The following miscellaneous extracts are taken from an unpublished general report by Sir Duncan McKenzie:
Transport.—"The majority of the transport was ox-transport; for military operations, mule-transport is absolutely necessary.... Expense should not be considered in such an important matter.[307] ... The necessity of good conductors was apparent." Closer supervision should be exercised by O.C. units than was done to ensure that only the regulation weight per man is put on the waggons. "Pack transport is absolutely necessary in rough country, and the saddles should be carried on the waggons, so that they can be used when the country will not permit of waggons accompanying the troops."
Remounts.—"The loss of horses from hard work, exposure and want of suitable food is bound to be heavy.... Steps should be taken to enable the remount officer to know exactly where he can put his finger on suitable horses when required.... The establishment of a proper remount depôt is strongly recommended."
Boots, clothing, etc.—"These should be issued on repayment at cost price and the articles should be of really good quality. The wear and tear on clothing, and more especially on boots, was very heavy.... A man without boots is useless."
Searchlights.—"Their usefulness for defensive purposes is of the greatest value.... They should be so arranged that with one engine and dynamo, two or more lights could be placed at different positions in the defences."
Maxim Transport.—"Having seen practical results with the C.M.R., who carried their Maxims on pack mules led by Cape boys, and the Natal Militia regiment, who carried theirs on pack horses led by a mounted man, I certainly recommend that we should follow the C.M.R. in this respect."
Stretcher-bearers.—"These are indispensable when fighting takes place in the bush or rough country. There was no organized supply until too late." Natives had to be employed at exorbitant rates.
Native levies.—Their value was largely discounted by the fact that parts of many tribes had joined the rebels. "Their services came in useful in clearing up after an engagement, collecting and driving cattle, etc., and also using up the enemy's supplies. They require to be led by experienced officers who are known to them and who are also well acquainted with Native habits and customs. For operations, they need to be stiffened with a good proportion of European troops."
Colonel Leuchars, who had exceptional opportunities of observing them, is of opinion that "as a fighting force, they were useless, though those under Sibindi (a Chief quite above the average) were, as far as I know, keen to help the Government. The use I expected to make of them was in skirmishing down broken, bushy valleys, but my experience goes to show that for this work they were useless as, although I succeeded, after some trouble, in extending them, they would always, a little further down the valley, collect and march along in groups. As scouts and camp followers, they were useful. In a lager, through not being armed with rifles, they are only an encumbrance. Their only use would be to skirmish through rough country known to be occupied by the enemy, and this, as pointed out above, they failed to do."