1899 - From the diary of Trooper A J Crosby, Natal Carbineers
Just warned to be in readiness to leave for the front at any moment. Order came at 2 o/c for then the Regiment was drawn up and addressed by the Officer Commanding troops, Col. Knox, who, after complimenting us on the smartness of our appearance, told us we were about to depart upon very serious duty, i.e. of locating the enemy who were approaching the border. He impressed upon us the great vigilance necessary to make our observations under cover and should we get in touch with the enemy to hang on to his skirts, even if we had to fight for it, warning us, however, that as the reinforcements could not reach us for some time we would not be rash, and wishing us God Speed and safe return. We were addressed in similar terms by our own Colonel, when giving three cheers for Queen, A. and C. Squadrons (the former to which I am attached) and marched out of town in rear of Military Camp. There we remained for some two hours waiting orders and commissariat. Moved on to Leathern’s Blauwbank 15 miles out, off-saddling for 2 hours, thence to Coventry’s Acton Homes.
Just warned to be in readiness to leave for the front at any moment. Order came at 2 o/c for then the Regiment was drawn up and addressed by the Officer Commanding troops, Col. Knox, who, after complimenting us on the smartness of our appearance, told us we were about to depart upon very serious duty, i.e. of locating the enemy who were approaching the border. He impressed upon us the great vigilance necessary to make our observations under cover and should we get in touch with the enemy to hang on to his skirts, even if we had to fight for it, warning us, however, that as the reinforcements could not reach us for some time we would not be rash, and wishing us God Speed and safe return. We were addressed in similar terms by our own Colonel, when giving three cheers for Queen, A. and C. Squadrons (the former to which I am attached) and marched out of town in rear of Military Camp. There we remained for some two hours waiting orders and commissariat. Moved on to Leathern’s Blauwbank 15 miles out, off-saddling for 2 hours, thence to Coventry’s Acton Homes.