Topic: BW - NSW - NSWIB
NSWIB
New South Wales Imperial Bushmen
This is an extract from the War Diary written by Major David Miller, Adjutant of the New South Wales Imperial Bushmen who arrived in the Mozambique port of Biera and then moved to Rhodesia as part of the journey for deployment in South Africa to see action in the Boer War.
11 July 1900 - Wednesday
Troops marched out at 7.15, arrived at wagons 8.30, distance 3½ miles. Exercised Squadrons in the attack and defence of a position. Officers very weak. NCO's as a rule, absolutely useless. Left camp at 2 p.m. arrived next site at 3.30 distance about 4 miles.
The grain wagons are to be reloaded and will catch up to us tonight. Country undulating veldt, very little wood even for fuel. Water in spruit. Wagons arrived with grain at 9 p.m..
The column practiced squadron attack and defence of positions. Much to the disgust of Miller, he describes the officers as weak and reserved his most scathing comments for the NCO's as "absolutely useless". Their new camp was at a spruit with water, although on the down side, the veld had little wood for fuel.
Previous: War Diary, 10 July 1900
Next: War Diary, 12 July 1900
Further Reading:
New South Wales Imperial Bushmen
New South Wales Imperial Bushmen, Roll of Honour
Battles where Australians fought, 1899-1920
Citation: New South Wales Imperial Bushmen, War Diary, 11 July 1900
