Major-General Babington.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume III, Issue 114, 12 October 1901, Page 4

Major-General Babington.

The Premier believes there is every likelihood of Major-General Babiogton the so self, by his operations from against De la Rey. The latter, who commanded 1500 men, was attacked and defeated by General Babington and Colonel Stapylton near Yenteredorp towards the end of March, with tho result that many of the Boers were killed and two fifteen-pounders, one pompom, six Maxims, large quant i ies of ammunition, 166 rifles, 77 waggons, and 140 prisoners were captured. Babington’s casualties were two killed and seven wounded. De la Rey’s retirement b came a rent, and the Seeing Boers were chased until the pursuers' horses became exhausted, Tho Netr Zealanders took part in this engagement under General Babington, together with the Scots Greys and the Australian Bushmen. After encountering several smaller detachments* of the enemy, Babington attempted, early in May, to surround De la Rey, who was in command of 5000 men at Hartbeestefontein The Boer force, however, dispersed, bnt its main remnant, 500 etrong, was surprised at Zaerust by a patrol of Yeomanry and New Zealanders, who emerged ecathless from the ‘ successful engagement which ensued. In the earlier stages of the war General Babington, who then commanded theFirst Cavalry Brigade, was not so largely in evidence, hat he did some exceedingly useful work on the lines of communication. He was the first British General to enter the Free SUte at the head of a hostile force, and it is probable that the information he collected dating his reconnaissance was of singular value to Lord Roberts in connection witb the earlier stages of the latter’s memorable march to. Bloemfontein. Since 1900 G«n« ral Babington has been Assistant Adjutant General of the Imperial Yeomanry.' He is forty teven years of age, handsome, and athletic, and as regards his military qualifications his career ' speaks for itself—Press.