With the Naval Brigade in Natal, 1899-1900: Journal of Active Service

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

25117

Title

With the Naval Brigade in Natal, 1899-1900: Journal of Active Service

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Lieutenant C. R. N. Burne's firsthand journal chronicles the deployment of the Royal Navy's Naval Brigade to South Africa during the Boer War. Offering a gritty, authentic perspective on life in the field, this account details the relief of Ladysmith, the advance into the Transvaal, and the unique challenges faced by sailors serving as artillerymen. A compelling record of military service, camaraderie, and the harsh realities of active duty.

Summary up to 500 words

In 'With the Naval Brigade in Natal, 1899-1900,' Lieutenant C. R. N. Burne, R.N., provides a gritty, firsthand account of his service with the Naval Brigade during the South African War. The narrative begins with Burne's rapid transition from transport duties at Southampton to the front lines, where he commands two 12-pounder guns aboard H.M.S. Terrible and H.M.S. Tartar. The text vividly depicts the chaotic embarkation of British forces, the landing at Cape Town and Durban, and the Brigade's initial frustration at being sidelined before finally joining General Buller's army. The core of the book chronicles the Brigade's grueling campaign: the relief of Ladysmith, the difficult passage of the Tugela River, and the subsequent advance into the Transvaal. Burne documents major engagements such as the battles of Colenso, Spion Kop, and Almond's Nek, highlighting the bravery of sailors who operated naval guns on land. He offers unvarnished descriptions of camp life, the biting cold, the monotony of waiting, and the physical toll of marching and combat, including his own bout with jaundice. Beyond the combat narrative, Burne includes practical appendices on field gunnery, equipment, and water filtration, reflecting his technical expertise. The journal concludes with the Brigade's withdrawal and return to England, capturing the fading enthusiasm of the author as the war transitions into guerrilla warfare. Throughout, the text emphasizes the deep respect between the Army and Navy, celebrating the sailors' invaluable contribution to the British victory. Burne's writing is characterized by a sense of duty and camaraderie, noting the 'deepest respect and admiration' the Navy held for its Army comrades. He details the harsh realities of the field, from bivouacking on battlefields to the 'awfully dried up' landscape of Northern Natal, ultimately portraying the Naval Brigade as an essential, though often overlooked, component of the British war effort.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Adventure
• History