t, officers, N.C.Os. and men of the Scots Guards.
The operations in the Eastern Transvaal are brought to a close,
and I have had the opportunity of addressing the Royal Horse and
Field Artillery and Cavalry; but, although you were with me in
the Western Transvaal, this is the first time I have had the
pleasure of addressing you on parade. The operations from Springs
to Ermelo, and from Ermelo to Piet Retief, were conducted under
the most trying circumstances and severe hardships. Lying on the
ground, which was under water, with no shelter, with very short
rations and for sometime none at all, you had to exist on the
meagre supplies of the district, which were very poor. At one
time it caused me the deepest anxiety, as in consequence of the
weather all communications were temporarily suspended; but the
cheery manner and disposition of this splendid battalion did a
great deal to disperse this anxiety. What struck me most forcibly
was your extraordinary power of marching. I have frequently
noticed that when the cavalry and mounted infantry were engaged
(happily very slightly) in these operations, I have been
surprised on looking round to see this splendid battalion close
behind and extended ready to take part in the fighting, and have
wondered how they got there. Another important item I wish to
remark upon is the magnificent manner in which this battalion
performed outpost duty and night work. On several occasions news
has come to me through my Intelligence Department of a meditated
attack on the camp of this column, but owing to the skilful way
in which the outposts were thrown out and the vigilance of the
sentries the attack was never developed.

Another thing I noticed was the highly disciplined state of the
battalion. It is not always in fighting that a soldier proves his
qualities. Though at the commencement of the campaign you had
hard fighting and heavy losses, the past few weeks stand
unsurpassed, I believe, for hardships in the history of the
campaign! I thank every officer and N.C.O. for the great
assistance given to me during these operations. Should your
services be required elsewhere, or further hardships have to be
endured, I know you will do as you have done before. I wish you
all good-bye.

[Sidenote: _Good news by the way._]