"At a mile distant their thousand hooves were stuttering thunder, coming at a rate that frightened a man - they were an awe inspiring sight, galloping through the red haze - knee to knee and horse to horse - the dying sun glinting on bayonet points..." Trooper Ion Idriess
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Thursday, 4 July 2002
New South Wales Imperial Bushmen, War Diary, 4 July 1900 Topic: BW - NSW - NSWIB
NSWIB
New South Wales Imperial Bushmen
War Diary, 4 July 1900
New South Wales Imperial Bushmen War Diary, 4 July 1900.
This is an extract from the War Diary written by Major David Miller, Adjutant of the New South Wales Imperial Bushmen who arrived in the Mozambique port of Biera and then moved to Rhodesia as part of the journey for deployment in South Africa to see action in the Boer War.
4 July 1900 - Wednesday
Reveille at 5.30. Squadrons marched out at 6.55 a.m. leading horses arrive at wagons 4 miles distance at 8.20 a.m., horses watered and linked; had luncheon; Troops moved out at 3 arrived at Little Sebakive River at 5 p.m., camped. Had campfire, distance from morning camp 5½. Weather hot, like thunder.
The men marched to their camping ground at Sebakive River with little incident.
New South Wales Imperial Bushmen, War Diary, 3 July 1900 Topic: BW - NSW - NSWIB
NSWIB
New South Wales Imperial Bushmen
War Diary, 3 July 1900
New South Wales Imperial Bushmen War Diary, 3 July 1900.
This is an extract from the War Diary written by Major David Miller, Adjutant of the New South Wales Imperial Bushmen who arrived in the Mozambique port of Biera and then moved to Rhodesia as part of the journey for deployment in South Africa to see action in the Boer War.
3 July 1900 - Tuesday
Reveille at 5.30. Squadrons marched out at 6.55 a.m. leading horses arrive at wagons 4 miles distance at 8.20 a.m., horses watered and linked; had luncheon; Troops moved out at 3 arrived at Little Sebakive River at 5 p.m., camped. Had campfire, distance from morning camp 5½. Weather hot, like thunder. Wagons moved out at 5.30 a.m.. Troops followed at 6.40 a.m., arrived at camp at 8 a.m., distance short 4 miles. Camping grounds destitute of firewood, water 600 yards distant/ "C" Squadron occupied same ground.
The cook of "C" Squadron bakes exceptionally fine bread in an oven consisting of 2 sheets of galvanised iron turned up at the edges all round for 8 inches forming box which is placed on some hot ashes and covered with more. The fire having been made in a pit about 12 inches deep originally.
Troops marched out at 3 p.m. and marched to 1 mile beyond the Stables, a total distance of 5 miles. Camp formed in light timber. Grass on left of road very long, coarse and dry. Men ordered to restrict fires to roadside.
Extensive grass fires about 2 miles to our rear. Close inspection showed necessity for careful watch being kept. Picket warned accordingly. Wagons arrived at 8 p.m.. Snakes plentiful, 2 killed in Camp, one green, the other grey with black marks, length 3 to 4 feet.
Officers assembled at my fire and discussed disposition of detachment to resist attack at previous camping place; road sketches produced, explained use of compass, and arranged for each officer to take notes of road.
This entry is rather filled with some interesting discoveries, the chief observation related to the ability of the "C" Squadron cook as a bread maker. Miller describes in detail the construction of the cook's bush oven. On a more serious note, the contingent is beginning to feel a sense of unease as they approach potentially hostile territory and so they discuss plans to protect the column from any unexpected attacks.
New South Wales Imperial Bushmen, War Diary, 2 July 1900 Topic: BW - NSW - NSWIB
NSWIB
New South Wales Imperial Bushmen
War Diary, 2 July 1900
New South Wales Imperial Bushmen, War Diary, 2 July 1900
This is an extract from the War Diary written by Major David Miller, Adjutant of the New South Wales Imperial Bushmen who arrived in the Mozambique port of Biera and then moved to Rhodesia as part of the journey for deployment in South Africa to see action in the Boer War.
2 July 1900 - Monday
Reveille at 5.30 a.m.. Troops marched out at 7 a.m. and marched leading horses which carried men's blankets and their own rugs, arriving at wagons at 8.50 a.m. distance 4½ miles. Lieutenant Thomas sent on by Captain Waldron to ensure supplies of grain etc being ready at Enkledoorn from the Range.
The Bushmen are on the march with all the expected supplies being delivered to Enkledoorn rather than the pre-arranged point of Range. Great care is taken to ensure the re-supply is successful.
New South Wales Imperial Bushmen, War Diary, 2 July 1900, new letter Topic: BW - NSW - NSWIB
NSWIB
New South Wales Imperial Bushmen
War Diary, 2 July 1900
New South Wales Imperial Bushmen War Diary, 2 July 1900
This is an extract from the War Diary written by Major David Miller, Adjutant of the New South Wales Imperial Bushmen who arrived in the Mozambique port of Biera and then moved to Rhodesia as part of the journey for deployment in South Africa to see action in the Boer War.
2 July 1900 - Monday
Reveille at 5.30 a.m.. Troops marched out at 7 a.m. and marched leading horses which carried men's blankets and their own rugs, arriving at wagons at 8.50 a.m. distance 4½ miles. Lieutenant Thomas sent on by Captain Waldron to ensure supplies of grain etc being ready at Enkledoorn from the Range. Marched out of camp at 3, arrived at Enkledoorn 2½ miles at 3.30 p.m., camped for night. Replenished grain by 14,000 lbs of mealies. Conductor of Transport complained of extra loading. Found "C" Squadron with Major Le Mesurier encamped at same place. Water for drinking purposes very short. Enkledoorn is a Dutch Town of some 300 inhabitants, 2 hotels, 2 stores, Post and Telegraph Office, Magistrate, Inspector of Police with a detachment of Police in hut barracks. Lions reported to be numerous. Crocodiles in water holes, men warned accordingly.
While this is a totally different letter to that which supplied the first instalment of the War Diary to Sydney, this entry appears to be a duplicate of an entry in the previous letter.
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