Operated with General French in the Colesberg district in December 1899 and January 1900. In his despatch of 2nd February 1900 he says that "Major Butcher, with great energy and perseverance, succeeded in placing two field-guns on the top of a steep hill called Coleskop, 800 feet high, and from this commanding position has inflicted great damage and loss on the enemy". The ammunition, it will be remembered, was hoisted by an arrangement of wires and pulleys. In April and May the battery was in the Boshof and Warrenton district. Did good work under Lord Methuen when Villebois-Mareuil's party was captured. Saw a good deal of fighting in the Orange River Colony and afterwards in the Frederickstad-Krugersdorp district. In August 1900 and subsequent months was in a column based on Zeerust under Lord Methuen and General Douglas. Was long in the Western Transvaal, and one section gained credit for their conduct in Von Donop's action near Zeerust, 24th October 1901 (see 1st Northumberland Fusiliers), 1 officer and 17 men of the gun detachment and 27 of the escort of 60 being killed or wounded in their successful defence of the guns. One officer and 6 non-commissioned officers and men were mentioned in despatches for great gallantry on this occasion, and 2 men subsequently gained mention. A section was with Lord Methuen in his last disaster, and, like the section of the 38th, who were also present, did splendidly, fighting their guns to the last.
Imperial units
Royal Field Artillery - 4th Battery
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- Parent Category: Imperial units
- Category: Royal Field Artillery
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