'I find it hard to adequately express to you how very deeply the whole of my battalion laments his loss, and I know I am only expressing the sentiments of all ranks when I assure you that his memory will ever be cherished in the battalion.
'A better or more conscientious officer I have never had under my command. We would all esteem it a very great favour if you could send us a photograph of our late dear comrade, and might I also so far trespass on your kindness, as to ask for one for his company (G) as well, which I need hardly say will be highly prized by them.
'Yours, &c. (Signed) C. D. Cooper.'[Back to Contents]
XXVII.
Ladysmith, 14/3/00 (3).
Natal Army Orders. The Wearing of Shamrock on St. Patrick's Day.
The following extracts from Natal Army Orders are published for information:—
'(1) The General Commanding has to communicate to the troops the following telegram he has received from the C. in C. viz.
'Her Majesty the Queen is pleased to order that in future on St. Patrick's Day all ranks in Her Majesty's Irish regiments shall wear as a distinction a sprig of shamrock in their head-dress to commemorate the gallantry of Her Irish soldiers during the recent battles in South Africa.
'Wolseley.'[Back to Contents]