Letters from the Front.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 25, 30 January 1901, Page 3

Letters from the Front.

Gunner F. Parker, of the Royal Artillerv, writing to his brother from Orange River, under date of December 16th, Shortly after leaving Kimberley, news came of our destination— Orange River. AVe left the former at 7 a.m., and reached here at 1 p.m. the same day. Soon all hands were busy unloading, and we got into camp at 4 o’clock. There are several companies of Yeomanry here, Munster Fusiliers (Irish), and since then the Second Coldstream Guards have arrived. Their tents are only a quarter of a mile from ours. I had a chat with some of them the other night. They have been out here since November, 1899. Orange River is where the first engagement took place. I have seen a number of late battlefields, including Modder River, Graspan, Belmont, and Magersfontein, where General AVauchope fell. They were pointed out to us aB wo came along from Kimberley. At Modder River station there is a small cemetery, wherein lie some of the brave men killed. General AVauchopc’s remains were removed from here to further down the line.

AVe saw plenty of ostriches on our way. One of them pays a visit to our camp now and then. The other morning one appeared while we were at breakfast, coming close to the horse picket lino. You should have seen the excitement it caused amongst them. One of the horses which was tied to the gun put his feet upon the limber foot-board. There would have been a stampede had not one of us chased the bird away. “ Lights out ” has just gone in the Coldstream Guards’ camp, and ours will soon be going. This morning we were marched over to their lines for service. Their fifes played to the singing. Only half of their battalion is here, consequently many of the band are absent. They play every evening while the officers arc at mess, also a little during the day. This is a very hurried letter, and I am in rather an uncomfortable position to write. The days are pretty well occupied with gun-drill, which wc get twice daily; also horse duty, etc. AVe can see the trains passing daily, as our camp is only about a quarter-mile from the line. The Orange River bridge is nearly a quarter of a mile across. There is also a splendid one at Fourteen Streams, which was partly blown up by the Boors. The Royal Engineers constructed a temporary one, which wc passed over. Coming along in the early morning wc could spe the Kaffirs going to their day’s work, some with a hoe, others ploughing with oxen. Then again, wc saw a number of Boer prisoners camped in an enclosure of barbed wire, with tents in the centre. Monday night. —Last night I had not time to finish, so will now make another effort. On getting up this morning wc found the Coldstream Guards gone. They left for Nauport. Most of the Fourth and Fifth Contingents are at Ivlcrksdorp. AVhen in Mafcking I saw several of my old company, some belonging to our- battery. Two "of the guns were there. AA r e get bread every day and fresh meat now. The other night wo got the news that we were to move, and packed up and struck tents. Our train was to have arrived at midnight. I was lying down to take a nap at 8.30, and was “told off” with a fatigue party to go down to the railway station and draw rations for -the trip. However, orders were cancelled, for next morning wc had to put up the tents again. Last post will ho sounding in a few minutes.

Tuesday morning, railway station. — Orders came into camp last evening that wc wore to get ready to move at once. Up wc all jumped and packed our kits, at 1 p.m. I had to fill the limbers with ammunition at 1.30. At 2.45 the bugle sounded, and wc were soon all hard at it again. I have been on fatigue all the morning, drawing rations. AVe arc going to Colcsburg, and will pass De Arr to-day, also Nauport. I hear wc arc to join Kitchener’s force, who will scour the Orange Free State, so wc will probably have a bit of running about. There are three Gisborne hoys on this gun—Stevens, M. Ryan, and myself.