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    QSAMIKE

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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, April 18th, 1900

      From Lieut-Colonel Steele,

      Commanding "Strathcona's Horse",

      To

      The Right Honourable Lord Strathcona and Mount Royal G.C.M.C.

      7 Victoria Street,

      London, England.

      My Lord,

      I have the honour to submit this my report on the disembarkation of your Corps and also as to the work carried on daily since we went into camp at Green Point, Cape Town.

      As cabled the "Monterey" arrived at Cape Town in the 10th instant at 11 a.m. but stood at anchor in the harbour until the necessary arrangements were made for the disembarkation, which commenced the day following.

      The Traction Transport provided at the Base, together with our own transport arrangements made the task an easy one, and the Regiment encamped at Green Point on the night of the 11th instant. It required the next day, however to complete the unloading of the stores, etc. and when this was done, the work of getting the camp straightened up was commenced.

      The camp ground is very far from being a good one, but it might be worse. The great trouble is that there is not sufficient room for the Regiment on parade, and that it is rough and stony.

      The harness and saddlery were fitted and the men's kits distributed and everything calculated to contribute to the comfort of the horses and men done.

      On the 13th instant I called on Lieut. General Forestier-Walker, and was informed that Lord Roberts was very anxious to have us at the front as soon as possible, but that I must not be disappointed at not being ordered to Bloemfontein as he had important and special work for us in another quarter. It will require about ten days longer before we will be in a position to proceed to the front and by that time our horses will be sufficiently rested and the remounts taken on the strength.

      Drills

      Drills were commenced on the 14th inst. and continued for four hours daily since. The men are improving every day. A mounted parade was ordered for this morning, every available man attending. I was perfectly satisfied with the manner in which it was carried out.

      Horses.

      A marked improvement was shown in the condition of the horses from the first day on land. Unfortunately, however, four cases of glanders developed, and it was necessary to destroy the horses affected. Every precaution has been taken to prevent an epidemic and it looks as though we have stamped it out.

      There are plenty of remounts available, but from my observation of the horses in the remounting station adjacent to this camp, none of them are to be compared to those of your Corps, being smaller and lighter in bone.

      Rations.

      The food supplied to the men is wholesome and there is plenty of it. I have not heard a single complaint so far. Fresh meat is served with every meal, together with plenty of vegetables and things of that kind.

      The forage consists of a good ration of hay and oats of good quality.

      Condition of the Men.

      The weather so far has been fine and this, no doubt, has helped the men to become accustomed to the change of air and climate. Very little sickness has developed. Four of the men enlisted will be permanently unfitted for duty suffering from abscess, rupture and one with a weak arm. Some others are troubled with minor complaints but in the opinion of the Lieut. Surgeon, all with the exception of the four mentioned above, will be able to go forward with the Regiment.

      I will let you know by cable when the Regiment leaves Cape Town and will forward to you a weekly report afterwards.

      I have the honour to be,

      My Lord

      Your obedient servant,

      　

      　

      　

      　

      S. B. STEELE,

      Lt. Col.

      Commanding "Strathcona's Horse"

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      THE FOUNDING OF A REGIMENT - MODERATORS' AWARD CERTIFICATE

      in Great Britain: Research, Documentation & History

      Posted

      CAPE TOWN

      10th. April 1900

      Dear Lord Strathcona,

      The regiment arrived here to-day after a good passage as far as the officers and men are concerned, but very unlucky as to the horses. The weather for the first two or three days out of Halifax was very raw with the result that although the ship was free from serious draughts the great majority of the horses showed signs of pneumonia, and if it had not been for the great care and skill displayed by the Veterinary Surgeon we would have lost more than we have.

      The weather between the tropics was very trying on the horses; but I caused wind sails to be used to the full capacity of the holds, and was assisted in everyway by the master of the ship, Captain Parry. 162 horses died in spite of all we could do which is nearly one third. Ten percent over the full number required were purchased to cover casualties and I was sure that would be ample, but as it turned out 100 remounts will be required. I am informed that there are plenty and that we can be ready to march in a few days.

      The officers and men have taken the greatest interest in their work particularly the care of the horses. I have kept them at work every day, except that between the tropics I caused the drill to be early in the morning. They have, as reported to you officially, made great progress. The Staff Officer in Charge of the disembarkation appeared to-day as soon as we arrived, and it has been arranged that we go under canvas for ten days, the same as the other Canadian Corps, and then go to the front. We are to camp about a mile from the town proper out in the suburbs.

      I intend to keep our work up so that when we get to the front all will be quite at home at their work such as the drill, which is simple but necessary to enable them to be moved. They are, as I wrote you before, very efficient already and very anxious to prove to you that they appreciate, as we all do, your kindness in every way.

      The officers of the ship have done all in their power to help me. The First Officer was struck off all other duty to enable him to see that everything required by the regiment was attended to at once. In fact, I think that no better man could be found than Captain Parry and his officers and other staff.

      I assure you, my Lord, that I have experienced the greatest pain in seeing the bad luck we have had through the death of so many horses, but I hope that it is the last of it. I have, as I am sure you know, done my best and so have all the rest.

      I will write fully later.

      Yours respectfully

      (Signed) S. B. Steele

      Part 2

      CAPE TOWN

      April 10, 1900

      From The Officer Commanding "Strathcona*s Horse",

      To the Right Honourable Lord Strathcona and Mount Royal, G.C.M.G.

      17 Victoria Street,

      London, England.

      My Lord,

      I have the honour to submit this my report on the voyage from Halifax to Capetown.

      As already cabled the Regiment arrived here this morning. The voyage as far as the Officers and Men are concerned has been pleasant. Everything to conduce to their comfort has been done by Captain Parry on the ship. But I was very unfortunate with my horses. For some days after we left Halifax there was a heavy swell which caused the ship to roll to a very considerable extent giving the horses much discomfort and some of them seasickness. On the 19th March the Veterinary Surgeon discovered that owing to the change from the dry atmosphere of Ottawa to that of the damp of the North Atlantic Ocean the horses had contracted pneumonia to a frightful extent, no less than 80% of them showing signs of it, and from that date until our arrival here nearly every day has been marked by the deaths of several. The Veterinary Officer, Lieut. Stevenson, the Farrier Quarter Master Sergeant and the Officers and Men of the corps have been unremitting in their attention. Everything has been done that experience could suggest without avail. Up to the present date the deaths have numbered 161.

      On the 7th instant I assembled a Board of Officers to report upon the horses dead and submit herewith copy of the same. You will observe from the evidence that everything in our power has been done to bring the horses around. In addition Mr. Gunn, who owing to his experience in the shipment of horses, was sent along to give the Veterinary Officer all the assistance in his power. I placed him, together with every goodman that could be selected out of the Regiment at the disposal of the Veterinary Officer.

      The forage provided for the horses has been of a very good quality, but owing to the seasickness and the novelty of the surroundings it was some time before they would eat it with relish.

      When the ship arrived in the Tropics the heat between decks was most intense, the thermometer going as high as 93 degrees. Fortunately for a part of the time there was a good breeze and as soon as the weather began to get warm, wind sails were put up in every hatch and everything done to cause a draught of air to go down, but in spite of this position of the horses was most trying.

      The surviving horses number 383 saddle and 52 transport, which will enable two Squadrons to take the front complete.

      I am not aware at present whether remounts can be obtained to replace the horses lost. I can hardly express to you my sorrow at the circumstances under which we have been placed owing to the death rate among the horses. For my part I have done my very best to see that all care was taken. In fact I have taken great personal interest in this matter and was ably seconded by Major Belcher, who is a man of great experience and ability.

      I may say further regarding the horses that from the commencement I was anxious to have them in a fit state to undertake this long journey and also that no chances should be in the way of contracting contagious diseases. I therefore issued instructions in Ottawa to have all sick horses isolated, and the following appeared in the orders of the Regiment.

      "R.O. 119. Horses arriving from the West with any visible discharge from the nose, must immediately be isolated. A stable must be provided for this purpose. The Acting Quarter Master Farrier Sergeant will inspect the horses on arrival."

      Drills.

      The following drills were carried out during the voyage: -

      Musketry, Manual of Firing and Revolver.

      As soon as we got on board the men were told off in the boats upon which they would fall in were it necessary to abandon ship. As far as possible everything laid down in the Queen's Regulations was carried out strictly and I must say that I am very much pleased with the manner in which Officers and Men exerted themselves to help in my efforts to maintain order on the ship.

      In drilling it has been found that the men showed interest and steadiness. It is something new for a body of men to drill at the Manual and firing exercises on board ship, and the fact that the vessel has been rolling more or less during the whole voyage the smartness of the men is simply marvellous.

      Lectures.

      During the voyage lectures were delivered to the Sergeants, among the subjects touched upon were Scouting, Outposts, Advance and Rear Guards, Screening and Enemy, etc.

      Guards and Piquets.

      The following guards were put on the horses: • A Major three troops with troop officers from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and a Captain, three troops, with troop officers from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.

      The ship was patrolled by Regimental Police and sentries placed all over the ship.

      Feed and Rations.

      The rations supplied to the Regiment have been very satisfactory. A few complaints were made but they were owing, no doubt, to the fact that the ship was not originally intended for this purpose. All these things were rectified in a very short time. The ship was inspected regularly according to order and anything found wrong was immediately set right.

      Health.

      Surgeon-Lieutenant Keenan vaccinated all the men on the 23rd.

      Some of them were a little sore after it and a number were off duty for a short time on that account. There has been considerable seasickness as well but not as much as I expected. I enclose the report of Dr. Keenan by which you will see that five noncommissioned officers and men are suffering from complaints which will unfit them for service duty. I also enclose you a copy of the Veterinary Officers report.

      Canteen.

      In accordance with regulations a canteen was opened under the supervision of a non-commissioned officer, who was on duty daily.

      Conduct.

      The conduct of all ranks has been quite satisfactory. Any cases brought to my notice were simply the result of inexperience and not likely to occur again in the same individuals.

      Studies.

      I distributed the different works on Patrols, Scouting, Advance and Rear Guards, Screening the Army, etc., and I am pleased to say that everyone has taken a great interest in the work and no doubt with the experience the men already have in a wild country they will give a good account of themselves.

      A fire occurred on the evening of the 27th March at 7.50 when the officers were at dinner. On the alarm being sounded the men paraded in order and in perfect silence. The fire, which was confined to the troop galley, was not of a very serious character, but it gave one a good idea of how the Corps would behave under such circumstances.

      The Regiment was paid on the 31st of March and 7th of April, Lieut. Ketchen acting as Paymaster for me.

      Amusements.

      With the ample supply of books and periodicals and the articles given by you for the comfort of the men, they have been able to spend their spare time very pleasantly. Your generosity in this regard will never be forgotten.

      There were two concerts held on board which were greatly enjoyed. When we crossed the Equator on the 31st instant I gave all not on duty a half holiday to celebrate the event. A funny representation of a visit to the ship by Neptune was given much to the delight of everyone.

      Captain Carpenter, two officers and 104 men of the Royal Regiment Canadian Infantry were, as you know, on board. Owing to the great pressure of work in connection with your Corps it was found necessary to call upon this detail to furnish the night guard. Their duties of course were not nearly so severe as those of "Strathcona's Horse" but considering the inexperience of the men their work was well performed.

      I wish to assure you in conclusion that every officer, noncommissioned officer and man considers it a very treat honor to serve in the Regiment raised by you. In fact when we left Halifax we were the envy of the whole Dominion of Canada.

      I have the honour to be,

      Sir,

      　

      Your obedient servant,

      S. B. STEELE, Lt. Col.

      Commanding "Strathcona's Horse'

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      THE FOUNDING OF A REGIMENT - MODERATORS' AWARD CERTIFICATE

      in Great Britain: Research, Documentation & History

      Posted

      April 5th. 1900:

      Telegram from Lord Strathcona to Minister of Militia and Defence: -

      "Authorized to select fifty men and one subaltern with personal and horse equipment, but without horses, to be sent to Cape Town to replace possible vacancies in force. Men to be forwarded to Liverpool whence they will be sent on by Government transport. Same conditions to be recognised as with regard main body."

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      English Soldier with Medals Photo?

      in Great Britain: Research, Documentation & History

      Posted

      Hello Sandro......

      I have no idea why they would be in the wrong order.....

      He is a member of the Royal Engineers, a Sergeant and to get the MSM have over 21 years service......

      I thought he might have been an Irishman as the heads of the monarchs are facing inwards....

      I have heard but cannot confirm that some Irish would wear theie medals this way because they were anti monarchy......

      Mike

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      THE FOUNDING OF A REGIMENT - MODERATORS' AWARD CERTIFICATE

      in Great Britain: Research, Documentation & History

      Posted · Edited by QSAMIKE

      March 23rd. 1900:

      Copy of letter from Lord Strathcona to Lord Roberts:-

      "I beg to send you herewith a copy of a letter I have addressed to-day to Sir Evelyn Wood (with whom I was placed in communication by the Secretary of State) respecting the departure from Halifax on Saturday last of the corps raised in my name. It was a great disappointment to me not to be able to see the men off personally, but I have had one or two bad colds recently, and the Doctors advised my postponing my visit to Canada for a couple of months. I may say, however, that I have had many kind letters from Canada, among others from the Governor General, speaking in high terms of the men and of the horses. The men are typical Westerners, accustomed to life on the prairies of the great North West, good shots and fine horsemen. The horses have been raised in the same parts of the Dominion which are, I imagine, in some respects similar to the veldt in South Africa. The corps will probably arrive in Cape Town the second week in April. I commend them to your consideration and hope that you will be able to give them an opportunity of seeing some service in the campaign which is progressing so favourably under your brilliant and skilful direction.

      Those who are connected with the outlaying countries which form part of the British Empire and are associated with the Motherland in the struggle in South Africa gratefully appreciate all that you have been doing to strengthen the Imperial sentiment amid the multitudinous matters that must demand your attention; and we all expect great results from your wise and tactful handling of this great part of a great subject. I venture to send you herewith a copy of the letter I received from the Queen's Private Secretary, and I may add that Her Majesty's message was read to my corps on the occasion of its embarkation at Halifax.

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      1856 PIONEER SAWBACK SWORD

      in Swords & Edged Weapons

      Posted

      Welcome to GMIC, John. So, the sword was issued in August 1898 - however, it has a bowl guard.

      This is quite different to the normal thin guard for a pioneer sword. Since it is in Canada, there has to- be

      a strong possibility that it was made to local requirements.

      Look through the Regt. lists for V 3 L l. Sounds like a Volunteer Unit Could it be for a Lancer Regt.?

      Will be interesting to see what Mike and other Canadian experts think ? Mervyn

      Good Morning Mervyn......

      The one that I have was purchased in the UK so has no Canadian connection other that it is in my collection..... I have done only a quick check my Canadian equipment list and cannot find any mention of it as being issued here..... At that time there were still British regiments serving in Canada and they could have been left behind when they returned home.....

      Mike

      0

      THE FOUNDING OF A REGIMENT - MODERATORS' AWARD CERTIFICATE

      in Great Britain: Research, Documentation & History

      Posted

      March 20th. 1900:

      Letter from Miss Geraldine FitzGerald, the Secretary of the Committee of Ladies of The Civil Service, to Lord Strathcona, giving the following description of the guidons presented to the Strathcona's Horse:-

      "The guidons were made of red silk with a broad band of white silk down the centre, with the words "Strathcona Horse" worked in red silk. The rest is a maple leaf embroidered in shades of green, upon which is a beaver in shades of brown, the whole being surrounded by a garter, oval in shape, worked in white, outlined in gold, with a gold buckle, surmounted by a Baron's coronet, embroidered in coloured silks. Lord Strathcona's motto "Perseverance" is worked in crimson letters upon the white ground of the garter. In the lower corner of each of the three of the guidon's is a letter designating the respective squadrons, "A", "B", "C", and the fourth guidon has the letters "C.O." representing Commanding Officer. Each guidon is attached to a lance by crimson ribbons."

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      THE FOUNDING OF A REGIMENT - MODERATORS' AWARD CERTIFICATE

      in Great Britain: Research, Documentation & History

      Posted

      March 19th. 1900:

      Extract from letter from the Minister of Militia to Lord Strathcona:-

      " I have just returned from Halifax where I have had the great pleasure of taking part in the embarkation ceremonies of Strathcona Horse.

      I think you have every reason to be satisfied with the work that has been done. I examined the steamship most carefully on two different occasions, and of all the five transports despatched by Canada the "Monterey" is the facile princeps. The Steamship Company deserves the greatest credit for their work.

      In this connection I should like to mention the name of Mr. Paul Weatherbe, the Chief Engineer of the Department of Militia, who has remained at Halifax practically in charge of the fitting up of the "Monterey". Mr. Weatherbe is a most efficient officer, and has been engaged in and out of season with the work of fitting up all our transports including the "Monterey".

      In beginning to mention names of officers who have distinguished themselves in this work, I scarcely know where to stop. I may, however, add the name of Lieut. Colonel D. A. Macdonald, our Chief Superintendent of Stores, who has done such splendid work in connection with the out-fitting of all the contingents, and who has worked no less faithfully for your force than for those for which we were more directly responsible. I should also mention our worthy Deputy Minister, Lieut. Col. L. F. Pinault, who has given his time and energy to the work. In my own office I take the liberty of mentioning my own Private Secretary, Mr. W. Brown, who has given his time to the work without regard to hours, holidays or Sundays. In the Military branch, Colonels Aylmer and Foster, and Lieut. Col. Cotton have all assisted most assiduously. Lieut. Col. Cotton being in command of this district has had much to do with the work of housing and feeding the force here, and has done it admirably. I should also like to mention the name of Mr. E. F. Jarvis, a First Class Clerk in the Military Branch, who has done his work most efficiently and zealously, and has not spared himself. I have already referred to the work done by Mr. F. W. Taylor, of the Bank of Montreal. I have seen a good deal of Mr. Taylor, and can assure you that he has done his work thoroughly.

      I am sure you would be greatly pleased to have witnessed the enthusiastic send off your force received in Halifax. I have had the honor and pleasure of making you aware of it through the cablegram I sent to you. The whole city seemed to have turned out and the enthusiasm was wonderful for Halifax, which is rather a sedate old town ordinarily! The Province was largely represented, and, in fact, all the Provinces. I had the pleasure of taking down with me in my official car representatives of the West, so that the demonstration was of a national character.

      There is but one feeling throughout Canada, and that is of admiration of your noble generosity and pride in being citizens of a country which has the honor to claim your Lordship as its adopted son."

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