they saw the inside of many a
coal truck later.

The journey to Pietermaritzburg was in the nature of a triumphal
procession, for at various points along the line small knots of old men
women and children, waving Union Jacks, cheered the troops most lustily
as the trains passed.

A remark frequently heard was "How glad they are to see us," and it was
evident that these people at least, who were interested and possessed
homes in Natal, had not underrated the power and intentions of the
Transvaal. The Regiment had an enthusiastic reception, as indeed did all
troops passing to the front, flags and handkerchiefs being waved from
every house farm and village. At some stations where a short stop was
made to allow of other trains getting on ahead, tea and refreshments
were given out free, by willing hands, to the soldiers in the trucks.

Trains were running with about 500 to 600 yards distance between them.

On October 6th between 7 and 8 a.m. the trains conveying the Regiment
reached Pietermaritzburg, and here the men had breakfast. Pushing on
again with as little delay as possible and passing Estcourt at about 3
p.m., and Colenso about 4 p.m., Ladysmith was reached at 6 p.m.

Detraining took place at once, and the Regiment marched off to Tin Town,
about two miles distant, where camp was pitched in the dark.

The infantry at this time in Ladysmith consisted of:--

The Gordon Highlanders.
The Devonshire Regiment.
The Gloucester Regiment.
The Liverpool Regiment.

Rumours of war and warlike preparation on the part of the Boers were
continually being circulated, and at daybreak on October 11th the
Transvaal Boers crossed the frontier of Natal 18,000 strong with
fourteen guns.

On October 12th, at 2 p.m., orders were received for the Regiment to
prepare at once to go out as part of a flying column towards Acton
Holmes to check the advance of the Free State Boers, who were reported
to be crossing the Biggarsberg by Vanreenen's Pass; and at 2 a.m. a
force consisting of four regiments of cavalry, four batteries R.A., and
three regiments of infantry (Liverpools, Gordons, and Devons) left
Ladysmith, and after great delay reached Dewdrop at 9 a.m.

The cavalry having been sent on to gain touch, failed however to do so,
and the column returned at once to Ladysmith. The information turned out
to be incorrect.

On the return march the Regiment was joined by Captain W.B. Lafone and
Lieutenants Field and Green, who had arrived