The South African War

The South African War 1899

Causes Of The War, and its Results

The root cause of this war was the long-standing rivalry between the two colonizing races, British and Dutch. The Dutch Boers, who disliked British rule, had trekked north to avoid it, and had finally succeeded in establishing their independence in the Transvaal and Orange Free State Republics. Then the discovery of gold in the Transvaal at Johannesburg brought in a large foreign population, chiefly British. The Transvaal Government shared in the profits, but refused citizenship and liberty of education to those who produced the wealth. Great Britain championed their cause and brought pressure on the Transvaal Government. That Government, relying on the sympathy of the Dutch population in Cape Colony and on the weakness of the British garrison, and encouraged by intriguing Powers in Europe, then proceeded to arm and equip. The Orange Free State did the same and the two republics entered into a secret alliance.
The easily defeated escapade, known as the Jameson Raid, in 1898, when a few hundred British mounted police (unauthorized) tried to reach Johannesburg where an armed rising had been arranged, did not improve relations.
A few British reinforcements had been sent, but the total number of British troops was only about 27,000, of which 18,000 were in Natal based on Durban, and the remainder scattered over Cape Colony based on Cape Town. The Boers could put well over 50,000 men in the field, all well armed and all mounted, crack shots and natural soldiers, very mobile and unencumbered with transport, with about 110 guns of various calibres. Added to that they had considerable contempt for British regular troops, with every expectation of intervention by the German Empire. It is not to be wondered at that they were ready to risk a war to drive the British out of South Africa.
Early in October, 1899, therefore, Paul Kruger, President of the Transvaal Republic, suddenly delivered an ultimatum to the British Government and the war began. Strong Boer forces invaded Natal and Cape Colony.

The initial Boer plans miscarried and a critical situation was saved; but the struggle lasted nearly three years, and before it ended England and the Empire had put 450,000 men in the field and spent a vast sum of money. But the Empire had held together and the experience gained showed how ill-prepared it was for the European War which followed twelve years later.
Last but not least the two Dutch States which had fought us to a finish were given self-government four years after their defeat. They rallied to our side in the First World War of 1914-18 and have been loyal members of the British Union of South Africa ever since, fighting alongside Great Britain again in the Second World War, 1939-45.

The Regiment's Part In The War

When, on 7th October, 1899, war was declared by the two Boer Republics, the 1st Battalion, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel R. H. Gunning, was at Dundee, Natal, with the exception of "G" Company, which was at Eshowe in Zululand and there remained until the following March.

Talana Hill, 20th October 1899

At Talana Hill the first battle of the war, the Battalion greatly distinguished itself in the attack on the Boer position and the complete defeat of the enemy. LieutenantColonel Gunning was killed leading the assault, and out of seventeen officers present five were killed and eight wounded, together with many N.C.Os. and Riflemen. Major W. Pitcairn Campbell thereupon assumed command.

Defence Of Ladysmith, October, 1899, to February, 1900.

Then came the retreat to Ladysmith by a forced march under peculiarly trying circumstances and in October took place the Battle of Lombard's Kop, which, indecisive in its effects, led to the investment by the Boer Army. The four months' defence of Ladysmith was the result, the chief battle being that of Wagon Hill on 6th January, 1900.
Up to March, 1900, the Battalion lost 8 officers and 43 men killed, 8 officers and 180 men wounded, and 81 men who died in hospital.

Invasion Of The Transvaal, May 1900

After the relief of Ladysmith on 3rd March the Battalion joined the 8th Brigade, 5th Division, and was with Buller's command in the Transvaal, taking part in the passage of the Biggarsberg in May, the attacks on Botha's Pass and Alleman's Nek, 8th and 11th June, the occupation of Wakkerstroom, 17th June, and of Standerton, 23rd June.
In August the Battalion assisted in the capture of Amersfoot and Ermelo, and was present at the Battle of Belfast, 27th August, when the armies under Roberts and Buller first joined hands, taking part in the attack on Bergendal.
It subsequently assisted in the occupation of Lydenburg on 6th September and at the fighting in the Mauchberg on 9th September and at Pilgrim's Rest on 27th September. On 16th October, 1900, the Battalion returned to Middelburg, where it was continually engaged in minor operations until July, 1901, when it proceeded to Cape Colony. Here it built the seventy miles of blockhouses between De Aar and the Orange River, which it occupied until the end of the war in June, 1902.

Defence of Ladysmith, October 1899 to 1900

The 2nd Battalion left India and landed at Natal in October, 1899, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel G. Grimwood, and proceeded at once to Ladysmith, taking part in the Battles of Rietfontein (24th October) and Lombard's Kop, in which it fought alongside the 1st Battalion. It served through the defence of Ladysmith and distinguished itself in the fight on Wagon Hill of 6th January.
Up to 31st March the Battalion lost 5 officers (including two attached) and 26 men killed in action, 75 men wounded and 107 who died in hospital.
After the relief it was under the command of Major The Hon. E. J. Montagu-Stuart-Wortley and, with the 1st Battalion, formed part of the 8th Brigade, 5th Division, until 1st August, 1900, when it proceeded to Ceylon in charge of prisoners of war.

Relief Of Ladysmith, December 1899 to 1900>

The 3rd Battalion, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel R. G. Buchanan Riddell, left England in November, 1899, with the 4th Light Infantry Brigade, under Major-General The Hon. N. G. Lyttelton (Rifle Brigade), and landed at Durban on the 30th. It took part in all the battles for the relief of Ladysmith, namely, Colenso, 15th December [at this battle Lieutenant The Hon. F. H. S. Roberts' gained the Victoria Cross (see Appendix)], Spion Kop, 24th January, Vaal Krantz, 5th to 7th February, and the fourteen days' continuous fighting, from 13th to 27th February, including the actions at Cingolo, Monte Cristo, Hlangwane, Hart's Hill and the final Battle of Pieter's Hill on 27th February, Majuba Day.

Spion Kop, 24th January 1900

At Spion Kop the Battalion captured the famous Twin Peaks single-handed and without artillery support. The final episodes of the assault are thus described in the account given by the historian of this war:

"At 5 p.m. under cover of heavy fire from the left half battalion and from the Naval guns, the right half fixed swords and rushed the eastern peak with a cheer. A few minutes later the left half were in possession of their peak also. Away galloped Burger's guns down the slope of the eastern peak, and the pompom from the slopes of the ridge now exposed to fire from above; down the hill and off the open ridge streamed Burger's commandos and Botha's reinforcements."

The key of the Boer positions was won and the road to Ladysmith open. Lieutenant-Colonel R. Buchanan-Riddell, who had shown a sound judgment coupled with an unusual measure of moral as well as of physical courage, was killed on the summit at the moment of victory while leading his men, and Major R. C. A. Bewicke-Copley thereupon assumed command.

Vaal Krantz, 6th and 7th February 1900

"About 3.30 p.m. on 6th February the British shells had set fire to the grass some 300-400 yards in front of the wall, held by a battalion of infantry and taking advantage of this a number of Boers crept forward and, suddenly bursting through the smoke, opened fire upon the advanced line, which under this unexpected attack wavered and gave way. The Boers rushed forward and for a moment it looked as if they would carry everything before them. But the half battalion of the 60th in reserve saw and acted instantly. Scarcely waiting for orders, they sprang up, fixed bayonets and charged with a rousing cheer. The Boers heard the cheer, saw them coming and turned tail."

Hart's Hill, 22nd-23rd February 1900

At Hart's Hill four companies were prominent in the desperate struggle during the night of 22nd/23rd February, delivering two bayonet charges and losing over a third of their number in killed and wounded. Part of the Rifle Reserve Battalion was also engaged in this fight.

The final attack on Pieter's Hill was decisive. The Boers fled in disorder. The siege of Ladysmith was raised and Buller's advanced guard entered Ladysmith on 28th February.
The Battalion lost during this portion of the campaign 3 officers and 46 men killed in action, 11 officers and 195 men wounded, while 59 men died in hospital, and 8 men were reported missing and unaccounted for.

The Three Battalions Meet In Ladysmith

It is worthy of remark that the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Battalions met in the streets of Ladysmith on 3rd March, 1900, when Sir Redvers Buller entered the town at the head of his army.
After the relief of Ladysmith the 3rd Battalion, still part of the Light Infantry Brigade of the 2nd Division, took part in the advance through Northern Natal, in the passage of the Biggarsberg, and in the attacks on Botha Pass and Alleman's Nek, 8th to 11th June. It entered Heidelberg at the end of June, 1900, and from that date until the end of October it was engaged in the neighbourhood of Standerton and Greylingstad protecting the railway. In November, 1900, Lieutenant-Colonel Bewicke-Copley was selected for command of a mobile column which, until 19th November, included his own 3rd Battalion. The Battalion subsequently occupied a line of blockhouses between Machadodorp and Dalmanutha, Eastern Transvaal, until the end of the war.

4th Battalion

The 4th Battalion was at Cork during the earlier phases of the war, engaged in training and sending out reinforcements, to a large extent of Mounted Infantry. It was not until December, 1901, that the Battalion, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel E. W. Herbert, sailed to Africa. Landing at Durban, it proceeded to Harrismith, Orange River Colony, where it constructed and occupied a line of blockhouses running west, and remained there until the conclusion of peace in June, 1902.

Rifle Reserve Battalion

The Reserve Battalion, under the command of Major The Hon E. J. Montagu-Stuart Wortley, was organized at Pietermaritzburg, and composed of officers and reservists of The King's Royal Rifle Corps and of The Rifle Brigade who were intended to reinforce the battalions shut up in Ladysmith. It joined the 11th Brigade at Chieveley, Natal, in January, 1900, and took part in the operations of 13th to 27th February. After the relief of Ladysmith the officers and men of the Regiment were distributed between the 1st and 2nd Battalions.

9th Battalion, North Cork Militia

This Militia Battalion of the Regiment, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel William Cooke-Collis, volunteered for active service, and embarked for the seat of war in January, 1900. Landing at Capetown on 1st February, it proceeded to Naauwpoort, and took part in the operations 'round Colesburg. Leaving Naauwpoort in March, the Battalion was employed protecting the main line of communication and the reconstruction of the railway through the Free State in rear of Lord Roberts's army. It eventually took charge of the line between Vereeniging and Honing Spruit, where it remained for a year. The Battalion returned home in August, 1901, and was disbanded later.

Mounted Infantry Of The Regiment In South Africa

The Mounted Infantry raised in the Regiment played a great part in the campaign. It has therefore been considered advisable to record separately their services by battalions. The establishment of a Mounted Infantry company was 5 officers and 142 other ranks, organized in four sections.

A company was raised from the 1st Battalion in South Africa before the war; it fought at Talana Hill (20th October, 1899), was in the defence of Ladysmith, and later with Buller's army until it arrived at Lydenburg in October, 1900. After this it was continually engaged in the Eastern Transvaal until it joined the 25th Mounted Infantry in October, 1901. This company lost 25 killed and 33 wounded during the war.

Mounted Infantry Of The Second Battalion

A company was raised from the 2nd Battalion upon its arrival in Natal. It formed, with a squadron of Imperial Light Horse and a squadron of Natal Carabiniers, the composite regiment under Major Gough, 16th Lancers, and, joining Buller's army on the Tugela, took part in the campaign for the relief of Ladysmith with Dundonald's Mounted Troops. After the relief it was reconstructed and became Gough's Mounted Infantry, and accompanied Buller's army to Standerton, being subsequently engaged in the Eastern Transvaal, Zululand and the Orange River Colony until the end of the war. By then only two officers and twenty-nine others of the original company remained, but the fact that twenty per cent. of the original horses, received in October, 1899, were still doing duty constituted a notable record in horse management.

Mounted Infantry Of The 3rd Battalion

The 3rd Battalion contributed one section to the rifle company of the 1st Mounted Infantry (vide Mounted Infantry of the 4th Battalion).
A second section was formed in December, 1899, and, joining Gough's Mounted Infantry, fought with Dundonald's Mounted Troops in the relief of Ladysmith, and was subsequently at Blood River Poort, where it was severely handled and its commander, Mildmay, was killed. This section, in October, 1901, was united with a third section, raised in 1900, and joined the 25th Mounted Infantry in October, 1901 (see below), when the strength was raised to a company.

Lieutenant L. A. E. Price-Davies' gained the Victoria Cross 17th September, 1901.

Mounted Infantry Of The 4th Battalion

The 4th Battalion contributed a section to "The Rifles' Company" under Captain J. D which, together with the section of the 3rd Battalion, and three sections from the 3rd and 4th Battalions of The Rifle Brigade, one of the four companies composing the celebrated 1st Mob Infantry, organized and trained at Aldershot before the war, Rifles' Company" was temporarily detached, and, landing at Port Elizabeth in November, 1899, joined the force under Major-Gen. Sir William Gatacre which was defeated at Stormberg on I December, where it was mentioned for its gallant conduct in covering the retreat. The Company then rejoined the 1st Mounted Infantry attached to French's Cavalry Division, and was at the Battle of Paardeberg, where Captain Dewar was killed. It was also present at the surrender of Cronje to Lord Roberts on 27th February, Maju Day, and took part in the Battles of Poplar Grove and Driefonte and the entry into Bloemfontein on 10th March. At the surprise Broadwood's Cavalry Brigade at Sannah's Post on 31st March I Company behaved with conspicuous gallantry; and it was also at the relief of Wepener, and in the fighting near Thabanchu.
The 1st Mounted Infantry were then allotted to Alderson's Brigs with Hutton's Mounted Troops, and took part in Lord Robert advance upon Pretoria in May. "The Rifles' Company," therefo was present in the actions of Brandfort, Vet River, Sand Riv Kroonstadt, the Vaal River (27th May), the Battle of Doornkop, of Johannesburg (28th and 29th May), the actions at Kalkhoevel Dei and Six Mile Spruit (4th June) and the entry into Pretoria (5th Jun It was similarly engaged at the Battle of Diamond Hill (11th Jun in the fighting south-east of Pretoria and at the action of Rietvlei (lt July); in the advance to and operations round Middelburg; in 1 Battle of Belfast (24th August); and in the march east from Daln nutha, including the assault on Kaapsche Hoop during the night 12th / 13th September, 1900.
From this time until the end of the war this Company, still a part of the 1st Mounted Infantry, was continually marching and fighting in the Orange River Colony and Cape Colony, pursuing De Wet, a famous Boer leader, back again in the Transvaal in countless fork and skirmishes, in the saddle night and day. When peace was declared it was at Vereeniging, whence it marched to Harrismith, and the portion belonging to the Regiment was absorbed into the 25th Rifle Battalion of Mounted Infantry.
The 4th Battalion also sent out from Cork early in 1901 two complete Mounted Infantry companies, which were employed in the Transvaal and subsequently joined the 25th Mounted Infantry in October of that year (see below).

The King's Royal Rifle Corps Mounted Infantry Battalion

On 18th October, 1901, a complete battalion of Mounted Infantry was formed from the Regiment-a unique distinction-and consisted of one company of the 1st Battalion, one of the 3rd Battalion and two of the 4th Battalion.

Bakenlaagte, 30th October 1901

The Battalion was concentrated at Middelburg in the Transvaal, and was placed under the command of Major C. L. E. Robertson-Eustace until January, 1902, when he was succeeded by Major W. S. Kays.
The Battalion thus organized was composed of experienced Officers and Riflemen who had been in the field from the beginning of the war. It joined Benson's column at Middelburg, a column of which it was said that no Dutchman dared sleep within thirty miles of its bivouac. The ceaseless activity and success of Benson eventually decided Louis Botha, the Boer Commander-in-Chief, to make a determined attempt to destroy his force. To achieve this purpose he collected nearly 2,000 men, and attacked the column while on the march near Bakenlaagte on 30th October. By a rapid charge he overwhelmed the rearguard, captured two guns, killed Benson, and surrounded the column, but was eventually beaten off. The 25th Mounted Infantry upheld the traditions of the Regiment, losing in the action 11 men killed, and 5 officers and 45 men wounded.
The Mounted Infantry Battalion of the Regiment ended its short but brilliant career by taking part in all the great "drives" in the Eastern Transvaal and north-east of the Orange Free State, and was finally at Greylingstad when peace was declared on 1st June, 1902.

Conclusion Of The War

The Peace of Vereeniging was signed on 31st May, 1900. The two Boer Republics were annexed to the British Crown. The 60th Rifles, as has been seen, had played a distinguished part, with four Regular battalions, one Militia battalion and a Mounted Infantry battalion. Three more battle honours were added to its list; and 29 officers and 517 Riflemen had been killed in action or died. The m

H.H. Prince Christian Victor

Among the casualties the Regiment mourned the loss of H.H. Prince Christian Victor, Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath, Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order, who died at Pretoria on 29th October, 1900. A grandson of Queen Victoria, he joined the Regiment in 1887, and had served almost continuously in the 4th Battalion, but was attached to the staff of the Commander-in-Chief at the time of his death. He had served in four separate campaigns.