NAM.1986-11-36-2

Bound diary of Lt Col Hon Charles Granville Fortescue, Rifle Brigade, 1897-1900. Describes Fortescue's service in the expedition to Karaga in the Northern Territories of the Gold Coast 1897-1899, and the Boer War 1899. The entries tend to decrease in length with the passage of time. The narrative opens at Cape Coast Castle, from where he marched up country to Kumassi which was reached on 23 Nov. Having dealt with some official correspondence he set off on the 27th, shooting on the way. 15 Dec he reached Bona where the garrison was inspected, and he met French troops, which left on the 20th. On 25 Dec 1897 he reached Wa, where the King swore that he had not made overtures to the French. Fortescue left Wa on 1 Jan, but was back there again 3 to 8 Jan, and 15 Jan to 15 Feb. He reported on French movements, and from 10 to 17 Mar was at Jambaga having meetings with local kings. He revisited Jambaga on a number of other occasions before returning to Accra Cantonments 8 May 1899, and he arrived at Plymouth on 25 May. He served as Private Secretary to the Secretary of State for War 5 Aug to 6 Oct 1899, but kept no diary during this period. The entries recommence on 7 Oct 1899 when he was appointed Brigade Major of the 8th Infantry Brigade of the Natal Field Force. He reached Durban on 29 Oct, and Ladysmith the following day. He described the action and casualties that day, before working on the defences of the town, noting the increasing Boer attacks and the deficiencies of the defenders as the siege progressed. They were relieved on 1 Mar, and on the 8th he received orders to go to Colenso, which he reached on the 13th. On 28 Mar he arrived at Pietermaritzburg, but was back at Ladysmith on 4 Apr. 10 Apr he reached Modder Spruit where he remained until 16 Jun. Later he was based at Coetyr's Drift, Helvetia, Lydenburg, and Middleburg. At the end of the volume are details of his cash accounts for November 1899 to April 1902, and a list of 'Kit for West Coast'. Associated with the Siege of Ladysmith, Boer War (1899-1902).

Ladysmith, Siege of, 1900 (Boer War 1899-1902)