ned during the
next few nights until the front walls were from twelve to fifteen feet
thick. Most of this work was carried on in heavy rain, which greatly
added to the general discomfort of the men.

On November 28th the garrison was encouraged by the information that the
Boers had been badly beaten near Estcourt, that 3000 of them had gone
off (it was not reported where to!), and that General Clery was at
Colenso.

On November 30th General Clery opened up signalling communication with
Ladysmith by flashing his message with his searchlight at night on to
the clouds. The message, which was in cipher, could be easily read by
every one, but the garrison was unable to reply as they had no
searchlight.

In the early days of December, in order to keep the men as far as
possible in a condition for any eventualities, the Regiment evacuated
their works twice a week at dusk and went for a march twice round the
town. Starting at nightfall the works were regained about 10 p.m. The
exercise was good for the men's limbs and the change of scene
undoubtedly nourishment for their minds, but it is doubtful if it
conduced to the health of the men, as during the march they were
smothered in their own dust, and also in that kicked up by the artillery
horses exercising at the same time and on the same roads. It certainly
gave the men something to think about besides rocks and stones and
building, and the walking stretched their legs.

On December 2nd Colonel Knox, desirous of carrying on the work of
building in the daytime as well as by night, ordered some canvas screens
to be put up in the Post, behind which the men could work concealed from
view. But although stained the colour of the surroundings, the screens
were seen at once by the Boers, and the battalion was much troubled by a
new gun stationed near Pepworth Hill, which opened fire shortly after
they were erected. One shell from this howitzer topping the hill pitched
within a yard of the guard tent underneath, which was full of men. No
damage was done, however, beyond scattering the ammunition boxes and
covering the men with mud. The screens were then taken down, and on the
disappearance of the noxious objects the firing ceased, and the Boers
appeared pacified. At 10 p.m., whilst the Regiment was at work building
on Cemetery Hill, an order came to parade at once and march to a
rendezvous down in the town in Lyle Street. It was given out "for
operations near Limit Hill." On reachi