At the end of the 19th Century there was a bitter war in the south of Africa between the ‘Boers’ - Dutch settlers - and members of the British Empire. This happened in the north of what we now know as South Africa - in the two Boer States, Transvaal and the Orange Free State, and the British colonies of Natal and Cape Colony. From every part of the Empire, including Sheffield Tasmania, men took part in the conflict.
In 1886 the discovery of gold at Witwatersrand in the Transvaal initiated a rush of foreigners to the mines. These were mainly British and members of the Commonwealth. The Boers - resented this, calling them “uitlanders". The uitlanders were seen as invaders and denied the vote. With the murder of Tom Edgar - an Englishman - by the Johannesburg police (ZARPS), the image of the Transvaal could not be any worse.
The (so called) uitlanders complained to the British authorities in the Cape, and during the New Year celebrations of 1895-96, Leander Starr Jameson led a raid from Rhodesia into the Transvaal in hopes of creating a uitlander revolt. This failed dismally.
By 1899 negotiations at Bloemfontein had collapsed and the Boers had had enough of the pressure the British were placing them under. The British government on their part were being manipulated by various vested interests within South Africa, statesmen like Alfred Milner and the "gold bugs", men like Cecil Rhodes and Alfred Beit.
By December the British were ready to mount two expeditions, to relieve Kimberley and Ladysmith with the intention that the war would be over by Christmas. However, the Boers had other plans.
Between the 10th and 17th December the British suffered three devastating and humiliating defeats at Stormberg, Magersfontein and Colenso. This became known as the "Black Week" and with other costly battles such as the crossing of the Modder River and Spion Kop, British commanders were slowly realising just how tough the Boer commandos were and how adept they were with modern weapons and the use of terrain.
The rifle crack of the Mauser had sent a wave of outrage and patriotic fervour right across the empire, from Britain, South Africa, Canada and Australia young men volunteered to join in the good fight and defeat the dastardly Boers.
Australia's first contingent departed for South Africa on the 28th October, among them was Sheffield man Morris Best, he'd had quite an eventful time in the weeks leading up to embarkation. He rescued a boy drowning in the river Forth at Barrington (unfortunately the boys brother died) and he caught enteric fever (typhoid) spending three weeks in a Cape Town hospital before he could join his regiment.
News of the situation in South Africa was being read in many households in Sheffield, on the 12th October 1899 The North West Post (TNWP) was reporting on the hesitation of Boer troops on the Natal border blaming defective ammunition or bad transportation, by the 7th November the reality was hitting home when local newspapers reported on the loss of two British battalions at Camp Dundee and the battle of Talana Hill, ultimately resulting in the siege of Ladysmith.
After the debacle of black week and the almost impossible task of reporting setbacks and defeats to sound encouraging and positive, many local newspapers championed the call to arms.
What follows now are reports from the newspapers of the time, illustrating Sheffield's journey through this conflict.
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"Unfortunately, the peace and happiness of the Empire have been rudely disturbed by a clash of arms, and many of her sons have had to tear themselves from their families and depart for South Africa, where many of them have found, and, before peace is again restored, will find soldiers' graves.
The Echo of the trumpet call has reached our shores and Australasia has nobly responded, sending forth her sons to do battle for the Empire. It is with feelings of pride that we learn wherever they have come into action they have acquitted themselves as British troops should.
We can make provision for the comfort of the bereaved and maintenance of the disabled, funds have started and a movement is on foot with this aim in Devonport and Sheffield."
"At Sheffield.
A most enthusiastic meeting was held in Roland Hall, Sheffield on Wednesday night (under the auspices of the Sheffield Volunteer Corps), for the purpose of forming a patriotic fund in connection with the war. The Volunteers, after marching down the Main Street, entered the hall, and there was a very large attendance, the room being full."
After poems were recited, speeches made about the righteous cause in defence of the "Old Land" and patriotic songs sung, a whip round netted £40, not bad at all.
As the volunteers drawn from all over Tasmania were being assessed and either accepted or rejected due to ill health or lack of the skill set required, the Sheffield part of second contingent were forming.
"OUR TOMMY ATKINS FUND.
2423 SHILLINGS RECEIVED.
Pass the hat for your credit's sake, and pay - pay - pay.
A story related whilst on the ship sailing to South Africa.
"We had on board a gentleman who had been out to South Africa with produce and horses, and was still engaged in the same business. He said to one of us that he was a Boer, so all hands collected around him, when George Judge (one of the Sheffield volunteers) got him by the scruff of the neck and ran him round the deck, the whole of us following.
Subsequent events showed that our friend was in fun, and by way of compensation he took us all below and shouted, but we made him drink the Queen's health. He was good friends with us afterwards."
The Reverend H. Worrall spoke at the Wesleyan Church, Lower Barrington on the 8th February and it was well attended with many coming from Sheffield and the immediate area. The Reverend spoke about "The Briton and The Boer" in "forcible language", patriotic songs and recitations were performed and £7 4s 6d was raised.
Most notably though was the first named of the second contingent from the Sheffield area, "the opportunity was taken to say farewell to Trooper Charles Packett of the Bushmen Corps, and a further collection was made for the saddle and bridle fund."
"SHEFFIELD.
Two more of our men have received word from Hobart to proceed thither for examination for the bushmen's contingent. They are Messers E. Hodgkinson and R. Wood, and they left by first train on Saturday morning. Bushman Packett's horse was also sent by the same train.
On Friday afternoon the four bushmen who have offered their services were engaged practicing their horses over hurdles, mounting and dismounting, and firing while riding. They acquitted themselves very well, with the exception of the latter practice, when if one of the candidates had used loaded instead of blank cartridges the horse would have had it's ear blown off."
"The significant message 'Kimberley Relieved' was posted at the Railton station on Saturday morning and the glad tidings of Major General French's success were rapidly heralded in all quarters of the district. Word was promptly transmitted to Sheffield where the nation's colours were hoisted in various portions of the town in honour of the victory."
"On Saturday two more members of the Sheffield Rifle Corps (Messers E. Hodgkinson of Beulah and R.R. Wood) left to join the Bushmen's contingent, making ten in all from Sheffield Corps."
"Sheffield, Saturday. Word was received here yesterday that General Cronje has been surrounded and had asked for an armistice. There was great excitement at the news, and flags were flying in all directions."
On the 5th March the second contingent left Australia for South Africa, among them was Trooper Charles Packett.
On the 26th April the third contingent sailed for South Africa, among its ranks were four more men from Sheffield, they were Troopers W.K Barwise (from London), D.F.C.Hodgkinson, L.T. Hutton and C.A. Johnstone.
"The Bushmen's Brigade, Tasmania.
Four names have been handed in at Sheffield for the third bushmen's contingent. They are W. Barwise, P. Johnstone, T. Garland, and A. Brown. Mr Barwise is letting his farm so he can get away."
"IMPERIAL BUSHMEN'S CONTINGENT.
SHEFFIELD, Tuesday.
The fact that members of the Imperial Australian mounted contingent are only to receive 1s 3d per day is deterring several from volunteering, as this rate of pay would not be sufficient to support some who have dependants.
Mr A. Smith, of Barrington, left by first coach this morning, and a wire was received yesterday for Private Barwise to proceed to Hobart for final inspection.
Trooper John Coleman of Sheffield wrote to his father Mr J. Coleman on the 3rd April, just after his arrival at Cape Town. The SS Atlantic had a splendid trip, she did not call at any port before her arrival in the Cape.
He describes the sight as the vessel lay in the bay, the number of troop ships and so on. The horses stood the journey well as did the men, sea sickness being the only ill experienced, and some of the food was rather rough.
"Great rejoicing was manifest here (Sheffield) when the news was received here at 5 o'clock on Thursday afternoon, through Messers York, Schmidt & Co's telephone, of the abandonment of Pretoria."
"Riders were dispatched to the out districts, some with bells and some with flags, to convey the good news. Guns were fired and flags displayed all over the town in a very short time."
"In the evening a procession was formed with a lighted tar barrel and about 50 boys with kerosene tins and bells. The cavalcade paraded the streets singing song and keeping up a continual din for some time, patriotic speeches were made amid a burst of enthusiasm, by Mr John Hope and the Rev Martin."
TNWAEBT, 6th June 1900.
"The Relief Of Mafeking, by Malcolm P. Bauld, Sheffield."
"Get your blunderbusses ready,
And your "bally' selves as well'
For we're going to make a shindy thro' the land;
It's in honour of the heroes
Who have stood the shot and shell,
With the gallant Baden-Powell in command.
Give the "kids" another shilling
For their crackers and their squibs,
And help 'em build a bonfire on the green;
It will plant a loyal spirit
In the little beggars ribs,
And will make 'em feel they're "soldiers of the Queen.
You must set the bells a-ringing
When the bands begin to play,
And you'd better "oil the voices" for a start,
For we'll give 'em "Rule Britannia"
Till the dawning of the day,
And the Devil "shiver" Mister Kruger's heart.
He's the cause of all the trouble,
But he'll know before he's done
That he's acted like an avaricious knave;
And the curse of every mother
who's lost a strapping son
Is a burden that he'll carry to his grave.
But we're speaking now of Baden -
He's the "Daddy" of the lot,
And a credit to his Queen and country too,
For he stood and "took his gruel",
And he took it "mighty hot",
Just to show 'em what a Britisher could do.
And to show the "foreign bluffers",
When they're out in search of "game",
That they're better take a look before they leap,
Or they'll find the British Lion
Is an awkward brute to tame,
And a fellow never known to be asleep.
He's as harmless as a lizard,
And as gentle as a lamb,
If the only "push their cart" and give him room;
But let 'em "act the nanny"
And "he didn't care a damn"
If he fought 'em till he heard the "crack 'o doom."
Good old, brave old, Baden-Powell,
What he suffered no one knows,
For he bore it like a soldier and "a man;"
And instead of standing "squeaking,"
Stuck his finger to his nose
While he shouted - "Come on take us - if you can."
For altho' my men are weary,
And women-folk are weak,
We'll answer every bullet with a chear.
And we'll "keep The Flag a-flyin'"
Till we hear the tramping feet,
That tell us of our comrades drawing near.
We can see him, pale and careworn,
With his plucky little band,
And he tells 'em all - "the food is nearly done;"
Then he pats the hungry kiddies
With his smoke stained trusty hand,
And he calls 'em "little Britons" every one.
Now, then, keeps the tins a jingling
Till you're dizzy in the head,
And we'll paint our heroes' names around the town,
For they fought on empty stomachs
Spread on half a slice o' bread,
With a bit o' tasty "horse" to wash it down.
With their comrades sick around them,
And the foemen ten to one,
With hardships sticking out on every hand;
With water that would choke you,
But with courage "next to none,"
And a vow to guard the good old Motherland.
Nail the colours to the house tops,
For we'll need 'em there again,
And send the boys a stirring British cheer;
When it's echoed through the mountains,
Let it ring across the main,
Just to mind 'em how we took the tidings here.
How we stood and shouted "Baden,"
With our "cadies" in the sky,
And we never gave him half his due;
May his shadow never wither,
May his memory never die,
Or the heroes who have helped to pull him through."
By mid 1900 newspapers were convinced that the war was slowly fizzling out, Kimberley was relieved on the 17th February and Ladysmith was relieved on the 28th. The siege of Mafeking was over on the 18th May and both Johannesburg (31st May) and Pretoria (5th June) had been captured.
An oath of neutrality was called and up to 14,000 Boers came in and signed it. The Boer General Cronje was now a prisoner. For our Sheffield boys this must have looked like the end, but it wasn't! The war was about to enter a vicious guerilla stage.
TNWAEBT, July 1900.
"From The Front, Private E. Packett.
I feel splendid after the march from Bloemfontein, though we had a pretty rough time of it for five days; never had any food with us, and couldn't go back to the transports, but we did not starve altogether, for there is plenty of mutton about this part.
We looked through every house we came to, but couldn't score any flour. We managed to get plenty of food for the horses. There are very few houses that are not deserted, every man has gone, but occasionally we drop on one with a woman in.
We had a 'go' at the Boers at Vet River; it was late when we came across them and we only had about two hours fighting. I think there was only about two or three British wounded. The Boers made their retreat that night and it took us four days to catch them up again.
We started out at 4 o'clock on the morning of the 18th and were under heavy fire at 7 and it lasted until 4 in the afternoon. The battle was at Zand River. Its not so bad when one can return shots, but when the big guns are put on us, we can't get anywhere near rifle shot, and the shells do whistle; Major Cameron was the only one of our lot wounded, but other companies lost a good few.
I looked on one terrible sight; there were seven British slain in one lot, and one poor fellow with a bullet through his chest, and his leg and arm broken, suffering terribly. I don't mind the fighting, but after it makes one feel it to see the sufferers.
I had three shells fall in succession within 12ft of me and burst; I couldn't see anybody for a while, for I was covered in sand. You can hear the shells as soon as they leave the guns. We shall all feel the good of the few days' rest we are anticipating here; want to spell the horses too and let the transports catch up.
Kroonstad is about half the size of Sheffield, with very small houses. The Boers burnt a store down so that we shouldn't get no perquisites, but took all they could carry themselves previous to firing it.They've also destroyed every bridge along the line, so the train will be a day or two before it gets up this far.
Morris Best hasn't caught us up yet. We left him at Bloemfontein, and since then don't know how he's getting on ; anyway he hasn't had a 'go' at them yet, and I'm afraid he won't get any further. Rue Rafferty was sent to the hospital in a bullock waggon from the Vet River, and one or two others are very bad; I've had splendid health all this time.
I wonder if Chas has had a 'cut in' by this? I have not heard from him, but expect he has. I would like to tell you more, but have written this in a hurry, so good bye."
TNWP 28th August 1900.
In a letter sent to Mr J. Maddox of Sheffield from Trooper A. Lupton, writing from Kroonstadt the trooper states;
"At last I have had a shot at the Boers and we got the worst of it too. The first time we made their acquaintance we attacked them at daybreak, but they drove us back, as we had no artillery."
"We had only two pom-pom guns and around 700 men, the enemy had at least 4000 men and several big guns, and they were on the hills while we were on the plain. Our force had to retire after losing rather heavily. The Victorians lost about 14 men, besides horses, the Tasmanians did not lose a man but had several horses wounded. It was hard to gallop away, but it was for the best."
"We attacked them again after 2 days rest, we succeeded in driving them backwards and have kept them on the move ever since. They stopped in one place and fought very bravely for 6 hours, then they retired again, to Kroonstadt, but they had left before we got there."
He ends the letter stating the health of other Sheffield boys, Troopers Best and Lyons are unwell in Bloemfontein, and Trooper Judge is much better.
TNWP 20th September 1900.
Mr J. Coleman receives a letter from his son Lance Corporal Coleman who was wounded at Elands River on the 6th August, and is now in a hospital in Kimberley. It states that he is doing well, he was wounded in the right hand and also a flesh wound in his left side.
TNWAEBT, October 1900.
These are extracts from a letter sent by Trooper Griffin, Tasmanian contingent of the Imperial Bushmen, to his brother in the aftermath of the battle of Warmbaths which took place on the 1st September, 100km North of Pretoria.
The Tasmanians were sent to escort an Army Service Corps unit to round up cattle, they were ambushed by the Boers, two VC's and two DCM's were won in this engagement. It was the most decorated incident involving the Australians in the entire war.*1
"In haste and under difficulties I write to let you know I am still alive and well, although I have been in a few tight corners since I last wrote. When we left Kroonstad we were under the impression that it was not at all likely we should see any fighting. We soon, however, knew different, as only two days after leaving the place named, we had our first cut in, when escorting a convoy.
The Boers attacked us, and for a whole day things were lively until nearing nightfall, when our big guns got the measure of them and they retired. It was a very fair go in, and we came through it well, as only one Tassie was wounded. He was shot through the back, and the bullet came out through his chest and lodged in his horse's head, the horse was killed, but the man is alive and doing well last I heard.
After we got to Lindley we had a good deal of fighting in the hills near the town, when the enemy retired to Bethlehem, about 30 miles east, and we went after them. There was another fight, but it was principally an artillery duel; it was good to hear the big guns at it, and after a day the Boers cleared out of the town, and the British occupied it.
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| William Kenyon Barwise |
I had a narrow escape just before we entered the town in company with a man named Barwise (Sheffield). I was on an outpost, and we tried to capture a lot of Boer horses. We knew these horses were within range of the enemy, but thought we could sneak them while the shells played on the position. We got to the horses alright, but while trying to cut a wire fence to get them through the Boers opened fire on us, and nothing but their bad shooting saved us, as they had the range and we had no cover.
We retired across the open plain where they pinked at us and the bullets whistled very close and cut up the dust near us, and it seemed a terribly long time before we got out of range. I must say I felt a bit scared, and will in future be careful how I sneak Boer horses.
One day while out to repair a telegraph line that had been cut, we located the enemy, who were round a kopje. They opened fire on our party of about 600, all mounted, and we attacked them and might have taken the hill, but the 59th Yeomanry (Queen's Own Oxfordshire Yeomanry), who were attacking one point, got too close and we had to go to their assistance. In fact that is the second time the Yeomanry got in a fix, and we were again ordered to cover their retreat.
This time it was a warm job, for it was just getting dark, and there was some confusion in the ranks of the Yeomanry, whose commanding officer had been shot and a sergeant had charge, and when they got to where the horses were they bunched into a heap, about the worst thing they could have done. The Boers kept up a constant fire from the top of a ridge, we could not do much to help them, as there was no cover for us.
It was lucky that only 14 of the Yeomanry were missing when all was over, every one of our fellows answered the roll call. After delivering up some Boer prisoners we were sent by train to Pretoria and remounted with horses taken from the Boers. We were sent 80 miles north and had several brushes with the enemy on the way out. On one occasion we were in a tight corner and the Boer bullets were falling thick about us, Captain Lewis gave the order to retire and do the best we could.
Lou Butcher and I were about the last of the half dozen who were getting the worst of it. My horse fell but recovered itself and got going again. Just then Butcher said to me, 'I'm hit' and dropped his rifle, but stuck manfully to his saddle until we got out of range. Bad shooting again on behalf of the Boers saved us. Butcher was wounded in the thigh."
TNWAEBT, November 1900.
"Demonstration For Reception Of Returning Soldiers Of The Queen, Sheffield."
"IMPOSING PROCESSION of local Company of Infantry, Friendly Societies, Schools and General Public headed by a brass band, will meet the soldiers at the east end of town at 12.30pm."
"The procession will then march to Mr H. Hope's paddock where an ADDRESS IN WELCOME will be read and a MONSTER PICNIC held."
"Heads of families are requested to PROVIDE "BASKETS;" the committee will find hot water and crockery."
"A grand MILITARY CONCERT will be held in Roland Hall at 8pm. Programme later. Admission to concert 6d.
O. R
TNWAEBT, December 1900.
"John 'Jack' Coleman, who was wounded at Elands River is still in hospital at Kimberley, he has to have his little finger taken off. In writing he states how he was wounded."
"He and Trooper Sullivan, of Whiteford Hills, were advancing as scouts when they noticed two horsemen with the NSW uniform, and rode right up to them, thinking they were friends. When the men, who proved to be disguised Boers, deliberately turned around and commenced peppering away with their rifles."
"Jack's horse was soon wounded, and although he had one bullet through his side and his hand smashed with another, he got down behind behind his horse for cover and kept up a fire at his opponent. The latter then cleared to his friends, who were in strong force ambushed some distance away."
TNWP 11th December 1900.
The Welcome Home To The Returning Troops.
"Troopers M. Best, J. Hope, J. Morse, G. Judge and W. Lyons arrived at Railton at 11.30am, the station was beautifully decorated in honour of their returning. Flags were displayed and the sentiment 'Welcome To Our Boys' was expressed in lettering of red, white and blue."
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| Railton Station |
Once the passengers had disembarked from the train a huge cheer went up, a march some half a mile long, it was made up of the Tasmanian mounted Infantry, the East Devonport Cadets, the Railton State School and a huge crowd. It wound its way through Railton to where various conveyances were waiting to take people to Sheffield.
Once there all the establishments were closed and at the entrance to the town proper a triumphal arch was erected on which was emblazoned "God Bless You, Our Boys". Flags were flying everywhere, huge crowds of people thronged the streets, nothing like this had been seen in Sheffield before.
After a parade had marched twice through the town Mr John Hope addressed the returned soldiers and the huge crowd. He said, "We have watched the doings of our own soldiers of the Queen with the keenest interest and unqualified pride. We fully realise you have nobly represented this small district and the colony of Tasmania in the forefront of the great Empires army, and have no doubt that this will be handed down with pride to your children's children."
Mr Hope then quoted Field Marshall Lord Roberts, saying; "the colonials work was absolutely unique in the annals of war, inasmuch they were without rest for a year, regardless of weather and frequently in rags and bootless, continually fighting an invisible foe, marching with incredible speed over enormous distances, enduring hardships and suffering without murmur and all through exhibiting conspicuous humanity to their enemies."
Morris Best was carried shoulder high by the Oddfellows and all the returned servicemen indulged (probably overindulged!) for the rest of the day and well into the night, the first contingent was home.
The War Drags On, 1901.
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| W.F.C Hodgkinson |
The Examiner, 13th May 1901.
"Troopers Egan and Hodgkinson, of the bushmen, have been released at Wynberg, and returned to camp restored in health."
Daily Telegraph 23rd March 1901.
"The Australians.
Two Tasmanians Captured.
Two of the Tasmanian Imperial Bushmen, James Egan and Walter Hodgkinson, have been captured near Winburg."
TNWP 16th July 1901.
Presentation Of Pendants To Sheffield Soldiers.
"Sheffield was en fete on Friday evening, when townsfolk and residents of the surrounding district mustered in strong force to do honour to the local soldiers who had volunteered for service in South Africa at the call of the Empire."
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| Oddfellows Hall, Main Street, Sheffield |
"At the Oddfellows Hall the seating was taxed to it's utmost capacity by eagre spectators, the hall was decorated and furnished by Lieutenant Roberts and Private Morse with the kindly assistance of Messers York, Schmidt & Co, the stage was transformed for the time being into a cosy drawing room, 'deeds have proved your worth' was written on the wall."
Lieutenant Colonel Cameron took to the stage and in turn presented each trooper with his pendant, the description of which was recorded; "the pendants are surmounted by the lion in repose and are neatly chased. On the obverse is inscribed 'South African Souvenir' and on the reverse 'presented to ----, by residents of Sheffield."
In order they were handed out to Private J. Hope, Private J. Morse, Trooper J.B. Coleman, Private G. Judge, Trooper M. Best, Private A. Lupton, Trooper W. Lyon, Trooper R. Lawson, Trooper S. Midgley, Trooper C. Packett (who was also handed his brother's pendant in his absence) and Trooper J. Wood.
While handing the pendant over to Trooper Coleman Lieutenant Colonel Cameron said that he had done loyal service and showed the marks of the hard work, Coleman had had his right little finger shot off at the battle of Elands River.
Songs were then sung, 'The Song That Will Live Forever', 'Old Black Joe', 'I'll Be Your Sweetheart' and 'The British Flag'. The celebrations carried on for many hours (Sheffield knows how to party!) and at the end of the night everyone joined in with 'Auld Lang Syne'.
The second contingent were home.
The Mercury, 6th August 1901.
"All the returned contingenters are highly indignant at the garbled and one sided version of the Rhynoster Kop 'engagement', as supplied to your reporter by Sergeant Kenny Ward. He described it as being one of the fiercest and most stubborn engagements of the campaign, whereas it was only a very mild skirmish.
The facts, as furnished to me by at least 20 of the returned contingenters, are these;
A patrol of about 20 men under Lieut. Perkins were suddenly attacked by about 50 of the enemy under Commander Vijoen, who dashed out from behind the cover of a kopje. Troopers Banks, Smith and Griffin, who were in charge of some sheep, were subjected to a very heavy fire. The former, who was wounded, was captured by the enemy, who threatened to blow his brains out., accusing him of being a colonial.
After relieving him of his watch, bandolier and pocket book, he was allowed to depart. It was at Rynoster Kop that Trooper Flemming was wounded in the ankle, the ball first passing through the body of his horse; he was carried out of a heavy fire by Trooper Bellette.
Troopers Herbert, Barwise (Sheffield) and Clark distinguished themselves, and made desperate efforts to cover the retreat of Banks and Smith. However, little damage was done. It is only fair to the other members of the contingent that something like a true account of the affair should be given. Sergeant Kenny Ward must have a very vivid imagination."
TNWAEBT, 8th August 1901.
"The Returned Tasmanians At Sheffield.
A smoke concert was tendered to Corporal Barwise and Troopers Hodgkinson and Johnstone, in the Sheffield Oddfellows' Hall on Tuesday evening. There was a good attendance of volunteers and civilians. Captain Hope presided.
Songs and instrumental selections were given by a number of those present, which were much appreciated; but the most interesting part of the programme was the experiences of the returned men, each of whom gave some interesting details of his life at the front.
Corporal Barwise told the audience how Lieut. Sale was shot, and how a nigger who in the dark refused to respond to a sentry's challenge was shot, but not fatally. Trooper Johnstone gave some interesting experiences of commandeering houses and how a trying march was accomplished.
Trooper Hodgkinson while out scouting on a worn out horse was overtaken by several Boers and taken prisoner. The diet while he was in the hands of the Boers was of a very indifferent character, frequently a good supply of meal mixed with boiling water being the only food.
During the evening tea, coffee and edibles and cigars were handed round. Corporal Barwise thanked the officers and members of the corps for the welcome home extended to them."
TNWAEBT, January 1902.
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| Lieutenant W.K. Barwise |
"LIEUTENANTS APPOINTED.
Hobart, Tuesday. - H.H. Riggall and W.K. Barwise (Sheffield) have been appointed Lieutenants of the Tasmanian quota of the Commonwealth contingent which will probably embark in the Columbian at Hobart on February 12."
The 5th Contingent left Australia on the 16th February and returned on the 9th August, although the Commonwealth Horse with Lieutenant Barwise didn't leave Cape Town until 12th September. During their time in South Africa Captain Percival complained about being "stuck in Klerksdorp" running the depot.
At this point in the war a system of blockhouses interlocked with barbed wire fences was completed, and columns of mounted infantry were used to "steamroller" the Boers into them. Many were caught but the Boer "Bittereinders" fought on tenaciously. Also, the terrible conditions in the British concentration camps had embarrassed the military authorities (approximately 1 in 4 inmates had died), but this was not a deliberate act, the camps were to improve dramatically but the damage was done.
Lieutenant Barwise was called to the columns at the last minute, leaving his bored comrades at Klerksdorp, he would witness the last actions of the war. On the 31st May 1902 the Boers surrendered.
The Sheffield volunteers were present in four contingents out of the seven raised, they were the first, second, third and fifth. They fought with bravery and distinction, lest we forget.
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| The 5th Contingent, Capt Percival center, Lt. Barwise to the right |
This post was published in a shortened form in the Kentish Voice news magazine, Sheffield, Tasmania, March and April 2024.
