South Africa and the Transvaal War, Vol. 7 (of 8): The Guerilla War, from February 1901 to the Conclusion of HostilitiesCreswicke, Louis
History
South Africa and the Transvaal War, Vol. 7 (of 8): The Guerilla War, from February 1901 to the Conclusion of Hostilities
Creswicke, Louis
South African War, 1899-1902; Transvaal (South Africa) -- History
Of Colonel Rimington's activities prior to his meeting with General
Rundle we barely know the outline. On the 13th of July his troops
displayed an immense amount of dash in a smart set-to with some Boers
who, with their convoy, were on the north-east of Gambokshoekberg. The
enemy's rearguard covering the march was forced from its position by
the rapid rush of the mounted troops, who scattered the band, killed
six of the foe, took ten prisoners, and 2000 head of cattle, which
prizes were handed over to General Rundle on the occasion of the
meeting near Vrede, of which we know. His hands free, Colonel
Rimington then proceeded from Vrede to Heilbron, skirmishing by the
way. From this time till August he operated in the triangle between
Heilbron, Lindley, and Kroonstad, engaging in the same energetic
system of night marching and surprise which was being everywhere
vigorously carried forward, with first-rate results. Fourteen Boers
killed, 36 prisoners, 24 voluntary surrenders, 68 ox-waggons, 52
vehicles, 5300 cattle was an excellent sum-total to bear witness to
the work accomplished at that time.
General Bullock meanwhile, in July, had been sweeping the
neighbourhood of Villiersdorp and Cornelia for the purpose of brushing
Boers into the arms of General Elliot during the move of that officer
from Springfield to Heilbron. But these wary Dutchmen were wide-awake
and not to be entrapped. He therefore returned to Heidelberg, where
General Spens took over command. Flying columns under Colonel Jenner
and Major Gough now went to work with a will, and each column had the
satisfaction of arriving at Heilbron in August, having captured a
convoy apiece with the total loss of one man killed and four wounded.
In the course of General Spens' sweep from Heidelberg to Heilbron his
troops brought in 42 prisoners, 110 carts, 5600 cattle, and the
supplies before named. In August he left Heilbron and renewed his
activities in the direction of Kroonstad.
TRANSVAAL, S.W.--OPERATIONS OF GENERAL FETHERSTONHAUGH--CLEARING THE
MAGALIESBERG--JULY
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