rank as a great battle, but
its moral effect can scarcely be exaggerated. It was the first
conflict of the war. It was Majuba reversed, and the issue had
far-reaching consequences. The news of the victory spread quickly
through South Africa, and had considerable influence on the Dutch
Colonists, who were, to use an expressive colloquialism, 'sitting on
the fence,' and kept them sitting there, at a time when had they
descended on the wrong side their action could not have failed to be
extremely prejudicial to the interests of the Empire; but over and
above all else it showed to the world that the British infantry could
still attack and carry a position in face of modern rifle-fire, a
lesson which was never forgotten by Boer or Briton, in spite of after
events. Moreover, Talana must ever be a memorable name in the annals
of the Royal Dublin Fusiliers, since it was the first battle in which
they had fought under their new title, which was from that day on to
become as well known as that of any regiment in the army.

The other regiments engaged had also suffered very severely, the 60th
Rifles losing, amongst other officers, their gallant chief, Colonel
Gunning. It was curious that on the last occasion the 2nd Royal Dublin
Fusiliers had seen active service--the siege and capture of
Mooltan--they should then have fought alongside the 60th, as they did
in the present instance.

CHAPTER II.

THE RETREAT FROM DUNDEE.

'I am ready to halt.'--_Ps._ xxxviii. 17.

On the morning of October 21st, Colonel Yule, who, as senior officer,
had taken over command of the brigade, received the news that a Boer
commando, under General Joubert, was advancing by the Newcastle road.
As the camp was within long-range artillery fire from Impati Mountain,
the brigade moved off at a moment's notice to the south and took up a
defensive position. The tents were left standing, but each man carried
a waterproof sheet, a blanket, and great-coat, while the waggons,
massed in rear, had three to four days' supplies. Soon after 4:30 p.m.
the enemy appeared on Impati, and at once opened fire with a big gun,
probably a forty-pounder. The shells at first fell in the vacated
camp, but the Boer artillerymen quickly discovered the brigade, and
made good practice, although they caused but slight damage. Our
batteries attempted to reply, but were outranged, their shells falling
far short. Luckily for us a mist came on, and the Boer gun ceased
firing.