Topic: BatzB - Driefontein
Driefontein
South Africa, 10 March 1900
The Times, 20 March 1900, Item 1
The Times, 20 March 1900, p. 5.
The account is transcribed below.
LATEST INTELLIGENCE.
THE WAR.
LORD ROBERTS'S ADVANCE.
SHARP FIGHTING.
BOER POSITIONS CARRIED.
The following telegrams from Lord Roberts have been received at the War Office:
Driefontein, March 11, 7.15 a.m.
The enemy opposed us throughout yesterday's march, and from their intimate knowledge of the country gave us considerable trouble. Owing however, to the admirable conduct of the troops they were unable to prevent us reaching our destination.
The brunt of the fighting fell on Kelly-Kenny's Division, two battalions of which, the Welsh and the Essex, turned the Boers out of two strong positions at the point of the bayonet.
I have not been able as yet to get the exact number of casualties.
Among the killed are:-
- Captain Eustace, the Buffs;
- Captain Lomax, Welsh Regiment ; and
- Mr. McKartie, a retired Indian civilian attached to Kitchener's Horse.
Wounded:-
The Buffs:
- Colonel Hickson, leg, severe, bone not broken;
- Lieutenant Ronald, shoulder, light.
Gloucesters:
- Captain Jordan, leg, slight.
Welsh Regiment:
- Second Lieutenant Torkington, leg, slight;
- Second Lieutenant Pope, abdomen, dangerous;
- Second Lieutenant Wimberley, abdomen, severe.
Essex Regiment:
- Captain Broadmead, leg, slight.
Royal Field Artillery:- Lieutenant Devenish, neck, severe.
Royal Army Medical Corps:
- Major Waite, chest, severe;
- Lieutenant Berne, neck, slight.
Royal Australian Artillery:
- Colonel Umphely [? Umphleby], abdomen, dangerous.
9.55 a.m.
I cannot get precise number of casualties before I march, but will communicate it as soon as possible.
The Boers suffered heavily; 102 of their dead were left on the ground.
We captured about 20 prisoners.
Further Reading:
Battles where Australians fought, 1899-1920
Citation: Driefontein, South Africa, The Times, 20 March 1900, Item 1
