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Updated: May 21, 2025
And in point of fact, Prinsloo's commando proved to be our salvation; for the English, from their high position at Thaba'Nchu, spied us as soon as day broke, and indeed sent troops to reinforce the point for which we were making.
The British were aware of the presence of the enemy, but do not appear to have posted any extra outposts or taken any special precautions. Long months of commando chasing had imbued them too much with the idea that these were fugitive sheep, and not fierce and wily wolves, whom they were endeavouring to catch. It is said that 700 yards separated the four pickets.
The local commando fell on our cattle-guard the other day a hundred and fifty to our twenty-five and we suffered; it was a horrible bit of country. There was a young chap, Winstay rather a pal of mine he had a narrow squeak, knocked over by a shot in his breast.
He, one of the wealthiest and most influential burghers in the Pretoria district, did not seem inclined to carry out my instructions, and altogether he could not get accustomed to the altered conditions. I did all I could in the matter, but, so far as the Pretoria Commando was concerned, the result of my efforts was not very satisfactory.
We got within breathing distance of the Commando how many strong?" "About a couple of hundred, sir." "And of course we bolted back without knowing anything about the troop, except that we are sure that, dead or alive, the Boers have accounted for them. If you'll agree to this report, we can ride back to Headquarters and I think I can promise you sergeant's stripes in a very short time!"
The Irish scout rose from the table and bowed, as only an Irish scout can bow, for the "vrow" was about thirty years of age, and pleasing to the eye beyond the lot of most women. "I am awfully glad to hear it, madam," he said in his execrable Dutch. "I've been looking for that commando for a week past. As they have doubtless sent a message by you, please send this back for me.
When our commando left Dundee to move in the direction of Ladysmith, part of the Pretoria town commando was sent to reinforce Lucas Meyer, who was to follow the troops fleeing from Dundee with his commando. My brother and I went with it. A terrible thunderstorm came on just then, and during the whole march to Ladysmith it rained heavily.
Botha says: 'I have particular knowledge of this matter, because I took part in the commando which our Government sent to meet the Transvaal forces.
There's a fresh commando of quite five hundred men coming up yonder under the sun, and before dark we shall be regularly ringed round." "Well, let them come, sir," said Denham bitterly; "they can't all hit at us at once. What you said was right." "What I said was right?" replied the Colonel, staring. "Why, what did I say?"
In the meantime the General was watching their movements from behind, and quietly enjoying their mistake. I left the hospital that afternoon, and crossing the Liebenbergsvlei to the rear of the English, I joined the Heilbron commando. The following day the enemy retreated to the farm of Groenvlei, which lies just to the north of Lindley.
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