WITH GATACRE'S COLUMN


We turn now to another part of the field of operations, and the place
that demands our attention is Sterkstroom. Here, following the disaster
to the Northumberland Fusiliers, there was a long halt. General Gatacre
could not advance without reinforcements. Those reinforcements were not
for a long time forthcoming, and all that he could do was to keep that
part of Cape Colony clear of the enemy, and ultimately join hands with
General French.


=Christian Workers at Sterkstroom.=

But these long pauses between actual engagements gave the opportunity
for Christian work, and General Gatacre's camp at Sterkstroom was
besieged by a large number of Christian workers. In addition to the
recognised chaplains the Soldiers' Christian Association, represented by
Messrs. Stewart and Denman, had their large green tent, and pursued
their usual work with much success. The Salvation Army was also in
evidence, and their captain and lieutenant rendered capital service,
especially in the open air. Mr. and Mrs. Osborne Howe, well known in
South Africa for their devoted work, had another tent, splendidly fitted
up, and known as the 'Soldiers' Home.' Mr. Anderson, an Army Scripture
Reader from Glasgow, was also very useful. The Anglican and Wesleyan
chaplains both had tents, in which they carried on their work
incessantly. Captain England started a branch of the A.T.A., and worked
it till he died. And so, what with the workers living in camp and others
paying flying visits to it, the call to repentance was loud and long,