Beneath the Banner by F. J. Cross
page 19 of 201 (09%)
page 19 of 201 (09%)
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first in the Russian redoubt; but Sir Colin, well ahead of his own men
was first in the battery shouting:-- "We'll hae nane but Highland bonnets here!" and his troops rushed in after him like lions. The terrific charge of these fierce Highlanders, combined with their dress, struck terror into the hearts of the Russians; who said that they thought they had come to fight men, but did not bargain for demons in petticoats! "Now, men," Sir Colin had said before the engagement, "you are going into battle. Remember this: Whoever is wounded--I don't care what his rank is--must lie where he falls till the bandsmen come to attend to him.... Be steady. Keep silent. Fire low. Now, men, the army will watch us. Make me proud of the Highland brigade!" At the conclusion of that well-fought day the commander-in-chief, Lord Raglan, sent for Sir Colin. His eyes were full, his lips quivered, and he was unable to speak; but he gave Campbell a hearty handshake and a look which spoke volumes. That was a joyful day for Sir Colin. "My men behaved nobly," he writes. "I never saw troops march to battle with greater _sang froid_ and order than these three Highland regiments." The Alma had been fought on 20th September, 1854, and on the 25th October was fought the battle of Balaclava, memorable for the "Thin |
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