Was in Ladysmith when Sir George White arrived in Natal (see notes under the 21st Battery, 1st Liverpool, and 1st Devon). The 53rd was engaged at Rietfontein on 24th October, and did exceptionally good work at Lombard's Kop on the 30th. During the siege they had much fighting. On the night of 7th December they took part in a reconnaissance which Sir George White said was well carried out. On 6th January, during the great attack, the battery excelled its previous efforts. "These guns, most ably handled, came into action on Klip River Flats, ... and inflicted very heavy losses on the enemy". On the day of the relief the 53rd and 67th were sent out to harass the retreating enemy, but the horses were too far gone. Major Abdy was mentioned in Sir George White's despatches of 2nd December 1899 and 23rd March 1900, and in the earlier despatch 1 officer, and in the later 7 non-commissioned officers and men were also mentioned. The 53rd long remained about Lydenburg. In his final despatch General Buller mentioned Major Gordon, and said "he has a good battery". Two non-commissioned officers were also mentioned. Throughout 1901 the 53rd continued to operate in the Eastern Transvaal under General W Kitchener, Colonel Campbell, and other column commanders.
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