TOPIC:

Frank,

This 'news' article from 19 Jan 1900 underlines what you are saying:

Hello David,
Agreed, the long wait must have been a terrible burden of sorrow for so many wifes and mothers.
Regards again Frank

From the diary of William Watson, Ladysmith, January 1900:

Shells plumping into the town, as usual. — It is said Guinness the great Dublin brewer, is sending out £10 000 worth of beer, for the Ladysmith garrison. If true, it is very handsome present, and much needed by our men. Why can not those almighty chiefs of the Campbell’s and Duffs, follow his example, and help their grandmother’s army. I suppose they are too greedy. How be it, the Scotch are second to none as soldiers, and they are better educated and more moral than all the rest of Europe. Where other nations have crimes, the Scotch have only failings. Some of these failings are exasperating enough. For instance, they lay claim to all the military glory of the United Kingdom. Wellington, had a very mixed army of 71000 men at Waterloo. The French had about an equal number. In Wellington’s army, there were 6 000. Scotch, and yet they claim to have won the battle, ignoring English, Irish, Dutch, Germans, and Belgians. A great artist, once painted a picture of the battle of Waterloo, which was much admired north of the Tweed. It consisted of one tremendous Highlander, flourishing his claymore. All the rest of the allied army had presumably fled. — The Scotch are generally supposed to be fond of a bargain. So are all other nations, and none more so than Mr. Bull himself. The great difference between the Scotch and other nations, is that the Scotch if not very lavish in their promises, intend to fulfil them, while the others can afford to be more liberal in their promises, because they do not intend to be bound by them. — Again, the Scotch are called clannish. This is neither crime, fault, nor failing. It is only another name for genuine patriotism. The creatures who call themselves cosmopolites, or citizens of the world, and renounce their native land are always devils. When Sir Collin Campbell led his brigade again the Russians at Alma, he shouted, “We’ll hae nane but Highland bonnets here.” That was clannish enough, but it was noble all the same. — Brockbank had a narrow escape yesterday. A big shell landed within a few feet of him, and burst, sending a shower of lumps of iron on all sides. — We never get a particle of news of any sort.

Watson is just stating a well known truth that the Scots are the best soldiers in the world........



Whether he be in a highland regiment or one of the accursed English ones.......



And with that, having descendants from the Men of Harlech, I will slide back into my fox hole.....



Mike

1900 - From the diary of Trooper A J Crosby, Natal Carbineers

Feeling a bit off again. Want of nourishing food is the primary cause of indisposition. If we are not soon relieved, we shall all be reduced to skeletons. Our Regiments can now only turn out 160 fit men out of the 500, our original number (strength). N.M.R. and B.M.R. about the same proportion. I.L.H. about 110, out of the 500 which came up from P.M.Burg, besides men enrolled here. Off duty during the day. Just heard that Major Brudewold of our staff has been wounded at Waggon Hill. Saw him less than two hours ago. A few shells from “Long Tom”. No casualties. One of the shells burst in our lines yesterday, killing a horse. Today one burst along the Drummers Horse (quite a regimental pet) just singeing him. At Mrs. Hadens looking up Norton Smith. Had a long chat with Mr. James, Times Correspondent.

1900 - From the diary of Miss Bella Craw in Ladysmith

Shelling again all day today. I have not heard of any particular damage done, nor any lives lost. I thought one was coming into the Hospital today but it fell in Carters near the gate. Bert had another very near.

There has been booming of big guns in the direction of Springfield all day again. A great many people have, I believe, been watching from Observation Hill and Wagon Hill, and they say they could see our shells falling in the Boer Camps, and they must have done great damage as they were such big explosions, Lyddite shells it is supposed. Uncle George with others, was on Wagon Hill and saw 37 Dutch wagons going down to Join their forces near Mr. James Walton's old farm. They also saw a balloon from our Column. While they were up there the Boers sent a shrapnel in amongst them. One of the bullets entered Major Bruderwold's cheek Just under the eye and came out at the back of the neck. Poor old chap, I believe, suffered a good deal. Fortunately Dr. Platt was up there and attended to him.

I did an awful thing today which I am afraid I will many a time regret, and that is to have on my arm tatooed

1899
LADYSMITH
FRO PATRIA
1900

No one knows of it yet. I hardly know how to break it to Mama and the boys for I know they will say I am very foolish, as a good many have already told me, Dr. Buntine and Dr. Currie, Bert and others. However, it can't be helped now, it is done.