Topic: BW - NSW - NSWMR_A
A Sqn NSWMR
"A" Squadron, NSW Mounted Rifles
Antill Letter, 26 December 1899
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.
From Captain JM Antill
Commander of NSW Mounted Rifles
To the Chief Staff Officer
Victoria Barracks
Sydney NSW
Sir
I have to report that the Dayton Granger arrived at Cape Town on the 23rd inst, having lost 3 horses Mounted Rifles and 5 horses Imperial Government. Men all well. The Officer Commanding in Command Captain Birsh expressed himself highly satisfied with the manner in which all ranks carried out their difficult duties. On the 21st inst the unit, together with the Australian Horse left Cape Town the latter proceeding to Arundel to join the Lancers. It is expected that no move for the front is being made for two weeks or there abouts. The health of the men is good and all ranks have given satisfaction in the manner in which duties are carried out.
Lieutenant Tooth reported at Cape Town and by direction of the military Authorities then was taken on for duty. (As Transport Officer). All Regimental transport has been taken over and local wagons and mules with native drivers substituted. The rations and forage provided seems of good quality but as there is no canteen given us and such as are expensive and difficult to procure. All rank badges, swords and colours have been removed by men and officers are difficult to distinguish from rank men. The horses are generally suffering the West African Sickness, in hard cough which despite all precautions attacks all and sundry. The horses we brought over are greatly admired and in demand. I shall report my departure for the front in due course.
De Aar
26 December 1899
JM Antill, Captain
Commanding New South Wales Mounted Rifles
Previous: Antill Letter, 14 November 1899
Next: Antill Letter, 7 January 1900
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, 26 December 1899
