South Africa and the Transvaal War, Vol. 3 (of 8): From the Battle of Colenso, 15th Dec. 1899, to Lord Roberts's Advance into the Free State, 12th Feb. 1900 — John Shaqi
South Africa and the Transvaal War, Vol. 3 (of 8): From the Battle of Colenso, 15th Dec. 1899, to Lord Roberts's Advance into the Free State, 12th Feb. 1900Creswicke, Louis
History
South Africa and the Transvaal War, Vol. 3 (of 8): From the Battle of Colenso, 15th Dec. 1899, to Lord Roberts's Advance into the Free State, 12th Feb. 1900
Creswicke, Louis
South African War, 1899-1902; Transvaal (South Africa) -- History
"The officer commanding desires to thank all ranks who took
part in to-day's engagement for their excellent behaviour. The
garrison of Kimberley have this day shown that they can not
only defend their positions, but can sally out and drive the
enemy from their entrenched positions. He deplores the loss of
the brave comrades who have so honourably fallen in the
performance of their duty."
A second sortie of the same kind was attempted on the 28th of November,
but with more disastrous results. The troops took the same direction as
before--attacked the Boers, beat them back, and captured their laager
and three works. But, on attempting to take the fourth work, the enemy
fought desperately, and Lieut.-Colonel Scott Turner was killed. When
Colonel Scott Turner fell, Lieutenant Clifford, North Lancashire
Regiment, who had more than once distinguished himself, assumed command
of the Imperial Mounted Infantry, and, though wounded in the scalp,
pluckily remained on duty till all was over.[2]
There was terrible grief in the garrison at the loss of this splendid
officer, the principal organiser of the Town Guards and the successful
leader of so many skirmishes and sorties throughout the siege. The
following special order was issued:--
"The officer commanding has again to congratulate the troops of
the garrison who engaged the enemy yesterday on their excellent
behaviour and on the capture of the enemy's laager, with his
supplies, ammunition, &c. It was in every respect a most
creditable performance. He has also again to deplore the loss
of many brave men who have fallen at the call of duty. It was
with profound sorrow he learnt that Lieut.-Colonel Scott Turner
was killed while gallantly leading his men against the last
stronghold of the enemy's defences. In Lieut.-Colonel Scott
Turner the garrison of Kimberley loses a brave and most
distinguished comrade, and the officer commanding feels sure
the whole population of Kimberley will join with them in
mourning the loss of this true British officer, to whose skill
and activity in the field is so largely due the complete
success of our efforts to keep the enemy at a safe distance
from this town."
Major M. C. Peakman, an excellent and most dauntless officer, succeeded
to the command of the Kimberley Light Horse in consequence of Colonel
Scott Turner's death.
Lieutenant Wright of the Kimberley Light Horse was killed, and among the
wounded were Lieutenant W. K. Clifford (1st Battalion Loyal North
Lancashire Regiment), Captain Walleck (Diamond Fields Horse), and
Lieutenant Watson (Kimberley Light Horse).
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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