Topic: BatzB - Belmont
Belmont
South Africa, 23 November 1899
Times, 24 November 1899, Account
Times, 24 November 1899, p. 5.
LATEST INTELLIGENCE.
THE WAR
WESTERN FRONTIER.
BRITISH VICTORY AT BELMONT.
The following telegram from the General Officer Commanding Lines of Commnnication, dated Cape Town, November 23, was received at the War Office at 10 o'clock last night:
Following telegram received from Lord Methuen:
(Begins.) Belmont, Nov. 23. - Attacked enemy daybreak this morning in strong position. Three ridges carried in succession, last attack being prepared by shrapnel. Infantry behaved splendidly and received support from naval brigade and artillery.
Enemy fought with courage and drill. Had I attacked later I should have had far heavier losses.
Victory was complete. Have taken 40 prisoners, and am burying good number of Boers, but the greater part of the killed and wounded have teen taken away by their comrades. Have large number of horses and cows ; have destroyed large amount of ammunition.
Following is a list of casualties :
3rd BATTALION GRENADIER GUARDS.
Killed-Lieutenant Fryer.
Dangerously wounded. - Lieutenant Blundell.
Wounded. - Second Lieutenants Leslie and Vaughan.
Slightly wounded. - Lieutenants Gurdon-Rebow end Russell.
And in addition the following officers are reported as wounded.-Lieutenants Lygon, Cameron, and Lieutenant-Colonel Crabbe.
Rank and file. - Killed 26, wounded 36, missing 13.
1st BATTALION COLDSTREAM GUARDS.
Officer wounded.-Lieutenant Grant.
Rank and file.-Killed 8, wounded 17, missing 5.
2nd BATTALION COLDSTREAM GUARDS.
Slightly wounded. - Lieutenant the Hon. Claude Willoughby.
Severely wounded. - Second Lieutenant Burton.
Rank and file. - Wounded 6.
1st BATTALION SCOTS GUARDS.
Severely wounded. - Major the Hon. North Dalrymple Hamilton.
Wounded. - Second Lieutenants Bulkely and Alexander.
Rank and file. - Killed 9, wounded 34.
1stt BATTALION NORTHUMBERLAND FUSILIERS.
Officers killed. - Captain Egar, Lieutenant Brine.
Dangerously wounded. - Major Dashwood, Lieutenant Felting.
Severely wounded. - Captain Sapte, Lieutenant Fishbourne.
Rank and file. - Killed 12, wounded 32.
2nd BATTALION SOUTH YORKSHIRE REGIMENT.
Rank and file. - Wounded 3.
2nd BATTALION NORTHAMPTON REGIMENT.
Officers severely wounded. - Captain Freeland, Second Lieutenant Barton.At 1 45 last night another telegram was received from the General Commanding Lines of Communication, Cape Town. It was despatched at 8 5 p.m. and was as follows :
A later telegram reports Brigadier-General Fetherstonehaugh severely wounded through shoulder.
Gatacre reports having yesterday encamped a battalion of infantry at Putters Kraal, and that reinforcements of mounted troops and half a battalion of infantry will be moved to same camp to-day.
Dutch rising continues in Broken Nail districts. Police at Molteno report armed Dutch left Cradock to join rebels at Broken Nail, taking armed natives with them.
French conducted reconnaissance towards Arundel, which he found held in strength, and withdrew with three men wounded - No. 1,996, Policeman L. Bawtree, thigh, dangerous; 3,084, Corporal Thomas, chest and arms, dangerous; 4,618, Private Willett, arm, serious, both of mounted infantry 1st Worcester Regiment.
Boers reported moving from Natal to vicinity of Bloemfontein. Telegraphic communication with Belmont reopened. Line inspector reports heavy engagement to the east of Belmont to-day.
Enemy utterly routed. No details yet received. Postmaster Hope Town reports Kuruman people have defeated North rebels.
(THROUGH REUTER's AGENCY.)
ORANGE RIVER, Nov. 23, 1 p.m.
Mr. J. D. Logan, a member of the Cape Legislative Council, who has just returned here from Belmont, states that the British troops have engaged the enemy on this side of Belmont.
The British artillery practice was magnificent, and the infantry carried the kopjes at the point of the bayonet, driving the Boers from their position.
(FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.)
ORANGE RIVER, Nov. 23.
There are Boers all round Witteputs. They are constantly sighted. It is reported that they are retiring on Belmont.
A reconnaissance with lancers was shelled yesterday morning by the Boers from Belmont Station at 600 yards. The shrapnel burst well, but we had no casualties. The enemy's force is estimated at 2,000 men with five guns.
Further Reading:
Battles where Australians fought, 1899-1920
Citation: Times, 24 November 1899, Account
Posted by Project Leader
at 11:01 PM EADT
Updated: Friday, 3 April 2009 10:46 AM EADT
