Account of the Action on the Majuba Hill

Originally privately published, this brief narrative tells of the part played in the Battle of Majuba Hill - a notable British defeat in the first Boer War - by the young Lieutenant Ian Hamilton, who later found fame - though not, alas, glory - as the hapless commander of the disastrous Dardanelles expedition. At Majuba, Hamilton, serving with the Gordon Highlanders, fought heroically (he was recommended for a VC but was considered too young); was badly wounded (his left hand was disabled for life); and captured. A cultivated and literary man, his memoir is of value not only to students of the Boer Wars, but also as a well-written account of action by a gifted and brave young officer.