THE SIEGE OF MAFEKING
President Kruger's Ultimatum having been accepted in its full
significance, General Cronje crossed the border and the telegraph wires
to Mafeking were cut. Mafeking is a smart little town on the
Bechuanaland Railway. It stands about eight miles from the Transvaal
border, about 200 miles north of Kimberley, and some 875 miles from Cape
Town. It is the headquarters of the Bechuanaland Border Police, a crack
corps, whose every member is thoroughly wide-awake and well versed in
the niceties of the guerilla style of warfare favoured of the Boers. In
the town is the "Surrey Hotel" and others; English, Dutch, and Wesleyan
churches; a cricket-ground and a racecourse. Its supplies, in time of
peace, are drawn from Dutch farms situated in the Marico Valley, while
its pure water is drawn from the springs at Rooi Grond in the Transvaal
territory.
Mafeking itself is less than a mile square. The railroad, running north
and south, takes a westerly bend as it crosses the Molopo River some 300
yards south of the town. In this westerly direction is a native Stadt, a
constellation of mushroom huts wherein the blacks congregate. To east,
north, and west the surrounding country is flat; elsewhere it rises and
affords a certain amount of cover. Towards the south-east is Sir Charles
Warren's old fort, named Cannon Kopje, which was viewed as the key of
the position and promptly rendered impregnable. In the north-west corner
of the town was the railway station, now useless; on the north-east, the
convent; on the south-east, Ellis House; and south-west, the Pound, near
which were the quarters of the British South African Police. The
population of the town consisted of some 2000 whites, while in the
Stadt, owing to the presence of native refugees, there were about 7000
blacks.
On the outbreak of hostilities, Colonel Baden-Powell, who had been sent
out on special service to South Africa to report on the defences of
Rhodesia, applied himself at once to face a situation which made demands
on all his extensive capabilities. In the very early days of the
investment he got guns into position and made dashing sorties,
determining to show the besiegers that they would not have what in
popular phrase is known as "a walk over." So great was the versatility
of this officer, that, while these energetic measures for the protection
of those around him were going forward, he yet managed to correct and
send home proofs of a "Manual on Scouting," a work at the moment most
interesting and precious to the military man, while to the layman it
makes as good reading as the "Adventures of Sherlock Holmes." In
Mafeking was also Major Lord Edward Cecil (Grenadier Guards), D.S.O.,
the fourth son of the Prime Minister--whose activity and energy were
remarkable, even in a community where those qualities were
ubiquitous--and Captain Gordon Wilson (Royal Horse Guards), with his
wife, Lady Sarah Wilson, a lady of much enterprise, to whose energies
the garrison owed not a little. Among others there were Colonel Hore
(South Staffordshire Regiment), Major Godley (Royal Dublin Fusiliers),
Captain Marsh (Royal West Kent Regiment), Captain Vernon (King's Royal
Rifles), Captain FitzClarence (Royal Fusiliers), Lord Charles
Cavendish-Bentinck (9th Lancers), the Hon. H. Hanbury-Tracy (Royal Horse
Guards), Lieut. Singleton (Highland Light Infantry), Captain the Hon. D.
Marsham (4th Bedfordshire Regiment), Captain Pechell (3rd King's Royal
Rifles), and Major Anderson (R.A.M.C.). There were in addition several
Colonial officers who proved themselves the soul of activity--notably
Captain Goodyear, Captain Nesbitt, V.C., Lieuts. Paton and Murchison,
and several others. Colonel Vyvyen and Major Panzera also worked like
Trojans to secure the safety of the town. Major Baillie of the _Morning
Post_ made himself useful in every capacity. Later on he forwarded a
description of the garrison which gave a good idea of the splendid plan
of organisation adopted. He said:--
"The town was garrisoned by the Cape Police under Captains
Brown and Marsh. These and the Railway Volunteers were under
Colonel Vivian, while Cannon Kopje was entrusted to Colonel
Walford and the B.S.A.P. Colonel Baden-Powell retained one
squadron of the Protectorate Regiment as reserve under his own
immediate control. These arrangements were subsequently much
augmented. After the convent had been practically demolished by
shell-fire, and the railway line all round the town pulled up
or mined during the close investment by the Boers, the small
work was erected at the convent corner, garrisoned by the Cape
Police and a Maxim under Lieutenant Murray, who was also put in
charge of the armoured train, which had been withdrawn to the
railway station out of harm's way.
"The Railway Volunteers garrisoned the cemetery, and had an
advance trench about 800 yards to the front and immediately to
the right of the line. To the westward came Fort Cardigan, and
then again Fort Miller; to the south-west was Major Godley's
Fort, at the north of the native stadt, with Fort Ayr, and an
advance fort crowning the down to the northern end of the
stadt, and though rather detached, having command of the view
for a great distance. To the south of the northern portion of
the stadt the Cape Police were intrenched with a Maxim, and 500
yards to the west front of Captain Marsh's post lay Limestone
Fort, commanding the valley, on the other side of which lay the
Boer laager and intrenchments. At the south-western corner, and
on the edge of the stadt Captain Marsh's fort was situated. The
whole of the edge of the stadt was furnished with loopholes and
trenches, and was garrisoned by the native inhabitants. Near
the railway were situated two armoured trucks with a
Nordenfeldt, and Cannon Kopje with two Maxims and a 7-pounder
lay to the south-east. And now to the immediate defences of the
town. At the south-western corner is the Pound, garrisoned by
Cape Police under Captain Marsh, then eastwards is Early's
Fort, Dixon's Redan, Ball's Fort, Ellis's corner, with Maxim
and Cape Police, under Captain Brown. On the eastern front are
Ellitson's Kraal, Musson's Fort, De Kock's Fort with Maxim,
Recreation Ground Fort. To the left of the convent lies the
Hospital Fort. All these, unless otherwise mentioned, are
defended by the Town Guard."
Operations began on the 12th with an episode that cannot afford to be
forgotten. It was discovered that two trucks of dynamite were in the
station yard, and it was at once decided, for the safety of the
population, that they must be removed. An engine was, therefore,
despatched in charge of a plucky driver (Perry) for the purpose of
conveying the trucks into the open, where they might explode without
danger to the town. While he was engaged in the work of deporting the
destructive material, the enemy suddenly appeared and commenced to fire.
Perry, with the utmost coolness, a coolness which in the circumstances
was nothing less than heroism, uncoupled his engine, and leaving the
trucks to their fate, steamed back to the town. Before he could reach
his destination, however, the shock of an awful detonation greeted his
ears. The Boers had again fired on the trucks, believing them to be full
of passengers, and, as a natural consequence, the dynamite had exploded!
The garrison, numbering from 800 to 1000, now began to furbish itself
up, to arm and practise with the rifle. The old forts round the place
were put into repair, and the armoured train, with a Maxim gun and a
Nordenfeldt, was made ready for coming excursions. Nothing was
neglected. It was well known that the Boers looked upon the town as
their personal property, and when it came to fighting, meant to make it
so--if they could! The two available regiments, the Protectorate
Regiment and the Mounted Police, spent most of their time manoeuvring,
with a view to awakening the intelligent interests of the ranks and
instructing the men on the nature of the ground in the vicinity. Colonel
Baden-Powell lost no opportunity of preparing for the gallant Cronje,
and, in order to show that he did not mean to be caught napping, some
nights were passed by the garrison in their day kit.
On the 12th October an armoured train that was escorting two light guns
of old pattern from the Cape to Mafeking was seized by the Boers, who
had torn up the rails at Kraalpan. They pounded the machine with
artillery, and captured it with guns and men in charge--all, save the
engine-driver, being made prisoners. Lieutenant Nesbitt was wounded and
the driver lost five fingers. The latter escaped through hiding himself
in the sand and thus avoiding observation. In Mafeking itself the
Sisters of the Roman Catholic Convent busied themselves. These noble
women refused to leave the place, electing to remain face to face with
danger in order to nurse the sick. Many of the houses were converted
into hospitals, all the streets were barred with waggons, and even the
inhabitants of the town were supplied with rifles and taught the use of
them. The telegraph wires were now cut at Maribogo, some forty miles
south of Mafeking. The bridge that crossed the Molopo River above
Mafeking was next blown up by the Boers with tremendous uproar. Still
the inhabitants were not dismayed. They had implicit confidence in their
commander and worked incessantly. As a defensive position, Kimberley,
whose history will be told later, had the advantage of Mafeking. The
refuse heaps from the mines at the former place served as natural
fortifications. But Mafeking was in one way fairly secure: its troops,
though few, were efficient, and owing to its not being the abode of Mr.
Rhodes, it was no longer looked upon by the Boers as the most attractive
prize of the war. Besides this, Colonel Baden-Powell's plans of defence
were very complete.
The town was divided into sections, each one of which had its separate
arrangements for defence. The perimeter was about six miles in
circumference. Huge earthworks were thrown up. Shelters were built, with
panellings and roofings of corrugated iron. Colonel Baden-Powell had
decided to hold the town, and declared that if he should hold it at all,
his grip should be a firm one. For himself, he constructed a bomb-proof
bureau, where his literary work could safely be pursued, if need be, to
the accompaniment of a score of guns, and round him were telephonic
communications with each of his outposts. He had also a private
signaller placed with telescope on the watch to inform him of outside
doings and forewarn the garrison in case of assault. Wire communications
were arranged so that each discharge of a shell might be reported by an
alarum, in order that inhabitants of the threatened quarter might have
time to burrow in places of safety. During the daytime the bell of the
signaller was actively employed, but at night the Boers seldom bombarded
the place, and its inhabitants were free to emerge from their
hiding-places and breathe the fresh air.
Fortunately in the matter of food much foresight had been exercised.
With everything against him, Colonel Baden-Powell had succeeded in
making provision for, if necessary, a prolonged state of siege.
[Illustration: COLONEL ROBERT S. S. BADEN-POWELL, THE DEFENDER OF
MAFEKING.
Photo by Elliott & Fry, London.]
At daylight on the 14th, the whole garrison was on the alert. Reports
declared the Boers to be advancing on the south. Firing was at the
same time heard from the north, and Lord Charles Cavendish-Bentinck was
reported to be in action. While the firing continued the armoured train
was hurriedly got in readiness, and started with the object of engaging
the enemy.
The crew of the leading truck, "Firefly," consisted of a detachment of
the British South African Police and Railway Volunteers, Captain Ashley
Williams himself being in command, Mr. Gwayne being the driver of the
engine, and Mr. A. Moffat acting as stoker. The second truck was in
charge of Lieutenant More, an engineer on the Bechuanaland Railway. No.
1 truck was armed with a Maxim, and its crew mostly with Lee-Metfords.
Truck No. 2, which carried another Maxim, rejoiced in the name of
"Wasp." A third truck, the "Gun," carried a Hotchkiss. The crew of the
trucks numbered barely fifteen in each. The train, after passing Lord
Charles Bentinck's squadron, who hailed it with a cheer and various
humorous sallies, came on the enemy, about 500 strong, to right front of
the trucks.
A fierce interchange of bullets followed, the Mafeking party firing with
such success that the enemy cautiously withdrew into the distance; still
they kept up a rattling fire against the armour of the train, which
careered up and down the line for some time with imperturbable yet
cheerful activity. Presently, however, Colonel Baden-Powell despatched
Captain FitzClarence with a squadron of men to cover its retreat, but
before this could be effected the Boers again appeared, and a determined
engagement ensued. Some sharp fighting took place, and Captain
FitzClarence, though ordered to return to Mafeking, was unable to do so
without reinforcements on account of the number of his wounded. The
phonophore having been connected with the railway line, a telegraph
message to this effect was sent to headquarters. Thereupon Lord Charles
Bentinck was ordered to take his squadron to the relief of Captain
FitzClarence. Meanwhile Captain Ashley Williams and a party of the South
African Police alighted from the train, and went unarmed to the
assistance of the wounded. Among these was Lieutenant Brady of
Queenstown. Soon, the helpless were removed into the trucks, and the
train was steaming on its return to Mafeking after having done great
execution among the enemy.
Travelling in an armoured train, even when you are not wounded, is
scarcely an enjoyable experience; indeed, it may be described as one of
the most superb tests of warrior qualities. The machine itself resembles
a species of tank-truck, boxed round with seven-feet high walls of iron
or steel, without doors or windows, and with no covering for the
occupants save the dome of heaven. You climb in and you climb out as you
would into a bath, by hanging on to the loopholes made for the rifles,
and planting your feet on the exterior ridges that act as steps for the
nimble toe. Once in, there is comparative safety. From all sides there
is shelter from rifle-fire save when going down-hill below the enemy,
who can then with ease pour cascades of bullets upon the heads of the
travellers. The machine is painted kharki colour to make it less
observable to the enemy, and has the distinction of being quite the
ugliest of the many ugly inventions of modern science. Occasionally the
exterior is of varied hue--particularly in green country, when it is
made to look verdant and covered with boughs to give it an arboreal
aspect, and render its shape less observable. But the ugliness and
inconvenience of the train are nothing to the dangers it may have to
encounter. The occupant may find himself surrounded by a party of the
enemy before he has been a mile out from his base; he may find the rail
cut behind him; he may steam straight into an ambush at any moment, or
be blown up before he can wink. It has rightly been called a "death
trap," for it provides chances of dissolution many and varied.
But notwithstanding these risks, the machine was at this time
continually in use, and the pluck of the defenders of Mafeking rose
superior to all tests. The engagement of the 14th, with all its
thrilling and painful experience, bore good fruit; for all felt that the
encounter had been beneficial in many ways, more especially in
strengthening the sense of security that everywhere began to prevail. To
show how much courage and determination was the order of the course, it
must be noted, in somewhat Irish phrase, that the manning of the town
was assisted by women, some of whom refused to go into laager, but
elected to handle their Lee-Metfords for the protection of themselves
and their companions.
In the engagement of this day, Lord Charles Cavendish-Bentinck and
Lieutenant Brady were both slightly wounded. Major Baillie had a narrow
escape, his horse having been shot under him, while his water-bottle was
also struck by a bullet. In the evening Colonel Baden-Powell issued a
general order congratulating the A and L squadrons, commanded by Captain
FitzClarence and Lord Charles Bentinck, and the crew of the armoured
train, under Captain Williams and Lieutenant More, for their highly
creditable performances.
About this time some discomfort and anxiety was occasioned by the fact
that water became scarce in the town, owing to the Boers having taken
possession of a fountain from which the inhabitants were supplied.
Still, as Colonel Baden-Powell is an officer of genius, full of resource
and infinite capacity for taking pains, all had confidence that he would
not allow himself to be overcome by a temporary difficulty, and that he
and his would emerge from all tests much as Colonel Pearson and his
gallant party emerged from the ordeal of Eshowe. So the water difficulty
was soon settled. Under Major Hepworth's supervision all the wells were
cleaned out, and Sir Charles Warren's old well re-opened. On the 16th
of October Commandant Cronje's commandoes took up a position among the
thorns above the racecourse and opened fire on the town. Then a Boer
party bearing a flag of truce was sent by Cronje to demand surrender to
avoid further bloodshed. "Certainly, but when will bloodshed begin?"
asked Colonel Baden-Powell, who, alive to all the little dodges of his
enemies, knowingly kept the Burgher messenger blindfolded while he
formulated his reply. Of course he meant to hold out, and he said so in
round terms, and the Burgher departed discomfited and without having
secured a plan of the fortifications! Subsequently some Boer Krupp
batteries were brought up to cover the town, to impress those concerned
and to show that the enemy meant business. But the bombardment so far
was not fraught with much damage, for Colonel Baden-Powell, telegraphing
on the 21st, thus comically described the situation: "All well. Four
hours' bombardment. One dog killed."
[Illustration: TYPES OF ARMS--15-POUNDER FIELD-GUN. PHOTO BY CRIBB,
SOUTHSEA.]
The Boers had now begun to penetrate to Tuli in Rhodesia. Tuli is the
nearest post on the north to Transvaal territory. It stands on a river
that comes down from the Matopo Hills, and joins the Limpopo about
twenty miles beyond the town, which commands the cross-roads from the
Transvaal to Buluwayo and from Mafeking to Victoria. The troops here
were under the command of Colonel Plumer, who, from the time that
Mafeking was besieged, was untiring in his efforts to come to the
rescue. With Colonel Plumer were the following officers: Majors Pilsen
and Bird, Captain Maclaren (13th Hussars), the notable polo-player,
Captain Blackburn (Cameronians), Captain Rolt (York and Lancashire
Regiment), Lieutenant Rankin (7th Hussars), Lieutenant French (Royal
Irish Regiment), and several others.
On the 19th of October a party of the enemy was suddenly met on the
Rhodesian side of the river by a reconnoitring patrol. The Dutchmen
fired on the patrol, wounding a trooper. Captain Glynn went off for the
purpose of locating the enemy, and discovered the presence of a Boer
column in his neighbourhood. Two days later a smart skirmish took place
between a strong patrol and the enemy, who was encountered at Rhodes's
Drift, with the result that two troopers were killed and two wounded.
The Boers afterwards took up a strong position on a kopje at Pont's
Drift, fired in a dastardly manner on Major Pilsen, Sergeant Shepstone,
and his party while they were removing dead and wounded to an ambulance
and a cart brought for the purpose, and their work of mercy had to be
carried on under the most trying and aggravating conditions. There were
also some skirmishes at Crocodile River. An armoured train got within
about 1500 yards of a Boer laager three miles south of Crocodile Poort.
Captain Blackburn (Cameronians) was seriously wounded and died on the
road to Tuli, whither the British retired by Colonel Plumer's orders. It
is satisfactory to note that Sergeant Shepstone, who gallantly came to
Captain Blackburn's assistance, received his commission.
Skirmishing took place at odd intervals, and Colonel Plumer continued to
send reconnoitring parties up and down the river. On many occasions
these were fired upon, but without serious result. On the 28th, however,
Captains White and Glynn reconnoitred a kopje at Pont's Drift--each
approaching the hill on a different side--whereupon a brisk skirmish
ensued, when five of their men were shot by the enemy and four wounded.
Later on, after his reconnaissance westward along the Crocodile River,
Colonel Plumer returned to Tuli. Boer commandoes were at that time
supposed to have retired to the neighbourhood of either Pietersburg or
Mafeking. Colonel Spreckley's camp was shelled by the enemy on the 3rd
of November, and the mules and horses belonging to the squadron promptly
stampeded.
To return to Mafeking. The Boers had now begun their activities, and
miniature artillery duels were continually taking place between the
British and the enemy. More guns were brought to bear upon the position
by Cronje and his gang, and they set to work to do as much damage as
possible. The Convent was hit, but no one was injured. Finally, after
several days of bombardment and reciprocated shelling, Colonel
Baden-Powell decided to give the enemy a taste of cold steel. A council
of war was held, and on the 27th of October a most courageous night
attack was made on the Boer trenches by Captain FitzClarence. As
darkness descended, the little force stole noiselessly out of their
stronghold with fixed bayonets, creeping like cats along the veldt,
breath even being almost suspended lest a sound should put the enemy on
guard. Then, on a given signal--a whistle from Captain FitzClarence--the
men dashed forward on the foe, cheering lustily, while from the town the
echoes and the voices of anxious watchers gave back cheer for cheer. The
tussle was short and sharp. It was a case of fifty desperate men with
fifty bayonets dealing destruction to a roaring rabble under the
tarpaulins! Then came a storm of hostile bullets from the rear of the
trenches, a swift reply from the attacking party, followed by Captain
FitzClarence's whistle, "Cease fire. Scatter homeward." Under a
withering fire the forces obeyed, returning as they went, in silence and
in darkness. Then came the roll-call. Six were killed and eleven
wounded, but of the latter all returned, none being left on the field.
Here we may read Colonel Baden-Powell's general order:--
"The Colonel commanding wishes to record his high appreciation
of the dash with which the attack on the enemy's trenches was
carried out last night by D squadron of the Protectorate
Regiment, under Captain FitzClarence, supported by the Cape
Police under Lieutenant Murray. The whole operation was
executed exactly as was wanted, and the results, though gained
at the cost of several gallant lives, were entirely successful
and of great value. By this action the intention of the enemy
to push their intrenchments to within rifle distance of the
town has been checked, and the heavy loss that they have
sustained has given them a wholesome fear of the dash of our
men, and they have had an introduction to cold steel such as
will not encourage them willingly to face it again. The
steadiness of the Town-Guard on the east front was noticeable
later in the night, when the enemy had a scare, and broke into
wild firing, to which the guard made reply.--By order (Signed)
E. H. CECIL, Major, C.S.O."
After this the Boers brought a big gun to bear on the position, and
blazed away at a distance of seven miles from the town. Out of sixteen
shells only one struck. This set fire to a store. The huge weapon
evidently proved a white elephant, for before long the besiegers, much
to the joy of the besieged, ceased their attempts to work it.
But heavy bombardment still took place. The Boer hosts attacked the town
from three sides at once and were steadily repulsed by the British
Maxims. All through the week Cronje's commandoes indulged in desultory
rifle-fire, now and again throwing a shell by way of variety, to which
attentions Colonel Baden-Powell and his smart garrison responded with
such zest and animation, that the Boers, discomfited, declared that the
place contained "not men, but devils!"
On Tuesday, the 31st of October, in the early hours of the morning, some
hard fighting again took place. Colonel Walford and his detachment of
the British South African Police held the fort called Cannon Kopje
against an advance of the enemy, made under cover of four heavy guns and
one 100-pounder. The affair ended in an entire defeat of the Dutchmen,
but not before some gallant lives were sacrificed. The following order,
issued the same day by Colonel Baden-Powell, describes the action:--
"The detachment of British South African Police forming the
garrison at Cannon Kopje under the command of Colonel Walford,
have this day performed a brilliant service by the gallant and
determined stand made by them on their post in the face of a
very hot shell-fire from the enemy. The intention of the Boers
had been, after getting their guns and attacking force into
position during the night, to storm Cannon Kopje at daybreak,
and thence to bombard the south-east position of the town and
carry it with a large force. They collected in the Molopo
Valley. Their whole scheme has been defeated by the gallant
resistance made by the garrison at Cannon Kopje, who not only
refused to budge from their position under a cross-fire of
artillery, but succeeded in inflicting such losses on the enemy
as compelled them to retreat. In this way they were assisted by
the timely and well-directed fire of a seven-pounder, under
Lieutenant Murchison. The Colonel Commanding deplores the loss
of the gallant officers and men who fell this day. By the death
of the Hon. Douglas Henry Marsham and Captain Charles Alexander
Kerr Pechell, Her Majesty loses two officers of exceptional
promise and soldier-like qualifications. The Colonel Commanding
believes he is giving voice to the feeling of the whole
Mafeking garrison in expressing the deepest sympathy with the
British South African Police in their loss. At the same time he
congratulates Colonel Walford and his men on their brilliant
achievement."
A pathetic funeral followed, the honoured dead being wrapped in the
Union Jack, and buried by the grim light of a lantern, while the Rector
and Roman Catholic Chaplain each said over the graves the last solemn
words according to the rites of his Church. There was no Dead March, nor
were any volleys fired, but the dumb grief of the community told its own
tale of mourning.
[Illustration: NIGHT SORTIE FROM MAFEKING.
Drawing by R. Caton Woodville.]
KIMBERLEY
Kimberley, as has been said, is by no means a picturesque place. On
first acquaintance it appears to be surrounded by redoubts or forts,
being dotted with mounds of greyish slag, technically called "tailings,"
which represent the refuse soil from which the diamondiferous ore has
been extracted. The buildings are somewhat formal and unpleasing, being
for the most part of corrugated iron, and conveying the impression that
they are constructed with a view to being carried off at any moment.
There are a few private residences, which the orthodox house-agent
might style "handsome" or "commodious." The hotel is merely useful as a
place for passengers to alight at and depart from, and that it is no
more may be accounted for by the fact that Kimberley hospitality is so
double-handed that visitors are seldom left to the tender mercies of
public caterers. The Kimberley Club dispenses hospitality royally, and
for this reason travellers are made independent of outside luxury. Round
Kimberley are the suburbs of Beaconsfield, Kenilworth, and Gladstone.
Beaconsfield, which was once a growing town, has become stunted, while
Kenilworth has blossomed forth under the auspices of Mr. Rhodes.
When the Boer Ultimatum was pronounced, all eyes turned naturally in the
direction of the Diamond City, and as naturally the Diamond City, under
the direction of Colonel Kekewich, prepared to defend itself. The
population to be protected numbered some 33,000, of whom 19,000 were
blacks. Among these latter were 4000 women. At that time it was doubtful
if the Zulus, Matabeles, and Basutos were to be trusted, and
consequently the position of the Colonel in supreme command was one of
great responsibility. Fortunately the place was stocked with arms and
ammunition, though the number of the regulars was absolutely inadequate
to the requirements of so large an area.
The Imperial garrison sent to Kimberley for the defence only consisted
of the 23rd Company Royal Garrison Artillery, with six 7-pounder
mountain guns, Major Chamier commanding; one section of the 7th Field
Company Royal Engineers, under Lieutenant M'Clintock; Captain Gorle and
three non-commissioned officers and men of the Army Service Corps, and
the headquarters and four companies of the Loyal North Lancashire
Regiment, under Major Murray; in all, 564 officers and men. The staff
included Lieutenant-Colonel Kekewich, North Lancashire Regiment,
commanding; Major Scott-Turner, Royal Highlanders (staff officer);
Captain O'Meara, Royal Engineers (Intelligence Officer); and Lieutenant
MacInnes, Royal Engineers. The volunteer forces, when first called out
for active service, consisted of one battery Diamond Fields Artillery,
six 7-pounder field-guns, Major May, 3 officers, and 90 rank and file;
Diamond Fields Horse, Major Rodger, 6 officers, 142 rank and file;
Kimberley Regiment, Colonel Finlayson, 14 officers, 285 rank and
file:--total all ranks, 1060.
The whole garrison was reviewed, and a town-guard was formed at
Beaconsfield, under the command of Major Fraser. Colonel Harris
commanded the Volunteers, most of these being employees of the De Beers
mines. Preparations were made for the arrival of Mr. Cecil Rhodes, who
was hastening to the scene of his early life-work, and for whose body,
alive or dead, it was reported the Boers had sent out an offer of
L5000. The artillery was exercised and defences were erected on all
sides. Ladies and children made haste to leave by every train, but one
lady of note, the Hon. Mrs. Rochfort Maguire, remained. The Commandant
of Kimberley gave orders that trees should be felled and the bush
cleared, in order to open a fine field for firing, the garrison to a man
exerting themselves so as to give a warm reception to the enemy directly
he should show a head above the kopje. On the 12th of October Mr. Cecil
Rhodes arrived. His entry was somewhat melodramatic, as his train was
delayed and spies were actually on the platform lying in wait for him.
Fortunately he was not recognised. The magnetism of his presence added
fresh zest to the proceedings in the town, while the calm confidence of
his bearing became absolutely infectious. In fact, he soon delighted
every one by stating that he considered Kimberley to be every bit "as
safe as Piccadilly." At this time the town was well provisioned and the
mines were kept working. Most of the garrison occupied the brigade
grounds, while the detachment of regulars and the Kimberley regiments
were stationed at the Sanatorium. The Town-Guard soon numbered 2000.
Skirmishing took place on Friday, the 14th of October, and on the
following day there were more encounters. One squadron in an armoured
train was held up by the Boers, and their attack was supported by a
second force. The second squadron of the Protectorate regiment grandly
repelled the attack. The train, in which were several Imperial officers,
was uninjured. The Boer artillery gave way at last, and the forces
withdrew, but not before having sustained heavy loss.
On the 15th a proclamation was made establishing martial law in
Griqualand West and Bechuanaland. Persons not members of the defending
forces were ordered to register their firearms, and no one was allowed
to leave their houses between nine at night and six in the morning. The
canteens without permits were opened only for a few hours during the
day. Death was to be the punishment for acts contrary to civilised
warfare. Fourteen Streams and Vryburg were now evacuated, the police
detachments retiring from them on Kimberley.
In order to maintain internal order, Colonel Kekewich divided the town
into four sub-districts, and the people were cautioned against holding
communication with the Queen's enemies. The consumption of meat was
regulated, each man being allowed 1 lb. daily, while the exports of
foodstuffs and forage were prohibited. Roads were closed, and no one
without authority or a permit was allowed to pass in or out. The
defences everywhere were strengthened.
On the 21st of October, an armoured train that went out to reconnoitre
discovered the enemy in the neighbourhood of Spyfontein. A proclamation
having been issued by the Boers at Vryburg annexing Bechuanaland, most
probably for the purpose of impressing the disloyal Dutch, Colonel
Kekewich forthwith issued another, threatening that British subjects
found assisting the Queen's enemies would be summarily dealt with as
base rebels. He also declared that, in spite of the hoisting of the
Vierkleur in Vryburg, the status of British subjects in Griqualand and
Bechuanaland would remain unaltered. An armoured train was again engaged
on this date, but only one man was killed. Two trucks of dynamite,
however, which had been safely removed, were blown up by the Boers. The
town was now completely isolated, the railway line being cut north and
south.
On the 24th inst. the garrison, supported by two armoured trains, had a
fresh and an exceedingly animated encounter with the enemy. Colonel
Scott Turner and 270 mounted volunteers marched north to Macfarlane's
Farm. There they off-saddled and kept a look-out for the Boers. Soon
afterwards they appeared, and Colonel Turner opened fire. The Boers
promptly intrenched themselves behind a sandheap, and from thence kept
up a hot fusilade. To Colonel Turner's assistance there came the Loyal
North Lancashire Regiment, followed at noon by their Colonel--Colonel
Murray--with two guns, two Maxims, and 70 mounted men.
[Illustration: AN ARMOURED TRAIN]
The Boers advanced on Colonel Murray and tried to cut off the party, and
in endeavouring to frustrate their efforts Colonel Turner found himself
in the thick of a furious fire which burst from a dam wall 500 yards on
his left.
The British guns promptly began to blaze on the enemy, who very briskly
responded. In the end, however, they were compelled to fall back. At
this juncture the Lancashires, whose pluck and dexterity were
magnificent throughout, hastily occupied the position, fixed bayonets,
and gallantly drove off the enemy whenever he turned to make a stand.
The fight, which was in every way a brilliant success, lasted four long
hours. The British loss was three killed and twenty-one wounded, while
that of the Boers was considerable. Commandant Botha was said to be
among the killed. During this engagement Kimberley, as may be imagined,
was in a state of frantic excitement, and the return of the troops was
looked for by swarms of people, including women, who crowded the
trenches and received the gallant defenders with great enthusiasm. Mr.
Rhodes afterwards made an amusing speech to the Volunteers, complimented
them on their splendid work, and explained that there was one man whom
the Boers wished to capture, and that man was himself. Owing to the
efficiency of the troops, however, he declared that he rejoiced in a
sense of complete security. Cheers followed, for the Queen, the
Governor, Mr. Rhodes, and the officers of the corps. After this things
were fairly quiet, though the garrison remained on the alert. Lord
Methuen, it became known, had started from the Orange River on the 22nd,
and was daily decreasing the distance between his relieving force and
the town; and, in order to meet his energetic advance, the Boers were
unable to afford a sufficient number of troops to force the town into
surrender. So Kimberley kept up its spirits--it viewed life with "one
auspicious and one drooping eye"--mingling the discharge of guns with
the chime of marriage-bells. This is no figure of speech, for there was
actually a wedding--two people, at least, having found time to be
romantic in their love amid the storm and stress of war. A dance and a
concert also took place. Indeed, things were conducted with such high
spirit and in so convivial a manner that it might have been imagined
that the Boers were commissioned to supply the fireworks, and that a
species of "Brock's benefit" was got up whenever events were inclined to
wax monotonous. Reports computed the investing force at 4000, and it was
further stated that General Cronje's commando would be reinforced by the
arrival of some 1500 more. Yet the gallant little town smiled within
itself and said "The more the merrier." Colonel Scott Turner made a
reconnaissance on the 1st of November, found the enemy posted on a
kopje, was thundered at with thirteen shells, but returned with his
force in safety. On the 4th of November Commandant Wessels invited
Colonel Kekewich to hand over the troops and town on pain of
bombardment. The exact terms of the invitation are not known, but some
portions of the communication were as follows:--
"In case your Honour should determine not to comply with this
demand, I hereby request your Honour to allow all women and
children to leave Kimberley, so that they may be placed out of
danger, and for this purpose your Honour is granted time from
noon on Saturday, November 4, 1899, to 6 A.M. on Monday,
November 6, 1899. I further give notice that during that time I
shall be ready to receive all Afrikander families who wish to
remove from Kimberley, and also to offer liberty to depart to
all women and children of other nations desirous of leaving."
The Boers soon began to receive the reinforcements which have been
mentioned. These came from the direction of Mafeking, that place having
proved too much a "spitfire" for their liking. As a last resource, they
directed their attention to Kimberley, and by way of exercise blew up
some L3000 worth of dynamite which was stored in some huts belonging to
the De Beers Company. While these exciting events were taking place, and
with the roar of intermittent explosions in his ears, Mr. Rhodes pursued
a placid way. His labours were eminently horticultural--at least so they
appeared on the surface. He engaged himself at Kenilworth, the suburb
which he may be said to have created, in planting an avenue a mile long
with orange-trees, espalier vines, and pepper-trees. It was called his
Siege Avenue. There was suggestion in the arrangement, and the mind
instinctively conjured up visions of mystery--mystery somewhat prolonged
and clinging, with spice of a stimulating kind thrown in.
News from the Orange River, which came in by fits and starts, hinted
that after the evacuation of Colesberg would come the abandonment of
Stormberg. Stormberg was intended to be the depot where stores, tents,
ammunition, and all the commissariat details of the Third Division under
General Gatacre would be accumulated. These stores, owing to the Boer
advance from Bethulie and Aliwal North, were now being removed to
Queenstown, some sixty miles down the line.