and Sir F. Carrington |
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(The London Gazette, No 26830, pp1389-1392, Tuesday, March 9, 1897)
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Sir, I HAVE the honour to enclose for your information, the accompanying copy of a Despatch from Major-General Sir F. Carrington, K.C.M.G., reporting on the operations in Matabeleland and Mashonaland, and giving a list of the officers and men who rendered gallant and conspicuous service. The hearing and conduct of the forces engaged, both Imperial and Colonial, have been excellent throughout, and I recommend for favourable consideration the list of officers and men mentioned by Sir F. Carrington as having distinguished themselves. I fully endorse Sir F. Carrington's remarks regarding the assistance rendered by Colonel Machado and his officers, and desire at the same time to bring to notice the courteous and friendly spirit shown by His Excellency the GovernorGeneral of Mozambique. Lieutenant-General Goodenough, C.B., has at all times shown the utmost readiness to assist, both by giving valuable advice, and by placing at my disposal the Imperial stores in South Africa. To Rear-Admiral Rawson, C.B., I am indebted for the provision of Maxim guns and stores and for assistance rendered by the Navy in the disembarkation of troops. Mr. Ross, Her Majesty's Consul at Beira, has also rendered valuable assistance in arranging for the passage of troops through Portuguese territory, and in collecting information on various subjects. |
| I have, &c., ROSMEAD, Governor and High Commissioner. |
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From Major-General Sir F. Carrington, K.C.M.G., to His Excellency the High Commissioner, South Africa. Umtali, December 12, 1896 |
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My Lord, I HAVE the honour to forward herewith my report on the operations in connection with the late rebellion in Matabeleland and Mashonaland. I would venture specially to commend to your Excellency's notice the kind and effective assistance rendered by Colonel Machado, the Governor of Beira, and by his subordinates the Commandants of Chimoio and Massikessi, who afforded every facility and kindness to the Imperial troops passing through Portuguese territory to Mashonaland. I would also beg to express my grateful acknowledgment of the ready co-operation and assistance accorded to me by the General Officer Commanding in South Africa, and by the General Officer Commanding the Troops, Natal. I desire to recommend to favourable consideration the services of the officers, non-commissioned officers, and men, noted in the attached list for gallantry in action, and for meritorious work. Owing to the dearth of trained Special Service Officers the work fell heavily at first on officers of the Staff, indeed for all ranks the campaign was an arduous one. The fighting, especially towards the latter end, was of aparticularly trying and unsatisfactory character, but the men in no way failed to show a keenness, and soldierly qualities, worthy of the highest traditions of the service. |
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I have, &c., F. CARRINGTON Major-General; |
| Recommendation for Conspicuous Gallantry in Action, and for Gallantry in Action, and other good service:- |
| Conspicuous Gallantry in Action. |
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(In Chronological Order.) |
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Trooper Henderson, Buluwayo Field Force, 30th March, was cut off with Trooper Celliers from the main body; Celliers being badly wounded.
Henderson gave up his horse to him, refused to leave him, tended him two days and one night, and brought him alone through 35 miles
of country full of armed rebels to Buluwayo. (footnote 1) Lieutenant E. C. Windley, Buluwayo Field Force; 22nd April, went back to the assistance of Captain Selous, who was surrounded by the enemy, his horse having run away. Windley brought Selous out safely, closely pursued the whole time by the Matabele. Lieutenant F. H. Crewe, Buluwayo Field Force 22nd. April, turned back for Trooper Hook, who had lost his horse, and was wounded, gave up his own horse to Hook, running on foot himself till knocked down by the enemy, who were in close pursuit. He was rescued in turn by Trooper Lester. Trooper Lester Buluwayo Field Force, 22nd April, came to the assistance of Crewe, who was dismounted and hotly pursued by the Matabele. Lester gave up his horse to Crewe and escaped himself, being taken up on to his horse by Captain Grey. Trooper Baxter, Buluwayo Field Force, 22nd April gave up his horse to a wounded comrade, Corporal Wiseman, when closely pursued. He was himself then wounded, overtaken, and assegied (killed). (footnote 2) Captain Grey, Buluwayo Field Force, 22nd April, assisted Trooper Baxter after this man had lost his horse. Also, though just wounded, he took up Trooper Lester on his horse when closely pursued by the Matabele. Lieutenant Sinclair, Buluwayo Field Force, 22nd May picked up Trooper Rothman, who had fallen from his horse mortally wounded, and put him on his own horse and carried him out of action (2 miles) under heavy fire. Sergeant L Newmeyer and Trooper Begby, Matabeleland Relief Force, (footnote 3) 25th May, went up to within 25 yards of the Matabele and brought in the body of Trooper Hay who had been mortally hit. This was done under heavy fire at close quarters. Sergeant Farley, Buluwayo Field Force, 6th, June, gave up his horse to Trooper Combrink, who had been knocked off his horse and stunned, and would have been killed, as the enemy were within a few yards of him. Captain Nesbitt, M.M.P., 19th June, conducted Mazoe rescue patrol, 13 men, fighting his way through rebels to get to Salthouse's party, and succeeded in bringing them back to Salisbury, with heavy fighting, in which three were killed and five wounded, 15 horses killed and wounded. (footnote 4) Captain Llewellyn, Buluwayo Field Force (late, Royal Navy), 20th July, during a rush on Beresford's force (in the attack on Sikombo), Captain Llewellyn ran to the Maxim, which was for the moment without a firer, and remained alone on it, keeping it in action, with the enemy within a few yards. Displayed great coolness in working his Maxims under fire at the attack on Babyan's stronghold, and on other occasions. (footnote 5) |
| Gallantry in Action, and other Good Service. Staff. |
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Major and Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel Baden-Powell, 13th Hussars, Chief Staff Officer. As Chief of the Staff his services were
invaluable, and I cannot speak too highly of the assistance he has rendered me. Commanded the advanced force during the whole of its attack on Babyan's stronghold, 20th July. Performed excellent service in the risky work of locating the various impis in the Matoppos by day and by night. Commanded successful patrols in clearing the Shangani, Wedzas, and Belingwe districts. Acted as Staff Office to Colonel Plumer throughout the operations in the Matoppos. Captain Vyvyan, East Kent Regiment, Brigade Major. This officer was constantly at hard work throughout the whole campaign, and rendered excellent service by the thorough and conscientious manner in which he always carried out his duties. Did good service in a critical part of the action in the Tuli gorge at Babyan's stronghold. 20th July. Acted as Staff Officer to Colonel Plumer at Thaba-ka-Mamba and other places. Lieutenant Ferguson, South Wales Borderers, Aide-de-Camp, rendered very valuable assistance to Captain Laing in the Matoppos. Accompanied Major Ridley's patrol down the Guai river. Did much useful work in conveying my despatches across country. Major Thorold, West Riding Regiment, Special Service, did good work as Staff Officer at Mafeking and at Macloutsie for moves of troops. Commanded at Gwelo, where he re-organized the Volunteer garrison. Lieutenant-Colonel Bridge, Army Service Corps, Deputy-Assistant Adjutant-General, did good service in a critical part of the action in Tuli gorge, at Babyan's stronghold, 20th July. Organized the whole of the Supply and Transport and Ordnance Departments, w hich were practically non-existent. This officer's work was invaluable. Surgeon-Lieutenant-Colonel Gormley, Army Medical Staff, Principal Medical Officer, acted as Principal Medical Officer on my Staff. He accompanied the mixed force to the Shangani, and accompanied me through Matabeleland and Mashonaland. |
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Matabeleland Relief Force. |
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Major and Local Lieutenant-Colonel Plumer, York and Lancaster Regiment, organized, raised corps of Mounted Rifles in a remarkably short
space of time for relief of Matabeleland and commanded it with conspicuous success. Commanded the Trenance and Guai patrols, and at the
successful action at Taba-ka-Mamba. Commanded the operations in the Matoppo, and rendered excellent service generally. Lieutenant McCulloch, Royal Artillery, Commanding Royal Artillery; Lieutenant Fraser, West Riding Regiment, attached to Royal Artillery, worked their guns with great coolness and steadiness when the enemy were in force within 50 yards of them in the attack on Sikombo, 5th August. They both remained with their guns after being wounded. (footnote 6) Captain the Honourable J Beresford, 7th Hussars, attached to Matabeleland Relief Force (footnote 3) when in command of a detached force in the action against Sikombo, 5th August, showed much coolness and judgment under difficult circumstances. Lieutenant and Local Captain H S Turner, Black Watch, Adjutant Matabeleland Relief Force, (footnote 3) as Adjutant and Paymaster carried out his duties with exceptional merit, and was a very useful Staff Officer to Colonel Plumer. |
7th Hussars |
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Colonel Paget, commanded the 7th Hussars, which did much hard work unostentatiously and well; as did also the mounted companies of the
West Riding, and the York and Lancaster Regiments. Their shooting and fire discipline were particularly good. Second Lieutenant His Serene Highness Prince Alexander of Teck, 7th Hussars acted as Staff Officer to Colonel Baden Powell's patrol to Wedza's. Proved an indefatigable Staff Officer, and of greatest assistance. Was particularly useful in the attack on Wedza's stronghold. |
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Staff, Mashonaland. |
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Major and Local Lieutenant-Colonel Alderson, Royal West Kent Regiment, commanding the troops, North Mashonaland. This officer took up
the command of operations at a most critical time when there was no competent head to direct matters on the spot, and owing to the wires
being cut from time to time, I was unable to communicate with him, so that he had to act on his own responsibility. All his operations were
successfully carried out. It was largely due to his arrangements that the rebels in Mashonaland were brought into subjection, and the troops
enabled to withdraw from the country before the rainy season set in. Captain Godley, Royal Dublin Fusiliers, Staff Officer. A most useful Staff Officer, and particularly tactful in dealing with mixed Imperial and Colonial forces. |
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Special Service Mounted Infantry |
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Major Jenner, D.S.O., Rifle Brigade, commanded the Mounted Infantry in Mashonaland, and several patrols, and did much good work. Captain Sir Horace McMahon, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, worked hard and loyally, did good work in collecting and embarking horses at Durban; continued with his men when wounded at Mashingombis. (footnote 7) Captain Vernon, Rifle Brigade. Cool and dashing. An ideal Mounted Infantry Officer. Staff Officer to Jenner’s column for 10 weeks. (footnote 8) Lieutenant Pilson, Royal Dublin Fusiliers. Acted as Adjutant to the Mounted Infantry, and also commanded a detached patrol with success. Lieutenant St. Aubyn, King's Royal Rifle Corps. Commanded two difficult patrols successfully. Showed much tact and energy. Surgeon-Captain Hale, Army Medical Staff. Did much good work in Mashonaland, especially at the operations against Mashingombi. (footnote 9) Lieutenant, Commander Hunt, Royal Navy, Her Majesty’s Ship “Widgeon” afforded great assistance and hearty co-operation in the disembarkation of troops at Beira. Major Watts, Derbyshire Regiment, did much useful work in assisting in the organization of the Matabeleland Relief Force, and later in command of a relief column to Mashonaland, and of the column which finally attacked Makoni's stronghold and captured that chief. Captain the Honourable F. Eveleigh de Moleyns, (footnote 10) 4th Hussars, acted as extra Staff Officer, assisted in bringing out, under fire, the body of Trooper Langdon at the action of Taba-si-Mamba. Captain Carew, 7th Hussars, showed himself particularly capable and energetic as a Squadron leader in command of patrols. Lieutenant S C Townsend, Royal Artillery, rendered conspicuous service in Mashonaland. First Class Staff Sergeant-Major Field, Army Service Corps. Acted as Quartermaster and Assistant to Colonel Bridge, and did excellent work. Staff Sergeant Major Donnelly, Army Corps. Did very good work under Colonel Bridge, and is deserving of advancement. Staff Sergeant-Major Parke, Army Ordnance Corps. Did excellent work under Colonel Bridge, and is deserving of advancement. |
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Chief Native Commissioner Mr. Taylor. Afforded much assistance by obtaining information through native channels. Also accompanied Gambos
friendly levy in the field to pacify the Guai District. Assistant Native Commissioner Mr V Gielgud did good work with the Shangani Patrol, and displayed much personal courage in dealing with rebels occupying caves. |
Local Forces |
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Colonel Napier, Buluwayo Field Force (Merchant), Commanded the Buluwayo Field Force in early operations, also several patrols,
including the column which met that coming from Salisbury to the relief of Buluwayo. Latterly Town Commandant of Buluwayo. Colonel Spreckley, B.F.F., late B.B.P. (Mining Company Manager), commanded early patrols. Did good service in the conduct of the successful engagement on the Umgusa, 6th June. Commanded successfully an important patrol to Shiloh and Inyati. Colonel Beal, Salisbury Volunteers, late sergeant, B.B.P. (Merchant), commanded the Salisbury-Gwelo column for relief of Buluwayo. Did good service in the action on the Umgusa, 6th June. Did much useful work in repairing telegraph lines, with patrols, and latterly as Transport Officer on the Umtali-Beira road. Captain Laing, Belingwe F.F., late Sergeant 9lst Highlanders (Company Manager), organised defence of Belingwe and commanded Belingwe Field Force, with which he did much useful work. He rendered excellent service in the action at Inugu, 20th July. Captain Selous, Buluwayo, F.F, (Company Manager) raised a troop of mounted volunteers, commanded two patrols, organized the defence of the Buluwayo-Mangwe road. Captain Macfarlane, Buluwayo Field Force (late Captain 9th Lancers), organized first defence of Buluwayo, commanded numerous useful patrols, also the action on the Umguga 25th April, by which Buluwayo was saved from being rushed. Commanded an important patrol to Redbank 5th to 30th June. Captain Nicholson, 7th Hussars, was on special service in the country at the outbreak. Did much useful work as Staff Officer in organizing the defence of Buluwayo. (footnote 11) Mr. Wilson Fox, Salisbury Volunteers (Public Prosecutor), was Supply Officer to the Salisbury-Gwelo Relief Column. Afterwards did valuable service in organizing and carrying out the Supply and Transport in Mashonaland. Major Robertson (late Royal Dragoons) organized and commanded a corps of Cape Boys with great success; led them in a gallant and dashing manner against koppies both at Taba-ka Mamba and at Babyan's stronghold. Captain Colenbrander, Buluwayo Field Force, organized and commanded a corps of Cape Boys which rendered good service throughout the war. He was most instrumental with Mr. Rhodes in bringing about the final surrender of the Chiefs in the Matoppos. Captain Van Niekerk, of the Afrikander Troop, Buluwayo Field Force (formerly a Trooper in the Bechuanaland Border Police), an energetic, resourceful, and courageous leader of the Dutch Contingent. Rendered specially good service in the action of the Gwando Patrol, 10th April. Captain George Grey, raised a very efficient troop of mounted men, which, under his leadership, did much good service in the early part of the Campaign. Captain the Honourable M. Gifford, raised and commanded an efficient mounted troop, and performed good service in the early patrols from Buluwayo. In the course of this work he was severely wounded (arm amputated). Dr. Strong, Principal Medical Officer to the Forces in Matabeleland, organized a Medical Staff Corps and Field Hospital under great difficulties with complete success. Dr. Sutcliffe, Dr. Redpath (of the Red Cross Society), rendered most valuable services in the Field, Hospital. Their skill and readiness were very conspicuous. Reverend Father Barthelemy, Roman Catholic Chaplain, served continuously in the field as Chaplain. Was most assiduous in his attentions to the sick and wounded of all denomination. |
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Footnotes
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