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
Colonel Rimington meanwhile had relaxed none of his efforts. A smart
little affair on the 15th, in which he caught a Boer convoy trailing
along near Doornkloof, some seventeen miles north-west of Lindley,
helped to swell his "bag." Then on the 17th, at Vechtkop, he dashed
into a knot of 200 Boers under Waude, Mentz, and Boshoff, and sent
them spinning, following hot foot for full eight miles till they
dispersed in the mists of the south-east. That done he turned his
attention to Trommel, near Reitz. Here he pounced on a small
laager--secured 16 prisoners and some fat cart-loads of provisions,
beside waggons and horses. He was back again at Kroonstad by the 28th.
But two days later, he was to the fore taking his place in the scheme
of General Elliot's operations, which have been described, and, later,
co-operating with General Spens and Colonel Wilson in their endeavours
to intercept the roving bands. His activities were unending. On the
31st of August he "spotted" the commandos of De Vos and Lategan,
chased and dispersed them, and secured the best part of their
belongings; later, near Senekal, he made a dash on another convoy,
chased it, and, after a good ten miles' rush and a smart fight, killed
4 Boers and took 10 whole, together with 61 loaded waggons, 25 carts,
horses, mules, and 2000 cattle. This with the loss of only 4 men
wounded. On the 6th of September, after reconnoitring towards
Blitzberg, Colonel Rimington returned, heavy with the spoils of war,
to Kroonstad.
[Illustration: GENERAL ELLIOT]
Here he was followed two days later by Colonel Wilson, who had been
following an identical plan of pounce and pursuit on the right. He too
had skirmished with good effort, first engaging some of De Vos' men
and sending them to the right-about, and secondly attacking
Haasbroek's commando, midway between Senekal and Ventersburg, and
handling it somewhat roughly. Seven Boers were killed, 3 prisoners
were taken, together with carts innumerable, full and empty, and
cattle to the tune of 2000. The central column under General Spens,
which all this time was moving direct on Senekal, worked brilliantly
and scored some success, the total result being 5 Boers killed, 3
voluntarily surrendered, 11 prisoners, 34 Cape carts, and 1800 cattle
captured.
OPERATIONS NEAR HONING SPRUIT AND THE LOSBERG--LIEUTENANT-COLONEL
GARRATT
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