Volume 1

Minutes of evidence taken before the Royal Commission on the War in South Africa.

  • Great Britain. Royal Commission on the South African War, 1899-1900
Date:
1903
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Minutes of evidence taken before the Royal Commission on the War in South Africa. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    543/558 (page 525)
    079/10) f 10th ary 079/10] 4943, 19 tion of the Government to keep them in the field with replenished ranks, as has been the case with the Regular Service. The Force has, however, been practically allowed almost to die out, and I trust, under the circum- stances, I may be excused for pointing out what has occurred in the past, with reference to the supply of drafts for the Yeomanry. It was at one time decided that drafts should be pro- vided at the calculation of 10 per cent, of the original numbers (10,000) which embarked. This involved tho provision of a Force of the total strength of 11,608 men, as shown in the letter from the Imperial Yeomanry Com- mittee, dated 27th March, 1900. Subsequently, how- ever, this strength was reduced, and it was settled that no more than 10,500 men, Base Depét included, should be enlisted for service in South Africa. In a letter from the War Office, dated 21st May, 1900, it was decided that if any more recruits were required they would be enlisted for the Imperial Yeomanry, under arrangements to be made by the War Office, but, so far as I am aware, none were thus obtained, and, there fore, with the casualties referred to in paragraph 1 of this letter, the strength of the Force in the field must be now a very attenuated one. I am, therefore, encouraged to make the offer referred to regarding raising more men, feeling fully assured that, with the sanction and support of the War Office, a further efficient contingent of mounted men could be obtained in the manner already set forth. I have, etc., (Signed) Atrrep G. Lucas, Colonel, D.A.G., IY. To the Under Secretary of State for War. War Office, 28th December, 1900. Sir,—I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 19th inst., and to express the thanks of the Secretary of State for War for the suggestions you put forward with regard to the re-opening of recruiting for the Imperial Yeomanry, and the despatch of drafts to South Africa. As, however, steps are being taken to enrol a large number of men for service in the South African Con. stabulary, Mr. Brodrick is of opinion that it is not desir. able to recommence recruiting for the Imperial Yeo- manry. I am, etc., (Signed) H. Borrerr, Colonel A. G. Lucas. I.G.R, War Office Letters appointing Colonel Lucas, General Badcock, and Colonel Deane to a Committee to assist in raising Drafts for the Imperial Yeomanry. “War Office, “London, 8.W., léth January, 1901. “Sir,—I am directed by the Secretary of State for War to inform you that he has nominated you to serve on. a Committee which he has appointed to assist in raising drafts for the Imperial Yeomanry. With you on this Committee will be associated Lieut,-General “The Committee will meet at once, and will advise as to the best way of obtaining the men, rates of pay, term of enlistment, etc. “T am, etc., (Signed) “G. Freztrwoop Wuson. “Colonel A. G. Lucas, “Deputy Adjutant-General, Imperial Yeomanry.” A similar letter was also: sent to Lieut.-Gen. Badcock and Colonel Deane. 1. This Appendix has been written in connection with the following War Office letter : — War Office, London, S.W., March 18th, 1901. Sir,—' T am directed by the Secretary of State for War to 728. in connection with the Imperial Yeomanry. You will report your arrival to. the Commander-in- Chief in South Africa and take his instruetions. I am, etc., (Signed) J. H. Laynr, D.A.G. colonel T. Duann, C.B., U.8.C., LS. Corps, ete.