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National Boer Association

National Patron: Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin AC Chief of the Defence Force Patron: Major General Professor John Pearn, AO, RFD (Retd)

Monumentally Speaking - Queensland Edition Committee Newsletter - Volume 11, No. 3 Queensland Chairman’s Report

Welcome to our third Queensland Newsletter of 2018. Since our ‘Piper Joe’ (Joe McGhee), provided pipe music before the last newsletter, a lot has happened; such as the planning and co- service, whilst warming his pipes up. The Scouts lowered ordination of the ‘Boer War Day Commemoration Service - 2018’ the flags to half-mast, to the sound of ‘Going Home’, As mentioned in our last Newsletter, the planned renovations and played by ‘Piper Joe’; a piper’s tribute to the fallen. refurbishment works of ANZAC Square, in the vicinity of, and in- The address by our Queensland Patron cluding the Boer War Memorial, by the BCC (Brisbane City Coun- MAJGEN John Pearn AO, GCStJ, RFD, cil), very much influenced our planning and co-ordination process. added a special touch to the service. This meant we had to re-plan the ‘Boer War Commemoration Ser- vice’. Therefore, the ‘Boer War Day Commemoration Service’ of Corinda State High School and Aspley 2018, was held at the ‘’ and ‘Eternal State High School played important Flame’, Ann Street end of ANZAC Square, on Sunday, 27th May at roles in the service. The Corinda 10:00 hours. State High School Symphonic Band, provided music before, during and The ‘Boer War Day Commemoration Service’ turned out to be a after the service. Their perform- big and extremely successful event, especially if one considers all ance can only be described as out- the positive and complimentary comments made. For example, standing. The Corinda State High one particular person, said; “I would like to commend and con- School Senior Vocal Ensemble’s gratulate you and those responsible, for one of the best Commem- rendition of Psalm 23, ‘The Lord is orative Services I have ever attended.” Comments like this mean my Shepherd’, was extremely well received. a lot, especially when considering our objective: to ensure the legacy of the Boer War and the ‘Fathers of the ANZACs’ remain Aspley State High School’s Cultural Captain, Bruno with us. Oliveira, read Banjo Patter- son’s ‘Last Parade’ superbly. In keeping with tradition, the 2nd/14th Rachel Augustine, Captain of Light Horse Regiment (QMI) provided Aspley State High School, led the Catafalque Party. They conducted the singing of the National their duties extremely well, especially Anthem; accompanied by when considering they had to Present Corinda State High School Symphonic Arms three times during the service: Band and the Corinda State High School Last Post, National Anthem and Sunset Senior Vocal Ensemble; it too, left a last- (The Retreat). ing impression. Our ‘Order of Service’ was slightly different to the Corinda State High School’s sister school, norm, hence the RSM Ceremonial-Army (Army HQ is ‘Ermelo High School’ Hoërskool Ermelo) in . This is ) perused our ‘Order of Service’ and provided quite significant, as The ‘Battle of Onverwacht’ (onverwacht mean- much appreciated advice and recommendations. th ing ‘unexpected’ - phonetically pronounced ‘on-fir-vacht’), 4 January, The Scouts also took part in the 1902, was the last great clash of the war between the Boer and service, made up of Venturer British forces. This occurred in the Eastern , on and Rover Scouts. the farm known as ‘Onverwacht’, within close vicinity to Ermelo. The Scouts were assigned flag duties, four Members of the 5th Queensland Imperial Bushmen (QIB) flags in all, which needed to be lowered to were involved, thirteen of whom paid the ultimate sacri- half-mast, prior to the service. After the fice. In 1962, the graves were exhumed and the British service, they needed to be raised again to soldiers were reburied in the Ermelo cemetery. LTCOL full-mast. Venturer Scouts Miles Farmer, OAM, (Retd), laid a hat in their memory. also helped to hand out Programmes. Of the 150 programmes printed, less than 10 remain. The bugle calls, ‘Last Post’ and ‘Rouse’, were Photos superbly provided by bugler, Ray Koenig. His rendi- submitted by M. Hayes tion of ‘Sunset’, which immediately followed the S. Johns last Hymn ‘O God, Our Help in Ages Past’, was mag- D. Jones J. Jones nificent and very moving. Cont. M. O’MallonCont. Correspondence and Donations to: - The Treasurer, Boer War Memorial Association Qld, c/o P. O. Box 1215, Oxley, Qld. 4075 CAPT Bill Cross, OAM (Retd), was our esteemed The Band, Scouts, Singers, Piper, Bugler, Speakers and our much master of ceremonies. The prayers were given by Esteemed and Honoured Distinguished Guests, all helped to make Fr. Geoff Reeder. LTCOL Ron McElwaine, OAM, RFD, the service meaningful and memorable.

ED (Retd), National Committee The committee worked hard in the planning, preparation and the Vice President (NBWMA), former co-ordination of the event. My sincere thanks extend to their NBWMA (QLD) Chairman splendid effort; they have excelled beyond the call of duty. National Vice President, read the Also, a special thank you to our Queensland Patron, MAJGEN Prof. messages from our Gover- John Pearn, AO, GCStJ, RFD (Retd), for his support and involve- nor General, His Excel- ment. Not forgetting, CAPT Bill Cross, OAM (Retd) and LTCOL Ron lency, General Sir Peter McElwaine, OAM, RFD, ED (Retd), for their support and involve- Cosgrove, AK, MC, and our National Patron, ment leading up to the event and their much appreciated partici- Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin, pation on the day. AC, Chief of the Defence Force. NBWM Project Manager (Boer War The hurdle may be set high. However, I believe the positive com- Memorial Canberra) Steve Bain gave an update on the ments have helped set our focus in concrete and made them all Boer War Memorial site. more worthwhile. The legacy and sacrifices, made by our descen- The Key Address was delivered by dants, need to be remembered and remain with us forever.

MAJGEN Professor John Pearn, AO, GCStJ, Their ideal is our legacy - Their sacrifice our inspiration: - RFD, (Retd), Patron NBWMA (QLD). At the going down of the sun, and in the morning,

Wreaths were laid by our Queensland Patron we will remember them. - ‘Lest we Forget’. and I, the Queensland Chairman, followed by ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING: our much esteemed distinguished guests and Due to the cessation of the NBWMA in July 2018, a Queensland others: AGM concerning NBWMA (Queensland) and the continuation of

nd th an organisation for descendants and supporters will be held on 2 /14 LHR (QMI); th Councillor for Central Ward Brisbane City Council; the 4 August at 1:00 pm at the Sherwood-Indooroopilly RSL Sub- branch. The agenda: National Committee Vice President (NBWMA); NBWM Project Manager (Boer War Memorial Canberra);  Introduction/Establishment of a new incorporated organi- State President of the RSL (Queensland) and sation to continue operating known as the Boer War Asso- Deputy National President of the RSL; ciation Queensland (BWAQ); and President of SED (South Eastern District) RSL;  Appointment of office bearers and committee members - Deputy-President BND (Brisbane North District) RSL; volunteers are most welcome. Sherwood-Indooroopilly RSL Sub-branch; President of ‘The League for Commonwealth Friendship'; All members are urged to attend this inaugural meeting of the Chairman SAMVOA (South African Military Veterans Organisation of new association, so that the new direction and structure can be Australasia); confirmed by the membership. Afternoon tea will be served after Former Assistant Commissioner of the BSAP (British South Africa the meeting. $2.00 donation towards the tea will be appreciated. Police) and Patron of the RVA (Rhodesian Veterans Association); ------President of the RVA (Rhodesian Veterans Association); Seminar: Chief Commissioner of Scouts Queensland; This year‟s seminar, originally scheduled for Saturday 22nd Sept- Former Commanding Officer of 2nd/14th Queensland Mounted ember has been re-scheduled for Sunday, 23rd September (QMI) (1973-1976); between 1.00 and 5.00 pm, at the Sherwood-Indooroopilly RSL Corinda State High School; and Sub-Branch. The theme decided on for this year‟s seminar is: - Aspley State High School. “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly” of the Boer War. We are still sourcing speakers. If anyone is interested in talk- ing on one or more of the three categories suggested, please get in touch with the committee. ------Our planned schedule for the rest of the year is as follows:

 A.G.M. Saturday, 4th August at Sherwood-Indooroopilly RSL Sub-branch at 1.00 p.m.  Committee Meeting - Thursday, 16th August at Sher- wood-Indooroopilly RSL Sub-branch.  Seminar – Sunday, 23rd September Sherwood- Indooroopilly RSL Sub-branch at 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm, including refreshments. $2.00 coin donation would be appreciated.  Committee Meeting - October/November (date yet to be determined).

Gordon Bold Queensland Chairman

Correspondence and Donations to: - The Treasurer, Boer War Memorial Association Qld, c/o P. O. Box 1215, Oxley, Qld. 4075 2 Daniël Johannes Stephanus ‘Danie’ Theron His new arsenal included some rather impressive weap- Hero of the Boer War ons, superior to what the British had at the time:

Gordon Bold Cont. Part 3  4 French 155-mm Creusot fortress guns (known as „Long Tom‟), emplaced in forts around , : Cont: the capital city of the Transvaal Republic. They

The British military had to change its strategy for the were successfully deployed as field guns and war as public opinion demanded that the of guns at Vaal Krantz, Ladysmith, Mafeking, Kimberley, Ladysmith and Mafeking be relieved before Kimberley and Bergendal. During the early stages the Boer capitals were assaulted. This led to a new of the war, these guns gave the an advan- phase where British troop numbers were greatly in- tage as they had longer range than any British guns deployed in South Africa at the time. creased under the command of Lord who had taken over command of the British forces relieving Sir  25 German 37mm Maxim-Nordenfeldt guns also . The British then launched another known as the pom-pom, were used by the Boers offensive in 1900 to relieve the sieges, this time against the British. It fired a one pound shell achieving success: accurately over a distance of 3,000 yards. The  Kimberley was besieged for 124 days and barrel was water cooled and the shells were belt- was finally relieved on 15th February, 1900 fed from a 25 round fabric belt. Initially the British by a division under - had nothing to compare. However, the British General John French. later adopted their own version of the gun which  Ladysmith was besieged for 118 days and was designed by the Vickers Company. was relieved on the 28th February, 1900.  Mafeking was besieged for 217 days. The President Steyn of the Orange Freestate had also a rear- relief of Mafeking on the 17th May, 1900, mament drive but not to the same extent as the Transvaal. while of little military significance, was a The Transvaal army had been transformed; equipped with morale boost for the struggling British. modern rifles and and could mobilise within two weeks. After Natal and the were secure, the Brit- ish were able to invade the Transvaal, and the repub- The Boers had many Heroes; many of their Generals were lic's capital, Pretoria, was ultimately captured in June considered folk heroes from both the first and second An- 1900. , the capital of the Orange Free- glo-Boer Wars. Of the second Anglo-Boer War, one will find heroes like, to name a few: state Republic was captured in March 1900.

The Boers were not yet defeated and this inevitably  OM, CH, ED, PC, KC, FRS was a promi- led to another phase of the war. Lord Kitchener re- nent South African and British Commonwealth placed Lord Roberts and he resorted to a „scorched- statesman, military leader and philosopher. He was earth‟ policy and introduced the highly controversial a Boer General and led Boer in the Sec- concentration camps. In this final phase of the war, ond Anglo-Boer War for the Transvaal. During the 75,000 Boers carried out against war, he demonstrated a talent for guerrilla warfare; the 450,000-strong British Imperial forces for two his most famous raid taking him far into the Cape years after the British had captured the capital cities Colony. As well as being one of the Boers‟ best sol- of the two . During these conflicts the diers, Smuts was one of their negotiators who word „Commando‟ entered English, retaining its gen- signed the peace treaty in 1902. Dur- eral meaning of a „ unit of skirmishers‟. ing the First , he led the armies of South Africa against Germany, capturing German South- British , Boer armies/ West Africa and commanding the in and Heroes: East Africa.

The alienated many Cape Afrikaaners from From 1917 to 1919, he was also one of the mem- the British and united the Boers of the Transvaal Republic bers of the British Imperial War Cabinet and he was () behind President and instrumental in the founding of what became the his government. It also had the effect of drawing the two Royal Air Force (RAF), followed closely by the South Boer Republics together in opposition to perceived British African Air Force (SAAF). He advocated a powerful imperialism. In 1897, a military pact was concluded be- League of Nations, forerunner of the United Na- tween the two Boer republics. tions, and he may justly be called one of the princi- pal progenitors of the League of Nations; he and President Paul Kruger of the Transvaal Republic proceeded Lord Cecil were the two principal drafters to re-equip the Transvaal army and imported the latest Ger- and architects of of the League of man Model 1895 rifles (known as the Boer Model), Nations. He was also part of the Conference at considered the best rifle of the day. At the time Boers which the Charter of the United Nations was (Farmers) could also purchase the Mauser Model 1895 drafted. known in Dutch/Afrikaans as the „Plezier (Plesier) His major post-war achievement was drafting the Mauser‟ (Pleasure Mauser), as it was a perfect hunting rifle. Covenant of the United Nations, helping ensure that President Steyn of the Orange Freestate also acquired the unlike the League of Nations, the new body had „Boer Model‟ Mauser for his army. Paul Kruger also pro- real power. He was involved in writing the original cured the best modern European artillery. By October 1899 opening lines of the Preamble, "The High Contract- the Transvaal State Artillery had somewhere around 73 odd ing Parties, determined to prevent a recurrence of guns, of which 59 were new. Cont. To be Cont.. Correspondence and Donations to: - The Treasurer, Boer War Memorial Association Qld, c/o P. O. Box 1215, Oxley, Qld. 4075 3 of the fratricidal strife which twice in our generation References Cont: -

has brought untold sorrow and loss upon mankind…", Transvaal Republic also known as the South African Republic (Zuid- which would have been similar to the opening lines of Afrikaansche Republiek) led by President Paul Kruger (Stephanus Johannes the Covenant of the League of Nations. He became a Paulus "Paul" Kruger) and the Orange (Oranje-Vrijstaat,Oranje- field marshal in the British Army in 1941, and served Vrystaat) led by President Martinus Theunis Steyn…

in the Imperial War Cabinet under . The RAF is the oldest independent air force in the world, formed towards the His influence was such that there was a plan, hatched end of the WWI on the 1st of April, 1918… in 1940, that if Churchill died, Smuts would succeed The SAAF was established on the 1st of February, 1920, is in fact the second him as Prime Minister. He was the only man to sign oldest air force in the world. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) was both peace treaties ending the First and Second World formed on the 31st of March, 1921, a little over a year after the SAAF… Wars. In addition to holding various cabinet posts, he Edgar Algernon Robert Gascoyne-Cecil, 1st Viscount Cecil of Chelwood CH served as prime minister of the PC QC… from 1919 until 1924 and from 1939 until 1948. Ubique is Latin for "everywhere", and is the motto of: Royal Regiment of Artil- lery of the British Army; Corps of Royal Engineers of the British Army; Royal  a Boer General and Boer war hero of the Canadian Artillery of the ; Royal Australian Artillery of the Second Anglo-Boer War, was the General who cap- ; Royal Australian Engineers of the Australian Army; Cana- tured Winston Churchill. After the fall of Pretoria in dian Military Engineers of the Canadian Army; South African Artillery; Royal June 1900, Commandant-General Botha led a concen- Artillery and Royal New Zealand Engineers… trated guerrilla campaign against the British together A Heemraad is the equivalent of an Alderman in local government, being a with Generals and . member of both the local legislative council, whilst also having a representa- The success of his measures was seen in the steady tional roles for their own area… resistance offered by the Boers to the very close of the three-year war. He would eventually fight to have South Africa become a British , and became Danie Theron: the first Prime Minister of the Union of South Africa. Daniël Johannes Stephanus „Danie‟ Theron was born in Tul-

 Koos de la Rey, a Boer general during the Second bagh, in the British Cape Anglo-Boer War is widely regarded as being one of the Colony on the 9th of May, strongest military leaders during that conflict. 1872. He was the ninth of fifteen children of Anna  Christiaan de Wet, a Boer General mentioned in Helena Margaretha (née Kipling's poem Ubique, was a close personal friend of Krige) and Willem Wouter Helene Kröller-Müller who commissioned a statue of Theron. him in the Hoge Veluwe National Park in the Nether- lands. At the age of 10, he moved to Bethlehem in the Orange Danie Theron Huis (House),  James Barry Munnik Hertzog KC was a Lawyer and Free State to be brought up Kerkstraat 21 (Church Street), Tulbagh. Boer General. Throughout his life he encouraged the by his older brother. He development of Afrikaner culture, determined to pro- began his career as a school teacher. Read (studied) law tect the from British influence. He is the and served as a lawyer, passing his Bar Exams in 1897 with only South African (Union of South Africa) Prime Minis- the highest possible marks. In that same year he opened ter to have served three British Monarchs (, his own Law firm in . Edward VIII, and George VI). The Theron family were and trace  Piet Cronjé was a general of the South African Repub- their roots back to France. Jacques Therond lic's military forces during the Anglo-Boer wars of 1880 (Jacques Theron) came from Nimes, Langue- -1881 and 1899-1902. He made his reputation in the doc, in 1688, on the „Oosterland‟ and settled , besieging the British garrison at in the Klein-Drakenstein area. He was a . He was in command of the force that Heemraad and owner of the farm Languedoc. rounded up Jameson at at the conclusion of He married Marie Jean des Prez (Maria Joanna the Jameson Raid on the 2nd of January, 1896, which du Preez), daughter of the Huguenot, Hercule is traditionally seen as a precursor to the Second Boer des Pres (Herculesdu Preez). War. Commandant-General Piet Cronjé, however, was de- Danie Theron fell in love with Hannie Neethling from Eiken- feated at the where he surren- hof; known as the young man who had dered with 4,150 of his commandos on 27 February fallen in love with Hannie Neethling. He and 1900. He and his wife were imprisoned as prisoners Hannie were duly engaged, but tragically of war on St. Helena Island where he remained until both Hannie and her sister died after con- the conclusion of peace negotiations in 1902. Boer tracting pneumonia.

morale sank after his defeat, with the capital of the Hannie and her sister were buried in the , Bloemfontein, being taken without family cemetery at Eikenhof. During the Sec- a shot being fired. ond Anglo-Boer War he was References: - frequently in the area of Hannie Neethling Upon the death of General , Sir George White, the defender of Eikenhof.

Ladysmith, summed up General Joubert’s character when he called him, "a Danie regularly visited Hannie's grave; it soldier and a gentleman, and a brave and honourable opponent.”… was during one of these visits that they The Battle of Lombard’s Kop and the Battle of Nicholson’s Nek were two Brit- ish defeats around Ladysmith that came to be known as ‘Mournful Monday’, fought a group of English soldiers close to or the Battle of Ladysmith. The Battle of Nicholson’s Nek was the the Neethling homestead. biggest surrender of British troops since the … Cont. Cont. Danie Theron

Correspondence and Donations to: - The Treasurer, Boer War Memorial Association Qld, c/o P. O. Box 1215, Oxley, Qld. 4075 4 Danie Theron: Cont. Cont.

of effectiveness in war was during this war (Second Anglo- In 1899, in the lead up to the Anglo Boer War, Danie Theron Boer War). was found guilty of assaulting the editor of the Star news- paper, a Mr W. F. Moneypenney, in response to a derogatory Danie Theron's opinion was that using bicycles for despatch editorial about, "The Ignorant Dutch”. The Star newspaper riding and reconnaissance would save horses for use in com- editor at the time had only been in the Transvaal for less bat. In order to gain the necessary permission, Theron and than two months. Danie Theron naturally confronted him Jooste had to convince the highly sceptical burghers (citizens) over his prejudice. The incident ended up as an assault that bicycles were as good, if not better, than horses. To against Danie Theron in court. Danie Theron pleaded prove his point, as to the effectiveness of bicycles for des- „extreme provocation‟, found guilty as charged and fined patch riders, was to have a 75 kilometre race from Pretoria £20. His supporters in the courtroom, immediately paid to the Crocodile River. Koos Jooste, on a bicycle, beat an Danie‟s fine. experienced horse rider; thus proving Danie Theron‟s idea was sound. This achievement convinced Commandant- Prior to the Second Anglo-Boer War, Danie Theron, a mem- General Piet Joubert, President Stein of the Orange Freestate ber of a Commando, saw action in the 1894 Malaboch War. and President Kruger of the Transvaal. Permission was sub- His bravery in battle won him citizenship in the Transvaal sequently granted for Danie Theron to form his WRK - Republic. Danie Theron infiltrated the „‟ to gather „WielrijdersRapportgangersKorps‟ (Cycle Despatch Rider information about the Reformers and the planned Jameson Corps). Raid, which occurred in 1895 and is often considered the forerunner to the Second Anglo-Boer War (also known as the Soon Captain Danie Theron had recruited 108 men, divided Boer War or South African War). He was a true patriot - be- into 7 sections, each led by a Lieutenant who reported lieving in the just and divine right of the Boer to stand directly to Danie Theron. Every man was equipped with a against British interference: bicycle, a revolver, binoculars and a rifle or in some cases a carbine. "Our strength lies in the justice of our cause and in our trust in help from above." On the 9th of September, 1899, the various sections were dispatched to different districts; Waterberg, Soutspansberg, His forte was and reconnaissance and he trained Lichtenburg, , , Zeerust and Bloemfon- many Scouts in the skills of reconnais- tein, to perform their special tasks. sance until 1899. He was often referred to as a Scorpion. Initially many of the Malebogo (KgalusiSeketaMasiloRatshatshaMalaboch) was burghers (citizens) chief of the Bahananwa chiefdom, a tribe/clan originally of laughed at the WRK - the Tswana peoples. They originated from the Bahurutse „Wielrijders Rapport- tribe of the Tswana nation. A split in the tribe occurred and gangers Korps‟ (Cycle Chief Lebogo led the Bahananwa to the Blouberg, close to Despatch Rider Corps) the Soutpansberg Range. Malebogo became chief in 1880… - on their bicycles. The Rand Club is the oldest private members' club in Johan- However, they soon nesburg, South Africa, founded in October 1887; only a year grew to admire their after itself was formed. Cecil John Rhodes bravery and recognise WRP - ‘Wielrijders Rapportgangers Korps’ was instrumental in deciding the location of Rand Club… the success of their (Cycle Despatch Rider Corps) exploits.

WRK - Cycle Despatch Rider Corps: Before the actual outbreak of hostilities, the WRK cyclists Prior to the outbreak of the Second Anglo- were used for a number of tasks: patrolling the Swaziland Boer War, Danie Theron developed the idea of border, „spying‟, carrying despatches and functioning as a using bicycles for despatch and reconnais- link between Commandos. Captain Theron‟s men were not sance work in the military. He and a friend, J. stopped by rivers, bad weather, impassable roads, or enemy P. „Koos‟ Jooste (a cycling champion), asked patrols. At the Battle of Talana, also known as the Battle of the Transvaal government if they could raise a Glencoe, 20th October, 1899, the first major clash of the Sec- cycling corps. Commandant-General Piet ond Boer War, Captain Danie Theron's men were responsible Joubert challenged Danie Theron‟s theory. for most of the 246 British captured. Danie Bicycles had first been used by the US army in By Christmas 1899, Captain Danie Theron's WRK were ex- the Spanish War, 1898, when a hundred black cyclists under periencing poor deliveries of supplies at their outposts on the command of Lieutenant James Moss were rushed in to the Tugela. On the 24th December, Theron complained to help with riot control in Havana, Cuba. They were laughed at the Supplies Commission that they were severely neglected. and scorned, but the amusement and chuckles soon died He explained that his corps was always in the vanguard, far away when they proved effective. Rioting mobs were dis- from any railway line where supplies were unloaded, and persed with ease by soldiers who moved in quickly and used that his wagons regularly returned with the message that their bicycles as barricades. Despite this success the Ameri- there were no vegetables since everything had been carted can Army still hesitated to accept the bicycle as a machine of off to the Boer laagers surrounding Ladysmith. His complaint war. was that his corps did both despatch riding and reconnais- For several years before the Second Anglo-Boer War, the sance work, and that they were also called upon to fight the bicycle had been used in South Africa for para-military pur- enemy. He wanted better sustenance than dried bread, poses and occasionally unofficially for military purposes. meat and rice for his men. The result of his forceful request Even Britain, and New Zealand were operating bicy- earned Theron the nickname of "Kaptein Dik-eet" (Captain cle corps for despatch purposes. However, Danie Theron‟s Gorge-yourself) because he catered so well for his troops. idea went further, much further in fact; a real test Cont. To be continued in the next issue

Correspondence and Donations to: - The Treasurer, Boer War Memorial Association Qld, c/o P. O. Box 1215, Oxley, Qld. 4075 5 „Little-known‟ facts of the Anglo-Boer Wars Two Differing Narratives of the 2nd Boer War:

Gordon Bold First of all: - To many Afrikaans speaking white people

Most people know of the „Boer War‟ also known as the „South (commonly referred to as Boers, the Afrikaans/Dutch word for African War‟, however not many people, realise there were farmer), their description of what in South Africa is called „The nd officially two Boer Wars. There was the First Anglo-Boer War (1st 2 Anglo-Boer War‟ is one of a struggle against British greed for Boer War - 1880-1881) and then there was the Second Anglo- in the South African Republic (Transvaal Republic) and colo- Boer War (2nd Boer War 1899-1902). nial expansion through the conquest of independent nations; incited by the BSAC (British South Africa Company). The Boers The 1st Anglo-Boer War was fought between the British and the boldly defended their independence against a British Imperialist Boers of the Transvaal Republic (South African Republic), which invasion. This included the potential of having to endure the included the following sieges and major battles: indignity of a systematic eradication of the Boer nation and cul-

Battles of Bronkhorstspruit - was the first major clash of the 1st ture, by what many regard a punitive genocide system of British Anglo-Boer War, fought between a British army column „Concentration Camps‟. Many women and children, both black and Boer commandos; a British defeat. and white, died in their tens of thousands in these

Siege of - a British-controlled city, inside the Trans- „Concentration Camps‟. The indignity and outrage of which, to vaal Republic, was besieged by the Boers and captured this day, for many Afrikaners, is still hard to forget, as most, if not after three months; another British defeat. all families were affected.

Siege of Marabastad - a siege on Fort Marabastad carried out Secondly: - To many British, the story is somewhat different. The by the Boers, on 11th January, 1881, and ending with Brit- British perspective of „The South African War‟ was a struggle of ish surrender on 2nd April, 1881; another British defeat. British migrant miners fighting against oppression and for citizen Siege of –Lydenburg, controlled by the full force of rights in The South African Republic (Transvaal Republic). Brave the 94th Regiment, was besieged by the Boers, between pockets of British garrison troops in border towns, in both the January and March 1881. Despite fierce British resis- Cape and Natal British Colonies, had to protect the borders from tance, the town fell to the Boers, after 84 days; yet an invasion by the Boers. Besieging of British garrison towns/ another British defeat. cities (Ladysmith, Kimberley and Mafeking), by the Boer‟s dec-

Battle of Laing's Nek – a major battle fought at Laing's Nek laration of war on the British, subjected British women and chil- during the 1st Anglo-Boer War on 28th January, 1881. This dren to starvation and indiscriminate shelling by surrounding too was yet another British defeat. Boer guns. This led to an outrage in the UK and a „call to arms‟

Battle of Schuinshoogte, also known as Battle of Ingogo - of the biggest expeditionary force of the time to „get their towns/ fought north of Newcastle, Natal, on 8th February, 1881. cities back‟ and save the civilians. General Sir 's communications with Newcastle were under constant harassment by mounted Hostilities - Boer and British - prior 11th October, 1899:

Boer patrols under Commander J D Weilbach; another The Jameson Raid (1885), by BASC militia, British defeat. alienated many Cape Afrikaners from the Brit- - on 27th February, 1881, the Battle of ish, and united the Transvaal Boers behind Majuba Hill was the final and decisive battle of the First President Kruger and his government. It also Boer War. The British column included the 58th Regiment, had the effect of drawing the two Boer Repub- nd 92 and a small from lics; Zuid Afrikaanse Republiek (South African Gov. Cape Colony HMS Dido. The Boer commandos, delivered a resounding Founder of BSAC Republic or more commonly known as the & defeat on the British Forces. As the British were fleeing Transvaal Republic – led by President Stepha- the hill, many were picked off by the superior rifles and nus Johannes Paulus „Paul‟ Kruger) and the Oranje Vrystaat marksmen of the Boers. Several wounded soldiers soon (Orange Free State - led by President MartinusTheunis Steyn), found themselves surrounded by Boer soldiers and gave together in opposition to British imperialism. their accounts of what they saw; many Boers were young farm boys armed with rifles. This revelation proved to be a It is often considered by many, depending on one‟s origins and nd major blow to British prestige and Britain's negotiating background; the 2 Anglo-Boer War actually began prior 1899 position. Professionally trained soldiers to have been de- and that the Jameson Raid 1895/6 was a major inciting cata- feated by young farm boys, led by a smattering of older lyst. However, according to most British Historians, it began in th Boer soldiers, was a humiliation hard to swallow. 1899, when Paul Kruger declared War on the British on 11 October, 1899, with a Boer offensive into the British Natal and The 1st Anglo-Boer War ended in a humiliating British defeat; no Cape Colony. campaign medals were issued for this campaign. Ian Knight, for example, has authored a book entitled – „The

The 2nd Anglo-Boer War was a different story. It Boer Wars (2): 1898–1902‟. As we know, the Jameson Raid was a long protracted struggle with a disastrous 1895/6 hostilities between the British and the Boers began be- beginning for the British; with an eventual defeat fore the declaration of war. of the Boers, who put up a brave fight to the end. : Both sides received campaign medals. Under a law passed in 1890, Uitlanders, expatriate migrant The „Medalje voor de Anglo-Boere Oorlog‟ is a workers, the vast major- military campaign medal, introduced on the 21st ‘Medaljevoor de ity of whom were British, December, 1920 as a retrospective award for Anglo-Boere were allowed naturalis- Boer veteran officers and men who fought in ation and thus the right the 2nd Boer War (obverse, Transvaal Republic to vote. and reverse Orange Free State). However, the pre-requi-

The British received one or two medals, de- site for naturalisation pending on length of service. The QSAM was a „naturalisation (Queen‟s South Africa Medal) was issued to all fee‟ plus a minimum of British forces who served in South Africa from 14 years‟ residence.

th the 11 October, 1899 to the end of the war QSAM KSAM These restrictions on the 31st May, 1902. became a focus of the protest. Cont. Cont.Cont.Cont Correspondence and Donations to: - The Treasurer, Boer War Memorial Association Qld, c/o P. O. Box 1215, Oxley, Qld. 4075 6 Uitlanders: Cont.  Grahamstown Volunteers

In 1892 the lawyer, Charles Leonard, organized the „National  Kaffrarian Rifles (KR) Union‟, which held meetings and circulated petitions demanding  (FLH) that Uitlanders be given the right to vote. From then on, ten-  Queenstown Volunteers sions mounted steadily, aggravated by the Jameson Raid of  Mataiele District Volunteers 1895/6 and by open British support for the Uitlanders. War  Marshall's Horse finally erupted in 1899, in part due to the offer made by Trans- Brabant‟s Horse vaal president Paul Kruger to reduce the Uitlander residency  requirement for political rights from 14 to 7 years. The British  Western Rifles rejected this offer as insufficient.  Plus - several small units in country towns.

After the Jameson Raid, Chamberlain wanted to win back some The Natal Colony had the para-military Natal Police (NP) and a of the respect he had lost because of the raid‟s failure. It has (Natal Volunteer Militia (NM). Ladysmith was often been said, “The Jameson Raid was the real declaration of a large British garrison in Natal, not that far from the Orange war in the great Anglo-Boer conflict.” Whilst war wouldn't be Free State border. General White, became commander of the declared for another four years; the Jameson Raid laid the forces in Natal in September 1899. General White had been foundations for hostilities and conflict that were to come. advised to deploy his force far back, well clear of the area of northern Natal known as the "Natal Triangle", a wedge of land The death of Tom Edgar, an Uitlander working in the Transvaal, lying between the two Boer republics. Instead, White deployed in 1898, signalled another definite lurch towards war. Edgar his forces around the garrison town of Ladysmith, with a de- was shot by ZARPS after a drunken brawl; allegedly in cold tachment even further forward at Dundee, towards the „Natal blood, as portrayed at the time. However, evidence suggests Triangle‟. White mobilised his troops in September 1899. that he attacked a policeman at the time of death. This resulted Most of the Natal Volunteers were mobilised on the 29th Sep- in some five thousand Uitlanders demonstrating, in an effort to tember, 1899. Soon after the declaration of war, the Boers assert their rights as expatriate British subjects. With their besieged Ladysmith. Listed are a few of the more well-known leaders arrested, the Uitlanders launched another demonstra- units of the natal Volunteers: tion. This time, a Boer mob attacked them, and the ZARPS stood by. This proved to be exactly the excuse Milner, the Brit-  Natal Field Artillery  Natal Royal Rifles ish at the Cape, wanted. In the subsequent  Border Mounted Rifles (BMR)  Natal Bridge Guards , he outlined three demands: immedi-  Natal Carbineers (NC)  Natal Volunteer Medical Corps ate enfranchisement of the Uitlanders; the use of English in the (parliament); and the approval of the British parlia-  Natal Mounted Rifles (NMR)  Natal Police ment before the passing of any new laws…”  (UMR)  Natal Volunteer Veterinary Corps  Natal Naval Volunteers  Plus – several other smaller units. British Mobilisation:  Durban Light Infantry (DLI) Hostilities escalated, and as we know in 1899, when the British government decided to impose its over the South The first Rhodesian force was cre- African Republic (Transvaal), it had only ated on 29th October, 1889; a Brit- about ten thousand troops in the Cape ish South Africa Company (BSAC) and Natal. These troops were made up para-military Police Force later of British regular troops from the UK, known as the BSAP. In July 1899, as well as regular troops and volunteer Colonel Baden-Powell was commis- sioned by the British to raise two militia from the British Cape Colony, FLH (Frontier Light Horse) British Natal Colony and the British regiments in anticipation of war RR (Rhodesian Regiment) South Africa Colonies of Bechuanaland and Rhodesia. Many of breaking out in South Africa. these units were mobilised before the outbreak of war and were Recruiting for the (RR) and the Rhodesian involved in cross border hostilities. Volunteers (SRV) commenced in August 1899. Lieutenant-

Other than the British troops garrisoned in the Cape Colony, the Colonel Plumer was put in command The RR and SRV regi- Cape Colony‟s military forces, called the Cape Colonial Forces ments were posted to Tuli near the South African border, (CCF), comprised of a small Permanent Force (Regular Force) augmented with the BSAP already stationed there. and a part time Volunteer Force (CVF). Mafeking and Kimberley “It‟ll be over by Christmas”, was the phrase on everyone‟s lips, in the Cape Colony were large British garrisons. Kimberley is as British Imperial and Colonial troops were mobilised for the right on the border with the Boer Republic of the Orange Free Anglo-Boer War, officially declared on 11th October, 1899. As State and thus a strategic location. Mafeking was situated on we know, this was further from the truth than one would hope. the railway line from Bulawayo (Rhodesia) to the Cape, and al- Soon after the declaration of war, Mafeking, Kimberley and most on the Transvaal border, thus it too, was a strategic British Ladysmith were besieged by the Boers. General White de- location. With war imminent, the CCF were mobilised around fended Ladysmith, Colonel Robert Kekewich defended Kimber- August/September 1899, some being sent to patrol various ley and Colonel Baden-Powell defended Mafeking. border locations, and others to Mafeking and Kimberley. Listed are a few of the more well-known units of the CCF: References: The British South Africa Company (BSAC) founded by Cecil Rhodes. The com-  (CMR) pany received a Royal Charter in 1889 modelled on that of the British East  (CMP India Company.  Highlanders (CTH) Ian Knight is a writer and historian who is internationally regarded as a leading authority on the nineteenth-century history of the , and in par-  Cape Town Irish Volunteer Rifles (CTIR) ticular the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879. He is also well versed on the Boer Wars  Cape Town Volunteer Engineers authored and co-authored books on the Boer Wars.  Cape Garrison Artillery Uitlander – meaning foreigner, literally an „outlander‟, the name given to expa- triate migrant workers during the in the Transvaal  Kimberley Volunteers Republic following the discovery of gold in 1886. The limited rights granted  Uitenhage Volunteer Rifles (UVR) this group in the independent Boer Republics was one of the contributing  Volunteer Medical (later Cape Medical Corps) factors behind the . Cont Continued in next issue

Correspondence and Donations to: - The Treasurer, Boer War Memorial Association Qld, c/o P. O. Box 1215, Oxley, Qld. 4075 7 Sir Neville Reginald Howse Sir Neville Reginald Howse VC, KCB, KCMG, KStJ, MP Australian‟s First winner Lieutenant rescued a Born in Stogursey, Somerset, England, wounded bugler on 24th July 1900 on 26th October, 1863, Neville Howse at Stinkhoutboom, a farm four kilo- was educated at Fullard House School, metres north-west of , in the Taunton. He studied medicine and sur- Orange Free State. His actions led to gery at the Hospital, passing his him being the first Australian to be Residential Surgical Certificate on 17th awarded a VC. April, 1884, and becoming a Member of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS) in In the , there 1886. In 1887 he became a Licentiate of the Royal College of is a painting by Sir William Dargie, of Practitioners (LCRP).

Howse carrying a bugler on his back. Lieutenant Neville Howse Neville Howse emigrated to Australia in 1889 to become a

Bugler Charles Russell was serving country doctor at the Manning River Hospital in Taree, New with the 1st Royal Welsh Fusiliers when he was wounded in South Wales, but returned to England in 1896 for professional action. “We were after a convoy at the time, and the Boers development. He worked at London Hospital while studying to were in a mealie patch. We got close up to them, and it was become a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS), to hand-to-hand fighting. which he was admitted in 1897. He returned to Taree again in Major Doughty was 1898, then moved to Orange, , in 1899.

wounded in the knee. I In , he was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the assisted him. We were un- New South Wales Army Medical Corps, and sailed for South der a cross-fire, but man- Africa attached to a brigade under Brigadier- aged to get him in a mud General C P Ridley.

kraal. I came out, but could Howse returned to South Africa as a Major with the Australian not see any of our fellows. Army Medical Corps (AAMC) in command of the Bearer Com- As I turned around to come pany, arriving at Durban, Natal on 17th . Following back, the Boers got me service in Natal, Colony and Western Transvaal through the right hip and (attached to Colonel A. W. Thornycroft's Mounted Infantry Col- left groin. I crawled behind the kraal. umn), at the conclusion of the war he became seriously ill. Lieutenant Howse came out under a heavy fire, and picked me up, carried me on his shoulder to the mud hut. But for him, I He was invalided to Britain on 6th , with the remain- should undoubtedly have died.” der of the AAMC contingent departing for Australia on 8th July, 1902. Howse eventually returned to Australia on 7th Novem- Lieutenant Howse, on seeing the wounded bugler, mounted a ber 1902. horse and galloped under very heavy fire. The Boer soon found their target and the brave doctor's horse dropped After being mentioned in dispatches, he returned to his prac- dead under him. Undaunted, Howse grabbed his medical bag tice in Orange. He was mayor of the town when and ran forward on foot. On reaching the Bugler, he dressed broke out in 1914, and immediately volunteered for active his wound, and disregarding his own safety, Howse heaved the service. Major Howse accomplished many achievements throughout the rest of his life. bugler Russell onto his shoulder and carried him back to safety, still under a hail of bullets. Neville Howse was an Englishman who expressed the nascent Australian nationalism vigorously and directly. He was a prag- Shoe-smith Paul Mullampy, serving with the New South Wales matist who could foresee ahead; a surgeon who had a flair for Mounted Rifles, gives another account of the action. “It was at soldiering; an organiser who had deep insight into the essen- Kopje Siding, when a horseman was galloping towards a stone tial relationship between the medical service and the force it wall under heavy fire and about 100 yards from his destina- served, and who had the courage and persistence to establish tion, the rider was struck on the abdomen with a shell which policies not always understood by combatant officers. His con- opened the whole of the stomach. Dr. Howse rushed out, and fidence, good humour and diplomacy were matched by his picked the injured soldier up, put the intestines back into the shrewd appreciation of character. If his ambition carried him body and carried him beyond the wall where he quickly per- far, it was motivated by his recognition of human need in war formed an operation, which resulted in the wounded man‟s and peace, and sustained by confidence in his own capacity to complete recovery.” help. In the words of another great D.G.M.S. (Director General Mr Mullampy said the deed was indeed gloriously valiant and it Medical Services), Colonel R. M. Downes, his successes 'made was marvellous how the Doctor did not meet his death with him one of the outstanding Australians of the Great War … one such heavy firing in operation. of the most remarkable and self-sacrificing medical adminis- trators any military force has ever known'. It was for this great act of heroism that Dr. Howse received the coveted Victoria Cross, which was gazetted on 4th June, 1901 - For his work, Howse was appointed a Companion of the Bath the first ever awarded to someone in an Australian unit, and (CB) in July 1915. On 11th September 1915, Howse became acting DDMS (Deputy Director of Medical Services) of ANZAC.

the only one ever awarded to an Australian medical officer. Howse was promoted to Captain on 15th October, 1900. On 1st January, 1917, Howse was promoted to Major General Howse returned to Australia on 8th January, 1901. His award and appointed a Knight Companion of the Bath (KCB).

was presented to him in a ceremony by the Chief Justice of Howse was gazetted a Knight of St John of Jerusalem (KStJ) on New South Wales, Sir Frederick Darley. 3rd June, 1919 and Knight Commander of St Michael and St George (KCMG) on 9th June. On Sir Neville Howse‟s death in 1930, Mr Charles Russell of Eastleigh, England, wrote that he was the one that Neville A postage stamp commemorating Howse was issued by Australia Post in 2000. Howse had saved. Major General Howse (doctor, surgeon, politician) died on 19th September 1930, in London, U.K. Cont. Refs: wikipedia.org/wiki and www.vconline.org.uk Jennie Jones Correspondence and Donations to: - The Treasurer, Boer War Memorial Association Qld, c/o P. O. Box 1215, Oxley, Qld. 4075 8 WREATH LAYING : 27th May, 2018

Corinda S. H. School Vocal Ensemble

The Lord is my Shepherd

Lest we Forget

Correspondence and Donations to: - The Treasurer, Boer War Memorial Association Qld, c/o P. O. Box 1215, Oxley, Qld. 4075 9 CARVINGS from the VELDT - Part Three First Annual General Meeting Rifle carvings from the Anglo-Boer War 1899-1902

of the new Boer War Association Queensland Inc. The book contains all new material - another 346 pages (A4 on Saturday, 4th August at 1.00 pm size) in full glossy colour featuring 338 more rifles, carbines and handguns - all with the names or initials of Boers and at Sherwood-Indooroopilly RSL Sub-branch soldiers (mostly Australians and ). Also a selection of swords, bayonets, bandoliers, ammo, medals and Closure of the National BWMA and set-up of the new a large selection of unit badges worn by both sides - British, Queensland Incorporated organisation. Colonial and Boers.

We are looking for volunteers to help on the This book is available in both Hard cover and Soft-Card cover. Committee Prices: Hard Cover = $89.00 Soft Card Cover = $69.00 Please attend this inaugural meeting of BWA Qld Inc, so that the new direction and structure can be con- Plus postage: 1 book = $13.00, 2 books = $17.00 (overseas to be advised). firmed by the membership. Your input is valuable. Email: [email protected] Phone: 02 6676 4320 (9.00 am to 5.00 pm)

All welcome When you order, please advise your Postal address and if you require author to sign your copy? Payment: Bank deposit, paypal Afternoon tea will be served after the meeting. + 3.4% paypal fee - OR - money order or cheque (for paypal please use my email address). www.boerwarriflecarvings.net $2.00 donation towards the tea will be appreciated. QLD Boer War Association

" HISTORY LIVES AGAIN." Committee is selling signed

The magnificent work of sculptor copies of Dave’s books Louis Laumen: Part One = $65.00

“Horse and Rider” ~ Part Two = $45.00 Part Three = $89.00 (Hard replica of one of the four cover) and presented to the Nation at the (Soft cover) $69.00 Dedication Service in Canberra, 31st May, 2017 of the We can order the books for National Boer War Memorial ~ you, and there will be no postage to pay. has “come home”

to Diane Melloy (grand-daughter) and FOUND Quality Australian-made NBWMA Tie Valma Lock, daughter of is available for sale Corporal Joseph Lock, 5th QIB. A Brooch Save postage by buying from the

Our Louis Laumen's 'MODEL HORSE' brings was found at Treasurer, Boer War Association good interest for all sections of our Boer War followers ... the Flame of Queensland Inc. and a continuing reminder of the dedicated commitment (address below) Remembrance to assist by our Australian Volunteers in Australia's Second Boer War. on 27th May, $28.00 each (Save $3.00 postage) 2018. YES - “WE SHALL REMEMBER” Boer War Memorial Prints Please contact $10.00 each The First Australian VC clarification Jennie on A lady arranging a Boer War Memorial presentation at the 0409 274 991 Santa Claus has the right idea. Visit Northern Beaches Probus, asked LTCOL Tony Larnach- people only once a year. ~ Victor Borge Jones (Retd) who was the first VC in Australia? Tony‟s re- search confirms that it was presented to a British soldier, The secret of a good sermon is to have a good beginning and a Private Frederick Whirlpool VC, who won it in India. good ending; and to have the two as close together as possible He emigrated to Australia after discharge, where, in 1861 ~ George Burns his VC was presented to him making it the first one (pre- Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four essential sented) in Australia. food groups: alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat. ~ Alex Levine However, Capt Neville Howse‟s Boer War VC (NSW Army Medical Corps July 1900) was the first awarded to a soldier By all means, marry. If you get a good wife, you'll become serving in an Australian (NSW) unit. happy; if you get a bad one, you'll become a philosopher. (see page 8 for a précised history) ~ Socrates

Correspondence and Donations to: - The Treasurer, Boer War Memorial Association Qld, c/o P. O. Box 1215, Oxley, Qld. 4075 10