"I do not propose to dilate on the courage or resourcefulness, or other great qualities of the Naval Brigades. The nation has acclaimed them. The Sovereign with her own lips has testified to their deeds.... "The ships' companies of the _Powerful_ and _Terrible_ would be sorry if they were to monopolise the public eye, clouding the performances of men from other ships. Many other ships have sent contingents to the front--the _Monarch_, the _Doris_, the _Philomel_, the _Tartar_, the _Forte_--all these ships have sent men who have taken their part in those gallant combats of which we read." * * * * * _Again at Reception of Naval Brigade (H.M.S. "Powerful") in London, May 7th, 1900._ "With your comrades in other forces of the Queen, by the defence and the relief of Ladysmith you have saved the country from such a disaster as has never fallen the British arms. The defence and relief of Ladysmith will never be forgotten in British history." * * * * * [_London Gazette_, March 12th, 1901.] _From Captain Jones, R.N., Naval Brigade._ De Wet's Farm, _June 5th, 1900._ [_Extract._] "On May 14th, two more 12-pounders under Lieutenant Steele (Lieutenant Burne having had a severe fall from his horse, and being incapacitated) occupied another hill across the river.... "Lieutenant Burne has quite recovered from his injuries and has returned to duty at Glencoe." * * * * * _From Captain Jones, R.N., Naval Brigade._ Volksrust, _June 14th, 1900._ [_Extract._] "It became apparent that the hill (Van Wyk) must be held. General Hildyard was out there and decided to hold it, sending back for the rest of the Brigade. "I arrived back in camp at 4 p.m. and was ordered to start after dark--as the route was exposed to the enemy's fire--and, if possible, to get two 12-pounders (Lieutenant Burne's) up the hill by daylight, and the 4.7's to the bottom. This we did after a most difficult march, arriving at the bottom at 4 a.m. I halted the 4.7's and pushed the 12-pounders up to the top. One arrived at daylight, the other broke a wheel and did not get up to the top till we were able later to get another pair of wheels from a limber and adapt them." * * * * * _From General Sir Redvers Buller, V.C., G.C.B._ Laing's Nek, Natal, _June 19th, 1900._ [_Extract._]