Topic: BW - NSW - Lancers
Boer War - New South Wales
The NSW Lancers
Boer War Participation through Contemporary Newspapers
[From: The Town and Country Journal, 23 December 1899, p. 22.]
The following piece is an extract from The Town and Country Journal, 9 December 1899, p. 13.
The Lancers at the Cape.
MELBOURNE, Sunday. - Files of Cape papers to hand to-day give accounts of the reception by the Mayor of the N.S.W. Lancers at Cape Town.
The "Cape Times," in its report, says:
On the Mayoral party boarding the Nineveh the Lancers were drawn up on the main deck forward, and the Mayor, from the top of the fore hatch, addressed them in tones vibrating with feeling. The troopers, in their reddish-brown uniform with scarlet facings and slouched hat, topped by immerse plumes of cocks' feathers, looked the picture of health and energy. They were drawn up four deep in front of the Mayor, each man with a lance in his hand. It was a fresh kind of applause which they introduced in the pauses of the speeches. The hammering of the lance buttes on the planked deck conveyed their meaning perhaps better than any amount of common "hear, hear" would have done. When the troopers had come to attention, the Mayor (Councillor Ball) said: "Fellow colonists, the citizens of Cape Town desire to extend you a very hearty welcome to the shores of South Africa. They appreciate the spirit which prompted you to offer your services to our beloved Sovereign Queen in these trying circumstances. It is not the first occasion on which the colonies have offered to assist the mother country, out this seems to be a specially unique occasion, one that would have drawn together, if there were any need for it, every portion of her Majesty's dominions. (Cheers.) One and all have readily offered their services at this time. The Empire has often been spoken of as consisting of dependencies. But I think the demonstration here to-day, and your presence, and that of others to follow, will prove they are not merely dependencies, but that they realise and recognise they are part and parcel of the great Empire. (Cheers.) We are parcel of the great Empire. (Cheers.) We are not bound together with iron bands, it is true, but we are bound together by stronger ties than iron bands. The long reign of our beloved Sovereign the Queen, indeed, has been a glorious one, and she has won the affection of all her subjects. But there is a flag as well. (Cheers.) Wherever we see that floating we are proud to look upon it, because we know it speaks to us of liberty, of Justice - yes, of honest attempt to better her Majesty's subjects, and to make them happy. (Cheers.) I wish you to-day, fellow colonists, God speed in your work. I trust you will be spared to return safely, and to share in the honours of having endeavoured to maintain the authority, dignity, and honour of this great Empire, of which you form part with us, and not only that, but to carry away with you the gratitude of the citizens of South Africa for your timely assistance. (Cheers.) I wish you again God-speed. (Renewed cheers.)
Mr. O'Reilly, Deputy-Mayor, also spoke, and Captain Cox replied on behalf of himself and his men. He said some few of them would not for certain circumstances be able to go to the front, but the troops as a whole were ready for the work, and they might be trusted to go wherever, they were led. (Cheers.) As bushmen and men used to horses he had no fear of them, and he felt certain they would follow any body anywhere they were asked to follow. (Cheers.) In the afternoon the men were brought ashore and entrained for Wynberg. The quay aides were thick with spectators, and all along the dock road there were thousands of people who cheered and cheered again as the Australians went by with a jaunty swinging stride, their lances at the "carry," and looking as fit as a steel wire. All the war, to the station, and especially down at the to pier end of Adderley Street, the crowd was gigantic and the enthusiasm overwhelming.
Further Reading:
The NSW Lancers, South African War
New South Wales Lancers, Roll of Honour
Battles where Australians fought, 1899-1920
Citation: The NSW Lancers, Town and Country Journal, 9 December 1899
