ON ACTIVE SERVICE IN SOUTH AFRICA WITH THE "SILENT SIXTH"

102 pages, original purple pebble-grained cloth, titled gilt on the upper cover only, frontispiece portrait, 1 plate, some foxing throughout, corners slightly bumped, but a good copy

Campaign diary of Joseph Linklater, B. Squadron, 6th N.Z. Mounted Rifles

Hackett, R.G. SOUTH AFRICAN WAR BOOKS Page 78 : The New Zealand 6th Contingent arrived at East London in March 1901 and entrained for Pretoria. The regiment was attached to General Plummer's force, and, for over a year, engaged in widespread operations in the Transvaal and Orange River Colony. Between March and July the regiment took part in the trek to Pietersburg and was active in southern and eastern Transvaal. Thereafter the force was railed to Bloemfontein and embarked in clearing operations in sections of Orange River Colony. At various times the contingent was at Poplar Grove, Modder River, Wepener and Rouxville. In October 1901 the New Zealanders were transported to south eastern Transvaal where they patrolled the country about Wakkerstroom. Though frequently engaged with the enemy casualties were few until January 1902 when they were overwhelmed by a Boer Force at Spitzkop. In the encounter the New Zealanders sustained significant casualties and had 28 men captured. The writer describes the event as the regiment's most serious reverse of the campaign. The 6th continued operations in Eastern Transvaal until recalled from active service in March 1902. The records include a death-roll of the Contingent up to the time of leaving South Africa.