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Lorsque le document est trop grand pour Atre reproduit en un seul ciichA, il est filmA A partir de Tangle supArieur gauche, de gauche i droite, et de haut en ba&, en prenant ie nombre d'images nAcessaire. Le& diagrammes suivants illustrent la m^thode. 1 2 1 ■ — 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 n ' OUR BOYS uKP&R rmt on MNfiMAM m^iHTmns m south APIuca »y 4Ml!^ EtmBBrH HCBLUSH t .1931.5 J 1455 1900 J> 'I V')f¥ i'r-i:^"i},v lis^fe . *' ■/ "-f,'i Lf: *«•- '^' it' fi » c !W •Jfe^i-: « ^'' i^':^'<'^^M^ I OUR CAN. I I I'KINTJ OUR BOYS UNDER A 'nib FIRE on CANADIAN VOLUNTEERS IN SOUTH AFRICA BY Annik Elizabeth Melmsh " Deeper than speech our love, Stronger than life our tether." - 1\ iidyard Ki/'ling. CHARLOTTETOWN: I'lilNTKU AT THE KXA.MINKH OKFICK, QIKKN STRKKT 15)()(t IfOO / f^KL God save the Queen — With wisdom from above, And in the nation's love, Her throne maintain. ^^y^^7 TN I I to nierel> Contii the vc the wf poiulei my br T and iV for at have I Lord! have i here e Charl F PREFACE. IN preparing this hook for tlie public I have not attempted to give a full account of the war in South Africa, hut have merely endeavored to outline the career of the F'irst Canadian Contingent engaged in the campaign — with special reference to the volunteers from the Maritime Provinces. The material for the work has been taken from official repK)rts, published corres- pondence, and to a large extent from private letters written by my brother on the field. The work has been appreciated far beyond my expectations, and the demand has been so great that a second edition is called for at this early date. The reviewers in the different papers have been most complimentary. To the.se writers, as well as to Lord vStrathcona for his generous subscription, and to all who have in any way helped to make my little work a success, I here extend my heartfelt thank.s. Annie E. Melush. Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, December loth, 1900. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. The Beginning of Hostilities. Boer Ultimatum. Formation of First Canadian Contingent. Presentations and Farewell to Volunteers. Mobilization of Regiment at Quebec. Departure. Trip on "Sardinian" Arrival at Cape Town. Dust Storm at De Aar Junction. Life at Belmont. Christmas and New Year. Queen's Chocolate Boxes. ... Page 9 CHAPTER n. Lord Roberts supersedes General Buller. Mobilization of Troops .t Gras Pan. Canadians included in 19th Brigade formiu under General Smith-Dorien. Lord Roberts' strategy to capture General Cronje. .Description of Paarde- berg. Battle of Paardeberg described by Mr. Arthur Mellish and Father O'Leary. Majuba Day. Advance of Canadians on Cronje's Laager. Gall- ing Fire. Cronje's Surrender. Burial of Dead. Congratulations to Canada. . - - . . . - Page 23 CHAPTER m. Famous march ti Bloemfontein. Hunger and Thirst. General Smith-Dorien's Order. Dercription of Houses. Heavy Marching. Canadian Pluck. Special Cases among Our Boys. Bloemfontein Entered. City Described. Canadians Encamp. Hospitalities extended. Second Canadian Contingent. Strathcona Horse and Reinforcements Equipped. Lord Roberts' Proclama- tion. Orange Free State Annexed. Presentations from New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. ..... Page 35 CHAPTER IV. Roberts' Advance from Bloemfontein. vVater Works Captured. Exciting En- gagement between Springfield and Thaba N'Chu. Boers Discomfited. En- counter at Black Mountain. Col. Otter Wounded. Ant Hill Episode. Battle of Houknet. rinemy Retreat. More Skirmishes. Brigade Advance. Enter Wynburg. Joined by Draft. Exciting Chase. Kroonstadt. Lindley and Hebrion Entered. Enemy hasten Northward. British Chase. Queen's Birthday. Canadians cross Vaal River. Another Battle. Johannesburg Occupied. City Described. March to Pretoria. Rdjoicing of Troops. Page 51 CHAPTER V. Lord Roberts at Pretoria. Kruger's Flight. Triumphant entry of Troops. En- glish Flag Hoisted. Nineteenth Brigade Place of Honor. Canadians Ad- mired. Prisoners Released. Nineteenth Brigade Disbanded. Creditable Record. Canadians in Elandsfontein. P. E. Island Boys who reached Pretoria. Savage War Dance. Some New Brunswick Boys. Canadians at Springs. Exciting Engagement. Enemy Discomfited. Boer Tactics. Audacious Plots. ...... Page 63 CONTENTS Canadian zation of at Cape itnaas and Page 9 ! 1 CHAPTER VI. Gen. DeWet. Wily Boer General. Experiences of Capt. Macdonnell of Com- pany "G" when forced to Surrender and taken Prisoner. Burning of Equipments and Mails Belonging to British Force. Gen. DeWet's War Tactics. Life in Boer Camp. Capt. Macdonnell Released. - Page 74 CHAPTER VII. New Brunswick and P. E. Island Boys Invalided. Kindness of English People. Touching Incidents of Wounding of a Number of Our Boys. Names Given. Patriotic Fund. Soldiers' Wives' L ague and Red Cro— Work. Some Re- ceipts of latter. Canadians leave Springs. ( ompany " • j " on Armoured Train. Chase Gen. DeWet and Force. Krugcr Stubborn. Expiration of time of First Canadian Contingent. Lord Roberts' Parting Words. Regi- ment leaves Cape Town. Call at St. Helena and Cape Verde. Special Reference to Several of Our Boys. Preparations for return of Volunteers. Reception given in Halifax, New Brunswick and P. E. Island. Page 78 FIRST CONTINGENT— Nominal Roll. Staff Officers. Officers Appointed for Special Service. Officers and Men of Companies "A," " B," "C," " D," "E," "F," "G," and"H." New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia Com- panies Classified and Place of Residence given. SECOND CONTINGENT— Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island Volunteers in "B" Squadron and "E" Battery. Companies Classified and Place of Residence given. STRATHCONA HORSE— Nova Scotia. New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island Volunteers and Place of Residence given. REINFORCEMENTS — Nova Scotia. New Brunswick and Prince Edward I.slaiid Volunteers. Companies Classified and Place of Residence given. Chief Events of the War, The Casualty List, Record of the I9th Brigade, Page 115 118 119 II.LUSTRATIONS. Her Majesty the Queen, Anslow, Lieutenant Charles, Armstrong, Captain Beverly R., Arnold, Lieutenant A. H. Borden, late Major Harold L. Page. 3 39 ■ 69 66 48 « j^r 8 ILLUSTRATIONS \\\ Brace, Nelson T. - - Chappell, late M. C. - Clinton, N. A. - Craig, Edward, - - - Contingent, Fredericton, R. C. R. I. Contingent, St. John, ... Contingent, Prince Edward Island, Contingent, 2nd Prince Edward Island, Dysart, H. B. - Fullerton, Rev. T. F. - Foley, Richard J. - Good, Captain W. C. - Gray, H. ... Harrison, late Captain Charles F. Hensley, .ate Captain Charles A. Hine, Charles, Hayden, J. A. - Hospital Tent, Kimberley, Jones, Captain F. C. Kaye, Lieut. John H. - - McLean, Lieut. W. C. McCreary, late Patrick H. Mellish, Lieutenant Arthur Jan.es Benjamin, Markham, Lieutenant Ralph 7. - McRae, Frederick B. McDonald, Lieutenant John A. - Otter, Col. W. D. - , - Parks, Lieutenant John H. Pope, Miss Georgina, Pascoe, J. Benson, ... Roberis, Lord, ... Riggs, late William Alfred, Strathcona, Lord, Stairs, Captain Henry B. - . Stewart, Lieut. Lome, Taylor, late Roland Ponnis, Weeks, Major W. A. Wood, late Lieut. C C. - Withers, late Frederick ^\ . Welch, E. S. ... SKETCHES. Johnson, the kte Andrew, Leslie, J. P., 82nd Regiment, Rodd, Thomas Ambrose, 82nd Regiment, Scott, Jacob Boyd, 61 21 34 94 11 15 13 100 75 19 73 87 49 84 47 77 60 79 24 27 23 31 58 44 52 50 64 82 43 49 33 38 71 41 29 17 20 34 68 36 45 45 3« $ .Si" and p South niodei 1 battle durini denta for tl: Their again tinent abolit 1-heU God i I ences Town Steph Repu Free n was i 61 21 34 94 11 IS 13 100 75 19 73 87 49 84 47 77 60 79 24 27 23 31 58 44 52 SO 64 82 43 49 33 38 71 41 29 17 20 34 68 36 45 45 3(; ■I OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE. CHAPTER I. We send them forth from our true North, For secret bond and sign, That, well or ill, to the great brave end. We are Britons from brine to brine." rr^ HAT the people of the Dominion of Canada are "Britons 1^ from brine to brine " has been clearly shown in the in^^ense and patriotic interest taken by them in the Boer-British war in South Africa. In this the greatest international conflict of modern times Canadian volunteer? have played no inglorious part. The beginning of hostilities can be traced from the famous battle of Majuba Hill in i88i, to the Jameson Raid in 1895 96, during which time the Boers, exultant by reason of their inci- dental victories, carried on a secret and extensive preparation for the final overthrow of British influence in South Africa. Their feeling of jealousj' and bitter hatred became intensified again ara again, as into the remote corners of the dark con- tinent Englishmen carried civilization, commercial industry, abolition of slavery, education to the Kaffirs, just treatment to the Uitlanders and represented to all races " the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of man. During the year of 189S-99, a series of diplomatic confer- ences took place between liir Alfred Milner, Governor of Cape Town and Briti.sh High Commissioner in South Africa, and Slephanus Johannes Paulus Kruger, President of the Transvaal Republic, who was supported by President Steyn of the Orange Free State. The result was that on October the 9th. 1899, an ultimatum was issued from Pretoria demanding that within forty-eight 10 OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE; !l hours all British troops be withdrawn from the frontiers. This audacious demand, coming as it did upon England unexpectedly, instantly aroused the figliting blood of the United Kingdom and enlisted the sympathy and support of the Colonies. An offer from Canada to ecpiip and forward a contingent was accepted at once by the Imperial Go\ernment. So, for the first time in the history of the Dominion, her volunteers were called to join hand in hand with the New Zealanders, the Autralians and the Regular British soldier, not only to resent the insult to Motherland but to liberate an enslaved people from the tyranny of their oppres- sors, and to plant forever the Union Jack in a free Africa. The spirit of loyalty was .so inten.se throughout Canada that when the bugle sounded "To arms, to arms!" there sprang, as if by magic, from lake and river side, from forest deep and prairie plain, from Atlantic Cliffs and Pacific slopes, thousands of our noljle.st and our best, ready to fight — to die — for Motherland. Lieut. Col. W.D. Otter was given command of the Contingent, to be known as the 2nd Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment of Infantry on special .service;. The Regiment 1035 strong, was divided into eight companies, each including one captain, three lieutenants, and one hundred and twenty-one non-com missioned officers and men. In Company ^=" G " were ninety- four recruits from New Brunswick and thirty-one from Prince Edward Island. Seventeen Volunteers from New Brunswick were abso enrolled in Company " F." The departure of the volunteers was celebrated throughout the Provinces by banquets, church parades, and grand farewell meetings. In Fredericton the volunteers were addre.s.sed by Bi.shop Ca.sey, Father Murphy, Rev. G. M. Campbell, Mayor Beckwith, Capt. Carpenter, and Capt. H. F. McLeod ; w^iile the St. John boys were bidden adieu ))>' Mayor vSears, Dr. Daniel, Rev. \V. O. Richards. Rev. Dr. McNeill, Colonel Vidal, Col. H. H. McLean. Major White, Major Armstrong, Major Sturdee, Captain Sharpe, Captain vSkiiiner, Lieutenant J. Kaye, and Captain Haggart of London, iCngland. New Brunswick, true to her traditions as the home of the loyalists, was lavi.sh with her gifts, presenting her volunteers with a sovereign ajMece and agreeing *For list of names and place of residence see back of book. to pa allo\A mate vaal, • i war the OTJR HOYS UNDKR FIRE II to pay ever}' man fifty cents a day in addition to the Imperial allowance. To each of the oflficers was also presented a silver matclibox with tlie inscription "Citizens of St. John. Trans- vaal, October 25th, i^SgQ." z o a; a o X ■J. a. At the farewell meeting lield in Charlottetown, Prince Ed- ward Island, His Honor Lieut. Governor Mclntyre presided "nd the speakers were Chief Justice Sullivan, Premier Farquharson, 12 OUR BOYS UNDKR FIRE Col. F. S. Moore, D. O. C, Mayor VVarburton, Judge Fitzgerald, Rev. J. J. Teasdale, Rev. T. F. Fullertoii, Rev. James Siin;^son and Major Weeks. Mrs. Mclntyre then presented the volun- teers with gold souvenir pins, the gift of Mr. U. W. Taylor, whose son Roland was the first member of "G" Company to fall at Paardeberg. They were also each presented with twenty dollars in gold from the Provincial Government, supplemented with ten dollars in gold from the Civic Government of Charlotte- town, while Souris forwarded twenty dollars in gold for eacli of her three representatives, and the citizens of Charlottetown in- sured the life of every man for one thousand dollars in the Independent Order of F'orresters. In the respective provinces the ladies vied with each other in preparing dainty baskets of fruit, flowers ar.d confectionery, and to those from vSt. Jc5hn were added one hundred neatly made and useful holdalls. On the final departure of the voluntters from the provinces, October 25th, 1899, thousands of people rccompanied them to their respective depots where amid rousing cheers, cracking of torpedoes, blowing of whistles, patriotic music, cries of " best wishes," and "God .speed," our soldier boys took their fir.st step towards the blood-stained field of Africa. The St. John, Halifax and P. E. I.sland Contingents met in Moncton where Premier F^nnienson bade them " au revoir," and were joined by the Fredericton quota at Chatham Junction. All along the line ihey met with a continual ovation, the citizens of Newcastle and Chatham even awaiting their arrival until 2 a. m. The Regiment was mobilized in Quebec, and on the arrival of the Maritime Contingent its men were greeted with another rousing reception. Hundreds of comrades joined them, some in red, some in green, some in Highland costume, with a great variety of caps and trimmings. They were all quartered together in the immigration building and slept on straw maltres.ses on the floor. Their meals were .served outside on the veranda, in rather a promiscuous manner; mucli to the amu.sement of the boys. Words of admiration were heard on all sides for Sir Charles Tupper, through who.se in.strumentality the life of every Canadian volunteer was insured for one thou.sand dollars in the London Guarantee Co., England. On Saturday night the OUR HOYS UNDER FIRE tzgerald, Sinr\son e voluii- Taylor, iipaiiy to 1 twenty eniented larlotte- r eacli of town in- ill the rovinccs iskets of 51in were 'ovince.s, them to ckinjj- of )f "best leir first ;t. Jolin, II where oined by tlie line ewcastle n. The 1 of the rousing in red, variety "ogether sses on •eranda, t of the for Sir )f every s in the ht the I citizens of Quebec entertained the Regiment at a smoking con- cert, and the officers at a state dinner. Sunday the contingent, divided into different sections, attended their respective churches. Monday, Oct. 30th, preparations for embarkation went forward rapidly. Pivery man in the regiment was furnished with the necessary equipment. P K 1SI,.\NI) CONTlNGKN'l'. 1- Heiljeit H. llrown, ?— Hiirdis I,. McLean, 3— Arthur J. B. Mellish, 4— T. Leslie Mcl'elh, 5 — I.awreiicr (laudet 6— Hedley V. McKinnon, 7^Jo'eph O'Reilly, 8 J. Eilwaid Small, 9 -Kred- erick ■>7ay, 10— Frederick H. McKae, n — Leroy Hruris, 12— James S. W.dker, i:t- R. F.riust Lord. 14 — Lome Stewart, 15 -'I'hninas Ambrose Rodd, 16- P'rederick C. Kurze, 17 — Nelson Bract. iS— James Matheson, ig— Mich.iel J. McCarthy, 20 -Joshua T. Leslie, 21 — Richard Joseph Foley, 22— Major Weiks, 23 - Reginald Oox, 24 -John Archibald Harris, 25 —Ernest W. Hovvnes-, 26 — Arten'as R. Dillon, j;— John Ilondre.'W, 28 — Roland 1). Taylor, 29 — Necy Dorion, 30 — .\lfred Riags, 31 — Waller Lane. After a parade and in.spection by General Hutton^ .short, stirring addre,s.ses by Lord Minto, Sir Wilfrid Laurier, and Hon. A. S. Parent, Mayor of Quebec, the regiment marched to the wharf to embark on the troopship "Sardinian," of the Allan line. Here fair maidens made an on.slaught for souvenirs, and the biys tore buttons and cla.sps from their tunics and scat- tered them hither and thither. But the last moment had come, handshakes vvere repeated, good-byes quickly said ; blue eyes 14 OUR BOVS UNDHK FIRK met eyes of brown , bediniiiied sight, tremulous voices, a mur- mured farewell, and the heroes are " all aljoard." Then, as the ship sailed down the harbour, accompanied by hundreds of small boats, the blowing of whistles, the tiring of a salute from the citadel, the cheering of the volunteers as they covered the rigging to even the topmost mast, the sun in all its heavenly radiance sank gradnall\- to rest on one of the most memorable days in the history of Canada. And so they left us, our soldier lads, our loved ones. How brave, how gallant, how noble they looked ! Yet, notwithstanding our pride in their courage, our appreciation of their jiatriotic zeal, our firm belief that they would ever be a credit to Canada and their native land, there was a sadness mingled with the pride, for we knew only too well that they would not return with ranks unbroken. The boys soon became accquainted with each other on ship- board, and it was found that there was among them a large number of typical adventurers who had participated in thrilling and notable exploits. There were also in the ranks, doctors, lawyers, bank clerks, chemists, saddlers, surveyors, tailors, moulders, farmers, ranchmen, type and .shorthand writers and many of other trades and professions, a large number of whom had tlirown up lucrative po.sitions and left wealthy and' com- fortable homes to serve Queen and country. To one of the.se, Krnest Lord, of the P. K. Island Contingent, South Africa, was of personal interest, for it was the birthplace of his mother, Mrs. Lord, wife of Artenias Lord, Esq., and the battle ground wliere hev father, the late Hon. Col. J. H. Gray, fought again.st the Boers at Orange River in 1846. After being a few days out the "Sardinian" had com- paratively smooth sailing. The ship was uncomfortably crowded, Init "G" and "H" Companies were fortunate in .securing hammock beds on the middle deck. Military di.scipline was maintained from the first. Revielle at 5 a. m. Ho.se bath at 5.05 a m. Breakfast, consisting of one bun, butter, and some- times chee.se, at 7 a. m. Cleaning of troop decks from 8.45 a. m. to noon. Dinner of soup, potatoes and meat. Alternate com- pany drills from 9.30 a. m. to 4.30 p. m. First post at 8.45, last post at 9.15 p. m. During the evening a concert was often given I ■| X- OUR BOYS UXDKR FlkR. «5 >■ t-'s, a imir- icn, as the Is of small e from the he rigging radiance ays in the r lads, our y looked ! )preciation ever be a sadness that they T on ship- 11 a large ti thrilling doctors, tailors, ■iters and of whom and com- ; of these, frica, was s mother, le ground It against had corn- crowded, securing •line was e bath at lid sonie- • 45 a. m. late com- S- 45, last en given 1i i I o u z s o I I'i l6 OUK HOYS UNDKR l-IRIC !)>• one of the companies not on dnty, the officers and staff always heinjj^ present. The third d;i\- out a kIoo'ii "Ji^ '-"'i^'t over the entire regiment l)y the death of I»te. "Teddy" DesLanriers of "C" Ccmipany. Solenni indeed was that funeral at sea, when, amid the wild roar of tile waves, the shrieking of the wind, the plunging of the shi]i, the dejiressed attitude of the troops, the hody of their late comrade, wra]iped in i. llnion Jack, was committed to the deep. On Xoveinl)er the 12th, the " vSardinian " passed the Cape Verde Islands and signalled 'all well;" and on the iSth cele- brated the crossing of the equator by the blowing of whistles and faring of cannon. Xearing the journey's end, a large number of sea birds such as ducks, gee.se, cape pigeons and hens flocked around the boat ; but at last, on November the ^otli.after a trij) of ll'.irt\- days, the " Sardinian " arrived at Cape Town, South Africa. The harbour was fairly olive with boats ! A troopship with the famous Hlack Watch and Seaforth Highlanders, and another with the Australians had recently arrived, and these, with other transports, steamboats and tugs greeted the "Sardinian " with a salute, blowing of whistles, martial music and hearty singing, which, combined with the lusty cheering of thousands on the wharves, made a regular pandemonium. When finally docked, the ship was surrounded !)y kaffirs, coolies, and men and women of all descriptions. The boys threw .some Canadian money among them, and enjoyed .seeing the black, white and yellow tots fight right and left with their fi.sts ; on winning a prize they would cram it into their months and dodge quickly away, much to the chagrin of souvenir seekers. Cape Town was a grotesque and most v.'onderful-looking place, especially when viewed from the sea. Right back of the city towered Table Mountain, and on either .side Devil's Peak and Ob.servation Hill. The Canadians were treated royally and gazed on as special objects of curiosity. It has been hinted that the pe()i)le expected to .see Indians, fur clad mortals, or wild uncivilized beings coming from the land of "The Lady of the Snows." The Regiment encamped at Green Corner, three miles from Cape Town. The following day all was hu.stle, bustle and OUR BOYS UNDER TIRE 17 cotifusioti in preparinj? to leave for the front. Haversacks were discarded, and each man rolled in his great coat a spare shirt, a pair of socks, a holdall containing soap, razor, knife, fork, bandages, towel and a box of grease. Then, when every one was equipptd with a rifle, bayonet, water- bottle, ball punch, bando- lier and forty rounds of annniniition, the Reginietit marched to the deix)t where Sir Alfred Milner congrat- ulattd the men on their splendid appearance and in the name of the Briti.sh residents of South Africa thanked them most heartily for coming such a distance to aid the cause of justice, truth and right. The ladies of Cape Town threw hand- kerchiefs, bracelets, fruit, flowers and confectionery into the car windows for the boys, and amid rousing cheers from thousands of spectators and responsive cheers from the volunteers, the train steamed out to- wards DeAar Junction. The boys were very proud of their khaki uni- form and well they might be, for it is said that this dust-colored uniform has proved to be the winding sheet of the Boers. In the wars of long ago the bright red tunic of the British soldier against the dull green veldt of the African soil^ proved a conspicuous target for the enemy, but now when Tommy Atkins goes to war he leaves his gay apparel at home. The same is true in regard to the officers who were uniformed ^m^S ^^^^B ^^^^^1 ^^^^^^^B ^^^^^^^H '*'%^^v ' ' ' -'^ ^^^^^^^^B ^^^^^^r ^^^V H ^ ^B^' ^1 MAJOR WILLIAM ARTHUR WKEKS. (CHAKLOr TKTOWN KNGINRKKS.) Horn at Ch.irlottetown, P. E. Island ; son of late Wni. Weeks, Esq., educated at Prince of Wales Col- lege, Mc(iill(K. A. 1882), Military School, Fredcricton (1st Cliiss Certificate 1898) ; Royal School of Equita- tion (ist Class Certificate 1898) ; Royal Military Col- lege Kingston ; (StaflT Course 1899); enlisted for Northwest Rebellion in 1885 ; appointed Lieutenant in Charlottetown Engineers, 1885; Captain, 1897; Majoi 1899 ; admitted to Bar of P. E. Island, 1885 ; Aide-de- Camp to His Honor Lt. (joverni r NIcIntyre; given command ot " G "Coiiipany, 1st Canadian Contingent, Camp to His Honor Lt. (joverni r Mclntyre; given 'oiiipany, 1st Canadian Co Oct. 25th, 189^. In December appointed on Topo- graphical Hepartment. and on Jan. ;5ist to position of Regimental Quartermaster. Methodist. n IH OITR HOYS UNDKK I'lKK i\ like tlic men atul not allowed to carry a sword belt or any mark of rank anv further than DeAar Junction. " Thus ICn^land has at last awakened to the fact that precious lives are not to he sacrificed for a paltry i)iece of j^old lace or hunch of reKinietital tfimmin^." The romance of the expedition had louR ere this faded into the past and the hoys fully realized they were not playiuR a ^anie of citi/.en-soldiery but were the genuine Tommy Atkins. Like Tommy, they were always bright and cheerful. This was notably the case, when on their arrival at DeAar Junction they were cruelly initiated into the vSouth African climate by a terrific typhoon or sand storm, the worst known there for seven years. The storm was so furious that tents were j)itched with great difficulty. The sand, in a perfect whirl-'vind, filled the eyes, ears, nose and throat, flavored the bread, .soup and tea and formed for the boys a couch at night. After a few days at DeAar Junction, where Colonel Otter picked up a hor.se shoe and placed it in his cross belt for good luck, the regiment marched on to Orange River, thence to Bel- mont. Here the men were brigaded with details of the artillery, Muii.ster Fusiliers, Cornwalls and ^ueenslanders. Colonel Otter was given command of the whole camp. Grea.t amusement was caused by the mules ; .some of them would kick and caper and then breaking away, ru.sh into the lines of horse artillery. On every .side were signs of the great battle fought three weeks previous, when the Boers were driven from their position by the British under Lord Methuen. The Belmont station house was literally torn to pieces by bullets, while the battle-field pre.sented a most ghastly appearance. Hundreds of Boers had been slain, and their bodies, with those of their dead horses, were lying around, intermingled with all kinds of war material, such as exploded shell and shrapnel. It was a blood-curdling sight. Here and there could be .seen a human head, hand, or foot sticking up between the rough boul- ders or small stones. The position given the Brigade in guarding this line of communication was a very re.spon.sible and perilous one. A rigid vigil had to be kept up by the sentries as detachments of ^- OIK noVS I'NDUR I'IKI If) iiiv mark j^Iaiul lias lot to 1)C •j;iinental aded into )layiii^ a Atkins. This was tioti they a terrific ars. The lifllculty. nose and the boys lel Otter for good :e to Bel- artillery, iiiel Otter e of them into tlie the great re dri\-en en. The bnilets, pearance. ith those with all pnel. It ; seen a igh boul- the Roers wen- often .seen lurking in the neighborhood. Besides the outpost and patrol, the Brigade had all kinds of fatigue duty, sufh as constructing works of defence around the camp, and unloatliiig supi)lies from the station. They were alwavs ready for an attack, even sleeping in their regimentals. One night great excitement prevailed when the sentries reported strange lights on both sides of the catnp. The whole regiment turned out ready to anni- hilate the enemy, but dis- covered just in the nick of time that the supposed enemy was only Company " O " marching out on re- lief dut\ . Another night dark objects were .seen moving slowly towards the camp. The regiment was again called out, the enemy drew nearer and nearer, the excitement of the tn)ops grew more intense every moment, — the hour of l)attle h.ul come at last, — their fingers trembled on the trigger, — their breath came .short and quick, — Horn in (MasRow, Scotland. 1861 ; educnted at Gla.s. wllCn Suddenly a flash of Kow University ; ordained a minister of tlie Church of 1 • « . • 11 a ^ .Scotl.md 1S85, spent three years in Australia, returned llghtUUlg rCVCalCd a tlOCK to Old Country, arrived in Canada 1880, accepted r .-i .r )•,... cliarnes in Calvin Church, St. John and 1892 in St. O' OStnchCS UOt tar UlStaUt. lames Church, (Iharlottelown, I'. K. Island. On (Jet. i» ^ ».i • i • 1. • m .. 24lh, .899, obtained leave-of-ahsmce to .ic. ept the BUt thlS StnCt Vigil WaS UOt position o. Chaplain in .St Canadian Contingent. ,^,j j^^. jj^Ught. Foriu- stance, one night a Boer .spy was captured with a complete design of the whole camp on his per.son, and, according to army rule he was shot next day. The Regiment was so thoroughly drilled that at 3 o'clock every morning the men would leave their tents and without a light find their way to the trenches and be ready for action all within three minutes. One day when half of the Battalion was out on patrol duty REV. rHOM.\S KRASKR KUI.I.liR'J ON. (lHA»"I.AlN I-IKST CANADtAN CDNTINtiENT.) 20 OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE they discovered in a cemetery the grave of Lieutenant C. C. Wood, the first Canadi?n to fall in the campaign. It so happened that some of the party were his old college friends and they erected to his memory a large wooden cross bearing the inscription — LIEUT. CHARLES C. WOOD, North Lancashire Regiment, late of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Who died from wounds received near Belmont, Nov. the lOtb, 1899. Erected by bis comrades of the Royal Military College, Canada, and his fellow countrymen of the Royal Canadian Regiment " Truth— Duty— Valour." The first member of our own Regiment to lay down his life on African soil was Pte M. C. Chappell who suc- cumbed to an attack of tonsil- itis while at Belmont. He was a great favorite with his comrades who buried him just I.IEUr. C. C. WOOD The young Canadian Officer killed in a sirtie at liolmont. burn March 19th, 1876, at Halifax, N. S..son of J. Taylor Wood of Halifax, and grandson of the late ^ ■ j ii !• t> Zachary Taylor, President of the United States, OUtSlde the CaUip linCS, KCV. (.adet in Royal Military College, Kingston ; accepted «, t-> 11 j. c • «-i ' ■ ••■ • lered to South Mr. Fullcrton perfomung the commission in Imperial Army and on \frica July, 1899. Considered the best draughtsman 1 ,f , ,^ it- • and sketcher in regiment. When valiantly doing his laSt Sau riieS. A monument duty in an engagement near Helm )nt was shot through the he.nd and died three hours later at Orange Rivei Hospit.il — greatly mourned by both officers and men the'he.nd and died three hours later M Orange River CrCCtcd tO his mCUlOry bcarS the following inscription, painted by Pte. W. A. Riggs, afterwards killed at Paardeberg : PRIVATE MONTROSE C. CHAPPELL " G " Company Died December 13th, 1899 Erected by his comrades As time passed the boys began to watch for the order to advance and take an active part in the engagements at the front. But Cliri.stmas found them still at Belmont. This festal day passed with the usual routine work and a religious service conducted by the Rev. T. F. FuUerton. The officers had ■'«> •"te OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE 21 int C. C. happened and they ry a large ring the . WOOD, giment, Scotia, ceived near b, 1899. 3f the Royal la, and his the Royal lour." ■ of our ay down .soil \va.s who suc- of tonsil- ant. He with his ; him just les, Rev. ming the onument )ry bears cription, rdeberg : order to s at the t. This "eligious cers had ordered some extra dainties from Cape Town but the boys, with many a thought of the Christmas turkey at home, contented them.selves with the following menu : Breakfast — bread, coffee without milk ; dinner — boiled beef and canned plum pudding ; 3 o'clock, one glass of lime juice or cider, 4 o'clock, one chicken between fourceen men ; 5 o'clock, bread, tea, and mar- malade. "Halt, who goes there?" "Visiting patrol!" "Ad- vance one and give the coun- tersign !" " Westminster." * ' Advance patrol, all is well. ' ' Svicli was the watch night service of our soldier boys as they paced to and fro on the top of a kopje at the ushering in of the New Year, 1900. The night though cold \va5; beautiful, — calm and moon- light. And from their sum- mit they could see far below the camp, the dark shadows of the sentries, — further off, mounted sentries — while over the wide veldt .sounded the tramp, tramp, tramp of hor.ses feet. Off to the north, the .searchlight of beleaguered Kimberley kept flashing in great .sweeps acro.ss the sky like a huge fan, — away to the west were more diminutive mountains while high rugged rocks formed a pyramidal background for our heroes. And as there they kept vigil, with rifles in hand, wearing great coats to keep out the bitter cold, vividly they imagined a New Year's .scene in the old home in far distant Canada. The same day at Sunnyside, the Boers, while in the act of partaking of their mid day meal received an unexpected New Year's call from a detachment of the Belmont Brigade. After a stiff resistance they broke their rifles and surrendered. The THE LATE MONTROSE CLINTON CHAPPELL. Koni 1878 ,11 Baie Verte, son of Jo'ihua Ch.-ippell, Ki-quire, educated at Baie Verte public school. Employed in the mercmtile estahlish- ineiits of C. Harper & Co., liaie Vtrte. (leorjje E. P'ord's, Sackville, and Barkers. Moncton. Memljer of .Methodist Church. i[ 22 OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE I. attacking party then finished the dinner commenced by their enemies, and proceeded on to Douglas scattering the Boers, capturing supplies and ammunition, and releasing British and Kaffir prisoners. A week after "A" and "G" Companies were detailed to a place called Richmond, to build a large fort where they kept a base of supplies till the general advance. About this time the hearts of the boys weie cheered by the practical manner in which Her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria showed her high appreciation of the services of her gallant troops by the gift of a box of chocolate to every member of the field force. The box, si:: and a half inches in length, three and three-quarters in width. and one inch in depth, was of a bronze metal, with bright red and blue trimmings and contained two layers of Fry's prime clucolate. On the cover were engravings of her Majesty, the Royal Initials, the Royal Arms, the words " South Africa, 1900," and in copyright of the Queen's own handwriting, " I wish you a happy New Year, (Signed) Victoria, R. I." Naturally "God save the Queen" was sung with great gusto around man}' a camp fire. A large number of the soldiers sold their empty boxes for $30.00 or $40.00. Be it said to the credit of the Canadians, very few of theirs fell into the hands of a purchaser, but were sent home as valuable mementos. OUR BOYS UNDER FIRK 23 \ by their ;he Boers, British and I^ompanies large fort ance. red by the sty Queen ;rvices of e to every alf inches lin depth, nings and the cover the Royal ght of the R. I." teat gusto le soldiers lid to the e hands of i CHAPTER II. " In the clamor and clash of encounter, ' There is valour and glory — or death." WHEN General Lord Roberts, who superseded General Buller as Commander-in-Chief of the British forces, be- gan his advance, the Canadians, on Feb. 12th, were ordered to form a conjunction with 60,000 troops at Gras Pan. In an inconceivably short time " Our Boys" tramped from Richmond to the central camp in Belmont. Here the wildest confusion prevailed. Arms, ammunition and supplies were piled high on transport waggons and the men were supplied with ordinary rations for an expedition of three days, and one ration of con- centrrled food, capable of feeding each man thirty-six hours; then the Cf nadians and other regiments, with light hearts and rous- ing cheers, said good-bye to Old Belmont. Arriving at Gras Pan the Corn walls, Gordon Highlanders, Shrop.shires and Canadians were formed as the igtli I'rigade under General Smith-Dorien, and attached to the Ninth Division. The next morning the Brigade comtnenced a march that lasted a week. The town of Jacobf-'dal they captured with little difficulty, but unfortunately the Boers succeeded in cutting oflf a large convoy with the result that the Brigade had less than half rations for the remainder of the march. The mobilization of troops at Gras Pan was the beginning of the first great stroke in which Eord Roberts proved himself to be a masterhand and tactician of rare ability Cronje, known as the greatest Boer general, was strongly entrenched near bloody Magersfontein, and by a gigantic move he was about to fall a victim to British strategy. Lord Roberts ap- peared on the scene. Immediately a large force took up a position on the south and west of the entrenched leader. General French on the following day, P^eb. 13th, with a force of 8,500, dashed from Modder River and relieved besieged Kimberly. and on the 1 5th .swept down on Cronje' s rear. Instantly the "Lion" .sprang ,.# H OUR BOYS UNDKR FIRE from his den and with a force of 10,000 men and a convoy of 300 waggons, fled eastward eight miles, but only to be repulsed by the invincible Kitchener. In vain the encaged general heliographed to General Joubert to break the British cordon, — in vain he tried to escape and searched on every side to find a single loop hole. But the cage was .secure. The officers .stood firm and erect, their eyes flashing bright and keen, ready to detect the .slightest move- ment of the foe. Impreg- nable were rows of stalwart Tommies, their hands grasp- ing the glittering bayonet, and as they thought of com- rades lying by the Modder's side, — thought of the gal- lant Symons and Wauchope slain, — thought of those at home whose honor they were to uphold, they were ready to spring and bring the indomitable "Lion" to bay. The surroundings of the coming bloody strife were tranquil and lovely. Na- ture's summer dress was tinged with autumn hues. To the north of that im- mortal field called Paarde- berg, kopjes, .some near and some far, towered heaven- ward. On the east the tur- bulent Modder flowed, winding southward in its course, with trees and rushes .scattered along the enibankmetit. In a donga on the river bed the stubborn Boer leader lay heavily entrenched, determined to make a " desperate stand " and fight to the bitter end. Gradually tlie British clo.sed around the laager, and as to the part taken l)y the Canadian PwCgiment in the awful tragedy I.IEUr. FREDERICK C.V.'ERHH.L JONES. (CAITAIN 3KD UlClilMKN rCANADlAN AK TII.I.KKY. > liorn May aist, iS'iy. son of Simeon Jones, Ks(i., St. John. N. H.; eliicaleil in Ivliiihuri;!), Scotland, at- tended Royal Military College. ,i 189;. A|ipointrne.Tts : Lieut. 3rd Cana lian Artilli.'ry. 1891 : Captain June fith, i8g8 ; ist (.ieutonant Co. "it" First C.'ina lian Coii- liiij^inl. Oi.tolier 20th, iSqo. Acted Cajuain ot Com- p.'iny for several months dtirini; illness o( Captain ftlacdone'l. Rcliiiior, Episcopalian. Slufilc. X I OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE 25 ivoy of 300 xlsed by the iliographed n vain he 'ingle loop firm and '.s flashing ready to test move- Inipreg- of stalwart andsgrasp- g bayonet, ghtofcom- e Modder's )f the gal- Wauchope of those at onor they they were idbringthe in" to bay, ngs of the 5trife were /ely. Na- dress was umn hues, that im- ;d Paarde- le near and d heaven- ist the tur- with trees iga on the itrenched, the bitter and as to il tragedy X we will follow them from Jacobsdal by quoting extracts of a letter written by Arthur Mellish : — " We had just lain down and were about to go to sleep, when a new order came to fall in, ready to march at once. After some confusion our Company emerged from a mass of artillery, cavalry and infantry, and took up its position as the advance guard of the column. We marched on slowly all night of Friday, the 16th. Early in the morning we came to a house with a windmill. We threw ourselves down on the ground exhausted, hoping to get a little sleep, but the order came for " G" company t'> guard approach of column, so we drew ourselves to our feet and marched to some rising ground about a mile away where we posted sentries. At day-break we marched back to camp. At S p. m. Saturday we left and marched toilsomely twenty-three miles, arriving near Modder River after sunrise Sunday morning, with nothing to eat on the way. We again tried to get some rest notwithstanding the booming of guns somt distance ofE, but it was not to be. We had a small ration of cofEee and a little biscuit which we were not given time to eat at our leisure and again fell in. The regiment moved over ;o a bill at the double and lay down there. Then we were marched back a . pro- ceeded to ford the Modder River, which was running deep and strong at that place. The Gordons and others were already struggling across with the help of ropes, the water was nearly up to our necks. Cronje and his army were strongly entrenched and the action was in progress. We were put in extended order and advanced to the open. Soon we could hear bullets whistling by our heads. After a little we lay down, then advanced again and so on, taking what shelter we could. We were in the supports and could not fire but our men began to be hit — Waye of Hunter River being among the first. Finally we got a posi- tion in which we remained for a long time. The suii was scorching hot and we had to lie flat to shelter ourselves from the bullets. Then a terrific thunder storm came up and we were soaked with rain and beaten with hail. It was bitterly cold after the scorching heat. The bullets were all the time whistling around us and the cannon roaring fearfully, the call for stretchers and bearers to carry oE the wounded coming from all points. Then th: order came: " Section one, "G" Company, Reinforce!" and getting our haversacks and fixings tight on, we rushed forward. The bullets ^ang and spluttered. I held on until I saw some cover with a Highlander and a Cornwall man, when I thiew myself down. Evidently I had been followed by some Boer sharpshooter, for the bullets kept around where I was for some time. However, I soon opened fire myself. It was in this line that poor Roland Taylor was shot. He was a fine young man in every respect. After a while we fixed bayonets and charged. We made a splendid charge amid a perfect storm of bullets our flank charging to the river, but it was too hot for us, so the order was to lie down, which we did, our whole line stubbornly holding the ground we had gained. The next morning three Canadians were actually found dead in the Boer trenches. The fighting went on as before till dark, when the firing ceased. I then helped getting in the dead and wounded for a while. It was very risky work, and we were liable to be shot any moment by the enemy's snipers. Several were hit, and it was then that McCreary of New Brunswick was killed. I can tell you some if 36 OUR BOVS UNDRR FIRE li ii gruesome stories about this part of our duty when I go home. The battle was a fearful one and lasted the whole day. We found the accounts of all the boys did not differ greatly. All had narrow escapes: a munber of us had our clothes riddled with bullets, others had their water bottles shot away, others their rifles shattered, while frag- ments of knapsacks, helmets and even the boot-heels of some mem- bers cf our Company were scattered far and wide. The next morning we cooked our emergency rations, a tin with concentrated cocoa at one end, and concentrated meat essence at the other. On Monday we were ordered to fall in and occupy a position on a hill. Here we entrenched ourselves and re- mained for some hours. In the evening we came down, formed up and the battalion marched two or three miles, where we piled arms for the night. Early Tuesday morn- ing, without having any breakfast, we marched off and extended, and our Company advanced in the firing line opposite the Boer Laager and not very far from it. Here we made cover for ourselves. I built one for myself with my bayonet and top of canteen for pick and shovel, and I put a large lyddite shell lengthwise across it and some bushes to hide it from the enemy. All day the bullets were whistling by L only three men were wounded and they were away back in the rear, a heavy artillery fire keeping down the enemy's shoot- ing to a great extent. Our shells were shrieking over our heads on the Boer position in great style — the lyddite blowing up great clouds of dust and earth. One time I saw a man hurled bodily high into the air by the explosion. The shrapnel would break in the air and send a shower of bullets a^nong the enem>. In the evenin^^ our company occu- pied a hill or kopje, where we were on duty all night, watching lest a force ex- pected from Joubert's column should appear. The night was extremely cold, and I stuffed my clothes full of grass and wrapped my puttees around my body. LIKUT. JOHN HKNRV K.WK. (■royal CANADIAN RE(;iMENT OK INKANTRV, I'KR- MANEN r CORI'S) Horn at SuJohn,N.B.,son of the late James J.Kaye, Q, C. Kdiicated : (iramniar School, Private Tutors, Royal Miltiary School of Infantry, Freckricton, Cav- alry School, (^uehec, (certificate in Equitation). In 1899, course at Kingston c i ic^-ll:" 1 anl ordered to South Africa. Had p.-issed successfully examinations up to date of departure. Appointrnt-nts : previously Lieutenant anil Captain in St. John Fusiliers ; Aide-de Camp to liis Honor Lieutenant ( lovernor A . U. Mc- Lellan, New llrunswick ; 2nd Lieutenant in Company "Ci " First Canadian Contingent, Oct. 2=,, 1900. Re- ligion, Church of JMi'land. Unm.iiried. Clever at sketching and painting and has sent home many pic- tures of men and places in South Africa. -§ OUR BOVS UNDKR PIKE 27 e battle was a All had narrow thers had their away, others d, while frag- i, helmets and of some mem- were scattered next morning gency rations, rated cocoa at entrated meat On Monday fall in and n a hill. Here elves and re- lours. In the wn, formed up irched two or we piled arms ruesdaymorn- iny breakfast, extended, and ed in the firing er Laager and it. Here we ilves. I built 1 my bayonet for pick and large lyddite ss it and some n the enemy. reie whistling e men were ere away back artillery fire nemy's shoot- . Our shells — the lyddite hurled bodily 1 the air and irapany occu- st a force ex- lely cold, and nd my body. Wednesday morning we marched to some breakfast. Fred McRae and them in Sunday's battle, and found them full of Mauser and Shrapnel from our shells. Many dead horses and oxen were lying aoout. Thurs- day, we remained back of the naval guns till the afternoon, when we occupied kopje to prevent van- guard of enemy's reinforcements coming in. This Friday morning we are lying around the camp. Below us flows the Modder River, winding away past our position, past ihe Boer position^ then past our camp in the distance. All the morning the bodies of dead Boers and horses have been floating by in great numbers, the heavy rain of last night causing the river to rise about six feet, which, combined with the swift current is bringing them down. Some of the boys have captured a bull and are just skinning it, wliile others are fry- ing mutton on their canteen covers. This is quite a treat as we have been on short rations for over a week. A balloon is now going up in our camp and we will doubtless be able to locate the enemy." Col. Alysworth of the Cornwall Regt. who j^ave the fatal order to charge on that memorable Suiulay, wa.s killed in the fir.st vol- ley. In de.scribing the battle Father O'Leary say.s: " Canbda may well be proud of her noble boys. It is true that many a once happy home is now in mourning since the fatal 18th day of February, but the deep sorrow another crmp for a day's rest, and really had I visited the trenches of the Boers, held by LIEUT. C. W. WELDON McLEAN. (•JNI> I.lEl T. OK THE I'RI.NlESS LOl'lSE HCSSAHS.) Horn .Vug. 26th i83i, St. John, N.K,, son of F.iuut. Col. H. H. McLcin, Hamster, St. John, N. K. In llie fall of 1899 was member of senior class in Royal .Military Coll^Ke, Kingston. On appoiiitmint to 3ril Lieut, iji Company " (1 " receiveil certificate of compet- ency, i.e., hail passed successfully all e.\aminations up to (late and was entitl.d to hold a commission in Cavalry, -Vrtillery, Enftineers, or Infantry. 'I'he Militia orders of -March 6, i(;oo, gazette the follovving : -3. "It is noti- fied for information that Lieutenant (ieneral .Sir H. E. Colville, K. C". .M. (!., commanding Ninth Division I'Meltl I orce, has been pleased to select Lieutenant C. \V McLean Sth Huzzars, Secord Special service Bat- talion, Roy.il C'anadian Regiment to .act as Aide-de- Camp on his staff. Mr. Kred Hamilton, correspond- ent of the 'I'orotito ''(iiohe" stated : — "This apj)oint- ment conies distinctly asa compliment to the Hattalion, and it was such hat Colonel Otter was asked to recom- mend a suitable officer. I.itnten.mt .McLean is the youngest of the officers in point of actual years as well as in seniority, but has done his work so well as fully to merit the distinction conferred upon him. . . . So it is gi/o:l-bye to " Little Mac." He leaves the Regiment with the heartiest good wishes of them all." Portraits of Lieut . .McLean have appeared in the ''Illustrated London News," " The Oraphic," ''The King, "and many other papers. Religion; Pres- byterian. Unmarried. 38 OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE that has entered into the hearts of the loved ones far away will undoubtedly be tempered by the consoling assurance that all have done their duty— all, every one. So say the brave Gordons, the famous Black Watch, the Argylls, the Seaforths, the sturdy Corn walls, — so say they all. And oh, that wild mad charge against an invisible enemy. Never shall I forget it, nor shall I attempt to describe it at least for the present. Hell let loose would give but a faint idea of it. On, on we rushed through a hail of bullets, the air alive again with deadly missiles. On we rushed, madly, wildly, tearing through brambles, stumbling over pros- trate comrades, eager in the delirium of bloodshed and destruction which had seized on us all to reach the enemy's trenches. And abovi; the din of battle, oh, that wild soul-stirring cheer, or rather that savage yell! Like tigers our brave boys bounded over the open, but it was not to be ; darkness closed on us ere the position was carried and the day won. Darkness settled down on that well-fought field, mercifully casting a veil over the horrors. Th^n began the search tor the dead and wounded. In the total darkness, for the least light drew the enemy's fire, we groped over the ground, everywhere our hands steeped in blood, blood, blood. From all directions faint moans, coupled with pitiful pleadings for " water, water," reached our ears. Ac- cidentally one would stumble over a friend. Then what pathetic scenes would take place — a message for home — " Tell mother, etc., etc.," or perhaps: " Don't leave me, it wont't be long." The moon soon rose over the weird scene and shed its peaceful rays on many an upturned face, and many of them calm and placid in death. That night myself and a few devoted fellows regained until late on the fatal field, exploring every nook and corner for the wjunded, oftener meeting with the mangled dead, until at last our strength gave out, and reaching our line we threw ourselves on the hard ground seeking rest and forgetfulness in sleep. So did most of the survivors. Hardly a word was exchanged, for all were exhausted, what with a forced march of twenty miles the preceding night and the trying ordeal of that long, long day. Monday morning we gathered our dead together and buried them. They had marched and fought shoulder to shoulder, blade beside blade, nor were their ranks broken in death, side by side they were tenderly, lovingly laid to sleep, whilst I performed the last sad but consoling duty of committing them to the care of God's angels when we would be far away from this fateful land. ■■*T 1881— MAJUBA DAY— 1900, General Cronje and his forces had retired about four niiks up the river, where they had their laager in a very strongly en- trenched po.sition. As an attack there would have meant great bloodshed, and as Lord Rolierts was adverse to any needless loss of life he ordered the troops to advance by means of trenches. The regiments were on duty forty-eight hours alternately. OUK BOYS UNDER FIRE 29 indoubtedly be all, everyone, the Seaforths, ^Jever shall I Hell let loose o£ bullets, the ling over pros- n which had of battle, oh, ers our brave on us ere the ng a veil over In the total it the ground, rections faint lur ears. Ac- scenes would haps: "Don't rays on many t night myself cploring every 5d dead, until rselves on the Each would dij? a trench further ahead and occupy it. It fell to the lot of the Canadians to he last on guard and they occupied one a hundred and fifty yards in advance of the previous one. The .same evening Lord Roberts decided ihat immediate action must he taken. He instructed the Cana- dians to leave their trenches at three o'clock next morn- f^ ing, and advance with fixed hayotiets, the Royal En- gineers with pickaxes and .shovels to bring up the rear. So at the appointed hour on the nif)rning of the 27111 of February the Brigadier ])assed along the line and gave the order to advance. Supported on the right by the Gordon Highland- ers, and on the left by the Shropshires and Sutherland Highlanders with other regiments of Infantry in reserve, the Canadians crept along shoulder to shoulder in the utter dark- ness of an African night. Slowly they moved on and on, and were beginning to think the birds had flown, when suddenly, within twenty yards of the Boer laager, they were met with a most terrific volley, a regular flame of fire from the magazines of the enemy. Instantly all dropped on their faces and in spite of an inces.sant hail of bullets, held their own, even crawling back twenty-five yards and aiding the Engineers in a temporary construction of a trench. Here they lay for two and a half hours, returning in good earnest the galling fire of the enemy. "F," "G" and ''H" Companies were in the front firing lines and lost heavily. In that first fatal volley the THK LAIK ROLAND DKNNIS TAVI.OK. (iMARI.I)TTItT(lWN K.NCll NKKKS.) Horn March ird, 1878, at CharlDttetown, P. K. I. Soil of Mr. K. VV TaUor. Charlottctown. .jvas the intention of his father to purchase a faini for him either on the Island r in the North West : .i he prefmvd out-i;f-door-(nipli)\ iieiit. On the call " to amis" III was one of the first -iho enlisted, saying: " .\Iy f.ither is an Kni;lishman an 1 I am a Son of I' ng- land." Killed in action at Paanleherg, Feb. 18th, 1900. M ihddist. t| 30 OUR HOYS UNDKR FIRK ^fenial hearted Withers and Christian soldier Ri^KS were amoiiKthe slain ; another volley, another flame of fire, and the heroic souls of Scott and Johnston returned to Him who ^-ive them. Then the heart-breaking groans of the dying, the shrieks of the wounded and suffering, the cries for 'water," "help," and "stretcher-bearers," were of such a soul-stirring nature that it is impossible for pen to describe them. Dawn at length broke and at six o'clock the hoisting of a white flag intimated that the last desperate stand was all in vain. First a few men advanced, then a few more and finally General Cronje, the lion of Africa, sent terms of unconditional surrender to General Roberts, and hi.- with 4000 men, threw down their arms. " G " and " H " Companies were right on the spot, and it was to them the white flag was first shown. After their vic- tory the captors jumped into the Boer trenches, which were long, narrow and very skilfully constructed. In them they found bags of flour, tins of mealie, bandoliers, books and a large num- ber of rifles. Cronje's face was absolutely impassive when he approached Lord Roberts, exhibiting no sig!i of his inner feelings. Lord Roberts was surrounded by his staff when General Prettyman addressing the Field Marshal said : " Commandant Cronje, sir." The commandant touched his hat in salute and Lord Rob- erts .saluted in return .saying: "You have made a gallant de- fense, sir." The vanquished general was then royally entertained by Lord Roberts, and the rival .soldiers went about laughing, talk- ing and comparing notes, each one congratulating the other on his bravery. One Boer, in conversation, is reported to have said, " We can stand the shooting of the average British .soliders, but your Canadians are regular fire eaters and know no fear." Another .«aid, " It's easily seen now what nation is going (o rule the world." Cronje with his wife, his grand.son, a private .secretary, Commanders Albrecht, Wolmears, and other leaders, went ahead .seven hours before the main body, but all met at Modder River and took the same train to Cape Town, en route to St. Helena, which Lord Roberts decided would be a desirable place for his foes. After the departure of the Boer prisoners the 4. OUR BOYS UNDER FIRK 3» .'reanioiiR;the ; heroic souls tlit'iii. ThcMi rit'ks of the 'help." and lire that it is hoisting of a us all in vain, ally General al surrender down their le spot, and er their vic- 1 were long, they found I large nuni- approached ings. Lord Prettynian 'ronje, sir." Lord Rob- gallant de- ?rtained by fhing, talk- ie other on ■d to have sh soliders, Jio fear." >i"g fo rule a private er leaders, all met at 1. en route I desirable soners the Uritish troops marched into the vacated laager. What a sight ! Ivvcrything lying about in confusion. The men could not be kept in line. In fact the officers were as anxious as the>' were to get .some " l(H)t" and something to eat. Tins of lard, tea, flour, and all kinds of eatables were conunandered. Bonfires were quickly started and soon the odor of fried pan- cakes and scones was per- ceptible. The troojjs had l)een living on half rations for the three preceding days and thon uglily en- joyed their impromptu meal, with the exception of a few who had fried their pancakes with axle grease by mistake, and were con.sequently quite ill. Hut the caring for the wt)unded and burying of the dead had not been for- getten. Nineteen victims had paid the price and many of their bodies were found torn and riddled only twenty yards from the ad- vanced Boer trench. One pocr fellow had a photo- graph of his mother in his hand, another the picture of a young lady, and an- other the written words of a prayer. Gently they were carried off the field and with no shroud but the Union Jack were laid side by side on the sunny bank of the Modder River where Father O'Leary conducted the funeral service. Emotion deep and sincere was visible on all who stood around that long row of newly made graves. Strong men who had bravely faced the I.ATE I' IK. I'AIKICK HKNRV McCRKAKV (74III IIATTALIDN.) Horn April trd, 1872, .it Norton, King's Co., N. H.. Min of the late I'. H. McCreary, Color Scrgl. in H. M; 2nd (JiieiMi's Royal Rcninitril wlio served in South Africa in 1852, and was on the ill-fated " Kirkenhcid" when wrecked otT Cape l)anj;er in 1852, served in China iSfo; same year unlered to Canada as drill in- structor. His son attended the Military School, Kred- ericton. When eidistiiiH he said to Captain Spooner : " I will not disgrace No 2, Captain," and he nobly kept hi-- word, for he met his de.ith in a manner svhich, had he lived, woldil have won for hiri the Victoria l>oss. Roman Catholic. M 3« Ol'K HOVS I'NDKK IMRK mouth of the cannon, wept like little children as the wons " tlnst to ilnst, aslies to ashes," -anjf out in st)lenni cadence over all that was mortal of their late heloved comrades-in-arms. At the head of the row of moutids the mourners erected a large wooden slab with the inscription : il mir.iiJ CANADIANS. N. C, O. and men R. C. R. I., Died on the battlefield, Feb. 27th, 1900. " Dead, but not forgotten." Further down the row on a cross hy a large grave covered with stones, were written the words : In memory of Cor. Withy, Cor. Withers, Pts. Orman, Johnson, W. Scott and ^. A. Riggs. Killed in action February 27th, 1900. Swiftly the news flashed over the wires of the brilliant charge: made by the Canadians at Paardeberg. Canada was filled wi ' oride that her representatives had upheld the honor of the Dominion and .so faithfully di.scharged their duty to God and Motherland. But alas ! honor and glory had not come with- out lo.ss. The stern reality of war, the true meaning of a blood- stained battlefield came more vividly home than ever before. And while nineteen Canadian heroes were laid to rest under the balmy trees of the now famous Modder, here in their native land bells tolled, flags waved at half-mast, funeral dirges or martial strains swelled forth, and in the homes of loved ones fallen the bowed form of the father, the broken heart of the mother, the pitiful wail of the desolate young wife, .showed at what cost the unity of a Greater Britain was purchased. i Note. — For list cf wounded see back of book. M Ol'K BOVrt UNDKK KIRK ?3 the worr's .'adciice ovir ti-arms. At ted a la rife uc" covered le brilliant anada was I the honor ity to God :ome with- of a blood- er before. under the lative land or martial fallen the lother, the It cost the M CONORATULATIONS TO CANADA. From Her Majesty Queen VicJoria. London, February 27lh, 1900. Mr. Chamlierluin cublei to Lord Minfo : " Hfr Mijejty the Queen desires y»^ to express to the people ot Canada her ad- miration ot the gallant cinljct of the Canadian troops in the late engagement, and her sorrow at the losa of so many brave men. "Chamberlain." From Princess Louise. London, February 27, 1900.— "1 desire to express conf^ratula- tions on Cronje's surrender effect- ed by (gallant Canadian aid. Onep sympathy for Canadian losses. Am proud to have lived among them. "Louise." Lord Dufferin. " I cannot retrain from adding my tribute of admiration for the brave sons of Canada who are fighting and shedding their blood for the good of the Empire. " Dufferin." Sir Alfred Milner, Governor of Cape Colony, South Africa, to Lord Minlo. '"''- '■'^"■- wili.iam ai.frku hu.v.s. ((. HAKLOTTK TOWN ENCilNF.KRS.) Horn Nhirth 241I1, 1878, I'h.irlottftowi), l> K. Island. Son uf Mr. \V. N. RiuKs, f. K. Island KaiKvay. Kdmalcd :— Pidilii: school ; studied decorative ajid an paitilin>; ; /valoti*. vvt)rker in (irace Mcthoili>t Cliiirch. .■\l time of t-Milistin^ was taking •'» course preiMirutory for •^nteriiin llie Meltiodi>l ininislry. Killed in action at I'aardeherx, South .\frica, Feb. 27th, 1900. Warm February 27th, 1900.—" I must send you a line on this red letter day to congratulate you and Can- ada on the great share taken by your gallant Contingent in the annihilation of General Cronje's force. It is the first great success we have had in the great struggle thanks and congratulations. "Milner." Lord Roberts. "Canadian now stands for bravery, dash and courage. /. gallant deed worthy of our colonial comrades. Colonel Notting of the Gordon Highlanders. " The Canadians are wonders. Their charge towards the Boer trenches fairly took our breath away. We supported them but they sprang ahead like racehorses. Though beardless youths they fought like veterans." 34 OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE Colonel Otter. Col. Otter in official report: " Captains Stairs and Macdonell of ' 'H " and " G "Companies deserve special praise for their pertinacity in holding out as they did, the result of which undoubtedly had the efEect of hastening the final result achieved." Rudyard Kipling- " The Canadians are a brave lot and the Boers hate them." An Australian Tribute. " The Canadians are the finest body of men in South Africa, ex- cepting Her Majesty's Guards. They have a light spring, '.'^vil may care sort of a swagger." The Press. "As if the land of the Maple Leaf wished to press home our in- justice and the unswerving loyalty oi the races of the Dominion, she has sent as the first company of her detachment a company which has suffered most in wiping for the motherland the nineteen year old stain, and in the grey dawn of that famous morning whispered ' Vieve-la-Reine.' " Bloemfontein Friend." "To Canada we take off! our hats. She has sent us beside other worthy representatives, a regiment of infantry that wins admiration from every soldier for marching, endurance, or fighting. It can challenge comparison with any battalion in Lord Roberts' army, and that is saying a good deal. " Bloe ."ontein Correspondent of the London Daily News." " To the Canadians belong the honor of having hastened the inevitable." " London Daily News." The Canadian Contingent played the principal part in the decisive movf- ment which forced the stubborn leader to own he was beaten. " London Times." "The Canadians are a brave crowd, but fight like devf's, not men. "Boer Officer." The l.\te cor. Frederick w. withers. (3RD KEGIMKNT CANADIAN ART1I.LKKV.) Son of the lale Willi.im Withers, St. John, N. R. Born Foh. 16th, 1871 ; educated puhlic M;hool ; em- ployed as fireman in the Maritime Naval Works. Member of E.xmouth Street .Methodist Chinch. Killt I i;i acti >n at P.iardeherg, .South Africa, I'eh. 271)1, ii^oc ^ * jilH. OUR BOYS UNDKR FIHE. 35 •Hof "H"and ding oul as they the final result CHAPTER III. Tribute. s are the finest uth Africa, ex- esty's Guards, t spring, >vil swagger." ess. I of the Maple ss home our in- iverving loyalty Dominion, she St company of ompany which in wiping for nineteen year ; grey dawn of ing whispered ntein Friend." take oflE our nt us beside esentatives, a ry that wins cry soldier for e, or fighting, mparison with ..ord Roberts' saying a good Daily News." !vitable." Daily News." scisive movf- idon Times." n. oer Officer." FAMOTI.S MARCH TO BI.OEMFONTEIN. " Oh, noble hearts and true, there is work for us to do; And we'll do it as we did it oft before." T^OR some days after the surrender of Cronje there were slight pi skirmishes along the banks of the Modder. On March the 6th, the igth Brigade in conjunction with other columns ad- vanced seven mile.s up the River, every man carrying his great coat and regulation accoutrements. They pas.sed a large detachment of mounted engineers with waggons of pontoon^ for cro.s.sing the river. At 5.30 p. m., after having had no mid- day meal, half-rations of tea were i.ssued, and at dark soup and meat. Two o'clock next morning found them again astir. When four miles up the ri\er they halted and charged their rifle magazines with ten cartridges each ; then with forty-one paces between the companies, advanced towards a flat-topped kopje occupied by the Boers. Darkness now gave place to daylight and the artillery opened fire. The Boers replied from a large gun at the summit of the kopje, their .shrapnel shells exploding in front of the artillery causing many ca,sualties. The Briti.sh were very quick in picking up the range, though under the di.sadvantage of having to fire to the top of the kopje, while for the enemy it was easy game. After a while the firing ceased and the Boers galloped away, leaving a large gun behind them. The troops marched on and on, and in the excitement of the occasion, forgot hunger, thirst and weariness. Some fifteen miles further thev again attacked a kopje with the same result. From the summit of this kopje the troops beheld a grand spec- tacle. On the opposite side of the river a great battle had been raging, and in the moonlight thousands upon thousands of cav- alry, mounted infantry and troops could be seen streaming after the flying enemy. But .soon the weary boys turned their steps to camp and finding the transport wagons had broken down some ■^f- 36 OUK BOYS UNDER FIRE I I (62NU KICCIMKNT CANADIAN AKTli.LKRY.) Born 1877 ill St. John ; son of Mr. Andrew Johnston, .St. John; eilutatuil pnlilic school; t- niployctl on Rail- way Roul. .Meniher of .Methodist Church. Killed in action at Paardehcrg, South Africa, Kch J7th, 1900 miles behind, gladly obeyed an order to ii.se their emergency rations. Fortunately a few bags of mealie had accidentally fallen into their hands and conse- THE LATE JOSEPH ANDREW JOHNSTON, ^^^^^jy ^j^^ ^^^^ ^f f^j^^ pancakes was prevalent far into the night. The bene- fit their day's march af- forded the main column will be seen by quoting some extracts from the brigade order issued by General Commander Smith-Dorien : Stagskrall, March 8, 1900. " The Major General commanding the Brigade wishes all ranks of the Bri- gade he has the honor to command to understand how thoroughly he appreciates the spirit and zeal shown since the Brigade assembled at Graspan on the 12th and 13th of February. All have been called upon for extraordinary exertions and have had to undergo forced marches, short rations, great wettings, want of water and sleep, and severe and trying fighting, concluding with an extremely arduous and flank march yesterday of some twenty miles. It will be gratifying to them to know that yesterday's march turned the Boer position on the Sankop and Blue Kopje and threatened their rear and caused them to retreat in haste, making them to cease firing on our naval guns, and abandon their own gun, which the Shropshires eventually captured." At Stag.skrall the Brigade encamped by a small kopje. Near them was a house, garden and orchard, completely de- .serted with the exception of a little kitten. The house was built of brick and stone, the walls being very thick — the inside walls, floors and partitions similar. The roof was flat, consist- ing of long canes laid closely together, covered with cement. This description answers for all the houses there, some being white, red or gray. Again astir they march- ed from an undulating veldt, along ridges of low kopjes, and pas.sed hou.ses flying white flags in which were wounded Boers ; ntirses could be seen mov- ing to and fro within. The.se hou.ses were always approached with caution as the Boers had,. since the beginning of the campaign, established a record that the use and abuse of the white flag THE LATE PTE. JACOB BOYD SCOTT. Born January 28th, 1882, Richihucto, Kent Co.' New Brunswick. Father drowned at sea, 1882. De" ceased lived with aunt, Miss Jane S;islat»re, 1871-84; M. IV for Seikiik in Dominion House of Commons iS-ji'-jj and \iyS, lor Montreal West 1877-96. President of Hank of .Montreal ; Hon. I,. I, D. Cambridge, ^'ale ; Clian- ■ ellor .MctJill I'niversity ; K.C:..\1.C.. 1886 ; Canadian Hiph ('ommissiiiner, London, I'.ni;, i8r,6 ; equipped "Stralhcona's Horse" fc South .'Vfrican war, 1900. He brig] shall Novl anot «% OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE 39 'he tired foot- d up in a nio- vas well worth rc'li to partici- ? as previous eded by best have been one fficult feats of and is now on record as Host famous nnals oi Brit- tiie pluck, heroism of fjys, "Chd- pondent to -raid says : 'ase of Nel- G' Com- ig to Char- r a c e was le thigh on if February cealing the comrade to id, actually and got g the object mely, to be sh of this to the late le Boer en- ?r and his lian " com- .' Rev. Mr. sking men meant it. He was quite a lad and his face was always illuminated by a bright happy .smile which only true grace can impart. And shall we efface from our memories the heroic action of Sivert of Nova Scotia who literally threw his life away in order to save another." Of brave New Brunswick boys Arthur Mellish wrote to a friend in St. John : " We are .so pleased at the kind sympathy •iiown bj- the people of St. J..hn and all Canada for us in our great struggle. The thought has helped us in many a hard march and fierce battle, and when we have felt wear\' and hungry and ready to drop with fatigue the thought of how the friends at home felt for us and trusted in us has kept us from giving in, and enabled us to hold our own even with veteran sol- diers such as the Gordons, Corn- walls and Shropshires, which compose our brigade. The suspense must have been terrible among our parents and friends during the days they knew we were fighting the Lion of Africa, as Cronje is known, and as the dead and wounded had their names telegraphed home the heart-breakings must have been piteous. But that is the way with everything, the greater the .sacrifice the greater the glory. And those who have died for our country have died nobly, and after all, life does not con.sist in quantitj', but quality. In our company no nobler or braver man fell than Pat. McCreary. He was a stretcher bearer, and as such was not compelled to go nearer than one hundred and fifty yards to the l.IEUr. CHAKI.KS \V. ANSl.OW. (lIKUTENANT 12TH FIELD DATThRv) Kom at Newrastle. N.B. T877 ; son of the laic W. C. Anslow, Esq., editor of " Union Advocate." Kducated at Harkins Academy, Newctstlu ; Quebec Military School, 1897; first prize from competitors throughout Do- minion 1897; appointed Lieutenant in 12th I' it-Id Battery 1897 ; on the death of falhtr en- tered into partnership with brother, H, 15. Ansbw, and conducted newspaper "Union Advocate"; resigned commission and enlisted in 1st Canadian Contnigent for .^ctive service in South Africa, October 20th, 1899. 40 OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE 1, fi>^hting line, ])Ut all day Sunday, rejjardless of the hissing bul- lets, he succored the wounded, and as evening fell he went away forward where many of us had fallen in the charge, and there he was riddled with bullets by the cowardly and dishonorable enemy. Then too, I must tell you of another New Brunswick man named *Hatfield. In the march from Paardeberg to Bloemfontein his boots gave out. Wrapping his putties round his feet he stubbornly limped on, mile after mile, never giving in. His feet were covered with blood blistens, the nails of his toes were torn off and bleeding, and every step must have been a hell to him, but he would not give up. And as there were lads in our company who could die like McCreary and march like Hatfield, doubtlesss there were like Canadians in the other com- panies. So you see that I cannot help feeling proud that I was allowed to resign my commission and live and fight with privates who were men." In writing to Mr. and Mrs. E. W. Taylor of Cliarlottetown on the death of their .son Roland the .same writer .says: " Ju.st a line to express my heartfelt sympathy in your irreparable loss. Youi .son was the friend of us all. During the tedious and trying months he was with us he always remained cheerful and by his example encouraged the downhearted. Never during that time of constant association did I hear him utter a profane or improper word but he lived in the midst of nio.st trying surroundings a quiet, unostentatious Christian life, quietly reading his Bible every night. One day when coming from Thomas' farni-hou.se, where we had dinner he told me what a comfort it was to him to have a settled Christian belief. He lived nobly and died gloriou.sly." It miglit be interesting to the reader to know that in the battle of Paardel)erg the thirty Island boys stood .shoulder to .shoulder, and in the famous march to Bloemfontein not one member of Company " G " fell out of the ranks. The entry of Lord Roberts into Bloemfontein was unique in every detail. President Steyn, finding opposition was useless, retreated witli a large force towards Kroon.stadt, and Lord Rob- erts was met three miles from the city and formally presented with the key.s of Government House and other official buildings. Cheer after cheer greeted the Commander-in-chief and his 'Native- uf Nova Scotia. OIK BOYS UNDER FIRE 41 force on their arrival at the Capital. The glorious news had spread throughout the city like wild fire, and all the pent up excitement that had lain dormant in the bosoms of the Knglish people during the long tedious months of the war, burst forth into exultant joy and thanksgiving. A Union Jack, the handiwork of Lady Roberts, made ex- pressly for this occasion, was hoisted by Lord Rob- erts, while flags were fran- tically waved and hats thrown in the air; strangers cla.sped hands, .strong men became hy.sterical, and all deliriously and w i 1 d 1 y shouted ' ' Three cheers for the army, chree cheers for ' Bobs,' and three cheers for the Queen." The following telegram from Lord Roberts to the War Office is expressive of the true nobility of the man : LIEUT. LORNE STEWART (l.IELT. 82NU QI'HEN's CO. KEOIMKNT) Born J 111 V 30th, 187S, .it Charlottelo«n, P. E. I.; son of Major I). .Stewart, Charlottetown ; educated at Cliarlottetowii Bii>iin'ss College (Diploma 1897, Royal Military C'olleee, Kredrricton (ist class certificate iSgg). .Appointments: Lieutenant in No. 3 82nd Reg- iment 1899; entered mercantile life 1897 ; enrolled in Company "('■" I'irst Can.idian Contingent for service in the So ith African war 0ctol)er 25th, 1899; Scrgt. Company ''('•" R.C.R. May 14, 1900. Bloemfontein, 0. F. S., S. Africa, April 1st, 1900. " By the help of God and by the bravery of Her Majesty's soldiers I have taken possession of Bloem- fontein." (Signed) "Roberts." Bloemfontein (Anglice: Spring of Flowers) is the capital city of the Orange Free State and has a population of 10,000 whites, and nearly double that number of natives. The city is well laid out and has a large number of commodious and attractive parks. The streets are all macadamized, and throughout the entire capital are signs of modern civilization. The municipal affairs 42 OT'K HOYS TNDKR KIRK of the city arc matiagcd l)y a Mayor and Town Council. A statue of vSir Jolin Brand, the founder of the State, stands in front of the Government Buildings. It was unveiled on the 5th of July. 1S93, — an excellent bronze cast on a polished pedes- tal surrounded by railings, and was the first statue erected in South Africa to a native born South African. Among the many spacious and imposing dwellings, Govern- ment House stands out con.spicuously. It is a solid structure built of polished freestone of elegant architecttr 1 design, and is surrounded by an extensive flower garden ant orchard. It was from this garden of Kden that President Steyn fled, and here Lord Roberts enjoyed a temporary abode. The principal seat of learning for boys — " Grey's College," — was founded in 1SS6 by vSir George Grey, then governor of Cape Colony and High Commissioner for South Africa. The institution has an average attendance of three hundred pupils from all over South AfHca. On May loth, 1874, Lady Brand laid the foundation stone of the " Free State Ladies' Institute." A staff of teachers w-as engaged from Europe and now this insti- tution ranks on a level with Grey's College. There is also in Bloemfontein a large public library, three permanent hospitals, and churches of all denominations. One of " Our Boys" in writing, says : — " On entering the Dutch church one is struck with the sight of an old-fashioned pulpit standing in the middle of a small chancel. The music is good, but sad and melancholy ; the clergyman looks white and thin, the men seem sad and downcast while the women are continually wiping their eyes. They have lost hu.sbands, brothers and lovers in the war and have not even victory to console them. In the English Church, however, a magnificent choral service goes with a jubil- ant swing. The lights on the altar, a deep chancel, with the choir boys on either side, — the robed priests, the vast audience of soldiers and civilians, is a grand sight. But even here the presence of Red Cro.ss nurses in uniform reminds one of the .sick, wounded and dying near by, for every house or available spot in the city is being used as a hospital." Bloemfontein can also boast of a Natural History Mu- seum, founded in 1877. The specimens include gold quartz, OUR BOYS UNDHR FIRK 43 diamoncHferious soil, collections of snakes, native weapons, parch- ments, old deeds, currency, stuffed lions, timers, African l)irds, flying lizards and many relics of ancient and modern wars, even shrapnel and other shells that the English fired against the Boers at the battle of Colesburg in the present campaign. A curio of special interest is a small locomotive with r ind rails attached. .cems that when the Capitalists wanted to build a railway in the country they had this imitation made and operated for the benefit of the doubting Boers, who when fully convinced that as this diminutive engine could pull small cars so could a larger one pull larger cars, acknowledged that a railroad could be built. JOSKPH HKNSON PA.SCOE. (3KI) HFJiT I ANADIAN AKTII I.KKV) A new.spaper called "The Friend," formerly hostile to the British, but later published by corres pondents on Lord Roberts' staff, contained the following liorii Hurin, Newfoundland, July stii, 1876 ; son of Rev. Joseph P^iscoe, Methodist cleryynian, now of I'etitcodiac, N.H.; educated .Moinit .Mlison Academy, Sackville, N. 1!.: enlisted from jrd Regt., C. .A. in Company "(J ' Kirst Canadian CuntinK<'nt. PROCLAMATION. TO THE BURGHERS oF THE ORANGE FREE STATE. The British troops under my command, having entered the Orange Free State, I feel it my duty to make known to all Burghers the cause of our coming, as well as to do all in my power to put an end to the devastation caused by this war, so should they continue the war the inhabitants of the Orange Free State may not do so ignorantly, but with full knowledge of their responsibility before God for the lives lost in the campaign. Before the war began the Britsh Government, which had always desired and cultivated peace and friendship with the people of the Orange Free State, gave a 44 oru novs VNnKR iiRK ittcd with tlie general api silemn assuran:e to President Steyn that, if the Orange Free State re.nained neutral, its territory wjald n)t ba invaded, and its independsnce would be at ali times fully respected by Her Majesty's Government. In spite of that declaration, the Government of the Orange Free State was gjilty of ,» w.iatnn and unjustitiable invasion of British territory. r.i- liritish Go.'ornment believes that this act of aggression was not com- 1 approval and free will of a people with whom it has lived in complete amity for so many years. It believes that the re- sponsibility rests wholly with the Government of the Orange Free State, acting, not in the interests of the country, but under mischie- vous influences from without. The British Government, there- fore, wishes the people of the Orange Free State to understand that it bears them no ill-will, and as far as is compatible with the succt!.ssful conduct of the war, and the re-establishment of peace in S;.uili .Africa, it is anxious to pre- serve them from the evils brought up in ihem by the wrongful action of their Government. I ihrrt'fore warn all Burohers to desist from any further hostility towards Her Majesty's Govern- ment and the troops under my command, and I undertake that any of them, who may so desist and who are found staying in their homes and quietly pursuing their ordinary occupations, will not be made to suffer in their persons or property on account of their hav- ing taken up arms in obedience to *he order of their Government. Those, however, who oppose the forces under my command, or furnish ihe enemy with supplies or information, will be dealt with according to the customs of war. Requisitions for food, forage, fuel or shelter, made on the authority of the officers in command of Her Majesty's troops must be at once complied with, but everything will he paid for on the spot, prices being regulated by the local market rates. If the inhabitants of any district refuse to comply with the demands made on them, the supplies will be taken by force, a full receipt being given. Should any inhabitant of the country consider that he or any member of his household has been unjustly treated by any officer, soldier, or civilian attached to the British Army, he should submit his complaint, either personally or in writing to ray Head-Quarters or io the Head-Quariers of the nearest General Officer. Should the complaint on enquiry be substantiated, redress will be given. Orders have been issued by me, prohibiting soldiers from entering private houses, or molesting the civil population on any pretext whatever, and every pre- caution has been taken against injury to property en the part of any person be- longing to, or connected with the Army. ROBERTS, Field Marshal, Commander-in-Chief, South Africa. I'XKDl.iUtK n. MlK.VK (SEKGT. NO. 5 I o.Ml'ANV, SjSl) KKliP.) Horn Aug. 27, 1873, Pownal, P.K.I. McRiie, Ks(|., P,i» son (if Alex, iwnal; tiliiCTteil p'.ihlic school; carried on extensive canning anil lobster hnsiness ; eiilisieil in Coaip.iny "(>" First Canailian Contint;ent, October 25, iSjQ ; appointed on Ma,\iin (inn Corps. OUR HOYS UNDKR I'lRH 45 (.nained le at all ate was ot com- as lived many the re- itb the Free nterests mischie- without. there- of the t-rstand will, and with the war, and peace in i to pre- brought ul action Just ht-rc \vc iiiiKlit iiR-iition that on the 20th clay of May, while the victorious host of Hritaiu were advaticiii)^ throu^jh the Transvaal, Hloemfonteiii, in ^ciy holiday attire, witii fla^s flyiiiK. >(inis firiii},j;, parades of militia and civilians, celebrated one of the most important events in tiie campaij^n. The excitement reached a climax at noon whcti the Military Governor and Lord Roberts declared the annexation of the Oran>;e KrecvState, hence- forth to be known as the Orange River Colony. The ceremony concluded with the firing of a salute, lusty cheers THOMAS AMBROSE ROOD. and s'liging of " God save the Queen.'' The Nineteenth Brigade encamped at Ferrara, eight miles outside of Bloemfon- tein for two days, then marching to the suburbs. Col. Otter at once used the donation money .sent from Canada and purchased food for his Regiment. Still they had no shelter at night beyond the canopy of heaven, " and so it happened that many sturdy fellows who had withstood the hardship of forced marches and the fatigues of battle, were obliged to haul down their colours at the fag-end of the Free State rainy season. Most of the typhoid cases were undoubtedly due to the execrable water imbibed during the famous march upon Bloemfontein, most of which was obtained from the Modder River. The translation of " Modder " is muddy, but the vile stuff which our soldiers drank without boil- ing or filtering, was far vvor.se than muddy. When taken from below Cronje's laager, at Paardeberg, it was .simply liquid filth, of which drainage, decompo.sed horse, and a stray human corpse formed component parts. The army doctors cautioned the men to boil Modder water, but in a country like the Free State, where wood is often unprocurable, it was impossible to make sure of the necessary fire. A thirsty .soldier in South Africa is willing, (I.IKIT. BaM) <^1!KKn's CO. RK(il.MKVT) Horn Oct. i5lli, 1870; son of Jolin Rodd, I'.m|, Mil- ton, I'. K. I. AilLiiiifil piililii; "school, iiriil Miliiary School, rrtiicriiloii ; appointfd l.ieiilciiant Kcli i6lh, 1896; ri|ir<".emtil No. \ C'om|);iiiy Bjiul K(;K>«<>^>>t a' the (.)uctn s Juliilee in London, Kng, i8y7 ; roiKncd commission and unlisted in Company "(J" rirsl Cana- dian Cdnlin);cnt Octolier 25th, iSgy. JOSHUA P. LESLIE. (I.IKI T. 4111 KKtiT. CANADIAN AKI ll.l.KRV) Horn at St MarKaret's, I'.K I., April j6tli, k.-S son of William Leslie, Ksq, Souris, I'. K.I. Atltncled .Military .School, Queliec, 1897 ; appointed Lieuitnant 1H98 ; enxaged in farming before entering active ser- vice; rt signed commission and enlisted in First Cana- dian Contingent October asth, 1899. m IJ 46 Ol'R HOYS UNDKR IMKK inorcovt-r, to run mori' risks in one day than the avcraKc man cncoiuitcrs throii^jhout his Ufc. Another sonrce of infection was the immense number of dead horses which lined the route of the army. There was a phice on the way called Ossfontein, which the soldiers — on account of e((uine dead— pron\ptly allereil to " Deadossfonlein." Not alone horses, hut a lar^e number of oxen had been killed, and the carcasses of the poor creatures torn open and partially devoured by birds of prey, who, collected around the victims in >;hourlish Kn)ups, were half broiled by the tropical heat. The stench was intolerable, and taken in conjunction with Modder water for breakfast, dinner and tea, proved more disasterou.s than bullets of the enemy." Only five men of each Company were allowed in Kloem- fontein at once. The Canadians were objects of ^reat curiosity. Dr. Conan Doyle in the London Times said: " The Canadiar.s are fine .strapping fellows, broad-shouUlered, clean-limbed and blue-eyed. They swung past with easy stride and free gait, conscious of strength and pride brought with them from the lakes and mountains of Canada. Their boots were out at the toes, their stockings undarned, their l)reeches torn, then mended and torn again, but every stain was honor to those .sons from over the sea, who have marched shoulder to shoulder with regi- ments of long and great tradition." The people of Bloemfontein were remarkably kind and hos- pitable. For instance when one of the .soldiers was strolling along he heard the exclamation, " Why, there is a Maple Leaf," and turning, was warmly greeted by a Mr. Peterson of the R. R, department, who at once invited him to his hou.se where thi.s " Maple Leaf " and many other " Maple Leaves" often spent a pleasant hour. Although the city was then in the hands of the English, strict vigil had to be kept in case of an attack from the Boers, The troops were frequently marched out at 3 o'clock in the morning to .scatter the enemy's forces. On April 5th, returning from a tramp of twenty-four miles the Canadians met with a pleasant surprise in the unexpected arrival of their tents, la.st used in Belmont. And for Company " G" also had OUK HOYS rNDKR FIRK 47 arrived the lotig looked for Christtnas boxes. Notwithstaiidiiin tlicy had heeii packed five uioiiths previous, containing ])rivate parcels and practical renienihrances from the friends in N. H. and P. K. Island, everythinj,' was in lirst-class condition. The cake, — who, on earth, hnt mother could hake like that? and what with preserves, canned goods, plum puddings, nuts, raisins and confectionery — why, it would have done the hearts of the donors good to have seen how the soldier hoys on the battle-field of far distant Africa appreciated the.se bounties of their love ! During the winter Can- ada had been a.stir in send- ing off a second contingent. This Regiment, 1320 strong, known as "The Mounted Rifles and Royal Canadian Artillery," em- barked from Halifax in three detachments during the first six weeks of 1900. Later an offer from Lord Strathcona, Canadian High Commissi(mcr in London, Kngland, to equip and for- ward five hundred mounted men, was accej)ted by the Imperial Government. Lord Strathcona has the honor to be the one man who has done more for the practical support of a contingent than any other individual in Canada. On March the 17th, " Strathcona's Horse " and one hundred recruits to fill thf; vacancies made by casualties in the First Contingent .sailed from Halifax. rilK I.ATi: CAl'T.MN CIIAS. A. HKNSl.EV (lIKST IIATTAI.KIN KOYAL DUIll.IN FISIL1KHS> Horn at ("h.irlottelown, P. E. Isl.iiut, Sept aist, 1865; !.on of Allien Huiisley, Ksq, Halifax, N S.; educated Culletsiate College, Windsor, N. S., Royal Military Ciillese. Kingston ; coTnmis^ion in Inipetial Army Sept ;:nd. 1885 ; M-rved in Kgypt and India ; Captain 1885 ; fought in liattle of ( dencoe, Sontli .Africa ; on Jan 20, uio), at Ventris Sprnit, «as shot tlirou«h the head ; died at F.iirview Itospilal UtrMajesty (Jne.n Vic- toria in a personal letier synipathi/eii with the bereaved famiK , and re(piesiing a photograph ol the late oiTicer. 48 OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE Tlie magnificent and practical manner in which Prince Edward Island acquitted itself towards the volunteers of the first contingent was re- ' " ;| peated for her sixteen re- cruits in the Reinforcement quota. New Brunswick agreed to pay each of her sixt3'-five volunteers in the second contingent and ten representatives in the re- inforcements fifty cents a day in addition to the Im- perial allowance. The sum f money required to pay the men of the three con- tingents from the date of departure up to Augu.st 31st, 1900, when the allow- ance ceased was $25,335.00 Minor donations in- creased the .sum to over $26,355.00. To meet this the Legislature of New Brunswick voted $5,000.00, the city of St. John $2,000, while the balance was made up by private subscriptions and local societies. The spirit of wide-.spread loy- alty was such that through- out all Canada, and finally at Halifax, the difTerent contingents were given a hearty and enthusiastic farewell. The respective transports arrived .safely in Cape Town, South Africa. Here the troops were brigaded into different divisions, and while we regret that we cannot follow them further, it has been proved that by bravery, heroism and noble sacrificing of life during privations, long marches and heavy engagements, all have added a more brilliant lustre to our Maple Leaf and ever kept unsullied the honor of Britain. THE LATE M \JOR UAROI.D L. HORDKN (l.lKUT. "n" sgUAUKON SECOND CONTINGKNT) Horn at Canning, N.S., 1877 : son of the Hon. Dr Fru(i W. liorden, Minister of .Militia', educatei.1 .Mt. Allison University, S.ickville, N.H. ; on third year in medical course at McUill ColleKe, Montr-al ; stood 6ft 1 inches and weigheil 198 pounds. Althontfh Major in Kind's Co. Hussars, accepted position as l.ient in "li " .Squadron 2nd i^anadian Contm.ijent for South Africa, January, 1900; was a brave ofilcer. In May swam iiand River at head of Troojis and disjilaced a party of Boer>. While en^ai;ini; the enemy on June 16^ tyoo, was shot through the heart, and crying; ''Hoys, I'm done for", dropped dead. Deeply lamented, ■ (\ LORD FREOFIUCK SI.KIC.H ROl'.KRTS, 111 Kandahar an'd Watkki'ohi), ist Hakon, I'.C.K.. P.,(;.C.li.,.C.1..,I.1.. 1 •. Horn at Cawnp.jre, liulia, Sept 30, 16^2: son of (Ion Sir Aml)iam Roberts, (I.C.I!. Kducntetl, I'.toii, S:llnllulr^t, Aikliscomhe, t)xroril I ).C. I,. iSSi; I.I.D. Duliliii i38o; I,I,.I). fainbriclse iSyj ; LI, 1). lalin- liiiri;li i8i>j. .AppoiiTtineius : .mhI I.ievit Helical Aitiller> l>ei:. u, i?il ; Lieut June u 1S57 ; Capt, Nov i.', iSfci; Hrcv-.Majoi- Nov 1 f, id6o- Hrev Lt-C'ol, .\iin m, 18C18 ; Kiev C'ul, Ian 50, iS;-;; Mai-deii, Dei ji. 1878; Lt-C.en. lulv 2", [88;; C.eiier.il, Nov ^S, iS.jo ; ' l'"ielcl Marshal, May 23, i8gs '. K.A.tJ.M (1. thr^mgh- oiit Indian Mntiny ; A.l^l.M.tl. (liennal) i86i.68;ist A. (^. .M.C. ig'j;-?-' J .1 >•<.»■ M.<''. '372-75; 1 Q-.-^'-* '• 1S75-7S; coni'iled Kalml hieiil I''ou:e Sept. i37y8o; com'deLl in Southern Afnanislan, Sept-(\'t. 1880 ; Comd- in-Cliief, M.uhas, 1881-85; l."oind-in-("hief India. i.';8i-o,1 ; loni'der forces Ireland ()<;t r, iSSj. Kn^age- nitnls ; llilhi womiiled -iiorse shot) 1S-7 ; I'nl.nulsliahr .Miyarh ; .Xtjra ; Kaniinj ; Tianlhana ; Lucknow ; Caiviipore ; Ltdoo, ami many .>thers Coni'deil Kahid-Kandahar Field Koree det.iiled to relieve Kandahar. I "80; cleil KieUl Kor( e 1! Houses of I'.irl of C'.ipt Hews, South .Afrir.i liec, (899 iirnia, i.i.". lament 13711-81 ; eoi 7;rd Fool, .May 17, reeeivetl four nietials, eleven clasps, one star, and thanks fn 1 hot li 'ded Field I'Virce So-.ilh .\frica iSjtj-igcx). Married H. Nora H.,daiiehler 1859; heir, the Lite Hon. Frederick HnK'' Sherrston Roherts, killed in 1^1/ ■ I/l-COI.. WILLIAM UIM.ON OTTKR Son of the lale A. W Otter ; horn Clinton, Ont, Decenilier 3ril, 1S43 ; educated Ciodcrijh (Ir.ininiar School; Modfl School, 'I'oronto ; V.C College; joined militia 1861; appointed Lieutenant Queen's Own Ui(le^ 1S63 ; >erved Niagara Frontier 1864-6^ ; appointed Adj, Aii.a, iSfii : Kenian Kai'i 1866 ; .\Lajor June, iSfii) ; Ht . Lt-Col June, 1874 ; went to Kni^land as second in ronunand of Wimhledon leain, 1873 ; lomniand of (^)neen''^ Own 1874 ; .ictive part in Northwest Rebellion, 1885 (medal, mentioned in despatches an I rei.oinmenued for the CM .(J); appointe.l D.O.C. No 2 with charge of School of Lifanlry, Toronto, i83'i ; In^pt-ctor of Infantry i3q6 ; attached to regular army for seven months and 1 assed exaiuinations as Lt-Col. in British Army i3ji; ; took leading; part in foundin; ("anadian Military Institute. Toronto, i8qo; A.D.C. to His Honor the (! )vernor (leneraj of Canada ; appointed Commander-in-Chief of Kirsi Cana- dian I jontinnent, October 25th, 18^9. OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE 51 CHAPTER IV. " Stand to your work and be wise, captain of sword and pen, Who are neither children nor gods — but men in the world of men." fW FTER remaining in Bloemfontein for over six weeks, Lord ^Y Roberts, vvitli an army of 40,000, began his march north- ward on May ist. The general advance was made along the line of the Orange Ri\^r Colony to Bradford, Winberg, Kroon- stadt, Johannesburg and thence to Pretoria. On April 20th, when the enemy was driven north from Wepner and DeWep's Dorp, General French was ordered to hasten with his cavalry and intercept them at Modder River, and General Hamilton, in command of the 9th Division which included the Canadians was to go south and cut off their retreat at Thaba N'Chu, both divisions to connect with the main ad- vance column at Winberg. ^]^ ^|c ^^ ^j^ r^ #[^ 'j^ #y^ ?j^ Jj* *j^ ^^ All was bustle and confusion in the Canadian camp on the early morning of April the 21st. Haversacks packed, army blankets strapped, rubber sheets, great coats, and spare blankets piled high on transport waggons. A command "Attention!" " By the right !" " Quick March !" and our heroes were on the tramp once more. On and on they niarched till they reached Springfield. This place, the Canadians as rear guard, held all the day, Sunday, while the pom pom of the Boer one-pounders next mingled with the roar of heavier guns, announced the fact that the vanguard were hotly engaged at Bosnian's Kop. On Mon- day, the Boers having been driven l)ack, the army advanced to the waterworks, encamping in a hollow just short of the Modder River. Tuesday the Nineteenth Brigade cleared the enemy from the kopjes, just across the Modder River and bivouacked for the night on the conquered ground. It was then found that a large body of the enemy held a strong position at Israel Poort, .so the Brigade once more advanced in extended order. A number of boys took shelter behind some OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE H a'lt hills, aiul in the excitetnent of the battle Hedley McKinnoii, Arthur Mellish and Ambrose Rodd did not hear the order tc retire and suddenly discovered they were facing? the enemy alone. Rquipp-'d in full marching order, it was impossible for them to secrete themselves from the enemy. The Boers seemed to understand the situation fully and central- ized their rifle and volley fire on their diminutive fortresses. Still the boys hung on, "calling- out alter- naiely " How are you mak- ing it?" "Still there?" etc. To add to their peril the enemy began firing from the top of the kopje to their left, from which there was no protection. Excitement grew intense — the boys vowed to do or die, and, kee])ing their noses well under cover, returned a continual fire. The faces of their friendly ant hills, riddled with bullets, were literally torn away and death .seemed inevitable when reinforcements ar- rived. The Canadians found the kopjes strength ened with treticlies and entanglements, and, although only five hundred strong, steadily advanced. Suddenly, when within eight hundred yards, they were met with a terrific fusilade of fire. Instantly there was a wild roar, yet the boys pre.ssed on. Two shots struck Colonel Otter, one grazing his neck and the other his shoulder ; still he bravely encouraged his men forward. " Fix bayonets and charge !" rang out the order LIKUIKNANI' JOHN A. M.nONAI.I) (likut, AM) ADJ. 82NIJ kki;t.) Ho-11 July iQlli, 1872, New Ol.Tsgow, V. K. I,, son of John .Mcl))ii.ild, Ksq, New (ll.issow ; educated I'rini.H of Wales College, (.'harlotletowii ; La!lod to t!ar of 1'. K, I.. July lotli, i,^g7 ; atteruled Provisional Scliool of Infantry, Charlotietuwn, diirinv: sprin;,' of 1898 ; I'ro- visional School of Ivinilation, Charloltelown, i3q8 ; .appointed Lieutenant in S.^iid (Jin en's C'o. Ko^irnem ; in Keliniary, njcx), appointed to fill a vacancy as I.i'jiiteiiant in Company "O ' I irst Contingent. OUR BOYS u5JDER FIRE 53 xKiniioii, order to my alone. ir them to Ives from le Boers 'itaiul the d cetitral- nd volley imimitive the boys out alter- you mak- ^re?" etc. peril the ing from je to their there was *ccitement he boys die. and, OSes well turned a ['he faces ant hills, ets, were ivay and inevitable lents ar- a d i a n s strength ugli only y, when a terrific the boys i/.ing his raged his the order and down the Boers jumped fnjm their position and galloped .speedily away ; for if there is anything that strikes terror to the heart of the Boer it is the.se fatal words : " Fix bayonets and charge." After the engagement General Smith-Dorien in congratu- lating Col. Otter, said that the regiment had acted with splendid courage, admirable steadiness and good judgment, and that he had often placed the Canadians in the most difficult positions and never found the men wanting in anything that went to make up splendid soldiers. To the regret of the regiment. Col. Otter was comp'jUed to return to Bloemfontein for medical treatment. The troops encamped for the night at Israel Poort and t..e next clay marched six miles to the town of Thaba N'Chu, the Cana- dians occupying a nek about five miles further on. The next day they marched back to the town and on the succeeding day took part in .some difficult ojieratioiis around the Peaked Hill, being under fire all day. That night they returned perfectly done up to Thaba N'Chu, and had a day's rest, though the enemy's shells were bursting on the .surrounding kopjes, some even bursting clo.se to tlu? camp. Tramp ! tramp ! tramp ! It was the .stli day of May and the force urder General Hamilton marched twelve miles beyond Thaba N'Chu to a nek through which it was expected the Boers would pass in their retreat from Wepner, but only to find that opposition the previous day at Yester Neck had accom- plished this purpo.se. An advance .southward, a .slight .skirmish, a tramp of twenty miles and tl e Brigade was back again at Thaba N'Chu. During the evening the boys lay around the camp watching shells of the enemy's big guns bursting on kopjes near by. Before daybreak next morning, mounted men, infantry, the guns and tran.sports, again moved forward. At noon Canadians halted while the Gordons went off to the left and vShropshires advanced. vSoon the booming of cannon, the rattle i;f rifle fire, the reports of pom-pom, and the carrying past of the dead told that a fight was on in earnest. Near the Cana- dians were a number of Kafiirs in charge of annnunition carts. Suddenly a shell burst in their mid.st ; half frantic with fright, and with the wildest terror depicted on their faces, they ran off, belter 54 OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE skelter, to a place of safety. "Advance Canadians, support the Gordons !" In a moment the Regiment was hastening forward. Shells fell like hail stones. One fell near " H " Company ; one among the boys of Company "G," scattering the clay hither and thither ; then, as if hurled from the gates of hell, one burst with awful violence in the midst of Company "C," and Pte. Cotton, of Toronto, was instantly killed. Another boom ! a whiz ! a whirl ! and from the force of a flying shell one of " Our Boys" was hurled bodily many feet in the air. "Are you hurt?" cried a comrade ; but beyond a stunning and a general shaking up he felt no serious effects, and bravely kept on with the regiment. Finally the Canadians came to a place of shelter in a donga at the foot of Thaba Mount On ascend- ing they found the Gordons had completely cleaned it out, but as the Mauser bullets were still sniping past, it was not safe to be seen on the sky line, The shell fire on this kopje had ceased and the regiment was ranged along the hill to hold it for the night, with orders to move on against the Boers in the morning. So the Cana- dians ranged in order, with bayonets fixed, and at dawn advanced against the enemy, who were occupj'- ing what was really part of the same kopje, with dips between, and gradually drove them back. About lo o'clock they were subjected to a severe sliell fire again, but bravely advanced, and finally succeeded in gaining the position and completely routing the enemy. The force nrule by the junction of Gen. French and Gen. H. (IRAV, WOODSTOCK, N. H. C'k" HIKI.l) liATTEUY, SICCO.SI) CONI 1 N(.l;N r) OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE) 55 Ian Hamilton at Thaba N'Chu, again separated ; the latt'^r known as the Winberg colnmn, divided into three divisions, — Artillery, E)ngineers, Mounted and Foot Infantry, numbering in all 11,000, and continued their march along the main line. In advancing, the country seemed to improve, the land even looking as if it might make good pasturage, though by no means equal to the grazing in Canada. A fight was expected before entering Winberg. seventeen miles from the town the column found a great number of troops and transports encamped. These regiments pro- ceeded to pa.s.s through two ranges of kopjes, the 19th Brigade being held in reserve. The Imperial Volunteers and Cameron Highlanders extended on the right ; mo nted men dashed on and, dismounting, extended and advanced on the kopje towards the left. Then came the rattle of mu.sketry from the British. In.stantly the Boer artillery opened fire from a high kopje, their shells bursting all over the field ; an action began on the left also and the 19th Brigade advanced in extended order. The British shells soon began to Intrst on the kopjes, and the Boers could be seen galloping away. Still the artillery fire continued, but was finally .silenced by a large naval gun. The mounted men, scamp- ering here and there, the hills dotted with khaki — as the men advanced — the row of horse-artillery, the oxen dragging the great naval guns, the long line of transports, and occa.sionally a bunch of white covered ambulances, flying a Red Cross flag, looming in the distance, presented a grand panorama. The troops gradually cleared the hills ar.d advanced onwards once more. The slaughter of the Boers w-as very great, trails of blood being di.scernable on all sides. So this engagement, known as the battle of Welkom Farm, proved another defeat for the Boers. After marching .some hours, the column came to a narrow gorge or pass which was crossed with great difficulty, being crowded with troops, ammunition carts and tran.sports. Another march, another river crossed on rocky ledges ; and the Canadians proceed to climb a high kopje by a steep, rugged and picturesque path, lined with large mimosa trees. At this place a number of gentlemen and offlcers passed the Brigade, carrying a Briti.sh flag rolled on a pole. They proved to be a deputation from Winberg, offering the surrender of the town. 56 OUR HOYS UNDRR FIRE Thus Wiubcrj; was entered witliout opposition. The formal entry was jireceded l)y a brass l)and and the same deputation carrying unfurled, the Union Jack, who paraded through the streets, hoisting the British flag on all important buildings, while a throng of soldiers and ei^•i^■ans cheered to the echo. The residents of Winberg showed their delight at the entrance of the troops by literally throwing their homes open and doing all in their power for the comfort of the soldier boys. The Canadian Contingent was now very nuioh decimated, being four hundred and fifty-two, while Company " G" had only thirty-four mem- bers on parade. Here the Regiment was reinforced by the Draft from Canada, who received a royal welcome at the hands of their veteran brothers. From Winberg the colunui marched to Zand River where they were j(jined by Lord Roberts and his column which had fought its way directly north from Bloemfontein. The Boers had taken up a position here with a frontage of twenty-five miles. Lord Roberts attacked them all along the line and after a determined battle drove them Ijack in hurried flight towards Kroonstadt. In the battle of Zand River the Canadians played their usual conspicuous part and received well merited prai.se. From Zand River the cohnnn marched north to Kroonstadt, then eastward towards Lindk-y, the very centre of the Boer country, whi^re ex-President vSteyn had set up a default-admin- istration. The British were daily threatened with an attack from a surrounding force, but beyond a rapid chase over .some kopjes, a slight skirmish, capturing of fifteen of the enemy's waggons, and taking twenty-four Boer prisoners, Lindley was occupied by the victorious host. Again they started. Again the Boers flew ahead and again the British increa.sed their speed and hastened on. Mr. Rich- mond Smith, special correspondent of the " Star," says : — " On they went, over ridges, through fields of mealies and ploughed ground galloped the cavalry, followed by the guns. It was a grand chase. Then as four butts or ridges were passed on a gallop, suddenly a pom-pom opened fire away to the left, then another and finally a third! Up over another grassy ridge at break- neck speed, and lo! the cause of the firing was apparent ! Three or four thous- and yards ahead, far below us was the Boer convoy crossing the spruit and slowly crawling up the opposite bank. The Royal Horse Artillery guns were quickly unlimbered and opened fire on the convoy. Shell after shell dropped among the waggons but still they trekked on. Suddenly there was a loud report and a shell dropped in the midst of our advancing cavalry. T Quick aroun( the res whole in fror rifleme OUR HOYS UNDKR FIRK 57 The enemy made a desperate attempt to protect their convoy but failed. Quick as lightning a gun was limbered up and galloped away out of our sight around the projecting kopje from which it came. A dozen waggons cut off from the rest left the road to escape our shell fire and trekked across the veldt. Two whole batteries were turned upon them and shells landed in half dozens at a time in front, behind and all about them. Our mounted infantry drove the enemy's riflemen from the ridge overlooking and commanding the spruit and '.hell stormed convoy. The guns opened on our k ft away on the opposite side of the .-pruit, more mounted infantry with guns shelling the main convoy of the enemy as it trekked over the ridges beyond the drift. On galloped the guns in front! The tail of the convoy cannot escape us! Another hail of shells from a closer range and the wagons were deserted by their drivers as shells burst in a mass about them. They had stopped! They were ours. On galloped the cavalry across the drift and up the opposite slope. Galloping after, I found we had captured fifteen wagons loaded with all kinds of stores, and the whole of the enemy's sick convoy of am- bulances. It had been the most exciting chase imaginable, and differed from most fights inasmuch as the whole panorama was spread out before one. It was practically over, however, though the cavalry followed on for miles and succeeded in bringing back a couple n.ore wagons unable to keep up with the Sj idy trek of the Boer convoy! It bad bten a great day! Seldom indeed is it that one gets a chance of seeing so pretty a fight. As the sun peeped over ihe ridges in the east, the following morning, Mon- day, May 21st, the column moved out of bivouack at Karoo Spruit. Another hard day's trekking without ? fight of any kind brought us to Witpoort, about ten or twelve miles south of Helibron. Here the column bivouacked for the night. One could write for days on the humorous incidents of these awful days of hard trek- king, for they have their humorous as well as their pathetic side. I had out- spanned at Witpoort just before dark, tired out with a long and wearisome day in the saddle. A regiment of infantry crawled slowly up the incline to where my cart was. I was tninking in a tired sort of a way how much harder it was for tUe foot soldier with his awful burden of knapsack, belts, ammunition, pannikins and rifle to trudge wearily all day, than it was for one without belts and burdens to do the same distance in the saddle, when I was hailed in a cheerful manner. They were the Canadians! Tired, hungry, grimy and footsore, but still they were chPTful — facing the enemy on the battle-field was hard enough, but these weary marches from dawn till sunset were infinitely worse! How thin their ranks were! Scarce four hundred of the thousand who landed with me in Cape Town six weary months ago! Some had died like heroes, their faces to the foe, but by far the greater number had either passed away from fever, brought on by just such marches as the one we had done that day and the filthy water and insufficient food and clothing. Only the harder and more fortunate of the regiment had b;en able to endure the hardships of one of the most difficult campaigns any army has ever been called upon to endure. And yet they were cheerful. A cheerful voice asked permission to light his pipe at my fire. I looked up, wondering that any Tommy could be so cheerful after so hard a day! Never in my life did I see such a figure! Clad in thin khaki drill uniform, black and grimy and torn and tattered with much wear, stood a figure leaning heavily on his rifle. He had the usual compliment of belts, knapsack and ammunition belt, and in addition several tin cans tied to his belt, out of which were sticking ears of corn, or mealies as they are called here, carrots and beans. In one hand he carried a large pumpkin! Tied to his waist and cross belts was a motley collection of beet roots, squashes and other vegetables! He looked a veritable Father Christmas, and he must have been carrying close on to a hundred pounds with his belts and rifle. From his badge I saw at once that he was a Canadian! And he was cheerful! Asked if he was sick of the war, he replied that like everyone else he wopld be glad when it was over, but he quickly added: " I would not have missed the experience for all the money in the world." 5« OUK HOYS UNDKR FIRK How OrR Hovs Cici.hhratkd thk Qukrn's Birthday. God save the Queen ! " We celebrated the Queen's birth- day," writes a ineiiibcr of Company "G," "by an excursion over the veldt of fifteen miles. Of course for such an excep- tional ordinance we arose from our downy beds at the early hour of 4.30 ; at 4.45 had our blankets packed, at 5 o'clock enjoyed a luxurious breakfast, consisting of a piece of scone, cooked the previous evcninjf , and a drink of coffee. Before daylight, at 5.45, v.-e started, all in good spirits, and marched, with occasional halts, for about five miles. We came to a farm hon.se w ith trees around it, and on one tree were bunches of what looked like bananas, so Lieut. Jones, now coni- nianding Company " G," Capt. Matdonnell being ill, told one man from each section to go and get some fruit for the crowd. Ned Small bounded away from our .section, but returned soon at a slower pace ; the bananas had proved to be nothing but bunches of hard corn hung up to dry. It was a great joke. Another piece of fun was on the pre- vious day when thirty of us were ordered out on a sheep fatigue expedition. We easily surrounded a flock, and each captured a sheep, and, holding one of its fore legs and one of its hind legs together, straddled it acro.ss his .shoidders and marched RAI.l'H KAKKAR MARKMAM (l.lKl' TKNANT 8tH HI SSAKS) Itoni Kel> J4tli, 1F.77, St John, N. H. ; son of I.t-Col. A. Miirkhani i)f St |t;i(T; .itiiiuli-il Koyal School of Cavalry, Toronto, 1S9B ; a|i|>ointi.'il I.ieiiifiiant 8tli Hussars i8q8; rf^inned roinniission ami enli>tt' I a^ private in the hnr^l- tn r-nniti Innrliticr it MottntclUilKs Second Canadian Conti.lyem, January, "^*-^ lOCaUip, UaUCnng U .300, Church of Knsiand. to the regimental butchcr, OUR BOYS TTNliICK IIKK 59 who had the privilege of keei)iiip the heart and liver for his trouble. But to continue,— the country had all been burnt over by the Boers in order to show uj) our khaki suits and as we marched along with thousands of foot, artillery and transports we raised a cloud of fine black dust that was suffocating and made it difficult to distinguish soldiers from Kaffirs. Finall> we halted and when an issue of flour as the day's rations was served we proceeded to co^k our suppjr in style. Matheson mixed the flour with some baking powder we happened to have, on a rubber sheet. Then we made a fire with .scrappings and straw, and every fellow in the .section cooked a bun on the top of his canteen. True they were not very promising " cheetivis " being half between a pancake and .scone with a little ashes, etc., to heighten the taste, i "aen came an i.ssueof tea, soup, an extra supply of rum for those who take it. It is dark now by 5 o'clock and about H o'clock we heard a distant cheer, and the National Anthem came floating over the veldt, then .some near regiment took it up ; nearer and nearer drew the cheer and song mitil our company joined in, and in less than three minutes the welkin rang and resounded to the echo of "God save the Queen." Then a band struck up " When the boys come marching home again," and I tell you this was sung with great gusto all over the camp. Other airs followed, but gradually faded away ; silence reigned and I dropped off to .sleep, the last memory of that Queen's birthday being a spirited di.scussion between Dillon, Arbuckle and Matheson, as to whether the bandnia.ster of the Shrops, or our Godfrey was the greatest bandmaster in the world." Tramp ! tramp ! tramp ! over an endle.ss veldt and difficult as the marching was for the troopR. thf ransport wagons almost found the country impas,sable, but br y they struggled on, ".sometimes with the colunui, sometimes miles behind, .some- times on the road, sometimes off ; up hill and down hill, across deep spruits, over rocks, through water ; the kaffirs screaming, the mules braying, officers or men, swearing at each other, at the mules, at the hor.ses, at the road, at the weather and almo^. swearing at themselves for being .such fools as to go to war." " Look, boys, look at the sky," cried one of " Our Boys" on «o OUR BOYS ITNDHR I'IRK !l the evftiiiiff of May 27th, " French is hclio^'raphiiiff Lord Roberts, he- has crossed the Vaal. Tliree cheers and a ti^er for General French," and the veldt re-echoes again and again to the lustrous chevrs of those buoyant hearts. With vigor and spirits aglow they again move forward, and on the 2Sth of May the " Fight- ing Nineteenth " as the Bri- gade was named, waded, waist deep, into the Vaal and crossed from the Free vState boundary into the territory of Oom Paul. The Brigade had the honor to be the first British infantry to set foot on the Transvaal Re- public. As the boys climbed up the steep, rocky embank- ment and the silvery waves lapped in on the golden shore anecdotes of great hauls of smelts, trout, mackerel and salmon, caught in Canadian waters^ were exchanged ; but the stern reality of war recognizes no sen- timent — and remini.scences of the past were drowned by an order to form in line and march eighteen miles to Drientspruit. Military experts, arm-chair critics, and even the Boers of the Orange River Colony prophesied that the enemy would make a decided stand and resist the advance of the British on the bor- der of their country, but, to the amazement of all, not a shot was fired, not a shell thrown to prevent the invasion of the Republic by the victorious army of Britain. On to Johannesburg Lord Roberts and his hosts advanced. It is said that when the war began Johannesburg folded its arms and went to sleep. The vStock Exchange clo.sed its doors, the mines shut down, the shops were fenced in, the private homes boarded up, and the few .strag- glers that did pass along the deserted throughfare .seemed to have no energy and moved as if in a dream. On all sides were J. A. HAYDEN, CARLTON, CO , N. H. (" K. " FIKI.I) IIATIKKY. SKCONI) C(INriN(;KN I ) OUR BOYS UNDKK I"IKK 6l vast heaps of slate-colorcd powder, the trailers of the mines, heaps upon heajjs piled iiiouiitains hijjh, surrouiulinK scaffold and chimney, leaviiiR little ran^e of sky, and speaking to the edu- cated eye of unlimited wealth in the tunnels under xroiuid. Roads were everywhere ; railroads, tram-roads, wa^on roads, and millions of wires, telei)hone, telej>;r;t])h, electric, trolly wires, all crossing each other in indescril)al)le confusion, as if some enormous spider had woven a huge web over the Rand. While Roberts advanced on the rij^ht of loliannesbur^ with the main column, French and Hamilton pusli^d on with their divisions on the left flank, and after some preliminary fijjhting found themselves face to face with the entrenched foe on the heights of Dooni Kop, of fateful memory, for here Jameson, with his brave l)anci, had suc- cumbed after a stout resist- ance. The division had consumed its last biscuit, and it was either forward or retreat — no time to turn a position — and so, as is always the case with our troops, the word was ' ' For- ward," and as the division moved forward the staff officers watched with strain- ing eyes to see if the frontal attack would nil back with the slaughter of a second Magersfontein, or would be crowned with success. On the Gordons, the clunns of the Canadians, the brunt of the action fell. They, with the Canadians on their right, advanced over burnt . H.irn April i6th, 1882 M Sunimufside, P. K. I., miii and burnUlg veldt up the of k. K. Hracc, Km]. now of tharlottetown, cducat- eil I'liliMc School ami C. H. Coil-Be, Lnli^Ied in Comp- SmOOth slopes of a long any "O ■, Kir>t Canadian Continyi:nt, Oct. astli, 1899, wounded at I'aardelerR, I'eli. 27th, 1900. kopje, while the enemy NELSON T. BR/^CK. (CiiAKiorrKTowv F.ncinekrs.) 62 OUR BOYS UNDKR FIRE from behind rocks and dongas poured a deadly fire on them. But nothing daunted, steadily they went forward and lay down, until they were close to the enemy ; then the word came to charge, and amid the peal of a Highland piper — soon stilled by sudden death — the heroes of Dargai sprang forward, and with the remnants of the heroes of Paardeberg on their right, and other famous regiments on their left, carried those memorable heights, and by so doing practically captured the great city of Johannesburg — occupied on May the 30th by the British army. Boom ! boom ! boom ! the 19th Brigade is beyond Johannes- burg — is near Pretoria. In the rear reserve the Canadians hear the hammering pom-pom, the shrieking shell, the whistling bul- let. Their advance guard is engaging the enemy. The Gordons are ordered to advance, the Canadians to act in reserve. All day a fierce and exciting battle ensues, until finally the Boers evacu- ate their position and flee. At dawn, once more the" Fighting Nineteenth " moves for- ward ; this time the Canadians are advance guard. Over great kopjes, through winding roads and across the veldt where the fight had taken place the previous day they move. Large heaps of granite piled up in pyramidical style, as if designed for .some purpose, are .scattered along the roadway. A heavy mist lies over the land, but by noon it gradually becomes thinner and tliinner, until in the distance can be discerned Pretoria. In- stantly a roar, a cheer, a wild .shout, a hip, hip, hurrah ! rings out from thousands oi voices. What a transformation comes over that long line of troops, how .sprightly their step, their fifty pounds of accoutrements seem as nothing ; how happy they look ; every one is in buoyant .spirits, and as usual whi.stling " The Maple Leaf Forever." After forming a conjunction with another coUnnn of Lord Roberts' army, all advance in -plcndid style towards the coveted metropolis. OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE 63 hem. But ay down, came to stilled by and with ight, and lemorable ;at city of sh army. Johanne.s- iians hear tling bul- : Gordons All day :rs evacu- loves for- I'er great vhere the "ge heaps for .some mist lies iiier and u\. In- h ! rings n comes heir fifty py they I'histling ion with -I'lcndid CHAPTER V. PRETORIA. " Rest lads! ye have wrung from this death-ride gory Baptisemsnt of blood, and a mantle of glory." fRETORIA, the seat of the South African Republic, with its magnificent fortresses costing over two millions of pounds sterling, — Pretoria, on the threshold of which Kruger threatened the English with a slaughter that would " .stagger humanity," — Pretoria, the centre of the world's undivided attention, the goal of Lord Roberts, was on June the 5th, 1900, occupied by the victorious army of Britain. When the bombardment of the city began and the firing of a few shells utterly demolished one of the " impregnable forts," President Kruger, like the intriguer Steyn, decided that .safety was in flight, so gathering some millions of gold together, he boarded a private car and fled northward to Middleburg. The demand by Lord Roberts for the immediate surrender of the capital brought out the burgomaster with the official keys of the city. Of the formal entry, Mr. W. H. White, the " Star" corres- pondent of the Mounted Rifles, says: — "Lord Roberts made his formal entry at the head of his victorious army. It was a grand spectacle. The streets were thronged with the inhabitants of the place who had come out to see the British flag run up over the Raad/.aal. Early in the morning, preceded by the mounted troops, the Guards Brigade had marched into the city and all day performed the duties of town guard. Long before the hour at which Lord Roberts was to make his formal entry the streets were thronged with people and Church Square was a black mass of humanity with the open .space in front of the Raadzaal kept clear by long lines of the Coldstream Guards. From the flagstaff over the handsome building in which the Transvaal Parliament has its .sessions, the Vierkleur floated proudly. It 'was a little after two o'clock when a commotion in. the crowds in market .street proclaimed the coming of the 64 OUR BOYS UNDKR FIKE. I Comniaiider-in-Cluef and his staff. There was a cheer from a little band of loyalists about t\K Grand Hotel on the corner of Church Square, as Lord Roberts with his staff galloped into the open space in front of the Raadzaal. The immense crowd which lined its sides were silent spectators un- like the crowd which wit- nessed the same ceremony in Johannesburg. They refrained from any demon- stration of their feelings. Their silent sullen faces touched with a tinge of sidness, were far more im- pressixe than the angry groans which greeted the hoisting of the British flag in the Gold Metropolis a few days before. As the Commander-in-Chief took up his stand in the open .space the long lines of sol- diers presented arms. Then all eyes were turned on the fluttering folds of the Virk- leur which still floated proudly over the Raadzal. Presently two Briti.sh officers ap- peared on the .stone l)alcony and in a few seconds the Transvaal flag was quickly run down. A small British flag was attached to the halliards. As it was run to the top of the mast the .soldiers presented arms, the band played the National Anthem and a small portion of the crowd cheered with the wildest enthu.siasm. It was a stran,i;e sight, however, for among that great mass of humanity wliich crowded the square came not a ."-ound. To them there was iid cause for enthu.siastic jubilation. They seemed to realize that the inevitable end had come at last and the country of which they were so proud was no longer theirs. JOHN HKCAN P.\RKS. (r.lKlT. I'KINLKSS l.oflSK Hl'SSAKS.; Horn St. Joh.i, N. I!., 1874, son of Major I. H. P.irkv, St. JoliM. t'.radiiated Royal Military College, king^iuii, 1806 : I.ietit. I'rincfs, Louise Hussars i8y6; resigneil commission and enlisted as private in " li " Squadron, 2nd Canadian Contingent, Jan. 1900. OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE 65 eer from a corner of id into the ont of the : immense :d its sides tators un- -vhich wit- ceremony g. They tiy demon - r feelings, lien faces tinge of * more im- he angry 'eeted the ritish flag tropolis a . As the lief took the open les of sol- nis. Then led on the theVirk- 1 floated ficers ap- Fransvaal attached e soldiers tm and a thusiasm. : mass of ind. To 1. They t last and ^r theirs. They did not seem to bear resentment as did the Dutch population of Johannesburg. Their faces wore rather a look of •sorrowful resignation and I saw tears roll silently down the rugged cheeks of more than one sturdy burgher. It was a great day for Britain, for it marked the nearing of the end of the long and hardly fought war which has cost the lives of so many of her brave soldiers, but to the Dutch burgher it was the saddcsT; of all sad days — the end of his bright dream of .supremacy over South Africa, and the beginning of a national existence subject to the suzerainty of the great nation who.se arms have been suc- cessful in one of the bitterest struggles the world has seen. A few minutes after the ceremony of hoi.sting the flag was over, the Guards' band, headed by Gen. Pole-Carew and .staff, marched past, followed by the 18th Brigade under Gen. Cherm- side — the E.ssex, Welsh and York Regiments. Then came the 9th Division under Gen Ian Hamilton. It is interesting to note the kindly consideration .shown by the Commander-in-Chief ■ to the column which had done most of the fighting since the army left Bloemfontein. But a single division of infantry were given the honor of marching past the Commander-in-Chief from the many thousands of troops which composed the main columns under his command. It was a delicate and well-de.served compliment paid to Gen. Ian Hamilton and the troops he commanded, that all were given the honor of marching past the Field Marshal in the city in the capture of which they had taken such a prominent part. Head- ing the procession was General Ian Hamilton and his staff, fol- lowed by the mounted infantry attached to his division, which had done such splendid work in the battle of the previous day. They are a fine body of men these mounted infantry, ready to dare death at any time in the performance of their duty. Con- spicuous among them were the sturdy Colonials from New South Wales and West Australia. Next came the guns of the Royal Hor.se Artillery, followed by General Smith-Dorien and his staff at the head of the two brigades of infantry which have done such magnificent work under his command since the army left Bloemfontein. " The Fighting ujtli," as it is called, which has been in every engagement since the army left K.slin, was given li 56 OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE ft! the place of honor. The Gordon Highlanders followed the General and his staff, headed by their band of pipers. Their appearance created a splendid impression. A fine regiment the Gordons have always been, and they marched past with a steady swing which ex- cited general admiration. Next came the Cornwalls, who were also well re- ceived. Then the Cana- dians, led by Colonel Otter. It was enough to make any Canadian proud of his country as these sturdy heroes passed in front of the .saluting base at a long, .steady, swinging gait, which compelled the band to change its tune and give something faster. The Canadians never ap- pear at a function of this kind without creating com- ment upon the sturdy ap- pearance of their ranks. Individually t;,.ler and more strongly built than the men of any other British regiment, except, perhaps, the Guards, their appearance is always the signal for an enthusiastic reception. As they pas.sed through the open space and in front of Lord Roberts and his staff, every man seemed to realize that- he must do his best. Weary as they were, their uniforms blackened and stained with long marching and hard fighting, of which no regiment in the army has had more, their .soldierly bearing and sturdy appearance won for them enthusiastic plaudits on all sides. Kven the silent Dutch were interested, and as Our Boys marched past I heard more than one apathetic burgher enquire who they were, and crane his neck to see A. H. ARNOLD. (LIRL'T. I'KINLKSS I.OUISK lUSSAKs) Son of (i. R. Arnold, PUij., Sussex, N. H. ; joined 8th Huss.irs 1893 .IS Provisional Second Lieutenant ; holds certificate Royal School of Cavalry, I'jronto ; promoted First Lieutenant iSqo; resifc;ned commission and enlisted as a private in "B" .Squadron Mounted Rifles, Second Canadian Contingent, Jan., 1900. OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE" 67 the men who had travelled 8,000 miles over the seas to fight for the supremacy of the British Empire in South Africa. It is strange, but perhaps natural, that the Boers should have such an interest in the Colonials from Canada and Australia, who have fought in this war. You can always interest a burgher by telling him about the Canadians. This is, perhaps, because they are astonished at a colony so far removed from the Mother Country and the scene of the present hostilities, interesting itself in a struggle in which it had no stake save a desire that the suprem- acy and integrity of the British Empire should be preserved. Cer- tain it is that lie Boers have had more than one opportunity of learning to respect Canadians, at least for their fighting qualities. The men who forced General Cronje to surrender at Paardeberg and have so often since compelled the enemy's forces to fall back and hurriedly retire before the advance, have earned no small reputation among the Boers, and are always spoken of in terms of the greatest respect. The Shropshires brought up the rear of the 19th Brigade. Next came the 21st Brigade under the command of General Bruce Hamilton, composed of the City Imperial Volunteers, the Cameron Highlanders, the Sussex and the Derby. Following them, the divisonal artillery brought the memorable procession to a close, and the Commander-in-Chief and his staff rode to headquarters at the residence of the British agent at Sunny side, a western suburb of the city." The releasing of prisoners captured by the Boers was the next incident worthy of note. In the different compounds there were over six hundred men confined. Though pale, the men did not look as if they were harshly treated, but said they had received a fair amount of consideration at the hands of their enemy. According to agreement, the regiments of the 19th Brigade were formally disbanded at Pretoria. The Gordon Highlanders and Canadians who had side by side marched, fought and en- dured the hardships of war for eight months, felt the separation keenly, and were loth to say farewell. General Smith Dorien, in his official report of June the 7th, says: "The Nineteenth Brigade has achieved a record any brigade might be proud of. Since the day it was formed, 12th 68 OUR BOYS UNDEU I'lRK February, 1900, it has niarcheci six Inindred and twenty miles, often on half rations and seldom on full. It has taken part in the capture of ten towns, ft)ught in ten general engagements, and 0.1 twenty-seven other days. During one period of thirty days it fought twenty-one of them, marching three hundred and twenty miles. Its casualties have been between four and five hundred ; its defeats nil." From Pretoria the Canadians were ordered to Elandsfontein, thence to ? small railway terminus and coal mining town known as Springs, situated between Pretoria and Johannesburg. Of the latter place Lome Stewart writes: "The towns and villages in this country are very prettj* — splendid farms and comfortable houses, with garde'vs and trees ; the latter had all to be planted, and are looked after like hothouse plants. Small, Matheson, Mellish, Foley, Rodd, Dillon, Gaudet and my.self are the only ones left of the thirty Island boys that left Gras Pan and arrived at Pretoria. .Since we left Pretoria, Mc- Kiinion, Brace and McRae have rejoined us : they are all well. Major Weeks and Mr. Fullerton are al.so with the regiment. We left Elandsfontein for this place on the <^vening of the lotli of June. I mu.st tell you of a very amusing incident that occurred when we were marching through the town of Bok.sberg. vSliortly after leaving Ivlandsfontein it began to rain and con- tinued about an hour. By that time we had arrived at Bok.sberg, and were marching through the streets whistling the Maple Leaf and other tunes. Suddenly an Englishwoman, .short and fat, ran out of a house, cla.sped her hands over her heart and shouted: "The British ! the Briti.sh ! God ble.ss them ! Eight months of suffering. Give it to the Boers, boys, they're curs, every one of them. Give it to them boys, give them the devil!" We had been cross and cranky during our march up to this time, but we began to laugh and forgot all about being cross. The negroes that work in the mines came over here last Monday and gave us a dance, and a horrible affair it was — I can hear and see them yet at all hours of the day or night. For drums they have ca.sks nearly as big as an oil cask, the heads covered with the skin of some animal ; for the kettle or small drums they take an ordinary five gallon kero.sene oil can, cut out OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE 69 -■^ the heads and cover them with skins. Bnt their piatios take the cake, — they have a box about four feet long, one and a half feet high and about a foot wide, and the top is made of barrel staves and sticks of wood tied to- gether. It is wonderful how well they have been tuned They beat on this witli a stick that has a piece of cloth tightly wound around tlie end, and keep excellent time. Tiiere were about twenty of these pianos, four or five big drums, and the same numb- erof smaller ones. They had (juite 1 dance, singing meanwhile about ihe Brit- ish and the Boers. Here are some of their sayings : "The Briti.sh very wise men ; they go up to heaven in a balloon ; talk to God ; God tell them how, then they come down and l)eat the Boer." " Paul Kruger has lost his number." ' If the British want to catch old Paul they had better go to Delagoa Bay." " Great day for Kaffirs when British come, Boer no pay Kaffir ; British fair man, he always pay." "The great white Queen is Kaffir's friend: she good to Kaffir." They had a great many of the.se sayings put to music, and would dance to the music, sing these pieces, brandish their shields and spears, and jump— why they would jump ten feet high sometimes, then almost put their feet around their necks, and always land on their feet— it was a sight not to be .soon forgotten. Then their dress ;— some had BEVERI.KV R. ARMSTRONG. (CAlTAIVfRU R':<;l'. KOYAI. CANADIAN AKTILI.EKV) Horn M St John, N. li., Fel). iQtli, 1875: son of l.fCol. 1. U. AimstniM'j; eiliualcd I.tnnnxville Coll., P. (J., I . N.li. Krc-ilfiicli'ii (U. A ); K.irit;s C'^lllt^:e, Win l^or, N.S. (li. C. I,); Atloriity-at-l.;iw ; Koy.il ScliOL.l of ArtilUry, (Jiu-lifc, isl K. S. .A. 1805; 2nd I.icut (rd U.l'.A, 1805; l.icnten;int iSufi; C.iplain 1899; rcsit'iicd connnission and I'rdisU'd ill i-.t H;itt. C.M.K., January, lyix); w.innded in riijlit fuot by ball from ^hr,i[int:ll sbell 7lh July ; foot ain|)utaled at .Anibulancr I rancais, Johanntsburn. Church of Kn,i;land. 70 OUR HOYS I'NDKR FIRK fl vests, others coats ; some had a piece of cloth tied around their waists and hanging down to their knees. Others had only a cloth around their waists while their arms and legs were covered with copper bracelets and anklets, and they also had horse-hair tied to their legs and arms and feathers in their hair. They were as ugly looking a lot of wretches as I ever saw in my life. I call them 'wretches' for they were so disgusting they were utterly unlike human beings. Then they had tin cans filled with little stones which they rattled as they danced. I can never forget the horrible exhibition as long as I live. I never will want to see it again." Of life at the Springs Charles An.slow writes: — "A Boer force is reported one and a half days' march from us near the railway to Johannesburg. Yesterday an attack was made on their Laager. " G " and " H " Companies were detailed on an armored train which patrols rhe railway between Kroonstadt and Pretoria. We have great sport stopping the natives and al.so the white inhabitants from pa.ssing in and out of the town, as no one is allowed to go through unless accompanied to the station by an escort. It is really amusing when you stop a native and he cannot speak Engli.sh. He jabbers away at the rate of a mile a minute and makes innumerable signs with his hands. I gener- ally jump at conclu.sions and let him pass. This morning we attended a native church service. The bible and hymn books were written in the Kaffir language. We are still working hard, one night on and one night oflF duty and .sleep in the open as usual. Joe Let.son was wounded at Houtnek on May ist. Bert McCullum is better and with us again. Ben Harris has al.so recovered from the fever. He saw Matheson in the Hos- pital at the Cape, who was suffering from fever as well as from his wound. Will McLellan is with Rev. Mr. Lane, C. M. R." During an evening that a member of Company "G" was spending at Mr. Vicars', chief engineer of the mines, Mrs. Vicars remarked that heavy firing had been going on at a certain place all day. '" That is strange," was the reply, "we did not hear any at the camp. ' ' Then .she explained that it was possible for her to hear what others a short way off could not. The reason was simple, but curious, being that her hou.se was built on top ■,\:> OUR BOYS UNDKR FIRK of a coal field excavated underneath — a huge soundin;? )ard that carried a noise from a very great distance. On the night of June the 28th, while one of "Our i>.as " was out on outpost duty, a horseman came dashing along and shouted to the Artillery to harness up as the Boers were coming over the hills by hundreds. He at once ran over to the left half and gave the word to the bugler of "F" Company who at once sounded the alarm and in an instant the general order was given from the station. Within half a miiuite men were streaming from their quart- ers with their belts half on, their bandoliers fixed any- way, and some wearing toques, some forage caps, some helmet;!, but all grasp- ing their rifles ready for a fight. In the meantime the negroes were driving in the mules and oxen, and the maxim gun men were rush- ing to and fro trying to catch their mules and get them harnessed. Pte. O'Reilly very nearly met with a bad acci- dent. He was on the maxim gun squad and there were three mules harnessed abreast. He had the right hand one in when the animal tried to bolt ; naturally it just swung the maxim in a circular direction, nearly upsetting the gun. O'Reilly hell on and managed to stop it but was pretty well run over : as it was, hi« hands were lacerated quite a bit. While this was going on C.XPIAIN HENRY B. STAIRS. (CAI'IAIN I'KINCKSS LOl'ISK UNILIKKS, HALIFAX.) Son of the bte J. S. Stairs, F^sq., Halifax, N. S. and brother of late l.ieut. Stairs, .\frican explorer ; edu- cated Dalhoiisie College (LL. H.): Kirst class certificate Royal School of Infaniry ; Capt. Princess Louise Fus ilicrs, May ifith, i8g6 ; app linted to command of Com- pany " H '■ Kirst Canadian Contingent Oct.^sth, i8gc). Ment'ontd in Col. Otters dispatch Keh. 27th, 1900, U<1 I 72 OIK JU)YS INDl'K I'IKK. firinj;; liad c'i)iiiiin.'ncx(l hctwctii the Hrili.sh and the Hoers. The CaiKuliaiis advanced in ojieii order and the kM"^ were nio\e(l off to the left. Soon tiooni, l)ooni, boom announced that the bijj; guns were at work, and as sliot foUowed shot the rille fire of tlic enemy gr.uUially shickened. A Hvel\ figlit ensued, our men never flinolied, and finallv tlie Hoers retreated in confusion, the mounted men chasing after them. W'iun the fight was over the l)oys found two dead Hoers killed by rifle fire, and five dead horses — and the>' learned from some negroes that twelve had been wounded. It is jirobable that there were many more casualties, as the Hoers ahva\s did their best to conceal their lo.ss. Xi t long after when two of the volunteers were a few miles outside of Springs they were fired on fruni a farm house. One of the men was l)adly wounded in the hip and another l)ullet struck his hat, circled round the crown, and tore the crown as clean as if it had been cut with a knife. Col. Otter .sent out a strong detachment of mounted men who burned the farm house and l)arns to the ground. Some lime before, when Lord Roberts was advancing on Johamiesburg, there was one little town that put \\\> ([uite a stiff fight. Among the enemy was a burgher whose wife and twelve- year-old son were in a house near the engagement. During a lull in the firing the fatiier beckoned the l)oy over to the rifle pit. When half way across the field the child was struck by an ex- pl(»ding .shell and killed in sight of both parents. And so the Boers have suffered. The issuing of the ulti- matum that promised freedom and hajijiiness, brought only disaster and woe ; but a bright day has now dawning for these misguided people, and the Union Jack of old Kngland will amply fulfil tile mission tiiat the administration of South Africa failed to acciMUjiHsh. Vet when we think of the .scores of homes that are devastated, of the man\ family ties that are broken, and recall the liardships endured by our own troojjs, as well as the sad and U)nely hearts throughout the ICmpire to-day, gladly will we welcome the time when univer.sal peace shall reign. Although apparent!}- defeated the Hoers continued to resort to secret and artful tactics, often blowing uj) bridges and break- ing weak lines of comnuniication. On Jidy 14th a plot to take ni'R HOYS INDKR FIKK 73 the Kiirrison at JolnmncshurK was discovered. It is said the scheme was defeated hy a yoiiiiK Dutch officer coiifidiiix in his ladylove, who iinmediately ^ave the ahirin. Later a plot of a KlCHAUl) J. I'OI.KV, OK "(1 COMl'ANV. Sun of Mr. K. l-'olcy, Soiuh >li"re, P K 1. I llAHI.m I'l: I IIWS l:N(.IMI'iis-HKM LiiN I i.\<,i:n 1 vi\ ill akki. a. more serious nature — to kill all the British officers, capture Lord Roberts and retake Pretoria — was discovered on the l)riiik of execution. Tliis treacliery proved that the ct)nciliatioii and kindness with which Lord Roberts had been treatin^r the enemy, was falling far short of the mark, and that if the Boers were to \)e subdued it was only by firm and severe treatment. 74 OUK HOVS rNPKR I'IKK CHAFTKR VI. " Oh the wail that rent the night wind When the day was done." — Kelt. THIv war would no doubt have ended with llie trikiuj? of I'retoria but for the ability of (icneral DeW'tt, who '.Vo(|Ucntly succeeded iti breaking weak lines of conununicatiot'. and who won universal admiration for the skillful manner in which he evaded the lar^e bod}- of Hritisli troops. Capt. A. H Macdonnell, who was appointed to the connnard of Company "CV iti Decend)er at Helmont, had a very interestii g exjK'rieiice in the (ieneral's camj). On Aj)ril 7th the Capta n was stricken with enteric fever at Hloemfontein, and on Jure 7tli, when returning to the regiment, was taken i)ri.soner at Roudival. Only a small British garrison was on guard at this station, and when the line of communication was cut by the Boers outside help was unavailable. In describing the surrender, Capt. Macdonnell says : "When nine days passed and failed to bring us any iielp frou) Kroonstadt there was nothing for us but to entrench and strengthen our position. With loaded railway trucks we made an oblong enclosure a1)out the station which we made secure by jiiling uj) boxes of stores and bags of mail matter and clothing. "Our reconnoitcring patrol was fired on by a single horse- man about daybreak on the morning of June yth, quite close to the station. The alarm was at once given, and the little garrison took up the positit)!! previously assigned to them inside our i)arricade. It was about half-i)ast five o'clock f)n the morning after our patrol had been fired on when we saw a single horse- man carrying a white flag approaching the station. Captain Grant and myself went out about a mile from the station and met the man, who proved to be a Boer messenger. He gave us a written summons from (ieneral Christi.m DeWet, wliich read as folhnvs : ' I am around you with about one thousand men and four guns, and demand your immediate unconditional .sur- render in order to avoid blood.shed.' After reading this OITR nOVS tTNDKR KIKR 7S IKTcmptory demand we asked for half an hour's time for consid- eration so that we mi^lit establisli onnnnnications with the Derhyshires, whom we knew were already cnKaj^ed with the enemy from the reports which came from the river hanks fnrther north. We sent a horse- man out with a messajfe for the Colonel of the Derby- shires, hut in a very short time he returned and re- ])orted that we were cut off froi ' the other Hritish force. In the meantime we had discovered that the enemy had cut the tcle- >;raph line to Kroonstadt. Hy this time DeWet's mes- senger had returned, and said that his (icneral would give us ten minutes lonj);er to comply with his request, after which his burj^hers would open fire. Knowing that further parley was useless we told the mes- senger to inform General DeWet that we had decided not to surrender. Inunediately upon receivitig this an.swer the horseman rode quickly to one side, made a .signal, and a big gun, which had been advanced to within eight hundred yards of our barricade during the confer- ence, escorted by about five hundred riflemen, opened fire upon us. This, of course, was a most unfair thing to do, as advantage was taken of the white flag to advance troops closer to our posi- tion than they would dared to have approached had not a con- ference been going on. The first .shell landed right in our midst, killed four and wounded three of onr men. vSimultan- eously the enemy poured in a hot riile fiie, which fortunately was not eflfcctive. Gradually we foiced back their uring line to a range of .seventeen hundred yar.ls, The Derb shires fought H. H. DVSXRT, Il.AR'l l..\N'I), N. H. ("!•;' Hia.l) n.M IKKV, MXDNl) (.DNTINliKM.) i-^ iJ 76 orK n(ivs rxDHK fire well but were finally compelled to surrender. Then we saw that the whole force of about fifteen hundred burghers with fiv^e guns were oniing to engage us. When we saw the five Boer guns taking up positions all about us, Lieut. Blanchard with half a dozen men volunteered to go out from the barricade under a perfect storm of rifle and shell fire to dig a small trench to pro- tect our rear. By half-past eleven we had five fifteen pounders, and abouv fifteen hundred rifles pouring shell and bullets into us. All their big guns were well out of range of our rifle fire. About tliis time a shell lauded right in the midst of the little working party under the command of Lieut. Blanchard. Two men were killed outright and three wounded, including Lieut: Blanchard (died from wounds) who throughout the entire day had shown the greatest pluck and bravery. Shortly before noon we saw a large body of the enemy working around our rear and occupying the small pan al)out five hundred yards from the barricade from where they could fire upon us at close range under perfect cover. As we had absolutely no hope of receiving as.sistance from Kroonstadt and knowing that the Derbyshires had given up some two hours before, there was nothing left for us to do but surrender. It was a hopeless struggle against tremendous odds, with no prospect of relief and we had already two officers and ten men kilUnl and seventeen wounded. It was just twelve o'clock when after a consultation we ran up the white flag after having fought for six hours a force nearly twenty times as large as our own, armed with five big guns whicli landed something over one hundred .shells in and about our little enclosure. " When the enemy came in and made us pri.soners General Christian I)e Wet expre.s.sed surpri.se at the resi.stance the garrison had made, calling us plucky fellows. He admitted that we had wounded eight of his l)urghers. ■ In addition to large quantities of food stuffs, there was at Roodival when the Boers captured the ])lace some fifteen hundred bags of mail for the troops at the front, all the British warm coats and winter clothing for the Nineteenth Brigade including the Canadians, and several truck loads of ammunition for our twehe, fifteen, and two lunidred and forty pound guns OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE 77 Wliile the major portion of the Boer force was engaged looting the captured stores the prisoners were marched under a heavy guard to De Wet's farm at Vaal Krantz nine miles east of the railway line where they had their main laager. I never .saw a grander sight in my life than the station at Roodival presented that evening after dark. The Boers had piled the immense quantity of stores of all kinds which they could not carry away with them about the station house and set fire to it. Great tongues of lurid flame shot up high into the .sky and every now and then there was a tremendous report and .showers of .sparks and Imrning wood were hurled high into the air as the large two hundred and forty pound .shells ex- l)loded. When in the enemy's camp I have lieard the Boers openly boast that no British troops could be moved to or from atiy point between Bloemfontein and Pre- toria, without them knowing not only the numbers and destina- tions but also at what time they would be at a given point. I saw lots of evidence of the fact that DeWet regularly received information from Bloemfontein, Kroonstadt and Pretoria as to tile movements of our troops, while along the railway line he knew exactly the strength and dispo.sition of all our garrisons from spies, who in many cases were in the confidence of the British officers in command at various points." On July the 26th, when General De Wet was almost surrounded by the British, he left Captain Macdonnell and other prisoners behind at Farrie.sburg in order to make good his own escape. Captain Macdoiniell returned to the regiment ; in his absence Lieutenant Jones was in command of Company " G " and Lieutenant Kaye acting Adjutant during the illness of Captain Ogilvie." I llAKl.hS MINK (t HAKl.OTTKI'DWN KNfJINEERS) Son of Mr. Henry Hine. Company " G " First Can.idian Contingent. 78 OVA BOYS UNDER EIRE CHAPTER VII. " Deeds like this made Britain's glory In the sterner past; Days like this shall light her story While the world doth last."— Kelt. BURIXG tlie Slimmer months a number of sick and wounded Canadians were invalided lion;e by way of England. Arriving in London they were treated with the utmost kindness and consideration. In the different hospitals Her Majesty Queen Victoria and ladies of title and rank were often found beside the couch of a Canadian .soldier. When convalescent and up to the time of their departure from England, '' the boys " were enter- tained most royally, and they cannot speak too highly of the whole-hearted .spirit of the people of the Mother Country. On their arrival in Canada they were again warndy received and in the respective provinces given a hearty welcome home. Among the number to arrive home was Lieut. W. C. McLean of St. John, who had obtained three months' leave of absence from the Imperial service. W. C. Utton, R. C. R. I., Fredericton (transferred to Com- pan}' " F" ), wounded at Paardeberg, Feb. i8th, and mentioned in Colonel Otter's official report. Bruce McFarlane, of Fredericton, accidentally shot him.self through the leg. John Dermott, of St. John, who, when getting water from the Modder River, by mistake strayed into (General Cronje's camp and fell into the hands of the private .secretary. He was going to shoot him on the spot, but Oeneral Cronje appeared on the .scene, had an interview with the young Canadian, with the result that he was ke])t a pri.soner in the laager until the sur- render on February 27th. Martin Qtiinn, of the R. C. R. I., Fredericton, reported dead. During the battle of the surrender of Cronje a bullet entered his body under the heart and pas.sed out of the back. Private Quinn was very ill for some time, but is now in his usual place in the Infantry School — an honored hero. ( UR BOYS UN )KR I'lH: 79 Frederick \V. Coombs, son of Henry Coombs, Esq., of St John, was wounded in the chest diirijij? the battle of the sur- render of Cronje. He is known throughout the i^rovir.ces as a great athlete, was twice captain of the Mohawk hockey team, and led them to the championship at St. John, N. B. Corp. Coombs has had a very serious time in South Africa. After HOSIMIAI. IKNI. klMHKKIKV. (i) F. W. Coombs, St lulin, Comp.nny "Ci," U. C\ K,; (-.O-Mi.-nilier linptii:il Army, lit llvc liiiif^ in rlnlil IkiikI, ..ninplLtdv sliiUlcrvil; ((')-- M tin ln-r Imperi.il Army. lf,g iiiiipulaHil; (4) Onlerh of ti-ni: (s)- J. A. Harris, rliarl)tlLn.nvii, I'. K.. I.. Cump.iny '■(;" R. ( . R.; (-,) Mmil^er lm|u-r::il Army, lliisli and lii; p.iralvytiU (7) I'lc, Sliand, r.!ai:k Waiuli Rf,i;ii,um. parah /■ d ni Initli k--; ( ) 'McmK.-r Imperial Army, ('..jl >liot .<'( Iiy I'xpl.n'.ini; -hell; (yl- Pte. A. Sutherland. Co. "l', K. {'. Rcginicni. Wmiiuk'd Croiiji-^ l.iat;iT. I'rii .7. recovering from the effects df his wound, in Cape Town, he bravely ,started for the front ag.iiu, but was ovL-rlaken with fever at Hloemfontein, and on SeiU. jlh was cnni])elled to lea\c for luigland on the " Kildonan Castle," and is now iei)orte(l " \ery low" at vShornclitTe Hospital. John A. Harris, .son of Mr. John Harris, Chai lolletown, was 8o OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE I wounded on the morning of Cronjes surrender. When the first nmrderous volley was fired by the enemy he threw hin)self down on the ji^round and a bullet grazed his left arm. A few moments later another grazed his ribs but did not lodge. He then raistd his left arm slightly, and as lie did .so another bullet grazed the nni.scle of the arm. Then crawling on his stomach towards a trench he came to a redoubt that had been thrown up by some of the boys. Owing to the great loss of blood the young soldier was rapidly becoming uncon.scious. His friend vSmall, who hajipetied to be near, pluckily rai.sed him on his .shoulders and staggered to a trench where the wainded were being cared for. Although receiving the best af^ention in the hospitals. Private Harris has, to the regret of a large number of friends, lost the u.se of his arm, the leaders bein;.', completely paral>zed. \Vm. Wallace, R. C. R. I., I* redericton, was invalided home from the effects of enteric fevor. but on regaining his former health and vigor, re-enlisted once more for the front. Harry Fradsham, R. C. R. I., was wounded badly in the hip on the morning of Cronje's surrender. H. Leavitt, Grand Lak.:, Queen's County, was badly wounded on the morning of t'le i8th of February. The brave young soldier has sine, •nfferc*: u. very great deal with his back, and we are glad to heav ne is now gaining strength. > Hji'.ry Durant, of Moncton, was wounded in the groin and elb'.w during the desperate encounter with the enem>- at Paarde- Ix-rj^:, Fc.l>ruary i8th. John A. Lutz, also of Moncton, was wounded on May the loth at Thal)a X'Chu when valiantly doing his duty. Duncan Robertson, son of ex-Mayor Robert.son, vSt. John, who resigned his connni.ssion and was enrolled in the 2nd Contingent, has also returned home. Ambro.se Pelkey, of St. John, underwent his l)ai)tism of fire at Paardeberg, Fel). 27th. He was wounded within sixt\- yards of the Boer trenches. The ball entered his right fore arm and passed out abo\e his elbow shattering one of the nerves and paralyzing two of his fingers. He lay perfectly still and close lo the trenches inilil the hail of bullets ceased, then crept to the hospital wheri.- his woti;ui was dre.ssed, and returned to the OrU HOYS UNDER FIRE 8i idlv in the I May tilt regiment in time to see General Cronje going into the British camp. Frederick Wave, of Hnnter River, P. E. Island, was wounded in the first battle of Paardeherg. In the thick of the fight he was struck with a bullet in the thigh, still he advanced and another bullet enterea ms foot. A .stretcher bearer was near at hand and u.sing his rifle for a crutch, the wounded boy .soon reached the field hospital. Arthnr Hayden, one of St. John's plucky young heroes, was wounded near Johannesburg, May the 29th, but remained with the regiment. We also mnst mention W Donahue, of vSt. John, .severely wounded on the morning of the surrender of Cronje. An ex- plosive bullet struck his knee and thigli and although recei'.ing the best of attendance l)oth in South Africa and Kngland, tlie doctor found that amputation of the limb was necessary. The .soldier boy bore the affliction in tlie bravest po.ssible manner *Joseph Letson of Newcastle, Frank Sprague.Vv'. C. Unkauf and James John.stone, St. John, were also victims of the eni.niy's fire during those memorable days of conflict. The boys tleeply regretted the death of t)i ^ lateCur. Witl rs, who.se high Christian character niaoe him a favourite ■-vith all. The majority of the soldiers who suffered froTii xever wen^ not allowed to return to the front, and among tne v.imilK'- to .sail for home were: E. He.ssian, J. Pringle, S. Jones, F. C. Walker, Fredericton ; H. P. McLaughlin, Daniel Ferguson, Moncton; Russel B. Hubley, C ;e Chapman, Sussex; Tohn McEeod, St. Stephen ; Andrew vie, Chatham ; J. B. i ascoe, Petitcodiac. Such is a brief history of 'le of our Canadian volunteers on the battlefield in South Atnca. Now they have returned, having done as much duri' ue short year in the .service of their country as many am >. .vho retains the full n.se of his limbs for three score years and ten. As we note the crutch in the hand of the cripple, the lifeless ;irm !)y the side of the buoyant youth, the halting .step of tlie maimed, we feel sure tluU the ' riu' aulh.ir rf:,i;rt.-t- lliat ilclaiK rtlatim; l.i lliu w.ninaiiiK .if thesr Irtocs arc unav.iil.ilik . 82 OUR BOYS IINDKR FIKK. •it m Government will see that every one of tliese heroes has an hon- orable and substantial maintenance. The Patriotic Fund is already doing a most laudable work in this respect, having in its treasuries over a quarter of a million dollars sul)scribed by the generous people of Canada. The ol)ject of the society is to help the dependent families of soldiers, engaged in South Africa, and the widows and orphans of men wlio have fallen as well as tlie heroes who are disabled for life. Another society that has done commendable work during the year is the vSoldiers' Wives League. This Society has eleven branches throttghout Canada, including tho.se organized in St. John and Charlottetown by Mrs. West Jones and Mrs. (Col.) F. S. Moore respectively. The chief aim of this society is " to bring the wives of all .soldiers, whether of Officers, N. C. Officers or Men of the Staff, Permanent Corps, and Active Militia of Canada into closer touch and sympathy with one another, .so that whetlier in sickness or in health the\-. may be able mutually to aid and assist one another and their families in times of diffi- culty, trouble and distress. Till ^ick and wounded in the hospitals and rest camps could not speak too highly of the medical staff and nur.ses, al.so of the many friends at home who through the medium of the dif- ferent branches of the Red Cro.ss Society did -so much of practical aid in alleviating their sufTering.s. The Canadian Ikanch of the Red Cross Society was organized in 1S96 by Lieut, Col. G. Sterling Rycrson of Toronto, and the (le])arture of our Canadian volunteers elicited an intense interest in -this great philanthropic movement. Through the instrumentality of Lady Tillcy, St. John, local branches were organized in a luimber of cities in New Brunswick, and in Char- lottetown Mrs. C. C Gardiner formed another ])rancli of the society. The ladies of the dilTerenl organ- izations were untiring in their efforts, and Dr. Rven^on, Red Mi>s (;i;oR(;iN\ I'oi'i: Daugliler of ilic UiU- Hull. W. n. P.ipf, (.Miiiiiy Coiiil Jii.ls;i:, P. K.KI.uiil. i;r.-idii;ili; ■■!' licUrMie Hi>spit;il. Nfu York Knaaiji-il .t> luir^t- with I ir-i CruKiiliaii Cuiuiii- 4i;m. Ocl. L'5, 1.^^. B I fi OUR BOYS UNDER PIRH 83 Cross Commissioner in South Africa, used judiciously tiie con- tributions from Canada. A large number of the boxes forwarded to Soutlr. Africa were not valued, but independent of these *Fredericton raised $82.00, St. John, $885.00, vSackville, $140.86, Moncton, including value of boxes, $468.00, while Charlottetown forwarded a ca.sh contril)Ution of 844.30 and boxes valued at $567.6;^. Liberal contributions were also sent from vSus.sex, St. vStephen, Rothe.say, Dorchester and throughout Canada. The principal hospitals in South Africa were in BlR)emfon- tein, Winburg, Kroonstadt and Wynburg near Cape T' 'wn. Many touching incidents were told within these ho.sjjital walls. One was the story of a young Australian soldier who had strayed away from his regiment and was met by two horse- men. The .soldier immediately drew his revolver. The new- comers, who were dressed in khaki uniform, said to come with them as they had been sent to look for him Deceived by their appearance the young Australian returned his revolver to his belt, wheteujK)!! one of his companions rai.sed his rifle and fired, hitting the soldier in the breast near the left shoulder. Tiie shock threw him from his horse, and the two Boers as they really were, at once rode up to the prostrate man and fired two more shots into him, one wounding him in the right arm, the other hitting him in the face, smashing his teeth and right jaw. The Boers then rode off with his horse. Some time after he was found by his comrades and .sent to Vretfort and thence to Kroon- stadt hospital, where he is slowly recovering from his wounds. * ;|; * * * ^i: >i< -i: * After remaining for about six weeks at Springs, the Cana- dian Regiment united with General Hart's Brigade, and on July ^ii.st the Boys were once more on the brink of the Vaal, Com- panies "G" and "H" were still detained on the armoured train that ran between Kroonstadt and Pretoria. The rest of the Canadian Regiment in conjunction with other colunnis under General Kitchener, began a grand chase after Genercd DeWet, the wily Boer general. Day by day, week by week, over an endle.s,^ veldt, they pursued the flying enemy. Col. Otter, in order to keep the men in good spirits, adopted the plan of putting •CoMUibulL-rl largely low.iril^ ila S.jciely of the l).iu,4lu<;r- o( On- Kiiipirc. 8^ OfK nOYS UNDKK I'IKK a number of good siiij^ers in the centre of the regiment to swell an anthem of song. The plan worked capitally, and even after a forlniglu's hard niarcliing they marched into Krngersdorp gaily singing "The Ma{)le Leaf Forever." In an official rej^ort Col. Otter .sa>s: " Ang. 24th. — During the bsl two weeks not a man has fallen out of the march, although our average was .seventeen miles a day. Bat- talion has so far inarched ickx) straight miles since coming to this country. Strength of Regiment 4(K). " The initial steps towards the reconstruction of vSouth Africa was the annexation of the Orange Rivtr Col- on\- on May 2i^th and of the Transvaal Republic on vScpt. the 1st. By these giai;d achievements Lord Roberts has justly won the honor of having his name placed beside those of Wellington. Nelson, and the greatest of Britain's heroes. The Field Marshall arrived on the .scene of con- flict in the darkest hour of the canijiaign, also in the darkest hour of his life, for on the day of his departure fnnn Iviighmd his son, — his only son — filled a .so'i- dier's grave. Now the battle is o\er, the victory won, it is a fitting tribute to the ability of the Grand Old Man that he .should l)e appiiiiited Coniniander-in-Chief of the British Army in Kngland. Ill a i)roclaination issued by Lord Roberts, on Sep- tember 15th, forgiveness and protection was olTered to all I III'. I.AII. CAI'I (. II.VRI.I.s V. HAkKlMlN ("n ' --.,1' A])k'i'. m:i '.\i. on I im t N r) Kuril ufi-. in Si (..liii ; .,,,11 of Win, 1' H.iriison, K>i|., .'^;. loliii : iiili-'fd in IJucL-n ■- Own iiun ni No. , r..,i!cry ul Ariilltiv. St. John. iSBfi : lirst-tla-.^ t:enitii;iile l<"y;>l School of .'.nilUiv. IJiielii', i?qR ; iipjiointeil C.-ipLiin i?y; ; mired K'04 ; appoinleil i,)uarl>-rinr[sier ;th KinuV Co. Hii^^ars 1895 ; tr.'ins. liort offi'.cr .SwLoiul Canadian Ccjntinu'ini. |ai).. 1 w ; died .)f enrerii- fev< r ,it ho..pital in U'ndtT^'. S,.iilh \friia. June. ry> left widow .iiul oni. d;:n.i;liUi-. OUR BOYS UNDER FIRK «5 the Boers except those who violated their oatlis, and althouj;h the Field Marshall jiractically held the reniaiiider of the foe in the palm of liis hand the enemy persisted in carrying on a fruit- less and guerilla warfare. Krugcr at lyorenzo Marques stubh'.rnly challenged this proc- lamation of Lord Roberts, declaring that the end of the war was still far off. "Time will prove," he .said, "that we are not nearly beaten — at the wor.st you may conquer us, but you can never subdue us." And .so it .seemed, for the continued success that followed the British arms .should have convinced the most stubborn enemy that the desperate game embarked upon nearly twelve months ])revious was al)out played out. It is .said that " Kruger sent a man over to ICngland .some time ago to find out if there were still any men left in the coun- tr_\', and on the man's arrival in Brighton he sent a telegram to Kruger: " Thou.sands of men here." He then jiaid a visit to London, and from there wired " Millions here." The next town was Birmingham, fmni here be wired " Hundreds of tliousands." Xext he went to wStafford.shire and saw the men t\)ming up from the mines in cages, so he telegraphed, " For God's sake stop the war, they are bringing them up from li eight at a time." V * Time pa.s.sed l)y and the term of service of the Royal Cana- dian Regiment gradualh drew to a clo.se. Lord Roberts was loth to part witli the brave boys, and gave them the option of remaining until the end of the war and returning home by way of Ivngland, or sailing directly for Canada. Posiiions of honor and wealth were also i)ffered the colonials ; but the hoys had served on the .scene of conflict at an early stage, had taken a share h\ the thickest of the fight, and now that the annexation of the Tran.svaal virtually brought the war to a close, were satis- fied to return home to resume the duties of life laid down twelve months previous for the service of a common Empire. The Regiment mobilized at Pretoria, and on the e^e of its depar- ture for Cape Town, Sept. 25th. was reviewed by Lord Roberts in the pre.sence of his \\ife and daughters. The occasion was a most brilliant one, and the men, who were in excellent health, Sfi OITK nOVS INDKR KIUI-: I made a si)k-iKli(l ;i]i|>i'araiico. After tlie niarcli past, Lord Roberts addressed tlieiu briefly. He said : "I eaiitiot allow you to depart without expressiu^ tny liuniks for and appreciation of your l()>al services and excellent work, especially at l*aardel)cr>{ on February J7tli. I am sure Mie peojile of Canada will be pleased to hear how jjallaiUly and how splendidly you hn\x- behaved in action. Deejily I regret the losses you have suffered. I siiituld have been hapi)ier if you had returned in your full strenj^th, but no one could ex])ect you to pa.ss throuj^h .so arduou.s a canipaij;" without lo.s.se.s. I am .sorry that .some of you are ol)li}i^ed to return sooner than the rest of the regiment, but I reci)>;iii/e the urj^ency of private affairs. I an» confident that the yneen and the British i)eoi)!e will never forget your .services. If it should ever be my good fortune to visit Canada, I hope to meet you all ajjain." The regiment travelled from Pretoria to Ca]ie Town in open tram cars. On their arrival they were ^hvn a hearty recejition. The Mayor, on behalf of the citizens, thanked the men for the splendid services they had rendered on the fiehi. The Contingent had prev.ou.sly been presented with (kneral Cronje's flag taken from the Boer laager on the memorable mornini.; of February the 27th. All aboard for Canada ! It was the morning of Sept. 30th, 1900. Seventeen officers three hundred and eighty-five men of the First Canadian Contingent, luider Maj. Pellelier, thirty-three various colonial tro()i)san(l two hundred Boer prisoners embarked from Cape Town on the good ship " Idaho," of the Wilson line. Col. Otter, with thirteen officers and about three hundred non- conunissioned officers and men. including " A " and " H " Com- panies elected to remain on active service until Nov. jtli, when sailed for Ivigland in the " Hawarden Castle." The " Idaho" arrived at the Island of St. Helena on Octo her the ninth, where she landed the Boer ])ri.soners. This lonely isle f)f Xa]ioIeonic fame is at all times of interest to visitors, but to the Canadian voluntei-vs it was especially so and proved a fitting sequel to their life in Soutli Africa. They found that General Cronje and his men were not oidy enjoying the hosjiitality of the British, but were also making OIR HOYS I'NDKR riRir »7 extensive i)rci)arati()iis for a doithle cclehration of natal dax s, for on the loth of October ex-Prtsident Knij^er of the Transvaal Colony was seventy-six years of a^e, and ex President Steyn of tlie Orange River Colony i)assed his forty-fourth l)irthday. Just a year previous these Kt'titlenien celebrated the anniversaries of their birth by entering on a contract that within a few iv.ouths evers- ICnglishman would have disajjpeared fr()nisi)riiit,ko])je, rand and veldt. Twelve months have passed away, the two republics are now in the hands of the British and both ])residents are fugitives from their own lands. Mx- Presideiit vStcyn is reported to be lying seriously ill in some remote corner of the Lydenberg District. K x - President Kruger has form- ally resigned his position of .sta'-e and is now in France. Arriving at Cape \'erde I.slands, Chaplain Fullerton, with the thoughtfulness that had made him such a universal favorite in South Africa, tele- graphed to Charlottetown the names of the P. K. I.sland boys that were returning lio.ne. sent to Canada of any Provincial Contingent on the Idaho. The expected arrival of the troops of the First Contingent called forth unbounded entluisiasm throughout the Dominion. Primarly the centre of attraction was Halifax and hundreds of Ihou.sands of visitors throngetl the streets. The city was en fete with n igs, bunting, and elaborate decorations : arches were built across the ])rincipal streets with in.scri])lions — " Welcome lo our Heroes," " Paardeberg, "Canada Forever," etc. At 3 o'clock on the morning of Nov. the ist, the firing (.Apr. \v. c. oooii (M.AJOK WOODSIiHK KlKl.l) HA I'TKin ) Kirsl-iiliis-i ct-rtificitt; Royal Schuol of .Vrtillurx : ;i|i|K)intfcl I.ieiilciumt Woodstock I'ielil liallnj, .Mm\ .■i>1, i8i,8 ; Caplaiii i8(j8 ; Major 1899; i.oiimiamleil " K" Hatli'ry Secoiul Cana(li;iii I'oii- tin>;t.'i)t, lyoo. This was the first list of names IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) K £ A < o KKlilMKN I ). I'. Mfllish. K I liail.illutowii.l'.K.I Kiliic a'.fil: I'rincf uf Wales College, Matriciilaiil l.i 1 1, i.lu r ni\'eisil\- r Ml. Alii (aiKulian Cliili .if ll:i Ut'ltellj.in li I'li-'ileliil.ill (1 Ti HA itiyt .), H;i il I'niversity (H. A. 1802), Frv^idtiit ; lirsl-.lass .ettili.'atu- alleil 10 liar P.K.I. i8q6, tnli-teil liir N.)rtlii oval Mil. ('.>!.. Kiii'^-t. id R.jval ScHmdI liiCaiUrv. .V. .Nil hit \ 11 0,1. ..; aem. .>.>. •..II'.K.I. id Keyt. Inf. 1.S04 ; app. .\ide-ilt-CatMp t.t His Mtinor l.l. ri;-i!Ji Li iniiii^'ii and ciir.illed ill C i-'t ("an. C'oiiti.i- Kelii;i..ii, ChiMvli .if Kii'land. the alsc coil Coi cev ner the Isli pec wh L. bn Va on W Li Y< U C( in a? tr A ¥ ii OUR BOYS UNDKR FIRE 89 To Lieut. Colonel J. D. Irving, District Officer Commanding Nova Scotia, and his efficient staff are due the success of one of the grandest celebrations ever seen in Canada. Great praise is also due the school children of Nova Scotia, through whose contributions to the Herald Patriotic Fund every member of Company " H " and every native of the Province, re- ceived a large sum of money. This, with the munificent man- ner in which New Brunswick acted towards her volunteers and the purse of money given the individual members of the P. E. Island contingent, shows the practical and loyal sentiment of the people in the Provinces by the sea. The Nova Scotia boys who remained in South Africa for a while longer were : Privates Dare, Webber, McDonald, W. Ross, L. Purchell, Sloan and Scott. S. Jones, of Wolfville, who has a brother in South Africa stayed behind permanently. The Nova Scotia men that have fallen for their country are: Blanch^rd, M. G. — Captain 5th regiment Canadian Artillery Vancouver, B. C, enrolled as Lieutenant in the Royal Canadians on special service in South Africa. Son of W. H. Blanchard, Q.C. Windsor. Unmarried. Died June 15th, 1900. Borden, Harold Lath rop. (See page 48.) (See page 47.) H Company, Royal Canadians. Lived at 20 Cunard Street, Halifax. Died at Middlesboro, Yorkshire, while on sick furlough, the result of enteric fever. Unmarried. Johnstone, George — Private 63rd Regiment, attached to Company H, Royal Canadians, son of William Johnstone, Black Point, Halifax county. Died February 26th of wounds received in action at Paardeberg, February i8th. Unmarried, but left aged parents. Defoe, Private — Attached to Royal Canadian Artillery and transferred to Company H. Killed inaction at Black Mountain, April 25th. Orman, George — Private, unattached, enrolled in Company H, Royal Canadians. Parents dead ; leaves sister and brother in Halifax. Killed in action at Paardeberg. Unmarried. Purcell, Edgar — Private 66th Regiment, enrolled in Com- pany H., Royal Canadians, son of W. A. Purcell, retired major Hensley, Charles Albert. Farrell, George — Private 90 OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE ist R. C. A. Died of enteric fever at Cape Town, April 27th. I s from time to time have sent home a large number of vSouvenirs, among them being Orange Free State and Tran.svaal flags, china and silverware engraved with stamp of the O. F. S. Republic, Zulu testaments, Basuto Bibles, Kaffir and Zerelong prayer-books, Dutch-Knglish dictionary, quartz from the mines of Johannesburg, petrified wood from Zand River, Boer babies' stockings, pipes .several inches in length used by the Boers ; and in Cronje's Laager they picked up exploded dum-dum and mauser bullets, pieces of .shrapnel, even a range finder .stamped " British OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE 91 27th. Com- Soii s re- his War Office " supposed to have been captured from the English, a Boer woman's belt, evidently a late possession of Mrs. Cronje's, hard tack, skeins of wool, Kruger coins, and many other curios. NEW BRUNSWICK'S CELEBRATION TO HER SOLDIER BOYS. It was eight o'clock p. m. at Fredericton on November the third when the train, having on board Privates Wilson and Perkins of the 71st regiment, and Privates Halliamore, Baker and Bugler Keddy of the R. C. R. I., fresh from the battlefields of South Africa, steamed into the depot. The crowd cheered wildly as the train came to a standstill, and there was a general rush in the direction of the cars to catch the first glimpse of the gentlemen in khaki. Many young ladies helped to swell the crowd, and nearly all displayed miniature Union Jacks or the national colors. Col Dunbar who went to St. John to meet the heroes accom- panied them to the city, as also did seven of their comrades belonging to other parts of the provinces, who made up a party of tliirteen. No sooner had they vacated the cars than they were taken in charge by officers of the 71st and R. C. R. I. and escorted to vehicles in waiting. A bountiful supply of fireworks had been provided for the occasion, and good use was made of them while the heroes were di.sembarking. The illuminations of the public and private buildings were magnificent and will long be remembered by the thou.sands of spectators. In a remarkably short space of time the soldier boys were the centre of attraction in a grand parade. After making a detour of the city the procession disbanded and accompanied by representatives of the clergy, civic government, military, educa- tional institutions, and Fenian veterans the heroes repaired to the Y. M. C. A. Building. Here the ladies of the W. C. T. U. had a grand supper in readiness. The room was artistically decorated with flags, national emblems and appropriate mottoes. In one corner was a handsomely illuminated bust portrait of the Queen surrounded by pictures of British officers and battle scenes. 92 OUR BOYS UNDER FIRK The tables were formed in the shape of a large H. Mayor Beckwith occupied the chair and had Rev. Dr. McLeod on his right and Rev. G. M. Campbell on his left. The vice chair was occupied by Lieut. Col. Loggie. Among the other gne.sts in attendance were the following : — Dr. J. R. Inch, Rev. J. D. Freeman, H. C. Creed, C. A. Samp.son, Aid. Merrithew, Aid. Ryan, Aid. Moore, Aid. Vanwart, Lieut. Fisher, Wm. Lockhart, A. F. Street, A. D. Thomas, Jas. Rogers, Capt. Perkins, J. J. Weddall, Capt. McKenzie, E. J. Payson, R. Cockrane, J. W. Spurden, Henry Chestnut, Lieut. Col. Dunbar, Capt. McFarlane, Canon Roberts, J. C. Ri.steen, Rev. Mr. Colter, Aid. McKendrick, Aid. Clarke, Aid. Farrell, Aid. Smith, R. L. Phillips, Thos. Smith, G. F. Coy, Fred Todd, Major Lipsett, Dr. Bridges, Lieut. Brewer, Capt. Grey, R. P. Allen, Alex. Anderson, Aid. McKay, Capt. G. A. Murray. Addre.sses of welcome were given by Mayor Beckwith, Lieut. Col. Loggie, Col. Dunbar, Rev. Dr. McLeod, and responded to by Corp. Pringle, Privates Wilson, Henne.ssy and Bugler Keddy. This most enjoyable function was brought to a close by the singing of Soldiers of the Queen and the National Anthem. The young ladies who decorated and looked after the tables were Misses Annie and Sarah Thomp.son, Misses Wiley, Clarke, Phil- lips, Moore, Burtt, Vega Creed, Johnston, Gertie McKinnon, Sampson, Myra McLeod, Carrie Tibbitts, Lillian McKenzie, Queenie FIdgecombe, Lulu Fisher, Hagerman, Johnson, Palmer, Allen, Ada Schleyer, assi.sted by Messrs. J. D. Perkins, A. D. Thomas, W. J. Edgecome. The bo3's in khaki who accompanied those who returned on the transport Idaho to the city were : Privates Crandall Creigh- ton, Wannamaker and Ernest Lutz of the 74th Regiment, Corp. Pringle of the 71st, Privates Miller, Simp.son and Flewelling of the R. C. R. I. Privates Wilson and Perkins, the 71st men, went through every engagement in which their regiment participated, and neither received as much as a scratch. They were not troubled by sickness during the campaign or ever once fell out on a march. Private Hennessey, of the R. C. R. I., landed in Quebec OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE 93 from England several days previous to the return of the contin- gent. Bugler Keddy, and Privates Hallamore and Baker, also of the R. C. R. I., came over in the Idaho, all having joined the R. C. P. I. at Cape Town. Keddy's period of service in the corps had expired, and Hallamore had been on the sick list. Capt. McDonnell, Private Kite and other permanent corps men remained with the regiment at the front. Never before did St. John look so gay as on the 2nQ of November, 1900. Her brave sons were coming home from the battlefield and the city was en fete. Bunting and flags of every size waved merrily in the breeze, public buildings, private resi- dences and vehicles of all descriptions were gaily decorated. The schoolchildren were given a holiday, business was practically at a standstill, and the streets were thronged with thousands of expectant and enthusiastic people. The reception committee included Mayor Daniel, Deputy Mayor Maxwell, Aldermen Seaton, Baxter, Robinson, L,ieut.-Col. H. H. McLean, Lieut. - Col. J. R. Armstrong, Lieut Jones, Dr. Bridges. Major Sturdee Mes.srs W. K. Vroom, Charles Brown, William Wallace and A. O. Skinner, and Chief Kear, Captain Clarke and Mr. George Clarke formed the fire works committee. At last the train steamed into the station and amid the crackling of torpedoes, the shouts and wild cheers of the crowd could be discerned the musical .strains of the Artillery Band wel- coming the heroes home. Mayor Daniel then presented an address to the returning soldiers. Lieut. Jones replying said he was proud of every man of Company G. Lieut. Kaye said although there were many days of hardships and privations, he for one — and he knew he could speak for all — was glad that he had gone to South Africa. It was a grand experience. Then there was a moment of joyous meeting, members of families were re-united and the khaki lads were carried on the .shoulders of an enthusiastic crowd to barouches outside. A grand procession was then formed and headed by the different local bands marclied through the principal streets. Cheer after cheer followed them all along the line — handkerchiefs, flags and national emblems were franticall)' waved from every available balcony and window II 94 OUR noVS I'NDKR FIRK and the city of the loyalists thoroughly slu-wtd its appreciaticii of the soldiers of the Queen. The celebrations in the evening took the form of a grand torch light procession. The city was a blaze of illuminations and the nnrkets, ronian candles, and other fireworks that .soared heavenward made the scene magnificently radiant. A .special feature of the procession was the row of vehicles gaily decorated and representing different clubs, .societies and local firms. The public celebration clo.sed the next evening when the soldier boy.s were given a grand banquet by the ladies of the Red Cro.s.s Society and S )ldier.s' Wives' lyeague combined, in St. Andrew'.s Rink. The preparations were on the most elaborate scale and every detail perfected. For instance on entering the banquet hall every guest was presented with an imitation cartridge, un screwing the top there .slipped out two pannelled wax sheets of paper containing the menu and toasts of the evening. There were over three hundred guests present. Stirring addres.ses were given by citizens and the function was a most enthusiastic and successful one. Great credit was due the presidents of the Red Cross Society, Soldiers' Wives' League. Lady Tilley and Mrs. H. H. McLean who were ably assi.sted by their combined executive : Mrs. J. W. Daniel, Mrs. Geo. West Jones, Mrs. Kaye. Mrs. E. Sears, M'-s. J. R. Armstrong, Mrs.Markham, Mrs. T. Walker, Mrs. G.T. Sturdee. Mrs. W.W.White, Mrs. G. F. Smith. The secretaries of the Red Cross Society, Mrs.C.F.Harri.son, KDWAKi) crak;. l!otr St. John 1E7;, m l; of .Aicliil iilil C'r.iif;, Vsi.\. served in late Sp.iiiish-.Vmericaii war ; enlisted in I oin- pany " (J ' ist Can.idian Con in(;enl for Soulh Africr, Oct. 25th, 1899 OUR BOYS UiNDP.R FIKK 95 Mrs. W. K. Jones, Mrs. Katoajjli, Mi.ss Alice Walker, Miss Ada Dniiii. The Treasurer of Red Cr(».ss Societj — Mrs G. A.vSmith. The s;;cretiiry-trcasurer of S )ldiers' Wives' Leav;ue — Mrs. Geo. West Junes. This committee was ably reinforced by forty ladies who took charge of the tea tables. The reception committee included the executive and the presidents of district Red Cross Societies and vice-presidents of Soldiers' Wives' League who are ex oflficio ; Mrs. Randolph, Fredericton ; Mrs. nunV)ar, Frederic- ton ; Mrs. J. D. Chipman, St. vStephen ; Mrs. H.. A. Powell, Sackvillc ; M'-s. J. W. Y. Smith, Moncton ; Mrs. Hanington, Dorchester ; Mrs. N. Montgomery Campbell, Mrs. N. Arnold, Sus.sex ; Mrs. Antrim, Newcastle. Nor was Moncton behind in her reception for the Soldier Boys' return. The Militia, Hand, Captain Tingley, Chief of Police and a large and enthu.siastic crowd were at the depot to give the volunteers a hearty welcome. No. 4 Company 74th Regt. of Moncton. under command of Captain W. H. Watts, has the distinction of sending to the front the greatest number of representatives from any single company, — six members to the First Contingent and four to the Second. They include 2nd Lieut. H. Metzler, who resigned his commis.sion and enlisted as a private. Corporal Frank Doyle, who is now transferred to the Railway service in Bloemfontein and hold.s the position of ace. untant in the railway and J. H. Lock hart, who has had the honor of being one of the four Canadians to be appointed on Lord Roberts' body guard. Dr. Price, also of Moncton, threw up a lucrative practice and joined the force. On arrival at Cape Town he was selected to accom- pany Cronje and the Boer prisoners to St. Helena, as physician in charge. The Doctor has in his po.ssession a tooth of the General's, exracted on the voyage. St. Stephen, Chatham, Newcastle, and all the other towns gave their khaki lads a royal welcome home. CELEBRATIONS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND. On Nov. 2nd the P. K. Island contingent was expected home and Charlottctown was a perfect blaze of fire with electric lights 96 OUR BOYS UNDKR FIRK and Rorffeotis illuminations on all her public and private huildiuKS. As the "Princess" neared the wharf bells ran^, whistles blew, a salute was fired from I'ort Ivlward and the jieople cheered to the echo. Rockets and other colored fire works added brilliancy to the scene. As the soldier boys marched off the boat the band played and from the enthusiastic throng arose three cheers for the Island continKcnt. In little knots affecting scenes took place as loved ones were reunited. I'Mnally the " boys" moved forward, accompanied by the band, militia, Hoys' Brigade and local societies. All along the line vast crowds of peojjle cheered until finally the procession halted in yueen's Square. The following progrannne was then carried out : — Doxology, led by Mr. J. R. Davison ; prayer, Rev. T. I'. Fuller- ton ; addresses, His Honor Lieut, (iovernor Mclntyre, Chief Justice Sullivan, Premier Fanpiharson, Lieut. -Col. Moore, Councillor Alex. Home and Geo. K. Hughes, Ivsq., President of the Board of Trade, who presented each man with a purse of fifteen dollars on behalf of the citizens. An address of welcome was also read, signed by D. Farquharson, Premier; R. R. Fitz- gerald, Vice Chancellor ; F. S. Moore, I). O. C; and J. A. Whear, acting Mayor, and was ably responded to by Rev. Mr. Fullerton and Lieut. McDonald. The choruses " Rule Britannia " and " Soldiers of the Queen " were sung with great gu.sto, the solos being taken by Gunner Leslie Cook and Cadet Jo.seph Large. A thanksgiving .service was held in St. James' Church on the following Sunday evening. The soldier lads in khaki occu- pied prominent seats, and the clergymen present were : Rev. T. F\ F'ullerton, returned chaplain, the Reverends G. P. Raymond, Baptist ; Leo Williams, St. Paul's; R. F. Whiston, Chri.stian ; G. M. Young, First Methodist ; J. W. McConnell, Grace Meth- odi.st; John Mclnnis, A. D. McDonald and D. B. McLeod, Pres- byterian. Mi.ss F)arle sang very .sweetly " Be Thou Nigh." On Monday night a grand banquet was held. The hall was profu.sely decorated with flags, mottoes and national emblems. Over three hundred guests were present and the .scene was a most brilliant one — a pleasing feature being the presence of a large number of ladies. Lt-Col. Moore presided and addres.ses were given by the following gentlemen : — Lieut. Governor ()l k HOVS UNDF.K I'IkK 97 Mcliityrt-, vSir Louis Davies, Rev. T. I-. iMillerU.u, Liciif. J. A. McDonald, vStr^t. Lome vStcwart, J. I{. !{. MoCrt-ady Ksq., Revs. Dr. Moiianliaii, Leo Williams and J. W. McConnt-ll ; I'rcniicT raniuliaiMin, Hon. I). Cordon, JikIkc W'arhiirton, W.S.Suwart, g. C. Dr. I-.P. Taylor, Dr. J. T. Jenkins, Capt. H. D. Johnson, A M. ,S.,W. L. Cotton, Ksq., F. Nash, Iv.m|. and vSltkI. Hessian. A sonjs- " Vallette " was heautifnlly .suhk l)y Mrs. W. II. Watts. This most enjoyal^le function closed ])y the band playing " Auld Lang Jiyne" and the National Anthem. The committee who had charge of the recejjtion were Col. Moore, Col. J. A. Longworth, Major S. I'. Hodgson, Major D. Stewart, Major H. M. Davison, Capt. II. I). Johnson, Sur>(eon, Capt.S.R. Jenkins, Capts. A. A. Hartlett, H. 1'. Carvell, Hoop- er, Watts, Allan, Morris, Lieut. Chas. Leigh and Lieut. A. I'eake. Of the thirty-two volunteers (see page 13) that left Char lottetown Oct. 25th, iSycj, nineteen returned on the " Idaho." J. A. Harris, F. Waye,W. Lane, M. McCarthy and J. W. Walker returned home previous. R. I). Taylor and W. A. Riggs were killed. Major Weeks remained with Col. Otter, Hurdis MtLean and Herb Brown were engaged at the Red Cross establishment, Hloemfontein. ICrnest Lord, who walked from I'aardeberg to Hloemfontein with a wrenched knee, and wlio, after recovering from diphtheria and fever, renniined in Ivnglar.d for awhile. Leslie McBetli of the Draft, Necy Doirou and Arthur Mellish .sailed from Cape Town on the vS.vS. " Kildonan Castle," vSept. 15th. The latter, who was thrown up in the air by an exjiloding shell at Thaba N'Chu, was appointed Orderly Room .Sergeant, and three weeks later when leaving Liverpool was given com- mand of twenty-four returning Canadians. Before .sailing the Lord Mayor tendered the volunteers a grand banquet and spoke in highest terms of the gallantry of the Canadians. Sergt. Mel- lish responded to the toast on behalf of tht Contingent. Tiie volunteers then embarked cm the S.vS. " Carthaginian," and had the honor to be the first South African campaigners to land at Newfoundland. The Ancient Colony rose magnificently to the occasion. In describing,' the reception the Halifax " Morning Chronicle" of November 16th says: ' ' Sergeant Melli.sh in charge of a number of men of the Cana- dian Mounted Rifles, Canadian Artillery, and First Canadian 98 OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE Contingent arrived in the city on the Sydney express last night. They were met at the station by Lieut. Col. Irving and a guard of honor and band of the Royal Canadian Regt. The Sergeant and party left the Allan liner Carthaginian at St. John's, Nfld., at the invitation of R. G. Reid, who trans- ported the party over his railway to Port Au-Basque and thence by the steamer Bruce to North Sydney free of charge. The Sergeant and men speak most highly of the generous treatment accorded them by Mr. Reid and the various officials of his rail- way, who did everything possible to make their journey inter- esting and comfortable. On the arrival of the Carthiginian at St. John's, although late in the evening, the whole population turned out en masse and gave the boys a most enthusiastic welcome. The Contingent were invited to the City Club and an im- promptu supper was given at which Hon. Mr. Morris toasted the draft, for whom Sergt. Mellish responded. On Sunday the soldiers attended divine service at St. Thomas', accompanied by the Boys' Brigade under Colonel Oute'rbridge and Captains Franklin and Nash with their band. On Sunday night Sergt. Mellish delivered an address in St. Andrew's Church, and on Monday in the Methodist College. During their stay in St. John's the draft were the giie.sts of the City Club at the Crosbie Hou.se and were royally entertained. On Tuesday afternoon seventeen of the draft were escorted to the station by the Constabulary and band, where as the guests of Mr. Reid they entrained for Port-au-Ba.sque, arriving there early Thursday morning, where they were met by a band and a large number of citizens who welcomed them with volleys from seal guns. A telegram wishing the vi lunteers bon voynge was handed them. It was .signed on behalf of the citizens of St. John's by Messrs. Cormack, Conroy, Rendell, Baird, Hayward, Barr, Keith, Hud.sbeth, Rioux, Benson, Donnelly, Paterson, '^^cive and Reid. Col. Otter, with the remainder of the First Canadian Con- tMigent arrived in Southampton November the 27th. They received a most enthusiastic reception and a deputation of infuential citizens headed by Lord Grey arranged for their entertainment on the most elaborate .scale. The Contingent was OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE 99 also invited to Windsor and reviewed by the Queen in the quadrangle. Her Majesty, addressing the Canadians, thanked them for the immense services they had rendered to the Empire. The officers were then presented individually, after which the Queen summoned Private B. R. Armstrong, St. John, N. B., who had lost a foot during the campaign, but who joined in the march on crutches. (vSee page 69.) After the soldiers had been shown over the State apart- ments they were entertained at luncheon in the Royal riding- school, and Col. Otter, Col. Buchanan and Capt. Macdonnell were invited to dine with Her Majesty. The Contingent will sail for home on December the nth. Among the number are eleven of the Draft that left Charlotte- town on March the 17th — four having returhed on the " Idado." The marked success that has followed the arms of the colonial troops throughout the campaign has called forth admir- ation from the world at large. Never before in the history of the nation has the British Empire stood out with such magnificent •Strength, and the fact that " Our Boys " as our representatives, have held their own with regiments of long and hard-earned fame, and that their blood has flowed with that of England's greatest has forever cemented the unity of a Greater Britian. They have fought for the most glorious traditions of English freedom, not for the Boers alone, but for all nations that cluster in South Africa practically under the protection of the English flag. British pluck and valor, when used in the right direction, must in the end triumph, and we are proud that in the hour of Britain's need "Canadian hearts were true," proud that in the tumult of the fray they flinched not, quailed not, faltered not. But in the hour of our pride we do not forget that their ranks are broken, — a thin line, an absent face, a missing comrade, tell of heroes fallen, yet ' they who die for country sleep with God," and their names, enshn» ed with honor and glory, shall ever stand immortalized before the world. And now, to our brave Canadian volunteers, who have borne the heat and burden of the day; to those who will carry forever marks of strife and din of battle; to those who have just re- turned and who are now returning; we, on behalf of Canada — on behalf of the provinces by the .sea, extend a hearty welcome lionie. '"TSp FIRST CONTINGENT y^ ROYAL CANADIAN REGIMENT OF INFANTRY 2nd (Special Service) Battalion NOMINAL ROLL OF OFFICERS, NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS AND MEN Commanding Officer (Canadian Staff) — Lieut. -Colonel W. D. Otter. Majors, (2nd in Command) — L. Buohan, O. Pelletier. Captains and Lieutenants commanding Companies. O. C. Machine Gun Section — Captain A. C. Beil. Regimental Adjutant — J. P. MacDougall. Battalion Adjutants — A. H. Macdonnell, J. H. C. Ogilvy. Quarter Master — S. J. A. De.mison. Medical Officers- C. W. Wilson, E. Fiset. Attached for Staff Duty — L. G. Drummond. Attcched for Special Duty — C.W. Drury.F. L. Lessard, R. Cartwright, W. Forester, C. M. Dobell. Medical Staff for General Service — A. B. Osborne. Nurses — Miss Georgina Pope, Charlottetown; Miss Sarah Forbes; Halifax; Miss Minnie Affleck, Lennox; Miss Elizabeth Russel, Hamilton. Historical Recorder — F. J. Dixon. Chaplains — Rev. J. Almond, (Episcopalian); Rev. T. F. Fullerton, (Presbyterian); Re\ . P. M. O'Leary, (Roman Catholic). Representative of Y. M. C. A. — Dr. H. G. Barrie. Lieut. John A. McDonald sailed with Second Coniingent and attached to " G " Company. Staff N. C. Officers — Sergt., Major D. Borland; Q M. Sergt. G. Galloway; Q. M. Sergt., (O.R. Clerk), E. Reading; Orderly Room Clerk, Ser^t. T. D. Potter; Sergt., Bugler Tre.sham ; Transport Sergeant, Sergt. T. Leblond ; Staff Ar- mourer, Sergt. A. T. Hoad. I02 OUR BOVS UNDER FIRE ^'A'' COMPANY, British Columbia and Manitoba. Captain — H. M.Arnold. (Major 90th Winnipeg Rifles. ) Lieutenants— M. G. Blanchard, A. E. Hodgins, S. P. Layborn. H. S. Allan, B. D. AllLston, J. Adams, J. Anderson, H. An- drews, E. Armstrong, R. H. Barlow, R. J. Barrett, A. C. Beach, W. H. Berthour, A. S. Battson, H. M. Bonner, A. W. Boyce, W. Brooking, J. Carnagie, A. Carter, R. B. Campbell, A. Camp- bell, A. Chisholm, P. Clongh, J. Collins, J. Cook, H. J. Cowan, M. Crooke, G. B. Corbould, F. J. Cornwall, S. T. Court, J. E. Davies, F, Dickinson, J. H. Dickson, W. J. G. Dickson, C. W. Dmicalfe, M. Dockerty, H. Edwards, T. A. Findley, N.F. Foord, F. Finch-Smiles, J. P. French, W. F. Fowle, C. W. Gamble, C. E Groves, P. Greaves, J. L. Hammond, S. S. Hanson, H.P. Hicks, W. H. Holmes, G. C. F. Holyoke, E. N. Hughes. A. B. Irvine. W. Jackson, L. Ingram, S. L. Jones, J. W. Jones, E. Kelly, D. Kennedy, A. S. Lee, R. W. J. Leeman, C. S. Leamy, B. Liston, V. E. LeBar, J. Livingstone, A. O. Lohman, A. Martin, A. S. McKie, K. Matheson, A. Maundrill, C. A. Mills, A. E. Munro. W. J. Moier, W. H. Moodie, R. J. McCalmont, D. Mclvor, D. L. McKeand, W. H. McHarg, J. Moscrop, H. McKenzie, H. E. Neibergall, J. Northcote, F. S. Nixon, A, J. Nye, S. W. O'Brien, S. H. Odell, H, F. Parker, W. O. Patter- son, C. Patterson, J. C. Perry, J. R. Rea, F. Rumsav, F. Rush, F. B. Rorke, A. E. Robbins, S. C. Roberts, C. M. Roberts, H. Sherlock, J, Sherris, J. J. Sinclair, H. Smethurst, James Smith, C. H. Snider. A. C. W. Soper, J. H. Somers, G. St. James, W. H Stebbings, W. Scott, A. Talbot, C. C. Thompson, T. Thomp- son, J. Todd, W. Wallace, G. Wallace, W. Welch, T. Western. W. F. Whitley, G. H. Wilkins, O. J. Wilkie, A. M.Wood, H. R. Wyatt, R. Ward, A. J. Vinnel, P. Whimster. **B'* COMPANY, London, Ont. Captain — D. Stuart. (Major 26th W. L Infantry.) Lieutenants — J. M. Ross, J. C. Mason, R. H. M. Temple. S. Adams, W. G. Adams, A. Adair, A. H. Anderson, E. C. Andrews, D. H. Atkin.son, R. B. Bowden, A. Bethune, J. Bredin, H. E. Bollard, H. B. Barr, P. Barrett, E. Baugh, F. C. Beers, H. Berges, J. C. Biggs, W. J. Burns, H. Burrell \. E. Burwell, F. W. Campbell, W. H. Chapman, A. Charman, F. J. Coles, A. E. Cole, J. B. Corley, Samuel Crockett, E. D. Craig, W. Collins, R. Davies, A. D. Dalgleish, J. Day, J. A. Done.pran, E. N. Dol- man, H. Donahue, P. Delmer, J. B. Duff, A. P)dward, F. Evans, J. Fo J. J. OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE 103 J. E. Farley, C. E. Finch, F. G. W. Floyd, W. H. Fox, Wm. Foote, F. Gorman, W. B. Gorrie, Geo. Graham, C. Greene, W. J. Green, J. C. Hill, J. Herrick, W. J. Hyman, F. W. Hessell, J. T. Hennessy, P. C. Inganielis, R. Irvine, A. P. Jell, M. L. Jones, K. G. Johnston, J. Kingswell, R. H. Little, G. W. Leon- ard, G. B. Little, H. Lane, J. Landrigan, G. McBeth, C. Mc- Laren, M. McLean, J. McCalla, W. McMahon, D McMillan, A. McMurphy, A. Marshall, A. R. McLean, V. Marentette, D. L. Moore, E. MuUins, G. Munro, J. Northvvood, Wm. Nott, V. Odium, G. Odium. L. Power, A. Paddon, T. Piper, G. Phillips, G. Pinel, E. Pert, J. Powell, J. Purcell, W. Reed, D. Reid, C. Redge, A. Rae, T. Robinson, C. Rorison, G. Sippi. J. Smith, W. Steven.son, C. Scott, R. Smith, F. Stanberry, J. Sutherland, E. Taylor, G. Taylor, H. Thompson, F. Turner, T. Tutt, F. Trol- ley, A. Wardel, A. Webb, W. West, H. Westaway, Jas. Wells, Wheatcraft, A., G. White, W. White, G. Woodliffe, A. Wilson, R. Wigham, A. Woodward, W. Woodyat, H. WiLson. *' C " COMPANY, Toronto, Ontario. Captain — R. K. Baker. (Captain Queen's Own Rifles. Lieutenants— W. R. Marshall, C. S. Wilkie, F.D. Lafferty. L. Allen, F. T. Anderson, J. Baldwin, T. H. Banton F. Blair, N. D. Black, B. M. Bird, W. S. Blight, H. S. Bingham, W\ P. R. Brettingham, A. Beattie, H. G. Brunton F. Burkhart, W. B. Butler, F. M. Calvert. H. A. Callahan, D. H. Christie, K. J. Ca.ssel, W. R. Cur.sis, A. E. Coggins, H. Coggins, J. S Campbell, F. Cuthbert, A. Dangerfield, F. H. Dunham, E. C. Day, J. Davison, H. W. A. Dixon, G. Eakins, G. S. Ellis, J. N. Fawcett, A. H. O. Freemantle, J. H. Finlay, T. H. Graham, W. H. Grant, N. Gray, W. Haines, E. W. Hodgins. R. W. Ho.skins, F. T. Hector, M. Hendry, R. Henderson, W. Hewett, W. Holland, J. Holland, C. Hope.son, J. Hernibrook, F. Ingle- strom, G. Ironside, N. Jones, J. Jordon, J. Kennedy, R. Kidner, J. Long. F. Lor.sch, W. Love, H. Machin, W. Manion, G. Martin, N. Morley, J. Mitchell, T. Morse, A. McCall, P. McCo.sh, D. McCuish, H. Middleton, K. McGee, L. McQiverin, E. McHugh, R. McLauchlin, L. McKenzie, M. McNish, D. McPherson, D. Noble. F. Page, C. Parry, S. Perry, D. Preston, R. Pringle, J. Ramage, J. Ram,say, F. Rutherford, J. Rasberry, F. Rae, E. Ridway, A. Robson, W. Rogers, J. Roke, W^ Rooke, J. Seager, C. Seymour, A. Sherritt, G. Simpson, J. Smith, G. Smith, J. Spence, J. Solari, M. Stewart, J. Sutton, G. Thompson, W. Thompson, C. Tice (nil), C. Tomlinson, W. Travers, J. U.sher, W. Vanderwater, A. VanNorman, S. Vicary, J. Vickers, T. r/ I04 OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE Wallace, S. Warde, W.Warren, W.Warwick, R. Watson, F. Weir, E. Wellar, J. A. Wilson, N. Wilson, D. Williams, J. White- head, D. Wright, H. Young, A. Young. •^D" COMPANY, Ottawa and Kingston. Captain — S. Maynard Rogers. Major 43rd Ottawa and Carleton Rifles. I^iEUTENANTS — '.V, T. Lawless, R. G. Stewart, A, C. Caldwell. E. Auger, C. E. Ault, E. D. Bartlett, H. A. Benbow, W. S. Brady, A. Bennett, H. G. Bolster, A. W. Bolyea, J. L. H. Bradshaw, E. W. Bull, O. T. Burns, R. Burns R. Cannington, J. S. Cairns, J. Chidlow, C. P. Clarke, B. Carruthers, L. M. Chitty, A. J. Caudron, P. Clunie, A. Clother, A. Cotterell, F. Croft, J. A. C. Cram, G. G. Cockburn, J. D. Coleman, H. Cotton, C. E. Craig, N. W. H. Cluff, R. J. Cunningham, R. P. Dalberg, E. DesLauriers, J. R. Dunlop, G. D. Deuchars, E. Dunlop, C. A. Donaldson, D. M. Eley, N. Escobel, S. H. Eagleson, J. F. G. Ellard, A. J. Flemming, W. J. Foden, P. R. Foster, C. E, Frye, W. J. Gilmour, C. M. Gibson, J. D. H. Craham, J. Gallagher, A. E. Gilmour, H. G. Haigh, J. Hatton. G. G. Hulme, J. R. Hagan, J. Hennessy, C. Holland, P. Hugall, C. E. E. Jackson, W. Johnston, H. H. Jones, A. Laird, G. Lamothe. W. R. Latimer, A. L. Large, W. R. Lawrence, Z. R. E. Lewis, F. J. Living, G. R. D. Lyon, F. Lynn, L. P. LeBean, H. Martin, A. Macaulay, W. A. Martin, C P. Mason, A. J. Matthews, E. St. J. Malloch, E. Morgans, J. Major, W. Mills, N. Mitchell, W. Morrison, J. Morin, C. McCullough J, McConnell, J. McNa'r. E. Morrison, R. MacRae, R. MacKay, A. McCormack, F. McDonald, F. McFadden, J. McLennan, J. J. McCrea, G. Padmore, A. Peters. W. Parr, G. Philips, A. Prior, R Porteous, W. Ritchie, W. Ross, J. Rowley, A. Ross, W. Shillington, H. Small, J. Smith, W. Smith, W. Schwitzer, C. Spence, L. Street, E. Southey, N. Swan, A. Taylor. R. Thompson, C. Thompson, C. T. Thomas, J. Thomas, G. Tillev, R. Turner, T. Turpin, A. Wall, L. Walker, W. Wendt, A. Williamson, F. Wood, H. Wright. *\E*' COMPANY, Montreal. Captain — C. Fraser. (Captain 53rd Sherbrooke Battalion.) Lieutenants — A. Swift, A. Laurie, C. Armstrong. J. Allan, J. Adams, C. Allan, F. Ackerman, W. Allmand, T. Aspell, R. Bach, J. Bailey, C. Barry, J. Bigelow, G. Bolt, R. OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE 105 Byford, R. Bvers, T. Bau^h, M. Carter, C Campbell, R. Canty, W. Carter, R. Clarke, H. Coates, F. Cox, P. Crotty, I. Curry, F. Corner, A. Dawsen, M. Delaney, T. Doyle, G. Downey, A. Durkee, E. Dynes, F. Erskine, H. Fisher, R. Fisher, W. Fowler, W. Frawley, H. Fraser, J. Gamble, R. Gunn, J. Gorman, J. Gardner, R. Goodfeliow, R. Graham, G. Greenlay, E. Hardinpr, J. Hill, W. Hale, G. Harapson, A. Hannaford, J. Hawkins, R. Hayes, H. Hay ward, F. Home, P. H3 aes, F. Irwin, A. James, F. Jones, W. Jeffrey, J. Jeffrey, M. Kealey, E. Kelly R. Lecouteur, F. Lee, C. Lewis, C. Lester, J. Malin, H. Marjin, A. Martin, D. Meade, W. Murdoch, F. Middleton, D. Murphy, H. Mitchell, T. Moore, W. Murray, F. Moody, C. Molyneux, A. McDonald, J. McCann, D. McGill, W. Mclver, J. McGoldrick, R. McLean, R. McLeod, A. McQueen, T. Nash, C. Nickle, J. O'Brien, J. O'Meara. J. Phillips, J. Piatt, A. Pope, W. Porter, R. Prince, G. Price, G. Roberts, E. Rupert, P. Ryan, F. Richardson, A. Shaw, R. Shore, M. Sheehan, W. Stanning, M. Swift, A. Sword, D. Sword, A. Thomas, G. Thomas, H. Travers, J. Tregett, A. Tulloch, A. Turner, W. Tweddell, J. Walters, T. Walters, H. Walker, F. Wasdell, G. Wardle, A. White, W. Wilkin, A. Wilkins, H. Williams, P. Wright, J. Wright, J. Yelland, J. Youngson, A. Young. u F" COMPANY, Quebec. Cam AiN— H. A. Peltier. (Major 65th Moi. uted Royal Rifles.) Lieutenants — H. A. Pauet, L. Leduc, E. A. Pelletier. C. Arnton, P. Arnton, G. Atkinson, C. Barclay, A. Bagot, W. W. Bamford, C. Baldwin, C. Beaupre, H. Brown, H. Brown, L. Brooker, L. Bouck, J. Bower, W. Bessette, E. Carbonneau, J. Casey, M. Champagne, A. Chatel, W. Cloutier, A. Chisholm, W. Cooper, P. Conley, H. Cowgill, J. Curphy, J. F. Desjardins, J. D 'Amour, A. Demais, L. Dolbec, F. Donahue, W. Downing, J. W. Duhamel, G. D'Orsonens, A. Dubergor, W. Dixon, Wm. Eite, J. Fancy, H. Forest, L. Gates, J. Gingras, J. Grecia, E. Gratton, R. Harrison, Chas. Harrison, R. Harvey, B. Hennessy, J. Hill, J. A. Hudon, W. Hunter, C. Hubley, W. Irwin, M. Ivers, G. Jette, T. Jewell, E. Jobin, L. Larue, L. Lafleur, H. Lambkin, E. Lamoureaux, E. Laverdure, P. Lefebre, T. Lescarbue, G. Lightbound, L. Le- veille, O. Lewis, A. Lemay, O. Matheson, J. Medhurst, L. Michau, J. Monteith, H. Montizambert, J. McEllhiney, J. McNeill, G. Mc- Collum, J. McDonald, W. Mclnto.sh, J MacTaggert, H. McLaughlin, A. McMillan, E. McMillan, R. McDonald, G. Orman, W. Peppeatt, J. Polkinghorn, C. Peterson, G. Paquette, H. Proulx, J. Plammon- din, J. Rae, J. Raymond, J. Remy, C". Redmond, J. Robertson, A. Roy, J Roberts, J. A. Scott, J. Sievert, A. Soucy, L. Smith, F. Strong, G. Sutt(m, A. Sutherland, J. Tapin, H. Tattersail, E. Tessier, A. Theriault, W. Thompson, J. Touchette, F. Utton, L. Vallee, J. Walsh, W. Warren, N. Wiseman, F. Woodward, R. R. Wylie, B. Withey, C. Warren. io6 OUK BOYS UNDER PIKE ''G'' COMPANY, N. B. and P. E. Island. OAITAIN. W. A. Weeks, (Major Charlottetown Enfjineers,) Charlotte- town, P. E. Island. L1KUTENANT8. Jones, F. C, (Capt. 3rd Refrt. C. A.) St. John, N. B. ; Kaye, J. H., (Lieutenant R. C. R. Infantry) St. John, N. B. ; McLean, C. W. W., (2nd Lieutenant Princess Louise Hussars.) St. John, N. B NEW BRUNSWICK CONTINGENT. R. C. R. INFANTRY, FHEDERICTON. Baker, Watson. Dartmouth, .S.N Brown, Harry, Windsor, N. S. Campbell, Georjjfe E., St. John. Eite, William, Bristol, Eng. Flewellinfif, Ernest, Carleton, St. John. tFradsham, Harry, Fredericton, JHessian, Ed. Geo'town, P. E. I. Halliamore, William, Lunenburg, N. S. Harvie, Robie, Hants Co.,N. S. Hennessey, Bryan P., Bristol, En^r. Keddy, Edward, Halifax. McCollum, John H. St. John. McLaug-hlin, H. P., Fredericton, J Morrison, James, R. C. A. MiUev, Hujrh, Dumfrieshire, Scotland. tQuinn, Martin J., Halifax, J Russell, Joseph ,R. C. A. Redden, Henry, Kentville, N. S. ^Scott, Jacob B., Moncton. Sheldon, Alfred, Stafford, Enj?. 1Simp,son, Percy, Wauleij^h, Charlotte Co. Wallace, Wm. V., Halifax, N.S. Warren, Wm., Chtown, P. E. I. Woodward, Fred S. St. Stephen, N. B. 3rI) regiment CANADIAN ARTILLERY. Bryant, William, Bristol, Eng. Burnside, James M., Rothesay. Craific, Edwin A., St. John, tDonahue, William, Moncton. Doyle, Andrew. St. John. Fabre, David, Halifax. Fisher. Walter C, St. John. Hatfield, Arthur S., St. John. Jenkins, Charles, Mo.ss Glen, Kinjifs Co. Kirkpatrick. Fred A., St. John. McCain, Frederick, " Morley, Henry A., native of Eufifland. Pa.scoe, Joseph B., s. of Rev. J. Pascoe, Petticodiac. Polkinhorn. Geo., St. John. Rawlinjrs. John. St. John. Raymond. William, St. Martins. Roberts, Arthur, native of Lon- don, En^". Scott, John, St. John. tSimpson, Alfred, native of Ij(mdon, Enfjf. tSpvajrue, W. Frank, St. John. Swatridye, Wm. O., St. John. Walsh, John, St. John. ' ^Withers, Fred W., St. John 12th field BATTERY. *Anslow, Chas. W., Newcastle. tGifford, Bert Chatham. *Resigned Commission. fWounded. JRoyal ScLool of Artillery, Quebec. Harris, Benjamin, Newcastle. Kitchen, William, §Killed. II Died. ^ OUR BOYS UNDER FIRR Stii mrssARs. 107 Adams, Fred G., St. John. McMullen, William, Sackville. Hubley, Russell C, son of Rev. A. M. Hubley, Sus.sex. 62n1) aE(»I.MKNT ST. JOHN FUSIMKRS. Carney, J. J., native of New York. Chisholm, Allan W., St. John. tCoombs, Fred W., Cooper, Walter J., Downinjj, Walter, Halifax. Foster, Minard G., St. John. Globe, Alex R., fHayden, Arthur, kin(;kmh i.oimhk KtrmiMKiiH. Anderson, J. 11., Halifax. McD(mald, Campbell, llali HIaike, il. i< MacAldin. U.. Horton, Cliff, ti Purcell, E. S., Cleary, W., n jl'urcell, L. A., " Carroll, J,, Dei vers, F., tt Pollock, Wm. J., l( Roche, William, ' Doolev, F., (. Rose, James H, " Elliot; VV. R., (( Ryan, David J., " Farrer, K., u Stewart, C4eo. W., " (J rant, James W SSievert, J. G., Jr., Hire, J., (( Simmons, W., " Harris, .lames. (( Walker, W. A., KeoK'-h, P., l( Woods, J., " Kirki)atrick, F., l( Walsh, Thos. J., rm(» Officer— F. L. Tjessanl, (Lieut. H. C. Dra^foons), CiiAiM-AiNH -Kev. W. J. Cox, (Church of Rn^rhind), Charlotte- town, I*. K. I.: Uev. W. (i. Lane, (MethcHlist), l'arrsl)oro, N. S., Rev. J. C. Sinnett, (Roman Catholic.) Nim«E — Miss M. Home, Pictou, N. S. The followinfj are the officers and men recruited from New nrunswicl< and I'rince PIdward Island : — > "H" SQADRON. II Harrison, Charles F., Quartei-master. (Captain 8th Hussars, St. John), St. John, N. H. Brd RECH.MENT (WN.VDI.VN ARTI(<1,KRY. *tArmstrtm>f, B, R., St. John. 8tII IIIISHARH Arnold, R. H., Sussex. Bell, W. H., St. John. McCully, J. R., Chatham. Law.sori, F. W., Amherst, N. S Morrison, D. A., St. John. 62nd rkoi.ment Morrison, T. F., Chatham. Markham, R. F., St. John. Parks. J. H., St. John. Steven.son, H. T., Richibucto. Beetle, F., St. John. Leavitt, A. ' Mallory, A. P. " Mcintosh, A.L. " Mclntyre, R., St. John. Nilant, J., Bosto.i, Mass. Venninfr, W. E., St. John. 71ST RK(H.MKNT. Hawkins, J. F., Fredericton. 74th REdlMENT. Dovle, F. L., Moncton. *Metzler, H., " *Lockhart, J. H., Moncton. *Moorhouse, A. H. " *Resigned Commission, t Wounded. §Killed. IjDied. 112 OUK BOYS UNDER FIRE "E" BATTERY. Good, Capt. W. C, (Major 10th Field Battery). ROYAL CANADIAN ARTILLERY. Crockett, L., York, P. E. I. | MacCormick, E. F. Souris,P.E.I. 3r1J REOIMENT CANADIAN ARTILLERY. Howard, A. G., St. John. Harrison, R. A., Gondola Point, King^'s Co. McLeod, G. F., St. John. Kirk, G. P., St. John. Withers, S. J., St. John. IOtII FIELD BATTERY. Brewer, F. C, Woodstock. Buck, F. Dysart, H. B., Hartland. N.B. Everett, F. H., Kinffston. Gray, H., native of Liverpool, Enyland. Hayclen, J. A., Carleton Co. Hail, H., native of ninnin^rhani, Enjrland. Hujrhes, R. Woodstock. Johnson, G. H., Campbellton. Kennedy. W., Millville. Leifjrhton, W. L., Woodstock. Lynn, W. P., Fredericton. McLean, H. G., Woodstock. Parker, G. G., Fredericton. Searle, G., Wood.stock. Smith, R., Lakeville. Tibbitts. A., Fredericton. Welch, R. S., Woodstock. 12tii field hattery. Boone, M., Fredericton. Carvell, T., Newcastle. Craijr. T., Dalton, D.. " Duval. G. T., Jersey, 111. Finnamort, B., Fredericton. Galliah, J. J., Newcastle, King, M. R., McLeod, Norman P., Frederic- ton. Morrison, S. J., Newcastle. Ross, G. H., Westville. Russel, G., Newcastle. Rutter, C. W. Tibbitts, J., Fredericton. Woods, J. C., Richibucto, N. B. Officers and men i-ecruited from Nova Scotia. :- "B" SQUADRON. (iBorden, Har >ld L, Lieut. (Major K. C. Hussars.) Ryan, R. H., Keatvil'.e, N. S. Paw,sey,Alfred J.,HantsCo.N.S. Hub])ard,Fred W.,Cannin}r,N.S. Lawson,Fred VV., Amherst, N.S. Sanford, E. A., Canninjr, N. S. Snyder, VVm. H., Berwick, N.S. McMillan. L.C.,Spriii}.field,N.S. Thomp.son, T. A., Oxford, N.S. Miller, L.R.,Laurencetown,N.S. White, Henry B.,Waterville,N.S 2nd battalion. Biscoe, V. Henry, Halifax, N.S. Brennan, Robert J., " Courteney, Thomas J., " Eaton . Robert Barry .Truro, N. S. Efxan, Peter, Halifax, N. S. Fitz^rerald.F.J., Henry, William A., Antijifonish, N. S. Lonjr, J. P., Halifax, N. S. "Resigned Commission. tWounded. §Killed. ||Died. OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE 113 E " FIELD BATTEKY. Borden, M., Pujjfwash, N. S. Black, S., Grand Mira, N. S. Blair, C. D., Truro, N. S. tFletcher, G. F., Halifax, N. S. Jackson, R. C., Pictou, N. S. Jago, J. R., Dartmouth, N. S. MacDonald, D., Sydney, C. B. Mac Donald, D.J. , ^' MacDonald, J. J.,Thorburn,N.S. Myra, W. A., Halifax, N. S. Scott, I. M., Antijifonish, N. S. Tooker, T. W., Yarmouth, N. S. STRATHCONA HORSE. Men recruited from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and P E. Island :r— C().MMANniN(t OtHurKR— Lieut. Col. S. R., Steele, (N. W. M. P.) Campbell, M. G., Whycocmajru, N. S. Carson, W., Pictou, N. S. Condon, B., Kin}>ston, N.B. Edwards, R. H., Halifax. Irwin, H., Shelburne, N. S. Matallall, A., "Tatamaufouche, N. B. Munnis,C.H.,();-]rd Halifax Rifles. Fader, G. H., Sydney, C. B. Wrifrl^t, R., St. "John N. B. Deacon, B.L., Freetown, P. E. I. REINFORCEMENTS TO FIRST CONTINGENT. NEW BRUNSWICK. (i2ND ST. JOHN FTTSIMKRS. Fairweather, Percy. St. John | *Robertson, Duncan. 71 ST VORK REdlMEXT OF INFANTRY. Edwards, W., Fredericton. Jones, John, ' Nix(m, C. J., R.C.R.I. Price, E. H. Roberts Wrifjfht, F. M., 71.st York Regiment, (Reinforcements.) PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND. Mellish, Arthur, J. B., Lieut. 82nd Queen s Co. Reyfi, (First Continfrent.) Rodd, Thos. A., 2nd Lieut. 82nd Queens Co. Re^riment, (First Contingent.) St wart, Lome, Liout. 82nd Queen's Co. Refjt., (First Con- tinjfeut.) Leslie, Joshua, Lieut 4th Re^J't. C. A., (First Contingent.) NOVA SCOTIA. Oxlev. Capt. 93rd Cumberland Refj^t., (First Coutinjrent.) Jaj.><)". J. B., Lieut. E. Batterv, R. C. A., (2nd Continji-ent.) W^ard, a. L., Capt. (Wth Kiufr's Co. Rejrt., (First Continjrent.) c;: cv B OUR BOYS UNDKR FIKE. 115 Chief Events of the War. October 11 — War declared by the Boers. 14 — Newcastle occupied by Boers. 15 — Kimberley wires cut and railway interrupted. 20 — Battle of Glencoe. 21 — Battle of Elland's Laagte. 24 — Battle of Riefontein. 25 — Generals Yule and White join forces at Ladysmith. 30 — Nicholson's Nek disaster. Two British regiments captured. Colesburg occupied by Boers. Nov'eniber 2 — Ladysmith isolated. 3 — Boers defeated at Ladysmith. 23 — Battle of Belmont. 25 — Battle of Cras Pan. 28 — Battle of Modder River. December 10 — Battle of Magt-rsfonteiri. Highland Brigade cut up. General Gatacre suffers reverse at Stormberg. 15 — Severe repulse of Sir Redvers Buller at Tugela. 17 — Lord Re berts appointed to command in South Africa. January 6 — Boer attack on Ladysmith repulsed. 1 2— Warren crosses Tugela. 23 — Warren takes Spion Kop. 25 — Spion Kop abandoned by British. February 5 — Buller begins third attempt to relieve Ladysmith. 8 — Buller retired across Tugela. 15 — Seige of Kimberly rai.sed. 16 — Jacobsdal occupied. Dordrecht occupied by General Brabant. 18 — Battle of Paardeberg. Many Canadians killed. 19 — Colenso occupied by General Buller. 26 — General Brabant occupied Jamestown. 27 — Majuba Day. Cronje surrendered to Lord Roberts. 28 — CoUe.sberg re-occupied by General Clements. March i — Ladysmith relieved. 14 — Roberts enters Bloemfontein. 26 — Ladybrand entered by British. Landrost captured. Ii6 OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE 30 — Mishap to Colonel Broadwood's force at Sanna's Post. 31 — British disaster at Reddersberg. April 5 — Boer Force captured by Methuen at Boshop. Gen. de Villebois Mareuil k'Ued. 9 — Colonial division attacked at Wepener. 25 — Wepener relieved. 27 — Sir Charles Warren appointed Governor of Griquland West. May I — Northward advance from Bloenifontein commenced. 3 — British capture Brandfort. Hamilton defeats Boers' near Winburg. Hunter defeats Boers near Jacobrust^. 5 — Roberts defeats Boers at Vet River. Hamilton defeats Boers near Winburg. Hunter defeats Boers at Rooidam. 6 — Roberts reaches Smaldeel Junction. Winburg taken by Gen. Hamilton. 7 — Roberts drives Boers from Zand River. 10 — Mafeking relief column reported at Vryburg. 12 — Roberts occupies Kroonstadt. Gen. Buller renews oper- ations in Natal. Boer attack on Mafeking repulsed. 15 — Buller occupies Dundee. Part of Brabant's Hor.se occupy Ladybrand. 15 — Buller occupies Glencoe. 18 — Mnfekiiig relieved. 19 — Buller occupies Newcastle. 21 — Roberts resumes his march to Pretoria. 24 — Roberts' advatice force crosses the Vaal. 27 — Roberts' army in the Tran.svaal. 28 — Roberts reaches a point eighteen miles from Johannes- burg. 29 — Roberts announces he will enter Johannesburg May 30. 30 — The British forces: enter Johannesburg. June 5 — Lord Roberts and British forces enter Pretoria. Sept. 1 — South African Republic annexed to the British Crown. Nov. 30 — Lord Kitcheher appointed to the command of the British forces in vSouth Africa. — Lord Roberts starts for England by way of Durban. — The Field Mar.shal to be Conmiande-in- Chief of the British Army. It is well known that in the three memorable seiges Gen. Si La in foi M nu OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE 117 Sir George Stewart White commanded the British forces in Ladysmith, Col. Kekewich in Kimberley and Col. Baden-Powell in Mafeking. On the Boer side Joubcrt was in command of the forces around Ladysmith during the greater part of the seige of Mafeking, and was later succeeded hy Snynian, when Cronje moved down to take charge of the seige of Kimberley. The dates of all the principal battles are given above. The battle of Glencoe, also called the battle of Talana Hill, was fought under Gen. Symons on the British .side and a portion of Joubert's command. Won by the British. The battle of Eland.slaagte v.as fought under Gen. White against a portion of Joubert's forces and won by the Briti.sh. General French signalised himself in this fight. Reitfontein, like Eland.slaagte, was fought to hold the Boer forces at Iniy till the British forces from Glencoe, (under Gen. Yule af'er Symon's death) could make good their retirement to Lady.smth. W^on by the British. Nicholson's Nek di.sa.ster befell a portion of Gen. White's command who were captured by Joubert's men. The battle of Belmont was fought by Gen. Lord Methuen against the Boers under Cronje and won by the Briti.sh. Gras Pan the same. Modder River the same, though it was pretty nearly a drawn battle. At Magersfontein the Briti.sh under Methuen were repul.sed in an attack on the Boers in po.sition under Cronje. The first great battle on the Tugela was fought by Gen. BuUer against Gen. Jouljert The British were repul.sed with severe loss. At Stormberg the British under Gen. Gatacre were repuLsed with heavy loss in killed, wounded, prisoners and guns by the Boers under Botha. Spion Kop was first captured and afterwards abandoned bj^ the British under Gen. Warren, the Boers being conunanded by Schalkburger. At Paardeberg, and at the capture of Cronje nine days later, the respective commanders were Lord Roberts and Cronje. Since Cronje's capture the conunand of the Boer forces has devolved on Botha who has been driven back 290 miles from Bloemfontein to Pretoria. The taking of Pretoria on June 5th, and the annexation of the Tran.svaal on Sept. ist are virtually the closing .stages of the campaign. Ii8 OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE : : THE CASUALTY LIST. Tlie followino; is the list of casualties in the First Contin- gent up to Sept. 2oth : N J- DIED FROM DISEASE. K. Deslauriers, Ottawa, D Co. M. C.Chappell.74th Batt.GCo. D. h. Moore, R. C. R., B Co. J. E. Farlev, B Co. J. Russel, R. C. A., G Co. J. Adams, M. Dragoons, A Co. W. J. H. Ross, DCo. H. Forrest. 6ist Eatt. F Co. R. Harrison, Montreal, F Co. A. Bcattie, Toronto, C Co. W. S. Blight, Toronto C Co. W. G. Adams, London, B Co. J. Curphv, S. Corps, F Co. E. Purceil, Halifax, H Co. H. B. Barr, B Co. A. T. Zong, H Co. Halifax. B. Liston, 90th Win., A Co. C.H Bolt.E Co., 3rd Vic. Rifles. J. J. Purceil, R. C. A. J. Rasberry, 77th Went. Batt. A. F. Van' Norman, C Co. h. Larue, 87th Batt. F Co. W. F. Whitley, 6th Reg., A Co. G.W. Leonard, 22'.id Reg..B Co. R. Irvine, B Co., 19th Reg. A. Wetmore, Mimico. W. Haines, C Co. R. Clunie, D Co. KILLED. W. vScott, 5th Reg. C.A.,A Co. R. Goodfeilow. E Co. C. E. Jackson, D. Co. W. Jackson, A Co. A. Maundrill, A. Co. J. Todd. 5th Reg. C. A.,A Co J.H.vSomers, A Co. R.vSmith.26th Middle.sex, B Co. J. A. Donegan, B Co. W. White. 2ist E.ssex, B Co. J.H.Findlav,35thSimcoe,C Co. W. T. Manion, R. G., C Co, Z.R.E.Le\vis.N.W.M.P.,D Co. O.T.Burns,43rd Ottawa, D Co. C. H. Barry, Montreal E Co. C. Lester, Montreal, U Co. A. McQueen, E Co. R. D. Taylor, Charlottetown Engineers, G Co. F. C. Page, G.C.B.G.,C Co. B. Withey, R. C. A., F Co. G. Orman, 93rd Cumb., F Co. W.A.Riggs, Charlottetown En- gineers, G Co. J. B. Scott, R.C.R.I.,G Co. F. W. Withers.St. John.G Co. M. Johnson, St. John G. Co, J. DeFoe, R. C. A , Halifax. C. E. Frye, D Co., Belleville. Henry Cotton, 52 Batt. Ottawa. F. G. W. Floyd, B Co. DIED FROM WOUNDS. Capt. H. M. Arnold, Winnipeg. P, McCreary, 74th Batt. G Co. G. John.stone, Halifax. H Co. W. S. Bradv, Ottawa, D Co. C. T. Thomas, D Co. F. S. Living, Ottawa, D Co. F. Wasdell,E Co. A. Rov, 39th, F Co. J. Sievert, H Co. A. Theirault, 9th Volt. F Co. J. Smith, B Co. OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE 119 WOUNDED — COMPANY G. Nelson T. Brace, Charlottetown , — Feb. 27th. J. A. Harris, Charlottetown, Co. G— Feb. 27th. A.Hayden.St.John — Mav 29th. James Johnson, St. John — Feb. 1 8th. H. I^eavitt, Grand Lake, N. B. —Feb. i.Sth. A. Pelkey, St. John— Feb. 27. M. J. Quinn, R. C. R. I., Fredericton — Feb. 27th. A. Simp.son, Charlotte Co., — Feb. 27th. W. C. Unkary, Feb. 27th. J F. Waye, Hunter River, P. E. I.— Feb. I.Sth. F. W. Coombs, St. John— Feb. 27th. WOtTNDKD — COMP.\NY H. W. F. Adams -Feb. iSth. G. D. McCallum, Feb. i8th. A. Parker, Feb. 20th. W. J. Regan, Feb. 18th. RECORD OF THE NINETEENTH BRIGADE. Besides an excellent showing for marching and fighting in Cape Colony previous to the formation of the 19th Brigade, and also subsequent to the fall of Pretoria, the Canadian Foot have the following record while members of the Nineteenth Brigade under Major-General Smith-Dorien. Left Gras Pan, Cape Colony, 12th February, 1900. Arrived at Pretoria, 5th June, 1900. Marched in a straight line 620 miles. GENERAL ACTIONS. Paardeberg — Feb. 18-27. Poplar Grove (Ossfontein) — M ,-ch 7-S. Driefontein — March 9-10, Isreal Poort— April 25lh. Houtnek — April ^oth-Mav ist. Welkom -May 4th. Zand River, May lotli. Affair of Lindle} — May 20th. Doornkop — May 29tli. Six Mile Spruit, ( Pretoria) — June 4th. Twenty seven TOWNS CAPTURED. Jacobsdal, Bloemfontein, Thaba N'Chu, Winberg, Ventersburg, Kroonstadt, Lindley, Heilbron, Johannesburg, Pretoria. days skirmishes. I20 OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE PRESS NOTICES. W "Our Boys Under Fire". . . While the author's chief object is to give the story of Company G from the date of their enlistment to their return, yet at the same time an outline is given of the whole war and especially of the Canadians' share in what was achieved. The narrative is enlivened by incidents, adventures and pleasing descriptions, and through it all breathes the spirit of love for Canada and the Empire. — Montreal Witness. Friends of the N. B. and P. E. Island Contingent will find " Our Boys Under Fire" especially interesting as Christmas gifts to friends at a distance, as it gives prominence to the doings of our own boys. — St. John Sun. Miss Mellish cairies along her narrative in an easy and flowing style, and her work makes an excellent record both general and personal. — St. John Globe. The work is sketched so vividly and broadly as to be of general interest to all. Its whole tone and method are both admirable. — Wesleyan, Halifax. A great deal of valuable information is given in a bright racy manner. — Chronicle, Halifax, N. S. For interesting reading and a valuable souvenir we can highly recommend "Our Boys Under Fire."— Herald, Halifax. The book is well gotten up, entailed careful study and the author has followed the war closely from the departure of the boys to their return. — Moncton Transcript. This BrDchure describes the career of the First Canadian Contingent with special and marked reference to the N. B. and P. E. Island volunteers. — Sentinel, Woodstock. The book may be regarded as a history of the experiences of the N. B. and P. E. Island boys on active service and every one who desires a really valuable souvenir of the war should not fail to get a copy. — Post, Sackville, N. B. The graphic way Miss Mellish tells her story may be partially accounted for by the fact that her brother, Lieut. Mellish has written her many letters from th' front. — Dispatch, Woodstock, N. B. The whole work is well executed, well written in clear pleasing style and is highly creditable to the authoress. — Patriot, Charlottetown, P. E. I. The book is highly creditable to the fair young authoress and the more especially so as it is her first book, ^-^e rest assured that it will not be her last. Besides the forty-two illustrations are the names of every officer and man of the Canadian force and the complete casualty list. — Guardian, Charlottetown'P. E. I. Miss Mellish has compressed into 12'?. pages of her vividly written and inter- esting book a surprising amount of information valuable to all who are interested in the war in South Africa. — Examiner, Charlottetown, P. E. I. One of the most valuable books that has been written on the war is " Our Boys Under Fire." The author has given us an interesting, accurate and graphic account of the First Canadian Contingent. — Acadian, Wolfville, N.S. OUR nOYS ITNDKR PIRK 12; WOUNDKD— COMPANY G. Ofkiciai. Rkvihki) List. Datk No. Na.vik Batti.k WiiKRH Hit 1900 Feb 18 7!«1 Giffortl, U. Paardeijei->j Shoulder. • ( 18 7S»4:{ Johnston, J. N. i * Lejr. (( 1880(11 Waye, J. F. 11 Le^- and foot. 11 27 7!IH5 Harris, J. A. Cronje's Laa 27 7920 Donohoe, W. VV. II Left le>r. u 27 7987 Sprajrue, F. W. II Left arm. 4 k 27 7909 Brace, N. T. il Body. Apr 25 7833 Culver, J. W. Israel Poort LeK". May 1 7955 Lutz, J. A. Hout Nek Lejf. (( 1 7952 Letson, J. ti Le};. ii 29 7938 Playdon, A. Johannesbur}r (Doom Ko])) Arm. u 29 7967 Mellish,ArthurJ.B.' COMPANY H. ' a Rij^ht \eff. Feb. 18 8054 Adams. Vr. F. Paardeber^i- Shimlder. u 18 81 28 McCoUum, (i. D. •• Head. .( 18 8151 Reiran, W. J. k h Arm and ley. 1 1 20'8142 l'ari