The History of the 2nd Dragoons: "Royal Scots Greys"Almack, Edward
History
The History of the 2nd Dragoons: "Royal Scots Greys"
Almack, Edward
Great Britain. Army. Dragoons, 2nd (Royal Scots Greys)
_14th._--Army Orders: "It affords the F.-M. Commanding-in-Chief the
greatest pleasure in congratulating the Army in South
Africa on the events which have occurred during the past
few weeks, and he would especially offer his sincerest
thanks to that portion of the Army under his immediate
command which have taken part in the operations,
resulting yesterday in the capture of Bloemfontein. On
February 12th this force crossed the boundary which
divided the Orange Free State from British territory.
Three days later Kimberley was relieved. On the fifteenth
day the bulk of the Boer army in the State, under one of
their most trusted generals, was made prisoners.
"On the seventeenth day the news of the relief of
Ladysmith was received, and on March 13th, 29 days from
the commencement of the operations, the capital of the
Orange Free State was occupied. This is a record of which
any army may well be proud--a record which could not have
been achieved except by earnest, well-disciplined men,
determined to do their duty, and to surmount whatever
difficulties or dangers might be encountered. Exposed
to extreme heat by day, bivouacking under heavy rain,
marching long distances, not infrequently with reduced
rations, the endurance, cheerfulness, and gallantry
displayed by all ranks are beyond praise; and Lord
Roberts feels sure that neither H.M. the Queen nor the
British nation will be unmindful of the efforts made by
the Force to uphold the honour of their country.
"The Field-Marshal desires especially to refer to the
fortitude and heroic spirit with which the wounded have
borne their sufferings.
"Owing to the great extent of country over which modern
battles have to be fought, it is not always possible
to afford immediate relief to those who are struck
down. Many hours have indeed elapsed before some of the
wounded could be attended to, but not a word or murmur
of complaint has been uttered. The anxiety of all when
succour came was that their comrades should be cared for
first. In assuring every officer and man how much he
appreciates their efforts in the past, Lord Roberts is
confident that in the future they will continue to show
the same resolution and soldierly qualities, and to lay
down their lives if need be (as so many brave men have
already done) in order to assure that the war in South
Africa may be brought to a satisfactory conclusion."
_Mar. 15th, 16th, and 17th._--At Bloemfontein.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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