Topic: BW - NSW - NSWMR_A
A Sqn NSWMR
"A" Squadron, NSW Mounted Rifles
The following transcript is of a letter written by Captain John Macquarie Antill, Officer Commanding the New South Wales Mounted Rifles contingent to South Africa to the New South Wales Chief Staff Officer and Assistant Adjutant General Colonel Henry Douglas Mackenzie.
Albany, 14th November 1899
From: Officer Commanding The Troops, SS "Aberdeen"
To: The Assistant Adjutant General
Sir
I beg to report, following one from Melbourne, that the SS "Aberdeen" arrived at this port at 10 am this day.
The passage from Melbourne has been very rough, a heavy sea the greater part of the way, finishing with a gale the last twenty-four hours.
No horses have been lost, although two got down yesterday morning, and were with difficulty recovered.
The health of the troops is very good, except a few colds. Private Nicholson (Forbes) Mounted Rifles developed Gonorrhoeal Rheumatism at Melbourne and has been in Hospital since. A Medical Board has reported that he is unlikely to be convalescent for some time, and that as his complaint necessitates isolation and is dangerous to men living in the same quarters I have after consultation with Captain Legge and on their strong recommendation decided to return him from Albany. He will return by the first available boat. I have directed him to report to you on arrival.
The spirits of the men are good, although up to date a number have suffered from sea-sickness.
When weather permits drill and exercise is carried on by both units.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient servant
JM Antill, Captain
Commanding Troops per SS "Aberdeen".
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War Diaries and Letters
All War Diaries and letters cited on this site should be read in conjunction with the Australian Light Horse Studies Centre, War Diaries and Letters, Site Transcription Policy which may be accessed at:
Australian Light Horse Studies Centre, War Diaries and Letters, Site Transcription Policy
Further Reading:
New South Wales Mounted Rifles, "A" Squadron
New South Wales Mounted Rifles, "A" Squadron, Roll of Honour
Battles where Australians fought, 1899-1920
Citation: "A" Squadron, NSW Mounted Rifles, Antill Letter, 14 November 1899
