'To know that the old Officers still continue to follow with interest and admiration the fortunes and doings of the "Old Toughs" will ever be an incentive to all ranks to do all that lies in their power to maintain the reputation which the old Officers helped to win for the corps in days gone by.' XXII. _Spearman's Camp, 1/2/00_ (5). LANCE-SERGEANT MERRY PROMOTED FOR GALLANTRY. The Commanding Officer has been pleased to specially promote the undermentioned N.C.O. to the rank of Sergeant from January 12th for meritorious service in the field:-- No. 4441 Lance-Sergeant J. Merry, H company. XXIII. _Ladysmith, 5/3/00_ (2). LOSSES IN ACTION, INCLUDING COLONEL SITWELL AND CAPTAIN MAITLAND, NOTED AND DEPLORED. The following Officers, N.C.O.'s and men having been killed in action on the dates opposite their names, are struck off the strength of the battalion, or cease to be attached to it as the case may be, from those dates accordingly:-- Major and Brevet-Lieut.-Colonel C. H. G. Sitwell, D.S.O., 24/2/00. Captain S. C. Maitland, 2nd Gordon Highlanders (attached), 24/2/00. No. 4871 Pte. J. White. " 4262 Cpl. J. Seymour. " 5359 Pte. Galbraith. " 2872 " Wade. " 4012 " J. Armstrong. " 2037 " Whelan. " 3303 " Timmins. No. 4743 Pte. T. Reid (attached). 24.2.00 " 5073 " Kinsella. " 6296 " Allen. " 5618 " T. Purcell. " 1717 " Sherwin. " 2327 " Grimes. " 1749 Sgt. T. Brennan. Died of wounds 2/3/00:-- No. 5745 Pte. Brady. Whilst in common with the rest of the battalion deeply deploring the loss of so many brave Officers, N.C.O.'s and men, and sympathising with those who have been wounded, the Commanding Officer wishes to place on record his high appreciation of the services rendered to the battalion on all occasions by the late Major and Brevet-Lieut.-Colonel Sitwell, whose distinguished career hitherto tended to the honour and reputation of the regiment. All ranks of the battalion join with him, he is sure, in lamenting the loss of such a distinguished soldier and comrade, and a brilliant career thus suddenly though gloriously cut short. To the late Captain Maitland's sterling qualities as an officer and comrade he would also wish to bear testimony. His services to the battalion during a very trying and critical time were most valuable. On behalf of the battalion he offers the late Captain Maitland's relatives and brother-officers his deepest sympathy. XXIV. 5/3/00 (4). THE QUEEN'S MESSAGE RE RELIEF OF LADYSMITH. The following telegram, received by the Commander-in-Chief on the relief of Ladysmith from Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen, is published for information of all ranks:-- 'Thank God for news you have telegraphed to me. Congratulate you with all my heart.--V.R.I.' XXV. _Ladysmith, 5/3/00_ (3).