South Africa and the Transvaal War, Vol. 5 (of 8): From the Disaster at Koorn Spruit to Lord Roberts's Entry into PretoriaCreswicke, Louis
History
South Africa and the Transvaal War, Vol. 5 (of 8): From the Disaster at Koorn Spruit to Lord Roberts's Entry into Pretoria
Creswicke, Louis
South African War, 1899-1902; Transvaal (South Africa) -- History
of loyalty. In the evening the remains of the unfortunate dead at the
foot of the hill were recovered, and it was found that Major Dalbiac's
body had been rifled by his dastardly opponents of every article of
value, and even the ribbons of his medals were missing. On the 26th,
General Rundle with the 8th Division entered the town and formally took
possession of it.
The remains of Major Dalbiac and the four men of the Middlesex Yeomanry
who were killed in the unfortunate affair were buried with military
honours, the General and Staff attending the funeral. A patrol of the
Hants Yeomanry, while out scouting, got in touch with the enemy, and
escaped by what is called the skin of their teeth. Many had very narrow
escapes, and one man was killed. Sergeant-Major Foulkes, whose horse was
shot under him, was saved through the gallantry of Private Andrews, who
returned and bore off his dismounted comrade, while Captain Seely and
others behaved in like manner to ensure the safety of those left without
mounts.
GENERAL COLVILE AND THE HIGHLAND BRIGADE
Of the Highland Brigade since the tragedy of Majersfontein and the smart
fight at Koodoesberg little has been said. Their brilliant march and
action before Paardeberg, in which General MacDonald was wounded, served
to demonstrate the stuff of which they were made and to restore their
self-confidence and zest for battle. Lord Roberts's gracious speech,
delivered at the camp, recalling his pleasant association with the
Brigade in India, where "they had helped to make him," and saying that
as he had never campaigned without Highlanders, he "would not like to be
without them now," had done much to heal the sore which still rankled in
many breasts.
[Illustration: HAULING DOWN THE TRANSVAAL FLAG AT JOHANNESBURG
Photo by Lionel James]
On the 1st of May the 9th Division marched from Waterval, picked up the
Seaforths at the waterworks, and also the Highland Light Infantry from
Bloemfontein. The Division, of which the Highland Brigade, the
Seaforths, Black Watch, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, and
Highland Light Infantry formed the infantry battalions, with the 5th
Battery Royal Field Artillery, two naval guns (4.7 calibre), and a
company of Engineers, was under the command of Major-General Sir H.
Colvile. The Highland Brigade was commanded by General MacDonald. The
Eastern Province Horse, a smart and sportsmanlike set of mounted men,
numbering about a hundred, also accompanied the force, and did valuable
service in scouting. Later on the force was joined by Lovat's Scouts,
but not till the advance was well under way. On the 4th the Brigade
bivouacked at Susanna Fountain after an animated tussle with the enemy,
who were finally routed by the gallantry of the Black Watch.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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