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OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE 
 
 OR 
 
 MARITIME VOLUNTEERS 
 
 IN SOUTH AFRICA 
 
 BY 
 
 ANNIE ELIZABKTH MKLLISH 
 
 " Deeper than speech our love. 
 Stronger than life our tether." 
 
 — Riiiiyard l\i filing 
 
 CHARLOTTETOWN : 
 
 I'RINTKI) AT TIIK KXA.MINKR OFFK^K, Ql KKN STKKKr 
 
 1900 
 
/--'v^ y-' -7^ 
 
 / 
 
 A ■ I 
 
 I 
 
God save the Queen — 
 With wisdom from above, 
 And in the nation's love, 
 
 Her throne maintain. 
 
■i 
 
 : 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 IN preparing this book for the public I have not attempted 
 to give a full accoutit of the war in South Africa, but have 
 merely endeavored to outline the career of the First Canadian 
 Contingent engaged in the cam^)aign — with special reference to 
 the volunteers from the Maritime Provinces. The material for 
 the work has been taken from official reports, 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 these writers, as well as to 
 Lord Strathcona 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 thanks. 
 
 Annie E. Melush. 
 Charlottetown, 
 
 Prince Edward Island, 
 
 December loth, 1900. 
 
 i 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 ii 
 
 i\ 
 
 1 1 
 
 I ■; 
 
 r ! 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 The Beginning of Hostilities. Boer Ultimatum. Formation of 
 Contingent. Presentations and Farewell to Volunteers. 
 Regiment at Quebec. Departure. Trip on "Sardinian" 
 Town. l3ust Storm at De Aar Junction. Life at Belmont. 
 New Year. Queen's Chocolate Boxes. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 1 
 
 First Canadian 
 
 Mobilization of 
 
 Arrival at Cape 
 
 Christmas and 
 
 Page 9 
 
 Lord Roberts supersedes General BuUer. Mobilization of Troops at Gras Pan. 
 Canadians included in 19th Brigade formed under General Smith-Dorien. 
 Lord Roberts' strategy to capture General Cronje, Description of Paarde- 
 berg. Ba'tle 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 III. 
 
 Famous march • :>mfontein. Hunger and Thirst. General Smith-Dorien's 
 
 Order. Di *ion of Houses. Heavy Marching. Canadian Pluck. 
 
 Special Cases among Our Boys. Bloemfontein Entered. City Described. 
 Canadians Encamp. Hosoitalitier. 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. Enemy 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. Rejoicing 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 
 
 I 
 
1 
 
 CONTKNTS 
 
 I 
 
 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 VU. 
 
 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' League and Red Cress Work. Some Re- 
 ceipts of latter. Canadians leave Springs. ( ompany "G" on Armoured 
 Train. Chase Gen. DeWet and Force. Kruger 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 
 
 'r> 
 
 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 Brun.swick, Prince Edward Lsland and Nova Scotia Com- 
 panies Clas.sified and Place of Residence given. 
 
 SECOND CONTINGENT— Nova Scotia, New Brun.swick and 
 Prince Edward Lsland Volunteers in "B" Squadron and "E" 
 Battery. Companies Cla.ssified and Place of Residence 
 given. 
 
 STRATHCONA HORSE— Nova vScotia. New Brun.swick and 
 Prince Edward Lsland Volunteers and Place of Residence 
 given. 
 
 REINFORCEMENTS — Nova Scotia. New Brunswick and 
 Prince Edward Lsland Volunteers. Companies Classified 
 and Place of Re.sidence given. 
 
 Chief Events of the War, 
 
 The Casualty List, 
 
 Record of the 19th Brigade, 
 
 Page 115 
 118 
 119 
 
 ILLUSTRATIONS. 
 
 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 
 
 
8 
 
 ILLUSTRATIONS 
 
 Brace, Nelson T. - - 
 
 Chappel], late M. C. - 
 
 Clinton, N. A. - 
 
 Craig, Edward, 
 
 Contingent, Fredericlon, R. C. R. I. 
 
 Contingent, St. John, 
 
 Contingent, Prince Edward Island, 
 
 Contingent, 2nd Prince Edward Island, 
 
 Dysart, H. B. - 
 
 FuUerton, Rev. T. F. - 
 
 Foley, Richard J. - 
 
 Good, Captain W. C. - 
 
 Gray, H. . . . 
 
 Harrison, late Captain Charles F. 
 
 Hensley, late 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 James Benjamin, 
 
 Markham, Lieutenant Ralph F. - 
 
 McRae, Frederick B. - - 
 
 McDonald, Lieutenant John A. - 
 
 Otter, Col. W. D. 
 
 Parks, Lieutenant John H. 
 
 Pope, Miss Georgina, 
 
 Pascoe, J. Benson, - - . - 
 
 Roberts, Lord, 
 
 Riggs, late William Alfred, 
 
 Sirathcona, Lord, 
 
 Stairs, Captain Henry B. 
 
 Stewart, Lieut. Lome, 
 
 Taylor, late Roland Dennis, 
 
 Weeks, Major W. A. 
 
 Wood, late Lieut. C. C. 
 
 Withers, late Frederick W. 
 
 Welch, E. S. 
 
 SKETCHES. 
 
 Johnson, the late Andrew, 
 
 Leslie, J. P., 82nd Regiment, 
 
 Rodd, Thomas Ambrose, 82nd Regiment, 
 
 Scott, Jacob Boyd, 
 
 61 
 
 
 21 
 
 
 34 
 
 
 94 
 
 
 11 
 
 
 15 
 
 
 13 
 
 d 
 
 100 
 
 
 75 
 
 
 19 
 
 
 73 
 
 
 87 
 
 
 49 
 
 
 84 
 
 
 47 
 
 
 77 
 
 ^ 
 
 60 
 
 « 
 
 79 
 
 t 
 
 24 
 
 
 27 
 
 * 
 
 23 
 
 
 31 
 
 
 fft 
 
 
 58 
 
 
 44 
 
 ,■„ 
 
 52 
 50 
 
 1 
 
 64 
 
 
 82 
 
 
 43 
 
 
 49 
 
 
 33 
 
 
 38 
 
 
 71 
 
 h 
 
 41 
 
 I^V 
 
 29 
 
 
 17 
 
 i 
 
 20 
 
 
 34 
 
 i 
 
 68 
 
 
 36 
 
 i 
 
 45 
 
 1 
 
 45 
 
 1 
 
 3() 
 
 m 
 
» m.f 
 
 OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE. 
 
 CHAPTKR I. 
 
 36 
 
 45 
 45 
 3(> 
 
 
 
 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 ol Canada are " Britons 
 j^ from brine to brine " has been clearly shown in the intense 
 and patriotic interest taken by them in the Boer-British war in 
 South Africa. In this the greatest international conflict of 
 modern times Canadian volunteers 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 Briti.sh influence in South Africa. 
 Their feeling of jealousy and bitter hatred became intensified 
 again and 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 1898-99, a series of diplomatic confer- 
 ences took place between Sir Alfred Milner, Governor of Cape 
 Town and British High Commissioner in South Africa, and 
 Stephanus 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, ^" ultimatum 
 was issued from Pretoria demanding that within forty-eight 
 
lo 
 
 otfR Bovs trxDER prRii; 
 
 hours all British troops be withdrawn from the frontiers. This 
 audacious demand, cominj;- as it did upon l^nt^land unex])ectedly, 
 instantly aroused the fis^htin^' blood of the United Kini;dom and 
 enlisted the sympathy and sup])ort of the Colonies. An offer 
 from Canada to etiuip and for\vard a continj^ent was accej^ted at 
 once by the Imperial Government. 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 oidy to resent the insult to Motherland but 
 to li])erate an ensku'cd people from the t\ranny of their opi)res- 
 sors. and to plant fore\-er the Union Jack in a free Africa. The 
 spirit of loyalty was so intense throug'hout Canada that when the 
 bugle sounded "To arms, to arms!" there sprang, as if bx- 
 magic, from lake and river side, from forest deep and jirairie 
 plain, from Atlantic Cliffs and Pacific .slopes, thousands of our 
 noblest and our best, ready to fight— to die— for Motherland. 
 
 Lieut. Col. W'.I). Otter was given command of the Contingent, 
 to l)e known as the Jiid Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment 
 of Infantry on special service. The Regiment 1035 strong, 
 was divided into eig'lit comjianies, each including one captain, 
 three lieutenants, and one hundred and twenty-one non-com 
 mis.sioned officers and men. In Comjxmy -i=" Ci " were ninety- 
 four recruits from New Brunswick and thirty-one from Prince 
 Edward Island. Seventeen \'olunteers from New Brunswick 
 were also enrolled in Company " P\" 
 
 The departure of the volunteers was celebrated throughout 
 the Provinces by banquets, church parades, and grand farewell 
 meetings. In Fredericton the volunteers were addres.sed by Bi.shop 
 Casey, Father Murph>-, Rev. G. M. Campbell, Mayor Beckwith, 
 Capt. Carpenter, and Capt. II. V. McLeod ; while the St. John 
 boys were bidden adieu by Ma\-or vSears, Dr. Daniel, Rev. \V. O. 
 Richards, Rev. Dr. McNeill, Colonel X'idal, Col. H. H. McLean, 
 Major White, Major Armstrong, ^Lljor Sturdee, Ca])tain 
 vSharpe, Captain vSkinner, Lieutenant J. Ka\e, and Ca]:)tain 
 Haggart of London, Kngland. New Brun.swick, true to her 
 traditions as the home (jf the lox'alisls, was lavish with her gifts, 
 presenting her volunteers with a sovereign apiece and agreeing 
 
 I 
 
 .1 
 
 A' 
 
 ^For list of names and place of residence see back of book. 
 
OUR "ROYS UXDKR riRlC 
 
 1 I 
 
 to pay every man fift\- cents a day in addition to the Imperial 
 allowance. To each of tlie oflicers was also presented a silver 
 matcli-l)ox with tlie inscrii)tion " Citi/ens of St. John. Trans- 
 vaal, October 25tli, 1899." 
 
 'A 
 
 o 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 At the farewell meetino; jield in Charlottetown, Prince Ed- 
 ward Island, His Honor Lieut. Governor Mclntyre presided and 
 the speakers were Chief Justice Sullivan, Premier Farquharson, 
 
 : 
 
12 
 
 OUR BOYS UNDER PIRE 
 
 Col. F. S. Moore, D. O. C, Mayor Warburton, Judge Fitzgerald, 
 Rev. J. J. Teasdale, Rev. T. F. Fullerton, Rev. James Simpson 
 and Major Weeks. Mrs. Mclntyre then presented the volun- 
 teers with gold souvenir pins, the gift of Mr. E. 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 each of 
 her three representatives, and the citizens of Charlottetown in- 
 sured the life of every man for one thousand dollars in the 
 Indejiendent Order of Forresters. In the respective provinces 
 the ladies vied with each other in preparing dainty baskets of 
 fruit, flowers and confectionery, and to those from St. John were 
 added one hundred neatly made and useful lioldalls. 
 
 On the final departure of the volunteers from the provinces, 
 Octol)er 25th, 1899, thousands of people accom];anied 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 first 
 step towards the blood-stained field of Africa. The St. John, 
 Halifax and P. E. Island Contingents met in Moncton where 
 Premier Emmerson bade them " au revoir," and were joined by 
 the Fredericton quota at Chatham Junction. All along the line 
 they 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 mattresses on 
 the floor. Their meals were served outside on the veranda, 
 in rather a promiscuous manner, much to the amusement of the 
 boys. Words of admiration were heard on all sides for Sir 
 Charles Tupper, through who.se instrumentality the life of every 
 Canadian volunteer was insured for one thousand dollars in the 
 London Guarantee Co., England. On Saturday night the 
 
 I 
 
 i 
 
 -*? 
 
OUR BOY.S undp:r fire 
 
 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 churciies. 
 Monday, Oct. 30th, preparations for enibarkatit)n went forward 
 rapidly. Every man in the regiment was furnished with the 
 necessary equipment. 
 
 P E ISLAND CON'J IXGKN'l. 
 
 I- Herbert H. Brown, 7- Hiirdis I,. McLean, 3— Arthur J. IL Mellish, 4—1'. Leslie McHetli, 
 5 — Lawreiico (laiidet 6 — Hedley V. .McKiiiiion, 7 — Joseph O'Reilly, 8 J. Kdwaul Small, 9- I' red - 
 erick Way, ro — Freikrick I?. McRa", 11 - Ltroy Harris, 12— James S. Walker, i ?--R. Lriust Lord. 
 14- Lome Stewart, 15 — Tlio'iias Aiiiiirose Rodd, 16— ["rederick C. Furze, 17 -Nelson liracf . i8 — 
 James Matlieson, ig— Michael J. McCarthy, 20— Joshua T. Leslie, 21 — Richard Joseph Foley. 22- 
 Major W'eiks, 2 j - Retjiiiald Cox, 24 -John Archibald Harris, 25— Ernest W. I'ownes^, 26 — Arlrnias 
 R. Dillon, 27 — John lioudreau. 2S — Roland D. 'I'aylor, 29 — Necy Dorion, 30 — Alfred Riggs. ;i — 
 Walter Lane. 
 
 After a parade and inspection by General Hutton, 
 short, stirring addresses by Lord Minto, vSir 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 onslaught for .souvenirs, 
 and the bi ys t:^'"e buttons and cla.sps from their tunics and scat- 
 tered them hither and thither. But the last moment had come, 
 handshakes were repeated, good-byes quickl}^ said ; blue eyes 
 
H 
 
 oiTi BOYS i;:nder fire; 
 
 met eyes of brown ; bedi mined sight, tremulous voices, a mur- 
 mured farewell, and the heroes are " all aljoard." Then, as the 
 sliip sailed down the harbour, accompanied by hundreds of small 
 lx)ats, the blowing of whistles,, the firing 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 gradually 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 patriotic zeal, our firm belief that they would ever be a 
 credit to Canada and their native land, there w'as 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 thrown up lucrative positions and left wealthy and com- 
 fortable homes to serve Queen and country. To one of these, 
 Kriiesl Lord, of the P. E. Island Contingent, South Africa, was 
 of personal interest, for it was the birthplace of his mother,. 
 Mrs. Lord, wife of Artemas Lord, Esq., and the battle ground 
 where her father, the late Hon. Col. J. H. Gray, fought against 
 the Boers at Orange River in 1846. 
 
 After being a few days out the "Sardinian" had com- 
 paratively .siiKjoth .sailing. The ship was uncomfortably crowded,, 
 but "G" and "H" Companies were fortunate in securing 
 hammock beds on the middle deck. Military discipline was 
 maintained from the first. Revielle at 5 a. m. Hose bath at 
 5.03 a m. Breakfast, consisting of one bun, butter, and .some- 
 times chee.se, at 7 a. 111. Cleaiiingof troopdeck.s 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 
 po,st at 9.15 p. m. During the evening a concert was often given 
 
 .at 
 
DOR BOYS lxr)l':R FIKH 
 
 15 
 
 they 
 
 i 
 
 t 
 f.'- 
 
 
 
 
 
 J'. 
 
I6 
 
 OUR BOYS UNDER KIRE 
 
 by one of the companies not on dnty, the officers and staff always 
 hein^ present. 
 
 The third day out a gloom was cast over the entire regiment 
 by the deatli of Pte. "Teddy" Desl.anriers of "C" Company. 
 Solenm indeed was that funeral at sea, when, amid the wild roar 
 of the waves, the shrieking of the wind, the plunging of the 
 ship, the depressed attitude of the troops, the body of their late 
 comrade, wrapped in a Union Jack, was committed to the deep. 
 
 On November the 12th, the " vSardinian " passed the Cape 
 Verde Islands and signalled 'all well;" and on the i8th cele- 
 brated the crossing of the equator by the blowing of whistles and 
 firing of cannon. Nearing the journey's end, a large number of 
 sea birds sucii as ducks, geese, cape pigeons and hens flocked 
 around the boat ;but at last, on November the 30th, after a trip of 
 thirty days, the " Sardinian " arrived at Cape Town, South Africa. 
 The harbour was fairly alive with boats ! A troopship with the 
 famous Black Watch and Seaforth Highla. ders, 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 by 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 fists ; on winning a prize they would 
 cram it into their mouths and dodge quickly away, much to the 
 chagrin of souvenir seekers. 
 
 Cape Town was a grotesque and most wonderful-looking 
 place, especially wdien viewed from the sea. Right back of the 
 city towered Table Mountain, and on either side Devil's Peak 
 and Obseration Hill. The Canadians were treated royally and 
 gazed Oh as special objects of curiosity. It has been hinted 
 that the people 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 hustle, bustle and 
 
 .••? 
 
 
 I 
 
OUR BOVS UNDER KIRK 
 
 17 
 
 1 
 
 
 4 
 
 I 
 
 confusion in preparing 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 equipped 
 with a rifle, ba5'onet, water- 
 bottle, ball punch, bando- 
 lier and forty rounds of 
 annnunition, the Regiment 
 marched to the depot where 
 Sir Alfred Milner congrat- 
 ul'iced the men on their 
 splendid appearance and in 
 the name of the British 
 residents of South Africa 
 thanked them most heartily 
 for coming such a distance 
 to aid the cau.se of justice, 
 truth and right. The ladies 
 of Cape -L^own threw hand- 
 kerchiefs, bracelets, fruit, 
 flowers and confectioner}- 
 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 
 
 MAJOR WILLIAM ARTHUR WEEKS. 
 
 (CIIAKLOT rKTOWN ENGINEKKS.) 
 
 Born at Charlottetown, P. E. Island ; son of late 
 Wm. Weeks, Esq., educated at Prince of Wales Col- 
 lege, Mc(;ill(H. A. 1882), Military School, Fredericton 
 (ist Class Certificate 1898) ; Royal School of Equitu- 
 tion (ist Class Certificate 1898); Royal Military Col- 
 lege, Kingston; (St.afT Course 1899); enlisted for 
 Northwest Rebellion in 1885 ; appointtrd Lieutenant in 
 Charlottetown Engineers, 1885 ; Captain. 1897 ; Major 
 iSqq; admitted to Har of P. E. Island, 1885; .Aide-de- 
 Camp to His Honor Lt. Govf-rn r ^IcIntyre; L'iven 
 command of " G "Company, ist Canadian Coiuinijent, 
 Oct. 25th, 1899. In December appointed on Topo- 
 grapliical Department, and on Jan. 31st to position of 
 Regimental Quartermaster. Methodist. 
 
i8 
 
 OUR BOYS UNDER FIRK 
 
 like the men and not allowed to carry a sword belt or any mark 
 of rank any further than DeAar Junction. " Thus England has 
 at last awakened to the fact that precious lives are not to be 
 sacrificed for a paltry piece of gold lace or bunch of regimental 
 trinnning." 
 
 The romance of the expedition had long ere this faded into 
 the past and the boys fully realized they were not playing a 
 game of citizen-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 South African climate by a terrific 
 typhoon or sand storm, the worst known there for seven years. The 
 .storm was so furious that tents were pitched with great difficulty. 
 The .sand, in a perfect whirl-wind, 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 horse shoe and placed it in his cro.ss 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, 
 Munster Fusiliers, Cornwalls and Queen.slanders. Colonel Otter 
 was given command of the whole camp. 
 
 Great amu.sement was caused by the mules ; some of them 
 would kick and caper and then breaking away, rush 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 Briti.sh under Lord Methuen. The 
 Belmont station hou.se was literally torn to pieces by bullets, 
 while the battle-field presented a mo.st ghastl}- 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 
 liimian 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 responsible and perilous one. A 
 rigid vigil had to be kept up by the sentries as detachments of 
 
 
 1 
 
OUR BOYS UNDRR FIRE 
 
 19 
 
 % 
 
 the Boers were often seen lurkinjj^ in the neighborhood. Besides 
 tlie outpost and patrol, the Brigade had all kinds of fatigue 
 duty, such as constructing works of defence around the camp, 
 and unloading supplies from the station. They were always 
 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 camp. 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 
 " G " marching out on re- 
 lief duty. 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 troops 
 grew more intense every 
 moment, — the hour of 
 battle had come at last, — 
 their fingers trembled on 
 the trigger, — their breath 
 came short and quick, — 
 when suddenly a flash of 
 lightning revealed a flock 
 of ostriches not far distant. 
 But this strict vigil was not 
 all for naught. For in- 
 stance, one night a Boer spy was captured with a complete design 
 of the whole camp on his person, 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. THOMAS FRASER KULLER'JON. 
 
 (CHAI'I.AIN KIKST CANAUIAN CONTINGKNT.) 
 
 Born in (llasgow, Scotland. 1861 ; educated at (jlas- 
 gow University ; ordained a minister of the Church of 
 Scotland 1885, spent three years in Australia, returned 
 to Old Country, arrived in Canad.-i 1889, accepted 
 charges in Calvin Church, St. John and 1892 in St. 
 James Church, C^harlottetown, P. E. Island. On Oct. 
 24th, 1899, obtained leave-of-ahsence to accept the 
 position ol Chaplain in ist Canadian Contingent. 
 
ft 
 
 20 
 
 OUR BOYS UNDKR I'IRK 
 
 they discovered in a cemetery the grave of Lieutenant C. C. 
 Wood, the first Canadian to fall in the camjiaign. 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 10th, 1899. 
 Erected by his 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 
 outside the camp line , Rev. 
 
 Cadet in Royal Military College, Kingston ; accepted ••» t-» 11 _i „ _f : 4-1,^ 
 
 • - ^ • .,\ -.-':..'-. -.^red to South Mr. Fullerton performing the 
 
 5c^ \ 
 
 lip:ut. c. c. wood 
 
 The young Canadian Oflficer killed in a sortie 
 at HilmoiU. 
 
 Born March 19th, 1876, at Halifax, N. S..son of J. 
 Taylor Wood of Halifax, and grandson of the late 
 Zachury 'I'aylor, President of the United Slates, 
 
 Africa July, 1899. Considered the best draughtsman •. , A ii- • 
 
 and sketcher in regiment. When valiantly doing his laSt Sau riteS 
 duty in an engagement near Belmjnt was shot through 
 the head and died three hours later at Orange River 
 Hospital — greatly mourned by both officers and men. 
 
 commission in Imperial Army and order 
 
 A monument 
 erected to his memory bears 
 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 Christmas found them still at Belmont. This 
 festal day passed with the usual routine work and a religious 
 .service conducted by the Rev. T. F. Fullerton. The officers had 
 
OUR BOYS UNDKR FIKK 
 
 91 
 
 ^% 
 
 
 % 
 % 
 4 
 
 ordered some extra dainties from Cape Town but the boys, with 
 many a thought of the Christmas turkey at home, contented 
 themselves with the following menu : lireakfast — 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." 
 Such 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 was 
 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 MON'J'ROSE CLINTON 
 CH.\PPELL. 
 
 Kom 1878 at Haie Verte, son of Joshua 
 Chappell, I'^squire, educatfd at Haie Vtrte puljlic 
 school. Employed in the mercantile estahli^li- 
 menls of C. Harper & Co., Haie Verte, (leorge 
 E. FurdV, Sackville, and Harkcr's, Moncton, 
 Member of Methodist Church. 
 

 22 
 
 OUR BOYS UNDER I'IRK 
 
 attacking party then finished the dinner commenced hy their 
 enemies, and proceeded on to Douglas scattering the Boers, 
 capturing supplies and anununition, 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 were 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 
 meml)er of the field force. The box, six 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 chocolate. 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 many 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 
 d purchaser, but were sent home as valuable mementos. 
 
 
 P 
 
OUR HOYS rNDKR KIRK 
 
 23 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 " In the clamor and clash of encounter, 
 There is valour and glory — or death." 
 
 ! St 
 
 WHEN General I^ord Roberts, who superseded General 
 liiiller as Commanderin-Cliief of the British forces, be- 
 gan his advance, the Canadians, on Feb. J2th, 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 confu.sion 
 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- 
 centrated food, capable of feeding each man thirty six hours; then 
 the Canadians and other regiments, with light hearts and rou.s- 
 ing cheers, said good-bye to Old Belmont. Arriving at Gras Pan 
 the Corn walls, Gordon Highlanders, Shropshires and Canadians 
 were formed as the 19th Brigade under General Smith -Dorien, 
 and attached to the Ninth Division. The next morning the 
 Brigade commenced a march that lasted a week. The town of 
 Jacobsdal they captured with little difficulty, but unfortunately 
 the Boers succeeded in cutting off 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 Lord Roberts proved him.self 
 to be a masterhand and tactician of rare ability 
 
 Cronje, known as the greatest Boer general, w^as stronglj' 
 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, Feb. 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 ' ' Eion' ' sprang 
 
24 
 
 OUR BOYS LTjSrDKR 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 Jou1)ert to break the British cordon, — in vain he 
 tried to escape and searched on every side to find a single loop 
 hole. But tlie cage was secire. 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 handsgrasp- 
 ing the glittering bayonet, 
 and as they thought of com- 
 rades lying by the Modder's 
 side, — thought of the gal- 
 lant Symons and Wauchopc 
 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 itr course, with trees 
 and rushes scattered along the embankment. In a donga on the 
 river bed the stublxrn Boer leader lay heavily entrenched, 
 determined to make a " desperate stand " and fight to the bitter 
 end. Gradually the TV tish closed around the laager, and as to 
 the part taken by the Canadian Regiment in the awful tragedy 
 
 LIEUT. FREDERICK. CAVERHILL JONES. 
 
 (CAl'TAIN 3KU Kia;lMIC\ rCANAOI.W AKTlI.l.KKV. j 
 
 Horn M.iy 21st, 1S69, son of Simeon Jones, Ksii,, St. 
 John. N. H.; ehic.i'ed in Ivlinbursh, Scollund , at- 
 tended R0y.1l Milit.Tiy C'()llei;ein 1893. Appointments : 
 Lieut. !rd Cana'lia:) .\itillery. 1891 ; Captain June 6th, 
 1898; 1st Lieutenant Co. "()" First Cana iian C'on- 
 iinuent. October Sotli, 1899. ,\cttd Capiain of Com- 
 pany fcjr several nionihs dilrinu; ilhiess of Captain 
 .Macdone'l. ReIi,t>ior, Episcopalian. Sin.^le. 
 
OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE 
 
 25 
 
 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 to 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 5 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 some distance off, but it was not 
 to be. We had a small ration of coffee and a little biscuit which we were not 
 given time to eat at our leisure and again fell in. The regiment moved over to a 
 hill at the double and lay down there. Then we were marched back and 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 sun was scorching hot and we 
 had to lie fiat 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 off the 
 wounded coming from all points. Then tha order came: " Section one, " G " 
 Company, Reinforce!" and getting our haversacks and fixings tight on, we rushed 
 forward. The bullets sang 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 oo.ne 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 anud 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 lii.e 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 
 
26 
 
 OUR BOYS UNDER PIRE 
 
 ■■ :p«LW^ yftm^iffmMft^^ 
 
 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 of 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 but 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 3aw a man hurled bodily 
 high into the air by the explosion. The shrapnel would break in the air and 
 send a shower of bullets among the enemy. 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 HENRY K.AVE. 
 
 ^KOVAI, CANADIAN KFCCI.MKNT OK IN K AN' lUV, I'liK- 
 MANKNT CORCS) 
 
 Boni .at St.John,N.F5.,son of the late James J.Kaye, 
 Q. C. Kducattd : (iramniar School, Private liitors, 
 Royal Mihiaiy School of Infantry, Freckrictoii, Cav- 
 alry School, (Jurhec, (certificate in Equitation). In 
 1899, course at Kingston '.'lujIIvI an! orderc-l to 
 .South Africa. Had passed successfully examinations 
 up to date of departure. Appointments : previously 
 Lieutenant ;lnd Captain in St. John Ku>iliers ; Aide-de 
 Camp to His Honor Lieutenant (jovernor A. R, Mc- 
 Lellan, Ni'.v Brunswick ; 2nd Lieutenant in Company 
 '■ (j " First Canadian Contingent, Oct . 2s, igoo. Re- 
 ligion, Church of I'^n^land. L'nmairitd. Clever at 
 sketchinu and |);iintint; and has sent home many pic- 
 tures of men and places in South Africa. 
 
 
 ¥'\ 
 
 S 
 
OUR BOVS UNDHR FIRE 
 
 27 
 
 Wednesday morning we marched to another camp. for a day's rest, and really had 
 some breakfast. Fred McRae and I visited the trenches of the Boers, held by 
 them in Sunday's battle, and found 
 them full of Mauser and Shrapnel ^^s« 
 from our shells. Many dead horses 
 and oxen were lying about. Thurs- 
 day, we remained back of the 
 naval guns till the afternoon, when 
 we occupied kopje to prevent van- 
 guard of enemy's reinf arcements 
 coming in. 
 
 This Friday morning we are 
 lying around the camp. Below us 
 flows the Modder River, winding 
 away past our position, past the 
 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 U 
 skinning it, wnile others are fry- 
 ing mutton on their canteen covers. 
 This is quite a treat as we have (,,„ ,„,,.r. o,. ^^^ „„.^, 
 
 been on short rations for over a 
 
 ,.,,,. . Bom Aug. 26th 1881, .St. John. N.I^,, son of Lieut. 
 
 week. A balloon is now going up Col. H. H. McLean, l?arrister, St. John, N. B. In 
 
 in our camp and we will doubtless m-,^'" "'/.^n^ ^^•'^^l'}'''"'^'^-- "' ^"'^"^ c'ass in Royal 
 
 ^ AlUitary Coll''se, Knigston. On appouilmt-nt to -rd 
 
 be able to locate the enemy." F^icut. in Company " (i " received certificate of comptt- 
 
 ency, i.e., had passed successfully all examinations up to 
 
 Lol. Alv.SWOrth of the d^te and w.asemitLd to hold a commission in Cavalry. 
 
 ■ Artillery, Engineers, or Infantry. The Militia orders 
 
 LoniWall Ree't. who o:ave o'"M-irch6,i9oo,.uazetlethefollo\ving:- -3. "Itisnoti- 
 
 " ' fi«l for information that Lieutenant (ieneral .Sir H. K. 
 
 the ratal order to Cliarqi-e t.'.'lville, K. C. .\L O., commanding Nimh Division 
 
 , "^ Held I orce, has hecn pleased to select Lieutenant C. 
 
 on that memorable Sunday, W.McLcan 8th 11 uz/.us. Second special service liat- 
 
 , .„ , . " talion, Royal Canadian Regiment to act as Aide-de- 
 
 VVa.S killed in the nr.St vol- Camp on his stair. .Mr. Fred Hamilton. corrcsp,)nd. 
 
 , T J M • ent of the 'I'oronto "(llohe " Staled : — " This appoint- 
 
 ley. In describing the I'l*-"'. c-omes distinctly asa compliment to the Battalion, 
 
 1 ".Li.1 T-* ii ^,T '"hI it was such that Colonel Otter was asked to reconi- 
 
 Oattle l:^ather O L,earV says: '"<-'i"' •' Miilahle officer. Lieutenant McLean is the 
 
 ,,/-,, 1, , " ,' ^ yoiinsest of the officers in point of actual years as well 
 
 Canada may well be proud of as in seniority, hut h.is done his work so well as fully 
 
 her noble boys. It is true that '«'"'-•"' t'^^ di.';'!""*'^" «';i'f'*^>'-«l iipop [">"• „ 
 
 •' ... >o It is g,,o,l ciye to Little Mac. Me 
 
 many a once happy home is now in leaves the Regiment with the heartiest good wishes of 
 
 them all." Portraits of Lieut . McLean ha\e appeared 
 mourning since the fatal 18th day i'\tlie '' Illustrateil London News," "The (iraphic,' 
 nf TT^Kviiov,, U,,i *U„ J ■' I'he King. "and many other papers. Religion : J'res- 
 
 oti-ebruary, but the deep sorrow lyteri.an. Unmarried. s • ■ .c. 
 
 LIEUT. C. W. WELDON McLEAN. 
 
 MCKS.S l.Ol'lSIC mSSAKS.) 
 
 'li 
 
28 
 
 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 abov*; 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. Then began the search for 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 taint 
 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 remained until late on the fatal field, exploring every 
 nook and corner for the wounded, 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. 
 
 ! 
 
 i 
 
 'I 
 
 i 
 
 1881— MAJUBA DAY— 1900. 
 
 General Cronje and hi.s forces had retired about four miles 
 up the river, where they had their laager in a very strongly en- 
 trenched position. As an attack there would have meant great 
 bloodshed, and as Lord Roberts was adverse to any needless lo.ss 
 of life he ordered the troops to advance by means of trenches. 
 The regiments were on duty forty-eight hours alternately. 
 
 I 
 
OUR BOYS UNDER FIRR 
 
 29 
 
 Each would dig a trench furtlier ahead and occupy it. It fell 
 to the lot of the Canadians to be last on guard and they 
 occupied one a hundred and fifty yards in advance of the 
 previous one. The same evening Lord Roberts decided 
 that immediate action must be taken. He instructed tlie Cana- 
 dians to leave their trenches 
 at three o'clock next morn- 
 ing, and advance with fixed 
 Imyonets, the Royal En- 
 gineers with pickaxes and 
 shovels to bring up the rear. 
 So at the appointed hour on 
 the morning of the 27th 
 of February the Brigadier 
 passed 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 vSutherland 
 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 tlieir 
 faces and in spite of an incessant 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 v^olley the 
 
 THE [,AIK ROLAND Dl^NNIS I'AVLOR. 
 
 (CHAKl.ll T I'K roWN KNdl NKIIKS.) 
 
 Bom March 3ici, 1878, at Charlottetowti, 1'. K. I. 
 Son of Mr. K, W 'I'aylor, CharluttL'town, liIuciK-cI 
 public school and Prince of Wales C'olie.iie. It 
 kvas the intention of his father to pin-chase a farm 
 for hiin either on the Island or in the North West ; s 
 he preferred oiU-iTf-door-eniploynient. On the call " to 
 arms " he wa-. one of the first who enlisted, saying : 
 " My father is an Knglishman and I am a Son of Fng- 
 land." Rilled in action at Paardeberg, Feb. iSth. 
 1900. Methodist. 
 
ri! 
 
 30 
 
 OUR HOYS UNDER FIRE 
 
 genial hearted Withers and Christian soldierRiggswereamongthe 
 slain ; another volley, another flame of fire, and the heroic souls 
 of Scott and Johnston returned to Him who gave 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 iti 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 he 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 show^n. 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 sign of his inner feelings. Lord 
 Roberts was surrounded by his staflf 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 said, " It's easily seen now what nation is going to rule 
 the world." Cronje with his wife, his grandson, a private 
 secretary, Commanders Albrecht, W^olmears, and other leaders, 
 went ahead seven hours before the main body, but all met at 
 M' dder River and took the same train to Cape Town, en route 
 t . ;.^t. Helena, ^"^lich Lord Roberts decided would be a desirable 
 piacv for his foes. After the departure of the Boer prisoners the 
 
OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE 
 
 31 
 
 longthe 
 )ic souls 
 Then 
 of the 
 :■)," and 
 hat it is 
 
 ing of a 
 in vain. 
 General 
 irrender 
 ,'n their 
 »ot, and 
 leir vic- 
 re long, 
 found 
 ;;e num- 
 
 roached 
 
 Lord 
 
 ttynian 
 
 e, sir. 
 
 y 
 
 1 Rob- 
 
 ant de- 
 
 
 
 P 
 
 led by 
 
 
 J, talk- 
 
 
 her on 
 
 
 ) have 
 
 
 )liders, 
 
 
 fear." 
 
 
 to rule 
 
 
 private 
 
 
 waders, 
 
 
 net at 
 
 
 : route 
 
 
 sirable 
 
 
 !rs the 
 
 
 C?*>Wv.SS>-' 
 
 British troops inarched into the vacated laager. What a sight ! 
 Everything lying about in confusion. The men could not be 
 kept in line. In fact the officers were as anxious as they were 
 to get some "loot" and something to eat. Tins of lard, tea, 
 flour, and all kinds of eatables were commandered. Bonfires 
 were quickly started and 
 soon the odor of fried pan- 
 cakes and scones was per- 
 ceptible. The troops had 
 been living on half rations 
 for the three preceding 
 days and thon ughly en- 
 jo y e d their improm]Hu 
 meal, with the exception 
 of a few who had fried 
 their pancakes with axle 
 grease b}' mistake, and 
 were consequently quite 
 ill. 
 
 But the caring for the 
 wounded 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 Riv^^r 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. vStrong men who had bravely faced the 
 
 LAl'b; PTi:. PAIkICK HKXKV McCRKAKV 
 
 (74III KAl' I Al.lON.) 
 
 Horn April ;:;rd, 1S72, at Norton, King's Co., N. h.. 
 son of tilt Lite P. H. McCreary, Color Sergt. in H. M; 
 ■2nd (Jueen's Royal Regiment who served in South 
 Africa in 1852, and was on the ill-fated " Birkenhead" 
 when wrecked off Cape Danger in 1852, served in 
 China 1860; same year ordered to Canada as drill in- 
 structor. His son attended the Military School, Vted- 
 ericton. Whin tnlisting he said to Captain Spooner ; 
 " I will not disgrace No 2, Captain," and he nobly 
 kept his word, for he met his death in a manner which, 
 had he lived, would have won for him the \'ictoria 
 Ooss. Roman Catholic. 
 
32 
 
 OUR BOYS UNDKR FIRE 
 
 mouth of the cannon, wept like little children as the words 
 " dust to dust, ashes to aslies," rang out in solemn cadence over 
 all that was mortal of their late beloved comrades-in-arms. At 
 the head of the row of mounds the mourners erected a large 
 wooden slab with the inscription : 
 
 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 by a large grave covered 
 with stones, were written the words : 
 
 In memory of Cor. Withy, Cor. Witlrers, 
 
 Pts. Orman, Johnson, W. Scott and vV. A. Riggs. 
 
 Killed in action 
 
 February 27th, 1900. 
 
 Swiftly the news flashed ov^er the wires of the brilliant 
 charges made by the Canadians at Paardeberg. Canada was 
 filled with pride that her representatives had upheld the honor 
 of the Dominion and so faithfully discharged their duty to God 
 and Motherland. But alas ! honor and glory had not come with- 
 out loss. 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, shoued at what cost the 
 unity of a Greater Britain was purchased. 
 
 Not«, — For list of wounded see back of book. 
 
Ol'K HOYvS UNDKR VIK}-. 
 
 ?3 
 
 CONGRATULATIONS TO CANADA. 
 
 From Her Mdjesty Queen Victoria. 
 
 London, February 27lh, 1900. — Mr. Chamberlain cables to Lord Minto : 
 " Hjr MiJ3Sty the Queen desires you to express to the people ot Canada her ad- 
 miration of iht gallant ciniact of the Canadian troops in the late engagement, 
 and her sorrow at the loss of so 
 many brave men. 
 
 " Chamberlain.'' 
 
 From Princess Louise. 
 
 London, February 27, 1900.- 
 "I desire to express congratula- 
 tions on Cronje's surrender effect- 
 ed by gallant Canadian aid. Deep 
 sympathy for Canadian losses. 
 Am proud to have lived among 
 them. 
 
 '' Louise." 
 
 Lord Dufferin. 
 
 " I cannot refrain 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 Minto. ^'hk i.atk wh.i.iam alfrkd kuuis. 
 
 (cm a K 1,1 >irK I I i\V N K N( , I N KKKS. ) 
 
 Horn Marcli J4tli. 187P, CharlotteUiwii, P K. Inland. 
 Soil ,,f Mr. W N. kiuKs. P. K. Inland Kail.vay. 
 Kducateil :- I'liU'ic schiMil ; siiidied decoralivt- and art 
 paiiitint; : zi.aluU'~ worker in ( irace Mvjihodi^t Cliurch. 
 At tirnt; of cnlistini: « as takinu a cour:'!.- prL-par.'iiDry 
 for 1 litirini; tliL- .Mi;thodi>t ministry. Kilkd in action. 
 at I'aardelierii. South Africa, Fch. •J7th, i,_.oo. 
 
 February 27th, 1900.—" I mus* 
 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. Warm 
 thanks and congratulations. 
 
 "Milner." 
 Lord Roberts. 
 
 "Canadian now stands for bravery, dash and courage. A 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 UNDRR FIRK 
 
 Colonel Otter. 
 
 Col. Otter in official report: " Captains Stairs and Macdonell of ' 'H " and 
 
 " G "Companies deserve special praise tor their pertinacity in holding out as they 
 
 did, the result of which undoubtedly had the effect 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, devil 
 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 uns'verving loyalty 
 o£ 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.' 
 
 " Bloemfoniein 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. 
 " Bloemfontein 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 move- 
 ment which forced the stubborn leader to own he was beaten. 
 
 " London Times." 
 
 " The Canadians are a brave crowd, but fight like devils, not men. 
 
 "Boer Officer." 
 
 I'HK LA IE COR. FREDERICK W. WITHERS. 
 
 (3RI) REGI.MKNT CANADIAN ARTILLEUY.) 
 
 Son of the late William Withers, St. John, N. H. 
 Born Ff-b. 16th, 1871 ; educated pui)lic school; em- 
 Iiloyed as fireman in the Maritime Naval Works. 
 Memlier of Exmouth Street Methoilist Church. Killed 
 in action at Paardeberg, South Africa. Feb. 27th, 1900. 
 
OUR BOYS UNDKR KIKE. 
 
 35 
 
 CHAPTKR III. 
 
 FAMOUS MARCH TO BI.OEMFONTRIN. 
 
 " Gh, noble hearts and true, there is work for us to do; 
 And we'll do it as we did it oft before." 
 
 "CJ^OR some days after the .surrender of Cronje there were slight 
 pi skirmishes along the banks of the Modder. On March the 
 6th, the 19th Brigade in conjunction with other columns ad- 
 vanced seven miles up the River, every man carrying his great 
 coat and regulation accoutrements. They pas.sed a large 
 detachment of mounted engineers with waggons of pontoong 
 for crossing the river. At 5.30 p. m., after having had no mid- 
 day meal, half-rations of tea were issued, and at dark soup and. 
 meat. Two o'clock next morning found them again astir. 
 When four miles up the river 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 casualties. The British 
 were very quick in picking up the range, though under the 
 disadvantage 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 they 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 
 
 n 
 
36 
 
 OIK HOYS UNDlvK FIKlv 
 
 l^.?M) i;ii,i.mi:n f ( anaiha.s aim Mil nv.) 
 
 Horn 1877 ill Si. John ; sou of Mr. .Xiulnw Jpliiistoii, 
 St. (olin ; fdiUiilL'it pulilii: nlIiooI ; i iiipl lyi-d on U.iil- 
 way K.);!!!. Mcinlifr of Mi-tluxlist Chiin.li. Killcil in 
 aclie)ii at PiiarilL-ljersi, .SoiKJi Africa, I'cl) j;!!!, 1900 
 
 miles beliiiid, };l:ully ohcytd an order to use their emergency 
 rations. Fortunately a few bags of niealie had accidentally fallen 
 
 into their hands and conse- 
 THK UTE JOSEPH ANDREW JOHNSTON. ,j„^,,tly the odor of fried 
 
 pancakes was prevalent far 
 into the night. The bene- 
 fit their day's inarch af- 
 forded the main column 
 
 will be seen by quoting some extracts from tlie brigade order 
 
 is.sued by Oeneral Conimander »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 gratilying 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 gUuS, and abandon their own gun, which the 
 Shropshires eventually captured." 
 
 At vStagskrall 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, cinered with cement. 
 This description an.swers 
 for all the houses there, 
 SOUK being white, red or 
 gray. 
 
 Again astir they march- 
 ed from an undulating 
 veldt, along ridges of low kopjes, and pas.sed houses flying white 
 flags in which were wounded Boers ; nurses could be seen mov- 
 ing to and fro within. These houses were always approached 
 with caution as the Boers had,. since the beginning of the campaign, 
 establi.shed a record that the use and abuse of the white flag: 
 
 THE LATE PTE. JACOB BOYD SCOTT. 
 
 Horn Jaiiiuirs' 28tli, 1882, Richilnicto, Kent i'o.' 
 New Hiiinsw ick. Father i -owned at sea, i8Cj. I)e' 
 ceased li\ed with aunt, Miss line .S<ott,aiul Liter with 
 Mr. M. C. UchaJt, hnii ,■,!' Moiicton ; educated at 
 puMic school ; in llie fall of 1899 was attendiiiu tile 
 Milit.'iry School, Frc'^erici. iii and from there enlisted 
 for .active service. Killed in action at Paardehersj, 
 South Africa, Veh. 27th, :goo. 
 
OUR BOVS UNDKR KIRK 
 
 37 
 
 was a desirable and lej^itiinate method of modern warfare. A 
 plea for total supremacy, a desire for expulsion of foreigners, 
 even the issuing af an ultimatum calls forth a certain de^i^ree of 
 respect, hut artful abuse of the emblem of peace rouses rij^hteous 
 indignation in the mind of I'very just thinking man in Cod's uni- 
 verse. But "Our Hoys" were fortunate in not falling victims 
 to such intrigue. Proceeding, their march grew more ardu(ms. 
 The ground liecame rough and rocky, or else swampy, with long 
 grass and large stones covered with a slimy substance that 
 proved very trying to the men who could only get a sure footing 
 bv ste,)ping liig'i and 1 v)king for the Ijw places beneath. Yet 
 this was not always practicable as the soles of their boots became 
 smooth and .slippery. Then what with hunger, thirst, thunder- 
 storms, intense heat by day, cold by night, and the great fatigue 
 of rapid marchin<^, a large number from all the regiments 
 dropi^ed out. The Canadians were no worse in this respect than 
 any other regiment ; in fact they .showed great pluck in holding 
 out in the manner they did. In many ca.ses their boots were 
 completely gone, yet with their feet torn and mangled, bravely 
 they tramped on mile after mile. Along the line of march they 
 would often come to large watermelon patches. The .soldiers 
 were not allowed to leave the ranks, but the negroes on the 
 tran.sport wagons helped themselves and throwing the .skins 
 away, the boys, nearly fami.shed vould fairly fight for one to 
 moisten their parched lips. At times they would halt by a. spring 
 where unfortunately the water proved not only yellow, but 
 contained multitudes of small, .squirming animaks — still, "down 
 it went and welcome." Every morning long ere dawn had 
 broken, the troops were on the tramp, through gullies, over 
 kopjes, up hill and down hill, but to the boys it .seemed mo.stly 
 "up," still they were cheerful, and with the Gordons playing 
 their bagpipes, the Canadians singing "The Maple Leaf 
 Forever," all gallantly kept on. 
 
 When stopping for a rest on the fourth day's tramp, vague 
 rumors ran through the camp of di.s.sen.sion among the Boers, 
 followed by the announcement that the advance guard uuder 
 General French was in Bloemfontein and the Biiti.sh flag waved 
 where it had waved forty 3'ears before. Instantly a sudden roar 
 
m 
 
 
 38 
 
 OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE 
 
 and wild cheers arose from five thousand voices. The tired foot- 
 sore soldiers, with haggard, weary faces, brightened up in a mo- 
 ment and all was congratulation and animation. It was well worth 
 the long days of semi-starvation and toilsome march to pai iici- 
 pate in such a scene. The march though not as long as previous 
 
 ones, is conceded by l)est 
 authorities to have been one 
 of the most difficult feats of 
 the campaign, and is now 
 reported to be on record as 
 tlie second most famous 
 maich in the annals oi Brit- 
 isli history. 
 
 Writing of the pluck, 
 endurance and heroism of 
 the soldier boys, " Che- 
 bucto " correspondent to 
 the Halifax. Herald says : 
 
 ' ' Take the case of Nel- 
 son Brace of ' G ' Com- 
 
 pan}^ belonging to Char- 
 tottetown. Brace was 
 wounded in the thigh on 
 the morning of February 
 27th, and concealing the 
 fact, getting a comrade to 
 dress his wound, actually 
 hobbled alo'^g and got 
 through fulfilling the object 
 of his d'^'sire, namely, to be 
 
 LORD SIRAIIKONA AND MOUN'J' ROYAL 
 OF GLENCOE 
 
 First Baron 1S97, Donald Alexander Smith, Ci. C. 
 NL (1. 1896; LL. D., P. C, Hi;;h Commissioner for 
 Canada, 1896; born Scotland 182.^; son of Alexander 
 Smuh, Archieston ; married Barbara, daughter of R. 
 Hardisty, Canada; educated in Scotland; resident 
 ( iovernor Hudson Bay C"o,; Commissioner in Red River 
 settlement in Riel Rebellion ; Member Executive 
 Council N.W.T. 1870; repiesented Winnipt;^ and St. 
 Johns in Manitoba l^egislature, 1871-84; M. P '"r 
 .Selkirk in Dominion House of Commons i8;i-72 and 
 1878, for Montreal West 1877-96. President of Bank 
 .if Montreal ; Hon. L.L D. Cambridge. Yale; C'l,an- 
 i ellor McClill University; K .C. .M .(i. 1886 ; Canadian 
 High ("omniissioncr. London, l'"ni;, 1896 • ecjuipped 
 "Strathcona's Horse" for South African war, 1900. 
 
 in at the finish of this 
 march to Bloemfontein. Then I must bear testimony to the late 
 Pte. Alfred Riggs whose body was found under the Boer en- 
 trenchments. He was ar earnest Christian worker and his 
 religion was no put on thmg. On board the " Sardinian " com- 
 ing out he took an active part in the services held by Rev. Mr. 
 Fullerton and Mr. Barrie. He was indefatigable in asking men 
 to give their souls to Christ, and when he asked it he meant it. 
 
 
 I 
 
 
OUR BOYS UNDKR FIRE 
 
 39 
 
 : 
 
 
 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 
 Nov^a 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 
 shown by the people of St. 
 John and all Canada for us in our 
 great struggle. The thought 
 has helped us in many a luird 
 march and fierce battle, av.d 
 when we have felt wear> and 
 hungry and ready to drop witli 
 fatigue the thought of how I lie 
 friends at home felt for us ;ii;(l 
 trusted in us has kept us iv^nu 
 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 fignting 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 countr}- have died 
 nobly, and after all, life does not consist in qu mtity, but quality. 
 In our company no nobler or braver man fell than Fat. 
 McCreary. He was a stretcher bearer, and as such was not 
 compelled to go nearer than one hundred and Ifty yards to tlu 
 
 Mil I. C 11 AKI.I.S \V. ANSl.OW. 
 VI ii:r I i;nan T izrn i-ikid uat' kkn ) 
 
 Hoin at NewcastiL'. N.l'>. 1877 ; :.o:i of llit- 
 laU' W. C. Anslow, Ks(|., editur of " Union 
 Advocate." Kdncatcd at Hajkins Acaikiny, 
 Newcastle; (Quebec Military Scliool, 1807; 
 llrst pri/e from competitors thoiiyhout Do- 
 niiniiin 1897; appointed Lieutenant in 12th 
 Field Katlery 1897 ; em the deall' < f fatlitr en- 
 tered into partnership with brother, H. I'. 
 .An>l)w, and coniUicled iiewspaper " I'nion 
 Advocate"; resiirned commission and eidisled 
 in 1st Canadian t'ontniaent for active service 
 in South Africa, (.'/ctoher 20th, 1899. 
 
40 
 
 OUR BOYS UNDKR FIRE 
 
 fij^liting line, but all day Sunday, regardless 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 nnist ell 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 lini])ed on, mile after mile, never giving 
 in. His feet were covered with blood blisters, the nails of hivS 
 toes were torn off and bleeding, and every ste]) must have been 
 a hell to him, but he would not give up. And as there were lads 
 in our compary 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 c<^mmission and live and fight with privates 
 who were men." In writing to Mr. and Mrs. K. \V. Taylor of 
 Charlottetown on the death of their .son Roland tlie .same writer 
 .says: " Just a line to express my heartfelt sympathy in your 
 irreparable lo.ss. Youi son was the friend of us all. During 
 the tediou.^ and trying months he was with us he always remained 
 cheerful and by his example encouraged the downhearted. 
 Never durino; that time of con.stant a.s.sociation did I hear him 
 utter a profane or improper word but he lived in the midst of 
 most trying .surroundings a quiet, unostentatious Christian life, 
 quietly reading his Bible every night. One day when coming 
 from Thomas' farm-house, 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 gloriously." 
 
 It might be interesting to the reader to know that in the 
 battle of Paardeberg the thirty Island boys stood shoulder to 
 .shouiuer, 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 unicpie in 
 every detail. President vSte\n, finding o])]K>sition was useless, 
 retreated with a large force towards Krooristadl, and Lord Rob- 
 erts was met three miles from the city and formally jireseiited 
 with the keys of Government Hou.se and other .tftlcial buildings. 
 
 Cheer after cheer greeted the Commander-in-chief and his 
 
 ■ .^ 
 
 'Native of Nova Scotia. 
 
OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE 
 
 41 
 
 '.-> 
 
 t 
 
 force on their arrival at the Capital. The glorious news liad 
 spread throughout the city like wild fire, and all the pent up 
 excitement thai had la'n dormant in the bosoms of the English 
 people during the long tedious months of the war, burst forth 
 into exultant joy ar.d 
 thanksgiving. A Union 
 Jack, the handiwork of 
 Lady Roberts, made ex- 
 pressly for this occasion, 
 was hoisted by lyord Rob- 
 erts, while flags were fran- 
 tically wav'ed and hats 
 thrown in the air; strangers 
 clasped hands, strong men 
 became hysterical, and all 
 deliriously and w i 1 d 1 y 
 shouted ' ' Three cheers for 
 the army, three cheers for 
 ' Bobs,' and three cheers 
 for the Queen." 
 
 The following telegram 
 from Lord Roberts to the 
 War Office is expressive cf 
 the true nobility of the 
 man : 
 
 Bloemfontein, O. F, S., S. Africa, 
 April 1st, 1900. 
 
 '' By the help of God and by the 
 '^ra^'e. y of Her Majesty's soldiers 
 
 1 \"C taken possession of Bloem- 
 
 (dinned) "Roberts." 
 
 Bloemfontein ( Anglice: Spring of Flowers) is the capital city 
 of theOrnnge 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 tlij entire 
 capital are signs of modern civilization. The municipal affairs 
 
 LIEUT. I.ORNE STIlWART 
 
 (l.lEUT. 82ND (^H'KEN's CO. UECMMKNT) 
 
 Born July 30th, 1878, .it Charlottetown, P.E.I.; son 
 of M.ijor 1). Stewart, Charlottetown ; educatetl at 
 Chailottetown l!ii>ines,s College (Oiploma 1897, Royal 
 Military College, Fredericton (ist class certificate 
 1899). Appointments: Lieutenant in No. 3 8i;nd Reg- 
 iment 1899 ; entered mercantile life 1897 > enrolled in 
 Company "O" First Canadian Contingent for service 
 in the South African war October 25th, 1S99 ; Sergt. 
 Company "(i" R.C. R. ^L■ly 14, 1900. 
 
42 
 
 OUK BOYS UNDER FIRE 
 
 of the city are maimoed by a Mayor and aOwii Council. A 
 statue of Sir Jolin Brand, the founder of the State, stands in 
 front of the Government Buildings. It was unveiled on the 
 5th of July. 1893, — 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 architectural design, and is 
 surrounded by an extensive flower garden and orchard. It was 
 from this garden of Hden 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 1886 by Sir George Grey, then governor of 
 Cape Colony and High Conii' ii'sioner for South Africa. The 
 institution has an average attv! e of three hundred pupils 
 
 from all over South Africa. On lay loth, 1874, Lady Brand 
 laid the foundation .stone of the " Free State Ladies' Institute." 
 A staff of teachers was 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 ho.spitals, and churches of all denominations. On^. 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 husbands, brothers and lovers in the war 
 and have not even victor}^ to con.sole them. In the English 
 Church, however, a magnificent choral service goes with £ 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 's 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 ho.spital." 
 
 Bloemfontein can also boast of a Natural History Mu- 
 .seum, founded in 1877. The specimens include gold quartz, 
 
OUR BOYS UNDKR FIRE 
 
 43 
 
 diamondiferioiis soil, collections of snakes, native weapons, parch- 
 ments, old deeds, currency, stuffed lions, tigers, African birds, 
 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 isasmall 
 locomotive with cars and 
 rails attached. It seems 
 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. 
 
 JOSEPH liENSON PASCOK. 
 
 (3UU UK(;r CANADIAN AKTI I.I.Kin) 
 
 A newspaper called 
 "The Friend," formerly 
 hostile to the Britisli, but 
 later published by corres 
 pondents on Lord Roberts' staff, contained the following 
 
 I'orn I'urin, Xewfouiulland, July 5th, 1876 ; son of 
 Rev. Ji)st;i)li Pasof, Metlu)di>t clt-'raynian, now of 
 Petiti:i>'.!i.iL, N.I!.; ediuatccl Mount .Mlison Academy, 
 Sackville, N. 1!.; en'istfd from rd R^gt., C. .\. in 
 C <mpaiiy "(J ' First Canadian t'ontin^cnt. 
 
 PROCLAMATION. 
 
 TO THE BURGHERS oF THE ORANGE FREE STATE. 
 
 The British troops under my command, having entered the Orange Free 
 State, 1 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 
 
 OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE 
 
 p^^^^psj^ 
 
 
 S)lemn assuran-'e to President Steyn that, if the Orange Free State remained 
 neutral, its territory would njt be invaded, and its independence would be at all 
 times fully respected by Her Majesty's Government. 
 
 In spite of that declaration, the Government of the Orange Free State was 
 guilty of a wanton and unjustifiable invasion of British Territory. 
 
 The British Go/ernment believes that this act of aggression was not com- 
 mitted with the general 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 beais them no ill-will, and 
 as far as is compatible with the 
 successful conduct of the war, and 
 the re-establishment of peace in 
 South Africa, it is anxious to pre- 
 serve them from the evils brought 
 upon them by the wrongful action 
 of their Government. 
 
 I therefore warn all Burghers 
 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 
 the order of their Government. 
 Those, however, who oppose the 
 forces under my command, or 
 tuiiiish the 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 to the Head-Quarters 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 on the part of any person be- 
 longing to, or connected with the Army. ROBERTS, Field Marshal, 
 
 Commander-in-Chief, South Africa. 
 
 FREDERICK H. McRAE 
 
 (SERGT. NO. 5 COMl'AN'V, 82M) KKGT.) 
 
 Born Aug. 27, 1872, Pownal, P.E.I., son of Alex. 
 McRae, Esq., Pownal: educated public school; carried 
 on extensive cainiing and lobster business ; enlisted it 
 Company "(J' First Canadian Contingent, October 
 2S, iSgg ; appointed on ^'.\xim (nin Corps. 
 
OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE 
 
 45 
 
 Just here we might mention that on the 29th day of May, 
 while the victorious host of Britain were advancing through the 
 Transvaal, Bloemfontein, in gay holiday attire, with flags flying, 
 guns firing, parades of militia and civilians, celebrated one of 
 the most important events in the campaign. The excitement 
 reached a climax at noon when the Military Governor and Lord 
 Roberts declared the annexation of the Orange Free State, hence- 
 forth to be known as the Orange River Colony. The ceremony 
 concluded with the firing 
 
 THOMAS AMBROSE RODD. 
 
 (l.lEl^r. 82X0 <^)LKEn's CO. KKCIMF.yT) 
 
 Horn Oct. 25th, 1870; son of John Rodd, Esq, .Mil- 
 ton, P. K. I. Attended piililiu school, and Military 
 School, Kredericton ; appointed Lieutenant f'eh i6ih. 
 1896; represented No. 3 Company 82nd Regiment at 
 the Queens Jubilee in London, Eng, 1897; resigned 
 commission and enlisted in Company "G" First Cana- 
 dian Contingent October 25th, 1899. 
 
 JOSHUA P. LESLIE. 
 
 (i.iki;t. 4TH i<k(;t. Canadian aktillhkv) 
 
 Horn at St .Marsjaret's, P.E L, April 26th, iCjS 
 son of William Leslie, Esci, Soiiris, P.E.L .Vtttnilcd 
 -Military School, Quebec, 1897 ; appointed Liemtnant 
 1898 ; engaged in farming before entering active ser- 
 vice ; rt signed commission and enlisted in First Cana- 
 dian Contingent October 25th, 1899. 
 
 of a .salute, lusty cheers 
 and .singing 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 manj' 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 ca.ses were 
 undoubtedly due to the execrable water imbibed during the 
 famous march upon Bloemfontein, most of which was obtained 
 from the Mod^er River. The tran.slation of " Modder " is 
 muddy, but the vile .stuff which our .soldiers drank without boil- 
 ing or filtering, was far wor.se than muddy. When taken from 
 below Cronje's lr.ager at Paardeberg, it was .simply liquid filth, 
 of which drainage, decompo.sed hor.se, 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 impo.ssible to make sure of 
 the necessary fire. A thirsty soldier in South Africa is willing, 
 
46 
 
 OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE 
 
 iJ^^i 
 
 moreover, to run more risks in one day than the average man 
 encounters throughout his life. 
 
 Anotlier source of infection was the immense number of 
 dead horses which lined the route of the army. There was a 
 place on the way called Ossfontein, which the soldiens — on 
 account of equine dead — promptly altered to " Deadossfontein." 
 Not alone horses, but a large 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 
 ghourlish groups, were half broiled by the tropical hf.at. The 
 stench was intolerable, and taken in conjunction with Modder 
 water for breakfast, dingier and tea, proved more disasterous 
 than bullets of the enemy." 
 
 Only five men of each Company were allowed in Bloem- 
 fontein at cnce. The Canadians were objects of great curiosity. 
 Dr. Conan Doyle in the London Times said: " The Canadians 
 are fine strapping fellows, broad-shouldered, 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 breeches torn, then mended 
 and torn again, but everj^ 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 '^ixclamation, " 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 house where this 
 " Maple Leaf " and many other " Maple Leaves" often .spent a 
 pleasant hour. 
 
 Although the city was then in the hands of the Engli.sh, 
 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 surpri.se in the unexpected arrival of 
 their tents, last u.sed in Belmont. And for Company " G" also had 
 
 I 
 
OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE 
 
 47 
 
 arrived the long looked for Christmas boxes. Notwithstanding 
 they had been paeked fwa months ])rcvions, containing private 
 parcels and jiractical rememlirances from the friends in N. B. 
 and P. K. Island, everything was in first-class condition. 
 The ai/ce, — who, on earth, but mother could bake 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 boys on the 
 
 battle-field of far distant ■. \ 
 
 Africa appreciated these 
 bounties of their love ! 
 
 During the winder Can- 
 ada had been astir in send- 
 ing off a second contingent. 
 This Regiment, 1320 
 strong, known r.s "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 
 Commissioner in London, 
 England, to equip and for- 
 ward five hundred mounted 
 men, was accepted by the 
 Imperial Government. 
 Lord Strathcona has the 
 honor to be the one man 
 who has done more for 
 
 THE LATE CAPTAIN CH.b. A. HENSLEV 
 
 (KIRST liATTAI.ION ROYAL IJUHLIN KISILIKKS^ 
 
 Born at ('harlottetown, P. E. Island, Sept 21st, 1865; 
 son of Albert Hensley, Esq, Halifax, N 8.; educated 
 Collegiate College, Windsor, N. S., Royal Military 
 College, Kingston ; commission in Imperial Army Sept 
 2nd, 1885 ; servetl in ICgypt and India; Captain 1885 ; 
 fought in battle of (ilencoe, South Africa ; on Jan 20, 
 igoo, at Ventris Spruit, was shot through the head ; 
 died at Fairview Hospital Her M.'jesty CJue.n Vic- 
 toria in a personal letter sympathized with the bereaved 
 family, and requesti.:'^ a photograph ot the late officer. 
 
 the rractical support of 
 
 a contingent than any other individual in Canada. 
 
 On March the 17th, " Strathcona' s Horse " and one hundred 
 recruits to fill the vacancies made by casualties in the First 
 Contingent sailed from Halifax. 
 
48 
 
 OUR BOYvS UNDlvR FIRK 
 
 The inagnificent 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 
 (piota. New Brunswick 
 agreed to pay each of her 
 sixty-five volunteers in the 
 second contingent and ten 
 representatives in the re- 
 inforcements nfty cents a 
 day in add'tion to the Im- 
 perial allowance. The sum 
 of money required to pay 
 the men of the three con- 
 tingents from the date of 
 d^'parture up to August 
 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 I^egi.slature of New 
 Brunswick voted $5,000.00, 
 the city of vSt. John $2,000, 
 while the balance was made 
 up by private sub.scription» 
 and local societies. The 
 spirit of wide-spre; d loy- 
 alty was such that through- 
 out all Canada, and finally 
 at Halifax, the different contingehts were given a hearty nid 
 enthusiastic farewell. 
 
 The respective transports arrived safel}' in Cape To^vn, 
 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, heroi.sm 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. 
 
 THK LATE M-VJOR HAROM) L. liORDEN 
 
 (l.IEUT. "ll" SQUAUKON SECOND CONTlNGKNl) 
 
 Horn at Cunning, N.S., 1877 : son of the Hon. Dr 
 Fred W. liorden, Minister of Militia; educ.atei! Mt. 
 Allison University, S.-ickville, N.H. ; on third year in 
 niL'dical course at Mctiill College, .\Iontr"al ; stood 6ft 
 ^ inches and weighed ig8 poinids. Although M.ijor in 
 King's Co. Hussars, accepted position as I.ieut in "U" 
 Squadron and Canadian Contingent for South Africa, 
 Januiry, igoo ", was a brave ofTicer, In May swam 
 Zand River at head of Troops and displaced a party of 
 Boers. While engaging the enemy on June 16, 1900, 
 was shot through the heart, and crying "Hoys, I'm 
 done for", dropped dead. Deeply lamented, 
 

 LORD FREDERICK SLEIGH ROHERIS, 
 
 Ok Kandahar and Waterford, ist Baron, P.C.K.P.,G.C.B.,G C.S I.,C.E.I.E.,V.C.,D.C.L.,LL. D. 
 
 Boin at Cawnpore, India, Sept 30, 1832: son of Gen Sir Anihram Roberts, G.C.B. Educated, Eton, 
 Sandhurst, Addiscombe, Oxford D.C.L. 1881; I,L.p. Dublin 1880; LL.D. Cambridge 1893; LL D. Edin- 
 burgh 1893. Appointments : 2nd Lieut Benijal Artillery Dec. 12, 1831 ; Lieut June 3, 1857 ; Capt, Nov 12, 
 i8fo ; Brev-Major Nov 13, i35o' Brev Lt-Col, Aug 15, 1868; Hrev Col, Jan 30, 187s; ^L^j-Gen, Dec 31. 
 1878 ; Lt-Gen. July 26, 1883 ; General, Nov 28, 1S90 ; P'ield Marshal, May 25, 189s ; D.A.Q.M G. through- 
 out Indian Mutiny; A.(j.M.G. (Bengal) 1863-68; ist A.Q.M.G. 1867-72 ; D.Q.M.G. 1872-75 ; Q.M.G. 
 1875-78; com'ded Kabul Field Force Sept, 1879-S0 ; corn'ded in Southern Afganistan, Sept-Oct, 1880; Comd- 
 in-Chief, Madras, 1881-85; Comd-in-Chief India, 1885-93; com'der forces Ireland Oct i, 1885. I'lngage- 
 ments : Delhi wounded — horse shot) 1857; Bulandshahr Aligarh ; Agra; Kannnj ; Banlhana ; Lucknow ; 
 Cawnpore; Luloo, and many others Com'ded Kabul-Kandahar Field Force detailed to relieve Kandahar, 
 1880 ; com'ded Field Force Burma, 1886 ; received four medals, eleven clasps, one star, and thanks from bot h 
 Houses of Parliament 1879-81 ; com'ded F"ield Force South Africa 1899-1900. Married H. Nora H., daughter 
 of Capt Bews, 73rd Foot, May 17, 1859 ; heir, the late Hon. Frederick Hugh Sherrston Roberts, killed in 
 South Africa Dec, i8gg. 
 
I/I-COL. WILLIAM DILLON OTTER 
 
 Soil of the late A. W Otter ; horn Clinton, Ont, Decenilier 3rd, 1843 '< e(h:cated Goderijh Clranunar 
 School; Model School, Toronto; U. C College; joined militia t86i ; aj pointed Lieutenant Queen's 
 Own Rifles 1863 ; served Niagara Frontier 1S64-65 ; appointed Adj, Aug, 186s ; Fenian Rai>! 1866 ; ^L-^jor 
 June, i86g ; Bt.I,t-Col June, 1874 ; went to En'^land as second in f.ommand of Wimhledon Team, 1873 ; 
 comniaiid of (Jneen's Own 1874 ; active part in Northwest Rehellion, 1885 (medal, mentioned in despatches 
 an 1 rei ommended for the CM. (J.); appointed D.O.C. No 2 with charge of School of Infantry, Toronto, 
 iSS'i ; Inspector of Infantry 1S96 ; attached to regular army for seven months and passed examinations as 
 L'.-Col. in British Army iSqs ; took leading; part in founding (Canadian Military Institute, Toronto, 1890; 
 A D.C. to His Honor the O jvernor Oeneral of Canada ; appointed Commander-in-Chief of First Cana- 
 dian < iotitingent, Octoher 25th, 1899. 
 
OUK BOYS UNDER FIRK 
 
 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." 
 
 HFTKR reniaining in Bloemfonteiii for over six weeks, Lord 
 Roberts, with an army of ^0,000, began his march north- 
 ward on May ist. The j^eneral advance was made along the 
 line of the Orange River 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. 
 
 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 connnand " Attention !" 
 " By the right !" " Quick March !" and our heroes were on the 
 tramp once more. On and on they marched 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 back, 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 bovs took shelter behind some 
 
N 
 
 52 
 
 OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE 
 
 a-it hills, and in the excitemer*^ of the battle Hedley McKinnon, 
 Arthur Mellish and Ambrose Podd di^l not hear the older to 
 retire and suddenly discovered they were facing- the enemy alone. 
 Equipped in full marching order, it was impossible for them to 
 
 se.-'rete themselves from 
 the enemy. The Bo'rfrs 
 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- 
 nately " 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, 
 keeping 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 tr>inches and entanglements, and, although only 
 five hundred strong, steadily advanced. Suddenly, when 
 within eight hundred yards, they were met with a terrific 
 f usilade of fire. Instantly there was a wild roar, yet the boys 
 pressed on. Twt 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 
 
 LIEUTP:NANT JOHN a. McDONALD 
 
 (lIEI'T, AM) ADJ. Si!NO RKGT., 
 
 Boni July 19th, 1872, Ne>" Glasgow, I*. E. I., son of 
 John Mcl))nald, Esq, New Glasgow ; educated Prince 
 of Wales Colleue, Charlottetown ; called to B.ar of P. 
 E. I , Ji' y -^otti, 1897 ; attended Provisional School of 
 Iiifai try, Charlottetown, during spring of 1898 ; Pro- 
 visii nal School of Equitation, Charlottetow;}, i.^9>< ; 
 apr minted Licnenant in 82nd Queen's Co. Regiment ; 
 in I'"eln..i.ry, 1900. appointed to fill a vacancy as 
 Lieutenant in Company "G ' I irst Conti.igent. 
 
OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE 
 
 53 
 
 and down the Boers jumped from their position and galloped 
 speedily away ; for if there is anything that strikes terror to the 
 heart of the Boer it is these fatal words: "Fix bayonets and 
 ciiarge." 
 
 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 
 compelled to return to Bloemfontein for medical treatment. 
 The troops encamped for the night at Israel Poort and the next 
 day marched six miles to the town of Thaba N'Chu, the Cana- 
 dians oc.aipying 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 operations 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 close to the camp. 
 
 Tramp ! tramp ! tramp ! It was the 5th day of May and 
 the force under 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 purpose. 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 transports, again moved forward. At noon 
 Canadians halted while the Gordons went off to the left and 
 Shropshires advanced. Soon the booming of cannon, the rattle 
 v( 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 Kaffirs in charge of ammunition carts. 
 Suddenly a shell burst in their midst ; 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 ; 3ne 
 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 '*he 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 
 Tiiaba 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 occupy- 
 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 shell fire ngain, but bravely advanced, and 
 finally succeeded in gaining the position and completely routing 
 the enemy. 
 
 The force m.ide by the junction of Gen. French and Gen. 
 
 H. GRAY, WOODSTOCK, N. B. 
 
 ('■K"FIfc:i,U HATTIiky, SliJOM) tONI'I N(iKNl) 
 
'. i\ 
 
 OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE 
 
 55 
 
 Ian Hamilton at Thaba N'Chu, again separated ; the latter 
 known as the Winberg column, divided into three divisions, — 
 Artillery, Engineers, Mounted and Foot Infantry, numbering in 
 all 1 1 ,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 pass through two ranges of kopjes, the 19th Brigade 
 being held in reserve. The Imperial Volunteers and Cameron 
 Highlanders extended on the right ; mounted men dashed on 
 and, dismounting, extended and advanced on the kopje towards 
 the left. Then came the rattle of musketry from the British. 
 Instantly 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 burst 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 occasionally a 
 bunch of whit; covered ambulances, flying a Red Cross flag, 
 looming in the distance, presented a grand panorama. The 
 troops gradually cleared the hills a idvanced onwards once 
 more. The slaughter of the Boers was \f ry gre^u, trails of blood 
 being discernable on all sides. So this eng.i^ement, known as 
 the battle of Welkom Farm, proved another defeat for the Jioers. 
 After marching some hours, the column came to a narrow gor<^e 
 or pass which was crossed with great difficulty, being crowded 
 with troops, ammunition carts and transports. 
 
 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, -vt this 
 place a number of gentlemen and officers passed the Brigade, 
 carrying a British flag rolled on a pole. They proved to be a 
 deputation from Winberg, offering the surrender of the town. 
 
56 
 
 OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE 
 
 Thus Winberg was entered without opposition. The formal 
 ent^-y was preceded by a brass band 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 civilians 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 much 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 column marched to Zand Ri /er where 
 they were joined by Lord Roberts and his colamn which had 
 fought its way directly north from Bloemfontein. The Boers 
 had taken up a position here with a frontage of twenty-five 
 Tliiles. Lord Roberts attacked them all along the line and after 
 a determined battle drove them back in hurried flight towards 
 Kroonstadt. In the battle of Zand River the Canadians played 
 their usual conspicuous part and received well merited praise. 
 
 From Zand River the column marched north to Kroonstadt, 
 then eastward towards Lindley, the very centre of the Boer 
 country, where ex-President Steyn 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 increased their speed and hastened on. Mr. Rich- 
 mond Smith, special correspondet;t of the " Star, " says : — 
 
 " On they went, over ridges, through fc *lds 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 oppor^te bank. The Royal Horse Artillery guns were 
 quickly unlimbered and opened fire on the convoy. Shell aftr^r shell opped 
 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. 
 
 
OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE 
 
 57 
 
 The enerny 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 shell stormed 
 convoy. The guns opened on our left away on the opposite side of the spruit, more 
 mounted infantry with guns shelling the main convoy of the enemy as it trekked 
 over '^'le 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 \7hole of the enemy's sick convoy of am- 
 bulances. It had been the most exciting' chase imaginable, and differed from 
 most fights i .asmuch as the whole panor^ima was spread out before one. It was 
 practically o-er, however, though the caval.-y followed on for miles and succeeded 
 in bringing Vick a couple more wagons unaL«le to keep up with the speedy trek of 
 the Boer convoy! It had been a great day! Seldom indeed is it that one gets a 
 chance of seeing so pretty a fight. 
 
 As the sun peeped over the ridges in the east, the following morning, Mon- 
 day, May 21st, t^e column moved out of bivouack at Karoo Spruit. Another hard 
 day's trekking without a 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 awfui days of hard trek- 
 king, for they have their humorous as well as their pathetic ^.-ide. I had out- 
 spanned at Witpoort just before dark, tired out with a long and vearisome day in 
 the saddle. A regiment of infantry crawled slowly up the incline to where my 
 cart was. I was thinking in a tired sort of a way how much harder it was for tlie 
 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 
 cheerful — 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 bsen 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 bv°ans. 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 would be glad when it w^s 
 over, but he quickly added: " I would not rave missed the experience for all the 
 money in the world." 
 
58 
 
 OUK BOYS UNDER FIRE 
 
 How Our Boys Celebrated the Queen's Birthday. 
 
 God save the Queen ! " We celebrated the Queen's birth- 
 day," write.s a member 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 evening, and a drink of coffee. Before daylight, at 5.45, 
 we started, all in good spirits, and marched, with occasional halts, 
 for about five miles. We came to a farm house m ith trees around 
 it, and on one tree were bunches of what looked like bananas, so 
 
 Lieut. Jones, now com- 
 mar.ding Company " G," 
 Capt. Macdonnell 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 butbunches 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 across 
 his shoulders ar,d marched 
 back lo camp, handing it 
 to the regimental butcher, 
 
 RALi'H FARRAR MARKHAM 
 
 (l.lKITKNANT 8lH HTSSAKs) 
 
 liorii Fel) 24tli, 1S77, St John, N. I!.; son iif I-t-Col. 
 A. Markhiim of St John Sun ; educated Rothesay Col- 
 legiate School, University of New Hrniiswick ; en>;m:ed 
 DM newsiKiper staff ; atti- ded Royal School of Cavalry, 
 IVironto, i3g8 ; appointed Lieutenant 3th Hussars i8q8; 
 rrsianed oomniission and enlistel as private in the 
 Mounted RiHes Second Canadian C ontiiigeiit, January, 
 1500. Church of P^ng'^nd. 
 
 
 I 
 
OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE 
 
 59 
 
 . 
 
 who had the privilege of keeping the heart and liver for his 
 trouble. But to continue, — the country had all been burnt over 
 by the Boers in order to show up 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 cook our suppar 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. Then came an issue of tea, soup, an exira 
 supply of rum for those who take it. It is dark now by 5 o'clock 
 and about 8 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 until our 
 company joined in, and in less ^han three minutes the welkin 
 rang and resounded to the echo of "God ;.ave the Queen." 
 Then a band .struck up ' ' When the boys c.oiAe 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 discu.s.sion between Dillon, 
 Arbuckle and Matheson, as to whether the bandmaster of the 
 Shrops. or our Godfrey was the greatest bandmaster in the 
 world." 
 
 Tramp ! tramp ! tramp ! over an endless veldt and difficult 
 as the marching was for the troops, the transport wagons almost 
 found the country impassable, but bravely they struggled on, 
 ".sometimes with the column, 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 honses, at the road, at the weather and almost 
 swearing at themselves for being such fools as to go to war." 
 "Look, boys, look at the sky," cried one of " Our Boys" on 
 
m 
 
 60 
 
 OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE 
 
 the evening of May 27th, " French is heliographing Lord 
 Roberts, he has crossed the Vaal. Three cheers and a tiger for 
 
 General French," and the 
 veldt re-echoes again and 
 again to the lustrous cheers of 
 those buoyant hearts. With 
 vigor and spirits aglow they 
 again move forward, and on 
 the 28th of May the " Fight- 
 ing Nineteenth " as the Bri- 
 gade was named, waded, waist 
 deep, into the Vaal and crossed 
 from the Free State 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 reminiscences of the past were drowned by n 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 sliot 
 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 
 Stock Exchange closed 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. B. 
 
 ("k. "kIKLD liAI'lEKY. SECONIJ CONTI N(;KNT) 
 
OUR BOYS UNDKR FIRE 
 
 6l 
 
 vast heaps of slate-colored powder, the trailers of the iiiiiies. 
 heaps upon heaps piled mountains high, siirroundiiij> scaffold and 
 chimney, leaving little range of sky, and speaking to the edu- 
 cated eye of unlimited wealth in the tunuF.ls undf.r ground. 
 Roads were everywhere ; railroads, tram-roads, wagon roads, 
 and millions of wires, telephone, telegraph, electric, trolly wires, 
 all crossing each other in indescribable confusion, as if some 
 enormous spider had woven a huge web over the Rand. 
 
 While Roberts advanced on the right of Johannesburg with 
 the main column, French and Hamilton pushed on with their 
 divisions on the left flank, and after .some preliminary fighting 
 found themselves face to face with the entrenched foe on the 
 heights of Doom Kop. of fateful memory, for here Jameson, with 
 his brave band, had suc- 
 cumbed after a stout resist- 
 ance. The division had 
 consumed its last bi.scuit, 
 and it was either forward 
 or retreat — no time to turn 
 a po.sition — 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 roll back with 
 the .slaughter of a .second 
 Magersfontein, or would be 
 crowned with .succe.ss. On 
 the Gordons, the chums of 
 the Canadians, the brunt 
 of the action fell. They, 
 with the Canadians on their 
 right, advanced over burnt 
 and burning veldt up the 
 smooth slopes of a long 
 kopje, while the enemy 
 
 NELSON T. HRACE. 
 
 (CHAKI.niTKTOWV EnGINKKKS.) 
 
 Horn April i6th, 18B2 at Siimme'-side, P. E. I., sun 
 (if K. K. Hrace, Esq. iiDW of Cliarlottetown, ediical- 
 etl I'ul)lic School anrl C H. Col!"t;e, enlisted in Comp- 
 any "(; ', First Canadian Continat-nt, Oct. 25tli, 1899, 
 woinided at PaardeLerg, Felj. 27th, 1900. 
 
62 
 
 OUR BOYS UNDKR FIRE 
 
 from behind rocks and dongas poured a deadly fire on them. Bnt 
 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 fi'Tce an^-l exciting battle ensues, until finally the Boers evacu- 
 ate tlieir po.sition and flee. 
 
 At dawn, once more the" Figliting Nineteenth " moves for- 
 ward ; this time the Canadians are advance guard. Over great 
 kopjes, through wmding 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 
 thinner, until in the di.starice can be discerned Pkktoria. In- 
 stantly a roar, a cheer, a wild shout, a hip. hip, hurrah ! rings 
 out from thou.sands of 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 whistling 
 " The Maple Leaf Forever." After forming a conjunction with 
 another column of Lord Roberts' army, all advance in sjilerdid 
 style towards the coveted metropolis. 
 
OUR BOYS UNDER FIRK 
 
 63 
 
 CHAPTER V 
 
 PRETORIA. 
 
 " Rest lads! ye have wrung from this death-ride gory 
 Baptisem;nt of blood, and a mantle of glory." 
 
 PRKTORIA, the .seat of the South African Republic, with it.s 
 magnificent fortresses costing over two millions of pounds 
 sterling, — Pretoria, on the thre.shold of which Kruger threatened 
 the P^ngli.sh with a slaughter that would " .stagger humanit}'," — 
 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 utterl}' 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 Raadzaal. 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 .le crowds in market street proclaimed the coming of the 
 
64 
 
 OUR BOYS T^NDKR FIRK. 
 
 fT^r 
 
 ■■'CF^S^«!" 
 
 Coiuinaiuler-in-Cliief and his staff. There was a cheer from a 
 little band of loyalists about the (irand Hotel on the corner of 
 Church vS([uare, as Lord Roberts with his staff galloped into the 
 
 open space in front of the 
 Raad/aal, 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 
 s idness, were f ir more im- 
 pressi\e 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 British officers ap- 
 peared on the stone balcony 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 enthusiasm. 
 It was a strange sight, however, for among that great mass of 
 humanity which crowded the square came not a sound. To 
 them there was no cause for enthusiastic 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 HK(;AN I'.AKKS. 
 
 (l.IKl'T. I'KINIKSS I.OIISK HISSAKS.^ 
 
 IJorii St. John, N. V,., 1874, son of Major I. H. 
 Parks, St. Jolm. (Ir.-ulilatfd Royal Milit.iry College, 
 Kingston, 1396 ; Lieut. Priiic;ess Louise Hussars 189C1; 
 resigned commission and enlisted as private in " h " 
 ."squadron, and Canadian Contingent, Jan. 1900. 
 
OUR HOYS UNDKR FIRE 
 
 65 
 
 They did not seem to bear resentment as did tlie 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 saddest 
 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 whose arms have been suc- 
 cessful in one of the bitterest struggles the world has seen. 
 
 A few minutes after the ceremony of hoisting the flag was 
 over, the Guards' band, headed by Gen. Pole-Carew and staff, 
 marched past, followed by the i8th Brigade under Gen. Cherm- 
 side — the Essex, 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-deserved 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 si*ch a prominent part. Head- 
 ing the procession was General lun 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 ni 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 
 Horse 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 19th," as it is called, which has 
 been in every engagement since the army left Eslin, was given 
 
66 
 
 OUR BOYS UNDKR FIRE 
 
 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 marchea past with 
 a steady swing which ex- 
 cited general aamiration. 
 Next came the Cornwalls, 
 who were also well re- 
 ceived. Then the Cana- 
 dians, led by Colone^ Otter. 
 It was enough to make 
 any Canadian proud of his 
 "ountry as these sturdy 
 heroes passed in front of 
 the .saluting ba.se at a long, 
 .steady, sva inging gait, 
 which compelled the band 
 to change its tune and give 
 something fa.ster. 
 
 The Canadians never ap- 
 pear at a funct^on of this 
 kind without creating com- 
 ment upon the sturdy ap- 
 pearance of their ranks. 
 Individually taller and 
 more strongly built than 
 the men of any other British regiment, except, perhaps, the 
 Gua'ds, their appearance is always the signal for an enthusiastic 
 reception. As they passed through the open space and in front 
 of Lord Roberts and his staff, every man .seemed to r alize that 
 he must do his Ljst. Weary as they were, their uniforms 
 blackened and .itai'ied with long marching and hard fighting, of 
 which no jegihient in the army has Ivad more, their soldierly 
 bearing and sturdy appearance won for them enthusiastic 
 plaudits on .11 sides. Even the silent Dutch were interested, 
 and as Our Boys marched past I heard more than one apathetic 
 bu jher enquire who they were, and crane his neck to .see 
 
 A. H. ARNOLD. 
 
 (I.IRIT. I'KINCESS l.OflSK MlSSAKs) 
 
 Son of (i. R. Arniild, K>.:,, Susst.ic, H. B. ; joined 
 8th Hussars 1893 . Provisional Second l-ieutenant ; 
 holds certificate Royal School of C'avalry, 'I'jronto ; 
 I>ronii>.ed First Lieutenant 1899; resigned commission 
 and enlisted as a private in "H" Squadron Mounted 
 Rifles, Second Canadian Contingent, Jan., 1900. 
 
OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE 
 
 67 
 
 Ir 
 le 
 
 r 
 
 h 
 
 the men who had tra\'elled 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 it.self 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 the 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 V^olunteers, 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 Sunnyside, 
 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 harsldy 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 Canadi.iUS 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 UNDER FIRE 
 
 February, 1900, it has marched six hundred and twenty miles, 
 often on half rations and seldom on full. It has taken part in 
 the capture of ten towns, fought in ten general engagements, 
 and on 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 nii,." 
 
 From Pretoria the Canadians were ordered to Elandsfontein, 
 thence to a f^mall 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 prett}^ — splendid farms and 
 comfortable houses, with gardens and trees ; the latter had all to 
 be plaiited, and are looked after like hothouse plants. 
 
 Small, Matheson, Mellish, Foley, Rodd, Dillon, Gaudet and 
 myself are the only ones left of the thirty Island boys that left 
 Gras Pan and arrived at Pretoria. Since we left Pretoria, Mc- 
 Kinnon, Brace and McRae have rejoined us ; they are all well. 
 Major Weeks and Mr. Fullerton are also with the regiment. 
 
 We left Elandsfontein for this place on the evening of the 
 loth of June. I must tell you of a very amusing incident that 
 occurred when we were marching through the town of Boksberg. 
 Shortly after leaving Elandsfontein it began to rain and con- 
 tinued about an hour. By that time we had arrived at Boksberg, 
 and were marching through the streets whistling the Maple Leaf 
 and other tunes. Suddenly an Englishwoman, short and fat, 
 ran out of a house, clasped her hands over her heart and shouted: 
 "The British ! the British ! God bless 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 oro.ss. 
 
 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 casks 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 kerosene oil can, cut out 
 
OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE 
 
 69 
 
 r- 
 
 the heads and cover them with skins. But their pianos take the 
 cake, — they have a box aoont 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 
 with a stick that has a 
 piece of cloth tightly wound 
 around the end, and keep 
 excellent time. There 
 were about twenty of these 
 pianos, four or five big 
 drums, and the same numb- 
 erof smaller ones. They had 
 quite a dance, singing 
 meanwhile about the Brit- 
 ish and the Boers. Here 
 are .some of their sayings : 
 The British very wi.se 
 men ; they go up to heaven 
 in a balloon ; talk to God ; 
 God tell them how, then 
 they come down and beat 
 the Boer." " Paul Kruger 
 has lest his number." " If 
 the British want to catch 
 old Paul they had better go 
 to Delagoa Bay." " Great 
 day for Kaffirs when Briti.sh 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 these 
 sayings put to mu.sic, and would dance to the nuisic, sing 
 these pieces, brandi.sh 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 
 
 BEVERLEY R. .VRMSTRONG. 
 
 (CAl'l AIN^UI) K'';(;r. KOY.M. ( ANADIAN AKTIi.I.KHV) 
 
 Horn at St John, N. 15., Kt-li. lolli, 187s; son of 
 I.t-C'ol. |. R. Arnistron.;; tilurateil l.ifnioxvillf Coll., 
 i'. (J., i:. N.M. Kieclcricton O"'- A ); Kin«.s Coll<nt, 
 Windsor, N.S. (H. i:. I,.); Attornty-.it-I.aw ; KojtiI 
 School of Artilkry, (Jucliuc, ist K. S. A. iSgs; :!iicl 
 Lieut jril K.C!..\. 1895; Lieutenant 1896; Cajjlain 1899; 
 resigned coniinission anil enli.-.tecl in ist Itatt. C.M.k., 
 January , i9tK); woumied in rij;hi foot liy liall from 
 shrapnell shell 7th July ; foot ampulated at Anihulancf 
 I ranc.iis, Johanneshuri;. Church of Knuland . 
 
70 
 
 OUR HOYS UNDER FIRK 
 
 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 Anslow' 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 'vhich patrols ihe railway between Kroonstadt and 
 Pretoria, We have great sport stopping the natives and also 
 the white inhabitants from passing 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 English. He jabbers away at the rate of a mile 
 a minute and makes innumerable signs with his hands. I gener- 
 ally jump at conclusions 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 off duty and .sleep in the open as 
 usual. Joe Letson was wounded at Houtnek on May ist. 
 Bert McCullum is better and with us again. Ben Harris has 
 also recovered from the fever. He .saw Mathe.son 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 
 an}' at the camp." Then .she explained that it was pos H^le for 
 her to hear what others a short way off could not. The reason 
 was simple, but curious, being that her house was built on top 
 
OUR BOYS UNDER KIRE 
 
 of a coal field excavated underneath — a huge sounding-board 
 that carried a noise from a very great distance. 
 
 On the night of June the 28th, while one of " Our Boys " 
 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 minute 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 helmets, 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 held on 
 and managed to stop it but was pretty well run over ; as it was, 
 his hands were lacerated quite a bit. While this was going on 
 
 CAPTAIN HKNRV H. SFAIRS. 
 
 (CAI'TAIN I'KINCESS l.onSK KUSILIEKS, H AI.IKAX.) 
 
 Son of the bte J. S. Stairs, Ksq., Halifax. N. S. and 
 brother of late Lieut. .Stairs, African explorer ; edu- 
 cated Dalhousie College (l-I,. I?.); First class certificate 
 Royal School of Infantry ; Capt. Priiicer^s Louise Fus 
 iliers, May i6th, 1896 ; app tinted to command of Com- 
 pany " H " First Canadian Contini;ent Oct.csth, 1899. 
 .Mciit'oned in Col. Otter's dispatch Feb. 27th, 1900. 
 
72 
 
 OUR BOYS I'NDKR KIKE, 
 
 firing had commenced between the British and the Boers. The 
 Canadians advanced in open order and the guns were nuned off 
 to the left. vSoon ])oom, boom, boom announced that the big 
 guns were at work, and as shot followed shot the rifle fire of the 
 enemy gradually slackened. A lively fight ensued, our men 
 never flinched, and finally the Boers retreated in confusion, the 
 mounted men cha.sing after them. When the fight was over the 
 boys found two dead Boers killed by rifle fire, and five dead 
 hor.se.s — and they learned from .some negroes that twelve had 
 been wounded. It is probable that there were many more 
 casualties, as the Boers always did their best to conceal their kxss. 
 
 N't long after when two of the volunteers were a few miles 
 outside of Springs they were fired on from a farm hou.se. One 
 of the men was badly wounded in the hip and another bullet 
 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 
 strcmg detachment of mounted men who burned the farm house 
 and barns to the ground. 
 
 Some time before, when Lord Roberts was advancing on 
 Johannesburg, there was one little town that put up quite a stiff 
 fight. Among the enemy was a burgher who.se wife and twelve- 
 year-old .son were in a hou.se near the engagement. During a 
 lull in the firing the father beckoned the boy over to the rifle pit. 
 When half way acro.ss tlie field I'le child was .struck by an ex- 
 ploding .shell and killed in sight of both parents. 
 
 And so the Boers have suffered. The i.ssuing of the ulti- 
 matum that promi.sed freedom and happiness, brought only 
 disaster and woe ; but a bright day has now dawning for the.se 
 mi.sguided people, and the Union Jack of old Kngland will amply 
 fulfil the mi.s.sion that the admini.stration of South Africa failed 
 to accomplish. Yet when we think of the .scores of homes that 
 are devastated, of the many family ties that are liroken, and 
 recall the hardships endured by our own troops, as well as the 
 sad and lonely hearts throughout the Empire to day, gladly will 
 we welcome the time when universal peace shall reign. 
 
 Although apparently defeated the Boers continued to re.sort 
 to .secret and artful tactics, often blowing up l)ridges and break- 
 ing weak lines of communication. On July 14th a i)lot to take 
 
OrK BOYS UNDKK FIKK 
 
 73 
 
 the garrison at Joliannesburs was discovered. It is said the 
 scheme was defeated by a yoiin<T Dutch officer confiding- in liis 
 lady love, who innnediately gave the alarm. Later a plot of a 
 
 RRHAKI) J. KOI-KV, Ol" "O ' COMPANY. 
 
 Sum of Mr. K. lulty. South Shore, 1' K I. 
 ( iiAUi.o I 1 1; niw N KNt.iMius - iiKsr ic>.siiM;KNr sui i ii aikmia. 
 
 more serious nature — to kill all the Briti.sh officers, capture 
 Lord Roberts and retake Pretoria — was discovered on the brink 
 of execution. This treachery proved that the conciliation and 
 kindness with which Lord Roberts liad been treating the enemy, 
 was falling far short of the mark, and that if the Boers were to 
 be subdued it was onlv bv firm and .severe treatment. 
 
74 
 
 OUR BOYS UNDER KIRE 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 " Oh the wail that rent the night wind 
 When the day was done." — Kett. 
 
 THE war would no doubt have ended with the taking of 
 Pretoria but for the ability of General DeWet, who 
 frequently succeeded in breaking weak lines of communication, 
 and who won universal admiration for the skillful manner in 
 which he evaded the large body of British troops. 
 
 Capt. A, H. Macdonnell, who was appointed to the command 
 of Company "G" in December at Belmont, had a very interestirg 
 experience in the General's camp. On April yth the Captain 
 was stricken with enteric fever at Bloemfontein, and on Jur.e 
 7th, when returning to the regiment, was taken prisoner at 
 Roudival. Only a .small British garrison was on guard at this 
 station, and when the line of communication was cut by the 
 Boers out.side help was unavailable. 
 
 In describing the surrender, Capt. Macdonnell .says : "When 
 nine days passed and failed to bring us any help from Kroonstadt 
 there wa.«> nothing for us but to entrench and strengthen our 
 position. With loaded railway trucks we made an oblong 
 enclosure about the .station which we made .secure by piling up 
 boxes of stores and bags of mail matter and clothing. 
 
 " Our reconnoitering patrol was fired on by a single horse- 
 man about daybreak on the morning of June 7th, quite close to 
 the station. The alarm was at once given, and the little garri.son 
 took up the position previously assigned to them inside our 
 barricade. It was about half-past five o'clock on 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 my.self 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 General Christian DeWet, which read 
 as follows : ' I am around you with about one thou.sand men 
 and four guns, and demand your immediate unconditional sur- 
 render in order to avoid blood.shed.' After reading this 
 
OUR BOYS UNDER FIRK 
 
 75 
 
 peremptory demand we asked for half an hour's time for consid- 
 eration so that we might establish communications with the 
 Derbyshires, whom we knew were already engaged with the 
 enemy from the reports which came from the river banks further 
 north. We sent a horse- 
 man out with a message for 
 the Colonel of the Derby- 
 shires, but in a very short 
 time he returned and re- 
 ported that we were cut off 
 from the other British 
 force. In the meantime 
 we had discovered that the 
 enemy had cut the tele- 
 graph line to Kroonstadt. 
 By this time De Wet's mes- 
 senger had returned, and 
 said that his General would 
 give us ten minutes longer 
 to comply with his request, 
 after which his burghers 
 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. Imniediately 
 upon receiving this answer 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 hiuidred 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 our men. Simultan- 
 eously the enemy poured in a hot rifle fire, which fortunately 
 was not effective. Gradually we forced back their firing line to 
 a range of seventeen hundred yards. The Derbyshires fought 
 
 H. H. DVSXRT, HARTLAND, N. li. 
 
 ("k" I'IKI.I) ItATTKKV, SKCONl) CONTI NUKN' r.) 
 
76 
 
 OUR BOYS UNDKR FIRK 
 
 well but were finally coin])ellcd to surrender. Then we saw that 
 the whole force of about fifteen hundred burghers with five guns 
 were coming to engage us. When we .saw the five Boer guns 
 taking up positions all about us, Lieut. Hlanchard with half a 
 do/en 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 about fifteen hundred rifles pouring shell and bullets into 
 us. All their big guns were well out of range of our rifle fire. 
 About this time a shell landed right in the midst of the little 
 working party under the comnuuid 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 Kirge body of the enemy working around our rear 
 and occupying the small pan about five hundred yards 
 from the Ijarricade from where they could fire upon us 
 at close range under perfect cover. As we had ab.solutely no 
 hope of receiving as.sistance from Kroonstadt and knowing that 
 the Derbyshires had given up .some two lu rs 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 killed 
 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 which landed something over one hundred 
 shells in and about our little enclosure. 
 
 " When the enemy came in and made us pri.soners General 
 Christian De Wet expres.sed surprise at the resistance the 
 garri.son had made, calling us plucky fellows. He admitted that 
 we had wounded eight of his burghers. 
 
 " In addition to large quantities of food .stuffs, there was at 
 Roodival when the Boers captured the place some fifteen 
 hundred bags of mail for the troops at the fr(mt, all the Briti.sh 
 warm coats and winter clothing for the Nineteenth Brigade 
 including the Canadians, and .several truck loads of ammunition 
 for our twelve, fifteen, and two hundred and forty pound guns 
 
OUR BOYS UNDKR KIRK 
 
 77 
 
 ti 
 
 vVhile the major portion of the Hoer force was engaged looting 
 the captured stores the prisoners were marched under a, heavy 
 guard to I)e 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 r 
 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 burning wood 
 were hurled high into the air as the large 
 two hundred and fort> pound .shells ex- 
 ploded. When in the enemys camp I have 
 heard the Boers openly boast that no 
 Briti.sh troops could be moved to or from 
 any point between Bloemfontein and Pre- 
 toria, without them knowing not only the numbers and de.stina- 
 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 
 the movements of our troops, while along the railway line he 
 knew exactly the strength and di.spo.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 W^et was almost surrounded by the 
 British, he left Captain Macdonnell and other prisoners behind 
 at F'arrie.sburg in order to make good his own e.scape. Captain 
 Macdonnell 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." 
 
 c IIAKI.F.S MINK 
 
 (( MAHI.oriK lOWN KN(;iNKKRS) 
 
 Son of Mr. Henry Hiiie. 
 
 Company "O " First C;iii.i(li;iii 
 ContiiiKiiii. 
 
78 
 
 OIK BOYS UNDKR FIKK 
 
 CHAPTHR VII. 
 
 " Deeds like this made Britain's glory 
 In the sterner past; 
 Days like this shall light her story 
 While the world doth last." -Kett. 
 
 IJAURINO the suinnier inoiiths a number of sick am! woinidcd 
 I J Canadians were invalided lionic by way of lvnjj;land. 
 Arriving in London they were treated with the utmost kindness 
 anil 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 Kn^land, '" 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 ;\gain warmly received and in 
 the respective provinces given a hearty welcome home. 
 
 Among the number to arrive home was Lieut. W. C. McLean 
 of vSt. John, who had obtained three months' leave of absence 
 from the Imperial .service. 
 
 W. C. Utton, R. C. R. I., Fredericton ( tran.sferred to Com- 
 pany " F"), wounded at Paardeberg, Feb. i8th, and mentioned 
 in Colonel Otter's official report. 
 
 Bruce McFarlane, of Fredericton, accidentally .shot himself 
 through the leg. 
 
 John Dermott, of St. John, who, when getting water from 
 the Modder River, by mistake strayed into Oeneral Cnmje'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 kept a pri.soner in the laager until the sur- 
 render on Fe1)ruary 27th. 
 
 Martin Quinn. 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 passed out of the back. 
 Private Quiiui was very ill for .some time, but is now in his usual 
 place in the Infantry School — an honored hero. 
 
ni'K HOYS UNDKK I IRK 
 
 79 
 
 Frederick \V. Coombs, son of Henry Coombs. Ks(|., of St 
 John, was wounled in tlie chest (hninj< the battle of the snr- 
 render of Cronje. Me is kno\vt» thrt)Uj;hout the provinces as a 
 ^reat athlete, was twice captain of the Mohawk hockey team, 
 and led them to tlie championship at vSt. John, N. B. Corp. 
 Coombs has had a vtiv serious time in Scmth Africa. After 
 
 HOSIMIAI, IKNI'. KI.MIiKKI.KV. 
 
 (i)— F. W. Coombs, St . John, C'oinpany "(;,"R.C\ U. ; (i)- Member Imperial Army, liil five 
 times in rinlit hand, i-ompletely >haltereti; ( ;) — Membt-r Imperial .Army, ley amputated; (4) Orderly 
 (if lent; (?;)- J. A. Harris, t'harlottetown, I'. K. I., ("ompany "O " R. C K.; (6)-Member Imperial 
 .Army, lhiv;h and lei; paraly/ed; (7) I'te. Sband, I'.l.ii k \N'atch Kekjiment, paralyyd in lioth lei">: 
 (S)-. Member lmi»crial AriM\ , f.jot ^hot olT 1>\ ivplndim; vlidl; (g)^'Pte. A« Sutherland, Co. "K", 
 R. C". Regiment. Wounded Crti:ije'> laager, Feb. j;. 
 
 recovering from the cfTects of his wound, in Cape Town, he 
 bravely started for the front aj^ain, but was overtaken with fever 
 at Bloemfontein, and on Sept. 7th was com])elled to leave for 
 Knjj^land on the ** Kildonan Castle," and is now rei)orted "very 
 low" at Shorncliffe Ho.sjMtal. 
 
 John A. Harris, .son of Mr. John Harris, Charlottetown, was 
 
CO 
 
 OUR BOVS UNDKR KIKK 
 
 
 wc.iinded on the morning of Cronje's surrender. When tlie first 
 nuirderous volley was fired by the enemy he threw liimself down 
 on the ground and a bullet grazed his left arm. A few moments 
 later another grazed his ribs but did not lodge. He then raised 
 his left arm slightly, and as he did .so another bullet grazed the 
 muscle of the arm. Then crawling on his stomach towards a 
 trench lie came to a redoubt that had been thrown up by .some 
 of the boys. Owing to the great lo.ss of blood the young soldier 
 was rapidly becoming uncon.scious. His friend Small, who 
 happened to be near, ])luckily raised him on his .shoulders and 
 staggered to a trench where the wounded wen being cared for. 
 Although '"'.reiving the best attention in th. hospitals, Private 
 Harris has, to the regret of a large number of frieuds, lost the 
 u.se of his arm, the leaders being compk-tely paralyzed. 
 
 Win. Wallace, R. C. R. I., Kredericton, was invalided home 
 from the effects of enteric fever, but on regainiiig his former 
 health and vigor, re-enlisted once more for the front. 
 
 Harry Fratisham, R. C. R. I,, was wounded badly in tlie 
 hip on the morning of Cronje's surrende 
 
 H. Leavitt, (iraiul Lake. Queen's County, was badl\ 
 wounded on the morning of the iSth of February. The brave 
 Nor.ng .soldier has since sutTered a very great deal with his back, 
 and we are glad to hear he is now gaining strength. 
 
 Henr\- Durant, of Moncton, was wounded in the groin and 
 L-lbow during lln' desjvetate encounter with the enemy at Paarde- 
 berg, February iSth. 
 
 John A. Lutz, also of Moncton, was wounded on May the 
 loth at Thaba X'Chu when valiantly doing his duty. 
 
 Duncan Robe^'tson .son of ex-Mayor Robertson, vSt. John, 
 who resigned his connni.s.-ion and was enrolled in the 2nd 
 Contingent, has al.sc* returned home. 
 
 Ambrose I'elkey, of St. Jolui, underwetit his b.';^)tism of fire 
 at Paardeberg, I'eb. 27th. H< was wounded within sixty yards 
 of the Hoer trenches. The ball entered his right fore arm aiul 
 passed out ahove his elbow sliattering one of the nerves and 
 l)aralyzing two of his fingers. He lay perfectlv still and dost- 
 l(» the- trenches until the haii of bullets cea.sed, then crept to the 
 ho.spital where his wound was dressed, imkI returned to liie 
 
Ol'K HOYS UNDKR FIRE 
 
 8l 
 
 regiment in time to see General Cronjc going into the British 
 camp. 
 
 Frederick Wave, of Hunter River. P. K. Island, was 
 wounded in the first battle of Paardeberg. In the thick of the 
 fight he was struck with a bullet in the thigh, still he advanced 
 and another bullet entered his foot. A stretcher bearer was near 
 at hand and using his rifle for a crutch, the wounded boy soon 
 reached the field hospital. 
 
 Arthur Hayden, one of St. John's plucky young heroes, 
 was wounded near Johannesl)urg, May the 2yth, but remained 
 with the regiment. 
 
 We also mu.st mention W. Donahue, of vSt. John, severely 
 wounded on the morning i)f the .surrender of Cronje. An ex- 
 l)losive bullet struck his knee and 'high and although receiving 
 the best of attendance 'joth in vSouih Africa and ICngland, the 
 doctor found that amputation of iIk' limb was necessary. The 
 .soldier bo\- bore the atTliclion in the bravest po.ssible mainier. 
 
 *Jo.seph Letson of Newcastle, Frank vSprague.W. C. I'nkauf 
 and James Johnstone, St. John, were also victims of the enemy's 
 fire during those menu)ral)le days of conflict. 
 
 The boys deeply regretted the death of the late Cor. Withers, 
 who.se high Christian character made him a favourite with all. 
 
 The majority oi the .-.jldicrs who suff"cred fnmi fever were 
 not allowed to return * ; the tront, and among the number to 
 sail for home were: K. Hessian, J. Pringle, vS. Jones, F. C. 
 Vi'alker, Fredericlon ; H. P. McLauglilin, Daniel Fergu.son, 
 Moncton ; Knssel H. Hnbley, (icorge Cha])man, Sua^ev ; John 
 McLeod, St. Stephen ; Andrew Doyle, Chatham ; J. B. Pascoe, 
 Petitcodiac. 
 
 vSuch is a brief history of .some (»f our Canadian volunteers 
 on the battlefield in vSouth Africa. Now they have returned, 
 having done as nuch during one short year in the service of 
 their country as n;any a man wlio retain ; the full use of his 
 liml)S for three .score vears and ten. As we note the crutch, iii the 
 hand of the cripi)le, the lifeless arm by the side of the buoyant 
 youth, the halting .step of the maimed, we feel sure that the 
 
 'TIr- aiillior rcKrels tli.i' ili-laiN ti-l.tliiiv; to the Mniiniliiik: of ilit--<f licroo iirt- iiiiavail.ilik'. 
 
82 
 
 OUR noYS UNDKR FIKK. 
 
 Government will see that every one of these 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 (juarterof a million 
 dollars subscribed by the generous people of Canada, 
 
 The object of the society is to help the dependent families of 
 soldiers, engaged in South Africa, and the widows and orphans of 
 men who have fallen as well as the heroes who are disabled for life. 
 Another society that has done commendable work during 
 the year is the Soldiers' Wives League. This vSociety has eleven 
 branches tliroughout Canada, including those organized in vSt. 
 John and Charlottetown by Mr.s. We.st Jones and Mrs. (Col. ) F. 
 S. Moore re.s])ectively. 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 whether in sickness or in healtli they may be able mutually 
 to aid and as.sist o'.ie another and their families in times of diffi- 
 culty, troul)le and distress. 
 
 The sick and wounded in the hospitals and rest camjrs could 
 not speak loo highly of the medical staff 
 and nur.sc dso of the many friends at 
 home who tiirough the medimn of tlie dif 
 ferent branches of the Red Cro.ss vSociety 
 did .so much of practical aid in alleviating 
 their sufferings. 
 
 The Canadian Hranch of the Red Cross 
 vSociety was organized in '.S96 by Lieut, 
 Col. G. vSterling Ryerson of T<»r ^nto, and 
 the dej)arture of our Canadian volunteers 
 elicited an inten.^e interest iri this greai 
 philanthropic movement. Through the 
 instrumentality of Lady Tilley, St. John, 
 local branches were orgain'zed in a number 
 of cities in New Hrunswick, aufl in Char- 
 lottetown Mrs. C. C Gardin?r formed 
 .mother branch of the .society. The ladies of the different organ- 
 izations were untiring in their efforts, and Dr. Ryer.son, Red 
 
 MISS ClOKdlNA I'OI'K 
 
 |):iii,k;IUL'i- of ih'j l.iU- Moll, 
 W. II. I'lipi', (■iiiiiily (■mil 
 Ju ii;.'. IM''..KIalHl. (H-ailiialL- 
 <f hclUviif Hi)s|)iial, Ni-w 
 N Ilk . Kiina^fil a-- iiiiim' 
 with I ir-t i'aii.i(li.iii Coiitin- 
 4,«.-in, Oit. 25, 1899. 
 
OUR BOYS UNDKR FIRE 
 
 83 
 
 Cross Commissioner in South Africa, used judiciously the con- 
 tributions from Canada. 
 
 A large number of the boxes forwarded to South Africa 
 were not valued, but independent of tlie.se ^Kredericton raised 
 $82.00, St. John, $885.00, Sackville, $140.86, Moncton, including 
 value of boxes, $468.00, while Charlottetown forwarded a cash 
 contribution of 844.30 and boxes valued at $567.63. Liberal 
 contributions were al.so sent from Sus.sex, St. Stephen, Rothesay, 
 Dorchester and throughout Canada. 
 
 The principal ho.spitals in South Africa were in Hloemfon- 
 tein, Winburg, Kroonstadt and Wynburg near Cape Town, 
 
 Many touching incidents were told within the.se ho.spital 
 walls. One was the story of a young Australian .soldier who 
 had strayed away from his regiment and was met ])y 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, whereupon 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 hor.se, and the two lioers as tliey 
 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 hor.se. Some time after he was 
 found by his comrades and .sent to Vretfort and thence to Kroon- 
 stadt ho.spital, where he is slowly recovering from his wounds. 
 
 ;lc ;i; '^~ * ^H '-\i '^ '^ i\: 
 
 After remaining for about six weeks at Spring.s, the Cana- 
 dian Regiment united witli deJieral Hart's. Brigade, and on July 
 3£st the Hoys were once more on the brink of the Vaal. Com- 
 ])anies "(V 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 colunuis under 
 General Kitchener, began a grand chase after General DeW'et, 
 the wily Hoer general. Day by day, week by week, over an 
 • •ndle.ss veldt, they pursued the flying enemy. Col. Otter, in 
 order to keep the men in good spirits, ado[)ted the plan of putting 
 
 •Conlriliuted larj^cly towards the .Souiety uf llie D.iu^litt;!''. of ihe IOm|iire. 
 
»♦ 
 
 OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE 
 
 a number of good singers in the ctntre of the regiment to swell 
 an anthem of song. The plan worked capitally, and even after 
 a fortnight's hard marching they marched into Krugersdorp 
 gaily singing " The Maple Leaf Forever." 
 
 In an official report Col. Otter says: . . " Ang. 24111. — 
 During the last two weeks not a man has fallen out of the 
 march, although our average was seventeen miles a day. Bat- 
 talion has so far marched ioo<:> straight miles since coming to 
 this country. Strength of Regiment 400." 
 
 The initial .steps towards 
 the reconstruction of S(mth 
 Africa was the annexation 
 of the Orange River Col- 
 ony on May 29th and of 
 the Tran.svaal Re])ublic on 
 Sept. the 1st. By these 
 '..n-ar.d achievements Lord 
 Roberts has justly won the 
 honor of having his name 
 ])laced beside those of 
 Wellington. Nelson, and 
 the greatest of Britain s 
 heroes. The Field Marshall 
 arrived on the scene of con- 
 flict in the darke.st hour of 
 the canuwign, al.so in the 
 darkest hour of his life, for 
 on the day of his departure 
 from Kngland his .son, — 
 his only .son — filled a sol- 
 dier's grave. Now the 
 l)attle is o\er, the victory 
 won, it is a fitting tribute 
 to the ability of the Grand 
 Old Man that he .should be 
 appointed Commander-in-Chief of the British Army in Kngland. 
 In a proclamation i.ssued by Lord Roberts, on Sep- 
 tember 15th, forgiveness and protection was offered to all 
 
 INK I.AIK CAI'I' ( IIAUI.KS K. HAKRI^ON 
 
 (":i' si.ii ADHDS --M-:t()\ii ( {i\i iN(.i-.N r) 
 
 Horn \?/^', ill St John : mhi of Win. K. U.irrison, 
 Km) . Si. loliTi ; c Mli--tt(l in (Jiifcii -^ 0«i' Kilk-, ih'84 ; 
 seiv.'il ill N'lirlhwcsi Kfljtlli.m i8's: ^;ivfn ciMiiiiiissioii 
 ill N'P. \ l!.i!ler\ .jf vililliiy Si. Joliii, i;;S6 ; liist-cliiss 
 L't-Ttifliale Ki'y.ii ."^^ Imol u( .\riiilrrv, (Jdelec, iEg8 ; 
 .i|i|ii>iiitt.'(i C'aplMiii !o(^.>; ri'tireii i!'v4 ; a|i|ii)intt.'(l 
 (,)uart(■rm.l^ltrr fill KiliyV C'd. Ilu^-^ars t8';|; ; trails- 
 port (iflTiccr Secoiid ('aii.iilian C'oiitimziiit. [an., kjoo ; 
 (liod of tiitcrio frwr at hospii.il in Win! crv, ,*■• nth 
 Africa, June, lyoo Left widow and one dati^hlcr. 
 
 \ ' 
 
OUR BOYS UNDER KIRK 
 
 85 
 
 the Boers except those who violated their oaths, and although 
 the Field Marshall practically held the remainder of the foe in 
 the palm of his hand the enemy persisted in carrying on a fruit- 
 less and guerilla warfare. 
 
 Kriiger at I^orenzo Marques stubb»: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 worst you may conquer us, but you can 
 never .subdue us." And .so it .seemed, for the continued success 
 that followed the Briti.sh arms .should have convinced the most 
 stubborn enemy that the desperate game embarked upon nearly 
 twelve months previous was about played out. 
 
 It is .said that " Kruger .sent a man over to England some 
 time ago to find out if there were still any men left in the coun- 
 try, and on the man's arrival in Brighton he .sent a telegram to 
 Kruger: "Thousands of men here." He then paid a visit to 
 London, and from there wired " Millions here." The next town 
 was Birmingham, from here he wired " Hundreds of thou.sands. " 
 Next he went to vStafTord.shire and .saw the men coming up from 
 the mines in cages, so he telegraphed, " For God's sake stop the 
 war, they are bringing them uj) from h eight at a time." 
 
 * 
 
 * 
 
 * 
 
 >H 
 
 :!• 
 
 * 
 
 * 
 
 Time passed by atul the term of .service of the Royal Cana- 
 dian Regiment gradually drew to a clo.se. Lord Roberts was 
 loth to part with the brave i)oys, and gave them the option of 
 remaining until the enl of the war and returning home by way 
 of England, or sailing directly for Canada. Po.sitions of honor 
 and wealth were also offered the colonials ; but the boys had 
 .served on the .scene of conflict at an early stage, had taken a 
 share ii the thickest of the fight, and now that the aukiexaticm 
 of the Transvaal virtually brought the war to a close, v. ere .satis- 
 fied to return home to resume ^he duties of life lai<! down twelve 
 nu«nths previous for the serv'ice of a common Empire. The 
 RegimeiU mobilized at Pretoria, and on the eve ot its depiir- 
 ture for Cape Town, vSept. 25th, was reviewed by Lord Roberts 
 in the presence of his wife and daughters. The occasion was a 
 most brilliant one, and the nitii, who were in excellent heallli, 
 
S6 
 
 OITK HOVS UNDKR KIRK 
 
 made a ?*pIeiKlid appearance. After the march past. Lord 
 Rol)ert.s addressed them briefly. He said : "I cannot allow you 
 to depart without expressing my thanks for and appreciation of 
 your loyal .services and excellent work, especially at Paardeherg^ 
 on February 27th. I am sure the people of Canada will he 
 pleased to hear how j;allantly and how splendidly you have 
 behaved in action. Deeply I regret the losses you have suffered, 
 I .should have been happier if you had returned in your full 
 .strength, but no one could expect you to pa.ss through .so 
 ardu(ms a campaign without lo.sses. I am .sorry that some of 
 you are obliged to return .sooner than the rest of the regiment, 
 but I recognize the urgency of private affairs. I am confident 
 that the Queen and the Hriti.sh people will never forget your 
 .services. If it should ever be my good fortune to visit Canada, 
 I hope to meet you all again." 
 
 The regiment travelled from Pretoria to Cape Town in open 
 tram cars. On their arrival they were given a hearty reception. 
 The Mayor, on behalf of the citizens, thanked the men for the 
 splendid .services they had rendered on the fieUi. The Contingent 
 had previou.sly been presented with Oeneral Cnjuje's flag taken 
 from the lioer laager on the memorable morning of February 
 the 27th. 
 
 All aboard for Canada ! It was the morning of Sept. ,^oth, 
 ic)oo. Seventeen ofllcers. three hundred and eighty-five men of 
 i!m' First Canadian Contingent, under Maj. Pelletier, thirty-tliree 
 various colonial trof)psand two hundred Boer prisoners em])arked 
 from Ca])c Town on the good ship " Idaho," of the Wil.son line. 
 Col. Otter, with thirteen ofiicers and about three hundred non- 
 conunissioned officers and men, including " A " and " B" Com- 
 panies elected to remain on acti\e service until Nov. 7th, when 
 sailed for Ivigland in the " Ilawarden Castle." 
 
 The " Idaho" arrived at the Island of St. Helena on Octo- 
 ber the ninth, where slie landed the Boer pri.soners. This lonely 
 isle of Napoleonic fame is at all times of interest to visitors, but 
 to the Canadian volunteers it was especially .so and proved a 
 fitting se(juel to their life in vSouth Africa. 
 
 They found that Oeneral Cronje and his men were not only 
 enjoying the hospitalitx' <»f the British, but were also making 
 
OIR HOYS UNUKR 1"IRE 
 
 ^7 
 
 txtcusive prqKirations for a doublt; celehralion of natal davs, for 
 on the lotli of October ex-Prcsident Kru^er of the Transvaal 
 Colony was seventy-six years of a^e, and ex-President Steyn of 
 the Oran^je River Colony passed his forty-fourth birthday. Just 
 a year previous these gentlemen celebrated the anniversaries of 
 their birth by entering on a contract that within a few months 
 everv Ivnglishman would have 
 disapi^eared from spruit, kopje, 
 r a n d a n d 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. P'x- 
 President vSteyn is reported 
 to be lying .seriously ill in 
 some remote corner of the 
 Lydenberg Di.strict. Iv x - 
 Presidei'.t Kruger has form- 
 ally resigned his position of 
 sta*^e and is now in France. 
 
 Arriving at Cape Verde 
 Islands, Chaplain Fullerton, 
 vtith the thoughtfulne.ss that 
 had made him such a universal 
 favorite in South Africa, tele- 
 graphed to Charlottetown the 
 names of the P. K. Island 
 boys that were returning home, 
 .sent to Canada of any Provincial Contingent on the Idaho. 
 
 The expected arrival (»f the trooi)s of the First Contingent 
 called f(jrth unbounded enthusiasm througliout the Dominion. 
 Primarly the centre of attraction was Halifax and hundreds of 
 thou.sands of visitors thronged tlie streets. The city was en fete 
 with fl:igs, l>unting. and elaborate decorations : arclies were built 
 across the princij)al streets with in.scriptions — " Welcome to our 
 Henjes." " Paardeberg," "Canada I'orever," etc. 
 
 At 3 o'clock on the morning of Nov. the ist. the fjring 
 
 ( M'l . w. C. OOOI) 
 
 (MAJ'IU WOclDSTiM K I-IKI.I> II \ I IKKV) 
 
 I''ir>l-i;l;isv ijcitifiiali' Kiiyal Si liool of .Arlillny ; 
 a|)]")inti;il l.iciilifiiaiil Woocislin k I'iilil I'alicry. 
 Ma\ jisl, it!c/8 ; Captain i8y8 ; Maj'.r iHyy ; 
 cDiiimaiidt:'! " r. " Katlrry .Second C.'an.uliaii ('on- 
 titiK''nt, ii/KJ. 
 
 This was the first list of names 
 
 %H.r]iil^ 
 
88 
 
 OUR HOYS UNDKR I'lRK 
 
 of three j^iins from the citadel announced the approach of the 
 " Idaho." Before the echo of the cannwn had died away thous- 
 ands of peoj)le were astir and streaniinj^ towards the dockyard. 
 As the ship steamed slowly up the harbor she met with a tre- 
 mendous ovation ; every ship in i)ort blew her whistles long and 
 loud, rockets and bombs were .set off from the various piers and 
 the vast crowd of spectators cheered them.selves hoarse. The 
 volunteers on the troopship were .simply mad with joy, they 
 shouted, danced, jumped, climbed u]) the rig*;ing and acted like 
 a crowd of j^ood-na lined boys. On board ship the men received 
 their pay from the Canadian Oovernment — twenty-six cents a 
 day making a total of ninety-four dollars to each man. The Im- 
 perial (iovernment had also ])aid them one shilling a day when 
 in South Africa. Ten o'clock was the hour of di.sembarkation and 
 as the .soldier boys marched off the transi)ort there was a mo- 
 mentar\- lull in their enthu.siasm as the strains of " Home Sweet 
 Home " seemed to carry with them a deeper meaning than ever 
 before. 
 
 " Naval Brigade, quick march," and accompanied by bra.ss 
 bands, local and standing militia, this most memorable ]>roces- 
 sion marched out of the dockyard and through the streets of 
 Halifax, cheered to the echo all along the route. Arriving at 
 the Armory they v/ere given a grand ])an(|Uel ])y the citi/.ens 
 Here Major Pelletier and Captain Stairs were i)re.sented with 
 beautiful boutjUets of flowers and every .soldier with a gold-plated 
 maple leaf i)in 
 
 In the evening there was a torchlight proce.s.sion, and for 
 magnificence and grandeur it surpa.s.scd anything of the kind 
 ever in Halifax. This was followed by another banquet given 
 by the militia of the city. Tlie next morning the different 
 (juotas left for their respective homes. Hut in the midst of the 
 national rejoicing many hearts were .sorrowing for the 
 loved ones who would never return. 
 
 Notln'ng l)ut good words were heard for Captain .Stairs from 
 all the returning soldiers, l-'our members of Company " H " 
 returned to vSoulh Africa a few da>s later to re-enlist in the 
 Mounted Police. They were 1\ Iv Kent. R.J. Neily, Kingston; 
 L. R .Miller, Lawrence Town, and H. (•. Brown. Pugwash. 
 
\k I 111 U I \\ll> |:IN| \\||\ MI.I.IIMI. 
 
 (III! I . • 'M) i.il lis-. Ill, l,-|c.lMl S I ). 
 
 It.ilii M.iy I ;. I ' . .11 \iiiliri>i. N. S.; iIiIcnI ~,.n , .f |.,|iii I. Nji'lli^li. I'.>i|.. 11. i li-lM. 
 ( li.iil.illflDWii.l'. I..I l.ilu. .ilcil: I'liin 1 m| W.ili - (.i||.;;i. \l.itiiiiil.ini l.iiiil.Hi rni\<i-il\ 
 
 |--'S. Mt. Alll^iiii I iiiMT^ilv ' \'>.\ i-.|..), Ij.ii^.iiil I'liiMisily (I'l. A , ,,.). I'n-iilirit 
 ( '.iiiii(li.ili ( lull of ll.uAaiil riii\(|.,il\ ; i-.illiil l<< i'.u I' I.I fH,)''. t iili>iiil l.ii N'.piilnM t 
 
 Uihijli.iii 1,'^Hs; liisi-, lii>'. . irlilii ;ili-^ I'.oxal Mil ( il.. Kiiii;-lnli. .lUil I\..\,iI>mI I I iil.iiili \ . 
 
 I- riilri ii Inn ; l.iful %.■ i Cn. 8jiiil Ki'ki. IiiI. r i);.i|i|). Mili-iU •( .iiiiji i.i Hi- ll.ni.n I ; 
 l.iiv. Ml iiiiyri- •>! I' I'.. I i-,|i,; ii'-im cd . oiiiiiiiN ii .mil i iii.p|l' i| in I ■. "( i i -i ( .,ii. ( , mi i i 
 Ciiit Oil. ■.•^,i8i)i/. Krliniiiii, I'liiiii li 1)1" |mii;1.iiii|. 
 
.1 
 
niTW nnvs i*vni."w viuv 
 
 Mm 
 
 • 
 
 To Lieut. Colonel J. I). Irving, District Officer Coniinaiuliti)^ 
 Nova vScotia, and his efficient staff are due the success of one ol 
 the >j;^randest celebrations ever seen in Canada, (treat ])raise is 
 also due the school children of Nova Scotia, throuj^h whose 
 contributions to the Herald Patriotic Fund every member of 
 Comi)any " H " and every native of the Province, re- 
 ceived a lar^e 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. Iv 
 Lsland contingent, shows the practical and loyal sentiment of the 
 l)e()ple \u the Provinces by the sea. 
 
 The Nova .Scotia boys who remained in South Africa for a 
 while longer were : Privates Dare, Webber, McDonald, \V. Ross, 
 L. Purchell, vSloan and vScott. vS, Jones, of Wolfville, who has a 
 l)rother in vS(nith Africa stayed behind permaneutlv . 
 
 The Nova Scotia men that have fallen for their country are: 
 
 Hlanchard, M. d. — Cai)tain 5tli regiment Canadian Artillery 
 X'ancouver, H. C, enrolled as Lieutenant in the Ro\al Canadians 
 on .special .service in vSouth Africa. .Son of W. H. lilanchard, y.C. 
 Wind.sor. Unmarried. Died June 15th. ickmj. 
 
 Horden, Harold Lathrop. (.See page 4.S. ) 
 
 Hensley, Charles Albert. (See page 47. ) 
 
 Farrell, George — Private H Company, Royal Canadians. 
 Lived at ::o Cunard vStreet, 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, Hlack 
 Point, Halifax county. Died I'ebruary 26th of wounds received 
 in action at Paardel)erg, I-Vbruary iSth. Unmarried, but left 
 aged parent.s. 
 
 Defoe, Private — Attached to Royal Canadian Artillery and 
 transferred to Company H. Killed in action at Hlack Mountain, 
 April 25th. 
 
 Orman, George — Private, unattached, enrolled in Company 
 H, Royal Canadians. Parents dead ; leaves sister and brother 
 in Halifa^v. Killed in action at Paardeberg. Unmarried. 
 
 Purctll, !-dgar — Private fi6th Regiment, enrolled in Com- 
 pany H., Royul Canadians, .son of W. A. Purcell, retired major 
 
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 WEBSTER, N.Y. MSSO 
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 OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE 
 
 i 
 
 
 ist R. C. A. Died of enteric fever at Cape Town, April 27tli. 
 I^eaves widow and four children. 
 
 Purcell, J. J. — Private, was attached to the Royal Artillery 
 at Quebec, and volunteered in Company B, Royal Canadians. 
 
 Son of Purcell, Halifax. Died of enteric fever at Belmont, 
 
 February nth. Unmarried. 
 
 Sievert, Julius — Private 66th Regiment enrolled in Com- 
 pany H. but transferred *o Company F, Royal Canadians. Son 
 of J. G. Sievert, Halifax. Died FeV)ruary 27th of wounds re- 
 ceived at Paardeberg, while trying to rescue the body of his 
 comrade and fellow-townsman, George Orman. Unmarried. 
 
 Wood, Charles C. (See page 20.) 
 
 Zong, Ernest — Private 66th Regiment, enrolled in Company 
 H., Royal Canadians. Son of William Zong, Halifax. Died of 
 enteric fever at Bloemfontein, May ist. Unmarried. 
 
 Steps are being taken in Halifax, Charlottetown and else- 
 where towards the erection of monuments to the memory of tho.se 
 brave heroes who have fallen, and in honor of their equally 
 brave survivors. 
 
 The medal for the present South African campaign will be 
 the most expensive and the most ornate issued by the War Office 
 in recent years. The medal proper is a five-pointed star with a 
 gold centre surrounded by a ring of bronze, on which the words 
 *' South Africa " appear in raised letters. In the centre of all is 
 a miniature of the Queen. The medal is the same size as the 
 Khedival Star of 1881. The ribbon is of four colours, a stripe 
 of khaki in the centre, two of white, and one each of red and 
 blue. There will probably be a bar granted for each important 
 engagement. 
 
 The bo> s from time to time have sent home a large number of 
 souvenirs, among them being Orange Free State and Transvaal 
 flags, china and silverware engraved witl: stamp of the O. F. S. 
 Republic, Zulu testaments, Basuto Bibles, Kaffir and Zerelong 
 prayer-books, Dutch-English dictionary, quartz from the mines 
 of Johannesburg, petrified wood from Zand River, Boer babies' 
 stockings, pipes .several inches in length u.sed by the Boers ; and 
 in Cronje's Laager they picked up exploded dum-dum and mau.ser 
 bullets, pieces of shrapnel, even a range finder stamped " Brili.sh 
 
OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE 
 
 91 
 
 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 thirteen. 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 u.se was made of them while the heroes were 
 disembarking.. 
 
 The illuminations of the public and private buildings were 
 magnificent and will long be remembered by the thousands 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 di.sbanded 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 surroimded by pictures of British officers and battle scenes. 
 
92 
 
 OUR ROYS UNDER FIRE 
 
 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 guests in 
 attendance were the following : — Dr. J. R. Inch, Rev. J. 
 D. Freeman, H. C. Creed, C. A. Sampson, Aid. Merrithew, 
 Aid. Ryan, Aid, Moore. Aid. Van wart, Lieut. Fisher, 
 Wm. Lockhart, A. F. vStreet, A. D. Thomas, Jas. Rogers, Capt. 
 Perkins, J. J. Weddall. Capt. McKenzie, K. J. Payson, R. 
 Cockrane, J. W. Spurden, Henry Chestnut, Lieut. Col. Dunbar, 
 Capt. McFarlane, Canon Roberts, J. C. Risteen, 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. 
 
 Addres.sts of welcome were given by Mayor Beckwith, Lieut. 
 Col, Loggie, Col. Dunbar, Rev. Dr. McLeod, and responded to 
 by Corp. Pringle, Privates Wilson, Hennessy and Bugler Keddy. 
 This most enjoyable function was brought to a clo.se by the 
 singing of vSoldiers of the Queen and the National Anthem. 
 The young ladies who decorated and looked after the tables were 
 Misses Annie and Sarah Thompson, Misses Wiley, Clarke, Phil- 
 lips, Moore, Burtt, Vega Creed, Johnston, Gertie McKinnon, 
 Sampson, Myra McLeod, Carrie Tibbitts, Lillian McKen/.ie, 
 Queenie Kdgecombe, Lulu Fisher, Hagerman, Johnson, Palmer, 
 Allen, Ada Schleyer, assisted by Messrs. J. D. Perkins, A. D. 
 Thomas, W. J. Edgecome. 
 
 The boys 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, Pri\ates Miller, Simp.s(m and P'lewelling of 
 the R. C. R. I. 
 
 Privates Wil.son 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 UNDKR FIRK 
 
 93 
 
 I 
 
 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. R. 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 
 i-emained with the regiment at the front. 
 
 Never before did St. John look sc gay as on the 2nd 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 enthu.siastic people. The reception committee 
 included Mayor Daniel, Deputy Mayor Maxwell, Aldermen 
 Seaton, naxter, Robinson, Lieut. -Col. H. H. McLean, Lieut. - 
 Col. J. R. Arm.strong, Lieut Jones, Dr. Bridges, Major Sturdee, 
 Mes.srs W. K. Vroom, Charles Brown, William Wallace and A. 
 O. vSkinner, 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 mu.sical 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 marched 
 through the principal streets. Cheer after cheer followed them 
 all along the line— handkerchiefs, flags and national emblems 
 were frantically waved from every available balcony and window 
 
94 
 
 OUR BOYS UNDKR FIRE 
 
 and the city of the loyah'sts thoroughly shewed its appreciaticn 
 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 ilhiniinations 
 and the rockets, ronian candles, and other fireworks that soared 
 heavenward made the scene magnificently radiant. A special 
 feature of the procession was the row of veliicles gaily decorated 
 and representing different chil)s, societies and local firms. The 
 public celebration closed the next evening when the soldier boys 
 were given a grand banquet by the ladies of the Red Cross 
 Society and Soldiers' Wives' League comi)ined, 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 t)ut two pannelled wax sheets of 
 paper cc^ntaining the menu and toasts of the evening. There 
 
 were over three hundred 
 .quests present. Stirring 
 addresses were given by 
 citi/ens 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.stcd by their 
 combined executive : Mrs. 
 J. W. Daniel, Mrs. Geo. 
 West Jones, Mrs. Kaye. 
 Mrs. K. Sears, Mrs. 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 
 
 
 EDWARD CRAIO. 
 
 RoiP St. John if 7- . M li of All liil iild Cii.'t . Im). 
 served in late Spanisli-.\nu lican war : enlisted in t imi- 
 pany " ('• ' rst Canatli.-m C'un inj;eiil for Smitli Afiic;-, 
 Oct.' 2Sth, 1859 
 
OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE 
 
 95 
 
 Mrs. W. K. Jones, Mrs. Hatoii,i^li, Mi.ss Alice Walker, Miss Ada 
 Dunn. The Treasurer of Red Cross vSociety — Mrs G. A. Smith. 
 The secretary-treasurer of Soldiers' Wives' Leaj^ue — Mrs. Geo. 
 V/est Jones. 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 officio ; Mrs. Randolph, Fredericton ; Mrs. Dunbar, Frederic- 
 ton ; Mrs. J. D. Chipman, St. Stephen ; Mrs. H. A. Powell, 
 Sackville ; Mrs. J. W. Y. Smith, Moncton ; Mrs. Hanington, 
 Dorchester ; Mrs. N. Montgomery Campbell, Mrs. N. Arnold, 
 Su.s.sex ; Mrs. Antrim, Newcastle. 
 
 Nor was Moncton behind in her reception for the Soldier 
 Hoys' return. The Militia, Band, Captain Tingley, Chief of 
 Police and a large and enthusiastic crowd were at the depot to 
 give the volunteers a heart}- welcome. 
 
 No. 4 Company 74th Regt. of Moncton. under command of 
 Captain W. H. Watts, has the distinction r*" sending to the 
 front the greatest number of representatives from any single 
 company, — six members to the F'ir.st Contingent and four to the 
 Second. They include 2nd Lieut. H. Metzler, who resigned his 
 commission and enlisted as a private. Corporal FVank Do\le, 
 who is now transferred to the Railway service in Bloemfontein 
 and holds the position of accountant in the railway and 
 J. H. Lockhart, 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. J\. Island contingent was expected home 
 and Charlottetown was a perfect blaze of fire with electric lights 
 
96 
 
 OUR ROYS UNDKK KIRK 
 
 and gorgeous illuminations on all her public and private 
 buildings. As the " T'rincess " :ieared the wharf bells rang, 
 ^^histles blew, a salute was fired from Fort Kdward and the 
 people 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 contingent. In little knots affecting 
 scenes took place as loved ones were re- united. Finally the 
 " boys " moved forward, accompanied by the band, militia, Boys' 
 Brigade and local societies. All along the line vast crowds of 
 people cheered until finally the proce.s.sion halted in Queen's 
 Square. The following programme was then carried out : — 
 Doxology, led by Mr. J. R. Davi.son ; prayer, Rev. T. F. Fuller- 
 ton ; addresses. His Honor Lieut. Governor Mclntyre, Chief 
 Justice vSullivan, Premier Farquharson, Lieut. -Col. Moore, 
 Councillor Alex. Home and Geo. K. Hughes, Esq., 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, D, O. C; and J. A. Whear, 
 acting Mayor, and was ably responded to b}' Rev. Mr. Fullerton 
 and Lieut. McDonald. The choruses " Rule Britannia " and 
 " Soldiers of the Queen " were sung with great gusto, the solos 
 being taken by Gunner Leslie Cook and Cadet loseph Large. 
 
 A thanksgiving service was held in St. James' Church on 
 the following Sunday evening. The soldier lads in khaki occu- 
 pied prominent vseats, and the clergymen present were : Rev. T. 
 
 F. Fullerton, returned chaplain, the Reverends G. P. Raymond, 
 Baptist ; Leo Williams, St. Paul's; R. F. Whiston, Christian ; 
 
 G. M. Young, First Methodist ; J. W. McConnell, Grace Meth- 
 odist; John Mclnnis, A. D. McDonald and D. B, McLeod, Pres- 
 byterian. Miss Earle sang very sweetly " Be Thou Nigh." 
 
 On Monday night a grand banquet was held. The hall was 
 profusely 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 addresses 
 were given by the following gentlemen : — Lieut. Governor 
 
OUR BOVS UNDER FIRK 
 
 97 
 
 Mclntyre, vSir Louis Davies, Rev. T. V. Fiillerton, Lieut. J. A. 
 McDonald, vSergt. Lome Stewart, J. Iv B. McCready Ks(i., Revs. 
 Dr. Mouaghan, Leo Williams and J. \V. McConnell ; Premier 
 Farquharson, Hon. D. Gordon, Judge Warburton, W.S.vStewart, 
 Q. C, Dr. P.P. Taylor, Dr. J. T. Jenkins, Capt. H. D. Johnson. 
 A M. S.,\V. L. Cotton, Ksq., F. Na.sli, Ivsq. and Sergt. Hessian. 
 A .song " Vallette " was beautifully .sung by Mrs. \V. H. Watts. 
 This most enjoyable function closed by the band playing " Auld 
 Lang Syne" and the National Anthem. 
 
 The committee who had charge oi the reception were Col. 
 Moore, Col. J. A. Longworth, Major vS. P\ Hodgson, Major D. 
 Stewart. Major H. M. Davistm, Capt. H. D. John.son, Surgeon, 
 Capt.S.R. Jenkins, Capts. A. A. Bartlett. H. P. Carvell, Hoop- 
 er, Watts, Allan, Morris, Lieut. Chas. Leigh and Lieut. A. I'eake. 
 
 Of the thirty-two volunteers (.see ])age 13) that left Char 
 lottetown Oct. 25th, 1899, nineteen returned on the " Idaho." 
 J. A. Harris, F. Waye,W. Lane, M. McCarthy and J. W. Walker 
 returned home previous. R. D. Taylor and W. A. Riggs were 
 killed. Major Weeks remained with Col. Otter, Hurdis McLean 
 and Herb Brown were engaged at the Red Cross establishment, 
 Bloemfontein. Ernest Lord, who walked from Paardeberg to 
 Bloemfontein with a wrenched knee, and who, after recovering 
 from diphtheria and fever, remained in England for awhile. 
 Leslie McBeth of the Draft, Necy Doiron and Arthur Melli.sh 
 .sailed from Cape Town on the S.S. " Kildonan Castle," Sept. 
 15th. The latter, who was thrown up in the air by an exploding 
 shell at Thaba N'Chu, was appointed Orderly Room vSergeant, 
 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- 
 li.sh responded to the toast on behalf of the Contingent. The 
 volunteers then embarked on the S.S. " Carthaginian," and had 
 the honor to be the first South African campaigners to land at 
 Newfoundland. The Ancient Colony ro.-^e magnificently to the 
 occasion. In describing the reception the Halifax " Morning 
 Chronicle" of November [6th says : 
 
 " Sergeant Melli.sh in charge of a number of men of the Cana- 
 dian Mounted Rifles, Canadian Artillery, and First Canadian 
 
98 
 
 OUR HOYS UNDER KIRK 
 
 Contingent arrived in the city on the Sychiey express last niglit. 
 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 arriv^al 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 
 Outerbridge and Captains Franklin and Nash with their band. 
 On Sunday night Sergt. Mellish delivered an address in St. 
 Andrew's Church, " ^-^ on Monday in the Methodist College. 
 During their stay in . ohn's the draft were the guests of the 
 City Club at the Crosbie House 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-Basque, 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 volunteers bon voyage was 
 handed them. It was signed on behalf of the citizens of St. 
 John's by Messrs. Cormack, Conroy, Rendell, Baird, Hayward, 
 Barr, Keith, Hudsbeth, Rioux, Benson, Donnelly, Paterson, 
 Greive and Reid. 
 
 Col. Otter, with the remainder of the First Canadian Con- 
 tingent arrived in ySouthampton November the 27th. They 
 received a most enthusiastic reception and a deputation of 
 influential citizens headed by Lord Grey arranged for their 
 entertainment on the most elaborate scale. The Contingent was 
 
OUR ROYS rNDKR KIRR 
 
 99 
 
 also invited to Windsor and reviewed by tlie Queen in the 
 quadrangle. Her Majesty, addressin.y;' the Canadians, thanked 
 them for the immense services they had rendered to the Empire. 
 The officers were then presented individually, after which the 
 Queen sunnnoned Private B. R. Armstrong, St. John, N. B., 
 who had lost a foot during' the campaign, but who joined in the 
 march on crutches. (See 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 returned 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, enshrined 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 home. 
 
• 
 
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FIRST CONTINGENT 
 
 
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 nOYAL CANADIAN REGIMENT OF INFANTRY 
 
 2nd (Special Service) Battalion 
 
 NOMINAL ROLL OF OFFICERS, NON-COMMISSIONED 
 
 OFFICERS AND MEN 
 
 H. C. 
 
 Commanding Officer (Canadian Staff ) — Lieut. -Colonel 
 W. D. Otter. 
 
 Majors, (2nd in Command)— L. Buchan, O. Pelletier. 
 
 Captain.s and Lieutenants comma;idii:p; Companies. 
 
 O. C. Machine Gun Section— Captain A. C. Bell. 
 
 Regimental Adjutant— J. P. MacDougall. 
 
 Battalion Adjutants — A. H. Macdonnell, J, 
 Ogilvy. 
 
 Quarter Master — S. J. A. Dennison. 
 
 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); Rev. P. M. O'Leary, (Roman 
 Catholic). 
 
 Representative of Y. M. C. A.— Dr. H. G. Barrie. 
 
 Lieut. John A. McDonald sailed with Second Contingent 
 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, Sergt. T. D. Potter; Sergt.. Bugler 
 Tre-sham ; Transport Sergeant, Sergt. T. Leblond ; Staff Ar- 
 mourer, Sergt. A. J. Hoad. 
 
 
I02 
 
 OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE 
 
 i ' 
 
 44 Att 
 
 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. Alliston, 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. Clough, 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 
 Dnncalfe, 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. Listen, V. E. LeBar, J. Livingstone, A. O. Lohnian, A 
 Martin, A. S. McKie, K. Matheson, A. Maundrill, C. A. Mills 
 A. E. Munro. W. J. Moier, \V. 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. VV. 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. Atkinson, 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, A. 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. Donegan, E. N. Dol- 
 man, H. Donahue, P. Delmer, J. B. Duff, A. Edward, F. Evans, 
 
 
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. Ingamelis, R. Irvine, A. P. Jell, M. L. 
 Jones, K. G. Johnston, J. Kingsvvell, 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. Mullins, G. Munro, J. Northwood, 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. 
 Stevenson, C. Scott, R.Smith, F. Stanberry, J. Sutherland, E. 
 Taylor, G. Taylor, H. Thompson, F. Turner, T. Tutt, F. Trol- 
 lev, A. Wardel, A. Webb, W. West, H. W^^staway, Jas. Wells, 
 WHieatcraft, 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. Cassel, W. R. Cursis, A. PI. Coggins, H. Coggins, J. S 
 Campbell, F. Cuthbert, A. Dangerfield, F. H. Dunham, E. C. 
 Day, J. Davison, H. W. A. Dixon, G. P^akins, G. S. Ellis, J. N. 
 Fawcett, A. H. O. Freemantle, J. H. Finlay, T. PI. Graham, 
 W. H. Grant, N. Gray, W. Haines, E. W. Hodgins, R. W. 
 Hoskins, F. T. Hector, M. Hendry, R. Henderson, W. Hewett, 
 W. Holland, J. Holland, C. Hopeson, J. Hernibrook, F. Ingle- 
 strom, G. Ironside, N. Jones, J. Jordon, J. Kennedy, R. Kidner, 
 J. Long, F. Lorsch, W. Love, H. Machin, W. Manion, G. Martin, 
 N. Morley, J. Mitchell, T. Morse, A. McCall, P. McCosh, 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. Ramsay, F. Rutherford, J. Ra.sberry, 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. Ste^^art, J. Sutton, G. Thompson, W. 
 Thompson, C. Tice (nil), C. Tomlinson, W. Travers, J. Usher, 
 W. Vanderwater, A. VanNorman, S. Vicary, J. Vickers, T. 
 
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. 
 
 Lieutenants — W. T. I^awless, 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. McNair, 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. Shilliiigton, 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. Tilley, 
 R. Turner, T. Turpin, A. Wall, L. Walker, W. Wendt, A. 
 Williamson, F. Wood, H. Wright. 
 
 *\W* 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. AUmand, T. 
 Aspell, R. Bach, J. Bailey, C. Barry, J. Bigelow, G. Bolt, R. 
 
OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE 
 
 105 
 
 Byford, R. Byers, T. Baujrh, M. Carter, C Campbell, R. Canty, W. 
 Carter, R. Clarke, H. Coates, F. Cox, P. Crotty, I. Curry, F. 
 Corner, A. Dawson, M. Delaney, T. Doyle, G. Downey, A. Durkee, 
 E. Dynes, F. Erskine, H. Fisher, R. Fisher, W. Fowler, W. Frawley, 
 H. Eraser, J. Gamble, R. Gunn, J. Gorman, J. Gardner, R. 
 Goodfeliow, R. Graham, G. Greenlay, E. Harding-, J. Hill, W. 
 Hale, G. Hampson, A. Hannaford, J. Hawkins, R. Hayes, H. 
 Hay ward, F. Home, P. Hynes, 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. Molvneux, A. McDonald, J. McCann, D. 
 McGill, W. Mclver, J. McGoldrick, R. McLean, R. McLecd, 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. Treg-ett, 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. Wrig-ht, J. Yelland, J. Youngson, A. Young. 
 
 ^'F'^ COMPANY, Quebec. 
 
 CAi'7AiN-— H. A. Peltier. (Major 65th Mounted 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, F. 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. Duberger, 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. Lc- 
 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. Mcintosh, J MiicTaggert,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. Sutton, 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 
 
 OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE 
 
 ^'G'' COMPANY, R B. and R E. Island. 
 
 CAPTAIN. 
 
 W. A. Weeks, (Major Charlottetown Enj^ineers,) Charlotte- 
 town, P. E. Island. 
 
 LIEUTENANTS. 
 
 Jones, F. C, (Capt. 3rd Regt. 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, FREDERICTON. 
 
 Baker, Watson, Dartmouth,. S.N i McLaughlin, H. P., Predericton, 
 Brown, Harry, Windsor, N. S. j JMorrison, James, R. C. A. 
 Campbell, Georjjfe E., St. John. Miller, Hug-h, Dumfrieshire, 
 Eite, William, Bristol, Enjr. i Scotland. 
 
 Plewelling-, Ernest, Carleton, ! fQuinn, Martin J., Halifax, 
 
 St. John. ' JRussell, Joseph ,R. C. A. 
 
 tPradsham, Harry, Predericton, | Redden, Henry, Kentville, N. S. 
 
 JHessian, Ed. Geo 'town, P. E. I. 
 Hailiamore,W^illiam,Lunenburj»-, 
 
 N. S. ■ 
 Harvie, Robie, Hants Co.,N. S. 
 
 ^Scott, Jacob B., Moncton. 
 Sheldon, Alfred, Stafford, Enjr. 
 i Simpson, Percy, Wauleij^h, 
 Charlotte Co. 
 
 Hennessey, Bryan P., Bristol, 1 Wallace, Wm. V., Halifax, N.S. 
 
 Eng. i Warren, W"m., Ch'town, P. E. I. 
 
 Keddy, Edward, Halifax. j Woodward, Fred S. St. Stephen. 
 
 McCollum, John H. St. John. I N. B. 
 
 3rd REGIMENT CANADIAN ARTILLERY. 
 
 Bryant, William, Bristol, Eng-. 
 Burnside, James M., Rothesay. 
 Craig, 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, Moss Glen, 
 
 King-s Co. 
 Kirkpa trick, Fred A., St. John. 
 McCain, Frederick, " 
 
 Morley, Henry A., native of 
 
 England. 
 
 Pascoe, Joseph B., s. of Rev. J. 
 Pascoe, Petticodiac. 
 
 Polkinhorn. Geo., St. John. 
 
 Rawlings, John, St. John. 
 
 Raymond, William, St. Martins. 
 
 Roberts, Arthur, native of Lon- 
 don, Eng. 
 
 Scott, John, St. John. 
 
 tSimpson, Alfred, native of 
 London, Eng. 
 
 tSprague, W. Frank, St. John. 
 
 Swatridg"e, Wm. O., St. John. 
 
 Walsh, John, St. John. 
 
 ^Withers. Fred W., St. John 
 
 12tII field BATTERY, 
 
 *An.slow, Chas. W., Newcastle. 
 tGifford, Bert Chatham. 
 
 ■"Resigned Commission. fWounded. 
 JRoyal School of Artillery, Quebec. 
 
 Harris, Benjamin, Newcastle. 
 Kitchen, William, 
 
 §Killed. II Died. 
 
 * 
 
OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE 
 
 107 
 
 8th hussars. 
 
 1 
 
 Adams, Fred G., St. John. 
 McMuUen, William, Sackville. 
 
 Hubley, Russell C, son of Rev. 
 A. M. Hubley, Sussex. 
 
 62ni) regiment st. john fusiliers. 
 
 u 
 
 Carney, J. J., native of New 
 
 York. 
 Chisholm, Allan W., St. John. 
 tCoombs, Fred W., 
 Cooper, Walter J., 
 Downinfjf, Walter, Halifax. 
 Foster, Minard G., St. John. 
 Globe, Alex R., 
 t Hay den, Arthur, 
 ^Johnston, Jas. M., 
 tJohnston, James, 
 
 u 
 u 
 u 
 
 I i 
 
 tLetson, Joseph, Chatham. 
 McDermott, John, St. John. 
 fPelkey, Ambrose, Winnipej^". 
 Penny, Roland, St. John's, Nfld. 
 Schofield, Jno., Studholm,Kin«jf's 
 
 Co. 
 Stranjife, Ernest H., St. John. 
 Turner, Robt. M., 
 tUnkauf, William C, 
 Williams, Fredk, 
 Williams, John H., St. Stephen. 
 
 
 71 ST. REGIMENT OF INFANTRY. 
 
 Aitken, Joseph M, son of Rev. 
 
 Wm. Aitken, Newcastle. 
 Jones, Samuel. 
 fLeavitt, Herbert, Grand Lake, 
 
 Queen's County. 
 tMcFarlane, R. B., Fredericton. 
 McLeod, John, St. Geor*»-e. 
 Perkins, John A., Fredericton. 
 
 Pickles, John B. son of Rev. F. 
 
 Pickles. 
 fPrinjT-le, Jas. Stanley, York Co. 
 Stevenson, P. S., Montreal. 
 Walker, Fred G., native of Enjjf- 
 
 land. 
 Wilson, John H., Keswick, York 
 
 County. 
 
 73rI) REGIMENT OF INFANTRY. 
 
 Dutney, John, Buctouche. 
 
 Keswick, Geo. T. 
 
 a 
 
 Munroe, John B., Chatham. 
 Ward, R. S., NewGlas^row, N. S. 
 
 74th REGIMENT OF INFANTRY" 
 
 Bishop, Wm. A. Moncton. 
 Crei^hton, Crandal, Sussex. 
 llChappel, M. C, Bale Verte. 
 Chapman, Geo., Sussex. 
 fDurant, Henry E., Moncton. 
 Fergfuson, Daniel, " 
 
 Hammond, Albert, Sussex. 
 
 Lutz, Ernest A. , Moncton. 
 tLutz, John A., " 
 
 fMcCreary, Patrick, Norton, 
 
 Kinj^'s Co. 
 Tower, Bradford, Moncton. 
 Wannamaker, Herbert L. , Apo- 
 
 haj^ui, King-'s Co. 
 
 78tH REGIMENT OF INFANTRY. 
 
 Sinjjfer, Lester M., Windsor, N. S. 
 
 ROYAL SCOTS. 
 
 Stanton, Leijjj-h, native of P^njrland. 
 ♦Resigned Commission, t Wounded. §Killed. ||Died. 
 
io8 
 
 OUR BOYS UNDER FIRK 
 
 PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND CONTINGENT. 
 
 4th regiment of CANADIAN ARTILLERY. 
 
 No 1 Co. 
 
 McKinnon, Hedley V., Ch'town. 
 O'Reilly, Joseph, 
 Small, J. Edward, 
 
 u 
 n 
 
 No 2 Co. 
 Gaudet, Lawrence, Ch'town. 
 
 McLean, Hurdis L., Ch'town. 
 Matheson, James, " 
 
 No. 4 Co. 
 
 *Leslie, Joshua T., Souris. 
 McCarthy, Michael J. " 
 
 CHARLOTTETOWN ENGINEERS. 
 
 tBrace, Nelson. 
 Boudreau, John. 
 Dorion, Necy. 
 Furze, Frederick. 
 
 Foley, Thomas. 
 Hine, Charles. 
 §Rig-g-s, Wm. Alfred, 
 iTaylor, Roland Dennis, 
 
 82nd queen's CO. regiment infantry 
 
 No. 3 Co. 
 
 No. 1 Co. 
 
 *Mellish, Arthur J. B., Char- 
 
 lottetown. 
 *Rodd, Thos. Ambrose, Milton. 
 Rrown, Herb H., York. 
 Dillon, Artemas, Ch'town. 
 Harris, LeRoy, Hunter River. 
 Walker, James L., Ch'town. 
 
 No. 2 Co. 
 McRae, Frederick B. , Pownal. 
 
 fStewart, Lome, Ch'town. 
 Bowness, Ernest, Kensing-ton. 
 Cox, Reg'inald, Ch'town. 
 Lord,Ernest R., " 
 tHarris,J.Archd., '' 
 Lane, Walter, Rocky Point. 
 
 No. 5 Co. 
 tWaye, Fredk , Hunter River. 
 
 
 ♦Resigned Commission. tWounded. §Killed. ||Died. 
 
orR BOYS UNDER FIRE 
 
 109 
 
 ** H *' COMPANY, Nova Scotia. 
 
 CAPTAIN. 
 
 Stairs, (H. B., Capt. 66th Princess Louise Fusiliers.) 
 
 LIEUTENANTS 
 
 Burstall, H. E., (Captain Royal Canadian Artillery.) 
 Willis, R. B. (Lieut. C6th Princess Louise Fusiliers.) 
 Oland, J. C, (2nd Lieut. 63rd Halifax Rifles.) 
 
 Baucrh, B. 
 ^Defoe, J. 
 Houet, J. 
 Halliday, John. 
 
 ROYAL CANADIAN ARTILLERY. 
 
 Kennedy, John, 
 Lewis, M. 
 Lindon, H. 
 Watson, J. 
 
 1st CANADIAN ARTILLERY. 
 
 Bin^ay, L., Yarmouth. 
 Budland, R., Halifax. 
 Conrade, W. H. " 
 Fenwick, Muir, " 
 Fitzgerald, A. E. " 
 Harrison, A. J., Dartmouth. 
 Harvey, Harry H., Halifax. 
 Hurley, John 
 McDonald, D. C. 
 
 (( 
 
 Millar, R., Halifax. 
 Muir, F., 
 Prince, J., 
 Ross, R., 
 Ross, W. J., 
 Stone, R., 
 Sloan, Roy, 
 Rudland, R., 
 Trider, G., 
 
 
 u 
 
 63rd HALIFAX RIFLES. 
 
 *Adams, W. F., Halifax. 
 Bennet, Geo. B., 
 Cameron, A. A, 
 Chapman, H., 
 Drake, James, 
 Eustace, J. D. F., 
 Ewing-, J., 
 Ewing-, D., 
 Huestis, G., 
 Hartt, W. J., 
 Hechler, F., 
 I Johnston, G., 
 
 a 
 u 
 
 Lenahan, Joseph, Halifax. 
 
 MacNab, F., 
 
 Munnis, M. A., 
 
 McDonald, D. C, 
 
 Patterson, A., 
 
 iPurcell, L. A., 
 
 Rolfe, J., 
 
 Rose, Fred, 
 
 Taylor, F., 
 
 Wright, P., 
 
 Woods, D., 
 
 ♦Resigned Commission, t Wounded. §Killed. ||Died. 
 
no 
 
 OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE 
 
 66th princess louise fusiliers. 
 
 Anderson, J. H., 
 
 Halifax. 
 
 McDonald, Campbell, 
 
 Halifax 
 
 Blaike, H. 
 
 a 
 
 MacAldin, R., 
 
 
 Borton, Clitf, 
 
 u 
 
 Purcell, E. S.', 
 
 
 Cleary, W., 
 
 i I 
 
 a^urcell, L. A., 
 
 
 Carroll, J., 
 
 (( 
 
 Pollock, Wm. J., 
 
 
 Deivers, F., 
 
 n 
 
 Roche, William, 
 
 
 Dooley, F. , 
 
 t. 
 
 Rose, James E., 
 
 
 Elliot, W. R., 
 
 u 
 
 Ryan, David J., 
 
 
 Farrer, E., 
 
 u 
 
 Stewart, Geo. W., 
 
 
 Grant, James W 
 
 
 ^Sievert, J. G., Jr., 
 
 
 Hire, J., 
 
 ii 
 
 Simmons, W., 
 
 
 Harris, James, 
 
 li 
 
 Walker, W. A., 
 
 
 Keofjfh, P., 
 
 i i 
 
 Woods, J., 
 
 
 Kirkpatrick, F., 
 
 (( 
 
 Walsh, Thos. J. , 
 
 
 Keoo-h, P., 
 
 ii 
 
 Walke, C. C, 
 
 
 Lowrv, Thos. P. 
 
 a 
 
 Ward, E., 
 
 
 McDonald, G. A. 
 
 ii 
 
 5 
 
 llZonjr, E., 
 
 
 
 68th KINCJ'S COUNTY REGIMENT. 
 
 
 Bent, E. E., Kentville. 
 Jones, H., " 
 
 Kilcup, E., " 
 
 Lewis, O., " 
 
 Lockwood, H. A., " 
 
 Nelson, H. R., Kentville. 
 Neilly, P. L., 
 tParker, A., 
 tReg-an, W. J., 
 *Ward, C, 
 
 ii 
 
 a 
 a 
 
 93rD CUMBERLAND REGIMENT. 
 
 Brown, S., Sprinfjhill. 
 Buchanan, K., " 
 Burj^ess, M., Joffg-injjf. 
 Blair S., Amherst. 
 Casey, J., " 
 Chapman, E., " 
 Embree, G., " 
 Filmore, W., Spring-hill. 
 Ferjruson, W., 
 Hartnett, J. 
 
 
 McMillan, W., Cumberland. 
 fMcCallum, G,, Spring-hill. 
 *Oxley, William, Oxford. 
 Oulton, H., Amherst. 
 Rector, R., Cumberland. 
 Rolfe, James, Amherst; 
 Scott, J. A., 
 Thompson, W., 
 Wright, P., 
 
 ii 
 
 u 
 ii 
 
 OTHER CORPS. 
 
 Ackhurst, F. W., Bearer Co. 
 Atwater, A. T., 94th Baddeck. 
 Coons, F., 2ndR. C. A. 
 Cleary, W., 1st Leinster Reg-t. 
 Duncan, J., 2nd R. C. A. 
 Hancock, C, A. M. S. C. 
 
 Kelly, J., 10th R. G. 
 O'Brien, E. M., 78th Col. 
 Parkes, F. S., 2nd R. C. A. 
 Robertson, A., 3rd, V. R. 
 Swinyard, W., R. C. R. I. 
 Trueman, W. E., 78th Col. 
 
 Not Attached— Forsyth, A., Dartmouth. Hunt, G., Keefler, R. T., Bridge- 
 water. Murray, N. G., Halifax. McLean, W. J., Shelburne. Osborne, G., 
 Halifax. 
 
 *Resigned Commission. fWounded §Killed ||Died. 
 

 OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE 
 
 II I 
 
 THE SECOND CANADIAN CONTINGENT 
 
 . FOR SPECIAL SERVICE IN SOUTH AFRICA 
 
 Comprising Canadian Mounted Rifles and Brigade 
 Divisions of Royal Canadian Artillery. 
 
 Commanding Officer— F. L. Lessard, (Lieut. R. C. Dra^jfoons). 
 
 Chaplains— Rev. W. J. Cox, (Church of Enjrland), Charlotte- 
 town, P. E. I.; Rev. W. G. Lane, (Methodist), Parrsboro, N. S., 
 Rev. J. C. Sinnett, (Roman Catholic.) 
 
 NuRSE—Miss M. Home, Pictou, N. S. 
 
 The following- are the officers and men recruited from New 
 Brunswick and Prince Edward Island :— s 
 
 "B"' SQADRON. 
 
 II Harrison, Charles F., Quartermaster, (Captain 8th Hussars, 
 St. John), St. John, N. B. 
 
 3rT) regiment CANADIAN ARTILLERY. 
 
 *t Armstrong-, B. R., St. John. 
 8th hussars. 
 
 Arnold, R. H., Sussex. 
 Bell, W. H., St. John. 
 McCully, J. R., Chatham. 
 Lawson, F. W., Amherst, N. S. 
 Morrison, D. A., St. John. 
 
 62nd regiment. 
 
 Morrison, T. F., Chatham. 
 Markham, R. F., St. John. 
 Parks, J. H., St. John. 
 Stevenson, H. T., Richibucto. 
 
 Beetle, F., St. John. 
 Leavitt, A. 
 Mallory, A. P. " 
 Mcintosh, A.L. " 
 
 Mclntyre, R., St. John. 
 Nilant, J., Boston, Mass. 
 Venning, W. E., St. John. 
 
 71ST REGIMENT. 
 
 Hawkins, J. F., Fredericton. 
 74th regiment. 
 
 Doyle, F. L., Moncton. 
 *Metzler, H., " 
 
 *Lockhart, J. H., Moncton. 
 *Moorhouse, A. H. " 
 
 ♦Resigned Commission. fWounded. §Killed. ||Died. 
 
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.T. 
 
 3rd regiment CANADIAN ARTILLERY. 
 
 Howard, A. G., St. John. 
 Harrison, R. A., Gondola Point, 
 Kinjr's Co. 
 
 McLeod, G. F., St. John. 
 Kirk, G. P., St. John. 
 Withers, S. J., St. John. 
 
 10th FIELD BATTERY. 
 
 Brewer, F. C, Woodstock. 
 Buck, F. 
 
 Dysart, H. B., Hartland, N.B. 
 Everett, F. H., Kinjjfston. 
 Gray, H., native of Liverpool, 
 
 England. 
 Hayden, J. A., Carleton Co. 
 Hall, H., native of Birminfifham, 
 
 Enjrland. 
 Hugfhes, R. Woodstock. 
 
 Johnson, G. H., Cami^bellton. 
 Kennedy, W., Millville. 
 Leif^-hton, W. L., Woodstock. 
 Lynn, W. P., Fredericton. 
 McLean, H. G., Woodstock. 
 Parker, G. G., Fredericton. 
 Searle, G., Woodstock. 
 Smith, R., Lakeville. 
 Tibbitts. A., Fredericton. 
 Welch, R. S., Woodstock. 
 
 12tII FIELD BATTERY 
 
 Boone, M., Fredericton. 
 Carvell, T., Newcastle. 
 Craijr, T., 
 Dalton, D., " 
 
 Duval, G. T., Jersey, 111. 
 Finnamore, 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 recruited from Nova Scotia. :- 
 
 "B' SQUADRON. 
 §Borden, Harold L, Lieut. (Major K. C. Hussars.) 
 
 Ryan, R. H., Kentville, N. S. 
 Hubbard, Fred W.,Canninfr,N.S. 
 Law.son,Fred W., Amherst, N.S. 
 McMillan, L.C.,Springfield,N.S. 
 Miller, L.R.,Laurencetown,N.S. 
 
 Pawsey, Alfred J. , Hants Co. N. S. 
 Sanford, E. A., Canning", N. S. 
 Snyder, Wm. H., Berwick, N.S. 
 Thompson, T. A., Oxford, N.S. 
 White,Henry B., Water ville, N.S 
 
 2nd BATTALION. 
 
 Biscoe, V. Henry, Halifax, N.S. 
 Brennan, Robert J., " 
 
 Courteney, Thomas J., " 
 Eaton, Robert Barry,Truro,N.S. 
 Egan, Peter, Halifax, N. S. 
 
 Fitzgerald, F. J., " 
 
 Henry, William A., Antigonish, 
 
 N. S. 
 Long, J. P., Halifax, N. S. 
 
 , 
 
 "Resigned Commission. tWounded. §Killed. ||Died. 
 
OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE 
 
 113 
 
 "E " FIELD BATTER V. 
 
 Borden, M., Pufjwash, 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. 
 Jajjfo, J. R., Dartmouth, N. S. 
 
 MacDonald, D., Sydney, C. B. 
 MacDonald,D.J., " 
 
 MacDonald, J. J.,Thorburn,N.S. 
 Myra, W. A., Halifax, N. S. 
 Scott, I. M., Anti<r()ui.sh, N. S. 
 Tooker, T. W., Yarmouth, N. S. 
 
 STRATHCONA HORSE. 
 
 Men recruited from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and P. E. 
 Island -.f— 
 
 CoMMANDiNo OFFrcKR— Lieut. Col, S. B., Steele, (N. W. M. P.) 
 
 Campbell, M. G., Whycocmaf,m, 
 
 N. S. 
 Carson, W., Pictou, N. S. 
 
 Condon, B., Kinjrston, N.B. 
 Edwards, R. H., Halifax. 
 Irwin, H., Shelburne, N. S. 
 
 Matallall, A., Tatamaj^ouche, 
 
 N. B. 
 Munnis,C.H. ,63rd Halifax Rifles. 
 Fader, G. H., Sydney, C. B. 
 Wrijrht, R., St. John N. B. 
 Deacon, B.L., Freetown, P. E. I. 
 
 REINFORCEMENTS TO FIRST CONTINGENT. 
 
 NEW BRUNSWICK. 
 
 62nd ST. JOHN FUSILIERS. 
 
 Fairweather, Percy, St. John | ^Robertson, Duncan. 
 
 71ST YORK REGIMENT OF INFANTRY. 
 
 Edwards, W., Fredericton. 
 Jones, John, " 
 
 Nixon, C. J., R.C.R.I. 
 Price, E. H. 
 
 Robertson, J. M., Fredericton. 
 Tennant, James, Fredericton. 
 Wandless, John F. , 
 *Wrijrht, T. M., 
 
 i ( 
 
 u 
 
 74th regiment of infantry. 
 Howe, James, Su.ssex. 
 
 PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND. 
 
 4th RE(JIMENT CANADIAN ARTILLERY. 
 
 No 1 Co. 
 
 HoU, A. H., Charlottetown. 
 McEachern,Wm.A., " 
 Proud, W. J., 
 
 u 
 
 No 2 Co. 
 
 Arbuckle, Geo. A., Ch'town. 
 McBeth, Leslie T., 
 Pififott, Jas. A., 
 
 u 
 
 "Resigned Commission. fWounded. §Killed. ||Died. 
 
11^ 
 
 OUK BOYS UNDER KIRE 
 
 ENdlNEKRH 
 
 Cook, William, Charlottetovvn. 
 Coombs, Wm., 
 
 Cameron, Robert, Ch'tovvn. 
 Home, Robert, 
 
 (( 
 
 Kennedy, D. R. 
 82ni) qi'kkn's ("ocntv rimjimknt ok infantry 
 
 No 1 Co. 
 
 McD(mald, Marcellus, Char 
 lottetovvn. 
 
 No 6 Co. 
 Gurney, Thomas F., Covehead. 
 
 No 8 Co. 
 JBoulter, J W., Cape Traverse. 
 
 No 3 Co. 
 Harris, William, Charlottetown. 
 
 NOVA SCOTIA. 
 
 Smith, C. L.,63rd Halifax Rifles 
 
 Barnstead, Frank E., Halifax 
 
 Bearer Company. 
 MacDonald, N., 78 Colchester 
 
 Hants and Pictou Hij^hlanders 
 Mills, Thomas, Halifax Bearer 
 
 Co. 
 
 Scott, C. Harry, Athol, N. S. 
 Tierney, G. V., Dartmouth. 
 Webber, Maurice E., 66th Prin- 
 cess Lcmise Fusiliers. 
 Wilson, Jas. J., Halifax. 
 
 OFFICERS WHO WERE ENROLLED AS PRIVATES. 
 
 NEW BRUNSWICK. 
 
 Anslow, C. W., Lieut. 12th Field Battery, (1st Contingent.) 
 Armstron^r, B. R., Captain 3rd Re^^t. Canadian Artillery, (2nd 
 Continjrent.) 
 
 Arnold, R. H., Lieut. Princess Louise Hussars, 2nd Continjrent 
 Markham, R. F., Princess Louise Hussars. " 
 
 Metzler, H., Lieut. 74th Refriment. " 
 
 Moorhouse, A. H., 74th Rej^nment. " 
 
 Parks, J. H., Lieut. Princess Louise Hussars. " 
 
 Prin^le, Jas., 71st Re^ment, (1st Contin^-ent.) 
 Robertson, Duncan, 62nd P. L. FusiUers, (Reinforcements.) 
 Wri^^ht, F. M., 71st York Regiment, (Reinforcements.) 
 
 PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND. 
 
 Mellish, Arthur, J. B., Lieut. 82nd Queen's Co. Rej^t, (First 
 Continfjent.) 
 
 Rodd, Thos. A., 2nd Lieut. 82nd Queen's Co. Rej^iment, (First 
 Continjrent.) 
 
 Stewart, Lome, Lieut. 82nd Queen's Co. Refft., (First Con- 
 tinj»-ent.) 
 
 Leslie, Joshua, Lieut 4th Rejrt. C. A., (First Contingent.) 
 
 NOVA SCOTIA. 
 
 Oxley, Capt. 93rd Cumberland Re^t., (First Contin^rent.) 
 Jaffo, J. B., Lieut. E. Battery, R. C. A., (2nd Conting-er ..) 
 Ward, G. L., Capt. 68th King's Co. Regt., (First Contingent.) 
 
 In 
 
OUR HOYS UNDKR I^KE. 
 
 Chief Events of the War. 
 
 "5 
 
 October ii — War declared by the Boers. 
 
 14 — Newcastle occupied by Boers. 
 
 15 — Kimberley wires cut and railway interrupted. 
 
 20 — Battle of Glencoe. 
 
 21 — Battle of Rlland's Laagte. 
 
 24 — Battle of Riefontein. 
 
 25 — Generals Yule and White join forces at Ladysmith. 
 
 30 — Nicholson's Nek di.saster. Two Briti.sh regiments 
 captured. Colesburg occupied by Boers. 
 
 November 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 Magersfontein. Highland Brigade 
 cut up, General Gatacre suffers reverse at Stormberg. 
 
 15 — Severe repulse of Sir Redvers Buller at Tugela. 
 
 17 — Lord Roberts appointed to command in South Africa. 
 
 January 6 — Boer attack on Ladysmith repulsed. 
 
 13 — Warren crosses Tugela. 
 
 23 — Warren takes Spion Kop. 
 
 25 — Spion Kop abandoned by British. 
 
 Februarys — Buller begins third attempt to relieve Ladysmith. 
 
 8 — Buller retired across Tugela. 
 
 15 — Seige of Kimberly raised. 
 
 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 — Collesberg re-occupied by General Clements. 
 
 March i — Ladysmith relieved. 
 
 14 — Roberts enters Bloemfontein. 
 
 26 — Ladybrand entered by Briti.sh. Landrost captured. 
 
ii6 
 
 OUR BOYS undp:r fire 
 
 30 — Mishap to Colonel Broadwood's force at Sanna's Post. 
 
 31 — British disaster at Reddersberg. 
 
 April 5 — Boer Force captured by Methiien at Boshop. Gen. 
 de Villebois Mare'Ml killed. 
 
 9 — Colonial division attacked at Wepener. 
 
 25 — Wepener relieved. 
 
 27 — Sir Charles Warren appointed Governor of Griquland 
 West. 
 
 May I — Northward advance from Bloemfontein 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 Horse 
 occupy Ladybrand. 
 
 15 — Buller occupies Glencoe. 
 
 16 — Mafeking relieved. 
 
 19 — Buller occupies Newcastle. 
 
 21 — Roberts resumes his march to Pretoria. 
 
 24 — Roberts' advance force crosses the Vaal. 
 
 27 — Roberts' army in the Transvaal. 
 
 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. I — South African Republic annexed to the British 
 Crown. 
 
 Nov. 30 — Lord Kitcheher appointed to the command of the 
 British forces in South Africa. — Lord Roberts starts for England 
 by way of Durban. — The Field Marshal to be Commande-in- 
 Chief of the British Army. 
 
 l^ is well known thi '. in the three memorable seiges Gen. 
 
 f 
 
OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE 
 
 117 
 
 ^ 
 
 Sir George Stewart White commanded the British forces in 
 Ladjsmith, Col. Kekewich in Kimberley and Col. Baden-Powell 
 in Mafeking. On the Boer side Joubert was in command of the 
 forces around lyadysmith during the greater part of the seige of 
 Mafeking, and was later succeeded by Snyman, 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 Elandslaagte was fought under Gen. WHiite 
 against a portion of Joubert's forces and won by the British. 
 General French signalised himself in this fight. 
 
 Reitfontein, like Elandslaagte, was fought to hold the Boer 
 forces at bay till the British forces from Glencoe, (under Gen. 
 Yule af'er Symon's death) could make good their retirement to 
 Ladysmtii. Won by the British. 
 
 Nicholson's Nek di.saster 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 British. Gras 
 Pan the same. Modder River the same, though it was pretty 
 nearly a drawn battle. 
 
 At Magersfontein the Briti.sh under Methuen were repulsed 
 in an attack on the Boers in position Uiider Cronje. 
 
 The first great battle on the Tugela was fought by Gen. 
 Buller against Gen. Joubert The British were repulsed with 
 severe loss. 
 
 At Stormberg the British under Gen. Gatacre were repulsed 
 with heav>- loss in killed, wounded, prisoners and guns by the 
 Boers under Botha. 
 
 Spion Kop was first captured and afterwards abandoned by 
 th«. British under Gen. Warren, the Boers being commanded 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 command 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 Transvaal on Sept. ist are virtually the closing stages of the 
 campaign. 
 
ii8 
 
 OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE 
 
 THE CASUALTY LIST. 
 
 .entIp^oSe°pt7oth:'"'''''°'^^^-'''-'" "- I'-st Co„.i„. 
 
 DIED FROM DISEASE. 
 
 E. Deslauriers, Ottawa, D Co 
 
 M. C.ChappelI,74th Batt.GCo." 
 
 pi, Moore, R. C. R., B Co. 
 
 J. E. Farley, B Co. 
 
 J. Russel, R. C. A., G Co. 
 
 J. Adams, M. Dragoons, A Co. 
 
 W. J. H. Ross, D Co. 
 
 H. Forrest, 6ist Batt. F Co. 
 
 R. Harrison, Montreal, F Co 
 
 A. Beattie, Toronto, C Co. 
 
 W. S. Blight, Toronto C Co. 
 
 W. G. Adams, I^ondon, B Co 
 
 J. Curphy, S. Corps, F Co 
 
 E. Purcell, Halifax, H Co 
 
 H. B. Barr, B Co. 
 
 A. T. Zong, H Co. Halifax. 
 
 B. I^iston, 90th Win., A Co. 
 
 C.HBolt.ECo.,3rdVic.Rifles. 
 J. J. Purcell, R. C. A. 
 
 J- Rasberry. 77th Went. Batt. 
 A. F. Van Norman, C Co 
 h. Urue, 87th Batt. F Co. 
 W. F Whitley,6th Reg., A Co. 
 ^. W .Leonard, 22nd Reg. B Co 
 R. Irvine, B Co., 19th Reg. 
 A. Wetmore, Mimico. 
 W. Haines, C Co. 
 R. Clunie, D Co. 
 
 J.H.vSomers, A Co. 
 
 R.Smith. 26th Middlesex, B Co 
 
 J. A. Donegan, B Co. 
 
 7u f-^''u' ^''^ ^'^^""^ B Co. 
 w ^ '^T^^^'^^th Simcoe,C Co. 
 W. 1. Manion, R. G., C Co 
 
 Z.R.E. Lewis, N.W.M.'p.,D Co. 
 O.-T Burns, 43rd Ottawa, D Co 
 ^. H. Barry, Montreal E Co 
 C. Lester, Montreal, H Co 
 
 A. McQueen, E Co. 
 
 R.D. Taylor, Charlottetown 
 Engineers, G Co. 
 
 ^•,^,;.j;^§^^'G.c.B.G.,c Co. 
 
 B. Withey, R. c. A., F Co 
 
 ^r ?''^"^"' 93rd Cumb., F Co. 
 W.A.Riggs, Charlottetown En- 
 gineers, G Co. 
 J. B. Scott, R.C.R.L.G Co 
 F. W Withers.St. John,G Co. 
 M. Johnson, St. John G. Co 
 J. DeFoe, R. C. A , Halifax. 
 ^- E. Frye, D Co., Belleville. 
 
 ^^"^y^S^'^i?"' 52 Batt.Ottawa. 
 E. G. W. Floyd, B Co. 
 
 DIED FROM WOUNDS. 
 
 KILLED. 
 
 ^,?^°"'fhReg.C.A.,ACo. 
 K. Good fellow, E Co. 
 
 C. E. Jackson, D. Co. 
 
 W. Jackson, A Co. 
 
 A. Maundrill, A. Co. 
 
 J- Todd, 5th Reg. C. A., A Co 
 
 ST; ^- ^- Arnold, Winnipeg. 
 P. McCreary, 74th Batt. G Co. 
 G. Johnstone, Halifax, H Co 
 
 n'^'^S.'"'''^^^' Ottawa, D Co. 
 
 C. T. Thomas, D Co. 
 
 F. S. Living, Ottawa, D Co 
 
 F. Wasdell,E Co. 
 
 A. Roy, 39th, F Co. 
 
 J. Sievert, H Co. 
 
 A. Theirault, 9th Volt. F Co 
 
 J. Smith, BCo. 
 
OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE 
 
 119 
 
 WOUNDED — COMPANY G. 
 
 Nelson T. Brace, Charlottetown, 
 
 — Feb. 27th. 
 J. A. Harris, Charlottetown, Co. 
 
 G— Feb. 27th. 
 A.Ha3^den,St.Jolin — May 29th. 
 James Johnson, St. John — 
 
 Feb. 1 8th. 
 H. Leavitt, Grand I,ake, N". B. 
 
 —Feb. 1 8th. 
 A. Pelkey, St. John— Feb. 27. 
 M. J. Quinn, R. C. R. I., 
 
 Fredericton — Feb. 27th. 
 
 A. Simpson, Charlotte Co., 
 
 —Feb. 27th. 
 W. C. Unkary, Feb. 27th. 
 J F. Waye, Hunter River, P. 
 
 E. I.— Feb. i8th. 
 
 F. W. Coombs, St. John— Feb. 
 27th. 
 
 WOUNDED — COMPANY H. 
 
 W. F. Adams— Feb. 18th. 
 
 G. D. McCallum, Feb. i8th. 
 A. Parker, Feb. 20th. 
 
 W. J. Regan, Feb. 1 8th. 
 
 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. 
 
 GENERAI. ACTIONS. 
 
 Paardeberg — Feb. 18-27. 
 Poplar Grove (Ossfontein) — 
 
 March 7-S. 
 Driefontein — March 9-10, 
 Isreal Poort — April 25th. 
 Houtnek — April 3oth-May i.st. 
 Welkom — May 4th. 
 Zand River, May loth. 
 Affair of Lindley — May 20th. 
 Doornkop — May 29th. 
 Six Mile Spruit, (Pretoria) 
 
 — June 4th. 
 
 Twenty seven 
 
 TOWNS CAPTURED. 
 
 JacoKsdal, 
 
 Bloemfontein, 
 
 Thaba N'Chu, 
 
 Winberg, 
 
 Ventersburg, 
 
 Kroonstadt, 
 
 Lindley, 
 
 Heilbron, 
 
 Johannesburg, 
 
 Pretoria. 
 
 davs skirmishes. 
 
1 1 
 
 1 20 
 
 OUR BOYS UNDER FIRE 
 
 PRESS NOTICES. 
 
 Our Boys Under Fire". 
 
 Whil'e 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 Brochure 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 the 
 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. 
 
 I I 
 
bject is to give 
 return, yet at 
 the Canadians' 
 its, adventures 
 •ve for Canada 
 
 ir Boys Under 
 ice, as it gives 
 
 style, and her 
 hn Globe. 
 
 interest to all. 
 
 cy manner. — 
 
 ily recommend 
 
 )r has followed 
 irn. — Moncton 
 
 jntingent with 
 ;rs. — Sentinel, 
 
 the N. B. and 
 eally valuable 
 N. B. 
 
 accounted for 
 jtters from the 
 
 ng style and is 
 
 and the more 
 not be her last, 
 id man of the 
 etown,P. E. I. 
 
 tten and inter- 
 are interested 
 
 war is " Our 
 accurate and 
 tville, N.S.