[268] The distances are only approximate.
[269] The column marched in the following formation. The advance-guard of two companies of the Royal Irish was followed in succession by brigade headquarters, two guns, and three companies of Native infantry. Then came the headquarters of the column, the remainder of the Royal Irish, two more guns and some Gatlings, five companies of native infantry, the regimental reserve ammunition, a company of native infantry, the Field hospital, and a detachment of Royal Engineer telegraphists. In rear was the whole of the baggage, including the seven days’ supply, escorted by four companies of native infantry.
[270] These are the official figures. In the opinion of some of the officers who were present they are too high.
[271] As the official account states that eighty-eight dead bodies were found on the ground over which the swordsmen attempted to charge, it is clear that the Royal Irish used their weapons to good purpose.
[272] This trophy, pierced with more than one bullet, hangs in the Officers’ Mess of the second battalion.
[273] While the regiment was at the front Mr Rudyard Kipling in a ballad made the immortal Mulvaney predict the result of sending an Irish corps on a campaign where field canteens were not allowed. Thanks to the kind permission of Mr Kipling the ballad is reproduced.
“THE WAY AV UT!”
“The Black Mountain Expedition is apparently to be a tetotal affair.”—Vide ‘Civil and Military Gazette,’ October 5, 1888.
“A charge of Ghazis was met by the Royal Irish, who accounted for the whole of them.... The Royal Irish then carried the position.”—‘Pioneer.’
“I met with ould Mulvaney and he tuk me by the hand,