Publisher's pictorial cloth binding.
xii + 352pp. Illustrated and with six maps. [20]pp catalogue at rear.
Binding sound. Contents clean. Endpapers expertly replaced to match the originals. A very good copy.
'A narrative of the experiences of the battalion sent from the Dominion to take part in the South African War. The opening chapters deal with the attitude of the colonials on the Transvaal question, particular reference being made to the views adopted by the French-Canadians. . . . The enrolling, recruiting, and despatching of troops was proceeded with in the most efficient manner, amid the greatest enthusiasm on the part of the inhabitants. The battalion was equipped with a rapidity which can rarely have been equalled, and on October 3rd the Canadians embarked in the S.S. Sardinian and sailed from Quebec for the Cape. . . . Over 1000 men were mustered, and during the voyage they were regularly exercised and trained, and a Maxim Squad was organised. . . . Table Bay was reached on November 29th, the 7000 miles' voyage having been made in thirty days. During the month of December the Canadians were stationed at Belmont, and C Company took part in Colonel Pilcher's brilliant success at Sunnyside. Little else of moment occurred till February 12, 1900, when the regiments was ordered to Graspan, and thereafter took its place in Lord Roberts' army during its march to Bloemfontein. The battalion took a conspicuous part in the attack on Cronje's laager, and succeed in entrenching within about eighty yards of the Boer trenches, a feat characterised by Lord Roberts as "a gallant deed worthy of our Colonial comrades"; indeed the Commander-in-Chief considered that their dashing advance apparently clinched matters, and resulted in the unconditional surrender of the Boer General. The volume contains a full account of the experiences of the battalion, whose members were, on their return, enthusiastically received by their fellow colonists.' - Mendelssohn Vol.I, page 526
- Binding Condition: Very Good
- Overall Condition: Very Good
