NEW ZEALANDERS TO THE FRONT.

Otago Witness, Issue 2400, 1 March 1900, Page 66

NEW ZEALANDERS TO THE FRONT.

THE BOERS' DARING ATTACK. ENTIRELY NEW TACTICS. REPULSES WITH HEAVY LOSS. BAYONET CHARGE BY NEW ZEALANDERS. BRILLIANT REPULSE OF THE BOERS. GALLANT CONDUCT OF CAPTAIN MADOCKS. THE NEW ZEALANDERS COMPLIMENTED BY GENERAL FRENCH. "A CREDIT TO THEIR COLONY.*' DEATH OF SERGEANT GOTJBLEY AND TROOPER CONNELL. (FROM OUR SPECIAL WAR CORRESPONDENT, J. A. SHAND.) (Telegraphed from Wellington.)

Slingersfontein Camp, S.A., Generol French's Column, Jan. 22, ISOO. , Sunday, the 14-th, was a quiet day at the camps,- none of the guns doing much work. The 15-pounders near • Coleskop were in aeuion on the morning, and prevented a party of Boers from moving east towards Slingersfontein Camp, bill in the afternoon there was a general respite. Nevertheless, a large party of Boers left Co!e?kop direction on Sunday, and worked cautiously round towards the Boer laager at Slingersfontein. Here the New Zealanders and Yorks were furnishing the companies f<sr the defence of New Zealand Hill, and on Sunday night the forces, in occupation of this important .position, which is about one mile and a-lialf from camp, were two companies of the Yorkshire Regiment and half of No. 1 Company New Zealand Mounted xt-fies. Lieutenants [ Chaytor and Canavan were in command of the divisions. As. the men left camp for the night vigil, ! laughing adieus were exchanged, none dreaming that the rising sun would witness one of the most daring attacks ye I made by any * party of Boers in any commando on the field, • one of the mosL gallant defences 3 7 et made by colonials, and, sad to velate, one attended with serious results, the loss of two New Zealanders — young men, strong, lithe, full of life and spirits, who are now slumbering in their last earthly resting place beneath the South African veldt. It was originally intended that but two divisions, or half company, should do duty on the hill, but Major Robin being informed that he could exercise discretionary power in this particular matter, two additional divisions — viz., half of the No. 1 Company, under the command of Captain Madocks (Wellington) and Lieutenant J. Hughes (Napier), were despatched before daylight on Monday morning for the purpose of reinforcing the New Zealanders in occupation of portion of the kopje which commands a general view of one of the principal positions taken up by the Boers. II was nothing short o[ providential that Major Robin's anxiety for the &afety of his men led him to strengthen our forces in the manner, indicated. Had h.e not done so* the

probabilities are that the New Zealanders and Yorks would have been -annihilated, the position wrested from them, and all General French's efforts in extending his eastern flank and encomyiassing the enemy would have been nullified. The New Zealanders, under Lieutenants Canavan and Chaytor} were holding the right flank and right rear of the hill ; the Yorks, who were under the command of Captain Orr, holding the front and left front of the point of defence. The Boers, who had worked round from the direction of Colesberg laager to their eastern flank, were, in occupation of the kopjes, 2000 yards distant from the New Zealand and Yorkshires' posts and supports. Looking from the hill in the direction of the Boer position, the crest on which our men weve placed ended somewhat abruptly; steep, rocky slopes covered with vboulders and bushes continuing downwards and to the Boer_kopjes, the intervening space consisting of a tableland apparently level, but in reality a succession of small kopjes — broken and uneven country covered with bush and dullcoloured rocks, and affording splendid cover for the enemy, who must have taken up their position before daylight came. This tableland in turn descended gradually to the plains, the veldt continuing right up to the Boer laager on the opposite side of the plain, and north-west of our position. To the left, or* west, a deep gully lay between the Boer position and owv posts, the ridge which the enemy occupied being covered with small green bushes and brown boulders. Thus the Boers Were enabled to five from splendid cover, and as they all use smokeless powder the men on the front right flank and left front of the hill were compelled to maintain ceaseless watch on the main kopjes and plain to do any effective shooting. All the morning the rattle of the musketry was heard, but no one anticipated the enemy were carrying out part of a cleverlyarranged scheme to wrest the position from the British by making a daring attack under cover of the fire from their comrades on tl-e elevated points. Heavy firing proceeded until 11 'on Monday ftiorning. The New Zealand reinforcements having then been out five hours on the hill, and the division under Lieutenants Cana\an and Chaytor being hard at work from Sunday night. Then the Boers attempted to carry out the second portion of their cleverly-arranged and daring programme, under cover of the fire from the top of their kopje and the rocks and bushes : upon the left hill front of New Zealand Hill. So severe was the fire from other points taxing jihe energies of the New Zealanders and Yorks that the first movement was made iinnoticed by the defending forces. Captain Orr, who with ,his men were making a galI lant stand, was about this time shot in the '- abdomen, and a rrro.ment later, his colour-ser- | geant, Roberts, one of the crack shots of the regiment and a capable non-commissioned officer, who had almost completed 20 years' seri vice, was shot through' the head, dropping j dead by the side of his wounded officer. This took place in the sanga immediately in front of the 'position from which the Boer rifles were pouring ovit a murderous fire, and as I other non-commissioned officers and one 'of the Yorks fell back wounded the men became somewhat demoralised. Not that they lost courage ; on the contrary, they returned every shot poured into them, but they ware without a leader, and British soldiers without a commander reminds one of a colossal machine, strong in every particular, of great work, but without an engineer to guide and direct its movements. Noting the confusion into which the Yorks had fallen, the Boers, realising that the time for desperate work was opportune, attempted to rush the position, the party who had swept over the intervening space beween our hill and the main position appearing over the crest of the kopje, and firing rapidly and independently. A BOLD RUSH FOE THE RAMPARTS. Just then the Yorks hesitated, and the Boers appeared at close quarters. Captain Madocks, who v was anxious to ascertain how his men were firing, ran up quickly. , Hq released the gravity of situation — a j wounded captain, a dead colour-sergeant, a defending company without a leader, and the enemy making a determined dash, assaulting an important position. '" The Boers are on the kopje," he shouted to the Yorks. "Make [ charge, my lads' ! " ordered the captain. la reply the Yorks, sieady as rocks under the1 word of command, obeyed with alacrity. Into th,e desperate Boers they charged, pouring a leaden, hail into the ranks of the attacking force. T're Boers hesitated, wavered,' and as the &un glinted on the bayonets of the Yorks they turned and fied. But they were not yet beaten off. It was a desperate game they were playing, and only a bold stroke would ensure success. Encouraged b} r their know; ledge of the small force opposing them, adozen men against thrice their number, tffb Boers noting that reinforcements -were hurrying to the hill lo support them, charged the sanga again. The New Zealanders were in force. " Reinforcements," shouted Captain Madocks in desperation, and an unswerving cheer from behind the hill showed that the call had not been made in vain. Up dashed the three New Zealanders — Lieutenant Hughes, Sergeant Gourley (Dunedin), and Private Connell (Auckland), while others called out words of encouragement as they toiled up. the hill. " New Zealanders, prepare to charge,*' shouted the captain. Sergeant Gourley and Trooper Connell J&xed bayonets, and ranged alongside Captain Madocks, who stooped down and picked up a, rifle with bayonet fixed belonging to the dead colour-sergeant of . the /Yorks. Lieutenant Hughes had not a bayonet, but with his carbine loaded he, too, • promptly ranged alongside the gallant letuler. Some, of the Yorks "rushed forward, but with a wild shout and cheer the four New Zealanders leaped over <the parapet, and, like the heroes they wore. •» DABHED AT THE EXEMY, who scrambled up the rocky slope like-onoun-tain g-oats. The Boers poured out a murderous fuoil n ade, and Sergeant Gourley was seen to spring tip in the air, turning half round, and faJlino; with a crash on the rocks. No less than six bullets went through' his hat,-twp ploughing a furrowed-liko wound along the poor fellow's head. Trooper Connell fell a few seconds later, five yards separating him from his prostrate comrade. Sergeant Gourley was aliv«, but Connell -,* a s shot through the heart, and died instantaneously. Captain Madocks and Lieutenant Hughes, bullets whistling round them like rain, both dealt out death to the Boers that stood in their way. How they escaped being riddled with bullets was nothing short of marvellous, for the poor Yorks behind them suffered severely, though paitry protected by the brenstwork encircling the summit of the hill. The Boers fired ano-' ther volley, and retreated to the edge of tha hill, when the Yorks. ojpeupd fire oil ihfiai

again. Captain Madocke, who -fought • like one x^ossessed, rushed at a Boer — apparently an officer — who stood with rifle to shoulder taking aim at the New Zealander. The captain had no time to bring his rifle to his shoulder before the Boer leader pulled the j trigger of his Mauser. The New Zealander rested his rifle against his hip, and both reports rang- together. Captain Madoc'ks's hat ivas pierced with the bullet -from the Boer's rifle, the hole being drilled through the felt an inch from the head. The Boer leader, however had received his death wound, and throwing his rifle in the air as he leaped off the stone on which he had stood he fell to the ground. Still the captain followed the Boers, and when his ammunition was exhausted stood in the centre of the fire from the Boers on the kopje and hurled stones upon the heads of the retreating enemy. While the captain was following the Boers over the hill, Lieutenant Hughes had returned to the wounded men on the hill near the. parapets. The lifeless body of poor Coiiiiell was found, but attention was then paid to Sergeant Goiirley, who lay on the hill moaning feebly and endeavouring to raise his hand to the wounds on his head. The lieutenant endeavoured to staunch the wound with his handkerchief, but a bandage was thrown over the rampart, and this was thear used. Lieutenant Hughes then called to two" men of his old division — Privates Dickinson and Mitchell, — who promptly jumped over the* barrier, and the three New Zealanders carried their wounded comrade to a place of safety. As they picked the Dunedinite up and conveyed him to behind the rampart he opened his eyes and began to ramble. First, .the poor fellow was amongst his comrades and was issuing instructions to the men of his section, and now he was back in Dunedin, rambling incoherently of the" hunt at which "he and his brother Hugh were always t prominent, and then his thoughts . -wandered back to his happy southern home as he lapsed into semi-eonseiousnese. When placed in Lieutenant Canavan's care his lips moved, and he spoke of " Father." These were almost the last words he uttered, for he never regained cdnscipusness. It may be some consolation to his father to know that his last words were of him, and that as he sank into unconsciousness, the preliminary to his last sleep, he thought of those nearest and dearest to him, though seven thousand miles away. Sergeant Gourley's body was placed behind the barrier, and the trio of brave fellows who carried the Dunedinite to a place of safety deserve every praise. Captain Madocks, who had followed the Boors down the hill right through the zone of fire, had clone splendid worlc and must ■ have accounted for many of the 'Boers who, dead or dying, were lying around. As the Boers rushed down the hill they exposed themselves to the fire from the parties of New Zealanders under Lieutenants .Chaytor and Canayan, -who did excellent shooting and succeeded in driving the enemy right across the tableland to their new position a defeated body, ■with their ranks sadly thinned. The Yorks displayed splendid practice, and toppled over several Boers as they rushed back to their rocky shelter. The right flank of the position being held by the men under Lieutenant Chaytor, the Boers were prevented from coming up on that side, and so the position right 1 along New Zealand Hill was' held intact. Lieutenant Oanavan and his men rushed from their position in answer to the shoitt from the^ captain, and though not actually in the charge did gallant work behind the sangar. The New Zealanders from over the hill, assisted by others who had crept round the left flank, formed themselves into line behind the ramparts, and, despite the fact that the Boers rallied, again managed to rout th"c enemy and remain in possession of TSTew Zealand Hill. Considering the number of Boers congregated in the adjacent kopjes, the men on New Zealand Hill .were all too few to hold out against a combined- attack, particularly as they were becoming exhausted from their efforts in repelling the persistent attack of the Boers. The sun was obscured behind a bank of clouds, and the heliograph could not be used from the crest of the hill. They had flag-signalled back to camp for reinforcements, and they waited. Fully an hour passed, and what an anxious hour that was. The ifiriiia 1 was kept up continually by Boers, who had resumed their position on the top of the large kopje, pouring in volley after volley. It was reported that strong reinforcements were coming from the direction of the Boer main laager, which was right 4n front of the position held by the New Zealanders. All this time — the events passing much faster than it' takes to describe them — Captain Madocks and about a score of men, half being New Zealanders and half Yorks, were doing splendid work, the colonial boys dashing past the Imperial troops as they fired continuously on the retreating Boers. At Ja«t the joyful snout was raised 'that reinforcements were coming, and a cheer was raised by the Yorks under Lieutenant Neave "(lately from Christchurch and .until a iew days previous a member of the -New Zealand contingent [his death is reported this morning] — as they toiled up the hill. THE POSITION WAS THUS SAVED, and the New Zealanders were then enabled to return to their old position. The Boers still' •wciried our men, but two 12-poundars of the Boyal Horse Artillery were sent out from csiicp lo a plateau lying east of New Zealand Hill, and as the enemy came round the point to the old cover from the fire from the hills they were shelled by our guns, which were quickly placed in action. I passed the Yorks as they came up the hill, and, proceeding to a position north-east of the point of attack, had a splendid opportunity of witnessing the -effect of the shells, which burst close to the Boers^ at the extreme end of a small kopje about* two miles away. This caused the enemy to make for, their main laager, and "as they dashed back to- their position our other guns. , on * the west of New Zealand Hill "quickly came into action, and sent several shells intheir midst. - The Boers' retreat was thus turned into a Toute, and a victory was ours. When the rattle of musketry and the booming of guns had ceased it was found that , OUR CASUALTIES -were as under : — New Zealand. Mounted Rifles: Trooper Connell, Pukekohe, Auckland, 1 , killed Sergeant Samuel Gourley, DunecKn, 'severely wounded. ' Yorkshire 'Regi- .. merit: Killed — Colour-sergeant Roberts,. ' Sergeant Jameson, Privates "Ward, Smith,' and Duffy. Wounded— Captain Orr (severely)., Pjivate Hayes (slightly), Private Evans (severely), and Private Clough (severely). As Sergeant .Gourley lay behind the barriers he was watched over by Lieutenant Canayan (Blenheim), who had rushed up with Some of his men when Captain Madocks called for reinforcements, Sergeant L'Estrange (of Wellington), and the couple did all that was possible for their wojinded comrade liatil Surf eon-captain Burns and his assistant (Trooper lacpherson) arrived. Lieutenant Hughes had previously endeavoured to pour some brandy and water down Gourley's throat, but the sergeant shook bis head, and murmured, " I . cai^t. swallow." 'Dr Burns and his assistant -'attracted to/ the wojjaded, the staxegn exprej-

sing the opinion that there was but slight chance of recovery. The ambulance was quickly in attendance, and in the afternoon Sergeant Gourley and the other wounded men were brought into camp. Before concluding reference to the engagement, which was one of the most desperate that has yet taken place during the advance of General French's column, let me state that Captain Madocks's conduct was most heroic, while Lieutenant Hughes also did splendid work, backing up his superior officer in the most gallant manner. As for the captain, he certainly deserves, and will doubtless receive, distinction. To lead two charges and then follow the retreating Boers down the kopje after escaping death by killing the Boer»' officer only a few yards in front of him were deeds of bravery trat entitled him to the highest praise. From first to last he was cool and collected, instilling confidence into tho Yorks and leading his men as only a brave man could. His conduct was the talk of the camp, and the colony should feel proud that one of its companies is led by an unassuming, mild-mannered, courteous gentleman, who possesses the courage of half a dozen men. Lieutenant Hughes, x who also escaped death in the most miraculous manner, ably seconded the efforts of his superior officer, and deserves special mention ; while Sergeant Gourley and Troopei Connell proved themselves to be as -brave and fearless as those who led I the charge, and, though they have given up 1 their lives for their Queen, and country, they died like heroes. The highest praise must 'also be accorded to Lieutenants Oanavan and Chaytor (both of whom come from Blenheim), -and their men. They stuck to their work like brave soldiers, and made a gallant dash when called upon to do so, and New Zealand should be proud indeed of her fighting- representatives in South Africa. Poor Gourley was conveyed^to camp as our men and the Yorks returned (entirely exhausted with their efforts), and was placed in the hospital tent. Dr Burns and Assistant Maepherson did all that was possible for the wounded man, but he never rallied, and passed away at 10 o'clock on the night of the 15th January. In the surgeon's opinion death was due to fracture of the base of the skull, not from the bullet wounds, but from the blow received when he crashed upon the rocks after being wounded. The deaths of Connell and Gourley cast quite a gloom over the camp. Voices were hushed and the comrades of the dead New Zealanders stood in clusters, speaking in fond terms of their departed mates^ ,. who had proved themselves two of the favourites in camp. The funerals took place the following day. Trooper Connell's body had been recovered by" the Yorks, and they were about to inter the Aucklander on a grassy slope near an adjacent farm when Lieutenant Neave (Yorks) visited o\ir camp and stated, that the body was at the disposal of the New Zealander?. Major Robin therefore delayed the funeral of Sergeant Gourley until a second grave had been dug for the reception of Connell's body. The spot chosen was half a mile from, the camp, where the morning sun glinted over the hills and threw long shadows over the veldt. In the afternoon" the sad ceremony took place. Gourley's body, sewn up in his blanket, and with his waterproof sheet wrapped round him, being conveyed to the grave by -his comrades, while poor Connell's body was taken from the camp by another party of New Zealanders, the two meeting at the graves. Every officer and man of the New Zealand contingent was present, and all the companies and regiments in camp were represented. The burial service was read by Major Robin, whose voice quivered as he uttered the impressive words. Many a sob was heard as the bodies were uncovered. The sun by this time was sinking low on the horizon, touching the high peaks with beam's of gold, and throwing spire-like shadows across the'veldl, when, the bodies of the two New Zealanders were laid to rest under their earthly covering. It was a most impressive scene, and one that will long live in 'the memories of the colonials who attended to pay their last tribute of respect to their gallant comrades. ; GENERAL FRENCH'S COMPLIMENT. On the same day General French instructed Major Robin* to assemble the New Zealanders at the foot of the -camp, and officers and men were promptly in attendance. It was anticipated that the General would ask-fne officers commanding the brigade to convey to the New Zealanders his (General French's) satisfaction at their conduct. Instead of this, hoxvi'ver, the General attended in person, and for the first time since our column commenced orjeiations, personally addressed our company in complimentary terms. Attended-by the headquarters staff, the General rode to where the i New Zealanders were assembled, and ad- ! dressed them as follows : — [ " Officers and men of the New Zealand I Mounted Rifles,— l ln thanking you for what you did yesterday, I must say that it gives I me great pleasure to congratulate you on the veiy spirited and gallant manner in which you resisted a very clever and daring attack on." the 1 part of the enemy.. It is not the first or the second time that you have been- under "heavy rifle fire, "when you have conducted yourselves well. I was myself present at one engagement (Jasfontein), and then expressed my satisfaction at the steady manner in which you conducted yourselves and the good work you then did. I have had the pleasure to mention you in my despatches to the Commander-in-chief, and have pleasure in informing you | that I intend doing so again. In defending the important position as bravely as you did you have done good work, and I have not the [ slightest doubt but that yon will continue to do good work in -the future as you have done in the past. In doing what you have clone, you have also done, great honour to the colony you so worthily represent." 'General French also a'ddressecl the Yorks in similar terms, and concluded by expressing the opinion that the greatest credit was due to the men of that regiment and the New Zealauders for their gallant and successful defence of what was an importaart -position. A graceful compliment was. paid to Captain Madocks a .day later, when the General sent for the New Zealander and questioned him about the engagement. He spoke in terms of praise of the captain's gallant conduct, and in the order that night it was intimated that the large kopje to the east of New Zealand Hill was to be called Madock's Hill in recognition of the New Zealauder's bravery. I understand on the best authority that Oap- . tain Madocks has been recommended for high distinction; -which he xmdoubtsdly deserves. The Boer casualties were forty killed and thirty-five wounded, so that the, deaths of our men were amply revenged.

During the work of clearing the site for the Memorial Church about to be erected by public subscription upon the actual site of Gate Pa, Tauranga, several fragments both of spherical bombs and conical shells were unearthed, clearly attesting the deadly hail of iron which fell on the spoj; on the day