pm at 3.00pm paraded and marched to Blackfontein, a distance of about 7 miles arriving their about 6.30pm.
27th Turned out 6.30am paraded at IO.OOam and marched to Zuckerbosch a distance of about 11 miles arriving there about 3.30pm.
28th Turned out 6.30am paraded at 9.00am and marched to Heidelberg a distance of about 12 miles arriving there at 3.30pm, we passed through a portion of the town which was a fine place and inhabited by the English. Coy mounted outpost at 5.00pm.
29th Stood to arms from 6.00am. till 7.00am and then was relieved by ‘G’ coy. Church parade at 9.45am bathing parade at 11.00am and 2.00pm.
30th Turned out 6.30am. It was officially announced that Gen Princh surrendered with 5000 Boers to Gen Hunter. Sanger building at 2.00pm.
31st Turned out 6.30am, Sanger building on Somerset Hill and Fort Whatman at 2.0Opm warned for inlying picket but was cancelled.
