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The
Despatch of Sir Sydney Charles, 1st Earl Buxton,
the High Commissioner for South Africa. Printed in the Second
Supplement to the London Gazette of 13
July 1917, this Despatch covers military affairs in Rhodesia. |
| War Office,
13th July, 1917. The Colonial Office has forwarded for publication the following Despatch on military operations of the Rhodesian Forces: — From the High Commissioner for South Africa To the Secretary of State for the Colonies. High Commissioner's Office, Cape Town, March 10th, 1917. Sir,—In compliance with your request, I have the honour to furnish the following report on military affairs in Rhodesia and the operations of the Rhodesian Forces from the outbreak of the war to the beginning of 1916. It will be convenient to divide the report into five parts: — I.—Operations on the West. II.—Operations on the North-Eastern Border. III.—The Tanganyika Naval Expedition. IV.—The general situation in Rhodesia and the raising of forces for service in other fields than those above mentioned. V.—Conclusion. PART I.—OPERATIONS ON THE WEST. 1. In September, 1914, it was decided, with a view to allaying apprehension among the native tribes in adjoining British territory, and to safeguarding trade routes on the Zambesi, to occupy Schuckmannsburg, a German post in the eastern extremity of the Caprivi Zipfel. The occupation was effected on September 21st by a detachment of police under Major A. E. Capell, D.S.O. No resistance was offered, and the German Resident and his European Police Subordinate were made prisoners of war. British authority in the Caprivi Strip has since been exercised through a Special Commissioner appointed from the Bechuanaland Protectorate Service, and directly responsible to the High Commissioner. 2. The subsequent activities of the Rhodesian Forces on this side were directed against a possible hostile incursion from German South West Africa. It was thought possible, though not probable, that on the advance of the Union Forces to Windhuk small bands of the enemy forces and of rebels might attempt to retreat northwards. Detachments of Northern Rhodesia Police were accordingly moved from Mongu, Livingstone, and elsewhere to the line of the Zambesi River. 3. On July 8th, 1915, information was received from General Botha's Headquarters at Windhoek that Maritz and others, with animals and provisions, were proceeding along the course of the Okovango River in the direction of the Victoria Falls. A force of 100 British South Africa Police, with two Maxim was thereupon dispatched from Southern Rhodesia to reinforce the police posts on the Zambesi, and the whole force was placed under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel H. M. Stennett, D.S.O., of the Northern Rhodesia Police. 4. In August it was reported that Maritz and his party were detained in Angola, that the country was clear to the west, and that owing to the drying up of the water holes it would be impossible for a force of any strength to move northwards. The police were therefore withdrawn from the line of the Zambesi, and such work as remained to be done was left to the scouts of the Rhodesian Intelligence Department under Major R. Gordon, D.S.O. Beyond the arrest of a German officer in August, and a small party of Regulars in the following month, there is nothing further to record regarding the operations on the west; but I should like to mention the good work performed by the Scouts, whose duties involved, considerable responsibility and great personal risks. I would specially mention Major R. Gordon, D.S.O., and Scouts Arnold Weinholt and Benjamin Johnson. PART II.—OPERATIONS ON THE NORTHEASTERN BORDER. 1. On the outbreak of war orders were at once issued for the posts of Abercorn and Fife to be strengthened, and for the border of German East Africa to be patrolled. The Officer Commanding Northern Rhodesia Police on the frontier was instructed either to hold the above posts or to retire on Kasama according to his discretion. A mobile column was dispatched from Livingstone to Kasama early in August, 1914, and Lieutenant-Colonel Stennett was placed in command on the border. 2. On September 5th Abercorn was attacked, and the enemy repulsed. As further attacks in greater force were anticipated, the Officer Commanding at Abercorn asked Kasama for reinforcements. Lieutenant-Colonel Stennett at once moved forward with 100 men by forced marches—99 miles in 72 hours—and arrived at Abercorn at 3 a.m. on the morning of September 9th. On this day, at 6 a.m., the enemy commenced to shell Abercorn, and attacked it later in the day, but were repulsed. Next day they retired and encamped on the Lumi River, where they were attacked at dawn on the 11th by a detachment of Northern Rhodesia Police under Lieutenant J. J. McCarthy and driven over the border. 3. Beyond the approach of a few enemy's patrols and the constant cutting of the telegraph lines, nothing of interest occurred during September. By the 26th of that month the forces at Abercorn had been strengthened by the arrival of a Belgian Battalion consisting of 500 native soldiers under European officers, with field and machine guns. Owing to a misunderstanding this battalion was shortly afterwards withdrawn, but it was sent back to Abercorn on January 26th. from which date it continued to co -operate with the British Forces until it was finally withdrawn in October. 1915. 4. As it was uncertain how long the Belgian force would continue to co-operate, arrangements were made to strengthen Lieutenant- Colonel Stennett's command bv the dispatch of reinforcements of European Volunteers and Northern R/hodesia, Police from. Northern Rhodesia. It was decided that the whole force on the border after the arrival of these reinforcements should be placed under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel F. A. Hodson, Commandant of the Northern Rhodesia Police, and this Officer left Broken Hill for Abercorn on November 25th. 5. On November 17th German troops, conveyed from Biemarckburg in two steamers, landed at Kituta, fourteen miles west of Abercorn, and, after destroying a small steamer and burning the stores of the African Lakes Corporation, proceeded to Kasakalawe, 28 miles west of Abercorn, where they landed on the 20th and obtained large quantities of telegraph material. On this day they were attacked by a combined force of Northern Rhodesia Police and Belgian troops. Owing to the nature of the country, which was covered with thick bush and long grass, touch was lost between the different parties, and the enemy embarked under cover of the fire of their guns from the steamers. 6. The post at Fife was unsuccessfully attacked on December 6th and again on the night of the 27th, when the enemy were driven off in disorder by a counter-attack and bayonet charge led by Lieutenants A. C. Cussans and R. M. Smith. 7. In December the reinforcements referred to in paragraph 4 were despatched. The column of Northern Rhodesia Police moved from Sakania through Belgian territory to Fort Rosebery, thence to Abercorn, where it arrived on February 3rd. The European Volunteers, Northern Rhodesia Rifles, who were provided with ox-transport, marched from Kashitu and arrived on the border on February 12th; a very fine performance onsidering the bad state of the roads owing to the heavy rains. In the meanwhile the Belgian Battalion had returned to Abercorn. The arrival of these reinforcements was followed by a renewal of activity on the border. 8. In the course of March, April, May and June, 1915, a number of small engagements took place. In one of these Lieutenant Stannus Irvine, of the Northern Rhodesia Rifles, was mortally wounded while gallantly leading a successful attack on a stockaded position. On another occasion the enemy attacked a patrol of Belgians and Rhodesia police with great determination, but were eventually driven off after an engagement lasting about two hours. Sous-officier Verschueren behaved with great gallantry. He refused to leave the firing line, although twice wounded, and finally he was killed. His body was carried out of action by Senior Serjeant Borazi, of the Belgian Forces, and Serjeant Mwambera, of the Northern Rhodesia Police. Both of these men showed conspicuous bravery, and Serjeant Borazi was wounded. 9. Towards the end of June it was reported that the enemy, who had been reinforced, intended to attack our position at Saisi. The report proved true, and at 6 a.m. on the 28th the post was attacked by some 100 Europeans and 300 Askari with machine guns and about 100 Arabs and Ruga-Ruga. The attack was maintained with considerable determination throughout the day until 3 p.m. On the following morning the enemy appeared again, but retired after a little ...... Our casualties were one European killed, two natives died of wounds and nine wounded. The enemy's losses were estimated to be fifteen Europeans killed ... steadiness under fire, and the following officers and men were specially entioned by Colonel Hodson, who was in command: — Lieutenant Dickinson, for ability and good leading. 2nd Lieutenant Allport, for the manner in which he worked his Maxim gun all day and at night carried despatches to Abercorn. Rifleman Pemberton, Northern Rhodesia Rifles, for the fine example he showed the native troops. Corporal Africa, Northern Rhodesia Police, for locating snipers at great personal risk. Belgian Forces. Lieutenant Hollants, for assistance rendered, and Premier Serjeant Bepelle, who, though wounded, remained in the firing line, showed great ability and courage, shooting two Europeans and three native enemy soldiers. 10. Early in July it was reported that a large force of enemy Europeans, native troops and Arabs had landed in Bismarckburg, and that a portion of the New Langenburg Garrison was moving west. In anticipation therefore of a further attack Colonel Hodson very wisely increased the garrison of Saisi, the defences of which had been considerably strengthened since the last attack. On the 26th, after destroying the telegraph wire and so isolating Saisi from Abercorn, the enemy attacked in force. The attack was kept up for eight days. The following is an account of the defence of Saisi, as published in the High Commissioner's Gazette: — The attacking force, which was under the command of General Wehle, is believed to have been composed,of the 18th, 23rd, 24th and 69th Field Companies, four other companies, and the Tabora and Rukwe contingents of 400 Europeans and 200 Arabs. A German field company, when up to strength, consists of 10 officers, 10 volunteers, and 200 Askari. The strength of the garrison was 470 Rhodesian and Belgian native troops, with 19 Europeans. The garrison had but little food, and depended far water upon supplies obtained at night under fire and between pickets from the rivers. On the 31st July a Parlementaire arrived from the German lines with a white flag and a letter- inquiring whether the Commandant wasprepared to consider terms of surrender. Major O'Sullevan's reply was an emphatic negative. The total number of casualties sustained by the garrison was nineteen, all natives, including five soldiers and four carriers killed, and one native servant who died of wounds. A relief party under Major de Koninck, which attempted unsuccessfully to get into touch with the garrison, lost five native soldiers killed, ten wounded, and three missing. Major O'Sullevan estimates that of the enemy, at least forty Europeans and from fifty to sixty Askari and Arabs were killed. About 216 shells and at least 90,000 rounds of ammunition are reported to have been fired by the enemy. It is believed that one German gun and one Maxim were put out of action. The Belgian troops rendered most valuable assistance. The despatches express special appreciation of the services of Lieutenant Clynmans and of Sous Officier Derycke, both or whom were at Saisi during the siege. The Commandant-General considers that much of the success of the defence was due to the fine soldierly qualities, indefatigable endeavours, and personality of Captain ( temporary Major) J. J. O'Sullevan. This officer has been promoted to the rank of Major in the Northern Rhodesia Police for good service on the present and, other occasions, and has been appointed to be a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order in recognition of his conduct of the defence of Saisi. The Commandant-General's despatches make special mention for gallantry of the following officer and men: — Lieutenant H. Allport, Northern Rhodesia Police. This officer displayed both energy and ability, and handled his Maxim in a masterly manner, transferring it from, position to position in the trenches. No. 1709 Trooper Hadath, British South Africa Police (gun layer). Mentioned for good gun-laying, coolness, and ability; also for working the helio under heavy Maxim fire. No. 452 Colour-Serjeant Zidana, Northern Rhodesia Police. Mentioned for carrying round orders under fire and for general good behaviour. No. 053 Serjeant Geza, Northern Rhodesia Police. Mentioned for good conduct in commanding a section, keeping his men well together, and showing initiative and ability under fire. No. 399 Corporal Chikusi and No. 345 Private Piyo, both of the Northern Rhodesia Police. Mentioned for good service in securing water under fire and showing coolness in action at a critical period. No. 4267 Private Kavuti, British South Africa Police. Mentioned for sponging out a gun under heavy Maxim and rifle fire at night under no cover. 11. The latter part of 1915 was a period of comparative inactivity on the North-Eastern Border.. The withdrawal of the Belgian troops necessitated the despatch of further reinforcements from Rhodesia, and a force of 300 Europeans was raised in Southern Rhodesia, and sent, with as many Northern Rhodesia Police as could be spared, to join the troops under Colonel Hodson. The call for volunteers to proceed to the border was met with admirable promptitude by the residents of Southern Rhodesia. The units thus raised were termed "Special Service Companies of the British South Africa Police," and consisted partly of police, but mainly of members of the Southern Rhodesia-Volunteers, with some ex-members of the First Rhodesia Regiment. A portion of these reinforcements was sent via Livingstone and the remainder through Nyasaland, and by 16th October the whole force had reached the border. 12. Early in 1916 Brigadier-General E. Northey, A.D.C., assumed command of the Rhodesian and Nyasaland forces and of the contingents which had meanwhile been raised in the Union and sent up through Nyasaland. On his arrival operations on the border, which hitherto had necessarily been of a defensive character, entered upon a new phase. 13. Prior to the arrival of the Belgian troops on the border and during their temporary absence in November and December, 1914, the brunt of the defence fell upon the Northern Rhodesia Police. I cannot speak too highly of the manner in which the European officers and the native rank and file performed their duties, which comprised the strengthening of Abercorn and Fife by means of blockhouses and entrenchments, the protection of the telegraph lines and constant patrols in very inclement weather. The morale and health of the force remained excellent, and man for man they showed themselves greatly superior to the German native troops. It is difficult to single out individuals, but I would specially mention Lieutenant-Colonel H. M. Stennett, D.S.O., who was in command from August, 1914, to February, 1915, Captain J. J. McCarthy, and Lieutenant A. C. Cussans. 14. I also desire to bring to notice the services of Major A. Boyd-Cuninghame, Northern Rhodesia Rifles, and Surgeon-Captains Kinghorn, White, and Chisholm. 15. The maintenance of supplies and transport for the troops on the border has been throughout a most difficult and onerous task. From 1st April to 31st December, 1915, 20,000 carriers were employed in carrying over 1,000,000 Ibs. of supplies from distant bases, and an additional 50,000 in bringing grain from adjacent districts. But for the indefatigable efforts of the District Officials a breakdown would have been inevitable. The military authorities are especially indebted in this connection to Mr. C. P. Cheenaye, Magistrate and Commissioner of the Tanganyika istrict. The following officers also rendered valuable assistance:—Messrs. H. G. Power, C. P. Oldfield, G. P. Lyons, A. E. Copeman, and A. Croad. Mr. R. Goode, Secretary to the Administration, and Mr. N. Nightingale, Controller of Stores, are equally deserving of mention for their work in forwarding supplies from Livingstone. In supplying carriers, the native tribes of Northern Rhodesia have loyally played their part. PART III.—THE TANGANYIKA NAVAL EXPEDITION. In April, 1915, a scheme was approved by the Admiralty for depriving the Germans of the command which they had hitherto held, by means of three small armed vessels, on Lake Tanganyika. The plan was to send out from England to Cape Town, and thence by rail, road and river to the Lake, two motor-boats of a speed and armament which would outclass those of the German vessels. The two boats, with a small Expeditionary Force under the command of Commander G. Spicer Simson, R.N., arrived at Cape Town towards the end of June. By December 23rd the "Mimi " and the "Toutou," as the boats were named, had been successfully launched on the Lake, and three days later the first action was fought. 2. Notwithstanding the precautions that were taken to keep the expedition a secret, it is difficult to believe that the enemy received no warning of its despatch. They probably heard of it, but refused to take it seriously. And certainly it must have seemed to them, at first sight, a harebrained enterprise. After being landed at Cape Town the boats had to be taken 2,300 miles by train, via Bulawayo and Livingstone, to rail-head North of Elizabethville in the Belgian Congo. Next followed 150 miles of haulage, by atrocious roads, over country varying in altitude from 2,000 to 6,000 feet. Then another journey on trucks over a short section of railway. Then the boats were floated 400 miles down the Lualaba River under their own power for part of the journey, and for the rest on lighters. Shoals and rocks abounded, and barrels had to be lashed under the boats to reduce their draught. The final stage of the journey was by rail again to the small Belgian harbour of Lukuga, about halfway up the western shore of the Lake. 3. Commander Spicer Simson's reports of his journey to Lake Tanganyika constitute a fine record of courage and perseverance. The following is an extract from the report in which he describes the cross-country portion of the journey: — I desire to call to your attention the excellent work done by the officers and men of the Expedition who were on the road with me. They have cheerfully worked under the most trying conditions of heat always, rain occasionally, and thick dust on most occasions. The first and last of these conditions were particularly hard to bear on account of the shortness of water which was experienced. Washing, and even drinking water, was voluntarily given up for use in the boilers of the traction engines in order that the progress of the Expedition should not be delayed. Only those who have had to work without shade in the thick dust raised by the engines under a tropical sun, with the added discomforts of nothing to drink and nothing to wash in, can realise what determination is necessary to maintain the necessary energy to overcome the great difficulties which were encountered on the road. It was, in the opinion of all competent judges who knew the road, sheer madness to attempt to take traction engines alone over it, and more so to try and tow the boats by this means, or any other. I wish to bring to your notice the excellent work done by Sub-Lieutenant A. Dudley, R.N.V.R., who was in charge of the transport. It is mainly due to his exertions that the transport of the boats over the road was safely accomplished. 4. The first encounter with the enemy took place on December 26th. At 9 a.m. the German gunboat " Kingani," a vessel of 30 or 40 tons armed with one gun, was sighted about seven miles distant from Lukuga steaming south, and the "Mimi " and the "Toutou " immediately set out to attack her. The enemy having no gun aft, the "Mimi " attacked her from astern, and, having got the range, opened with high explosive shell from her 3-pounder Hotchkiss. The first shell struck the "Kingani's" gun-shield, killing the two men at the gun and the Captain. After a few more shots the remainder of the cr.ew surrendered, and the " Kingani" was taken into harbour in a sinking condition. She was soon repaired. A 12-pounder gun was mounted on her, and, as H.M.S. "Fifi," she proved a valuable addition to the British flotilla. 5. This left the enemy with two ships, the "Graf von Gotzen," a vessel of 400-500 tons carrying one 4-inch and two smaller guns, and the "Hedwig von Wiseman," a gunboat of about the same size as the captured one. On February 9th, 1916, the "Hedwig von Wissman'' was attacked by the "Fifi" and " Mimi," and sunk after a chase and running fight which lasted for three hours. The result was largely due to the skilful manoeuvring of the two British vessels. The "Mimi" kept astern of the enemy and out of range of his after gun, causing him to tack from side to side in order to bring his foremost gun to bear, and thus delaying him until the "Fifi " could get within range. Finally a high explosive shell from the " Fifi " destroyed the enemy's engines. Before she sank, the Germans abandoned their ship, and all except two Europeans and three natives, who had been killed, were picked up by the " Fifi " and " Mimi." 6. It would have been satisfactory if the third and largest of the German ships could have been accounted for by the British flotilla, but she did not risk an engagement. After being bombed by a Belgian aeroplane, she was scuttled by the Germans in Kigoma harbour, on the eastern shore of the Lake. 7. So ended Germany's command of Tanganyika. Apart from the material loss inflicted on the enemy, the success of the Naval Expedition did much to enhance British prestige among the natives, not only in the immediate neighbourhood of the Lake, but in the northern districts of Rhodesia and in adjacent German territory. The German supremacy of the Lake had for years been recognised as an established fact, and its total destruction within a few months of the arrival of the Expedition afforded opportune and striking evidence of British power. 8. The following distinctions were awarded to members of the Expedition: — Distinguished Service Order and Special Promotion to Commander. Commander G. B. Spicer Simson, R.N. Distinguished Service Cross. Lieutenant A. E. Wainwright, R.N.V.R. Lieutenant Arthur Dudley, R.N.V.R. Surgeon H. StC. Hanschell, R.N. Distinguished Service Medal. Actg. Chief Petty Officer W. Waterhouse, R.N. Petty Officer 1st Class D. J. Murphy, R.N. Petty Officer D. Flynn, R.N. Petty Officer William Sims, R.N. Petty Officer Mechanic Chas. Ernest Cobb, R.N.A.S. Petty Officer Mechanic Donald McLean Graham, R.N.A.S. Engine Room Artificer 1st Class H. Berry, R.N.R. Engine Room Artificer 1st Class J. S. Lament, R.N.R. Signalman George Sydney Tasker, R.N.V.R. Able Seaman Herbert Wm. Marsh, R.N. Able Seaman J. Brien, R.N.R. Seaman G. Behenna, R.N.R. PART IV.—THE GENERAL SITUATION IN RHODESIA AND THE RAISING OF FORCES FOR SERVICE IN OTHER FIELDS THAN THOSE ABOVE MENTIONED. 1. On August 10th, 1914, the British South Africa Police were placed, and have since remained, on an active service footing. It has, however, only been possible to spare a very few of this force for actual service in the field, and the greatest credit is due to those who remained behind for the patient and zealous manner in which they have performed their less glorious, though equally important, duty of preserving order within the territory. Every officer and man was ready and anxious to take the field, in South-West or East Africa or in Europe. To the fine work of the Police in Southern and Northern Rhodesia, no less than to the loyal behaviour of the native chiefs and tribesmen, must be attributed the general orderliness which has marked the progress of internal affairs. 2. During the period under review the Southern Rhodesia Volunteers maintained their full strength and efficiency, and I desire to record the services of Major D. McDonald, Commanding the Eastern Division, and Major A. C. L. Webb, Commanding the Western Division. In the early stages of the war steps were taken to enrol a Volunteer Reserve, in connection with which Lieutenant-Colonel H. H. Hey man has rendered valuable assistance. In Northern Rhodesia there had been, prior to 1914, no statutory provision for the enrolment of any volunteer force, but towards the end of that year certain simple provisions were enacted by Proclamation, and under them a small force known as the Northern Rhodesia Rifles was raised. The organisation of this force was successfully carried out by Major R. Gordon, D.S.O., and Major Boyd Cuninghame. One unit was despatched, under the latter officer, to the Northern Border on active service, and further units were organised for local defence at various centres. 3. In October, 1914, a "Martial Law and Public Order " Proclamation was issued which enabled the Administrator to make regulations prohibiting the communication of intelligence to the enemy and generally safeguarding the welfare of the territory. In the treatment of enemy subjects the same principles were followed as in the Union. A considerable number were removed to the Union for internment, and those not actually placed under restraint were required, according to the discretion of the Commandant-General, to report themselves periodically. 4. On October 22nd, 1914, the following Resolution was passed by the Southern Rhodesia Legislative Council: — That the Government be requested to recruit and train forthwith in Southern Rhodesia 1,000 men to be placed at the disposal of the Imperial Government for active service in this territory or elsewhere. If their services should be required for any place outside South Africa, then the contingent shall be provided on terms similar to those on which contingents are provided by other parts of the Empire. The raising of a contingent of 500 Infantry had already been authorised, and by the end of October the First Rhodesia Regiment was formed. In the following month the Regiment left under Major (temporary Lieutenant-Colonel) F. R. Burnside for the Orange Free State, where it assisted the Union troops in quelling the Rebellion, and afterwards proceeded to German South-West Africa. It was present at the action of Trekopjes, and participated in General Botha's march northwards as far as Otjiwarango. The Regiment was disbanded at Cape Town in July, 1915. 5. Shortly after the departure on active service of the First Rhodesia Regiment, a further contingent was accepted for Imperial Service, and the Second Rhodesia Regiment was formed. The strength of this Regiment was originally 475, but was afterwards raised to 800, of whom 167 were recruited in the Union and the remainder in Rhodesia. Training was carried on under difficulties, due to the paucity of experienced officers and also to the heavy rains, but keenness and esprit de corps prevailed, and it was a fine body of men that sailed in the following March under Major A. E. Capell, D.S.O., for German East Africa. There the Regiment has rendered splendid service, and is still serving. PART V.—CONCLUSION. 1. The defence system of Rhodesia, at the time when war broke out, fell very far short of perfection. The British South Africa Police in Southern Rhodesia and the Northern Rhodesia Native Police, though both fine forces, were no more than sufficient for the preservation of order, even in normal times, in a territory having an area of 450,000 square miles and a population of 1,600,000 natives and barely 30,000 Europeans. The Volunteer and Cadet organisations in the South and the Rifle Associations in the North reflected credit on their respective members, but they did not represent any system of general training or of readiness for emergency such as the geographical situation of the territory or its stage of political development demanded. 2. It was a remarkable achievement in the circumstances for Rhodesia, within nine months of the outbreak of hostilities, to have secured its borders against invasion and, in addition, to have furnished two regiments of European infantry for service in distant fields. Including those who went to England independently to offer their services it may safely be stated that by the middle of 1916 not less than 40 per cent of the adult male white population were on active service in some part of Africa or Europe. 3. During the period under review a heavy burden of work and responsibility rested upon the Defence Headquarters at Salisbury, and especially upon the Commandant-General, Brigadier-General A. H. M. Edwards, C.B., M.V.O. At a later stage the appointment of General Northey relieved General Edwards of the responsibility for operations on the Northern border, but for the first eighteen months the latter exercised the chief command over the forces in the North as well as over those employed in guarding the Western frontier. The Naval Expedition also was placed under his orders. In addition there was the training, equipment and despatch of reinforcements for the border and of regiments for service elsewhere, the control of enemy subjects and other special internal measures necessitated by the state of war. Concurrently the usual arrangements for policing the districts had to be maintained. All these duties were performed by General Edwards with unfailing energy and admirable patience. He has been most ably assisted throughout by Lieutenant-Colonel T. S. Masterman, who, in addition to his duties as Controller of the Defence Force, has acted as Chief Staff Officer to the Commandant-General. Lieutenant Colonel Masterman is a most zealous and hard-working officer, and the value of his services during a period of excessive strain cannot be exaggerated. Major F. R. Burnside, 3rd Hussars, also rendered useful service at Headquarters as Chief Staff Officer before he took command of the First Rhodesia Regiment. 4. The maintenance of good relations between the various authorities concerned has been due to the tact exercised by General Edwards and to the helpfulness and the sound advice of the two administrators, Sir Drummond Chaplin, K.C.M.G., and Mr. L. A. Wallace, C.M.G. The absence of friction must also be attributed in a large measure to the discreet influence and untiring industry of Mr. H. J. Stanley, C.M.G., the Resident Commissioner, who, as the representative in Rhodesia of the Imperial Government, has been the centre of local correspondence and negotiation. Both he and his predecessor, Colonel R. Burns-Begg (whose services in the early stages of the war I desire to record), have had valuable assistance from Mr. C. Douglas Jones, the experienced Secretary to the Resident Commissioner. 5. Lastly, it is my pleasing duty to acknowledge our indebtedness to the administration of the Belgian Congo for their co-operation, not only on the Northern border, but also in the journey of the Naval Expedition to Tanganyika and in the actions fought on the lake. It is true that they were closely concerned in the question of the command of the Lake, and, to a lesser degree, in the defence of the Fife-Abercorn frontier. Their actions, however, were dictated by no motives of self-interest. The co-operation of our gallant Belgian allies was lent, as it was accepted, in a genuine spirit of friendship and camaraderie. I have, etc., BUXTON, High Commissioner. |
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