OUR BOYS AT THE FRONT.

Clutha Leader, Volume XXVI, Issue 1381, 6 March 1900, Page 3

OUR BOYS AT THE FRONT.

Complimentary references have already been made with regard to the gallant work done by Trooper Walter Johnston. In the account of the charge made by the New Zealanders with Captain Maddoeks on January 15, resulting in the deaths of Serge ant Gourley and Trooper Conncll, highly complimentary mention was made of the work done by Trooper Wilson. In the account given by the correspondent of the Otago Daily Times, the Trooper Wilson here referred to was put down as coming from Christchurcb. The Evening Star's correspondent designated the trooper as Troopsr T. Wilson. There are two Wilson's in the contingent, both troop2rs — J. Wilson and Wilfred (Fred) Wilson. From the accounts we have received it appears certain that Trooper Connell, Captain Maddocks, Sergeant Gourley, and Trooper Wilson were in that order the first across the parapet in the gallant charge. There is apparently some doubt as to which Wilson is referred to, and we give our readers the account given by the correspondent of the Auckland Star :— " Trooper F. Wilson put in some good work, and besides saving Captain Maddock's life he was always foremost in the rank. It is rumoured that both Captain Maddoeks and Wilson are to be recommended for the L.S. medai."

In saving Captain Maddock's life Trooper Wilson is described as having shot a Boer who was taking steady aim at the Captain a few feet distant, and who most certainly would have been killed but for the timely shot of his trooper.

Further particulars will be awaited with some interest.

We make a few extracts from a letter received by Mrs J. W. Wilson from Trooper W. Bunten : — Slingersfontein, January 22. — I have not heard from any of my people since I came here. lam afraid the governor will perform a bit. Fred is back in the ranks again and is doing all riget. He got a nasty spill the other day, his horse went head over heels, but I dont think a Wilson is born to be hurt by a horse. He got up all right only shaken a bit in body and very considerably in temper. They talk about the unhealthy climate here but so far it has been simply perfect. If it was not for the dust storms, and the want of decent drinking water, I believe the climate is even better than New Zealand. Up here around Colesburg the country is not half bad, and the stock are in splendid condition. The most surprising thing to me is the Boer ponnies. They are only 14 hands and still they carry soldiers riding close on 20 stone, and are in better order than our horses. My mare is standing the work splendidly; Belle Mahone is well known all along the lines, the worst trouble with her is the want of food. All our horses are very hungry and you have to be careful in approaching them at feed time. Last night about an hour after we had gone to bed we were suddenly aroused by heavy firing. We got the order: Stand to your horses, saddle and mount at once. There was great bustle for a bit, and we all thought there was a night attack on the camp. Away we went, and there were some nice spills as we galloped across the plain. Seven came down in one heap. Hugh Smith went back to help them, and fell on top of one, cutting his horses head a bit. Luckily none of them were hurt. We galloped up to a little hill, and were ordered to fix bayonets and take off our hats. It made us feel a bit seriou?, especially as it was pitch dark. However, it turned out to be a false alarm. The Boers bad been shelled during the day, and were retiring. The Eoyal Irish, who were on picket at night, thought they were again advancing and signalled for reinforcements. I hope to goodness they keep retiring, as it gives us a chance to catch them in the open. The Clutha boys are all well, and have shewn up as Well as {ipjr in. the contingent. i Asii Ut Wjlsou to congratulate: G.5'6. L^tti-

more on winning the prize with Viresco. I was very pleased to hear of his success.