Chapter XXXIII: Appendix: 5

TIRAH, 1897-8.

COLONEL LAWRENCE’S ORDER OF JUNE 8, 1898, WITH EXTRACT FROM THE ADJUTANT-GENERAL’S LETTER EXCULPATING THE SECOND BATTALION, ROYAL IRISH REGIMENT.

(Extract.)

“I am directed by the Secretary of State to inform you that a perusal of the papers connected with the withdrawal of the 2nd Battalion Royal Irish Regiment from the field force on the North-Western Frontier has satisfied the Commander-in-Chief that a grave injustice was done to the 2nd Battalion Royal Irish Regiment when it was recalled from field service.

“(Signed) EVELYN WOOD, A.-G.”

“Knowing that many present here with these battalions have sons, brothers and other relations and friends serving in the second battalion, and that also there are many here who have served in it, he thinks that this will be interesting and satisfying to all.

“The 2nd battalion left Jubbulpore for the front in August last, and when assembled at Rawal Pindi, all detachments having joined headquarters, was over 800 strong.

“The regiment moved thence by rail to Khasalgurh, from thence by march route to Hangu, the two last marches (twenty-six miles) being done in one day, guarding a convoy some five miles long, with the enemy reported as lying in wait to attack, which, however, they did not do.

“The battalion was detained at Hangu, in the Miranzai Valley for two or three weeks, and it was in this place, owing to the heat and unhealthiness of the valley, it being the most unhealthy time of the year, that malarial fever became prevalent, and few escaped sickness.

“From there the regiment was broken up into detachments, 100 men garrisoning the friendly village of Shahu Khel, in the Khanki Valley, and 150 being detached to the Kurrum. These latter, supposed to be sickly or weakly men, averaged twenty-two miles a day for six days. ‘B’ Company under Captain King, on one occasion marched seventeen miles to meet and escort back artillery; thirty men, under Lieutenant Potter, volunteered, after three hours’ rest to march back as escort, which they did, the remainder following a few hours later, thirty-four miles in one day.

“On September 9th ‘A’ and ‘C’ companies from Hangu, with three native battalions, marched to Fort Lockhart, escorting a convoy, and in the return march were successfully engaged with the enemy on Gogra Hill.

“On September 12th the headquarters, 295 strong, took part in the relief of Gulistan, on which occasion three actions were fought between Hangu and that fort, at Gogra, Saragari, and Gulistan, the enemy being cleared off the Samana Ridge.

“The headquarters remained at Fort Lockhart awaiting the further advance. No hint that the regiment was to be sent back reached the ears of any one belonging to it until the day on which it was published in orders.

“As soon as he heard of it, the Commanding Officer and Second-in-command at once interviewed the General, who informed them that the reason of the recall was ‘that the regiment was saturated with malarial fever.’

“The Commanding Officer, well knowing that at the time sickness had almost entirely disappeared, asked for a medical board, the result being that the board passed 523 men as absolutely fit, and above the average in physique. Thirty only were rejected at Fort Lockhart; most of the remainder were at Kohat and Hangu and were not examined.

“Every effort was made to get the order cancelled, but without avail. The battalion marched into Rawal Pindi over 700 strong.

“A court of enquiry was applied for, and refused.

“In the end the battalion was ordered back to the front, but too late to take part in any further important operations. It thus lost the chance of adding fresh laurels to its name, through no fault of its own.

“It was not long before certain libellous newspaper writers, eager for scandal, commenced their attacks on the fair fame of the regiment, but no one who knows the material of which it consisted, men from the counties of Wexford, Tipperary, Kilkenny, and Waterford, ever for a moment gave credence to their tales.

“No steps have been left untaken to have this great wrong righted. His lordship, the Commander-in-Chief has given the above decision, and every man who wears or who has ever worn the uniform of the Royal Irish owes a debt of gratitude to his lordship which can never be sufficiently repaid for the trouble he has taken in our cause.

“Colonel Lawrence would like to make it known to the battalions here at Kilworth that he never heard or heard of, a complaint from any one during these operations, though the heat, hard work, and long marches were particularly trying. On the contrary, the men were conspicuous for cheery willingness and good temper, and their eager keenness to meet the enemy.

“CAMP, KILWORTH, _June 8th, 1898_.”