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.