Page 268 of 511

Re: Pat Ritter. Books

PostPosted: Thu Feb 01, 2018 9:36 pm
by patritter
'The Year That Never Was' - Page 65:

Tune of Waltzing Matilda rose from the voices of each soldier marching in tune to this Colonial anthem. They marched, marched and marched until night fall. Joe gave orders to make camp. After all tents erected Joe ordered both sergeants to his tent for review their day's march.
Staring at a map spread on a makeshift table both sergeants stood erect, saluted to inform their leader they arrived. 'Stand easy.' Joe instructed. 'Have a look here on this map to give you both some idea where we're going.' Joe explained beckoning both sergeants to look at the map.
'Sorry Lieutenant. I can't read nor write.' Billy explained. The other sergeant nodded his head to agree he couldn't either.
'Okay. Leave the reading of the map to me. I'll try to explain our daily trek.' Joe went on to explain they marched a small distance without any concerns. At this stage plenty of food, water for the soldiers. In frustration Joe explained how 'this is like the blind leading the blind.' If and when they come across Boer guerrillas they will fight but until then trek their way to the Transvaal. Both sergeants nodded. He dismissed the sergeants instructing them to break camp at daylight.
Over the next couple of weeks one day led into the next. At this stage they hadn't come across any farms. 'This country is worse than ours in a drought.' Joe shared with Billy during one of their quiet moments when they shared their thoughts.
'I think this is worse. Harsher country. So far everything is going well as to be expected. Be good for morale if we found some Boers to fight.' Billy shared his thoughts.
'Doesn't look like we'll come across any soon. My orders showed many of the Boers are now Boer guerrillas feeding off their farmers. We haven't come across any farms so far. Let's hope something will happen soon. Otherwise we're on a wild goose chase.' Joe explained frustrated.
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Re: Pat Ritter. Books

PostPosted: Fri Feb 02, 2018 10:02 pm
by patritter
'The Year That Never Was' - Page 66:

Into the third month of the trek; countryside became harsher; weather much hotter. Up to this point they encountered a couple of small groups of Boer guerrillas. Their battle short lived. Morale lifted the soldiers after their encounter with these Boer guerrillas. Further they marched. Long periods in the saddle. Marching soldiers became foot sore with few opportunities to bathe or change their clothes. Lice became a constant problem. Temperatures on the veld ranged from relentless heat during the day to freezing cold during the night. Many soldiers suffered.
'Got a huge problem with the soldiers Joe.' Billy told his Commanding Officer. 'Most of the men have blisters, foot soreness. Many can't walk ten feet; little wonder march all day.' Billy explained.
'Billy, what did we do at home when our feet blistered?' Joe asked Billy.
'We pissed on them. Okay, I'll pass the word along. Can we stayed camped here in this gully for a couple of days to give the soldiers time to recover?' Billy asked as a request.
'Yes. Spread the word for the soldiers to piss on their blisters to help them heal.' Joe stated. Billy left to spread the word.
On the second evening Joe sat outside his tent working out his present position plus where to go next. With little instructions from Captain Taylor plotting out his journey Joe wrote a daily journal. Joe follow the stars at night as he often did at home when he became lost. In the daytime, head west have the sun at your back before midday. After midday follow the sun shining in your eyes.
'Rider approaching!' A call came from one of his soldiers. Joe rose to stare into the distance a lone rider heading toward his camp.
'Sergeants.' Joe bellowed. Billy ran to the spot where Joe stood.
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Re: Pat Ritter. Books

PostPosted: Sat Feb 03, 2018 10:41 pm
by patritter
'The Year That Never Was' - Page 67:

'What's wrong?' He asked Joe who kept looking into the distance.
'Is this friend or foe?' Joe asked.
'From what I can make out of the plume on his Aussie slouch hat. I'd say friend.' Billy replied. The rider continued onto camp halted his horse in front of where Joe and Billy stood. After dismounting he handed the reins of his horse to a nearby soldier.
'Lieutenant Handcock at your service Sir.' He stood to attention gave an astute salute. Joe returned the salute.
'Lieutenant Gibson, Sergeant Campbell at your service. Would you join us in our tent?' Joe beckoned Lieutenant Handcock to follow him. Billy remained outside to allow the two officers to speak in peace.
After they became acquainted Lieutenant Handcock asked. 'Where are you heading?'
'To tell you the truth. I'm not certain. Four months ago I received orders to search for Boer guerrillas, destroy them. We've encountered a couple of small bands which we destroyed. What next. I have no idea.' Joe explained.
'You from the Colonies?' Lieutenant Handcock asked in a deep Aussie drawl.
'Yes. Where do you hail from?' Joe replied acknowledging the accent.
'Same country. Over here to fight the bloody Boers. I've got some good news for you. You're not far from our regiment 'Bushveldt Carbineers'. Fort Edward. A day's march, that way.' He pointed south-west.
A pleasure of relief came over Joe to think he at least headed in the right direction. 'Can we accompany you back to your regiment?' Joe requested.
'Bloody oath mate. I've been scouting for a week. Nothing; this mongrel countryside. What about some grub. A man's stomach is screaming.' Lieutenant Handock finished.
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Re: Pat Ritter. Books

PostPosted: Sun Feb 04, 2018 9:56 pm
by patritter
'The Year That Never Was' - Page 68:

'By all means.' Joe left the tent called to one of his men to order food for his companion as well a meal for himself. Joe invited Billy and the other sergeant to attend his quarters to catch up on news from Lieutenant Handcock.
'We got tagged as 'Colonial Mounted Rifles' before we left home.' Joe explained to his visitor.
'A good name. We're 'The Bushveldt Carbineers'.' Lieutenant Handcock explained chewing his food. 'Better than the rubbish I've been eating. My compliments to the cook.' He tried to say with a mouth half filled. 'Lord Kitchener, the British Commander in South Africa assembled our regiment to wipe out the remaining Boers who hadn't given up the fight.' He finished his meal sipped his tea.
'The left hand wasn't telling the right hand what was going on.' Joe expressed.
'In my opinion their heads are up their arses most of the time. We do our best to fight the enemy with no self appraisal from the Top Brass.' Lieutenant Handcock expressed.
'How many soldiers do you have in your regiment?' Joe asked.
'320'.
'500 here. Imagine if we joined forces. We'd finish this war in a couple of weeks.' Joe laughed.
'You're keen. Lord Kitchener will like you. After creating 'The Bushveldt Carbineers' he stated the end of the war was neigh'. All laughed.

After a days break the march to Fort Edward was a breeze compared to what they'd been through so far. Arriving at Fort Edward Lieutenant Handcock went on before their arrival to advise his Commanding Officer of the impending arrival of 'Colonial Mounted Rifles'. Lieutenant Gibson led his soldiers riding his black stallion Spartan into Fort Edward. Commanding Officer Captain Hunt greeted him on arrival.
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Re: Pat Ritter. Books

PostPosted: Mon Feb 05, 2018 10:15 pm
by patritter
'The Year That Never Was' - Page 69:

Joe saluted Commanding Officer Captain Hunt who returned the salute. 'Welcome Lieutenant Gibson to Fort Edward.' Joe dismounted. Shook hand with Captain Hunt. 'After you dismiss your soldiers please accompany me to my office.' Captain Hunt said.
Joe dismissed his soldiers followed Captain Hunt to his office. 'Refreshments' Asked Commander Hunt.
'Tea would be fine thank you Sir.' Joe had his tongue out to enjoy a cup-of-tea. His thirst would allow him to drink a whole billy of tea. After ordering refreshments Captain Hunt asked, 'Lieutenant Handcock advised me you had no idea where you're heading. Is this true?' Joe thought he shouldn't have explained his plight so clear to the Lieutenant because he didn't want Captain Hunt to realise he was lost in the back of nowhere having no idea where he was going.
'My orders Sir to hunt down Boers, destroy them.' Joe explained.
'How long since you left your quarters?'
'This is our fourth month on the trek.
'Have you discovered any Boers since you left?'
'Yes. We destroyed them.' Joe's patience wore thin. Why these questions.
'Lieutenant Gibson.' Captain Hunt rose, stretched out his hand. Joe took hold of his Commander's hand. 'Welcome! You are a sight for sore eyes. We need your help.' Both seated to enjoy their refreshments which arrived.
Whilst Captain Hunt discussed strategies with Lieutenant Gibson a message handed to Captain Hunt from one of his officers. 'Excuse me a moment Lieutenant. I've got to attend to this. Rejoin your men. Have them settle into quarters. You will have your quarters in the main building.' Captain Hunt explained rushed off from of his office leaving Joe alone.
'What's going on?' Billy asked Joe when they found themselves alone.
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Re: Pat Ritter. Books

PostPosted: Tue Feb 06, 2018 8:33 pm
by patritter
'The Year That Never Was' - Page 70:

'We're to make camp here. Captain Hunt had been delivered an important message which he's taken care of himself. Until then I suppose we'll settle into our new quarters. Appears this is where we'll be living.' Joe explained.
Whilst Joe settled into his quarters in the main building Captain Hunt arrived at his quarters. 'Lieutenant Gibson. Make yourself at home. I need to leave Fort Edward with some of my men to check out information which I received. Shouldn't be too long. On my return I'll fill you in on our next strategy.' Captain Hunt left.
Joe remained in his quarters thinking about what to do next. The soldier who would fill him in on what Captain Hunt is doing would be Lieutenant Handcock. Joe left his quarters in search of Lieutenant Handcock.
Wandering through the camp saluting soldiers in return to their salute Joe found Lieutenant Handcock. 'May I have a word with you please Lieutenant Handcock?' Joe asked.
'May we go to your quarters?' Lieutenant Handcock asked. Joe nodded.
After they settled at Joe's quarters Joe said, 'Captain Hunt has requested to make myself at home. Also, he left Fort Edward with some men to check out information. You're the person who can help me understand what's going on. Can you explain what Captain Hunt is doing?' Joe asked.
Lieutenant Handcock relaxed in his chair. 'I suppose you better be kept in the loop. Captain Hunt received confirmed intelligence from a Native runner about Sergeant Cecil's patrol being ambushed near Medingen Mission Station. Instead of sending myself or any other officers, he's gone to find out what happened. Captain Hunt is a great soldier. I'm certain he'll be okay.' Lieutenant Handcock explained.
'I appreciate you keep me in the loop Lieutenant Handcock. If you would.' Joe answered.
'Is that all for now?' Lieutenant Handcock rose, saluted, left the quarters.
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Re: Pat Ritter. Books

PostPosted: Wed Feb 07, 2018 9:34 pm
by patritter
'The Year That Never Was' - Page 71:

Joe thought of Lieutenant Handcock's explanation. He believed he wasn't been told everything. Joe prepared his quarters. His thoughts uncertain of what his next move would be.
After dawn next morning a sole rider reached Fort Edward. Not Captain Hunt as expected. Lieutenant Handcock stopped the rider, spoke with him ordered him to stay in his barracks. Within an hour Lieutenant Handock approached Joe's quarters knocked on the door. 'Coming', Joe shouted pulling on his boots. Opening the door stood Lieutenant Handcock gave him the news Captain Hunt with his men have been slaughtered. Lieutenant Handcock advised Joe to stay at Fort Edward whilst he with Lieutenant Morant plus a number of soldiers would recover the body. Joe protested. To no avail.
Several days later Lieutenant Handcock with Lieutenant Morant returned to Fort Edward. Joe wanted to learn about the death of Captain Hunt plus how he died. After both Lieutenants stabled their horses they arrived at Joe's quarters.
After saluting, Lieutenant Handcock introduced Lieutenant Morant to Joe. 'Pleased to meet you Lieutenant Morant.' Joe said. 'What happened?' Joe's curiosity got the better of him. His hairs stood up on the back of his neck when both soldiers told their story. 'Where is Captain Hunt's body?' Joe asked.
'We buried him at Medingen Mission Station.' Lieutenant Handcock told Joe. 'If I may be so bold Lieutenant Gibson. With Captain Hunt no longer in command this post now rests with you.' Joe didn't understand.
'Why do you want me to take command?' Joe asked both Lieutenants.
'Because you are a leader. We can't take on the role. Should be until someone else is appointed.' Lieutenant Handcock remarked.
'I love your loyalty. What will you both be doing?' Joe asked. Thoughts crossed his mind these two Lieutenants wanted revenge for the death of their Captain. In a way he couldn't blame them for acting this way.
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