In the Hands of the Enemy

Evening Post, Volume LX, Issue 72, 22 September 1900, Page 1 (Supplement)

In the Hands of the Enemy

A PRISONER OF WAR WITH THE BOERS. THE EXPERIENCES OF AN EXWELLINGTONIAN. The following narrative contains the personal experiences of a well-knowr exWellingtonian (ex-Constable Murdoch), who was about one of the first of the British prisoners captured by the Boers. He was in their hands for eight months, and in this narrative he tells the story of his capture, treatment, and escape. PART I. KIMBERLEY, 3rd August. In the month of September, 1899, as the war cloud was hanging over South Africa, Kimberley, for its safety, in addition to the volunteer forces, formed a Town Guard. Just about the same time half a battalion of the North Lancashire and a^ew of the Royal Artillery, with six 2£in muzzle-loading guns, were also sent to strengthen tho defence- of the town, which in all made a total slightly over 4000 men, ouit of which about 2000 were employed in De Beers's mines. Early in October smali fortifications were made at various points around the town, the Premier mine being the nearest point to tho Free State, which is on the border. Here a fine fort was built on the top of a debris heap. About 75 of th© North Lancashires and 25 of the Royal Artillery, with two seven-pounders and a Maxim, were stationed here, together with about 200 of De Beers' employees. This iort gave full command over the minuig area and the eastern side of Kir- ■ berley. I, beingi one of four cyclists selected to do despatch riding, etc., was sent to Alexandersfontein, which is about six miles from here, in. the direction of Magersfontoin (which name will ever be remembered). Here I had to remain and report; any movements of the Boers, as things were getting a bit serious. The armoured train had been wrecked and a smail engagement having taken place at Dornfield, just outside Kimberley, it was necessary to keep a sharp look-out. Every evening I would lniake my report, on returning to the mine, to Captain O'Brien, of the North Lanks, who was officer in charge. Occasionally patrols of Boers could be seen going in the direction of Magersfontein, sometimes two in* number and sometimes as many as a dozen. A heliograph could also be seen at work occasionally. I always reported any such incidents on my retxiirn. I continued this sort of work up to the 4th November, 1899, which dtfte I have good reason, to remember. About 10.30 o'clock that; morning the Boers could be seen in strong force about three miles opposite this mine. An alarm was given, and all hands hurried to the fort, quite prepared for an attack. A few minutes after one of the burghers could be plainly seen leaving the crowd coining in our direction under the flag of truce. Everyone was in wonder as to what message could be coming. On bis arrival the sentries brought him into the mining area. A letter which he brought was opened. The message * was calling on the officer commanding th© forces of Gnqualand West to* surrender the town of Kimberley and all the armed forces therein between 12 noon that day (Saturday) and 6 a.m. on Monday (the 6th), as they would then commence a bombardment on tho town. A prompt reply was sent back by Colonel Kekewich in the negative, and further, warning General Wessels, v of the Boer forces, that any of his men in future advancing under the white flag would bo fired upon, as they had been making uso of the same for other purposes than which it is intended for. In the meantime I had been sent to take up my post at Alexandersfontein. Armed Avth a revolver, I rode quietly away oil the bicycle as usual, passing the corner of the mining area and on to the Free State border. Two and a half miles more and Alexandersfontein is reaohed. Before descending! a small incline my attention was drawn to a round of ammunition which I saw lying on the ground. I pulled up, went back, and examined this cartridge, which I found to be a Lee-Metford. I put it in my pocket and' went on again, arriving at 2.30 p.m. at the boundary fence at Alexandersfontein. I leaned over the gate and closely scanned the veldt with my glasses in the direction of Magersfontein, both in the Free Stale and in British territory, and saw nothing unusual. I took hold of my - bike, which was a new machine geared to 76, with tho intention of going a mile back from the border to get on the road that leads direct to Kimberley. As I turned the machine around I at once saw about 200 armed men on horseback between me and the Premier mine, com.ug towards me almost at a gallop. For the first few seconds I stood looking, not annoyed in any way, as no oth«r thought crossed my mind than that they were the Diamond Field H»rse. When they came within 400 yards I made the extraordinary discovery that they were Boers, as they were not in uniform, and one behind the other, about half a mile in length* They were practically between me and Kimbersley. I mounted the bike to make towards the Alexandersfontein Hotel, but had not gone two turns of the wheel before the leader of this crowd (who afterwards turned out to be General Wessols) shouted to me to stop. The two burghers' next to him were, at the same time u,nslinging their rifles. 1 was cornered, a» turned the bicyole on towards

them and dismounted, when the leader said in English— "You are my prisoner. Hand OT&r your things." 1 obeyed tho order, and handed him my revolver and field glasses. He then said, "What do you belong to?" In reply I said the Town Guard, as it was little use saying anything else undsr the circumstances. He ordered two of his men to search me, and found sundry papers, and a pass written by Captain O'Brien. One of tha burghers took my purse, which contained £14 4s, and was in the act of taking my watch when the old General promptly ordered them to give me back the money, and told thtim not to interfere with my watch, and further said, "We don't do that sort of work kere." The old man then mounted his horse, and ordered three of the burghers to remain with me. The remainder followed their leader, and rode aHI around Alexandersfontein and in the direction of Kfinbeiley. Immediately he left one of the three in charge of me said, "Mow you are in tho hands of those dirty Boers, who never wash themselves, as you English people say." ,In reply I said, "Oi coua'se 1 cannot help what the majority of English people say about you." He said, "You will find them not so bad after ail." Qne of the others said, "iou are a spy, and might be shot." I told him I was a scout, and on British soil. The General and his followers returned. He came up to me and said — "Now this is all Free State territory, and I will die before they take it from me." Of course I did not attempt to contradict tha Commander-in-Chief of the Free State forces under such circumstances, as no doubt ho believed in his own mind that the Boers would conquer Great Britain. He ordered me to get On a horse which he picked out, and said, "We are now going over the border, and you must not in any way tiy to escape, or you will bo shot dead." 1 assured him that no such attempt would b& made. After going about haif a mile into the Free State we came to two small kopjes, between which, were about 300 more mounted Boers. The old General rode into tho centre of them, and, I suppose, anxious to let them kuow he had made a capture, shouted, "Where is my prisoner V" "Come on Englishman !" I had to obey the order, and rode into the centre of them. He made a short speech in Dutch, after which I was put on the lead of the commando, moving off to Oliphantsfontein laager. On our arrival thero I was halted in front of s> farmhouse at the entrance of the laager. This laager would bo nearly a mile iv circumference, and lull of cattle. General Wessels went into the house and brought out his wife, daughter, and son to have a look at his capture. The son was a lad of about 17 years. The General took my revolver — wh.ch I had given him when captured — out of the case, and asked me if it was loaded. I replied in the afiirmative. Ho then put bis lad guard over me with my own revolver. The old lady, who seemed rather pleased at this incident, said in Dutch to the son, "Mind you don't miss if you have to fire." After standing there half «n hour, with all hands gazing at me, I was put in a room in the farmhouse, a sentry with Mauser in hand guarding the door. The Adjutant (Mr. Lillief&ldt) came to me and said, "We have sent in word for Kimberley to surrender, and have received a very cheeky reply from Colonel Kekewich. Now we are going Co close in on the town. We have a gun that takes 38 oxen to draw, and on Monday we are go;ng to make «, start, and it will be only a matter of time with Kimberley. This officer then asked me if I belonged to the Diamond Fields Artillery. I replied in the negative. He said, "The reason I ask you was I see you have a small cannon hanging to ybur watch chain." 1 told him I had gone through a course of gunnery in tke New Zealand Permanent ArtiLery, and that this cannon represented tho iS'ew Zealand 13-ton gun. He th&a suggested to me that I would be much saier in their artillery than I would be in Kimterley. I replied that the British forces would be up to reheve Kimberley, and that before many days. Ho said, "I know they are expecting help, bufc they will never bo able to get through, as we have possession from Mcdder Kiver to Alexanders fontein, and aLI the British forces now on the water Would have to go to .Natal, as tha Boers were advancing on Maritzburg." I s.aid thai might bs, but there were 800,000 troops comd be sent out if required. The conversation at this stage was interrupted by the old General coming in with my tea, which consisted of cold beef, brown bread, and some jam on a saucer. Tha old man said, "I give you some jam. This is jam my wife made herseli." I thanked him, "although I thought little about eating that evening. My whole thoughts were of what was before me. A little later on he brought me a rug, and told me to make the best of it for the night. At 9 p.m. I lay down with the intention of having a s>leep, but I never closed an eye that sight. The clicking and snapping of breech-blocks could be heard the whole night through, and being ail alone I felt quite miserable ; in fact, I do not remember putting in a worse night in my life. I was very pleased when daylight set in. About 6.30 a.m. (Sunday) Mr. Lilliefeldt, the Adjutant, brought me in a towel and soap. I was escorted to the back of the house, where I had a fine dip, which freshened me- up considerably. About 8 o'clock my breakfast was brought in, consisting ' of a cup of new milk, bread, a fried chop, and a piece of dried meat called biltong by the Boers. An hour later I was brought into another room, face to face with a board of Boer officers. The interpreter told me this was the board of officers by which I must be tried. The old General was chairman. My name in full and place of birth were first asked if or. They then asked me what I was doing at Alexandorsfontein on Saturday. 1 explained to them that I was cyclist for the Town Guard, etc. They further wished to know by whom was I sent there. I told them "Captain O'Brien." "And to what does Captain O'Brien belong/ In reply I told them the North Lancashire Regninent. 1 was then asked the strength of Kimbevley and Mafeking, and what was the size of the largest gun in Kimberley, how many Maxims, how long the previsions would last, where doss Kimbarley get its water supply from, etc. To many of these questions I told them I did not know, or gave exaggerated answers. After being closely questioned for about three- quarters of an hour, they finished u,p by telling me I I would be sent to Bloemfontein as a I prisoner of war, and there to be detained. I waa then sent back to the guardroom. At about 10.30 o'olock the, same morning one of the burghers came in and I told me I would have some mates, as a

patrol of six of the Diamond Fields Horse had been brought in. I can assure you I was pat sorry at this bit of new«, as few can imagine the feelings of one getting into the hands of the enemy all ivlone. Corpora! Connelly, of the Diamond Fields Horse, after entering the room, informed me that he had also been closely examined on the defence of Kimberley and other incidents. We exchanged experiences, which pretty well passed the day, and I began to feel a, little more comfortable. About 7 p.m. a Mr. Brown (of the Beaconsfield Town Guard) was also brought in. He informed us that he was out in. the direction of Alexandersfontein, searching for some of his mules which had strayed off, and nob knowing the Boers had taken Alexaude-rsfontein, he walked straight into them. The burghers immediately searched him, and in his pocketbook found the organisation list of the Beaconsfield Town Guard, which made him a safe prisoner. Two hours later the Genera; came in and asked us if we were ali right. All hands replied Yes. He then ordered the light to be put out. Next morning we were all sent off without breakfast en route to Bloemfontein, under a strong escort of burghers. We had to walk to a place called Jacobsdal. On arrival at this place we were given some tinned beef, bread, and water, and started on the way again at 4.30 p.m by ox waggon. They outsp3.nned at a farmhouse at 8 o'clock. We were put in a. stable ; the farmer himself, a ,grizzly old Boer of about 70 years, brought us some bread and a bucket of m.lk, which was very acceptable. This old warrior said to us in Dutch, "We will treat you well, but we are going to take your land." On Tuesday, the 7th, at 5.30 a.m., we got up. Before starting off the farmer brought us each a cup of coffee, after which we got on our waggon, and made another start, and went on till 11 o'clock, when tho team was again outepanned ; had breakfast at midday. At this place we had the pleasure of seeing a bit of Boer shooting, which I hod often heard a great deal about. A bird known by the name of the Kaflir crane was seen strutting across a vlei at about 600 yards' distant. One of the burghers sighted his rifle, took aim, and fired. The bird immediately fell over, and began flapping its wings. One of the escort rode down to the viei and brought j tho bird up. It was shot through the breast. A few shots were then fired at a pinnacle rock, about 9 inches broad by 18 inches in length, at a range of 500 yards. The shooting waa the best I ever saw in my life. About 2 p.m. we made another start, arriving at the small town of Petrusburg at sunset. The people there must have heard of our coming, as women -and children came flocking round our waggon from all directions. In front of the police station a halt was made, and we ail got off. The Landdrost, a very young man to hold that position, ordered the constable in charge of the police station to go to the hotel and get a good dinner ior each of us. We had muitton, potatoes, bread, and coffee, and were locked up in the cells for the night. Before leaving next morning Mr. Brown and myself asked the Landdrost if we could have a drink at the hotel. He consented, and we invited the burghers to join us. We had drinks all round, and then left. We outspanned about midday, and had our first and last meal for the day, consisting of bread only. Next day (9th November) we got a meal of bread and potatoes at 2 p.m. We arrived at Bloemfontein at 7.30 p.m. oh the 9th, and were first taken to the police station, and from there to the ■ Raiiwaj Buffet, where we had a good dinner, for which we were fully ready. We were then escorted to the gaol by a strong body of armed polioe, and there we were kept for' several weeks. The, head gaoler, Air. Mulligan (an old veteran* from the Emerald Isle) took charge of us. For the first few weeks ail went well. The food was equal to that of any ordinary boardinghouse, and there were plenty of books to read. All at once this excellent bill of fare was changed to porridge three times a day, with of bread and lib of meat per week, and coffee or tea without sugar. There were some long j faces drawn over this change. With some Cape Police and others that wers captured from the colony we now" numbered about 50 in' all. The Rev. Mr. Craig, Presbyterian clergyman, used lo come to the | gaol and hold service twice a week. He i would generally bring his wife and two Bloemfontein girls with him. Of course no one would be admitted to see us without a pass from the Landdrost, and very few permits were- granted. The Misses Fraser, well-known in Bloemfontein, and j ef Scottish blood, were very good to us. I They would often send us fruit, cake, and other things. We also received gifts of this kind from other British people of Bloemfontein. On Saturday evenings, after the gaol doors' Avsre locked, we would generally have a smoke concert, which would be kept up to about 10.60 o'clock. About the middle of December in came about 70 of the Highland Brigade, under the escort of Johnny Boer and his Mauser. We then got the whole of the, news of the Magersfontein disaster. A couple of days after we got our marching orders for Pretoria. On the 20th December we all fell in, and were marched off to entrain for Pretoria. Many Britishers were at the railway station, and they told us they were scarcely able to speak a. word for fear of being arrestei. Many Boers assembled at the various stations to see us pass on our way to Pretoria. At 7 a.m. the following day Pretoria was reached A largo number of armed police had charge of the railway station, and prevented the public from coming near. After half an hour's stay at the capital we again moved off for Waterval, our camping ground, which lies about 14 miles out of Pretoria. On marching through the gate into our new quarters we joined in with about 2000 more prisoners, who had been captured on the Natal side. They eagerly rushed us to get the news, as no papers were allowed in On examining our new place of abode, I found that between us and the Boer guards were a triple- fence of barbed wire, well matte*d together, inside of which were several rows of sheds about 400 yards in length, which formed our quarters. Here we were, in company with the N.C.O.'s of the Dublin Fusiliers. We were very lucky in getting this place in preference to the open sheds with ground floor. This enclosure was about 500 yarde in length: by about 100 in breadth. The soldiers selected names for the streets between tha sheda, which were as follows: Fusilier-street, G-losler-avenue, Royal Ar-tillery-street, and Natal-road, each being well lighted up at dusk with electric light. The names were carved out on a piece of board, and posted at the head of each street. An officer visited tho camp dressed in a French uniform, «jid seemed much amused at each little avenue with its name stuck up. On Sunday, 24th December, Divine services were held by the Methodist and Roman Catholic clergymen. Christmas

[ Day, which passed much- the same as any other day, a number of men got together [ and sang a few Christmas carols. On Boxing Day the Rev. Father De Lacy gave us each a pipe and some tobacco. The last week of the year passed without anything unusual. About midnight on the 31st December a number of Boers got together and fired a volley in. the air ! (this being their custom), causing a terrible stampede amongst the Tommies, who tumbled over each other in the dark, as they thought the Boers were firing into them. The first Sunday in the year Sergeant Dudley, of the 18th Hussars, held Divine service in the open, and during the whole of the service not one of the men. raised I a helmet until at the finish, when "God Save the Queen" was sang. Than nearly ail raised their hats. It struck me at the time that they took off their helmets for the Queen, but not for the Almighty. Day after day went by, small batches of prisoners coining in almost- daily. The only games played in camp were football, (qrieket and quoits. On sth January each one got an issue of clothing, consisting of shirt, jersey, trousers, and socks. On 9th January 76 prisoners of th© Suffolk Regiment were brought in from Colesburg. Our prison area had now been made much larger; we were given access to another paddock adjoining for the day time only. Before, sunset w© would bs driven back to the smaJl area of our quarters for the night. (To be concluded.)