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
"In another place a large body was observed passing along our
front, and it was greeted with a volley, whereon an officer in
British uniform, complete in every detail, with 'K.F.S.' on the
shoulder-straps, rode up and reported that it was a British
column passing along to take up its allotted place in the line.
The force was accordingly allowed to proceed on its way. The
'K.F.S.' officer, however, was a Boer and the column a Boer
commando."
It was discovered after all that Delarey had not been within the
radius of the big movement, and therefore General W. Kitchener, in
hope still to entrap him, set to work to reconnoitre towards the Hart
River. On the 31st of March Cookson and Keir struck track of guns, and
presently they were attacked with great determination. A long running
fight was continued for eight miles through the bush and scrub of the
region. A position in the open was taken, and both parties set to
work. Delarey, Kemp, and some 1500 Boers fought brilliantly, but were
outmatched by the dogged courage of the newly raised R.H.A. Rifles,
who let them advance within 200 yards, and then repelled them with
steady gusts of rifle fire; by the staunchness of Colonel Evans'
Canadian Rifles, of which one party under young Bruce-Carruthers held
their ground till every man was either killed or wounded; and by the
dash of the 28th Mounted Infantry, Damant's Horse, Kitchener's
Fighting Scouts, and the 17th and 27th Mounted Infantry. The enemy
after losing tremendously refused to continue the conflict, in spite
of being frantically urged forward by their leaders.
The columns of Von Donop and Grenfell under General Kekewich on the
11th of April, in the region of Rooival, had a hot fight with the
enemy. These eventually were repulsed by the Yeomanry, Scottish Horse,
and South Africa Constabulary, who fought with their accustomed
coolness and brilliancy. Forty-four Boers were left dead on the field
and thirty-four wounded. Twenty prisoners were taken. Captain Salter
(7th Imperial Yeomanry) and five men were killed and fifty-two
wounded. Lieutenant Bull, 3rd Inniskilling Fusiliers, died of wounds.
The pursuit of the band was vigorously taken up, and General Kekewich
had the satisfaction of securing two guns, a pom-pom, ammunition, and
waggons. Among the Boer dead was Commandant Potgieter of Wolmaranstad,
one of Delarey's right-hand men. About this time Colonel Rochfort's
column made a night raid on a laager at Schweizerreneke, and secured
fifty-five prisoners, with waggons and stock.
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