the story of the south australian bushmen's corps, 1900
TRANSCRIPT
The story of the South Australian Bushmen's Corps, 1900.Author(s): Blackmore, Edwin GordonSource: Foreign and Commonwealth Office Collection, (1900)Published by: The University of Manchester, The John Rylands University LibraryStable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/60231974 .
Accessed: 14/06/2014 18:33
Your use of the JSTOR archive indicates your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions of Use, available at .http://www.jstor.org/page/info/about/policies/terms.jsp
.JSTOR is a not-for-profit service that helps scholars, researchers, and students discover, use, and build upon a wide range ofcontent in a trusted digital archive. We use information technology and tools to increase productivity and facilitate new formsof scholarship. For more information about JSTOR, please contact [email protected].
.
Digitization of this work funded by the JISC Digitisation Programme.
The University of Manchester, The John Rylands University Library and are collaborating with JSTOR todigitize, preserve and extend access to Foreign and Commonwealth Office Collection.
http://www.jstor.org
This content downloaded from 185.44.77.146 on Sat, 14 Jun 2014 18:33:16 PMAll use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions
^HE JStOF^Y
OF
^HE jbOUTH y\U£TF|ALIAN
1900.
|3y ^DWIJM 'CfORDOJM ^JLACKjVIOFfE,
Hon. Sec. Executive Committee.
ADELAIDE : HUSSEY & GlLLINGHAM, PRINTERS, WaYMOUTH STREET.
1900.
This content downloaded from 185.44.77.146 on Sat, 14 Jun 2014 18:33:16 PMAll use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions
V
V
\
This content downloaded from 185.44.77.146 on Sat, 14 Jun 2014 18:33:16 PMAll use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions
¥
This content downloaded from 185.44.77.146 on Sat, 14 Jun 2014 18:33:16 PMAll use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions
S.'""""lMH"'<,'""»I"lij im
v- v
PORTION OF THE BDbHMEN S CORPS
This content downloaded from 185.44.77.146 on Sat, 14 Jun 2014 18:33:16 PMAll use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions
^HE J2tOF{Y
OF
^HE jSoilTH 5AU£TF\ALIAN
|3u£HMEjr£ ;pOP\P£,
1900.
J3y ^DWIfJ ^ORDOfl pLACKJWOR.E,
Hon. Sec. Executive Committee.
ADELAIDE : HUSSEY & GlLLINGHAM, PRINTERS, WAYMOUTH STREET.
1900.
This content downloaded from 185.44.77.146 on Sat, 14 Jun 2014 18:33:16 PMAll use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions
Y
f
i
\
y
This content downloaded from 185.44.77.146 on Sat, 14 Jun 2014 18:33:16 PMAll use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions
»
jSoUTH yVu^TRALIAJ^
pU£HMEN'£ £0F(P£, 1900.
1
; N Wednesday, March Ttb. 1900, a Bushmen's Corps of 100 men of all ranks, with 120 horses and two transport waggons, fully equipped as to uniforms, kit, accoutrements, and horse furniture, with a full supply of forage for the voyage, was embarked on board the troop¬ ship "JIaplemore" for field service in South
Africa. As the Imperial authorities decided that their own service rifles and ammunition should be used, a small supply only of the local pattern was sent, sufficient for drill and firing practice on the voyage. The Corps was under the command of Captain Hiibbe, the detail being one captain (the officer named), three
lieutenants, one medical officer, and one veterinary surgeon, each with lieutenant's rank, eleven non-com-
3 A2
This content downloaded from 185.44.77.146 on Sat, 14 Jun 2014 18:33:16 PMAll use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions
4 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN
missioned officers, and 83 rank and file. According to -* "The Times" newspaper the troopship reached Tabic
Bay on April 2nd, and private letters reported that, with the exception of one horse died on the voyage and one trooper invalided, men and horses had reached t_> South Africa in the best of health and condition. After a short stay at the anchorage, where the men wit¬ nessed a spectacle which no other nation in the world could present, viz., 139 transport and cargo steamers, the '•Jlaplemore" sailed for Beira, a port in Portu¬ guese, East Africa, and disembarked the Bushmen's Corps of Queensland, New South Wales, South Aus¬ tralia, and West Australia for service in Khodesia, with the similar Contingents, the whole to be under the command of General Sir Frederick Carrington, forming an estimated force of 1,100 men.
As the South Australian Corps has been raised, equipped, and sent forward, by private subscription, without direct financial aid from the public funds, though materially assisted by the Government in £ other ways, it has seemed good to the Executive Com- i_ mittee that some brief historical record of the move¬ ment should be compiled, and the present writer has been honored by a request to compile it.
r
This content downloaded from 185.44.77.146 on Sat, 14 Jun 2014 18:33:16 PMAll use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions
BUSHMEN'S CORPS.
JHE *Qr\iqiN OF THE ^OVEMEJ^T.
>
J
X January 3 Major J. Randal Carey tele¬ graphed to the Mayor of Adelaide that a public meeting of citizens of Sydney had decided to send to South Africa a Mounted Corps of at least 300 Bushmen, and, in order that the movement might assume a Federal character, asked South Australia to co¬
operate. At a meeting held on January 17th, in response to a summons thereto by the Mayor, at which the following gentlemen attended, viz., the Hon. Sir E. T. Smith, K.C.M.G., Sir J. E. Bonython, Messrs. G. Brookman, A. S. Fotheringham, E. Jones, J. Z. SelHir (Councillor), H. Scott, G. Stevens, and X. W. Stirling, it was decided to raise a Mounted Corps of 50 men of all ranks, with as many horses, the amount necessary being calculated at £100 per man, or a total of £5,000. From ithose present promises of £1,573 were given, and the gentlemen attending formed themselves into an Executive Committee, with power to add to their number. The Mayor accepted the office of Chairman and Treasurer. From time to time other influential persons were added tolhe Committee. The Executive, once formed, lost no time in having recourse to every means to enlist public interest and support, by appeal¬ ing to the Mayors of the various municipalities, the
This content downloaded from 185.44.77.146 on Sat, 14 Jun 2014 18:33:16 PMAll use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions
6 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN
Chairmen of District Councils, Banks, Financial In¬ stitutions. Mercantile Houses. Proprietors and Mana¬
gers of Stations, Stock and Station Agents, leading Tradesmen, and Colonists generally. The Govern
meut, having already dispatched two Contingents at
public expense, did not feel justified in subsidising the movement directly, but undertook to afford every faci¬ lity to organise and train the Corps. Subsequently, on the appointment of the writer as Hon. Secretary, the Minister of War used his good offices to provide free postage and telegrams, and stationery and printing from the Government Printing Office. Further, the railway authorities undertook to carry at their own cost horses, forage, and all gifts of produce con¬ signed to the Hon. Secretary for the Corps. It can be at once seen what a relief these services were to the funds of the Committee. In course of time the prospects were so good that it was decided to increase the proposed Corps to 100 men and 125 horses, with two transport waggons. But further experience, and information obtained from the other colonies, made it clear that the original calculation was under-esti¬ mated and that the cost per man must be reckoned as at least £120. This, it was hoped, would suffice to- pay the Corps for six months in South Africa. The insurance, which it was ultimately decided to effect, involved a further liability of nearly £1,900. The anticipated arrival about the end of February of the Imperial transports to convey to South Africa the various Contingents of Bushmen, made it imperative
0
\
V.
This content downloaded from 185.44.77.146 on Sat, 14 Jun 2014 18:33:16 PMAll use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions
^f
>- BUSHMEN'S CORPS. 7
to lose no time in setting to work to select men and horses, and put them into camp for discipline, drill, and training. Accordingly at a meeting held on January 29th steps were taken to ensure immediate action.
* * >s>
]40W THE *jVlEN WERE r\AI£ED
AjvJD £h0j3EN.
/
SELECTION Committee, consisting of Sir Jenkin Coles, K.C.M.G. (Speaker, House of Assembly), and Messrs. E. G. Blackmore, W. Reynell, and X. W. Stirling, was appointed, their duty being to personally examine candi¬ dates, and if satisfied as to their fitness from bush experience, general physique, intelli¬
gence, and character, to pass them on foa- medical in¬ spection, and if certified by the Medical Officer (Dr. Bickle) to try them for horsemanship. In the view that the special work of the Corps would be that of scouting, reconnoitring, and intelligence, that the men would be the eyes and ears, so to speak, of the Im¬ perial forces to which they might be attached, the Committee determined from the first that they would accept none but genuine bushmen, and of these the best specimens. Before the personal inspection
This content downloaded from 185.44.77.146 on Sat, 14 Jun 2014 18:33:16 PMAll use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions
8 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN
commenced some 1.200 written applications had to be
dealt with. These ^ ore arranged in three divisions, as follows:—Those of applicants of 25 years and over, those under 23 years, and those with no age given. Regarding men under 25 as not having constitutions sufficiently matured, nor as much bush experience as was desirable, only those over 23 years whose applica¬ tions suggested fitness were invited to come up for
inspection, while advertisements were inserted in the daily press specifying the class of men required, and when and where they would be inspected. By the courtesy of the Superintendent of Public Buildings the Central Hall of the Jubilee Exhibition was placed at the service of the Committee, and as the public were not admitted the work was got through ex¬ peditiously, and with perfect order and decorum. In this way not far short of 1.000 men were personally inspected and 111 passed. The Mount Gambier Com¬ mittee did good service in testing candidates locally and selecting 6 of first-class credentials as horsemen, marksmen, with good knowledge of drill, and country experience. There were, thus, 117 men placed under canvas, to be reduced to 100 prior to embarkation. A few of these were under 25 years of age, but they were possessed of exceptional qualifications. The- conduct of the men in camp, their zeal and intelli¬ gence, the readiness with which they conformed to camp rules and discipline, the facility with which they picked up drill, vindicated the judgment of the selectors.
V
This content downloaded from 185.44.77.146 on Sat, 14 Jun 2014 18:33:16 PMAll use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions
i
BUSHMEN'S CORPS.
j^OW THE J-{0F;3E£ WER.E ^ICKED.
J
1IIE Mayor, with a gentleman who undertook to pay for 25 horses, taking a part in their selection, but preferred his name withheld, Sir Jenkin Coles, Messrs. E. G. Blackmore, and X. W. Stirling were appointed to select the horses. Owners were invited by adver¬ tisement to attend at the Old Exhibition
Grounds and offer suitable mounts. Grey horses and those over 15 hands 3 inches were barred, and nothing under 5 years was taken. Provided they were sound, of the right stamp, and with years of work in them, the selectors did not object to horses of 10 or even more years. The class sought was that most nearly resembling the typical Australian stock horse. Nearly 800 were examined to obtain the troopers necessary, the eight transport horses being purchased separately from the stables of Messrs. Graves & Co., while no less than 39 horses were presented, very few of which were unsuitable. Where horses so given proved not adapted for military service donors generally left the Committee at liberty to sell and devote the proceeds to the Funds.
This content downloaded from 185.44.77.146 on Sat, 14 Jun 2014 18:33:16 PMAll use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions
10 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN
]4ow the Officer? wef\e ^ppoin TED.
' O the Committee appointed to select men was confided the duty of recommending to the Executive Committee the officers of the Corps. As the Executive placed implicit confidence in the Selection Committee, shown by adopt¬ ing their recommendations, the latter must
accept the responsibility of the appointments made. That body took into their counsels Colonel
Stuart, whose experience of the men in camp and
knowledge of commissioned officers in the S.A.M.F.
qualified him to advise the Committee. The first ap¬ pointments were those of Sergeants Collins and Ives to be lieutenants. Colonel Stuart's experience of them as sergeants and personal knowledge of their antecedents possessed by members of the Committee concurred in suggesting their fitness for promotion. The question of the commanding officer caused the Committee much anxious thought. As the rank was that of Captain, no officer in the S.A.M.F. of superior grade could be expected to take the position, while in view of the special character of the Corps it did not appear that any officer of that rank was eligible. The Committee there¬ fore came to the conclusion that they had no alternative but to select some first-class civilian,
;>
T-
This content downloaded from 185.44.77.146 on Sat, 14 Jun 2014 18:33:16 PMAll use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions
-%
BUSHMEN'S CORPS. 11
/
used to authority, with special qualifications, one accustomed to lead men, and in whom men had confi¬ dence. Regarding the Corps not so much as a fight¬ ing Contingent as a scouting and intelligence force, it was felt that with a first-class senior subaltern to attend to the military details and the internal economy of the Corps the command might be given to a civilian. Short of military qualifications, Mr. Hiibbe appeared the best candidate, and Colonel Stuart felt no hesitation in recommending him. There being no applicant for the post of senior subaltern, Sergeant Arnot was promoted to be lieutenant, to take rank after Lieutenants Collins and Ives. The Committee were thoroughly satisfied in recommending Dr. F. Douglas and Veterinary-Surgeon Burns.
* * *
Yhe iJniforjvi and -JOt of the ^JVIen, and
^quipjviej^t of the ]4or£e;3.
HE Executive Committee left in the hands of the Men's Selection Committee to decide upon the uniform and kit of the men and the com¬ plete equipment of the horses. The Military authorities an -New South Wales and Victoria supplied the Hon. Secretary with the- fullest details, and with drawings and photographs
illustrative. The contractors for the outfit of the horses were Messrs. Holden & Frost and John Colton
This content downloaded from 185.44.77.146 on Sat, 14 Jun 2014 18:33:16 PMAll use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions
12 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN
and Co., and for uniforms and kit Messrs. Shierlaw. They had a very heavy task imposed upon them, as the time was limited, but they performed their duty well and efficiently. The outfit of man and horse will be found in the appendices. The Committee decided on adopting the ordinary pattern of Australian stock saddle, with knee and thigh pads, the former, how¬ ever, considerably reduced, the rough side of the leather outside, while, in place of the ordinary military bridle, for head-piece a strong headstall, fit for picket¬ ing or attaching a bit thereto, with strong single reins and ring bit, was chosen. The saddles were without cruppers.
* * *
Jhe £ajup.
i V the good offices of the Superintendent of Public Buildings, the use of the Old Exhibi¬ tion Grounds was obtained for the camp.< the main part of the Exhibition Building serving admirably for military stores. The Government undertook to provide from the Staff Office and the local forces the neces¬
sary staff for drill and camp service, ami to pre¬ pare the camp. As Camp Commandant, Colo¬ nel Stuart had the general command. By Feb¬ ruary 13th all was in readiness, and on
This content downloaded from 185.44.77.146 on Sat, 14 Jun 2014 18:33:16 PMAll use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions
BUSHMEN'S CORPS. 13
\
that day the Hon. Secretary handed over to Colonel Stuart the first detachment, viz.. 75 men; on the lGth a second detachment, 28 men; on the 19th, G selected by the Mount Gambier Committee; and on the 20th 13 men were added to the camp, which, with the full staff, ultimately raised the strength to 128 all told. The horses were brought in from time to time as purchased and placed on the lines, picketed head and heels. The long range of stabling in the New Exhibition Buildings was placed at the service of the Corps, which proved an immense con¬ venience, as it enabled the horses to be occasionally taken off the lines. A good water service was laid on, the ground was covered with tan, adding to clean¬ liness and comfort, and everything done to ensure
healthy conditions.
/ JhE ^URNipHlf-tQ OF THE j^AJVlP.
• HILE the military authorities prepared the ground and found and pitched the tents, every requisite for a mounted corps under canvas had to be provided. The outfit of a military camp includes^tarpaulins. waterproof ground sheets, blankets, tables, brushware, cutlery, cooking and mess utensils, buckets, wash-
tubs, lighting, forge and all the necessary equip¬ ment for a farrier, and other articles. The bulk of
This content downloaded from 185.44.77.146 on Sat, 14 Jun 2014 18:33:16 PMAll use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions
14 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN
these was available and would be required for field service as -well as camp, and was taken on board the troopship. The cost of the camp outfit was £307 9/4.
* * *
]4ow the £ajwp was Provisioned.
^ERHAPS nothing in connection with the Corps better illustrates the liberality of the people of South Australia than the circum¬ stances under which the commissariat was supplied. It is no exaggeration to say that no similar body of men was ever so well dieted and at so cheap a rate. A hot meat
meal was provided three times a day, writh bread, tea, sugar, and milk. There was a daily supply of vegetables, and more fruit given than could be consumed. The men had as well gifts of lamb, pork, poultry, condiments, jam, biscuits, cakes, puddings, aerated waters, cordials, wine, cider, beer, tobacco, cigars, cigarettes. It would be an endless task to enumerate all those who so generously contributed to the comfort of the Corps in camp. Some idea may toe conveyed by the statement that the cost of pro¬ visioning for the 23 days the men were under canvas did not amount to £105. Thanks to the liberality of
\
r
This content downloaded from 185.44.77.146 on Sat, 14 Jun 2014 18:33:16 PMAll use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions
BUSHMEN'S CORPS. 15
Messrs. A. L. Calder. C. Oldfield, and C. Mills not a loaf of bread had to be bought. In fact, with the exception of firewood, meat, a few vegetables, and some groceries at the start, everything was given.
JjIFE IN £,AMP.
/
\ ITH only three weeks to drill men and horses. little time was wasted. Thanks to the
^ttpFr-j liberality of Mr. Bastard, there was a bath¬ ing parade every morning, and all not warned for duty could go to the baths. Mounted and foot drill was the daily order, and the men were taken in detachments to the butts
to test their marksmanship. On Saturday, March 3rd, the Squadron rode up to Marble Hill, where they were entertained by the Governor and Lady Tennyson, while on the evening of Monday, March 5th, the Mayor gave a banquet to the Corps in the Town Hall to bid them farewell and Godspeed. The afternoon of Tuesday, the 6th, was proclaimed a holiday that the
public might witness the Squadron march through the streets of the city in full mounted order. A more enthusiastic popular demonstration can hardly be con¬ ceived than the welcome given to the Bushmen.
This content downloaded from 185.44.77.146 on Sat, 14 Jun 2014 18:33:16 PMAll use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions
16 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN
JhE j^iqHT BEFORE ^JVIBA^KATIO^i.
HE last night's work in camp will not soon ba forgotten by any "who took part in it. The Old Exhibition Building presented a busy scene. It had been decided to pay the men in full to March 19, inclusive. Up to midnight the Hon. Secretary was engaged hand¬ ing to each man his pay in coin, seeing the
men sign pay-sheets and procuration orders for their representatives to receive pay in their absence, or receiving directions for it to accumulate, while Mr. Talbot Smith was at work, gratuitously, making wills for officers and men alike. "Lights out" was indefinitely postponed.
Embarkation ^ar.ch 7.
' HE stars were yet in the sky, for it was about 3.30 a.m., 'when the trumpeter olew the "Re¬ veille," and in a few minutes lights were in every tent and the men on the alert. The first work was to pack the transport wag¬ gons and covered van and trolly with the
baggage and saddlery, which was to go by road to the Port to the troopship. Then, at C.30, the horses were marched to the railway to be trucked
r
This content downloaded from 185.44.77.146 on Sat, 14 Jun 2014 18:33:16 PMAll use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions
BUSHMEN'S CORPS. 17
I
direct to the wharf, where they passed into the charge of Mr. S. S. Ralli, who had volunteered to undertake their embarkation, a task which he accomplished most' successfully. Soon after 10 a.m. the men marched to the Parade, where they entrained and were taken to the ship's side. Very few minutes sufficed to put them on board, when they were mus¬ tered between decks, and briefly, but effectively, ad¬ dressed by Major Savage, the transport officer, on what was expected of them, soldiers of the Queen as they now were, on board ship, for their own safety and that of their comrades and the ship. Shortly before C p.m. the tug made fast, and the "Maple- more" headed down river, leaving behind, as she took with her, brave hearts, though some were aching.
I
]4oW THE "V^AYg AND ^JVIeA^S WERJ
ryAI$ED.
1 HIS short, and necessarily imperfect, sketch would be incomplete if it omitted to say something of the amount, how, and by whom raised. That a movement started to send as an offering^ to the cause of the Empire a small mounted force of 50 men for six months' service should have so grown as to
be able to place in the field 100 men and 120 horses, to insure each man's life for a year for £250, with
This content downloaded from 185.44.77.146 on Sat, 14 Jun 2014 18:33:16 PMAll use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions
18 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN
the right to continue the policy, and to carry them on for 15 months, while it proves how close are the cords which bind us to Queen and country, proves still more the extent to which piide of race and true patriotism pervades every rank in South Aus¬ tralia. For the children in the streets have gathered their pence and brought them in; others have freely given their pocket-money; and, in fact, every age and every rank has given in money or in kind. So, it may be said, the fund has grown and been built up directly and indirectly. Directly, by moneys given by individual subscribers, firms, and companies, by the proceeds of auction, bazaar, concert, conti¬ nental, race meeting, sale of book, by amounts col¬ lected by the "Register" and "Advertiser," by the manager of the club, by bank managers, by local com¬ mittees, by families, by station managers, by hotel- keepers, by the Stock Exchange. Indirectly, by gifts and by services, tlie cost of which would otherwise have fallen upon the fund. By the concession of free postage and telegrams, free stationery and print¬ ing, by military service in camp, the Government have contributed the equivalent of a considerable sum. The railway authorities, by carrying horses and produce free, 'Messrs. Barker Bros., by untruck- ing and stabling horses, and by selling cast hofses gratuitously; Messrs. Graves & Co., by delivering from the railway to camp; Mr. Ralli, by shipping the Squadron horses; Messrs. Wills & Co., by a present of 100 pairs of boots; Mr. D. Reid, by 16 trucks of tan; the
r
This content downloaded from 185.44.77.146 on Sat, 14 Jun 2014 18:33:16 PMAll use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions
/
BUSHMEN'S CORPS. 19
shoeing smiths of Adelaide, by gifts of horseshoes and farriers' services, have given money's worth, while the Police Department rendered incalculable service by supplying horses and saddles to test the
riding capacity of applicants. Mention has been made of the liberal gifts to the commissariat. Equally splendid was the contribution of forage given by the corn merchants and chaff dealers, originally at the instance of Mr. Denton. Not only were the horses
kept without the expenditure of a penny while on the lines, but 135 bags of oats and about 85 of bran were available for shipment on board the trooper.
Where there has been exhibited so widespread a
spirit of liberality, it may seem invidious to single out individual instances. But mention ought to be made of the conspicuous success which characterised the sale of the horse "Bugler" by successive auctions in the leading cities and towns of the province. The idea suggested itself to Mr. J. C. F. Johnson, who
purchased the horse and then arranged for Lieu¬ tenant Dyke to start on a mission of successive auc¬ tion sales and no delivery. The i'esult was that Mr. Johnson handed to the fund the remarkable amount of £2,500. But this was not the only result. The precedent set was followed by others, notably by the Mayor, who realised for the fund the sum of £500 by the sale of a bullock on the "Bugler" prin¬ ciple; by the Mount Gambier Committee, who sold and resold a mare for close on £350, and then presented her to the Corps; by a Port Augusta Committee, to
This content downloaded from 185.44.77.146 on Sat, 14 Jun 2014 18:33:16 PMAll use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions
20 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN
whom a donkey returned £73. The cost of horsing the Squadron would have been considerable but for the fact that about 40 were given, including eight by Mr. Peter Waite and four by Mr. J. Duncan, of the best stamp for the service, while Mr. C. H. De Rose gave the purchase-money of 25. In this con¬ nection it may be noted that the average price of the troop horses was under £12 10/. The eight trans¬ port horses were a special lot and cost £200
Y
jSllMMARY.
jF the South Australian Bushmen's Corps, which embarked for service in South Africa on March 7th. it may be confidently said that they had been selected with great care, with special reference to the class of men needed, and to the work they would probably be called upon to perform in the field, that their con¬
duct in camp had been uniformly exemplary, that they had shown themselves thoroughly amenable to discipline, while from their education and the posi¬ tions many had filled they would readily adapt them¬ selves to a species of warfare for which their ex¬ perience in the Australian bush was the best pos-
S,
This content downloaded from 185.44.77.146 on Sat, 14 Jun 2014 18:33:16 PMAll use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions
BUSHMEN'S CORPS. 21 V
sible preparation. Well equipped and well horsed self-reliant and used to hardship, of excellent phy¬ sique, and in the prime of life, they should be in-
k valuable auxiliaries to regular troops in such a coun¬
try as South Africa and against such foes as the Boers.
E. G. BLACKMORE.
Hon. Secretary South Australian Bushmen's Corps Executive Committee.
May 18, 1900.
/ <*^.
This content downloaded from 185.44.77.146 on Sat, 14 Jun 2014 18:33:16 PMAll use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions
r
V
i
~i
r
This content downloaded from 185.44.77.146 on Sat, 14 Jun 2014 18:33:16 PMAll use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions
S. A. BUSHMEN'S CORPS. 23
Appendix I.
/
The Executive Committee.
The Right Worshipful the Mayor (Chairman) Sir Edwin T. Smith, K.C.M.G., M.L.C., J.P. Sir Jenkin Coles, K.C.M.G., M.P. Sir Langdon Bonybhon, K.B. Councillor J. Z. Sellar
Mr. E. G. Blackmore Mr. W. Reynell Mr. G. Brookman Mr. G. Riddoch Mr. C. DeRose Mr. H. Scott Mr. R. Dewdney Mr. A. M. Simpson Mr. A. S. Fotheringham Mr. G. E. 0. Stevens Mr. J. C. F. Johnson Mr. N. W. Stirling Mr. E. Jones Mr. R. K. Thomas Mr. Jas. Marshall Mr. P. Waite. Mr. D. Murray
The Selection Committee tor Men, Uniform, Kit, Accoutrements, and Horse Furniture.
Sir Jenkin Coles (Chairman) Mr. E. G. Blackmore Mr. W. Reynell
Mr. N. W. Stirling.
This content downloaded from 185.44.77.146 on Sat, 14 Jun 2014 18:33:16 PMAll use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions
24 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN
The Selection Committee for Horses.
The Right Worshipful the Mayor Sir Jenkin Coles
Mr. E. G. Blackmore Mr. C. H. DeRose Mr. N. W. Stirling.
Y
Finance Committee The Right Worshipful the Mayor (Chairman) Sir Edwin T. Smith, K.C.M.G., M.L.C., J.P. Mr. E. Jones Mr. E. G. Blackmore Mr. Jas. Marshall Mr. A. M. Simpson
Honorary Secretary. Mr. E. G. Blackmore.
Secretary. Mr. F. B. Shoobridge.
Auditor. Mr. J. B. Hughes. \
TQ3Cf>
r
This content downloaded from 185.44.77.146 on Sat, 14 Jun 2014 18:33:16 PMAll use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions
BUSHMEN'S CORPS.
Appendix II.
List of Officers.
Hiibbe, Samuel Grau
Collins, Angas Edward Ives, Charles Marsh Arnot, Vvalter Oliphant... Douglas, Francis John
Burns, Jerome Laurence
Captain C. 0. Bushmen's Corps
Lieutenant Lieutenant Lieutenant Medical Officer with rank
as Lieutenant Vet. Surgeon with rank
as Lieutenant
non-commissioned officers.
1 Dempsey, J. T. Blackmore, George Edward Kerr, J. McR. Mair, G. H. M. Rundle, James Westley, J. A. Gilbert, W. J.
Gay, Howard Beck, J. R. Morphett, C. E. Mitchell, Paul
Sergeant-Major Quarter-Master Sergeant Sergeant Sergeant Sergeant Sergeant (Farrier) Corporal (Cook) Corporal (Trumpeter) Corporal Corporal Corporal
This content downloaded from 185.44.77.146 on Sat, 14 Jun 2014 18:33:16 PMAll use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions
26 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN
TROOPERS.
Attiwell, E. H. Anderson, W. F. Anthes, F. J. Barnes, J. L. Batten, A. C. (Saddler) Brown, Frank Cabot, Alfred Churches, A. E. Clark, Fredk. J. Coulls, A. F. Cradock, William Currie, Walter Dedman, Edward Dedman, H. R. Donnelly, Joseph Dowlan, Charles Dunkley, Geo. H. Elliott, Jos. W. Emmerton, W. H. Ewens, C. E. Fenwiek, W. E.
Flynn, Thos. W. Forbes, G. S. Ford, John Formby, H. J. Fotherby, John
Gaylard, John Hurd Gooley, J. B.
Harrington, H. J.
Hayward, Henry Hayward, Robert Higgins, James Hoban, M. P. Hodge, E. P.
Holland, Albert House, R. J. Hunter, Thos. Francis, Ive, Herbert P. Jaffer, James Johnstone, W. G. Keitel, Clement Kent, Thomas DeL. Laughton, J. E. Lawe, F. G. H. Leonard, Alfred Litchfield, W. M. Lovelock, C. S. R.
Lyons, Thos. P. Mann, P. A. Martin, Harry Mathews, Alfred Mathews, C. McCabe, John McLachlan, J. F. Mercer, C. J. B. Millmann, C. F. Mullins, James Mullins, James Bruce
v
\
This content downloaded from 185.44.77.146 on Sat, 14 Jun 2014 18:33:16 PMAll use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions
1
V BUSHMEN'S CORPS.
Troopers—(Continued).
27
Munro, Archibald Nickels, A. G. Nickels, H. H. Page, Horace J. Rickaby, T. N. Ridley, W. E. Rowell, C. F. Rutherford, W. D. Searle, W. W. Simmons, E. F. Skene, Thomas Sloan, James D. Spender, E. C.
Staples, Alfred Stammers, G. E. Sullivan, Thos. Swan, M. F. T. W. C. C. Thomas, M. E. Treloar, C. R. Turner, J. W. Usher, Thomas "Valpied, James A. Virgo, James H. Ward, Robt. R. Wickens, E. A.
Y
^DC>
This content downloaded from 185.44.77.146 on Sat, 14 Jun 2014 18:33:16 PMAll use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions
28 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN r
4 r
Appendix ; ///.
Uniform.
1 Loose Jacket, Kharki 2 Pairs Socks 1 Tunic, Kharki 1 Pair Braces 2 Pairs Boots 1 Towel 2 Pairs Pants, strapped at
knees with chamois 1 1
Dungaree Suit Packet Field Dressings
1 Greatcoat 1 Pair Sand Shoes 1 Field Service Cap 1 Felt Hat
Razor, Strop and Soap Brush and Comb
1 Pair Putties 1 Knife and Sheath 1 Pair Leather Leggings 2 Cholora Belts
1 1
Knife, Fork, and Spoon Pair Blankets
2 Pairs Underpants 2 Shirts
1 L
Waterproof Sheet Wire-Cutting Plyers
Officers (extra) — /*"-
Gloves Field Glasses Despatch Boxes
Compasses and Survey Instruments for Com¬ manding Officer
Stars and Crowns, according to rank
Non-Commissioned Officers:— Field Glasses Chevrons
L This content downloaded from 185.44.77.146 on Sat, 14 Jun 2014 18:33:16 PM
All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions
4
Vv
A:
BUSHMEN'S CORPS. 29
Horse Furniture for each Troophorse. 1 Riding Saddle, com- 1 Surcingle
plete with breast- 1 Mess Tin and Straps plate and all neces- 1 Head Rope sary dees and straps 2 Heel Ropes
1 Headstall Bridle (com- 1 Canvas Horse Sheet plete) 1 Rug
1 Kit Bag 2 Rack Chains 1 Neck Waterbag 1 Currycomb 1 Nosebag 1 Pair Spurs and Straps 1 Girth (wide), kangaroo hide
Transport.
2 Waggons, and Harness for 8 Horses
N.B.—Mr. J. H. Angas, President S.A. Auxiliary to the British and Foreign Bible Society, presented for each of the Corps a Bible complete and a New Testament.
TPQQpr
This content downloaded from 185.44.77.146 on Sat, 14 Jun 2014 18:33:16 PMAll use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions
30 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN r
Append ix IV.
Pay.
RANK. PAY per diesi [.
Imperial. Colonial. Total Captain 13 0 10 6 1 3 6 Lieutenant 7 8 n 4 0 19 0 Lieutenant Surgeon... 7 8 n 4 0 19 0 Lieutenant Vet. Surgeon 7 8 n 4 0 19 0
Sergeant-Major 4 0 5 0 0 9 0 Quarter-Master Sergt. 4 0 5 0 0 9 0
Sergeant 2 8 5 4 0 8 0 Corporal 2 0 5 0 0 7 0
Trooper 1 3 4 0 4 6
Insurance. Each Officer, Non-Commissioned Officer, and
Trooper was insured for £250 at death, in the National Mutual Life Association, at a total cost of £1,843 14s. 6d.
N.B.—Full Pay to March 19 inclusive was paid before embarkation. On April 30, representatives holding procuration orders received Full Pay to April 4 inclusive, and Colonial pay from April 5 to April 30. Arrangements will be made to pay Colonial Pay at the Staff Office every 28 days.
It is calculated that there are sufficient funds to pay Colonial rate to the Corps, as above, up to June 24, 1901, if necessary.
r
x
This content downloaded from 185.44.77.146 on Sat, 14 Jun 2014 18:33:16 PMAll use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions
V, -4.
Appendix V.
-*c S R. BUSHMEN'S CORPS, ^
FINANCIAL STATEMENT TO MAY i8, 1900
Revksue Public Subscriptions— Collections and Tunds raised bj Local Committees, Concerts, Continentals and Entertainments, hunter, Advu tiset, and othei souices including' £720 19b 7d fiom I ondon Bushmen s Fund
Special Amounts— J C F Johnson sa'e of ' Buglei The Mai or 8a-le of Bullock C II DeRo&e price of 2d Hoifaes Stock and Stores sold
E\PbhDITLRE £ s d £ s d
Acheilising 112 0 9 Camp 307 9 4 Knilmkation 209 V i Iloises and Transpoit 1,514 8 7 14 074 id 11 Hospital 22 9 3 Insuiance 1,843 14 8 2 500 0 0 Paj 1,956 0 4
50o 4 0 Pobtajre and Telegiams 7 16 6 33b 12 6 Piovisionin^; Camp 109 0 1 179 14 7 Secretary 51 0 0
Uniform, Accoutrements, and Saddleij 2,840 11 10 wSundnes 54 7 6
£9,028 11 0 Balance 8 567 14 0
£17,o96 5 0 s&undiies include Fxpenses of Camp Continental Cabhue
Lxchanges Sundry I reights and Cartage, Auditors' and Paymaster s Fee, etc
to
o o to 3
This content downloaded from 185.44.77.146 on Sat, 14 Jun 2014 18:33:16 PMAll use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions
-tfS.fl. BUSHMEN'S CORPS, a*-
BALANCE SHEET AS ON MAY 18, 1900.
pa
Dlt Total Receipts as per Statement on page 31
£ s. d. 17,596 5 0
£17,590 5 0
Total Expenditure as per Statement on page 31 Deposit at Call at 3£ per cent. with D. & W. Murray, Ud. £7,750 0 0 Deposit Current with Bank of
Australasia 814 19 0 Petty Cash in hands of Hon. Sec 2 15 0
£ s 9,028 11
£17,596
A. W. WARE, Chairman. E. O. BLACKMORE, Hon Skc. I have carefully gone through the advices of donations to this Fund, and have also examined all payments from the Fund, and certify that, to the best of my belief, the abo\e Balance-sheet and Financial Statement give a full and true account of all transactions up to May 18, 1900. Receipts for all payments, shipping notes for forage, and vouchers for all re-sales have been produced to me, and I have had the greatest and most willing assistance from the Honorary Secretary during my examination of His exhaustive figures.
Adelaide, May 19, 1900, JOHN B. HUGHES, A.I.A.S.A., Ai-ottor.
-y^ ~K
""
-<
This content downloaded from 185.44.77.146 on Sat, 14 Jun 2014 18:33:16 PMAll use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions
This content downloaded from 185.44.77.146 on Sat, 14 Jun 2014 18:33:16 PMAll use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions
ni
This content downloaded from 185.44.77.146 on Sat, 14 Jun 2014 18:33:16 PMAll use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions