Diary of the siege and relief
SEPTEMBER 1899
Saturday 30th The Durban Light Infantry at 476 strong and the Natal Naval Volunteers arrive in Colenso.
OCTOBER 1899
Monday 2nd The Natal Naval Volunteers arrived yesterday and the Border Mounted Rifles today so it looks as if there will be trouble before long.
Lieutenant Molyneux of the Durban Light Infantry establishes a Fort at the bridge across Langervewacht Spruit and at the same time Captain J.S. Wylie builds a fort closer to Colenso and Lieutenant Nicholson established ‘Fort Nicolson” south-west of the town.
Thursday 5th Very cold last night and a dust storm all day. Everyone kept to the tents and houses.
Sunday 8th Went to the All Saints Church and Archdeacon Barker gave scathing sermon. The 24th RAMC Field Hospital arrived.
Tuesday 10th News just through is that ‘Oom’ Paul Kruger has given the British government an ultimatum to withdraw all forces from the country within twenty-four hours or there will be fighting.
Wednesday 11th Everyone has been on tender hooks all night for some reply from Great Britain but there was none so we assume that we will be doing battle soon. The build up of troops is now explained.
Thursday 12th The Boers have crossed the border and are in Newcastle.
Friday 13th Sir George White arrived on Wednesday with others of his staff, Hunter, Hamilton, and the Irish Fusiliers today, now we can get on with it.
Saturday 14th The 11th RAMC Field Hospital and the Gloucester Regiment arrive. The town is full of refugees, women, children and farmers who have come into town for safety. A lovely clear warm night with millions of stars shining in the heavens.
Wednesday 18th Imperials Light Horse arrived yesterday and left early this morning for Colenso but had returned by this evening. Classrooms and dormitories at the Sanatorium are to be prepared and made ready as a hospital.
Saturday 21st Word coming through from Dundee is that we have had a hard time there and that General Penn-Symons is dead.
Sunday 22nd The station is crowded with rows of wounded from yesterday’s battle at Elandslaagte and many lay out in the wet and cold all night. The market area has been bustling with activity with Hospitals both in the Town Hall and the public library. Captain Wilson of the Natal Carbineers was arrested after retreating from Dundee without permission. Among the Boer prisoners brought in was Colonel Schiel and the wounded General Kock. General White has telegraphed to General Yule at Dundee to return to Ladysmith with all his forces.
Tuesday 24th The army is going out to assist Yule’s retreat by attacking the Boers at Rietfontein.
Wednesday 25th Dead Tommys collected from yesterday’s battle at Rietfontein.
Thursday 26th General Yule arrives after retreating from Dundee. The Tommy’s have walked all the way, some without shoes and are all done in.
Saturday 28th The Boers have got the town boxed in with Laagers all round.
Sunday 29th A Spy with a camera was caught today by the Leicester sentries. The Natal Carbineers went out to occupy Umbulwane.
Monday 30th At about 2 AM the troops moved out for three battle areas that would become known as the battle of Ladysmith. The shelling from the hills became very hot, coming thick and fast. This whole episode became known as Mournful Monday because of the disastrous failure on the 30th October of the Battle of Ladysmith when over twelve hundred casualties in dead, wounded and prisoners were sustained.
The 2nd Rifle Brigade arrived at 3 AM this morning. All day mules have been coming in with bits and pieces of guns and ammunition from the Battle. The Royal Navy arrived in the nick of time and before you could say Jack Tar they had detrained and were off to the fight, with quickest turn around ever seen their first shot put Long Tom out of action. Telephone lines are being put on all the main fortifications so that General White can keep in touch with his commanders. The Navy guns have been given names in true Jack Tar style. One is called Bloody Mary and the other Lady Anne.
Wounded rom Dundee battle
Sir Redvers Buller arrives in Cape Town and the following day at 9 am he disembarks and promptly divides his force into three
Tuesday 31st Armistice called so the dead and wounded can be collected but this was hampered somewhat by a dust storm. We hear that General Buller has arrived in Cape Town so it will not be long before we have the better of Johnny Boer. 1st Manchester Regiment moved to Caesars Camp.
An officer was Court-Martialled today for cowardice and desertion at Dundee and dismissed from his Corps.
General White sends the 2nd Battalion Dublin Fusiliers and the Natal Field Artillery to Colenso.
NOVEMBER 1899
Wednesday 1st All Saints Day. Exchange of shots between the Estcourt section Natal Carbineers and some Boers on Grobelaars kloof north of Colenso.
Sortie to Long Valley to test the Boers there.
Thursday 2nd The last train left town full with women, children and Generals French and Yule. As soon as it had left the Boers, at 2.30 in the afternoon cut the telegraph wires, the railway line and destroyed the water works. Lieutenant Egerton of the Royal Navy was killed today.
A Boer ambulance came into town bringing wounded and a letter from Commandant Joubert asking to exchange prisoners and whilst they were here bought goods at the stores with gold coin. The driver of the Wagon was found to be a Boer artillery officer who had used the trip to sight the British targets. The following day the Boer artillery was more accurate effecting its fire on the ammunition areas and Staff HQ. At about 3 PM the telegraph lines were cut. Shell lands in the Crown Hotel.
Forts Wylie and Molyneux are shelled and one man from the Dublin Fusiliers is wounded at Molyneux.
See Cassells account of attack on Fort molyneux.
At 11.30 The order was given for the troops at Colenso to withdraw to Estcourt. This was done successfully in several trips with the aid of two trains from Estcourt and the 800 Dublin Fusiliers, 470DLI, NNV, NFA and their guns
Friday 3rd The Royal Hotel opened a new dining room today and as if to christen it the Boers sent a shell through the dining room, into the small cottage next door blowing out the whole side and destroying the contents. Fortunately Mr Pearse a correspondent was not in at the time.
The Natal Carbineers were sent out to End Hill to extricate some Imperial Light Horse and in doing so lost Charles Taunton who was hit through in the chest. Captain Knapp of the Imperial Light Horse was also killed.
There is now a large hospital complex in and around the Town Hall and two others in the churches behind. Around the market square there is the Volunteer Hospital and Field Hospitals numbers 11, 12, 18, 24 and 26 all identified by the large Red Cross of Geneva.
The enemy tried to get at us today by attacking the south-east corner of Caesars camp but they gave up. Probably trying us out. None killed but 5 or 6 wounded.
The Natal Naval Volunteers marched through town today on their way to Caesars camp to support the Manchesters.
The townspeople met to see who wanted to go to the camp at Intombi. Those at the station were all for it but at another meeting Archdeacon Barker convinced them to stay and fight.
A Laager was built in Poort road for the women and children from sand and straw.
The Boers shelled Colenso with a 40 pounder from a hill north of the town. And the troops ordered to move back to Estcourt
Saturday 4th Quiet day. A Major Bateson was sent out to the Boer commander Piet Joubert with a letter from General White requesting that the hospitals be sent to a safer place. An armistice was agreed until tomorrow night to allow the sick, wounded, civilians and some hospitals to be moved out to Intombi Spruit, about three miles out of town.
Today is the anniversary of the Bushmans Pass fight where the Natal Carbineers fought against chief Langalibalele.
Sunday 5th The first train that moved out to Intombi hit a cow and was derailed and it took until 2 PM to get the train underway again. The prisoners taken by the Boers at Dundee have been transferred to Intombi adding more strain to the camp. The Royal Engineers have set up telephone lines connecting the Devons and Caesars camp to Headquarters. The Rifle Brigade raided Thornmhill’s farm returning with fresh vegetables.
Monday 6th Those that seek shelter in the riverbank get up before it is light in order to pack baskets and reach the caves before the Boer starts his daily shelling.
The Royal Engineers observation balloon sent up today but due to strong winds it was brought down again. Three have been lost to date, two to shells and one in a storm.
Milk cows have been commandeered for the sick.
At 9.15 a 90 pound shell exploded in the Refectory of the Convent making a large hole in the wall. Another fell on the roof of the community room, through the Novitat room and buried itself in a cellar. It was arranged that all 16 sisters and nurses would be moved to Intombi Camp tomorrow.
Tuesday 7th Heavy bombardment of town. The first issue a siege newspaper The Ladysmith Lyre came out today and was very amusing.
Wednesday 8th All quiet to begin with but the shelling started at 7 AM a little later than usual. Another shell from Long Tom landed in the convent. Now that the fresh water supply has been cut off all bathing in the river has been stopped. Filters to purify the river water have been set up by the engineers. Daily provisions are 1lb meat or bone, 1lb bread and some tea and sugar per person.
Thursday 9th Our Blacksmith has been busy of late with the influx of cavalry. The enemy attacked the neck between Caesar’s Camp and Wagon Hill but the Manchesters, Imperial Light Horse and 42nd Royal Field Artillery Battery fought them off. The Kings Royal Rifles & Rifle Brigade fended off an attack on Observation hill. Some others tried to create a diversion by attacking at the other end of town near Helpmekaar. The 5th Lancers and Rifle Brigade drove back the attack and it was all over by 11 AM. Later a ‘forage‘ was made to see what the Boers had left behind.
Filtering water
Blacksmith
At noon a 21 gun salute in honour of the Prince of Wales’s birthday is fired off and tot of Rum issued .
Commandant Piet Joubert holds a council of war and decides to cross the Tugela.
Friday 10th Rain hail and thunder all in all a very miserable all day. A heliograph connection is made with Estcourt. Armistice called by the Boers but it was a ruse to fix their guns.
Saturday 11th Quiet and wet all day. The Royal & Crown Hotels are hit and passes issued to prevent spies from getting into town. Gordon Highlanders hold a sports day.
Sunday 12th The first siege baby was born today to a Mrs Moore.
Monday 13th Shelling started at 5.30 this morning but stopped by 9am.
The Boers move out of Colenso across the Tugela.
The 2nd Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment arrives at Estcourt.
Tuesday 14th The 16th day of siege and shelling continues from 6.30 AM in earnest from Pepworth Hill. Another siege baby born.
Major General Brocklehurst makes a sortie to Star Hill with the Natal Carbineers and the Cavalry. One poor boy from the Natal Carbineers had his throat cut by a flying shell fragment.
The Boer army reaches Chieveley
Wednesday 15th Quiet all day with rain most of the time.
The Train disaster and Winston Churchill is captured
Thursday 16th No rain and the sun is shining. The Irish Fusiliers have Macadamed the roads at their camp but the roads in the town are in terrible condition.
Just for the fun of it names have been given to the Dutchman’s guns such as Puffing Billy, Long Tom and Silent Susan. A Shell landed in the station killing one of the workers called Mason who was buried the same day wrapped in the Union Jack, as there were no coffins. Another railway worker called Edwards was wounded. Two more were wounded and an Indian killed and 1 wounded.
Friday 17th Very quiet, no shells, no news in fact boring, cannot even go down to the pub for a pint.
Saturday 18th
Trooper James White receives a minor head wound from a howitzer shell.
Very wet last night, torrential rain and the poor old cavalry had to go out.
Doctor Stark killed by a shell outside the Royal hotel.
The Gordons held a football match playing against a combined team of the Natal Carbineers and the Natal Mounted Rifles; Gordons won two goals to one. The cavalry played Polo. The Royal Hotel was hit for the third time and a Doctor Stark was killed.
Thorneycroft’s Mounted Infantry arrive at Mooi River.
Sunday 19th Terribly hot and 16 cases of Enteric fever reported at Intombi Camp
Monday 20th Started off as a quiet day but they started shelling us in the afternoon.
The All Saints Church was hit demolishing the entrance porch but it did not stop our game of cricket. All the beer is finished but the Soda factory is still operating. Watched the enemy searchlight playing in the sky last night.
Tuesday 21st Very quiet with a little rifle fire somewhere in the distance. Natal Carbineers played cricket whilst shelling is light.
Wednesday 22nd Big thunderstorm last night with more lightning than seen for a long time. The Mayors room at the Town Hall was hit and our casualties to date are twenty killed.
Thursday 23rd The hottest day yet with another thunderstorm and heavy shelling but we are getting crafty when Long Tom is seen smoking, a trumpet sounds which gives everyone about twenty seconds or so to get under cover. Two men of the Gloucester regiment die of enteric.
Friday 24th A spy called Oscar Meyer escaped today, managing to get passed the sentries by wearing the uniform of the guides and when asked for his pass he took a chance and galloped off. Three Boer guns on Telegraph hill have been nicknamed “Faith, Hope and Charity”. A shell drops in the Liverpool camp killing one and wounding nine. Shelling from Rifleman’s Ridge deliberately to stampede the cattle.
The Battle of Willow Grange.
Saturday 25th Only a month until Christmas and because the cattle were stolen yesterday the meat ration is reduced. There was a cricket match between the Natal Carbineers and the Natal mounted rifles with the Carbineers winning by an innings and forty three runs.
Sunday 26th Very quiet, Johnny Boer does not fight on the Lord’s Day.
The British HQ advanced to Frere from Estcourt.
Monday 27th Rumour that General Buller will be coming through Harrismith and that General French is marching to Dundee. Flies are now the biggest pest as you cannot put food in the mouth with adding a few flies. No wonder diseases are rampant
Tuesday 28th Runner arrived with news that there was a big fight at Mooi River.
Wednesday 29th The relief column is at Chieveley and orders are to stand by to help. Colonel Stoneman holds his first Shakespeare reading party.
A Trooper in one of the Colonial Regiments, caught signalling to the Boers was shot on the spot.
Thursday 30th The Boers can be seen moving their Long Tom from Pepworth Hill. Town hall hit again, Johnny Boer must be using the Red Cross flag on the tower as a target; one killed, six seriously wounded and three slightly. A party was held at the Royal Hotel to celebrate St. Andrews day. Long Tom fired around six in the evening and the Gordons play Polo in the morning and their bagpipes in the evening. Three privates shot for disobedience of orders and one hanged for falling asleep on guard. Castor and Pollux, two old guns found in a warehouse in Port Elizabeth were moved to the northern crest of Wagon Hill forcing the Boers to move their Long Tom from Middle Hill.
DECEMBER 1899
Friday 1st Just one month to go to the new century. The town now relies on the Klip River for drinking water which carries all manner of waste including human and animal carcasses. It has assumed the consistency of pea soup and should be used for cooking and even then only after the addition of Alum to settle the sediment. A Boer spy has been hanged today and speculation has it that it was he that led the Gloucesters into the trap at Nicholsons Nek.
Saturday 2nd The Natal Carbineers held a sports day, showing much contempt for the enemy. There was a large field of well known runners from all over the country The General and staff were there and residents served tea. The Heliograph at Weenan is visible from the Convent. All lights must be extinguished by 8.30 each night and a bell is rung to announce this.
Sunday 3rd Quiet and hot all day; 102 in the shade. William Mason suspected of spying but later the charges were dismissed. Mayor issues orders that all residents will register their names for food issue. Signalling going on all night by flashlight. Flies are worse than ever. They, walls, curtains cover everything, it is awful. The most effective cure to date is Coopers Sheep dip.
Monday 4th Wet morning and shelling all day. Native arrived with news that the British have been successful in the Free State against Cronje. The Devonshire regiment played the rest at cricket today and beat them by forty runs. Then later tonight they made a route march twice around town just to harden their feet.
Tuesday 5th Rain all day. Carbineers concert cancelled again because of the weather.
The Cameronians arrive in Frere.
Wednesday 6th More shelling today and the Carbineers finally had their open-air concert tonight and the sailors were very popular with their contribution.
The eighth child, their second son, was born to Mr & Mrs. Willis and they intend to christen him Harry Buller Siege.
A cricket match between the Newcastle and Nottingham Road Carbineers was won by latter.
Buller arrives at Frere.
Thursday 7th Very hot day. Lights out at 8.30 has been cancelled so everyone is happy. Something is up because the Colonials had their smoking concert cancelled at the last minute and has gone out on some sortie or other.
Friday 8th
Gun Hill sortie
Again a very hot day. Great excitement as the town learns of lasts night’s sortie. A party of around five hundred colonials went out to Gun Hill blowing up a Long Tom, and a Howitzer and bringing back a Maxim gun. At about 12.30 today General White had the heroes paraded to congratulate them, which lifted morale.
The 1st Battalion Somerset Light Infantry arrive at Estcourt
Saturday 9th Newspapers of the 2nd and 4th brought in today by some natives.
Sunday 10th Very quiet and terribly hot. Young lad tried to open a shell and it exploded in his face and it is feared that he will be blind for life. Boers look to be erecting another gun on Gun Hill.
Monday 11th Another night attack on the enemy to Surprise Hill, this time by some British regiments. A piquet found a bicycle at the foot of Caesars Camp probably belonging to a spy. Some Natal Naval Volunteers went out to Besters farm and looted it of provisions and clothes.
News of General Gatacre’s failure at Stormberg reaches Buller; the start of Black Week.
Buller heliographs White that he will be making an attempt to reach Ladysmith through Potgeiters to the west.
Tuesday 12th A shell from Lombards Kop hits the dispensary. Armistice called to collect dead and wounded from Surprise Hill.
News of General Methuen reversal at Magersfontein. Buller again heliographs White that he has changed his mind and the 17th will be the date for the attack on Colenso.
Wednesday 13th
Nothing happened, quite a boring day.
The initial softening up of the Boers at Colenso begins with a Naval Bombardment.
Thursday 14th Shelling started at 4AM and we could hear heavy artillery fire towards Colenso which hopefully is Buller breaking through to us.
Buller is ready to attack Colenso and informs Sir George White to that effect.
Friday 15th Heavy shelling again heard at Colenso. Fourth and final issue of the Ladysmith Lyre. Food extortionately high with potatoes are 23/- for 14lbs, eggs 10/- a dozen, Jam at 3/6 per lb.
The Battle of Colenso. After the failure Buller cables White and instructs him to fire off his ammunition, burn the code books and seek the best terms he can get from the Boers. Fortunately White does not follow these instructions.
Boers with captured guns
Saturday 16th A full moon
Dingane’s Day so the Boers will send over a few shells. There are over seven hundred patients at Intombi with enteric fever and many more here in town.
A shell landed in Captain Valentin’s stable taking the head off his horse. General White issues statement that General Buller was defeated at Colenso in his attempt to relive Ladysmith.
Sunday 17th A shell from the enemy landed among the Carbineers killing six, wounding three and destroying fourteen horses. Most of the extras like bacon, cheese, jam are now finished and what fresh meat there is, is of a poor quality, there is still bread, tea and sugar but no milk. Two steam engines are running to condense water of a fairly good quality at half a gallon per day.
Lord Roberts is offered the command of the troops in South Africa and accepts, just two days after his son is killed trying to retrieve the guns at Colenso.
Monday 18th Shelling began soon after dawn. Saddler Sergeant Lyle had a miraculous escape. He was sitting on a box when a shell fragment passed between his legs, smashed several rifles then went on to destroy Sergeant Major Mitchells kit.
Another Sergeant sleeping nearby was unhurt but the tent was riddled with bullets from the shell. The dead were buried with full military honours in the town cemetery after dark.
Tuesday 19th Shelling all day with a thunderstorm for about an hour in the afternoon. Several monkeys have been causing havoc amongst the different camps and people have built shelters even though the speculation is we will be relieved soon.
Wednesday 20th Shelling started at 6.30 this morning with one of the last shots of the day hitting the Town Hall tower and luckily someone had removed the clock. Request to Colonel Ward of the Army Service Corps from the mayor and townspeople that soldiers stop from bathing in the river as it was upsetting the ladies of the town. He suggested that the Ladies do not look.
Thursday 21st Today is the longest day of the year. General White moves his Headquarters after the current building is hit.
Prices once again have risen; potatoes are now 3d each, 4/- for tin of condensed milk, sugar 6d. per lb. and little or no meat at all.
Friday 22nd Shells land in the Gloucester and Devon camps killing 13 and wounding 21. The Border Mounted Rifles had an impromptu concert improvising with instruments. The drum was a flour cask with sheep skin stretched over it and there was a triangle and several tin whistles. Everyone is collecting what they can for a Christmas bash.
Sad to see twelve Dhoolie Bearers passing through town today with their load of sick. A native has reached Intombi camp with a sack full of tinned milk.
Saturday 23rd. The South Lancashire Regiment arrives at Frere.
Sunday 24th Very hot but quiet. Carols were sung from all around the town tonight.
Monday 25th
Children’s Christmas party
Christmas day, who would have thought that we would still be here. At Intombi Camp there are over fifty with enteric. Several officers organised a party for the children and each received a present. Eggs cost 1/- each and whiskey is 5 pounds. The Boers fired few shells today and another was found that did not explode. When opened it was found to contain Christmas pudding and a note saying “Come out of your holes and fight you cowardly English”.
Mr Steevens the correspondent is down with enteric. A dust storm followed by very heavy rain has cancelled tonight’s concert. Several members of the congregation at the Anglican Church feel that Archdeacon Barker’s daughter could do with some lessons on playing the Organ.
Wednesday 27th We hear that Lord Roberts son, Freddie, was killed at the battle of Colenso on the 15th.
Thursday 28th Court-Martial today of civilian who had been corresponding with the enemy. He has been fed whilst the soldier goes without. Gave him three years penal servitude for his treachery. The enemy has been quiet all day.
Friday 29th A Very wet night. Shell fell into the Standard Bank breaking all the windows.
Saturday 30th It Rained for thirteen hours last night and this morning and the river has risen around twenty feet, up to the top of the bank. There is still no news of Buller. Boer searchlights playing on Buller’s signals so we are unable to get accurate messages. Native who tried to swim the river for a 5/- shilling bet was drowned.
Sunday 31st New Years Eve with shells coming over all night. Some Boers caught stealing cattle were tried by court martial and sentenced to five years hard labour. Maizena, formerly at 4d per packet was sold today for 2/6.
JANUARY 1900
Monday 1st The New Year and new century have arrived. A Shell landed in the parsonage garden narrowly missing the Archdeacon’s wife.
Shell damage
The Natal Carbineers held a concert in the evening on a platform erected on the parade ground and as was expected the Navy contributed greatly to the success of it. Tobacco priced at 5 pounds per pound and a box of matches for ten shillings for eight. Food is becoming quite awful.
Tuesday 2nd Quiet day after heavy shelling this morning but the Gordons band practice helped to cheer things up.
Wednesday 3rd Too many rumours abound today; “Sir Charles Warren is at Helpmekaar, someone else is near Acton Homes” etc just hope they all hurry up and get here. Prices up again. Eggs are 17/- per dozen; Matches 6d per box; sugar 1/- per pound; coffee, if one can get it, is selling for 3/- per pound.
Thursday 4th A very quiet day. A Hotchkiss and 4.7 are to move to Wagon Hill and over fifteen hundred patients are now at Intombi camp.
Friday 5th People are getting used to the shells, you here it coming and hardly ever look up in interest any more. One landed in the camp of the Royal Irish Rifles on Red Hill killing one man and wounding four. At 2 am there was a great deal of firing on Wagon Hill.
Saturday 6th
Battle of Platrand
Morning Battle of Platrand, Wagon Hill and Caesars Camp and every available man has been sent up to hold back the enemy because if they don’t then it is all over for the town.
Come the evening we have managed to send the Boers packing but at what cost we have yet to discover. The ambulances have been continuous in their terrible task all night. All those men held in reserve have been out collecting the wounded then back for the dead of both armies.
General Sir Charles Warren arrives at Frere with the 5th Division
Sunday 7th Am armistice has been declared so that the medical people on both sides can collect their dead and injured. Dickie Gorton of the Imperial Light Horse was wounded eight times and will not live to play rugby anymore.
Buller forces leave Frere and head for Springfield to make the second attempt to relieve Ladysmith
Monday 8th It rained heavily all night. The Town hall was hit again and one man was found dead in the toilet. Telegram found on one of the Boers telling them to take Platrand at all costs.
Tuesday 9th Raining all night and this morning but no shelling at all today. Enemy can be seen collecting their dead from Saturday. Eggs 18/- a dozen and potatoes 4/- a pound.
The 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers arrive in Frere.
Wednesday 10th A fine morning. Congratulations have been received from the Queen on the gallant effort on the 6th
Thursday 11th We exchanged a Boer with a head wound for a wounded Hussar. Dickie Gorton and Lord Ava died
Friday 12th We could see Buller’s Heliograph visible on Spearmans Hill
The Royal Navy and Buller arrive and set up headquarters on mount Alice.
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