Entered 1882; Maj., 1899. _War Service_--Hazara Ex., 1891 (medal with
clasp); Miranzai Ex., 1891 (Despatches; clasp); Isazai Ex., 1892; Op. in
Chitral, 1895 (Despatches; medal with clasp; D.S.O.); S. African War,
1899-1900; seriously wounded at Dundee.
=O'Dell.=--Lieut.-Col. T. J. O'Dell, A.M.S., A.A.G. Entered 1878;
Lieut.-Col., A.S. Corps, Aug. 1900. _Staff service_--Dep. Assist. Com.
Gen., Com. and Trans. Staff, 1886-88; D.A.A.G. S. Dist., 1894-97. _War
service_--Egyptian Ex., 1884 (medal with clasp; bronze star); S. African
War, 1889-1900.
=Ogilvie.=--Maj. G. H. Ogilvie. This officer rendered valuable service
with the Royal Canadian Artillery.
=O'Leary.=--Col. W. M'Carthy O'Leary, 1st Batt. S. Lancs. Fusiliers. For
career _see_ vol. iv. p. 150.
=Orr-Ewing.=--Maj. J. A. Orr-Ewing, Imp. Yeomanry. This distinguished
officer, born 1857, was the son of the late Sir A. Orr-Ewing, and married
in 1898 the daughter of the 7th Duke of Roxburghe. He lost his life while
gallantly fighting at Kheis on 28th of May 1900.
=Otter.=--Col. W. C. Otter, A.D.C. This officer distinguished himself in
command of the Royal Canadian Regiment of Infantry.
=Paget.=--Maj.-Gen A. H. Paget. Scots Guards. Entered 1869; Col., 1893.
_Staff Service_--Spec. Serv., Ashanti Ex., 1873-74; Maj.-Gen. Inf. Brig.,
S. Africa, April 1900. _War Service_--Ashanti War, 1873 (medal); Soudan
Ex. 1885 (medal with clasp; bronze star); S. African War, 1899-1900
(Despatches); on Staff.
=Park.=--Lieut.-Col. C. W. Park, 1st Devon Regiment. Entered 1875;
Lieut.-Col., 1899. _Staff service_--D.A.A.G. Madras, 1892-93; A.A.G.,
Madras, 1893-97. _War Service_--Afghan War, 1878-80 (medal); S. African
War, 1899-1900.
=Parsons.=--Col. Sir C. S. B. Parsons, K.C.M.G. Entered R.A. 1874; Col.,
1899. _Staff service_--Employed with Egyptian Army, 1883-84; A.D.C. to
Gov. and Com.-in-Chief, Malta, 1884-85; A.D.C. to G.O.C. E. Dist.,
1887-88; A.D.C. to G.O.C., Aldershot, 1889-92; employed with Egyptian
Army, 1892-99; Gov. of Red Sea Littoral, and Comdt. Suakin, 1896-99;
A.A.G. Woolwich Dist., 1899; Col. on Staff, Com. R.A. Curragh Dist.,
1899-1900; Col. on Staff (R.A.) S. Africa, Jan. 1900, Feb. 1900; Col. on
Staff (Assist. Insp. Gen. L. of C.) S. Africa, Feb. 1900. _War
service_--S. African War, 1877-80; (Despatches, 1879; medal with clasp;
Despatches, 1881); Egyptian Ex., 1882 (Despatches; medal with clasp;
bronze star; 5th class Medjidie; Brev. of Maj.); Ex. to Dongola, 1896
(Despatches; Brev. of Lieut.-Col.; Egyptian medal with clasp); Nile Ex.,
1897; Nile Ex., 1898 (Despatches; Brev. of Col.; clasp to Egyptian medal;
K.C.M.G.); S. African War, 1899-1900; Deputy Mil. Gov. of Northern Cape
Colony and Comdt. W. Kimberley Dist.
=Parsons.=--Col. L. W. Parsons. Entered 1870; Col., 1900. _Staff
service_--Adjt. Aux. Forces, 1881-86; Col. on Staff (R.A.), S. Africa,
April 1900. _War service_--S. African War, 1899-1900; (Despatches).
=Peakman.=--Maj. T. C. Peakman. This dashing officer's unflagging energy
in command of the Kimberley Light Horse is already well known.
=Pennell.=--Capt. H. S. Pennell, #V.C.#, Derby Regt. Entered 1893. _War
service_--Op. on N.W. Frontier of India, 1897-98 (Despatches; #V.C.#; medal
with 2 clasps); S. African War, 1899-1900; Ladysmith Relief Force;
wounded 27th Feb.
=Phipps-Hornby.=--Maj. E. J. Phipps-Hornby, #V.C.#, R.A. Entered 1877;
Maj., 1895. _War service_--Bechuanaland Ex., 1884-85; S. African War,
1899-1900 (#V.C.#, _see_ V.C. list). This notable officer and splendid polo
player, born 1857, is a son of the late Admiral Phipps-Hornby.
=Pickwoad.=--Col. E. H. Pickwoad, R.A. Entered 1873; Col., 1898. _Staff
service_--Adjt. Aux. Forces, 1885-89. _War service_--Afghan War, 1878-79
(medal); S. African War, 1899-1900, Commanding Brig. Div. R.A.; Siege of
Ladysmith; severely wounded.
=Pilcher.=--Lieut.-Col. T. D. Pilcher, Bedfordshire Regiment. Entered
1879; Brev. Lieut.-Col., 1899. _Staff service_--D.A.A.G., Dublin Dist.,
1895-97; Employed with W. African Frontier Force, 1897-99; Spec. Serv.,
S. Africa, 1899. _War service_--W. Africa, 1897-98 (Despatches; Brev. of
Lieut.-Col.); S. African War, 1899-1900. Commanding Corps Mounted
Infantry.
=Pilkington.=--Lieut.-Col. H. L. Pilkington (Reserve of Officers). Col.
Pilkington rendered conspicuous service with the 2nd West Australian
Mounted Infantry.
=Pilson.=--Maj. A. F. Pilson, Royal Dublin Fusiliers. Entered 1888; Brev.
Maj., 1897. _Staff service_--Spec. Serv., S. Africa, 1899. _War
Service_--Op. in S. Africa, 1896 (Despatches; Brev. of Maj.); S. African
War, 1899-1900.
=Pink.=--Lieut.-Col. F. J. Pink, D.S.O., R. W. Surrey Regiment. Entered
1878; Brev. Lieut.-Col., 1898. _Staff service_--D.A.A. and Q.M.G. Burmese
Ex., 1887-89; employed with Egyptian Army, 1895-99. _War service_--Afghan
War, 1879-80 (medal); Burmese Ex., 1886-89 (Despatches, Sept. 1887, Nov.
1889; medal with 2 clasps; D.S.O.); Ex. to Dongola, 1896 (Despatches;
Egyptian medal with 2 clasps); Nile Ex., 1897 (Despatches; clasp to
Egyptian medal); Nile Ex., 1898 (Despatches, May and Sept. 1898; Brev.
Lieut.-Col.; 2 clasps to Egyptian medal; medal).
=Pirie.=--Duncan Vernon Pirie, M.P. This gallant officer retired from the
army in 1898, after having acted as A.D.C. to Sir G. Graham in Egypt, and
A.D.C. to the Governor of Ceylon, in which capacities he greatly
distinguished himself. He is the eldest son of Mr. G. Pirie, was born in
1858, and married, in 1894, the daughter of 17th Baron Sempill.
=Plumer.=--Lieut.-Col. H. C. O. Plumer, York and Lancaster Regiment.
Entered 1876; Brev. Lieut.-Col., 1897. _Staff service_--D.A.A.G., Jersey,
1890-93; D.A.A.G., Aldershot, 1897-99; Spec. Serv., S. Africa, 1899. _War
service_--Egyptian Ex., 1884 (Despatches; medal with clasp; bronze star;
4th class Medjidie); Op. S. Africa, 1896 (Despatches; Brev. of
Lieut.-Col.); S. African War, 1899-1900; Spec. Serv.; wounded.
=Pole-Carew.=--Lieut.-Gen. R. Pole-Carew, C.B. Entered, Coldstream
Guards, 1869. _Staff Service_--A.D.C. to Viceroy of India, 1879; A.D.C.
to Maj.-Gen., Afghan Campaign, 1879-80; Mil. Sec. to Com.-in-Chief,
Madras, 1884-85; Mil. Sec. to Prov. Com.-in-Chief, Madras, 1885; Mil.
Sec. to Com.-in-Chief, E. Indies, 1885-90; Comdt. Headquarters Staff, S.
Africa, 1899; Maj.-Gen. Inf. Brig., S. Africa, 1899-1900; Lieut.-Gen.
Inf. Div., S. Africa, 1900. _War Service_--Afghan War, 1879-80
(Despatches, Jan., May, and Dec., 1880); Egyptian Campaign, 1882 (medal
with clasp; bronze star); Burmese Ex., 1886-87 (Despatches; C.B.); S.
African War, 1899-1900; on Staff (Despatches).
=Poore.=--Maj. R. M. Poore, 7th Hussars. Entered 1886; Brev.-Maj., 1898.
_Staff Service_--A.D.C. to Gov. of Bombay, 1894-95; employed with Mil.
Mounted Police, S. Africa, 1899; Prov.-Marshal, S. Africa, Nov. 1899.
_War Service_--Op. in S. Africa, 1896-97 (Despatches; Brev. of Maj.); S.
African War, 1899-1900; on Staff.
=Pratt.=--Lieut.-Col. A. S. Pratt, R.A. Entered 1874; Lieut.-Col., 1900.
_Staff Service_--Inst. Sch. of Gunnery, 1886-91, 1891-95. _War
Service_--S. African War, 1899-1900.
=Pretyman.=--Maj.-Gen. G. T. Pretyman, C.B., R.A. Entered 1865;
Maj.-Gen., 1897; _Staff Service_--A.D.C. to Maj.-Gen., Afghan Campaign,
1878-79; and to Lieut.-Gen., Afghan Campaign, 1879-80; Mil. Sec., Madras,
1881-84; A.A.G. for R.A., Bengal, 1887-89; Brig.-Gen., Bengal, 1889-94;
Comdt. Headquarters, S. Africa, 1899-1900; Maj.-Gen., Mil. Gov.,
Bloemfontein, March 1900. _War Service_--Afghan War, 1878-79-80
(Despatches; medal with 3 clasps; bronze star; Brev. of Maj. and
Lieut.-Col.); Isazai Ex., 1892; S. African War, 1899-1900; on Staff.
=Price.=--Col. T. Price. This officer rendered conspicuous service with
the Victorian Mounted Infantry.
=Pritchard.=--Lieut. Harry Lionel Pritchard, D.S.O. Entered R.E., 1891.
_Staff Service_--Spec. Serv., Ashanti, 1895-96; Spec. Serv., Egypt, 1896;
employed with Egyptian Army, 1896-98; Specially employed, Cyprus,
1898-99; Staff Off. to Assist. Dir. of Railways., S. Africa, 1900. _War
Service_--Ashanti Ex., 1895-96 (hon. mentioned; star); Ex. to Dongola
(Despatches; 4th class Medjidie; Egyptian medal with clasp); Nile Ex.,
1897 (clasp to Egyptian medal); Nile Ex., 1898 (Despatches; D.S.O.; clasp
to Egyptian medal); S. African War, 1899-1900; on Staff.
=Quill.=--Lieut.-Col. B. C. Quill. Entered 1872; Lieut.-Col., Feb. 1900.
_Staff Service_--Assist. Insp. of Gymnasia, Aldershot, 1888-92; Spec.
Serv., S. Africa, Feb. 1900. _War Service_--Egyptian Ex., 1882 (medal
with clasp; bronze star); S. African War, 1899-1900; Spec. Serv. Officer.
=Rawlinson.=--Lieut.-Col. Sir H. S. Rawlinson, 2nd Bart., D.S.O.,
Coldstream Guards. Entered 1884; Brev. Lieut.-Col., 1899. _Staff
Service_--A.D.C. to Com.-in-Chief, E. Indies, 1885-86, and 1886-87;
A.D.C. (Extra) to Com.-in-Chief, E. Indies, 1887; A.D.C. to
Com.-in-Chief, E. Indies, 1887-88, and 1889-90; Brig.-Maj., Aldershot,
1895-98; D.A.A.G., Egypt, 1898; D.A.A.G., Natal, 1899-1900; A.A.G., S.
Africa, March 1900. _War Service_--Burmese Ex., 1886-87 (Despatches);
Nile Ex., 1898 (Despatches; Brev. of Lieut.-Col.; medal); S. African War,
1899-1900; Siege of Ladysmith. This well-known officer, born in 1864, is
the son of the late General Sir Henry Creswicke Rawlinson, Bart., the
distinguished Orientalist. He married in 1890 the daughter of Mr.
Coleridge Kennard.
=Rawson.=--Lieut.-Col. H. E. Rawson. Entered 1872; Lieut.-Col., 1899.
_Staff Service_--Sec. R.E. Committee, 1890-94. _War Service_--S. African
War, 1899-1900; Commanding R.E. Lines of Communication.
=Reade.=--Maj. C. Y. Reade. This officer rendered valuable service with
the South Australian Mounted Rifles.
=Reed.=--Capt. H. L. Reed, R.A. _See_ V.C. list. Entered 1888; Capt.,
1898. _War Service_--S. African War, 1899-1900 (Despatches; #V.C.#)
=Reeves.=--Col. J. Reeves, 2nd Batt. Royal Irish Fusiliers. Entered 1874;
Brev.-Col., 1899. _War Service_--Egyptian Ex., 1884 (medal with clasp;
bronze star); S. African War, 1899-1900; with Ladysmith Relief Force;
Colenso, wounded, 21st Feb.
=Rethman.=--Maj. F. J. Rethman. Commanded Border Mounted Rifles,
Ladysmith.
=Rhodes.=--The Rt. Hon. Cecil John Rhodes, D.C.L., M.A. For career _see_
vol. i. p. 118.
=Rhodes.=--Maj. E. Rhodes, D.S.O. Entered 1878; Maj., 1893. _Staff
Service_--Assist. Insp. of Signalling, Aldershot, 1895-97; and 1898-99;
D.A.A.G. for Signalling, 1899; Dir. of Signalling, S. Africa, 1899-1900.
_War Service_--Egyptian Ex., 1882 (medal; bronze star); Soudan Ex., 1885
(Despatches; 2 clasps); Soudan, 1885-86 (Despatches; D.S.O.); S. African
War; on Staff (Despatches).
=Rhodes.=--Col. F. W. Rhodes, D.S.O. Entered 1873; Col., 1889. _Staff
Service_--A.D.C. to Brig.-Gen. Force on the Nile, 1884-85; A.D.C. to
Maj.-Gen., Egypt, 1885; A.D.C. to Maj.-Gen., Dublin Dist., 1886-87;
A.D.C. to Maj.-Gen., Egypt., 1888-89; Mil. Sec. to Gov., Bombay, 1890-92;
Civil Employment, Uganda, 1892-93. _War Service_--Egyptian Ex., 1884
(Despatches; medal with clasp; bronze star); Soudan Ex., 1884-85
(Despatches; 2 clasps; Brev. of Lieut.-Col.); Soudan, 1888 (Despatches;
clasp; 3rd class Medjidie); S. African War, 1899-1900; Attached to
Headquarters Staff.
=Ricardo.=--Lieut.-Col. P. R. Ricardo. Col. Ricardo commanded with
distinction the 1st Contingent Queensland Mounted Infantry.
=Rice.=--Maj. D. R. Rice, R.E. Entered 1877; Maj., 1896. _Staff
Service_--Adjt. Sch. of Mil. Eng., 1892-95. _War Service_--S. African
War, 1899-1900. This officer, commanding R.E. in Ladysmith, was
"indefatigable in his exertions both day and night."
=Richardson.=--Col. W. D. Richardson, C.B., A.S.C. Col., 1897. _Staff
Service_--D.A.A.G., Aldershot, 1883-87; Egypt, 1889-96; Dublin, 1894-97;
A.A.G., W. Dist.; D.A.G. for Supplies, S. Africa, 1899. _War
Service_--Ashanti War, 1873-74 (medal); S. African War, 1877-78-79
(Despatches; medal with clasp; promoted Dep. Commissary); Egyptian Ex.,
1882 (medal; bronze star); Bechuanaland Ex., 1884-85 (hon. mentioned;
hon. and rel. rank, Lieut.-Col.); S. African War, 1899-1900; on Staff.
This remarkable officer, whose labours have been as the labours of
Hercules, and to whom much of the success of Lord Roberts's great marches
has been due, was born in 1854. He married the daughter of the Rev. J.
Ewing.
=Ridley.=--Brig.-Gen. C. P. Ridley. Entered 1873; Brev. Col., 1899.
_Staff Service_--Station Comdt., S. Africa, 1899; A.A.G. (Assist.
Insp.-Gen. L. of C.), S. Africa, 1899-1900; Brig. Gen. Mounted Inf.
Brig., S. Africa, Feb. 1900. _War Service_--Egyptian Ex., 1882 (medal;
bronze star); Miranzai Ex., 1891 (medal with clasp); S. African War,
1899-1900; on Staff.
=Rimington.=--Lieut.-Col. M. F. Rimington, Rimington's Horse. Entered,
6th Dragoons, 1881; Col., Sept. 1900. _Staff Service_--Staff Capt.
Remount Establishment, 1897-99; Spec. Serv., S. Africa, 1899. _War
Service_--Op. in Zululand, 1888; S. African War, 1899-1900 (Despatches,
May 1900).
=Rivett-Carnac.=--Lieut.-Col. P. T. Rivett-Carnac, West Riding Regiment.
Entered 1873; Brev. Lieut.-Col., 1898. _Staff Service_--Employed with
Army Pay Dept., 1884-89; Spec. Extra Regt. Employ., 1896-98; Station
Comdt., S. Africa, 1899. _War Service_--Egyptian Ex., 1884 (medal; bronze
star); Op. in S. Africa, 1896-97 (Despatches; Brev. of Lieut.-Col.; medal
with clasp); S. African War, 1899-1900; on Staff.
=Roberts of Kandahar and Waterford.=--Rt. Hon. Frederick Sleigh, Lord
Roberts, K.P., G.C.B., G.C.S.I., G.C.I.E. Entered 1851; Field-Marshal,
25th May 1895. _Staff Service_--D.A.Q.M.G., Indian Mutiny, 1857-58;
D.A.Q.M.G. in charge of the Viceroy's Camp, 1859-60; D.A.Q.M.G., Army
Headquarters, India, 1860-65; A.Q.M.G., Bengal, 1866-67; A.Q.M.G. 2nd
Div., Abyssinian Ex., 1867-68; A.Q.M.G. Army Headquarters, India,
1869-71; A.Q.M.G. Looshai Ex., India, 1871-72; D.Q.M.G., Bengal, 1872-75;
Q.M.G., Bengal, 1875-78; Maj.-Gen. Afghan Campaign, 1878-79; Lieut.-Gen.
(local) Afghan Campaign, 1879-80; Lieut.-Gen. Madras, 1881-85;
Com.-in-Chief E. Indies, 1885-93; Gen. Commanding the Forces, Ireland,
1895-99; Field-Marshal Commanding-in-Chief the Forces, S. Africa, 1899.
_War Service_--Indian Mutiny, 1857-58 (Despatches, 15th Dec. 1857; 16th
Jan., 29th Jan., 22nd Feb., 25th May, 31st May, and 8th June, 1858;
received the thanks of the Gov.-Gen. of India; medal with 3 clasps; Brev.
of Maj.; #V.C.#); N.W. Frontier of India Ex., 1863 (medal with clasp);
Abyssinian Ex., 1868 (Despatches; 30th June, 3rd July, 10th July 1868;
medal; Brev. of Lieut.-Col.); Looshai Ex., 1871-72 (Despatches); Afghan
War, 1878-79-80 (Despatches, 4th Feb., 21st Feb., 21st March, 13th May,
and 7th Nov., 1879; 16th Jan., 4th May, and 3rd Dec., 1880; received
thanks of both Houses of Parliament, 4th Aug. 1879 and 5th May 1881, and
created a Baronet; thanked by Government of India and Gov.-Gen. in
Council; medal with 4 clasps; bronze star; K.C.B., G.C.B.); Burmese Ex.,
1886 (thanked by Government of India; Despatches; clasp); S. African War,
1899-1900; Field-Marshal Commanding-in-Chief the Forces in S. Africa.
This wonderful officer, "the idol of the army and of the nation, and the
greatest commander of modern times," was born in 1832. He is the son of
Gen. Sir Abraham Roberts, G.C.B., and the daughter of Maj. Bunbury of
Kilfeacle, co. Tipperary. He married in 1859 the daughter of Capt. Bews,
73rd Foot. He was created a Baron in 1892, in connection with his famous
services in Afghanistan. Owing to the popularity of his famous work,
"Forty-One Years in India," the facts of his marvellous career are well
known, but the book being the output of the most modest of men, it fails
to do justice to the personal qualities which have made this great leader
so deservedly celebrated and beloved. A few lines from Mr. Maclaren
Cobban's "Life and Deeds of Earl Roberts" express so ably the view of the
multitude that it is a temptation to quote them. "His successes as a
general have not been merely warlike--could not be merely warlike; for he
has an understanding and an imagination which compel him to look 'before
and after'--to note how the necessity for war has arisen, and to consider
how war may promote a more secure and perfect peace. He has exhibited the
mind of a statesman and an administrator, as well as of a soldier; and in
the highest sense he has ever been an 'Empire-builder'; for he has not
only made strong the borders of her Majesty's dominions in India and S.
Africa, but he has also consistently maintained and strengthened the
ancient and inalienable British reputation for justice and truth,
kindness and mercy--the intangible bonds, light as air but tougher than
steel, which bind our widespread Empire together.... And so we come to
the fascination of his personality. The Commander-in-Chief is a great
soldier, but he is a greater man. It is in his character as a man rather
than as a soldier that he has won the unrestrained affections even of the
army. Since the 'little corporal,' no great commander has held so
entirely the confidence and devotion of all sorts and conditions of
soldiers; but, while Napoleon imposed himself upon his embattled hosts as
a kind of demigod, he who is most widely known as 'little Bobs' has
impressed his soldiers as a man of men, as the best, the most
sympathetic, the cleverest and dearest of comrades. His regard for the
soldier is so well known, that such a saying would be incredible of him
as that which is recorded of the Duke of Wellington, who described the
men who won his battles as 'the greatest scoundrels in Europe.' It is,
indeed, one of the rarities of history to find a successful leader of
armies distinguished by such sweetness and such gentleness of temper,
such kindness and such tact of conduct and of speech. These qualities are
commonly regarded as marking the ideal character of a domestic person,
of a man of peace, and in bringing them into complete accord with the
triumphant practice of war he who has been so widely known as Lord
Roberts shows himself our 'own ideal knight.'"
=Roberts.=--Hon. F. H. S. Roberts, Lieut. King's Royal Rifles. _See_ vol.
ii. p. 193; also V.C. list.
[Illustration: LIEUTENANT ROBERTS, V.C.
Killed at Colenso
_Photo by Chancellor & Son, Dublin_]
=Robertson.=--Maj. W. R. Robertson, D.S.O. In ranks over ten years;
Lieut., 3rd Dragoon Guards, 1888; Maj., March 1900. _Staff
Service_--Staff Lieut. Intell. Br. Q.M.G. Dept., India, 1892-95; Staff
Capt. Q.M.G. Dept., India, 1895-96; Staff Capt. Intell. Dept.
Headquarters of Army, 1899; D.A.A.G. Headquarters of Army, 1899-1900;
D.A.A.G., S. Africa, Feb. 1900. _War Service_--Op. in Chitral, 1895
(Despatches; medal with clasp; D.S.O.); S. African War, 1899-1900; on
Staff.
=Robin.=--Maj. A. W. Robin distinguished himself in command of the 1st
New Zealand Contingent.
=Roche.=--Lieut.-Col. Hon. U. de R. B. Roche, S. Wales Borderers. Entered
1876; Lieut.-Col., 1899. _Staff Service_--D.A.A.G., Bengal, 1890-95. _War
Service_--S. African War, 1877-78 (medal with clasp); Burmese Ex.,
1886-89 (medal with 2 clasps); S. African War, 1899-1900.
=Romilly.=--Maj. F. W. Romilly, D.S.O. Entered 1873; Brev.-Maj. Scots
Guards, 1894. _Staff Service_--A.D.C. to Lieut.-Gen., Egypt, 1883-84, and
1885-87; D.A.A.G., Malta, 1890-93; Mil. Sec. to Gov. Madras, 1896-98.
_War Service_--Egyptian Ex., 1882-84 (medal with clasp; bronze star;
Despatches; 2 clasps); Soudan Ex., 1884-85 (2 clasps); Soudan, 1885-86
(Despatches; D.S.O.) S. African War, 1899-1900; wounded.
=Ross.=--Maj. W. C. Ross, Durham Light Infantry. Entered 1877;
Lieut.-Col., S. Africa, Feb. 1900. _Staff Service_--Insp. and Adjt. Gt.
Indian Penin. Rly. V.C., 1890-95; A.M.S. and A.D.C. to Lieut.-Gov.,
Punjab, 1898-1900. _War Service_--Afghan War, 1879-80 (medal); S. African
War, 1899-1900; Commanded 8th Corps Mounted Infantry till severely
wounded.
=Rowell.=--Lieut.-Col. J. Rowell. This officer commanded the 4th
Contingent South Australian Bushmen.
=Roxburghe= (8th Duke).--H. John Innes-Ker, Lieut. Royal Horse Guards.
This young nobleman, born in 1876, son of 7th Duke of Roxburghe and the
daughter of the 7th Duke of Marlborough, was originally in the 4th Batt.
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. He has now been serving in the
Household Cavalry Composite Regiment.
=Royston.=--Col. W. Royston. Commanding Natal Volunteer Force. _See_ vol.
iv. p. 134. This officer and his force reflected "the highest credit on
the Colony of Natal."
=Rundle.=--Lieut.-Gen. Sir H. M. Leslie Rundle, K.C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O.
Entered R.A. 1876; Brev. Col., 1894. _Staff Service_--Employed with
Egyptian Army, 1883-98; Maj.-Gen. E. Dist., 1898-99; D.A.G. Headquarters
of Army, 1899-1900; Lieut.-Gen. Commanding Div., Aldershot, Jan. 1900,
March 1900; Lieut.-Gen. Inf. Div., S. Africa, March 1900. _War
Service_--S. African War, 1879-81 (Despatches; medal with clasp; wounded
in defence of Potchefstroom; Despatches); Egyptian Ex. (medal with clasp;
bronze star); Soudan Ex., 1884-85 (Despatches; clasp; Brev. of Maj.);
Soudan, 1885-86-87-89-91 (Despatches; D.S.O.; 3rd class Osmanieh); Action
of Toski (Despatches; clasp; Brev. of Lieut.-Col.); Capture of Tokai
(clasp to bronze star); Ex. to Dongola, 1896 (Despatches; promoted to
Maj.-Gen.; Egyptian medal with 2 clasps); Nile Ex., 1897 (Despatches;
clasp to Egyptian medal); Nile Ex., 1898 (Despatches, May and Sept. 1898;
K.C.B.; thanked by both Houses of Parliament; clasp to Egyptian medal;
medal); S. African War, 1899-1900; on Staff.
=Samut.=--Lieut.-Col. A. Samut, Army Ord. Dept. Entered 1878;
Lieut.-Col., 1900. _Staff Service_--Dep.-Assist. Com. Gen. Ord. Store
Dept., 1885-94-95; Assist. Com. Gen. Ord. Store Dept., 1895-96; Ord.
Off., 3rd class, 1896-1900; Ord. Off., 2nd class, 1900. _War Service_--S.
African War, 1899-1900.
=Sandbach.=--Lieut.-Col. A. E. Sandbach, R.E. Entered 1879; Brev.
Lieut.-Col., 1898. _Staff Service_--A.D.C. to Maj.-Gen., Bengal, 1890-92;
employed with Egyptian Army, 1897-98; Mil. Sec. to Viceroy, India, 1899;
Spec. Serv., S. Africa, 1899; A.A.G., S. Africa, Dec. 1899. _War
Service_--Egyptian Ex., 1882 (medal with clasp; bronze star); Soudan Ex.,
1885 (clasp); Burmese Ex., 1886-87 (medal with clasp); Sikkim Ex., 1888
(clasp); Hazara Ex., 1891 (Despatches; clasp); Nile Ex., 1898
(Despatches; Brev. of Lieut.-Col.; Egyptian medal with clasp; medal); S.
African War, 1899-1900; Spec. Serv.; on Staff.
=Sandwith.=--Lieut.-Col. R. L. Sandwith, Leicestershire Regt. Entered
1880; Lieut.-Col., S. Africa, March 1900. _War Service_--S. African War,
1899-1900; on Staff.
=Sauer.=--Hon. J. W. Sauer. Son of a Free State Landdrost; was five times
Member for Aliwal North, Cape House of Assembly; was Secretary for Native
Affairs in Scanlen Ministry, 1881-84; Colonial Secretary in the Rhodes
Ministry, 1890. He was one of "the three" who broke it up in 1893. He
calls himself a philosophic radical, and is sufficiently consistent to
have declined a knighthood.
=Schermbrucker.=--Hon. Frederick Schermbrucker, Senior Member King
William's Town, Cape House of Assembly. Son of the Hon. Christopher
Schermbrucker; was born at Frankfurt-on-the-Maine; entered ranks of
Bavarian Army as a private, with the privileges of a gentleman cadet, and
fought among the Royalists during the disturbances in 1850-52, and gained
his commission. Since this time, he settled at King William's Town as
German interpreter to the Resident Magistrate; subsequently, after many
adventures, became editor of _Bloemfontein Express_, and, according to
the Cape "Parliamentary Companion," he left Bloemfontein in a hurry, and
was burned in effigy; he returned to King William's Town; volunteered for
service in the Frontier War; appointed Commandant of the Amatola
division; volunteered for service against the Zulus; commanded at
Luneberg; was present at the battles of Zlobane and Kambula;
distinguished himself on the Pemvani River; in 1880 accompanied Mr.
Sprigg to Basutoland to raise a police force; retired with that Sprigg
Government; elected Member Legislative Council for the Eastern Province,
1882; re-elected 1884; became Commissioner Crown Lands and Public Works,
Upington Ministry, 1884; successfully contested King William's Town
general election, 1888. He succeeded in raising several companies of
German Colonists to go to the front in 1901.
=Schleswig-Holstein.=--Maj. H. H. Prince Christian Victor of
Schleswig-Holstein. _See_ vol. vi. p. 123.
=Schofield.=--Maj. H. N. Schofield, R.A. Entered 1884; Maj., Feb. 1900.
_Staff Service_--A.D.C. to G.O.C., Aldershot, 1898-99; A.D.C. to Gen.
Com.-in-Chief, S. Africa, 1899-1900; A.D.C. to G.O.C., Natal, Jan. 1900.
_War Service_--S. Africa, 1899-1900; Colenso. This distinguished officer,
who saved two guns at Colenso and by his gallantry should have earned a
#V.C.#, was only debarred from receiving the coveted honour owing to the
fact that being a gunner officer his actions were done in pursuance of
his duty. It is a distinction without a difference which many have failed
to see, in view of the decoration having been given to other artillery
officers while also in pursuance of their duty.
=Schreiner.=--Hon. W. P. Schreiner, Q.C., C.M.G., Premier of Cape
Parliament, 1898. Mr. Schreiner, son of a Lutheran missionary and an
English lady, was born in 1859. He is the brother of Miss Olive Schreiner
(Mrs. Cronwright) the authoress whose anti-British proclivities are well
known. Mr. Schreiner was educated in England, was called to the Bar at
the Inner Temple in 1882, and on his return to the Cape engaged in
politics and became Mr. Rhodes' Attorney-General. In 1898 he became
Premier, but his sympathies were not with the British, and his attitude
caused him to be described as "the pro-Boer Premier of an Africander
Government." He was married to the sister of Mr. Reitz, formerly
President of the Orange Free State.
=Scott.=--Capt. P. M. Scott, C.B., Royal Navy, H.M.S. _Terrible_. This
notable officer and clever inventor of the now celebrated gun-carriages
(_see_ vol. ii. p. 53) has seen a considerable amount of service. He took
part in the Ashanti War, the Congo Expedition, and the Egyptian War. He
has been twice mentioned in despatches, and, in addition to his British
medals, has the Khedive's star. He was promoted from the 4th to the 3rd
class Medjidie in 1890.
=Scott.=--Maj. R. G. Scott. This officer rendered valuable service with
the Kimberley Light Horse.
=Scott= (6th Bart.).--Sir Samuel E. Scott, M.P. Imperial Yeomanry.
=Scott.=--Lieut.-Col. W. A. Scott, 2nd Batt. Gordon Highlanders. Entered
1874; Lieut.-Col., 1899. _Staff Service_--Adjt. Volunteers, 1891-96;
Comdt. Sch. of Inst. for Mil. and Vols., Aldershot, 1897. _War
Service._--S. African War; Ladysmith.
=Scott-Chisholme.=--Col. J. J. Scott-Chisholme, Imperial Light Horse.
_See_ vol. ii. p. 27.
=Selheim.=--Maj. V. C. M. Selheim rendered valuable service with the
Queensland Mounted Infantry.
=Settle.=--Brig.-Gen. H. H. Settle, R.E., C.B., D.S.O. Entered 1867;
Col., 1899. _Staff Service_--D.A.A. and Q.M.G., Egypt, 1885; Employed
with Egyptian Army, 1886-92; Insp.-Gen. of Egyptian Police, 1892-94;
Assist. Insp.-Gen. of Fortifications, Headquarters of Army, 1895-99; Col.
on Staff (Commanding R.E.), Malta, 1899; Col. on Staff, S. Africa, 1899;
Col. on Staff (Insp.-Gen. Lines of Communication), S. Africa, 1899. _War
Service._--Soudan Ex., 1884-85 (Despatches; medal with clasp; bronze
star; Brev. of Maj.); Soudan, 1888-99 (Despatches; clasp; Brev. of
Lieut.-Col.); Action of Toski (Despatches; clasp; 2nd class Medjidie);
Capture of Tokar, 1891 (clasp to bronze star); S. African War, 1899-1900;
on Staff.
=Settrington= (Lord).--Charles H. Gordon-Lennox, Second Lieut. Life
Guards; Extra A.D.C. to Lord Roberts. This officer is eldest son of the
Earl of March, who is heir to the 6th Duke of Richmond.
=Sharpe.=--Lieut.-Col. J. B. Sharpe, R.E. Entered 1872; Lieut.-Col.,
1899. _Staff Service_--D.A.A.G. for Inst., Curragh Brig., 1886-91. _War
Service_--Afghan War, 1878-80 (Despatches; medal); S. African War,
1899-1900; with Kimberley Relief Force; Belmont; Enslin; Modder River;
and Majesfontein.
=Sim.=--Lieut.-Col. G. H. Sim, R.E. Entered 1872; Lieut.-Col., 1899.
_Staff Service_--Inst. Sch. of Mil. Eng., 1893-98. _War Service_--Afghan
War, 1878-80 (medal); Soudan Ex., 1885 (medal with clasp; bronze star);
S. African War, 1899-1900; with Ladysmith Relief Force; Spion Kop.
=Sitwell.=--Col. C. G. H. Sitwell, D.S.O., 2nd Batt. Royal Dublin
Fusiliers. For career _see_ vol. iv. p. 141.
=Sitwell.=--Col. W. H. Sitwell. Entered 1880; Brev. Lieut.-Col., 1898.
_Staff Service_--Employed with Bechuanaland Border Police, 1891-93;
D.A.A.G., Guernsey, 1895-97; Spec. Serv., Ashanti, 1895-96; Employed with
Egyptian Army, 1897-99. _War Service_--Afghan War, 1880 (medal); Ashanti
Ex., 1895-96 (star); Nile Ex., 1897; Nile Ex., 1898, wounded (Despatches;
Brev. of Lieut.-Col.; Egyptian medal with 2 clasps; medal); S. African
War, 1899-1900.
=Smith-Dorrien.=--Brig.-Gen. H. L. Smith-Dorrien, D.S.O. Entered 1876;
Brev. Col., 1898. _Staff Service_--Spec. Serv., Cape of Good Hope,
1878-79; employed with Egyptian Army, 1884-87; Station Staff Off., 1st
class, Bengal, 1892-93; D.A.A.G., Bengal, 1893-94; A.A.G., Bengal and
Punjab, 1894-96; Maj.-Gen., Inf. Brig., S. Africa, Feb. 1900. _War
Service_--S. African War, 1879 (Despatches; medal with clasp); Egyptian
Ex., 1882 (medal; bronze star); Soudan Ex., 1885 (clasp); Soudan, 1885-86
(Despatches; D.S.O.); Op. on N.W. Frontier of India, 1897-98 (Despatches;
Brev. of Lieut.-Col.; medal with 2 clasps); Nile Ex., 1878 (Despatches;
Brev. of Col.; medal); S. African War, 1899-1900; on Staff.
=Sondes= (2nd Earl).--George E. Milles, D.L., J.P., Imperial Yeomanry.
Lord Sondes, who is one of the gallant many who hastened to volunteer for
the front, was born in 1861. He is the son of the 1st Earl and the
daughter of Sir Henry Stracey, Bart.
=Southey.=--Lieut.-Col. R. G. Southey. This energetic officer, formerly
in H.M. Foot, has been commanding Colonial Volunteers, and is now Acting
Staff Officer for Colonial Forces in S. Africa.
=Spence.=--Col. W. A. Spence, Commanding Duke of Edinburgh's Own
Volunteer Rifles. A "most gallant and efficient commanding officer."
Killed in action at Faber's Spruit. _See_ vol. v. p. 169.
=Spens.=--Lieut.-Col. J. Spens, 2nd Batt. King's Shropshire Light
Infantry. Entered 1872; Lieut.-Col., 1898. _Staff Service_--Insp. R. Mil.
Coll., 1886-98. _War Service_--Afghan War, 1879-80 (medal); S. African
War, 1899-1900 (Despatches).
=Spragge.=--Maj. B. E. Spragge, D.S.O., Col. Imperial Yeomanry. This
officer, though he retired as a Major in 1894, has seen a considerable
amount of service. In the Jowaki Ex. (medal with clasps); in the first
Afghan War; the second Afghan War (Despatches; medal with clasp); as
D.A.A.G. in the Burmah War (Despatches twice; medal with 2 clasps;
Brev.-Maj.; D.S.O.), he has done notable military work.
=Spreckley.=--Col. Spreckley, Rhodesian Regt. For career, _see_ vol. vi.
p. 80.
=Sprenger.=--Maj. C. F. Sprenger. This gallant officer of the Cape
Mounted Rifles lost his life during the Siege of Wepener. _See_ vol. v.
p. 67.
=Sprigg.=--Rt. Hon. Sir J. G. Sprigg, K.C.M.G. This well-known politician
has spent most of his life at the Cape, where he settled in 1858 at the
age of twenty-eight. He has filled a series of posts from 1878 to 1898.
As Prime Minister and Colonial Secretary, 1878-81; as Treasurer, 1884-86;
as Prime Minister and Treasurer, 1886-90; Treasurer, 1893-96; Prime
Minister and Treasurer, 1896-98, he has laboured zealously in the
interests of the Cape Colony.
=Stanford.=--Lieut.-Col. W. E. M. Stanford, C.M.G. This officer commanded
the East Griqualand Mounted Rifle Volunteers, and rendered valuable
service.
=Stanley= (Lord).--Edward George Villiers Stanley, M.P. Lord Stanley, who
was formerly in the Grenadier Guards, and has acted as Press Censor and
Priv. Sec. to Lord Roberts. He was born in 1865, and is the son of the
16th Earl of Derby and the daughter of the late Earl of Clarendon. He
married in 1889 the daughter of the 7th Duke of Manchester.
=St. Clair.=--Col. J. L. C. St. Clair. Entered 1871; Col., 1899. _Staff
Service_--A.D.C. to Maj.-Gen. Ex. Force, Egypt, 1882-83; Brig.-Maj.,
Aldershot, 1884-87; D.A.A.G., W. Dist., 1887-89; Guernsey, 1892-95; Dep.
Judge Adv., London, 1896-99; Dep. Judge Adv., S. Africa, 1899-1900; Dep.
Judge Adv.-Gen., S. Africa, Feb. 1900.
[Illustration: LIEUTENANT-GENERAL TUCKER, C.B.
Photo, Raja Deen Dajal & Sons, Bombay]
=Steele.=--Lieut.-Col. S. B. Steele, Strathcona's Horse. This gallant
officer of the N.W. Mounted Police is a native Canadian, born at Ontario,
but his father was a Capt. in the Royal Navy. In 1866 he entered the 35th
Batt. "Simcoe Foresters." He served in the Red River Ex. under Lord
Wolseley, and on the formation of the N.W. Mounted Police in 1873 he
joined as Troop Serg.-Maj. He was promoted in 1885 for his share in the
pursuit of Big Bear's band in the Rebellion, and was mentioned in
despatches. His courage, intrepidity, and keen sense of duty have won him
the esteem of all with whom he has served.
=Stephenson.=--Col. T. E. Stephenson, Essex Regiment. Commanded 18th
Brigade. Entered 1874; Brev.-Col., 1899. _Staff Service_--D.A.A.G. for
Inst., Gibraltar, 1883-86; N. Dist., 1886-89; N.E. Dist., 1889-90. _War
Service_--S. African War, 1899-1900; on Staff (Despatches, May 1900).
=Stevenson.=--Lieut. A. G. Stevenson, R.E., D.S.O. Entered 1891. _Staff
Service_--Employed with Egyptian Army, 1895-99; Railway Staff Off., S.
Africa, Jan. 1900. _War Service_--Ex. to Dongola 1896 (Despatches; 4th
class Medjidie); Nile Ex., 1897 (clasp; clasp to Egyptian medal); Nile
Ex., 1898 (Despatches; D.S.O.; clasp to Egyptian medal; medal); S.
African War, 1899-1900; on Staff.
=Stevenson.=--Col. R. Stevenson. Entered 1864; Col., 1899. _Staff
Service_--Adjt. Aux. Forces, 1879-82; Recg. Staff Off., 1st class, Leeds
Recg. Dist., 1892-97; Assist.-Insp. of Remounts, 1899; Remount Dept., S.
Africa, Oct. 1899. _War Service_--S. African War, 1899-1900; on Staff.
=Steyn.=--M. T. Steyn, President of the Orange Free State till 1900.
Advocate, 1883-89; State Attorney, 1889-93; Second Puisne Judge, 1889-93;
First, 1893-96. Mr. Steyn, born at Winburg in 1857, is the son of Mr. M.
Steyn and the daughter of Comdt. Wessels. In 1897 a Joint-Federal Council
was appointed (consisting of five members from each Republic) to discuss
questions of mutual importance, and it was then arranged that the
franchise should be granted indiscriminately to burghers of both States,
both States agreeing to stand by each other in the event of war. As a
result of this agreement Mr. Steyn played a prominent part in the
Conference at Bloemfontein in 1899. He married a lady of Scottish
descent, the daughter of the Rev. Colin Fraser. Like "Oom Paul" he stands
six feet high in his stockings, but unlike him, is well educated and
civilised in his customs, having inherited from his father (who was
called "Shiny Shoes" on account of his neatness) habits of greater
cleanliness and refinement than those of Mr. Kruger.
=Stokes.=--Sir William Stokes. This eminent surgeon devoted himself to
the wounded, and by his skill saved many lives and mitigated much
suffering.
=Stoneman.=--Lieut.-Col. J. Stoneman, A.S.C.; Lieut.-Col., 1894; D.A.A.G.
Ladysmith, 1899. _War Service_--Egyptian Ex., 1882 (medal; bronze star);
S. African War, 1899-1900; D.A.A.G. Lines of Communication.
=Stopford.=--Col. Hon. Frederick W. Stopford, C.B. Entered Grenadier
Guards 1871; Col., 1897. _Staff Service_--A.D.C. to Chief of Staff Ex.
Force, Egypt, 1882; A.D.C. to. Brig.-Gen., Egypt, 1884-85; A.D.C. to
Maj.-Gen. Ex. Force, Suakin, 1885; Brig.-Maj. Guards Brigade, Egypt and
Cyprus, 1885; Brig.-Maj., Aldershot, 1886-89; D.A.A.G., Headquarters of
Army, 1892-94; D.A.A.G., Aldershot, 1894-97; Spec. Serv., Ashanti,
1895-96; A.A.G., Headquarters of Army, 1897-99; Mil. Sec. to Gen.
Com.-in-Chief, 1899-1900; S. Africa Mil. Sec. to G.O.C., Natal, Jan.
1900. _War Service_--Egyptian Ex., 1882 (Despatches; medal with clasp;
bronze star; 5th class Medjidie); Soudan Ex., 1884-85 (Despatches; clasp;
Brev. of Maj.); Ashanti Ex., 1895-96 (hon. mentioned; Brev. of Col.;
star); S. African War, 1899-1900; on Staff. Col. Stopford, born 1854, is
the son of the 4th Earl of Courtown.
=Streatfield.=--Maj. H. Streatfield. Entered 1876; Maj., Grenadier
Guards, 1893. _Staff Service_--A.D.C. to Gov. Gen., Canada, 1883-85; Mil.
Sec. to Gov. Gen., Canada, 1886-88; A.D.C. to Viceroy, India, 1888-91;
A.D.C. to Lieut.-Gov. and Gen.-Gov., Ireland, 1892-94; Assist. Mil. Sec.
to G.O.C. the Forces, Ireland, 1895-99; A.D.C. to Lieut.-Gen. Inf. Div.,
S. Africa, 1899. _War Service_--S. African War, 1899-1900; on Staff; with
Kimberley Relief Force (Despatches; Jan. 1900).
=Stuart= (7th Bart.).--Sir Simeon H. L. Stuart, Capt. Suffolk Yeomanry
Cavalry; Commanding Imperial Yeomanry. Sir Simeon Stuart was formerly in
the 5th Dragoon Guards. He was born in 1864, and married in 1891 the
daughter of Mr. H. Gudge, Sec. to the Austrian Legation.
=Symons.=--Sir William Penn Symons, K.C.B. _See_ vol. ii. p. 35.
=Talbot.=--Lieut.-Col. Lord Edmund Bernard Talbot, M.P. Entered, 11th
Hussars, 1875; Lieut.-Col., Sept. 1900. _Staff Service_--Spec. Service,
S. Africa, 1899-1900; D.A.A.G., S. Africa, Feb. 1900. Lord Edmund Talbot,
born in 1855, is the brother of the Duke of Norfolk. He married in 1879
the daughter of the 7th Earl of Abingdon.
=Teck= (Duke of).--H.S.H. Adolphus C. A. Albert Edward George Philip
Louis Ladislaus of Teck, K.C.V.O.; Capt. 1st Life Guards. Entered 1888;
Capt., 1895. The Duke, born 1868, is the son of the late Duke and the
late H.R.H. Princess Mary of Cambridge, and the brother of the Duchess of
York. He married the daughter of the 1st Duke of Westminster.
=Teck.=--H.S.H. Prince Alexander A. F. W. A. G. of Teck, K.C.V.O., Capt.
7th Hussars. Entered 1894; Capt., April 1900. _War Service_--Op. in S.
Africa 1896-97 (Despatches); S. African War, 1899-1900.
=Teck.=--H.S.H. Prince Francis J. L. F. of Teck, K.C.V.O., D.S.O., Capt.
1st Dragoons. Entered, 9th Lancers, 1889. _Staff Service_--A.D.C. to
Maj.-Gen., India, 1896-97; Spec. Serv., Egypt, 1897; A.D.C. to G.O.C.,
S.E. Dist., 1899; Staff Capt. Remount Estab., 1899-1900; Remount Dept.,
S. Africa, May 1900. _War Service_--Nile Ex., 1897 (medal); Nile Ex.,
1898 (Despatches; D.S.O.; 2 clasps); S. African War, 1899-1900; on Staff.
=Thackeray.=--Col. T. M. G. Thackeray, 1st Batt. Royal Inniskilling
Fusiliers. For career _see_ vol. iv. p. 149.
=Theron.=--T. P. Theron, Member of Cape House of Assembly. A sheep
farmer, an ardent Bondsman, and "much envied by his fellow Africanders
for his townsman's aptitudes." He was born in 1839 at Tulbagh, elected
Member for Richmond in 1884, and re-elected in 1888.
=Thomas.=--Major A. H. Thomas, D.S.O., A.S.C. Entered 1880; Maj., 1895.
_War Service_--Op. in Sierra Leone, 1898 (Despatches; D.S.O.; medal with
clasp); S. African War, 1899-1900; on Staff.
=Thomas.=--Lieut.-Col. Sir G. V. Thomas, Bart., R.A. Entered 1875; Maj.,
R.A., 1892. _War Service_--Afghan War, 1878-9 (medal); Egyptian Ex.,
1882-84 (medal with clasp; bronze star); Soudan, 1884 (2 clasps; 4th
class Medjidie).
=Thorneycroft.=--Lieut.-Col. A. W. Thorneycroft. Entered from Militia,
1879; Maj., Royal Scots Fusiliers, 1899. _Staff Service_--D.A.A.G. Natal,
1899; Spec. Serv., S. Africa, Oct. 1899. _War Service_--S. African War,
1879-81 (medal with clasp); S. African War, 1899-1900. This officer, a
giant in every sense of the word, who raised and commanded Thorneycroft's
Mounted Infantry, has made himself noted for gallantry and ability. He is
the son of Colonel Thorneycroft of Tettenhall Towers; every inch a
soldier like his father; an enthusiastic sportsman, and distinguished in
social as in military accomplishments.
[Illustration: LIEUTENANT-COLONEL THORNEYCROFT
_Photo by Mayall & Co., London_]
=Thorold.=--Col. Thorold, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. For career _see_ vol.
iv. p. 150.
=Tickell.=--Maj. E. J. Tickell, D.S.O. Entered 1885; Maj., 14th Hussars,
1899. _Staff Service_--Employed in Uganda Protectorate, 1898-1900; Spec.
Serv., Rhodesian Field Force, Feb. 1900. _War Service_--Uganda, 1898
(Despatches; D.S.O.; medal with clasp); S. African War, 1899-1900.
=Todd.=--Lieut.-Col. O. Todd, M.B., R.A.M.C. Lieut.-Col., March 1900.
_War Service_--S. African War, 1899-1900.
=Townsend.=--Col. E. Townsend. Col. R.A.M.C., 1897. _War
Service_--Abyssinian Ex., 1867-68 (medal); Perak Ex., 1875-76, severely
wounded (medal with clasp); S. African War, 1879 (Despatches; medal with
clasp); Egyptian Ex., 1882 (medal with clasp; bronze star); Burmese Ex.,
1885-86 (medal with clasp); Ashanti Ex., 1895-96 (hon. mentioned; star);
N.W. Frontier of India, 1897-98 (Despatches; medal with clasp); Tirah,
1897-98 (Despatches; C.B.; clasp); S. African War, 1899-1900
(Despatches).
=Townshend.=--Lieut.-Col. C. V. F. Townshend, C.B., D.S.O. Entered 1881;
Brev. Lieut.-Col., 1896. _Staff Service_--Employed with Egyptian Army,
1896-98; Spec. Serv., S Africa; Staff Mil. Gov., Bloemfontein, March,
1900. _War Service_--Soudan Ex., 1884-85 (Despatches; medal with 2
clasps; bronze star); Hunza Nagar Ex., 1891-92 (Despatches; medal with
clasp); Op. in Chitral, 1895 (thanked by Govt. of India; Despatches;
Brev. of Maj.; C.B.); Ex. to Dongola, 1896 (Despatches; Brev. of
Lieut.-Col.); Nile Ex., 1898 (Despatches, May and Sept. 1898; D.S.O.); S.
African War; on Staff.
=Towse.=--Capt. E. B. Towse, #V.C.# Entered from Militia, Wiltshire
Regiment, 1885; Capt. Gordon Highlanders, 1896. _War Service_--Op. in
Chitral, 1895 (medal with clasp); Op. on N.W. Frontier of India, 1898 (2
clasps); S. African War, 1899-1900 (Despatches; #V.C.#; severely wounded).
_See_ V.C. list.
[Illustration: CAPTAIN TOWSE
_Photo by Winter, Derby_]
=Trench.=--Lieut.-Col. F. A. Le P. Trench, A.S.C. Lieut.-Col., Feb. 1895.
_Staff Service_--D.A.A.G. Scottish Dist., 1899. _War Service_--S. African
War, 1899-1900.
=Treves.=--Frederick Treves, F.R.C.S. Consulting Surgeon to the Forces in
S. Africa; Member of Court of Examiners of the Royal College of Surgeons;
Examiner in Surgery at the University of Cambridge and in Anatomy at the
Universities of Aberdeen and Durham. Mr. Treves was born in 1843, and
married in 1877 to the daughter of Mr. Mason of Dorchester. He has
written innumerable scientific works, and won the Jacksonian Prize Essay
at the Royal College of Surgeons in 1884. Officers and men are deeply
grateful for the skill and devotion he has expended on their behalf
during the present war.
=Trotter.=--Lieut.-Col. J. K. Trotter, C.M.G. Entered R.A. 1870; Col.,
1899. _Staff Service_--Spec. Serv., Bechuanaland, 1884-85; Brig.-Maj.
(Cork Dist.) R.A. and Malta, 1886-90; Staff Capt. (Intell.) Headquarters
of Army, 1890-91; D.A.A.G. (Intell.) Headquarters of Army, 1892-95;
employed on Sierra Leone Boundary Commission, 1895-96; A.A.G. S. Africa,
1899; D.A.G. S. Africa, Jan. 1900. _War Service_--Bechuanaland Ex.,
1884-85 (hon. mentioned); S. African War, 1899-1900; on Staff.
=Tucker.=--Lieut.-Gen. Charles Tucker, C.B. Entered 1855; Maj.-Gen.,
1893. _Staff Service_--Col. on Staff, Natal, 1891-93; Brig.-Gen., Natal,
1893-95; Maj.-Gen., India, 1895-99; Lieut.-Gen. Inf. Div., S. Africa,
1899. _War Service_--Bhootan Ex., 1865-66 (medal with clasp); S. African
War, 1878-79 (Despatches, April and Aug. 1879; medal with clasp; C.B.);
S. African War, 1899-1900; on Staff. Gen. Tucker, born in 1838, is a son
of Mr. Tucker of Ashburton and a daughter of Mr. Hayter,
Painter-in-Ordinary to Queen Victoria. As a practical, resourceful, and
rough-and-ready soldier, he has no equal. He was rewarded in 1896 for
"distinguished and meritorious" service with a "good-service" pension.
=Tullibardine.=--Capt. the Marquis of Tullibardine, D.S.O., Royal Horse
Guards. Entered 1892; Capt., 1899. _Staff Service_--Specially employed
with Egyptian Army, 1898. _War Service_--Nile Ex., 1898 (Despatches, May
and Sept. 1898; D.S.O.; Egyptian medal with 2 clasps); S. African War,
1899-1900.
=Tunbridge.=--Maj. W. H. Tunbridge rendered valuable service with the 3rd
Contingent Queensland Mounted Infantry.
=Umphelby.=--Lieut.-Col. C. E. E. Umphelby. For career _see_ vol. iv. p.
104.
=Valentia= (11th Viscount).--Arthur Annesley, M.P. Lieut.-Col. Oxford
Yeomanry Cavalry; Assist. Adjt. Gen. Imp. Yeomanry. Lord Valentia, born
in 1843, succeeded his grandfather in 1863. He retired from the 10th
Hussars in 1872, and in 1878 married the widow of Sir Algernon Peyton.
=Vandeleur.=--Maj. C. F. Seymour Vandeleur, D.S.O. Entered 1889; Brev.
Maj., 1899. _Staff Service_--Employed in Uganda Protectorate, 1894-96;
Spec. Extra Regt. Employ, 1896-97; employed with Egyptian Army, 1897-99;
Spec. Serv., S. Africa, 1899. _War Service_--Unyoro Ex., 1895
(Despatches; medal); Nandi Ex., 1895-96 (Despatches; D.S.O.); Op. on the
Niger, 1897 (Despatches; Brev. of Maj.; medal with clasp); Nile Ex.,
1898, wounded (Despatches; 4th class Medjidie; 2 clasps to Egyptian
medal); S. African War 1899-1900.
=Verner.=--Lieut.-Col. W. Willoughby Cole Verner. Entered 1873;
Lieut.-Col., 1896. _Staff Service_--A.D.C. to Maj.-Gen., Gibraltar,
1877-78; D.A.A. and Q.M.G., Egypt, 1885; D.A.A.G. for Inst. S.E. Dist.,
1885-92; Prof. R. Mil. Coll., 1896-99; D.A.A.G. (Topog.); S. Africa,
1899. _War Service_--Soudan Ex., 1884-85 (Despatches; medal with 2
clasps; bronze star); S. African War, 1899-1900.
=Vernon.=--Capt. H. E. Vernon, D.S.O. Entered 1888; Capt. Rifle Brig.,
1897. _Staff Service_--A.D.C. to Maj.-Gen., Inf. Brig., Natal, 1899. _War
Service_--Op. in S. Africa, 1896 (Despatches; D.S.O.); S. African War,
1899-1900; on Staff.
=Vialls.=--Maj. H. G. Vialls. A notable member of the West Australian
Bushman's Corps.
=Vincent.=--Sir Charles E. Howard Vincent, K.T., K.C.M.G., C.B., M.P.,
Lieut.-Col. 13th Middlesex V.R.C. Sir Charles Howard Vincent who, in
spite of his numerous duties, so patriotically hurried to the front with
the rest of the gallant volunteers, has always kept in touch with
military affairs. He was born in 1849, and spent the years from 1868 to
1873 in the Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Later, he joined the Berks Militia,
and afterwards became Lieut.-Colonel of the Central London Rangers. He
has filled with distinction many important posts. He was Director of
Criminal Investigations, Metropolitan Police, 1878-84; Member of
Metropolitan Board of Works, 1888; Founder of United Empire Trade League,
1891; Chairman of National Union Conservative Associations, 1895; Member
of London County Council, 1889-96. He has been M.P. for Central Sheffield
since 1885.
=Waldron.=--Lieut.-Col. F. Waldron, R.A. Entered 1873; Lieut.-Col., 1899.
_Staff Service_--D.A.A.G., Canada, 1890-95. _War Service_--S. African
War, 1899-1900.
=Walford.=--Col. Walford. This officer rendered meritorious service with
the British S. Africa Police.
=Wallack.=--Col. T. E. Wallack. This officer rendered splendid service
with the Tasmanian Corps of Imperial Bushmen.
=Wallnutt.=--Maj. Claude C. M. Wallnutt, D.S.O. This gallant officer
entered the army in 1881, and became a Major in 1898. He had
distinguished himself in the Soudan, in the Chitral Relief Force, and on
the N.W. Frontier of India, including Dargai and the Operations in the
Maidan. He was killed in the Boer attack on Waggon Hill, Ladysmith, on
the 6th of Jan.
=Ward.=--Col. E. W. D. Ward, C.B., A.A.G., Natal. _Staff
Service_--D.A.A.G., Headquarters, Ireland, 1892-95; D.A.A.G., Home Dist.;
Spec. Serv., Ashanti, 1895-96; A.A.G., Natal, 1899. _War Service_--Soudan
Ex., 1885 (Despatches; medal with 2 clasps; bronze star; promoted Assist.
Comdt.-Gen.); Ashanti Ex., 1895-96 (hon. mentioned; star); S. African
War, 1899-1900; on Staff. This remarkable officer, born in 1853, who was
one of the prime actors in the gallant defence of Ladysmith, is the son
of the late Capt. J. Ward, R.N.
=Warren.=--Lieut.-Gen. Sir Charles Warren, R.E., G.C.M.G., K.C.B. Entered
1857; Lieut.-Gen., 1897. _Staff Service_--Inst. in Surveying School of
Mil. Eng., 1880-84; Maj.-Gen. (local), S. Africa, 1884-85; Maj.-Gen.
(local), Egypt, 1886; Col. on Staff, Straits Settlements, 1889-93;
Brig.-Gen., Straits Settlements, 1893-94; Maj.-Gen., Thames Dist.,
1895-98; Lieut.-Gen., Inf. Div., S. Africa, 1899-1900. _War Service_--S.
African War, 1877-79 (Despatches; medal with clasp; Brev. of
Lieut.-Col.); Egyptian Ex., 1882 (medal; bronze star; K.C.M.G.; 3rd class
Medjidie); Bechuanaland Ex., 1884-85 (G.C.M.G.); S. African War,
1899-1900; afterwards Mil. Gov., N. Cape Colony. Sir Charles, who was
born in 1840, is the son of the late Gen. Sir Charles Warren, K.C.B. He
married in 1864 the daughter of Mr. Haydon, Guildford.
=Watermeyer.=--Capt. Watermeyer, Cape Town Highlanders; A.D.C. to
Field-Marshal Commanding-in-Chief.
=Watson.=--Maj. J. K. Watson, D.S.O., A.D.C. to Lord Kitchener. Entered
1885; Brev.-Maj., 1898. _Staff Service_--Employed with Egyptian Army,
1894-99. _War Service_--Burma, 1891-92; Ex. to Dongola, 1896 (Despatches;
D.S.O.; Egyptian medal with 2 clasps); Nile Ex., 1897 (4th class
Medjidie; clasp to Egyptian medal); Nile Ex., 1898 (Despatches; Brev. of
Maj.; 2 clasps Egyptian medal; medal); Nile Ex., 1899 (Despatches); S.
African War, 1899-1900. This distinguished officer, who, in S. Africa as
in the Soudan, has performed a vast amount of valuable service with
little display, is the son of Gen. J. K. Watson (late 60th Rifles). He
was born in 1865.
=Wauchope.=--Maj.-Gen. A. G. Wauchope, C.B., C.M.G. For career _see_ vol.
ii. p. 184.
=Wavell.=--Maj.-Gen. Archibald G. Wavell. Entered 1863; Brev. Col., 1894;
Maj.-Gen. Inf. Brig., S. Africa, 1900. _Staff Service_--Fort Adjt., King
William's Town, 1868-70; Spec. Serv., S. Africa, 1879; Staff Officer
Volunteers, Cape of Good Hope, 1880-81; D.A.A.G. and D.A.A.G. for Inst.,
Scottish Dist., 1894-95; A.A.G. for Recg., Headquarters of Army,
1898-1900. _War Service_--S. African War, 1879 (medal with clasp); S.
African War, 1899-1900; on Staff.
=Wells-Cole.=--Capt. H. Wells-Cole, D.S.O., York Light Infantry. Entered
1884; Capt., 1892. _War Service_--Op. on N.W. Frontier of India, 1897-98
(Despatches; D.S.O.; medal with 2 clasps); S. African War, 1899-1900.
=Western.=--Col. C. M. Western. Entered Royal Artillery, 1869;
Brev.-Col., 1899. _War Service_--Afghan War, 1878-79 (medal); S. African
War, 1881.
=Westminster= (2nd Duke of).--Hugh R. A. Grosvenor. The Duke of
Westminster, born in 1879, joined the Royal Horse Guards in Aug. 1900. He
has acted in the capacity of A.D.C. (extra) to Lord Roberts.
=White.=--Gen. Sir George Stewart White, #V.C.#, G.C.B., G.C.S.I.,
G.C.I.E., G.C.V.O., Col. Gordon Highlanders. Entered 1853. Lieut.-Gen.,
1895. _Staff Service_--Mil. Sec. to Viceroy, India, 1880-81; Spec. Serv.,
Egypt, 1885; A.A. and Q.M.G., Egypt, 1885; Brig.-Gen., Madras, 1885;
Commanding Brig., Burmese Ex., 1885-86; Commanding Upper Burmah Field
Force, 1886-89; Maj.-Gen., Bengal, 1889-93; Com.-in-Chief, E. Indies,
1893-98; Q.M.G. Headquarters of Army, 1898-99; Lieut.-Gen., Natal,
1899-1900; Gov. and Com.-in-Chief, Gibraltar, July 1900. _War
Service_--Indian Mutiny (medal); Afghan War, 1879-80 (Despatches; medal
with 3 clasps; bronze star; Brev. of Lieut.-Col.; #V.C.#; C.B.); Soudan Ex.
1884-85 (medal with clasp; bronze star); Burmese Ex., 1885-89 (thanked by
Govt. of India; Despatches; K.C.B.; promoted Maj.-Gen.); Op. of Zhob
Field Force, 1890 (Despatches); Op. N.W. Frontier of India (Despatches);
S. African War, 1899-1900; G.O.C. Natal Field Force. Sir George White,
born in 1835, is the son of Mr. J. R. White and the daughter of Mr. G.
Steuart. He married in 1874 Miss Bayley, daughter of the Archdeacon of
Calcutta. Before the Afghan War General White was comparatively unknown,
but after that date honours rained thickly upon him. From the outset Lord
Roberts had noted his splendid ability, and in "Forty-one Years in India"
he showed his readiness to recognise how much of the success of the
victory of Charasiah he owed to his gallant subordinate. The following
passage serves to show the generosity of the one, and the gallantry of
the other: "Major White explained to me his part in the victory of the
previous day. From my inspection of the ground I had no difficulty in
coming to the conclusion that much of the success which attended the
operations on this side was due to White's military instincts, and, at
one supreme moment, his extreme personal gallantry. It afforded me very
great pleasure, therefore, to recommend this officer for the Victoria
Cross, an honour of which more than one incident in his subsequent career
proved him to be well worthy." In the prosaic language of the London
_Gazette_ the "supreme moment" is thus described: "Finding that the
artillery and rifle fire failed to dislodge the enemy from a fortified
hill, which it was necessary to capture, Major White led an attack upon
it in person. Advancing with two companies of his regiment, and climbing
from one steep ledge to another, he came upon a body of the enemy,
strongly posted, and outnumbering his force by about eight to one. His
men being much exhausted, and immediate action being necessary, Major
White took a rifle and, going on by himself, shot the leader of the
enemy. This act so intimidated the rest that they fled round the side of
the hill, and the position was won." The "gallant and ever-foremost Major
White" was again eulogised by the conqueror of Kandahar, who wrote
inspiritingly of the intrepidity with which he and the dauntless Gordons
dashed themselves against the one remaining entrenched position: "It now
became necessary to take this position by storm, and recognising the fact
with true soldierly instinct, Major White, who was leading the advanced
companies of the 92nd, called upon the men for just one charge more, 'to
close the business.' The battery of screw guns had been shelling the
position, and under cover of its fire, and supported by a portion of the
2nd Gurkhas and 23rd Pioneers, the Highlanders, responding with alacrity
to their leader's call, dashed forward and drove the enemy from their
entrenchments at the point of the bayonet. Major White was the first to
reach the guns, being closely followed by Sepoy Inderbir Lama, who,
placing his rifle on one of them, exclaimed, 'Captured in the name of the
2nd (Prince of Wales's Own) Gurkhas!'"
=White.=--Lieut.-Col. H. White. This officer rendered conspicuous service
with the British S. Africa Police.
=Williams.=--Col. W. D. C. Williams. This officer rendered meritorious
service with the New South Wales Army Medical Corps.
=Williams.=--Capt. W. de L. Williams, D.S.O., Hampshire Regiment. Entered
1891; Capt., 1898. _Staff Service_--Spec. Extra Regimental Employ,
1898-99. _War Service_--Op. on N.W. Frontier of India, 1897-98, severely
wounded (medal with 2 clasps); W. Africa, 1898, wounded (Despatches;
D.S.O.); S. African War, 1899-1900, severely wounded.
=Wilson.=--Surgeon Gen. W. D. Wilson, R.A.M.C. Col. R.A.M.C., 1894; Army
Medical Staff, 1898. _War Service_--Afghan War, 1878-79-80 (medal);
Egyptian Ex., 1882-84 (medal; bronze star); Soudan, 1884 (Despatches; 2
clasps; pro. Surg.-Maj., ranking with Lieut.-Col.), S. African War;
P.M.O.
[Illustration: SURGEON-GENERAL W. D. WILSON
_Photo by Heath, Plymouth_]
=Winchester= (15th Marquis).--Augustus J. H. B. Paulet. For career _see_
vol. ii. p. 186.
=Wolseley-Jenkins.=--Lieut.-Col. C. B. H. Wolseley-Jenkins, 19th Hussars.
Entered 1874; Lieut.-Col., 1897. _War Service_--Egyptian Ex., 1882-84
(medal with clasp; bronze star); wounded (Despatches; 2 clasps; 4th class
Medjidie; Brev. of Maj.); S. African War, 1899-1900; Commanding Cavalry,
Ladysmith.
=Wood.=--Col. C. K. Wood, R.E. Entered 1872; Col., S. Africa, April 1900.
_Staff Service_--Adjt. Volunteers, 1889-94; Col. on Staff (Chf. Eng.),
Natal, April 1900. _War Service_--Soudan Ex., 1884-85 (medal with clasp;
bronze star); S. African War, 1899-1900.
=Wood.=--Lieut.-Col. C. Wood, Essex Regiment. Entered 1872; Lieut.-Col.,
1900. _Staff Service_--Adjt. Militia, 1887-92. _War Service_--S. African
War, 1899-1900.
=Wood.=--Maj.-Gen. Elliot Wood, C.B. Entered R.E. 1864; Col., 1889.
_Staff Service_--A.D.C. to Inspector-General of Fortifications, War
Office, 1880; Spec. Serv., Egypt, 1884; A.A.G., Royal Engineers,
Headquarters of Army, 1889-94; Col. on Staff (Commanding R.E.), Malta,
1894-99; Col. on Staff (Commanding R.E.), Aldershot, 1899; Maj.-Gen.
(Chief Eng.), S. Africa, 1899. _War Service_--Egyptian Ex., 1882-84
(Despatches; medal with clasp; bronze star; Brev. of Maj.; 4th class
Medjidie; Despatches, March, 2nd and 6th May, 1884; 2 clasps; Brev. of
Lieut.-Col.); Soudan Ex., 1885 (Despatches; 2 clasps; C.B.); S. African
War, 1899-1900.
=Woodgate.=--Maj.-Gen. Sir E. Robert Prevost Woodgate, K.C.M.G., C.B.,
C.M.G. For career _see_ vol. iii. p. 116.
=Woodland.=--Lieut.-Col. A. L. Woodland, 1st Batt. Durham Light Infantry.
Entered 1867; Lieut.-Col., 1896. _War Service_--S. African War,
1899-1900.
=Wools Sampson.=--Lieut.-Col. Wools Sampson. This dashing officer
commanded the splendid regiment of S. African Colonials, the Imperial
Light Horse.
=Wright.-=-Lieut.-Col. A. J. A. Wright, East Lancashire Regiment. Entered
1870; Lieut.-Col., 1899. _Staff Service_--D.A.A.G. (Musk.) Bengal,
1883-95; Adjt. Militia, 1890-98. _War Service_--Op. in Chitral, 1895
(medal with clasp); S. African War, 1899-1900.
=Wyndham-Quin.=--Maj. W. H. Wyndham-Quin, M.P. Major Wyndham-Quin, who
was formerly in the 16th Lancers, is another of the patriotic number who
went to the front with the Imperial Yeomanry. He was born in 1857, served
in the Boer War of 1881, and married in 1885 the daughter of the 6th Earl
of Mayo.
=Wynne.=--Maj.-Gen. A. S. Wynne, C.B. Entered 1863; Col., 1891. _Staff
Service_--Spec., S. Africa, 1881; employed with Egyptian Army, 1883-85;
D.A.A.G., Headquarters of Army, 1886-88; A.A.G., Curragh, 1891-94;
D.A.G., Malta, 1894-98; Aldershot, 1898-99; Assist. Mil. Sec.,
Headquarters of Army, 1899; D.A.G., S. Africa, 1899-1900; Maj.-Gen. Inf.
Brig., S. Africa, Jan. 1900. _War Service_--Jowaki Ex., 1877 (Despatches;
medal with clasp); Afghan War, 1878-79 (Despatches; medal with clasp;
Brev. of Maj.); S. African War, 1881; Soudan Ex., 1884-85 (Despatches;
medal with clasp; bronze star; Brev. of Lieut.-Col.); S. African War,
1899-1900; on Staff; with Ladysmith Relief Force (wounded, Feb. 22).
=Wynyard.=--Capt. E. G. Wynyard, D.S.O., Welsh Regiment. Entered 1883.
_Staff Service_--Adjt. Volunteers, 1899; Inst. R. Mil. Coll., 1899. _War
Service_--Burmese Ex., 1885-87 (Despatches; medal with clasp; D.S.O.).
=Yarde-Buller.=--Capt. Hon. H. Yarde-Buller, Rifle Brigade, A.D.C.
Entered 1884; Capt., 1893. _Staff Service_--A.D.C. (extra) to Gov.,
Bombay, 1887-88; A.D.C. (extra) to G.O.C., Aldershot, 1896-97; A.D.C. to
Maj.-Gen. Inf. Brig., S. Africa, 1899; A.D.C. to Lieut.-Gen. Inf. Div.,
S. Africa. _War Service_--Waziristan Ex., 1894-95; Nile Ex., 1898
(Egyptian medal with clasp; medal); S. African War, 1899-1900; on Staff.
=Younghusband.=--Maj. G. J. Younghusband, I.S.C. Entered 1878; Major,
I.S.C., 1898. _War Service_--Afghan War, 1878-80 (medal with clasp);
Soudan Ex., 1885 (medal with clasp; bronze star); Burmese Ex., 1886-87
(medal with clasp); Op. in Chitral, 1895 (Despatches; Brev. of Maj.); S.
African War, 1899-1900; severely wounded; Commanded 3rd Battalion
Imperial Yeomanry throughout Lord Methuen's operations.
=Yule.=--Col. J. H. Yule. Entered 1865; Col., 1899. _Staff
Service_--Maj.-Gen. Inf. Brig., Natal, 1899. _War Service_--Afghan War,
1879-80 (medal); Burma, 1889-92 (medal with clasp; Brev. of Lieut.-Col.);
Op. on N.W. Frontier of India, 1897-98 (Despatches; Brev. of Col.; medal
with 2 clasps); S. African War, 1899-1900; on Staff; action at Dundee.
FOOTNOTES:
[19] The military details do not extend beyond the information contained
in the Official Army Lists of 1900.
[20] This was written prior to the display of brutality towards the Peace
Envoys.
[21] Now Commander-in-Chief in S. Africa.
RECIPIENTS OF THE VICTORIA CROSS
Queen Victoria was pleased to confer the decoration of the
Victoria Cross on the following officers, non-commissioned
officers, and men, whose claims were submitted to her Majesty's
approval, for their conspicuous bravery in South Africa, as
stated against their names[22]:--
=Captain Matthew Fontaine Maury Meiklejohn= of the Gordon
Highlanders.--At the battle of Elandslaagte, on October 21, 1899, after
the main Boer position had been captured, some men of the Gordon
Highlanders, when about to assault a kopje in advance, were exposed to a
heavy cross-fire, and, having lost their leaders, commenced to waver.
Seeing this, Captain Meiklejohn rushed to the front and called on the
Gordons to follow him. By his conspicuous bravery and fearless example,
he rallied the men and led them against the enemy's position, where he
fell, desperately wounded in four places.
=Captains C. H. Mullins and R. Johnstone=, Imperial Light Horse.--On the
21st October 1899, at Elandslaagte, at a most critical moment, the
advance being momentarily checked by a very severe fire at point-blank
range, these two officers very gallantly rushed forward under this heavy
fire and rallied the men, thus enabling the flanking movement which
decided the day to be carried out. On this occasion Captain Mullins was
wounded.
=Sergeant-Major (now Quartermaster and Hon. Lieutenant) William
Robertson= of the Gordon Highlanders.--At the battle of Elandslaagte, on
October 21, 1899, during the final advance on the enemy's position,
Sergt.-Major Robertson led each successive rush, exposing himself
fearlessly to the enemy's artillery and rifle fire to encourage the men.
After the main position had been captured, he led a small party to seize
the Boer camp. Though exposed to a deadly cross-fire from the enemy's
rifles, he gallantly held on to the position captured, and continued to
encourage the men until he was dangerously wounded in two places.
=Second Lieutenant John Norwood=, 5th Dragoon Guards.--On October 30,
1899, Second Lieutenant Norwood went out from Ladysmith in charge of a
small patrol of the 5th Dragoon Guards. They came under a heavy fire from
the enemy, who were posted on a ridge in great force. The patrol, which
had arrived within about 600 yards of the ridge, then retired at full
speed. One man dropped, and Second Lieutenant Norwood galloped back about
300 yards through heavy fire, dismounted, and picking up the fallen
trooper, carried him out of fire on his back, at the same time leading
his horse with one hand. The enemy kept up an incessant fire during the
whole time that Second Lieutenant Norwood was carrying the man until he
was quite out of range.
*=Lieutenant H. E. M. Douglas=, Royal Army Medical Corps.--On December
11, 1899, during the action at Majesfontein, Lieutenant Douglas showed
great gallantry and devotion under a very severe fire in advancing in the
open and attending to Captain Gordon, Gordon Highlanders, who was
wounded, and also attending to Major Robinson and other wounded men under
a fearful fire. Many similar acts of devotion and gallantry were
performed by Lieutenant Douglas on the same day.
=Corporal J. Shaul=, the Highland Light Infantry.--On December 11, 1899,
during the battle of Majesfontein, Corporal Shaul was observed (not only
by the officers of his own battalion but by several officers of other
regiments) to perform several specific acts of bravery. Corporal Shaul
was in charge of stretcher-bearers; but at one period of the battle he
was seen encouraging men to advance across the open. He was most
conspicuous during the day in dressing men's wounds, and in one case he
came, under a heavy fire, to a man who was lying wounded in the back,
and, with the utmost coolness and deliberation, sat down beside the
wounded man and proceeded to dress his wound. Having done this, he got up
and went quietly to another part of the field. This act of gallantry was
performed under a continuous and heavy fire as coolly and quietly as if
there had been no enemy near.
=Captain W. N. Congreve=, the Rifle Brigade (The Prince Consort's
Own).--At Colenso, on December 15, 1899, the detachments serving the guns
of the 14th and 66th Batteries, Royal Field Artillery, had all been
either killed, wounded, or driven from their guns by infantry fire at
close range, and the guns were deserted. About 500 yards behind the guns
was a donga in which some of the few horses and drivers left alive were
sheltered. The intervening space was swept with shell and rifle fire.
Captain Congreve, Rifle Brigade, who was in the donga, assisted to hook a
team into a limber, went out, and assisted to limber up a gun. Being
wounded, he took shelter; but seeing Lieutenant Roberts fall, badly
wounded, he went out again and brought him in. Captain Congreve was shot
through the leg, through the toe of his boot, grazed on the elbow and the
shoulder, and his horse shot in three places.
=Lieutenant the Hon. F. H. S. Roberts= (since deceased), the King's Royal
Rifle Corps.--Lieutenant Roberts assisted Captain Congreve. He was
wounded in three places.
=Corporal G. E. Nurse=, 66th Battery, Royal Field Artillery.--Corporal
Nurse also assisted.
=Captain H. L. Reed=, 7th Battery, Royal Field Artillery.--Captain Reed,
who had heard of the difficulty, shortly afterwards brought down three
teams from his battery to see if he could be of any use. He was wounded,
as were five of the thirteen men who rode with him; one was killed; and
thirteen out of twenty-one horses were killed before he got half-way to
the guns, and he was obliged to retire.
=Major William Babtie, C.M.G.=, of the Royal Army Medical Corps.--In the
engagement the wounded of the 14th and 66th Batteries, Royal Field
Artillery, were lying in an advanced donga close in the rear of the guns
without any medical officer to attend to them, and when a message was
sent back asking for assistance, Major Babtie rode up under a heavy rifle
fire, his pony being hit three times. When he arrived at the donga, where
the wounded were lying in sheltered corners, he attended to them all,
going from place to place exposed to the heavy rifle fire which greeted
any one who showed himself. Late in the day Major Babtie went out with
Captain Congreve to bring in Lieutenant Roberts, who was lying wounded on
the veldt. This also was under a heavy fire.
=Captain Charles FitzClarence=, the Royal Fusiliers (City of London
Regiment).--On the 14th October 1899, Captain FitzClarence went with his
squadron of the Protectorate Regiment, consisting of only partially
trained men, who had never been in action, to the assistance of an
armoured train which had gone out from Mafeking. The enemy were in
greatly superior numbers, and the squadron was for a time surrounded, and
it looked as if nothing could save them from being shot down. Captain
FitzClarence, however, by his personal coolness and courage, inspired the
greatest confidence in his men, and by his bold and efficient handling of
them, not only succeeded in relieving the armoured train, but inflicted a
heavy defeat on the Boers, who lost fifty killed and a large number
wounded, his own losses being two killed and fifteen wounded. The moral
effect of this blow had a very important bearing on subsequent encounters
with the Boers.
On the 27th October 1899, Captain FitzClarence led his squadron from
Mafeking across the open, and made a night attack with the bayonet on one
of the enemy's trenches. A hand-to-hand fight took place in the trench,
while a heavy fire was concentrated on it from the rear. The enemy was
driven out with heavy loss. Captain FitzClarence was the first man into
the position, and accounted for four of the enemy with his sword. The
British lost six killed and nine wounded. Captain FitzClarence was
himself slightly wounded. With reference to these two actions,
Major-General Baden-Powell states that, had this officer not shown an
extraordinary spirit and fearlessness, the attacks would have been
failures, and we should have suffered heavy loss both in men and
prestige. On the 26th December 1899, during the action at Game Tree, near
Mafeking, Captain FitzClarence again distinguished himself by his
coolness and courage, and was again wounded (severely through both legs).
=Sergeant H. R. Martineau=, Protectorate Regiment.--On the 26th December
1899, during the fight at Game Tree, near Mafeking, when the order to
retire had been given, Sergeant Martineau stopped and picked up Corporal
Le Camp, who had been struck down about ten yards from the Boer trenches,
and half dragged, half carried him towards a bush about 150 yards from
the trenches. In doing this Sergeant Martineau was wounded in the side,
but paid no attention to it, and proceeded to staunch and bandage the
wounds of his comrade, whom he afterwards assisted to retire. The firing
while they were retiring was very heavy, and Sergeant Martineau was again
wounded. When shot the second time he was absolutely exhausted from
supporting his comrade, and sank down unable to proceed further. He
received three wounds, one of which necessitated the amputation of his
arm near the shoulder.
=Trooper H. E. Ramsden=, Protectorate Regiment.--On the 26th December
1899, during the fight at Game Tree, near Mafeking, after the order to
retire was given, Trooper H. E. Ramsden picked up his brother, Trooper A.
E. Ramsden, who had been shot through both legs and was lying about ten
yards from the Boer trenches, and carried him about 600 or 800 yards
under a heavy fire (putting him down from time to time for a rest) till
they met some men who helped to carry him to a place of safety.
=Lieutenant (now Captain) Sir John P. Milbanke, Bart.=, 10th Hussars.--On
the 5th January 1900, during a reconnaissance near Colesberg, Sir John
Milbanke, when retiring under fire with a small patrol of the 10th
Hussars, notwithstanding the fact that he had just been severely wounded
in the thigh, rode back to the assistance of one of the men whose pony
was exhausted, and who was under fire from some Boers who had dismounted.
Sir John Milbanke took the man up on his own horse under a most galling
fire and brought him safely back to camp.
[Illustration: COMMANDER AND ABLE-SEAMAN, R. N.
Photo by Gregory & Co., London.]
=Lieutenant Francis Newton Parsons= (since deceased), Essex Regiment.--On
the morning of the 18th of February 1900, at Paardeberg, on the south
bank of the river Modder, Private Ferguson, 1st Battalion Essex Regiment,
was wounded and fell in a place devoid of cover. While trying to crawl
under cover he was again wounded in the stomach. Lieutenant Parsons at
once went to his assistance, dressed his wound under heavy fire, went
down twice (still under heavy fire) to the bank of the river to get water
for Private Ferguson, and subsequently carried him to a place of safety.
This officer was recommended for the Victoria Cross by Lieutenant-General
Kelly-Kenny, C.B., on the 3rd of March last. Lieutenant Parsons was
killed on the 10th of March in the engagement at Driefontein, on which
occasion he again displayed conspicuous gallantry.
=Private (now Corporal) A. E. Curtis=, 2nd Battalion East Surrey
Regiment.--On the 23rd February 1900, Colonel Harris lay all day long in
a perfectly open space under close fire of a Boer breastwork. The Boers
fired all day at any man who moved, and Colonel Harris was wounded eight
or nine times. Private Curtis, after several attempts, succeeded in
reaching the Colonel, bound his wounded arm, and gave him his flask--all
under heavy fire. He then tried to carry him away, but was unable, on
which he called for assistance and Private Morton came out at once.
Fearing that the men would be killed, Colonel Harris told them to leave
him, but they declined, and after trying to carry the Colonel on their
rifles they made a chair with their hands and so carried him out of fire.
=Lieutenant E. T. Inkson=, Royal Army Medical Corps.--On the 24th
February 1900, Lieutenant Inkson carried Second Lieutenant Devenish (who
was severely wounded and unable to walk) for three or four hundred yards
under a very heavy fire to a place of safety. The ground over which
Lieutenant Inkson had to move was much exposed, there being no cover
available.
=Captain Conwyn Mansel-Jones=, the West Yorkshire Regiment.--On February
27, 1900, during the assault on Terrace Hill, north of the Tugela, in
Natal, the companies of the West Yorkshire Regiment on the northern slope
of the hill met with a severe shell, Vickers-Maxim, and rifle fire, and
their advance was for a few moments checked. Captain C. Mansel-Jones,
however, by his strong initiative, restored confidence, and, in spite of
his falling very seriously wounded, the men took the whole ridge without
further check, this officer's self-sacrificing devotion to duty at a
critical moment having averted what might have proved a serious check to
the whole assault.
=Sergeant H. Engleheart=, 10th Hussars.--At dawn on March 13, 1900, the
party that had destroyed the railway north of Bloemfontein had to charge
through a Boer piquet and get over four deep spruits in order to make
their way back through the Boer lines. At the fourth spruit Sapper Webb's
horse failed to get up the bank, and he was left in a very dangerous
position. In face of a very heavy rifle and shell fire, and
notwithstanding the great chance of being cut off, Sergeant Engleheart
returned to Sapper Webb's assistance. It took some time to get the man
and his horse out of the sluit, and the position became momentarily more
critical owing to the advance of the Boers. He was, however, at last
successful, and retiring slowly, to cover Webb's retreat, was able to get
him safely back to the party. Shortly before this, Sergeant Engleheart
had shown great gallantry in dashing into the first spruit, which could
only be reached in single file, and was still full of Boers hesitating
whether to fly or fire. Had they been given time to rally they must have
destroyed the small party of British, as they outnumbered them by four to
one.
=Major Phipps-Hornby, Sergeant Charles Parker, Gunner Isaac Lodge, Driver
Horace Harry Glasock=, Q Battery, R.H.A.--Four Victoria Crosses were
awarded to members of Q Battery, Royal Horse Artillery, for gallantry
displayed at Koorn Spruit. As every man of the battery had displayed
equally conspicuous courage, Lord Roberts decided to deal with the case
under Rule 13 of the Warrant of the Order, and allotted four badges--one
for officers, one for non-commissioned officers, and two for gunners and
drivers. The circumstances in which Major Phipps-Hornby was selected for
the honour in the first class mentioned are set forth in the following
extract from the London _Gazette_: "On the occasion of the action at
Koorn Spruit on March 31, 1900, a British force, including two batteries
of the Royal Horse Artillery, was retiring from Thabanchu towards
Bloemfontein. The enemy had formed an ambush at Koorn Spruit, and, before
their presence was discovered by the main body, had captured the greater
portion of the baggage column and five out of the six guns of the leading
battery. When the alarm was given Q Battery, Royal Horse Artillery, was
within 300 yards of the spruit. Major Phipps-Hornby, who commanded it, at
once wheeled about and moved off at a gallop under a very heavy fire. One
gun upset when a wheel-horse was shot, and had to be abandoned, together
with a waggon, the horses of which were killed. The remainder of the
battery reached a position close to some unfinished railway buildings,
and came into action 1150 yards from the spruit, remaining in action
until ordered to retire. When the order to retire was received, Major
Phipps-Hornby ordered the guns and their limbers to be run back by hand
to where the teams of uninjured horses stood behind the unfinished
buildings. The few remaining gunners, assisted by a number of officers
and men of a party of mounted infantry, and directed by Major
Phipps-Hornby and Captain Humphreys, the only remaining officers of the
battery, succeeded in running back four of the guns under shelter. One or
two of the limbers were similarly withdrawn by hand, but the work was
most severe and the distance considerable. In consequence, all concerned
were so exhausted that they were unable to drag in the remaining limbers
or the fifth gun. It now became necessary to risk the horses, and
volunteers were called for from among the drivers, who readily responded.
Several horses were killed, and men wounded, but at length only one gun
and one limber were left exposed. Four separate attempts were made to
rescue these, but when no more horses were available the attempt had to
be given up, and the gun and limber were abandoned. Meanwhile the other
guns had been sent on, one at a time, and, after passing within 700 or
800 yards of the enemy, in rounding the head of a donga and crossing two
spruits, they eventually reached a place of safety, where the battery was
reformed. After full consideration of the circumstances of the case, the
Field-Marshal Commanding-in-Chief in South Africa formed the opinion that
the conduct of all ranks of Q Battery, Royal Horse Artillery, was
conspicuously gallant and daring, but that all were equally brave and
devoted in their behaviour. He therefore decided to treat the case of the
battery as one of collective gallantry under Rule 13 of the Victoria
Cross Warrant, and directed that one officer should be selected for the
decoration of the Victoria Cross by the officers, one non-commissioned
officer by the non-commissioned officers, and two gunners or drivers by
the gunners and drivers. A difficulty arose with regard to the officer,
owing to the fact that there were only two unwounded officers--Major
Phipps-Hornby and Captain Humphreys--available for the work of saving the
guns, and both of these had been conspicuous by their gallantry and by
the fearless manner in which they exposed themselves, and each of them
nominated the other for the decoration. It was ultimately decided in
favour of Major Phipps-Hornby, as having been the senior concerned."
Sergeant Charles Parker was chosen by the non-commissioned officers as
the one among them most deserving the distinction.
Gunner Isaac Lodge and Driver Horace Harry Glasock were selected in the
like manner by the vote of their comrades.
*=Lieutenant F. A. Maxwell=, D.S.O., Indian Staff Corps, attached to
Roberts's Light Horse.--Lieutenant Maxwell was one of three officers not
belonging to Q Battery, Royal Horse Artillery, specially mentioned by
Lord Roberts as having shown the greatest gallantry and disregard of
danger in carrying out the self-imposed duty of saving the guns of that
battery during the affair at Koorn Spruit on March 31, 1900. This officer
went out on five different occasions and assisted to bring in two guns
and three limbers, one of which he, Captain Humphreys, and some gunners,
dragged in by hand. He also went out with Captain Humphreys and
Lieutenant Stirling to try to get the last gun in, and remained there
till the attempt was abandoned. During a previous campaign (the Chitral
Expedition of 1895) Lieutenant Maxwell displayed gallantry in the removal
of the body of Lieutenant-Colonel F. D. Battye, Corps of Guides, under
fire, for which, though recommended, he received no reward.[23]
=Lieutenant W. H. S. Nickerson=, Royal Army Medical Corps, attached to
Mounted Infantry.--At Wakkerstroom, on the evening of the 20th April
1900, during the advance of the Infantry to support the mounted troops,
Lieutenant Nickerson went, in the most gallant manner, under a heavy
rifle and shell fire, to attend a wounded man, dressed his wounds, and
remained with him till he had him conveyed to a place of safety.
=Corporal H. Beet=, 1st Battalion Derbyshire Regiment Mounted
Infantry.--At Wakkerstroom, on the 22nd April 1900, No. 2 Mounted
Infantry Company 1st Battalion Derbyshire Regiment, with two squadrons
Imperial Yeomanry, had to retire from near a farm, under a ridge held by
Boers. Corporal Burnett, Imperial Yeomanry, was left on the ground
wounded, and Corporal Beet, on seeing him, remained behind, and placed
him under cover, bound up his wounds, and by firing prevented the Boers
from coming down to the farm till dark, when Dr. Wilson, Imperial
Yeomanry, came to the wounded man's assistance. The retirement was
carried out under a very heavy fire, and Corporal Beet was exposed to
fire during the whole afternoon.
=Captain Ernest Beckwith Towse=, the Gordon Highlanders.--On the 11th
December, 1899, at the action of Majesfontein, Captain Towse was brought
to notice by his commanding officer for his gallantry and devotion in
assisting the late Colonel Downman, when mortally wounded, in the
retirement, and endeavouring, when close up to the front of the firing
line, to carry Colonel Downman on his back, but finding this not possible
Captain Towse supported him till joined by Colour-Sergeant Nelson and
Lance-Corporal Hodgson. On the 30th of April, 1900, Captain Towse, with
12 men, took up a position on the top of Mount Thaba, far away from
support. A force of about 150 Boers attempted to seize the same plateau,
neither party appearing to see the other until they were but 100 yards
apart. Some of the Boers then got within 40 yards of Captain Towse and
his party, and called on him to surrender. He at once caused his men to
open fire, and remained firing himself until severely wounded (both eyes
shattered), succeeding in driving off the Boers. The gallantry of this
officer in vigorously attacking the enemy (for he not only fired, but
charged forward) saved the situation, notwithstanding the numerical
superiority of the Boers.
=Corporal F. M'Kay=, the Gordon Highlanders.--On the 29th of May 1900,
during the action on Crow's Nest Hill, near Johannesburg, Corporal M'Kay
repeatedly rushed forward, under a withering fire at short ranges, to
attend to wounded comrades, dressing their wounds, while he himself was
without shelter, and in one instance carrying a wounded man from the
open, under a heavy fire, to the shelter of a boulder.
=Corporal F. Kirby=, Royal Engineers.--On the morning of June 2, 1900, a
party sent to try to cut the Delagoa Bay Railway were retiring, hotly
pressed by very superior numbers. During one of the successive
retirements of the rearguard a man, whose horse had been shot, was seen
running after his comrades. He was a long way behind the rest of his
troop, and was under a brisk fire. From among the retiring troop,
Corporal Kirby turned and rode back to the man's assistance. Although by
the time he reached him they were under a heavy fire at close range,
Corporal Kirby managed to get the dismounted man up behind him, and to
take him clear off over the next rise held by our rearguard. This is the
third occasion on which Corporal Kirby has displayed gallantry in the
face of the enemy.
=Private C. Ward=, 2nd Battalion the King's Own (Yorkshire Light
Infantry).--On June 26, 1900, at Lindley, a picket of the Yorkshire Light
Infantry was surrounded on three sides by about 500 Boers at close
quarters. The two officers were wounded, and all but six of their men
were killed or wounded. Private Ward then volunteered to take a message
asking for reinforcements to the signalling station about 150 yards in
the rear of the post. His offer was at first refused, owing to the
practical certainty of his being shot; but, on his insisting, he was
allowed to go. He got across untouched through a storm of shots from each
flank, and, having delivered his message, he voluntarily returned from a
place of absolute safety and recrossed the fire-swept ground to assure
his commanding-officer that the message had been sent. On this occasion
he was severely wounded. But for this gallant action the post would
certainly have been captured.
=Sergeant Arthur Herbert Lindsey Richardson= of Lord Strathcona's
Corps.--On July 5, at Wolve Spruit, about fifteen miles north of
Standerton, a party of Lord Strathcona's Corps, only thirty-eight in
number, came into contact and was engaged at close quarters with a force
of eighty of the enemy. When the order to retire had been given, Sergeant
Richardson rode back under a very heavy cross-fire and picked up a
trooper whose horse had been shot, and who was wounded in two places, and
rode with him out of fire. At the time when this act of gallantry was
performed, Sergeant Richardson was within 300 yards of the enemy, and was
himself riding a wounded horse.
=Captain William Engleson Gordon=, the Gordon Highlanders.--On July 11,
1900, during the action near Leehoehoek (or Doornbosch Fontein), near
Krugersdorp, a party of men, accompanied by Captains Younger and Allan,
having succeeded in dragging an artillery waggon under cover when its
horses were unable to do so by reason of the heavy and accurate fire of
the enemy, Captain Gordon called for volunteers to go out with him to try
to bring in one of the guns. He went out alone to the nearest gun under a
heavy fire, and with the greatest coolness fastened a drag-rope to the
gun and then beckoned to the men, who immediately doubled out to join him
in accordance with his previous instructions. While moving the gun,
Captain Younger and three men were hit. Seeing that further attempts
would only result in further casualties, Captain Gordon ordered the
remainder of the party under cover of the kopje again, and, having seen
the wounded safely away, himself retired. Captain Gordon's conduct, under
a particularly heavy and most accurate fire at only 850 yards' range, was
most admirable, and his manner of handling his men most masterly; his
devotion on every occasion that his battalion has been under fire has
been remarkable.
=Captain David Reginald Younger=, the Gordon Highlanders, in recognition
of the conspicuous bravery displayed by him on July 11, 1900, as
described above, would have received the Victoria Cross had he survived
his gallant action.
=Sergeant T. Lawrence=, 17th Lancers.--On the 7th August 1900, when on
patrol duty near Essenbosch Farm, Sergeant Lawrence and a Private Hayman
were attacked by twelve or fourteen Boers. Private Hayman's horse was
shot and the man was thrown, dislocating his shoulder. Sergeant Lawrence
at once came to his assistance, extricated him from under the horse, put
him on his own horse, and sent him on to the picket. Sergeant Lawrence
took the soldier's carbine, and, with his own carbine as well, kept the
Boers off until Private Hayman was safely out of range. He then retired
for some two miles on foot, followed by the Boers, and keeping them off
till assistance arrived.
=Corporal H. J. Knight=, 1st Battalion Liverpool Regiment, No. 1 Company,
Fourth Division Mounted Infantry.--On the 21st August 1900, during the
operations near Van Wyk's Vlei, Corporal Knight was posted in some rocks
with four men covering the right rear of a detachment of the same company
who, under Captain Ewart, were holding the right of the line. The enemy,
about fifty strong, attacked Captain Ewart's right and almost surrounded,
at short range, Corporal Knight's small party. That non-commissioned
officer held his ground, directing his party to retire one by one to
better cover, where he maintained his position for nearly an hour,
covering the withdrawal of Captain Ewart's force, and losing two of his
four men. He then retired, bringing with him two wounded men. One of
these he left in a place of safety, the other he carried himself for
nearly two miles. The party were hotly engaged during the whole time.
=Private William Heaton=, 1st Battalion the King's (Liverpool
Regiment).--On the 23rd August 1900, the company to which Private Heaton
belonged, advancing in front of the general line held by the troops,
became surrounded by the enemy and was suffering severely. At the request
of the officer commanding Private Heaton volunteered to take a message
back to explain the position of the company. He was successful, though at
the imminent risk of his own life. Had it not been for Private Heaton's
courage there can be little doubt that the remainder of the company,
which suffered very severely, would have had to surrender.
=Lieutenant Guy G. E. Wylly=, Tasmanian Imperial Bushmen.--On the 1st of
September 1900, near Warm Bad, Lieutenant Wylly was with the advanced
scouts of a foraging party. They were passing through a narrow gorge,
very rocky and thickly wooded, when the enemy in force suddenly opened
fire at short range from hidden cover, wounding six out of the party of
eight, including Lieutenant Wylly. That officer, seeing that one of his
men was badly wounded in the leg, and that his horse was shot, went back
to the man's assistance, made him take his (Lieutenant Wylly's) horse,
and opened fire from behind a rock to cover the retreat of the others, at
the imminent risk of being cut off himself. Colonel T. E. Hickman,
D.S.O., considers that the gallant conduct of Lieutenant Wylly saved
Corporal Brown from being killed or captured, and that his subsequent
action in firing to cover the retreat was "instrumental in saving others
of his men from death or capture."
=Private J. H. Bisbee=, Tasmanian Imperial Bushmen. Act of courage for
which recommended.--On September 1, 1900, Private Bisbee was one of an
advanced scouting party passing through a rocky defile near Warm Bad,
Transvaal. The enemy, who were in ambuscade, opened a sudden fire at
close range, and six out of the party of eight were hit, including two
officers. The horse of one of the wounded officers broke away and bolted.
Private Bisbee gave the officer his stirrup leather to help him out of
action; but, finding that the officer was too badly wounded to go on,
Private Bisbee dismounted, placed him on his horse, mounted behind him,
and conveyed him out of range. This act was performed under a very hot
fire and in a very exposed place.
=Major E. D. Brown=, 14th Hussars.--On the 13th October 1900, at Geluk,
when the enemy were within four hundred yards, and bringing a heavy fire
to bear, Major Brown, seeing that Sergeant Hersey's horse was shot,
stopped behind the last squadron as it was retiring, and helped Sergeant
Hersey to mount behind him, carrying him for about three-quarters of a
mile to a place of safety. He did this under a heavy fire. Major Brown
afterwards enabled Lieutenant Browne, 14th Hussars, to mount, by holding
his horse, which was very restive under the heavy fire. Lieutenant Browne
could not otherwise have mounted. Subsequently Major Brown carried
Lance-Corporal Trumpeter Leigh out of action.
=Lieutenant A. C. Doxat=, 3rd Battalion Imperial Yeomanry.--On the 20th
October 1900, near Zeerust, Lieutenant Doxat proceeded with a party of
Mounted Infantry to reconnoitre a position held by one hundred Boers on a
ridge of kopjes. When within three hundred yards of the position the
enemy opened a heavy fire on Lieutenant Doxat's party, which then
retired, leaving one of their number who had lost his horse. Lieutenant
Doxat, seeing the dangerous position in which the man was placed,
galloped back under a very heavy fire and brought him on his horse to a
place of safety.
*=Lieutenant H. Z. C. Cockburn=, Royal Canadian Dragoons.--During the
action at Komati River on the 7th of November, Lieutenant Cockburn, with
a handful of men, at a most critical moment held off the Boers to allow
the guns to get away; to do so he had to sacrifice himself and his party,
all of whom were killed, wounded, or taken prisoners, he himself being
slightly wounded.
*=Lieutenant R. E. W. Turner=, Royal Canadian Dragoons.--Later in the
day, when the Boers again seriously threatened to capture the guns,
Lieutenant Turner, though twice previously wounded, dismounted and
deployed his men at close quarters and drove off the Boers, thus saving
the guns.
*=Sergeant E. Holland=, Royal Canadian Dragoons.--Sergeant Holland did
splendid work with his Colt gun, and kept the Boers off the two
twelve-pounders by its fire at close range. When he saw the enemy were
too near for him to escape with the carriage, as the horse was blown, he
calmly lifted the gun off and galloped away with it under his arm.
=Sergeant Farmer=, Cameron Highlanders.--During the attack on General
Clements' camp at Nooitgedacht on December 13, 1900, Lieutenant
Sandilands, Cameron Highlanders, with fifteen men, went to the assistance
of a picquet which was heavily engaged, most of the men having been
killed or wounded. The enemy, who were hidden by trees, opened fire on
the party at a range of about twenty yards, killing two and wounding
five, including Lieutenant Sandilands. Sergeant Farmer at once went to
the officer, who was perfectly helpless, and carried him away under a
very heavy and close fire to a place of comparative safety, after which
he returned to the firing line, and was eventually taken prisoner.
FOOTNOTES:
[22] The names are arranged according to the dates on which were
performed the deeds that earned the distinction. An asterisk denotes the
V.C.'s conferred by King Edward VII.
[23] This decoration was the first Victoria Cross conferred by King
Edward VII., on March 8, 1901.
LEXICON OF TERMS AND PLACES CONNECTED WITH THE CAMPAIGN
=Accoutrements.=--The belts which support the arms, pouch, or pouches of
a soldier. These belts are usually made of "buff" leather in the English
Army, and are marked inside, as are also the pouches, &c., with the
number of the regiment to which they belong.
=Adjutant.=--An officer not above the rank of Major, appointed to assist
the commanding officer in all the details of duty and discipline;
receives and issues that officer's orders to the regiment in general, and
is bound to bring to his notice all infraction of rules and orders. He is
responsible for the correctness of the regimental books; he prosecutes on
all court-martials; supervises the sergeants' mess; has charge of the
orderly-room (Colonel's office); inspects all escorts and guards; has
charge of the official correspondence; and has to spend much of his time
in drilling recruits, and in all duties tending to discipline and the
smartness and efficiency of the regiment.
=Adjutant-General.=--One of the chief staff officers of the army,
through whom all orders are promulgated, and to whom all reports are
sent for the information of the Commander-in-Chief. In time of peace
all official correspondence passes through his office, and he is
responsible for the general efficiency of the army. On a campaign, in
subordination to the Chief of the Staff, he regulates the daily duties
of the force. He keeps an exact account of each division and brigade,
with a roll of the general and field officers. He issues the orders of
the day, and communications on the field are made to him in the
absence of a Chief of the Staff. To his department are attached
Deputy-Adjutant-Generals, Assistant-Adjutant-Generals, and
Deputy-Assistant-Adjutant-Generals.
=Advanced Posts.=--A term applied to picquets, and any fortified position
in country or village in advance of the main line of battle. Their object
is to prevent the enemy surprising the main body of the army, and to give
it time to form up; this being done, the advanced posts fall back upon
their supports and join the main force.
=Africander.=--A white man born of European parents in South Africa.
=Africander Bond.=--An association to protect the interests of the
Africanders in Africa; now known as the "Dutch party" in Cape Colony, who
were certainly not wholly loyal.
=Aide-de-camp.=--An officer attached to the personal staff of a general
officer in garrison or in the field. He carries all orders given him by
the general. These he must deliver most distinctly, so as to avoid all
chance of mistake, and it is understood his orders must be implicitly
obeyed. Thus only officers of intelligence and smartness are appointed.
In times of peace, the aide-de-camp assists his chief in official
correspondence, in introducing officers, and in dispensing the courtesies
of the general's house. An officer cannot be appointed until he has
served two years with his regiment, and passed the prescribed
examination. The number of aide-de-camps allotted to general officers in
the field are: Commander-in-Chief, four; Generals of Division, two;
General of Brigade, one. In time of peace a general has three only.
Aide-de-camps receive extra pay in addition to the pay of their
regimental rank, which rank is seldom above that of captain.
Aide-de-camps are attached to the sovereign, the appointment carrying
with it the rank of Colonel in the army. Governors of provinces also have
them.
=Aliwal North.=--A town on the Orange River, on the border between the
Free State and Cape Colony, where the Frere Bridge (860 ft. in length)
crosses the river. It had a population a little over 2000; and with its
park, racecourse, golf links, and sulphur springs, acted as the
Leamington of Cape Colony.
=Ambulance.=--A four-wheeled, covered waggon for the conveyance of sick
and wounded soldiers. Two stretchers, the legs of which have small iron
wheels, can be run into it, three men can sit on the tailboard, which
lets down to serve as a foot-rest, and three others on a like seat in
front. Buckets hang below the waggon; a barrel of water is fastened to
the splinter-bar, and from the high canvas roof depends a basket for the
men's arms and valises. This roof is marked with the Geneva Cross.
=Amnesty.=--An act of forgiveness for offences committed against the
State, these offences being usually of a political nature.
=Ammunition.=--A term applied to charges of powder for ordnance and small
arms; also to all kinds of projectiles, and to various appliances for
igniting the charges, &c. During a campaign the reserve ammunition for
small arms is carried in carts, each containing 9600 rounds, under the
charge of the officers commanding battalions; three carts to each
battalion. The remainder of the reserve ammunition, gun and small arm, is
with the ammunition column.
=Ambush= or =Ambuscade=.--Troops, in small or large bodies, placed in
concealment in order to surprise and attack an enemy.
=Approaches.=--All works are generally so called that are carried on
towards a besieged place, such as trenches, saps, galleries, redoubts,
lodgments, and places of arms.
=Armistice.=--A truce or suspension of hostilities between two armies, a
stated time being given for its duration, at the expiration of which, if
the contending nations do not come to an agreement, hostilities begin
again.
=Armoured-Train.=--A train, the carriages of which are externally plated
with metal, and loop-holed to admit of soldiers firing, while they
themselves are protected.
=Arms.=--Weapons of different forms for attack and defence in the various
branches of the army.
=Army Corps.=--A small army, under the command of a general, composed of
all arms of the service, and furnished with every requisite for active
service. Its war strength in the British army is about 40,000 officers
and men, 12,846 horses, 122 guns, 25 machine-guns, and 1573 carts and
waggons.
=Army Ordnance Corps.=--Its duties consist in issuing stores and
munitions of war, and are most onerous.
=Army Reserve.=--A force composed of men who have enlisted for twelve
years, a portion of which service, viz. seven or eight and not less than
three years, must be passed with the colours, the residue being spent in
the reserve. These are known as "short service men." Other soldiers
eligible to enter the reserve force are those who have exceeded their
first term of service, men of say thirteen or fourteen years' service,
and are yet under thirty-four years of age.
=Artillery.=--Horse artillery consists of men mounted on horses or on the
limbers of the guns. They are armed with 12-pounders, and manoeuvre
with cavalry. Field artillery moves more slowly, the men being carried on
guns and waggons. Garrison or siege artillery furnishes gunners and heavy
guns of position drawn by horses, bullocks, and in India, elephants.
There are now 28 Horse batteries, 151 Field batteries, and 10 of the
Mountain division of garrison artillery.
=Badge.=--An honorary distinction worn on the colours of a regiment.
According to the Queen's Regulations, all regimental badges granted under
special authority to different corps are to be strictly preserved.
=Baggage.=--In a military sense, includes clothes, camp-equipage, and
cooking apparatus of a regiment or army. The baggage of troops, if
proceeding by sea, is divided into "light" and "heavy" baggage.
=Balloon.=--Useful in warfare for purposes of reconnoitring, also in
cases of a beleaguered city of keeping up communications with the outside
world. The Prussians reconnoitred the French position before Metz, in
1870, by means of a balloon with telegraph attached, and thus the survey
of the position of the French army was instantaneously conveyed to
General Von Moltke.
=Bandoliers.=--Belts of leather or canvas to hold small-arm cartridges,
worn over the shoulder.
=Base of Operations.=--In military language represents the original line
on which an offensive army forms, whether it be the frontier of a
country, river, or safe position, whence it takes the field to invade an
enemy's country. The base of operations in case of retreat is always kept
open to fall back upon.
=Battalion=--An infantry unit. A British battalion is composed of 1010 of
all ranks and one machine-gun. It is usually constituted thus:
Lieutenant-colonel in command, majors 4, captains 5, lieutenants (first
and second) 16.
=Battery.=--Signifies, first, generally guns grouped and in position for
action; second, the unit of an artillery command, as a battalion of
infantry or a squadron of cavalry; thirdly, any work, permanent or
temporary, considered as a position for a group of guns.
=Bayonet.=--A short sword or triangular-shaped dagger, fixed on to the
muzzle of a rifle, which, in this position, gives the soldier increased
means of offence and defence. The name is derived from Bayonne in France,
where it was supposed to have been first invented. Originally the bayonet
was a blade of steel attached to a helve of wood, which was thrust into
the barrel, but this arrangement interfered with the loading and firing
of the weapon, and to remedy this defect, an elbow and socket were
constructed, and the result was the present mode of attaching the
bayonet. This improvement took place about the seventeenth century. The
first regiment which appears to have had the bayonet attached to its
musket was the Grenadier Guards in 1693. Macaulay attributes the loss by
the English of the battle of Killiecrankie to the then awkward mode of
attaching the bayonet, as the Highlanders were upon the troops before
they could convert their firelocks into pikes. The older form of bayonet
was 22 inches long, and weighed nearly a pound. The modern bayonet is
about 12 inches in length, and weighs 15 ounces.
=Beaconsfield.=--A suburb of Kimberley, containing several hotels,
municipal offices, court-house, tramways, &c. Population about 10,000,
half of whom are whites.
=Bearer Company.=--Company of Royal Army Medical Corps for the removal of
the wounded from the field of action to the dressing station or hospital.
=Bechuanaland.=--A protectorate containing the territories of various
native chiefs. The Crown Colony of British Bechuanaland was annexed to
Cape Colony, November 1895. It is bounded on the north by the Motopo
River, beyond which is the country known as the British Protectorate.
=Belmont.=--A station on the railway from Cape Town to Kimberley, 591
miles from the former and about 54 miles from the latter.
=Berg.=--A mountain or high hill.
=Biltong.=--Strips of meat dried in the sun. It is much used by the Boers
in war-time, as it is very portable and can be kept for an almost
unlimited period.
=Bivouac.=--From _bis_, "double," and the German word _wache_, "a guard."
An army is said to bivouac when it does not encamp at night and sleeps in
the open. This form of resting has the advantage over tents, as it does
not enable the enemy to form any conception of the strength of his
adversary.
=Black Watch.=--The 42nd Regiment of the line, known as one of the most
distinguished corps in the British army. In Chambers's "Encyclopedia" is
found the following: "'Black Watch,' the appellation given to certain
armed companies employed to watch the Highlands of Scotland. The term
'black' arose from the dress of this species of militia being composed of
tartans of dark colours. Some Highlanders had been armed by Government as
early as 1725, when General Wade was appointed Commander-in-Chief in
Scotland, but it was not till about 1729 or 1730 that the companies
assumed a regular form." They were stationed originally in different
parts of the Highlands, and, acting independently of each other, were
styled "the Independent Companies of the Black Watch." Subsequently,
after being of great use for local purposes, the companies, united, were
formed into the 42nd Regiment under the command of the Earl of Crawford,
in 1739.
=Bloemfontein.=--The capital of the Orange Free State, on the railway
line between Cape Town and Pretoria, 750 miles from the former and 290
from the latter town. Population about 7000 white, 3000 black
inhabitants. It is a picturesque, cleanly, and prosperous town. Three
English newspapers are published there, and it is much frequented by the
English, by whom the fine climate is much esteemed.
=Boers.=--The Dutch word for farmers. For early history and character
_see_ vol. i.
=Bombproof Buildings.=--Buildings formed so as to withstand the shock of
heavy shot or shell falling on them.
=Boschveld.=--Plain covered with bush or scrub.
=Boshof= is seventy-two miles north-west of Bloemfontein, and about forty
north-east of Kimberley. From Boshof to the nearest point of the Vaal
River--near Warrenton, or Fourteen Streams--is about twenty-five miles.
=Brigade.=--A body of troops, the unit of a division. An infantry brigade
is composed of four battalions. The term brigade is given to the Brigade
of Guards, which consists of four regiments of Foot Guards; to the
Household Cavalry, composed of two regiments of Life Guards, and the
Royal Horse Guards.
=Brigade-Major.=--Takes the same place in relation to a brigade as an
adjutant in relation to a regiment.
=Brigadier.=--A military officer whose rank is next above a Colonel. He
exercises the command of a brigade of troops, with the rank, on active
service, of Major-General.
=Bulawayo= (the place of killing).--The capital of Rhodesia. White
population 4000. A thriving, well-built town, with every modern
convenience. It boasts many large hotels and churches, two theatres, a
racecourse, and several schools. Electric light, newspapers, and a
splendid avenue of trees, 2540 yards long and 130 feet broad, speak of
the march of civilisation and bear the impress of the finger of Mr.
Rhodes. A statue, characteristically colossal, of the empire-maker has
been executed by Mr. John Tweed for erection on the scene of his life
labours. _See_ vol. i. p. 124.
=Burg.=--A town.
=Burgher.=--European male inhabitant of the Republics, who may have
obtained the franchise. For particulars regarding the Uitlanders and the
franchise _see_ Mr. Loveday's speech, 1895, vol. i. p. 146.
=Camp.=--The extent of ground occupied by an army either in huts or under
canvas. They are placed, as a general rule, where wood and water are
easily accessible. In standing camps the regulated interval is ten paces
between each tent.
=Campaign.=--The period during which an army keeps the field and carries
on a series of operations.
=Canteen.=--A regulated establishment (otherwise a store), managed for
the benefit of the men by a committee of officers, for the purpose of
supplying liquor, groceries, &c., to the soldier at reasonable prices.
=Cape Boys.=--Coloured people, the offspring of intermarriage between
mixed races and negroes.
=Cape Colony.=--Bounded by the Orange River and Orange Colony on the
north, by Natal on the north-east; and by the Atlantic and Indian Oceans
on the west, south, and south-east. Area about 277,150 miles. Population
in 1896 (exclusive of Pondoland and British Bechuanaland) about
1,822,000--one-fifth of whom are whites. The climate is highly esteemed
and is said by some to have upon the constitution the effect of
champagne. It is highly recommended for those suffering from pulmonary
complaints, and as the seasons are exactly the reverse of those in
England, health travellers to South Africa can escape the rigours of the
British winter entirely. The defence of the Cape Colony has hitherto been
maintained by a small British fleet, and by a small British garrison
supplemented by the admirable corps of volunteers whose services in the
present need have been so zealously placed at the service of the Empire.
For details _see_ vol. iii. p. 161. The imports in 1898 stood thus: Cape
Town, £5,128,292; Port Elizabeth, £6,246,429; East London, £3,519,697.
The exports were: Cape Town, £15,881,952; Port Elizabeth, £2,103,351;
East London, £954,654.
=Cape Town.=--Population over 50,000 before the war. Distance from
Southampton 5978 miles. A flourishing, well built and ordered town,
boasting eighteen miles of tramway lines. The water supply is good, but
owing to bad drainage the death rate in hot weather is about 27 per 1000.
=Captain.=--In the army an officer who commands a troop of horse or a
company of infantry. The badges of rank are two stars on each
shoulder-strap. In the navy a captain commands a cruiser or a
battleship. He ranks with a lieutenant-colonel in the army, and after
three years' service with a full colonel.
=Carbine.=--A small-arm rifle used by the cavalry, shorter and lighter
than that of the infantry.
=Cavalry.=--Mounted branch of the army--divided into _heavy_ and _light_.
The duties of cavalry are extensive, and comprise the care of
reconnoitring parties, outpost duties, feelers in advance of an army.
Cavalry is classed as heavy, medium, and light. The Household Cavalry and
two regiments of Dragoons are _heavy_, all other dragoons and dragoon
guards are _medium_, and Hussar regiments _light_. The whole carry
carbines and swords, or carbines and swords and lances. Every regiment is
divided into three or four squadrons, which are each divided into two
troops. General de Brack, in remarking on the qualifications of the
cavalry officer, said, "To be a good officer of advance guard, it is not
enough to be brave and to command well under fire; it is necessary to
have brought there the greatest possible number of men, and in the best
condition to act with effect.... The habit of judging of the health of
men and horses; a knowledge of prompt remedies applicable in particular
cases, the daily and minute inspection of appointments; understanding the
necessary and judicious modes of repairing the same; the providing of all
that can be useful to the soldier and his horse without overloading the
latter; the equipment well arranged; regularity of pace in the line of
march; good situation for the bivouacs; with constant attention to
everything which can contribute to a horse's ability even to dispense for
a time with the farrier; a notion of the method of using the utensils
contained in a soldier's case; understanding the occasions favourable to
refreshment and repose; the moral acquaintance with men under his
command; discipline preserved when the dragoons have no longer before
their eyes the dread of the guard-room or jail; that foresight which ever
watches to prevent useless distress to the horses; personal example
offered upon every occasion, and afforded the more readily in proportion
as those occasions may be trying or difficult; confidence; unbounded
devotion; the power of exciting enthusiasm among his followers: these are
capabilities the theories of peace cannot teach, these are what, in
addition to courage, military _coup d'oeil_, and a ready judgment on
the field of battle, form the officer of real distinction." This
quotation serves to enhance our appreciation of the "real distinction" of
the British cavalry leaders who relieved Kimberley and Mafeking.
=Charlestown.=--Situated north of Natal, a few miles from Majuba Hill.
=Colenso.=--Small village in Natal near the Tugela River.
=Colesberg.=--Small town 37 miles beyond Naauwpoort. Population, 1830.
=Colonel.=--Highest rank in the army below that of general. Their rank is
denoted by two stars and a crown on each shoulder-strap. A
lieutenant-colonel wears a crown and one star.
=Colonel of a Regiment.=--A general officer placed at the head of a
regiment as reward of long and meritorious services. An honorary
distinction merely. The Prince of Wales is Colonel of the 10th Hussars.
=Column.=--Formation of troops several ranks in depth and of any length
of front, disposed so as to move in regular succession. Sometimes the
name _column_ is given to a body of troops which is in effect a small
army.
=Combatant.=--As distinct from noncombatant officers such as chaplains
and surgeons.
=Commandant.=--The chief of the Boer commando.
=Commandeer.=--To call out on service.
=Commander.=--Naval officer ranking next below a captain. He receives the
title of captain socially, and ranks with a colonel in the army.
=Commander-in-Chief.=--Highest Staff appointment in the army. He acts in
conjunction with the Secretary of War. There is a _local_
Commander-in-Chief over the Indian forces, and also over those in
Ireland. All these officers in their different posts supervise the
training, discipline, and appointments, &c., of the army.
=Commando.=--An irregular regiment of mounted Boers.
=Commissariat.=--An organisation responsible for collecting food, forage,
and necessaries for troops in cantonments or in the field. The duties,
divided into (1) transport, (2) supply, are carried out by the Army
Service Corps. The difficulties of securing and carrying food in an
enemy's country are very great. Owing to this difficulty the First
Crusade never got beyond Hungary. In the Ashantee War the Fantees were so
afraid of the Ashantees that they refused to carry the food or baggage of
the army, and the duty devolved on the West India Regiments.
=Commission.=--Warrant signed by the sovereign authorising the officer to
exercise command in the army. The purchase of commissions was abolished
in 1871. They are now given to candidates after passing the prescribed
examination before the Civil Service examiners, when they are sent to
Sandhurst or Woolwich Academies for further instruction, chiefly of
military nature. Quantities of "irregulars" and volunteers have now been
given commissions as reward for practical service in the field.
=Communications.=--The lines by which an army communicates with its base
from any point to which it has advanced, and by which it must retreat in
the event of disaster. They are the arteries that vitalise the mechanism
and allow it to work.
=Company.=--A body of men commanded by a captain, and forming the first
unit of an infantry battalion. The number of a company may be reckoned as
about 100. About eight companies make a battalion.
[Illustration: DURBAN, NATAL
Photo by Wilson, Aberdeen]
=Contraband of War.=--Arms, ammunition, coal, food, &c., which a neutral
power is prohibited by the Law of Nations from carrying to countries
in a state of war.
=Cordite.=--Smokeless powder resembling cords, which defies the best
efforts to locate the enemy. Invented by Sir F. Abel and Professor Dewar.
=Corporal.=--Next grade below that of sergeant.
=Creusot Gun.=--The famous "Long Toms" of the Boers are Creusot guns.
They were originally named after the place of Le Creuzot, where the firm
of Schneider & Co. manufacture these weapons. But the term is now applied
to other guns made by the same firm.
=De Aar.=--Important junction of the Cape Town and Port Elizabeth
Railways.
=Division.=--First unit of a _corps d'armée_, and commanded by a general
officer. Consists of two or more brigades, and is composed of three arms
of the service, infantry, cavalry, and artillery.
=Donga.=--River bed with high banks on either side. Generally dry, save
in the rainy season.
=Dorp.=--A hamlet.
=Dundee.=--Town in Natal, north of Ladysmith. Noted for its coal-fields,
which are the best in S. Africa. They produced about 1000 tons a day
before the war. The locality is rich in iron, and the future of this now
historic region promises to be commercially rosy.
=Durban.=--Flourishing port of Natal. Population about 39,245, of which
over 17,700 are whites. It is twenty-nine hours' journey by rail from
Pretoria, and 6800 miles by sea from Southampton. It has several good
hotels, restaurants, and clubs; and two daily newspapers are published
there. Trams and electric lights form part of the attractions of the
town.
=Earthworks.=--In fortification, all works thrown up for attack or
defence in which earth enters chiefly into the construction. It is a
question whether--in the defence of a place--earth be preferable to
masonry. In the latter case, the defenders are liable to be injured by
splinters, while in the former, repairs are more readily effected. The
reason why the capture of the Mamelon during the Crimean War was so hard
a task, is attributed to the fact that repairs were very easily
accomplished during the night.
=Elandslaagte= (The Glen of the Eland).--Small and now ever memorable
village near Ladysmith. _See_ vol. ii. p. 20.
=Engineers.=--The duties of this branch are so numerous, it is almost
impossible to define them. They are required to be jack-of-all-trades,
and masters of each. The construction of works and bridges, and of
military buildings--the planning and direction of the attack and defence
of a fortification, and a thousand and one other duties fall to their
lot. The following lines by Rudyard Kipling form a summary of the
Sappers' accomplishments:--
"We lay down their sidings an' help 'em entrain,
An' we sweep up their mess through the bloomin' campaign.
They send us in front with a fuse an' a mine,
To blow up the gates that are rushed by the Line;
They send us behind with a pick an' a spade,
To dig for the guns of a bullock-brigade....
Now the Line's but a man with a gun in his hand,
An' Cavalry's only what horses can stand.
Artillery moves by the leave o' the ground;
But _we_ are the men that do something all round:
For _we_ are her Majesty's Royal Engineers,
With the rank and pay of a Sapper!"
=Epaulment.=--An earthwork thrown up to conceal and protect guns and
gunners from the fire of the enemy.
=Esprit de Corps.=--It is described in James' "Military Dictionary" as
the "feeling of attachment a soldier has for his regiment, even to the
point of thinking it the best in the army. It fosters goodwill and
fellowship among officers and soldiers. It produces an emulous thirst
after military glory. In fact, true _esprit-de-corps_ creates such a
feeling of enthusiasm and love for all that is honourable and noble, that
an officer or soldier will be careful in his conduct to do nothing which
would bring dishonour or reproach on his regiment."
=Estcourt.=--Important trading town in Natal, situated near the junction
of the Bushman's and the Little Bushman's River. It is the seat of
Magistracy for Weenen County. Population 300. It possesses two hotels, a
church, and a library. The climate is considered one of the finest in
Natal.
=Facings.=--Regiments are distinguished by the colour of their facings,
otherwise by the colour of the cuffs and collar of their regimentals.
=Feint.=--A mock attack to deceive the enemy as to the real direction of
the assault.
=Field-Cornet.=--A Boer sub-magistrate of a district.
=Field-Marshal.=--Highest military rank a General can obtain.
=Field Officer.=--One below the rank of general and above that of
captain. Majors, lieut.-colonels, or colonels of brevet or regimental
rank, are field officers.
=Flag of Truce.=--Flag--generally a white handkerchief attached to a
staff and carried by an officer sent to communicate with the enemy.
=Flank Attack.=--One of the modes of attack whereby the side or flank of
an army is attacked.
=Flank Movement.=--A change of march in course of a battle, with a view
to turning either one or both wings of the enemy.