9th (Welsh) Battalion, Imperial Yeomanry facts for kids
The 9th (Welsh) Battalion, Imperial Yeomanry was a special group of soldiers from the United Kingdom. They were part of the Imperial Yeomanry (IY) and fought in the Second Boer War in South Africa. These soldiers were trained as Mounted infantry, meaning they rode horses but fought on foot. The battalion served in South Africa from April 1900 until the war ended in 1902. Their companies took part in many missions to stop guerrilla fighters, which helped bring the war to a close.
Quick facts for kids 9th (Welsh) Battalion, Imperial Yeomanry |
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| Active | January 1900–1902 |
| Country |  United Kingdom |
| Branch |  Imperial Yeomanry |
| Role | Mounted infantry |
| Size | 1 Battalion |
| Part of | Imperial Yeomanry |
| Engagements | Jericho Rhenoster Nek Springhaan's Nek Wonderfontein Tafel Kop Battle of Hart's River Battle of Rooiwal |
Contents
What Was the Imperial Yeomanry?
After some tough defeats in December 1899, known as Black Week, the British government realized they needed more soldiers for the Second Boer War. They especially needed soldiers who could ride horses. On December 24, a special order was made to create the Imperial Yeomanry (IY). This new force was made up of volunteers, many of whom were skilled riders. They joined for one year of service.
How the Battalion Was Set Up
Three Welsh Yeomanry groups formed four companies for the Imperial Yeomanry. These companies together made up the 9th (Welsh) Battalion. It was led by Colonel Henry Howard.
The companies were:
- 29th (Denbighshire) Company
- 30th (Pembrokeshire) Company
- 31st (Montgomeryshire) Company
- 49th (Montgomeryshire) Company
The Montgomeryshire companies started training in January 1900. They even had two machine guns on special carriages. The 29th Company arrived in South Africa in March. The other three companies arrived in April 1900.
Service in South Africa
When they arrived in Cape Town, the companies trained more. Then, they traveled by train to Bloemfontein. In May 1900, they joined a group of soldiers to clear out Boer fighters from an area. After this, the companies often worked separately. The 9th Battalion didn't fully come together again until February 1901.
White's Column Operations
The 31st Company helped declare the Orange River Colony (ORC) in May 1900. Later, in August, the 29th, 30th, and 31st Companies joined Lieutenant-Colonel White's Flying Column. This column included artillery and infantry. They moved around, searching for Boer commandos.
In September, White's Column helped a besieged garrison at Ladybrand. They also chased Boer forces. In December, the Welsh Yeomanry companies, with the 16th Lancers, fought hard against Haasbroek's Commando. They used their rifles like clubs in close combat. This allowed the main Boer force to escape. The column continued to pursue the Boers until January 1901.
Hickman's Column Operations
The 49th Company and its machine gun section joined Colonel Hickman's Flying Column in August 1900. They fought in several clashes north of Pretoria. The 49th Company faced heavy fighting at Buiskop. For months, the column was almost always in action, protecting British forces.
In October, the 49th Company helped in a successful raid on Jericho. In November, they were part of a large attack at Rhenoster Nek. The attack was successful, but many soldiers were hurt. The 49th Company then rested and got new supplies near Johannesburg. In February 1901, it finally rejoined the other companies at Silk Spruit, bringing the 9th (Welsh) Battalion together for the first time.
The Great De Wet Hunt
In February 1901, a Boer leader named De Wet broke through British lines and entered the Cape Colony. This started the 'Great de Wet Hunt'. White's Column, including most of the 9th (Welsh) Battalion, chased the Boers non-stop. The soldiers were tired and low on supplies. By March, De Wet had retreated, losing his weapons and wagons. The column continued to sweep the area, then returned to the Orange River Colony.
New Soldiers Arrive
After a year of service, many original Imperial Yeomanry soldiers could go home. New soldiers, called the Second Contingent, arrived to replace them. The 88th (Welsh Yeomanry) and 89th (Montgomeryshire) Companies were new additions. These new companies arrived in South Africa by April 1901. The original 29th, 30th, 31st, and 49th Companies left for home in May and June.
The new companies did not serve together as the 9th Battalion. Instead, they were sent to different columns. The 29th and 49th Companies joined Rochfort's Column. The 30th and 31st Companies joined Damant's Column. The 88th and 89th Companies served with Lieutenant-General Lord Methuen in western Transvaal.
Damant's Column Actions
Damant's Column included the 30th and 31st Companies. In July 1901, they made fast night marches to surprise Boer forces. They almost caught a Boer leader named J. B. M. Hertzog. In August, they fought a large group of Boers near Fauresmith. The yeomanry charged and drove the Boers away. They also captured wagons with Boer families.
In October 1901, Damant's Column helped protect the building of blockhouse lines. They attacked Boers near the Vaal River and at Blaauwkranz, capturing supplies and prisoners. In December, they were part of a sweep that captured more wagons and horses.
On December 20, Damant's Column, including the 30th and 31st Companies, advanced near Tafel Kop. They saw mounted troops in khaki and thought they were British. But these were Boers pretending to be British soldiers. The Boers quickly attacked, overwhelming Damant's group. Damant was wounded, and many gunners were shot. The Boers damaged the captured machine guns. It took time for the 30th and 31st Companies to help retake the hill.
Methuen's Column Actions
The 88th and 89th Companies arrived in South Africa in April 1901. They traveled to Rhodesia and then joined Lord Methuen's Column in Transvaal. During their march, they had several small fights with Boers. Methuen's column searched for Boer supply areas. In August, a Boer commando attacked the column's transport, causing some injuries among the Montgomeryshire yeomen.
In September, Methuen's Column searched for Jan Kemp's Commando. They captured his wagons and ammunition. On September 4, Methuen's force was surrounded by a large Boer force near Wonderfontein. The Welsh companies fought bravely in a very tough battle. Methuen then reorganized his force, creating the '1st Divisional Scouts' from the 88th and 89th Companies to lead the column.
The War Ends
In March 1902, the 29th and 49th Companies, and the 30th and 31st Companies, joined a large force near Klerksdorp. Twelve columns swept the area, trying to trap the remaining Boer forces. On March 31, a battle took place at Boschbult (the Battle of Hart's River). British casualties were high, but the Boers eventually called off their attack.
At the Battle of Rooiwal on April 11, the 88th and 89th Companies took part in the last major battle of the war. The Boers charged a larger British force. The fighting was intense. The next day, peace talks began. On May 31, the Treaty of Vereeniging was signed, officially ending the war.
On June 5, the 88th and 89th Companies returned to Klerksdorp, and the 9th (Welsh) Battalion was finally together again. The battalion then traveled by train to Port Elizabeth and sailed home. They arrived in Southampton on August 27 and were officially disbanded on September 3.
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