CAMPAIGNING IN AFRICA

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1511, 14 February 1901, Page 42

CAMPAIGNING IN AFRICA

WITH THE FOURTH AND FIFTH CONTINGENTS.

(“N.Z. Times” Special War Correspondent.) Field Hospital, Mafeking, December 28tn, 1900.

Tilings down south are daily becoming more desperate, and a rising of the Cape Dutch seems imminent. Yesterday the news reached us that a commando, variously estimated at from 600 to 2000 strong, had crossed the border into the colony, and that 140 “Imperial Yeomanry” (recently sent through from Rhodesia.) in trying to intercept them, in conjunction with other troops, had been cut off, captured, disarmed and released. Rather rough on _ these Yeomanry, considering it was their first encounter! Then to-day comes the news that tuenty-five miles oi the railway line has been destroyed south of the Orange river—that is, in Gape Co*lony—and that martial law had been proclaimed in the affected districts. Truly, the Boers have been doing wonders lately. This is either,.the beginning or the end, or the “ beginning of the end/? of the war. The flame of rebellion must either spread beyond immediate control now, or suddenly disappear altogether. Cape Colony must either throw in her lot with the burghersi at once, or forever hold her peace. The result of the operations of the next few weeks will decide the question. Lord Methuen is expected in with his column to-morrow, and entrains for the south on Monday or Tuesday. The events of the last few days have no doubt necessitated this change in the programme. Ottoshoop, which has proved to be too unhealthy to justify the retention of a garrison there any longer, was destroyed to-day, and this evening a long string of Boer residents and refugees, who were cleared out before the place was blown up or abandoned by the garrison, passed through on their way to the “refugee” camp, about four miles to the west cf the town. It was rather a mournful sight to see the Boer women and their children of all ages, from infants at the breast to young maidens, clinging tenaciously to the last vestige of their homes, on the top of the. weird string, of mule and oxen waggons. Several of these' ladies, with children sick with measles, put in an appearance at the Field Hospital here, and demanded to be admitted : but owing to the infectious nature of this disease (which has accounted for a good many troops) and to the crowded state of each ward, about 150 patients having come in within the last two days, they could not he admitted. They were allowed to CAMP CLOSE BY, and will be provided with all necessaries. Mrs Botha and Mrs Lemma, whose husband (a Boer General) was recently shot (by the New Zealanders, it is said) have also taken refuge here. They considered themselves too good to come' in on the ambulance waggon, so it was necessary to place them therein by force. There are close on a thousand Boers at the refuge laager here, and these have all to be provided for by the British Government. This is a very humane way of treating our enemies. But the most kindly, because) the quickest, way to bring the war to a close would be to notify the burghers on commando that on a certain date all the women and children in each district would be dumped down at specified places with their personal effects, so many days’ rations and the necessary tents to shelter them; that so many days from that date would be alloived thei burghers, without molestation, to make provision for their families or to made up their minds thjat- surrender alone would save them all from starvation. At the present time, with the knowledge that his family is not starving, but is being liberally provided for from the Imperial “larder,” which he knows full well will never run' dry, Mr Boer is relieved from all responsibility, and no doubt feels quite capable of looking after himself and “Tommy” too. The latest proclamation notifies burghers that they may, if they surrender now, “live in laagers with their families till peace is restored.” This is ne, doubt a most tempting offer, and will probably be accepted by many. But my scheme, .1 think, would be more likely to bring about the desired result, inasmuch as the only alternative to surrender is one that could; not be faced' even by a Boer—starvation. I decline to. believe that the enemy is so anxious to continue the struggle as to sacrifice his family in order to do so. If the latest proclamation should fail—and I believe it will—then, short of the scheme above outlined, nothing but absolute compulsion at the point of the bayonet will end this war. Lichtenberg is another fewer den; four or five of the Fifth Contingent, I am told, have died there recently (names net obtainable); also a number of Australians. A section of the First Neiw Zealand Battery is doing garrison duty there now. There is also a section protecting Zeerust. Both of these towns have been provisioned for twelve months. Christmas has passed off vetry quietly, though there was a good deal of drunkenness in camp. The good people of the town subscribed or £3O to provide thel garrison with a tew luxuries, and, as might be expected, most of it went in. drink. There was, however, no rowdyism, notwithstanding the fact that “Tommy” was allowed a good deal of license in honour of the

occasion. The various branches of the defence force mingled together in marquees pitched for the purpose, and enjoyed themselves with songs, music and a “friendly glass” in proper BRITISH STYLE.

But Christmas morning found more sore heads and sleepy eyes than active soluiers, for the sound of voices pitched in abnormal keys did liot die away till the “sma J wee oors.” The New Zealanders (artillerymen) in camp were treated ♦'■o a cask of beer and cigars by their officers (Imperial). They invited their neighbours (the 37th Battery R.A., Lyddite guns, which took part in “Magersfontein”) to bring their “pots” with them and help themselves ; and by the time the “duff” was ready for the knife, most cf “ our boys 5 and their comrades were “knocked out of action.” On Christmas night the men were not allowed quite so much liberty, as an attack was expected on the following morning. At 9 pm. the roll was called, and at 3.30 a.m. a. general “stand to arms” was ordered. But the expected did not. eventuate. Thetown is full of Boers, pro-Boers and spies, and the enemy is no doubt cognisant- of all that takes place ; and it may safely be concluded that if the Boers really did intend to make ail attack, they were warned of the hearty reception that awaited them at daylight. They will abide their time, and just when we least expect it an attack will suddenly be madeIn the middle of our rejoicings this year it is hard to realise that- last Christmas such a dreadful state of things prevailed here —that the movements of the inhabitants of this little town were so rest-rioted and harassed by the enemy, even besieged! Apart from the) military display, to which one’s eyes have long since become accustomed, there is absolutely nothing left to remind one of the miseries of the earlier part of the year. All the damage wrought by the vengeance of Boer shells, which made strong men fear and women and children tremble, •has befen effaced by a liberal application of-bricks and mortar and galvanised iron, and the inhabitants pursue their ordinary avocations as though nothing unusual had ever happened. But. the little over-crowded cemetery will ever tell a silent ffale. There may be seen row after row of little mounds of earth, with. corresponding rows of white crosses uniformly arranged, and bearing inscriptions which cannot be mistaken, Killed by shell-fire ”; “Killed in action”; “Died of wounds received in action ” ; and such-like.

January 2nd, 1901

The New Year, which is fraught with so many grave and grand possibilities, has at last begun. To South Africa it probably has a greater significance. “ Military necessities, like Time,” wait for no man. So it happened that the first day of the year found South Africa prosecuting with unabated energy the preparations which are destined to seal the fate of Boerdom, and to consummate the integrity of the British Empire. But with remarkable oblivion or indifference to the state of war which overshadows this country, the inhabitants of Mafeking, both civil and military, rolled up in large numbers yesterday to enjoy the excellent programme provided by energetic townsmen for their amusement. Tne New Zealanders, as usual, were well to the fore, and oarried off many prizes—four firsts, two seconds and one third; not a bad record lor seven events.

At the conclusion of th© sports one of “our boys,” who had imbibed just a little too freely, created a slight diversion, which promised to develop into a serious ‘‘squabble” with some of the “Tommies,who it was thought by his ohums, were handling the New Zealander ra t-her roughly. As a "matter of fact, no more force was used by the picket or military policemen than was necessary to counteract the determined resistance of the offender, who was prepared to “fight,” but not to be “run in.” But it appears that all the colonials have a decided objection to the military ‘ thumb screw.” It savours too much of degradation for the colonial mind, which has been fed on democratic principles. They recognise that discipline or subjection is desirable and necessary up to a certain point —but not to the extent of the utter surrender of their individuality. It may be essential to discipline—but I doubt it—that the regular soldiers* spirit should be trampled under foot; but one can easily understand that it is most galling to the average volunteer to see this done. And there seems to be an understanding or feeling among all colonials that when one of their number falls into the hands of the “Tommies,” who do most of the police work, it is their duty to rescue him and escort him to his tent, when merely drunk, or to their own guardroom when the offender is aggressive, in which case his own officers deal with him. Any how, on this occasion the magnanimous and timely decision of the officer in charge of the “picket” to yield to the pressing representations of Sergeant Moffat (Invercargill) and hand over the colonial offender to the tender mercies of his comrades, no doubt averted a most unpleasant scene. On all occasions, except when they meet under these circumstances —as captor and prisoner in town—the best of feelings prevail between the “Tommies® and colonials ; and although there is a good deal

of rivalry or jealousy between the latter, the Imperial officer, with conspicuous discretion and consideration, recognises the difference between the ••regular” and the volunteer and a rule handles the colonial and success. For instance, on NEW YEAR’S NIGHT,

a large crowd of colonials, mostly Australians, were congregated in the Market Square, amusing themselves after the fashion of crowds on such occasions. An officer appeared on the scene, and explained that it was his duty to see that the town commandant’s orders were carried out, and that no troops were allowed in town after nine o’clock. In a nice friendly little speech he said that the colonials knew how to behave themselves at the front, and appealed xo them to assist- hi mto maintain order. Several troopers whose tongues were a- bit loose were promptly told to “shut up, and let the gentleman speak.” Someone ultimately called for “ three cheers for the Imperial officer,' which were heartily given, and the crowd immediately dispersed, those who were not able or willing to follow the example of the majority being carried away by tbeir comrades. This little incident proves that the colonial soldier is a most tractable being, and as orderly in town as he is useful out on t * le veldt, when taken the right way. __ The Boers here (in the town) celebrated the season with a dance in a small private house, which was packed to overflowing, but they all seemed to enjoy themselves thoroughly, the music being supplied by two niggers, who kept splendid on a concertina and a guitar. Each dance —they followed one another -in quick succession—was kept up for half an hour or more, and there appeared to be no changing of partners. The principle seemed to be to get a partner and “stick” to her all the evening. Thus, quietly, in the midst of war and of war-like preparations, the old year ended, and the New Year began at Mafeking. Lord Methuen’s column came in on the 29th, and immediately commenced to entrain for Vrvburg, and waggons and bullocks, horses and mules and men are being sent forward with incredible celerity. Trains have been running constantly, and it is estimated that it v ill take three or four more days to get the column through. All passenger traffic has been suspended for fourteen days, owing to the activity of the Boers, and several new armoured trains are being constructed here. I am informed that General Douglas, to whose column the Fourth and Fifth Contingents (with the exception of a squadron here) are attached, is on his way back from Klerkscloup to this quarter, where the colonial column or brigade will, I understand, be formed. There are evidently some great movements about to take place, and it is to be hoped they may be of a decisive nature. Lord Eroll, who has been operating in conjunction with Methuen, is to remain here in charge of a flying column, ready, it may be presumed, to dart out at a moment’s notice in any direction that it may be required to intercept a “ flying” column of Boers. Lord Kitchener is evidently going to WORK ON NEW LINES, and it is time, too, that a change was made in our tactics, which have, for the most part, signally failed to check the movements of the enemy. Small mobile columns 500 to 1000 strong alone will succeed. It is rather a significant fact that the new Commander-in-Chief has taken .steps to remove all obstacles in the shape of war correspondents, and most of these nuisances have either returned to the zone of comfort again, or are on their way home now. I myself have not yet received any official intimation that I ami an “ undesirable ” ; but I don’t think Lord Kitchener will get rid of me too easily, for I will see the business through even if I have to “join the ranks.” The correspondents and press have, no doubt, been the source of much valuable information to the Boers in the past, and it is just possible that they might in the future, in their eagerness to serve the public, further add 1 to the enemy’s knowledge of our intentions and movements.