1899-1900 Entries

1899

8th Nov
Started from Edinburgh at 11.45 p.m. for Liverpool Docks. Got a splendid send off from Edinburgh. The regiment went off in two trains. I was in the 2nd one. We arrive at Blackpool about 4.00 a.m. where we had breakfast.

9th Nov
We arrived at Liverpool about 7.00 a.m. Went on board S.S. Cheshire. Ship sailed at 2.00 p.m. Had a grand send off. Hundreds of thousands must have been there. Several pleasure steamers followed us out and down the Mersey, cheering us all the way. I was in grand condition until we got out to sea where I took the usual sickness.

10th Nov
Sea sick.

11th Nov
In the bay of Biscay had a rough time of it. Ship rolled heavily. I was on guard and had an awful time of it. Was thrown from one side of the ship to the other amongst pots, pans, brushes and everything else that was moveable.

12th, 13th , 14th Nov
Sea sick. Wrote letter to wife.

15th Nov
Recovered from sea sickness. Got my sea legs and came on deck for the first time at sea. Lovely weather.

16th Nov
Arrived at Las Palmas at 1.45 a.m. and sailed again.

17th – 28th Nov
At sea good weather.

29th Nov
Wrote letter to wife. Last letter not having been posted at Las Palmas. They will both Leave Cape Town together. Sited Land and Lighthouse about 8.00 a.m. Troops all on deck watching land. Arrived at Table Bay, dropped anchor 12.20 p.m. Orders to disembark tomorrow.

30th Nov
Disembarked about 9.00 a.m. I don’t think much of Cape Town, but it is rather pretty. Entrained enroute for the advanced base ‘De Aar’. Left Cape Town 10.30 a.m. Biscuits and canned beef issued at different stations along the line.

1st Dec
Still on train. Passed through Karroo Desert, a wild waste of land and very monotonous. Arrived at Victoria Road station where we met 1st Squadron 6th Dragoons and got more rations.

2nd Dec
Arrived at De Aar at 1.30 a.m. and got orders to proceed to Orange River Highland Brigade had left here before we arrived. We hear news of Methuen Casualties at Belmont & Modder River. Total 472. Arrived At Orange River about 10 a.m. having been in the train 48 hours. Find 1 Battery Field Artillery and Seaforths here. H.L. Infantry and 73rd Black Watch left before we arrived. Seaforths on piquet on various hills around about the camp. A good number of Boer wounded lying in hospital. Beer to be had 4½d per pint. Camp being a very dusty one and weather being also very hot. I had 2 pints and could have drunk a barrel.

3rd Dec
On fatigues all day. Dust storm this afternoon. Went for a stroll after the storm to the hospital to have a look at Boer Prisoners. I suppose I was rather curious as to the appearance of those I had heard so much about and had never seen. If appearances are not deceiving they are a bad lot. I stood looking at a group of Boers when one turned round and began swearing at me in good (or perhaps I may say bad) English. He wanted to know if it was the zoo. Having put the thought into my head I began to wonder whether it was or not.

4th Dec
On guard while mounting encountered one of the worst storms of dust I have ever seen. Although only five yards from tent I could not find my way to it. I had to cover my face with my arms and stand as firm as I could till it had gone over. It lasted about 5 minutes. General Kronge’s son buried by F Coy.

5th Dec
Fatigue this morning. Had fresh meat today for the first time since leaving England. Ordered to go to Railway Station with party of 20 men under Lt. Younger and myself and watch train for Boer spy. Caught him coming out of train, handed him over and he was sent down to De Aar by next train. Orders to move to Modder River at 2 a.m. tomorrow.

6th Dec
Orders for moving forward cancelled reissued to entrain for front at 4 p.m. tomorrow. Train load of British wounded arrived here this evening.

7th Dec
Orders again cancelled. Right half Btn entrained at 4 p.m. and proceeded under command of Col McBean to Belmont. They proceeded there and arrived without incident at 7 p.m.

8th Dec
Left half still at Orange River. No news companies practised the new attack. Everybody, Officers, NCO’s and Drummers in the ranks got issued with khaki fronts for kilts and had to paint buttons brown. Took off all stripes and badges marked stripes on side of helmet.

9th Dec
Orders received to entrain at 10 a.m. for Belmont. Left Orange River for Belmont at 1 p.m. in goods truck like mules. Halted at Belmont about 5 p.m. got out and had a sleep on the ground until 12 midnight when we entrained and proceeded on to Modder River.

10th Dec
Arrived at Modder River and formed camp on left of Highland Brigade which consisted of Highland Light Infantry 71st 73rd Black Watch, 91st Argyle & Sutherland Highlanders, 78th Seaforths and ourselves 75th attached to them. Highland Brigade moved forward at 3 p.m. together with Guards Brigade & Naval & Howitzers & other guns. The Naval gun a 4.7 gun nicknamed Jos Chamberlain by the troops was drawn forward by 48 bullocks in Yoke of twos. This gun opened fire at 5 minutes to 4 this being the commencement of the Battle of Magersfontein (or Spyfontein). Two Coys of ours (Gordon’s) are with fighting line as an escort to the Artillery Guns. A C D & F Coys were left last night further down line at place called Enslin. The line having been partly destroyed by Boers at this place and they were left to guard it until troops from Belmont came and relieved them. The four Coys are expected to join tonight. I have been standing in front of camp this last hour watching the shells burst. The first time I have had the opportunity of watching shots fired in anger. Shelling of enemy position ceased at 7 p.m. A C D & F Coys joined Headquarters Brigade. Orders just read. We are attached to Highland Brigade. Have got a good chance now of having a good fight. We have to parade tomorrow at 2.30 a.m. as escort to convoy.

11th Dec
Reveille at 2.30 a.m. We formed convoy escort K Coy rear guard. The fighting force must have had a very disagreeable time of it for it was raining until we paraded when it stopped. The Battn moved forward at 3.30 a.m. Heard first shot fired at 4.15 a.m. We advanced with convoy undercover of the ridge and can’t see much of the fight but it is getting rather hot between the artillery. The war balloon is up 9.30 a.m. Orders received to move forward to the fighting line. The battn advanced (with the exception of B Coy) as far as the Field Guns (which were shelling the Boer position). After extending line we advanced by company rushes. No cover to be found anywhere. We now began to feel the heat for the sun had come out and was almost burning heat. The bullets now whizzed over our heads and struck the ground around us. We advanced by very steady rushes (as good as I’ve seen the 2nd Battn do in Aldershot). Passing first on fence (barbed wired), where the bullets seemed to come very unpleasantly near as we got through. Then another fence had to be crawled through here. The shots began to tell. The first to men of our company going down wounded. Could not stop to help anybody. Had our own work cut out to get up to the position with as little casualties as possible. Got to another fence. Here I got stuck in getting through. My haversack slipping off my back wound itself around the wires and try all I could I could not move it for minutes or so, which seemed hours to me as I hung there the bullets kept glancing off the wires and going through the post on my right, this post being nearest me fill the air as some of them passed me with a whiz and whirr, which made me feel very uncomfortable. Thank goodness I managed to tear myself free at last and fell on the ground. Then I got up and rushed along to get up to my section which was about 30 yards away. We got to the next fence which was within 300 yards of the Boer position. When we got the order to lie down under cover as much as possible. We lay there a few minutes when another order was passed along that the Gordons were to remain where they were until reinforced. Then the trying time came. The sun blazing hot streamed down on us hour after hour. We had very little water in our bottles as we had drunk some of that coming along up to the first advance. While we lay there the bullets coming along like hail with most peculiar sounds showing that the Boers were armed with several sorts and kinds of rifles. Some sounding like bullets that had struck the ground and arisen again (ricochet). Others exploding and others the whiz of our own. Every now and again you would here a cry and a groan another man hit and then the word would be passed along to the rear by the different lines of men. Viz “pass the word for a stretcher bearer” or “pass the word for a doctor”. This went on for a while until at last an officer presumably a doctor cam up with a stretcher dragging behind him. He stood and spoke to a Corporal of my section. The Boers seeing a mark began to concentrate fire. It was quite a miracle he didn’t get hit. The corporal began to think he was getting it hotter so he told the doctor to get the hell out of that or he (the corporal) would get hit. The doctor moved away the next I saw was the stretchers loaded and being carried off the field. There was a lull every now and again in the fire from the Boers when we would have a chat with one another. I heard a fellow on my right ask for a light at the same time saying he would have a smoke if it was his last. The sun had got hold of the back of my legs by this time and I could feel them getting painful. My bottle was also empty by this time and I was getting very parched. During one of the lulls in the fire I got up and had a stretch. I was not up a minute when a bullet struck ground just in front of me. I dropped down again at once. Shots flew around again, but still I remained unhurt. Just before the final retirement came I looked up and spotted two Boers on a ledge of the Koppis. I fired a shot and saw them disappear. Whether I had hit them or not I could not say. I hope I did. About 3.20 a terrible flank fire was opened upon us from the right enfilading us. The Colonel (Downman) then gave us the order to throw back the right flank when he was hit in the chest by a shot. He fell still waving his hand and the everylasting smile still on his face. My Captain Towse and Col Sgt. Nelson ran up to him and lifted him up. The Captain asking if he was hit, but the Col was unconscious. Reinforcements not coming up we had to retire. No single regiment on the face of the earth being able to have got through that last fence and take Magersfontein under such a heavy fire from front and right. They would have been annihilated before they had 10 yards passed the fence. Point blank range under 300 yards. Immediately we arose up to retire Pte Barron was shot through the heart and fell on his face without even a groan. My chum Corporal Smith got shot through both legs, bullet lodging in his right thigh. We retired steadily to about 800 yards behind the last fence where we piled arms and lay down awaiting orders and water. I thanked God for getting out of it safe. As we retired out of fire I expected every moment would be my last. We lay behind the east fence (a hedge) parched with thirst, our lips swelled and blistered for want of moisture until the water came up. Such a rush for water. Everyone like mad men. The Black Watch and Argyles formed up between us and the fences and got water too. Now comes the silliest mistake of the day. While we had been getting water the Boers had been mounting a big gun (the guns in the morning having been silenced) and the first intimation we had of the fact was a report and a shell over our heads, which burst about 300 yards away. We immediately began to get ready for a move (just fancy 3 Regts being halted and piling arms under fire of the enemies guns) when another shell burst in the very centre of the Black Watch killing two men and severely wounding 4 others. One man having his behind and kilt blown nearly off. Another’s head was blown off. They then made a bolt for cover. Everyone for himself. My Captain called out for K Coy to lay down after a lot of trouble. We managed to get about 40 men together and there we lay down facing the hill and waited. The shells came over our heads and one struck just in front of no 2 section and bounced over them and buried itself in the ground without bursting or doing any damage. We retired slowing across the open veldt till we got to the rest of the Regiment in line lying down under cover waiting orders to either advance or retire. The last being preferable after the rough time we had had of it. The order came at last to retire to the same camp the troops had been in the night before. It was dusk by this time. We got to the place told off and piled arms. Expecting to get something hot but no nothing except water and only a pint of that, which we had to wait for 2 hours. One biscuit and then sleep by the side of our rifles. After the heat of the day it was very cold at night. I expect us not having had any food made us feel it more.

12th Dec
We lay and slept all night within fire of the Boers position (with big guns) until daybreak when we were astir again. We waited until about 10 thinking we were going to have another try to take the position when we got the order for the Gordons to form rear guard to the troops as they retired into camp. The firing of artillery had been going on since daybreak but the Boers discovered us retiring under the ridge I mentioned when advancing and gave us it hot with shell. I saw a shell drop into Lancers and scatter a few horses came tearing along riderless towards camp (Modder). We arrived into camp about 3.15 p.m. on Tuesday thoroughly tired out, hungry and thirsty, thus ending a terrible battle such as I personally do not want to see the likes of again. Casualties somewhere about 800. Highland Brigade suffering severely. Gordons 68 dead missing and wounded. We had tea. The first since Sunday evening and didn’t it taste grand. I thought my wife could make teat but I don’t remember enjoying a drink of tea better than that drink of tea at Modder camp on the night of the 12th.

13th Dec
All quiet this morning. Busy bringing in our dead. Went down to the river and had a bathe, which was very refreshing after being without a wash since Sunday afternoon. I should have liked that bathe on Monday when I got back to camp from the river one of the fellows told me that the dead were being laid in a row. I went over to see them, such a sight one of our Corporals belonging to F Coy had a brother in the Seaforce. He went over to look at the dead too and the first he looked at was his own brother, dead as a doornail. That must have been a shock to him. General Wauchope and three Colonels and other officers innumerable are killed and wounded. The General was buried today. Col Dowman and Lt Campbell of ours dies this evening.

14th Dec
Quiet again today. Still bringing in the dead. Some of the bodies being stark naked. Boers say niggers have done it, but hardly believe it myself. Terrible loses (supposed) on Boer side. Buried Colonel and Lt Campbell this afternoon. Very impressive ceremony. Got orders to move down line of railway tonight. Everything to be got ready for move except strike tents. The tents to be struck as soon as darkness came on. Entrained from Modder River at about 11 p.m. for a place called Enslin where line had been blown up a few days before.

15th Dec
Arrived at Enslin about 2 a.m. Got out of trucks and lay down by side of rail and went to sleep until daybreak. Nice camp, only short of water. Australian volunteers here pitched camp for us seemed to be very good chums.

16th – 21st Dec
All quiet here, nothing to do only piquets and guards, no excitement.

22nd Dec
G, H & K Coys under orders to proceed to next station Graspan where battle was fought. Marched there at 4 a.m. about 5 miles. Pitched camp in nice position found that there was a good water supply.

23rd Dec
Still there, all quiet.

24th Dec
Commenced to dig trenches around camp.

25th Dec
On piquet today.

26th Dec
Still at trenches.

27th Dec
Ditto.

28th Dec
On Piquet again.

29th Dec
Digging trenches.

30th Dec
Had a spree today two pints of beer.

31st Dec
A barrel of beer came up for us (and also 1lb of tobacco, writing paper and cigarettes) and £2.10 per Coy. I fancy I must have been a little fresh.

1900

1st Jan
Up at 2.30 a.m. for piquet. Know I had enough last night by severe headache today. Burnt legs better now, took bandages off. I expect they will be scarred though.

2nd Jan
Digging trenches.

3rd Jan
Ditto.

4th Jan
Ditto.

5th Jan
On guard.

6th Jan
Digging trenches.

7th Jan
Had a bit of excitement today. Shots being fired in front of camp. We all turned out thinking enemy was upon us. But no, it was only the Remmington Guides shooting springbok.

8th Jan
Digging trenches.

9th Jan
Ditto.

10th Jan
Ditto.

11th Jan
On Piquet.

12th Jan
Making bath near water tank for men to bathe in.

13th Jan
All quiet. Playing football this evening.

14th Jan
A draft joined us from Edinburgh composing class D reserves and militia. Horrible looking cases some of them, but plenty of pluck or would not volunteer for a thing like this.

15th Jan
All quiet.

16th Jan
Rumours floating about Ladysmith being relieved. I hope so.

17th Jan
On piquet.

18th Jan
Still digging trenches, which are almost completed.


19th Jan
Received letter from wife stating she has got one from me.

20th Jan
Wrote answer to wife. Also receive another from father and mother.

21st Jan
Answered letter to father and mother.

22nd Jan
3 a.m. piquet. Very quiet day, but after dark received signal from camp. Pay particular attention to sounds on railway from towards Jacobsdal. 3000 Boers reported attempting to try and wreck the line. This kept us alert enough but to make matters worse the officers servant lost his way bringing officers (of piquet) dinner. Search parties out all night looking for him, but unsuccessful. Not a wink of sleep all night. All on the alert.

23rd Jan
Piquet came up to relieve us and reported seeing servant going back to camp this morning. Had no chance at Boers. They never arrived. This has been a very eventful day on wood fatigue at 2 p.m. 3 miles into the Orange Free State breaking fences down. We got back to camp about 5.30 p.m. just in time to cheer General Hector Macdonald as he arrived here. He stopped. Time to have a bumper of champagne and wish us all luck. Told us we ought to be further up (Modder River). We gave him 3 cheers as the train moved away. The Queen’s chocolate arrived about the same time. A very tasty present. 6.30 p.m. another parade to receive a New Years card from Lady White. Another very nice present. I forgot that we had Christmas Pudding for tea. This pudding had undergone several painful operations (but nothing to the pains I’ve suffered since eating it). It was released from the tin and put in another tin to boil. This tin being promoted from washing feet in to boiling xmas pudding. The boil was skimmed several times and when the cooks tried to find the pudding they found it had gone into a kind of porridge. It was then drained off and put into a mosquito curtain and hung up in a bag for the sun to dry. When at last it was dished up it resembled something between a peas pudding and a lump of stickjaw. As for myself I’ve been suffering pain ever since because I did not eat enough of it as it made an aching void in the pit of your stomach.

24th Jan
Today is very quiet. Chocolate (Queen’s) selling at 3 guineas per half pound including tin. Packed my chocolate preparatory to sending home to wife. Went on road making at 4.30 p.m. We had hardly started biz when a terrific thunder and dust storm lasted all night. Thank goodness it was my night in.



25th Jan
Sent chocolate home Lill hope she will enjoy it. This being the anniversary of the birth of Bobby Burns. We held a Burns concert along side the water tank. It was very enjoyable considering we had only local talent and nothing only two small lanterns as footlights.

26th Jan
Severe dust storm today, otherwise all quiet. Wrote a letter to Lill another to Father. Received mail from home. Got letters from Lill, Father and Dr Sutherland.

27th Jan
Nice weather today. Rumours of the 7th Brigade coming here. Two big wells are being dug for some purpose. Perhaps this is the reason. Mail for home left for Orange River. Mounted guard at 6.30 p.m.

28th Jan
Still on guard. Patrol of 12th Lancers reported themselves coming from Enslin scouting. Had some fine horses.

29th Jan
Nice morning. On wood fatigue 2.30 p.m. Went into Orange Free State about 5 miles, pulling down barbed wire fences. A terrific dust storm came on. Had to lie down and cover our faces with our arms and to make matters worse, when coming home a heavy thunderstorm came over. All got wet to the skin.
30th Jan
The Australians are leaving us this morning to form General French’s column at Colesburg. Australians have gone. We gave them rousing cheer as a send off.

31st Jan
On piquet at 3 a.m. A large amount of trains passed through here containing the 7th division or part of it going on to the Modder to help reinforce Methuen. 16th Lancers, Cheshire Regiment and two or three Battalions of artillery.

1st Feb
Troops still coming up the line in train loads.

2nd Feb
On wood fatigue into Orange Free State. Large fire in direction of Jacobsdal.

3rd Feb
Orders received to go up again to Modder River. Packed everything up and waited. Canadians played into camp by our pipers. One of Cornwall’s and one of Hants died of heat apoplexy while on march.

4th Feb
Still waiting orders to move. G Coy has gone to Enslin 11.15 a.m. 7th Division (part of it) marched through between 10 and 11 a.m. Scots greys, Norfolks and Hants and two Battalions of Artillery H & K are still here and we are still awaiting orders. Both Coys fell into pitch Canadians camp. I was in charge of party and was told to report to Sgt Major. Went up to report and recognised him at once as Borland who lay with us (92nd) in Aldershot during the Jubilee 97. We shook hands and renewed acquaintance, which had been broken off when he returned to Canada.

5th Feb
Still here. Got orders to stop here. All troops north of Orange River to stand fast until further orders. Trouble around Douglas & Sunnyside the cause of it. Received from Will King Hastings 100 cigarettes & cake of milk chocolate. Going to have a great drink tonight. Had whisky and water (several) this morning from Sgt Major Borland Canadians felt a little fizzy. This is the first whisky I’ve tasted since Liverpool and being also made from Canadian Rye (another sort of whisky I’ve never tasted before). I suppose it took a hold. It tastes rather moorish.

6th Feb
Received orders today to proceed down the line about 3 or 4 miles. We left the Canadians in Graspan. Arrive at new camp at about 6.30 p.m. not very promising in looks.

7th Feb
Camp is a lot worse than Graspan. Water has a smoky taste.


8th Feb
Very quiet today.

9th Feb
Rumours to the effect that we are Brigaded into the 19th Brigade under Brigadier General Smith.

10th Feb
Paraded at 6 a.m. and did the attack (the Boer tactics) taking advantage of all cover.

11th Feb
Had church service today and slept the remainder.

12th Feb
Orders received to march same order as for Magersfontein as I expect we are going to fight. Marched to Graspan at 5 p.m. Arrived there at 6.30 p.m. and took another regiment to camp for the night. Heard that 7th Division of 4 Brigades had started this morning towards Jacobsdal. Orders received to start tomorrow at 4.30 a.m.

13th Feb
Started this morning at 4.30 a.m. and have gone about 5 miles when we had a halt, so I’ve completed diary up to date in the Orange Free State. We have arrived at a place called Ram Dam Farm when we suddenly discovered that part of Lord Methuen’s Division was here (the Highland Brigade). It was a trying march three men nearly dead with heat apoplexy. Guns have been firing all afternoon a little way out. It is said that Lord Roberts is out in person with two divisions at Jacobsdal. There are three divisions here in camp with us. We are Brigaded with D.C.L.I. (Duke Cornwalls Light Infantry), Shropshires, Canadians and ourselves. There is going to be a big fight by the looks of it. General Hector Macdonald rode up to see us and we turned out and gave him three cheers. He said “Good evening lads welcome to the Division”. We bivouac tonight and it looks as if we are going to have a thunderstorm. We had a grand bath and washed my shirts and socks. When I came in they soon dried as it was very hot. My eyes are troubling me tonight. I expect I shall have to go sick as I can hardly see now.

14th Feb
Reveille at 4.45 a.m. Marched again as far as the Reit River. Very tired and feet and eyes sore. Had a bath in river. While bathing General Roberts came over the Ford. A rumour here that Roberts Division captured Jacobsdal without casualties and a very large amount of stores and 400 prisoners. Fancy we will be in Kimberley very soon now. I begin to feel hungry having had nothing, only biscuits & tea since we were at Maple Leaf Camp. Had a glorious feed tonight. Fresh meat, it was rather tough though. I went into it tooth & nail & enjoyed it. Orders out to march to Jacobsdal tonight & or rather at 1.30 a.m. tomorrow. Orders cancelled again not to start until 4 a.m. For piquet at 2.30 am instead.

15th Feb
Called up in a thunderstorm at 1 a.m. for piquet. Been up about twenty minutes. Order was cancelled & lay down until 3 a.m. when we got up. Started at 4 a.m. We were Rear Guard leaving B Coy in Camp with part of convoy. Captured a prisoner and two horses & brought him to camp. We are on a ridge near Jacobsdal. Heavy gun & rifle fire all afternoon. A regular battle somewhere by Magersfontein. Rumours here that part of convoy left behind at Reit River Camp was captured by Boers just after we left, but don’t believe this. Rumour not exactly correct but camp was attacked and our man McGuire killed & 10 wounded. B Coy has not got in yet.

16th Feb
Jacobsdal taken. We marched into town about 10.30 a.m. this morning. Nice looking place in a hollow. Several Red Cross Flags flying a lot of prisoners & wounded here. Had a good meal today. No. 1 Section captured a calf & No. 4 Section looted a garden of pumpkins & new potatoes, so the two together with the veal made a splendid dinner. For breakfast I had a captured
pig’s fry. So life has been a little enjoyable. A lot of dead horses laying about, shot yesterday. The town has a lot of women & children in it. We are marching off tonight at about 6 p.m. to try & capture Orange as they are returning from Magersfontein & the war is nearly over.

17th Feb
Left camp at Jacobsdal at 9.30 p.m. marching all night arriving at Browns Drift Camp just as day was breaking 5 a.m. awfully tired foot sore & eyes very sore. We were all as black as chimney sweeps from the dust. The camp being on the Modder, we had a grand swim & washed ourselves, clothes ready to start again tonight at 5 p.m.

18th Feb
Started at 5 p.m. last night & have been marching all night not getting into camp until 5.15 a.m. I lay down on the ground to sleep & had not been down two minutes when crack, crack, crack. Independent firing not very far away. We at once got the order to put on equipment & then marched off to another big battle. By this time the bullets were flying all round & shells innumerable. It turned out that the Highland Brigade, who are in the same Division, had marched another way from the same camp as we had & arrived at the Modder about the same time & had unsuspectingly made out their camp & were cooking breakfast. When in posting out the outpost they discovered the enemy trying to cross the river to get to Bloemfontein. Of course the Highlanders were all on the 2.U at once & that was the cause of the firing. We have had to leave what little breakfast we were going to have & God knows when we will get anything to eat now. We marched off to engage the enemy, K Coy being on the right. K Coy got posted on a large Koppie where the General & staff were posted, and there we got orders to remain, which we did all day. The Regiment moving off to the left & crossing the river engaged the enemy & were fighting until dark. We remained on Koppie all day, a terrific thunderstorm came on about three p.m. & soaked us thro cooks came over to us & made us some coffee, nothing to eat with it, but myself being lucky had a very tasty feed. I went on to the top of the Koppie where the General was to watch the fight. A Major the General’s staff came over & asked if I had a knife. I said yes & he showed me a tin of sardines & said he wanted it opening. I opened it for him & then he gave me another tin for my kindness in opening it for him. I was down that Koppie in a twinkling & looking for a biscuit. Had a regular feed. We laid on Koppie all night amongst the rocks.

19th Feb
Awoke shivering this morning with cold. Were marched off about 6 a.m. to see if we could get something to eat. Sniping still going on. We were told that Regt was still over the other side of river so we proceeded to the river to ford. When we got there we had a nice job crossing the water up to our waists. Just then the provision wagon came across the ford so we stopped & had breakfast by the ford. Also had two tots of rum each & two more biscuits for the day’s rations. Then we took off kilts spats & hose & socks, fastened them around our necks & proceeded to wade the river. Tremendous current. Had a job to keep our feet. Two were carried off their feet but with the assistance of others got across. We have now advanced across the veldt to try & find our Regt. We have just halted in sight of Boer Laager & Regt is in line across the veldt. We lay here in line awaiting orders, the sun sweltering hot & all of us thirsty, but this being a usual occurrence. We have begun to take a little less notice of it. It is just 4.15 p.m. & a messenger has just come in to say that Cronge & his army is surrounded. We all threw our helmets in the air with glee but the reason for that was that the message was delivered wrong & spelt army surrendered. We soon altered our tone for immediately after we got the message our Artillery started shelling the Boer Laager. The place was soon in a blaze & covered with smoke when after about ten minutes bombarding a terrible cloud of smoke arose from the Laager & then an explosion which shook the earth. The artillery had blown their magazines up. Another night out on the veldt, no food only two biscuits & a pint of coffee. We all formed into a piquet line to prevent Boer from getting out of his precarious position.



20th Feb
Awfully cold all night & dreary. About 3 a.m. as near as I could guess, there was a heavy fire on our right & immediately our piquet took it up. Then sniping all night. At daybreak we formed up in line of skirmishers & prepared to attack. We advance out to about 700 yards of Boer Laager & lay down & there we lay all day without water, food or anything & the sun powering down a tremendous heat upon us, we could hardly speak to each other for our lips were all cracked & parched. We returned about 4 p.m. to about 1000 yards from position, but no food or drink in sight yet. Had some cold meat, water & meat at 6 p.m.

21st Feb
Advanced & then returned at 11 a.m. & at last were relieved by D.C.L. Infantry. Had breakfast before this, biscuits and tea. Regiment returned to Ford & there we encamped within a Boer cattle. Kraal Colonel gave us a speech & told us he knew we had suffered a lot this last week from hunger & thirst, but hoped we would stick it like men & Gordon Highlanders. He also told us Lord Roberts was pleased with the work done by division as we not only had Cronge & army surrounded but had made the Boers take 12000 men from Ladysmith to come to Cronge’s relief & Roberts had engaged this force at a hill called Crow’s Hill & defeated them & prevented them forming forces. We have about 40000 troops around here just now. Had a good bathe in Modder, but water is polluted with dead bodies of cattle & boers. Over a hundred came in & gave themselves up yesterday they say they have been eating nothing only raw meat since Sunday. Had coffee & biscuit tonight again, so we have fed well.

22nd Feb
Inlying piquet last night. Stood to arms at 5 a.m. Breakfast at 7 a.m. Paraded at 8.20 a.m. to relieve the S.L.I. who were along the river. We got to the river passing at the time over 50 dead horses & cattle & the stench was terrible. We got into the bushes along the banks & the whole Regt advanced in single file (being called at by the Boers all the time) about two and a half miles. There was a trench within 100 yards of Boers first position & their two Coys took up this place. H & K lining the banks as supports. During the afternoon the worst thunderstorm we have had yet came on raining in trenches all afternoon drenching us to the skin. We had tea at 6.30 p.m. & at 7 H & K paraded for trenches in front. By this time it was pitch dark & we had to walk, crawl, creep, bend, stoop & every other position you could think of to get to the trenches. Six men & myself were told to watch in a small shelter trench in sand. Boers attempted to get onto bank of trench or crawl about river, a very thankless task it was.


23rd Feb
Got up this morning (after having several sniping shots at enemy during night). Cold & damp from yesterday’s rain & very hungry. Lay in trench until 12 noon when they brought us coffee, biscuits & jam what a feed. Armistice at noon white flag party of ours accepted the cavalry were there. Boer Laager encamped there still quiet. Over 90 prisoners coming in this morning. Relieved from trenches at 6.20 p.m. A party of 12 men on other side of river dead & also three men along the bank been laying there since Sunday. Had dinner at 7 p.m. Another thunderstorm came on & wet us to the skin. Three Coys had to lay in trench head to feet & so on all night could not turn round. Sniping going on all night.

24th Feb
Awoke this morning 2 a.m. raining. Made us all feel miserable, cold & wet for up at daybreak & cleaned rifles. Weather fair. Waited until 12 noon before having anything to eat or drink been waiting to be relieved by D.C.L. Infantry at 3.30. Shots are whizzing over trench this afternoon in hundreds. Got relieved about 5 p.m. & proceeded to gun. Still there encamped awaiting something to eat got orders to go on piquet over Naval Guns at 6.30. Had a job to find piquet lines in the dark wandered about for an hour got there at last & posted sentries in front. Dinner came at last stone cold did us little good while having it another storm came over & drowned us again & continued raining all night.

25th Feb
Fine day today. Storm seem to have passed over got our things dried. Best meal since we left lines of railway. Commandeered sheep & made fires & filled ourselves to the neck with meat fried. Slept well.

26th Feb
Had a good sleep last night got up & made a stew in my canteen. Sgt Lawrance helping me commandeered handful coffee & had a rattling repast before breakfast. Big guns are doing but very little got orders suddenly to get dressed don’t know where we are going. We proceeded to trenches again something coming off went down to river any how so as not to make Boers suspicious, proceeded along river bank got orders to proceed noiselessly passed the Canadians whose turn of duties were in the trenches wondered what was up. Then got orders to fit bayonets. Went along carefully to trenches found out then that we were to man the trenches tonight whilst the Canadians crept out in front & made another line of trenches. Had orders to place rifles on parapet of trench & not fire a shot under any pretence whatever without absolute necessity until 2 o’clock am.




27th Feb
Awoke up at 2 a.m. & stood to arms. Hardly awake when one of the most terrible rattles of independent firing I ever heard broke out bullets flying about like hail stones. Presently sentry reported a line rushing on trenches before we could get properly in order over the trenches poured the rear rank of the Canadians one of them planting his foot on the bridge of my nose & when he took his foot off he took the skin of my nose with him lost to me forever. Canadians began to fall all round us one was hit in the neck & died in about half an hour another was wounded in arm & leg & managed to get to our trench when he was struck again through the back & dropped. We had a devil of a time of it for a couple of hours. The firing ceased except shots now & again. The Boers had retired & us seized the trench belonging to Boers & lay there till daybreak. Saw Boers in Laager & trench round it gave them a few volleys till they went to earth again. Presently we heard the Boers singing hymns. At 7 a.m. the Boers put up white flag & surrended Cronge giving in & about five thousand prisoners. The picture of joy on our faces can be better imagined than described. The Battn paraded at once & proceeded by the white flag made its way to the Laager of the Boers & halted. What trenches they were burrowed under the earth like rabbits. Horses & cattle were laying about amongst their wagons dead. Wagons were nearly all destroyed by our Artillery. Had a journey into Laager & got a bag of flour & some fat didn’t we have a feed. Made a load of pancakes, quite a change after the hard biscuits. Boers must have brought everything with them. Women’s under clothing & bedding & clothes & even their front doors were littered about. A glorious time foraging amongst all this rubbish. Encamped close to Boers Laager tonight prisoners all gone to Kimberley, Cronge’s wife amongst them.

28th Feb
Breakfast at seven & went on fatigue clearing up Laager & gathering piles of ammunition & rifles of all descriptions. Rubbish all to be burned. Finished fatigues at 12 & had dinner goat & rice & Boer beans & peas a regular stuffing made pancakes all afternoon for tea & breakfast tomorrow.

1st March
Another month & things look brighter though the weather looks dull this morning. Shifting camp two miles further up Modder on account of foul air & gases from Boer laager (dead horses, sheep, cattle, goats, mules & dead men). Just got bivouac up when another storm of rain came on better prepared for this one.

2nd March
On piquet today. Heavy thunderstorm at night about 8 p.m. had our greatcoats so did not suffer so much.

3rd March
Nice morning after storm. Big guns can be heard a few miles away & we are watching the shells burst. Another Boer commands surrounded by all reports. Food supplies better now we are on ¾ rations.

4th March
On Guard received bad news from home Lill had a relapse rather pat about over it but I hope she’ll get over it. Waiting anxiously for another mail. Wrote letter to wife & father.

5th March
Feel awful had a letter from father this morn saying my darling has been dead & buried since Feb 9th. I really do not know what to do with myself. Can’t realise it yet man proposes & God disposes. My castles have fallen to the ground.

6th March
I am miserable got something to do today on the march about 7 miles up Modder hope we will have fighting anything to ease my mind. Marched to new camp on ammunition guard. No interest in anything think think think all day. Orders received to march tomorrow on the enemy’s position at 4.15 a.m. Breakfast at 3 a.m.

7th March
Rouse at 2.45 a.m. Breakfast at 3 a.m. packed up & marched off in the dark in Quarter Column. At daybreak one of our guns fired the first shot. The enemy are on a flat top pad. Koppie rather high this shape:-

We have extended to four paces & I’m writing this while we await orders to advance. Gordons are to advance to the left flank of the Koppie marked A. We advanced again after long halt in front of the Koppie (but no firing). Hour after hour march, march, march across a wide open plain beginning to feel & look tired & thirsty. We came to a big dam & men were allowed to fall out & get a drink splendid water. Marched off again & passed a farm. We had not advanced far when cavalry were noticed on our left flank. Looking thro glasses they were discovered to be Boers. I feel very savage & now will have some revenge for what I have suffered & lost. We left formed & gave them volleys but it did not seem to move them much so we tried a pot shot at them. This served better I fired at one time & some one stops & helps the other so he must have been hit. I feel as if I could kill the lot of them. We drove them off & advanced again. Marched onto another camp called Poplar Grove at about 6 p.m. thus marching about 14 hours. Had nothing to eat & no cover of any sort & lay down to sleep freezing with the cold.

8th March
In same camp find that the Highland Brigade who moved in conjunction with us in another direction have captured another Boer Laager & the Shropshires a gun. Issue of two biscuits & flour today.

9th March
Orders to cross the Modder today at 1 p.m. General orders today contains the following:-
The Major General Commanding the Brigade wishes all the ranks of the Brigade he has the honour to command to understand how thoroughly he appreciates the spirit & zeal shown by them since the Brigade assembled at Graspan on the 12th & 13th Feb. All have been called on for extraordinary exertion & have had to undergo forced marches, short rations, great wettings, want of water & sleep & severe & trying fighting concluding with an extremely arduous flank march yesterday of some 20 miles. It will be gratifying for them to know that yesterday’s march turned the Boers position on the Leuk-Kop & Blue Koppies & threatened their rear & caused them to retreat in haste making them cease fire on our Naval Guns & abandon their own gun which the S.L. Infantry eventually captured. It also enabled the Highland Brigade to advance direct on enemy’s trenches without opposition & further caused the retirement of a Coys force of mounted men & guns from Blue Kopje which force had held the mounted Infantry on the left flank of the Brigade in check throughout the morning. It will be gratifying for all to know that thanks to the untiring energy shown by everyone the 19th Brigade has established a high name for itself which the Major General feels confident all will continue to do their utmost to maintain. He regrets the Brigade has suffered the loss of many brave officers & men & especially wishes to record how deeply he feels & deplores the loss of that gallant & able officer Lt Col Aldworth D.S.O. lately commanding D.C.L. Infantry.

We are waiting orders to cross the river passed 1 p.m. & still no signs. Passed over the river on a raft 50 each time at 7 p.m. & encamped on the other side.

10th March
Reveille 3.30 a.m. Breakfast at 4 a.m. We march today 20 miles on the road to Bloemfontein which place we expect to reach in the third or forth day. We are now having a long halt half days march done very level country all open veldt we have halted for water for water & proceeded again. Got into camp about 6.30 p.m. tired & weary. Encamped by side of big dam at Reitfontein.

11th March
Reveille at 3.30. Breakfast at four marched at five. Another long march got into camp at 5 p.m.

12th March
Reveille at 3.30 p.m. The Divisions under Kelly- Kenny came into camp last night had a big scrap charge with bayonets captured guns & lot of prisoners not far from here.

13th March
Reveille at 3.30. Marched again another long march feet gave way today very bad. March made worse for want of water got into camp at 4 p.m.

14th March
Reveille at 3.30. Marched at 9 a.m. Got into camp at Brandon Kop on the railway line at 4.45 p.m. It is a treat to see the rail. Bloemfontein is captured & at this place Steyn’s Brother was captured. One train came up & two went down during night.

15th March
Reveille at 6 a.m. march to Bloemfontein at 1 p.m. 4 or five miles away. Will have a rest after this I expect. Got into Bloemfontein. Further than we at first thought. It is about eight or nine miles from Fereira’s Siding. It is not a very big place seems from here (the race course where we are encamped) to be a bit straggling. Situated at the base of a range of low flat topped Kopjes houses made of brick & tiled roofing it looks very picturesque & healthy looking too. It has a grand race course. A fine powder magazine & rifle range with the targets all newly painted where the Boers had lately been practising to drive we rooi-neks into the sea lies behind us on the race course. One place looks like a courthouse or town hall with dome & another with two spires like a church are noticed amongst their buildings. Going to stop here some weeks.

16th March
One man & section going to pass into town to buy things for men bread especially I expect. Came in about five with bread what a rush to buy it 1/6 a loaf about 2lbs rather dear but it’s bread. Had a feed a grand one of bread & tea tonight enjoyed it too.

17th March
On guard my birthday the worst birthday I’ve ever had. I’ve been thinking today of Lill & know how she would have been thinking of me if she had been alive & she will be avenged by the whole British Army now though & myself amongst the number shall do my level best. I live for revenge only.

18th March
Sunday Church parade. Put us on full rations today. Been thinking of home again today with very sombre feelings as I heard the church bell tolling the dutch to ‘church’. The single bell tolling put me in mind of the church at home & everything comes up to my head again of the troubles that I’ve got to come.

19th March
Rain last night but fine day had a big parade for drill am going out this afternoon to see the town. Came on to rain again this afternoon after I got into town did not see much of the place. Very pretty houses nearly all with verandas & creepers hanging down in front with hammocks.

20th – 22nd March
All quiet. Still at Bloemfontein.

23rd March
Went to Cathedral. I was asked to stop afterwards to sing & told to come on Sunday night & be in the choir of the Cathedral.

24th March
All quiet.

25th March
Went to Cathedral & enjoyed it very much.

26th – 30th March
Still at Bloemfontein. Had news on 29th of death of Gen. Joubert of stomach disorder. Also got sudden orders to move tomorrow.

31st March
Paraded at 5 a.m. Marched for about 15 miles to east of town came in contact with Boers had a fight & drove them off following them up for another 10 miles very tired & worn out having had no food since 4.30 a.m. Had nothing to eat till next morning were tired, preferred to have a sleep.

1st April
Marched off again. Said to be only 5 miles march. Advanced against the enemy drove them further back & rescued 80 odd wounded prisoners & 4 guns of the artillery who were caught in a trap on Friday. Got into camp about an hour after dark. No food again all day.
Had had tea & corned beef & biscuits at 10 p.m.

2nd April
Wakened up this morning by a thunderstorm rain very heavy but are stopping here today. Three men of the S.L.I. shot by accident in camp with one bullet stomach thigh & leg respectively man cleaning his rifle & it was loaded & went off. Got sudden orders to move to Springfield about 5 miles nearer Bloemfontein. Arrived there about 5 p.m.

3rd April
Marched this morning at 5 a.m. to Bloemfontein. Got in about 3 p.m. & found that our tents had arrived.

4th April
Spent morning pitching tents got a sudden order at 12 noon to move at 2 p.m. to Reitfontein. Got news of a Boer conference to be held there & were going to disturb them. Marched about 16 miles & encamped for the night.

5th April
Marched at 6 a.m. Advanced us to meet enemy skirmished for about 4 hours & found no enemy in force disturbed about 300 who made off. We then returned back to camp of last night.

6th April
Advanced to Bloemfontein again this morning at 4.45 a.m. Arrived there at 1.40 p.m.

7th April
In camp quiet.

8th – 17th April
Still at Bloemfontein.

18th April
Usual routines.

19th – 20th April
At Bloemfontein.

21st April
Orders to proceed to Springfield about 9 miles arrived there & went on Outpost (?).

22nd April
The Btn on Outpost duty. K Coy on Inlaying Piquet. Big guns firing very rapidly in the distance could see the shells burst.

23rd April
K Coy on Outpost at 3.45 a.m. Lay on Koppie until 9 a.m. when we received orders to march at once. We have been marching some hours now & are very near the waterworks. The Boers seemed to have vanished from there we are laying in wait now. We did not have to wait long they soon presented themselves followed by the Pom Pom. We gave them a volley or two & they retired leaving the waterworks in our hands. We encamped on a ridge commanding the waterworks. K was the Coy for piquet. We got a canter of tea & bully beef & proceeded to the Railway Station but no railway. The Station is made but the line is not laid yet.

24th April
We advanced about 6 a.m. got to Modder & found the enemy in great force on a long Koppie commanding the river & waterworks. We waded the river Gordons advance guard Canadians remaining on the waterworks side of the river. We advanced along the bed of the river under cover of the banks of the river for about two miles & then advanced out into the open & attacked the Boers who fired a few rounds & disappeared & we took the whole position with no casualties. Encamped by Koppie.

25th April
Went on top of Koppie building sangars when an order came up that we were to move off at once. We advanced about 10 a.m. towards Ladybrand. We had not gone far when the Boers opened fire on our left flank scouts. We got in front of their position at last & the Infantry were ordered to advance. We peppered them until dusk when they disappeared again. We had 15 casualties. The Colonel of Canadians being wounded in the face. We encamped on Boer position.

26th April
On piquet & moved off again still towards Ladybrand at daybreak meeting no enemy until we arrived at a village (Thabanchu) where we are now waiting further developments. Mtd Infantry skirmished the village, found no enemy then we advanced through the place (nice looking place, very pretty) & encamped N.E. of village about 12.30 p.m. On piquet again had a tremendous climb to reach outpost line. Fine view from Koppje could see Boers in hundreds on a line of ridge in front of us.

27th April
On piquet left half ‘K’ left observation post 3 men 1 Cpl & went back to camp. Got sudden orders to advance (leaving all kit behind) about 2.15 p.m. Advanced to a range of Koppie N.E. of village & extended along ridge & waited while the Howitzer Battery shelled the Boer position. The Boers rushed with two guns of longer range than our own. Retired to camp at dark. Went back on piquet (left half) again.

28th April
Found at daybreak that the Regiment had gone left 1 cpl & 3 men & returned to camp had breakfast & lay by ready. Regiment has gone out to help a squadron “Kitcheners Horse” who were surrounded. Regiment returned at 1.15 p.m. Kitcheners Horse all right but lost horses. 8th Division arrived here last night having driven Oliver & his commando northwards firing going on not far away. Had a cooked dinner today for the first since we left Bloemfontein quite a treat. We are trying to surround the Boers but hardly think we will manage it. The K.H. recovered horses.

29th April
Had a rest today very quiet if it had not been for a shell or two, which pitched into the camp.

30th April
Reveille at 4 a.m. Breakfast 4.30 a.m. March at 5.45 a.m. carrying two days rations in our haversacks. Marched about 10 miles when we came across the Boers in great force looks as if we are going to have a fight. Battn formed to the left towards a very steep Koppje the enemy being on the ridge of it. Under a few scattered shots we advanced to within about six hundred yards when we got the order to fire volleys at men to be seen on the ridge. Just in time we found out it was about a dozen of Kitchener’s Horse who had got to the top. It was a tremendous climb but we got up at last & found out that the Boers had taken up a position on two high parts of the Koppje on the south & west side. We took up position on the top of the ridge getting cover behind loose stones. Then commenced a fight which is not finished now 5 p.m. The enemy had got two very large guns that swept the whole top of the ridge on which our firing line was extended. It was worse than Magersfontein for shell fire. The Boers Artillerists were in splendid form & gave us it thick shells dropping, bursting or whizzing past & bursting further along the line. One of ‘A’ Coy “Pte Chissell” was struck in the neck by a shell just as it burst & he was actually torn to pieces. About five o’clock the order was passed along that “at 6.30 p.m. the force will extend round the south & west side of the hill. At 7 p.m. the hill will be rushed if possible at the point of the bayonet. There should be no firing. The General says the hill must be taken at all costs. The Canadians are in support.” But that order was cancelled almost immediately & instead we were told to hold our position at all costs building sangars during the night fixing bayonets & keeping alert in case the Boers rushed us. The Captain Towse­­ was wounded in the head (hurting both eyes) while in charge of the Section on the right. Bye the bye this is the 2nd Anniversary of my marriage with Lill what a difference now Lill dead & me as near as possible to it without being exactly at the point of death.

1st May
May day. Boers started at daybreak & we replied back. Shells fell thick all round us. Smith of No. 2 Section being lifted of his feet & turned completely over. He got up shook himself then turned & bolted a case of fright I suppose. About 11 a.m. 3 Section of F Coy advanced & captured the biggest part of Koppje then Canadians got the other part. The Cavalry in the meantime worked round the west & turned the position B Coy charged the Boers remaining position all of us advanced & the position was carried about 3 p.m. the Boers running in all directions. Casualties 2 killed 15 wounded of ours alone 55 killed & 105 wounded Boers that we buried & found ourselves. We marched about 3 miles & then encamped.

2nd May
Orders to shift cancelled we are to have a day of rest. 21st Brigade came in & Highland Brigade are 3 miles off. Forming a column called the Winburg Column. This is the forward movement on to Pretoria.



3rd May
Reveille at 4 a.m. Breakfast 4.30 march at 5.45 a.m. The Battn was advance forward. Arrived in camp after a march of about 15 miles. This is Isabella Fontien.

4th May
Reveille at 5 a.m. Breakfast 5.30 March at 7.15 a.m. We are rear guard. We did not go far before we could hear the advance & were in the thick of a good fight but 2 Naval 47 guns firing at the Boer position has shifted them. This following the baggage is a terrible slow job. We expect to be in sight of Winburg tonight & join two divisions with Roberts in command. Enemy retired & we encamped at a small river have not seen Roberts force got into camp at 6.30 p.m.

5th May
Reveille at 5 a.m. Breakfast 5.45 march at 6.45 a.m. Got to first halt no enemy as yet & no Winburg. Passed a large Boer camp or rather remains of it crossed the river and after about 6 hrs marching suddenly came in sight of Winburg a pleasantly situated little town nestling amongst a group of hills. There is a church being built & new drains & pavement being laid down. Took the place without firing a shot the Boers having evacuated their position.




6th May
Orders to move cancelled & to stand by until 4 p.m. for a night march Coy Officer (Ogston) read a despatch from Lord Roberts & General Ian Hamilton in which it was stated that the troops of the Winburg Columns had done very good work since leaving Bloemfontein 14 days before having fought 9 engagements captured 2 towns namely Thabanchu & Winburg & marched over 100 miles & Lord Roberts offered us his hearty congratulations on the way we had performed our work & said we deserved a rest but the National interest would suffer is we had one so he hoped we would continue for a day or two more whilst the Boers were on the move & finish the good work we had begun. We marched at 4.30 p.m. & got into camp at 9 p.m. having marched 11 miles under a very bright moon an orange from a garden on the way. It was hardly ripe enough to say I enjoyed it.

7th May
Orders to move at 6.45 a.m. cancelled & we have got to stand by for some cause or other not known yet.

8th May
Still in this camp doing nothing on ¾ ration. Name of camp is Dankbaas fontein.

9th May
Reveille at 4.45 a.m. Breakfast 5.15 march at 6.15 a.m. Advance guard marched 12 miles came to farm & stores belonging to Boers which contained a lot of Biltong. Large herds of deer passed very close to us. This is called Bloemplanty. Had to stand by in case of a move.

10th May
Reveille at 4 a.m. Breakfast 4.30. Marched at 5a.m. Dispatch read from Lord Roberts stating that enemy a mile or so in front of us & we were to advance to the N.E. towards a range of low hills to attack this front while Roberts himself turned both flanks & French got behind with a Division of Cavalry & a whole Brigade of Mtd Infantry we did not go far from camp when we came under fire of enemy & are now waiting to advance over the ridge. Our big guns are going hard at the Pom Poms Maxims are also at it on both sides. We are in for a big fight today. Advanced against a line of low Koppjes came to the river had a cross fire here but got across safely. Boer gun opened fire on us front & right. Our Artillery have been doing splendid practice this morning & soon silenced the gun. We advanced to the hill (the Boers retiring) & took it without firing a shot. Found two Sussex dead here & one officer wounded. Marched about 4 miles to camp on Bathia Drift.

11th May
Still here. Orders to move at 12 noon. Had dinner today for the first time since Bloemfontein marched at 1 p.m. (12 prisoners here. Sick of the war). Went about eight miles his left markers were called thought we had reached camp but had an awful suck in had to go another 6 miles to camp no wood so had a job to get food but managed some how. Borch Kop.

12th May
Reveille at 6. Breakfast at 7 a.m. March at 8 a.m. Got news of Roberts & French having occupied -Kroonstad marching there now. Arrived
within 4 miles of Kroonstad and encamped, very fine camp. Piquet wood & water. Boers have a grand position here well entrenched on Koppje all round Kroonstad. A disaster yesterday happening to Iniskilling Dragoons. Boers put up white flag & when Dragoons approached they fired into them causing 100 casualties.

13th May
Sunday went to Church parade at 8.40 very good sermon. Troops all over the place today. The camp is called Kroon Spruit.

14th May
Marched 5 miles to the east of Kroonstad to the camp called Krantzspruit (crossed the Valsche).

15th May
Advanced from here at 2.30 p.m. going east about 12 miles got into camp at 7.30 p.m. veldt on fire in several places on line of route.

16th May
Reveille at 5.30. Breakfast 6 & march at 7 a.m. Still east going to place called Lindley where Steyn has returned too with his parliaments. Arrived in camp about 6 p.m. Bad drift to cross baggage did not get in until 12 midnight.

17th May
Reveille at 6 a.m. dinner at 7. Baggage of 21st Battn not in yet. Move cancelled.

18th May
But 21st Brigade with cavalry went to Lindley. We are still here. Doorn Kloof.

19th May
Marched at 11 a.m. First towards Kroonstad about 5 miles. Boers having all trekked north. We all joining a convoy & then going north towards the Vaal. We are still on ¾ rations. Got into camp about seven p.m. Were for outpost duty in half an hours time went on duty with no tea. Orderly men came out with tea, which was cold.

20th May
Had a very cold time of it on Outpost. Had breakfast bought out 5 a.m. Marched to join Btn at 5.30 a.m. Halted at 3 p.m. & piled arms. Heard that 21st on our right was engaged with a convoy of the Boers. Boers bashed taking convoy with them. We advanced again crossing a drift & encamped for the night on the other side, called Vasal Bank.

21st May
Reveille at 5.30 a.m. Breakfast 6. March at 6.45 a.m. Arrived in camp about 3 p.m.

22nd May
Reveille at 6 march at 7.15 a.m. 9 miles got to town called Heilbron. A few shells fired. Independent firing & the Boers retired leaving the town in our hands. Fine little town with a fine church. Got some flour.

23rd May
Sniping in vicinity Heilbron. Orders to move at 9.20 a.m. Rear Guard got into camp after march of 12 miles.

24th May
Reveille at 5 breakfast Brigade marched at 6.45. Had a very trying march given to advance thro about 4 miles of burnt veldt. Got into camp. Had a good bath a tot of rum & three cheers for the Queen it being her birthday. Later we got news read on parade that Mafeking had been relieved on 18th & that French had crossed the Vaal.

25th May
Inlying piquet. Reveille at 5.15. Breakfast 6.15 march at 6.45 a.m. Moved off K Coy going in another direction found we were to cut a drift road for the baggage joined the Btn about 3 hrs after joined they had only crossed the railway which is blown up in a dozen places one small bridge (one span) about 20 yds wide being completely wrecked. The Btn has piled arms & had equipment off. We have been here several hours & had cocoa. Lord Roberts Division is coming up to us on the right now with the balloon. We advanced again at 4 p.m. marched 7 miles halted for the night.

26th May
Reveille at 6 Breakfast 6.30. Marched at 8 a.m. going northward to the west of railway got two days rations with 3-4 biscuits today. Got into camp about 4 p.m.

27th May
Reveille at 5 a.m. Got issued with another days rations ¾ marched off could see Roberts Column in the distance on our right. Crossed the Vaal. Got wet footed but no opposition.

28th May
Reveille at 5 Breakfast 6 marched 6.45. Got in camp called Elandsfontein about 3 p.m. Heavy firing going on over the hill. French is engaged with the enemy by Johannesburg.

29th May
Reveille at 4.30 Breakfast 5. Marched at 6.15 going to a place called Florida west of Johannesburg to try & flank the Boers position. Advanced for about 10 miles could see the shells bursting on our right Cavalry under very heavy fire got ordered to advance on enemy’s position extended out to 10 paces got within about 100 yds of position when the Boers opened a terrible fire upon us men & officers dropping all round. Had one or two narrow escapes myself we fixed bayonets & charged got in amongst them & scattered them in all directions found that they had still got another position on the other side of ridge got exposed to a terrible fire here & no cover. The Boers having burnt the grass of the veldt so that they could see the khaki against the black of the ground. We had to charge them again this time driving them completely away in the direction of Johannesburg. By this time it was dusk we formed up by the left what there was of us. General Ian Hamilton came up & gave us a speech saying “he was proud to say that his father was Colonel of the Regt & he himself was born in it. The way the Btn had performed its works was magnificent & tomorrow Old Scotland would be ringing with the news. We piled arms & lay down on the ground where the Boers had made their last stand not being able to get water we had to lay with nothing to eat or drink all night. It was bitterly cold.

30th May
Reveille at 4.30 got up & began a search for the dead got 16 Gordons 5 have died in hospital including Capt Meyrick 8 officers being wounded & 89 men. After the burial General Smith Dorrien gave us a speech & said he was proud of being in command of such a regiment. The way we had charged the enemy yesterday was beyond all praise & such an act had never been surpassed in fact onlookers were surprised & astonished to all the steady way the Btn under such a heavy fire advanced etc. After this we advanced as Rear Guard to Florida about 8 miles away amongst the gold mines which look for all the world like cold mine only the surface is white instead of black.

31st May
Still here got a letter from Gen Roberts saying he was proud to say that he had a Gordon Highlander on his coat of arms. Still on ½ lb of mealies.

1st June
Advanced towards Johannesburg about 5 miles formed camp at Willow Grove. Was for piquet on a house all night.

2nd June
Passes allowed for Johannesburg. Fine big town.

3rd June
Advanced towards Pretoria marched 15 miles without opposition & encamped.

4th June
Advanced again. Went about 10 miles came into contact with the enemy on a large Koppie commanding a drift called 6 mile drift. Beat the Boers off the Koppie about 3 p.m. & Pretoria was at our mercy (saw Pretoria).

5th June
Advanced thro the defile towards Pretoria about 4 miles bivouacked above the town which looks very small from here. Given out that Gen Botha comes out from Pretoria at 9 a.m. to meet Roberts. Marched thro Pretoria which is one of the prettiest towns I’ve ever seen. Got a grand reception at the market square. Were for outpost duty above Pretoria forts all night.

6th June
Passes allowed for Pretoria. We have been made Lord Roberts body guard for conspicuous gallantry in the field. The Bde is broken up at last.

7th June
Reveille at 6 a.m. Fatigue making camp lines. Orders last night contains the following – Brigade Orders:- The following Bde order is published for information by Major General Smith Dorrien D.S.O. The 19th Bde has achieved a record of which any Infantry might be proud since the date it was formed 12th Feb 1900. It has marched 620 miles often on ½ rations seldom on full. It has taken part in capture of ten towns fought in ten general actions & in 27 other engagements. In one period of 30 days it fought for 21 of them & marched 327 miles. Casualties between 400 & 500. Defeats nil. Got sudden orders to move. Marched at 3 p.m. joined the Bde again went west about 10 miles. Very dusty march.

8th June
Reveille at 6 a.m. Breakfast 7. March at 9. Got into camp after passing a drift & a bridge over water where the line & bridge was blown up by the Boers this is the only part blown up between Johannesburg & Pretoria.

9th June
Reveille at 5 marched at 6.15 to a place called Driefontein close to Johannesburg about 15 miles.

10th June
Reveille at 5.30. Breakfast 6 marched at 7 a.m. are amongst the gold mines again marched through Driefontein & Germiston arrived in camp where large junction of railway called Elandsfontein & are in standing camp for a few days.

11th June
Still in camp. News that Botha & 4000 had surrendered to Roberts, hardly believe it.

12th June
No move all quiet.




13th June
Orders to move at an hours notice given out at 8 a.m. Went by train a short distance & order came we were to return to Germiston.

14th June
Arrived in camp again all quiet.

15th to 19th June
Still here guns & troops passing here going down country towards Bloemfontein from Pretoria 150 Boers arrived here from Kroonstad on parole.

20th to 23rd June
All quiet.

24th June
Had mail today dated 11th May first since the 21st April. Caused a little excitement. F Coy went away with the armoured train.