FOOTNOTES:

FOOTNOTES:[22]The names are arranged according to the dates on which were performed the deeds that earned the distinction. An asterisk denotes the V.C.’s conferred by King Edward VII.[23]This decoration was the first Victoria Cross conferred by King Edward VII., on March 8, 1901.

[22]The names are arranged according to the dates on which were performed the deeds that earned the distinction. An asterisk denotes the V.C.’s conferred by King Edward VII.

[23]This decoration was the first Victoria Cross conferred by King Edward VII., on March 8, 1901.

Accoutrements.—The belts which support the arms, pouch, or pouches of a soldier. These belts are usually made of “buff” leather in the English Army, and are marked inside, as are also the pouches, &c., with the number of the regiment to which they belong.

Adjutant.—An officer not above the rank of Major, appointed to assist the commanding officer in all the details of duty and discipline; receives and issues that officer’s orders to the regiment in general, and is bound to bring to his notice all infraction of rules and orders. He is responsible for the correctness of the regimental books; he prosecutes on all court-martials; supervises the sergeants’ mess; has charge of the orderly-room (Colonel’s office); inspects all escorts and guards; has charge of the official correspondence; and has to spend much of his time in drilling recruits, and in all duties tending to discipline and the smartness and efficiency of the regiment.

Adjutant-General.—One of the chief staff officers of the army, through whom all orders are promulgated, and to whom all reports are sent for the information of the Commander-in-Chief. In time of peace all official correspondence passes through his office, and he is responsible for the general efficiency of the army. On a campaign, in subordination to the Chief of the Staff, he regulates the daily duties of the force. He keeps an exact account of each division and brigade, with a roll of the general and field officers. He issues the orders of the day, and communications on the field are made to him in the absence of a Chief of the Staff. To his department are attached Deputy-Adjutant-Generals, Assistant-Adjutant-Generals, and Deputy-Assistant-Adjutant-Generals.

Advanced Posts.—A term applied to picquets, and any fortified position in country or village in advance of the main line of battle. Their object is to prevent the enemy surprising the main body of the army, and to give it time to form up; this being done, the advanced posts fall back upon their supports and join the main force.

Africander.—A white man born of European parents in South Africa.

Africander Bond.—An association to protect the interests of the Africanders in Africa; now known as the “Dutch party” in Cape Colony, who were certainly not wholly loyal.

Aide-de-camp.—An officer attached to the personal staff of a general officer in garrison or in the field. He carries all orders given him by the general. These he must deliver most distinctly, so as to avoid all chance of mistake, and it is understood his orders must be implicitly obeyed. Thus only officers of intelligence and smartness are appointed. In times of peace, the aide-de-camp assists his chief in official correspondence, in introducing officers, and in dispensing the courtesies of the general’s house. An officer cannot be appointed until he has served two years with his regiment, and passed the prescribed examination. The number of aide-de-camps allotted to general officers in the field are: Commander-in-Chief, four; Generals of Division, two; General of Brigade, one. In time of peace a general has three only. Aide-de-camps receive extra pay in addition to the pay of their regimental rank, which rank is seldom above that of captain. Aide-de-camps are attached to the sovereign, the appointment carrying with it the rank of Colonel in the army. Governors of provinces also have them.

Aliwal North.—A town on the Orange River, on the border between the Free State and Cape Colony, where the Frere Bridge (860 ft. in length) crosses the river. It had a population a little over 2000; and with its park, racecourse, golf links, and sulphur springs, acted as the Leamington of Cape Colony.

Ambulance.—A four-wheeled, covered waggon for the conveyance of sick and wounded soldiers. Two stretchers, the legs of which have small iron wheels, can be run into it, three men can sit on the tailboard, which lets down to serve as a foot-rest, and three others on a like seat in front. Buckets hang below the waggon; a barrel of water is fastened to the splinter-bar, and from the high canvas roof depends a basket for the men’s arms and valises. This roof is marked with the Geneva Cross.

Amnesty.—An act of forgiveness for offences committed against the State, these offences being usually of a political nature.

Ammunition.—A term applied to charges of powder for ordnance and small arms; also to all kinds of projectiles, and to various appliances for igniting the charges, &c. During a campaign the reserve ammunition for small arms is carried in carts, each containing 9600 rounds, under the charge of the officers commanding battalions; three carts to each battalion. The remainder of the reserve ammunition, gun and small arm, is with the ammunition column.

AmbushorAmbuscade.—Troops, in small or large bodies, placed in concealment in order to surprise and attack an enemy.

Approaches.—All works are generally so called that are carried on towards a besieged place, such as trenches, saps, galleries, redoubts, lodgments, and places of arms.

Armistice.—A truce or suspension of hostilities between two armies, a stated time being given for its duration, at the expiration of which, if the contending nations do not come to an agreement, hostilities begin again.

Armoured-Train.—A train, the carriages of which are externally plated with metal, and loop-holed to admit of soldiers firing, while they themselves are protected.

Arms.—Weapons of different forms for attack and defence in the various branches of the army.

Army Corps.—A small army, under the command of a general, composed of all arms of the service, and furnished with every requisite for active service. Its war strength in the British army is about 40,000 officers and men, 12,846 horses, 122 guns, 25 machine-guns, and 1573 carts and waggons.

Army Ordnance Corps.—Its duties consist in issuing stores and munitions of war, and are most onerous.

Army Reserve.—A force composed of men who have enlisted for twelve years, a portion of which service, viz. seven or eight and not less than three years, must be passed with the colours, the residue being spent in the reserve. These are known as “short service men.” Other soldiers eligible to enter the reserve force are those who have exceeded their first term of service, men of say thirteen or fourteen years’ service, and are yet under thirty-four years of age.

Artillery.—Horse artillery consists of men mounted on horses or on the limbers of the guns. They are armed with 12-pounders, and manœuvre with cavalry. Field artillery moves more slowly, the men being carried on guns and waggons. Garrison or siege artillery furnishes gunners and heavy guns of position drawn by horses, bullocks, and in India, elephants. There are now 28 Horse batteries, 151 Field batteries, and 10 of the Mountain division of garrison artillery.

Badge.—An honorary distinction worn on the colours of a regiment. According to the Queen’s Regulations, all regimental badges granted under special authority to different corps are to be strictly preserved.

Baggage.—In a military sense, includes clothes, camp-equipage, and cooking apparatus of a regiment or army. The baggage of troops, if proceeding by sea, is divided into “light” and “heavy” baggage.

Balloon.—Useful in warfare for purposes of reconnoitring, also in cases of a beleaguered city of keeping up communications with the outside world. The Prussians reconnoitred the French position before Metz, in 1870, by means of a balloon with telegraph attached, and thus the survey of the position of the French army was instantaneously conveyed to General Von Moltke.

Bandoliers.—Belts of leather or canvas to hold small-arm cartridges, worn over the shoulder.

Base of Operations.—In military language represents the original line on which an offensive army forms, whether it be the frontier of a country, river, or safe position, whence it takes the field to invade an enemy’s country. The base of operations in case of retreat is always kept open to fall back upon.

Battalion—An infantry unit. A British battalion is composed of 1010 of all ranks and one machine-gun. It is usually constituted thus: Lieutenant-colonel in command, majors 4, captains 5, lieutenants (first and second) 16.

Battery.—Signifies, first, generally guns grouped and in position for action; second, the unit of an artillery command, as a battalion of infantry or a squadron of cavalry; thirdly, any work, permanent or temporary, considered as a position for a group of guns.

Bayonet.—A short sword or triangular-shaped dagger, fixed on to the muzzle of a rifle, which, in this position, gives the soldier increased means of offence and defence. The name is derived from Bayonne in France, where it was supposed to have been first invented. Originally the bayonet was a blade of steel attached to a helve of wood, which was thrust into the barrel, but this arrangement interfered with the loading and firing of the weapon, and to remedy this defect, an elbow and socket were constructed, and the result was the present mode of attaching the bayonet. This improvement took place about the seventeenth century. The first regiment which appears to have had the bayonet attached to its musket was the Grenadier Guards in 1693. Macaulay attributes the loss by the English of the battle of Killiecrankie to the then awkward mode of attaching the bayonet, as the Highlanders were upon the troops before they could convert their firelocks into pikes. The older form of bayonet was 22 inches long, and weighed nearly a pound. The modern bayonet is about 12 inches in length, and weighs 15 ounces.

Beaconsfield.—A suburb of Kimberley, containing several hotels, municipal offices, court-house, tramways, &c. Population about 10,000, half of whom are whites.

Bearer Company.—Company of Royal Army Medical Corps for the removal of the wounded from the field of action to the dressing station or hospital.

Bechuanaland.—A protectorate containing the territories of various native chiefs. The Crown Colony of British Bechuanaland was annexed to Cape Colony, November 1895. It is bounded on the north by the Motopo River, beyond which is the country known as the British Protectorate.

Belmont.—A station on the railway from Cape Town to Kimberley, 591 miles from the former and about 54 miles from the latter.

Berg.—A mountain or high hill.

Biltong.—Strips of meat dried in the sun. It is much used by the Boers in war-time, as it is very portable and can be kept for an almost unlimited period.

Bivouac.—Frombis, “double,” and the German wordwache, “a guard.” An army is said to bivouac when it does not encamp at night and sleeps in the open. This form of resting has the advantage over tents, as it does not enable the enemy to form any conception of the strength of his adversary.

Black Watch.—The 42nd Regiment of the line, known as one of the most distinguished corps in the British army. In Chambers’s “Encyclopedia” is found the following: “‘Black Watch,’ the appellation given to certain armed companies employed to watch the Highlands of Scotland. The term ‘black’ arose from the dress of this species of militia being composed of tartans of dark colours. Some Highlanders had been armed by Government as early as 1725, when General Wade was appointed Commander-in-Chief in Scotland, but it was not till about 1729 or 1730 that the companies assumed a regular form.” They were stationed originally in different parts of the Highlands, and, acting independently of each other, were styled “the Independent Companies of the Black Watch.” Subsequently, after being of great use for local purposes, the companies, united, were formed into the 42nd Regiment under the command of the Earl of Crawford, in 1739.

Bloemfontein.—The capital of the Orange Free State, on the railway line between Cape Town and Pretoria, 750 miles from the former and 290 from the latter town. Population about 7000 white, 3000 black inhabitants. It is a picturesque, cleanly, and prosperous town. Three English newspapers are published there, and it is much frequented by the English, by whom the fine climate is much esteemed.

Boers.—The Dutch word for farmers. For early history and characterseevol. i.

Bombproof Buildings.—Buildings formed so as to withstand the shock of heavy shot or shell falling on them.

Boschveld.—Plain covered with bush or scrub.

Boshofis seventy-two miles north-west of Bloemfontein, and about forty north-east of Kimberley. From Boshof to the nearest point of the Vaal River—near Warrenton, or Fourteen Streams—is about twenty-five miles.

Brigade.—A body of troops, the unit of a division. An infantry brigade is composed of four battalions. The term brigade is given to the Brigade of Guards, which consists of four regiments of Foot Guards; to the Household Cavalry, composed of two regiments of Life Guards, and the Royal Horse Guards.

Brigade-Major.—Takes the same place in relation to a brigade as an adjutant in relation to a regiment.

Brigadier.—A military officer whose rank is next above a Colonel. He exercises the command of a brigade of troops, with the rank, on active service, of Major-General.

Bulawayo(the place of killing).—The capital of Rhodesia. White population 4000. A thriving, well-built town, with every modern convenience. It boasts many large hotels and churches, two theatres, a racecourse, and several schools. Electric light, newspapers, and a splendid avenue of trees, 2540 yards long and 130 feet broad, speak of the march of civilisation and bear the impress of the finger of Mr. Rhodes. A statue, characteristically colossal, of the empire-maker has been executed by Mr. John Tweed for erection on the scene of his life labours.Seevol. i. p. 124.

Burg.—A town.

Burgher.—European male inhabitant of the Republics, who may have obtained the franchise. For particulars regarding the Uitlanders and the franchiseseeMr. Loveday’s speech, 1895, vol. i. p. 146.

Camp.—The extent of ground occupied by an army either in huts or under canvas. They are placed, as a general rule, where wood and water are easily accessible. In standing camps the regulated interval is ten paces between each tent.

Campaign.—The period during which an army keeps the field and carries on a series of operations.

Canteen.—A regulated establishment (otherwise a store), managed for the benefit of the men by a committee of officers, for the purpose of supplying liquor, groceries, &c., to the soldier at reasonable prices.

Cape Boys.—Coloured people, the offspring of intermarriage between mixed races and negroes.

Cape Colony.—Bounded by the Orange River and Orange Colony on the north, by Natal on the north-east; and by the Atlantic and Indian Oceans on the west, south, and south-east. Area about 277,150 miles. Population in 1896 (exclusive of Pondoland and British Bechuanaland) about 1,822,000—one-fifth of whom are whites. The climate is highly esteemed and is said by some to have upon the constitution the effect of champagne. It is highly recommended for those suffering from pulmonary complaints, and as the seasons are exactly the reverse of those in England, health travellers to South Africa can escape the rigours of the British winter entirely. The defence of the Cape Colony has hitherto been maintained by a small British fleet, and by a small British garrison supplemented by the admirable corps of volunteers whose services in the present need have been so zealously placed at the service of the Empire. For detailsseevol. iii. p. 161. The imports in 1898 stood thus: Cape Town, £5,128,292; Port Elizabeth, £6,246,429; East London, £3,519,697. The exports were: Cape Town, £15,881,952; Port Elizabeth, £2,103,351; East London, £954,654.

Cape Town.—Population over 50,000 before the war. Distance from Southampton 5978 miles. A flourishing, well built and ordered town, boasting eighteen miles of tramway lines. The water supply is good, but owing to bad drainage the death rate in hot weather is about 27 per 1000.

Captain.—In the army an officer who commands a troop of horse or a company of infantry. The badges of rank are two stars on each shoulder-strap. In the navy a captain commandsa cruiser or a battleship. He ranks with a lieutenant-colonel in the army, and after three years’ service with a full colonel.

Carbine.—A small-arm rifle used by the cavalry, shorter and lighter than that of the infantry.

Cavalry.—Mounted branch of the army—divided intoheavyandlight. The duties of cavalry are extensive, and comprise the care of reconnoitring parties, outpost duties, feelers in advance of an army. Cavalry is classed as heavy, medium, and light. The Household Cavalry and two regiments of Dragoons areheavy, all other dragoons and dragoon guards aremedium, and Hussar regimentslight. The whole carry carbines and swords, or carbines and swords and lances. Every regiment is divided into three or four squadrons, which are each divided into two troops. General de Brack, in remarking on the qualifications of the cavalry officer, said, “To be a good officer of advance guard, it is not enough to be brave and to command well under fire; it is necessary to have brought there the greatest possible number of men, and in the best condition to act with effect.... The habit of judging of the health of men and horses; a knowledge of prompt remedies applicable in particular cases, the daily and minute inspection of appointments; understanding the necessary and judicious modes of repairing the same; the providing of all that can be useful to the soldier and his horse without overloading the latter; the equipment well arranged; regularity of pace in the line of march; good situation for the bivouacs; with constant attention to everything which can contribute to a horse’s ability even to dispense for a time with the farrier; a notion of the method of using the utensils contained in a soldier’s case; understanding the occasions favourable to refreshment and repose; the moral acquaintance with men under his command; discipline preserved when the dragoons have no longer before their eyes the dread of the guard-room or jail; that foresight which ever watches to prevent useless distress to the horses; personal example offered upon every occasion, and afforded the more readily in proportion as those occasions may be trying or difficult; confidence; unbounded devotion; the power of exciting enthusiasm among his followers: these are capabilities the theories of peace cannot teach, these are what, in addition to courage, militarycoup d’œil, and a ready judgment on the field of battle, form the officer of real distinction.” This quotation serves to enhance our appreciation of the “real distinction” of the British cavalry leaders who relieved Kimberley and Mafeking.

Charlestown.—Situated north of Natal, a few miles from Majuba Hill.

Colenso.—Small village in Natal near the Tugela River.

Colesberg.—Small town 37 miles beyond Naauwpoort. Population, 1830.

Colonel.—Highest rank in the army below that of general. Their rank is denoted by two stars and a crown on each shoulder-strap. A lieutenant-colonel wears a crown and one star.

Colonel of a Regiment.—A general officer placed at the head of a regiment as reward of long and meritorious services. An honorary distinction merely. The Prince of Wales is Colonel of the 10th Hussars.

Column.—Formation of troops several ranks in depth and of any length of front, disposed so as to move in regular succession. Sometimes the namecolumnis given to a body of troops which is in effect a small army.

Combatant.—As distinct from noncombatant officers such as chaplains and surgeons.

Commandant.—The chief of the Boer commando.

Commandeer.—To call out on service.

Commander.—Naval officer ranking next below a captain. He receives the title of captain socially, and ranks with a colonel in the army.

Commander-in-Chief.—Highest Staff appointment in the army. He acts in conjunction with the Secretary of War. There is alocalCommander-in-Chief over the Indian forces, and also over those in Ireland. All these officers in their different posts supervise the training, discipline, and appointments, &c., of the army.

Commando.—An irregular regiment of mounted Boers.

Commissariat.—An organisation responsible for collecting food, forage, and necessaries for troops in cantonments or in the field. The duties, divided into (1) transport, (2) supply, are carried out by the Army Service Corps. The difficulties of securing and carrying food in an enemy’s country are very great. Owing to this difficulty the First Crusade never got beyond Hungary. In the Ashantee War the Fantees were so afraid of the Ashantees that they refused to carry the food or baggage of the army, and the duty devolved on the West India Regiments.

Commission.—Warrant signed by the sovereign authorising the officer to exercise command in the army. The purchase of commissions was abolished in 1871. They are now given to candidates after passing the prescribed examination before the Civil Service examiners, when they are sent to Sandhurst or Woolwich Academies for further instruction, chiefly of military nature. Quantities of “irregulars” and volunteers have now been given commissions as reward for practical service in the field.

Communications.—The lines by which an army communicates with its base from any point to which it has advanced, and by which it must retreat in the event of disaster. They are the arteries that vitalise the mechanism and allow it to work.

Company.—A body of men commanded by a captain, and forming the first unit of an infantry battalion. The number of a company may be reckoned as about 100. About eight companies make a battalion.

DURBAN, NATALPhoto by Wilson, Aberdeen

Contraband of War.—Arms, ammunition, coal, food, &c., which a neutral power is prohibitedby the Law of Nations from carrying to countries in a state of war.

Cordite.—Smokeless powder resembling cords, which defies the best efforts to locate the enemy. Invented by Sir F. Abel and Professor Dewar.

Corporal.—Next grade below that of sergeant.

Creusot Gun.—The famous “Long Toms” of the Boers are Creusot guns. They were originally named after the place of Le Creuzot, where the firm of Schneider & Co. manufacture these weapons. But the term is now applied to other guns made by the same firm.

De Aar.—Important junction of the Cape Town and Port Elizabeth Railways.

Division.—First unit of acorps d’armée, and commanded by a general officer. Consists of two or more brigades, and is composed of three arms of the service, infantry, cavalry, and artillery.

Donga.—River bed with high banks on either side. Generally dry, save in the rainy season.

Dorp.—A hamlet.

Dundee.—Town in Natal, north of Ladysmith. Noted for its coal-fields, which are the best in S. Africa. They produced about 1000 tons a day before the war. The locality is rich in iron, and the future of this now historic region promises to be commercially rosy.

Durban.—Flourishing port of Natal. Population about 39,245, of which over 17,700 are whites. It is twenty-nine hours’ journey by rail from Pretoria, and 6800 miles by sea from Southampton. It has several good hotels, restaurants, and clubs; and two daily newspapers are published there. Trams and electric lights form part of the attractions of the town.

Earthworks.—In fortification, all works thrown up for attack or defence in which earth enters chiefly into the construction. It is a question whether—in the defence of a place—earth be preferable to masonry. In the latter case, the defenders are liable to be injured by splinters, while in the former, repairs are more readily effected. The reason why the capture of the Mamelon during the Crimean War was so hard a task, is attributed to the fact that repairs were very easily accomplished during the night.

Elandslaagte(The Glen of the Eland).—Small and now ever memorable village near Ladysmith.Seevol. ii. p. 20.

Engineers.—The duties of this branch are so numerous, it is almost impossible to define them. They are required to be jack-of-all-trades, and masters of each. The construction of works and bridges, and of military buildings—the planning and direction of the attack and defence of a fortification, and a thousand and one other duties fall to their lot. The following lines by Rudyard Kipling form a summary of the Sappers’ accomplishments:—

“We lay down their sidings an’ help ’em entrain,An’ we sweep up their mess through the bloomin’ campaign.They send us in front with a fuse an’ a mine,To blow up the gates that are rushed by the Line;They send us behind with a pick an’ a spade,To dig for the guns of a bullock-brigade....Now the Line’s but a man with a gun in his hand,An’ Cavalry’s only what horses can stand.Artillery moves by the leave o’ the ground;Butweare the men that do something all round:Forweare her Majesty’s Royal Engineers,With the rank and pay of a Sapper!”

Epaulment.—An earthwork thrown up to conceal and protect guns and gunners from the fire of the enemy.

Esprit de Corps.—It is described in James’ “Military Dictionary” as the “feeling of attachment a soldier has for his regiment, even to the point of thinking it the best in the army. It fosters goodwill and fellowship among officers and soldiers. It produces an emulous thirst after military glory. In fact, trueesprit-de-corpscreates such a feeling of enthusiasm and love for all that is honourable and noble, that an officer or soldier will be careful in his conduct to do nothing which would bring dishonour or reproach on his regiment.”

Estcourt.—Important trading town in Natal, situated near the junction of the Bushman’s and the Little Bushman’s River. It is the seat of Magistracy for Weenen County. Population 300. It possesses two hotels, a church, and a library. The climate is considered one of the finest in Natal.

Facings.—Regiments are distinguished by the colour of their facings, otherwise by the colour of the cuffs and collar of their regimentals.

Feint.—A mock attack to deceive the enemy as to the real direction of the assault.

Field-Cornet.—A Boer sub-magistrate of a district.

Field-Marshal.—Highest military rank a General can obtain.

Field Officer.—One below the rank of general and above that of captain. Majors, lieut.-colonels, or colonels of brevet or regimental rank, are field officers.

Flag of Truce.—Flag—generally a white handkerchief attached to a staff and carried by an officer sent to communicate with the enemy.

Flank Attack.—One of the modes of attack whereby the side or flank of an army is attacked.

Flank Movement.—A change of march in course of a battle, with a view to turning either one or both wings of the enemy.

General.—The name designates his command as having the general or highest orders to give in battle. There are three grades: General, Lieut.-General, and Major-General. Brigadier-General is the title given to an officer while in command of a brigade.

Glencoe(Talana Hill).—A now notable little town, N.E. of Ladysmith.

Guards.—The Guards compose the Household Brigade. This consists of 1st and 2nd Life Guards—red, the Royal Horse Guards—blue, the Grenadier Guards, the Coldstream Guards, the Scots Guards, and the Irish Guards. The Life Guards greatly distinguishedthemselves at Waterloo. The Horse Guards (Oxford Blues) took part in the campaigns of both Marlborough and Wellington. The Grenadier Guards is the senior regiment of infantry in the army. The devoted royalists clinging to Charles II. in 1656 formed the first nucleus of this gallant regiment. The Coldstreams were raised in 1660, by General Monk, when Parliament consented to give a brigade of guards to Charles II. The splendid work done by the Guards in the present war speaks for itself.

Gun.—The modern word for cannon of all kinds.

Gunner.—A private in the Royal Artillery. The duties of the gunner are manifold—he has to be instructed in drill and in the services of the various natures of ordnance, heavy and light, to be acquainted with ammunition, mode of using it, and caution required in dealing with it. In other days few gunners were attached to either train or battery, only one per gun, assisted by a matross. The duties of a matross were only in some ways similar to those of the present gunner. The men belonged to a class termed artificers, and were engaged more for the usefulness of their trade than for the knowledge of artillery. With the increase of guns came the increase of gunners, and the mere artificer was superseded, and the gunner became the handy, well-instructed, yet dashing man he has proved himself to be.

Harrismith.—Situated near the Natal border in the Orange Free State, an important trading centre and a highly approved health resort. Population—mostly British—1700.

Heidelburg.—Town on the rail 50 miles south of Pretoria. Population about 2500.

Heliograph.—An apparatus invented by Mr. H. C. Mance, for telegraphing by means of the sun’s rays reflected from mirrors. The mirror, generally of steel, mounted on a stand, is movable, so that its reflections flash in given figures across the sky. The process has been adapted to the Morse system of dots and dashes, and messages have been successfully carried over a distance of 150 miles. The signal can be read in ordinary weather without telescopes up to 50 miles.

Helmet.—A head-dress of light cork or wicker generally covered with kharki, to protect the troops from the sun. It is the universal head-dress for officers and men in India.

Honourable Artillery Company.—A volunteer force—the oldest military body in England.

Horse Artillery.—Mounted branch of the British Service. On account of its mobility, it acts with cavalry. Field Artillery is also a mounted branch.

Hospital(Military).—They are of three kinds, general, field, and convalescent. Cases of infectious nature are sent to a general hospital specially appointed for their reception. Field hospitals are temporary establishments for the care of sick and wounded in the vicinity of the field of battle. Serious cases, when practicable, are sent off to the nearest general hospital in the rear. Convalescent hospitals describe themselves.

Hospital Ships.—They serve either as stationary hospitals, or, if sick accumulate, can sail home or to the nearest station, discharge, and return to fill again. One of these, theMaine, was organised by Lady Randolph Churchill, and proved invaluable.

Howitzer.—Short siege gun throwing lyddite shells at a high angle, so that they can descend upon a fortress or besieged town. They have a range of over 8000 yards. There are also field howitzers.

Hussars.—Light cavalry. Derived from the Hungarian (huss) twenty and (ar) pay, because every twenty houses had to provide one horse soldier.

Imperial Light Horse.—Seevol. iii. p. 165.

Infantry.—Foot soldiers. The words derived from the Spanish soldiery of theinfanta, and the terminfanteriawas applied to them, in consequence of their being the troops of the Infanta of Spain. The British infantry was declared by Marshal Soult “the finest in the world.” There are 109 infantry regiments in the British army. The oldest of these, formed between 1660 and 1662, are the Guards, the 2nd Queen’s (raised for the defence of Tangiers), and the 3rd Buffs (the old London train-bands).

Intelligence Department.—A branch of the Quartermaster-General’s Department, which has for its object the collecting and sifting and arranging information useful to Government or army in peace or war.

IntrenchorEntrench.—To secure a position or body of men against the attack of the enemy by digging a ditch or trench.

Invest.—To surround a place and prevent all communication with the outer country.

Irregular Troops.—Troops which do not belong to the regular forces. Until lately there were no such troops in the British Army, now it is almost impossible to enumerate them. In India there are several irregular forces of cavalry and infantry for the protection of Native States.

Jack.—The nation’s “pet” name for a sailor, as “Tommy” is the “pet” name for a soldier.

Jacobsdaal.—Small town in the Orange Free State.

Jagersfontein.—Small town sixty miles south-west of Bloemfontein. In its valuable diamond mine have been found both the largest and the most perfect stones yet discovered. The largest specimen was brought to light in 1893, the most flawless one in 1895.

Johannesburg.—This important city extends over an area of six miles, its parks alone occupying an area of 84 acres. Rural population in 1896 was 48,331, of which 38,868 were whites. District population, 102,078, of which 50,907 were whites. Johannesburg was declared a Municipality in 1896. Fine hotels, public buildings, churches, clubs, and theatresabound. There are 126 miles of road, and most of the streets are regularly laid out with several open squares at intervals. Cabs, trams, jim rickshaws, and omnibuses ply for hire; electric lights brighten the streets, while public-houses and low canteens innumerable, where the vilest and most poisonous liquor is sold, deface them. These, together with gambling hells, &c., contrive to make the place a sink of abomination equal to Chicago. The cost of living in Johannesburg is enormous. The board and lodging of a bachelor is estimated at about £8 per month. Clothing and food are said to be nearly 50 per cent. dearer than in Europe. Seven newspapers exist, two of which are published in Dutch. Johannesburg in 1886 was represented by some straggling shanties dotting the line of reef now forming the Wemmer and Ferreira Company’s ground. When the existence of the reef, till then unknown, was discovered, steps were taken to secure a more convenient locality, and as a result the present township was laid out in the December of that year. The spot chosen was one of the bleakest and highest in the Transvaal, and land was of so small value for agricultural purposes, that farms were known to change hands for the price of a team of oxen. In 1895, however, two stands in Commissioner Street sold for £22,000, and in 1897, one in Pritchard Street fetched £40,000. The reefs that have brought about the transformation run east and west of the city, a distance of about 130 miles, and all around the country is dotted with battery houses, and other buildings connected with the working of the mines. Regarding the output,seevol. i. p. 129.

Karoo.—Hottentot name for a dry place, but now denoting certain districts.

Kharki.—A dust-coloured material in wool or calico used for the uniforms of soldiers, in order to make them less distinguishable from a distance. Indian troops are always clothed in kharki. Of late, every article used on service has been painted or dyed the same colour, from guns, carriages, and scabbards, to horses, and the attire of the Naval Brigade.

Kilt.—A dress worn by Highlanders, consisting of a loose petticoat, extending from waist to knees. It dates from the seventh century, when the kilt was made of skins.

Kit.—A military term expressing the regimental necessaries of a soldier.

Kimberley.—A flourishing town whose existence dates from the year 1870, when diamonds were discovered on two farms—Du Joits Pan and Bulsfontein (seevol. i. p. 133). Since that date the place has widened with astounding rapidity, growing gradually from a mining camp into a large somewhat irregularly planned town full of corrugated iron buildings, dotted at intervals with edifices of more substantial nature. The principal public buildings are the High Court of Griqualand West, with its imposing clock tower, the adjacent Post and Telegraph Offices in the market-square, the Public Library, said to contain the best collection of books in South Africa, the Kimberley Club, the Masonic Temple, the Hospital, and the Sanatorium on the Beaconsfield Road. There are hotels in plenty, and churches of all denominations; also, a fine park with recreation grounds, and two pavilions. The climate is splendid—an ideal one for invalids. The population is about 28,718, of whom 12,658 are of European extraction.

Krupp Gun.—A breech-loading rifled gun, taking its name from the inventor.

Kuruman.—Though the surrounding country is scarcely attractive, land is said to yield good pasturage, and water can be obtained by digging from five to thirty feet. The price of Crown lands in Kuruman in 1896 was at the rate of 2-3-1/2 per morgen.

Kloof.—A ravine.

Kop.—A hill.

Kopje.—The diminutive of kop.

Kraal.—Cattle fold.

Kroonstad.—An active little town situated 877 miles from Cape Town. Population about 2000. It has several hotels, a charming climate, good fishing on the Valsch River, golf links, a club, and several churches. A railway connecting the place with the coal mines at Groenfontein is shortly to be made. Superior coal has also been found some forty-five miles off at Vierfontein, and near the town is the Lace Diamond Mine, which (in 1899) produced about 1500 carats a month.

Krugersdorp.—A small town, situated twenty-two miles from Johannesburg, where, on the 15th of December, a species of national pilgrimage to celebrate the victory over the Kaffirs in 1836, and over the British at Majuba in 1881, was made by the Boers. It is also notable as the place where Dr. Jameson and his band surrendered in 1896. It contains a monument to those who have fallen in the service of their country.

Laager.—A fortification usually formed by placing waggons lashed together in a circle, and covering them with tangled thorn and scrub. It now signifies a camp.

Ladysmith.—This now historic town lies in a basin of the hills some thirty miles from the Drakensberg range. Its population is about 4500, exclusive of military. The climate is dry and bracing, and highly recommended to those suffering from affection of the lungs. There are many churches, a Public Library, a Town Hall, Court House, Jail, and School. The town, which claims to be the third in importance in Natal, derived its name from the wife of Sir Harry or Henry Smith, Governor of Cape Colony.Seevol. i. p. 11.

Lancers.—A regiment of cavalry armed with lances. This nature of cavalry was much appreciated by the great Napoleon, who placed great reliance on some Polish lancer regiments.

Landdrost.—Stipendiary magistrate to collect the revenues of a district.

Lee-Metford.—Magazine rifle bearing the name of its inventors, Mr. Lee and Mr. Metford.

Lieutenant.—Ranks next below a captain. The senior lieutenant takes command of a company in the event of accident to the captain.

Lieutenant-Colonel.—Ranks next below a colonel in the army.

Lieutenant-General.—Ranks next below a general.

Life Guards.—Mounted bodyguard of the sovereign. These regiments distinguished themselves in the Peninsula, at Waterloo, and in Egypt. They seldom leave this country, save on special occasions.

Lourenço Marques.—A Portuguese township in Delagoa Bay, situated 7090 miles from Southampton, with which it is connected by a service of steamersviâDurban. Boats returning to Europeviâthe Suez Canal call here. The importance of Delagoa as a trading station and as a base of railway to the interior has long been recognised, and in 1887 Colonel M’Murdo (having obtained a concession from the Portuguese Government in 1883) formed a company to connect Lourenço Marques with Komati Poort on the Transvaal frontier. This railway was confiscated by the Portuguese in June 24, 1889, compensation to the shareholders (as a result of arbitration which was placed in the hands of three Swiss jurists) having only recently been awarded.

Lyddite.—A very powerful explosive, the exact composition of which is a secret. The early experiments of lyddite were made at Lydd, a small town in Kent, from which it derives its name. Its effects are so deadly that the mere concussion of the displaced air particles serves to kill any one who may be within fifty yards of the shell.

Mafeking.—This small but world-famous town, 870 miles from Cape Town, was considered as a gateway to Rhodesia, and standing as it does on the route to Mashonaland, between Bechuanaland and the Transvaal, its importance as a centre for distribution is evident. The Molopo River and the Ramathlabama Spruit, a few miles north of the town, form the southern boundary of the Bechuanaland Protectorate.

Major.—The lowest rank of field officer. Being a field officer he is mounted on all parades and going into action. To every infantry battalion there are four, and to every squadron of cavalry one.

Major-General.—The lowest grade of general officers. A brigade in the army is properly a major-general’s command.

Majuba Hill.—Scene of the Boer triumph over Sir George Colley in 1881. Near this spot is the grave of the gallant general, and not far off are the burial places of Colonel Deane at Laing’s Nek and the men who fell in their country’s cause. It is four miles distant from Charlestown.

Marines.—A body of men under the control of the Admiralty—for service in the navy or on shore. They have been described as “amphibious animals,” because they are equally at home on land or at sea. They form part of naval brigades landed for service on shore, and co-operate with the sailors. The force consists of two branches, Royal Marine Artillery and the Royal Marine Light Infantry. They were first raised in 1664. A finer and more serviceable set of men it is difficult to find.

Martial law.—Martial law means no law at all. According to the Duke of Wellington it represents the will of the general who commands the army. Proclamation of martial law cautions the inhabitants of the district concerned, that in consequence of rebellion or other rising, the responsibility of superseding the jurisdiction of the ordinary tribunals for the protection of property and persons rests with the military authorities, who will act as they think expedient for the public safety.

Mauser.—A rifle sighted up to 2200 yards, but capable of much longer range, of which the bullet leaves the muzzle at a speed of 2300 feet per second. It weighs three quarters of a pound less than the Lee-Metford, and is much neater in appearance. The Mauser is a favourite rifle with the Boers though its magazine is only capable of holding five cartridges, while that of the Lee-Metford will accommodate ten.

Maxim Guns.—Guns of small bore weighing 59 lbs., sighted up to 2500 yards.

Mobilisation.—Fitting an army for the field—bringing the units to war strength and calling out the reserves. The success of a war depends largely on the rapidity with which armies can be got ready previous to their being concentrated on the threatened points, and thus enabled to take the aggressive. In the Swiss army the whole organisation is so completely carried forward in time of peace that at the outbreak of hostilities the headquarters staff need do no more than telegraph the one word—mobilise. The rapidity with which foreign armies can be mobilised has been gradually increasing. In 1866 the Prussian armies, 220,000 strong, reached the frontiers of Saxony and Silesia in a fortnight. In 1870 Germany took nine days to mobilise, and eight days more to send an army of 400,000 men and 1200 guns to the French frontier.

Mounted Infantry.—Good shots of the infantry mounted and joined into separate companies. The Boers have taught us the value of mounted infantry, and in the near future they will probably become a permanent arm of the British forces.

Naauwpoort.—Situated at the junction of the branch line to De Aar and the main line to Pietersburg,viâBloemfontein and Pretoria. It is about 270 miles distant from Port Elizabeth.

Nachtmaal.—The Communion Service. Held quarterly by the Boers, who congregate from different parts to partake of it together.

Natal.—Terra Natalis, or Christmas land, was so named by its discoverer, Vasco da Gama, on the 25th of December 1497. Population 900,000, a tenth of whom are whites. Natal became a British Colony in 1843, and in 1856 was made independent of Cape Colony. The total area of New Natal is 35,000 square miles. Pietermaritzburg is the capital, and its most flourishing seaport is Durban. The climate is excellent, and has been likened to that of “Kashmirwith a dash of English South Down thrown in.” It is called the Garden of South Africa, and its picturesqueness is generally commented on. Some declare the scenery to be reminiscent of Scotland, though on a larger scale. Perhaps this very likeness to their native land may have influenced the early British explorers to settle in the place, which from then till now has been everywhere redolent of the Scotsman. The names of Glencoe and Dundee bear witness to his early enterprise, and the railway system, so admirably managed, serves to show how energetically he has continued to make this region entirely his own. The revenue for 1898 was £2,121,034; the expenditure £1,923,978. The Postal Telegraph Service acquired a profit of £36,767. Since 1897 Natal has supplied free of cost 12,000 tons of coal to the British Navy.

Naval Brigade.—A detachment of seamen, marines, and guns landed from men-of-war to assist the army ashore. A Naval Brigade did signal service in the siege of Sebastopol, and earned twelve out of sixty-two Victoria Crosses presented to the British forces. In the Indian Mutiny and in the Zulu War they were again active, and several times in African campaigns the bluejacket has shown the desperate valour, fertility of resource, and versatility of accomplishments that have earned for him the nickname of “The Handy Man.”

Nek.—Junction between two hills.

Newcastle.—Population 1746. This small town, eighty miles north of Ladysmith, is noted for its coal. The place, situated at the foot of the Drakensberg range, was used as the base of military operations in 1881.

Non-Commissioned Officer.—The title includes staff-clerks, sergeants, corporals, and bombardiers. Above them in rank are sergeant-majors and bandmasters, who are warrant officers. “Non-coms.” are described as “the backbone of the army,” many of them, when their officers have been stricken down, having led the men to victory.Seevol. iv. p. 104.

Nordenfeldt Gun.—Modern gun named after its maker.

Nullah.—An Indian term. The dry bed of a stream. Like donga.

Objective.—A technical military term signifying the aim or object of the military combinations and movements in the theatre of war.

Occupation(Army of).—An army that remains in possession of a newly acquired country, retaining it as a kind of hostage till peace is signed and the war indemnity paid. Armies of occupation are usually fed at the expense of the defeated nation.

Operations Military.—General movements of armies in the field. They are of two kinds, strategical and tactical; the former undertaken before being within reach of the enemy, the latter being developed during the battle.

Orange Free State.—Area about 50,000 square miles, bounded on the north by the Transvaal, the east by Natal and Basutoland, and on the south and west by Cape Colony. Population in 1898, 400,000, two-thirds of whom were blacks. Revenue, £799,757. Expenditure, £956,752. Postal service profit, £2510. Telegraph service, £3140. The place is rich in diamonds, gold, iron, saltpetre, and various other metals and minerals of less valuable description.

Organisation.—The organisation of an army is the duty of a general staff in time of peace, and should be so perfect in detail as not to break down in the eventuality of war. Owing to the unpreparedness and inferiority of France in the matter of organisation, she was beaten by Germany in 1870 and 1871.

Parole.—An officer in the hands of the enemy may be permitted to proceed to his country onparole, having promised not to take up arms against his captors till the war is over.

Patrol.—A party of men moving between the line of posts, to keep one informed of the state of the other. Also a body of men told off for purposes of quelling disturbances, picking up stragglers, &c.

Pickets.—The real outposts of any body of troops are the pickets with their dependent small bodies, patrols, and vedettes. As a rule twenty to thirty men is a reasonable strength for a picket.

Pietermaritzburg.—Capital of Natal. Population 20,155, consisting of 11,309 whites, 2692 Indians, 6151 natives. It possesses some fine buildings, hotels and churches, a theatre, a museum, and a library. It boasts three newspapers and a lunatic asylum.

Pietersburg.—A gold-producing locality 240 miles north-east of Pretoria.

Pigeons(Carrier).—Birds known as homing pigeons that supply the most simple and practical means of transmitting orders to a distance during military operations. Carrier pigeons are said to have been used by the ancient Roman navigators as a species of pigeon telegraph before the time of the Cæsars.

Pont.—Ferry over a river.

Pontoon.—Flat-bottomed open boat like a punt, used by Royal Engineers for supporting temporary bridges by which troops can cross a river.

Poort.—Funnel-shaped gap between mountains.

Port Elizabeth, 839 miles by rail from Cape Town, is the second city of importance in Cape Colony. Population 25,325, of which 13,000 are of European origin. The town was named after the wife of Sir Rufane Donkin, who there erected a pyramid to her memory. There are many hotels, churches, and libraries, and the general appearance of prosperity and modernity that pervades the place has caused it to be called the Liverpool of South Africa.

Potchefstroom.—The most ancient town of the Transvaal, situated eighty-eight miles from Johannesburg. Population 5000. It was the original seat of the Boer Government, and later in 1881 became the scene of Colonel Winslow’s resistance to the Boers. After stoutly holding out, starving and fighting, and losing one-third of his men, he surrendered to Cronje, only tofind that ten days previously an armistice had been proclaimed.

Pretoria.—The capital of the Transvaal, lies thirty-two miles north of Johannesburg. Population 12,000. It has many fine public buildings, the chiefest being the splendid Government Buildings, which were erected at a cost of £200,000. The newly completed Courts of Justice are also immensely imposing. There is an English Cathedral, and many churches of all denominations, a public library, a public hospital, a museum, some large hotels, and several clubs, notably the Pretoria Club. The President’s house is at the western extremity of Church Street, the main business thoroughfare. The new market buildings on Market Square were erected at a cost of £35,000.

Rand.—Short of Witwatersrand.

Reconnaissance.—The art of reconnoitring—examining a portion of the country with a view to ascertaining its resources for movements and subsistence of the army.

Regiment.—Consists of two or more battalions of infantry. A cavalry regiment is composed of three or four squadrons.

Rooinek.—Boer name for the British, signifying red neck.

Rustenberg.—Population 500. Situated east of Pretoria, near the Magaliesberg range.

Shell.—A hollow projectile filled with explosive so arranged as to act by means of a fuse, and, at a certain point and time, spread destruction by the forcible dispersion of its fragments. The common shell, which is used for destroying earth-works, fortifications, and solid matters, is filled with powder which forms the bursting charge, and is fitted with either a time or a percussion fuse according to the nature of ordnance from which it is fired. The Shrapnel shell is similar in external form, but is filled with bullets (sand shot), cemented together with rosin. It was invented by Colonel Shrapnel, R.A., in 1808. The object in using Shrapnel shell is to give the projectile at long distances the power and efficacy of case shot, and to cover a large space of ground with its effects. Against artillery it has the effect of placing men and horseshors de combat, which is the most efficacious way of silencing the fire of a battery.

Shelter Trenches.—Trenches constructed in the presence of the enemy as cover for troops from the action of shot and shell.

Siege.—A regular organised attack on a fortified position by means chiefly of artillery. Sir John Jones, the author of “Peninsula Sieges,” says “the most celebrated commanders and best engineers are agreed that as a general principle the besieging army should vary in proportion to the strength of the garrison according to the numbers of the garrison; and as an approximation have fixed that proportion at 5 to 1 when the garrison consists of 15,000 men, 6 to 1 when of 10,000 men, 7 to 1 when of 5000, 8 to 1 when of 3000, and in still greater proportion when it consists of a less number.” This curious computation is explained by the fact that the more numerous the garrison the smaller the besieging army need be in proportion to it, since the attack of a similar front or fronts of fortification is little different. If the garrison contain 5000 or 10,000 men, the guards of the trenches and other duties increase proportionately, but the work does not.

Spruit.—A stream.

Spy.—Persons sent into the enemy’s camp to gain information regarding the intentions of the enemy. There are two classes of spy: the spies who betray their own people to the enemy, and those who go to the enemy in the interests of their own party. In both cases martial law orders the death of a detected spy.

Squadron.—A fourth division of a cavalry regiment, divided in two troops each, commanded by a captain.

Stad.—A town.

Staff.—A body of officers appointed to assist a general in command, to form a link between him and the various branches of the army, and thus give coherence to all its parts.

Subaltern.—A term applied to a commissioned officer in the army, under the rank of captain.

Succour.—Assistance in men, stores, or ammunition.

Sword.—Offensive weapon in use throughout the world. One of the arms of the British cavalry. During the Anglo-Saxon period swords were made of iron, two-edged, long, and straight.

Team.—Two or more horses or animals harnessed together.

Trek.—A journey.

Troop.—Two troops form a cavalry squadron. Each troop is commanded by a captain and two lieutenants.

Tugela River.—River dividing Zululand from Natal.

Tuli.—Town, 340 miles from Pretoria. The junction of several roads radiating towards Victoria, Bulawayo, Mangwe, Mafeking, and Pretoria. The direct road from Tuli to Bulawayo, cut in 1874 for the Zeederberg Service of coaches (now discontinued), reduced the distance from Pretoria to Bulawayo to 500 miles.

Uitlander.—A resident in the Transvaal not entitled to the Franchise. The term is generally applied to Europeans resident in or around Johannesburg, of which before the war there were some 50,000, mostly British.Seevol. i. p. 146.

Uitspan.—To unharness and halt. The reverse of inspan.

Uniform.—Dress of officer or soldier. So-called because men of same rank and duties are clothed in a uniform manner.

Union Jack.—National flag of Great Britain. The original English flag was the banner of St. George. On the union of Scotland with England the banner of St. Andrew was added, and on the union of Ireland, that of St. Patrick. It now consists of a red and white diagonal cross (the last two being side by side), on a blue ground.

Unit.—Euclid describes number to be a collection of units. In military organisation the term unit is applied to a single portion upon which any part of an army, regiment, &c., is formed. A company is the unit of a regiment; a battery, that of a brigade of artillery.

Unlimber, to.—To disconnect the limber from the gun or carriage.

Veldt.—An open plain.

Victoria Cross.—A decoration in form of a bronze Maltese Cross, conferred on members of the Army, Navy, or Volunteers who have distinguished themselves in face of the enemy by abnormal deeds of valour at risk of their lives. The V.C. was instituted in 1856 at the conclusion of the Crimean War, when sixty-two were earned. The cross was then made from the cannon captured at Sebastopol with the Royal Crest in the centre, and underneath, the words “For Valour.” It is worn with a red ribbon in the Army—a blue one in the Navy.

Vierkleur.—Four-coloured Boer flag. The colours are red, white, and blue in horizontal lines, with a perpendicular line of green near the staff.

Volunteers.—Citizen soldiers who voluntarily fight in defence of their country. The oldest Volunteer Corps is the Hon. Artillery Company, instituted in 1485. The Volunteer movement gained ground in 1793-94, when invasion was threatened by France. The force enrolled numbered 70,000, of which 41,000 were Irish.

Voortrekker.—One of the early trekkers.

War.—The present war is the fortieth war that has taken place during the reign of Queen Victoria. In 1854 there was the Crimea; in 1838, 1849, and 1878 came wars against Afghanistan; four wars against China in the years 1841, 1856, 1849, and 1860; two against the Sikhs in 1845 and 1848; three against the Kaffirs in 1846, 1854, and 1877; three against Burma, 1850, 1852, and 1885; nine in India, in 1857, 1860, 1863, 1864, 1868, 1869, 1890, 1895, and 1897; three in Ashantee, 1864, 1873, and 1896; a war against Abyssinia, 1867; a war against Persia, 1852; a war against the Zulus, 1878; a war against the Basutos, 1878; a war in Egypt, 1882; three in the Soudan, 1894, 1896, and 1899; a war with Zanzibar, 1890; a war against the Matabele, 1894; and finally two wars against the Transvaal, 1881 and 1899-1900.

Waterworks.—The Waterworks at Sanna’s Post, on the Modder River, are situated twenty miles from Bloemfontein. By means of powerful pumps the water is raised from the level of the river to the top of Bushman’s Kop, nearly half-way to the town. From that point it flows into Bloemfontein by the force of gravitation. The works are capable of delivering 250,000 gallons of water daily. There are thirty-four miles of pipes, laid down at a cost of £80,000.

Yeomanry.—The Yeomanry Cavalry of Great Britain is chosen from among the gentlemen and yeomen of each county. They are liable to be called out in aid of the civil power, and in case of invasion would have to assemble for actual service. For Imperial Yeomanry,seevol. iii. p. 168.

Zululand.—Situated north-east of Natal, east of the Transvaal, and south of Amatongaland. Area, about 10,456 miles; population 170,000, including only 1200 whites. It became part of Natal in 1897. Gold and various minerals have been found there in appreciable quantities.

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