South Africa and the Transvaal War, Vol. 2 (of 8): From the Commencement of the War to the Battle of Colenso, 15th Dec. 1899Creswicke, Louis
History
South Africa and the Transvaal War, Vol. 2 (of 8): From the Commencement of the War to the Battle of Colenso, 15th Dec. 1899
Creswicke, Louis
South African War, 1899-1902; Transvaal (South Africa) -- History
A curious experience befell the Hon. George Peel, who was trying to
reach Kimberley, where his sister, the Hon. Mrs. Rochfort Maguire, was
imprisoned. Roaming about after the battle of Belmont, he came by
accident on a Boer camp. A Dutchman promptly emerged, and when he was
preparing to meet a grim fate, deciding that all hope was lost, he found
himself accosted and handed a Bible. He was in the very act of
congratulating himself on his lucky escape when on the scene came two
grenadiers, who seeing his battered condition and his Bible, mistook him
for a Boer spy and carried him off as a prize. Fortunately he was
recognised by a member of Lord Methuen's camp and liberated.
Very interesting are the following official particulars given by the
General Officer Commanding the 9th Brigade to the Chief Staff Officer of
the 1st Division:--
"BELMONT, _Nov. 23, 1899_.
"SIR,--I have the honour to submit the following report of the
part taken by the brigade under my command in the action which
took place to-day. The rendezvous was left at 3.7 A.M. in the
following formation: Northumberland Fusiliers, in column of
companies, on the left, directing, and fifty paces from them
moved the Northamptonshire Regiment in similar formation, and
parallel to them. In rear of both these battalions was the 2nd
Battalion King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry and two companies
Munster Fusiliers." (Having described the operations which
ended in the occupation of a ridge south of Table Mountain,
Major-General Featherstonhaugh continues:) "This party of the
enemy was finally dislodged at the point of the bayonet, and
'independent fire' poured into them at a distance of fifty
yards, when a white flag was hoisted by the party. On our men
ceasing fire, the white flag still being displayed, a shot was
fired by this party at our men; but the actual bearer of the
flag of truce, followed by some eleven or twelve unarmed Boers,
surrendered themselves to Colonel Money and were made
prisoners.--Signed for Major-General Featherstonhaugh,
EDWARD S. BULFIN,
_Captain, Brigade Major, 9th Brigade_."
The following is the list of officers killed and wounded at the battle
of Belmont:--
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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