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.'
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.