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Letter to Lord Strathcona from Lt. Col. S.B. Steele - Oct. 4th, 1900 Pt. 2 12 years 6 months ago #5738
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Lydenburg,
October 4th., 1900 From - O.C. Strathcona's Horse To - The Rt. Hon. Lord Strathcona and Mount Royal My Lord, I have the honour to quote for your information extracts from the Regimental Diary from the 22nd September. Spitz Kop, Saturday, September 22nd. Part of "C" Squadron returned from Nel Spruit with convoy to-night. Nothing to report. Spitz Kop, Sunday, September 23rd. Church parade this morning, owing to "C" Squadron returning late last night they were excused. The force shifted camp this afternoon, commencing at 2 p.m. A road was taken over the rise to the right of Spitz Kop and a camping ground chosen on the high road. Near Spitz Kop, Monday, September 24th. Force halted to-day. The Regiment furnished a patrol of 50 men to proceed down the Nel Spruit road to meet an ox convoy as firing had been heard last night the patrol was sent as a precaution and to reinforce the infantry. No trouble was met with. Sabi Drift. Tuesday September 25th. We marched this morning at 10.30, reaching Sabi Drift early in afternoon and reported to G.O.C., 3rd Mtd. Brigade who marched several days to this point from Devil's Knuckles via the Sabi Valley. Wednesday, September 26th. Reveille at 4 a.m. On the move at 6.15. "B" Squadron which has been on duty at Glyn Lydenberg Mine since the 12th rejoined the Regiment before marching. The 4th Division Mounted Infantry was in advance. The enemy was reported to be in position on the rise where the road makes a sharp turn to the left towards Pilgrims Rest. When the advance reached this point the enemy opened fire with rifles and from one small quick firing gun. "A" Battery R.H.A. opened from the and the heavier guns farther back. The Devons supported by our guns attacked the left of the position and ascended the high kopje without loss. Blinde River, Thursday September 17th. The Regiment was on duty to-day marching in advance of Brigade at 5.45 a.m. The advance and flankers were occasionally sniped at but nothing of importance occurred until a point was reached 2 miles from the ridge overlooking the town of Pilgrim's Rest. Here the C.O. got orders from Sir Redvers Buller and Lord Dundonald that the column would bivouac at the place. The C.O. then sent back to Lord Dundonald for 50 men of the 4th M.I. to support the advance in scouting forward to the ridge over Pilgrim"s Rest. These men were required owing to the fact that our supply of men was exhausted. Lord Dundonald having withdrawn the support under Major Belcher and placed it on the high range some miles to the right and Mr. Christie's troop had been placed on the left. A support of two squadrons of the S.A.L.H. was sent under Major Brooks. Previous to this Sergt. Nelles with the scouts had been sent forward and accompanied by Capt. Phillips asst. Provost Marshal and Capt. Mackie, pushed into the town, which lay nestling in a deep ravine. They entered at a rapid pace through an extremely heavy fire but was fortunately without casualties. The mauser fire was the heaviest since Bergendal. The Town was taken possession of. Col.Chicester, Provost Marshal entered soon after with his Police and protected by "B" Squadron, held it all night. The work of all ranks to-day was excellent and especially that of Capt. Mackie, Sergt. Nelles and the scouts. Lord Dundonald expressed himself as particularly well pleased with it. Near Pilgrim's Rest Friday September 28th., With the exception of "B" Squadron, which was still on duty over the town the Regt. was on rear guard to-day and remained in our last night's bivouac until after nightfall, the marched in rear of transport to bivouac two miles beyond town at foot of long hill on Lydenburg road. A troop under Mr. Leckie was in town all day guarding the prisoners and attending to other duties all of which they performed to the satisfaction of the Provost Marshal. Morgengen Saturday September 29th. The Regiment was again on rear guard and remained at foot of hill until last of Transport had left. Morgengen Sunday September 30th. The force halted to-day to rest the transport animals. There was a church parade this morning. Kruger's Post Monday October 1st. We marched at 6 o'clock and the 3rd Mtd. Brigade in advance the Regiment as advance guard. The hills were picquetted on both sides as far as the Forks in the road. Here the reserve and support of the regiment being exhausted a support from the 4th Division M.I. was sent. They picquetted the two points south of the two farms. Part of the Regiment under Capt. Cartwright was on rear guard and the picquets on the hill were with drawn as the last of the transports passed. The column halted at Kruger's Post and as Capt. Cameron reported that the hills were picquetted by the 2nd cavalry Brigade and the infantry who had come in from Lydenburg. He was ordered to withdraw from his position beyond the town to camp which was in an open space commanded by a range of hills 5000 yards away. The hills look dangerous and the C.O. was on the point of bringing it to the notice of the G.O.C. 3rd Mounted Brigade when shells began to fall in the camp. Guns had been placed on the hills by the enemy. The horses were sent out to herd in as safe a place as possible. We then got orders to take shelter behind a low kopje on the left of the camp, which was done. The shelling of the Infantry continued until dark. After nightfall we were ordered back to camp. Supper was about ready when the shell began to fall again. Pte. Lord Edward Seymour of the Regt. was severely wounded by a shrapnel bullet and several horses were killed. This shelling necessitated the column moving on a couple of miles. The shelling not having ceased when we were ordered to move the C.O. directed the Regiment to march over the open ground to the right of Kruger's Post where the enemy had not thrown any shells. A force was sent out in the night to take the enemy's guns, but it was found, as expected, that they had been withdrawn. During the shelling two officers of the Devons and two men of the S.A.L.H. were killed. In all the casualties amounted to 18 killed and wounded. The behaviour of the men under such trying circumstances was very creditable it being one of the most awkward positions in which a mounted corps can be placed as there is no chance of retaliating and there is great danger of in bringing the horses into camp to saddle up. Lydenburg Tuesday October 2nd. Marched this morning at 6 a.m. the M.I. in advance. The day was without incident and we went into camp at 11.30 a.m. Lydenburg Wednesday October 3rd. It started to rain last night and continued all day, making it miserable for the men. We were under the impression that remounts would be ready here but we are only to be allowed our share of a lot, the whole of which would be inadequate. It is now believed that the Regiment will return to Canada. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient servant, S. B. STEELE, Lt. Col. Commanding, "Strathcona's Horse" Life Member
Past-President Calgary Military Historical Society O.M.R.S. 1591 |
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