Topic: BW - NSW - NSWMR_A
A Sqn NSWMR
"A" Squadron, NSW Mounted Rifles
Antill Letter, 15 April 1900
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.
Karee Kloop
Near Bloemfontein
Sir
Since my last advice, I have to report the death from Enteric of Private W Bender on the 4th Inst. of which I was only advised last night from Bloemfontein. This man took ill 3 weeks ago and was sent to hospital there. He was a most excellent man in every respect and his loss is greatly felt by his commander. I have advised by letter of this date his next of kin.
During a skirmish last week Corporal Allen was dangerously wounded - shot through the right lung but he is progressing favourably and being a strong man has good chance of recovery.
I report to say that in the result of the bad water at Paardeberg, several of the men have contracted fever among them being Lieutenant Lees (lately appointed to Colonel Knight's command from my squadron) and Corporal Wearne. The remainder being:Private Miller, Enteric;Private Sharpe, H, Enteric, (since convalescent);Private Spearing, Enteric;Private Pearce, Enteric, (severe);Private Corbett, Enteric;Private Maxted, Enteric, (nearly convalescent);Private Sutton, dysentery;Private Young, fever;Private Davison, fever;Private Field, fever.
The bulk of the Mounted Infantry and local irregulars have been re-organised. I enclose this disposition as affecting the NSW Troops, excepting the Lancers and Australian Horse which remain as at present in the 1st Cavalry Brigade.
I have the honour to be
Sir
Your obedient servant
JM Antill,
Commander, NSWMR
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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, 15 April 1900
