ry transport, the _Ismore_, with guns and 315 horses; one mule
freight ship, the _Carinthea_, with 400 mules; and two store freight
ships, the _Denton Grange_ and the _Madura_, the latter by fire.
Looking to the mileage run, this is a wonderful record, and one which
reflects the highest credit on the mercantile marine in general, and
on the management of the shipping lines concerned in particular.

[Sidenote: The voyage to and fro.]

There was no delay in getting the troops off. From 20th October, 1899,
when the first units of the army corps were ready to embark, to the
30th November, 1899, no less than 58,000 men and 9,000 horses left
England, and a steady stream continued month after month, the largest
shipment in one month being February, 1900, when 33,500 men and 5,500
horses left this country. The removal from South Africa was even more
speedy. From 1st June, 1902, to 31st July, 53,800 men embarked. By the
end of August the number was 94,000 men, and by the end of September,
133,000 men had left South Africa. The homeward move was simplified by
there being no horses, and by the Government being able to utilise to
their full extent the resources of the Union-Castle Company, whose
large fleet of vessels, specially suitable for carrying troops, had an
important share in the work.

[Sidenote: Patriotism of shipowners.]

The shipowners, as a body, showed every desire throughout the war to
meet the wishes of the Admiralty, often (in the early days) placing
their ships at the disposal of the Government at great inconvenience
to their own trade, and making great personal exertions to expedite
the despatch of the troops and to ensure their comfort. In no case was
any vessel engaged, either for troops, animals, or stores, which was
not a registered British ship, and as far as possible the crews were
British subjects; practically the crews of all troop transports were
then exclusively so.

[Sidenote: Numbers conveyed.]

The following figures will convey an idea of the extent of the Sea
Transport work in connection with the war, from its commencement up to
the 31st December, 1902.

The numbers conveyed were:

To South Africa. Personnel. Horses. Mules.

_From Home and Mediterranean:_
Troops, &c. 338,547 84,213 249
South African Constabulary 8,482 -- --
British South Africa Police 353 -- --