There was no delay in getting the troops off. From 20th October, 1899, when the first units of the army corps were ready to embark, to the 30th November, 1899, no less than 58,000 men and 9,000 horses left England, and a steady stream continued month after month, the largest shipment in one month being February, 1900, when 33,500 men and 5,500 horses left this country. The removal from South Africa was even more speedy. From 1st June, 1902, to 31st July, 53,800 men embarked. By the end of August the number was 94,000 men, and by the end of September, 133,000 men had left South Africa. The homeward move was simplified by there being no horses, and by the Government being able to utilise to their full extent the resources of the Union-Castle Company, whose large fleet of vessels, specially suitable for carrying troops, had an important share in the work. [Sidenote: Patriotism of shipowners.] The shipowners, as a body, showed every desire throughout the war to meet the wishes of the Admiralty, often (in the early days) placing their ships at the disposal of the Government at great inconvenience to their own trade, and making great personal exertions to expedite the despatch of the troops and to ensure their comfort. In no case was any vessel engaged, either for troops, animals, or stores, which was not a registered British ship, and as far as possible the crews were British subjects; practically the crews of all troop transports were then exclusively so. [Sidenote: Numbers conveyed.] The following figures will convey an idea of the extent of the Sea Transport work in connection with the war, from its commencement up to the 31st December, 1902. The numbers conveyed were: To South Africa. Personnel. Horses. Mules. _From Home and Mediterranean:_ Troops, &c. 338,547 84,213 249 South African Constabulary 8,482 -- -- British South Africa Police 353 -- -- Imperial Military Railways 320 -- -- Colonial Office Details 59 -- -- Various 89 -- -- _From India:_ Troops, &c. 19,438 8,611 1,117 Natives 10,528 -- -- _From Ceylon, Mauritius, &c.:_ Troops, &c. 690 -- -- Natives 26 -- -- Various 8 -- -- _From Colonies:_ Contingents 29,793 27,465 19 South African Constabulary 1,249 -- -- Remounts -- 36,660 -- _From other countries:_ Remounts, &c. -- 195,915 102,627 Prisoners of War and Escorts 22,790 -- --