For The
Instant The Fate Not Only Of South Africa But Even, As I Believe,
Of The Empire Hung Upon The Decision Of The Old Soldier In
Ladysmith, Who Had To Resist The Proposals Of His Own General As
Sternly As The Attacks Of The Enemy.
He who sorely needed help and
encouragement became, as his message shows, the helper and the
encourager.
It was a tremendous test, and Sir George White came
through it with a staunchness and a loyalty which saved us not only
from overwhelming present disaster, but from a hideous memory which
must have haunted British military annals for centuries to come.
CHAPTER 12.
THE DARK HOUR.
The week which extended from December 10th to December 17th, 1899,
was the blackest one known during our generation, and the most
disastrous for British arms during the century. We had in the short
space of seven days lost, beyond all extenuation or excuse, three
separate actions. No single defeat was of vital importance in
itself, but the cumulative effect, occurring as they did to each of
the main British forces in South Africa, was very great. The total
loss amounted to about three thousand men and twelve guns, while
the indirect effects in the way of loss of prestige to ourselves
and increased confidence and more numerous recruits to our enemy
were incalculable.
It is singular to glance at the extracts from the European press at
that time and to observe the delight and foolish exultation with
which our reverses were received.
Enter page number
PreviousNext
Page 222 of 842
Words from 59705 to 59958
of 225456
