QSAMIKE
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Posts posted by QSAMIKE
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Good Evening......
Lt. Cpl in R.E.M.E (I have no idea what that means).
It should read L/Cpl which means Lance-Corporal.......
R.E.M.E. means Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers.......
Mike
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A number of years ago I dropped into a small junk shop near Blackpool while on holiday in UK...... In a barrel near the cash was a number of swords with a price label on the barrel...... L 75 (Pounds) Each Your Choice....... I picked up 2 Naval Swords with Scabbards and a 1908 Cavalry with scabbard named to a Canadian Regiment..... Then run out of ready cash...... In the barrel I remember there were 4 (3 with scabbards) King George VI R.A.F. swords...... I kick myself now for not picking up one of them instead of the RN.......
Mike
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CAPE TOWN
22nd. May 1900.
Dear Lord Strathcona,
After weeks of inaction we are now under orders to start. We leave by sea for Natal as far as we know at present. We will not go at the same time. "A" and "C" Squadrons will leave on Thursday the 24th. by two ships. Major Belcher will be with "C" Squadron; Major Snider with "A". One Vickers Maxim (a Pom-Pom) and three other Maxims will go with those squadrons. When they land Major Belcher will take command and march up country. His force, consisting of 320 men 21 ten-mule wagons, 200 pack mules with packs, and 126 mules with guns - 536 mules in all, and 360 horses. Later on say, about the 28th. I will leave with "B" Squadron which is for the purpose made up of 200 Officers, N.C.O. an men, with the same number of horses, 200 pack mules and 100 pack ponies. No wagons or Maxims we will land and be joined by the others. Major Belcher's Command should be at its destination in 15 days after landing, and my Command meet his about the same date. I hope we shall do good work. We have been ready for a long time but have been held for this. We should on my humble opinion been sent before instead of being kept. There is no better corps in South Africa at the present time admitted by all of the people. Two Squadrons were ready as soon as the test for glanders was over.
I suppose I must not complain as it appears that we have been kept for special work.
There are about 16 men sick - one of them, dangerously ill, (dysentery). I am looking well after them, the Officers visiting every day permitted. One of these may die as he does not appear to bear up against it. Although we go on the 25th. I have to furnish men and squadrons for all parades and duties. We are well treated, but the "red tape" makes prompt work difficult. I had to purchase a complete lot of wire cutters, as ours were lost through falling overboard on being handed out by the Kaffirs. I have also got a supply of lassos as I find that the country through which we will go is of such a character that we may have to picket the horses our way and the men will need lessons. The horses too have broken away very often and had to be captured that way. In fact, I am sending men out all the time to catch mules and horses for the others; consequently I bought a supply for the regiment. I have has to get 200 pairs of La Crosse shoes for my party, for we have to move without noise if possible. They were 2/9 per pair and very suitable.
We are all anxious to do something, and give you cause for pleasure. In this cause you will, I hope, be gratified at the way we will do our work. The task will be the most difficult laid out for a party of scouts for a long time past.
Hoping that I will be able to give you good news, I am,
Yours respectfully,
(Signed) S. B. STEELE, Lt. Col.
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I found the image on ebay http://www.ebay.com/...nc#ht_500wt_715 It's described as a lapel pin, so it wasn't used as a distinctive uniform insignia. Chances are that women in the unit wore civilian work clothing and had the pin to show membership during dressier occasions.
Thanks for the help.....
Mike
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Gentlemen......
Here's one on ebay in blue enamel......
Mike
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S T R A T H C O N A ' S H O R S E
The Right Honourable,
Lord Strathcona and Mount Royal, G.C.M.G.,
17 Victoria Street, London
Green Point Camp
Cape Town, 16th May, 1900
Dear Lord Strathcona,
We are in a state of great suspense owing to the inaction of the authorities in sending us to the front. So far as we are concerned we have been in a position to send two Squadrons for the last three weeks. The whole regiment could have moved two weeks ago. The wait is very trying on the men who think, owing to the rapid advance of Lord Roberts, that we will not see the real service.
However, we are doing the best we can. The different drills and garrison duties the Regiment is called upon to perform are done willingly and well. During the week I instructed "A" and "B" Squadrons in "Advance" and Rear" guards. This necessitated a march out to the country suitable for the exercise. The men were delighted with the change. Os Saturday last, under orders from Base, "A" and "B" Squadrons joined "C" at Maitland, and there, under the Staff was put through different movements. The Regiment presented a fine appearance, and was favourably commented upon by the Officers present.
"C" Squadron is still at Maitland in charge of the remounts, and will remain there until we move to the front.
Yesterday the Transport Department handed over to us 21 waggons, 126 mules with a Conductor and Native drivers, together with the harness and equipment. In addition to this we are to get an ammunition pack train for the Maxim and Pom-Pom guns, but these will be given to us when it is decided to move.
The men on the whole are well, and the horses in first class condition.
I am,
Yours respectfully,
(Signed) S. B. STEELE
Lt. Col.
Commanding, Strathcona's Horse
CAPE TOWN
Cape Colony
16th. May 1900.
Dear Lord Strathcona,
I do not have muct to write about, but what little I have to say may be of interest. The Regiment has been, I find, detained here for a special operation in which no other will take part, and if successful no regiment can occupy a high place than Yours. If this is carried out we have at least the honour of having been selected for one of the most difficult operations in war. Ere you get this you will have a cable to the effect that we are off somewhere, but no news of what this is can get to you until we are off. No one but Lord Roberts and his Chief of Staff know what the duty is.
The Regiment is in first class order and holds a high place in the estimation of the army officers and citizens here. The new horses are very good but not quite equal to the Canadian. The latter are admitted to be the best in the country.
Hoping that we shall soon do credit to you, I am, dear Lord Strathcona,
Yours respectfully,
(Signed) S. B. STEELE
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Mervyn......
There was a Red and a Green enamel one on ebay a while ago from the same seller....... They were listed as sweetheart pins but they are larger than the original cap badge and I could not see one being worn.....
Mike
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Linas - Mervyn......
Here is a photo of the one that I have......
Mike
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Good Morning Linas.......
Sorry but I even checked with the Regiment that had a badge that shape (King's Royal Rifle Corps) and they said that it was just jewelry.......
Mine was just the badge and not the star......
Mike
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Good Evening Everyone......
I am looking for someone who can obtain a copy of a service record from Bloemfontein......
I am looking for the SAC service record for 2223 Trooper J. R. Biscoe, South African Constabulary.....
It is Reference VAB, FSP, Vol. 101, File E2223.
I would like to obtain copies if possible.......
Mike
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Hi Barney.....
Here is a clue: The airfield ceased to be used, except for light planes, in 1942, and H.M.S. Kestrel then became a School of Aircraft Maintenance and after the end of the war a Rehabilitation and Vocational Training Centre.
I think that the badge is for an Aero Engine Mechanic / Engineer......
Mike
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Good Morning Brett.......
Along with the Transvaal Town Police as stated above there was a Victorian Queen's Own Rifles of Canada and a South African Constabulary Cap Badges......
There was a small package of items that was included with the purchase, a BWM to a Major J.R. (John Ramsay) Biscoe, a 76th Officers Collar Badge, Silver War Badge and a For Service at the Front badge to the Canadian Patriotic Fund......
And last but not least a pair of Binoculars with Broad Arrow and the date 1900.....
They all came from the same family......
On checking Major Biscoe's enlistment documents into the 76th Battalion CEF (Officers collar badge) it states that he had service in "South African Constabulary (2 years 169 days) and Johanesburg MP (2 years)"..... I have verified his service in SAC and I hope that he meant the TTP as the Johanesburg MP..... He was 2223 Trooper J.R. Biscoe in the SAC and was serving in the 44th Regiment when he enlisted for WW1..... Since I cannot access the SAC records (they are held in SA) on line I can only assume that he served in the Queen's Own Rifles before he joined the SAC as the QOR is a Toronto based unit and he was living in Barrie Ontario not far from Toronto when he enlisted and his father (NOK) was Colonel J.R. Biscoe lived in Toronto.....
The story grows...... LOL
Mike
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Some better picture as requested......
Mike
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Good Afternoon Everyone.....
My latest find and I think that they were all worn by the same person over a period of time......
Queen's Own Rifles of Canada - Victorian
South African Constabulary
Transvaal Town Police
Have seen the first two but not the third one before......
Mike
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Hello Linas......
Sorry to say but this is a piece of costume jewelry......
I have the same badge (without the star) with green enamel......
Mike
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GREEN POINT CAMP
May 9th. 1900
Dear Lord Strathcona,
I have very little to report this week further than the preparation of the 321 remounts is being carried along at Maitland. All the horses at Green Point are ready and in good condition, and "A" and "B" Squadrons parade mounted every day. The whole staff of Farriers and Shoeing smiths are employed at Maitland and the work is progressing as rapidly as circumstances will permit.
There seems to be some delay in the matter of transport. It has been decided that we are to carry with us 380 mules for pack purposes, and up to the present time there has been a scarcity of the animal at this base. I was advised last night that there are 1400 on ship board lying in the Basin ready to disembark, and that we are to have our mules from this lot.
In addition to the three Maxim guns furnished by you we are to have a Vicker-Maxim "Pompom" as well. Lieut. Magee and 8 men have been at Stellenbosch for two or three days getting instruction in the working of the gun. There are only 26 of these guns at the front and all in charge of experienced artillery men. The officer in charge of the depot was delighted with the smartness and intelligence of the men and stated that it was by far the best detachment that had yet received instruction from him.
Yesterday, in accordance with a Base Order, we proceeded to Beach House on a "Time March" in company with a regiment of Infantry and a Mule Battery. Other troops had gone by different routes and several regiments were on parade there. We were inspected by General Forestier-Walker and Staff and afterwards covered the retreat of the Infantry in a sham engagement. I was well satisfied with the conduct of the men.
I am.
Yours Respectfully
(Signed) S. B. STEELE, Lt. Col.
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Good Afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen......
Required to complete group.....
I am looking for the Cape of Good Hope General Service Medal named to R.S.M. C. Hewitt, Landrey's Light Horse aka Landrey's Horse with the bar Basutoland.....
I understand that this medal exists and may be in one of your collections.....
Willing to purchase or can replace with the following:
Corporal J. Rice, Landrey's Light Horse aka Landrey's Horse with the bar Basutoland.....
Please contact me if you have this medal or you know who has so that we can chat.....
Thankyou in advance for your assistance.....
Mike
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Good Evening Ladies and Gentlemen......
I have just picked up a pin in a box of badges from World War Two and have never seen or heard about the organization.....
It is a small oval pin, about 1/2 and inch in length......
Gold coloured metal with Blue enamel......
The initials read W.A.M.S. over what looks like a motor vehicle......
Around the edge reads "WOMAN'S AUXILLIARY MOTOR SERVICE" and at the bottom "FORD"......
What I understand is that the family was originally from Detroit and then moved to Canada when the Father joined the Canadian Army in mid 1940 leaving his wife in the USA.....
She later joined him in 1944 just before he left to go overseas to the UK......
I tried to take a picture but the pin is to small to make out the details.....
Mike
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GREEN POINT CAMP
May 2nd. 1900
Dear Lord Strathcona,
The horses have been tested by the Veterinary Officers, and 47 have been destroyed. The balance are in splendid condition with the exception of 30, which will be turned into the Remounting Department and others taken in their place for the present.
"C" Squadron was sent out yesterday to Maitland and will select out of a large number of remounts necessary for the regiment. The Remounting Officer at Green Point wished to hand over 150 of the remounts, but upon examination it was found that they were small and in poor condition. I reported it to the Base Commandant with the result that we are to select from a large number of good horses which have been sent to Maitland.
With regards to the loss at sea. Two ships have come in within the last week, one which started with 500 horses lost 171 on the voyage. The other with something less than 500 lost 150 from pneumonia. It seems that the danger of catching it is very great.
"A" and "B" Squadrons are ready to start at a moments notice, but the column which we are to join is not ready to start. I am looking carefully after that, and will not permit of any delay if I can help it.
I see on reading some extracts from the Canadian and other papers, that we are spoken of as Mounted Infantry. We are not in any sense that. Very few of the men ever had any infantry drill, but were selected by your order for the purpose of scouting and doing any important work that experienced horsemen and good shots can do. I am well satisfied with them and believe that if they get an opportunity will give a good account of themselves. They are hard worked even here; from Reveille in the morning to dark, between drills, guards, picquets, attention to their horses and other duties they have not a moment to themselves. With a very few exceptions the conduct of the men has been most exemplary, and their appearance has excited the admiration of many experienced soldiers.
A steady improvement has been shown in the health of the men during the week. The number of cases of sickness have decreased by half. However, it has been found necessary to invalid two of the men, and they will be sent back to Canada probably on Friday next. Five cases more are now under consideration, and it is not at all unlikely that they will be pronounced unfit for active duty.
I regret to inform you that one of the men whom I mentioned in a previous report as suffering from an abscess on the neck, died at Woodstock Hospital on Wednesday last. The man showed symptoms of the trouble on the ship and on arrival here was placed in Hospital and operated upon, but it was of no avail and I received notification of his death as above stated. The immediate cause of his death was Pyaemia. The deceased was buried at Fort Knocknee Cemetery with full military honours on Thursday last.
I am,
Yours respectfully,
(Signed) S. B. STEELE, Lt. Col.
CAPE TOWN
May 2nd. 1900.
Dear Lord Strathcona,
In accordance with your cable transmitted to me through His Excellency the Governor, I beg to forward herewith the report of Lieut. Stevenson, Veterinary Officer, as to the mortality amongst the horses on the ship, and as to the accommodation on board.
I am,
Yours very respectfully,
(Signed) S. B. STEELE.
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S T R A T H C O N A ' S H O R S E
May 2nd. 1900.
From The Veterinary Officer,
Strathcona's Horse
To The Commanding Officer.
Sir, -
I have the honour to make the following report regarding the horses on board the Transport Monterey.
I accompanied Dr. McEachran when he purchased the horses for Strathcona's Horse, and thoroughly inspected each and every one, and although they were not in a fat condition, they were fit for riding on the range, and in my opinion fit for shipping.
The horses were shipped to Ottawa where they remained until the 12th of March and the re-shipped to Halifax and loaded onto the ship on arrival of the trains. They were all loaded on the 16th of March and we sailed on the 17th. At the loading Dr. McEachran was present and I called his attention to several horses which he sent away for treatment. When they returned they were re-examined by Dr, McEachran and loaded in a part of the vessel set aside for that purpose with the exception of one which left behind on account of it being affected with Perpura.
The first few days the ship rolled considerably and several horses died of seasickness; following the seasickness an epidemic of pneumonia affected the horses and from this disease we lost a great number. Although every precaution was taken the disease seemed to spread until nearly every horse on the ship was affected -- at least from 85 to 90%.
The isolated ones were not the cause of the disease as they showed no symptoms, nor were they affected with the disease until the voyage was about half over. I held several post mortems and in every instance found the lungs very badly affected. In my opinion this disease was caused by the horses being brought, as they were, off the range where the mercury stood 35 to 40 degrees below zero, and dry climate to a damp and warmer one.
The ventilation on board ship was as good as could be had. There were several wind sails put in at different hatches, and this helped to keep the air pure below. Where the horses were the mercury stood for several days from 88 to 90 degrees above -- which was from one extreme to another. It was impossible to have all the horses at the wind sails, but they were being constantly moved and several were saved simply by moving them where they could get more air. This with stimulants and unremitting care saved a great number. I received all assistance that I required there being three officers with their men on duty night and day.
I was among the horses from morning till night and most every night till 12 or 2 o'clock. The rest of the time two or more of my assistants were constantly in attendance and if anything unusual occurred I was Immediately notified.
I have the honour to be,
Sir.
Your obedient servant.
(Signed) G. W. Stevenson, Lieut.
Veterinary Officer
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GREEN POINT CAMP
April 25th, 1900
Dear Lord Strathcona,
As I informed you last week I commenced the mounted drills, but owing to the condition of the horses and the fact that our parade ground is so close to the remounting station of this base, the Chief Staff Officer thought it best to discontinue them for the present. The drills have therefore been on foot this week, four hours per day being devoted to them. The time is divided between physical drill, manual and firing exercise, extended and squadron drills, as well as skirmishing.
On thursday last I received a request from General Hutton for scouts to be sent from this Regiment, and the following day the Chief Staff Officer enquired if we had any professional scouts in the ranks. I replied to the effect that there were no professional scouts in the Regiment, but that the majority of the men had spent years of their lives on the plains and were capable of taking care of themselves anywhere; [I did not approve of General Hutton making such a request or of meddling with the corps in any way, but] For my own information I asked for volunteers. When the men understood the question none of them volunteered. At first it was supposed that it was simply a number of special scouts that were going out to the front and that they would still belong to the regiment, but upon hearing that they would be transferred they refused to leave. This is a very good spirit and I am very glad that it turned out so.
There are 100 horses yet to be tested for glanders. So far ten cases have reacted to the test and were destroyed. By tomorrow night the testing will be completed and the remounts will be brought in without delay.
There is a considerable amount of sickness amongst the men, this morning's sick report showing 63 cases all told. Of course many of these are minor complaints and will not prevent them from going to the front. The change of water, and, in spite of strict warnings, the liberal use of fruit has caused many to go off duty with small complaints. As a matter of fact the majority are quite fit to go on.
In a conversation with the Base Commandant the day before yesterday he informed me that he was quite convinced that the other Canadian Mounted Regiments were sent up country much too soon, and I believe that such is the case as their horses are suffering very much. Ours are improving every day and are looking very well indeed.
The men's active service kits have been picked out, and they have been instructed as to how to fit them on the horse. Ammunition has been issued and as soon as the test for glanders is completed we will be ready to move. I am informed that a gentleman from Alberta stated in Liverpool to an agent of one of the officers here that the "Monterey" had glanders on board a short time before we embarked, and that he himself had lost several horses from this cause. I would suggest that an enquiry be made as if there was glanders on board this ship, there is no doubt that our horses caught it there.
The wagons provided in Canada for military purposes do not suit very well here. The other Canadian Regiments have handed theirs over to the Army Service Corps. It is my opinion that the military men should study the methods of civilians in the carriage and transport of large quantities of supplies -- such as the C.P.R. construction, etc. [- they would not be quite so quiet so far behind the age]. There is no doubt in my mind that the whole of the English carriages are too heavy. [and that the Canadian Militia Department is too eager to imitate them in this respect. The wagons supplied to us are at least 800-lbs. each too heavy. Ours were made in Woodstock and I sent an Officer down to inspect them, but he made no report, and before we arrived at Halifax they were packed away in the hold of the ship out of reach altogether. However they will be used here and we are being provided with substitutes.
I am,
Yours respectfully,
(Signed) S. B. STEELE, Lt. Col.
Commanding "Strathcona's Horse.
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Note:
The report on the "Monterey" found not to be true. Notation in margin in Steele's own hand.
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April 21st. 1900:
Following letter from General Sir Evelyn Wood:-
"We have sent following telegram to the General Officer commanding lines of communication, Cape Town:-
"Understood that Strathcona corps had serious loss of horses on "Monterey". These may be replaced from army remounts as soon as you are in a position to provide them."
Lord Lansdowne quite appreciates your consistent generosity in offering to make good loss which arose from want of experience in the amount of air necessary for horses on board ship. It is one of the most difficult questions on board all horse and cattle ships. I am glad that we are not accepting your generous offer and that the horses will be made good from army funds."
April 25th. 1900:
Following letter from Lord Strathcona to Sir Evelyn Wood:-
"I am much obliged for your letter of the 21st. inst., in which you make me acquainted with the terms of the telegram sent to the General Officer commanding lines of communication, Cape Town, authorising him to replace from army remounts the horses lost in the "Monterey" on her passage to Cape Town.
Kindly convey my acknowledgments to the Marquis of Lansdowne for the consideration he has extended to the matter, and my appreciation of the generous action which his lordship has sanctioned. At the same time, however, I was quite prepared to pay the value of the horses, if my proposal had been approved. My difficulty, having no direct communication with Cape Town, was to know how to purchase additional horses in South Africa in time to be of any use.
I do not like to think the loss occurred through the cause you apprehend, but you may have more information that is in my possession. We shall, however, know more shortly, when I receive a report from the Veterinary Surgeon on the ship. As a matter of fact, however, there are few countries in which more experience has been obtained of the shipment of cattle and horses than in Canada."
April 26th. 1900:
Extract from proceedings of a Board of Officers on board S.S. "Monterey" to report upon the loss of horses dated April 7th. 1900:-
"Veterinary Surgeon, George T. Stevenson:- I am Lieutenant and Veterinary Surgeon in Strathcona"s Horse. The horses shown on the attached schedule marked "A" died on the dates and from the diseases shown against their respective numbers.
Ninety percent of the horses mentioned in the schedule were purchased by Dr. McEachran and myself in the North West Territories, and a few in Montreal. They were all sound and in a healthy condition when purchased.
While in Ottawa ten percent developed colds, but recovered from the colds after treatment.
On Monday, 12th March, they were shipped from Ottawa, arriving at Halifax 16th March and immediately shipped on board S.S. "Monterey".
A number of horses were sent to the Veterinary Hospital by order of Dr. McEachran to be steamed. After having done this they were taken and put on board, and practically isolated from other horses.
After careful examination by Dr, McEachran and myself we found hardly anything wrong with them.
During the 18th and 19th. March a considerable number were attacked by seasickness on account of the rolling of the vessel.
Several died, as per numbers in attached schedule.
On the 19th. March pneumonia developed in a transport horse purchased in Montreal, Reg. No. 566, and on 20th. March it died. No doubt death was hastened by the rolling of the vessel.
My opinion was, and is, that the sudden change from a very dry climate to a damp moist atmosphere was the cause of the disease.
The ventilation was as good as could be had on board ship, and every possible care and attention was bestowed on the animals during the trip.
I has associated with me in care of the horses Quartermaster Farrier Sergeant McMillan, a certified Veterinary Surgeon as my assistant, and with him several practical horsemen who thoroughly understood the care and handling of horses.
These troopers, with their officers, were in constant attendance in the stable, feeding and caring for the horses during the voyage.
In addition to above, ten men and one non-commissioned officer were detailed daily to assist me."
Quartermaster Farrier Sergeant McMullin in his evidence stated that:-
"There was sufficient draught to cause pneumonia on the ship, but it was impossible to close this draught and secure sufficient air for the horses. Another cause, no doubt, was the horses having undergone the sudden change from a cold and dry climate to a warmer and moist climate. We have had all the assistance necessary for the proper feeding and care of the horses since they were put on board. I do not think it was possible to do more for the horses than was done. The conditions on board ship render it very difficult to treat horses from pneumonia properly. About eighty-five or ninety per cent of the horses were in my opinion affected with pneumonia. The stables were properly cleaned and disinfected daily."
W. W. Gunn, a Trooper in the force in his evidence stated that:-
"The hay and oats supplied to those horses was of good quality and a sufficient number of men were on duty to see that they were properly fed and watered".
April 26th. 1900:
Telegram from Montreal, stating that draft would sail from Montreal by S.S. 'Vancouver" on the first of May.
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Mickey
Can you please post a photo of the naming.....
Mike
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Hard to say North with this type of picture......
Have to look close up of each bar but from this distance the France and Germany Bar looks OK......
Mike
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THE FOUNDING OF A REGIMENT - MODERATORS' AWARD CERTIFICATE
in Great Britain: Research, Documentation & History
Posted
S T R A T H C O N A ' S H O R S E
Green Point Camp
Cape Town, 27th, May, 1900.
Dear Lord Strathcona,
On Tuesday last I received orders to move the Regiment to the front and in accordance there with "A" and "C" Squadrons, under Major Belcher embarked on Thursday on the S.S.'s "Chicago", "Mohawk" and "Maplemore", with all the transport and baggage.
Sufficient men were taken from "A" and "C" Squadrons to make up "B" up to a strength of 200 officers and men, and this Squadron will leave tomorrow morning on the S.S.'s "Wakool" and "Columbia".
Everything connected with this movement has been done with so much secrecy that it is impossible for me to tell you what our destination is, but it looks as though we will disembark somewhere in Natal.
The authorities here have given us a great amount of transport, consisting of 350 mules with 30 wagons, carts and a sufficient number of drivers. These went with the column under Major Belcher. Then there are 300 pack animals which will go with me tomorrow.
"B" Squadron has been fitted out for speed, carrying nothing but what can be carried on the saddle and person - the pack animals being for the ammunition. You will see by this that we have some special and important work at hand.
The men and horses are in excellent condition to undertake anything. The long delay here has been particularly trying on them. Lord Roberts' rapid advance has made them think that they would not see any real active service. But the delay has not been our fault. I am convinced that a plan for us was under consideration even before we arrived here but only matured a day or two ago when we got our orders to move. Whatever it is the whole Regiment will do its duty not only from patriotic moves but to do honour to yourself and Canada.
On Friday we furnished a party of 80 Officers and Men to take part in the Review in honour of Her Majesty's birthday. Over 2,000 troops were on parade and I was more than pleased with the splendid appearance of Strathcona's Horse. They marched past His Excellency the Governor like a wall and received a tremendous ovation, far grater than any of the other Regiments.
I will cable you tomorrow and will send you a full report frequently as we proceed.
I am,
Yours respectfully,
(Signed) S. B. STEELE, Lt. Col.
The Right Honourable Lord Strathcona and Mount Royal.
S T R A T H C O N A ' S H O R S E
Durban
Natal
4th, June, 1900
Dear Lord Strathcona.
Since I last wrote we sailed for Kosi Bay on the East coast of the country. Escort of all the fleet was there when we arrived the day before yesterday. It was practicable to land, but a ship of war brought a message from the Consul General at Lorenzo Marquess to the effect that our expedition must have been blown upon for the enemy had strengthened themselves very much at several points. I made up my mind that it was impossible to carry out the object in view, secrecy being an important point and the Admiral and originator of the idea quite agreed with me. The object of the expedition was to surprise the party of the enemy at Komati Poort, blow up the bridge and maintain the position until Major Belcher and the rest of the Regiment could arrive to support us; it having turned out that our two hundred would have to face five hundred entrenched with wire entanglements and with 500 on our right and 500 on our left rear made it too risky - Lord Roberts thought it was a very difficult thing in the first instance but worse than impossible since it has been exposed. [It is really lamentable to think of the stupidity of some of the staff. Nothing can be secret.] It is not our fault, not an officer of mine knew from me where we were going. I am sending a telegram to the High Commr., suggesting that we go on some other useful service and expect to land to-day. We are in good order - the horses stand it well and are quite at home - The ship is much steadier than the "Monterey". We are sorry not to have yet done your honour, but hope to do so yet. The regt. is in fine condition.
Hoping that your Lordship is quite well,
I am,
Yours faithfully,
(Signed) S. B. STEELE.
The Rt. Hon. Lord Strathcona and Mount Royal,
17, Victoria Street, London.