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Post by shred on Sept 8, 2012 19:01:52 GMT
LETTERS FROM THE FRONT
Private J W Hilton writes to Mr J T Hilton, 126 Ellor Street, Pendleton, his brother, as follows:- “Modder Rover, [sic] South Africa, 30.11.99 “Dear brother and sister, Just a little more startling news to let you know we have not been having it smooth. We started from De Aar with about three miles’ length of wagons and went on for 14 to 29 miles a gay. The battle of Belmont was a hard fight. I never saw such sights before; men and horses were lying about like lost sheep. The enemy had strong fortifications, and kept firing on the hospital wagons. It was nothing but a continuous humming of cannons and rifles. We took the broad, [sic] meat and other supplies into camp after we had take[sic] the place, and issued it. Then I had five minutes to myself watching the wounded and dead being brought in. They came from all directions. We did not have as many casualties as we expected. The colonel and adjutant were buried at night. My brigade were about 4,500 strong. In the afternoon we killed about 14 bullocks, buried all the hides and fat, and kept nothing but meat. We went further up the next day, when our troops fired again. This was at Gras Pan, where we could see the fighting very plainly. All wounded men and horses were brought in camp. One of the Boer shells dropped about 10 yards from our meat wagon, but failed to burst. After driving them back we advanced further up, and formed camp on the same ground as the Boers had occupied. That was good. I went round the hills to see the great number of men and horses that were dead. We stayed there two days. We started for Modder River on the 28th, when it was a most severe battle. When the artillery and naval guns started it was remarkable. The guns were firing, the infantry shooting, and the cavalry charging for nine or ten hours without stopping. We drove back the enemy. Yesterday we crossed the river. I was talking to two white people, who stated that the Boers told them it was impossible for the English to take the Modder River. Generals Joubert and Cronje and all their big officers were present at that battle. Lord Methuen, our general, was wounded in the thigh, as well as several other officers. We had over 300 wounded and dead, but I don’t exactly know for as we came along the road we kept finding them lying on the roadside. We shall get it right in a day or two. We are sup-[sic] a fine hotel all looted when we got here, where the Boers had made them give up what they had and broken the place up. The bridge is a fine one, and the Boers have blown it up at each end, but we shall get it right in a day or two. We are supposed to go and relieve Kimberley; but Lord Methuen says our brigades have fought well – three hard fought battles – and he wants to give us a chance. He is going to let the Highland Brigade go to the front and keep us in reserve. I want to go to Kimberley if I can. We are all doing well at present. It is rather hot. We are like ni**ers; we have not shaved for a month. I have quite a young beard now. Last week we did not wash for four days, so you can tell what we looked like. But we are alive and doing well. I think about you every day, especially when I see houses looted, pictures broken and beds smashed up, ladies’ linen and children’s boots and clothes strewn about the floor, and clocks and all kind of furniture lying about all broken. Hoping we shall all meet in Pretoria before Christmas, I remain, your loving brother. J W Hilton 26th Company, A.S.C. Cape Colony, South Africa”
Note:- I have edited a certain word in the above post as the use of the word may be seen to break the terms and conditions of Proboards. Readers should take the word in its historical context.
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Post by shred on Sept 8, 2012 19:45:08 GMT
On Christmas Day Mrs E Hockton, 124 Slater Street, Pendleton, received a letter from her son, George, in the 1st Scots Guards, and brother to Detective Hockton, of the Salford Police. “No. 2249, Private G Hockton, 1st Batt. Scots Guards, Modder River, South Africa, November 30th, 1899. “Dear mother, sisters and brothers, Just a few lines to let you know I am alive and well, although I am wondering at it. We have been fighting our way up from the Orange River to the Modder River from the day we got off the train, and many of our poor comrades are dead and hundreds wounded. I have been in the field three or four hours at a time, and have not dared to move as the bullets were whistling all around us. They make the most awful sound you ever heard. We have had about four engagements so far; but the last one was the worst of the lot. The Boers never show themselves; the first you hear of them is their bullets, and then you have got to drop flat on the ground, or else you drop a dead man. You see the most awful sights in active service, and I hope it never takes me for it again, as I am fairly sick of it. We were fighting for over 30 hours this last fight, with nothing to eat. You never get anything to eat unless the Boers shift out, so we can have it in comfort, but I believe we have the worst to go through yet. We had a pleasant voyage coming. Sister Florrie came to see me before I came away. I want you to let them all know I am all right. I can’t get paper out here; in fact, you can’t get anything, but, of course, the papers will tell you all how we are placed, and I hope the war will be finished before this reaches you. Hope soon to be home again. I will conclude now with best love to all. I remain your loving son. George”
It would appear the George died on the 24th of April 1900. There seems to be a question as to the man’s initial. Name: T Hockton Casualty Type: Died Casualty Date: 24 Apr 1900 Casualty Place: Kroonstad Rank: Private Force: South Africa Field Force Regiment: Scots Guards Battalion: 1st Battalion Number: 2249
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Post by shred on Sept 8, 2012 20:23:58 GMT
SALFORD RESERVIST
John Evans, belongs to the First Battalion, Cheshire Regiment, has rejoined as a reserve man. He had been in the Army for eight years, seven of which he had spent in India. He was employed at the Ordsall Electric Works, Salford, by Messrs, Gorman and Smith, and on Wednesday, when he left Exchange Station for Chester, where his regiment is to mobilise, his workmates gave him a hearty “send off”. He was carried shoulder high along Liverpool Road and Deansgate, the station approach, and into the station. The 3rd Cheshire Volunteer Band, of which he is a member, saw him off, and played several tunes. He has received presents from his workmates, and his place will be kept open for him.
Harry Dewhurst, who lived in Weaste, left by the 2.45pm train on Wednesday for Lincoln, where he is as a reserve man to rejoin the 2nd Battalion of the Lincoln Regiment. Later he will proceed to Aldershot. Several of his friends accompanied him to London Road Station, Manchester, where they met a number of Manchester reservists, who were going by the same train, Patriotic songs were given on the platform, and the utmost enthusiasm prevailed. The stationmaster provided the men with a special carriage, and he received a cordial vote of thanks.
A representative gathering of the officials and employees of the Lighting and Cleansing Department of the Salford Corporation (South Salford Division), assembled on Saturday at the depot, Wilburn Street, to bid farewell to Edmund Harty, who has been called up for active service in South Africa. Harty, who is attached to the Royal Field Artillery, had received instructions to mobilise on Tuesday last. The Superintendent (Mr W H Hamblett) addressed a few well chosen remarks to Harty; and, on behalf of the employees, handed to him several presents, which will prove of great use to him in the Transvaal, together with a purse and sum of money. Harty, in response, thanked the Superintendebt and employees for their very serviceable gifts.
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Post by shred on Sept 18, 2012 20:32:07 GMT
Feb 3 1900
Missing at Spion Kop
2nd Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers
Private W Fallows, 24 Laundry St, Pendleton Private G Davies, 10 Caygil Street, Greengate, Salford Private R Tabner, 6 Peru St, Salford Private C Unsworth, 23 Kirkham St, Cross Lane, Salford Private J Stephens, 13 New Cambridge St, Salford Private W Boyers, 35 Holborn Terrace, Broughton Rd, Salford Private J Kay, 44 Elton St, Lower Broughton Private J Butler, 26 Radford St, Pendleton Private J Marchington, 7 Bromiley St, Clarendon Rd, Salford Private T Cavanagh, Burrows Lane, Eccles Private J Morris, 5 Princess St, Pendleton Private R Jackson, 232 Green Lane, Patricroft
2nd Battalion Royal Lancaster Regiment
Corporal F Spong, 3 Chapel St, Salford Private H Kerfoot, 337 Chorley Rd, Swinton Private J Carey, 93 Phoebe St, Salford Private J Oldfield, 21 Siddon St, Ordsal Lane, Salford Private H Norbury, 27 Crown St, Seedley
Wounded men of the 2nd Royal Lancaster Regiment
Private F Cooper, 8 Ellor St, Pendleton Private P Phelan, 24 Barrow St, Salford Private A Blackeley, Beehive Inn, Salford Private M Denny, 38 North James Henry St, Salford Private S Hancock, 11 Griffiths Building, Regent St, Salford Private T Blower, 5 New Chapel St, Salford Private J Bailey, 80 Sunnyside St, Salford Private E Stainer, Alexandra Rd, Patricroft Corporal B Smith, 11 George St, Broughton Lane, Manchester
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Post by shred on Sept 20, 2012 18:30:06 GMT
Late 1899
Irlam and Cadishead
Reservists for the Front
A most hearty "send off" was accorded the Urlam postman who left the district to rejoin his regiment on Tuesday morning. The local band accompanied him th the station and played "Soldiers of the Queen" and other patriotic airs. He received about £12. This (Friday) morning, D Morgan, employed as a shunter at the Ship Canal coal tips, was expected to leave to join his regiment at Lichfield.
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Post by shred on Sept 20, 2012 18:35:05 GMT
Late 1899
Patricroft Soldier Wounded
Information has been received that Private Croft, of the Scots Guards, and who resided in Ellesmere St, Patricroft, has been wounded at the battle of Magersfontein. Prior to being recalled to rejoin his regiment he was employed as a door keeper in the employ of the Eccles Lyceum Theatre.
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Post by shred on Sept 20, 2012 19:15:32 GMT
A SWINTON SOLDIER AT THE FRONT
Private Rowland H Allen, of the 1st Durham Light Infantry, now at the front, writes to his wife at Deans Rd, Swinton, as follows, Mooi River, South Africa, Nov. 26 1899:- "Again I have the pleasure of writing to you. I did not think I would be able to write again before Christmas, but thank God He has spared me. I wrote to you from Durban. We left there by 9.30 on Nov. 23rd in cattle trucks, and came to Nottingham Road, which is eight hours ride from Durban, where we arrived at 9.30pm. It rained from 3pm until morning. We were wet through. I have been wet many a time coming home from work, but never like that lot. We had no tents to go to on the following day. We had to pitch our tents and dry our clothes. We went out on picket at night. From here we could see the enemy. We brought in several Boer prisoners at Notts. We had lady scouts employed. They are grand riders, and doing good work, too. On November 25th we left Notts Road and came to Mooi River, which is thirteen miles further up country here. We pitched camp again, The Boers shelled our camp here. I think they fired 23 rounds but only three exploded, doing no damage. Our scout came in saying that there were thousands of the enemy six miles away. Later we sent out three foot regiments, one battery of artillery, mounted infantry, also that grand corps the Thorneycroft Mounted Volunteers. We shelled the enemy here doing damage, and they retired. That is the reason why they sent out the above regiments. We follow on the 28th, when we get reinforced, for Estcourt, where they are in great numbers, and we go on to Ladysmith. All plans have been altered. We should have advanced from Port Elizabeth, I have no more news in regard to the war. By the time you receive this I will have received some hard fighting, I pray to God every night to bring me safe back again to you all I love. I do hope and trust that He will be with you and watch over you in your trouble. I hope and trust that you are keeping up a brave heart, and I am sure God will hear our prayer. Give my best love to all at home. I cannot get paper here for love nor money. We are living a bit better on the field than we were on the boat."
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Post by shred on Sept 23, 2012 15:33:46 GMT
Jan 5th 1900
LETTERS FROM THE SEAT OF WAR
Private C Harrison, “A” Company, 2nd King’s Shropshire Light Infantry, Field Force, South Africa, wrote to his wife at Pendlebury from Orange River Station on December 8th: “I hope you have received my letters from Las Palmas, and also from Cape Town before this and now I wish to send an account of our few experiences whilst travelling this 600 miles from the Cape. We got the train at Cape Town on the morning of the 2nd December, and we were travelling by night and day until we reached this station on the afternoon of the 4th. It is very hot here, and we are suffering from hot sand storms all day long. We are about fifty miles from the fighting line, who are up by Modder River, where the last great battle was fought, and we are (A Co.) employed every night from 5pm till 5am on outpost duty as we expect to be attacked any moment, and we are therefore always on the alert, and thoroughly prepared for any move on the enemy’s part. We have been ??ing rather hard as regards food ever since we left Aldershot, but it has been a little better this last day or two. Today we had about half a potato per man, the first sign of a potato since we left England. We try to get a bit of sleep during the day, but it is too hot altogether, so we have just to lie down and sweat all day long. However, we are all enjoying pretty good health, but it is not like being at home, and I shall be jolly glad when we are finished with this job, and we get back home again. I hope and trust that you are keeping in good health; I hope it will not be long before I am with you all again. Beer is 9d. per quart here, so I am teetotal now. I cannot say more now. You will know more of the war news than we do, for we get to know very little here.”
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Post by shred on Sept 23, 2012 15:48:14 GMT
Jan 5th 1900
IRLAM RESERVISTS’ SEND OFF
On Friday morning a hearty send off was given to Private D Morgan employed as a shunter at the Ship Canal coal tips, who left to join his regiment at Lichfield. He was accompanied to the station by the band playing patriotic airs. A collection was made for him. Private J Hartley, the postman, left a few days previously to join the 70 Reservists who left Chester for Aldershot on Friday. They were preceded to the station by the depot band, and followed a large body of civilians. Prior to leaving the Castle, Colonel Sheringham addressing the men, said there were a number of the ranks who were with them at Bengal. They would remember the regiment was complimented for manouvering and scouting, and he hoper they would bear that in mind when they got near the Boers. Private William Platt, of Partington left home weeks previously.
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Post by shred on Sept 23, 2012 16:36:01 GMT
Jan 5th 1900
PROMOTION FOR A SWINTON RESERVIST
Mrs ??*? ??*?*?, Lyndhurst, Pendlebury, has received several letters from Private Edward Dunphy, a Swinton postman, who as a first-class Reservist left just before Christmas to rejoin his regiment (the Dublin Fusiliers) as the Curragh. The writer states that he was too late to join the first draft which set sail at the end of last year to make good casualties, and he had therefore to spend Christmas on guard. On Dec. 28th he was promoted to the rank of Lance-Corporal by his Colonel. The next draft are expected to leave Ireland on the 10th inst., and to set sail on the 13th for the Cape. He says: “Every man has volunteered for active service, and some will have to stay behind. I hope I am not one of the latter.”
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Post by shred on Sept 23, 2012 17:56:53 GMT
Jan 5th 1900
A PENDLETON PRIVATE WITH THE DRAGOON GUARDS
In the course of a long letter to his wife at Pendlebury, Private Albert Oakes, D Squadron, 6th Dragoon Guards, now with the Field Forces in South Africa, dated on December 6th from De Aar, says: “We landed at Cape Town on December 1st, disembarked the following day, and went straight to camp at Matland. We did not hear any news of the war from leaving London till we landed at Cape Town. We were not in camp twenty four hours before we were ordered out to the field of operations. I will now tell you something of our voyage. The second or third day after leaving London, we had it rather rough, but after that, it was calm. The climate got warm as we approached Cape Town, and in the Bay of Biscay it was scorching hot in the sun. At night the men went on deck, singing all sorts of songs. You would not think they were going to war; they are all in high spirits. They say they want old Kruger, and then they will be satisfied. I shall be one to make him sit up if I can get at him, for causing me to leave you. We practice shooting through barrels in the sea every day. We had all sorts of sports on the voyage to keep our spirits up. We had bad luck with our horses, twelve of them dying. They were at once thrown overboard – good food for the fishes. On the transport (Chicago) there were 427 horses and 500 men. We had good health ourselves, but it was hard for the horses, as they had to stand in small boxes for three weeks. They did not like it for they were packed like sheep. We could not sleep them at night. We did not get very good food ourselves on the ship. One day we got for dinner some salt pork. O, you ought to have smelt it. A lot of the fellows took it on the main deck, tied it to a rope and hoisted it up the main mast. The officer, however, ordered us to take it down again. Then they gave us some tinned meat in place of the pork. We got biscuits two days, and then bread two days. We do not have much food now, and have a lot of hardships to put up with. The day we left camp to go to the field of our operations we travelled up country to De Aar. The first stop was a station called Mava?fontein where we watered and fed horses. We next called at Lansbury. All the line was guarded by the Duke of Edinburgh’s Volunteers, from Cape Town. They are also guarding the bridges. The Union Jack is flying at every place. They all gave us a hearty cheer, which we returned. All our troops are up to now in the best of health and spirits. There are a lot of refugees coming down from Pretoria and all over the country. They are mostly making towards Cape Town. We stopped at Prince Albert Rd on Dec. 4th, and heard of the 10th Hussars being shipwrecked, and that no lives had been lost. I was glad to hear they were all safe. The next stopping place was Noblesfontein, where there is a range of mountains on both sides for miles. The train had to travel slowly during the night as we were never certain whether there were any Boers about. At Prince Albert Road one of the Boers was caught by a sentry trying to pull the rails up so as to upset the trains. He was shot dead on the spot. We also heard of some spies, 3 officers and 30 men wearing the Red Cross, being captured and sent to Cape Town. On Dec. 5th we arrived at Richmond, where the Imperial South African Light Horse were under canvas. They are anxious to gat at the Boers. We stayed here a few minutes, and one of the Light Horse told me he was anxious to pay off old debts, as he was compelled to leave all his belongings in Johannesburg. He also told me of a Baron in their regiment who had lost £25,000 through the war. He is fighting against the Boers. Another had come all the way from Klondike to have his revenge against the Boers. On the way up country the black people did cheer us, the Boers having treated them shamefully. We expect to be in action before a week is over. We are under General French. It is reported there will be a big battle before long. I think we ought to get the best of it as we all mean business. We shall take them by storm. I shall fight for my country and Queen as a true Englishman. I thought I should have spent Christmas with you, but it had to be so. I am spending it in South Africa. I shall think of you on Christmas Day. I hope to receive a letter from you before long; and I shall write as often as I possibly can. Kindly remember me to your father and mother and family, and all my relatives and friends.” Private Oakes, who is a native of Stoneclough, was married on the day of his departure to Miss Dixon, daughter of Mr Henry Dixon, Windmill Hotel, Pendlebury. His regiment is engaged in the skirmish near Arundel, and he is with the forces under General French and reported to be occupying Colesburg.
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Post by shred on Sept 27, 2012 19:43:45 GMT
Jan 12 1900
LETTERS FROM THE FRONT
The following letter has been received by his sister from Private John Croft of the Scots Guards, and formerly employed at the Lyceum Theatre, Eccles:- “No. 2 Field Hospital, Orange River. Just a few lines, hoping you are quite well. I am sorry to say that I am not very well myself, having got two pieces of shell in my shoulder, and one just grazed my neck. It was a near touch. The same shell killed or wounded four or five that were against me. It sent me with my face on the ground. I dare say you have read in the papers about me being wounded, so you can rest easy, I got it done on December 11th at Spitfontein. I have been brought 100 miles from there, and I expect they will take me another 100 miles nearer Cape Town when I get stronger. I am doing very well at present, and I think I will be all right and up at the front again in about a month or so. A wound very soon heals up out here. I have not had a letter from you since I got out here. It is about time. If you have directed it 1st Scots Guards, Field House, South Africa, it would be sure to find me. Tell my father they are here worse than anything. They had a Maxim gun in and ambulance wagon. We thought they had some wounded in, and there it was a big gun. They threw a lot of their dead bodies in the Modder River, so that we could not drink the water. After the battle we could not get anything to eat. You should us chasing cocks, hens, pigs, and goats with our bayonets. We got food at last, and broke a piano up to make firewood of to cook it with. Well, I think I have told you about all this time.” After sending messages to other relations and friends, Private Croft says “remember me to Billy at the Church, and tell old Joe at the theatre that I wish him a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. My word, it is hot out here. It doesn’t look a bit like Christmas.”
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Post by shred on Sept 29, 2012 19:17:52 GMT
Jan 12 1900
LETTERS FROM THE FRONT
Private Rowland W Allen, of the 1st Durham Light Infantry, writing to his wife at Dean’s Rd, Swinton, on December 12th, from Frere Camp, says: “I have gone through something which I trust I may never do again, We left Mooi River on December 5th, for Frere. Our first halt was at Willow Grange Farm where the battle took place a few days ago. I visited the grave of seventeen of our brave soldiers, whom we laid away on the hillside, also two graves of the Boers, but how many there are I cannot say. We left Willow Grange Farm next morning for Estcourt, where we landed about ??.30pm. Estcourt is a very pretty place to look at. We crossed over the enemy’s positions into camp, and to look at them they seemed impregnable. Here we remained for the night, and started again next morning to finish the last twelve miles to Frere, where we arrived at 11.30 am nearly ??isted. Here we met nearly 21,000 troops encamped consisting of all sorts, also about 1,000 sailors from off H.M.S. Terrible, Forte, Powerful, and several others. Frere is not on the map, so you need not look for it, but it is seventeen miles from Colenso, and forty miles from Ladysmith. We left here on Tuesday, for where I cannot say, but by the time you receive this I may be with the others who are laid low as one of the greatest battles in history will be fought this week between Colenzo and Ladysmith. There will be 25,000 Boers and 20,000 of us. They are already entrenched, and we have to attack, but we will come out victorious. It is no use writing you about the war, as you get the news before us wherever there is an engagement, but if it is God’s will to spare me to see you again I shall have a lot to tell you. I may say that I visited the armour train that the Boers blew up, also Frere railway bridge. I have a bit of the bridge as a memento. I may also visit the graves of those who were killed in the armoured train on November 15th.” Private Rowland wrote again next day and says: “All is well with me. Very heavy firing going on this morning. Another downfall of British troops. Waiting to move any minute towards Ladysmith. No writing paper to be got anywhere. I am almost mad. I wish it was over. No blanket or anything else to lay on. The sky is our roof and the open veldt our bed. Receive my best love, trusting to be with you again if it be God’s Will.
Private Allen wrote to a workmate of his, named Brown, who resides in Douglas St, Swinton, on December 5th:- “I cannot say anything for certain about the war, as we get so many orders which are cancelled again. No sooner had we landed at Mooi River and got into camp than we were shelled by the Boers, but no damage was done. They cleared away during the night. We should have gone on to Ladysmith on November 29th, but were stopped. We are leaving tomorrow, Dec. 6th, for Frere, halting at Willow Grange Farm. I have had the pleasure of capturing two of the enemy. A patrol was out towards W??an, consisting of four men and a corporal. We came across two men with Mausers and bandoleers, and we took them into camp. They said they were German, and had had enough of the Boers. We sent them down next day to Pietermarizburg as prisoners. I must say that the people here have behaved splendidly to us. We were supplied with tobacco, matches, sweets, cigarettes, and bundles of food all along the line. I am sure the reception we got will never be forgotton. I wish it was over. I hope and trust we may meet again, and then we can have a long crack together. Remember me to all friends,”
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Post by shred on Sept 29, 2012 20:16:43 GMT
Jan 12 1900
LETTERS FROM THE FRONT
The following letter has been received by Mr James Pennington, at the Bird in Hand Hotel, Patricroft, from Private Harry Benyon, of the C Squadron, 12th Royal Lancers, now in South Africam and who resided at Worsley Rd, Winton:- “15th December, Modder River, Cape Coloney. Dear friend, Just a few lines to let you know I am still living. I have been in two battles, the first was at Grass Pan, and the second at Magersfontein, and that was the largest battle that ever took place. We turned out at 12pm midnight to get into position by daybreak, and we did so, shelling their position until dusk, and they must have lost thousands, where we lost hundreds. When our squadron was being relieved by the 9th Lancers for the purpose of going to water, we got a couple of their shells into us, one of which just dropped into my section and wounded three. One has since died. Sergeant Carpenter was the one killed, and Troopers Hayles and Meadows are the two wounded/ I myself got my arms burnt with some kind of fluid they have in their shells, but I am ready for them again/ Miles Kelley is here with the Howitzer Battery, and is all kiff so far. I dare say you will see it in the papers about the 12th Lancers. We saw the infantry getting it rough so Lord Airlie dismounted us by sections for the purpose of reinforcing them. It was the Highlanders, and they retired and left us to it, but we got through it with just losing a few wounded, and they have got the same here as the cowards and not Dargai heroes. I suppose you will see it in the papers as regards the battle. It is a terrible sight to see nothing but dead lying over the battlefield, and wounded continually being brought off all the day over. I was a bit nervous at the first, but I soon got settled down to it. Sometimes we are three nights and only get about ten hours’ sleep, and we had it a little bit off the top. I will now conclude with my best respects to you, and remember me to the boss, so no more at present. I remain your affectionate friend, Harry Benyon”
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Post by shred on Sept 29, 2012 21:43:32 GMT
Jan 12 1900
LETTERS FROM THE FRONT
Private A Oakes, 6th Dragoon Guards, of Stoneclough, writing to his wife at Pendlebury, on December 13th, from Arundel Camp, South Africa, says: “Now I have got a chance, I write to let you know I am quite safe as yet. We have been in action with the Boers about five times. This is a very hilly country, and the Boers fight all in the hills like cowards. I only wish they would come out into the open; we would soon finish them. It is a bit exciting when bullets are flying round us and to never know when you are going to be hit. I pray to God I may soon come back to you. I trust the war will soon be over, and that I may get through all right. We all have to put with hardships. It is very hot here in the daytime, and sometimes hard to get a drink of water. Thirst is about the worst thing we have to put up with. It is also awfully dusty, and you can scarcely bear your hands in the sand. One day we found a nest of ostrich eggs. We cooked them, and had a good feed. We are lucky if we see a house within five miles. We have to fight our way through Colesberg. It will be a hard fight, as the Boers are only got out of the hills with great difficulty. If we succeed in taking Colesberg it will be all level country afterwards, and then the Boers will not stand much chance, as they cannot fight out of the hills. I am writing this letter in a hurry, as we do not know whether we may not have to turn out any minute. The enemy is only three miles away. They made an attack on our camp on the night of the 11th December, but we drove them back. We have lost two men, one killed, and one taken prisoner, and six wounded. Eight horses were shot under their riders. We are lucky so far.” In a subsequent letter he says: “Just a few more lines as I could not gat a chance to post my first letter. I am glad to say I am quite safe as yet, but we have been quite busy with the Boers. They keep trying to attack our camp, but we have driven them back each time into the hills. We attacked them yesterday (Saturday, December 6th), and with our artillery did great havoc. It is now Sunday morning, but it does not look like Sunday, for we are waiting to turn out at a minutes notice. I don’t think the war will last long now. The Free Staters do not want to fight us,….. Sometimes I can hardly realise that I am on active service. We have only lost three men altogether, one of whom has died from wounds. All the three belong to the same squadron as myself, and I was out at the same time as they. We are getting all the best of it. O hope you will have a good and happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Remember me to all Farnworth people. If I am among the killed, I can only say I died with a true heart and as a true British soldier.
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