The Second Battalion Royal Dublin Fusiliers in the South African War Part 26

'_From Censor to G.O.C. L. of Comn._

'No. 5514 Cable from Lorenzo Marquez says that Sergeant Linehan, Fusiliers, died Racecourse, Pretoria, of Dysentery, Friday last.

Buried Catholic Cemetery.'

XIX.

_Frere, 25/12/99_ (3).

THE QUEEN'S MESSAGE, CHRISTMAS, 1899.

'I wish you and all my brave soldiers a happy Christmas. G.o.d protect and bless you all.--V.R.I.'

XX.

_Spearman's Camp, 29/1/00_ (6).

CAPTAIN C. A. HENSLEY DIED OF WOUNDS 21/1/00; STRUCK OFF STRENGTH; ORDER REGRETTING HIS LOSS.

The following Officer and N.C.O. having been killed in action and died of wounds on the dates opposite their names, are struck off the strength of battalion accordingly:--

Captain C. A. Hensley, died of wounds 21/1/00.

No. 5668 Lance-Sergeant Taylor, D company, killed in action 20/1/00.

Whilst in common with all ranks deeply deploring the severe loss the battalion has sustained by the death of Captain Hensley, the Commanding Officer desires to place on record his great appreciation of the services rendered on all occasions by the late Captain Hensley, whose zeal, devotion to duty, and gallantry in action was ever conspicuous since the present war began. He feels sure he is but expressing the sentiments of all ranks in saying that his name will always be handed down in honour to future generations of the regiment as one of those who have n.o.bly striven to shed additional l.u.s.tre on the regiment's reputation.

XXI.

_Spearman's Camp, 31/1/00_ (3)

PRESENT OF TOBACCO FROM PAST OFFICERS, AND LETTER, &C.

The following letter, accompanying a present of 400 pounds of tobacco sent to the N.C.O.'s and men of the battalion by some former officers of the battalion, has been received to-day:--

'From the old Officers of the 2nd Battalion Royal Dublin Fusiliers to the N.C.O.'s, rank and file of the 2nd Royal Dublin Fusiliers, in token of their high appreciation of the conspicuous gallantry displayed by the battalion during the campaign, now in progress in South Africa, in which they have so brilliantly maintained the ancient traditions of the "Old Toughs."'

The following names are appended to the above:--Colonel R. Taylor, Colonel Colville Frankland, Colonel C. E. Gla.s.se, Colonel W. Holmes, Colonel F. Taylor, Colonel W. C. Riddell, Lieut.-Colonel Reeves, Lieut.-Colonel F. W. Graham, Lieut.-Colonel A. A. G.o.dwin, Lieut.-Colonel R. H. Mansel, Lieut.-Colonel M. J. Hickley, Lieut.-Colonel J. R. Povah, Major the Hon. H. M. Hobart Hampden, Major R. L. Shaw, Major S. J. Wynne, Major E. Pea.r.s.e, Captain A. M.

Horrocks, Captain R. D. Vincent, Captain H. J. Guyon, Lieutenant W. S.

Burmester.

REPLY.

'Colonel Cooper, the Officers, N.C.O.'s and men of the 2nd Battalion the Royal Dublin Fusiliers desire to return their very heartfelt thanks to Colonel Frankland and the old Officers of the battalion for their kind thoughtfulness in providing the men with tobacco.

'They beg to a.s.sure the old Officers that their gift is most thoroughly appreciated, as also the expression of goodwill and admiration of the battalion's services in the present campaign which accompanies it.

'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.