Chapter 13

RELIEF AT LAST

The beginning of the end--Buller's last advance--Heroic Inniskillings--The coming of Dundonald--A welcome at Klip River Drift--A weather-stained horseman--The Natal troopers--Cheers and tears--A grand old General--Sir George White's address-- "Thank God, we have kept the flag flying!"--"God save the Queen"-- Arrival of Buller--Looking backward--Within four days of starvation--Horseflesh a mere memory--Eight hundred sick and wounded--A word of tribute--Conclusion 237

ILLUSTRATIONS

Sir George Stewart White, V.C., G.C.S.I. (from a photograph by Window & Grove) _Frontispiece_

The Royal Hotel, Ladysmith (showing the ruins of Mr. Pearse's bedroom wrecked by a shell from "Long Tom," 3rd Nov. 1899) _Face page 26_

A shell-proof resort (a culvert under a road used as a living place by day for civilians, who returned to their houses when the shelling ceased after sunset) 50

The British position at Ladysmith (looking north towards Rietfontein and the Newcastle Road) 96

The British position at Ladysmith (looking nearly due south) 128

The British position at Ladysmith (looking south-east) 162

The British position at Ladysmith (looking eastward) 202

PLANS

Sketch-map of positions round Ladysmith, Nov. 1899 _Face page 60_

Siege of Ladysmith, after two months of bombardment 175

The environs of Ladysmith 180

Military map of Ladysmith _End of vol._