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Morning Frank,
Yes it is a very atmospheric image, and well described by yourself.

Paul

Frank Kelley wrote: Good morning Paul,
General Yule left Dundee on the 23rd and what I always found surprising, the Boers made no real effort to stop him.
By the morning of the 25th he was crossing the Sunday's River and was met by Col Dartnell, who had been sent out from Ladysmith by Sir George White, he told Yule in no uncertain terms to keep marching.
So Yule had little choice but to carry on through the night of the 25th-26th, it was pouring with rain and the road had become a muddy quagmire, by daybreak, he still had another seven miles left to march, not good!
Regards Frank

Hi Paul,
I don't have Packenham's book, so not really sure, if it is the photo that I'm thinking of, it shows Yule's MI wearing great coats, with those in the foreground looking damp and very miserible!
Can't say as I blame them really, not very promising start and not what they would have been expecting!
Frank

Hi Paul, Frank,

thanks for the ID of the unit and the story surrounding the picture.
Yes it is the one where they are wearing greatcoats looking miserable but if they had been retreating for 3 - 4 days from Dundee in the rain I'm not really surprised.
Although Natal wouldn't have been that cold in late October, being soaked through, exhausted, probably pursued by Boers and generally dispirited they had every right to look miserable!
As you say Frank, not a promising start!

regards,
Iain

Well I finished this book last night and can highly recommend it.
A well told story that kept me gripped to the last page.
Very well written, the author uses characters from both sides and catches the atmosphere of the battles very well.

Paul

coldstream wrote: I had the pleasure to have a good chat with David Humpry yesterday author of the book "Seige"
Here is a brief synopsis of the book.
Manchester 1976. The oldest living Victoria Cross holder, and the last survivor of three friends who went to do their duty for Queen and country in the Boer War, collapses at a Remembrance Sunday service. A young newspaper reporter is assigned to cover the story and, as a result, is treated to a unique first-hand insight into life before and during the siege of Ladysmith, in a long forgotten war fought over three quarters of a century earlier.
He had a copy with him which I bought and of course got him to sign.
I am currently reading "Baden-Powell" by Tim Jeal which I am enjoying but it is a huge book! it seems likely I may put that one on hold and start on the "Seige"
Just wondered has anyone on the forum read it and if so your reviews.

Paul

Just started reading Thomas Packenhams "The Boer War"
Hope to finish it this year!

Paul

Hi Paul,
while I was waiting for "Ladysmith" to arrive, I started Thomas Pakenham's book and enjoying it. I've got through the politics at the beginning dealing with Lord Milner, and now the retreat from Dundee has just taken place. You remember I was inquiring about the cover picture!
The battle of Elandslaagte has just been won and Mournfull Monday underway!

I'm afraid I have to finish this now before I start on Ladysmith!

regards,

Iain