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32X

HER MAJESTY VICTORIA.

Qnevn nt (Ircnt llrlMii nnd IrtOnnil, Kni|ireiii of Imlln.

CANADA'S SONS
ON KOPJE AND VELDT

A HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF THE
CANADIAN CONTINGENTS

Based on the official despatches of I<ieutenant-CotoneI W. D. Otter and

the other Conimaiidiiig Officers at the front ; on the letters and

despatches of such War Correspondents as C. Frederick

Hamilton, S. C. Sinionski, Stanley McKeown Brown,

John Bwan and AV. Richmond Smith.

T. G. MARQUIS, B.A.

AoTBOa OF Stokirs of Nkw Fmancb; Stokiks from Canadian
UiSTUKV ; Makodrkitb DB ROaSBVAL

WITH AN INTHOntTCTOHY CHAPTEK
UY

GEORGE MUNRO GRANT, LL.D

ritlNCIPAL Qt;BKN>B ONIVBBSITY

Richly Illustfmtcd

THE CAVADA'S 80N.S I'L'ULISIIISU CD.

TUKO.NTU, UUKLrU, UllANTniUU.

.5
N3

rSt'^BAv^^-"'^'^-^!!^'^"-'^'

AUTHOR'S PREFACE.

In the preparation of this story of the three
Canadian Contingents that have been so heroically
fighting the Empire's battles in South Africa, the
utmost care has been taken to get only the most
reliable information. It has been my aim to make
a readable book, and at the same time one that will
be an authentic history of the part played by Can-
ada in the fierce war just terminated, the fiercest
and m >st disastrous stmggle that P]nglan<l has
endured since the Crimea, and one that will doubt-
less cost her, before South Africa is in a safe and
settled condition, vastly larger sums than any other
war in her history.

Through the kindness of the Minister of Militia,
the Honorable F. W. Bjrden, I have had access to
the official reports of the officers commanding the
various contingents, and have in this way been
enabled to give with historical accuracy the events
that have been reported and misreported in th(«
despatches from the front. I have likewise exam-
ine<l with the greatest care the fine work done by
such able Canadian correspondents as C. Frederick
Hamilton and John Ewan, of the Globe ; Stanley
McKeown Brown, of the Mail and Empire ; 8. C.
Von Tuger Simonski, of the Montreal Herald ; W.
Richmond Smith, of the Montreal Star, and others.

But what has been of greater value to me in

grasping for myself the story of Canada's Sons at

the front has been the h\i " ?ds of letters — honest,

straightforward, soldierly letters — from sons and

brothers and husbands in the contingents. Many

Canada's sons on kopjb and vkldt.

lettere written •' between shots," with the smell of
the powder still on the hand that wrote them ;
written by fevorish trembling hands in the field
hospital ; written when the limbs were aching from
the long march, with gnawing hunger and devour-
ing thirst making the spirit long for Canada and
home. Manly letters these ! No boasting ; all
showing that the soldie^^■ realized the awfulness of
war but with no thought of leaving the field till the
work they had volunteered to <lo was accomplished.

Part I of this book, *' From Quebec to Bloemfon-
tein," deals entirely with the work done by the
First Contingent ; Part II, " From Bloemfontein to
Canada via Pretoria," describes not only the work
of the First Contingent, but that of the Second and
of the Strathcoua's Horse as well. It ha.s been
thought proper to add an appendix giving the
names of all the otticers and men of the Royal
Canadian Regiment of Infantry, the Canadian
Mounted Rifles, the Royal Canailian Artillery, and
the Strathcona's Horse. An honor roll of those
who have died on the field of battle and in the
liospital has likewise been given. The Spartan boy
it is said, had to learn tlie names of the heroes of
his native city who fell at Thcrmo])ylte ; it would
be well if Canadians could at least turn when
occasion demanded it to the names of those who
died in the first war in which Canada showed
herself an active, vital ]>art of the Empire.

Principal Grant's j)reparatory chapter will be
found of exceptional interest. No man in the Do-
minion is better fitted than he by his scholarship,
his patriotism, and his loyalty to speak with author-
ity on Canada and its relation to the Empire.

T. G. Marquis.

TABLE OP CONTENTS.

PART ONE.

FROM QUEBEC TO BLOEMFONTEIN.

INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER.

IMPERIAL SIONIFICANCE OF THE CANADIAN COXTINGENTS

RY
GEORQE MOKKO GRANT, LL.D.

PAOI

John Morley'B Attitude Towards Imperial Federation.— Tlie
Australa^ans in England's Hour of Need.— Canada's
Attitude.— Tlie World Surprised.- The StrenRth of the
Imperial Tie.— A Living Unity Stronger Than Compacts or
St-atutes.— The United States' Ijaw-Makers Unwittingly
Help Imperial Unity.— Canada Her Own Treaty-
MaV:er.— The Ultimatum and Its Eflfoct.— Hon. Mr. Tarte
and the Duke of Devonshire on Canada and the Empire.- No
Startling Constitutional Change Expected.— Loyalty to
Canada Demands Increased Military Force 1

CHAPTER I.

RUMOURS OF WAR.

Rumours of War.— Canadian Sympathy With Ultlandcrs.—
The Boer Underestimation of England's Strength.— The
War-cloud Thickens.- War Still Thought Improbable.—
Kruger Stubborn, Chamberlain Determined.— Sir W.
Laurier on the Situation. — Parllantent Passes Sympathy
Resolution.— Sir Charles Tupper Would Aid England.—
Hon. Geo. E. Foster's Eloquent Address.— Canada Com-
mitted. —Uitlanders Appreciate Canada's Action. — War
Inevitable —The " Bitter Cry" of the Ultliinder.— The Boer
and Slavery.— England Waking Up,— The Ultimatum
Launched , , . . 11

'■ax

0OKTENT8.

CHAPTER n.

WAlt.

PAQK

The Horrors of Modern War,— M. liloch's " The War of the
Future."— The Buera Prepared for War.— The Forts of
Pretoria.— England's Diffloultles.— Effects of Ultimatum
on the Empire.— Erugor's Folly.— Dr. Leyds and the
Hollander Clique.— Goldwin Smith and the War.— Olad-
Ktone's Magnanimity of 1881.— '* Remember Majubal"—
Canada With England.— The Peoiile Demand Action on
Part of QoTorument.— First Shot Flrod.— Cuuadu's Offer
of Troops Accepted by England 29

CHAPTER III.

MOUIUZINU THE TKUOl'S.

RecrulMng Bogun.— A Ready Response in Every Province.—
The Patriotic Fund.— Hur Majesty's Message.— Col. Otter's
Farewell Words In Toronto.- The Commandant's Career.-
Lieuteuant-Colonel Buohan's Career.— The Troops Reach
Quel)oc.— Conan Doyle and the Children of the Empire.—
The Character of the Recruits. — Canadians Already in the
Field.- England's Need of Canada's Aid.— A Foretaste of
War.— The Minister of Militia Addresses the Troops.— Lord
Wolseley on the Canadian Voyageurs.— Lord Minto's and
General Hutton's Farewell Words.— On Board the
Sardinian 17

■

CHAPTER IV.

UN TIIK SAUUINIAN.

The Sardinian Leaves Canada. — Organizing the Overcrowded
Ship.— Heavy Weiither.- A Death on Board.- Drill Com-
mencod.— Tropical Weather.— Bath Drill.— Passing the
Time.— Kipling's Influence.— Sea Sights.- A Strange
■Visitor.- Passing Cupe Verde Islands. — Preparations for
Battle.— In the Tropics.- "A Sail I "—Letters Despatched
Homo.— Bad News From the Front.— Crossing the Line. —
Band Concci-ts.— Maxim Oun and Revolver Practice.—
"liiind!"

00NTKNT8.

CHAPTER V.

AT CAPK TOWH.

PAOX

Approaching Cape Town.— Table Mountain.— The Anchor
Droi>pod.— The Scene In Table Bay.- The Sardinian
Wolcoined.— Bird's Eye View of Capo Town.— Sir A.
Milner'g Aide-de-Canip.— The Progress of the War.—
Welcomed AHhore.— Preparations to Leave the Ship.— Off
for Green Point Camp.— Sight Seeing.— The Pro- Boer
Party in South Africa.— The Contingent Leaves for the
Front.— Sir Alfred Miluor's Personality.- The Imporial
Problem Solved »!

CHAPTER VI.

UN THB KOAD TO THE FKONT.

Climbing the Karroo.— Q. W. Steevens' on the Desert's
Charm.— The Tedious Journey.— At De Aar.— A Dust
Storm.— A Throe Days' Sojourn in the Wilderness.— Off for
Orange River.— Going Into Camp With the Regulars.— The
Longlug f«»r a Green Field.— A Rain Storm.— SleepiuR in
Battle Array.— A Soldier Shot by a Picket.— The Chill of
the African Night.— Building Sidings aud Platforms.—
Meeting Lleut.-Col. Glrouard.— The Flash-Llght of
lilmberley.— Vlsltlug the Hospital.— At the Grave of
Captain Wood of the R. M. C— A Step Noivrer the Front. .

lou

CHAPTER VII.
ij:akninu tuk uamr uf wak.

At Belmont.— A Famous Battlefield.— lu the Vicinity of
Boer Forces.- The Regiment in Camp.— An Oasis in the
Dosort.— Outpost duty.— Camping on the Battle Field.—
Doing Patrol Work. —Ghastly Memorials of the Fight.—
Digging Trenches.- The New Drill.— Bullot-Scarred— Bel-
mont Village.— A Call to Arms.— News of the Calamity at
Mttgorsfontein.- Cars Loaded With Wounded.— A Death
in the Regiment.— The Men Being Disciplined.— Scarcity
of Water.— Officers Not Distinguishable From tho Men.—
Julian Ralph «>n OlTlcors Uniforms.— C. Fred. Hamilton
Describes the New Drill.— Rillo Practice.— Chridtuia.s hiuI
Still at Belmont i .

Yiii

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER VIII.

CHRISTMAS WEEK.

PAGB

The Sabbath Culm.— Peace and Good- Will to Men.— The
World Bosy With Wars.— Preparations for Christinas.— A
Call to Arms.— The Arrival of the Fowl.— A Dust-Dovil.—
Major Bachan Addresses the Men.— Christmas Dinner.— A
Christmas Poem by One of the Contingent.— The Officers
Dinuor.— The Queen's Health.— The Queen the Centre of
Imperial Life.— Christmas Sports.— An Impromptu Enter-
tainment.— Colonel Pilcher in Command at Belmont.—
The Regiment Tested.— More Troops in Camp.— A Blind-
ing Dust Blizzard.— The Old Tear Ending and War Still
Distant 143

7 *

CHAPTER IX.
UNDER FIRE.

The Bandits of Douglas.— Marching to the Rebels Strong-
hold.— The Eve of Battle.— Appronchlng the Boer Laager,—
The Enemy Sighted.— The Shrapnel Finds the Foe.— The
Canadians Await the Advance.— In the Fire Zone. —
Occupying Kopjes.— Beating Down the Enemy's Fire. —
Agonizing Thirst.— Water Under Fire.— The Boera
Trapped.— The Stronghold Seized at Bayonet's Point.—
With the Wounded and Prisoners.— The Loot of the
Camp.— The Importance of thifl Mlniftturo Battle.— Burying
a Comrade.— Occupying Douglas.— The March to
Belmont i'"

CHAPTER X.

THE OOKTINOKNT AT FLAT.

The Welcome to the Victors.— The Pastimes of the
Regiment.— Tai'get Practice.— Crlclcet in the Desert.—
Tackling Ostriches.- The Ostrich Described.— A Difficult
Bird.- Athletic Sports.— C Company Wins the Tent-
Pitchlng.— The Tug-of-Wnr.— The Australians as
Athletes.— The Kaffir Boys' Race.— Looting.— Association
Football With the Gordons.— Rugby at Blooiufontein.—
Influence of Qames on Imperial Unity isi

coNTipirrs.

CHAPTER XT.

A WEARY MONTH.

PAOB

Hope Deferred.— Men Grow Lax In Their Datiea.— An
Expedition Into the Orange Free State.— The March.— At
Commandant Lubbe's.— Looting the Farm.- A CloBe
Call. — The Bivouac. — Back to Belmont. — Roberts and
Kitchener at Cape Town.— Buller as a General.- His Place
in This War.— Roberts Waiting Time.— The Campaign
Hard on Horses.— A Third Expedition.— Enteric in the
Regiment.— The Queen's Chocolatb.— More Lilco War.—
Major Denison Appointed to Lord Roberts' Staff.— Part of
Regiment March to Graspan. — Roberts and Kitchener in
Camp.— The Field-Marshal and His Chief-of-Staff Con-
trasted. — Canadians Brigaded with lOth Brigade under
Colonel Smith-Dorrien 193

CHAPTKH Xn.
THE MAKCU TO PAARUEBBRO.

The Forward Movement Begins.— Three Companies at
Gnvsi>an. — Marcheil Back to Belmont.— Forward in
Karnost.— Blvouacltlng aa Graspan. — Trying March to
Rtvmdam.—On to Watervaal Di-lfb.— Dragging Naval
Guns Across the Riet.— Roberts Prai-ses the Regiinnnt. —
At Wegdraal Drift. — Cronje Leaves Magorsfontein.— Boers
Outwitted by Roberts' Advance.- The Trenches at
Mngersfontein.- Kimberley Relieved.— The Canadians at
Jacobsdal.— Cronje's Masterly Retreat.— General Kelly-
Kenny and "Fighting Mac" in pursuit.— The Search-Light
of Kimberley.— Boers Capture British Transports.- A
night March.— Biittlo Ahead.— Fordlug tho Moddor i;i3

rH.\PTKU XIIL
THK FIRST BATTLE.

Through Dangerous Waters.— Cronje Entrapped.- The
Canadians advance to Battle.— Under Fire —The First
Viotin\ —Lying on the Plain.— Tho Scoi'ching Sun.—
Cronje's Men.— Fli-ing on the Foo.— The Pluck of the
Cauadians.—Plrtu of Attack.— Heroism of Correspondents
and CbaplaiuB.— Father O'Leary'i Narrow

: CONTENTS.

FAQB

Captain Bell's Gallant ' Maxim-Gan Work.— Surgeon-
Captain Flset's Bravery. — The Fearless Ammanition
Men.— Conduct of Officers.— lucidouts of the Battle.— A
Blessed Thunder-Storm.— Exhausted Men Asleep in Firing
Line.— The Fatal Charge.—" The Mou of Paurdeberg."—
Destructive Work of the British Guns as

CHAPTER XIV.

A WEEK OF WAU AND DEATH.

Battle Sights and Souuds.- Retreat in the Darkness.— Lost
Comrades.— Bringing in the Wounded.— Boers Fire on
Ambulance Men.- Ghastly Sights in the Mooolight.—
Cronje Retreats up the Madder.— Clearing Field of tho
Dead.— A Fierce Bombardment.— Cronje's Position.— Can-
adians Again Under Fire.— The Terrifying " Pom-Pom."—
Destruction of Boor Lnager.— Bivouac in the Open.—
Cronje's Resistance Aids Boor Cause.— English Admiration
of Cronje— Canadians as Outposts of the Aruty.— Weary
Nights of Rain. — Cronje Requests Armistice.— Roberts
Refuses.- The Modder a Sink of Death.— Week of War
Thins Canadians' Ranks.— Rest Before the Final Blow.... 2bi

CHAPTER XV.

TUK SlJUIiliNl)i;U OF CUO.NJE.

Cronje Looking for Relief. — His Dauntless Courage.— Tho
Boers Growing Desperate.- Majuba Day Recalled.—
"Fighting Mac's" Part in Battle of Majuba Hill.— Fitz-
Patriok's Description of tho Fight. — Roberts Dofermines
to Avenge Majuba Hill.— The Canadians in tho Trenches.
— The Canadians Advance through the Darkness. — A
Deadly Fire Sweeps the Ranks.— The Fatal Order to Retire.
— Q and H Companies Hold Their Ground. — The Boers
Raise White Flag.—" The Dawn of Majuba Piy."- The
Formal Surrender.— Roberts' Report of Canadian Gal-
lantry. —The Beginning of the Knd.— Burying the Cuu-
adiun Dead '/7ii

C0NTBMT8.

CHAPTER XVI.
REST AmB BATTLB.

CroDje'i Troops.— Four Qeneratlons In the Boer Army.—
CroDje's Wife.— Hale's Picture of the Boers.—" Tommies "
Disgusted with the Bagged Babble.— A Canadian Soldior's
Opinion of South Africa.— Boers Marched to Modder.—
Cronje's Stolid Silence.— The Canadians in the Boer
Laager. — The Fine Trenches.- The Loot of the Camp. —
Rest After Nine Days Fighting.- Away From Filthy
Paardeberg.— At Oafontelu.— Laurier's Message Be-
oeived.— British Authorities Congratulate Canada.— Look-
ing Toward Bloemfontein 293

CHAPTER XVIL
WITH THE SICK AND WOUNDED.

The Darlter Side of War.— The Wounded on the Battle-
field.— The Surgeons and Stretcher-Bearers.— The
Operating Tent.— Captain-Surgeon Fiset.— Many Canadians
in Hospital.— Treklcing the Wounded From Paardeberp.—
On tlie Ambulance Train.— At Wynberg.— Hardships En-
dured by Sick.— Lieut. E. W. Morrison's Gloomy Picture
of Hospitals.— The Bloemfontein Ezperieuces.— Lieut.-
Colonel Byerson's Good Work at Kimberloy. — Pnil.sed by
Mclhuen and Roberts.— Kipling und Conan Doylo with
the Canadian Sick.— Back to the Front or to Euglund :!07

CHAPTER XVIII.

TO ULUKMli'UNTBIN.

Forward Toward Bloemfontein.- The Enemy Make a
Stand.— The Artillery Duel at Pophir Grove.— The Trying
Forced March.— The Boor Reserves.- The Prosldonts'
Message.- Salisbury's Reply.— Canadians Outmarch
British Rjglinouts.- The Battle of Abraham's KraJil.-
Desolation in Path of Army.— Nearlug Blooinfoiitoiu.—
French's Good Work.— The Surrender of Bioeiufoiiteln. —
The Hoisting of the Union Jack.— Krugor and Steyn in
L*'ilght.— Lord Roberts' Despatch to War Office.- -Cotulltlon
(if Cauadianii After a Month of Fighting.- UL'».ting at
Jllucuifoutoln nil

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

PART TWO.

FROM BLOEMFONTEIN TO CANADA
VIA PRETORIA.

CITAPTKR I.

A SECOND CALL TO AUMS.

PAGR

In October Canadians Thought the War Insignificant.— Boer
Successes Change Public Opinion.— England Accepts Can-
ada's Offer of a Second Contingent.— Mounted Infantry
and Artillery Needed.- Canada Enrolls Four Squadrons of
Mounted Rifles and Three Batteries.— Lieut.-Col. Lessard
Chosen to Command 1st Batt. of Rifles,- Commissioner
Herohmer in Command of 2nd Batt., and Lieut.-Col. Drury
of the Artillery.— Guidons Presented to Rifles at Ottawa.—
Lord Minto's Farewell Words.— E and D Batteries Leave
Halifax.— Col. Herchmer's Men Sail on Pomeranian.— O
Battery and 8nd Batt. of Rifles Sail on Milwaukee.— Lord
Strathcona's Generous Offer.— The Strathcona Horse.—
Lieut.-Col. Steele in Command.— The Strathcona's Sail on
Monterey

a:)i

CHAPTER II.

THE ARTILLKUY, MOUNTED RIFLES AND STRATHCONA'S
ON THE DEEP.

The Laurontian Delayed by Storm.— The " Rolling Polly,"—
Mortality Among the Horses.— In the Harbour of San
Vincent.- Passing the Time on Board Ship.- Good News
on Reaching Cape Towu.-Tlio Canadians as Athletos.-

stU

xlT

rONTTCNTS.

PAOI
Cnpe Town CItlxenii Generous.— Tho Pomerftnlan and
Milwaukee Reach Table Bay.— The Monterey at Sea.—
Pneumonia Among the Horses.— Crossing the Line.— Ship
on Fire.— War Still Being Vigorously Waged When Mon-
terey Ketiches Cape Town , 342

CHAPIKR III.

THR " UEBEL CHABKRS FROM AMERTOA."

Work for the Rifles and Artillery.— The Rebels of Prieska
and Kenhart.— The Canadians to Join Suppression Col-
umn.- Cv the March to Carnarvon.— Rumours of Boer
Forces at Van Wyk's Vlel.— Loyalists of Carnarvon. —
Stormy Wcaihor.— Through Muddy Ronds and Swollen
Streams — Kenhnrt Re-Annexed to Cape Colony.— The
Rains a Blessing.- The "Rebel Chasers From America."—
Ordered to De Aar.— Mounted Rifles to be Sent to the
Front.— D and K Batteries Left to Guard Line of Com-
munication.— After the Rebels of Douglas.- B Battery
Under Fire.- The Fight at Faber's Farm.— E Battery Saves
the Day.— Burying the Dead.— Gallant Conduct of Col.
Sam Hughes.— D and E Batteries Stay at DeAar

P.,tO

CHAPTER IV.

THE FIRST AND SECOND CONTIN'OENTS JOIN HANDS
AT ni.OEMI''ONTKIN.

Ijlfeat Bloemfonteln no Paradise.- Hnrdfihips of the Blvouno.
— Tho Boers Quiet.— Botha and DeWct to the Front.— A
Fight at Karree Siding.— The Disaster of Saunas Post.— Q
Battery's Heroic Work.— The Canadians as Rear Guard to
9th Division.- First Contingent Badly Used Up.— A Second
Disaster at Roddorsburg.— Tents After Fifty-Three Days
in the Open.— B Squadron at Bloemfonteln.— First and
Second Contingents Join Hands.— Part of B Squadron
Entrapped.- Rescued By Their Comrades.— Calm Under
Fire.— A Squadron at Fischer's Farm.— Waiting for the
General Advance 307

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER V.

Finnrivo NOTirnwAnn.

PAOR

The "Fighting Nineteenth " Aft«r the BoerB.— The Battle of
Ismel'R Poort.— Colonel Otter Wounded.— Bravery of
Captain Burfltall.— The Wiay Cleared to Thaba N'Chu.—
Fatiguing Work.— The Fight at Tabo Mountain.— The
Luck of the Canadiani.— The Death of Harry Cotton.— A
Trying Night.— The "Ocean Cavalry" Rout the Boerp.—
The Vet Ib Reached.— The March into Winbnrg.— The
Regiment Qreatly Weakened.— A Rest Near Wlnbnrg 878

CHAPTER VI,

THE SCOTTTfl OF AN ARMY.

Lord Roberta' Army Leaves Bloerafontoin.— Lieut.-Col.
Kvang in Command of 3nd Batt. C. M. R.— The C. M. R.

Scout iu Advance of Main Army.— Under a Fierce Fire.

The Column Reaches Braiidfort.— The Advance
(^ontlnuofl.— The C. M. R. Under Shell-Fire— A Blrd's-Eyo
View of the Main Army.- The Fight at the Vet.— A
Gallant Feat.— The Boers Driven From the Vet 394

CHAPTER VIT.

CHOPSINO TIIR ZA\P.

The Boers in Flifiht.— The Enemy Strongly Entrenched at
the Zand.— The (/. M. R. in a Perilous Position.— Tho
"Fighting Nineteenth " Reach tho Zand —On the Eve of
Battle.— Tho Battle of the Zand.— Tho Wounding of
Stanley M. Brown.— The Mounted Forces Turn the Boers'
Flonk.— Tho Flight to Kroonstnd.— A Treacherous
Deed. — A Ghastly Bivouac 400

CHAPTER VTTT.

occtTPYrxo icnoox.^TAii.

The Pursuit of tho Boors.— A Rear Guard Action.— The Fall
of Kroonstad.— Roberts' Enthusiastically Received by the
Citizens.— Tho First Contingent a Skeleton of its Former
Self.— Tho C. M. R. do Gallant Work Without Loss.- A
Man-Hunt.— The Wlnburg Column Advance Towards the
Vaal 481

XVI

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER IX.

CROSSING THK VAAL.

PAOB

A White Flag Incident.— Lindley Entered.— DeWet at
Work Again.— Heilbron Entered by Ian Hamilton.— A
Part of Boer Convoy Captured.— Captain-Surgeon Fiset
Left Behind at Heilbron.- Celebrating the Queen's
Birthday. > Colonel Otter Rejoins the Regiment.— The
The R. C's First of Lord Roberts' Infantry to Cross the
Vaal.— The C. M. R. Leave Kroonstad.— A Trying Night
March.— The Vaal Crossed at liindeque Drift 431

CHAPTER X.

INTO THK GOLD CITY.

The Boers in a Strong Position.- The Klipriversberg
Fight.— The Fine Work of the C. M. R.— Flanking the
Enemy.— Within Sight of Johannesburg.— Lieut. Bo'rdeu's
Gallant Adventure.— The R. C's Distinguish Themselves
in the Battle of Doornkop.— The Way Cleared to
Johannesburg.- The Union Jack Hoisted in
Johannesburg.- The City of the Uitlander 444

CHAPTER XL
ON TO PRETOKIA.

A Delay Near Johannesburg.— The C. M. R's and the R. C's
Advance on Pretoria.— Marching Through a Rough
District.— The Mounted Men Under Fire.— The " Deed that
Staggered Humanity."— Pretoria Surrenders.— General
Botha Escapes with Guns.— The "Fighting Nineteenth"
Broken up.— Thoir Good Work 453

CHAPTER XII.

WINDING UP THK WAR.

Battery Sent to the Relief of Mafeking.— At Belra.— On to
Buluwayo.— They Join Hands with Col's. Plumer and
Mahon.— Attacking the Besiegers.— Mafeking Relieved.— D
and E Batteries at the Front.— The Strathcona's given a
Difficult Task.— With BuUer's Force.— The Scouts of an
Army.— Winning a Victoria Cross.— Guerilla Warfare—
The First Contingent Homeward Bound.— Gallant Work
of the C. M. R.— Canada Proud of Her Sons 459

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

PAGB

Hor Majesty Victoria Frontispiece

Lord Strathcoua and Mount Royal xlx

The Very Rev. G. M. Grant, D.D xx

Lieut.-Gcueral Lord Kitciiener 1''

Field Marsliall Lord Kobe rts, V.C 1'5

The Marquis of Salisbury, K.G Sf.l

Lieut.-Col. W. D. Otter 2U

TheHon. Sir Richard J. Cart wrlgl.t •%

The Right Hon. Sir Wilfrid Laurier, G.C.M.G W.

Lieut.-Col. S. B. Steele 4'>

Lieut.-Generai R. S. S. Baden-Powell 4ti

The Right Hon. Joseph Chamberlain, M.P K>

Hon. Sir Charles Tupper, Bart., G.C.M.G M

Major-General E. T. H. Hutton 65

Major-General Ivor J. S. Herbert fi6

The Canadian Contingent Leaving Quebec for the Cape 76

Manitoba Volunteers Being Addr>'33ed by the Mayor 76

On the " Sardinian "—A Group of Canadian Officers 85

On the " Sardinian "—A Group of Canadian Officers 80

Toronto Men Sharpening Bayonets on the Sardinian U5

Group of Officers of Can;idlan Mounted Rlflos (North West S(|uadron). 96

Departure of the Canadians t roni Cape Town 105

The Canadian Contingent PaKslng up Adilcrlcy Street, Cape Town. . . IM

Lieuts. Mason and Temple Going on Picket Duty 115

The New Brunswick Quota of the Second Contingent, ("M l{ no

Right Hon. Cecil J. Rhodes, P.C, M.L.A ia5

Francis William Reitz U'O

Marthinus Thcunis Steyn i;i.">

The Hon. Jan. Hendrick Hofmeyr lao

Lleut.-Col. Sir Fred. Mlddleton, I{.C.M.G.,C.B 146

Major-General Richard G. A. Luard lU!

Queen Victoria on the Morning of Her Accession V>b

Colonel Sir Caslmir S. Gzowski, K.C.M.G im

The Toronto Company's Baptism of Fire ia5

Smart Colonial Officers of the Canadian Contingent at tlie Front lOti

Colonel Pilchcr's E.\pcdltlon to Douglas 175

Fording a River 170

Lleut.-Col. C. W. Drurv and lib ul. -Col. F. L. Lo8>«;n(l la'i

Major S. Denison and Lieut. -CkI. liuchuu iwi

Major General Thomas Bland Strange ln.l

Colonel Walker Powell l-.io

Lleut.-Col. Henry Casaady Roarers an,'.

Major George Stewart l"^;

Llout.-Col. ChnrlCB Edward Muutiaamborl l'1'>

wil

.will

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

PAOB

Major J. C. McCorklll, B.O.L 816

Major John Daley KH

Major Alexander George Hcgslein 826

The Canadians Grossing Paardcberg Drift on the Modder 835

Physician and Story-Teller 836

The Rev. P. M. O'Leary 245

The Cornwalls Assisted by the Canadians Driving the Boers from the
Rivor Bank 246

Surgeon-Captain Fiset 265

Lieut.-Col. John Macpherson 256

Canadians at Cape Town 265

Second Canadian Contingent S>66

Major Robert Cartwright 275

("apt. F. L. Cartwright 276

Llfiit. Col. Cliarics John MacDoiiald 285

Lionl.-Col. Alexander William Anstruther 286

Lioiit.-Col. J. Bell Forsyth 295

Lieut.-Col. Leon P. Vohl 296

George Sterling Ryerson, M.D. , CM sfVi

Major Henri Beaufort Vidal 3nfi

The First Continp '>iit Dcpartinpf from Quebec 315

North- West Mount ' Police SIS

Major George Wiliiai. •>n 325

Lieut,' 'ol. Robert Thou., 'on Banting 328

No. 4, Troop D Squadron, v.M.R 335

No. 3, Troop D Squadron, C.M.R 33B

The Canadian Contingent Ready to Knibark 345

Dr. Borden, Minister of Militia, on Board the S. S. " Monterey " 31g

OITlcers oi Strathcona'a Horse 355

The Flag of Strathcona's Horse 350

Major Sam Hughes, M.P 365

Major John Strathearn Hendiie sm

Group of Officers 375

Departure of the Canadian Trniisvanl Contingent 376

The British Columbia Contingent 38,5

The Departure of Lord Strathcona's Horse from Ottawa 386

Strathcona's Horse, Presentation of t. ... .t ' "**awa 395

Strathcona's Horse, Ottawa 3<)r,

Lieut. H.C.Borden 4a5

Canadians Leaving Cape Town for the Front 406

Lieut.-Col. Thomas Page Butler, D.C.L., Q.C 415

Lieut.-Col. Alphonse D. Aubry, M.D 4ir,

Tlie Occupation of Kroonstad 425

Greater Britain to the Succour of the Mother Country 4J6

Lieut.-Col. Julien Brosseau 43.5

i..ieut.-Col. A. Denis 436

Major Donald Cameron Forster liliss 441

Major Hiram Bender 448

DONALD A.' SMITH.

iMt Lniil Siralliioiia ami iMniint 'Hciynl.

THE VERY KEY. G. M. GRANT, D. D.

«.«

CANADA'S SONS ON KOPJE
AND VELDT.

INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER.

By George Monro Grant, LL.D.

IMPERIAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE CANADIAN
CONTINGENTS.

Not very many years ago, John Morley — last and
greatest representative of the Manchester school —
proved to his own satisfaction that Imperial
Federation was a delusion, by assuming that
Canada or Australasia would refuse sympathy, mon-
ey or men, in case of a war which for instance
involved the Empire in South Africa. Never has
tlie irony of events more directly confounded the
argument of the philosopher. War commenced in
South Africa. Just at that point British Supremacy
was threatened.

As Cape Town is the half way house between the
Mother Country and Australasia, in the not unlikely
event of the Suez Canal being blocked, in time of
war, the people of New Zealand and Australasia,
whose chief market is Great Britain, felt that their
interests were threatened, but Canada was directly
concerned little more than if war had broken out in

C\NADA8 SONS ON KOPJE AND VELDT.

Saturn. But what happened ? An electric current
flashed across the Continent, from Halifax to Vic-
toria, thrilling all English-speaking hearts at any
rate, and a cry went up that the war was Canada's
as well as England's. Parliament was not in session
iind there was no constitutional way of taking
action. The Prime Minister, as a French-Canadian,
knew well that there could be no enthusiasm for
such a war among his compatriots, and therefore
he very naturally took his stand on the Constitution
and our previous practice of allowing the Mother
Country do the fighting, at her own cost and charges,
while we did the singing of '* God Save the Queen."
But the people would take no denial. A contin-
gent must be sent ; and when reverses came, a sec-
ond was called for, and the Government would have
gained votes had they then sent five or ten thousand
instead of fifteen hundred more men. Canadians were
ready to make any sacrifices ; and they spoke, read
and thought of nothing but the war. Their enthus-
iasm " took England by surprise," said the Prince of
Wales, at a great assembly in London on the 7th of
April. It took the world at large much more by
surprise, added Lord Salisbury on the same occasion.
" They fancied that the Great British Empire, which
looks so large on the map, was so separated by dis-
tant seas that its practical utility for co-operation
was entirely destroyed, but they have learned their
mistake." And, it may be added, it took our-
selves, the few foes among us as well as the many
friends of Imperial Unity, by surprise. We did not
know that what some consciously valued was uncon-
sciously cherished, with all the force of a native
instinct or elemental passion, in the hearts of mil-
lions. But the lightning has flashed. The revela-

INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER.

tion has been made. And now it is not amiss
to ask, what were the causes which led to so start-
ling a manifestation and what are the political or
other consequences likely to result.

The underlying cause, it seems to me, is to be
found in the fact that the British Empire is a living
unity, though not formally bound together by a con-
stitution. This fact has been ignored by people to
whom written statutes and compacts are everything,
but not by those who with Emerson regard law as
simply a memorandum. The United Kingdom has
managed to get along for a thousand years since
Alfred without a written constitution. It, however,
has a Parliament whose supremacy is unquestioned ;
while there is no Parliament for the Empire, for
admittedly the august body which sits at Westmins-
ter would never dream of coercing Canada or
Australasia. But there is something antecedent to
and more vital than a Parliament. Unity of race,
of historj^ of traditions, of aims and moral
ideas constitutes a vital unity. As long as the out-
lying portions of the Empire had matters to attend
to of overwhelming importance which absorbed
their whole thought, they could take only a senti-
mental interest in foreign affairs. They were not
selfish. When New Brunswick was threatened with
invasion by the State of Maine, its sister Province
of Nova Scotia sprang to arms as one man in its
defense. When Riel murdered Scott, Ontario went
wild. When, subsequently to his being amnestied
by the Governor of Manitoba, he broke into rebel-
lion on the banks of the Saskatchewan, the other
provinces sent their sons in mid-winter to restore
peace to the North- West. Up to that time, as regards
foreign affairs, Canada was willing to accept the

CANADA'S SONS ON KOPJB AND VBLDT.

trustee-ship of the Imperial Parhament. Our
national life was weak, and we had undertaken to
administer half a continent.

But the making of the nation went on apace.
Our neighbors unwittingly helped on the process.
A succession of tariff measures culminating in the
McKinley and Dingley Bills, forced us to widen our
horizon beyond the continent to which we belonged.
Everywhere the flag meant open markets, the
protection of life and all that makes life valuable.
Increasingly attractive, as the symbol and bond of
union, became the personality of the Queen. The
Jubilee of 1887, followed by the Great Jubilee of
1897, awakened feelings which had long been dor-
mant in some breasts and had been chilled in others
by the " so loyal is too costly " cry, flippantly ex-
pressed by press and politicians in London. The
menace of President Cleveland's Venezuela message
revealed the depth of the political gulf which separ-
ates the Dominion from the Republic. The Imperial
Commission, consisting of four Canadians and one
representative of Great Britain, appointed to settle
all disputes that threatened friendly relations
with the United States, was a public notice
that — so far as this continent is concerned —
Canada would make and the Imperial Government
would sign any treaty that might be made. That
put us on our honor, and it showed that we were
partners and not dependents. While political
status was so generously recognized and extended
we felt more strongly than ever that the Empire
meant freedom, equality for all white men, the inde-
pendence of judges, and everything else which the
British Constitution is popularly supposed to mean.

Then came the ultimatum, the invasion of sister

INTKODUCTORY CHAPTER.

colonies, and the forcible annexation of districts to
the Dutch Republics of South Africa. Those who had
pleaded the caus^ of the Boers, who had shown the
provocations they smarted under, and who had
urged patience with them were silenced. Kruger
and Steyn had abandoned moral for military ground,
and there was nothing for it but war to a finish. Is
it wonderful that Canada resented the insult, ap-
preciated the common danger, and felt that slie
must now act up to the motto of " Each for all, and
all for each."

When we come to speak of probable results, a
tone of moderation is becoming. The issue of every
election is uncertain ; and if King Demos keeps his
secret when nothing is at stake but Party Suprem-
acy, he is infinitely more reserved when the recon-
struction of the Empire is involved. He is not sure
what to-morrow, or the day after may bring forth,
and he is not sure how far changed circumstances
might change the case and change his point of
view. Some wise observers predict a recoil from
the passion of nine, six, or three months ago. Cold
fits succeed hot fits. Others declare that the foun-
dation of an Imperial Constitution has been laid and
that the blood of our soldiers has sealed the com-
pact. The Hon. Mr. Tarte and the Duke of Devon-
shire are, racially and by mental build and habit,
opposites ; yet both declared recently at the same
meeting in London that " the time is not far distant
when the Canadian will be as full-fledged a citizen
of the Empire as the Englishman," and " that noth-
ing but criminal neglect or apathy on our part can
prevent the influences tending to unity from result-
ing at no distant date in the political as well as the
social Federation and Unity of the Empire."

Canada's sons on kopje and veldt.

French-Canadians are expected to oppose. On tho
contrary they are more likely to take the lead in
movements tending in that direction. The thinkers
and writers who are the factors in moulding the opin-
ions of their countrymen — ^men like Laurier,
Frechette, Suite and others — hold that we have
been marching to Imperialism of necessity, ever
since the Responsible Government, which guar-
anteed the liberty and the characteristics of Quebec,
was placed beyond question.

For my own part, I do not look for any startling
Constitutional change or any paper scheme
for re-organizing the Empire. That is not
the way of the British. They build after
the fashion of the insects that construct coral
reefs, atolls, and fair islands in the Southern
seas. They do the duty of vo-day, and
that becomes precedent, and so "freedom slowly
broadens down," based not on theories but on neces-
sities. Has our new departure then to have no
more significance than any other of the events
which have been shaping our course for the past
fifty years to those who had eyes to see? Yes; it
has revealed the mind, the heart, and the settled
determination of the Canadian people in such fash-
ion that no one will hereafter venture to cross it
any more than the boldest will offer to swim Niag-
ara. More, the larger patriotism, which has now
taken possession of Canadians, cannot possibly van-
ish. It may become more critical, but it will abide
and grow. We are henceforth a nation, and as
every great statesman of the American Republic
from Washington to Cleveland, always urged on
their fellow-countrymen, "the nation that cannot
resist aggression is constantly exposed to it," lo, we

INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER.

paust make our militia force a reality ; nmst organ-
ize a naval reserve ; must defend our coasts I must
attract Newfoundland into our confederation ; and
must do these things at once. The party ' that
does not understand the necessity for action is not
loyal to Canada, or it is blind to the signs of the
times.

PART ONE.

FROM QUEBEC TO BLOEMFONTEIN.

PAET ONE.

CHAPTER I.

RUMOURS OF WAR.

All through the Summer of last year rumours of
war came ticking across the wires from South Africa,
but Canadians were so accustomed to the annual
Eastern War Cloud and the occasional mutual shak-
ing of fists at each other of France and England
that at first but little attention was paid to these
rumours. Russia and France knew England's re-
sources and would think twice before precipitating
a war with an empire of almost inexhaustible re-
sources ; of precipitating a war in which, be they
victors or vanquished, the struggle would cost tens
of thousands of men, and must leave them on the
verge of bankruptcy. Surely, thought Canadians,
the sturdy, stubborn little Republic of South Africa
would not have the temerity to attempt what France
and Russia with their hate and their experience ;
their skill, their wealth, and their hordes, would not
dare attempt !

But Canadians living in a land of responsible
institutions, in a land whore the humblest toiler has
a voice in the aftairs of the nation, and as a result
an interest in and a knowledge of the affairs of
other nations, could not realize the ignorantie and
stubbornness that prevailed in the Transvaal. The

Canada's sons on kopje and veldt.

Boer was totally unlike the great Powers that are
forever warring with words with England. Their
character, their language, their situation, have all
shut them off from the rest of mankind, and while
they have accepted through the Uitlanders, who
have made their homes among them, many of the
mechanical marks of civilization, in language, in
religion, in social and political ideas they have re-
mained children of the eighteenth century. In
their ignorance, too, such a victory as their splen-
didly planned and executed fight at Majuba Hill in
1881, over a handful of British s )ldiers made them
think that if they went out in force with all their
modern weapons of war and their fine marksmen
they would soon be able to drive the British into the
sea. In their folly tliey judged of England's strength
by her standing army ; and even such a brave,
humane, and astute soldier as the late, universally
respected General Joubert, had no conception of the
vast army of volunteers which England could trans-
port across six thousand miles of ocean in a few
weeks.

Canadians did not realize the character of the
people England had to deal with, and so when iii
the early summer threat and counter-threat flashed
between England and South Africa but little atten-
tion was paid to them in Canada. Our people
thought that little more than words would come of
it, and that, while the stubborn Boer would no
doubt make a vigorous opposition to England's de-
mands, in the end concessions would be made that
would leave the Uitlander as free as the citizens of
Cape Colony, Natal, and the Orange Free State.

But in July things began to look very black in-
deed. Ultimatums, or messages very like ultima-

RUMOURS OP WAR.

Ibe
iiL

led

liio

le-

lat

in-
la-

tums, began to pass between the President of the
Transvaal and the Secretary of State for the Colonies ;
a stir made itself felt in the War Office, and what
was then considered a large army was made ready
to go to Africa at a moment's notice. At the same
time the Volksraad offered concessions to the Uit-
landers ; and while they held in one hand a mes-
sage of peace, with the other they bought more
arms and ammunition. At Johannesburg but little
{"aith was placed in the subtly-worded Franchise
concessions, and it was universally believed that
Kruger and his confederates were dallying to gain
time.

Still Canada could not deem war possible, and
when in July Queensland offered the Home Govern-
ment two hundred and fifty mounted infantry with
a machine gun if necessary, their ofi'er wat, appreci-
ated in this country, but it was thought merely a bit
of Imperial enthusiasm. War was impossible ! Still
Canadians realized that battalion after battalion was
b^ ing sent to South Africa ; that big guns and small
guns, Howitzers, Maxims, and machine guns, were
being bought and painted khaki color ; that the
Hollander clique with Dr. Leyds at its head was at
work ; that, while the British dailies kept repeating
that peace was probable, on tlie two great questions
tliat finally made the war, the Franchise and the
matter of Suzerainty, no advance was being made.
It was only the reiterated assurances of that Napoleon
of finance and enterprise, Cecil Rhodes, that there
was not the slightest chance of war, that kept Can-
adians from believing each day that on the morrow
war would break out. So the war barometer rose
and fell ; to-day the Uitlanders were denouncing
the Franchise Law as wholly inadequate ; to-morrow

CANADA S SONS ON KOIME AND VELDT.

the Volksraad pretended to make further conces-
sions. But through it all President Kruger stub-
bornly held to his original ground, the Transvaal
lor the Boer ; and Joseph Chamberlain, as deter-
mined, made no retreat from the stand he had taken
on the Franchise, and what irritated the Boers more,
on the much debated question of the Suzerainty.
He spoke with no uncertain voice when towards the
end of July he said : " We have undertaken the
cause of the Uitlanders and are bound to see it
through."

Between England and Canada since the Diamond
Jubilee, while the Imperial idea had taken no
definite shape, the feeling of Imperial unity had
been growing stronger and stronger ; and it seemed a
fitting thing that in an empire of so many diverse
people a French-Canadian should have been chosen
to cement by his tact and wisdom this Imperial
bond. He saw, and his ministers saw, that a word
in season might strengthen England's hands ; not
that she needed it so far as the Transvaal was con-
cerned, but in case of war it would be well to let the
foreign powers, ever ready to take advantage of
England's danger, see that the Mother Country did
not stand alone ; that her children were willing and
able to help her with sympathy, with men, and
with money. The Canadian ministers knew the
people they were governing and they unhesitatingly
made ready to introduce the South African difficulty
to the House of Commons, knowing that there would
be no opposition within the walls of Parliament,
and that their action would receive the applause,
the approval of the whole of Canada.

A livelier interest was therefore aroused in the
minds of the Canadian public with regard to the

LIEUT.GKNEHAL LOKU KITCIIKNEK.

FIELD MAKSHAL LORD KOBEHTS, V. C.

In liis tent while on the way ti inneint'oiitrln.

mmmm'mimmm'mmmmmm^BS

KUMOUKS OF WAR.

sitiiiition when, on July 31 the Prime Minister
rose in the House and adcliessing Mr. Speaker
said : —

" I l)eg to interrupt the regular course of the busi-
ness, in order to ofl'er certain resolutions which I
believe the state of things now existing in a distant
country under the Suzerainty of Her Majesty seems
to render appropriate. . . . Some eighty thousand
of Her INIajesty's subjects have been allowed to be-
come residents of that country, to i)urchase lands
there, to open mines, to develop trade, to establish
industries, and to build up cities, j^et are denied
almost every land of participation in its administra-
tion. They are sul,»jected to discriminating and
heavy taxation, and yet are denied any kind of
rejH'csentation, and although forced to bear their
full share of citizenship are denied the rights and
privileges and liberties of citizens.

" If I be asked : What is the reason of this ex-
pression of syfcn[>atliy, what object would it serve,
what result would it effect? I simply answer: The
object to be sought is that we should extend to our
fellow-countrymen in South Africa the right hand
of good fellowship, that we should assure them that
our heart is with them and tliat in our judgment
they are in the right ; the object would be to assure
the Imj>erial authorities, who have taken in hand
tlie cause of the Uitlanders, that on that question
we arc at one with them, and that they are also in
the right — and perhaps tiie etlect might be also that
this mark of sympathy, extending from continent
to continent and encircling the globe might cause
wider and more humane counsels to prevail in the
Ti'ansvaal and possibly avert the awful arbitrament
of war. Animated by these reasons, and si)eaking,

Canada's sons on kopje and veldt.

I believe, the sentiments of all men in Canada, not
only of one class but of all classes, not only of one
race but of all races, I beg to move, seconded by
Mr. Foster, the following resolution : —

1. Resolved, That this House has viewed with
regret the complications which have arisen in the
Transvaal Eepublic, of which Her Majesty is
Suzerain, from the refusal to accord to Her Majesty's
subjects now settled in that region any adequate
participation in its government ;

2. Resolved, That this House has learned with
still greater regret that the condition of things there
existing has resulted in intolerable oppression, and
has produced great and dangerous excitement among
several classes of Her Majesty's subjects in Her
South African possessions ;

3. Resolved, That this House, representing a
people which has largely succeeded by the adoption
of the principle of conceding equal political rights
to every portion of the population in harmonizing
estrangements and in producing general content
with the existing system of the government, desires
to express its sympathy Avith the eflbrts of Hor
Majesty's Imperial authorities to obtain for the sub-
jects of Her Majesty who have taken up their abode
in the Transvaal such measure of justice and politi-
cal recognition as may be found necessary to secure
them in the full possession of their rights and
liberties."

Sir Wilfrid had conferred on the subject with the
venerable leader of the Opposition, Sir Charles
Tupper, and had connnunicated this resolution to
him and he was to have seconded it, but was unfor-
tunately unable to attend the House on July 31.
However he could not be silent in such a critical

RUMOURS OF WAR.

moment in his country's history, so he sent a note
to the Premier saying : " I think we are bound to
give all the aid in our power to Her Majesty's Gov-
ernment in the present crisis."

" All the aid in our power." These words were
significant ; he would give not merely sympathy
and moral support, but if necessary men and treas-
ure as well ; he would have Canada become an
active part of the Empire.

The resolution was seconded by Mr. George E.
Foster, who in the course of an eloquent address
said ; —

" These men may bo Outlanders so far as the
Dutch Republic is concerned ; but we extend to
them to-day as has been done from almost every
quarter of the British world that hand gras}) which
will make the eighty thousand British sul)jects there
feel tliat though Outlanders so far as the Transvaal
Ivcpublic is concerned, they are Inlanders taken
warmly to the great heart of the British Empire."

When Sir Wilfrid moved : " That a copy of this
resolution be transmitted to Her Majesty's Secretary
of State for the Colonies by the Speaker of the
House," there was no dissenting voice. The en-
thusiasm was unbounded. Every member rose to
his feet, and all made the House of Connnons ring
with the National Anthem. The people in the gal-
leries caught the enthusiasm and rising in a body
joined in tlie dcmnsti'ation of patriotism to Canada
and loyalty to England.

Canada was committed by her representatives*
She had made Britain's difficulty her difficulty.
Come what would, be it i<eace, be it war, she had
cast in her lot with the ^totherland. There could
be no turning back now : after such a resolution

CANADA S SONS ON KOPJE AND VELDT.

her sons must l)e ready for the call to arms.

When on the morrow the action of the peoples'
representatives of hoth parties hecame known, the
whole country said, " A\'ell done ! " It is true there
were dissenting voices here and tliere, hut they were
drowned in the clamor of a})proval.

Still there was hut little thought of war. The
people of Canada were convinced that the Tians-
vaalers could never he guilty of stu'uhornly causing
a war with the British Empii'e ; and they liojicd, as
no douht the Premier had lio})ed when lie moved
the resolution, that the action of wliat is ])ractically
a lvepul)lic, the freest and hest go\ernod on earth,
might have some weight with President Kruger and
the Volksraad.

At any rate it was to England a most significant
step, and the leading English iournals declared it
to have a " moral weight impossihle to ignore," and
tliat " it would be difficult to overrate its moral
significance." England knew now hoyond a doubt
that her greatest colony was with her, and that if
she should be plunged into war her strongest child
would be ready to spring to arms in her behalf. At
this time she had no dream that she would need
such help, but in case of European complications
it would be well to know just where her children
stood.

If it strengthened the hands of England it was a
still greater boon to the Uitlander, and e,s|)ecially to
tlie many hai'dy Canadians among them, who had
risked fortune and life in far Africa. Tluiy r(>ad
with delight the strong resolution of the Canadian
Government and sent tlie following note and resolu-
tion, which had been ])assed by the Canadian Society
of Johannesburg on August 10, to the Piglft Honor-

PWiPi»»««niWP»Wii^t»*»*—

RUMOURS OF WAR.

able Sir Wilfrid Ljiiirior, Pi-einior of Caiiadu : —

"Resolved, That this meetiii.j4' of Canadians resi-
dent at Jolianneshnri;' and on tlie Rand, desires to
express its unbounded satisfaetion and gratitude to
the Canadian Parliament for its unanimous resolu-
tion of moral sympathy, and if necessary j)ractical
su])port to the Im])erial Govermnent, in its cdbrts
to obtain for the Uitlanders their just demands for
e(|ual rii!,hts for all white men, without distinction,
in this country.

"It furtlier wislies to place on record the import-
ant fact that the Citlanders are justly entitled to
these rij^hts, not only as British subjects and white
men, but in fullilment of the solenni promises
made by President JCru<;'er and the Boer Govern-
ment when (irent Britain granted this country its
right to internal (tovernment and without which
promises this privilege would never have been
Lri'iinted."

This resolution did much to bring home to the
pe()])le of Canada the state of alfairs in South Africa.
Canadians Avere there, our fellow countrymen were
living under a system of government that would
not be tolerated for one hour in this country. The
liveliest interest had now been stirred up on the
(|ueslion, and peoj)le, educated and uneducated,
simple and gentle, began to make an effort to find
out what the grievances were, and the vague terms
OligiU'chy, Suzerainty, (Oppression, Franchise, ^k>n-
opoly, as ii|)plied to the Ti'ausvaal, began to have
some mi'iniing. The intolerant Boer began to
loom up before them as did the I'^nnily Compact
I'arly in the cniiy days of this century; and ns
blood was tlu>n shed belbi'e the wrongs were redres-
sed so it might have to be again,

}-)

Canada's sons on kopje and veldt.

But if Sir Wilfrid deemed that his resohition
would have any weight with the Volksraad he was
much mistaken. Scarcely had this resolution liad
time to cross the water when word was In'ought back
that the Pretoria forts were being strengthened and
that oxen for the transport waggons were being
purchased on a large scale in Bechuanaland, Tlie
Uitlanders, too, had lost heart and the trains from
the Transvaal were taxed to their utmost capacity
with refugees. But for the optimistic attitude of
Cecil Rhodes, who declared publicly, "Tiiere would
be no Blood shed ; President Kruger like a sensible
man will climb down " — but for this man's attitude
war seemed inevitable.

In the meantime the Transvaal Government was
distributing Mausers, getting their splendid artillery
into efRcient shape, and buying up vast stores of
food and war materials. The British Government
had recalled Major-General Sir William Francis
Butler, Commander of the Forces in South Africa,
probably on account of his pro-Boer sympathies, and
had sent out Sir Frederick Forestier-Walkcr to replace
him. An army of twenty thousand men was ready,
proposal and counter-proj)osal flashed across the
cables ; and so close 1 August with the gloomy prog-
nostication from President Kruger that war was
inevitable.

Ever since the passing of the resolution of
sympathy with the Uitlander the Canadian people
liad been working to get an intelligent view of the
war situation ; and while many were in doubt as to
England's riglit to interfere in tlie internal affairs of
the South African Republic, all dolested tlio
stubborn tyrrany of the little oligarchy of Boors and
Hollanders at Pretoria. The " Bitter Cry " of the

RUMOURS OP WAR.

Uitlander had reached them across the broad
Atlantic.

" We," they declared in the manifesto of the
Transvaal National Union, " are the vast majority in
this state. We own more than half the land, and,
taken in the aggregate, we own at least nine tenths
of the property in this country; yet in all matters
effecting our li\nes, our liberties and our properties,
we have absolutely no voice. Dealing now first
with the Legislature, we find taxation is imposed
upon us without any representation whatever, that
taxation is wliolly inequitable, (a) because a much
greater amount is levied from the people than is re-
quired for the needs of Government ; (b) because it
is either class taxation pure and simple or by the
selection of the subjects, though nominally universal,
it is made to fall upon our shoulders ; and (c)
because the necessaries of life are unduly burdened."

Everything that Canadians, living under
responsible government, hated prevailed in the
Transvaal ; everything they cherished was denied
their fellow-countrymen residing in this dark corner
of Darkest Africa ; so that while some doubted the
legal right of England to interfere, all were
antagonistic to the Oligarchy who by treachery had
got capitalists to invest money in their domains, and
who by promises they never intended to keep had
done much to lure a large population to their
Republic. Republic it was only in name ; oligarchy
and tyranny of the woist type it was in reality. The
many had no voice in the aflairsof the State ; public
money disappeared, no one seemed to know whither,
although the revelations of tlie Inst rigiit months
hiive made it evident that it was uoing to Europe
with Dr. Leyds for secret service puiposes, and was

CANADA S SONS ON KOPJE AND VELDT.

being expended at home to make tlie Trans .aal an
arsenal, to make it so strong that only an ai'niy of
the vastest dimensions could bring the stubboi'n
burghers to their kncjs. They little (Iccmed, poor,
ignorant people, that ICngland had such an army,
that in a few weeks she conld transport across six
thousand miles of v;ater the largest force ever sent
out of any country in modern times, and tlie vastest
er-' ■ :. lent that has been seen since war iK'gan.

i-:\!W't taxation, ])ribei'y, m()noi)olies, tlie abuse;
of i.L, '"'.', v concessioiis, an iniijuitous educational
system, oi)pi'assive franchise were not the only
tbi^iT'" detestal^le in the Transvaal. Such things are
found to i grcaiii 'H* less degree in every country,
and patience and lime are sure to redress them.
Slavery, a thing abhorred by Canadians, was favored
by the B(u^rs. In their narrowness, their bigotry,
they looked upon the children of 11am as only
suited to be beasts of burden to them, and the well-
authenticated stories of their evasion of the anti-
slavery clauses of the conventions of 1881 and 1884,
their excessive cruelty to the blacks in their so-called
employment, created in Canadians a feeling that
the Boer needed chastisement to bring him to his
senses.

Still it was not believed that war would come.
At the last moment it was felt that President Kruger
would see that it was only right to grant, in a
modifiod form no doubt, the demands of the
Uitlanders, and what utter folly it would be to
challenge England to war,

September opened gloomily, the Boers vigorously
denied the English right of suzerainty and would
now make no further concessions to the Uitlander,
saying that: "The Government, both the Kaads

THK MARlil'lS OF SALLSIU'RY, K. (i

I'lliiii' Mhil-^tir <<t' CiTitt lliiiiiiii.

LIEUT.-t'OL. W. D. OTi'KK.

RUMOUKS OF WAR.

and the Burglicrs, foi'l that they have oflbred all
they intend to oft'er, and they are now resolved to
stand or fall by this decision."

To prove that tliey nieaiit what they said the
Burohers throughout tlie length and breadth of the
lvej)ublic were notified to be ready at a moment's
notice and the Transvaal artillery, their main stay,
was called out. The English War-OHice now seemed
to wake u]) ; the stubljorn and defiant attitude of
President Kruger was met by increased preparation
on the part of England. Indian troops were warned
to be in readiness ; hospital outfits were prepared on
an extensive scale ; and it was generally understood
that in case of war Sir Redvers Duller, at that time
the idol of the British public, would rush to Cape
Town to take command of the army in South
Africa.

Tliicker grew the war cloud, and when it was
announced tliat the Orange Free State, " (^'ome wdiat
may will stand by the Transvaal," not even the
hopeful words of Sir Alfred Mihier and Cecil Khodes
tliat there would be no w^ar, prevented Canadians
from feeling that they would be called upon to give
more than sympathy to the Uitlanders. Ever since
rumours of war were in the air, the roads to Durban
and Cajjc Town had been crowded with refugees
and Johannesburg was like a plague-smitten city ;
troops were massing on the Natal border ; looting
was reitv)rted from Liclitenburg and elsewhere ;
armoured trains were l)eing rushed to Ladysmith
and Kimberley ; and the entire railway system of
the South African Kepublie was placed mider
military control.

Through it all our Government was calm. Even
while New Zealand and Australia were making

Canada's sons on kopje and veldt.

offers to the Home Government no action was taken,
but jCanadians knew that action was intended and
when the definite need would arise they would act
and act quickly. They had not long to wait ; on
the 9th of October President Kruger issued his
astounding Ultimatum, and England was at war ;
and for the first time in Canada's history, she, by the
action of her Government on July 31, had to take
her part in a war of the Empire. Gladly did she
face her duty. AVar, War I echoed throughout the
Dominion, and in every city, town, hamlet, from
Victoria to Charlottetown, young men, the flower of
country, cried " We are ready !"

'^'mmmilimmmmiamimfimamm

CHAPTER II.

WAR.

Although the sky had been black with war cloiicls
for many weeks, the tlmnder stroke of this ultima-
tum was none the less appalling. War, modern
war, seemed a horrible thing to contemplate. It is
true the destructive bayonet now plays but a minor
part in battle, it is true tluvt but a small percentage
of the wounded die ; still the words lyddite, melin-
ite, cordite ; the " Pom-Pom," Howitzer, Maxim-
Nordenfelt, and Creusot, made a people unfamiliar
with war terms wonder what would be the result of
a war in which such destructive weapons were used.

M. Bloch had just issued the final volume of his
great work, "The War of the Future." Canada
was now called upon to face the horrors of a war
such as the great Russian military authority had
described. Would her sons be willing to volunteer
for a war in which the modern rifle would be used,
a rifle " capable of sending its deadly projectile
almost point-blank for six hundred and sixty yards,
capable of killing at from two to two and a half
miles ; with power to pass through half a dozen
men in succession" ; only the strongest fortifications
could resist its progress and whence it came the
soldier could not know as the smokeless powder
sending it on its mission of death gave no hint of
where the enemy lay concealed. If the rifle fire
was horrible to anticipate still more territying was

Canada's sons on kopje and veldt.

the thought of the shell fire. " On the average
shells burst into two hundred and forty pieces,
instead of nineteen to thirty, as was the case in
1870. The sehrajmel employed in 1870 burst
into thirty-seven pieces, now it gives as numy
as three hundred and forty. An iron bomb
weighing eighty-two jjounds whicli with the
old powder gave forty-two frjjgmenis, fjlled with
peroxylene gives twelve hundred and four pieces.
Splinters and biill.'ts bring death and destiuction
not only as in 1870, to those in the vicinity of the
explosion, but at a distance of two hundred and
twenty yards away, and this though fired at a
distance of three thousand three hundred yards."

War was no longer war ; strength of arm,
keenness of w(a;>on had lost their former
significance. Chemistry, mathematics, and trenches
had taken the place of swordsmanship, judgment,
and the heroic charge.

In a London despatch of October G, wo have
these words with regard to M. Bloch's book : —

" M. Bloch quotes a description of a battle of the
future under these conditions, penned by a French
officer of great scientific distinction. It is a thrilling
and yet horrible picture. At six thousaiid six
hundred yards the artillery duel will begin. Shells
tear up the soil and burst, raining down hundreds
of frao;ments and bullets. INfen and horses are over-
whelmed by this rain of lead and iron. Guns
destroy one another, batteries arc mutually
annihilated. In the midst of this fire the battalions
will advance. At two thousand two hundred yards
the rifie bullets whistle around and kill, each one
not only finding a victim, l)ut ]icnctrating files
ricochetting and striking again. \''olley succeeds

WAR.

volley ; bullets in ^rcat handfuls, constant as hail
ami swift as lig]itnin«r, deliigo llic fickl of battle.
Melinite bombs will turn farm houses, villages and
hamlets to dust, destroying everything that might
lie used as cover, obstacle or refuge. The moment
will approach when half the combatants will be
mowed down ; dead and wounded will lie in parallel
rows, separated one from the other by that belt of a
tliousand paces swept by a cross fire of shells which
no living being can pass. This impossible zone of
deadly fire is the pi'oblem of future warfare. It
cnnnot bo crossed."

In the face of this marshalling of facts, in the
face of these tragic forebodings, would our sons be
willing to join in a modern war? We would soon
see.

But surely a little Republic such as the Transvaal
could not for a moment stand ;igainst Ihe armies of
Kngland ! The deatii and destruction foreboded
in M. Blocli's book would surely be one-sided.
An ign<)rant, illiterate people living so far from
the gio;it centres of commerce and invention could
not surely have the weapons and milihiry skill to
compete with the wealthiest Empire the world has
ever seen. The march from Gape Town to
Pretoria would be but a. continuous triumph, if
tlie Boer cause did not collaj^se as soon as it was
seen that England was determined to fight to a
finish, and that there would be no more "Majuba
Days."

The Anglo-Saxon woild, however had had plenty
of warning that a lierco struggle was impenf'.'ng,
and that, though England nnist win in the end by
more mass, for a time at least the horrors of a mod-
ern war would be experienced.

CANADA S SONS ON KOPJE AND VELDT.

Just before the breaking out of hostilities, and
while the air was charged with the electricity of
war, " Oom Paul's People " by Howard C. Hillegas,
an American journalist, appeared. The book was
not without prejudice, but any one perusing it must
liave seen that England's march to Pretoria would
be accompanied more often by the music of scream-
ing bullets and shrieking shells than by the pipe
and drum. Ever since the Jameson raid, and
before it, the Boers had been preparing for the
inevitable fray, as they considered it. Their coun-
try, by nature tb.c strongest and most easily defended
of any inland country in the world, had been care-
fully studied, the plan of resistance mapped out,
and the method of attack conceived. Able German,
French, and American military experts had been
engaged. An efficient artillery corps was estab-
lislied, and every man and boy and probably many
of the women, were taught how to use their Mausers
to the best advantage. "Several million pounds
were annually spent in Europe in the purchase of
the armament required by the plans formulated by
the experts, and the whole country was placed on a
war-footing. Every important strategic position
was made as impregnable as modern skill and arms
d)uld make it, and every farmer's cottage was sup-
plied witli arms and animunition, so that the vol-
unteer army niight be mobilized in a day."

" Pj'ctoria," says Hillegas, " being the Capital,
and naturally the chief point of attack by the
enemy, has been prepared to resist the onslaught
of any number of men, aria is in a condition to
withstand a siege of three years. The city lies in the
centre of a square, and at each corner of it is a lofty
hill surmounted by a strong fort, which commands

WAR.

the valleys and the surrounding country. Each of
the four forts has four heavy cannon, four French
guns of fifteen miles range, and thirty heavy Gat-
ling guns. Besides this extraordinary protection,
the city has fifty light Gatling guns which can be
drawn by mules to any point on the hills where an
attack may be made. Three large warehouses are
filled with ammunition, and the large armory is
packed to the eaves with Mauser, Martini-Henry,
and Wesley-Richards rifles. Two extensive refrig-
erators with a capacity of two thousand oxen each,
are ample provision against a siege of many
months."

A people making such preparations as here de-
scribed could mean but one thing — war, and prob-
Mbly war to a finish. An easy victory they could
not have anticipated, and a protracted siege -they
were ready for.

Would Canadians be willing to make the arduous
journey across seven thousand miles of ocean, to
face a people so well prepared for war and appar-
ently so determined, so stubborn, to fight to the
bitter end. But i^vv of our men had ever handled
a rifle, whereas to the people they were contemplat-
ing going against the rifle was a constant com-
panion ; at once "the young Boer's primer" and
" the grandfather's testament." They had relied on
it in the Great Trek, and it had proved their uner-
ring friend at Majuba Hill. Were they the ne
people as of old ? If so, England would have no
easy task ; win she would but only by vastly
superior numbers ; only after hundreds, perhaps
thousands, had stepped in to fill up the gaps made
in the ranks of the advance army. Would Can-
adians be found when the hour of trial came ready

CANADA S SONS ON KOFJE AND VELDT.

to fill the gaps made by the Creusot guns auU the
Maii!^er rifles?

The public were not long kept in suspense. On
the 9th of October President Kruger issued his
astounding ultimiluni and on the 10th it was pub-
lished in lull in every paper in this country. The
effect was immediate. When Canadians read the
surprising demands it contained — demands such as
no nation great or small had ever before made of
England — there was but one cry — AVar be it ! Thus
it is written, and thus when the South African
llepublics are no more ; when their rule, their
language even is but a memory among men, it will
stand written; and to the world it will ever be
Ivuown as Kruger's Folly : —

" Her Afajcsty's unlawful intervention in the
internal afliurs of this Republic in conflict with the
London (V)nvontion of 1SS4, by the extraordinary
strengthening of her troops in tl'c neighborhood of
this Uepuldic, has caused an intohM'able condition
of things to arise, to which this Government feels
itself obliged, in the interest not only of this Repub-
lic, but also of all Soutli Africa, to make an end as
soon as [)()ssible; and this Oovenunent feels itself
called on and obligiMl fo press earnestly, and with
emphasis for an innnediate termination of this state
of tilings, Mud to re(jU(>st Tier ^hijesty's (Jovei'ument
to give assurances upon the following foin- diMuands :

"First, that all ])oints of mutual dilference be
regulafed by lVi(Midly recourse to arbiti'ation or by
whatever amicable way may be agieed u[)on by Ibis
(lovernment and Uvv Ahiji'sty's (lovernment.

"»S(H'ond, that all troops on the borders of this
ilepublic shall bo instnntly withdrawn.

"Tliii'd, iluit all reinforcements of troops which

yOyCM/i

THK KKJIIT HON. SIR WILFRID LAIRIER, (i. C. M, O,

WAR.

have arrived in South Africa, since June 1, 1890,
shall be reinovecl from South Africa within a reason-
able length of time, to be agreed upon with this
Government, and with the mutual assurance and
guarantco on the part of this Government that no
attack upon or hostilities against an}' portion of the
possession of the British Govermncnt shall be made
by this llepublic during the further negotiations
within a period of time to be subsccpiently agreed
upon l)etwecn the Governments ; and this Govern-
ment will on compliance therewith, be prepared to
Avithdraw the armed burghers of this Republic from
the borders.

" Fourth, that Her Majesty's troops which are
now on tlie high seas, shall not be landed in any
part of South Africa.

"This Govcrinnent presses for an immediate
aflinnative answer to these four questions, and earn-
estly requests Iler Majesty's Government to return
an answer before or upon Wednesday, October 11,
1809, not later than 5 o'clock P.M.

"It desires further to add that in the unexpected
event of an answer not satisfactory being received
by it within the interval, it will with great regret
l>e compelled to regard the action of Her Maji'sty's
Government as a formal declaration of war and will
not hold itself res})Oiisil)le for the consequences
tliei'eof, and that, in the event of any further move-
ment of troops occurring within the above mention-
ed time in a nearer direction to our bordei-s, this
Government will be coni[)ellod to regard that also
as a formal declaration of war."

It could not bo said that this ultimatum fell like
a bolt from the blue. 'Jlio current of events for a
month had made the world expect war, while com-

Canada's sons on kopje and veldt.

men-sense said there would be no war ; and so when
it did come in the form of these astonishing demands
for a moment all were stunned. But only for a
moment. Krugor might be mad, but the Volksraad
was at his back in this action. His burghers, too,
were clamoring for war, and war they would get.

It is true that many people in Canada and Eng-
land felt that much could be said in their behalf up
to this stage ; that there might be, in the event of
the stock-jobbers getting control of the Transvaal,
as they surely would if all the Uitlanders were at
once enfranchised, a harder if more refined tyranny
established than that of the selfish Oligarchy which
was apparently swayed by the Hollander clique
with Dr. Leyds as the moving spirit. ButJ this
ultimatum so far as Canada was concerned put an
end to openly expressed sympathy Avith the Repub-
lics ; from the 10th of October there was not left in
Canada a pro-Boer of any standing, excepting per-
haps Mr. Goldwin Smith ; and his attitude can be
accounted for largely by his anti-Imperial point of
view, and his very praise-worthy cry against war.
Peace at any price may be very good, but the price
demanded is often war.

Gladstone was no doubt right from a Christian
point of view when he made terms with the Boers
after the disastrous fight at Majuba Hill — especially
when he could not forecast the future prosperity of
the Transvaal — but from an international point of
view he acted, as time proved, very unwisely indeed.
If a man or a nation enters upon a fight the
struggle should be finished, and either utter defeat
accepted and terms accepted with defeat, or mag-
nanimity shown to a vanquished foe. To stop in
the middle of a struggle nnd practically accept the

WAR.

fleniniuls of the enemy will never be taken to mean
thiit the error of the course pursued has been recog-
nized, but tiiat fear of defeat has dictated the action.
So it was in 1881 ; Gladstone's magnanimity was
laughed at by his enemies ; England was in the
evtri of the Boers a weak nation, and Englishmen
afraid to meet their superb markmanship.

So when this ultimatum was launched there was
but one cry in England — an unreasoning cry per-
ha[)S, but one that had been in the heart of the
nation for nineteen years — Avenge Majuba Hill !
and the cry was i-e-echoed around the world, every
colony accepting with the Motherland this chal-
lenge to war, — for such it was.

On the 10th of October the New South Wales
Lancers departed from London for South Africa,
and in the ftirewell given them the English
people showed the world at large and their own
Government where they stood. The city went wild.
The streets along the line of march were packed
and amidst the rejoicing that a child of the Empire
was about to take part in the Empire's war there
was the fierce cry of that pent up spirit of nineteen
years, — " Remember Majuba ! "

God help the Republics ! There would be no
turning back this time. Kopje, spruit, donga, desert,
would bo no deterrance, and they would match
maj-kinanship with markmanship. The crowd in
the street not only shouted farewells, but they clam-
ored to go to the front themselves, or at least to be
permitted to send their sons.

With the news of this rejoicing at the breaking
out of war came tlie message to Canada that she
would be asked to contribute four units of one hun-
dred and twenty-live nuMi each, and the only regret

CANADA S SONS ON KOPJE AND VELDT.

was that ten times tlie number had not been aslced..
Scarcely was it ki¥)wn tliat Canada would take her
part in England's war wlicn telegram after telegram
began to pour in to the Militia Department from
every part of the Dominion, from every State in the
Union, and even from the far distant City oY
Mexico.

Tn many ways our young men had been prepared
for the call. Sir Charles Tupper, who Avas in at the
making of the Great Dominion, now saw, in his
eightieth year, a splendid opportujiity of having
another life's dream realized — liis dream of Imperial
Federation. If Canada did but once strike a blow
in defence of the Empire, her voi'-e might soon bo
heard in the councils of that same Empire. With
this feeling, in season and out of season, he had been
urging on the people and the Government the need
of taking prompt action, of at least doing as much
as Australia and New Zealand were doing, ^lajor
Hughes, too, had at once rushed to the fore, and
as early as July had been endeavoring to raise a
force something after the manner of " Teddy "
Roosevelt's Rough Riders ; but his course was irrc^gu-
lar and the Government interfered. A strong resolu-
tion moved by Lieutenant-Colonel Denison and sec-
onded by Lieutenant-Colonel ^lason had been passed
on October 2, at a representative meeting of Militia of-
licers held in Toronto, urging on the Government that
it was Canada's clear duty to stand by the Empire.
With the appeals of Sir Charles Tupper, the enthu-
siasm of Major Hughes, the people of Canada were
found to be thoroughly in accord, and while the
Government had been discreetly silent, it was known
that they would act when the time came for action.

With the message that Canada would be asked

WAR.

for four units was published the statement that an
"order had been given to The Sanford Manufacturing
Co. for two thousand pairs of Infantry trousers and
one thousand tunics. Evidently the Government
expected to send more men than they had been
asked for. This order meant that they had at least
a contingent of one thousand soldiers in view.

At first some of the leaders in the Government
thought that Parliament should be called to sanc-
tion the raising and equipping of volunteers and
transporting them to South Africa at the Govern-
ment's expense. It would be, they thought, a bad
precedent to make such a new departure without
first getting the voice of the people's representatives,
jiut there are times when constitutions and consti-
tutional mode of i)roccdure can safely be laid aside ;
and the time had arrived in Canada's history. So
strong was public feeling, so vehemently did the
pre^^s of both parties cry out for the Government to
lose no time, that the life of the Government caus-
ing delay would have been in danger.

Tliis was all the astute leader of the Government
desired. lie liad made Iinperial pretentions at the
time of the Diamond Jubilee, and had been the
:>entral Imperiiil figure at that celebration. He had
in July caused the eyes of the English world to
turn towards Canada through his strong Imperial
ri'solutiou and now the time had come to act, and
act he did.

Scarcely had the news come that on the 12t]i of
October war had been formally declared by the
Republics, and that *' Tlie Mosquito," an armoured
train had been shelled and wrecked at Kraaipan by
the Boers, than he at once called his Cabinet
together ; and it was ollicially decided to obey the

Canada's sons on kopjk and veldt.

wishes of the people and send a contingent to South
Africa.

Th*e following military order was at once issued
by Lieutenant-Colonel Forester, Chief Staff Officer :

" His Excellency the Governor-General in Council
having been pleased to approve the despatch of
Canadian volunteers, formed into eight companies
of infantry for active service in South Africa, it is
hereby notified that one thousand volunteers will
be accepted."

Recruiting was to begin at once. The one thous-
and men were to go in eiglit units of 125 men each.
Ontario was to furnisli three, Quebec two, the Mari-
time Provinces two, and Manitoba and British
Columbia one.

On the 13th of October the offer of one thousand
troops had been sent to England and for answer the
following despatch came back :

" Her Majesty's Government have received with
much pleasure your telegram of the thirteenth of
October, conveying Canada's generous offer of one
thousand troops, which they gratefully accept."

Chamberlain.

In some quarters the Government was censured
for not bearing the entire expense of this contingent
from the time of the recruiting to the return to
Canadian soil. The Government, however, acted
with great calmness and wisdom during the heated
discussion that followed the issuing; of their orders
with regard to the equipping, transporting, and
paying the men of the contingent.

They had volunteered the men to. England, it
was for them to do England's bidding ; and had
England said we accept the contingent on condition
that Canada assumes entire responsibility, the Gov-

WAR.

South

ernment would no doubt have acceded to their
demand, but to do so ParHament would have to be
called.

The following were the conditions sent by the
English Government and these conditions were at
once complied with :

*' Troops to be disembarked at the port of land-
ing, South Africa, fully equipped at the cost of the
Colonial Government or volunteers, from the date
of disembarkation the Imperial Government will
provide pay, at the Imperial rates, supplies and
ammunition, and will defray the expense of trans-
portation back to Canada, and pay wound pensions
and compassionate allowances at Imperial rates.

" Troops to embark not later than the 31st of
October, proceeding direct to Cape Town for orders.
Inform accordingly all who have offered to raise
volunteers." — Chamberlain.

Two weeks to raise one thousand men, equip
them, obtain transport and store the ship for the
long sea voyage tlie whole length and breadth of
the Atlantic ! This was a heavy undertaking for a
l)eace power such as Canada. Plad the Government
been at liberty to select the one thousand men from
Montreal or Toronto or any other of our centres of
population it might have been easy ; but this force
had to have representatives from every part of the
Dominion. No Province would be ignored ; all had
a host of young men ready, if necessary, to die for
England.

The task of the molnlization of the Contingent
was not an easy one, but it could bo done ; and done
it was, to the credit -of the Hon. F. W. Borden and
tlie Militia Department, without a hitch, in shorter
time than the Home Government had stipulated.

LIKUT.-COL. S. H STKKLK.

LIKLT.-UKNKKAL K. S. S. UADKN I'ONVELI-

CHAPTER III.

MOBILIZING THE TROOPS.

Recruiting began at once and met with a ready
response. M. Bloch's picture of the horrors of
niodern warfare was no deterrent to Canadian
loyalty. Great eagerness was shown in every
Province and the thousand men requested might
have been recruited ten times over. In such
military centres as Toronto, Monireal, Quebec and
Halifax enthusiasm was to be expected, but the
same eagerness was displayed in every town and
village in the Englisli parts of the Dominion, and
even the French subjects of Her Majesty, who could
not have been cx])ected to show the same readiness,
made a willing response. From the fruitful fields
of little Prince Edward Island ; from the garrison
city by the sea, Halifax ; from the tree-lined streets
of Fredericton, nestling fair and peaceful on the
banks of the picturesque St. John ; from the shadow of
Mount Royal, the throbbing heart of our commercial
existence ; from Toronto, the fairest city in the
Dominion ; from the rich plains of Manitoba where
the sword has been beaten into the ploughshare ;
from beyond the mighty Rockies, from the sound of
the Great Pacific — came trooi)ing tlu^ armed host, all
converging on Quebec where a gallant band of
patriotic soldiers was awaiting them and making
preparations to give them a hearty W(>leome.

The truth of the wordsof Sir John Thompson, that

Canada's sons on kopje and vbldt.

force for good in the Dominion so prematurely cut
off, was realized for the first time : ** The day has
come when friends and foes alike, in considering the
strength of the Empire, must take into account the
strength of the colonies across the sea."

If volunteers were ready to answer to the call to
arms, their fellow-citizens were as ready to wish
them God-speed, and to do what they could to make
life pleasanter for them while on their arduous
journey over seas and on ttie veldt. A patriotic fund
was started and before the war closed over three
hundred thousand dollars had been subscribed ; but
this was a mere tithe of what was contributed, as in
every city whore volunteers were enrolled, in every
town and village where men made ready for the
front, purses were raised and gifts showered on
the lads who had suddenly become heroes.

This readiness to respond to the Empire's need
was much appreciated in England, and the following
message served as another link in the chain that
was binding Canada to the Motherland :

"Her Majesty the Queen desires to thank Her
people of the Dominion of Canada for their striking
manifestation of loyalty and patriotism in their
voluntary offer to send troops to co-operate with
Her Majesty's Imperial forces in maintaining her
position and the rights of British subjects in South
Africa. She wishes the troops God-speed and a safe
retu n."

In Toronto and Montreal and Halifax, indeed in
every centre of importance, the wildest enthusiasm
prevailed at the farewells. Whether lOngland had
been right or wrong before the ultimatum the people
recked not. The ultimatum had left but one course
open and a more popular war was never entered

MOBILIZING THE TROOPS.

upon. As on tlie hearts of the people of England,
so on the heai'ts of Canadian's were written the
words " Majuba Hill." There would be no peace
till tlie memory of that reverse was wiped out.

At the farewell in the Armouries at Toronto,
Colonel Otter who had been appointed to the com-
mand of the ContinL!;ont, thus addressed the thous-
ands who had come to say their adieus : —

"I cannot refrain from saying just one or two
words and as far as ])Ossible under the present very
(xciting circumstances expressing my gratification
for Ihe warm, hearty, loyal and kind reception.
You all know Ave a])preciate from the bottom of our
hearts yoivr kindness to iis to-day. I do not think
you need fear us not doing our ^Juty. We are
Canadians and Britishers, and I am satisfied that I
speak for the thousand Canadian sold''^"'=! in the
Contingent, when I say that this is the proudest
day in our lives."

A\'e Iiave reason to know that he has done his
duty. These were modest, soldierly words. The
man who si)oke thus was afterwards to be known as
the leader of "The jNlen of Paardeberg." Under a
hot fire at Black jMountain in the battle of Israel's
Poort he was to be t\vi('(> wounded while directing
liis men to seek cover, and (les[)ite his wounds was
to remain in the field until the work he had been
sent out to accomplisji had been performed to the
letter of his orders. The (lovernment had made no
mistake in choosing tlie connnanding officer; his
exju'ricnce made the men glad to follow him and
Canailians willing to entrust their sons to his
keeping.

hil<e many others of the most |troininent states-
men, S(.)ldiers, and financiers of this province, VV. D.

CANADA S SONS ON KOPJE AND VELDT.

Otter received the most significant part of his early
education at Upper Canada College. In 1861 he
joined the militia force in Toronto and was pro-
moted to a lieutenancy in 1864. He saw his first
service at the Niagara Frontier in 1864 and 1865,
and in August of the latter year was appointed
Adjutant of the Queen's Own. He passed tlirough
the Fenian Raid of 1866, proving himself an enthu-
siastic soldier in camp and on the march, and a
brave one in the action at Kidgeway. So much were
his services appreciated that in 1873 he was sinit to
England as second in Connnand of the Winibleton
Team. In 1874 he succeeded to the command of
the Queen's Own. He was soon to have some slight
active service, being called out first during the
" Pilgrimage Riots," Toronto, in 1875, and two
years later (hiring tlie Grand Truidc Railway Riots,
at Belleville. In 1883 he was appointed to the
much coveted position of Connnandant of the
Wimbleton Team, and while in England he gath-
ered imporUint inform Jition with regard to militar}'
schools. He was ai)[)ointed Commandant of the
School of Infantry, Toronto, in December 1883, and
organized C Company, Royal Canadian Regiment
of Infantry.

So far his work had been that of an amateur
soldier, but an opportunity was soon to be given
him of learning what it meant to connnand troops
under hot fire. In 1860, shortly after Confedera-
tion, when the rigl' • of the Hudson Hay Company
to Prince Ru[)ert's Land were ])urchased by the
Dominion ( iuverinnent, the Half-Breeds, liardy
plainsmen and hunters, ignorant of books tuid
unacquainted with the world l)eyond the limits of
their own prairie province, who did not understand

MOBILIZING THE TROOPS.

tins transfer of their lands and themselves, and
imagined that they "svere beino- robbed of their pro-
perty and about to be enslaved by their new rnlers,
broke into o])en rebellion. The rising brought to
the front a hot-blooded Half-Ureed, Louis Riel.

He had been educated for the ihurch and this,
cond)iiied with his magnetic personality and daring,
made the French Ilalf-Jh-eeds or Metis and Indians
glad to accept him as their leader. He proclaimed
a jirovisional government, and began his career by
murdering in a most cowardly manner a settler
named Scott.

Colonel AVolseley, now Connnander-in-Chief of
the Ih'itish forces, led an expedition of some 1200
men to Fort (iiirry and sujipressed the ivbellion
^\itllout firing a shot. Unfortunately Iviel escaped
to the Uiiued States. The claims of the Half-Breeds
were recognized, and for a time all went well ; but
like the P>oers in Cape Colony when their country
was transferred from the Hutch to the English,
many irreconcilables among the Half-Breeds
ti'ekked, if such a word can be used in connection
with the Avestern i)lains, farther north and west.
But civilization ])ressed upon them, discontent with
tlie Dominion (lovernment spread among them;
and the Dominion odicials, slow to act and careless,
01- \voi>e, gave nuich ground for this discontent, and
ill IScSo Cana>la (bund herscll' with a costly war on
her hands.

As in bS()0 the rebels weii led by Louis Bicil, and
liis successes when he hrsl tc.-ik up arms with the
Metis atti'acted h) his cause the tAvo able Indian

J'oundmak(M'"

ind " l»iii' Bear,

Chiefs

In tlu
learned much about the kind )f warfare he was

struggle that t< ok 'lace Colonel Otter

'f-^>

Canada's sons on kopje and veldt.

afterwards to experience in South Africa. He had
coniman 1 of the Battleford Cohimn which, when it
assembled at Swift Current, consisted of 543 men
of all ranks. The composition is interesting, and
reads very much like one of the Hying columns sent
from Belmont against tlie rebels in Vlie Douglas and
Sunnyside districts and into tlie Orange Yrco State.
It was made up of 50 men of the Nurth-A\'est
Mounted Police (one gun) under Lieutenant-Colonel
Herchmer, afterwards appointed to the command of
C and D Squadrons of the Canadian iNlounted Rifles
for service in South Africa ; ]> liattcny Royal
Canadian Artillery, with 113 men and two guns
under Major Short, since killed in Quebec while
gallantly fighting a fierce fire ; one-half I. S. C. 41)
men under Lieutenant Wadmore ; 51 men of tlie
Governor General's Footguards under Cnjitaiin
Todd ; 274 men of Queen's Own Rifles under Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Miller, and six scouts.

The region through which Colonel ()tt(U' had to
march this force, was, in April, not uidike the region
he afterwards led the Royal Canaditins ov<u' on the
march from Graspan to Pretoria. It was a "vast
unoccupied prairie."

It was in 1885 that this unhappy lising of the
Indians and Ifalf-l'reeds of the North-West against
the Government took place, and Colonel Otter was
l)laced in connnand of the Battleford colunni. This
was the first real chance he had of proving his
soldierly qualiti(>s and he liegan his career with
one of the finest Ibrced marches on record. It
was IGO miles from Saskatchewan J^anding to
Battleford, and he commenced his cam}>aign
by sweei)ing his colunni across the stretch of
prairie separating these two places in five

MOBILIZING THE TROOPS.

and a half days. His force was pitted against the
celebrated Indian Chief " Poimdmaker," and he
successfully outwitted him ; and in the fight at Cut
Knife Creek prevented him from joining his forces
with " Big Bear," thus preventing tliem from
togetiier marching with their united bands to the
assistance of the rebel commander-in-chief Louis
Riel. Later he commanded the column sent to
cai)turo if possible " Big Bear." In every action he
})rovcd himself careful of his men, unsparing on
liimself, and wherever danger was there he was to
be found.

Til is exjierience on the battlefield only whetted
his desire for greater military knowledge, so in 1895
Ave find him in England attached to the regular
army taking the most careful instruction in cavalry,
in infantry, and in artillery. At the close of his
course he succeeded in passing an examination
entitling him to rank as a lieutenant-colonel in the
British army.

From the commencement of his military career
in 18G1 he seems to have had singleness of aim.
To be a great soldier has evidently been his
ambition, and although the opportunity of putting
military genius into practice in this countrv has
been ver}' remote he has been, in season and out of
season, -an ardent student of military institutions
and tactics. As a result when the hour of need
arose he found himself fully equipped for one of the
n\()Ht arduous tasks that ever fell to the lot of a
commandant.

His senior Major, Lieutenant-Colonel Buchan, has
likewise ha<l a brilliant record. Like Colonel Otter
he is a Canadian born and an Upi)er Canada College
boy. lie, too, joined the Queen's Own Rifles and

CANADA S SONS ON KOPJE AND VELDT.

served through the North West Rebellion during
K'hich ho narrowly escaped giving his life for his
country at Fish Creek when his horse was shot
under him. Since 1874 Avhen he joined the Queen's
Own as an ensign he has been an enthusiastic
military student, and like his commandant, has
hiken instructions in England in the three great
arms of the service.

Canada was indeed happy in having two such
men to lead her contincjent. It is to be doubted if
any Britisli or other Colonial corp was as well
officered for the particular work the Empire had to
do. Their ex[)erience in the North- West Rebellion
was of particular advantage to them. The prairie
was not unlike tlie veldt ; and in race characteristics,
in mode of life, in tactics, the North-Western crack-
marksmen resembled the sharp-shooting Boer.

On October 2Gth the troops these two distinguished
officers were to command, began to arrive at Quebec,
and by tlio 2nth the one thousand men, gathered in
from every town and city from the far Pacific to tlie
far Atlantic, had reached the historic Citadel of
French-Canada without a mishap. Their journey
to tlieir point of departure for Soutli Africa had been
a continuous Iriumjdi. At Montreal, Toronto, and
Halifax tens of thousands had crowded their line of
march and pressed into the station unheeding the
authorities who struggled to keep thorn back. At
every stopping place, too, along their route the in-
habitants turned out to wish them God-speed.
Books would not contain tlio number of official
addresses from mayors, and reeves, and societies
that were delivered on this occasion. Torch-light
processions, the music of local bands, the shouting
of the crowds, told that in every village and town

during
for his
[IS shot
C^ucen's
usiastic
lit, luis
e great

v'o such
ubted if
as well

had to
ebellion
1 prairie
teri sties,
'n crack-
er.

iguishcd
, Quebec,
hcred in
(Ic to tlie
tadel of

journey
had been
jnto, and
ir line of
ding the
ack. At
;e the in-
od -speed.
>f official

societies
)rch-light

shouting
and town

HON. SIR CHARLES TUPPEK, BART., G. C. M. G.

MOBILIZING THE TROOPS.

there was the same spirit sliown as in tlie packed
streets at IlaUfax, Montreal, Winnipeg, and Toronto.
A peace people had been roused, not for war, l)ut
for Empii'c. Tlie riglits or llie wrongs of the struggle
])layed but a small part in the minds of the soldiei's
or their enthusiastic admirers; Queen and Einj)ire
were everything. It was England's need that was
calling them ; it was their joy and honor to answer
to the call. It is true that the wrongs of the
Uitlanders satisfied their conscience in thus flving
to arms ; but it must have been evident to all, and
it must have beeti of peculiar pleasui-e to England,
to see that her children had risen to a man at her
call. Dr. CV)uan Doyle, the novelist, who has showed
his i):ilriotisra by going himself to the front, well
expressed in a poem written before the Canadian
Contingent had I'eached (Quebec the feeling that
animated all hearts :

"Who's that calling?

The old sea-mothor calls,
In her pride at the children that she bore.

' Oh, noble hearts and true,

There is work for lis to do,
And we'll do it as we've done it ott before.'

Under the flag,
Under the flag our fathers bore.
They died in days gone by for it,
And we will gladly die for it.

God save the Red Cross Flag !"

The regiment assembled at Queljcc was — and it is
said in no sjiirit of boasting — as fme a lot of men as
was ever brought together for war, if not the finest.
They were tlie (lower of Canada. It was only
necessary to glance the eye over the ranks to see how
well set up all were ; magnificent physiques for the

Canada's sons on kopje and veldt.

march or the battlefield. But those more familiar
with the young men of Canada knew what fine
humanity was here represented. There in the ranks
stood the stroke oar of the International Cliam[>ions
of America and the winner of the .Junior Single
Sculls of the Dominion, and with him were five or
six others almost as famous in aquatic sports ; there
was a celebrated pole-vaulter, a sprinter, a cricketer,
a paddler, every sport was represented. Over lifty
of those bronzed, strong-limbed lads were fiimiliar
names on the foot-ball field, an<l many of them had
just doffed their sweaters in the midst of the season
to don the tunic. Tlie mimic war of the "gridiron"
had well fitted them for real wai" with all its hard-
ships and dangers, in the ranks, too, were men of
wealth and culture, and not a few Universitv men.
So eager were our voung men to enlist that many
officers had resigned their commissions to beg for a
place in the ranks. Taken for all in all it was as
fine a body of sohliers as could have ])eeu bi'ought
togetiier, and tlie loss of many of these gallant
fellows to Canada is irreparable. England now
ow^es us a great debt, a debt which trade can never
repay.

And these were not the only Canadians to be
found in England's service. J^A'ery day was bring-
ing news of officers, who had won their rank at the
Ivoyal Military College, Kingston, who were also
doing galhint sei'vice for the Empire. Girouard,
who had so notably distinguislied himself in the
Campaign against the Khalifa, and had been made
Director-General of all the i'^gyptian Railways, was
ordered to the Cape to repeat the splendid work he
had done in Egypt. He had made Kitchener's way
easy against the Khalifa ; he was now to make

MOBILIZING THE TROOPS.

liliar

•'el

t fine

ranks

pions

single

ivc or

there

•keter,

.'is

'>9

n- fifty

-m

miliar

111 had

season

'•,'E

diron"

■

s hurd-

nien of

y men.

■i

t many

g for a

"was as

yrought

o-allant

1(1 now

1 never

s to be

.-y;
..'■/J

s bring-

k at the

■i?

ire also

ironard,

f in the

''•?%

en made

})

xys, was

■ i

work he

■ y-

er's way

to make

-k

"Bobs" path straight to Pretoria. Morris was in
Ladysmitli, Mclnnes at Kimberley, and others in
every corj^s — .i^allant fellows such as Cameron,
Wood, and Osl)orne, who were to give their lives
for Enjilnnd. Of one of them the celebrated war-
corresi)ondunt Bennet Burleigh has said in his late
work "The Natal Campnign:" "Faultlessly brave
little Captain Hensley with whom 1 have been often
in the armoured train and the field, wt;s killed
outright, shot in the head." Individually our sons
were giving their genius and their lives for Eng-
land ; they were now about to sliow^ what as a body
of men one thousand strong they would be able to
accomplish.

Although England had called to the Colonies at
the beginning of the struggle, she did not realize her
real need. It was considered by all, and Mr.
Chamberlain had even given expression to the
feeling on several occasions, that so far as.this trivial'
war was concerned, England could manage alone ;
l)ut the Colonial display would be an excellent
object-lesson to the world, and a splendid opportunity
of taking a step towards Imperial Union. The
battles of Cdencoe and Elands Laagte, too, at the be-
ginning of the war seemed to })oint to a speedy
termination. It was indeed thought by most
Canadians and bv many of the mend)ers of the
contingent itself, that the lads would mei'ely have a
l)leMsant trip to South Africa, and a charming
sojourn of a few weeks in that mysterious continent.
l>ut a change came over the spirit of the public.

It was found that the British victories had been
exaggerated, that while the Englisli had proved
themselves worthy sons of the sires who Ibught and
fell at Inkerman and Balaclava, the Boer loss had

CANADA S SONS ON KOPJE AND VELDT.

not been Inr^e, and that in.stcad of beinj:^ utterly
"routed" tliey had nianap,ed to cany oil their ^uns
and their wounded. INhifekiug, too, was in danger ;
Kimberky was surrounded, and the garrison cut
off; tlie Britisli forces on the Natal Border weie
being, despite their victories, forced back on T.ady-
sniith. A protracted war Avas evident ; nuich weary
inarching nuist be gone through, nuich heavy
fighting endured before the Transvaal border could
be crossed.

On the 'iOtli of October the entire contingent had
asseiiibled at tiuclicc. On the route some of them
had had for the lirst time their experience in
militaiy liic. Their food was the ''rst hint that they
had now Icl'i licliind home comforts, home luxuries ;
the reguUilic fare of "plain sou]', boiled meat, and
great hunks of bread" was a foretaste of what they
might e\})cct in the field. (Quebec, too, was to try
"their metal. The v.eather was cold and grey and
dismal, j'ain and sleet caused them to shiver as they
made their final preparations for leaving the land
of the Maple Leaf '^I'luy hee<led it but little, how-
ever, and though many ha<l to eat tlieir food in flie
open air they took aD their discomforts as huge

jok(

Little did thev think that for months, food.

scant food at tiiat, would be eaten in tlu^ ojmii air,
that for weeks at a time they Vvonld havi' to sleep
with nothing but the blue dome of an Al'riean sky
for tent roof and tlie hard veldt for their couch. If
they had realized it they would still lun c g(uu' with
the same eati'ci'uess to the war.

It w

IS a hapjiy cuci'.mstance from a hisl(»riea

point of view that this contingent was to have as its
point of departure (2uel)ec riither than Halifax.
Here our Canadian life be^an with Champlain's

mma

MOBILIZING Till': TROOPS.

luid

Lbeiu

■0 in

tlH\y

iries ;

:, 'M\i\.

I tbt'V

to ivy

and

iliry

Ituul

luiw-

, i'ood,
•n air,

\n !^i<y
•Ik If
w witb

colony ; ovcrvtliinf? about tbe fyjent brown clifls rc-
iniii(k'il tbo V(iiinj2: i-ol(li(.>i',s of tbe storiiness of war.
Ilorc Wolio, tliat galiaiit tyi)C of a noble soldier, bad
(lied in ^ivint!; Canadians a eorinlrv ; bere too tbe
covetous invader bad been l)eaten back wben tbis
citadel alone remained to Guy Cai'leton and bis
small body of Ibitisb ti'oops and I'^itni-b citizens ;
here, too, confederation took ])lace — tbe (Ireat
nonunion, a nation witbin an ]%mpire, became a
fact. Now by brin_L,ing tof^eiber tbe best blood of
oui' land from every [)artof Canada tbis confederation
was to be linally realised, was to become a living
tbinu:.

In bis laicwell address Abiyor Parent uttered
words \\(»it!iy of sucb a ])lace and surb an occasion :

"No matter bow diverse may be our oiij!,in, and
tbe lan^uan'cs tbat we si»cak, wbo is tbere tbat will
dare to allirm tbat we bave not all tbe (|ualitie.s
necessary for tbe makinu,' of a ri'al nation? ^\'bo
dare say, upon sucb an occasion as tbe present, tbat
we are nnl all sincerely united and loyal tov»ardstbe
Canaiban Dominion an.d loyal to I'Jiuland, wbicb
lias ^iven us so complete a measure of liberty?
We Frcncb-Canadians bave loyally accej^ed
the new destinies tbat Providence ])rovided for us
upon tbe battlelield of ITol). Is it possible tbat
anybody can liav(> forgotten 177") and iSPi? On
the summit of tbis proud rock of Quebec, rendered
illustrious by Jac(|uesCarti(M'and Cbamplain, bebold
but a few steps i'rom tbis ])lace tbe superb monument
erected by an lOno-lisb (iovi^nor to tbe memory of
Wolfe and ^b»ntcalm.

'' Wby may we not mal<e it tbe emblem and tbo
symbol of our national unity? Let us leave to
encb individual amongst us tbe privilege to retain

Canada's sons on kopje and veldt.

as a sweot souvenir worthy of a noble licart, tlie
rose or tlie tliistle, tlie fleur-de-lis or the shamrock,
and even the pot of earth the Irisli iininiii;rant
brings with him from under distant skies, and let
us bo uuiied for tlie great and holy cause that we
liave in hand, the foundation of a groat nation and
the (h'veloi)nientof the boundless resource.^ of a ricii
and innnt-nse country. (.)ur l)est wish(\s accompariy
you in the long journey, at the end of which you
will no doubt find glory as well as sullcrings, priva-
ti<»n.s and perh!i])s qww — heroic sacrifices."

War is lu-rriblc ! — and let us pray tiiat the call
to war may never again be heard within our bor-
d(>rs — but this one has done undeniable good. A
cnuntry with a noble, lighting past is more firndy
based than one thai has never known Avar, and if
Die West should ever cry for sc})aration from the
East the blood of the lads from Ihitish Columbia,
Quebec, and the Mai'itime Provinces will I'ry to us
I'rom Koi>je and W'ldt, and we Avill be true to our
})ast and I'cmain united.

i\t (Quebec the men were feted and the officers
dined. The banquet given to Colonel Otter was a
memorable one. The Minister of Militia spoke at
f^ome length and well-voiced the feeling of every
man present and of every citi/eii of Canada.

This is an e[)och in the history of the Empire

at larsi'e

It has been a long time comina' but at

last the |ieopl(M)f Canada have realized their respon-
sibility and the debt they owe the Empire. Canada
has throv.n oil' her swaddling clothes, atid stands
forth as a full grown mi'mber of (]»e fannly which
makes up the Empir(\ \Vear(; now "iiking histoiy

verv fast in eonneelion with lli

it K

UHlire

Canada is not alone in sending a .-i:-iaiu'e to tho

MOBILIZING TITE TROOPS.

S!'

Mother Countiy. She has ])ecoine, not an Empire
with a iiuinl)er of dopeuclcneies, hut nu Empire,
with a collection of great nations, of which perhaps
Canada is the Icadino- one. It has hecn a process
of development slow in the past, hut rapid of late.
We have heen worried a great deal ahout the nature
of the constitution wherchy the ])arts of tlie great
JCmpirc would form portions of (lu^ united Eiupire.
This has heen woi'kcd out just as (he great British
constitution has hceii worked out, Ijy a process of
develoi)nient — -just as the P)ritish constitution is
uuwritten, so tliis work is unwritten, and lefore we
know it we lind ouiselves taking ]»art in the wars of
the lCm[)ire. We don't know exactly how it has
come ahout, hut somehow it lir.s come ahout. I
rejoice that this is a people's movement, not that of
any government or jiarty : it eminates from the
whole [)eo])le of Canada and is heing endorsed hy
them as shown hy the words and deeds of the
people at all points where the trooj)s started from.
For proot look at the l)aid< accounts and the work
of nol)h> women. No i)arty or gov("rinnent can say
that it has had more to do with this than other
]teo|)le. It is a popular movement, and tins fact
justides the Government in taking this action in
sending the contingcid without calling on Parlia-
ment. I helieve in Constitutional (loverinnent —
that rarliament nni^t govern the country — hut
there is something superior to I'; rliajnent, it is the
|)eo)>l(>. Tli(> voice of tli(> whole [)eoi)le of Canada is
hackinu' up the gallant thousand."

The ;iOth of()ct<ii)er will ever he a noteworthy
(lay ill the Dominion. V>>y on that day a large
hody of men were to start for far Africa in tlio
Enn»ire's war. volunteers it is true, l)ut si^d hy the

CANADA S SONS ON KOPJE AND VELDT

people and with tlie consent an<l aid of the Govern-
ment. It niUbo not he iorgotteii, however, tliat
individual Canadians had loiio' lucn lij^liiini!; in
England's wnrs. It is Iruu that tliat line coni]>any
of voyagenrs M'liich went on the fruitless expedilion
after (Jordon, liad wt)n the admii'atioii of Kn!j,land,
but tliese soldiers fonglit at a time of no ^reat crisis
in England's history. Now a united Ixxly went
forth when the solidarity of tlie l'lni[)ire was threat-
ened. It would, however, be well to luive in mind
Lord Wolseley's message to Lord Ijansdownc after
the return of the Nile Contingent to Canach).

"They have," he said, "earned lor themselves a
iiigli rei)Utation among the troops of tlie Nile. It
was, moreover, a source of nnu'h satisfaction to these
troo])s to lind the Canadians re])resented on this
expedition and sharing witli them their privations
and risks, at a time wlien English, Scotch, and Irish
soldiers wei'(! employed, tlie [)resence with them of
Canadians shows in a marki-fl manner the bonds
which \niite all r»arts of our ureat Lmnire."

That contingent W(Mit for Cordon; this one was
going i'or (}ueen and I'mpire. i'^rom every part
of the Dominion thousands (lockeil to give them a
worthy farewell. At early morning the soldiers
were paraded and addrc^sseil by Lord Minto, who as
a soldii'r, could ap))re('iate the excellent, body of
men before him and the work doni' in mobilizing
tlii'in in so short a time.

" ^'ou are going forth," he said, " followed l)y
the i-ood wisht's (»!' a united I'ounti'v. You are our

reju'esentatives.

A\'e k

now vour l>raverv

and

»a

riotism, and we douht not (»!' \'our su

(•*•('

In th

name of Her Majesty The C^'i^'* "- ' ^\'-'' \"^i '"'i'*-'-
well and Clocl-speeil.''

y^aaai"??.

MA.IOK-liKNKIiAl, K. T. 11. H'.TToN.

rJl

MA.IOR-GENKKAL IVOR .». S, IIKKItKHT.

1 f

MOTiir.izTNTj Tiir: troops.

General Hntton, wlio lias since (\ono .such p,-alla]it
work ill South AtVica, too, spoke l)rie(ly, hut with a
force that luadi? a <lecj) iniju'cssidu.

" Boar in luiu'l," lie .said, " tliat your honor i.s
our honor, tii.it your renown is our renown, and it'
at any time t!ie strain and drndjj;(>iy .seem li.ard to
bear, remem her tliat in I'nr '»li' < 'anada arc thousands
of men and women who look to you lo uji'iold their
honor. French-Cana.dian.s and Jiriii.-'Ii-Canadians
reeollect the responsihility that rcst.s on your
shoulders. 1 know that you will aciiuit yoiinselves
like men and like soMicrs."

The nohlest words utter(>d that dav. however, was
the modest sjieech (tf Colon"! Otter. lie was .savin;;'
his ener.uy for deeds.

" [ make no jiromisi^s," lie said, " but I feci in
mv lieart that vou can relv on th(^ ]'e<>imeid, to
maintain and uidiold tlie h.onor and ^loiy of Can-
ada and of the I'iinjiire."

After insjtection at the I^splanaile the troops w<M'e
formed into column and mai'ched to the Sardinian.
All aloni;- tlio line cf march the streets were paeked
with a (Uaiso (»rowd, eheeriiii;' and shoutinj;'; and
weepinn;. too, for here and tlier(> could he heard a
sob iVom sonic wife or mother or sister or (lau;;hter,
\vho had eonie to Quebec to say farewell for perhajrs
I'lO last time to husbfind, son or brother or father.

Since ciid't o'clock the soldiers had Ijeen with(»ut
food and in heavy mai-cdiinuj oi'dcr, and they were
ii,'lad, indeed, when the ship that was to Ix! their
home for the next four weeks was reached. 'J'ill
foui' o'clock came and the captain niad(> ready lo
cast oU' the lines the crowd was not allowed to bo
heavy of heart ; t!ie bands of the iioyal Canadian
Artillery and the pi[iers of the Royal Scots kept

J I

CANADA S SONS OS KOrjE AND VELDT.

their spirits up by playiiij? stirrinp; airs ; and llie
soldiers tlienisclves, glowing with pride at the
thonght ol* being chosen to represent their country
in P^ngland's war, burst out frecpiently into lousing,
patriotic airs. And so with sounds of rejoicing the
last hours in Canada of this ])raA'e ])ody of choice
spirits were spent. Tiirougii the rejoicing, however,
a lialf-sob could here and there be heard as a prayer
went up that some dear one niiglit bo saved from
the dangers of the ileep and the fierce tire of the
battlefield.

This embarkation was the most significant thing
yet done b}' Canada. The de|»arture of these volun-
teers with tlie consent and co-ojieration of the
Govermnent of the Dominion, and the cheers and
praj'ers of the people showed j'rtst where Canada
stood in the Em])ire. Tt is true that on former
occasions Canadians had proved themselves ready
to help the Mothei'land, it is ti'ue that individual
Canadians had won renown in the British army in
Europe, in India, and in Africa; but this was the
first time that Canada had acted as a united country
solely to aid England.

The lOOtli Ivegiment was raised in Canada for
Imperial defense in l.SoS, and afterwards served in
England, at CJibraltar, at MaHa, and in India; Imt
it Avas not raised and officered l)y the Governments
of the different provinces then forming Canada, but
by the British (iovernmiMit. However the word
"Niagara" on its colors reminded the parts of the
Empire where it served that there was a child of
the Empire in the far West ready to spring to arms
hi England's hour of need.

In 1(SS4 the body of Canadian voyarjcurs was
organized at this same fortress to go to the mysteri-

MOBILIZIXG THE TROOPS.

ous ^l c o assist 111 rescuing that lieroio soldier,
General (,or,lon ihun the hands of the l>arl)ar(»ns
tana.ics who held him in Kiiartouin. 'Hiis force
was oil a small scale, and in no way moved the
people of Canada ; but the shouts that now echoed
and re-echoed at the foot of the great fortress that
had stood many seiges, and had yielded onlv to
l>ritish Arms, found an echo in every heart in' the
Great Dominion : and that grim stronjdiold scarred
with many tights was the one spot^ in Americ-a
worthy of such a crowd and such an occasion

At that hour of parting, on ground hallowed l,y
the death of Wolfe, and mach.^ glorious by the
stubborn and successful resistance of Guy Carleton
against the rebels under iMontgomery and Arnold
/' nnA°''^™'"':"^ had called for another contingent
of 1000 men they could have been recruite<i on
the spot.

Never before were Canadians stirred as on that
day. In_ 1812 the national spirit was feel dy burn-
ing and m places was dim in.Ieed ; at the "time of
the Penian Kaid the insignificance of the force of
maurauders made them too contemptible for exces-
siye national feeling. But on this day from \^ictoria
to ilah ax the feeling that focused at Quebec, the
unse hsh loyalty of a child for a parent, filled
people of all creeds and nationalities living under
the flag of the Dominion with jov at the great
opportunity given them to prove that their loyalty
was ot the kind which is glad to make sacrifices

CHAPTER IV.

ON THE SARDINIAN.

The lines v/cre cast off at 4 o'clock and the good
old Sardinian with the most pi-ocious freight — the
l)ick of a nation's sinew and brain — she had ever
carried, began to steam down the St. Lawrence,
shrilly screaming her farewells to the shouting
miiltilude.

Fully fifty thousand people had come together to
hid (iod-speed to the thousand lieroes, for such they
had l)ecome. The wharfs were black witli surging
figuies, the terraces along the citadel's front weie
lined with a sea of faces, indeed every point of van-
tage (Ml the higli dill's, had some one on it waving
and cheering; and the cheering and wa\iig did
not cease till their voices could be 1-eard no longer
by the soldiers on the crowded decks and in the
rigging.

A fleet of steam yachts followed the Sardinian
down the broadening river wisldng her ban roy if/e.
For an hour they accompanied t])e steamer past the
Beauport shore, past the tall clifl's where Mont-
morenci leaps sheer to the stream below, past the
beautiful Island of Orleans, jucturesque even in its
bareness ; until darkness was falling they followed
her and then with farewell shrieks from their
whistles, they sped back to the now silent city.

It was a splendid leave taking; and to make it

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CANADA S SONS ON KOPJE AND VELDT.

all the more impressive the sun which had been
hidden for several days before '^ a departure came
out in all its glory. To know how beautiful sunset
can make the earth it is necessary to visit Quebec
and to see the gorgeous evening light playing
among the purple hills. On this November even-
ing the earth was bathed in a garment of color, —
purple, and azure, and crimson, and golden glowed
on the horizon and melted on the hilis and faded
from the heavens as the Sardinian and her consorts
sped ocean wards ; then darkness fell.

The difrioulties now begun for the officers in com-
mand of the Contingent. The ship was ridiculously
small lor the number of men on board, and they
were literally falling over each other at every turn.
The galleys were not large enough, or perhaps the
cooks had not got the swing of tliem, and a hungry
crowd waited clamouring for their evening meal.
When Last Post was sounded it was discovered, too,
that some fifty men would have to spend tbe night
without bunks or hammocks.

This latter misfortune was not altogether the fault
of the authorities. The strength of the contingent
was supposed to be one thousand and nineteen.
When the final medical Inspection took i)lace at
Q.iebec Surgeon-General Neilson made twenty-nine,
who were not the regulation height, fall out of the
ranks as unfit for service ; but the lads took it so
much to heart — some of them actually shedding
tears — that a sym])athetic ofllcer appealed on their
behalf and all of the twenty-nine save tliree were
allowed to pass. The regiment then numbered ten
hmulred and nineteen strong, but when the roll of
the company was completed it was found that there
were ten hundred and thirtv-nine on board.

ON THE SARDINIAN.

The officcra could but wonder wliere tlic otlier
twenty came from. So eager were Canailians to
join in England's war that some of these men ha<l
either stolen on board with the troops or stowed
themselves away among the cargo. No one seems
to have repented having enrolled his name in the
oontingont as there has been no report of desertion
among the recruits.

At G.r)0 a. m. the Sardinian reached llimouski
and at i).20 took her Inst farewell of Canada.

Military discipline smd miHtary duties at once
began on l)oar(l. Colonel Otter issued regulations
ordering daily drills and lectures for both olliccrs
and men ; but unfortunately for his regulations he
could not command tbe etcmcnts. Scarcely had the
Sardinian passed into tlu? (Julf than she began to
stagger, and pitch, and roll. Very few of tlie nu'U
had ever taken a sea-voynge befori! and soon a
thousand seM-siek soldiers set nil rcgidntions iiside.
To make niiilters worse a gloomy, thick fog, chill
and saturating, settled down on the rolling ocean.
So dense di<l it bectnue tbat at night steam was shut
oir for a tiuK^ and the sleeping soldiers were roused
by the stop]>ing of the screw tuid tbe ceasing of the
thro])bing heart of the steamer. All next <lay the
storm contimicd and the weather remained dull and
wet. Seas occasionally canu! crashing on tbe deck.
Two of th<» boats that had been insecurely lashed
tunddcd from their davils; liut tbe stnblioin old
steamer went sliding up great green wavi's and
plunging into valley dejitlis fearlessly sbaking the
waters from her. The soldiers were g( Iting projti-rly
initiated into sea life and were biing somewbat
rudely taught what was jiuant by the saying

CANADA S SONS ON KOI'JK AND VELDT.

" Gottinjr onos sea logs ; " but tlioy saw littlo hope of
gelling any <lrill.

On tlio iburlli day out " Toildy " I)oslauri(>rs died
just after reveille. Tin* waking Inigle had hut
sounded when he heard Last l*ost. He was loved
hy all who knew him. He was a iHoniising s,)ldier
with eight years ex[»erience in I lie IM'iueess Louise
Dragoon Guards; a strong eross-eountry ri<U'r, and
it was generally conceded that the hoists that
"Teddy" Deslauriers eould not break would never
carry a saddl(\ His (Icath cast a gloom over the
whole ship. This contingent was to see nuich (»f
death and suH'ei-ing, but no loss was to impicss the
soldiers as jloeply as the sudden death ol their c(tm-
rade in anus that gloomy, stormy, s<pially, November
day on the angry Atlantic.

Jn the aflernoon he was buried ; the Ivev. Father
O'lioary, who by his nobleness of heai-l and his
dauntless eoiu'age on the baltleliehl has sine(^ made
himself dear to every man in the contingent, con-
ducted the funeral service. There was scarcely a
throat that was not choking, scarcely an eye that
was tVee fi'om tears as the men stood round llie body
shrouded in its canvas coNei'iny; (jver which lav the
IJrilish Hag. All turned away heavy at heart when
the sudden splash in the stoimy sea told that the
tlrst among IIkmu to be taken had been consigned to
the dee|). They now be<>an to realize how near
(hath was to Ihenj, and it dawned u[)on them that
doubtless liefore another year had sped many of
them woulil be resting in the pathless ocean or on
the far \eldt.

lint they were young and strong and the gloom of
Xoveml>er !i vanished to a considerable extent
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followinjjj (lays. Drill could now be begun and when
the s([Ujids were lined up it was seen to be nuich
needed. Many of the men were utterly ignorant of
the rudiments of military movements, many had
never handled a rifle, and the task before the
ndleers was indeed a difficult one. It was soon seen
that their enthusiasm for arms and their fine in-
telligence would make them easy men to drill, even
on the difficult parade ground, the deck of the
rolling Sardinian.

The lirst Sunday out was a <lay of services. They
began at 10.30 and continued until 8.00 at night
with only intervals for meals. The proximity of the
church to the home made all good church-goers, and
their solemn mission made them give an attentive
car to the striking wonls that fell from the lips of
the different chaj)hiins.

For a week they had been forging southwanl
through heavy sens. The screw beating, beating ;
the engines throbbing, throbbing; the whole ship
from stem to stern i)ulsating and trembling as she
s[)ed along at the rate of about two hundred and
sixty miles a day. She had now reached a warmer
climate. Fogs, jhill winds were past and slie s[)ed
through sunny seas with a light bree/.e playing
about her. Hut the weather began to tell on the
stokers and it was soon discovered that the engines
were not doing as good work as at the commence-
ment of the voyage. The average <laily run was now
reduced to about two hundred and thirty-nine miles.

A new species of drill was invented, suited to the
crowd, the weather, and the c' 'te. After reveille
the men were assembled for parade in their shirts
and troiu>ers, and bare-footed and bare-headed went
scaiii[>ering around the deck. Wiien well warmed

Canada's sons on kopje and veldt.

with the exertion, they shed thoir scanty cloliiing,
iuhI stood like Adam in Eden l)ef()re the fall, while
a lull hose was turned on them individually and in
groujts. The exercise and refreshing; <'oolness of the
hraeing salt water ma«le them "as hunj^'ry," as one
of them said writing to his mother, "as alligators."

The nights too had hccome hot and the hunks
crowded in the hold below the water line, v<'ntilat('d
only by means of canvas chutes, became almost un-
bearable. At the outset they had been glad of the
warm blankets that had been given then), but now
they felt even their pjamas a burden.

But they were kcjit too laisy to worry nnicb about
the heat. Squad drill and arm drill, writing leKers
liome and making acquaintances, fully occujticd
their lime an<l before the second week had ended
they were thoroughly accustomed to their new life.
They had indeed begun to enjoy it, and as they
went about the deck with the hardy roving air of a
Micawber they began to feel nuich like " *Er
Majesty's Jolly Soldier an' Sailor too !"

Their friends ha«l not been forgetful of them and
the barrels and boxes of fruit, of biscuits and other
luxuries that had been sent in great (juantities
helped at times to make them forget ihnt the regular
fare was boiled beef, ])otatoes, and *' punk," as they
scornfully termed the bread. At first they had an
abundance of cigars and cigarettes, but before the
end of the voyage the gifts of tobacco that had been
bestowed on the contingent l>y the wealthy tobacco
manufacturers of CaiuKhi, bad almost entirely dis-
apiK'ared ; and a soMi<'r with a package of cigarettes
was never without friends. The thousand vouthful
smokers did not take long to consume^the ten
thousand cigars, the twenty thousand cigan'ttes, and

MMMMMH

ON TrrR F?AFIPIXIAN.

tlie thousand pouiuls of tobacco that had been sent
on bo.inl the Sardinian. Another day at sea and
tiior.^ would liave been a literal tobacco famine on
b oanl — a horrible thing to contem})late.

If the i)i[)e helped to wile away the time, the store
of books that had been contributed did much to
in ike life less tedious. Many, however, never
<»[)ouod a book ; the fascination of the ocean was
ui)on them, and they would sit for hours looking
over the groat blue sea, dreaming of — they knew
not what. The infinite vastness of the multitudinous
s VI hold them under its mysterious charm. There
wore otliors, however, who were never without their
l» )ok in hand, and, it must bo added, their pipe in
iDouth. Kipling was thoir favorite. Ilis sturdy
vi'ijour, his rugged force appealed to these .strong
young men, while his enthusiasm for the Empire
to'.U'hod at this time a responsive chord in their
hearts. They understood now for the first time his
"Song of the Sons:"

•'Oiie fri)tn thecndR of the earth — gifts at the open door —
Treason has much but we, Mother, thy sons have more !
From the whine of a dying man, from the sn.irl of a wolf- pack

froed,
Tutu, and the world is thine, Mother, be proud of thy seed !
Count, are we feeble or few? Hear, is our speech so rude?

Look, nro we jwor in the land? Judge, are we men of The

lUooil?

Thoie that have stayed at thy knees, Mother, go call them
in —

Wo Ih it were bred over s_ms wait and would speak witli our
kin.

N )t in the dark do we fiijlU— ha^gk* and flout atid gibe;
S. lling our love for a price, loaning our hearts for a bribe.
Gifts have we only to-day — I<ove without promise or fee —
Hear, for lliv chil Iron sjijik, t'r oiu tlu ullermost parts of the
seu!"

CAXADAS SONS ON KOIMK AND VELDT.

They have done more than sjK'ak, tliey were
acting. They were phni^hiiij^ their way across the
HinitU'.ss ocean to prove ICnjiland's words, "I'mly ye
come of Tile iilood," and tiiat tiiey were, "Fiesli of
the (lesli tiiat 1 l)red, l)one of tiie l)one tliat I bare."

I\l})linj? did inucli on tliistryin^ jonrney to nerve
the arm and strenjj;tlien tlie sinews of these Canadian
Soldiers of the (^neen.

They luul other recreations l)esi<h's reading and
smoking and hroo<hn^. The first few <lays ont
watciiijifi; the liorizon for sails kejjt many annised,
then several whales hove in si/jjht and sent ureat
streams of vapor lii^h in tlie air; sca-hirds, t(»o,
screamed ahont them, an<l occasionally thedorsil lin
of a shark, the jjjrim wolf of the ocean, was seen
eleavinji; the sea like a knile. JUit these comj>ani()iis
of their way ji^rew rarer and rarer, an<] at last their
only comra<les were the ilocks of "Mot hi-r Carey's
Chickens" that (lew after them waitiiij^; for the refuse
of the ^'.alley and the crnnd)s fnun the tahle. Thise,
too, left them in time and for several days they sp(Ml
alon^' witli nau,!j;ht to relieve the monotony of the
blue sky and bluer ocean. They were travelling; an
unfrequented course, takiuju; a short cut across the
Atlantic and no sail was sighted after the tirst day
or two.

On their sixth day out tliey were to have a strange
visitor. "A flully little bunch of feathers" was seen
j)erehed in the rij^jjing. A friendly fearless bird !
He had no doubt frequently experienced the
hosjtitality of lonely shijts in mid-ocean, and knew
that he was in no danp;er. lie stayed with them
for some time, the cynosure of all eyes, goinj;' over
every part of the boat. AVlien he had thoroughly
investigated this strange craft, fn>m truck to para<le

ON THE SAUIUNIAX.

dork, ho prune 1 his foathci's and Hew out into space.
Tlioro was not a man on ho.ird hut wouM have
j^ivi'ij his month's pay to liavo had tlie little fellow
hack attain. How strani^i^ is the human heart!
Horo they were ^ijoin^, arnuMl to the teeth, for war,
lon<jjing for the chance to hunt Boers, and yet they
almost wept at the thouj^ht that some harm mi jjfht
hefall their little visitor on thehroad, lonely deep.

lOarly in the morning of the twelfth land was
piLdited. It was the Cape Wrd Islands, a harren
desolate spot, hut a relief from the world of watei's.
As they sped past St. Vincent a British war-ship
and several transjjorts were ohserved an<l signals
interchanged. Some of the soldiers already had
lengthy letters written for their friends at home and
ht)[)ed tluit a moment's st(»p might he made, hut
they were disapi)ointed. Soon the misty islamls
about which the north-east winds play everlastingly
were hut a si)eck on the horizon and then vanished
from view.

Not half way I the weary waste of waters that
had yet to he crossed before Table >h)untain would
tell them that the end of the journey had come.
They could expect but one more glimpse of land
before their journey's end. St. Helena, tliat historic
island which the French soldiers on board longed so
earnestly to see, towered high out of the ocean two
thousand two hundred and eighty six miles farther
on.

In the meantime all had Kmvu kejtt busy. An
iron shield had been erected in the bow of the ship,
Moi-ris tubes fitted to the rilles and daily practice
begun. It was sM<lly lu'cded. The war this con-
tingent was hurrying to, was, in the initial stjige at
least, to be a war where the steady arm and sure

CANADA'S SONS OM KOPJB AND VKLDT.

eye would be most needed. The intricate evolutions
of the parade ground would be of little avail ; good
marksmanship was worth far more than much
wheeling and turning. No doubt the daily practice
on the Sardinian went far to make these soldiers
capable of keeping Cronje's men in close cover in the
bed of the Modder during that trying week of fierce
fighting in February.

The soldiers, too, had to be vaccinate<l, and the
four nurses were kept busy making bandages for
the arms of the victims. To the disgust of the
surgeon, and, it is to be feared, to the delight of
many of the men, the supply of vaccine ran out
when only one hundred and eighty-three men had
been vaccinated, and wlien there was still three
hundred to undergo the ordeal.

Stores, too, had to be overhauled. The- Sardinian
had been fitted up at a moment's notice ; the loading
had been done with even greater rapidity and many
important articles were missing, or known to be
buried under jiiles of baggage that would not be
needed till Cape Town was reached. But the energy
of the officers and the experience of Captain Todd,
who was on his way to join his regiment at the
front, and who had been appointed acting quarter-
master for ship duties, soon had these diflicultics
straightened out. One thing they could not
straighten out however. There was not sufficient
khaki on board for the regiment. If they had only
been able to change trousers into tunics all would
have been well, for in some mysterious way six
hundred pairs of trousers that were not needed were
sent and two hundred and sixty tunics were found
wanting.

The vessel had now got into the tropics. What a

ON THK SAKDINIAN.

cimngo it was from the Mcak aiitunin winds of the
(lulfnml the St. LiiwrciKv. No raiji, noslcot ; warm
winds and a hurning sun. Coats and hoots wcmo a
hnidt'n and tiic nii'n were )uriiiil(cd to j;o coatioss
and l>ootU'ss hctwrtn nino in (he morning and w-
trcat. In a i'cw «hiys the |(iiviU'go with regard to
tho hoot< had to hu wilhthawn. UHstorod feet, siui-
hurnt anus an<l logs were ti»c order of tiie duy.
Thoy were now as hrown as Indians and were
raj)idly lucoming lit for the hot sun of Souili Afii«a.

Sore ffct was not \\\e only trial brought by tiie
fierce tropical sun. Thirst, thirst, untjUi-nchablo
tiiirst stayed with them from .'^unrise till .sun.sct.
The unforUinate partof the tropical thirst is that it
delights in being fed. The more water they drank
the more they seemed to re(p)iie. A thousand
thirsty men managed to consume enormous
quantities of fresh water and by the end of tho
.secinid week at sea the captain rei>ortcd that there
was danger of the shii)'s water supjdy running
short. The men were wanunl of the evil of giving
way to t hi 1st, but they lieeded it not, and it was
found necessary, first to threaten that unless more
care were tak< n with the water they would have to
be put on allowance ; and finally a guard was posted
over the tanks.

Four long, weary, liot, thirsty days had passed
since St. Vincent was sighted ; four tiring,
monotonous days. On the fourth, however, a little
after five in the morning, and when the men were
busy at their miming drill, all were startled by the
cry, "A shi]) in sight !" From lij) to lip the word
passed, from deck to keel, from stem to stern ;
through the men's (punters it was carried, into the
officers' rooms it found its way, and soon every soul

CANADA .S HOXS ON KOPJE AND VELDT.

on l)oard was on deck ol mining hnngiy cvgs to
catcli a ji;lini)>se of tlio vessel bearing, like their
own, hnnian souls for peace or war.

It proved to be the Rangatira bound for
Southampton. At firet she steamed away from the
iS:i)dinian, and no woju^t. The Sardinian cut a
figure that was calculated to alarm any ordinary
craft. She was strangely fitted out with her high-
built decks, her rigging was lined with drying
clothes and haversacks, and from forecastle-head to
quarter-deck she was a sea of faces. The Kangatirti
had been on the Atlantic for several weeks and she
could not but fear that European comjilications
might have arisen in the war in the meantime. The
Sardinian might be some foreign foe, or one of the
privateers to which Kruger was said to have given
letters of marque at tlie beginning of the war.
Whatever she thought, she at llrst seemed inclined
to give the Allan IJner a wide berth. But she, too,
was no doubt lonely with weary plunging across
the thousands of miles se[)arating her from England,
and so she '^rew nearer and nearer until less than a
(piarter of a miU> was between the two vessels.

She was a welcome sight with her heavy, broad,
l)lack hull and her dirty yellow smoke-stack. An
ocean tramp, but no Atlantic ocean-grey-hound ever
seemed so fair ! She could be their messenger
home. All had some word to send to relatives,
friends, to lovers, and not a few to the papers.
Indeed almost every local paper had its own "special
correspondent" on board. Two big, fat basM of
mail matter were gathered together, one of the lil'e
boats lowered, and the precious load of glad mes-
sages borne over the smooth tropical sea to the
broad-hulled freighter.

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ON TIIK 'SARDISIAN "-A(iROtP ol" CANADIAN nF|-I('KKS.

ON THE SARDINIAN.

No time was lost. Soon tlie boat returned with
gloomy news from the seat of war. A copy of tlie
Cii\)(i Town lYm^s luul fortunately been preser 'e<l
on ])oard of the lian;j^tira, and the news it eontained
went like an electric thrill through the shi}).

The British had met with severe reverses ; liadv-
smith was in danger ; a tierce conflict had been
waged outside that military centre, and although
the Boers had been re[)ulse(l, the British, under Sir
(ieorge White, had been forced to order a general
retirement, and the whole army on the Natal border
had fallen back on this fortified encannnnent. Glen-
coe, ?!lands Laagte and Hietfontein had been barren
victories. This was not the worst news. A column
had been sent out to seize Nicholson's Nek. JJeu-
tenant-Colonel Carleton was in connnand of a force
of one thousand two hundred men, consisting of
four and a half companies of the Gloucesters, six
comi)aniesof the Royal Irish Fusiliers, and the Tenth
Mountain Batterv. A few rifle shots from ambushed
Boers frightened the hardy little mules bearing the
mountain guns, and a general stampede had fol-
lowed. Battery mules and infantry ammunition
mules broke away from their drivers, and the
soldiers were left to face a host of enemies with only
the cartridges the)'' cariied in their pouclies. For
over eight hours they had held out against the
enemy, but when dawn came and the last cartridge
was tired they wci'e forced to surrender. Over a
thousand British troops seized by the Boers in one
haul — it was hard to realize.

'^riie news of this reverse was read by everyone
who could get hold oi' the pi'ecious copy of the ('ape
Town Ti.nicti with mingled fei-lings. All were sorry
for the Gloucesters and the Fusiliers and the Moun-

Canada's sons on kopjk and veldt.

tain Battery, Init they were strangely pleased at the
thonglit that there was now no doubt about their
future. They would see war, and plenty of it.
These weary leagues of barren sea would not have
been traversed in vain.

Sir Redvers l>uller was at the Cnpe, and was
about to hurry to Durban to take charge of the
operations on the Natal border, and if })0ssible to
save the fine troops and valuable stores now shut
up in Ladysmith. War was near at hand ! With
this thought ^he soldiers went to their drills with
new ardour, j.uu the music of the grindstones as
they sharpened the bayonets had a new meaning.

War was now a sure thing, and they nuist be ready
for it. The white helmets liad to be dyed as nearly
khaki color as possible, so had the haversacks ; and
at last a mixture of coffee and diamond dyes was
found that would answer the puri)ose. When the
work was completed, however, there was a variety
of shades, and not a few were marvellouslv streaked.

In the midst of their bayonet sharpening and
helmet dyeing the E(|uator was reached. It is
Neptune's custom to come on board as a vessel
crosses the Line and shave all who have never before
been in his domain. lUit Nei»tune evidently had
never seen so many Canadian men on one ship, or
perhaps he saw no room on the crowded boat for
setting up his barber shop, and so did not make the
customary visit. It would never do, however, to
pass this celebrated spot on the globe's surface with-
out some manifestation of interest, and the whistle
was blown and several rockets Avere sent up, and
the good boat found herself no longer in Northern
waters. Passing this point seemed to indicate that
the journey was drawing to a close. This lonely,

ON THK SARDINIAN.

long lourney witli no companions save the silver-
colored, broad-finned flying-fish that swam and
leaped and sailed high in air about them.

Hot, blistering weatlier was anticipated ; but alter
passing the Line the sky became clouded and the
air pleasantly cool.

The ship continued to be a veritable bce-hiye.
The nurses wore occupied covering the water bottles
with khaki ; the men with two parades each day
instead of one, the usual thing on sliip board, with
dyeing helmets and haversacks, making puggarees,
sharpening l-avonets, and practising at the rifle
range with thJ Morris tubes ; the ofiicers at dri I
and at lectures, and at revolver practice. Through
it all Bandmaster Tresham's band, which had now
by dint of constant practice l)econ,ie to the niinds of
tlie soldiers a not unworthy rival of Sousa's, kept
the spirits of all buoyant with airs from the land of
the pine and the Mai)le Leaf.

Captain Bell, too, had got his ISTaxim gun out of
the hold and his special squad well m hand, h rom
the gun's position on the stern of the boat a shower
of bullets would occasionally go craslung into tlie
barrel that bobbed about on the tossing waters far

istern.

Everything spoke of war, and the eagerness of the
men to be ready for tlie inevitable fight. The stir
and bustle of the boat stood out in striking contrast
with the ocean, which was at times smooth and
calm and blue and silken by day, sparkling and
phosphorescent by night.

All now seemed to enjoy the voyage and the work
excepting the ofiicers' unhappy horses m their
cram] )ed quarters. It was pathetic to watch them
standing day and night through those long hot

Canada's sons on kopje and vkj.ut.

weeks, novo,- allo„-e,I to li. ,|„„„, only „,|(in.-

wt^iU) tlio (aij4<'t lor nlle piiict ,c was taken dcmt,

kne that tape J o«n ,vo,il,l soo„ be siKhte,!.

the «., , ll ;"' -n""' '"^«""" '^ ""!« «'"'!lH'r, nn,l

,r r'"' ''""l<^'i''' were nearly enipt," an.l

.e thousand hnn^ry najuthsonhoanrha Kan"
t^ e sreater part of her ear«o. So she wallo .,1 ,"
oiled onward soennnf;ly tire.1 and staficerin,. , f ■
or unwonte,! yoyase nntil the nmrninsS 1 ^A ,
■lien hke a el,.ar elarion of yietory theeryr- nJ '
1' .and, and f and thna.sh the mor.'in,? ,1 i^fi '
fa ahead loonicd «p the bold top of Table AIo !

txa

CHAPTER V.

AT CAriOToWN.

At the souiirl of the word "land," tlicsliip becume
alive with niunmiring voices and hnnyin,!,' feet.
Soon all exccptino; those on duty ci'owdcd the deck
of the roliinn- Hardinian to watch the distant shoi-e.
The clear South African air was very deceptive.
For hours the vessel plowed on and on, and never a
foot nearer did the ship seem to he to land ; luit at
last the surrouniliii<; country stood out and even the
houses could he discerned. In a few hours they
would ho on lirni earth once more. To their im-
patient spirits the old boat seemed very slow indeed,
and it was not until they [)assed Ilohben Island that
they realized they were in the land of their dreams.

The lii'st ^dimi)se of it was foreboding. Robben
Island, barren and flat and parched, was a type of
much of the country they were to spend the greater
part of the next year in. Wlien they learned that
it had been the home of convicts in by-gone years,
and was now the abode of leiiers, they shuddered at
the first glim[)se of Darkest Africa that greeted
them.

There, too, before them stood out, bold and gi-ey
against the sky, Table iNfountain. As they gay-eil
U[)on its wooded sides and its bald sandstone top, it
seemed, as they thought of war and death, as it had
seemed a few weeks before to CI. W. Steevens, more
like a gigantic coflin than a table. On eitlun- side

CANADA S SONS ON KOPJE AND VELDT.

of it stood its buttressing hills ; Devil's Mountain
rising in irregular peaks on the left to a height of
3,315 ft., and on the right the solid, gloomy,
scarred mass of Lion's Head.

Many on board had got tlioir ideas of Table Bay
and its surroundings iVom the quaint old woodcnts
so common in books dealing with South Africa. For
once the woodcuts had not lied. Stilf, wooden, un-
l)icturcs([i!e stood out these l)arren hills with severe
harshness of outline against the clear dome of the
South African sky.

But for them the landscape had one pleasing
cjuality. That broad town nestling apparently in
the distance right up to the foot of these towering
hills sent their minds back to Old Quebec. As tliey
thought of that dear old fortress and the shouting
thousands not a few felt a sudd' '^ V'<-^^^S ^^ home-
sickness It was only for a moment they were
following the paths of glory; somewhere througli
those barren hills they would mavch to glor}"^ or the
grave — and for them the march could not begin too
soon.

At noon the sudden clattering of the steam winch
and the din of the nittling (able as the anchor sank
into the dcej) waters of Table Bay told them that
the end of their joun^^y was reached. The Sardinian
grim and tired had staggered and rolled her way for
about seven thousand and three hundred miles. She
seemed to have got the habit of rolling, and now as
she lay tugging at her anchor chains she threw her-
self from side to side on the smooth swells, till
many of the young soldiers thought she was about
to roll over.

\Vliat a picture of M'ar was presented. The bay
v/as crowdt'd witli ships, triins])orts heavily hiden

CANADA S SOXS OX KOPJE AND VELDT.

witli Jiiunitions of wnr lay on all sidos ; transports
crowded uitli men rolled proudly under the .sliadow
of the hills, weary with their l(»ng journey i'rom
Southaini»ton and Australia and New Zealand — I'rom
the ends of the earth ; men-of-war with their well-
proteeli'd hulls and their frowning V)laek-lipped
{•ainion eovdd l)c seen horc and there among the
fleet of " liners " turned into ** cargo-boats." English
all, or nearly all; and each one had come i
]']ngland's hour of need, for from every i)eak tl
I'nion Jack rose and fell on the light sou-easter.

The welcoming cheers of the fleet told that the
Sardinian was recognized, and as she swung on her
anchor trying to steady herself the same nnisic that
had sounded farewell to her under the dark gray
heights of Quebec echoed over the waters of Tal)le
Ray. Rule Britannia, (Jod Save the (^ueen, and
Soldiers of the Queen, told Canada's Sons that the
spirit of Quebec Avas the sj)irit of Table ]5ay. The
cheers of the Australians and New Zeahniders, who
had just arrived, the cheers and shouting and pij)ing
of the Dargai Jlighlanders, who had come to })rove
that what they had done on ridge in Northern India
they coidd do on kopje in South Africa ; the rollick-
hig shouts of " 'er Majesty's Jollies," whose conn-adcs
were playing such an important i)art with the naval
guns about Ladvsinith and on the Kiml)erley
route, all told them, they were expected and needed.
Jt was a royal greeting and well rei>aid them for the
[>rivations and hardships of the four hot, cramped.

loncl

V ocean wecl<s

'ilie day was sonuwli-at ba/y, but still a good
view of ("ape Town could be li:id. There it lay, the
big, str.'iguliiig t{»wn, lookiim- r.\\\ towards the ocean,

t'.K' UK ( lii:';]il,ice uf t\V(j wuri<ls ; the hi/.v, uivsterious

CANADA S SONS ON KOPJK AND VICLDT.

lOast, jukI the l»iis(Iiii;.;-, (.'lU'i'm'tic Wost. It scoinod,
liowcvcr, a siiiall city, dwarlrd as it wasby tlu'jjjrcat
llai liills towai'ils which it sloix'd. Tlic honscs were
not tall an.l (o\vci'iii,<.\', hut low, and hi'oad, and Hat
like the mountain in the rrai". Avenues of trees
could he seen, oak and }iiue and |to|»lai' ]»lanted hy
the I'ai'ly J)uteli settlers ol' the last century, '^he^;e
trees presented a sti'an;i;e ai>|)earauee. They did not
f;ro\v tall and statt'ly as in other lands, hut were
hent and llattened at the toj) hy the steady winds
that hlew uj> the luisty haze h"oin where the
Mozaruhicjue current meets the cold Antarctic
stri'am.

The attention of" the nu>n was soon (h'awn from
the transpoi'ts, the men-of-war, the hills, houses, and
trees, and hi'oad red roads intersecting' the low lyin;^'
town, to a heavy-l)uilt side-wh(>eled tuu,' that came
s] >('('( liuii; towards them. ]t was the otiicial l)oat
with Sir Alfred Milner's A. I). ('. on hoard, and with
him came Lieutenant JhiHus, a Canadian in the
Imperial Service in South Africa.

It soon hecame known that the Jve,iiiment was to
he sent to the front at once. The war was hein,t2:
wa^ed with vij^'or on the Natal Frontier, throughout
('a|»e Colony, and on the I'oad to Kimherley. News
ofthehattles had been shouted IVom passinu;" hoats
and the Canachans knew vaiiuelv the situation, hut
with the comiuLi,' of the iu}x, newsi)ii])crs drifted on
board and weri' eat;erly devoured.

What a bloody week the last one had been ! From
the 2l)rd to the 2.Stli theiv had been one round of
Imtfles. l\Iethuen had driven back the I)oers at
Belmont; had met them aji,ain at (oaspan and
seized, with incre<lible bravery, the kopjes on whicli
they were (>ntrenchetl. am! ibrced them back on the

TORONTO MKJ4 SHAKFKNINfi iJAYoNKTS (»N TlIK SARDINIAN.

I.
•y.

■J.

y. -

Z i

AT CAPETOWN.

Moddor River. Hero a Inst hlocxly, hot, tliirsty
fight had taken ]>lace with a Hnal victory to tlie
Britisli. Tliree fierce, well-contested l)attles in five
days — tiiis did in<k'ed lool< hke war, and all of
these fiijlits liad been bloodv and trvinjj. On tlie
East at Willow (Jrange the Boers had heen beaten
after a hard struggle. General (latacre ha<l success-
fully occupied Bushman's Iloek ; brilliant sorties
were being made from Kimberley ; Mafeking and
Ladysmith, though sorely i)ressed, were holding
their own against a numerous foe. Through the
length and breadth of the afVi'cted districts the war
was being actively carried on, and though the
liritish soldiers were proving themselves successful,
they were suffering great loss and were forced to
tight for every foot of ground they won. For seven
weeks the struggle had gone on and yet not a single
shot had been fired on the territory of the
Republics.

These tidings effected the Canadians strangely.
They were now brought face to face with war and
death. On the morrow they would be lan<led and
in a few days they would be at the front. They had
deemed the work and privations and heat on the
Sardinian hardshij^s, but these things were luxuries
conii)ared with what the men under Gatacre and
Methuen and Buller were enduring. But they felt
no regret. They rejoiced that they had come, and
impatiently awaited tlie morrow when they were to
be marched to camp.

At six o'clock their l)oat moved into the dock. As
they neared the landing place the steamships
whistled and the crowds on their decks shouterl
themselves hoarse. The C^anadians filled with the
spirit of their country and the Empire, burst into a

CANADA S SONS ON KOPJE AND VELDT.

rousing chorus and "The Maple Leaf" and "Canada
Forever " rang out over Table Bay. When the long
dock was reached the dense crowd that cheered
wildly showed how Canada's action in sending this
contingent was appreciated. Amidst shouting,
whistling, singing, and the playing of martial airs
the lines were thrown ashore and the Canadians felt
themselves a part of the African Continent.

Many in the crowd were disappointed at their
appearance. They had expected a different race of
men. Canada, through the pictures in English
papei's that had reached them, was a region of snow,
Juilf-breeds and wild Indians, and they were some-
what surprised to see this body of men like unto
themselves, a little taller as a whole, a little more
wiry and athletic, but English all, in appearance,
refined and intelligent. No tomahawks here, no
scalping knives, no war paint, no blanket-encased
figures.

The lads, however, soon won the hearts of the
crowd — this strangely mixed crowd, black and white
and yellow and brown ; Malays, Hindoos, Kaffirs, and
Euroi)eans all mingled together. Truly Cape Town
wns tlie meeting place of two worlds and of all races
and colors. The pickaninnies seemed to predominate
and tlie Canadians threw them handfuls of coppers ;
a scramble began and a shower of coppers rained all
along the dock. The wowd stared open-mouth etl.
Here was a new breed of "Tonnny Atkins," a
Tommy with money to throw away. Extravagance,
recklessness, is ever appreciated, and this simple act,
done in a spirit of fun, won oven the liearts of the
Boer-sympatliizers in the crowd ; and many began
to throw on board the Sardinian papers, cigarettes
and cigars.

AT CAPETOWN.

\\.

A
[le
liu
Ics

The men wero not allowed asliorc that day, or
rather were permitted merely to stretch their limbs
for a eouple of hours within the limits of the dock.
A few, however, obtained special permission to visit
the town, and at last-post brougVit back wild tales of
the sensation they had created in the city.

There was but little sleep that night. A continuous
bustling and rushing and shouting as the accoutre-
ments and horses and guns and l)aggage were dis
embarked, kept nearly every one awake ; and it was
a tired and sh^epy, but excited lot of men, that rolled
out of bunk and hammock at the sound of reveille at
4.30 in the morning.

All were kept busy for several hours packing up
and sorting their valuables, wondering what to
take with them and what they would be forced to
leave behind. Friends had been generous ; precious
little keepsakes had found their way into every
haversack, but every article, be it ever so snudl,
added to the weight the soldiei' Avould have to
carry ; and besides [)aper, books, and keepsakes took
up room that on the march would have to be given
to food.

]5y breakfast time they were reaily to answer the
ctlltofallin. There was a cei-tain sense of reu'ret
as they left the old Sardinian at 8.0O and fell in by
companies on the crowded dock. The close quarters
on the ship had brought the men of the contingent
very much together, and friendships such as arc
formed only at school or college were made. lU'sides
she was Ji link between them and Canada — a
Canadian ship. But they had no time for senti-
mental broodings. To Green Point about four miles
from the city they were to be marched, there to

100

CANADA S SONS ON KOPJK AND VELDT.

await further orders, for on the morrow they were to
be sent to the front.

As they fell in there were three thoroughly
disgusted companies. While the remaining five
were fresh, modern, and gorgeous in their new
khaki uniforms ; these three through the blundering
of someone had to fall in in their dull, dirty-looking
rifle uniforms, which through the new developments
in war had been consigned to the dark ages along
with the Snider rifle an'd the smooth-bore camion.
The three, F. H. and G., were not a little pleased
when they were told that they would not have to
march through the streets with the others but were
detailed for regimental duties with the baggnge and
otherwise.

After inspection the men weiglited down with
their heavy kits were" marched through the crowded
streets to (Jreen Point. On the line of mardi a vast
multitude had assembled to greet them — and
curse them too ; for in the crowd were many frinvn-
ing fiices, gloomy at seeing the children of the
Empire thus standing by the Motherlnnd. They were
in sympathy with their fellow-countrymen, one in
blood and tongue, in the Transva.il and the (3range
Free State. So far they had hoped for victory for
their race, but Canada, Australia, and New Zealand
were doing more to kill that hope than all tlie
regiments of England.

Tlirough the crowd the lads from the Land of the
Maple Leaf marched, looking neither to the right
nor the left. Steady as veterans they went, and the
crowd cheered and cheered and shouted words of
praise and greeting. The Maxini gun scjnad
attracted a great dejd of attention, for in the place of
liorses Privates Ilendrie and Machim dragged the

AT CAPETOWN.

101

gun throng! I the streets. From every window, flying
across the street, floating liigh overhead, were words
of greeting, decorations, and flags. Even the post-
ofiice flew the Britisli flag. So bitter had the war
feeling been in Ca})0 Town, and so strong was the
inlluence of the Afrikander Bond up till th's time
that the Government had not ventured to raise the
British flag to welcome the troops coming to battle
against tlie Republics.

There is an end to all things, and there was at
last an end to the weary, trying march to Green
Point. The men had not yet lost their sea-legs, and
the hot tramp and the heavy burden each had to
carry — almost a luui(h'ed pounds per man — made
them glad indeed when the charming camj)ing spot,
iVonting the cool sea and shaded by the hills, was
reached.

There was no time to rest however. Tents had
to be i)itched, camp duties performed, and when
this was (lone khaki frocks were got out of stores
and distributed to l*", II and G companies. Boots,
too, iMiglish army boots, had to be handed out to
the men, and a thousand serviceable clasp knives.
All this took time, and it was evening before the
regiment could think of stretching itself at ease on
the green i)lain swept l)y the cooling breezes of the
ocean.

It had been a hot day, an'd the men were wearied
with the long, crnniped journey on the Sardinian,
the scorching mari'Ii through the city and their camp
duties ; but Cape Town had been their Mecca. On the
morrow they were to depart from it, ])erhai)s never
to see it again, and .so many got |)ermission to leave
camp. Some had during the afternoon visited the
surrounding countrv, and even investigated the

102

CANADA S SONS ON KOPJE AND VELDT.

moist valleys at the spongy top of Table Mountain.
The shade of the trees familiar in their native land
— the oak and poplar and pine — was like a summer
Ijreath from Canada. But what interested them
most was the silver tree which stood out on the
landscape in such striking contrast with 4ts European
comrades which had been transplanted in the early
days of Cape Colony. The leaves covered with their
silvery hair-like dow^n were collected by many to be
sent over-seas as curiosities.

In the city the Canadians were the observed of
all observers. Australians and New Zealanders
were more or less familiar to the Cape people, but
these men from (.'anada were unfamiliar beings.
The Avonder of the inhabitants did not cease at the
way the boys spent their money. Some were rich,
and all were young, tliinking only of the present,
and the mone}" slij)ped through their fingers like
water. The more ol)servant among them gathered
nnu'h information about the conditions of allairs in
South Africa.

The war was not likely to be finished for some
months, and there was grave danger that England
would have to contend with a second American
devolution. Public opinion in Ca})e Town was
sharply divided. While on the one hand the action
of England in attemi)ting to bring Kruger and the
Volksraad to their knees was applauded ; on the
other J^higland and her soldiers were execrated with
curses both loud and deep. The i»ro-Bocr party was
decidedly outspoken, and the hope was openly ex-
l^rossed that a general rising throughout the whole
of ('ape Colony and Natal would take place in the
interests of the Ivepublics.

Tiie:"se were too serious thoughts, however, to

AT CAPETOWN.

103

occupy inuch place in the young soldiers' minds,
and their attention was more taken up with the cold
sparkling champagne that flowed like water, the
cooling beer, and the refreshing strawberries and
cream — strawberries and cream in December !

The streets, too, so diflerent from the thorough-
feres of ]\rontreal and Quebec, interested tliem
greatly. Tiie white cabs, each named after some
liero, statesman or steamship ; the blood-red trolley
cars ; the pictured omnibusscs ; the Malays, the
Hindoos, the blacks, the whites from every land — all
these things were of an absorbing interest. The cab-
drivers and porters, some in turbans, others with
high-pointed straw hats rising like " Pagodas," made
them realize that the West was behind them, that
they were at the gateway to tlie burning East.

Tired, sleepy, utterly"^ exhausted, all returned to
camp in good time and threw themselves down
to sleep as they had not slept for a month.

On the mori'ow preparations began at reveille for
their journey to the front. At noon everything was
ready for their march through the town to the
station. Past the summer residences at Green Point
and Somerset Road the regiment marched, and
clieers and greetings and applause accompanied the
men at every step. Along they marched with steady,
confident step, these representatives of a young
nation. In two divisions they marched with the
Maxim guns sei)arating them. The first division
was headed by a bugle band and pii)ers, and above
the shouting, and the tram]) of the marching thou-
sand, slu-illed out the bagpipes at the head of the
column. The second division was headed by the
Cape Garrison Artillery Band, the khaki-clad men,
marching steadily, steadily ; tlie surging crowd

104 Canada's sons on kopje and vei,dt.

shouting and waving ; the set, determined, yet
happy expression of the soldiers in the ranks — all
presented a sight never to he forgotten. That day
the Cape An/us and Times went into raptures over
Canada and her men. The Times well voiced the
feelings of the onlookers.

** Surely never hefore did such a gigantic throng
of people gather in the streets; they l)egan in thin
fringes at Brce Street and ended in immovahle
masses of men and women in Adderley Slrc>et. From
Parliament House to the station — immovahle only
as far as change of place goes. Packed in rows on
footj)ath and roadway they greeted the men otf to
the front with volley after volley of cheers, waved
hats, handkerchiefs, sunshades, hands. Not a soul
was silent, hut each vied with the other in giving
voice to the admii-ation and half-sorrowful regret
they felt for the gallant sons of the " Lady of the
Snows," going light-heartedly to grapple with those
who would dare assail the Old Lion. It is no
stretch of language to say that the city was moved
as it never hefore was stirred, and the troops caught
the contagion."

At 2 o'clock the station was reached. Almost
sinuiltaneously Sir Alfred Milner, the man next to
Joseph Cluunherlain most i)rominentin the Empire's
eye, arrived to hid the contingent CJod-speed on the
way to the IVont.

All strove io get a glim])se of the man whose
action had hrought them from Canada. On his
slioulders rested tlie weight of the war ; his diplonuicy
made it. Jt was an ai»i)alliug rcs})onsihiHty, and
and whether he luul acted wisely or foolishly no
man conld know till the struggle the contingent
was now about to enter upon was linished. Lvi-

I'KrAKTlKK OF TlIK CANADIANS lOli CAKK TOWN To TlIK KKONT, DKcKMUKK I-r.

Sl M 'lr,| MillliT -ll.lliil:!.' Il:uiils willl III.' U|||. . is, ( ',,1. I Itlrl l r. i- nli Sir All',. .1- li-lil

AT (JAI'ICTOWN.

10^

>^.

dently the responsibility did not sit lij^htly upon
him, and tlie lines of care in his face, the stern, de-
termined lips, told that he felt keenly the bloody
engagements that were taking place in Natal ;ind
to the North.

The ringing cheers of the crowd, the whole-hearted
singing of the National Anthem, the maidy render-
ing l)y the Canadians of the Maple Leaf, drove
serious thoughts of war and deatli from the minds
of all, and when at last the whistle shrieked out
above the shouting of the pressing nudtitude, and
the train began to move slowly, slowly on its North-
ward way, the bands and the crowd reached a
climax of enthusiasm in the strains of Auld Lang
Syne. Hand gras[)ed hand ; Australian, New
Zealander, Canadian, Soutli African, Englishman,
had united their hearts and their hands under the
sha<low of Table Mountain.

How strange a thing is history ! The politicians
had been vainly striving for a solution of the
Imperial problem. In London, in Sydney, in
Ottawa, they had disputed, almost fought over it.
Suddenly the spirit that broods over history solved
it in far Africa. Shoulder to shoulder the hour of
need had brought them, and without the aid of
Parliaments, or laws they found themselves one.
The children of England from the ends of the earth
had flocked to prove that Imperial Union waa
already a fact.

CHAPTER VI.

ON THE llOAD TO THE FRONT.

The CanadJiins had had a Httle more than
twciity-foiir hours of Cape Town and its surround-
ings and they were glad to get away from its busy,
crowded streets. Tlieir dosh'e, their one desh-e, was
to get to tlie front, 'iliey luid feared wlien on tlie
Sardinian that tliey would be too late for the fight,
and now every man of the contingent was anxfous
to get into the battle tliat General Methuen was
supposed to be planning, a l.>attle that was at once
to scatter the Jioers on the Kimberley line and
relieve that sorely pressed city.

A score or two of veiy unliappy lads were left
behind at Cape Town — f)ue with a sprained ankle,
another with a dislocated shoulder, some by the
necessities of the regiment, and some as physically
unfit to undergo the severe hardships of an African
camp. These no doubt were the very ones whom
Surgeon-General Neilson had at first refused to pass
at the final inspection at Quebec.

Slowly the train— or rather trains, for half of the
regiment left about two hours belbre the rest^ — pufled
and groaned up and up the " dusty stairway " Ipad-
ing to the battlefields of the North. TJie progress
was slow and there were many stops on account of
the crowded state of the roads. Ample time \vas
given them to view the country ; and the dried up
spruits they crossed ; the bald, stone-strewn hills they

110

CANADA S SONS ON KOPJE AND VELDT.

charm of

space, the

It is ever

threaded their way among ; the great stretches of
yellow, brown, and red desert ; the wildernesses
sprinkled with tufts of wild sage — brought liome to
them the truth of the lines of a South African bit of
doggerel : —

" The rivers of South Africa have no waters.
The birds no song, the flowers no scent."

Nothing so well describes the South African
landscape as a paragraph from the late George W.
Steevens' book, " From Cape Town to Ladysmith."
To him as to hundreds of others these deserts had
a mysterious charm, and in a few illuminating
sentences, such as only a man of transcendent genius
could have written, he gives this charm :

" Believe it or not, this is the very
a desert — the unfenccd emptiness, the
freedom, the uiibroken arch of the sky.
fooling you, and yet you forever pursue it. And
then it is only to the eye that cannot do without
green that the karroo is unbeautiful. Every other
color meets others in harmony, taAvny sand, silver-
grey scrub, crimson-tufted flowers like heather, black
ribs of earth, puce shoots of screes, violet mountains
in the middle distance, blue fairy battlements
guarding the horizon. And above all broods the
intense purity of the South African Azure — not a
colored thing, like the plants and the hills, but sheer
color existing by and for itself."

Under such a sky, through such a country, the
Canadians were travelling — every hour bringing
them nearer battle, so they thought. The mystery
of this strange new country, resembling either a half
made world or one that had worn itself out in ages
gone by, seized them. The spell that possessed them
was not unlike the feelings that SAvppt over their

ON THE ROAD TO THE FRONT.

Ill

minds as thcv had vic\vt'<l the weary miles of barren
sea stretcliing from horizon to liorizon '-'or those four
tiring weeks on tin; Sanlinian.

The excitement of the (hiy liad, however,
thoroughly i)laye<l them out, and »vhcn c(H)ling
night fell they were glad to shut out veldt and kopje
and snatch a much needed sleep. How strange
Africa seemed to them ! The land, the vegetation
and the streams were unlike any they had ever ex-
perienced before, and now this sudden refreshing
coolness after the intense, parching, thirsty heat of
the day was yet another marvel.

Next morning they were awake with the sun and
their grimy, hot train still bore them ui)ward through
the never-ending stretch of hill-sin wn veldt. Here
and there a railway station, or a corrugated-iron
store attracted their attention. They counted the
miles by the telegraph poles and the camjis of the
men guarding the track. AV^hat u job ]']ngland has
on hand, they thought, as they saw, (^very mile or so,
the tents of the Cape Volunteers who watched night
and day to see that no rail was loosened, no
obstruction placed in the way o f the ever-passing
trains whicli carried to the front sup})lies and a
seeminglj' endless host of men. As they thought of
the vast extent of South Africa and the long stretches
of railway from Durban to I.adysmith, from Port
Elizabeth to Colesburg, i'rom Capo Town to
Kimberley that had to be guarded with such vigil-
ance, against, not the Re])ublics, but the Boer sym-
pathizers on Bi'itish territory, they knew England
would have no holiday march to Pretoria, and thev
saw before themselves months of camj) and iield.

All day Saturday they climbed the Great Karroo
weary of the heat and the grime and longing for the

■■

112

CANADA S SONS ON KOPJE AND VELDT.

refreshing night. Through the darkness they s{)e(l,
and at 3 o'clock on Sunday morning after a ride of
ahnost forty hours they reached De Aar station
wliere they were to detrain and await further orders.
Tlio right-half of the Regiment was the first to
arrive and an hour and a half later the left-half
joined their comrades.

They were at once led to the portion of the camp
alloted to them. Tired with their long railway
journey, tired with the excitement of their brief stay
in Cape Town, tired with the hurry of disembark-
ing, thorouglily exhausted — when the command
" Stand at ease " was given they threw themselves
down on the soft yellow sand to snatch a brief
juoment's rest li-.'fore the heat of the dav would
make sleep impossible.

The reginient was now in the field, and in good
company, Tlie Duke of (Cornwall's Light Infantry,
with whom they were afterwards to be Jissociated on
that hot trying day in February before Cronje's
ti'enches, was on the right, and on the surrounding
lulls were the Ivoyal l-^ngineers. With .such
regiments the Canadians began to feel like veterans,
and when the tents were detrained they went about
tlie work of pitching them with an air of having
done it all their lives. They were, however, thankful
wlien tlie tents were up and never heard a more
welcome sound than the call to rations. Luxurious
fare they w'ero to have for men who had travelled
for five hundred miles up the sweltering karroo.
Coflce or water and biscuils — hard fare ; but there
was no complaint. This was war and the sooner
they learned to do with the hardest and most meagre
fare the better.

The fast broken they began to settle themselves

ON THE KOAD TO THE FKOXT.

113

for the enjoyment as best they coukl of a quiet
Sabbath. A light breeze began to play among their
tents, and little eddies of dust, dust imps, whirled
into their tents and beat against them. The wind
increased, and the eddies grew till they were regidar
"Dust Devils" and soon the whole air was one
thick mass of driving sand. It choked them, it
blinded them ; it penetrated their clothing till they
felt as though they were wearing sa'.ul paper ; it
worked itself into every part of the tents. There was
no escape from it. So thick was it that the houses
half a mile away were hidden from view, and at
times it was impossible to distinguish objects fifty
yards distant. The men lay in their tents almost
suffocated and only those who had goggles were able
to face this blinding bli/.zard. Sand, sand, sand ! in
ear, in mouth, in eye ; in food, in clothing ; in tents
and bedding — no Turkish batli they felt would ever
be able to rid them of the yellow and red and brown
earth that had worked into their bodies. There was
neither work nor worship that December Sabbath,
and as the blinding pestilence hurled itself across
their camp from morning till night they were
unable even to parade.

Next morning a cool breeze was blowing through
the tent streets and they rose refreshed for parade at
six o'clock. They were to be prepared for Paarde-
berg and extended order began at once. With
their regular drill they again began to clamour to
get nearer the front ; this burning sand, this ever-
lasting thirst, this scorching, blistering sun could bo
borne patiently if only at the end of it all there
would be a chance to distinguish themselves in
liattle. For three days they drilled and sweltered at
Do Aar hearing vague rumors of heavy lighting. So

114

CANADA S SONS ON KOIMK AND VELDT.

strict was tlie censorship tliat oven the sohhers on
the way to the front had to tlepend on passinj;- trains
and stray visitors for the state of the war. If their
ollicers knew tlie trnth tliey kept it to themselves.

On tlie third day of this monotonons existence
word came that the regiment was to ])roceed to
Orange Kiver at once. Tluit niglit all the transports
were loa<led and at three in the morning while the
night chill still lay on the sleeping ])lain reveille
sounded and in an hour and a half's time the
regiment was at the husy station. Coilee and
biscuits were served to the soldiers after they had
entrained, and by half-past six the entire regiment
in two trains was clind)ing northward.

It was not until near noon that the men from
their " ol)servation cars," as they laughingly called
the Hat cars that bore them up the wilderness, saw
the cluster of houses about Orange River station. In
the distance they could see the white tents of the
British soldiers. They dreaded another De Aarand
were in hopes that the rumour that passed from li[)
to lip would prove true — that they wCi'e about to be
sent on to Belmont at once ; but the J)argai
Highlanders vigorously objected, and as their ex-
jKM'ience gave them ]»recedence over the C^inadians,
they were sent forward and the contingent was
marche<l across the vt>ldt towards the wide cluster
of tents dotting the plain under the shadow of the
surrounding kopjes.

They were to occupy a spot the Australians had
just left and found thcmselvi'S next to the Shropshire
Light Infantry in a camp made up of ('a|)e Artillery,
(ua'don Highlanders, lioyal Horse Artillery, and
Shropshires. These regulars were excellent comi)any
and gave the men every opportunity of learning the

•■,''

lire

any
the

Wnil THK KOYAL CANADIANS TN SOmi AKUK'A. LIKfTS. MASON ANDTKMI'LK
GOIN<i OUT ON PI« KKI 1)1 TY 1 l!().\I TIIK (AMI' AT ItKI.MoNT,

ft1'l

THK NKW HKCNSUUK .rOTA OK THK SKCONB CANAPUN CONTINOKNT.

L_.

ON THE ROAD TO THE FRONT.

117

)NTINGKNT,

v.avs of the jj-emiiue '* Tommy Atkins." " Tommies "
tlioy had to become if they wore goi 112; to be that
splendid fi<5liting-machine a British sohlier.

Orange Kiver was another De Aar ; sand grinding
underfoot, sand whirHng through the air ; if a squad
marched across tlie plain its course could be followed
by the sand that rose at every step. From kicking
mules, from moving men, little bursts of sand made
this camp deserve the name Julian Ralph had given
it, "The Dust 13in of Creation."

And what a country they had come
through — siuid, wilderness, rockstrewn hill, dried
river-bed, greeted them at every mile. Cavalry
])atrols here and there ; hot, dusty camps guarding
the track relieved the monotony of this journey.
Flocks of sheep nibbled the dry grass that grew
between the stretches of sand ; flocks of goats cropped
the brown plains or browsed among the rocks on
the unpicturcsquo kopjes. O for one acre of the
restful green of a Canadian field I Farm houses — so
thev were called — were dotted on this everlastina:
wilderness at intervals of about six miles and each
farmer gloried in the broad domain of from twenty
to forty thousand acres. Occasionally a few green
trees, a green i)atch by some water-mill, would re-
mind them that even this desolate wilderness might
become green and beautiful if only it could be
jM'operly irrigated. Their own torturing thirst made
tliem sym})athlze with this baked, dried, parched,
barren veldt.

The tents did not roaeh the camp until six o'clock,
and the work of pitching them began with vigor.
Tlie sound of the clinking hammers rose above the
nuu'murs of a resting army. Only a few tents had
Ixicn pitched, however, when black clouds began to

118

CANADA S SONS ON KOPJE AND VELDT.

beat np over tlie surrounding kopjes — black clouds
heavy with rain. Dust, suflbcating dust, began to
choke the toiling soldiers, and then great cooling
blobs of rain smote upon them.

Soon the windows of the heavens opened (only a
wr'* '■ .< .niliar with an African rain-storm could
ha b- ^hat metaphor) and a solid-wall of rain
beat fK .. . ipon the camp. While the rain de-
scended and the Avinds blew and beat ui)on that
camp ■'''. work vould be done. It took just about a
minuto to oak uio, men to the skin. This was
their second expei'ic'.LC of South African weather,
evidently Nature was going to hclj> the British
officers to harden the boys from Canada, as both the
sand-storm at De Aar and this rain-storm at Orange
Eiver were of unusual severity. But it was too
violent to last long, and the chilled and shivering
men were soon hard at work again getting up their
tents.

Their first night at Orange River was not to bo
one of luxurious ease ; it was to be a soldier's night.
The enemy were in force not many miles away,
^lethuen's line of com numi cation had been cut only
a short distance farther up the track. A night
attack might be made at any moment, and so they
were ordered to sleep in their clothes and to be
ready for a call to arms. Wet, tired and hungry as
the soldiers were they lay down happy with the
thought that they were perhaps on the eve of battle ;
that on the morrow their friends over seas might be
scaiming the bulletins to see how they had ac(|uitted
themselves.

That they were not jilaying at war was brought
home to them that night. The pickets had been
ordered to allow no one to pass, and, if the prom])test

ON TUK ROAD TO THE FRONT.

119

ll\G

too

answer was not given to tlieir challenge, to shoot, and
to shoot to kill, (^ne of tl)c Sliropshires passing into
the lines made a careless reply to a picket, and for
his thoughtlessness was instantly shot down. Tho
sound of the firing woke tho camp, and many of
the Canadians sat up and clutched their rides, but
no call to arms followdl.

The cliill of the African night was upon them,
and tlicMr teeth chattered as they tried once more to
get to sleep. A\'hat a land of contrasts ! These
extreme changes were sufficient to break tlie strong-
est constitution. blistering sun and a freezing
moon ; as Julian Ralph has said, "To be happy in
Africa oim' would have to have a fig leaf for a day-
ti!ni> co.-lume and a Laplander's suit of furs for the
night time."

Next day was a Inisy one, but the curious Cana-
dians liad time to view their surroundings. Every
k()])je was fortified, and at some distance was a well-
defended fort. From this fort the distant hills
aroimd Helmont could be seen, and when on Novem-
ber 2)5( Jenerai Methuen with the CJuard's Brigade
and the Dth Ih'igade liad driven back the IJoers at
Belmont the bursting shells were seen by the
soldiers from I'ort Munster.

Th(^ Canadians were in a safe, well-guarded
camp doing fine work, most useful work, guarding
the line of conmiunieation ; but they were as im-
])atient, as young colts to be ofi' to the front. Tliey
wanted to win glory, none of them thought of death.
No doubt some of tbeir comradi^s would fall, but
each one feU. tlial he would r(>turn with honor to
the land that liad sent him forth with such pride.
The soldiers, however, had to learn that war meant

120

CANADA S SONS ON KOPJE AND VELDT.

a good deal moro than dodging bullets and sniping
foes.

Tlio day at Orange River was a busy one. The
men were detailed for fatigue duties, and two liun-
dred of the regiment under Captain Barker consti-
tuted a working party to put in sidings and build
platforms near the station. The lads were neither
"duke's sons" nor "sons of belted earls," but they
were in many cases from the best and wealthiest
families in Canada. However that seemed to
detract nothing from their energies. They would
show the regulars how they could work ; off went
coats of oli leers and men, and in the blazing heat —
over a luuidred in the shade — they toiled, swinging
pick and wielding shovel till they had constructed
three-qututers of a mile of track with tics, laid one-
fjuartc r of a mile of rails, and built a safe, substantial
[)latform of one hundred and fifty feet by fifteen ;
not a bad day's work.

As they completed their task a train drew into
the station and a light, active figure alighted. Some
of the Royal IMilitary College men recognized the
ofticer. It was Lient. -Colonel Girouard. Girouard
of Soudan fame, Girouard of Canada, who had by
indomitaltle energy made Kitchener's victory over
the Khalifa an easy thing, and who, in the time of
the Empire's need, had been chosen out of the
Empire to make the way from Cape Town, Eliza-
bethport and l^urban easy to Pretoria. He was
leaping hither and thither over the African conti-
nent ; to-day in the J']ast, to-morrow in the South,
and then away to the North. The breaking of the
track by the coimnando of a thousand Boors between
Orange River and Belmont had brought him for a
brief moment in contact with his fellow-Canadians.

ON THE llOAD TO THIC FIIONT.

121

All the men rejoiced to see him, and particnlarly
his old military friends. As lie viewed with his
critical eye the work the contingent had just com-
pleted he ])raised it with no stinted praise, liegulars
cmld not have done better, and none but Canadians
could have done it in so short a time. Then on his
train he leaped, and away he sped northward to clear
the road to Kimberley. Tliis passing glimpse of so
stiri'ing and energetic a Canadian ollicer pnt new
life into all who saw him, and they longed to follow
him up that thin thread of track that wound among
the hills and over the veldt.

That night two hundred of the men with six
oflicers did outpost duty, and tlie fact tlie Boers
were said to be in the vicinit}' kept them very
wakeful ; but morning dawned witliout any alarm
having been given, and the soldiers bcgjui lo W-av
that the monotony of drill, fatigue, and outpost
duty, without any real figlding, was to continuo.
While on this outpost duty some of them got their
first contact with the fighting line. It was distant
contact, it is true, but nevertheless very real.

About half a mile from camp was the tall, bald
top of Mount Cheviot kopje. On this hill Ijieutonant
Armstrong with twelve men on outpost duty Icept
careful guard over the country that lay about tluMu,
and watclietl with the keenest interest the flash liglit
of Kimbeiley, seventy-seven miles away, i)laying
across the heavens. Au3ys:ige after message came to
the signalers beside them on the hill, and Kimber-
ley was brought very near as they i-ead these mes-
sages. Yet how far it was away ; more than two
months of suffering, privations, bloodshed were to
pass before that beleagured city now asking for

122 canA'Da's sons on kopjk and veldt.

bovril and cocoa would shout its Avelcome to the
relieving forces.

The men liad read and heard of the splendid
work done by the Highlanders and the Naval Brig-
ade, they had seen something of the trials of a camp
which helped to harden men for the severer trials
of the battlefield, and while at Orange River they
were to be brought face to face with the sterner side
of war. There was a hospital here with one hun-
dred and fifty British soldiers and seventy-five
Boers under treatment. Fever, exhaustion, wounds,
death were what many of them must expect, and as
some of them visited the hospital and saw the
ghastly sights made by war they washed that it
might end at once. They felt no resentment to-
wards their suffering enemies ; only pity for the
poor fellows who for the most part were fighting
honestly for what they believed to be a righteous
cause. Victims of ignorance they were ; the ignor-
ance of their leaders and their own ; and for nothing
is man punished more severely. Brave fellows too ;
for though they could not face a bayonet charge
they had withstood for hours in their trenches and
on the open veldt the heavy shell-fire of the British
and had laughed at the terrifying Lyddite. Stub-
born, savage (and the country was enough to make
any one a savage) these men might be, but they were
worthy foemen. A sentence from a letter by Lieu-
tenant" Armstrong indicates how the Canadians felt
towards them.

" I talked with several of the Boers and fanned
one poor chap who I am afraid looks as if he were
done for ! "

There, too, behind the tents on the hillside was
the little cemetery, fast filling up. Captain Wood,

li:-!

m!M.

ON THE ROAD TO THE FRONT.

123

wlio had gone out from Orange Kiver on November
10 on a reconnoitring expedition, and had met liis
death, rested tliere. lie was a recent graduate of
tlie Koyal Mihtary College and many in the con-
tingent knew liim well.

A party of mourners went out to his grave to pay
a tribute to his memory. They could raise no
marble slab over him, but they bound two railway
ties together in the form of a cross and prayed a
silent prayer for the repose of his spirit.

There on the Karroo with the gloomy kopjes about
him, the burning sun beating down on his rough
cross, the dust eddying over his grave, this Canadian
hero who had fallen fighting for the Empire would
sleep the easier for the kindly tear dropped by his
fellow-countrymen.

There was rejoicing in camp that same day when
it was loarncd that communication with IMethuen's
army had been restored, and that the regiment was
to be pushed forward without delay. Fight was in
the air ; a battle of greater magnitude than either
Enslin or INlodder Iliver was foretold, and they
hoped to share its dangers and its glory with the
Scotch and English regiments that liad been the
companions of their journey up the Karroo.

JiBllll

Rioirr HON. CKCFL ,r. riiodks, i'.c. >r.i...\.,

T'lnrMih I'liiiic Mihi-Ii'i' I'l' C.iiH- Ciliiiiy M]Mi l'\<-<. ,.r ilif KritUli S.iiitli Aiii.'j i'.iiii|iariy.

FKANCIS WILLIAM HKITZ,

l.iilii Sn'i'iliiry ni Stiito In tlif TiiinsMial.

CHAPTER VII.

LEARNING THE GAME OF WAR.

Forward was the word ; and the men of the
right-lialf regiment piled into the open cars in the
early morning of December 9, glad to get away
from the heat and dust, and inactivity, from a
soldier's point of view, of Orange Uiver. The left-
half however was very indignant at being left
behind, especially as there was nothing said about
when they would be pushed forward. The big
battle might take place and they would not be in
it ; that would indeed be a calamity.

After twenty miles of puffing up the brown tree-
less veldt and through the kopjes that were now
growing larger :d larger, and as the front was
being reached more threatening with each mile, the
contingent detrained at Belmont.

On November 23 a fierce fight had taken place
here but General Methucn after a savage struggle
had driven off the Boers. On this account it was
one of the great landmarks on the way to Prp'oria
and already had a place in history. It was be-
fore with a sudden feeling of being in the immediate
vicinity of battle that tlie four companies of the
Royal Canadians formed up at the little station to
be marched to Van Wycks' farm three miles away.

B(3lmont was a most important centre, the rear
guard of Methuen's forces ; and was in danger of an

127

128

Canada's sons on kopje and veldt.

'!;

attack at any moment. Indeed it was only two
days before that the Boers had swooped down in
force and made havoc with the track a few
miles north at Graspan, effectually cutting IVIetlmen's
communication with the rest of the world. As a
resu'lt of its important position a goodly force oi'
Highlanders, Munster Fusiliers, Australians, and
Royal Horse Artillery, had their tents dotted about
the station. The Canadians expected to be locatc<l
with these older regiments, but water was scarce and
on this account they were at once marched to the
Farm.

They were indeed lucky. The place where they
were to spend the night was a genuine oasis in the
African desert. Since leaving the cool breezes of
Green Point Camp at Cajie Town, they felt as
though they had had nothing to eat or drink or
breathe save dust. The food they ate was grity
with it, the water they drank was almost the color
of the soil, and the air was filled with innumerable
particles of this ever present pest. l>ut liere was a
place of green grass, soft green grass not unlike
their own Canadian fields, and a fine windmill
which told of cooling water. They drank and were
refreshed ; but this was not enough : they scoo})ed
out holes in the sand and borrowing the wateri)roof
sheets from the trans[)ort wagons improvised baths,
filled them and splashed and s]>lashed and rose U])
new men ; clean in body and clean and wholesome
in spirit. After their bath they were able to sing
the songs that had grown into their hearts in Ctui-
ada with new vigor under the clear stars of the first
African night they had been able to enjoy since
leaving Cape Town.

But the r(>giment was not to have a loafing tiuie

LEARNING THE GAME OF WAR.

129

111 this agreeable s])ot. Tliey had to sleep in their
uiiiibrnis to be ready at a moment's notice to spring
to arms. They were a step nearer war and the
duties of the soldiers became more rigorous and
trying.

The men had had some experience of outpost
duty at Orange River but they were now to begin
this important duty in earnest. Their camp had to
be protected from sur})rise, and through the night
watchful pickets guarded tlic surrounding country.
No enemies were sighted but the parties under
Ijieutonants Ivoss and Maf^: )n succeeded in bringing
in a suspect — a poor stuntel little negro, black as the
night, Init not black enough to escape the vigilant
eyes of the Canadians. It seemed a ludicrous
capture, but too great care could not be taken as the
Boers were making the natives do excellent work
for them as s})ies.

In the moniing they learned that this oasis in the
wilderness had l)cen but a tem])orary resting place.
They were to leave it at once and so struck tents
after breakfast and marched back to lielmont
station. They found tlie encaini)ment of the night
before greatly changed. The Iligldanders had gone,
and so had tlie Australians ; and the i\lun;»iers were
but waiting the arrival of the train bringing the
remaining four coni))anies of the Ifoyal Canadian
liegiment from Orange River to de[)art for
Honeynest Kloof, an im[)oitant position about
nineteen mil(>s furtiier up the line. As the
Canadians were to go into camp a united body once
more on the ground ()c('Ui)ied by the jMunsters, the
right-half was led out on the battlelleld where tiiey
piled arms and lay about to await the train.

Nature luid tried the regiment with "dust devils"

130

CANADA S SONS ON KOIMK AND VICLDT.

as they went into camp at De Aar; wiili a rain
devil as lliey pitclicd tent:-; at Orange Iviver and
now they were to liave a som-jwliat similar
experience. Half an lunir before tlie train v,ill\ the
second half arrived, the rain came down in lorronts
and drenched the men on Iho open veldt. At noon
while the rain was slill pelting- down the rcmaininfr
companies arrived in ojicn cars lookino- like
drowned rats bnt glad to be once more with their
comrades.

No time was lost. The JMunsters struck camp,
huri'ied on their northward way, and the (Aii\adians
took np llie ground they vacated in front of the station
and became the important factor in this important
position on Methnen's lino of communication.

They wen; now to become thoroughly fnniliar
with every part of a soldier's life, except actual war-
fare. W^ith the Mounted Infantry they patroled the
track from Witti[)uts to Graspan, a distance of
twenty miles, lint perhaps their most trying duty
was the oiPlpo.st work on the wide range of IJelmont
battlefield. It was far from a pleasant duly to have
to stumble over the rugged plain and up the steep,
boulder-strewn kopjes, where but thirteen days
before a bloody battle had been fought from ridge to
ridge.

Occasionally they would come upon a heap of
stones and as the night wind blew across it they
knew that beneath lay the dead bodies of some of
their enemies, '^^riie days, too, were exhausting with
the lieat and work of entrenching ; and at times it
was hard to keep their eyes ()[)en. In the cold grey
light of dawn, too, they would sonietimes catch sight
of an arm or a leg [)rotruding from the rough burial
mounds — gruesome sights that made a shudder pass

LEARNING TJIE GAM 10 OF WAR.

131

through tliein as they tlionglit tliat it might be their
turn iioxt. Carcasses of mules and lior.ses lay here
and Ihoro, and it Avas not uncommon to frighten
away a flock of vul lures as they gorged themselves
on the carrion. Thei-e was a taint of death in the
air and Ihese birds of battle, swooping down on the
plain, circling in the heavens, made the one thing
needful to com])leto the ghastly picture. But ariea-
all they were friends, devouring the foul contagion
tliat otlierwise might have bred a [)esl.ilenco.

In places the figiit had l)een particularly
stubborn, and up the steep kopjes where the IScots
Cuards, the Grenadiers, the Norliiamptonshires, the
Northund)ei-land Fusiliers, the King's Own
Yorkshire Light Infantry, and the Coldstreams had
■ so gallantly charged, they came upon abundant
reminders of the liglit. Shells unexplodcd, scattered
fragments of shells that had done such fatal work,
broken belts, snap])ed bayonets, smashed rifles,
empty cartridge-shells— all told what war really
was. From tlie gloomy horrors of tliese nights of
outpost duty they were glad indeed to be led back
to camp as the little dikkops, or thickheads, rose in
innumerable flocks from the dusty plain with their
cries of "llui" or more probaldy, let us fancy,
" Pluie," — crying ]>laintively to the heavens for rain
for tlie thirsty earth.

For three days this round of jiatiol and outpost
duty went on, relieved by work with the pick and
shovel in the treneh(\s on the nortji side oC the camp.
Drill was practiced tcu)— drill of a kind made by
the necessities of this war. It was a weary round of
monotonous work relieved by occasional wliirls of
dust and fieive thunder, aecompair ' with rain such
as falls only in Houlli Africa.

CANADA S SOXS ON KOPJE AND VELDT.

^Icanwhilc tliey liad an excellent chance to vicAv
the little settlement about the station. It was only
a cluster of six cottages and an Jiotel. What a fierce
fight had been waged hero ! The battlefield gave
t]\em alnmdant evidence in tlie iVagnients left by the
v»'hir]u'ind of war of the fierceness of the struggle,
and there were nioi'e traces f»f it in the village.
Every building showed that the shrapnel had
splashed against the walls and roofs and a huge
opening or two stood as evidence that heavy shells
had there fallen with destructive crash. Innumerable
small holes told Avhat a hail of ride fire had ]ilayed
about this little cluster of buildings. These evidences
of war were giving them a reali/.ntion of what they
might expect when the time came to move into the
advance guard. Indeed at any moment a similar
bloody hail might ])lay across their camp. The
Boers were re})orted in Ibi'ce near at hand and they
had not only to k(^ep a most careful guard but go oil
constructing an impregnable line of trenches.

In the early morniug of the twelfth a report ran
through the camp that an army of the enemy had
been located. The outposts were strengthened, tho
guns paraded," and the regiments drawn up in lino
of battle. But it [)roved to l)e a fals(> alarm, and a
little after five in the morning the troops were dis
missed, but tho entrenching went on with greater
vigor than ever.

This same day brought gloomy news to the camp,
(leneral INh-thuen's advance had been checked —
cliecked with tei'rible loss. lie had climbed up tho
succession of koj»jes leading towards Kimberley in a
series of bloody contests at Belmont, at Enslin, at
^h)dder River, losing heavily it is true, but in the
end winning with irrcstibU' dasli. lie was almost

LEARNING THE GAME OF WAR.

133

within speaking distance of Kimberley when he met
the enemy strongly entrenched at the ^higursfontein
hills. The Highland Jh-igade nnder General Waii-
chope was given the task of storming the trenches ;
but the Boers had antici[)atcd the attack — with
searchlights they exposed the advancing Highlanders
on that dark December morning ; Avith wire entangle-
ments they entrai)ped them, and one of the bloodiest
fusilades in the history of war played down that
slope. For a moment the Britisli were stunned by the
suddenness of the attack, then Gordons, Seaforths,
Black Watch — the llower, not of Scotland only,
but of the English army — dashed forward to victory
or deatli. Hundreds fell, and among them, with a
dozen bullet wounds, the gallant Wauchope stumbled
on the veldt still cheering his men forward, but they
were beaten back.

This was dreadful news for the Canadians. Onlv
thirty miles away hundreds of fellow-soldiers lay
dead, and lumdreds of otliers were wounded, many
fatally. But they shuddered not at the news, they
only hopc<l that now they might be given a chance
to help relieve Ivind)erley. They had almost been
in this light, and had such been their ill-fortune the
loss to the r(>giment would have been very great.
Young, inexperienced as they were, wishing to
enuilate the tried soldiers they would have ex])osed
themselves n(>edlessly to the lire that mowed down
the Highlanders as though they Avere grain before
the reaper. This enforced waiting time Avas excel-
lent experience. The mistakes of the well-known
ri>ginu'nts were sjdendid ol)ject l(>ssons of how not to
attem])t to storm the I'oers' ])ositions.

While they Averc ruminating on the news of the
great loss England had sustained in the battle o

134 Canada's sons on kopje and veldt.

Magersfontein, three cars loaded with -wounded passed
down on the way to DeAarand tlio Cape. The
grim awfuhiess of \\-i\v was brought homo to tliem
as they saw the pale, agonized iacos of the strong
men, many of wliom had been witli them in their
first camping grounds at De Aar and Orange River.
And yet there was no desire to turn back, even liad
it been possible, no regret tliat (liey had came;
their only word as tliey lieard of tlie heavy list of
dead and saw the vv'oundcd was, wiien shall we ha\'C
our chance?

On the following day, wliilc tlio memory of
Magersfontein still liung like a bla^-k ])all over the
camp, Private M, C. Chappell died. His death was
the first break in the contingent since it landed on
African soil, and all, especially his conu'ades of G
Company, felt it keenly. It was hard to have come
all tliese miles to die without ever having a chance
to strike a blow. Out on the veldt he was buried, on
the battlefield of Belmont, and tlie spot selected Avas
the ground over which the Giuirds had so gallantly
and successfully charged with such terrific loss — a
fitting place for one who had come to Africa t ) fiuht
the battle of the Emjnre to Yc>i, a place hallowed })y
the best blood of the English army. A heap of
stones was piled over his tomb, and at his head
two larger ones, on which are enscribed tlie words :
"In memory of Private M. C. Chappell, Canada,
Died Deceiiiber 12, 180\). Erected by G Com-
}iany. Our Comrade." So rests this Canadian in
the bosom of the bare, brown, dry veldt, far fium
the green fields of his Nova Scotian home.

After this day of mourning the dull routine of
the camp continued. "Now and then a Boer suspect
wouUl be brought in, and on one occasion five nativerj

ed
he

oil*

'cr.

ukI

ne;

tof

avG

the
was
1 on
)f Vt
onie
mcc

,011

was

illv
s — a
fmlit

\ by
iip of
head
ords :
iiada,
Com-
an hi

fioin

lUG of
ispcct
aliver]

THE HON'. JAN. HKNUKH K IIOI'MKYK,

Oiu' time Mi'mlKT nf the (;.ivi'n.ii»Mit o Caj.i CoUniy.

LEARNING THE GAME OF WAR.

137

were tried for stealing and sentenced to nine months
in the Ilopetown jail. Several times the mail
arrived, and these were days of rejoicing. r>ntmost
welcome were the frequent visits of that splendid
body of men, Riniington's Scouts, driving in cattle
and sheep and goats. But the utter al)sence of
news from the front, the sudden suspense of ojjera-
tions, the seeming i)aralysis of Lord ^lethuen's entire
force were wearing on the spirits of all.

Sometimes the call to arms would be sounded,
but it always turned out to be a false alarm ; a body
f)f Colonials with hats like those worn by the Boers,
the shooting of buck by tlie liimingtons, the acci-
dental discliarge of the rifle of one of the outposts,
such things as these were invariably the cause. The
call to arms was usually given at three in the morn-
ing, for Avith daylight an attack was to be expected,
as it was part of the Boers' tactics to steal up in the
night, and witli the first light of day to get in their
destructive work.

While the regiment was impatiently groaning
under tliis enforced absence from the front, they
were becoming bi'own and hard and capable of
enduring much. This hot sun, these frequent rain-
bursts, the sudden leap from the tropical weather of
the daytime to the cold nights, not unlike a crisj)
( anadian November morning, were making them
fit for the terrible hardships they were to endure
after leaving Belmont. They slept in the open as
often as under canvas, and heeded not the occasional
li/.ard that crawled clanunily across them.

le worst thing they had to endure, however, was
the dirt. Watei- was a sciirce article and sometimes
they had to take tlieir evening meal of hardta<'k or
sour bread without even the muddy water of South

138

CANADA S SONS ON KOPJE AND VELDT.

Africa to wash it down. The springs and streams
in the region of the camp had been poisoned and it
was necessary to bring the water from Orange Iliver
in tanks by rail. Every drop was precious, a bath
was out of the question, and even a wash was a
luxury. They crowded around the engine as she
snorted and panted at the station, caught the steam
from the cylinders and rubbed off some of the dirt.

But these privations and hardships, loss of sleep
and poor food, seemed to have efl'ectod them but
little, for at the end of Decem])er, after the Christmas
festivities too, Colonel Otter's parade report shows
that there were only nine sick men at the camp at
Belmont, a good showing for any body of men a
thousand strong.

While they were learning lessons of wart) uit made
them fit to endure much, they wore likewise un-
remittingly learning how to fight under the con-
ditions of the modern battlefield. Drill, incessant
drill, heat nor storm stopped it, went on during the
entire month.

The first thing noteworthy about this now drill
W'as the ai)parent absence of ofiiccrs. and Avore it not
that some men on the field could at times be seen
evidently coaching the linos it would hnve been
thought that tlie soldiers were acting like si • ma'
automatons, knowing their parts and d( ' •!'
without sign or word of command. Tl iin
were there, however, but in no way Avon .<'y di?^
tinguishable from the men. The Boors had h arn- d
that an army, or a rogiment, or a company withoiii
a head was but .a blind force easily resisted, and so
they made the officers their especial mark, pouring
volleys upon them wherever they appeared on the
field. After the battles of Eland's Laagte and

LEARNING THE GAME OF WAR.

139

reams
ind it

llivcr
I bath

was a
as she
I steam
\G dirt,
f sleep
nn but
ristmas
, shows
■amp at

men a

at made
•ise m\-
Lhe con-
icessant
ring the

cw drill
w. it not
be seen
,ve been
so mm
1 1

I toy di;^
I U arn<'d

without
d, and so
, pouring
id on the
agte and

Dundee, after Enslin and Magersfontein, and the
lessons they taught, it was deemed prudent to make
it impossible for the foe to recognize any officer in
the field.

As early as November 10 Julian Ralph wrote
thus from Orange River as he saw the dead body
of that fine soldier, Lieutenant-Colonel Keith-Fal-
coner, and the dying form of Captain Wood, a late
graduate of our own Royal Military College, carried
from the the train :

" ' They will not play the game fairly,' said a
soldier, when we got the news that three officers and
two privates were shot.

" In the camp during the next day much that was
interesting was said about the means which must
be taken to give the officers an ordinary measure of
l)rotection. Look at any reproduction of a plioto-
grapli of British officers in khaki uniform, which
has iieen published in the London weeklies, and you
will see that their buttons and golden insignia of
rank gleam like diamonds against their uniforms.
As you see them in the pictures the Boers see them
in the blazing sunshine on the veldt. " Tommy "
has few such points of metal, and these he is for-
bidden to polish. He must keep them dim. He
must paint the sheatli of his bayonet brown, and he
may not even polish his boots. His rifle is his pro-
tection just as the absence of a rifle marks an oflicer
before the enemy. It is now under discussion to
have all officers who march witli their men pro-
vided with light carbines. In that case the swords,
whose silver handles now gleam like electric lights
on the field of battle, would be discarded, and so
would the colored collar-bands and shoulder orna-
ments, which make Guch shining marks. Such

r »»*:.J«««71K3-7-^

140

CANADA S SONS ON KOPJE AND VELDT.

matters as these the Boer docs not lui /c to consider.
He fights beliind rocks, and ex('t.'})t in the case of
his blue-clad artillery he lights in liis civilian dress."

Swords, as useless for any but cavalry officers in
this war as the ancient javelin would have been —
more useless in fact — were left behind ; and each
ofHcer bore his rifle like he men. ITehnets were
covered, every mark that distinguished them Avas
torn off, or concealed witli the all-pervading khaki.
In many cases the men were scarcely distinguish-
able, even when near at hand, from the sandy dcscit
over which they trod.

The drill was the most interesting part of this
wearing month. Mr. C. Frederick Hamilton in one
of his interesting letters gives an excellent idea of
the method of drill evolved by Major Buchan to
meet the tactics of the Avily enemy in the new
environment,

"More than that, the officers and non-coms, now
get into the ranks, and the word is passed along in
lieu of the signals which make the leader so con-
spicuous in the deadly clearness of vision given
to the battlefield by the devilish smokeless poA\'der.
And so our men daily skirmisli up the ko{)jes iu
long extended lines, ollicei's and sergeants m
the lines, to be distiiignislu d only by tlie
neater fit of their unironns and the coaching
which they give their men. The formation adopted
so far is much like what 1 thinlc I have seen in some
disquisitions described as the " wave " method. A
successi(m of tliiidy extcndiMl lines advance upon
the enemy, one line behind another, each so ex-
tended as to present the minimum tavgci. As the
objective point is reached the roar " waves " come
up and join the " wave" in front, thus Iccding the

LEARNING THE GAAfR OF WAR,

141

firing line and (levclo]>ing its fire \\itli gradually
increasing inlensity. ivoughly speaking, this de-
scribes the general idea. In carrying it out various
methods may be adopted. On one occasion the
Iront and rear ranks of one of the com[)anies worked
separately, ejicli furnishing a wave. On others the
advance was made by aUcrnate half companies or
sections. The formation wliich is most favored, and
whicli we may count u[)on as being adopted, is as
follows: The rear rank su|)ports the front rank at a
distance of thirty paces. The men in each rank are
at intervals of not less than five paces. The com-
panies in rear follow in the same fbrniation at a
distance from each other of from eighty to one hun-
dieil paces, Tluis a half battalion of four companies
advancing on the enemy would present eight waves
of thiidy scattci'(Ml men."

Along with this study of Ibrjnation ritlo practice
went on diligently. An ant hill, a bush, a white stone
would be selecled l)y a section, the distance judged
and volleys jioured \\\io\\ it. They needed no marker
to tell tlicni lion' close they came to the target. The
dry soil of this " dust bin of creation " told where
a shot hit. Under this exorcise the men rapidly be-
came excellent niarksmen, and ac(|uired that steadi-
ness of eye and hand that enabled (hem to kill the
Txter lire tirst aL Sunnyside ko[tje, and again in that
bl.'K'k week in Fel)ruary when Cronje was run to
earth.

iSo passed the (i;ivs in a ronnd of drill, digging
entrenchmenis, building walls, walehing passing
trains; their nights in listening to tli(> sentry's call
" All well !" passed along their iiiu', or in doing ont-
post duty over the grim battlelic^ld. An outing or
two into the surronnding country to l(K)k afto"

142

CANADA S SONS ON KOPJE AND VELDl

rebels ; an occasional shot at skulking Boers and
piitrols were all that relieved the monotony of this
camp in hot, thirsty, hungry Belmont. But they
had grown black as KafHrs, with a fringe of beard
around the most boyish chin, and thev could stride
across the veldt for miles without feeling exhausted.
It was a trying time, but ihe regiment needed the
discipline. It was weary waiting, nevertheless. It
had been prophesied when the}' left Canada that
they would cat their Christmas dinner in Pretoi'ia.
Christmas was with them, and they were ju-acti-
cally no nearer Pretoria than when they reached
Cai)etown, and there was no word of an advance;
no hoi>eful news came from any quarter of South
Airica. In Natal, in Ca})e Colony, by the Modder,
operations were at a standstill, and the three be-
leaguered positions. Ladysmith, Kimberley and
brave little Mafeking, saw no early hope of relief.

CHAPTER VIII.

CHRISTMAS WEEK.

Sunday, even in a South African base camp
v.'hei'c there is the same routine work to be !L>one
through as on a wxek clay, lias a leeliiifi- about it (hat
stamps it tliHerent from the rest of tlie week. A
cahn is in the air, and a lioly (juietness seems to
hang even over tlie toilers ; voices arc less loud, the
curse has a less harsh sound, and i,. . tt heard so
frc(iuently. Consciouslossly or unconsciously all are
worshippers. Sunchiy December 24 of last year will
ever be a memorable day with the Canadian soldiers
who return from South Africa. Their minds were full
of thoughts of Christmas cheer, of the friends in the
homeland, and they were busy making preparations
ibr the morrow. In the early morning at six o'clock
mass was held, and as fully half tlu' Munstcrs were
Catholics as well as a large pro[)ortion of the Koyal
Canadians, the parade was a l)ig one and the service
most impressive. There stood the soldiers before
the rude altar — a dressing table answered the pur-
])ose — listening to words ai)out the J'rince of Peace ;
there they stood or knelt, aimed, ready for battle.
A morning attack was fcai'cd and each man went to
the altar rifle in hand.

Nineteen hundred years had |)asscd since Peace
and Cood-Will to all men had be(>n brought to
earth, nineteen hundred years crowded with strife

J-i3

144 Canada's sons on kopje and vfj.dt.

and wars ; and this Christinas on tlie morrow wonld
hear the bells ringing out Peace and Good-Will,
Good-Will and Peace, while the two most civilized
Powers in the world, iMigland and the United
Slates, were waging bloody wars ; the one in the far
East in the Philippines the other throughout the
length and breadth of South Afiica. Instead of the
sword being beat(Mi into the ploughshare, and the
spear into the prnning-hook, the nianuracturei's of
military engines were never so busy. Great war-
ships were in the ship-yards of every nation in pro-
cess of construction, the factories of JMirope were
busy night and day turning out monster guns of
diabolical destructive power; the best mechanical
genius of the human race was being directed to the
invention of engines of destruction. Tlie Avars of
Darius and Xerxes, of Pyrrhus and Alexander, of
Hannibal and Girsar, seemed mild and gentle when
compared with these modern struggles with their
quick-fire guns and deadly (Explosives.

Such thoughts as these could not but (lash
through the minds of the more thoughtful among
the soldiers as they stood round the altar on that
l^ot Sabbath morning with their bandoliers filled
aid their rifies ready for the fight. Throughout
\[\o day their nnnds were on Canada and the
morrow; and as they patrolled on outjiostduty over
the veldt and up th kopjes they oeeasionall}'
slo[)[)e<l to sit and t.dk together of home, hi the
evening as if to t( 11 them in no unmisiakabli^ voice
liow far they were from thi^ home that held their
thoughts, crashing thunder ridknl aeross the sky.

'^blroughout the day the i>repara(ions lor the
morrow w^'ut on (h'spiie the heat — something over a
hundred in tlu; s1uuh\ It was hard under this hot

LIKIT.-Ctil.

1I!KD. MIIiIM.1:T(iN. K.I M

( .1:

MA.IoK (iKNKUAIv HlCllAKI* (i. A. M'ARI).

CHRISTMAS WEEK.

147

RD.

sun, with no grcon tiling about them, with lizards
and CGnti})(Mlcs, s3orpions and tarantuhu; crawling
around t])eir camp, to realize that Cliristmas was
coming. How they longed for a Christmas tree;
children could not have been more eager for one. In
nearly eveiy tent some attempt was made at a
sul)stituto — a poor, white, dry desert bush — but it
was a bush and imagination could do the rest.

Christmas broke clear and tine witli every promise
of a scorching day. That Peace 'had not yet come
to earth they were made to realize by the usual call
to arms at 3.30 in the morning. It was to be a
holiday, hut the Royal Canadians Avere taking no
chances. On just such a day when a less careful
guird might be exi)ected, the enemy might attack.
])Ut no enemy appeared, and a holiday was
proclaimed.

It was a ti'cat to have one day ofT from the
\\'e;irying fatigue duty of this broiling camp. At five
in tlie m;>!'ning the Toronto compiuiy paraded and
marched to Van Wyck's farm for a. bath and swim
in the shee))-wasli, jtud no doubt to eatch some of the
abmulant frogs to add to their Christmas cheer.
They luid the usual brealcfast of cotlce and l)read,
and then lay about to loaf and anticipate the
luxurious feast of chicken and duek and turkey they
were to have in the late afternoon.

A thousimd pounds of fowl had been ordered, lait
when the train with the Christmas cheer drew up at
tlie bullet-si'.ai'rvMl st-.tion, it was found th:itonly four
hundred pounds had b;'en sent. The I'owl too W(>re
not dress(>(l tor the eook, but came into camp
clucking and f[uaeking nnd gobbling. Off came
their heads in quiek order and the inhabitants of

148

CANADA S SONS ON KOPJE AND VELDT.

" Hungryfonteiii," as some of them liad christened
their camp, soon got rid of the feathers.

What a strange Christmas this ! But the strangest
part was to come. As the dinner to whicli all had
been looking forward was being prepared the sky
grew dark on the horizon, a wind played over the
camp, then a howling, blinding dust-devil tore
through their midst, swirling about in its mad
career, its funnel like shape threatening to sweep
the tents from the path. At its apy)roach all fled
befoi'e it — tliere is no Christmas comfort in the track
of the South African dust-devil ! AMien it had
passed and they could breathe tlie sultry air once
more without choking, black clouds si)read over the
sky and out of these clouds great rain-drops beat
down, cool and refreshing.

While they lay about in the lieat of this strange
Christmas a magazine with [)ictures of hockey and
other winter sports was eagerly scanned. Not a few
felt the tear come to the eye as they thought of the
home where these sports were and would have given
a year of their lives for one clear, cold touch of
bracing Canadian air. Nothing here but dust, dust ;
and not even a cold drink to wash out their throats.
Stay in Africa I They would as soon think of
becoming settlers in Greenland.

At four o'clock the men were assembled and Ahijor
IJuchan who had had command of the regiment
since it came to Belmont — Colonel Otter having the
more important duty of Station Commandant to
l)erform — addressed the men congratulating them
on the excellent work they had done and reminding
them of the eyes that were ui)on them in the home-
land and wishing all a ^lerry Chi'istmas. He was
enthusiastically cheered and then these men enjoying

CHRISTMAS WEEK.

149

their Christmas with shirt sleeves rolled up to the
elbows, ill canvas shoes and slippers for the most
part, tramped lo the hogsheads of beer, Sixliundred
quarts had arrived for the regiment ; six hundred
quarts, seemingly an enormous supply, but when it
came to be divided among a thousand men, each
one had a small quantity indeed.

The dinner ^\■as a change, but it was hard to cater
for such a hungry host ; and as there were over a
hundred thousand men in South Africa, all equally
anxious to have a fine spread, each man had
turkey, duck, chicken and fruit mainly in name.
But the plum pudding that after all gave the feast
a Christmas character was in abundance, even if it
had to reach camp in hermetically sealed tins. But
what made the dinner one to be remembered
lovingly by all was the spirit in which it was eaten.
There on the veldt under the broiling sun they
joked, they sang, they laughed ; but under the laugh
lurked the tear as they thought of Canada, its frozen
rivers and lakes, its evergreen forests, its jingling
sleigh-bells, the ruddy faces of the happy children.

How thoroughly they saw the humor of their
feast is well shown by a little poem, written by one
of the contingent, which drifted across the ocean
shortly after this Clu'istmas dinner. It is dedicated
to the regimental (iuarter-Master by " jNlagloire
Laframboise — the ' nom de 'plinnc no doubt
suggested by t)ie extra issue of jain given the
regiment on this occasion. Ihjw much the writer's
heart was in Canada ! and how well he has caught the
spirit of the laureate of the Habitant, Druunnuud : —

"Oil clit, dat dis is Civcsniiis Da}- !
Ma foi ! it sv.i.MM Lo mo
• To l)e more lak vSaiiit Juan Raptccse

She was so liol, yon see,

150 CANADA'? SONS ON KOPJE AND VELDT.

"De Gouvrenient she's foed us fine,

Oh ! yes, I doiit tink so :
One small cheeken inoiig thirteen men,

How yon lak dot, mou Joe ?

"De fniit she's libral, too, also ;

If every compa;Tine
Would give hecs fruit to one small boy

She's niaybee get plentee.

"Dere'sone good ting, dat we was get,

And dat's the plum pnddecn ;
Tankfi for dat precious lectle bite,

V/e gcevc our gracious Oucen.

*' At four o'clock dey cry ' fall in,'

To get your Creesmees beer.
And so we bring our jiannikin,

DL'ro's no one missing here.

"Jus one small pint, das all von get,

For fear yon get en fete ;
To-night you'll get a glass o'rum,

Eef j'ou can all walk straight.

"So pretty soon we go to bed,

And dream of ' soup au puis,'
And hope next Creesmas day we spend

Will be in Canadaw."

The officor's dinner at the ITeadquaricrs of (lie
Staff Officers in the cottage hotel was a somewhat
more extensive affair ; but no hnpjiier than the
frugal meal of the privates and the non-coms.
Wherever a Canadinii officer C(yuld be found — at
De Aar, at Orange River, at j\ fodder Kivor, at the
Cape — he had been invited, and sixty in all sat
down to a table laden vith turkey, duck, cliicken,
beef, springbok, vegetables, plum pudding, and
wine. A joH} and yet serious tiiue was spent. In,to
their speeches crept the cause of their sp^^nding this

CHRISTMAS WEEK.

151

Cliristiuas fur from loved Canada and merry
England. Voices from the Homeland came to
them ; messages from every part of the Dominion,
and to crown all a Christmas greeting from Her
Majesty Queen Victoria.

Her Majesty's health was drunk with enthusiasm.
Xot until South Africa is subdued permanently, and
a prosperous Federal Government is established
there, in touch with the rest of a united Empire
will it be knov;n what an important part the name
(^ueen ^'i(•t()l•ia has played in this struggle. The
l>ritisli people are no longer a monarchical people
in the sense they were in the time of Queen
I'Ji/abeth and the Stuarts, but the chivalry of the
iriizabuthan age is not yet dead. It was as much
the feeling that they Avcre going to fight for the
(iueen as for the Eiii])ire that made so many respond
io the call to aims. The very name "Soldier of the
(iueen" shows how deeply this feeling is rooted. It
is the thought that she, the noblest Monarch that
has occui)ied the tin-one since the days of Good
(iuecn Bess, and the best that ever held the sceptre
of ICiiglaud, v.'ill applaud thch" deeds that nerves the
arm of many an oliicor and soldier in the de;idly
l)attle-ln)ur. Her name has made heroes, has
ennobled the ho;ne-lifc of the Anglo-Saxon world,
has kept anarchy, comnumism, nihilisin, and all
the other isms that have curstid I'Airojie out of
I'^iiiglaud, and it only needed this war to show >\]iat
a unit that revered name had made the Empire.

A\'hen the feast and the speeches were over, the
])arty enjoyed a smoking concert on the broad
[iiaz/a of the hotel ; a jolly entertainment that
warmed the spirits of all.

In the meantime the men had been enjoying

152

CANADA S SONS ON KOPJE AND VELDT.

themselves. Dinner over they tried every conceivable
sport. The West of Canada i)ulled as^ainst the East
in a tug-of-war, a (xuoit match was played ; a game
of ball with a bit of limestone for a ball ; the fun
grew fast and furious ; but when the Toronto lads
inarched out of their quarters with a hobo baud — tin
whistles, tin kettles, iron pans — everything else gave
way. To the oflicers' quarters they marched,
serenaded them \vith hilarious mirth and then
betook themse.ves to the little square in front of the
station, where they kept up their character songs,
dances, and cake-walks, till " lights out." The Boers
had heard of the Canadians, and a rumour had
gone abroad thi'ough South Africa that they were
half savage and scal])ed their enemies. If they
could have seen them on this Christmas night they
would have firmly believed the rumour. Tliey were
a motley crowd — in rags, in blankets, dressed as
uncouth Highlanders, as tramps, as wild Indians ; in
war paint and adorned with waving osti'ich plumes,
they sang and shouted and leaped like a lot of
unfettered school boys. It was good to be young on
this Christmas. They forgot their liardships and
privations, they forgot for a moment that front only
a few miles away where battle and death awaited
them, and they spent the oddest and merriest
Christmas of their lives ; and wandered back to the
lines when the day's inn was over, happy but as
tired as if they had been digging trenches for
twenty-four hours.

On the following day the men awoke to find a
new state of affairs in camp. Colonel Pilcher of the
Bedfordshires had arrived to act as station-
commandant and Colonel Otter once more took
command of tlie reu'iment. The three weeks had

CHRISTMAS WEEK.

153

been busy ones, and Colonel Pilelier found that the
eamp was thoroughly entrenched and so could
devote more time to tield work. All tliose weary,
hot days the men had been erecting stone sconces on
the kopjes till each was an almost impregnable fort,
or digging wide, deep trenches where they might lie
and " snipe " any approaching foe. So well was the
work done that as Colonel Pilcher viewed it he felt
that behind these works the little garrison could
repel an attack by an army ten times it strength.
Nevertheless he added to the camp two companies
of the 2nd Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry under
jMajor Ashby with a machine gun, and conceived a
]ilan by which he could thoroughly test the force at
his disposal.

After Christmas the camp had settled down once
more to the ordinary humdrum of fatigue and out-
]wst duty. Tuesday passed ; Wednesday was
dragging by, and no Avord came to them of an
advance — the new station-commandant had not
brought them any nearer to war. On AVednesday
afternoon, however, just as they were making
preparations for their evening meal the bugles rang
out an alarm. No time to wait. P]acli man seized
liis rifle and rushed to his assembly ground. They
moved with pi'ecision, and yet how odd they looked
in many cases ; some witJi but one puttee on, some
buttoning their tunics or pulling them on as they
ran. ICach company had its allotted place and over
the wide range of lielmont battlefield the columns
could be seen doubling to take up their positions in
tlie trenches, on the redoubts, or behind the sconces.
Soon every important position had its defending
force. Khaki clad men on Kaffir Kopje, Kidney
Kopje, Belmont Kopje, Guards' Kopje, Scots Ridge,

154

CANADA S SONS ON KOPJE AND VELDT.

swept their keen eyes over tlie surrounding country
))ut no foe appeared. The artillery and mounted
infantry were not in this defence parade. All the
horse were three miles away for Vvatcr when the
bugles rang out, and just as the infantry had 'aken
up their position the rapidly approaching cloud of
dust told that the drivers were losing no time in
getting into the field of action ; butljcfore they had
formed up the bugles once more sounded and the
men hot, tired, and happy — they had sniffed battle
from afar — were marched back to their tents Avilh
their appetites considerably slip.rpened by this
vigorous outing.

Colonel Pilcher was pleased with the speed at
which the ni ,ii responded to the call to arms, but
determined to put them to a still severer test on the
moiTOW. He no dou!jt had already jdanned the
Sunnyside all'aii', and wanted to fully try the men
he Avoidd have to rely on, and as near as possible to
put them through the manoeuvres they would prob-
ably have to perform when brought face to face Avith
a strongly entrenched foe.

A route raarcli aviib planned for Thursday morn-
ing, a route inarch that was to end in an .'ittack
drill. After revciUo the men were givcni coifee and
cocoa and a i)ite to eat. ]'jvery department o{' the
army was to have a share in this drill. The foive
was made up of lour co!n))anies of the Ruyal Can.-i-
dians, two companies ol' Coi'uwalls, two guns of 1*
TJattery, R(jyal Horse Artillery, inuler JMaJor J)e
llougemont, the Mounted Infantry and the Maxims.
Along with theni went a train of annnunition wag-
gons, buck \vagg(/ns and stretcher-lx'arers. Tiiey
were playing the game of war, and none of the
pieces necessary for a good game were wanting. Jn

.QI'KEN VICTORIA <>N TIIK MOKNINd OV IIKK ACCESSION,
.ilNK jdiii, Ks:;;.

('t)LiiNKI. SIH C'Af

IMIK S. (./"\\-KI, K''. M-''-

CHRISTMAS WEEK.

157

a long line they marclied over the veldt on that
clear January morning until they had gone several
miles, and then the ''attack" rang out.

Instantly the whole winding line hroke up into
parts. The mounted inlantry galloped furiously
across the plain ; the artillery thundered off to an
elevated position two thousand six hundred yards
fioni Avhere the foe was supposed to be "and opened
lire; the Cornw^alls were detailed to turn the flank
of the enemy, and into the springless buck waggons
they tumbled, and by a wide detour I'jjpidly took up
a position on the right of tlie foe. In tlie meantime
the Canadians advanced by rushes across the veldt,
gradually drew nearer to the objective point, and
when within three hundred yards fixed bayonets
and stoi-med the height just as the Cornwalls and
Maxims ai)peared to help in the work.

The wdiole movement was done with incredible
rapidity considering the state of ground to be passed
over. The inf'Uitry had kept their intervals per-
fectly, and Captain Bell and his men in cluirge of
the Maxims had carried their guns up what seemed
an impossible kopje. lie had made the boast that
there was no hill too steep for his men to climb ;
this ascent up the boulder-strewn precipice proved
that he had not uttere<l idle wor'ls. There was but
one! casuality in this munic liglit. By the time it
was at its height the sun was high in the henvens,
and one of the privates fainted and fell nnder the
(ierce glai'c.

Tile foree was (I'icd and proved, and Colonel
Pilchi'r marched his men hack to camp with (lie
fe(^liiig that when the battle-honr came, and he
intciiilcd that it. should conu! V(M'y soon, he had
uuiUt him a bmlv of si'ldicrs second (o none in

158

CANADA S SONS ON KOPJE AND VELDT.

South Africa. The men, too, knew that they liad
done well, and scamied the orders to find if any
word of })raise were given. They were not dis-
appointed. Thus they found it written : " The
oflicer connnanding the Royal (Canadian liegiment
is desired by the officer commanding; the troops at
this station to express his satisfaction at the intelli-
gent and quiet way in which this morning's work
was carried out by tlie officers, non-commissioned
officers and men of the; Royal '^'anadian Regiment."
It is good to be praised when W')rk is well done, and
tlio men felt the better for Colonel Pilcher's en-
con laging words.

Since leaving Do Aar they had had occasional
dust-devils, but no dust-bli/zards. The ai'ternoon of
their route march just such another storm as they
experienced at their first halting place swept over
their camp.

On the following day their force was still further
augmented by the arrival of two com])anies of
(^aeensland INlountetl Infantry. Although Kipling
has said that the CV)lonial troops are absurdly
jealous of each other, there was no jealousy shown
at Belmont. The best of feeling prevailed, and the
Canadians helped the advance party under the
Quartermaster-Sergeant to pitch the tents of the
Australians, so that when the com})ani('S arrived hot
and tired at ten in the morning they found their
camp ready for them. They had not a very com-
fortable rest however. The storm of Thursday con-
tinned. On that day it wa< thought to be as violent
as possible, but with the ari'ival of the Australians
it inerc'ast'd in fury; it rocked {\iv tents; in the
blinding dust the men would occasionally have to
rush from their shellci' to di'ive the pt-gs more (ii'nily

CIIKISTMAS WKEK.

159

in'tO the yieldin,!;' soil. It lushed them, it stung
them ; it crept into every corner and crevice, and
swept like a ])linding, di'iving fog over the desert.
It made the Canadians long for a biting, bracing
January ])lizzar(l.

The end of the old year was rapidly approaching,
and no word of aclioii. Yes; a rumour, no doubt
occasioned bv th'.^ call lo arms on Wednesdav, the
route march of Thursday, and the increased force in
camp, spread through the garrison that a part of the
force at least was to be led out in the direction of
Douglas. Tlier(Mvere now nearly seventeen hundred
soldiers in camp, almost a thousand of whom were
Canadians, and every officer and ])rivate hoped that
the I'umour would prove true, and that he would be
chosen for the »vork.

Wliatever Colonel IMlchcr intended he told no
man; but he woul.l give the impatient Canadians
who were v-ishing themselves back by the frozen
I'ivers and lakes in Canada, and away from the
eternal dust and heat of the African desert, a chance
to prov(^ that they could do something more than
play at war; and when the houi'of trial would come
lio would nut tind them wanting.

■=s

CHAPTER IX.

UNDER FIRE,

■■.I

■ '-St

After the Christmas festivities the camp once
more settled down to its humdrum hfe of outpost
(hity, fatigues,and drills. The soldiers were beginning
to lose interest in the war, and not a few of them were
wishing themselves back on the gleaming rivers and
lakes of Canada and away from the eternal dust and
lieat of the African wilderness. Towards the end
of the week, however, they Avere aroused from their
kithargy and discontent by the good news that a
chance for action would be given to at least a poi'tion
of the regiment.

For nearly two months the region to the north
and east of JJolmont about the little town of Douglas
had been in a much disturbed state through the
jU'esence of a band of bandits — for they could be
called by no other name — who had fortified them-
selves on the kopjes and from their stronghold
raided the country round al)out. They were largely
rc^^els of the worst type, many of them men who
were, even since the war broke out, in the pay of the
iU-itish Government. They had been stealing,
looting, commandeering; neither property nor life
was safe while they remained handful together.

Nothing could liave given the Cano(lians greater
pleasure than to assist in breakinc: ui) this obnoxious

gang. It was therefore joyful

to them when

news
they learned that Colonel Tilcher intended to make

161

162

Canada's sons on kopje and veldt.

a forced march across the yoldt and run them to
earth.

On the hist Saturday of the year the Qucenslandcrs
and some of the guns were sent out in the direction
of Sunnyside Kopje, but to the disgust of the men
shortly returned to camp. C Company had been
ordered to hold itself in readiness and as no counter-
manding order was given all began to look upon
this return to camp as a part of their commanders
strategy. The Boers had to be taken unawares, and
Colonel Pilcher had learned much during the pro-
gress of this war. " Slim " as the Boer it would be
necessary to be to do his work and save his men.
Magersfontein, the fierce battles in Natal and the
heavy losses sustained there made him exceedingly
careful. He would give the Boers no chance to form
an ambuscade, and he would moreover teach the
older generals that successes against such a wily
enemy as they had to face nuist be gained by
scouts, by mobility, and by flanking movements.

All day Saturday the hundred men of C
Company waited impatiently, eager for tlie fray. So
eager, indeed, were the Canadians to get under fire
that many who were not chosen actually tried to
bribe others for their places. Sunday came and it
was not until the afternoon at two o'clock that the
hundred men, four oflicers, and the INIaxim gun
section fell in with the other troops for the hard,
rapid march across the veldt. They were in good
com]>any; with them went two companies of the
Queensland Mounted Infantry, two guns of the
Royal Horse Artillery under INIajor iiougement,
a part of the Royal Munster Fusiliers IMounlcd
Infantry and other select nun, — a splendid body of
soldiers the pick of an a)'my hungry for march or

UNDER FIRE.

163

battle. C Company had by no means com-
fortable quarters on the route. Thirteen sprhiglcss
buck-Avaggons and eight or ten scotch-carts joggled
them out of the envious camp.

Thornhill was their objective point, and across the
roadless, rough veldt they toiled. At times they
were tbi'ced by the heavy sandy ground to walk.
After over five hours stiff work, and when they had
accomplislied l)et\veen nineteen and twenty -two
miles, tired and thirsty they reached Thonihill.
There was no danger that their expedition would be
reported to tlie Boers at I'adenhorst Laager during
the night. The camp had been left with absolute
secrecy and Colonel Pilcher had prevented the
possil>ility of news being carried along the route by
leaving a trooper at every house he passed to prevent
white or black from letting the enemy know of his
ap})roach.

It was the eve of battle and the men lay on the
hard veldt with nothing but their great coats over
them. They watched the Old Year out and the
New Year in under the clear sky of Africa, with the
gleaming stars shining with almost sunHglit bright-
ness above them. It was to be a terrible year for
many of them and not a few would leave their bones
on the cruel veUh. None of them thought of this,
however; the morrow and the battle tilled their
dreams.

At four o'clock on Ne\>' Year's morning the bugle
roused them, but they did not get away from Thorn-
hill until alter six when the sun was b(\ginning to
make itself felt. Oidy three or four hours and they
would bo inaction. Secrecy was iho main thing in
their advance; the protecting ko]>jes, the brush and
the grass sheltered them for tlic most part, but when

164 Canada's sons on kopje and veldt.

they readied the sandy stretches it was feared tliat
the cloud of (hist raised my men and mules would
alarm the Boers. Fortunately, however, a wind
rose, and for once the soldiers welcomed tlic wliirlinjj;

dust-

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pest that swept across the plains.

devils" sheltered tliem from any keen eyes that

mi^ht he watching for friend or foe.

A little after nine o'clock, when the men were
thoroughly fagged with the march and the heat and
the dust, news was hrought that the enemy had
heen located. They were at Sunnyside kopje, and
after a march of several hours this hill loomed into
view ; and on its north end could he seen the tents
of the rehels — white arm}" tents of England.

Lieutenant Ryan rejiorted that the veldt to the
right was clear, and Major De Rougemont swept his
guns on the trot to a convenient eminence, un-
limbered, and at five minutes ]iast eleven the first
shot that the Royal Canadians had seen fired at the
enemy went screeching towards the ]3oer laager.
It was a range finder, but as accurate as if the range
had been marked. Right over the camp it burst,
and when the second followed the first, showing that
it had been no chance shot the shrapnel sent the
Boers scurrying to shelter. In five minutes five
shells burst over the Boer encampment and soon all
the enemy able to run, hobble, or crawl from the
circle of their waggons, were on the lofty top of tliC
overhanging kopje trying with their Martinis to get
the range of the death dealing guns which had so
promptly found them.

In the meantime the Royal Canadians were back
on the veldt a short distance in the rear, crouching,
kneeling, lying down ; waiting impatiently for the
command to advance into the fire-zone. The boys

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were hungry for a fight, and despite the empty
water-bottles, the intense heat, the fatiguing march,
wt' J in lioHday humor. It was their first great
chance and they only thought of proving themselves
men. As they lay there on the veldt over a mile
away from the dark hill where the game they were
hunting lay concealed they cracked jokes and sang
dry snatches of songs brought from the Homeland.

The thunder of the guns, the ripping of the
Maxims angered them ; they wanted to have a hand
in it too. But this miniature battle was being
fought with true military insight. Colonel Pilcher
was not going to sacrifice the men under him. That
kopje must be taken before sundown, and if possible
without loss of life. The guns must make it still
hotter for the rebels, then he would try the sting of
the rifle bullet, and at the end the bayonet. So the
Canadians had to wait.

At Inst the susjiense was broken ; across the veldt
from the guns a figure hurried. It was Reuter's
correspondent, and when he came into hailing
distance he shouted : ** The Major wishes you
Captain Barker to bring up your men at the double
quick."

The hour for which they had been longing for the
last month had come. Sections Two and Three were
to advance to a kopje about twelve hundred yards
from the enemies position ; Section One as support
took U}) ground about two hundred yards in the
roar ; and Section Four was to act as escort to the
guns. Major De Kougvniont led the men across the
open plain in person.

Up till this time the Boors had been peppering
away at the guns, pc'[)pering away with evident
IVight for their aim never troubled the guiuiers in

168 Canada's sons on kopje and veldt.

the least. Now tliat they caught sight of the long
line of khaki clad men doubling across to a shelter-
ing ridge they opened fire upon them ; and the
Royal Canadians for the first time knew what it was
to be under fire. The buzz of the bullets played
about them singing a song of death ; the thud of the
angry bullets sounded at their feet, at their sides ;
but never a man was hit. It would indeed have
required splendid marksmanship to bring them
down ; a man at a mile's distance is not an easy
target, especially when that man is moving rapidly.
The fates were with them, anS although thousands
of bullets splashed the brown dust of the veldt
in front, in rear, and sang overliead, no chance
bullet found a victim. Had they lost heart for a
moment some would surely have fallen, but they did
not. They had been ordered to extend in their
advance and extend they did and kept their
intervals of eight paces perfectly. Had they drawn
together they would have made an easier mark ;but
however much these young soldiers might hoA'e felt
the need of the sustaining touch of the next man,
they showed no .signs of it, but kept distance as well
as if on a field day. In tlie days of Waterloo and
the Crimea it was a case of united we stand, divided
wo fall ; but now that had all changed ; the Long
Tom, the Mauser and the Lee-Enfield had made it
a case of divided we stand.

At any rate when the Canadians reached the
))rotecting kofye not a man had been hit. Chance,
i*rovidence, the bad marksmanship of the Boers,
were all three in tlieir favor. Not an infantry shot
had yet been fired although the swish, swish of the
enemy's bullets played around them. But now their
turn liad come.

UNDER FIRE.

169

Color-Bergeant Campbell fired the first shot ; found
the range, and a general well-directed fire began
along the entire line. It was effective, and soon the
singing of the bullets grew less frequent, and the less
steady crackling of the invisible rifles in the enemy's
stronghold told that they were either holding their
fire and biding their time, or afraid to show
themselves.

The fire had now ceased to be dangerous, and
jUthough an occasional thud and puff of dust told
that some Boer still had the range, and the nerve to
fire, no one ran any risk of being hit. But they did
run serious risk from the sun. They were tortured
with the heat ; their tongues were like burned
leather, and clove to the roofs of their mouths ; their
lil)S were parched and cracked. The hot stones were
like burning iron to the touch and many felt they
nmst soon succumb, when the welcome command
was given that they must advance to another kopje
some four or five hundred yards in front.

This was not as easy as it had beon to occupy the
first ridge, and so they moved forward with greater
care, doubling when in the open but rushing to
every shelter available ; a bush, a rock, an ant
hill — anything that would give them a moment's
safety from the hot fire that was now poured upon
them. At last the ko})je was gained, and in the
short rapid rushes, not a man had been hit. It was
a gallant, well executed advance, and the whole of
Section Three, twenly-three men in all, that had
made it sat panting and exhauste*! for a moment
before beginning their work of firing at th,eir still
unseen foe.

They had succeeded in gi'tting to shelter and out
of danger from the Boer marksmen, but another foe

170 Canada's sons on kopje and veldi

that had ])con with them since inorn'ing beat down
fiercer tluiii ever. The New Year sun baked and
blistered tlieni, and they sucked at tlie muddy dregs
of their water bottles in vain for relief. Down at
the base of the kopje they saw a Kaffir hut. Where
human beings live water is never far distant, and so
two of the privates, Tom Wallace, a son of Clarke
Wallace, and Private Kae, volunteered to risk the
dangerous descent. They managed to secure a small
keg of water and brought it up the hill to their
thirsty comrades. This put an end to the splendid
extension that had been kept across the veldt under
fire, and all crowded around the precious fluid. In
their thirst they forgot their danger, but a sudden
fusiladc from the enemy's position told them they
were observed, and bofure they could duck to cover
a stream of bullets i^ang over their heads. It was a
close call. There was nothing for it but to take
shelter till the order to advance would be once
more given.

It would be difficult to estimate the number of
men who have been killed directly and indirectly in
the South African war through thirst. Every letter
from the front speaks of the insatiable thirst, and in
almost every hot fight men have been struck down,
either whiJe crossing the fire zone to secure water
for their conn-ades, or while exposing themselves to
the enemy's fire in their efforts to quench a thirst
more agonizing than a wound.

There was no time, however, to consider their
need of water; that stccj) hill crackling with a
treacherous rifle fire had to be taken, tiiken at tlie
bnyonet point ; and so once more they rushed for-
ward. Up a steep descent they went, then acioss
the open for two hundred yards to a sheltering

UNPKn FIRE.

171

kopje. This flistance was not made without clanger.
They were now near enough to f-erve as an easy
mark for good shots, and the hullets rained among
them Hke hail. A tunic was grazed, a hehnet
ehijt[)ed, the du.jt flew in their faces as they dodged
to tiiis roek or that ant-liill, hut never a man was
struck. At last the kopje was reached ; they were
in safety to wait and pant till the linal charge on the
enemy should be made.

In the meantime a very picturesque battle was
going on. There away to the right the Royal
Munsters were gallo})ing across the oi)en to eut o(F
the escape of the Boers to tiie north ; on the left the
(Jueenslanders were executing a sj)lcndid flank
movement, creeping along the ridge of hills, slowly
l)ut sui'cly dm wing closer to the doomed foe. The
trap was set, the outlets were being closed ; it was
only a matter of minutes till the Boers must
surrender or break through the tightening lines.
Between the Canadians and Munsters the stet^/ly
roar of the guns told that the well-placed shrapnel
were still being sent across the mile of veldt ; while
the fierce rending cracks of the Maxims told that
the men from Toronto and Ottawa under Captain
Bell were doing stead v, effective work.

For four hours the '* tick-tack " of the rifles, the
boom of the guns, the rending rattle of the
Maxims, the swish of shells, the singing of bullets,
the shouts of yien, kept the iield a lively one indeed.
Occasionally a bursting shell would flnd the hiding
])lace of some Boer and make; him expose himself
ibr a moment as he sought somo bett( belter, and
then the Canadians would jxnir upon him a storm
of lead. Yet all this din and Minmunition for all
these hours only managed to strike some twenty

172

CANADA S SONS ON KOPJE AND VELDT.

men. It did not show that tlie aim was had, hut
that South African war at long range had knocked
M. Bloch's theories to [)ieces. Khaki and shelter
more than counteracted the destructive force of the
modern gun and the modern litle.

The Canadians now at close range Ixgan a
ra])id, telling fire at the enemy. So well-aimed was
it that soon the Boer fire grew slack and wild. They
di<l not dare show themselves. For the last hour
the Australians on t-he left were ready for the
charge, and as the fire slackined began to double
across toward the skulking enemy. At the same
time Captain Barker's men got the order to fix
bayonets. Forward they went at the dou]>le keeping
well to cover, while tlie neryous lire of the Boers
left them .still unscathed.

The end had come ; the Boers saw it and in
desi)air threw down their rifles and raised tlie white
flag. Into their position the soldiers ruslu>d bringing
them to their knees at the bayonet's jioint. ilol,
thirsty, excited as the Canatlians and Australians
were the finish would have been a l)loody one had
not C(<lonel Kicardo prevented the men from using
the cold steel. Many of the rebels knowing that
they deserved Imt little mercy fr(Mn the Britisli weri'
afraid to take their chance by remaining, and so
threw themselves on their horses, and hatless, cojit-
less, wild-eyed with fear, galloped away in the
direction of Douglas.

The victory was complete, the rebel nest was
broken uj), six were killed, twelve wounded, and
thirty-five taken })risom'rs and this excellent work
done largely by amateurs at war with a loss of but
two killed and three woun<led. The Canadians biid
not a man injured — ^}'es, one I He bad been hit in

UNDER FIRE.

173

the log;, but foarins tlie hospital and fU'oiuinj; it hut
a scratch did not ivjxirt liis inishap. (Jallant work
this, .skilfully done.

And what a jjjaug had hocn broken up! No
wonder the j)e<»i)le abtfut IVuijijlas had been in terror
of their lives. Hamilton of the (dobc who during
the entire work of tiie tirst continj^ent did sueli
ell'ective serviee for his pajxT, and who was witii
Seetion Hiree during;' the wliole day, thus deseribes
them: "Slouehin*;, round-shouldered, matted of
beard and hair, beastly (hdl, and brutal as to eye."
They seemed less than human in their animal
fjrossness, rii^s, and filth. There were wounded men
amonj^ them, however, and tliis touched the human
feeling of the Canadians.

It was learned that in a jiully at the foot of the
koi)je there was water. The thirsty men forgot
I'verythinjj; else and rushed away to drink, and
drink, and drink. But in their own neee.ssity they
.•showed that this tirst taste of Avar had not brutalized
them. They tiiought of the wounded toe sutl'ering
a more ap;oni/,ing thirst than the thirst of the dust
and the sun — the thirst that comes as the l)Iood
(hains from the heart, and tenderly went to their
enemies to moisten their lips although the water
was far from abundant.

The 15oer laager was searched for loot, and son o
excellent saddles and bridles weie foun<l l>ut little
else of value. It was a W(H-supi»lie<l eamj), with
three line waggons, a big water-cart, fuurtecii tents,
1! Kailir wattled-hut, and a d(»/.en splen<nd trek
oxen.

The absolute luiconsciousness of the J^oers of the
}tresence of the Ih'itish force was shown by the utter
surprise they nuist have received at the sudden boom

174

CANADA S SONS ON KOrJK AND VELDT.

of Major l)('Tv<»n;;oinont's f^iin and tlio siinnlta.iicous
Inirstinp; over tlicir heads of the sfivcchin^
sliraj)iu'l. 'riii'ie had hcM'U no (hoiiji^ht ol" (hinj^er.
On their fires was ovicU'neo that they had l)een
geltiii^ lemly tiie noon-day meal. The iVesh nnitton
lialt'-eookcd in some cases, was a welcome sij^ht to
men who ha<l not oaten anvthinLj since eailv morn-
innj. After they had satisfied their hunger, they
lay ahoiit for tlnj most part t,o smoke, to rest, an<l to
rejoicj.

It may be thouj,dit that too nnich space has been
ji^iven to a slriiL^f^lo in wliich the iJritisli loss was hut
two men kilU'd and thr(>o wounded ; hut the number
of casualities is no criterion of the importance of this
lii;ht. It was the first success of the British on the
Western border for six weeks. It came at a time
when the war cloud hun^ like a pall over London.
Black news day after day ; records of death, death
were thrillinj^ Eni^land from end to end. The finish
of the strugjL^le seemed a lou!^ way off ; it looked as
if the succession of Gibraltars that barred the way
into the. Transvaal would never be taken. This fi<?lit
came like a burst of sunshine out of the black
clouds. The kopjes could bo won, won without
much loss. The Colonials had shown the British
Generals the true method of South African warfare.
Skilful scoutinpf. rapid leajjs acros? country, lino
flanking work during a well-i)lanned frontal attack,
would break the forces of the enemy and press them
ba3k and back from hill to hill till Pretoria was
reached. The method ado^tted by Colonel Pilcher
in this fight was the method that relieved
Kimberley, that cornered Cronje with his four
thousand men, that irresistibly swept the army on
its road to Bloemfontein, that rushed Kroonstad, that

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UNDER FIRE.

177

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bent back the Piir])ri.sc<l foe before Johannshurg, tliat
foiuul the gales of Pretoria opt-n uinl unguarded. It
was a fine victory, at ouce s)iowiiig how kopjes
could l^e stormed and making General Methuen's
line of communication comi)aratively safe.

The night of the tight the Canadians and the
Mounted Infantry slept in the laager and in the
morning made ready for the return journey. But
this victory was not without its thorns. Private
McLeod of the Mounted Infantry who had been
fatally wounded, died during the night, and in the
moi'ninLC tlie Canadians stood by the grave of their
Itrother Britisher from the sunny Southern seas.
Major P)ayly read the service over his grave, Last
post was blown by the bugler and a rough cross
erected to his memory. Private Jones' body lay
out on the veldt luul two of his comrades who knew
where it was went out and gave it a ruder
l)urial — without bell or priest, without cross or
stone.

This gloomy work performed the men were
ordered to begin the march back, but not until they
had thoroughly wrecked the Boer camp. Everything
of value that could be borne away was packed in the
Wiiggons. Two of the Boer waggons were burned
with otiier stuff and several thousand rounds of
anmiunition thrown into the fire. Then the men
took the beaulifully polished Martinis they would
niuch have liked to keep, and raising them ovei'head
smashed them against the rocks. Then they
marched towards Douglas singing as they w(^nt
Mliile behind them they could hear the crackling
of the bursting cartridge in the tire.

That evening after a march of twenty-one
miles, hot and dusty as usual and expecting u

178 Canada's sons on kopje and veldt.

fight, they readied Douglas. But there was no fight
awaiting them. The alarm of their advance had
been given and the terrified three hundred Boers
who was garrisoning the town had fled, and instead
of the Vierkleur of the Republics over the pretty
little town waved the flag of England.

They were parched and dusty, dusty to the
bone ; but the Vaal River flowed past the town and
in it they bathed till they were made over anew and
ready for another fight or march. While they
revelled in the cooling stream from the public
square came the roar of exploding ammunition. It
was the necessary destructive work of war, tens
of thousands of cartridge were being destroyed ; but
it seemed to them like a gala day rejoicing over
their victory.

The angry enemy were said to be in strong force
and now in hot pursuit. It would not do to lose the
results of this victory by having this little army
overtaken on its way back to Belmont, and so
accompanied by such of the loyal inhabitants, men,
women and children, as did not dare to remain be-
hind, a rush across country of forty-six miles was
made by day and night with a speed that defied
l)ursuit. On the way the Royal Canadians kept the
women and children in good spirits and good
humor by singing songs and playing on mouth
organs.

They were hungry, spent, foot-sore ; but the good
work tb.ey had done not only buoyed U]> their own
hearts, but enabled them to comfort the weak who
were fleeing from their homes, their all.

Rumours of the pursuit of the approaching force
had reached Belmont and several companies were
sent out to cover the retreat if necessary. But they

UNDER FIRE.

179

wore not needed (iiul served as a guard to escort the
victors back to cam}).

A hundred and two miles in five days, a long and
fierce fight under a liot sun— not a'^bad baptism
of fire for tliis gallant little band of Canadians.

^1"

CHAPTER X.

THE CONTINGENT AT PLAY.

The victors on their return from Sunnyside
expected an enthusiastic welcoine. They were to be
dissappointod. The remaininc,^ seven companies
were exceedingly jealous of the honor done C
Company. Naturally enough! Hero they had
been digging sand, tramping over sand, eating sand
lor two hot African months ; enduring it all with
the hope of getting under fire; the opportunity
came and one company was singled out for the
coveted work. In their anxiety for light the
soldiers forgot tliat the officers had to act to the best
advantage, not only of the regiment but of the great
campaign on which they had entered. It was not
because the men in C Company were better men
than those from British Columbia or Montreal, or
the lAIaritime Trovinces, l)ut because they were
better drilled. A thoroughly efficient soldier cannot
be made m two months. C Company had been
so long together, practically as a unit in Toronto,
that 111 all 8outh Africa there was no body of
soldiers who marched better and used their heads to
more purpose— a thing by the way the sddier in
lonner wai-s was never expected to do. It, was a
complnnent to the regiment that C (bmpanv
should be placed on the tiring line, while the Duke
ul ( onnvaH's Light Inhntvy wore given what from

*8i

182

CANADA S SONS ON KOIMR AND VELDT.

the soldiers' j)oint of view was the mere (hudgcry
of battle without the glory.

No shouts welcomed the victors buck from their
trying march and fight ; a solenni silence reigned
over the little army at Belmont. Many indeed made
light of the affair, and when they saw the stretchers
empty, no man wounded ; and learned that none
had fallen out in the march, they even tried to con-
vince themselves that their conu'ades had been under
a hot fire only in their imaginations.

After this figh ramp life became duller than
ever, and but for the social instinct of the men it
would have been unendurable. In the evening they
would lie about in their tents while the earth was
cooling down idler the scorching heat of the day and
chat of Canada or the pmgress of the war, tell
stories, and sing songs. Sometimes some of them,
unable to endure the heat of the tents, would lie out
in the open, under the clear sky and the bright
moon — a moon so luminous that they could read
without difliculty by its light — and think and think
of their friends overseas.

The monotony of drill and fatigue was relieved
during these days by what seemed to the most of
them sport, Maxim gun ])ractice and rifle practice.
Targets were erected with the ko})jes for back
ground and excellent work done. The regiment,
however, had other methods of filling in time.

During Christmas week the instinct for i)lay
became very strong, and the friendly rivalry in the
tug-of-war and the quoit competitions made them
eager for more sport. It would be hard to find an
English regiment at the front without the where-
with-all to i)lay the national game of cricket, and
liere in the desert the Cornwalls were able to fish

THE CONTINGENT AT PLAY,

183

from their impedimenta wickets and balls. They
found in tlio British Columbia men worthy
antagonisls. How contrary to all ideas of a cricket
environment was this South African desert. Cricket
suggests green grass, restful to the eye — green grass
soft and juicy and cool from the perpetual watering
it receives. How were they going to play cricket
among tliese stones, on this dry, sandy, brown,
yielding veldt. The men in Ciibraltar on tlie hard
rock of the fortress had Ibund it possible ; all it
needed was the will and the way would show itself.
Matting A\as spread for a crease, and a swii't but not
treacherous one it made. As might have been
( xpectcd the Cornwalls were the winners, but only
l)y a small margin.

Another sport much indulged in by the ))oys, and
one played without um}>ire or referees, was tackling
• istriches for their i)lumes. Ever since the Ivoyal
Canadians landed in South Africa they had not
ceased to wondei- at these ungainly birds that
wandered singly or in stately ilocks over the deserts.
As they climl)ed the karn)o in their crawling train,
these birds like the cows and horses of their native
land would sometimes race by their side. They
would straighten themselves up, vibrato their ex-
tended wings, and skim over the i)lain with a speed
that easily distanced the train, and not only did
they maintain this sjieed for sliort bursts, but were
as tireless as the engines, rushing along for hours
without showing signs of fatigue.

From the moment the hoys saw these birds they
covetted the magnificent ])luhies that waved from
wing and tail. 'JlR>re were not many things in
South Africa they could send to Canada as souvenii-s
ol their tri j) ; but here was one, and every man in

184

CANADA S SONS 0\ KOI'JE AND VELDT.

the regiment made up liis mind to despatch across
the ocean some of these feathers. They had plenty
of opportunity. Stray (locks of ostriches and single
birds, without owners for the greater part, now that
the war had sent the Boei's either to Cronje or
Joubert or as i)risoners to tlie Cape, wandered over
the veldt and into their very lines.

In many respects the ostrich was more like a
camel than a bird. Its great two-toed hoof-like
claw with a thick pad beneath ; its long, stout
feathcrless legs, its csycs with overhanging brows
and long laslics all gave it a marked resem])lance to
the shi[)-of-the-desort. Indeed if the camel's
ungainly Ixxly could be trimmed up with a few
feathers a somewhat gigantic and uncouth ostrich
would be the [)roduct. Its strength and endurance
too, and its stupidity are of a piece with the
camel's. When em-aged it not mifrequently turns
viciously on its pursuers.

The birds standing when upright from seven to
eight feet in height were no easy fowl to pluck.
But the Canadians had to have feathers, no matter
what danger they ran to get them. One adventure
will serve to illusirate the sport almost every
member of the contingent had with these grim,
ungainly, gaunt, and monstrous bii'ds.

A party was doing outpost duty near the Boor
lines when they came on a (lock of ostriches, 'the
birds were moving slowly over the veldt browsing
tiie tops of the dry shrubs or, as one of the boys
remarked, stowing away an occasional bit of shell
or cartridge case, for the ostrich does not stick at
herl)s or llesh, and is the only trulv onmivorous
creature alive. Whatever they were ejiting they
were evidently enjoying it from the hoarse sonorous

X -

3 a

OS S

2 i

^ =

TIIK CONTINGENT AT PLAY.

187

chuckling they were making. The boys eyed the
birds and their feathers, and planned a campaign.
First they coaxed them up quite close, and then
made ready to tackle the victims. They were old
football players, but the excellent rule of tackle low-
would not work in this case. They might as well
try to tackle the wheels of a moving locomotive as
those robust legs. If they did they would find
tlKMUselves sprawling, probably senseless on the
veldt. The only point of vantage seemed to be that
long neck, scantily covered with thin down. 80
wlien tliey had wheedled the birds near enough,
they dropped their rifles, made a wild dash into the
floe'.: and succeded in gripping one stalwart fellow
al>oul the throat, giving his neck a vigorous twist.
Then came the tug-of-war. The ostrich resented
this familiarity with his person and flapped and
kicked and struggled, making it almost impossible
to liold him. As the one who seized him first
remarked, "The blamed thing was as strong as an
ox." He was not vanquished without leaving his
mark on his enemies, one of whom got a vicious
kick that ''came near putting him out of business."
He was concpiered, however, and in the end a few
fine feathers were ruthlesely torn from him to be
sent to far Canada. As soon as he was released he
went flying across the veldt with angry stride to
join his comrades who were now but a speck of dust
on the horizon.

Tlie olhcers «aw that if the men were to be kept
in good spirits they must have something more to
amuse them than ritle practice, an occasional shot
at a Boer patrol, or an adventure with ostriches, and
so tliey planned a day's athletic sports for the
garrison. The 17th of January was selected

188 Canada's sons on kopje and veldt.

and on that day a general holiday wan proclaimed.
It was well to make it general as the number of
entries took in almost every man in camp.

The sports began at ten in the morning and it was
not until seven in the evening that they were
concluded. To give some idea of the interest taken
in these sports it is only necessary to note the
number of entries in 'the hundred yards' <lash,
ninety-seven in all. The boys were evidently ready
for either a double against the enemies position or a
good retreat. The interest centered, however, not
so much in the individual sports as in the
tent-i>itching contest and in the tug-of-war.

The members of C Company had proved
themselvos since coming to 8outh Africa the most
expert tent pitchers in the Canadian Kegiment, and
when Corporal Grant entered his squad, the other
Companies felt they had no chance, and so they
allowed Corporal Grant to fight it out with a squad
fiom the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry. A
time limit was set, and the squad having their tent
nearest completion at the end of the stated time
would be awarded the prize. A brilliant contest
took place with the entire camp as spectators. Now
Corporal Grant's men had the lead, now the
Cornwall's looked like winners. Just as the
Canadians were about to give the linishing touch to
their work, over toppled their tent and they seemed
to have lost. Nothing daunted, they erected it
once more ; and just before time was called the
Cornwall's tent collapsed and the Canadians had
the prize. The cheer that echoed among the
kopjes showed how popular was the victory.

Great interest too was taken in the tug-of-war.
Team after team succumbed and at last B Com[)any

THE CONTINGENT AT PLAY.

ISO

from London and the Queenslanders were left in
the finals. But the Queenslanders proved easy
victors.

In the individual sports the Australinns, too, won
practically everything. They weie a sturdy lot of
athletes, strong and wiry and their successes were
applauded in every case ; no jealousy in this camp,
no selling of races, no blaming referees. The entire
day of sport was a struggle l»etween the Colonials
present; the British soldiers had practically no
place in the contests, and it is to be feared that the
Colonials thought tlu'mselvcs a sujierior race of
beings. But this inferiority of tlie English soldiers as
athletes should be no matter of surprise. The
regiments of England were rei-ruited very diflcrcntly
from the regiments of Canada jind Australia. The
Canadians were the pick of the nation ; almost every
second man having won for himself a namu in some
department of athletics. Out of the two hundred
thousand men by this time scattered throughout
South Africa, it would have been ditlicuit to find a
body of men so cai)able of giving a good account of
themselves in the athletic arena as these soldieis
from the Kangaroo state and the land of the Maple
Leaf

The friendly rivalry between the Australians and
the Canadians made their contests somewhat serious
afi'airs. There was another element in camj), the
colored boys who wei'c employed with the trans-
ports. Their race was infinitely more amusing t'lan
all the other contests. Down the dusty street they
Avent tripping, jockeying, seizing hold of their
opponents,— anything to win. The prize fell to the
first man in, no matter how he got there; and a
wily Kafiir boy of some filty sunnncrs finished first

190

CANADA S SONS ON KOP.TK AND VELDT.

It was an excellent day's sport and broke the
monotony of as weary a month as ever soldiers
experienced. There was another sport, contrary to
orders, especially after "Bobs" appeared on the scene,
but nevertheless very much enjoyed. Occasionally
patrols scouring the country about Belmont would
come ui)on one of the widely scattered farmhouses
that dot the veldt, and Kipling's little bit of rugged
verse would l)e hunnued as they eyed the low built
homestead.

" If you've ever stole a pheasant-egg be'ijid the keeper's back,
If you've ever sniggcd the washin' from the line,
If you've ever crammed a gander in your bloomin' 'aversack,
You will understand this little song 'o mine."

With the regular *' Tommy " they could not
comprehend

" why lootin' should be entered as a crime."

However, the}' commandeered an occasional
square meal, and not a few chickens and ducks
found their way into the Belmont lines. It was a
little risky, but until "Bobs" came, making death, for
a time at least, the })enalty for looting, the worst
that could follow was a few days' punishment with
extra duties.

I'^arly in February when a part of the regiment
was marched to Gras[)an, they foinid their old
friends the Highlanders anxious for a game of foot-
ball, and although the Canadians were not adepts
at the association game, they were glad of a chance
for a little sport. But the Highlanders, skilled
playerSj Avere too much for them and ke})t tli«.vjv

THE CONTINGENT AT PLAY.

191

goal keeper dancing about in the heat while they
shot goal after goal.

But the best game they had in South Africa was
on one hot afternoon in March when the ollicers of
the Oordon Iligldanders and the ofticers of the
Koyal Canadian Kegiment tried their strength in a
game of Rugby. Rugby suggests cold autumn days
and muddy fields, but the scene at Bloemfontein
was \Qvy different. A scorching day, the usual
hundred in the shade ; no turf on which to fall
when tackled, but a field to which the term
" gridiron " could be nj)plied in every way. The
teams, indeed, played on a great baked brick. It
Avas a fine contest of two fifteen-minute halfs ; but
the weight and speed of the Canadians told ; and
Captain Barker, so well known as a football
enthusiast and manager in tlie Dominion, steered
his combination to victory. Lieutenant Marshall
by brilliant play scored two tries, while the
Ilighlanders failed to get the ball across the
Canadian goal line.

The march to Paardebei'g, that nine days'
struggle before the Boer trenches, the privations
of tlie advance on Bloemfontein, had in no way
dimmed the ardour of tlie English, the Scotch and
the Canadians for manly sports, which are after all
mimic war. It has been said that a nation can be
judged by her games. No other race has such
manly sports as the Anglo-Saxon and they play
them manfully and honorably ; and as has been
l)roved a thousand times, no other nation plays the
game of war with the same dash and spirit and
high sense of honor.

It will be a sorry day when England and her
Colonies cease to play. This last great war has

192 Canada's sons on kopje asd veldt.

11,

brought the Motherland very near to her chikhv-
but Wimbledon and Bisley, the cricket and football
contests, have long been paving the way for this
sudden springing to arms on behalf of the Empire
that, in the words of Lord Salisbury, so took the
world by surprise.

CHAPTER XI.

A WEARY MONTH.

IToPE deferred maketh the heart sick; and if
ever men were sick of waiting the soldiers of the
First Contingent were. They had not come to
South Africa to do garrison duty, hut to fight, and
for a time tlie chance of a figlit grew more and
more remote. Reports came to tliem of the figlit-
fighting under Gat{)cre and French, of the sturdy
defense of Ladysmitli, of tlie sorties from Mafeking
and Kimbeiley, of Buller's desperate struggles along
the Tugela. Whilo these contests were taking p\\co,
while many gallant fellows had died for England,'
while on this field and that the Victoria Cross had
been won, here ihey were cooped up in the Belmont
"dust bin" doing a kind of police duty over a
people who kept well out of sight. The camp was
strongly entrenclicd, the kopjes were splendidly
fortilied ; and there was nothing loft for them to do
but to walk up and down the grassless plain as out-
posts or patrols.

Camp duties no longer attracted them, the novelty
of tlie soldier life had worn oil'. They had grown
careless about their work and even noclected the
rifle that they saw but little chance of us?ng against
an actual foe. Occasional rifle practice at distant ob-
jects on the dusty plain had lost its fasrination. It is
not to be wondered at that the men grew lax in

194 CANADA*S SONS ON KOPJK AND VELDT.

their duties ; several were even guilty of the
unpardonable crime of sleeping on outpost duty.
The regiment was sharply brought to time for this
indiH'erence, and extra guard mounting and sentry
work was given them to do. The men took the
punishment, but went about their duties with
heavy countenances and often bitter words. The
food, the heat, the dust, the inaction made many
regret that they had ever left Canada. A number
when they enlisted had made up their minds to
remain in South Africa when they had wound up
the war and make their fortunes as Beit and
Rhodes had done ; but the experience of December
and January in Belmont had changed their point
of view. They would not stay in Africa for all the
gold of Johannesburg. What they wanted was one
good stiff fight, and then a quick return to C*anada.

The month of December was relieved by several
expeditions not unlike the march to Sunnyside, but
without the glorious ending that rewarded them on
that occasion. The first was to Lul)be's Farm in
the Orange Free State, and the Canadians had the
honor of being the !first considerable force that
made a raid into the territory of the enemy ; so far
all the fighting had been done on British soil.

Jacobsdal was an exceedingly important town in
the Orange Free State. It served as a base of
supplies for the Boers who had so efl'ectually
stopped Methuen's advance on Kimltorley. Over
this district Commandant Lubbe reigned supreme
in his cosy, shady, almost luxurious farmhouse not
far from the British border. A raid on his
habitation would bo doing effective work for
Methuen, especially if by any good chance the
cammandant and some of his influential friends

■4,

.\ia,I(»k-(,i:ni:i!ai, thumas iilani* stuanm:. |

COLONEL WALKKK I'OWELL.

A WEARY MONTH.

lo:

could be made prisoners — a thing wliicli almost
liai)))cned.

'i'lie force tliis time was a good-sized one, in all
four hundred and eiglity-seven men and one
liundred and eighty-eight horses. C Coin|)any had
had its outing and so was left l)ehind, 'while the two
Maxims, A and B Companies and a part of H, a
force of two hundred and ninety-three men from

the C

ne OinafUan regiment, paraded at six ni the
morning January D, with a part of the Queensland
^[ounted Infantry under Colonel Ricardo, two guns
of the Ivoyal Horse Artilh'ry, two companies of the
Cornwalls, and twenty mountodp men of the
^^unster Fusiliers. Surgeons, transport-ofiicers,
stretcher-bearers went along. It was in fact a
verital)le little armv ready to give a good account
of itself.

It was a cloudv day, but as the march was over a
particularly sandy region it was an oppressively hot
and thirsty one. Coats were thrown open to catch
tlie light breeze, and the helmets, a weight to the
heads, were carried for the most part on the
bayonets. Nor was this a comfortable march ; the
bum})ing of the springless buck-waggons ; the
tramp, tramp of the men over the yiehUng plain
that made the "seeming smouldering fire under
their feet rise in clouds of choking sand," — tried
tluir powers of endurance.

Jf it was not a eoniiortable marcli, it was an
exceedingly [>ictures(|Ue on; that long line of
waggons, each drawn by ten nniles, with an extra
nude diseonsolately jogging along at the side ; those
l)]ack KaHir boys llicking tlie ears of the nudes
with th(Mr long wliijis and sliouting'l tlieir loud
"eighs"; the tramping horj-cs ; the trundling

198

CANADA S SONS ON KOPJE AND VELDT.

f^uns ; the steady march, marcli of the infantry — all
'^avc hfe to a plain that seemed to have lain dead
for ten thousand years. As the column went
lurward, to the front, to the riglit, to the left, the
keen-eyed scouts examined every foot of ground.
No chance to amhuscade this little force !

Stanley McKeowh Brown of The Mail and
Empire gives in one of his interesting letters, a
most striking pictui'e of the morning march towards
Commandant Lubhe's farm.

" Hills and plains, kopje and veldt, past one on
to the other ; across the next and a small stretch of
veldt is in fro»t of you ; sometimes the lewl land
is half a mile, often the kopje is fifty feet high, but
more frequently it reaches towards the heavens for
four times that distance. No flowers, no trees,
prickly bushes, hot sand, no change — nothing to
startle you ; the only thing that is magniticently
grand is the sky, and that is always new. Each
hour seems to work fresh wonders. But men on the
march cannot i)ush back their helmets and gaze at
God's pictures in the sky. They nnist tramp on,
and in this case on the}' went. The Mounted
Australians darted a little faster, and with all eyes
front we could see over rising ground the tops of
tall, slender trees, nestled in the centre a windmill.
This one green sjiot was Witdam Farm, the home
of Commandant fjubbe, one of the Orange Free
State Boer leaders."

The owner of the farm was at home, but he did
not wait to welcome his unbidden guests. As soon
as the Australian Mounted infantry appeared on the
distant horizon, a party of \kwvs who were just
about to sit down to dinner leaped on their horses
and lied eastward. Tlie AuslraHans went in hot

A WKARY MONTH.

199

pursuit, but their jaded steeds were no match for
the fresli mounts of the Boers and so no capture was
effected.

Tlie coknnn had arrived at a convenient moment.
At Sunnyside kopje Colonel Pilcher had appeared
on the scene just as the enemy were making
preparations for the noonday meal. The time was
judged a little better on this occasion. The meal
was prepared and on the table and Lubbe had
generously left boiiind two grinning Kaffir servants
to do the honors of the feast. The officers, nothing
loath, " sat down and enjoyed," as only men who
had been marching from early morning could
enjoy, " the good-sized joints of veal and mutton,
and heaping dishes of rice and barley, and the pots
of tea and coffee."

The afternoon was spent in investigating the
farm, picking up anything of value that could be
found, smashing the rifles and destroying the goodly
supply of ammunition that the Boers had left
behind in their hasty flight. Late in the afternoon
the Australians who had been keeping a watchful
eye over the surrounding country brought in word
that the enemy was in force in the vicinity. How
big or how small a force the men cared nothing ; a
figlit {It last ! Hastily the little army was disposed
so as to resist attack to the best advantage.
Artillery, Maxims, Mounted Infantry, Royal
Canadians, al! got ready for action when the scouts
brouglit in the disapi)ointing tidings that
the enoni}' that had surrounded them was the
Victoria Mounted Biflos. It was a close call ; as an
officer said, " Another ton minutes and tlie British
would have been shelling the British."

Tlirougliout this war there have been many such

200

CANADA S SONS ON KOPJE AND VELDT.

close calls. Some of the Colonial and irregular
mounted corps are in the distance so much like the
Boers, who are all mounted, that time and again
different divisions of the British force have been
about to engage each other in deadly strife. Many
of the rumors of Boer forces that disturbed the dull
monotony of the Belmont camp were due to the
diligent Colonials who patrolled every foot of the
country lying along the Orange Free State border,
and who made frequent flying incursions far into
the enemy's territory.

The excitement of anticipated battle over, the
force returned to the farm to thoroughly enjoy the
evening meal. The fresh beef, newly killed for the
men, the fowl for the officers, made an excellent
break in the monotonous fare they had been having
at Belmont. It was well to have made this forced
march, if for nothing but these generous meals. The
experience of the remainder ot this outing is
graphically described by Mr. Brown, the only
Canadian correspondent that accompanied the
expedition.

" No tents, and an order to stay at Lubbe'.s for the
night, the men bivouacked. Great coats and a
starry sky were their covering, sand and limestone
served them as beds, and anything from a rocR to a
water-bottle sufficed for a pillow.

" The * Rouse ' blared out at four o'clock, before
the sun had got uj) on the hori/'^ni, and with hasty
preparations the flying column Avas able to proceed
by half past six. The Belmont force went away in
heavier order than they came, since tliey had with
them some twenty horses, about twenty-five head of
cattle, and the whole of the contents of Mr. Lubbe's
house from the stove and stove pipes to the articles

A WEARY MONTH.

201

which lie had hidden in the ground in the yard.
An ox-team of fourteen lovely long-horned beasts
was borrowed, together with an immense waggon,
well-racked to carry to camp what had been taken
from the home of the Boer incitor.

" The return home was made by a shorter course
to the north-Avest, and though we once missed the
road which delayed the journey somewhat, we were
back in Belmont shortly after noon, having made
practically no stops except to pick up a few chickens
at a farm house whose occupants are out in the deep
hills with the Boers."

They did not get back, however, without a
further alarm, and once more they were drawn up
in order of battle only to lind that the threatening
force was the 0th Lancers on an outing from Modder
River.

On the day of their return to camp Lord Roberts
and Lord Kitchener arrived at Cape Town. Over
two months before, on October 31, Sir Redvers
Buller had reached South Africa, and amid the
salvos of the populace set to work at once " to finish
the war." He knew he had no easy task before
him ; but his coming ** relieved the tension" of the
Britishers in South Africa and the prophets began to
foretell the speedy downfall of the IJoer cause. He
failed uttei'ly, <nnd the people clamoured loudly for
Lord Roberts, Rol)erts of Kabul and Kandahar. ]t
was evident that the greatest military genius of
England was demanded, not so much on account of
the enemy's numerical strength, as by the difficult
nature of the scene of the coutlict. Buller has lost
for the present much of his pojailarity as a
general — not with his soldiers but with the public
at large — but when this conflict is over and the

202 Canada's sons on kopje and veldt.

three fjictors that have made his path into tlio
Transvaal a diflicult one are cahnly considered, his
old renown will return with increased lustre. The
slowness of the war office in getting sufficient men
to South Africa; the inadequate knowledge th(!y
possessed of the topography of Natal ; the folly of
sending practically nothing but infantry and
inefficient artillery to cope with mounted men and
the finest of modern long range guns — these were
the first difficulties that faced the British leader.
Then the urgent cry that was daily flar^lu d across
the heavens from Ladysmith for immediate relief,
and the clamor of the English world to. make haste
to the beleagured town, forced Buller's hand at a
time when the thing needful was to play a waiting
game. Then, too, there were the difficult kopjes
that he had to force his away among, every one a
fortress as easily defended as Gibraltar or Quebec.
Under the circumstances no man ever did better
work than Redvers BuUer, and but for his strenuous
efforts, his untiring watcli fulness, his crossing and
recrossing the Tugela that gained for him the title
of the " Ferryman," Ladysmith would surely have
fallen, and Roberts would have found the relief of
Kimberley a much more difficult matter.

He bore the heat and the brunt of the day,
Roberts and Kitchener came in the evening to win
the victory and', reap the glory. Napier in his
" Peninsular War " says: "In the beginning of
each war England has to seek in blood the
knowledge necessary to insure success ; and, like the
fiends progress towards Eden, her conquering
course is through' chaos followed^ by death." Sir
Redvers Buller's experiments were necessary to
teach Roberts how the foe had to be fought ; and the

A WEARY l^rONTII.

203

iay,
win
his
of
the
the

liriti.sli hlooil thill I'ciMciiud the Tii^cla was not
siu'd ill vain. Napier's words wtTu tri4o of tho
Crimean war, of tlic Indian Mutin}-, and never more
so tlian of the Soutli African war; but it was hard
to have to be tho general to create the knowledge
necessary for a successful campaign.

" We Jiave been taught a loson," said a great
English journal, •' Jiut not one that need make us
uneasy, and certainly not one to cause despair. We
have been taught that this matter is grim earnest
and that we must away with vain boasting ; shut
our teeth and go steadily through with it. It is a
great mercy that the lesson came so soon and so
completely. We shall not forget."

This was written just before Lord Roberts landed
in Cape Town. With his a})pcarance on the scene
of conlhet, ihe public became less feverish. His
attractive personality, his exjjerience seemed to set
all minds at rest. The war if not shortly linished
would have its whole course changed. X'ictories
instead of defeats were now to be e.Kpectcd. But
for a month the questions went up, " What is
'Bobs' doing?" "Where is Kitchener?" Had
the reputation of the people's idol and the reputa-
tion of his great Chief-of-Staff been swallowed U[)
b}' that "grave of reputations," South Africa. To
none was Lord Roberts' arrival in Cape Town of
greater interest than to the Canadians at Belmont.
When they heard of his landing they began to look
forward to s]iecdy action. The fact that he had not
hurried to the Natal frontier made them hope that
his first move would be against the besiegers of
Kimberlcy. As the days lengthened into weeks
and no move was made they too began to lose faith.

Lord Roberts, however, heeded not the complaints

204 Canada's soxs on kopje and veldt.

and ('lamourings of tlio press niul the })ul)lic, nor
the inlerfcrnig of tlie War (Jflice. lie had a free
liand. 'I'his war, from the number of men un<ler
]iim and the charactei of the country tlu'ougli
Avhieli lie liad to tight, th(! greatest he had entered
upon in liis til'ty years of service needed the most
careful [)re])aratory work. Ladysiiiith, Kimljerlc}',
Mafeking, would have pntienlly to endure siege
until the time came for him to strike, and then lie
would move forward with an irresistible impetuosity
that would jn-ove to an astonished world that for
enduiaice and <lash there are no troops like the
Hritis)' troops, and that, as ever before in IJritish
history, the great need had found the great man.
Koberts is at once a iVhul borough and a pocket
Wellington with a dash of the " Little Corporal "
thrown in.

While he was organizing his forces, studying the
country, patiently waiting for additional forces,
having thousands of horses — the thing most needed
in a modern war — brought from the ends of the
earth, the Canadians groaned wearily in their hot
camp. The two exi)editions into the enemy's terri-
tory had taught them what Avar meant, but had not
(luenched their ardor. The rapid exhausting march
to Sunnyside on half rations and the tight in the
blazing heat, the dash into the Orange Free Slate
only made them the more eager for some such
battle as Magersfontcin or the fierce conflicts that
were daily being waged about Ladysmith. These
two outings, too, taught them the difHculties with
which their lenders had to contend. Horses Avere a
necessity to a successful advance, and yet the horses
of the (Queensland Mounted Infantry, tAvo hundred
and eighty in all, Avere rendered unfit for service by

MA.IOR r.KORtlE STKWART.

A WEARY MONTH.

207

v.,

tliopo two foiHtvl ninrcliof!. They died by the dozen
and those that «nM'vive(i v. re so weakened tliat it
w. «''^essaiy to send them down to the

district about Orani(^e Kiver where pastnfe conld bo
obtained ; and so the Canachans lost the companion-
ship of the Qneenslanders, to whom througli their
friendly rivalry they had l)ecome very much
attached.

On the 21st of January another ex])edition of
twenty-six officers and four hun<lred and eighty -six
men, including A Company, six ofHcers and one
hundred and twenty-six men, went out towards
Thornhill where tliey bivouacked for the night.
The patrols several times came in contact with the
enemy's outposts and a ])art of the Victoria
Ah)unted Infantry was skilfully drawn into ambush
by the lV)ers and one of the-r luimber had his arm
shattered by two shots, buL succeeded in escaping.
In such force were the enemy about Thornhill that
Colonel Kochfort-Boyd, the new station commandant
who had taken Colonel Pilcher's place when that
l^opular oiSt'^er was given command of the Mounted
Infantry a!",the Modder, ordered A Company to fall
back uj)otr Rifchltionil where G Company was
stationed. For three weeks these companies
remained at Ilichmond where they built a tine fort
and did Ihe usual drudgery and trying tasks of
soldiers in a ])osition liable to an attack.

In the meantime an enemy more deadly than the
Boer had visited their camp. On .Tanuary 20 the
or<ler book containeil the following sentence : " In
view of the several ret'eut cas(»s oT enteric frn'er
(tyi)hoid) the greatest [tossible care must be taken in
respect to camp sanitation." This was the
beginning of the end. The regiment that was to

208

Canada's sons on kopje and vkldt.

stand the rigors of a march that scarcely lias a
parallel in history, as trying fighting as ever fell to
the lot of soldiers, was to have its strength sapped,
to bo literally smashed to pieces by this deadly
fever. Two were to be taken while they were still
encamped at Belmont ; and this was but the
beginning of a continuous record of death. There
is little wonder that fever visited this camp. The
scarcity of water made cleanliness impossible, and
encamped as they were on a battlefield strewn with
ghastly memorials of the fight, they were fortunate
to escape a plague.

The brightest day in this weary month was the
one on which the issue of chocolate was made to the
regiment. This chocolate was the personal gift of
Her Most Gracious Majesty to her troops in South
Africa, and the soldiers treasured the boxes that
contained it as in the olden days a Raleigh or a
Sidney would some gift from Good Queen Bess. The
age of chivalry dead I These chocolate boxes alone
were needed to show what a part Queen Victoria's
name has played in this momentous campaign. One
letter from Private C. Jackson to his father will
suffice to show the esteem in which the gift was
held.

" I have just received a box of chocolate. Her
Majesty's present to the South African soldiers,
which just arrived to-day. It is very nice, in fact
almost too good to keep here, there is such a
demand for them by the oflicers and everybody
else, as mementos. In fact I have been offered £.i)
for mine, and at the Cape as much as £10 is being
paid, so you will readily understand why I am
sending mine home. Somebody might take a fancy
to it as they did to my match safe. Take good care

A WEARY MONTH.

209

Ler

I £5

Pg
am

\cy

lare

of it until I return, which I expect will be in a few

months."

" Until I return ! " Poor Jackson ! He was one
of the first to give his life for his Queen in that
fierce Sunday fight at Paardeberg.

Things began to look a little more like war
towards the end of January. Major-Goneral Hector
Macdonald passed through Belmont on his way to
the Modder to take command of tlie Highland
Brigade. " Figliting Mac's" presence suggested
war. A further evidence of the coming conflict was
tlie crowded state of the line from Cape Town to the
Modder. A continuous stream of men poured
northward ; evidently a large army was being
mobilized by Roberts. With the forces, supplies
were rushed to the front, supplies apparently
sufficient to feed a nation. Tlie Canadians began
to wonder when tlieir turn would come. That the
eye of the great field-marshal was on them was
shown by tlie signal honor done the regiment in the
appointment of Major t^xptimus J. Denison to the
stalF of Lord Roberts. The letter to Major Denison
from Neville Chamberlain, private-secretary to Lord
Roberts, announcing the appointment gave further
evidence of the high eslimation in which the Royal
Canadians were held. ** Lord Roberts desires me
to add," he writes, " that it gives him much
pleasure to avail himself of your services, as a
representative of the magnificent body of troops
sent from the Dominion of Canada to serve in
South Africa."

A few days after this apitointnient was made
three companies Avere marched north to C!ras})an
only to be pron]}>tly ordered buck to Belmont. It
was a forward nioveineiit, however, and the hearts

210

CANADA S SONS ON KOrjE AND VELDT.

of the men rejoiced ; battle was in the air. On
February 8 all doubt as to the meaning of the
trains loaded with men and supplies that had been
steadily toiling towards Kimberley for days was
ended by the appearance of Lord Roberts and Lord
Kitchener at Belmont Station. They stopped for
but a few minutes, only long enough to inspect the
station and the station guard.

What a contrast there was between the little
Field-^hlrshal and his tall, square shouldered Chief-
of-Staff. But it was not hard to understand why this
little old-young man of sixty-eight had been chosen
to save England's good name. His quick eye, that
seemed to lose notliing, his nervous restless energy,
the sympathy that beamed from his ftice, the stern
determination that shoAved itself in his firm lips, all
made it evident why " little Bobs " was the biggest
soldier in the Em[)ire. And what a weight he was
carrying, a weight that must have pressed with
])eculiar heaviness upon him every time he saw
those strong, ambitious young men who were ready
uncomplainingly to follow him to the death as they
would have followed no other leader living. Over
by the Tugela lay his brave young son, dead, as ho
when young had ho})ed to die, in the hour of duty ;
dead, winning the British soldiers' highest honor,
the Victoria Cross, the thing lie himself valued
before all his other decorations. Whatever ho felt
he showed no sign of feeling ; only perhaps in no
war has this groat-hearted general showed such
solicitude ibr his men as in the South African war
— doubtless in every wounded, suffering soldier ho
saw something of his son. It is adversity that
brings out true greatness, and Koberts' splendid
response to the nation's call in an hour of crushing

A WEARY MONTH.

211

th
iiw

ity ;

nor,
ued
felt
no
such

ho
that

sorrow shows the strength of the will of this soldier
who has fought his way to the highest renown on
tlie most difficult battlefields of the Empire, — in
India, in Afghan, in Abyssinia, in Burmah, He
had hoped nineteen years before to liave put an
end lo England's difiiculties in South Africa, and
now in his declining years the work he had been
sent to do when Colley fell at Majuba once more
was his and there was going to be no retreat this
time. Next to the Queen's chocolate box, the
soldiers of the Canadian regiment valued most this
first glimpse of their Commander-in-Cliief.

Kitchener attracted attention but not in the same
way. He has been called the *' Man of Ice and
Iron," and alongside of his sympathetic leader, his
cold, strong face looked it. A fighting machine,
who in the Soudan utterly destroyed the 'Khalifa's
forces Avith a slaughter unparalleled in modern war.
But if the men felt that they could follow Roberts
anywhere, they felt too that Kitchener's organizing
genius was needed for the march to Pretoria. Of
him it had been said in his Soudan cam})aign : ** It
a])pcars to be the Sirdar's policy to advance deliber-
ately step by step ; to make his position secure after
each step before venturing on another; to run no
unnecessary risks, but, at the right moment, to
strike hard with unexiHH'tcd suddenness, and follow
up the blow with energy." This sentence is as true
of his work in South Africa as it was in th(^
Soudan ; every advance ironi ('ai)e Town to Pi'etoria
has been an illustration of this (k'liberate, maehine-
like method.

When those two great soldiers left lielmont the
Canadians breathed easier ; it was only a matter of
days till they would follow them up the line. On

212 Canada's sons on kopje and veldt.

the 9t]i they found tliat tliey had been brigaded in
tlie 19th Brigade with their old and tried friends
tlie 2nd Duke of Corav/all's Light Infantry, the 2nd
Shropshires. and the 1st Gordon Highlanders,
with Colonel Smith-Dorrien as their conmianding
officer. On the followin day Colonel Smith-Dorrien
arrived in camp, inspected the Canadians and found
them wovtliv of tlie re])utation the}'^ had gained in
South / "i-

In m] :o . luid they defended and captured
every ko})j( v.,' ':: ten miles of Belmont; they had
grown weary of repelling and routing large forces of
imaginary j - •■, fnd iJu^v noAv wished to try them-
selves with bullcis siii'i'i'- nbout them and shells
bursting in their ranks, 'ihey were soon to have
their wish.

CHAPTER XII.

THE MARCH TO PAARDEBERO.

pP forward movement was to begin at once Thp

tliree companies, B, C, and E, were ablo n

respond to the urgent telegram. ^ ^"^

. Ihe soldiers left Belmont without any re^rrot Thn

mne weeks of heat, monotonous work, ^and^dirt hi

2i;j

214

CANADA S SONS ON KOPJE AND VELDT.

led them into camp with the pipes, and the Mun-
sters made up for the tramp.

How different was tliis camp from Bebnont.
Plenty of water here*; tliey could drink without
stinting themselves, wash when they felt like it,
and swim in the big tank at their pleasure. They
began to feel now as though they were at the front.
Past them whirled troops, and big guns ; past them
rolled cavalry {uid mounted infantry all getting
ready to sweep the enemy from before the gates of
Kimberley. They were, however, to experience a
bitter blow.

Scarcely had the three companies got nicely
settled in their new quarters when the command
came that thev were to be once more marched to
Belmont. Dusty, scorching, thirsty Belmont — how
they hated the name !

But shortly after their return the regiment became
a unit once more. A couple of days after Robei-ts
and Kitcliener had passed througli all the eight
companies were assembled and awaiting the word
that was to make them join the northward-flocking
troops. On the 12th the long hoped for message
came, and the Canadians got ready to join that
moving world of men and horses and cattle that
was sweeping with irresistible force on the doomed
Boers. At four o'clock they leit the camj) which
they hoped never to see again, entrained and moved
north to Ciraspan where they bivouacked for the
night.

The strengtli of the contingent had somewhat
diminished ; two, Farley and Purcell, had been laid
to rest during the past M'cek, a number of others
were sick so that only eight hundred and ninety-
five of all ranks were a1)le to undertake the tryi.ig

nt.

DVlt
it,

tiey
out.
lem

ting
es ot
ce a

icely

ed to
— liow

anic
bci*ts
eight
word
ockiiig
lessage
tliat
that
oomed
whicli
moved

for the

mcwluit
ecu laid
f others
ninety-
trvi.'g

LIEUT.-COL, CHARLES EDWARD MONTIZAMBERT.

MAJOK ,1. C. McCoRKILl,, H.C.U

THE MARCH TO PAAIIDKBEIIO.

217

march after the enemy. Their trials began tliat
first night at Graspan. Hot when they entered
camp, the air cooled as they lay wrapped in their
great coats, a wintry chill was on the earth before
morning, and thej'^ shivered with chattering teeth
till reveille roused them at three in the morning,
weary and tired, for the day's march.

There was an enormous army to be j^rovided for,
about forty thousand men in all and twenty thous-
and horses, and this host was to move with a celerity
that would paralyze the Boer forces. Each man
had to carry with him the means of sustenance for
two days, and so emergency rations and two days'
rations — twelve hardtack as hard as the stones of
the kopjes — were issued, and then began a march
of five days that will live in British history. Over
dusty plain, across dry veldt, past gloomy koi)je
they tramped through the heat to Kamdam, only
between twelve and fifteen miles, but they felt as if
they had marched a hundred. The dust of a mov-
ing host of men, the clouds of dust made by the
innumerable oxen, mules and horses that accom-
panied the advancing army, filled the air. Far
about them the transport waggons stretched, far in
the rear they toiled, creaking and groaning on their
axles to the accompaniment of the neighing and
braying and bellowing of oxen, and asses, and
horses, and the loud harsh cries of the negro
drivers. Yet vast as was this army and innumer-
able as were the oxen and waggons how small they
seemed under the pure hot sky and on that great
brown plain ; like a fleet of ships on the jjathless
ocean, they were lost in the immensity of the
environment.

The march was a trying one. The men staggered

218 Canada's sons on kopje and veldt.

along through the blazing heat, now one now
another falHng from the ranks throngh sore feet or
exhaustion or chilled with the deadly enteric. Over
fifty men of the 19th Brigade dropped out and at
Kamdam Colonel Otter was forced to leave fourteen
men behind as unfit to advance.

All this week thirst played havoc with the sol-
diers ; any one of them would have given ten
dollars for a single refreshing drink. Several times
they passed fields of melons on their line of march.
They eyed the tempting fruit thirstily but dare not
leave the ranks to pick them. Sometimes the
negroes on the transports — and what negro African
or American could resist a melon — would manage
to leave their high seats, secure these prizes, and
greedily devour them, throwing away the green,
moist rind. The men with lips parched and cracked,
were glad to pick these skins out of the dust to
moisten their lips and cool their tongues. What a
thirst was this ! When they reached Ramdam they
hoped for water, but here they found nothing but a
green slimy pool with creeping things in it. The
horses turned away in disgust sniffing at it scorn-
fully ; but the men bent over and drank. Had
they been told it was poisoned they still would
have drunk. One of them in writing to his mother
said of it, "The water was muddy and bad, in fact
so bad that you had to hold your nose while you
drank, but drink we had to, we were so thirsty."

Once more they bivouacked in the open. There
was now no doubt about the work they were on : war
was^evident, a march such as this could only end
in battle and sudden victory or disastrous defeat.
Up the next morniijg before daylight ; off at five in
company with the llighland Brigade, and after a

THE MARCH TO PAARDEBEIIO.

219

3ve
,'ar
Ind

kat.
in
a

march of twelve miles as hot and trying as the one
of the day before, they reached Watcrvaal drift on
the Riet river in the early afternoon. Tired and foot-
sore as they were tliey found a heavy task awaiting
them. The big naval 4.7 guns were at the river
and a fatigue party of two hundred men was
detailed to get them across. It was a big under-
taking, but after about three hours pulling, hauling,
and siioving, these monster weapons that were to do
such excellent service on the road to Pretoria were
safely across the stream. The work was well done ;
in fact whatever the Canadians undertook in
tliis campaign from building sidings to charging an
army in the trenches, they did with a spirit
that gained them among the regulars the name
of the Royal Dare Devils. This work finished, at
six o'clock the whole battalion crossed the stream
*' dead tired," to use the words of Colonel Otter.

At Watervaal drift Field-Marshal Lord Roberts
met the brigade and tired as the Canadians were
with much marching and privations, hungry and
thirsty, shoes broken, khaki uniforms shrunken and
ragged — his presence seemed to put new life into
them and they marched past him with a carriage
that called from him words of most enthusiastic
praise on their physique and appearance — and
** Bobs " is not given to praising where it is not
merited.

Still no real rest ! In the open they slept once
more, up at daylight, and off, this time as the
advance guard of the Ijrigade and they set a pace
with their long >viry legs that made the regulars
groan to keep up. But the march was telling on
the regiment, here seven more men had to he. left
behind as unfit to proceed. This was but a short

220 Canada's sons on kopjb and veldt.

march, a break in the week. Between eight and
nine o'clock tliey halted at Wegdraal drift on the
Kiet after doing nine miles and the whole battalion
was kept busy doing outpost duty for the brigade.

On that day Cronje left his trenches at
Magersfontein, For over two months with splendid
military skill and a courage that Lord Mcthuen was
the first to praise, he had on the one hand kejit
Kimberley in a state of siege and on the other
checked an army of double his strength in its career
of victory. For two months he had called down on
himself the mingled hate and admiration of the
English world, and in the hour of defeat he was to
win still further renown. He feared nothing from
Methuen, but he learned with uneasiness of the vast
army that was being gathered together about
Graspan and Honeynest Kloof. With his force he
could not capture Kimberley, but he would await
developments.

Luckily for the British he waited just twent3'-four
hours too long. Had he left Magersfontein on the
14th instead of the 15th in all probability lioberts
would never have overtaken him, and the Transvaal
would have had its most reliable general till the
end of the struggle.

On the 15th of February he saw that the
movement was evidently against his position ; he
(;ould not hold out and so with the live thousand
Boers under his command he siip})ed quietly out of
his strongly entrenched position and starljcd a race
with the British who were trying to outflank him.

Tliat the rapidity of Roberts' iiiove had taken the
Boers ])y surprise was evident from the state of their
encampment. Shortly '^•lifter they had evacuated
tliuir position, some of the Biitisli soldiers entered

THE MARCH TO PAARDEBERO.

221

tlie
he

lut of
race

ini.
[u ih<^''

Uu'iv
[wtited

I to red

their trenches and found a strange assortment of
camping material and supplies. Bags of mealies,
mealie flour, rice, saddles, blankets, pots, pans, the
enameled plates they ate from, and in many cases
their precious tin trunks. There was no time to
pack up these things, if they wished to escape with
their lives the lighter they went the better. And
what a filthy hole they left behind them. It is
amazing that they were not all swept away by a
plague of their own making. The dirt, the filth was
appalling ; the air was filled with a sickening
odour ; foul carrion lay about their trenchea ; heaps
of supplies were covered with the undressed hides
of lately slain oxen — all these things attracted black
swarms of flies. They must have been more than
hardy to live in such a place as this for weeks ;
only men half savage could have existed in all this
filth. Yet these men time and again had proved
themselves as humane as the best of their enemies.

There was no time for the British to moralize on
the filth or admire the skill with which the Boers
had entrenched thems'^' s. Just a passing glimpse
at tlie earth torn and discoh^rcd by the deadly lyddite,
and a feeling that their "slim" enemy through
their engineering skill liad suffered l)ut small loss.

In the meantime Major-General Ficnch, the hero
of Elands Laagte, was dashing forward towards
Kimberley, sweeping from his path tlie few Boers
, who remained among the intervening hills to bar
his progress. No time to save man or horse ;
troopers fell from the ranks, wounded and exhausted
horses rolled over on the plain and gasped with
stiflening limbs, but the whirlwind of war waited
not till the green trees surrounding the Diamond

" The

City canio into view.

long,

weary weeks of

222 Canada's sons on kopje and veldt.

anxiety and luirdsliip ; the disappointment of
Mager.sfontein, and tlic lioartsickiu^ss of dd'errod
hope wero alike Torgottcn. Kiniberley was ri'lievctl
and tlio remainder of the march mi^lit as well have
been a review." Ten ihonsand men and {"orly-two
j;uns liad been rnshe*! forward wil-h a. rapidity
probably withont a parallel in war; and l\ind)erley
was relieved.

When the besiej^ed read the signal of the relieving
colnmn, " This is General French coming to the
relief of Kind)erley," they doubted the glad mes-
sage. The four months of constant shelling made
them look on the Boer attack as a permanent part
of their daily life. This signal was surely a trick
to throw them off their guard. But reassuring
messages came, and when they realized that it was
(uMieral l^'reneh and liis gallant brigades, the men
leaped from the trenches, manned the walls, and
the women and children crawled from the depths
of the diamond mines to welcome their deliverers.

In the meantime the 19th Brigade was steadily
advancing, Jacobsdal, the Boer base of supplies
for the force at Magcrsfontein, was but five miles
away from the bivouac on the Biet. A shorp, short
fight had taken place at this spot ; the Boers had
resisted the advance, but the colunni in front of the
Canadians had scattered them as chaff before the
wind. The Canadians reached Jacobsdal at ten in
the morning and rested for the day.

It was a homely little village surrounded by a
stone wall, a Dopper church the only building of
any imjiortanco. 'J'his church was now turned into
a hospital where sick' and wounded Hoer and
liritish soldiers were being cared fur, and well cared
for too. The town was somewhat deserted ; everv

THE MARCH TO rAARDKHERa.

09Q

ed into

11 caved
every

man capable of bearing a rifle liad left, and. oidy
the women and cbildren and a few old iiiun could
be seen in the streets and bouses. 'J'heir scowlinj^
faces, their sullen demeanor showed how intensely
they hated the " rooineks."

During the afternoon news was brought into
Jacobsdal that (Jcneral Cronje was in full retreat
from Magerslbntcin and that he was being hotly
pursued. lOvidently he was making for liloenifon-
tein, but so perfect had Kitchener's organization
been that everyone knew be would soon be run to
ground. In the dead of night he had left the
trenches that had served him so well lor so many
weeks and begun a retreat as masterly under the
circumstances as was the English advance. Under
him were less than live thousand men ; on his trail
came a force of forty tliousand of the l)est e(|uip[)ed,
oflicered, and organized liritish troo])s that ever went
into battle. A correspondent of the Daily Chronicle
gives a stirring and sympathetic description of this
retreat, — a retreat almost successful despite the
heavy odds.

*' At dawn on Friday the retreating Boer army
was seen from the British naval gun station on
Klip drift ko])je, trekking eastward across the Brit-
sh front at a (listaneo .)f five thousand yanls. Our
guns opened upon tliem, and a force of mounte<l
infantry, crossing the river, made a dashing charge
in the attempt to cut off the head of the enemy's
cohunn. But in half an hour their whole force had
gained shelter under a line of kopjes.

** ^feanwhile two of our batteries had come up
and the Oxford *]>u(ls,' West Hidings, and (douces-
ters. Our infantry crossed the drift, and for llireo
hours were engaged with the enemy, while our

224

CANADA S SONS ON KOl'JK AND VELDT.

batteries shelled his position. The mounted infan-
try kept hard at work.

'* Unable to stand our shell fire, the enemy
retired, disputing every incli of the way, and took
up a second position on the kopjes to the eastward.
It was a magnificent spectacle to see the Boer army
thus at bay. Their rear guard, two thou.san<l
strong, fought us, while the main body trekked
further east, and then brought their guns into
action while the rear guard retired.

" The action lasted through the day. Our
infantry fought splendidly ; but the enemy held Ins
ground under the continued bombardment. Later
on the Boer commandant ventured on a bold stroke.
Leaving two thousand of his men under cover, he
withdrew tlie rest from his main position, and
headed for Klip Kraal drift six miles to the east.

" This movement was soon discovered. Our
mounted infantry came back across the drift, and
marched along the south bank to endeavor to head
olf the enemy. When they reached the neiglibor-
hood of Klip Kraal drift, night had fallen, and liaif
the Boers were already across to tlie south side.
Our infaiitry harassed tlieir movements.

" Meanwhile, the Boer rear guard, liaving covered
the crossing of the main body, retired slowly, and
successfully i)assed the drift. The rear guard fought
des[)erately, and as it fell back to the river it was
harassed on the Hank and rear by the British.

" Having thus passed the Modder under cover of
darkness the Boers trekked through the night in
the direction of liloemfontein."

There was no escape ; CJeneral Kelly-Kenny and
" Fighting Ahic " were hard after Cronje spreatling
out to his right and his left, soon he would iind

MA.FOU ALKXAM»KK OKO. IIESSLKIX.

THE MARCH TO PAAilDEBERO.

227

himself hemmed in on all sides with retreat irre-
trievahly cut off. For weeks the British i)ul)lic and
press had been cursing this man, the " brutal "
leader of " half-savage " men, but the news of his
masterly retreat made him as popular in England as
almost any of their own generals. There is nothing
an Englishman loves so nuich as a worthy foe, and
in " The Lion of the Transvaal " they had found
one. With his small force he had out-generaled
Methuen ; ho was giving Roberts and Kitcliener
the hardest march of their military careers.

For four days the Canadians had been hurrying
forward with only the vaguest idea as to their des-
tination. When they left Graspan they understood
that they were to take part in the great Hanking
movement which was to entrap the Boer forces ;
but it was not until Friday night that they knew
definitely the work they were bent on performing.
They were asking no questions however : they had
willingly become a part of that great fighting
machine the British army.

They left Jacobsdal a little before five o'clock on
the afternoon of Friday and began a trying night
march that lasted until three in the morning.
About nine at night while tramping through the
darkness they saw gleaming far ahead of them the
searchlight of Kimberley. Then they knew whither
they were bound. lint Kim])erley had already
been relieved ; French was there and the hungry
city was delirious Avith joy. There was other
work for them to do, more trying work than a wild
gallop aci'oss the veldt to a city from before whose
gales the terrified enemy had lied.

Tliis march was not without its exciting inci-
dents. While the great body of the Boers were

228 Canada's sons on kopje and veldt.

fleeing before the British advance, some luing on
tlie rear of the forces and on one occasion attaxrked
the British transport wagj;()ns. The waggons liad
been creaking over the plains trying to keep U[>
with the rapid forward movenient but higgcd 1)0-
hind. A connnando of Boers swept down on tlioni,
and a warm light whicli histcd all morning wjvs
kept up about the invaluable transports. To save
them Roberts would have had to check his advance.
This would never do. Cronje must not escape, no
matter what the cost ; and so he at last ordered
the waggons and their fine trek-oxen to bo aban-
doned. This was a great loss to an army already
on half rations, but to let the enemy slip through
his hands would have been a still greater calamity.
80 the rush forward continued. At daylight on
Saturday the Canadians reached Klip drift, rested
until live in the afternoon, and after a very scanty
meal began a night march across the vqldt to
Paardeberg.

On this night the British Mounted Infantry had
come up with the rear guard of Cronje's army and
had forced them back upon the main body ; there
was now no escape ; it was only a matter of hours
till the Boers would be completely surrounded, —
and the Canadians were to be in at the death.
Through the night they marched, these eager hunt-
ers of men, plodding in the yielding sand, stumb-
ling over the rocks of the kopjes, forcing their way
through the prickly shrubs; hungry, footsore,
thirsty. Along the way they left traces of the
terrible race they were in : dead horses, mules and
oxen dotted the plain at intervals. Occasionally a
soldier unable to proceed farther, tottering, stagger-
ing, struggling to keep up with his fellows, would

THE MARCH TO PAARDEBERG.

229

leave his i)lace in the ranks and fall spent, on the
plain. But the regiment could not stop to help the
exhjiusted. To-morrow they would be reporte«l
missing, and if not picked up by the stretcher-l)ear-
ers, if they had good luck they might be carried on
their way by the transport ; or rested might be able
to join some other regiment and continue the
march. War is cruel but in nothing is it crueller
than in the march before battle ; then neither
horses nor men can be considered.

A bit of the description of this march by one
who accompanied the British convoy is well worth
reading.

" When night came, and the cattle were toiling
painfully along over rough ground, there was much
thunder and sheet lightning, but, fortunately, no
rain. After the heat of the day the air struck one
as delightfully cool, albeit the temperature wav
probably as high as that experienced in England
during average summer weather. Every now and
then you are compelled to pause, owing to some
accident to waggon or ox, and neither was of infre-
quent occurrence during this particular journey.
In the former case the damage was promptly made
good, and in the latter the animal was outspanncd
and left to die on the route. So far as horses,
mules, and oxen are concerned, the entire way
between Modder River and Blocmfontein has jjroved
a veritable Calvary. In some countries natives
direct their course across the desert by following
the bleached bones of man and beast which mark
the route ; but in the present case there will be no
land marks of that description to assist the traveler.
Truth to toll, the stench of the rotting cattle on
either side has become so appalling during our hot

230 Canada's sons on kopje and veldt.

autunin. and the spectacle of birds of prey feasting
upon the remains so revolting, that Kaffirs have
been engaged for the purpose of burying the unfor-
tunate animals."

It was well for the Canadians that this first great
march found them fresh and strong. Later in the
campaign when they were worn out with toil, their
nerves shattered from privations, their strengtii
sapped with the deadly germs of fever, such a
march as this to Paardeberg would have caused
them to fall out by the dozen.

At two in the morning as they toiled forward
they could hear far ahead of them the roar of great
guns. As they caught the music of distant battle
strength seemed to return and their pace was quick-
ened. Between five and six the treble of the crack-
ling rifle was mingled with the base of the artillery,
and they knew that a battle was in progress.
Exhausted as they were, they had but one wish, to
get into it. The firing increased and so excited
were the men that some even neglected to take the
c( ffec and biscuits that were issued to them, rushing
along the river to get a glimpse of the fray. They
had covered twenty-three miles during the niglit,
and as they drew near their halting place in the
early dawn they could hardly keep their eyes open ;
l>ut the presence of actual war, a big engagement,
tiioroughly aroused the sleepiest among them, and,
when, before they liad finished their hardtack and
coflee, the assemble sounded, they forgot their
privations, their exhaustion, their aching feet and
clutched their rifles with determined hands. A
"mouthf'il of army rum" was given to the soldiers
to brace their nerves and steady them for the work.

Cronje had a strong position a short distance

THE MARCH TO PAARDEBERG.

231

Li*
(I

away ; a well-slieltered position and the 19th
Brigade was to be an important factor in forcing
him to surrender. Highlanders, Shropshires, and
Canadians were to be at once hurried forward
against the enemy's hne.

The Canadians were to have nine days of hard
fighting, and they were to begin their battles with a
bit of work that tried the nerves of the boldest.
The Modder that rushed by muddy and deep and
swift had to be forded. Usually the Modder in
February is an almost dry stream, but the Boers
had broken the dam farther up and a full flood of
water swept along. The Canadians crossed at two
points. At one spot a rope was strung over the
river and by it the men pulled themselves safely
through the treacherous waters that swept their feet
from under them ; farther up where the water was
shallower but as swift, they locked arms and four
abreast to keep from being swept away, crossed the
turbulent stream. Without a serious mishap the
entire Canadian regiment reached the further bank
and prepared to play their part in the orchestra of
battle that was dinning in their front, to their left,
and to their right.

CHAPTER XIII.

THE FIllST r.ATTLE.

The river was crossed, and the men with their

clothes hanging about them like lead scrambled up

to the dusty plain. The excitement of the swift

stream, the cooling water, the feeling that they were

now on the battlefield made them forget their

hunger and the weary night march. Laughing and

joking they tried to shake the water from their

bulging knees, but the close-fitting puttees kept it

from running out. Some danced about in their etlbrts

to get rid of it, while others cut holes in their

trousers. Captain Arnold, who was so soon to be

struck down with a mortal wound, laughingly said

as he gazed at his dripping men, " There is nothing

for it, boys, but to stand on your heads, — " and

some of them in the spirit of fun actually took him

at his word and the water ran out at their shoulders.

Soldiers these that would have delighted the hearts

of Mulvaney, Ortheris, and Learoyd. They knew

what they were going into ; the battlefields of

Graspan and Magersfontein were familiar to them ;

the wounded soldiers brought past their camp by

the score from the front told them what they might

expect ; and yet they prepared to advance into tlie

dr lily firing line with as light hearts as they would

have gone into a gala-day review.

Already the distant crackling of the rifle-fire told

233

234

CANADA S SONS ON KOPJE AND VELDT,

them tliat a part of their brigade was engaged. The
enemy had got siglit of the Highlanders and an
occasional burst of dust rose from the bullets falling
in their advancing line. Cronjc Avas speaking with
well-aimed rifles. He would not surrender and was
oeginning the most desperate fight of his life. He
was in a trap, a hopeless trap, with every outlet
closed. Kitchener had done his work well ; from
North, South, East, and West batterits of artillery,
naval guns, Howitzers, brigades of infantry, fronted
him. He had kept Kimberley invested for weeks ;
his little wcU-entrenchcd army had stopped the
advance of Methuen's strong force, and held him
defiantly at bay. Now he was caught, caught with-
out hope of escape, yet he would not surrender.
Reinforcements might arrive, darkness, a storm,
might give him a chance of slipping through the
tight drawn lines of men and guns. His retreat had
filled the besieging force with admiration, and now
his determined stand in the bed of the Modder gave
him a new right to his title, "The Lion of tlie
Transvaal." A lion at bay — one worth capturing,
but his captors would have to suffer.

For nearly a mile he was ensconsed in the deep
river bed on either side of the Modder. He had
chosen his ground well ; the thickly-wooded banks
afforded him excellent shelter and at the same time
fine positions in which to jdace his keen-sighted
sharp-shooters. Dongas deep and safe, natural
trenches running from the river, made him
additionally secure. Added to these natural pro-
tections he had construt-ted an almost im])ivgnable
system of trenches in the river l)iink. Kven the
terrible shell fire to which he was t(t be subjected

PHYSICIAN AN1» ST(»UY-Ti;i.I.i:ii: UK. CONAN 1)(»YLK ATTKNMN<i
WOL'NDKI) rANAPIANS IN TIIK LANUMAN lk>Sl'ITAL,

THE FIRST BATTLE.

237

INti

could make but little impression on such a well-
chosen position, so splendidly defended.

On such a position, against such a man, the
Canadians began to advance as soon as they had
shaken some of the water from their clothes. The
regiment was in luck. A kopje in front protected
their advance as they slowly deployed to the left.
On the right was the Duke of Cornwall's Liglit
Infantry, and on the left the Gordons, and a little
farther off the Shropshire Light Infantry. As they
advanced the '* tick-tack " of the rifles from the
enemies' trenches and the trees came with strange
music to their unaccustomed ears. A Company led
by about fifty yards, C follosvcd close behind, I) and
E acted as their support, while B, F, H, and G
were held in reserve. Major Buchan commanded
the firing-line, while Colonel Otter was \\.i,'.. the
supports. Slowly the men moved forward, the
oflicers ten yards in advance of the companies,
kcc'inng well out of sight of the enemy under the
protection of the hill in front. Occasionally a bullet
would strike the dust at their feet or go singing
with angry hiss overhead — a bullet evidently aimeil
at the Highlanders, who were within the enemy's
vision.

At 9.30 the firing line got into the open, and the
bullets began ip fall, at first like the big drops that
tbrotoU the i\^:^w storm, and then thick and fast and
threatening. ^ The men had been advancing in
extended order with only two paces betwoiMi them,
but this was soon increased to five. The Itullots
sang and screechctl overhead, but no man was hit,
the ground still serving as a shelter.

Soon, however, one stray bullet found its mark.
Private Findlay was the first to be struck, the first

238

CANADA S SONS ON KOPJE AND VELDT.

of the Canadians to fall in battle. lie had been
advancing fearlessly, joking with his nearest com-
rades, when the messenger of death found him out.
Siiot through the heart ; his dying cry, ** O my
God ! " which reached his captain's ear, told his
last thought.

Greater care had now to be taken in the
advance ; Magersfontein and Enslin had taught the
(diieers a lesson. Every rise in the ground, the
ant-hills scattered here and there over the veldt
were taken advantage of as the line advanced with
sliort, sharp rushes of thirty paces at a time. As
the fire became hot the men were halted to rest and
commanded to lie still and hold their fire for a
time.

It was scorching work, stretched out on their
stomachs on the plain, riieir clothes by this time
were dry and the hot sun streaming down on the
unsheltered plain scorched their backs and blistered
the soles of their feet. The enemy, too, evidently
had the range marked, and fired volleys into the
extended line with deadly accuracy.

The Canadians through the Sunnyside affair had
lost respi'i't for the much vaunted Boer markmen-
ship. But t'ronje had with him a diiferent race of
UHMi from the cowering rebels of tlic Douglas
dii^trict. In his command were the sons of the
^\)()rtrekkers wlio had fought their way into the
Transvaal half a centui\ before with incredible
adventures against savage l»easts and savager men.
Home of the very Voortrekkers themselves were
tliere ; grey-l)earded mi>n, who for fifty years had
had the ritle as their constant eom])anion. The men
in the firing-line, and indeed in the supports too,

THE FIRST BATTLE.

239

had
len-

K' of

the
lliblc
men.
[were
luid
meu
too,

soon learned to respect the enemy's fire and did not
dare sliow themselves.

Tlie lino had advanced in extended order, keep-
ing their intervals splendidly till within from live
to eight hundred yards of the enemy's tranches and
the sheltering trees along the Modder. Till this
time they had held their fire, but now they began
a steady fusilade. During the morning A Company
got out of ammunition, and C Company joined
them, and kept up a heavy fusilade to cover the
deficiency. The hollows and the ant-hills served as
excellent protection, but still an occasional man
was struck.

How unsatisfactory it was throwing bullets into
space. The enemy did not show themselves and
only the puffs of smoke from the Martinis or the
momentary flash of the smokeless powder told
where they lay concealed. Sometimes the trem-
bling in a treetop, the swaying of the brandies,
gave a suggestion of the presence of a "sniper"
and served to direct the fire. But for the most part
the men knew that they were merely keeping down
the enemy's fire by their steady rifle practice.

It required no mean amount of courage to lie
there patiently on that bullet-searched plain. It
needed pluck, pluck of the highest order. The long
discipline at Belmont, the steady fixing of the mind
for those weary weeks on fnture action had made
the Canadian soldiers veterans. Baden-Powell in
his excellent little book, " Aids to Scouting," says:

" Many people will tell you that phick is not a
Ihing that can be taught a man ; it is either born
in him or he has not got it at all.

** But I think that, like many otl or things, it is
almost always in a man, though ii. some cases, it

240 Canada's sons on kopje and veldt.

wants developing and bringing out. Tlie pluck
required of a scout is of a very high order.

" A man who takes part in a Balaclava charge is
talked of as a hero, but he goes in with his com-
rades all round him and oflEicers directing ; he
cannot well turn back."

The courage demanded in this battle was prac-
tically the pluck here described. Each man was
depending on himself, without feeling the touch of
the soldier to his left and right. The air was full of
death from an almost invisible fire from an entirely
invisible foe. Nothing easier than when safe shelter
was found to maintain it without running any risk
from the enemy's fire. Why expose themselves !
Their comrades were too busy keeping cover and
endeavoring to pick off the foe to observe what the
next man was doing, and the officers were too
thinly scattered along the widely extended line to
take note of individual cases of cowardice. There
were none to note. To a man the Canadians
behaved like heroes ; A and C Companies, despite
the hail of bullets that sang about them, kept up a
steady fire. The firing-line had to be strengthened
however ; first D Company was advanced into it,
then E, and part of B, while the remainder of B
and F and G Companies acted as supports. H was
held in reserve but it too knew that it was in
battle, for although sixteen hundred yards from the
Boer position three or four men were struck during
the day.

Never were soldiers more thoroughly tried than
those in the firing-line of the Royal Canjidian
Regiment on February 18th. At times tlie air
seemed alive with singing bullets, and the soldiers'
only safety lay in clinging close to the dry plain.

THE FIRST BATTLE.

241

Some who had not the protection of hollows or
ant-hills scooped themselves holes in the sand
where they could lie with comparative safety. At
times some Boer marksmen got knowledge of a
definite hiding place and then showered bullets
towards it till it was untenable. A rush was out of
the question ; to stand upright, to attempt to double
to another shelter would have meant instant death,
yet the position had to be left ; and occasionally
scjuirming figures could be seen crawling
forward — never back — on their stomachs, creej)ing
through the dust as they dug their hands and feet
into the sand. Occasionally someone more bold,
almost foolhardy, would leap from his shelter and
dash forward from ten to thirty paces, and he was
lucky indeed if he escaped the deadly aim of the
watchful enemy.

By this time the long line was somewhat
scattered and not a few of the Shropshires ami
Highlanders on the left and right were mingled
with the extended Canadians. Nor were the
soldiers the only ones in the firing-line. Several of
the correspondents stuck gallantly to the very edge
of danger and death. Pencil in hand they
sweltered through the heat of the day and by their
dauntless courage did not a little to inspire the
ligl iters around them. Here too were the chaplains,
and particularly that noble self-sacrificing priest
Father O'Leary, who has time and time again in
this war proved himself worthy of the Victoria
Cross. Than he there was no liraver soldier in
South Africa ; wherever a wounded man needed
succor, he was there; where a dying lad needed to
be shrived there he was to be found. Out of the
firing-line he could not keep, and his escapes were

242 Canada's sons on kopjp: and veldt.

miraculous. Dangers, privations, hardships effected
him but lightly ; his only thought was for the men
he had come to Africa to sustain and comfort in the
hour of danger and sickness, and tlie only
commander he heeded was duty. He was courting
death in the firing-line that bloody Sunday in
February, but death passed him by ; and yet how
close it came.

** Behind an ant-hill I lay prone," he wrote to
his brother, " sharing the tiny shelter with one of
the Black Watch. Finding that there was not
room for two, I decided on making a dash for a
little mound some fifty yards forward. As I raised
myself on my hands and knees preparatory to a
dash, I remember him calling out, * My God, Sir,
take care ; Godspeed you ! ' Just then a volley
was directed at us, too late for me, but, alas, for
him. Next morning at early dawn I found him
behind our friendly ant-hill just as I had left him,
but pierced through the heart and body by the
bullets that perhaps had been intended for me. Do
you know that a feeling of guilt came over me as I
gazed on my poor comrade of an hour, but still had
I remained a minute longer this letter would never
have been written."

This letter splendidly exemplifies the reason why
Father O'Leary is dear to every man of the Can-
adian Regiment.

All through the morning the hot sun blazed over
head, scorching the bodies of the men and parching
their tongues ; all through the morning that unceas-
ing fire made them keep close cover. The dust
from the smitten ant-hills flew about them, bursts
of dust like the exploding of innumerable pufi'-balls

THE FIRST BATTLE.

243

Sprinkled the plain and an occasional groan or cry
of pain told that someone had been hit.

If the Boeis kept up a steady fire from their
entrenched positions the Highlanders, t) e Shrop-
shires, and Canadians as steadily returned it.
Several times during the day the cry was passed
along the line '* Stop firing on the left ! " The
soldiers on the right were being hit on the Hank
and rear apparently by the Canadian fire. JUit in
the dongas and watercourses on the left rear of t!»o
Canadians the Boers had a strong position ; and
owing to their smokeless powder and the uproar of
the batt'efield were able to sweep the flank of the
(Amadiai Regiment. For some time their position
was not discovered, but by noon their fire was
elloctually beaten down. Captain Bell and his
gallant little squad had managed desi)ite the deep
water and rapidly rushing stream, to bring a
Maxim gun across the !Modder, and under a heavy,
well-directed rifle-fire, succeeded in taking up a
position on a piece of rising ground on the left of
the line a thousand yards from the enemy's
trenches. From their position they did most
effective work. The fire of the enemv in the
treacherous dongas was soon beaten dovrn, and at
intervals all through the day they poured shells
into the Boer trenches.

While this sharp fighting was going on deeds
of bravery were being performed on the field that
well deserved the Victoria Cross. If a soldier was
hit he always found his nearest comrade ready to
dress his wound and help him to a sheltered spot,
or to the hospital tent a mile or so in the rear.
Several times soldiers doing this noble work were
struck themselves as they fearlessly returned to the

244 Canada's sons on kopje and veldt.

battlefield. Through the lines succouring tlie
wounded passed tlie gallant fellows who had
volunteered as stretcher-bearers, Curphy, who after-
wards died at Bloemfontein with enteric fever ; l*age,
who gave his life later in this siege did work that
glorifies the butchery of battle, did service that
called down the praises of their commander — but
there were so many heroes on that day that it is
unjust to individualize. Chief among them, how-
ever, was Surgeon-Captain Fiset. He was
everywhere, fearlessly doing his work of mercy, and
the fact that he was busy with the wounded did not
save him. Indeed he seemed to draw the Boer fire.
At length gallant Captain Arnold was struck down
with a mortal wound. The stretcher-bearers
attempted to carry him from the field, but such a
leaden hail played about his stretcher that they too
fell. Under this fire Surgeon-Captain Fiset dressed
his wound as best ho could and then himself acted
as stretcher-bearer to help remove him out of the
range of the deadly rifles. His work done, back he
went to the field to help others.

While the stretcher-bearers were doing these
gallant deeds of mercy, equally as brave were the
ammunition carriers. All day they crossed and
re-crossed the deadly line, fearlessly keeping the
bandoliers of their comrades in arms supplied.
Private Kennedy of C Company, who later in the
day was wounded no fewer than seven times, was
especially mentioned for his gallantry in leading
an ammunition-mule right up to the firing-line.
The mule was killed but for the time being he
escaped.

The men fighting the battle could guard
theni8«lves to some extent, but the stretcher-bearers

THE itKV. P. M. 0'IJ:aI{Y,

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THE FIRST PATTLE.

247

O
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o
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iiiid the uiuniunition men had to courageously
expose themselves as they moved from front to rear
and made the return trip. After once safely passing
out of the storm of bullets that " buazed about them
like a million flies," it must have requii'cd almost
superhuman courage to once more face the deadly
range. But the men had the fine example of their
oliicers to keep up their courage. Major Buchan
in the firing-line and Colonel Otter with the
supports, the captains of the companies and their
lieutenants, all acted as though war had been the
})astime of their lives. Lieutenant Ogilvy moved
from point to point about the field bearing Colonel
Otter's orders much as he would have moved about
on a review day.

There were slrange sights, too, on this battlefield.
Some of the soldiers had had nothing to eat since
the previous afternoon. They were utterly
exhausted from hunger and thirst and the long
night march, and in the lull of the firing it was not
uncommon to see one of them opening his haver-
sack and munching at a piece of bread, or trying to
force a little dry biscuit down liis parched throat.
Occasionally, too, a diary would be produced aiid
the events of the trying week, and particularly of
the previous night's march and the excitement of
fording the river, set down. Cameras even were
produced and striking pictures of the firing-lino
taken. One of these camera fiends had his helmet,
his tunic, and his instrument struck while taking a
l)icture. Had these boys no sense of fear ! It was
little wonder that the regulars looked at their
dare-devil dash with amazement.

The day grew hotter but the fight slackened but
little. The exhausting march to Paardeberg, the

)

248 Canada's sons on koi'jk and vkldt.

uvi'A of food, tln) lioiit, wore i';iirm,ij," on i\\v men.
SoiiK! of tlicm W'Tc I'l'owin^ diz/y juid faint, wlicii
above ilui I'oiir (tf (lie ii.ill.le tlii^ lliundc r IioouhmI
across tlic sky jiiid <;rcii( cooliii.u' drops of rain fell.
It was a ])liss('d relief The nieii raii^ht tlu' rain
in tlioir liands and moistened ilieii- craeivcd lips and
parduul ion^^nes, an<l llieir buiMiin^' Ixxiies ^n!\v
cool under tlic^ refrcvhing- siorn». IJut it had conio
from the antarctic woi'id ; the hrcatli of an icchcr^
was in its winjj;s and from panting- and sulfocatinj^
with tlie lieat the soldiers shivered nncU'r the chil-
iinjjj storm. When it |)asy('d, many of them
refrcslicd and rested fell aslee|) where tl:ey lay and
several were struck as they slept.

There could ]n\ no helter cvideni'c of what the
Canadians had endured than this. . A man must
indeed be worn out vhen he can sleej) with death
singinjj; its song abou., his couch. One instance will
serve to show how exhausted tJiese men nuist have
been.

Private Sippi of London was wounded in the
foot, but when tiie disastrous charge of tlu; day was
niado he wislied to be in it. Unable to keep uj)
with the line he took off his shoe, dressed, with the
field dressing every soldier carries in his haversack,
a painful wound, then crept into tlu; shadow of a
bush and slept. Wounded under lire and yel able
to sleej) : the«e men were (Mther idtei'ly played out,
or not as other men.

The day was di'awing lo a (dose and still tiie treses
and the river baidc were alive with lioer rillcmen.
If a head was rai.sed or an arm was moved, if a
wounded man changed his po:;ilioii on the plain,
the ladlets rained thick and fast, 'j'he oIliccM's were
losing patience, and the men were leady for any-

THE I'lllST BATTLE.

240

thing tliat would relievo the nervous strain of lyin^
expo, 1(1 or the o|)en vcildt.

At four o'clock Colonel Allworth of the Corn walls
told Colonel Otter that "ho had been sent to finish
this business, and proposed doing so with the bay-
onet." He brought up to the firing-line first one
co!ni)any of the Cornwalls, then two others ; and
when the line was thus thoroughly (enforced, ollcr-
ing five ])ound to the first inun in the enemy's
tnr.iches, gave the command to charge, liuglcr
Williiims leaped on an a!it-hill and wiiile the bul-
lets rained al)0ut him the clarion notes of tlui
charge, so welcome to the 8axc)n ear, rang out.
The tired, (;xhausted line woke up and swept i'ov-
ward at the double, stund)ling, falling, mowed down
like grain before the reap(!r. Forward, forward,
through a hell of bullets; at last they (;ould stand it
no longer. The Cornwalls' Colonel was killed with
five bullets, the "recall" was sounded and his m(;n
broke and retreated. Tin; Canadians were i )o near
to the en(!my to retreat. One gallant fellow who
had ouistri|)|(ed the others was indeed found next
morning riddled with bullets, at the very trenches'
edge. Jietreat would have meant terrible havoc in
their ranks and so they fell [)rone on the ])lain be-
hind a ridge siiatteriid over a wide stretch of any
where from otio irandred to fives hundred yai'ds from
their invisible foe. At this close range no help (^ould
be given <o the woundiid suid the dead had to lie
where they fell. Until dai'kness thcsy lay on that
ghastly ))lain searched by the deadly ride-fiw.
Many of the wounded as they writhed in agony
were struck a second time. It was a horrible onleal
for the young soldiers, and y<;t but the beginning of
nine days of us severe fighting as ever tested men.

250

CANADA S SONS ON KOPJE AND VELDT.

The charge was as magnificent as the charge of
the Liglit Brigade, but it shouhl never liave been
made. As has since been proved the British knew
absohitely nothing of the character of the Boors'
lK)sition. Tliey might as well have tried to carry
( Jibraltar at tlie bayonet's point as Cronje's position.
Tiie soldier dearly loves the spectacular in war, and
nothing is so magnificently inspiring or i)ictures(iue
as a bayonet charge ; but whatever it may have
been in the days of the " thin red line," it has a
place in modern war only on tiie rarest occasions.
Of all tha blunders of this war this at Paardeberg is
perhaps the most un]t:irdonable. Magersfontein
has its excuses, but Paardeberg has none. How-
ever, the mistakes of England's leaders have been
the glory of the English soldier ; and this charge
gave Canada a permanent place in British history.
''The Men of Paardeberg" . will stand out in bold
characters on the future pages of the story of the
Empire. But there was a terrible butcher's bill for
the renown gained. Seventy-five per cent, of all
who fell on that black Sabbath met the fatal blow
in this mad charge.

There was nothing the Canadian could do but lie
where they fell till darkness came. Th(> Boers gave
them no chance of retreating as an unceasing storm
of well-directed bullets j)layed along tiie entire line.

If the (^tmiadians suffered {\\o Boers must have
su tiered too. From the big guns and the Howitz(n'S
shells fell all day long into the bushes and the
trenches. Occa.'^ionally the men watching tin- fight
from cover could see the sickly grecui funics from
the lyddite as tlu^ shcills burst right in the fiii«Nt of
the Boer position. Nor did the lii'c slrcki - Uie
day went on, but as if to avenge the fallen uiuj the

THE FIRST BATTLE.

251

fatal cliarge the shells fell with greater accuracy
and frequency. The laager long since untenable
t(K)k fire and mid the bursting of shells, the
burmng of transport waggons and canip supplies,
the furious crackling of thousands of rifles, the day
went out and darkness fell upon the earth, and the
Canadians exhausted in body and spirit retreated to
heir camp leaving the dead and wounded where
they had fallen. No wonder many of them said on
that night ol desolation, - We have seen enough of

:^i

CHAFER XIV.

A WEEK OF WAK AND DEATH.

Tjiio Roy.al Canadians had gone into the battle of
Paardcljerg witli the feeling that war was a great
game in which they were playing their i)art. They
laughed and they joked as the enemy's bnllets sang
around them, but at first they had no thought of
being strnck. They had seen the wounded men
l>rought down from ^h^gersfontcin, they had looked
into the faces of men who had been slain on the
battlefield, and they h'ul trembled then ; but it
never seemed to occur to them that it might be their
turn now. As this day <lrow to a clo«e and fr>)m all
sides tl e," could hear tlie groans and cries of the
wounded, the pitiful calls for the surgeons and
stretcher-bearers, the stem reality of the tight took
liold of thum and when (la'kness fell they were glad
to escape to their lines.

As they retreated how ghastly was tlie i)lain they
passed over. During the day so busily liad each
mail been employed cither keeping to cover or re-
turning the enemy's lire that they did not fully
lealize how dreadful had been the slaughter ; but as
they stumbled back to their bivouac through the
tliU'kness with an occasional bullet from the ever-
watchful iioers singing about tlieni, th( y saw the
baltlclicld thickly dotted with tlu; dead and the
dying, in the blackni'ss among the antdiills the

254 Canada's sons on kopjis and vkldt.

bodies lay like the thickly strewn stones of a kopje.

The day had been hard enough to try men of
steel and by nightfall, utterly exhausted, they stole
back to the river they had crossed with such
rejoicing twelve hours before. Half the regiment
had not come in ; many were dead, many were
wounded, some after the " recall " from the fatal
charge had fallen asleep in the shelter of the bushes
or even on the open field, and many more were
standing by wounded fellow-soldiers trying
desperately to get them to the field-hospital. As the
men came in and looked about for their conu'ades,
as they heard of this fri(>n(l and that companion
who had fallen under the deadly rifle-fire, their
nerves unstrung by their terrible experience, they
broke down and wept like children or sat in sullen
silence Avith breaking hearts. Life friendships had
been rudely snapped in an instant by death ; and
this was but the beginning.

To add to the gloom, after the heat of the day the
night wns cold and the survivors sat huddled about
th( ir lires or slept in the open with nothing but the
hard earth under them and the sky for a covering.
The transports had not yet reactied them, and for
ihc most part they were without blankets, having
on an average one for every three or four men. It
was not until ten o'clock that night that they were
able to get a meal. A biscuit and hastily swallowed
mouthful of cofTco or tea at six in the mori'ing; a
plunge across a turbulent stream ; a tw(flve hours
fight, first in a bla/ing sun, and then in a rain-
storm thnt chilled them to the manow ; a wild mad
charge; iiours on the i)lain with death at their
elbows; and nothing to cat or drink since

.^I'Ki.KdNi Al'TAIN l-|>l T.

LIKIT.-COL. ,K)I!X MACI'IIKHSOX.

A WEvK OF WAR AND DKATH.

2r,7

daybreak — this was indeed a day to make them
veterans.

Some of the hardier among them, or some who
had comrades who had not yet come in, bravely
volunteered to go out and search the plain for the
wounded. Back they went on their humane work, a
work as trying as the battle of the day. G. W.
Steevcns in '' From Cape Town to Ladysmith,"
makes the following comment on war: "In Avar,
they say — and it is true — men grow calloused ; an
afternoon of shooting and the loss of your brother
hurts you less than a week before did a thorn in
your dog's foot." The Canadians had not yet grown
callous, and it is to be doubted if the rapid
succession of engagements they passed through in
their march to Pretoria made them indifferent to
the death of a comrade.

On this gloomy Sunday night their hearts ached
as they groped their way over the plain to find first
this body and that cold in death. I*ast succour many
of these recumbent figures, and so they left them to
seek others who lay where they had lallen tortured
with wounds and thirst. The moon was now high
over head and the i)lain was almost as bright as
day. It was dangerous to show one's self, as the
crack of the rifle still came from the trees from
which the Boers had done such deadly work during
the day, and the angry ping of the bullets sang
over the dead and among the living. The
ambulance corps wore doing heroic work under this
chill moon. Fearlessly they passed about the field
of slaughter picking up the wounded and bearing
them to the rear. Like angels of mercy on the back-
ground of an inferno their lights gleamed. The
Boers saw them, knew the work they were on, and

258

CANADA S SONS ON KOPJE AND VELDT.

yet they kept up a steady fire at their moving
lanterns. The Divine hand was surely guarding
these men on their brave and humane work ; for
not a man was hit during the night. Many of the
wounded, however, lay close to the enemy's
position and in the bright moonlight it -ould have
been foolhardy to risk attempting to bring them in ;
and so the brave fellows who had fallen in that last
charge for the most part had to lie where they fell
till morning broke.

Over this field went the men of the Black Watch,
Gordons, Cornwalls, Shropshires, Canadians, all
searching for their comrades. Occasionally a soldier
would be seen dragging his way towards the rear,
trying to keep back the groan of pain and asking
appealingly where his regiment was. At times they
would come upon a cluster of wounded men closely
huddled together ; men of all the regiments of the
heroic 19th Brigade unable to drag themselves from
the field had come to each other for mutual com-
panionship. It would be easier to die with their
comrades of this well-fought fight about them ; or
in the chill of the African night they might keep
each other warm. Here a soldier was found prone
on his fiice, under him lay his diary, open, splashed
with his life's blood ; he had just been penning a
sentence that his mother and sisters were to read
when the war was over and he was back at the
Canadian fireside. There lay a lad, scarcely of
manhood's years, by an ant-hill, an unlit cigarette
crushed in his stiffened fingers. His rifle a few feet
away told the story of his death. He had recklessly
exposed himself going to a comrade for a smoke to
sooth his exhausted brain and nerves, and death
had found him out.

A WEEK OF WAR AND DEATH.

259

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Grim lessons were taught the Canadians on that
Sunday. Over ten per cent, of their regiment had
been struck, many through their inexperience and
reckless bravery. They lost none of their courage,
V)ut for the future they practised the tactics of their
wily enemy and never exposed themselves unless it
was absolutely necessary. "When the roll was called
and they could count tlio cost, it was found that
eighteen Avere killed, sixty-three wounded, and two

inissmg.

Next morning it was discovered that Cronje had
left his position and retreated up the Modder a few
miles to a stronger spot and one in which he would
be able to make a more dogged resistance. He at
once entrenched his troops in a system of trenches
from which they could laugh at even the deadly
lyddite. He was surrounded, brought to bay, all
escape cut off, only the most remote possibility of
reinforcements reaching him, — yet he would not
yield.

Monday was a day of comparative rest for tlie
Canadians. The transports that had slowly toiled
after them from Graspan had not yet reached
Paardeberg ; blankets were needed, food was very
.scarce, and the regiment waited for supplies. They
were kept busy however, from early morning. That
ghastly field had to be cleared and so the day was
spent picking up the wounded who had survived
tlie night and carrying in the dead, some of whom
had died during the darkness. A big trench was
dug and all the dead of the regiment were laid to
rest together.

When the news of this fight reached Canada a
feeling of pride thrilled through the Dominion.
Much had been expected of the contingent ; it had

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200

CANADA S SONS ON KOIME AND VKLDT.

surpassed expectations. At first it was thought by
some that many of the reports were colored by the
correspondents, but from every quaii a came the
same enthusiastic despatches ; for endurance and
dash the Royal Canadian Regiment was without
a superior in the British Army.

It was feared that the enemy might try to slip
through the lines at night and a most careful watch
was kept. On Monday at five in the afternoon the
regiment was advanced to within three miles of
Oonje's lines where they acted as outposts. Few
of the Boers, however, attempted to escape. It was
to'j hazardous, and Burnham, the famous scout, who
irioved over the field on either side of the river,
creeping up night after night to the very trenches
of the enemy, reported but three or four desertions
a night, most of whom were captured by the
British ; on one night, however, a considerable
force seems io have escaped unobserved.

On Tuesday the bombardment began again in
earnest. If Paardeberg had given Cronjo a strong
position Wolveskraal offered him better natural
protection. He had occupied about two miles of
the river-bed, which was here a ditch about one
hundred and fifty feet wide and fifty feet deep.
Both banks of the stream were deeply wooded ; in
such a position only a storm of shot and shell could
have any effect. The storm broke, and the Can-
adians played their part as effectively as on the
previous Sunday.

The outposts were advanced to within two thou-
sand yards of the Boer laager. The Canadians
occupied the centre and were supported by the
Shropshire Light Infantry on the right, the Gordons
the left. They advanced until tlie tiring-lint

A WEEK OF WAR AND DHIATH.

261

was (Hie thousand yards from the enemy's position
and then' they lay all day suhjocted to a trying
fire, but ihey returned it with interest. The enemy
once more kept themselves invisible, and there was
less reckless exposure in the Canadian firing-lino
than in the first battle. Still the boys never
shirked their work, and, crouched behind a protect-
ing ridge, they kept up a steady fire that served as
excellent support to the naval guns which poured
shells into the laager from early morning till night,
and to the troops who were constructing a strong
line of trenches within five hundred yards of the
enemy.

Several times our soldiers had their courage
thoroughly tested on this day. The Boers deter-
mined to kill their fire and so trained on them their
Maxim auto'natic gun. This gun has as many
names as any noted criminal. It is known in the
newspapers as the Vickers-Maxim, the Maxim-
Nordenfelt, the Hotchkiss, or even the Gatling ; but
by the soldiei-s it has been christened the " Putt-
Putt," the "Pom-Pom," the " Diarhosen Dick,"
and " The Bloomin' Door-Knocker." Its bark
is fortunately a great deal wor^e than its bite, but
it would indeed be a brave regiment that could
face its music for the first time without a tremor.
Five times that day its ripping roars were heard,
and five times its sliells burst close to the Canadian
firing-line. On several occasions the boys wav-
ered, but only for a moment ; along the extended
line the officers fearlessly went, and Colonel Otter,
who has never needlessly exposed himself, but who
has never been found wanting in the hour of
danger, passed from company to coinjumy to encour-
age his meu. It j)oured shells into tiie Canadian

262

CANADA S SONS ON KOPJE AND VELDT.

line but not a man was hit, liowever, the noise of it
and the rapidity witli which it vomited forth shells
when it had once found the range did much to
keep down the Canadian fire.

AH day the bombardment continued ; every few
minutes clouds of dust and sickly green smoke
would rise a hundred feet in the air as the lyddite
burst in the Boer laager. Pity at times seized the
besiegers, but they could not let up in their deadly
work ; even the women and children who they knew
were in the doomed encampment moved their
hearts but for a moment.

A paragraph of the account written for the I'lnus
juiv'js an excellent idea of the work of destruction
«lone by the British guns.

" Tuesday, the 20th, was marked by the severest
bombardment of the investment, and a Boer doctor
describes the position as awful. Nothing could be
(lone but crouch in the trenches and wait till dusk
prevented further attack, while waggon after wag-
gon in the laager caught fire and burnt away into a
heap of scrap-iron amid a pile of wood-ashes. The
desolation produced was fearful, and it soon became
impossible to make any reply. The losses inflicted
upon the horses were the turning point of the siege.
ISo enormous a proportion (estimated by some at
seventy-five per cent, of the total number present) of
the horses, for which no protection could be made,
were lost, that any dash for freedom by night was
impossible, and the condition of the laager rapidly
became so foul that that alone, apart from the want
of food, would have compelled an early surrender."

At six o'clock that evening the men heard the
Itugle calling them to their bivouac. It had been a
liot (lay as usual, and they had been on the field

A WEEK OP WAR AND DLATH.

263

from early morning with but. a biscuit to munch at
and without water to drink. An attempt was made
to bring a water-cart up to the firing-line, but with-
out success as the Boers promptly turned on it their
" pom-pom." Thoroughly fagged, those who wen^
not on duty threw themselves on the ground an»l
slept despite the penetrating chill of the African
night. So carefully had the work of the day beoii
ilonn that there were none killed in this hard day's
fighting and only four wore wounded ; and all the.'^e
in the reserves at about IGOO yards from the
enemy's trenches.

News of Cronje's determined resistance flashed
around the world. Some called him brutally
obstinate in his stubborn resistance, sacrificing his
men to no purpose. To no purpose ! He checke<l
the advance of the British on Bloemfontein and
gave his fellow-countrymen time to study tin-
situation and plan a retreat ; and he tired the
English force that had beset him, utterly played
them out, sapped the strength of the living and
thinned the ranks ; a force greater than his own
was destroyed directly or indirectly by his dogged
stand. For the most part the English world
watched his resistance with enthusiasm. They even
neglected to read the swelling lists of the dead in
their eagerness to learn of his courageous opposition
to "Bol)s" and Kitchener and forty-thousand of
England's best troops. Of him the Daily News
said, and it voiced the feeling of the Anglo-Saxon
world : " In a position covering only a mile square,
hemmed in on all sides, circled with a chain of luv
from ride, Maxim, and Howitzer, i)lay(d on by
deadly lyddite, bursting in its own sickly green
light, his hastily built trenches entiladed by a

264

CANADA S SONS ON KOr.IE AND VELDT.

stream of lead sweeping down the river from the
north bank, General Cronjc still elects to fight. It
is magnificent courage." Or as one of the Canadian
l>oys put it at the close of a letter home describing
this siege : " He is a determined man."

Still there was no let up in the fight. At night
the occasional roar of the guns told that the Britisli
wore keeping the Boers awake. They, however,
wore going to make no more rasli charges on
( "ronje's position. They had calmly settled down to
lorce him to surrender by the destructive fire of
their artillery, or to .starve him out.

On Wednesday the Canadians had a comparative
rost. Rations were still scarce but a little fresh
meat was a relief from tlie hardtack. On this day
they shifted camp and during the night did outpost
duty. On Tiiursday they felt fresher than they had
been since leaving Oraspan and that afternoon
hailed with pleasure the order to march from the
camp in force to assist in cutting oil a large body of
lioers supposed to be coming to Cronje's relief.
'I'hoy caught sight of no enemy however. General
French and his cavalry were sweeping the country
round about and only a very strong arnjy could
have cut its way through the Britisii lines. So far
they had been sufiering from thirst, heat and
hunger ; the hunger was to continue, but for the rest
of the week instead of the scorching sun they were
to have the other extreme. Scarcely havl they taken
up their position on a kopje overlooking the
surrounding country than a furious rain-storm boat
up, soaking the men. Steadily through tiie after-
noon it poured and when darkness came it was still
raining. There was no shelter save among the
rocks, and the soldiers lay on the sodden ground

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A WKEK OF WAR AND PKATH.

2B;

hungry and shivering ; a scant issue of rum at
night drove the chills away for the moment. But
for one hurst of sunshine (he next dav was as
gloomy and threatening, and at night rain again
came down in torrents. The scanty supply of
ruhher sheets and the deficiency of hiankets com-
pelled the Canadians practically to lie on the bare,
wet ground exposed to the te.npestuous weather.

While the regiment was engaged in this arduous
duty on the kopje, in the bivouac at the Modder
there was deep sorrow. Captain Arnold whose
company was the first to ford the stream on
Sunday, and who had led his men into the tiring
lino with such courage was fighting desperately for
life. The surgeons could not save him, however,
and he passed away five days alter receiving his
fatal wound, and that same day he was buried in
the African veldt within sight of the battlefield on
which he had so nobly fallen.

The Boers in the meantime were suflfering
terribly. The fierce shell-fire of Tues«lay had played
havoc with their laager. The men escaped severe
punishment by burrowing in their trenches, l)ut, as
has already been said, the rain of shell slaughtered
their unprotected horses and oxen. Their encami>-
ment began to look like a gigantic slaughter-house.
Even if an opening should now present itself in the
cordon of the besieging host, they could not avail
themselves of the chance of an escape. Their horses
and oxen dead, they could but fight to the death.
Vainly they strained their eyes for sight of the
signal that would give them news of a relieving
force, but no such signal <'ame ; everywhere <»n thu
plain antl kopjes they eaught glimpses of th«

268 Canada's sons on kopje and veldt.

artillery, the cavalry, and the khaki clad infantry
of the British.

The horses and cattle in the circle of the
waggons, wrecke<l with shot and shell, bcj^an to
decompose and Cronje sent a messenger to liOrd
Roberts to ask for a day's armistice to bury tlie
slaughtered beasts and the dead Boers who lay
among the cattle; but the British general feartMl
that it was merely a bit of Boer slyness. They
were playing for time. An armistice would give
them a chance to still further fortify their position
or perhaps give time for a relieving host to assemble
to try to drive the British fiom Paardeberg. The
request was refused, although a safe-conduct to the
women and children in the Boer laager was offered.
Through a mistake on the j)art of the interpreter
Lord Roberts was led to believe that Cronje was
prepared to surrender, but the Boer general indig-
nantly resented the suggestion. He would not
even accept the safe-conduct for the women and
children but would fight till his position was taken
by storm.

The British officers and soldiers could not but
admire such courage. His march from Magersfon-
tein had been as trying as theirs, more so in fact ;
for during nearly the whole of the journey he had
to keep up a hard fight with the hotly pursuing
enemy ; the heat and the rain, the thirst and the
privations he too was enduring ; day and night
into the narrow limits of his position a stream of
shells was being steadily poured. There was no
safety anywhere save in the trenches, and there the
Boers sat chewing at times their scanty stock of
biltong or stealing to the river to get fresh supi>lies
of the nauseating water of the muddy Modder,

A WEEK OF WAR AND DEATH.

269

They could not bury their dead cattle, and after
the armistice was refused, cursing the Engli^^h as
wretchedly inhuman — and so they must have
ai)peared to the imprisoned Boers — they tried as
best they could to drag the rotting carrion that was
creating an unbearable stench to leeward of their
position. Still the shells fell with deadly accuracy
into their stronghold and still the slaughter went
«>n. To free themselves from the plague the dead
carcasses were creating, they resorted to a method
that in the end wrought greater havoc in the ranks
of the British than the fire of all their " poin-
))om's " and Mausers. The stream that rushed by
tiiem, at times shallow and narrow, at other times,
when swollen with rain, deep and broad, would
help clear their camp. To it they dragged tlie
putrifying carcasses and sent them whirling down
to the bivouac of the 10th. Brigade. A suffocating
stench filled all tlie air. In the morning the
Canadians awoke to find dead horses and oxen
aground on the river bank, or stranded on the
shallows or rocks in mid-stream. Disgusting as the
ta.sk was there was nothing for it but to plunge
into the water and send these horrible objects on
their downward course. Tiie Modder was their
only source of water supply, and now it was made
poisonous by these carcasses. Still they had to
drink, and this water, laden with germs of enteric,
spread a plague through the British army. The
thousands of men who at one time filled the hos-
pitals at Bloemfontein for the most part owed their
suffering to this week of hardship before the Boer
lour thousand.

There was no escape from the hardships however.
The Canadiiins tried it, but shift their camp as they

270 Canada's sons on kopje and veldt.

would their trials were only increased with each
day. (3n Saturday they were recalled from their
iirduous duty on the kopjes, where they had been
watching lest Boer forces might either escape from
I he laager or break through to its relief. Small
|»urtics had assaulted the British lines from the
direction of Kamelfontein, Osfontein, and Poplar
b^irm, but with none of these had the Canadians
come in contact. They were to end their week of
lighting and watching with a day of rest.

They weic marched back to their first camping
ground at Paardeberg drift. It looked as though
they might have some rest at last and they needed
it sadly. The contingent had left Belmont on the
twelfth 895 strong ; on this day, between those slain
in battle, wounded, exhausted by the march, struck
down with fever, only 708 officers and men
answered to the roll-call. Practically a third of the
force that had left Canada had been placed hors de
combat. During the day a warm sun at intervals
broke through the clouds, a good night was prom-
ised and the soldiers prepared to enjoy it ; but
another disappointment awaited them. Once more
it rained and the hard clay on which they had
bivouacked soon beciime a great pool. Drenched
and soaked they got but little sleep, and next
morning they were in a lamentable plight. Their
uniforms were shrunken, their accoutrements
ruined, and they themselves aching in every limb
from their exposure.

On Sundaj' the swollen river rushed passed, a
fierce, turbulent stream. It was then that they saw
how efl'ective had been the steady cannonading of
the week. Past them whirled the bodies of horses
niul oxen uud s^lain men ; a continuous host of dead

A WKEK OF WAR AND DKATH.

271

a
,w
of

creatures swept by. How hopeless, they thought,
must be the plight of the Boers ; and still they
resisted.

Sunday, the Sunday after the battle of Paardeberg,
was a genuine day of rest and they needed it.
Bright and warm for the most part, the night was
cool and refreshing and they awoke rested and
strengthened. They were still on half-rations, getting
but two meals, and scant ones at that, a da;y. But
they were not complaining ; the officers endured the
hardships with the men. Even " Bobs " suffered
with the rest. It was said that at this time '* when
rations were running low, he called his men around
him and told them that what was good enough for
them was good enough for him, and so he lived on
the ordinary soldiers' rations. It was not an un-
common sight to see him seated on a biscuit-box
outside his tent eating the same food as the men
around him."

The Canadians needed the repose of this Sabbath
to strengthen and to nerve them for a great task to
which they were about to be assigned. The final
blow was to be struck, and to them would be the
honors of the fight. They had been tried in their
first fight at Paardeberg; they were now to be
proved.

CHAPTER XV.

THE :SUKRENDER OF CROXJE.

Still Cronje would not yield ; from his trenches
he laughed at shrapnel and lyddite and heeded the
rifle-fire no more than he would have heeded the
barking of so many dogs. True his laager was un-
tenable, his horses and cattle were slain ; but he still
had a two-fold hope. Small commandos had been
attacking the British cordon, and he daily expected
Joubert from about Ladysmith with a force of nearly
ten thousand men, if they once appeared he would
endeavor to cut his way through the exhausted
British army. Moreover he wasof the opinion that
Roberts could not support an army so far from his
base of supplies. Cronje thought, and he was not
far wrong, that the British for the successful conduct
of their advance needed close contact with a railway
system.

So,despite his losses, despite the rain that drenched
]iis]camp, he mounted the steps of his waggon, while
the lyddite shells and shrapnel burst around him,
and fearlessly scanned the country with his field-
glasses. Disappointed he would return to his
trenches to sustain the courage of his men and com-
fort the women and children. He had still some
days in which he could resist the storm of shot and
shell, and then if he had to yield he would yield
with the consciousness that he had done all man

273

274

(^ANADA S SONS ON KOPJE AND VELDT.

coiilfl flo for the lionor of liis country. His men
were suffering but for the most part uncomplain-
ingly ; some of the Free Staters were hoping for a
speedy raising of the siege or for surrender, but the
bulk of his four thousand were Transvaalers, who
believed in, Avorshipped, and relied on Commandant
Cronje much as the British troops did on Roberts.
What he did was right. If he ordered them to
follow him through the lines of the British they
would follow him ; if he commanded them to cling
to their position and fight till the last man had
fallen as did the Spartans at Thermopylae they
would obey him.

Each day of the siege, however, their chances of
escape or relief grew more and more remote. Small
parties had tried to creep through the lines, and
about mid-week a considerable force under
Commandant De Beers on their best horses had
succeeded in stealing out during the night ; but all
hope of further escape was cut off by the destructive
fire of the fifty British guns. Despite the fact that
an ammunition waggon had caught fire and ex-
l)loded they still had plenty of cartridges in their
trenches on both sides of the river for a piolongcd
resistance, but in all things else they were deficient.
They had but little ammunition for their artillery,
indeed they did not need much, for they had with
them but four twelve-pounder Krupp guns, one
Maxim, and a Vikers-Maxim. What had become
of the guns with which they resisted Methuen's
advance still remains a mystery. No doubt some
of them were buried, but most of them must have
been trekked north with a rapidity that astonished
the British and the world. Their "pom-pom,"
which had played such an important part early

i»

x-«.

CAl'T. V. L. CAKTWUKJHT.

THE SURRENDER OF CRONJE.

277

in the week, was silenced. A Howitzer lyddite-shell
had fallen on it wrecking the gun and killing eight
men, who were buried where they fell.

The putrid water of the Modder, too, was their
only source of supply ; and, through the havoc
wrought in their waggons, the end of the week of
bombardment found them with but four days'
supplies of food. The British were on half-rations,
and even quarter-rations, but they could com-
nmnicate with the outside world ; but the Beers
saw absolute starvation staring them in the face.

The next week opened with renewed energy on
the part of the beleaguering army. Their fire had
been effective, but they would make it still more so.
A captive-balloon, which defied the shot and shell
of the Boers, was sent up and every detail of
Wolveskraal laager noted. The trenches were
studied, the accurate position of ihe Krupp guns
marked, the battered red house which had been
Cronje's headquarters, and the wrecked and burnt
circle of waggons were observed, and the gun-fire
went on with more deadly accuracy than ever.

This was on the 26th of February, the morrow
would be Majuba day. Nineteen years before the
British arms under an able leader had suffered a
defeat from this nation of shepherds and hunters, a
defeat the most humiliating in the history of British
wars. Some of the very men who had inllicted
this defeat were penned up in front of Roberts'
army ; and in his force were men who had shed
bitter tears on that disgraceful day, and since had
waited and waited for a chance to wipe out the
disgrace. Chief among them was Brigadier-Ueneral
Hector MacDonald. He had courted death on that
day as a lieutenant in the Gordans, fi;>liting with a

278

CANADA S SONS ON KOPJE AND VELDT.

bravery that won him the admiration of his foes.
While his company broke and fled he had faced the
enemy single-handed, as a reward the chivalric
General Joubert had returned to him his sword. He
had been spared to see the Boers routed, corralled.
Majuba Day \vas approaching and a great reverse, a
reverse that was to change the whole progress of the
war and shape events that in the end would bring
the republics under the British flag was about to
crush Cronje's army, the flower of the Transvaal
and of the Orange Free State. " Thus the whirligig
of time brings in his revenges."

Though " Fighting Mac " was not to be in at the
surrender — a wounded foot had temporally sent
him to the hospital — he could not refrain from
writing to the Field-Marshal, reminding him of the
fatal day whoso memory still rankled in the breast
of every English soldier. To force Cronje to
surrender on that day would be a crownin? feat of
arms which would send the British world wild with
rejoicing.

For a moment it is necessary to roll back the
veil of years and consider the victory of Majuba
Hill. FitzPatrick, no sympathizer with the Boer,
in his " Taansvaal from Within." gives an account
of this fight that can be accepted as not at any
rate overrating the fighting qualites of the
Transvaalers.

" On February 27 came Majuba, when Sir George
Colley designed to retrieve his fortunes and strike
an effective blow without the aid of his second-in-
command, Sir Evelyn Wood, whom he had sent
to hurry up reinforcements. The scaling of the
mountain at night was a fine performance. The
neglect to take the rocket apparatus or mountain

THE SURRKXDER OF CRONJE.

279

guns, or to fortify the position in any way, or even
to acquaint the members of the force with the
nature of the position which they had taken up in
the dark, and the failure to use the bayonet, were
the principal causes of disaster. The Boers
attacked in force a position which should have been
absolutely impregnable, held as it was by a force of
554 soldiers. The Boer force is not known, but
probably consisted of upwards of 1000 men, since
Christian Joubert after the fight offered to take a
portion of the men numbering, as he said, some 500
to attack a small British laager on one of the spurs
of the mountain. The splendid feat of taking the
hilltop, however, was accomplished by a small
storming party of less than 200 men, the balance
of the Boer forces covering the approach of their
comrades by an accurate and incessant long-range
fire. The result, as is known was terrible disaster :
92 killed and 184 wounded, and a number taken
prisoners, represented the British loss, whilst the
Boers lost one killed and five wounded. No
attempt had been made to occupy positions below
the crown of the hill which commanded the
approaches, and the Boers were able to creep up
under good cover from place to place by the exer-
cise of their admirable tactics. It is impossible to
detract from the performance of the Boers, and a
glance at the position leaves one more astonished
than ever that a successful attack could ever have
been made upon it. The Boers displayed on this
day the finest fighting qualites. The generalship
of their fighting commandant, Nikolas Smit, was of
the highest order. The cleverness of the attack and
the personal bravery and audacity of the storming
party are beyond praise."

280

CANADA S SONS ON KOPJE AND VELDT.

Then England made terms of peace. She had
been beaten by the Boers, " when they were on the
top of the hill and we were at the bottom, and when
we were on the top of the hill and they were at the
bottom." Making peace while the disgrace of defeat
rested on their arms made the ignorant farmers
think England a weak nation, and by her action
she prepared the way for the bloody and costly war
which has called forth the entire land strength
of the Empire.

Lieutenant Hector MacDonald was in the final
disastrous scene of 1881. Sir Frederick Roberts
had been sent to retrieve the blunders of the leaders
who were calling down on England the ridicule of
Europe, only to learn that peace, from his point of
view an ignoninious peace, had been concluded.
Now Brigadier-General Hector MacDonald wrote to
Field-Marshal Lord Roberts of Kandahar urging
that the disgrace of Majuba Day 1881, be wiped out
in a glorious victory on Majuba Day 1900. Sir
Henry Colville sent in an equally earnest plea. But
Lord Roberts, much as he wished it, faltered. He
remembered Magersfontein and Colenso, Chieveley
and the Tugela, and his own heavy loss'^'^ in the
first battle of Paardeberg. It was costly work this
trying to drive the stubborn Boers from their
trenches ; better to wait than needlessly throw his
men on the " pom-pom " and the Mauser. If we
can believe the Times correspondent, " the
insistance of Canada broke down his reluctance, and
the men of the oldest colony were sent in the small
hours of Tuesday morning to redeem the blot on
the name of the Mother-Country." Whatever the
reasons, General Roberts decided that a determined
attack should be made on the Boer position at dawn

THK HUIlRENDKll OF CROXJE.

281

Oil Majuba Day ; and the Royal Canadian Regiment
of Infantry was to have the place of honor in the
attack.

From the time the announcement was made till
the men were ordered into the trenches some 600
yards from the nearest Boer trench, they went about
their task with silent seriousness. No more joking
and laughing on the eve of battle. That heap
of stones with its circle of shells at Paardeberg told
them what war meant. The work now assigned
them could not but mean death and wounds to
many. Cronje would not surrender without a
struggle. Their task would be a trying one and so
they were ordered to take what rest they could
before beginning it.

The attack was to begin at two in the morning. It
was a beauitful night, the clear African sky shone
with innumerable brilliantly gleaming stars, " the
moon was on the wane, just a thin rim of it was left."
The air was cool and bracing and stimulating. Six
companies of the regiment lay in the trenches
which had been constructed while they were busy
on Tuesday keeping down the enemy's fire. C
Company was on the extreme left and G and H by
the wooded river bank on the right. In the
trenches were 480 men and officers nervously await-
ing the order to advance. A Company had a
position across the river, while B was placed in
reserve at the bivouac.

At two o'clock in the morning the Gordons occu-
pied the trenches and the Canadians were ordered to
move forward. Out of the trenches they "scrambled
like monkeys " and began to advance in two ranks.
The front rank was the firing-line and moved for-
ward through the uncanny darkness with rifles

282 Canada's sons on kopje and veldt.

loaded and bayonets fixed ready either to drop on
the plain and begin firing or to charge into the
enemy's stronghold. They hoped for the latter ; a
bayonet charge has a terrible fascination for the
young soldier. It was the intention of Lord Roberts
to have the Canadians reach if possible a point
within 100 yards of the enemy and there throw up
a new line of entrenchments ; so the rear rank had
their rifies swung over their backs and carried picks
and shovels in their hands. They were reinforced
by fifty of the Royal Engineers under whose direc-
tion tliev acted. Lieutenant-Colonel Buchan was
on the left of the Canadians, Major Pelletier on the
right, and Colonel Otter on the left-rear.

Slowly the men advanced through the darkness
at intervals of less than a yard, each holding the
coat sleeve of the man on his left. When they had
advanced for about 500 yards through the small
bushes that dotted the plain it was found that the
flank had outstripped the main body, and so a brief
halt was made to correct the alignment. Here
several soldiers caught glimpses of stealthy figures
moving in their front ; no doubt Boer watchers who
were hurrying to cover to warn their friends of the
advancing line. Once more the advance began ;
this time with every effort to maintain absolute
silence, but the crackling scrub and some empty
meat tins that the Boers had strung in front of their
position served to alarm the enemy, if their sentries
had not already done so.

Instantly a line of fire sputtered in their very
faces. The firing-line was between fifty and
twenty-five paces from the enemy, and the closeness
and suddenness of the fusilade stunned them
for a moment. The cries and groans of their com-

TlIK SUUKKNDKR OF CIIONJE,

283

rades brought them to themselves, flat on their
faces they fell and began vigorously to return the
close fire. Like a continuous bursting of gigantic
fire-crackers the rifles snapped before them ; no
head was seen but so close were they that the light
from the continuous fire revealed the polished
weapons and at times the arms and hands that held
them. For about fifteen minutes, and it seemed
like fifteen hours, a stream of lead swept over them
and tore the earth about them, occasionally finding
a victim. They were not idle. Steadily, effectively,
they sent back bullet for bullet, and so well directed
was their fire that the enemy's fusilade became less
dangerous. They no longer thought of aiming at
that brave line of prone figures on the open plain,
they dare not show themselves in their trenches but
raising their rifles high overhead fired at random.
For the most part the hot fire prevented the rear
rank from constructing trenches. They too lay on
the plain and in several instances illustrated the
uses of a shield in modern warfare by holding their
shovels in front of their heads, in one case a shovel
turned no less than three bullets. About a mile
away on the left the Canadians' old friends the
Shropshire Light Infantry began to pour volleys
into the Boer laager ; and the crackling and volley-
ing, the whizzing of the bullets through the
darkness, the spitting flashes from the rifles, the
groans of the wounded, made the night a
pandemonium.

In the midst of this uproar of battle, someone on
the left gave the command, " Retire and bring in
your wounded." Along the line to the right the
message sped and soon the whole of the regiment
with the exception of G and H companies were

284 Canada's sons on kopjk and veldt.

speeding to the trenches they had left, "making
record time," to use the language of more than one
in the retreat. Who gave the command will
probably never be known ; perhaps he lies buried in
the South African veldt for his blunder, for blunder
it was, as in retiring lives were lost and men
wounded who would otherwise have gone through
this battle uninjured. Those barking rifles and
pursuing bullets lent speed to their feet and they
waited not till they tumbled pell-mell into the
trenches where the Highlanders stood with fixed
bayonets. In the darkness of the morning they
were mistaken for Boers and several were wounded
by the fatal mistake.

Brave deeds were done, too, in this retreat ; one,
and there were several like it, is worthy of more
than passing note. Private Charles Donaldson was
retiring with the rest when he came upon Corporal
Thomas who had been mortally wounded in the first
sudden volley. Donaldson had joined in the retreat
but the cries of his comrade-in-arms made him halt.
He nobly supported the wounded man from the
field despite the fact that the agonizing cries of pain
were drawing the Boer fire. Several times as the
bullets flew thick and threatening about him he was
tempted to leave his comrade, but in the end
carried him to the trenches where the surgeons and
stretcher-bearers were busy with the wounded. It
is not every time that the prize is deserved that it is
given ; here was a deed worthy of the Victoria Cross
but in the darkness no officer's eye could see the
courage of it.

In the meantime G and H companies w!ich had
not heard the command to retire held their
position, and while the front rank blazed away

•eat

lalt.

the

ain

Ithe

ras

ind

It is

ross

the

lad
^eir
r&y

LIKUT.-COL. AI.KXAN'DKR WILLIAM ANSTRUTIIKU.

THE SURRENDER OF CRONJE.

287

through the bushes that gave them fair cover the
rear rank threw up an excellent trench. Into this
trench the entire companies leaped. They were
within sixty-five yards of the crackling Mausers,
Tlieir dead lay still nearer. How close they had
come to charging the enemy in their very trenches ;
and how narrowly they had escaped another
Magcrsfontein. Only the darkness, the intervals,
and tlie promptness with which they had thrown
themselves on the ground saved them from having
their entire line cut down. The Boers had no
search-light this time to turn night into day. Once
in the trenches these soldiers from the Maritime
Provinces under the direction of Captains Stairs and
Macdonnel kept up a steady well-directed lire on
tlie bursts of flame from the rifles in their front.
They did not know that the other companies had
retired and they wondered at the strange silence on
their left. The guns on account of their position
were unable to shell the Boers, and only the distant
but effective volleys of the Shropshires joined with
their uninterrupted five. Till daylight the
Canadians kept the Boers, now thoroughly alarmed,
from showing themselves above their trenches, and
the firing of the enemy which had been very wild,
with dawn almost altogether ceased.

Cronje saw that the end had come. The trench
of the Canadians was at right angles with his line
of rifle-pits, and the marksmen could from their
shelter sweep his entire position. He might still
hold out ; but with the captive-balloon directing the
fire of the guns, with his trenches enfihided by the
splendid marksmen with the maple leaf on their
helmets, it could only be with great loss of life.
Unable to secure water, food running low, the

288

CANADA S SONS ON KOrJJ<: AND VKLDT.

stench of the dead animals permeating liis camp, a
hot fire sweeping through his ranks — all these
things made him determine to surrender and so he
raised the white flag.

At first no attention was paid to it. The Boers
had so frequently abused the white flag that the
Canadians were not going to be caught by the
barbarttus trick ; and so they kept up their fire for
another hour. At six o'clock the Boers began to
pass into the British lines and seeing that they did
indeed intend to surrender the " cease fire " rang
out, and the Canadians on " The Dawn of Majuba
Day " sent up a mighty cheer. The chance had
been given them, and although through a cruel
mistake four comi:)anies had retreated, the remaining
two had done their work so well that to them was
the honor of giving the final stroke to the nine days
of battle that were the great turning point in the
South African AVar. The Free State would be
British territory in a few days and the irrestible
advance could now continue till the forts of Pretoria
were maimed by English troops.

Cronje had surrendered. The following is an
account of the meeting between the great fighting
General of the Transvaal and the Commardcr-in-
Chief of the Britsli forces :

"A group of horsemen then approached. On
General Prettyman's right rode an eldei'ly man clad
in a rough, short overcoat, a wide brimmed hat,
ordinary tweed trousers and brown shoes. It was
the redoubtable Cronje. His face was almost
burned black, and his curly beard was tinged with
grey.

** Lord Roberts walked to and fro in front of the
cart until the Boer General arrived, when tli©

THE SURRENDER OF CRONJE.

289

British commander advanced gravely and kindly
saluted the Boer commander. He then motioned
General Cronje to a seat in the chair which had
been brought for his accommodation, and the two
officers conversed through an interpreter.

" Cronje's face was absolutely impassive when he
approached Lord Roberts, exhibiting no sign of his
inner feelings. Lord Roberts was surrounded by
his staff when General Prettyman addressing the
Field Marshal said :

" * Commandant Cronje, Sir.'

" The Commandant touched his hat in salute, and
Lord Roberts saluted in return. The whole group
then dismounted and Lord Roberts stepped forward
and shook hands with the Boer commander.

" * You made a gallant defence, Sir,' was the first
salution of Lord Roberts to the vanquished Boer
leader.

" General Cronje after this breakfasted with the
British officers."

No event in Lord Roberts' military career gave
him greater pleasure than this timely forcing of the
Boer position. His despatch in the early morning
of the day of surrender shows the pride he had in
his brilliant achievement. " I hope that Her
Majesty's Government will consider that this is very
satisfactory, occurring as it does on the anniversary
of Majuba."

At first it was thought that- Canada's part in this
great event had been exaggerated, but the detailed
report of Lord Roberts written at eleven o'clock on
the morning of surrender shows that the eulogies
heaped on the entire regiment and particularily on
G and H companies which so admirably kept tho

290

CANADA S SONS ON KOl'JE AND VKLDT.

enemy in play while the trenches were being dug,
were deserved in every particular.

" ^ t 3 a. m. to-day a most dashing advance was
made by the Canadian Regiment and some
engineers, supported by the 1st Gordon Highlanders
and 2nd Shropshires, resulting in our gaining a
point some 600 yards nearer the enemy, and within
about 80 yards of his trenches, where our men
entrenched themselves and maintained their
position till morning, a gallant deed worthy of our
Colonial comrades, and which, I am glad to
say, was attended by comparatively slight loss.

" This apparently clinched matters, for, at
daylight to-day, a letter signed by General Cronje,
in which he stated that he surrendered
unconditionally, was brought to our outposts under
a flag of truce.

"In my reply I told General Cronje he must
present himself at my camp and that his forces
must come out of their laager after laying down
their arms. By 7 a. m. I received General Cronje
and despatched a telegram to you announcing the
fact.

" In the course of conversation he asked for kind
treatment at our hands, and also that his wife,
grandson, private-secretary, adjutant and servants
might accompany him wherever he might be sent.
I reassured him and told him that his request
would be complied with. I informed him that a
general officer would be sent with him to Cape
Town to insure his being treated with proper respect
en route. He will start this afternoon under charge
of Major-General Prettyman, who will hand him
over to tliB general commanding at Cape Town.

** The prisoners, who number about 3000, will be

THE SURRENDER OF CRONJE.

291

formed into commandos under our own officers.
They wall also leave here to-day reaching Modder
Iliver to-morrow, when they will be railed to Cape
Town in detachments. Roberts."

There was much more in this victory than the
mere relief of Kimberley and the capture of a few
thousand Boers. Till this time there was great
danger of a general rising of the Dutch in Cape
Colony and Natal on behalf of their kith and kin in
the republics, but the capture of the hero of
Potchefstroom and Doornkop, the man recognized
as the greatest fighting general in South Africa
since the days of Nikolas Smit, for a time
completely demoralized the enemies of England.

Faardeberg was the beginning of the end ;
steadily by forced marches the British swept
onwards to Pretoria, driving back from kopje and
hill the forces of the enemy that tried to bar their
progress. In these marches and in this fighting the
Royal Canadians did their part as nobly as at
Paardeberg.

The news of the good work done by the regiment
caused great rejoicing in the Dominion, and for a
moment the people forgot the price paid. About
thirty were dead and over ninety wounded. In the
last brilliant charge seven were killed and thirty
wounded and a pall hung o\ er the rejoicing of the
regiment as the seven gallant fellows were laid to
rest on the morning of their victory in the plain on
which they fell.

CHAPTER XVI.

REST AFTER BATTLE.

Cronje had surrciulered ; the terril^le tension of
the nine days of privations and fighting was removed
and this very fact seemed to rest the men. After
the formal surrender the prisoners were marched
from the laager.

They were a mixed crowd composed of 2592
Transvaalers, 1327 Free Staters, 49 Scandinavians,
45 Artillerists, and 200 Sappers. Several com-
mandants, a number of field cornets and other
oflicers were in the crowd, chief among whom was
Major Albrecht of the Orange Free State Artillery,
who under Cronje had directed the magnificent
retreat from Magersfontein and planned the fine
defences at Wolveskrall.

It was a motley concourse, a strange rabble, tlie
artillerists of the Free State, a splendid body of men,
alone wore in uniform, but their uniforms were now
dirty and tattered. The rest of the Boers for the
most part were clad like the peasants of any rural
district, " with short coats, loud-patterned trousers,
narrow-brimmed light-brown soft felt hats." From
their stronghold they marched with eyes fixed on
the ground, gloomy, sullen. Here were grey bearded
men with their snowy unkempt locks hanging about
their stooped and rounded shoulders, holding in
their memories Majuba Dav 1881 and wishing that

2u:5

294 Canada's sons on kopje and veldt,

death had met them on this fatal morning : there
were lads, boys of fifteen and sixteen, who had been
made hardened soldiers by the struggles at Bel-
mont, at Enslin, at Modder, by the weeks of militar}'
work at Magersfontein, by the march to Paardeberg,
and the terrible bombardment in their last strong-
hold. There were among the prisoners four gener-
ations ; the feeble, but determined old men, who
had trekked across tlie \na.\ to escape British rule
with their sires in the thirties, and the smooth-
faced boys to whom even so late an event as Majuba
Hill was but a heroic tale of their people. Out of
the laager, too, marched some forty or fifty women
and children ; homely hard-faced women these,
who, like tlie Spartan women of old, could say to
their sons and their husbands " with your shields
or on them." All of the latter had escape injury,
save one little girl who had her finger slightly
wounded. Most noteworthy among them was the
wife of General Cronje, a stern-featured, woman who
carried herself erect by the side of her husband,
bent with years and toil, and cast defiant glances to
left and right.

All now seemed sullenly content with their
misfortune and marched with faces as impassive as
their stubborn commanders. It had not been so
when the news that Cronje had surrendered spread
through their entrenchments. The bitter tears
were shed and stern curses uttered. The Free
IStaters were no doubt tired of war ; but the
Transvaalers, and particularly tlie " Old Guard of
Potchefstroon " who had swept Alajuba Hill with
tlieir deadly fire and so skilfully entrapped
Jameson and his men wlien on their ill-starred raid.

LIEUT. -col; LEOX P. VOHL.

KEST AFTKIt r.A'rTF.R.

2',)]

would luive died to a man ratlicr than surrender to
the " rooineks."

There was, however, keen disapi)ointinent in the
British ranks when they saw the ragged, dirty
horde they had captured. The hravery of tlie
Boers in so long resisting shrapnel and lyddite had
given the English soldiers an exaggerated notion of
their appearance. They were prepared to sec an
array of stalwart fighting men marched into their
lines. "What a disappointment !

" A drove of tramps, carrying hundles of rags
and such rubbish as tramps collect. A regiment of
AVeary Willies and Tired Tims, with ragged beards
and smashed slouch hats, and tin cans and empty
beef tins dangling l)y strings from their brace but-
tons. Some carried sauce pans slung over their
shoulders, some carried tea kettles ; one or two
walked with green umbrellas."

This is as an onlooker saw them. There were,
however, many Boers of noble type here ; doctoi's
and lawyers from the Free State and the Transvaal,
and farmers with countless flocks and numerous
servants, but almost any casual observer would
have got a similar impression. And what else could
have been expected. Earth is cruel, and unless the
spirit keeps reaching upwards the body and mind
will assuredly be dragged downwards. These Boers
as James Bryce has said " started with a seven-
teenth century standard and deteriorated for 300
years."

The tattered and brutalized body of peasants
instead of rousing hate should have stirred pity.
They were marched across the river and on the day
of their surrender set out under a strong guard for
Modder, Cronje, his wife, grandson, and immediate

2J)8

TANADA S SONS ()\ KOPJIC AND VELDT.

attendants wore sent some liours in advance of
the others.

The Lion of tlie Transvaal, this hnntor of beasts
and of men, was canght and wf»uld soon be confined
on tlie httle island rock wheio the Atlantic beats
eternally. Rongh, nnconth, without ambition, cruel
it may be, courageous without doubt, he had come
through probably his last fight and his country for
which he had fought so well was lost to him forever.
As dumb as the sphinx of the North African wilder-
ness, he sat puffing great clouds of smoke as he was
driven across the vel(h ho loved. On his face there
was no sign o^ feeling ; nothing to show how keenly
he must have felt the loss of his armv, and the blow
that had been given the Boor cause. Intensely
religious as he was, he no doubt felt as he went into
captivity as did the Israelites of old. The Philis-
tines had conquered but the chosen of Jehovah
would return in Jehovah's good time to claim their
own. Like the Jews of old the ]5oers' stubborn
isolation and arrogance had left them without a
country.

When the Boers had all passed out of the laager
the British entered it. What a sight of desolation
and destruction was revealed ! It was like the ruins
of a fire-swept town in which many living things
had been caught in the whirlwind of death. The
ground was torn by the fierce shell-fire, and great
blotches of greenish-yellow color told how every
part of the enclosure had been searched by the
suffocating lyddite. The great circle of waggons
and Cape-carts was smashed and torn and burnt ;
some were a mere heap of ashes and iron, the tops
of others, torn with shrapnel, were hanging over on
the ground like the sails of a dismantled vessel after

REST AITKU CATTLi:.

299

51 storm ; none liad cf;('a[>ofl the fierce fire, all bore
marks of bnllet or shell. The odor of death was in
the air; within the circle of waggons and indeed all
along the plain, l;)_v Ihe dead carcasses of lior.>r:c>i and
oxen and sheep. The river was fnll of them, cid
here and there were flocks of vnltnres, who, now
that the firing had ceased, swooped down on this
field of death. They were heavy, lazy birds, gorged
with the rich harvest of death that they had been
pnrsning from Belmont to Paardeberg.

"What snrprised the British most was the
comparatively fcAV dead Boers that were found
within the laager. No doubt many bodies had been
thrown into the river, many had been buried, but
the fierceness of their fire and the narrow limits of
the Boers' quarters made them expect ghastly heaps
of dead. The}' had been sending reports that the
death list of the Boers would amount to thousands,
but as only 170 Avounded were discovered, the
number of killed must indeed have been small,
when compared witli the British loss. The Boers
have invariably lied about their casualties in this
campaign, but at Paardeberg fheir losses were
probably not one fifth as great as those of the
English.

The reason of this was not far to seek. On both
sides of the river they had a system of trenches so
skilfully made that they astonished even such old
campaigners as Roberts and Kitchener. The
trenches were " quite ben' b-p roof, being constructed
something like a bottle, narrow at the top and
opening out below, say two feet at top, four feet and
five feet at the bottom ; not in one long line but in
a succession of pits from six feet to eighteen feet
long and about four feet six inches deep." Many

300

CANADA S SONS 0\ KOPJE AND VELDT.

of the trenches, no doubt the ones in which the
women and children took shelter when the laager
became untenable, were built merely for protection.
These were " long underground tunnels with but a
small square opening or shaft at either end."

Perhaps the greatest disappointment the soldiers
experienced was in the small number of the guns
captured. The British had beop losing guns in this
campaign, and the Canadians had hoped that the
capture of this army would make up the loss ; but
there were only six guns in the laager — a "pom-
pom," wrecked by a shell, a Maxim and four Krupp
guns. All showed that they had felt the fire of the
British. For the j^resent all were useless ; the
Boers, probably after the decision to surrender had
been arrived at, had removed the breech parts and
either buried them or threw them into the river.
Plenty of Mauser and Martini ammunition was
found, and, as if to bear out the stories of explosive
bullets, a waggon loaded with these barbarous
missiles.

Before ten o'clock the entire 19th Brigade was in
the Boer laager and Lord Roberts at his own
request inspected the Royal Canadians and
complimented them on the fine work they had
done.

However the men were getting used to praise and
they were thinking more now of the substantial
meal. Those lost transports kept them on a couple
of biscuits a day, supplemented by occasional "bony
chunks of beef or goat boiled, but innocent of any
flavoring, and thrust into the pot almost while the
breath was still in the animal's body." On this
diet they had endured long marches, sleepless
nights, and fought through two whole days of

REST AFTER BATTLE.

301

scorching lieat and one night of fierce battle. Here
was food at last, and in the loot of the camp they
would be able to have a feast. They found a good
deal of mealy flour and the frying pans were soon
sizzling over many fires as the men made
** slapjacks." It was the first chance since leaving
Graspan that they had had of obtaining a satisfying
meal, and as a result the sick list next morning was
a large one, especially among those who had used
Kaffir soap instead of grease in their cooking.

That night the regiment slept in the Boer
laager, and despite the desolation and stench rested
well. For a time at least battle was at an end ; they
need not fear the clarion note of the call to arms
which a few days before they had been so eager to
hear. They were utterly exhau-^^ted, dirty, ragged,
hollow-eyed ; they looked at the iJoer prisoners and
they looked at each other and thought themselves
not unlike the men they so cordially despised. On
some the privations and nervous strain had l)een
particularly trying, and it was not uncommon to
find mere boys with their hair turning grey.

When the strain of fighting was removed the day
after the surrender was far from being a light one.
Two companies did the inevitable outpost duty,
while the remainder were busy collecting stores and
ammunition in the laager. There was but little of
value. There were great (quantities of Mauser and
Martini cartridges and some fairly good carts and
waggons, but little else. It was surprising the
number of old-fashioned Martini rifles that were
used by the Boers, but as liunnet Burleigh points
out, the Burghers preferred the arm to which they
had l)een accustomed.

While bus^ at this work they were almost suUb-

302 Canada's sons on kopjk and veldt.

cated by the stench from the dead horees, oxen,
sheep and goats that were decomposing rapidly in
the hot sun and contaminating the river, their only
source of water supply. Bury the animals they
could not ; there were too many for that ; to stay
in the infected atmosphere and drink the putrid
water of the Modder which scarcity of fuel pre-
vented them from boiling, would inevitably smite
them with a deadly plague — indeed it had already
(lone so. For these reasons the regiment was
moved about two miles farther up the river to
Osfontein where the whole division were in one
camp for the first time in the campaign. Here they
were to rest for five days Scarcity of food con-
tinued, heavy rains beat down upon them, and
their tents for three nights were practically afloat.
Horses and oxen and mules died all along their
line of march and by the score about their camp.
So many carcasses lay rotting in tlie sun that the
men of the contingent with grim humor changed
the name of their resting place to '' Deadosfontein."
The men were glad of the rest, such as it was, of
the week after !Majuda Day ; but they were longing
too, to get away from Osfontein. The violent
thunder-storms, the camp at times a great pool ;
shivering about the fire to keep dry and warm — all
made thein long to be off once more. Bloemfontein
was to be occupied in a few days, the Boers were
said to 1)0 in force in front ; but Roberts and
Kitchener and French would drive tlie enemy
before them with the same irresistible dasli that
tliey had 8wooi>cd down upon Paardeberg. Thougli
their khaki uuilbi'iiis wore rnggod and shrunken,
their shoes broken and falling to pieces, though tlio
regiment's strength had been n-ihieed by 150 in the

REST AFTER BATTLE.

303

last three weeks, they rejoiced when on March 5
they received orders to advance towards Bloeiu-
fonteni. The sooner the inarcli began the sooner
they would be through with this war and with
bouth Africa.

liKOIUiK ST^:ULlN(i KYi:US()N, M.D., CM

MA.IOK HKNUI ItKAri'Oirr VIDAL.

CHAPTER XVII.

WITH THE SICK AND WorNDp:D.

So far deeds of daring in the field and of
endurance on the march have been recorded. There
is another side of war which is rarely considered
when cabinets and statesmen, and the daily press
are stubbornly or ignorantly calling for the
arbitrament of the sword. A visit to the field of
battle, to tlie operating room of a field-hospital, to
the crowded wards where fever stricken patients
toss in their burning agony or cry out in delirium
would surely make men less keen to go to war.
Fever and wounds take the gilt edge from the glory
of war — and yet they at the same time make it
glorious. The " ministering angels," men and
women, who follow in the wake of an army, attend-
ing the wounded under fire, braving the foul
contagion of a plague-stricken camp are as truly
heroes as the men to whom triumphal arches are
raised and who return with the plaudits of the
multitude.

The line of battle is under fire, to right and left
men are struck ; a bone in the arm is shattered and
the rifle falls useless on the plain ; a leg is broken
and the victim unable to rise tries to drag himself
out of the fire zone. His blood is ebbing fast nnd as
it ebbs a thirst fiercer than the thirst of the desert is
upon him; death seems to lie standing by his side

307

308 Canada's sons on kopje and veldt.

and a cold prespiration breaks out on his body.
The cry goes up for the surgeon, but the surgeon is
busy on some other part of the thinly-extended
line. A comrade takes from his haversack his field
dressing, crawls through the sand and tenderly
binds, Avith inexperienced hands, the wound or
broken limb. But perhaps the deadly missile has
torn its way into the very vitals of the soldier.
Pain, too great to be borne, makes him cry out in
agony and those nearest feel that it may be their
turn next.

Through the murderous fire pass the Army
Hospital Cori>s bearing the wounded to the hospital
in the rear. Sometimes a rude temporary dressing
serves, but often it is impossible to remove the
wounded till their wounds are carefully dressed,
and under a trying fire — for in this war the Geneva
Cross instead of protecting seems only to have
attracted the enemy's aim — the surgeons and
stretcher-bearers did their noble work. On that
bloody Sunday at Paardeberg back and forth they
went bearing their burdens, moistening the lips and
brows of conu'ades, binding up wounds ; in some
cases giving their lives for their fellowmen. The
soldier wlio died in the charge on the trenches'
edge with the lust of blood in his heart is not as
truly heroic as the man who, with calm deliber-
ation, stays by the wounded till they are moved to
a place of safety. There are tliose who say tiiat no
nation ever attained greatness without wav : true,
but it is not the war spirit that has made nations
great, but the peace spirit. Tlie lusting glory is to
the men who by war liave sought peace, to the men
wliom the suH'erings caused by war have made
more humuue. " War is hell," and the field lios-

WITH THE SICK AND WOUNDED.

309

pital, were it not for the nurses, stretcher-bearers,
and surgeons, would be but a ward in the inferno.

About the operating tent there is the sickening
odor of ether and chloroform. On the whole, ho\s-
cver, in this war the hospital has not been such a
ghastly place. The Boers have depended entirely
on their shell-fire and their rifles, and in the first
fights the Canadians suffered nothing from shell
fire. For the most part the wounds were made by
the swift-speeding Mauser bullets, small and long,
that made a clean wound. Once dressed the wound
gave but little pain, and the injured men in the
presence of their fellows braced their wills to
endure without showing signs of feeling. Stoics
tliese ; no writhing, no groaning, no complaining —
only an occasional fierce cry of agony from some
poor fellow hurt unto deatli.

Among these wounded men went Captain-
Surgeon Fiset, tender of hand, sympathetic of eye
and voice. They had long since learned to love
him ; in their camps at De Aar, at Orange River,
at Belmont he had not only been a physician to
their bodies, but to their spirits as well. But it was
not till Paardebevg that his true worth was proved.
On that day he ex])osed himself a dozen times to a
fierce fire while dressing wounds or helping bear
soldiers from the field. That the death rate from
fever and wounds had been so low among the
Canadians is largely due to his unflagging zeal.

Before this time a number of Canadians had been
placed on the sick-list and were at several of the
hospitals, but after this it was no easy matter to
keep track of the regiment's invaliils. The majority
were at Bloemfontein, but wounded and sick men
were to be found at Kiniberley, at Ifoneynest Kloof,

810 Canada's sons on kopje and veldt.

at Orange River, at De Aar, at Naaupoort, at
Rondeboscli, at Deilfontein, at Victoria West, at
Wynberg, and later in the campaign all along the
line from Bloemfontein to Pretoria. Enteric was
the chief cause ; but dysentery, pneumonia, veldt
fever, and rlieuniatism did their work too.

Tlie men who wore brought to Wynberg were
indeed fortunate. It was a veritable fairyland. The
road between it and Rondeboscli " is ornamented by
planted woods of oak, stone, pine, and poplar, whoso
foliage forms a striking contrast to that of the silver
tree which forms natural woods along the sides
of the mountains."

If the air and the scenery were such as to put
new life and vigor into the sick and wounded, the
treatment the}^ received was equally good. Tender
hands were ready to do their bidding, and on two
days in the week visitors flocked to the wards with
gifts and kindly words.

Were there no hospital hardships then? or did
our contingent escai)e the suffering and abuse and
neglect so lately brought to the attention of the
world by Mr. Burdett-Coutts. On the whole the
Canadians did fare better than the older regiments.
In a sense they were a large family, and Colonel
Otter, Lieutenant-Colonel Ryerson and Surgeon-
Captain Fiset were ever watcliful for their comfort
and health. At the beginning of the war it was
almost a i)leasure to be sick ; but as the campaign
went on all that changed, and especially after the
epidemic of typhoid had visited the troops at
Bloemfontein. All tlio hospitals in South Africa
became crowded, and wdiile in the vicinity of Cape
Town and in Kimberley the patients were almost
too well cared for, those in the hospitals on the

WITH TnK SICK AND WOUNDED.

311

Great Karroo and along the line of march to
Pretoria were often sadly neglected. From the
Canadian soldiers came but few complaints. They
had gone to South Africa to fight, and they soon
learned to recognize that war was cruel, and so they
stood the forced marches, the starvation, the neglect
when sick, as the inevitable accompaniments of
war. Those who had been invalided up to the time
of Paardeberg had not much they could complain
of, but many of the soldiers who experienced
hospital life later in the cam[)aign suffered greatly.

The great majority of the Canadians had their
hospital experience at Bloemfontein. The long
march, with but scanty food, to that city, the forced
marches they were afterwards compelled to take,
shattered many iron constitutions ; but the greater
part of their troubles began at Paardeberg. The
" liquid filth " of the Modder, the nauseating
draughts they got at the wayside stagnant pools
bred enteric in the regiment. They fell under its
grip not by individuals but by scores. TJie other
regiments fared no better, and soon the beautiful
and healthy city of Bloemfontein became a city of
hospitals, echoing with the sound of the muffled
drum and the slow tramp of soldiers carrying their
dead comrades, rudely wrapped in blankets, to the
grave. Hourly the sounds of " Last Post " echoed
through the wards crowded with sufl'ering men.

The Free State offices, the places of worship, and
the Raadzaal were filled with sick and wounded.
The beautiful grounds of the Rambler's Club was
white with the tents of Langman's Hospital, and
the breezy outskirts of the city were dotted with a
hundred hospital tents. In those outlying tents
were many Canadians, and — there is no use of

312

CANADA S SONS ON KOPJE AND VELDT.

mincinj]; matters — here they enrlnrefl great puflforing.
Smitten down with fever they were in many cases
carried into these tents, their heads aching, their
bodies chilled, and there left very much to
themselves. The heat too was oppressive and many
of them must have said as did the lad at Orange
River when burning with fever, " If I could only
get a breath of pure Canadian air and snow instead
of this terrible sand, I would pull through all right."

Here is the experience of one of our soldiers
gleaned from his letters to his brothers and sisters.
Chilled and aching with the fover he tried to go
about his duties but at length had to give in. lie
Avas carried to one of the hospitals outside of
Bloemfontein and laid on the ground in a tent with
twenty others. The heat and the llics tortured him
during the <lay, and he shivered despite his fever
in the cold of the African night. The medical
attendance was thoroughly bad ; each day a new
doctor would visit the tent and the treatment of the
previous day would often be changed. The hard
ground, as the first fierce attack of fever left him,
made him " one sore," but there was no kindly
hand to alleviate his sufferings. All this time his
thoughts were by the blue St. Lawrence.

'* I dream," he said, ** I am home nearly every
night, and waken to find myself in this measly old
hospital."

Those who were sent to Kimberley fared much
better than those about Bloemfontein. The people
of Kimberley had but very lately suffered priva-
tions from war and they knew how to help
others. The only wonder is that many of the sick
and wounded were not killed by their kindness.
However Lieutenant-Colonel Ryerson, M. D., of the

WITH THE SK'K AND WOrNPED.

813

Canaclian Red Cross Socioiv wo'' on tlio spot : atul
next to Colonel Otter no man of the First Contingent
deserves greater praise. As far as his Innnan
limitation would allow him lie kept a careful watch
over the men of the regiment, and was familiar with
the condition of the sick and wounded in all the
hospitals from Wynherg to Kroonstiid.

Lord Roherts had a word for his excellent work.
After praising the various medical corps at Kimber-
ley in one of his re[>orts, he added that but for their
good work, " and the energy and zeal of Lieutenant-
Colonel Ryerson, M. D., and tlie Canadian Red
Cross Society, the condition of the sick and wounded
would have been very dilTerent from what I found
it on my visit there last month.''

As time went on some few of the invalids were
permitted to return to the front, but for the most
part their health was too much shattered to continue
in the campaign, and so they were sent over the
long hot miles between South Africa and England
to gather strength in such fine retreats as AV^oolwich,
Torquay and Shorncliffe, where they might grow
strong for future fighting and hardships, or robust
enough to return to their friends in Canada. And
they did return, some lame for life, some with con-
stitutions shattered, some w^th hair whitened by
what they had endured ; but all happy in the
knowledge that they had done their work well, and
that they had brought their country prominently
before the world and helped to firmly base the
scattered British Empire.

CHAPTER XVIII.

TO BLOEMFONTEIN.

;

The Canadians were rejoiced to be once more on
tlieir way to Pretoria. Osfontein with its rottin<jj
carrion, poor water supply, and heavy rains liad
not given them much real rest. They had stood it
well however, and as they sat about the puddles in
their tents " quacked like ducks and cracked jokes
about regattas."

The forward movement began again on March 6
with a tramp of only six miles to Koodocsrandt
Drift. Here the battalion bivouacked for the day
and grew expectant of the morrclv. Another big
battle was promised them. The enemy were in
force in their front and were confident of being able
to check Lord Roberts in his march to the Orange
Free State Capitol. General Delarey and General
Christian De Wet, who has since proved himself an
unrivalled leader in guerilla warfare, were in com-
mand of the Boer troops. How large or how small
the force was, was not known ; but it was known
that they occupied a very strong position at I'oplar
Grove, and that it would be no easy task to force
them from the kopjes or turn their flank.

The soldiers had a very exaggerated idea of the
strength of the enemy. They no doubt expected
that a fierce resistance would be made to their entry
into Bloemfontein and reports spread through the
in 4

•J

-it

H
y;

O
15

^^
H

A
■■^
H
X.

O
us,

^ » >

TO I'.r.OEMFONTKlN.

317

•J}

H
O

British army that the ko]>jes in front Avere crowded
with Long-Toms, Krupp guns, and Creusots ; and
that on the morrow they would very probably have
to face, not the fire of the Mausers, to which they
had become accustomed and which they could pro-
tect themselves from to some extent, but a fierce
shell-fire such as the British had thrown into the
Boer laager at Paardeberg, and they would be witli-
out the impregnable trenches that saved their
enemies in that bombardment. However any kind
of fighting would be better than the monotony of
heat and cold, hardtack and dirty water.

On the morrow the "rouse" sounded at three
o'clock and by four they were read^ to play their
part in the battle Lord Roberts had planned. They
were to do important work, but not as conspicuous
or dangerous as against Cronje. They advanced
from Koodoosrand Drift for about three miles as
the rear regiment of tlie 19th Brigade. Tliev Avere
now Avithin range of the tiirentening hills. At any
moment a shell might come screeching through the
intervening miles and drop into their midst. The
command Avns giA'cn to extend, and the whole
regiment contiiuie(l its adA'unce townrds LeeUw Kop
at intervals of from I'ight to ten ])aces. 'J'lie
Canadians were still suppoi't.-, and, while the Shroji-
sliires Avere making a reconnaissance, rested lor
several hours.

So far a silent battle had been going on. The
Boers Avere Availing, and the British cavalry,
artillery, and infantry AV(>re manoeuvering along
their thinly extended line, some ten miles in
extent.

At eleven o'clock the music of war began. A Boer
gun spoke from Leeuvv Kop. Jt was not directed at

318

Canada's sons on kopje and veldt.

the infantry regiments but at the naval twelve-
pounder guns. Her "Majesty's Jollies" became
interested, and while the infantry brigades waited
and manoeuvered a very picturesque artillery duel
took place between the heavy guns. The Boer guns
were well manned, and their shells fell with deadly
accuracy about the sailors ; but their ammunition
was evidently defective for the shells did not burst.
Had they done so the splendid marksmanship with
which they were directed would certainly have
silenced the British guns early in the action. The
British fire, on tlie other hand, after the range was
found was most effective. Clouds of dust and smoke
and flying fragments of rocks told that the shells
were bursting right in the Boer position. The fire
from Leeuw Kop grew less dangerous and at last for
a time their Long-Toms failed to speak. But only
for a time. Once more the boom of the cannon was
heard and the 4.7 men were almost instantly under
an accurate fire. Half a dozen shells in rapid
succession searched their ranks and for hours one
of their guns sjDoke no more. It was seen that the
naval guns were in serious danger and they were
ordered to retire.

Meanwliile tlie cavalry and the infantry were
endeavoring to turn the flunk of the enemy, who
were neither so numerous nor so well entrenched as
was at first supposed. De Wet had before him tlie
i'ate of Cronje. He saw the long line of the British
brigades slowly but surely surrounding his position,
and not wishing to spend the rest of the summer on
St. Helena, commanded the retreat of his entire
ibrce ; and liis men left the field of battle with the
same haste that marked Cronje's flight from
Magersfontein.

TO BLOE.MFONTEIN.

319

His retreat however was conducted with masterly
skill. Rifle-fire had played no part in this day's
struggle and tlie Boer guns kept the British at a
distance of 4000 yards iii their rear. So ended this
day of fighting, and ariuther important step was
taken towards ending the war. The enemy's forces
were flying hefore lloberts' troops and even
Presidents Kruger and Steyn, who had been
confident of ultimate success Avith the aid of the God
of Battles and the intervention of some foreign
power, became dismayed.

The day of the battle of Poplar Grove had been
as trying on the Canadians as any day since they
left Graspan. The heat was oppressive, and they
had to march without water or food till late in the
afternoon. True they did pass some swampy places
during the day, muddy and slimy and trodden with
the hoofs of horses and oxen ; here they drank,
drank from pools in which the carcases of dead
animals were floating. They had started out as the
rear of the brigade, but when the halt Wois called in
the late afternoon the "long-legged Canadians"
M'cre leading. That night they bivouacked at
Slaagskraal at the foot of tlie kopjes that had
thundred during the day with the enemy's guns.

Next day they were too tired to advance, and
rested where they were to talk over their successes,
to anticipate the speedy fall of Bloemfontein, and
the rapid close of the war.

liadysmith had been relieved on February 28.
AVith Kimberley relieved, with Cronje and his army
captured, with the Boers scattered along the Tugcla,
with Lord Roberts triumphantly s\V('C[)ing the
enemy's force from before him in his march on
Bloemfontein, the stubborn little Ucpublics that had

320

CANADA S SONS ON KOl'JK AND VKLDT.

put up a liglit wliicli had astonished the world, and
taxed the strength of the Britisli Empire, would
surely sue ibr peace. The Presidents saw they were
beaten, that for the future their fight would be a
running one, and that nothing could keep the
liritish oiit of Pretoria, and so they meditated
terms, and on March 5 sent a message to the British
(Joveriunent as the initial step towards a cessation
of hostilities.

And such a message ! They wanted to maintain
" the incontestible inclojiondence of both Kepublics."
They were still sure that the "Triune (Jod who
lighted the unextinguisliable fire of love of freedom
in the hearts of ourselves and of our fathers will not
forsake us, and will accomplish His work in us and
in our descendants," Still they would have felt
more comfortable if Lord Roberts was not pursuing
them. The whole message was a tremendous piece
of folly, only e(jualed by Kruger's Ultimatum
whicli precipitated the war in October, and closed
with a sentence thjit could only irritate the British
(Jlovernment and people. They would have spoken
before, forsooth, but they were afraid they " might
hurt the feelings and honor of the British people.
]^)nt now," they said, "that the prestige of the
ihilish Einpire may be considered to be assured by
the cai)ture of one of our forces by IJer Majesty's
troops, and that we have thereby been forced to
evacuate other |)ositions which our forces had
occupied, that difHculty is over, and we can no
longer hesitate to clearly infoi-m your Government
anct people, why we are tigliting and on what
condition we arc ready to restore jieace."

They got their answer short ami sharp. Jloberts
cMulinued his advance, and while he was thunder-

To r.l.olCMI-o.N'TiilX.

321

it
e.
le

lat

I'ta

iiig on liis road to tlieir ca[>itiils tlioy were driven (o
despair and even to tears l)y tlie message ot* "The
Marquis of Salisbury to the Presidents of the South
African Republic and Oran,j;o Free State," wliieh
closed with the emphatic and unmistakable words :
"Her IMajesty's Government can only answer your
Honor's telegram by saying that they are not prc^-
pared to assent to liie independence either of the
South African Ivepublic or the Orange Free State."

The troops were rapidly nearing Bloemfontein
and the independence of the Free State would be
permanently settled in less than a w'eek.

On March the Canadians crossed the Moddor at
Poplar Grove Yh'ill on ])ont()ons, bivouacked tlierr
for tlie night to prepare for another trying tramp.
Once more the mobile enemy had entrcnciicd thoui-
selves at Abraham's Kraal some eighteen miles
away. They were said to be in force and still
determined to keep the British out of Bloemfontein.
French with his cavalry had galloped on ahead
sparing neither man nor horse; he soon had the
country clear of the enemy. The artillery was
trundling after him, while the Gth Brigade was on
hand to take part in the expected battle,

Roused next morning while the chill was still on
the earth the 19th Brigade l)egan their march a
little after five o'clock. The Canadians this time
set the pace. They were anxious to get to the scene
of battle, and so strongly did they march that
Brigadier-General Smith-Dorrien, who had com-
plimented them a day or two before on the excellent
work they had done since leaving Graspan, had to
send orders to them to slacken their pace ; and the
slower-gaited Highlanders, Shropshires, and Corn-

322

CANADA S SONS ON KOPJJi AND VELDT.

walls cursed them, as only the regular '• Tommy "
can curse, for their unusual display of energy.

I^ate that afternoon the whole hot and tired
brigade began to quicken their step. The music of
battle was before them ; a stubborn fight was under
way between Abraham's Kraal and Dreifontein.
The Boers were being pressed back and back ; but
they were not giving way without a struggle. When
the Canadians, leading the 19th Brigade, were
within seven or eight hundred yards of the fighting
regiments of the 6th Brigade an impetuous bayonet
charge was made at the Boers' most important
position and they broke and fled ; and the last fight
on the road to Bloemfontein had been fought. This
had been an expensive battle to both armies. The
British had 300 casualties, and as the Boers left 210
dead on the field they must have sufiered much
more severely. Four of their guns, too, were
captured besides a number of prisoners.

The 19th Brigade had now advanced about fifty
miles since leaving Osfontein, and they had not
done this without great suffering. Men staggered
along footsore and exhausted, hardly able to siand,
yet by mere force of will keeping up with their
comrades. Frequently, however, they would fall
unconscious along the line of march to be picked up
by the ambulance corps in the rear. For the most
part, however, the Canadian soldiers struggled
manfully on after their regiment and managed to
join it at the nightly bivouac. They had no
difficulty in following the trail of the army ; as on
the road to Paardeberg, dead horses lined the route,
and living ones too.

It was indeed a sad sight, this army of starved
men and beasts toiling through a deserted country.

TO BLOEMFONTETN.

323

Every farm house was empty of inhabitants. The
Boers had fled before this force as before a red
pestilence. The ** rooineks " whom they had
despised had come hke a swarm of locusts.

The rest of the journey to Bloemfontein was for
the Canadian regiment uneventful, excepting for
the usual round of hardships. After leaving
Dreifontcin they made a day's march through the
heat to Aasvogel, Only ten miles, but in that short
distance about a hundred men fell out. However
these were made of the right stuff, and turned up at
the bivouac later. From Aasvogel they tramped to
Venters Vlei, sixteen miles, once more out-
stripping their transports. The end was in sight ;
but one more heavy tramp and they would be at
the railway within seven miles of Bloemfontein.
Rest was near at hand.

The}'^ were in rags ; between the heat and the rain
their shoes were falling to pieces. Indeed some were
actually barefooted, some had bound their puttees
about their bruised and swollen feet, others had
bound them up in pieces of sheep skin ; but all did
their best to keep up with the regiment. The cap-
ture of the Orange Free State capital they thought
would be the end of the war, and they wished to bo
with their comrades in the last great battle, and to
have a share in the triumphal entry. There was to
be no last great battle. The defeats at Poplar Grove
and Abraham's Kraal had scattered the Boers. A
panic had seized them, nnd the divided commandos
did not wait for further lighting, but percipitately
fled from their laagers.

That dashing cavalry officer. General French, was
galloping with his mounted men in the van of Lord
Roberts' army, driving the frightened Boers from

324

CANADA S SONS ON KOPJE AND VELDT.

their i)ositions, capturing j)risoncrs and geucriilly
spreading dismay among the enemy. Horses and
troopers might tumble on the veldt, but there must
be no time given the Boers to recover from the
blows that had been struck'. The forces that had
been about Ladysmith might be hurried to
Bloemfontein. They must be given no time for
concentration. Bloemfontein if possible must be
entered without a battle. While the artillery,
infantry, and transports were laboriously toiling
over the dusty veldt French had taken every im-
portant position, and on the evening of March 12 had
driven the enemy from all the kopjes barring his
way to Bloemfontein. " Before the Boers realized
the situation he was outside the railway running
from Bloemfontein to the south. They were still
rubbing their eyes when he had seized the station
with the rolling stock, fought his way to two com-
manding kopjes, and had Bloemfontein under his
thumb, waiting for Lord Roberts to come up."

This work had not been done without heavy loss.
Hundreds of horses as a matter of course fell in this
march, but the casualties in the British forces,
chiefly among French's men, in the final rush on
Bloemfontein amounted to almost 400.

On the morning of the formal surrender, March
13, Lord Roberts made his triumphal entry into
Bloemfontein. Despite the jaded appearance of the
men and the horses it was a magnificent spectacle.
For over a mile stretched the line of soldiers,
and as he advanced towards the Presidency he was
hailed by the acclamations of a thankful people.
Nor were these cheers and plaudits the utterances of
a cringing and hypocritical populace. Bloemfontein
is a small town with but a population of only 3600

MA.IOK (iKoKiiK WILLIAMSON'.

—^-"7^"

LIErX.-COL. ROBERT THOMPSON BANTING.

TO BI.OKMFONTKIN.

327

whites, and of this population at least 2000 are
either British or of British descent. If the British
had been forced to lay seige to the town many
British subjects and sympathizers must have fallen
in the struggle. At the market square the climax
of the jubilation was reached and the martial music
joined with the cheers of the people who had just
escaped the horrors of a seige. At the Government
buildings Lord Roberts took possession of the
Orange Free State in the name of Her Majesty
Queen Victoria, and when the Union Jack with a
shamrock in the corner was hoisted over the
Presidency that vast army shook the city with their
shouts. It Avas a great day, and many not only in
Bloemfontein but in every part of the w^orld
thought that the war was practicall}'' at an end.

The Canadians had not shared in this day of
triumph. While the people of Bloemfontein and
the soldiers were shouting themselves hoarse, they
were staggering on, hungry and hot, from Venters
Vlei to Ferreira Spruit siding, and after doing
over eleven miles halted to learn that the cavalry
force had entered Bloemfontein without opposition.
The relief to the men was almost as great as was
Cronje's surrender.

That evening a sound they had not heard for a

month broke upon their ears — the whistle of a

tr.MMi. It was like a voice out of the past. AVhen

cars manned with trainmen found in the British

iks rumbled into the station they cheered it

husiasti'^ally, and then, despite the heavy rain,

tiept. Mobu of them thought that now the campaign

was about ended. They had had enough of war and

would be cclad when they received orders to return

home. Nc ^hat they regretted having enlisted ; but

328 Canada's sons on kofjk and vkldt.

the toil, the privations, and tlie filth had takeii all
the glory out of war. On the 15th of the monlli
they moved towards Bloemfontoin and went into a
permanent camp on the west side of the town.

They had suffered much during the last month,
but as hey marched into their new quarters they
seemed, in a country where all the troops were
fagged, an exceptionally robust and fit regiment.

A big army cannot move with the steady rapidity
of a small force. A well established base was an
absolute necessity, and so the troops had to wait
while provisions and supplies were heaped up for
miles along the track on the outskirts of Bloemfon-
tein ; but chiefly they had to wait while horses were
procured. French had done wonderful work, but
he had only done it by leaving his troops practically
without mounts. So for over a month an aiuiy of
almost fifty thousand men were forced for the most
part to wait and watch.

The Brilisli world meanwhile was echoing with
their praises, and even the European witr critics
grudgingly applauded the work done. Their march
from Graspan to Bloemfontein would remain as one
of the great marches of history, and in it no body of
men acquitted themselves better than did the Koyul
Canadians.

PART TWO.

FKOAf BLOEMFONTEIN TO C'ANADA
VIA PllETOllIA.

.,. ,

PART TWO.

CHAPTER I.

A SECOND CALL TO ARMS.

Canada is not without its cynics, and when the
First Contingent sailed from Quebec there were many
who were of the opinion that the soldiers had not
taken the war seriously, and that the great attraction
liad been the noveltj'^ of the trip to South Africa. In
October but few in this country supposed for "
moment that the war would be a long one ; and
what seemed initial victories on the part of the
British made many think that when England had
an army of from sixty to eighty thousand troops
properly organized and concentrated the march to
Pretoria would 1)0 a holiday procession. The
adventurous young spirits would have an excellent
outing — so said " The Man in the Street."

Hut tli(^ Sardinian was not out of sight of land
before a change came over public opinion. The
Boers were slio\^'ing fighting qualities of a high
order, and were outwitting and out mananivring
tlie English generals. The soldiers from tlie
Dominion were likely to see a good deal more of
Africa than Cape Town. A hard campaign was
evidently before them. Had they known this
would they have been so ready to enlist?

The answer was soon given. The disaster at

832 Canada's sons on kopje and veldt.

Nicholson's Nek where two British regiments were
captured, and the isolation of Ladysmith showed
that England needed the assistance of her colonies.
The readincs i of the young men of Canada to enlist
in the First Contingent led the Government to
believe that another contingent could easily be
raised, and so on November 2 offered the Colonial
Office a second force for service in the South African
war. However the War Office required Magersfon-
tein and the reverses of the Tugcla to wake it from
its lethargy and the offer, for the time being, was
refused. The events of the next month proved to
England how lamentablv weak she was in two im-
portant branches of the service. Infantry corps she
had in abundance, but her artillery was deficient
and her mounted force was wholly inadequate to
cope with the mobile commandos of tlio Republics.
Her generals had on account of their lack of horses
been unable to take advantage of the few victories
they had gained, and had been forced to allow the
Boers to break away with comparatively light loss
and with their guns. Methuen and Buller had been
cheeked in their advance not so much through their
fondness for frontal attacks as because the forces
undoi" them would permit of no other kind of
iigliting. They had either to sit down before the
enemy's trenches or take them at the bayonet's
point. They tried the latter, and as a result the
bayonet will no longer bo used in battle between
civilized ))o\vcrs. To turn the i\iVi\ of the l^oer
entrenched j)ositions before Kimberl..y and Lady-
smith a large force of cavalry was an absolute
necessity.

On J)cvend)er 18 the Dominion Cabinet met to
discuss the advisability of sending a second contin-

iLi-

A SECOND CALL TO ARMS.

333

gent, and after due deliberation gave the following
statement to the public :

" The Imperial Government has at last cabled its
acceptance of the o Ter of the Canadian Government
made on November 2 last, of a second contingent.
A Cabinet Council was hold this morning and
instructions given the Militia Department to prepare
this second contingent to go forward at the earliest
possible moment. A cable to tliis effect has been
sent to the War Office."

Scarcely had this statement been printed Avhen
the ISIilitia Department was deluged with letters
and telegrams fi-om every part of the Dominion.
Even before the character of the troops required
had been announced hundreds had volunteered for
service. Many who had not volunteered in October
because they thought tluit England luid no real
need of them and that the war would be of short
duration — probably concluded before the Sardinian
could reach the Cape — now that a long and hard
struggle was before the Eint)ire made haste to try
for a place in this second force.

On December 21 an announcement of the
character of the contingent to be raised was made.
It was to consist of three squadrons of mountiMl
rifles, and three battalions of artillery. A Squadron
of Mounted Rifles was to bo enrolled in Ontario,
(Quebec, and the Maritime Provinces ; li Squadron
at Winnipeg, Portage La Prairie, Wnlen, IJrandon,
Yorkton, Hegina and Moose Jaw ; C S(piadron at
Prince Albert, Battleford, Moosomin, Qu A])pelle,
Lethbridge, Fort McLeod, Medicine Hat and Maple
( 'reek. The artillery was to be enrolled in Eastern
Canada and Winnipeg ; C Battery coneentra ng at
Kingston, D Battery at Ottawa, and K Battciy at

334

CANADA S SONS ON KOPJE AND VELDT.

Quebec. On December 27 tlie list of officers was
jmblished together witli the fact that the Goverii-
meiit had decided to add a fourth squadron of
Mounted Rifles.

Lieutenant-Colonel Francois Louis Lessard was in
command of the 1st Battalion (A and B Squadrons).
The choice was a good one. He had had twenty,
years military experience, having entered the
Quebec Garrison Artillery as a 2nd lieutenant in
1880 and having since been closely connected with
the military institutions of tliis country. Com-
missioner L. W. Herchmer of the North-West
Mounted Police had command of the 2nd Battalion
(C and D Squadrons). Since l)OYhood he had been
a soldier, having been gazetted ensign in Her
Majesty's 46th Foot in 185S, when but eighteen
years old. With this regiment he served in India
and on leaving the Imperial service had come to
Canada. He had since been connected with civil
and military institutions on the western plains, and
was well fitted to liandle the hardy daie-devils who
rushed to enlist in the Canadian Mounted Ivitles.

AVhile the mounted infantry wtiu being enrolled
})rineii)ally from plainsmen and the Mounted Police,
tlie (lovcrnnient was actively enlisting men for the
three battalions of Poyal Canadian Artillery.
Lieutenant-Colonel ('. W. Di'ury, who was already
in Africa with the First Contingent, was to be com-
mander-in-chief Major J. A. Hudon was to
command C Battery, Majoi' W. G. Hurdman D
Battery, and Major G. H. Ogilvie E Battery.

On January 20, Colonel Jlerchmer's battalion
was reviewed at Ottawa. Mr. Norman Patterson in
tlie Canadian Magazine for Ahireh gives the follow-
ing deseiiption of this review :

^rj^

A SECOND CALL TO ARMS.

007

"Of the 32")

'J
c

officers and men undfr C'oloiiol
Ilerchmer 130 were polic(Mvion or ex-policemen.
The rest were ranchers fi-oni il)e Territories. The
The whole body was drawn up in a hollow square
in front of the broad flight of steps leading up to
the main building on Parliament Hill. On the top
of these well-known stone steps were grouped Sir
Wilfrid Laurier, Sir Louis Davies, lion. Clifford
Sifton, Hon. R. W. Scott and the officer:-! of the
Ottawa corps. Shortly afterwards, escorted by a
dozen troopers, the Governor-General rode up in a
sleigh, accompanied by Lady Minto and two of the
inevitable A.D.C's. The Governor-General inspected
the three lines of men, and Her Kxcellenc)'' pre-
sented three silk guidons which she herself had
embroidered for them, saying, ' I know I am giving
these guidons into very safe keeping.' "

On these guidons was worked the motto of the
Elliot clan, •' Wha daur meddle wi me."

His Excellency, Lord Minto, then bade them
Godspeed.

While this farewell was being given in Ottawa to
the 'Western men, Halifax was en fete. On that day
D and E Batteries were embarked on board the
Ijaurentian. There were 365 men of all ranks, and
twenty times that number of people had come in
fi'om every part of Canada to see tliem off. Tliey
were the first regiment of Canadian artillery ever
sent to take part in a foreign wai'. Tlie First Contin-
gent was still sweltering at Belmont; Paardeberg
had not been fought, and these batteries hoped that
their guns would yet clear a way for the infantry.

A week later Halifax was once more gaily decked
with bunting, noisy with the shouts of the populace,
and sonorous with the music of military bands. On

338

CANADA R SONS ON KOIMK AND VKLDT.

Saturday the 27th, Colonel Ilerchmer's men from
the West were enibMrked od board the Pomeranian ;
and that same afternoon amid the shrieking of a
fleet of tugs and excursion boats they were accom-
panied for a few miles on their way to South Africa.

Meanwhile C Battery and the I'^'irst Battalion of
i\[ounted Rifles chafed under delay. It was not
until February 21 that arrangements were com-
pleted for their transportation.

("anada, a peace nation, had evidently become a
military power. Even greater entliusiasm than
had been displayed when the First Contingent left
for the war was shown at every ])oint at which the
soldiers stopped on their way to JFalifax, and at the
point of departure it was almost impossible to con-
trol the multitude that surged in the streets, at the
Armouries, and on the docks.

As the Milwaukee drew out from the wharf the
thousands broke out into Auld Lang Syne and Rule
Britannia, while the loyal Soldiers of the Queen
replied from their crowded deck with God Save
The Queen.

While the Government of Canada had been busy
organizing the Mounted Rifles and Artillery and
seeking transport, and no doubt Avondering what
the people of the Dominion would sa}'^ when the
war bill of two or three millions would have to be
faced, Lord Strathcona, the Canadian High Com-
missioner, had quietly determined to offfer to equip
and support at his own expense an ideal body of
men for service in South Africa. With that shrewd
insight that has won for him fabulous w^ealth, the
highest honors in the gift of the Queen, and the
most coveted office in the gift of his country, he saw
the character of the troops England needed most ;

A SECOND c:ALL TO AKMS.

ooJ

and lie knew, too, tliat tlic })lac'0 lo procure these
troops Wiis in tlie western and north-western
])hiins of Canada witli which he was so thorongldy
familiar. A regiment of scouts was a nnich needed
thing in a war with a nation of scouts and spies.

The offer of I.ord Strathcona was accepl(>d by the
AVar Oflice and the Minister of Militia for Canada
was given a free hand to raise this regiment, Jt
was decided to enlist 531 in all, consisting of 2/)
officers, 30 non-connnissioned officers, and 470
troopers. These troops were to be raised in Western
Canada, two squadrons in the Territories, and one
in British Columbia.

The Minister of Militia was fortunate in being-
able to secure tlie service of Lieutenant-Colonel
Steele of the North-West Mounted Police for this
special regiment. He was at Halifax at tlie time as
second in command of the 2nd Battalion of the
Canadian Mounted Rifles, but was at once recalled
to Ottawa to take charge of the organization and
enlistment of the Strathcona's.

By the 1st of ^hirch almost the entire number of
men required were enlisted and quartered at the
Exhibition Grounds at Ottawa. Hundreds had
offered their services, ' but the tests to which they
were subjec-ed were severe, and oidy men of perfect
physique, fine horsemansliii) jmd, as far as possible,
experience were accepted. The horses selected for
the troops were hardy little western moimts
between fourteen and fifteen hands, tough and wiry,
accustomed to the hardships of the plains, and no
doubt well-fitted for the arduous South African
veldt and climate.

When the guidons were presented at Ottawa on
March 8, 5000 people crowded Parliament Square.

340 Canada's sons on kopje and veldt.

The Stratlicona's Avere to carry these banners "as
Talismans in the hour of danger." At tins farewell
Sir Wilfrid Laurier and Sir Charles Tiipper were
both prasent. The former said, as he looked over
this magnificent body of men, and there was not a
dissenting mind in the assembled throng, that :
" Lord Strathcona was one of these men who
honored mankind;" while Sir Charles Tupper, think-
ing of the excellent work done'by the Canadians of
the First Contingent, rightly prophesied that these
horsemen would take tht'^ stand, "side by side
with the other gallant soldiers," and by their
endurance and gallantry " maintain that high
position that the Canadian troops had attained."

On March 15, this body of luxuriously equipped
troops rolled into Halifax on beautifully-appointed
Pullmans and first-class coaches. With them came
100 brave felloAvs, who had gallantly come forward
to join the Special Service Battalion recruited to fill
the gaps made in the First Contingent by Mauser
bullets and enteric.

On the following day they bade good-bye to
Halifax. An enormous crowd had come to the city
to see them off. The streets were packed with
strangers all wearing the colors of the Strathcona's.
The final inspection at the Armouries was made by
General Lord Seymour, and the General never
looked upon a finer body of soldiers. The other
contingents had been the pick of Canada, but this
was the pick of the plains. The men in it were
hardy, daring ; for the most part experienced
scouts, and all finished riders. There was some-
thing more than strength and dash about them,
they had that look of natural intelligence that
beams from the faces of sailors and plainsmen, of

A SECOND CALL TO ARMS,

341

men whose books are the skies and the prairies. In
the ranks, too, were men of refinement and blood.
It IS only necessary to point out that as a private in
the ranks was the grand-nephew of the General who
gave them their final inspection ; and there were
many other men of equally good families.

That afternoon they embarked. Their transport
the Monterey gay with bunting, and with the
motto of Lord Strathcona and this regiment,
\' Perseverance," flying at the mast-head, drew out
into the stream. She lay at anchor during the
misty and rainy night and on the morning of the
18tli steamed away for South Africa.

CHAPTER II.

TIIK AKTILT-ERY, MOUNTKI) UIFl.KS, AND hTKATlirONA's

ON THE DEEP.

The (lay on wliicli D and E Butteries l)oardofl the
Laurentian ended cool and wet and dismal.
Evidently a storm was I)i"ewin<]: and as the vessel
was in a somewhat toj»sy turvy condition tlH'on,<i;h
the liaste of emhMrkation, tlie captatn very wisely
decided to lie at auclior till the wind that was
rai)idly rising to a hnrricane had s])ent itself. Had
he gone to sea that nipht it is much to he fenrcd
that men, horses, sheep (^iIkm'c \*ere 110 on boani),
and guns would have been mingled together in
strange confusion.

Next morning the
iM'iglitly over tlie i-oughened waters of the harbour,
and as ihe fury of the storm had abated the
Laurentian Aveighed anchor, and while the Sunday
morning calm still rested on the sleepy city glided
})ast the forts of the harbour on the way to Cape
1 o\\ n.

Although the wind ha'l fallen somewb.;it the big
Atlantic seas still chased e;!ch other like heaving
mountain^, as the steamer ploughed her way thiongh
them. In the olden days when she was the
Polynesian, she had been cliristcncd tht; " Polling
Polly," and as slie ])itch('(l and tossed. tunil)ling the
landsmen about, she proved that the change in. h«'r

winter sun \\as shir.iiig

m!2

ON THE DEEP.

343

name had not changed her character. Occasionally
hig seas came pounding on board and as the
scuppers were stopj ^d with the refuse occasioned ])y
the hurried embarkation, tons of water were soon
swirling among the horses and sheep. There was a
call for men to look after the animals and clear tlic
scuppers, but very few could respond. Sea-
sickness had gripped them and they lay in their
hammocks and about the decks careless whellierthe
ship floated or sank.

The voyage was a i)leasant one on the whole and
after their first attack of sea-sickness the men had
splendid healt]]. The horses suffered a good deal,
however, and by the time they I'eached Cape Town
twenty-six had died and the rest were so thin and
used U}) as to be unfit for service till rested. I'he
mortality among the horses would have been much
greater had it not been for that ideal officer of
irregular troo}>s Lieutenant "(Jat" Howard, who
was acting as ship's-quarter-master, and who seemed
to have every detail of a soldier's life at his finger's
end, from caring for a sick horse to galloping a
machine-gun into action.

There was one stop on the journey. ^hijor
llurdman was anxious to send the Government
information that would help them in transporting
the troops on the Milwaukee and the ^hjnterey, and
so on the last dav of Jamiary the Laurentian ran
into the harbor of ^nn Vincent, Cape A^-rde
Islanils. This fine harbour p'Hvsented a busy scene.
A fleet of vessels lay there, mo^t of them coniieettMl
in one way or another with the Sijuth African war,
and were resting on their way to oi- from tlie Cape.
The big, gi'tici'I'nl, ocean greyhonnd ('ily of Kuine
with hei' "JoOO lii'itish volunteers on l.ouiil, and tin;

344 CANADA'S SONS ON KOPJE AND VELDT.

English cruiser Cambria attracted the most
attention. All glasses on board the vessels already
at anchor were turned on the Laurentian as she
steamed into the harbour. A long boat was
manned by the Cambria's men and a lieutenant
;ind crew of blue-jackets pulled along side of the
< auadian steamer with long picturesque sweoi)S.

Four hours after they had come to anchor they
were once more steaming on tlieir southern journey.
Some of the solcUers had been anxious to get on
shore, but they had to rest content with the distant
glimpse of '.his oasis in the wildei'ues^s of salt sea.

By this time the men of the batteries had become
tlu)roughly accjuainted. They were like one great
i'aiiiily. Of course there were dissatisfied members
in the family who growled about tlieir food and
their duties. There were very lew of these,
however, and tlie complaints were mainly because
the Government had very wisely decided that no
intoxicating licjuor should be sold on board. Some
of the seasoned gumiers and drivers, accustomed to
their daily draughts of beer, did not take kindly to
condensed sea-water.

The lime was wiled away as on the Sardinian
with eoneerts and athletic contests, but it was
lieavy on tlieir hands; and they were gla<l indeed
when on February 17 the Laurentian ro)!e<J into
Table Bay.

Joyful news awaited them. Kind>erley iiad been
relieved two ilays before ; the morning ])apii's weie
full of the account of l-'rench's dash on thi' besieg*;*!
city, and of the retreat of Cronie with lvol)ei'ts and
Kitchener in liot pursuit. The First Continj'ent
1iad at last been moved forward to the iighting-liwi^

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347

and it was expected that they would help run
Cionje to earth.

Next day the batteries disembarked and were
marched to the famous camping ground at Green
Point Common. They liad not long to wait for
news of their fellow-countrymen w4th Roberts. In
a couple of days word came that Cronje had been
surrounded. Even while they were marching
through Cape Town to their camp the Royal
Canadians were in the midst of a fierce fight, and
as tents were being pitched, were lying on the plain
after the fatal cliarge waiting till darkness came
and they could slip back to their bivouacs. It was
good to be a Canadian tliat Aveek in Cape Town.
The men from the Land of the Maple Leaf com-
manded a respect that was given to no other
regiments.

Colonel Drury was now in command of the bat-
teries, and had a busy week sorting and distributing
stores, inspecting remounts to take the place of the
2G horses that had died on the voyage and
generally whipping the battery into shape for
immediate service.

The vovages of the Pomeranian and the
Milwaukee were but repetitions of the trip of the
Laurentian ; heavy weather, sea-sickness, dying
iiorses, sports, band concerts, and drill alone broke
the monotony of the voyage. Tlie Pomeranian
arrived in Soutli Africa on Majuba Day, and the
Mounted Rifles thrilled with pride wlien they
learned the heroic part tlie First Contingent liad
played daring the past nine days, and particuhirly
when they read the account of tlie final ciiarge and
the heroic stand in the trenches that forced the
Boers to raise the white Hag.

348

CANADA S SONS ON KOPJE AND VELDT.

Nearly tliree weeks elapsed before the Milwaukee
brought C Battery and the First Battalion of
Mounted Rifles into Cape Town. By that time
Bloemfontein had capitulated. Ladysmith was
long since relieved, and the Canadians at (Jro^eu
Point Camp thought they might now have to return
without seeing active service.

The Monterey was the last of the transports bejiring
troops to South Africa to leave Halifax. Compared
with the other vessels she was a palace. Every-
thing possible had been done to make the men
comfortable ; but when the inevitable heavy weather
of the North Atlantic struck them, their luxurious
quarters availed them nothing. The hardy plains-
men, who professed to fear neither man nor devil,
when sea-sickness seized them regretted that they
had ever left the prairies. The vessel pitched
badly ; with G47 men and 599 horses above the
Avater-line it could not be otherwise.

She had scarcely got out of sight of land when
the western horses began to die. A })lague of
pneumonia had spread among them. It was hard to
account for it, but doubtless those horses accustomed
to the high, dry atmosphere of the prairies were the
worst j)Ossible to stand the winter ocean-voyage.
Daily they died by the score, and when tlie vessel
had reached the warmer latitudes the dorsal tins <'|"
numerous sharks could be seen cutting the water in
the wake ot the ship, waiting for ihe carcases. Wy
the time the Cape was reached iniJ liorses had
perished. One of tlie troopers as he heli)ed dumj)
his own mount into the ocean said : " ] guess we'll
be Strathcona's Foot by the time we get to South
Africa."

There was one sei'ious niishnj) on board durng

ox THE DEEP.

349

il'e voyage. On the other vc-els on several
occasions the hre-call had heen .oun.le,] to test tLe
men, hnt on tlie Monterey tl.e huole rano out .^
«e,unnecall. A fire at sea, especially on a c^.'^:;

rt Iv. , lT'^'^'\ ^^''''^ ^'' contemplate.

Lsnally a panic follows the alarm. Jkit there m-i«

ns Moik as calmly as li gonio- on parade. AVhile
the axes and huckets were hcing employed
cxtmo^ish the fire Colonel Steele 5ood imong Ifi
"^^'H dn-edmg them. At the slighlest somJ .

^0 talking. Keep silence there," an.l on the instant
not a 'Word wa- sj)oken.

On April 10, the ship after a verv speedy vovaue
cast anchor at Cape Town, and il.e Stratheoi^s
wondered when they would get into battle.

CHAPTER III.

THE " REBEL CHASERS 1 ROM AMERICA."

All order had been given to move D and E
I latteries towards the front and then countermanded
and the men began to dread the fate which liad be-
fallen some of the other corps — a protracted stay at
Cape Town.

Camp duties were very wearing, and only those
who had to break in their balky remounts appre-
ciated the stay at Green Point. On February 27
the Pomeranian arrived with the Second Battalion
of Mounted Rifles under Colonel Herchnxer, and
made a more striking impression on the citizens of
Gape Town and the military authorities than either
the First Contingent or the Artillery. They were
just the men for a special bit of work General
Kitchener had in mind, and it soon became
rumoured that both the Mounted Rifles and D and
1^] Batteries were to be given a chance to prove
t hemselves.

In giving an account of the work done by the First
Contingent the rebellious state of the country north-
west of Belmont was dealt with. The Sunnyside
affair soiuewhat lessened the strength of the rebels,
but throughout the entire region from Belmont
Station to Victoria West Road Station, and far into
the Karroo on the West there was a hot bed of re-
bellion. At the beginning of the war this region
350

THE "REBEL ("HASKKS KKOM AMERICA.

80 1

had been in nn nnoertain ooiidition, but after
Cronje's succossrul rcsi^^tancc to (i(>noral Metlmcu at
Magorsfoiitoin and the victories of ( leneral Joiil)ert
at the Tugela, hiYij;i) sections of tlie people broke out
into open rebellion, driving the loyal inhabitants
out of the districts of Brit.stown, Frieska, and
Keidiart, l)ordering on Carnarvon, looting and
destroying property. These rebels were probably
the worst class taking part in the war ; many of
them were half-breeds : Zulu and Kaflir blood was
in their veins, and they were capable of almost any
savagery.

The relief of Kimberley and Ladysmith, the
ca})ture of Cronje's men, Robert's hurried advance
with his vast army and the capitulation of Ijloem-
fontein had intimidated the more intelligent and
thev had returned to their farms ; but there were
still thousands of rebels scattered throughout this
wide district, — ignorant farmers and shepherds who
stubbornly refused to believe in the British suc-
cesses. Besides they felt perfectly safe in their
remote wildernesses. Many of them had never
seen a railway ; and the wide stretches of alkali
desert made them think that it would be impossible
for a considerable force to march into their country.

It was planned by Kitchener to send two columns
one from De Aar and the other from Victoria West.
The Victoria West column was to be commanded
by Sir Charles Parsons, and was to consist of about
1200 men and an equal number of horses. It was
a volunteer column made up of New Zealanders,
West Australians, Canadians, and Imperial Yeo-
manry, The Canadians were numerically the
strongest body, constituting more than half of the

352

(ANAT)AS SONS ON KOrjK AND VELDT.

column bosidcs contributing the 12-poun(ler guns
and tlie two Vickcrs-Maxinis.

The force was moved forward in sections, and as
it reached tlic Victoria West Road Station it was
detrained. D Battery was the first to move, and
encamped on llie veldt with no worse enemies than
lizards and hard-shelled, alligator-like beetles to
disturb their slumbers. Outposts had, of course, to
be placed on the surrounding kopjes, " sniping " at
sentries had been going on, and this new duty,
peering out into the darkness for foes, expecting
each moment to hear the crack of a rifle, tried the
nerves of some of tlie men. On ^larch 12, 1)
Battery and a squadron of the Moinited Rifles
under Major Ilurdman were toiling along the dusty
road leading to Carnarvon. That afternoon the
balance of the Mounted Rifles under Colonel
Herchmer followed in their tracks, and on the
following day E Battery under Colonel Drury
brought up the rear.

The rebels were rejiorted to be some 3000 strong
with two guns somewhere in the vicinity of Van
Wvks Vlei.

The first great halting place in the road was
Carnarvon. The march to that place was very
uneventful ; the inhabitants on the road from
Victoria West all knew of the recent successes of
the British and were either exceedingly loyalist,
excepting in their charges for food, or dumbly
neutral. At Carnarvon, which the entire colunni
reached by the 19th, they received an enthusiastic
reception.

The British flag was much in evidence. The
houses and public offices were gay with bunting,
and the women. of the district had prepared

"gal-

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Ions of tea and mountains of cake" i'or tliis tliiivly
and huiiffrv annv. Here the soldi(>rs learned nnu-li
of the difiie\iltics of the mareh that was still before
them and the state of the rebellion. yMready their
advance was having its etreet. The rel»els were
lleeing ; whole dii;tricts that had been pro-Boer
were rapidly becoming British. " Before we came,"
says Mr. John Ewen, "we were told by the real
loyalists of Carnarvon, rebel feeling was gaining
headway, but the sight of these guns, with the
husky fellows seated on the limbers, had a distinctly
tonic effect."

The march had told ou some of the men, and it
was necessary to leave ten sick Canadians behind
when the advance was continued. The Boers had
ho})ed that the dry season would continue and that
the progress of the column would be hampered by
the drouth, but before it left Carnarvon sheet light-
ning filled the sky promising rain. Nor wei-e the
British disappointed ; by the time they liad reached
Van Wyks N'lei the roads were running rivers of mud.
It was necessary to halt iov a day as the transport
waggons were liaving a difficult time floundering
through the ditches and streams ; and although it
was possible to get food for the men, forage was
scarce. Shelter too could be obtained here and the
officers had very comfortable (?) quarters in the
cells of the jail.

The whole column was not so well off, however.
I) Squadron of the Mounted Rifies, under Ca})tain
Mactlonell, and a section of D Battery with two
guns, under Lieutenant McCrae, had ])ushed on
north to De Naauwte Poort, and here they had to
halt without covering or shelter.

Still no rebels were met. The Boers had been in

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354

CANADA S SONS ON KOPJE AND VELDT.

ihp, littlo town a day or two before, looting the
inluibitants, but the approaching guns of tho
Canadians had frightened them of^ Van Wyks
Vlei was, indeed, a very much deserted place ; the
loyal inhabitants in terror of their lives had gone to
the Cape, while the rebels had joined commandos
and were at the front, or had deserted their homes
at the approach of Sir Charles Parson's column.
It was said, however, that they were concentrating
to resist the advance at a spot about twenty miles
from Kenhart.

It looked as though they would have ample time
to concentrate and entrench ; the rain continued to
come down in torrents, the road was a running
river and the rivers were rushing cataracts. How-
ever Africa is a land of sudden extremes, and when
tho rain ceased tho hot sun rapidly dried the soil
and many of the streamlets made by the rain buried
themselves in the thirsty ground.

The advance began once more and the guns and
transports went bumping along over tho deep ruts
made by the storm and splashed their way through
the swollen streams. As they went north a new
incentive was given them for the work in hand.
Into Van Wyks Vlei refugees flocked from the
Kenhart district — loyal subjects of Britain who had
been plundered and threatened with their lives by
the marauders.

The advance continued through the torrid heat
aud drenching rain until April 1, when Kenhart
was reached. This district had been annexed by
the Boers of the Orange Free State at the beginning
of the war ; it was now re-annexed to Cape Colony
and Sir Charles Parsons raised the Union Jack once
more over tho public buildings.

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THE "KEBEL CHASERS FKOM AMERICA.

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The march had been in every way most
successful ; the demonstration had thoroughly
quieted the country and the loyalists felt safe. No
rebel in arms had been met, and not a shot had
been fired. This was largely due to the guns of the
Canadians. The lesson taught the Boers by the
artillery practice of Major de Rougement and
Captain Bell at Sunnyside three months before was
still fresh in the minds of the rebels. They wished
for no more shrapnel, and either quietly submitted
or kept far out of range. The Canadians were the
heroes of the march and the letters on the shoulder
straps of the men of D and E Batteries were given
a jocular significance. The R. C. F. A. (Royal
Canadian Field Artillery) was interpreted by the
lovalists to mean " Rebel Chasers From America."

After the re-annexing of Kenhart Colonel Drury
in conmiand of the Canadians received orders to
report at De Aar on April 14. To accomplish this
task it would be necessary to average over twenty
miles a day. Leaving many rebels in prison at
Carnarvon, among whom were some of the most
notorious leaders, the C'anadians set out from that
place on April 8, and did their work so well that
they were outside of De Aar nearly twenty-four
houi*s before the required time.

This bit of forced marching was the hardest on
the route. The men were on half or quarter rations
part of the time, and the horses were short of
fodder — yet they were forced forward. A iiorse
would stagger as he tugged at the guns or stumble
with shaking knees under his rider. He was
promptly unhitched or unsaddled and to free him
IVom his suflerings humanely shot, and his carcase
left to the vultures. All along the route from

358 Canada's sons on kopje and veldt.

Carnarvon to De Aar the dead carcases of the
splendid mounts of tlie batteries and the Mounted
Rifles marked the rapid progress of the advance.

De Aar was reached on April 13, and bivouac was
formed outside of the encampment. This had been
the longest march made by any forces so far during
the campaign. The Canadian Mounted Rifles had
done in all about 500 miles and the artillery about
350 ; and that too through the worst district in
South Africa — worse even than the region between
Graspan and Bloemfontein. They had made it, too,
without loss. It is true that one death had occurred
at Van Wyks Vlei, but that was the accidental
drowning of Private Bradley find might have
occurred as easily by the banks of the St. Lawrence
as in the South African pond. Of course the inevit-
able sickness followed this extraordinary exertion and
exposure, and at Carnarvon on March 31 there were
24 sick men, and 50 at Van Wyks Vlei ; but when
De Aar was reached the men were hale and hearty
and ready for more work.

They dreaded this encampment. It was the most
important one on the line of communications and
they feared that they might have the tiresome,
inglorious, but very necessary work of spending
their days and nights in guarding tracks nnd
culverts and bridges. They had had five weeks of
hard work without glory, tliey now wanted to smell
the powder of their own guns axid to listen to the
booming of the enemy's fire. The night of the
bivouac outside of De Aar was to still further try
them. The rain came down in torrents and it was
a thoroughly soaked and tired looking lot of men
that marched into the great base camp on the
following morning.

THK "rebel chasers FROM AMERICA." 359

All who had come on the Laurentian and
Pomeranian were once more encamped together
with the exception of two guns of D Battery which
had been left at Kenhart on garrison duty, and D
squadron of the Canadian Mounted Rifles which
was still on the road.

The Mounted Rifles had a pleasant surprise in
store for them. At De Aar they were joined by
Lieutenant Moodie with a part of C squadron which
had come on the Milwaukee. B Squadron of the
First Battalion, they learned, had been pushed
forward to Springfontein in the southern part of the
Orange Free State on the direct line to Kimberley.
It was learned, too, that the entire force of the
Mounted Rifles were to be brigaded under General
Ilutton, and that they were to move forward to
Bloemfontein at once to take part in the forward
movement on Pretoria for which Lord Roberts had
been making preparations for nearly two months.
So they rode out of camp on their jaded steeds,
leaving D and E Battery behind cursing the fate
that kept them tied down to dusty De Aar.

The batteries had to wait long for the action they
coveted, but when it did come to a portion of them
it came with a fury as fierce as any force suffered
during the war. For the remainder of April and
until the middle of May they stayed at this base
camp doing outpost duty, sweltering by day and
shivering by night, and devouring in their food and
drink much sand.

Since the Sunnyside affair and the expedition of
January the great central moveme* had left the
rebels about Douglas very much to themselves, and
^hey had once more become bold. A considerable
j'orce had collected among the kopjes in the region

360 Canada's sons on kopje and veldt.

about Richmond, Rooi Pan and Douglas, and was
persistently terrorizing the country. It was
determined to put an end to their looting, and so a
strong force under Sir Charles Warren of Tugela
fame, now Governor of Griqualand West, was
organized. It consisted of Imperial Yeomanry,
Duke of Edinburgh's Own Volunteer Rifles, Paget's
Hoi'se, and a part of E Battery R. C. F. A., now
known from their success in capturing rebels as the
" Rebel ('ateliers From America," instead of the
" Chasers."

The force left De Aar and marched to Belmont,
where two guns were left under Lieutenant Good ;
then over the ground so often travelled by the First
Contingent through Richmond to Rooi Pan. Here
they halted for tlu'ee days and on Sunday May 20
set out for Douglas, around which place the rebel
Boers were said to be entrenched in very strong
positions. Two guns were left behind at Rooi Pan
under Lieutenant Ogilvie, the remaining two
marched through the night with Sir Charles
Warren's column till five in the morning when they
bivouacked. In the early morning they advanced
to within a couple miles of Douglas. That excel-
lent intelligence officer Colonel Sam Hughes and
liis scouts had accurately located the Boer laager
on the ko])jes in front.

The guns of E Battery were ordered into action
at once. The drivers at length had their wish — the
pleasure of rushing their horses under fire, and they
lost no time in gallopng to a good position. They
took no round-about way, but galloped over stones
and ant-hills and ruts with a recklessness that made
it ditticult for the men on the limbers to keep their
seats. The next instant the guns were trained on

THE "REliKL CHASERS FKOM AMERICA." 361

the enemy's position, and the shells began to fall
into the dis^nt circle of the waggons. It was too
much for the Boers and they fled in confusion, no
doubt fearing a repetition of the fight at Sunnyside
Kopje.

The force then entered Douglas, where Sir Charles
Warren hoisted the Union Jack over the public
buildings. The rest here, however, was but a short
one ; almost immediately after their entry it was
reported that the enemy were coming back to their
waggons, and the guns were again rushed into
action, this time with drag-ropes ; and the firing
continued till some Boer women came forward Avith
a white flag. The river was then crossed and the
Boer laager taken possession of

Although routed the Boers still himg about the
column trying to pick off isolated parties, but a
shell or two that killed several of their men, kept
them for the future well out of range.

The guns that had been left behind came into
Douglas about the middle of the week, and on
Saturday, leaving Lieutenant Good's section to
garrison the town, the remaining guns marched out
with the rest of the column to Faber's F'arm,
eighteen miles distant. Here they were to have
one of the most thrilling experiences of the war.
The rebels were about in force, but seemed to dread
the guns, and did not show themselves near the
camp. They had, however, been very active, and
had planned a movement, which if it had succeeded
would have filled the war columns of tlie press with
another instance of magnificent Boer strategy.

Their spies had given them detailed information
with regard to the British camp. Every gun, every
waggon, every tent had been located ; and tlu'

362 Canada's sons on kopje and veldt.

oflBcers' quarters had been specially marked. They
knew, too, that the column had no thought that
they would take the offensive ; and that, with the
exception of a few men, it was entirely composed
of soldiers who had not yet experienced battle.
The outposts they found to be new at their business.
It would be easy to pass them ; and they deter-
mined to capture the guns they dreaded, and add
another disgrace to the British arms. Their plan
was to creep up in the darkness and at dawn to
pour a deadly fusilade into the camp. They had
not only carefully marked the officers' tents, but had
detailed their best shots to bring down the leaders ;
six of their best marksmen, it is said, were especi-
ally chosen to kill General Warren. The officers
removed, a panic would spread through the raw
soldiers, and the guns would be theirs. So they
reasoned ; and the attempt to carry out their plan
all but succeeded. During the early hours of May
30 they successfully passed the outposts and com-
pletely surrounded the sleeping camp. That the
soldiers expected no surprise was evident from the
fact that they were undressed and cosily muffled up
in their heavy, winter sleeping apparel. At the fii-st
streak of dawn, just as some of the lighter sleepers
were opening their drowsy eyes expectant of the
" rouse," a sharp fierce fire snapped from all sides of
the camp. The enemy were apparently at their very
line. The fire could not have been more than 75
yards distant ! A rain of lead swept through their
tents, and clattered against the guns. On the
instant a calamity occurred that almost ended the
fight. The horses of the Yeomanry and Paget's
Horse stampeded with fright and rushed wildly
from the camp, but the battery horses stood their

THE "REBEL CHASERS FROM AMERICA

•>

363

ground. The men, however, were as cool as if they
had been under fire a hundred times.

The Canadians went to their guns, moved what
horses they could to a place of safety behind the
farmhouse about which they were camped, and then
lay down by their guns waiting the order to fire.
After enduring the trying fusilade for nearly an
hour the order came, and at the first shot at the
close range the Boer fire slackened. The Maxim
gun and the Colts were brought into action, but a
deadly hail against the Colts smashed the shields,
and no man dare stand near them. The rifles of
the Yeomanry had since the first alarm been play-
ing into the orchard where the unseen enemy were
lying. The guns now dropped shells among them,
and the Maxim searched their line. Their fire soon
ceased, and leaving many dead behind them, and
carrying off their wounded, they fled.

The battery had saved the day ; the calm
tenacity with which the Canadians stuck to their
guns and brought them into action under the
steady shower of lead turned the tide of battle. Ott'
they then went after the terrified Boers and took up
a position in magnificent style on a bit of rising
ground from which they sent shell after shell into
the disordered rabble that was fleeing out of range.
If the mounted men had not lost their horses the
whole force of the enemy would have been captured
or cut to pieces.

This battle of Faber's Farm, although but little
commented on, was one of the fiercest of the war ; ,
on the side of the British alone twenty were killed
and nearly a hundred wore wounded. The Can-
adians were peculiarly furtunate ; on the four guns
they lost only one man killed, Bombardier Latimer,

;]G4

CANADA S SONS ON KOPJE AND VELDT.

and eight wounded. No. 1 gun suffered most liav-
ing no fewer than six wounded.

Surgeon-Major Worthington liad a heavy list of
severe cases to attend to, but ho did his work with
a tenderness and sympathy that greatly endeared
him to the men.

The Boers had paid dearly for their attempt to
capture the guns. Thirteen dead bodies were found
in the garden alone and a number more picked up
in the track of the gun-fire.

In this fight one Canadian particularly distin-
guished himself Colonel Sam Hughes was present
with the column, and he and his scouts had daily
been bringing in flocks of sheep and goats and
other loot, together M'ith an occasional bunch of
rebels, and now and then a particularly noted Boer
leader. On the morning of the fight he was in
the camp, and at the sound of the rifles passed
coolly along the Canadian battery encouraging the
men. It was a miracle that he was not shot. One
of the men seeing his danger called to him to lie
down, but he replied: "Never mind me, boys;
give them beans." As a fighting man during the
entire time that he was actively engaged in South
Africa he proved himself, as no less a paper than
the London Times has said, " An ideal leader of
irregular mounted forces."

After this fight the batteries continued in their
good but inglorious work of capturing rebels and
helping to keep the line of communication intact,
.while the comrades of their march to Kenhart were
sweeping onward to Pretoria, clearing the way for
Roberts' great army ; and while the Canadian press
was filled with the praises of the work C Battery
had done at the relief of Mafeking.

MAJOR SAM HLGIIES, M.P,

MA.IOK JOHN STKATUKARN IIKNDHIK,

CHAPTER IV.

THE FIRST AND SECOND CONTINGENTS JOIN HANDS
AT BLOEMFONTEIN.

Bloemfontein was a blessed relief to the men of
the First Contingent after the rapid marches they
had endured to reach it. They were not sorry when
they learned that it would be some little time before
Roberts would be able to pursue the forces of the
Boers who had retired towards Pretoria. Bloemfon-
tein, however, was far from being a weary soldier's
paradise. Food, although they now had plenty, was
not too abundant ; and if they wished any change
from the dull monotony of the army bill of fare — and
the daily contact with fine residents, well-filled
shops, and beautiful gardens made them long for a
change — they had to pay most extravagant prices
for the simplest luxuries. Worse far than this, they
were still forced to bivouac in the open. Clothing,
blankets, and tents were slow in arriving and it was
not until three weeks after they had reached
Bloemfontein that they were able to get under
canvas.

The name Africa is so suggestive of heat that the
unthinking are not apt to consider it such a terrible
hardship for the soldiers to have to spend their
nights there with only the blue sky for a roof At
this time the winter was rapidly approaching, and
although the days were hot the nights were intensely

367

308

CANADA S SONS ON KOPJK AND VELDT.

cold and freciuently very wet. For three weeks after
their entry into the Orange Free State capital they
endured the same hardsliips that they had exper-
ienced in their bivouacs at Paardeberg and
Osfontein, with the exception that they were not
forced to exist on a couple of biscuits a day. The
remainder of March was a succession of alternate
scorching sun and pouring rain. Often they were
not able to cook their meals as the torrents drenched
their fires.

Meanwhile it was beginning to look as if the
Orange Free State had ceased to take an interest in
the war. Hundreds of burghers daily came in and
surrendered their arms, and although Steyn was
north of the Vet River issuing his orders as
President from his moveable capitals, it was gener-
ally recognized that the Free Staters were out of the
contest and that the Transvaalers were now the
only factor to consider. So the troops in camp
thought. A few days rest, a swift advance, and
Johannesburg and Pretoria would be theirs, if the
cowardly Boers, as they now considered them, had
not surrendered before the River Vaal, the northern
boundary of the Orange Free State, was reached.

But while the Britisli were waiting, and thinking
how rapidly the war would be brought to a termin-
ation, and the Canadians were writing about a
speedy return to Canada, the Boers were exceedingly
active. Cronje was captured, and on March 27
General Joubert who was esteemed by all men,
died ; and it seemed as if the enemy's forces were
without a head. In the place of these men two
brilliant military leaders, soldiers by instinct, began
to take charge of afl'airs. Botha and DeWet were
now to take the place of the veteran generals and

V»*7

THE CONTINGENTS JOIN HANDS.

3G9

with greatly reduced forces to prove themselves
ideal men for South African warfare.

On April 1 England was startled by news of a
disgraceful reverse. The mistakes of White,
Warren, and Duller on the Natal border were still
fresh, not even the capture of Cronje's army had
made the British people forget them. Roberts,
however, would make no such blunder. Suddenly
the Water-works disaster awoke the War Office and
the public out of their over-confidence. It looked
for a moment as if the reputations of Roberts and
Kitchener were about to find a place in the great
" Grave of Reputations."

It was a terrible disgrace for England to
bear; again outwitted, outmanoeuvred by these
despised and beaten Boers. There was one bright
ray of sunshine in the gloom — the gallant conduct
of the British soldiers. Generals might blunder,
but the bravery of the men of England was beyond
question.

In this fight the Canadians played their part,
though a minor one. Colonel Otter was ordered to
march his regiment from camp with the 9th
Division at daylight on March 31. The Canadians
advanced as rear guard of the Brigade to Water-
works Hill which they reached about noon. A part
of the battalion was left about half way in the rear
as escort to the supply column. That night was
spent at Waterworks Plill. Next day the firing in
their front told of a fierce struggle and soon they
knew of the disaster to Colonel Broadwood's
command. They had accomplished nothing when
the order was given to retrace their steps to
Bloemfontein at which place they arrived on
April 3.

370

CANADA S SONS ON KOPJE AND VELDT.

This time, although but half their original
strength, they had gone forth eager for battle. The
reverse to the British arms must be avenged ; besides,
if the Boers remained in possession of the Water-
works it would be a serious thing for the army of
fifty thousand men in the vicinity of Bloemfontein.
But even as they marched forth, stumbling through
the darkness, news was coming in of another disaster
to the British arms,

Gatacre had been advancing a body of Royal
Irish Rifles and Northumberland Fusiliers, when on
April 3 these reg .-i?nts were surrounded by a force
of Boers under that brilliant leader CJeneral De Wet
and nearly 500 had been taken prisoners ; not
without a fierce struggle however.

Two sudden blows liad been struck, and the wily
enemy flushed with victory had retreated to cover.
The 9th Division could not find them excepting in
the (for the present) impregnable position at the
Waterworks, and so after much weary marching
through rain and sun, returned to Bloemfontein.

It was luxury to get into new clothes and to once
more sleep under a tent. Fifty-tlirec days lying in
the open had been too much for even these men
hardened by their long stay at Belmont. The end
of the campaign, too, was now growing more and
more remote, and they felt that they might need
tliese tents for some weeks in their present camp.
Roberts' line of communication was threatened ;
there was scarcity of water in Bloemfontein ; the
men were being stricken down by the score with
fever; each day the Canadians laid some comrade
to rest ; and there was nothing for it but to wait,
eating their hearts out, till the army could advance
in force. Only overwhelming numbers could

THE CONTINGENTS JOIN HANDS.

371

subdue this wily enemy fighting in a country every
foot of which they knew perfectly. What the
English needed most was an efficient body of scouts.
The reverses of the Waterworks, or Sannahs Post,
and Reddersburg could never liave occurred in an
army thoroughly equipped with these indispensable
soldiei's, particularly in modern warfare.

The men they needed were on the road to the
front. That excellent body of western plainsmen
familiar with the veldt and kopje of the North- West
of Canada was hurrying tov.'ards Bloemfontein. B
Squadron was at Stellenbosch remount camp with
C Battery when news of Reddersburg reverse
reached them. On April 8 they entrained for
Norval's Pont where they detrained and marched
towards Bloemfontein. On the 9th A Squadron
followed in their track, and acted as escort to a
convoy of provisions till on April 14, they reached
Springfontein, where B Squadron then was. But
B left tUeni on the following morning and pushed
on to Bloemfontein. A week later A was within
three miles of the Orange Free State capital, and as
they advanced they heard the boom of big guns
and the crackling of rifles. They were too late to
be in the fight, but they knew that the comrades
of their voyage were receiving their baptism of fire.

When B reached Bloemfontein they quite
expected to find the First Contingent still resting
in that town ; many were looking forward to
renewing old friendships and having a comparative
rest for a day or two before joining in the great
northward march that had been planned. But the
First Contingent was out to the east of the town
helping in an important bit of work. Before the
general advance could begin the Boers who were

372 Canada's sons on kopjb and veldt.

infesting the eastern side of Bloemfontein to a point
within twenty miles, had to be cleared away. The
19th Brigade, now known as the "Fighting
Nineteenth" had been sent to help in this task,
and so B Squadron found only the Canadian sick
in the hospitals, and the exhausted and footsore in
the camp— and far too many they found. It was but
a poor shadow of the regiment which marched to the
Sardinian seven months before, amidst the shouting
of ten thousand people, that now toiled along the
road towards Thaba N'Chu where it was to win
fresh laurels.

B Squadron was to have no rest. Almost on
their arrival at Bloemfontein they received orders
to advance at once towards the Waterworks. Out
they went, and now tlie Royal Canadian Regiment
of Infantry and the Canadian Mounted Rifles joined
hands. Both were doing good work in the same
great movement. The British had smarted under
the disgrace of the Waterworks and Red.ersburg
disasters for three weeks ; they were now going to
do what they could to retrieve these disgraces.
This time there would be no such blunders ; they
had studied the country, and they had a sufficient
number of scouts with them to thoroughly investi-
gate the districts through which they were
advancing.

The Boers still held the Waterworks and the kopjes
surrounding this important centre, and B i5quadron
was sent forward to assist as the scouts of General
Pole-Carew's army to capture them or clear them
from their strongholds. The Boers, however, made
a very short stand. They saw that there was no
trifling with the force that was sent against them
this time, and so after a few hastily aimed shells

THE CONTINGENTS JOIN HANDS.

373

evacuated their position which was promptly occu-
pied by the British mounted infantry.

Shortly after this B Squadron scouted in advance
of the victorious army that was moving forward
towards Dewetsdorp. Major Williams was in com-
mand and on reaching a somewhat perilous and
unfamiliar district, sent Lieutenant Straubenzie
forward with twenty mounted men to examine the
surroundings, to find out if the spruit at that place
was fordable, and if there were any of the enemy in
the farmhouse near the spruit. The buildings
looked suspicious, and the reconnoiteri ng party
advanced cautiously, but when within 800 yards of
the place the white flag was raised, Lieutenant
Straubenzie and his men threw ofl' all caution.
They had heard of the use the Boers had been
making of the white flag, but it is hard for an
Anglo-Saxon to think any man capable of such
depravity.

Scarcely had they begun their bold advance
when the distant farm house sputtered with a rapid
rifle fire. A rain of lead played about Lieutenant
Straubenzie, his horse was instantly shot under
him, and he himself had a narrow escape. It was
B Squadron's fiist experience under fire, and the
men behaved with great coolness. They dis-
mounted at once, threw themselves on the ground,
and while the bullets splashed the dust about them
waited for reinforcements. It was impossible to
retire, and Lieutenant Straubenzie sent back word
to that effect to Major Williams. Assistance was
hurried forward, with Tvieutenant Young's troop in
the firing-line, Lieutenant Turner's in support, and
Lieutenant Borden's in reserve. They took up a
position at 700 yards from the farmhouse and

374

CANADA S SONS ON KOPJE AND VELDT.

opened fire. Lieutenant Straiibenzie as soon as the
enemy's attention was engaged by Lieutenant
Young's men commanded his soldiers to remount
and gallop to cover.

An artillery duel went on between the British
column and the treacherous Boers till darkness.
At daybreak the British made preparations to drive
the Boers from their position, but the farmhouse
was silent. The Boers had slipped away during
the night and taken with them their guns and
camp supplies. However the house from which
the base treachery was practised was properly looted
and burnt to the ground. After this light B
Squadron returned to Fischer's Farm, and the 1st
Battalion was once more united.

In the meantime A Squadron was resting very
comfortably at this place, about six miles from
Bloemfontein, relieving the Imiiskillings of outpost
duty. Herr Fischer was in Europe endeavoring to
get some of the Powers to interfere on behalf of the
Kepublics. He was evidently a man of very
excellent taste, and the men of A Squadron after
their forced marches and hard work with the con-
voy, thoroughly appreciated his breezy v<^randa, the
tropical trees and plants, the orange and lemon
trees, and the shrubbery of blooming roses that
adorned his estate. They might have forgotten
the warlike mission on wliich they had come, but
occasionally the distant rattling explosions of the
'* pom-poms " and the boom of big. guns spoke of
battles that were being fought but a short distance
away, and at night the continuous flashing of the
searclilight on the surrounding hills told them how
watchful the great ariuy had to be.

On April 23 General Hutton, whose experience

GUOri' OF OFFICEKS.

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Insfi ■I'ht'ifaylii'f '

THE CONTINGENTS JOIN HANDS.

377

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and organizing ability had done so much towords
successfully mobilizing the 3000 Canadians in
Africa, inspected the Canadian Mounted Rifles at
Fischer's Farm ; and, a few days later, Lord
Roberts, anxious to see the men who were to bo the
scouts of his army on its march to Pretoria, like-
wise held an inspection and was much pleased with
their appearance.

C Squadron after a hard march of 120 miles
from De Aar joined A and B at Bloemfontein, and
the three awaited the advance on the Transvaal.
C was far from being as fresh us the other two. In
the last seven weeks the men had marched in all
nearly 700 miles, Avithout tents most of the time,
with scant food for men and but little hay for the
horses. Many of their mounts had been killed ;
they themselves were worn out with much pri-
vation, but a couple of days rest and the feeling
that they were to be right in the van of the fighting
freshened them up. D Squadron had not yet
arrived ; it was toiling through the sand and over
the veldt, but in a few days it would be with them,
and then the whole of the Canadian Mounted Rifles
would be a unit for the first time.

Meanwhile a running fight was going on east of
Bloemfontein ; that sly fox De Wet was dodging
the British, and keeping a considerable part of
their forces engaged. For months this Will-o'-the-
Wisp was to appear and disappear with astonishing
rapidity ; strildng, and retiring before his enemy
had time to recover from his well-directed blows.
However, he was kept running, and both the First
and Second Contingents did not a little to give
wings to his heels.

CHAPTER V.

FIGHTING NORTHWARD.

While the Canadian Mounted Rifles were
enjoying the sweet odours of Mr. Fischer's garden,
and waiting for the general advance in which they
were to join, the Royal Canadians were in the
middle of marches and engagements as severe as
they had experienced in their rapid dash on
Bloemfontein.

After the Boers had been driven from the Water-
works the ** Fighting Nineteenth " followed them
up, driving them before them. The Canadians
seized a kopje about two or three miles from
Sannahs Post and bivouacked for the night. All
the surrounding kopjes had Jjeen seized by the
British, and there was now no furthur danger of the
Boers recovering possession of the important posi-
tion they had held for the past three weeks. The
morrow, the 25th of April,was to be one of the most
important days in the history of the Canadian
Regiment.

The Boers were discovered in the early morning
in an easily defended position on a line of kopjes
several miles in front. At half-past nine the 9th
Division started forward to attempt to force them
from their stronghold, and shortly before noon the
first shot of what was to be an aP day battle was
fired. The Canadians halted for several hours
378

IK ; 1 1 TINT, NOUTFI WA KD.

•>/

le
ras
Irs

while the mounted infantry skirted round the
enemy's flanks and the artillery shelled tlic kopjes
to beat down their rifle fire. At 3 o'clock tlie
Canadians were ordered to advance on the kopjes,
which they were to rusli if thej' could do it witliout
too great loss, but if tliey met a very determined
resistance were to seek cover and wait till tlic
mounted infantry and artillery ha<l forced tlie
enemy to evacuate their stront^est [)()sitions.

The fight was one of the best planned in the
campaign. While the frontal attack was being
conducted by the Canadians, the mounted infantry
we^e to surround the enemy on the right and left
and the other infantry regiments were to execute a
turning movement on the left threatening the Uoevs
with the fate of Cronje at Paardeberg. At the same
time the batteries posted in the rear of the advanc-
ing regiment were to keep up a steady shell fii-e
over the heads of the Canadians.

Colonel Otter formed his men into four double
companies. G Company on the right, H on the left
in the firing-line, with E and F in support ; C, I), B,
and A were arranged in the same manner in the
rear. It looked as though the battalion was about
to experience another Paardeberg. Every precau-
t."on was therefore taken for safety. AVhen the
advance was l)egun the men were extended at
intervals of fifteen paces, and the long line of earth-
brown figures dotted the veldt for nearly a mile.
Major Pelletier, who had been wounded at Cronje's
Laager, but who now had reioined the regiim^nt,
was in charge of the firing-line; with him was the
commanding officer directing the movements of the
entire battalion. Colonel Buchan connnanded the
rear lines. In this order the r(^giment advanced

380 Canada's sons on kowk and vKLDt.

for about a mile, the earth occasionally being puffed
about them by the singing bullets. At lengtli a
donga was reached affording excellent shelter, and
as the bullets were dropping somewhat faster than
at first the men would gladly have halted for a
time, but they were ordered to continue the
advance. When about fifty yards from this valley
they came upon a Avire fence ; the wires were sup-
ported on stone posts that shone in the sun, making
excellent targets.

The Boers had evidently had this position
marked, and were reserving their fire, for scarcely
had the advancing line reached the wire-entangle-
ment when a deadly and continuous fusilade at a
distance of about 700 yards was rained along the
thinly extended line. To advance would have been
as great folly as the Sunday charge at Paardeberg ;
to stay where they were on the unsheltered veldt
would have been to court death. The order to
retire was given. It was intended that the men
should steal back quietly to cover, but the face once
turned from the rifle-fire the heart weakened and
the whole line began to rush in disorder to the rear.
At such a time the metal of the officers was
displayed. The captains of the companies boldly
showed themselves and steadied their men as best
they could, while Colonel Otter, as on former
occasions, exposed himself to the rifle-fire while
checking the disorder in the firing-line on the
right ; in this work he was ably seconded by his
adjutant Lieutenant Ogilvy, who courageously
came forward to assist in the dangerous work on the
left.

Colonel Otter remained standing till the last man
had got safely to cover. His commanding figure,

FIGHTING NORTHWARD.

381

evidently directing the movements of the soldiers,
was observed by the Boers. They had his range to
the yard, and after the usual custom when an officer
was sighted poured a vol ley at him. He was just
settling to cover when a storm of bullets whistled
about him, one penetrating his neck witliin an inch
of the jugular vein, and another cutting the badge
on his shoulder. It was a close call. Despite tlie
painful wound, however, he remained on the battle-
iield directing the battalions for the rest of the day,
and at the end of the fight walked unsupported to
the field-hospital.

For nearly an hour the men remained in their
safe shelter listening to the guns sending shrapnel
into the kopjes and hearing the steady rifle-fire of
the remainder of the 19th on the left. The firing-
line kept replying to the Mauser bullets that sang
over their position, but as they could not see the
enemy their fire had little or no effect. However
the fire of the Boers slackened and the Canadians
hoped yet to seize before darkness fell the kopje
they had been sent out to take.

Captain Burstall, who has very frequently in the
despatches been mentioned for bravery and
judgment, noticed that a sheltering donga led
towards the coveted kopje and gallantly volunteered
to lead B Company through this towards the hill.
Permission was granted him to make the attem[)t
and under cover of the valley B advanced stealthily,
with h nominally in support following so closely
behind as to be [)ractically a part of the advancing
line. On all the surrounding kopjes the fight was
being vigorously waged by artillery and mounted
infantry and infantry ; a continuous rattle and boom

382

CANADA S SONS ON KOl'JE AND VELDT.

was going on, while tins small force advaiicf d to
give the finishing touch to this day of fighting.

The Boers had hegun to weaken ; many of them
were already trekking away for their lives, and
when B Company emerged at about 500 yards com-
ing at them on the double with bayonets fixed they
fired a few wild parting shots and fied ; and the
victorious Canadians climbed to the summit of the
hill, and the task they had been allotted to do was
done, and done Avell. The Canadians were once
more the first regiment in at the finish of a hard
day's fighting.

The Boers were scattered and in flight toM^ards
the high hills some miles distant where yet another
battle nuist be fought. The day's work done, the
regiment bivouacked for the night, a tired and
weakened force scarcely half the number with
which they marched from (h-aspan. Despite the
trying fire to which they had been exposed the
casualties were small, but one man killed and three
wounded, including Colonel Otter. This battle,
generally known as Israel's Poort, but likewise
called Yster Nek and Black Mountain, cost the
entire British force engaged only some twenty in
killed and wounded, notwithstanding that the army
had been almost continuously eng.iged for nearly
six hours. This fight cleared the Avay for the
advance to the little village of Thaba N'Chu, and
on the following day the colunni was marched into
this place unop[)osed. Colonel Otter's wound was
severer than he at first thought, and he was
compelled to return the thirty-live miles to Bloem-
fonten where he was forced io remain for nearly a
month.

The r>!)(Ms who had been in force about Dcwetsdorp

FIGHTING NORTHWARD.

383

and engaged in besieging General Brabant at
A\'^epener, were known to be trekking nortli, and an
effort was made to ambush them as they passed
Thaba N'Chu, so when the Canadians arrived at
the foot of the great bhick mountain that rose 2000
feet above the plain and the surrounding kopjes
they were posted in a donga expecting the Boers to
fall into the snare. But De Wet and his men were
taking no chances, and making a wide detour
escaped to the north without coming in contact
with General Ian Hamilton's division.

The next dav was one of much needed rest, for
the Canadians, but in the cool of the night two
companies with the Gordons wont out to help rescue
a party of Kitchener's Horse who were reported to
be in a dangerous position. All night long they
stumbled over the plain, and when they got back to
Thaba N'Chu next day they found they had been
on a wildgoose chase ; the Kitchener's were long
since out of danger. In the meantime the rest of
the battalion became alarmed for the safety of their
comrades and went out to assist them and the
Kitcheners if necessary ; but j»robably while the
men who had been trami)ing around all night were
sleeping in the heat of the morning the others passed
them by ; and they too had much tramping to no
purpose until midnight.

Next morning the " rouse " awoke the men at
four o'clock and they made ready for a day's
marching and fighting, l^^den Kopje was their
destination, and as tliey marched towards it they
were subject to an oc(nsi(jiial shut but no man was
struck. This mountain, 1 ')()() foct high, they
ascended at five in the aftenioon only to vacate it
at once. It was a dangerous position and another

384 CANADA'S SONS ON KOPJE AND VELDT.

Spion Kop might of been the result of an attempt
to hold it. It was dangerous, too, to march back to
Thaba N'Chu by the road over which they had
come, and so they made a wide detour through the
darkness, tramping through thorn bushes, stum-
ling over ant-hills and rocks. It was midnight
before they were able to roll themselves up in tlieir
blankets.

The morrow was Sunday : war is usually no
respecter of the Sabbath, and even the pious Boer
had been forced to fight on this sacred day ; but
the 1 9th was too much spent to look for fighting,
and so they rested. In their camp they could hear
on their left a brisk artillery duel going on, while
in the little village below them the church bells
were calling the burghers to prayer. The sounds
mingled strangely ; and as the soldiers looked out
towards those gloomy kopjes that still had to be
stormed, there was not a man but wished that the
cruel war were at an end, and they could be back
listening to the sound of church bells in their
native town. But there was nothing to be gained
by wishing. Next day, while the great spectacular
march was going on from Blocmfontein, they were
to be subjected to tlie severest shell-fire they had
experienced during the war.

On April 30 they marched out as rear guard of
tlie brigade, and as such did not anticipate very
severe fighting ; but no part of the ** Fighting
Nineteenth " was ever very long out of the thick of
battle. The Boers retreated from ridge to ridge as
the division advanced, making a determined stand
on their entrenclied positions of Taba Mountain and
at Hout Nek. The enemy were here found to have
a widely extended line ; it would be hard indeed to

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03

FIGHTING NORTmVARD.

387

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take these tall kopjes and turn the flanks of a force
that had a front of over four miles. The Gordons
were the first to attempt to force the stubborn
enemy from Taba Mountain, but were repulsed
after a dashing attempt. It was thouglit, too, that
the enemy were making an effort to turn the
British flank, and the Canadians were ordere<l to
advance in support of the Gordons and to assist in
preventing this turning movement.

Three companies moved forward with Captain
Rogers, of Ottawa, directing the liring-line. Up to
this time the Boer guns at Taba Mountain and
llout Nek had been giving their attention to the
mounted infantry, but as they saw the Canadians
coming into action they turned two heavy guns on
them and swept their line. The soldiers had lost a
good deal of respect for Boer riflemen, but they had
now every reason to admire the foreign artillerists
who were directing the Creusot and Krupp guns
that were sending shell after shell with such
accuracy into their line. Luck — we can call it by
no other name — was with them again ; indeed,
when the work done by both the Canadian infantry
and mounted rifles is considered, and the ridicul-
ously small list of casualties, it would not be
surprising if " The luck of the Canadians " would
become proverbial in the arm3\ Men were stunned,
men were knocked down, in several cases they were
actually tossed some feet into the air, but only one
was killed. For the most part the shells did not
explode ; had they done so the regiment would
undoubtedly have suffered heavily in killed and
wounded. After a shell or two had I'allen into the
firing-line the men became as steady as if at drill
on the barracks' square.

388

CANADA S SONS ON KOPJE AND VELDT.

On this occasion the Boers were not using
smokeless powder, and so the grey cloud on the hill
several miles away told when the shell might be
expected. Captain Rogers ordered his company to
keep their eyes on him and double when he
doubled. As soon as the smoke showed itself lie
rushed forward a few paces and the men lost no
time in following his example. They advanced
thus for about a quarter of a mile while the shells
kept dropping, occasionally among them, but for
the most part, owing no doubt to Captain Rogers'
coolness, a few feet in their rear. On one occasion
Harry Cotton, a son of Lieutenant-Colonel Cotton,
lagged a little behind in the rush, and a well-
directed Boer shell found him. It was one of the
few that burst, and his comrades Avere, for the time
being, forced to leave him where he fell. Rifle-fire
the soldiers were by this time accustomed to, but
this shell-fire was a comparatively new thing ; how-
ever no man wavered and although there was a
good deal of ducking heads as they rushed forward
none threw themselves on the ground. The huge
projectiles screeched through space, great columns
of dust wei-e dashed on high as they buried them-
selves in the ground or bounded over the plain, or
a thousand spiteful hisses filled the air as the
fragments of the occasional shell that burst fell
about the advancing line. It needed nerve to keep
from showing a white feather, but the line example
of the officers kept the men steady.

Despite the shell-fire and finally the rifle-fire, the
Canadians succeeded in gaining a position at the
base of the mountain, where as darkness fell they
threw up stone shelters to protect themselves from

FIGnXING NORTHWARD.

380

tlie fire of the Boerti who sniped away during tlie
night.

It had been a most unsatisfactory days' marching
and enduring fire with very little oflensive fighting.
The artillery practice was altogether on the part of
the Boers, as thoir heavy pieces completely out-
ranged the British 15-pounders, and the naval long
range guns were still toiling in the rear. Nightfall
was not unwelcome, and the Canadians tried to
enjoy as best they could their thoroughly uncom-
fortable bivouac. They had no blankets and the
night was piercingly cold; thej^ had to maintain
absolute silence for fear of attracting the enemy's
fire, nor could they light fires for the same
reason; and so they munched at the scant rations of
hardtack they had with them and huddled together,
shivering with cold waited for the morrow and
more fighting.

When night had descended on hill and plain
Captain Rogers and a party of Ottawa men went
out in search of their comrade who had fallen in
in tlie advance. They found him where he fell, his
body mangled by the cruel shell ; and they buried
him in a soldier's grave on the battlefield.

Early next morning the fight began once more.
The crest of the hill had to be won, and the
Canadians were there to win it. Hills can be
stormed ; that was shown 19 years ago when the
Boers wi"iggled their way up Majuba Hill and
shattered Sir George Colley's force. The Canadians
could not do better than follow their tactics, and so
they began the ascent, grovelling along the ground,
taking advantage of every bit of cover that pre-
sented itself They were cold and hungry and
exhausted from want of sleep, but the fever of

390 Canada's sons on kopje and vkldt.

battle is a powerful stimulus, and the men as they
slowly crept up the steep mountain forgot all about
their physical suflcrings. They advanced and
fired, fired and advanced, outdoing the Boers in
their skill in keeping themselves invisible. They
were at length exposed to the enemy and a terrific
fire swept across the line. Several men were
wounded, and to continue the advance would mean
a heavy list of casualties, and so they were com-
pelled to retreat to a sheltering valley.

Captain Burstall from his shelter observer! a bit
of rising ground that commanded a full view of
tlie Boer's position. Private Rorison bravely
volunteered to pass through the rifle-fire and
examine this spot. He went boldly forward, but as
he reached it he was wounded in the leg. A firing
party had followed him up and they had an
excellent point of vantage from which they could
fire into the Boer lines ; and the Canadians were
absolutely safe in their cover.

In the meantime the naval guns had appeared
on the scene, and the *' Ocean Cavalry " began to
drop shell after shell into the Boer trenches. Their
rifle-fire slackened, the booming of their artillery
was heard no more, and to\\ards evening a general
advance was ordered. The position was won with
but little loss. In two days fighting, despite the
heavy shell-fire and the thousands of Mauser bullets
that had been showered among tliem, the Canadian
regiment lost but one man killed and six wounded.

The British captured a few prisoners, among
them some important commandants, but the main
force was trekking rapidly north, hurrying to get
beyond the Vet river before Roberts could reach
that important point. They had made a stubborn

FIGHTING NORTHWARD.

391

stand, and although pressed back they had
succeeded in carrying away their heavy guns.

The Boers were now in full retreat and the
forward movement could go on with greater
rapidity. Tlie enemy on the east had been
scattered and the plan of Lord Roberts became
evident to all. A column under General Ian
Hamilton was to be a part of the general advance
on Pretoria, and was to proceed on the eastern flank
of the army of fifty or sixty thousand men, through
Winburg on to Kroonstad.

On the morrow they marched steadily forward to
Isabellafontein and bivouacked at four in the
afternoon. Here they were joined by three other
infantry brigades. They were now a powerful army
in themselves that no force of Boers left in arms
would be able to resist. In all they must have
numbered between fifteen and twenty thousand men
with a host of infantry, a complete division of
mounted men, and a thoroughly efficient artillery
force. The Creusots and the Krupps of the enemy
could no longer outrange them as they had attached
to their artillery two powerful 5-inch siege guns.

The following day they once more came up with
the enemy, and the 19th Brigade were placed in
support and never came under fire or pulled a
trigger. They had, however, the pleasure of witness-
ing a most interesting artillery battle which lasted
during the entire morning ; but the siege guns
sending their fifty pound shells a distance of over
six miles terrified the Boers who fled, and the
advance began once more. Just as darkness Avas
falling the Vet River was reached and here the
army halted for the night. They expected to enter
Winburg on the morrow, but they expected to havo

302

CANADA S SONS ON KOIMK AND VKLDT.

to fifflit their way in. The passes to the town were
easily clofeiuU'd, and it 'vas thought that the Boers
who had retreated from Wepencr. and who liad hecn
driven from Ta]ja Mountain and ITont Nek, would
concentrate their forces and make a hard fight.
But Lord Roberts liad aheady occui)ied Brandford ;
tlie vast army under him was irresistibly sweeping
northward with a forty mile front. Delay might
mean capture and so the commandos passed through
Winburg without offering any resistance to General
Hamiltnn's progress.

On the afternoon of the 5th this town, an
important Boer base of supplies was entered. The
white flag was flying over the marke*^^ place, and
not a shot was fired. As a reward for the excellent
work they had done since leaving Bloemfontein the
19th Brigade had the place of honor in the march
into Winburg. As they entered the town General
Botha with some 500 Germans and Hollanders on
fresh horses galloped out at the opposite side.

The Canadians expected a sorely needed rest of a
couple of days here, but they were not to have it ;
swiftness of movement was what was needed now to
speedily finish the war. The Boers were running ;
tliey must be kept running and given no time to
concentrate their forces till Pretoria was reached.
On the day the column entered Winburg, word was
received from General Roberts praising them for
the good work they had done ; a march of over 100
miles in thirteen days, battling with the enemy on
nine occasions, the capture of two important towns
— this was not bad work. The Field-Marshal
recognized all they had done, but desired them
to endure still further, that release from marching

iTGiiTiXG xor;Tii\v.\rp.

30?,

and fighting; aiirl privations and death niipht come
all the sooner.

Forward the Canadians liad to go, and only
twenty-four hours after entering the pretty little
town of Winburg they were once more a part of the
great river of men that was overflowing the land in
its onward rush. As a regiment they were now
greatly weakened, some seventy men sick with
enteric and dysentery and unable to march from
sore feet had to be left behind at AVinburg. The
strength of the battalion was now a liare five
hundred. Fortunately the draft that had come on
the Monterey and had toiled over the Orange Free
State from Norval's Pont to Bloemfontein and from
Bloemfontein in the wake of the Royal Canadians
for the past thirteen days, joined them, and three
officers and ninety-one men were thus added to
their strength.

The unexpected now happened. They were
halted nine miles from Winburg, and for two days
they rested ; then once more the order was, '* On to
Pretoria I "

CHAPTER VI.

THE SCOUTS OF AN ARMY.

It is no easy thing to move an army of 60,000
men. That means that the population of a good
sized city would have to be provided for; and the
food, clothing and blankets could not be kept in
stores and warehouses, but in the luniberin.i;-
convoys dragged in the wake of the army by oxen
and mules, ever liable to collapse or to stick in the
bridgeless rivers. Seven weeks were expended in
getting the host ready to advance, and to make
Bloemfontein a sure base for the moving city of
men that were to press ever north till they could
at last rest in Kruger's Capital.

The advance had indeed already begun. The
9th Division were hard at work figliting their way
mile by mile ; but it was reserved for May Day to
see the magnificent spectacle of one of the largest
armies of modern times moving forward on what
was to be a victorious march.

On May 1 the army moved northward, and as
the long lino pressed forward on the road to
Pretoria they saluted and cheered enthusiastically
the Commander-in-Chief whose will they obeyed,
and whom they were ready to follow in the most
hazardous or trying enterprises with unquestioning
faith.

Most conspicuous in this host were the Guards ;
Gronudors, ^cots, and Coldstreams ilowed past in
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THE SCOUTS OF AN ARMY.

397

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their magnificent strength ; regiments of fusiliers,
infantry corps seemingly without end followed in
their wake ; after these trundled the artillery, — naval
guns, field-batteries, siege guns, Maxims, Vickers-
Maxims, Colts, — every conceivable heavy engine of
war stirred up vast clouds of dust as they began the
march through the towns of the Orange Free State
and the Transvaal. The streets were packed with
cavalry regiments and mounted infantry, and none
showed up better than the three squadrons of
mounted rifles from the Great Dominion. When
the fighting men had passed, a moving city of
transport waggons laden with supplies sufficient to
feed this host for weeks creaked and groaned in the
rear. The cracking of whips, the lowing and bray-
ing of countless oxen and mules, the angry yells of
the Kaflir drivers made a Ir.deous din. Last of all
came the ambulance corps ready to pick up the sick
and exhausted who might fall on the way, or in the
hour of battle to march into the deadly firing-line
to help the wounded.

The long line of soldiers was two days in getting
out of Bloemlontein, an<l yet Bloemfontein was not
deserted. An army was loft at the base doing
garrison duty, and attending to the other army of
sick that lay in every jmblic building and in the
white tents that gleamed in the sul)ui'bs.

At the beginning of this great march D Squadron
of the C. M. K. was absent. It had been making
forced maiches witli jaded steeds to get to Bloem-
fontein in time, but only arrived after the other
squadrons were out of the town. Many of the men
were worn out, the vultures were feeding on the
Ixxlies of many of tlioir lioi'.ses tluit bad fallen
victims to the march, while nianv others were

398 Canada's sons on kopjb and vkldt.

unable to bear their riders. There were plenty of
horses in Bloemfontein, however, and with new
mounts the squadron on the following day hurried
forward to catch up to their comrades.

The Second Battalion had now a new
commander. Lieutenant-Colonel Herchmer had
been struck down with fever, and although by this
time he Avas able once more to go to the front,
General Hutton, knowing what terrible hardships
the squadrons would have to endure on their
northward march in the African winter, felt that it
would be unwise to risk giving the command of this
important battalion to a man who had just risen
from a sick bed ; and so for the rest of the campaign
Lieutenant-Colonel Evans, a splendid soldier and
very popular with the men, had command of C and
D Squadrons. It was no doubt hard on such
an excellaiit commander as Lieutenant-Colonel
Herchmer.

When well out of Bloemfontein the Mounted
Rifles became the very van of the army, scouting to
tlie right and to the left, examining kopjes, and
dongas, and stream beds. Behind tliem came a
more compact body of cavalry ready to cliarge
forward at the warning of the scouts or to fall back
till the artillery and infantry could come up to keej)
the enemy engaged in front while they wheeled
round their flanks.

While this march was thus proceeding along the
line of railway, on the cast the Winburg column
was rapidly moving forward in an almost parallel
line to its right flank, and on the far west north of
Kimberley another column was pushing forward to
Fourteen Streams on the boundary of the Free State
and of the Transvaal. What was of more interest

THE SCOUTS OP AN ARMY.

399

to the world at large was the news that at the same
time a flying column under Colonel Mahon was
despatched to the relief of brave little Mafcking
where Colonel Baden-Powell and his heroic
followers were still keeping a large body of Boers
at bay.

For the first two days the advance was
unopposed ; occasionally in the distance a rifle
would crack and a bullet sing over the heads of
some of the scouts or bury itself in the veldt, but it
was not until after Karree Siding was past that the
main advance came in contact with the enemy.
Houses were deserted, or if the owners had
remained the suspicious white flag whicli had now
taken the place of the flag of the Republic, begged
the English to be merciful.

After leaving Karree Siding the Canadian
Mounted Rifles were in advance of the column.
The enemy were located in a spruit some miles to
the front and two squadrons advanced to draw their
rifle-fire or unmask their guns. As tliey marched
along they commandeered sheep and cattle, and
examined the farmhouses finding quantities of ex-
plosive and split-nose bullets and Mauser rifles
which the Boers had left in their haste. Before
noon the two s([uadrons came in contact with the
rear-guard of the Boers who were trekking north as
fast as their hardy little ponies could carry them, or
as the long line of oxen could bear away their guns.
The squadrons were in close range before they
became aware of the enemy's presence and then it
was by means of a fierce and steady rifle-fire. They
liad found the enemy and wheeling their horses
about galloped back to the main body.

The horses were now sent to the rear and A

400 Canada's sons on kopje and veldt.

squadron, commanded by Major Forrester, with no
better protection than the ubicpitous ant-hills,
replied steadily to the well-directed rifle-fire in their
front. The whole of the mounted infantry in tliis
part of the column was soon engaged. Lieutenant
Howard galloped his Colt gun huiriedly on the
scene, and for a time Maxim, " pom-pom," artillery
and rifles blo'ided their notes in the chorus of a
very i^'^'^^'r ^..irr battle. After a time the fire grew
too hoi )i . Boers. Their five grew fainter and
fainter nv , :^ iist ceased, and when the Britisli
troops gaineil the position they had held they were
already g '^ -P'ng rviiv to join the main body of
their retreuting uruis.

While this brisk little iiglit was going on Lord
Roberts and his stall' were at Karreo Hiding, where
they had come by train, waiting to hear that the
column had forced its M'ay into Brand ford, the first
important town on the northward road. They had
not long to wait. After this first brush the whole
column advanced seven miles to Brandford. The
enemy had made preparations to resist the advance
and had four or five big guns posted outside the
town. The booming of the long range fire was
heard for a time, but the wide front of the British
threatening the fiank of the Boers, and the vast
army coming like a swarm of locusts from the
Houth, thoroughly frightened the gunners holding
the advance, and they limbered up once more and
trekked as swiftly as they could in a mad endeavor
to get beyond the Kiver Vet. Meanwhile tlie
Colonial mounted infantry corps drove their rifle-
men from the kopjes in front, and the army entered
the small town uno])poscd, and the first im})ortant
step on the road to i'rctoria was taken. When the

THE SCOUTS OF AN ARMY.

401

lioliogrupli HusIrhI tlie good news of the success of
the movement l)ack to Ivoberts at Karrce Siding he
knew that the waiting time at Bl(X'infontein had
not been in vain.

For tlie mounted brigades under Hutton and
French there was to be no rest. D Squadron joined
the Canadian regiment sliortly after ih-andford liad
been entered, and the whole force under Lieutenant-
Cok)nels Lessard and Evans, went ft)rward in
pursuit of tlie fleeing lioers. They soon came up
with the rear guard ; hoping to surround them
they dashed ahead, but the Boers were conducting
their retreat with excellent judgmc^nt. It was a
retreat, but not one of wild confusion. They had
their long range guns ready to stop the advance of
the mounted men. On this occasion they eatiie
boldly into the open and shelled Ilutton's men, who
were forced to fall back out of the accurate lire to
await the arrival of the main column, but before
this happened the main body of the Boers were
once more out of danger and the "Long-Toms"
trekked rai)idly after them, and so the Mounted
Brigade again started in pursuit.

As the Canadian mounted rifles went forward
widely extended, peering into the kopjes to right and
left, suddenly a shell, like a bolt from the skies,
burst in their midst. It was impossible to tell
whence it came ; the gun that hurled it might be
one mile or six miles in front. A part of the
mounted rifles were now given a duty to perlbrm
that must have tried the nerves of the boldest.
They were ordered to advance and draw the
enemy's lire ; to make targets of themselves that
the position of the Boers might be located and their
guns unmasked. They moved forward, forward,

402

CANADA S SONS ON KOPJE AND VKI.DT.

expecting every moment to hear the boom of tlie
big guns, the " putt-putt-putt " of the " pom-
poms," or the crackling of the Mausers. For two
miles they advanced until they reached a threaten-
ing kopje on their right when from it a shower of
bullets rained about them. No one was hit,
although they were but a little over two hundred
yards from the Boer trenches. They had done the
work lliey were sent forward to do, and wheeling
their horses about galloped back to join their
column under cover of the fire from a part of their
regiment.

The Boers were evidently in force and in their
easily protected kopjes had determined to make an
effort to stem the onward march of the British.
They were the body that the mounted rifles had
scattered on the previous day, and were now much
stronger in men and guns ; but despite their
additional big guns and " pom-poms," they could
not withstand the heavy and accurate shell-fire of
the British, and when they saw the mounted men
galloping round their flanks they fled. A number
of prisoners were captured, and large quantities of
fodder and provisions were found in the position
the Boers had deserted, but much to the chagrin of
the mounted troops all the big guns and Maxims
had been successfully trekked away.

Notwithstanding the fire to which they were
exposed and the rapid marches they were compelled
to make, the Canadian Mounted Rifles suffered less
than might be expected. When the Canadian
Infantry crossed from Graspan to Bloemfontein by
forced marches the privations were even severer
than the fighting and the marching ; but the
mounted men were much better off; in the saddle

THE SCOUTS OP AN ARMY.

403

from early morning till late at night, it was hard on
the horses and many fell by the wayside, but the
men fared not so badly. Usually far in advance of
the main army and their convoys they had to pick
up their food as they went along, and when they
could not purchase supplies they did not hesitate to
" commandeer " a dinner.

So far the Mounted Rifles had been fortunate ;
although constantly under fire for the past two days
they had to mourn the loss of no comrade. They
could hardly hope for such luck on the morrow ; to
force their way across the Vet river they must needs
face a destructive fire. This running fight was not
to their taste ; a battle requiring dash and daring
was what these young soldiers desired.

Into the saddle at daylight, they began scouting
once more on the flanks of the main advance, and
while reconnoitring a high kopje caught sight of
the vast army of Lord Roberts like a mighty
serpent winding over the veldt. For miles the
infantry and artillery toiled along, the former
marked by low thick clouds of dust, the latter by
high rolling broken masses. In the rear an endless
line coming ever up over the horizon lumbered the
huge transport waggons. It was a magnificent
spectacle. At least 40,000 men were in the great
body, and as they gazed upon it they felt a certain
pride in themselves. They were the fighting force
which was clearing a way for this great army which
would probably not be needed till Kroonstad was
reached or even the Vaal had to be crossed.

In the early afternoon they came within sight of
the Vet, and found as they expected that the Boers
were strongly entrenched. The kopjes on the north
side were full of them, and their firemen were

404

CANADA S SONS ON KOPJE AND VELDT.

placed here and there along the river bank protected
by a thick screen of bushes. The Boers were in no
hurry to begin the fight and calmly held their fire
hoping to entrap some part of the British force.
Once more it became the duty of the Canadian
Mounted Rifles to advance to the front to draw their
fire. When they were within comparatively close
range of the enemy's guns shells began to fall along
their thinly extended line ; and now they had to
perform perhaps the hardest task of their South
African experience. They were ordered to retire,
but to retire at a walk, and so with shells dropping
about them they obeyed the order. To hear the
detonation of the big gun behind and the almost
simultaneous screeching of the projectile through
space with the back to the music, is apt to make
even a veteran wish to put spurs to his horse.

This movement was the beginning of an inter-
esting fight. The enemy were not only in a strong
position, but were in great force, with no fewer than
five guns, two of which were evidently 5()-pounders,
completely outranging the British guns at present
on the field. Nothing daunted, Gejieral Hutton
wheeled his brigade to the left and dashed against
the enemy's right. Although subjected to a heavy
fire his troops reached the Vet, galloped along the
river bed, and cleared the riflemen from their
entrenched position, forcing them to fall back to
the protection of the northern kopje.

Those big guns that were keeping the main body
of the English at bay had to be silenced ; and three
field batteries of the Royal Horse Artillery escorted
by the Guards' Brigade courageously advanced to
within range of the shell-fire and an interesting
artillery duel went on. The gunners of the Boers

LIEUT. H. C. BORDEN

Ciiiiailian Mounted Rifles, Son of Hon. Dr. liorden, Mlulsterof Militia for Caniuln, Killed in South Africa, Julv Hi

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"H
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THE SCOUTS OP AN ARMY.

407

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dropped shell after shell into the British firiiig-lino,
but fortunately their shells as usual did not burst.

While this shell-fire was going on between the
opposing forces all along the widely extended front
of the enemy, lively skirniishing was taking place,
and several times small troops got into tight
corners, but in every case extricated themselves
without loss. To one small party fell the honors
of the day. Lieutenants Turner and Borden were
close to the river bank returning the rifle-fire of the
Boers from the opposite shore. Their horses had
been sent to the rear, and they continued popping
away at any spot that looked suspicious. At
length the officers, observing a bit of high ground
across the river, thought that if they could once
gain it tlv?y might be able to direct an accurate fire
on the opposing riflemen. A call was made for
volunteers, and the whole troop wanted to go ; but
some eight or ten men with the officers were chosen
to make the hazardous attempt. They began to
ford the river, but were soon beyond their depth,
and had to swim for it. Holding their rifles above
their heads, the water splashed about them by
Mauser bullets, all succeeded in crossing safely, one
trooper alone suffering the loss of his rifle. They
scrambled up the opposite bank, sought cover and
sent two men ahead to reconnoitre, but these men
exposed themselves and drew a heavy fire on the
little band. The Boers Avere in excellent shelter
and outnumbered the Canadians ten to one, but
what the Canadians lacked in iunnl)er they made
up in spirit, and replied to the angry Mausers with
such an uninterrupted fire that the Boers dared not
show themselves. After the fight had continued
for what seemed to them several hours — ^it was in

408 Canada's sons on kopje and veldt.

reality only twenty minutes — a terrific fusiliulo
from their friends swept the Boer position ; but so
close were they that the bullets intended for the
Boers began to spitefully spatter amongst them.
There was nothing for it but to retire ; this they did
without the loss of a man ; recrossed the river,
found their horses awaiting them, and galloped out
of the treacherous range with the loss of only a
couple of horses.

The fight was dragging slowly on when two
naval 4.7 guns that had been hurried to the front
came into action. They were not long in getting
the range of the enemy and soon gun after gun was
silenced. Within two hours after their arrival the
Boers were in flight. The Mounted Inftuitr}-
dismounted, rushed kopje after kopje and for a
radius of three miles the country was cleared of the
enemy, while their main army was trekking
rapidly towards the Zand Kiver followed by the
shells of the " Ocean Cavalry."

It was dark night before the action was finished,
and the troopers returned to the camp to have a
well-earned rest before beginning the great man
hunt at break of day on the morrow.

CHAPTER VII.

CROSSING THE ZAND.

At daylight there was no trace of the Boers left.

It was Sunday, but the word was, forward ! no
time for rest ; if the troopers wished to worship they
must do it in the saddle. About ninety men of the
Rifles under Captain Macdonell had been in the
saddle all night endeavoring to cut the Boer line of
communication with Kroonstad, in the hope of
capturing some of their rolling stock. As usual the
mounted infantry scouted in advance on the flank
of the column but no enemy was sighted till
Smaldeel, a little junction village, was reached.
The Boers had just left this place after trekking
throughout the night, and as the oflicers scanned
the distant kopjes with .iieir glasses they could see
the last of their convoy lumbering over them.

The main column halted, but the mounted men
divested themselves of all necessary lumber and
galloped on after the retreating enemy. They were
to endeavor if possible to keep them from blowing
up the railway leading to Kroonstad. They were,
however, too late ; and all day long they could hear
the explosions ahead of them and see the clouds of
smoke and showers of stone as culverts were
destroyed and bridges wrecked. They had a brisk
gallop, a part of them advancing close to the Boer
guns which shelled them back, and they returned

409

410

CANADA S SONS ON KOl'JK AND VKLDT.

to camp to wait the arrival of tlie siege guns with-
out which tliey would never bo able to force a
passage across the Zand.

Ho far the inarch had been conducted witli
comparatively little loss ; the main army had never
})een in action, all the fighting had been left to the
mounted men and the artillery. The infantry were
nevertheless suifering. The mounted men were
setting the pace, and the foot-soldiers in their ellbrts
to keep np endured the inevitable hardshi])s of a
foi'ced march. Choked with the dust, parched with
the heat,' shivering with the cold of the winter
night — growing colder with each day's march to
the high land of the interior — they plodded on
sustained by the one word, *' Pretoria." They
knew they could sweep everytliing l)efore them, and
they would soon have rest and comfort in the
very citadel of the enemy. Even if they had to lay
siege to it they would be freed from the horror of
the daily march.

The main column rested at Smaldeel while
Hutton's and Frenches' ))rigades dashed on towards
the Zand. They cm me u]) to the enemy and the
screen of scouts pushed forward to the dry river
bed; but the Boers were ready for them and they
met a hot reception from eight or ten guns. IShdls
were sho\vered into tlie approaching horsemen.
One Creusot apparently mounted on a flat-car was
particularly dangerous. It was necssary to retreat,
and the mounted rifles went back several miles.

The BoeVs had now taken the offensive and for a
time it looked as if the mounted men composing the
advance would have a diflicult task to extricate
themselves from a perilous position. The most
brilliant generals leading the Boers — Botha, De

CROSSING TIIK ZAND.

411

Wet, and Blako — were pressing hard after tliem
with thousands of men, endeavoring to surround
tlie force, but before they could accomphsh tins the
rest of the mounted infantry and cavalry with
some artillery had come up and the Boers halted.
When the enemy, dashing forward on the flanks of
the British, got within range of the field batteries
of the Royal Horse Artillery they wore beaten
back by an accurate shell-fire.

The next two days were spent in examining the
country, picking up prisoners, and preparing for the
inevitable fight at the Zand. '^I'ho main column
left Smaldecl at daybreak on the morning of the
9th, and marched to Welgelegen. A part of the
mounted rifles were ahead of tlif Zami reconnoitr-
ing the Boer i)osition. It was a strong one, the
front of their line extended for many miles and on
every important kopje big guns could be seen, while
through the glasses solid masses of men in great
number could be observed. It was impossible to
accurately compute the numl)er of the men, but the
experienced scouts reported that tliere were not
fewer than from ten to twenty thousand.

The Ah)unte<l Jxifles a})proaclu:(l to within a mile
oi' two of the trt'nches when the shells from the
kopjes on the north side of the river began to drop
among ihem, and tho}' turned their horses about
and leisurely retreated. The main column would
now be brought into action on the following day,
and cavalry, infantry, and artillery anticipated the
reatest battle of the war.
Meanwhile General Ian Hamilton's column
which had so distinguislicil itscll' at Thal)a N'Chu,
and whieh had marched through \\'inl)urg on the
r)th of the month unopjtosed was now with the
main advance. After a rest of two days they had

ir>

412

CANADA S SONS ON KOPJE AND VELDT.

marched twelve miles to Bloemplaats. A portion
of the enemy was located here and the mounted
infantry and artillery went ahead and shelled
them and chased them from their position and the
column bivouacked on the ground won.

On the 9th they knew that a battle had been
planned for the morrow ; the Boers were sure to be
forced back, and if they offered a too stubborn
resistance would very probably suffer the fate
of Cronje.

French and Hutton were to attack the right and
left of the Boers, while the 9th Division in
conjunction with the 7th was to press back their
centre in an effort to gain Mazel Spruit through
which the main force would have to march on its
journey to Kroonstad. The 9th Division, in which
was the Canadian regiment, was a strong one, con-
sisting of the 19th and 21st Brigades in all over
10,000 men, witli six batteries, 30 guns of field
artiller}'^, two 5-ineh guns and several regiments of
mounted men. The 19th Brigade was to lead the
attack and tlic Roval Canadians were to have th'^
honor of leading them into action.

If the Boers had been in equal force a terrific
battle would have taken place on the morrow. That
night before the Zand at least 45,000 men
bivouacked. The Boers, however, had the advant-
age of natural position. The dry river-bed, the
screen of bushes, the kopjes on which they could
plant their guns — all were much in their favor ;
but the British numbers outweighed any of these
natural advantages. Besides the English siege-guns
were no longer outranged by the cnemys' Crcusots
and Krupps, and their lyddite and shrapnel seldom
failed to burst, whereas it was the exception for the

CROSSING THE ZAND.

413

Boer shells, long stored for this war in the armouries
of Pretoria, to explode.

The night preceding the battle was cold and
hundreds of fires flickered through the darkness as
the host lay at rest dreaming of the morrow, or
nervously wondering what would be the result of
the battle. While 'it was still dark and cold the
" rouse " was sounded, and after a bracing cup of
hot coffee and a hurried breakfast of hardtack the
stir of preparation for battle spread through the
army ; neighing horses, trundling guns, the muffled
thunder of moving regiments of foot soldiers, these
sounds filled the air.

There had been an interesting long range
artillery duel between the opposing forces on the
previous afternoon, and during the night C and G
Companies of the Royal Canadian Regiment had
been supporting the guns, and wlien morning broke
they returned to camp to rest. A and H were to
escort a part of the artillery during the day so that
it was a greatly diminished regiment that began to
lead the Brigade into action. There were about 150
men in the firing-line, the remainder being held in
reserve. They were, through their experiences at
Paardcberg and Thaba N'Chu, veterans in Boer
warfare. They knew just how to advance on the
foe without exposing themselves, and in the dim
dusk of the morning they stealthily moved forward
until witliin 800 yards of the Boer trenches.

The battle began before it was full day by tlie
British big guns sending their shells at the kopjes
where the Boer artillorv had been located. For a
lime there was an interchange from these monsters
of war, and as the detonations grew more frequent
and tlie whole field could ])o seen, the infantrv wow)

414

CANADA S SONS ON KOPJE AND VELDT.

commanded to advance fifty yards and begin firing.

The Boers had been watching the suspicious line
of figures on the distant plain. Suddenly they saw
them rise and dash forward at the double ; on the
instant they sent a shower of bullets amongst them,
l)ut the Canadians succeeded in reaching the position
to which they were directed with only one casualty.
As soon as tliey had gained cover they began to
rei)ly to the rifle-fire in theii' front.

Now the battle went on in earnest and far and
near could l)e heard the sounds of the struggle ; of
the movements of the troops but little could be
seen. The enemv were absolutelv invisible, hidden
in their trenches and the river-bed or behind the
screen of l)ushes on the opposite bank. Puffs of
smoke from the ko}»jes that served as a background
to the Zand told where the enemy's guns were
posted, and on one high kopje two leagues away
that commanded the river for miles they could see

a worthy opponent of

le nti

vval and sieae uuns.

The position of the Royal Canadians was as

trying as in any of their iiglits at Paardeberg.

Ol>posed to the 150 men wviv at least <S00 Boers

steadily sending bullets right into their lines.

Sometimes the fire would slacken, and only an

occasional crack would be heard from a deliberate

rifleman, but if a Ciina<lian raised his head or

changed his position a shower of bullets fell about

um.

^ri

lere

S(.:

emed to be no abatement to the

struggle; "i)om-pom," Maxim, Howitzer, and field
batteries banged away through the long morning,
while screaming and bursting shells passed and
repassed over their heads. lUit what they f(>art.'d
most was the spiteful crackle of the rifles in the

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LIEUT.-CUL, ALl'HONSK D. ATBKY, M.I).

CROSSINO THK ZAND.

417

river-bed, and when the voUeyp rang out tlioy
hugged the earth behind their ant-hills and *' made
themselves as small as possible." For hours this
fight went on, but at last in the early afternoon the
Boer fire slackened in the river-bed, then only an
occasional bullet puffed a quick cloud of dust
among the ant-hills.

The Boers had had enough ; they could not
dislodge the 19th that had so well kept their fire
under during the thirsty hours since morning
broke, and they were in danger of being themselves
surrounded, so they left their trenches, crept up the
hill slopes, and hurried away towards Kroonstad,
The Canadians then crossed the river while the
guns were sending shell after shell into the retreat-
ing Boers. Here they bivouacked for the night on
the very ground occupied by their enemies during
the day. Once more they slept on a field their
prowess had helped to win.

Counting the cost of a battle is the saddest part
of a soldier's life. Although for the Canadians this
fight had been an all day affair, so well had they
kept to cover that they had but three men wounded
and one killed. Private F. G. W. Floyd was struck
l)y a Mauser bullet and killed almost instantly.
Jiike many another Canadian lad during the past
six months, " His remains had to be laid away in a
shallow grave, without winding sheet or cofhn, by
the hands of strangers, and that with but a hurried
prayer." Besides those men of the regiment one
other, who had suffered their privations and had
been under fire with them as often perhaps as any
man in the firing-line on that day, was wounded.
Of his casualty the official report gives no account,
but by his excellent lotters and his reflections on

418

Canada's sons on koime and veldt.

the work done at the front and the criticisms of the.
conduct of the Royal Canadians he fully deserves a
place in the honor roll of the Sons of the Dominion
in this war. While the action was at its thickest
Mr. Stanley M. Brown was hit, and had to be car-
ried to the rear, but his wound was not severe
enough to prevent him sending an excellent report
of this battle to his paper.

While the infantry led by the Canadian Regiment
had pressed back the main force of the Boers from
their entrenched position on the Zand, the mounted
infantry and cavalry had long since crossed the
river far to the west, and were endeavoring to
circle round the right flank of the enemy. When a
battlefield is spoken about a comparatively limited
space is apt to be considered as the area over which
the fighting takes place ; but with the big guns
sending their projectiles for miles, with riflemen
able to keep the enemy's fire under at a distance of
a mile, with a large force of cavalry trying to break
through the lines or surround the wings of the
opposing army, the front of a modern battle is a
very much extended affair. From east to west on
the 10th of May along the Zand river the British
occupied a space of probably between thirty and
forty miles.

Hutton's and French's Brigades crossed the river
in the early morning. The probable strength of
the British mounted force was between 7000 and
8000 men ; but an enemy is apt to overestimate or
underestimate the opposing army in accordance
with the state of his feelings. The success of the
Britisn in corraling Cronje, and the continued
success of the troopers since they started on their
march from Bloemfontein made one British horse-

CROSSING THE ZAND.

419

•u
id

man look like ten to the Boers. At any rate a
report went al^roacl that not fewer than 20,000 men
were working ronnd on the right wing of their
army. T. F. Milhard, wlio acted witli the Boer
army as correspondent of the London Daily Mail,
and was therefore in a good position to give an
acenrate account of the retreat of the Boers, tells
the eflcct of this news of the north bank of the
Zand.

" We did not know," he writes, " whether that
flanking column was a reality or a mirage. It
never got in sight or made its presence felt in any
tangible way. But it was a better ally to Lord
Roberts than a hundred thousand fresh troops.
Whether it existed or not, it became a fixed and
certain quantity in the minds of the Boers. From
this vision of their imagination they fled, nor could
the combined efforts of their Generals stop them."

Botha, Blake, and DeWet all ti'ied to check the
mad rush towards the Transvaal, but they might as
well have tried to turn back Niagara. A por-
tion of them, despite the overwhelming numbers
that Lord Roberts had actually against them, did
make a desperate stand, and by protecting the rear
of the retreating army for so many liours probably
saved a large portion of the fleeing Boers from
being made prisoners, and, what was quite as im-
portant, their guns from falling into the hands of
the British troops.

By this time the Boers were used to running and
trekked away with a method even in the madness
of this rush. As Mr. Millard says of the stampede :
"Its progress was rapid, as retreats go, but delib-
erate. It drifted steadily along like the current of
some turbid but powerful stream."

420 Canada's sons on kopjk and veldt.

They had reason to flee ; after them came in hot
pursuit the cavalry and mounted rifles, Iniskillings
and Scots and Natal Carbineers — all eager for
slaughter, or to round up a goodly number c."
prisoners. The day was a hard one on the mounted
rifles. They were in the saddle for nearly eighteen
hours almost continuously, ever pursuing the foe
that ever eluded them. In the early afternoon a
party of them came upon a sight that spurred them
on to take vengeance on the dastardly enemy in
their front. As they rode along keeping careful
watch ahead they came upon a number of
khaki-clad figures lying at the foot of a kopje.

Some Inniskillings and other troopers had
preceded them by but a short time. They had
evidently not been scouting properly, believing that
no Boers would risk remaining behind the main
body. They came upon a Kaffir kraal where the
white flag was flying ; never doubting its signiucance
they dismounted and were standing in groups hold-
ing their horses or advancing to meet the men who
were about to surrender, when a shower of bullets
swept them. Men fell in heaps, wounded men
writhing in the agony of wounds made by the
devilish explosive bullets were struck down by tens.
The whole party was killed, wounded, or captured,
and when the Canadians arrived on the scene they
found that the dead and wounded had been robbed,
and the latter left to save themselves or to die where
they lay. As best they could they attended to tho'^r^
not yet past help and then Colonel Evans with
Squadron galloped on in the track of the brut,
murderers. It is little wonder that after this the
Canadians talked as coolly of bringing down Boers
as they would have spoken of potting partridge.

CHAPTER VIII.

OCCUPYING KROONSTAD.

I
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ill

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■lU

While the Canadians were resting on tlie slopes
(»f the Zand, the chase of the enemy still went on.
The Boers prayed for night, but it was to give them
but little relief. Behind them thundered cannon
and over them burst lyddite shells filling the air
with their sickening fumes ; among them fell the
spattering shrapnel, and if they lagged for a
moment the ping-ping of the bullets played through
their ranks. At last sudden darkness spread over
the brown, withered, treeless veldt, and for a brief
period the thick mantle of night made them feel
safer. But the hunters of men were close behind,
and soon the sharp rifle-fire made them urge their
horses and veldt-ponies and oxen on still faster. On
they went, a great huddle of men and beasts ;
bumping through ruts and over stones ; waggons
breaking down and strewing the plains with
household goods, animals tumbling exhausted on
the plains.

In their efforts to escape they fired the dry grass
of the veldt, hoping to flee the easier under cover of
tlie flames and smoke. The night was dark, the
moon hidden behind the clouds, and the leaping,
running flames added a tragic color to the tragic
scv. ae of flight and death.

Kroonstad was in the wildest confusion ; burghers
were bivouacking in the streets and the squares

421

422

Canada's sons on kopje and veldt.

waiting till dawn to continue their flight. From
nearly every house lights shone as the inhabitants
packed up their valuables and made ready to go
into exile. The Government officials w^^re busy
preparing to remove President Steyn's Capital to
Lindley, but such an easily moved i^istitution had
its destination changed, and the state papers were
forwarded to Ileilbron.

Meanwhile Botha and De Wet had succeeded in
getting some two or three thousan'l men under
control, and when Steyn joined them later with
what few men he could induce to stand by him,
they were hopeful of being able to make a
sufficiently long resistance at Bosch Rand to give
those who wished time to get well out of danger.
Bosch Hand is a high ridge towering above
Kroonstad, giving an excellent natural position
from Avhich to oppose the enemy's advance. It had
been strengthened by trenches, but when the Boers
snw the wide flanks of the army with Generals
Tucker and Hamilton on the riglit; and Generals
llutton and French on the left, sweeping down with
a forty-mile front, threatening to surround them, it
is not to be wondered a1 that they did not dare to
attempt even from their well-i)rotected ridge to face
the huge army of Lord Koberts. There were a few
daring spirits, however, in the Boer ranks, and
inspired by such leaders as Botha, De Wet, and
Colonel Blake of the Irish Brigade, they turned
their faces to the British to protect as long as they
could the disordered host that was hurrying through
Kroonstad.

At noon an '^"'^asional shell l)egan to drop along
Bosch Band, while to the east and west the cavalry
and mounted infantry were hurrying forward to

OCCUPYING KROONSTAD,

423

turn the flank of the rear guard. Botha saw his
clanger. He might at any moment find himself
cooped up as was Cronje at Paardeberg. Still he
tenaciously held to his position almost till dark, but
a dashing charge of the cavalry and lancers drove
the Boers from their trenches ; and the rear guard,
too, put spurs to their horses and rushed to
Kroonstad.

Before this liappened Botha had seen tliat Bosch
Rand could not long be held, and that the mounted
men of tlie enemy were rapidly surrounding
Kroonstad. He knew that an engine with a train
of cars attached, the last left, was waiting word
from him to steam out of the yards, and so he sent
in a message that the enemy were within three
miles of the town. On the instant the train that
was standing waiting began slowly to roll north-
ward.

While the train was still in the yards, flames
began to burst from the station and warehouses,
and soon the whole town was as bright as day
through the light of the burning buildings. An
ICnglish battery caught sight of the fugitive cars
and trained its guns upon them. All resistance was
brushed aside, and another capital of the Free
State had fallen.

In that great trek out of Kroonstad there were at
least ten thousand men and twenty guns, and this
force Botha's strategy alone had saved. The men
might have esca})ed ; but for him their guns,
ammunition, supplies and rolling-stock would
surely have fallen into Roberts' hands.

French with the 1st and 3rd Cavalry Biigades
had worked forwanl close to Kroonstiul, and when
the dawn broke had the place well surrounded.

424 Canada's sons on kopje and veldt.

The 17th Lancers claimed to be the first men to
enter the town, but a part of A Squadron of the
Canadian Mounted Rifles under Major Forrester
seems to have been at the front too, and simultan-
eously entered, driving a party of Boers before
them. The remainder of the Mounted Rifles had
gone back some miles to surround a force of the
enemy who had a position on a kopje, and did not
have a share in the final rush on Kroonstad ; but
during the entire day after the .'''and River fight
they had been skirting round the flank of the
Boers who kept well out of range.

The game was up ; it was useless to resist : the
few shells that had fallen into the town during the
night made the authorities, as at Bloemfontein, fear
that the appearance of their pretty little town
would be sadly disfigured, and so they decided to
promptly surrender. While the Field-Marshal was
at the drift over the Valsch the Mayor of Kroonstad
and a deputation of citizens came out for a con-
ference. The surrender of Bloemfontein was to be
repeated ; they were ready to yield without firing
an opposing shot. The landdrost, however, was
the chief official, and with him alone would Lord
Roberts confer ; and so after considerable delay the
landdrost and the entire council came out to him
and humbly surrendered the keys of the town.

There was still further delay. Tlie infantry
division had not yet reached the Valsch, and the
Commander-in-Chief ivaited till it came up ; and
then surrounded by his body-guard of Colonials
and accompanied by his staft' he marclied in state
into Kroonstad. There were a few Eiiglislnnen in
the town ; some Dutch wlio had never taken up
arms ; and many cowards who were now, in the hour

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OCCUPYING KROONSTAD.

427

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of their defeat, ultra-English, — and his advance
to the broad market-place was a triumph. Waving
of flags, shouting and cheering accompanied him
at every stej). To one unacquainted with the
circumstances of this march it would have seemed
that the General was entering an English town in
holiday humour.

Not only was the town occupied but it was
thoroughly invested as well. Five miles to the
the north were Frenchs' troops ; on the south-west
rested Hutton's brigade ; and about five miles to
the south-east on the banks of the Valsch river
were bivouacked the " Fighting Nineteenth."

That the British troops would win was a foregone
conclusion, but the speed with which the work was
done amazed even the war-critics of Euroj)e, and
actually won from the Germans words of praise.
It was Roberts of Kandahar once more ; even
greater on this march, for he ha(?» forced forward an
army of 50,000 men with the swiftness of a Cavalry
Brigade. The march, too, had been made with but
few casualities ; some regiments, such as the Can-
adian Mounted Rifles which bore the brunt of the
fighting, not losing a single man. No wonder
" Bobs " was the idol of England ; a general who
can win almost bloodless battles could not but be
dear to the anxious hearts across the ocean.

During the last two days the Royal Canadians
had been having a good deal of work without much
cliance for glory. A and G CGni|)anios had gone
forward some miles on the nigliL of tlie 10th, as
escort to the 5-inch guns. At d«iybreak on the
following morning four companies marched from
their bivouac to join them, while the remaining two
C and D stayed behind at the drift c /er the Zand

428 Canada's sons on kopje and veldt.

acting as rear-guard to the slow moving convoy of
waggons. All day the regiment marched, anxious
to catch up with the main army, and thoroughly
tired out went into bivouac towards evening at
Moorplats. The next day they started out again at
dawn and tramped on till the Valsch was reached
and they were within sight of Kroonstad, which for
some hours had had the Union Jack waving over
the landdrost's office.

These last two days had been particularly trying
on the men and numbers fell out. The draft which
had joined them only a few days before had suffered
most. As the Herald correspondent has pointed
out it was too bad that the men sent to Africa to fill
the gaps in the regiment were not selected with
better judgment. Raw youths for the most part ;
they had not the powers of endurance of men of
maturer years.

The First Contingent was a weak looking
skeleton of its former self, notwithstanding the draft
of almost a hundred men which had been added to
it six days before. Its strength was now only 480,
and of 45 officers only 23 were left. Even if it had
been possible to continue the advance at once the
lloyal Canadians would have had to rest for a day
or two ; and so they stayed until the 15th at Bosch
Rand. The records of the regiment show, too, that
it was not only the march that was playing havoc
with its strength ; from Kroonstad 30 sick men were
sent back to Bloemfontein.

The Canadian Mounted Rifles liad done their
share of fighting. General Hutton and General
French were as dashing mounted leaders as any
men could desire, and they seemed to rival each
otlier in taking all they could, and a little more, out

OCCUPYING KROONSTAD.

429

of both horses and men. It was therefore welcome
tidings to the men of the Canadian Squadrons that
they were to spend a quiet Sunday at Kroonstad.
The strength of both battahons was greatly
weakened and the horses needed the rest even more
than the troopers. The 700 miles through
Carnarvon, Prieska, Kenhart, De Aar and Bloem-
fontein would have told on horses of steel ; and
when the severe advancing and retreating, dashing
over the rough veldt by night and day, ever miles
in advance of the main column, fighting hot fights
when even the sound of their guns could not reach
the host that was marching steadily, steadily on
Kroonstad — when this is considered the wonder is
that they had a horse left — almost as great a
wonder as that in all their skirmishes from Bloem-
fontein to Kroonstad not a man had been killed and
only six were wounded.

While waiting at Kroonstad for the general
advance to begin once more the Canadian Mounted
Kifles had several interesting outings. The white
flag trick had been practised on a small party of
British troops, and three squadrons were sent out
to a farmhouse at Jordan's Siding where the crime
occurred to investigate. They found four British
dead, and in their just anger burnt the house to the
ground.

On the 15th at five o'clock in the afternoon just
as night was beginning to settle down on the veldt,
50 men from each of the two battalions of mounted
rifles and 100 men from the First Mounted Infantry
were ordered to saddle up for a rapid night das^li.
The 200 men galloped through the long hours of
darkness, searching fd.nihouses wlierever they were
to find any of the enemy. When close to a

likely

430

CANADA S SONS ON KOPJE AND VELDT.

farmhouse the body of the troop halted, held itself
in readiness while a dozen or so horsemen dashed
forward with revolvers cocked ready to shoot down
anyone who attempted to escape from the suspected
dwelling. The man hunt was a most successful
one ; they captured no fewer than twenty-seven of
the enemy, and among the prisoners were a com-
mandant, several field cornets, and four members of
the Johannesburg Mounted Police. For seventeen
hours they advanced through the darkness without
off-saddling, and when at last they halted for a brief
four hours rest, they had covered in all sixty miles.
Even General De Wet would have had difficulty in
beating this performance. When they returned to
camp it was with considerable pride that General
Hutton heliographed the splendid feat to Lord
Roberts.

On the 15th, too, the forward movement re-com-
menced. The Winburg column under General Ian
Hamilton moved out from Kroonstad, marching
almost due east, and as a part of this column the
Royal Canadians left Bosch Rand. They had had
a rest of nearly three days and they needed it
much for the work that was before them. Although
on this first day they covered but six miles, until
they crossed the Vaal they were to endure the same
exhausting marches, the same privations that they
i}ad endured up to Kroonstad, with the additional
hardship of having to sleep in the open with chill
autumn fogs rising from the ponds by which they
bivouacked.

CHAPTER IX.

CROSSING THE VAAL.

For the first three days of the northward march
the 19th Brigade encountered nothing of peculiar
interest. On the 18th they had so far outstripped
their convoy that they were forced to rest until it
could catch up. On this day the first exciting
incident of the march occurred. Some of the
soldiers were approaching a farmhouse with a
white flag floating over it, when from a concealed
position near by, the sharp crackling of a number of
Mausers was heard, followed by the singing of the
bullets among them. They retreated, and then a
body of soldiers went forward to loot and destroy
the place, but they found only women and children
in possession. These claimed that they had nothing
to do with the treachery, and as the Canadian
soldiers were not making war against women they
were allowed to remain in possession of their farm-
house — no doubt very much to their surprise. It
would not do, however, to let the offense go Avholly
unpunished, and so the soldiers took what food
they could find without paying the fancy prices
usually asked by the Boers.

Meanwhile the 21st Brigade trekked on to
Lindley, and, without any opposition other than
an occasional badly aimed bullet IVom a Boer
sniper, almost completely surrounded the town.

431

432

CANADA S SONS ON KOPJE AND VELDT.

Commandant Piet De Wet was in the vicinity,
and as soon as the 21st got comfortably bivouacked
in the wretched village which had so narrowly
escaped being a Free State Capital, began to harass
the English. He industriously sent small parties
of troops hither and thither against the 13ritish
lines, endeavoring to shoot or capture the outposts
and patrols ; and he was eminently successful in
his work. A graver danger was, however, threaten-
ing this force. It was learned that an army of
l^oers was assembling on the south, and that just as
soon as it was reinforced with big guns would
advance on Lindlcy. Several of the commandos
were likewise massed on the north-west. Lindley
was becoming a very warm corner, and as there
were in all over three thousand Boers with five or
six long-range cannon about it, and as it was of no
strategical importance, it was decided to move
northward at once on Heilbron.

While the 21st was taking such risks in Lindley
the 19th had passed by the village without entering
it and gone forward to Quaggafontein. The general
advance of the Winburg column on Heilbron, some
forty miles to the north, began at once. They had
got but seven miles from Lindley when De Wet
engaged the rear guard. He did not risk coming
to close quarters, but watched the mounted flanks,
and at every opportunity threw forward small
parties who did very effective work. Several
troopers were shot, a number wounded, and a few
taken prisoners. It was tantalizing to have him
hanging about the rear, but it would not do to stop
the advance to attempt to bring him to a general
engagement. He simply had to be endured.

A more serious ^^fi'air awaited them at Karroo

CROSSING THE VAAL.

433

Spruit. A lofty ridge, easily protected, loomed up
before the column, and as the mounted men stole
cautiously forward examining the kopjes they were
met by a heavy fire. The Boers were there in con-
siderable numbers, and for a time had checked the
British advance ; but soon the dashing work of tlio
Household Cavalry and the 10th Huzzars on the
flanks of their position frightened them and they
fled. AVhen the troops mounted the ridge they
could see their long line of waggons trekking north
with all possible speed. The guns had not yet
come up, and the escape was made without much
loss. Had the artillery but kept pace with the
cavalry the whole of the convoy might have been
captured. It was not until they were well on their
northward road that a 5-inch gun got to the summit
of the ridge and sent shells after them over a
distance of nearly six miles.

The way was clear and with the Boer snipers
hanging like so many wasps on the flanks and rear
the column bivouacked two miles north of Karroo
Spruit. A nineteen miles march relieved by a
brisk little fight ; not a bad day's work. But there
was to be no rest ; at dawn next morning they
started out again and reached Witpoort a short
distance south of Heilbron, and early on the
following day arrived at a ridge overlooking the
prosperous little town. Opposition was expected ;
it was never thought that Steyn would desert the
last capital he could ever expect to hold on this
earth without making a vigorous stand. He had
been in the town two days before ; but had con-
cluded that it would be useless to make further
resistance in the Free State, and so had packed up
his capital and had moved it witli him across the

434

CANADA S SONS ON KOPJE AND VKLDT.

Vaal. For the future matters were somewhat
simplified ; one capital was to answer the purposes
of both presidents.

Heilbron was entered at noon on the 22nd.
Boers were seen, but seen running, as the General
and his staff with flags flying and bands playing
took possesssion of the last important town in the
Free State. The 21st had had the honor of enter-
ing Lindley, it now fell to the lot of the 19th with
the Royal Canadians leading to follow immediately
behind the General into ♦his substantial little town
of about two thousand inhabitants.

Despite the hardships they were enduring the
Canadians were buoyant in spirit : at every step
they were nearing Pretoria and each day won from
their commanders words of praise. They, had long
known the worth of their own officers and of their
Brigade Commander Smith-Dorrien, and they had
now learned to esteem General Ian Hamilton next
to "Bobs."

The Boers were now fleeing in force and as their
long train of waggons climbed the grassy ridges,
withered and brow^n from the autumn frosts, an
attempt was made to capture their entire convoy.
While the Infantry took po^ session of the town, and
the Canadians were being placed on guard at the
principal buildings, the cavalry and artillery
galloped in pursuit. The mounted men were
shelled back, but the horse artillery thundered into
range unlimbered and by brilliant work succeeded
in capturing some fifteen of the enemy's heavily
laden waggons : later in the day several more were
added to the list. Not only had the Boers failed to
stop the British advance, but had themselves been
dealt a severe blow. No more loitering now in the

LIEIT.-COL. JLLIKN I5R0SSEAU,

LlKrT.-COl.. A. l)KNI;r

CROSSING THE VAAL.

437

path of the EngUsh guns : on to the Vaal they fled
for their lives.

The halt at Heilbron was to be a very short one.
The occupation of neither Lindley nor Heilbron had
been any real part of the forward movement. The
AVinburg column had been sent out to cut off
commandos reported to be huriying north from
Senekal to Heilbron to the support of Steyn. It
would be a Avaste of men to occupy Heilbron, and
so on the 23rd the advance began again. A few
sick men, however, were left behind, among them
Captain-Surgeon Fiset, who was down with enteric.

The British now moved towards the west to join
the main column in its advance on the Transvaal
Capital, and as soon as they were out of Heilbron
the Boer commandos, which had been hanging
about the rear, entered the place, engaging their
rear guard and succeeding in cutting off several of
their waggons. The sick men were well treated by
the Boers who learned from Captain-Surgeon Fiset
what an excellent Government the French lived
under in far Canada.

The following day was the Queen's Birthday, and
on this occasion it was to be celebrated by a stilf
march of from fifteen to twenty miles. It was dark
before a halt was called and few of the soldiers had
thoughts for anvthing save the meal thev were
forced to make out of commandeere<l flour.
Tlirough the darkness, however, the strains of the
National Anthem welled Ibrtli, and the tired
soldiers raised tlieir voices in a mighty chorus ; and
tlien tlie fifteen thousand men of the coluiiiu burst
forth into one great chi'cr that shook the veldt.

The main column liad now been three days on
the road, and oi] tlie morrow as the \\'inbuig

438

CANADA S SONS ON KOPJE AND VELDT,

column crossed the railway line at Prospect they
saw in the distance a moving cloud of dust and
above it floated a great war-balloon. Once more
they became a part of the body of soldiers
immediately under Lord Roberts. By mere mass
this army of 50,000 men was pressing everything
before them. Boers might hang about isolated
brigades, or attack remote parts of the line of com-
munication, or even face the squadrons that fought
in advance of the army, but it was only at their
strongest positions that they dare stand for a
momen+ against this sweeping sea of men. No
danger of further conflict till the Vaal was reached,
but it was fully expected that a stubborn resistance
would be made at the drifts and among the kopjes
of that difficult river.

On the morrow as they were advancing on the
Vaal they were gladdened by the tidings that
Colonel Otter was approacliing with the convoy.
Colonel Buclian had been an ideal commander but
to most of the men the regiment had seemed
incomplete for the past month, without the brave
and considerate leader who had watched over it
during its hardest days. lie had grown in his
absence in the esteem of the men, despite tlie mem-
ory (if his strict discipline, and the scar he carried,
the badge of his courage, added to tli<' affection u\
which he was held. His coming, too, was a boon
to the soldiers. He brought with him in the face
of the greatest difficulties am'
■ f the commissarit

pan

depf

serge jackets, good thick underclothing, caps and
socks and boots. The Transvaal winter was
descending upon tlieni, they would now t>e able to
face it with less fear.

CROSSING THE VAAL.

439

No rest, however, to enjoy these things : On to
Pretoria ! That afternoon the Vaal was reached,
and the Canadians were the leading regimenL The
scouts brought in word that the way was clear, the
Boers had fled before the flanking troopers and
though a small army might have checked a host at
Wonderwater Drift, not even a sniper was among
the kopjes to alarm the British. The Vaal was
cold and deep ; no bridge was near, and the Can-
adians plunged into the chilly water and led the
army into Kruger's land. Shivering and wet they
climbed the opposite bank, the first of Lord
Roberts' infantry to set foot in the Transvaal. If
their bodies were damp, their spirits were not ; and
as they realized that they were in the Transvaal,
they gave a sturdy Canadian cheer. That night
they dried themselves by the fires at the bivouac a
short distance from the banks of the Vaal.

Still they pushed forward and on the 28th after
two bitterly cold nights Syferfontein was reached.
All day the sound of distant guns reached their
ears. The enemy were at last making a stand.
They had heard much of, "The act that would
stagger humanity ; " they had expected that an
attempt would be made at the Vaal to fulfil the
threat ; from the heavy and continuous firing they
began to think that perhaps this was the prelude to
the act.

For the present they waited in arms ready to cut
off the retreating Boers if they should be driven
back by ITutton and French who were hotly enga/j,-
ing them along the Klip River.

The Royal Canadian Regiment of Infantry had
been days on the march before the Canadian
Mounted Rifles got orders to advance towards the

440 Canada's sons on kopje and veldt.

Vaal. It was not till the morning of the 20th that
Hutton's Division saddled up for the dash that was
to end only at ""^ohannesburg. It was the most
serious movement of the war, and before departing
iliey attended a mounted church parade held by
Father Sinnctt of INIontrcal. There was a solemnity
and picturesqueness about this religious service in
the chill of the autumn morning that deei»ly
impressed the men. After the service General
llutton warned them of the nature of the work
they were proceeding on. They must expect the
hardest march of their lives. They were to be
followed by Lord Roberts' main army, and he
would spare neithei' man nor beast in his efforts
to clear the way for the advance on Pretoria — and
he kept his word.

The days had now grown very short, and much
of the marching had to be done through the dark-
ness. But forward they went, shivering with the
cold, their blankets and overcoats wholly inade-
quate to keep them warm. At times the veldt was
so rough and rutty that it was a common thing for
the trooi)ers to find themselves s})rawling on all
fours, thrown from their stumbling horses. They
exi)ected to meet the Boers at Rhenoster's Spmit,
but the fi'ightened enemy had fled before their
advance.

The hardest day they endured was the 24th of
Mav. Between llutton and French there seems to
have been considerable rivalry and both were
anxious to have the glory of first invading
Transvaal territory. It became known that Frencli
would I'caeh it on the Queen's l>irtliday, and so an
iHbrt was iiiadi' to ]»ush the *Jtli Division across the
^'aal on the same day. It would no doubt have

•-#1^

Ill

MA.inK ixis'Ai.n < amkki'N riii:>ri:u lu.is.-

MA.)<»i; lllUAM IlKMHi;.

CROSSING tiif: vaal.

443

been an excellent thing to do, but under the circum-
stances was a very foolish thing to attempt. The
"rouse" sounded at 4.30 and after a hot cup of coffee
to drive away the night's chills, and a breakfast of
tough meat, the advance began while darkness was
still struggling with day. The country was a rough
one ; on account of the convoy the march was slow,
and when darkness fell in the late afternoon thoy
were still some miles from the Vaal. Wisdom
dictated a bivouac but sentiment said forward. On
through the thick darkness they pressed, and the
bumping, tumbling, creaking noisy transport wag-
gons struggled to keep up. The trowps far
outstripped them and at length were forced to
bivouac in sight of the Transvaal, without food and
with but the bedding they carried on their saddles.
If the enemy had but have been on the alert
they could have smashed the convoy and added
another disaster to the British army ; but both the
troops and the transports remained unmolested till
morning, and then crossed the Vaal at Lindcque
Drift without even so much as a solitary Boer Ri He-
man to snipe at them as they advanced. General
French had been doing effective work ahead, and the
Boers were falling back with all possible speed on
Johannesburg. So the British advance-guard
gained a point almost within sight of the mines of
the Gold City without having met with any opposi-
t" )n. However the Boors still hoped to keep the
British out of Johannesburg, and a hard battle
would have to be fought before the Union Jack
would be raised over the city of the Uitlander.

CHAPTER X.

INTO THE GOLD CITY.

Fighting was immiuent. On the 28th the
Canadian Mounted Rifles crept up to the crest
of the range of hills overlooking a broad valley
through which wound a quiet stream, and a road to
Johannesburg. Several miles away on the opposite
side was another range. In these the Boers were
posted. It was a strong position and effectually
barred the way to the Gold City. At first this was
not realized, and the advance was pushed over the
little bridge at Olifants Vlei.

The British rushed their guns to the top of the
ridge and began to throw shells across the valley,
but the range was too great and they fell short, and
so the troops advanced to the broad meadow
skirting the winding river.

The enemy had several big guns in the
Klipriversberg Range and among them one *' Long
Tom," which far outranged the Horse Artillery
guns. It was necessary to get their location and
before noon a troop of thirty men advanced towards
the enemy's position. They succeeded in unmask-
ing the enemy's guns, and met with a hot reception
from shell, " pom-pom," and rifle ; but succeeded in
galloping to cover without losing a man. This
shell-fire was to continue for the rest of the
444

INTO THE GOLD CITY.

445

day. Troops and convoy alike came in for their
share.

k part ol the Mounted Rifles were now given a
task that thoroughly tried the men. Two kopjes
connected by a high ridge commanded a view of the
bridge and the meadow. The range of these kopjes
the enemy had to a foot ; but for the purposes of the
advance it was most important that they should be
occupied. C and D Squadrons, some New
Zealanders, and a battery of the Royal Horse
Artillery were sent forward to seize and hold this
position. It was ii hot spot, where shells fell and
with great accuracy ; but fortunately for the most
part failed to explode, angrily burying their copper
nosea in the ground. The troopers, too, found
shelter, and took it so well that among the
Canadians on this day only one man was wounded,
and that but slightly.

So important were these kopjes that orders were
sent to Colonel Evans in command of the squadrons
to hold them during the night.

At dawn they looked towards the opposite hills ;
the " Bloom in' Door-Knocker " was silent ; the
" Long Tom " had apparently withdrawn, and not
a crack of a Mauser was to be heard. The enemy,
they began to think, had stolen away in the night
as on former occasions, and in this thought they
were enjoying a hastily prepared breakfast.
Suddenly the " putt-putting " of the " pom-pom "
fell on their ears and simultaneously a succession of
spiteful little shells fell in their midst scattering
their fires and sending pots and food in the air.

On the previous day the general had seen what
folly it would be to try to force the Klipriversberg
hills, and had determined to withdraw his army

446

CANADA S SONS ON KOPJE AND VELDT.

and continue turning the flank of the enemy on the
left. Hutton was no doubt cogitating the words of
the American military attache with Buller on the
Tugela : " Well, now, was there no way round ? "

There was a way round this time, but the little
company on the kopjes had to bear the batt1<^ while
the army that had advanced over the bridge
retired to take that way. They had, moreover, to
let the enemy see that they were holding the posi-
tion, and so frequently during the day parties of
them would gallop along the ridge in full view of
the Boers, inviting their fire. And the invitation
was never refused ; big shells and little shells
hurtled amongst them, and on one occasion they
even drew the rifle-fire of the Boers.

Meanwhile the main army under shelter of the
fire from the kopjes was withdrawing across the
bridge. It took three hours to complete the
hazardous work, but was successfully accomplished.
Hutton's division had had a narrow escape. If the
Boers could once have got possession — and it would
have been no difficult task — of the kopjes held by
the Canadian Mounted Rifles, they could have
swept the British army with a destructive fire.
The order to withdraw was pleasant news to the
troops who had been for two days exposed to the
heavy shell-fire ; but they were so accustomed to
the shells by this time that they made the with-
drawal as if on parade.

A and B Squadrons under Colonel Lessard had
had their share of work, and although not exposed
to the same steady shelling as the Second Battalion
they had had both "pom-poms" and big shells
dropping at intervals amongst them during the
day. B Squadron had been exposed to a particu-

INTO THE COLD CITY.

447

larly severe shelling on two occasions when it
passed from its position to the support of C and D,
and when it was ordered back almost immediately
to its original place. Tlie " pom-poms " played
viciously on the troopers, as John Ewan said,
" They worked over time ; " but then the " pom-
pom " was never designed to kill.

The retirement had puzzled the enemy, and
before they could recover from their surprise they
found the column hammering away at their flank,
and fearing being surrounded fell back towards
Johannes! )urg, and tlie advance was continued for
ten miles in a north-westerly direction.

On the night of the 29th they marched through
the darkness over the rough and difficut region of
Doornkop made famous by the ill-starred Jameson
Raid, and when morning broke found themselves
with practically a clear road to Johannesburg. In
the distance the stamp-mills of the Gold City and
the towering smoke-stacks loomed up before them
and they felt as if the city were theirs.

They saw more than the distant Johannesburg ;
they caught sight of a Boer convoy trekking away
as fast as the drivers could urge forward their
beasts. The convoy was in charge of some fifty
men, and Lieutenant Borden and thirteen troopers
started in pursuit. When within rifle range-, they
dismounted and did such effective work that three
of the waggons were unable to proceed and were
left a prize to the venturesome Canadians.

While the Canadian Mounted Rifles were winning
laurels at Klipriversberg their fellow-countrymen
of the Royal Canadian Regiment of Infantry were
doing good work among the ridges of Doornkop.
At this place one of the severest struggles and most

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Sciences
Corporation

33 WIST MAIN STRUT

WHSTIR.N.Y. MSSO

(716) S73-4S03

448 Canada's sons on kopjr and veldt.

costly to the British arms in the South African war
took place.

There ^was poetic justice in '.dving one of the
climactic struggles of the war take place among the
kopjes where the Jameson's raiders came to grief ;
just as there was poetic justice in having the first
great Boer reverse, the capture of Cronje, the turn-
ing point of the war, take place on Majuba Day.

While the mounted infantry under Hutton had
been fighting so effectively at Klipriversberg the
21st and 19th Brigades came in for their share of
work in this Doornkop region. The Boers were
discovered in force with heavy artillery, checking
the advance on Roodepoort and Florida. They
had between two and four thousand men, and not
fewer than six guns together with a number of
"pom-poms." The British had suddenly come
upon a difficult position, but there was nothing to
do but fight, and that under the most trying
circumstances.

Once more the Royal Canadian Regiment of
Infantry was to take part in a general engagement,
and once more it was to share the honors of the
day with the brave and dashing Highlanders.
The Boers were in a strong position to oppose this
well-planned attack, and with the shrewdness that
had marked their tactics from the commencement
of the war they had made it doubly strong. The
khaki uniform of tlio British soldiers had in prev-
ious fights served as natural protection on the
brown veldt. At long range it was almost impos-
sible to catch sight of the thinly extended line of
earth-colored figures, and they as often firod at ant-
hills and rocks as at men. But they had resolved
that on this occasion if the British did succeed in

INTO THE GOLD CITY.

449

driving them from their trenches they would pay
dearly for their success. For several rniles along
cheir front they had set fire to the veldt, dry with
the autumn frosts, and the British as they moved
forward saw before them rolling slopes of fire and
smoke, ridges along which ran spurts of fire, and
broad stretches black with a deadly blackness. The
khaki uniforms which had protc(;ted them in the
past stood out on this black backgrouud an excel-
lent target for the sharp-shooters making a last
determined effort to keep the " rooineks " from enter-
ing the Gold City.

The 19th advanced in extended order, the
Canadians in four lines. As the infantry moved
forward the 5-inch guns and two batteries began to
send well-directed shells over their heads at the
Boer position. The British force was still several
miles from the enemy's lines when shells began to
scream through the smoky air and bury their noses
in the blackened plain, fortunately bursting but
seldom. Still the advance continued ; that distant
ridge guarding the way to Johannesburg had to be
won before nightfall. A mile was crossed under
this shell-fire, and still another mile of blackened
veldt intervened when sharp and deadly the shrill
Mauser bullets began to sing among the advancing
soldiers. Through clouds of smoke, through belts
of fire, across broad black stretches, the men
hurried, reserving their fire. At length a Kaffir
hut surrounded by a stone kraal was reached. This
spot aflorded excellent shelter and over two hundred
of the Canadian Regiment took cover in this safe
position, and for the rest of the afternoon poured a
most effective fire into the enemy's ranks.

The Boers made an attempt to fiank the right of

450 Canada's sons on kopje and veldt.

the Brigade, but the Canadian Maxim gun was in
a good position and foiled their attempt. So till
darkness began to fall the Canadians poured volley
after volley into the trenches where the enemy
seemed thickest ; so till darkness was approaching
the shells from the big guns and the quick-fire guns
screamed and roared across the grim battleground.

llie Gordons, however, bore the brunt of the
fight. Their position was the most difficult on the
field ; they had but little shelter and their men fell
in great numbers. The men of Dargai, however,
were worthy of their reputation, and when General
Smith-Dorrien sent in word that the Boers must be
cleared from the ridge by nightfall they fixed bay-
onets, and with wild, reckless dnsh moved forward
on the enemy's main position and scattered them
before their impetuous charge. But they paid
dearly for their bravery ; twenty gallant fellows in
the regiment were killed and seventy wounded —
almost a sixth of their entire force in the fight.

In this final charge the Canadians played their
part. When the cheer loud and long told that the
main position had been stormed by the Highlanders
the Canadians were ordered to advance on the
double and drive the Boers from the trenches
immediately in front. At their approach the
enemy fled, they dreaded tlic cold steel, and when
the Canadians breasted the height through a belt of
fire and smoke they found that the enemy were
galloping away in confusion towards Johannesburg.

They thus brought to a close a hard day's
fighting. Their loss had been small, only seven
men wounded. It was once more the luck of the
Canadians, and the extended order which had
saved them ; but for the thirty paces between the
men and the one hundred and fifty between the

INTO THE GOLD CITY.

451

lines the heavy shell-fire to which they were
exposed and the steady rifle-lire which they had to
face as they climbed the slope towards the ridge,
would have found manv a victim.

At 4.30 next morning they were under arms and
started for Florida five miles away, where they got
meat and groceries, but as the convoy had not yet
caught up they were without flour or biscuits.
Starving, cold, ragged, but happy. They had
helped clear the way into the Gold City, whose
mines and public buildings, despite the many
threats of the Boers, were intact.

On the following day, May 31, the city was
surrendered and Lord Roberts made his trimnphal
entry. The streets towards the suburbs were largely
deserted and the stoies and houses barricaded for
the most part ; but as the troops marched towards
the public buildings the crowds gatliered.

Soon from many flag-stafl's, from the principal
buildings floated the Union Jack, and, as Barnes
tersely puts it, '* Johannesburg was Knglish.

For tlic present but few of the soldiers of the
Royal Canadian Regiment of Infantry or the Can-
aeian Mounted Rifles, who had fought so hard and
endured so much to reach Johannesburg, were to
enter it. But the few who did saw a strangely new
city, a city that had risen from the i)lains in less
than twenty years, a city of about one hundred and
fifty thousand inhabitants, a city with tall chinnieys
and staring factories, with piles of refuse from
which the gold has been crushed, a city without
churches, a city of saloons. A wicked, greedy,
worldly city ; and lor this city tliey had crosseil
seven thousand miles of ocran, and climbed another
thousand miles of veldt and kopje.

CHAPTER XI.

ON TO PRETORIA.

After the surrender of Johannesburg the
Canadian troops rested in their bivouacs some
miles from the city, and waited for what they
deemed would be the last stage of the war, the
march on Pretoria. They rested quietly until
Sunday, the Royal Canadian Regiment of Infantry
at Braemfontein, and the Canadian Mounted Rifles
close to the dynamite factory at Sandfontein. Tlie
fighting, marching, and privations of the advance
from Kroonstad had thoroughly exhausted the men
of both regiments, and but few had energy enough
to journey into the city of the Uitlander. Indeed
they had lost interest in South Africa, and were
now thinking only of helping in the final struggle
of the war, and hoping for a swift return to Canada
via England. They all wanted to see the heart of
the Empire for which they had been fighting.

On account of lack of supplies the entire army
of forty thousand men was forced to wait in the
vicinity of Johannesburg until Sunday, June 3. On
that day the last great march of the army begun,
and the whole world was expectant of ** the deed
that would stagger humanity." While Lord
Roberts' main army advanced rapidly along the
road leading to Pretoria the Royal Canadians with
Ian Hamilton's column left their bivouac at
452

ON TO PRETORIA.

453

Braemfontein and marched in a north-west direction
over a rough stretch of country. That same morn-
ing Hutton's Brigade left Samdfontein, and the
Canadian Mounted Rifles were only a few miles
ahead of the Royal Canadians and were proceeding
on the left flank of their column.

There was an unnatural calm on that June
Sabbath. The British troops were rapidly nearing
the seat of Government of the Boors, and yet they
toiled past kopje, over ridge, and through easily-
guarded passes and no shot was fired to chock their
advance. The enemy were not going to waste their
men, but were concentrating their forces in the forts
and among the hills in the midst of which Pretoria
nestled. So thought tlie advancing troops, and as
they marched they remembered the stories that had
como to them of the strength of the Transvaal
capital, and braced themselves for a hard fight and
a long one.

Hillegas' description of the strength of Pretoria
has already been given, but as late as March ii more
terrifying account of the capital of the Transvaal
"asleep back of mountain-walls and the frowning
guns of seven modern forts " was going the rounds
of the press and was familiar to many in the army
now boldly advancing on this impregnable position.

All day Sunday the columns advanced without
opposition and the soldiera had ample time to brood
over the stories that had reached them about the
hot reception they were to receive at Pretoria. On
Monday the Canadian Mounto^ Rifles began to
expect trouble ; the advance grew more arduous,
and the drifts and kopjes more dangerous. At one
drift they spent an hour toiling across ; waggons
stuck in mid-stream, waggons broke down and were

454 Canada's sons on kopjb and veldt.

overturned ; and when at last all were safely over,
cavalry transport and mounted infantry transport
were sadly mixed, ■ but the word was, " On to
Pretoria!"

French's force scented danger ahead, and in the
afternoon came on the enemy strongly entrenched
with big guns and " pom-poms " ready to check the
advance, and for a moment the British thought that
the deed that was to stagger humanity was about to
begin. The cavalry had gone forward to unmask
the guns, and so close did they ajjproach the enemy
that they came under a heavy musketry fire. The
artillery were rushed into action ; the big naval
guns drawn by teams of twenty bullocks each pre-
sented an exceptionally fine spectacle as they moved
forward to points of vantage. The guns were
quickly unlimbered and a vapid shower of shells
sent against the Boers to cover the advance of the
cavalry ; but French found the fire too hot and had
to retire his force.

When the cavalry found tlieiusolves under the
close fire from the enemy's Mausers and Martinis,
French sent for the assistance of Hutton's Brigade,
and the Second Battalion of (-anadian Mounted
Kitles under Colonel Evans had the honor of being
sent forward to help clear the way into Pretoria.

A line of kopjes covered the road along which
tlie army was advancing, and the enemy on these
kopjes eft'ectively stopi)ed tlie forward movement.
The Canadians were orderetl to seize these kopjes,
and so dismounting they sent their horses to the
rear and extending, carefully advanced upon the
difficult position. They were now adepts at Boer
warfare, and from sheltei- to shelter they crept and
rushed with the bullets falling nbout them, but

ox TO PRETORIA.

456

hitting no man, till tliey reached the foot of the
kopje. The tire was now hot and dang(Tous ; it was
impossible to advance farther, and so for over an
hour they lay in their sheltered positions while Boer
guns answered British guns from height to height.
The fire .slackened towards evening and a little after
4 o'clock the Canadians slowly began to wend their
way up the principal kopje, and when darkness fell
the height was theirs. But the wily Boers were
trekking away to Pretoria to add their guns to the
number already in the impregnable city. The early
darkness of winter prevented the British from con-
tinuing the pursuit, and so cavalry and Mounted
Infantry bivouacked for the night.

The 19th Brigade was likewise playing its part in
this advance. The Gordons were extended and
under fire, but the Royal Canadians remained
behind guarding the baggage, and while on this
duty they had the pleasure of witnessing the West
Australian Mounted Infantrv, the Australian
Ijancers, and Saxe's Mounted Infantry in hot
pursuit of a large body of thoroughly terrified
Boers.

To the disappointment of the troops, and the
amazement of the world, it was learned on the
morrow that there was to be no more fighting about
Pretoria. All along the line of advance on the 4th
a feeble resistance had been made by the Boers, but
the artillery and dashing cavalry and mounted
infantry had scattered the enemy and driven them
back, chasing them within range of their awe-
inspiring forts. The naval guns for a time sent
shells against the cordon of forts about the
valley city, but these forts about which m much
had been said and written spoke not. Humanity

A'A)

CANADA 8 SONS ON KOPJE AND VELDT.

was stuggered at their unnntiiral silence. Millions
of dollars had been expended on them ; the military
world was anxiously expectant of the resistance
they would ofler to the Hritish guns, but the Boer
had such a distaste for havinj^ his property
destroyed that, as at Bloemfontein, Kroonstad, and
Johannesburg, he was prepared to sunciuler
practically without firing a shot.

During the night the Boers made ready to
surrender to Lord Roberts, and early on the follow-
ing morning the whole British force moved t<»
within a couple of miles of the city and waited for
the triumphal entry which was to take place at 2
o'clock in the afternoon. At the hour appointed
the Field-Marshal took up his position in front of
the Government buildings, and the silken flag that
had floated over Bloemfontein, Kroonstad and
Johannesburg was run up amidst the cheering of
the troops and the wild shouting of the British
officers freed that day from the "Bird Cage." As
the long line of troops marched past with bayonets
fixed the band of the Derby's struck up " The Boys
of the Old Biigade," and the tired, hungry, footsore
men forgot their suffering. The goal was reached ;
Pretoria was theirs ; the end of the war at last ;
homeward on the morrow.

But they were to meet witli disappointment.
Commandant-General Botha's resistance in the hills
south of Pretoria had been but to gain time to
remove his guns from the city and to get the
rolling stock from the raihvav vards. He had
succeeded in taking everything of value with him,
and the British found an orderly town, a comfort-
able, clean, pious town, with a few harmless Boers
in the streets, with curious, unshapely women

ON TO I'Im:touia.

io7

gazing from dooi-s and windows, with many blucks
in every qimrtcr ; but they had captured no
prisoners, and the guns of the enemy were being
hurried away to batter at the Hnes of communica-
tion, and from the fastnesses among the hills to
assist in picking off unwary and isolated companieH
of British soldiers. Many of the troops now in
Pretoria had seen shell-battered Kimberlcy ; some
had been at the relief of Ladysmith, and remem-
bered the starved, fever-smitten heroes, who had
beaten back the Boers for months ; all had heard of
the heroic resistance of Mafeking so lately relieved,
and as they looked on this city, strong as Gibraltar,
and yet deserted by its guardians, they rejoiced
that they were Britons and not Boers.

The Canadian Mounted Rifles were not in the
march-past, — indeed the majority of the Mounted
Corps were doing duty outside of the city on Juno
5, — but on the following day they marched through
the quiet and orderly streets and out to Silverton,
where they were to have a brief rest and to wait for
re-mounts (over forty cent, of their horses were
unfit for service) before going in pursuit of Botha.

(.)n June 5, when it was decided to break up the
19th Brigade, the following order, issued by the
Major-General at Pretoria was read with pride by
the dift'erent regiments.

"The 19th Brigade has achieved a record of
which any infantry might be proud. Since the
date it was formed, Feb. 12, 1900, it has marched
G20 miles, often on half rations and seldom on full.
It has taken part in the capture of ten towns, fought
ten general actions and on 27 other days. In one
period of thirty days it fought on 21 of them, and

468

CANADA S SONS ON KOlMK AND VELDT.

marched 327 miles. Casualilies between K)0 and
600, defeats, nil."

The Royal Canadians had two days' rest in
Pretoria, where it was very hard indeed to realize
that they were in a conquered city. It seemed to
many of them as it seemed to James Barnes that,
" It could'nt be Pretoria — this quiet little town with
its churches and public buildings, its open shops,
its watering-carts spraying the dusty streets, its
English signs, and tennis-courts and flower-gardens."
But it was Pretoria, and they had only to look at
their parade state to see what it had cost them to
reach this quiet town. Of the splendid regiment
that had landed in Cape Town only twenty-seven
officers and 411 men were able to answer to roll call
on June 7. From the Cape to Pretoria their
comrades lay in hospital ; from Orange River to
Pretoria the gloomy mounds of stones surmounted
by rude crosses dotting the veldt, told the price that
the Canadian Regiment had paid to win its way to
the city of the Boer.

CHAPTER XII.

WINDING VV Tin; WAK.

After the nioii ol" C Battery arrivtHl in South
Africa tlioy luul a long waiting time in Caju;
Colony, but on Good Friday they received orders to
embark lor Beira from which place they were to
hurry by forced marches to the relief of Mafeking.

Their guns, waggons, and horses were loaded on
the steamer Cohniibian, and after an uneventful
journey the " dirty sand beach " known as Jieira
was reached. From this place they journeyed
through a most picturesque country in flat-cars to
Marandellas in Mashona Land.

It was Rol>erts' plan to have them join their
forces with Colonel Plumer's little army which had
been in the vicinity of Mafeking for several months,
and with Colonel Mahon's force which was hurrying
forward from Fourteen Streams. Wlicn united a
swift rush was to bo made against the besieging
conunandocs. i'^rom Marandellas to Buluwayo the
distance is about 300 miles, and this distance had
to be made in eight days. General 8ir l'\
(Harrington had made the most complete arrange-
ments to have the force coachcKl a(;ross the fever-
haunted region between Marandellas and Buluwayo,
and at least a part of C Battery would be at
Mafeking on scheduled time.

When departing from Marandellas Major Hudon

450

460 Canada's sons on kopjic and veldt.

decided to leavo two guns behind with tlie
transport, while the remaining four were to hasten
forward with the coaches. Mules took the [dace of
liorses, and then the long Hne of coaches and guns
Ix'gan their march towards Buhiwayo. At
lUihiwayo they wore dehiyed for twenty-four liours,
and then soutliward tliey went by rail for Ihreo
davis and once more detrained to begin the final
stage of the march. Tho battery was directed
towards the Ab^lojK) Kiver, and on its route was to
join with Colonel Plumer's men.

It was a welcome sight to the gallant colonel on
the llth of May, this small force of Canadians
trekking towards his base camp. They were hot
and tired after a trying march through bush and
sand, and rested till the following day when they
once nioro began their journey towards the Molopo
to join Colonel Mahon's Southern Column.
Mafeking was still holding out ; they might yet be
in time.

After a hard march of thirty miles the Molopo
was reached, and at Jan Massipis they joincnl hands
with Colonel ^hihon. The final advance began at
once. All the artillery was directed to make its
way along the southern bank of the Molopo. At
Sanis Village about teii miles from Mafeking they
became aware of the presence of Boers in their
front. They had had a trying march and a brief
halt was called while the animals were watered and
the men rested. It was bnt a short rest however.
They had scarcely begun their noon-day meal when
the scouts brought in news that decided Colonel
Mahon to continue tho advance. The column had
moved forward only between two hundred and three
hundred yards when the enemy's " pom-pom "

WINDIMJ Ur TIIK WAK.

461

.spokt', and shells bf<2,au to fall thick and fast. The
convoy was an cxcoUcnt mark and the IJoeis were
soon hanjmerinjj; away at it with their big guns.

When the firing began Major Ifudon at once
ordered Battery to prepare for action. His men
doubled to their guns, the mules were unhitched,
and the native drivers with loud cries and well-
plie<l whips hurried them to the shelter of a hill in
the rear. They had need to hasten, for their j)ath
was swept by a hail of bullets. The si.\ty-ibur men
of C Battery then brought their guns into action by
hand and took up their position in a mealie field.
The ground was soft and yielding and the gun-
wheels sank into the sand. As they advanced to
the high ground facing the Boer trenches which
were some two miles to their front a shell fell close
to them, buried itself in the soft ground, but did no
harm. The Canadian guns were quickly placed in
position, but it was impossible to locate the enemy's
guns; and the men of C Battery underwent the
trying ordeal of remaining steady under a heavy
lire while they waited for the eonnnand " commence
firing." A Avhite house was spied, and as the
enemy were thought to be near it the guns were
changed to half-right and at 2.00 p. m. the
('anadians fired their first shot — a shot they had
traveled ten thousand miles to lire — at the
hidden foe.

The Boer artillerists had the range of C Battery
and soon their shells were dro})ping about the four
guns that were for the most \vdvt silent or speaking
only at long intervals ; for, though the shells came
screaming across the wide plain from the Boer
position and buried themselves in the soil, or went
shrieking overhead it was impossible to accurately

462 Canada's sons on kopje and veldt.

locate the weapons that hurled them, and Major
Hiidon did not feel like throwing good ammunition
into space.

The battery after a time moved in echelon 1000
yards east of their first position, and as they
advanced the Boers with "Long-Toms," "pom-
poms " and ritles tried to check their progress ; but
no man was hit and the guns were soon playing on
a stone laager 3350 yards away. A brisk duel then
went on between the Boers and C Batterv, but
Major Hudon had accurately located some of their
guns and his wtli-placed timc-shrapnel silenced
them in short order. But a fire from another
direction kept the Canadian gunners "ducking" to
avoid the wicked little 1-pounder shells from the
"pom-poms" and hugging the earth as the big
projectiles fell among them. Away to the right
field-guns and Vickers-Maxims in a bush near the
white house were directed against C Battery. They
quickly changed front and vigorously replied to
this fire, and in a few minutes the enemy's guns
spoke no more from that (juarter. Still shells
buried themselves in the dust and fell dangerously
near the guns, but the gunners remained invisible.
The fire grew hotter and more dangerous and
several shells burst among the gunners. Two men
were wounded but not seriously, and both remained
with their gun till the end of the battle. Major
Hudon now determined to get still nearer the
enemy, and so while shells were falling fast, rapidly
advanced his battery to a position from which he
could play on the white house to better advantage.
The Canadians then began a furious fire. It was
too much for the Boers and they gave up the fight
and beat a hasty retreat. They fired their last shot

WINDING UP THE WAR.

463

at Canadians at 5.35 p. m., and five minutes later
C Battery's guns were silent too, as there was
nothing left to fire at. At tho same time all ulon;^
the Molopo the fighting ceased.

About midnight the men of C Battery were
ordered to make ready to march on Mafeking. It
was now very dark and they groped their way
over the rough ground, expecting each moment to
hear the rending explosion of the enemy's " pom-
poms " or the vicious crackling of tho Mausers.
But not a shot was fired, and between three and
four in the morning the battery entered the tran-
([uilly sleeping little town that was rent and torn
with the iron storm of seven months. When
morning broke the Canadians and the Royal
Horse Artillery were ordered out to clear away the
Boers still entrenched at Game Tree Fort. But
General Snyman had had enough, and in less than
an hour not a Boer was left in sight of Mafeking.

When the batteries returned in triumph after
scatteriug the last of tlio enemy, the people who
had been smiling at death that had so long sat
grimly on their rami)arts, went wild. They shouted
and cheered and sang and wept ; and none of the
troops came in for a greater share of enthusiasm
than the Canadian battery with Major Hudon,
a French-Canadian, in command.

For the remainder of the summer the Battery
remaine<l in the Transvaal doing excellent work at
Zeerust .md Rusti'iilnirg, at Warm Baths and else-

where,

wiinimg

the highest praise from every

ofiicer who witnessed their work, and particularly
from the hero of Mafeking, Baden-Powell.

D and E Batteries however, were n«t so
fortunate. It was not until .July that I) Battery

464

CANADA S SONS ON KOPJE AND VELDT.

reached the front ; but it, too, came under fire
frequently and assisted ably in the pursuit of
De Wet and Botha. E Battery remained longer in
the Kimberley district, but when the maple leaves
in Canada were beginning to turn to scarlet and
gold, word came over the seas that they too were
distinguishing themselves, and that the fine work
that thev had done at Faber's Farm was beinij;
repeated in the difficult Lydenburg region.

For six weary weeks after reaching Cape Town
the Strathcona's drilled and cursed their fate. On
the Queer '^ Birthday, however, A and C Squadrons
left Cape Town for Durban, and three days later B
Squadron was speeding northward through the blue
ocean, towards Kosi Bay, fifty miles from Delagoa
Bay. B Squadron had been sent to perform one of
the most hazardous deeds of the war. So long as
the Lourenzo Atarques line was intact, so long
would the enemy be able to get in supplies and
even men. To the Strathcona's was given the
important duty of cutting this line of communica-
tion between Pretoria and Delagoa Bay. They
were to land in Tonga Land and by forced marches
were to proceed to Komati Poort on the Portuguese
border and destroy the railway bridge at that
impoitant pass.

In their undertaking they were to be dis-
appointed. Scarcely had they landed among the
wondering natives of Tonga Land when they
learned that the Boers were fully aware of their
expedition and ready to meet them. The troops,
therefore once more enibarkcd, and the steamers
that brought them to Tonga Land were soon
steaming rapidly Southward to Durban to get ready
(o proceed to the front to join General Buller's main

WINDING UP THE WAR.

465

army. B Squadron after its return to Durban
joined their comrades at the Tugela and the whole
force pushed forward to Eshowe, the Capital of
Zulu Land.

It was learned that a force of 2000 Boers was on
the Swa/A Land border waiting to annihiliate the
Strathcona's the moment they attempted to advance
into Boer territory. An invasion of the Transvaal
by way of Zulu Land was now out of the question,
and after a brief rest the Strathcona's were ordered
to return to Durban.

When Durban was reached the regiment
entrained for Newcastle from which place they were
to be pushed forward with all possible speed to Sand
Spruit in the Transvaal where General Buller's
army of 20,000 men was encamped.

The journey to Newcastle was one of exceptional
interest. A year before the rivers and hills would
have had little or no attractiveness, apart from their
picturesqueness, to the traveller; but now almost
every mile of the journey had some importance in
history. As they passed Estcourt, Frere, Chieveley,
Colenso, Ladysmitli, Elands Laagte and Glencoe ;
as they saw the shattered houses, the kopjes torn
with shell-fire, the deep lines of trenches and well-
constructed earthworks here and there, the l)ullct-
scarred stations, they recalled the fierce fighting
that had taken place through this region, the
struggle that had made England for a moment
tremble for her position as a world power.

After a day's rest at Newcastle they began a
forced march of two days to Volksrust on the border
of Nat id. Here tlu^y loariKMl that they were to
become a ])art of Lonf Dundonald's Brigade. From
this place they advanced over the hard veldt, <lry

466 Canada's sons on kopje and veldt.

and hard as a brick, till the wide region about Sand
Spruit, dotted with tents of Buller's army, was
reached.

The general advance began with a sliort journey
of fifteen miles to Paardekop and after a night's
rest they once more proceeded on their way towards
Standerton. As the little town was approached tlie
columns formed into order of battle and advanced
with a widely extended front, but the Boers had
beaten a hastv retreat before a British shot could
reach them.

Fighting for the Strathcona's began on July 1.
Their work was to scout in . advance of General
Buller's army, and for four months tlieir duty led
them into many warm corners. On Dominion Day
a small party of them, deceived by a white flag, fell
into a Boer trap, and the first mnn in the regi-
ment to fall was Private Jenkins, of Red Deer, who
was shot through the heart. A brisk running fight
followed in which the remainder of ^ he party, with
the exceptions of Captain Howaiu and Private
Hobson who were laken prisoners, escaped.

To: over a week as tlie column advanced from
Standerton to Greylingslad, Boer patrols and British
l)atrols came constantly into contact, and not a day
passed without casualties in the Strathcona's. They
were constantly under fire and frequently walked
into Boer traps, but they soon learned to fight the
enemy at their own kind of warfare, and became
such adepts at leading Boers into ambush that
the Imperial Olficers christened them the
"Scalp-Hunters."

On the 5th of July at Wolve Spruit one of the
most daring feats of the war was performed by
Sergeant A. 11. L. Richardson.

WINDING UP THE WAR.

467

Alex. McArthur was wounded at close range, shot
in the arm and thigh ; his companions had been
forced to retire. In his attempt to escape his horse
was shot and fell upon him. Sergeant Richardson
saw his plight, and although his horse was wounded
and he himself had just risen from a sick-bed,
gallantly rode back under a terrific cross-fire till
within 300 yards of the Boers and rescued his
wounded comrade. It was a brave deed and won
for Canada the Victoria Cross.

Till the end of November the Strathcona's
continued to distinguish themselves, winning the
praises of the best generals in South Africa. But
they paid dearly for their reputation. AU along
their line of march, from Standerton, from
Greylingstad, from Blakfonlein, from jNIiddlcburg,
Irom l)elfast, from Amesfoort, from Ernielo, from
Carolina, from Machadodorp, and finally from the
Lydenburg region, came tidings of men killed and
wounded and fever-smitten, till less than half the
regiment was left at the front.

M'itli the capitulation of Pretoria, however, the
war practically closed. It is true severe fighting
was experienced, but no general engagements were
fought, and throughout the Transvaal and the
Orange Kiver Colony guerilla warfare, trying and
disastrous, alone prevailed.

After the triumphant entry into Pretoria the
Royal Canadians rested in Si)riiigs, and in August
what remained of them went in pursuit of "The
Swooper," Christian DcWet, a Ceneral who has
kept all the British military genius in South Africa
taxed to its uttermost. They saw no further fight-
ing, ai.d after enduring much fatigue all excepting
two conii)anies left tin; seat of war and returned to

468

CANADA S SONS ON KOIME AND VELDT.

Canada on the Idaho. A few days after they
reached HaUfax on November 1, news came that
the rest of the contingent had sailed for England on
the Hawarden Castle.

But since the fall of Pretoria the Mounted Rifles
have been mentioned more frequently than any
other Canadian force at the front. News has
reached Canada of fight after fight in which they
have distinguished themselves, and of gallant
follow after gallant fellow who has heroically died
in England's war. Time and again small outposts
of the Canadian Mounted Rifles have held large
bodies of Boers at bay for hours. The most note-
worthy of these occasions was when the Cossack
post at Horning Spruit on June 22 held a party of
fifty Boers in ch^ck. The deed of the gallant
Piucher Creek men on that day should live in
Canadian history. Perhaps the loss sustained by
the Canadian Mounted Rifles which most stirred
Canada was on July 21 when Lieutenant H. L.
Borden and Lieutenant J. E. Bureh were killed.
The brave son of the Minister of Militia and his
gallant comrade died heroic deaths fighting against
fearful odds.

A chronicle of the events after Putoria would,
however, be but a repetition of slight skirmishes
with individual cases of great bravery.

Canada cannot but bo proud of the men she sent
to South Africa in the Empire's war. In the three
groat arms of the service — in infantry, in mounted
rifles, and in artillery — Her Sons on Kopje and
Veldt have proved theinsolvcs without superiors.

APPENDIX A.

OFFICIAL LIST OF THE OFFICERS AND MEN
THE FIRST CANADIAN CONTINGENT
IN SOUTH AFRICA.

^?.*'/i"' Contingent was composed of eighf, ConipmiKis.
recniited from various parts of the Dominion. 'J'he foiniutiou
by Conijiany and districts was as follows :

A Company, British C<)lunil)ia and Manitoba.

B Company, London, Ontario.

C Company, Toronto, Ontar-,

D Company, left half. King; .,on and vicinity; right half.
Ottawa, Ontario. * '

K Company, Montreal.

F Company, Quebec.

G Company, New Brunswicli and Prince Edward Island

H Company, Nova Scotia.

Each Company consisted of 125 men, which, with the staff
and officers^ brought the total force up to ten hundred and
nineteen. The mobilization of the Contingent took place at
Quebec, and on October 30th, the Sardinian of the Allan Line
sailed on her voyage to Cape Town.

Lieut.>Col.

\V. D. Otter

2nd in Command

L. Duchan

Major
O. C. C. Pelletier

Capts.

IT. M. Arnold
W. A. Weeks
I). Stuart
S. M. Kofjers
J. E. Peltier
H. IJ. Stairs
U. K. Harker
C. K. Kraser

Lieuts.
H. A. I'uiiut

H. E. Burstall
A. H. Macdonnell
H. G. lilanchard
J. H. C. OK'ilvy
\V. T. Lawless
F. C. Jones
A. E. Hodglns

J. M. K()88

J. G. Mason
C. .7. Armstrong
A. E. Swift
R. B. Willis
W. R. Marsliall
J. II. Kaye
L. Leduc
C. S. Wiikle
A. C. Caldwell
S. P. Layborn
A. Laurie

E. A. Pelletier
R. Q. Steward

F. D. Lafferty
J.C. Oland

R. H. M. Temple

C. W. W. McLean

M. Gun Sec.
Capt A. C. Bell

Adjutant
J. C. MacDougall

Q. Master
S. J. A. Denison

Med. Orficers
C. W. Wilson

E. Fisot

Staff Duty

L. G. Druinmoiid

Attached for Special
Duty.

C. W. Drury

F. L. Lessard
R. Cartwright
W. Forester
O. M. Dobell

4C9

470 Canada's sons on ftopje and veldt.

Medical Staff for
General Service.

A . B. Osborne
?ii?s (i. I'ope

" H. Foroes

" M. Affleck

'■ E. Ilusael

Historical Recorder.

F. J. Dixon

Chaplains.

Ro.v. J. Almond
" T. F. Fullertoii
" P. M. O'Leary

Representative of tixi
Y. M. C. A.

Dr. H. G. Barrio

S.M., D. Borland
Q M.S., O. Galloway
Q.M.S.,E. Reading
u.R.C.T. D. Potter
S. Bur. Tresham
T.S.,T. Leblond
S.A.,A. J lload

"A" Company

C.S. Holmes, W H
Ser. Wliimster, P

" Northcote.J

" Scott, W

" In>?ram, L

•' Vinnel.AJ
Cor. Fowle, W F

" Mi^Harg, W H

" Irvine, A B

" Moscroi), J
L.C. LcBar, V E

" Barlow, RH
AIl:ui, H S
Alli.'iton,BD
Adains, J
Aiiili'iton, J
Andrews, H
Arnistrouff, E
Biur.!tt, R J
Bfiiuh, AC
Berthour. W H
Biittson, A S
Bonner, H M
Boyoe, A VV
Brooking, W
Carnagie, J
Carter, A
Campbell, R U
Campbell, A
I'hlsholm, A

Clough, P
Collins, J
Cook, J
Corbould, G B
Cowan, H J
Cornwall, F J
Court, S T
Crook, M
Davies, J E
Dickinson, F
Dickson, J H
Dickson, W J G
Duncalfe, C W
Dochorty, M
Edwards, H
Flndley, T A
Foord. F X
Finch-Sniiles, F
French,.! P
Gamlde.C W
Groves, CE
Greaves, P
Hammond, J L
Hanson , S S
Hicks, H P
Holyoke, G C F
Hughes. E N
Hutchings. G
Jackson, W
Johnson, H
Jones, S Ij
Jones, J \V
Kelly, E
Kennedy, D
Lee, A 8
Leeman, R W J
Leamy,C S
Liston, B
Livingstone, J
Lohnian, A O
Martin, A
Mackie, A S
Matheson, K
Manndrill, A
Mills C A
Munro, A E
Moier, W J
Moodie, W H
McCaimont, R J
Mclvor, D
McKeand, D L
McKenzlc, H
Neibergail, H E
Neil, G
Nixon, F S
Nye. A J
0'^Brien,S W
Odell,SH
Parker, H F
Patt<;r8on, \V O
Patlersiin, C
Perry, J C
Kea, JR
Runway F

Rush, F
Roi ke, F B
Robblns, A K
Rol)ert8, S C
Rolierts.CM
SSberlock, II
Sherris, J
Sinclair, J J S
Smethurst, II
Smith, J
Snider, C H
Soper, A C W
S.nners, J H
Stewart, J
St. James, G
Stt'bbinps, W H
Talbot, A
Thompson, C C
Thompson, T
T.idd,J
Wallace, W
Wallace. G
Welch, W
Western, T
Whitley, W F
Wilkins, G H
Wilkle, O J
Wood, A M
Wyatt, H R
Ward, R

"B" Company

C. S. Davies, R

Ser. Me Beth, G W
" Bowden, RB
•' Slppi,GRB
" Gorman, F

Cor. Bi>fbune, A
" Adams. S
" Philli|is,GRS
" Smiih,J
" Little, RH

L.C Power, L
" Stevenson, W R
" Nirihwood.J
" Merrlx, A E

Adams, W G

Adair, A

Anderson, A H

Andrews, EC

Atkinson, D H

Brcdin.J

Bollard, H E

Barr, H B

Barrett, P

Bauf,'h,E

Beers, F C

Berges, H

Bk'gs, J C

Burns. W J

Burrell, H

Burwell, A E

Campl)cli, F W

Chapman, W H

Channan, A
Coles, F J
Gule, A E
Corley, J B
Crockett, S
Cralsr, E D
Collins, W
Dalglelsh, A D
Day, J

Donepiin, J A
Doliiuui. E N
Donaliui'. fl
Deliner, I*
Duff, J U
Efhvard, A
Evans, P
Farley, J E
Finch, C E
Floyd, FGW
Fox, W H
Foote, W
Gorrle, W B
Gralium, G
Greene, C
Green, W J

Hm,jrc

Herrlok, J
Hossell, F W
Hyman, \V J
Hennessy, J T
Inpramells, P C
Irvine, R
Jell, A P
Jones, M L
Johnston. K G
Kingswell. D
Leonard, (J W
Little, G B
Lane, H
Lundrlgan J
McBeth, G A
McLaren, C D
McLean, M
McCalla, J
McMahon, \V H
McMillan, DC
McMurphy, A
Marshall, A
McLean, A R
Marentette, V F
Moore, DL
Mullins, E
Munro G H
Nott, W
Odium, V
Odlunj, G
Paddcn, AE
Pii)er, T J
PInel, G F
Pert, E W
Powell, J
Purcell, J J
Reed, W G
Keld, D A

APPENDIX.

RedKC, C
Robinson, J B
Rae, A H
Rorison, C K
Scott, C R
Smith. R
Stanberry, F G
Sutherland, J
Taylor, K
Taylor, G
Thompson,- H
Trolley, F H
Turner, F W
Tutt, T
Wardel, A E
Webb, A B
West, W
Westaway, H
Wells, J

Wheatcraft, A H
White, G
White, W
Wilson, A R
Wlsrham RD
Woodliffe.G W
Woodward, A \V
Woodyatt, W H
Wilson, H R

"C" Company

C S Campbell, J S
Scr. Beattle, A

" Middleton, H J

" Ramajre, .1 H
Cor. Dixon, 11 W A

" Frecmantlc,

A HO

" Rutherford, F H

" McGee, K

" Hoskins, R W
L.C.Ramsay, J F

" Hodgins, E W
Allen, L
Anderson, F T
Baldwin. J
Ban ton, T H
Black, N D
Blair, F
Bird.BM
Bingham, HS
Bliglit, W S
Brcttingham, W P R
Brunton, H G
Burkhart, F
Butler, W B
Calvert, F M
Callahan, H A
Christie, D II
Cassel, K J
Curtis, W R
Coggins, A E
Cogglns. H
Cuthbcrt, F

471

Dangerfleld, A
Davidson. J
Day, EC
Dunham, F H
Eaklns, G
Ellis, GS
Fawcctt, J N
Fiiidiay.JH
Graham, T H
Grant, W U
Gray, N
Haines, W
Hector, F T D
Heiidrie, M
Henderson, R H
Hewett, W H
Holland, W C S
Holland, J
Hopeson,C W
Horn! brook, J L
Inglestrom, F
Ironside, G M
Jones, N J
Jordan, J
Kennea3r,J
Kldner, R
Long, J L
Lorsch, F D
Love, W M
Machln, H A
Man ion, W T
Martin, G F
Morlcy, N L
Mitchell. J A
Morse. T
McCall.A
McCosh , P
McCuish.D
McGlverin, L
McHugh, E
McKcnzie, L C
McLaugh?<.n, R H
McNish, M
McPherson, D
Noble, D A
Page, F C
Parry, C E
Perry, S
Preston, DG
Pringle, R
Ra8i)bcrry, J
Rae. F A
RIdway, E H
Rnbson, A
Rogers, W R
Rooke, W J
Rorke, J H
Seager, J
Seymour, C
Sherritt, A W
Simpson, G C M
Smith, J
.Smith, GM
Solari, J

472 Canada's sons on kopje and veldt.

SpeiiPfl, J D
Stewart. M M
Huttoii,.) II
ThoTniwon.G
Thoin|.8o!i, W F
Tlcc, C
Toiniinson, C
Travers, W
Usher, J K
Vanderwater, ^V .1
VnnNormaii, A K
Vicary.S
VIckers.JR
Wallace, T G
Wanle, S M
Warren. W C
Warwick. W It
Wataon.R O
Weir, F E
Wtnar,ET
Wilson..! A
Wilson. NW
Williams, DF
Whil^lufid. J
Writrht, D M
Younpr, H
Younf?, A

"D" Company

C. S. Thomiison, C H

Ser. Cliitty.L M
" Roas, A L
" Carruthera. n
" EaulcBon, S H

Cor. Gilniour, W J
" Hulme, G G
" Tlioma)»..1 M
" Ellard, J F G
' Hrady, W S

L.C. Johnston, W
•■ Southey, E C
" McNalr.J
" Lyon.JRD

AuRcr. E

Ault,CE

Bufi^ler Gawdron, A J

Bartlott, E D

Benbow, H A

Bennett, A

Bolster, H O

Bolyea, A W

Bradshaw, J L 11

Bull, E W

Burns, OT

ISuriiS, R

Cunninffton, R

Cairns, J S

Chidlow, J

Clarke, C P

Clother. A

Cluff.N WH

Clunio, P

Cockbarn, G G

Coleman, J D
Cotton, H
Cotterell, A
Cram, J A C
Cralff,CE
Croft, F
Croft, P C
Cunningham, R J
Dalbernr, R P
DesLaurlers, E
D.MH-hars. G D
Dunlon, E
Donaldson . C A
Dunlon, J R
Eley. D M
Escobel, N
Flemminff. A J
Foden, W J
Foster. P R
Frye.CE
GallaKhor, J
Gll.son,C A
Gilmour, A E
Graham. .1 D H
HalK, H G
Hatton, J
Hogan, J R
Hennessy, J
Holland. C
Hu(?all, P
Jackson. C E
Jones, H H
Laird, A
Lamothc, G
Latimer, W R
Lartre, A L
Lawrence. W R
Lewis, Z R E
Living, F J
Lynn, F
LeBean. L P
Macaulav, A
Martin, W A
Mariin, H
Mason, C P
Mattliews. A J
Malloch, E
Major, J
Mills, W W
Mitchell, N
Morgans, E F
MoiTison, W A
Morln, J
Morrison, E F
McCulloiiKh.C
MacRae.R A
McConnell, JF
McCnrmack, A J
MacKay, R
McDonald, F
McFadden, F
McLennan, J A
McCrea, J M
Padmore, G T

Parr, W B
Peters, A E
PhillilH), O
Prior, A
Portoous, R W
Ritchie. W O
Robs, W J H
Rowley, J
Schwitzer, W C
Shilllnglon, W J I!
Small, H C
Smith, J F
Smith, W A
Spunce, C T
Street, L J
Swan.N WD
Taylor, A H
Thomas, C T
Thompson, R R
Tiley.G
Turner B H
Turpin.T J
Wall, A
Walker, L C
Wendt, W G
Williamson. A T L
Wood, FF!
Wright, H O

"E" Company

C. S. Young. A

Ser. Allan J
" AdaniH.JA
" Shreevc. J

Cor. Haufrh.T K
" Downfiy.G
" Ga'-fint'V, J
" Goortfcllcw, R
" Moodv, F

L.C. Frawloy, W M
" Molviicux, C I{

Allan, CE

Ackerniaii. F

Allmand, W W

Aapell.T J

Bach.RC

Bailey, J

Barrv,CH

Bigelow, J A

Bolt.GH

Byford, R

Byers, R T

Carter, M

Campbell, C

Canty, R

Carter, W

Clarke, R O

Coates, H W

Cox. F

Crotty, P

Curry, 1

Corner, F G

DawBon A

API'KNDIX.

DelnncY.M J
Doyle, TH M
Durkee, A A
Dyiien, E J

Erskirie.F
Ftsher, If
Fisher, R I.
Fowler, W
Fraser, H
Gamble..!
Oormaii,.! V
Ct rail am, l>
Grt'iMilnv, (f
niiiiii, U
llardiiifr, 1'.
Hill, J K
TIale, W J
llaiiipson, •>
llaniiafurd. A
llawkln«, .)
HaycB, U
Haywarfl, II
Ilinne. K
Mviics, I*
Irwin, K H
Jainus, A

Jiili(;8, K

.If (Trey, W
JilTrvy, J \V
Kealey. M
Kelly, E
Lec'onteur, I!
Lec,F
Lewis, CH
Lester, C
Maliii, J
Marjln, H
Martin, A
Meade, D
Ml(l(llet()ii,F
Mltelicil. II
Moore, T D
Mur|iliy, n
Murray, W I'
Murdo.il. \\' A H
MeDoiiald.A
MeCann, J
McGilLDR
McGoldriek,,!
Mclvcr, W
MeLean, I? '^
McLeod, X M
McQueen. A
NaMi, T M
Niekle.CB
O'Brien, J
O'Meara, J
Philips, J
Piatt, J
Pope, A
Porter, W
Prince. R H
Price. O
Bobarts.aP

Rupert. E
Rvan, I'
Rlcliard^on, F
bhaw, A
Shaw. R N
Sheehan, M
Staiinlntf, W
Swift. M
Sword. A
Sword. D C
ThonuLS. A P
Thomas, (J \V
T ravers, H U
Tr. L'ctt, J
Tuiloeh, A J
Turner. A .1
Tweddell, W
Walters, .1 H
Walters, T A
Walker, II H
Wasdell, F
Wardle.G
White A
Wilkin, \V
Wllkina, A W
Williams. H
Writfht. P E
Wright, J
Yelland, J
Youngson, J S

"F" Company.

Scr. Bessette, W
" I'ejipeatf, W
" PolklnKhorn. J

Cor. Peterson. C F
'• Withcy, B
" McDonald, KD
" Warren, C
" Vallee, LC

L.O. Desjardiiis. J F
" Griuton. K

C.S. LallMir, LE

Arnlon, C S

Antliony, P

Atkinson. G

Barclay, C N

Baffot, A

Bamford, W

Baldwin, C

Bcau[)re, C

Brown, H I

Brown, H

Brooker, L

Bouck, L

Bower, J. W

Carbonneau. K

Casey, .1 E

ChammiKiie, M

Chatel, A

Cloutler, W

Chisholm, A W

Cooper, W

Cr.iiley, F
Cowt:ill, H
Curphy, J
D' Amour,. I
Deniais, A
Dolliec, L
Donahue, F
Downinp, \V
Duhamel, .) W
D'Orsoneiis (i
Puherfrcr. A
Di.von. \V
Kit.-. Wnt
FHiiey, J O

Foil Ml, II

Gat(9. 1, H
OilT' id, M
Glngras.J
Ooiiil, U
Oreciu, J
Harrison, R
Harrison, (haj
Harvey, It
Hennessy, B
Hill,. I
Hudon, J A
Hunter, W
Hubley.C
Irwin, W,
Ivers, M
Jette.G
Jewell, T
.lobln, E
Larue, L
Lambkin, H J
Lamoureaux, E
Laverdure, F!
Lefebre, P W
Lescarbeau, T
Llprhtli'Hind.C R
Levellle, L
Lewis, O
Lemay. A
M.icneas, J
Mathcson.O
Medhur!<t, J
Michaud,LC
Montclth, J
Montizanibcrt, TI
McEllhlnev,.)
McNeil, J h
McColloni.<; \l
McDonald. .1 E
Mcintosh, \V
MacTapsrart, .1 W
McLaughlin, 11 l*
McMillan, A
McMillan, E
Orman, G
Paquette, GJ
Plamond'.n, J
Proulx, H
Pullen.E
Rue, J P

474

APPENDIX.

Raymond, J W
Remy, J
Redmond, C
RobertBon, J H
Rov, A
Roberts, J B
Scott, J \
Slevert, J
Soucy, A
Smith, L
Strong, F B
Sutton, G J
Sutherland, A D
Tapin, J
Tatteraall, 11 C
Tessler, E
Theriault, A
Thompson, W U
Touchettc, J
Utton, F \V
Walsh, J
Warren, W
Wiseman, N
Woodward, F
Wylie, R R

"0" Company.

C.S. Charlton, Glias

Sor. Sheldon, A
" Ruesell,J
" Hessian, E

Cor. Morrison. J
" Prin!?le,J
" Wit)rer8,F
" Wallace, W V

, " Coombs, F \V

L.C. Ward, G
•' Miller; H

Adams, G F

Addison, J

Aitken, J M

Anslow, C

Baker, W

Bishop, W

Boudreiiu, J

Bowness, E W

Burnaidc, J

Brace, N T

Blown, H H

Bryant, W

Cani|ibcll,G

Carney, J

Chapman, G

Ohapnell, MO

CoK R \v

Craij,', E

Creighton.

Dillon, A R

Donahue, \V W

Doyle. A

Dorlon, N:

Durant, H E

Dutney, J

Dyas, F

Fabre, D J

Ferguson, D

Flewelling, E

Foley, B J

Foster, M

Fradsham, H

Furze, F C

Gaudet, L S

Globe, A R

Hallamore, W

Hammond, A

Harris, B

Harris, J A

Harris, L

Hartlield, A S

Hay don, A

Hine, C H

Hubley, R C,

Irving, W H

Jenkins, C L

Johnson, J

Johnston, J AI

Jo'jos, S

Keddy, E

Keswick, G

Klrkpatrlck.F A

Kitchen, W

Lane, VV

Leavitt, H
Leslie, J P
Leston, J
Lord, RE
Lutz, E
Lutz, J
Matheson, J
McCain, F
McCarthy
McRac, F B
McCreary, P
McDiarmid, J
McFarlane M E
McKlinion, !I V
McLean, H L
McLeod, J
McMullan, W
Mcllish, A J D
Morley, H A
Mmiroo, J K'
ORlill. , J
Pascoe. .J B
Pelky A
Peiinv, K
Perkins, J A
Pickles, J
Qulnn.M J
RayjTiond, \V J
Rawlings, .1
Redden, U
Riggs, W A
Rodd,T A
Roberts, A
Schofleld, A
Scott, J B

Scott, J
Singer, L M
Simpson, a
Simpson, P
Small, J E
Sprague, F W
Stanton, L
Stevenson, P S
Stewart, L
Strange, E. H
Swatridge, \V O
Taylor, It 1)
Tower. B C
Turner. R M
Unkauf, \V C
Walker, F G
Walker, J .S
Wannamaki r If L
Ward, R
Wayne, J F
Williams, J
Williams, K
Wilson, J II

"H" Company.

C.S. Eustace, J 1)
Scr. Grimshaw
" Doeley, F
Cor. Baugb, B
" Ferguson, W U
" Llndon, H
" Pooley.CF
" Rolfefjr

L.C. Stevenson,.]
" Watson, J

Anderson, J II N

Adams, VV F

Atwater, J

Ackhurst, F W

Bennett, G B

BlalkJe, H

Borton,CN

Burgess, M

Blafr, S

Bent, E E

Brown, s

Buchanan, K

Blngay, L W

Conrad, \V

Coons, F

Cleary, W

Carroll, J

Cameron, A A

Chapman, F

Daley, F

Drake, J

Duncan, J

Defoe, J

Dewers, P

Elliott. W

Embree.O

E wing, J

Ewiu8:,DB

Farrell, G P

Farrer, De B

Fillmore \V A

Fitzgerald, A E

Forsyth, A

Fraser, H H

triillagher, J

Grant, J \V

Hancock C

Harrison, a

Hartiiett, J \V

Harris, J

Hart, W J

Halliday.J

Huestls, G J

Hire, J

Hunt, G

Hurly, J

Hoult, E
James, G
■Ii'wers, F
Johnstone, G
Jones, H
Kelly J
Kennedy. J
Keoch, P
Keefler, R T
Kilcup, E
Kirkuatrick.F

API'KNDIX.

Lenahan, J
Lindsay, A C
Liockwood, A
Lowry, T P
MacDonald, C
MacDonald. D
MacLean, w J
McDonald, G
Miller, C
Miller, R
Munnls, M
Muir, F
Murray, N G
Murray, A
McAldlA,R
McCallum.Il
McColIum. (5 I)

McDougall, 11 A

McLean, J

Me>fab. F

Nelly, R L

O'Brien. E

Oxley, W

Oulton, H

Osborn, D

Parkes, F S

Patterson A.

Parker, A

Pollock, W J

Purcell, E S

475

Purcoll, L A

Regan, \V j

Rector, R

Roche. W

Rose, J E

Rose, F

Roue, J F L

Ross. R

Ross. W J

Robertson, A

Rudland, R

Reid, W
Ryan, D J
Simmons, W
Sloan, R
Swhiyarti. W
^tuart, G W
Taylor, F A E
Tt'^ter, S
Trider, A
Trueman, W F,
Walker Jv A
Walsh, 'r J
Ward.E
WardjG
Waike, C \V J
Woods, D
Wright, P
Zong, A S

APPENDIX B.

OFFICIAL LIST OF THE OFFICERS AND MEN OF

THE SECOND CANADIAN CONTINGENT

IN SOUTH AFRICA.

The Second Contingent was composed of two Battalions
(four Squadrons), recruited principally from the North- West,
and of 0, D and E Field Batteries R.C.A. D and E Batteries
left Halifax on January 21 and arrived at Cape Town on Febru-
ary 17; the 2nd Batt. O.M.R. left Halifax on the Pomeranian on
January 27, and arrived at Cape Town on February 26; the 1st
Batt. 0. M. R. and C Battery left Halifax on February 21, and
arrived at Cape Town on March 21.

Com. Officers

F. L. Lessard
Lt.-Col. Herchmor
T. D. B. Evans

Com. Squadrons

V. A. S. Williams
W. Forester
J. Howe

G. E. Sanders

Captains

A. E. R. Cuthbert
H. S. Greenwood
C. St. A. Pearse
A. G. Macdonell

Lieuts.

A. H. KlnK

ir. L. Bornen

R.E. W. Turner

U. M. Van Luven

H. Z. 0. Cockburn

C.T. Van Straubenzee

J. H. Elmsley

F. V. Young

J. Taylor

F. H. 0. Sutton

H. J. A. Davidson

T. W. Chalmers

F. L. Cosby

J. D. MooOi*

J. V. Begin

T. A. Wroughton

W. M. Inglls

Adjutants

C. M. Nelles
M. Balccr

Machine Gun Section

D. C. F. Bliss
A. L. Howard

Qt.-Masters

J. A. Wynne
J. B. Allan

Med. Officers

H. R. Duff
J. A. Devine

Trspt. Officers

0. F. Harrison
R. W. B. Eustace

Vet. Officers

W. B. Hall
R. Rlddell

Nurses

Miss D. Heroum
Miss M. Home
Miss M. Mucdoniild

Miss M. P. Richardson

Chaplains

Rev. W. G. Lane
Rev. W. J. Cox
Rev. J. C. Sinnett

Attached for Special

Duties

W. D. Gordon
T. L. Boulanger
J. E. Bureh
J. L. Bigfcar
J. A. McDonald

Canada Commissioner
British R.C.S.

G. S. Rycrson

Postal Corps

W. R. Eccleston
R. Jniinston
J. Lalller
F. B. Beddell
K. A. Murray

Rep. Y.M.C.A.

T. F. Best

Regimental Staff

J. C. Page, R.S.M

47a

APPENDIX.

477

J. Graham, Q.M.S.
G. J, Slmpkins,
„ ^ , Fr., Q.M.S.
P. Dalton, O.R.S.
L. J. IngHg, S.S.T.
D.J. Carroll, A. S.
A. R. Skinner, S.T.
J. F. Dunning, S.S.

2nd Battalion

Adams, D E
Aston, G H
AspinalL A
Avery ,W
Ayre, C

Aylesworth, J E
BapshaweLM J
Baines, H H

Barker, J M

Barry, J

Baldwin, H Y

Ballantine, J A

Ball, J E

Bassett. P

Bell, WM

Bell,

Beyts, S B

Beyts, W J

Blddell,PJ

Birney, a A

Bird, A L

Bird, T A

Blscoe, V H

Blake, J A

Border, J W

Bourne, L E

Bolster, G

Bolt, H O

Bradley, A W

Bredin, H H

Bredln, A N

Brewster, J N

Brindle, H J

Brink worth, G W
Brown, G A
Brown, H J
Brown, T
Brown, A H
Brown. V S
Brown, J H
Bruce, E F
Bryans, T
Burke, J A
Burke, P
Butler, A
Burke, W H
Brennan, R J
Gallaghan, T
Gamles. E J
Campbell, A W
Carson, T B
Carter, W
Carter, J

Charlton, H L

Champion, A

Charles, A H

Church, F

Clarke.D

Clark, E D

Clendlnnen, B W

Colbert, J A

Courtney, T J

Crawley, A W

Cudllp, A J

Cunningham. W P

Clements. H H

Davles, H P

Davis, J
Davv.G A
Davidson, F
Des Barres, H
DeRosslter, W \V
Dewey, J
Dennu. O O
Dean, A
Dlll.FB
Dickson, R T
Dodd,V
Donovan, D
Doolan, J T
Donnelly, J A
Dore, Gl.
Dowler.T
Drury, P S
Duxbury, T
Dnrrant, W F
Durie, J D
D'Easum, B C
Eaton, R B
Eddy, J H
Egan.P
Elklngton, A J

ElllB,P

Ermatlnger, C P
Erwin, M
Es8on,0
ForguBon, G
Ferries, C H
Fl8k,0E
Fisher, J
Fitzgerald, F J
Fietcher.y
Flynn, W B
Foran, G J
Forbes, L R
Fortune. A P
Foster, W W
Fotheringham,DH
French, F
French, J P
Frost, W
Galwey, R M
Geoghegan, J
Giles, W A
Gladwin.JIM
Glover, FS
Goodfellow, G

Gordon, G F
Goodman, T
Gould, GN
Gow, A M
G^ay.W
Gray, J

Greenall, F

Green, H F

Green, G W

Green, A E C

Grlesbach, W A

Groat, F

Ounn,HA *

Haddock, A G

Hammond, W H

Hanna, W H

Harris, W J

Harley, T

Hayne, M H B

Head, H A

Healv, J M

Hendren, O Q

Henry, W A

Hercnmer, S

Hertzog, W

Hewetson, J S

Hlginbotham, W B

Hining,TJ

Hllliam, B

Hobbins, B

Hodgkiaa, S H

Houigate, H L

Howden, G T

HuckeU, B W

Hughes, T P

Hughes, L C

Hughey, J
Hutchinson, C E
Jackson, F A
Jameson, F C
Jarvis, A B
Jeffery, N
Jenkins, H
Johnson, N 8
Johnston, D F
Johnstone, A
Kelly, P H
Kerrigan, M
Kerr.O
Kerr, R J
Klbby, A
King, k S
King.G
King; J E
Kirwan, H J
Knight, R S
Krag, C
Lane, H G
Laroquo, J A
Lawe, A W
Laws, B
Loach, R
Loach, F B
Lee, H

478

APPENDIX.

i^r^''-

Lep
Let

Lett' B
Lindsay, J
Lloyd, B H
Long, J F
Long, A T
Long, J P
McArthur, J
McCallum, A D
McCall, W
MeCallum, L
McCauley, A J H
McClelland, W
McCulloch,D,Fi-.-Sei
McDougall D
Macduugall,!! V
MoGeacfiv.T
McKay, CT
MiKen, W
Miicketaia, R J
McKlnlcy, A
McLau^nlin, S
McLaughlin, S
McLaugiilin.I' J S
McLeod, W B
McLcod, R W
McMillan, C J
MacNeil, A C
McNeill, J
McNeil. M R
McNlcol.J
McNicol, P H
Maloney, J D
Marchand, C li
Marshall.E
Martin, H J
Manson, J R
Mead, C G
Miller, H
Miles, T R
Miles, H V W
Millie, SB
Moloney, A C
Mongeon, J
Mooney, J
Morden, J P
Morrison, A S
Morrison , D
More P J
Mullen, W J
Napier. \V H
Near, B
Nettleton,T
Nevlle, H S
North way, R J
Nunneley, E
O'Grady, S O H
O'Kelly, A N
O'Kelly. G M
Oliver, W R
Olsen, J A
Oulmet, T O
Paling, E J

Parker, F E
Patterson, F D
Patterson (J A
Pattcson. T E
Peebles, H W
Perry, F
Peters, C R
Petersen, C F
Plerson, A
Piper, S P
Plfer, W W
Polnton , F
Pope, H W
Porter, W T
Pratt, F E
Quinn,DG
Ramsay, T M
Randall, R C S
Raj)er, A C
Reeve, G H
Redpath, JR
Relchcrt, E
Reid, W A
Ritchie, J
Robertson, A I
Robertson , J
Robinson, C\V
Rochfort, C F \V
Rodgers, E H
Ross, A
Ross, G A
Rubbra, F H
Rubbra, T C
Ruck.L
Russell, J
Ruth, F C
Salmon, G F
Sargent. J B
Schell, J J
Scott, T
Sexton, F
Shobbrook, H
Sharp, L
Sharpe, S L
Sharpe, G G
Sheppard, W F
Sheppard, R H
Shunn, A
Simms, J
Stewart, J F
Skeet, R G S
Skinner, W P
Slack, G J
Smart, J
Smith, R
Smith, II D
Smith, J A
Smith, G Q
Smith, O
Smith, WC
Sopor, F V W
Soube, A
Spreadbury, A
Sprott, W

Stayner, R W
Stephens, R H
Stevens, R C H
Storey, A
Strong, H
Talbot, M S
Taylor, S
Taylor, J E
Taylor, F J
Taylor, J R
Thackwell, E H
Threiidke,ll,F
Thevenet.M U
Tracey, A W
Travers, O
Try on, OR
Tucker, H W
Unlacke, A G
Vernon, W G II
Villebrum, P
Waite, A S
Waldy, E F
Waller, P
Walsh, R G
Walters, P
Walton, J
Warcne, H T
Weatherald.CE
Weaver, O J
Weir, R H
Westhead, C G
Wetzell, O
Whittaker, J
Wlldman. G E
Wilkle, W
Wilson, MS
Wilson, T G
Wilson, G P
Wilson, J D
Windfield, H
Wood, W
Wood, P A
Woollcombe, J

"A" Squadron.

Widgery, J, S S M
Hunt,B,QMS
Ser. Rhoades, W

" Fuller, H F

" Hudson, G
Harraden,GF,SF
Ser. Smith. W T

" Till, L A

" Steer, E A

" Purdon.EL

" Terrlll, W H
Cor. O'Connell, M

" McDonald, A A

" Latremouille, S

" Bennett, J

•• Cartwrlght, J W

" Price, PR

" Willonghby, A G

APPENDIX.

479

Cor. Callahan, M J
Lovegrove, A J,

Cor. S S
Agassiz, R n O
Allen, EB
AUum.D

Anderson, CE

Anderson, C H

Anderson, W L

Anderson, VV J

Ardlel.E

Baldwin, E

Bates, E

Baxter, J

Beaton, A

Beers, L M

Bishop, W G

Bragsr, W Q

Brown, A \v

Brown, F

Brown, J B

Bouchard, A

Bowman, N

Builder, V D

Burnett, S

Burritt, J W

Butler, A

Buttertield, W J

Campbell, (i

Campbell, J E

Cameron, H P

Chambers, E

Cl.irk,J

Clendenninar, G M
Cllne.S
CoIlIns.GH A
Cook, C
Cooper, C
Cordingly, W E
Crowe, D J
DeLlsle.CD
De Roche jocquela In, A
Dougall, \V
Daoust, D
Duj,'uld,J F
Uunsnioi'o R J
Ea;,'l(!Son,E
ElUolt, W V
Enpland, G
Evans, W L
Farrell, J
Filson, E A
FitZRorald, E
Flemming, G E
Forbes, G A
li'rnser, J E
Glflford, T A
Glover, \V M
Gold, VVS
Graham, GO
Guriiett, E
Hall, A J
Hampton, W J
Harbottle, F

Harman, J W
Hartman, F
Harper, J S
Hagen,J
Henry, A
Heron, J B
Hiam, H
Hillyard, A E
Hibbett, J
Hodgson , W
Hopkins, J A
Holland, E J
Horner, H
Hull, MA
Hubbard, J
Ti»r. Hughes N
Hullett, A
Inglis, A Q
Janios, M
Jefferson, J
JenkJ.is, V
Johnson,!
Johnston, RG
Jordon, J
Keohler, C H
Kinsley, W A
Landeis, A F
Loosemore, A J
Loosemore, H H
Lougheed, D
Low, J W
Lyon, H H
McCarthy,?
McCulla,J W
McCusker, F
McGahey,J \V
McGee, C E
Mcllroy, P
Mcintosh,
Mclver, M
McKibben, D M
McIiae,G A
Marsh, C S
Marshall, H W
Maycock, W R
Mayne, J
Metcalfe, F
Miles, F
Middleton, J
Mitchell, \V
Moluskey, \V E
Morrisoii, \V J
Morrison, W T
Muiloy, L W li
Mulr, \V B
Munroe, J H
O'Brien, J J
Palmer, G D
Pearce, VV
Pelton, R J
Peck, F
Potts, J
Price, P. R
Purdon E L

KatelifTe, A

Reynolds, R H

Richardsoii, A M

Robinson, It R

Robinson, R S

Roche, H E

Ross, A

Richardson, G

Richardson, J

See, D

Scott, CD

Semple, W G

Shaw, C E

Shipp, T P

Slater, N J

Smart, D

Sparks. .1

Spence, D M

Splcer, R \V E

Spink, W n

Smith, G

Smith, H

Stewart. M E

Stonor, A l<'

Sully, W I'

Taylor. H J
Terrlll, VV H
Thornton, F
Thompson, E
Til ley , VV
Trij)p, E H
Townley, VV J
Trusler. A
Turner, A W
Van Every, C P
Vine, J
Vizard, A H
Walker, J H
Wandley, E
Warren, U J
W'assoii, 1'
Wheatley, W J
Wiglo,AlS
Wlgle, L
Willougliby, A O
Wiiiyard, W
Wyatt, F
Wright, VV
Young, D D

"B" Squadron

McMillan, A, SS M

Sparks, J R, S Q .VI S

Ser. Dver, VV A
" McLeod, VV
" Allison, H
" Blsset, VV
" Hay ward, G F
" Ryan, R H
" Arnold, RH
Hradncr, R

Si'f.-Farr. Spencer,.! S

C r. Square, H

.mmmmmtjf^ i' . am m^ -

480

APPENDIX,

Cor. Whitlow, F

" Harriott, J

" Carter, A

" Holllday.WJ

" Pope, H B

" ParkH, J H

" M arkham, B J
Warriani^J S, Cor. S 8
Allen. C G
AmqM, A F
Armiirong, B B
Aolt. A B
Baker, S G
Barton, F
Beckwith. B M
Bell, W H
Bellamy G A
Bettle.F
Berg, F
Bing, A B
Boulton.DB
Brand, W E
Brown, J J
Garter, G St. L
Church, J
Glarkson, J S
Cope. E G
Cammiugs, H M
Carrie. G V
Dean, J W
Danby, E S
Dawaon, W
DeBaltnghard, J
Dill, G E
Dlx, M H
Dixon, J A
Douglas, H S
Doyle, FL
Drought, T
Drummond, L
Elmburst, F J
Findley , J
Fraser, J B
Fowler, J
George, J M
Gray, A W
Hagen, T
Harvey, J J
Hawkins. J F
Hay den. D
Head,WR
Hawkins, W J
Hilder, A E
Hobbs, B
Hood, A Y
Hoy, N
Hubbard, FW
Hyry, P
Irvine, J H
Jay. W J
Karen, J
Selller . J
Kelly ,W D
Key.W

Klngtley, A R
Lawson, F W
Leavltt, A
Linden, T E
Little, A
Lobbln, J M
Lockhart, J H
Lord, J W
Macafee, T B
MacCaffrey, J J
lfackay,JD
Mackintosh, A G
McMillan, L G
McCulley,J B
Mcintosh, A L
Mclntyre, R
McGlintock, G
McGregor, S J
McEelvey, A
Merchant, E
Mallory, A P
Marriott, T H
Marshall, H N
Massie, J O
Metzler, H
MiUer, L B
Moody, H D
Morrison, D A
Morrison, F T
Moorehouse, A H
Mortlmore, E A
Newton, G R R
Nilant, J
Othem, C B
Owen, C
Palmer, H
Pawsey, A J
Pickworth, A
Bamsay, D L
Bae, J G
Bea, L A
Beid, W J
Beid,G
Bldley.T
Boberts, A H
Boberta, P C F
Boblnson, 6 U
Bodger, w D
Bose. E P
Bussell, B
By an, J T
By an, B
B»an, W
Byerson, G E
Sanford, E A
Shea, I
Simpson, J
Sinclair, J
Snyder, W H
Stevenson, 11 T
Stevens, G
Sterrett, J S
Thompson, J
Thompson, S H

Thompson, T A
Treadblll.J
Todt, T F
Turner, A
Tylor, M H
Venning, W E
Wallace 'f W
Ward,WH
White, J N
White, H B
Wilkinson, T
Wood, J T
Woods, R A
Wurteie, G E

ROYAL CANADIAN
ARTILLERY

Com. Officer
Lt.-Col. G. W. Drury

Majors

J. A. G. Hudoii
W. G. Hurdman
O. H. Ogilvie

Captains

B. Gostlgan
H. A. Panet

D. I. V. EMton

Lieuts.

L. E.W. Irving
W. G Good
W. B. King
T. W. Van Tuyl
J. McCrca
A. T. Ogllvle

E. W. B. Morrison
J. N. S. Leslie
W, P. Murray

At. For Duty
H. J. Mackie

Adjutant.
H. C. Thacker

Med. Officer.

A. N. Worthlngton,

Vet. Officer
J. Massie

Medical Staff for
General Service
L. Vaax

APPENDIX.

481

"C" Field Batt.

GImblett.W H li.S.M
Bramah, W.Q.S.M.
Ser. McGully, A
" Shlpton, W J
" Graham, R W

Ser. Slater, 8
" Kiely, W
Harper, S, P. S,

Cor. Wherry, M E
" Gray, E
" Hilton, A
" Aldcroft, G
" HigffinBon, J

Bdr. barnard, w
" Boyle, R
" Hope, R S
" Tennant, W H
" Marling, B
" Wllllama, O V

Trptr. Robert, E

Allan, W

Anderson, A

Andreas, B

Andrews, W

Armstrong, A

Barker, HA

Baird, G A

Bell, P

Bell, Wm

Bellamy, R E

Benson, W

Birch, C E

Black, J

Blackley, P

Blackeby, A E

Bond, J

Bradford. A

Burton, W

Gavins, J

Chandler, G

Clarkson, L

Cobb, R

Coffey, G

Cosby, NW

Davenport, J

Derwent, F C

Derwent, W R

Eastwood, W

Evans, H C

Eby,F

Fuller, C B

Gare,EO

Garry, J

Glenn, M

Goodbrand, A

Genge, R

George, W

Glllen, J W

Glllesple.W

Gordon, H

Gowdie, B

Gray, J W

Grant, J A
Green, J F
Greenfield, J K
Guest, J W
Hamlil, W
Hamilton,
Hammond, D B
Hanson, G
Harrison, E
Higginson, .T
Holbrooke. G
Holmes W
Hopson, E H
Hopkinson, W
Howe,G
Hudson, E A P
Hudson, H J
Hughes, C
Hughes, E
Irving, G H
Irwin, J F
Isblster, M L
Jackson, W
Johns, JCM
Johnson, A S
Johnson, £
Kenny, E L
Laird, G A
Laidlaw, W G
LaValle, J
Letten, J
Loosemore, R
Maulthouse, H
McCalla, G B
McGamls H
McCullough. J A
McCoUum, W
McCoy, A L
McDonald, W E
McDonald, A
Macdonald, W J
Macdonald, F C
McEachern , C E
McGregor, D J
Mclntyre. \V
McKnlght, \V I
McKenzie,K
McLean, J
McNabb, J A
McQuarrle, A
Maiaiiig, T W B
Marsden, A
MarMiall, G
Martin, J
Martin, T
Math las. G
Miller, J VV
Moore, A
Moffatt, J N
Munsie, H S
Murray, H
Newdlek,N
Newnhani, T F
Newton. S

Norwebb, 8 H 8
O'Neill, R
O'Relily, J A
Paget, O E
Ponton. W
Peasneli, A
Porteous,W
Powell, G
Price, J R
Raynor, H
Richardson, J R
Robertson, W J
Robertson, \V A
Robinson, A
Robinson, G F
Ryder, E
8chell,G
Seward, F W
Shaw, J
Shaw, E
Shaw, E
Shedfi, F
Smith, T
Smith, W J
Smythe, G
Speck, F
Stall wood, R J
Straley, W
Stringer, H L
Stokes, J T
Sweeney, G R
Sweet, C E
Tennent, W H
Thompson, G W
Tibbs, J W
Tranter, W D
Trotman, D
Turnbll, J
Tupper, R R
Turvey, A E
Turner, T
Tyner, E L
Van or man, G
Walker, J A
Wallis.GT
Watson, L
Williams, S T
Williamson, W JS
Williams, A
Wilson, R
Wilson, H
Winger, J C
Wood, A H

"D" Field Batt.

Mclntyre, W.SM
aiade, J.QMS
Ser. Hendtirsoii, G
" Somers, L
" Lett, K
" BarnhlU.J
" Stlnson. W J
" Wood, fa 8

482

APPENDIX.

Cor. Kenealy. Jr
" Berube, J F X
" Curzon.J
" Ross, M H
" Colter, C F

Bdr. Smith, W
" Wagar, P E
" Brown, G
" Heaven, L E
" Mattrles.EE

Tptr. Barker, W

Abbs, F

Alexander, H

Anderson, J G

Ballantlne, J

Bancroft, OR

Barber, SW

Bargette,T E

Barrett, G A

Bapty, W

Belford, J A

Beaven, N W

Bennett, T P

Bolton. D

Bott, E S

Boyle, R

Bradley, R

Bradley, SW

Bramah, E J

Bramah.T

Brown, J A

Burnham, H L

Cameron, H H

Campbell. J A

Cornett, H C

Cartledprc, WR

Cause, H

Chisholm, D

Clarke, S A

Crowe, A R

Coogan, R J

Cormaek. J

Daley, MJ

Davey, W H G

Davey, F

Da^'ldson, T C

Darlington, GW

Decasse.G

Denmark, J

Denires, H D

Dickson, W

Donauhy, J A

ElIlotljL

Evatt,E

Farquharson, G H

Fennell, C W

Flannlgan, A

Forrest, H

Gamble, R B

Garnett, C G

Gavan W

Gervnn, JE

Qlll('f=)le,J

Glenn, W

Glcnlster, J
Gokey, P W
Gould, W J
Graham lG
Greene, E W
Griffin, TM
Hall, V A
Hare, W A
Hare, W R
Henry, B
Hinch,JE
Hodson, G G
Hopkins, \V
Howard, G V W
Howe, H
Hiigall, P
Hume, AH
Hutchlnsoii, E
Igglesden, E
Irish, V A
Jackson, J
James, G W
Keehler, H
Kerr, I
Kerr, P A
KIdd.C
King,C
Kltcneman, H
Lacoste, J
Lafloor.S
Lamkln,W L
Lane.E
Lawes, G
Leach, W D
Lee, F E
Lefroy, C J A
LeRoy.LC
Lewis, C
Lyon, A
Macdonaid, D A
McDonald, J <"
McCuaig, A 1*
McGlbbon, D
McKenzie, H
Mason, F W
Miller, A
Mills, C E
Mintram, A M
Moffatt,JN
Mole, E
Moore, W J
Nicholson, H
O'Connor, T P
Ough.CR
Outram, F H
Pape, J J
Parker, G
Partridge, W R
Phllp, J
Picot, G
Pryke,
Qnlnney, J
Quirenbach, H
Rendell,J\V

Ray, J
Read, H
Richmond, A S
Robinson, A
Russell, D H N
Russell, J M
Sandercock, J
Sargent, A
Scollie, F L
Shepherd, G K
Shore, E R
Skirving.V A
Smith, W F
Somers. L
Sparrow, J E
Street, C
Street, J D
Stephenson, B
Sullivan, \V H
Sutherland. NV
Sutton, E
Symmes. H C
Taylor, T
Taylor, W
Thomas, H N
Thorne, W R
Tucker, W F
Tunstead.RF
Wallace, J
Walters. H
Welch, W
Widpman,WE
Williams, F W
Williams, MSP
Whltten, D A
Woolsey. E C
Wright. H A

"E" Field Battr

O'Grady, J.SM
Cllflfordf, W, Q M S
Cunningham, J, S F
Ser. Lyndon, A

" Hughes, A T

" Kruger. W A

" Small, J

" Agus, W

" Jago, J R
Cor. Crockett, L

" Brown, HM

" Biggs, R J

" Latimer, W

" Black, S

" Macdonaid, J H

" Laflamme, J
Bdr. Richardson, M

" Daniels, G

" MacGllllvray, D

" MacCormlck,l<: h

" Macaskill.J

" Evans, P H
Tpr. Roberts, A

•^ Bradley, G W

APPENDIX.

483

S.S. Cameron, N
" Fletcher, T E
" Stewart, DG
Wlr.O'Donnell, W
" Pedley, \V
C'mkr. Pierce, H

'' Macdonald. D I)
Boyee.A
Byrne, T
Bartlett,
Beauchamp,
Blair, CD
Blytb, R B
Buck, F
Browiiinff. J H
Borden, M
Boone, M
Brewer, FC
Carroll, T
Chesley, F T
Creighton, .T F
Creighton, J A
Crocker, W j
Coombs, FES
Cornish, H
Cunard.C W
Campbell, D
Craig, T
Dalton, D
Dysart.HB
Duncan. J
Duval, G T
Eustace, M
Everett, F H
Ferguson, W
Ferguson, D
Fielders, G W
Flnnamore. B
Fletcher, GF
Fletcher, J E
Eraser, W D
Pradette. J G
Gordon, W S
Gorham, FR
Galllah, J J
Gilmour, E F
Grace, M T
Grey, H
Glow,

Gosselin, E
Hayden.J A
Hacquoil, E
Hall.H
Hague, J H
Hamley, J
Harrison, R A
Howard, A G
Hlbb8,HH
Hill, i: J
Horsfall, H W
Hughes, R
Huot, R
Jackson, R C
Jar, J

Johnson, G H
Jones, H
Jones, R
Kane, J
Kennedy, W
King. MR
Kirk, G P
Leigton, W Ti
Lightstone, H
Longee, M M
Lynn, W P
Macdonald, D
Macdonald, 1) J
Macdonald J J
McLean, H G
McLean, R
Mackenzie, W A
Mackenzie, C L
Mackenzie, A
MacLeod, W V
MacLeod, 6 F
MacLoughlln, A[ J
Mason, B
Miller, R
Michaud. D
Molson, E A
Morrison, D
Morrison , S J
Mottram,A !•;
Munsey, S \V
Myra, W A
Neild.J

Nethersole, P It
O'Handleyl D

O'Reillv,

Pagenii, C

Parker, G G

Perrin, J

Phillips, H

PhilUpe.GII

Pittman. J

Price, WE

Porteous,

Pugh.S

Randell. J T

RawlingR,

Reynolds, \\" H

Reus, J H

Roberts.W

Ross, G H

Ross, J G

Russoil, G

Rutter, C W

Ryan, B J

Scott, I M

Searle, G

Sinclair, E H
Smith, R
Smith, A A
Smith, J W
Smith, J
Squires. J
State, A J
Stone, J
Taite, H B
Tapp, W
Tibbitts, A
Tlbbilts, J
Tooker, T W
Vincent, T
Walsh, P
Wells, S
Welch, RS
Welsh, G E
Wilson, J W
Wilson, TR
Withers, S .1
Woollard,C
Woods, J B
Woodeau, W J
Young. W B

APPENDIX C.

OFFICIAL LIST OF THE OFFICERS AND MEX OP

THE STUATHCONA'S HORSE, AND OF THE

EXTRA MEN FOR FIRST CONTINGENT

AND FOR STRATHCONA'S HORSE

The Strathconas and 100 men for First Contingent sailed
from Halifax on tlie Monterey, Marcii 17, and arrived at Cape
Town, April 11. Tlie reinforcement of flftv men for tlie
Strathconas left MonLreal, May 1, for England. "

STRATHCONA
HORSE

Lt..Col.

S. B. Steele

2nd in Com.

R Belcher

Majors

A. E, Snyder

A. M. Jarvis

B. C. Laurie

Captains

D. M. Howard
G. VV. Cameron
F. L. Cartwright

Lieuts.

R. H. B. Magee

F. Harper
J. A. Benyon

E. F. Mackie
P. Fall

M. H. White-Fraser
H. D. B. Ketchen
J. F. Macdonald
J. E. Leekie
R. M. Courtney
T. E. Pooley
A. E. Ghrislie
A. W. Strange

G. E. Laidlaw
G. H. Kirkpatrick
8. H. Tobln

Qt. Master
W. Parker

Trsp't Officer
I. R. Snider

Med. Officer
G. B. Keenaii

Vet. Officer
G. T. Stevenson

"A" Squadron.

Elliott, F, R S M
Crafter, AG.QMS
McMillan, A, F QMS
Hooper, H C L, S S M
Albert, B
Anderson, E F
Archer, W
Arnold, F G
Baker, W G
Barker, M
Barker, W J
Barrett, J
Baatlen , H
Beckltt, F \V
Bennett, J
Bland, EM
Bourne, R
Bradbury, J
Bride, F
Brlgham, J B
Brooks, W
Brown, A M
BuUougb, J

Burton, A B
Campbell, M G
Carpenter, J
Carroll, P E
Carson, T L
Cassidy , H E
Clark, G
Clark, EH
Common, A
Coaens, F O
Currle, WEE
Cuthbert, W
Dandy, CR
Day kin, A U
Deacon, B L
Dingan, A
Dickson, J
Dodd, G S
Doherty, G H
Donnan, J W
Drever, A
Dunsford, H
Dunsmore, F
Edwards, E II
Ewlng, A
Evans. J
Farmer, J T
Fisher, W D
Fletcher.R
Flotten, P
Fraser, R N
Gammond,
Gamer, A C
Qilroy. H
Glass, N
Goodburn.O
Ooodlng, J E P
OordOB, R

484

APPENDIX.

485

Gowler, A W
Gregory, T
Orestock, H
Grifflth, JJ
Gurney.W B L
Harley, J A
Harris, M K
Hathorne, W
Hazeldliie, F R
Henderson , J J
Hogarth, W R
Hudson. \V
Inkster, J
Irwin, H M
Irwin, F
Jackson, W P
Johnston, J D
Keeling, J H
Kempsfer, H
Kermode, J O
King, W J
Kirkpatrick, A
Lambert, J 8
Lamont.B
Locke, C
Lorsch, A B
Lowe, A A R
Lyle H

Macdonnell, K G
Machen, S li

Martin, R VV

Matthews, F A W

Maveety, J D

McAIonen, R

McArthur, J H

McGillvray, A

McLaren, (J

McLean, G

McLeod, W R

McLoy, J

McNaught, J Y

Mills, T

Milligan,W

Moberley, G A

Morrison, J H

Munroe, H S

Murphy, W M

Neville, J F

Nicks, J

Norquay, A

NorriB.F

Nyblett.RW

Orr, F W

Page, C P

Palmer, PS

Palmer, G S

Parker, H

Parker, J

Perkins, G

Powell, F N
Ramsay, D
Reld,J

Richardson, A H L
Robinson, A

Rooke,G W

Rooke, R P

Ross, J T

Rushe, M J

Sabine, H E

Sawyer, W L

Saxby, H B

Sayce, W

Scott, L B

Scott, W

Skirving, G M

Smith, R VV

Sinnington. A

Stanier, C Y

Starke, TB

Steadman.C D

Stevenson, A T

Stocker, J R

Stuart, A W

Stutt, W

Sutherland, A

Terry , N F

Thompson, H C

Thome, A

Thornton, E
Thomas, OF
Townsend. P H
Traill, W M
Treston, J
Trelevan, A
Van Stan, A
Wade, R
Ward, J
Watson, A
Webb, E
Webb, H
Wemyss, D N
Wilkfns, H
Wyndham, H S
Zimmer, W J

"B" Squadron

Steele, SJ.SSM
A'Court, A W H
Abbott, WR
Allison, D
Anderson, J L
Armstrong, J F
Armstrong, J E
Banks, E M
Bannes, P
Barton, M E
Beaumont, T E
Bentham, W
Bercsford, W P
Bingham, H B
Bertram, C F
Blick, A
Bradley, R H
Brothers, J
Brown, H S
Brown, A 8
Bull, J V

Burdett, A H

Burgess D

CallIn,T A

Campbell, N M

Carson, w

Clayton, A

Condon, F B

Corbett, W

Cronyn, E S

Cross, J R

Crozior, J A

Cruikshank. C

Cumndiig, p

Dalglish.A

Deane. J

Dick, M F

Dickinson, D

Donaldson, A S

Douglas, F' C A

Down.G

Dupen, A E

Dunn F J

Eastmead, —

Edmundaon, T L

Edwards, A J

Edwards. R II

Fawcett, N

Fennell,—

Fllntoff, W

Ford, J

Fortey, A

Freezer, J R

Ganishy, G

Ganesford, W F

Gillies, A
Gilmour. J F
Grobil, A C
Graham, CH
Grey, W
Hall, F A
Hardwiek, M I) K
Hardy, A
Hart, C A
Haylett, J
Hayes, R P
Hloks, R C
Hobson J
Inglls, RC
Irwin, H
Jackson, H
Jameson, T
Jenkins, A
Kerr, G T
Kindrew, G E
LafTerty, W
Laldlaw, C E
Lamb, A
Leder, B
Lee, H A
Lewis, T A
Lewis, F
Lindsay, A P
Linton, R
Loney, M F

486

APPENDIX.

Lowry, W A
Lowe,S
liynch, W G
Maodonald, J R
Mac'don.ild, A D
Madjiro.F T
Mansell, M
Martin. H
Alartin.L A
Matallal, A
McDonald, G A
McDonald, RS
McClay, R
McCormack, E
McMilInn, T
iMcNichol, A
McXiiir, E W C
McNeil, K J
McRae, D
Mcl-;iray,GE
Mclntosl), E
McKeape,FO E
McKinley.M
McKugo, O
Miller, A
Milne, A
Mitchell. G
M .ir,RH
Mulligan, P
Murphy, E D
Newman, F G
Nihiock. IJ L
Nichol, H F
Nichol.D
Paul, J
I'earce, R G
Pearce, E J
Pearson, A
Plnder, EGJ
Percy, H N
Perry, T
Peyto E W
Phillii,9, J W
Pillans, R B
Playfalr, \V S
Poole, H
Poole, F
Purvis. A S
Quick, HH
Rackham, W
J{eed, W E
Rice-.Tones, I E C
Rolison, J S
KoH:cr8, H M
Koss, A M
Routh,GF
Saddinsrton W
Scott, H H ■
Scott, F W
Shuckburprh, W C
Sharpies, W A
Shaw, C W
Shiles, T
Simpson, T

Skinner, A
Smiley, S
Smith, J
Somerton, W
Spratt, A
Stewart, J S
Stranper, B
Swanston, C
Sutherland, R
Thomas, G D
Thompson, F
Tefrart, H
Townshend, X S
Tucker, P H
Vernon, A A
Waite, J T
Walker, J C
Walker B G
Watts, C C M
Watts, A H
White, S A
Watson, A
Whiteley, F C
Whitehead, C A W

^}i'LT.;,V^«

Watson, B
Wilson, F
Wilson, D
W'illiains, T H A
Woods, WT
Woodward, W
Woodward. A J
Wragge, E C
Wright, T \V H
Wright. HH
Wyse, D
Yemen, NW
Yule, B

"C" Squadron

Hvnes, J , S S M
Abbott. J
Agar, G S
Albert, G
Allan p K
Armstrong, J W
Bell, P W \V
Bell, W H
Bolton, NT
Bonner, L A
Bousfleld.J
Bowers G A
Brent, W
Brixton, J
Broadbent, E R
Burke, B

Cameron, NC J
Castelainc, L
Chancellor, E V
Childera, H C
Clarke, W F
Cochrane, R L

Cook, W
Cotterill.C W
Cree, A H
Curtis, E F K
Custance, T F .M
Daley, H M
D Amour, A 1'
Dawson, W II x
Davis, R S
Deerlng, R
Duncan, () j
Dunn, F T
Dutin,T
Edwards, W
Elliott, J
Ellis, ^ W
Eyre, G
Fader, G .J
Fall. OS
Fannng. W
Faulder, E R
Fernie, \V L
Fernie, M
Fisher, J C
Foster, J AI
Eraser, J A
Eraser, H
Praser, W
Fuller, J W
Fuller, J
lialcro, A J
Hall, A
Hamhly, G
Hammond, R U L
Harding, J E
Harper, W H
Harris, CC
Harris, C B
Hawes, H
Haynes, W T
Hazel, G
Hicks, H J
Hirsch, J
Hulbert, T
Humfrey. W H
Hunter, E T
Graham, W F
Griffin, J
Rrogan, R N
Ingram, W H
Jackson, C F
Johnson, A W
Johnston, H R
Jones, A
Jones, E E
Kearney, J
Kelly, S A J
Kennedy, J
Kerr, F

Ledlngham.G W
Lee, B H
Lefroy, L B
Lindsay, W K
Lockhart, F

AITKNDIX.

487

Loffan, A R II
Malalne, J H
McAllister, D •
McDonald, A
McDonald, G A
McDonnell, C R
McDuff, J
McKenzle, A W
McMuUen, J H
McRae, D J
McCuUouprh.li J
Melton, E J
Montelth, \V E
Morgan, 11 E
Murray, E
Murray, J W
Naah, J F P
Nesbltt, J L
Nicholson, C J
Norton, F
Norton, C
Noury, H W
O'Brfen, A \V
0|?ilby, VV [.
O'Hearn, W
Oldham, P
Orchard, K A
Palmer, K [{
Parkes, F C
Pearson, AC
Peterson, C
Parham, H ,l
Pettlgrew, .1
Plnkerton.T A
Powell, CJ
Press, A
Pym, T M L
Radwell, A
Kennle, C
Robson, \V
Routh, P
By an. J
St. George, B A
Seymour, E
Shaw, R
Shaw, A .1 M
StllUngfloct, H C
Simon, A B J
Skene, J G
Simpson, P E
Spencer, J
Squires, C
Strickland, C S
Swift, T
Switzer, P
Simmlll.J
Swlnburn, A
Tennant, C
Tliomas, I
Thomas, H
Tuson, J
Venner, R P
Warren, F P
West, W

Wipglns, H J
Wllkie.JH
Wiiiearls.R A
Winkle. \Vc
Wright, S
Woodhousc, F W H

REINFORCEMENTS

To Replace

Casuallties In the

Field.

Capt. Carpenter, A E
" Winter, C P
*' Boyd, A J
Altken, R C
Anderson, S
Arbuckle. G A
Ardngh, H V
Austin, E F
Bailey, P
Barnstead, F E
Beecher, A V
Bctulter, J W
Brown. HG
Browne, H G
Burrett, G H
Butler, J
Cameron, R \V
Cameron, A I{ If
Cowardine, W H
Convey, J
Cook. W C
Coombs, W E
Dare, E
Dodds, J H F
Douce t, R P
Drum, A
Dunlop, F W
Eaton, W
Edmondson, W A
Edwards, W
Evans, A
Eviuis, W J
Fairweather, P
Ford, J
Eraser, J A
Gerhardt, P
Geen, E D F
Gladwin, J S
Gurney, T F
Hall, A J
Harne, R
Harris, W M
Hodglns, H A
Holloway. H B
Hooper, W H
Horan, H J
Howe, J
Hulme.TH
Jackson, L F V
Jones, J
Kennedy, D R

Kirk, R J

Lake, F A

Lamden, J

LUUe.C W

Lucas, L W

Lutes, B

Macbeth, T L

Mackav, J D

Mackellar, A

McCarthy. VO

McCormfck. A S

McDonald, N

McDonald, M

McEachern, W A

M Kerrihan, J K D

MoNaughlon, F M

Milh'r, C J

Milliken.JB

Mills, T

Moodie, G 11

Mudge. H

Munnl8,CII

Nicliolson, J D

Nixon, C J

Pardee, J

Pay, A

Pei)j)or, J T

Plililil*, H

l"got, J A
Play fair, S B
Price, E H
Proud, W J
Pucldlfer, W
Rattray, EE
iiubertson, D
Robertson, J M
Russell, P
Scott, H C
Scott, C C
Sinclair, A
Smith, C L
Tennant, J
Tlerney, G V
Turnbull, D
Walters, M P
Wandless. J F
Watson, A H
Webber, M E
Webster, PGA
Welch, riH
Wilson, J J
Wolfe, P
Wright, T M

REINFORCEMENTS

STRATHCONA'S

HORSE.

Officer.

Lt. A damson
Anderson, G
Andrews, A M

488

APPENDIX.

Bartram, W B
Blakmore, P H J
Bruce, G B
Buchanan, J J
Burnet, D
Campbell, T G
Campbell, W J
Clampitt, J H
Carey, 8 T St. George
Cooke, J T
Delia-Torre, W J
Fowler, W R
Gilbertson, J E '
Greaves, J B
Green- Armytage, H R
Grey,

Orifflth, W R
Hall.CL
Henderson, T A
Heron, R B
Heygate, W A N
Howell, T E
Hunt, W de Vero
HutchiRon, W
Iflbester, G J
Macdougall, J G
Malet, (f C
Martin, J S
McArthur, A
McDougaii. J B
McMillan, C W
Morris, C

Myers, L
Palmer, W
Paton,iC
Preston, A J
Robertson j)
Roblnpin, H L
Rose, D W
Ritchie, D V
Shuttleworth, P P
Slocock, E F
Smith, W
Sparkes, F D
Sparks, GAS
Stewart, D M
Stringer, A
Tucker, R

DATES OF SAILING OF TRANSPORTS.

Second S. S. Battalion Royal Canadian Rearimenfe, sailed
80th October, 1899, from Quebec, by "Sardinian."

"D" and "E" Batteries, Brigade Division Royal Canadian
Artillery and Brigade Staff, sailed 31st January, 1900. from
Halifax, by " Laurentian." '

Second Battalion Canadian Mounted Rifles, sailed S7th
January, 1900, from Halifax, by "Pomeranian."

First Battalion Canadian Mounted Rifles, and "C" Battery
Royal Canadian Artillery, and artificers, sailed 21st Februarv
1900, from Halifax, by " Milwaukee." «- ^euruary,

Strathcona's Horse and Reinforcements 2nd S. S. Battalion
Royal Canadian Regiment, sailed 17th March, 1900, from
Halifax, by "Monterey."

Reinforcements for Strathcona's Horse, sailed 1st May, 1900
from Montreal, by "Vancouver."

APPENDIX D.

CANADIAN KOLL OF HONOR.

Official List of the Officers and Men of the Canadian
Contingents who have died for Queen and Empire in sSh

KILLED IX ACTION.

Capt.
Lieut

u
<(

Sergt,

H. M. Arnold
T. W. Chalmers
. M. Q. Blanchard
H. L. Borden
J. E, Burch
J. Brothers
A. E. H. Logan
W. Scott
N. D. Builder

Corpl. W. S. BmJy
" R. Qooaf allow
" J. P. Moiden
'' J. R. Taylor

F. W. Withers
" B. Withey
" E. A. Tilson
Lancc-Corp. W. Anderson.

Arnold, F, G.
Banks, E. M.
Burry, 0. H.
Burns, O. T.
Cotton. H.
Cruiksnank, C.
Defoe, J.
Donegan, J. A.
Findlay, J. H.
Floyd, F. G. W.
Frost, W.
Jackson, C. E. E.
Jackson, W.
Jenkins, A,
Johnstone, G.
Johnston, Jos.
Jones, A.
Kerr, R. J.
Latimer, W.
Lee, B. H.
Leonard, G. W.
Lester, C.
Lewis, Z. R. E.
Living, F. J.
McCreary, P.

I'KIVATES.

McQueen, A.

Manion, W. T.

Maundrill, A.

Neild, J.

Norris, P.

Orman, G.

Page, F. C.

Itadcliflfe, A.

RtggH. VV. A.

Roy, A.

Scott, J. B.
Sievert, J.
Smith, R,
Somers, J. H.
Spence, D. M.
Taylor, R. D.
Thomas, C. T.
Todd, J.
Wasdell, F.
West, W.
White, H. B.
White, W.
Wlnyard, W.
Wiggina, H. J.

•189

■^nw"

490

APPENDIX.

DIED OF DISEASE OB ACCIDENT.

Capt. C. St. A. Pearse
Liout. O. F. Harrison

J^''a¥/*x';;SS*«*' B. Hunt
(B.S.M.) F.Elliott

Sergt. A. Beattie
" P. Clunie
L.-Corpl., A. F. VanXorman

PiaVATES.

Adams, W. Q,

Adams, J.

Ball. J. E.

Barr, H.

Blnp, A. P.

Blight, W. S.

Bolt. H.

Bradley, G. W.

Bradley. R.

Brand, W. B.

Chappell, M. C.

Clements, H. H.

Cooper, J. (Artificer)

Cotterlll, C. W.

Cowen, C.

Crone, D. J.

Curphy, J.
Davis, L. S.
Deslauriers, E.
Duhamel. J. W.
Farrell, Q.
Farley, J. E.
Forest, H.
Haines, W.
Hampton, W. J.
Harrison, R.
Hull, W. A.
Hunt, W. De V.
Hayes, W.

Irwin, R.

Kingsley, A. R.

Larue, L.

Lecontier, R.

Lett, R.

Liston, B.

MacMillan, D.
(Artificer)

McNicol, A.

Merchant, E.

Moore, D,
Moore, W. J.
MuUins, E.
O'Kelly, G. M.
O'Reilly, E. P.
Picot, E.
Price, W. E.
Purcell, E. S.
Purcell, J. J.
Ramsay, D. L.
Raspberry, Jas.
Ross, W. J. H.
Shlpp, T. P.
Simmill, J.
Smith, O.
Whitley, W. E.
Wood, William,
Woolcombe, T.
Zong, A. E.

.^sr

man