ot whilst bringing up shell, and I began to feel queer....
At last we had a look in; our shells began to tell. We were firing six
rounds a minute, and were at it until it was too dark to fire any more.
The Boer firing had ceased, and the Guards were able to get up and
retire. They blessed the artillery that day. We had to keep our position
all night, with not a soul near us and nothing to eat and drink. Our
orders were to open fire as soon as it was light enough, and the
infantry were to take the place at the point of the bayonet.... But in
the morning the Boers had fled. The field presented a terrible sight at
daybreak; there were dead and dying in every direction. I couldn't
describe it; it was awful. We lost heavily on our side, but the Boer
losses must have been heavier. The Boers bury their dead in the trenches
as soon as they drop, so that one cannot gauge their loss, but we
counted hundreds."

[Illustration: SERGEANT AND PRIVATE OF THE DUBLIN FUSILIERS.

Photo by Gregory & Co., London.]

It is pleasant to remember that this hurried march and its trials were
fully appreciated by Lord Methuen, who reported that the 62nd Battery
was of great service. It must be noted that it came into action between
three and four o'clock in the afternoon. The gunners had made a splendid
forced march from Orange River in some twenty-three hours, yet there and
then, with worn-out horses and jaded frames, joined in the fight.

Heroic actions were so abundant that they made quite a formidable list
in the General's despatch, but they afford such inspiriting reading to
all who honour Great Britain's heroes, that the list is reproduced in
its entirety.

"_From the Lieut.-General Commanding the First Division to the Chief
Staff Officer._

"MODDER RIVER, _Dec. 1, 1899_.

"I have much pleasure in bringing to your notice the names of
the following officers and rank and file who distinguished
themselves during the day:--

"Major Count Gleichen, C.M.G., for the coolness shown by him
throughout the engagement, especially in attending to the
wounded under a heavy fire.

"Sergeant Brown and Private Martin, 3rd Battalion Grenadier
Guards, who helped him, were both shot.

"Sergeant-Major Cooke, 3rd Battalion Grenadiers, displayed
remarkable coolness under fire.

"Lieutenant the Hon. A. Russell showed great coolness in