Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

The honour of being the first man of the British belligerent forces to enter Pretoria was gained by a New South Wales pressman - Private Dalgety Gordon Campbell, of the Mounted Infantry.  Mr. Campbell comes of a fighting stock; Colonel Dalgety, who so ably defended the town of Wepener against overwhelming odds, is a near relative.  Mr. Campbell has supplied us with a most interesting account of his adventure, and for pluck and determination we think his exploit deserves every praise, for, remember, in walking straight into the enemy's city, his life was not worth a minute's purchase.

"After taking parkt in all the engagements north of Driefontein," said Mr. Campbell, "we passed Johannesburg on the march towards Pretoria, and on the 4th June fighting occurred on the outskirts.  The battle lasted till 9 o'clock at night, when the order was given for a general retirement, and in the confusion I lost my regiment.  In the morning at daylight I got on my bicycle to find the regiment.  While on the road I overtook Bennett Burleigh, war correspondent for the London Daily Telegraph.  I told him I was trying to find my regiment.  He said he was goint to be the first may to enter Pretroia, and he accepted my offer to accompany him.  We rode together for a couple of miles, till we got to the top of the hill overlooking Pretoria.  It was down hill now, and, bidding Burleigh good-bye, told him I was going to get in before him.  Burleigh galloped along behind, calling me to come back.  On the outskirts of Pretoria I saw two Boers, with the rifles on their backs.  I got behind a hedge, covered them with my rifle, and called upon them to throw down their arms.  This they did, and taking my advice, the galloped back to their farms.  Further on I overtook an old gentleman with his rifle,  I took it from him, and when I said I was a Britisher he said 'Well, I am glad,' and he looked it.  In town I met a man with a bicycle, and asked him to direct me to the Mayor of any of the principal men of the city.  I told him I was a Birtisher, and had come to be the first to hoist the flag over Pretoria.  He said 'What, Kahaki? (British Soldier)/  I said 'Yes'. He repoled 'Oh! we take you prisoner.'  I said 'Lord Roberts and his soldiers are on the hills, and will start bombarding the town directly.'  He said if that were so he would take me to Major Erasmus, commander of the Boer Artillery.  Major Erasmus received me well, told me to sit on his verandah, gave me a cup of coffee, some bread and jam, and a cigar.  Then I explained by reason for coming to Pretoria.  He said it was foolish to do so, as I was likely to be taken prisoner, but that it was not worthwhile bothering after one man.  While I sat on the verandah four trains loaded with Boers left the town.  I could see the men clinging to the footboards and on the platform of the train.  A few minutes later a train load of trucks with guns on board also left.  Major Erasmus sent for the Burgomaster and Field-cornet.  The asked my reason for entering Petoria.  I told them it was to hoist the British flag.   They declined to allow me to do so till the town was surrendered, and in that room they wrote out an order for the capitulation of the city.  Two hours later the Coldstram Guards entered the town.  While waiting, I got a certificate from Major Erasmus to the effect that I was the first man to enter Pretoria, and the last time ever the Boer stamp was used was put on this certificate.  Lord Roberts acknoledged my claim in the Pretoria Friend.  After his entry I was brought before Lord Roberts, and he, whether he approved of my taking the steps I did or not, admitted I was first in the town.  He said he would not care to be in my shoes because of losing my regiment, but he treated me well".

Whilst waiting for the British to enter I was spoken to by Lieutenant Cardua, who, some weeks later, was shot for joining in the Pretoria plot while on parole.  He asked me if I would take his rfile to Australia for him, and after, when he was liberated, if I would send it to an address he gave me in Germany, he would pay anything I asked. He was a fine handsome young German, not more than three and twenty, and many believe he was only the tool of the Boers in the plot."