BOBS’ HEROES.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 15 June 1901, Page 4

BOBS’ HEROES.

In his despatches commending those who served under him in South Africa the Field-Marshal thus wrote of the principal officers:— Lord 1 Kitchener “ he’d a difficult position, and'discharged its duiies with conspicuous ability.” General Buller <! carried out the difficult operations terminating in the relief of Ladysmith.” Lieut-General White’s gallant defence of Ladysmith, and the prowess shown by his troops at Talana, Elandslaagte, and Waggon Hill, will live in the annals of history.

Lieut-General Lord Methuen; “The manner in which he has kept his command at all times ready and complete for service, the rapidity of his movements, combined with his untiring energy and conspicuous courage, have lai’gely contributed to the present comparative quiet on the western border of the Transvaal. Major-General J. D. P. French “ never makes difficulties, and is a man of exceptional nerve. His truly] soldierlike qualities are only equalled by his sound judgment, his unerring instinct, and his perfect loyalty, His services have been of incalculable value to the Empire as to myself.” 1 Major-General C. Tucker “is a good fighting soldier and has afforded me able

assistance on many difficult occasions.” Major-General Sir A. Hunter “is an officer possessed of great soldierly qualities, and he has performed valuable service in connection with the arrangements for the relief of Mafeking and the capture of General Pxnnsloo.”

Major-General Sir L. Rundle and his troops “ have had a very trying time, and have acquitted themselves of their task in a most creditable manner.” Major-General T. Kelly-Kenny “ has invariably shown sound common sense and military instinct of a high order through many trying and anxious hours." Major-General R. S. Baden-Powell, “as the gallant defender of Mafeking, is already well known. Since the relief of that town he has held a command in the field, and I selected him for the responsible position of Inspector-General of Police, in which his undoubted organising powers will have ample scope for good and useful work.” Major-General R. Polo-Carew “ did good service at the battle of Diamond Hill and subsequent advance to Komatipoort.” Major-General G. Barton “is a careful and thoughtful leader.” Colonel H. Macdonald “ has shown resolution and energy in carrying out the somewhat thankless task which has fallen to the lot of his command, of pacifying , the Orange River Colony and protecting its communications.”

Colonel H. S. Sraith-Dorrien “ has shown exceptional aptitude for command in the field, being sound in'judgment, quick- to see and act, and full of resource.” Colonel I. Hamilton: “ I have long had occasion to recognise the exceptional military qualifications of this officer, and the high expectations which I have formed of his capacity for command have boon amply justified.” Colonel Clements “ has rendered good service both in the Orange River Colony and in the Western Transvaal.’’ Colonel J. G. Maxwell: “Business like methods and sound common sense ” have proved moat valuable in the position of Military Governor of Pretoria.

Colonel 0. E. Knox : “ A sound strategist and a good tactician.” Colonel R, G. Broadwood “has had a great deal of hard and responsible work, under which his health gave way ; but with his soldierly instinct he returned to South Africa as soon as he recovered, and will, I feel confident, prove himself the gallant cavalry leader I believe him to be.” . Colonel ' Hutton ; “ His unbounded energy and soldierly qualities and his thorough knowledge of M.I. duties have on several occasions been of great service.”

Colonel A. Paget “ has shown energy, decision, and intelligence.’’ Colonel Brabant “ is a fine leader of men ; he represents the true Imperial feeling in the Cape, and, aided by his fellow Colonists, has furnished an object lesson in loyalty and devotion to the Crown.,’ Colonel Hartnell, as G-.0.C. Natal Colonists, has maintained the best traditions of His Majesty’s Regular Forces, to which he formerly belonged. Lieutenant-Colonel H. Plumer, York and Lancashire Regiment, “ has consistently done good work not only as a soldier but as an administrator of a high order.”* 1 ' ■> ' 1

Major A. W. Thorneycroft “ has already been brought to notice by Sir Reivers Buller. Since coming under my immediate command he has gained my confidence as a most gallant and capable leader.’’

Lord Roberts also mentions the benefit he has derived from the unfailing support and wise counsels of Sir Alfred Milner, and says Sir Alfred Milner’s courage never faltered, however grave the responsibilities might be which surrounded him, and notwithstanding the absorbing cares of his office he seemed always able to find time for a helpful message or for the tactful solution of a difficult question.”