A “C3" MAN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 June 1941, Page 6

A “C3" MAN

SECRET SERVICE OFFICER’S EXPERIENCES OPERATIONS IN SOUTH AFRICAN WAR. CAPT. DOLAN'S PART IN RELIEF OF LADYSMITH. An interesting account of experiences as a military intelligence officer in the South African War was given by Captain J. V. Dolan, D. 5.0., in an address at the Masterton Rotary Club today. Captain Dolan penetrated the Boer lines and returned with information which led to the relief of Ladysmith. Captain Dolan stated that the Special Service Branch (Military Intelligence) was formed in London and consisted of 27 young officers selected from 162 applicants, representing infantry, cavalry and engineering regiments. The training at Chatham under an Indian Army instructor was stringent. At Cape Town the organisation was designated “C 3 S.S. Department, Captain Dolan being known as “7A.” A good Secret Service man required a head of ice and a heart of fire. He had to understand how to travel with no other guide than the lay of the land, the course of the sun and the position of the stars. Above all he must be truthful. With two other “C 3 men. Captain Dolan was ordered to Belmont, where he had a thrilling experience in mapping out the enemy's positions. At the end of the campaign 24 of the original 27 “C 3 men had been killed and the remaining three were wounded. After carrying out work at Euston, Captain Dolan was ordered to join General Sir Redvers Buller. Comman-der-in-Chief of the Natal Army Corps. He was informed of the futile efforts that had been made to drive the enemy from his positions—Vaal Krantz, Hussan Hill, Hlangwani, Tritchards Drift—and other strong posts. It was suggested that someone should try the almost forlorn hope of reaching the defenders of Ladysmith, to tell General White to hang on as long as possible. Captain Dolan, after hair-rais-ing experiences, succeeded in getting through the Boer lines, via Bulwana Hill. The original force had been reduced from 10,000 to 6,000 men. Before leaving Ladysmith Captain Dolan secured information as to the enemy’s dispositions. As a result of the information General Buller moved forward and fought a successful action which gave him possession of the whole of Pieter's left and centre positions. The Boers retreated westward to the high hills and northward, towards Bulwano. The casualties of the relief column which subsequently marched into Ladysmith were 4 generals, 300 officers and 5,300 men killed and wounded, or about a quarter of its original strength. In conclusion Cap- ( tain Dolan told of his experiences I after being attached to Lord Roberts's staff. I

On the motion of Mr J. J. Hunter Captain Dolan was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for his interesting ad- • dress. , The president. Mr P. F. Fagan, pre-[ sided over a good attendance. I Messrs H. Mackenzie Douglas and E. [ J. Hoffer (Masterton) and a visiting! Rotarian, Mr Keith Cawsey (Danncvirke) were present as guests.