After a few days’ scouring of the country round Diepkloof and the valley towards the Oliphants River, the three columns concentrated at Blinkwater.  Here an entrenched camp was formed under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Jacson, consisting of the baggage of the three columns, the hospitals, and most of the field guns, with a garrison included amongst which were four companies of the Regiment.

Park’s and Campbell’s columns marched east into the hills in the Ohrigstadt direction, Park penetrating almost as far as Pilgrim’s Rest, while General Kitchener’s column moved south towards Middleburg.  On September 3rd the force was broken up, Colonel Park’s column being left in the neighbourhood of Blinkwater, whilst General Kitchener’s column marched towards the railway at Wonderfontein, which was reached on September 5th.

On arrival at Wonderfontein it was found that trekking was for the time being, finished.  Orders were received for the Regiment to entrain for Machadodorp for the purpose of garrisoning the railway blockhouses.

The General’s farewell order to the Regiment on its leaving the column with which it had been so long associated was as follows:—­

“COLUMN ORDER BY MAJOR-GENERAL F.W.  KITCHENER

“Wonderfontein, September 5th, 1901.

“It has been the privilege of the Major-General to include the 1st Devon Regiment in his command since the relief of Ladysmith, and it is with great regret that he has now to part with the last fighting unit of the 7th Brigade.  The reputation earned by the Regiment at Elandslaagte and Ladysmith is a matter of history.  Since that time this excellent corps has fought and marched in summer rain and winter frost during many long months, through the length and breadth of the Eastern Transvaal.

“The face of the country will remain for many years scarred with the trenches they have dug and the works they have made.  They have proved on all occasions what a sound regimental system worked by thoroughly sound officers, N.C.O.s, and men can do.

“The Major-General and all in number one column wish the Devons good luck and a pleasant time in the near future.”

On September 6th the Regiment entrained.  The General and his staff and the whole column turned out to give the Regiment a hearty farewell.  Machadodorp was reached at about 2 p.m., and all the posts round the town were taken over from the Royal Irish Fusiliers.  The railway blockhouses in the neighbourhood of Machadodorp were also taken over.  Colonel Davies was appointed commandant of the station, and Captain Ravenshaw station staff officer.

During September and October six companies were located on the Lydenburg road as far as Witklip, holding the following posts:—­Helvetia, Schwartzkop, Schoeman’s Kloof, Badfontein, and Witklip.  Two companies remained at Machadodorp with the battalion head-quarters.