AUSTRALIANS IN WAR

With the Australian Regiment from Melbourne to Bloemfontein

First edition: xii, 382 + 2 pages adverts, red pebble grained cloth , titled in black on the upper cover and spine, which is faded and starting to fray at the top and the bottom, hinges worn, a good copy.

Hackett (R.G.) South African War Books: an illustrated bibliography page 118: A record of the First Australian Regiment in South Africa from November 1899 to April 1900. The force, comprised of Victorian, South Australia, West Australian and Tasmanian contingents, was employed in the Kimberley relief operations and later served in cape Colony. In December 1899 the regiment was stationed on the de Aar- Modder River line. Units occupied posts at Belmont and Enslin.

In January 1900 they were brought down to Naauwpoort in the Cape Colony and all units converted to mounted infantry. The following month the regiment was attached to gen Clements' force engaged in operations in the Colesberg area. In the heavy fighting during February and March the Australians sustained significant casualties. As the northern Cape Colony was cleared of Boers British columns advanced into the Orange Free State. The Australians formed part of the force that reached Bloemfontein on April 4. The narrative ends with the reorganisation of the regiment in April 1900. Appendices include a list of Victorian casualties up to September 1900.