._

After marching through Ladysmith, the battalion proceeded with the
11th Brigade to a camp about three miles to the north of the town and
on the left bank of the Klip River. It remained here until March 7th,
when it rejoined the 5th Brigade, which was encamped on the south side
of the Klip River, and about one mile nearer Ladysmith. On the same
date, Colonel Cooper was given the command of the 4th Brigade, and
accordingly handed over the battalion to Major Bird.

[Illustration: Sergeant Davis in Meditation over 'Long Cecil' at
Kimberley. 'Shall I take it for the Officers?']

There was another change of camping-ground on March 12th, the brigade
moving to the north-east of Ladysmith, under Surprise Hill. It was an
uneventful time, although outpost duties were somewhat severe.

In recognition of the gallantry displayed by the Irish regiments in
the Natal campaign, the Queen had directed that the shamrock should be
worn by all ranks on St. Patrick's Day. Accordingly, on March 17th,
every man wore a piece of green, since shamrock was unobtainable, and
the tents were decorated with boughs. A telegram was dispatched to the
Queen, who sent the following message in reply:--

'The Queen desires to thank her Dublin Fusiliers for their expression
of loyalty.'

[Illustration: St. Patrick's Day in Camp. Private Monaghan, the regimental
Butcher, in foreground.]

The battalion also received many congratulatory telegrams from Irish
associations and individuals in various parts of the world.

The detachment of the 1st Battalion was sent back to Colenso on March
21st. It had been just over four months with the 2nd Battalion, and
had borne its full share of the casualties. Originally numbering
eight officers and 287 rank and file, it returned with only two
officers and 92 rank and file.

The 5th Brigade moved on the 23rd to Modderspruit, and thence on the
next day to Elandslaagte, where it encamped a short distance to the
west of the battlefield. Here it stayed for ten days, and, as there
was little to do beyond outpost work, the battalion resumed ordinary
parades and route marching.

On April 4th, General Warren's Division relieved General Hunter's at
Elandslaagte, and the brigade marched back to Modderspruit. The 10th
Division (General Hunter), which consisted of the 5th and 6th
Brigades, was to proceed to Cape Colony for the relief of Mafeking.

On April 7th, Major Tempest Hicks, 1st Battalion Royal Dublin
Fusiliers,