Unlimber, to.—To disconnect the limber from the gun or carriage.
Veldt.—An open plain.
Victoria Cross.—A decoration in form of a bronze Maltese Cross, conferred on members of the Army, Navy, or Volunteers who have distinguished themselves in face of the enemy by abnormal deeds of valour at risk of their lives. The V.C. was instituted in 1856 at the conclusion of the Crimean War, when sixty-two were earned. The cross was then made from the cannon captured at Sebastopol with the Royal Crest in the centre, and underneath, the words “For Valour.” It is worn with a red ribbon in the Army—a blue one in the Navy.
Vierkleur.—Four-coloured Boer flag. The colours are red, white, and blue in horizontal lines, with a perpendicular line of green near the staff.
Volunteers.—Citizen soldiers who voluntarily fight in defence of their country. The oldest Volunteer Corps is the Hon. Artillery Company, instituted in 1485. The Volunteer movement gained ground in 1793-94, when invasion was threatened by France. The force enrolled numbered 70,000, of which 41,000 were Irish.
Voortrekker.—One of the early trekkers.
War.—The present war is the fortieth war that has taken place during the reign of Queen Victoria. In 1854 there was the Crimea; in 1838, 1849, and 1878 came wars against Afghanistan; four wars against China in the years 1841, 1856, 1849, and 1860; two against the Sikhs in 1845 and 1848; three against the Kaffirs in 1846, 1854, and 1877; three against Burma, 1850, 1852, and 1885; nine in India, in 1857, 1860, 1863, 1864, 1868, 1869, 1890, 1895, and 1897; three in Ashantee, 1864, 1873, and 1896; a war against Abyssinia, 1867; a war against Persia, 1852; a war against the Zulus, 1878; a war against the Basutos, 1878; a war in Egypt, 1882; three in the Soudan, 1894, 1896, and 1899; a war with Zanzibar, 1890; a war against the Matabele, 1894; and finally two wars against the Transvaal, 1881 and 1899-1900.
Waterworks.—The Waterworks at Sanna’s Post, on the Modder River, are situated twenty miles from Bloemfontein. By means of powerful pumps the water is raised from the level of the river to the top of Bushman’s Kop, nearly half-way to the town. From that point it flows into Bloemfontein by the force of gravitation. The works are capable of delivering 250,000 gallons of water daily. There are thirty-four miles of pipes, laid down at a cost of £80,000.
Yeomanry.—The Yeomanry Cavalry of Great Britain is chosen from among the gentlemen and yeomen of each county. They are liable to be called out in aid of the civil power, and in case of invasion would have to assemble for actual service. For Imperial Yeomanry, see vol. iii. p. 168.
Zululand.—Situated north-east of Natal, east of the Transvaal, and south of Amatongaland. Area, about 10,456 miles; population 170,000, including only 1200 whites. It became part of Natal in 1897. Gold and various minerals have been found there in appreciable quantities.