Small world of the Boer War Mausers...

tac foley

I'm sure that I'm not the only one here who enjoys watching Ian McCallum's 'Forgotten Weapons' on Youtube. He is very well-informed, as well as very entertaining, sometimes unintentionally. Ian is THE definitive left-hander, and watching his contortions as he shoots the Colt 'Bulldog' Gatling gun is worth paying to see.

However, this time, for me, he has hit the jackpot, posting a 20-minute talk about the 7mm Boer War Mausers. He displays both the long rifle and the short cavalry/artillery carbine, and that is what caught my eye -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjSShy_Yr3U&t=962s

At 9:35 you will see the left-hand side of the action of a Boer War carbine - serial #6688.

For the last twenty years I've owned #6691.

They were both part of the last batch of 2000 made by DWM for the Zuid Afrikaanse Republik [ZAR] in 1897. Mine has the name of the owner carved on it, and I've traced him via the good offices of the Anglo-Boerse Oorlog's Musée in Bloemfontein, and the descendant of the owner of the farm in Natal province where he surrendered it on 10 May 1901.

Just how cool is that?

meathstevie

It's nice to have a piece of history like that in your hands I'm sure. Wasn't Jan Smuts who later became South African PM and one of Winston Churchill's close associates one of the leaders of the Boer army ?

tac foley

He was.

Meanwhile, over in UK, 'slim kerel' has posted that he has #6334. I've asked if he would care for a phto-meet, but have yet to receive a resplone.

I also have all the known details of the owner of my little carbine, if anybody is interested, but I guess I'm on the wrong forum to go posting all that kind of stuff.

meathstevie

I don't think you are tac. I reckon there's a fair few among us who'd be quite interested in exactly that sort of thing.

tac foley

Here is another of my African Mausers with a good story behind it -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-al-rcJsrLY

In deference to the ethos of the forum I'll post details of that, and the carbine, over on vcrai.com.

judestynes

Are the VCRAI still active?

tac foley

Well, I still post on the site, as do a few others, but as for the amount of shooting done, I can't speak for that.

minktrapper

tac foley wrote: »

Here is another of my African Mausers with a good story behind it -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-al-rcJsrLY

In deference to the ethos of the forum I'll post details of that, and the carbine, over on vcrai.com.

Do they have a sling swivel on the barrel.

tac foley

The carbine has a transferable saddle ring set-up - IOW, you can, if required, change it form the normal left-hand side to the right hand side of the stock. The front barrel band also has the sling fitting on it - for a sling about 4cm across. That too is reversible if needed, but I've looked in vain for a correct sling since I bought the gun, and I've also never encountered one that had been changed over, either. The Model B DOES have the sling swivel on the barrel, but shows signs of having been carried over the shoulder by the barrel. It now has an original and contemporary Mauser sling fitted.

tac foley

As I noted above, this will be the last time I post anything old on the forum. The text below is a straight crib from David C. George's 'Carvings of the Veldt - Part 2', page 254, and I'm indepted to him for the use of his text. Just a reminder, however, that it was my rifle he used, and my photograph, too. Some of the information he notes also came from me, as the curator of the Anglo-Boerse Oorlogs Musée and I were in contact with the gentleman who owns the farmstead where the action/skirmish terminated in some severe grief for the Australians.

Quote - 'According to the POW rools his name was Pieter Wilhelmus HuisjeR (not HuijseN - but this could be a typing error). He came from the farm 'Klipdrift' in the Wolmaransstad district. He was stated to be forty years old at the time of his capture, was allocated POW No. 32267 and sent to a POW camp.

Other information was also supplied, stating that the rifle belonged to Piet Wilhelmus van HuijseN of the same farm named 'Klipdrift'. This was supplied by Mnr Pieter de J*****, the current owner of the farm at Korannafontein, which is now called Ottosdorf. [Edit - he is a well-known local historian - we have had contact over the years - he is NOT the farmer at Korannafontein, but his farm lies adjacent to that location by about 6km]. There may have been a clerical error regarding the spelling, but as the age, Christian names and the name of the farm are the same, this is obviously the same burger.

The Battle of Korannafontein in the Western Transvaal was only a small affair but it was a disasterous 'baptism of fire' for many of the 2nd New South Wales Mounted Rifles who were surrounded and badly cut up in the engagment. The Australians were up against men led by the 'Lion of the West' - Boer General De la Rey. The fifty-odd Australians suffered twelve casualties, of whom five were killed. They also had 26 men captured and lost about 35 rifles, ammunition and horses. The Boers released the captured Austrlaians a few days later, as they were unable to keep proisoners at that stage of the war. It is not recorded as to exactly what stage of the skirmish Piet HuisjeN/R was captured.'

Here is a translation of the débacle involving the Australians and an overwhelming force of Boers done for another forum a few years back. TBH, I'm still amazed, after many years or re-reading it, how the Australians got away so lightly. It would not have taken much effort by the Boers, who by then had much to give them reason the do so, for them to have been slaughtered to a man, or at least suffered a horrendous defeat along the lines of the awful battle of Spion Kop. De la Rey was a very Christian man in his outlook, and treated his defeated opposition with great compassion, in spite of the appalling things that were being done to the non-combatant Boers at that time by the British.

Any misinterpretation in the text is entirely due to my inadequacies in both languages, the usual disclaimers therefore apply - note that the quaint and understated syntax is typical of the time, and closely follows the then-current newspaper correspondent writing style. I have retained the use of topographical features commonly in use at the time. As with the British in India and North-Eastern Africa [fighting the Mahdists] the wholesale adoption of the local vernacular was commonplace.

Please note that the 'pom-poms' mentioned here are NOT body decorations worn by ladies of a certain stage profession, but are what the British call the Vickers or Hotchkiss 1-pounder quick-firing auto-cannon - gun-carriage-mounted, horse-drawn light artillery. The name is onomatopeic - the 'pom-pom-pom-pom' is the sound it makes when firing. Two, four and eight-barrelled versions were to be found on most British warships of the WW2 era, right up until the carrier 'Ark Royal' of the fifties.

THE WAR IN SOUTH AFRICA.

NEW SOUTH WALES MOUNTED RIFLES.

CLEARING A DISTRICT.

A DISASTER.

(FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.)

KLERKSDORP, May 15.

On Friday last, May 10, the 2nd Regiment of New South Wales Mounted Rifles received its baptism of fire at the hands of one of the Boers' most noted fighting generals, De La Rey, and while the experience gained furnished unmistakable evidence of splendid courage on the part of Colonel Lassetter's men, the result was indeed disastrous. That day we had a lieutenant and three troopers killed, a captain and seven troopers (one of whom died the following morning) wounded, and about 30 of all ranks captured by the enemy, but subsequently released.

It was on Sunday, May 5, that Colonel Williams' column, comprising the 2nd New South Wales M.R., a squadron of Kitchener's Horse, and a detachment of the Coldstream Guards, together with two 15- pounders of the R.A.A. (under Captain Antill), two machine guns (commanded by Captain Jenkins, of the R.A.A.), and a couple of pom-poms, having completed preparations for trekking, moved out from Klerksdorp. Babington had gone out the previous day with a strong force, including about 200 of the New South Wales Imperial Bushmen, and it was understood that one or two other columns were to co- operate, under Lord Methuen, in what it was hoped would prove a successful movement against some 4000 or 5000 Boers who, comprising half a dozen commandoes, were reported to have occupied a very strong position 30 miles west of Klerksdorp, under the leadership of De La Rey and Smuts. But, as has so frequently happened in the present campaign, the elaborately planned scheme of hemming in was " nipped in the bud," for the Boers, having doubtless been informed of the contemplated move, suddenly abandoned their position and split up into several smaller parties. Still, everybody agreed that there would be plenty of fighting ere the district was effectually cleared of the enemy, for it is known that the followers of De La Rey and Smuts in particular include many of the bravest and most determined fighters remaining on the side of the Boers.

The first day out we exchanged shots with a small party of the enemy, who incontinently fled as soon as the "bang-bangs " (as Captain Antill's 15- pounders have been christened) had spoken two or three times; and the following morning we approached Hartebeestefontain [sic - correct spelling -tein], a prettily situated village, the hills behind which have repeatedly offered a secure retreat for the Boers. It was at this spot that Babington recently had an unpleasant experience, having to retire before a withering rifle fire which was poured in as he advanced upon the town in the belief that after many hours shelling the hills had been cleared of the enemy. We met with no opposition, though we could plainly hear the report of big guns some miles away on our right, and later on Babington's column marched through the town. This having long been a noted Boer centre, it was decided to remove every man, woman, and child, both white and coloured, and soon a procession of ox-waggons laden with human freight and boxes of clothing, bundles of bedding and house-hold necessaries, was on its way to our camp, while many of the buildings were quickly reduced to ashes. The Boer women and children were most respectfully treated by our fellows, and scores of them readily admitted that they were not by any means displeased at the prospect of being taken into Klerksdorp. They all expressed themselves sick and tired of the war, but not a few proudly declared that they would not have their husbands, fathers, and brothers surrender, and asserted with strong emphasis that the removal of the families and the burning of the homes would cause their men, instead of inducing them to abandon the struggle, hopeless though it might be, to fight all the more determinedly. Said one: "Our troops were in the town last night, and many of them left only a few hours before you arrived. They knew that with the British all round it would be madness to face them; they knew, too, that you were going to remove us ; and so we said " good bye", wondering when we should see each other again. Oh, we do hope that we shall have our dear land back some day." The following afternoon we escorted the "refugees," to the number of some hundreds, into Klerksdorp, where a large camp has been formed for their reception, in accordance with the plan of clearing the whole district of Boer families and Kaffirs, as well as stock, grain, vehicles, and produce of all kinds.

We then trekked two days in a westerly direction, our flank and rear guards each day being sniped at, but without any damage being done. The number of " refugees " was considerably increased, as also were the herds of cattle and flocks of sheep and goats.

Then came our " Black Friday." We moved out from camp at 6.30, the men all in high spirits, for the report had circulated that in all probability an engagement would take place that day. And the expectation was, so far at any rate as some of the troops were concerned, only too fully realised. It was, after all, but a skirmish, yet for us it proved much more costly than many an engagement of real importance. The locality of the fight was a place called Korannafontein, situated between 30 and 40 miles west of Klerksdorp.

IN ACTION.

We had not proceeded very far before the enemy disclosed his presence on a kopje some distance to the left of the main body. Captain Antill put in a few shells, however, with good results, and we hurried on. The Boers opened again from a wooded slope, also on the left, and for a time there was a pretty brisk rifle fire. The number of the enemy at this point was estimated at 200, but their designs on our convoy were frustrated by the splendid work of a couple of troops of C Squadron (under Captain McIntosh), reinforced by a troop of B (under Lieutenant McCall), the whole being under the direction of Lieutenant-Colonel Lassetter, who at last had the pleasure of seeing the burghers hurriedly retiring.

While this little performance was in process of accomplishment Lieutenant Mills (G Squadron) became engaged with another party of Boers on the right front, and Captain McLean (B Squadron) was ordered to advance. Taking two troops — Lieutenant C. Airey's and Lieutenant A. E. Lamb's — he galloped off accompanied by one of the pom-poms, and was joined by another troop under Lieutenant Coyle (D squadron), which was left to guard his left flank. They came to a mealie field, into which the first pom-pom was playing, and Lieutenant Mills's men were firing. The rest of the sad story may be told in the words of Lieutenant Airey, who gave the following version of the unfortunate affair to your representative a few hours later :—

" McLean's two troops were told to clear the mealie field. Lamb was then on my left. We two rode side by side, with McLean in the lead, our men being extended 15 or 20 yards. We went through the field, but found that the enemy had left it. Then an orderly came up with some message about retiring, but M'Lean just at that moment sighted a number of Boers, and sent the orderly back to report to Colonel Williams that the enemy had retired from the cornfield, and he was going on to keep in touch with them. Off we went again, and almost immediately 18 or 20 Boers showed themselves on my right front, between 800 yards and 900 yards distant. Lamb's troop also saw them, and we all dismounted and fired a few shots, with the result that they opened out and galloped ahead at full speed. Quickly we resumed the chase, every man eager to distinguish himself, and our mounts being in very fair condition and lightly equipped we gradually gained on them, occasionally firing from our horses. I thought we were getting rather far away from our supports and reserves, but of course we did not know but what they were following us up. We came to a farmhouse, which I, with a few men, had to search, and had just completed this work when I received a message from Captain McLean to join him at once, and I galloped up in line with Lamb's troops. Just then one of my sergeants, who had been a little in the rear, rode up to me saying, '150 Boers are advancing on us from the right ; they'll be over the ridge in a minute.' McLean gave the order to meet them, and we made a long wheel to the right, but when we reached the top of the ridge not more than 20 Boers were visible among some trees, and they halted some 80 yards away from our left front and opened fire. We dismounted at McLean's word, and replied with two or three volleys, which caused them to retire. We followed them along the ridge, but suddenly they were joined by fully 200, who had swept along the valley unseen by us. ' By George,' remarked McLean, ' If we had gone on we should have got into a hornet's nest.' We halted, and the captain sent back word to the colonel with regard to this latest development. (The messenger was temporarily taken possession of by the Boers, and the despatch never reached the colonel.) At this time, as it subsequently transpired, our little party must have been at least five miles away from where Lieutenant-Colonel Lassetter was engaged on the left, and even farther from where Captain Antill was waiting for the order from Colonel Williams to advance with his guns. Again we opened fire lying in the grass, and holding our horses with the reins over our arms.

A CAPTURE.

Another crowd of Boers must have worked along the valley and rounded our left front, because Coyle, who was on the left, was completely taken by surprise. Seeing the party coming in his direction he thought they were reinforcements, and almost before the majority of his men realised the true state of things they were entirely surrounded and disarmed. Their horses were then taken from them, after which their captors helped themselves to their money, watches, field glasses, riding pants, hats, and in some cases tunics and boots. Just about the same time the left flank of Lamb's men was attacked. They fought gallantly until almost every round of ammunition had been expended, but of course they were in a hopeless position. Several had their horses shot, and others endeavoured to escape. Lamb's horse was shot dead, but a trooper named Davies pulled up and bravely waited for him to mount behind. Scarcely had he done this before a bullet entered his neck, and he fell, dragging Davies to the ground with him. The latter was at once taken prisoner, and so were several others of Lamb's followers. Of course we could not see all this, [as there was] a slight rise intervening between us, but heard all about it soon afterwards. While it was taking place we were concentrating our attention on the couple of hundred Boers in front of us, and could not understand where the bullets that were falling in rear of us were coming from until we found that we were being fired on from behind. Instantly the place seemed to be alive with Boers — they seemed to be in front, in rear, and on each side of us. Let me pass lightly over the rest. What could we do? The odds 20 to 1 against us, our ammunition done, and means of escape effectually blocked. Our captain gave the order, 'Files, about!' and a moment or two afterwards fell wounded in the thigh—as game an officer as ever led men into action. Where he fell was not very far from where poor Lamb was killed.

DISASTER. [by Captain Airey]

"I stood helpless, without horse and without ammunition, and when a Boer rode up, saying 'Hands up!' I felt all was over. We were in the midst of 300 or 400 Boers. One of them snatched my carbine, another claimed my puttee leggings and spurs, a third took my bandolier, and others distributed my money and various articles of more or less value among them. Very few of us were treated at all roughly, but some of the younger Boers did not hestitate to rob the dead and wounded. I assisted in dressing the wounds of three or four men, and it was my sad duty to say a prayer over the grave of poor young Harker, whom we buried under a tree a few hundred yards from where he was shot.

Then I went off for the ambulance waggons. Trooper Mackay died quickly, and we buried him also. Father Le Mesurier, who had come out with the ambulance, conducting the service. Then we gathered up the wounded, and brought them, with the body of dear old Lamb, back to camp."

This simple yet graphic narrative of Lieutenant Airey is sufficient to give a general idea of the nature of the unfortunate occurrence. Another young fellow named Barker (C Squadron) was killed, and we buried him on top of the ridge close to where the guns were brought along. For the guns were eventually brought up to within a mile or two of where this part of the engagement took place, but although Captain Antill after receiving the order covered the ground in a remarkably short space of time the enemy were miles away by the time he and the supporting squadrons reached the spot. The report given that night was :— Killed, Lieutenant A. E. Lamb and Troopers W. Harker (B Squadron), Trooper Barker (C Squadron), and Trooper Mackay (D Squadron) ; wounded, Captain McLean, Troopers C. Eadie, G. L. Hobson, M. J. Farrell, E. W. Green, H. J. Locke, F. Seymour, and E. C. Webster, all of B Squadron ; prisoners (all of whom were subsequently released and found their way back to camp), 26 — 10 belonging to Lieutenant Lamb's troop, seven to Lieutenant Airey's, and nine to Lieutenant Coyle's, Horses (killed and captured) and rifles, about 35.

Early next morning we buried Lieutenant Lamb close to the camp, Lieutenant-Colonel Lassetter conducting the service, and a rude cross bearing particulars of his death, followed by the Mounted Rifles' motto, "Toujours Pret", now stands at the head of the grave of one who was most highly esteemed by everyone in the regiment of men and officers, with his 'aye, ever ready' to do his duty under all circumstances, even to the giving of his life — a brave, genial, soldierly comrade. The same day E. W. Green succumbed to his wounds, and his body was interred alongside that of Lieutenant Lamb, Lieutenant-Colonel Lassetter again reading the funeral service.

Next day we commenced our return to Klerksdorp, where we arrived to-day with about 300 Boer refugees, 500 or 600 Kaffirs, and a great quantity of live stock. We were accompanied throughout the trek by General Wilson and General Fetherstonhaugh, and it is reported that henceforward we are to work under the latter.

All the wounded men now in hospital are progressing favourably, including Captain McLean, who we all hope sincerely will ere long be once more at the head of his squadron.'