Michael D.Heath-Caldwell M.Arch.

2

History of the Corps

Chapter XXVI.

The War in Egypt, 1882-1885

Engineer Staff in the Army of 1882 - Murder of Captain Gill in the Desert - Battle of Kassassin - Assault on the Line of Tel-el-Kebir - Close of the War - Expedition to Suakin under Graham in 1884 ...etc.

The War which broke out in Egypt in 1882, led before its termination to the sacrifice of one of the noblest spirits ever enrolled in the ranks of the Engineers. The death of Charles George Gordon, at Khatoum, forms a fitting climax to the military history of the Corps. It remains in this, the last Chapter of that history, to trace the share which the Engineers bore in the various stages of that struggle.

pg 65..

2nd Division - Lieutenant-Colonel J. Maitland, C.R.E., with Captain A. Green as Adjutant, having under him the 26th Field Company, commanded by Major Blood; the other officers being Captain Dickinson, Lieutenants Blackburn, Pollen, and Tuke.

The Engineers attached to the army as Corps Troops were the A or Pontoon Troop, commanded by Major Bond, the other officers being Lieutenants R. da C. Porter, Godsal, Pemberton, Irvine, and Sandbach; and the C or Telegraph Troop, commanded by Major Sir A. Mackworth, the other officers being Captain Whitmore, Lieutenants Hippisley, Foster, Bond and Anstruther.

The Field Par was under Captain Rochfort Boyd; the Railway Staff consisted of Major Wallace, Captain Scott, and Lieutenant Willock; and the 8th Railway Company under Captain Sidney Hepenstal, and Huleatt; the 17th Company under Captain Hyslop, the other officers being Lieutanants F.Heath and A. Thomson; and the 18th Company under Major Salmond, with Captain Gordon, Lieutenants Mantell, Norris and Winn.

These various Troops and Companies left England for Egypt in the months of July and August, 1882...
Page 69

The victory at Tel-el-Kebir close the war. The Egyptian army utterly collapsed, and the rapid advance of the British cavalry to Cairo completed its disorganisation. No resistance was offered at any point, and on the arrival of Sir Drury Lowe at Cairo the citidel was surrendered.

The garrison appointed for its occupation consisted of two Squadrons of the 4th Dragoon Guards and some Mounted Infantry, the whole being placed under the command of Captain Watson, R.E.The entire force gradually concentrated at Cairo, and after a review at which the Khedive was present, the major portion embarked at Alexandria for England, so that by the end of Octobery the army of occupation alone was left. The Engineers that remained were - Major-General Graham, commanding a Brigade; Lieutenant-Colonel Ardagh as Deputy Assistant Adjutant and Quarter-master General; Lieutenant-Colonel Maitland, C.R.E., with Captain Green as Adjutant; the 26th Field Company under Lieutenant-Colonel Blood, wiht Captain Dorward, Lieuntenants Blackburn, Mantell, and Tuke;the 17th Company under Major Wood, with Lieutenants Heath and Thomson; and the 21st Company under Major Puzey, with Lieutenants Elrington and Cleeve; Lieutenant-Colonels Sir C. Wilson and Warren, Major Chermside, Lieutenants Burton and Hayes were also attached for special duty.

Page 80

On receipt of the intelligence of the fall of Khartoum in England, the first impulse on all sides was to persevere in the war, recapture the place, and effectually punish the Mahdi.

With this view a railway was to be laid down from Suakin to Berber, and Lieutenant-General Sir Gerard Graham was appointed to command the troops necessary to protect its construction. The Engineers who were placed under his orders were Colonel Ewart, with rank of Brigadier-General, Colonel Edwards, C.R.E., a Mounted Section of the Telegraph Battalion under Lieutenants Lindsay and Bowles; the 10th Railway Company under Major Rathbone,Captains Kunhardt and Sim, Lieutenants Molony and Bonham-Carter; the 24th Field Company under Colonel E.P. Leach, Captain Dickinson, Lieutenants McCarthy, Godby, and Buckland; the 17th Company from Cairo under Lieutenant-Colonel Wood, Lieutenants Heath, A. Thomson, and Layard; a mounted detachment of the 11th Field Company under Lieutenant Sandbach, which was to form part of the Mounted Infanty, a Balloon party under Major Templar, King's Royal Rifle Corps Militia [attached to the Engineers for the purpose], who was assisted by Lieutenant Mackenzie,

Frederick Heath-Caldwell,R.E.

Memoirs - In the autumn of 1884, he went with his company to Suakim to prepare for the landing of a force for the relief of Gordon. Here he stayed for twelve months, and took part in the 1885 Suakim expedition. For the work prior to the expedition he received the thanks of the Commander-in-Chief, H.R.H. the Duke of Cambridge; for the 1882 and 1885 expeditions he received the Khedive star and the Egyptian medal and two clasps, and was mentioned in Lord Wolseley's despatch, and was promised a Brevat Majority on reaching the rank of Captain

Letter

Horse Guards,

War Office

24th March 1885

Sir,

I am directed by His Royal Highness, the Commander-in-Chief, to transmit herewith for your information extracts fropm Reports which have been received in this office regarding the efficient state of the 17th Company, Royal Engineers, and the admirable work performed by the Company under Lieutenant Colonel E. Wood, R.E., and I am to state that His Royal Highness has found much satisfaction in receiving so favourable a report.

I have &c (signed) J. Stokes.

Extract from Inspection Report and a Confidential Report of the Annual Inspection of the 17th Company, Royal Engineers.

I have already in my Annual Report expressed my sense of the admirable work performed at Suakin by Colonel Wood and the 17th Company, R.E. Suakin 22nd February 1885(Signed) A.G. Freemantle. M.G.

The 17th Company, R.E. including Lieutenant Colonel Wood Commanding, the Officers, Non-commissioned Officers and men, is one of the best companies of R.E. I have ever seen. They have suffered from extreme heat  of last summer at Suakin but notwithstanding it they have done most excellent work on the Railways, Piers &c.The Company is now acclimatised, the weakly men have been invalided and both officers and men a fit for any work.(signed) J. Heriot Maitland, Colonel & C.R.E. - 6th March 1885

Letter

Royal Engineers - No.7700/1449

Horse Guards,

War Office,S.W.

7th March, 1885

Sir, 

With reference to the telegram of the 1st instant from the Commanding Royal Engineeer at Suakin to the Inspector General of Fortifications, respecting the progress made at that station in the construction of piers,banks &c. I am directed by the Field Marshal Commanding-in-Chief to request that you will be good enough to convey to the officers of Royal Engineers named in the margin the high appreciation of His Royal Highness of the manner in which they have discharged the various duties that have devolved upon them during the past twelve months, and to express his great satisfaction at the good result of their labours, carried on under such very difficult circumstances.

I have the honour to be Sir,

Your obedient Servant (signed) A. Alison A.G. Bt.

Lt Colonel E. Wood

Lieutenant F.C. Heath

Lieutenant A.G. Thompson

Lieutenant W.B. Askwith (since deceased)

The General Officer Commanding the Troops in Egypt,

True Copy.(signed) A. Graham Thompson

Lieutenant R.E. 5th April 1885

Heath Family Memoirs.

In the Autumn of 1885 FCHC returned from Egypt and accepted the position of Companion to one of Lord Salisbury's sons (Probably Lord Edward Gascoygn-Cecil 1867-1918) for a year to travel with him in Germany. The following is a letter of thanks written by Salisbury to one of FCHC's commanding officers, followed by a separate letter requesting ane extension of this special leave.

Letter

Private

16th September 1885 - Chateau Cecil Puys, pres Dieppe

Dear Sir John Stokes,

I am very much obliged to you for the kindness with which you have assented to my application for leave to Lieutenant Heath. I believe, that in a military point of view his time will not be ill spent with a view to his future career in the army: & the convenience to me, & to my son, is very great.

Believe me,

Yours very truly,

Salisbury.

(Robert A. T. Salisbury, 3rd Marquis of Salisbury 1830-1903) Prime Minister.to Sir John Stokes K.C.B.

Private

5th December 1885 - Hatfield House, Hatfield, Herts.

Dear Sir John Stokes,

According to a suggestion which I made, and you I think approved, in a previous letter, I beg to enclose an application from Lieutenant Heath for a further extension of leave.

We are exceedingly pleased with him, and I believe that his stay abroad is likely to be of great utility not only to may son, but also to himself as an officer.

Believe me,

Yours very truly,

Salisbury. 

to Sir John Stokes K.C.B.

(note on letter - 'I took one of Lord Salisbury's sons to Germany for a year, F.C.H-C.')

FCHC was based in the Egypt region from 1882 to 1886 and then again from 1891 to 1894. It is difficult to know if there is any particular significance to the following note, as it is not known in which year it is written. From the signature it would appear that the author was H.H. Kitchener and this in itself may be the reason why it was kept.

SIRDARIEH, CAIRO

14th October

Dear Heath,

Should you be unable to go I will take down your things in the 2nd Horse for you.

Yours sincerely

H.H. Kitchener.

Letter to FCHC

War Office 

13th February 1888

My dear Heath,

I did not know where you were or I would have written to you myself to congratulate. I should have been ungrateful indeed if I had not done all in my power to bring your services to notice.

And I am sure Sir Gerald Graham felt as I do, and gave weight to the fact that you had served so long and faithfully at the defence of Suakin, between the two expeditions.

I hope all the "good" Suakinese have been well treated - Chermside, Killy, Stopford, Wood, yourself, Thomson and Sergt. Major Mitchell.

I wish I could have done something for the hardworking and indefatigable "Drew," but the naval doctors have carefully arranged to prevent any more rising or being rewarded out of their turn. 

Yours very truly,

A.G. Freemantle

Believe me I shall always follow your career with the greatest interest.

Wedding

Page 135

1889

Marriage soleminized at the Parish Church in the Parish of Woodbridge in the Country of Suffolk.

No. 269When Married - 23rd January 1889

Name and Surname - Frederick Crofton Heath - Constance Mary Helsham Helsham-Jones

Age - 30 -20

Condition - Bachelor - Spinster

Rank or Profession - Major, Royal Engineers - Spinster

Residence at the Time of Marriage - Woodbridge - Woodbridge

Father's Name and Surname - Leopold George Heath - Henry Helsham Helsham-Jones

Married in the Parish Church according to the Rites and Ceremonies of the Established Church by or after Banns by me Arthur Maude. Rector of Burgh.

Signed Heath,

Bt Major, Royal Engineers

Signed H. Helsham-Jones

In the presence of C. E. Heath, L.G. Heath, Arthur Helsham-Jones, D.Helsham-Jones, Harry Jones

The above is a true Copy of the Marriage Register  of the Parish Church of Woodbridge, Sufflolk aforesaid. Extracted this 27th day of Marsh in the year of our Lord 1889 by me Sidney Kincaid.

Newspaper article

22nd May 1894

Correspondence.

The Alexandria Sporting Club's Outgoing Secretary.

To the Editor of the Egyptian Gazette.

Sir, - We cannot allow Major Heath to leave this country without expressing the lively gratitude of many of the Members of the Sporting Club for the admirable way in which he has managed its affairs, both financial and social. When he undertook the Honarary Secretaryship the Club was in a bankrupt condition and he leaves it to his successor with a balance of about £70.

Besides increasing the funds of the Club, Major Heath, at the same time, carried out many reforms. The number of tennis courts has been increased, the golf club has been established, the grand stand greatly improved and a covered refreshment pavilion erected. His latest project, a sheltered terrace on top of the grand stand, which will command a view of the whole race course, will be fit for use in time for the Summer Meeting on the 14th and 16th June.

With such a record Major Heath ought not to be allowed to leave our shores without some distinct recognition of his invaluable services.

Your etc,

 A Member of the Alexandria Sporting Club, Alexandria,

21st May 1894

Letter

Suakin

26 October 1892

Dear Major Heath,

The upset among the Arabs since last mail has changed the aspect of your projected visit so much that I was going to telegraph to the Sirdar (H. H. Kitchener, British Commander-in-Chief of the British Armies in Egypt, at Sirdaria, Zamalek) to say you had better not come yet when he wired me to ask.

The Arabls have left the district wanting, & for the securing of their flocks against raids they have taken them a long way off: so you would get no workman to go out much, otherwise I believe you might work and live at Tambruk safe enough. I am sorry for the way things have gone. They were so quiet and respectful two months ago, and promised so well.A.G. Freemantle.

Letter from Major General T. Fraser to Sir Evelyn (Wood?) recommending that FCHC serve on the General Staff of the Army.

There is also a letter, in reply, from Sir Evelyn confirming his support 16th May 1899

Chatham,13th May 1899

My dear Sir Evelyn,

You were good enough to say I might write to you with reference to Major F. C. Heath R.E. who ceases to be my Brigade Major R.E. on the 12th July. He is, I undestand, at once to return to regimental duty. Later on I beg on public ground to request you will consider him for employment on the General Staff of the Army.He is without exception the most tactful Staff Officer I have ever met. He is an excellent office man and equally good in the field. A very good rider: hunts regularly and of very active habits. I know no one I can recommend to you with more confidence.

He has commanded a troop of the Bridging Battalion. In 1882 he served in the 17th Company (Field Company) from the time of the bombardment to the capture of Cairo and was I know mentioned by the Chief Engineer (Sir C. Nugent) in his report on the campaign. 

From July 1884 to June 1885 Major Heath was on active service in Suakin during which time he commanded a field company for several months.The office of the 17th Company were specially thanked by C. in C. order from London and Major Heath was mentioned in dispatches and got Brevet of Majority.

In 1886-1887 Lord Salisbury, then Prime Minister, applied for Major Heath to accompany his son abroad and Major Heath was given a years leave to do so.

I do not often take the responsibility of recommending an R.E. officer for the General Staff of the Army but I have no hesitation in doing so in this case on public grounds and in the interests of the Army.

Your servant,

T. Fraser. 

(note - General Fraser gave me permission to retain a copy, FCH 13/5)

War Office

London16th May 1899

My dear Fraser,

I am asking Grove to take a note of Heath's name, and am telling him that I can personally support your petition.

Yours sincerely,

Evelyn Wood.

to Major-General T.Fraser,C.B. C.M.G., Commandant's House, Brompton, Chatham.

In July 1899, FCHC was sent from the UK on secret service to the Orange Free State in South Africa. This was shortly before the start of the Boer War.

29th June 1899 - Dear Major Heath,I shall be for some undefined length of time on a War Office Council tomorrow after which I shall be engaged until I have to start for the country at 1.50pm. I cannot therefore have the pleasure of seeing you and wishing you God speed before you start.

If things take a serious turn quickly, please telegraph what we should do as regards sending ReRo. plant (Engines, rails, trucks, carriages,tanks) from this country, this is, if there is any dificiency of such articles in South Africa. Also what girders or other bridging material would be required to repair one -and two Railway bridges supposing both to have been destroyed in the vicinity of your operations.

Don't be afraid to use the telegraph in cipher to give us the earliest warning of any stores etc etc that you think may be necessary. 

Please show this to Sir William Everett. (Colonel Sir William Everett 1844 -1908 -employed in the intelligence division of the war office as assistant adjutant-general,)

I wish you a very pleasant voyage and every possible success in your expedition.

Sincerely yours

Wolseley.

(Field Marshall Garnet Joseph Wolseley, 1st Viscount Wolseley, KP, KSB, OM, etc etc 

During the Boer War, from 13th August 1900 to 3rd April 1901, FCHC was commanding the Hoopstadt garrison in the Orange River Colony, South Africa. From this period we have his detailed 18 page report together with the following three copies of letters received from the Boer Commandos.

undated

To the Officer Commanding H.M. Troops in Hoopstad.

Where as it seems to me that it is impossible for such a small force to defend themselves against big odds and to stop further lives being lost. I give you fifteen minutes to surrender unconditionally. If not it will be my duty to bombard you, and will hold you responsible for all lives lost after that.S.P. du Toit - General 

Commando van Commandant Badenhurst

5th October 1899

Commanding Officer

I send back the prisoner of war J.Rodgers as I see he is no harm for us.

1st He can't ride a horse

2nd He is unfit for active service and

3rd He is a groom so I will not deprive his master.

In the meantime I beg you politely in the future not to fight against women and children but against us as we are still fighting as of the first day for our land. My commando is a part of Generals de Wet's Lager and are still fighting a fair war so I hope you won't take vengeance against women and farms so we have to take position, so don't burn them. I won't deprive your officer of his groom and I beg you politely do not deprive women from (their?) houses.

Hoping your Excellency will excuse this.

I have the honour to be sire, Your obedient servant,C.C.J. Badenhurst.Commander O.V.S. Commando.

District Hoopstad

25th February 1901

To Colonel Heath,

Sir,

In continuation of my note of yesterday and after deliberation with Field Commander C.R. de Wet I hereby wish to tell you that I think it unnecessary to show your notice to my burghers and are returning same as my burghers have got nothing to do with British Notices and as Free Staters are still fighting for their independence.

If you wish to send me notices during your temporary occupation of the District you can do the same as before.

I do not think it right according to civilised warfare to try and persuade a hostile force in such manner and I will never believe that it is the intention of Lord Kitchener (K or R?) to send such notices to the laagers under flag of truce.

If you wish to send a report or something similary or a proclamation I then demand that you send a British Officer or soldier under a flag of truce and not a man that calls himself an Africander and Committed high treason against his own Government in such a mean way.

Such messenger I will immediately take prisoner and have him shot.

But take into consideration under all these negotiations that you are still fighting an enemy who is fighting for his country and his independence &c.C.C. Badenhurst.

(Christoffel C.J.Badenhurst 1872-1911)

Record of Staff Service &c from July 1899 to June 1902

Lieutenant-Colonel F.C. Heath, R.E.

18991st July - 15th September - Secret Service in Orange Free State.

16th September - 3rd November - Special Service Officer (Preparing Camps and Depots and arranging for the defence of posts in Cape Colony).

4th November - 11 December 1899 - Director of Army Telegraphs (acting) Army Corps Commander No.2 of 3rd Novemrber 1899

1900

12th December 1899 - 13th February 1900 - D.A.A.G. to Inspector General Line of Communication.

14th February - 4th March 1900 - A.A.G. to General Officer Commanding Orange River.

5th Marsh - 3rd May 1900 - A.A.G. to General Officer Commanding operations in North West Provinces. * Line of Communication Order No.6 of 11th July 1900

4th May - 7th August 1900 - A.A.G. to the Lieutenant-General operating in Griqueland West. (This command was officially stated to be equivalent to the Command of a Division).

13th August 1900 - 3rd April 1901 - A.A.G. and Officer Commanding Troops and Commandant of Hoopstat Orange River Colony garrison, a mixed force of over 600 men. Hoopstadt was 80 miles from any support and was cut off for 6 months from all communications from outside when visited by a mobile column. The garrison was constantly engaged in minor operations against the enemy who kept a close watch on the place.

April - 29th December 1901 - A.A.G. to General Officer Commanding Midland District, Cape Colony.

30th December 1901 - 12th May 1902 - A.A.G. and Commanding a mobile column, a mixed force of over 600, in Orange River Colony.

From Lieutenant-Colonel F.C. Heath R.E. A.A.G.to G.O.C. L. of C.

Sir,

On the evacuation of HOOPSTADT I beg to make the following report of events which took place whilst I was in command. I also wish to bring to your notice the excellent behaviour of the troops and the particularly valuable work done by the Officers named hereafter.

I took over command on August 13th, 1900 from Major T.W.JONES, 3rd SOUTH WALES Borders, who had been in command since May 20th. I found the Garrison in excellent order and the defence well carried out reflecting great credit on all concerned.

A few days before my arrival the Garrison then consisted of 1/2 Battalion 3rd SOUTH WALES Border had been strengthened by the addition of No.2 Company ROYAL BERKSHIRE M.I. No.2 Company 5th NORTHUMBERLAND Fusiliers M.I. and two (guns?) 9th Batter R.A.HOOPSTADT was then in an isolated position, over 70 miles from the railway and nearest support with the TRANSVAAL to the North practically clear of English troops. There were rumours of large bodies of the enemy on the VAAL just North of us but at this time there appeared to be none South of it.

I at once organised an Intelligence Department and before long got a very good idea of what then was to the North of that River.

The District of HOOPSTADT I patrolled with my M.I. up to the VAAL to our North, 40 miles to our East and West and half way to BULTFONTEIN to the South; these patrols were carried out during August and the early part of September without oppostion; a few suspicious persons were brought in including a stranger believed to be a despatch rider.

On 3rd September, an order came from Military Governor BLOEMFONTEIN, to collect all rideable horses. I at once sent the whole of my M.I. to the VAAL to distribute the District Commissioner's Government order on the subject and to cut off a few Boers who had crossed to the South bank; unfortunately these being dressed in Khaki were taken for our own  men and succeeded in making their escape. On re-inforcements arriving from across the VAAL the Mounted Infantry were forced to retire with a loss of 1 man killed and 4 men were taken prisoners; the Boers are known to have lost 2 killed, but reports gave their casualties as 5 killed. A Special report of these operations was made at the time.

The Boers now crossed in force and some 700 appeared outside HOOPSTADT and demanded surrender and took up a position 5 miles to the North. This force gradually left again for the VAAL.A reconnaissance in force however proved that the enemy remaining on the South bank was still too strong for us. This reconnoitering force was followed up to the edge of the bush some 2000 yards from the town; the enemy fired in to the town and only retired on their flanks being turned, and Maxim & Artillery fire being brought to bear on them. Our loss 1 man taken prisoner; Boers loss unknown, they being in the bush.

I now decided that the distant patrolling was no longer advisable with the force at my disposal, more especially that several wires had been received warning me of intended attack from the BOTHAVILLE direction. I therefore confined myself to endeavouring to keep the country 5 miles round HOOPSTADT clear.

Commandeering at this period was being actively carried out, but some 30 farmers escaped from the Boer Laager and came into HOOPSTADT for protection.

After this our patrols were several times engaged but without loss. Early in October however a patrol was ambushed close to the town resulting in 1 man severely wounded; the Mounted Infantry went out to cover the retreat of the patrol, but had to retire in face of a superior force, losing 1 man taken prisoner. Except for a little sniping we were then left in comparative peace until after the departure of General SETTLE's Column on the 25th October.

The force of Boers in our neighbourhood having then been reinforced by some 600 Transvaaler and Griqualand Westers, and emboldened by their success in the affair near WIXEDDRAAI (?) on the 24th made a determined effort to recapture the ten or twelve thousand head of loot stock left here by General SETTLE; the enemy some 600 or 700 strong succeeded in recapturing some of the cattle but failed in their attempts to take away the sheep. At this time our Garrison had been reduced to 400 men, one Company of Mounted Infantry and 50 dismounted men having gone to BRANDFORT on convoy duty.

This convoy consisted of 50 wagons, it had reached BULTFONTEIN on its return journey and was on the point of marching for HOOPSTADT when I received information that 300 Boers were crossing the Vet to our South with the express purpose of capturing it. I at once wired ordering the convoy and escort to remain at BULTFONTEIN until further orders.

Two hours after sending this order the wire was cut, and in spite of repeated efforts to repair it, it remained broken up to the end of the occupation.

This convoy never reached us, but its escort returned early in January helped in by General BRUCE HAMILTON's Column.

On November 1st the enemy made an attempt to surprise us at 2 a.m., but on being discovered made a hastly retreat; a similar attempt with same result was made on November 10th, and again on December 4th. From October 25th to about November 20th some 800 to 1000 badly armed Boers were within striking distance of HOOPSTADT.

About November 8th I got a runner frrom General HUNTER warning me to be on the look out for DE WET who was said to be moving on HOOPSTADT with 800 men and one or two guns.

After November 20th the main body of Boers moved away South leaving a force of some 300 men to block our communications and worry our Cossack posts and patrols.

On 28th an endeavour was made to ambush the morning patrol, which was driven in, one native scout being wounded, a force of Mounted Infantry with one gun went out a few minutes afterwards, and from reports received from natives succeeded in inflicting loss on the enemy.

About this time I put my force on 3/4 biscuit rations and about 15th December went on 1/2 ration biscuits with 1/4 mealies added. The men had now been some time without tobacco, and all luxuries in the town has been consumed. Our telegraph line had been cut since November 1st, and I could get no news of any convoy. However, on the 28th we saw dust North of us, and on the 30th General BRUCE HAMILTON arrived with 90 days supplies, but with no tobacco, soap, matches or mails (we had no mails since middle of November).

After General BRUCE HAMILTON left, I got into communication with the Boer Commandantes and endeavoured to get them to surrender on Lord KITCHENER's terms of 23rd December; they would not believe that we were sincere in offering these terms, and negotiations broke through.

Some of the farmers in our immediate neighbourhood now came in for protection, bringing their flocks and cattle with them which the Boers made repeated attempts to capture. On 15th January, they succeeded in taking away 80 head, we pursued with Artillery and Mounted Infantry for 5 miles but the start was too good for us; this mishap was due to neglect of order on the part of the Cossack posts who failed to send in word that they were being attacked, and to inattention on the part of our look-out men in the clock tower.

On 26th they made a similar attempt, but this time we had good notice and recaptured all the stock 4 miles out (grazing near the town had been so much eaten that cattle had to be taken a long way out to feed).

About this time a Maxim was put in the clock tower on a carriage made in our workshop. This clock tower was our Obervatory and gave us good view and would have been a capital position from which to direct operations in case of attack. With this in view "Magaphone" (large speaking trumpets) were made, one for the tower and one for each work, by these means communication was made easy, and for everyday work the lookout men were able to give us early and accurate information of enemy's movements.

On the 25th our wood party was attacked, we lost 1 man killed; the Boers retreated hurriedly into the thick bush on finding that they had to deal with a detachment of the 3rd South Wales Border who behaved with great steadiness.

The Boers were now busy forming women's laagers and collecting the stock of the district. We found great difficulty in getting reliable news, the natives being thoroughly scared. No runners came back to us between December  29th and January 30th, so that during this time we were entirely without news as to what was going on outside. Most of the runners we sent out returned having failed to get through.

During latter half of January our Cossack posts were engaged almost daily wiht no loss on our side; the Boers lost one killed and it was reported that wo more were wounded.

On 1st February, 30 Boers rushed a Cossack post at 5.30am and succeeded in disarming two men; the support to Cossack post coming up, Boers commenced a retreat on their main (bo--y?) without taking their prisoners. I ordered out the inlying picquet and the rest of Mounted Infantry to saddle up and follow, and commenced a pursuit.

We chased for 6 miles keeping up a running fight and getting within 600 yards of the enemy, but unfortunately we had been beaten in the race for a strong position. As we had now been fighting for two hours and the Boers were in a strong position with numbers equal to ours and within call of reinforcements, I ordered the return home. The Boers did not follow up until we had retired 1500 yards, they then fixed on us and succeeded in wounding Captain The Honourable M. O'BRIEN, of No.2 Company Northumberland Fusiliers, and the Company Sergeant Major of No.2 Company Royal Berkshires, M.I. These were our only casualties, with exception of two horses died in Camp of wounds and six others slightly wounded.

The Boers must have fired away at least 1000 rounds; I consider our small loss was due to the rapidity of the pursuit. The Boers are reported to have lost 4 men wounded (some say killed) and one horse killed, from good evidence I believe their loss was at least this. To prevent a recurrence of a surprise of this nature, I now put up a mile of wire fence in front of the right Cossack post and ran it to the river. This was two miles out of the town, but to guard it from being cut at night I armed two natives as a night guard on it.

At thist time I had 12 armed natives and employed them in mounting guard up and down the river, in the wood to the North of us and as a guard at night on native cattle. They were armed with Martinis, so as to give early notice of the approach of the enemy. Armed natives were not employed on the offensive.

From the 1st to the 8th February nothing of importance happened beyond firing on Cossack posts at long range.

On the 8th Captain GUNTER, Commanding the Mounted Detachment of 3rd Battalion SOUTH WALES Border took his detachment of 15 men (without horses) to some kraals three miles out and lay in ambush all that night and the following day. Boers had been making a practice of visiting these kraals but unfortunately on this particular day did not do so.

On the 11th I sent Captain GUNTER, supported by Northumberland Fusiliers Mounted Infantry Company to visit a farm 6 miles out. This resulted in an exciting chase after some Boers and their capture became a very near thing; one Boer held up his hands in token of surrender, but unfortunately being fired on, thought better of it and effected his escape in the bush leaving his hat behind him.

About this time natives came in from the North bringing rumours of English columns moving North of us in the TRANSVAAL, but we had had no news from outside for six weeks.The question of food for the civilian and native populations now became a pressing one; and I was forced to feed the civilians and "employed natives" from Military stores on repayment; the unemployed natives were allowed to feed on green mealies from a field two miles out of camp.

On February 14th we got within effective shell fire of a Boer Cossack post.

On the night of the 20th two mounted men came up within 600 yards of trenches.

On 22nd having carefully watched day by day the movement of a Boer Cossack post and noticing that each day they took up the same position, I determined to endeavour to surprise it. The post was usually from 6 to 8 strong and was some four miles from the town.

I sent Captain H.PHILLIPS, at night with a party of 35 men of 3rd South Wales Borders to hide themselves in the bush. Captain PHILLIPS succeeded in surprising the Boers, two were wounded, one severely. Captain PHILLIPS's men were admirably disposed and with more luck several prisoners would have been taken. Some four hours after this some 50 Boers assembled on the position formerly occupied by the post; two guns were got out under cover and succeeded in landing four shrapnel shells amongst them. This all took place four miles South of the river.

Shortly afterwards our Cossack posts were attacked on the North side, but the enemy were driven off by the Berks M.I. under Captain M.FOLEY, Commanding No.2 Company Royal Berkshrie M.I.

With no news since January 12th and having only three weeks supply left, I considered it advisable to reduce the buscuit rations and get in as many green mealies as possible. There was a large patch of mealie fields five miles up the river, on either side of it, but Boers kept a watch on them and it was not safe to go to them except in force. 

To get these mealie fields into our hands I decided to occupy a farm (Jouberts farm) commanding a drift connecting the two groups of mealie fields. We went out in force on 6th March to put the position in a state of defence and throw in a garrison of 50 3rd South Wales Border, 15 of whom were mounted.

During this operation the Boers attacked in force but finding that we were in superior numbers did not press home. On this occasion 150 of the 3rd South Wales Borders were engaged; they were very keen on a fight. One Boer was left dead on the field and at least another was wounded.The occupation of this farm caused the small Boer laager up the river and the larger laager to the North of the river to shift further away.

We had not six miles of river and three or four miles of country on either side in our hands and control of a large mealie area of 150 to 200 acres; but the mealies were still green and would not keep over 5 days, however they were good for man and beast and we were able to save oats, biscuit and hay and satisfy the civilian and native population. Indeed had it not been for these mealies the natives would have starved and the horses been without grain from the 20th March, on which date our oats ran out.

On Marchy 23rd, a native scout was ambushed and shot by Boers. He was in mealie fields. We brought in his body.

During the afternoon 100 Boers advanced on one of our Cossack posts and occupied mealie fields, but retired on our advancing with M.I. and one gun.

The natives now fought shy of going to the mealie fields on the North side of the river, so that it became necessary to send out covering parties. Natives living on the South side still continued to pick without other escort than that which could be provided from Joubert's farm.

On March 24th 200 head of cattle, which had been looted by Boers from natives, were re-taken from Boer Lager by natives.

On March 27th a few Boers attempted to raid some cattle grazing between Joubert's farm and HOOPSTADT on South side of river. On this being discovered the Mounted Detachment 3rd South Wales Borders from Joubert's, went out and recovered the cattle, capturing at the same time one Boer rifle and wounding at least one Boer.

The forage question now became serious, but thanks to the mealie fields a fair supply was obtained. The enemy did all they could to frighten the native mealie pickers. On the 30th Joubert's farm was sniped and one native seriously wounded.

On the 31st two Boers surrendered and reported that the great majority of Boers were anxious to give in; to confirm this, a few days later, a letter was picked up from Franz BORDENHAST to Stoffel BORDENHOST saying that he as representing the HOOPSTADT Boers thought it now time in the interest of his District to go into HOOPSTADT with his whole Commando and surrender.

 At daybreak April 2nd a column under Lord ERROLL came in view; on the afternoon of the 3rd HOOPSTADT was evacuated. 

In conclusion I should like to bring to your notice the excellent work done by the following:-

Major T.W. Jones - 3rd S.W. Border - Who commanded at HOOPSTADT from May to August 13th and afterwards took up the duties of 2nd in command.

Captain The Hon. M.W. O'Brien - Commanding No.2 Company North Fusilier M.I.

Captain F.W. Foley - Commanding No.2 Company Royal Berkshire M.I.

Captain H.V. Phillips, 3rd S.W. Border - Intelligence Officer. He did valuable work.

Captain G. Maxwll-Heron, 3rd S.W. Border - Garrison Still Officer.

Captain R.F. Gunter - Commanding Mounted Department 3rd S.W. Border. A bold and enterprising Officer. He did very good work.

Captain J.M. Gibson-Watt - Acting Supply Officer. Though without previous knowledge, proved a most efficient and hard working supply Officer under somewhat trying circumstances.

2nd Lieutenant H. Hamilton - Commanding two guns 9th Battalion R.H.A.C.R.

Hodson Esq, C.M.P.  - This officer deserves very special mention for his devotion and care of the sick and organisation of his Hospital. At one time after Lord METHUEN's Column left HOOPSTADT in May 1900, he had 70 enteric patients on his hands. These he attended unaided. It is due to his careful attention to the sanitation of the town that no outbreak of enteric took place this spring. I trust some notice may be taken of this Officer's work. 

I think there could hardly have been anywhere a more cheerful or well behaved Garrison. The South Wales Borders kept their trenches in all weathers, and it is due to their good outpost work that all attempts at surprise by night failed.

The Mounted Infantry were very often under fire; the M.I. Cossack posts had at one time particularly dangerous and trying duties to perform. 

The troops both Officers and men, were on short rations and without tobacco (they smoked clover seed in lieu) for at least a month before the arrival of the two convoys. The Officer had early in the day exhausted all the private supplies. The garrison were without mails for 5 1/2 months.

In spite of these discomforts I heard no grumbling and all were as keen and devoted to their duties as any Commanding Officer could wish.

The following Appendices are attached:-

Order to O.C. Troops

Notes on matter effecting efficiencies.

Notes on matter Intelligence work

Notes on matter Supplies

I have the honour to be, Sir,

Your Obedient Servant,

Lieutenant-Colonel Heath

Order to O.C. Lieutenant- Colonel Heath, A.A.G.1.

Please proceed at once to take up the duties as O.C. Troops HOOPSTADT

2. The Garrison is:-13 Officers, 331 men Infantry, 1 maxim1 Officer - Artillery - 44 men, 215 Pr. Guns.

6 Officers - Mounted Infantry & Yeomanry - 185 men.

1 Officer - C.Police - 27 men, 120 mules, 312 horses.

Which you will verify. - 

3. The Garrison had on 3rd August.

32 days reserve Breadstuffs.

37 days reserve Meat

9 days reserve Forage for 608 Europeans, 281 animals arrangements have been made to draw forage from BRANDFORT and I  have asked O.C. BOSHOF to send a wagon every day with supplies less forage.

-I have also asked D of S. PRETORIA to supply the Garrison direct from BRANDFORT being a shorter and safer line than from KIMBERLEY via BOSHOF.

If the road is safe between BOSHOF and HOOPSTADT more than one wagon a day could be sent from BOSHOF, say two- till you have your full 30 days, but I do not consider that any large convoy should leave BOSHOF with escort as it will be intercepted by the enemy.

The wagon or two wagons a day should go without escorts.

4. I believe the ammunition both rifle and gun to be now sufficient.

142 rounds per gun

174 round per rifle were taken there for the garrison on the 6th, and more was on the way from BRANDFORT.

Please wire me how the matter stands on your arrival.

-5. The water supply is reported good and ample - . Please look into this.

6. Strengthen the defences in every possible way as the place must be held at all costs. -

 7. Wire me all your requirements and all information you obtain from your patrol which should be sent out daily. -

8. Keep BOSHOF and CHRISTIANA supplied with your information as well as myself.

(signed)

HENRY H. SETTLE., Brigadier General , Commandant.

KIMBERLEY, 11th August 1900

APPENDIX

Matters effecting efficiency.

1.- The two guns of the 9th Battery R.F.A. brought no range finder with them. 

Remarks - I was informed that only one range finder was issued per Battery. It would seem advisable that all sections detached should be provided with these.

2.- The 1/2 Battalion 3rd S.W. Border had no range finder.

Remarks - This lessened their efficiency.

3.- The militia equipment was very old and in bad condition. The pouches seemed capable of improvement. When a man lay down to fire and opened his pouch, unless very careful he was almost sure to leave some on the ground when rising to advance again.

Remarks - Some form of bandolier with ammunition in clips would possibly prevent this cause of waste.

4. - We ran out of soap, matches, tobacco, &c.

Remarks - This was due I understand to the fact that articles of this nature are not just on supply Columns unless specially requisitioned for. Having no communciation we could not requisition. In cases of this kind it would seem that articles of this nature should be brought as a matter of course.

Appendix

Intelligence.

The only means of getting intelligence was through natives, white scouts were valueless.

Up to January 4th or 5th natives were constantly out in the District; these would go out and live in distant native locations for a few days, coming back every 3rd or 4th day. News brought in by these means proved very reliable. Intelligence BLOEMFONTEIN and other Districts was kept informed of the positions and strength and doings of the various leagues not only of these in the HOOPSTADT District but of those in the neighbouring District including WOLMERANSTAD in the TRAVSVAAL.

These natives were paid 3/ a day and rations; two were captured and shot, one or two others were captured and retained as prisoners by the Boers.

After January natives residing in the District began to trek to the railway to avoid being commandeered by the Boers, however many ran away from Boer laager and came to HOOPSTADT for protection, usually bringing Boer horses with them. It was well known in the district that a money reward would be given for every Boer horse brought in. For local defence natives were stationed day and night in the bush up and down the river and North of the town whilst mounted natives patrolled by day the thick bush between HOOPSTADT and Joubert's farm five miles up the river where we had a garrison.

These natives did good work, giving early information of Boer movement.

Native runners were employed with success to and from BRANDFORT up to January from these onwards only three managed to get through and of these only one returned.

From August to November we made our own arrangements for obtaining supplies by sending wagons to BRANDFORT and BOSHOF. We were able to keep up a reserve of three weeks or so. In order not to attract attention, not more than two to three wagons were allowed to travel together, and the routes taken by these were constantly changed; not a single wagon was captured.

After the arrival of General SETTLE's Column the above was no longer possible.

Fortunately we were able to hold some more mealie fields and obtain supplies from some neighbouring farms otherwise at one time we should have had no grain for our horses or for the 600 or 700 natives and the civil population.

The men suffered most from the want of tobacco, the garrison and town were out of this for six weeks or so, except for what we could make from green tobacco leaves brought in from the neighbourhood by patrols. Soap was specially manufactured in the town and the flint and steel took the place of the match.

All civilian clothing including boots were bought up for the use of the garrison. In spite of this the garrison towards the end of the investment was in a very bad way as to clothing and many men had to be carried in wagons during the march to the railway due to the bad state of their boots.

Napier 2017 -

JAHC - "There was always a dark cloud between our family and Winston Churchill because in the Boer War Churchill, who was a journalist at that time, gave away Grandpa's position"

Harnham Cliff

Salisbury

Private

26 June 1909

My dear Heath,

The honours were done after I left the War Office. and I cannot say why your name was omitted, but of this I am perfectly sure that there is no such thing as a black mark against your name.

Possibly they thought that (Devine?) has lost seniority by not getting a Brevet for the war. I do not know.

I myself am much surprised now that you tell me of your claims.

My advice to you is to do and say nothing, but to leave it to me and SIr John to see to next year. I think we shall see you put right. Write to see me (melling?) next, early in the month.

I think it would be a false step if you made any protest now. (Pacer?) Corps and all of us know your value, and that you were specially selected for your present post. Yours very sincerely,C.W. Douglas

In World War I FCHC's younger son 2nd Lieut Martin Frederic Heath-Caldwell was killed near Richebourg L'Avone in France, Sunday 18th May 1915

Letter to FCHC

c/o 140th Brigade Field Post Office

47th London Division

BEFMay 18th 1915,

Dear Sir,

You will have heard from his Commanding Officer of your son's death on Sunday. As I happened to be on the spot, I took the Burial Service. The grave is in Bethune Cemetery - No.2 grave in the 3rd row in the officer plot in the new part of the cemetery.

The fact that he died during a successful action will be a consolation to you. I venture to express to you my sympathy with you in being called upon to bear this private sorrow in addition to your great public responsibility.

Yours very truly,

 H.C.Pasle(?) (GTF?)

Letter 

War Office

Whitehall S.W.

9th June 1915.

The Military Secretary presents his compliments to Brigadier-General F.C. Heath-Caldwell, and begs to inform him that a report has just been received from Army Head Quarters in the Field which states that the late Second Lieutenant M.F. Heath-Caldwell was buried in Bethune Cemetery.

The Grave is numbered 2 in  Row 3.

The Military Secretary ventures to send this information now, as Brigadier-General F.C. Heath-Caldwell may not have previously received it.

letter 

To Major General F.C. Heath-Caldwell C.B.

Director of Military Training,

War Office

Whitehall S W.

18th January 1916

Sir, 

I have it in command from His Majesty the King to inform you, as next-of-kin of the late SECOND LIEUTENANT MARTIN FREDERICK HEATH-CALDWELL of the Royal Horse Artillery, that this Officer was mentioned in a Despatch from Field Marshall Sir John French dated the 31st May, 1915, and published in the "London Gazette" dated 22nd June, 1915, for gallant and distinguished service in the field.

His Majesty desires to condole with you on the loss you have sustained and to express his high appreciation of the services of the late Second Lieutenant Martkin Frederick Heath-Caldwell.

I have the honour to be,

Your obedient Servant,

B.R. James

- Lieutenant-Colonel, Assistant Military Secretary.

General Headquarters,

Eyptian Expeditionary Force

15th August 1916

My dear Heath-Caldwell,

I ought to have written to you before as I am anxious to hear how you are getting on. They did not treat any of us very well last December but I suppose that must be put down to the justice of war.

I understand you are now commanding at Portsmouth. An interesting job with a nice house to which you can bring your wife.

Have you heard anything about Colin (Freehingin?) I sincerely trust he is doing well in France. I am living in Ismailia but shall move to Cairo in a month or two..... is plainly to be in Egypt and to this point keeps me fairly busy; also the Delta problems and administration of martial law are rather ... (probably from the Senussi uprising)

I have stuck to the plans we (mentioned, determined?) at the War Office in November and I see no reason to alter our judgments on any points.

I suppose this new commission will criticise our Mesopotamia purpose re: Bagdad.

All your news very welcome.

Yours very sincerely,

Archibald Murray

(General Sir Archibald James Murray KCB, KCMG, CVO, DSO, 1860-1945 - Chief of Staff of British Expeditionary Force B.E.F., during which time he laid down the ground work for the defeat and destruction of the Ottoman Empire, 3rd - 5th August 1916 organising battle at Romani and advancing across the Sinai Peninsula.

Memorandum.

From M.S. la. (2), War Office, London, S.W.1 to:-

General Headquarters,

Home Forces,

Horse Guards,

3rd April 1918. 

Refs 350g M.S.la.(2)

Approval given to the appointment of Major-General F.C. Heath-Caldwell, C.B., Commander, Portsmouth Garrison, to command one of the Royal Air Force Areas under the Air Ministry with effect from the 1st April 1918.

Inform accordingly,(signed) J. M. Campbell,

Lt-Col. for Lieutenant-General,

Military Secretary,

100/Gen.No./4697

C.R. S.C. No: 235317 (S).Garrison Commander, Portsmouth 

For your information and favour of communication.

R.F.C. Ihlienian Capt Salisbury,

8th April 1918.

A.M.S. Southern Command.

Major General F.C. Heath-Caldwell C.B. - For your information and education please.Portsmouth 7th April 1918

letter

To Major-General F.C. Heath-Caldwell C.B.

from Farnham Castle,

Surrey,

10th April 1918

My dear General,

I write on behalf of Mrs Talbot and myself, and I think Mr Lightfoot would like me to include him by a word, to express the great regret, personal and other, which we feel at the news that Mrs Heath-Caldwell and yourself have left us, not, I suppose, to return.

My recollections of your hospitality to myself are so green and grateful that it is quite sad to think of Government House without you.

But, beyond this, I know at second hand how much you have done to help what is good and wholesome in the life of Portsmouth, a place which depends a good deal upon those who hold temporary postitions of authority in the Services.I hope that life may bring us together again; for I know that we have real links with one another.

Yours very sincerely, 

Edward Winton

Letter to Major-General F.C. Heath-Caldwell C.B.,

Portsmouth Garrison.

 G.H.Q. Home Forces,Horse Guards, S.W.1.

21st April 1918

Dear General,

The Field Marshal has asked me to write and express to you personally how much he has appreciated your work during your period of command. It is always a matter of personal regret to him to lose the services of an Officer who has done good work whilst  under his command, and he feels confident that even if military employment is not available you will find other means of rendering useful service to the country.

He would be extremely sorry to lose touch with you, and I am to ask you to let me know what your permanent addresss will now be, so that if at any future time it were possible to make use of your services I should know where to write.

Believe me,

Yours sincerely

S.L Barry,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Assistant Military Secretary,

HOME FORCES.(Ed, might be Lt-Col. S.L. Barry D.S.O. M.C.,)

Letter to:-

Major-General F.C. Heath-Caldwell, C.B.G.O.C.,

South Eastern Area,R.A.F.,

Covent Garden Hotel, W.C.2.

16th September 1918

Dear General Heath-Caldwell,

When, following on the constitution of the Royal Air Force, the Area system was established, it was considered necessary, owing to the notorious shortage of senior officers, to make application to the Navy and Army for the loan of certain officers, of whom you were one, to take command of the Areas.

The contemplated period of loan in your case was 6 months, which is due to expire at the end of September. 

I am fully conscious of the valuable services which you have rendered during this initial period, which has naturally been on of considerable difficulty, but I trust you will appreciate my desire that the position of Area Commander should, as far as possible, be filled by officers of the R.A.F., and in particular, by officers who have had actual active service experience.

I think that our aim should be to bring to the Areas as soon as possible men who have  been in direct touch with the problems presented by air fighting as it is carried on today. In these circumstances I think it will be desirable that you should revert to the Army at the end of the period arranged, and I am so informing the War Office.

At the same time I am expressing to the War Office my sense of appreciation of the help which you have given to the Royal Air Force, and I take this opportunity of expressing to you my own personal thanks for the services which you have rendered.

As it may prove difficult to recall officers from the Front until the end of the fighting season, it will be of great convenience if you will be prepared to carry on your present duties for a few weeks after the end of the month, but in this matter I am entirely in your hands.

Yours very truly,

(signed) Win

Book

“The First Croydon Airport”

- official opening of a YMCA Hut at the aerodrome in 1918“

In December, 1918, Princess Marie Louise visited the aerodrome to open a YMCA hut which had been built for the recreation of the airmen. Her car was accompanied as it arrived, by an aerial convoy  of a dozen planes “looping the loop” and performing other flying stunts - this despite a high wind and drizzling rain.

The Princess was greeted by YMCA workers and a contingent of the recently formed W.A.A.C. The opening ceremony was chaired by Major-General F.C. Heath-Caldwell (Commanding S.E. Area, Royal Air Force), and commenced with a short service conducted by the Rev. Charles Godfrey, vicar of St. Michael’s, South Beddington.

Various entertainments and events were held at this hut in which local people enthusiastically supported the R.A.F. - the parish magazine of St.Michael’s for January 1919, included an urgent appeal from a Miss Leaver at Kenmore, Woodcote Road, for more volunteers to help organise things. Mr Godfrey was offically appointed at Chaplain of the Aerodrome.The Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service were combined as the Royal Air Force on 1st April 1918.

At the time of the Armistice, in November 1918, Beddington Aerodrome was still a busy training base. No.40 Squadron had moved to Tangmere, and had been replaced by No.29 Squadron. Among the young pilots who came to do their flying training with No.29 Squadron at Beddington in 1919, was Prince Albert, later King George VI, who won his wings here. His instructor was Captain Alec Coryton (now Air Chief Marshall Sir Alec Coryton).

Letter to FCHC

Harnham Cliff,

Salisbury

12th January 1919.

My dear Heath-Caldwell,

I am so much obliged to you for so kindly sending me your congratulations on my obtaining the G.B.E., due not to my own merits, but to the admirable work carried out by those serviing in the Southern Command, which makes me very proud of the Decoration, and to which you so materially contributed. 

Yours sincerely,

Henry Mdale

I am very sorry you are going to retire. Kindest remembrances to you both, from my wife.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Letter to FCHC.

Air Ministry,

Strand,

London, W.C.2.

Telephone No. REGENT 8000

Telegraphic Address: "AIRMINISTRY, LONDON."

All letters on the undermentioned subject should be addressed to THE SECRETARY at the above address and should quote: Air Ministry Reference. C.61249, (P.4.a) 

To -

Major General F.C. Heath-Caldwell, C.B., 

HEADQUARTERS, SOUTH EASTERN AREA,

Royal Air Force,

Covent Garden Hotel, Strand, W.C.2.

subject,

Sir,

I am commanded by the Air Council to inform you that your temporary attachment to the Royal Air Force will terminate on 1st February 1919, from which date your services will be placed at the disposal of the Army Council.

The Air Council regret that they are unable to grant you leave before re-joining the Army, as if such leave were granted it would mean that the officer appointed to succeed you would not be able to draw the pay of the appointment although actually performing the duties.

A copy of a letter which has been forwarded to the Army Council is attached for your information.

I am to take this opportunity of thanking you for the valuable services you have rendered whilst attached to the Royal Air Force.

I am,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

(signed) W.A. (Adinson?)

 94 Landcaster Gate, London

(ph 2500 Paddington)

(crossed out letterhead - G.H.Q. Home Forces,

Horse, Guards, S.W.)

21st August 1919.

To Mrs Heath-Caldwell,

I wish to thank you very much for our pleasant stay with you. Your husband and I are very old friends and I want to see more of him if possible.

If you want to come to London for a night or two wish you like come and stay with us. I am just (down?) and you would give me so much pleasure.

Yours sincerely

French

(Field Marshall John Denton Pinkstone French, 1st Earl of Ypres, KP, GCB, OM, GCVO, KCMG, ADC, PC 1852 - 1925)

Imperial War Graves Commission.

82 Baker Street, W.1.

The Secretary of the Imperial War Gaves Commission begs to inform you that the permanent headstones have now been erected at BETHUNE TOWN,

29th January 1924

Kelly's Handbook of the Titled Landed and Official Classes, 1936

Heath-Caldwell, Major-General Frederick Crofton, late Royal Engineers, C.B. (1910), son of Admiral Sir Leopold George Heath, K.C.B., J.P. (died 1907); born 1858; married 1889, Constance Mary, daughter of Colonel Henry Helsham-Jones, late Royal Engineers; one son; assumed additional name of Caldwell under the will of his great uncle James Stamford Caldwell; served with Egyptian expedition, 1882, Soudan expedition 1885, and in South African war 1899-1902; A.A.G. at War Office 1906-1908, Inspector of Royal Engineers, 1908-19113, commanding Scottish Coast defences 1912-14, Major-General  1914, Director Military Training at War Office 1914-16; Commanding a garrison 1916-18, Area Commander, Royal Air Force 1918-19: J.P. (1924) Cheshire: Army and Navy club; Linley Wood, Talke, Staffordshire (Tel. Kidsgrove 41).



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