Previously unseen journals written at the time of the Boer War available and a large selection of unusual, original and modern photographs from the society collection are available digitally via download or sent on CD. (Free to members)
30 Chapters in two volumes.
VOLUME. I
Chapter 1.
Pages 3-16. The explosion.
The Boer Ultimatum – Intrigues against British supremacy – Great Britain’s interest in the Dutch republics – Common interests of the white peoples – Early history of the Cape Colony – Unpopularity of the Dutch East India Company – British capture Capetown – The “Great Trek” – England recognises the Republics – Their attitude towards us – Sir Bartle Frere – Majuba – The Outlanders – The Jamison raid – Kruger – His character – Sir Alfred Milner – The Bloemfontein conference – Transvaal refuses England’s demand – War.
Chapter 2.
Pages 17 – 34 The overrunning ofNorthern Natal.
Hurried preparations for war – The reserves Mobilised – Enthusiasm of the British public – Strength of forces in Natal and Cape Colony – Strength of the enemy – The attack delayed – Disposition of the Boer Forces – Position of the British at Dundee and Ladysmith – Battle of Dundee Symons wounded Storming of Talana Hill
– The treacherous White Flag – Yule’s march -Battleof Elandslaagte – British and Boer losses – ‘Remember Majuba!’ – Action at Tietfontein – The Boer tactics – White decides to hold Ladysmith.
Chapter 3.
Pages 35- 56 The Investment of Ladysmith,Mafeking and Kimberley.
The Boers seize the heights dominating Ladysmith – The battle of Farquhar’s Farm – White withdraws to save the town – The guns brought off – Dramatic event of the blue jackets – Loss of Carleton’s Column – Neglect of precautions at Ladysmith – The town beleagured – Condition of affairs on the western Frontier – Doubtful attitude of the Schreiner Ministry – First Act of War – Attempts to capture Mafeking – The Boers seize Vryburg – Kimberley isolated – Bombardment commenced – Stormburg district abandoned by the British – Attitude of the Cape Dutch.
Chapter 4.
Pages 57- 68 The Dispatch of the Army Corps.
Dilitoriness of the Government – Full Notice to the enemy – Mobilisation begins
Small proportion of cavalry – Loyal action of the colonies – The greatest Expeditionary – Force ever sent over seas – Embarkation of the troops – Food supplies – The voyage out
The plan of campaign – Character of the country – New tactics required – Despatch of the Fifth and Sixth Divisions.
Chapter 5.
Pages 68- 90. The beginning of the advance in Nataland Cape Colony.
Natal threatened – Armoured trains – Ladysmith bombarded – Assault on the town
The Boers at Chieveley – Armoured train wrecked near Chieveley – Endevours to clear the obstruction – Capture of Mr Winston Churchill – The Escourt garrison in danger
Shelling of Mooi River Camp – Boer advance checked atNottingham Road- The Willow Grange fight – Arrival of lord Dundonald and General Buller – Comparison of the opposing armies – The forward movement begins – Boer position at Colenso – Buller determines to attack.
Chapter 6
Pages 90 – 109 The first Battle of Colenso.
The battle begins – Bombardment of Fort Wylie – Artillery pushed forward – The Boers open fire – The guns abandoned – General Hart’s position – The Dublin Fusiliers attempt to ford the Tugela – Their retirement ordered – Failure to carry Hlangwane – Advance of Hildyard’s Brigade – General withdrawal ordered – Death of Lieutenant Roberts – Guns and men captured by the Boers – Retirement effected in good order – Our losses – Scarcity of water – Bravery of the Army medical Corps – Impressions of an eye-witness – Armistice – A day of blunders.
Chapter 7
Pages 110 – 126 The battle of Stormburg.
Mistakes of the Boer Generals – British withdraw from Naauwpoort and Stormburg
General Gatacre takes command – Advance of the Boers – Omnibus Horses for the Artillery – Conditions of successful attack – Gatacre moves upon Stormburg
The forces detrain at Molento – The wrong road taken – The column surprised -The fight
Fatigue of the British troops – A gun abandoned – Order to retreat given – The dead and wounded left – Narrow escape of the armoured train – The return to Molento – British losses – Disastrous results – The Boers seize Colesburg – British re-occupy Naauwport – Arrival of General French.
Chapter 8
Pages 128 – 144 Lord Methuen’s Advance.
lord Methuen takes charge of the Western campaign – reconnaissance towards Belmont– Heavy loss of officers – Lord Methuen reinforced – Advance to Fincham’s Farm – British victory at Belmont– Chaplain Hill’s bravery – Contraventions of usages of War – Boers retreat – Frontal attack criticised – Lord Methuen congratulates the troops.
Chapter 9
Pages 145 – 171 Lord Methuen’s advance.
March to Swink’s Pan – Advance of Ninth Brigade – Battle of Enslin – Bombardment of the Boer position – Reinforcements sent for – The Bluejackets and Marines take the Kopje – British losses – The Queen congratulates the Naval Brigade – Boer losses – Lack of water at Enslin – Lord Methuen’s address to the troops – March to Klokfontein – Lord methuen’s available forces – The Boers in force at the Modder River – Disposition of troops – Scene of the battle – Boer preparations – Battle of the Modder – The torture of thirst – Sleep during battle – Arrival of an additional field Battery – Attempts to cross the river – Retreat of the Boers – Comparison of British and Boer losses – British artillery fire – Characteristics of the fighting – The Boers fire on the Red Cross – Conduct of the Free Staters impugned – Kruger’s remonstrances.
Chapter 10
Pages 172 – 204 TheBattleof Magersfontein.
New bridge over the Modder – Lord Methuen reinforced – British communications threatened – Position of Magersfontein – Boer defences – Boer methods – Difficulty of relieving Kimberley – Skirmishing – Lord Methuen’s plans – Choice of Sunday – Disposition of troops – Attack on Margersfontein kopjes – General Wauchope’s premonitions – Night march – Boers open fire – Demoralisation of Highland regiments – Accounts of the fighting – General Wauchope’s death – Collapse of Highland brigade – Artillery support – reinforcements – Heroism on the field – Protest against Lord Methuen’s orders – Artillery cover highlander’s retreat – incidents of the battle – British retirement to Modder River – British losses – Cronje’s account – criticism of lord Methuen’s tactics – Burial of lord Wauchope.
Chapter 11
Pages 205 – 234 The Nation under defeat.
Critical position of great Britain – Her prestige in danger – Crass ignorance of military affairs – German system – Responsibility of Statesmen and Generals – Government unprepared – Necessity of reorganisation – Former national critics – Measures taken for defence – Change of generals – Lord Robert’s military career – Lord Kitchener in the Sudan – Embarkation for South Africa – General hector Macdonald – Offers of the Colonies – Australian and Canadian contingents – Mr Seddon’s loyal speech – Volunteers from Asiatic dependencies – London’s contribution – Imperial Yeomanry – Gloomy outlook.
Chapter 12
Pages 235 – 261 The Flank Movement in Natal.
Further preparation for the relief of Ladysmith – Burial of lieutenant Roberts – Destruction of Colenso road bridge – Picket surprise by Boers – Fifth Division reaches natal – Want of Howitzers – Arrival of a balloon and traction engines – Christmas in camp – Dispositions of relief Force – Boer positions – Mr Winston Churchill escapes – Boer attack on Caesar’ camp – Messages from Ladysmith – Relief force attacks Colenso – Advances on Springfield and Hussar Hill – Fail to draw the Boers – Further message from Ladysmith – Storm ends a desultory movement – The flag still flying in Ladysmith – Heroes in rags –Mud everywhere – Composition of relief force – the army moves – Hampered by baggage – Difficulties of the march – Dundonald seizes Swart Kop – The pont intact – The Boers entrenching – General Buller’s plan of attack – The crossing of Potgieter’s Drift.
Chapter 13
Pages 263 – 307 Spion Kop.
Warren’s Divisions across the Tugela – the enemy entrenching – The artillery and transport cross – A long delay – Spion Kop bombarded – Lyttelton’s feigned attack – the cavalry seize Acton Homes – desultory movements before Spion Kop – Change of plan – Advance on the left ordered – Capture of three Tree Hill and bastion hill – Death of major Childe – Assault ordered and countermanded – Lyttelton’s advance – Warren telegraphs for Howitzers – Rumoured relief of Ladysmith – Another day of little progress – Pathetic humour – Assault ordered and postponed – Another Council of war – Warren reinforced – the storming force – Ascent of Spion Kop – A Boer picket surprised – The storming force halts too soon – Tardy reinforcements – Botha determines to recapture the hill – Positions of the opposing forces – The Boers bombard the British position – Woodgate wounded – Thorneycroft put in command – A frightful struggle – Lack of artillery support – Boer attempts to rush the position – The King’s Royal Rifles storm a ridge – Desperate straits – Confusion of commands – Thorneycroft determines to withdraw – Scene on the hill after the battle – Losses in the action – The retreat – Cause of defeat.
Chapter 14
Pages 308 – 319 Vaal Krantz.
Substantial reinforcements – Guns taken to summit of Swart Kop – Plan of attack on Vaal Krantz – Lie of the land – Another crossing of the Tugela – Demonstration towards Brakfontein – Bombardment of Vaal Krantz – Infantry storm the height – Difficulty of holding the position – Disappearing guns – Renewed attacks – Council of war – Evacuation of the ridge – Losses – Disappointment in Britain.
Chapter 15
Pages 320 – 345 Colesburg and the West.
General French’s position – Engagements near Arundel and Rensburg – The Boers fall back on Colesburg – British camp moved to Rensburg – Fighting around Coles Kop – french’s mobility – Loss of a commissariat train – Both sides reinforced – General Schoemann repulsed – Death of Major Harvey – Boers driven back – Disaster to the Suffolks – Occupation of Slingersfontein – Guns and supplies hauled up Coles Kop – Small actions near Colesburg – Boer attack near Slingersfontein – Guarding the railway junctions – Gradual withdrawal of British forces – A ride for life – Accuracy of Australian shooting – Coles Kop and Slingrsfontein evacuated – British retire to Arundel – Seizure of German steamers – Lord Roberts conciliates the Colonials – reorganisation of transport – Roberts and Kitchener leave Capetown – Lord Methuen keeps the enemy busy – Demonstrations towards Koodoesburg Drift – Roberts in camp – Preparations for the great blow – Composition of the Grand Army.
Chapter 16
Pages 346 – 366 The Grand Army Relieves Kimberley.
Lord Roberts addresses the officers – Cavalry learders – Advance to Ramdam – French at Wateerval Drift – De Kiel’s drift secured – Sunset on the veldt – Cronje’s optimism – The cavalry push forward – Heat and thirst – Veldt on fire – Rondeval and Klip Drifts seized – Advance of the infantry – Halt at the Modder – Cavalry opposed – Lancers clear a nek – In touch with Kimberley – Capture of Alexandersfontein – Entry into Kimberley Bivouac in a Boer camp – C.I.Vs baptism of fire – Seizure of Jacobsdal – Convoy attacked by de Wet – Waggons abandoned – Cronje’s retreat – The Boers carry off their big guns – Orders to head Cronje.
Volume 2
Chapter 17
Pages 367 – 394 The Siege of Kimberley.
Mistaken optimism of the Cape Government – The situation at Kimberley – Garrison – Food and water supplies – Defences – Skirmishing commences – First days of siege – Surrender demanded – Boer proclamation garbled by the military authorities – Dodging the shells – Sorties – Red tape absurdities – Death of Scott-Turner – Non-combatants ordered to be ready to leave their homes – News of Magersfontein defeat – Food supply restricted – ‘Long Cecil’ – Second bombardment – Boer artillery greatly strengthened – Shell-proof shelters – Death of Mr Labram – Mr Rhodes abortive appeal for relief – Seeking shelter in the mines – The pillar of cloud approaches – Relief forces arrives – Losses in the siege – Results of the relief.
Chapter 18
Pages 395 – 417 The trapping of Cronje.
Importance of capturing Cronje’s force – The Boers evacuate Magersfontein – The British Army moves in a new direction – The Sixth Division gives chase – Fight at Klip Kraal – Converging moments – Cronje’s retreat intercepted – His fatal choice – He entrenches himself at Paardeberg – British positions – Who commanded? – Preparations for battle – A frontal attack inevitable – The enemy tries to break out – Attempts to rush the Boer position – Loss of Kitchener’s Hill – British casualties – The battle a mistake – An armistice demanded and refused – Lord Roberts arrives – The circle closed – The Boer shelter-pits.
Chapter 19
Pages 418 – 440 The capture of Cronje.
Investing lines drawn closer – Renewed bombardment – Ineffective lyddite – Second demand of an armistice refused – Cronje’s indignant repudiation of surrender – Botha dislodged from Kitchener’s Hill – Driven from point to point – Casualties – Desultory shelling – Relief Force everywhere repulsed – Cronje’s stubborn resistance –The chain drawn tighter – Lord Roberts besought to avenge Majuba – Final attack planned – Brave advance of the Canadians – Cronje’s surrender – Lord Roberts reception of Cronje – Appearance of the prisoners – Boer losses slight – Structure of the trenches – Condition of the laager – Severe British casualties – Moral effect of the victory.
Chapter 20
Pages 441 – 485 The Relief of Ladysmith.
Buller’s troops confident in spite of defeat – Arrangements for an eastward flanking movement – Monte Cristo the key to Ladysmith – Disposition of Boer forces – Expedition into Zululand – Buller reconnoitres – Disposition of the British forces – Hussar Hill seized – Scarcity of water – Attack on Cingolo – Monte Cristo seized – Hlangwane evacuated by the Boers – Capture of the enemy’s camp – Heavy guns on Green Hill – Colenso occupied – The river crossed – Reconnaissance by Coke’s Brigade – The advance commences – Deadly experience of the King’s Royal Rifles – Attack on Railway and Inniskilling Hills – Furious fighting – Hildyard’s Brigade relieve the Irish – Change of front – A Sunday truce – Renewal of hostilities – ‘Remember Majuba!’ – Storming of Railway Hill – Victory at last – Pieters Hill evacuated by the Boers – Ladysmith relieved – British losses – Boer losses – State entry into the town – Honours for the Irish.
Chapter 21
Pages 486 – 506 The Defence of Ladysmith.
Condition of ladysmith at the beginning of the siege – Mistakes which might have been fatal – Lines of defence – Positions of enemy’s guns – Neutral camp at Intombe – Daily bombardment of the town – War on leisurely lines – Extraordinary escapes – Strange fatalities – Blowing up the enemy’s guns at Lombard’s Kop – The feat repeated at Surprise Hill – Hopes of relief – ‘Fools or heroes?’.
Chapter 22
Pages 507 – 527 The Defence of Ladysmith –continued.
The Boers determine to assault Waggon Hill – The British surprised – The gun-pits taken and retaken repeatedly – Death of Lord Ava – Homeric fight between generals – The Boers checked – Attempts to take Caesar’s Hill by stratagem – Bravery of the Manchesters and of the Field Artillery – The enemy claim to have captured the hill – A critical situation – Saved by a storm – Devons to the rescue – The Boers fall back – Losses – News of Buller’s second repulse – Privations and sickness – Supposed attempt to flood the town – Hope revives – The Boers trekking – relief accomplished – Losses – The long agony not in vain.
Chapter 23
Pages 528 – 552 The march on Bloemfontein, and opening the railway to the south.
Second stage of lord Robert’s campaign – Proclamation to the residents of the free State – Preparations for the advance – Presumptuous appeal to Lord Salisbury – Boer aspirations crushed – Condition of the Boer army – Positions of opposing forces – Plan of attack – Boers escape from enveloping movement – Isolated engagements – Mr Kruger in flight – Lord Roberts smiling at failure – Battle trophies – Boers at Abraham’s kraal – Turning movement – Boer tactics effectual – Infantry in difficulties – Splendid artillery fire –Infantry in pursuit – More infractions of the usages of war – Casualties – Advance continued – The Boers helpless – Surrender of Bloemfontein – Hoisting the flag – Halt at Bloemfontein imperative – Conquering heroes – Subjugation of Stormberg district – Repair of the Western Railway – Saving Bethulie bridge – Communications restored.
Chapter 24
Pages 553 – 588 The halt at Bloemfontein.
Excessive clemency – Expedition to Thaba N’chu – skirmishing north of the capital – The Karee kopjes captured – Broadwood’s retreat from Thaba N’chu intercepted – The ambuscade at Koorn Spruit – The alarm given – Magnificent conduct of the Royal Horse Artillery – No help from Bloemfontein – Retreat and losses =- The water-supply cut off – The Boers threaten Dewetsdorp – Surrender of Captain McWhinnie’s force – Gatacre’s relief force barred – Rundle and Kitchener guard the railway – British occupy Wepener – The town besieged – Assault repulsed – Closer investment – Sufferings of the garrison – Final attack repelled – Arrival of relief columns – Plans for capturing the Boer force – Fruitless pursuit – Recovery of Bloemfontein waterworks – Entry into Thaba N’chu – Operations against surrounding heights – Disappearance of the Gordons – Infantry surprised – Skilful withdrawal – Attempt to capture Boshof – Disturbance in north-west of cape Colony – Death of Joubert.
Chapter 25
Pages 589 – 598 The Relief of Mafeking.
The relief force and its commander – Rapid advance of the column – Halt at vryburg – The younger Cronje across the line of advance – Colonel Rhode’s ingenious message – Skirmish with the enemy – Junction with Colonel Plummer’s force – Artillery fight – Cronje outwitted – The relief effected.
Chapter 26
Pages 599 – 629 The Siege of Mafeking.
Mafeking’s defences and defenders – Leisurly bombardment – The trenches flooded by a storm – Disquieting rumours – Attack on Game Tree Fort – The assault fails – Improvised artillery – Plumer at Gaberones – Relief delayed – Food supply – British lines pushed out – Sniping – Cattle raiding – Capture of the Brick fields – Dearth of food – Escape of kaffirs – Plumer’s repulse – Casualties – Messages to and from Lord Roberts – Attack on the Kaffir stad – Colonel Hore surrenders – The Boer advance checked – Eloff trapped – Surrenders to Colonel Hore – Snyman’s inaction – Relief at hand – The Boers driven away – Review of the troops – Losses during the siege – Baden-Powell’s work and its reward.
Chapter 27
Pages 630 – 658 Bloemfonte into Pretoria.
Reorganisation of the Army – Disposition of component forces – progress of the wings north and east – Main army reaches Zand River – Kroonstadt occupied – A halt necessary – Safeguarding the line of communication – Buller’s progress through Natal – Expediency of rapid advance on Johannesburg – Hamilton reached Heilbron – Roberts crosses Rhenoster and Vaal Rivers – Attack on Klipriversberg – Seizure of Elandsfontein Junction – Surrender of Johannesburg – Pretoria in terror – Rapid advance – Louis Botha counsels resistance – Capture of Pretoria forts – Fall of the town – French’s movements to the west and north – Entry into Pretoria – Treatment of British prisoners – Condition of the Field Hospitals – Lord Robert’s great march.
Chapter 28
Pages 659 – 678 Operations in the outlying districts.
Boers encouraged to resist – Battle of Diamond Hill – Csualties – Annexation of the orange free State – The yeomanry in difficulties – Fruitless appeals for help – Surrender at Lindley – De Wet captures a convoy – Disaster on the Rhenoster – De Wet wreaks destruction on the railway – Operations of Rundle and Brabant – Battle of Biddulphberg – Warren subjugates Griqualand West.
Chapter 29
Pages 679 – 687 General Buller’s advance into the Transvaal.
Boer stronghold at Laing’s Nek – Conference between Buller and Christian Botha – Composition of the Fifth Division – Drakensberg passes – Bombardment of the heights – Botha’s Pass won – struggle for Alleman’s Nek – Boers retreat into the Transvaal – Buller’s tactics – Securing the British right flank – Junction of natal Army with lord Roberts.
Chapter 30
Pages 688 – 702 The advance to Komati Port.
Military position in June – More cavalry wanted – Boers break the oath of neutrality – Geographical difficulties – Deficient staff – Effect of the Chinese crisis – Movements in the Western and Eastern Transvaal – Refactory Boers – Johannesburg plot – Attack on Nitral’s Nek – Sergeant Rawdin’s bravery – Prolonged but helpless defence – Ruse of the enemy at Derdepoort – result of Johannesburg conspiracy – Scottish Yeomanry at Wolverkrantz – Second stage of the war ends – Advance eastwards – Action at Honing Spruit – Operations in the Western Transvaal – Advance towards Komati Poort – Transvaal unsubdued – Advance along Delagoa Bay railway – Annexation of the Transvaal – Occupation of Komati Poort – Flight of Mr Kruger.
Chapter 31
Pages 703 – some lessons of the war.
Vocabulary of Boer and Kaffir words and names. p. 705.
Casualties from beginning of the war, up to October, 1900 (Official return) p. 706
Index of Volumes p. 707
Roll of Honour – VC’s of the War p. 720
Troops engaged in the War p. 720
£25 including post & packaging