THE WONDER OF THE WORLD
"Forty years had I in my city seen soldiers parading,
Forty years as a pageant, till unawares the lady of this teeming
and turbulent city,
Sleepless amid her ships, her houses, her incalculable wealth,
With her million children around her, suddenly,
At dead of night, at news from the south,
Incens'd struck with clinch'd hand the pavement.
A shock electric, the night sustain'd it,
Till with ominous hum our hive at daybreak pour'd out its myriads."
--WALT WHITMAN.
The eyes of Europe, and indeed of the universe, turned upon the forces
at war in Natal with amazement almost akin to awe. There, in the eve of
the twentieth century, was presented a tenth wonder of the world! Where,
among the states, principalities, and powers, could be found another
example of an army being raised veritably from all points of the compass
to serve the Mother Country? Whence in the history of heroic ages could
be quoted the counterpart of spontaneous, simultaneous, exultant
patriotism such as was brought forth by a few reverses to British arms?
Here were men, brothers, whom we had never seen, whose names we had
never heard, rushing to our side--influential citizens, judges,
merchants, landowners in the distant dominions of the Queen--throwing
over domestic comfort, ease, commercial advantage, political
distinction, for the sheer desire to barter breath for fame, and to win
laurels in the cause of the Empire. Our friends--the Powers--gazed and
rubbed their eyes and marvelled! Our enemies--the Powers--gazed, rubbed
their eyes, and--well! if they did not curse, they certainly trod warily
and pondered! We were providing an object-lesson for eternity. The
infinitesimal little island, the bird's-nest of the Little Englanders,
was introducing to the nations her stalwart progeny--introducing with
the easy pride of motherhood gigantic sons, all young and strong and
well-grown, full of the vigour of youth and the finest traits of the
parent stock--a martial multitude, clamouring to defend her in her hour
of need! Yes, if our enemies--the Powers--did not curse, they walked
warily and pondered!
[Illustration: COLONEL W. D. OTTER.
Commanding the First Canadian Contingent.]
They did wisely, for by the beginning of March the number of Colonial
troops at the front was approximately as follows: Cape Colony, 15,000;
Natal, 7000; Canada, 2820; Ceylon, 130; New South Wales, 1800;
Queensland, 810; South Australia, 340; West Australia, 230; Victoria,
500; Tasmania, 180; New Zealand, 730; India, 250; total, 29,790. This
tremendous increase in the size of the Transvaal force was a magnificent
spectacle for the world at large. While it constituted the greatest
military concentration in the history of the Empire, it left the British
possessions in India, Malta, Crete, Barbadoes, Bermuda, Ceylon,
Hong-Kong, Gibraltar, and elsewhere, if not adequately, at least
powerfully defended. For instance, in India alone we had still a superb
British army. It was composed of forty-seven battalions of infantry, six
regiments of cavalry, sixty-two batteries of artillery, not to mention
the enormous Indian Army, of which the cavalry was styled by Lord Curzon
"the finest cavalry in the world." Even then we were not at the end of
our tether. Conscription was undreamt of. Our military resources had
barely been tested. The display of loyalty to the British flag, love for
the Mother Country, and an ardent desire to uphold her rights, had not
been confined to Great Britain's larger colonies. Small contingents for
South Africa had been offered by Jamaica and Trinidad and elsewhere, and
these, though gratefully acknowledged, had been refused, mostly in cases
where the contingents were not large enough to constitute a military
unit, and there might have been trouble in the movement of the force.
The growth of Colonial offers of assistance from the time--the 10th of
July--when Queensland sent an anticipatory telegram proposing military
aid, it is interesting to follow. Two days later, the 12th of July, came
a telegram from Lord Brassey at Victoria, saying that "offers have been
received from Volunteers for service in South Africa." Five days passed.
Then an offer of 300 men from the Malay States Guides arrived, the High
Commissioner intimating, however, that he could not spare them. Three
hundred Hausas from Lagos volunteered on the 18th of July. On the 21st
of that month New South Wales offered 1860 officers, non-commissioned
officers, and men. The offer of Hong-Kong on the 21st of September was
followed by New Zealand's Parliamentary resolution to send a Transvaal
Contingent. On the 5th of October Western Australia came forward, and on
the 9th Tasmania offered her unit. On the 13th the offers of troops from
South Australia and Canada were "gratefully accepted." Last, but not
least, came the offer of assistance from India, and additional help from
those whose aid had previously been given and acknowledged as
invaluable.
Thus, by degrees, the whole concourse of Great Britain's best was
gathered together, the flowers of her numerous flocks were drawn to a
common centre by the tie of blood and the pride of it--drawn to a far
quarter of the earth, there to demonstrate the crowning triumph of
British colonisation. The long-talked-of consolidation of the
Anglo-Saxon race for the welfare and freedom of humanity was no longer
an idealist's dream; it had become a living and a lasting reality!
FIRST CANADIAN CONTINGENT
Early in the century the spirit of loyalty was developed in
Canada. From her first years, when Wolfe made Canada a colony
of Great Britain, the colonists began to recognise their debt
to the British Crown. The feeling of reverence and love for the
Mother Country strengthened and grew with the strength and
growth of Canada itself, till the sentiment of Imperialism,
always silently existing, suddenly found almost passionate
utterance in the month of October 1899.
What came to pass a great man had foreseen. Sir John Macdonald,
who gauged aright the sentiment of the Canadians, described
almost prophetically the expansion of that sentiment, and
pointed out the developments that might be looked for in the
future. In one of his pro-Confederation speeches he said:--
"Some are apprehensive that the fact of our forming this
Confederation will hasten the time when we shall be severed
from the Mother Country. I have no apprehension of that kind. I
believe it will have the contrary effect. I believe that as we
grow stronger, as we become a people able, from our union, our
population, and the development of our resources, to take our
position among the nations of the world, she will be less
willing to part with us than now. I am strongly of opinion that
year by year, as we grow in population and strength, England
will more see the advantage of maintaining the alliance between
British North America and herself. Does any one imagine that
when our population, instead of 3,500,000 will be 7,000,000, as
it will be ere many years pass, we would be one whit more
willing than now to sever the connection with England? The
Colonies are now in a transition state. Gradually a different
colonial system is being developed, and it will become year by
year less a case of dependence on our part, and of overruling
protection on the part of the Mother Country, and more a case
of healthy and cordial alliance. Instead of looking upon us as
a merely dependent colony, England will have in us a friendly
nation, a subordinate but still a powerful people, to stand by
her in North America in peace or in war."
Many other prominent persons, Sir John Thompson, Sir Charles
Tupper, Sir Wilfred Laurier, shared the same opinion, and
confidently asserted that Great Britain had but to hold out her
hand and the hand of Canada would go out to meet it with firm
and cordial grasp.
Then came the hour and the opportunity. Canada acted exactly as
Canada's greatest men had expected her to act. She did not jump
to action, for the idea of participating in the active affairs
of the Empire had scarcely dawned upon her, but, the opening
once made, Canada lost no time in availing herself of it. Great
things have small beginnings, and the grand movement which has
astonished the universe commenced in a simple manner.
While the possibility of war drifted like a small cloud on the
horizon, a certain Colonel Hughes, of Lindsay, Ontario, set to
work to raise a volunteer regiment for possible service in
South Africa. In September 1899 he openly expressed himself. In
answer to energetic remonstrance he wrote, that "unless the
Government of the Dominion showed itself patriotic enough to do
its duty by the Imperial Government, he was justified in his
action, the object of which was to assist in upbuilding the
British Empire and rendering justice to one's
fellow-countrymen, even at great sacrifice, and that as little
delay as possible should result on the outbreak of hostilities
in enrolling a corps." The idea, to use the popular phrase,
"caught on." All the notabilities of the Dominion put their
heads together, with the result that, early as October 3, the
Canadian Military Institute in Toronto proposed to offer a
Canadian Contingent to the British Imperial Government, in the
event of a war breaking out with the Boers. It was also
suggested and carried unanimously, that whereas all the
expenses of the Canadian Contingent sent to the aid of the
British troops in the Crimean War had been borne by the British
Government, the expenses of the Contingent it was now proposed
to send to South Africa, should be provided by the Dominion of
Canada, that the Canadian Government should train, arm, equip,
transport, and pay the force raised, and, if necessary, pension
those deserving it. The offer of a Canadian Contingent was
accordingly made through the Government to the British
Government, who accepted it with two reservations--First, that
the force raised should consist of 1000 men only; Second, that
half the expenses of the Contingent should be met by the
Imperial Government. To this the Canadians consented under
protest, declaring, however, that should any further assistance
be required during the course of the war, they would be ready
and glad to send it.
Thousands of volunteers offered their services, but only a
limited number could be accepted. It was decided to allow each
locality to have the honour of taking part in the patriotic
movement, and the formation of companies was authorised as
follows:--A Company, Manitoba and the North-West; B, London,
Ontario; C, Toronto; D, Ottawa and Kingston; E, Montreal; F,
Quebec; G, Fredericton and Prince Edward Island; H, Halifax.
The men were thus gathered from all parts of Canada, the
smaller towns sending from three to seven representatives each,
and the larger ones supplying some regulars from the city
regiments, in addition to volunteers. The enrolling and
equipping of these 1000 volunteers, scattered as they had been
over 3500 miles of territory, was accomplished in little more
than a fortnight--a wonderful feat in view of the pacific times
enjoyed by the Colonials.
It was quite inspiriting to note the general activity. All the
Dominion displayed its loyalty in deeds as well as words. Men
living in idleness and comfort, professional men of standing,
family men with innumerable ties, came to the fore and
volunteered their services; while employers assisted the
splendid movement by offering facilities to those serving them
who might care to enlist. Every soul insisted on taking his
share in the Imperial doings. Those who could not volunteer
united their efforts and showed their loyalty by showering
gifts on the battalion. The officers and men of every company
were presented at their own headquarters with a sum of money
varying according to rank, but in each case of substantial
value, as a contribution to their warlike needs. Every officer
received from public subscriptions a field-glass, revolver, and
$125 in money. Privates were presented with a silver match-box
and $25. The Bank of Ottawa contributed $1000 for the purchase
of delicacies for the men on their sea-voyage. In addition to
this generosity, firms of all kinds sent in their own
manufacture, life insurances were effected on special terms for
officers and men of the battalion covering compensation for
partial disablement, and the telegraph and telephonic companies
liberally agreed to transmit private messages for all connected
with the Contingent free of charge.
The mobilisation and concentration at Quebec of the composite
battalion was no mean undertaking, but it was accomplished by
the 27th of October. On the following night a dinner to the
officers was given, and later, a smoking concert.
On the 29th the special service battalion attended divine
service, the Catholics at the Cathedral, the Roman Catholics at
the Basilica. The sermon given at the Cathedral was a notable
one, and served to mark the historical nature of the occasion.
Among other things, the Rev. J. G. Scott expressed himself of
sentiments that all might do well to read, mark, learn, and
inwardly digest. He said: "What is the Empire of which we are a
part? It is not a mere collection of subservient peoples adding
to the revenue and importance of a small island to the
north-west of Europe. No; it is much more than that. It is a
vast federation of peoples of all nations, tongues, languages,
and creeds joined together in 'liberty, equality, and
fraternity,' by common laws and a common love to their real or
their adopted mother. England and England's flag must remain
the symbol of our common patriotism. But the British Empire,
the Empire of the future, the Empire rising with the sun of a
new century, is founded in deeper principles than mere
sentimental devotion to the land of our fathers. The principle
underlying it is the liberty and brotherhood and welfare of
man. We conquer and advance. Wild lands come under our sway.
Savage races are subjugated or turn to us for protection. But
all with what result? With the result that the waste lands are
cultivated, the hidden mines of the earth yield up their
treasures, continents are spanned by vast railways and the bed
of ocean by electric cables, with the result that the savage is
brought under the yoke of civilisation, and religion,
education, and commerce raise him almost to the level of a
European. But this progress has not been, nor can it be,
unaccompanied by difficulties. At the present time our race in
its general advance is brought face to face with forces that
retard, not merely the growth of the British Empire, but the
principles of freedom and humanity which underlie it. The
nineteenth century is confronted in South Africa with a remnant
of the seventeenth. Our brethren, oppressed by an intolerable
tyranny, cry to us for help, and we, a republic under a
monarchical form, go to crush a despotism under the form of a
republic."
This last phrase was a masterpiece, one that all who have
enjoyed the liberty, fraternity, and equality of our republican
empire can fully appreciate. Continuing, the preacher went on
to say: "Surely, if we go forth firmly, fearlessly, and
mercifully to fight in such a cause, we can feel, like Israel
of old, that 'the Eternal God is our refuge, and underneath are
the everlasting arms, and that He will thrust out the enemy
from before us.' And you, my brethren, who are privileged to go
forth under the flag of our Queen and the Empire, are the
representatives of a great people, formed of various creeds,
and nationalities, and languages, but blended in a common law
and a common love for the liberty which makes men--men. The
call to arms from the Motherland has sent a thrill to the four
corners of the earth. The Empire, which has been knit together
by community of race, by commerce, by railways and by cables,
is to be drawn now into an absolutely indissoluble bond by the
voluntary sacrifice of blood and life on a common battlefield.
No ordinary departure of troops to the front is yours. You are
the pioneers of a new era in our history. The importance of
this day is not to be measured, any more than was the
importance of the great battle in the Plains hard by, according
to numerical computation. We have taken a step, a step on the
threshold of another century, which is destined in time to put
an end to the distinction of Colony and Motherland, and will
finally give us a voice in the conduct of the Empire. Surely,
to those going forth as champions in a noble cause, I cannot do
better than to commend to you individually the watchword of
Israel's--nay, of England's strength, 'The Eternal God is thy
refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.' There may
come moments to some of you, in the irksomeness of discipline,
in the pause before the battle-charge, in the silence of lonely
picket duty, or during sleepless nights on the hospital pallet,
when the memory of the parting service in these hallowed
walls--walls which, during this century, have seen many heroes
arm at the call of duty--will come back to you with the comfort
which even the bravest need, and you will feel that in life and
death 'the Eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the
everlasting arms.' Then, like the knights of old, consecrate
to-day your hearts and swords to God's service, and you who are
communicants draw near to the altar of God and receive the
strength which comes from the Body and Blood of Christ. You are
not a wild horde let loose in savage warfare, but Christian men
armed for a great cause. Keep then your lives pure--pure as the
memories of your Canadian home. Be sober, as men who can face
danger without artificial courage. Let the talk at mess and in
camp be clean, and above all remember to pay regularly the
daily homage of prayer to your Heavenly Father. Do not be
ashamed to confess Christ before men."
These heart-stirring words found their echo in every
breast--the great body of patriotic volunteers was thrilled
through with the ambition to do great deeds in a great way, to
go forth and write their names in blood, if need be, alongside
of those of their brothers of the Anglo-Saxon race whose
records loomed large and indelible upon the scrip of Time.
In the evening the Governor-General entertained the superior
officers and staff at dinner, and on the following morning the
last parade was held. Major-General Hutton, commanding the
Canadian Militia, commenced his inspection at 11.30. At noon
the Governor-General, the Premier, Sir Wilfred Laurier, and
other members of the Cabinet arrived on the ground. His
Excellency addressed the men as follows: "Colonel Otter,
officers, non-commissioned officers, and men of the Canadian
Contingent, I congratulate you on the splendid appearance of
your regiment on parade, and Canada may justly be proud of her
representative troops. But, Colonel Otter, the force you
command represents a great deal more than a serviceable
regiment on parade. We are standing here upon historic ground,
under the ramparts of the old city of Quebec, surrounded by
celebrated battlefields, and in an atmosphere full of the
glorious traditions of two great nations--nations who,
respecting each other's warlike qualities on many a hard-fought
field, have now joined in common loyalty to their Queen and
Empress. Your companies have been gathered from British
Columbia to the Atlantic coast, from the settlers in the Rocky
Mountains and the Far West, from Ontario and the Maritime
Provinces, and from the old French families of Quebec. They
represent the manhood of the Dominion from the west to the
east, but, above all, they represent the spontaneous offer of
the people of Canada, British born and French Canadian, to the
Mother Country. The people of Canada have shown no inclination
to discuss the quibbles of Colonial responsibility; they have
only unmistakably asked that their loyal offers should be made
known, and they rejoice in their gracious acceptance. In so
doing surely they have opened a new chapter in the history of
our Empire; they have freely made their military gift to an
Imperial cause, to share the privations, and the dangers, and
the glories of an Imperial army. They have insisted on giving
vent to the expression of that sentimental Imperial unity which
may, perhaps, hereafter prove more binding than any written
Imperial constitution. The embarkation of your force, Colonel
Otter, to-day will mark a memorable epoch in the history of
Canada and the Empire. Of the success of your future we have no
doubt; we shall watch your departure with very full hearts, and
shall follow your movements with eager enthusiasm. All Canada
will long to see the Maple Leaf well to the front, and to give
her Contingent a glorious welcome home again. And now, as the
representative of Her Majesty, I wish you God speed and every
success."
Lord Minto then called on the men to give three cheers for the
Queen, which they did with all the zest of lusty Anglo-Saxon
lungs.
Sir Wilfrid Laurier then addressed the regiment. He reminded
them they were going to obey the call of duty, that their cause
was the cause of justice, the cause of humanity and of
civilisation. Men of our own race were being unjustly
oppressed, and the troops were going forth in the interests of
the Empire and of liberty. He rejoiced to see the alacrity with
which Canadians had responded to the call and rushed to the aid
of the great Empire of which all were so proud. He wished them
God speed, and expressed his confidence that they would be an
honour to themselves and to their native land.
Major-General Hutton impressively assured the troops that their
honour was Canada's honour, that their renown was Canada's
renown; and though strain and hardships might be great, they
would remember that in the far-off Dominion thousands of men
and women looked to the Royal Canadian Regiment to uphold the
honour of their native land. French Canadians and English
Canadians must recollect the responsibility that would rest
upon their shoulders, and he knew they would acquit themselves
well of their duties.
Then followed an address by the Hon. S. Parent, Mayor of
Quebec. He read: "The citizens of Quebec offer you the most
cordial welcome in this old fortress, so often stormed by war
and tempest, whose inhabitants, from their earliest years, have
been accustomed to the music of military bands, to the smell of
powder and the smoke of battles. We are proud of the honour
that has been done our city in its selection as the scene of
the mobilisation of this select regiment which the Canadian
people send to the assistance of our Mother Country. The
presence in our midst of the representative of our Most
Gracious Sovereign, His Excellency the Governor-General, and
other dignitaries of the State, adds not only lustre and
_eclat_ to this day's ceremony, but gives to our proceedings a
deeper and wider meaning. It was no vain appeal that was made
to our valour and our loyalty, for along the way from Victoria
to Halifax, a thousand picked men, representing the youth,
physical strength, the discipline and the courageous daring of
our people, freely volunteered to serve under the British flag.
The people of various origin and different religious creeds
that go to make up the population of this country are
represented in your regiment, and now that we are, for the time
being, assembled within the walls of the most French city of
the New World, let us claim for the French-Canadian element a
large share of the warm and spontaneous outburst of sentiments
of loyalty to England which marked your triumphal passage from
your homes to Quebec. No matter how diverse may be our origin
and the languages that we speak, who is there that will dare to
affirm that we have not all the qualities necessary for the
making of a real nation? Who dare say, upon such an occasion as
the present, that we are not all sincerely united and loyal
towards the Canadian Dominion, and loyal to England which has
given us so complete a measure of liberty? We French-Canadians
have loyally accepted the new destinies that Providence
provided for us upon the battlefield of 1759. Is it possible
that anybody can have forgotten 1775 and 1812? On the summit of
this proud rock of Quebec, rendered illustrious by Jacques
Cartier and Champlain, behold, but a few steps from this place,
the superb monument erected by an English Governor to the
memory of Wolfe and of Montcalm! Why may we not make it the
emblem and the symbol of our national unity? Let us leave to
each individual amongst us the privilege to retain, as a sweet
souvenir worthy of a noble heart, the rose, the thistle, the
fleur-de-lys, or the shamrock, and even the pot of earth that
the Irish immigrant brings with him from under distant skies,
and let us be united for the great and holy cause that we have
in hand: the foundation of a great nation and the development
of the boundless resources of a rich and immense country. Our
best wishes accompany you in the long journey, at the end of
which you will, no doubt, find glory as well as suffering,
privations, and perhaps even heroic sacrifices. When you will
be under the burning sun of Africa, you may be sure that our
hearts will follow you everywhere, and that in our long winter
evenings you will be the principal object of our fireside talk
and solicitude. Be quite sure, too, that this Canada of ours
will watch with a maternal care over the loved ones that you
leave behind you, and who, in parting with you, are making so
great and generous a sacrifice. May the God of battles crown
your efforts! May He preserve you in the midst of danger! And
may He bring you back safe and sound to the beloved shores of
your fatherland!"
Never was more impressive scene, and even the stoutest warriors
among the audience were thrilled with the consciousness of the
solemnity of the moment, the sacredness of their future duty.
Colonel Otter, who was much moved, replied as a
soldier--briefly, but to the point. He thanked all around for
their goodwill, and expressed his confidence that the Canadian
Contingent would do its duty and do honour to the land of its
birth.
The list of the principal officers was as follows:--
To command--Lieut.-Colonel W. D. Otter, Canadian Staff, A.D.C.
to His Excellency the Governor-General. To be Major and second
in command--Lieut.-Colonel L. Buchan, Royal Canadian Regiment.
To be Major--Lieut.-Colonel O. C. C. Pelletier, Canadian Staff.
To be Adjutant--Major J. C. M'Dougall, Royal Canadian Regiment.
To be Quartermaster--Capt. and Brevet-Major S. J. A. Denison,
Royal Canadian Regiment. To be Medical Officers--Surgeon-Major
C. A. Wilson, 3rd Field Battery, C.A.; Surgeon-Major E. Fiset,
89th Batt. To be attached for Staff duty--Major L. G. Drummond,
Scots Guards, Military Secretary to His Excellency the
Governor-General. A Company (British Columbia and
Manitoba).--To be Captain--Capt. M. G. Blanchard, 5th Regt.
C.A. Major H. M. Arnold, 90th Batt.; Capt. A. E. Hodkins,
Nelson R. Co.; Lieut. S. P. Layborn, R.C.R.I. B Company
(London)--Major Duncan Stuart, 26th Batt.; Capt. J. C. Mason,
10th Batt.; Capt. J. M. Ross, 22nd Batt.; Second Lieut. R. H.
M. Temple, 48th Highlanders. C Company (Toronto)--Capt. R. K.
Barker, Q.O.R.; Lieut. J. C. Ogilvie, R.C.A.; Lieut. W. R.
Marshall, 13th Batt.; Lieut. G. S. Wilkie, 10th Batt. D Company
(Ottawa and Kingston)--Major S. M. Rogers, 43rd Batt.; Capt. W.
T. Lawless, G.G.F.G.; Lieut. R. G. Stewart, 43rd Batt.; Lieut.
A. C. Caldwell, 42nd Batt. E Company (Montreal)--Capt. A. H.
Macdonell, R.C.R.I.; Capt. C. K. Fraser, 53rd Batt.; Lieut. A.
E. Swift, 8th Batt.; Lieut. A. Laurie, P. of W. R. F Company
(Quebec)--Capt. J. E. Pelletier, 65th Batt.; Capt. H. A. Panet,
R.C.A.; Lieut. L. Leduc, R.C.R.I.; Lieut. E. A. Pelletier, 55th
Batt. G Company (New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island)--Major
W. A. Weeks, Charlottetown Engineers; Capt. F. C. Jones, 3rd
Regt. C.A.; Lieut. J. H. Kaye, R.C.R.I.; Second Lieut. C. W. W.
M'Lean, 8th Hussars. H Company (Halifax)--Capt H. B. Stairs,
66th Batt.; Capt. H. E. Burstall, R.C.A.; Lieut. R. B. Willis,
66th Batt.; Second Lieut. J. C. Oland, 63rd Batt. Machine-Gun
Section--Lieut. and Capt. A. C. Bell, Scots Guards, A.D.C. to
the Major-General commanding the Canadian Militia.
The following officers were attached to the Royal Canadian
Regiment for whatever duty might be allotted to them in
connection with the campaign: Lieut.-Colonel F. L. Lessard,
Royal Canadian Dragoons; Lieut.-Colonel C. W. Drury, A.D.C.,
Royal Canadian Artillery; Major R. Cartwright, Royal Canadian
Regiment; Capt. W. Forester, Royal Canadian Dragoons. Medical
officer--Capt. A. B. Osborne, C.A.M.S. (provisional).
By five o'clock in the afternoon all was over. The great ship
_Sardinian_, with slow dignity, as though conscious of the
gallant burden she was bearing to battle, sailed out into the
great immensity of sea and sky. Cheers rent the air, tears--the
tears not of personal grief, but of sympathetic
patriotism--dimmed every eye. Many sorrowed, but many more were
overwhelmed with sheer joy and pride to see this goodly throng
going forth to do martial deeds, and bring back laurels to
crown the land that Wolfe had made glorious. Slowly and with
precision the minute guns boomed from the Citadel, loudly, the
bands played the well-loved tunes, the "Maple Leaf" and "God
Save the Queen." Swiftly now sped the _Sardinian_, flaunting
her gay decorations, and bearing on the bosom of the water a
thousand of Canada's best, a thousand brave hearts and true.
THE SECOND CANADIAN CONTINGENT
After the departure of the first Contingent the loyalty of
Canada continued to increase. Every incident of the war was
carefully watched and discussed, the great deeds that were on
foot found lavish appreciation. At numerous meetings which took
place in various parts of Canada the spirit of the country was
described by such declarations as: "We, too, are loyal Britons,
and our patriotism is at its best when our country needs us
most."
On November 7th Canada made the offer to the British Government
of a second Contingent for South Africa, and on December 18th
Sir Wilfred Laurier received a cablegram from Mr. Joseph
Chamberlain accepting the offer. As one of the Canadian
Ministry afterwards said, "It did not take much more than five
minutes for the Cabinet to decide that the Hon. F. W. Borden,
Minister of Militia, should immediately instruct his officers
at the Militia Department to go on with the preparations for
sending the second Contingent." The fact was that most of the
details had been ready for a month and more. The Minister of
Militia had early come to the conclusion that a second
Contingent of Canadians should be gathered together in the form
of cavalry or mounted infantry and artillery.
The first to be given a chance of enlisting for South Africa
were the Mounted Police. Forty-eight hours later steps were
taken towards recruiting 200 Prairie Cowboys, men who could
ride and shoot as well as any cavalrymen in the world, and who
are accustomed to subsisting on the scantiest of rations. Next
came the Royal Canadian Dragoons, regulars, who were mounted on
well-trained horses, and so well drilled as to make it possible
for every man of them to instruct the less trained recruits
during the voyage. The Boers having a healthy horror of the
lance as a cavalry weapon, it was decided that half at least of
Canada's cavalry should be given this arm.
[Illustration: LADY MINTO PRESENTING COLOURS TO HERCHMER'S
HORSE, ON LEAVING OTTAWA, 19th JAN. 1900.
Drawing by J. H. Bacon, from Photo by J. C. Hemment.]
It was considered that the Cowboys, and such "Plainsmen of the
West" as Herchmer's Horse, _broncho busters_ who had never been
conquered by man or horse, would be specially valuable in the
style of warfare affected by the Boers. With nerves of steel
and thews of wire, they could speak without boasting of their
capacity for putting in thirty-six hours consecutively in the
saddle, and for living "on the smell of an oiled rag."
Ardent volunteers who had failed to get a place in the first
Contingent now rushed forward from every side. The sole
disappointment was, that only a limited number could be
accepted, and those must all be mounted men or artillery.
The wild enthusiasm aroused by the brave and splendid work of
that portion of the first Canadian Contingent which was with
Colonel Pilcher in South Africa, and the inspiring accounts
given by the correspondent of the _Toronto Globe_, resulted in
more volunteering, and a third Contingent could easily have
been raised, even after the rigorous medical examination had
rejected numbers.
The people of Canada responded nobly to the call for funds to
provide for the families of their volunteers on service in
South Africa, the large amounts subscribed by the Banks of
Montreal and British North America, followed by donations of
15,000 dollars by the Canadian Pacific Railway and 2000 dollars
by Holsen's Bank, having served to stimulate action in this
direction. The City Council of Toronto insured for 1000 dollars
the lives of all the 123 men they had sent to form part of the
second Contingent.
On January 19, the Dominion Government, in a house which
cheered itself hoarse in response to patriotic speeches,
decided to offer, if required, 12,000 men to the Imperial
Parliament for service in South Africa. Lord Strathcona
meantime, at his own expense, raised a mounted battalion for
service, which was to be ready to sail on February 10 for South
Africa, the War Office having given their consent to the
formation of the corps. The matter was placed in the hands of
the Hon. Dr. Borden, Canadian Minister of Militia and Defence,
who was given a free hand to recommend officers, organise and
equip the corps, Lord Strathcona reserving only the right to
reject or confirm his decisions.
The following officers left for the front at the end of
January: Officers of D Battery--Major W. G. Hurdman, Capt. D.
J. V. Eaton; Lieutenants, first section, T. W. Vantuyl; second
section, J. M'Crea; third section, E. W. B. Morrison. Officers
of E Battery--Major G. H. Ogilvie; Capt. R. Costigan;
Lieutenants, first section, W. F. Murray; second section, A. T.
Ogilvie; third section, W. G. Good. Officers attached for
duty--Captain H. J. Uniacke; Adjutant, Captain H. C. Thatcher;
Medical Officer, Surgeon-Major A. Worthington; Veterinary
Officer, Veterinary-Major Massie. These were followed by
Regimental Staff Commander Lieut.-Colonel Herchmer; Adjutant
Lieut. Montague Baker; Transport Officer, Lieut. Eustace;
Quartermaster, Captain Allan; Medical Officer, Surg.-Capt.
Devine; Veterinary Officer, Lieut. R. Riddell. In command of
squadrons, Majors Howe and Sanders; Captains Cuthbert and
Macdonnell; Lieutenants Begin, Davidson, Wroughton, Cosby,
Chalmers, Taylor, and Inglis.
When the mounted section of the second Canadian Contingent,
numbering eighty men, started, some twelve extra men were
invited to volunteer. To meet the demand no less than 400
applicants, many of them men of independent means, instantly
came forward. Here was a remarkable proof of martial spirit, of
devotion to the cause of the Mother Country. Vanity some said
it was. Any way, it was a vanity fringing on the sublime.
It is interesting to note, that before the gallant members of
the second Contingent left for Halifax they were presented with
guidons by Lady Minto, the gifts being inscribed with the motto
of the Elliot clan--"Wha daur meddle wi' me." This delicate
mark of attention was highly appreciated by the men.
Early in February the Mounted Bushmen's Corps of 300 men and
horses started for the Cape. All the Canadians, volunteers it
must be remembered, were picked men from all parts of the
Dominion, and with them were scouts from British Columbia, who,
for the most part, were recruited from the Mounted Police of
the North-West and from Cowboys. Being about the smartest
riders and best shots in the world, it was felt that they would
distinguish themselves in the war game as played by the Boers.
Among those at the front prominently connected with Canada was
Captain Kirkpatrick, Royal Engineers, who was attached to the
staff of Sir Redvers Buller. This officer is a graduate of the
Royal Military College, Kingston, and on leaving that
institution received a commission in the Royal Engineers. When
the war broke out, Captain Kirkpatrick was ordered from Malta
to South Africa, where he commanded the Fortress Company of the
Royal Engineers. Major Denison, a prominent officer in the
Royal Canadian Infantry, who had personal charge of the
recruiting for the first Canadian Contingent, and was appointed
quartermaster to the battalion at Quebec, had the honour in
January of being appointed aide-de-camp on the staff of Lord
Roberts.
Another of the patriotic band was Colonel Girouard (the French
Canadian of Egyptian fame), who assisted Lord Kitchener and the
Engineers in marvellous operations along the line of rail. This
officer has achieved a glorious reputation, one which has been
declared to be a closer bond between French Canada and Great
Britain than any words. Another honoured Canadian, who was
mortally wounded in the attack near Spearman's Camp on the 20th
of January, was Captain Hensley (Dublin Fusiliers). This
gallant officer was born at Charlottetown and educated at
King's College, Windsor, whence he passed into the Royal
Military College.
Major-General Hutton, commanding the Canadian Militia, early in
the year was selected for special service in South Africa. No
better officer could have been chosen. He had ample experience
of the subject in hand, as he himself stated in speaking to the
Canadian Contingent before their departure: "It was my lot to
have seen two campaigns in South Africa, including the campaign
against the Boers in 1882. It was also--I was going to say my
privilege--it was certainly not my pleasure--to have been at
Pretoria at the time the present Convention was made; and I
therefore know their leaders, and a little something--I may say
almost too much--of South Africa and the Transvaal, and
therefore I recognise perhaps more clearly than many of you do
the very great difficulties and the dangers which our
Contingent and the Imperial troops in South Africa are exposed
to."
STRATHCONA'S HORSE
Strathcona's Horse, consisting of 530 men and 560 horses, was
commanded by Colonel Steele of the North-West Mounted Police.
He is regarded as an ideal officer for a scouting force, and
his men were all picked men, the cream of the expert riders and
riflemen of the Dominion. Morally and physically they were
declared to be the best soldiers that have ever been enrolled
in Canada. Their mounts were small shaggy bronchos, but sturdy
long stayers. In regard to Lord Strathcona's timely generosity
it is impossible to say enough--the general appreciation of his
splendid and patriotic act is expressed in the following
resolution, which was adopted by the Executive Committee of the
British Empire League in Canada: "That the Executive Committee
of the British Empire League in Canada has heard with
unqualified satisfaction of the magnificent undertaking of Lord
Strathcona and Mount Royal, a Vice-President of this League, to
raise, equip, and support, at his entire expense, a corps of
mounted troops composed of Canadians for service for the Empire
in the South African war, and desires to place on record its
enthusiastic appreciation of his patriotic munificence, and is
certain that his work will yet further convince the rest of the
Empire of Canada's devotion to the cause." Speaking of this
noble promoter of his country's weal, Lieutenant Cooper,
Q.V.R., said: "Generously has the British Empire done by Lord
Strathcona, and generously and freely has Lord Strathcona done
by the Empire. Under the aegis of the Union Jack in Scotland,
Donald Alexander Smith spent the first eighteen years of his
life. In 1838 he entered the service of the Hudson's Bay
Company, and learned the intricacies of North American trade in
Labrador and the North-West. In later years he took a prominent
part in the organisation of the Canadian Government in the
newly-acquired Rupert's Land, and was intimately connected with
the early official days of Manitoba and the North-West
Territories. After representing Montreal for two terms in the
Dominion Parliament, he was appointed Canadian High
Commissioner in London, England, a position which he still
fills to the satisfaction of the Canadian people. In 1897 he
was raised to the peerage as Baron Strathcona and Mount Royal
of Glencoe and Montreal."
The force, equipped after the manner of other mounted troops,
and not armed with lances, was paid by Lord Strathcona until it
landed in South Africa, when it was taken over by the Imperial
Government. As in the case of the Contingents from the various
Colonies, the officers of the corps were appointed as follows:
S. B. Steele, gent., Canadian North-West Mounted Police, to be
Lieut.-Colonel, with the temporary rank of Lieut.-Colonel in
the army. To be Majors, with the temporary rank of Major in the
army: Lieut. R. C. Laurie, Canadian Militia Reserve of
Officers; R. Belcher, Inspector Canadian North-West Mounted
Police; A. M. Jarvis, Inspector Canadian North-West Mounted
Police; A. E. Synder, Inspector Canadian North-West Mounted
Police. D. M. Howards, Canadian North-West Mounted Police, to
be Captain, with the temporary rank of Captain in the army. To
be Lieutenants, with the temporary rank of Lieutenant in the
army: Major G. W. Camden, Canadian Militia; Captains R. M.
Courtney, Canadian Militia; J. J. Macdonald, Canadian Militia;
E. F. Mackie, Canadian Militia; Lieutenants T. E. Pooley,
Canadian Militia; R. H. B. Magee, Canadian Militia Reserve of
Officers; Second Lieutenant P. Fall, Canadian Militia; F. L.
Cartwright, Inspector Canadian North-West Mounted Police; A. E.
Christie, Inspector Canadian North-West Mounted Police; J. E.
Leckie, Graduate Royal Military College, Kingston, Canada; A.
W. Strange, gent., late Canadian Militia. Lieutenant M. P.
Cotton, Canadian Militia, to be Lieutenant for Machine-Gun
Detachment, with the temporary rank of Lieutenant in the Army.
W. Parker, Canadian North-West Mounted Police, to be
Quartermaster, with the temporary rank of Lieutenant in the
army. C. B. Keenan, gent., M.D., to be Medical Officer, with
the temporary rank of Captain. Dr. M'Millan of Brandon was
appointed Veterinary Surgeon for the Strathcona Horse. His
assistant was Mr. Millican, of Rapid City, Manitoba.
The regiment was recruited from a territory covering a million
square miles, some men having travelled from Yukon and the
Peace River district in order to enlist. Many distinguished men
were among them. In one troop were to be found Mr. Beresford
(formerly a Naval officer), cousin of the Marquis of Waterford;
Mr. Warren, son of Colonel Warren, R.H.A.; Mr. Shaw, son of a
Baronet; Mr. O'Brien, a kinsman of Lord Inchiquin; Hon. Mr.
Cochrane, son of the now notable Lord Dundonald; and Lord
Seymour. Colonel Steele (N.W.M.P.), in command of the corps,
is a son of a Captain in the Royal Navy. He was born in Canada,
and is noted for his bravery and devotion to duty. Major
Belcher, a notable swordsman and lancer, was for some years in
the 9th Lancers. The troops received an enthusiastic send off,
and multitudes gathered together to do honour to the latest
addition of Great Britain's army. Several beautiful guidons
were presented to the corps by the ladies of Ottawa. Each was
made of crimson silk, with a broad white stripe through the
centre, on which was embroidered in crimson letters,
"Strathcona's Horse." On the upper crimson bar was Lord
Strathcona's motto, "Perseverance," done in crimson on a white
garter. Above the garter was a Baron's coronet and tiny brown
beaver on a green maple leaf. On the lower crimson bar was the
squadron's designation.
NEW SOUTH WALES
New South Wales fell into line with the other Australasian
Colonies, and decided to send a military force for service with
the Imperial army in South Africa.
The New South Wales Lancers, who had been in training at
Aldershot, were the first to start. They were then about to
return home, but were stopped _en route_, and proceeded to the
Cape. Of their number some few refused to serve and went home,
but on arrival many offered to return to the front. The rest
gave satisfactory reasons for being unable to do so.
Subsequently another Contingent was sent, and also the Bushmen
Corps, at least 1000 strong. It was composed of men who could
ride well, shoot splendidly, and were accustomed to camping out
and roughing it in pursuit of their usual vocations. It must be
noted that this was not the first time that New South Wales had
come to the assistance of the Mother Country. A force went to
Egypt in the earlier Soudan wars, when one man was wounded.
Some discontent at that time was shown owing to the troops not
being allowed to go to the front. On this occasion they were to
serve and fare as the Imperial troops, and to be considered as
such while in the field.
Each Contingent was composed of--1st, N.S.W. Lancers; First
Australian Horse; N.S.W. Artillery; Mounted Rifles; Infantry,
who, being good horsemen, were subsequently mounted by the
Imperial Government. 2nd Contingent consisted of three Mounted
Rifle units of 125 men each, one unit of Australian Horse of
100 men (475), one Battery of Artillery--18 officers, 175 men,
140 horses (629). The total of the New South Wales troops at
the front in February amounted to 1331 men.
Though not at first very enthusiastic in expressions of
patriotism, New South Wales soon became strong in deeds.
Enthusiasm became epidemical. Mr. Lyne, the Premier, threw
himself into the movement, and rapidly pushed forward the
arrangements, and did all in his power to move in sympathy with
the patriotic feelings of the Colony, which were daily growing
more ardent. As a practical expression of the intensity of
their patriotism, the citizens arranged and subscribed for the
despatch of 500 expert roughriders and Bush marksmen, while the
New South Wales Government assisted by supplying arms and
ammunition.
The volunteers were all part, or had formed part, of the land
forces. The only actual _regular_ regiment, as understood by
us, was the artillery, a small company of Submarine Mining
Engineers, 27; Army Service Corps, 10; and Army Medical Staff,
11. All the rest were partially paid or volunteers. The men
came from the whole country, and were men who were serving in
the various corps either as volunteers or partially paid
troops. All the infantry corps were volunteers--all cavalry
regiments and some of the field and garrison artillery were
partially paid troops, and were called regulars, though not on
the permanent staff. The officers of the Contingents were--1.
Captain C. F. Cox, N.S.W. Lancers, Major Bridges, N.S.W.
Artillery, Captain Legge, General Staff N.S.W. Inf.; 2. Major
and Brevet Lieut.-Colonel Thomas Samuel Parrott, V. D. Corps of
Engineers, an officer who served in 1885 with the Australian
Contingent in the Soudan. Colonel Sydenham Smith com.
Artillery; Major J. H. Plunkett Murray, com. 8th Inf. (Union
Regiment); Captain and temporary Major P. T. Owen, General
Staff; Staff officer for Engineer services, Captain L. H.
Kyngdon, N.S.W. Regt. R.A.; Captain A. P. Popham Luscombe;
N.S.W. Regt. R.A.A., Captain Henry P. Ramsay Copeland. Reserve
of officers--Captain R. St. Julien Pearce; N.S.W. Art. (Field),
Lieutenant R. S. Hay Blake Jenkins; N.S.W. Regt. R.A.A.,
Lieutenant C. F. Bracen, N.S.W. Art. (garrison). 1st Aus.
(Vol.) Horse unit--1st Lieut. R. R. Thompson, Permanent Staff,
with rank Captain; 2nd Lieutenant J. F. Moore Wilkinson, 1st
Aus. Horse (Vol.), with rank 1st Lieutenant; 1st Lieutenant
Keith Kinnaird Mackellar, 5th Inf. (Vol.) Regt.; Lieutenant B.
J. Newmarch, N.S.W.A.M.C.; Lieutenant J. A. Dick, N.S.W.A.M.C.;
Lieutenant A. H. Horsfall, N.S.W.A.M.C. Additional
officers--Dr. A. MacCormick, to be Consulting Surgeon, hon.
rank Major; Dr. R. Scot-Skirving, to be Consulting Surgeon,
hon. rank Major; Dr. W. R. Cortis, rank Captain; N. R. Howse,
rank Lieutenant. Chaplains--Church of England--Rev. H. J. Rose,
hon. rank Major; Rev. Patrick Fagan, hon. rank Captain.
The first Contingent reached Cape Town (from London) on
November 2, 1899. The second Contingent started on January 17th
and 18th in three transports; these, while in dock, had to be
watched, as some Boer sympathisers were suspected of wishing to
set fire to them. Nevertheless there were most remarkable
demonstrations of loyalty on all sides, and the troops went off
in high feather, having been previously addressed by Mr. Lyne
in the following stirring speech: "I wish to tell you that
every man and woman in this country is not so proud of anything
as of you. You are not enlisting in the ordinary sense of the
term, in that you are volunteering to serve with the British
troops in the interests of the Empire. You are certain to meet
a foe such as Great Britain has not met for some considerable
time, and I feel we shall all be proud of your deeds. It is
admitted that you are particularly useful, knowing bush life
and being able readily to seize commanding points. Great
Britain is finding that her Colonies form a valuable nursery
ground, and we, on our part, are prepared to supply Great
Britain with a force which is rapidly becoming a powerful
adjunct of the British arms. You will be placed where you must
show energy and determination, and must manifest pluck and
courage, and we believe that you will bring back as a reward a
wide recognition that our arms have been of service to the
Empire. You will make a name for us such as rarely falls to the
lot of a youthful country. You will show the world that the
Empire is united, and that we are prepared to defend her and
our homes if the necessity arises. We in Australia wish you
God-speed, and every heart here beats in accord with every
loyal heart in South Africa. I can only add, for those who may
fall, that their memories will be revered, and you depart
knowing that the loved ones of those yielding their lives will
be tended by a generous Government and a generous public. Again
I wish you God-speed, and may you return covered with all
honour."
On the 19th of January the Premier received the following
cable: "Her Majesty's Government learn with great satisfaction
of the despatch of the Contingent and the patriotic feeling in
New South Wales. The Queen commands me to express her thanks
for these renewed expressions of loyalty.
"CHAMBERLAIN."
VICTORIA
The Victorian Contingent started off with the same flourish of
trumpets and the same outbursts of popular feeling which had
accompanied all the Transvaal Contingents. There was a mixture
of song and shout, of sorrow and tears. The weather was
unchangeably splendid; the city of Melbourne was thronged with
visitors to witness the unusual sight, the crowd being
augmented by numerous Tasmanians who journeyed across the
straits to get a last glimpse at the brave band of warriors as
they started on their voyage. Lord Brassey gave a short
address, and in the name of the Queen wished them God-speed.
FIRST VICTORIAN CONTINGENT FOR SOUTH AFRICA.--Nominal Roll of
Officers of the Victorian Contingent for service in South
Africa, sent in accordance with the cablegram of the Right
Honourable the Secretary of State for the Colonies of 4th
October 1899: Major G. A. Eddy, Captain (Medical Staff) W. F.
Hopkins, Lieutenant T. M. M'Inerney, Lieutenant H. W.
Pendlebury, Lieutenant A. J. N. Tremearne. Mounted Infantry
Unit--Captain M'Leish, Lieutenant and Adjutant Salmon,
Lieutenant Thorn, Lieutenant Chomley, Lieutenant Staughton,
Lieutenant Roberts, Veterinary-Captain Kendall.
The following officers were attached for instruction in
accordance with the cablegram of the Right Honourable the
Secretary of State for the Colonies, dated 27th October 1899:
Colonel J. C. Hoad, Lieutenant-Colonel C. E. E. Umphelby,
Captain G. J. Johnston, Captain J. H. Bruche. Transport Officer
for service with troops for South Africa on board s.s.
_Medic_--Lieutenant-Commander W. J. Colquhoun.
SECOND VICTORIAN CONTINGENT FOR SOUTH AFRICA (two companies of
mounted infantry).--Nominal Roll of Officers who embarked on
s.s. _Euryalus_ on 13th January 1900 for service in South
Africa: Colonel T. Price, Captain D. H. Jenkins, Lieutenant T.
H. Sergeant, Lieutenant T. F. Umphelby, Lieutenant G. O. Bruce,
Lieutenant A. A. Holdsworth, Lieutenant M. T. Kirby, Lieutenant
E. O. Anderson, Lieutenant T. A. Umphelby, Lieutenant E. S.
Norton, Lieutenant R. S. R. S. Bree, Lieutenant and Adjutant J.
L. Lilley, Major (Medical Staff) A. Honman, Chaplain Rev. F. W.
Wray, Veterinary-Captain H. S. Rudduck. Officer attached for
special service with Army Service Corps: Lieutenant A. J.
Christie.
In addition to these Contingents the Colony contributed 250
Bushmen, making in all up to the month of April, 751; officers,
46.
Among the officers of the Victorian Contingent were some whose
careers were particularly interesting:--
Lieut.-Colonel Charles Edward Ernest Umphelby was forty-six
years of age, and a native of Victoria. He commanded the
V.R.A.A. He joined the Militia Garrison Artillery at
Warrnambool on the 20th June 1884; in March 1885 was appointed
lieutenant in the Permanent Artillery, being promoted to be
captain on the 1st January 1888. In August 1891 he was promoted
to be major, and in June 1897 to the rank of
lieutenant-colonel. In addition to commanding the artillery he
also commanded the Western District Garrison Artillery. He was
sent to England by the Victorian Government in 1889 to undergo
courses of instruction, and while there was attached to the
staff of Major-General Clarke. He passed through various
artillery courses, including the long course at Woolwich and
Shoeburyness.
Captain George Jamieson Johnston is a Victorian native, and is
thirty-one years of age. He is an officer of the Field
Artillery Brigade, which is commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel
Kelly. Captain Johnston was appointed lieutenant on the 11th
January 1889, and was promoted to be captain on the 1st July
1895. He is well known as a straight and regular follower of
the Melbourne Hounds.
Captain Julius Henry Bruche was born on the 6th March 1873, and
educated at the Scotch College, Melbourne. His first experience
of military work was in the ranks, and as an officer in the
cadet corps, under Major W. Whitehead. After leaving the Scotch
College cadets he was appointed to the senior cadets, and from
them was transferred to the 1st Battalion Infantry Brigade as a
lieutenant on 15th May 1891. Whilst in the 1st Battalion he
passed the examination for captain, "distinguished in all
subjects." He was appointed permanent adjutant of the 1st and
2nd Battalions of the Infantry Brigade on the 18th July 1898,
and was promoted to the position of captain on the 17th
February 1899, after passing the examination for regular
officers, and going through a course of musketry and Maxim
machine-gun, obtaining an officer's extra certificate, and a
certificate as qualified as instructor of the Maxim
machine-gun. Captain Bruche is a barrister and solicitor, but
gave up his profession to join the permanent staff of the
Victorian forces.
It may here be mentioned that Victoria has the distinction of
being the birthplace of Dr. Robert Andrew Buntine, who was
mentioned for bravery at the battle of Glencoe in Sir George
White's despatches. Dr. Buntine was born on the 13th of
November 1869. He matriculated in the Melbourne University with
honours, and at once entered upon his medical course, where he
acquitted himself with some distinction, for although close
upon a hundred students entered their curriculum with him, only
five (and he was one of them) passed consecutively all their
examinations with honours. In 1890 he graduated with honours,
and took his M.B., Ch.M. degrees. He then became one of the
resident surgeons of the Melbourne Hospital for a year. After
that, and the hard work of the University, he decided upon a
year's travel. Accordingly, he travelled first in South Africa,
and then in Great Britain for some months, visiting many
interesting historical spots, and finally returning to South
Africa, where he bought a practice in partnership with Dr.
Currie, of Pietermaritzburg, Natal. Both are surgeons in the
army, Dr. Buntine being surgeon to the Volunteers, and Dr.
Currie to the Carabineers.
NEW ZEALAND
On the 21st of October, the anniversary of Trafalgar,
Wellington was very early astir. Great were her preparations to
commemorate the departure of her Contingent--the first
Contingent to embark from the Colonies. Bunting began to break
out before breakfast, and town and shipping were soon
fluttering with flags. In the streets groups were congregating
at a time when people are usually given up to business, and
uniforms everywhere dotted the thoroughfare. Large numbers of
volunteers came in from the country, some travelling all night,
and there was a turn out of local forces amounting to 1500.
The march through the town began at 1.20 P.M. It was an
inspiriting sight, and one that all wished to bear in memory.
The road at intervals was so dotted with cameras, that one
humourist in the ranks was heard to remark that this was the
"real original March of the Camera Men." The crowds thickened
and enthusiasm increased. Jervois Quay, the broadest avenue in
the city, as well the open land abutting on it, was thronged
from end to end. All the roofs commanding a view were lined,
the steamers at the wharves were packed even to the rigging,
and the long breastwork along the quay was crammed to
suffocation.
Here the passage for the Contingent was kept by a double row of
volunteers. The weather had been frowning and gusty, but no
sooner had the Contingent formed up in front of a temporary
stand projecting from the breastwork, on which Lord Ranfurly,
the Governor, Lady Ranfurly and suite were accommodated, than
the sun burst forth resplendent while the wind gently lulled.
Speeches were made, followed by pathetic leave-takings of
friends and relatives. At the last moment so great was the
crush that some of the men were cut off from the rest, and had
afterwards to struggle to the steamer as best they could.
As the big vessel slowly steamed off, cries of farewell,
shouts, cheers rent the air, and continued unceasingly, till
the _Waiwera_ bearing New Zealand "Soldiers of the Queen" to
the scene of war, had passed from sight.
The first New Zealand Contingent was commanded by Major Robin,
who is a splendid example of the born warrior. Originally a
gunner in the B Battery New Zealand Artillery, he rose in the
Otago Hussars through all the grades of non-commissioned
officers to command of the troop. This regiment from that time
was unsurpassed in efficiency by any in the Colony. As an
instance of the pluck and energy of the gallant major, a
characteristic story is told: When Sir John Richardson died he
was accorded a military funeral, and was interred in the
Northern Cemetery. On the day of the funeral the Leith was in
high flood, and there was a general opinion that the Dundas
Street Bridge would not bear the weight of the gun-carriage
bearing the honoured remains. Major Robin at once volunteered
to drive the gun-carriage across, and accomplished the
dangerous task without mishap.
Major Robin took charge of the New Zealand Contingent which
attended the Diamond Jubilee, and had the honour of commanding
the mixed Colonial escort which accompanied the Queen on her
visit to London during the celebrations.
Captain Madocks, who distinguished himself in the fight of the
15th of January at Slingersfontein, is a Wellington man, full
of pluck and resource, and as we now know, admirably calculated
to become a leader of men.
The second Contingent, under the command of Major Cradock and
numbering 242 officers and men and 300 horses, left Wellington
on the 20th of January--upwards of 70,000 spectators
congregating to witness the departure of the fine fellows,
whose appearance was alike martial and workmanly. These two
Contingents, equipped and sent over at the cost of the New
Zealand Government--the funds being raised among the settlers
themselves--were not by any means New Zealand's entire
contribution. Two more Contingents followed, and afterwards a
fifth, consisting of 500 rough riders; some of the smartest men
that could be gathered together! Indeed the whole force was
remarkable for its smartness, and before it had been long in
the Transvaal was highly praised by General French for its fine
horsemanship and coolness under fire.
An interesting feature belonging to the New Zealanders, and one
which must have struck consternation in the heart of the Boers,
was the Maori war-cry of the troops. This was composed by
Trooper Galloway, one of the Volunteer Contingent, and
taught by him to his comrades. The war cry in the Maori tongue
is "Kia, Kaha, Niu Tireni. Whawhai maiea mo te Kuini, to
kaianga. Ake! ake! ake!" which interpreted means, "Be strong,
New Zealand. Fight bravely for your Queen, for your country.
Ever! ever! ever!" The interest of the Maoris in Great Britain
was evinced in practical form. They held carnival, danced
native dances, and sang native songs, devoting the proceeds to
the Patriotic Fund. Their only regret was their inability to be
enrolled among the defenders of the country.
[Illustration: HON. W. P. SCHREINER, C.M.G.
Premier of the Cape Parliament, 1898-1900.
Photo by Elliott & Fry, London.]
QUEENSLAND
The Queenslanders, under the command of Colonel Ricardo, have,
as before said, the honour of being the first of Great
Britain's children to come forward to her assistance. Their
deeds are now familiar to us, for they are associated with
Colonel Pilcher's famous raid to Sunnyside and Douglas, and
also with the magnificent ride of General French for the relief
of Kimberley. But before July 1899 we were scarcely acquainted
with our warlike brothers across the ocean.
The prime mover in the patriotic scheme of assisting the Mother
Country in her need was the Hon. J. R. Dickson, the Premier. As
we know, he lost not a moment. He did not wait for the need of
assistance to be recognised. In this respect he followed the
splendid example set in 1884 by the late Mr. Dalley, who, while
acting Premier for Sir A. Stuart, telegraphed independently the
wish of New South Wales to assist in the military undertakings
of the Mother Country. The Premier knew the spirit of loyalty
and patriotism that pervaded Queensland, and made haste to give
it utterance. He was well supported by all sections of the
Government and of the people, and speedily his action was
imitated all over the world.
Queensland by degrees sent out two Contingents composed of
mounted infantry and one machine-gun section of Royal
Australian Artillery; and finally, a third Contingent, of which
75 per cent. were bushmen, all first-class riders and splendid
shots. They were men of grand physique, many of them wealthy,
and many sons of prominent citizens. The infantry were not
mounted when despatched, but all being good horsemen, and their
services being chiefly required as scouts or to assist cavalry,
they had mounts provided for them on arrival by the Imperial
authorities. The Queensland Mounted Infantry was organised in
1884 by Colonel Ricardo, who is styled the "father" of mounted
infantry in Queensland, and belongs to the Militia Division of
the Colonial Defence force. The force is organised on the basis
of three years' service, and ordinarily is recruited from the
bushman and farmer class--a sterling and hardy set of fellows,
whose plain motto is "For God and the right." The uniform, a
highly becoming one, is of kharki, with claret-coloured
facings. The hat is of the usual "brigand" shape, decorated at
the side with a smart tuft of emu plumes.
The whole of the expenses of transport, equipment, arms, and
food for men and horses during the voyage was defrayed by the
Colony; pay on the field was met by the Imperial Exchequer, the
Colony only meeting the difference between the Imperial and
Colonial rates, the latter being higher.
The first Contingent consisted of 262 men and officers, who
sailed in the _Cornwall_ on November 11, 1899, amid a wild
display of patriotic enthusiasm.
Officers of the first Contingent--Staff--Major P. R. Ricardo,
to rank as Lieut.-Colonel; Sup. Captain R. S. Browne;
Lieutenant C. H. A. Pelham; Machine-Gun Section--Lieutenant C.
H. Black, Royal Australian Artillery. A Company Queensland
Mounted Infantry--Captain H. G. Chauvel; Lieutenant A. G. Adie
(wounded at Sunnyside under Colonel Pilcher); Lieutenant C. A.
Cumming; Lieutenant T. W. Glasgow; Lieutenant D. E. Reid. B
Company Queensland Mounted Infantry--Captain P. W. G. Pinnock;
Lieutenant H. Bailey; Lieutenant R. Dowse; Lieutenant R.
Gordon. The second Contingent was composed of 148 men and 8
officers, with 5 additional officers for special service in
South Africa. Officers of second Contingent--Lieut.-Colonel
Kenneth Hutchison, Headquarters Staff, commanding; Captain W.
G. Thompson, Queensland Mounted Infantry; Lieutenant H. J.
Imrie Harris, Queensland Mounted Infantry; Lieutenant A. F.
Crichton, Queensland Mounted Infantry; Lieutenant James Walker,
3rd Queensland (Kennedy) Regiment; Lieutenant R. M. Stodart,
Queensland Mounted Infantry. Supernumeraries--Captain Sir
Edward Stewart-Richardson, Bart., 3rd Battalion Black Watch;
Lieutenant John H. Fox. Additional officers
attached--Surgeon-Captain H. R. Nolan, A.M.C. Queensland
Defence; Major D. W. Rankin; Captain F. W. Toll, special
service; Captain A. E. Crichton, Camp Quartermaster; Captain W.
T. Deacon, Camp Adjutant.
The second Contingent sailed in the _Maori King_ on January 20.
The night before they were to start it was discovered that the
ship had been set on fire, but the flames were extinguished
before much damage was done. There seemed to be no doubt it was
the work of an incendiary, and the police kept a close watch
over the vessel till she was fairly away. It was regarded as
significant that the crew consisted mainly of Dutchmen and
Germans.
The third Contingent, which sailed in the _Duke of Portland_ on
March 1, was 300 strong, with 350 horses. In addition to the
above, about 20 men and 50 horses had been sent to Sydney, and
sailed with the New South Wales Contingent on February 26.
After accommodating men and horses, it was found that the _Duke
of Portland_ had still 500 tons of space available for cargo;
this the Queensland Government offered to fill with forage for
horses and men, and present to the Imperial Government.
SOUTH AND WEST AUSTRALIA
South Australia speedily sent two Contingents to the front, and
offered more should further help be required. The first
Contingent was commanded by Captain F. H. Howland. This officer
was born in Kensington, London, 1863, and served for three
years in the Middlesex E.V. Royal Engineers. At the expiration
of that time he went to Australia, and in 1885 joined the
volunteer company which was being formed at Mount Gambier, in
which he was appointed lance-corporal. Since then he has passed
through every rank, was appointed captain in 1893, and made
adjutant in June 1898. Captain Howland then became senior
captain in the second battalion, and--having passed his
examination for his majority--on the illness of his commanding
officer, commanded the battalion on several occasions.
The officers of the Contingent were as follows: Captain F. H.
Howland, D Company, Mount Gambier Infantry, C.O.; Captain G. R.
Lascelles, Royal Fusiliers, A.D.C. to Lord Tennyson (attached);
Lieutenant J. H. Stapleton, A Company, first battalion
infantry; Lieutenant F. M. Blair, B Company, first battalion
infantry; Lieutenant J. W. Powell, D Company, Mount Gambier
Infantry; Major J. T. Toll, Medical Staff.