The Right Hon. Lord Strathcona and Mount Royal
17, Victoria Street,
London, England
Paards Kop,
August 5th, 1900.
Dear Lord Strathcona,
"A" and "B" Squadrons of the Corps have been almost continually on the march for the last month. We had a couple of days halt at Greylingstad on the way back from Vlaakfontein on the 9th ulto. but on the 11th we were rejoined by the Brigade and the 2nd Division under General Clery. On the 12th the Division marched North coming in touch with the enemy almost at once. The day after we set out and while the Regiment was on the advance our flankers on the right came on a large body occupying a strong position on what is called Lone Tree Hill. Major Sangeneister of the Border Mounted Rifles attached to your Regiment was in charge of the troop on this flank and it appears that he was rather in-cautious in approaching the position with the result that he himself fell into the hands of the enemy together with four of my men whilst two were wounded - the names will be found in the casualty returns enclosed. Almost simultaneously with this affair on the flank the main body of the advance drew the enemy fire from the front. Very hot firing ensued and at comparatively short range. The guns of the Royal Horse Artillery ("A" Battery), The Colt Battery S.A.L.H., Thornycroft's Mounted Infantry, and Strathcona's Horse with the Pom-Pom were engaged. The enemy were driven out of their position and followed until sundown.
The object of this march was to allow the Railway to be opened through to Johannesburg. This was apparently accomplished by the time we reached Leenspruit, near Standerton on the 19th, as after a day's halt here we returned to Greylingstad taking a route closer to the railway. During the whole of this march we were subjected to the sniping of the Boers and occasionally met them in force with guns. We were joined at Watervaal by the draft under Lieut. Adamson. I was very much pleased with their appearance and their conduct since has proved them to be a good class of men and interested in the work.
We reached Greylingstad on the 24th., and marched for Zwickerbosch Spruit on the 26th. halting for one night at Vlaakfontein. The following day General Cooper's 4th Infantry Brigade marched for Heidelburg and "B" Squadron were detailed to accompany him. In the meantime, the 3rd Mounted Brigade received orders to proceed to Paardekop to join General Buller in his proposed advance on the 29th., we marched back picking up "C" Squadron at Watervaal Bridge. Lord Dundonald, commanding the Brigade, having left for Johannesburg on the 29th., I was in command until we reached Standerton on the 1st. We reached here on Friday and "B" Squadron joined us yesterday, so we are all together again.
I wish to supplement my report by telling you what "C" Squadron has been doing at Watervaal Bridge during the month it has been on duty here. This is a very important post on account of the large bridge that crosses the Vaal River here, and there are some very good positions some miles to the North and South occupied by the Boers. The patrols have been subjected to the fire of the enemy every day they were out, and have been doing very good work indeed. Two unfortunate affairs occurred here. On in which Corp. Lee was killed and which has already been reported to you. The other occurred on the 30th., ulto., under the following circumstances:
Two Boers came in in the morning and reported that a large number of the enemy were some four miles to North ready to surrender but were afraid to come in and wanted someone to go out and meet them. The Commandant of the post immediately detailed 17 men of Strathcona's Horse under Lieut. White-Fraser. The troop reached a point a short distance from the house which was flying a white flag when they were fired upon. Sergt. Parker and Private Arnold were in advance of the troop and had got within a few yards of the house. They were called upon to surrender and refusing were shot. Sergt. Parker was killed and Private Arnold lies in Hospital at Standerton in rather a critical condition, the bullet which hit him being an explosive one.
The men of the regiment have conducted themselves in a satisfactory and intelligent manner. Lord Dundonald commanding the Brigade has expressed himself so to me and thinks the corps a very fine one.
I have the honor to be, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
(Signed) S. B. STEELE, Lt. Col.
