Notes on the War in German South West Africa 1914 – 1915 and a Dairy of events by Sergeant W. T. Quested of the Natal Carbineers
On the declaration of war against the Germans in 1914, the British Government decided it was imperative to seize control of the ports of Swakopmund and Luderitzbucht together with the Wireless Station at Windhoek in German South-West Africa. They asked the Union of South Africa to assist in the matter and this was agreed to although there was strong opposition by certain parties, including some Cabinet Ministers.
South African troops were mobilised under General Botha and General Smuts. A Northern Army under General Botha proceeded to Swakopmund and attacked the Germans from there while a Southern Army sailed to Luderitz. The first arrival of 1824 men commanded by Colonel B. S. Beves landed at Luderitz on 19-9-1914 and as further troops arrived, they combined to form the 7th. Brigade under General Duncan Mackenzie.
In 1914 Germany had some 1600 regular troops in South-West Africa under the command of Colonel Von Heydebrek. When war broke out he called up all available young men in the territory to make up a military force totalling about 6000 officers and men.
A mixed bag of British and South African troops went to S. W. A. consisting of regulars and volunteers, including some Imperial troops, a regiment of Rhodesians and a squadron of armoured cars supplied by the Royal Navy. In all, the combined forces eventually totalled more than 50,000 Europeans backed by 33,000 African carriers.
The Royal Navies H. M. S. Armadel Castle was sent from Cape Town to destroy the German defences at Swakopmund and to seize the port facilities before the Northern Army landed there.
The Northern Army sailed from Cape Town by troopship to the British port of Walvis Bay and then transhipped by tugs and lighters to Swakopmund, reaching there about the middle of September 1914. After taking control and setting up a base, they advanced Eastwards Most of the fighting in the territory took place in the Northern sector, and after a series of engagements with the enemy, General Botha’s forces reached Karibib on the 6th May, and Windhoek on the 20th May 1915.
Meanwhile, the Southern Army from Luderitz advanced eastwards to Aus and Keetmanshoop, then Northwards to join eventually with General Botha’s forces at Windhoek.
When the invading forces reached Windhoek the German officials and their military forces had already left and the Mayor made a formal surrender of the town, but the Governor of the territory, Dr. Seitz, declared that he had no authority to surrender German South-West Africa, so the fighting went on in various places until a futile last stand was made by German troops under the command of Major Viktor Franke at Khorab. After the cease-fire negotiations, Dr. Seitz handed over the territory to General Botha at Khorab on the 9th July 1915.
In 1914 the Natal carbineers consisted of two battalions, the 1ST in Pietermaritzburg, known as the Right Wing, and the 2nd based in Ladysmith, known as the Left Wing. For the purpose of the invasion of German S.W.A., the Carbineers were formed into two Mounted Rifle Regiments, the 1st and 2nd Mounted Rifles under Lt/Colonel D.V. Mackay and Lt/ Colonel J.P.S. Woods respectively. The Right Wing was mobilised at Pietermaritzburg on the 8 August 1914 , and the Left Wing at Ladysmith on the 23rd
October.
William Thomas Quested, the elder son of Frederick John Quested of the farm ‘Woodcote’ in the Elandslaagte district, had enrolled as a volunteer in the Natal Carbineers in 108 and was promoted to corporal in April 1912. He was called up for duty after war broke out in 1914 and took his place as a sergeant in F squadron of the Left Wing, the 2nd Mounted Rifles.
This unit was initially called up for service to assist inaction against certain factions amongst the Boers, who, with others in German S.W.A. plotted rebellion against the Union of South Africa Government. The intention was to stage a coup d’etat while the Government was engaged in other matters, and to re-instate the Boer Republics of former years. Rebel commandos operating both South and North of the Orange River carried out attacks and stirred up violence in a number of places including Keimos and Upington and in the Free State. The main fight with the rebels, who were commanded by General De Wet, was at Mushroom Valley, about 60 miles North-West of Bloemfontein. The back of the rebellion was broken. In all, about 11,500 rebels had taken up arms against the Union Government. They were opposed by about 30,000 loyalists. Government casualties were 347 killed and wounded while the Rebel losses were 540.
The 2nd Mounted Rifles took part against the rebels and first went to Upington but later they joined up with General McKenzie’s column at Luderitz and became part of the 2nd Brigade, which also included he 1st Mounted Rifles, the Citizen Battery of Artillery (12), an Engineer Company as well as other small detachments. Also at Luderitz were the 8th and 9th Brigades which contained the Natal Light Horse regiment (N.L.H.)\, the Umvoti Mounted Rifles (U.M.R.) and the Imperial Light Horse (I.L.H.). General Smuts took over as G.O.C. Southern Army on the 4th April 1915.
South African and Rhodesian casualties were astonishingly low. 113 killed in action or died of wounds. 153 died of disease or accidents. The Germans suffered 1331 killed.
Sergeant Quested’s diary covers the period from the time his regiment was mobilised in October 1914 until his return home in July 1915. It deals with the journeyings, the encounters with the enemy and the difficult conditions endured by both men and horses, as well as the very occasional lighter moments in the relatively brief campaign in German South-West Africa..
The Diary
23rd October 1914
2nd M.R. mobilised Ladysmith. Left for Booysens Camp
13th November
In charge of Carbineers who furnished firing party to Harold James’ funeral.. James, of Enslins Horse killed by rebels near Bloemfontein. Marched 5 miles at reversed arms from Yeoville to Brixton Cemetery.
19th November
Commandeering horses. Selected 30 out of 150. Kaserne Depot.
20th November.
Carbineers (Left Wing) left Booysens 10 a. m. for destination unknown. Firing party presented with 2 boxes fruit and cigarettes from Mr. James.
21st November. Sunday
Arrived Bloemfontein 11 a.m. Watered horses. Met first batch of prisoners. Left again 1.30 p.m. Delayed 2 hours Springfontein for broken buffer and coupling.
22nd November
Arrived De Aar 6 a.m. Fed and watered horses. Let again 10 a.m. Passing through Karoo country. Very dry. Arrived Prieska 4 p.m. Watered horses. Severe dust storm arose. Clouds of dust ( mountains high seen travelling for miles).
23rd November
Arrived Upington. Halted alongside Orange River. Assisting transport through sand. Mules sticking fast every 100 yards. Heat and dust very great.
24th November
Troops commencing crossing river which was very full. F squadron remained behind assisting transport across river by punt. Very heavy work. Heat intense and banks very steep and sandy. Relieved by G squadron 5.30 p.m. In charge of mounted outpost of 12 men . Left camp at 6.30 p.m. under guide to watch boreholes 18 miles out. No excitement during night. Returned 11 a.m.
25th November
Quiet day in camp. Bathing parades daily (while in camp). At 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Other units after Kemp. Heat unbearable.
26th November
2nd M.R. kept busy attending to transport etc. Other units came in touch with rebels. Several of the latter taken prisoner and killed.
27th November
2nd M.R. held in readiness to move out at any moment. Climate and conditions very hard for horses. Several taken to sick lines as unfit for work.
28th November. Sunday
Column under Colonel Woods marched out to cut off rebels moving towards German South-West border Column comprised of 2nd M.R. 500 strong. 22nd Rifles 500 strong and section of C.G. artillery moved out of Upington 2.30 a.m. Arrived first watering place Van Rooi Vlei 1 p.m. 27 miles out. Watering horses and mules all day (8 hours) from two boreholes (windmills destroyed by Maritz). Had to use buckets attached to ropes. Water very dirty. One hole contained dead animals. This was first drink of our horses for 30 hours. Halted on ground where Maritz opened rebellion and trapped Unionist forces. G and H squadron moved further 9 miles for water. Despatch received from General Botha 8 p.m. calling column back. Marched till 3.40 a.m. without halt.
29th November
Struck camp. Moving across Orange River by punt.
30th November
Left Upington. Entraining all 2nd M.R., I.L.H., D.L.I., and C.G.A. . Finished trucking 12 p.m. Heat intense.
1st December
Travelling all day very slowly. Watering horses at Draghoender. Shortly after leaving Draghoender truck containing No @ horses overturned. Took 4 hours to get horses out and right her. Several horses badly bruised but nothing serious. Own horse cut above eye.
2nd December
Travelling slowly, troop had to get out and assist to push up every incline. (24 coaches and trucks). Mr. Fannin’s boy missed train and stranded on veldt.
3rd December
arrived De Aar Junction 6 a.m. Raining. Watered and fed horses. Sent off wire for money. Wrote letters. Passed through Beaufort West about 6 p.m. Fed and watered horses. Drew rations for 2 days, bread, bully beef and coffee.
4th December
Arrived Laingsburg 7 a.m. Fed and watered horses. Passing through very rugged country. Karoo cove red mountains. Arrived Touwsriver 5 p.m. Watered and fed horses. Passed through Hex River mountains before dark and saw spot where Kaffrarian Rifles disaster occurred.
5th December Sunday
Arrived Maitland Station 4 miles out of Cape Town Detrained and marched to Brooklyn Camp. Spent afternoon Groot Schuur. Guide allowed us to enter homestead.
6th December
Called at bank in morning. Money arrived 20 pounds. Spent rest of morning shopping. Got all horses on board during morning.
7th December
Embarked for Luderitzbucht on “Gaika Castle”. 1400 men on board comprised of 2nd M.R., S.S., 1st M.R., 2nd I.L.H..
8th December
Sailed from Cape Town 8 a.m.. 2nd M.R. put on 3rd deck. 18 men to a table and hammocks stretched above tables. Escorted by 6 cruisers and I battleship.
9th December
Boat rolling badly. Most of the men seasick.
10th December
Arrived Luderitzbucht that evening. Colonel Woods and staff went ashore by tug.
11h December
Landed Luderitzbucht. Taken to shore on tugs and lighters. Sea really rough. Marched to Carbineers Camp. Distance 1 mile. Blowing gale.
12th December . Sunday
Commenced landing horses on rafts. (about 40 per day). Had sea bathing daily.
13th December
Moving camp about half mile further on.
14th December
Patrol, 8 men under Lieut. Chater left 6.30 a.m. in search of horses reported to be taken from Carbineer lines. Reached Whale Island 11 a.m. Unsuccessful search through Remounts Camp, Watered horses and returned by different route reaching camp 5 p.m.
15 December
Daily routine. Reveille 5 a.m. Stables 5.30 a.m. Breakfast 8 a.m. Mounted parade 9.30 a.m. Bathing parade for men and horses 11 a.m. Watering of horses immediately after (only one drink per day) Dinner 1 p.m. Dismounted parade 2.30 p.m. Leave granted to 10 per cent of Squadrons daily from 3.30 to 5.30 p.m. Stables 5.30 to 6.30 p.m. Tea 7 p.m. Lights out 9 p.m..
16th December
Gale blowing. Went fishing this afternoon. In charge of outpost from 5.30 p.m. to 9 a.m.
20th December
Warned from railhead aeroplane approaching Luderitzbucht Camp 5.30 a.m. Men and horses made to scatter till 7 a.m. Inspection of arms and 2 parades during day.
21st December
Aeroplane expected but advised later as having turned back at railhead after being fired on by two naval guns. Mail arrived . Great excitement sorting post until 8.30 p.m. Received 14 letters.
22nd December
Mounted parade 9.30 a.m. Blowing heavily all day.
23rd December
Very windy. F Squadron fatigues getting Xmas goods up from wharf.
24th December
Very windy. Usual parades. Several Xmas boxes arrived for F squadron.
25th December
Very windy. Postponed Xmas dinner until evening. Dinner made up of following :- Bully beef, plum pudding, cake (iced and plain) sweets, raisins, prunes, apricots, tinned fruits. Drinks – German beer, lime juice.
31st December
Calm day. Usual parades. Concert and bonfire (of boxes) in evening. Remained up and saw old year out.
1st January 1915
Fine calm day. Expected aeroplane in morning. Scattered horses. Sports in afternoon. Left Wing won most events including tug-of-war, stick and ball race (Lieut. Rattray), 100 yards flat E Leathern. Beaten by I.L.H. in final of wrestling on horseback. Richardson ( S.A. champion) won half mile obstacle race.
2nd January
Windy. Usual parades.
3rdJanuary Sunday
Windy. Attended communion service in Tower church at 7.30 a.m. Church parade at 9.30 a.m.
4th January
very windy. Usual parades. In charge of main guard. Orderly Sergeant for week.
5th January
Windy. Usual parades. F squadron on fatigues. Supplied 8 men.
6th January
Windy. Usual parades.
7th January
Calm day. Usual parades. 8 men selected from each squadron to learn semaphore.
8th January
Usual parades. F squadron for fatigues.
9th January
Calm day. Usual parades. Rugby match in afternoon. F,G and H squadron Vs A,B and C squadrons. Result, win for Left Wing by 8 points to 3.
10th January Sunday
Calm day. Church parade 9.30 a.m. The following sick returned to Cape Town :- Corporal E. King, Tpr. Possett, Tpr. S.W. Crouch, Tpr. S.W. Taylor, Tpr. W.D.Hugo
21st January
Windy. A revue of all troops at Luderitzbucht by General McKenzie.
27th January
Calm day. Regimental Sports held on parade ground. F squadron won following events :-tug-of-war, Section tent pegging, 100 yards flat (E. Leathern) , 1 ½ obstacle race (W. Flyn), tilting ring and peg (C. Coventry) , section led horse race (W. T. Quested, A.F. Flyn, W. Flyn, P.J. Buys), 2nd Lloyd Lindsay, ( A. Flyn, A. Bundon, Lawford Brs.).
1st February
Usual parades. Camp Recreation Room opened. Tpr. Burke placed in charge and the following formed committee management :- Captain Harris, Sgt. Coulter and Sgt. King of 1st M.R., Sgt. Smith and Sgt. Quested of 2nd M.R., Sgt. Mullins I.L.H.
2nd February
Windy. A and D squadrons left Luderitzbucht for Pomona.
3rd February
Usual parades.
4th February
E squadron left for Elizabeth Bay
5th February
Windy and very cold towards evening. F squadron left at 2.30 p.m. for West Konig. Halted Elizabeth Bay 8 P.M. continued along coast till 12 P.M. when obliged to return to Elizabeth Bay, being unable to find wagon road. Lt. Chater and 12 men volunteered to proceed on to West Konig depot which we reached after very heavy ride over sand dunes etc. Off saddled at 3 A.M.
6th February
Had breakfast and fed horses and moved on to West Konig 9 A.M. There met E squadron under E Morris. F squadron arrived about 1 P.M. having trouble in getting wagons through sand. Spent afternoon searching for diamonds.
7th February
Three patrols sent out in search of outlying stores. Made use of narrow gauge line (trucks drawn by mules) to bring stores to camp. Found quantities of provisions at mine stores. On our return made another unsuccessful search for diamonds
8thFebruary
Patrols sent out to Possession Island to fetch horse fodder etc. Balance destroyed.
9th February
Returned to Luderitzbucht.
21st February Sunday
2ND M.R. left Luderitzbucht camp 12.30 P.M. Arrived Rooi Koppies 7 P.M. (25 miles out). Slept at A squadron camp.
22nd February
Moved out 9.30 a.m. Heat intense (120 in shade). First halt 12.30 p.m. Continued on over miles of sand. 2nd halt 4 p.m. Experienced great thirst. No water obtainable. Arrived Tsaukaib 7 p.m. Off-saddled and raided water troughs. Two horses died.
23rd February
Stand to arms 4 – 7.30 a.m. Aeroplane dropped 4 bombs and 4 hand grenades over rail head camp wounding 7 men. 4 shots fired off at him. Heat intense. 130 in the shade. Pitched patrol tents during day. 1 water bottle issued to each man. Two troops F squadron sent out 11.30 p.m. about 12 miles out under Capt. Thornhill.
24th February
Stand to arms 4 a.m. All troops remained out until 7.30 Expected aeroplane. Then kept busy with fatigues. 1 piquet of 30 men sent out that evening. Temp. 120. F squadron supplied patrol which left camp 11.30 p.m. under Lt. Rattrap.
25th February
Stand to arms 4 a.m. Patrol sent out to Donaldson Hill and other observation posts for the day. Blinding dust storm all afternoon. No 1 and 2 troops sent out at 11 p.m. on 20 mile patro0l. Reached destination 3 a.m. Halted until 5 a.m. Patrolled around until 10 a.m. and returned to camp by different routes
26th February
Stand to arms usual time. Three patrols left camp daybreak. Watering horses 9 a.m. Drew water rations 10 a.m. (1water bottle per man)
27th February
Patrols sent out 4 a.m. Aeroplane alarm 7 a.m. Scattered horses but made no appearance. Watered horses and drew water ration usual time.
28th February Sunday
Usual morning patrols and exercising of horses. Heat intense.
1st March
Usual morning patrols. Bathing parade in afternoon. Washed in troughs first, then went through tanks 12’x3’ x 4’ deep. 800 men passed through the above.
9th March
Usual patrols. Bathing parade that evening. About 2’ water in troughs for 10 men.
10th March
Usual patrols. L Richards and J Raath tried by Court Marshall for sleeping on piquet. Defended by Lieut. Grice, E squadron. Case lasted all day and prisoners found guilty.
11th March
F and E squadrons escorted battery artillery. Left camp 7 a.m. in S E direction. Passed through hilly country. No. 2 troop furnished left flank. Discovered spoor and halting place of German patrol. Saw several buck. 1 shot. Returned to camp 12 a.m.
12th March
Usual patrols sent out. G squadron fired on at Garub. Tpr. Turton wounded in leg and horse killed. Germans retired.
13th March
Three patrols sent out in the morning. Received portion of mail.
14th March Sunday
Received aeroplane scare, but made on appearance. Pitched bell tents.
15th March
B.M.R. and U.M.R. arrived Luderitzbucht.
16th March
Went out on patrol with three men. Returned 9 a.m. Remainder of post and parcels arrived.
17th March
Usual parade and patrols. Re trial of Raath and Richards. Both found guilty. Nisbets Horse arrived from Luderitzbucht.
18th March
Usual patrols.
19th March
In charge of 4 a.m. patrol with three men. Went out at a distance of 8 miles but came across nothing.
20th March
No 2 troop with a section of artillery left at 6 a.m. in search of German field telephone about 10 miles from camp. After successfully destroying same, went in search of water hole about 5 miles further on, but failed to find same. Returned 3.30 p.m.
21st March Sunday
Usual parades. Received news of General Botha’s first encounter with Germans. (Swakopmund) Captured 2 field guns. Our losses reported heavy.
22nd March
Review of troops at Tsaukaib by Lord Buxton. Parade drew up in one line facing railway. Force under Colonel Byron was composed of the following units :- 12th battery N.F.A.,E and F squadron 2 M.R., K.R’s. P.R’s. Reviewed troops 11 a.m. then left for Garub.
23rd March
Raath and Richards’s sentence made known. Sentenced to 2 years detention. 2nd M.R. left Tsaukaib for Garub. Marched out of camp 8 p.m. Arrived Garub 2 a.m. 1st M.R. arrived Tsaukaib same evening from Luderitzbucht
24th March
Watered horses at Garub boreholes 9 a.m. Line reported blown up between Rooi Koppies and Tsaukaib. 1st M.R. in pursuit of enemy. F squadron ordered out at 12 a.m. to intercept same at boreholes 30 miles South of Garub. Marched out at 1 p.m. under Capt. Thornhill. Nos 2 and 3 troops remained in neck 20 miles out. Remainder reached destination 12 a.m. Found boreholes under sand dunes.
25th March
Remained under cover all morning awaiting return of Nos 1 and 4 (everyone experiencing great thirst). Nos 1 and 4 rejoined us 2 p.m. Carried water to us in nose bags. Returned to camp 6 p.m.
26th March
First baptism of fire. Aeroplane sailed over camp from Aus 7 a.m. Men and horses scattered in all directions. First sighted 5 miles off and could distinctly hear droning of engines. Circled over us and dropped 1st bomb 600 yards to our right, killing 1 mule, wounding one and 1 native. Big guns opened fire. Another bomb dropped 200 yards further on and 4 hand grenades in quick succession. Guns continued firing but without effect. Bombs could also be seen to leave plane and followed to within a few feet of the earth. Hovered around camp for quite a quarter hour.
30th March
Another visit of aeroplane. Seemed to be reconnoitring trip as no bombs were dropped
3 rd April
No. 2 troop le3ft camp 6 a.m. on12 hour patrol through Aus mountains. Came across German laager and fort. Found little booty, water bags etc.
4th April Easter Sunday
Left Garub for Aus. Arrived 7 p.m. Bitterly cold. Found water had been tampered with. Carbolic acid used.
5th April
Rained all Sunday night. Majority of men sitting around camp fires midnight. Went in search of rainwater on large rocks 3 miles from camp. I.L.H. and N.L.H., U.M.R. and N.M.R. arrived. Saw Bert Price and Brabner for the first time.
6th April
Remained in camp. Watering of horses took 10 hours. Water being drawn from wells 7 miles off. Bitterly cold.
7th April
Shifted camp to Klein Aus, opposite side of Aus. Found difficulty in watering horses. Men unable to get water all day. Several horses found to be suffering from effects of poisoning.
8th April
Returned to Garub. Mc Vey, Brown and H. Wright having to walk and lead horses. Reached Garub 2.30 p.m. and got first drink at borehole since evening of 6th. Dinner with Capts. Mitchell and Parkhurst.
15th April
Spent afternoon with Capt. Mitchell.
16th April
Left Garub for Aus (Right and Left Wings Carbineers) between 900 and 1,000 strong. Reached Aus 8 p.m. after very heavy and dusty ride.
17th April
Fed and watered horses. Marched out to Schakalskuppe (22 miles) . Left 2 p.m. and reached there 11 p.m. Dust very bad. Carried 1 nosebag Lucerne for horses to last 48 hours. Men’s rations 1 ½ biscuits per man.
18th April
Left Schakalskuppe 6 a.m. Drew water at spring 3 miles out. Filled water bottles. Arrived Guibes 5.30 p.m. About b7 miles out passed 5 mines which had been blown up by engineers. Halted for breakfast 10 a.m. Country becoming more fertile (shrubs and patches of grass) Watered horses 4 p.m. in pools of water found in valley near Guibes. Saw herd of Springbok (about 100) and large troop of Ostriches. Several shots fired at same.
19th April
Left Guibes 7 a.m. Halted 10 a.m. (for breakfast). Reached Bethanie 4.30 p.m. (25 miles). Country between Guibes and Bethanie very strong. Ample supply water at Bethanie. Washed horses and clothing and had good bathe in cement bath. Fed horses on reed tops and grape leaves. Convoy delayed. Scouts came in touch with German scouts. One German killed.
20th April
Delayed at Bethanie for convoy which arrived at 4 p.m. Fed horses and drew rations. Killed ox. Had ration of fresh meat. Left Bethanie 5.30 p.m. Right and Left Wings Carbineers and 12th Battery. Halted at 12 a.m. (18 miles out).
21st April
Moved on 6.30 a.m. Passed through rugged country (between two ranges hills). Drew water at well and halted for breakfast at 11 a.m. Continued on through very strong country. Several horses casting shoes and had great difficulty in getting shoes for same. Came upon large body of water at foot of hills. Halted to water horses 4 p.m. Saddled up at 5 p.m. and continued on until 8 p.m. where we halted for the night.
22nd April
Awaited arrival of Right Wing and convoy which was greatly delayed through bad roads. Our horses without feed for 24 hours. Finally, order given for horses to be let out to graze on small patches of grass found between hills. Convoy arrived 1 p.m. Drew rations and moved on 5 p.m. Halted 20 miles out at 2.30 a.m.
23rd April
Moved on 5 a.m. (soil becoming firmer and more trees and shrubs). Arrived Berseba 11 a.m. On arrival found fight in progress 12 miles out. N.L.H and N.M.R. engaged. Captured 23 Germans. Saw funeral of Germans shot by scouts previous day. (prisoner used as pall bearers). Several Hottentots surrendered in village along with thousands head of stock, goats, sheep and cattle. Several sheep killed for troops. Convoy arrived 7 p.m. Drew rations and moved on 9.30 p.m.
24thApril
Trekked on until 2.30 a.m.. (15 miles). Halted for 2 hours and moved on in pursuit of enemy (reported 400 strong). Off-saddled for breakfast 10 a.m. Linked up with N.L.H., I.L.H.., 3rd and 4th M.R.. Continued on 11.30 a.m. and halted few miles on until dusk. Killed ox. Moved on to Asab and captured 300 Hottentots with large quantity of stock. Remained there till morning. Killed several sheep (only rations available) Grazed horses. Saddled up 12 a.m.
25th April
Crossed line South of Gibeon 12 p.m. Halted for night. Germans reported about 5 miles on. Column divided into two. Col. Royston pushed on till 4 a.m. 8th Brigade under Col. Mackay moved off at 12 a.m.. Left all transport and pack horses behind. After going about 7 miles all units halted until dark.
26th April
Advanced to within 5 miles of Gibeon, off-saddled 12 p.m. Col. Royston with N.L.H. and I.L.H. moved on with object of surrounding enemy but unfortunately fell into trap. Enemy poured deadly machine gun fire into N.L.H. at a distance of 50 – 100 yards. (17 killed, 30 wounded). I.L.H. (3 killed 17 wounded). F. Pasco amongst killed. The above took place between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. Eventually 200 N.L.H. obliged to surrender.
27th April
At dawn all units were saddled and stood to arms and moved off in following order. E, F and H squadrons in 2 extended lines followed by remainder of I.L.H. and N.L.H. Pushed on to right of Gibeon. 12th Battery under Major Edwards occupied position about centre and 1st., 3rd and 4th M.R. swung onto left flank. After galloping about 5 miles over flat country, enemy opened machine gun fir on our right flank. Bullets rained about us until obliged to dismount. One No 2 troop horse being wounded in shoulder and two maxim men hit.(R. Nicholson and E. Richards). Continued advance on foot for 800 yards before able to locate fire on Grundorner Railway line. Enemy sighted on ridges overlooking same. F squadron opened fire 800 yards after field guns had been in action ½ hour. Enemy obliged to retire. We immediately occupied their position and opened heavy and effective fire at1200 yards. Our horses having been brought up we pursued enemy from ridge to ridge over terribly stony country. Took several prisoners during chase. Our guns silenced their two field guns and at the same time we captured 4 machine guns and all their convoy. Fight continued until about 2 p.m. General McKenzie being obliged to return, horses completely knocked up. After rounding up all prisoners we halted at spruit for 2 hours and arrived back at 9 p.m. During fight we succeeded in releasing N.L.H. prisoners. Casualties, approximately 250 prisoners, wounded and killed. Our side about 75 wounded and killed.
28th April
Men and horses resting.
29th April
F squadron assisted in searching battle field for bodies and stores. Returned to camp 8 p.m.
30th April
Moved camp nearer water. Grazing very scarce. Horses feed consisting of ½ lb. oats per 24 hours. Men’s rations, liberal supply of fresh mutton, 1 biscuit, tablespoon meal per man. Coffee sufficient for 1 cup. Several families (women and children) remained in Gibeon. All stores seized by troops including thousands head cattle, sheep and goats. Captured train load of fodder.
1st May
Changed grazing ground to West of camp. Rations, 1 biscuit ¼ cup of meal (for 4), 2 tablespoons coffee. F squadron on piquet.
2nd May Sunday
Men searching for lost horses. Found most in I.L.H. and N.L.H. camps, disfigured. Rations, 1 biscuit, ½ cup meal, 2 tablespoons coffee, mutton.
4th May
Inspection of horses and casting all unfit for work. No 2 troop on patrol. Met Mostert. Went partridge shooting. Returned to camp 7p.m. Rations, 1 biscuit, meat, ½ cup meal for 4,2 tablespoons coffee.
5th May
Two wagons turned up but rations taken for hospital. Bought 1 lb. crushed meal and oats (mixed) from native for 1/6d. Made porridge of same. Rations for day (mess of 4) 4 biscuits, 1 ½ tablespoons coffee, 4 tablespoons meal and mutton.
6th May
Heavy gale blew all day. Rations (mess 4) 6 biscuits, ½ cup flour, mutton. F squadron on piquet.
7th May
No. 2 troop rounding up all stray horses. Collected 40. Rations, tablespoon of salt, meat. F squadron on piquet.
8th May
Convey of 21 wagons turned up at 8 p.m. Rations, tablespoon of salt, meat.
9th May Sunday
1st and 2nd M.R. struck camp. Moved 10 miles North of Gibeon. F squadron remained over until Monday. Rations 1 ½ biscuits per man. Small allowance coffee and meal.
10th May
F squadron struck camp 9 a.m. Reached destination 12 a.m. Shooting party returned to camp. Spoil consists of Kudu cow and 2 brace guinea fowl..
11th May
In charge of grazing guard. Several parties went out buck shooting. 2 Kudu shot. Rations 1 ½ biscuits, small ration coffee. Same for meal. Small post arrived. Got 3 letters. Dutch wagon passed camp, selling tobacco. Bought 2 /- worth (1/4 lb.).
12th May
Changed camping ground 2 miles up river. Same rations as 11th.
13th May
Casting unfit horses from 2nd M.R.
14th May
Party sent in to draw remounts from N.L.H.
15th May
N.L.H. and I.L.H. disbanded.
16th May Sunday
Very windy. Spent day washing clothes.
17th May
Very windy. Gun inspection. Securing fresh remounts for dismounted men. 1 ½ biscuits. Small ration meal.
18th May
Very dull. Cold wind. Gun inspection. In charge of piquet that evening.
19th May
Windy dull day. Received 4 ½ rations for 3 days.
20th May
Lawford, Coventry, Leathern and self went game shooting. Left daybreak. Returned 7 p.m. Bag consisted of 1 Stein buck, 3 rock rabbits, 2 bush pheasants, 1 duck.
21st May
Very windy. Seeing to remounts and what horses shod. 10 cows issued to F squadron but very poor milkers. Ration ran out 1 tablespoon per man.
22nd May
Spent day washing clothes and wrote letters. Received rations for 2 days. Biscuit, coffee and small cup flour. Small ration of tobacco issued to men
23rd May Sunday
Shifted camp 7 a.m. 20 miles North. 1st and 2nd M.R. , 12th Battery and Field Ambulance. Reached camp 12 a.m. after very dusty ride.
24th May
¼ ration issued for 3 days.
25th May
Vary windy. Making preparations for moving camp. Shot Korhaan and guinea fowl.
26thMay
Struck camp 7 a.m. Marched out 8 a.m. Very windy and dusty ride. Arrived Mariental 3 p.m. Camped alongside Fish River. Water scarce. Grazing good. Quantities guinea fowl and partridge. Zunkel shot 13 partridge with 2 shots while drinking.
27th May
Very cloudy. Few drops rain fell. Quiet day in camp.
28th May
Searching for lost horses.
29th May
In charge of grazing guard.
30th May Sunday
Church parade.
31st May
Sent party to Mariental to fetch more remounts.
1st June
Received issue of kit. (helmets. Boots shirts and breeches)
2nd June
Spent day searching for horses and visited 3rd and 4th M.R. camp.
3rd June
Received large mail. Sgt. Thompson kicked by horse. Serious internal injuries. Handed in resignation to Capt. Thornhill. Order received in evening for Brigade to strike camp, but just as column moved out, order cancelled.
4th June
Left Mariental camp 7.30 a.m. Number of us remained behind to round up stray horses. Reached camp 15 miles up 1 p.m.
5th June
Reveille 6.30. a.m. Horses turned to graze 7 a.m. Awaiting arrival of convoy. Had rations issued for 2 days. Moved on about 5 miles and camped for night 8 p.m.
6th June Sunday
Reveille 5 a.m. Saddled up and continued trek 6 a.m. Arrived camping ground around 9.30 a.m. Great rejoicing in camp. Papers and parcels arrived by motor transport from Gibeon (these being the first received for 2 months). B.M.R. and U.M.R. went forward 5 p.m. Attended service in evening held round bonfire.
7th June
Struck camp 5 a.m. and moved forward 6 a.m. Reached camping ground 12 p.m. (2 miles South of Kub). Large convoy arrived. Visited Boer farm houses. Able to get butter, meal and pumpkins and mutton. (15/- paid for pumpkin, butter 4/- lb , meal 2/- lb.).
8th June
Turned horses to grass 7.30 a.m. Spent the day washing clothes etc.
9th June
Struck camp 4 p.m. Rode through to Kub and camped about 6 miles beyond. Great shortage of grass and water. (Had to fetch water 1 ½ miles away).
10th June
Rested horses in morning. Saddled up 4.30 p.m. and trekked till 11 p.m.(18 miles).
11th June
Struck camp 4 p.m. Marched out 5 p.m. Several horses gave in. Others obliged to throw kit on wagons and walk. Off-saddled 10 p.m. Distance 15 miles. Small post of letters and parcels arrived by motor transport. Received parcel from home.
12th June
Reveille 2 a.m. Saddled up and moved off 2.30 a.m. Large number of horses gave in on the march (own horse included) and fellows obliged to walk. Reached watering place (farm house) 8 a.m. where halted for 2 hours. Moved on 4 miles further and halted for night.
13th June Sunday
Reveille 6 a.m. grazed horses until 9 a.m. Marched out at 9.30 a.m. to watering place (borehole surrounded by Hottentot huts). Drew small ration horse feed here ( first for several days). Fed horses and saddled up 5 p.m. Marched on about 7 miles and halted for night. Obliged to leave several horses along road.
14th June
Reveille 6 a.m. and turned horses out to graze till 9.30 a.m. Saddled up 10 a.m. and marched into Rehoboth. Reached there 12.30 p.m. Off-saddled for an hour in town and drew water and watered horses at boreholes (water very warm from hot water spring). Camped about a mile out of town. Bitterly cold, very windy and cold and cold rain set in off and on all night. Firewood very short but most of us able to buy little milk and buy a few goats.
15th June
Reveille 6.30 a.m. Bitterly cold and most of clothing damp. Grazing very poor and horses in bad condition. Small ration feed issued that morning.
16th June
Borrowed saws and choppers from village to cut down gum trees for fire wood. Hard work. Very large trees and when once started would burn for days. Commenced feeding horses two rations horse feed per day.
17th June
Small post arrived. Nights bitterly cold. Obliged to issue men with (unwashed) sheep skins as majority had only one blanket.
18th June
Several horses noted to be suffering from eye disease. Symptoms similar to opthalma.
19th June
Arms inspection. Drawing following rations every alternate day :- 5 ½ biscuits, 1lb fresh meat, teaspoon baking powder, teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons coffee, 1 tablespoon tea. Tin milk and tin jam to 4 men.
20th June Sunday
Church parade.
21st June
The great half yearly gathering of Hottentots in village. Several hundreds present. Meetings presided over by Col. Meintjies from Windhoek.
22nd June
Patrols sent out to look for lost horses.
23rd June
Arms inspection. Bonfire concert in evening. Piano got from one of the dwelling houses.
24th June
To date 240 horses affected with eye disease. Few recovering. 170 men from both brigades sent to hospital. (Windhoek).
25th June
Spent morning washing clothes. 3rd and 4th M.R. moved forward that evening.
26th June
Small post arrived. About 14 men of 2nd M.R. sent to hospital.
27th June Sunday
Church parade. Storm threatened in afternoon but no rain. Capt. Fannin and Lieut. Tatham left for Windhoek hospital. Rations issued included liberal supply potatoes, onions and pumpkins.
28th June
In charge of grazing guard. Received issue of comforts, cigarettes etc. 1st M.R. and 12th Battery left Rehoboth for Windhoek.
29th June
Arms inspection.
30th June
Arms inspection. Received post in afternoon.
1st July
Washing clothes for best part of day. Bought butter and karos from Hottentots.
2nd July
Received orders during afternoon to proceed to Windhoek as early as possible.
3rd July
Reveille 4.45 a.m. Struck camp and marched out of Rehoboth 8 a.m. Left several men behind with unfit horses. Halted about 12 miles out for 2 hours and continued on 3 p.m. Reached borehole where watered horses and camped for night.
4th July Sunday
Reveille 5 a.m. Marched out 6 a.m. Came across several troops guinea fowl. Number of us went after same and shot 16. Reached Aub 7.30 a.m. Bought fruit and milk from Hottentots. Off-saddled alongside farmhouse. Continued on after feeding and watering horses. Reached Aris 6.30 p.m. Great rejoicing when we learnt from Major Morris that we were to be disbanded.
5th July
Marched out to Windhoek about 9 a.m. through mountainous and rugged country. Transport had great difficulty in getting through. Several wagons capsizing. Passed wireless station, (situated 3 miles out of town) and camped on racecourse about 1 ½ miles from town at 3 p.m. Spent afternoon in town. Found that most of shops open and Germans charging high prices for most goods.
6th July
1st M.R. entrained for Luderitzbucht. 3rd and 4th M.R. handing in their horses. Most of us got leave to spend day in town. Had bath at hot water baths (mineral). Walked over to wireless station but not allowed in. Height of uprights 350 feet. 200 h.p. engine.
7th July
Handing in our horses and saddlery at station yard (horses taken out to remount depot). 3rd and 4th M.R. left for Luderitzbucht. Bitterly cold and slight drizzle.
8th July
Entrained for Luderitz 9 a.m. Went in two sections to Rehoboth owing to heavy grades. Bitterly cold (snow reported on surrounding mountains). 25 to 30 men per truck (open horse trucks). Majority of men unable to sleep due to cramped positions.
9th July
Arrived Mariental 8 a.m. Issued with rations. Left again 1.30 p.m. Passed through Gibeon 4 p.m. Took photo of Frank Pacoe’s grave (cemetery about 50 yards to right of station). Train stuck while climbing cutting. Men assisted in pushing to top.
10th July
Arrived Keetmanshoop 7 a.m. Had breakfast at S.A,G. Institute. Wandered around town and left again 11 a.m. Received fist issue bread (1/2 loaf per man) since leaving Garub. Reached Seeheim 1 p.m.
11th July Sunday
Arrived Guibes 6 a.m. Had breakfast. Left again 8 a.m. Reached Aus 2 p.m.
12th July
Arrived Luderitz 7 a.m. Had breakfast at De Mielos Café and embarked 11 a.m. “Clan Macphee”. 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th M.R. 2500 men. Steamed out 5 p.m. Majority of men seasick. Sleeping accommodation insufficient. Large number of men obliged to sleep on deck. Bitterly cold and raining.
13th July
Bad weather continued and poor feeding. Had to appoint own cooks for each squadron.
14th July
Rounded the Cape about 9 a.m. Still showery and sea rough. Majority of men kept to their bunks. In charge of guard that evening.
15th July
Passed Port Elizabeth about 4 p.m. sea still rough.
16th July
Passed East London about 3 a.m. Sea calm, fine weather. Cleaning up and making preparations for tomorrow morning.
17th July
Reached Durban. Great reception. Given refreshments and entrained for Pietermaritzburg. Reached PMB 7 p.m. Marched to Drill Hall.
18th July Sunday
Slack day. Majority of men spending day with relations.
19th July
Review in Park by Lord Buxton. Thanksgiving Service. Dispatch from Gen. McKenzie. Bioscope entertainment.
20th July
Handing in all Government equipment. Firework display in evening.
21st July
Pay day. F squadron entrained for Ladysmith 1 p.m.
22nd July
Arrived Ladysmith about 7 a.m. Big reception. Breakfast served to men at Royal and Crown Hotels.. Thanksgiving service at Oval. Free admission to Show (agricultural show) to all volunteers. Entertainment in Town Hall in evening.
23rd July
Returned home.
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Notes prepared and diary transcribed by
C.C.W. Johnn, Pietermaritzburg 1987.
For further reading refer to ‘The Great War in Africa ‘ 1914 – 1918 by
Byron Farewell.
C. S.