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said about that in time to come. The second time you distinguished yourselves was at Van Wyk, where you and you alone fought and held that position and did not retire, but stayed there like men and heroes all, through a night of bitter cold and frost without food or shelter and without a top topcoat. The third time you distinguished yourselves was at Alman"s Nek. and the reason I made you second line that day was because Wellington and Napoleon always said they kept their best and bravest men in the second line to consolidate the victory and knowing this regiment from the work they had done I acted in the same manner. Now, I must tell you I have received congratulations from Sir |
Redvers Buller and other distinguished officers, and I think it only fair that I should share them with you. There is one thing more that I should like to speak to you about, it is that during all the trying times you have undergone and the terrible hardships you have had such as no coats on or blankets and the bitter cold winds and hard sharp frost, you must have felt very much. Yet I am pleased to say, I have heard no grumbling or complaints. We are now going to stay here a few days to renew our supplies before we advance and I know you have all earned this much needed rest. Coloniel Hill, Officers, N.C. Officers and men of the Middlesex Regiment once more I thank you and I am [sorry for the valuable lives you have lost and for the seriously wounded.] |