Corporal Edward GILBERT
King’s Royal Rifle Corps 3rd Battalion 6987
Born on the 7th June 1874, one of nine children of George and Elizabeth Gilbert, a boot maker of South Street, Northampton. He enlisted in the Kings Royal Rifle Corps on the 14th January 1892, aged 18 years 7 months, seeing service in India, Mauritius, and South Africa and later in WWI.
The photograph shows him wearing the India Medal with clasp “Relief of Chitral” awarded in 1895.
On leaving England for the second Boer war in 1899, he started to keep a diary; the following is a transcript of that diary. gives an It insight to the harsh conditions endured by the troops and also the courage of the ordinary soldier.
The shipping lists for that year show that he probably sailed from Liverpool on the ‘SS Servia’ as the entries in the diary correspond with this ships arrival at St Vincent, Cape Town and Natal.
During his time in South Africa he was awarded the Queens South Africa Medal with clasps “Laing Nek’, ‘Relief of Ladysmith’, ‘Orange Free State’. Tugela Heights’, ‘Cape Colony’ and the Kings South Africa Medal with clasps ‘ 1901’ and ‘1902’
After returning from South Africa he lived until his death on the 7th. November 1946, in Woodnewton Northamptonshire, where he met and subsequently married Charlotte Simmons on the 29th July 1905.
The second Boer war was a continuation of the first (1880-81 in many ways, however this was far bloodier. The British reasons for the war were similar to the first colonial conquest and the territories rich mineral deposits. Opposing this were the Boers who were fighting to save their land and way of life.
The war had four distinct phases.
First, after failed negotiations the Boers mounted a pre-emptive strike into British held territory, culminating in the famous sieges of Ladysmith, Mafeking and Kimberly.
Second, an ineffective counter-offensive by the British to relieve these three sieges.
Third, a second offensive to relieve the sieges by greatly increased troop numbers.
Fourth, a long guerrilla war from March 1900, lasting eighteen months.
To counter this the British had Boer farms burnt and food destroyed, the country was divided up into sections using barbed wire, with blockhouses manned by 6-8 soldiers to guard that particular area. This limited the guerrilla attacks by the Boers and the raids became less, the final raid being an engagement at Roodewall on the 11th April 1902 and peace talks took place later that month.
Transcript of the Diary
………And also sailing vessels about 7.30pm. ZM. Dull and raining.…….
NOVEMBER 10TH 1899 Parade 9.00am to 9.30am. Steamer on starboard bow about 7.30am and 2.30pm, homeward bound. The parade at 9.00am was for monkey motions. ZM fine and clear.
11th Parade at 9.30am for boots. At 9.00am we sighted the Selandey off St Vincent, which we reached about 12.30am then coaled whilst… There were 14 to 15 vessels in the harbour about 5 of which have troops enroute for South Africa. The cruiser ‘Diadem’ was also in harbour and their crew was here to coal all transport boats passing out to South Africa. We took 1700 tons of coal on board with the help of our men, which took from 2.00pm till 3.00am and from 6.00am on the 12th to midday. Steamed out of harbour about 1.30pm. About 8 miles out of St Vincent we overtook yacht that had started out an hour before us, which we soon left behind. Then received orders to assist in cleaning the ship (one of the worst jobs on board) as everything being completely covered with coal dust, ourselves included. ZM fine and very hot. Between decks about 10.00am the Scandinavian? (Sardinian) passed us at St Vincent with the Canadian Regt on board and reports all well
13th Paraded 9.30am for washing clothes, 4.50pm for bathing. ZM fine. About 12 midnight crossed the equator.
14th Parade 9.30am with haversacks. ZM fine.
15th Parade 9.30am. Monkey motions. 7.00pm bathing parade. ZM fine and warm.
l6th Parade 9.30am monkey motions. 1.30pm bathing parade. 2.45pm funeral of Pte Holt who died of Enteric Fever at midnight was buried on the port side at 3.00pm. ZM very hot.
17th Parade at 9.30am monkey motions. 4.30pm bathing parade. ZM fine and strong wind at night Shifting coal from reserve bunkers to ordinary bunkers.
18th Parade at 9.30am. monkey motions and greased boots.2.30pm with equipment. ZM fine with cold strong wind at night.
19th Parade 10.30am for church 2.00pm checking hammocks. ZM fine. Strong wind, piercing cold the first thing in the morning.
20th Washing day 4.00pm bathing parade ZM fine.
21st Parade 8.20am. Drawing equipment 9.30am. Marching order 12 midday. Hammock and haversack inspection.3.30pm bathing. ZM fine but cold morning.
22nd Sighted steam vessel on starboard bow about 5.00am believed to be outward bound. About 1.15pm steamer passed us homeward bound and at 2.30pm we passed steamer outward bound. Mounted guard at 8.00am. About 7.00pm the ship rolled heavily and continued all night ZM fine with cold wind.
23rd 6.00am steamer on the port bow, which we signaled at 6.30am and 7.30am. Steamers passed on starboard bow both being homeward bound Paraded at 9.30am. Doctor’s inspection 11.30am. 2.00pm for pay and parade with boots at the same time. Afterwards we packed our kits ready for disembarkation. About 3.00pm we sighted land. Passed sailing vessel between 6.00-7.00pm, homeward bound. We arrived and anchored in Table Bay about 8.30pm. Ship rolled heavily all night whilst anchored. ZM fine.
24th We heaved anchor and sailed into harbour about 9.00am and was moored on to the west quay. We received orders to disembark about 10.00am, which at the last moment was cancelled after having got everything ready to get off. The A&BH & Gen Hosp of the RA MC&A sections of the APC disembarked about 12 noon. During the day we received orders to proceed to Durban in saying that the troops was… in not getting off was nothing in it so here we had to settle down for another four days. There were a few wounded of the first and… Batt of ours paid a visit to us also a number of reservists who was in the Gov employ in Cape Town and was not called up on account of that. ZM fine.
25th Between 7.00am and 8.00am we shifted from the west quay to the south area on the east quay for coaling purposes. 300 ton by the Cape boys was put on in a very short time. At 10.30am we paraded for a walk round Cape Town. We proceeded by the coast as far as Sea Point and afterwards we performed a temporary skirmish across Sea Point Common finishing at the invalid’s camp. Then we proceeded by the way of Somerset Road through the town to the quay, on which we were moored, which we arrived at about 2.00pm, all feeling better for our walk out. The order was when we returned that we were to sail at once but owing to part of the crew being ashore we did not leave till 4.30pm, after leaving two of the crew behind and two of our men deserting the ship. Being in a filthy state after coaling. We had a splendid send off by the people of Cape Town who lined the piers wishing us good luck and God speed.
When we got out of harbour the sea was very choppy and the ship rolled rather heavily and we also received orders to make our kits etc fast as the Capt expected a very rough night and so that they would not fall about the ship. There were about 60 ships waiting to go into the harbour but owing to two or three transports arriving daily, there is no room for them to get in. In one of the basins there was laying a German Gunboat but what it was doing there we could not find out Cape Town has altered since our last visit here. The trade in Cape Town is a good deal upset owing to the Transvaal War. ZM drizzling rain in the morning, fine remainder of the day.
26th Land was sighted on the port bow about 5.00am and continued so all day. Church parade 10.10am. Steamer sighted on port side at 10.00am – homeward bound. Diagram of the Transvaal and Orange Free State issued to troops. About 6.30pm passed a steamer outward bound on the port side. ZM fine all day but rained heavily during the night Sea choppy.
27th Steamer homeward bound passed on our starboard side at 4.45am with troops invalided from the front on board Parade 9.30am with equipment, 2.30pm for rifles 3.00pm in marching order. A packet of cigarettes was issued to each man on this parade. ZM fine but rained heavily during the night. Land was in sight all day.
28th Arrived at Durban at 7.30am. Dropped anchor at 8.00am. Received orders for disembarkation at 9.00am, but did not commence to disembark until 11.00am and then we got on to the lighters to take us over the bar on account of the boat drawing so much water. When we got on the quay there was a great quantity of people there to meet us. About ½ hour after us being on shore we went to the sailor’s institute for our dinner about 4.30pm, then we afterward marched back. The people commenced throwing tobacco. matches, and eatables over the railings to the men. The people went mad after our badges as keepsakes, the majority of then being refugees from Johannesburg and had not seen soldiers before. On leaving Durban at 6.30pm the people all along the lines for miles cheered us until we were out of sight The train was made up of open trucks with temporary seats in them for troops; there being 50 packed in each truck. During the night it became very cold but we arrived at Moori River about 5.30am the 29th inst., where we saw one arnoured train. On arriving here also we were supplied with bread, cheese and tea, at Pietennaritzburg we were also supplied with the same of which we were in need of not having anything to keep the cold from us. This camp is made up of different units and the Boers also shelled it on Sunday the 26th who afterwards took flight. There was one killed and four wounded of the British without firing a shot at the disappearing enemy.
28th & 29th The weather was very cloudy and threatening to rain. We pitched our camp at 5.00pm. At 6.00pm we paraded with rifles and also to hear Gen Buller’s message. Orders were issued that all men were to be in bed by 8.00pm daily and not to make any noise whatever. Equipment is to laid outside of tent ready to be put on at a moment’s notice. A heavy dew fell at night also like rain. which cause it to be very cold and uncomfortable to the troops.
When we reached Durban on the 28th Nov there were 6 transports laying in the harbour, 4 gunboats and 1 Cruiser, of which 2 were over the bar, whilst waiting to disembark a salute was fired on account of a German gunboat coming to anchor in the harbour. During our journey from Pietermaritzburg to Moori River there was a quantity of British camps all along the line. 29th Cooked meat was issued at 8.00pm but it was rand and was not fit for the troops to eat.
30th Rouse at 5.30am when all troops had to get up, we were marched to the river to wash at 6.00am. Paraded at 10.00am marching order and went out skirmishing over the hills. We had a hill 2500ft high to climb and two others about the same height. At 6.00pm we paraded with equipment and for roll call. ZM it was fine the biggest part of the day and we had a thunderstorm about 2.00pm. The sun was very hot during the time it was fine. Heavy dew fell during the night.
DECEMBER 1st 1899 Rouse 5.00am. Parade for bathing at 5.30am. 10.00am parade in marching order for skirmishing returned about 2.00pm. We bad a hill to climb about 2000 ft high. At 5.00pm we paraded for picket duty having to march about 2 miles and then climb a hill about 1700 ft high in heavy marching order. About 10.30pm there was a false alarm and about 6 shots were fired over the camp. Here was a heavy mist and the dew fell as if it was raining during the night.
2nd We dismounted off picket about 9.30am after having a bit of biscuit to take us through. At 2.00pm we practiced striking camp and packed our wagons and at 5.30pm we pitched it again. 6.00pm. paraded with rifle and water bottles. A Boer spy was brought into the camp by the Naval mounted rifles who were out scouting and was placed in our guard tent about 7.45pm. ZM fine all day, clear but cold during the night.
3rd Rouse at 4.30am. Church parade at 8.30am. After that I went and washed underclothing and so bathing parade. 6.00pm water bottles and haversack parade. ZM fine. Very hot but rained during the night
A few communications between the Boer and English signalers at Highlands by heliograph
Boer: Yes.
Eng: What regiment are you.
Boer: Irish Fuisiliers
Eng: What number
Boer: I am Captain Stevens, 18th Hussars
Eng: Did you not say you were the Irish Fuisiliers
Boer: Don’t ask what I don’t know. I am one of the Transvaal
Heliographers, do you want to communicate
Eng: Yes
Boer: Ladysmith is taken
Eng: When was Ladysmith taken
Boer: Last night
Eng: Where is General White
Boers: Hee is at Pretoria
Eng: Where are troops at Ladysmith
Boer: They are all at Pretoria, I escaped
Eng: What Regiment are you
Boers: 18th Hussars
Eng: What casualties
Boer: I escaped where are you
Eng: Highlands
Boer: Where is General Buller
Eng: Where are you
Boer: What is the name of place
Eng: Highlands
Boer: How many of you are there
Eng: Don’t know
Boer: Why don’t you know
Eng: Because we don’t know who you are
Boer: One of the Transvaal Heliographers
Eng: Where is General Joubert
Boer: Don’t know
Eng: What about Kruger
Boer: Very well thank you
Eng: Are you a Boer
Boer: Yes and you are an Englishman
Eng: When are you coming here
Boer: You’ll see us there one of these days
Eng: God help you when you come
Boer: And he will
Eng: We have bags of cold steel for you
Boer: Rats what regiment are you
Eng: Inkey of the Buffs
4th Rouse 4.30am. paraded at 5.45am. for rations. Fatigue parade at 8.00am. Batt marched out of camp and skirmished over two very high and rocky hills, the height being 1500 and 1700 ft respectively. Afterwards practicing escort for ammunition convoy in a heavy mist and drizzling rai returning to camp about 2.00pm. Parade at 6.00pm with water bottles and haversacks. ZM drizzling rain and misty and very cold all day and night. We covered about 10 miles along hills and hollows.
5th Rouse at 4.30am. Brigade parade at 9.15am. for skirmishing across a large vel returning at 12 noon. Paraded at 6.00pm with water bottles and haversacks. On this parade we received orders that we move tomorrow at 8.00am for Willow Grange. ZM drizzling rain all day and night also cold.
6th Rouse at 4.30am. Packed blankets. Struck tents 7.00am. Paraded for marching to Willow Grange 8.30am, arriving thereabout 2.00pm, after a very rough and heavy march and climbing up and down mountings. The beginning of the march was in drizzling rain and towards the finish we had it fine. We pitched camp at 3.30pm. Rumoured in camp that 300 Boers gave themselves up to the English at Ladysmith. Distance of march today being 11 miles. ZM drizzling rain till noon Fine remainder of the day and a veiy fine night
7th Rouse at 4.30am. struck camp at 5.00am, paraded at 6.15am. Started the march to Estcourt at 7.30am. Was a very good march. The roads going round the tops of the hills. When we sighted Estcourt we had a very steep incline, distance being about the same as yesterday. We arrived here about 10.00am. There was 20 men of the West York’s & Scots Fusi who were killed in the engagement here with Boers were buried here in one grave. ZM fine and clear night.
8th Rouse 4.00am. Church parade at 4.15am. Breakfast 5.00am, paraded at 6.00am to march on to Frere. The beginning of the march for about I½ miles was all up hill and the same all the way to here. The sun being that hot caused a deal many to fall by the wayside. When about 3 miles out of camp the word was passed along from the rear for the ambulance on account of a man fainting and it was sent back that the man would have to walk to it, distance from the man to the wagon being about ¼ mile. The roads being very dusty made it uncomfortable for the troops also the troops was quenching with thirst There was a water cart with us but the troops were not allowed to have any from it The ambulance soon got filled up on account of the men being affected by the heat and dust My company being on rear guard for the whole brigade, about 700 men, made it worse for not getting into the camp until 2 hours after all remainder. The distance today about 14 miles. We arrived here at 2.30pm after a hard trying march. This is a splendid camp, they’re being about 20,000 troops of all descriptions, Naval Brigade included. I noticed one thing in particular that all the outposts are manned with some guns in case of attack. Men of the Regts we passed offered us water but the CO would not let us touch it. When we got into camp we found the nearest water for drinking and washing was about 2 miles away. About 9.00pm it rained hard and continued half of the night. ZM fine all day. Close and drizzly all night.
9th Rouse 4.30am. 10.40am held kit inspection. 11.00am struck and pitched camp again. Names of men who had left articles behind at the base had them taken and have to pay for replacing the same. ZM fine. It rained a little during the night.
10th Turned out at 1.45am. Coffee and bread at 2.30am. Paraded at 3.00am and marched to Fusilier Hill to go on picket remaining there until the following day. From our position it was rumoured that the Boer camp could be seen and also about I½ miles there was a farmhouse, which had been looted, and everything broken by the Boers. ZM very hot. Close during the night.
11th Turned out at 2.30am and remained under arms until 5.00am when we were relived by the Durham’s. Parade at 6.00am for rll call. ZM fine and very hot. Close during the night.
12th Rouse at 5.00am. Roll call 5.10am. Parade for washing 5.20am. Parade at 8.30am and marched about 3 miles. On this parade we visited the scene of the overthrowing of the armour train on the 13th Nov. Close to the railway is the grave of the men who was killed. They belonged to the Durham Fus and the Durham 13th L Fus. The grave was set out in splendid style by the Border Regt. When we returned to camp we gave in our blankets and waterproof, which were taken to the station to be stowed on a train to follow us as we advanced further up country. 6.00pm mounted inlying picket of which we have to lay in all our clothing and also ready to tum out at a moments warning. ZM hot during the day. Heavy mist and some rain during the night.
14th Turned out at 3.00am stood to arms until 4.00am when we were dismissed. We received orders to get ready to strike camp and proceed to Chievelry Station 11.00am. Struck tents at 12.30pm and loaded on wagons. Paraded at 1.30pm and then proceeded on the march to Chievelry where we arrived at 6.30pm after a very hot journey. When we got there we found the Naval Brigade had shelled the Boers from their positions during the morning. Before we left we could hear the big guns several miles away. The distance of march being about 8 miles over very good ground. There seemed to be more troops in this camp than the one we had just left. During the night 2 brigades marched in and at dawn we all left camp to reconnoitre the Boers at Colenso, about 3 miles away. All troops turned out en-mass. Irish Brigade fighting line and 1 reserve including our own Regt. After shelling the position for some hours and getting no return of fire it was presumed they had abandoned their guns. Then the troops opened out to attack. The Boers did not show their positions until we were within 500 yards then they opened fire with great rapidity with all arms, when our troops found that they could not get at their position on account of the Tugela River. The bridge having been blown up and wire entanglement in the water, which caused the loss of a great many lives. It was deemed necessary to retire and soon as the order was given they fired at us as quickly as they could load their guns which made a mess of the Irish Brigade, and a artillery battery covering the retirement of the Inf got fired at most heavily that they could not bring the guns away. This is were F Roberts received his wounds that cost him his life. The retire was carried out in splendid style. While we were waiting in reserve there came several shells over our heads bursting about 20 or 30 yard’s away, causing everyone to lay low. Then the Naval Brigade and the field artillery raked their trenches and position from end to end, which must have cost a great loss to the Boers. After we had been at it a couple or more hours the wounded began to come in here by the score. There were some horrible sights to been seen amongst them. After our firing soon silenced the Boers guns as we steadily made our way back to camp. Fairly done up after laying and running about in the boiling sun for about 9 hours with very little water.
16th Armistice being declared on both sides for the purpose of burying the dead and bringing in the wounded and also being a holy day of the Boers, the armistice being finished at midnight. About 11.00pm we struck camp leaving 2 Bgds behind. We marched back to Frere, which we left 2 days before, the night march being cool but very dusty. We saw an eclipse of the moon whilst on the march arriving at camp about 6.00am.
17th The sun was getting well up by this time. We pitch camp again; meanwhile we could hear the guns firing at Chievely bombarding the Boers position. We were warning our outposts at 6.00am for the following day. Nothing further occurred.
18th At 2.30am we turned out to go on outpost to a hill about 1½ miles from camp. The sun being very hot all day. About 6.00pm we had a heavy dust storm followed by a severe thunderstorm about 9.00pm, which continued until midnight, which completely drenched us all through, having only our great coat with us. Firing continued at Chievelry again during the morning.
19th Stood to arms from 3.00am to 4.00am afterwards being relieved at 5.30am by the Durham’s. Firing could be heard distinctly during the day by our troop’s that were at Chieveley. Parade at 6.00am with rifle and haversack.
20th Turned out at 4.30am. Parade at 5.00am. Roll call being heard again today. Parade at 10.00am for skirmishing and at 6.00pm with rifle etc.
21st Turned out at 3.30am. Stood to arms till 4.30am. Parade 10.00am for skirmishing. Firing heard again today.
22nd Turned out 4.30am. Parade for roll call at 5.00am. For skirmishing 10.00am. Open with rifle.
23rd Turned out 4.30am roll call 5.00am.Bathing 3.30pm, rifle etc parade at 6.00pm.
24th Turned out 4.30am. Roll call 5.00am. Church parade 6.30am. Washing clothes after church. Mounted inlying picket at 6.00pm. About 7.30pm a heavy and severe thunderstorm lasting 2 hours, making a very dull Xmas Eve.
25th Turned out 3.30am. Stood to arms till 4.30am. Church parade 5.30am. Today being Christmas Day we received from the public about ½ lb of cake per man. 5. x 5lb bottles of pickles between 130 men, a free issue of 1 pint of beer was given by the canteen. Had it not been for the above gifts we would not have known it was Xmas Day from any other. It was a splendid day but very hot. 6.00pm we paraded with rifles and water bottles etc. Firing could be heard in the morning and we also dismounted inlying picket today.
26th Turned out 3.30am. The whole regiment stood to arms until 5.00am. Heavy firing could be heard during this time. Being Boxing Day we received 1½ pineapple per head of men and bacon for breakfast, a gift from the public. Bathing parade at 8.30am. Mounted outpost at 5.45pm and marched to No 3 post about a 1 mile from camp. During the time we were out it rained and also thunder and lightening. Very hot.
27th Stood at arms on outpost in the pouring rain from 3.30am to 4.30am. Was relieved about 5.30am, wet through to the skin. Firing could be heard very clearly today. 6.00pm parade with tin rations. Rained during the night heavily and also thundered.
28th Turned out 4.00am. Parade 4.45am. and marched about 4 miles and returned about 8.30am. At 8.30am. we paraded with rifle and swords. About 1.00pm it rained for 1 hour. At 6.00pm parade for roll, call etc.
29th Turned out 4.00am. Parade 5.00am. Marched down to wash 10.00am, parade and take towels for bathing puposes. 6.00pm mounted inlying picket. Firing heard… rain for about 2 hours during the afternoon. About 6.00pm the rain started again and continued all night.
30th Turned out 3.30am. The whole Batt stood to arms from 4.00am. to 5.00am in the pouring rain. Firing heard again today. Dismounted picket at 6.00pm also roll call with rifles etc. Rained hard during the day.
31st Turned out 5.00am. Roll call 5.10am. Church parade 6.40am. 6.00pm roll coll and rifle inspection.
