26 October 1899, Ladysmith Natal, 12.00 noon – General
Yule has just brought his column in from Dundee after a gruelling retreat
across the Biggarsberg Hills. The Transvaal Boers are closing in on the town
and now control the main Dundee to Ladysmith road.
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| The British troops are exhausted and demoralised after their march from Dundee but relieved to reach the safety of Ladysmith. |
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| General Yule reports to Lt General Smith "Sir, I have brought every able-bodied man with me from Dundee." |
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| "What of Penn Symons what, what?" "Sir, he was dreadful wounded at Talana Hill and had to be left behind with our other sick and wounded, I fear he is in Boer hands." |
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| "Poor show, well can't be helped begad!" "No sir, and I fear the enemy are not far behind us." |
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| Meanwhile on Pepworth Hill just beyond the town the Boers are installing one of their 155mm Long Tom guns. "Get that gun carefully sighted, the Brits down there will soon be in for one helluva surprise!" |
Ladysmith will be the next battle in my series of re-fights.
That's an impressive piece of ordinance !
ReplyDeleteYes, that should certainly put the wind up the British!
DeleteC'mon chaps! Now's not the time to chew the fat, dig in!
ReplyDeleteDig in? Time for a sortie I think!
DeleteHold until relieved!
ReplyDeleteShould be an interesting undertaking.
We won't be letting a bunch of farmers invest the town begad!
DeleteThat is one gorgeous gun! If the Brits are demoralized now, wait until the Long Tom opens up!
ReplyDeleteYes, they're going to have to break out the stiff upper lips!
DeleteGreat narrative and photos IAN- a good introduction to the next Battle.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kev, the game will be coming up soon!
Delete