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| 3rd Battalion departure |
Militia |
Officers of the
1st Battalion |
Officer group |
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Officers of the
1st Battalion |
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The 1st Battalion sailed on the Cephalonia on 24th October 1899, arrived
at the Cape about 18th November, and was sent round to Durban. Along
with the 2nd Scottish Rifles, 1st Rifle Brigade, and 3rd King's Royal
Rifles, they formed the 4th Brigade under Major General N G Lyttelton.
The work of the brigade has been sketched under the
2nd Scottish Rifles, and
that of the Natal Army generally under the 2nd Queen's, Royal West Surrey.
At Colenso the battalion was not heavily engaged. After moving to
Potgeiter's they took part in various demonstrations and feints, but it was
not until 5th February, when called on to storm Vaal Krantz, that the
Durhams knew what it was to be under a hail of shells and bullets.
Their final charge that day was carried through in a way worthy of the
battalion. The words of Sir Redvers Buller are, "The men would not be
denied". Their losses were heavy: 2 officers and 12 men killed, 6 officers,
including Colonel Fitzgerald, and 76 men wounded.
Six officers and 8 non-commissioned officers and men were mentioned by
General Buller in his despatch of 8th February 1900 for good work at Vaal
Krantz.
The battalion took part in the last and successful attempt to relieve
Ladysmith, and was almost constantly engaged between 13th and 27th February.
On the 18th the battalion and the 1st Rifle Brigade attacked and carried the
ridge between Monte Cristo and Green Hill, and losing no time, captured the
Boer laager. The 4th Brigade were on the left in the final assault on
the 27th. The battalion's losses during the fourteen days were
approximately 2 men killed and 51 wounded.
Six officers and 13 men were mentioned in despatches for good work in the
relief operations, 3 men getting the distinguished conduct medal, — another
man of the Mounted Infantry got that medal for excellent work at Alleman's
Nek,—and in General Buller's final despatch 12 officers were mentioned.
After the entry into the Transvaal the history of the battalion was not very
stirring. Like the remainder of the brigade, they were chiefly
employed on the Natal - Pretoria Railway, and in column work from the
railway line towards the Orange River Colony.
In Lord Roberts' final despatch 9 officers and 16 non-commissioned
officers and men were mentioned.
The Mounted Infantry company of the Durham Light Infantry was present at
Sannah's Post, 30th and 31st March 1900 (see Household Cavalry). When Q
Battery found itself forced to come into action at 1200 yards from the spruit where the Boers lay, the Mounted Infantry company, "which was acting
as right-flank guard to the retirement, promptly occupied a position on the
right and left flank of the battery, thus checking any intention the enemy
had of advancing from the spruit". Speaking of the retirement of the
battery, Colonel Broadwood said, "The whole of this operation was carried
out with perfect steadiness by all concerned, the action of Q Battery, the
company of the Durham Light Infantry, and of Lieutenant Colonel Pilcher's
regiment of Mounted Infantry being specially worthy of notice".
Three officers and 3 men of the company were mentioned in Colonel
Broadwood's report. The Mounted Infantry company of the regiment
gained many mentions throughout the campaign.
A party of the battalion was present in Gough's Mounted Infantry force
which was ambushed and destroyed on 17th September 1901. On that
occasion 1 officer and 1 man were mentioned in Lord Kitchener's despatch for
great gallantry. In Lord Kitchener's final despatch 4 officers and 6
non-commissioned officers were mentioned.
Captain De Lisle, DSO, of the Durham Light Infantry, earned great
distinction as a leader of mounted infantry and column commander, was
mentioned several times, and gained his CB by splendid work.
