WITH THE NAVAL BRIGADE IN NATAL

1899 -1900. Journal of active service kept during the Relief of Ladysmith and subsequent operations in Northern Natal and the Transvaal ,under General Sir Redvers Buller.

First edition156 pages, frontispiece, black and white photographs, folded map. Illustrated front cover worn on edges, faded gilt on spine, uncut edges, some foxing throughout.

Hackett (R.G.) South African War Books page 52 :The diary of a gunnery officer during ten months service with the Naval Brigade in South Africa. Burne joined Gen Buller's force in Natal taking part in operations at Chieveley, Colenso, Spion Kop and Vaal Krantz between December 1899 and February 1890. Following the Relief of Ladysmith the naval detachment was broken up. The men of the H.M.S Powerful and H.M.S. Terrible being recalled for service elsewhere. Burne was taken ill with dysentry and sent to recuperate near Maritzberg. On return to service in April he was given command of a naval detachment in General Hildyards's brigade. The writer gives a personal account of the eastern advance with reference to the engagement ay Almonds nek in June 1900. Following a second bout of illness in July the author returned to his unit near Sandspruit in the Transvaal until recalled from active service in October 1900. The volume contains notes on field gunnery together with a diary of the war up to October 25 1900. Extracts from despatches and hints on clothing and equipment for active service appended.