The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-10-15
GEN. SIR REDvERs BULLER.
How the Commander of the British
Forces Won the Victoria Cross.

Illustrated London News.
If any one were asked who is the man of
the moment from the point of view of the
soldier or even of "the man in the street.
whose range of observation is far wider, and
he were to reply Sir Redvers Butler how
far would he be from the mark? There are
few names that are more frequently on
peoples lips just now. Yet the object of all
these inquiries would blush as l have seen
him blush, if he were conscious of how
fully he fills the public eye just now. 1t is
highly fattering testimony 10 the confi-
dence the public repose in him that there
should be no unnecessary delay in dispatch
ing him TO assume the command of her Maj
esty's forces in South Africa. He is one
of the coolest of men. and undoubtedly one
of the greatest soldiers of his time. 1t is
characteristic OF the man that when II was
decided he must go to South AFRICA, ne at
and while awaiting the turn of events find
occupation in attending meetings OF the To-
cal School Board at Creditor.
1t would be impossible for any one to see
Sir Redvers Butler or to hear this distn-
guished general speak. and not be convinced
that he had been in the presence of born
not know what fear is To read the story
of how he won his Victoria Cross is like
reading of the deeds of some enchanted
frances one. Yet to those who know the
man the astounding details seem to lose
much of their marvellous quality.
1t was on March 2S, 1879 at which time he
was in command of the mounted troops
strictly they were not cavalry-of Sir Eve
lyn Woods column i'm the Zulu war. He had
been dispatched by his commander to clear
the Inhlobane mountains. The task had been
accomplished in the face of stupendous diff
ficulties and some opposition. when enor--
nous Zulu reinforcements were observed
coming up and threatening to cut them off.
He was by sheer force of circumstances.
compelled to retreat by making a descent
by the precipitous sides of the mountain:
His force lost heavily. but his calmness and
magnificent self-devotion saved 1t from the
absolute destruction which seemed immi-
not by headlong dash against foe, nor
yet by sudden impulse of gallantry. but
by three unaffected acts of unselfish devo-
tion involving almost certain death.
First, when the pursuit was hottest. he
saw Captain Darcy, Of the Frontier Light
Horse, dismounted, his horse having been
killed under him, and retiring on foot Col.
(as Sir RedverS len was) Butler, though
he himself is big. heavy man, quite load
for horse. especially after fatiguing
behind him and carried him out of reach of
the foe. A little later on the same day, un-
der similar circumstances and in the same
manner, he rescued another officer of the
Frontier Light Horse Lieutenant Everett.
He fnished-also on the same day-by car
rying out of danger trooper whose horse
was completely exhausted. When he took
this man up behind him the Zulus were
within eighty yards of them Three sepa-
rate and distinct actions in one day, each
of which would have gained the famous
bronze cross for any man.
Maj. Gen. Sir Redvers Butler comes from
good old Devonshire stock. He is a son
of the late j. w. Butler, and his native
county may well be proud of him. He has
filled practically every position in the army
except that of commandment -in-chief and he
seems to be destined one day to fill that.
too. 1t is a happy augury for his complete
success In the Transvaal. that he was for
some time associated at the War Office with
Lord Wolseley in reorganizing work, and
that September has found Sir RedverS CO.
operating with his friends the commander
in chief and Sir Evelyn Wood, V. c., under
the same roof in forming an effective army
corps for South Africa. The masterfulness
shown by Sir Redvers Butler while holding
the Aldershot command is only what might
have been expected from him.
Sir RedveIs Butler was fortunate at the
outset of his military career, inasmuch as
he received what Napoleon the Less called
his baptism of fire. within two years of
the date OF his first commission. This was
in the China war of 1860. In 1870 he took
brought him under the notice of Lord
WOlseley. Three years later he was deputy
assistant adjutant general in the Ashantee
war, in which he badly wounded. He
was in South Africa in 1873 and played an
active part in several actions against the
Gaikas and Galekas and commanded the
column in the affair at Buffalo Range. In
the more serious campaign against the Zulus
he commanded the mounted troops of Sir
Evelyn Woods column. as already stated.
He had charge of the Intelligence Depart
ment in the Egyptian war In 1882 and was
present at Tel-el-Kebir, also at EI Teb and
Tamai, and was chief of staff I'm the Gordon
relief expedition In 1sSi-S5. as depicted at the
time by special artist. Melton Prior,
in the Illustrated London News.
Sir Redvers Butler is not given to talk
and never writes for newspapers or maga-
zines. But he is the author Of the infantry
drill book. which is the very best tactical
handbook ever penned AT Aldershot they
discovered q WI ta pvall ~
the point. His official criticisms on the tao
teal operations carried out under his SUI
pervision are very fine reading and valuable
There has never been a whisper of cam
tankerousness or insubordination toward his
official superiors. On the other hand he
not only requires but exacts from those who
are his own official interiors implicit obe-
dience and untiring zeal. Sixty years of
age. he is in the full vigor of life and his
practical knowledge of warfare in South Af-
rica amply justifies the public confidence
in him