erful_, who was
among the killed at the battle of Graspan, joined the navy in 1875, and
two years later became a midshipman. In 1882 he attained the rank of
sub-lieutenant, was promoted to a lieutenancy in 1885, and was made
commander at the beginning of 1897. As sub-lieutenant of the _Helicon_ he
took part in the naval and military operations in the Eastern Soudan at
Suakim in 1884-85, for which he received the Egyptian medal and the
Khedive's bronze star. Commander Ethelston was appointed to the _Powerful_
two years ago.

[7] Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel H. Ponting Northcote, who belonged to the
Prince of Wales's Leinster Regiment, became a Lieutenant in 1877, Captain
in 1886, and Major in 1894. He served in the Sherbro' Expedition in 1883
with the 2nd West India Regiment, and was mentioned in despatches,
receiving a medal, and was afterwards created a C.B. In 1888 he served in
the operations in Zululand as Deputy-Assistant Adjutant-General, while in
1895 he accompanied the expedition to Ashanti under Sir Francis Scott,
receiving the star.

[8] Lieutenant-Colonel Horace Robert Stopford, of the Coldstream Guards,
was appointed a Lieutenant in 1874, Captain in 1885, and Major in 1893. He
had not previously been on war service.

CHAPTER IV

THE INVESTMENT OF LADYSMITH

Before going farther it may be interesting to inspect a rough table
showing approximately the composition and total strength of the British
and Boer forces at the various points mentioned:--

LADYSMITH

BRITISH BOER

21st, 42nd, and 53rd Field \ \
Batteries; Battalion of Natal | |
Artillery; two guns of the | |
Natal Naval Reserve; Natal | |
Mounted Volunteers; 5th | |
Lancers; 19th Hussars; 1st | |
Battalion Liverpool Regiment; | |
2nd Battalion Gordon | |
Highlanders; 1st Battalion | |
Devonshire Regiment; 1st | |
Manchesters; several companies | |
of Mounted Infantry; Medical |