WILLOW GRANGE
From Major General Hildyard's despatch, November 24 1899: Lieutenant 'Tartar' commanded the Naval 12-pr gun and did good service, though a Creusot gun, which the enemy brought into action, had the range of him.
GRASPAN
From Lord Methuen's despatch, November 25 1899:—
Captain A E Marchant, RMLI, upon whom the command of the Naval Brigade devolved when his senior officers were killed or wounded, led the remnant up the kopje with great coolness and ability. Captain Marchant, in his report to Rear Admiral Sir R Harris, says:—
Captain Prothero, both before and after he was wounded, behaved with great gallantry and coolness.
Lieutenant W T C Jones, RMLI, who was wounded in the hip by a bullet which has not yet been extracted, was also wounded at this stage, but undeterred charged to the top of the hill, where his wound was dressed. The conduct of this officer is deserving of the highest praise, and I strongly recommend him to your notice.
Lieutenants the Honourable E S H Boyle and F J Saunders, RMLI, Gunner Lowe, and Midshipman W W Sillem, also charged to the top of the hill, gallantly leading their men all the time under a very heavy fire, and all are deserving of special mention.
Lieutenants F Dean, G W McO Campbell, Sub Lieutenant White (who was in charge of the ammunition supply), and Midshipman Armstrong:, who were with the guns, behaved with great gallantry in a very exposed position.
Midshipman Wardle also showed great gallantry, and remained with Major Plumbe and several dead and wounded men, and attended to them and dressed their wounds under a heavy fire.
Midshipman Huddart behaved magnificently, and still advanced after he had been twice wounded until he was finally struck down mortally wounded.
Fleet-Surgeon J Porter, who was with the firing line, and Surgeon Beadnell with the guns did gallant and most excellent service under trying conditions, under fire nearly the whole time.
Lieutenant F W Dean, who was in command of four Naval guns, in his report to Captain Marchant, says:—
Lieutenant Campbell and Mr Armstrong:, midshipman, displayed marked coolness and courage in controlling the fire of their guns and inspiriting the men, who all worked splendidly.
Surgeon Beadnell rendered invaluable aid to our wounded, working close up to the guns, where shrapnell balls were showering every other minute.
Petty Officers.—I would recommend for favourable consideration 1st Class Petty Officer's Ashley, ‘Doris’, and Fuller, ‘Monarch’, who under the trying circumstances laid their guns with the greatest accuracy.
COLENSO
From General Sir R Buller's despatch, December 17 1899: Lieutenant Ogilvy, ‘Tartar’, and Gunner Wright, ‘Terrible’, particularly rendered excellent service.
LADYSMITH
Officers and men brought to notice in Captain H Lambton's despatch of January 11 1900:—
Lieutenant A W Heneage has conducted the duties of senior executive officer entirely to my satisfaction, and like all the officers and men under my command, was under constant shell fire during the first weeks of the investment.
Lieutenants L Halsey and M H Hodges have respectively been in command of the 4.7 guns at Cove Redoubt and Junction Hill, and have fought them with great skill and coolness, under, at times, a very accurate and plunging cross fire from guns of much heavier calibre, especially at Lieutenant Hodges' gun, during the first fortnight.
Retired Lieutenant E C Tyndale Briscoe, RN, who handsomely volunteered his services on November 1 1899, has been of the greatest assistance to me, his experience in the Soudan, 1884, and Matabele, 1893 to 1897 campaigns, rendering him a very valuable and reliable officer.
Lieutenant E Stabb, RNR, also volunteered his services, which I gladly accepted, the necessary distribution of my guns rendering me very short of officers, and I found him very useful.
Midshipmen.—Messrs. J R Middleton, H T Hayes, R C Hamilton, Honourable I L A Carnegie, A Stokes, E G Chichester, and C R Sharp have all behaved with great coolness under fire, and satisfactorily carried out the duties allotted to them. Mr Carnegie has had charge of a 12-pr. gun at Caesar's Camp since November 27 1899, which he has fought successfully under, at times, a hot fire.
Surgeon J G Fowler has been most assiduous in his attendance and duties towards the sick, of which, unfortunately, there has been a heavy percentage.
Engineers E H Ellis and C C Sheen have rendered most valuable and arduous services in the mounting of the 4.7 guns, Mr Ellis being stationed at and sharing the fighting of the 4.7 gun at Cove Redoubt, previously mentioned. Mr Sheen has erected three condensers at the railway station, whereby 6,000 gallons of distilled water are supplied daily to the troops; he also was one of the party under Mr Sims, gunner, employed in mounting the 4.7 gun on Waggon Hill, on January 6, and was actively engaged all that day in the defence of that position against the Boers, receiving a slight wound in the face from a shrapnel shell.
The experience gained by Fleet Paymaster W H F Kay, in Abyssinia, on the Nile, and in Burmah, has enabled him to look after the Commissariat and comforts of the Naval Camp, with activity, facility, and ability.
Mr Sims, gunner, is a most capable and indefatigable officer, and of great ability. I understand his gallant services on Waggon Hill, January 6, have been reported to you by Colonel Hamilton.
Petty Officers and Men.—All have behaved well both in action and in carrying out the various duties connected with the defence of the position, assigned to the Naval Brigade; but I specially mention the following, who, being captains of guns, have had the best opportunities of distinguishing themselves for coolness under fire: — H W C Lee, Petty Officer, 1st Class, captain of 4.7 gun at Junction Hill and Waggon Hill; P T Sisk, Petty Officer, 1st Class, captain of 4.7 gun, Cove Redoubt; A C Pratt, leading seaman, 12-pr, Leicester Post; A G Withers, Petty Officer, 1st Class, 12-pr, Gordon Post; S E Hemmings, leading seaman, 12-pr, Manchester Camp. Lee, in addition, was specially noticeable for the gallant behaviour at Waggon Hill, on January 6, himself shooting a Boer, whilst re-taking of the hill.
'TERRIBLE' DETACHMENT
Lieut Melvill, ‘Forte’, reports to Captain Jones, on March 13, 1900, the services of the officers and men of the ‘Terrible’, who were under his command from December 7, 1899, till March 11, 1900. He specially mentions : — Mr Williams, gunner, for the zeal and ability with which he carried out all his duties. Seamen— W Wiltshire, AB, A E Reading, OS, H Harwood, OS., and G Sears, stoker, showed an energy and willingness under all conditions which is thoroughly worthy of recognition.
'Philomel' DETACHMENT
Lieutenant Burns, ‘Philomel’, in reporting to Captain Jones from Springfield Camp, February 16, 1900, says:—
Mr White, midshipman, has rendered me useful assistance.
Mr Freeman, conductor, has done very well; and the white drivers, McPheeson and Blewitt, excellently.
Petty Officers and Men. — I should specially mention my captains of guns, T Mitchell and J Mullis, 1st Class Petty Officer's, for their hard work, the latter the best and quickest shot of the two. I must recommend E A Harvey, Petty Officer 2nd Class, and leading shipwright, as rendering me most useful and clever work on the gun mountings, etc, and for further designs. Of the rest, P Treherne, AB ; D Shepherd, AB, S.G.T. ; H House, AB ; W Jones, AB, S.G.T. ; F Tuck, OS; C Patton, signalman ; and W Dunstall, stoker, deserve special mention.
RELIEF OF LADYSMITH
Lieutenant Ogilvy, ‘Terrible’, in a report to Captain Jones dated Ladysmith, March 6, 1900, brings to notice the uniform good conduct of the officers and men who had been under his immediate command during the operations ending with the relief of Ladysmith, and continues: —
Lieutenant Deas, who is now in hospital, I consider worthy of special mention, more especially as I am sure that his unremitting hard work was largely the cause of his going down when attacked by dysentery.
I have already brought before your notice the conduct of Mr Wright, acting gunner, at the Battle of Colenso, and I would further commend him to you for his constant zeal, ability, and coolness under fire.
Petty Officers and Men. — As regards the guns' crews, where all have done so well, it is hard to discriminate, but I would specially mention : — J Venness and N Symons, Petty Officers 1st Class; C Challoner, Petty Officer 2nd Class; F Ryall, AB. Challoner was especially remarkable for his exceptionally accurate shooting, which was invariably brilliant. Should you deem it fit to recommend these men for any reward, I can assure you they will well deserve it.
Captain Jones reports to Rear Admiral Sir B Harris on the operations leading up to the relief of Ladysmith, in a despatch dated March 2, 1900, and brings to notice the following :—
I would first record the untiring zeal, ability, and coolness of Commander Limpus, as well as his very great service in locating the enemy's guns, surveying the lay of the country over which we were operating, and taking ranges, etc. Every spare moment during the whole of the operations he employed in this manner, often walking long distances for these purposes when greatly fatigued. He also kept his eye glued to the telescope, as usual, during the hottest fire, when many shells passed within a few yards of him. In the former of these services he was ably assisted by Lieutenants Ogilvy and Hunt.
Lieutenant Ogilvy was most of the time separated from me with a battery of 12-prs., but I visited his guns in nearly every position, and found that he was always keen and efficient in every respect. There was simply nothing to do but leave him alone, I being perfectly easy in my mind that every order he received would be carried out in the best possible manner.
Lieutenant James, with two 12-prs., also has proved himself a most gallant officer and full of resource. He has been all the time in the very forefront of the fighting with his guns, no position being too difficult for him to reach and to bring his guns into action with promptitude.
Lieutenant Hunt has acted as Brigade Major, Quartermaster, and Chief of my Staff rolled into one—as well as commanding a 4.7 in. gun, often being up the greater part of the night with paper work after long fatiguing days. His services have been invaluable to me.
Staff-Surgeon Lilly and Surgeon Lomas were indefatigable, and on the spot instantly to attend our wounded under an exceedingly hot shell fire.
Lieutenant Chiazzari, of the Natal Naval Volunteers, has been most useful, especially in getting into working order and working the punts across the river, both at Potgeiter's Drift and Colenso, by which all the troops crossed.
I must also mention Mr Hutchinson, midshipman, who has acted as my ADC He has been most useful, and hard-working, often spending the greater part of the night finding his way across the difficult country with messages. He had many very narrow escapes. On three separate occasions a 40-pr. shell fell within two yards of him.
Captain Jones, in his despatch dated Ladysmith, March 10, 1900, says:—
Petty Officers.—I am sending you the names of some who have been quite exceptional, viz.:—T Baldwin, Chief Petty Officer; G Crowe, MAA; W Bate, Chief Petty Officer; Ellis, armourer; B Stephens, Chief Petty Officer, ‘Terrible’, These were specially conspicuous in their unflagging zeal, ability, and coolness under fire, although in the latter there was nothing to choose between the whole of the men. P Cashman, Petty Officer 1st Class, ‘Philomel’, and C Challoner, Petty Officer 2nd Class, ‘Terrible’, are unusually excellent shots.
Lieutenant Burne, in his report to Captain Jones dated Colenso,
March 7, 1900, says :—
Petty Officers and Men.—I should like to bring to notice the very excellent service rendered by captains of guns, R Mitchell, Petty Officer 1st Class, and especially G Mullis, Petty Officer 1st Class, and the clever and hard work of F Harvey, Petty Officer 2nd Class (leading shipwright), and to mention the following names not before mentioned:—H House, AB, F Long, OS (bugler), S Ratcliffe, OS, and to state my appreciation of the work done by all.
CAPTAIN BEARCROFT'S MENTIONS
Captain Bearcroft, in a despatch to Rear Admiral Sir R Harris, dated Pretoria, June 9, 1900, reports on the engagement of the 4th inst., and brings to notice the following:—
Commander Spencer de Horsey, ‘Monarch’, for the calmness, ability, and energy displayed by him in preparing the 4.7-in. guns for action, and for the example set and encouragement given to the officers and men under him after he was wounded, and before he was carried off the field.
Lieutenant E Back, ‘Monarch’, in charge of the two 12-pr. guns, for ability and courage in taking the guns across a plain exposed to rifle fire, and for care and foresight in selecting a position for them, to which I attribute the immunity from casualties of the guns' crews.
Major Peile, RMLI, 'Doris', and Lieutenant Newman, ‘Monarch’, respectively in charge of the 4.7-in. guns, for coolness and care in directing and controlling the fire of those guns.
Mr S F I Wardle, midshipman, "Doris," who, acting as my ADC, was frequently exposed in carrying messages, and behaved with courage and coolness.
Fleet Surgeon James Porter, "Doris," for the efficiency of the arrangements for attending the wounded with the limited staff at his command.
Mr Lowe, gunner (T), 'Monarch', for zeal and energy shown in keeping up an adequate supply of ammunition near the guns, and in looking after the safety of the remainder.
Petty Officers, etc—Captains of guns, for good and accurate marksmanship, and coolness and care in laying the guns under fire:—Wm. J Jago, F S Barrett, Thos Ashley, Petty Officer's 1st Class; Sergeant Burroughs, RMA C Chapman, 2nd Yeoman Signals, for quickness of eye and observation in discovering a few of the enemy moving to a convenient cover for sniping, and probably preventing many casualties by the timely warning.
Captain Bearcroft, in a despatch dated Barberton, September 24, 1900 to Admiral Sir R Harris, says :—
I beg to especially bring to your notice for favourable consideration the zeal and energy of S Colville, armourer, in, fitting and adapting waggon wheels and brakes for transporting the gun mounting after a breakdown. He has worked indefatigably day and night, and his ingenuity and resourcefulness with the scanty appliances at command are most praiseworthy.
Lieutenant Halsey, in a despatch, dated Standerton, October 17, 1900, to Rear Admiral Sir R Harris, mentions the following belonging to the 'Philomel' detachment:—
I wish to bring the services of Lieutenant Clutterbuck to your notice; he has been through the entire campaign, with the exception of a short interval of sick leave, and was in command of Lieutenant Burne's detachment when Grasskop was occupied. I have found him hard-working, zealous, and loyal, and consider he has very good general ability as an officer.
Petty Officers and Men.—I recommend the following men for advancement:—J Weatherhead, Petty Officer ; Senior Petty Officer of detachment since invaliding of W Payne, acting G I No. 1 of gun during bombardment of camp at Sunday's River, firing with great coolness and accuracy under heavy shell fire. E Waring, Yeo Signals: Spotting dispositions, and gun positions of enemy whenever battery was engaged; and has been of great assistance in serving out rations and clerical work; A Forcey, armourer's mate: After he was wounded at Sunday's River, assisted AB Parkinson (mortally wounded) to hospital tent, then returned to the guns and had to be sent away to have his wound dressed. H Harrison, Petty Officer, S.G.T, No. 1 of gun during campaign. J Funnett, Petty Officer, S.G.T, No. 1 of gun since June 24. Both the above were No. 1 of guns on July 18, when specially recommended by Lieutenant General Sir F Clery for coming rapidly into action. W H Franklin, LS, LTO, No. 2 of gun during entire campaign. T Sargent, Petty Officer 2nd Class, S.G.T, No. 2 of gun during entire campaign. The following have rendered extremely good service: — J E Hughes, AB, S.G.T ; W G Walsh, AB, SG; W R Mayne, AB. SG ; J Elliott, AB, S.G.T.
VAN WVK
Captain Jones reports to General Sir R Buller on a reconnaissance made on June 6, with a view to selecting positions for the Naval guns on Van Wyk. The despatch is dated June 14, 1900, and concludes:—
I desire particularly to mention Lieutenant Hunt, ‘Forte’, who acts as chief of staff for me, and gunnery officer. His ability in a tight place, energy, and hard work are beyond all praise.
Lieutenant Melville, second in command, was also indefatigable in his work.
Mr Ledgrard, midshipman, my ADC, was most useful, and guided the 12-prs. during the night march on Van Wyk.
Petty Officers and Men.—I would specially mention Chief-Armourer J Restall, 'Tartar', who on two occasions worked all night repairing broken gun-carriages and limbers—and to him and the men who worked with him, viz:—G Hooper, armourer's crew, ‘Forte’,; W Antony, Idg. seaman, Natal Naval Volunteers; T Druce, AB, Natal Naval Volunteers; and O Hart, armourer's mate, 'Tartar', is entirely due the fact that the 12-prs. were ready to come into action on the morning of the 8th. A Munro, Chief Petty Officer, 'Tartar', was conspicuous in his zeal and ability in charge of a 12-pr. B Stephens, Chief Petty Officer, ‘Forte’, and T Weatherhead, Petty Officer, ‘Philomel’, were conspicuous for their good shooting and general utility. T Ball, Yeoman Signaller, ‘Forte’, and E Waring, Yeoman Signaller, ‘Philomel’, for the excellent look-out they kept and smartness in discovering the enemy, etc.
In my general appreciation of the efforts of the brigade of course I include Lieutenants Anderton and Barratt, and men of the Natal Naval Volunteers. The officers' previous experience of trekking in the country was very useful to me.
COMMANDER GRANT'S RECOMMENDATIONS
Commander Grant, in a despatch from Krugersdorp, August 28, 1900, reports the proceedings of the brigade under him during August. He says:— I must bring to your notice the zeal and energy displayed during the march by J Tuck, armourer's mate, ‘Barrosa’. It was due to his exertions that the guns could be taken along, every halt, day or night, being utilised by him, aided by the crews, to repair, replace nuts, etc
Commander Grant, in a despatch from Simon's Town, October 30, 1900, recommends the following for favourable consideration:—
Lieutenant Ferguson has throughout thrown himself heart and soul into the work, always thoroughly to be relied upon, and always striving to maintain the credit and discipline of the force at the highest pitch. It is to a large extent to his example and to his unswerving enforcement of a very high standard of discipline and promptitude (ably supported by the other officers and petty officers), that the ready adaption of the men to their surroundings and to the Service duties is due.
Mr Cannon and Mr Ball, gunners, have equally rendered themselves of the utmost value, ably seconding the efforts of their superior officers and carrying out their respective duties with the greatest zeal. In the absence of Lieutenant Ferguson during the month of September, a month of great activity, heavy marching, and almost continuous fighting, these two officers carried out their duties with the greatest ability and judgment.
It was with deep regret I had to report the death and invaliding respectively of Mr Menzies and Mr Lang, midshipmen. They were young officers of great promise. I would respectfully submit the name of the latter as having been most useful, very hard-working, trustworthy, and painstaking in a marked degree.
Men specially recommended: —
‘Doris’—B Murphy, R Aitken, I Tabb, Petty Officer's 1st Class; A G Clark, AB (has been doing leading seaman's duties for three months); J C Hartnett, AB.
‘Barrosa’—Higgins and R Hall, Petty Officer's 1st Class, and Gardiner, leading seaman, captains of guns; H Widdicombe, AB.
‘Monarch’ (late ‘Tartar’) DETACHMENT
Lieutenant Burne, commanding ‘Monarch’ (late ‘Tartar’) detachment, on withdrawing from the front, writes from Sandspruit, and recommends the following for good service with the guns :—
‘Tartar’ (late).—A L Munro, Chief Petty Officer and torpedo instructor; G H Epsley, Petty Officer 2nd Class and captain 1st gun; E Cheeseman, AB, S.G, and acting captain 2nd gun; D Smith, AB, S.G.T; J Macdonald, AB, S.G; G Baldwin, AB, S.G; J Sawyer, AB, S.G; H Wright, AB, TM, gun crew.
For his good service as armourer and work drawing ordnance and transport, stores, money, and in charge of commissariat, I particularly recommend O A Hart, armourer's mate, ‘Tartar’ (late), a man thoroughly reliable.
‘Philomel’ — T Payne, AB, S.G.
As regards the officer and six men of the 'Philomel'' attached to my command, three of whom have since been invalided, I must strongly recommend Mr W R Ledgard, midshipman, who since July 28 I have detached, as ordered by GOC 5th Division, in independent command of one gun, first at Opperman's Kraal, and then to Paarde Kop; he has carried out this duty with ability and success, and for a young officer I know it has been a trying one.
CAPTAIN BEARCROFT'S FINAL MENTIONS
Captain Bearcroft's last despatch is dated Simon's Town, October 17, 1900, and, in forwarding his final observations to Rear Admiral Sir R Harris, says he considers the following as worthy of special mention:—
Commander S de Horsey (severely wounded).
Majors S Peile and A E Marchant, RMLI
Lieutenant B Back, who has had charge of two 12-pr. guns frequently on detached service. Honourable E S H Boyle; this officer's services have been the subject of a special letter. E K Newman; in charge of a 4.7-in. gun.
Lieutenant Commander W J Colquhoun, RVN; this officer's readiness of resource and energy in surmounting difficulties have been of the greatest service.
Lieutenant Wilson, RMLI; severely wounded at Belfast.
Mr Wardle and Mr Denison, midshipmen; recommended for advancement when qualified.
Fleet Surgeon J Porter; excellence of medical arrangements.
Mr Ball, gunner; a most excellent and hard-working warrant officer.
Mr Lows, gunner (T); this officer has performed the duty of quartermaster to the brigade while landed with abifity and untiring zeal and energy.
List of men considered worthy of special attention: —
‘Monarch’—J Brien, Chief Petty Officer ; G Robinson, Petty Officer 2nd Class; P Barrett, W C Browning, P Tunnicliff, W J Jago, Petty Officer's 1st Class; A E James, E.J Gray, leading seamen.
‘Doris’- T W Ashley, B Murphy, J Hunkin, Petty Officer's 1st Class; C Chapman, yeoman of signals; J Delbridge, P McCarthy, F C Davey, J D Sharp, G Lobb, C Crook, W Perceval, AB's; D J Sandford, leading stoker, 2nd Class; W J Phillips, 2nd SB steward; *S K Colevill, armourer; *A Smithfield, armourer's mate; *J C Hocking, armourer's crew. (* These men, being the only artificers with brigade, were often called upon to perform work and repairs appertaining to other trades, as carpenters, blacksmiths, etc, and in every case, often with scanty appliances, this work has been performed with a cheerfulness, ingenuity, and readiness of resource worthy of all praise, and I would specially recommend them for recognition).
RMA - Colour Sergeant R Boyd, Sergeant Gill, Lance Sergeant E Burroughs, Gunner H Johnson, Bugler A E Trayfoot, 'Monarch'.
RMLI—Sergeants D Leach, G Wheeler, ‘Monarch’ ; P Churchman, 'Powerful' ; Lance Sergeant Alf Woollacott, 'Doris' ; Lance Corpls. E Rice, 'Doris', Hucking, "Powerful" ; Privates H Freeman, 'Monarch', J Conway, C Piper, J Roades, 'Powerful'.
LORD ROBERTS'S MENTIONS
From Lord Roberts'8 despatch of March 31, 1900:—
Captain J Bearcroft, commanding Royal Naval Brigade ; my thanks are due to this officer for the assistance he has at all times afforded me; the Naval Brigade, under his orders, has performed valuable service, and has fully maintained the traditions of her Majesty's Navy, not only in action, but also in overcoming the many difficulties attending the march of heavy ordnance over a country devoid of roads. Commanders W Grant and S. de Horsey, " Doris "; Lieutenant F Dean, ‘Monarch’ ; Major A Winston, RMLI, "Powerful."
Captain Sir E Chlchester, Baronet, has been chief Naval transport officer during the whole campaign, and has carried out his arduous duties with an ability and tact which have ensured the smooth and successful working of all the arrangements.
From Lord Roberts's despatch, April 2, 1901 :-—
Rear Admiral Sir R H Harris has, since the outbreak of the war, been in supreme command of the Naval forces in South African waters. I am glad of this opportunity of expressing to him my thanks and those of the Army for the cordial co-operation and never-failing support which he has extended to me ever since my arrival at Cape Town in January, 1900.
Captain Sir E Chichester; the arduous work of disembarking the troops, supplies, stores, remounts, and mules, and embarking the many thousand of sick and discharged men, reflects the greatest credit upon Captain Sir E Chichester and the staff at each of the four ports, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, East London, and Durban.
Captain J Bearcroft commanded the Royal Naval Brigade until the men finally joined their ships in October. I have already referred in my despatch of March 31 to the valuable services rendered by him and his men, and I am glad to be able now once more to bear witness to the pluck, endurance, and cheerfulness which have been exhibited by all our sailors under most unusual and trying circumstances.
Commander the Honourable S J Fortescue, my Naval ADC, and Lieutenant W H Cowan, ADC to Lord Kitchener, and afterwards my Naval ADC, carried out his responsible duties to my satisfaction.
SIR G WHITE'S MENTIONS
From Sir G White's despatch of December 2, 1899 : — Commander Holland, RIM, disembarkation officer at Durban, carried out the duties of his department with advantage to the State and credit to himself.
From Sir G White's despatch of March 23, 1900 : — Captain Honourable Hedworth Lambton, commanding the Naval Brigade, reached Ladysmith in the nick of time, when it became evident that I was not strong enough to meet the enemy in the open field; he brought with him two 4.7-in and four 12-pr. guns, which proved to be the only ordnance in my possession capable of equalling in range the enemy's heavy guns. Though the ammunition available was very limited, Captain Lambton so economised it that it lasted out to the end of the siege, and under his direction the naval guns succeeded in keeping at a distance the enemy's siege guns, a service which was of the utmost importance. Captain Lambton personally has been the life of the garrison throughout the siege.
Lieutenants A W Heneage and L Halsey have rendered excellent service.
The following have been brought to notice by general officers commanding or officers commanding units:—
Officers.—Lieutenants M Hodges, E Stabb (RNR) (died of enteric, January 15); Fleet-Paymr. W Kay; Engineer C Sheen; Midshipman Honourable I Carnegie.
Petty Officers and Men.—1st Class Petty Officers W Lee, P Sisk, A Withers; Leading Seamen A Pratt, S Hemming.
GENERAL SIR R BULLER'S MENTIONS
Sir R Buller, in his despatch of March 30, 1900, brings the following to notice as having performed exceptionally valuable service:—
Captain P Scott, CB, " Terrible," has discharged the difficult duties of Commandant of Durban with the greatest tact and ability, and has been most helpful in every way.
Captain E Jones, " Forte"; as senior officer of the Naval Brigade he has earned my most heartfelt thanks; the assistance they have rendered to me has been invaluable ; the spirit of their leader was reflected in the men, and at any time, day or night, they were always ready, and their work was excellent.
Commander A Limpus and Lieutenant F Ogilvy, ‘Terrible’, and Lieutenant H James, ‘Tartar’ ; these officers were indefatigable ; there never was a moment in the day that they were not working hard and well to advance the work in hand.
Commander G Holland, Indian Marine; an excellent officer; besides discharging his own duties, has given the greatest assistance in the preparation of hospital ships.
Lieutenant E Lees, Naval ADC, recommended for consideration.
Lieutenant N Chiazzari, Natal Naval Volunteers, was in charge of a detachment who were associated with the Naval Brigade, and took their full share of the good work done by the brigade.
Brought to General Buller's notice for gallant or meritorious service by general officers and officers commanding units:—
'Philomel'—Lieutenant C Burne; Clerk W Hollins; 1st Class Petty Officer P Cashman; 2nd Class Petty Officer J Frennet
'Forte'—Lieutenant C Hunt; Staff-Surgeon F Lilly; F Moore, AB
‘Terrible’,—Midshipmen R B Hutchinson, H Boldero, G Hodson; Surgeons. C Macmillan, E Lomas ; Acting Gunner J Wright; Chief Petty Officer's T Baldwin, W Bate, B Stephens; 2nd Class Petty Officer C Challoner; Master-at-Arms G Crowe; Armourer Ellis.
From General Bullet's despatch, June 19, 1900:—
Captain E Jones; it was due to the energy and perseverance of the officers and men alike, following the excellent example set them by their commander, Captain Jones, that it was possible to place the naval guns in position on the 8th, and get them forward subsequently in time to accompany the advance on the 10th. The excellent marksmanship of the Naval Brigade, and the skilful distribution of their fire, contributed materially to the successful result of the attack on Allemann's Nek on June 11.
Brought to General Buller's notice as having performed good services:—
'Forte'—Lieutenants G Hunt, F Melville.
'Philomel'—Lieutenants C Burne, H Halsey; Midshipman W Ledgard; Petty Officer J Weatherhead; Yeoman of Signals E Waring.
'Tartar'—Chief Armourer J Restall; Chief Petty Officer A Monro.
from General Buller's despatch, November 9, 1900:
Captain Van Koughnet.—The naval transport work at Durban has been throughout under charge of this officer. I desire to take this opportunity of bringing to notice the excellent service which he has rendered. Owing to his tact and ability, the difficult and ofttimes very heavy work of embarkations and disembarkations has passed smoothly and well.
Commander E Lees, ADC, is a thoroughly capable and deserving officer, and rendered me great assistance.
Commander G Holland, Royal Indian Marine, has also been employed at Durban throughout. His genius for organisation, and his knowledge of transport requirements is, I should say, unrivalled; he undertook the alteration of the transports which were fitted at Durban as hospital ships, and the result of his work has been universally admitted to have been a conspicuous success. I strongly recommend him to your consideration.
Lieutenant A Halsey, ‘Philomel’, commanded last detachment of Naval Brigade which was left with Natal Field Force, and, like all the rest of the brigade, their services were most valuable.
Carpenter S Lacey has rendered valuable service in supervising the fitting of hospital ships and in transport work generally. I recommend him to your favourable notice.
NAVY HONOURS and PROMOTIONS
ORDER OF THE BATH
KCB-Rear Admiral Sir R Harris, KCMG (November 6, 1900). Rear Admiral B F Clark (April 19, 1901).
CB—Captain Honourable H Lambton; Captain P M Scott (March 13, 1900). Captain Sir E Chichester, Baronet, CMG; Captain E P Jones; Captain R C Prothero; Captain J E Bearcroft; Captain W B Fisher; Major A E Marchant, RMLI (November 6, 1900). Captain W S Rees; Major S P Peile, RMLI (April 19, 1901).
CB (Civil)—S J Graff, Assistant Director of Transports ; Captain F J Pitt, Naval Assistant to Director of Transports (April 19, 1901).
ORDER OF ST MICHAEL AND ST GEORGE
CMG—Captain E B Van Koughnet, retired list; Commander Honourable S J Fortescue, CVO (now retired Captain) (April 19, 1901).
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER
DSO—Lieutenant G P E Hunt; Captain W T C Jones, RMLI ; Surgeon C C Macmillan, MB ; Lieutenant W J Colquhoun, Victorian Navy; Lieutenant N W Chiazzari, Natal Naval Volunteers (November 6, 1900). Staff-Surgeon E C Lomas, MB ; Lieutenants L O Wilson and F J Saunders, RMLI (April 19, 1901).
CONSPICUOUS SERVICE CROSS
CSC—Gunners E E Lowe, J Wright (also served on shore during the recent operations in China). Midshipmen T C Armstrong (now Acting Sub-Lieutenant), C A E Huddart (killed in action); T F J L Wardle (now Acting Sub .Lieutenant ); R B C Hutchinson (July 1, 1901).
ORDER OF THE INDIAN EMPIRE
CIE—Commander G E Holland, DSO, RIM (July 24, 1901).
CONSPICUOUS GALLANTRY MEDAL
E J Read, AB (March 21, 1901).
PROMOTIONS
Admiralty, March 12, 1900: Lieutenant F C A Ogilvy to be Commander, in recognition of his distinguished services as Senior Lieutenant in Naval Brigade serving under General Sir Redvers Buller (March 9).
Admiralty, May 21, 1900: Commander H Limpus to be Captain (May 2). Lieutenants F W Dean and A W Heneage to be Commanders (May 2). Surgeon C M Beadnell to be Staff Surgeon (May 2). Engineers E H Ellis and C C Sheen to be Chief Engineers (May 2). Gunner W Sims to be Lieutenant (May 2). Noted for early promotion:—Lieutenant L Halsey and Surgeon J G Fowler. Midshipmen noted for early promotion on qualifying for rank of Lieutenant:—G E Lewin, T C Armstrong, J R Middleton, H T Hayes, R C Hamilton, Honourable I L A Carnegie, A Stokes, E G Chichester, C R Sharp.
Admiralty, November 5, 1900: Commanders W L Grant and S Y De Horsey to be Captains (October 21). Lieutenants F W Melvill, A Halsey, H W James, and J A Fergusson to be Commanders (October 21). Above promotions, as well as those of Captain Limpus and Commanders Ogilvie, Dean, and Heneage, to be additional to establishment of Captains and Commanders. Lieutenants G F E Nugent, E F C Back, and J E Drummond noted for early promotion. Midshipmen T F J L Wardle, W R Ledgard, W W Sillem, G H Long, H S W Boldero, R T Down, J A G Troup, R B C Hutchinson. H E W C Whyte, G L Hodson, and R E W Kirby, noted for early promotion on qualifying for rank of Lieutenant. Fleet Surgeon J Porter, MA, MB, to be Deputy-Inspr.-General of Hospitals and Fleets (October 21). Staff-Surgeon F J Lilly to be Fleet Surgeon (October 21). Surgeon E C Lomas to be Staff-Surgeon (October 21). Assistant Paymaster B C Allen to be Paymaster (October 21).
Admiralty, July 17, 1901: Lieutenant W H Cowan, DSO, to be Commander (June 30). Paymaster W B Penny to be Staff Paymaster (January 1).
Admiralty, January 29, 1902: Sub Lieutenant T C Armstrong to be Lieutenant (March 15, 1901).
