"War declared to-night, October 10th, 1899, by old Kruger. So much the
better, this intolerable waiting is over." This I find is the entry in
my diary for that date, but little did I know we were about to commence
the "Siege of Mafeking"--a much more intolerable wait, with the
additional pleasure of being fired at without the chance of returning it
with effect.
Till you have experienced it no one (at least I hadn't) has any idea how
trying it is to exist without news of the outside world.
On October 11th nothing happened. On the 12th, the Protectorate
Regiment under Colonel Hore took up a position on the eastern heights,
which overlook the town and waited attack. The Boers, however, did not
arrive.
In the meantime the town defences under Colonel Vyvyan and Major Panzera
were progressing apace. We had only quite recently been enabled to do
anything in that direction, owing to the repressive policy of the Bond
Ministry. Therefore the defences at this time consisted merely of a few
breastworks, wagons drawn across the ends of roads leading on to the
market square, and a few strands of barbed wire fastened up on these
points.
October 13th, 1899. In the morning the same programme; the Boers
reported to the south and also to the north. Whilst lying on the
heights--if they can be so called--we saw a magnificent sight. For
safety two trucks of dynamite were being run up to a northern siding
clear of the town. About eight miles out the Boers commenced firing.
The engine-driver uncoupled his trucks and ran his engine back towards
the town. The Boers closed in and continued firing, thinking it was the
armoured train. Result--a terrific explosion, a column of smoke
shooting up into the air and mushrooming out until it became a vast
cloud in the clear blue sky. In the afternoon I went out in the armoured
train to inspect the damage, but they had pulled up the line short of
the spot. We opened with a Maxim on the body of Boers engaged in
inspecting the hole and bagged a couple. The remainder galloped in the
utmost confusion towards their laager.
The armoured train had previously been out in the morning due south and
bagged one, and went out again in the same direction on its return,
under Captain Williams, and secured another.
October 14th, 1899. The fight to-day may be summarized thus: Boers
firing on the picquets; Boer retirement harassed by the armoured train,
which was eventually supported by one squadron, which engaged the
retreating Boers heavily. The Boers tried to cut them off, but the
arrival of another squadron and a seven-pounder settled the matter.
Their attack was repelled with great loss, and we retired to our lines.
Whilst we were at breakfast firing was heard in the direction of the
cemetery to the north of the town, and shortly afterwards increased in
volume; then came the bark of the Maxim, the boom of heavy guns and the
increasing rattle of musketry. D squadron of the Protectorate Regiment
was ordered out to support the armoured train. We waited on the Market
Square knowing nothing, hearing only the heavy fire.
What had transpired was this: a squadron of the Protectorate Regiment
commanded by Lord Charles Bentinck had furnished a strong patrol to
discover the whereabouts of the Boers. He happened to come upon them
about four miles out. They promptly pursued and tried to cut him off.
The Corporal with his right flank patrol galloped on to the armoured
train, and on his own initiative directed it to move out in support.
The Boers were driven back, hotly engaged by the armoured train, in
charge of Captain Williams, British South Africa Police, a train which
was constructed and conducted by Lieutenant More, Railway Volunteers.
The train drove their artillery from two positions; their shells burst
all round, under and over the train, and, strange to say, only two men
were slightly scratched.
[Illustration: THE CREW OF THE H.M.S. "FIREFLY."]
At that period Captain Fitzclarence arrived, and engaged the Boers who
were withdrawing, firing at the armoured train, towards their own
laager. To explain the situation now, I must describe the field of
battle. The railway runs due north and south of Mafeking. The Boers'
laager about eight miles N.N.E. of the town. The train had driven the
enemy about five miles and a half back from the town, therefore by this
divergence, when Captain Fitzclarence came into action he had perforce
lost the effective support of the train, and the squadron fought on its
own account. It numbered about seventy men: it faced about five or six
hundred. Two orderlies were sent to Captain Fitzclarence and the
armoured train to tell them to fall back, one on a bicycle who was
captured, and the other on horseback.
Now to show the advantage of khaki as a fighting colour on the
well-bleached Veldt. The horseman rode up to the Boers and was fired
upon. He then galloped along the front of, and through and along the
rear of our own men without seeing a man, delivered his message to the
armoured train, and returned to seek his invisible friends
unsuccessfully. His horse was shot, and he returned to Mafeking on an
engine. In at least two instances he was within thirty yards of his own
men and could not see them. The dark clothing of the Boers is, however,
more conspicuous, but with smokeless powder and khaki the firing line
even at short ranges is invisible as a target.
To return to the actual fight. The Boers pelted by a well-directed fire
returned a wild and ineffectual one. The incidents of the fight
commenced. Two cousins, Corporals Walshe and Parland, Irishmen, and men
of means who had joined not for pay but for patriotism, quickly fell,
both shot through the head by the same Dutchman, who was ensconced in a
tree, but unfortunately for himself he let fall a piece of paper which
caught the quick eye of Private Wormald, who promptly picked him off
like a rook. Several other Dutchmen in like positions met the same
fate. This treatment did not appeal to the Boer, who came out to shoot
and not to be shot at, and so he made his usual move to work round and
cut off the squadron from their base.
At the distance the squadron was from the line (over three quarters of a
mile), and at the angle it was to the line, in addition to the
difficulty with smokeless powder of telling friend from foe, it was
impossible for the armoured train to act. Previous to this they had
been supported by a troop of A squadron under Lieutenant Brady who was
wounded on coming into action. The situation was distinctly serious,
their flank was nearly turned, and the Boers had almost interposed
themselves between the squadron and Mafeking; at this critical juncture
Lord Charles Bentinck and two more troops with a seven-pound gun arrived
within striking distance. Two rounds of shrapnel and the Boers
commenced retiring. When their retirement was assured D squadron
withdrew, placing their wounded in the armoured train. The fight was
over.
Surgeon-Major Anderson, who had had his horse shot, attended to the
wounded throughout the fight in the firing line. Our losses were two
killed, twelve wounded, two of whom subsequently died. Four horses
killed, twelve wounded. Boer losses reported eighty killed, about twice
that number wounded.
Too much credit cannot be given to Captain Fitzclarence and Lord Charles
Bentinck for the coolness and gallantry with which they handled their
men, or to the men for the way they responded, and what is said of them
applies in the same degree to Captain Williams and the men of the
British South Africa Police and Railway Volunteers engaged. The Boers
had fought in the scrubb, in vastly superior numbers and had been
thoroughly beaten.
The strain on Colonel Baden-Powell and the headquarter staff must indeed
have been great. For four hours they were anxiously waiting, reports
were not favourable, and they knew that a disaster to a small force
engaged risked the whole defence as there was literally not another man
to send to their support. Indeed one squadron engaged was actually a
part of the defence of the northern portion of the town. On the return
of the wounded a train with a relief party under Major Baillie with
Father Ogle, and Mr. Peart, Wesleyan minister, went to recover the
bodies, and if necessary to render assistance to any wounded Boers who
might have been left in the retreat. The train stopped near the scene
of the action and the party with stretchers, preceded by a large Red
Cross flag, moved towards the spot. They were fired on about half a
mile before they reached it, and as the firing increased it was decided
to retire as the men were known to be dead, and all the wounded were
brought in.
This they did quietly, the Boers in the meantime were working round to
the line to cut them off from the train. The train returned to
Mafeking, and on a report being made to Colonel Baden-Powell he
addressed a letter of remonstrance to General Cronje.
15th, Sunday. Landau and pair, with huge Red Cross flag, arrived
containing Dr. Pirow, Cronje's doctor, who came to lunch. He explained
that the firing on the Red Cross was a mistake, as the Boers thought
that the train was the armoured train returning, and gave us news of
Lieutenant Nesbitt and our prisoners of the armoured train which has
been captured at Kraaipan. He took whisky and beer back with him for
Cronje. Sunday is a tacit truce with both parties, and no fighting goes
on. I suppose we are the only two Nations who would observe it. The
ambulance went out and fetched in the dead. They were buried by
moonlight by Father Ogle, a most impressive ceremony. The Father said a
few words to the effect that it was a righteous war, and that the
Sisters were praying for us.
16th, Monday. The Boers brought up two twelve-pounders to a long-range
position N.-E. of the town and commenced bombarding. They drove in our
picquet at the head of the waterworks and occupied the trench. They
directed their fire mainly on the town and station, consequently did
most damage in the convent, which was flying the Red Cross and was
fitted up as a hospital. The shells that missed the convent struck the
centre of the town, but did little harm. The shells that missed the
station pitched round the B.S.A.P. fort, which was occupied by Colonel
Hore and a squadron of the Protectorate Regiment. This they continued
all day. Casualties _nil_. Our seven-pounders out-ranged. No reply
made to their fire.
The Boers had thus occupied the head of the waterworks and cut off our
water supply. The headquarter staff had made provision for this, and
under Major Hepworth's supervision had had all wells cleaned out and Sir
Charles Warren's old well reopened. We thus have an abundance of water.
Towards mid-day a flag of truce, borne by a renegade English Colonial,
rode towards our lines. This was unfortunate. They had not detected
the armoured train, and the skirmishing line of the Boers and their
artillery was just coming within deadly Maxim range. They rode straight
on to the armoured train, and of course the trap was disclosed. It was
a message from Cronje, who sent in to demand surrender to avoid further
bloodshed. Baden-Powell answered, "Certainly, but when will bloodshed
begin?" and pointed out that they were again firing on the Red Cross
flag.
Two of our wounded, both corporals, died to-day. The town is
practically surrounded.
17th, 18th, and 19th. Nothing happened. Investment completed. Boers
estimated six thousand men, undoubtedly correct.
20th. Boers cut off some cattle which had strayed out too far.
21st. In addition to the main railway line, a temporary line had been
laid down in an easterly direction towards the race course, and north of
the town extending about a mile and a half. The armoured train now
patrolled this line; painted green and covered with bushes, it was
indistinguishable from the scrub surrounding it. I slept in the
armoured train at the railhead. In the early morning Captain Williams
commenced firing on the Boers at the head of the waterworks as they came
out of their trench to make their coffee, with two Maxims. I fear they
got their coffee rather late, and that some even did not get it at all.
This went on with fitful replies for two or three hours, and then firing
in that quarter ceased.
On the western front in the afternoon the Boers looted some cattle which
had strayed, and from this date sniping commenced, pretty generally all
round on both sides.
22nd, Sunday. Band and calls on various outlying forts, hospitals, &c.
All church services were held.
[Illustration: FIRING FROM AN ARMOURED TRAIN]
And now to endeavour to describe the town and defences of Mafeking.
Mafeking is situated on a rise about three hundred yards north of the
Molopo river, which flows from east to west. It is about three-quarters
of a mile square. The railroad runs to the west of the town, and
practically speaking, due north and south, but immediately south where
it crosses the Molopo by an iron bridge it inclines rather westward for
a distance of two or three miles. The railway embankment north and
south of the river thus furnishes cover from the east and south-east
heights on the southern bank of the Molopo. To the west again of the
railway, and nearly butting it half a mile south of the Molopo, is the
native stadt, lying on both sides of the river, and on the northern
bank, commencing about half a mile from the railway, then running in a
north-westerly direction for about a mile and a half, and ends about a
mile and three-quarters west of the railway. The ground in front of the
northern end is slightly higher than the stadt and soon commences to
sink away from it, affording good cover to an enemy moving on that side.
Near the railway the ground slopes gradually down for a considerable
distance to the river. The country round Mafeking to the west, north
and east, is flat, but across the Molopo to the south and south-east it
commands the town. The ground to the west of the stadt commands the
stadt.
Situated two thousand yards south, and slightly east of the centre of
the town, is an old fort of Sir Charles Warren's--Cannon Kopje. This is
the key of the position. It is an old circular stone fort, and only by
dint of extraordinary exertion had it been possible to bring it by this
time up in any degree to a state of efficiency enough to enable it to
resist even old ordinary seven-pounder guns. It has an interior
diameter of approximately twenty-five yards. The native location
occupied by half-breeds lies directly between Cannon Kopje and the town
on the southern bank of the river. Following the course of the river
eastward about twelve hundred yards from the town, and on the northern
bank extend the brickfields (eventually occupied by both parties), while
in the same direction, and about three miles and a half from Mafeking on
a ridge, is MacMullan's farm (subsequently the Boer headquarters). To
return to the town--at the north-eastern corner is the convent. Due
east of that is the grand stand about a mile away, while N.N.E. from the
convent, and a mile and a half away, is the base of the waterworks,
which extend to a trench at their head in the same direction for nearly
a mile.
Thus we have the railway station the north-west corner, the convent the
north-east corner, Ellis's house the south-east corner, and the
south-west corner the pound; while in a line from the south-west corner
of the town and the northern portion of the stadt, the B.S.A.P. barracks
and fort lie about midway. With the exception of a strip of scrub about
a mile wide to the north and east of the convent the country all round
is almost bare.
The town is composed of one-storey houses built of soft bricks and
roofed with corrugated iron, the only exception being the convent of two
storeys and the station, which is not yet complete. The native stadt
consists of Kaffir huts. The B.S.A.P. fort is a duplicate of Cannon
Kopje, thus the outline of the defences of Mafeking is, roughly
speaking, an obtuse angled triangle, of which the apex is Cannon Kopje,
while the other two angles are the northern end of the native stadt and
the convent. The population in time of peace is, Mafeking two thousand
whites, the native stadt four to five thousand, location five hundred.
At the present moment fifteen hundred whites approximately, native stadt
seven thousand owing to native refugees, location five hundred.
The perimeter of the defences was between five and six miles.
Commencing with the convent, and working westward at the outset, the
defences were as follows:--The railway line and armoured train protected
the north-west front, then nearer to the railway came Fort Victoria,
occupied by Railway Volunteers; and in the arc of a circle extending to
the north end of the stadt trenches occupied by the Protectorate
Regiment at night. These were gradually turned into forts. The women's
laager was established on the edge of the stadt near the B.S.A.P.
officers' quarters, and a refugee camp in the hollow north of the stadt,
the northern end of which was held by Captain Vernon and C squadron
Protectorate Regiment, while B squadron, under Captain Marsh, and the
natives, held the stadt itself--the whole under Major Godley, who
commanded the western outposts. The town was garrisoned by the Cape
Police under Captains Brown and Marsh; these and the Railway Volunteers
being under Colonel Vyvyan, 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, however, been withdrawn to
the railway station out of harm's way. The Railway Volunteers
garrisoned the cemetery, and had an advanced trench about eight hundred
yards to the front and immediately to the right of the line. To the
westward came Fort Cardigan, and then again Fort Miller. In the
south-west was Major Godley's fort, at the north of the native stadt,
with an advance fort--Fort Ayr--crowning the down to the northern end of
the stadt. Although this was rather detached, it commanded a view and
fire for a great distance to the south of the northern portion of the
stadt, and here the Cape Police were entrenched with the Maxim. Five
hundred 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 entrenchments. 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 garrisoned
by the native inhabitants. By the railway were situated two armoured
trucks with a Nordenfeldt. Cannon Kopje, with two Maxims and a
seven-pounder, lay to the south-east. And now to the immediate defence
of the town. At the south-western corner is the pound, garrisoned by
Cape Police, under Captain Marsh; then eastwards Early's fort, Dixon's
redan, Dall's fort, Ellis's corner, with Maxim and Cape Police, under
Captain Brown. On the eastern front, Ellitson's kraal, Musson's fort,
De Kock's fort, with Maxim, recreation ground fort, and so back to the
convent, on the left of which lies the hospital fort--all these, unless
otherwise mentioned, garrisoned by Town Guard. These so-called forts
are garrisoned with from fifteen to forty men, and furnished with head
cover and bomb proofs against artillery. Bomb proofs have been
constructed everywhere, traverses erected at the end of streets,
trenches giving cover leading from every portion of the town and
defences; and it is possible to walk round the town without being
exposed to aimed fire. The trenches are constructed with a view to
being manned in case of need. Telephones are established in all the
headquarter bomb proofs of outlying forts, and are connected with the
headquarter bomb proof, thus securing instant communication and avoiding
the chance of orderlies being sniped, which would assuredly otherwise be
the case. These defences were all improvised on the spot--every
conceivable sort of material being utilized therein.
23rd, Monday. Bombardment threatened, so commenced by forestalling it.
Two guns under Captain Williams, B.S.A.P., and Lieutenant Murchison,
Protectorate Regiment, started at 3 a.m., to take up a position at our
end of the waterworks and the rail head temporary line, respectively,
with orders not to fire unless fired on. I rode out with them and saw
as pretty an artillery duel in miniature as one would wish to see. We
waited patiently, Lieutenant Murchison laid his gun on the enemy's
seven-pounder, which we could distinctly see in their trenches at the
head of the waterworks. We were under cover from view. At last a puff
of smoke came from their gun, and before it was well clear of the muzzle
ours had answered, and that gun was out of action for a considerable
period. In the meantime, both of our guns were playing gaily on their
trenches and remaining gun. This went on intermittently till mid-day,
and then both their guns ceased fire altogether. We then returned, and
since heard that their guns were rendered useless for some time. On the
south-western portion of the defences a similar seven-pounder fight was
going on, and the Boers then fired their twelve-pounder high velocity
gun a few times. Their ninety-four-pounder Creechy (an abbreviation for
Marguerite) or, as the men call her, Creaky, has arrived and taken up a
position at Jackall Tree, 3400 yards S.S.W. of Cannon Kopje, accompanied
by some field guns.
24th. Creaky commenced her ministrations by firing about forty shells
and damaged property but hurt no one. The convent of course was hit,
and the twelve-pounders also joined in the fire. Marvellous escapes
reported all round.
25th. Creaky began in real earnest, and also seven-pounders,
twelve-pounders, Maxims, and all. They fired about four hundred shells,
mostly in the direction of the convent hospital, trying, I fancy, to hit
the station. I was in the trenches in the recreation ground. The
convent was struck several times. Their shell fire seemed very noisy,
but its effect was more moral than physical, as casualties therefrom
were few; the musketry fire, however, did more damage. The advance party
down the Malmani road had a man hit badly (since dead), young Kelly,
Protectorate Regiment, and when a party went out to fetch him, though
obviously wounded, they were exposed to a hail of bullets--for at least
half a mile. I saw the lad in the hospital, and his only anxiety was to
get out and have another go at them. At the same time on the other flank
the Boers made an attack on the native staff, hoping on the assurance of
the Baralongs to obtain a footing there; and then when they had got us
thoroughly engaged on the south-western face, their real attack was to
have been made from the north. The Baralongs, however, supplemented by
two squadrons of ours, greeted them with a heavy fire, killing many.
Consequently that attack on our face never came off.
27th. Shelling continued, and now, having beaten the enemy in the
field, Colonel Baden-Powell resolved to give them a taste of cold steel,
accordingly, at 8 p.m. D squadron, fifty-three strong, paraded under
Captain Fitzclarence, with two parties of the Cape Police in support.
It was a fine dark night, and the squadron moved off with injunctions
only to use the bayonet. The two parties of Cape Police moved towards
the brickfields, one considerably further east than the other to
enfilade the rear of the Boer trenches. The object of the attack was
some trenches of Commandant Louw's on our side of the racecourse and to
the north of the Malmani road (which runs due east of the town to
Malmani). It was a still night, and lying waiting one could hear the
order to charge, and then the din began. The first trench was carried
with a rush; the Boers lying under tarpaulins did not hear the advance
till they were almost on them. Sword and bayonet did their work well,
and with the flanking parties firing on the rear trench, and the Boers
commencing a heavy fire in all directions and from all quarters, things
for a time were very lively indeed. It was estimated that six hundred
Boers were in laager, so after giving them a thorough dose of the
bayonet, the signal to retire was given by a loud whistle, and carried
out in the same cool and orderly manner as the advance. In the meantime
a furious fire was being maintained by the Boers all round; the volleys
from the Cape Police completed their confusion, and they kept on firing
even after the wounded had been dressed and placed in hospital.
Something frightened them again about 2 a.m., and they recommenced their
fusilade at nothing and continued it for about an hour. Our losses were
six killed, eleven wounded and two prisoners, including Captain
Fitzclarence and Lieutenant Swinburne slightly wounded. We subsequently
heard that the Boers lost one hundred--forty killed by the bayonet, and
sixty whom they had probably shot themselves in the hideous confusion
that reigned in their camp. Captain Fitzclarence used his sword with
good effect. The Cape Police, who were under Lieutenant Murray, lost
none. The attacking squadron did not fire a shot, but in the rush to
the second trench the occupants probably shot their own men in the dark
at close range. This story later shows the terror the Boers here have of
cold steel. Our snipers were now close to the enemy's trench, and one
of the Boers, probably an artilleryman, waved his sword over the top,
whereupon one of his comrades was overheard to shout, "For God's sake do
not do that, or they will come with their bayonets."
[Illustration: FITZCLARENCE'S BAYONET CHARGE.]
What I said about coolness and gallantry in the first fight applies in
even a greater degree to this encounter. The men were admirably led and
did splendidly. Our success so far was marked. The Boers had been kept
at a respectful distance from the town. They never felt safe at night;
they had been beaten at their own game in the open, and we practically
disregarded their vaunted artillery, on which they had pinned their
faith to reduce the town. Daily the situation became more a question of
endurance.
28th. Ambulance, under a flag of truce, fetched in our dead. Boers
very surly. The dead were buried that night. Shell-fire and sniping
continued; little harm done.
29th, Sunday. Band, &c.
30th. Transferred my residence to the western portion to watch the
Boers moving to and fro on our western front, about two miles out,
sniping going on both sides all round. Desultory shell fire.
31st. Enemy's force occupied a position on the south-eastern heights
and from Jackall Tree three thousand four hundred yards S.S.W. of Cannon
Kopje, where they had erected earthworks, their artillery pushed forward
to within two thousand yards, and opened a heavy fire on the kopje,
commencing at 4.40 a.m., under cover of which their infantry attack was
pushed from the south-east to within three hundred yards of the kopje,
but was repelled by the B.S.A.P., fifty-seven strong, with two Maxims
and a seven-pounder under Colonel Walford. They attacked with great
resolution, but our fire was held till they came within good range, and
then after sustaining it for some time they broke and fled. Their
ambulances came to pick up the dead and, under their cover, many who had
been playing "possum" got up and ran for their lives. Our losses were
six killed, including Captain the Hon. D. H. Marsham and Captain
Pechell, K.R.R., and two sergeant-majors, five wounded severely. I may
perhaps be permitted to say a few words about personal friends. It
seemed as if it could not be true. In Captain Marsham's case, well
known as he was to the Boers, and popular as he was on both sides of the
border, the enemy will regret his death almost as deeply as his comrades
here did. Captain Pechell had a brother serving here as a private in the
Protectorate, who has since got his commission in that regiment; an
additional sympathy must be felt for his family and regiment, as almost
at the same time his brother in the same regiment was killed in a Natal
fight. I only voice the one feeling here of personal sorrow for their
loss and sympathy with their relations.
The Boers were well thrashed, and my previous description of Cannon
Kopje will enable readers to grasp what a thoroughly gallant fight it
was. The Boers must have lost very heavily. Later in the day they
attacked the southern end of the native stadt, in a half-hearted manner,
but it was not pushed home, and were easily driven off. Both these
fights were easily visible across the valley, with the exception of the
commencement of the Boer infantry advance, which one could only gather
from the continuous musketry fire. This night we buried the dead, all
the available officers in the garrison attending.
November 1st. The enemy shelled Cannon Kopje again, and galloped up
from the south within about a mile, dismounted, and made a show of
attack, but were driven away. Shell fire and sniping.
2nd. Desultory shell fire and lots of sniping at horses watering, five
horses wounded. At about 10 p.m. Lieutenant Murchison shot Mr. Parslow,
_Daily Chronicle_ representative, but as the matter is still _sub
judice_, comments or opinions are undesirable.
3rd. Heavy shelling and sniping. The Boers having occupied a position
in the brickfields, Captain Goodyear and the Cape Boys attacked them and
turned them out, during which Captain Goodyear was unfortunately
severely wounded in the leg.
Inquest this morning returned a verdict of wilful murder against
Lieutenant Murchison, who will be tried by Field General Court Martial.
Mr. Parslow's funeral took place to-night, attended by the staff and
many others; the other correspondents and myself carried the coffin to
the grave.
4th. Heavy shelling and sniping all round, eight horses shot. The
Boers having experienced the delights of the dynamite explosion, now
determine to repay us in our own coin. Loading a truck with dynamite,
they brought it up to the top of the incline on the railway, which runs
from the north down to Mafeking Station, meaning to run it into the
station and explode it in the town. In this amiable intention they were
foiled, as either owing to the rustiness or roughness of the line, which
had not been used for three weeks, to the defective fuse, or some other
unexplained cause, it blew up a mile and a half out of town, and I trust
assisted a few of them to the other world. The curious part of the
explosion was that everyone insisted that a shell had burst exactly over
the spot he happened to be in, and it was not until next day that the
occurrence was explained.
5th. Sunday. Band, and celebrated Guy Fawkes day with fireworks, first
warning the enemy not to be alarmed.
6th. A smart bit of work on the part of the Boers. Their big gun
opened fire at 4.30 a.m., and after firing one shot they took her round
to the south-eastern heights, where they had erected a work for her, and
fired again within twelve hours; by the remote road they preferred, it
must have been more than four miles; two field guns and a large escort
accompanied her.
[Illustration: RELICS.]
7th. Rumours were rife as to the intended attack on the native stadt
this morning, but this pleasant attention was anticipated. At 3 a.m.
Major Godley paraded with Captain Vernon's squadron, Protectorate
Regiment and mounted Bechuanaland Rifles under Captain Cowan, with two
seven-pounders and the Hotchkiss gun, under Lieutenant Daniel, B.S.A.P.,
Captain Marsh's Squadron P.R., being held in readiness to support, if
necessary, from the southern portion of the stadt. And here it must be
explained that due west the Boers had established a laager with about
two hundred and fifty men, two twelve-pounders and a diabolical
one-pound Maxim in entrenchments, and daily shelled the stadt and
western defences, and that it was from this quarter that the attack was
expected. However, Major Godley took up a position within good range of
the laager, and as day broke the Boers were roused by the seven-pounders
and the Hotchkiss, supplemented by long range volleys. The Boers broke
to ward Cronje's large laager, about three or four miles south-west of
the stadt. I was watching operations from the top of the B.S.A.P. fort,
and the whole fight was clearly discernible in its earlier stages, an
admirable example of Boer tactics, as their advance to their attacking
position was across our western front, though at safe distance from
rifle fire. Within ten minutes of the commencement of fire knots of
Boers came galloping from the large laager, in tens, twenties, twos and
threes, anyhow, in fact, and about half way they met the Boers who were
retreating, who then rallied and returned with them to the attack. They
swept over the ridge towards the north, and as they drew nearer were
assailed by long range volleys from Captain Marsh, and then the fight
began. There could not have been less than five hundred, personally I
fancy eight. Their guns were in full swing and firing wildly
fortunately, for the majority of the shells burst by the women's laager
and the fort, which did not seem logical, as we were not hurting them.
Their one-pound Maxim, however, was putting in good work. The object of
the sortie had been attained in drawing the attack where we wanted it,
and a gradual and slow retirement on the works commenced. Then,
unfortunately, one of our guns was temporarily disabled, but under a
very heavy fire was righted without any casualty, which was miraculous,
as the one-pounder had got the range and put shells around it all the
time, shooting off the heel of a man's boot and bursting all around and
among the men and horses. However, all got under cover all right.
Captain Vernon handled his men coolly and well, and retiring by
alternate troops they kept the enemy at bay. The fire was very heavy,
and but that the majority of the Boer firing was wild, we should have
lost heavily. Major Godley was shot through the hat, slightly wounded
in the hand, and his horse shot. The Bechuanaland Rifles at their
baptism of fire behaved steadily and well, and Captain Cowan was well
justified at his pride in his men. The Boers attacked the
entrenchments, advancing to within six hundred yards of them, but were
beaten off with loss. Working round to the northern flank, however,
they managed to account for eleven horses and two men in about as many
seconds, but the undesirable attention of the stationary Maxim convinced
them that their presence was no longer necessary. It was very hot
whilst it lasted, and then to the looker-on came the welcome sight of
first one, then twos and threes, then larger bodies, cantering off in
the direction from which they had come, and then, the most welcome sight
of all, three large wagons flying the Red Cross flag coming to pick up
their casualties, showing that their loss must have been heavy. Our
loss, six men wounded, six horses killed, nine wounded, and many cattle
and donkeys in the vicinity of the forts killed and wounded.
8th. Sniping and shelling and a new earthwork being constructed by the
Boers three thousand yards due north of the B.S.A.P. fort, called Game
Tree fort.
9th. The cheering news from Natal of three British victories has
arrived, great excitement prevails, and naturally--it is our first news
for nearly a month. Shelling and sniping of course goes on, and one
shell burst in Colonel Walford's stable, where three horses were
together, and killed the centre horse, thirty-one shrapnel bullets being
found in it. The others were untouched, as were also the men all round.
10th. Game Tree fort has begun with high velocity twelve-pounders.
These are pernicious guns. Old Creaky can be provided for. She is
carefully watched from everywhere--if she is pointed a bell rings, when
the smoke comes from her muzzle another bell rings, and everybody goes
to ground till the shell does (or does not) burst. But these smokeless
guns give no warning; the report and the shell arrive simultaneously.
Twenty-seven shells were fired in a very short time round the fort,
three burst in it, and one knocked a bucket from a nigger. But when
they had got the range accurately the Boers desisted. Their artillery
tactics are marvellous. They fire in a casual way at any thing; if they
get the range accurately they seem satisfied, and begin to shoot at
something else. They keep on shooting for some time and unexpectedly
stop; then just as vaguely begin again, with apparently no ulterior
object, but general annoyance. One thing only is certain, that from
4.30 to 5 a.m. Creaky will fire a round or two, and probably stop till
after breakfast, and that from 8.30 to 9 p.m. she has never missed her
farewell shot.
11th. Shelling all day, sniping getting really lively.
12th. News of Colonel Plumer's column. We were all grieved to hear of
poor Blackburne's death.
13th. Slight shell fire, very quiet all round.
14th. Sniping and shelling rather lively, to compensate for yesterday.
15th. Very quiet. Heavy rain during the night; the Boers entrenching
themselves towards the brickfields. An American despatch rider of
Reuter's, Mr. Pearson, arrived, having ridden from south of Kimberley--a
great performance.
16th. Heavy thunderstorm and rain; shelling and sniping all round.
17th. Shelling and sniping. The big gun again shifted rather farther
back. Mr. Pearson started on his adventurous ride back to Cape Town. I
wish him every success.
18th. To-day is the beginning of the end, I hope. Cronje's laager to
the south-west is breaking up and trekking south. All squadrons have
been warned to be in readiness to start at once, and we hope our turn is
coming at last, but General Cronje is capable of any ruse to draw us out
and endeavour to overwhelm us in the open. They do not forget to leave
us Creaky, who gave us a heavy doing to-day; sniping is going on
continually daily on our south-eastern and eastern front.
At this point of the siege it is worth while to review the situation.
The Boers have been compelled to detach a large portion of their force
to the south, leaving, however, ample men to invest the town. They have
had four severe lessons and seem more disinclined than ever to come to
close quarters. They have, however, entrenched themselves in suitable
positions round the town, and it is impossible to say at any given point
what their strength might be. Our strength is about nine hundred
rifles, including all available white men, and a sortie, even if
successful, might seriously impair our strength; whereas, as we are, we
can hold the town, which is our primary object. For a sortie at the
most we could only hope for two hundred to two hundred and fifty men,
and the rapidity with which the Boers concentrate, and their vast
superiority in artillery, would give them a very good chance of
inflicting a defeat, which might be ruinous. No! their shell and
musketry fire is annoying, but with the precautions that have been taken
they cannot inflict sufficient damage to compel surrender. Thus, the
whole thing resolves itself into a matter of "patience, our turn is
coming soon." For if we cannot get out, neither they nor three times
their number can get in.
From this time on till the beginning of December it may be as well to
explain the situation in advance. The fighting on the western and
southern fronts had almost ceased, but the Boer entrenchments were
occupied by picquets, who indulged in occasional sniping, and it was
unknown how many were in the rear of them. The fort to the north, Game
Tree fort, was armed with a five-pounder gun, and was occupied fairly
strongly, and between that and the waterworks was another trench,
occupied by the Boers, from which they were eventually ousted by the
fire of the Bechuanaland Rifles. To our eastern front lay the trench by
the race-course, strongly held; and south of that in front of McMullen's
farm (the Boer main laager), a trench about thirteen hundred yards from
the town. There are four or five brick-kilns about eleven to twelve
hundred yards from the town, running in a diagonal direction from the
trench down towards the Molopo, and it was about here that the
continuous skirmishing took place; our works being pushed out to meet
theirs from the bed of the river, which was connected with the town by a
trench running due south from Ellis's corner, past the old Dutch church.
Their guns were admirably placed for raking the town, stadt, and
defences on the south-eastern heights, about three thousand yards from
the town. To the south of the river the Cape boys occupied a trench,
near the eastern end of location, and about two thousand yards from the
enemy's big gun.
19th, Sunday. Band and calls. Laager, to the north-east at Signal
Hill, trekking eastward.
20th to 23rd. Daily shelling and sniping. Captain Sandford moved the
Boers and the seven-pounders from the western entrenchments. One of
these guns they now abandoned with the exception of a picquet.
24th. Shelling and sniping; the B.S.A.P. fort came in for most of it;
two men wounded.
26th, Sunday. We had our first game of polo, a concert, and a football
match. Church in the evening.
27th. An advanced trench had been constructed in the river bed, six
hundred yards from the Boer trench, and fourteen hundred yards from the
big gun: Lord Charles Bentinck occupied it after dark.
28th. The big gun was harassed by volleys all day, and did not fire
much, a lively skirmish going on at intervals throughout the day on the
eastern front, Maxims, guns and rifles; Cape Boys partaking from the
south of the Molopo. Fitzclarence relieved Lord Charles Bentinck this
evening. The Boers vacated the brick-kilns after the firing had been
going on for some time.
29th. The long-range volleys have undoubtedly had good effect. The big
gun cocked up her nose and fired two rounds wildly this morning. On the
eastern front was a crowd with telescopes and field glasses, laughing at
the gunners, who could plainly be seen dodging about, and making many
futile efforts to get off their piece safely somehow. Ellis's corner,
Fitzclarence's squadron, the Cape Boys in the river bed and in the
trench, volleyed him directly old Creaky's muzzle was elevated. The
enemy could not find out where the fire came from, and fired their
smaller guns and one-pound Maxim, on chance, all about the place, but
did no harm. Creaky only got off three rounds to-day. When the Boers
in the trench tried to join in, the Maxim at Ellis's corner was turned
on to them; while the Maxim from De Kock's fort paid a similar attention
to the race-course trenches. The Boers in the north-west also shelled
to-day. Lord Charles Bentinck relieved Fitzclarence after dark.
30th. This was the hottest day's firing we have had for some time. At
3 a.m. a heavy fire commenced all round. The Boers had been annoyed by
our native snipers in the river and brickfields, and commenced firing
so-called volleys from their trench in the direction of the river bed.
The Cape Boys and the squadron fired on the big gun and Ellis's corner
fired on the Boers. Our Hotchkiss also fired, but the seven-pounder
gun, concealed in the bed of the river, did not fire, but awaited
developments, as its position was still unknown to the enemy; this went
on with short intervals all day, but an hour and an half before sundown
began a most furious fusillade all round. Creaky, who had now been
furnished with cover for her gunners, joined in the fray, and for over
an hour heavy firing was incessant, and a very pretty fight followed. In
all this firing on the south-eastern corner the bullets drop in the
town, and the market square and surrounding streets are no places for a
contemplative stroll at these times. The other day, during a game of
football, a ninety-four-pound shell passed through the players and burst
in the town house, in the centre of the square, but marvellous to
relate, none were injured though the interior of the town house has
disappeared. To return to the skirmish, after a vast expenditure of
ammunition our casualties were nil; I trust the enemy's were heavy. In
a Transvaal paper, dated December 2nd, they confessed to several being
slightly wounded lately by our continuous fire.
December 1st. To check an undesirable expenditure of ammunition,
Colonel Baden-Powell detailed an officer, Mr. Greenfield and six men to
accompany the Cape Boys (who invariably opened the ball) up the river
bed with orders not to fire unless sure of killing some one, because,
though they thoroughly enjoyed themselves yesterday they got through an
enormous quantity of powder and shot. These Cape Boys are good men, fair
shots, very brave, and have accounted for quite a large number of Boers
while out sniping. In consequence of these orders sniping resumed its
old condition, and not many volleys were fired. Creaky, in consequence,
fired rather more.
2nd. The fire of the Bechuanaland Rifles drove the Boers from their
advanced trench to the north-east, which they had occupied, but
subsequently abandoned and destroyed, as it was too advanced. But
another trench was constructed midway between this trench and our own
advanced trench. Four railway men out sniping towards Game Tree fort,
came upon the niggers the Boers had posted in advance of that earthwork,
and shot one, the rest fled. The Boers swarmed into the trench and their
commander was heard to order some men to go and cut the party off.
Sharp came the answer, "No, the rooineks are attacking in force."
Eventually, after crawling a thousand yards under fire, the party got
off safely, having accounted for two Boers.
3rd, Sunday. As our parties were digging late Saturday night and early
this morning in the vicinity of the Boer trenches the Boers sent in a
flag this morning to ask if we meant to fight on Sunday. We sent back
to say no. I rode round the western outpost from the outside and was
much struck by the admirable way Major Godley had laid out the trenches;
they were practically impregnable. I also went up to Cannon Kopje
which, with infinite difficulty, has been much strengthened daily, or, I
should say, nightly. We then had sports, tilting at the ring,
tent-pegging, &c., two pony races, and a polo match, and all the rank
and fashion of Mafeking assembled to partake of Colonel Hore's and the
Protectorate Regiment's hospitality, and to "listen to the band." The
only thing that has been thoroughly levelled in Mafeking is the Polo
ground, which is very fair, and the ponies surprisingly good. Practising
polo, and mounted sports, however, have been forbidden during week days,
as it draws so much fire. Indeed, Creaky elevated her muzzle once
during the afternoon, which caused a certain amount of sensation, as we
do not exactly trust our foes, and one shell in the crowd would have
secured a good bag. It was probably to show her to the Dutch ladies who
drive out to their camp on Sunday. These ladies have ceased watching
the effects of the shells on the town since long range volleys began.
Church in the evening. Sunday is indeed a welcome fillip all round,
particularly for the poor women and children, who are confined to the
laager all the week; eleven of the latter have died since the
commencement of the siege. There are services for all denominations,
every Sunday; but I think the evening ones are the more plentifully
attended.
4th. A quiet day; not much shelling or sniping.
5th. Shelling and sniping. A shell burst in Well's store, killing a
nigger outside (at least he died afterwards), close to me. The pieces
flew all about, and I had not time to analyse where they were falling;
they came too quick, but it was a pretty close shave; but then there
have been innumerable close shaves and marvellous little damage done to
life so far. The shell passed through the roof, just below the look-out
man, whom the shot threw into the air. Fortunately it exploded in the
next store, otherwise no doubt he would have been blown to pieces. As I
write two shells have just exploded, one blowing a Kaffir to pieces and
wrecking a chemist shop, the other knocking over a white man, who is
just being removed to hospital; how much hurt I do not know. (I hear
that he was killed.) About 3 o'clock began the most tremendous rain,
which lasted for two hours, the market square became a lake, the streets
rivers, whilst our little Molopo developed at short notice into a raging
torrent. It swept away all impedimenta, wooden bridges, &c., at once.
The squadron in the river bed had to retire and Captain Fitzclarence
while endeavouring to cross was nearly drowned. The seven-pounder was
nearly washed away; the ammunition was. The trenches and bomb proofs
were full to the brim, many of them proving to be in the beds of regular
streams. Had the Boers known or been able to seize their opportunity
they might have made it very nasty for us with shell fire, but as it was
they were in a worse plight than we were, as they had no dry cover for
drying their clothes, and could not replace them, and when they emerged
from their trenches our Maxims opened on them. The headquarters' staff
set to work and had everybody fairly comfortable by 7 o'clock. Natives
were at work bailing all night; dry clothes were given to those who had
no change, brandy and quinine served out to all the trenches, the men
sleeping in adjacent cover. Wagons fetched up the women from the laager,
and blankets were distributed to all who required them. As usual all
rose to the occasion, and having proved themselves under fire now
repeated the process under this onslaught from water. Perhaps the
people who were worst off were the B.S.A.P. at Cannon Kopje. A wet
night--their shelters flooded--and literally everything they possessed
carried away, except their blankets, arms and the clothes they stood up
in, and no shelter at all. However, take it all round, the enemy were
much worse off than we, which is always consoling, and consequently
being miserable, and having nothing to do, they opened a lively fire on
the town generally, lasting about half an hour.
6th. Shelling and sniping as usual. It is their custom now to begin in
the evening about 4, keep it up till dark, and then fire Creaky once
from about 8.30 to 9 o'clock. Mr. Gerrans, town councillor, was
extracting the fuse of an exploded shell--result--he was blown down and
severely injured. His foreman, Green, had his foot blown off, and a
passer by, Smith, a Johannesburg refugee, returning to his trench, was
so injured that he died in an hour. Everybody was much depressed by
this; it seemed so sad that more damage should be caused among the
whites by an accident than had hitherto been the result of six weeks'
shelling by the enemy's heavy gun. However, since artillery has been
invented mankind will tamper with loaded shells, in spite of all
warnings, orders, or entreaties to the contrary.
7th. Lady Sarah Wilson arrived this morning, having been exchanged for
Viljoen who had been sentenced to six months' imprisonment before the
war began. He, I fancy, will look fatter and in better condition than
his friends outside, and did not appear over keen to join them. This
plucky lady was received with loud cheers when she entered the town; she
has indeed had a bad time, and everybody was greatly relieved to see her
back safely, though perhaps this is not quite the best place that I know
of to have a villa residence. As she drove up to her house the firing
commenced again--they did not waste much time. Heavy shelling continued
after dark. Three men killed, eight wounded.
Apropos of shells, I presume in the course of his life Colonel
Baden-Powell has had many curious communications, but certainly none
more curious than this one. The other morning a Kaffir picked up an
unexploded five-pound shell; when the fuse was unscrewed, instead of a
charge the following missive was found:--
"Mr. Baden-Powell,
Pleas excuse me for sending this iron messenger i have no other to send
at Present. He is rather exentric but vorgive him if he does not behave
well i wish to ask you not to let your men drink all the whisky as i
wish to have a drink when we all come to see you. cindly tell Mrs.
Dunkley that her mother and vamily are all quite well.