1 APRIL 1902 - LEEUWKOP / BOSCHMANSKOP

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“In his despatch of 8th April 1902, Lord Kitchener says that Colonel Lawley sent out Colonel Fanshawe with three squadrons of the Queen’s Bays and 30 National Scouts to make a detour preparatory to co-operating with his own advance.

 

At 3.15am Fanshawe rounded a farm, where several Boers were captured; he then went on and tried to surround a laager, but the enemy were on the alert and he “was received by a very heavy fire, and realising that he was in the presence of superior numbers, ordered a gradual retirement upon Leeuwkop.

 

Close fighting then went on for several hours. The Bays, who were skilfully handled, retired steadily by alternate squadrons, whilst the Boers followed, pressing the withdrawal with the greatest determination and persistence.” 

 

Leeuwkop was found to be in the enemy’s hands, and Fanshawe had to make for another ridge, “where he received the timely support of the 7th Hussars and Colonel Lawley’s guns.” The Boers then fell quickly back. 

“In this affair, although the Bays were capably handled and displayed steadiness and gallantry in face of superior numbers, their losses were, I regret to say, heavy. Two squadron-leaders and 10 non-commissioned officers and men were killed, and 5 officers and 59 men were wounded.”
Stirling: British Regiments in South Africa 1899-1902.