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My poor cat

My poor cat

Date: 2021-10-22

Obviously war does not only negatively impact soldiers. It also leaves a mark in the minds and hearts of civilians and sometimes civilians are part of the casualty list. Like Dr Arthur Stark of Ladysmith.

During the Siege of Ladysmith (2 November 1899-28 February 1900), Dr Stark was one of the town's physicians. He stayed at the Royal Hotel and would leave the hotel daily to keep well away from the bombardment of Long Tom shells fired off by the Boer Commando's besieging Ladysmith.

This he did until 18 November 1899 when he was seriously injured just outside the front door of the Royal Hotel. Carrying his pet cat with him, some sources say it was a kitten, he was on his way back to the Royal Hotel when a Long Tom Shell collided with his feet and ripped them right off. In that moment he lost grip of his cat and the poor feline perished in the incident. While lying hopelessly on the hotel's veranda, Dr Stark was in great pain and sought help from bystanders. He was rushed to the nearest medical facility but he did not survive. It is said that his last words were: "My poor cat".

Today, the precise spot where Dr Stark was struck by a Long Tom shell is indicated with a plaque and the bottom part of an artillery shell on the veranda of the Royal Hotel in Ladysmith.

Find its precise location on the Road Trip SA App. Download the app on Google Playstore, Appstore or on the Road Trip