HISTORY OF THE 1ST BATTALION SHERWOOD FORESTERS (NOTTS. AND DERBY REGT.) IN THE BOER WAR 1899-1902

This history is introduced by the regiment’s most famous officer, General Sir Horace Smith-Dorrien whose picture appears on the front cover. He gives an outline of the events of the war prior to the arrival of the battalion in December 1899, two months after the outbreak of hostilities. When war was declared the battalion was stationed in Malta (Smith Dorrien commanding), where it was joined by a draft of 8 officers and 356 reservists and immediately sailed for S Africa, proceeding down the east coast with a brief stopover at Zanzibar – the first British battalion to set foot on that island. 1st Sherwood Foresters arrived in Durban in December 1899 during what came to be known as “Black Week” when the British Army suffered three heavy defeats at Stormberg, Magersfontein and Colenso. The battalion remained in S Africa throughout the war and the extent of its activities are reflected in the clasps to the Queen’s South Africa Medal for which its members could qualify – Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, Johannesburg and Diamond Hill. The battalion also provided manpower for two Mounted Infantry (MI) companies, 1st and 2nd Derbyshire and their exploits are also recorded. Two VCs were won, one by the battalion, the other by 2nd MI Company.
This is a very full account and there are some useful appendices, one detailing the casualties by rank and name and place, and in the case of the wounded stating whether severe or slight, followed by a summary in tabular form. This shows a total of 258 casualties which includes 118 deaths, 65 due to enemy action and 53 due to disease. Another appendix lists all officers, NCOs and Drummers who embarked for active service with the battalion, and another gives details of those recommended by the CO for their service and what award was given. This table includes Mentioned in Despatches with date and author of the Despatch (Roberts or Kitchener). Finally there is a good index.