RELIEF OF KIMBERLEY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2409, 3 May 1900, Page 74

RELIEF OF KIMBERLEY.

WITH GENERAL FRENCH'S COLUMN. A MAGNIFICENT MARCH. THE WORK OF THE NEW ZEA- - '< LANDERS.

(By Our Special Correspondent, J. AShand.) * Camp near Kimberley, February 19. In my last despatch I gave bare details of the entering of the Orange Free State by the British forces, the march taking place from Klip Drift, south of Modeler River, I the direction being due east towards Jacobsdal. Since then events have progressed rapidly. The intervening country between the Modeler River and Kirnberley has now been occupied by our forces, Jacobsdal taken, and a strong column is routing the Boers in the direction of Koffiefontein, which is due east of Belmont. Lord Roberts and Lore! Kitchener made a hurried journey to the Modeler River, and from thence to Jacobsdal, General French's division working northwards, while General Tucker and General Kelly-Kenny's divisions moved towards the Riet River, -which junctions on the Modder River near the station of that j name. The mobilisation of General French's column was effected with great rapidity, j General Roberts directing the general movement, and General French paying that attentive attention to details ohat has characteriseel his various advances. GENERAL FRENCH'S ADVANCE. Let me first speak of General French's advance from the Modeler River past Magersfontein and Spytfontein, and en towards Kimberley. It was one of those flying advances with which the mounted forces connected with General French's column arc now fairly familiar. The country between the Modder River and Kimberley is not particularly difficult to overcome, and when it was considered that the advance was totally unexpected by the Boers, that the column Avas a fairly strong one, mainly consisting of men who had stood the brunt of the battle fcr over two months, it was apparent that unless the Boers mobilised their forces victory must be ours. At Rietfontein the convoy was fiercely attacked by a number of Boers, and nearly a dozen, guns placed on the adjoining hills did considerable damage. Portion of the convoy was lost, but the majority of the waggons were bravely defended and ultimately brought back to safety. The Boers, having vacated the positions previously held at Magersfontein, made our task less difficult than it would otherwise have been; but as the first drift was approached, stubborn defence on the part of the Boers was anticipated. The first and second drifts were taken by our forces without much opposition, but at the third drift the Boers occujjied the small kopjes and made a stand against the British forces. Our guns were quickly in action. Shrapnel and segment shell followed each other in quick succession, and after a brief engagement THE BOERS WERE- FORCED TO LEAVE their positions, despite the fact that they j were somewhat strongly entrenched. Alexanelersfontein, which lies about half-way be- ; tween the Modder River and Kimberley, ' and which had been held by a strong force, was somewhat quickly and unexpectedby vacated, and the British forces were enabled to occupy that and the country a few miles north. With their Cruesot guns and Maxim- Vickers the Boers maintained a harassing fire, but the determined advance I of our forces proved too much for the enemy, and in a somewhat panic-stricken manner they fled from camp. War stores and provisions were captured, and a large force sent in pursuit. A few miles away the Boers rallied, and made a daring stand, but our advance coulel not be checked, and, with General Oronje at their head, they fled towards Bloemfontein as the British advanced toward MAGERSFONTEIN, north of Merlin. News reached the Boers of the reverses which they had sustained a few miles further south, despite the fact that large trenches had been built, their numerous guns placed in position, and that the position had been a fairly strong one, the Boers decided to join their fleeing brethren, and, trekking across the veldt that lies on the western side of the Orange Free State, maele their way towards the capital. When the Guards' Brigade reacheel the principal laager they 1 found it empty. The Coldstream Guards and the Scots Guards | (preceded by the usual cavalry screen) moved cautiously on their point of attack, leaving the kopjes on the right flank, but the anticipated engagement eliel not take place, the Boers having left their clothing, arms, and ammunition behind them, find Magersfonlein. was shortly afterwarels placed in possession of the Briti&h forces. A RAPID MARCH. Still onward and onward General French moved his men. The elements were all against a comfortable march. The rain fell in torrents during the night, the hot sun of the following day soon dried the barren karoo, and the hurricanes and wind devils that formed during the morning blew clouds of dust in the faces of the advancing forces. Still, not a murmur of discontent was heard. Eveiyone was satisfied that Lord Roberts was playing a bold game— a game that' must be successful, and with every confidence in General French, the leader under whom they had served since their arrival in South Africa, they marched on and on to their goal, the diamond city of Kimberley. TRANSPORT DIFFICULTIES. As General Tucker's division approached the work of the advance column became more high, drifts jvgre ettcoun£§r ec^ jrsß,-.

daring the work of transport an arduous task, but gradually the waggons were drawa up tae sleep inclines throughout the night, ■when clouds of dust darkened the moon, and anon followed by drenching showers of rain. All the men connected with the column worked like Trojan.-;. Transport after transport was brought through in safety, and when daylight broke it was found thai, the major portion of the difficulties bod been overcome, and thai, the brilliant advance of General French's forcss could be continued. The engagement that took place en route was of really no importance, the opposition of the Boers being such that in a few hours our men had practically gained the day — a few killed and but half a dozen wounded. It muse have been a difficult matter for the enemy to have fathomed tlie depth of

LORD ROBEETS'S STRATEGY.

With columns marching here and there, divisions atiidcking all vulnerable spots, and with each plan of campaign being strictly r.clhercd to. i_o wonder they were nonplussed. A'i the men thought of our terrible reverses at Belmont and Magersfontein, i'-iere was one thought in the mine's of ?11— the task to vneak vengeinee on the Boers for the loss of our gallant comrades in those i-,*,0 fatal engagements. As the Boers made p. plight show of resistance the facs of every man grow stern, and had they not had the firm controlling hands of the officers in command to restrain them they would have rushed forward madly to meet the foe. "Well it vvvs fcr the Boers that they had fied panic-stricken across the veldt. A meeting with such a body of n.en, determined to wipe out the reverses previously sustained, must have proved disastrous to them. After their brave stand it was quite a new departure to see them scurrying ouhyards and evading every encounter with our men, and making fast for the heart, of the Orange Free State. As I have said, the small engagements resulted in the complete routing of the Boers forces. Our mc.i moved from point to point with wonclerful rapidity, engaging the enemy here, cutting off their retreat there, and rendering eveiv possible position untenable. Ci-onjc's Jarge commando was practically cut off ai Spytfontein half way between Modeler River and Kimberlpy, and was almost outflanked. Mo bilising his forces, Cronje rapidly retreated in a south-easterly direction on Blcemfontcin, but a Boer leader whose forces harassed our men for months was not allowed to escape without opposition. Following fast on his heel,* came General Kelly-Kenny, harassing the rear guard in splendid style', and accelerating the movements of the Boers in every possible vay.

THE RELIEF OF KIMBERLEY. GENERAL REJOICING.

Meanwhile General French advanced his men toward? Kimberlej-. He marched rapidly towards the Boer laagers south of the diamond fields, and here again a pitched battle was anticipated by the forces comprising "our column, but laager after laager was occupied without opposition, and when the enemy appealed end made a stand the bombardment was so strong that they were forced to retreat. After the occupation of the third and largest laager, it was recognised that Kimberley was ours. It was on the evening cf the 15th February that the siege of Kimberley was raised without any possible doubt. Almost as the British forces were entering the town the Boeis were shelling the beleagured city from their positions on the north. Quickly the news must have spread to their laagers, and consternation must have reigned. They evidently expected that the intervening country between Kiroberley and Modeler River was still in the occupation of their forces, and their surprise and confusion was complete. Some of the Boers in the laagers to the northeast receiver! the information of the advance of our forces a few hours earlier, and, like their brethren under Crorsje's command, fled eastward into the Orange Free State. As our forces entered Kimberley

THE 'REJOICINGS were such that one would have thought that the British-Boer war had terminated. " Cheers were raised again and again, flogs flew from every window, and general congratulations were exchanged. The officers were entertained at lunch, and Mr Cecil Rhodes and the members of the far-famed Maguire family, who have done 10 much towards the advancement of Kimberley and other South African towns, took a prominent part in the welcoming of the' British forces and their entertainment while there. From Kimberley to Capetown, as the electric wires flashed the information of General French's splendid feat, rejoicings were made, bunting was displayed from every loyal villa and cottage, church bells chimed forth the gladsome news, cheers succeeded cheers, and hand-shaking was general in many a town. The National Anthem was &ung, all residents standing bareheaded and singing the well-known words of the hymn. In Capetown we learn all was excitement. The streets were patrolled by thousands of enthusiastic Britishers, who cheered and cheered again. Flags were dependent from business places and private dwelling?, and business was practically suspended for the day. Demonstrations took place outside Government House and J:he loyal newspaper offices, cheers being raised again and again, while in the vicinity of the buildings in which the disloyal Dutch congregated the thousands gathered and expressed their disapproval by groans. It was undoubtedly a brilliant achievement on the part of

GENERAL FRENCH.

Both Lords Roberts and Kitchener expressed their approval of the admirable tactics adopted ; forwarded complimentary expressions to our old leader, while his piomotion to the rank of lieutenant-general afforded the greatest satisfaction to the officers and men under his command. On all sides il is admitted that particularly there were three striking points in the movements of General French's column worthy of special mention — viz., the mobility of the troops, the excellence of the transport arrangements, and the fortitude and courage shown by the infantry in their march. The first proved that a large mobile force was able to move on exterior lines with sufficient rapidity to completely outflank the Boer?, though they themselves are mobile. Tlxe effect of the march on the enemy has been sufficient to move them out of a strong and almost impregnable position. So far the relief of Kimberley has not cost 50 men. The second is above praise. Imagine a deep sandy veldt, lpng marches without water, and necessarily &lo\y progress. Imagine the feeding of_ four divisions purposely cut off from their primary base. It is perhaps impossible fully to appreciate the marvellous work of the transport. Added tp all, the daily work of issuing rations. The sleepless transport officers performed their duties with cheerfulness, with the absence of fussiness, and wonderfully evolved, order out of chaps. These are things of which the nation should be proud. THE MARCHING OF THE INFANTRY.

fho marching of the 3rd Infantry Division, considering the hejH, and the absence o| water,

willing and ready to respond to any call. The men never faltered. Some fell out from pura exhaustion, but seized the first opportunity to rejoin the ranks. Perhaps it was a grander sighl than any battle fc> see a battalion moving through the heavy sand under the broiling sun, determined, persevering, and cheerful, with j:oi a single grumble, having grand faith in their commander, and with magnificent endurance. Of their hardships perhaps it is no exaggeration to say that nearly all the troops, horse, foot, and artillery, and especially the transport, who had not slept, more than three hours nightly for the last three nights, were willing, ready, and anxious to do all that men could do.

THE STATE OF KIMBERLEY.

It was satisfactory to find, despite the fact that Kimberley had -been a beleaguered city for several months and had sustained a determined bombs relrnent o:i the part of the BoeiF, the casualties throughout the campaign had been very small. Some of the shells _L-om the 4.7 in gun which the Boers had pkced in a commanding position to the north of the town were particularly well directed, and for a time did considerable damage to property, besides injuring a few cf the inhabitants. Fcr practically four months Kimberley had been isolated, the operations of tlie Boens at Spytfontein, near where, it y/ill be remembered, a determined and proion gsd engagement took place, having been" Ruee3--,ful in cutting off our foicss in the vicinity of Kimberley from the other -positions held south of that point. _ During October and November, several exciting engagements took place, but, elespite the determined attgeks of the Boers, the gallant force-s in Kimhcrley managed to hold the town and repel the Boers with s,rcat lo,^=. In one engagement, while the British loss was 4- killed and 20 wounded, the Boor casualties were estimated at 64- killed and 83 wcundecL The residents of Kimberley stoutly maintain that in all our engagement:; the casualties to the British and Bosr forces v.ere in like proportion. The guns were manufactured at De Beers workshops, Mr Cecil Rhodes manifesting considerable interest in the operations. One — a large 23-pounder — .\a~ turned out in splendid style, and Long- Cecil, as it was called, played great havoc amongst the attacking forces. The wounded received ample attention, Mr Cecil Rhodes' s generosity again asserting itself in this direction. He did everything possible to alleviate the suffering of those in. the hospital, and if it were possible to obtain luxuries they were purchased despite the fact that prices of the ordinary commodities were exceptionally high. 'I have said that Mr Rhocles's • RECEPTION OF GENERAL FRENCH'S

DIVISION

was one which will long be remembered by those privileged to participate in it, anel the event must be considered a red-letter day in. the history of the diamond city of Kimberley. After reHef had been effected and the siege raised by the routing of the Boer forces towards the north-east, rejoicings were kept up for several day*. Banquets were held, dances wore given by -.arknw residents, and everything done to perpetuate the memory of an eventful day that will long remain in tha recollection of the inhabitants. As the piles of mail bags accumulating for several months were being prepared for transmission from Capetown, and the damageel rails betweea. Modder River and Kimberley were being repaired, our forces continued to

WORRY THE BOER FORCES,

who in turn evacuated Dronfeld, Saltpan, and Spytfontein, driving them gradually over the veldt into the Orange Free State, capturing three laagers, a lar°e quantity of provisions, neirly 100 guns, and doing considerable damage to the Boers. They were not allowed to rest for one moment. As soon as they fell back on one fairly good position, our mounted men were set out to harass them, while the artillery came into action frequently and enabled the advantage thus gained to bo maintained. But though Lords -Roberts and Kitchener had done well, though the forces under General French's command had relieved Kimberley, the work of the two great leaders of the British Army was not yet completed. It was not only an individual movement, but

A COMBINED AND EFFECTIVE

ATTACK upon all the Boer positions from Kimberley down to the southern border of the Orange Free State. General Kelly-Kenny, who had been in Naauwpoorl when we were at Slingerdfontein, but who had been placed in charge of a division operating uneler Lord Roberts's command, has shot across the veldt from, the Klip Drift in the direction of Jacobsdal. Lord Melhuen, who had worked along arduotisly to relieve the beleagurecl city, moved up towards and held Magersfontein. General Tucker also advanced in the elirection of Jncoho'lul,' while General Colville's division remained handy, reaely to strengthen the forces left in occupation of the Boers' positions. The^ effect of this combined movement was even more satisfactory than was anticipated by the British leaders, who planned the attack. As General French moved northwards General Kelly-Kenny led his men eastward. At the Waterfall Drift

A LARGE FORCE OF THE BOERS

was encountered, anel for a time it seemed as though our onward move would be checked. Our men were soon in action. Word was sent to those in charge of the convoy not to proceed forward, as the enemy were strong in force near the drift. The Boer lines extended from the drift right towarels Jacobsdal, and had our men not fought bravely and well we should have been compelled to retire towards the Klip Drift again. The Boers were particularly well posted, anel their 15-poundersi and Maxim- Vickers gun openeel a hot fire on our forces, particularly the portion guarding the convoy. The mounted infantry were brought up to engage the enemy,, and they did splendid work, effectually preventing the Boers from taking any of the waggons near the main body, but being xmable to prevent a few left in an isolated position from being captured by the Boers. The E&sex Regiment, who were sta-

tioned at Rensburg for some time and operated with our men frequently in the direction of Coleskop anel Slingersfontein, did splendid work. The Gordon Highlanders, the Worcester,?, Royal Irish, and the Welsh. Regiments also maintained their repiitatioii as fighters, and in the engagements that took place with the forces under the respective commands of Generals French anel KellyKenny fought with that courage which they, had so long displayed. Eventually the convoy guard worked their way through, and came up and drove to Jacobsdal. On the journey several laagers, evidently

HURRIEDLY VACATED by the Boers, were seized. Cape carts, horses, bullocks, tents, blanket*, ell had been left, and there was every indication that the Boer force? under Cronje had become demoralised, araj ]w,er§ jfiegiag infcg the ,Q_range Jb'reo St&tffl

rapidly, so as to enable them to entrench themselves at either Donkerspoort, Spytforitein, and Bloemfontein. General KellyKenny pushed his mounted men forward, and ■with three companies of infantry and a battery of artillery reached'

JACOBSDAL on the 16th, and entered the town during the night. The place was practically deserted. Jacobsdal had been really used by the Boors as a hospital base, and the German hospital was filled with wounded men, the majority ooming from Magersfontein. Some of our own men were there, and they raised a cheer as the main column tentered the little town. In the morning the relief of Kimberley came as a staggerer to those of the bold wounded, who made inquiries as to the progress of the ■war. Some of the officers refused to believe it, but when they heard that General Cronje was flying with his men in the direction of Bloemfontein, they realised that the tide had turned, and that the British forces were sweeping like a wave across the veldt. The hospitals were practically clean, and our" wounded men were most emphatic in stating that they had received careful treatment and every consideration and comfort. I mention this fact with pleasure because many rumoxirs have, been current to the effect that at Jacobsdal the Boers neglected their prisoners, refused to supply them with suitable food, and at times kept them without water for nearly half a day. These reports have now been proved to be incorrect, and it is only fair to say that every possible consideration had' been paid to our men by their captors. Some of the inhabitants of Jacobsda.1 — burghers from the Free State — stated' that most of the men that had bean opposing the . British forces around Colesberg came from the Orange Free State, that the subordinate 'oiEcer3 were members of the Johannesburg -police, and that four German officers had been placed in command by General de la Rey. One of the principalljjbfiieers had been shot by a, New Zealander. This evidently referred to the officer who was shot by Captain Madocks on the 15th of January, when the Boers at- | tacked New Zealand Hill. The Boers further stated that their lasses on that day were j very heavy. Some of them said they were "heartily sick of the war, that they had been misled by President Steyn as to the nature of the quarrel; and that had it not been for misrepresentations made by the President of the Orange Free State they would not have taken rip arms again&t the British forces. LORD ROBERTA'S PROCLAMATION. I

Lord. Roberts has issued a proclamation to the effect that if the Free Staters threw' down their arms, and went back to their farms, their property would not be molested, and many of the wounded men said that they would^ do as suggested, and expressed their gratification at having such lenient treatment meted out to them.

CRONJE' S FLIGHT.

Meanwhile General Cronje, with 8000 men, were being hotly pursued by General Kelly - Kenny and his' gallant followers, and this popular ofiicsr, working Tiis men in splendid style,, continually harassed the rear guard of the Boers, whose retreat under the circumstances was effected in splendid order. Though the division working a few miles south had lost portion of their transport, General KellyKenny's division had more than compensated for this los 3. Two 12-pounders were seised, with ammunition, the guns being left by the enemy; while large quantities of stores, provisions, small arms, and ammunition were taken. The fatigue of his oxen compelled General Cronje" to outspan and laager on the veldt. Our artillery promptly shelled the laager, and did considerable damage, but the pursuing force we're not strong enough to cope with the" thousands ahead, but' did splendid work' in 'causing the larger body of men, •well supplied with artillery, to retreat before them. .

LORD ROBERTS SATISFIED,

Too much praise cannot be given to Lords Roberts and Kitchener and to the generals under their command. The operations, both individual and combined, were . carefully thought out. Every detail had been considered, while the intelligent and effective measures taken by the generals must have proved gratifying to their leaders and to the men whom they in turn commanded. Lord Roberts conveyed his congratulations to the generals, and it is said that he expressed his opinion that every possible detail had been attended to by his subordinates, that the carrying out of his orders had been faultless, and that he was gratified beyond masure at the courage, coolness, and determination of the offioers and men in the operations under his command. Words such as these from such a leader was praise indeed.

THE WORK OF OUR BOYS. MORE COMMENDATION.

Throughout the New Zealanders have lent valuable assistance to the important movements detailed. Their scouting work has been again highly spoken of. Their cleverness in locating the enemy's position by tactics peculiar to themselves has been recognised, and on all sides it is generally admitted that their work deserves to be classed as one of the most valuable adjuncts to the operations of an active column. Every man appears to be in splendid spirits. All are pleased at the change of scenery, though the veldt is almost as monotonous as the barren karoo, and all are waiting patiently for the decisive engagement that must take place before the capital of the Orange Free State is ours. The health of the men in camp is good, but several of them have been invalided and sent to the hospital. Sergeant Watkins, of Christchurch, who became seriously ill at Slingersfontein, has, I believe, been forwarded to the hospiial at Rondebosch. He suffered from fever, but has now recovered. Sergeant Bond, of Auckland, who was kicked by a horse at Arundel, is still in hospital, being an inmate of the Duke of Portland's field hospital in Capetown. Trooper Jenks, of Auckland, who was injured at Kleinfontein, is also in the hospital at Capetown; while Trooper Ryan is another invalid. Trooper Young, of Wellington, who received a severe shock to the system by the concussion of a shell, has been invalided off to New Zealand, and may possibly return to the colony by the boat that carries this missive. Trooper Ensor, of Christchurch, who has, after examination, shown signs of possessing some complaint oi the heart, will also be invalided home. News has just reached me of the death of Trooper J. Paterson, of Inglewood, who passed away in the Rondebosch Hospital the other day, after a few weeks' illness. Some brain trouble developed, and when Paterson readied the hospital camp at Rondebosch he was practically insane. He lingered for a few days, but the doctors pronounced his case a hopeless one, and on Sunday, the 18th February, Paterson passed away. One peculiar'y sad feature regarding his decease is that though it was stipulated that members" of the New Zealand Contingent should be single Tci/en, with a minimum and maximum age a|ga stimulated, Paterson apparently avoided

these conditions, being a married man, with seven children, and being over 50 years uf age. I believe his brother was killed at the ill-fated Majuba Hill, and poor Paterson frequently spoke of revenging his relative's death. The New Zealander was buried at. Rondebosch, and a friend in Capetown forwards me a note to the effect that a few exNew Zealanders intend to pay regular attention to his grave. Lieutenants "Wall and Pilkington, of New Zealand, who obtained their commissions some time back, and who, after passing examinations in the old colony, were sent to England"-for further military training for a stipulated period, paid a visit to the New Zealanders while the latter were at the Orange River, and the lieutenants took up their position in the artillery who were chosen to work the guns of the Hotchkis-s batteiy. Mr Charles Arnold, a well-known actor, forwards regular^ gifts of grapes to the NeiV Zealanders and Australians, and has beea thanked by Major Robin on behalf of the offi1 cers and men of the New Zealand Mounted Rifles. Many kind friends in Capetown — most of them ex-New Zealanders — forward books and . periodicals regularly, and our men. are under a deep debt of gratitude for this kind consideration. They wish me also to thank Me Herbert C. Pilcher, of 'Capetown, for his many kindnesses. The brilliant march of General French lo Kimberley deserves io be recorded as one of the finest ever made. The -mounted troops, horse .and artillery, in four days covered 90 miles, fought two small engagements, and finished with the relief of Ximberley.