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Hi Brett,
The sickening thing is that the War Office should have learned much from the previous encounters, with the Boers, just nineteen years before at Bronkhorstspruit, Laings Nek, Schuinshoohte and Majuba, moreover, they should have listened to their Commander in Chief South Africa in 1898 instead of sacking him, but no, so this was indeed a new war, for a new century!
One might even suggest that despite the loss of the Highland Brigade at Maggersfontein in December 1899, the lessons still had not been learned until the 1st July 1916!
Regards Frank

Brett Hendey wrote: You are right, Frank. Generalisations are unfair and often wrong. Unfortunately, Colonel Moller was a 'sheep' and his ineptude on that day stands out amidst the heroism and success of other officers in the battle. The 'sheep' at Talana and elsewhere in the Natal Campaign were to be found amongst the most senior officers and their misjudgements cost the 'lions' dearly.

Regards
Brett

Hi David

Just wondering if I can use the images on my website? www.boer-medals.co.za ?

No worries if you don't want to.

All the best
John

My favourite Talana QSA, albeit a tragic and evocative one. 4261 Pte. P. Grieve 18th Hussars KIA Talana. One of only 6 men of the 18th Hussars KIA at Talana and one of only 12 single clasp Talana QSAs to the regiment.

To mark this anniversary, a report from The Times, 23 Oct 1899:

A postcard from 1907