TOPIC:

The Right Hon. Lord Strathcona and Mount Royal
17, Victoria Street,
London, England

SPITZKOP
12th. September, 1900


Dear Lord Strathcona,

We have been very busy ever since we marched from Badfontein, where I wrote my last report of our doings. Sergt. Brothers Logan and six men were killed and one man wounded. The men were out to the right to take post on a hight some thousands of yards off. So many killed with each small arms and there being Boer shells within a few feet creates the impression that any wounded were shot dead in cold blood. The infantry had to take the height. Since that we have been in Lydenburg and reached here yesterday after a constant fight over lofty mountains and being under heavy rifle, shell and machine gun fire for four days.

Sir R. Buller complimented us highly two days ago at Devils Knuckles where we advanced under fire and seized positions which were afterwards occupied by our guns. We had seven horses shot and two men wounded. Captured an ammunition wagon; a crane or gym for raising big guns and forcing the enemy to withdraw. All of the men have behaved well. Our horses are in a bad plight as the railway is not able to carry them any food. We carried the left of this position yesterday and saw the enemy in full retreat on Pilgrims Rest. A flag of truce was sent out by Botha to-day. We have not seen the bearer yet. It is to be hoped that this will end the war.

The men are in good spirits and admirable in their conduct, of which I as sure your lordship will be glad. The fighting has been as heavy as any in the war. Great experience has saved the troops from heavy losses such as took place at other times during the war. We have had a good many casualties from the beginning of our march, and the men need no longer complain of inactivity.

I hope you are enjoying good health and that some members of the Strathcona's at least will have the pleasure of being seen by your lordship.

Yours faithfully,

(Signed) S. B. STEELE
Lt. Colonel, Commanding
Strathcona's Horse

Hello Mike,
I am rather surprised to even consider members of Strathconas Horse complaining about inactivity, I would not have thought they would have had the time!
Regards Frank

Good Morning Frank.....

It was the weeks of inactiviy of the sitting around Green Point camp waiting for new Hroses that bothered the men..... Also the British higher ups did not really know what to do with a bunch of colonials..... But when they finally did get into action they were unstopable....

Mike

Hi Mike,
Yes but they were all just so damm good! I think from memory, 8000 Canadians, 16,000 Australians and the 6500 New Zealanders and as I have already said on here today "Troublesome and Truculent" these colonials! I think they were superb!
Best regards Frank

QSAMIKE wrote: Good Morning Frank.....

It was the weeks of inactiviy of the sitting around Green Point camp waiting for new Hroses that bothered the men..... Also the British higher ups did not really know what to do with a bunch of colonials..... But when they finally did get into action they were unstopable....

Mike