The Second Battalion Royal Dublin Fusiliers in the South African War Part 27

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 G.o.d for news you have telegraphed to me. Congratulate you with all my heart.--V.R.I.'

XXV.

_Ladysmith, 5/3/00_ (3).

THE QUEEN'S MESSAGE--'MY BRAVE IRISH.'

The Commanding Officer has much pleasure in publis.h.i.+ng for the information of all ranks, the following message from Her Majesty the Queen, to the 5th Brigade, which was recently received by the G.O.C.

in Chief in Natal.

_'To General Buller, Natal._

'I have heard with the deepest concern of the heavy losses sustained by my brave Irish soldiers. I desire to express my admiration of the splendid fighting qualities which they have exhibited throughout these trying operations.--V.R.I.'

THE FOLLOWING REPLY WAS SENT BY SIR REDVERS BULLER:--

'Sir Redvers Buller has, on the part of the Irish Brigade, to thank the Queen for her gracious telegram of sympathy and encouragement.'

XXVI.

5/3/00 (5).

LETTER TO GORDON HIGHLANDERS, RE CAPTAIN MAITLAND.

The Commanding Officer has, on behalf of the battalion, forwarded the following letter to the Officer Commanding the 2nd Gordon Highlanders.

'_Ladysmith, 5/3/00._

'DEAR MAJOR SCOTT,--

'On behalf of myself and the officers of the battalion, I write to offer you all our very deepest sympathy in the severe loss your battalion has sustained by the death of Captain Maitland.

'I find it hard to adequately express to you how very deeply the whole of my battalion laments his loss, and I know I am only expressing the sentiments of all ranks when I a.s.sure you that his memory will ever be cherished in the battalion.

'A better or more conscientious officer I have never had under my command. We would all esteem it a very great favour if you could send us a photograph of our late dear comrade, and might I also so far trespa.s.s on your kindness, as to ask for one for his company (G) as well, which I need hardly say will be highly prized by them.

'Yours, &c.

(Signed) C. D. COOPER.'

XXVII.

_Ladysmith, 14/3/00_ (3).

NATAL ARMY ORDERS. THE WEARING OF SHAMROCK ON ST. PATRICK'S DAY.

The following extracts from Natal Army Orders are published for information:--

'(1) The General Commanding has to communicate to the troops the following telegram he has received from the C. in C. viz.

'Her Majesty the Queen is pleased to order that in future on St.

Patrick's Day all ranks in Her Majesty's Irish regiments shall wear as a distinction a sprig of shamrock in their head-dress to commemorate the gallantry of Her Irish soldiers during the recent battles in South Africa.

'WOLSELEY.'

XXVIII.

_Ladysmith, 18/3/00._

WINSTON CHURCHILL'S TELEGRAM TO REGIMENT.

The following telegrams received yesterday, and replies thereto, are published for information:--

'_To Colonel, Dublin Fusiliers, Ladysmith._

'My earnest congratulations on the honour the Dublin Fusiliers more than any other regiment have won for the land of their birth. We are all wearing the shamrock here.

'(Signed) WINSTON CHURCHILL.'

REPLY.

'_To Winston Churchill, Lord Dundonald's Brigade._

'Many thanks for your kind message received yesterday, all ranks appreciate your kind expressions.

'(Signed) COLONEL, DUBLIN FUSILIERS.'

XXIX.

18/3/00 (1).

COLENSO RAILWAYMEN'S TELEGRAM TO REGIMENT.

'_To Brigadier-General Cooper, Commanding Irish Brigade, Ladysmith._

'On St. Patrick's Day the railway men of Colenso respectfully wish to convey to the officers and men of Her Majesty's Dublin Fusiliers their best wishes for a speedy termination of the present war, in which the Dublins have borne so glorious a part. The whole of South Africa rings with praise of the gallant Irish Brigade. We mourn with you the loss of so many gallant men of your command. They have fallen in their defence of a united South Africa, over which, please G.o.d, Her Most Gracious Majesty's flag will fly from Cape Town to the Zambesi.

'(Signed) INSPECTOR CAMPBELL.'