Major-General Sir Gerard Moore Heath (1863-1929)
Born: at Anstie Grange, Holmwood, Surrey, 7 June 1863. Died 1929.
Youngest son of: Admiral Sir Leopold Heath KCB RN and Lady Mary Emma Heath (nee Marsh).
Brother of:
- Arthur Raymond Heath (1854-1943) who married Flora Jean Baxter.
- Marion Emma Crofton (nee Heath, 1856-1949) who married Maj Alfred Fox Cotton and then Richard Martin Crofton.
- Maj Gen Frederick Crofton Heath-Caldwell (1858-1945) who married Constance Mary Helsham Helsham-Jones (1869-1957).
- Cuthbert Eden Heath (1859-1939) who married Sarah Caroline Gore Gambier (1859-1944).
- Ada Randolf Broadwood (nee Heath, 1860-1957) who married HJT Broadwood (1856-1911).
- Admiral Sir Herbert Leopold Heath (1861-1954) who married Elizabeth Catherine Simson.
Gerard married: Mary Egerton (18??-1954).
Gerard and Mary had issue:
- Mary Moore Marjoribanks Hall (nee Heath, 1894-19??) who married 1st Maj James MacNeece (18??-1916) and 2nd Col Robert Lionel Hall (1898-19??).
- Maj Gen Gerard William "Bill" Heath (1897-1980) who married 1st Hilda Holdsworth (1899-19??) and 2nd Gwendda Evans.
We know about Gerard from the following sources:
- Entry in the book "Records of the Heath Family Vol 1" by George Heath, 1913.
- Entry in the book "Records of the Heath Family Vol 2" by George Heath, 1920.
Maj Gen Sir Gerard Moore Heath: An Overview
The entry in Records of the Heath Family Vol 1, page 97, reads as follows:
Gerard Moore, born at Anstie Grange, Holmwood, June 7th, 1863. Joined the army as Lieut. Royal Engineers from Woolwich,, Feb. 22nd, 1882. After being under instruction for two years at the School of Military Engineering, Chatham he joined the Telegraph Battalion, early in 1885 he went to South Africa for the Bechuana Land Expedition under Sir Chas. Warren., returning at the end of that year to Aldershot. In 1887 he was ordered to India, to join the Bengal Sappers and Miners. He joined the Staff College early in 1890, passing out at the end of 1892, and returned to the Sappers and Miners in 1893.
In 1895 he joined the Chitral Expedition in command of a pontoon train, and for his work there was commended by the Government of India, receiving a medal with clasp. He returned to England in the spring of 1896, to command the balloon section at Aldershot, and in the autumn of 1899 took his command to South Africa for the war against the Dutch Republics. Being ordered, on the outbreak of the war, to join Sir George White's command at Ladysmith, he was present with the balloon at the battle of Lombard's Kop, after which he was shut up in that town during its siege by the Boers. For his services he was mentioned in Sir GT. White's despatches. After the relief of Ladysmith in Feb., 1900, Major Heath, having no further use of the balloons, obtained permission to convert the section into a troop of mounted sappers, for work with Lord Dundonald's mounted brigade under Sir Redvers Buller.
Advancing with that force through Natal and the Transvaal, he was present at the action of Laings Nek and round Belfast, and at many minor skirmishes, being mentioned in despatches by Sir R.Buller, and being awarded the Dist. Service Order. At the close of 1900 he joined gen. Alderson's Mounted Infantry, and in 1901 became Intelligence Officer to Gen. Gilbert Hamilton's Cavalry Brigade, being subsequently appointed D.A.A. Gen. to that column, an appointment which he held towards the end of the war in June, 1902. In August of the same year he was promoted a Brevet Lieut.-Colonel for his services, and received the Queen's medal with 5 clasps and the King's medal with 2 clasps. In June, 1902, he received the appointment of Instructor of Field Fortification at the School of Engineering, Chatham, a post which he retained till 1906. After a short period as commanding Royal Engineers, London district, he was ordered to India to command the 1st (P.W.).) Sappers and Miners, and in 1910 was selected for the appointment of General Staff Officer to the Burma division. Early in 1912 he was appointed Brigadier-general of the General Staff in South Africa, under General Sir Reginald hart, V.C., K.C.B., which appointment he still retains.
He became Lieutenant. R.E., Feb, 1882
Captain, R.E., 1890
Major, R.E., 1899
Brev. Lieut.-Col.,Aug., 1902
Colonel, 1907
Colonel, R.E., 1911
Temporary Brig-General, March 1912
He married Aug. 15th, 1893, at Odd Road, Cheshire, Mary, daughter of Philip Egerton, Esq., L.C.S., of Gresford, North Wales, by whom he has issue,
The entry in Records of the Heath Family Vol 2, page 16, reads as follows:
MAJOR-GENERAL SIR GERARD MOORE HEATH, K.C.M.G., C.B., D.S.O., (late R.E.)
On the outbreak of war, I was on leave in South Africa, where I had held the appointment of Brigadier General, General Staff, under Sir Reginald Hall. Soon after the declaration of war, I became an Inspector of Recruiting in England, in connection with the raising of Kitchener's Armies, and subsequently Inspector of Royal Engineers in England. In May, 1915, I went to France as Chief Engineer of the 2nd corps under Sir Chas. Ferguson; we were then strictly on the "defensive;" trench warfare prevailed, and my duties were almost entirely devoted to supervising the construction of lines of defence and their maintenance. My beat extended at one time from Armentieres to Ypres.
In October - November, 1915, I was appointed Chief Engineer to the 1st Army, then under Sir Douglas Haig, afterwards under Sir Chas. Monro, and finally under Sir Henry Horne. My duties were mainly "defence," upkeep of roads, providing water supply, etc., over an extending area from Arras to Armentieres, and for an army of about 300,000 men.
At the end of 1916 we began preparations for an "offensive," the 1st Army's task being the capture of the "Vimy Ridge." This involved new roads, gun positions, infantry positions, the laying of 40 miles of pipe line for the supply of water for 30,000 horses, etc.
The attack of the Canadians, in conjunction with the 3rd Army on their right, took place on April 9th, 1917, and was entirely successful.
Then came consolidation of the positions won, and much work on defences and communications. In October, 1917, I was appointed Engineer-in-Chief at General Head Quarters, and as such was advisor to Sir Douglas Haig on matters of engineering. I remained in this appointment till the end of the war. My duties were chiefly administrative, but entailed much travelling about on inspection work. Before and after the great German offensive of March 21st, 1918, my work was chiefly bound up with the construction of lines of defence, by Armies, Corps and Divisions. After our retreat to the line Amiens-Ypres, we constructed 5000 miles of defence between us. After that came our advance; road making, bridging, water supply became the order, and my chief duty was to see that everyone got what they wanted, to enable them to make a rapid advance. I was slightly wounded by shell in 1917 whilst inspecting defences.
Honours: C.B.
Promoted Major-General for distinguished service in the field.
K.C.M.G.
Mentioned six times in despatches.
Order of St.Stanislaus 1st Class.
Croix de guere (avec palmes).
I retired from the Army, December 4th, 1919.
.
Some letters from the Boer War are as follows:
Ladysmith
Sunday December 3rd, 1899
Dear Mother,
I have been writing writing a diary letter to Molly, in hopes of being able to post it some day when we are relieved, but as a great deal of it is not for the general public, I propose to make an expurgated edition from home consumption, so here goes, for the story of a minor siege.
My last letter to M. written the day after the battle of Lombard's Kop, the day we called "Mournful Monday" when we lost 2 regiments and half a battery taken prisoners, was a very gloomy one and I ought never to have written it, but every one was very depressed and I was tired and hungry, a condition which is always a bad beginning for letter writing.We are all very jolly and happy now, with plenty to eat and in good health.
We got into heliographic communication wiht our relieving forces yesterday and I expect shall get communication opened up in the course of a fortnight.
Monday November 4th 1899
I am quite cheery again now, and treat the shells that come bursting about our heads almost with indifference. We get used to them, and in a good hour be it spoken, they have not done much damage.
Today and tomorrow is an armistice, to get women, children and wounded under cover, and everyone is busy burying themselves in holes, in the ground, as we epect a much more serious bombardment on Monday.
After I write that depressing letter, I went out for a ride round the batteries, and was much revived. I don't think this place can be taken by a Boer assault, and unless their shells are too much for us we can stick here for some time.
Up to date the bombardment has been quite humorous, we know every gun by its sound, and it is really quite amusing speculating as to where the next shell will pitch. They bombard us for ½ an hour, or an hour, we reply a little, then everybody knocks off for breakfast or tea, or whatever it may be, tea finished, down come a shell again, and so on.
I told you about my 1st shell, it wasw the 1st shell fired in the battle and aimed straight at me, and was very startling, as being so utterly unexpected.
I had a balloon up a good deal yesterday, they put a shell through it as it was nearing the ground. I was not in the car. They also dropped a shell through it they day before while it was under cover, and the wind has torn one, that makes three balloons gone, but I hope to have another ready for Monday.
All telegraphic post and rail communication is cut off from us, and we are quite in the dark as to what is going on outside.
I enclose a newspaper cutting of Monday's fight, which is accurate. As soon as they saw the balloon going up in telephonic communication with the armoured train - - -they distinctly heard several messages transmitted by the operator in the balloon. For instance - "Our shells are falling short of Pepworth Ridge." (where Long Tom was posted) more messages come down "More to the (3) left" with happy result. Then again they heard "Our attack on Pepworth Ridge seems to be successful." "Our troopps are retiring from Almetta Hill." These were unmistakeable evidences of the usefulness of the balloon.
Friday November 8th 1899
Quite happy still but rather more heavily bombarded than pleasant, the shells kept dropping in my camp yesterday, but they only killed two poor ponies and two bullocks. Total loss from yesterday's bombardment, one man's leg shot off.
We had the balloon up all day and did good service. The balloon annoys them very much and keeps them from being too aggressive.
I wish they had not taken to firing shrapnel at it, they will bag me one day. I am shifting my camp to some woods near the town, when I fly the balloon, it is not quite so shelly there, and one gets out of wind and dust and the birds sing. I refer to it always as "Arcadia," but they, (the Boers) are mounting some guns rather unpleasantly near this side just now and I don't know whether the place will be tenable. I can see all their doings from the balloon, they are very much scattered, and I think we could wipe them out in bits if we tried energetically.
They have a specially neat place south of my balloon, which I want to see attacked, but Sir George White is right to do nothing, unless absolutely necessary, until relief comes, but meanwhile the Boers are mounting more and more big guns and closing in.
Saturday 9th November 1899
Began with all Boer guns bombarding and then attacks of rather feeble nature all round. We had the balloon (4) up all day, but I don't think we were shot at as much as usual. Anyhow nothing hit us, though plenty of shells came buzzing round the neighbourhood, but one gets absolutely used to them in the most extraordinary way, considering how we all ducked our heads at first.
Today is the Prince of Wales's brithday, we fired 21 guns and cheered and sent him a telegram by pigeon post to Durban, but of course we have no communication back. My Reuter's correspondent is trying hard to send a message out tonight and I have asked him to send a line to Eastern Telegraph Company - "All well and jolly up to date." A good deal of long range fighting today but few casualties.
Monday 11th November 1899
Our relief should have landed at Durban today. I notice signs (from balloon) of Boers moving to cover their roads home, particularly on the Free State side, others don't believe it and think they are concentrating for attack - nous verrons. - A shell or two arrived at the balloon today, but fell short.
I spent the day tidying "Arcadia," and we have now quite a pretty little camp in a wood, far the best in Ladysmith. We have surrounded it with prickly hedge and barbed wire to keep out unwelcome Boers, and I have had a bath, the 2nd in a fortnight, and we had boiled cabbage for dinner, so we have been very jolly and feel very fit.
Thursday 14th November 1899
We are getting positively to delight in shells whenever one bursts near enough, we all run out to pick up the bits, - we have had a good few round our camp today, but no harm (5) done. We sent out a couple of regiments of cavalry today and some batteries to reconnoitre a hill and take a gun, there were only 200 or 300 Boers there, that I could see from the balloon, and they mostly went away and hid in a nullah behind, while we wasted precious ammuntion on the hill. We might easily have taken it with a good battalion of Infantry, but that was not sent out, so the cavalry and artillery came back without effecting anything, which was a pity.
I had the honour of explaining my views on the situation to the Chief this morning, and he said all his information gave the same view, i.e., that they were moving to cover their roads home, and at the same time apparently, sending a force to oppose our relieving force, which we hope to see in two or three days now, - but I expect there will be some heavy fighting before they can join us.
The Boers are very good chaps, one of our Officers got into their camp by mistake yesterday, with a flag of truce, he said they were perfectly charming in their manner, gave him a drink and said they wanted to be good friends with us, except when actual fighting is going on, they they liked the Englishmen, but that the colonial-bred man and the colonial papers were the cause of all the bother. My friend went away delighted, having arranged a race meeting with them, to come off between the lines on a day of truce, specially appointed, won't that be funny?
(6)
Friday 15th November 1899
Those blooming Boers startled us all very much by firing all their guns into camp at mid-night, for fun I suppose, but I hope they won't repeat it, as it is annoying to be awakened by shells bursting over one's tent, they have not had a chance since, it has rained hard for the last 12 hours, all very well for we balloonists, but poor men who have to keep watch in the trenches and no shelter at all!!
Sunday 17th November 1899
The Boers had three shots at the balloon this morning, two were very good, they fire 6 inch shells at me, the best one was just as I was making an ascent, luckily I was going up pretty fast, and the shells passed underneath, and fell close to one of our tents. I am, I hope, going to bring home a bit of it for Marjorie.
I wish someone would come and relieve us, they seem in no hurry about it. We shall run out of things to eat, and also of ammunition if they don't watch it, besides it is very trying for the poor man on outpost duty, day and night, rain and all weathers, and no shelter and I hear there is much sickness and dysentry (this was exaggerated I find).
Talking of dysentry, did I tell you that the Boers sent in and asked us for chlorodyne and other medicines, as they had a lot of dysentry, we gave it them, or course, the opposing armies are quite friendly.
I keep Ada's and Harry's lucky sixpence in my pocket on all occasions. I have been very hard up for literature, but have (7) at last raised a book, - "Darwin's Descent of Man," the lightest literature I could find.
Wednesday 20th November 1899
Very hot now in the middle of the day.The Boers - confound them - again plumped shell into us in the middle of the night. I don't think they hurt any one.
On Saturday the gun we call "Silent Susan" (all the enemy's guns have nick-names, - Long Tom - Big Ben - etc.) shot off the legs of a poor old Civilian Dortor, and killed him. The poor old boy had dug himself a hole in the river bank, in which he lived safely all day, and had just emerged for an evening stroll round the tow. I was strolling round too and one of Silent Susan's shells fell near me and the other killed the poor old doctor. Silent Susan is a beast, you can't hear her fire, and so be prepared for accidents.
No news of relieving force except rumours that they are waiting for artillery and another that they have had their armoured train captured.
Thursday 21st November 1899
Tilney (Capt: Tilney, 17th Lancers attached) does the catering for us, and feeds us jolly well, he made a cottage pie for dinner and baked it in an oven of his own invention, served with some green peas that had been given us, and Worcester sauce added to taste, made a jolly good dinner.
Mellor (subaltern), has a gun and shoots doves, which, baked in Tilney's oven, are also very scrumptious, served hot with crumbs collected from the bottom of a sponge rusk tin to do instead of bread crumbs; (8) we had them for dinner yesterday, so we don't do badly.
You won't believe this, but it is true the energetic Tilney was up in the balloon yesterday, and in order to make himself lighter, threw out his boots, one, on its way down to terra firma, hit a dove and killed it.
I am sorry to say the Boers have the satisfaction of knowing that I am well and jolly, the runners I sent with the telegram was captured and the messages torn up by them. I have got my Reuter's correspondent's friend to send another, so perhaps you will get it after all.
There seems to be no immediate prospect of relief, and our ammunition is short, however, if the Boers confine themselves to shelling, we shall do, I hope, but we have only enough artillery ammunition for one good fight. They shelled us again in the middle of the night and fired shrapnel at me in the balloon today but it was aimed to high - it is really though, very trying in a balloon when they fire at one, and I wish they wouldn't!
Tuesday 26th November 1899
I have been here just a month, and besieged for all but four days of it. I don't expect relief for a long time yet. We have plenty left to eat, but little gun ammuntion. We do such a lot of silly babyish things - the other day we allowed 250 or our precious cattle to stray over to the Boers, then half the armoured train was captured - the Boers must think us such fools, and with very good reason. Everyone in camp abuses Sir George White and his staff, he, poor man, certainly appears to be (9) very feeble and vacillating, but I expect his hands are tied by superior orders, the staff as a body seemt to be to outsiders a very haphazard lot, and I think it has been proved that because you get three medals and a brevet or two for fighting Arabs in the Sudan it does not follow at all, that you are the right man to fight the wily Boer against Mauser rifles, and well aimed big guns, of course though, when things go wrong it is easy to abuse the responsible people - it certainly is irritating to be cooped up here like rats in a cage, by a lot of Boer farmers and that we should do absolutely nothing to help ourselves, but I am not sure that it is not a good policy, to keep quiet till all re-inforcements are ready for closing on the Boers.
Bad luck! my second telegram to you has been stopped by the Boers, so you won't hear yet awhile. I much fear sometimes that though the Balloon has done its best, it has not done much good, we have seen everything going on, and made a beautiful map of the Boer positions, but it seems that the Staff get the same information from their native scouts. I don't expect to get anything at all out of the job, except honour and glory, which is unfortunate.
Friday 29th November 1899
I went to church with Tilney on Sunday evening, it was crowded with rough warriors of all ranks and we had a very impressive service and good sermon.
Those old Boers have put up a new big gun and as usual had a shot at me, it was pretty near, but not near enough from their (10) point of view.
We have had news today that Clery has had a fight and defeated them, and has got to within about 20 miles of us so that is good, also that Buller has defeated them on the borders of the Free State.
I have been very busy the last day or two with my wireless telegraphy. I have been told to do what I can in that way, in case our relievers may have the apparatus and we could then get into communication.
I have got it to go well so far, but it is a thousand pities I did not press the matter of bringing it out here. A successful installation would have been the thing we have wanted in order to communicate with the outer world.
I dined with Sir George White last night, he is down on his luck, and said very little to anyone, but I eat Turkey and ham! a great luxury. The sausage machine Col. Templer gave us is the only thing that saves our digestions, it is permanently screwed on to the dining table, the meat is absolutely unchewable without it.
We are eating true "Trek Ox" now, i.e., the beast that draws the wagons in peace time, but we have a good supply of "stores," thanks to Tilney's excellent arrangements, and do very well and comfortably.
Saturday 30th November 1899
We have had a very unlucky day. 1st I was caught in a bad and sudden squall, when up in the balloon, and was dashed down on the rocks and bruised my foot badly, and arm a little. I was dashed down at 2nd time, but the 3rd time made up (11) my mind to jump from the balloon, which I managed successfully, and saved further damage.
Then the balloon while on the ground got caught in a whirlwind and was smashed up and the 3rd and most sad, my poor little balloon section has lost a man who went to hospital this afternoon with bad eyes, and while there got killed by a shell which entered the building and wounded nine others. Those fiends of Boers to fire on the Red Cross Flag! They do it deliberately and repeatedly and our poor sick and wounded are helpless.
Advent Sunday, December 1899
I held a service this morning, and Mellor read the lesson, on a grassy bank under the trees. My balloon camp is lucky in this respect, it is the only one which has trees and woods round it. I put it here so that the Boers would find it difficult to get the range of the Balloon.
Yesterday we got into heliographic communication with our relieving force, so I hope in the course of a fortnight we shall get real communication and be able to send and get letters.
The good Hutton (Reuter's Correspondent) put my telegram to you in his third attempt to get a runner out through the enemy's lines, and this time I really hope he has been successful.
Friday 8th December 1899
The general monotony was pleasingly broken this morning by a most successful attack last night on some big guns, which had been very annoying to us, and especially to the balloon. General Hunter commanded, a high hill where the guns were was stormed against a weak resistance, enemy surprised, and (12) two big guns completely blown up by the Sappers. The Boers must be very sick indeed, so sick that their other guns have hardly fired all day. I hope this will be the beginning of the end of the siege.
We had plenty of shells in my camp the day before yesterday. They thought the balloon in a tempting position, but they could not hit it and did not hurt anybody, the men must have a fine colleciton of fragments now.
Thursday 14th December 1899
Relief seems a long time coming, Buller is waiting for things to be ready, I suppose. Meanwhile we heard the welcome sound of guns Colenso way, yesterday, and this morning they sounded big ones and I hope they are ours.
Mellor has done a beautiful photo of me in my afternoon dress, which I hope to enclose. We are all ready to turn out at a moment's notice, in co-operation with the relieving force, to do battle. I expect it will be a sanguinary one when it comes.
We took another big gun the other night, but with a good deal of loss, I am sorry to say, 11 killed and 43 wounded, but our men got into them with the bayonet, which frightened them I expect. I think our soldiers are the finest in the world.
Friday 15th December 1899
Well this is jolly, a telegram via Heliograph from father to say "All well" which greatly relieves me, and to say I am Major - may I get a brevet and be Lieut: Colonel, but this is not likely I fear.
There has not been much opportunity for (13) balloons as yet, and I don't know that they have done much real good, except by frightening the Boers, or at least I don't think the Staff thinks so, but I am glad to hear all well from home, it is worth many promotions, the worst of it is I fear you never got the telegrams I sent by runner, or you would not have asked if I am well, and you won't understand why I don't reply.
There is no chance of my being allowed to send a private message by Heliograph. Funny thing I was only saying, in a causal sort of way, this morning "I wonder whether I am Major yet," and in the evening up came your heliogram.
Sunday 16th December 1899
A good deal of shelling today. I wheedled the Chief Staff Officer into letting me send a message by heliograph, but he would only allow two words, "All well." I showed him Father's telegram signed Sir Leopold Heath, which I expect had good effect. Wish I could look older, the Chief expressed much surprise at my rank.
Goodbye for the present.
Tuesday 19th December 1899
Well, Buller has had the knock, and lost 1,000 men and some guns - comes of under-rating the Boers and trying to attack an extraordinary strong position with insufficient troops. We are disappointed and cannot now be relieved for some weeks and have got to submit to decreased rations and increased shelling, but we still have enough to eat, though luxuries are dear - eggs sell at 10/6d a dozen - potatoes 1/- the pound. We in the balloon section have neither, but we have a fair (14) stock of tinned things, and have quite good enough dinners to last another three weeks, and we now and then get a vegetable. A vegetable marrow costs 2/6, and a cucumber 2/-, but the horses are very badly off for forage. Most people are depressed, but I fell buoyant and think we are at any rate much better off then we were when we had no relieving column near us.
Monday 25 December 1899, Christmas Day
And the hottest I have known. The Commissariat saved up materials for plum duff, and we all enjoyed ourselves. A Christmas tree and dance were got up for the women and children, who are here, it is the children that suffer, poor little things, there is no proper food to be got for them, no milk, and that sort of think.
Christmas dinners were interlarded with Boer shells, but very few of them and none near my camp. There came a message from the Queen, - God bless her, - which we read on parade and cheered.
I sent a heliogram of Christmas greetings to you yesterday, "A jolly well Merry Christmas." There are great speculations as to when we are to be relieved, we have food rations till February 10th, and must then eat the horses, but I don't think it will take so long as that, 10th or 12th of January, I say.
Monday 1 January 1900 - New Year's Day.
I am going to close this now, much love dear Mother to you and to all, and a happy New Year.
Colenso guns are firing, a joyful sound, Boer guns doing their usual evening shelling of us. They say we have had over (15) 8,000 shells fired into us, with marvellously little damage considering.
Your affectionate son, (Sd) Guard M. Heath.
We have over 1,300 sick, chiefly with Typhoid and dysentry.
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(hand written note) From Gerard Moore Heath to his mother, Lady Heath at Anstie Grange, 1899.
Later G.M.Heath commanded the whole of the R.E. Force with quarters in Montreville, in Pas de Calais. He died a few years after the war. (S.H.)
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Ladysmith
14 March 1900
Dear Father and Mother,
We have just experienced the worst hail storm I think I have ever seend. Strong wind and hail stones, without any exaggeration as big as hen's eggs. I only just got to my tent in the nick of time and luckily it stood.
Others did not fare so well and tent and all went, and they were left to protect themselves as best they could in the folds of the canvas. Meanwhile, in case mine would collapse, I stowed my small articles and fortified myself against stones with my table and a drawing board. I hope on one has been hurt orkilled, but I should think those out in the middle of it must have had a bad time.
I have been looking up my diary to find out when I sent my last diary letter but I can find no entry. I think it must have been before the battle of the 6th January in which I took no part. I will take it up at Christmas Day.
Monday 25th December 1899 - Christmas Day.
Plum pudding and shells. We were all as jovial as possible and a Christmas tree was got up for the women and children left here. Message from Queen and cheers for H.M. from every one.
Tuesday 26th. December 1899
I ate too much plum pudding and other good things. There was a great deal of shelling from Boers in the night. My men employed digging wells for our drinking water. (2)
Wednesday 27th December 1899
Well digging. Shall get a little water, I think. Herbert's birthday, a shell from Long Tom pitched in Devon's mess at breakfast time, killed one officer and wounded eight.
Thursday 28th. December 1899
Well digging and making charcoal filters. Boers very quiet.
Friday 29th. December 1899
Ditto. Ditto. Heard Boers sent a plugged shell with "the compliments of the season" written outside and a bit of plum duff within, into camp.
Monday 1 January 1900 - New Year's Day.
Various small employments for us. Tilney concocted fearful and wonderful puddings, we call them "Gluten pudding" it consists of old pieces of bread saved from table, green grapes, chocolate flour and tapioca, all boiled into a sort of sticky glue, very filling but heavy on the stomach.
A good deal of shelling from Boers. They sent in a note in a shell and asked why "we cowards did not come out of our holes and fight them."
Friday 26th January 1900
Night alarm. Boers attacked Wagon Hill and Caesar's Camp at 2.30 a.m. I called up men and stood to arms. Firing increased and attack became general, one of my natives in my camp hit in the knee earlyl, but wound slight. There were a good many bullets whizzing over head and flying about my camp.
I went up to Flagstaff Hill with Aylmer to spy and remained there the whole morning. I reported re-inforcements from South moving against Wagon Hill and Boers in a nullah under Lancer's Nek. Our guns got into action on each flank without much effect on right, but good on the left. (3)
In the afternoon I took the Balloon Section up the Flagstaff Kopje (having no orders) and posted them along side a company of the Gordons. A good few bullets about and no attack on that side, so we had nothing to do but watch Boers about 5,000 yards away.
Later the section on a call for ammunition took a lot up to Ceasar's Camp, and found it was not wanted after all. There was heavy fighting going on all this time on Wagon Hill and Ceasar's Hill, but personally I never realised till told about it afterwards, what a bad fight it was, as I saw a great many of our men quite happy under cover on our slope of Wagon Hill, and there appeared to be no call for re-inforcements there.
We had a working party of 2 officers and 30 men (R.E.) on Wagon Hill when attack began, they fought gallantly all day, losing 2 officers and 17 men killed and wounded. I met one of latter walking down the hill, with a bullet through both cheeks, he did not seem to mind much, but said it hurt him to talk, naturally I put him on a stretcher and sent him to hospital.
The attack was not over till after dark and the Boers who had got twice on to Wagon Hill had to be driven by the bayonet and there they just ran!
Our losses 14 officers killed, 23 wounded, about 100 men killed and 220 wounded. Boers believed to have lost about 150 killed and many wounded.
Sunday 7th January 1900
I went over battle fields and they were not altogether pleasan, but one soon gets used to it. The Boers who got to the top must have been plucky fellows. They were lying within a few feet of our men. They were mostly oldish men and all I think Free State, the Transvaal lot are not a patch on Free State either for pluckor for honesty or any thing else.
Thursday 18th March 1900
I find I must stop this uninteresting record for now, as mail goes and I have other letters towrite. Caesar's Camp and Wagon Hill were in a very undefended state before the attack and I was afterwards, ballooning being off, put in charge of these hills in order to get them into a state of defence.
This gave me a great deal of work and a great deal of walking in hot sun. I got out a scheme for clearing the slopes of trees, and for building Sangers and making obstacles etc., which was generally followed.
A good deal of work had to be done at night for fear of shell and bullets, but later we got callous and worked alld ay and found that if in small parties we were not spotted.
I also engeinnered a flying bridge of pontoons running on a cable made of telegraph wires, but before this was completed, I had on February 4th to go to hospital with fever and remained there until the day before Buller relieved us. I have had every man but one of my lot and 3 officers in hospital, four men have died, there are eight in hospital still and the remainder are a sickly lot.
Today I take over Buller's balloon section and join it on to my own. I have also taken over the "mapping section" of the Intelligence Department, but this is only temporary I think and any way there is little or nothing to do there just now.
I am also taking over Seach-lights, so shall have plenty of jobs if there is more fighting.
Best love to all, and thank you, May dear for that beautiful little diary book and letters from all and Aunt Posy for hers.
Your affectionate son,
G.M.
(5)
Majuba Day,Tuesday 27th Feb 1900
Great bombarding from Buller and heavy fighting (this was the battle of Pieters, a great victory after sixteen days hard fighting.) Long Tom of Bulwana anxious to show how far he could shoot.
Wednesday 28th February 1900
I was convalescing in hospital, when heliogram came from Buller, "Enemy thoroughly beaten and believed to be in full retreat, I am pursuing with Cavalry and Artillery as fast as bad roads and difficult country will allow," or words to that effect.
About 3 p.m. Aylmer watching Long Tom through his telescope from verandah of Convent, saw a derrick go up on the gun and evident preparations made for taking it away.
I sent a fast messenger to Head Quarters to tell them - Naval guns opened a hot fire and did some very good shooting which we watched through our telescopes with very great interest! about 12 of the Boers in the gun emplacement thought it was not good enough, and ran away as fast as their legs could carry them, but about 6 remained and went about their work in a dignified, stolid way, as if nothing was happening, they were much to be admired, for Lyddite shells from our Guns were bursting all around and on the emplacement. They got their gun away all righ, but I think probably in the night.
Meanwhile we could se Boers moving away from their Colenso positions in two or threes at a walk. They were passing away West all day and there must have been a lot of them. (2)
RELIEVED!
Carbineers headed by Macdonald came in over Klip River drift in the evening. I got on to a poney and galloped down to meet them though I thought I should fall off, I was so weak - all was great excitement - everybody cheering- - natives and all - much speechifying in the streets and singing of "God save the Queen" speeches by Sir G. White, Hunter and others, "Thank God," said Hunter, "That we have been able to preserve our flag," then everyone thought everyone else was "a jolly good fellow,' and sang to that effect in various keys - when it was too dark to see each other's faces we dispersed.
Poor Burtenshaw very ill in hospital from Enterio, not much joy for him, but hope the sound of it will do him good, and the other 2 or 3,000 of our sick. Driver Cross died at Intombi a few days ago, he was a very good lad. That makes three of my little lot - half the section are still in hospital.
Thursday 1st March 1900
Appears Boers panicked yesterday,leaving all their camp and much loot. Buller and staff came in, but there was no demonstration to speak of. Archie Calvert having captured Bulwana (already evacuated!) came to see me, looking handsome and hard a iron. I robbed him of some tobacco, a box of sardines and a pot of jam which we found in his wallets, and jolly good they were too.
About 10.a.m. we sent out a flying column of weak kneed men and starving cavalry, but they could only get a few miles and (3) the gunners got to a hill just too late to shell the last Boer train, leaving Modder Spruit,the Boers blowing up two culverts behind them as they left. Buller refused to pursue. I expect he was quite right, his cavalry was tired and the country intricate.
Hawkins got through to Maritsburg on the telegraph at 3.30 p.m. and the Mail for England was sent out, the first for over 17 weeks. Tilney went out looking at Boer Camps and returned with a pony and a Boer saddle bag full of various luxuries, which he gave to the men. Buller and Co. returned to their camp at Nelthorpe. Hear poor Massy killed at Spion Kop, very very sorry.
Friday 2nd March 1900
More relief and good pouring in, an issue made of jam!!
Saw Phillips and Buller's Balloon Section and Sandback his A.A.G. for Intelligence.
Saturday 3rd March 1900
Arrival of letters from home!! only a small batch, though, I hear 15 tons of letters are on their way for Ladysmith garrison.
Buller made a grand triumphal entry - but it was not much fun for we poor weak ones, who had to line the streets for 3 hours in a very hot sun and cheer. Buller looked very old and as if responsibility sat heavy on him, but perhaps he was only hot like the rest of us - but his men looked thorough hard war worn Soliders that nothing would stop, it was rather terrible to see so few Officers (4) left and nearly all regiments commanded by Majors, "You've done splendid fighting" I said to a man of the Rifle Brigade, "Oh we meant to relieve you alright this time," he said. "What are your losses in your regiment? "Oh, I think about 200," "How many Officers?" "Oh, about 10 or 11, Sir,' all said in a nonchalant sort of way, and no regret shown.
Luxuries coming in fast and we had quite a good dinner, it is extraordinary how greedy one is.
Sunday 4th. March 1900
A Thanksgiving Service was held in the open. I did nothing but listen to stories of how galantly the Soldiers of the relief column fought. I sent a letter, suggesting that Phillip's seciotn should be combined with mine to make one efficient section.
Monday 5th March 1900
A weary day's work, but perfectly delightful evening, nearly 80 letters (sat up reading them till 2.30 a.m.) from Wife, children, Father, Mother, Aunts and Cousins, let alone about 50 newspapers and parcels.
There were presents - plum pudding, socks, Christmas Cards, Pipes and tobacco, silk handkerchiefs, everybody so kind, I feld quite proud.
In the morning I agitated about getting Balloon Section sent to Free State, but no good.
