M. K. Gandhi; An Indian Patriot in South Africa by Joseph J. Doke

Author:Joseph J. Doke [Doke, Joseph J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Biography & Autobiography, Political
ISBN: 9781443740647
Google: cjClzbRMI-sC
Goodreads: 6539187
Publisher: Read Books
Published: 2006-02-14T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER XIII

ON THE BATTLEFIELD

In October, 1899, when the War began, the stir and excitement that pervaded all classes of colonial society, touched even the Indians, and they desired to take some part in those great events which were happening around them. It was Mr. Gandhi’s hope that their action in this crisis might prove at least their loyalty to the Empire, and refute the common sneer that, “if danger threatened the Colony, the Indians would run away.” It was his repeated contention, that if they were ready to assert their rights and to claim to be regarded as British subjects, they were equally ready and eager to accept the responsibilities of such a position. He accordingly counselled his people to volunteer for service in whatever capacity the Government would accept them. The proposal was taken up, and a formal offer was sent to the Government, but rejected, the Government saying that there was no need of help from the Indians.

Then Mr. Gandhi interviewed the Hon. R. Jameson, Member of the Legislative Council, to whom he was well-known. Again he was disappointed, Mr. Jameson laughing at the idea. “You Indians,” said he, “know nothing of war. You would only be a drag on the army; you would have to be taken care of, instead of being of help to us.” “But,” replied Mr. Gandhi, “is there nothing we can do? Can we not do ordinary servants’ work in connection with the Hospital? Surely that will not demand very great intelligence?” “No,” he said, “it all needs training.”

Disappointed, but not discouraged, the Indian leader applied to his friend, Mr. Laughton, who received his suggestion with enthusiasm. “That’s the very thing,” he said, “do it; it will raise your people in the estimation of us all, and it will do them good. Never mind Mr. Jameson.” So another letter was written to the Government, but this, too, failed.

Meanwhile, the pressure of disaster, and the unexpected developments of the War, were surely modifying the attitude of Natal. Everyone was needed. Briton and Boer were locked in a death-struggle, with the Garden Colony as the prize.

Events followed one another quickly. “It was upon October 30th that Sir George White had been thrust back into Ladysmith. On November 2nd, telegraphic communication with the town was interrupted. On November 3rd, the railway line was cut. On November 10th, the Boers held Colenso and the line of the Tugela. On the 18th, was the affair of the armoured train. On the ISA, the enemy were near Estcourt. On the 21, they had reached the Mooi River. On the 23rd, Hildyard attacked them at Willow Grange. From then onwards, Sir Redvers Buller was massing his troops at Chieveley, in preparation for a great effort to cross the river and to relieve Ladysmith, the guns of which, calling from behind the line of Northern Hills, told their constant tale of restless attack and stubborn defence” (Conan Doyle).

These were days of intense excitement in Durban, and the strain on all must have been severe.

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