LINDSAY Michael William Howard

Michael Lindsay was born on the 7th August 1872 at Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland, the son of William Alexander Lindsay (1845 – 1926) and Harriet (Hattie) Anna Murray Lindsay (nee Gordon, 1855 – 1942). Siblings: James Howard Lindsay, 1871-1940; Mary Haddo Lindsay, 1873-1961; Major Francis Howard Lindsay, 1876-1916; John Colin Howard Lindsay, 1877-1954; Margaret Louisa Lindsay, 1880-1949; David Howard Lindsay 1882-1961.

Bakenlaagte took place during the guerilla phase of the war. The Scottish Horse were attached to the No 3 Flying Column commanded by Lt Col Benson. Their job was to root out Boer guerillas in the area.

The Boer General Botha rode his troops 40km nonstop to attack the Column. Benson made a defensive camp leaving a rear guard of 210 officers and men on Gun Hill to defend his rear, made up of elements of the Scottish Horse, The Buffs, 3rd Mounted Infantry, Yorkshire Light Infantry and two guns from the 84th Field Battery Royal Horse.

Outnumbered by the Boers 4 to 1, a twenty-minute close quarters gun fight ended in the force being annihilated. Of the 210-man force 73 were killed and 134 wounded.

This delaying action saved the remainder of the column and Boer’s left the field with the captured artillery.
A quote from the record of the battle; “I do not think I have ever heard of better or more determined fighting, and although we lost the guns the camp was saved by this delay, and the men really did cover themselves with glory.”

Sources: AngloBoerWar.com, My Heritage, Boer War Casualties Catalog, My Heritage, Kenny Web site, Wikipedia, Battle of Brakenlaagte Page, Picture, My Heritage, Kenny Web site.