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setting, as it was a very grave situation, and I felt very anxious myself knowing that if the position was not taken that night we should have to retire, which would have been very unfavourable to us, Sir Redvers Buller and to the whole nation at home. But however the Middlesex came up and the position was taken, the Boers running away pellmell that same night. When the Boers retired they also left Laing"s Nek, I cannot say they retired, they simply fled, a disorganised rabble. Now, this makes the third time you have distinguished yourselves, and you have covered yourselves with honour and glory, and when you read the history of this war in years to come you should be proud to think you belonged to that good old corps who fully maintained the name they deserve-"Diehards". |
Now this regiment has always been very lucky in arriving at the most critical moment. The first time the regiment distinguished itself was at that Mountain, Spion Kop, when you saved the position and also the Lancashire Brigade, who were on the point of retiring. The Boers said they intended to make it a second Majuba, and make the English run down into Natal, shooting them down like rabbits as they ran; and perhaps they would have done so had not the Middlesex arrived just in time; but thank God, they did not run. It is a matter of controversy as to whether it was a Victory, and it will be looked upon as such. As to the retirement I had nothing whatever to do with that; but as I have said, there will be more |