MS Order Book - for C Squadron, 2nd Imperial Light Horse Infantry, Covering the period from 21st November, 1901 - early January, 1902. [The Boer War]

Oblong 8vo. Bound in blind-stamped sheep with metal clasp. Binding worn with some worming and damage to spine and lower board. Contains MS orders of the day, lists of casualties, punishments, arrivals, discharges, details of stable management, etc. Inserted are copies of telegrams to General Dartnell, dated 16th, 17th and 18th December, giving news both of the War and more general news, including the cricket results (England playing Australia in Sydney).

£1'250.

Quoting from the order book:

'The G.O.C. wishes to thank all ranks of the R.A., 1st and 2nd Imperial Light Horse ... who took part in the recent operations, for the thorough and cheerful way in which they carried out the hard work under trying circumstances. A march of 120 miles in less than 4 days is one of which any column may be proud; and in yesterday's fight with De Wet, the conduct of the troops left nothing to be desired.'

See: Military History Journal - Vol 8 No.2 - HARRISMITH - A Military Town During the Anglo-Boer War, and After : Part II

by S A Watt:

'In early December, the 1st and 2nd Imperial Light Horse and some Yeomanry under command of Gen. Dartnell left Harrismith for Bethlehem in an attempt to prevent De Wet breaking out to the south. The British column of both battalions ILH and Yeomanry left Bethlehem for Harrismith at 08:00 on 18 December. A report from a surrendered Boer indicated that seven commandos were waiting on the road. De Wet had in fact posted half of his 500 men on a spur overlooking the Tigerkloof Spruit, while the remainder were concealed in the ravines at the eastern end of the Langberg. Nothing happened until 11:00 when the 2nd ILH, who were in the vanguard, were charged from the spur by 200 men. The attack was met by the ILH, who promptly occupied the spur. The Boers then turned their attention to the rest of the column, in the middle of which were the Yeomanry and artillery and to the 1st ILH, the latter having occupied a rise to the rear, three kilometres distant. The Boers were beaten off, retired to the Langberg, and then were seen retiring south-eastwards towards the hills and ravines 10km away. The British casualties totalled 19, of whom, according to Three Years' War, were four killed and five wounded. For gallantry on this occasion Surgeon Captain T J Crean of the 1st ILH was later awarded the Victoria Cross. At 15:00 Dartnell moved on, reaching Elands River Bridge, some 25km distant, the following day.'