A howitzer battery.
Arrived in Natal after Colenso. Took part in the fighting about Potgeiter's Drift and Spion Kop, the engagement at Vaal Krantz, and in the final effort to relieve Ladysmith. In these and in the turning movement via Helpmakaar, Alleman's Nek, Bergendal, and other actions, the 61st did good work. In his despatch of 13th September as to Bergendal, General Buller said the howitzer-fire was "particularly effective". The battery accompanied General Buller to Lydenburg and took part in the engagements in that neighbourhood. In his despatch of 30th March 1900 and his final despatch, General Buller very highly praised Major Hamilton Gordon and his battery's work, and mentioned another officer and 2 non-commissioned officers. In 1901 the battery remained in the Eastern Transvaal. One gun was with General Walter Kitchener and one with Colonel Benson, the others being on the lines of communication. In December 1901 the battery, and five others, namely, the 37th, 65th, 43rd, 86th, and 87th, all howitzer, were converted into a battalion of Mounted Rifles under Colonel Dunlop. They covered the construction of the Heilbron-Botha's Pass blockhouses, and then took part in numerous drives in the north-east of the Orange River Colony under Colonel Byng and Colonel Garratt (See 87th Battery).
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