[Photo by Gregory.
In this case the gun is mounted on a galloping carriage. Sometimes it is mounted on a tripod, as shown in the illustration at the foot of page [35].
Dramatic advent of the Bluejackets.
Oct. 30, 1899.] The Disaster of Nicholson's Nek.
Early that morning a Naval Brigade, 280 strong, from H.M.S. Powerful, under the orders of Captain Lambton, had arrived on the scene, bringing two Maxims, four long naval 12-pounders, and two 45-pounders. These weapons had been taken from on board the ships of the Cape Squadron or from the reserve naval stores, and by the ingenuity of Captain P. Scott of the Navy, and Assistant-Engineer Roskruge, had been mounted upon special carriages which would permit their being handled in the field. The sailors had with them a large supply of lyddite shells—shells charged with the terrible high explosive which had been tried for the first time in war at Omdurman, and which kill, without apparent injury, men fifty yards away from the spot where they burst, by the mere shock of their detonation. The bluejackets had come post-haste, standing on no ceremony, travelling up all night by train from Durban. The big 45-pounders were too heavy and cumbrous to be got into position in the exceeding emergency; the 12-pounders, however, at once moved out to the aid of the hard-pressed Natal Field Force.
[Photo by Pearse.
The sturdy bluejackets, splendidly led, had whipped one of their guns into position almost before their arrival was known. "Action!" and the breech was opened and closed: "Fire!" and a shell went sailing towards the Boer 40-pounders. Then followed the fearful crash of the common shells. Eight missiles from the Navy gun did the work: the enemy's fire was stilled; and one more great record was added to the countless achievements of the ever-ready British Navy. Silence fell upon the field, and it was possible to number the slain.
In this battle, known as that of Farquhar's Farm, the British losses on the centre and right were about 60 killed and 240 wounded.