1904-1906
ABYSSINIA
Although Gatacre undoubtedly indulged hopes of further employment, he
had not much confidence in such expectations. While prepared to move
onwards should his desires be fulfilled, he was simultaneously
safeguarding his retreat.
During the manoeuvres he had made inquiries about the working of the
Remount Department in the counties, and had discovered that there was a
post open to him which would provide both congenial occupation and
reasonable remuneration, namely £500 a year in addition to pension.
He bought a little house in the Cotswold Hills, and for the first few
weeks enjoyed the leisure, as he had always enjoyed the leisure of his
sixty days' leave.
Although the post he coveted was vacant, and although similar posts
were being worked by retired officers of his rank, unaccountable
difficulties arose in securing it. In the hope of wearing down these
obstacles, whatever might be their origin, Gatacre got permission to
hold the post for eight months, but the pay attached was withheld, the
arrangement being that he was to draw allowances only, {274} on the
scale fixed by Government for all such duty, which is calculated to
cover actual travelling expenses. The work consisted mainly of
overhauling and replenishing the list of registered horses, over an
area of twenty-two counties. These included Wales and Cornwall to the
west, while on the east a line drawn from Cheshire to Hampshire
inclusive of these two counties would form a rough boundary. He very
soon got profoundly interested in his task.
He invented a new system of tabulating all sorts of information useful
to the Department. He found that to complete what was properly a
year's work in eight months involved working under more pressure than
could justly be expected, more especially as his services were
voluntary; but the old incentive of reaching his own self-imposed
standard would not let him leave his work unfinished. The facts he had
collected were useless, his labour would be in vain, unless he could
record them in a form that would be handy for reference. His reports
were to be the _vade mecum_ of the Remount and Yeomanry Officer in each
county; there was one little volume for each county, and a General
Directory for use at Headquarters. Permission was obtained from Sir
Evelyn Wood, commanding the Second Army Corps, to employ an army clerk
and two typewriting clerks (women) in an office in Salisbury, and there
Gatacre worked for six weeks in July and August 1904. In order to
complete his task in the allotted time, he had to stick so closely to
his desk that he {275} grudged the loss of working hours which would be
the consequence of a Sunday at home. But it occurred to him that as
the nights were short and cool he could save the time that would be
wasted in the train by doing the journey by night on his bicycle. The
distance was sixty-four miles; the first time it worked very well and
he met with no mishap, but on the return journey he punctured at 2
a.m., and as it was too dark to do his own repairs, he had to complete
the last twenty-four miles on foot.
[Sidenote: On the road]
A fortnight later he was on the road again, but decided to come by day.
He telegraphed to me that he was leaving Salisbury at noon on Saturday.
Having remonstrated with him about making this journey in one stretch,
as he had done previously, I wired that I would meet him at Malmesbury
at 5 p.m., reckoning that he could not complete his forty-eight miles
in less than five hours, and that my presence would ensure a break in
the long spin. He arrived five minutes before time, but we did not
start off again till six. On another occasion he started at daybreak,
and we met at nine o'clock for breakfast at Malmesbury. His age was
then sixty; the story is told in order to show not only that he still
possessed staying powers above the average, but that he still found the
highest delight in using such powers.
In September he was informed that the Remount Department had no longer
any use for his services. Across the letter to this effect I find
written in his own hand "Disappointing, {276} very!" Once more it
seemed to him that his devotion and exertion counted for naught; he had
done good work, but he had mysteriously failed to make it of any
account.
[Sidenote: 1905]
There was, however, an interpretation of the situation which, though
hidden from his eyes, can be read between the lines of the file of
correspondence. He could see and could gauge the usefulness of his
services and ideas, but his humble-mindedness hid from him the fact
that it was his own value that stood in his way. His highly trained
administrative faculties immediately grasped all the bearings and
possibilities of the problem before him, and he could not resist the
desire to improve upon existing methods. This was not what the
Department wanted. Although willing to admit the intrinsic merits of
his scheme, the authorities were not prepared to put in force such a
comprehensive measure of reorganisation; so that while they could
honestly say that his "work would serve as a model," they had no option
but to discontinue using a tool that was too powerful, too keen, for
their purpose. His military rank and his administrative ability made
it impossible to employ him in the subordinate position that he coveted.
[Sidenote: Retired]
Yet another blow was hanging over him. On March 22,1905, he went to
London to attend the Memorial Service to His Royal Highness the Duke of
Cambridge in Westminster Abbey. At such a gathering he naturally found
many friends (more especially as the Duke had been Colonel-in-Chief of
the Middlesex Regiment), {277} and, according to one who was amongst
the number, it was a pleasure to see how many distinguished men came to
greet him, civilians as well as soldiers, and among them men of
political standing who knew him more by reputation than in person.
This was the last flicker of his public life, for when he returned to
the country that evening the intimation of his immediate retirement lay
among his correspondence. By contrast to his mood when a few hours
earlier he had stood honoured among his peers, this letter seemed a
stinging blow, and I can confidently say that he did not expect it.
There were still eight months to run before he reached the age of
sixty-two, at which point he would (in the event of his not having been
promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-General) have had to "retire" under
the regulations.
The one thing that we had vaguely dreaded had come to pass. The thing
was unthinkable, but it was true--the words in his friend's letter had
become prophecy: he was to "have no opportunity of justifying himself,"
no chance of obliterating the slur that had been cast on his name. His
career was at an end, and it had closed a dishonoured career, when to
have held one more appointment, however insignificant, would have
implied recognition of the facts of the case and compensation for the
hasty judgment.
It was some time in the summer of 1905 that the late Sir Lepel Griffin
invited Gatacre to sit on the board of the Kordofan Trading Company.
{278} We welcomed the new interest. I thought that the pretext for
regular visits to London was a desirable thing; I liked to think of his
moving amongst busy men, and having something to occupy his mind.
There was no idea of making a fortune; we had very little spare
capital, and he only invested the small amount necessary to qualify as
a Director.
From the first he foresaw the opportunity that might arise of visiting
the territory specified in the concession. The prospect attracted him
wildly. As the season approached when such a proposition could be
seriously entertained, his spirits rose, and he revelled in the idea of
starting off for the desert; he took the keenest pleasure in preparing
every contrivance for his comfort that his experience of camp-life
could suggest; he set about getting books and pamphlets in which he
could learn the history of the trade in rubber and the chemical
processes of its manufacture.
A telegram which reached us on November 10, asking whether he could be
ready to start by the Peninsular and Oriental night mail of the 17th,
lifted him into the highest spirits: from that moment he talked of
nothing but tents, rifles, and such-like necessities, and thought of
nothing but the valuable report that he would prepare for his
co-Directors.
To those who have been inclined to blame me for letting him go, I would
reply that it still appears to me that any attempt to stop him would
have been dictated by selfish motives. He was offered a delightful
trip, one that would {279} afford him all those arduous pleasures that
his soul loved. Why should I stand in his way? I did desire greatly
to accompany him, but in such a short space it would have been
impossible to wind up his affairs and so set me free to go.
[Sidenote: Up the Nile]
The rubber forests that were the objective of the trip lay in
Abyssinia, east and south of Addis Abeba. The party consisted of the
General, in command; an experienced Syrian trader named Idlibi, who had
acted as his interpreter during the Egyptian Campaign of 1898; one or
two men of a similar class, and a suitable number of servants and
porters. Amongst Sir William's three personal servants, one was a
Mahommedan bearer from India, with whom he could talk freely in
Hindustani, and who could therefore act as interpreter to the Arab
servants. The route selected involved a trip in steamers of about 500
miles up the White Nile to Taufikia, and then, turning eastward, a
further 250 miles up the tributary river Sobat, which in its upper
reaches is called the Baro, to Gambela, from which it is 300 miles by a
good caravan track to Addis Abeba.
At Fashoda, which is now officially called Kodok, the party came across
an English missionary boat. Gatacre went on board and had tea with the
five missionaries a few days before Christmas.
It was hoped that there would have been enough water in the river to
float the shallow craft right on to Gambela, but first one boat and
then the two smaller craft ran aground. {280} It was therefore
necessary to open communications from Keg, where the last barge
stranded, to Gambela by road, a distance of about thirty-eight miles.
Leaving Idlibi in charge of the caravan, Sir William accomplished this
march on foot in three days, accompanied by his servants and a few
porters.
[Sidenote: 1906]
Gambela is an important trading centre, and was the first objective of
the journey. Politically it is known as an Enclave--that is, a tract
of country leased by the King of Abyssinia to the Soudan Government.
It thus becomes a frontier post of the Soudan, and has a small
Soudanese garrison, which in January 1906 was under the command of the
Memour Mehined Riad Effendi.
The Memour was exceedingly hospitable to Sir William, receiving him as
a guest in his house, and doing everything in his power to facilitate
his journey. Gatacre's letters speak most gratefully of the kindness
he received at this officer's hands. At Gambela he discovered the
Company's agent, and arranged with him to procure three hundred
coolies, who should march to Keg, and then carry the merchandise from
the boats along the track by which Sir William himself had just
travelled.
[Sidenote: His death in the desert]
Having completed his business, Gatacre started back to join Idlibi, and
report progress. On this return journey he was unfortunate in his
camping-grounds. Tents being superfluous in such a climate, the party
just bivouacked where they halted when the sudden darkness of {281} the
tropics fell upon them. In a small notebook of daily jottings, which
at his leisure Gatacre worked up into a more formal journal, I find the
following entry on January 11, 1906: "Camped in a swamp--horrible
water." He reached Keg next day, and was pleased to find that Idlibi
had disembarked all the stuff and divided it into suitable loads for
the men to carry. A few days later, being impatient at the non-arrival
of the coolies, Gatacre decided again to make his way to Gambela, but
was attacked with fever on the road, and died at a place known as
Iddeni.
His body was conveyed in a canoe to Gambela, where Mehined Riad Effendi
saw to its burial in the Abyssinian Christian Cemetery, with due
formality.
On Idlibi's arrival with the merchandise a court of inquiry was held,
at which the Memour presided. The depositions of all the servants were
formally taken, and a translation of their words was forwarded through
the British Consul at Addis Abeba to the Foreign Office in London. It
appears therein that there was another Englishman moving to and fro
during that week, and that he passed the General on the Tuesday
previous to his death, which took place on Thursday, January 18, 1906.
I mention this to show that the locality was not unknown to
civilisation, and that Gatacre was not the only one to brave the
climate.
It is clear that darkness overtook him on the 11th while on swampy
ground, so that he was {282} compelled to pass the night exposed to
dangerous miasmas. I am convinced that had it not been for this
misfortune, or some similar accidental misadventure, he would have
returned with the rest of the mission on June 10 as young and
high-spirited as he was on his departure.
* * * * *
Lofty designs must close in like effects:
Loftily lying,
Leave him--still loftier than the world suspects,
Living and dying.
* * * * *
The key-note to Gatacre's character may be said to be willingness--an
eager and fearless willingness to follow the right, the best, an
unconditional spending of himself in carrying out the lofty conceptions
of duty and service with which he was gifted. Everything he undertook,
everything he accomplished, was done with an eager gallantry and a
joyful zeal. The effect of these qualities was enhanced by a proud
indifference to the cost to himself.
His soldierly heedlessness in risking his life had its moral
counterpart in his willingness to accept to the full all responsibility
for his actions. How should one who feared not the Hand of God--"the
arrow that flieth by day, nor the pestilence that walketh in
darkness"--how should such a one fear the judgment of man?
It is to the remarkable association of an exalted sense of duty with
exceptional physical powers that Gatacre owes much of his distinction.
His {283} standard of efficiency and discipline was as far above the
average as were his powers of bodily endurance. His lowliness of mind,
however, hid from him the true measure of his endowments, and led him
to try to inspire all men with his own lofty ideals. During his long
services as staff officer he was always ready to show to his Chief the
enthusiastic co-operation that he expected from those who were serving
under him. Though some officers may have smarted under his sarcasms,
though they may have thought that he overtaxed his troops, it is
admitted on all sides that his exactions were prompted solely by the
interests of the service, and that his life was the expression of the
precepts that he instilled. In the final act of his military career
Gatacre proved that he was ready to do as he would be done by--to
submit himself without question to the word of authority. Many a time
had he been face to face with death; when something more precious than
life itself was demanded he laid aside his reputation without a murmur.
[Sidenote: The broken arcs]
* * * * *
Therefore to whom do I turn but to Thee, the ineffable Name?
Builder and Maker, Thou, of houses not made with hands!
What, have fear of change from Thee who art ever the same?
Doubt that Thy power can fill the heart that Thy power expands?
There shall never be one lost good! What was, shall live as before;
The evil is null, is nought, is silence implying sound;
What was good, shall be good, with, for evil, so much good more;
On the earth the broken arcs; in the heaven a perfect round.
* * * * *
{284}
[Sidenote: Finis]
In a sense Gatacre was but the fulfilment of an everlasting type. It
is this quality in him, this spark of the eternal Quixotic, of the
eternal Heroic, of the eternal Tragic, that redeems his life from the
commonplace, that has made him an example to some of his own
generation, and may yet make him an example to some that are to come.
Death has put an end to controversy. His fair fame remains; he is
crowned with the halo of the departed, and his name is written on the
long roll of true knights, _sans peur et sans reproche_.
{285}
In Memoriam
On Saturday, May 26, 1906, an alabaster tablet bearing the inscription
given below was dedicated by the Rev. H. Hensley Henson, Canon of
Westminster, in Claverley Church, Shropshire.
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
SIR WILLIAM FORBES GATACRE
MAJOR-GENERAL KNIGHT COMMANDER OF THE BATH A MEMBER OF THE
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER HOLDING THE KAISER-I-HIND GOLD MEDAL AND OF
THE ORDER OF THE MEDJIDIEH AND KNIGHT OF GRACE OF THE ORDER OF SAINT
JOHN OF JERUSALEM
THIRD SON OF EDWARD LLOYD GATACRE ESQ OF GATACRE IN THIS PARISH BORN AT
HERBERTSHIRE CASTLE 3 DECEMBER 1843 DIED NEAR GAMBELLA ABYSSINIA 18
JANUARY 1906
HE SERVED WITH DISTINCTION IN THE HAZARA CAMPAIGN 1888 IN THE TON-HON
EXPEDITION 1889-90 IN THE CHITRAL RELIEF FORCE 1895 HE COMMANDED THE
BRITISH DIVISION IN THE ADVANCE ON KHARTOUM 1898 AND THE THIRD DIVISION
OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN FIELD FORCE 1899-1900 NOT LESS MEMORABLE WAS HIS
SERVICE AS PRESIDENT OF THE BOMBAY PLAGUE COMMITTEE 1897
STRENUOUS IN ACTION AND GIFTED WITH AN EXALTED SENSE OF EFFICIENCY AND
DISCIPLINE HE TROD HIS PATH IN LIFE WITH AN UNSWERVING DEVOTION TO DUTY
HIS SIMPLICITY OF CHARACTER HIS GREAT COURAGE AND POWERS OF ENDURANCE
HIS MANLY TENDERNESS OF HEART WON HIM THE ADMIRATION AND AFFECTION OF
ALL WHO KNEW HIM
"WHOM GOD LOVETH HE CHASTENETH"
{286}
REASONS FOR THE REMOVAL OF LIEUT.-GENERAL GATACRE[1]
[1] See _Official History_, vol. ii. p. 614.
In a memorandum to the Secretary of State for War, dated April 16,
1900, Lord Roberts set forth his reasons for the step he had taken in
removing Lieut.-General Sir William Gatacre from the command of the 3rd
Division.
With reference to the defeat at Stormberg, Lord Roberts explained the
view he had taken as follows:
"In my opinion, Lieut.-General Gatacre on this occasion showed a want
of care, judgment, and even of ordinary military precautions, which
rendered it impossible for me, in justice to those who might be called
on to serve under him, to employ him in any position where serious
fighting might be looked for. I was, however, most anxious to avoid,
if it were possible, the infliction on him of the slur which
necessarily attaches itself to a General who is removed from his
command while on active service. I, therefore, refused to supersede
him at the time when I assumed the chief command in South Africa,
believing that I might safely employ him on the lines of communication
or in any position not actually in the front.
{287}
"On March 28 I telegraphed to Lieut.-General Gatacre as follows:
"'No. C. 696. If you have enough troops at your disposal I should like
you to occupy Dewetsdorp. It would make the road to Maseru safe, and
prevent the enemy from using the telegraph line to the south. _Let me
know what you can do to this end._'
"To the question italicised above, Lieut.-General Gatacre gave me no
reply. In answer to my telegram he sent a list of movements then in
progress in the southern part of the Orange Free State, east of the
railway, which included a movement of two companies Royal Irish Rifles
towards Dewetsdorp, where they were due to arrive on Sunday (April 1).
"On March 30 he wired that two companies mounted infantry and three
companies Royal Irish Rifles were moving on Dewetsdorp.
"On March 31 I wired to Lieut.-General Gatacre that I considered
Dewetsdorp too far advanced for security, and on April 1 he informed me
that he had sent a despatch rider to Dewetsdorp with orders for the
troops there to fall back on Reddersburg.
"The result of these movements was that in falling back these companies
were surrounded east of Reddersburg and, being without food or water,
were eventually compelled to surrender. For this result I must hold
Lieut.-General Gatacre responsible. Dewetsdorp is some forty-five
miles by road east of the railway on which the mass of the troops were
stationed, and is {288} therefore a position in which a small force is
much isolated and might be in great danger if attacked. It appears,
however, that Lieut.-General Gatacre ordered two companies mounted
infantry and three companies Royal Irish Rifles to Dewetsdorp on his
own responsibility, and failed to give me the information I asked for
as to what he could do with the troops at his disposal as regards
holding the place, which, if supplied, would have enabled me to judge
of its adequacy or otherwise, and therefore whether Dewetsdorp should
or should not be occupied. The small force he actually sent was
entirely incapable of holding its own so far from sufficient force, and
being partly composed of infantry was unable to move rapidly when a
retirement became necessary. I consider that in thus isolating a small
detachment, Lieut.-General Gatacre has shown a grave want of judgment
which must necessarily shake the confidence of those under his orders
and have a bad effect on the _moral_ of his troops. I am therefore
unable to retain him in command of his division and have given orders
for his relief and return to England.
"ROBERTS, Field-Marshal"
"BLOEMFONTEIN, "_April_ 16, 1900."
{289}
INDEX
Addis Abeba, Abyssinia: W. F. G. starts for, Nov. 1905, 278
Adjutant-General Bombay Army. See Staff Services.
Aldershot: W. F. G. serves there as D.A.Q.M.G. in 1879-80, 37
serves as G.O.C. Third Infantry Brigade, 1897-8, 184
Aldershot Conservative Club: telegram of welcome from, 1900, 264
Allahabad: W. F. G. quartered there, 1862-4, 14
Allen, Colonel E., R.I.R., withdraws detachments to Aliwal North, 258
Aliwal North, O.F.S.: headquarters of Colonial Corps, 1900, 244
Appointments held by W. F. G. See Staff Services and War Services.
Arnott, Colonel James: recollections of 1894, 121
Assault-at-Arms, Bombay, 1894, 122-5
Atbara: events leading to engagement on banks of, 1898, 199-202
battle of, April 8, 1898, 203-6
Aylmer, Maj.-Gen. F. J., V.C., C.B.: served with Royal
Engineers on Chitral Relief Force, 1895, 131
Baird, Captain A. McD.: killed during siege of Chitral, 1895, 141
Bannu: letter written from, by W.F.G. while on tour, 1887, 67
Barnardiston, Col. N. W., M.V.O., adjutant to 77th Regt.:
recollections of, 55-9
Battye, Col. L. R., 5th Goorkhas, killed near Oghi, 1888, 73
Beluohistan. See Quetta, Fort Sandeman, etc.
Bengough, Maj.-Gen. Sir Harcourt, K.C.B., late Middlesex Regt.:
recollections of, 15
Bethulie Bridge: saved by scouts of Third Division, 241
removal of explosives by W. F. G. and Lieut. Grant, R. E., March,
1900, 241
Black Mountain Expedition, or Hazara Field Force, 1888, 72-81
Tribes: historical sketch of, 71-2
Bloemfontein, O.F.S.: occupied by F.-M. Lord Roberts, March, 1900, 240
garrison of, April 1900, 249
W. F. G. proceeds to, for interview of, April 2, 1900, 254
Bolan-Mushkaf Railroad: first mail train Nov. 30, 1896, 160
Bombay: W. F. G. commands mil. district, 1894-7, 110-26
testimonials by citizens of, 182
Boots: unsatisfactory nature of, Egypt, 1898, 190
Brabant, Maj.-Gen. Sir E. Y., K.C.B., commanding Colonial Corps,
South Africa, 1899-1900, 240
headquarters of, at Aliwal North, 244
his detachment at Wepener to be reinforced, March 1900, 250
sends waggons to meet infantry detachments, 258
Broadwood, Maj.-Gen. R. G., C.B., A.D.C.: operations near
Thaba' Nchu, 252
at Sannah's Post, 253
Brooke, Bt.-Lieut.-Col. R. G., D.S.O.: Orderly Officer
Third Brigade, Chitral Relief Force, 1895, 142
A.D.C. to W. F. G. in Egypt, 1898, 188
Brooke, Robert, of Madeley Court: effigy of, in Claverley Church, 4
Browne, Col. H. L., late 77th Regt, : recollections of, 29
Buffs, the, 1st Batt. East Kent Regt.: form part of Third
Brigade Chitral Relief Force, 1895, 129
Buller, Gen. Sir Redvers, V.C., G.C.B., etc: sent to the Cape
in command of Army Corps, Oct. 1899, 220
dispositions made on arrival, 221
telegrams sent for W. F. G.'s guidance, 223
suggests night attack, 227
approves unsuccessful attempt on Stormberg, 237
anxious position of, Dec. 1899, 239
relieves Ladysmith, March 1900, 240
Bullets: unsatisfactory nature of, Egypt 1898, 191
Burma, Lower: historical sketch of, 43-4
Upper: under Mindon-min and King Theebaw, 44
annexed by Proclamation, Jan. 1, 1886, 84
Cambridge, H.R.H. the Duke of, K.G., G.C.B., etc.: Memorial
Service to, March 22, 1905, 276
Cameron Highlanders: 1st batt. in Egypt, 1898, 187
march on Reddersburg, April 1900, 255
Camp of Exercise, at Bangalore, 1884, 53
at Delhi, 1885-6, 63-4
Cape Colony: W. F. G. sent to reassure eastern portion of, Oct. 1899,
221
invasion by Boers, Nov. 1899, 224
Channer, Lt.-Gen., V.C., C.B.; commanding No. 1 Column, Hazara Field
Force, 1888, 75
occupies Thakot, 80
Chapman, Gen. Sir Edward, K.C.B.: Q.M.G. India, 1885-9, 64
Chermside, Hon. Lt.-Gen. Sir H. C., G.C.M.G., K.C.B., takes over
command, of Third Division, South Africa Field Force, 1900, 259
Chitral Relief Force: See Chapter IX., 127-44
W. F. G. to command Third Brigade, March 1895, 128
advance over the Lowari Pass, 134-40
reaches Chitral Fort, 141
Churchill, the Right Hon. Winston Spencer, author of _The
River War_, cited, 202, 209
Clarke, Gen. Sir Charles Mansfield, G.C.B., G.C.V.O.: Director
of manoeuvres on Salisbury Plain, 1899, 218
Claverley: church of, ancient tombs therein, 4
Manor of, mentioned in Domesday Book, 1
Clements, Maj.-Gen. R. A. P., C.B., D.S.O.: commanding brigade
on Salisbury Plain, 1899, 218
orders given to, _re_ Norval's Pont Bridge, 242
Colchester: headquarters of Eastern District; W. F. G. takes up
command, Dec. 1898, 216
departs for South Africa, Oct. 1899, 219
resumes command, May 1900, 262
hands over, Dec. 1903, 271
Colenso: battle of, Dec. 1899, compared with attempt on Stormberg, 236
Colville, Maj.-Gen. Sir Henry, K.C.B., 253
Connaught, H.R.H. the Duke of, K.G., G.C.B., etc.; at Aldershot, 1874,
34
Crosthwaite, Sir Charles, K.C.S.I.: Chief Commissioner,
Burma, 1887-90, 87
report on administration by, cited, 90
Dacoity: difficulties of suppression, 85
Decorations worn by W. F. G.:
D.S.O., 1889
C.B., 1895
Jubilee, 1897
K.C.B., 1898
Order of the Medjidieh, 2nd class, 1898
Kaiser-i-Hind Gold Medal, 1900
Coronation Medal, 1902
War Medals:
Indian Frontier, 2 clasps.
Chitral 1895, 1 clasp.
British Soudan.
South Africa, Queen's medal, 2 clasps.
Egyptian Soudan, 2 clasps.
Delhi: Camp of Exercise at, 1884-5, 63-4
Deputy Assistant Quartermaster-General, Aldershot, 1879-80. See
Staff Services.
Deputy Quartermaster-General, India, 1885-9. See Staff Services
Derbyshire Regt.: with Third Division in South Africa, 1900, 237
called up to headquarters, 245
Dewetsdorp: telegram regarding occupation of, March 1900, 246
geographical position of, 247
party of occupation strengthened, 248
arrival of detachment, 251
anxiety about safety of detachment, 255
Dimmock, Col. H. P., M.D., I.M.S.: recollections of, 1897, 167
Dufferin and Ava, First Marquess of, Viceroy of India, 1885, 63
receives Freedom of the City of Edinburgh, 1898, 215
Eager, Lieut.-Col., R.I.R.; mortally wounded at Stormberg, 1899, 233
East London, C.C.: W. F. G. disembarks at, Nov. 1899, 222
Elles, Lieut.-Gen. Sir Edmond, G.C.I.E., K.C.B.: serves with Hazara
Field Force, 1888, 76
Egypt: campaign of 1898. See Chapters XII., XIII., 186-213
Eyton, R. W.: author of _Antiquities of Shropshire_, cited, 1-3
Forbes, William, Esq., of Callendar: maternal grandfather to W. F. G., 7
William, son of above, M.P. for Stirlingshire, 7
Jessie, sister to above: married Edward Lloyd Gatacre, Esq.;
mother of W. F. G., 7
Forced march on Berber, Feb. 1898, 191-7
Forestier-Walker, Gen. Sir Frederick, G.C.M.G., K.C.B.: commanded
Lines of Communication, South Africa, 1899, 222
Fort Sandeman: official visit to, 1896, 150
murderous outrage at, 1896, 151
Franco-Prussian War: W. F. G. visits battlefields, 1870, 30
Free Lance, steeplechase pony, Rangoon, 1882-3, 50
French, Gen. Sir John, G.C.V.O., K.C.B., etc.: operations
round Colesberg, C.C., 1899, 225
operations round Thaba 'Nchu, O.F.S., 1900, 252
Fryer, Sir Frederick, K.C.S.I.; Financial Commissioner,
Burma, 1888-92, 89
Galbraith, Maj.-Gen. Sir William, K.C.B.: commanding the River
Column, Hazara Field Force, 1888, 74
hands over Quetta District to W. F. G., while on leave for
eight months, 1896, 148
Gambela, Abyssinia: visited by W. F. G., 1906, 280
W. F. G. buried at, 1906, 281
Gatacre, feoffment held by royal grant, 2
house at, curious specimen of domestic architecture, 5
township of, 1
Gatacre, ancestors and others, as named in text, in chronological order:
Sir William de, suit subject to Wager of Battle, 2
Sir Robert de, sat on jury, Grand Assizes, 1200, 2
Sir Thomas de, estate escheated unjustly, 1368, 3
Alice, his wife, appeals to King in Chancery, 3
John, Groom of the Body to Henry VI.: High Sheriff
of Shropshire, 1409, 3
John, son of above, M.P. for Bridgnorth, 12th year of Edward IV., 3
William, died 1577, interesting monument in Claverley Church, 4
Francis, died 1599, his son, similar tablet, 4
Thomas, brother to above, died 1593, distinguished divine, 4
Thomas, his son (1574-1654), member of Westminster Assembly, 4
Colonel Edward (1768-1849), grandfather to W. F. G., 6
Edward Lloyd, Esq., the Squire (1806-1891), father of W. F. G., 6
he died, Nov. 1891, 107
Gatacre, Maj.-Gen. Sir John, K.C.B., late Indian Army: leaves home for
India, 1867, 9
serves in Burma, 1885-9, 81
G.O.C. Nagpur District, 1891-6, 103
Gatacre, William Forbes: For career of, see Promotions, Staff Services,
War Services, and Decorations
Ghazis: Marri outrage at Sunari Station, Beluchistan, 1896, 155
W. F. G. conducts search-party, 156
Goorkhas, 2nd batt. 4th Goorkha Rifles, part of Third Brigade Chitral
Relief Force, 1895, 129
Gordon, Gen. Charles, C.B.: fall of Khartoum, 1885, 187
Memorial Service to, Sept. 1898, 212
Graham, Maj.-Gen. Sir Thomas, K.C.B.: _re_ Sikkim, 1888-9, 68
Grant, Major P. G., R.E.: removes explosives from Bethulie Bridge,
1900, 241
Grant, Sir Francis, P.R.A., portrait by, 6
Greaves, Gen. Sir George, G.C.B., K.C.M.G.: C.-in-C. Bombay Army,
1890-3, 96
in railway accident, 1891, 105
Hamilton, Gen Sir Ian, K.C.B., D.S.O.: commanding a Brigade on
Salisbury Plain, 1899, 218
Hardinge, Gen. the Hon. Sir Arthur, K.C.B.: C.-in-C. Bombay
Army, 1881, 40
visits W. F. G. in camp, 1884, 54
Harris, Lord, G.C.S.I., etc.; Governor of Bombay, 1890-5, 108
Hazara Field Force, 1888: W. F. G. as A.A. and Q.M.G., 70-81
Hazaribagh, Bengal: W. F. G. joins 77th Regt. at, 1862, 14
Hemis, monastery at. See Kashmir
Herbertshire Castle, Stirlingshire: W. F. G. born at, Dec. 3, 1843, 7
Hudson, Gen. Sir John D., K.C.B.: his death while C.-in-C. Bombay
Army, 107
Idlibi, Syrian trader and interpreter, with W. F. G. in Abyssinia,
1905, 279
gives evidence, 1906, 281
returns to England, June 1906, 282
_Iolanthe_: performed by officers, 77th Regt., 1883, 51
Kamptee, headquarters of Nagpur District: railway accident
near, 1891, 103
Kashmir: W. F. G. takes trip to, 1867, 17
crosses the Zoji-La to Leh, 19
visits Hemis, 20
sees Burra Lama, 22
visits Skardo, 25
Kelly, Col. J. G., C.B.: advances from Gilgit, 1895, 129
raises the siege of Chitral, 1895, 134
on parade at Chitral, 141
Kent, Gen. Henry, C.B., late 77th Regt.: at Allahabad, 1862, 14
at Aldershot, 1874, 34
Keyes, Gen. Sir Charles, K.C.B.: commanding First Division,
Bangalore Camp of Exercise, 1884, 53
Khaim Gali: headquarter camp on Black Mountain, 1888: W. F. G. marched
from Khaim Gali to Indus and back, 75-8
Kitchener, Gen. Viscount, G.C.B., etc.: Sirdar of Egyptian
Army, 1898, 187
orders advance of British Brigade, 192
sends trophies to W. F. G., 206
receives Freedom of City of Edinburgh, 1898, 215
appointed C.S.O. to F.-M. Lord Roberts, 1899, 239
Kunhar: headquarters of River Column, Hazara Field Force, 1888, 75
Ladak, Leh. See Kashmir.
Lahore: Durbar at, 1894, 120
Leach, Col. H. P., C.B., D.S.O.: Mil. Sec. to C.-in-C., Bombay;
in railway accident, 1891, 106
with Sir John Hudson, 1893, 107
Leeuwberg Kopje, O.F.S.: batt. of infantry called up to, 1900, 250
Leir-Carleton, Maj.-Gen. R. L.: Master of Staff College Draghounds,
1873-4, 35
Lincolnshire Regt., 1st Batt.: in Egypt, 1898, 193
Lorelai, Beluchistan: official visit to, 150
display by 15th Bengal Lancers, 1896, 151
assassination of Col. Gaisford, 152
Low, Gen. Sir Robert, G.C.B.: commanding Chitral Relief Force, 1895, 128
dispatches quoted, 131-2
parade at Chitral, 141
Lowari Pass: description of, 135
Lyttelton, Gen. Sir Neville, G.C.B., in Egypt, 1898, 208
Magersfontein, battle of: compared with attack on Stormberg, 1899, 236
Mahmoud, Dervish Emir: advance of, 1898, 197
defeat and capture of, 202
Malakand Pass: action during advance on Chitral, 1895, 128
Mamugai: action during advance on Chitral, 1896, 131
Mandalay: visited by W. F. G. in 1882, 46
W. F. G. officiates in command of brigade, 1889-90, 86-97
Manser, Surgeon-Major Robert: died of plague, 1897, 163
Marris: outrage at Sunari Station, 1896, 155
Maymyo, Upper Burma: W. F. G. makes flying visit to, 1890, 89-90
McQueen, Lieut.-Gen. Sir John, G.C.B.: commanding Hazara Field Force,
1888, 74
Memour Mehined Riad Effendi: Egyptian officer at Gambela, 1906, 280
holds court of inquiry there, 281
Methuen, Gen. Lord, G.C.B., etc.: marches to the relief of
Kimberley, 221
Middlesex Regt. See Seventy-seventh.
Military Secretary: W.F.G. as. See Staff Services
Nairne, Gen. Sir Charles, G.C.B.: C.-in-C. Bombay Army, 1893-7, 109
telegram of congratulation from, 1896, 148
Napier, Gen. Sir Robert, G.C.B., etc.: Mil. Member of Council, 1862:
story of French Eagle, 14
Northumberland Fusiliers: at Stormberg, 1899, 232
M.I. Company sent to Dewetsdorp, 1900, 248
Norval's Pont Bridge: telegram regarding tenure of, 1900, 242
Norwich: Royal visit to, 1900, 265
_Official History of the War in South Africa_, 1899-1902:
quoted as under:
account of attack on Stormberg, Dec. 1899, 231-3
justification for ditto, 236
_re_ deliberation of Gatacre's movements, 242
telegram ordering occupation of Smithfield, 244
telegram regarding occupation of Dewetsdorp, 246
marginal note _re_ above cited, 247
telegram _re_ movements of units of the Third Division, 248
arrival of detachment at Dewetsdorp, 251
results of action at Sannah's Post, March 31, 1900, 253
cautionary telegram to W. F. G., 256
situation subsequent to Sannah's Post, 259
Omdurman: capture of, Sept. 2, 1898, 209
letter describing same, 209-12
Panjkora River: rescue of Private Hall, 1895, 131
Pembroke Dock: W. F. G. with Depot Batt. there, 1868, 29
Pig-sticking: while Mil. Sec., 1881, 41-2
near Cutch-Bhuj, 1896, 146-8
Pilcher, Maj.-Gen. T. D., C.B.: operations round Ladybrand, 1900, 252
Plague, bubonic, at Bombay, 1897: See Chapter XI., 161-83
total mortality from, 161
cause of Surgeon-Major Manser's death, 163
subject of two anonymous articles by W. F. G., 164
appointment of Plague Committee, 166
policy instituted by above, 168
incidents of house-to-house visitation, 171-5
opposition of Sunni Mahommedans, 177
President of Poona Committee shot, 181
Pole-Carew, Lt.-Gen. Sir Reginald, K.C.B., C.V.O.: movements and
recommendations of, March 1900, 242
Poona: W. F. G. as Adjutant-General there, 1890-4. See
Chapter VII., 98-109
outrage after Queen's birthday dinner, 1897, 181-3
Prendergast, Gen. Sir H. N. D., V.C., G.C.B.: commanding Burmese
Division, 1882, 43
commanding Second Division Bangalore Camp of Exercise, 1884, 53
asks for W. F. G. as Special Service Officer, 1885, 61
account of his expedition to Mandalay, 1885, 82-4
Promotions: William Forbes Gatacre:
gazetted Ensign 77th Foot, Feb. 18, 1862
Lieutenant 77th Foot, Dec. 23, 1864
Captain 77th Foot, Dec. 7, 1870
Major Middlesex Regt., March 23, 1881
Lieut.-Col. Middlesex Regt., April 23, 1884
Colonel, April 29, 1886
Colonel substantive, Nov. 25, 1890
Major-General, June 25, 1898
retired March, 1904
Punjab Infantry, 25th Regt.: part of Third Brigade Chitral
Relief Force, 1895, 129
Putter's Kraal, C.C.: W. F. G. advances to, Nov. 1899, 225
Quetta: visits while on tour as D.Q.M.G., 1887, 66
W. F. G. officiates in command of District, 1896, 145-60
Rangoon: history of occupation of, 43-4
W. F. G. quartered there as A.Q.M.G., 1882, 43
Reddersburg, O.F.S.: surrender near, April 1900, 257
Remount Department: W. F. G. temporarily works for, 1903-4, 273-6
_River War, The_: by the Right Hon. W. S. Churchill, quoted as under:
_re_ efficiency of British Brigade Egypt, 1898, 190
_re_ assault of zariba by above, 202
_re_ position of G. O. C., cited, 202
Roberts, Field-Marshal Earl, V.C., K.P., G.C.B., etc.;
visits W. F. G. in camp at Bangalore, 54
becomes C.-in-C. India, 1885, 63
his covering letter to Dispatches (pubd. March 1900), cited, 235
reaches Capetown as C.-in-C. South African Field Force, 239
telegram to W.O. _re_ Proclamation, 243
orders occupation of Smithfield, 244
orders occupation of Wepener, 245
telegram _re_ occupation of Dewetsdorp, 246
summons W. F. G. to Bloemfontein, and forecasts his plans for
the advance, 254
expresses anxiety about the detachment at Dewetsdorp, 255
sends 5 cos. Cameron Highlanders to Bethanie, 255
orders the return of the Relief Column from Reddersburg, 257
sends official letter instructing W. F. G. to proceed to
England, April 1900, 259
quotation from private letter _re_ recall, 263
his official visit to the Eastern District, 1903, 270
Robertson, Sir George Scott, K.C.S.I., M.P.: defended the Fort at
Chitral, 129
Royal Irish Rifles, 2nd Batt.: reaches Queenstown, C.C., 222
quotation from officers' reports _re_ Stormberg, 233, 235
sent to Smithfield, O.F.S., 245
2 cos. pushed on to Dewetsdorp, 248
the O.C. directed to retire on Reddersburg, 251
column surrenders at Mostert's Hoek, 257
splendid marching by detachments from Smithfield, Helvetia, and
Rouxville, 258
Royal Military College, Sandhurst: W. F. G. there as cadet, 1860-1, 12
W. F. G. there as professor, 1875-9, 36-7
"Run amok": W. F. G. attempts to disarm man with pistol at Simla,
1887, 69
letter _re_ above, 213
Rundle, Lieut.-Gen. Sir Leslie, K.C.B., K.C.M.G.: commanding a Division
on Salisbury Plain, 1899, 218
Salisbury: W. F. G. works there on remount duty, 1904, 275
bicycles to and fro, 275
Salisbury Plain: W. F. G. commands a Division, 1899, 217-18
Chief Umpire, Blue Army, 1903, 271
Salt Lakes, Bupshu. See Kashmir
Sandhurst. See Royal Military College
Sandhurst, Lord, G.C.I.E. etc.: Governor of Bombay, 1895-9, 164, 166,
180
Sannah's Post, O.F.S.; engagement at, 1900, 251
material results of engagement at, 253
change brought about by engagement at, 259
Seaforth Highlanders: 1st Batt. in Egypt, 1898, 188
2nd Batt. in Chitral, 1895, 129
Seton, Col. H. J.: wounded at Stormberg, 1899, 233
Seventy-seventh Regt., afterwards 2nd Batt. (D.C.O.) Middlesex Regt.:
raised 1787, 13
services and movements of, 14
at Hazaribagh, Allahabad, Barreilly, and Peshawur, 14-17
reaches Portsmouth, 1870, 29
leaves Dover for Rangoon, 1880, 38
moves to Secunderabad, 1883, 51
W. F. G. in command, June 1884 to Dec. 1885, 55-61
Shaw, F. B., Esq.: Resident at Mandalay, 1879, 46
Sikkim: W. F. G. sketches Fort at Lingtu, 1887, 68
Simla: W. F. G. and the servant "run amok, " 1887, 69
rapid ride to Umballa and back, 1887, 70
Sirdar, the: See Kitchener
Sniping: during advance on Chitral, 1895, 143-4
Snow, Brig.-Gen. T. D'O., C.B.: Brigade-Major, Egypt, 1898, 186
South African War Commission, Report of, quoted, 247
and again, 270
Springfontein, O.F.S.: occupied by Third Division troops, 241
troops at, April 3, 1900, 40
scouts and 25 M.I., 255
Staff College, Camberley: W. F. G. admitted, 1873, 33
Drag-hounds, W. F. G. as First Whip, 34
Staff Services, W. F. G.: Instructor in Surveying, B.M.C., 1875-9, 36
D.A.A. and Q.M.G. Aldershot, 1879-80, 37
A.A.G. (officiating) Secunderabad, 1880-1, 39
Mil. Sec. (officiating) to C.-in-C. Bombay, 1881-82, 40
A.Q.M.G. (officiating) Rangoon, 1882, 43
D.Q.M.G., Bengal, 1885-90, 61-97
G.O.C. (officiating), Mandalay, 81-96
A.-G. Bombay, 1890-4, 98-109
G.O.C. Bombay, 1894-97, 110-82
G.O.C. (officiating), Quetta, 1896, 148-60
G.O.C. Third Infantry Brigade, Aldershot, 1897-98, 184-6
G.O.C. Eastern District, 1898-1903, 216-71
Stormberg, C.C.: Sir R. Buller suggests advance to, 223
occupied by Boers, Nov. 1899, 224
W. F. G. makes arrangements for the attack, 229
description of the advance and assault, Dec. 10, 1899, 231-5
casualties, 235
compared with Magersfontein and Colenso, 236
Sunari Station, Beluchistan: outrage at, 1896, 155
Supya-lat, wife to King Theebaw, 45
deported, 1885, 84
Swann, Brig.-Gen. J. C., C.B.: A.A.G. to W. F. G. while commanding
Bombay district; letter _re_ procedure quoted, 115
recollections of, 119
Thaba 'Nchu, O.F.S.: Sir John French's operations near, 247
movements of troops preceding Sannah's Post, 251
Theebaw, King of Burma: succeeds Mindon-Min, 1879, 44
as owner of "Free Lance" (?), 50
surrender of Mandalay, 1885, 83
"_Times_" _History of the War_, quoted, as under:
_re_ Col. Pole-Carew's movements, 1900, 243
_re_ telegram about spreading proclamations, 244
_re_ Col. Broadwood's position at Thaba 'Nchu, 252
Transport officer, the: at Mandalay, 88-89
Transport Service, the: P. and O. vessels, 122-5
Toba Plateau, Beluchistan: Camp of Exercise at, 1896, 153
Ton-Hon Expedition, 1889-90, 90-92
Tournament at Bombay, 1894, 122-5
Umballa: rapid ride from Simla, and back, 1887, 70
War Services, W. F. G.: Hazara Field Force, 1888, as A.A. and
Q.M.G., 70-81
Ton-Hon Expedition, 1889-90 as Brig.-Gen., 90-92
Chitral Relief Force, 1895, G.O.C. Third Brigade, 128-44
Egypt, advance on Khartoum, 1898, G.O.C. commanding British
Brigade and (subsequently) Division, 186-213!
South African Field Force 1899-1900, G.O.C. Third Division, 219-60
Warwickshire Regt. (Royal): 1st Batt. in Egypt, 1898
Wauchope, Maj.-Gen. Andrew. C.B., C.M.G.; commanding First Brigade,
Egypt, 1898, 208
his brigade sent forward, 211
Wepener, O.F.S.: telegram ordering occupation of, March 1900, 245
W. F. G.'s anxiety as to safety of detachment, 246
besieged by Boers, 258
de Wet, Christian, Boer General; lays his plans for capture of
Waterworks guard, March 1900, 252
value of his victory at Sannah's Post, 253
White, F.-M. Sir George, V.C., G.C.B., etc.: in Burma, 1885, 85
entertains W. F. G. at Lahore, 1894, 120
appoints W. F. G. to command Third Brigade, Chitral Relief Force,
1894, 128
letter from, _re_ Marri Raid, 1896, 159
starts for Natal, Sept. 1899, 219
at Ladysmith, 221
relief of Ladysmith, 240
Wolseley, Gen. Sir George, G.C.B.: commanding Mandalay Brigade, 86
returns to his command, 96
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LIFE OF SIR ROBERT PEEL. Based on his Correspondence and Private
Documents. Edited by Charles Stuart Parker. With a Summary of Peel's
Life by his Grandson, the Hon. George Peel. With Portraits. Three
Vols. Demy 8vo.
VOL. I. FROM HIS BIRTH TO 1827. 16s. VOLS. II. AND III. FROM 1827
TO HIS DEATH IN 1852. 32s.
THE CREEVEY PAPERS. A Selection from the Diaries and Correspondence of
Thomas Creevey (1768-1838) from Family Papers hitherto unpublished.
Edited by the Rt. Hon. Sir Herbert Maxwell, Bart., M.P. With
Portraits. One Vol. Demy 8vo. 10s. 6d. net.
SIDNEY HERBERT (LORD HERBERT OF LEA). A Memoir. By Lord Stanmore.
With Portraits and other Illustrations. Two Vols. Demy 8vo. 24s.
net. No Life of Sidney Herbert has hitherto been published.
THE LIFE AND LETTERS OF GEORG JOACHIM GOSCHEN, 1752-1829. By Viscount
Goschen. With Portraits and Illustrations. Demy 8vo. 36s. net.
NELSON AND OTHER NAVAL STUDIES. By James R. Thursfield. With
Illustrations. Demy 8vo. 12s. net.
"Few other writers except Mahan possess Mr. Thursfield's faculty of
combining the romance of the sea with the science of naval warfare, and
in both alike the cult of Nelson gives life and warmth to their
studies.... The merit of Mr. Thursfield's writing is the firm hold
which he has of the central principles of a maritime defensive policy.
His writing is effective, and at times even brilliant; but this it is
which gives it force and lucidity."--Westminster Gazette.
A SHORT HISTORY OF THE CHIEF CAMPAIGNS IN EUROPE SINCE 1792. By
General A. von Horsetzky, G.O.C. the 1st Austro-Hungarian Army Corps
and the Troops in Cracow. Translated by Lieutenant K. B. Ferguson,
R.G.A. With numerous Maps and Plans. Demy Svo. 18s. net.
"We have nothing but praise for Gen. von Horsetzky's book. It is a
valuable addition to military literature, for we do not know where
else, in such form, records of so many campaigns can be studied. The
work of translation and condensation has been admirably done. The
merit of the book is its extreme clearness and known accuracy ... those
who desire to gain a correct idea of modern military history will find
the book invaluable."--Army and Navy Gazette.
RASPLATA (The Reckoning). By Commander Wladimir Semenoff. His Diary
during the Blockade of Port Arthur and the Voyage of the Fleets under
Admiral Rojdestvensky. With Maps. Demy Svo. 10s. 6d. net.
"Commander Semenoff writes only of what he knows and has seen. His
simple candour and cool intrepidity enable him to record his
experiences at the moment in the most appalling scenes of naval
conflict that modern times have known."--Times.
"An authentic record of the highest value, which is likely to become a
classic among naval annals."--Westminster Gazette.
THE RUSSIAN ARMY AND THE JAPANESE WAR. Being Historical and Critical
Comments on the Military Policy and Power of Russia and on the Campaign
in the Far East. By General Kuropatkin. Translated by Captain A. B.
Lindsay. Edited by Major E. D. Swinton, D.S.O., R.E. With Maps and
Illustrations. 2 Vols. Demy 8vo. 28s. net.
"... We doubt if a more virile or sincere document was ever put before
the public, and it says little for the official wisdom of General
Kuropatkin's fellow-countrymen that such a record should have been
suppressed in the land of its origin. In England, at any rate, the
patent honesty and abundant good feeling of these measured criticisms
will be valued at their proper worth."--Daily Telegraph.
THE TRUTH ABOUT PORT ARTHUR. By Monsieur E. K. Nojine, accredited
Russian War Correspondent during the Siege. Translated and Abridged by
Captain A. B. Lindsay. Edited by Major E. D. Swinton, D.S.O. With Map
and Illustrations. Demy 8vo. 15s. net.
"M. Nojine is unusually well qualified to offer testimony on the long
beleaguerment. He writes with vivacity and force, and the translation
is competent and spirited, both on account of its vivid narrative and
by reason of the extraordinary revelations it contains.... It is the
most remarkable book about the war yet issued."--Times.
OFFICIAL ACCOUNT OF THE SECOND AFGHAN WAR, 1878-1880. Produced in the
Intelligence Branch, Army Headquarters, India. Abridged Official
Account. With numerous Maps and Illustrations. Medium 8vo. 21s. net.
"An excellent compendium of the whole war, clearly written and amply
illustrated by photographs, maps, and diagrams.... It is a narrative
that will fascinate the many who love to read about war-like
movements.... It is a story of wise and patient preparation, carefully
arranged generalship, supreme daring, amazing tenacity. Undoubtedly
the right thing has been done in giving to the world a stiring story,
which has remained too long, many will think, a secret record."--The
Sheffield Independent.
CAVALRY IN FUTURE WARS. By His Excellency Lt.-General Frederick von
Bernhardi, Commander of the 7th Division of the German Army.
Translated by Charles Sydney Goldman, Editor of "The Empire and the
Century." With an Introduction by General Sir John French, K.C.M.G.,
K.C.B., G.C.V.O. Demy 8vo. 10s. 6d. net.
"Here at last, in the English language, we have a really important work
on the German cavalry at first hand."--Broad Arrow.
"General Von Bernhardi most certainly knows what he is talking about,
and is equally at home when discussing matters of the highest import or
others of comparatively trifling details; he displays a sound knowledge
and judgment concerning all things of organization, strategy, tactics,
and training; and moreover, he thoroughly understands horses, so that
he is enabled to offer very valuable service on every subject connected
with them, from training of the remount to the economical use of
horseflesh in war."--Westminster Gazette.
THE GERMAN OFFICIAL ACCOUNT OF THE WAR IN SOUTH AFRICA. Prepared in
the Historical Section of the Great General Staff, Berlin. Translated
by Colonel W. H. H. Waters, R.A., C.V.O., and Colonel Hubert Du Cane,
R.A., M.V.O. 2 Vols. With Maps and Plans. Demy 8vo. 15s. net each.
"The most valuable work in which, since its close, the war has been
discussed. It stands alone, because it is the only work in which the
war has been surveyed by trained and competent students of war, the
only one of which the judgments are based on a familiarity with the
modern theory of war. The best book that has yet appeared on the South
African War."--The Morning Post.
FROM LIBAU TO TSU-SHIMA. A Narrative of the Voyage of Admiral
Rojdestvensky's Squadron to the East, including a detailed Account of
the Dogger Bank Incident. By the late Eugene Politovsky, Chief
Engineer of the Squadron. Translated by Major F. R. Godfrey, R.M.L.I.
Crown 8vo. 6s.
"A painful book, but a deeply interesting and a really valuable one,
which will have a place of permanent value among the documents of the
Russo-Japanese war."--Daily Telegraph.
BEFORE PORT ARTHUR IN A DESTROYER. The Personal Diary of a Japanese
Naval Officer. Translated from the Spanish Edition by Captain R.
Grant, D.S.O., Rifle Brigade. With Maps and Illustrations. Cheap
Edition. Square 8vo. 3s. 6d. net.
"It is pre-eminently a book to be read for enjoyment as well as
instruction; but it will fall short of its more immediate value if
measures are not devised for bringing it before the attention of those
responsible for the education of 'youngsters' in training for a sea
life."--Pall Mall Gazette.
THE BATTLE OF TSU-SHIMA. Between the Japanese and Russian Fleets,
fought on the 27th May, 1905. By Captain Vladimir Semenoff (one of the
survivors). Translated by Captain A. B. Lindsay. With a Preface by
Sir George Sydenham Clarke. Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d. net.
"It is one of the most thrilling and touching records of naval warfare
that we have ever read."--The Westminster Gazette.
FORTIFICATION: Its Past Achievements, Recent Developments, Future
Progress. By Colonel Sir George S. Clarke, R.E., K.C.M.G., F.R.S. New
Edition Enlarged. With numerous Illustrations. Medium 8vo. 18s. net.
ARTILLERY AND EXPLOSIVES. Essays and Lectures written and delivered at
various times. By Sir Andrew Noble, K.C.B., D.C.L., F.R.S. With
numerous diagrams and Illustrations. Medium 8vo. 21s. net.
"No one can speak on the subject of modern artillery and explosives
with greater authority than Sir Andrew Noble."--Engineering.
THE ARMY IN 1906. A Policy and a Vindication. By the Rt. Hon. H. O.
Arnold-Forster, M.P. Demy 8vo. 15s. net.
"Mr. Arnold-Forster's remarkable work will be read with the deepest
attention and respect by all who have the interest of the Army at
heart; and though many may differ from him, now as formerly, in
reference to matters of detail, few will be found to deny that the
principles he enunciates are in themselves absolutely sound....
However much any may disagree with Mr. Arnold-Forster's proposals, few
will deny that he has given very strong reasons in support of them
all."--Westminster Gazette.
IMPERIAL OUTPOSTS. From a Strategical and Commercial Aspect. With
Special Reference to the Japanese Alliance. By Colonel A. M. Murray.
With a Preface by Field-Marshal The Earl Roberts, V.C., K.G. With Maps
and Illustrations. Demy 8vo. 12s. net.
"We should like to see every officer in the British Army with the wide
vision and interest in the strategical and commercial organization of
the Empire which Colonel Murray displays."--Spectator.
"Colonel Murray deals with subjects of the highest interest. If we
note those opinions from which we differ, it must be with the
preliminary remarks that there is still more in the book with which we
thoroughly agree, and that the whole of it is suggestive and worthy of
the most careful consideration."--Athenaum.
THE ART OF RECONNAISSANCE. By Colonel David Henderson, D.S.O. With
Diagrams. Small crown 8vo. 5s. net.
PRINCIPLES AND METHODS--PROTECTION AND SECURITY--CONTACT--INDEPENDENT
RECONNAISSANCE--THE SCOUT--THE PATROL--RECONNAISSANCE OF
GROUND--TRANSMISSION OF INFORMATION.
This work is a guide to the study of reconnaissance in the field under
modern conditions of war, and deals with the practical details as well
as with the theoretical principles of the subject. It has been printed
in clear type on special paper and so bound that it can be conveniently
carried in the pocket by military students.
IMPERIAL STRATEGY. By the Military Correspondent of "The Times." With
Maps. Medium 8vo. 21s. net.
"The book is a most valuable and timely aid to the cause of national
security, and should be read by all those who are in a position to
influence the destinies of the Empire."--Morning Post.
A NATION IN ARMS. Speeches on the Maintenance of the British Army.
Delivered by Field-Marshal The Earl Roberts, V.C., K.G. Crown 8vo.
Cloth, 2s. 6d. net; paper, 1s. net.
The Spectator says:--"It is with no small satisfaction that we note the
republication, under the title of 'A Nation in Arms,' of the speeches
on the question of National Service delivered by Lord Roberts.... It
is not the creation of a military caste for which he pleads, but the
building up of the highest type of citizen--the citizen who is able to
protect his native land and his rights and liberties himself and
without external aid, and who believes that national safety is not to
be hired, but to be achieved by self-sacrifice.... It is hardly
necessary to say that Lord Roberts and those who agree with him ask for
national training such as is willingly and cheerfully undergone by the
citizens of Switzerland, not for that which is imposed on the German
population. We have one more word to say--that is, to ask our readers
to study carefully Lord Roberts' book. We would specially ask this of
those who dread, and, as we hold, are right in dreading, militarism,
and who look forward to universal peace as the ultimate goal for
mankind. They will find that Lord Roberts has not a word to say in
praise of war.... What he does desire is that as long as war
continues--and no sane man can, unfortunately, doubt its continuance in
our generation--the British people shall, when it comes, be prepared to
meet it."
THE RISE AND EXPANSION OF THE BRITISH DOMINION IN INDIA. By Sir Alfred
Lyall. Fourth Edition, with a new Chapter bringing the History down to
1907. With Maps. Demy 8vo. 5s. net.
OVER-SEA BRITAIN. A Descriptive Record of the Geography, the
Historical, Ethnological, and Political Development, and the Economic
Resources of the Empire.
THE NEARER EMPIRE.--The Mediterranean, British Africa, and British
America. By E. F. Knight. Author of "Where Three Empires Meet,"
"Small Boat Sailing," etc. With 9 Coloured Maps. Crown 8vo. 6s.
Mr. E. F. Knight, the well-known traveller and war correspondent, in
this volume gives a description of what he calls the Nearer
Empire--_i.e._, the British possessions in the Mediterranean, Africa,
and America. The book is no mere collection of geographical facts. It
seeks to show what the Empire is, how it came to be, and what is the
history of its growth. It deals also with the political development
and the economic resources of the Colonies. The descriptive parts have
an additional charm through being to a large extent a record of
personal observation. To quote from the Preface:--"The author has
travelled in most of the countries over which the British flag flies.
He has witnessed, and on some occasions taken part in the making of
several portions of that Empire in times both of peace and war, and has
therefore been able to draw on his own personal experiences and
observations when writing this short account of Britain beyond the
seas."