TOPIC:

To continue

Murray's Australian Contingents tells us that shortly after the 6th Contingent landed at Durban on 19041901, the 5th and 6th Contingents were amalgamated; the men of the 6th forming "F" Sqn. of the resulting batallion. Readers will perhaps forgive IL for assuming that 584 Tpr. Mundy remained with his Squadron for the duration of his SA service; there is no evidence otherwise and there does not appear to have been any merging of sub units. Nevertheless, it is an assumption.

Several sources allow us to track some of the activities of "F" Sqn. whilst in the field. Both Muray and Stirling are quite useful; so is "The War with Johnny Boer" by Chamberlain and Droogleever (ISBN 1-876439-02-5). "F" Sqn is specifically mentioned in one account as being a component of a force making an early morning march and capturing DeWet's convoy and securing several prisoners at Graspan on 06061901. The convoy contained an esatimated six months' suplies and - anticipating a counter attack - after capture it was laagered by the Bushmen and men of the 6th M.I.

Just as well, for what was at first taken to be a relief from the main column turned out to be the notable Boer leader and between three and four hundred of his Burghers. Fighting took place at close quarters and the convoy was partially recaptured at one point - but regained when the real reinforcements and a pom-pom arrived. This information is derived from a letter written by a man who served with the 5th SAIB and published in "The War with Johnny Boer".
"The attack on the convoy, Graspan, near Reitz 6th June, 1901" Caton-Woodville's illustration.


"Guarding Boer prisoners, Graspan near Reitz 6th June, 1901. Caton-Woodville's illustration.

On 01081901, "D" and "F" sqns of the SAIB (commanded by Capt. Shea, ISC) left the camp at Commando drift for a night march to the banks of the Vet river when several fires were seen near buildings later identified as Grootvlei/Grootvallier farm. As dawn broke, bayonets were fixed (one account says whilst on horseback!) and the order to charge was given. Unseen fencing wire somewhat disrupted the impetus of what would have been a classic dawn attack and - minus five killed and eleven captured (including Field Cornet Wolmarans of Potchefstroom) - most of the enemy scattered into the thick scrub.

"DeLisle's force stopped by a wire fence" - relates to Grootvallier. Illustration by Caton-Woodville.
In the initial assault, two SAIB's were wounded - however the Major's Indian servant was killed and despite a good search through the SAFF Casualty list, it is regretted that the servant's name cannot be easablished at this time. As daylight broke, the scattered enemy had recovered their wits (later information revealed that the attacked laager was that of General Smuts) and a counter attack was expected. Reinforcements were sent for and the farm and buildings were fortified as best as could be. Happily for them, the relief arrived at 0900 the next morning.
End fo Part 2.

The roll certainly does show the units merged and their gallant commander, as you mentioned, now newly promoted to field rank.