Postal Medal 73 Digital

POSTAL MEDAL AUCTION - 73
In the meantime, the rest of the column had drawn out into an open space and laagered up. The
next morning ... our advance guard, “A” Troop under Captain Meikle, were attacked, and at the
same time a party of two or three hundred came down on our right and attacked the column”.
The attacking force was reluctant to close, having to first cross the Umguza River under Maxim fire.
In the meantime, “A” Troop had beaten off the attack on the advance guard, and the retreating
warriors were mauled by Captain Bisset’s Troop, resulting in 20 or so casualties. The column then
made its way to Fonseca’s farm and laagered.
The following day, a scouting patrol under Lieutenant Rorke opened fire on an impi but were forced
to retire under heavy pressure. Col. Gifford ordered Captain Dawson's troop out in support. The main
body took cover in a donga and set up a laager. The outlying troops were then recalled - not a moment
too soon - as Captain Fynn’s troop had already lost Trooper Kenneth McKenzie, shot through the
head. Trooper Fielding was wounded in the leg and Captain Lumsden’s horse was shot out from
underneath him. Captain Dawson and the Colonial Boys also retired in good order.
The Matabele then attacked the laager, directing their fire mainly at the wagon and Maxim. Cpl.
Ernest Reynolds (Gifford's Horse) was mortally wounded, shot through the arm and lungs. Col
Gifford was wounded in the shoulder and handed over command to Captain Lumsden.
Troopers J. Walker (Gifford's Horse) and W.J. Eatwell (“F” Troop) were wounded shortly
afterwards.
Captain Lumsden sent two of what Selous describes as “Bisset’s boys” - actually Percy Robinson
and Trooper J. Hurst “under heavy fire from enemy at very short range” to contact Captain
Macfarlane’s relief column and also to fetch a doctor to come and attend to Col. Gifford and the
remainder of the wounded, as well as to bring food and ammunition.
The enemy attacked again on the following morning. Captain Lumsden was wounded in the leg while
walking about the laager and directing the Maxim. Command passed to Captain Bissett. Lieutenant
J.H. Hulbert (Gifford's Horse) was shot in the leg soon afterwards. That afternoon a party was sent
out to retrieve McKenzie's body and he was buried alongside Corpora Reynolds in the centre of the
laager.
In the meantime, Robinson and Hurst had contacted Captain Macfarlane’s relieving column, which
finally reached Gifford’s position and effectively brought the action to an end. The whole body
returned to Bulawayo the following day. Unfortunately, Captain Lumsden died the day after the
column returned, while Col. Gifford had to have his arm amputated.
Majors Altham (Royal Scots), A. J. Murray (Inns. Fus,), and Henderson (Argyll and South,
Highlanders), with guides and scouts of Intelligence Department.
15
POSTAL MEDAL
AUCTION 73