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
Later on he forwarded a
description of the garrison which gave a good idea of the splendid plan
of organisation adopted. He said:--
"The town was garrisoned by the Cape Police under Captains
Brown and Marsh. These and the Railway Volunteers were under
Colonel Vivian, while Cannon Kopje was entrusted to Colonel
Walford and the B.S.A.P. Colonel Baden-Powell retained one
squadron of the Protectorate Regiment as reserve under his own
immediate control. These arrangements were subsequently much
augmented. After the convent had been practically demolished by
shell-fire, and the railway line all round the town pulled up
or mined during the close investment by the Boers, the small
work was erected at the convent corner, garrisoned by the Cape
Police and a Maxim under Lieutenant Murray, who was also put in
charge of the armoured train, which had been withdrawn to the
railway station out of harm's way.
"The Railway Volunteers garrisoned the cemetery, and had an
advance trench about 800 yards to the front and immediately to
the right of the line. To the westward came Fort Cardigan, and
then again Fort Miller; to the south-west was Major Godley's
Fort, at the north of the native stadt, with Fort Ayr, and an
advance fort crowning the down to the northern end of the
stadt, and though rather detached, having command of the view
for a great distance. To the south of the northern portion of
the stadt the Cape Police were intrenched with a Maxim, and 500
yards to the west front of Captain Marsh's post lay Limestone
Fort, commanding the valley, on the other side of which lay the
Boer laager and intrenchments. At the south-western corner, and
on the edge of the stadt Captain Marsh's fort was situated. The
whole of the edge of the stadt was furnished with loopholes and
trenches, and was garrisoned by the native inhabitants. Near
the railway were situated two armoured trucks with a
Nordenfeldt, and Cannon Kopje with two Maxims and a 7-pounder
lay to the south-east. And now to the immediate defences of the
town. At the south-western corner is the Pound, garrisoned by
Cape Police under Captain Marsh, then eastwards is Early's
Fort, Dixon's Redan, Ball's Fort, Ellis's corner, with Maxim
and Cape Police, under Captain Brown. On the eastern front are
Ellitson's Kraal, Musson's Fort, De Kock's Fort with Maxim,
Recreation Ground Fort. To the left of the convent lies the
Hospital Fort. All these, unless otherwise mentioned, are
defended by the Town Guard."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account