BURNT ON THE VELDT.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 8, Issue 30, 12 April 1907, Page 2

BURNT ON THE VELDT.

While serving with' General Buller’s forces in the late Boer War my troop (A. JBth Hussars) had a most providential escape from fire. One day, after a hard fight, the troop halted for a night’s bivouac on a piece of ground where the long dry grass was almost up to o.ur knees.

Beds had been pretty scarce of late and we were all pleased with the prospect of having a night’s sleep in the grass. We had just finished grooming when, to our chagrin, we were ordered to shift on to a bare piece of ground half a mile away to make room for an infantry regiment. Wo grumbled at the stalf-officer who brought the order for taking us away from our soft bed, but we had reason before the day dawned to bless him.

A veldt fire broke out during the night, and before many of the poor fellows among the grass could be awakened the fire was on them, and about a dozen men were literally roasted to death.