LATE SIR GEORGE WHITE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 147, 8 November 1912, Page 2

LATE SIR GEORGE WHITE.

" A LADYSMITH INCIDENT. I recall an instance in my own experience; that shows the sympathy and tact J j i of the soldier who kept the flag flying .at Ladysmith (writes a war correspondent anent the death of Sir George White). On the morning of the relief I stood with j 5 the late Colonel Frank Rhodes, Genera) Sir lan Hamilton, and General Murray ' watching from Caesar's Camp the dramatic approach of the two squadrons of * Natal Carbineers and Imperial Light I Horse. Sweeping like a storm over the ' horizon, they thundered towards Intombi j Camp, where the sick and wounded | crawled out of their tents to cheer their { deliverers. On they came, these gallant troopers, riding knee to knee, with loose rein and flying mane —heedless of hidden danger —horse and man straining every nerve to pierce the iron ring that held Ladysmith in the grip of famine and death for four long months. It was a sight that took one by the throat and forced the tears into one's eyes. With Frank Rhodes I had ridden across the plain to.meet the squadrons. Our horses were weak from want of food, but they, too, felt the excitement and joined in the thunderous ride. It was a wild and cheering mob of armed , men that drew rein on the bank of the | spruit, where 'Sir George 'White, mounted on his charger, stood to welcome them, The greetings over, Sir George turned to cross the water. On the opposite bank were two little mites —a boy and a girl—whose thin, pale faces were eloquent of the sufferings and privations of the siege. The General dismounted, and, stroking the head of the little girl, said: "General Buller is coming and our troubles arc over." The child lifted up a - pale, eager face to the soldier and said in a trembling voice: "Shall we have something to eat now?" I looked and saw tears in the good General's eyes.