LETTER FROM A COLLINGWOOD BOY.
A ROYAL HORSE ARTILLERYMAN.
Mrs F. Stallard of Collingwood has just received a letter from her son Frank who, as we stated a few days since is on active service in South Africa as a corporal of the Royal Horse Artillery. The letter is dated 28th November and written at Naauwpoon camp, so that this young Colonial is in the same division as the New Zealand Contingent under General French. The writer's Battery left Capetown the day after the arrival of the New Zealanders, who camped behind the Royal Horse Artillery, and in the short interval that elapsed before the two companies parted, Corporal Stallard was fortunate in meeting among the New Zealanders a young man whom he had known in the regulars at the Umballa station in India. His friend told him that he had purchased his discharge in India and proceeded to New Zealand, where he had been but ten days when he volunteered for the New Zealand Contingent. The meeting caused great surprise on both sides, and no less pleasure. Like other soldiers at the front, Corporal Stallard found the country different to what he had expected, and the train journey from Capetown through the Karroo impressed him with the barrenness of the country. The country round Naauwpoort was in appearance very like the plains at Collingwood. The climate was very hot, and reminded him in that respect of India, but it was healthy enough. At the time of writing Corporal Stallard had just finished work, and was using a gun limber as a table, writing his letter in pencil in the fading light, which evidently hardly lasted sufficient for the soldier's purpose. He spoke of their vedettes being out for about 4 miles round the camp, and having captured several Boer scouts. The letter concludes with a sketch map of the country, and an injunction to the mother to keep the letter till her son comes home, which needless to say would have been done in any case. -Colonist, 13/1/1900.
LETTER FROM A NELSON MAN.
CORPORAL STALLARD, OF THE R.H.A
Corporal Stallard, of the "O" Battery R.H.A., writing from Arundel on the 21s December, says: — I will now tell you what has happened since I wrote from Naauwport about a fortnight ago. A week last Friday we left Naauwpoort to march here, at two in the morning. It took four hours to reach here, about 18 miles. There were then the New Zealand troops, two cavalry regiments one infantry regiment, and the New South Wales Lancers, "R" Battery, R.H.A., and two guns of my battery. We went out at three in the morning to surprise the enemy who were entrenched in a kopje about four miles from here. The New South Wales troops did not turn up at the proper rendezvous, so the surprise was abandoned. About midday a large Boer force was seen to be making for Naauwpoort, our base, so our battery had to return again. We stopped there until last Saturday, when we marched here again to join the force. Our troops had turned out and completely defeated the Boers, who lost 100 killed, besides many wounded, principally through the 9in gun, of "R" Battery, R.H.A. We had not been here two hours on Saturday when we were ordered out to shell the Boers, who occupied a kopje about two miles from here. This was our first time under fire and I had the pleasure of laying and firing our first serve out. They very soon retired. We had no casualties. We had a quiet day on Sunday, but on Monday we went out at 2 a.m. with the New Zealand troops about six miles to reconnoitre the Boers' position We opened fire on the Boers at 2200yds, and fired about 30 rounds. The New Zealanders then advanced and engaged the Boers on a kopje. The Boers then started to fire on us with a long range gun which we call "Long Tom." It fires at least seven thousand yards, while ours only 5000 yards. They fired about twenty shots at us, but they all fell 150 yards past us. One, however, fell four yards in rear of my gun, smothering us with sand, but no one was hurt. We then retired under cover. A few minutes later we had orders to gallop over the plain to assist the New Zealand troops who were engaged very hotly with about 500 Boers; there only being 70 New Zealand men. We opened a splendid fire on them compelling them to retire. The Boers lost 50 killed and 90 wounded. The New Zealanders lost seven horses, one man taken prisoner and wounded (Bradford), and two slightly wounded. We had no casualties. I think the Boers had enough this time, We then returned to our camp after a very successful manoeuvre. I believe some kind people in England are sending out some plum puddings to the troops, also the Queen is sending out half a pound of chocolate in very pretty designed boxes as a keepsake to each soldier. I'll send you mine home as all soldiers at the front get one. There is no doubt this will be a well earned medal. Of course when you get this it will be well into the New Year. Do not worry about me, I'll be all right. I was never made to be shot. There is no doubt there will be some good jobs here after the war. We do not get any pay here, but it is being saved up for us. My kit is all over the place, some in Woolwich, some in Aldershot, and some in Capetown, so I am upside down. It is a real difficulty to get paper and envelopes on service, and there is no conveniences to write, so you must make the best of my letters. I will write every fortnight, or sooner, if anything occurs worth writing about. I suppose you will hardly be able to read this letter, as I have to write it on a newspaper held in my hand while sitting in a tent. If I cannot spend this Christmas with you, I hope to spend the next. We do not intend to attack the Boers in force until we are reinforced by three regiments of infantry. The Boer force is between four and five thousand men, strongly entrenched, so we have done nothing this last two or three days. Everyone here speaks well of the New Zealand troops. They say their behavior under fire is magnificent. They are escort to my battery. They are a credit to New Zealand, and are admired by all the regulars here. I have been in their camp, and spoken to several coming from Picton way. We have captured a lot of Boer horses and cattle, The rations here are very small, hardly enough to keep you alive, 4oz of bread and coffee for breakfast and tea, 1lb of meat for dinner and 4oz potatoes. We left all surplus clothing we had at Naauwpoort, so we only have what we stand up in, a change of linen, and one blanket, until I don't know when. It seems hard to hear of so many men falling. The Boers always fight us two to one, and are in good entrenched positions. We lose so many of our troops guarding our line of communication. I suppose you are now getting ready for Xmas, God knows what sort of a Xmas we are going to have. -Colonist, 29/1/1900.
NEWS FROM THE BATTLEFIELD,
LETTER FROM CORPL, STALLARD, R.H.A.
GALLANT NEW ZEALANDERS.
We have been favored with a sight of the following letter, written by Corpl. Stallard, "O" Battery, Royal Horse Artillery, which will be read with much interest: —
"Near Colesburg, " 16th January, 1900.
"Dear Mother and Father, — A few lines in continuation of my letter which I wrote to you on January 3rd, in which I gave you an account of our fight on New Year's Day. We did not do much in the following week — up at 2.30 a.m. every morning and taking up our positions in the dark. We fired a few shots at the enemy every day. About a week ago the Suffolks (one company — 150 men) made a night attack on the Boer position on the left flank. They were met by about 1000 Boers, and nearly all were killed or taken prisoners. That has been our column's most serious loss. Up to the present this Battery has lost one killed and seven wounded, while 14 horses have been killed and about 20 wounded. Last Tuesday my section were ordered out to engage the enemy's right flank. We had a squadron of cavalry with us. (A section is two guns.) We advanced to the Boer position before daylight, and got to within 3000 yards of them. They had one heavy gun and three quick-firers, one pounders. They were entrenched on a hillside, and we were on the plain. We opened on them at 3200 yards. All at once they opened on us. I never in all my life saw such a sight. Shells were bursting all around us. Their quick-firers kept a fusillade of small shell on us. Most of them were badly aimed, and fell over us. We fired 40 rounds of shrapnel at them, but could not check their fire. We were in action about three-quarters of an hour. We got two men wounded, and four horses shot dead and about 12 severely wounded, besides a lot slightly wounded. As I was laying the gun, a shell struck the axletree of the gun carriage about a foot from my face. I was smothered with smoke and dust, but unhurt. A fellow alongside me was hit in the leg by a piece of shell. We then retired out of range. During this affair about 700 of our cavalry and the New Zealanders got around the enemy's flank, with our other four guns. We retired to our camp at Rensburg. We are now halfway between Colesburg and Norval's Pont, on the Orange River, the boundary of the Free State, on the enemy's right flank. The remainder of our army is on their left flank. We go out every day skirmishing a bit, but we are only harassing the enemy until we get reinforcements. Yesterday a picket of the Yorkshire Regiment and the New Zealanders, about 40 strong, were attacked by about 400 Boers two miles from our camp. They were on a small hill. The Boers were driven back with great loss — about 100 killed. We lost four Yorks killed and one New Zealander, and several wounded. [Trooper Connell was shot dead in this engagement, and Sergeant Gourley died from wounds received shortly afterwards.] I have not heard the full details as it took place last night about five o'clock, and we only heard a bit of news from some wounded men brought in. The Boers got within 20 yards of our men when a captain of the New Zealanders (Captain Madocks) cried 'Boys of New Zealand fix bayonets and charge' — as soon as the Boers saw our fellows coming they ran for their lives. We are 15 miles from Rensburg, our base, on the railway, and all our provisions etc., have to be brought out on transport carts. We get bread about once a week — & rations. We are now living on biscuits and tinned meats. My section is now on the field about 4 miles from camp. We left there at 3 a.m. this morning — it is now 7.30 a.m. We are out reconnoitering with some cavalry and have been here for about two hours awaiting to try and get a rub at the enemy's provision waggons. I have had the best of health so far, the climate being splendid now. I was through a farm house here the other day — all the farmers round here have joined the Boers. We got a sack of apples from the orchard. In one room we found a splendid American organ. I had a tune on it. Bedsteads, feather beds, crockery, and; everything was just as they had left them. There are dozens of nice farms round here all deserted. It does look pitiful to see such nice homes ruined — perhaps people have been years making them. Ostriches, sheep, cattle and horses are running loose all over the place. The Boers are very even fighters, they spread out for miles over the rough stoney country, and we can never have a good fight with them. The country round here is very hilly, and the hills are all covered with rocks which afford splendid cover for them. We can now hear the crack of rifles between our outposts and the Boers. By the way, the New Zealanders are making a proper name for themselves here. Everyone of the regulars say they are a splendid lot of men. All the officers praise them. They are coupled along with my Battery here. We are nearly all worked to death from 1.30 a.m. in the morning until dark at night. Our horses are getting very thin. My horse was shot in the affair the other day. I have the piece of shell in my pocket, and I intend to keep it. I daresay you will find a lot of trouble in reading this letter, but I am writing it on a 'Canterbury Times' which I brought out in my haversack...
You might send a bit of tobacco, it is very dear here. We had a capsize one night on the march, and lost the box we brought with us. Its a job to get anything now, and it will be worse later on. Send any parcels via Capetown. — Your loving son, — F. STALLARD." -Colonist, 5/3/1900.
NEWS FROM THE BATTLE FIELD.
WITH THE ROYAL HORSE ARTILLERY.
LETTER FROM CORPORAL STALLARD
Mr and Mrs F. Stallard of Collingwood have received further letters from their son Frank, a corporal with the "O" Battery, R.H.A., with General French's field force in South Africa. On February 1st the Battery had retired from near Norvals Pont and camped at "Porter's Farm," where the men were having a rest, all the General officers having gone to Capetown to confer with Lord Roberts. A fine dam of water about 6 acres in extent is mentioned in terms of appreciation, a good wash being described as a real luxury. For weeks the fare had been biscuits and tinned beef, with a very occasional tin of jam, until the lucky capture of a few sheep gave a much needed change of fare. At Rendsburg, the base, a store was opened, and the prices were, jam 1s a tin, butter 2s 6d per lb, cigarettes 1s a box, bread 8d per 21b loaf, and so on. But as no pay had been drawn since the 27th December not much spending could be done. The country thereabout is described as very hilly and rough. Prisoners were being taken every day, and they stated that the Boer forces were living almost entirely on meat, and that it was the foreigners who prevented them giving in. The writer states that the Cape Colony Boers, who have rebelled, are fighting very hard, no doubt the penalties to which they have rendered themselves liable spurring them on. On the 2nd February after being engaged all day shelling the enemy, the Battery got orders to join the base, and except for a couple of hours' bivouack, they were on the march all night, and reached Rensburg at 7 a.m. on the 3rd, having in the 24 hours fought the enemy and marched 38 miles. Immediately on arrival they were ordered to entrain and join Lord Methuen's force at Modder river. After the horses and guns were entrained, coffee was served out, and a gentleman down the line had thoughtfully sent up boxes of grapes, which enabled each man to have about a pound, moreover this delicious fruit was to be purchased at the rate of a hatful for sixpence, so the soldiers had a rare feast. Rensburg was left at noon, the artillerymen having to lie on the bottoms of the trucks under the guncarriages, and Da Aar was reached at six p.m. This being the principal base there were to been seen piles of stores and all sorts of war munitions, and here Corporal Stallard got the first glass of beer he had seen since leaving Capetown for the front. Orange River station was reached at four o'clock next morning, and later on, passing through Belmont and Grasspan, evidences were still to be seen of the battles which had been fought at those places. The country near the Modder river where the Battery camped with Methuen's army, then of about 25,000 men, is described as being very flat, the river itself being about the size of the Kaituna, in the Collingwood district. The "O"Battery tents were pitched within a couple of hundred yards of where a hundred Boers and sixty British soldiers lay buried in one large grave, the spot being marked by a large wooden cross. The position of the Boers at Magersfontein is described at some length, the number of the enemy there being stated at 27,000. The relief of operating in open oountry after "the maze of hills" about Colesberg was keenly felt by the artillerymen, who seeing that they had in all 186 heavy guns on the spot were hopeful of showing the Boers that their position was not impregnable as they had boasted, and the writer discusses the advance on Bloemfontein. For instance, he says that after the Boers are shifted from Magersfontein (of which not the slightest doubt is expressed), they (the artillery) are to leave their tents behind, taking no more than they can carry on their horses. Fortunately the horse which Corporal Stallard had killed three weeks previous was replaced by a really good one which never knocked up. The narrative breaks here, and is taken up again on the 10th February, when details are given of a fight which commenced on the seventh of that month, when the "O" Battery was sent out to join the Highland Brigade, which three days previously had made a forced march of 23 miles to prevent a large body of rebels joining the Magersfontein defenders. During this march under a tropical sun and across a sandy plain a number of the men dropped dead from exhaustion. Arrived at their point of check they found themselves opposed to 5,000 of the enemy, and hence the request for reinforcements. In addition to the "O" Battery, these comprised three regiments of cavalry, and the march was made as quickly as possible, 28 miles being covered under trying circumstances, the writer never having felt it hotter in India. Six horses dropped dead on the march, and owing to the water-cart being away when the start was made, at eleven in the forenoon, the water-bottles were empty, and it was half-past ten at night before the men got a drink. The enemy were met with taking shelter on a large kopje (at Frazer's drift), from which they were shelled and dispersed as they fled over the surrounding plain, but as night was coming on, and the horses done up, the British retired to the river for water, where, as stated, the first drink was obtained. But all was not over then; it was one o'clock before the men bivouacked, and they simply lay down beside their horses with the reins in their hands. The pursuit of the enemy was resumed at 3.30 a.m., and their rearguard discovered seven miles distant entrenched on some kopjes, from which they were shelled. However, as the assailants had two biscuits per man and half a feed only for their horses, they could not advance further, and had to be content with shelling the enemy as he appeared from time to time during the day, and at 6 p.m. commenced the retreat to the middle camp, which was reached 1 a.m., more horses having been lost through exhaustion on the way. Corporal Stallard immediately had to go on picquet duty, and thus wound up two days of fighting with two nights without sleep, his food being a few biscuits. However, though feeling somewhat the effects of his exertions, he was in splendid health. The British loss was six killed and 60 wounded, while that of the enemy was heavy, but the numbers were not ascertainable. (The Battery to which Corporal Stallard is attached, from the foregoing account evidently formed a part of the reinforcements under Colonel Babington sent by Lord Methuen to the assistance of General Hector Mac Donald at Koodoosrand.) Continuing, the writer says that he had often pictured to himself what active service would be like, but he was quite unprepared for such hardships as he had endured, moreover all the Corporals in the "N" Battery (in England) from which he had exchanged to go to the front had been promoted to be Sergeants, the Sergeants being taken to make up ammunition columns, hence he had lost certain promotion, but he concludes that he would rather gain a medal than the three stripes. The "O" Battery were to have two days' rest; and then form part of a force of 20,000 mostly cavalry, horse artillery, and mounted infantry, to advance towards Blomfontein. (As a matter of fact within three days of the date of Corporal Stallard's letter, began General French's advance, which resulted in Cronje's communication with Blomfontein being cut and the early relief of Kimberley ) -Colonist, 14/3/1900.
NEWS FROM THE BATTLE-FIELD.
RELIEF OF KIMBEBLEY AND CAPITULATION OF CRONJE.
The following letter from Corporal Stallard has been placed at our disposal for publication. The contents will show that this non-com. has been through the heaviest fighting, and has had some trying times: —
"We got orders on February 21st to prepare for a long march taking nine days rations of biscuit and tinned beef. We started from camp at 2.30 a.m. Sunday morning, 7 batteries of R.H.A., 4000 cavalry and 3000 mounted infantry, and marched back to Grasspan, 23 miles down the line, arriving there about 1.30 p.m., and bivouaced. Here we were joined by 6000 infantry and 6 batteries of field artillery, and then we heard we were going to relieve Kimberley. All the mounted troops, about 8000, then marched on Monday morning at 3.30 a.m. due east into the Orange Free State, followed by the infantry. My battery was in the advanced guard, and we came upon, six miles from Grasspan, 2000 men and two guns. Our brigade soon shifted them, and they cleared but. We marched 15 miles and camped on the Reit river. We lost four killed and several wounded. . . We then struck off to the north in a circular direction, and after marching 15 miles, the brigade on our right flank came on the enemy, and again drove them back. After we had gone about 33 miles we came in sight of the Modder river and the big base laager of the Boers. Our horses were now completely done up. Eight or nine dropped down dead on the road from exhaustion, dozens of horses lay dead on the way, mostly belonging to the cavalry. About 5. p.m. we advanced on the Boer laager, and commenced shelling it. The other brigade moved off to the right to try and get to the river at all costs. As our horses were parched up, not having had any water since they started out in the morning.
The Boers held us in check for about half an-hour, when they began to fly in all directions. We captured their camp and about 200 wagons of goods. What a treat we had, cases of ripe peaches, boxes of cake etc. We had now cut off the supplies of the main body of Boers who were entrenched at Magersfontein. . . . After a day's rest we marched towards Kimberley again, our infantry holding the Modder river while the cavalry advanced. We had not gone four miles when we came on the enemy again, this time right in front of us. They opened fire on us with seven guns, and were about 3000 strong, and they lined the low-lying hills. We brought three batteries on them and soon silenced their guns. Three regiments of cavalry were then ordered to force their way and charge the Boers, who opened a terrific rifle fire on us at 2000 yards. As soon as they saw the cavalry charging them they made off but a good many had their horses shot and could not get away, and these were killed by our cavalry. The battery galloped on, and we saw dozens of dead horses lying about. We lost 26 killed and wounded in this affair, and the Boers 60 killed alone, and we captured two guns. We now had to push on to Kimberley at all costs and as quickly as we could. Horses were dropping dead every mile. We sighted Kimberley at 4 p.m., and saw the Boers firing their last shot on the town from their big gun. They then opened fire on us, but we soon shut them up, and when they saw us about 6000 strong (all mounted men) they retired in all directions. We then marched towards the town and camped outside. The people went fairly mad to see us. We were very nearly done up, having marched 100 miles in four days, and been engaged three times. Next morning we were out again and captured three laagers, and two or three guns, also a lot of prisoners and stores. We returned, after a long day, in the evening through the town, and the people lined the streets and cheered us all the way. Kimberley is a very pretty town with a population of 40,000. After a day's rest we received orders to march to Bloemfontein, as the enemy had left Magersfontein and were retreating to the Free State capital. . . . We are now on the left flank of the enemy, who are surrounded. All day yesterday they were being shelled by our heavy guns and naval guns, and we were firing all night. The firing has now slacked a bit, but how our men are getting on I don't know, as we are about six miles from our infantry and the main body. We are stopping the retreat of the Boers. This paper I am writing upon is some I got from the Boer camp at Modder river. For the last nine days I have had one blanket and one waterproof sheet to sleep on. We carry no more with us than we can take on our saddles."
As the former letter could not be posted, Corporal Stallard continues: "We did not do anything the last day I wrote, but we got news that night that a relief force of about 2,000 Boers was advancing to relieve those whom we have surrounded (Cronje is in command). We (three cavalry brigades) had to go out and meet them, and advanced, two or three miles separating each brigade. We waited for the Boers, who advanced with two guns, and got right on to us. We then closed on them, and by Jove we had a time of it. About 500 of the enemy advanced on our Brigade across the plain, and at first we thought it was our own cavalry. They got 1800 yards off us, and opened a terrific rifle fire. We got our guns into action and poured a terrible fire of shrapnel on them. They stuck to it for about ten minutes, and then galloped off in all directions, leaving about 40 dead horses and 30 dead men on the field. The other brigades then attacked, and in half an hour Boers were fleeing in all directions. We completely routed them and took about fifty prisoners. They lost quite 100 killed and wounded. General Roberts congratulated General French on his victory. The enemy got away with their two guns, though we chased them for four miles. I have never been in such a rifle fire before, the bullets whistled over us like hail, but fired too high most of the bullets going over us. I got hit in the shoulder with a piece of shell, but it did not enter the flesh. It only made my arm stiff for several days. . . Everyone here is cheerful and we are all in good health. To-day we have been out grazing, our horses on the veldt. They are half starved, as well as us, and begin to look very poor. They were in splendid condition when we left home. -Colonist, 14/4/1900.
NEWS FROM THE FRONT.
TRYING EXPERIENCES.
We have had a letter forwarded to us, which was written by Corporal Stallard, R.H.A;, from the Kraal Drift. Modder River between Bloemfontein and Kimberley on March 4th, and we publish the following interesting extracts: —
"Where the Boers were entrenched is about four miles from here, down the river. They held a very strong position in trenches 6 feet deep along the river bank. Their loss was terrible, 1200 killed and about 1000 wounded. Thousands of horses and cattle were killed. The Boers made an attempt on the 26th ultimo to break through our lines. It was an awful night. Nothing but the unceasing roll of rifle fire all night long. I will never forget it. They surrendered in the morning. . . We have been on half rations for twelve days, and in fact for the last four days we have been getting 1 biscuit, 2oz flour, and tea and coffee. We get a good deal of meat, but you cannot get salt or anything to eat with it. We are up from 3 a.m. until dark. I have never felt the pangs of hunger so much, and the weather being very bracing gives one an especially good appetite. We have had six out of eight wet nights lately. Its enough to try the constitution of any man — wet through night after night and nothing to eat, and we have also had nothing to smoke for a week. God knows what our transport is doing. Our horses are allowed to graze on the veldt all day, and also get 61bs of oats per diem. The last fortnight has sickened me of the war completely. I am on night duty every three nights. At present I am out on what is called "Cossack post" with two of our guns. We are 3000 yards off the enemy's outposts, in fact we can fire at them. Our guns are in gun-pits, and our patrols are 400 yards ahead of us on the look out. . . . We have heard no news from the outside world for three weeks, so we are like men buried. We received some rumors that Ladysmith was relieved the other day, but how true it is we don't know. They talked about Kimberley being starved, but I think we are worse off here, I have not had my boots off for 8 days, and feel properly done up. . . . I have just received your letter and the papers containing the Christmas news." -Colonist, 20/4/1900.
LETTERS FROM THE FRONT.
As the former published letters by Corporal F. Stallard (a Collingwood boy) of the O Battery R.H.A., written at the front, have been read with interest we subjoin extracts from further letters lately received by his parents.
Writing from Bloemfontein on March 18th, Corporal Stallard says: —
On the 8th we began to move on to Bloemfontein and attacked the Boers who had vainly attempted to reinforce Cronje, they were about 6,000 strong, with 20 guns, and were camped three miles higher up the river. About a mile from the river, on the south, ran a line of low hills and between it and the river the Boers had made a line of trenches facing us, they also lined the hills, making sangars of stones etc. About 5 a.m. three cavalry brigades, under General French, marched out, making a detour to the south to turn the Boer flank, and later on the infantry and artillery attacked the enemy in front. They sent most of their men to resist French's attack, but nothing could stop the advance of the three brigades, and the enemy were quickly driven back. They used their artillery very little, for as soon as a gun opened fire, we overwhelmed it with shrapnel. As soon as they showed signs of giving way the F Artillery began shelling their trenches, and then they saw they had no hope and began to run for it, leaving nearly all their gear behind, but as our cavalry were pretty well done up, we could not follow them. We captured a good few prisoners, and, I think, two guns, but as our column was pushed on ahead I cannot say exactly what we got. The next day the infantry and two of our brigades (artillery) moved eastwards towards Bloemfontein, and again met the Boers and soon drove them in all directions; on one hill alone we counted 102 dead. After the first day's fight the Russian attache who was with the Boers fell into our hands; it appears that in their retreat his courage broke down, and he waited for us to come along. His name is Colonel Gourko, a well known Russian officer; he told our officers that Presidents Steyn and Kruger were with the Boers at the battle and had entreated them to make a bold stand, saying they were well entrenched in a splendid position, and no British soldiers could drive them out. Colonel Gourko said our advance was magnificent and could not be equalled by any troops in the world.
After being reinforced, we were led southward by General Gordon, to a small town called Peterisberg, and camped just outside, and the next day advanced another sixteen miles; on the following day again we were ordered to join the main column, 29 miles ahead, and we marched out at 10 a.m., being kept going till 7.30 at night, this fairly knocked us up, and our horses were falling exhausted all along the line. The following morning we received orders to move at 5 a.m. to take the railway south of Bloemfontein, which was only 15 miles away; we therefore expected a big day and our rations were three biscuits and a cup of coffee for the day. After going about six miles our horses began to fall again, though we had eight to a gun (total weight 32cwt.), but as they failed the gunners' horses were hooked on, mine included, and we had to walk, our orders being to get the guns to Bloemfontein if the men had to drag them. The Boers on this occasion did not wait for us but went off northwards. We made preparations to attack the town, but the residents came out and surrendered, our brigade was then marched through the town and took up a position about two miles to the north. We were heartily cheered in the town, and Union Jacks were floating everywhere, and nearly all of the people were wearing red, white, and blue ribbons.
The Free State Government treated all the English here with great respect, giving the residents passports to remain, and preventing anyone from molesting them in anyway.
Since starting on this march we have had no tents, and out of the last 20 we have had nine wet nights, very pleasant I can assure you, with only one blanket and cloak for a covering. The nights have been very chilly lately, and when it rains here it comes down properly, but it generally clears up a bit in the day, and so we manage to get dry again. We carry a change of underclothing with us, but I've not had my boots off for nine days.
Water is very scarce here, no rivers or creeks of any sort for miles, and the only water we got was from a few half empty dams, which were soon emptied by our mules and horses. We have a wash about once a week, and altogether this last month has been a very trying one, but we, have been successful and that is the main thing. The enemy are, no doubt, good men, and, equally as brave as ours, but they lack organisation and good transport, and, in spite of what has been said to the contrary our artillery is vastly superior to theirs, and is better served, but for undisciplined troops, the Boers would be hard to beat; they are good shots, and it is a hard job to get them out of the kopjes, but they are useless on the plains. On arrival here we re-captured a, lot. of British prisoners, among them a Lieutenant Thompson of "ours," who was captured in one of the engagements around Colesburg. He received five wounds, two in the chest, one above each knee, and one in the thigh, but he is now nearly well, the wound in the thigh troubling him a little. He speaks well of the treatment he received while a prisoner.
The Boers are very poor farmers, and improve their properties very little. Most of the farms we came across were very miserable places, consisting of a few fruit trees and a patch of neglected garden, besides their cattle and ostriches which they run on the open veldt. Near Bloemfontein are a few English farms, and the contrast between theirs and the Boers is very striking.
This is naturally a lovely country, but it needs a lot of improvement, and I think anyone coming to settle here would need a bit of capital, for it is a long way from. the Cape and transport is dear. The climate now is about the same, as a New Zealand summer, except that the nights are chilly.
On the 27th March from the same place the writer continues: - I am at present out six miles out of Bloemfontein with a section of our battery, two guns, but we have not any horses, all of ours being taken to horse the other four guns, where there is a force of Boers estimated at 14,000 with 14 guns. We cannot move till we get fresh horses. This is poor camp, all water and wood having to be brought from town. We get little news here, all the news, even about oar own forces, coming in English papers, which are about a month old when we get them. We are still without tents, and there has been a lot of rain, but the climate is delightful, so it does not affect us much. The only thing is we get too little to eat, our rations being 1lb bread, 1lb meat, 4ozs preserved vegetables, and tea and coffee. We get no pay, and if we had it could not buy anything. I have not got the Queen's chocolate yet, when I get it I'll send the tin home to you. Fellows have been offered £5 for the box. There will be some good jobs here after the war, but I don't think they will tempt me. I hope you have sent a bit of writing paper as it a very scarce — you see I am on my last lap for paper." -Colonist, 25/5/1900.
LETTER FROM THE FRONT.
THE BRITISH ARMS COMPARED WITH THE BOERS.
AN INTERESTING DESCRIPTION.
The following is a further letter from Corporal P. Stallard, of the "O" Battery, R.H.A., written at Bloemfontein, on April 3rd, and a capital description of the British and Boer armaments will be found therein: —
I wrote to you about a week ago from where we had shifted to with our two guns.
Well, the Battery has returned from Glen, about 12 miles up the line, where they successfully reconnoitred the enemy's position. We have sent some 12,000 infantry and Field Artillery up, and they had some pretty stiff actions with the enemy who were in strong positions on a range of hills with 8 heavy guns. Our fellows surprised about 2000 Boers on the plains, and cut them up with shell fire. I believe the enemy lost very heavily. Our casualties were light, about 8 killed and 30 wounded. They kept up a very heavy shell fire on us, and owing to them using smokeless powder we could not see where they were shooting from. We also sent a large force to the east, about 30 miles, who came on another party of Boers, estimated at 14,000. Our first Cavalry Brigade, made up of "Q" and "U" Batteries, R.H.A., ran right into them, and lost all their guns and horses, also I believe three parts of the men killed and wounded. The Highland Brigade charged and re-captured the guns, and also 200 Boers, with 2 Creusot long range guns, and one 1lb quick firer pom-pom. We sent 2 guns to assist them four days ago, and are expecting them back to-day. I cannot give you any information until they return, and of course what I have told you is only hearsay; and has not been confirmed. yet. . .There is no doubt that we are properly done for horses, as 30 per cent of them are dead or unfit, for some considerable time for service. I believe there are a c lot on their way here. . . . We got our tents up last night, and we have slept in the open since February 11th.
You have heard and read a lot about the Boer artillery, and our own. Most letters we have read in, the papers say our guns are no good, and in no way equal to those of the Boers. Well I'll tell you how we are armed, and also describe the Boers' guns I have had to deal with.
Our artillery out here is divided into 3 classes — R. H. Artillery, Field Artillery, and Garrison. The Horse Artillery is armed with a 12 pounder wire made gun, which throws a shell 5,200 yards, and the total weight of the gun and carriage is 32 cwt. It is drawn by 6 horses, about the stamp of carriage horses, and is able to move with any speed. All gunners are mounted on detachment horses, which wear breast harness and carry light traces, so as to be able to hook on and help the gun team when necessary. There is only one kind of shell used — shrapnel. It is like a coffee tin filled with bullets (165) and a bursting charge at the bottom of l 3/4ozs of powder. The fuse is called time, and percussion, and can be used for either by pulling out the required pins in the fuse. . . When a shrapnel shell bursts, it does not break up as some people think, but the bullets are driven out of the head of the shell and forward in a comical shower, with the velocity of the shell, and the extra powder given by the bursting charge. So when a shrapnel shell bursts it can be compared with a fowling-piece, the bullets spreading like shot. . . It is only effective up to 4,000 yards, as the velocity of the bullets after that is not enough to be of any use. If we had common or segment shell we could probably fire up to 6000 yards, but they have been discarded by the British army for the last 5 years. . . . They were not considered worth the carriage by our head officials, and I think quite right too, as I have seen the Boers' shells drop all round us, and but few men get hurt. In fact I had one at Colesburg burst 2 feet off my feet, and it caused no harm. Also one hit the gun 8 inches off my face and I was not hurt. So we reckon when a man gets hit by common or segment shell it is by accident. I have never seen the Boers fire shrapnel at any longer range than what we do, all their long range shells being common or segment shell.
Our Field Artillery has 15 pounders, and use the same shell as the R.H.A. The gun weighs 38 cwt, and the men ride on the gun carriage, which makes it much heavier. The horses (six in number) are heavy compared with ours, and the Sergeant and Staff-Sergeant are the only ones who ride horses. The guns have about the same range as the R.H.A.
We have also here heavy Field Artillery, called Howitzers, which carry a 501 b shell filled with lyddite (51b 8oz). It ranges 8000 yards. Lyddite is six times stronger than dynamite, so you may imagine the power of a lyddite shell. It is a very short gun, and fires at a very high angle, but as the shell is only required to be carried the distance, velocity is no object. Our Garrison Artillery consists of the Naval Brigade with long range 12 pounders, a gun weighing itself 12 cwt (R.H.A. 6 cwt.) and effective up to 8000 yards, and 4.7 inch guns carrying 10,000 yards, and throwing a 451 b shell either lyddite or shrapnel. We have also lately got some pom-poms. They are like Maxims, and carry a one pound shell, which bursts into bits as it strikes the ground. The guns fires 25 shots in as many seconds, and then only require a new belt of 25 to continue the same. They range about 3000 yards. They make you feel a bit off when they are firing at you, as so many shells are bursting round you. . . . The Boers appear to have all kinds of artillery, in existence up to 6 inch guns. They are mostly common and segment shells at long range, which accounts for their being called long range guns. When we got to within 4000 yards they shut up and take their guns away. Their guns and carriages are very heavy. . . . I have never seen them fire a gun get that could compare with our 4.7 inch. At Modder River their shells fell several hundred yards short of our Naval gun, which at the same time was smothering them with shell, which soon compelled them to shut up and leave. . . So comparing guns I think we are much better off than they are.
With rifles it is the same. The Boer rifle, called the Mauser, is sighted up to 2000 yards, and carries five cartridges in the magazine. It is a clumsy looking weapon, and much heavier than ours.
Our rifle called the Magazine-Metford, ranges 2800 yards, and carries nine cartridges in the magazine, and one in the bore, (latest rifle). Our carbine, used by artillery and cavalry, ranges 2000 yards, same as the Mauser, and carries six cartridges in the magazine. The only advantage the Mauser has is that the cartridges are held together by a tin clip, so that the five can be loaded at once. In ours the cartridges have to be put in one at a time, until the magazine is filled, and then cut off. The rifle can be loaded by single rounds until the quick firing arrangement is required. In the Mauser, the cartridges have all to be fired arid reloaded by fives, so taking all things into consideration I think that ours is the best as you always have your magazine in reserve, while in the Mauser when you require quick-firing in a pinch your magazine may be empty. Perhaps this bit of information, will let you know how we are armed." -Colonist, 28/5/1900.
The Queen's Gift of Chocolate. --Those of our readers who have followed the interesting letters written by Corporal Stallard, O Battery, R.H.A., will be pleased to learn that he received the Queen's gift of chocolate safely after all (he had been frightened that he would not), and the box enclosing same has reached his parents at Collingwood. The box has been sent to Nelson, and will be on view in Messrs Brown & Kerr's window, Trafalgar street, from to-morrow until the end of the week. These boxes, which are of copyright design, are highly treasured by the soldiers, who refuse as much as £5 apiece for them, and they are almost invariably sent home. Some of the boxes so sent to relatives have recently been sold for the benefit of widows and orphans, the senders having met with soldiers' deaths. At auction the prices realised were from £4 12s to £5 5s. Corporal Stallard, with other mementoes of interest, enclosed the piece of shell (from a "pom-pom"), which killed his horse at Bensburg. Up to the 15th April, this young soldier had taken part in no less than twenty-eight engagements. -Colonist, 11/6/1900.
LETTER FROM THE FRONT.
Corporal Stallard, of the "O" Battery, R.H.A., writes to his parents at Collingwood, from Bloemfontein, under date April 12th, as follows: —
"We are still here, and have not done much since my last letter. We are now setting our horses together a bit, and I we have got seventy miles to haul our six store waggons, and three out of six of our ammunition waggons. We drive them ten in hand. We are very busy now training the mules, and a fine job it is I can tell you. One man sits on waggon and drives, while another has to run alongside with a whip to keep them together. Once you have got them to work together, they go and ten mules will outdo six horses any day. They can go on without water, which is a great thing here, and they require very little hard feed, so long as they get plenty of grazing they do all right We are also getting a spare gun team of horses for each gun in our Brigade ("O" and "R," R.H.A.) so you see we are to have some very hard work in front of us. There are about sixty thousand troops here now, and the trains are running all day fetching up provisions, etc. We are all beginning to pull together a bit now, and we have got thousands of horses up from Capetown. We got half-a-pound of tinned tobacco yesterday, also the plum pudding we should have had at Christmastime. It has taken a long time to reach us, and I think the pudding is done for, but we are going to try it for dinner to-day, anyhow, I believe we are to get the Queen's chocolate to-day. All the troops except those of our Brigade, have had theirs issued to them, but we have never been handy enough to see it. The weather here now is lovely although the nights are somewhat chilly, but we have got our tents so we don't feel it much. Most of us are in rags — you ought to see my pantaloons, holes everywhere, but we expect to get another issue before long. We hardly have a moment to ourselves now out training young horses all the morning, and taking them to graze when dark - it is no joke. We get a wash only once in about three days as there is no water nearer than a mile away and all our drinking water has to be brought in barrels, I think this next move of ours will finish things up. Of course we do not know what General Buller is doing, and have only heard that he has relieved Ladysmith. We shall be very glad to be on the move again, hanging about in camp soon fills you up. We ggt.no extra food here only a loaf or two of bread which we buy, but you cannot get butter or jam or anything of that kind for love nor money. I am enjoying the best of health, so cannot grumble. I should like to be home for one day, just to get a good dinner, but I suppose I shall have to hang on, -Manawatu Standard, 13/6/1900.
A LETTER FROM THE FRONT.
THE ADVANCE TO KROONSTAD.
INCIDENTS OF BOER TREACHERY
In another letter to his parents, written from Kroonstad on May 13th, Corporal Stallard, O. Battery, R.H.A. continues the narrative of his experiences. At the conclusion of his last letter, he mentioned that they were expected to attack Thaba Nohu in the morning, but the infantry made a night attack on the Boers and took the position, so the Battery were ordered to return to Bloemfontein, to join Lord Roberts in his march to Kroonstad. The distance to Bloemfontein, 40 miles, was traversed in two days without mishap. The battery having lost 40 horses, on arrival at Bloemfontein, had to be supplied with fresh mules, horses, etc. On Monday following they started to advance towards Kroonstad, but were a long way off the good trim they should have been in, as most of the new horses had come straight up by train from the ship. Nothing of importance transpired until Thursday, when they met a force of 1000 Boers, who opened a very heavy fire on them. The British came into action, and the enemy retreated after a few shells had been fired, and no more was seen of them. The British had a good many casualties, chiefly cavalry. The Boers suffered heavily. The brigade then pushed on, the object being to get behind Kroonstad, and cut off the Boers' retreat. They however, outstripped their convoy, and had to depend on what they could commandeer, both for their horses and themselves. On Friday they received orders to reach the railway, 40 miles away, but after going 35 miles, they could not go another yard, men and horses being thoroughly done up, as they had been without food all day. As they were about to bivouac, 5000 Boers opened fire on them, but the British never returned the fire. They however, brought their guns into action and slept by them all night. They had then travelled 142 miles across country in five days. Corporal Stallard's detachment started with 23 horses and 14 men on their gun, and reached Kroonstad with 14 horses and 12 men. The Boers evacuated Kroonstad three hours previous to the entry of the British. The O Battery was part of the force that immediately started in pursuit, but after travelling five miles men and horses gave out, so they were compelled to stop. Until the arrival of the convoy they had been living on boiled mutton, and crushed maize made into porridge. Further, Corporal Stallard says they had not enough horses to drag the guns, and none to ride, and he adds, "This is truly an experience of how much to get out of a horse before you exhaust him." The New Zealand Hotchkiss Battery is attached to the O Battery, and Corporal Stallard says he has met several Nelson boys, viz., Corporal Curtis and Stevens, and Gunner Turnbull (formerly of Nelson, but since resident of Napier). He had a chat with them and they gave him all the news. There were also some other Nelson boys whom he had not then seen. Regarding the Boer treachery, he says that the feeling is getting very bitter between the British and Boers, and relates several incidents to illustrate this. On Friday, May 11th, a squadron of the 6th Carbineers were in advance and saw a Boer farm with a large white flag flying over it. They advanced quite openly to see if they could obtain any forage, (all commandeered goods are paid for in cash). When about 150 yards from the house a terrific rifle fire was opened upon them, and down went 18 of the number, dead, and about 50 were wounded before they could get away. The writer says: "This surely is a good instance of Boers firing under the white flag." A few hours afterwards another squadron of the same regiment came on about 30 Boers, and they charged them. No quarter was the order, and nine of the Boers were cut down, one Boer got between a Dragoon's horse's legs, and begged for mercy, "but he might have asked for the key of heaven, for he would have got it quicker" At Thaba Nohu when the Gordons made their night attack on the Boers the latter hold up their hands, but the Gordons shouted, "Remember Magersfontein," and before daylight 300 Boers lay dead alone on the hill, besides wounded, and most of this was done by the bayonet at close quarters. A cavalry man took a prisoner at the last affair on Friday, and gave him a chance. When bringing him along he found out he was an Irishman fighting for the Boers. "If I had known this before anyone was in sight," he said, "I would have blown your brains out." The writer concludes, "These few incidents serve to show how bitter things are, and they are all brought on by the Boers themselves. Several of the British regiments there have sworn to take no prisoners." -Colonist, 14/7/1900.
LETTER FROM THE FRONT.
LETTEB FBOM CORPORAL F. STALLARD, R.H.A.
We have been favored with another of Corporal F. Stallard's letters from the front, which, though somewhat belated, is none the less interesting, containing, as it does, many little incidents that came under the writer's notice as he took part in the general advance upon Pretoria from Kroonstad. These incidents illustrate well what warfare is as seen by a combatant. At Kroonstad a long rest was made, waiting for the railway being restored. The days were spent in grazing horses on the veldt, and the heat was great, very much like Indian weather, but at night it froze, and it was more than a joke sleeping out on the open under .those conditions twenty-five per cent of the Battery were in hospital. We have heard a great deal about the treacherous behaviour of many \of the Boers after surrendering, and being allowed to continue in occupation of their farms.
Stallard relates the following, premising the account with the statement, "I will tell you about a little affair we had yesterday, and you will form your own opinion on what was meant." He writes, "Three farmers living about ten miles out surrendered their arms and took the oath of allegiance. So soon as the troopers left however, they began to collect other farmers' cattle and drive them towards the Transvaal border, handing them over to the Boer army. A few men were sent out to put a stop to this, but were fired on from the farm buildings, although the white flag was being flown over them, by some Boers who were there to take another lot of cattle away. Four of our fellows were shot. Next day a regiment of horse and two guns were ordered out to destroy the farms and try and capture the Boers, my section of guns went out and the 14th Hussars. We took two of the farmers prisoners, but the other Boers got away. The first farm we came to was a first-class farm, plenty of fowls about, and 100 geese, and the house was a very nice one. There were six women in it, one of whom had been confined two days before only. On our approach a rifle fire was opened on us, and we put three shells into the farm. The women were ordered out of the house, and the place burned .down. It contained a pretty piano, an organ, two sewing machines, and some splendid furniture. As the place was burning one of the women said 'Oh, my poor home.' The other farmhouses were empty, but also burned down; about a hundred head of cattle and thirty horses were secured, and a return made to camp. Our men got a good lot of geese and fowls, and we are on luxuries today, though we have been informed that we are on half rations again."
Next day the Brigade to which the O Battery was attached moved onwards towards the Vaal. Incidents of the march which show that British justice is not onesided were the Court-martialling of two soldiers for looting Boer horses, one an 8th Hussar, got, five years' imprisonment, of which three years were remitted, and another was sentenced to death, the extreme penalty being commuted to five years' penal servitude. A sad little tale is that told of one of the O Battery men, who confessed to stealing money from a comrade. He got a sentence of five years' imprisonment, 4 1/2 years being remitted, for he had been recommended for the Distinguished Conduct Medal for carrying a wounded man off the field.
Corporal Stallard was at the taking of Pary's, and his Brigade crossed into the Transvaal without opposition, though, says the writer, the country was hilly, the road bad, and a hundred men could have held an army at bay. Marching along the north bank of the Vaal the Battery camped by a field of potatoes, and they got half a sack, the first potatoes they had tasted since leaving Colesburg.
In the advance on Johannesburg the O Battery took part in a very hot action, and Corporal Stallard's section was given the job of silencing a pom-pom, which proved a difficult matter as the gun could not be located, this was eventually done however, through the flash, and the very first shell burst under the opposing gun, and the enemy retired. During this action a shell burst at Corporal Stallard's feet, and another under the gun, but no one was hurt. (It must be remembered that pompom fires 1lb shells only, the R.H.A. guns are 15 pounders).
On the following day after spending a cold night the Battery were up at 4 a.m., but got no rations till 8, and Corporal Stallard took the opportunity to add to his letter, which is written up in diary form in pencil. His last words in the morning ran "Expect a big day." At 6 p.m. he takes up the account of his doings as follows: — "What a day we have had. Engaged with the enemy all day. They had 20 guns in position. The Fourth Brigade got orders to attack. . . . The Boers drove us back, and my section had to stay to cover the retirement of the Battery. I have never been actually scared until today, when about seven guns, all big position guns, opened fire on us. The shells bursting amongst the rocks, made a fearful row, and pieces of shell and rock flew all over the place. One big 40pr. shell dropped 20 yards in front of our gun, and smothered us in dust. They could not get the right range on us, but we had a sergeant killed and two men wounded." Next day the Fourth Brigade were reinforced by General Hamilton's Brigade, and the occupation of Doornskop, the scene of Dr. Jameson's surrender, after severe fighting was accomplished. The O Battery took part in the pursuit of the Boers to the north of Johannesburg, and in crossing the field of the previous day's action many dead and some wounded Boers were seen. The British losses were very small.
The next day was one of rest, and spent in the peaceful occupation of going round with a wagon commandeering supplies, which had run very short. After a "splendid" dinner of sweet potatoes and yams the result of a morning raid on a kitchen garden, Corporal Stallard is an optimist, and writes: "We now reckon that another five days will finish the war." The men were very short of news, not having had a mail since leaving Bloemfontein. The O Battery did not enter Johannesburg, but with the First and Fourth Cavalry Brigades, under General French, moved on towards Pretoria, passing on the way a big Creuzot gun they had knocked over during the Doornkop fight, when it was taken for a wagon. The country passed through on the march to get to the north-west of Pretoria was very rough and hilly, reminding the writer of the Quartz Ranges near Collingwood. On the 3rd of June the advance was opposed by the remainder of the column which retired from Mafeking. The Boers held a pass, and poured a hot rifle fire on the attackers, but they were driven off with a British loss of one killed and 9 wounded, while next day 52 dead Boers were to be seen where their stand was taken. This was the last fighting in which the O Battery took part before entering Pretoria, and three days after the capital was entered Corporal Stallard's term of service of seven years expired, and had he not been on active service would have received his discharge.
Discussing the country, the writer was much more impressed with the Transvaal than with the Orange River Colony, and the farms of the northern country were a great improvement on those further south. Corporal Stallard saw some of the first New Zealand Contingent in Pretoria, and they told him that at that date there were only 80 of them left, and only 12 horses fit to move. "Properly washed-out they look was the comment on the New Zealanders who had not been served out new clothes at Bloemfontein, as the other troops had, owing to their deviation to Thaba Nehu and non-return to the depot. -Colonist, 23/8/1900.
LETTER FROM THE FRONT.
LETTER FROM CORPORAL F. STALLARD, R.H.A.
FIGHTING THE GUNS.
A further letter from Corporal F Stallard, R.H.A., has just reached us, and this probably will be the last which this young soldier will write descriptive of the present war, for at the time of writing he was expecting to return to England as a time-expired man. Our readers have been kept pretty fully posted up with the account of the doings of the O Battery from the time they were stationed with the New Zealanders at Colesburg to the entry to Pretoria. It will be remembered that this battery formed part of the flying column which relieved Kimberley, subsequently took part in the investment and capture of Cronje's force, entered Bloemfontein, had shared in the fighting round Thabu Nehu, and formed part of General French's cavalry division throughout the advance from Bloemfontein to Pretoria. This in itself is a sufficiently good record, but it was crowned by the battery rendering very important service at the battle of Eerstefabrieken, east of Pretoria, when the Boer Commander-in-Chief was driven back by Lord Roberts' forces.
This was the hottest thing of all the hot things experienced, but we will let Corporal Stallard tell his tale in his own words. He says: - "The enemy were in position about two miles on each side of the Delagoa Bay railway with heavy guns and about 7000 men. Our flanking column (left) consisted of General French's division of the First and Fourth Cavalry Brigades, with 1500 mounted infantry and three batteries R.H.A. Our brigade was advance guard. The enemy's right flank was held by about 3000 men in a very good position amongst the hills. We had gone about 10 miles, when the leading scouts sent word that a large body of the enemy were galloping over the front of the hills about 3000 yards ahead. My section of guns was ordered to gallop on and open fire. We came into action about 800 yards from a hill on our right covered with thick brushwood. After we had thrown a few shells after the retiring Boers, a terrific rifle fire was opened on us from this hill on our right. Fortunately, our horses had been taken to the rear so that they could not be shot, but they gave our guns 'jarro.' We turned our guns on the hill and opened with time shrapnel for all we were worth, but six out of the ten of us were wounded by this close range fire, none, however, were killed. We were just about shutting them up when two Boer guns and a pom-pom opened fire on us from the front. The action was now becoming general all round. We, however, were in advance, and could not retire as our horses would have been shot. The General gave orders that we were to hold the position, if possible, as it commanded a big front and enabled the rest of the brigade to manoeuvre. I never experienced such a hot time, and I have seen some pretty hot work in this war. Shell, after shell came banging into us, and the rattle of the pom-pom made a fellow's blood run cold. I gave up all for lost. About 20 big shells and dozens of pom-poms fell within a radius of 20 yards of the two guns, and we had to kneel down and work the guns as we turned them against the Boer guns, when, worst of all, the rifles on our right recommenced, and the bullets were like bees buzzing overhead. Our first shot at the guns was tried at 3800 yards, but went over, then we tried 3600 yards, and the next shot went right under the left hand Boer gun. We then took to time shrapnel to show them what British artillery was like. Although there were only two men to each gun, our officers were bringing up the ammunition to us, we soon silenced the three Boer guns, and they galloped away. We then again turned our attention to the riflemen. Two of our follows had been wounded by the shell fire in the legs, one of them having a piece of shell half as big as your hand driven right through the calf. But of those wounded by rifle bullets two, wounded in the leg, continued to work with the guns. Thus eight out of the ten of us were wounded, and I was one of the lucky two. After about three hours all was quiet, and we maintained our position, which it would have cost dozens of lives to have relieved us from."
The guns after this had no more to do than throw a few shells occasionally to keep down the enemy's rifle fire, and as for the rest of the battle, says Corporal Stallard, he could tell nothing, as the front extended about fifteen miles, all he knew was that the Boers were badly beaten at the end of the two days' fighting. He further relates with pardonable pride that both General Dickson, in command of the brigade, and General French, commander of the division, complimented the battery and the two guns for their work. Of twenty-seven noncommissioned officers who started the campaign in this battery on the return to Pretoria there were nine only left, the rest being killed, wounded or sick. The record of the young colonial is remarkable under these circumstances, as he had laid every shot fired out of the gun to which he was attached, some fifteen hundred rounds in all, had never been away once from the gun in action, and up to the time of writing had not had a day's sickness during the war. At the time of writing this letter Corporal Stallard was acting pay-sergeant to the battery. Sergeant Stallard — as we must henceforth call him — considers his prospects sufficiently good to enlist for a further period of five years, providing that his parents have no objections to raise against his doing so. Mr and Mrs Stallard do not wish to stand in their son's way, but naturally they wish to see him and hope that he will be able to obtain six months furlough in order to visit his home. -Colonist, 24/8/1900.
YACHT BUILT IN LEVIN.
TWENTY-THREE FOOTER WITH AUXILIARY ENGINE.
TO BE SAILED TO WELLINGTON.
Memories of the illusion produced by the Suez Canal to observers inland, when they see the masts of ships apparently passing over the desert, were recalled a few days ago, when a triangular sail was noticed soaring above the roofs of houses in the western area of Levin. It was a challenge to Neptune from a place that has no navigable waterway to the sea. Facing all difficulties cheerfully and overcoming them by steady, persistent efforts, Mr F. J. W. Stallard and his son Basil have succeeded, in a period of eighteen months, in building a very fine yacht, whose maiden voyage will be to Wellington. It has been constructed for Mr Stallard’s other son, Mapu, now of Wellington, and is named the Maputu. Four yachts previously owned by Mr F. J. W. Stallard were each christened Mapu, the original one of the line being a 40-footer built by Logan’s, of Auckland, and well-known to old yachtsmen.
The Maputu is 23ft. over all, of 7ft 9in beam, and 3ft moulded depth. The length at the water-line is 21ft., and she has a draught of 3ft., which can be increased by the centreboard to 5ft 6in. The modified deadwood keel carries half a ton of lead, cast in bulbs, on the bottom. The yacht has a transom stern, is fully decked, and is claimed to be uncapsizable. She has a 4ft. Marconi mast of Oregon pine, with two cross-trees, iron-wire rigging, and hemp halyards; Bermuda hoist mainsail, 35ft. to the masthead and 18ft. boom; jib and staysail; and obtains a cruising rig of 450 ft. of canvas. By the quick-release system embodied, the whole mansail can be dropped by the man at the wheel. As an auxiliary source of power, the vessel is fitted with a 10 h.p. four-cylinder petrol engine, which will drive a propellor of 14in. diameter and 6in. pitch, from which a speed of about seven knots is expected.
A competent craft for coastal journeys, the Maputu is fully decked and has a cabin 10ft long, housing the engine, and containing two comfortable settee berths. The floor space is sufficient to give sleeping-room for two more occupants; and a fifth could be accommodated in the 7ft. foc’sle, where ordinarily the rigging not in use is stowed. The cockpit is a model of precise arrangement, as everything that the helmsman uses is handy to him and he can manage the whole of the sails and weatherboard. The boat is steered by a wheel and steering-box; and on either side of the cabin doorway will be a floating oil compass and a clock. Carried up in a pipe through the cabin is a chain for lowering and raising the centre-board, this method obviating any inconvenience that would be caused by casing being in the cabin. Four lockers are installed just inside the doors and to one side, and the benzine tank is on the other side. The cockpit and cabin are built of English timbers, finished in oak and rimu. There is a sliding top over the entrance, and a cover can be placed on the cockpit, so that the vessel can be fully enclosed in bad weather.
The hull is constructed of Oregon pine and redwood, the keel of hardwood, and the deck planking is of redwood, copper fastened. The deck is thickly varnished. The keel was laid at Easter last year, and father and son worked at the craft in spare and holidays, Basil fitting the machinery, in particular. The materials, with the exception of the mast and the hoist fittings, were obtained locally and the operations were carried out at some disadvantage in the open air. The painting and figuring were done by Mr W. Bailey. An electric light system has been included, the current for which will be supplied from a battery and the engine. The builders also made an 8ft dinghy, on the model of the Norwegian surfboat called a pram; and this will be carried on the cabintop. Even the paddles, well spliced and sprung, were home-made. The yacht was fully rigged last week, and all the sails were found to set well. The rigging was taken down again, as the vessel has to be transported by motor-trailer to Foxton. There she will be launched and then sailed to Wellington, it being hoped that she will arrive on Labour Day, in time for the opening of the boating season of the Evans Bay Yacht Club, with which the Maputu is registered. -Horowhenua Chronicle, 20/10/1931.
MAPUTU WRECKED.
ON MAIDEN VOYAGE.
CREW SAFE.
The yacht Maputo has been wrecked in Palliser Bay, but her crew of three is safe, according to advice received last night by the secretary of the Marine Department, Mr G. C. Godfrey.
On Monday the yacht left Foxton, arriving off Mr Erie Riddiford’s station at Orongorongo on Thursday. A supply of benzine was taken in, and the launch left again at 3p.m. for Wellington. As nothing had been heard of the vessel last evening some anxiety was felt regarding her safety, and inquiries were made by the Marine Department. It was then learned the the yacht had been wrecked in Palliser Bay. Her crew of three men had reached the shore in safely and walked to Mr Riddiford's station.
From inquiries made last evening it was learned that the yacht was driven on shore by the wind and turned turtle on striking the rocks, sinking stern first. The crew managed to get ashore in the dinghy, but even then they had to drag themselves through the heavy surf from rock to rock with boat hooks, and eventually landed on the beach in a thoroughly exhausted state. They lost everything they possessed.
On reaching Mr Riddiford's station they were most hospitably received, and last night were enjoying a much-needed sleep.
The crew comprised Mr E. W. J. Stallard and his two sons, Basil (Levin) and Mapu (Wellington).
The yacht Maputu, which was on her maiden voyage at the time of the mishap was constructed by Mr F. J. W. Stallard and his son Basil, at Levin and took eighteen mouths to build. Completed a short while ago the yacht, christened “The Maputu,’’ after Mr. Stallard's son Mapu, who is in Wellington, was brought by road to Foxton and launched in the Manawatu River near the wharf on the 22nd October alter an eventful time on the roads and skids. However, safely in the water Mr Stallard and his boys were all excitement to be away on their maiden trip. Several days were spent at the wharf stepping the forty foot mast and awaiting favourable weather. Finally on Labour Day at midday the Maputu crossed the bar and headed south in beautiful weather. and little did Mr Stallard and his two sons, Basil and Mapu think that before reaching the southern port their little craft, on which they had spent so much time and care, would be lost on the rocks
In conversation with our representative prior to leaving Foxton, Mrn Stallard said that it was originally the intention of the party to arrive in Wellington in time tor the opening of the Evans Bay Yachting Club, with which body the yacht was registered, he being a member of the club. Bad weather had prevented this, and they intended once they cleared Manawatu Heads to make a coastal trip, and possibly call in at the South Island prior to making an anchorage in Wellington.
When the little vessel left Foxton it danced about considerably on the bar, as it was impossible to lower the centre board owing to the shallowness of the water and the tall mast caused the yacht to heel over at a dangerous angle. Once deep water was encountered again, however, the vessel became more manageable. With the favourable wind then blowing it was expected that the Maputu would make Wellington in smart time, and the crew must have then continued on a trip elsewhere.
The Maputo was 23ft. long, and had a. 7ft. 6in. beam, with a draft of three feet. She carried a 35ft sail and 18ft. boom, but had as an auxiliary a four-cylinder engine. The Maputo was considered a competent craft for coastal trips, and had a ten-foot cabin with sleeping accommodation for four. A compass, etc., was carried, and Mr Stallard snr. had had considerable yachting experience. The vessel was considered uncapsizable by the builders. -Manawatu Herald, 31/10/1931.
FEAT OF SALVAGE.
YACHT MAPUTO RAISED.
LIKELY TO BE TOWED TO EVANS BAY TO MORROW.
What must have been an extremely difficult task was accomplished yesterday, when the Levin-built yacht Maputo, which had come to grief in Palliser Bay during violent wind on Thursday, was raised from a depth of over 50 feet of water in which she had sunk, and was salvaged together with .the gear, as well as the personal effects of Mr F. J. W. Stallard and his sons Basil and Mapu (owner of the yacht), who had formed the crew.
Particulars of the later stages of the Maputa’s trip, the mishap and what occurred subsequently were obtained by Mrs Stallard yesterday, in telephonic communications. After leaving Foxton Heads at midday on Monday last (Labour Day) and experiencing a good run to Kapiti, the vessel stayed off the island for the remainder of that day and for the next day and part of Wednesday, owing to the weather having become very rough. On Wednesday she left in continuation of her intended voyage to Wellington, but, on account of further bad weather, she could not make that port. Running out of benzine, the craft put into a sheltered bay at the foot of Mr Eric Riddiford’s Orongorongo property. At 3p.m. on Thursday, the crew left for the homestead to obtain benzine, so that the boat could be taken to its destination, Evans Bay, with whose Club it is registered and with whom they communicated by telephone to give advice of their movements. They returned to the boat about half-past six, and commenced to have tea in the cabin while she was apparently lying safe at anchor. The engine was not running and the sails were down. Evidently in a sudden heavy squall the craft dragged her anchor, which was at the end of 150 ft. of cable. She was tipped up owing to the keel touching a submerged rock, and then she was carried against the rocks and holed. The cabin doors were shut at the time of the mishap, but the occupants got out — they know not how. Their extraordinary escape in the dinghy, which they dragged from rock to rock with boathooks owing to the oars having been lost, has already been described. After making their way to the homestead, they were received with every kindness by Mr Riddiford and his household.
The Evans Bay boating people, on learning of the mishap, got together and decided to show their sympathy in a practical manner. At 3.30 a.m. yesterday 16 of them left in cars for Orongorongo station and walked seven, m iles to the beach. They took tackle and gear with them for salvage purposes, and were given all possible assistance by the station folk. When the party arrived, only three feet of the mast was showing above the water.
They set to work with a will and continued all day in the rain, the Wellington members not returning home till 10 p.m. The job was an arduous one, but eventually the vessel was righted and brought up on to the beach. She was found to have sustained a big hole in the bow. It is hoped to have this repaired to-day, and when the yacht is fit to take the water a launch from Evans Bay will tow it to Wellington. The gear, also the personal belongings of the crew, which included clothing, bedding, a gramophone and records, and other valued possessions, were all recovered, but the property is, of course, more or less damaged by salt water.
Mr Stallard, sen., and his son Basil are, for the time being, living in a hut belonging to Mr Riddiford, on the beach, and have ample provisions. It is expected that the yacht will be towed into Wellington to-morrow, and that Mr Stallard will be back in Levin on Wednesday.
Sympathetic reference to the mishap to the Maputo was made by the mayor of Levin (Mr C. Blenkhorn) at the close of his speech in opening the school garden fete on Saturday. He expressed regret that Mr F. J. W. Stallard and his sons Mapu and Basil, in their intended completion of the maiden voyage to Wellington, had met with such a misfortune. They were real, good sports, he added, and their attempt had been a gallant one. He trusted that they would try again at some future time, and with more success. -Horowhenua Chronicle, 2/11/1931.
The Maputu was able sailed and F J W Stallard continued in the land agency business. With the arrival of the Second World War, Captain Stallard's military experience was put to use in New Zealand's Home Guard.
I have found no published reference in my usual online source to Francis Stallard's death. Dying at the age of 79, it can surely be said that he was "never made to be shot."
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