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.
12 July 1900 - Thursday
Very bleak morning. Squadrons moved out at 7.15 a.m. arrived at wagons on the Somabula River at 8.45 this morning, distance 4 miles.
"A" and "B" Squadrons left this camp at 7 a.m..
Troops exercised in Outpost Duty by day. Squadrons marched out at 3.15 arrived at camp 4 miles on at 4.30. Camp pitched on veldt, very little timber for any purposes. Colonel Mackay accompanied by the Adjutant, the Quartermaster, the Veterinary, the Regimental Sergeant Major and Orderlies arrived in camp at 8.15 p.m.
Colonel expressed satisfaction at condition of affairs and emphasized his wish that messing by groups be introduced, men work in groups, sleep in groups, eat in groups and fight in groups; one man in each group to cook for the other three men who look after his horse. The party left camp at 9 p.m.. Prior to leaving the Colonel address the Squadrons and complimented them on their behaviour and work.
Colonel Mackay and his staff finally join the column. He introduces the concept of the section of four men. In the circumstances of travel, one of the four men will cook and the other three will look after the cook's horse. Each section will remain together doing everything and sharing all things together. Mackay addressed the column and then left the camp at 9pm.
Previous: War Diary, 11 July 1900
Next: War Diary, 13 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, 12 July 1900
