Intombi ABW Cemetery

09L |

“Intombi Cemetery was the last resting place of around 700 British Soldiers. Sewn in blankets these men were buried at the rate of 28 a day during the last month of the siege. (February 1900). Look for the headstones of Guthrie Smith and Dickie Gorton of the Imperial Light Horse Regiment. In her detailed diary available from the Siege Museum, Kate Driver refers to both. Gorton was severely wounded on Wagon Hill and nicknamed “the human sieve”. He was shot thirteen times but ironically died of hiccupping.

HOSPITAL AND NEUTRAL CAMP

“On the fourth of November, Sir George White, recognised the danger that might happen by reason of the constant shelling of Ladysmith, applied to General Joubert for permission to allow the Townspeople to leave for the south. At this date the General had established his camp at Umbulwana, and during the early part of the day had replied emphatically declining to accede to the request: he however, offered no objection to the wounded with military doctors and necessary nurses, together with such inhabitants who had not taken up arms, being removed to an isolated spot a short distance from the town, the exact site to be practically selected by himself. There were certain conditions to this permission. It was stipulated that the number of civilians should be communicated to General Joubert, and together with the wounded would have to take up their new quarters by sundown the following day. This “considerate” condescension was made known to the populace by Mr Farquhar, the mayor, during the course of the afternoon.” Quoted from the Siege of Ladysmith by GW Lines.

INTOMBI CAMP: RELIEF AT LAST

“After many days of anxiously watching the shells of General Buller’s forces bursting on the hills to the south of Ladysmith, we were rewarded by the sight of our Cavalry galloping up the valley of the Klip. By happy chance they descended on the plain close to Intombi Camp, where our sick and wounded were able to get first view of the deliverers. It was a sight to move most callous of dispositions. The pickets on Caesar’s Camp stood up in the sangars and cheered like madmen, waving their rifles and helmets. The Imperial Light Horse and the Natal Carbineers came racing through the scrub. It was most delightful to see horses galloping once more. No horse in the garrison had been able to do more than a crawl for many weeks past.”